1 Year Anniversary Special Interactive Edition

W H E R E B L A C K - O W N E D B U S I N E S S M E E T S C U LT U R E Fall 2017 Vol. 2

1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY The Back 2 Business Edition

Business News • Politics • Finance • Art • Fashion • Film • Events • & More

CONTENTS Level Up Motivation! »» Did You Know? Little known facts to incite motivation & creativity 04

Business & Technology »» Daymond John- From $40 to Billionaire & giving it back 08 »» Melanin Technology- Switchit App 10 »» Facebook- Discrimination through analytics 13

Features »» Jahfarii Beads & Founder Jahfarii - Fall 2016 Cover Entrepreneur* 14 »» Civil Wrongs & Founder Ejay McDonald 16 »» Nulangauge & Founder Dmira Hamilton 19 »» Melanin Technology- Switchit App 10

Urban Money Matters »» Curtis “Wall St” Carroll- When his environment failed him, he used a life sentence in prison to turn it all around...and became a millionaire stockbroker? 22 »» Black Owned Banking 25 »» Finance Terminology Infographic 28

Lifestyle »» Men & Womens Fashion 32 »» AT&T Seeks Black Filmmakers for 2018 Tribeca Film Festival 34 »» TedTalks &Tedx Baltimore 37 »» New “The Freedom Gallery” - Celebration of Visual Arts 38 »» Poets Cove- Readers Voted Favorite Poems of the past year 42

CREDITS Editor-in-Chief: Mercedez McIntyre

Writers: Michelle Reed Melanin Reigns Ebony Satterfield Louise Wheeler Tahirah Wiley

Photography Contributor: Logan James

Courtesy Thank You: Switchit App AT&T Tribeca Film Festival Sway’s Universe Netflix TED Talks & Tedx Baltimore One United Bank Insecure HBO Sweet Chick NYC MGIC

Message FROM THE EDITOR Along with allowing our readers to make direct contact with business owners to generate business or even collaborations with other entrepreneurs.

I

thank every single supporter who has joined us in our 1st-year journey. This 1st year has been a journey of unity, growth, and evolution. From our launch party bringing together hundreds of African-American entrepreneurs and supporters to dozens of business collaborations and the introduction of our Young, Gifted & Black Creative’s Brunch, along with so much more.

Our mission moving forward is to continuously share the triumphant stories of African American entrepreneurs and how they learned to push forward in business & interpersonal growth. We have listened to our readers and the needs of entrepreneurs. We heard the call to assist with the disruption of sociology. To give upcoming generations visuals of all they can be. Startups the resources they need. Current entrepreneurs the support they seek.

We are so very proud of all the entrepreneurs who have been apart of this mission. Especially to see the growth and collaborations under the umbrella of our publication.

Moving forward you will see great changes with Urban Freedom Magazine starting with our digital publication becoming interactive. Our goal is to push the boundaries of community connection.

Readers can now make purchases from Black Owned Businesses right from our pages. Purchase event tickets, provide feedback and even the introduction of our “Freedom Art Gallery”.

Watch video feeds from entrepreneurs, artists, events, listen to new music and the list continues.

WELCOME TO THE 1- YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION “BACK 2 BUSINESS” Sincere love, peace & prosperity Mercedez McIntyre Founder & CEO

Level Up Motivation!

DID YOU KNOW?

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS TO INCITE INSPIRATION & SPARK THE MIND. By: Mercedez McIntyre

Why being yourself pays off... that includes being Awkward & sometimes a little Insecure too

her tribe in college. A small group of friends who shared her passion in all creative forms. From there she began her own web-series on Youtube. Building millions of subscribers Issa Rae then began working with additional directors, videographers, and writers. Helping elevate other African American film dreamers like her to bring their projects to life. Using her platform slowly but surely she built her own production company using those with passion and resources around her. Mastering all of the resources around her showed HBO executives that she wasn’t just here to be famous but to rebuild Black Hollywood with substance.

Check out Issa Rae’s perfectly awkward & humorous acceptance speech.

Reasons we love her ...authenticity!

I

ssa Rae, most known for taking HBO by storm with her hit series Insecure. The script provides a candid & vulnerable view that many AfricanAmerican men and women relate to. Pushing past stereotypes, insecurities and finding the balance in adulthood. As much as it may seem like an overnight success, the sitcom is the result of many years of hard work, try. fail, and mastering her craft first of being an openly vulnerable writer. Issa Rae has been writing since a teenager. Then finding

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Level Up Motivation!

