The Sassy Rant

Black YOURstory: Cheryse Terry is the owner of Archive CLT, a Black woman-owned café and cultural space rooted in West Charlotte.

In 2022, driven by a deep belief that we have to be the change we want to see, Cheryse raised $40,000 in 40 days through grassroots support to bring Archive CLT to life. What she built isn’t just a café. It’s a place that feels like home. Local mixologists shaped the menu, the beans are roasted locally, and the space has become a hub for engagement, creativity, and storytelling.

A native of Charlotte, Cheryse has spent over a decade collecting Black memorabilia, preserving stories that too often get overlooked. That love for history and culture lives on the walls of and in the way the space holds the community. Through her work, she continues to protect cultural assets with a focus on West Charlotte, honoring the people, the stories, and the legacy of the neighborhood.
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Black YOURstory: Quontay "Q" Turner is the Founder of Emerald City Plant Shop, New England’s first Black-owned plant shop and community incubator space.

A multi-talented creative and entrepreneur from Mattapan, Q brings over a decade of experience in community organizing, event management, recruiting, and leading meaningful conversations around equity and belonging into everything she builds.

At , the work goes beyond plants. It’s about creating a space where people can slow down, learn something new, and feel connected. Through workshops, collaborations, and shared experiences, Q has grown a community hub where plant lovers, artists, and creatives come together to grow… literally and collectively.
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Black YOURstory: Joseph Johnson is the Co-Founder and President of Disrupt Foods, a people-first quick service restaurant franchise company built on impact, not just expansion.

At its core, Disrupt Foods is about using food as a pathway to opportunity. Every restaurant is a chance to invest in people, strengthen communities, and create real on-ramps into leadership for the next generation. The mission is simple: serve great food fast, and use each location as a platform for growth and access.

Under Joe’s leadership, Disrupt Foods has grown a portfolio that includes Papa Johns and Wingstop, while staying rooted in values that center people, impact, and partnerships. His approach blends innovation with care for the teams behind the counters and the neighborhoods around them.

Recognized as 2023 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association and named a 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient, 's work reflects what happens when leadership is grounded in community and long-term vision.
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Black YOURstory: Tyneadrian Fleming is a tech inventor and Founder of Black Bird Smart Innovations. A proud Bronx native, her work reflects the power of purpose-driven innovation.

Her wearable technology is designed to support individuals facing mental health challenges, providing real-time assistance and potentially life-saving intervention. Through creativity and determination, she exemplifies a legacy of excellence that continues to empower communities and inspire the next generation of changemakers.
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