Publisher’s Message
Earl “Skip” Cooper, II
Pubisher/Chief Executive Officer
T
his September, the Congressional Black Caucus conducted its 43rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) - the nation's premier event on legislative and policy issues impacting African-Americans in the United States. Literally thousands of attendees from across the country and around the world attended this four-day event in Washington, DC to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing black America and the Diaspora. The conference provides a forum for collaboration and policy development to take place among national, state and local leaders and their constituents through regional forums, national summits, and policy-centered conferences. The Black Business News covered this legislative call to Mecca to promote the the agenda of the black business community, as well as to continue to advocate for judicial and legislative support for the African American business development. Last month, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the "March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom", which in 1963 was culminated by Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.'s "I Had a Dream" speech. On that day, a quarter million-plus traveled to Washington, DC, to hear what Dr. King had to say. Millions more listened on television and radio. As pointed out by David Hinson, National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the title of Dr. King's original speech was “The Cancelled Check.” He also called it “The Normalcy Speech.” Dr. King chose those titles because an important part of his speech was about jobs. America, he said, was defaulting on a “promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.” He said “America has given… a bad check, a check which has come back marked ‘insufficient funds’” because of discrimination in jobs, limited job mobility, jobs that offered only minimum wages and high unemployment for the rest. There has been notable progress since he spoke those words 50 years ago. The number of AfricanAmericans living in poverty has declined 23% since 1963, and 22% fewer African-American children are living in poverty. Now, approximately three times more African-Americans are enrolled in college than in 1963, and for every
one of those who graduated college in 1963 there are now five. In the view of the Black Business News, the civil rights movement ushered in a heightened sensitivity to promoting justice through economic empowerment and entrepreneurship. However, many of the privileges and opportunities won by the tears, sweat and life's blood of those long ago are being eroded by current legislative actions. It is our firm commitment to continue to fight for the inclusion of African American business owners through any and all means legally possible. We applaud the Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles, for its continued championing of business opportunities for African Americans at its upcoming Procurement and Economic Summit in Los Angeles on November 14, 2013. At this high-profile venue for business networking and information gathering, the BBA will acknowledge one of the true trailblazers and advocates for African American business enterprise - Aubrey Stone, former President and Chief Executive of the California Black Chamber of Commerce.
3 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
About
ABOUT THE BLACK BUSINESS NEWS… The mission of The Black Business News is to inspire and inform public and private sector industry representatives on the importance of smart small business growth. As a versatile source of socioeconomic development activity, the Black Business News imparts current local, national and international industry trends related to small businesses across the United States of America (USA), detailing greater access to financial capital, management efficiencies, business education, mentors and networks. The goals of the Black Business News include: •
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Black Business News P.O. Box 43159, Los Angeles, CA 90043 323-291-7819 Fax: 323-298-5064 www.blackbusinessnews.net
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Earl “Skip” Cooper, II
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Sarah Harris • Dean L. Jones
ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR
increasing the use of business enterprises owned by USA-based blacks, by advocating for greater access to leading finance lenders and successful business managers.
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
working to merge resources, values, profits, technology throughout the public and private sectors.
PRODUCTION MANAGER
balancing major public and private sector contracting methods with positive outcomes of black-owned and operated enterprises.
LaSandra Stratton • Dean L. Jones • Linda Ware
gproviding an affirmative influence for emergn ing entrepreneurs sharing innovative design and creative cultural content that exposess d them to the history of black enterprises and excite them to participate in the USA’s future.. advocating and promoting on behalf off black-owned businesses by promoting the need for expanding an economic foundation that supports an unfettered and self-sustained urban society with USA job creation and economic opportunity, where blacks work, live and operate viable business enterprises.
WWW.BLACKBUSINESSNEWS.NET
Kim Anthony Belinda Foster Narishima Osei
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris • Phallu Morgan
STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg ▪ Jennifer Marie Hamilton
PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx ▪ Sabir • Narishima Osei
CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR La Sandra Stratton
LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2012 by Black Business News All Rights Reserved. The posting of stories, commentaries, reports, documents and links (embedded or otherwise) on this site does not in any way, shape or form, implied or otherwise, necessarily express or suggest endorsement or support of any of such posted material or parts therein.
Contents
SEPTEMBER 2013
SPECIAL SECTION… 24
Commemorating the 1963 March on Washington
12 15 19 21 23 36
President Obama attends G20 in Russia
GOVERNMENT… What the Affordable Care Act Means New Leaders for HBCU Initiative SBA/Microsoft Join to Offer Tech eLearning New Director of ATF Sworn In CBCF/ALC Conference
BUSINESS…
30
40 52 63
College Students Start Shoe Company
68 71
Capella U Offers Competency Credits
Twitter Goes Public Dickerson Acts as Agent for Covered California
PUBLIC INTEREST/COMMUNITY… Michelle Obama Asks Youth to be Change Agents
INTERNATIONAL… 78 80 81 COLUMNS 67 - Take A Look! 106 - Books to Consider... 109 - Calendar 111 - Resources ACTION ALERTS 22 - AEG Supplier Portal SPONSORS 5 - Black Business Association Cover image - Phallu Morgan
Robert Mugabe Inaugurated African Sprinters at 2013 World Games in Moscow Mali Inaugurates
New
President
82
Agribusiness as Growth Opportunity in Africa
80
7 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
Obama, Putin, Other World Leaders Discuss Syria at G20 Summit by Hui Min Neo and Stuart Williams
U
S President Barack Obama and Russia's President Vladimir Putin were Thursday set to argue out their differences on the Syria crisis over dinner at the G20 in Russia as world leaders sought to overcome a deep chasm over a US-led push for military action. President Obama prepared to argue his case for punitive strikes against Syria over the regime’s
be an “aggression” and once again demanded watertight proof of chemical weapons use. According to US intelligence, more than 1,400 people living in rebel-held suburbs of Damascus were killed in the strike, which involved the use of sarin nerve gas. Beyond convincing Russia, President Obama has a tough sell
Pleas for Washington to step back from a war path grew louder, with China, the United Nations and even the pope chiming in. In a new bid for a peaceful solution for Syria, the UN announced that its special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi was on his way to attend the summit to push for peace talks. Russia meanwhile said
President Barack Obama, left, listens as Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, speaks during the start of the G-20 Working Session at the Konstantin Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. (Photo courtesy: The Associated Press) alleged use of chemical weapons, as Russia stood firm in its fierce opposition. As tensions over the Syrian conflict threatened to torpedo the work plan of the G20, Putin made a last minute announcement for participants to air their views over dinner.
Syria’s Foreign Minister Walid Muallem would travel to Moscow on Monday, the same day the US Congress is expected to vote on proposed western military action. On the eve of the summit, Putin bluntly warned the West that any military action without UN Security Council approval would
ahead elsewhere, with China — another veto-wielding Security Council member state — having already expressed its “grave concerns” over unilateral military strikes. A political solution is the only way to end the Syria crisis, a senior see G20 Summit on page 13
12 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
G20 Summit from page 12
Chinese official said on Thursday, warning world powers to be “highly prudent” over the issue. “War cannot solve the problem in Syria,” Chinese delegation spokesman Qin Gang told reporters at the G20. Pope Francis added his voice to the calls for a peaceful solution to the Syria crisis, warning against “futile pursuit of a military solution”. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has repeatedly ruled out her country’s participation in any USled military strike against Assad’s regime, while the British parliament has also rejected the idea. EU President Herman van Rompuy said while the Damascus chemical attack was “a crime against humanity” there is “no military solution to the Syrian conflict”.
UN-Arab League envoy Brahimi is on his way to Saint Petersburg to help Secretary General Ban Kimoon push at the G20 summit for an international peace conference on Syria first proposed by the United States and Russia in May, see G20 Summit on page 14
13 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
G20 Summit the UN spokesperson said. “While the world is focused on concerns about the possible use of chemical weapons in Syria we must push even harder for
talks has languished as ties between the two world powers sank to a new post-Cold War low over deep divisions on Syria, Russia’s granting of asylum to US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden and a string of hardline Russian laws. While no formal bilateral sit-
Syria had looked imminent last week, but Obama deferred the move and is seeking congressional backing in a vote scheduled for next Monday. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday gave its backing by a 10-7 vote for the use
the International Conference on Syria to take place in Geneva,” the spokesperson quoted Ban as saying. The US-Russia push for peace
down meeting is planned between Obama and Putin, a White House official suggested there would likely be some kind of more informal conversation. International aid agency Oxfam called on the G20 to overcome their differences on Syria saying: “The timing of this G20 is critical. Leaders in St Petersburg must not let ordinary Syrians down.” Western military action against
of force. Senate leaders said the full chamber will vote next week on the motion, when Obama is expected to carry the day. The amended resolution authorises military intervention with a 90-day deadline and bars US boots on the ground for combat purposes. The House of Representatives will also begin its deliberations next week. Since British lawmakers voted down a bid for strikes against the regime, Washington has found a firm partner in France. Now in its third year, the popular uprising against the Assad regime has cost more than 100,000 lives.
from page 13
14 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
What the Affordable Care Act Means to Communities of Color By Dr. J. Nadine Gracia
R
ecently, I traveled to Oakland, California, to participate in a town hall about how the Affordable Care Act is improving health and strengthening communities especially communities of color that have long faced disparities in health and health care. As the event was coming to a close, a woman in the audience stood up and asked if she could read a letter from her daughter. Her daughter hadn't been able to attend the event, she told us, but wanted to share her story with everyone.
