by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 5, 2024

Black-Owned Bank Celebrates 100 Years In Business During Black History Month

Milwaukee's Columbia Savings and Loan Association is celebrating 100 years in business as a Black-owned bank this Black History Month.

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A Black-owned bank in Milwaukee has much to celebrate during this year’s Black History Month. Columbia Savings and Loan Association has been in business for 100 years, having helped Black patrons receive the proper financial help they need for a century.

The company was founded in September 1924 by Ardie and Wilbur Halyard to aid Black residents in securing loans or opening accounts. Its legacy lives on today through its current vice president, Wesley McKenzie, whose great-grandfather was a recipient of their loans during a time when options were scarce.

“You can imagine that a Black-owned business, in the U.S. was not a welcomed thing, not alone a Black-owned bank,” shared McKenzie to WBAL. “The reason the Halyards started it was because they understood we didn’t have access to funds at regular banks and financial institutions at the time…For me, personally, to be able to work at a financial institution where my great-grandfather got a loan — at a time when he couldn’t walk into most banks and get a loan — that to me is the priceless part.”

The bank lies within a historic part of Milwaukee, where Black residents of the Wisconsin city were able to thrive and build livelihoods alongside one another in the area.

Currently, there are only 40 Black-owned banks still in operation in America, as reported by Finder. Columbia Savings and Loan Association is a long-standing establishment that has provided Black customers an avenue through which to grow and maintain their wealth.

“It’s day by day, one by one,” shared McKenzie on building trust with Black customers in the face of generational banking discrimination. “We understand we have to get the customers in here and show them the importance of financial literacy.”

With Black people still facing the issue of loan approvals and funding in regards to buying their own homes or starting businesses, celebrating institutions that paved the way for Black people to do more with financial means is crucial as the fight to end loan discrimination wages on.

RELATED CONTENT: Looking Back At The History Of America’s Black Banks, Even As They Strive For Vitality

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 5, 2024

Navigating The Cutting-Edge Strategies Shaping DEIAB In Corporate America

As we venture into the future of DEIAB in corporate America, this isn't just a read; it's a call to action. Join.

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Written by Jessica Jones

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate America, a seismic shift is shaking up our workplace cultures. No longer are we talking about your standard Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) playbook—no, we’re delving deep into a future where Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) take center stage. The transformative shift of DEIAB spotlights neurodiversity, futuristic tech, and intersectional leadership, to shape the inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Neurodiversity: Unlocking Innovation Powerhouses

Believe it or not, companies are rewriting the rulebook, realizing the untapped brilliance in neurodivergent minds. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia—these aren’t limitations; they’re unique talents. The brains at Mastercard get it. Kim Martin, their Executive VP of Business Operations and Automation, talks candidly in Forbes, praising neurodiverse candidates for bringing fresh perspectives to problem-solving.

Neuroinclusion Leaders of the Pack: SAP and IBM

As the industry shifts, SAP is focused on creating a workplace that’s not just diverse but neurodiverse. SAP’s Autism at Work Program, launched in 2022, stands as a leader for inclusive hiring, offering tailored onboarding and mentorship. Meanwhile, IBM wants to go beyond just focusing on autism to celebrate all neurological differences, such as ADHD, dyslexia, bipolar, and more—their Neurodiversity at IBM program embraces it all, setting the stage for a workplace where diversity isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life.

Technology Innovations: Revolutionizing Accessibility and Busting Bias Daily

In the digital realm, creating an inclusive culture means staying ahead of the game. Enter accessible design, the backbone of user-friendly digital experiences. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the compass, steering designs to be responsive and flexible. But it doesn’t stop there—cutting-edge tech takes the stage. AI-Powered Bias Detection and virtual reality in DEIAB training bring a dynamic twist, reshaping how companies tackle bias head-on. The innovative use of virtual reality for DEIAB training creates realistic and immersive scenarios, while building empathy and understanding of the experiences of those in marginalized groups.