From the Block to Investments Buying the Block “Nas as Mr. Jones”

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yricist & icon Nasir Jones also known as”Nas” has not only mastered honesty and consciousness through hip-hop but has branched out into Black-owned business investing. SweetChick in NYC was one of Jones first funding ventures.

Adding creative sophistication to traditional soul food from Brooklyn, NY to recent location Los Angeles, CA.

After the success of his business partnership with Sweetchick Nas took it up a notch becoming an Angel Investor become an angel investor (definition in business terms section). Investing in over 500k to technology start-up businesses alone! Founding his own venture capital firm called QueensBridge Venture Partners, his largest known investment.

QueensBridge channels cash flow to start up companies that are tapped into the healthcare, financial and technology field. Not bad for the 42- year old multi-platinum artist who had to leave school after the 8th grade! Nas is a true example of learning how to transition from boy to man. Never giving up on education Nasir Jones is growth taught.

He doesn’t turn his head from what interests him but chooses to simply learn more!

When Your In NYC or LA make a visit: Sweetchick.com/

Check out Joe Bad in the kitchen at Sweet Chick with is version of Curry Chicken & Waffles

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Level Up Motivation!

SWEET CHICK Now offering Catering, NYC delivery & Los Angeles Locations reservations New York City

Los Angeles

BROOKLYN 164 Bedford Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211 347.725.4793 Order Delivery

L.A. 448 N Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.592.3423 Reserve Table

LOWER EAST SIDE 178 Ludlow St New York, NY 10002 646.657.0233 Order Delivery PROSPECT HEIGHTS 341 Flatbush Ave Brooklyn, NY 11217 718.484.7724

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Check out Joe Bad in the kitchen at Sweet Chick with is version of Curry Chicken & Waffles

Business & Technology

Afrotech

NOV 10TH & 11TH 2017 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

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ave you heard about Afrotech?. Created by online community Blavity, Afrotech is where founders and employees of the fastest growing startups gather for learning, creativity, networking and experiencing new directions in the advancement of technology with their products. This is a conference for all of us.

The world of technology is no longer held to only computer science but instead, technology has become how we operate as business owners and consumers daily.

San Francisco, California 2 days, 20 speakers, 6 workshops Get your Afrotech 2017 tickets while you can to attend this Nov 10th & 11th!

Ticket Prices: Student: $250 General: $475

Join Urban Freedom Magazine for Afrotech 2018 next year. Affordable ticket and hotel payment plan options will be available for those who would like to attend with us.

This is will be a 2018 trip we want all blackowned business organizations to experience no matter financial standing.

Contact: UrbanFreedomEvents@gmail.com

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Business & Technology You Don’t Always Need Dollar before You can make Sense

DAYMOND JOHN FROM FUBU TO SHARK TANK By: Mercedez McIntyre

Credit Gary Vee Fireside Chat

Credit Shark Tank

S

ome of you presently know him as the quick-witted Shark Tank investor. Others may remember him for turning his brand FUBU (for us by us) into a multi-million dollar company. Many are still connecting the latter. No matter how you look at it Daymond John is a perfect example of learning to start over, multiple times.

Hailing from Queens, New York John was raised by a single mother who showed him the value of hard work. In return, he grew frustrated with not being able to end the cycle of financial hardship. Like most of us, that frustration showed him more of what he lacked than what we had. Feeling as if he had no musical, artistic or athletic talent he racked his brain with “What can I do to change my future?”.

Daymond realized all the brands worn by him and his friends were not by recognizable members of his community. With that in mind, he decided to start his own. All he knew was he wanted to create a fashion line for urban men that was affordable and that his mother had taught him to sew. With only $40 Daymond sewed together homemade hats and sold them in front of the New York Coliseum. Revealing what we now know as FUBU (For Us By Us). In the first day making about $800, selling for half the price of other vendors. From there he connected with friends, and friends of friends to the point he hustled his way onto music video sets.

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Business & Technology To build on his legacy Daymond John opened Blueprint + Co, a 20,000 sq ft Midtown Manhattan penthouse as a place for fellow revenue building entrepreneurs to continue growing their businesses with a strong foundation. The facility leases out space from $250-$1,000 alongside membership costs. A small price for an entire space designed for thought collaboration with every resource an entrepreneur can ever need. Daymond says “technology is developing at rapid speeds, and if you are stuck only in your office how can you keep up?”. Great point! In a world full of distrust and solitary thinking, many startup companies are stunted in growth due to not seeing the world beyond their office.

