Business

Unity-1 on the Road to Rebuilding

NEW ORLEANS DATA NEWS WEEKLY — On March 20th NOPD officers were in pursuit of what they believed was a car that was stolen. As officers became disengaged the car sped away and tragedy arose as the car crashed into Unity One Beauty Salon, causing a three alarm fire that left the iconic Broadmoor business building engulfed in flames leaving it presently inoperable. Also three lives were lost, the two young men in the vehicle and one women inside the salon who later succumbed to burns sustained in the fire.

Published

7 years ago

April 18, 2019

Oakland Post

By Edwin Buggage

On March 20th NOPD officers were in pursuit of what they believed was a car that was stolen. As officers became disengaged the car sped away and tragedy arose as the car crashed into Unity One Beauty Salon, causing a three alarm fire that left the iconic Broadmoor business building engulfed in flames leaving it presently inoperable. Also three lives were lost, the two young men in the vehicle and one women inside the salon who later succumbed to burns sustained in the fire.

After the fire an outpouring of support came from all over the city, state and nation regarding the rebuilding of what has become an institution in the African-American community. Data News Weekly spoke with Beverly Smith DPC (Doctor of Professional Cosmetology) who owns the business with her husband John Smith, who founded the business in 1981.

Unity One Trailblazer in Black Haircare Industry in New Orleans

As we is known the Black Haircare industry is a multi-billion dollar industry and was traditionally where Black Entrepreneurs could find support from the black community and build wealth. Today while there are still businesses like Unity-One that is Black Owned many have gone out of business.

But Beverly Smith is determined to continue the legacy they have built as they are on the road to rebuild their business.

“We are a family business that began in 1981 by my husband John Smith. I met him in 1982 and began working with him building our business that at one point had five locations and was the number one distributor of black hair care products in the Southeast region,” states Ms. Beverly, a name many have come to know her by in the community.

Continuing talking about the business she says, “We provide professional products to serve professionals in hair care industry the general public. We also have a salon as well. Beauty industry from all over the city gone on and started their own salon. We have been an incubator in the community for beauty professionals.”

Community Comes Together to Support Rebuilding Effort

Speaking of their contribution and the beginning stages of their rebuilding she says, “We are reaching out for resources. We have spoken to Mayor Cantrell and our City Councilman Jay Banks for support. We are a historic business with ties in the community and we plan on rebuilding bigger and better,” Ms. Beverly says with confidence and optimism ringing in her voice.

Speaking of their impact in the community she says, “We have helped the homeless to help transition to permanent housing. We offer training them how to run a business and grow. We have a product as well. Umoja Visions we employ people to work with the product line. Learn how to become entrepreneurs.”

Recently, the Bronner Brother Hair International Beauty Show came to New Orleans. There was an outpouring of support for Unity One and its rebuilding. Speaking of when they were present a check for 10,000 dollars presented to them during an event Smith says, “Bronner Brother brought us on the main stage talked about our tragedy and asked everyone to support us and James and Jessica Bronner gave us a check to start restoration and renovations.”

Locally, fundraisers are also being held to help. Recently, at Bertha’s Place, a local bar held a fundraiser that was well attended with an outpouring of support. “We had DJ Captain Charles there, someone we have known for a long time. He lives in our neighborhood we have done many things for us. Bertha, is someone we have known her for a long time. We started our business around the same time. She is just like family.

Deborah planned and organized the party to assist with us getting some things for our immediate needs.”

They’re both opening their businesses is not the only thing they have in common; recently, Bertha’s Place was also damaged by fire. But today Bertha’s is in a new location and is going stronger than ever with the community continuing to support her. This is something that encourages Ms. Beverly, feeling their family business will travel down a similar path. “It touched her heart because she also had a fire to her business. It touched her heart, she said I understand your pain and if I can do anything to help. Love and prayers is phenomenal. It something to keep us motivated and moving toward rebuilding our business. People really care.”

Also closer to home in Broadmoor where their business is located neighboring business are pitching in to help, “Propeller, a business accelerator that works with small businesses is definitely reaching out. They have been very supportive and will be doing a fundraiser on April 15. I have also talked to Kathleen Rhodes of Rhodes Funeral home and they said they are willing to help in any way possible.”

The Value of Life

All lives matter and in this tragedy three lives were lost. With compassion and care in her voice she says, “I talked to one of the boy’s mother and the other one’s grandmother and I gave them my condolences. We were there to support them with their prayer vigil.” Speaking of the young lady who lost her life she says, “Ms. Shawan, was one of our customers. We all went to her funeral and supported them. I remember seeing her coming in the salon. She was a very quiet lady; she didn’t say much. Monica Scott would do her hair who is one of the salon managers. I remember her just loving being in the environment and my heart goes out to her family and her son Anthony who also use to come and get his haircuts and line ups.”

The Continuing Importance of Black Owned Businesses and Unity in the Community

In post Katrina New Orleans with its many changes; the importance of Black Institutions, business and cultural footprint is essential. Speak of the future of her business and other Black Businesses she says, “Being Black owned business is sometimes a challenge; oftentimes we do not get the funding and support we need. But I feel there has been an upside to it as well, being a role model for the community,” Smith says proudly.

