BGDB SUMMERTIME 2024 Edition

A Note From the Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Blessings,

WelcometoTheBrownGirls Do(ing)BusinessPublication.

I am excited to share with you a World of entrepreneurship: owned, birthed, and managed by extraordinary African-American Small Business Öwners. I hope the Summer’s edition, chock full of good content and celebration reflectsyourcommitmenttofamilyandcommunityvalues.

The Editorial team at Brown Girls Doing Business, will continue to bring you regular updates and announcements and insights across the ever changingscopeofentrepreneurship.

As a Black Owned Publication our goal is to disseminate relevant and pertinentinformationtoourcommunities. Our publication reflects our values, passions, and our Voices. Our culture is more than the passing of time for entertainment purposes; it's how we celebrate each other's wins and speak power to our truths. I am honored to present this publication that features us in ways that you ' re guaranteed to beproudofwithoutcostingusdignityorrespectofFaith.

BeBlessedAlways, AbikèMineuittie

AbikèMineuittie

OUR POLITICAL VOICE

RepJasmineCrockettD

"BLEACH-BLONDE,

BAD-BUILT, BUTCH BODY."

Coming to a Tee Shirt near you Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, filed a trademark application Sunday for rights to the phrase “BLEACH BLONDE BAD BUILT BUTCH BODY.” Crockett hurled the alliterative insult seemingly at Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., Thursday during a heated House Oversight Committee session when Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene insulted the appearance of Rep. Jasmine Crockett. The scene was marked by the Oversight committee kerfuffle Dan Goldman appearing to be watching a Hockey match.

Jasmine Felicia Crockett is an American lawyer and politician who is the U.S. representative from Texas's 30th congressional district since 2023. Her district covers most of South Dallas County, central Dallas, Dallas Love Field Airport and parts of Tarrant County and now the poster lady for “If I don’t send for you, don’t come for me!”

Sacramento CA

University of California

D.V.M.Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Ohio Christian University B.A. in

Laverne Williams’s Indian River State College

CONGRATULATIONS

Jeremiah Bernard Headed to

Columbus State University

Franzeska Sampson MSW, EdD

Grand Canyon University

Family and friends would like to congratulate the below honorees on a job well done!

Alison Walker Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, NY

Naquan Phillips Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, NY

Candace Grant Trinity University San Antonio, TX

Rebecca Gregg MCNY New York, NY

Michael Brown MCNY New York, NY

Jennifer Santiago MCNY New York, NY

Mina Young George V Brower P.S. Brooklyn, NY

A very Special Congratulations to the Students at Bronx High School for Law and Community Service

TheMiseducationof Fashion Inthisissue

With the fashion industry having more than 20,000 students graduate per year to enter the field of fashion engineering and style, Black people make up 4.9% of the fashion industry's design workforce, compared to 12.6% of the overall workforce according to AIGA's 2021 Design POV Research. A Harvard report also found that less than 8% of fashion designers are Black.

Black people are underrepresented in the fashion industry in major roles, including design and modeling. As a professional stylist and merchandiser I have quickly learned that it is because we are expected to throw out everything about ourselves to assimilate into European standards of beauty and fashion. Unacceptable especially since this same industry steals the culture, creativity and swag of Black designers and artists without giving due credit. Cultural appropriation runs rampant, as elements of Black fashion and style are often co-opted and commercialized by mainstream brands, while the originators of these trends are sidelined or blackballed.

Remember when Asya Khamsin Tanzanian fashion designer alleged that clothing worn by former Department of Energy (DOE) official Sam Brinton had been contained in her luggage that she reported missing in Washington, D.C., in 2018. He was photographed in her original designs!

Much of what we accreted to the staples of fashion today originated in the Civil Rights Era where we saw the emergence of Black designers like Ann Lowe, who designed Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress, and the Black Panthers, who influenced fashion with all-black and all-leather outfits, dashikis, and afros. Moreover, brands and fashion houses must commit to diversity at all levels, from their executive boards to their marketing campaigns. Representation matters, and seeing diverse faces and designs in fashion can inspire future generations and challenge outdated beauty standards.

