BGDBTHEMAG SUMMER ISSUE

BROWN GIRLS DO BUSINESS

Spiritual entrepreneurship MARKETPLACE WISDOM

OVERCOME AGEISM

Juneteenth the truth and legacy the truth and legacy the truth and legacy

LAND OF THE FREE

The Supreme Court's ban on affirmative action means colleges who openly or secretly opposed goals of diversity and equal opportunity have the protection of the Supreme Court ; after delivering a landmark ruling that effectively prohibits the use of race-based affirmative action in college admissions.

What a way to commemorate the official end of chattel slavery in America, as the Federal Holiday Juneteenth makes its first Anniversary under President Biden we face the undoing of affirmative action. Doing away with Affirmative Action serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against racism, and the much-needed work - still to be done to realize true freedom for Black Americans.

My brothers and my sisters- Being black is not a simple diversity box that you have to check in order to “ Self Identify”. It is a big red flag despite its guise of being an identifier for Societies to establish and justify systems of power, privilege, disenfranchisement, and oppression. Based on the establishment of slavery America has already proven that Justice and Equality are not the agenda. Despite the gruesome realities of slavery, It is just a minor yet inexplicable blemish in the history of America.

When talking to your children about Juneteenth, remind them that on June 19, 1865 months after the Civil War ended and more than 2 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing enslaved people - people who were legally freed but systematically bound. Systematically African Americans face injustices that will never end unless we take complete control of our Financial Institutions and our spending power.

In order to uphold the integrity of Juneteenth we must not forget the 256 years of chattel slavery backed by Congressional embezzlement of the Freeman’s Savings Bank. This and other crimes have jump-started the gap between them and us nearing a $300 billion gap!

The crimes increases to date with Black-owned businesses receiving less than 2% of PPP loans while white-owned companies received 83% sounds a lot like “white-papering” the 1921 Tulsa Greenwood District massacre!

In order to honor the people whom Juneteenth represents, we must continue to amplify Black voices: Provide platforms for Black voices to share their experiences, perspectives, and contributions and create spaces that honor and empower our communities.

Blessings,

My name is Lady Abiké-Mineuittie Farley-Draven. Welcome to The Brown Girls Do Business Publication. I am excited to share with you a World of entrepreneurship owned, birthed and managed by extraordinary African-American Small Business Owners.

Editor’sNote

Greetings and grand wishes for a prosperous summer season! I am so happy that you have decided to enjoy this publication. This publication consists of womenandmen,whoagainstalloddshaveexcelled exceedinglyinleapsand bounds against hard situations, against unjust circumstances, against oppressions, againstpoliticalandsocialoppression,andhardestofall-against spiritual oppression. This Summer issue is crafted to make you and your family take advanitage of God’s gift we call nature. Go on and get outside, your skin andmindwillthankyou.

Editor-in-Chief

LadyFarley-Draven

Confidence

Confidence, is a state of mind If you control your stance, you will find Your physiology, reflects your power Transferring inwardly, you're at the top of your tower

Look fear in the face and remove from your system It has no place, you're not a victim Use the words I can and believe in yourself

Own this life span, protect your health

Your resources are internal, seek within not

out Make the change be eternal and feel freedom from doubt Cultivate your focus, envision the desired result An optimism you possess, a certainty you exalt

You are a positive person, with interesting things to share

Your poise is rooted and certain, relax and breathe in air You are completely divine, equipped to solve any problem Trust it will all be fine and you will achieve the best outcome”

Teresha

Hello beauties! It’s summer time and I know we ’ re all happy to shed some layers and soak up the sun. Although a few of us may seem a bit too enthusiastic about showing some skin, it there are also some of us who are fearful of what the world is going to think about our bodies! Hence begins the battle of summer. Like most battles- this one starts in the mind! We begin to face feelings of insecurity regarding our appearance. As an Influencer, I like to hold myself accountable. I feel obligated about the information that we put out. A lot of imagery is just that: it is put together to please the eyes! Unfortunately it can do a lot of damage to your mindset and esteem! Most of the images are composed of AI renderings of people whom at the end of the day are just like you and I; flawed and imperfect! Therefore my best advice for you this summer is to know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. From your curves to your scars learn to love yourself. Remember, Fashion is a reflection of you, the most confident healthy you from the inside out, I would like to share a poem with you (top of this article,) by a poet named Teresha. I hope these words help you find the onfidence to wear that dress, show a little skin, just be happy with the skin that you ’ re in!

