Published on 2/1/2022
February 1, 2022What’s the News? In recognition of Black History Month (BHM), Cricket Wireless has selected four entrepreneurs from across the country who embody the spirit of Black Excellence to spotlight weekly on our social channels. The entrepreneurs include MyQueal Lewis, owner of production company Queality; De’Von Truvel, creator of Black Wall Street Board Game; Anaa Jibicho, creator of bottle company Didomi; and Translee, founder of apparel company Inner Peace Outer Glow.
Throughout BHM, they will each share their stories in a series of 60-second video vignettes. You’ll discover that although their businesses differ, they share a common vision to educate, inspire and uplift the communities they serve.
And, to further support these businesses, we are awarding them each a $5,000 grant.
What content will be available first? Our first BHM spotlight will launch Friday, February 4 on our TikTok, Instagram and YouTube channels and will feature Gainesville, FL resident MyQueal Lewis.
A recent graduate of Florida A&M University (FAMU) and a former Cricket Wireless Campus Ambassador, Lewis started his production company, Queality, during his sophomore year. Through Queality, he combines his love of art and graphic design and his passion for people and community to produce content that inspires and moves.
Lewis is a gifted painter and says that art has always been a sense of freedom for him. While in high school, he used writing, theatre and art to escape some of the harshness around him and, quite simply, to just have fun. Once at FAMU, he expanded his artistic repertoire to include graphic design and video production. Today, through Queality, Lewis wants to “build on being genuine, having community and bringing creativity to places people don’t really see.”
To support Lewis’ mission of authentic storytelling, Cricket worked with him to capture and produce all the video content for this BHM social campaign.
“Cricket Wireless is my first big business client. I am thankful that they gave me this platform to showcase the journey of these black-owned businesses, including mine,” said Lewis. “With this project, I wanted to express the magic in both black entrepreneurship and how they are motivated to continue. I also wanted to elevate the intimacy and feelings between black-owned businesses and the communities they serve. There’s something so special when people that look like you support you.”
Why is Cricket involved? We are committed to creating more meaningful connections within our communities. Our growing support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is one way we’re working to do just that. We have been a supporter of the SWAC since 2018 and the MEAC since 2019. In fact, in December, we teamed up with ESPN Sports to bring the 2021 Cricket Celebration Bowl to our hometown of Atlanta.
Beyond sports, we have worked to drum up greater support and awareness of HBCU music programs. Last June, during Black Music Month, we launched the "Endless Sound" campaign, and, donated $24,000 to support the music programs at HBCU schools competing in the National Battle of the Bands, which we also sponsored. We also created the “Endless Sound” video to give viewers a glimpse of the dynamic HBCU marching band experience.
Our HBCU Campus Ambassador Program is another way we are working to extend our relationships with HBCUs. Launched summer 2021, the program is a unique opportunity for students at HBCUs that have an interest in marketing to gain experience developing and executing marketing plans on their campuses with support from local Cricket Field Marketing Managers and Authorized Retailers. Additionally, top performing Ambassadors will be considered for post- graduation internships with Cricket and our supporting partners.
To learn more about Cricket Wireless, go to cricketwireless.com. And remember to check out our social channels each week to see our BHM entrepreneur spotlights.
About Cricket Wireless
Cricket is focused on inspiring smiles, one meaningful connection at a time. We offer an easy and high-quality wireless experience on our reliable nationwide network. Our affordable, straightforward service plans include monthly taxes and don’t require an annual contract. Our customers also enjoy basic to top-brand phones at affordable prices. The AT&T Prepaid Portfolio, which includes Cricket Wireless, is the fastest growing prepaid carrier in the United States and has been for the past four years.
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