David Banner Says Black Students Should Attend HBCUs

Rapper and entrepreneur David Banner told theGrio that Black students should be attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

On Sunday, the businessman and his production company, A Banner Vision, partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to host The Thurgood Marshall College Fund RISE Concert. The virtual star-studded concert was done to help raise funds for the TMCF. Banner recently sat down and had a discussion with theGrio to talk about the event and gives his reasoning on why he feels Black students should only attend Black schools, and why inclusion is overrated.

“Books are books,” Banner says. “We want white culture and white people because we think white people are better, and that is not the truth. We are the oldest people on this planet so how can we look to anybody else to educate us? It’s not a school thing, it’s a mental thing.”

“We are always fighting for inclusion, why do you want to be included where nobody wants you, that is silly,” he says.

The event, which aired virtually last night, was done by Banner who also attended an HBCU.

On its website, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund acknowledged Banner as a graduate of TMCF member-school Southern University and a successful entrepreneur.

“David Banner embodies the essence of #RISE. He demonstrates what is possible when former student leaders invest in their dreams. He is a reflection of our HBCU students, and serves as an example of the foundation a HBCU education provides.”

The event was hosted by TMCF national ambassador and actor/producer Terrence J and actress Brandee Evans. Additional program highlights included appearances by the likes of Ne-Yo, Lil Baby, Lucky Daye, Shaquille O’Neal, and Deion Sanders.

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These Twin Sisters Graduated At The Top Of Their Doctoral Program

Obtaining a degree from an accredited college or university is no easy feat. Two twin sisters were always able to excel in their education together, now they are celebrating another milestone together—graduating at the top of their class in their doctoral program.

LaTonya and LaToya Harris made news back in 2010 when they graduated from high school as the top two students in their graduating class as reported by the Dallas Morning News. After high school, the Texas-born twins went on to earn their bachelor’s and master’s in sports management from UT Austin before continuing on to obtain their second master’s degree in clinical nutrition and their doctorate degrees in chiropractic medicine at Parker University in Dallas.

The sisters recall naturally wanting to accomplish their goals together growing up as they both cheered on the other to excel in their academic pursuits. “We don’t recall a time when we haven’t liked the same things. Our parents always left the decision up to us. They always wanted us to do what we wanted, and they never forced us to do anything the same. We both agree that we wouldn’t change anything about our journey because we understand that God planned it to happen exactly as it has, even if we didn’t,” the twins said in an interview with Because Of Them We Can.

“Your best friend gets to come to work with you every day. We are more efficient because we already know what each other is thinking,” the Harris sisters said to Because Of Them We Can. “We can just look at each other and know what needs to be said or done next. We make one another so much better.”

The sisters went on to say that their ultimate goal is to open their own clinic and create a scholarship for people of color pursuing careers in the medical field. “We feel we work much better together than apart,” the sisters added to Because Of Them We Can.

“We would love to have established our own practice in addition to a scholarship fund and mentorship program for minority doctors…We desperately want to help change the narrative of healthcare.”

 

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—Being #BlackAndExcellent runs in this family! In 2010, these Texas twins graduated high school as valedictorian and salutatorian and they’re set to do it again! They’ll be graduating this December with their second master’s in #ClinicalNutritian and their doctorate degrees in chiropractic medicine, nabbing the valedictorian and salutatorian honors for the second time... — LaTonya and #LaToyaHarris are remarkable to say the least. They went to the same college, shared a dorm room, and got their bachelor’s and master’s in sports management from #UTAustin, and continued to #ParkerUniversity together. — Their mother, #GailHarris, took to social media to share how proud she and her husband are of their daughters, saying, “We are honored to be their parents.” — ..sip slow, stay ‘In the Know’ and follow @InTheKnowRadio for more #BlackNews.

A post shared by intheknowradio (@intheknowradio) on Oct 23, 2020 at 7:37am PDT

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National Urban League Teams With Pepsi to Launch Black Restaurant Accelerator Program

Pepsi has announced that The National Urban League is launching the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program which is expected to boost approximately 500 Black-owned businesses over the next five years.

The PepsiCo Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to fund the program. The money will provide current and aspiring Black restaurateurs with access to the necessary capital, training, mentorship, and other services that are needed to run a successful business.

“This is a game-changing program that will provide Black restaurateurs with access to business-building resources tailored to meet their specific needs,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, in a written statement.

“Our understanding of the local business environment and community paired with subject matter expertise from PepsiCo team members will give business owners a leg up as they look to grow.”

Through National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers in 12 different cities spread across the United States, the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program will help Black entrepreneurs gain access to loans and capital that are not typically available due to biased community perceptions and gentrification challenges.

“This is a key component of the broader investments we’re making to bolster Black-owned restaurants and small businesses, which has never been more critical,” said Jon Banner, executive vice president of PepsiCo Global Communications and president of PepsiCo Foundation.

“We’re honored to build on the important work the National Urban League is doing to diminish the barriers that limit possibilities for Black-owned foodservice businesses and create economic mobility that propels individuals and communities.”

Starting in the first quarter of 2021, the National Urban League will start accepting applications for the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program. Black restaurateurs who are interested in receiving updates for the program can go follow this link. You can learn more about Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers and other workforce development programs by visiting NUL.org.

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Discover the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Business With This $30 Bundle

Technology has made it easier than ever to launch your own business. However, the digital world also presents business owners with a number of challenges. For one, online businesses need to use social media in order to gain brand recognition. It’s not as simple as creating a Facebook page and calling it a day, either.

