Black Power Players

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Ed.D. is a leader in NYC’s nonprofit sector and a seasoned executive with over 25 years of management experience. She has led Brooklyn Org’s (BKO) evolution from Brooklyn Community Foundation to create a more inclusive and accessible model for community philanthropy. Under Dr. Rainey’s leadership, Brooklyn Org has surpassed $100 million in total giving and expanded its sector-leading commitments to racial justice and community engagement.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be easy on yourself. You have everything you need to succeed in life. Follow your dreams and your passions.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of leading an amazing team that rebranded the Brooklyn Community Foundation to Brooklyn Org (BKO). This rebrand included a strategic plan that reimagines philanthropy to be more inclusive of the community we serve, the donors that support the work, and the organizations delivering the services. BKO will do philanthropy differently, learning from and listening to those who are close to the issues.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I am currently reading “At the Feet of the Elders, A Journey into A Lowcountry Family History” by Darius M. Brown. I met Darius at the African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina where he shared details about his first book, illustrating the journey of his ancestors from the colonial period, the American Civil War, and thereafter. It is an inspiring account of the resilience of our ancestors.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
There are so many inspiring leaders doing phenomenal work I could highlight, but if I had to choose one today it would be Katrena Perou, executive director of Inspiring NYC. Inspiring Minds is doing amazing work with young people. However, what has inspired me most recently is how Katrena uses her voice to call out the dire need for timely funding for nonprofits to bring services to the community.

Tiffany Raspberry is a senior advisor and director of intergovernmental and external affairs to Mayor Eric Adams. Prior to serving in the administration, Ms. Raspberry was a political consultant and lobbyist and worked on the Eric Adams for NYC campaign as well as at the U.S. House of Representatives and New York City Council. Ms. Raspberry has a B.A. in political science and African American studies and a master’s of public administration in global public policy.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Make plans but write them in pencil, because life can be unpredictable, and you will need to be flexible and adaptable to change.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of my work at the Office of the Mayor and my service to the people of the City of New York and look forward to continuing to serve in 2024!

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“The Color Purple”

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I am inspired everyday by the work of my Link Sister and friend Dr. Hazel N. Dukes who is the president of the NAACP New York State Conference. Dr. Dukes has dedicated her life to serving our community and uplifting others in the pursuit of justice and equality.

Robert Reffkin is an entrepreneur on a mission to help everyone find their place in the world. He completed a B.A. and M.B.A. from Columbia University and worked at McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, and as a White House Fellow. He ran 50 marathons in 50 states to raise $1 million dollars for charities – including America Needs You, the non-profit he founded for young people living below the poverty line who are first-generation college students.

Arva Rice, CEO Of the New York Urban League (NYUL), has dedicated herself to creating pathways to success for Black people with a focus on girls and women. NYUL leads the way underserved African Americans are educated, employed, and empowered. Arva is the interim chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, member of the Women’s Forum, Greater New York Chapter of The Links Incorporated, and a trustee at First Corinthians Baptist Church. She lives in Harlem.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Remember that the only people that don’t make mistakes are people not doing anything and take the road less traveled.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
At NYUL we raised $11 million towards a $15 million capital campaign. Our goal is to create a Center for Black Excellence in Harlem in three brownstones the Urban League has owned for decades. We also expanded our diversity and inclusion lab where corporations partner with us to diversify their workforce and develop exemplary diversity practices. As interim chair of the Community Complaints Review Board, we released the 2020 Protest Report about police treatment of civilians during the George Floyd protest.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I recently watched the movie “Glory” again. It is just as powerful decades later. I read “Warmth of Other Suns” and look forward to reading “Caste” this month.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Ngozi Okaro founded Custom Collaborative to serve two primary constituencies: no/low-income women who deserve fair compensation, and thoughtful consumers who want quality clothes that fit and affirm their bodies. She innately understands the challenges facing women who love nice clothes but whose bodies do not conform to most ready-to-wear templates — the majority of U.S. clothing buyers. She founded Custom Collaborative, also, to advocate for a fashion industry that honors the planet and people.

Donovan Richards Jr., a lifelong resident of Southeast Queens, was elected borough president in November 2020. As Queens borough president, he has been a tireless advocate for “The World’s Borough.” Over the course of his administration, Borough President Richards has allocated more than $220 million in capital dollars across Queens’ schools, cultural institutions, hospitals, libraries, parks and more. Borough President Richards lives in Rosedale with his wife, Tameeka, and his son, Donovan III.

