Black Woman CEO Honored By President Joe Biden, Receives Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award
Honoring her remarkable leadership and service, Dr. Velma Trayham, a native of Houston, Texas, has become one of few Black female entrepreneurs to have been awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden. The annual awards honor a select few who “exhibit outstanding character, work ethic and dedication to their communities.”
Dr. Trayham is the founder and chief executive officer of Thinkzilla Consulting, one of the nation’s fastest-growing diversity, equity and inclusion consulting firms, and founder of the Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a leading nonprofit organization that addresses the barriers to economic mobility for women who have been systemically and historically underserved and excluded by providing entrepreneurial training and mentorship programming to help women minority women rise above poverty through empowered entrepreneurship.
The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award was presented during the Gathering of Queens Economic Empowerment event, hosted by the Millionaire Mastermind Academy in Houston to share new strategies and dynamic leadership principles for success. Recipients of the award must have completed a minimum of 4,000 hours of volunteer service.
According to presenter Dr. Verna Caddie, “Dr. Velma received The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for all of the hard work she does to help so many people change their lives, by ending poverty through entrepreneurship.”
Dr. Trayham was honored with the award based on her career of supporting more than 8,000 women to excel in diverse small businesses while launching a $500,000 scholarship fund to move women out of poverty through entrepreneurial training and mentorships. Likewise, through Dr. Trayham’s leadership, Thinkzilla has helped more than 200 prominent public and private organizations expand DEI initiatives, enjoy exponential growth and reach new audiences.
“I am passionate about breaking generational curses and equipping others to rise above poverty,” added Dr. Trayham, who is recognized as one of the nation’s top business experts and motivational speakers.
“I am also incredibly fortunate to love the work I do, the people I work with, and the communities we serve.”
Beyond Robin Hood: The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership is Building a More Inclusive Investment Ecosystem through Financial Education 3.0
While 2021 was a record-breaking year for investment in startups with over $137 billion invested in the first quarter of the year, the disturbing news is that only 1.2 percent of that total went to Black entrepreneurs, and only two percent went to women-founded companies, according to Crunchbase, an online database of companies and startups.
Black businesses are often unable to grow and scale due to a lack of early-stage capital. Due to the long-standing racial wealth gap, most Black entrepreneurs do not have the opportunity to call on wealthy friends and family. The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership believes that financial literacy 3.0 must include educating Black professionals on how their investments can make a difference for Black entrepreneurs through angel investing.
Angel investments are often the precursor to obtaining venture funding to help a company on the grow-scale-exit trajectory. As capital constraint remains a significant barrier for Black founders, the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) is addressing the disparity and lack of access to capital through an innovative program, the Making of Black Angels, according to a press release.
IFEL co-founder and chief executive officer Jill Johnson, creator of the Making of Black Angels, stated, “The Black community is missing an opportunity to participate in this wealth-building asset class that opens the flow of early-stage capital to Black entrepreneurs. There is no better time than now to catalyze a new generation of Black investors and make a life-changing impact on Black-owned business enterprises.”
Beginning May 11, 2022, IFEL is hosting a three-part educational series on angel investing. Attendees will learn how the angel investing process works, hear insights from existing investors and gain a deeper understanding of how diversity among the investor pool translates to access to capital for Black entrepreneurs. This is an opportunity to learn about an asset class that has for too long been the exclusive domain of a select few. The goal of the program is to introduce a broader group of people to a new wealth-building tool.
In recent years, the amount of angel capital going to women founders has increased with an increase in the number of women angel investors. The Making of Black Angels movement believes this model works. With an increase in inclusion within the angel investing sector more Black entrepreneurs can garner angel investment. IFEL’s targeted approach provides a model for expanding resources to other historically excluded populations as well.
The Making of Black Angels program is made possible by generous funding from JPMorgan Chase.
During Mother’s Day weekend, the groundbreaking WNBA player stepped out onto the court sporting a special edition pair of Adidas sneakers designed by her 12-year-old daughter Lailaa.
The talented Lailaa surprised her mother with the highly anticipated Exhibit B sneaker just before Parker kicked off her 15th WNBA season, Boardroom reported.
“These are the moments I live for as a mother,” Parker captioned an Instagram video clip of the heartfelt surprise. The post also included photos of the basketball player’s public debut with the sneakers.
