Trendlines

The rise of Black-owned wineries is more than a matter of representation; it's also a matter of economic opportunity. The wine industry contributes billions to the U.S. economy. As Black-owned wineries gain prominence, they create jobs, contribute to economic growth, and empower communities. Brands like McBride Sisters Wine, the largest African-American-owned wine company in the U.S., and Mouton Noir Winesare the only two black-owned wineries sold in Arkansas, exemplifying the possible economic impact and empowerment.

I will never forget the day President Trump invited me to the White House. Not once, but twice. I attended a conference in Washington, D.C., the Presidential Sites Summit, in 2018. I made it pretty public that I got to tour the White House, but I didn't share with many that a few days later, I met President Trump, the First Lady (and Betsy Devos, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Steven Mnuchin, and Kellyanne Conway). Many did not accept the invitation to attend, but I am so glad I did.

This past week brought announcements of expansions and renovations for three major landmarks in Little Rock: the Clinton Presidential Center, the new venue for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and the historic Boyle Building. These updates spurred me to reflect on the city’s robust developmental blueprint, valued at nearly a billion dollars. But these projects? They're just beginning.

There's a part of my life that I've held close to my chest, a transformative and deeply personal story. I'm a Thomas J. Watson Fellow, a title I've often hesitated to share openly, not out of shame but a complex blend of modesty and reverence for the experience. But today, as I'm heading to Bowdoin College for a returning fellows conference, I feel encouraged to share more about this chapter of my life. If you’re interested in knowing the details, you're in the right place.

After a two year hiatus, Trendlines is back! This season will feature audio recordings of my blog, interviews, and informal conversations on topics that matter.