August 2020

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Commune Angels, the first Michigan-based angel community focused on regional and national deal flow and increasing diversity amongst angel investors, has launched. They look to invest in scalable consumer, enterprise, and life science companies led by founders from all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life. According to the 2017 American Angel Report, only 6% of angel investors in the U.S. were Asian, 2% Hispanic, and 1% Black. Only 22% of angel investors were women. Expanding the pool of angel investors and reach of investment dollars are critical ingredients

Ridesharing app Lyft announced an initiative that would provide 1.5 million rides to make transportation accessible to underserved communities. The company joined forces with 11 organizations including The National Urban League, BlackWomen’s Roundtable and the NAACP. The LyftUp Access Alliance program’s main goal is to support members of the Black community affected by COVID-19 through offering transportation to essential services like job interviews, grocery stores, COVID testing sites and other destinations. According to details provided by Lyft, the company and its LyftUp programs will provide access to rides in

As Hyundai North America’s first chief communications officer, Dana W. White knows what it is like to have two feet in two worlds. “Growing up I always knew about the power of communication, the power of words,” she said, talking about her childhood in Charlottesville, Virginia. “My grandfather, who was born in 1896, founded the oldest black newspaper in the state. I used to cut ad sheets every month and write copy and process black-and-white photos [at the paper]. The entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in me and my

Broadway Financial Corporation (LA) and City First (Washington DC) have merged to create the largest black owned bank in the country. Together they have combined assets to become a billion dollar lender. City First chief executive, Brian E. Argrett, will operate as chief executive of the new company. City First will be the banking brand while Broadway Financial Corporation will maintain its publicly traded identity as the bank's holding company. “The new combined institution will strengthen our position and will help drive both sustainable economic growth and societal

by Kelly Washington Plants and gardens provide consolation to many Black people who are experiencing some mental trauma attributed to the duality of COVID-19 and the cumulative effects of racism. The weight of both of these events on one’s mental health can be immeasurable and can take an emotional toll. While plants alone may not be the only remedy for mental health, having plants around can decrease anxiety levels and may reduce physiological and psychological stress. Plants have a calming effect on the mind, body, and soul. As

CellDration Water, one of only a handful of Black-owned Premium water brands in the world, has partnered with Cincinnati based Kroger Inc, Wakefern (NJ), and DPI Specialty Foods (CA) for distribution in over 1100 stores nationwide, represented by six divisions and spanning sixteen states. Kroger corporation includes other retail grocery brands Ralph’s, Smith’s, and Fry’s. Utilizing a proprietary five (5) step process, and founded at the nexus between nature and science, CellDration Water offers an enhanced, mineralized purified water with multiple value-added benefits. CellDration’s game-changing national distribution

Among millennials, currently there is a growing theme of people attempting to monetize hobbies. As opposed to previous generations, millennials (born between 1980 and 1996), have adopted a stronger entrepreneurial mentality. Economic Innovation Group along with EY, a professional services firm, polled millennials. The survey showed 62 percent of millennials have contemplated starting their own business, and 72 percent believe entrepreneurship is “essential for promoting innovation and jobs.” They either try and profit from something they are already good at, invest in something they believe in, or

As appeared first in Local Media Association Real Times Media, founded in 2003, publishes weekly newspapers serving the Black community including the Chicago Defender, Michigan Chronicle, and Atlanta Daily World, as well as the digital studio RTM360°. [caption id="attachment_10903" align="alignright" width="277"] Tanisha Leonard[/caption] Michigan Chronicle launched Pancakes and Politics 15 years ago, “bridging what we perceived to be a deep cultural divide in Southeastern Michigan,” said Tanisha Leonard, President, RTM360°.  “Since that time, Pancakes and Politics has become a safe space where diverse leadership can come together for productive conversations about the issues that shape