Find Out How Corporate Racial Equity Programs Could Help Grow Your Business At Black Enterprise’s Entrepreneurs Summit

Months of protests against police brutality and systemic racism shook the world. As a result, corporate America has been compelled to respond to the nation’s history of racial inequities with statements, investments and diversity initiatives. To further tackle such disparities – especially the ever-widening racial wealth gap – many in corporate leadership roles have placed a specific emphasis on the advancement of Black-owned businesses.

But can this renewed commitment from corporate America really level the playing field for Black businesses?

At the virtual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit, an expert panel will tackle this and other questions  during the “Investing In Racial Equity,” session, sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. The participants include Ted Archer, Executive Director, Global Philanthropy, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.; Jehan Crump-Gibson, Managing Partner, Great Lakes Legal Group PLLC; and Derek T. Dingle, Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer for Black Enterprise.

In developing solutions s to address structural racial inequity, many corporations have started taking a long-term view, according to Archer.

“In this current state long-term investments will get us to the point where we have true equity,” he said. “Corporations thrive, our business community thrives when we all have access to the systems that allow us to be contributors.”

For J.P. Morgan specifically, Archer points to the bank’s recent $30 billion five-year commitment to unlock opportunities for Black and other minority-owned businesses. The commitment calls for providing 15,000 loans of up to $2 billion to small businesses in communities of color; an additional $750 million in procurement spending with Black and Latinx vendors; and a new program to help coach entrepreneurs.

He also referred to the entrepreneurial component of JPMC’s two-year-old Advancing Black Pathways initiative. Its Advancing Black Entrepreneurs Coalition – which includes organizations such as the National Urban league, US Black Chambers, National Minority Supplier Development Council and Black Enterprise as members – advises JPMC officials on outreach efforts and programming like the series of webinars to help Black firms pivot in the current business environment as well as engage in loan readiness,.

Crump-Gibson, whose Detroit-based firm represents a number of startups, says that the corporate commitments are admirable and certainly needed,  but “it’s going to take some time though.” She maintains that at a time when many cash-strapped entrepreneurs continue to lack access to capital and credit, which is crucial after their companies have been ravaged by the pandemic.

JPMC’s thrust may prove to be a real gamechanger given that African Americans represent nearly 13% of the U.S. population but comprise a mere 4% of the nation’s small business owners.

Crump-Gibson maintains, she added, that partnering with Black-owned businesses will also be a critical component in helping these entrepreneurs access the resources they need. “So, we know that these programs are on the way. But I think we have to do a lot more collaborating with the legislature and more institutions like J.P. Morgan Chase,” she said.

In addition to reviewing corporate programs, the session will offer entrepreneurs advice on how to use their firms as platforms to wealth creation, including:

• Effective ways to manage your business and personal finances
• Engaging in business succession and estate planning
• Building assets, such as commercial real estate

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/32Bwjwo

William Kennard Achieves Milestone With Appointment As Chairman Of AT&T

There has been a major milestone in the diversification of corporate board leadership: William E. Kennard has been appointed chairman of AT&T, the world’s largest telecommunications and media company. The appointment holds great significance in that the former FCC Chairman now represents a handful of African Americans who have risen to lead corporate governance at the nation’s largest publicly traded companies.

A member of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Registry of Corporate Directors, Kennard will assume the position at the $181 billion leviathan effective January 2021, upon the retirement of the Randall Stephenson, its current executive chairman of the board.

Among African Americans who currently serve in that leadership role at S&P 500 corporations include Microsoft Chairman John Thompson; Cigna Chairman Isaiah Harris, Jr.; CenterPoint Energy Executive Chairman Milton Carroll; and Merck & Co, Chairman Kenneth Frazier, who is CEO of the pharmaceutical giant as well. Other African Americans who have risen to board chairman positions have been Kenneth Chenault, retired chairman and CEO of American Express; Ursula Burns, former chair and CEO of Xerox; and Richard Parsons, ex-chairman of Citigroup.

 “It’s an honor to be selected to serve as chairman of AT&T’s board of directors,” Kennard said in a released statement. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Randall for his outstanding leadership and countless contributions as chairman. We wish him all the best.  I look forward to working with our CEO and fellow board member John Stankey and the entire board to continue creating long-term value for all stakeholders – investors, customers, employees and the communities we serve.”

Stephenson said in a released statement: “Bill’s deep knowledge of communications, media and technology, proven leadership and broad experience across capital markets and government uniquely positions him to serve as AT&T’s new chairman. He is an outstanding choice to lead our board of talented directors who possess diverse expertise and experience.”

Kennard has been an AT&T board member since 2014, and currently serves on the corporate governance and nominating committee and public policy and corporate reputation committee.

His career experience and global influence spans government as well as the telecommunications, media and finance industries. He was FCC chairman from 1997 to 2001 and the agency’s general counsel from 1993 to 1997. From 2009 to 2013, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union.

Kennard also has held posts with The Carlyle Group, a global asset management firm, at which he led investments in the telecommunications and media sectors, and the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand (now DLA Piper), where he was a partner and member of the board of directors.

