African American golf magazine defies tradition - Special supplement: golf & tennis challenge - African American Golfers Digest

Black Enterprise, Sept, 2003 by Maya R. Payne

Presenting African American Golfers Digest as a media vehicle well positioned to penetrate the affluent black market, Cook demonstrates to advertisers the significant contribution African Americans make to the multibillion-dollar golf economy. She illustrates through the publication's content that black golfers spend the same way other golfers do--through green fees, golf car rentals, annual dues, trail fees, equipment, and merchandise purchases. Cook even describes a growing demographic of black senior citizens contributing to the golf-related housing market by purchasing homes on golf courses. "They are living the golf life," she says.

By her own admission, Cook says being "a tenacious, 'type-A' personality with strong attention to detail" spurs the success of her business ventures. But she emphasizes that integrity and self-confidence are indispensable. "You have to believe in yourself and make sure that you give people an honest product and honest service," says Cook. It also helps to look to others who've had success. "Earl Graves is my publishing role model. I admire his family values and his determination to succeed and to put out a quality product. My other role model is my mother. I really admire her for her business acumen. She's owned her own beauty salon for the past 30 years, and she has shown me how women can excel in the business world."

With her great success in small business innovation, Cook is poised to become a black business icon in her own right.