You need to learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and social media in order for your business to thrive. However, choosing the right platforms for your business is important. For example, if your company offers B2B services, you definitely won’t be hitting the mark with a TikTok account. Luckily, the 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle contains all of the knowledge you need to create a winning social media strategy that attracts customers to your brand. This bundle normally costs $2,093, but you can purchase it today for $29.99, or 98% off.

The 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle features seven courses on how to effectively use the most popular social media platforms available to businesses. The first course you should tackle is the Social Media Strategy course. It illustrates why social media is important for online business. Also, it helps you determine which platform to use based on your target audience. And ultimately helps you create a social media strategy to reach your marketing goals.

Once you have a solid foundation for social media, you can choose the right platform for your business. The Facebook Marketing and Facebook Advertising courses are great introductions to Facebook that will teach you how to create and optimize your Page while creating engaging ad campaigns. The LinkedIn Marketing course offers similar insights with specific tips on how to grow your network and maximize your reach.

Most online businesses use social media to reach their audience, but most aren’t using them effectively. If you want to create a social media strategy that attracts and engages the right audience, you need to learn how to use the right platforms, and the 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle can teach you how for just $29.99.

 

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Indiana Barber Turns Tragedy to Triumph, Then Turns It All Into a Talk Show

Growing up in the then-murder capital of America, Gary, Indiana, local barber turned talk show host Jamie McGrone knows all too well what it means to have to turn tragedy into triumph. Although he grew up in a loving, large family, he understood that nothing would be given to him. He would have to earn it.

McGrone decided to step out on faith and create a platform where other business owners and everyday people could share their stories on how they have survived life’s most damnable moments.

“Living your most incredible life is a choice,” says McGrone.v

We had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with McGrone.

Please tell us about your new talk show?

I’m so excited about my talk show, That’s Why I’m Here. I created this platform because I wanted to give people the opportunity to come and tell their story of how they turned tragedy into triumph. It was for those who may have never got a chance to be bold and be vocal about life’s traumatic events and to talk about their brokenness in the midst of people who were there for support as well. I saw the need for broken men and women to be restored through life, love, and relationships and I wanted every guest and my viewing audience to get to the greatest part of life.

What is it you want people to take away from being on your show/watching your show?

I want my guests and my viewing audience to be motivated and inspired to do something greater with their lives. I want to touch the hearts of people because at the end of the day, it’s all about living your best life. And you get to define what that is.

What is next for Jamie McGrone for the rest of the 2020?

Well, I’m ending the year with a red carpet premiere for the media world, giving them an opportunity to see what I have created and why television needs this platform. It’s entitled, “The Oscars in November” and I am looking to have a blast. Also, I’ll be filming more episodes for the 2021 season.

What can people expect from you in 2021?

In 2021, I expect my talk show to be well on its way for its introduction to the media world and to be on pace to change the face of television one episode at a time. I expect to help my guests get to their greatest part of life and begin to live life beautiful.

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Dr. Jessica Mosley is a serial entrepreneur who loves teaching fellow CEO women how to show up in their truth & power. As Steward Owner of MizCEO Entrepreneurial Media Brand, Sovereign Care Home Care, Sovereign Care Medical Training Center, and Deborah’s Place for Battered Women, Jessica is busy making moves that impact her community & those connected to her.

 

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Ex-NBA Player Shawn Kemp To Open Seattle’s First Black-Owned Cannabis Dispensary

Legendary Seattle Supersonics power forward and six-time NBA All-Star Shawn “Reign Man” Kemp has announced that he has entered the cannabis business.

 Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis opens later this month in Seattle.

The business is located at 3035 1st Ave. in the heart of the city near the Climate Pledge Arena and famed Space Needle. When it opens its doors on Friday, Oct. 30, it will become Seattle’s first Black-owned dispensary. Kemp’s former teammate, NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, will join the celebration with a green ribbon-cutting ceremony slated to start at 12:45 p.m. Fifteen minutes later, the store will open to the public.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming Sonics fans on a regular basis, starting with opening day,” said Kemp in a statement.

The opening will feature the unveiling of an art piece on the building’s exterior from well-known local muralist Jeff Jacobson, who also goes by the moniker Weirdo. The 30-by-80-foot mural is rich in color and depicts Kemp playing basketball in his Sonics uniform.

Kemp, who is venturing into the fast-growing cannabis industry for the first time, is partnering with industry veterans Matt Schoenlein and Ramsey Hamide. Schoenlein and Hamide are two of the co-founders of Main Street Marijuana, the top cannabis retailer in Washington state since the company started in 2014. The brand’s three shops have surpassed $150 million in sales and have contributed more than $55 million in excise tax.

“My name is on this company and I have worked hard to bring Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis to fruition,” said Kemp. “I want to provide nothing short of the best selection, customer experience, and prices in Seattle. I have incredible partners in Matt Schoenlein and Ramsey Hamide to make sure we deliver on that promise to our customers, who are our top priority.

“I hope that Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis will be an inspiration for people to get involved with the legal cannabis industry, especially people of color.”

Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and will offer express order kiosks, online ordering, and curbside pickup. Health and safety measures will include social distancing protocols and mask requirements per state mandates. More information is available by calling (206) 345-0009, at www.KempsCannabis.com, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Seattle SuperSonics legend Shawn Kemp is officially opening up his cannabis shop next week. It will become Seattle’s first Black-owned dispensary.

The Reign Man will he joined by former teammate Gary Payton for the grand opening on Oct. 30 at 12:45pm.