She had started college a few years later than most, at the age of 22. During her freshman year, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis - a devastating discovery. But there was one source of relief: thanks to the health care law's provision enabling young people to stay on their parents' health insurance until the age of 26, she was able to stay on her parents' health plan, access the treatment that she needed, and continue her studies. And even though she has since turned 26, the opening of the new Health Insurance Marketplace
President Barack Obama participates in an Affordable Care Act videoconference in the Situation Room of the White House. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
- and the law's ban on discrimination due to pre-existing conditions - will provide her with new opportunities to secure affordable coverage. The last excerpt that the woman read from her daughter's letter was directed to President Obama. Thank you, she wrote. The health care law had helped to save her life. There are many ways we can measure the impact of the Affordable Care Act - from the more than 500,000 previously uninsured African American young adults who have gained coverage from a parent's health plan, to the 10.2 million uninsured Latinos who will be eligible for coverage through the Marketplace, to the 7.3 million African Americans and 8.2 million Latinos who already had insurance but can now receive preventive services, such as diabetes and cancer screenings, at no extra cost. But perhaps the most powerful measure of the law's capacity to change lives and lift communities comes from real-life stories such as the one I heard in Oakland. Beyond the numbers and the reports, these may be the most telling testaments to what the Affordable Care Act means for our communities: security, peace of mind, the opportunity to lead a healthy life - and the freedom to pursue our dreams. o learn more about the Affordable Care Act and the Health Insurance Marketplace, visit HealthCare.gov. www.whitehouse. gov/blog/2013/08/21/ what-affordablecare-act-meanscommunities-color
15 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
SERVING THE INDUSTRY and the TRADE PIPE - VALVES - FITTINGS - METALS - TOOLS PROCESS CONTROLS - INSTRUMENTATION - WATER WORKS
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ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Government
President Obama Names Leadership for HBCU Initiative by Kevin Lewis, Director of African American Media for the White House
T
he Obama Administration recently announced a new leadership team for the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Former South Carolina State University president Dr. George E. Cooper has come on board as the Executive Director of the Initiative and Howard University's Dr. Ivory Toldson will join him as Deputy Director.
Dr. George Cooper Cooper and Toldson will work with the HBCU Board of Advisors— appointed by President Obama— serving as a bridge between the federal government and historically Black institutions of higher learning. They will also aid Secretary Arne Duncan by serving as an organ for HBCUs within the Department
of Education, helping to develop policies and provide assistance schools, students and other key stakeholders. President Obama has stated that by 2020, he wants America to again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. The HBCU initiative is intended to help increase both the number of Black graduates and help sustain the livelihood of these institutions.
Dr. Ivory Toldson Dr. Cooper is a Senior Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and is responsible for reviewing key federal legislation regarding HBCUs. As the 10th President of South Carolina State University (SCSU) he was also the chairperson of the Association of
Public and Land Grant Universities, Council of 1890 Universities (20102012). Cooper has also served as faculty at Alabama A&M University and Tuskegee University. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University, and holds a Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Illinois – Urbana. An associate professor at Howard University, Dr. Toldson also serves as senior research analyst for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and editor-in-chief of "The Journal of Negro Education." He formerly served at Southern University and A&M College and is responsible for the Breaking Barriers series for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), which analyzes success indicators for Black male schoolchildren Toldson was also the lead author of The Quest for Excellence: Supporting the Academic Success of Minority Males in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Disciplines. www.ebony.com/news-views/ obama-names-leadership-for-hbcuinitiative-304#ixzz2emOFhMn5
19 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
SBA Partners with Microsoft to Deliver Technology e-Learning Series
T
he newest resource to help small business owners more efficiently use technology to run their businesses is being provided to help grow their businesses and create jobs. The Business Technology Simplified online course series teaches the benefits of using modern technology
that can take businesses to the next level of success. “We are excited to partner with Microsoft (www.microsoft.com/ en-us) to offer online courses that will provide entrepreneurs with technology-focused tools and resources to build their businesses and create jobs,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills. “We know that technology-savvy small businesses can increase sales, expand their customer base and even attract new business opportunities through exporting.” The U.S. Small Business Administration and Microsoft developed this free online course series, available at http://www.sba. gov/sba-learning-center/series/ business-technology-simplified, as a guide to using technology to improve business productivity and creativity. “Microsoft is proud to partner
with the SBA on the Business Technology Simplified e-learning course,” said Cindy Bates, vice president of Microsoft’s U.S. Smalland-Midsize Business group. “The Business Technology Simplified course is a valuable resource that guides entrepreneurs and business owners through technology considerations for business and highlights the importance of running a business on modern technology.” Business Technology Simplified covers a range of technology related areas that are of vital significance to small business owners who want to have a competitive edge that allows them to run a business more resourcefully. The series features three online courses that cover basic technology tools from creating marketing materials and storing information to accounting upgrades and reducing hardware. Each module of the Business Technology Simplified online course series provides tips on how to use modern technology and innovation in the day-today operation of a business. B u s i n e s s owners will learn practical, relevant and easy to use approaches to save time and money,
reach more customers, and take advantage of the current business software. Some of the topics covered in the series include: • Desktop Technology Benefits • Saving Time Using Technology • Using Web-Based Services • Reaching More Customers by Extending Your Business Online, and • Managing Your Sales Pipeline The course series is self-paced and offers practical guidance on how to apply technology to help small companies build and grow. Each course offers quick access and features audio guided lessons that are indexed by topic. Course participants can test their tech know-how through quizzes after each course, and also can download an e-book of each Business Technology Simplified course for offline reading. Course participants who finish the online series will earn a certificate of completion from the SBA. Business Technology Simplified adds to SBA’s growing interactive resource of digital learning courses offered by the SBA’s Online Learning Center at www.sba.gov/training. Free courses also are offered on Starting a Business, Managing a Business, Financing, Marketing and Government Contracting. Contact Cecelia Taylor at 202401-3059. www.sba.gov/news
21 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
AEG Invites Current and Interested Supplier Partners to our
Supplier Portal, an online communication tool designed to enhance the relationship between AEG and our partners. The portal is an online and paperless tool that will provide you with: Increased visibility for AEG business opportunities Extended Company Profile in online directory Direct email updates from AEG clients and buyers Easy accounts payable information sharing Increased exposure for MBEs, WBEs, and DBEs It is important that you register your business so that we have the ability to contact you for participation in future opportunities. Suppliers seeking to initiate business with AEG are encouraged to register as well. Registration is simple and we invite you to visit our Supplier Portal at your earliest convenience:
https://supplier.aegworldwide.com
Government
Vice President Biden Swears in ATF Director
the President laid out on January 16, 2013. First, ATF is closing a loophole that has allowed machine guns and other particularly dangerous by Tobin Marcus weapons to get into the wrong hands. This loophole allows prospective buyers to license these weapons to shell corporations, which lets them bypass a required background check. ATF is proposing a rule to change that, requiring anyone associated with those corporations to go through the very same kind of background check process. Closing this loophole will make a difference—last year alone, there were more than 39,000 requests for transfers of these restricted firearms to trusts or corporations. Second, the Administration is taking action to keep military-grade guns off the streets. Since 2005, the U.S. Vice President Joe Biden ceremonially swears government has authorized in Todd Jones as Director of the Bureau of foreign governments to Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in the import more than 250,000 firearms Roosevelt Room in the White House. Also pictured military-surplus back into the United States. are Jones' wife Margaret and son Anthony. (Official Today, the Vice President White House Photo by David Lienemann) announced a new policy of ven as Congress fails to act “ATF is the key agency enforcing denying these requests to bring on common-sense proposals our gun laws, and they need a surplus military firearms back into to reduce gun violence, like permanent director in order to do the United States, with only a few expanding criminal background that and to do the job to the best exceptions such as for museums. checks and making gun trafficking of their ability.” The Vice President Today’s executive actions are a federal crime, President Obama was joined by Attorney General simple, sensible ways to make our and Vice President Biden Eric Holder and Deputy Attorney communities safer. But they are no remain committed to using all the General Jim Cole. replacement for common-sense The Vice President also legislation to reduce gun violence, tools in their power to make our communities safer. announced two new executive which we need Congress to pass. As part of that commitment, Vice actions (www.whitehouse.gov/ And as Vice President Biden said President Biden swore in B. Todd the-press-office/2013/08/29/fact- today, “If Congress won't act, we'll Jones (www.atf.gov/content/About/ sheet-new-executive-actions- fight for a new Congress.” ATF-executive-staff) as the first reduce-gun-violence), building on www.whitehouse.gov/ permanent Director of the Bureau the comprehensive gun violence blog/2013/08/29/vice-presidentof Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms reduction plan (www.whitehouse. biden-swears-atf-directorand Explosives (ATF) in seven gov/sites/default/files/docs/wh_ announces-two-new-executiveyears. As the Vice President said, now_is_the_time_full.pdf) he and actions-reduce-
E
23 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Commemorative Section
24 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
50 Years of American Heroes Remembering the 1963 March on Washington by Valerie Jarrett
Commemorative Section
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the Let Freedom Ring ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
F
ifty years ago, the heroic voice of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. rang out across our capital, our country, and the world, and called on us to become the more perfect union he believed we were destined to be. A country which endows every man, woman and child with unalienable rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These are words which we repeat so often, that their depth and relevance today can easily be missed. Any nation which pledges to honor its citizen’s right to “life” should enact and protect laws which ensure high quality and affordable access to the doctors, treatment, and preventative care we need to live full and healthy lives. Any country committed to
defending “liberty” should protect our fundamental right as Americans; the right to vote. Our liberty is dependent upon free and inclusive elections, and our ability to Congressman John Lewis ready to p e a c e f u l l y speak at the Lincoln Memorial hold our leaders accountable, while directing "the arc of the moral universe may the course of our country. Dr. King bend toward justice, but it doesn't was the first to tell us that the “arc of bend on its own." The right to “pursue happiness” the moral universe is long, but that is most secure when we put the it bends toward justice.” President Obama went further on Wednesday, education of all of our children, the March 28, 2013, to remind us all that
26 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
see Heroes on page 28
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wave to the crowd at the end of the Let Freedom Ring ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet members of the King family at the conclusion of the Let Freedom Ring ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon) 27 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Commemorative Section
Heroes from page 26
growth of our economy, the health of our businesses, the creation of jobs, and the stability of our markets ahead of self-interest, and political posturing. Every American deserves to feel the pride of a hard-earned paycheck, and the opportunity to achieve their dreams, regardless of who they are, or the zip code of their birth. As we reflect on the tremendous progress made over the past half-century, we honor those brave leaders who paved the way, and upon whose shoulders we all stand, by recognizing our responsibility to undertake the immense job still at hand. This is a time to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals on which America was founded, and to help ensure this country continues to “rise up,” as Dr. King declared 50 years ago, and “live out the true meaning of its creed.” As President Obama traced the steps of giants today, let us also remember the extraordinary things accomplished by the countless ordinary people, who President Obama often calls America’s “quiet heroes.” They are our parents and grandparents; our coworkers, classmates, and neighbors. They are the men and women in this country who have rolled up their sleeves, and laced up their work boots every day over the past five decades to move this country forward. Some who marched – others who simply took the early shift, year after year, see Heroes on page 31
Curtis Hampton of Atlanta pauses to touch the Martin Luther King Jr
Former Presidents Carter and Clinton at Lincoln Memorial with President and Mrs. Obama. Miami Herald
29 July 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Commemorative Section
50 Years Later, Our March Goes On Honorable Eric Holder, Attorney General of the United States of America August 24, 2013
I
t was an honor to speak at the National Action to Realize the Dream March this morning to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.
