Keem Jones: Fayetteville entrepreneur, ‘Po,’ gives back in struggling Bonnie Doone
The true measure of success is not how much one can acquire, but how many one can empower. The empowerment of people creates longevity in any industry. The most effective way to empower people is sharing knowledge, or giving game.
However, one can’t share knowledge without experience, the greatest teacher. The combination of knowledge and experience creates the world’s strongest entrepreneurs.
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The late Nipsey Hussle was hailed as a symbol for entrepreneurship in the Black community and a hero to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, California. He was known for his music.
However, it was Nipsey’s message of “empowering your people” that has cemented him as one of the greats. Born Ermias Asghedom, Hussle’s Marathon brand is centered around building a lasting, thriving entrepreneurship hubamongst those in his community.
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Nipsey started out with his brother Sam “Blacc Sam” Asghedom selling T-Shirts, CDs, DVDs and other merchandise on the same street corner that would become the flagship location for the world-famous Marathon Clothing Store.
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After acquiring the Marathon Store, Nipsey and Sam went on to purchase the entire shopping plaza. The brothers provided employment opportunities for those in the community. They also gave back tothe community and worked to decrease gang violence. Through his work, Nipsey personified the age oldsaying “not all heroes wear capes.”
A helping hand in Bonnie Doone
Heroes sometimes wear a pair of Adidas joggers, a plain T-Shirt and some Yeezys. Iyesha Posey is Fayetteville’s own version of Nipsey Hussle. Better known as Po, she is a true person of the people.
While many know her for her contributions to the nightlife through extravagant parties, her big heart and humility are what stand out. Her philanthropic efforts in the underserved communities are rooted in love, not charity.
Posey is no stranger to the struggles of growing up in an underserved area. Part of her childhood was spent in Lewis Heights, a housing project located off Bragg Boulevard in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Lewis Heights sits directly in the heart of Bonnie Doone, a section of Fayetteville known for being riddled with violence, drugs and prostitution.
However, a product of strong parenting, she and her siblings did not allow their environment to dictate the outcome of their lives. They used their circumstances as motivation for growth. Her father, Gregory Thomas, served as an excellent example of entrepreneurship.
Thomas can be seen out front of the laundromat, which he manages, on Pamalee Drive, conversing with customers who come up and patronize Boogie D’s Dog Pound. Thomas and Po’s mother, Pamela, ensured their kids were equipped to navigate through life as productive citizens who contributed to the growth of their community.
Thomas operates his business in the same area, just minutes from Lewis Heights. His daughter, Iyesha, has never forgotten where she came from. Her business, Prestige Tax Services, operates not far from the apartment complex.
Each year, Prestige Tax Services opens to help with taxes and give back to the community through back-to-school giveaways, Easter egg hunts and trunk or treats. Those are just the things Posey chooses to speak about. She has become a resource for all who seek help.
‘Po Week’
Allure Hookah Lounge, also owned by Posey, was a Fayetteville nightlife destination. Every Tuesday, Allure hosted an R&B night that boasted a capacity crowd. More importantly, Posey used Allure and her other businesses as vehicles to employ her peers in hopes of them being able to employ their peers.
She continues to give back to her community in various ways. Each year, those impacted by her love and support come together and reciprocate during Po Week, which was held last week.
2023 marked, “Ten Years…No Hiccups.” Here is to a million more. Happy Po Day. Salute to Posey and every activist getting active. Peace.
Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at keemj45@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Keem Jones: Fayetteville entrepreneur, ‘Po,’ helps the underserved
