BE’s Women Of Power To Honor Valerie Jarrett, Robin L. Washington, Glenda McNeal, And Melba Moore At Its 19th Annual Legacy Awards Gala

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 13, 2025

BE’s Women Of Power To Honor Valerie Jarrett, Robin L. Washington, Glenda McNeal, And Melba Moore At Its 19th Annual Legacy Awards Gala

BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit is returning to Las Vegas, March 5-8.

The BLACK ENTERPRISE Women of Power Summit is returning to Las Vegas, March 5-8. The Bellagio Hotel and Casino will host the four-day event.

The first night of the event is dedicated to the 19th annual Legacy Awards Gala. The formal affair pays tribute to Black women who have paved the way and blazed trails in business and beyond.

Glenda McNeal, chief partner officer at American Express; Melba Moore, a Tony Award winner and Grammy Award-nominated singer and actress; and Robin L. Washington, a board member of Alphabet, Honeywell International, and Salesforce, will be the evening’s Legacy Honorees.

The Legacy Honoree awards are reserved for Women of Power who have shown extreme resilience, innovation, and leadership in their respective fields.

Valerie Jarrett, chief executive officer of the Barack Obama Foundation, will receive the prestigious Barbara Graves Award. The author of Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward, Jarrett was a senior advisor to President Obama from 2009 to 2017 and continues to serve on multiple boards, including Ariel Investments.

Mellody Hobson, then-president and co-CEO of Ariel Investments, was the 2024 recipient of the Barbara Graves Award. The businesswoman was presented the award by BE CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr.

Graves expressed his deep admiration for Hobson’s work, praising her business acumen, commitment to education, and personal character.

“Through her relentless business focus, she has emerged as a leader and role model for others and has used her influence and status to make a positive impact on society, particularly by increasing financial empowerment, advancing educational opportunities, and promoting diversity,” Graves said.

Hobson graciously accepted the award. As the first Black woman to chair an S&P 500 company, her message was consistent with the summit’s theme: power. The C-suite executive is aware that her success inspires others. She recognizes that her business moves pave the way for others and understands that all women possess the same power.

“I am so honored by this,” Hobson said. “This conference, as you know, is a celebration of women of power. And it really got me thinking… early in many women’s careers, they don’t think of themselves as being powerful. They believe power, and I’m often told this or maybe felt this way myself, is derived from money, fame, or accomplishments. But I believe no matter who you are, no matter where you are, you have power. Always.”

Along with Hobson, Judy Smith, founder and president of Smith & Company, and Thasunda Duckett, CEO of TIAA, received the 2024 BE Legacy Award.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 13, 2025

‘Kitchen Wisdom’ Offers A New Guide To Romance With Old-School Advice

With Valentine's Day approaching, many are reflecting on their approaches to love

For women wanting more out of romance, a new guide will hit shelves that brings back classic, old-school advice.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, many are reflecting on their approaches to love. In her second work, integral coach and author Nokulinda Mkhize will offer readers a bout of “Kitchen Wisdom” to help women thrive in the romantic field.

In “Kitchen Wisdom: What We Hate to Hear but Need to Know About Men and Romance,” Mkhize goes back to the tried-and-true methods of finding love that were once ingrained across Diasporic communities. Mkhize’s work as a sangoma (healer) introduced her to countless women suffering from the same romantic woes, leading her to create this guide to remind women of the golden rules of dating and securing the right partner.

“This book comes from my observation as a sangoma of 17 years that many women were trying to juggle being successful modern women while wishing to find a decent and nurturing adult romantic relationship with a man,” Mkhize explained in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Mkhize continued, “Women are complaining that “amadoda awayekeki” (men are irresistible), but at the same time, modern romance is bringing them enormous pain and heartache. This confusion leads women to make terrible compromises to secure a man’s affections. Just because we are modern in our lives, does not mean our hearts are modern in their feelings.”

