Black Visionaries’ Post

Want to hear something really F’d up? Funding for black founders is down for the 3rd year in a row and only 0.95% of VC capital went to all-female founded companies last year. If you’re a VC - what are you going to do about these numbers? It’s time for everyone to be accountable and make the dial move in the right direction. VC teams need to be as diverse as the companies they should be investing in. A diverse team brings varied perspectives, experiences, and insights, enhancing decision-making processes. It fosters innovation, reduces groupthink, and allows for a better understanding of diverse markets and entrepreneurs, ultimately improving the funds overall performance and investment outcomes. Look inward and then look outward. Hire a diverse team and invest diversely.

Worthwhile read - concise yet informative and inspiring

If you are Black, a big part of your job today is to embrace technology, not run from it. Running from technology as a Black person widens the digital divide and the wealth gap. Technology is a tool that can create access, opportunity, and generational change—let’s make sure we’re on the right side of that shift. 💡 #Elevate #TechEmpowerment #CloseTheGap

Some read history, while others make it. Black Executive Men Capital Private Equity Dinner. Red Room. NYC. July 10th. Private equity is the financial juggernaut Where gains solidify generational wealth However, these doors have been closed That's now ending. Imagine... Doing big deals with guys: Who know your ups and downs Support your personal & business life And share the same community-uplift mindset. Imagine... Having $1B assets under management Writing your own Reginald Lewis novel Doing so with guys you enjoy and trust Imagine... Invite only dinners With private members The world's financial hubs How would that impact your wealth, relationships, and heart. Maybe not at all. Maybe a little. Maybe a lot. Either way... The bat symbol is now up. Superheroes can apply at the link below. Black Executive Men Capital - Private Equity Network Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gyGkVMPe #blackexecutivemen #privateequity #newyork

Progress is happening, but there’s more work to be done! In 2024, 427 companies had Black directors, a small increase from 420 in 2023—a 1.66% change. Check out the 2024 BE Registry of Corporate Directors for insights into how these shifts impact the future of boardroom diversity. https://lnkd.in/gEN-CvXd

2024 Insights and Perspectives from Black Leaders in the Middle Market Insight 1: Diversity initiatives and programs are shifting away from Black-owned businesses. When asked about diversity initiatives and programs geared towards minority business enterprises (MBEs), many industry professionals felt that MBEs other than black-owned businesses may be receiving higher priority or greater preference for diversity initiatives and new opportunities. Read the full research report at: https://lnkd.in/gTEj54iD Wells Fargo

In the past, a prevailing belief suggested that black families were less inclined to engage in the stock market or investing, leading to significant wealth disparities—the infamous 'wealth gap'. However, a subtle shift is occurring, indicating a growing emphasis within the African American community on financial literacy and dynamism. This shift heartens me, as it signifies a collective recognition of the importance of investing for our future generations. Witnessing this transformation sparks optimism and reinforces my commitment to advocating for financial education and empowerment. Together, let's continue to champion investment opportunities, bridging the wealth gap and paving the way for a brighter financial future for all. https://lnkd.in/eiSuWft6

Running a business is never easy. Being a Black CEO comes with its own set of challenges. I found it therapeutic hearing fellow leaders share their perspectives especially as it relates to be Black in Business. This series of videos is one to follow!

🫱🏿🫲🏿 Black Executive Men Capital hits different than a normal PE firm. Private equity will never be the same. Black Executive Men Capital goes beyond traditional investing. They empower a dynamic network of Black men in private equity to succeed financially and socially. The mission of Black Executive Men Capital is to build strong relationships and support talented individuals, creating a community that values and enhances achievement. Whether you're seeking to diversify your investment portfolio or connect with like-minded peers, Black Executive Men Capital is your top choice. The Black Executive Men Network provides exceptional opportunities such as online learning, exclusive dinners, and curated social gatherings to strengthen bonds and foster collaboration. Members, like myself, gain from valuable relationships, potential partnerships, expert market insights, fundraising strategies, career growth prospects, and shared celebrations of success. Join the Black Executive Men Network, where excellence is the norm and success is a collective accomplishment! 👏🏿 Get started here: https://lnkd.in/gGpmX_rz #BlackExecutiveMenCapital #BlackExecutiveMenNetwork #PrivateEquity #Success #Community #YBConnects #CollaborationCreatesCurrency

Man, I am still taking it all in. The energy was electrifying as ForbesBLK rang the closing bell of the week at Nasdaq. I am humbled, honored, overwhelmed and mostly filled with gratitude. Thank you to the incredible @forbes team, Seth Cohen, Ayisha Miracle Mendez and Jabari Young, and more for extending this profound invitation. ForbesBLK is truly on a mission to “dismantle barriers, foster equitable economies, and nurture a global culture of connection, collaboration, and change” A special thank you to Nasdaq for locking arms with ForbesBLK as collectively do the work, create the opportunities and tell the stories. So, standing on the stage and being at the Nasdaq marketSite studio is a moment I will never forget. I was filled with so much inspiration, hope and encouragement. The moment also reminded me of the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ Community building and organizing isn’t easy work but it’s definitely a worthy work. I am honored to serve in Atlanta alongside Sabrina Newby, Monique Davis and Yaminah Childress, J.D. our National Advisor Kelly English, M.A. and so many others. Every week we talk to members and supporters alike and we all share that common thread that we wouldn’t want to be black and in business anywhere else other than Atlanta. Bringing the #ForbesBLK summit back to our city underscores that Atlanta is a beacon of black excellence and innovation. There are so many success stories and contributions of black entrepreneurs in Atlanta that it only makes good sense that this is where ForbesBLK would plant our stakes in the ground. The time is now and we answered the call and many have joined forces with us. Together, we’re not only going far – we’re going the distance. More to come. #ForbesBLK #NasdaqClosingBell #EquitableEconomies #CommunityImpact