Follow

Toot-Toot! Time to Brag about California Branch Leader: LadyCleopatra Davidson. As a TV Talent for MUPO Entertainment, she has a role in a pilot entertainment reality show. “My character is the “Earth Angel”. I am a charismatic, peacemaker who stands up for the underdog while spreading energies of love and light wherever I go. Pretty much a realistic example of what I stand for! I am also a multi-businesswoman and both my businesses BLINGED Out By LaLa LLC, where I create Custom Corture Eyewar and accessories for adults and kids & Cel•YOU•Bration LLC my Spiritual Coaching. if you are interested in your brand being seen by celebrities then get advertised in the MUPO Magazine and if you are ready to be on TV and own your own show then mention my name and get connected with MUPO Entertainment at https://mupoentertainment.com/talent/ (https://mupoentertainment.com/talent/)

POP YA COLLAR

Meet our Executive Chef and Director of Culinarily Arts; Francina Best. You’re familiar with her by now because she’s a renowned columnist in our BGDB Magazine. In June Francina was named one of the celebrated Women in Ministry by One on One TV Show. “I was honored because of my business acumen and my faithful service in church! It was given to honor my integrity, character, business mind, and a teachable spirit. It was dedicated to women in ministry with a business! I was beyond honored because it is my life’s purpose to serve God in the marketplace”

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.

Oprah Winfrey

Start-UpConversations

My name is Michelle Renee I'm an Advocate for Women and a Parent Advocate for Autistics/Parents/Caregivers I'm a Widow, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and, an Entrepreneur. My program; AF supports and empowers the special needs community thru travel training. Our program promotes awareness and acceptance of a community that's "different-not demeaning."

How did you get involved in advocating for children and families with special needs?

Advocacy chose me. After our son was diagnosed, my late husband and I were connected to programs and services for support. I was living, eating, sleeping, breathing, and dreaming about autism. Since our class was made up of single working Moms, I took it upon myself to print info for the class and put my number on the bottom for support I didn't know I was advocating. I've been doing it for 25 years.

Do you have any advocates that you look up to?

Ms. Emma Dalmayne is a FIERCE ADVOCATE! I sought her out to be able to communicate better with The Captain. She's been a blessing for years. She's a black autistic, single mom, with 5 children Three or two of the five are on the spectrum. She and her family reside in Europe.

What advice would you give to young women and men who awre looking for help with their children and family members of special needs?

My advice to young women and men, looking for support. NETWORK. Connect to share resources Closed mouths don't get fed. I have gathered quite a bit of information that I willingly share because I'm a woman of integrity and I believe that knowledge is integral Intelligence.

What advice would you give you’re 15 year old self?

I'm not talking to 15 yr old Michelle, aka Sassie. She wouldn't listen to anything I say Chuckle, I am looking back at her now and think “We will make the ancestors proud“

AGELESS LIVING AGELESS LIVING AGELESS LIVING

Age is more than just a number! Here are some tips to help you shine at any age Happiness is an overall booster! Joy, leads to healthier behaviors and it helps stave off high blood pressure and excess body fat. Lower the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease! Naturally given the appearance of youthfulness.

show up in style

Women over 40 are often their own trend setters, becoming increasingly more fashionable than when they were younger; mainly because of reinforced selfconfidence and a stronger sense of self.

OVERCOMING AGEISM

In a recent poll of health experts, 80% of older adults reported that they commonly experience ageism in their dayto-day lives, including ageist messages and ageism in interpersonal interactions. Many even reported experiencing internalized ageism, recognizing that they had come to believe the negative stereotypes. "At a certain age in my life, I discovered that I was fighting the battle of positive self-esteem. I was shocked because making it through primary school and those awkward teenage years, I thought that I had won the battle of feeling insecure! I wanted to believe that at 55 years of age; I'd earned my place in this world and the R-E-S-P-E-C-T that comes with it! At work, I noticed that I was being called 'auntie' and 'momma-bear'. Now on their own, these are not bad words except for when they are euphemisms for old age.