Industry Titans Leading the Charge: Equal Reality, KPMG, and Walmart

Meet the trailblazers. In 2017, Equal Reality launched the first interactive diversity, equity, and inclusion training in a virtual reality to paint a vivid picture of diverse perspectives. Walmart? They’ve also been riding the virtual reality wave since 2017, offering ‘Walmart Academies’ for a one-of-a-kind employee training experience. KPMG? They’re not just eyeing the future; they’re creating it with a $30 million metaverse collaboration hub, revolutionizing training, collaboration, and education.

Intersectionality in Leadership: Shaping Tomorrow’s Titans

Last but most certainly not least, we’re talking intersectionality. Inclusive leaders who get it aren’t just checking boxes; they’re recognizing and embracing the complex layers of race, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomics to foster environments where all voices are heard. Showcasing intersectionality in leadership sets the stage for the next generation, where authenticity isn’t a luxury—it’s the norm. This isn’t just about creating equitable spaces; it’s a blueprint for a workplace where innovation thrives.

As we venture into the future of DEIAB in corporate America, this isn’t just a read; it’s a call to action. Join us on this journey, where innovation, diversity, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the keys to individual and collective workplace success.

RELATED CONTENT: Navigating DEI Challenges: Addressing Complaints And Lawsuits In The Pursuit Of Racial Equality

Jessica Jones is CEO and Co-Founder of The CODE Group

by Jameelah Mullen

February 5, 2024

Philadelphia Celebrates Black History Month By Launching The Little Free(dom) Library

The goal of the Little Free(dom) Library project is to elevate the voices of black authors.

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In honor of Black History Month, Visit Philadelphia has partnered with Little Free Library to launch the Little Free(dom) Library.

More than 30 states have banned books written by Black authors, according to Penn America. The Little Free(dom) library is fighting back by making those books accessible to readers in the area. The library will be giving away 1,500 banned books at one of its 13 locations across the city.

“Philadelphia strives to be a welcoming destination where every person can feel a sense of belonging,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, in a press release.

Val expressed the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the nuances of American history.

“We want travelers and residents to know that in Philadelphia, Black history is American history, and Black stories are worth telling and sharing,” she said.

The Little Free(dom) Library project will include a video series featuring Joyce Abbott, actress Quinta Brunson’s sixth-grade teacher and the inspiration behind her Emmy Award-winning show Abbott Elementary. 

“With over 30 years of experience as an educator in the Philadelphia public school system, ensuring students have access to Black history and stories holds great significance for me. I hope individuals will find inspiration in the books they discover and deepen their understanding of the contributions of Black people in this country,” Abbott said. 

Philly natives Marc Lamont Hill and Dr. Christina Afia Harris will also appear in the video series, reading excerpts from one of the library’s banned books. 

The featured books will include Nikole Hannah-Jones’ The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, George M Johnson’s All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto, and James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time.

All books were purchased from Black-owned bookstores in the greater Philadelphia area, including Hakim’s Bookstore, Harriet’s Bookshop, Uncle Bobby’s Coffee & Books, and The Black Reserve Bookstore. 

Visit The Little Free(dom) Library’s website for book descriptions and library locations.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Artist To Create Harriet Tubman Statue At Philadelphia’s City Hall Following Controversy

by Black Enterprise

February 5, 2024

FINDING THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS FOR A SWEET FINANCIAL FUTURE

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Thereasa Black holds numerous positions. She’s a reservist in the U.S. Navy who has piloted aircraft carriers, an attorney, having passed the Maryland bar in 2019, and also a devoted single mom, a role she would undoubtedly describe as her most personal and important.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 5, 2024

Graduates Fight To Keep Legacy Of Historic Rosenwald Schools Alive

Between 1912 and 1932, over 5,000 schools were founded by Julius Rosenwald, then president of Sears Roebuck, in partnership with Booker T. Washington.

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The Rosenwald Schools, built across the Southern United States in order to educate Black people despite segregation and Jim Crow laws. These days, preserving the legacy of Rosenwald School buildings such as Lee-Buckner, in Tennessee, is the battle that alumni and advocates face.

According to CNN, more than 5,000 schools were founded between the years of 1912 and 1932, their namesake being Sears Roebuck president Julius Rosenwald. Rosenwald started the educational nonprofit initiative in partnership with Booker T. Washington, aiding in the academic foundation for Black children across the South.