Credit CNN Money

Little did people know what appeared to be a full fashion line was Daymond recycling the same shirts and hats. He let artists wear them and received the clothing back to do further video shoots. He asked his old neighborhood friend LL Cool J to wear shirts for additional promotion.

From there, LL Cool J even wore his hat in a GAP commercial and rapping the slogan “for us by us”.

Eventually, people were ready to support the brand mission & buy his merchandise. Trusting this was a success in the making Daymond John and his mother mortgaged their house for 100,000 to attain the ability to make sure their startup was ready for the overflow of orders.

From there Daymond was able to attain funding to actually begin his clothing line. Before the world knew it FUBU was everywhere turning $40 into $6 billion!

Recently Daymond has been diagnosed with stage 2 thyroid cancer and spoke out about men’s health.

After having the tumor removed this summer he is showing no signs of giving up on continuing a life of dreams well lived.

To learn more about Daymond John please visit: DaymondJohn.com Blueprint + CO: blueprintandco.com

Daymond John & The Power he found while being broke

These days Daymond John invests in other entrepreneurs not only financially but with mentorship.

He has faced many trials and tribulations even after attaining millions. With every blessing given, there will always be new levels to learn. Although Daymond was able to learn how to turn nothing into millions he then had to learn how to balance new finances, family, marriage, entrepreneurship, etc.

Through mentorship, Daymond steers the entrepreneurs with the wisdom of understanding how to turn whatever you have into a valuable resource and refrain from excuses.

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Business & Technology

Daafram Campbell,

DISRUPTING THE WAY WE USE BUSINESS CARDS AND NETWORK By: Mercedez McIntyre

H

ow many times have you gone to an event to network, had a great experience and then found yourself trying your hardest to remember the names or contact information of everyone! At Urban Freedom Magazine we have come up with dozens of ways to retain business cards or requesting emails be sent just to organize it all. Then we came across Switchit! After downloading the app I looked through the website to make sure this was what I needed and worth using phone memory.

Instantly the business summary lets me know right away with the excerpts below. “A business card is the first impression a person has of your brand and is key to establishing a strong and lasting relationship with potential customers. At Switchit, is to make one-on-one connections memorable. Today Switchit provides the most sophisticated multimedia digital business card in the industry. Make great first impressions, share content, and be remembered.

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Business & Technology HOW WE’RE DIFFERENT Switchit® flexes with your core message and networking objectives through integrated multimedia features paired with dedicated networking tools. We provide an intuitive way to share great content and nurture leads.”

As founder and editor, personally, I must keep contacts in 2 completely different forms of contacts for two different job roles. Switchit helped immensely! In further research, I wanted to know who is the person to create such a great yet simple form of new technology. Furthermore who decided to finally help with our issue

of building connections in person and not just social media.

To my excitement, it was Daafram Campbell an African-American prolevel graphics designer. Working alongside Tammy Robinson. Breaking into the world of technology and disrupting networking communication as we know it. During our phone interview that lasted well over our scheduled time due to such great rapport of similar missions. He explained the exact problem I had and made me a believer of how Switchit is the problem solver. I have been using the app ever since.

Download Switchit Today and get your networking style organized! Stay tuned for collaborations with Urban Freedom and Swtichit.

Instagram: @switchitapp | Website: www.switchitapp.com

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Business & Technology

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Business & Technology

FACEBOOK DISCRIMINATIONNO, IT’S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION

By Mercedez McIntyre Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Credit- Business Insider

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esearch studies have shown that Facebook deliberately has settings to remove or restrict content views based on Demographics of who is posting. So let us call this “Reverse Urban Freedom”. Upon recent review via reports & full receipts by ProPublica Facebook censorship guidelines are geared to do minimal in protecting minorities and those protesting racism. The root of the problem comes from the rules Facebook created to censor users. Their guidelines are to prevent nudity, violence and hate speech.

Can you spot the problem here? The first two are clear; if someone posts a nudity or violence Facebook removes it.

Now the next question, who dictates hate speech? In my eyes hate speech can be from an angry driver at a red light to the very speech content given by our current president. So now what? Facebook created a list of “protected categories”. To help the censorship team Facebook created a training program that includes a quiz to test censorship comprehension of their employees.

Let’s Play Can you pass the Facebook Censorship Training Below: So how can Facebook get away with this? Quite simple now that we live in the land of verbal gray area. The United States protects the marginalized via affirmative action. However, this is where things get gray...Facebook refuses to accept nor acknowledge the existence of marginalization. With this perspective, Facebook says its goal is to not protect one person over another.

