Suddenlink celebrates CBBB grant recipients in Jonesboro, AR

On Friday, April 29, Suddenlink recognized six Jonesboro small businesses owners who received $5,000 grants as part of company’s partnership with the Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB). During the event, which was held at Suddenlink’s Jonesboro retail store, the business owners were celebrated by Arkansas State Senator, Dan Sullivan, as well as several Suddenlink leaders.

Suddenlink, which is becoming Optimum later this year, has partnered with the Coalition to Back Black Business (CBBB) since it launched in fall 2020 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express.

In total, the company has committed $1.5 million in funding to Black-owned SMBs to aid in their recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

2021 marked the second year of the CBBB, and collectively, Altice USA awarded 93 $5,000 grants to Black-owned small businesses throughout the country in addition to providing businesses mentorship opportunities. Businesses who received the $5,000 grant also had the opportunity to apply for a $25,000 enhancement grant to be awarded this summer.

Pictured in photo (from left):

Sohrab Shahandeh, Altice USA, Government Affairs; Charrekia Bell, CBBB Grant Recipient and Owner of Queens Corner; Terry Lawrence, CBBB Grant Recipient and Owner of Terry Law Service; Roxanne Hill, CBBB Grant Recipient and Owner of Fabulous Creations, LLC; Tamara Thompson, CBBB Grant Recipient and Owner of Thompson Pro Trucking;

Joel Thompson, CBBB Grant Recipient and Owner of Thompson Pro Trucking LLC; Gladis Calamese, CBBB Grant Recipient and Owner of Gratefully Bless Catering;  

George King, Altice USA, Local Market Engagement; Kevin Barker, Altice USA, Direct Sales; and Dan Sullivan, Arkansas Senator