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	<title>BLACK ENTERPRISE &#187; Blogs</title>
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	<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com</link>
	<description>Your Ultimate Source for Wealth Creation</description>
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		<title>The Homebuyers Toolkit: Money Attitudes and Budgeting</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/20/the-homebuyers-toolkit-money-attitudes-and-budgeting</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/20/the-homebuyers-toolkit-money-attitudes-and-budgeting#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:58:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>LaToya M. Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budgeting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43188</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last weekend I attended The Money Conference for Women in Hartford, CT. A 26-year-old woman stood up and shared how she is more than $60,000 in debt as a result of student loans and credit cards. She makes about $40,000 a year working for a non-profit and one of her immediate goals was to purchase a home. The keynote speaker, Michelle Singletary, a nationally syndicated columnist, told her to pump her breaks and focus on paying off her debt first. Her story is all too familiar. A lot of people want to take on more debt before addressing their current issues.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/20/the-homebuyers-toolkit-money-attitudes-and-budgeting/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/check-yourself-before-you-wreck-yourself</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/check-yourself-before-you-wreck-yourself#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:11:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Black Friday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Consumers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday spending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43092</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Once again, it's the time of year when pressure on consumers to do their part to boost the engine of our economy begins to build. The "official" start of the holiday shopping season, November 27 (also known as Black Friday—so named because the spending beginning that weekend is expected to bring retailers from being in the red to being in the black, i.e., into profitability for the year), is just over a week away.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/check-yourself-before-you-wreck-yourself/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Slash Your College Prep Expenses</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/slash-your-college-prep-expenses</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/slash-your-college-prep-expenses#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:07:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[higher education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SAT]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43049</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Your college prep budget doesn’t have to break the bank. Check out these quick tips to defray costs.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/slash-your-college-prep-expenses/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>ARMed And Dangerous? Don&#8217;t File For Bankruptcy</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/armed-and-dangerous-dont-file-for-bankruptcy</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/armed-and-dangerous-dont-file-for-bankruptcy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:14:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kirk Charles</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adjustable-rate mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ARM]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chapter 13 bankruptcy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[refinancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=43026</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just got a phone call from a couple thinking of filing Chapter 13 bankruptcy.  However, their adjustable rate mortgage is about to adjust—most likely upward—within the next five to six months.  They want to know how the Chapter 13 filing will affect their opportunity to refinance? In short, it's going to be ugly.  It's always best to avoid filing bankruptcy, especially if you need to refinance any time soon.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/18/armed-and-dangerous-dont-file-for-bankruptcy/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>The Homebuyers Toolkit: Let&#8217;s Talk Money</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/16/the-homebuyers-toolkit-lets-talk-money</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/16/the-homebuyers-toolkit-lets-talk-money#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:16:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>LaToya M. Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[down payment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[homebuyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[individual development account]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tax credit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42935</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The biggest hurdle to homeownership for some is the down payment and closing costs. These two expenses often deter low and moderate income individuals/families from even thinking about living the American Dream. Many people pass up the opportunity to own their own home because they’re unaware of the thousands of dollars in grant money available to assist with these expenses. The money is out there, but you need to know where to look. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/16/the-homebuyers-toolkit-lets-talk-money/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>Tech Guru Helps You Choose Right Phone For Your Lifestyle</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/11/tech-guru-helps-you-choose-right-phone-for-your-lifestyle</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/11/tech-guru-helps-you-choose-right-phone-for-your-lifestyle#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:42:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BlackBerry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartphones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42854</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When thinking about a new phone, consider “the network coverage in your area, what unique needs do you have when customizing your phone, and think about your budget,” says Wasow. Make sure the phone and its price plan are affordable. The last thing you want is be stuck with excess hidden and not-so-hidden charges.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/11/tech-guru-helps-you-choose-right-phone-for-your-lifestyle/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>The Homebuyers Toolkit: Key Players</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/09/the-homebuyers-toolkit-key-players</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/09/the-homebuyers-toolkit-key-players#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:18:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>LaToya M. Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home inspector]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real estate agent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[real state attorney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[realtor]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42673</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Buying a home is a personal decision, but the process is not so private. Generally, you’ll work with about ten people. These include the seller, attorney, real estate agent/broker, home inspector, insurance agent, surveyor, appraiser, mortgage lender, title insurance officer, and an escrow officer. The attorney, real estate agent/broker, and the home inspector are the key players.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/09/the-homebuyers-toolkit-key-players/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Congress Expands Homeowner Tax Breaks</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/06/congress-expands-homeowner-tax-breaks</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/06/congress-expands-homeowner-tax-breaks#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:51:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barack Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taxes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42608</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you were rushing to close on a house before the end of the year, slow down. Congress voted to extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, Thursday.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/06/congress-expands-homeowner-tax-breaks/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>6 Things You Can Do To Stop Diabetes</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/05/6-things-you-can-do-to-stop-diabetes</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/05/6-things-you-can-do-to-stop-diabetes#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:41:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Vanessa Jones Briscoe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Diabetes Association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Black Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diabetes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42456</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Through the American Diabetes Association I have been able to reach thousands of individuals with information to equip them to better understand and take control of their diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, and an additional 57 million Americans are at risk for developing the disease. 