Although less than 10% of these schools are still around today, Lee-Buckner, in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is set to be relocated to a historical site in Franklin, roughly 13 miles north of its original area. Its transition to the Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens will make it part of a $35 million capital campaign by the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, with plans set to open in 2025 for tour groups and visitors.

“I don’t think you can truly be authentic without telling the whole story,” stated Bari Beasley, president and CEO of the foundation. “And to be able to talk about it and have difficult conversations helps us all understand the world around us and how to make the world a better place.”

Graduates of the school, who include late Congressman John Lewis and poet Maya Angelou, are integral parts of maintaining its legacy in Black history and culture. The buildings are a physical reminder of the fight for one’s education in the midst of strife — one that’s being fought today, as many states face and battle the removal of Black history lessons.

“These schools became beacons of hope,” expressed Rachael Finch, a historian at the foundation. “One thing that African Americans craved and sought after the Civil War was access to education because access to education meant knowledge and power … to be able to propel oneself into place of prominence through owning a business, having a home, owning land.”

Now, with its newest placement in the historic site, Lee-Buckner will forever be enshrined as a place that ensured the education of Black students for generations.

RELATED CONTENT: Carter G. Woodson’s Vision: Preserving African-American History For Future Generations

by Mary Spiller

February 5, 2024

Black-Owned Consulting Business Releases E-Learning Videos For Law Professionals

Coston Consulting's curriculum includes a core set of videos and an advanced track for those who need it.

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A Black-owned legal business advisory firm, Coston Consulting, has launched an accessible video-based learning program to teach lawyers how to brand themselves successfully. 

According to an American Bar Association report, Black lawyers are severely underrepresented in the justice sphere, making up only 5% of the legal community in the United States. To bridge the gap, Coston Consulting has released a line of e-learning products to help those having trouble reaching a wide variety of clients by teaching them the skills necessary for personal branding.

The program, called Coston Elevate Curriculum, includes videos instructing law firm associates on how to market themselves and generate a more lucrative revenue. 

Essence reported that the Coston Elevate Curriculum has an easy-to-follow core program that covers vital basic skills like branding and marketing through networking strategies. It also offers an advanced course track that provides content for senior associates and embedded junior partners. The advanced program helps those who want to learn “with profile raising, pitching for new business, client relations, and cross-selling.”

Michael Coston, CEO of Coston Consulting, explained in a news release, “The legal industry is more competitive than ever, and it’s become increasingly important for young associates and junior partners to hone their marketing and business development skills early in their careers to help them stand out in a crowded marketplace and eventually generate business. We designed the Elevate Curriculum to do just that.” 

Coston continued, “Each track offers video-learning modules, interactive quizzes, resource templates, checklists, and FAQ guides to help support attorneys as they progress through the program.”

The e-learning videos offer a myriad of testing and learning avenues across electronic devices. For example, “The curriculum can be accessed from a laptop, iPad, or other mobile devices. Users have unlimited access to the platform during their subscription and can progress through the program at their own pace.”

by Rafael Pena

February 5, 2024

Black Conservative Federation CEO: Republican Party Offers Blacks ‘Access To The American Dream’

Diante Johnson of the Black Conservative Federation says the Republican Party, not the Democratic Party, best represents the interests of the Black community.

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Diante Johnson, CEO of the Black Conservative Federation, highlighted to Fox News Digital that in his view, the Republican Party, rather than the Democratic Party, aligns more closely with the interests of the Black community. Johnson asserts that the GOP provides the Black community with “access to the American dream.”

The Black Conservative Federation, a prominent organization for Black conservatives nationwide, is gearing up for its annual Honors Gala with former President Donald Trump slated as the keynote speaker. Themed “Restoring the American Dream,” the gala is scheduled for Feb. 23 in South Carolina, strategically aligned with the state’s primary election. Departing from its usual venue in Washington, D.C., the event will be held in Columbia, South Carolina, where Johnson believes the Black vote is pivotal in Trump’s White House aspirations.