Over a year ago, Lailaa and Adidas Basketball designers began the process of revealing the brand’s newest basketball model. The latest design updates the Exhibit A “ACE” model that Parker played in throughout the 2021 season. She even rocked the sneakers during the championship run in her first season in Chicago.
(Instagram)
“I think visibility is super important and seeing women in leadership positions and representing them,” Parker said regarding last year’s release of the new “Ace” collection with Adidas, as per Bleacher Report. “I think this is a step in the right direction. And I think it’s important that we continue to empower women and young girls.”
The Exhibit B sneaker was intentionally styled to represent meaningful affirmations and phases throughout Parker’s life. The color hues pay homage to her days as a Tennessee Lady Volunteer, and the red wavy color is a nod to her former Naperville High School.
The familiar message, “Right Foot, Left Foot, Breathe, Repeat,” is printed along the insoles and the outsole to continue to motivate Parker out on the court.
“That’s something that I have [tattooed] on my arm, and something Pat [Summitt] used to always tell me,” Parker said in a previous interview with Boardroom. “[She’d say,] ‘when things get hard, just put one foot in front of the other, breathe and repeat.’”
The inner collar of the left shoe pays tribute to the late Pat Summitt, Candace’s coach at the University of Tennessee. The right shoe includes a personalized message from Lailaa, “For Mom,” while the heel tab of each shoe reads “Reason.”
(Instagram)
“She is my reason and my purpose and having her with me on the court last night in this spirit meant the world to me,” Parker continued in her caption. “Each detail is a memory shared between us, and I could not be prouder to have debuted these at last night’s game. I love you Lailaa Nicole.”
Congressman Bennie Thompson Awards $3 Million in Community Project Funding to Jackson State University
U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson visited Jackson State University (JSU) on Thursday to award two ceremonial checks to the historically black schools in his district: JSU was awarded $3 million to support the Center for Living, Learning and Cultural Engagement; and Tougaloo College was awarded $1 million to support the Reuben V. Anderson Institute for Social Justice.
“These two investments are about students. It’s about making them the best they can be,” said Thompson, who is a graduate of Jackson State and Tougaloo.
“Hopefully with these investments, we will prepare our students for the world of work and the lives which they will lead after leaving these institutions.”
President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D., said the Center for Living, Learning and Cultural Engagement will be a space for business innovation, student learning and cultural engagement. The facility will also house some of the campus museum spaces to display various collections and university holdings, according to a press release.
“We’re very excited about this about this investment in our respective universities from our shared alumnus,” said Hudson.
“We do believe this center will inspire others, and it certainly aligns with our historical mission to elevate our community and provide resources and learning opportunities for our students who are the reason why we are here. Thank you, Congressman Thompson, a true servant leader who is always taking the opportunity to turn back around and to pour back into both his alma maters in such a remarkable way.”
Congressman Thompson championed a total of $10,527,500 in Community Project Funding for eight projects that will directly benefit Mississippi’s second Congressional District residents, which includes the Jackson State and Tougaloo awards.
“These investments support underserved areas and foster economic development, making a real difference in the lives of so many in our community. I am proud to have fought for funding that will make our community healthier, safer, stronger and more resilient,” said Thompson.
Rappers Young Thug and Gunna Indicted On Drug, Racketeering, and Gang Activity Charges
The hip-hop world is reeling after two rappers were arrested on RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges related to alleged street crimes, including murder and drug charges.
According to The New York Times, rappers Young Thugand labelmate Gunna, along with 26 alleged members of a criminal street gang supposedly headed and co-founded by Jeffery Lamar Williams, also known as Young Thug, were named in the 56 count indictment.
The associates were arrested on suspicion of gang involvement and conspiracy to violate the Georgia criminal racketeering law.
Young Thug was arrested Monday at his Atlanta home after being named in the indictment, centered on his label, Young Slime Life, or Young Stoner Life, an imprint of 300 Entertainment. Prosecutors stated that the group is a criminal street gang co-founded by the Grammy Award-winning rapper.
Following his arrest, the 30-year-old recording artist was booked into the Fulton County Jail. He has been charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and participating in street gang activity.
According to jail records, the RICO Act charge is from an alleged offense back in January 2013, while the street gang activity charge goes back to allegations from May 2018. The 56-count indictment was filed last Thursday and names 28 alleged associates of Young Slime Life.
Gunna, whose real name is Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, has been charged with racketeering. The court papers allege that Gunna committed felonies, including receiving stolen property and drug possession with intent to distribute.
