Let Us Help You Grow Your Business to New Heights. To take your business to the next level, it’s essential that you choose the right financial partner. At East West Bank, we offer all the products and services you expect from a big bank with the high level of personal attention you expect from a local bank. Our bankers have over 40 years of experience helping minority businesses reach their financial goals. We look forward to working closely with you to customize a financial solution tailored to your unique situation. For more information about East West Bank and our solutions for businesses, please call: 1.626.768.6729 www.eastwestbank.com
Equal Housing Lender
Member FDIC
Publisher's Message he Black Business News (BBN) salutes the Father of Negro History Week, Carter G. Woodson. The noted scholar founded the Association for the Study of Negro (now African American) Life and History (ASALH) in 1915 and the Journal of Negro Life in 1916, to ensure that the accepted practice of excluding positive negro contributions from the annals of American history would come to an end. Woodson’s motivation was further spelled out in his 1933 classic text “The Mis-Education of the Negro” when he wrote, “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world and stands in danger of being exterminated." Pubisher/Chief Executive Officer Woodson also believed that through education provided during National Negro History Week, inaugurated in 1926 (extended to one month in 1976), black Americans would understand and take pride in the strong family values, work ethic, sense of individual responsibility and spirit of entrepreneurship embedded in them by their ancestors. He felt that historical awareness would empower black Americans to depend less on the government and more on self-determination. He even suggested in “The Mis-Education of the Negro” a self-help means of supporting black entrepreneurial and community development that the BBN fully supports today, “They still have some money and they have needs to supply. They must begin immediately to pool earnings and organize industries to participate in supplying social and economic demands”. The BBN will continue to support and promote that specific history lesson and directive; “Black Business Matters”. Today, 100 years after Woodson’s pioneering crusade began; African American life, history, and culture have become major forces in the United States and the world. We celebrate as a nation the prominence achieved by African Americans, as well as other people of African descent, in shaping world politics, war, and diplomacy. For all Americans, African American History Month is an opportunity to focus on one defining aspect of our narrative as a nation fashioned by the effort of so many. African American History Month spurs us to seek out and lift up some of the most notable contributions made by African Americans to our community, country and the world for these reasons. Following WWI, a “New Negro”, representing an “organized community” with a “new attitude” would forever be at the forefront of America’s era-shifting human and civil rights movements. From the 1920’s to mid-30’s the Harlem Renaissance, fueled by the literary and intellectual works of Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston Duke Ellington and others, took control of how we define ourselves as a culture to the world. The “New Negro” also included demands for justice in the workplace as achieved in 1925 by Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters founder, A. Philip Randolph. There was also Joe Louis, Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson and others, knocking down barriers in sports, while Ralph Bunche represented America’s diplomatic position. Duke Ellington,
T
Earl “Skip” Cooper, II
Black Business News Group P.O. Box 43159 Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA 323-291-7819 Fax: 323-298-5064
www.blackbusinessnews.net PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Earl “Skip” Cooper, II
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Sarah Harris Dean L. Jones
ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR Kim Anthony
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Linda Ware
PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dean Jones Linda Ware Ralph D. Sutton Veronica Hendrix LaSandra Stratton
GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris Phallu Morgan
STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg Jennifer Marie Hamilton
PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx Sabir Narishima Osei
CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR La Sandra Stratton
LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2015 by Black Business News All Rights Reserved. The posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents and links (embedded or otherwise) on this site does not in any way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such posted material or parts therein.
see Publisher's Message on page 43 3 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
About
ABOUT THE BLACK BUSINESS NEWS GROUP… The mission of The Black Business News is to inspire and inform public and private sector industry representatives on the importance of smart small business growth. As a versatile source of socioeconomic development activity news, the publications of the Black Business News Group impart current local, national and international industry and social trends and news affecting small businesses across the United States of America (USA), providing guides to greater access to financial capital, management efficiencies, business education, mentorship opportunities and social media networks. The goals of the Black Business News Group include: •
promoting USA-based black-owned business enterprises to a world wide audience.
•
offering business growth enhancing information on education, exhibitioning, international trading, technology, industry trends, and more.
•
or exploring major public and private sector pmethods to educate black-owned and operated enterprises.
•
providing an affirmative influence forr emerging entrepreneurs by sharing in-novative design and creative cultural con-tent that exposes them to the history off black enterprises and urges them to participate in the USA’s future.
•
advocating and promoting on behalf of black-owned businesses by promoting the need for expanding an economic foundation that supports an unfettered and self-sustained urban society with USA job creation and economic opportunity, where blacks work, live and operate viable business enterprises.
WWW.BLACKBUSINESSNEWS.NET
contracting
2015 Black Business Association Events
February
Annual Awards Dinner
March
Salute to Black Women
June
Salute to Black Music Awards Dinner Black Business News Group Publications Black Business News Black Business News International Black Business News Travel Africa
Contents
BLACK BUSINESS NEWS…FEBRUARY 2015 GOVERNMENT…
BLACK HISTORY MONTH…
12 16 17 18 20 22
30 31 34 38 39
The Presidnet's 2016 Budget National Security Strategy President Obama Visits DHS FY16 Budget and the SBA Cyber-security & Civil Liberties Charles Jones Visits the White House
44 53 58 74 75 76
Black Fortune 500
Black History Month Matters Fund HBCUs Profile: Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley
3 - Publisher's Message 83 - Take A Look! 121 - Books to Consider... 126 - Calendar 127- Resources
BNN Show Biz Buzz
BUSINESS…
Gallery of Memories
COLUMNS
ENTERTAINMENT… 26
Proclamation
SPONSORS 46 - Black Business Association
75
CEOs Chef Celebrates 25 Years in Business
SPECIAL SECTION… 106 Shopping Gallery Cover image - Phallu Morgan
Eggcyte, personal web server Cognitive Computing Coming Your Way Lester Holt Moves to Prime Time IRS Ends Policy of Seizure
PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… 84 86
Education: A Civil Right Obituaries-Clark Terry, Edward Brooks, Charlie Sifford
INTERNATIONAL… 92 95
28
African Union Summit Recap Honorary Council Appointed by Zambia
5 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Black Business Association 40th Annual Awards Dinner
2015 Honoree Spotlight LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD REV. JAMES M. LAWSON Civil Righs Activist & Professor James Morris Lawson, Jr. is an American Activist, Pastor and University Professor. He is a leading theoretician and tactician of nonviolence within the American Civil Rights Movement. During the 1069s, he served as a mentor to the Nashville Student Movement and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He continues to train activists in nonviolence.
CHAIRMAN'S AWARD SUPERVISOR MARK RIDLEY-THOMAS Los Angeles County - Second District Mark RidleyThomas is member of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for District 2. He served as a California State Senator, representing the 26th district from 2006 to 2008 and was a California State Assemblyman representing the 48th district from 2002 until 2006. He was Chairman of the Assembly Democratic Caucus. Before his six years in the Legislature, he was on the Los Angeles City Council from 1991 to 2002.
PRESIDENT'S AWARD DR. GEORGE MCKENNA L.A. Unified School District Board - District 1 George McKenna III was born in New Orleans into a family that was steeped deeply in the culture and history of the city. In 1962, McKenna accepted a teaching position in the Los Angeles Unified School District. M c K e n n a became principal of George Washington Preparatory High School in 1979. In 1989, McKenna received the Congressional Black Caucus’ Chairman’s Award and in 1997 was elected into the National Alliance of Black School Educators’ Hall of Fame.
FREEDOM RIDER AWARD ROBERT FERRELL Former Councilman, Freedom Rider, and Journalist Robert Farrell was a freedom rider, journalist and a member of the Los Angeles City Council from 1974 until 1991.Farrell began his journalistic career as a reporter for the black-oriented California Eagle newspaper and on the Los Angeles Sentinel. He was also a correspondent for Jet magazine. In 1966 he published his own newspaper in Watts, the Star-Review.
8 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
HISTORIAN AWARD BILL JONES Famed Photographer
Like a weekly magazine, The Sentinel stays in the home from week to week and is the largest paid African American owned neewspaper in the West.
ORGANIZATION PIONEER AWARD CONSOLIDATED BOARD OF REALTISTS Founded in 1933 In 1949, a group of young dynamic African-American real estate Brokers gathered to discuss the inequitable
William B. Jones (affectionately) known as) Bill Jones is a history maker. During a time when celebrity African American freelance photojournalist were far and few between, in 1978, he became the first African American photojournalist to receive an invitation from the Academy of Motion Pictures of Arts and Sciences (the Oscars) to cover its ceremony as an official member of the press. For decades Bill Jones has photographed Hollywood celebrities walking down the red carpet for African American magazines and newspapers.
and prejudicial treatment of Brokers in the Los Angeles area. African-American Brokers in Los Angeles were being denied membership in local real estate boards and trade organizations. In addition, they were being prevented from marketing properties in certain areas of the city and even denied access to open houses for viewing by their clients. It was patently clear to this group of Brokers assembled that a collective effort would be required to mitigate these obstacles to their professional success.
INSTITUTION PIONEER AWARD
BUSINESS PIONEER AWARD
LOS ANGELES SENTINEL Founded in 1933
27TH STREET BAKERY Founded in 1956 Since the early 1930's, the 27th Street Bakery has been creating its amazing pies in Los Angeles. The 27th Street Bakery was originally a restaurant that was converted into a Specialty Baker in 1956, manufacturing Homemade Sweet Potato Pies, Fruit Pies and a variety of Cakes.
The Los Angeles Sentinel is an African American owned and operated newspaper that puts emphasis on issues concerning the African American community and its readers. Its a highly regarded paper that significantly influences perceptions, attitudes and buying decisions of its readership. The Sentinel is published weekly on Thursdays and boasts a readership of over 125,000. 9 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
The 2016 Budget: How We’re Using New Open Government Tools By Nathaniel Lubin
ach year, after the President's State of the Union address, the Office of Management and Budget releases the Administration's Fiscal Year budget, offering proposals on key priorities and newly announced initiatives. This year, we did things a little differently, from our expanded and enhanced State of the Union coverage to our interview with YouTube creators -- and we wanted to do the same with the budget. That's why we're releasing all of the data included in this year's budget in an easy, machine-readable format on GitHub, a website for hosting open-source projects. The budget process should be a reflection of our values as a country, and we think it's important that members of the public have as many tools as possible at their disposal to review the President's proposals -and to have an opportunity to give feedback. And, if you're motivated to create your own visualizations or products from the data, you can do that too. For the first time ever, we've also made the full text of the budget available on a blogging platform -- Medium. In this format, the budget is easier to navigate, easier to share, and easier for those who might not regularly frequent WhiteHouse.gov to find. What's more, anyone can weigh in and give their feedback by adding a comment to a given section. By making the budget available on Medium -similar to our decision to make a full transcript of the President's 2015 State of the Union address available on the platform for the first time -- we're continuing our efforts to reach a broader online audience, and giving Americans a range of ways to consume the data and details housed in the budget.
E
Explore the 2016 budget in a new way: • Check out the repository on GitHub https://github.com/WhiteHouse/2016-budget-data
• See the full budget on Medium https://go.wh.gov/2016budget • Submit feedback on the GitHub budget data here www.whitehouse.gov/feedback/budget-data • Behind the Budget: Dr. Julian Harris, OMB Associate, Director of Health www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/01/29/behindbudget-dr-julian-harris-omb-associate-directorhealth • Behind the Budget: The Education Program Examiner www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/01/28/behindbudget-education-program-examiners • Behind the Budget: The Budget Methods Specialist www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/01/30/behindbudget-budget-methods-specialist-and-more600000-pieces-information
12 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
The budget's cover finally got an upgrade. If a budget is a reflection of our priorities as a nation, why shouldn't the cover be the same? One of the President's key priorities in his 2016 budget is to modernize our public infrastructure -- something our roads, bridges, and ports desperately need. So instead of the plain blue budget cover that administrations typically affix to the budget, this year's cover features the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York -- one of the bridges that has benefited from the President's previous investments in infrastructure upgrades.
The Interactive-Budget The budget can be a lot to dig through, literally. After all, it's thousands of pages. So this year, the White House has a better, interactive way to actually "see" the budget. You can take a look at where taxpayer dollars are going, why, and who those initiatives will impact. From the patients who will receive more tailored treatment thanks to precision medicine, to the veterans who will get the job-training support they deserve, check out how the President's vision to strengthen our nation is actually laid out in the budget here: www. whitehouse.gov/interactive-budget.
Combating Climate Change
From rising sea levels and raging wildfires to extreme droughts and severe storms, climate change poses one of the most significant long-term challenges to our nation and planet. How we respond speaks volumes about our values and our leadership in the world. That's why, for the first time, the President's budget includes an entire chapter on combating climate change. Taking a holistic approach to the challenges we face, the 2016 budget invests in climate preparedness and resilience in three key ways: 1. Cutting carbon pollution: The budget will help states develop a plan to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants and will invest billions in clean energy technology -- such as solar, wind, and low-carbon fossil fuels -- that will create jobs and increase energy security. 2. Building climate resilience: To proactively reduce risk, the budget makes investments to increase the resilience of the nation's communities and ecosystems, improve understanding of projected climate-change impacts, and assist communities in planning and preparing for climate change. 3. Leading global efforts: The budget significantly advances the goals of the Global Climate Change Initiative by supporting important multilateral and bilateral engagement with major and emerging economies and by contributing to the Green Climate Fund, which will help developing countries reduce carbon pollution and strengthen resilience to climate change. www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/02/01/2015-budgetsee-how-we-re-using-new-open-government-tools www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/02/02/five-newthings-about-the-fy2016-budget
13 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
14 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Here's a useful chart of the President's $1.15 trillion proposed discretionary spending budget. This is the budget that's set annually, over which priorities are established every year (it doesn't include Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which are baked into the budget). Note that the President is calling for military spending to be 54%, while squeezing everything else the government does (including education and health care) into 46% of annual spending. Also note this is the President's budget, before he begins negotiating with the U.S. Congress.
President Obama is Taking Action to Fix the Retirement Advice Market The President is directing the Department of Labor to crack down on Wall Street to protect families from conflicted retirement advice. That would kick off a rulemaking process that would require all retirement advisors to abide by a "fiduciary," or trust standard. In short, that means they'd be required to put their client's best interest before their own profits. Here's what happens next: In the months to come, the Department of Labor will issue a "notice of proposed rulemaking." That's a fancy way of saying they'll be kicking off the public-feedback process. Americans like you will be able to weigh in on the best approach to modernizing the rules on retirement advice and set new standards. So keep an eye out. To get more information: • Take a look at the fact sheet for a more in-depth look at today's announcement (www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2015/02/23/fact-sheet-middle-class-economicsstrengthening-retirement-security-crac.) •
Read today's report from the Council of Economic Advisors, elaborating on the problem and who it affects (www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/cea_coi_ report_final.pdf).
• Learn more about conflicts of interest -- and how the Department of Labor will act (www.dol.gov/featured/ protectyoursavings). • See what other steps the President is taking this week on behalf of working families (www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2015/02/23/starts-today).
15 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
President Obama's National Security Strategy in 2015: Strong and Sustainable American Leadership by Tanya Somanader values, and vision for the future. The Administration released its first NSS in 2010, a time when we were in the process of bringing two wars to a responsible end, emerging from the Great Recession, and re-asserting our leadership on the world stage. Now, America's resurgence is real -we are stronger than we've been in many years. Today, the President's National Security Advisor Susan Rice outlined our new NSS in 2015 at the Brookings Institution -- one that lays out what we need to get done in the near-term to secure America for the longterm. President Barack Obama confers with National As Rice said, a Security Advisor Susan E. Rice at Konstantinovsky strong and sustainable Palace during the G20 Summit in Saint Petersburg, American leadership is Russia. (Official White House Photo by Pete key to building greater Souza) peace and prosperity throughout the world: he President's National Strong and sustained American Security Strategy (NSS) is leadership remains essential, as the blueprint for America's ever. Think for a minute where leadership in the world -- how we the world would be today without address global challenges while decisive U.S. leadership. Ebola advancing our nation's interest, would be spreading throughout
T
West Africa and likely to far corners of the world. Instead, America galvanized the world to roll back this horrible disease. Without us, Russia would be suffering no cost for its actions in Ukraine. Instead, the ruble is in a free fall, and Russia is paying dearly for flaunting the rules. Without us, there would be no military campaign or sixty countries countering ISIL’s advance. There would be no prospect for a global deal on climate change; no pressure for Iran to be at the negotiating table; and, no potential for trade that meets a higher standard for our workers and businesses. Here are the 4 key ways we will advance a strong and sustained American leadership: 1. We will advance the security of the United States, its citizens, and U.S. allies and partners. 2. We will advance a strong, innovative, and growing U.S. economy in an open international economic system. 3. We will advance respect for universal values at home and around the world. 4. We will advance an international order that promotes peace, security, and opportunity through stronger cooperation. "Our unparalleled leadership is grounded in America’s enduring strengths and guided by a clear sense of purpose," Rice said. "The challenges ahead will surely continue to be many and great. Progress won’t be quick or linear. But, we are committed to seizing the future that lies beyond the crisis of the day and to pursuing a vision of the world as it can and should be." www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/02/06/ president-obamas-national-securitystrategy-2015-strong-and-sustainableamerican-lea
16 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
President Obama' Visits DHS President Barack Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson walk between buildings during a tour and budget remarks at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
he Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) mission is to ensure that America is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards. DHS has responsibility for leading all levels of government and working with the private sector to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other threats, and for facilitating information sharing and collaborative planning between Federal, State, local, and tribal partners. DHS interacts with millions of people each day, from processing one million international arrivals at U.S. ports of entry, to screening
T
approximately 1.8 million air passengers and their luggage, patrolling 3.4 million square miles of U.S. waterways, and naturalizing almost 3,100 new citizens. The Budget supports these priorities by including $38.2 billion for the Department and $6.8 billion for disaster relief. www.whitehouse.gov/photos-andvideo/video/2015/02/02/presidentobama-speaks-funding-departmenthomeland-security http://archive.jacksonsun.com/ videonetwork/4029788501001/ President-Obama-Speaks-on-Fundingfor-the-Department-of-HomelandSecurity
17 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet on the President’s FY16 Budget dministrator ContrerasSweet says “This budget shows what we can do if we invest in America’s future and commit to an economy that rewards hard work, generates rising incomes, and allows everyone to share in the prosperity of a growing America. The President looks to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide smart, bold and accessible services to entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, high quality consultation, federal contracting opportunities, and disaster assistance. To support this mission, the President’s Budget provides SBA $701 million in discretionary funding and $159 million related to major disasters as a discretionary cap adjustment. With this funding, SBA will support more than $40 billion in loan guarantees to help over 75,000 small businesses secure the financing necessary to start or expand their businesses. Additionally, SBA will be able to increase microloans and small dollar lending to credit worthy borrowers; promote inclusive entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives to ensure equal access to SBA services; offer unique training opportunities for transitioning service members and current veterans to pursue business ownership; expand entrepreneurial education programs; provide over $1 billion in disaster relief lending and facilitate access to over $80 billion in federal contracting.
