For most of us, the idea that we could be turned away from a restaurant as soon as we stepped inside is inconceivable. Imagine taking a road trip knowing you were barred from most dining spots along the way and the consequences of trying to eat in public might be even worse than being refused a seat.
This was a reality for Black Americans following the Civil War and during the Jim Crow era, and these practices continued for about a hundred years. Even after the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964, some defiant restaurant owners refused to comply with laws forbidding segregation.
Managing Editor
The founders of Urban Hydration recently held a virtual event that celebrated its partnerships with retailers and with its philanthropic partner, WaterisLife. Psyche and Vontoba Terry hosted the event, “A 2020 Message of Hope, Diamonds Under Pressure,” which included donations to WaterisLife, honors for the brand’s retailer partners and a conversation with former Major League Baseball player Torii Hunter. Left to right: Vontoba Terry and Psyche Terry, founders of Urban Hydration
A cornerstone of the brand is its commitment to help provide communities clean drinking water via a partnership with WaterisLife. The company’s Give Good, Give Well, Give Life campaign donates one clean gallon of water for every product purchased by consumers. With the event, the company highlighted WaterisLife founder Ken Surrite’s journey, and donated $35,000 to the organization, “in appreciation for their amazing partnership and philanthropy.