of equal justice under the law. He assured his fellow citizens that this goal was within reach - so long as they kept faith with one another, and maintained the courage and commitment to work toward it.
which everyone is entitled. And by speaking out - in the face of hatred and violence, in defiance of those who sought to turn them back with fire hoses, bullets, and bombs - for the dignity of a promise kept; the honor of a right redeemed; and the pursuit of a sacred truth that’s been woven through our history since this country’s earliest days: that all are created equal. Those who marched on Washington in 1963 had taken a long and difficult road - from Montgomery, to Greensboro, to Birmingham; through Selma and
Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the National Action to Realize the Dream March, August 24, 2013. (Justice Department photo by Lonnie Tague) Fifty years ago, Dr. King shared his dream with the world and described his vision for a society that offered, and delivered, the promise
And he urged them to do just that. By calling for no more - and no less - than equal justice. By standing up for the civil rights to
Tuscaloosa. They marched - in spite of animosity, oppression, and brutality - because they believed in the greatness of what this nation
30 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Commemorative Section
50 Years Later from page 30
could become and despaired of the founding promises not kept. Their focus, at that time, was the sacred and sadly unmet commitments of the American system as it applied to African Americans. As we gather today, 50 years later, their march - now our march - goes on. And our focus has broadened to include the cause of women, of Latinos, of Asian Americans, of lesbians, of gays, of people with
Heroes from page 28
so they would be home in time to cook dinner for their families before heading to a second job. Let us remember the many who have faced down violence, despair, and incredible odds, just to give their children a chance at a better life, and our country the chance to live up to its full potential.
disabilities, and of countless others across this country who still yearn for equality, opportunity, and fair treatment. We recognize that we are forever bound to one another and that we stand united by the work that lies ahead - and by the journey that still stretches before us. This morning, we affirm that this struggle must, and will, go on in the cause of our nation’s quest for justice - until every eligible American has the chance to exercise his or her right to vote, unencumbered by discriminatory
In 2013 we salute the heroes who inspired us 50 years ago, and we honor the millions more whose blood, sweat, and divine strength have served to define our nation. We honor them with our reverence, and our willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, and march on. We honor them with our urgent action to deliver all Americans the rights and opportunities they deserve. "Injustice anywhere is a threat
or unneeded procedures, rules, or practices. It must go on until our criminal justice system can ensure that all are treated equally and fairly in the eyes of the law. And it must go on until every action we take reflects our values and that which is best about us. It must go on until those now living, and generations yet to be born, can be assured the rights and opportunities that have been too long denied to too many. www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2013/08/24/50-years-laterour-march-goes
to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." -Martin Luther King Jr., 16 April 1963, Birmingham, AL www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2013/08/28/50-yearsamerican-heroes
President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the Let Freedom Ring ceremony.
Commemorative Section
(L-R) President Obama, President Carter, First Lady Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton 32 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Jamie Fox
The King Family
Oprah Winfrey
MSNBC Staff & Guests: Joy Reid, Melisha Harris Perry, Julian Bond, Rev. Barber
Elder Berniece King
Government
CBCF Holds 43rd Annual Legislative Conference
thousands of internships and fellowships as well as CBCF's more than $10 million in scholarships awarded to African-American students, CBCF has become the standard bearer of changing the landscape on Capitol Hill.
Enterprise Pavilion
T
he Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) 43rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) will
opportunities facing black America and the Diaspora. ALC provides the platform for collaboration and policy development to occur among
Members of the Congressional Black Caucus take place Sept. 18-21, 2013, at the Walter E.Washington Convention Center located at 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW, Washington, DC, 20001. Reps. Donna Edwards of Maryland and Cedric L. Richmond of Louisiana will serve as honorary co-chairs. The Annual Legislative Conference is the premier conference on legislative and policy issues impacting the AfricanAmerican community. Thousands of attendees from across the country and around the world attend this four-day conference to learn about the challenges and
international, national, state and local leaders and their constituents through regional forums, national summits, and policy-centered conferences. This year's ALC theme, It Starts With You, is a call to action to be and lead the positive change needed in public policy. ALC provides an African-American perspective on public policy with thought-provoking and educational policy forums, community education workshops and policy briefs. Coupled with CBCF's stellar Leadership Institute for Public Service (LIPS), which has provided
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) will unveil its new Enterprise Pavilion at the Exhibit Showcase, during the Foundations 43rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). The Exhibit Showcase is designed to provide educational, health and business related opportunities for ALC attendees, said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer for CBCF. "This year, our new Enterprise Pavilion will include a job fair, and information regarding how to secure federal and private contracts. We know that small businesses fuel our economy. The procurement portion has been added to increase the value of the Exhibit Hall experience for entrepreneurs and small business owners, she said. The ALC Exhibit Showcase will feature nearly 200 exhibitors including corporations, government and nonprofit organizations, small businesses and a marketplace. Close to 10,000 are expected to visit the Showcase on Sept. 19 from noon - 7:00 p.m.; Sept. 20 from 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Sept. 21 from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
Other ALC Events
36 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Government
CBCF/ALC from page 37
Nearly 70 forums, panels and braintrusts will take place during this year's ALC. The detailed ALC program schedule may be viewed or downloaded at www.www.www. www. Some of the highlights of the 43rd annual conference will be: • Iyanla Vanzant, host of the Oprah Winfrey Network’s “Iyanla: Fix My Life” reality television show, will serve as keynote speaker during the Annual Legislative Conference Networking Luncheon. • Rep. Emanuel Cleaver and Shaquille O'Neal will host "A Study of Drinking Behaviors and Attitudes among AfricanAmerican College Students", noon-2 p.m., Sept. 18. • The National Town Hall meeting, "From Poverty to Prosperity: Confronting Violence, Restoring Opportunity, and Investing in our Youth" will address the impact of poverty, juvenile justice and gun violence • The Congressional Black Caucus Spouses will recognize the contributions of two icons in the arts, 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18, during the 17th Annual Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. • Emerging Leaders Series during the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) includes
panels and networking opportunities targeted to young adults. Emerging leaders will have the opportunity to meet and engage with other passionate young leaders and advocates working to highlight the issues of the global African-American community and Diaspora. • Bloggers Row, powered by USTelecom Association, is a special section designed to provide a custom workspace for Bloggers. It will be located in the L Street Lobby South of the Convention Center. Approved bloggers will receive free password-accessible internet service, beverages and access to VIPs for interviews. • The conference will also include the much heralded Phoenix Awards Dinner fundraiser, the inspirational Prayer Breakfast, featuring gospel recording artists, including Marvin Sapp, who will
deliver the morning message, and a community outreach project in volunteering at Thrive D.C., a philanthropic organization dedicated to homelessness and providing vulnerable individuals a comprehensive range of services to help stabilize their lives. “We encourage everyone, be they political figures, leaders in industry and non-profit organizations, celebrities eager to lend their voices to a cause, or citizens with a desire to obtain information to uplift their communities, to come together to exchange ideas and create solutions to the unique issues facing African Americans today,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer for CBCF. “The goal of ALC is to find workable solutions to help stimulate our economy, end health disparities and improve education.”