In retrospect, this seems to be a great plan. The problem is what happens when a Black Man is gunned down & users want to vent, share or release? They are now in censorship violation.

In the home of our city, University of Maryland professor Danielle Citron states colorblindness is not protection but the

Photo Credit: ProPublica

lack thereof when it comes to people who need it most.

How is it possible that someone can create hate speech on Facebook promoting gun violence or race bans but someone who speaks against it is now performing hate speech?

Facebook says all systems have their faults including them but it’s just the hit we have to sometimes take.

I would say this is the best passiveaggressive answer for a billion dollar company with more control than it is willing to publicly admit.

Now, do we see the importance of Black-Owned Media? The purpose of our own media streams is not to segregate but to create platforms where support & standing up for wrong isn’t considered “Hate Speech” but a movement for change.

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Features

PASSION SO BRIGHT IT BECAME A BRAND Interviewed by fellow artist: Melanin Reigns

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got the lovely opportunity to sit down with celebrity jewelry maker Jahfarii Beads. Jahfarii was featured on the very first issue of Urban Freedom Magazine, and my first initial introduction to this talented brother was at the Launch Party. Ever since then, I’ve witnessed this talented artist, travel and present his work with remarkable confidence.

The jewelry speaks for itself as he doesn’t speak much.

Graciously, he sat down with me to provide exclusive insight on his life and progress thus far

Here’s a recap @MrsMelaninReigns: “When did you start your business and how do you balance it out with everyday life?” @JahfariiBeads: “My business is my life and my life is my business. Even when I’m on vacation, I still have to work. The only real time I have to balance life and work is when I’m asleep.” @MrsMelaninReigns: What are some obstacles you’ve faced since 2012, in starting Jahfarii Beads? @JahfariiBeads: “So many ideas, not enough capital. You don’t want to rush the process, but sometimes you want your hard work to catch up with time. So being patient, that’s an obstacle for most.” @MrsMelaninReigns: As far progress, what motivates you the most? What was a major sign for you that you were progressing? @JahfariiBeads: I haven’t felt that feeling because all i’ve gained is a social presence amongst the people. Nonetheless, knowing that my work is that good and I have something to look forward to motivates me.

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Features

@MrsMelaninReigns: Where do you see yourself expanding towards? @Jahfariibeads: My brand is about to shift to an upscale level, I’m in over 30 states right now; and moving towards an international level. High end fashion brands and global designers.

My store will also be coming soon. @MrsMelaninReigns: “How do you feel about giving back?” @JahfariiBeads: I love it, whether we realize it or not, when we give a product or service it’s a form of giving back As far as community organizations, I do not have one of my own but I have many of which that I support and vice versa. @MrsMelaninReigns: “Last but not least, what makes Jahfari Beads different?” @Jahfari: “My Energy!”

ORDER TODAY!

http://jahfariibeads.bigcartel.com/ Instagram: @JahfariiBeads

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Features

Inside Civil Wrongs C

By Michelle Reed

ivil Wrongs is a line of apparel representing issues facing the black community and the origin of the RBG flag. The owner Ejay McDonald, has a brand based on black community outreach, and diverse events catering to black creativity. Speaking with her revealed her inspiration, experiences, and perspective on black/African American issues.

1. What experiences lead to Civil wrongs?

Before Civil Wrongs became the name of a brand/movement, it was solely personal expression. I got hip to the ills of Amerikkka in 2008 but in 2012, after the assassination of Trayvon Martin, my partner and I pooled together our funds and resources to make t-shirts [for ourselves] that said “JUSTICE FOR BLACK AMERICA.” It caught like wildfire.

2. Were there personal issues that could have discouraged you from this business if you would let it?

There are always hills and valleys in business.

So of course I’ve had times when I wanted to give up. But I live the mission of my brand every day, and though I may get discouraged, fulfilling my purpose is what keeps me going the most.

3. What Inspired “Be civil Battles?”

I have artist’s friends I associate with regularly. I’m a strong believer that artists shouldn’t

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starve. On top of that, I’ve always been a fan of rap battles. I wanted Civil Wrongs to sponsor an event that embodies the essence of hip hop yet adds that element of promoting hidden knowledge, self-sufficiency, and unity. We wanted to incorporate our own sauce to the scene so we added the dance element as well as one featured performer each month. Shoutout to my host Nova Gray & DJ, DJ Foqus. The event occurs every 2nd Friday of the month at 208 South Pulaski St Baltimore MD 21223.