According to Mkhize, the modern rules of the game of love have only led to loneliness. Now, she encourages women to take back their power through old-fashioned yet timeless principles such as “Never Chase A Man” and “Do Not Do Wife Things Before You Are The Wife.”

The author added, “A lot of the advice about men that we heard in the kitchen from the women in our lives—remains true even today. They’ve spotted the patterns, learned the lessons, and emerged wiser.”

For the career woman who cannot find the perfect match that meets her ambition to the hopeless romantic who always seems to find jerks, this book aims to restore hope for those over the games. Furthermore, the novel amplifies the importance of community among women. Mkhize also emphasizes that friendship and support are critical to striking a balance in life.

Reminding women of the words of their mothers and grandmothers, “Kitchen Wisdom” is a book filled with lessons and old-school remedies to affirm oneself while finding a deserved love.

“Kitchen Wisdom” is available for pre-orders and downloadable on Amazon Kindle. For those in Johannesburg, South Africa, Mkhize is hosting a special Galentine’s date to celebrate the book’s launch.

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Nokulinda Mkhize is a sangoma—or healer—author, speaker, and mother of four. She has been practicing as an isangoma since 2008 and is an authority on African cultures, Indigenous spiritual knowledge, and cosmologies. She is also an accredited integral coach, qualified through the UCT Graduate School of Business.

Combining her experience as an isangoma, academic knowledge, creativity, and media expertise, she has shared and taught extensively on ancestral, cultural, and spiritual practices in modern professional, personal, and community contexts. This experience and expertise led to the publication of her first book, Ancestory: Ancient Lessons for Modern Life, in 2022. She pioneered the ever-evolving niche for isangoma, including using digital resources to expand the scope of practice of ubungoma, or divination.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 13, 2025

Diverse Representation Amplified Black Business In Sports During Super Bowl LIX

Leading sports companies collaborated to host Super Bowl-themed events designed to support Black-owned businesses in the sports industry.

Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana, provided an ideal backdrop for events focused on empowering Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and HBCU students in the sports industry. Diverse Representation teamed up with Fanatics and William Morris Endeavor (WME) to host a series of impactful events timed around the Super Bowl that amplified Black business endeavors within sports.

The event lineup included an exclusive executive dinner celebrating Black sports leaders and a first-of-its-kind HBCU Sports Business Pitch Competition sponsored by Amazon.

“Partnering with Diverse Representation to bring together Black sports and entertainment leaders during Super Bowl weekend was a great way for Fanatics to continue to play a significant role in building a more inclusive industry,” Fanatics Chief People Officer Toretha McGuire said in a press release.

McGuire played a key role in a private dinner on Feb. 6 that brought together top Black executives from the sports and entertainment industries to foster meaningful connections and discussions about the future of Black leadership in sports. The following day, the Diverse Representation x WME HBCU Takeover & Pitch Competition took place at Dillard University.

The half-day event was formatted to support HBCU students interested in sports by educating them through a fireside conversation with NFL star Brandon Marshall, a panel discussion with top agents from WME, and the HBCU Sports Business Pitch Competition, judged by industry leaders from the New Orleans Saints, WME, and ObsidianWorks.

“My NFL career opened doors, but my podcast has become a powerful platform, especially for connecting with this generation,” Marshall shared. “It’s a platform I’ve invested in, giving me the relatability to speak to these students about the journey they’re starting. I’m excited to be here to drop any gems I can to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs in this room.”

Visionary, an innovative B2B company revolutionizing sports and entertainment headgear with point-of-view technology, won the pitch competition. The platform allows athletes to review their performance while allowing fans to experience games from their favorite players’ perspectives.

Students at Southern University A&M founded the innovative platform to offer a fresh, results-driven approach to transforming athlete training and live sports experiences. By blending immersive tech with sports innovation, Visionary enhances fan engagement, improves team performance analytics, and opens new revenue streams for sports organizations.