A
In FY16, we are requesting $0 in taxpayer subsidy for our core capital loan programs. Our two primary lending vehicles, our 7(a) and 504 programs, supported nearly $29 billion in small business lending in FY 2014. With default rates being so low on these programs, along with reforms I implemented around collateralizing loans, the fees cover the cost of these key programs. And that is while we have zeroed out fees on 7(a) loans under $150,000 for all entrepreneurs, and on SBA Express loans under $350,000 for our nation’s veterans. The Budget also proposes the Scale-Up Manufacturing Investment Funds (SUMIF) program, a new loan guarantee program to assist in financing the scale-up of innovative new manufacturing technologies to commercial-scale production through a combination of federal loan guarantees and matching private funds totaling $10 billion over five years. The President is also requesting $14.6 million for FY16 to improve agency performance, transform the customer service experience, and bring our agency fully into the 21st century. The centerpiece of our modernization plan is SBA One, the total automation of the 7a loan application that will dramatically cut the time and cost of applying for SBA capital. Four hundred lending partners have already signed on to the SBA network in recent months,
Maria Contreras-Sweet, SBA Administrator
and we expect that number to grow once SBA One is fully implemented. This budget will expand automation into government contracting to make it easier for small businesses to find opportunities to do business with the federal government. It also funds an SBA Idea Lab with coders and software engineers to incubate cutting-edge ideas; an SBA Digital Services Team focused on implementing online innovations; an SBA Center on Efficiency to cut costs and reduce risk; an SBA 24-hour licensing tool to help startups rapidly research and apply for municipal and state licenses; and an online tool that brings SBA lenders and prospective borrowers together. The agency is expanding access to capital through SBA’s extensive lending programs, growing mentorships, increasing exporting opportunities for small businesses, investing in high-growth businesses, fully funding disaster assistance loans, increasing opportunities for underserved communities and reducing regulatory barriers to entrepreneurship, innovation and U.S. competitiveness.” www.sba.gov/news
18 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
The Baseline Interview:
Rep. Will Hurd on Cyber-security & Civil Liberties By Samuel Greengard ep. Will Hurd, a freshman Republican, hopes to drive change in government and business. Hurd formerly served as a senior advisor at cybersecurity firm FusionX, and, before that, he worked as an undercover officer at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for nine years, where he focused on counterterrorism and cyber-security in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Hurd is the first black Republican
R
to try to be quiet and sneaky about it. You want to be able to replicate the activity. But, if you are looking to inflict damage, you're likely to come through the front gates at full bore. That's a totally different nature of threat, and it requires a different defense. Baseline: How does it change the stakes? What do business and IT leaders need to be thinking about? Hurd: It's almost impossible to keep people out. You really have to start with a presumption of breach. So, the question becomes: "How quickly can you detect someone getting in your system? Can you cordon them off and trap them, and then can you determine what they have done up to the point of identification?" It's definitely possible to protect systems and data. I have seen businesses and government agencies that do it well. But it requires a higher level of vigilance. It requires an understanding of the evolving nature of attackers so you can constantly defend against them. Today, it's movecountermove. And as attackers evolve their tactics, techniques and procedures, defenders must do the same thing. Baseline: What are your suggestions for enterprise leaders? Rep. Will Hurd, a freshman Republican representing the Hurd: It starts with looking at your 23rd Congressional District in San Antonio, Texas enterprise and figuring out what is the most elected to Congress in Texas, and he already heads important and sensitive information. It's crucial to a newly formed House Information Technology know what needs to be protected and what level Subcommittee. Baseline (www.baselinemag.com) of protection is necessary. It's also important to caught up with Hurd and asked for his thoughts on the focus on authentication and strong passwords. The number of IT professionals who do not follow current state of cyber-security. Baseline: What are your thoughts about today's basic requirements is huge, and the irony is that business environment and the growing challenge of they know better. cyber-security, cyber-warfare and hacking? Another important area is BYOD and the nodes Will Hurd: One of the biggest issues that we need to of your network that are outside your control. It's deal with, both in government and in business, is the important to have the right technology controls in evolving nature of threats. It's no longer just Russian place, but [you also need] the right processes and an organized crime trying to capture your credit card educational component. You're only as protected as information. There are now extremely sophisticated the one person that clicks a spear-phishing link in an people attempting to do major damage. email. If you're only trying to steal information, you're going Baseline: What are your thoughts about cyber20 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
spying and utilities finding malware in their systems? Hurd: If North Korea were to launch a missile at San Francisco, we would know exactly what the response would be. We have clear rules of engagement. But we do not have clear rules of engagement for a pure digitalon-digital attack. Knowing the rules of engagement deters some of this undesirable behavior. We need to work through this issue. I'm looking forward to being involved in the discussion and helping drive policy. Baseline: Is it possible to protect the nation while also protecting civil liberties? Hurd: This is something that we have to continually be thoughtful about, but I believe that we can protect our country and protect our civil liberties at the same time. In some respects, people feel safer now than a few years ago, so there is perhaps more questioning of policies. But, while we want to keep our citizens safe, we also want to make sure that we don't do things to erode the liberties that make our country great. A goal of terrorists is to instill fear and disrupt our civil liberties and our way of life. Baseline: Any final thoughts for business and IT leaders? Hurd: It starts with a mindset: the C-suite needs to be more engaged and take a more active role. There must be a greater understanding of digital infrastructure and what types of data and information need to be protected. In addition, you have to be prepared for what happens when someone gets in. It's critical to have your network examined on a frequent basis by a qualified third party. They are able to take a different perspective. Finally, if you are using thirdparty systems— including cloud services—you really have to understand where the data goes, where it is stored and how it's being managed. The environment is changing very rapidly. While it's an exciting time with unparalleled opportunities, the focus must be on protecting the ones and zeros.
Register NOW for the 2015 SelectUSA Investment Summit! Mark your calendar for the second SelectUSA Investment Summit on March 23-24, 2015, in the Washington, DC area. We’re bringing t o g e t h e r investors from all over the world, as well as economic development organizations from every corner of the United States, high-level government officials, and others working to facilitate investment in the United States. As one of 2,500 participants, you’ll get access to unique networking opportunities, online matchmaking, insight from global CEOs and senior U.S. leaders, and discussions on the latest issues affecting investments. We hope to see you there! http://selectusasummit.com
www.baselinemag.com/security/rep.-will-hurd-on-cyber-securitycivil-liberties.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=BL_NL_ BB_20150216_STR1L1&dni=217882538&rni=25652266 21 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
Clarence B. Jones, Advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Visits the White House By David Hudson
resident Obama welcomed Clarence B. Jones — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s personal attorney and advisor — to the White House. Jones, now 81, has a storied career. In addition to being Dr. King's advisor and counsel, he was also his draft speech writer and played an influential role in the drafting of King's "I Have a Dream" speech in 1963. Jones would later become the first African American partner at a Wall Street investment bank, as well as a visiting professor at the University of San Francisco and Stanford University's Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute. He's also the author of two books, What Would Martin Say? (see page 118) and Behind the Dream: The Making of the Speech that Transformed a Nation. But his story could have been drastically different. In a 2011 NPR interview, Jones explained how, when Dr. King first visited him at his California home, he actually declined Dr. King's initial request to come to Alabama to join his legal team. When Dr. King came to double down on his request in person, Jones remembers him coming in, briefly exchanging pleasantries, and then getting right down to business. According to Jones, Dr. King said, "You know, Mr. Jones, we have lots of white lawyers who help us in the movement. But what we need are
P
President Barack Obama meets with Clarence Jones, who worked with Ma Dream" speech, and guests in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photo b
more young Negro professionals because every time we embark on something, we are being hit with some form of legal action." This still was not enough to compel him onboard — but that visit did sway one member of the Jones
household. Soon after Dr. King left, Jones’s wife turned to him and said, “What are you doing that's so important that you can't help this man?” Even though he turned down Dr. King's offer, he was invited to be a
22 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
rtin Luther King, Jr. on the “I Have a by Pete Souza)
special guest at a sermon Dr. King was giving at a church in California soon after. His wife convinced him to attend, and Jones later said that he "had never heard anyone speak with such extraordinary eloquence and power."
As soon as that sermon was over, Jones walked over to Dr. King and asked, "When do you want me to go to Montgomery?" As we celebrate Black History Month and reflect on the great progress we've made, we must also
remain focused on the work that still remains — and our obligation to build upon the progress made by those who came before us. www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/02/02/ clarence-b-jones-advisor-dr-martinluther-king-visits-white-house
23 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
BBN Show Biz Buzz By Linda Ware ome of the 46th Annual NAACP Image Awards winners are:
S
Taraji P. Henson
Khandi Alexander, Scandal. View a list of all of the winners at: www. naacpimageawards.net/nominees.
ill Smith is starring in a new comedy-crimedrama all in one film entitled, “FOCUS.” The film is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa. Will stars as a veteran grafter who takes a young woman under his wing leading to suspense, drama and more. The movie will debut on February 27th in theaters nationwide.
W
Joe Morton
• Entertainer of the Year: Taraji P. Henson • Outstanding Motion Picture: Selma • Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture: David Oyelowo, Selma • Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: Taraji P. Henson, No Good Deed • Outstanding Comedy Series: Black-ish • Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series: Anthony Anderson, Black-ish • Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series: Tracee Ellis Ross, Black-ish • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Laurence Fishburne, Black-ish • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Yara Shahidi, Black-ish • Outstanding Drama Series: How to Get Away with Murder • Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: Shemar Moore, Criminal Minds • Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series: Viola Davis, How to Get Away with Murder • Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Joe Morton, Scandal • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Will Smith
Shemar Moore Viola Davis
26 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
F
or the comic book crowd, a new Aquaman has been introduced - Jason Momoa. He will be portraying Aquaman in several upcoming films including "Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice", at least two Justice League films and a standalone "Aquaman" to be out in 2018.
Jason Momoa, Aquaman
A
frican Americans were prominent as presenters for the 2015 Oscar Award show. Big winners were musicians/performers Common and John Legend writers of the Oscar winning original song "Glory." The theme song was written for the film "Selma."
CONGRATULATIONS!! Check out the gowns and suits of the sparking evening on this John Legend and Common accept page and the next. 2015 Oscar for Best Original Song "Glory" for the film "Selma" see Show Biz Buzz on page 27
27 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
BNN Show Biz Buzz from page 28
Lupita Nyong'o Presenter Viola Davis, Presenter
Eddie Murphy Presenter
David Oyelowo Presenter Jennifer Huson Performer
Carmen Ejogo Presenter
www.blackenterprise.com/events/women-of-power-summit/
Black History Month
THE WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH, 2015
F
or generations, the story of American progress has been shaped by the inextinguishable beliefs that change is always possible and a brighter future lies ahead. With tremendous strength and abiding resolve, our ancestors -- some of whom were brought to this land in chains -- have woven their resilient dignity into the fabric of our Nation and taught us that we are not trapped by the mistakes of history. It was these truths that found expression as foot soldiers and Freedom Riders sat in and stood up, marched and agitated for justice and equality. This audacious movement gave birth to a new era of civil and voting rights, and slowly, we renewed our commitment to an ideal at the heart of our founding: no matter who you are, what you look like, how modest your beginnings, or the circumstances of your birth, you deserve every opportunity to achieve your God-given potential.
As we mark National African American History Month, we celebrate giants of the civil rights movement and countless other men and women whose names are etched in the hearts of their loved ones and the cornerstones of the country they helped to change. We pause to reflect on our progress and our history -- not only to remember, but also to acknowledge our unfinished work. We reject the false notion that our challenges lie only in the past, and we recommit to advancing what has been left undone. Brave Americans did not struggle and sacrifice to secure fundamental rights for themselves and others only to see those rights denied to their children and grandchildren. Our Nation is still racked with division and poverty. Too many children live in crumbling neighborhoods, cycling through substandard schools and being affected by daily violence in their communities. And Americans of all races have seen their wages and incomes stagnate while inequality continues to hold back hardworking families and entire communities. But the trajectory of our history gives us hope. Today, we stand on the shoulders of courageous individuals who endured the thumps of billy clubs, the blasts of fire hoses, and the pain of watching dreams be deferred and denied. We honor them by investing in those around us and doing all we can to ensure every American can reach their full potential. Our country is at its best when everyone is treated fairly and has the chance to build the future they seek for themselves and their family. This means providing the opportunity for every person in America to access a world-class education, safe and affordable housing, and the job training that will prepare them for the careers of tomorrow. Like the countless, quiet heroes who worked and bled far from the public eye, we know that with enough effort, empathy, and perseverance, people who love their country can change it. Together, we can help our Nation live up to its immense promise. This month, let us continue that unending journey toward a more just, more equal, and more perfect Union. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2015 as National African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.
BARACK OBAMA
30 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Barack Husein Obama, the 44th and current president of the United States, and the first African American to serve as U.S. president.
Imhotep, Father of Medicine, Scientist, Archiect, Priest, Scribe Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Civil Rights Activists, Pastor, Spritual and Moral Leader
Lucius Septimius Bassianus, (aka Caracalla). A Black Roman Emperor who ruled from 211 to 217.
Constance Baker Motley, civil rights activist, lawyer, 1st African American female federal judge, state senator, and Borough President of Manhattan, New York City.
The First Sunday of February, Black Histo Hist
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE AFRICAN AMERICAN AND A Founded in 1989, by Fr. James E. Goode, OFM, Pastor St. Paul of the Shipwreck Catholic Church in San Francisc 32 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Black History Month
Black History Month
Bridget "Biddy" Mason, a founder of City of Los Angeles in 1848 and of First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles.
ory Month
AFRICAN FAMILY of co.
Halle Maria Berry, won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 2002 becoming the first woman of AfricanAmerican descent to win an Oscar for a leading role.
Crispus Attucks, first causualty of the Boston Massacre and the Revoluntionary War in 1770.
Paul Roberson, intellect, lawyer, athlete, coach, singer, actor, film star, activist for civil rights.
Some Sources
www.blackpast.org #‎BlackHistoryMonth
Black History Month
Black History Month Matters Because for Many of Us, It Is the Only History We Have From Kiara Imani Williams
T
he other day, I expressed to a friend my frustration with the fact that my school did not cancel class on Martin Luther King Day. I mean, I value education as much as the next person, but I think the
holiday is one worth celebrating. My friend, out of genuine curiosity, responded with the comment, "I don't even understand why we're still celebrating MLK Day. Or Black History month. No offense, Martin Luther King was great, but why should we all celebrate a holiday that's only about black people. Does it really matter anymore?" It made me wonder how many people in America feel the same way. Now, I can admit that an over focus on race can lead to a divisive, rather than collaborative, atmosphere. However, I do not believe that we live in the post-racial, colorblind utopian society that warrants the obliteration of racial discussions. Yes, we have come a long way. But we have a long way to go. We live in a society where black men are shot down like dogs in the street, stripping them of their constitutional right to due process, and black people are praised for their performance in Hollywood only when playing the roles of a slave or maid. Black history month - African American history month - matters because for many of us, it's the only history we have. Some black people have gone as far as rejecting the label of "African-American," because they do not know how their African ancestry fits into their American identity. In an interview with Oprah, former Disney channel star Raven-Symoné recently stated that she does not consider herself to be an African American, explaining, "I don't know where my roots go to. I don't know how far back they go...I don't know what country in Africa I'm from, but I do know that my roots are in Louisiana." Although I decline to reject my African
34 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
ancestry simply because I cannot pinpoint where my ancestors originated, I can understand Raven's frustration. "Exactly where in Africa did your ancestors come from? Don't you know?" I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard that question. It's slightly embarrassing to have to explain to other races that our histories, cultures, and traditions were robbed from many of us when our ancestors were brought to this country as slaves. Sometimes I am tempted to make up an answer, such as, "Oh, my ancestors were kings and queens in Kenya and Egypt." However, I usually end up explaining that some of my ancestors are from Haiti, and a few may have come from South Carolina, but I'm not sure where in Africa any of my ancestors lived. Absent any other cultural identity, many black people in the United States have formed strong identities in their status as "African Americans" (or black Americans, for those who reject the label of African). We may not know exactly where our ancestors originated, but we know the difficulties they endured, the challenges they faced, and the unbelievable strength they possessed that eventually liberated them. Though some may want me to forget, I will not forget about the countless slaves who were stripped from their homelands, forced to spend their lives in captivity, and legally considered only 3/5 a person in this country. I would have been considered less than a human being, solely because of the color of my skin. I will not forget about the brave men and women who fought for my right to use the same restrooms, and sit at the same tables, as my lighter-skinned peers. I will not forget about the courageous little boys and girls who endured mistreatment at newly desegregated schools, because their skin color was a few shades darker than their classmates. Thank you for your bravery. I will continue to take full advantage of every educational opportunity I am afforded in this country. I will not forget about the countless men and women who were beaten, abused, and murdered so that I might have the right to vote. Thank you for your sacrifice. I will exercise my right to vote until the moment I can't breathe.
www.africanancestry.com
To those of every race who have fought for, and continue to fight for, the equal rights of African Americans in this country, your stories, sacrifices, and contributions will not be forgotten. I will not allow it. Black lives matter. Black history matters. And we will not forget. www.huffingtonpost.com/kiara-imani-williams/blackhistory-month-matters-because-it-is-the-only-historywe-have_b_6491124.html www.twitter.com/Kiara_Imani
35 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Black History Month
During Jesse Eugene Russell's time at AT&T he suggested taking the car phone more on the go and putting one in every hand. This technology took over four years to perfect. But finally in 1988, Russell released the first digital cellular system to the world. Currently, Russell holds over 75 patents in digital cellular technologies, including but not limited to: the mobile data telephone, the base station for mobile radio telecommunications systems, & the broadband cable telephony network architecture IP ITN network architecture reference model, etc. In 2000, Russell left Bell Labs to become the CEO of incNETWORKS, which is one of the leaders in MicroLTE product platforms for 4G devices.