Consumers, too, play a vital role in this transformation. By supporting Black-owned brands and designers, demanding transparency in business practices, and calling out instances of cultural appropriation

In conclusion, the fashion industry has a long way to go in terms of diversity and inclusion.

SMOOCHES ��

Chef Francina Best

The Foodie

Inflation is everwhere. And in case you haven’t noticed adulting can be overwhelmingly expensive!!! So let’s put together a quick and budget friendly lunch at home for the whole week!! I hope you enjoy this!! If you make this plesse share pictures on Instagram and tag me @bestees_catering I will love to see your dish!! Smooches!!

Ingredients

1 pound dry ziti pasta

1 onion, chopped

1 pound lean ground beef, pork or sausages

2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce

6 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

2 tablespoons sugar

Directions

Bring a large pot of lsalted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain. Meanwhile, brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat; stir in seasoning with spaghetti sauce and simmer for 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Pour your meat sauce into pot with the cooked noodles stir into all noodles are coated with sauce

Spread 1/2 of the ziti in the bottom of the prepared dish; top with mozzarella cheese, pour remaining ziti then place the rest of mozzarella cheese on top!

Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and cheeses have melted, about 30 minutes. Don’t cover your dish in the oven!!

Then cut into six squares one for now then five for lunch this week! There goes your Budget friendly lunches which will be amazing so enjoy!!

With this Ring

Raquel & Dashon Davis 1/27/2024

OUR DOLLARS & SENSE

CARMEN K. BERNARD

WEALTH STRATEGIST & INDEPENDENT

INSURANCE BROKER SPECIALIZING IN MEDICARE

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of using this vehicle as a means of funding future educational cost.

Tax Advantages: Earnings in a 529 plan grow taxdeferred, meaning you won't pay taxes on the investment gains as long as the funds are used for qualified education expenses. Additionally, many states offer tax deductions or credits for contributions to their own 529 plans.

Flexible Use: Funds from a 529 plan can be used at eligible educational institutions nationwide, including colleges, universities, vocational schools, and even some international institutions. Qualified expenses typically include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board.

High Contribution Limits: Most 529 plans have high contribution limits, allowing families to save significant amounts of money for education expenses over time. Some plans even allow contributions of hundreds of thousands of dollars per beneficiary.

No Income Restrictions: Unlike some other education savings options, such as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), there are no income restrictions on who can contribute to a 529 plan. This makes it accessible to a wide range of families.

Gift and Estate Tax Benefits: Contributions to a 529 plan are considered gifts for tax purposes. In 2024, you can contribute up to $16,000 per year per beneficiary without incurring gift tax, or you can take advantage of a special provision allowing you to contribute up to $80,000 in a single year without triggering gift tax consequences by electing to spread the contribution evenly over five years.

Control Over Investments: Most 529 plans offer a range of investment options, allowing you to choose a portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals. You can typically select from options such as age-based portfolios, which automatically adjust asset allocation based on the beneficiary's age, or static portfolios with fixed asset allocations. Beneficiary Flexibility: If the original beneficiary of a 529 plan decides not to pursue higher education or receives a scholarship, you can generally change the beneficiary to another eligible family member without tax consequences.

Disadvantages

Limited Investment Options: Although 529 plans typically offer a range of investment options, the choices may be limited compared to other investment vehicles. This limitation can restrict your ability to tailor your investment strategy to your specific preferences and risk tolerance.

Penalties for Non-Qualified Withdrawals: If you withdraw funds from a 529 plan for expenses that aren't considered qualified education expenses, you may be subject to income tax on the earnings portion of the withdrawal, as well as a 10% penalty. This penalty can significantly reduce the after-tax value of non-qualified withdrawals.

Impact on Financial Aid Eligibility: While 529 plans can provide tax advantages for saving for college, they are considered parental assets for financial aid purposes.

