Athlete 2 Boardroom’s Post

🚀 The Journey of Black Business Owners: From Bartering to Building Wealth The journey of Black entrepreneurs is a powerful story of resilience, innovation, and determination. From early bartering systems in Black communities to today’s digital marketplace, Black business owners have faced—and continue to face—systemic challenges. Yet, their unwavering spirit has driven progress. ✊🏽 A Historical Foundation: From “Black Wall Street” to today’s trailblazers, Black business owners have built legacies of wealth and empowerment. Despite setbacks like the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, their contributions laid the groundwork for future generations. 🔑 Challenges Persist: Even today, Black entrepreneurs face limited access to capital, underrepresentation in key business networks, and structural barriers. However, the rise of e-commerce and initiatives supporting Black businesses are helping overcome these obstacles. 🌱 What Can We Do? As business professionals, corporate leaders, and consumers, we must: * Implement supplier diversity initiatives 📊 * Support Black-owned businesses in your supply chain 🤝 * Shop from Black-owned businesses 🛒 By coming together, we can dismantle barriers and create a more equitable economic future for all. Let’s commit to supporting Black businesses today, and always. Also if you havent already check out the digital interactive history lesson on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. 👉🏾https://lnkd.in/gbDb98iQ #BlackEntrepreneurs #SupportBlackBusiness #EconomicInclusion #SupplierDiversity #GenerationalWealth #EquityInBusiness

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Based on a recent planning study, the majority of Black parents shoulder the cost of their children’s college education. Without proper planning, other priorities such as retirement or real estate purchases, can be sacrificed. Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss how to secure the success of your child's future, without losing priority towards other goals. *Planning and Progress Study, 2024.

2025 Commitment I am absolutely grateful to be with family and friends today. These past few years & these past few weeks have really deepen my appreciation and gratitude for them in my life. I know that family, however defined, isn't necessarily the experience of everyone Black or brown in America. But I know there are friends in our life who also support us. What I know for sure that there is no "mainstream" economic calvary coming to save us. What if we made a commitment as we grow even using mainstream dollars, we need to invest in & support a Black or brown businesses. We have to be our own "calvary" within the realm of this America. This is my 2025 Commitment. I hope others will join me. Did you know that there is a Black owned company on Wall Street - Univec? Investing in what makes money. Do your homework.

🌟 Support Black-Owned Businesses: A Pathway to Economic Empowerment! 🌟⁣ ⁣ Discover the impact of backing Black-owned businesses and how it transforms communities:⁣ ⁣ 1️⃣ Boost Job Creation: Black-owned businesses often hire from within their communities, creating essential job opportunities and boosting local financial stability.⁣ ⁣ 2️⃣ Enhance Economic Circulation: Spending at Black-owned businesses keeps money circulating within the community, fueling local growth, supporting more businesses, and enhancing overall economic vitality.⁣ ⁣ 3️⃣ Address the Racial Wealth Gap: By supporting these businesses, you're helping to bridge the racial wealth gap, a legacy of historical injustices that hindered Black wealth accumulation.⁣ ⁣ 4️⃣ Foster Diversity & Innovation: Black entrepreneurs introduce unique perspectives and innovative solutions, enriching the marketplace and driving economic advancement.⁣ ⁣ 5️⃣ Inspire Future Generations: Successful Black business owners serve as role models, inspiring youth to pursue entrepreneurship and build financial independence.⁣ ⁣ Your support makes a difference—empower our communities and drive change by choosing to shop at Black-owned businesses today!⁣ 💪

There is significant work that needs to be done to close opportunity gaps and create pathways for equity and success for Black students, both in K-12 and in higher education. We must remain committed to advancing policies, practices, and initiatives that empower Black students to thrive at every stage of their educational journey. https://lnkd.in/eEAWMtb6

I recently mentioned the vision of Tulsa having the highest concentration of Black millionaires in the country within this generation. In order to accomplish this, we need recruit and grow the net worth of 500 households to $1M or greater. I think that are three unique things that we can do as a city to achieve this goal: 1.) Turn Tulsa into the home of the 8-figure exit for Black entrepreneurs - There is a lot of blue ocean in lower-middle-market private equity and I think that we can find a niche of integrating into the supply chains of large corporate and governmental partners. 2.) Transform Tulsa into a true Black Wall Street - Originally in the 1920s, Greenwood never had a Black bank located in the neighborhood. I think given improvements in AI, and with a focus on the lower-middle-market, there is room for a financial system connecting the best minority business enterprises with the capital to support them here in Tulsa. 3.) Given our rich, tragic, and complicated history, there is a unique opportunity to recruit mission-oriented leaders who are biased toward building community and doing well while doing good. These are the types of people who transform cities in the long term. None of this is solidified, just putting some thoughts out there. If any of this excites you, I would love to connect.

Honoring Juneteenth Juneteenth commemorates the announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas. This order proclaimed the freedom of enslaved people in Texas, the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. Today, Juneteenth is a celebration of African American culture, history, and contributions to our society. How You Can Make a Difference Shop Black Own Businesses: Seek out and purchase products and services from Black-owned businesses thru organizations such as below. https://lnkd.in/et2dNx4k Spread the word: Use your platform to highlight Black-owned businesses. Share their stories and successes on social media, write reviews, and encourage others to support them. Invest in Black Entrepreneurs: Consider investing in Black-owned startups. Your financial support can help businesses grow and succeed. Educate and Advocate: Learn about the challenges Black entrepreneurs face. Education is a powerful tool in fostering understanding and change.

Will you be attending AACC's Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky next month? Join my session, with Karen Stout titled “Realizing Black Learner Excellence at Community Colleges" at 9 a.m. on April 7. Black learners have been underserved and, as a result, have left America's postsecondary system. Community colleges, a critical entry point for first-generation, low-income, and Black students, have experienced the most significant loss. The new Level Up Report and get REAL framework will be discussed to engage participants in a renewed commitment to Black learner success. This call to action is an important step in establishing institutional, system, and policy change to support reforms to improve the outcomes for Black students pursuing postsecondary programs and degrees. American Association of Community Colleges

Networking and mentorship opportunities are another crucial area where Black entrepreneurs face barriers. The business world is heavily reliant on networks and connections for opportunities, advice, and support. However, systemic racism and segregation have historically excluded Black individuals from these networks, making it difficult for Black entrepreneurs to find mentors and advocates within their industries. We are working to address that by ensuring that young Black entrepreneurs learn about networking, practice social capital skills in a safe and feedback-rich environment, and develop relationships with each other to help change the trajectory of their futures. Are you confident when met with the opportunity to network with your peers and or colleagues? Tell us in the comments below.