Johnson stressed the importance of the Black vote for Trump’s potential 2024 reelection, citing the overlooked status of the Black community. He noted Trump’s 20% support among Black male voters in 2020 and anticipates a significant increase in the upcoming election, emphasizing discontent with the current administration.

“Black men do not like the idea that their children are being taught that you don’t have to be a boy or girl. You can decide your gender. Black men do not like their sons being taught that. And so, they’re waking up,” Johnson asserted.

According to internal polling by the Black Conservative Federation, the economy ranks as the top concern for Black voters, with education also holding significance.

Johnson critiqued the Democratic Party’s perceived shift toward more extreme positions on those issues, suggesting that such changes could drive more Black voters toward conservative values. “This is not the same Democratic Party that we had in 2020 or even before that. It’s gotten worse,” he remarked.

The Black Conservative Federation aims to elevate the conservative movement by diversifying representation and promoting conservative principles. Johnson emphasized the group’s dedication to spreading a critical message and their belief in conservative principles as a means to uplift Black lives and communities.

The Restoring the American Dream gala will honor notable figures such as Dr. Ben Carson, singer Mary Millben, and Republican Georgia state Senate candidate C.J. Pearson.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Expected To Pull More Black Votes Than Any Other Republican Candidate In U.S. History

by Mary Spiller

February 5, 2024

NAUPA Says Millions Of Americans Have Hundreds Of Dollars In Unclaimed Assets

The National Association of Unclaimed Property advised citizens on how to go about claiming their property.

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Certain state treasurers across the U.S. proclaimed Feb. 1 Unclaimed Property Day and revealed that American citizens may collectively be sitting on millions of dollars in unclaimed cash or property assets. 

According to CNN, “Over 30 million people in the United States have unclaimed property that they have either forgotten about or never knew was theirs.” The National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), a department of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST), explained that such money could exist in the form of unused rebate cards, uncashed checks, inactive bank accounts, inheritances, dividend checks, or even life insurance policy payouts. 

Illinois State Treasurer and NAST President Michael W. Frerichs said there are “any number of reasons” someone may not know about their own unclaimed assets, and cited the NAUPA’s state-by-state database as an easy way to search for unclaimed assets that you may have.

NAUPA explained that U.S. citizens should first use the site by checking for any unclaimed property under their name in states where they’ve lived, and then check the results against the nationwide NAUPA database.

While each state chooses how transparent it is in saying how much unclaimed properties are worth, it’s still worth investigating. Most American states have no statute of limitations on property claims. 

NAUPA outlined a few scenarios that may have resulted in unclaimed assets. For example, “If you’ve moved a lot, you may have checks that were sent to old addresses and never forwarded. You may have old bank accounts from years ago that you never closed and have forgotten about. You may be entitled to a payout from someone’s life insurance policy or estate and … weren’t notified about it.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 4, 2024

Delta Airlines Brings Black Films To the Skies For Black History Month

Delta Airlines has partnered with the African American Film Critics Association to curate a collection of in-flight films for Black History Month.

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Delta Airlines is doing its part to amplify Black art during Black History Month through its in-flight film options. The airline has partnered with the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) to showcase a curated collection of movies that represent the community.

For the inaugural year of this collaboration, the AAFCA will work with Delta to bring Black films to the skies all month long for millions of fliers, as reported by Deadline on Feb. 2. The selections were curated by the association members in addition to Delta’s own in-flight entertainment team and its Black Community Business Resource Group, known as BOLD, to ensure its movies celebrate and champion Black cinema. Through this initiative, both companies hope to spark interest and highlight the achievements of Black actors, directors, and the countless others involved in the process of filmmaking.

“In-flight movies offer a great way to discover titles that were previously unknown to me,” shared AAFCA president Gil Robertson in a statement. “Over the years, I have been introduced to phenomenal stories that broadened my point of view about different people and cultures from around the world. It is my hope that Delta passengers will enjoy a similar experience from our collection which provides a showcase for the richness of Black-themed stories.”