RELATED CONTENT: Fanatics Fest NYC

Donald Trump. Black women, Fat Black Women, Lisa Cook

by Mitti Hicks

February 13, 2025

‘Highway Robbery’: Trump Administration Jacks $80 Million From NYC Bank Account Used To Aid Migrants

Trump administration “clawed back the full payment” to New York City from FEMA.

New York City leaders are calling the Trump administration’s move to revoke more than $80 million from the city’s bank accounts over migrants “highway robbery.” The Trump administration revoked a $80.5 million payment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Shelter and Services program on Feb. 4. New York City received the money under the Biden administration to house asylum-seekers and migrants.

“President Trump and his crony Elon Musk illegally executed a revocation of $80 million in congressionally appropriated FEMA funding from New York City’s bank accounts,” Lander said in a statement. “This highway robbery of our funds directly out of our bank account is a betrayal of everyone who calls New York City home.”

FEMA, a subagency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), administered the funds. According to Politico, a 2024 report from Lander’s office found the city spent around $156 per night on hotel rooms booked through an agreement with the Hotel Association of New York City.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the Trump administration “clawed back the full payment” to New York City from FEMA.

Noem alleges, without any evidence, that FEMA was funding the Roosevelt Hotel. She says the hotel is a “Tren de Aragua” base of operations that was also used to house Jose Ibarra. Ibarra is an undocumented migrant from Venezuela who was convicted of murdering University of Georgia student Laken Riley. Tren de Aragua is a Venezuelan gang that has been a focal point in Trump’s deportation plans.

I have clawed back the full payment that FEMA deep state activists unilaterally gave to NYC migrant hotels.

FEMA was funding the Roosevelt Hotel that serves as a Tren de Aragua base of operations and was used to house Laken Riley’s killer.

Mark my words: there will not be a…
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) February 12, 2025

“Mark my words: there will not be a single penny spent that goes against the interest and safety of the American people,” said Noem.

City Leaders Warn New York City Programs Could Be Cut

The Trump administration’s decision to revoke funding came days after Elon Musk said DOGE “discovered” it. Musk called it a “gross insubordination to the President’s executive order.”

New York City leaders say the funding could result in cuts to city services.

“We can’t recover money we already spent on shelter and services for asylum seekers,” said Lander.

“So, it would require cutting $80 million of some other city expenses.”

In addition to revoking funding, the new administration fired four FEMA employees, including the agency’s chief financial officer.

Lander is not letting the issue go and called out current mayor Eric Adams for his inaction in standing up to President Trump.

“If Mayor Adams continues to be President Trump’s pawn, my Office will request to work in partnership with the New York City Law Department to pursue aggressive legal action,” said Lander.

In the meantime, Mayor Adams says his office is conducting an investigation into how this occurred.

“Our office has already engaged with the White House about recouping these funds and we’ve requested an emergency meeting with FEMA to try and resolve the matter as quickly as possible,” Adams posted on X.

“The Corporation Counsel is already exploring various litigation options.”

by Kandiss Edwards

February 13, 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s Streams Rise 175% Due To The ‘Halftime Effect’

Kendrick Lamar performed songs from his newest album GNX and which earned him a 175% increase in Spotify streams.

Kendrick Lamar’s streams increased by 175% less than a week after his Super Bowl LIX performance, according to Spotify.

The streaming service posted the boost in sales to its Instagram account. Along with the increase in overall streams, 10 of Lamar’s songs from his setlist saw up to a 430% rise in plays.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning artist’s song increases span multiple albums, with many coming from his latest project, GNX:

“Not Like Us” +430%
“Humble” +300%
“All the Stars” (with SZA) +290%
“Man at the Garden” +260%
“DNA.” +260%
“Euphoria” +260%
“Squabble Up” +230%
“Peekaboo” (feat. AzChike) +230%
“Luther” (with SZA) +170%
“TV Off” (feat. Lefty Gunplay) +170%

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SZA, Lamar’s special guest for the performance, also saw an 80% increase in sales.