Yvonne Riley-Tepie oversees Real Estate Board of New York’s (REBNY) commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and leads the direction for REBNY’s social impact projects. She has played a key role in REBNY’s work to expand real estate internships for students, as well as supporting early- and mid-career real estate professionals of diverse backgrounds. Prior to REBNY, Yvonne spent 16 years at TD Bank, where she most recently served as vice president of the TD charitable foundation.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Set goals, stay consistent, slay in your lane!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I spearheaded the partnership with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and REBNY members to increase the number of summer interns hired through the City’s summer youth employment program. Using the curriculum I developed, interns participated in a series of classes and a career expo where we saw an increase in hiring of 30 percent year over year. In 2024 I hope to create additional opportunities and partnerships that lead to internships, apprenticeships and jobs for the City’s youth.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Given the current climate in areas of the world, take time to listen to, analyze and reflect on the music of Bob Marley.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The CUNY education system of which I am a graduate! I have learned first-hand from President Kenneth Adams of LaGuardia Community College and President Russel Hotzler at New York City College of Technology. Both are working hard to ensure student retention, and persistence to graduation. CUNY is overlooked as a resource for our City’s youth. Beyond a good education, the system and its leaders demonstrate the kind of compassion that is needed for career success.

Juanita Scarlett advises clients in the healthcare, energy, economic development and education sectors. Previously, she worked as director of intergovernmental affairs to Attorney General Cuomo, served as press secretary to Attorney General Eliot Spitzer and press officer to former Governor Mario Cuomo. She has been a communications strategist for local, state and national political campaigns. Scarlett has written an op-ed for the New York Daily News and was featured in a New York Times profile.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self advice I would suggest keeping a daily written journal of all of the professional experiences and people I’ve met along the way. Maintaining relationships is so vital in this business. Seeing your growth and accomplishments are as important.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m really proud of the work we have done to support nonprofit organizations that are moving the needle to promote literacy and support students with learning differences, especially children of color who are often not diagnosed in early childhood.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison is always a great read.

Rev. Al Sharpton is one of the preeminent civil rights leaders of our time. He is the founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), an organization born out of the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., promoting a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship, criminal record, economic status, gender, gender expression, or sexuality. Today, Sharpton and NAN continue advocating on behalf of the powerless, and keep up the fight for voting rights, pay equity, police reform, reproductive rights, fair housing, health care, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, quality education and so much more. He has written several books including “Go and Tell Pharaoh”, “Al on America”, “The Rejected Stone”, “Rise Up”, and most recently “Righteous Troublemakers”.

Christian Smalls (born July 4, 1988) is an American labor organizer known for his role in leading the Amazon worker organization in Staten Island. He is the president and founder of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) since 2021. After his termination, Smalls founded a worker-activist group called The Congress of Essential Workers. He was subsequently named one of Time magazine’s most influential people of 2022 and 2023.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
If I knew I could look as cool as my authentic self. As a Union leader, I would have started doing this work a very long time ago.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Our most proud moment was our certification from the National Labor Relations Bar (NLRB) in January. To know we defended our victory and won against Amazon again in court was great. Next year we want to negotiate for our contract that is our only focus to get Amazon workers their first union contract.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I love re-reading Malcolm X during this time for motivation. For a movie recommendation, I would suggest our film Union which will premiere this year at Sundance! It is about how we organized against Amazon.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Huge shout out to Trader Joe’s United, another independent union led by Black leadership as their president.

Basil is distinguished lecturer and public policy program director at Hunter College and is a familiar face on MSNBC and CNN. Basil holds a Ph.D. in education politics and an MPA from Columbia University; and bachelor of science from Cornell University. Previously, he was executive director of the State Democratic Party. Basil received the Bronx NAACP W.E.B. Dubois Scholar Award, and citations from the governor, comptroller, and NYC Council for public service and education equity.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Follow your instincts. You can think yourself out of a good decision.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I received an award from the NAACP, presented by one of my friends since high school. We turned out OK! Looking forward to the release of my book in 2024.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“The Price of the Ticket” by James Baldwin; “We Are Each Other’s Harvest” by Natalie Baszile; always good to listen to Meshell Ndegeochello

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The Association to Benefit Children (ABC): Children who face the pervasive, complex, and compounded stressors of poverty need comprehensive, holistic support to grow and thrive. ABC serves the whole child, whole family, and whole community with our extensive wraparound services centered in East Harlem, South Bronx, and schools throughout Manhattan.