Shop is at 3035 1st Ave pic.twitter.com/4l64lQxi0P

— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) October 22, 2020

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Lena Waithe, Laverne Cox, and the Cast of Hulu’s ‘Bad Hair’ on the Politics of Black Hair

Just in time for Halloween, Justin Simien, the writer and director best know for the TV series and movie “Dear White People,” released a new project that has turned the pressures Black women face to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards into a satirical horror film. Titled “Bad Hair,” the film follows the story of Anna played by Elle Lorraine who she succumbs to the hair discrimination Black women commonly face at work and ends up getting a weave from hell — literally.

The film takes place in 1989 as Anna pursues her dream of becoming a VJ at a Black music video TV network. However, she realizes that her natural coils are standing in the way of her aspirations after her manager, a light-skinned, straight-haired woman played by Vanessa Williams, encourages her to adopt a more white-friendly appearance. As a result, she reluctantly gets a weave, which turns out to be possessed by a demonic force. The evil weave becomes more than just the film’s antagonist: it’s a metaphoric symbol of the generations of oppression Black women have faced in lieu of white beauty norms.

“This young woman is incredible at her job. She has all the tools,” said Lorraine ahead of the film’s release on Hulu on October 23 to, BLACK ENTERPRISE. “But somehow she is not able to be seen because she’s not meeting this standard according to other people’s ideas of beauty.”

The Insecure star also admitted that she, too, still feels pressured by the same social stigmas. “There are times I question how I should look at an audition if they’re able to see past what my hair looks like and see what I’m giving and the work that I put in.”

Actress and LGBTQIA+ activist Laverne Cox said the film emphasizes the compromise Black women have had to make to their identities in order to get ahead. “Bad Hair is about the horror of white supremacy intersecting with the horror of capitalism.”

Waithe added, “This is Justin’s love letter really — a scary, funny love letter — to Black women and what they go through, particularly in the workplace.”

Watch Lena Waithe, Elle Lorraine, Laverne Cox, Blair Underwood, and Jay Pharoah open up about “Bad Hair” in the video below.

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Highlights From the 2020 Black Men XCEL Virtual Summit

Thousands of participants joined BLACK ENTERPRISE for the 4th annual Black Men XCEL Summit, which featured a variety of sessions, workshops, coaching, and virtual activities designed to train, equip, develop, and inspire Black men across a broad array of endeavors.

Sponsored by FedEx Express, Black Men XCEL (BMX) was created to provide Black men with the tools and resources needed to advance in their respective careers and industries as well as acquire generational wealth and maintain mental wellbeing. Participants were also granted access to some of today’s most successful business leaders like Walker Co. & Brands founder and CEO Tristan Walker, athletes like former NFL player Tiki Barber, and executives like PayPal Head of Global Financial Compliance Investigations Art Taylor. Furthermore, the summit, which was also facilitated in partnership with presenting sponsors AT&T and JPMorgan Chase, provided attendees with the opportunity to conduct live chats with speakers, experts, and mentors.

“The motto for this year’s BMX is celebrating the best of who we are,” said BLACK ENTERPRISE President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. in his opening remarks. “It is a celebration of Black men’s collective achievement, resolve, and resilience during one of the most challenging periods of our history. We meet under the cloud of COVID-19 and a crippled economy. We are nearing the end of a divisive, racially-charged election, and Black men are under assault at all levels.”

Thriving Amid COVID

 

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Walker Co. & Brands founder and CEO Tristan Walker kicked off the summit with a powerful session about how he built and positioned Walker Co. & Brands for its merger with Procter & Gamble. Walker, who went from a Twitter intern to serving on the corporate boards of Footlocker and Shake Shack, also opened up about how his company has grown amid COVID.

“The reason why I think we’ve been able to thrive as Walker and Company is because we had established that relationship from the very beginning. We were digitally native from the very beginning. So by the time COVID hit, we were prepared for this outcome,” said Walker.

At another point during his session, he admitted that if his company would have likely run out of money if it was not acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2018.

Turning Trials Into Triumph

 

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@MikeVick on staying focused and positive after his release from prison. #BMXCEL⁣ ⁣ Head to BMX.blackenterprise.com to register (complimentary) for the Black Men XCEL Summit to watch the full discussion!

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) on Oct 22, 2020 at 10:54am PDT

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick opened up about his road to redemption following his 21-month prison sentence in 2007 for his involvement in a dogfighting ring during a panel about empowering the next generation of Black men.

“When I came home from prison, I felt the pressure. I felt like I was living in a bubble,” admitted the FOX Sports analyst and activist about the notorious incident which overshadowed the rest his football career.

However, rather than succumbing to the pressure he felt, Vick says he used the tools he developed behind bars to help him persevere.

“I set goals while I was in prison. I accomplished almost everything that I wanted to accomplish and then some. That right there was the ultimate confirmation that I could do anything that I wanted to do in my life.”

Vick added that now he uses the adversity he’s overcome as a teachable moment for younger Black men and women.

“I preach a hard message when talking to the youth in terms of responsibility, character, your beliefs, values, and morals,” said the NFL legend. “I try to explain to young men and women the hurt and the anguish that I’ve experienced to grow stronger and to get to where I am today. I want my message to be, at all cost, you’re not going to go through life perfect, there are going to be some ups and downs, but it’s all in how you persevere.”

Black Men and the Ballot

 

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@EricHolder’s view of where we are in the election cycle as far as voting and what is at stake for African-Americans. #BMXCEL⁣ ⁣ Link in bio to register (complimentary) to the Black Men XCEL summit to watch the full discussion!

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) on Oct 23, 2020 at 5:14pm PDT

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder stressed the importance of exercising the right to vote and overcoming voter suppression during his appearance. He also urged young people, in particular, to make their voices heard at the polls.

