Frontline Solutions’ Post

Eugene Dillanado on Strengthening Black Business Networks https://lnkd.in/g6F5qXiG In this episode, we sit down with Eugene Dillanado, Publisher of Black Pages International, a trusted business directory that has been connecting Black consumers with Black businesses since 1988. Eugene shares the mission behind their latest campaign to strengthen relationships between Black businesses and consumers, with a focus on circulating dollars within the community in a sustainable, accountable way. Eugene also delves into historical examples of thriving Black communities that implemented this practice successfully and explains how we can apply these lessons today to create a brighter future. Tune in to learn more about how we can build economic power and independence within the Black community!

Happy Black History Month! I highly recommended checking out #ForTheCultureSTL for the BEST directory of local Black owned businesses! https://lnkd.in/gf4YR2yy Via their website: "We do a lot of talking about supporting black businesses, but provide a number of reasons as to why we can't: I don't know where to go, I didn't know that they were black owned, I don't know where to start. Well, no more. ForTheCultureSTL is intended to connect black people with black owned businesses and events around the city. Whether it's the entertainment industry, a family owned restaurant, a black owned dentist, or a local clothing company, For the Culture STL is here to connect the people to you and you to the people. Our intention is to put black dollars back into the black community and keep them there and build unity in the community. Support the businesses, show up to the events, get to know each other. In order to do this we have to know where to go and what to show up for. If you know of any companies, events, stores, or small businesses that we should be supporting then let us know."

Eugene Dillanado on Strengthening Black Business Networks https://lnkd.in/gKrCCCmN In this episode, we sit down with Eugene Dillanado, Publisher of Black Pages International, a trusted business directory that has been connecting Black consumers with Black businesses since 1988. Eugene shares the mission behind their latest campaign to strengthen relationships between Black businesses and consumers, with a focus on circulating dollars within the community in a sustainable, accountable way. Eugene also delves into historical examples of thriving Black communities that implemented this practice successfully and explains how we can apply these lessons today to create a brighter future. Tune in to learn more about how we can build economic power and independence within the Black community!

🚨COME PACK THE COURTROOM FOR CARLOS WATSON🚨 Stand With Us: Become a Justice Watcher for Carlos Watson's Landmark Case. The Justice Watchers Initiative is to observe and to raise awareness of unjust trials, to encourage community presence, and to hold prosecutors and the court system to the highest standards of justice and fairness. In the face of political turmoil, empower yourself by rising up with your community. Become an upstander and collaborate with us to safeguard future Black entrepreneurs from experiencing the legal challenges Carlos Watson and OZY Media is facing. The future of Black media, Black entrepreneurship, and Black excellence hinges on our collective action and support. Stand With Us. 

"In this webinar, we uncover the untold stories of Black philanthropists across time and space, revealing powerful lessons about resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of collective action. We discuss ways to embrace more inclusive approaches to philanthropy, from broadening definitions to identifying more ways for everyone to contribute their time, talent, treasure, and testimony."

I'm deeply thankful for the opportunity to stand with members of the Brooklyn community and Carlos Watson's legal team today, showing our support for Black entrepreneurs everywhere in light of his case. Professor Sullivan is an icon in innocence work and believing this to be a landmark case, Professor Sullivan has recently taken on this significant case involving Carlos Watson. Professor Sullivan and our team contend that Watson was unjustly smeared and charged, highlighting a broader pattern where Black entrepreneurs face increased scrutiny and misrepresentation, a phenomenon we refer to as "Entrepreneuring while Black." "Entrepreneuring while Black" refers to the unique challenges and systemic barriers that Black entrepreneurs face, including increased scrutiny, misrepresentation, and often unfounded legal challenges, simply due to their race. This case, unfolding in Brooklyn, encapsulates this issue. Carlos Watson, originally from Miami, founded an innovative media company, OZY Media. As OZY began outpacing its competitors, Watson faced unprecedented opposition. With Carlos' case, we've assembled an all-star team, including Professor Sullivan and Shannon Frison, Esq., USMC. Shannon Frison, Esq., USMC was a Massachusetts Superior Court judge who stepped down from judge duty to take on this case. We're looking to involve justice watchers in witnessing a pivotal trial, offering an opportunity to participate in history firsthand. Like poll watchers safeguard our elections, we envision "justice watchers" to bear witness to this trial, fostering awareness and involvement. Join us today at 2 pm at today’s hearing in the Eastern District of New York Courthouse in Brooklyn (225 Cadman Plaza E, Brooklyn, NY 11201). If you cannot attend today’s hearing as a justice watcher, please note that additional hearing dates for justice watching are available from May 20-23, 2024, and the trial, scheduled from May 29 - June 28, 2024. To confirm your participation as a Justice Watcher for Carlos Watson's trial, please complete the following brief form: https://lnkd.in/eM-m-rwF Please repost and share this with your network if you support our initiative.

As #blackhistorymonth2024 comes to a close, ACS will continue to make every month an opportunity to embrace and honor Black history and culture. Here are some ways you can make a positive impact year-round: ✅ Learn Something New: Read or watch about Black history and culture. ✅ Shop and Support Locally: Back Black-owned businesses when you can. ✅ Enjoy Diverse Media: Tune into movies, shows, and music by Black creators. ✅ Talk Openly: Have real conversations about race, history, and culture. ✅ Join Local Events: Be part of community celebrations and happenings. ✅ Give Back: Help out with groups pushing for fairness and justice. ✅ Cheer for Success: Share stories of Black people doing awesome things. ✅ Mix It Up in School: Support teaching that includes everyone's stories. ✅ Think and Do: Take a minute to reflect, and then do something to make things fairer.

Charting a path toward redesigning public safety systems can be difficult, especially for communities lacking the necessary resources and funding to get started. Our roadmap provides a jumping-off point for exploring new models of funding public safety while centering communities in the conversation. Every Black community deserves the investment needed to undo the widespread harm caused by racist systems. Reallocating public safety resources will take time, bold action, and a commitment to Black liberation and equity for all. Explore our toolkit: https://lnkd.in/dwTm6QQh.

If you're a white person or a non-Black person of color, I really don't believe that you should have Juneteenth off. (Dis)respectfully, today ain't about y'all, and it doesn't sit right with my spirit that while a bunch of you corporate professionals get to "celebrate", that there are plenty of Black folks who are not being afforded the same luxury and are being required to "keep the machine turning" or else risk the very real negative impacts of existing under capitalism. If you planned on taking the day to kick your feet up, and chill, I implore you to reconsider. There are more effective, and respectful ways for you to acknowledge and take action such as: - Opening up a book, and learning more on the history of today and it's significance. - Supporting organizations and/or groups that center the needs of Black folks. - Directly donating funds to not just the Black folks in your immediate proximity, but extending that act to strangers (ESPECIALLY IF THEY'RE AT WORK TODAY) - Contributing to mental health funds, or other resources that can help Black folks get what they need. - Having conversations with your org leaders to reconsider the ways in which they choose to acknowledge Juneteenth, to ensure that they're specifically targeting and offering support to their Black employees. It's really that simple!

Kimberly is a dynamic, engaging advisor. We often talk about the lack of generational wealth in the black community; break the cycle— get the information that will put you on the path to building wealth. #itstartswithyoutakingthatfirststep