This means that withdrawals from a 529 plan can reduce eligibility for need-based financial aid, potentially affecting the amount of aid your child receives.

Investment Risk: Like any investment, the performance of the underlying investments in a 529 plan is subject to market risk. If the investments perform poorly, the account balance may decrease, potentially impacting your ability to cover future education expenses.

State-Specific Plans: Each state sponsors its own 529 plan, and the features and benefits of these plans can vary significantly. If you choose a plan sponsored by a state other than your own, you may miss out on potential state tax deductions or credits for contributions.

Limited Beneficiary Flexibility: While 529 plans allow you to change the beneficiary to another eligible family member, such as a sibling or first cousin, the options are still relatively restricted compared to other types of investments. This lack of flexibility may be a disadvantage for some families.

Fees and Expenses: Like any investment account, 529 plans may come with fees and expenses, such as administrative fees, investment management fees, and underlying fund expenses. These fees can vary depending on the plan and the investments chosen, and they can potentially erode the overall returns of the account over time.

Market Volatility: Depending on the investment options chosen within the 529 plan, the account balance may be subject to fluctuations in the financial markets. This volatility can introduce uncertainty and may affect your ability to meet your college savings goals.

Overall, while 529 plans offer valuable tax advantages and benefits for saving for education expenses, it's important to carefully consider the potential disadvantages and weigh them against your financial goals and circumstances. Consulting with a financial professional can help you make informed decisions about whether a 529 plan is the right choice for your college savings strategy.

Photo credit

Olivia Wilson / Liceria Co

Congratulations to FPI NETWORK GALeader EARNESTINE L. SMITH

Recipient of THE 2024 PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR MAKING A GLOBAL IMPACT IN LEADERSHIP. Her dedication to youth at risk is supported by her Ministry of counsel.

Author of Healing Words Poetry Book: Bound by Love

BOOKING DETAILS

A FATHER’S DAY LETTER TO MY BROTHERS

AT THE KING’S TABLE

The propaganda

Since the Jim Crow era, the false narrative that Black fathers are uninvolved in their children's lives, or "absent Black fathers", has been the narrative fed and fueled by systemic and structural barriers This narrative is shaped by many factors, including: Socio-economic realities, Gender expectations, Punitive policies, and Popular culture that strive to emasculate Black Men, and I won’t stand for it! If you’re a man who feels the same way I invite you to stand with us at The Kings Table each Month.

Dear Kings, my fellow Brothers of the Faith

I pen this letter to you to say that “I see you”! I see you holding it together in a world where it is not safe for black men and boys to be outside BBQ, drive, jog and it’s just not your safety that matters to you How do you hold it together for everyone that you ’ re responsible for? I just look the other way when I see shameful over the tears you have to fight back I just shove my hands in my pocket when I really want to let you know that it’s OK to cry It doesn’t make you any less of a man it makes you more of a stronger man So accept my apologies and meet at the King’s table We are a band of black men Who fellowship in our Brotherhood to defend not just our faith and God given Wright to be Kings here on this earth, but to live a life full of peace and prosperity. .

Together, we stand united, lifting each other up in times of hardship and celebrating our triumphs, no matter how small. Our strength lies not only in our resilience but in our ability to show compassion and empathy, both to ourselves and to one another.

Let us remember that we are not alone on this journey. We have each other to lean on and to draw strength from, and it is through our collective support that we can overcome any obstacle. Our faith is a beacon that guides us, and our brotherhood is the foundation upon which we build our futures.

So, my brothers, let us continue to rise above the challenges we face. Let us nurture the bonds that unite us, and let us be the role models that our younger generations can look up to. We are kings in our own right, and it is our duty to embody the values of leadership, integrity, and love.

May we always walk in the light of our faith and may our actions reflect the greatness within us. Together, we will create a legacy of strength, unity, and unwavering support for one another.