]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/05/6-things-you-can-do-to-stop-diabetes/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>Is Your Job Search Tax Deductible?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/04/is-your-job-search-tax-deductible</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/04/is-your-job-search-tax-deductible#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:03:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unemployment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42482</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just the thought of searching for a job can be exhausting. With all these necessary items and “things to do,” organizing a job search can be stressful, and this doesn’t even include the cost of the hunt. Fortunately, you can ease the financial burden when you file your 2009 taxes. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/04/is-your-job-search-tax-deductible/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
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		<title>One Year Later: Why My First Vote Won&#8217;t Be My Last</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/03/one-year-later-why-my-first-vote-wont-be-my-last</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/03/one-year-later-why-my-first-vote-wont-be-my-last#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:01:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Christine L. Edmond</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[2008 elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Al Gore]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barack Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Election 2008]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[first-time voters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[George W. Bush]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new voters]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42376</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2000, I had my first taste of the democratic voting process. I was in the 6th grade and we were learning about how the voting process works by watching and reporting the presidential race between Al Gore and George W. Bush. We did lots of research on their platforms, policies and backgrounds. It was so exciting to see the process in action. By unanimous vote, Al Gore was my class' pick for president. In our eyes,he couldn't lose; logic and fairy-tale endings were on his side. Boy, were we in for a rude awakening from our dream of American democracy.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/03/one-year-later-why-my-first-vote-wont-be-my-last/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Homebuyers Toolkit: Qualifying For A Mortgage</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/02/the-homebuyers-toolkit-qualifying-for-a-mortgage</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/02/the-homebuyers-toolkit-qualifying-for-a-mortgage#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:09:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>LaToya M. Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adjustable-rate mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ARMs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fixed-rate mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42247</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“What happens when you go to a lender,” asked Deborah Johnson, vice president and relationship manager for J.P. Morgan Chase. I didn’t know the answer and from the silence in the room, I was in good company. But Johnson, who was this week’s presenter at the Bedford Central Development Corp. homebuyer seminar series, schooled us on the mortgage process.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/11/02/the-homebuyers-toolkit-qualifying-for-a-mortgage/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Y(awn) Generation? I Beg To Differ</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/30/the-yawn-generation-i-beg-to-differ</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/30/the-yawn-generation-i-beg-to-differ#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:38:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Generation Y]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[graduates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42164</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We only buy designer duds. The latest smart phone is No.1 on our priority list (if we even have a priority list.) For some members of Generation Y, saving is more like a mythological creature than something you actually do.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/30/the-yawn-generation-i-beg-to-differ/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>What To Do Today to Prepare For This Year&#8217;s Taxes</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/28/what-to-do-today-to-prepare-for-this-years-taxes</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/28/what-to-do-today-to-prepare-for-this-years-taxes#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:34:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IRS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taxes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=42069</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s not tax season yet, but by the time you finish feasting on turkey and calculating the damage from holiday spending, it’ll be time to gather receipts, fill out forms, and calculate deductions. Before Uncle Sam comes knocking like an unexpected visit for that surly, lazy cousin you tried to avoid all holiday season, check out what you can do today to prepare your 2009 taxes.  ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/28/what-to-do-today-to-prepare-for-this-years-taxes/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Natural Born Hustler</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/26/natural-born-hustler</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/26/natural-born-hustler#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:55:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teenpreneur]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41956</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Is entrepreneurship learned or innate? While working on a young entrepreneurs package slated to run on BlackEnterprise.com tomorrow, a co-worker questioned how many of the subjects in the series had a family member who inspired them to venture into entrepreneurship.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/26/natural-born-hustler/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Homebuyer’s Toolkit: Getting Started</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/26/the-home-buyer%e2%80%99s-toolkit-getting-started</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/26/the-home-buyer%e2%80%99s-toolkit-getting-started#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:19:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>LaToya M. Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home buyer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mortgage Bankers Association]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41838</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The process of buying a home can be overwhelming. I feel your pain, I’m there too. But there are several resources available. Let’s do this together step by step, week by week. Follow me as I go through a 16 week Home Buyer Seminar sponsored by the Bedford Central Community Development Corp. in Brooklyn, NY. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/26/the-home-buyer%e2%80%99s-toolkit-getting-started/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Yes We Can Make Local Elections Count</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/22/yes-we-can-make-the-mid-terms-count</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/22/yes-we-can-make-the-mid-terms-count#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 22 Oct 2009 19:56:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Randal Pinkett</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barack Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[election day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mid-term elections]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[voting]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41800</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On November 4, 2008, Americans of all race, creeds and colors voted for change – and we poured into the streets with absolute joy and pride in what we accomplished as a nation. It was a proud and profound moment for America. But we cannot rest on the laurels of 2008 and expect that to sustain our objectives into the future. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/22/yes-we-can-make-the-mid-terms-count/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Yeah, I Got It On Layway. What About It?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/21/yeah-i-got-it-on-layway-what-about-it</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/21/yeah-i-got-it-on-layway-what-about-it#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:27:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Consumer Affairs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer spending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layaway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online shopping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retailers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41721</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The buy-now, pay-later mentality of credit cards has been a major factor in reckless and irresponsible consumer behavior. Replacing layaway plans with easy access to high-interest credit has had devastating consequences for lower- and middle-income families, and black people in particular. The public embarrassment of buying goods on layaway (an admission that you were too poor to just buy what you wanted outright), has been replaced with the private shame of crushing credit card debt.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/21/yeah-i-got-it-on-layway-what-about-it/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Down But Not Out</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/21/down-but-not-out-2</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/21/down-but-not-out-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:58:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career advancement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health insurance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41685</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you find yourself in need, or someone you know is in need of home, career, or health assistance, check out this roundup of low-cost and free programs that could be your lifeline.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/21/down-but-not-out-2/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Hold On To Your Wallet</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/16/hold-onto-your-wallet</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/16/hold-onto-your-wallet#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:32:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[air fares]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[air travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Airlines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Continental Airlines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Delta Air Lines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[surcharges]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Travel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[US Airways]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41362</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[With domestic holiday airfares as much as 15% lower than last year, carriers are making up for it elsewhere, namely with a $10 “holiday surcharge” adding to the mounting list of flight fees. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/16/hold-onto-your-wallet/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>What Dow 10,000 Means—This Time</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/14/what-dow-10000-means%e2%80%94this-time</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/14/what-dow-10000-means%e2%80%94this-time#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:10:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Simons</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dow Jones Industrial Average]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Federal Reserve]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial markets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[publicly-traded companies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41203</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the Dow Jones Industrial Average powers through the 10,000-point threshold today, millions of investors are no doubt searching for meaning. But, is there any deep significance here?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/14/what-dow-10000-means%e2%80%94this-time/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Tools to Help You Track Your Dollars</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/14/tools-to-help-you-track-your-dollars</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/14/tools-to-help-you-track-your-dollars#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:20:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41155</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I recently tested three programs, Microsoft Excel, Mint.com, and Google Docs, to find the pros and cons of each. While all of these programs have value, one was clearly a cut above the rest: Mint.com.  ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/14/tools-to-help-you-track-your-dollars/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Don&#8217;t be Afraid&#8211;Twitter Won&#8217;t Bite</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/09/dont-be-afraid-twitter-wont-bite</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/09/dont-be-afraid-twitter-wont-bite#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:53:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=41018</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There’s a monster lurking in the shadows. The million-headed beast reveals itself from the midst of darkness, propositioning you to join its alliance. But the gushing saliva, malodorous breath, and scaly skin frighten you, prompting you to flee shrieking in fear.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/09/dont-be-afraid-twitter-wont-bite/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>If Diversity Is America&#8217;s &#8220;Secret Weapon&#8221;&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/09/if-diversity-is-americas-secret-weapon</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/09/if-diversity-is-americas-secret-weapon#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:09:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[executive talent]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[top black executives]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40914</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the past two days the Executive Leadership Council has been holding its annual series of meetings -- private CEO summits, its hot-ticket recognition awards gala and a mid-level managers conference. For those of you who haven't heard of ELC, it is an organization composed of senior African American executives who help manage major corporations across the globe or as the group's CEO Carl Brooks says: " our membership includes the baddest brothers and sisters on the planet."]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/09/if-diversity-is-americas-secret-weapon/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Scam Alert: Cash For Home Offer May Not Be What You Think</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/07/scam-alert-cash-for-home-offer-may-not-be-what-you-think</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/07/scam-alert-cash-for-home-offer-may-not-be-what-you-think#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:13:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HUD]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scams]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40824</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“Sell you home for cash” signs are ubiquitous, and unfortunately, sketchy, says Manny Alvarado, operation specialist for the New York Regional office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/07/scam-alert-cash-for-home-offer-may-not-be-what-you-think/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Will Obama’s Year-end Challenges Define His Presidency?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/06/will-obama%e2%80%99s-year-end-challenges-define-his-presidency</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/06/will-obama%e2%80%99s-year-end-challenges-define-his-presidency#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:25:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial markets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[foreign affairs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care reform]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40798</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As we enter the final quarter of a historic but tumultuous year, I can't think of a better time to review the complexities and challenges of the Obama Presidency. I know it seems like every week, one pundit or another reviews the 100-day mark of one of the administration’s or the president’s popularity rating. But there is much agreement among most analysts, regardless of the political persuasion, that the recent confluence of events will prove to be telling. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/06/will-obama%e2%80%99s-year-end-challenges-define-his-presidency/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>I&#8217;m Not Rosa Parks. He&#8217;s Not Dr. King.</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/06/im-not-rosa-parks-hes-not-dr-king</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/06/im-not-rosa-parks-hes-not-dr-king#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:05:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maggie Anderson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying black]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40783</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dr. King tells me that even though he and Rosa Parks and all the other heroes did so much, I don’t have the luxury of giving up, or giving in.   I no longer have the right to live the empty and easy life.  I cannot choose between Living his Dream and Fighting for his Dream anymore. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/10/06/im-not-rosa-parks-hes-not-dr-king/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Finding the Right Personal Finance Applications</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/30/finding-the-right-personal-finance-app</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/30/finding-the-right-personal-finance-app#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:49:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPhone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[iPod Touch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40575</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For your convenience – and my own – I tested three personal finance apps, iBear Money Lite, Money Trackin’, and Tap Expense Lite, to see which is best for tracking your money. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/30/finding-the-right-personal-finance-app/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>How I Landed My Gig</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/23/how-i-landed-my-gig</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/23/how-i-landed-my-gig#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:32:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[career advancement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[human resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=40065</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Instead of sending out mass resumes and cover letters, I decided to tailor each cover letter to the company.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/23/how-i-landed-my-gig/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Tax Collectors Mine Social Networks</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/21/tax-collectors-mine-social-networks</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/21/tax-collectors-mine-social-networks#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:11:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[IRS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MySpace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39963</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Uncle Sam is tracking down tax deadbeats through social networks and making them pay up.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/21/tax-collectors-mine-social-networks/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Ovarian Cancer Screening: The Elusive Goal</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/16/ovarian-cancer-screening-the-elusive-goal</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/16/ovarian-cancer-screening-the-elusive-goal#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:10:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kevin Holcomb</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cancer detection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ovarian cancer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reproductive health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39775</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If ever there was a cancer in need of an effective screen, its ovarian cancer. Consider these facts; approximately 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and approximately 16,000 deaths are attributed to the disease. The 5- year survival for patients diagnosed with cancer confined to the ovary is over 90% but drops to 25-30% for women whose disease has spread to the upper abdomen or distant sites.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/16/ovarian-cancer-screening-the-elusive-goal/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>One Year After the Fall of Lehman</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/15/one-year-after-the-fall-of-lehman</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/15/one-year-after-the-fall-of-lehman#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:54:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Simons</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lehman Brothers Holdings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stock market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wall Street]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39738</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On Sept. 15, 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It was also one year ago today that changed Wall Street, my street, and your street. Lehman’s shares cratered, falling 90%, and the broader market tumbled more than 500 points (almost 5%). It was the biggest single-day drop since the first day of trading after the 2001 terrorist attacks.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/15/one-year-after-the-fall-of-lehman/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>What Took the CBC So Long?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/14/what-took-the-cbc-so-long</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/14/what-took-the-cbc-so-long#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:38:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chana Garcia</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CBC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care disparities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health care reform]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Until recently, the Congressional Black Caucus has been strangely quiet about the president’s proposed government health care option, an increasingly complex and controversial topic that has no shortage of opponents.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/14/what-took-the-cbc-so-long/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Tangled Web of Debit Cards</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/11/the-tangled-web-of-debit-cards</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/11/the-tangled-web-of-debit-cards#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:58:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal banking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39641</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I always thought that using a debit card for my purchases was a safe alternative to credit cards since the money is immediately taken out of my account. I mean, credit card debt aside, you can’t spend what you don’t have, right?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/11/the-tangled-web-of-debit-cards/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>My Powerful Life As Mrs. Buy-Black America</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/09/my-powerful-life-as-mrs-buy-black-america</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/09/my-powerful-life-as-mrs-buy-black-america#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:28:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maggie Anderson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying black]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39536</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When we created The Empowerment Experiment, we knew things would be different.  We knew we were going to miss certain businesses, services and products that we had grown so accustomed to using.  What we could not predict or begin to prepare myself for is how absolutely fulfilling the shopping and the small sacrifices would be.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/09/my-powerful-life-as-mrs-buy-black-america/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Five Need-to-Know Tips Before Closing Your Checking Account</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/09/five-need-to-know-tips-before-closing-your-checking-account</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/09/five-need-to-know-tips-before-closing-your-checking-account#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:10:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[checking account]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ChexSystems Inc.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal banking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39496</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Let’s face it, bounced checks, account overdrafts, and poor account management can make severing ties with a bank more like a bad divorce instead of an amicable split.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/09/five-need-to-know-tips-before-closing-your-checking-account/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Looking to Jump Back Into Stocks? Now May Be the Right Time</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/04/looking-to-jump-back-into-stocks-now-may-be-the-right-time</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/04/looking-to-jump-back-into-stocks-now-may-be-the-right-time#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:30:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Simons</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[401k]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jeffries & Co.]