I reached out to the FPI Network to set up DEI workshops with the goal of reducing inequality, systemic discrimination, and microaggressions. Experts warned that ageism appears to be the last acceptable prejudice. Divisively pitting generation against generation is unhealthy for our culture, and more people are making an effort to examine and discard stereotypes about older adults. Eliminating ageism, along with biased bigotry leads to healthier work-life benefits. Observing chronic health conditions in my seasoned colleagues living with the effects of prejudice is stressful, and stress raises the risk of heart disease, depression, dementia, and disability. And older adults with internalized ageist attitudes might believe that health problems are just typical, part of growing older rather than conditions that can be addressed and overcome for a peaceful long life.

Ageism is an added burden for people living with other forms of prejudice. Throw discrimination in only further negatively affects their emotional, and mental well-being. As a Black woman who has faced employment bias to be even more disadvantaged by age my heart breaks because we live in a society that is comfortable with subtle and stigmatizing stereotypes about groups that have long served as the pillars and stalwarts of our communities. Knowing that I couldn't change the world, I changed my focus onto being a healthy, beautifully graceful me.

BLACK WOMEN ART AFRICAN GIRL COLORFUL MODERN PORTRAIT(2022)Painting by julia brinkfrau

Sponsored by Fillè Brun

The Foodie

Summer in a Jar!!!

Summer is here and who feels like being in the kitchen for hours!! Not me!!

Join me in this journey of making a meal in a jar! It’s simple but full of flavor!

Summer Pasta Salad in a Jar

Ingredients

Penne Noodles

Grapes Tomatoes

Black Beans

Corn

Green, Red, Orange, and Black olives

Purple Onions

Parmesan Cheese

Romaine Lettuce

Dressing

1/2cups Olive oil

2 tablespoons Red wine

Apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoons Dijon or Y

1/2 tablespoons Italian S

2 tablespoons Honey

Squeeze whole Lemon

1/2 tablespoons Salt

1/2 tablespoons Black Pepper

Let’s get started!!

Boil your penne noodles in salted water until soften. While your noodles are cooking make your salad dressing!

Back to the salad dressing, place all ingredients into a bowl mix well, and place the dressing on the bottom of your jar!

Once the noodles are done drain and set to the side to cool off. The noodles are cooling prep your vegetables! Chop up everything into small pieces to fit into the jar.

Your salad dressing is already in the jars, now layer noodles, black beans, grape tomatoes, purple onions, colorful peppers, olives, corn, romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese.

As you see this makes at least five jars for your lunch or dinner. Let’s be ready to go outside!!

When you're ready to eat pour the contents into a bowl mix it well and ENJOY!!

What are your favorite combinations? Tag me in your reels or pictures

@bestees catering on Instagram or Facebook

ChefFrancina Best

Smooches Smooches Smooches

LEGACY BUILDING

Are you tired of assuming that wealth is beyond your reach? It's a common mindset that hinders many from achieving their financial goals. However, the truth is that you don't need to be born into affluence or possess extraordinary talents to create wealth. The key lies in making a commitment to begin building your fortune today.

But why do so many people delay their pursuit of wealth until later in life? Fear plays a significant role. What if you make a wrong investment and lose everything? What if you can't access your funds when you need them the most? What if your doubts about your financial acumen are confirmed?

Here's the reality: There has never been a better time than now to start building wealth. The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow and compound. This holds true whether you're in your 20s, 30s, 45s, or 55s the best time to embark on your wealth-building journey is this very moment.I

So, what actions can you take to leverage time and commence your wealth-building endeavors? Here are a few simple financial concepts you can implement right away:

Establish an emergency fund: Despite seeming counterintuitive, building an emergency fund is one of the most effective ways to initiate wealth accumulation. It provides a safety net, ensuring that you won't have to rely on credit cards or highinterest loans when unexpected circumstances arise. By relying on your own savings, you can handle unforeseen challenges with ease.

Automate your savings: The best way to start building wealth is to set aside a portion of your income every month. It doesn't matter how small the amount is or what interest rate it earns initially. The crucial step is to commence the habit of saving. Later on, you can collaborate with a financial professional to enhance your savings strategies. The key is to begin now.