“For young people who are disillusioned or who don’t trust the system, take it from one who is a little older and has experienced a lot, your future is on the ballot. And the world that you want to live in is on the ballot,” Holder told BLACK ENTERPRISE SVP and Chief Content Officer Derek T. Dingle. “If you want to shape that world, you have to participate in that process by voting on November 3. But then you have to continue to be involved in a civic way and do the things that people before have done. Fight for not only your generation but for generations that will come after you.”

Building Wealth That Last

 

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⁣ Many athletes struggle to sustain their wealth and knowing that, Tiki Barber’s mother introduced him and his brother to the world of financial advising at a very young age. #BMXCEL⁣ ⁣ Head to BMX.blackenterprise.com to register for the Black Men XCEL Summit to watch the full panel sponsored by @jpmorgan

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) on Oct 23, 2020 at 12:40pm PDT

In a panel sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, Barber, the former NFL running back who spent 10 seasons with the New York Giants and the co-founder of Thuzio, shared one of the biggest financial mistakes he made during his career.

“The worst mistake I made personally was I bought a very expensive apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was over $6 million. I had been around for a very long time, but the timing was wrong in the market. And I didn’t look at the market. I didn’t look at the economic trends,” he admitted. “And we know what happened in 2008, the world corrected itself.”

Not only did he lose money on his property, but he then went through a divorce two years later. “Everything started compounding,” he added. “Timing absolutely matters when you’re making large purchases like that.”

 

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This Platform Uses Analytics to Help You Find the Best Real Estate Investing Opportunities

They say the best investment on Earth is earth, but real estate is a risky business. While it’s undoubtedly a lucrative form of investment, your success isn’t guaranteed unless you play your cards right and study the field with utmost scrutiny.

It pays to have tools that can help you with the process and reap profits, and luckily, there’s one platform that can help you on that front: Mashvisor.

A one-stop site to find traditional or Airbnb properties worth investing in, Mashvisor uses automation to assist you in identifying potential investments within mere minutes. Instead of having you pore over spreadsheets and spend months on tedious research, it leverages technology, real estate data, and analytics to shorten the process to identify the best investment opportunity for you.

Here’s how it works:

Just key in any city of interest, and you’ll immediately receive an overview of the investment opportunities within that area. You’ll get the lowdown on the kind of returns a property will be able to provide, as well as the things you’ll need to do to outperform the rental market. Plus, thanks to the interactive filters available, you’ll also get other pertinent data, including sales history, tax history, market performance, occupancy rates, and many more.

Real estate investing doesn’t have to be tough. For a limited time, you can grab a lifetime subscription to Mashvisor for only $39.99 — 97% off the usual cost of $1,499.

 

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Minneapolis Trucker Who Drove Through George Floyd Protest, Charged With One Felony, One Misdemeanor

A truck driver who drove into a crowd of hundreds of people protesting the death of George Floyd on a Minneapolis highway was charged with two criminal counts.

Prosecutors in Hennepin County charged Bogdan Vechirko, of Otsego, with one count each of making threats of violence, a felony, and criminal vehicular operation, a gross misdemeanor. According to the Star Tribune, prosecutors believe Vechirko attempted to scare protesters out of his path and that he had more than enough time to stop before he reached the crowd.

Vechirko told authorities that he was returning from a fuel delivery in Minneapolis and it was not his intent to hurt anyone. Police blocked entrances on the highway to keep protesters safe, but Vechirko was able to get onto the 35W Interstate bridge in Minneapolis that runs over the Mississippi River, due to an unblocked entrance, which still has not been explained.

A similar incident occurred in Seattle in June when Nikolas Alexander Fernandez drove into a crowd of protesters and fired several rounds from a gun as he tried to flee the scene. Fernandez was charged with one count of assault in the first degree, a class A felony.

In 2017, James Alex Fields Jr. intentionally drove his car into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing one person and injuring 19 at a Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Fields pled guilty to 29 of 30 felonies and was sentenced to life in prison.

Vechirko’s lawyer, Mark Solheim, told the Tribune he “relied on his professional instinct and training to avoid a hard brake that could have jackknifed the truck and could have seriously injured or killed thousands of people, and instead slowed his vehicle while maneuvering through the parted crowd.”

No one was killed or seriously injured in the incident but one woman reported having abrasions due to her efforts to get out of the truck’s path. None of the protesters who attacked and injured Vechirko were charged. Vechirko’s wife said he suffered cuts to his face and his cellphone and wallet were stolen from the truck.

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The Anonymous Grand Juror In The Breonna Taylor Case Speaks Out

The anonymous grand juror in the Breonna Taylor case took issue with Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron’s characterization of the panel’s proceedings.

The grand juror released a statement on Tuesday through a lawyer saying the three weeks of service before the proceeding was a lesson on how a normal grand jury operates, but the Taylor proceedings “was quite different.”

BREAKING: A judge allowed the grand juror to release their statement on Breonna Taylor’s case ruling it in the public interest.

The Grand jury was never presented homicide charges in the killing of Breonna Taylor. pic.twitter.com/GH5ZCaVH0o

— HĪPMAGAZINE.ORG (@hipmagazineorg) October 21, 2020

“The grand jury was not presented any charges other than the three wanton endangerment charges against Detective Hankison,” the juror said in the statement. “The grand jury did not have homicide offenses explained to them. The grand jury never heard anything about those laws. Self-defense or justification was never explained either.”

Cameron said during a news conference late last month his team’s investigation found — “and the grand jury agreed” that the two officers who fired multiple shots into Taylor’s home, were justified because Taylor’s boyfriend Kenneth Walker fired first.

