Project focuses on local 'Black Excellence'

An Atlantic City man used his gift for marketing to help highlight local entrepreneurs and leaders for Black History Month.

Josh Maddox, of JM Branding and Marketing, created "Black Excellence" to give "appreciation and recognition" to those "whose main focus is changing the narrative and stigma of being from the inner city," he said.

The focus was on 20 people, businesses or leaders. Each was highlighted on his site, and his Facebook page.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL BIOGRAPHIES OF EACH HONOREE.

Pleasantville's Tusheeway Henderson mixed her loves of art and baking to create one-of-a-kind cakes and treats.

Tasty T's Treats, her home-based business, just reached a decade.

In addition to sweets, she also creates floral and edible fruit arrangements.

Aliyah Cherrisse goal is to make her Âliyâh Lynn brand a household name.

She offers fashion, beauty and wellness products that she says allows affordable indulgence.

The mom of three and Atlantic City native also works as a Realtor and founded Mom Boss Assembly to "encouage, empower and equip mothers to go after the goals they once set for themselves."

Muh's Garden of Life was created to be a place of healing amidst the massive loss Atlantic City has seen.

Stephen Head planted the seeds in honor of his older brother Mustafa Bundy, who was killed in 2009. But it's also for all of those lost to violence along with being a place for those left behind to go.

The flowers chosen for the healing garden are rosemary (remembrance), tulips (passion), daffodil (unequaled love), sunflower (adoration and haughtiness) and wildflowers (joy).

DeShawn Ward is now part owner of Atlantic City's new professional basketball team the Gambits.

It all started in the summer of 2019 when he helped co-found Stay Hungry Sports.

Now, the the co-CEO is a professional sports owner.

The development of this organization was intended to aid in reducing crime and violence within the Atlantic City area, joining with the “Stop The Violence” movement.

Yagera Grisom started out selling water ice out of her Atlantic City home.

It grew to her being booked for parties and attending pop-up shops.

Now, Ms. G's Icies has its own spot in the Hamilton Mall.

Her goal is to one day expand her business into different communities.

Kamal Young started working for a landscaping company right out of high school.

Three years in, he moved to Lakewood to start his own company, Young's Landscaping.

It was COVID-19 that helped it grow, with customers from Atlantic City to Mount Laurel. Now, he wants to continue to grow his business so his children don't have to struggle.

In the midst of the pandemic, Ahmad Huckaby decided to start something to keep the youth in Atlantic City occupied.

G5 Elite Sports was born in June 2020.

The first season began with 26 athletes and has now grown to more than 80.

Elaina Jackson doesn't just have one company.

The Stockton University criminal justice major has three.

Elaina's Editorial Service helps customers with resume and document preparation. She is also CEO of Elaina Meal Prep Services, and co-owns Glitz 'N Glam, an Islamic fashion boutique created with her sister, Evelyn Jackson.

Meanwhile, she hopes to turn her degree into work as a homicide detective, crime scene investigator or FBI agent.

Poetic High Fashion specializes in quality statement pieces to accentuate the story and life of women of all backgrounds.

It was started by Akiya Nellom.

This brand is dedicated to women who are in the pursuit of telling their unique and dynamic stories, while living fearlessly, she says.

The local businesswoman also owns a mobile car-detailing company with her husband, Kenny, called Nice N EZ Detail.

Jahleem Montague was a promising basketball player out of Atlantic City High.

But it was at Longwood University where he found his real passion in digital media communication.

Now, with Hidden Talent Media he turns special events into stories through pictures and videos. He also has worked on commercials and music videos.

Elijah Langford was still in college when he created a philanthropic group with his friends and brother Isaiah.

Since 2011, DEMCATS has done more than 30 giveback initiatives with many more promised.

He also works as a community outreach coordinator and is an Atlantic City High School boys basketball coach.

Candice Key is a self-taught caterer who has a special interest in creating unique foods.

Her unique style inspired her to start Key Ingredients.

Her biggest event so far was as a vendor at the first annual Sisters Bowl, a flag football tournament in Atlantic City.

After working in the HVAC field for several years, Lamar James saw the need for residential and commercial cleaning in the community.

He started SJ Cleaning Guys in 2020, serving Atlantic and Cape May counties. His more well-known clients include Petsmart, Ulta Beauty, and the Boys and Girls Club.

Owning his own business allows him to do what he loves: coaching basketball. He currently coach for Holy Spirit's JV boys team.

After graduating Atlantic High, Maliha Khan went to Rutgers, where she thought about starting her own boutique.

But it wasn't until she took the chance to move to Los Angeles and 19 that she fulfilled her dream.

Maliha' The Brand was launched in November 2018, and had more than 250 orders that Black Friday weekend.

She says entrepreneurship is hard, but worth it.

Trying to fulfill her own dream of becoming a homeowner brought Vi Bailey to her career.

When her credit didn't allow her to qualify for a home, Bailey decided to invest in credit education and purchased her first home at 25.

Through Capital Vi she now helps others with money management, credit education and repair, business funding and life insurance.

Brielle Jones want to spread the word on how important self-care and womb wellness is for women.

She started Love Your Yonii to focus on that with an online shop. She also has the Yonii Club in Absecon, where women can come to unwind and relax. Her journey continues with her new sister business, Love Your Body, specializing in non-invasive body sculpting.

After hearing the word Ubuntu in her anthropology class one day, Nefertiti Hathaway wanted to know more.

The meaning — "I am because we are" — stuck with her. So did the need to more to be done in Atlantic City. She eventually started UBUNTU The Community, which focuses on hosting fun, positive and affirming events for people of the community by people in the community.

Tracy Parker started out as a kid at the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City.

Now, she is the head of the Teen Center.

It's a culmination of more than 15 years as a youth advocate.

It started with a collaboration of two friend from different religions who had one common goal: to bridge the gap between all women.

YOU Nite Atlantic City was created by Kamirah Hamlett-Brown and Jamaanah Salaam to bring women together to unite, empower and uplift one another.

They also mentor young women ages 12 to 18, including an annual "Paint Your Passion," to create a positive environment for them to share their goals.

Lamont Carson started attending the Boys and Girls Club when he was 5.

Now, he is the Drexel Avenue Unit director, hoping to help the youth like Tracy Parker helped him.

“The club basically saved my life and I owe it to the next generation to do everything I can to make a positive impact on their life," he says.