He also serves on the boards of Duke Energy Corporation, Ford Motor Company and MetLife, Inc.

 

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Find Out How Corporate Racial Equity Programs Could Help Grow Your Business At Black Enterprise’s Entrepreneurs Summit

Months of protests against police brutality and systemic racism shook the world. As a result, corporate America has been compelled to respond to the nation’s history of racial inequities with statements, investments and diversity initiatives. To further tackle such disparities – especially the ever-widening racial wealth gap – many in corporate leadership roles have placed a specific emphasis on the advancement of Black-owned businesses.

But can this renewed commitment from corporate America really level the playing field for Black businesses?

At the virtual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit, an expert panel will tackle this and other questions  during the “Investing In Racial Equity,” session, sponsored by J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. The participants include Ted Archer, Executive Director, Global Philanthropy, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.; Jehan Crump-Gibson, Managing Partner, Great Lakes Legal Group PLLC; and Derek T. Dingle, Senior Vice President and Chief Content Officer for Black Enterprise.

In developing solutions s to address structural racial inequity, many corporations have started taking a long-term view, according to Archer.

“In this current state long-term investments will get us to the point where we have true equity,” he said. “Corporations thrive, our business community thrives when we all have access to the systems that allow us to be contributors.”

For J.P. Morgan specifically, Archer points to the bank’s recent $30 billion five-year commitment to unlock opportunities for Black and other minority-owned businesses. The commitment calls for providing 15,000 loans of up to $2 billion to small businesses in communities of color; an additional $750 million in procurement spending with Black and Latinx vendors; and a new program to help coach entrepreneurs.

He also referred to the entrepreneurial component of JPMC’s two-year-old Advancing Black Pathways initiative. Its Advancing Black Entrepreneurs Coalition – which includes organizations such as the National Urban league, US Black Chambers, National Minority Supplier Development Council and Black Enterprise as members – advises JPMC officials on outreach efforts and programming like the series of webinars to help Black firms pivot in the current business environment as well as engage in loan readiness,.

Crump-Gibson, whose Detroit-based firm represents a number of startups, says that the corporate commitments are admirable and certainly needed,  but “it’s going to take some time though.” She maintains that at a time when many cash-strapped entrepreneurs continue to lack access to capital and credit, which is crucial after their companies have been ravaged by the pandemic.

JPMC’s thrust may prove to be a real gamechanger given that African Americans represent nearly 13% of the U.S. population but comprise a mere 4% of the nation’s small business owners.

Crump-Gibson maintains, she added, that partnering with Black-owned businesses will also be a critical component in helping these entrepreneurs access the resources they need. “So, we know that these programs are on the way. But I think we have to do a lot more collaborating with the legislature and more institutions like J.P. Morgan Chase,” she said.

In addition to reviewing corporate programs, the session will offer entrepreneurs advice on how to use their firms as platforms to wealth creation, including:

• Effective ways to manage your business and personal finances
• Engaging in business succession and estate planning
• Building assets, such as commercial real estate

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/32Bwjwo

William Kennard Achieves Milestone With Appointment As Chairman Of AT&T

There has been a major milestone in the diversification of corporate board leadership: William E. Kennard has been appointed chairman of AT&T, the world’s largest telecommunications and media company. The appointment holds great significance in that the former FCC Chairman now represents a handful of African Americans who have risen to lead corporate governance at the nation’s largest publicly traded companies.

A member of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Registry of Corporate Directors, Kennard will assume the position at the $181 billion leviathan effective January 2021, upon the retirement of the Randall Stephenson, its current executive chairman of the board.

Among African Americans who currently serve in that leadership role at S&P 500 corporations include Microsoft Chairman John Thompson; Cigna Chairman Isaiah Harris, Jr.; CenterPoint Energy Executive Chairman Milton Carroll; and Merck & Co, Chairman Kenneth Frazier, who is CEO of the pharmaceutical giant as well. Other African Americans who have risen to board chairman positions have been Kenneth Chenault, retired chairman and CEO of American Express; Ursula Burns, former chair and CEO of Xerox; and Richard Parsons, ex-chairman of Citigroup.

 “It’s an honor to be selected to serve as chairman of AT&T’s board of directors,” Kennard said in a released statement. “On behalf of the board, I want to thank Randall for his outstanding leadership and countless contributions as chairman. We wish him all the best.  I look forward to working with our CEO and fellow board member John Stankey and the entire board to continue creating long-term value for all stakeholders – investors, customers, employees and the communities we serve.”

Stephenson said in a released statement: “Bill’s deep knowledge of communications, media and technology, proven leadership and broad experience across capital markets and government uniquely positions him to serve as AT&T’s new chairman. He is an outstanding choice to lead our board of talented directors who possess diverse expertise and experience.”

Kennard has been an AT&T board member since 2014, and currently serves on the corporate governance and nominating committee and public policy and corporate reputation committee.

His career experience and global influence spans government as well as the telecommunications, media and finance industries. He was FCC chairman from 1997 to 2001 and the agency’s general counsel from 1993 to 1997. From 2009 to 2013, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the European Union.