Movies selected for this first-ever collection include a mixture of classics and Oscar-winning features, all varied in genre but part of the expansive list of Black cinematic history. From Dreamgirls to The Best Man, Friday to Crooklyn, these films are significant to Black households but also timeless, universal stories that can connect to all, something Delta is proud to promote.

“Delta seeks to be a champion of diversity through meaningful inflight entertainment content and elevate the onboard offering with thoughtful, value-driven curation,” expressed Catherine McDaniel, lead content curator of movies for Delta Studio. “Delta is thrilled to partner with AAFCA for this special collection to help us highlight underrepresented voices during Black History Month, and all year round.”

Additional in-flight films include If Beale Street Could Talk, Shaft, Dear White People, and Sarafina, with many others in store. The movies will be shown on Delta all February.

RELATED CONTENT: African American Film Critics Association To Honor Hollywood Luminaries At 7th Annual Special Achievement Awards Luncheon

by Daniel Johnson

February 4, 2024

Offensive Explosion: Steph Curry’s Historic 60-Point Night On Feb. 3 Highlights Atlanta Hawks’ Defensive Woes In The NBA

While Steph Curry became only the 10th player in NBA history to put up 60 points in a game twice, he would probably have traded it for a win.

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RIP to defense in the NBA. On a night when Steph Curry absolutely cooked the Atlanta Hawks, dropping a 60-piece family dinner off, it wasn’t enough for Golden State Warriors to win.

Most nights, the prevailing wisdom used to be, if you score 130 points, you’re going to win the game. However, seemingly due to the rules of the NBA being so heavily skewed toward offense, All-Star game quality defensive performances are becoming commonplace. As Sports Illustrated reported, while Steph Curry became just the tenth player in NBA history to put up 60 points in a game twice, he would probably trade it for a win. The long and short of the Warriors’ season was encapsulated by this game. Despite a stellar performance from one of the league’s all-time great players, the Warriors can’t get enough stops to produce wins.

The Warriors lost the game 134-141. In a February 2023 piece for The Guardian, Oren Weisfield questioned just what the actual limits are to this offensive explosion the NBA is currently having. It has reached the point where fans are largely nonplussed by the 70- and 71-point performances happening with alarming regularity. The idea that the league and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver have been pushing is that offense sells tickets and leads to a better NBA product.

However, even coaches and players say that the sometimes cartoonish final scores, like the Hawks-Warriors tilt, are a problem.

Steve Kerr, the Warriors’ head coach, told the outlet, “I think maybe there’s been an overcorrection to what was happening 20 years ago. I played in the NBA finals [with the Spurs] in ‘03, so 20 years ago this June, and the final scores were like 72-65, and it was ugly. And I think the league did an amazing job of loosening up the game, creating more freedom.”

Kerr continued, “But I think we’ve just gone a little too far. I think that the rules have really been geared towards giving the offensive player the advantage. It’s become much more difficult to play defense in the NBA now.”

Chauncey Billups, former Detroit Pistons player and head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, is of a similar mind, telling The Guardian, “[Because of] the rules of the game, you can’t play physically to get stops or it’s a foul now. So we’ve got to kind of give way a lot of times to a lot of situations, or you will be either in foul trouble or guys shooting a free throw.”

Billups added, “It’s too tough [to defend] … the game is made for the offensive player. Today’s game was made for the offense.”

During a 2023 episode of “Podcast P,” Paul George, the Los Angeles Clippers star who’s considered one of the game’s best defenders, described his distaste for how defense is dictated by the rules in today’s NBA.

“[Handchecking is] a foul now. It’s killing the game a little bit. Now we can’t be defenders. You can’t defend as well as we used to. You can get in the ball in pick-and-rolls, like you can be aggressive, you can be physical. [But] you can’t do none of that now. The offensive player has the advantage now,” George explained. “My first couple years in the league, you might get 60-70 possessions offensively. […] You had two bigs out there, so the game wasn’t fast. It was a half-court set game so it just wasn’t a lot of baskets to be gotten. Now, like there’s maybe six or seven guys on the team that’s shooting five, six threes.”

RELATED CONTENT: Stephen Curry Makes NBA History Once Again