37 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
www.cbcfinc.org
Business
Morehouse College Students ‘Step’ Up Their Game with Footwear Business By Bridget McCrea
A
s a student at the prominent Henry W. Grady High School in Atlanta, Thabiti Stephens had some friends who came to class in fancy cars while for others, school lunch was the day’s only real meal. That wealth inequality bothered Stephens at a young age and stuck with him once he entered Morehouse College, where he is currently majoring in business marketing. “I knew that I wanted to start a
company that focused on giving back,” Stephens recalls. Today, the college junior is the CEO of Steps by Stephens L.L.C. (stepsbystephens.com), an affordable shoe company that produces unisex leather and canvas shoes. “We design, manufacture, and retail our shoes—the whole nine yards. We oversee every step,” Stephens says. Stephens first came up with the
idea in 2010, a week after high school ended. He spent much of that summer mapping out the business, designing the shoes, and researching manufacturing options. Stephens incorporated the business in late 2011 and began selling shoes six months later. He came up with $25,000 in startup funding, which was gleaned from his own savings and that of his new business partner and college see Apps Aid Success on page 41
40 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Steps by Stephens
willing to work with an untested startup was the first obstacle. from page 40 “There aren’t many manufacturers in the U.S. and those that are here roommate, Malcolm Conner, 20. were priced substantially higher than They used the startup capital to those overseas,” says Stephens, produce, market, and distribute who interviewed about 200 companies before deciding on his current producer. To find that manufacturer, Stephens turned to Alibaba. com, an outsourcing site that connects businesspeople with manufacturers across various industries. Pricing was another challenge for Stephens, who had to strike a balance between affordability, profitability, and philanthropy. He studied price points and the footwear industry as a whole—in which brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour generate $48 billion in annual revenues—to come up with his shoes’ $60 price tag, including shipping and handling. Most of Steps by Stephens’ sales have been Malcolm Conner and Thabiti Stephens online and design and retail unisex canvas and leather transacted involved customers such shoes as Julian McMillan, a fellow Morehouse College student, who their footwear, carrying an initial took an interest in the shoes when inventory of 2,500 shoes. he saw Stephens sketching out The company sold an average of prototypes for them back in 2011. 55 pairs a month, or 330 total, the Collaborating with local HBCUs second half of 2012, generating and other colleges and universities, about $20,000 in revenues. Steps by Stephens will participate “In the first two months of 2013, we were averaging 108.5 sales a month, (selling from the initial 2,500 inventory) resulting in a little more than $13,000 in revenues,” Stephens says. To date, the company has donated $4,000 to local homeless shelters. Stephens, 20, is quick to point out his entrepreneurial mission was fraught with challenges. Finding a footwear manufacturer that was
in a number of events and activities, potentially reaching an audience of 10,000 students, to help further expose the brand. “We are working with a few record labels in Atlanta that have agreed to incorporate Steps by Stephens into their artists’ wardrobes,” says Stephens. Also, “we have received support from local news and radio stations.” Living on very little sleep, Conner and Stephens admit that they will have to add to their stable of human resources to achieve the firm’s sales and philanthropic goals. There are times, for example, when they conduct business calls with the firm’s overseas manufacturer at 3 a.m., and then have to wake up for class three and a half hours later. Last year, Steps by Stephens broke even. Both Stephens and Conner predict sales to surpass $100,000 for 2013. As Steps by Stephens works through growing pains, the firm will continue to roll out new options such as a children’s line and a wider selection of colors. “We’re also working to get our products into local boutiques and other retail outlets,” says Stephens, “all in the name of expanding brand awareness and growing sales that will equate to more food donations and charitable contributions.” www.blackenterprise.com/smallbusiness/steps-by-stephensexplodes-in-atlanta-college
41 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
RIO 2016 OLYMPIC COMMITTEE Partnership & Contract Opportunities For a list of current Rio 2016 Olympic Sponsors visit: http://rio2016.com/en/organising-committee/partners
Your American Contact: joel.Reynoso@trade.gov
For information on the Games visit http://export.gov/brazil/games/index.asp
Cyber Monday is December 2nd:
What are you waiting for?
For information on participating in or supporting the Voting Rights Act restoration movement visit these and other organization websites: • 50th Anniversary March on Washington - http://50thanniversarymarchonwashington.com.
• National Action Network - http://nationalactionnetwork.net/mow/
• NAACP - www.naacp.org
• National Urban League - http://nul.iamempowered.com
• Rainbow/PUSH Coalition - www.rainbowpush.org
• Project Vote - www.projectvote.org Planning ahead is the key to a profitable Cyber Monday. So, we've compiled some important tips to help you make sure your business is prepared for the holiday rush. Plus, to help maximize conversions this shopping season, we're offering up to 20% off our highest level of protection, 2-year Secure Site Pro with Extended Validation SSL certificates. Learn more at www.Symantec.com. Best wishes on a successful holiday season!
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http://trayvonmartinfoundation.org
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Business
G20 Leaders Suggest Entrepreneurship Education to Combat Youth Unemployment By Mark Marich
T
he G20 Leaders Summit concluded recently in St. Petersburg, Russia, producing a 27-page G20 Leaders' Declaration (http://en.g20russia. ru/load/782795034) document that outlines a plan for strong and sustained global economic growth. Weak growth in the aftermath of the global recession and persistently high unemployment—especially among youth—were at the top of the list of challenges. "Creating more productive and better quality jobs is at the heart of our countries’ policies aimed at achieving strong sustainable and balanced growth, poverty reduction and increasing social cohesion. We agree that strong and supportive macroeconomic, trade, investment, and labour market policies, sustainable public finance, a sound and well-regulated financial system, and resilient and effective social protection systems are the foundation for sustainable job-creating economic growth." The declaration highlights several priorities to facilitate job creation, including "pro-growth structural reforms in product and labour markets" and tailored strategies "developing school and university curricula that support entrepreneurship." In addition to the declaration, the summit produced a number of supporting documents, including the St. Petersburg Action Plan (www.g20.org/ news/20130906/782776427.
G20 Leader's Declarartion September 2013 (excerpts) Invest in our people’s skills, quality education and life-long learning programs to give them skill portability and better prospects, to facilitate mobility and enhance employability. Human Resource Development: Launch of a global public-private knowledge sharing platform on skills for employment and the development of national actions plans on skills for employment in LICs and of a database on skills indicators. Promoting youth employment is a global priority. We are committed to quality apprenticeship and vocational training programmes, finding innovative ways to encourage firms to hire youth for example by, where appropriate, reducing non-wage labour costs, moving towards early intervention measures and effective job-search assistance for different groups of youth, and motivating youth entrepreneurship and business start-ups. Tailored strategies including youth guarantee approaches, developing school and university curricula that support entrepreneurship, and facilitating exchange of best practices among the G20 countries and the social partners are crucial in this respect.
html) and a number of papers on transparency, anti-corruption, financial reform and more. http://entrepreneurship.org/en/ Blogs/Policy-Forum-Blog/2013/
September/G20-Leaders-SuggestEntrepreneurship-Education-toCombat-Youth-Unemployment. aspx
44 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
The Journey of the Creoles Seeking Their Promiseland The theme reflects the migration of the Creoles and their patches of cultural trails throughout Southwest Louisiana Mission: Our Heritage is our Future: Preserve. Promote. Protect. The ADHT Foundation seeks to establish heritage trails linking Diaspora traditions in Africa, North, South and Central America, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, and Canada by developing a network of collaborators, who identify, build, finance, promote and market cultural heritage destinations. ADHT destinations will foster sustainable economic development, provide inspiring educational experiences, produce quality cultural products that expose visitors to authentic African Diaspora history and culture, and motivate local populations to become active participants in the preservation and dissemination of their history and culture. The ADHT annual conference creates a unique and inspiring learning environment for all committed to the development of African Diaspora heritage destinations. From all parts of the globe, visitors and locals gather to explore trends, experience cultural expression, participate in professional development sessions, examine model heritage trail programs and enjoy establishing viable international networks. This prestigious international conference began in Bermuda, and the commitment and vision have been endorsed by the UNESCO Slave Route Project, the Africa Travel Association, the Smithsonian Partnership and International Programs Division, the Caribbean Tourism Organization, and a wide assortment of organizations involved with cultural tourism, cultural preservation and academic research. This year marks the first time the conference will convene in the United States, and we are thrilled to be hosting it in Louisiana. The mission of the 2013 conference at the Hilton Lafayette is, Our Heritage, Our Future: Preserve. Promote. Protect. PRESERVE: How to identify and maintain various tangible and intangible artifacts that represent African culture: dances, folklore, fine art, literature, oral traditions and history, etc. PROMOTE: How to create economic initiatives and tourism strategies that capitalize on cultural and historical assets while returning the benefits directly to communities and persons of African descent. PROTECT: How persons and communities of African descent can maintain their distinct heritage and culture, and the role governments and institutions should play in this endeavor. Thank you for in advance for considering our invitation to attend this historical conference in Lafayette, Louisiana, USA.
Business
Verizon is joining forces with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and a number of other businesses and community organizations to help promote safe driving through
It Can Wait. http://itcanwait.com
Cause to Celebrate!
The Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council awards
Peoples Choice Staffing Class III 2013 Supplier of the Year Award! MOBILE BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY Download the App Add your Business Information Be found by new & old clients
DO IT TODAY! http://aroundthewayapp.com
47 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Grow With A crowdfunding platform for projects and ideas benefiting the African-American community. www.blackstartup.com
48 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Twitter to go Public Quickly and Quietly By Zachary M. Seward
T
he confidential IPO filing actually happened a few weeks ago, according to someone who was briefed on the process. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has nearly completed its review of the document, which means Twitter could make it public within the next few weeks, much sooner than would ordinarily be expected. That’s just one of many ways Twitter intends to exploit a new law, called the JOBS Act (http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumpstart_ Our_Business_Startups_Act), in order to take the company public in atypical fashion. Twitter’s hope is to avoid its IPO turning into an overhyped
debacle like some other technology companies. Facebook’s IPO, in particular, is seen by Twitter executives as a cautionary tale, the source said.
Going public, with all its scrutiny, regulation, and financial pressure, is rarely painless for high-profile firms. Twitter’s strategy is to rip the bandage off as fast as possible. Having concluded that the time is right for an IPO, the company is likely to speed toward its first day of trading as quickly as the law and practicality will allow. While no date has been set, the plan is to get it done in 2013. Twitter’s speedy intentions were reported earlier by Fortune’s Dan Primack.
The pre-”Road Show” Once Twitter makes its IPO filing public, it has to wait three weeks before launching a “road show” for big institutional investors and hedge funds that might invest in the
company. But Twitter doesn’t intend to wait a day longer than it has to before going on the road, and won’t spend a long time pitching itself, according to the person briefed on
its plans. The road show is typically the last big step before pricing the IPO and finally selling shares. Part of the reason Twitter can speed up the timeline is that, in a certain sense, its road show has already begun. The JOBS Act allows qualifying companies to “test the waters” regarding an IPO by talking to large investors and gauging their interest. Usually, that kind of chatter is strictly forbidden. Twitter has been taking advantage of the new law to feel out hedge funds and institutional investors that could buy large stakes in the IPO, the source said, showing them financial statements and other information that the rest of the public will see later. There is talk, that Twitter could price its shares between $26 and $ 2 8 , valuing the company at $14 billion. Twitter was valued last month at $10.5 billion by one of its investors, the publicly traded GSV Capital. It’s a good time for Twitter to be gauging interest and racing toward an IPO. Technology, particularly see Apps Aid Success on page 53
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Business
Twitter IPO from page 52
social media, stocks have been surging of late. Facebook is up 88% over the past three months and hit an all-time high yesterday. But the run-up could also generate undue
enthusiasm for Twitter’s public offering, driving the valuation into unrealistic territory, all the more reason for speeding up the process.
Selective disclosure It’s also why Twitter is handling its IPO filing in stealth mode. Under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, a company like Twitter can keep its IPO filing secret for a time while government regulators scrutinize it and provide feedback. That allows the firm to iron out its disclosures and accounting methods in private without rattling investors or drawing scrutiny from the press. It’s like getting feedback from your teacher on an essay before it’s due. What Twitter wants to avoid is a public revision to its IPO filing, known as an S-1, that would call attention to a weakness in the company. That’s what happened to Zynga and Groupon in 2011, when the SEC questioned how each company counted its money.
And last year, Facebook tripped up its IPO with a belated disclosure about mobile advertising, which then came to be thought of as the company’s Achille’s heel. An S-1 is supposed to provide potential investors with an honest assessment of the company that’s going public. It’s usually the first
time that people get to see financial statements and other details about the firm, which can be used to evaluate if the stock is worth buying. But the JOBS Act allows Twitter to include less information in its S-1 than was previously required of all companies heading toward an IPO. Twitter can decide to reveal only two years of audited financial statements, instead of the customary three. It could also omit details about executive compensation. Holding back such information would be risky, possibly raising eyebrows among investors and analysts, and it’s not clear whether Twitter has done so.
Not quite “emerging growth” One risk Twitter deemed worthwhile was invoking the JOBS Act in the first place. The law, which went into effect in April 2012, is controversial—not just according to me. It was largely written by venture capitalists who said the bill would generate jobs, but it hasn’t. Instead, the JOBS Act has allowed lots of shell companies and even a Goldman Sachs subsidiary to avoid regulation under a law ostensibly meant for small businesses. Twitter, too, is hardly the poster child of an “emerging growth company,” the law’s term for qualifying companies with less than $1 billion in annual revenue. Though it is hardly the first technology company to use the JOBS Act, it is certainly the most prominent, and it may turn out to be the highest-valued. Not many people seem to mind the path Twitter has chosen; instead, we are mostly bemused by the notion of a secret IPO. But sentiment can change quickly and fiercely when a prominent company is going public. Which is all the more reason why Twitter wants to get this thing done as fast as it can. http://qz.com/124005
53 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
C3 2013 Summit Commercial Service American Business Exchange Pavilion President Bill Clinton, Keynote Speaker Union League Club New York, NY October 07, 2013 SUMMIT HIGHLIGHTS: www.lssassociates.com/Files/PdfDocs/C3-Prospectus-FINAL.pdf
Registration: www.C3Summit.eventbrite.com C3 Summit 2013 in its 2nd year to promote Commerce, Community and Collaboration will host President Bill Clinton as the Keynote and in partnership with the Commercial Service, will conduct an American Business Exchange Pavilion. U.S. companies will have an opportunity to exhibit at the Summit and have international business-to-business matchmaking opportunities, provided by Commercial Service, with American and Middle East companies interested in doing business in the Middle East and North Africa markets as well as FDI in the U.S. This is one of New York’s most prestigious international business-to-business networking events. Exhibition space is readily accessible to SMEs interested in doing business in the Middle East region and provides a unique opportunity to have access to this growing market in a truly business venue. Showcase your company to an expected audience of more than 465 company representatives to meet other ideally matched prospects of participating Exhibitors and Sponsors (in addition to networking with more than 400 Plenary attendees). Last year more than 400 participants attended C3 Summit 2012 in NY with more than 35 countries (including 10 Arab nations) represented. Don’t miss out—limited exhibit and sponsorships available. Meet potential partners, agents, distributors and buyers; and close business deals. For more information contact: RanselPotter@copara.com or Tanya. Cole@trade.gov
Quote of Note... “But I tell you, one of the biggest bright spots in our economy has been exports,” President Obama said, “the fact that "Made in America" means something and has provided a boost to our domestic economy, and has reminded the world just how competitive we are.” President Barack H. Obama
55 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
NEW BUSINESS LAUNCHED JANUARY, 2013
ͳͲ Ǥ ǡ ʹͲͳ͵ǡ ǡ ȋ ȌǤ Ǥ Ǧ ǡ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ͵Ͳ Ǥ ǡ ǡ Ǯ ǯ Ǧ Ǥ Ǧ Ǧ Ǥ Ǥ Ǧ Business Startup Services and Business Growth Services. Business Startup Services ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǧ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Business Growth Services Ǧ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ǡ ǡ ̵ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ ǡ ̵ Ǥ ǣ Ǥ Ǥ ǣ ̷ Ǥ Ǥ ȋ ȌǤ ʹͲͲͲǡ ǡ ǡ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥ Ǥ Ǧ Ǥ ͵Ͳ Ǥ ǡ Ǥ Ǥ ǡ ʹͲͲ͵Ǥ ȋ Ȍ ͻͲͲ ȋ Ȍ Ǥ
56 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
FOR
September 11th
OR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION
Diana Price and Associates is a consulting firm that works with companies to transform relationships with their customers by developing customized programs that deliver exceptional, sustainable and referable customer service experiences.
Who We Are • We teach companies how to treat and serve others • We make customer service relevant at every level of the organization • We show companies and their employees how to learn to love the next customer interaction • We elevate service, making it mission critical to the functioning of the business
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The Result • We teach companies how to make serving their customers central to their corporate cultures, and
in turn have that central focus also serve them as a successful and profitable business strategy. Diana Price & Associates provides a refreshing approach to creating exceptional customer experiences, operational assessments, human resources training, communication strategy, team retreats, culture and vision planning and customized consulting. Explore how we can help you get your customer interactions and employee engagement right and keep you moving forward.
Converting Business Pressure Points into Sustainable Customer Solutions • Service Leadership and Communication Strategy (coaching, training) • Customer Service Culture Sculpting and Vision Planning • Human Resources Training & Consulting • Career Development • Community Relations • Certifications • Keynote Speaking
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59 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
The Financial State Within the Black Communities By Zachary M. Seward
The Power of Dreams and Vision
W
ith more than 25 million people unemployed and the actual unemployment rate of Blacks in America over 40 percent, blacks can't wait for the nation’s economy to turn around and produce more jobs if Blacks have a chance of survival. What’s the plan? I’m only asking because begging for white jobs hasn't worked in the last few decades, where the black unemployment rate is perpetually double the rate for whites. The challenge to Black people is to build and control their own community markets. Economic Action Step #1: Construct Vertical Businesses. Create your own Economy and Abundant Living There are other reasons that a home-based Empower Network business is extremely attractive, especially compared to a traditional business: • Almost No Risk. You can create a business and generate business without having to develop a product or create marketing/sales materials. You don’t have to store inventory. You don’t have to ship. You don’t have to figure out payroll or hire employees.
Plexus’ corporate leaders provide all of that for you—we support you in every way. • Extremely Low Start-Up Costs. While a traditional business may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to start, it will only cost you a few hundred dollars to start your Plexus home business. • Impressive Residual Income.