The “Halftime Effect,” as it’s called by Spotify, is a natural occurrence for performers who take the stage in front of an audience of about 150 million spectators, both in the stadium and at home. Still, Lamar’s decision to perform tracks from his newest album, released just three months earlier on Nov. 22, before his Super Bowl performance, was a risky one.

Lamar, a rapper, gambled on his ability to entertain and captivate an audience without relying on some of his most popular songs. To some, the performance was a striking critique of America’s relationship with its Black citizens, while others found it less entertaining.

Regardless of opinions, the Father Time rapper achieved his goal of bringing massive viewership numbers to the event. According to Billboard, the Samuel L. Jackson-narrated performance art piece was the most-watched in Super Bowl history. The event attracted 133.5 million viewers, slightly surpassing Michael Jackson’s 133.4 million viewers.

R&B legend Usher Raymond was the headliner for the 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show, which also made history and received a boost in sales due to the appearance.

The “Yeah” singer’s total streaming numbers rose 550%, according to Spotify. He also gained a 1,200% increase in monthly listeners on Apple Music.

Khalid Kamal, mayor, Kobi, racist, messages, investigation, south Fulton

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 13, 2025

South Fulton Mayor Loses Power, Budget, And Toys In City Council Smackdown

The mayor’s focus remains on defending his record and regaining the community’s support.

The South Fulton City Council took decisive action, voting to strip Mayor Khalid Kamau of his oversight privileges and nearly all budgetary control. The unprecedented move follows mounting allegations of unauthorized spending and questionable international trips.

In now-deleted Instagram posts that were flagged on Feb. 12, the city council posted what course of action would be taken against the seemingly doomed politician.

In a public vote, the council approved measures to revoke the mayor’s city-issued vehicle, a $1,300 drone, and a $20,000 media studio, including a $1,000 recreational pool table. Mayor Kamau has until the end of Wednesday to return the items.

Council members outlined additional directives aimed at curbing Kamau’s influence. Effective immediately:

City employees are prohibited from interacting with the mayor without explicit authorization from the City Manager. Violators face disciplinary action.
Film studio equipment will be returned to the vendor or reassigned to the Public Affairs Department.
Three Mac devices purchased for the mayor’s office will be reallocated to the IT Department.
The film and media manager position will be reclassified and reported to the City Clerk.
Locks on the mayoral suite will be changed, and Kamau’s access to all city facilities has been revoked.
The electric vehicle assigned to the mayor will be reclaimed, and a travel allowance will be reinstated until a formal policy is established.

Mayor’s Statement

Mayor Kamau, who became polarizing after his election in 2021, has accused the council of staging a “coup” against him.

“Last night’s 1 am vote was a coup by seven people to overrule the votes of thousands who chose me as Mayor,” Kamau stated Wednesday afternoon. “I am heartbroken to see us more willing to fight each other than our real enemies.”

Kamau defended his spending and international travel, claiming his efforts aimed to promote South Fulton as a hub for Black excellence and economic development.

International Trips Under Scrutiny

The mayor has been criticized for taking trips to destinations such as Colombia, Paris, and Ghana without notifying the council. The trips, which cost the city $26,000, have sparked outrage among residents and officials. Kamau insists the travel was part of his strategy to attract global investment.

“We’ve been chasing Fortune 500 companies and getting warehouses and data centers. When I started talking about South Fulton as the Blackest city in America, we received invitations from all over the world,” Kamau said.

Office Renovations and Questionable Purchases

Kamau’s expenditures extended beyond travel. Reports revealed the mayor spent $1,800 on a combination pool table and other office items. He also created a $20,000 media studio, which the council deemed unauthorized.

The city council launched an audit, citing over 100 unaccounted P-card transactions. Kamau responded by creating a website to showcase receipts and photographs from his trips, claiming transparency.