4. How did you get such a diverse crowd together for Be Civil battles?

People usually refer the event or bring someone back with them. After every show we ask new attendees for feedback and they always tell me how it’s truly unlike any other event they’ve ever been to. The vibe is authentic and the reach is organic. And it’s ALL LOVE in the building. Great networking opportunity.

Features

5. What do you personally believe is an exterior issue hindering the black community?

Institutionalized racism and the system of white supremacy. We don’t know who our real enemy is.

Therefore we are unable to focus on any real solutions because we don’t even know the problem!!

6. What is an interior issue?

Self-hate, which is a byproduct of the same exterior issues. Naturally, people of melanin are nurturers, loving, and extremely forgiving. But when it comes to people who look like us, those natural instincts seem to fade. We’re working on it instinctively though and ultimately, we will win.

7. Did you expect the amount of support that you have gotten for your business thus far?

I can’t say that I expected it, because you can never be too sure of how the marketplace will receive you, however we are living in pivotal times and people want to express themselves without always being verbal. That’s what we’re sensing a lot of. It’s been wonderful and extremely humbling.

8. What is your favorite item sold on your website and why?

My personal favorite is our Galaxy T-shirts. It’s a unique (colored speckles) yet powerful garment (design).

9. Name an aspect of Black/African American history that is not what’s considered “Common knowledge.”

In the 1920s, Marcus Garvey united over 1 million people and had huge ships ready to set sail back to Africa before he was betrayed. Just think about how powerful he was to be able to unite 1 million people before any type of internet access.

Baba Garvey is also the creator of the Red-Black&Green (RBG) flag which you see symbolism of in Civil Wrongs apparel. »» Red for the blood shed from the people »» Black for the people as a nation »» Green for the {mother} land A modern day aspect many don’t know is many of us were here before the Atlantic slave trade.

We were called MOORS. Moors taught the “forefathers” everything they knew, only for the knowledge to be used against them. Why do you think slave masters didn’t want slaves to know how to read and write?

www.CivilWrongsBrand.com Be Civil Battles Presented By Civil Wrongs becivilbattles@gmail.com. facebook.com/becivilbattles.

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Features

Be Civil Battles Trailer Presented by Civil Wrongs Baltimore, MD

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Features

Fashion with a Mission!

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ords of encouragement from Baltimore, MD native, Demira Hamilton.

You may know her from the successful headgear line called NuLanguage. Celebrities such as “Yo Gotti”, “Tammy Rivera”, “Juelz Santana” even to Baltimore’s own “Chino” & “I am King Los” can be found wearing the innovative headwear. Recently Hamilton accomplished her 1st year of a successful business! (Check out her first feature in our Fall 2016 Issue when NuLanguage started)

“Just keep going. You might get discouraged. You may go through a time where you feel that this may not be what you really want to do…

But just keep going. It will all pay off in the end”

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Features

How does she balance life & work you may wonder? Her Notepad, Hamilton, tells Urban Freedom. “Writing everything down and staying organized by my notepad is a must in my everyday success.”

Her Inspiration? She answered that question with one simple answer. “Life”. Hamilton explains a story of possible defeat that she used as fuel to create great artwork thru her collection. This is how the infamous “Black America” hat was created.

The future for NuLanguage is on the road as Hamilton states she wants to create a NuLanguage Tour and provide a traveling PopUp Shop. Be sure to check out some of this Boss ladies favorites like the patch dad hats, LeGrande Hat, and her current collaboration collection, with tattoo artist Rude Boy Ink.

nulanguagecaps.bugcartel.com Instagram: @NuLanguage.

Also look out for the upcoming collaboration with “Waka Flocka” in the near future.

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Features

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Urban Money Matters

Learned the basics of reading & trading stock better than a broker…. all from San Quentin Prison!

By Ebony Satterfield

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C

urtis “Wall Street” Carroll, the man who became a financial prophet while in San Quentin, prison after a lifetime of crime. It’s amazing how the prison system is set up for the black man especially to fail. More of our men are institutionalized, given a jail education with promises to effectively transition back into society, just to be let down even wanting to change.

Urban Money Matters

Curtis Carroll found a way to use his downfall as a major key for a come up. As a young man, he committed a crime that pretty much sentenced him to life in prison with no chance at redemption. While being detained, he found a way to make his past work for his future all while using the time he was given to end his life, he found his form of freedom. Starting with the basics of learning how to read. Carroll had gone by his entire life pretending he knew how to read. Sounding out words, avoiding writing and every other thing he could do to mask a form of education he hadn’t found useful living a life of crime.

