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African American Small Business Foundation Scales Impact as "Homegrown Heroes" Event Approaches
GARDEN CITY, NY — February 3, 2026 — The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. (AASBF) is entering 2026 with historic momentum, transitioning from a regional powerhouse to a nationally recognized leader in economic equity. Fresh off a wave of national media coverage from Essence, Black Enterprise, and Afrotech, the Foundation is now issuing a call to action for donors and stakeholders to support its inaugural "Homegrown Heroes of Long Island" celebration on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Adelphi University.
A Growing National Voice for Equity
The Foundation’s work in closing systemic gaps has recently captured the attention of the country’s most influential Black media platforms. Recognition from Essence, Black Enterprise, and Afrotech underscores AASBF’s success in moving the needle on capital access, technical literacy, and inclusive procurement, and displaying homegrown heroes to inspire this generation and generations into the future.
“Being featured on national stages like Afrotech and Essence affirms that our model—local, intentional, and community-driven—is the blueprint for the future,” said Phil Andrews, Founding President of the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. “We aren't just discussing the wealth gap; we are actively closing it by building a sustainable economic engine right here on Long Island.”
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| Founding President Phil Andrews Speaking to AASBF Members |
About the Curator: Mrs. Darkeh’s lifelong service has been recognized with numerous honors, which are documented in the American Biographical Institute, Second Edition. A trailblazer in both the corporate and public sectors, Mrs. Darkeh was also the first African American woman to work in the Accounting Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and later served as comptroller for Reed Roberts, Inc.
Her pioneering spirit continued in 1966 when she became the founding Director of Management Information at the Charles Drew Neighborhood Health Center, where she designed and implemented one of the nation’s earliest computerized patient identification and billing systems—an achievement well ahead of its time.
In 2003, Mrs. Darkeh curated and directed Promises Made, Promises Kept, a landmark photographic exhibition honoring distinguished African American women of Long Island. Premiering at Nassau Community College, the exhibit toured colleges and libraries throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties.
As the creator and curator of this new exhibition, Mrs. Darkeh embodies the spirit of Homegrown Hero of Long Island a woman whose legacy was not imported, but cultivated; whose impact was not distant, but deeply rooted; and whose life’s work continues to shape the cultural landscape of the community she calls home.
Article On the
African American Small Business Foundation's "Homegrown Heroes" Event Continues
After Sponsor's Messages Below...
African American Small Business Foundation's "Homegrown Heroes" Event Continues
After Sponsor's Messages Below...
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African American Small Business Foundation's "Homegrown Heroes Event Continues Below...
African American Small Business Foundation's "Homegrown Heroes Event Continues Below...
The Power of the "Homegrown Hero"
The upcoming Homegrown Heroes of Long Island event, held in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., is more than a fundraiser. It is a strategic acknowledgment of the entrepreneurs and leaders who stayed, built, and thrived in their own backyards.
Acknowledging "homegrown" talent is vital for the current generation, as it provides visible proof that success does not require an exit from one's community. For future generations, it establishes a lineage of leadership, ensuring that the next wave of founders has a floor of support rather than a ceiling of systemic barriers.
The Case for Continued Support
While national headlines provide visibility, local donor support provides the "fuel." Every dollar raised at the Homegrown Heroes event directly funds:
- Generational Wealth programs and events: Business education and micro-grants for emerging founders.
- The Advocacy Pipeline: Ensuring minority-owned firms are at the table for multi-million-dollar state and regional contracts.
- Youth Entrepreneurship: Investing in the high school and college students who will be the "Heroes" in the future.”
“Homegrown Heroes is about recognizing that our community’s greatest assets are the people already standing next to us,” added Rose Ward, Vice President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce. “Investing in this foundation is an investment in the families, neighborhoods, and regional stability of Long Island for decades to come.”
Event Details
- What: Homegrown Heroes of Long Island Fundraising Celebration
- Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530
- When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Levels of Support: Visionary ($100), Benefactor ($75), Champion ($50), Supporter ($25), Friend of the Cause ($20).
Join the movement and secure your tickets today at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/homegrown-heroes-of-long-island
About the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic equity. Through education, advocacy, and access to capital, the Foundation empowers minority and underserved entrepreneurs to build sustainable, job-creating enterprises across New York.
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Author Max Miller Releases
New Self-Help Book
“Blame It on the Feel of Pain”
About Detangling From Past Pain
New Self-Help Book
“Blame It on the Feel of Pain”
About Detangling From Past Pain
Get ready for a transformational journey toward inner peace as indie author Max W. Miller’s new self-help release, Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, inspires readers in a witty, down-to-earth book. Truth and compassion are foretold, using poetic frames called ‘The Wises,’ and the help of opinionated little emojis bringing laughter and thought-provoking conclusions throughout.
The author encourages her readers, whom she also calls partners, to stop wrestling with the hard knocks of the past. She expresses how voluntarily walking back into time precedes trauma healing. Confronting lingering pains is a step toward strength and hope for the future. ‘Blame It’ delves into the author’s life experiences, bringing to life the importance of using Full Circle Moments to find resolutions.
Throughout Blame It On The Feel Of Pain, the reader grows to understand through a unique interpretation that what we are destined to become grows out of the years we’ve already traveled. Further, our future hinges on how we address the pains of the past. Other expressions focus on how desires in the present are carved out of having a clear vision that old, lingering strongholds must be defeated. A history of suffering is a prerequisite for becoming fed up enough to demand enjoyment now!
To Get On the Road To Overcoming Your Trauma See Her Exclusive Interview
Order Her Book Blame It On The Feel Of Pain
See Max Miller's Other Articles on The Southeast Queens Scoop
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Be Encouraged And Inspired With...
New Children’s Picture Book Honoring A Mother-Son Bond And Black Hair Pride
See How Author Shellice Beharie pays tribute to the memory of her loving son in her debut picture book, "PRINCE AND HIS MOTHER’S CROWN: Tales Within my Mother’s Hair."
This read-aloud narrative communicates that in their early stages of childhood boys can find comfort and creativity in their mother’s tresses. Checkout this is very uplifting reading for our challenging times: Click Here. Or to order: Click Here
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While there are brilliant persons on the Autism Spectrum celebrated today, very little media stories focus on people, especially women of color. Our co-publisher's new bio-pic "nZinga's Spectrum In 3D," is a moving and inspirational documentary on how a young Black woman RISES to overcome her challenges.
nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.Checkout Nzinga's Spectrum in 3D now Click Here. Please share
While there are brilliant persons on the Autism Spectrum celebrated today, very little media stories focus on people, especially women of color. Our co-publisher's new bio-pic "nZinga's Spectrum In 3D," is a moving and inspirational documentary on how a young Black woman RISES to overcome her challenges.
nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.
Checkout Nzinga's Spectrum in 3D now Click Here. Please share
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
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