Fiber Industries Hires its First Chief Sustainability Officer
Fiber Industries, a leading US fiber manufacturer known for cutting-edge and innovative market leading solutions for the fabric, garment, and fashion industry announced today that George Bandy, Jr. has joined the organization as its Chief Sustainability Officer. Bandy has more than 25 years of experience in the sustainability field. His expertise will help Fiber Industries reach its short-term and long-term sustainability goals. “George is a seasoned sustainability leader who will bring a wealth of knowledge and valuable industry relationships to Fiber Industries,” said Don Bockoven, CEO of Fiber Industries. “Our company
Black-Owned Businesses Thriving Despite Early Pandemic Lows: Here’s Why
Black Information Network Despite being hit the hardest at the beginning of the pandemic, Black-owned businesses are making a significant comeback. Reports say the number of Black small-business owners is up 28 percent compared to before the pandemic. Black people are making greater gains in business than any other demographic — the number of Latino business owners increased by 19 percent and white and Asian-owned businesses saw a 5 percent increase. U.S. News reports that 1.2 million African Americans are self-employed in 2022 compared to 1.1 million in February 2020. Erica Groshen, a university
Financial Literacy Meets Technology
In the age of technology, users are used to gaining assistance at the click of a button. Apps are ever-evolving and provide the ability to access information in an instant. Merging money management with technology, developers are building apps to provide financial assistance without the hassle of in-person meetings. Access to financial assistance is a major stumbling block for African Americans. With implicit biases in banking and barriers created by systemic racism and discrimination, the ability to receive financial assistance and opportunities dwindles for Black consumers. However, African
Lizzo Finally Reveals Her ‘Biggest’ Business Venture Yet
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network Earlier this month, Lizzo teased online that she would be releasing the "biggest thing yet," and that it would be "bigger than anything I've ever done." Well, the wait is over. In an interview with The New York Times, the singer revealed that is releasing a shapewear line and that it is sure to shake up the industry.Her shapewear line, Yitty –– her childhood nickname –– will launch this week under Kate Hudson's Fabletics "active life wear brand." The first drop will include 100 pieces divided into three different
Report Confirms the U.S. Tech Ecosystem Is Still Failing Black Communities
The 2022 State of Tech Diversity report by the Kapor Center and the NAACP breaks down disparities across the tech industry, from K-12 and post-secondary academic institutions, to recruiting, hiring, retention, and VC funding. Today, the Kapor Center, a nonprofit addressing racial inequities in STEM education and the tech industry, in partnership with the NAACP, released their 2022 report titled State of Tech Diversity: The Black Tech Ecosystem. The report analyzes and synthesizes the latest data, demonstrating the continual exclusion of Black talent across the tech ecosystem, which represents a
Changing the Narrative in PR with CLOUT, LLC
By Danielle Sanders, Chicago Defender CLOUT, LLC is a marketing and public relations agency supplying strategic marketing communications counsel and turn-key public relations tools as well as tactics that empower companies and brands to grow their bottom line, influence the markets they serve and protect their corporate reputations. Former McDonald’s Corporation senior marketing communications executive, Michon Ellis founded CLOUT, LLC. Ellis is a Growth-oriented Entrepreneur, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer with nearly 25 years of global and domestic business development, marketing, and communications experience. As an influential leader, he
Harvard Law Grad Launches Black Woman-Owned Film and Content Production Company
Raye Mitchell, a Harvard Law School grad turned entertainment lawyer, has partnered with Cindy Brown, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and former WNBA player, to launch Bossology 53 Entertainment, a Black-owned media company that will create film, TV projects, and publishing content. Ultimately, their goal is to advance social justice, racial, and LGBTQ equity and celebrate everyone’s right to the dignity of being the boss of their stories and the right to be heard when telling their truth. The newly formed company comprises Mitchell’s production projects under The Mouthology® podcast
Triller Appoints Steve Pamon as President of Verzuz
Seasoned Entertainment executive to oversee the next stage of development for the iconic cultural phenomenon LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Triller, the AI-powered open garden platform for creators, announced renowned entertainment executive Steve Pamon as the President of Verzuz. Pamon will manage all aspects of the global business, including overseeing go-to-market, production, and logistical operations for Verzuz, including contracts, sponsors, venues, programming, live events, and partnerships. "Steve is the proverbial triple threat. His exceptional track record and reputation across Parkwood Entertainment, the NFL, HBO, and
50% Of Women Of Color In The US Make Less Than $15 An Hour: Report
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network A new report released by Oxfam America on Tuesday (March 22) exposes the alarming pay disparities across race and gender in the United States. The report used data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey and Current Population Survey and found that more than 50 million workers across the country are making less than $15 an hour –– and a "staggering" amount of those workers are Black women and other women of color. The data shows that 47% of Black workers make less than $15 an hour, compared to 26%
LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund invests $122 million to support growth of Black-owned banks, businesses
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced today that its Black Economic Development Fund (BEDF) has committed nearly half its capital, having closed on $122 million in investments for Black-owned banks and businesses throughout the country. The $250 million fund includes investments from Netflix, Paypal, Square, HubSpot, Aflac, Costco, Dicks Sporting Goods, ThermoFisher Scientific, Wayfair, McKinsey & Company, and Dupont. It aligns with LISC's larger Project 10X strategy to break down systemic racial barriers, including $1 billion in investments that support small businesses, community nonprofits, mission-driven lenders, anchor institutions and innovative urban and rural initiatives. "Over the last two years,