After teaching his self to read starting with small words and building on others he was incredibly enthusiastic, seeing the world around him as new. Even from jail, his excitement grew.

Reading every single thing around him. Getting his hands on a newspaper, however, changed everything.

Creating a foolproof financial bible, Caroll learned how to not only read the stocks, but he created a system that if followed, can lead a lot of people to a depth of understanding of what making money and having it work for you as easy as simply reading a book. People always say, after a long sentence there is no life after prison, well not if Curtis has his way. After watching the interview between Sway in the morning and Curtis, he has made sure that if they grant him a second chance at life, he will be set to have a true chance at living in his truth.

People believe that the choices and decision we make in life are permanent and who you are will be your forever identity.

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Urban Money Matters

Curtis “Wall Street” Carrol chose to not allow a pattern to be his life, even from prison. He took the talent of knowing money, to learn about money and plans on using his gift to teach others, especially people of color. If successful, Curtis “ Wall Street” Carrol will do for many what a lot of us people of color was never taught.....The game of finance. He is a perfect example of what society expects people like him not to be. Once a victim of circumstance, to now productive and positive citizens even in his present situation.

Someone once said to me that “life is made up of choices and decisions, and based off of what we chose to decide will determine our outcome, however, the most consistent thing about choices is that they can change”.

Just like an idea or thought, we have the power to choose what it is that we do, learn from the outcome, and then decide to do something different for better or for worse, but ultimately the decision of your choice depends on you.

Learning to read & trade stocks in prison

Credit: Courtesy of Ted Talks

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Urban Money Matters

Banking Black & The Tools they are providing to further African American Finance

By Tahirah Wiley

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ver a year later, many are still unaware of how beneficial it is to keep money flowing into our communities by our community.

“It is time to get angry and do something!”

“Divert money away from the system.”

Quotes from an interview in 2016 by activist Michael Render, also known as Killer Mike, on Hot 107.9. The lines spoken in the interviews from Render sparked the minds of many African-American people, especially in the music industry.

Artist and Activist Killer Mike shared inspirational photos and videos all over the US, fans followed suit.

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Urban Money Matters So what brings up the conversation a year later? The answer is the lack of knowledge on what to do with the money once it is put into the bank. The purpose of black banks is to allow minorities the opportunity of having access to commonly ignored, or refusal to use, tools and advantages that come with having an account with a bank.

Our community’s esteem can blossom with understanding and acknowledge the empowerment in growing black economics. Banks seem to be the open yet hidden piece to altering our dynamic in America. African-American communities seem unaware that banks assist with the following: »» Educating in economics »» Classes on how to spend money

»» Money Management »» Understanding contracts and financial paperwork. »» Mortgage loans »» Small business loans Just to name a few. With these tools, we can prepare ourselves to establish a successful business in our neighborhoods.

We can then sustain and circulate those profits. Essentially taking more money away from the system and rotating it amongst ourselves. This is key to breaking down a system built on monetary gains.

You can go to the website below to find your nearest black-owned bank or credit union to gather information on the options & tools available in your area. www.blackoutcoalition.org

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Urban Money Matters

UNITED STATES BLACK OWNED BANKS 1. Omega Psi Phi Credit Union – Lawrenceville, Georgia

20. Mechanics & Farmers Bank – Durham, North Carolina

2.Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union – Washington, DC

21. First Independence Bank – Detroit, Michigan

3. One United Bank – Los Angeles, California

22. First State Bank – Danville, Virginia

4. FAMU Federal Credit Union – Tallahassee, Florida

23. Illinois Service Federal – Chicago, Illinois

5. Credit Union of Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia

24. Unity National Bank – Houston, Texas

6. North Milwaukee State Bank – Milwaukee, Wisconsin 25. Carver Federal Savings Bank – New York, New York 7. Seaway Bank – Chicago, Illinois