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[S&P 500]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stock market]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39387</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Lately, I’ve been feeling left out of the party. (And, no, it’s not because my bosses are busy whooping-it-up this week in Orlando at the Black Enterprise Golf &#38; Tennis Challenge.) It has everything to do with not taking full advantage of the stock market rally that began March 9.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/04/looking-to-jump-back-into-stocks-now-may-be-the-right-time/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Real Game Is Business</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/03/the-real-game-is-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/03/the-real-game-is-business#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2009 04:27:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[strategic alliances]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[top executives]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39224</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It's just the prelims of the 2009 Black Enterprise Golf &#38; Tennis Challenge and it's already clear that once again the best and brightest moves and players in business and corporate America not only came to play--they came to win. It's what I like most about G&#38;T, hosted once again by title sponsor Pepsi: whether attendees are registered to play golf or tennis, or do some serious rest and relaxation at the world class spa, they know that the real name of the game is business.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/03/the-real-game-is-business/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Private Lenders Up in Arms Over Student Loan Bill</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/02/private-lenders-up-in-arms-over-student-loan-bill</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/02/private-lenders-up-in-arms-over-student-loan-bill#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:36:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Access Group]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[college financing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[higher education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blackenterprise.com/?p=39216</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While private lenders may lose a portion of funds from the federally backed loans in the form of subsidies, it’s absurd to say they’ll be completely knocked out of the industry.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/09/02/private-lenders-up-in-arms-over-student-loan-bill/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Tribute to a Titan of Public Service</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/28/tribute-to-a-titan-of-public-service</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/28/tribute-to-a-titan-of-public-service#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:13:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Earl G. Graves, Sr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Publisher's Page]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sen. Edward M. Kennedy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=39077</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[During a legislative career spanning five decades, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was a powerful, often irresistible, force for change in America.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/28/tribute-to-a-titan-of-public-service/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>MEDWeek Kick-off Celebrates Business Achievement</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/27/medweek-kick-off-celebrates-business-achievement</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/27/medweek-kick-off-celebrates-business-achievement#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:54:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minority business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Minority Business Development Agency]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38941</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Minority Enterprise Development Week Conference, better know as MED Week and hosted by the Minority Business Development Agency, is a the three-day event designed to celebrate entrepreneurial achievement, provide minority entrepreneurs with strategies to grow their businesses and create access to networking opportunities that may lead to business partnerships.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/27/medweek-kick-off-celebrates-business-achievement/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Your Back to School Shopping &#8212; Made Affordably Easy</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/26/your-back-to-school-shopping-made-affordably-easy</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/26/your-back-to-school-shopping-made-affordably-easy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:02:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bargains]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retail sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shopping]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38883</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There’s something about the August air that stirs a sense of uneasiness and excitement among most students and parents. Perhaps it’s the hint of fall visible in the soon-to-be withering leaves, or maybe it’s the oversized Crayola box adorned with the large sale sign hanging in the window of almost every store in the mall. Either way, parents and students may be readying for the upcoming school year –for different reasons of course.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/26/your-back-to-school-shopping-made-affordably-easy/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Our Choice: To Empower</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/24/our-choice-to-empower</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/24/our-choice-to-empower#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:11:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Maggie Anderson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[buying black]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38799</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My family made a choice, publicly, to spend as much money as possible with Black business owners and professionals.  We made this decision and make this sacrifice because we believe Black people have too much talent and spend too much money for their community to look the way it does and for its families to suffer the way they do.   We urge our community to practice self-help economics. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/24/our-choice-to-empower/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Credit Card Companies Go On the Defense</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/19/credit-card-companies-go-on-the-defense</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/19/credit-card-companies-go-on-the-defense#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:06:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit card]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cutting Edge]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38671</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1231_CostCuttingBlogCreditCardLooks like credit card issuers are playing a tough game of defense against sweeping legislation set to take effect Thursday. Provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act will be implemented this week and it has card companies rushing to hike interest rates. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/19/credit-card-companies-go-on-the-defense/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>To Be the Best, Recruit the Best</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/15/to-be-the-best-recruit-the-best</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/15/to-be-the-best-recruit-the-best#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:27:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[human resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recruiting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teambuilding]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38570</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are the smartest, most talented, most expert on a team that YOU assembled--YOU LOSE. (And you could be an idiot.) Great leaders are smart enough to recruit people who are smarter and more talented than they are in their respective areas of expertise. They recognize that they only need to be the best and smartest at leadership--not at everything or even anything else.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/15/to-be-the-best-recruit-the-best/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Banking on Our Own</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/14/banking-on-our-own</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/14/banking-on-our-own#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:00:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Zachary Raynell Rinkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Banking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38530</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s expensive to be black in America. Recent studies and lawsuits prove we are overcharged for virtually everything. We are charged more for insurance, loans and mortgages than most of our racial counterparts with similar income, employment and credit backgrounds. Why does Wall Street get away with this? Because, black Americans don’t invest in black-owned banks. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/14/banking-on-our-own/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
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		<title>Oh, the Mumbo-Jumbo</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/12/oh-the-mumbo-jumbo</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/12/oh-the-mumbo-jumbo#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:35:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contracts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[negotiating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wood & Wood L.L.P.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38394</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[At the behest of my landlord, I alone signed the lease on our first post-college apartment, and therein lay a chain of events that taught me the value of reading and negotiating contracts with everyone -- from best friends, to landlords, to family members.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/12/oh-the-mumbo-jumbo/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Hey, Mr. President, How About A Holiday?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/10/hey-mr-president-how-about-a-holiday</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/10/hey-mr-president-how-about-a-holiday#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2009 17:33:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Warren Ballentine</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic recovery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage crisis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stimulus plan]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38379</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am talking about a one year Mortgage Holiday where homeowners will not be required to pay their mortgage for one year! Do I have your attention yet?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/08/10/hey-mr-president-how-about-a-holiday/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
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		<title>Establishing A Legacy of Wealth: Part 4</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/30/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-4</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/30/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-4#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:36:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ryan Mack</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37958</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When all is said and done, we have the ability to take control of our own destinies. Yes, there has been oppression, but we have the capability to do for ourselves and achieve success.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/30/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-4/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>My Beef With Black Business</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/30/my-beef-with-black-business</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/30/my-beef-with-black-business#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jul 2009 15:40:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Zachary Raynell Rinkins</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38075</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our businesses leave BE and other black media hanging. When Forbes, Business Week or The Wall Street Journal overlooks our contributions, we can depend on BE to showcase them. This magazine also teaches us how economic trends affect our community. Yet, we refuse to take ownership of such a vital medium. Black businesses should be equitable ad buyers in media targeted toward black businesses and professionals, period.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/30/my-beef-with-black-business/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>23</slash:comments>
