I would like to thank the Market @ 25th, a full service grocery store, for moving into the East End. From what I am seeing so far, they will be giving minority farmers and vendors a place to showcase their products.

One example of diversity is Dr. Shantelle Brown, a black woman who will be the owner and operator of the pharmacy inside the grocery store. Her pharmacy will be called “Hope.”

In my research, I find very few, if any, women having their own pharmacy located inside of a grocery store. She is definitely considered a trailblazer and pioneer on this medical front. We must support the pharmacy with our dollars in order that it will succeed.

The grocery store and the pharmacy are scheduled to open in March, according to the latest information I have received. People are going to classes and preparing themselves so they can become employees of this store. Thirty team members graduated in one of their graduations, with others to follow. This equals jobs for the community. Good things are about to happen and I am very enthused. When talking with some of the potential employees, they, too, seemed excited and ready for the store to open.

I cannot name everyone, but City Council President Cynthia I. Newbille has spent tireless hours seeing that this project comes into existence.

Even though I live in a different part of town, I will spend my grocery money there.

Good luck to everyone associated with this venture, as well as the workers, vendors and Dr. Brown. We are very proud of her. Much success as we move forward.

ERNEST PARKER JR.

Richmond