Walker told authorities he fired because he thought someone was breaking into the couple’s home. The juror released a statement through a lawyer days after Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Annie O’Connell denied Cameron’s motion to keep the grand jury proceedings a secret. 

“This court finds that the traditional justifications for secrecy in this matter are no longer relevant and that the ends of justice require disclosure,” O’Connell said in her ruling.

The grand juror also accused Cameron of “using the grand jurors as a shield to deflect accountability and responsibility for these decisions.”

One of the officers involved in the shooting, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, who was shot in the leg that night, did an interview with ABC News Tuesday.

“This is not relatable to George Floyd,” Mattingly said in the interview. “This is nothing like that, it’s not an Ahmaud Arbery. It’s not a race thing like people want it to be. This is a point where we were doing our jobs and returned fire.”

Ben Crump, the lawyer for Taylor’s family, told REVOLT the juror confirmed his suspicions that Cameron was part of a cover-up.

“Attorney General Daniel Cameron took the decision out of the grand jury’s hands,” Crump told REVOLT. “They didn’t allow the grand jury to do what the law says they have the right to do. This failure rests squarely on the shoulders of Daniel Cameron. He then brought Tamika Palmer [Taylor’s mother] in and lied to her, placing the result on the grand jury.”

Cameron told reporters Tuesday he remains confident his office conducted the proceedings the right way and while he disagrees with the judge’s ruling, would not appeal it.

“As Special Prosecutor, it was my decision to ask for an indictment that could be proven under Kentucky law,” Cameron said in a statement. “Indictments obtained in the absence of sufficient proof under the law do not stand up and are not fundamentally fair to anyone.”

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Michigan Businesses Launch Locally Printed Black Lives Matter Merchandise

Two small businesses, The Mitten Brewing Co. and Malamiah Juice Bar, are ready to start taking pre-orders for limited-run editions of locally printed Black Lives Matter merchandise, including garments and masks according to Grand Rapids Business Journal.

The two Grand Rapids, Michigan-based companies will donate 100% of the sales to the Black and Brown Cannabis Guild.

Mitten Brewing co-owner Chris Andrus, and Malamiah Juice Bar owner, Jermale Eddie, have partnered and contracted local custom design and screen printing business Ambrose at WMCAT, and its fundraising platform, Bound As One, to launch the project.

“Malamiah Juice Bar is rooted in West Michigan, and we are proud to give back to our community through the Bound As One initiative in support of BBCG,” Eddie said. “And we are all just that — bound as one in a community that cares deeply but one that is in need of greater social equity and justice.”

“The work that the Black and Brown Cannabis Guild is doing is vital for individuals in our community who have barriers to opportunity because of a drug record — many of which are eligible for expungement. When you buy a T-shirt or mask, every penny goes directly to support communities of color that are benefiting from BBCG’s advocacy, network, and guidance; an incredible mission that The Mitten Brewing Co. fully supports” said Andrus.

“We believe that this work is not charity, it is justice,” Black and Brown Cannabis Guild’s founder and Executive Director Denavvia Mojet said. “We know that our government disproportionately harmed communities of color as a byproduct of a racist political agenda, and we work to help those harmed communities thrive in spite of those convictions. We believe this is what equity looks like, and we are grateful to be supported in these efforts.”

The back of each shirt also has the names of victims of police brutality, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Philando Castile, and more individuals. Pre-orders will be taken on ambrose-print-shop.printavo.com until Oct. 30.

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Donate to Playing for Change and Possibly Win a 2021 Tesla Model 3

If you are a car lover, sustainability advocate, or just appreciate doing good for charity groups, then you won’t want to pass up this wildly cool giveaway. Led by StackCommerce, enter for your chance to win a brand new 2021 Tesla Model 3 to by simply donaing to an incredible cause. So while you help children and communities in need, you are also entered to win a Tesla.

Here’s how the giveaway works. Simply choose a donation amount that corresponds with the number of entries you would like, check out, and you’ve entered! The more you donate, the better your chance of winning. Ten dollars will give you 100 entries, $25 equals 250 entries, $50 will enter your name 1,000 times, and if you want to go really big, $100 will give you 2,500 chances. Multiply these numbers by as many times as you’d like and are able to increase your odds even more.

The money will go to help Playing for Change, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 2007 to support music education across the world. The programs are designed to support positive change in communities as well as provide jobs to musicians and administrators. Your support will foster arts and music programs in diverse spaces all around the country.

If you win, you get to look forward to driving around in the Tesla Model 3, which reaches speeds up to 140 mph, has a 263-mile energy range, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds. Just imagine yourself with the windows down, exploring your town or road tripping around the country. The car also comes with autopilot, partial premium all-black interior, pearl white paint, and rear drive.

If you are at least 18 years old, you can enter now for your chance to win.

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Meet the Sister Duo Who Built a $1 Million Haircare Line that’s Disrupting the Industry

For sisters Tonya Thompson and Sharie Wilson, Co-Founders of the natural hair care line DreamGirls, hair styling was always a part of daily life. We spoke to Tonya and Sharie to hear from them firsthand about their journey to founding the natural hair care brand and turning their dreams into reality.

Growing up, the Tonya and Sharie were known as experts when it came to hair styling for school dances and continued to style hair on the side throughout their early careers. When Sharie came to Tonya with the idea of selling hair extensions as a business venture in 2006, the sister duo hit the ground running and opened up their first DreamGirls hair salon in the heart of their hometown of Los Angeles.

Fast forward to two successful salon locations and thousands of women empowered through their hair styling techniques, Tonya and Sharie knew it was time to expand their brand. They then launched DreamGirls’ signature product line to offer their techniques to individuals across the nation.

