Atlanta Black Chambers’ Post

Looking forward to digging into this conversation, to an appropriate-ish dose of TMI, and an exhale-worthy rant of the ups and downs and all arounds of scale - all in service to building an economy that works. For everyone. Thanks to the Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business CASE Center for the opportunity to rep REDF and the power of #employment #socialenterprise. #InclusiveEconomy

Dream on Dreamers 😍 DEI in YOU! As we enter Black History Month, I am reminded of the profound impact that the contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and visionaries have had on our society and industries. This month serves not just as a time to reflect on the rich history and cultural achievements of the Black community, but also as a crucial opportunity for us, as leaders, to acknowledge the ongoing challenges and disparities that persist today. Black History Month is a reminder that our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion must go beyond mere acknowledgment. It is a call to action for all of us to foster environments where every voice is heard, celebrated, and valued. In my role, I recognize the importance of creating pathways for Black professionals to thrive in our organizations. This includes mentorship, sponsorship, and intentional efforts to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder progress. By championing these initiatives, we not only honor the legacy of those who paved the way but also enrich our workplaces with diverse perspectives that drive innovation and success. Let us use this month as an impetus to engage in meaningful conversations, educate ourselves and our teams, and take actionable steps towards creating a more inclusive future.

"Unlocking the Power: The Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery's Must-See Exhibit on the Influential Black Vote!" It's not every day that we're witness to a significant shift in funding paradigms, democratizing opportunities for motivated innovators, regardless of race or geography. But this is exactly the change that the Center for Black Innovation's newly launched "Black Innovation Alliance" aims to achieve. This is more than just an exciting endeavor; it's a rippling wave of transformation in the innovation ecosystem. The BIA aims to provide a bridge for black-owned startups by securing broader access to funding from venture capitalists, lending institutions, and government agencies. These play the role of powerful engines revving up the growth potential of black-owned businesses in a sector that's been traditionally underrepresented. As a supporter and advocate, I invite you to join us on this journey towards a more representative, inclusive, and diverse innovation narrative. Remember, each of us can make a difference, one step at a time. Visit our website to discover ways you can contribute to this transformative initiative. #InclusiveInnovation #DiversityInTech #FundBlackFounders #InnovateForAll

Drive change in the landscape of Black business in the U.S. Recognize the trends, embrace the challenges, and capitalize on the opportunities for substantial growth. Get involved! #BusinessNetworkOrganization #BlackBusiness #EconomicGrowth #BusinessGrowth #BINDAssociates

As a "double immigrant," I’ve developed a unique and often controversial perspective on how to meet and beat challenges. This mindset has fuelled my entrepreneurial journey, which is why I’m excited to be speaking at Mont Rose College for a special lecture. Starting and running a business isn’t easy—it demands careful planning, adaptability, and above all, resilience. I’ve faced and overcome countless challenges along the way, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my insights and experiences. My goal is to help others lean in when times get tough and keep pushing forward instead of giving up. 😲 20% of small businesses fail within their first year. It’s not always due to a lack of effort but often a lack of knowledge and support. That’s where events like this come in. If you’re ready to learn how to build a business from the ground up and explore the potential for international expansion, join us at Shakespeare House on 16th October at 11 AM! This is an opportunity to gain practical tips and inspiration—don’t miss out! #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #BusinessGrowth #StartupSuccess #InternationalBusiness #SmallBusinessTips #OvercomingObstacles #ImmigrantEntrepreneur #BusinessPlanning #MontroseCollegeLecture

Creating Equitable Spaces for Innovation: The Element Centre Toronto’s innovation ecosystem has long been concentrated in the downtown core, leaving the city’s northwest communities without the infrastructure needed to unlock their full potential. That’s about to change. The Element Centre hopes to enhance the Jane-Finch and the surrounding area into a thriving innovation hub, fostering opportunities for underrepresented founders and professionals. It aspires to be a state-of-the-art, mixed-use innovation centre, that will bridge the gap between local talent and Toronto’s broader innovation network. 6 Degrees Consulting Inc is proud to partner with the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance to advance this vital initiative. This project is more than just a building; it’s a catalyst for economic empowerment and inclusive growth in a historically underserved community. Special thanks to Andrew King from AKA/FLDWRK for his visionary early design work. 🔗 Learn more about how the Element Centre will reshape Toronto’s innovation landscape: https://lnkd.in/g_rqhVyv

