Black in Business: How Black Businesses Are Fairing After COVID-19
A casualty of nationwide shutdowns, little resources, and systemic racism, Black businesses have struggled greatly during the coronavirus pandemic and the battle for job security is far from over. What was originally thought to be a relatively short run-in with an unknown virus, quickly became a year-long disease that plagued a number of Black-owned businesses throughout the United States and beyond. With many Americans receiving vaccines and businesses opening their doors again, many are left wondering how the nation’s minority-owned operations are handling the world’s new normal. Black businesses,
Ready, Set, Go: Black Americans Have Sights On Moving to Different Countries
Coming off the heels of 2020, one thing is for certain: racism is alive and Black Americans are tired. Last year’s pandemic allowed for a surplus of independent time that gave many people a chance to evaluate how life in America had treated them thus far. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahamud Arbury sparked nationwide outrage and relevant conversations surrounding the Black experience in neighboring regions. The collective exhaustion is by no means a new feeling for a majority of the African-American community. Instances of racial
Black business registrations increase during COVID pandemic
(BlackPressUSA)—Several states have shown that the number of registered businesses has “more than doubled” according to analysis by the New York Times. In the month after the CARES Act was passed by Congress in March 2020, business registrations increased by 60 percent. Though the economic downturn caused by the COVID pandemic is likely to damage entrepreneurship and put many small businesses in a financial hole or out of business entirely, there are signs that many have turned to creating businesses after losing employment elsewhere. Andre Perry, a Brookings Institution
Kevin Walker named President and CEO of Duquesne Light Company
PITTSBURGH—The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the Board of Directors of DQE Holdings LLC (DQE) has appointed Kevin Walker as the new President and CEO of Duquesne Light Company (DLC), Duquesne Light Holdings, Inc. and DQE. Walker succeeds Mark Kaplan, who had served in an interim role since January of this year. Kaplan has also served as chief financial officer and will retain that role throughout June, after which he will become special advisor to the company’s management and board of directors. Matthew Ankrum will assume the
Wells Fargo anchors the Black Economic Alliance Foundation’s Entrepreneurs Fund
(BlackPressUSA) — The Black Economic Alliance Foundation (BEA), in collaboration with Wells Fargo, launched the Black Economic Alliance Entrepreneurs Fund (BEA Entrepreneurs Fund) to accelerate the growth of Black entrepreneurs and business owners. The $50 million evergreen fund will provide seed, start-up, and early-stage capital to businesses founded and led by Black entrepreneurs. The launch of the BEA Entrepreneurs Fund is anchored by Wells Fargo with a $20 million commitment over five years to kick-start operations and investments, and to serve as a thought partner to the BEA
Leading Black Media Company Real Times Media and its Michigan Chronicle to Host GM Chairman & CEO Mary Barra for Pancakes & Politics
Discussion will focus on company’s efforts to engage Black and brown consumers Wednesday, June 9 at 2 p.m. DETROIT — June 4, 2021 — On Wednesday, June 9 at 2 p.m., Michigan Chronicle’s Pancakes & Politics series will feature General Motors CEO Mary Barra. Following the untimely death of George Floyd, GM’s leadership committed to doing the challenging but necessary work to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion at GM and beyond. A year later, Barra will discuss the automaker’s progress and strategic plan to improve relationships and engagements with
How to protect your mental health at work
The number of people getting vaccinated is rising, and more employers will begin to bring their staff back into the office. Even though most people are working from home, employers believe there are benefits to being in the office. There is a stronger sense of togetherness and energy that aligns when team members are together. For some employees, the thought of returning to the office could bring about an increased level of anxiety. Felicia Houston, MA, LCPC, CWA works as a Director of Behavioral Health, Licensed Clinical Professional
Quentin L. Messer, Jr. Appointed Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee today named Quentin L. Messer, Jr. as MEDC CEO. The announcement comes following a national search led by the organization’s Executive Committee that included a needs analysis for the role and input from stakeholders statewide on key attributes the position required for success. “We work hard every day to bring good jobs to Michigan and support strong communities across our state through the critical work of the MEDC. Quentin brings a wealth of experience to this role and a clear passion