Richard Allen, a minister, educator, writer, and one of America's most active and influential black leaders, founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the first independent black denomination in the United States. He opened his first AME church in 1794 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
George Washington, Slave Catcher By Erica Armstrong Dunbar
n 1926, the African-American historian Carter G. Woodson introduced Negro History Week as a commemoration built around the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Now February serves as a point of collision between presidential celebration and marginalized black history. While Lincoln’s role in ending slavery is understood to have been more nuanced than his reputation as the great emancipator would suggest, it has taken longer for us to replace stories about cherry trees and false teeth with narratives about George Washington’s slaveholding. When he was 11 years old, Washington inherited 10 slaves from his father’s estate. He continued to acquire slaves — some through the death of family members and others through direct purchase. Washington’s cache of enslaved people peaked in 1759 when he married the wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis. His new wife brought more than 80 slaves to the estate at Mount Vernon. On the eve of the American Revolution, nearly 150 souls were counted as part of the property there.
I
Photographer Michel du Cille, was a three-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
In 1789, Washington became the first president of the United States, a planter president who used and sanctioned black slavery. Washington needed slave labor to maintain his wealth, his lifestyle and his reputation. As he aged, Washington flirted with attempts to extricate himself from the murderous institution — “to get quit of Negroes,” as he famously wrote in 1778. But he never did. During the president’s two terms in office, the Washingtons relocated first to New York and then to Philadelphia. Although slavery had steadily declined in the North, the Washingtons decided that they could not live without it. Once settled in Philadelphia, Washington encountered his first roadblock to slave ownership in the region — Pennsylvania’s Gradual Abolition Act of 1780. The act began dismantling
slavery, eventually releasing people from bondage after their 28th birthdays. Under the law, any slave who entered Pennsylvania with an owner and lived in the state for longer than six months would be set free automatically. This presented a problem for the new president. Washington developed a canny strategy that would protect his property and allow him to avoid public scrutiny. Every six months, the president’s slaves would travel back to Mount Vernon or would journey with Mrs. Washington outside the boundaries of the state. In essence, the Washingtons reset the clock. The president was secretive when writing to his personal secretary Tobias Lear in 1791: “I request that these Sentiments and this advise may be known to none but yourself & Mrs. Washington.” The president went on to support policies that would protect slave owners who had invested money in black lives. In 1793, Washington signed the first fugitive slave law, which allowed fugitives to be seized in any state, tried and returned to their owners. Anyone who harbored or assisted a fugitive faced a $500 penalty and possible imprisonment. Washington almost made it through his two terms in office without a major incident involving his slave ownership. On a spring evening in May of 1796, though, Ona Judge, the Washingtons’ 22-year-old slave woman, slipped away from the president’s house in Philadelphia. At 15, she had joined the Washingtons on their tour of Northern living. She was among a small cohort of nine slaves who lived with the president and his family in Philadelphia. Judge was Martha Washington’s first attendant; she took care of Mrs. Washington’s
personal needs. What prompted Judge’s decision to bolt was Martha Washington’s plan to give Judge away as a wedding gift to her granddaughter. Judge fled Philadelphia for Portsmouth, NH., a city with 360 free black people, and virtually no slaves. Within a few months of her arrival, Judge married Jack Staines, a free black sailor, with whom she had three children. Judge and her offspring were vulnerable to slave catchers. They lived as free people, but legally belonged to Martha Washington. Washington and his agents pursued Judge for three years, dispatching friends, officials and relatives to find and recapture her. Twelve weeks before his death, Washington was still actively pursuing her, but with the help of close allies, Judge managed to elude his slave-catching grasp. George Washington died on Dec. 14, 1799. At the time of his death, 318 enslaved people lived at Mount Vernon and fewer than half of them belonged to the former president. Washington’s will called for the emancipation of his slaves following the death of his wife. He completed in death what he had been unwilling to do while living, an act made easier because he had no biological children expecting an inheritance. Martha Washington lived until 1802 and upon her death all of her human property went to her inheritors. She emancipated no one. When asked by a reporter if she had regrets about leaving the Washingtons, Judge responded, “No, I am free, and have, I trust, been made a child of God by the means.” Ona Judge died on Feb. 25, 1848. She has earned a salute during the month of February. www.nytimes.com/2015/02/16/opinion/ george-washington-slave-catcher. html?emc=eta1&_r=0
37 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Black History Month
Let's Fund Not Close HBCUs By Rev. Dr. Janette C. Wilson & Attorney Janice Mathis Esq., Rainbow/PUSH
ince 2008, HBCUs have lost more than $300 million in tuition revenue due to changes in federal loan and grant programs. South Carolina State is symptomatic of the impact that
S
right along with the greedy. The one asset on which many were counting to finance their children’s education – the family home – suddenly was under water through no fault of their own. The plight of historically black
many HBCUs face as a result of federal and state cuts to higher education budgets. The direct cuts to higher education are made more devastating by the effects of the recession, which resulted in record home foreclosures and job loss by a large number of African American families. The fact that the Recession grew out of a mortgage crisis made recovery for black families even more daunting. Blacks hold a disproportionate amount of family wealth in home equity. When home prices collapsed, the good suffered
colleges and universities (HBCU’s) is due in part to the recession. The Great Recession has hit HBCU’s across the nation hard. Black families lost hundreds of millions of dollars in family income and wealth during the recession, rendering them less able to contribute to the cost of college, either as parents or alumni. The recovery was as unsatisfying as an eggless omelet – rising stock prices, but no jobs. The job losses and foreclosures in the black communities were double the national average in some states, and more than double in others.
South Carolina State University, like many other HBCUs, survives on enrollment, tuition, federal and state supports. There is currently a move by the South Carolina State Legislature to recommend closing South Carolina State for financial reasons. It is intolerable that after years of a starvation diet, the South Carolina General Assembly plans to euthanize South Carolina State University. South Carolina legislators would do well to remember that the one positive legacy of Strom Thurmond was his abiding support for South Carolina State. We request that the Legislature consider as a first resort the appointment of a Comptroller or Financial Manager as opposed to closing SCSU. We urge the members of the South Carolina State Legislature to: • Wait until a full audit of funds received and funds lost per year as a result of cuts is completed • Lobby for more federal aid • Energize the South Carolina State Alumni • Restore cuts to Pell Grants and Parent Plus loans
It is important for our South Carolina lawmakers to cure the disease of inadequate funding, rather than kill the patient. www.rainbowpush.org
38 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Black History Month
Tom Bradley,
The Mayor of the City of Los Angeles om Bradley had an extraordinary career and life. He was a respected Mayor winning a historic five-terms as the mayor of one of America’s largest and best managed City’s, the City of Los Angeles. A man of quiet determination, Bradley spent a lifetime bridging racial barriers and used his skills to bring the City together and form coalitions. Tom Bradley made history as the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city with a white majority. He served as Mayor and Los Angeles prospered, he changed the City’s downtown skyline. Among his other legacies are the start of a subway and lightrail system. Bradley also was a driving force to diversify the city’s workforce. He opened doors for minorities and women to not only serve on city commissions, with his leadership black men and women held more management Earl "Skip" Cooper, II, Publisher, Black Business News shakes hands with Mayor Tom Bradley in 1996 positions. Mayor Tom Bradley signed "Executive Directives" that created a Minority Business Bradley left a lasting legacy of empowering people, Enterprise Program and many more minority achieving the “Impossible Dream” and managing the businesses won a share in the millions of dollars in city second largest city in the United States, the City of contracts. Tom Bradley positioned the City to take its Angels. place as an international trade center. He brought the He died September 29, 1998, of a heart attack at the city a glowing spot on the world's center stage with its age of 80. smooth and lucrative hosting of the Olympic Games The Tom Bradley Legacy Foundation is housed in the summer of 1984. at the Tom Bradley International Hall at UCLA. This Bradley’s other legacies can be seen in institutions building includes a Tom Bradley Gallery controlled that bear his name, including the Tom Bradley by the foundation. The gallery is the official home of International Terminal Los Angeles International Mayor Tom Bradley's memorabilia and serves as an Airport. He worked and succeeded in reforming and educational tool to preserve Tom Bradley's legacy. The bringing civilian control to the Los Angeles Police primary objective of the foundation is the continuation Department. He enjoyed being a popular Mayor during of the legacy of Mayor Tom Bradley. "The Tom Bradley most of his historic five-terms as the mayor of one of Legacy Foundation," a 501c (3) non-profit organization. America’s largest and best managed city. In 1982, he For more information on Tom Bradley visit, http:// was encouraged to run for governor of California and tombradleylegacy.org/ or http://mayortombradley.com/ a chance to make history again by becoming the first biography or read his biography, Tom Bradley: The black in the nation to win a state's top office. Impossible Dream. Mayor Bradley changed the political scene for black Tom Bradley Legacy Foundation at UCLA politicians and Los Angeles for the better. Mayor Tom
T
www.tombradleylegacy.org/main.html 39 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Black History Month
History of the African Amerians at El Pueblo
A
significant fact about the founding of the Pueblo of Los Angeles in 1781 is that, of the 44 Pobladores or settlers, 26 of them were either full blooded Africans and their children. The settlers were all recruited from farming communities in Sinaloa or Sonora, which at the time were provinces of New Spain, now known as Mexico. They crossed over to Baja, California by boat from Guaymas and made the one thousand mile journey northwards on foot with their livestock and possessions during the summer of 1781. They were given their house lots and planting fields on September 4th. The founders of the Pueblo and their ethnic origins are listed on a plaque located on the south side of the Plaza. Many of their descendants became landowners known as Rancheros. They owned land in the San Fernando Valley, the eastern San Gabriel Valley and the Rancho Rodeo De Aguas, now known as Beverly Hills which was granted to Maria Rita Valdez in 1841. She was a descendant of Luis Quintero who was one of the founders of the Pueblo in 1841. Francisco Reyes also owned much of the San Fernando Valley but received another rancho elsewhere when San Fernando Mission was established there in 1797. Peter Biggs, a colorful AfricanAmerican barber came to Los Angeles in 1847 and set himself up as the town’s only barber. He leased his barber shop from Maria Rita Valdez in the Bella Union Hotel.
Because of his sole status as the town barber, B i g g s charged high prices only to lose his business when a newly arrived French barber took all his customers. Don Pío Pico, the last Mexican Governor and a wealthy landowner was also of African American ancestry. Pío Pico’s grandmother was an African American. Pío’s life spanned almost the entire nineteenth century as he was born at San Gabriel Mission in 1801 and died in Los Angeles in 1894. In addition to being governor of California twice, once briefly in 1832 and then again in 1845-46, Pico is known for the building of the city’s first elegant hotel and first three story building, the Pico House which is located at the southwest corner of the Plaza. Pío Pico’s brother Andres also had a distinguished career and served as commander of the California forces during the Mexican American War. He scored a decisive victory against the U.S. forces in the Battle of San Pasqual in 1846. Two major figures of the 1850s were Biddy Mason and Robert Owen. Biddy Mason was a slave who had been brought to California by her master, Robert Smith, who had planned to settle with the Mormons in Utah. In 1851 he left with his slaves to establish a Mormon community in San Bernardino, but only four
years later, he decided to move to Texas which was still a slave state. Hearing on their plans, Charles Robert Owen, son of Robert Owen, an established lumberman, liveryman and real estate owner in Los Angeles, alerted the sheriff who placed Biddy and the other slaves under his protection. Judge Benjamin Hayes, who heard the case, refused to allow Smith to take his slaves to Texas with him on the grounds that “by prohibiting slavery, the California Constitution emancipated all slaves brought into the State”. Following employment with Dr. John Griffin as a nurse, Biddy acquired two properties between 3rd and 4th Streets and Spring and Broadway. She later sold some of her real estate which allowed her to spend much of her time and money helping others less fortunate than she was. Biddy was instrumental in founding the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Owens and Masons families were joined together by the marriage of Charles Owens to Biddy Mason’s eldest daughter Ellen. An important change came about in the African American community when the population in Los Angeles rose from 102 in 1880 to 2,131 in 1900 and 454,289 in 1990.
40 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Black Business History
The Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California, an Historic Overview From Sherry Bailey, Treasurer, chowteam@sbcglobal.net] Consolidated Homeownership Institute at Rancho LaCienga
I
n 1949, a group of young and dynamic African-American real estate brokers gathered to discuss the inequitable and prejudicial treatment of brokers in the Los Angeles area. AfricanAmerican brokers in Los Angeles were being denied membership in Local Real Estate Boards and trade organizations. In addition, they were being prevented from marketing properties in certain areas of the city and even denied
access to open houses for viewing by their clients. It was patently clear to this group of brokers assembled that a collective effort would be required to mitigate these obstacles to their professional success. That meeting initiated by Mr. Willis E. Carson was the genesis of The Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California, Inc. Other founding members of the Board included William Black, William Bujol, Earnest DeCruy, Charles Dunning, Wesley A. Fairchild, Hernbert Gleed, Claude Jolly, Fred Ninehouse, Cluese Reid, Lorenzo V. Spencer, Oscar White, Bryce Wisner, and Dave Wolf. Members of this new board designed themselves as REALTISTS. A distinctive emblem was adopted by the membership. Arnold McNeeley, a local African-American artist, developed that emblem that serves as the Board’s logo today. With counsel from Attorney Thomas Newsome, the Board formulated its constitution and by-laws. The principle objectives of the Board indicated were the development of social, political and economic imperatives for African-American broker’s, and the promotion of equal housing opportunities for minority citizens. On March 16, 1950, a charter was issued to the Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California, Inc. by the California Secretary of State. On March 24, 1950, the California
Real Estate Commissioner, Dean D. Watson, installed the first elected officers of the Consolidated Realty Board at a banquet held at the Golden State Mutual Insurance Company Auditorium. The officers included Willis E. Carson, President; Cluese Reid, Vice President, Bryce Wisner, Secretary, and William Black, Treasurer. The first office of the Consolidated Realty Board was located at Western Avenue and 36th Place in Los Angeles. The Board membership grew rapidly and approximately 1,200 listings were placed with the Board during its initial year. In 1973, the Board office was relocated to its present location on Don Felipe Drive in scenic Baldwin Hills, California. As the membership of the Board grew, its focus as a proponent of fair treatment of AfricanAmerican brokers and agents in the real estate industry and equal housing opportunities for minorities expanded. In 1975, the Consolidated Realty Board was a catalyst for legislative actions against the redlining practices of the lending and insurance industries. As an affiliate of the California Association of Real Estate Brokers (CAREB) and National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the Consolidated Realty Board remains an advocate for social, political and economic parity for minority real estate industry professionals and community members.
41 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Use Your Senses to Spot a Gas Leak To help keep your community safe and secure, use your senses of sight, hearing or smell to alert you to any of the following signs of a natural gas leak. LOOK
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK • Remain calm • Don’t light a match, candle or cigarette • Don’t turn electrical appliances or lights on or off or use any device that could cause a spark • Natural gas leaking from a plastic pipe can create static electricity which can ignite the gas • Immediately evacuate the area, and from a safe location, call 800-427-2200, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or call 911
© 2014 Southern California Gas Company. All rights reserved.
• A damaged connection to a gas appliance • Dirt or water being blown in the air • Dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near gas pipeline areas • A fire or explosion near a pipeline • Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster
LISTEN • An unusual sound, such as a hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a gas line or appliance
SMELL • The distinctive odor* of natural gas *Some people may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell, olfactory fatigue (normal, temporary inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure to it) or because the odor is being masked or hidden by other odors that are present, such as cooking, damp, musty or chemical odors. In addition, certain conditions in pipe and soil can cause odor fade – the loss of odorant so that it is not detectable by smell.
