Join the Virtual Pancakes & Politics Discussion LIVE: Rebuilding American Cities through a Lens of Equity and Inclusion
The pandemic has forced Americans to take a critical look in the mirror, many of whom were not satisfied with what they saw. From that arose a stronger sense of commitment to creating lasting change beginning in local communities. The Michigan Chronicle’s latest virtual Pancakes & Politics focuses on improving access to better living for all. The forum will spotlight change agents such as Capital Impact Partners CEO Ellis Carr, Develop Detroit CEO Sonya Mays, and Avanath Capital Founder/CEO Daryl Carter. Building from the previous forum centered on
Accenture Introduces Black Founders Development Program
Accenture has created the Black Founders Development Program to aid Black entrepreneurs, especially Black tech startups. According to a statement released by Accenture, the program is designed to "advance and grow technology businesses through greater, more direct access to venture capital, corporate mentorship, and strategic connections with Accenture’s business partners, clients, and people." They are aiming to increase Black access to wealth and fuel the next great innovators. "Black entrepreneurs continue to innovate but face bias and lack access to capital and opportunity in the venture capital community,
Under Armour Appoints Wes Moore to Board of Directors
Effective October 1, Under Armour announced Wes Moore will serve on its Board of Directors. Moore, 41, is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Robin Hood foundation, a nonprofit that has dispersed more than $3 billion to fight injustices in education, health, housing and expanding career opportunities. “I’m excited to join the extraordinary team at Under Armour. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of business and community helping to drive value for a dynamic and broad base of stakeholders,” said Moore.
Target Names Maurice Cooper New Marketing SVP
Target has named Maurice Cooper its new Marketing Senior Vice President. Cooper's work will focus on inclusive branding to strengthen consumer relationships, strategic promotions, and marketing across media platforms. Effective September 14, he will directly report to Rick Gomez, Target’s EVP and chief marketing, digital and strategy officer. In a statement Gomez said, “Maurice has an incredible passion and curiosity for understanding the consumer, their mindset and their shifting preferences. His extensive experience and leadership will make him a great addition to our marketing team as we continue
Pinterest Names Tyi McCray as Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity
Pinterest has appointed Tyi McCray its Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity. McCray, who has worked with Airbnb, Twitter, and the New York Times, comes on board to lead programming promoting diverse culture. She will report directly to co-founder and Pinterest CEO Ben Silbermann. "We’re very excited to welcome Tyi to Pinterest. She is a proven and compassionate leader who will be a huge asset in advancing the significant work ahead of us," said Silbermann. "I look forward to working with her to build a culture where all
Two Black Owned Banks Merge Forming a Billion Dollar Lender
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
Black Owned Celldration Premium Water Signs Historic Distribution Deal For 1100 Kroger Stores
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
Hobby or Hustle: Understanding How Millennials View Entrepreneurship
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
How Real Times Media expanded impact with Pancakes and Politics, in-person event gone virtual because of COVID-19
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
Two Brothers Hope to Open Philadelphia’s First Black Owned Brewery
The state of Pennsylvania does not currently have a Black owned brewery. In fact, under 2 percent of American breweries are Black owned. Two West Philadelphia brothers, Rich Koilor and Mengistu Koilor, are looking to change that. "The more we looked into the brewing industry, the more we saw that there weren't a lot of Black brewers or Black-owned breweries," said Rich Koilor. "That kind of pushed us to, why not be the first Black-owned brewery in Philly?" Mengistu adds, "Something that's Black-owned that belongs to us where we