As you build your organization, you are compensated for your growth through long-term, residual income that can be earned for years and years. And there are various other bonuses you’ll be eligible for as you build your business. Add these all up, and this income can be lifechanging. • Flexibility. Whether you’re a parttime mom or work a normal “day job” doesn’t matter—it’s up to you how much time and effort you put into your Plexus business. And you decide when you work. • Time Leveraging of Others. The efforts of your organization see Apps Aid Success on page 61
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Business
Financial State from page 60
(downline) benefit you—the more you train and work with them, the more it benefits you as they succeed. • Tax Benefits. Running your own Plexus business can substantially lower your tax burden by allowing for various deductions, including office expenses, vehicle costs, business travel, insurance costs and many others. • Top Business Leaders Embrace Network Marketing. Business icons such as Warren Buffett, Robert Kiyosaki, Donald
Trump and Stephen Covey have endorsed network marketing as a viable and effective business model. • Network Marketing Thrives in a Down Economy. Numerous business experts praise the potential of network marketing. And the industry is proven to grow even in depressed economies. As part of that industry, your Plexus business can enjoy growth and expansion while other industries flounder. • Freedom of Choices. In a Plexus home business, you are your own boss. As a result of your efforts you are afforded more choices
and control in your life. True leaders don't create followers ... they create more leaders. Are you one? MySocialEmpire.Net/BlackMoney Social Media Strategist / International Marketing Consultant Join The Movement ! We're Marketing Hope ... 3940 Tirana Way Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 www.LinkedIn.Com/lbusseynvegas Ph# 1-888-888-9802 ext. 58821 Ph# 702-365-7760
61 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Series Annual Conference “Harnessing the African Diaspora in Building Capacity in Africa” September 16 - 21, 2013 • Washington, DC Hosted By Constituency for Africa (CFA) DISCUSSION TOPICS • Briefing on the African Union Diaspora Legacy Projects • African Union Forum The Next 50 Years Advocating for Africa and the Special Guest: Diaspora Sierra Leone’s President • Women on the Move - Women s Empowerment Forum His Excellency • Call to Action to Invest in Africa s Girls and Women Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma • Improving the Image of Africa in the United States and in the Diaspora • Africa Trade and Investment Caucus: Doing Business with Africa Beyond AGOA • Africa Society at the World Bank Africa Roundtable Venue: Meeting Room at the World Bank • Town Hall Meeting on Africa • Conversation with the new Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs • Strategies for the American Association of Blacks in Energy and the Constituency for Africa to Engage in Africa to Promote Sustainable Energy Development and Partnerships with Diaspora • Strategies for the National Bar Association and the Constituency for Africa to Engage Africa Around Democracy, Governance, Economic Development and the Rule of Law • Congressional Black Caucus Foreign Affairs Braintrust; Convener: Congresswoman Karen Bass (D-CA) • Inter-Faith Roundtable on Africa SOCIAL EVENTS • AAUC Welcome Reception • Ronald H. Brown Awards Luncheon • VIP African Leadership Reception (free for paid RHB participants) $25.00 for Non Paid Participants • African Leadership Awards Reception • CFA Network Reception REGISTRATION INFORMATION www.eventbrite.com/register?orderid=183038086845&client_token=cb153a2bdcad4a949289bc49baa4a9 10&eid=6695728103
62 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Dickerson now an Agent for the "Small Group Employer Market"
A
mong the several thousand insurance brokers licensed to do business in the state of California, one insurance agency stands out above the crowd: Dickerson Employee Benefits. A general insurance agency founded more than 40 years ago, Dickerson Employee Benefits is currently positioned to play a pivotal role in one of the largest business and healthcare legislative acts in the past fifty years.
elected to the BBA board over a number of years. Dickerson Employee Benefits has emerged from a family-owned and operated company to the largest AfricanAmerican insurance agency in California. Headquartered in their own building near downtown Los Angeles, Dickerson has a staff of over 50 individuals speaking more than ten languages. Recently it was announced that Dickerson Employee Benefits will act as one of four general agents for the "small group employer market" for Covered California. Covered California, created in response to passage of the historic Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and often referred to as Obamacare, is the state’s marketplace for the federal ACA. Covered California is charged with creating a new health insurance marketplace in which small businesses can get access to affordable health insurance plans. Covered California's Small Business Health Options Carl Dickerson, Founder Program (SHOP) health Dickerson Employee Benefits insurance plans will be available to small businesses Founder Carl Dickerson employing 50 or fewer eligible has accomplished a long and workers when Covered California distinguished career as an launches its marketplace on Oct. 1, entrepreneur, making particular 2013. As one of the general agents inroads on behalf of African- for SHOP, Dickerson will provide American businesses in the product and sales training to the state of California. Mr. Dickerson broader insurance agent market, served as president of the Black specifically Southern California. Business Association (BBA) Dickerson Employee Benefits will in 1992, as well as having been also aggregate benefit and rate
information for multiple issuers and products in SHOP. Additionally, Dickerson's team will supply quotes for Covered California's products, recruit agents to promote enrollment in SHOP, and convert paper applications to an electronic format. On behalf of everyone at the Black Business News, we applaud Carl Dickerson on having been awarded this important contract by Covered California. For more information on Covered California and Dickerson Employee Benefits, please visit the website at http://www.dickerson-group. com.
63 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Business
Technology:
Take a Look! by LaSandra Stratton Check out what these firms and organizations have to offer for your personal interests, personal wealth building, and business expansion opportunities. www.mindblownlabs.com Mindblown Labs (MBL) is an education technology company that creates highly-engaging, mobile social games to help teens and young adults develop financial literacy and other 21st century skills. Our mission is to utilize gaming principles to inspire learn-
ing anytime, anywhere. Our first game is focused on financial literacy. Financial illiteracy leads to poor life decisions and, ultimately, poor life outcomes. Our team is passionate about building awesome games that are both addictive and educational. We are multi-disciplinary and have expertise in game development, informal learning, and personal finance. The first product, Mindblown Life, is a mobile, social game that combines life-simulation elements and edgy humor to help young
adults develop money management and financial literacy skills. Look for Mindblown Life on your iPad now and later on Android. http://booklikes.com/?lang=en BookLikes isn't a catalog of books, it is a place where you can create your own blog, follow authors and bloggers, earn money from your blog posts through book sales, and get free or discounted books. BookLikes helps people share their reading life and discover new books. It's a blog platform designed for book lovers. You may discover great books by exploring blogs and let others discover best books thank to your book reviews. Writing reviews was never so easy, fast and engaging - connect your review with a single book or whole book series. Find book inspirations, recommend and suggest great reads by “liking” and “reblogging” your favorite book reviews. Gather all your reading experiences in one place and share your reading life. http://tether.com Tether is an application that allows you to have full Internet access on your laptop anywhere using your smartphone's data plan. No more WiFi hotspots, extra data plans or costly Air Cards! Tether is an application that just runs directly on your smartphone. This means you can access the internet anywhere, just like you could with an air card. Even if you're stuck in the middle of no where with no available wifi hotspots, Tether will work through your cell phone's data plan.
At Tether we pride ourselves on being the easiest solution. All you need to do is run Tether on your smartphone and on your c o m p u t e r, establish a connection and you're good to go. Up and running in 5 minutes. No fumbling with settings or configurations! In addition to being the easiest solution, we pride ourselves on being the fastest solution out there. Tether has been used on carriers all over the world. You can travel country to country without worrying how to set it up depending on the new carrier network you may be roaming on. Tether is currently compatible on the BlackBerry, Android & iPhone platforms. The computer component can run on either any Mac or Windows computer. www.openculture.com Open Culture brings together high-quality cultural & educational media for the worldwide lifelong learning community. This great amount of intelligent audio and video is all free, all enriching but
scattered across the web, and not easy to find. Our whole mission is to centralize this content, curate it, and give you access to this high quality content - free. Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.
