Focus + Goals = Young Entrepreneur of the Year, LaToya Robbins

“Challenges and obstacles make you stronger; we have to be willing to face them.”

More than a statistic for teen pregnancy, 2009 phenomenal woman, LaToya Robbins shows Racine what it means to ‘rise to the occasion’. With the arrival of unexpected news, Robbins didn’t mark her young life a lost cause. Determined to make it, she set her own goals... and then she surpassed them. From a college degree to an entrepreneur’s dream to an effort to be ‘more’ for the community, LaToya’s phenomenal label is nothing compared to her phenomenal heart.

Born in Freeport, Illinois, Robbins decision for Racine came about when she was 18, upon finding out she was pregnant. Dreams of attending Tennessee State University were no longer reality, and finding adequate childcare and a full-time job became real life. Thankfully, her father, Prentice Robbins, owner of Racine’s original One Step Ahead Childcare Center, left doors wide open for his daughter, willing to help her carry her new found load. With childcare a shoo-in, a job at the Center a guarantee, and an opportunity to attend UW-Parkside full-time, front and center, Robbins jumped on the chance to be ‘more’. Influenced by her mentors, both her father and Center co-worker, Deloris Fergus, Robbins sought a bachelor’s degree, majoring in business with a minor in human resources. Of course, the decisions that brought her to this point did have their consequences. “I did miss out going to school and having ‘fun’ – I was all about business, balancing school and work and raising a child.” The exchange was no diversion for Robbins, however; she was determined to be focused. “People would ask me how I balanced it all; it was easy! It was always about being focused. When I was at work, I focused on work. When I was at school, I focused on school.” A role model in the making, Robbins moves on to utilize her knowledge, education and innate drive for success to become a thriving business owner and youth advocate.

In collaboration with her sister, Prenice, the Robbins sisters embarked upon their own entrepreneurial endeavor, launching Xcite Childcare in 2005. Originally leasing a location on Grove Avenue, in Racine, the business experienced such prosperity, through the gracious efforts of both owners and employees, that the ability to purchase real estate had surfaced. Citing it as one of the business’s major accomplishments, the childcare center is now located at 2711 19th Street – a facility owned by Xcite’s parent company, LePre Enterprises. The company also owns 4212 52nd Street, in Kenosha, a second Xcite Childcare center. But, in her phenomenal woman spotlight, LaToya didn’t seem too interested in indulging in her business’s success; instead she radiated a joyful desire to speak about the place her heart rests most: Racine’s youth.

Passion sizzled in her voice as she announced the recent unveiling of her newest venture: A & S Unlimited Solutions, a non-profit organization developed for teen mothers in need. “Challenges and obstacles build character and make you stronger. A lot of times people don’t want to welcome challenges, they want to take the easy way out. We have to be willing to face a challenge – that ‘s what I want to help these girls do.” A vision conceived in light of her own experiences, Robbins presented the idea for a teen mother-centered program to Angela Holland. “She took it and ran with it!” exclaimed LaToya as she describes the wonders Holland worked as the program’s director. With the assistance of superior volunteers, Kathleen Martinez and Lee Mares, Robbins’ visions for Racine’s young mother became a real-life, effective tool for renewing hope and stimulating dreams. According, to Robbins, the program has really ‘taken off’. In continuous effort to contribute to Racine’s future, volunteers have responded well to the program, rising to the occasion and exerting the effort needed to give possibilities wings. Of one volunteer, Robbins comments, “Christopher Bogan has helped connect us with many wonderful people in an effort to network and get the word out about the program. That means a lot to me; to see people getting involved to support one another.” With the success of an initial effort, labeled Project Charm (aimed at aiding and empowering young women), beneath their wings, A&S Unlimited Solutions newest effort is called ‘Access to Success’ – an employability program for the youth, focusing on ten different career skill-related units, set to kick-off in October. Robbins is the first to admit there is no successful program without volunteer efforts, and to that she advocates lending a helping hand: “We need more volunteers. We are reaching out to people who can help the kids; people who see the importance in developing and strengthening the community and its youth. Let’s take initiative to pull together and work as a unit.” But, aside from what others are doing to help, Robbins still holds the reins to her dreams for Racine and the ever-present needs of the youth. She supports her unwavering determination by saying, “Someone took the time for me and a lot of kids don’t have that. I want to encourage the drive and energy they need to go after their dreams. I had a strong support system, but too many kids are missing that [much needed] support. They don’t have someone they can talk to. I want to take them under my wing to make a difference in their life. I just want to give back what was given to me.” Indeed these are words from the phenomenal heart of a phenomenal woman.

On top of her business, her non-profit organization and her role as mother to two young children, LaToya serves on the board of directors for Halo – Racine’s homeless shelter. She was also named Young Entrepreneur of the year for both Wisconsin and the Midwest region as a whole (Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Illinois). Following the ‘norm’ view of education in her family, she also went onto achieve a Masters of Science and Education in adult education, with a centralized focus on leadership. But, again, her accomplishments didn’t seem to be what she wanted to boast of. Instead she shared her hopes for Racine: “In order to build a stronger community, we need to work towards more collaboration. We need to think about our children and be able to work together to inspire and build a better future. This is a whole community effort, not one organization versus another organization. We have to step to the plate to build a better community. There’s a lot of talent in Racine: lots of organization are doing magnificent things – if only we could put all of that together. We need to support each other in an effort to mold future leaders. Let’s make sure today’s kids are well trained and prepared to lead the future.”