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		<title>Establishing A Legacy of Wealth: Part 3</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/29/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-3</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/29/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-3#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 23:31:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ryan Mack</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37952</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many African Americans are more concerned with what we are wearing, what we are driving and where we are eating, than what we are leaving behind for our children.  Why are some of us more concerned with material wealth than with establishing trust funds for our children? What inheritance is your child going to be left if you are forever increasing debt and spending money frivolously?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/29/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-3/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Cutting Edge: Four Tips for Understanding A Mortgage</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/29/four-tips-for-understanding-a-mortgage</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/29/four-tips-for-understanding-a-mortgage#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:39:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loans]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=38020</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Despite the housing crisis that helped submerge the nation leagues under troubled financial waters, homeownership is still essential to building wealth. As with any trial, there are lessons to be learned.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/29/four-tips-for-understanding-a-mortgage/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Establishing A Legacy of Wealth: Part 2</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/28/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-2</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/28/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ryan Mack</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37945</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yes, we have been oppressed, but we can do much more to help ourselves. Why is it that 93% of our income is spent outside the community? ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/28/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-2/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Establishing A Legacy of Wealth: Part 1</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/27/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-1</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/27/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-1#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:34:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ryan Mack</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[entrepreneurship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[self-determination]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wealth-building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37933</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[No, we haven’t had the best of times since arriving to this country.  It is also true that we continue to face many forms of degradation and discrimination.  However, even with the strife that we have endured, we are at a point where we need to take accountability for our own actions. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/27/establishing-a-legacy-of-wealth-part-1/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>7</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>After The Recession: Now What?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/27/after-the-recession-now-what</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/27/after-the-recession-now-what#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:55:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate strategy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic recovery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[profitability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[rebound]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37917</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sooner or later our economy will recover and this latest recession will be a thing of the past. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to relax.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/27/after-the-recession-now-what/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Cutting Edge: Why I Paid $180 for an $80 Auto Repair</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/22/the-cutting-edge-why-i-paid-180-for-an-80-auto-repair</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/22/the-cutting-edge-why-i-paid-180-for-an-80-auto-repair#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AAA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auto repair]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[car maintenance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37733</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[t was a dark and stormy night – well, it was by no means stormy, but an internal tempest began to brood as I sat stranded in Brooklyn at midnight, courtesy of a dead car battery. Probably the most notorious offender when it comes to leaving on headlights, my careless ways finally caught up to [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/22/the-cutting-edge-why-i-paid-180-for-an-80-auto-repair/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>On Air Force One with President Obama</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/17/on-air-force-one-with-president-obama</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/17/on-air-force-one-with-president-obama#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:30:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Air Force One]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barack Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black press]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[naacp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[White House]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37665</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The pinnacle for a journalist with a passion for politics is to cover the White House. For past six months, I have periodically  traveled to Washington to witness to President Barack Obama remake America. I was the first magazine editor to interview him. I've had the privilege of sitting in the front row of news conferences as he has detailed his economic agenda and foreign policy objectives. But nothing prepared me for the experience of traveling on Air Force One.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/17/on-air-force-one-with-president-obama/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>10</slash:comments>
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		<title>Investing in Africa and a New U.S.A.</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/16/investing-in-africa-and-a-new-u-s-a</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/16/investing-in-africa-and-a-new-u-s-a#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:43:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fesman 2009]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Senegal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37638</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While strife and instability may mark much of world’s perception of Africa, the continent is strengthening its efforts to be viewed as economically viable on a global stage.  To further this goal, Senegal will host Fesman 2009, a two-week arts festival set to kick off Dec. 1. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/16/investing-in-africa-and-a-new-u-s-a/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Changing Roles of the Chief Diversity Officer</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/16/the-changing-roles-of-the-chief-diversity-officer</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/16/the-changing-roles-of-the-chief-diversity-officer#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:57:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Gregg Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[chief diversity officer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[corporate America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Diversity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[human resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layoffs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37602</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many a chief diversity officer (CDO) finds themselves watching the dismantlement of succession planning models that have positioned women and minorities to step into new opportunities that no longer exist. Understanding that business necessity makes headcount reduction necessary, they either accept the layoff mandate or lose credibility.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/16/the-changing-roles-of-the-chief-diversity-officer/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>In Disaster, Cash Is King</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/15/in-disaster-cash-is-king</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/15/in-disaster-cash-is-king#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:12:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulbright & Fulbright]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37560</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you lived in or around New York City during the summer of 2003, surely you remember the blackout that brought the five boroughs to a screeching halt, shutting down businesses in the nation’s financial capital. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/15/in-disaster-cash-is-king/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>For Loan Modification, Don’t Fall Behind</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/14/for-loan-modification-don%e2%80%99t-fall-behind</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/14/for-loan-modification-don%e2%80%99t-fall-behind#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:12:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Foreclosure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loan modification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[naacp]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37477</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When Jamie Arthur heard about President Barack Obama’s Making Home Affordable plan, a sense of relief overcame the Pennsylvania resident. While she wasn’t in foreclosure, the unemployed homeowner feared she was falling behind on her mortgage payments.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/14/for-loan-modification-don%e2%80%99t-fall-behind/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>A New Century, a New NAACP?</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/13/a-new-century-a-new-naacp</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/13/a-new-century-a-new-naacp#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:37:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ben Jealous]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[naacp]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37441</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[a href="http://www.state.ny.us/governor/" target="_blank">Gov. David A. Paterson opened the first plenary ceremony of the NAACP’s Centennial Conference Monday with a reminder that liberation for African Americans is the liberation of America. That message was indeed the reigning theme of the morning.
Paterson joined several speakers who underscored the relevancy of the NAACP by focusing not only on [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/13/a-new-century-a-new-naacp/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Is the NAACP Relevant? It&#8217;s Up to You</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/13/is-the-naacp-relevant-its-up-to-you</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/13/is-the-naacp-relevant-its-up-to-you#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:33:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[naacp]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37416</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://blackenterprise.com/files/2009/07/0609_naacp1.jpg" rel="lightbox[pics37416]" title="0609_naacp1"><img src="http://blackenterprise.com/files/2009/07/0609_naacp1.jpg" alt="0609_naacp1" width="150" height="87" class="attachment wp-att-37419 alignleft" /></a>]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/13/is-the-naacp-relevant-its-up-to-you/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<title>&#8216;One Size Does Not Fit All&#8217;</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/11/one-size-does-not-fit-all-2</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/11/one-size-does-not-fit-all-2#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:53:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthcare]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[naacp]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37409</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[At two forums on healthcare reform at the NAACP’s Centennial Convention Saturday, panelists presented a slew of statistics that rank African Americans with the highest prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates for diabetes, AIDS, cancer, and other diseases.