Council Pushback

Council members have been vocal in their criticism. District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis dismissed Kamau’s claims that the council was informed about his activities.

“We are not tearing you down. You took your Black behind over to Africa for 20 days and didn’t tell anybody,” Willis said during a recent meeting.

Community Reaction

South Fulton residents have had mixed reactions to the council’s actions. While some praise the council for holding the mayor accountable, others view the measures as politically motivated.

Kamau continues to defend his initiatives and plans to seek re-election. He has used public forums, including his “Mayor Mondays” events, to explain his vision for South Fulton and counter the allegations.

Looking Ahead

As the controversy unfolds, the South Fulton City Council’s decision marks a turning point in Kamau’s tenure. The council will address the issue in upcoming meetings, but Kamau’s ability to lead effectively appears increasingly compromised.

The mayor’s focus remains on defending his record and regaining the community’s support. Whether he can do so in time for the next election remains to be seen.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 13, 2025

Activists Organize Boycotts Against Retailers Who Scaled Back DEI Efforts, ‘Remind Them Who Has The Power’

Consumers are organizing boycotts in response to retailers who ended DEI efforts.

There is a growing number of organized boycotts against mega-retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon due to their rollback of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Among the boycotts gaining traction is a 24-hour economic “Blackout” planned for Friday, February 28. Created by The People’s Union, the day of economic resistance is to show that “we the people are the system,” said John Schwarz, the man behind the Instagram account @TheOneCalledJai who announced the boycott.

“For decades, they have told us that we are powerless, that we have no control, and that this system is too big, too strong, too unshakable,” Schwartz said in his Instagram video that’s received over 255,000 likes.

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“We are going to remind them who has the power. For one day, we turn it off for one day,” he explained.

“We shut it down for one day. We remind them that this country does not belong to the elite, it belongs to the people and this will work.”

Schwartz continued, “Some of you might say one day won’t make a difference, and that’s exactly what they want you to believe. “If enough of us participate, they will feel it, and if they don’t listen, we will escalate.”

After the 24-hour day of no spending, The People’s Union is following up with a week-long boycott of Amazon purchases. From March 7 through March 14, the group asks consumers to halt all spending with the mega-online retailer in response to Amazon ending its DEI initiatives.

“I’m trying to use my platform right now to organize and gather people who can see past what divides us and potentially maybe down the road legally find some way to unionize ourselves, to create a powerful voice within the system to create change,” Schwarz told USA Today.

“But for now, the economic blackout is about getting people together, up off the couch, so to speak, to do something together.”

Other boycotts include an indefinite halt to shopping at Target. After the retail giant scaled back its DEI initiatives and efforts to promote products from diverse founders, shoppers chose to buy from Black-owned businesses instead.

“Target was a beloved community that seemed to build its model around embracing diversity and being intentionally inclusive of having Black brands on the shelves, having beautiful Black History Month displays. For them to essentially bow down to the mandates of the Trump administration was unacceptable,” said Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights attorney and founder of the Racial Justice Network.

Comedian and actress Leslie Jones shared a video on her Instagram announcing a series of planned boycotts starting in February and lasting through the end of the year. The campaign begins and ends with encouraging purchases from Black-owned businesses, followed by boycotts lasting one to two months at a time against Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

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Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia urges the faith community to begin a 40-day shopping fast from Target during Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday, March 5. A website, www.targetfast.org, has been set up to provide more information.

“What we learned from the Montgomery Bus Boycott is that racist America doesn’t respond to speeches. They respond to dollars,” Bryant said.

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by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 13, 2025

Orlando Ashford Named Interim CEO Of The National Black MBA Association

By stepping out of retirement to take on this role, Ashford sets an inspiring example of leadership rooted in purpose and passion.

The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) has announced Orlando Ashford’s appointment as its Interim CEO. Ashford, a renowned C-suite executive and board director with over 30 years of experience in Fortune 500 companies, is unretiring to lead the organization with a profound dedication to its mission.