26. OneUnited Bank – Miami, Florida

8. The Harbor Bank- Baltimore, Maryland

27. OneUnited Bank – Boston, Massachusetts

9. Liberty Bank – New Orleans, Louisiana

28. Tri-State Bank – Memphis, Tennesse

10. United Bank of Philidelphia – Philidelphia, Penn

29. Citizens Bank – Nashville, Tennessee

11. Alamerica Bank – Birmingham, Alabama

30. South Carolina Community Bank – Columbia, South Carolina

12. Broadway Federal Bank – Los Angeles, California

31. Columbia Savings and Loan – Milwaukee, Wisconsin

13. Carver State Bank – Savannah, Georgia

32. Liberty Bank – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

14. Capital City Bank – Atlanta, Georgia

33. Liberty Bank – Kansas City, Missouri

15. Citizens Trust Bank – Atlanta, Georgia

34. Citizen Trust Bank – Birmingham, Alabama

16. City National Bank – Newark, New Jersey

35. Liberty Bank – Chicago, Illinois

17. Commonwealth National Bank – Mobile, Alabama

36. Liberty Bank – Jackson, Mississippi

18. Industrial Bank – Washington D.C.

37. Toledo Urban Credit Union – Toledo, Ohio

19. First Tuskegee Bank – Tuskegee, Alabama

38. Hill District Credit Union – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Let us know about your Black Owned Banking experiences: info@UrbanFreedomMagazine.com

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Urban Money Matters

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Urban Money Matters

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Urban Money Matters

13 Movie th

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black leader in her own right, Ava Duvernay amazingly presents evidence on the imprisonment of the black community in her documentary “13th.” It includes the loopholes of the 13th Amendment that continues allowing blacks to be systematically hindered in a supremacist America by placing us behind bars.

The 13th amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads that “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to thei­r jurisdiction.”[G1] The “except as a punishment for a crime”[G2] portion of the Amendment, assisted with the mass incarcerations after the Civil War. Blacks were given unreasonable sentences for situations that could barely be considered crimes and used for labor to rebuild the economy. It allowed the government to once again enslave African Americans after it was supposedly abolished.

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Take a look at 13th, Now Available on Netflix

Urban Money Matters

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Lifestyle

Ballin on a Fall Budget

FALL FASHION Powered by: @Eccentric.Styles & Stylist Louise Wheeler

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re you working within a budget and still want to indulge in retail therapy? Fear no more! This month’s fashion style guides feature pieces all under $100 or less! Can you say BARGAIN?! I can honestly say I am a huge bargain shopper and to be quite honest, I don’t have a budget where I can spend $100 on a garment. I am sure there are many who can relate. Life throws financial curveballs on a regular basis. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to look good while still figuring out life. When life throws you lemons, we make lemonade!

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Lifestyle Tomboy on a Fall Budget

Our women’s style guide consists of pieces that are under $50 or less and be found at a few local retailers. A few retailer’s featured in this month’s style guide is Eccentric Styles, Madden Girl by Steve Madden, and ASOS. Don’t worry Boys, we kept you in mind as well with our “Ballin on a Budget” style guide.

When styling for men, I realized a great deal of men’s clothing is priced much higher than women’s clothing.

So this month, we wanted to keep the price points for these pieces featured in our Men’s style guide under $100. Some retailers featured in our Men’s style guide is ASOS and Macy’s, which both carry stylish fashion for Men, on a budget!

For Personal Styling Needs Across the Globe Contact:Eccentric Styles

Website: www.eccentricstyles.com Email: eccentric.styles29@gmail.com Blog: www.eccentricstyles.wordpress.com E-styling Coming this Spring!

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Lifestyle

AT&T IS ON THE LOOK OUT FOR BLACK FILMMAKERS!

DON’T MISS OUT

By Mercedez McIntyre

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T&T is looking to collaborate with Black Filmmakers for 2018 Tribeca Film Festival.

The Tribeca Film festival takes place every Spring as a platform for up and coming filmmaking teams. Since beginning its roots in the aftermath of 9/11, Tribeca has grown to highlight an extremely wide variety of genres and

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media. Alongside film, last year’s edition brought to life current HULU originals like “The Handmaid’s Tale”. 2018 will spark a change that most noticed missing long ago; lack of African American representation. Many have debated if this is due to lack of support given to African American filmmakers or the lack of African American filmmakers altogether.

AT&T has stepped in as a way to draw the line next year by giving minorities the additional support to make it to the festival and beyond the event itself. In order to see Black representation, this also calls on the duty of our community to step forward in pursuit of bringing dreams to fruition.

Lifestyle

To want representation is one thing however to incite action we must support entrepreneurs of all forms especially in areas that we are stereotypically represented.

As a community, we need to take advantage of opportunities representing ourselves for ourselves with dignity.

We cannot complain about poor representation and simultaneously maintain mental roadblocks of not feeling “good enough�. Take a chance and bet on yourself!

Creators this year are also able to submit features and short films through the digital system Withoutabox.

