Day 9 of Black History Month

The generosity of Kyrie Irving, former point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, is one thing that doesn’t receive enough recognition. People don’t recognize the wonderful deeds Irving does, including donations, supporting WNBA players, and providing a home for George Floyd’s family, with the exception of a young businesswoman by the name of Valencia Andrews.

She started a GoFundMe account, according to Sports Illustrated, to finance a herb farm she wants to start. She also asked for money to assist her pay for an apprenticeship with Master Herbalist Empress Karen Rose of Sacred Vibes Apothecary. Andrews wrote the following:

“Greetings! My name is Valencia Andrews and I’m a new farmer and aspiring herbalist. I am writing to ask for your support in paying for my apprenticeship with Sacred Vibes Apothecary Owner and Master Herbalist Empress Karen Rose and for my farm business start-up and supply costs for the upcoming season. This is phase one of a multi-phase plan which will eventually include purchased land, a farmhouse-style Bed and Breakfast, a community space/center for gathering, and various spaces curated to support wellness and relaxation.”

She began the fundraising effort on January 22. She wanted to raise $8,600 to pay for these fees. Irving, who was recently dealt to the Dallas Mavericks, not only gave enough to reach her objective, but nearly three times that amount. Irving contributed a total of $22,000. She had no idea she would get a contribution.

“I didn’t see it coming, I had no idea how he even landed on my page,” the striving entrepreneur told SI’s Inside the Nets website. “But I’m glad that I took the time to write out my GoFundMe in the way that I did so people know exactly where every dollar is going to. You know people like transparency.”

As Andrews wrote on her GoFundMe page, “Starting a new farming business is a HUGE endeavor and support from the community is immeasurable. No matter the donation amount, EVERY dollar counts! Every SHARE counts. Thank you so much for your consideration and support!”

– Steve Sijenyi

LIT604.com Is celebrating Black history month by publishing Positive news on Black people across Canada and United States throughout the month of February. Lit604 Founder Steve-Safari Sijenyi is producing and releasing a YouTube video everyday at 7pm PT that showcases Black people who embodied the spirit of Black Excellence, Black Led Enterprises, Black-run organizations, Black allies and Pro-Black Organizations and Leaders from the public and private sector.