Publisher's Message from page 3
Ella Fitzgerald, Marian Anderson, Mahalia Jackson, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Nat "King" Cole, Robert Johnson were some who provided a sound track that the world could hear. It was a new day. We honor the historic Civil Rights Movement of the ‘60’s, when Rosa Parks, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X and Black Panthers stepped up, was accompanied by Berry Gordy’s Motown “Sound of Young America”, John Coltrane’s tenor sax, Miles Davis’ trumpet the orchestration of Quincy Jones, silky sounds of Nancy Wilson and the James Brown anthem “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” In the struggle against injustice, star athletes Curt Flood, Muhammad Ali, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, John Carlos and Tommy Smith took controversial and career threatening stands, and won. The ‘60s movement led to an unprecedented change in discriminatory laws governing the land and a surge in political victories for African Americans across the country. Major cities elected black Mayors for the first time in history, including Tom Bradley in Los Angeles. Carrying the momentum into the 70’s and 80’s Reverend Jesse Jackson made serious strides in leading the movement from the “Outhouse to the Whitehouse.” Today President Obama is leader of the free world. In his 2010
African American History Month proclamation, had this to say about the struggle and the role the entrepreneur has played.
John Carlos and Tommy Smith offer Black Power Salute during the 1968 Olympic Games “This y e ar's Percy t h e me, Sutton ‘ T h e History of Black Economic Empowerment,’ calls upon us to honor the African Americans who overcame injustice and inequality to achieve financial independence and the security of self-empowerment that comes with it. Despite these seemingly impossible barriers, pioneering African Americans blazed trails for themselves and their children. They became skilled workers and professionals. They purchased land, and a new generation of black entrepreneurs founded banks, educational institutions, newspapers, hospitals, and businesses of all kinds.” And so, the BBN applauds Madam C.J. Walker as the first self-made female millionaire in the U.S. in addition to legendary African-American entrepreneurs A. G. Gaston, David Stewart, Percy Sutton, John H. Johnson, Berry Gordy, Oprah Winfrey and Magic Johnson and along with the new and influential generation of tech-savvy hip-hop entrepreneurs. Applauds will also be in order when the Black Business Association (BBA),
headquartered in Los Angeles and one of the nation’s oldest ethnic business organization of its type, holds its 45th Anniversary Year Dinner in recognition of African American History Month: “A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.” Held at The L.A. Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, the event will honor achievements and contributions made by African American entrepreneurs and other outstanding individuals, institutions, and organizations. (see page 8). As BBN celebrates along with you this century “young” crusade to document, promote and validate the fact that “Black Lives Matter” we need to build on those accomplishments --- we as a people must use our rich history as a foundation to build on. Not for a week, a month, a year, but every day. Join, support and share BBN’s take-away from this month’s history lessons, and again I quote Woodson, “They must begin immediately to pool earnings and organize industries to participate in supplying social and economic demands.” Our history says we’ve done it before and together, we can do it again. “Black Business Matters.”
43 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
DONATE TODAY!
www.africare.org/how-you-can-help/africare-ebola-outbreak-relief Urgent: Protect health care workers and educate communities to stop the spread of Ebola and save lives. With more than $50,000 contributed, our donors have helped us send $1.4 million in necessary medical supplies and reach 100,000 West Africans with Ebola behavior change messages. Please help us reach our new goal of $100,000 to do more to stop the outbreak! Donate $50 or more to receive a free t-shirt and email info@africare.org with your name and shirt size to be sure it fits!
How Your Donation Will Help: • $500.00 = 5 cases of face masks and 10 boxes of sterile syringes and needles • $250.00 = 10 pairs of rubber boots • $100.00 = 1 complete set of protective equipment, including a body suit, goggles, gloves and shoe/boot covers • $50.00 = 5 isolation gowns • $25.00 = 200 exam gloves 44 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
McDonald’s CEO to Retire; Black Fortune 500 CEOs Decline by 33% in Past Year From DiversityInc
T
he announced retirement of McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson means the number of Black CEOs of Fortune 500 companies will drop by a third (from a year ago) when he steps down March 1. Clarence Otis resigned as CEO of Darden Restaurants at the end of 2014. When Thompson retires on March 1, that will leave four Black CEOs, two of whom lead DiversityInc Top 50 companies— Kenneth C. Frazier at Merck & Co. (No. 14) and Roger W. Ferguson
compared with Top 50 data shows the gap in the pipeline of Black, Asian, Latino and female talent. U.S. data is from the Fortune 500 (CEOs) and the EEOC (Senior Execs, Managers, Board). Black CEOs/Leadership Top 50 U.S. CEOs Senior Execs Managers
6% 7.9% 7.2%
1% 2.3% 6.9%
Board
10.9%
7.4%
Keneth Ch The others are: Satya Nadella, Microsoft Indra K. Nooyi, PepsiCo Richard Hamada, Avnet Kevin M. Murai, Synnex Kevin Lobo, Stryker Francisco D’Souza, Cognizant Technology Solutions • Sanjay Mehrotra, SanDisk • Lisa Su, Advanced Micro Devices • • • • • •
Asian CEOs/Leadership Top 50 U.S.
Don Thompson Jr. at TIAA-CREF (No. 36). The others are: • Kenneth I. Chenault, American Express • Don Thompson, McDonald’s • Ursula M. Burns, Xerox Corporation An examination of national data
There are 10 Asian CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, two of whom are in the Top 50—Ajay Banga of MasterCard (No. 6), who spoke at DiversityInc’s fall event, and Omar Ishrak of Medtronic (No. 41).
CEOs Senior Execs Managers Board
4% 5.4% 10.6% 4.8%
2% 4.6% 5.9% 2.6%
There are 10 Latino CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, one of whom is in the Top 50— Carlos Rodriguez of ADP (No. 24). Joe
48 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Echevarria is CEO of Deloitte, which is No. 11 in the Top 50 but is not in the Fortune 500. The others are: • George Paz, Express Scripts • Josue Robles, United Services Automobile Association (USAA) • Mario Longhi, U.S. henault Steel • Bernardo Hees, H.J. Heinz • J. Paul Raines, GameStop • Joseph Alvarado, Commercial Metals • Joseph Molina, Molina Healthcare • Robert E. Sanchez, Ryder System • Paul J. Diaz*, Kindred Healthcare *Diaz will become Executive Vice Chair of Kindred’s board on March 31.
Fortune 500 companies, including Virginia M. Rometty of IBM (No. 23). Other Top 50 female CEOs are Christi Shaw of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (No. 1) and Beth Mooney of KeyCorp (No. 47). The DiversityInc 25 Noteworthy Companies include two Fortune 500 women CEOs—Mary T. Barra of General Motors and Ellen J. Kullman of DuPont. Debra L. Reed is CEO of Sempra Energy, one of DiversityInc’s Top 7 Utilities. Other female Fortune 500 CEOs are: • Margaret C. Whitman, HP • Indra K. Nooyi, PepsiCo • Marillyn A. Hewson, Lockheed Martin • Safra A. Catz, Oracle • Irene B. Rosenfeld, Mondelez International • Phebe N. Novakovic, General Dynamics • Carol M. Meyrowitz, TJX • Lynn Good, Duke Energy • Ursula M. Burns, Xerox • Deanna M. Mulligan, Guardian Life Insurance • Kimberly Bowers, CST Brands
• Barbara Rentler, Ross Stores • Sherilyn S. McCoy, Avon Products • Denise M. Morrison, Campbell Soup • Susan Cameron, Reynolds American • Heather Bresch, Mylan • Ilene S. Gordon, Ingredion • Jacqueline Hinman, CH2M Hill • Kathleen M. Mazzarella, Graybar Electric • Gracia C. Martore, Gannett • Lisa Su, Advanced Micro Devices Women CEOs/Leadership Top 50 U.S. CEOs Senior Execs Managers Board
6% 29.3%
5% 29%
42% 25.2%
37.1% 16.6%
You can also access all our lists at www.DiversityInc.com/top50. www.diversityinc.com/leadership/ mcdonalds-ceo-retire-black-fortune500-ceos-decline-33-past-year
Latino CEOs/Leadership Top 50 U.S. CEOs Senior Execs Managers Board
4% 4.6% 6.3% 6.8%
2% 3.7% 7.2% 3.3%
There are 25 women CEOs of
Ursala Burns
49 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Los Angeles Soul Food Chef Celebrates 25th Anniversary
hef Marilyn Cole, whose restaurant in the West Adams District of Los Angeles has attracted a clientele of devotees from throughout the city and beyond, has announced a special tribute to Black History Month with a community celebration that will mark the 25th anniversary of her soul food eatery. “I am deeply grateful to my customers, whose loyalty and
C
enthusiasm has helped us grow, and to the efforts of many others who have helped pave the way by example, and by working to remove barriers to Black business success.” “This 25th Anniversary Celebration will be both a special thanks and a remembrance.” Chef Marilyn, a former corporate executive who began her business in the kitchen of her home, has been widely hailed for serving the
best in Southern and Creole dishes in the western states. She has earned the title “Soul Food Chef to the Stars” for her catering of Hollywood events and celebrities, and for numerous political figures and civic organizations. She cites cooking Thanksgiving dinner for Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as one of her most memorable catering engagements. Often referred to as “The Queen of Soul Food,” Chef Marilyn’s cuisine has been featured on television stations ABC, CBS, KTLA and Fox 11, as well as the Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Sentinel.
99-Cents Per Item Anniversary Special To celebrate her 25th Anniversary and say “thank you” to the following that has made her a community institution, Chef Marilyn will throw open the doors of her restaurant on Wednesday, March 25 for an all-day (9am – 9pm) service of her most popular dishes at the special price of 99-cents per item. The restaurant is located at 2638 Crenshaw Blvd., near Adams Blvd. A celebration program will begin in front of the restaurant at 10a.m. 53 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Quote of Note “…if you’re thinking: ‘Am I succeeding? Am I in the right position? Am I being appreciated?’ --- then you’re going to end up feeling frustrated and stuck. But if you can keep it about the work, you’ll always have a path. There’s always something to be done.”
Barack Obama
54 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
SnapChat adds 'Discover' for News Media Access By Kellex
napchat (https://play. google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.snapchat. android) has introduced “Discover.” Discover lets “world-class leaders in media” push their own ideas on news or what they have decided is important. Snapchat thinks that relying on editors and artists is the way to decide what’s important to you! The service has “been built for creatives,” with companies like ESPN, Vice, CNN, People, and the Food Network already jumping on board with channels. Each day these “creatives” get to share their Stories with you, but in classic Snapchat style, the stories are gone tomorrow, because “what’s new today is history tomorrow.” If you view the video (www.
S
ts=1422579428&v=guGvV8LCx7o&xyt-cl=85114404#t=14), you can see
exactly how Discover works and looks. And in all seriousness, the service itself is kind of cool as a way to consume news.
Anyways, the service is live in the Snapchat app on Android, so feel free to check it out. Also, if Snapchat is safe enough for you to send selfies, then why not transfer cash from your bank account while you are at it? Snapchat announced Snapcash, in partnership with Square, which allows users to send money to each other through the messaging interface of the application. www.droid-life.com/2015/01/27/ snapchat-introduces-discover-a-newsfeed-pushing-media-agendas-insteadof-trending-topics/
SNAPCASH
youtube.com/watch?x-yt55 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
RIO 2016 OLYMPIC COMMITTEE Partnership & Contract Opportunities For a list of current Rio 2016 Olympic Sponsors visit: http://rio2016.com/en/organising-committee/partners
Your American Contact: joel.Reynoso@trade.gov
For information on the Games visit http://export.gov/brazil/games/index.asp
Grow With
A crowdfunding platform for projects and ideas benefiting the AfricanAmerican community. www.blackstartup.com
Verizon is joining forces with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and a number of other businesses and community organizations to help promote safe driving through
It Can Wait.
http://itcanwait.com 56 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
The EGG
Edited By Black Business News Staff
W
e have built a product that every consumer on this planet can own, trust, and more importantly, fall in love with. It will be the home to all their digital assets and content. We call it The Egg (www.eggcyte.com). The amount of personal content such as photos, videos, music, SMS messages, emails, and health data is exploding. Consumers have, unknowingly, ceded control of their content to "the cloud" in return for "free" services where companies and the government mine it for commercial, national security, and law enforcement purposes. We intend to change/disrupt a paradigm so that computing is personal again and you, the user, are in control.
The Egg The Egg is a personal web server that comes in a unique, carefully designed portable, handheld form factor that fits easily in a pocket or purse. It has up to 256GB of onboard storage and a color touch screen so you can configure your Egg or see what's stored on it. The Egg contains a battery that provides about 10-12 hours
of active use when away from a power outlet. The Egg is also a WiFi access point that allows you and others to view your content even if there is no available wireless connection.
EGGCYTE The Egg is roughly half the size of a smartphone. It uses an Intel® Atom™ application processor. It has Wi-Fi for Connectivity and a 2.4” - 320 x 240 pixel color screen. Content can be seamlessly imported into the Egg using USB or Wi-Fi and stored in 128GB of onboard Flash. You can leave the Egg plugged in and connected to your Wi-Fi at home or carry it with you and connect to any available Wi-Fi access point at a coffee shop or airport. When unplugged
and during normal operation, the product is expected to have 10–12 hours of battery life.
How You Can Use The Egg Never run out of storage on your phone, GoPro camera, SLR camera or any other capture device again. Simply back up your content to The Egg and continue to use your device while accessing the backed up content for viewing, listening and sharing from your Egg. For devices without a wireless connection, simply connect The Egg to the device using a USB cable and let The Egg do the rest. The iPhone and Android apps can be configured to automatically transfer content to The Egg keeping the storage on the iPhone or Android phone free for capturing that next precious moment or video. Now you can easily share HD videos of any length directly from your phone or camera without using intrusive cloud services such as Dropbox, YouTube or Vimeo. Your video remains completely under your control and when you’re done sharing it, you can instantly take it down from the Web.
58 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
www.eggcyte.com
Business
Rainbow PUSH News:
Minority Firms Participate in Apple $6.5 Billion Debt Offering – A Breakthrough for the Business of Diversity Statement from Rev. Jesse Jackson icrosoft has announced the inclusion of four minority firms who will serve as co-managers of its $10.75 billion debt offering. The firms include: CastleOak Securities; Loop Capital Markets; Samuel A. Ramirez and Co., and The Williams Capital Group. Reverend Jackson stated, “Microsoft is making a major statement with the inclusion of minority financial services firms in their debt offering. This is a major breakthrough for the business of diversity. We commend Microsoft for their leadership and commitment to diversity and inclusion. “The good news is that minority
M
inclusion in the debt offering not only empowers minority firms, but it also value added for Microsoft. Castle Oak Securities; Loop Capital Markets; Samuel A. Ramirez and Co., and The Williams Capital Group are experienced firms with proven track records. Given the opportunity, they perform at the top of the class. We are delighted that they are participating in Microsoft’s debt offering. They are changing the flow of the river." “Diversity and inclusion is not limited to workforce development and transformation. There is also a “business dimension” that must also be addressed – supplier diversity and procurement opportunities, access to capital for minority startups and companies, and inclusion of minority financial services firms in debt offerings, IPO’s and other transactions. Microsoft communicated to RainbowPUSH: “We have six comanagers today, all are minority owned banks and Microsoft has partnered with minority banks in every bond and commercial paper issuance since our Board of Directors authorized debt issuance in 2007. These minority banks have been instrumental in making our
bonds available to a broader retail investors. In addition, Microsoft's Treasurer, George Zinn, is a strong proponent of CDAR's - Certificate of Deposit investments with minority banks that are FDIC insured. They added, “Microsoft is strongly committed to supplier diversity, which includes seeking certified minority-, woman-, disabled-, and veteran-owned business enterprises in the U.S. We made this an area of focus starting in 2006, and at that time $622 million of our domestic spending was on such enterprises. This past year this total has grown to just over $2 billion and amounted to 7.3% of our total spending.” Rev. Jackson concluded, “Prior to today's Microsoft announcement, just last week Apple made a major breakthrough by including, for the first time ever, minority firms in a corporate debt offering. We hope that other Silicon Valley technology companies will follow Microsoft and Apple’s lead and open up new business opportunities for minority firms. It’s good business; when there is inclusion, there is growth and when there is growth, ever body wins. They are opening up a whole new chapter for the business of diversity." www.rainbowpush.org
60 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Get Your Brand's Instagram Channel Off The Ground by The 60 Second Marketer
I
f your Brand or Business does not have a prescence on Instagram, now is the time to get started. The 60 Second Marketer (http://60secondmarketer.com/
blog/2015/02/03/7-steps-getting-brands-instagram-channeloff-ground) offers 7 Steps to help your start out right
because Instagram is a phenominal platform for brand storytelling and customer engagement—and profits. Here are a few facts to help you decide that Instagram is a good place to market your products and services. • Instagram has more than 300 million active users, • More than 30 billion photos have been shared on the platform, • You can reach 100% of your Instagram followers organically.
Step 1. Set Up and Optimize Your Profile • When you are setingt up your account use a strong and memorable username. If you have a Twitter handle, use that as your username on Instagram. The coordination will help make it easier for people to find and remember you. • Set a profile picture. It may be your brand's logo, a product image, or an image designed to catch your viewers attention and lets them know who you are. • Prepare a compelling bio statement that says who you are in 150 characters. Take the challenge.