Kennard also has held posts with The Carlyle Group, a global asset management firm, at which he led investments in the telecommunications and media sectors, and the law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand (now DLA Piper), where he was a partner and member of the board of directors.

He also serves on the boards of Duke Energy Corporation, Ford Motor Company and MetLife, Inc.

 

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3lois3W

Meet The Black Designer Behind One of The Trendiest Handbags On Social Media

Luxury fashion has often been associated with Europe but more designers from the African continent have started to become increasingly popular, especially in light of a growing trend to support Black businesses. One designer has managed to leverage her rising social media persona to launch a new collection of luxury handbags.

Wilglory Tanjong is the founder of Anima Iris, a luxury handbag brand named after her childhood best friend “Anima” and her mother “Iris, and is made in Dakar, Senegal. Launched earlier this year, her quality, handcrafted designs have caught the attention of thousands of users on social media and the fashion community./

The Princeton graduate and now Wharton business student says her love of fashion started very young. “As a child, I always remember being really into fashion,” said Tanjong in an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I always loved dressing up [and] just looking very nice. I think that was something that was just part of my culture as well. We always had to look nice.”

During her time at Princeton, she was very engaged in the Black community on campus while studying African Development. Once she graduated, she found herself unhappy in her comfortable job on Wall Street and wanted to take a chance on herself, taking a six-month leave of absence to explore the African continent including Kenya and Senegal. It was there she started the African Hustle Series to highlight young African entrepreneurs in various industries.

Tanjong ended up in Senegal because there was no visa requirement to stay and she stayed in Dakar where she made connections with various artisans that inspired her to make handbags. “That’s when I started thinking I wanted to make something,” she explained. “I just wanted to make something for myself [at first]”

After experimenting with her craft and brainstorming ways to recoup her savings from traveling. She decided to quit her job to go full time after she took the chance to build the brand after receiving positive feedback even amid the pandemic.

“I don’t feel like I went to Senegal and all of this happened for no reason, I felt like there was more,” Tanjong said. “I understand that I have a purpose in life and if I am following the path that God has paved for me then I cannot fail.”

Since then Amina Iris has become a trendy sought-after handbag from various fashion influencers. Since going viral on Twitter, she has expanded her team and operations, moving back to Senegal to ensure her high-quality designs and establish an on-the-ground team. For 2021, Tanjong has big visions for her brand.

“What I realized this company can be and should have just grown so grand,” she says.”Seeing how women, especially Black women, react to a handbag that’s luxurious…and that is also made with them in mind I think creates a special kind of emotional reaction for me [and] makes me feel like our world really needs. [It is] something that is missing in this luxury landscape and can be the next big thing.”

 

 

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With Love, @zenchill x The Black + White Zaza

A post shared by ANIMA IRIS (@anima.iris) on Nov 4, 2020 at 2:29pm PST

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This 12-Year-Old Is Set To Become One of The Youngest Composers For the New York Philharmonic Orchestra

Teaching music to children has been said to offer positive growth during their early development. For one Brooklyn girl, her love for music led her to continue her dream toward composing original work while achieving remarkable milestones.

Grace Moore is a young musician who is poised for greatness and achieved a huge milestone this week. WPIX 11 reported that the seventh-grader is one of the youngest composers to enter the New York Philharmonic. Moore is enrolled in the organization’s Very Young Composers program designed to teach participants as young as 8-years-old how to create original scores. The members of the program will also get to see their work performed by professional musicians in the orchestra.

The student body of Poly Prep in Brooklyn congratulated their fellow student on its Twitter page to celebrate the high accomplishment. “#PolyPrep is so proud of seventh-grader Grace Moore ’26” the school wrote in a tweet. “Hear her beautiful music composed as part of the NY Philharmonic Very Young Composers program.”

 

#PolyPrep is so proud of seventh grader Grace Moore ’26. Hear her beautiful music composed as part of the NY Philharmonic Very Young Composers program. @nyphil https://t.co/0q0kYJOmnK

— Poly Prep (@polyprep) November 5, 2020

In October, Moore was able to make her debut with the orchestra in a live performance she created for the program. The music organization shared a video of the performance featuring Moore in attendance to hear her music come to life on its Instagram page.

 

 

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Temperatures are dropping but summer’s memory still lingers. Last week Philharmonic musicians performed the World Premiere of Grace Moore’s “Summer,” a pastoral scene written expressly for NY Phil Bandwagon. Grace participates in the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers program and she just turned 12 last week! #nyphilbandwagon #nyphil #nyphilharmonic cc: @arcostanzo

A post shared by New York Philharmonic (@nyphilharmonic) on Oct 17, 2020 at 8:17am PDT

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3paZX58

This 12-Year-Old Is Set To Become One of The Youngest Composers For the New York Philharmonic Orchestra

Teaching music to children has been said to offer positive growth during their early development. For one Brooklyn girl, her love for music led her to continue her dream toward composing original work while achieving remarkable milestones.