Other associates in Young Slime Life have been charged with violent crimes, including murder and attempted armed robbery.
The indictment alleges Young Thug is a founder of Young Slime Life, which began in Atlanta in 2012. The group is said to be affiliated with the Bloods gang. The 28 people listed in the indictment have been charged with conspiracy to violate the state RICO Act.
The 88-page indictment alleges that Young Slime Life was involved in a wide variety of illegal activities, including witness intimidation, murder, attempted murder, carjacking, robbery, theft, and drug dealing.
As in previous cases nationwide, prosecutors have stated that some of the alleged crimes were talked about in recordings.
Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, responded to the indictments:
“I’ll tell you the response to any allegation; Mr. Williams committed no crime whatsoever and we will fight to my last drop of blood to clear him.”
Angela Bassett Receives Honorary Doctorate from Old Dominion University
Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett was one of the commencement speakers at Old Dominion University in Virginia last weekend, where the college awarded her with an honorary doctorate during the ceremony.
The 63-year-old actress said that she is “happy and humbled” by the honor, sharing a photo of herself holding the certificate on Instagram, adding, “Education is truly the KEY! #stillmakingmymommaproud.”
In her speech, Bassett said, “Thanks to a little film called Black Panther, I think I know a little bit about royalty … well, fictional royalty at least,” Bassett joked. However, she added that the real “royalty” were the students in front of her.
“It’s about your leadership and your legacy,” Bassett shared. “That’s the real crown that I want you to wear every day when you step out into the world.”
Bassett has an honorary degree from Morehouse College, which she received in 2020.
According to People, Bassett was honored for her leadership, service, and excellence that “set the bar high for women in Hollywood.”
Bassett was also honored with an honorary doctorate from her alma mater, Yale University, in 2018. In 2020, she received the Yale Undergraduate Lifetime Achievement Award (YULAA), making her the first Black person to receive the honor, according to People.
In 2021, it was reported that Bassett would earn “north of $450,000 an episode” on the Fox drama 9-1-1, making her one of the highest-paid actresses of color on a broadcast drama, according to Vanity Fair.
She will also reprise her role of Ramonda, Queen Mother of Wakanda, and said in a recent appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that the sequel is due out in November. Although she was tight-lipped on revealing the actual plot, she describes it as “amazing” and adds, “Our director, Ryan Coogler [is a] writer, director [and] perfect leader — it’s going to be amazing. It’s going to top [Black Panther] 1.”
Highlighting Three Black Moms Who Are Business Bosses
Being a mother is a rewarding yet challenging responsibility. Being a Black mother in a society that constantly underestimates you is even harder.
Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs, but many times, they choose that path out of necessity. Whether it is due to the lack of representation and inclusion or less access to opportunities in the corporate world, Black women become entrepreneurs to make a change. It becomes even more complicated for working Black women when you add motherhood to the mix.
Fortunately, some Black women are carving different paths that allow them to thrive as women and mothers while also uplifting others.
We highlighted three women who ventured out on their own as entrepreneurs after becoming mothers and are excelling.
They support other women through their work and encourage others to pursue financial independence.
Kiersten Saunders
Kiersten Saunders is the co-founder of Rich and Regular, an award-winning media enterprise she started with her husband Julien to inspire better money conversations. She is also a money editor at Success Magazine and co-author of the book Cashing Out: Win the Wealth Game by Walking Away.
Saunders, who previously worked as a marketing director in the hospitality industry, highlighted that motherhood gave her a path to financial independence. Today, her work shows people that they don’t have to accept the status quo. They can pursue financial independence too.
“It’s beyond difficult to be a mom in America. We are burdened by dozens of unrealistic expectations, policies, and practices. My pursuit of financial independence is ultimately about removing a few of them— namely the uphill battle we face in the workplace,” Saunders told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“The gender wage gap has closed by only three cents for Black women over the last 30 years. As a result of the wage gap, Black women, on average, lose about $1 million over the course of a 40-year career. Because of the racial wealth gap, student loan crisis, and the roles we play in our families and communities, it’s imperative that we start to ‘put our masks on first’ and ensure we’re standing on solid financial footing,” she added.
Latoya Bond
Latoya Bond is the founder and chief executive officer of The BBM Agency, a woman-owned, led, and focused brand architecture agency servicing public figures, entrepreneurs, and eCommerce brands.