Although DreamGirls was launched six months ago, it has been nothing short of a success. The product line, which features the signature Healthy Hair Care System ($125) that promotes natural hair growth, immediately became a favorite of women across the country who raved about their newfound confidence due to their incredible results. “Through our unique techniques, we offer DreamGirls’ Healthy Hair Program that promotes natural growth for all hair textures. Our system consists of wearing a protective style of a weave that results in hair growth, not loss,” Tonya and Sharie explained.

The line continues to disrupt the beauty industry and break down stigmas surrounding natural hair. Although black shoppers contributed $473 million to the $4.2 trillion haircare and beauty industry in 2018, not all hair care brands are made with them specifically in mind according to a 2018 Nielsen report. “The goals of DreamGirls is to break the stereotype that black women can’t have long, natural hair, and to help build their confidence in knowing that they can do anything,” shared Sharie and Tonya.

The two always had a strong desire to help women, especially fellow black women with their hair confidence. “We’d see our clients’ confidence skyrocket after styling their hair and it was an incredible feeling,” they explained. “We use our salon chairs as tools to uplift, motivate, inspire and praise women for their natural beauty, both inside and out.”

As African American and female entrepreneurs, Tonya and Sharie faced many hardships along the way. They rose above the challenges and never stopped striving towards their goals. “We’ve been overlooked and have had to be ten times more successful than otherwise needed just to stand in a room next to a male entrepreneur,” the sisters shared. “Being a minority entrepreneur means that we have to go above and beyond, but that doesn’t stop us from believing in ourselves and achieving our goals.”

Despite the challenges they faced while building their brand during the global pandemic, DreamGirls was incredibly successfully in helping thousands of women feel more confident through hair results and recently achieved $1 million in sales.

Tonya and Sharie continue to empower women and encourage others to take initiative in both life and in business. The sisters previously held women’s empowerment speaking events to share their journey and key lessons they’ve encountered along the way. “It’s very rewarding to empower fellow women, and is the foundation of what our business was built upon,” they explained. “We want to see women succeed and help them by setting them up with the confidence that they can accomplish anything. We are an example of what is possible for women, and are a true testament to the fact that everyone has the ability to rewrite their story!”

Tonya and Sharie continue to expand their business and achieve their goals of helping women across the nation feel more confident. “As Los Angeles girls who came from a middle working class family, we didn’t always see a lot of wealth or even the possibility of what can be. As a result, we’ve always felt that we needed to see and do more. We want to bring our community with us and pour back into others to help them achieve their goals.”

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These Black Entrepreneurs Created A Honey Business In Honor Of Their Children

According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center, there are anywhere from 115,000 to 125,000 beekeepers in the United States with over 2 million colonies producing 1.4 million pounds of raw honey for consumption. Like many industries, beekeeping isn’t the most diverse. One family used the chance to create a business in honor of their children after learning about the health benefits of raw honey.

Summer and Kam Johnson are the founders behind Zach and Zoe Sweet Bee Farm, a collection of raw honey made on their land in New Jersey and named after their children. The parents started beekeeping for health purposes when their son, Zach, started struggling with asthma and seasonal allergies and used honey to help. “We would regularly find ourselves in the emergency room and were constantly giving him steroids and medicine to keep his asthma in check,” wrote the Johnsons in an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE via email.

“We wanted a natural solution to help his allergies and we read that raw honey could help with inflammation and introduce the body to pollen in manageable amounts. Back in 2015, we started with two hives and were pleasantly surprised to get a small honey harvest in the fall of that year. We kept growing each year and increasing the number of hives on our property and learning more about beekeeping.”

From there, the two started to produce honey for sale and created the company named after their children. The Johnsons learned that their presence also brought representation and diversity to those within the industry and that they are helping educate people along the way. “When we first started keeping bees, there weren’t that many Black beekeepers and we received (and still do) tons of questions and genuine curiosity,” they said.

“It’s been really fun to raise awareness around agriculture, farming, and the importance of bees and that’s one of the highlights for us—being able to teach about the topic and introduce communities, especially children, to bees. We do tours on our farm and with quarantine, have evolved into doing video tours of the bees. We live in a rural setting but we also know beekeepers who keep bees in major cities You don’t need a ton of space, just some patience, natural curiosity, and not mind getting stung on occasion.”

The Johnsons said it was important to make their children a part of the business and to teach them the mechanics behind running a business so one day they can pass the business down to them. “We named the business after our children and from the beginning, we envisioned a business that we could all play a part in,” they added.

“When they were younger, they would help with the beekeeping and they also helped with our retail shop.    As they get older, we involve them in more aspects of the business and use it as a teaching tool on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. We talk about [things like] operations, accounting, pricing, [and] fulfillment.  They can see, firsthand, that starting and running a business is incredibly hard work but that if you keep at it, it can be really rewarding to see a business grow and flourish.”

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Why Everyone—Yes, You Too—Should Own a Consulting Business

You can’t rely on an employer to control or protect your career. Whether you have a “permanent” position, a temp-to-perm, or a temporary position, there’s no real job security. Therefore, you should look at your career differently. This is why everyone should have a consulting business.

COVID-19 has only made it worse. With over 60 million Americans losing their jobs since mid-March, the threat of losing your job is more and more real. In addition, pandemics, acts of God, and economic downturns give companies a “legitimate” reason to slash jobs. Since the rules have changed, companies feel free to fire or lay people off for little or no reason. So you should be prepared to make your transition before you have to.

Having a consulting business helps you to:

1. Fill in the gaps in your résumé.

Companies don’t want to hire unemployed people. While this is illegal in some states, there are ways around it. Having your own company means you will have work. Be prepared to talk about projects you’ve worked on. This also means you don’t have to settle for a “just get your foot in the door” job to hold you over.