Grace Moore is a young musician who is poised for greatness and achieved a huge milestone this week. WPIX 11 reported that the seventh-grader is one of the youngest composers to enter the New York Philharmonic. Moore is enrolled in the organization’s Very Young Composers program designed to teach participants as young as 8-years-old how to create original scores. The members of the program will also get to see their work performed by professional musicians in the orchestra.

The student body of Poly Prep in Brooklyn congratulated their fellow student on its Twitter page to celebrate the high accomplishment. “#PolyPrep is so proud of seventh-grader Grace Moore ’26” the school wrote in a tweet. “Hear her beautiful music composed as part of the NY Philharmonic Very Young Composers program.”

 

#PolyPrep is so proud of seventh grader Grace Moore ’26. Hear her beautiful music composed as part of the NY Philharmonic Very Young Composers program. @nyphil https://t.co/0q0kYJOmnK

— Poly Prep (@polyprep) November 5, 2020

In October, Moore was able to make her debut with the orchestra in a live performance she created for the program. The music organization shared a video of the performance featuring Moore in attendance to hear her music come to life on its Instagram page.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Temperatures are dropping but summer’s memory still lingers. Last week Philharmonic musicians performed the World Premiere of Grace Moore’s “Summer,” a pastoral scene written expressly for NY Phil Bandwagon. Grace participates in the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers program and she just turned 12 last week! #nyphilbandwagon #nyphil #nyphilharmonic cc: @arcostanzo

A post shared by New York Philharmonic (@nyphilharmonic) on Oct 17, 2020 at 8:17am PDT

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3paZX58

The Squad Members Have All Won Their Reelection For Congress Seats

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, otherwise known as “The Squad” have become a formidable force in the House since they took office back in 2018, even becoming the target of fiery tweets from President Donald Trump. This week, the four women have confirmed that they have all successfully won their reelection campaigns, securing another term in the House of Representatives.

Our sisterhood is resilient. pic.twitter.com/IfLtsvLEdx

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 4, 2020

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez took to her Twitter to celebrate the news and win in another historic victory in New York. “Thank you to the Bronx and Queens for re-electing me to the House despite the millions spent against us and trusting me to represent you once more,” she wrote, retweeting the announcement. The Bronx native was able to secure over $17 million in campaign funding, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Serving NY-14 and fighting for working class families in Congress has been the greatest honor, privilege, & responsibility of my life.

Thank you to the Bronx & Queens for re-electing me to the House despite the millions spent against us, & trusting me to represent you once more. https://t.co/MXG2Z2DV2F

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 4, 2020

Rep. Omar also shared the news on Twitter, of both The Squad win and of her own win in Minnesota. “We are building a movement that sees my struggle as inherently tied to your struggle, and sees a world where all workers can be uplifted,” she wrote in a tweet. “Today’s vote—the results of this election—are not the end. This is just the beginning.”

We are building a movement that sees my struggle as inherently tied to your struggle, and sees a world where all workers can be uplifted.

Together.

Today’s vote – the results of this election – are not the end.

This is just the beginning. https://t.co/0JlTxiV0Gh

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 4, 2020

 

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/38m2MdX

The Squad Members Have All Won Their Reelection For Congress Seats

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, otherwise known as “The Squad” have become a formidable force in the House since they took office back in 2018, even becoming the target of fiery tweets from President Donald Trump. This week, the four women have confirmed that they have all successfully won their reelection campaigns, securing another term in the House of Representatives.

Our sisterhood is resilient. pic.twitter.com/IfLtsvLEdx

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 4, 2020

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez took to her Twitter to celebrate the news and win in another historic victory in New York. “Thank you to the Bronx and Queens for re-electing me to the House despite the millions spent against us and trusting me to represent you once more,” she wrote, retweeting the announcement. The Bronx native was able to secure over $17 million in campaign funding, according to the Federal Election Commission.

Serving NY-14 and fighting for working class families in Congress has been the greatest honor, privilege, & responsibility of my life.

Thank you to the Bronx & Queens for re-electing me to the House despite the millions spent against us, & trusting me to represent you once more. https://t.co/MXG2Z2DV2F

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 4, 2020

Rep. Omar also shared the news on Twitter, of both The Squad win and of her own win in Minnesota. “We are building a movement that sees my struggle as inherently tied to your struggle, and sees a world where all workers can be uplifted,” she wrote in a tweet. “Today’s vote—the results of this election—are not the end. This is just the beginning.”

We are building a movement that sees my struggle as inherently tied to your struggle, and sees a world where all workers can be uplifted.

Together.

Today’s vote – the results of this election – are not the end.

This is just the beginning. https://t.co/0JlTxiV0Gh

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 4, 2020

 

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/38m2MdX

Create A Unique, Private Business Phone Number With This App For Just $20 A Year

Many small business owners use their personal phone number as their business’s primary point of contact, but this can be quite confusing if you want to keep your business and personal life separate. That’s why it’s recommended that every business, whether it’s brick-and-mortar or 100% digital, gets a separate phone number to handle business inquiries. 