Inspirational words from an inspirational community icon, LaToya shows no signs of slowing down. Kudos to her and the efforts of her volunteers as they work to make Racine worth living for. Thank you, LaToya; thank you so much.

The Phenomenal Black Woman

The Phenomenal Black Woman

This special edition of the Insider News features some of our city’s most phenomenal Black Women. What’s so special about being called a phenomenal woman? Well, let us examine the word. The Webster dictionary describes phenomenal as: An extraordinary person or thing.

The great poet Maya Angelou took it a step further when she wrote a poem about the “Phenomenal Woman.” This is a verse taken from that poem.

“Now you understand just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing it ought to make you proud.

I say, It’s in the click of my heels, the bend of my hair,

The palm of my hand, the need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman, That's me.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

In this edition, you will find various women recognized from different walks of life, and professions, and all with common bonds. They all exemplify an unwavering dedication and commitment to their professions, family, and community.

History has taught us throughout the years, that phenomenal Black Women all around the world have made remarkable contributions to society. These women have set outstanding examples, passed the torch and paved the way for the successes of those that would follow. In other words, they created the blueprint. Or you might say, ‘they broke the wheel.’

Women like Harriet Tubman, who helped hundreds of slaves flee to freedom by means of the Underground Railroad. African-American female inventors like, Alice Parker, who invented a new and improved gas-heating furnace. Madame Walker, a St. Louis washerwoman-turned-entrepreneur. Walker invented a method to soften and smooth African American hair in 1905. Adding to the list is Ms. Lyda D. Newman who patented the first hairbrush with synthetic bristles. Others would include famous history makers like Sarah Jane Woodson, the first African-American woman college instructor. In addition, Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman, the first African American to become an airplane pilot with an international pilot license. Others who come to mind are the likes of Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisholm, Coretta Scott King, Condoleezza Rice, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey. The list could go on and on…but I will end by including our First Lady of the White House, Mrs. Michelle Obama. A phenomenal Black Woman, indeed.

By most standards, all of these women are exceptional, but, the title of Phenomenal Woman is not exclusively held by famous people, inventors, business owners or scholars. Any woman can be phenomenal.

Black Women from the beginning of slavery mastered the term phenomenal woman as they sweated in the fields picking cotton while carrying their babies on their backs. When they were done with that, they cared for their masters and their families. Cooking, cleaning and washing until night fell. At night, while their masters slept, they snuck into underground shelters and taught other slaves how to read by candlelight. All the time fearing if they were caught, they would be killed. These women are often forgotten by some of our younger generation, because they find it hard to believe that slavery even existed. However, let us not forget that these women are the original pioneers. Had it not been for their sacrifices most of us would not have the successes and freedoms we enjoy today.

Fast forward to present day. How many times throughout your life, have you marveled over things you saw your mothers or grandmothers do, and thought, how did she do that? Cook that? Sew that? Know what to say? Make me well when I was sick. Make ends meet on little or nothing. Took care of a family and held down a job. Worked during the day and went to school at night. Ushered, or sang in the church choir. Volunteered to help people in need. If this describes you or some someone you know. You too, are a Phenomenal Black Woman.

Congratulations to all Phenomenal Black Women….

Former Parkside student writes book on Black identity

Michael Eric Owens’ latest literary work is titled, “YES, I AM, WHO I AM: A New Philosophy of Black Identity. Professor of History.
Laura Gellott sums up this recent work: Owens’ book “is the result of much reading, research, and deep reflection. Part history, part memoir, part meditation, it is ultimately a hope filled summons to Blacks to embrace and claim their full identity as Americans. Michael Owens’ critique of ‘African American’ as identity is sure to provoke, and to raise further questions as the reader follows Owens’ journey of discovery towards a usable Black identity for contemporary America.”

Born and raised in the inner-city of Milwaukee, Michael Owens experienced first hand the many challenges facing minorities today. Following a successful career in the United States Navy where he achieved Sailor of the Year honors, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Parkside earning degrees in History and Political Science, as well as the Outstanding Graduate Award. He received his Master of Library & Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Heather Frederick, Professor of Psychology, describes Owens “as an agent of truth, who confronts the Black identity crisis with courage and dignity. YES, I AM WHO I AM is a thoughtful exposé that ventures beyond a historical account of the Black experience in America to offer a solution; a timely read for anyone who calls themselves an American.”
Owens is the Manager of Library Operations at the prestigious Ralph Ellison Library in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He is also a distinguished scholar, writer, speaker, and activist who has used his voice and literary passion to illuminate the untold stories of Black America. Owens’ charisma and eloquence make him a leading voice on race relations in the 21st century.

Pictures from Gateway's Dr. King Celebration