“[People] like you and me are falling through the cracks,” said Roslyn M. Brock, vice chairman of the national [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/11/one-size-does-not-fit-all-2/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Credit Card Fee Hustle</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/08/the-credit-card-fee-hustle</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/08/the-credit-card-fee-hustle#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:30:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[credit cards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal finance]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37296</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s a shared feeling among many debit and credit cardholders. You head to the local grocery store to pick up milk, bread, and toilet paper, but the $10 you left the house with is well short of the $13.88 you just racked up. You whip out your credit card to cover the charges and the cashier points out the “$15 minimum for all credit card purchases” sign above the register.   ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/08/the-credit-card-fee-hustle/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Why America Needs Uncle Sam&#8217;s Financial Lessons</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/07/why-america-needs-uncle-sams-financial-lessons</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/07/why-america-needs-uncle-sams-financial-lessons#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:39:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Simons</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[401k]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Obama administration]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37227</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the arguments conservatives are leveling against President Barack Obama’s proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) is that Americans need to be more self-reliant in guarding themselves against fraud. They also contend that consumers need to sharpen their own judgment on matters of savings and debt. This kind of by-the-bootstraps response to consumers who [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/07/why-america-needs-uncle-sams-financial-lessons/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Darryl Strawberry Opens Up</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/01/darryl-strawberry-opens-up</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/01/darryl-strawberry-opens-up#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:33:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>LaToya M. Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Darryl Strawberry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37056</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last week I had the opportunity to attend 1050 ESPN Radio’s  “Lunch with a Legend,” series  at the Oak Room in New York City in honor of former Met and Yankee Darryl Strawberry and author of Straw: Finding My Way (Ecco; $26.99). He’s been called the firecracker of New York, the city’s wild child, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/01/darryl-strawberry-opens-up/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>A Chat With a $100 Million Man</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/01/a-chat-with-a-100-million-man</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/01/a-chat-with-a-100-million-man#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:45:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BEing Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EPA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MPS Trading]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=37034</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Calling all small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Visualize with me for a second.
Imagine finally getting out of the military. You have your GI Bill in your left hand and the world in your right.
What would you do?
For Roderick Rickman, the question wasn’t what to do, but how to do it. As the founder and chairman of [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/07/01/a-chat-with-a-100-million-man/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Bernard Madoff’s Sentencing Ends Period of Secrecy</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/30/bernard-madoffs-sentencing-ends-of-an-era-of-secrecy</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/30/bernard-madoffs-sentencing-ends-of-an-era-of-secrecy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:55:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>John Simons</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bernard Madoff]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[consumer protection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36961</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After hearing that Bernard Madoff received one of the highest-ever prison sentences for a white-collar crime, I cynically joked to friends that the judge must’ve mistaken Madoff for a black man. Madoff’s lawyers were hoping Judge Denny Chin of the U.S. District Court would consider their defendant’s age—he’s 71—and grant him just a 12-year stint. [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/30/bernard-madoffs-sentencing-ends-of-an-era-of-secrecy/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Why I Don&#8217;t Plan to Watch &#8216;Tributes&#8217; to Michael Jackson</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/28/why-i-dont-plan-to-watch-tributes-to-michael-jackson</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/28/why-i-dont-plan-to-watch-tributes-to-michael-jackson#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:53:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BET Tribute]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[celebrity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Jackson]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36875</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[They know that they'll get ratings and make money off of Michael Jackson's death. But they weren't exactly backing Jackson up in life. We all love Jackson's music, but we all did not and do not love him. ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/28/why-i-dont-plan-to-watch-tributes-to-michael-jackson/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>24</slash:comments>
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		<title>Why Reginald F. Lewis is Important to the Future of Black Capitalism</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/25/why-reginald-f-lewis-is-important-to-the-future-of-black-capitalism</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/25/why-reginald-f-lewis-is-important-to-the-future-of-black-capitalism#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:17:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black capitalism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reginald Lewis]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36675</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As my crackerjack editorial staff completes our August issue—which marks the 39th anniversary of BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine, the brainchild of Publisher Earl G. Graves Sr. who believes that African Americans can achieve a measure of the American dream through entrepreneurship—I reflect on how far black business has come and how far it must go. BE, [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/25/why-reginald-f-lewis-is-important-to-the-future-of-black-capitalism/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Money Planner for Teens</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/24/money-planner-for-teens</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/24/money-planner-for-teens#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:05:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cash Cache]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teens]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36637</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Between iPods, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and text messaging, getting your teen’s attention long enough to teach them about something as humdrum as money management is no easy task. While young people don’t mind spending money, learning how to manage and grow the dough usually sits somewhere next to taking out the trash and washing dishing for most kids.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/24/money-planner-for-teens/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Pipeline Crisis for Black Boys and Early Education</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/18/the-pipeline-crisis-for-black-boys-and-early-education</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/18/the-pipeline-crisis-for-black-boys-and-early-education#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:20:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36363</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[arly childhood development research shows that since early experiences create a foundation for lifelong learning and behavior then a strong foundation in the early years increases the probability of positive outcomes.
In New York City, African American children get off to a bad start and end up worse. Sixty-one percent of African‐American children are born into [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/18/the-pipeline-crisis-for-black-boys-and-early-education/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Web Resources for Teenpreneurs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/17/web-resources-for-teenpreneurs</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/17/web-resources-for-teenpreneurs#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:26:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HBCU]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36285</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While attending the 100 Black Men of America’s 23rd Annual Conference in New York last week, I overheard Alvin Hartley speaking to several young men about using their knowledge of the Web to create a business. “Young people are so bright, they know how to use the Internet, but they don’t know how to use the Internet to make money,” says Hartley, president of HBCU Bus Tours, an organization that connects college bound students to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/17/web-resources-for-teenpreneurs/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>A Plan for Black America in the 21st Century</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/14/a-plan-for-black-america-in-the-21st-century</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/14/a-plan-for-black-america-in-the-21st-century#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:18:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black males]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black progress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[economic empowerment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[employment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Over the past few days, the venue for dialogue and action focused on black America’s advancement could be found at the 23rd Annual Conference of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., an impressive event chock full of power players from business, politics and entertainment who brought messages of achievement and empowerment.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/14/a-plan-for-black-america-in-the-21st-century/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>100 Black Men Press Education Secretary for More HBCU Funding</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/100-black-men-press-education-secretary-for-more-hbcu-funding</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/100-black-men-press-education-secretary-for-more-hbcu-funding#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 21:59:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HBCU]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36109</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Education was front and center at the 100 Black Men of America Inc.’s annual conference Thursday. At an education town hall meeting, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan recalled his experiences with the 100 Black Men’s Chicago Chapter during his term as the city’s public school superintendent.
“Instead of asking me what I could do [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/100-black-men-press-education-secretary-for-more-hbcu-funding/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>When Applying to College, Branding Is Key</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/when-applying-to-college-branding-is-key</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/when-applying-to-college-branding-is-key#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 20:04:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[branding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36082</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Oprah Winfrey and Coca-Cola are probably two of the most recognizable brands  in the world. Now, it’s time for students to take note since it may be the difference between getting into your top choice school or settling for the Plan B, says Raymond Riddick, diversity relationship manager at Prudential Insurance Co.