That doesn’t mean you need to buy a second phone plan, let alone a new phone. With Hushed, you get a second, private phone line with a unique number that you can use for public use while keeping your personal phone number hidden. Plans start at 6,000 SMS messages and 1,000 talk minutes per year, which you can get for just $19.99 with this deal. 

Hushed is a secure, app-based private phone line service that works on iOS and Android devices. You’ll get a new phone number to make calls, send texts, and customize voicemail with the option to choose from over 100 different area codes across the US and Canada. You can even conduct all of your communications through Wi-Fi so you don’t incur service charges. Best of all, you can enjoy all of these features without signing up for a new, expensive phone plan from your mobile provider. 

If you want to run your business professionally, it’s best to separate work and play. That includes having a separate phone number for your business. With Hushed, you get a private phone line that works on your current mobile device without committing to an expensive new phone plan. Plans start at $19.99 per year and go as high as $59.99 for 12,000 SMS messages and 2,500 minutes per year. 

Prices subject to change.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2TSQwsW

Create A Unique, Private Business Phone Number With This App For Just $20 A Year

Many small business owners use their personal phone number as their business’s primary point of contact, but this can be quite confusing if you want to keep your business and personal life separate. That’s why it’s recommended that every business, whether it’s brick-and-mortar or 100% digital, gets a separate phone number to handle business inquiries. 

That doesn’t mean you need to buy a second phone plan, let alone a new phone. With Hushed, you get a second, private phone line with a unique number that you can use for public use while keeping your personal phone number hidden. Plans start at 6,000 SMS messages and 1,000 talk minutes per year, which you can get for just $19.99 with this deal. 

Hushed is a secure, app-based private phone line service that works on iOS and Android devices. You’ll get a new phone number to make calls, send texts, and customize voicemail with the option to choose from over 100 different area codes across the US and Canada. You can even conduct all of your communications through Wi-Fi so you don’t incur service charges. Best of all, you can enjoy all of these features without signing up for a new, expensive phone plan from your mobile provider. 

If you want to run your business professionally, it’s best to separate work and play. That includes having a separate phone number for your business. With Hushed, you get a private phone line that works on your current mobile device without committing to an expensive new phone plan. Plans start at $19.99 per year and go as high as $59.99 for 12,000 SMS messages and 2,500 minutes per year. 

Prices subject to change.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2TSQwsW

Highly Accurate Stock Market Indicator Predicts Trump Will Win The Election

The S&P 500’s direction in the last three months leading up to an election has correctly predicted 20 of the past 23 elections and this year’s direction is signaling a Trump victory.

According to Ryan Detrick, market strategist at LPL Financial, when the S&P 500 is up in the three months before an election, the incumbent typically wins and when the S&P 5600 is down, the challenger typically wins. Investors Business Daily (IBD) reports the S&P 500 is trending upwards, signaling a Trump win, but barely.

The S&P 500’s 1.2% last-minute gain Monday put it at 3310.24, meaning based on the model, President Trump wins, barely. According to Detrick, the S&P 500’s total return, including dividends, in the last three months is just 0.5%.

“Historically, the stock market is a great predictor of who will be in the White House,” Detrick told IBD. “Remember 2016 when nearly everyone thought former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton would win? Well, stocks didn’t buy it, as the S&P 500 fell ahead of the election and signaled a change in party.”

Although the model typically predicts the next president, this year could be different. For starters, the three month change was microscopic and even in the negative until the final hours of trading Monday. Secondly, contributions from those in the securities and investment industry have given more money to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden than to President Trump, despite the fact the market grew in the first three years of Trump’s presidency.

Also, the coronavirus pandemic created the one thing Wall Street hates, unpredictability. Since the coronavirus hit the U.S. in February, President Trump largely ignored it, which ended up causing significant market instability down the road.

The market has been largely unstable during the spring and summer with significant growth at times and falls so low that three emergency stoppages of the market were implemented in March. Additionally, the IBD predicted a narrow Biden win as late as Monday.

According to IBD, the election is expected to be so close, the prediction changes depending on what time period of the year one uses for the S&P 500’s three-month test.

Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA, told IBD a different S&P 500 formula that’s been 82% to 88% accurate predicts a Biden victory. That model tracks the S&P 500’s return from July 31 to Oct. 31.

Stovall told IBD a weak period in those three months leading into election is bad for the incumbent and the S&P dropped 0.6% during that time in 2020.

With 100 million voters participating in the election before Election Day, who will win is just as unpredictable as the market has been all year.

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Detroit Black Entrepreneur Turned His Semi-Trailer Truck into a Bowling Alley on Wheels

Terence Jackson Jr., an African American entrepreneur from Southfield, Detroit, has converted a 53-foot semi-trailer truck into a bowling alley-on-wheels. It’s called Luxury Strike Bowling and it’s the world’s first ever mobile bowling alley.

Jackson, who is 34-years old, has reinvented the idea of physical entertainment after realizing how companies such as Amazon, Grub Hub, and Uber provide convenience and ease in the shopping, eating, and traveling industry. He thought of making a bowling alley accessible by making it mobile and that’s when Luxury Strike Bowling was born.