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Lifestyle CHECK OUT SUBMISSION DEADLINE DATES BELOW: Let us know if you plan to attend the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival this year, we will be there! Email: UrbanFreedomEvents@gmail.com

»» Sept. 5: Submissions open »» Oct. 18: Early deadline for features and shorts, Tribeca TV, Tribeca Immersive and N.O.W. »» Nov. 22: Official deadline A for features, TV, immersive and N.O.W. »» Dec. 1: Official deadline B for shorts »» Dec. 13: Early deadline for Tribeca X Awards; late deadline for features, TV, Immersive, N.O.W. »» Jan. 12: Official deadline for Tribeca X Award »» Feb 14: Late deadline for Tribeca X Award »» April 18-29: 2018 Tribeca Film Festival

Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Trailer released at Tribeca Film Festival 2017

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Lifestyle

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx

TEDX COMES TO BALTIMORE!

Join Urban Freedom Magazine & Get your tickets today <<CLICK HERE>> (limited tickets will be available as this is an interactive event)

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Lifestyle

WELCOME TO THE FREEDOM GALLERY U

rban Freedom Magazine has created the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Freedom Galleryâ&#x20AC;? as space to explore entrepreneurship through visual artistry. Each issue we will bring you photographers, canvas artists, & coming 2018 the world of graphics artistry.

Purchase paintings for your home, connect with artists and support unconventional forms of Black-owned business!

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If you are interested in sharing your visual artistry please contact: info@UrbanFreedomMagazine.com

Lifestyle

Jessi Jumanji

To learn more about Jess Jumanji the artist check out her feature in our Spring2017 Issue CLICK HERE

www.jessijumanji.com 901.340.5550

Facebook: Jessi Jumanji Instagram: @JessiJumanji

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Shotsby Skylaflame

Lifestyle

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Lifestyle

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hought provoking photography is an art form of its own caliber. Skylaflame from Baltimore, MD. Chosen for his brilliant way of using photography and graphics to show imagery from his perspective.

Email: shotsbskylaflame@gmail.com Instagram: @shotsbyskylaflame Tumblr: http://lordmaalik.tumblr.com/

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Lifestyle

Poets Cove “LOVE CYCLE/PT. 1” Know how to reopen your heart before you close it.

Closed hearts just counter the love no matter how potent.

In a relationship, you can say whatever you want just make sure you show it.

It’s some good women out here but some men just had to blow it.

Discombobulated inside so love I don’t know it.

Can’t worry about love no more, can’t lose my focus.

Everything seems like a hoax without the pocus.

You’re connecting to everything I am saying so you already know this.

Real love you can feel in thee air with no fear.

If you get hurt too much then your feelings disappear.

Tried to heal a brokenheart but it just keep getting tears.

Now, it’s dripping blood and you’re filled with hell of fears.

Now you’re so confused, looking for love everywhere.

You survived the love cycle and wish somebody would dare.

-Virtue (Tre’ Vont Bowman)

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Lifestyle MELANIN GLOW By: Louise Wheeler I could tell there was certain envy by the way my body swayed, And I could tell that they could see the richness in my skin...

They knew it was worth more than they could ever imagine or even admit...

The good news is, I never needed confirmation from them...

My black girl magic was always shining since birth.

Pure magic in my eyes, in my lips, and intellect...

I bet they never saw it coming...

Cause there was always doubt since I stepped foot on this earth.

But I now walk with my head held high.

For my ancestors who died for us...

You are never forgotten. Always remember that.

You shine like the North Star that guided our magic to freedom...

And we stand here today because of you.

We thank you. 400 years overdue...

Your tears have rained down on us...

Because they knew, you were pure magic.

I am pure magic.

We are pure magic, as they watch our melanin glow.

“WAKE UP BLACK” By: Michelle Reed Alton and Philando That’s just the names of some down I could write up a list But it will take me some while There’s Too many to run down No justice for those that have been unjustly gunned down This is a game to the badge That’s virally having fun now Devoted to the systems traditional supremacy And we are forced to run bow Because they can pull over our car Beat us to the ground All because of what the system allows... Because we ain’t put that cigarette out Do y’all remember Sandra Bland now And example of how They can

tell us to stand down After we’ve already been harassed, tazed, or slammed down Hands cuffed behind our backs screaming “stop resisting and put your hands down” This country cares more about the death of a monkey Then a black man down Understand now that we need a plan now 1st let’s not just protest in these streets It’s all noble and good But we need more than free speech We need committees that put pressure on Officials each week More punishment for harassment and for the blood on concrete Because their unity peaks and we need take down the strength in the freedom of weak police Don’t let us and defeat meet My people stand up And wake this country from deep sleep

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