2. Try before YOU buy.

Many companies use a temp-to-perm strategy to find the right fit for their organization. You can use the same strategy for potential clients. Since consultants are not employees, there’s less risk to bring you in to do a specific job. You can learn about the company culture and decide if the company is a potential destination if they were to offer you a permanent position. 

3. Test the entrepreneurial waters.

Entrepreneurship can be daunting, but you don’t have to go all in. You can slowly transition into entrepreneurship and test whether you can do it full time. You may find out it’s not for you and go back to working 9-to-5. Either way, you can do one or both as you figure things out.

4. Gain flexibility.

Consulting was great for me when my mother-in-law had cancer. I was able to take days off to travel with my wife to the hospital for her treatments. Later, my father-in-law had a stroke and my mother got cancer. The days off gave me the ability to meet their needs. It also gave me the ability to pursue other opportunities and create my own schedule.

Everyone should have a consulting business, whether it’s part-time or full-time. Many professionals do consulting on the side. It creates a stream of income to help you to make a living or hold you over between jobs.

This is especially true for older workers. During the Great Recession of 2008 and now with COVID-19, the unemployment rate for those 55 and older is higher than the rate for workers 25-54. With more companies dumping older workers and fewer companies hiring them, it makes sense to use your experience to create a revenue stream for yourself.

Draw up a contract that outlines terms, relationships, the scope of services, compensation, etc. Then, market yourself and be confident in your ability as you step out and take control of your career.

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How Ms. Bling Pursued Her Passion and Built a Thriving Business

Pascale Rowe, also known as Ms. Bling, stepped out on faith when she left her career at American Express. Making a respectable $70,000 annually as a sales rep for the company, Bling decided it was time to leave behind her financial security, benefits, and 401(k). Born of Haitian descent, Bling developed a brand, social identity, and more importantly a business utilizing social media as her main marketing tool.

A failed marriage and negative bank account provided Bling with the determination she needed to find a way to succeed. “I was a wreck,” says Bling. I had no idea how I would turn my passion into profit, but I knew that I would not give up.”

For 125 years, Swarovski has been producing its precision-cut crystals seen across entertainment, fashion, and design. Bling saw an opportunity in the market to use a well-known brand in her designs that catered to a different demographic group. “Blinging out jewelry, clothing, and accessories is a personal statement that gives an item pop,” exclaims Bling. “My starting goal was visibility. Getting highly visible people to wear my product was the best way to make this happen so I sourced my contacts. Celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Gabrielle Union, and Trina were creating visibility and intrigue for my brand.”

As Bling’s business blossomed, she expanded her accessories brand into retail fashion, motivational speaking, and writing. “I am only as successful as the ones I help, and I truly believe this,” says Bling.

Helping to inspire countless entrepreneurs, Bling travels throughout the country speaking at conferences and networking events.

“When I began this journey I didn’t have other entrepreneurs or business people to lean in for advice and insight. I will take every opportunity I have to be that person to an entrepreneur who helps them along their journey.”

Building a brand has not come without setbacks and disappointments for the successful entrepreneur. In 2013 Bling decided it was time to author her first book. Working with a “manager,” Bling was given a template for online bookselling. Before the book’s completion, Bling was instructed to offer the book as a “pre-order” which she obliged.

“Initially I was thrilled at how many copies were pre-ordered,” says Bling.

When the pre-orders came in there became a feeling of extreme pressure to write just anything to deliver on the launch date. “My integrity did not allow me to do this so 11 months later Self Made, Self-Paid Without Losing My Self-Worth was finally released. Before its release, I contacted customers via e-mail and put up an Instagram post offering a full refund of $20. To my surprise, over 90% of the customers wanted the book and said they would wait. Every customer received a refund or the book. Anyone who says otherwise may have heard of the delay debacle and may be speaking on it but I can guarantee they never ordered it.”

This ordeal taught Bling a great lesson that she applies to her business practices today. She adds, “although many people pre-sell items, it is something I shy away from. I prefer to under promise and over deliver in everything I do. Therefore, if I do not have it in stock, it is not for sale.”

Selling is what Bling has been doing and her strategic approach is paying a dividend. “One thing that I do is work hard. I am my brand therefore I am meticulous in my approach. From wardrobe shoots to consistently updating my platforms with in-stock items, I measure and remeasure myself daily. I must continue to grow, evolve, and be better.”

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Meet the Black Woman Whose Home Décor Business Has Sold Over 26,000 Comforters, Pillows, and Beddings

With an endeavor to spread her culture and heritage across all homes in the United States, Jojo Pierre started her own home décor company named Lakay Designs and she never looked back. Over the years, Lakay Designs has grown exponentially, not only offering financial stability to Jojo and her family but also creating employment opportunities for other people in her community. Currently offering an extensive catalog of products, the company is working proactively to expand the repertoire, offer more innovative products, and keep reaching more homes in America.

Currently, Lakay Design is in more than 26,000 homes across the United States, and that number is growing every day with pleased buyers referring Lakay Designs to their family and friends. The current range of products available at Lakay Designs include African art sculptures and figurines, African wall art, bathroom accessories, comforters, bedding sets, curtain designs, dining room accessories, kitchen accessories, King and Queen pillowcases, and much more. From resourcing materials to manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and everything in between, Lakay Designs abides by business practices that ensure the utmost product quality, while also providing benefits for everyone in the value chain.