“These companies made life easier for people and created economic growth worldwide, and I wanted in,” Jackson told The Detroit News.

Luxury Strike Bowling’s design, which has been years in the making, has a few differences from the traditional bowling alley. Its two automatic bowling lanes are shorter and the bowling balls are smaller, weighing only 3 pounds. The bowling alley also features a scoring system, temperature control, neon lighting, an 80-inch theater screen, a sky lounge, and a state-of-the-art sound system that guests can connect to through Bluetooth.

Building the bowling alley was not without obstacles as it was often slowed by the unavailability of materials due to the pandemic. But Jackson was finally able to launch it last Juneteenth. The alley, which includes a loft that can accommodate 10 to 15 people, is now available for parties, corporate gatherings, church gatherings, and other events in Southfield and other nearby areas.

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/35Xe45i

Black Woman-Owned Company Creates the First Pajamas Line Featuring Children of Color

Building self-esteem through positive representation is an important part of raising healthy children. Simone Edmonson established Dreams and Jammies LLC, an Atlanta-based company, to play a key role in transforming how children of color see themselves uniquely portrayed in their sleepwear as they drift off into their heavenly dreams.

Company founder Simone Edmonson states, “I wanted children of color to know that they’re valued and their faces matter. On average, children are in their PJ’s nine-plus hours per day. So, I thought it would be inspirational for them to show their individuality by selecting designs, which aligns with the child’s inner spirit. Parents could use Dreams and Jammies as a platform to launch their child’s daily affirmation of self-worth.”

The greatest impact the launch has made in the Black community was beautifully stated by buyer Denise Johnson of Baltimore Maryland, “When I saw those beautiful black girls wearing Dreams and Jammies on my Instagram feed, I burst into tears. I initially did not know why I had this visceral reaction. Then it dawned on me that in the fifty-five years of my life, I have never seen anything like this so I purchased a pair for my grandchildren and great-nieces.”

Dreams and Jammies pajamas are 100% cotton, designed to be comfortable, and tagless. The initial product line, which is called the Comfy Collection with four distinct styles of pajamas, has received exciting responses from parents and children. “We’re constantly creating new designs and plan to launch our boys’ line of pajamas in 2021,” Simone explains. Also, the company plans to grow its brand to include kids’ underwear, slippers, as well as adjustable satin hair bonnets. Interested consumers can sign up for advance notices on the availability of the latest products.

All DreamsandJammies.com products are available for direct shipping worldwide with prices starting at $14.99. Tuck in your little princesses at night with these awesome jammies!

To learn more about the line of products visit our website or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

This article was originally published by BlackNews.com.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3oGdAZY

Meet The Men Behind This Premier Champagne and Cognac Brand

Outside of Jay-Z’s ownership in Armand de Brignac brand champagne and NBA legend Isiah Thomas’s Cheurlin brand, there is little diversity within brand ownership in the premier wine category of champagne. Despite the challenges, that didn’t stop these two Black male entrepreneurs from creating a champagne and cognac brand that emulates a life of luxury, even garnering a celebrity following.

Patrick Ductant and William Benson are the founders of Billionaire’s Row, a champagne and cognac brand officially recognized by the French government. The two men noticed the lack of diversity within the field and wanted to create a luxury brand that can stand against their competitors.

“We noticed how much money was being spent within our community but we also noticed that none of that money was going back into our community. We are looking to create economic scholarship funds for other businesses that are looking to disrupt the industry like us,” said Ductant and Benson to BLACK ENTERPRISE via email.

“Billionaire’s Row is one of the very few Black-owned champagne brands to be recognized by both the federal government in France and the United States. With us being pioneers in this, we would love to spearhead a movement for people of color to not only dominate the beverage industry but any industry where there is a void when it comes to us.”

Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to use their time in quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic to create things they are passionate about to ease their stress. “One beautiful thing about quarantine is that it gave us all a chance to be still, unplug, and clear our minds,” they say. “Many people found this time to think about career goals, creative plans, or even create businesses.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Introducing Billionares Row Cuvée XO a product of France now available to purchase click the link above in the bio for more information : @billionairesrow #billionairesrow #blackexcellence #cognac #brandy #lifestyle #love #nyc #miami #london #dubai #paris #toronto #vegas #cheers

A post shared by BILLIONAIRES ROW® (@billionairesrow) on Oct 1, 2020 at 9:37am PDT

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/31ZkAaI

Meet The Men Behind This Premier Champagne and Cognac Brand

Outside of Jay-Z’s ownership in Armand de Brignac brand champagne and NBA legend Isiah Thomas’s Cheurlin brand, there is little diversity within brand ownership in the premier wine category of champagne. Despite the challenges, that didn’t stop these two Black male entrepreneurs from creating a champagne and cognac brand that emulates a life of luxury, even garnering a celebrity following.

Patrick Ductant and William Benson are the founders of Billionaire’s Row, a champagne and cognac brand officially recognized by the French government. The two men noticed the lack of diversity within the field and wanted to create a luxury brand that can stand against their competitors.

