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AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2020
THE BAUGHTOM LINE
New Generation Of Civic Leaders Leading the Way
BY GERMAINE SMITH-BAUGH
No one could have predicted in January that 2020 would bring about a global pandemic, nationwide protests against police brutality, and a significant rise in local awareness of political issues. 2020 has brought forth a great awakening that will require strong leadership. With the recent passing of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, we find ourselves both
grieving and questioning who can fill the void to advocate for civil rights in this era. Those under 40 are answering that call. Millennials and Generation Z are born tech savvy and have been teaching us all how to exist in this digital space. From video conference calls to digital marketing, they are spearheading a new virtual wave of social activism. As I look around me, I am reassured that intergenerational mentorship will lead to the changes we have all fought for. Young leaders are raising awareness about police violence and about the importance of registering to vote and participating in local elections. They are volunteering at community events and leading discussions on social media. They are sharing their experiences with others and creating strategies for engagement in the future. Our role is to make room for their revolution. Our up-and-coming young leaders have always found a home at the Urban League of Broward County. In 2018, as part of our VOICES
Project, we sent more than 50 youth from Broward County to the March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington, D.C. after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. We have hosted our Justice Project annually to bring together youth, their families, and members of several police departments in Broward County to have open and candid conversations to build trust and address pressing issues. Since 2007, the Urban League has sought to cultivate a new generation of young professionals to take an active role in serving and empowering Broward County’s urban communities. The Urban League of Broward’s Young Professionals Network has hosted events to “Mobilize the Movement,” turning our collective grief around social injustice, inequity, and police brutality into thoughtful conversations around change and growth. The purpose of YPN is to promote the professional and community
leadership development of the individual members and to provide opportunities for community service that promote the mission of the Urban League in the community. Our young professionals are also seeking opportunities to volunteer, serve in positions of leadership in business and community, get involved in meaningful causes, and to make their voices heard. Young professionals are addressing racism in the streets, within strong ties to local advocacy organizations. They are actively educating the community about the importance of voting. The Baughtom Line: We have a new generation of civic leaders advocating for change. This moment has shown us that younger leaders have the tools to raise awareness and fight for the future they’d like to see. We are called to listen to the voices of those who are intimately impacted, act upon our new learnings, and lead with them toward a more perfect union. n
PALM BEACH REPORT
Use Your Dollar to Celebrate National Black Business Month
BY ANN MARIE SORRELL, MBA
August 2020 marks the 17th year of National Black Business Month. Blackowned businesses account for about 10 percent of U.S. businesses and about 30 percent of all minority-owned businesses, totaling approximately 2 million companies owned by African Americans. Florida has become the second fastest growing state for black entrepreneurs with South Florida leading the charge. How is this year’s NBBM different
from previous years? According to one report, 41 percent of black-owned businesses have been shuttered by COVID-19 compared to 17 percent of white-owned businesses. However, the unfortunate death of George Floyd has sparked a renewed focus on the creation, growth, and success of black-owned businesses from around the globe. As a result, there has been a focus on the power of the black dollar with national “blackout days.” Individuals have used the power of social media to create groups, websites, and campaigns to promote how and where to find and buy from black business owners. Celebrities, including Magic Johnson and Beyonce, and major corporations including PayPal and Lowe’s, created multi-million-dollar grant programs for black-owned businesses. Google, Yelp, and Groupon, among others, have created various initiatives to support black-owned businesses. Here are seven things everyone can do this month to participate in NBBM: 1. Corporations and government agencies: Review your supply chain
and procurement programs, assess the number of black-owned vendors you have, how much you spend with them, and what resources you provide to assist them with continued growth and development. Implement ways to improve these programs and buy from black-owned businesses. 2. Small and medium-size enterprises of all backgrounds: Assess the number of black-owned businesses you purchase from, subcontract to, and/or collaborate with. Identify and create new relationships and strategic partnerships with them. 3. Black-owned businesses: Market and promote your services so those who are looking for you can find you. Invest in your digital presence, offer additional products and services, and work on improvements to your operations and customer relations. 4. Black-owned businesses: Apply for the various grants, funding resources, and programs. The key is to never run out of money or resources. 5. As a consumer: take an assessment of all the products and services you purchase and locate a
black-owned business from which to buy them. Let your network know about these businesses and share them on your social media platforms. 6. Visit blackbusinessloop.com to access the “31 Days, 31 Ways” list of suggestions to support a black business. Black business owners, list your business and upcoming events for free. 7. Attend the National Black Economic Virtual Conference, August 21-22, 2020 (16 seminars focused on creating generational wealth from national thought leaders). Become a vendor for the “Virtual Buy Black Expo,” or a featured author for the “Written Black Global Experience.” Register at nationalblackeconomicconference.com We all have an important role to play in supporting and celebrating blackowned businesses. When we do, we all win.
Ann Marie Sorrell, MBA is president and CEO of The Mosaic. FB/TWITTER/LINKEDIN @annmariesorrell | Instagram @amariesorrell n