🌟 Progress Report: The Future is Bright, and It’s Just the Beginning 🌟 The response has been overwhelming. More than 1,000 of you have already reached out, ready to join me in creating and building a safe space for us, by us. Now, imagine this: 💡 10,000 of us unified in cyberspace, connected across the globe. 💡 100,000 of us mobilized like Moms for Liberty who managed to ban books and reshape national conversations in just a few years. 😕 We are more powerful than we realize when we stand together. This movement is going to take time to build—longer than I anticipated to send out applications for founding members—but this response gives me so much hope for what we can achieve. ✨ What’s Next? This will be an exclusive, invitation-only space, featuring curated events, elite voices, and real opportunities to grow. Yes, it will be PAID. Why? ✅ Because we need to start circulating our money, time, and resources within our own community. ✅ Because we need to show our children and grandchildren what true community support, leadership, and wealth building look like. ✅ Because this isn’t just about networking—it’s about building a legacy of Black excellence that withstands any storm. The Question is This: Are you willing to do something different? Or will we sit in fear and confusion, watching as power structures grow, abuse, and destroy themselves—just as history has always shown? The difference now is clear: Do we have the ability to come together in the spirit of cooperation and build something that lasts? I believe we do. Let’s show the world—and ourselves—what we’re capable of. 💪🏾 💡 Applications for founding members are coming soon. Let’s start building the future, together. Comment “I want in” 👇🏽 or send me a DM to secure your spot. #innovation #management #creativity #futurism, #startups #leadership #careergrowth

🎓 Honored to have recently completed Cohort 8 of the Black Venture Institute, learning with amazing leaders over the past two weeks. It has been transformative, diving deep into VC fundamentals alongside 60+ brilliant Black professionals across tech, healthcare, finance, and more. 💼 Founded by Toby Stuart Leyla D. Seka @Jackson Cummings , and Frederik Groce BVI combines academic rigor with real-world venture expertise. 🚀The program featured outstanding instruction from Toby Stuart and an incredible lineup of industry leaders including: Stephen Bailey (Match Group Scott Kupor (Andreessen Horowitz Horowitz), Bonita Stewart Charles Hudson La Keisha Landrum Pierre Mike Smith Lo Toney (Plexo Capital @Aaron Samuels (Collide Capital Jewel Burks Solomon and @Barry Givens (Collab Capital and moaz ゼ H. (mvmt ventures 📈 BVI's impact is tangible: spawning two angel groups, launching dozens of scouts, and creating three new funds. With Black founders receiving just 0.3-2.6% of VC funding, BVI is actively changing the landscape by empowering Black investors. 🤝 Support this crucial mission: contribute to @BLCK VC at https://lnkd.in/gVwgPDrJ 🌎 Together, we're building a more diverse and inclusive venture capital ecosystem. #VentureCapital #Diversity #BlackInVC #Innovation #BVI

Creators, inventors, innovators, and dreamers— I am incredibly proud to be counted among the entrepreneurs Pharrell Williams has accelerated and directly invested in through his impactful Black Ambition initiative. Pharrell has an unwavering commitment to invest in Black and Latino entrepreneurs and leaders and he continues to deploy what constitutes a significant percentage of capital moving globally toward reducing the racial equity gap. This morning, I was also thrilled to extend congratulations to Brittany Bygrave of Butter'd Bodycare for gaining the attention and direct support of Dr. Bronner's I had the privilege of sitting next to David Bronner on a folding chair over the summer. At the time, I had no idea I was speaking to a multigenerational entrepreneur and CEO who could have given his time to anyone more important than me, especially at an event hosting so many impactful leaders much further along in their journey than I am. It surprised me to later learn who he was—and inspired me to hear his family’s story. Today, it does not surprise me to see him using his power and stature to lean into helping a cause largely left behind, reducing the equity gap and empowering a diverse set of leaders. Pharrell and his team cannot do this work alone It is only through genuine allyship, investment, and tangible support that meaningful progress can be made. And there is so much to gain: the gift guide represents just a small fraction of the contributions being made to technology, progress, and GDP by this distinguished group of creators. Please check it out the full guide here: https://lnkd.in/gaMz79g8 #blackambition #blackfounders #equity #reducedinequalities #justice #progress

Wray & Nephew launched the Wray Forward Powerbook in October 2024, an initiative aiming to spotlight 25 outstanding Black and Mixed-Black entrepreneurs who are reshaping the landscape of enterprise in the UK. This book not only celebrates these innovators but also serves as a source of inspiration, showcasing their journeys and achievements in the face of challenges. Wray & Nephew is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within the business community, and the Powerbook is a significant step in that direction. The Wray Forward PowerBook will be an annual feature. Each year Wray & Nephew will seek to highlight a new group of inspiring individuals and organisations who are pushing boundaries and making a difference within their fields and communities. #diversity #campaigns #marketing