“It’s getting tougher [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/when-applying-to-college-branding-is-key/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>How to Save $66,000 on Your Mortgage</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/how-to-save-66000-on-your-mortgage</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/how-to-save-66000-on-your-mortgage#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:09:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Homeownership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mortgage]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=36057</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What if you could pay off your 30-year mortgage in 22 years?
Would you do it?
Consider this, making bi-monthly mortgage payments instead of traditional monthly payments can shave six to eight years off a mortgage term by adding an additional payment per year, which goes directly to the principal, says Joseph Ellis, an investment strategist.
Ellis was [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/12/how-to-save-66000-on-your-mortgage/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Parents, Back Away From the Piggy Bank!</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/10/parents-back-away-from-the-piggy-bank</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/10/parents-back-away-from-the-piggy-bank#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:22:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[debt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Cutting Edge]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=35940</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? It may be mom or dad, according to a study released by ING Direct Monday. The financial institution found that in these tough economic times 18% of parents who have been setting cash aside for their children have tapped into that money to pay off bills and debt. And 34% of parents who have been stashing money away for their kids have reduced contributions to their children’s savings.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/10/parents-back-away-from-the-piggy-bank/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Winning Advice From Michael Jordan</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/05/winning-advice-from-michael-jordan</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/05/winning-advice-from-michael-jordan#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:45:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michael Jordan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=35737</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Wal-Mart Annual Shareholders Meeting is part business meeting, part awards show and part People's Choice Award -- as my colleague Alfred Edmond Jr. characterized it. Celebrities have included funnyman Ben Stiller and teen sensation Miley Cyrus. But one celebrity caused the 17,000 attendees erupt in thunderous applause: former NBA superstar Michael Jordan who took [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/05/winning-advice-from-michael-jordan/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>What You Can Learn From the Wal-Mart Way</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/05/what-you-can-learn-from-the-wal-mart-way</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/05/what-you-can-learn-from-the-wal-mart-way#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:17:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Derek T. Dingle</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[company culture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[discount retailer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sam Walton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wal-Mart]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=35703</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Black Enterprise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Derek T. Dingle and Alfred Edmond Jr., editor-in-chief of BlackEnterprise.com, traveled to Wal-Mart corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas. We joined some 60 journalists from publications across the globe to participate in the annual media conference of the nation's second largest publicly-traded company (2008 revenues: $405.8 billion). Dingle shares key lessons from the visit.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/05/what-you-can-learn-from-the-wal-mart-way/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Uh-Oh, I Can&#8217;t Repay My Student Loans</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/03/uh-oh-i-cant-repay-my-student-loans</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/03/uh-oh-i-cant-repay-my-student-loans#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:20:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[deferment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial aid]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forbearance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[student loans]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=35609</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The parties are over, Thirsty Thursdays are a mere memory, and early morning wake-up calls have taken the place of 11:30 am classes. Life after college can be a bit jolting and the wretched specter of student loans don’t help to ease the transition, especially as a volatile economy has made the job search even more difficult for many recent graduates.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/06/03/uh-oh-i-cant-repay-my-student-loans/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Money Savvy Pig for Kids</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/27/money-savvy-pig-for-kids</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/27/money-savvy-pig-for-kids#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 17:39:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids and money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Teenpreneur]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=35344</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In today’s financial crunch, if you haven’t sprung into action to sharpen your child’s money smarts, I’ve found some pretty useful tools to help you (parents/guardians/grandparents/educators/mentors) widen your financial purview.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/27/money-savvy-pig-for-kids/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>6</slash:comments>
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		<title>Recession Special: Pfizer Offers Free Drugs</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/19/recession-special-pfizer-offers-free-drugs</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/19/recession-special-pfizer-offers-free-drugs#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2009 21:37:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pfizer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[PhRMA]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=35112</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It looks like mega pharmaceutical companies are jumping aboard the “recession insurance” bandwagon. A few months ago, I blogged about companies (mostly auto makers) offering to cover monthly payments in case of job loss. Well, those taking prescription drugs can rest easy since many drug makers are have joined the brigade, expanding their prescription benefits in light of the current economy.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/19/recession-special-pfizer-offers-free-drugs/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>Detroit to The World: Don&#8217;t Count Us Out</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/18/detroit-to-the-world-dont-count-us-out</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/18/detroit-to-the-world-dont-count-us-out#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 05:52:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[auto industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dave Bing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dennis Archer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Detroit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[minority business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Motown]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=34933</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Battered by a crisis of faith in local government triggered by the scandal surrounding former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, as well as the economic devastation of the automotive industry that gave Motown its name, it is easy for us non-Detroiters to assume that the city is down for the count. Nothing could be further from the truth.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/18/detroit-to-the-world-dont-count-us-out/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Not All Honorees Get Awards</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/15/not-all-honorees-get-awards</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/15/not-all-honorees-get-awards#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 19:32:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Deborah Creighton Skinner</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Angelique Kidjo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Women's Foundation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queen Latifah]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=34022</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Very early yesterday morning, the New York Women's Foundation took the time to honor four women whose words and deeds have helped women turn their lives around by promoting and advocating economic security for women and girls.
But with all the finery of the awards and the famous names that appeared on the stage, the two [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/15/not-all-honorees-get-awards/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Cutting Edge: Five Tips for Securing a Summer Internship</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/13/the-cutting-edge-five-tips-for-securing-a-summer-internship</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/13/the-cutting-edge-five-tips-for-securing-a-summer-internship#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 18:52:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jobs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[students]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unemployment]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=33110</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Summer is approaching, and if you’re bummed because you didn’t get that stellar internship or—let’s be honest—couldn’t muster up the motivation to apply, it’s not too late. In fact, this economic conundrum might actually work in your favor.