Her client portfolio includes Yandy Smith, Tamika D. Mallory, Jamila T. Davis, and Yelle Skin Care. After finding out that her firstborn son would require special care, Bond became an entrepreneur.
“My son was born deaf; we found out when he was one year old. Having a child with special needs who needed additional care and therapy — I needed more flexibility,” Bond told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Before starting her agency, Bond worked in the fashion business.
A few years after leaving the corporate world to become an entrepreneur in the accessories business, Bond partnered with college friend Yandy Smith on an accessories line and subsequent ventures. As Smith’s personal brand grew, Bond became her business manager.
“Once people realized that I was the person behind the scenes, other women started to come to me and ask for help with launching businesses and digital marketing advice. So that’s how I launched the BBM Agency.”
Today, Bond is a mother of three, and her firstborn, who was able to get therapy and cochlear implants when he was a baby, can communicate and attend a regular high school.
“I believe women can have it all with a routine that balances family, career, and self-care. My goal is for Black families to be successful. In this country, the one way I know for sure to freedom is financial stability and building wealth.”
Dr. Jatali Bellanton
Dr. Jatali Bellanton is the founder of the financial literacy organization Kids Who Bank and a crypto hedge fund manager. After working in investment banking and forensic accounting for over a decade, she developed a financial literacy curriculum taught in close to 300 schools and institutions. In 2019, she was recognized as N.Y. State Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc. for her work uplifting the youth. Bellanton, also a cryptocurrency and NFT instructor, homeschools her 7-year-old son.
“I decided to become an entrepreneur to be a hands-on mother. Homeschooling as an entrepreneur is the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. But, in return, it’s traveling and real-life experiences for my son. In the beginning, it was bringing him on my hip, even when I had speaking engagements, and getting the work done, no excuses,” Bellanton told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Bellanton, who works with a lot of women, shared how important it is for her to help other women become financially secure.
“For me, it is important to provide resources for more women to become financially independent and free and give them the tools to make the right decisions financially.”
About the author
Anne-Lyse Wealth is a writer, wealth educator, and certified public accountant. She is the founder of Plutus Awards-nominated Dreamoflegacy.com, a platform dedicated to inspiring millennials to build wealth with purpose, and The ALW Communications Agency. Anne-Lyse is a freelance writer for Fortune Magazine, Business Insider, and other publications. She is the author of Dream of Legacy, Raising Strong and Financially Secure Black Kids, and the host of The Dreamers Podcast.
Meet the Black Woman Minister Named Head of the American Psychological Association
Growing up in West Baltimore, Thema Bryant witnessed trauma. She also gained the determination to learn how to help people who were suffering from mental health issues.
According to The Washington Post, as the new leader of the American Psychological Association, Bryant, who is also a minister, represents a turning point for the future of psychology.
Bryant will begin her tenure in 2023 and says her goal is to bring “psychology to the people.”
She has proposed a conference in Washington that focuses on practical ways to cope with trauma, inviting laypeople — instead of just licensed psychologists — to participate. Bryant also aims to craft codes on “decolonizing psychology,” showing mental health professionals how to use song, dance, and other forms of culture in their treatment.
The tenured Pepperdine University professor also wants to produce a documentary highlighting psychologists of color and what they’re doing to expand access to care.
“The systems that BIPOC communities are attempting to seek services from are not built for them,” said Miguel Gallardo, who is Latino and works with Bryant at Pepperdine, adding that “[Bryant] has a way that is so unique to her of reaching them … She represents in some ways their experiences.”
Known as Dr. Thema on Instagram, where she has more than 320,000 followers, Bryant takes her message to the people, sharing posts about healing and links to her podcast. Bryant is an outspoken survivor of sexual assault, a daughter to two ministers, and spent part of her teenage years in Liberia, where she witnessed civil war.
She combines mental health with culture, encouraging art, music, and dance as part of therapy. She also notes that many African Americans have a deep focus on faith which is important to be recognized in any treatment.
Mental health challenges in the Black community can often be exacerbated by racial trauma and other stresses. Additionally, the coronavirus pandemic disproportionately affected African Americans prompting President Joe Biden to pledge more mental health support for “Black and Brown communities” devastated by the pandemic. Researchers are also concerned about growing rates of depression and anxiety among African Americans.
As for Bryant, in her new role leading the more than 100,000 member APA—the influential organization will continue to, among other things, set guidelines for psychological treatment and practice, promote research and offer expertise that shapes legislation and court decisions.