Ashford’s extensive career highlights his expertise in human resources, talent management, and organizational development, making him an ideal fit for the NBMBAA during this pivotal period. Most recently, he served as Chief People Officer at Fanatics, a global digital sports platform. There, he led efforts in talent acquisition, organizational growth, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and internal communications. He also developed the Fanatics Foundation and innovative initiatives such as the Athlete Immersion Program.

Before Fanatics, Ashford served as president of Holland America Line, where he revitalized the brand and reshaped its corporate culture. His experience spans leadership roles at Marsh & McLennan Companies, The Coca-Cola Company, and Motorola Inc., where he consistently demonstrated his ability to drive transformation and build inclusive work environments.

A Visionary Leader for a Critical Mission

“Orlando’s exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to empowering Black professionals make him the perfect leader for the NBMBAA at this important juncture,” said Leslie Coleman, NBMBAA Board Chair. “His proven track record in corporate leadership and community engagement aligns seamlessly with our mission. We are thrilled to have him onboard.”

Ashford expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing his passion for the NBMBAA’s work. “I am honored and excited to serve as Interim CEO of the NBMBAA,” he said. “This organization plays a vital role in developing future Black business leaders, and I am deeply committed to advancing its mission. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, and members to build on the NBMBAA’s strong foundation and expand opportunities for Black professionals.”

A Strategic Focus on Growth and Engagement

As Interim CEO, Ashford will provide critical strategic and operational leadership. He will also serve as the NBMBAA’s primary spokesperson, strengthen relationships with members, chapters, and corporate sponsors, and oversee the planning and execution of the NBMBAA Annual Conference and Career Fair.

The Annual Conference and Career Fair is a cornerstone event for the organization. It offers unparalleled networking opportunities, professional development sessions, and career advancement prospects for Black professionals. Ashford’s leadership is expected to enhance the event’s impact and broaden its reach.

About the National Black MBA Association

The National Black MBA Association is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) professional organization committed to fostering educational and wealth-building opportunities for Black students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. With over 11,000 active members, 40 professional chapters, and partnerships with more than 300 corporate, academic, and non-profit organizations, the NBMBAA is a driving force in creating intellectual and economic wealth within the Black community.

The association’s five programming pillars—career, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle—form the foundation of its initiatives, designed to equip Black professionals with the tools and networks they need to excel in their careers and communities.

Visit nbmbaa.org to learn more about the National Black MBA Association. For updates on events and initiatives, follow the organization on social media, such as LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

A Legacy of Leadership

Orlando Ashford’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the NBMBAA’s journey. With his proven leadership skills, strategic vision, and dedication to diversity and inclusion, Ashford is poised to steer the organization toward a new era of growth and impact. His tenure as Interim CEO underscores his belief in the transformative power of the NBMBAA’s mission to empower Black professionals and create lasting opportunities for future generations.

By stepping out of retirement to take on this role, Ashford sets an inspiring example of leadership rooted in purpose and passion, reinforcing the NBMBAA’s status as a premier organization for Black business leaders.

Construction, International, Global, Africa

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 12, 2025

Nigerian Fintech Raenest Lands $11M Investment From QED To Advance Payment To Africa’s Remote Workers

That's called giving back....

Nigeria-based fintech company Raenest recently secured an $11 million investment from QED Investors to help freelancers and remote workers receive payment across Africa, TechCrunch reports.

As workers throughout Africa are gaining employment with Big Tech firms and global startups, Raenest’s retail product, Geegpay, is tackling the challenge of making sure freelancers and remote workers get paid through multi-currency wallets, working with USD, GBP, and EUR accounts. Launched in 2022, founders Victor Alade, Sodruldeen Mustapha, and Richard Oyome initially wanted to help foreign companies pay African employees to stay compliant with local norms. Oddly enough, freelancers weren’t on their radar.