67 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
Capella U Gets Sign-Off on Federal Funds for Competency Credits By Dian Schaffhauser
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apella University (www. capella.edu) has received sign-off from the United States Department of Education (www.ed.gov) to allow students in two of its degree programs to receive federal financial aid in order to pursue "competency-based" credits in lieu of Carnegie units. Under the new format a student could earn a bachelor's degree in as little as two years or a master's degree in a year. The university, which delivers online education, said in statement that its FlexPath (www.capella.edu/online-learning/ flexpath) program was the first to receive approval under "Dear Colleague" guidance (http://ifap. ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN1310.htm) set out earlier this year by the federal government. The degrees approved for the new form of credit are Capella's bachelor's degree in business administration and its master's degree in general business administration. Each course in the program has a set of assessments designed around specific skills. For example, a business course assessment might require the student to draft a project proposal, including building a business case, forecasting a budget, and forming a team. Faculty members review the work and provide "substantive feedback" within 48 hours, the institution said. Whereas the standard route to earning a bachelor's degree at Capella involves weekly assignments and course activities and faculty lead students in
discussions, the FlexPath option has everything due by the end of the quarter and the student works independently. And whereas the traditional Capella program restricts courseload to three courses per quarter, there's no limit under the FlexPath option. Typically, Capella charges tuition per credit or course. The FlexPath approach charges a flat rate of $8,000 per quarter. In a scenario on the Web site, a student who has 45 general
education transfer credits might undertake four courses per quarter and complete the bachelor's degree in 1.5 years for a total tuition of
$12,000. The university said its average tuition on the standard path is nearly $46,000. "Programs like FlexPath, that measure learning instead of time, represent an enormous opportunity for higher education," said President Scott Kinney. "Students will be able to move through
a degree program at a pace determined by their ability to learn see Capella U on page 69
68 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
Capella U. from page 68
and demonstrate competencies in real-world applications, rather than a pre-determined and uniform time designation. This has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of a college degree while maintaining quality and integrity of the degree." The university developed an online assessment that candidates can take to determine whether they'd succeed with self-paced learning. Many of the questions attempt to uncover how much student interaction the candidate needs and how self-directed he or she is. In its March guidance the Department of Ed laid out requirements for receiving permission to use the competency-
based approach for students receiving federal financial aid. Institutions must apply for approval from the department, supplying details about how equivalencies will be established, and they must show that their accrediting agencies have reviewed and approved the programs as well. Examples of direct assessment measures cited by the department include projects, papers, exams, presentations, performances, and portfolios. However, the Dear Colleague letter also laid out exceptions to direct assessment: • Courses required for teaching credentials; • Programs at foreign schools; and • Preparatory coursework required for entry into an eligible program. "Competency-based approaches to education have the potential
for assuring the quality and extent of learning, shortening the time to degree/certificate completion, developing stackable credentials that ease student transitions between school and work, and reducing the overall cost of education for both career-technical and degree programs," the Department wrote in its guidance, adding that it planned "to encourage the use of this innovative approach when appropriate" and "to gather information to inform future policy regarding competency-based education." Capella said it would start enrolling new students in the FlexPath programs in October 2013. http://campustechnology.com/ Articles/2013/08/13/Capella-U-GetsSign-Off-on-Federal-Funds-forCompetency-Credits.aspx?Page=1
Civil Rights Activist Fred Davis, who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., paid $6,000 for this billboard. Davis believes men who sag their pants portray an image of crime and poor education. 69 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
Lowell Observatory's Putnam Wants to Name Asteroid for Trayvon Martin By Eric Betz Sun Staff Reporter
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lbert Einstein. George Takei. Jerry Garcia. All of those men and many others have had an asteroid named after them. And if William Lowell Putnam III, trustee of Lowell Observatory, has his way, another name will be added to that list: Trayvon Martin. The retired broadcast executive, believes that Martin has not received justice. On Oct. 2, 2000, Lowell Observatory astronomers found the asteroid 2000 TM61. It was just one of hundreds that observatory’s researchers discovered as part of their search for Near Earth Asteroids. The minor planet was placed into a catalog and forgotten until shortly after Martin, 17, was fatally shot in Sanford, Fla. The unarmed teen’s death sparked nationwide protests and renewed the race debate in America. It also sparked disgust with Putnam. “As I see it, the social fairness showed to Trayvon Martin was very sadly lacking,” he said. “Inasmuch as I am the sole trustee of an institution which has some naming privileges, I want to do my share to see that this lad is remembered in an appropriate manner.” Following George Zimmerman’s murder indictment, Putnam had astronomer Edward Bowell, a near-Earth asteroid and comet expert, submit the suggested name. The citation for asteroid 2000 TM61 reads: “Named in memory of Trayvon Martin (1995-2012), a student at
Dr. Michael M. Krop High School in Miami, Florida. Unarmed, he was fatally shot in Sanford, Florida, during an altercation with the neighborhood watch coordinator.”
NOMINATION ‘PREMATURE’ It was rejected by the Minor Planet Center, which together with the International Astronomical Union, decides what to name astronomical bodies. The agency said the name was “premature,” but didn’t elaborate on a cause. But now Putnam is renewing his effort in light of the jury’s acquittal earlier this summer. His hope is that the agency will no longer see his request as premature.
COMBATING SOCIAL INJUSTICE But the Lowell family has a legacy of combating social injustices against African Americans. The family came from great wealth in New England, which Putnam’s Uncle, Percival Lowell, used to found the observatory in Flagstaff. The founder’s trust still helps carry the institution to this day. And after Percival died, his younger brother, A. Lawrence Lowell, sought to help continue that astronomy legacy in Flagstaff by paying for the Pluto dome. As president of Harvard University, Lawrence argued that black and white students deserved the same access to an education. Lawrence is known as the creator of the modern system of majors in college and reformed Harvard to accept people of all classes, despite his own high-societal standing.
Putnam remembers spending summers at his great uncle’s home on Cape Cod, where education was a frequent topic of discussion. He says that after his parents received an unexpected trust from Lawrence, they set out to find a way to use the funds to honor the man. His mother Caroline established a scholarship for black Roman Catholic students. She hired a secretary and traveled across the United States and abroad to lobby Roman Catholics to help send black Americans to college. Her efforts were a huge success. “My parents, mostly my mother, spent the last half of her long life (100 years) raising money to put black folk through college or grad school, on the assumption that education was the key to assimilation and thus economic and social fairness,” Putnam said. “It appears that she was right, and her list of graduates included judges, bishops and many leading citizens.” Putnam believes his family would be proud of the effort to name an asteroid Trayvon. “I’ve got the privilege of getting this named for him. I think it’s my job. It’s my duty and my parents would be grateful,” he said. http://azdailysun.com/news/local/ lowell-observatory-s-putnam-wantsto-name-asteroid-for-trayvon/ article_a85daba8-15f1-11e3-a5df001a4bcf887a.html
70 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
We're Counting on You to be the Next Agents of Change by Kori Schulman
First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks at a screening of "The Powerbroker: Whitney Young's Fight for Civil Rights," in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium. Mrs. Obama was introduced by Whitney Young's niece Bonnie Boswell, left, who wrote and produced the documentary. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)
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day before celebrating the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington, the First Lady invited local students to the White House to watch “The Powerbroker: Whitney Young’s Fight for Civil Rights,” a film that chronicles the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. "What this documentary shows us is that there are so many unsung heroes in our history whose impact
we still feel today," said Mrs. Obama. During her remarks, the First Lady shared one of her favorite quotes by Young: It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared. "How are you going to be the agents of change for the next generation?" the First Lady asked. "We’re counting on you all to be
ready to take the helm and be the next agents of change, because there is still a lot of work to do." The First Lady has a personal connection to the civil rights leader. In 1981, Michelle Robinson graduated from the Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago. www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/08/29/ first-lady-michelle-obama-werecounting-you-be-next-agents-change
71 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Community/Public Interest
NASA Study
"House Plants Clean Air"
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he Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and NASA have announced the findings of a 2-year study that suggest a sophisticated pollution-absorbing device: the common indoor plant may provide a natural way of helping combat “SICK BUILDING SYNDROME”. Research into the use of biological processes as a means of solving environmental problems, both on Earth and in space habitats, has been carried out for many years by Dr. Bill Wolverton, formerly a senior research scientist at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Miss. Based on preliminary evaluations of the use of common indoor plants for indoor air purification and revitalization, ALCA joined NASA to fund a study using about a dozen popular varieties of ornamental plants to determine their effectiveness in removing several key pollutants associated with indoor air pollution. NASA research on indoor plants has found that living plants are so efficient at absorbing contaminants in the air that some will be launched into space as part of the biological life support system aboard future orbiting space stations. While more research is needed, Wolverton says the study has shown that common indoor landscaping plants can remove certain pollutants from the indoor environment. “We feel that future results will provide an even stronger argument that common indoor landscaping plants can be a very effective part of a system used to provide pollution
fan with a potted plant. The roots of the plant grow right in the carbon and slowly degrade the chemicals absorbed there,” Wolverton explains. NASA Study shows common plants help reduce indoor air pollution…. NASA research has consistently shown that living, green and flowering plants can remove several toxic chemicals from the air in building interiors. You can use plants in your home or office to improve the quality of the air to make it a more pleasant place to live and work – where people feel