Dave Chappelle Outraged at DA For Refusing to Hit Stage Attacker With Felony Charges
After being attacked on stage at the Hollywood Bowl last week during his performance at the Netflix is a Joke festival, comedian Dave Chappelle is calling on Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón to file felony charges in the case.
“We request that DA Gascón reconsider, correct this mistake and charge this as a felony,” Chappelle’s lawyer Gabriel Colwell told Rolling Stone.
“This is what Mr. Chappelle wants. Mr. Chappelle wants this case charged as a felony.” He added that it’s not just about his client. “Entertainers in Los Angeles need to know that the justice system will protect them on stage.”
According to reports, Isaiah Lee, 23, rushed Chappelle during the festival armed with a spring-loaded knife installed in a firearm shell.
In a statement, the Los Angeles District Attorney said the onstage attack didn’t qualify as a felony and referred the case to the city attorney, according to Boundingintocomics.com. The site notes that Gascón’s office declined to press felony charges after a “slow-motion review of video footage” led them to conclude that Lee was not wielding the makeshift weapon when he rushed the comedian, instead only reaching for it after it had been knocked out of his waistband backstage and that his actions failed to meet said felony conduct standards.
Lee faces misdemeanor charges of “battery, possessing a deadly weapon with intent to assault, unlawfully crossing from a spectator area onto a stage at a theatrical event, and interfering with or delaying such an event with unlawful conduct.” He has pleaded not guilty. He is represented by a public defender who said that Lee suffered a “broken arm and significant facial injuries” in the melee that occurred after he rushed the stage. His brother said that he has taken mental health medication and has experienced homelessness.
However, Chappelle’s attorney stressed the need for justice, telling Rolling Stone, “Ten thousand people saw Dave Chappelle assaulted on stage at the Hollywood Bowl last Tuesday night, and the assailant had a deadly weapon on him. The fact that this isn’t charged as a felony case by the DA is insane.”
16-Year Old Black Pilot Is Flying Solo To Seven HBCUs To Learn The Black History of Aviation
Sixteen-year-old Zaire Horton is using his private glider pilot license to discover the importance of reaching back to knowledge gained about the Black history of aviation.
According to WDTN, the Chicago teen will be embarking on a solo trip in his motor glider with plans to visit seven HBCUs that were influential in teaching pioneering Black pilots during World War II.
“The seven states that my instructor and I have selected for my tour all house a historically Black university that played an instrumental role in the history of aviation,” Horton said.
Photo Courtesy: adasmckinley.org
Horton’s solo trip began in Chicago, and he has reportedly made his first stop in Xenia, Ohio, to visit Wilberforce University, the nation’s first private HBCU. This groundbreaking university was among other Black-owned institutions during the 1940s that fought vigorously for Black soldiers to pick up arms and fight.
“Most people don’t realize that Tuskegee wasn’t the only university or HBCU that was training pilots for World War II,” Horton said, as per CBS News.
By late 1939, Congress passed the Civilian Pilot Training Act, which launched a budget of $4 million to create hundreds of flight training facilities to be placed at colleges throughout the country. Although discrimination continued to exclude Blacks from these same initiatives, HBCUs remained vigilant in their efforts to integrate a 1940s program that trained civilian pilots, including Wilberforce University.
By age 14, Horton was learning how to fly a motor glider. He was able to soar the skies solo by 15 years old. When he turned 16, he obtained his glider pilot’s license. By 17, Horton expects to receive his private pilot and aeromechanics license before graduating from high school.
As a freshman, the teen pilot started taking classes at the College Preparation and Placement Program at Dunbar Vocational Career Academy in Chicago, CBS News reported. At first, he was a bit reluctant, but it wasn’t until his third weekend of the class, when his instructor, Umberto Ricco, took him flying, that his feelings changed.
Photo Courtesy: (Marsha Neilson)
“In Chicago, you don’t really hear too much about people flying just like me, I didn’t know,” Horton said.
Now, this indescribable feeling he gets when he flies is fueling his dreams of becoming a cargo or commercial pilot. And he wants to set an example for other teens.
“I want to encourage teens who would be interested to learn to fly without encountering some of the socio-economic barriers typically associated with careers in aviation.”Flying is another way to open doors, and I want to inspire them to experience that,” Horton said, according to WDTN.