With respect and solidarity, Your Brother in the Faith,

SMALLBLACKOWNED

n February 25, 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania made history as the inaugural Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States. The establishment of HBCUs arose during a period of segregation when Black students were prohibited from attending conventional colleges and universities. Presently, HBCUs foster a diverse student body and provide students with a profound cultural heritage. Beyond delivering a high-quality education, these institutions offer a rich tapestry of culture and history. Despite grappling with significant challenges and resource constraints, HBCUs have emerged as symbols of optimism and empowerment for generations of African Americans. With a firm commitment to academic excellence, cultural identity, and communal backing, HBCUs have not only produced skilled professionals but have also cultivated leaders who have made substantial contributions to various societal domains. The enduring legacy of resilience and perseverance from these pioneering HBCUs serves as a wellspring of inspiration, molding the educational landscape by highlighting the value of diversity, inclusivity, and equitable opportunities for persons of color.

The impact of HBCUs extends far beyond their campuses, influencing even family time through the famous sitcom “A Different World” airing on September 24th, 1987. 28 years later still influential in societal fabric and fostering a sense of pride and unity within the African American community. Alumni from these institutions have gone on to excel in fields such as science, politics, arts, and business, demonstrating the transformative power of an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Notable figures, from civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to contemporary innovators and entrepreneurs, trace their roots back to HBCUs, showcasing the vital role these schools play in shaping influential minds.

Moreover, HBCUs serve as cultural beacons, preserving and celebrating African American heritage through vibrant traditions, festivals, and academic programs centered on Black history and culture. These institutions provide a nurturing space where students can explore their identities, engage in meaningful dialogues, and develop a deep sense of community and belonging.

Children and adolescents spent a significant portion of their weekly time in school. Therefore, keeping them healthy while there is of vital importance. While at school, they arelearning, growing cognitively and developing the social skills necessary to become independent individuals. They are also exposed to many communicable diseases. It is therefore essential that they learn healthy habits such as eating nutritious meals, proper hygiene (e.g. handwashing), and getting enough sleep.

Getting vaccinated is one way to prevent your child from contracting many illnesses and spreading them to others. Practicing good hygiene is another way to avoid spreading gems and illness while inside or outside of school. Here are a few things children and adolescents can do while in school to keepthemselves and others healthy; cover their cough, using a tissue,sneeze or cough into your sleeve or elbow, not your hands. Wash hands often. Hand washing with soap and water stops the spread of many germs. If soap and water are unavailable, use hand sanitizer. Children and adolescents should always wash hands before, touching food, eating, after using the bathroom, wiping their nose, and after coughing or sneezing.

As per the CDC guidelines, schools can help students achieve the nationally recommended 60 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence is important for promoting lifelong health and wellbeing as well as preventing various health conditions. Regular physical activity at home and during recess in school can help improve cardiorespiratory fitness, build strong bones and muscles, control weight, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as: Heart disease, Cancer, Type 2 diabetes, High blood pressure, and obesity.

Staying Hydrated Staying Hydrated and protected this and protected this summer summer

Staying hydrated is utterly vital at any age, but especially vital the more mature we become

Aside from drinking plenty of water, it’s important to keep in rotation fruits and vegetables that have high water content To increase hydration, add these 11 fruits and vegetables with high water content: Melons such as

• Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe. Strawberries.

Pineapple

Peaches

Oranges

Bell peppers

Broccoli

Celery

As we age, our body's ability to conserve water diminishes, and our sense of thirst becomes less acute. This makes it easier to become dehydrated without even realizing it Chronic dehydration can lead to a host of health issues, including kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and even cognitive impairments.

To ensure adequate hydration, it’s important to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty Incorporating hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet can also help maintain fluid balance. Additionally, herbal teas, soups, and broths can contribute to your daily water intake

Monitoring the color of your urine is a simple way to check your hydration status light yellow is typically a good sign Remember, staying hydrated supports not just your physical health, but also your mental clarity and overall well-being So, raise that glass of water and toast to a healthier, more vibrant you!