Step 2. Spread The Word • Use your existing social channels (and marketing outlets) to send out the "Hey, did you know that we are now on Instagram?" • Promote your channel using your e-mail database. • Include the social media icons on your website so that your followers, clients and potential clients know all of the channels they may use to contact you.
Step 3. Start Sharing Photos • Instagram is primarily a storytelling platform. If you are not telling a story with every photo you're doing it wrong. All commercial content is not the idea. • Make sure you share photos that stir customer emotions. There's a nuggett of emotional resonance behind every brand; identify yours and pull at their heart strings. Whether the images are cute, funny or thought-inspiring, post stuff that makes them feel.
• You can link accounts if you want to share photos between channels automatically - including Twitter, Facebook and other third-party sharing sites. Decide what works best for you. • Consider using filters and apps to give your photos a little pizzazz.
Step 4. Hashtags • Hashtags are essentially, conversation topics to bring people together—and they are your passport to meaningful conversations and engagements. • People on Instagram use hashtags to share and discover interesting content. About 80% of brand posts include at least one hashtag, the average post has 3. • The most used hashtag is "Love" which has been used more than 372 million times. • By adding hashtags to your posts you can hugely boost the reach of your posts, straike up conversations, expose your brand to a new audience and generate potential customers for your business.
Step 5. Networking • Hashtags are a great way to get started here but there is more to networking than that. • Follow brands - including your competitors - so you can analyze their output, see what's working and what's not. • Strike up relationships and engage with others. Remember, you can comment on other people's photos rather than waiting for them to comment on yours. • The key is to act like a person rather than a brand.
Step 6. Videos • Images are great but with videos you can express even more. • As well as photos, Instagram lets you share 15 second videos. • You can use the same filters as you would on your images and even edit them.
Step 7. Run Contests and Giveaways to Reward Your Followers • Engaged followers are valuable, so be sure to reward them. • 66% of people follow a brand on Instagram because they want to be rewarded. 43% follow because they love the brand. • Ideas include photo contests, promo codes, incentivized follows/comments. See the full infograph at: http://60secondmarketer.com/ blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/7-steps-to-getting-brandinstagram-channel-off-issa-asad.png.
63 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Join the California Black Chamber of Commerce Foundation at the Annual
African-American Leadership Weekend
April 24-25, 2015 Holiday Inn-Capitol Plaza 300 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
SAVE THE DATE!!! Find More Info at: http://calbcc.org 64 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
My Brother's Keeper Hackathon in Oakland February 20th - 22nd, 2015 www.mbkhack.com Rainbow/PUSH invites you to be a part of history as we join Qeyno Labs as an alliance partner in launching the first My Brother's Keeper Hackathon in Oakland, February 20th 22nd, 2015 at the Henry J. Kaiser Building. Only two weeks left to register your young person at http://www.mbkhack.com, to volunteer, or be a developer, designer, or innnovator mentor. Qeyno Labs is seeking sponsors to join Pandora, BMe, the Kapor Center for Social Impact, UNCF, and others to support their three-day youth event focused on coding literacy, art, and mentorship for low opportunity both local and nationally. Hackathons gather together technologists (coders), artists (designers), and problem solvers (innovators) to brainstorm, design and build a web or mobile app that can change the world, create a business, or both and Qeyno Labs provides these experiences for larger scale organizations and companies focused on guiding our youth into STEM college and career pathways. Watch their MSNBC produced a mini-documentary to learn more - http://www.msnbc.com/ msnbc/watch/swimming-in-their-genius-366728259749. If you are interested in sponsoring the hackathon, contact them at team@qeyno.com or reach them at 1-415-763-8285."
65 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Faison Wealth & Retirement Regina Faison Senior Financial Advisor 3070 Bristol Street Suite 500 949-200-8212 714-329-7184 regina@faisonwealth.com www.faisonwealth.com
Financial Planning: Helping You See the Big Picture Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals that may be important to you, and each comes with a price tag attached.
to prioritize your goals, implement specific strategies, and choose suitable products or services. Best of all, you'll know that your financial life is headed in the right direction.
That's where financial planning comes in. Financial planning is a process that can help you target your goals by evaluating your whole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailored to your individual needs and available resources.
The financial planning process
Why is financial planning important?
• Develop a clear picture of your current financial situation by reviewing your income, assets, and liabilities, and evaluating your insurance coverage, your investment portfolio, your tax exposure, and your estate plan • Establish and prioritize financial goals and time frames for achieving these goals • Implement strategies that address your current financial weaknesses and build on your financial strengths • Choose specific products and services that are tailored to meet your financial objectives • Monitor your plan, making adjustments as your goals, time frames, or circumstances change
A comprehensive financial plan serves as a framework for organizing the pieces of your financial picture. With a financial plan in place, you'll be better able to focus on your goals and understand what it will take to reach them. Common financial goals • Saving and investing for retirement • Saving and investing for college • Establishing an emergency fund • Providing for your family in the event of your death • Minimizing income or estate taxes
Creating and implementing a comprehensive financial plan generally involves working with financial professionals to:
Some members of the team The financial planning process can involve a number of professionals. Financial planners typically play a central role in the process, focusing on your overall financial plan, and often coordinating the activities of other professionals who have expertise in specific areas. Accountants or tax attorneys provide advice on federal and state tax issues. One of the main benefits of having a financial plan is that it can help you balance competing financial priorities. A financial plan will clearly show you how your financial goals are related--for example, how saving for your children's college education might impact your ability to save for retirement. Then you can use the information you've gleaned to decide how
Estate planning attorneys help you plan your estate and give advice on transferring and managing your assets before and after your death. Insurance professionals evaluate insurance needs and recommend appropriate products and strategies. Investment advisors provide advice about investment January 09, 2015 Page 1 of 2, see disclaimer on final page
70 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
options and asset allocation, and can help you plan a strategy to manage your investment portfolio. The most important member of the team, however, is you. Your needs and objectives drive the team, and once you've carefully considered any recommendations, all decisions lie in your hands.
Why can't I do it myself? You can, if you have enough time and knowledge, but developing a comprehensive financial plan may require expertise in several areas. A financial professional can give you objective information and help you weigh your alternatives, saving you time and ensuring that all angles of your financial picture are covered.
Staying on track
Common questions about financial planning What if I'm too busy? Don't wait until you're in the midst of a financial crisis before beginning the planning process. The sooner you start, the more options you may have. Is the financial planning process complicated? Each financial plan is tailored to the needs of the individual, so how complicated the process will be depends on your individual circumstances. But no matter what type of help you need, a financial professional will work hard to make the process as easy as possible, and will gladly answer all of your questions. What if my spouse and I disagree?
The financial planning process doesn't end once your initial plan has been created. Your plan should generally be reviewed at least once a year to make sure that it's up-to-date. It's also possible that you'll need to modify your plan due to changes in your personal circumstances or the economy. Here are some of the events that might trigger a review of your financial plan: • Your goals or time horizons change • You experience a life-changing event such as marriage, the birth of a child, health problems, or a job loss • You have a specific or immediate financial planning need (e.g., drafting a will, managing a distribution from a retirement account, paying long-term care expenses) • Your income or expenses substantially increase or decrease • Your portfolio hasn't performed as expected • You're affected by changes to the economy or tax laws
A financial professional is trained to listen to your concerns, identify any underlying issues, and help you find common ground. Can I still control my own finances? Financial planning professionals make recommendations, not decisions. You retain control over your finances. Recommendations will be based on your needs, values, goals, and time frames. You decide which recommendations to follow, then work with a financial professional to implement them.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES Regina L. Faison Senior Financial Advisor Faison Wealth & Retirement Services C/O Woodbury Financial Services 3070 Bristol Suite 500 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Office Direct -949-200-8212 * Efax - 949-556-9806 * Regina cell - 714-329-7184 Customer Service Email- service@faisonwealth.com Ph# - 949-939-1194 Website - http://faisonwealth.com "Helping businesses and individuals achieve their life goals" Securities, and Investment Advisory Services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor. Woodbury Financial Services P.O. Box 64284*St. Paul, MN 55164*-800-800-2638 Faison Wealth and Retirement Services and Woodbury Financial are not affiliated entities.
Page 2 of 2 Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2015
71 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
FOR
Valentine's Day
OR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz Joint Business Development Mission to China Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou | April 12-17, 2015 Smart Cities – Smart Growth: Exciting Opportunity to Expand Your Business in Asia
This mission will promote U.S. clean technology products and services in the areas of green building/construction, energy efficiency, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and environmental technologies in support of the Smart Cities-Smart Growth theme. On November 12, President Obama and President Xi jointly announced the two countries’ respective post-2020 climate targets in Beijing. This announcement is a pivotal step in addressing the global challenge of climate change and movement towards achieving the deep decarbonization of the global economy. The mission will build on strong climate change progress during the first six years of the Obama Administration, and supports the intent of the announcement, as it will help to achieve its ambitious goals. It is one of several measures that will strengthen and expand U.S.-China clean energy cooperation, and will support the deployment of cutting edge, innovative technologies to combat and adapt to climate change. Additionally, the recent announcements from President Obama and President Xi will spur new opportunities for U.S. clean technology companies in China. If you’re interested in participating in the upcoming business development mission, please visit the mission website to apply:
http://www.export.gov/ChinaMission2015 73 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
IBM, Softbank Partner on Cognitive Computing Prepare Your Business Operations for the Future by Larry Dignan
Pepper, the social robot, in action.
BM and Softbank have teamed up to bring the Watson cognitive computing platform to Japan, teach Japanese and integrate it with Pepper, the social robot. The collaboration is an interesting inflection point for Watson. IBM is looking to broaden adoption and Japan, the third largest economy behind China and the U.S., represents Watson's first foray into a language that isn't based on the Western alphabet. Under the partnership, IBM and Softbank will attempt to teach Watson to speak and think in Japanese, a language that is tricky to learn because of its kanji
I
alphabet, which is a series of complex diagrams. Should the IBM-Softbank partnership be successful, Watson could inform the actions of Pepper, which is a social robotics platform that aims to be a helper to the Japanese population. Softbank has billed Pepper as a companion that's engaging, friendly and emotionally intelligent. Watson will give Pepper a larger knowledge base to work with and could make the robot more applicable to specific industries. A combination of Watson and Pepper, which is able to analyze body language, could rub off on
both of the corporate parents. Will Watson be more able to read human cues via Pepper? Will Pepper become brainier? Among the key points about the collaboration: • IBM and Softbank aim to produce Watson apps and services in Japan. • The two companies hope to build an ecosystem around Watson. • Softbank's enterprise footprint in Japan will complement IBM's. • IBM and Softbank aim to drop Watson services into multiple industries with an initial focus on education, banking, healthcare, insurance and retail.
74 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Lester Holt Steps into Prime Time at NBC ester Holt, 55-year-old versatile newsman, will transition from something of a do-it-all correspondent to network anchor assigned to a spot five nights a week. Holt was named by NBC News to replace Brian Williams as anchor of NBC Nightly News on an interim basis while Williams serves a six-month suspension without pay for embellishing a story about a reporting tour in Iraq in 2003. "If ratings do well under Lester Holt, he's a very viable candidate to replace (Williams) full time," says Mark Feldstein, a broadcast journalism professor at the University of Maryland at College Park. He anchors the Nightly News' weekend edition as well anchoring Dateline and co-anchoring Weekend Today. That he's such a
L
familiar face signifies an easier transition for staffers as well. Nightly News and the weekend edition share the same staff. Holt, who got his broadcasting career start as a country music station disc jockey, worked at WBBM-TV in Chicago for 14 years prior to joining NBC. Holt also worked as a reporter at WCBS-TV in New York in the early 1980s and KCBS-TV in Los Angeles. His son, Stefan Holt, works as a reporter for an NBCowned station in Chicago. Holt is known for his versatility and zeal to jump on assignments, according to current and former colleagues. He earned the nickname "Iron Pants" when he was in the anchor chair non-stop at
MSNBC during the Iraq War. "He was someone who was wellliked," says Ariens, who previously worked as a producer at NBC News. "He's really good at what he does. And it bodes well for him that they didn't give it a second thought as to who's filling in." www.usatoday.com/story/ money/2015/02/11/lester-holt-steps-inat-nbc/23250651
• The two companies will create local APIs and development platforms. • Softbank will be IBM's preferred delivery partner for Watson in Japan. • IBM Watson will be hosted in Softbank data centers in Japan. www.zdnet.com/ article/ibm-softbankpartner-on-cognitivecomputing-watsonmeet-pepper/?tag=nl. e232&s_cid=e232&tt ag=e232&ftag=TRE6 a12a91
A Watson app at work.
75 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
IRS Apologizes for Seizing Bank Accounts of Small Businesses
Because of his insurance policy, Clyde said, he didn't like carrying more than $10,000 in cash between his store and the bank. As a result, Clyde said, he made 109 transactions between May 2012 and March 2013, totaling
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER ressured by Congress, the IRS said Wednesday it is changing its policies and apologizing for seizing banks accounts from otherwise lawabiding business owners simply because they structured bank transactions to avoid federal reporting requirements. Their alleged crime: routinely making bank deposits of less than $10,000. That allowed the business owners to avoid reporting requirements designed to catch drug dealers and money launderers. IRS Commissioner John Koskinen told Congress that the IRS is changing policies to prevent the seizures, as long as the money came from legal means. "To anyone who is not treated fairly under the code, I apologize," Koskinen told the House Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. "Taxpayers have to be comfortable that they will be treated fairly." By law, bank transactions above $10,000 must be reported to the IRS. It's a felony, called "structuring," to manage transactions to avoid the reporting requirement, even if the money is legally earned. In some cases, the IRS seized and held bank accounts for years without bringing charges. Koskinen said he didn't know how many cases the new policy would affect. He said the IRS seized a total of 147 accounts last year, including those in which the money was illegally obtained.
P
"On average over the last several years, it's less than 200 cases," Koskinen said. "In 60% of those cases, the owner of the asset never shows up, which shows that they obviously had a criminal activity going on." The Treasury inspector general for tax administration is launching an audit of the IRS's seizure program, said Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., chairman of the Ways and Means oversight subcommittee. It is unclear how long the probe will take. Roskam said the IRS has too much power to seize assets, even if the agency doesn't have adequate evidence of a crime. "The IRS doesn't have to give notice to the account-holder before seizing the assets. And the IRS doesn't have to prove that the person is actually guilty of anything — just that the account probably is involved in structuring," Roskam said. Georgia gun shop owner Andrew Clyde said he didn't know about the reporting law when he got an insurance policy that only covered losses up to $10,000 if they happened outside his store in Athens. Clyde and three other business owners appeared before Roskam's subcommittee Wednesday to recount how the IRS had seized their bank accounts.
$940,313. A month later, he said he was visited by two IRS agents who accused him of structuring those deposits to avoid the reporting law. They said the account had been seized. "I was never so afraid in my life," said Clyde," a former Marine who did three tours in Iraq. "I trembled when they left." Clyde said he was never accused of evading taxes or of illegally obtaining the money. Yet, he said, the IRS filed a civil complaint against him and made several offers to settle the case by forcing him to forfeit large portions of his money. In August, three days before the scheduled start of a civil trial initiated by the IRS, Clyde agreed to forfeit $50,000 in order to get the rest of his money back. Clyde said his legal bills totaled almost $150,000. "This was my tactical retreat, so I could live to fight another day," Clyde told the subcommittee. "And that day is today." www.newsobserver. com/2015/02/11/4548023/irsapologizes-for-seizing-bank.html
76 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC)
favorable rates through the federal government. •And the national economy benefits as the small businesses financed by SBICs continue to create jobs and generate tax revenues.
Where can I learn more? Visit the SBIC Program pages ( w w w. s b a . g o v / c o n t e n t / s b i c program-overview-0), including the FAQ, for more information about the SBIC Program. Still have questions? Email askSBIC@sba. gov.
id you know that the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program has been helping high-growth small businesses get financing since 1958? That's right – for more than 50 years, SBICs have facilitated the flow of long-term capital to America’s businesses. There are thousands of small business success stories, but here are a few you probably recognize: Costco, Apple and Staples – just to name a few.
funds (the SBICs) that finance small businesses.
Add your Business Information
How does it work?
What are the perks?
Be found by new & old clients
SBA doesn't finance businesses directly. For the SBIC program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) partners with private investors to capitalize professionally-managed investment
•Small businesses can receive equity capital, long-term loans and expert management assistance. •Investment managers can add to their own private investment capital with funds borrowed at
D
F
O
U
N
D
MOBILE BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY
A
T
I
O
Download the App
DO IT TODAY! http://aroundthewayapp.com
N
http://trayvonmartinfoundation.org 77 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
UPCOMING TRADE MISSIONS!!
T
rade Missions are listed on the Trade Mission Calendar when their official trade mission statements are approved for release to the public based on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Trade Mission Policy. The U.S. Government, in keeping with the National Export Initiative, is committed to sponsoring an unprecedented number of trade missions focusing on the most innovative and competitive sectors of our economy. The renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies focused missions, for example, will be among those listed on this site. Visit http://export.gov/ trademissions/eg_main_023185. asp for detailed information on the trade missions listed here.
Kenya, South Africa, Mozambique February 23-27, 2015 Trade Mission to Kenya, South Africa and Mozambique will put you front and center with the key decision makers looking for technologies and solutions like yours.