“We have young people who are now adults say they watched us and because of our example wanted to become a business owner. We give a lot of hope and encouragement that you can become a business owner. The community is proud of what we’ve become and we’ve inspired them.”

For those who know of all they have given back, it is now time for them to be on the receiving end as an outpouring of love and support is there as Unity One is on the road to rebuild. “Unity means coming together as one. We need to unite and be on one accord. Whenever there is someone in need. The community can come together to help together we can stand but divided we will fall. Together we can accomplish more. The whole city, not just Broadmoor.”

This article originally appeared in the New Orleans Data News Weekly.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Former Memphis mayor eyes those ‘left out of this economy’ as he seeks return to mayor’s office

Don't Miss

#DontMuteDC Movement Coalesces Around Famous MetroPCS Store

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Activism

Medi-Cal Cares for You and Your Baby Every Step of the Way

Across California, including Alameda and San Francisco counties, Medi-Cal is working to address those concerns by expanding and coordinating maternal health services so pregnant and postpartum people receive care that is respectful, comprehensive, and easier to navigate. From the first prenatal visit through a child’s first birthday, Medi-Cal provides coverage and support designed to protect both parent and baby.

Published

3 days ago

February 3, 2026

Oakland Post

Shuttterstock.

Advertorial

For many pregnant people, pregnancy brings a mix of both joy and uncertainty. Alongside excitement, there are questions about finding the right doctor, understanding what care is covered, and knowing where to turn for support after the baby arrives. For Black families in Alameda and San Francisco counties those questions are often compounded by long-standing disparities in maternal health outcomes.

These services are available to people who qualify for Medi-Cal. In California, eligibility is based primarily on income, household size, age, pregnancy status, disability, or other qualifying circumstances. Pregnant people qualify at higher income levels than non-pregnant adults and remain eligible through pregnancy and for 12 months after the pregnancy ends.

Importantly, pregnant people who qualify for Medi-Cal are eligible for full-scope coverage regardless of immigration status, including medical, behavioral health, dental, and vision services during pregnancy and the postpartum year.

A Clearer Path Through Pregnancy: The Birthing Care Pathway

The Birthing Care Pathway helps pregnant people understand what care they should receive and when, while supporting providers in delivering coordinated, culturally responsive services. It outlines key steps during pregnancy, including prenatal screenings, behavioral health check-ins, nutrition support, and preparation for labor and delivery.

For Black pregnant and postpartum people in Alameda and San Francisco counties the pathway emphasizes early prenatal care, shared decision-making, and connections to community-based programs that address medical needs and social drivers of health.

Doula Services: Support Before, During, and After Birth

Medi-Cal covers doula services for pregnant and postpartum members who qualify. Doulas provide non-medical emotional support, education, and advocacy during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum recovery. Research shows doula care is associated with reduced stress, improved birth outcomes, and increased breastfeeding success.

Covered doula services include prenatal visits, support during labor and delivery, and postpartum follow-up visits, in accordance with Medi-Cal benefit guidelines.

Care That Continues After Birth: The Postpartum Pathway

More than half of pregnancy-related deaths in California occur after childbirth, with Black families facing the greatest risks. The Postpartum Pathway defines the care pregnant and postpartum people who qualify for Medi-Cal should receive during the first year after birth.

The Pathway promotes a comprehensive postpartum visit within 12 weeks, ongoing primary care through 12 months postpartum, screening and treatment for postpartum depression and anxiety, breastfeeding support, chronic condition management, and referrals to community-based services.

Mental Health, Dental, and Vision Care Included

Medi-Cal covers perinatal behavioral health services for eligible members, including screening, therapy, counseling, and medication management when medically necessary. Services may be provided in person or through telehealth.

Pregnant and postpartum people who qualify for Medi-Cal also receive full dental benefits, including exams, cleanings, and medically necessary treatment, as well as vision care such as eye exams and eyeglasses.

Community Supports Through CalAIM

CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal) is a statewide initiative that strengthens Medi-Cal by improving care coordination and addressing health-related social needs.

Through CalAIM, eligible Medi-Cal members in Alameda and San Francisco counties may receive Community Supports such as transitional housing assistance, medically tailored meals, and help navigating social services.

How to Contact Medi-Cal in Alameda and San Francisco Counties

Pregnant and postpartum people who meet Medi-Cal eligibility requirements can get help enrolling, choosing a health plan, finding providers, or accessing doula and postpartum services by contacting the Alameda County Medi-Cal office at (510) 795-2428 or the San Francisco Medi-Cal office at (855) 355-5757 or calling the number on their Medi-Cal card.

Support at Every Step

Pregnancy and postpartum care should be clear, compassionate, and complete. Through the Birthing Care Pathway, Postpartum Pathway, doula services, behavioral health care, Black Infant Health, and Community Supports, Medi-Cal is working to ensure that eligible families in Alameda and San Francisco counties — especially Black Californians — receive the care and support they need to stay healthy and give their babies a strong start.

Ready to Learn More or Get Started?

Pregnant and postpartum people in Alameda and San Francisco counties can learn more about Medi-Cal benefits, enroll in coverage, or get help finding providers by contacting the Alameda County Medi-Cal office or San Francisco County Medi-Cal office or calling the number on their Medi-Cal card. Trained representatives can explain eligibility, available services, and next steps.