However, months in, they realized the problem was workers struggling to receive payments — not the other way around. The experienced engineers took the opportunity to address the growing pain point. “A U.S. company might not care if a payment is delayed by five days, but for someone in Nigeria or Kenya, that’s a big deal — especially when converting to local currency becomes another hurdle,” Alade said.

“Businesses started asking if they could get fixed bank accounts to simplify payments. That’s when we started thinking: How big is this opportunity? Who else is building for Africa?”

It wasn’t long before Geegpay started to become popular with freelancers and remote workers in addition to business sign-ups. The helpful tool came right on time as one U.S.-based fintech, Mercury, started to restrict business accounts from a number of countries, including African nations.

With the support of QED Investors, one of the world’s top fintech venture capital firms that has been heightening its African footprint, partner and head of Africa and the Middle East, Gbenga Ajayi, said the firm believes Raenest is the key to unlocking new opportunities for entrepreneurs. “We firmly believe that by bridging the gap between local and global markets, Raenest will unlock new opportunities for African entrepreneurs, freelancers, and businesses, ultimately driving greater economic empowerment across the continent,” Ajayi said.

Since the fintech’s initial launch, the company has processed over $1 billion in payments, according to Fixextra, which is a massive 160% increase since 2023. With 700,000 individual customers and over 300 businesses in Raenest’s portfolio, the company has plans to use the funding to grow its presence in Nigeria and Kenya, and soon launch in the United States and Egypt.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 12, 2025

Black Woman-Owned App Reveals Black History That Was Paved Over For Parking Lots

An app uncovers York, NY’s buried Black history, but its creator questions why so many former Black community hubs have been replaced by parking lots.

The Black woman behind an app dedicated to uncovering York, New York’s forgotten Black history is questioning whether the former Green Book stops were intentionally paved over to erase the town’s Black trailblazers.

Samantha Dorm launched the Paved Over Prominence project after discovering that many of York’s former Black businesses and community hubs had been replaced by parking lots. She later partnered with Andy Lynch and his company, Vision Solutions AR, to develop an app that allows users to explore York’s neighborhoods through their phone or tablet, overlaying real-time camera views with text and art that bring the area’s hidden history to life.

“I personally didn’t know this history,” Dorm told the York Daily Record.

“I started doing some research with the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery in 2019 and to learn about the accomplishments of York’s African-American community and what they were able to achieve even during the worst of times is just amazing.”

The app highlights historical Black communities in York, including two key neighborhoods: the area around North Duke and East Philadelphia streets, and the neighborhood surrounding West Princess and Beaver Streets and Pershing Avenue. The latter was once home to the former Moravian Church, which dissolved in 1905 and became the city’s only playground for Black children.

During its prime, the park hosted boxing matches, drawing crowds of 400 to 600, as reported by old articles in The Baltimore Afro-American newspaper. The Vision Solutions app features an overlay of the boxing ring that once stood in the park for these events. The park was led by Johanna “Aunt Jo” Harris, who founded York’s first Girl Scouts chapter for Black girls. Her legacy lives on with Aunt Jo Lane, a street named in her honor.

In 1938, city budget cuts led to the park’s closure the following year. Today, the site where it once stood has been replaced by a parking lot.

“Was it just that the properties were dilapidated or was there was deliberate effort to pave over sites important to the Black community?” Dorm said. “You can’t say. You have to take it with a grain of salt. What we should do is try to highlight the lives of the families who lived here and built a community.”

Dorm was familiar with York’s Black history due to her ancestors being among York’s pioneering Black families who migrated from South Carolina in search of opportunity. However, her research uncovered a broader history, revealing a once-thriving community that has since been replaced by parking lots.

“A lot of the places where prominent Black families lived, loved and worshipped are now parking lots,” she said. “That’s why we called it Paved Over Prominence.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black History Month 2025