Trade Mission Features • Meetings with potential partners, distributors and end-users • Receptions with the local business communities • Briefings from local experts on doing business in Africa • Media exposure
Target Sectors Energy Equipment and Services: Power generation, including renewable; transmission and distribution, energy efficiency, oil and gas exploration and production and project
development. Transportation Infrastructure and Equipment: Road, bridge and dam construction; railroad equipment and rolling fleets, port mobile, weighbridges and quayside systems and upgrades to port equipment. Agricultural Equipment: Crop production equipment and machinery, irrigation equipment and technology, crop storage and handling, precision farming technologies and fertilizers. Medical Technologies: Diagnostic imaging equipment, laboratory equipment, patient aids, innovative minimally invasive devices and dental and optometry equipment. Contact: Anne Novak at Anne.Novak@trade.gov or (202) 482-8178. Application deadline: December 31, 2014.
Morocco, Algieria, Egypt March 4-12, 2015 Safety and Security Mission to Morocco, Algeria and Egypt. The purpose of this mission is to help U.S. firms in the safety and security industry find business partners and sell products and services in North Africa. The targeted sector for participation in this Business Development Mission is safety and security, including U.S.-based manufacturers of safety and security equipment, U.S. based providers of safety and security services, and U.S. trade associations promoting U.S. safety and security products and services. Contact: Frank Spector or (202) 482-2054 or Arica Young or (613) 688-5176
Application deadline: January 15, 2015.
Egypt, Jordan, Israel May 16-21, 2015 Healthcare Mission to Egypt, Jordan and Israel. This is a healthcare equipment, services, and technologies business development mission to introduce representatives from U.S. firms and related trade associations to the region and to promote exports of U.S. healthcare products and services. Delegates will receive market briefings and participate in customized meetings with prospective partners. Companies may also participate in a stop in the West Bank city of Ramallah at an additional cost.
Targeted sectors include: • Maternal and child health needs • Medical equipment and supplies, including diagnostic, monitoring, and imaging equipment • Hospital and outpatient clinic design • Hospital management • E-health: healthcare management systems/software/network design • Laboratory and scientific equipment • Specialty areas such as oncology, cardiology, wound care, and plastic surgery • Products and services for implementing quality standards and accreditation • Robotics • Mobile clinics Contact: Patricia.Molinaro@trade. gov or call (973) 645-4682. Application deadline: March 13, 2015.
79 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
LinkedIn InMail Changes: What B-to-B Sellers Should Do Next By Jeff Molander
This Story is For the serious LinkedIn user he new LinkedIn InMail changes are in effect—leaving sales reps and managers upset and confused. InMail just got much more expensive for average B-to-B sellers. However, you can now access a nearly unlimited supply of InMail credits under the new policy—by making one small change to how you craft InMail messages. There is a way to send 100 InMail messages and get 193 credits back (for you to re-use again).
T
spammy InMail messages being sent. The system rewarded it.
What the New Policy Means to You
successful with InMail. LinkedIn's new InMail policy rewards you (only) for writing messages that get good response.
Briefly, What Changed and Why? When InMail was introduced, LinkedIn's "guaranteed response" policy rewarded spammy messages. Oops. So, as of January, LinkedIn gives InMail credits (that you buy) back—BUT only for InMails that earn a response in 90 days. This is radically new. Under the old system if you did not receive a response within a week, the InMail credit you purchased was given back. LinkedIn guaranteed a response. However, this rewards you for failing. For example, let's say you purchased 50 InMails and sent them. A (poor) 10% response rate allowed you to earn credits and send over 400 InMails per month. Thus, the policy increased the amount of
Going forward, you will receive a credit (get your money back) for each InMail receiving a response within 90 days. You can re-use the money to invest again ... and again and again. But if you earn no reply (or a poor response rate) your money is wasted. LinkedIn's old InMail policy rewarded sellers who weren't
How good? If you send 100 InMails per month, with a steady 20% response rate, you will end up with about 125 total InMails to send-based on InMails credited back to your account. How to Send 100 InMails and Get 193 Credits Back If you're an average InMail user, you're seeing credits vanish lately.
80 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
But there is a way to send 100 InMail messages and get 98 returned to you. Or even 193 credits back (for you to re-use again). How? Write effective InMail messages. For example, let's say you earn a 50% response rate on your first batch of 100 InMails sent. Over time (as you use the InMail credits returned to you) you earn a total of 98 credits. Not bad. You get nearly all of your investment back for reuse. But what if you were really good? Let's say you earned a 70% response rate to your InMail
LinkedIn's re-issuing credits. But you get the picture.
Should You Stop Using InMail? As much as it may hurt, your never-ending stream of InMail credits were part of LinkedIn's lack of foresight. If you are considering investing in InMail you're in luck. Learn from this experience. Most B-to-B sellers who invested in LinkedIn Sales Navigator (and InMail) are complaining loudly. Many are resigning accounts. And they should. As Darwin said, "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change." Change for the better.
What to Do Next
messages? Hey, it's possible. I have students who earn 73% response rates. With a 70% response rate, you would earn 193 InMail credits (of your original 100) to re-use for prospecting. In actual practice the math is a bit messy, due to the delays between prospects responding and
LinkedIn's InMail policy change is another signal. Another warning. A reason to abandon fairy-tale beliefs like: • Email prospecting doesn't cost anything when it fails-or underperforms • It's mostly a numbers game • Getting response and appointments means sending more emails Yes, it is a numbers game. Just like coldcalling. But what is the basis of an effective coldcall routine? An effective communications process. More specifically: A systematic, repeatable, scalable way to turn calls in to leads. I recently described this technique—gave next steps and templates to help make it easy. If you aren't serious about learning an effective
process, you won't experience predictable success. "Lazy individuals will still be able to send indifferent InMails, but they won't be rewarded for it." says Bruce Johnston of The Practical Social Media blog. "The new InMail system will reward people with imagination that experiment to get optimal response rates," says Johnston. Whether you pay cash for LinkedIn InMail credits or send standard emails to prospects...if it doesn't work, it costs you. That's Cash or wasted time-time you should have spent doing something really productive! www.targetmarketingmag.com/ blog/linkedin-inmail-changeswhat-b-to-b-sellers-should-donext?e=lion.comm@hotmail. com#utm_source=todaytarget-marketing&utm_ medium=enewsletter_headline_ story3&utm_campaign=2015-02-06
81 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business Technology:
Take a Look! by LaSandra Stratton Check out what these firms and organizations have to offer for your personal interests, personal wealth building, and business expansion opportunities.
http://goanimate.com he mission of GoAnimate is to enable businesses, schools, and individuals to make videos — quickly and easily. Videos could and should be everywhere. Businesses use them to explain complex topics, train employees, or just show their soft side. Teachers and students use them to exercise higher-order learning skills, such as creativity and critical thinking, in the classroom. Individuals use them to make their friends laugh, better visualize their favorite song, or just say, “I miss you” to someone special. What's the problem? Making a video is hard. People perceive it as one of those black-box processes they can't even wrap their head
t Poshly, beauty is personal. Join our community of 100,000+ members to win full-sized beauty goodies from premier brands, and discover musthave products that are perfect for you. Poshly features brands like Revlon, philosophy, Benefit Cosmetics, LUSH, and dozens more. Ready to get started? Here are the three easy steps to participate in Poshly Giveaways:
A
T
around. If they think it through (most mentally run screaming before even getting this far), they think it's going to take a long time, cost a lot, and be really, really hard. GoAnimate offers an easy learning curve, a low budget and simple doit-yourself tools. Make your first video in less than 5 Minutes during the Free Trial period.
http://poshly.com
• Sign up for Poshly or sign in, and click on any giveaway you’d like to enter to win. • On a giveaway page, click on the button to start the quiz and complete the questions to gain an entry to the giveaway. • Wait to win, and check back often for more giveaways! Really want to win? You can get extra entries to a giveaway by answering more quiz questions. And, at Poshly, everyone gets lucky: members receive beauty samples and promo codes tailored to their needs. It's all free, and just for you!
www.webtel.mobi/pc sing Webtel.mobi means you save can up to 80% or more on your call and text costs, while making the same number of mobile calls, or sending the same number of texts. To provide even more cost savings, Webtel. mobi has also been structured to also allow you to make calls from
U
landlines. The same low call and text costs apply at all times of the day (no "peak" or "off-peak" times), and the same cost tables apply in all countries internationally. Calls are made and texts sent from your own mobile (or landline) phone. Your caller ID and text message ID displays your own mobile phone number (or landline number), enabling you to be called or texted back to your own phone. Calls and texts are not "VoIP-overmobile / Mobile VoIP", so there are no expensive data-transfer costs as are experienced with VoIP-over mobile calls. Detailed call and cost records for all calls and texts are available within seconds of your making the call or sending the text. Using Webtel.mobi is the same in almost every way to a standard mobile provider's service - except that our costs are lower by up to 80% or more. This means you can make the same number of calls or send the same number of texts as you usually do - but you keep up to 80% of the money that you usually use to do this. F Y I : You will need to create an account the first time you visit. It's free and all you need is a mobile phone or this website. Before you can make a call, you will need to buy credit. Special Opportunity: Get your own mobile phone company in 30 days.. Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.
83 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
Michelle Obama Calls Education Th Most Important Civil Rights Issue young people to make going to school a priority, even if all they have is a "bad school." The first lady made her point at a Black History Month panel discussion at the White House celebrating "women of the movement," including two women who were not deterred by the angry mobs that assembled outside their schools in Arkansas and Georgia during the civil rights era. Award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault was the first black woman to attend the University of Georgia, and Carlotta Walls LaNier was one of the Little Rock Nine group of students who integrated Little Rock Central High School. President Dwight D. Eisenhower eventually First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks sent federal troops to at "Celebrating Women of the Movement," escort them. an event honoring Black History Month, in "Those are just two of the East Room of the White House. The First countless stories about Lady introduces moderator Vanessa De Luca, how folks who came Editor-in-Chief of Essence magazine and before us stayed hungry the panel of intergenerational women who for their education and have played a pivotal role in the civil rights paved the way for those movement – both past and present. (Official who came after them, White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) including me and so many in this room," Mrs. Obama told students, civil rights ichelle Obama called advocates, community leaders and education the "single most others seated in the East Room. important" civil rights issue "And today, thanks to their facing the country and pleaded with sacrifice, there are no angry mobs
M
gathering outside our schools," she said. "Nobody needs a military
Charlayne Hunter-Gault escort to get to class, but that doesn't mean that our children don't still face struggles when it comes to education." Mrs. Obama, who attributes her own success to education and heads an initiative that encourages young people to pursue post-secondary education, said too many students still attend dilapidated schools or schools that lack the latest technology or the college prep classes and college counseling they need. Students fall behind in life when they fall behind in school, she said. "So, like many of you, I believe that education is the single most
84 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
he e
important civil rights issue that we face today," the first lady said. She said education will help solve issues like mass incarceration, racial profiling, voting rights "and the kinds of challenges that shocked so many of us over the past year," an apparent reference to police-involved killings of black men in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island in New York City. The first lady urged the young people in the audience to "translate the victories that these women won into habits in your own lives." "That means going to class every day. Every day. No matter what obstacle life may throw your way, go to school," she said. "Go to the bad school that you have. Go to school."
The First Lady Has a Challenge for You: #GimmeFive Have you been making healthier choices over the past five years? #GimmeFive! Have you planted a garden, joined a dance class, eaten more fruits and vegetables? #GimmeFive! And, in the spirit of Let’s Move! – whether it’s pushups or recipes or hours spent on your health – can you #GimmeFive more? As part of the fifth anniversary of Let’s Move!, the First Lady is encouraging Americans across the country to give out high-fives when they see someone making healthy choices. And she’s challenging everyone to #GimmeFive things they are doing to eat better, be more active, and lead a healthier life. Are you ready to #GimmeFive?
www.whitehouse. gov/blog/2015/01/19/ president-obama-reflectsdr-kings-legacy
Share what you’re doing to lead a healthier life on Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Facebook, or Tumblr using #GimmeFive and then pass on the challenge to your family, friends, and followers! Stay involved in the #GimmeFive challenge and the fifth anniversary activities by following us:
Carlotta Walls LaNier
• On Twitter: @LetsMove and @FLOTUS, the official Twitter account for the Office of the First Lady • On Instagram: @MichelleObama, the official Instagram account for the Office of the First Lady • On Facebook: facebook.com/letsmove
85 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest-Obituary
Jazz Legend Clark Terry Dies at 94 Written by Ronaldo Oregano
wen Terry offered this statement on behalf of Clark Terry. "Our beloved Clark Terry has joined the big band in heaven where Clark Terry with Byron Stripling he'll be singing and playing massjazz.blogspot.com with the angels. He left us peacefully, surrounded by his family, students and friends. Clark the bugle with the Tom Powell has known and played with so many Drum and Bugle Corps. Upon his amazing people in his life. He has discharge from the Navy, he found found great joy in his friendships and work with Lionel Hampton's band. his greatest passion was spending He rounded out the 1940s playing time with his students. We will miss with bands led by Charlie Barnet, him every minute of every day, but Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, he will live on through the beautiful Charlie Ventura, and George music and positivity that he gave Hudson. From 1948-51, Terry was to the world. Clark will live in our a member of Basie's big band and hearts forever." octet. Trumpeter Clark Terry was Terry's reputation grew with awarded the Grammy Lifetime Ellington's band, with whom he Achievement award, named an worked from 1951-59. He also led his NEA Jazz Master, and inducted own recording dates during this time. into the Downbeat Hall of Fame After working with Quincy Jones in among countless honors, was the 1959-60, he found steady work as consummate freelance musician, a freelance studio artist, eventually able to add a distinctive element to becoming a staff musician at NBC. whatever band or jam session of As a member of the Tonight Show which he is a part. His exuberant, orchestra -- one of the first Africanswinging horn playing was an American musicians employed in a important contribution to two of the television house band -- he came greatest big bands in jazz, Count to prominence through his popular Basie's and Duke Ellington's. In "Mumbles" persona, his unique way addition, his use of the flugelhorn as of mumbling a scat vocal solo. He an alternative to trumpet influenced worked and recorded with artists Art Farmer and Miles Davis, such as J.J. Johnson, Oscar among others. Peterson, and Ella Fitzgerald, In high school, Terry took up then co-led a quintet with Bob the valve trombone, later playing Brookmeyer. Thereafter he led
G
his own small and large bands, including his Big Bad Band, beginning in 1972. He also became part of Norman Granz's traveling allstars, Jazz at the Philharmonic. As a jazz educator he was one of the earliest active practitioners to take time off from the road to enter the classroom, conducting numerous clinics and jazz camps. This work culminated in his own music school at Teikyo Westmar University in Le Mars, Iowa. A distinctive stylist, he was also a consummate entertainer, often alternating trumpet and flugelhorn in a solo duel with himself in concerts. He continued to play in both the U.S. and Europe, recording and performing in a wide variety of settings, such as the One-onOne recording of duets with 14 different pianists. Over the years, Terry received numerous awards and honors, including the French Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, a knighthood in Germany, and a star on St. Louis' Walk of Fame. www.jazzpolice.com/content/ view/11551/72/
86 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest-Obituary
Edward Brooke, First Black Elected U.S. Senator, Dies at 95
Former Senator Edward William Brooke shakes hands witih President Obama during the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in honor of Brooke, in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. (Photo: Mandel Ngan, AFP/Getty Images)
ormer Massachusetts U.S. Senator Edward Brooke, the first African American to be elected to the Senate by popular vote, has died at age 95. Brooke died January 3, 2015 of natural causes at his home in Coral Gables, FL. "Ed Brooke stood at the forefront of the battle for civil rights and economic fairness. During his time in elected office, he sought to build consensus and understanding across partisan lines, always working towards practical solutions to our nation's challenges," President Obama said in a statement. The only blacks to serve in the Senate before Brooke were two men in the 1870s when senators were still chosen by state legislatures. Brooke, a liberal Republican, was elected to the Senate in 1966 and served two terms. He earned his reputation as a liberal after becoming the first Republican senator to publicly urge President
F
Nixon to resign. "We lost a truly remarkable public servant," says Massachusetts Gov.-elect Charlie Baker. "A war hero, a champion of equal rights for all and an example that barriers can be broken, Sen. Brooke accomplished more than most aspire to." Brooke was honored in October 2009 with the Congressional Gold Medal. At the time, the president described Brooke as "a man who's spent his life breaking barriers and bridging divides across this country." When he accepted the honor, Brooke lectured both parties to work together to solve problems saying Republicans and Democrats "can do anything" if they set aside partisan politics. "You've got to get together. We have no alternative," he said. "It's time for politics to be put aside on the back burner." Historian Dennis Nordin has researched and written about African-American politicians and devoted a chapter to Brooke in
his book, From Edward Brooke to Barack Obama: African American Political Success, 1966-2008. Nordin told The Greenville News that Brooke's political career shows independence from the GOP. "He didn't follow the party line," said Nordin. "He refused to support Barry Goldwater in 1964 and Richard Nixon's Supreme Court nominees with a racist past." Brooke said he was "thankful to God" that he lived to see Barack Obama become the nation's first black president. Lawmakers are taking to Twitter to voice their thoughts and memories about Brooke. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the first black ever elected to the Senate from South Carolina tweeted: "Deeply saddened by the loss of Senator Edward Brooke. He was a true trailblazer; those of us who followed cannot thank him enough. #RIP" www.usatoday.com/story/news/ politics/2015/01/03/edward-brookeobituary/21236067
87 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest-Obituary
Charlie Sifford, "the Jackie Robinson of Golf", Dies at 94 By Brent Kelley orn in 1922, Charlie Sifford became a golfer after starting as a caddie. That was the only way an African-American at that time could get into golf. Blacks were barred from playing many golf courses in that (and later) time, were banned from most clubs and most courses in the South. Blacks were also banned from playing in PGA of America-run tournaments (and the PGA of America ran the tour up into the 1960s). But by age 13, Sifford was a scratch golfer. In 1947, Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. That same year, Sifford met Robinson and told him he planned to break golf's color barrier. Sifford was in the United States Army - blacks could fight and die for their country but weren't allowed to play PGA golf tournaments - at that time, but turned pro after leaving the service in 1948. Sifford began playing in tournaments run by the United Golf Association, a loose circuit of events staged by black businessmen and golfers. He won the UGA's national championship, the National Negro Open, six times, including five years running (1952-56). He also started fighting to get into PGA tournaments. There were a handful of events in the 1950s that had enough autonomy from the PGA to allow blacks into the field if they chose to do so. In 1952, Sifford got into the Phoenix Open with the help of boxing legend Joe Louis. What was Sifford up against in trying to integrate top-level golf tournaments? Playing with Lewis, Sifford's group found excrement in
B
the cup on their first hole, according to the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 1957 Sifford won the Long Beach Open, not a PGA Tour event but still a significant victory and one that showed beyond any question he was good enough to play on the PGA Tour. During much of the 1950s Sifford had good showings in the few PGA Tour events he was able to get into, mostly in California and Canada. Sifford also played his way into the 1959 U.S. Open (the USGA did not bar blacks from the Open).32nd. Finally, in 1959, the PGA of America agreed to give Sifford what he had long ago earned: a shot to play in the big leagues. But it was only in 1961 that the PGA removed the "Caucasions only" clause from its charter. Sifford was already 37 years old by the time he played his first year of PGA Tour action, in 1959 - an age at which most golfers of that era had already begun winding down in their careers. Sifford was just getting started, though. Despite sometimes facing death threats and hearing racial slurs hurled from the galleries in his early years, Sifford finished in the Top 60 on the PGA Tour money list every year from 1960 through 1969. (He wound up making the cut in 399 of 422 PGA Tour events he played.) Top 60 is what it took to remain exempt in those days for the following season. In 1967 Sifford won the Greater Hartford Open and in 1969 added
the second of his two PGA Tour wins, the Los Angeles Open. He was 46 years old when he won in Los Angeles, and at the time that would have ranked him among the oldest-ever winners on tour. When he approached his 50s, Sifford kept going, winning the 1971 Sea Pines on the secondary circuit. In 1975 he won the Senior PGA Championship. It was five more years until the Champions Tour was founded, but Sifford was one its original members. And he won one of the four tournaments played in that tour's first year, the Suntree Classic. Sifford's hat-wearing, cigarchomping visage made him one of the senior circuit's most recognizable players in its earliest years. He continued to play the Champions Tour through his 60s and last played in 1999. In 1992, Sifford published an autobiography entitled Just Let Me Play, chronicling his successful efforts to open up PGA golf to golfers of all races and ethnicities. He was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004 in the Lifetime Achievement category. http://golf.about.com/od/golfersmen/fl/ Charlie-Sifford.htm
88 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
The U.S. - Angola Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its upcoming trade mission to Angola, March 20 - 28, 2015. The main objectives of the mission are to provide interested U.S. businesses with an opportunity to visit, experience and gain first-hand information about Angola and the many possible trade and investment opportunities this dynamic market holds, as well as to promote U.S. partnerships and investments in Angola's rapidly emerging sectors such as: •Agriculture •Construction •Education •Financial Services •Manufacturing and Textiles •Mining •Oil Services •Transportation Angola's position as the third largest sub-Saharan African economy, its rank as the United States' second largest trading partner in Africa, its preferred status with the U.S. Exim Bank, all make it prime for U.S. trade and investment. The trade mission will offer an exceptional opportunity to travel Business class on the chartered flight from Houston to Luanda called the "Houston Express" operated by Sonair. The program will include visits to Cabinda and Luanda Provinces, participation in the Angola - U.S. Business Summit & Roundtable, briefings, meetings with potential customers, agents and/or joint venture partners and access key Angolan government and industry officials. PARTICIPATION FEE: USD$10,000 (ten thousand dollars) to include roundtrip Business class airfare to Angola on the Houston Express; or USD$5,000* (five thousand dollars) without airfare. PARTICIPATION FEE INCLUDES: Only included with registration fee that includes airfare. •Round-trip airfare (business class) transportation from Houston, TX to Luanda, ANGOLA on the Houston Express; •Round-trip airfare transportation from Luanda to Cabinda; •Ground transportation in Luanda and Cabinda (program related); •Hotel accommodations in Cabinda and Luanda; •Interpretation services; •Participation in the Angola - U.S. Business Summit; •Meetings with Angolan government officials, organizations, institutions and companies; •Match-making sessions with companies in your sector; •Admission to all scheduled Trade Mission programs; •All breakfast meals; •Lunch and dinner meals where indicated on mission program; •Assistance with visa to Angola; •Opportunity to promote your business in the Trade Mission booklet.
