Building More Than a Cheer Team: Black Onyx Allstars with Imani Cobb and Endigo Allen (VIDEO)

It is possible to create opportunities for young people to grow, compete, and see a future beyond what they thought possible. On this episode of Black Businesses Matter, Larvetta L. Loftin-Arnold sits down with Imani Cobb and Endigo Allen, co-founders of Black Onyx Allstars, a Chicago-based nonprofit competitive cheer organization creating opportunities for young people through athletics, leadership, mentorship, and community. Their story is about more than cheerleading. It's about seeing a need in the community and doing the work to meet it. It's about creating a space where young people can compete, grow, and see possibilities for themselves. And it's about what happens when a meaningful mission meets the everyday realities of building an organization. Imani and Endigo share what it takes to run Black Onyx Allstars, from managing competition costs and the many responsibilities of leading a youth sports program to finding the resources that make continued growth possible. They also share a bigger vision: expanding beyond cheerleading toward a youth center that can offer even more sports, programming, and opportunities. In this episode: • Creating opportunities and representation for young people • Building a nonprofit from a community need • Developing confidence, leadership, and life skills through youth sports • Managing the day-to-day responsibilities of running an organization • Navigating competition costs, funding, and limited resources • Building community, togetherness, and mutual support • Finding the resources and partnerships needed for growth • Expanding the vision from a cheer team to a youth center ABOUT OUR GUESTS Imani Cobb and Endigo Allen are the co-founders and co-owners of Black Onyx Allstars, a Chicago-based nonprofit competitive cheer organization creating opportunities and building community for youth on the South Side. Imani and Endigo have known each other since childhood, first meeting as young cheerleaders at Betty Shabazz International Charter School. After returning to their elementary school to coach following the COVID-19 pandemic, they turned their lifelong passion for cheer into Black Onyx in 2024. Since then, Black Onyx has earned numerous National and Grand National Championships while emphasizing mentorship, leadership, education, and personal development. Beyond cheer, both women are entrepreneurs and community advocates committed to empowering young people and creating spaces where they can feel seen, supported, celebrated, and inspired to lead. Website | www.blackonyxallstars.com LinkTree | linktr.ee/blackonyxallstars Instagram | @blackonyxallstars ABOUT THE L3 AGENCY The L3 Agency is a full-service integrated marketing, communications, and media agency focused on creating authentic engagements and meaningful cultural connections. With expertise across digital, social, public relations, strategy, advertising, events, influencer marketing, and sponsorship development, the agency connects brands with people, programs, and products to drive relevance and results. Its philosophy is simple: authentic individuals, authentic stories, real connections. ABOUT LARVETTA L. LOFTIN-ARNOLD Larvetta L. Loftin-Arnold is a marketing strategist, communications leader, and entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience. After developing multicultural campaigns for brands including McDonald’s, Toyota, General Motors, and Verizon, she founded The L3 Agency in 2000. Under her leadership, The L3 Agency evolved from an experiential marketing firm into a strategy and thought leadership agency. The firm secured Verizon as its first Midwest agency of record, managing the partnership for five years. Since 2019, the agency has become a recognized leader in the utility and energy sector, providing strategic community outreach and public relations services throughout Chicago and the North Shore. Larvetta combines strategic insight, authentic storytelling, and community engagement to help organizations build meaningful connections with diverse audiences and create lasting business and social impact. We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300. Support the show JOIN THE BBM FAM Stay connected for exclusive announcements and special offers by texting: "BBM FAM" to 312-300-1300 CONNECT WITH BLACK BUSINESSES MATTER Website: TheL3Agency.com Instagram: @blackbusinessesmatterpodcast LinkedIn: The L3 Agency TikTok: @blackbusinessesmatterpod Follow Black Businesses Matter on Instagram and join the conversation around Black entrepreneurship, business growth, community, leadership, and economic opportunity. Share this episode with a founder, business owner, colleague, or community leader who could find value in it.