“We noticed how much money was being spent within our community but we also noticed that none of that money was going back into our community. We are looking to create economic scholarship funds for other businesses that are looking to disrupt the industry like us,” said Ductant and Benson to BLACK ENTERPRISE via email.

“Billionaire’s Row is one of the very few Black-owned champagne brands to be recognized by both the federal government in France and the United States. With us being pioneers in this, we would love to spearhead a movement for people of color to not only dominate the beverage industry but any industry where there is a void when it comes to us.”

Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to use their time in quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic to create things they are passionate about to ease their stress. “One beautiful thing about quarantine is that it gave us all a chance to be still, unplug, and clear our minds,” they say. “Many people found this time to think about career goals, creative plans, or even create businesses.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Introducing Billionares Row Cuvée XO a product of France now available to purchase click the link above in the bio for more information : @billionairesrow #billionairesrow #blackexcellence #cognac #brandy #lifestyle #love #nyc #miami #london #dubai #paris #toronto #vegas #cheers

A post shared by BILLIONAIRES ROW® (@billionairesrow) on Oct 1, 2020 at 9:37am PDT

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/31ZkAaI

Black Lawyer Starts Law Firm With Her Best Friend and Sister

Esteemed African-American Attorney, Shymane Robinson, has launched True Lawyer – a real estate and trademark law firm that helps transform Black communities by helping investors accumulate, protect, and transfer wealth. She started the law firm with both her best friend and sister… proving that women can successfully collaborate in business!

Shymane says that she decided to start her own law practice after her professor advised her she would have to choose between being a great lawyer or mother. “There was no way I could be force to choose between my career or being a great mother,” she comments. “It was at that moment that I knew big law was not for her and that ownership matter.”

With three years under her belt as the leader of True Lawyer law firm, Shymane has grown a widely successful national law firm that focuses on transforming communities by helping investors. She defines investors as anyone who spends money with the expectation of achieving a profit or future advantage.

In honor of Women’s Small Business month, her firm has made the official announcement to give away four free federal trademark applications; a value of over $1,000 each to help women-owned businesses protect their brand. One winner will be announced every Friday starting October 9, 2020.

Please follow the brand on Instagram @TrueLawyer_ to receive more information about this giveaway.

About True Lawyer
Founded by Shymane Robinson, True Lawyer is a Chicago-based real estate and trademark law firm serving clients nationwide. True Lawyer help transform the communities by helping investors accumulate, protect, and transfer wealth. In an age where Black wealth is reported to be $0 by 2053, True Lawyer has established it self as the go-to outlet for affordable flat rate legal services ensuring everyone has access to legal representation when acquiring real estate, starting a business, protecting their business, or transferring wealth.

Accumulating, Protecting, and Transferring wealth is the keystone to shorten the wealth gap in the black community. True Lawyer is one of few law firms that offer flat rate services and make legal representation accessible to clients who do not have deep pockets or qualify for pro bono services. Learn more at TrueLawyer.com

About Shymane Robinson
Shymane Robinson was raised in Chicago, IL. She is an accomplished attorney and real estate investor, and is passionate about helping clients create wealth through real estate and trademark law as it’s the keystone to building wealth. As a real estate investor and small business owner, she understands the importance of purchasing real estate or starting a business as the first step to establishing wealth.

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2HRpnEb

Black Lawyer Starts Law Firm With Her Best Friend and Sister

Esteemed African-American Attorney, Shymane Robinson, has launched True Lawyer – a real estate and trademark law firm that helps transform Black communities by helping investors accumulate, protect, and transfer wealth. She started the law firm with both her best friend and sister… proving that women can successfully collaborate in business!

Shymane says that she decided to start her own law practice after her professor advised her she would have to choose between being a great lawyer or mother. “There was no way I could be force to choose between my career or being a great mother,” she comments. “It was at that moment that I knew big law was not for her and that ownership matter.”

With three years under her belt as the leader of True Lawyer law firm, Shymane has grown a widely successful national law firm that focuses on transforming communities by helping investors. She defines investors as anyone who spends money with the expectation of achieving a profit or future advantage.

In honor of Women’s Small Business month, her firm has made the official announcement to give away four free federal trademark applications; a value of over $1,000 each to help women-owned businesses protect their brand. One winner will be announced every Friday starting October 9, 2020.

Please follow the brand on Instagram @TrueLawyer_ to receive more information about this giveaway.

About True Lawyer
Founded by Shymane Robinson, True Lawyer is a Chicago-based real estate and trademark law firm serving clients nationwide. True Lawyer help transform the communities by helping investors accumulate, protect, and transfer wealth. In an age where Black wealth is reported to be $0 by 2053, True Lawyer has established it self as the go-to outlet for affordable flat rate legal services ensuring everyone has access to legal representation when acquiring real estate, starting a business, protecting their business, or transferring wealth.