In April, unemployment rose to 8.9%, spreading across nearly all major private-sector industries, according to the Bureau of [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/13/the-cutting-edge-five-tips-for-securing-a-summer-internship/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>How To Get Into Black Enterprise: What Not To Do</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/10/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise-what-not-to-do</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/10/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise-what-not-to-do#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2009 20:22:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[editors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pitching stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[story ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what editors want]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=32411</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Little things count. Timing is everything. Or how about this one: You only get one chance to make a first impression. Unfortunately, many people, and particularly small business owners eager to have their companies featured in Black Enterprise, shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to approaching us about a story. And in most [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/10/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise-what-not-to-do/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
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		<title>Michelle Obama Sparks Reaction at Time 100 Gala</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/07/michelle-obama-sparks-reaction-at-time-100-gala</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/07/michelle-obama-sparks-reaction-at-time-100-gala#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 17:53:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Michelle Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oprah Winfrey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Time]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=31876</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Among the dignitaries, leaders, revolutionaries, titans, entertainers, scientists, heroes and pioneers that were honored at Time Magazine’s 2009 gala event honoring the 100 Most Influential People in the World, one woman, Michelle Obama, stood out.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/07/michelle-obama-sparks-reaction-at-time-100-gala/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Love Don’t Cost a Thing</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/06/love-don%e2%80%99t-cost-a-thing</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/06/love-don%e2%80%99t-cost-a-thing#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2009 23:07:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alisa Gumbs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weddings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=31807</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Television is overrun with shows about weddings. Some focus on finding a gown, some profile the planners, one even makes over the entire affair just weeks before the big event. A few are all about the money. But where is the emphasis on the meaningful details that celebrate the uniqueness of the couple and their love?

]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/06/love-don%e2%80%99t-cost-a-thing/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Cutting Edge: Next on Deck</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/05/next-on-deck</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/05/next-on-deck#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 20:20:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web 2.0]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=31750</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Wake up people!
Opportunity is at hand; can you see it?
I firmly believe there lies potential for growth and prosperity amid these economically troubling times. After attending several entrepreneurs and investing conferences over the past six months, I noticed a number of recurring themes. Here’s a look at some of the business concepts that may change [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/05/05/next-on-deck/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Cutting Edge Q&amp;A: Rebounding After a Custody Battle</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/29/the-cutting-edge-qa-rebounding-after-a-custody-battle</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/29/the-cutting-edge-qa-rebounding-after-a-custody-battle#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 21:23:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cutting Edge]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[money management]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=31441</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Since last year, I have fallen behind on the majority of my bills due to $6,400 in legal expenses I incurred while attempting to keep joint custody of my daughter. My income just isn’t stretching to cover all my bills and pay off my attorney, and it’s hurt my credit. Because I was successful in court, I don’t have time to take on another job to catch up. The only asset I have is a home that was left to me that is fully paid off. What is a feasible option for me to restore my credit?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/29/the-cutting-edge-qa-rebounding-after-a-custody-battle/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<title>Obama&#8217;s 100 Days on Front, Home Pages</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/29/obamas-100-days-on-front-home-pages</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/29/obamas-100-days-on-front-home-pages#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:01:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marcia Wade Talbert</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[100 Days]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Barack Obama]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=31298</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[After 100 days in office, President Barack Obama is receiving worldwide attention.  (Click here for "Obama's 100 Days: A Look at the Historic Beginning of the Presidency of Barack H. Obama.") But based on the front page headlines from Tulsa, Okla. to Dubuque, Iowa  many Americans say it is too soon to tell if he [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/29/obamas-100-days-on-front-home-pages/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>How To Get Into Black Enterprise: Entrepreneurs, Take Note</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/28/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise-entrepreneurs-take-note</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/28/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise-entrepreneurs-take-note#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:05:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[editors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pitching stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[story ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what editors want]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=30869</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So, you want to be featured on the pages of Black Enterprise magazine?  Join the club—every black entrepreneur seems to share that aspiration. Here are some basic things that entrepreneurs need to know to have a chance at being considered by our editors.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/28/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise-entrepreneurs-take-note/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>16</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Pushes for Financial Literacy Lessons</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/28/rep-sheila-jackson-lee-pushes-for-financial-literacy-lessons</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/28/rep-sheila-jackson-lee-pushes-for-financial-literacy-lessons#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:27:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[financial literacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New York Stock Exchange]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=30713</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Duncan Niederauer NYSE CEO,  John Hope Bryant, vice chairman of the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, and Luis Aguilar, commissioner of the Securities and Exchange ]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/28/rep-sheila-jackson-lee-pushes-for-financial-literacy-lessons/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Get Into Black Enterprise</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/27/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/27/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:41:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[editors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pitching stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[story ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[what editors want]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=30680</guid>
		<description><![CDATA["What do I have to do to get into Black Enterprise?" Starting this week, I will begin giving you some answers to that question, in a regular blog called “How to Get Into B.E.” I’ll start out focusing on entrepreneurs, but in the weeks and months to come, I’ll cover what we are looking for when it comes to stories ranging from career profiles to the families featured in our monthly Wealth for Life features. I’ll be bringing you insights straight from the editors of our magazine and website, as well as the producers of our television shows and national networking events.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/27/how-to-get-into-black-enterprise/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Update: &#8216;Just in Case&#8217; Specials</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/27/more-just-in-case-specials</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/27/more-just-in-case-specials#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:09:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Renita Burns</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ford]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[General Motors]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=30642</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you read my earlier post on Just in Case specials you know that companies are ramping customer reassurance specials. Well, they haven’t stopped; in fact, more companies are joining the Just in Case brigade to get you to open up their wallets. Take a look at a few new deals retailers are using to sweeten the deal.]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/27/more-just-in-case-specials/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>When Your &#8216;Something Blue&#8217; Meets the Pink Slip</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/24/when-your-%e2%80%9csomething-blue%e2%80%9d-meets-the-pink-slip</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/24/when-your-%e2%80%9csomething-blue%e2%80%9d-meets-the-pink-slip#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:59:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alisa Gumbs</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[budget]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[weddings]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=30415</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes the "for worse" part of "for better or for worse" comes early. In this economy, engaged couples are coping with pay cuts, layoffs, even the possibility that Bernie Madoff ran off with some of the wedding fund. So what do you do when you suddenly need to pare down your budget?]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/24/when-your-%e2%80%9csomething-blue%e2%80%9d-meets-the-pink-slip/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>America&#8217;s Call To Service</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/24/americas-call-to-service</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/24/americas-call-to-service#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:27:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Annya Lott</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[President Obama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volunteer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[volunteerism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[washington]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=30430</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I believe we all, in our small ways, have the power to impact others around us to strengthen our communities and help to realize the president's vision of a stronger nation. 

]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/24/americas-call-to-service/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>It&#8217;s Earth Day. Get Some Real Green</title>
		<link>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/22/its-earth-day-get-some-real-green</link>
		<comments>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/22/its-earth-day-get-some-real-green#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2009 20:14:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alfred Edmond, Jr.</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[BEing Green]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Earth Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy Star]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blackenterprise.com/?p=30380</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Unless you live on another planet (literally), you know that today, April 22, is Earth Day. You might also be aware that April is Financial Literacy Month. If the first observance doesn’t move you to change your energy-consumption lifestyle, maybe the second one will—unless you’ve got cash to burn during the current economic crisis.
The fact [...]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.blackenterprise.com/blogs/2009/04/22/its-earth-day-get-some-real-green/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
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