If you're eager to learn more about kickstarting your wealth-building journey, let's have a conversation. I'm here to assist you in establishing goals and devising a plan to achieve them. Financial security is something we all deserve, regardless of age or income level. Let's explore how you can take that first step toward financial independence today. Schedule a free consultation at carmen10k.com

Carmen K Bernard Wealth Strategist & Independent Insurance Broker Specializing in Medicare

The Alomaloni brand is the evolved vision of Tasha Edwards, founder of Alomaloni, Tasha is a multimedia artist, from jewelry and painting to now crochet and sublimation. Tasha is a wellversed in the expression of Artistic Creativity. Tasha followed the legacy of many women artists before her and built this legacy for her daughter, whom the company is named after. Legacy and heritage are the very foundation of Alomaloni. This summer’s collection is all about beach cover-ups with fun and creative silhouettes that are perfect for the Rockaway Beach area, where Alomaloni is currently based. Tasha would love to share her motto in the hopes that people will be inspired.

Life is art.

Create pretty pictures while you live life. Paint the world in the hue of your soul. Leave a mark when you are not there. May your color always be remembered.

Tasha Edawards, Founder of Alomalonni

AT THE KING’S TABLE

IN THIS SEASON WE CELEBRATE LIBERTIES AND FREEDOMS, AND HOW IT FITS INTO THE ANERICAN DREAM OF AND FOR THE BLACK FAMILY -

ERIC "CROW" DRAVEN

It is not easy being a gentleman in today’s world. It is especially difficult being a black man in a world that is constantly redefining what that is and looks like. The King's table is a safe space for Black men to be surrounded by elevated thinkers and doers. In our gatherings, I admonish men to be very clear about their life’s purpose versus their perception perceived by peers in either their career or family.

Look at the people who make up your circle and recognize that every member has the potential to improve your reach or dull your vision. Women can be honest about being each other's keepers, yet society demonizes men in general for needing the same accountability and support. This is a narrative that has to end now The King's table is the extra pair of eyes for a blind spot and the determination needed while in pursuit of dreams. For many hands, make light work. As the men and leaders in our Communities, Black men can be lifted in areas where we were taught to hold themselves down For the sake of our families, I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER!!

REACH OUT TO US FOR HELP IN YOUR STATE

community@fpinetwork.com

CEO and Founder of The King's Table King Eric CROW Draven

The Kings Table

DIVINE INSPIRATION

IN HEALTH NEWS

Germs & How They Affect Our Lives: Hand Hygiene

Germs are everywhere They are on our skin, in our stomach and they are on every surface that we touch on a daily basis Most infections are spread through contact with our hands

Hand washing is an easy way to prevent infections & and illness. According to the CDC, clean hands save lives. About 1.8 million children under the age of 5 die each year from diarrheal diseases and pneumonia, the top two killers of young children around the world. Handwashing with soap could protect about 1 out of every 3 young children who get sick with diarrhea and almost 1 out of 5 young children with respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Hand Washing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses and about 20% of respiratory infections (e.g., colds)

How to perform proper hand hygiene:

1 Wet your hands with clean, running water either warm or cold

2 Apply soap and lather well

3 Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds or sing the happy birthday song twice

4 Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.

5. Rinse well.

6. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air-dry them.

BEAUTYPICKS BEAUTYPICKS BEAUTYPICKS

Market Place Wisdom

Welcome to the world of entrepreneurship! I fully believe that entrepreneurship is a calling that is not just tangible in nature, but inherently a Spiritual calling. The reason we are faced with many natural and spiritual opposition and challenges is because of the spiritual nature of entrepreneurship. You can agree that it has taken us, generations and generations, as a nation of people to be able to obtain the right to have economical wealth. The reason being that your legacy and your financial power is dependent upon your ability to move financially free in a world where gain is set up for a select few. living in a world where we are under racial and discriminatory injustice. It is not hard to believe that we would also face those same injustice when trying to obtain business loans, personal loans, and any type of gran.

Oklahoma City and the truth of Black Wall Street is not just history; but the real story for many persons of color in current America. It matters a great deal, then, that White Americans hold 84 percent of total U.S. wealth but make up only 60 percent of the population while Black Americans hold 4 percent of the wealth and make up 13 percent of the population.

Is there anything that we can do as a Nation of People?

The very first thing we need to do is to be a collective in our communities. We need to have our own banks set up our own lenders and have our own real estate developers. It’s why I believe so much in networking and networking with people like myself, people who look like me, people who know what I am trying to achieve, people who know the red tape that I am trying to cut through. It will take all of us recognizing who we are, and not looking to the celebrities and the celebrity brands, who have built their fortunes off of our backs in dollars without any respect and return.