Accumulating, Protecting, and Transferring wealth is the keystone to shorten the wealth gap in the black community. True Lawyer is one of few law firms that offer flat rate services and make legal representation accessible to clients who do not have deep pockets or qualify for pro bono services. Learn more at TrueLawyer.com

About Shymane Robinson
Shymane Robinson was raised in Chicago, IL. She is an accomplished attorney and real estate investor, and is passionate about helping clients create wealth through real estate and trademark law as it’s the keystone to building wealth. As a real estate investor and small business owner, she understands the importance of purchasing real estate or starting a business as the first step to establishing wealth.

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2HRpnEb

Philadelphia Police, Officials To Release Body Camera Footage of Walter Wallace Shooting

Philadelphia city officials and the police department said they will release the body camera footage and 911-tapes of the Walter Wallace Jr. shooting that occurred on Monday.

Wallace Jr. was shot and killed Monday night by two Philadelphia police officers during a confrontation after police responded to a report of a man carrying a weapon. According to Fox News, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw made the announcement Wednesday, saying the department will release the video “in the near future,” but plans on meeting with Wallace’s family first “to ensure they get an opportunity to view the materials first.”

Since Wallace was shot Monday, Philadelphia has endured three nights of turmoil as thousands have protested and rioted. Videos across social media showed looters running into a Walmart, breaking into a Chick-fil-A, and pulling items out of a Foot Locker. According to the New York Times, protesters also set fires to debris on the street and damaged Philadelphia police cruisers.

Fifty-three officers have been hurt and 172 people have been arrested Monday and Tuesday night combined.

When Outlaw and city officials release the footage, it will be the first time the Philadelphia Police Department has ever released body camera footage of a shooting, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

John McNesby, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5, released a video on Twitter urging Outlaw and city officials to release the footage.

A message from President John McNesby. Please share. @FOPLodge5 @john_mcnesby pic.twitter.com/AJAKed7Xlw

— FOPLodge5 (@FOPLodge5) October 28, 2020

 

“We’re calling on the city leadership to release the facts of this case. It’s not hard,” McNesby said. “It’s cut and dry, release what you have. Support your officers, back your officers and let’s get a handle on this thing.”

Wallace’s father, Walter Wallace Sr., told CNN Tuesday his son was bipolar and in crisis at the time of the incident. Shaka Johnson, an attorney representing the Wallace family, said in a news conference Tuesday, relatives called the authorities three times including once when Wallace’s brother asked for an ambulance.

“Law enforcement was called because they wanted an ambulance to come here,” Johnson told reporters. “The police are who arrived first.”

Johnson added Wallace’s wife told the officers when they arrived Wallace was “manic, bipolar” and in crisis.

“Unfortunately, the officers were not equipped with the training or the proper equipment to deal with a person who was experiencing crisis in that moment,” Johnson told CNN. “You don’t deal with crisis with a firearm.”

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/34CxEo1

Philadelphia Police, Officials To Release Body Camera Footage of Walter Wallace Shooting

Philadelphia city officials and the police department said they will release the body camera footage and 911-tapes of the Walter Wallace Jr. shooting that occurred on Monday.

Wallace Jr. was shot and killed Monday night by two Philadelphia police officers during a confrontation after police responded to a report of a man carrying a weapon. According to Fox News, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw made the announcement Wednesday, saying the department will release the video “in the near future,” but plans on meeting with Wallace’s family first “to ensure they get an opportunity to view the materials first.”

Since Wallace was shot Monday, Philadelphia has endured three nights of turmoil as thousands have protested and rioted. Videos across social media showed looters running into a Walmart, breaking into a Chick-fil-A, and pulling items out of a Foot Locker. According to the New York Times, protesters also set fires to debris on the street and damaged Philadelphia police cruisers.

Fifty-three officers have been hurt and 172 people have been arrested Monday and Tuesday night combined.

When Outlaw and city officials release the footage, it will be the first time the Philadelphia Police Department has ever released body camera footage of a shooting, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

John McNesby, the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5, released a video on Twitter urging Outlaw and city officials to release the footage.

A message from President John McNesby. Please share. @FOPLodge5 @john_mcnesby pic.twitter.com/AJAKed7Xlw

— FOPLodge5 (@FOPLodge5) October 28, 2020

 

“We’re calling on the city leadership to release the facts of this case. It’s not hard,” McNesby said. “It’s cut and dry, release what you have. Support your officers, back your officers and let’s get a handle on this thing.”

Wallace’s father, Walter Wallace Sr., told CNN Tuesday his son was bipolar and in crisis at the time of the incident. Shaka Johnson, an attorney representing the Wallace family, said in a news conference Tuesday, relatives called the authorities three times including once when Wallace’s brother asked for an ambulance.

“Law enforcement was called because they wanted an ambulance to come here,” Johnson told reporters. “The police are who arrived first.”

Johnson added Wallace’s wife told the officers when they arrived Wallace was “manic, bipolar” and in crisis.

“Unfortunately, the officers were not equipped with the training or the proper equipment to deal with a person who was experiencing crisis in that moment,” Johnson told CNN. “You don’t deal with crisis with a firearm.”

from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/34CxEo1