A spokesperson for the company made an official press statement, “Here at Lakay Designs, our business values are essential for us, and so is our commitment to our clients. Lakay Designs became successful because our clients supported Jojo’s ideas and resonated with the African aesthetic that she put out there. Now we must serve our clients with the utmost integrity. Even during the pandemic, the Lakay Designs team has worked around the clock to fulfill all orders. We are currently offering custom design bedding, so we urge everyone to take advantage of the offer while it lasts.”

“I just received my comforter set. I love it! However, I just want to brag on [Lakay Designs] as a company. From the communication at the conception of my order to the follow-ups about shipping, to the personalized that you that came with my beautiful set! Sis, you are truly black girl business perfection! Keep it up. I’m coming back for more,” stated a happy customer while providing testimony for the African print comforter she purchased from the Lakay Designs official store.

The spokesperson further added, “The word Lakay translates to Home is Haitian Creole, and that is the vision behind Lakay Designs. There are certain African aesthetics that Jojo grew up around her home. For Jojo, these African prints and décor pieces bring about a feeling of coziness and being at home, which is how she wants every house in America to feel like: a cozy home. With a mission to reach one million homes in America with signature Lakay Designs products, Jojo and her family are getting close to that mission every passing day.”

More details about Lakay Designs and their entire line are available on the official online store at LakayDesigns.com

This article was originally published by BlackNews.com.

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Divorced Single Mom of 2 Finds New Man, Launches Six Figure Chemical-Free Hair Color Brand

Meet Electra Davis, the 36-year old founder and CEO of Mysteek Naturals – a popular Black-owned line of chemical-free hair color products. She launched her successful company just two years after becoming a divorced single mother with two children.

A victim of child abuse

Electra grew up as an only child living in Buffalo, NY, with her mom. However, her mom worked and partied a lot, and Electra was often left with her grandparents. As a result, one of her uncles began sexually abusing her from age 5 to 8.

After this was discovered, she went to go live with her father. She began working at 14-years old, and started paying rent to her Dad when she was just 15. She was even forced to buy her own groceries and was given one side of the refrigerator to only eat the food she bought. Two weeks after graduating high school, she joined the Army at 18-years old.

Lessons learned

While in the Army, Electra got married and had one child. She later left the Army, had another child, and went through a bitter divorce with her cheating husband while working full-time as a contract specialist. At this time, she was also a full-time college student.

She says that her life experiences as a child and an adult taught her to develop tenacity, to become independent, and eventually to become entrepreneurial.

That’s when she came up with the brilliant idea to create chemical-free hair color products that would allow people to have fun with their hair without having to bleach their hair. Like so many other women, she was looking for an alternative to the rinses that weren’t giving her the vibrant popping color and that used dangerous ingredients.

Launching her empire… and a new life

In 2017, Mysteek Naturals was launched and quickly took off as one of the most successful Black-owned hair color brands that is handmade, cruelty-free, dye-free, and free of harsh chemicals.

Now the brand is a well-known, award-winning company that generates six figures every year, selling it’s products all around the world even on Amazon and Walmart.com. Her hair color products are safe for children and adults to use, and are available in 12 different colors including Bougie Blue, Fyah Red, Royal Purple, Baby Blonde, Twerkin Turquoise, etc.

Even more, Electra has found a new man who supports her business and loves her kids. They are one big happy family. She has also reconnected and established a better relationship with both her mom and dad who are also avid supporter of her business.

For more details about the company, visit MysteekNaturals.com or follow the brand on Instagram @MysteekNaturals

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

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This Black Woman Has a Company That Mentors Over 1,000 Prisoners

During these challenging times, Lynda Monroe is inspiring over 2 million people monthly with her story of resilience and life coaching for success. When she was born, her doctor said she would not live past 10 years of age due to her congenital heart defect. She successfully defied the odds when she became a mother at 17-years old. However, as an unwed mother, this caused her to be ostracized by her church family and forced her to mature quickly. These experiences and more motivated her to reach deep inside herself to get her feet on solid ground.

Now, she is the CEO of a multi-media empire that touches millions through her activism to help prisoners integrate successfully back into society. Her business includes her podcast: The Lynda Monroe Show (with over 2 million streams monthly), her web sites, social media, and public speaking.

Over her career to date she has been able to get 50 inmates released from prison, giving them a second chance at life. In addition, she has successfully mentored over 1,000 prisoners. She is an extraordinary multimedia mogul who continues to take the world by storm.

Lynda wants to inspire the world, and has a special place in her heart for the current and formerly incarcerated. She says, “The prisons are filled to the brim with untapped potential that deserves a second chance.” She doesn’t just talk the talk, but she walks the walk and has five strategies to beat the odds:

1. Practice Gratitude: Be grateful for your life, health, and strength. Do not take anything for granted.

2. Make Education and Self Improvement a Priority: No matter how long it takes, expand your mindset. You only have one mind and one life and cultivating it to its fullest potential is key.

3. Nurture Your Creativity: Life will throw you curveballs. When she was born she was thrown the ultimate curveball of endangered health, and with the help of family and God she was able to overcome her death sentence.

4. Have a Spirit of Service: When faced with the realities of how inmates live in prison, Lynda Monroe was filled with compassion. This compassion created the idea for a prison ministry to help inmates reach their fullest potential.

5. Put God First: Without faith, Lynda believes that it is impossible to please God. This is why it is important for everyone to have faith in themselves; faith in the fruits of your labor; and faith that in the end, everything will work out fine.

Lynda is a change agent that helps the forgotten in society obtain second chances through her prison activism, her podcast, and her public speaking.

Learn more about at LyndaMonroe.com

Or subscribe to her podcast at BshaniRadio.com/lynda-monroe

This article was originally published by BlackNews.com.

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