Beyond Juneteenth: Breaking the Chains to Access Capital and Achieve Real Freedom
Vercie Lark, left, Region 7 Great Plains Administrator and Ted James, right, Region 6 South Central Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration By Vercie Lark and Ted James Being black and walking away from a person who legally owned you became reality on June 17, 1865, when Texas became the last state to implement the Emancipation Proclamation. The day, now known as Juneteenth, has become one of celebration for black Americans. It was a start. As black Americans, however, we continually must ask the question: “Are we truly emancipated?” While important to celebrate a
Despite Apathy, Activists and Strategists Urge Black Voters Not to Sit out 2022 Midterms
The failure of Congress to pass legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act have frustrated African Americans. With new voter suppression laws, the leaked Roe V. Wade opinion, and the assault on many other rights, some question whether the voting bloc that allowed Democrats to take the White House and control both houses of Congress will abandon the polls during the midterm elections. “Black voters are understandably frustrated with the lack of reform around voter rights, but the lack
Story of Black Rail Workers Inspired by Historical Events told in New Drama “The Porter”
Danielle Sanders, Chicago Defender Managing Editor Set in the early 1920s, “The Porter” follows the journeys of train porters who hustle, dream, cross borders, and pursue their ambitions in the fight for liberation as they traveled the railways across North America. It is a gripping story of empowerment and idealism that highlights the moment when railway workers from both Canada and the United States joined together to give birth to the world’s first Black union. Set primarily in Montreal, Chicago, and Detroit as the world rebuilds after the
AMERICA’S TRUE LIFE – WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE
by Ennis Leon Jacobs, Jr I recently wrote an opinion editorial titled “America’s True Critical Race Theory” in response to the political debate in Florida on this civic controversy. I had ulterior motives because my son is deeply immersed in the topic, and a friend, who is a state leader, was deeply moved by the Florida legislative proposals. The article recalled an experience in high school when, during a band trip, I and a classmate were ushered out of the home of a host student because of our
Joe Dumars named Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations for NBA
NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that Joe Dumars, a Hall of Fame player, distinguished team executive and NBA champion with more than 30 years of experience in the league, has been appointed Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Dumars will begin with the league office on May 9 and report to Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. In his new role, Dumars will oversee all Basketball Operations matters for the NBA, including the development of playing rules and interpretations, conduct and discipline, and policies
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
Divinely Ordered To Empower Communities: Meet Alice G. Thompson CEO, Black Family Development, Inc.
By Donald James Prayer and unwavering faith in God, according to Alice G. Thompson, CEO of Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI), are essential to her leadership role with Detroit-based BFDI. Established in 1978 by the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers, the mission of BFDI is “To strengthen and enhance the lives of children, youth, and families through partnerships that support safe, nurturing, vibrant homes, schools and communities.” Thompson has served as BFDI’s top executive since 1994. She said her steps to BFDI were divinely
Designer Brands Announces $2 Million Investment into First Black-Owned U.S. Footwear Factory, Partnering with Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design
Designer Brands Inc, parent of shoe retailer DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, announced today an investment of $2 million into advancing action-oriented Diversity, Equity & Inclusion through a partnership with Pensole and legendary footwear designer Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, President of Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design (PLC). Located in Detroit, PLC is the first and only Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in Michigan and the first HBCU with a focus on design. PLC, formerly known as the Lewis College of Business, is expected to reopen in May 2022. In this new partnership, Designer Brands will invest in
Top Detroit Businessman and Philanthropist Donates $100,000 Gift to UNCF in Support of HBCUs
Washington, D.C., Feb 15, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A $100,000 gift will be presented on Feb. 17 to UNCF (United Negro College Fund) in support of three UNCF-member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by William F. Pickard, Ph.D., founder and executive chairman of Global Automotive Alliance (GAA) Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management. The presentation will take place on the campus of UNCF-member Clark Atlanta University. Pickard’s gift includes donations to UNCF, Clark Atlanta University, Saint Augustine University and Philander Smith College. The donation is being made by Pickard
How One Detroit Attorney Turned Waste Management Solutions Into a Empire
Wendy Turner Miller is changing the landscape for professional Black women in a predominantly male arena. The feisty 5-foot-5-inch lady lawyer turned successful industrial waste management professional, is a pioneer in the field going where few women have ventured before. As a burgeoning player in the waste management industry, the CEO and president of Superior Innovative Solutions says the secret to her success is to “Believe in yourself and know that you are your own driving force. Push past the fear of the unknown and dream big.