Kindly confirm your participation with Mrs. Maria da Cruz Gabriel by submitting a company profile and completing the registration form by email (mdgabriel@us-angola.org) by February 13, 2015. REGISTRATION FORM: http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1117133342776-109/TradeMission2015.pdf * Participants that do not travel on the Houston Express must arrive in Luanda no later than March 22, 2014.
The 24th AU Summit he 24th Session of the Summit of the African Union has concluded in Addis Ababa on 31st January 2015, with a closing remarks from the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union, H.E Robert Mugabe who is also the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. The AU Chairperson expressed satisfaction to the adoption of the AU Agenda 2063 framework, “we have rededicated ourselves to the Pan-African ideals of our founding fathers for the Africa we want”. He said. President Mugabe called on the AU Members States to implement all the decisions adopted during the summit “as that is the only way for African states will leverage their resources for the benefits of their people”, Underlined President. Mugabe. He added that women and youth are the greatest asset for Africa. Hence the theme of this year’s summit: “women empowerment and development towards agenda 2063”. Amongst some of the key decisions adopted during the 24th AU Summit are the following: On the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak: The Assembly recommended the extension of the mandate of the African Union Support to the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA): called upon Member States who have not yet done so, to lift all restrictions imposed on Ebola affected countries; requested the international financial institutions and partner countries to cancel the debt of the three affected countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone); approved the recommendation to urgently convene a Global Conference on the Ebola epidemic; requested the Commission to liaise
T
with all stakeholders in this regard; and appealed to the scientific community to accelerate the search for a vaccine against Ebola. On the Establishment of the African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (African CDC): The Assembly expressed satisfaction for efforts made by the Commission to speed up the process for the establishment of the Centre by mid-2015; approved that the coordination office should initially be at the Headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa and authorised the Commission to undertake the mobilization of funds from Member States, development partners and the private sector who have already indicated an interest and with experience in the domain. On African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA): The Assembly called upon AGOAeligible countries to enhance the advocacy to complement the efforts of the African Group of Ambassadors in Washington, USA towards the reauthorization of AGOA. On the creation of an African Centre for Information and Communication Technologies in N’djamena: The Assembly commended the Republic of Chad and its President for this crucial initiative and for the funds already mobilized towards the construction of ACIT with a view to promoting information technologies in Africa, which are critical in the continent’s development process. On the continent-wide solidarity against BOKO HARAM: The Assembly welcomed and supported the efforts deployed by Member States of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Republic of Benin for having agreed to deploy
national contingents and establish a Joint Military Staff Headquarters for conduct of military operations against the Boko Haram terrorist group. On the report of Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee (HSGOC) on NEPAD: The Assembly requested the NPCA to develop a coherent Programme of Work to operationalize the Malabo CAADP Implementation Strategy and Roadmap (IS&R) and monitor implementation performance based on the CAADP Results Framework, with emphasis on enhanced support to small-holder farmers, women, youth and promoting inclusive agricultural value-chains, preference for regional markets and strengthening natural resources governance. On the fifteenth report of the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council: The Assembly reiterated its call for Africa to continue to speak with one voice and cohesively on all issues relating to the United Nations Security Council reform and related matters; and UNDERSCORES the overriding need to ensure that the interest of Africa continues to be maintained and safeguarded at all times in the on-going Intergovernmental Negotiation on Security Council reform. The full text of the decisions, declarations and resolutions will be available on the African Union website. For further information: Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission, E-mail: DIC@africanunion.org, Web Site: www.au.int, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. http://summits.au.int/ en/24thsummit/events/24th-ausummit-ends-strong-call-womenempowerment-africa-step-towardsAgenda-2063
92 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Thursday Blues at Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday
Come by for lunch and relax to blues & jazz from our house band! 2560 S. Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey North East corner of Washington & Lincoln
“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”
310-306-4862
www.uncledarrows.com 93 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
Download the Zambia-USA Chamber of Commerce App from the
Apple App Store or
Google Play Store Search: "Zambia USA Chamber"
Find links to the chamber website and facebook page, and embassies; access business resources; receive breaking news; view relevant video presentations; communicate via Twitter, smartphone and e-mail.
www.zambiausachamber.org
94 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
Republic of Zambia Appoints Honorary Consul for California he Black Business Association (BBA) and the Black Business News Group (BBNG) extend congratulations to Honorable Robert Sichinga, Jnr. on his appointment to Honorary Consul of the Republic of Zambia in California and wish him a successful mission to promote trade and tourism on behalf of Zambia. Robert Sichinga has been a contributor and a friend of the Black Business News Group since 2009 when he contributed to our International Edition. In 2012 the Black Business Association and the Black Business News Group became strategic partners of the ZambiaUSA Chamber of Commerce (see ad on page 90), an organization founded by Robert to promote investment opportunities in Zambia. Our relationship with Robert has provided the BBA and our members with in depth information about Zambia. We are looking forward to continuing to work closely and strengthen the cooperation between us in our shared vision to grow business for the strength and well-being of our nations and our communnities. California is the largest economy in the United States and the 9th largest economy in the world and its international trade accounts for approximately one-quarter of the state’s economy. California is the most dynamic state in the US as it relates to the assortment of industries. Some of these industries are industries that the Zambian government has identified as key sectors for economic development and job creation. Zambia's economy contin-
T
ues to grow at an impressive pace and this growth continues to produce opportunities for trade and investment. In the 45 years of its existence, the Black Business Association has mentored and worked with many black-owned emerging and established businesses. Many of these businesses are looking to expand internationally and others produce products that could use raw materials from Zambia. Th BBA and the BBNG encourage businesses in both nations Honorable Robert Sichinga, Jnr., to learn about and Honorary Consul of Zambia in California take advantage of business opportunities like the African Growth T h e and Opportunity Act (AGOA), B l a c k which has not been fully exploited B u s i because a lack of the kinds of col- n e s s laborations that the BBA and the A s s o BBNG encourage. We are excited c i a t i o n about including Zambia as a poten- and the tial foreign investment destination B l a c k for our members. Business News Group wish Robert The appointment of a local rep- every success in his new duties and resentative for Zambia in California pledge our full support. will go a long way in matching need www.zambiaembassy.org with opportunity and serving as that www.zambiausachamber.org missing conduit. http://trade.gov/agoa
95 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
1st International Cosmetics and Beauty Fair, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
thiopia is the 2nd fastest growing non-oil exporting economy in the world next to China with a population of 95 million. Ethiopia has a diversified culture with a colorful experience of cosmetic and beauty care product. With over 5 Million people living in the capital city Addis Ababa, the cosmetic and beauty care industry is one of the untapped and lucrative industries with great investment potential. This will be a great networking opportunity for international companies to find distributors, agents and retail opportunities. Exhibiter booths start at $2,000, including transportation and discounted hotel rates (up March 06, 2015 there is 25% discount). The International Cosmetics and Beauty Fair will be held at The Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa - Hall 1 & Hall 2, Africa Avenue, Bole, Addis Ababa.
E
U.S Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is fully supporting the event and would like to organize a U.S. Embassy Commercial Service supported U.S. Pavilion for U.S. companies participating at the event. For more information please visit our website at www.cbsethiopia.com or contact: Worda Zuba, wordazuba@gmail.com, Yemesrach Kassu Commercial Assistant Foreign Commercial Service U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Email: Yemesrach.Kassu@trade.gov; KassuY@state.gov Tel: +251 91 335 6421 +251 11 130 6794 www.export.gov
96 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Nairobi, Kenya www.absolutechocolate.co.ke info@absolutechocolate.co.ke 97 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Empowering Entrepreneurs to Advance Economic Opportunity in Africa THE CHALLENGE Early-stage SMEs in Africa operate in a gap where traditional forms of financing are scarce. Few angel investors are active in Africa, and those who are frequently lack the resources to identify and evaluate viable business proposals. Given these obstacles, there is a need for a vehicle that selects and supports innovative entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses.
OUR APPROACH Launched in 2009 by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Western Union, the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) aims to encourage sustainable economic growth and employment by supporting African diaspora entrepreneurs. ADM entrepreneurs are individuals with demonstrable connections to or experience in Africa, and who have innovative and high-impact start-ups or established businesses on the continent. ADM is also collaborating with the African Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP), a network of 1600 women across 22 chapters supported by the U.S. Department of State and USAID. Given the parallel objectives of the two initiatives, this partnership aims to leverage the ADM and AWEP platforms to support women entrepreneurs and encourage their participation in the ADM program. ADM by the Numbers 34 winners across Africa were awarded match-grant funding and technical assistance. 8 companies owned/operated by women $4 million in partner contributions 3 SME Financing Events: 106 SMEs presented to bankers during the 2013 event while 72 presented in 2012; and 13 SMEs pitched to prospective investors 850 Africa-based businesses that have participated in business development trainings or workshops through ADM ADM enterprises from top: EcoPower Liberia’s new GEK Power Pallet, which is able to convert local biomass material into clean energy; CEO and staff of Oribags, which manufactures hand-made biodegradable packaging out of agricultural waste, during an exhibition at an American Chamber of Commerce event in Uganda; Demonstrations of OTG Playa tablets during a launch event at the Lagos Digital Library (Nigeria). OTG Playa was also recognized by LLGA Cities Pilot the Future, an effort to highlight innovative solutions to the challenges affecting major global cities.
For more information about ADM, please visit our website. To contact us directly, please email info@diasporamarketplace.org.
International
African Diaspora Marketplace III Business Competition Application Is Now Extended to March 7, 2015 The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Western Union have launched the third round of the African Diaspora Marketplace business plan competition (ADM III). Successful ADM III applicants will receive a matching grant of up to $50,000 and will have access to technical assistance and other support services. The ADM III website (www.diasporamarketplace.org) is now live and entrepreneurs are urged to go online and apply for this grant opportunity (https://app2.pitchburner.com/s1/site//adm3). Please Note: In order to accommodate the anticipated volume of applications, we have extended the application deadline for the concept proposals to March 7, 2015. Please see the documents attached below for more information. ADM III Notice of Application Submission Extension (https://files.ctctcdn.com/355ab5a3201/4ac16459-b4c6-4367-9f90-9121d9c81119.pdf)
Revised African Diaspora Marketplace III One Pager (https://files.ctctcdn.com/355ab5a3201/172b3ed6-2ce9-49cc-a266-9967fcee227c.pdf)
Thank you for your understanding. David J. Saunders E-mail: djsaunders@diasporamarketplace.org
To Apply Click The Link Below: https://app2.pitchburner.com/ms_signup?ret=/signupform/adm3&evtid=892400
99 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
Support AGOA's Reauthorization
A CALL TO ACTION! To sign up and pledge your support for the reauthorization of AGOA, learn more and join with other AGOA supporters go to: www.supportagoareauthorization.org
'Call to Action' campaign has been launched for the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is set to expire in September 2015, and we are running out of time. AGOA is a cornerstone of the U.S.-Africa commercial relationship to increase investments, strengthen the private sector, reduce trade barriers, and the reduction of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since AGOA was enacted, seven of the world's ten fastest growing economies are in Sub-Saharan Africa creating 1.3 million jobs. Leadership Africa USA, Africare, Bechtel, Bread for the World, Chevron, Constituency for Africa, Manchester Trade, New Markets Lab, Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa, The Africa Society, The Corporate Council on Africa, the U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Witney Schneidman (former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs) are supporting this 'Call to Action' for the reauthorization of AGOA to continue as a catalyst for economic development and improved governance between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa. We hope you will be part of this and join the campaign to reauthorize AGOA by using the hashtag #ProAGOA on your social media.
A
African Stock Exchanges • Bolsa de Valores of Cape Verde - www.bvc.cv (in Portuguese) • Bond Exchange of South Africa - www.bondexchange. co.za • Botswana Stock Exchange www.bse.co.bw • Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres - UEMOA (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) - www.brvm.org • Casablanca Stock Exchange (Morocco) - www.casablancabourse.com/bourseweb/index. aspx • Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (Tanzania) - www. dse.co.tz • Douala Stock Exchange (Cameroon) - www.douala-stockexchange.com/index_us.php • The Egyptian Exchange - www.
• • • • •
• • •
egx.com.eg/English/homepage. aspx Ethiopia Commodity Exchange - www.ecx.com.et Ghana Stock Exchange - www. gse.com.gh Johannesburg Stock Exchange (South Africa) - www. jse.co.za/Home.aspx Khartoum Stock Exchange (Sudan, in Arabic) - www.kse. com.sd Libyan Stock Market - www. lsm.ly/_layouts/membership/ login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fEnglis h%2fPages%2fdefault.aspx Lusaka Stock Exchange (Zambia) - www.luse.co.zm Nairobi Stock Exchange (Kenya) - www.luse.co.zm Malawi Stock Exchange - www. mse.co.mw
• Mozambique Stock Exchange (in Portuguese) - www. bolsadevalores.co.mz • Namibian Stock Exchange www.nsx.com.na • Nigerian Stock Exchange www.nse.com.ng/Pages/default. aspx • Stock Exchange of Mauritius www.stockexchangeofmauritius. com • Swaziland Stock Exchange www.ssx.org.sz • Tunisia Stock Exchange - www. bvmt.com.tn • Uganda Securities Exchange www.use.or.ug Read the lastest issue of The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke/media-center/ecommunique/exchange-magazine/ category/50-free-version.html
101 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
konya
gi.co.t
z
International
One Africa:
Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too! oin with and support the United Africa Organization’s campaign to petition the U.S. Department of State to include the whole African continent under its Bureau of African Affairs.
J
Why? The State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, currently excludes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Western Sahara from its agenda. Instead, the aforementioned countries are grouped with the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, together with Iran, Iraq, Israel and others. This artificial distinction between North Africa and the rest of Africa
negatively impacts US foreign policy relations throughout the entire continent of Africa. We unequivocally reject the argument that North African countries are outside the scope of African affairs. North Africa is geographically and historically part of the African continent, and all fifty-three (53) independent African states, including North African countries, are represented in the African Union (AU). It would be far more productive for the State Department to engage with the entire continent of Africa, including North Africa, under its Bureau of African Affairs. We are one Africa, from the Cape to Cairo, indivisible and bound together! Therefore, no square inch of African
land should be excluded from African affairs.
Sign The Petition!!! Go to www.change.org/petitions/ one-africa-tell-us-state-departmentthat-north-africa-is-part-of-africa and sign the online petition to support this important proposition. Next tell everyone you know to sign.
www.uniteafricans.org
International
Returning to Africa? African Repatriation is an invaluable online resource for any African national who is thinking about returning to Africa. Our industry articles and specialist editorials provide the latest sector information. Why not find out for yourself and become a part of our growing community today? www.africanrepatriation. com
Career Opportunities in Africa Search and apply online for the latest vacancies in Africa with African Talent. We provide candidates and employers with the tools and resources needed in today’s competitive job market. For employers, we offer numerous options to feature your jobs in Africa and for candidates, reviewing the most recent job vacancies in Africa is a fast, easy process. Uploading your CV is simple and takes just a few moments. www.africantalent.com 104 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
IMEX - who's it for? IMEX is the meetings industry's annual show in Frankfurt, where thousands of international event planners gather to discuss and do business with destinations, hotels, airlines and suppliers. With a plentiful range of educational events and networking opportunities also on offer, IMEX is for anyone whose job involves planning meetings.
What's the main benefit of going? Regulars to IMEX know that doing business at the show will get them weeks ahead of schedule - sparing
them from searching the internet and making endless enquiries. Book appointments with venues and suppliers before you arrive and your event-planning needs will be achieved in record time.
Why is IMEX attracting more visitors each year? People see this as a chance to get away from their desks and meet each other face to face - shake hands, talk, and do business in a more enjoyable and productive way. There are more exhibitors each year and more opportunities to meet
peers and swap notes. The news has spread: you'll get work done, and come away with blossoming new business relationships, too.
IMEX 2015 … open for registration.
(http://portal.imex-frankfurt. com/register.php?login=1&utm_ source=IMEX15&utm_ medium=email&utm_ campaign=prevue)
We look forward to seeing you there. The IMEX Marketing team imex-frankfurt.com
105 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Cultural Interiors West &
Cordially Invited Cultural Interiors West 5573 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 Experience our exciting array of products from Cards to Cupcakes, African Masks, Asian Teacups, Healthy Herbal Teas, Gourd Purses, Candles, to Furniture
Artwear Handpainted Handbags, Skirts, Tees, Accessories, Calendars, Wall Hangings & More! http://gbabysworld.blogspot.com Gbabyartwear@hotmail.com or Gbabyart345@gmail.com Find Gbaby Products at the “Collective” http://www.atthecollective.com 280 Elizabeth Street, Atlanta, GA
Hope to see you soon!!! In the meantime visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/CulturalInteriors-West/140688362658236
JJ’s Belizean Cuisine 2618 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 1-323-293-2926
109 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
110 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Nubian Skin "A Different Kind of Nude"
Nubian Skin launched with a carefully edited collection of lingerie and hosiery to provide the essential underwear needs of women of colour. Headquartered in London, Nubian Skin delivers worldwide and looks forward to growing the company’s offering and expanding its reach. So for all you beautiful women, next time you need a nude pair of holdups or maybe a nude strapless bra to go under that stunning white halter dress, Nubian Skin is only a few clicks away. Empowering Women. Embracing our Colour. Find us at: https://nubianskin.com
https://nubianskin.com
Collection Bed, Bath & Beyond
http://bsmith.com/shop
Bernahu Asfaw & Getahun Asfaw
1041 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019 323-938-8827 or 323-938-8806 • Fax: 323-932-6047 messob@gmail.com • www.messob.com
Open 7 days a week • 11am - 11pm
The Economic Turn Around in the USA is in Our Hands •Buy Products Made or Assembled in the USA •Hire One New Employee •Eat an Extra Meal Out Each Week •Start/Grow a Business to Generate Wealth & Jobs
Buy Black Save Black Invest Black 115 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Eso Won Books African American Books 4327 Degnan Boulevard Leimert Park, Los Angeles
Give the Gift of Books and Music Come see our unsurpassed collection of books, music, videos, children’s books, and games!
1-323-294-0324
www.esowonbookstore.com ďƒ” //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events
Books to Consider...
What Would Martin Say? by Clarence B. Jones and Joel Engel
O
n April 4, 1968, the
R e v e r e n d Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Te n n e s s e e , depriving the world of one of the greatest moral authorities of the twentieth century. He was thirty-nine. King had achieved so much at such a young age that it is hard to believe that he has been gone longer than the brief time he spent on this earth. He spoke out not only on segregation and racism against African Americans, but about many other issues of the day, from police brutality and labor strikes to the Vietnam War. Given the current state of the world, we would all benefit from hearing Martin's voice, if only he were alive today. . . . If anyone would have insight into what Martin
Atty. Clarence B. Jones with Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.
would say, it would be Clarence B. Jones, K i n g ' s personal lawyer and one of his c l o s e s t principal advisers and confidants. Jones has chosen the occasion of this somber anniversary to break his silence— removing the ce off forty fortty years'' time tii to reveal reveall the the flfle sh h mythic distance to eshand-blood man he knew as his friend, Martin. Jones ponders what the outspoken rights leader would say about the serious issues that bedevil contemporary America: Islamic terrorism and the war in Iraq, reparations for slavery, anti-Semitism, affirmative action, illegal immigration, and the vacuum of African American leadership. Delving deep into his memories of the man he worked closely beside, and with help from the King Institute at Stanford University and reams of formerly top-secret and now declassified FBI files, Jones offers the guidance and insight his friend and mentor would have provided for us in these troubled times. Many Americans today know of Martin Luther King only from video clips and history books. As Jones so aptly reminds us, this legendary figure was also a warm human being full of life—and more relevant now than ever. www.amazon.com/What-Would-Martin-Clarence-Jonesebook/dp/B00166YCB0/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid =1422979862&sr=1-4&keywords=clarence+jones
The Right Stuff Comes in Black, Too by Dr. Thomas Mensah
121 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
T
he Right Stuff was a term that was used to describe U.S Astronauts and space pioneers because of their ability to work in harsh environment requiring the nerve of steel sometimes risking their life. In politics the right stuff can be used to describe Mr. Nelson Mandela who was imprisoned for 27 years, without losing his vision and was elected the first Black President of South Africa upon his release, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who endured beatings and Dr. Thomas O. attack dogs, water Mansah hoses, while marching for civil rights and maintained the nerves of steel to secure civil rights for African Americans. President Barack Obama, first Black President of the United States of America, who was reelected for a second term under incredible condition of high unemployment, Financial Crisis and Deficits. In space exploration the right stuff can describe modern black Astronauts like Dr. Mae Jemison, MD, Guy Blufford, General Charles Bolden, and Dr. Robert Bobby Satcher, MD and Ph.D. Fiber Optics are hair thin strands of glass that allow video, data, pictures, voice and Television signals to be transmitted using laser pulses to support the Internet. The robust and high speed transmission on the Internet is due to Fiber Optics. Dr. Thomas Mensah is one of the four inventors and innovators of Fiber Optics Technology which has enabled the Internet to reach many countries and continents. Over a billion people now use the Internet in many countries accessing it through smart mobile phones, tablets, laptops and desk top personal computers. The unlimited bandwidth, or information carrying capacity of fiber optics media makes this possible. Dr. Thomas Mensah solved a worldwide problem that had plagued the Fiber Optics and Telecommunication industry for almost 15 years keeping the cost of production extremely high because the fragile glass broke any time the speed was raised above 2 meters per second. His first invention allowed fiber optics to be manufactured at 10 times the speed
of production without glass breakage while maintaining excellent transmission properties. He was awarded the Corning Glass Works Individual Outstanding Contributor Award and a cash prize of $10,000 for this manufacturing Innovation in 1985. He received four patents on the technology that were key to fiber optics manufacturing leading to production speeds of 50 meters per second. This closed the cost gap of 90% with respect to copper cable cost, leading to the replacement of copper cable with fiber optics cable in the U.S and throughout the world. This advanced Fiber Optic network infrastructure supports the modern high speed Internet. Dr. Mensah was born in 1950 in Kumasi, Ghana and attended Wesley College Practice School from where he went on to attend Adisadel College in Cape Coast, one of the highest-performing boys high schools in Ghana. Dr. Thomas Mensah is an internationally recognized authority in Fiber Optics and Nanotechnology and also a renowned scientist and inventor with 7 USA and worldwide patents in Fiber Optics over a period of six years. He has at least 14 patents to his name in general. He is the first black person to receive such number of patents in a short number of years, and was elected to the rank of Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors in the USA. Mr. Thomas O. Mensah is the Founder of Georgia Aerospace Systems Manufacturing, Inc. and serves as its President and Director. see Books to Consider on page 123
122 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Books to Consider from page 122
www.amazon.com/RightStuff-Comes-Black-Too/ dp/1492802743/ref=sr_1_2?ie= UTF8&qid=1422820669&sr=82&keywords=thomas+o+mensah
contract both within Africa and with the international community around the need to improve living conditions of African populations. I deliberately chose to leave the intellectual comfort of my professional environment throughout this work. With this in mind, I took the development
Eugene Nyambal
Creating Prosperity In Africa by Eugene Nyambal Africa has made an unprecedented U-turn over the last five decades, moving from the fight for independence and liberty to the struggle for debt forgiveness and survival. The main objective of this book is to understand how we got there and to explore new avenues for Africa’s renaissance. It also seeks to help establish a new social
challenge from its historical perspective by questioning the experience of advanced countries and the current expansion of China. The objective was to compare these success stories with the recent initiatives aimed at fostering Africa’s development, including the NEPAD and the HIPC Initiative. I came to the conclusion that to create wealth in Africa, sweeping paradigm changes are needed. Africans must take the lead in changing their destiny and abandon the spirit of dependency. I have organized the response to the challenges facing Africa’s renaissance around eight chapters. In the first chapter, I tried to better understand the external environment shaping
the fate of African nations. This chapter explores the dynamics of globalization and the reasons why Africa is not sufficiently integrated with the rest of the world. In the second chapter, I tried to examine over a long period of time the reasons why some nations are rich and others are poor and, more importantly, why Africa was left behind. In the third chapter, my main objective was to fully understand whether the reform process being promoted in Africa was headed in the right direction and what kind of state organization is needed for economic and technological development. The fourth and the fifth chapters I came to the conclusion that regional integration represents the only option for Africa to become a viable market in the near future. In chapter 5, I noted that If Africa is to play a key role as a civilization and compete with other continents, it should also develop a long-term policy to reduce mortality and foster population growth. In the sixth chapter, to prove that
123 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Africa can succeed, I introduced the case of Mauritius which shows that countries with significant ambition, organization and discipline can leapfrog. In the seventh chapter, considering the decisive role of donors in Africa’s destiny, I tried to explain the role of international financial institutions. I also assessed their performance and reviewed options to improve the effectiveness of official development assistance. More specifically, I recommended that the World Bank and the IMF change their modus operandi to put more emphasis on promoting strong and sustainable economic growth in the fight against poverty. I also underlined the need for some African countries to prepare an exit strategy from adjustment lending to have more maneuvering room in the management of their economies.
In the eighth chapter, I tackled the problem of leadership; discussed the challenges and qualities needed to exercise leadership in an environment dominated by mass poverty, ethnic divides, huge economic and technological changes and limited sovereignty. Through case studies like Nelson Mandela’s case, I tried to illustrate the qualities required to lead in a hostile environment. The cases of Doctor Mahathir Mohammad of Malaysia and Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of Singapore, help illustrate how "enlightened despots" have built prosperous nations in a context of ethnic diversity, for the former, and lack of natural resources for the latter. I concluded by presenting ten of the most compelling solutions to get Africa out of poverty. Over more than twenty years,
Eugene Nyambal has been advising international corporations and governments in senior positions with the IMF, the World Bank, IFC and the private sector. He was Senior Advisor to Executive Director at the Board of Directors of the IMF, Senior Strategy Officer for Latin America at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Team Leader for Private Sector Development at the World Bank, after having held a number of executive positions in European Multinational Corporations. He is a winner of a number of World Bank Group awards for excellence and has written a number of books and articles on Development issues. He is a frequent speaker in international fora and universities. www.barnesandnoble.com/w/creatingprosperity-in-africa-eugene-nyambal/1 100643790?ean=9781592991846
124 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Calendar February 1st-7th Black Fashion Week USA www.blackfashionweekusa.com
of Commerce is conducting a trade mission to Angola, March 20 - 28, 2015. The main objectives of the mission are to provide interested U.S. businesses with an opportunity to visit, experience and gain first-hand information about Angola and the many possible trade and investment opportunities this dynamic market holds, as well as to promote U.S. partnerships and investments in Angola. Kindly contact Mrs. Maria da Cruz Gabriel by email (mdgabriel@usangola.org) for detailed information.
28th
28th Black Business Association Annnual Awards Dinner The BBA's salute to African American business men and women past and present and to the corporate and govenment entities that chamption the Black economy will be held on February 28th in Los Angeles. For particiation information contact the Black Business Association at mail@bbala.org.
March
20th-28th Direct Trade Mission to Angola The U.S. - Angola Chamber
BBA's Salute to Black Women The annual program includes business development workshops, a vendor faire and the awards luncheon featuring the BBA's unique Dessert Buffet. For particiation information contact the Black Business Association at mail@bbala. org.
April 12th-17th
T Trade Mission to M Chica C This T trade mission m to China C will p r o m o t e U.S. U clean technology p products and sservices in areas tthe of green building/construction, energy efficiency, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and environmental technologies in
support of the Smart Cities-Smart Growth theme. To participate, please visit the mission website to apply: http://www. export.gov/ChinaMission2015.
25th
12th ANNUAL AFRICAN GOODWILL AWARDS & INDUCTION CEREMONY This will be an exciting event that will showcase great African cultures and honorable achievements in the humanitarian community at the Concourse Hotel LAX. We are always grateful for the work and sacrifice of people of goodwill for the less privileged. For information on the organization or participation and sponsorship of the event visit www.africanfocus.org.
June Salute to Black Busic Awards Dinner The BBA's annual highlighting of the importance of Black music and culture to our economic viability. For particiation information contact the Black Business Association at mail@bbala.org.
126 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Resources Media/Information Africa Interactive Multimedia Press/Content Agency in Africa www.africa-interactive.com Africa World Press Books www.africaworldpressbooks.com African Trade Magazine www.africantrademagazine.com African Vibes Magazine www.africanvibes.com The African World www.theafricanworld.tv
Africast TV www.africast.tv Afritorial www.afritorial.com www.facebook.com/Afritorial AllAfrica http://allafrica.com Black Wall Street Times http://bwstimes.com Black Business News Group www.blackbusinessnews.net BlackPast.org www.blackpost.org Black Press USA www.blackpressusa.com BridesNoir www.bridesnoir.com CuisineNoir www.cuisinenoirmag.com DiasporaVoice www.blogtalkradio.com/diasporavoice Publish Africa http://wow.gm/publishafrica Rock Me Africa //rockmeafrica.com YouTube Educational Channels http://teacherswithapps.com/197-educational-youtube-channels-know
CauseCast www.causecast.com www.causecastfornonprofits.com Pan African Film Festival www.paff.org United African Organization http://uniteafricans.org Zambia-USA Chamber of Commerce www.zambiausachamber.org
Investment/Development Africa Reports www.africareports.com African Development Bank www.afdb.org African Export-Import Bank //afreximbank.com/afrexim/en AfrigadgetTV www.afrigadget.com The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke Silicon Harlem http://event.siliconharlem.net Ventures www.ventures-africa.com
U.S. Government Commerce Department www.doc.gov International Trade Administration http://trade.gov Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov Power Africa www.usaid.gov/powerafrica Small Business Administration www.sba.gov State Department www.dos.gov Trade Africa www.usaid.gov/tradeafrica White House www.whitehouse.gov
Organizations Africa Leadership Forum http://africaleadership.org The African Union www.au.int/en Black Business Association www.bbala.org 127 February 2015 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819