free homes and work places, ” he concludes. Each plant type was placed in sealed, Plexiglas chambers in which chemicals were injected. Philodendron, spider plant and the golden pothos were labeled the most effective in removing formaldehyde molecules. Flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums TOP 10 plants most effective in were rated removing: Formaldehyde, Benzene, superior in removing benzene and Carbon Monoxide from the air from the chamber • Bamboo Palm – Chamaedorea atmosphere. Other good performers Seifritzii are Dracaena • Chinese Evergreen - Aglaonema Massangeana, Modestum Spathiphyllum, • English Ivy Hedera Helix and Golden Pothos. “Plants • Gerbera Daisy Gerbera Jamesonii take substances • Janet Craig - Dracaena “Janet out of the air Craig” through the tiny • Marginata - Dracaena Marginata openings in their leaves,” Wolverton • Mass cane/Corn Plant - Dracaena said. “But Massangeana research in our • Mother-in-Law’s Tongue laboratories has determined that Sansevieria Laurentii plant leaves, roots • Pot Mum – Chrysantheium and soil bacteria morifolium are all important • Peace Lily - Spathiphyllum in removing trace levels of toxic • Warneckii - Dracaena “Warneckii” vapors”. “Combining nature with technology can increase the effectiveness of plants better, perform better, any enjoy life in removing air pollutants,” he said. more. www.zone10.com/nasa-study“A living air cleaner is created by house-plants-clean-air.html combining activated carbon and a
72 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
The Economic Turn Around in the USA is in Our Hands •Buy Products Made or Assembled in the USA •Hire One New Employee •Eat an Extra Meal Out Each Week •Start/Grow a Business to Generate Wealth & Jobs
Buy Black Save Black Invest Black 73 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Southern California Edison Serves Formal Notice of Dispute to Mitsubishi over Defective Steam Generators (RSGs) at SONGS Southern California Edison (SCE) has served a formal Notice of Dispute on Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Mitsubishi Nuclear Energy Systems (together, “Mitsubishi”) which seeks to hold Mitsubishi accountable for designing and manufacturing defective Replacement Steam Generators (RSGs) at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS). “Our action is about making sure that Mitsubishi takes responsibility for providing the defective steam generators that led to the closing of SONGS,” said Ron Litzinger, president of SCE. Although Mitsubishi warranted the generators would operate reliably for 20 years, SCE was required to take SONGS offline in January 2012 when one of the Mitsubishi RSGs experienced a radioactive coolant leak after less than a year of operation. Although its contract with SCE required Mitsubishi to repair the RSGs “with due diligence and dispatch,” SCE’s Notice of Dispute alleges that Mitsubishi failed to do so. Facing continued uncertainty about restoring SONGS to service at any level of power, SCE permanently retired the plant as of June 2013. SCE alleges that Mitsubishi, as designer and manufacturer of the faulty RSGs, is responsible for the enormous harm its failures have caused to California ratepayers, SCE, and the other SONGS owners. When SCE contracted with Mitsubishi to replace the SONGS steam generators, it did so to extend the life of SONGS so that the plant could continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to over 1.4 million homes in Southern California. However, SCE’s Notice of Dispute claims that Mitsubishi seriously breached the Contract, totally and fundamentally failing to deliver what it promised. SCE alleges that Mitsubishi grossly failed to appropriately model the thermal hydraulic conditions in the RSGs and is alleged to have failed to design tube support structures capable of withstanding the extreme thermal hydraulic conditions within the RSGs. As a result, the RSGs experienced damaging flow-induced vibration that caused several types of excessive tube wear. The tube-to-tube wear was so advanced in one of the four identically-designed RSGs that it caused a radioactive coolant leak, which SCE was able to address by promptly and safely shutting the plant down. The Notice of Dispute claims that for over 16 months, SCE has asked Mitsubishi to make things right, but Mitsubishi failed to live up to its contractual obligations. SCE invoiced Mitsubishi for the money SCE was forced to spend investigating and attempting to repair the RSGs, but SCE claims that Mitsubishi has refused to even acknowledge responsibility for any of these costs, even after receiving thousands of pages of documents in support. SCE further claims that Mitsubishi additionally refused to submit to a contractually mandated audit of the documents regarding its work on the RSGs, hindering a transparent look into what went wrong with Mitsubishi’s steam generators, and why. The Notice of Dispute also alleges that SCE asked Mitsubishi to provide a repair or replacement plan that eliminated the risk that these serious problems would reoccur, but after more than 16 months and despite the contract’s requirement that it provide repairs “with due diligence and dispatch.” Mitsubishi provided only “conceptual” proposals--for example, one proposal would have required workers to perform first-of-a-kind repairs in radioactive, confined areas as narrow as18 inches, with specialty tools that did not yet exist. Ultimately, with no reliable timeline for generating power at SONGS, SCE determined that the prudent course of action was to end the uncertainty for its ratepayers and the company and permanently retire SONGS as of June 2013. Such an early retirement is exactly what the Steam Generator Replacement Project was designed to avoid. SCE’s notice formally initiates a 90-day dispute resolution process under the Contract. If that process is unsuccessful, then SCE intends to initiate binding arbitration against Mitsubishi, as the designer and manufacturer of the faulty RSGs, to recover damages Mitsubishi has caused. In the Notice of Dispute, SCE argues that limitations on Mitsubishi’s liability set forth in the Contract do not apply because of contractual exceptions and because of provisions of California law. Mitsubishi, like the manufacturer of a “lemon” automobile, was unable to fix the defects in its product because they were so fundamental and pervasive. In this circumstance, SCE claims that the limitations are not enforceable, and Mitsubishi is therefore responsible for the full measure of damages incurred by SCE, the other SONGS owners and their customers. A copy of the Notice of Dispute is available here: http://www.edison.com/files/NoticeOfDispute.pdf. About Southern California Edison: An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 4.9 million customer accounts in a 50,000-square-mile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California. FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION CONTACT: Maureen Brown (626) 302-2255
California Black Chamber of Commerce Founder Aubrey Stone to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award (LOS ANGELES, CA) The Black Business Association (BBA), headquartered in Los Angeles, recently announced that Aubrey Stone, Founder and Chairman of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during the BBA’s 10th Annual Procurement Exchange Summit and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the L.A. Hotel (a Hyatt Hotel) 333 South Figueroa Street, in downtown Los Angeles, CA; The Summit is being chaired by Southern California Edison, , Co-Supporters of the event includes Wells Fargo Bank, Verizon, Comerica, US Bank, Sempra Energy Utilities, METRO, Western Petroleum Association and Golden State Water Company, The Honorary Event Committee includes Mike Peevey, President of the California Public Utilities Commission; Maxine Water, Congresswoman ; Karen Bass, Congresswoman; Victor Parker, Los Angeles District Director of the Small Business Administration; Rod Wright, California State Senator; Steven Bradford, California Assemblyman; Holly Mitchell, California Assemblywoman; Jerome Horton, Chairman of the State Board of Equalization; Herb Wesson, President Los Angeles City Council; Curren Price, Councilman; and Mike Davis, Commissioner of City of Los Angeles, Board of Public Works. Mr. Stone is receiving the BBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award because he has
been a mentor, a teacher, a motivator, but most of all a leader, dedicated to economic development and the growth of African-American-owned businesses in the state of California and throughout the nation. The Awards Luncheon will also recognize other outstanding entrepreneurs and individuals including:
National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. Registration will begin at 8:30 am and the day will conclude at 3:30pm. For participation, sponsorship or registration inIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW WKH %%$ RIÂżFes at 323. 291.9334 or email to: mail@ bbala.org. For additional information, visit our website at www.bbala.org.
• Ronda Jackson, Owner – DÊcor Interior Design, Inc. (Outstanding Entrepreneur Award) Contact: Patricia Basquez • Clarence Scott, President and CEO – 323.291.9334 | mail@bbala.org Brandon Supply Company (Outstanding Member of the Year Award) • Catherine Clark, US Small Business Administration, Lead, 8(a) Business Opportunity Specialist Small Business AdPLQLVWUDWLRQ /RV $QJHOHV 'LVWULFW 2I¿FH (Special Recognition Award) • Joe & Evelyn Curtiss – Word of Life Christian Bookstore (Community Based Business of the Year Award) This Summit will bring more than 500 minority owned businesses together to network with purchasers from utility companies, communication companies, ¿QDQFLDO LQVWLWXWLRQV PDMRU FRUSRUDWLRQV and government agencies, several City and State agencies and public authorities, will feature one-on-one contract procurement matchmaking opportunities along with workshops providing valuable business resources for the growth and development of their business. The Summit is presented in recognition of
75 ď‚ą September 2013 ď‚ą Black Business News ď‚ą www.blackbbusinessnews.net ď‚ą 1-323-291-7819
a publication of African Leadership (UK) Limited invites you to register today for one, some or all the events listed below using each event's contact information, as listed.
Specialized Masterclass Training on Strategy & Leadership Development 2 - 6 September 2013 in London, United Kingdom The Masterclass training, uniquely designed for Chief Executives, Senior management and directors of public and private sector organizations, shall feature some of UK's best management consultants. Inquire via email at: info@africanleadership.co.uk.
Africa - Europe Trade & Investment Conference 10 - 11 September 2013, London, United Kingdom This business conference shall be concluded with the 5th edition of the African Business Leadership Awards ceremony presented to Africa's leading business and policy leaders.One of our last year award recipients, HE Xavier Luc Duval, the Minister of Finance and Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, and Nigerian Governor of Zamfara state, HE Abdul Aziz Yari are expected to deliver the keynotes. For more information or to register, contact kingsley@africanleadership.co.uk via e-mail.
The Ghana Leadership Awards 14 September 2013, Accra, Ghana Celebrating Ghana's outstanding political and economic players. For registration and more information on this event, email sam@africanleadership.co.uk.
2nd Women's Leadership Development Training 16 - 21 September 2013 in Mombasa, Kenya This Centre for Economic and Leadership Development (CELD) event is specifically designed for senior and intermediate - level women leaders from both private and public organizations by CELD, an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations (UN) ECOSOC. For more information inquire via email to info@celdng.org.
The US - Africa Trade, Investment & Exchange Forum 25 - 26 September 2013, in New York, USA Being held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly. For registration and more information contact editor@africanleadership.co.uk.
African Leadership Global Events and those of her sister organizations, always take place at luxury 5-star venues around the world, and are attended by A-List guests from governments, Business and International Organizations seeking to build partnerships, create connections and networking. Our events shine the spotlight on Africa and her key political and economic players, and businesses. Therefore, take advantage of amazing early bird discounts by registering today for one, some or all the events listed by contacting each event's contact persons.
Join us for a two day summit on one of Africa’s fastest growing economies Africa’s recent economic surge is fueling optimism about the continent’s prospects and positioning it in the minds of many investors and businesses as a significant opportunity. Blessed with a wealth of natural resources and a large, young and growing population, many economies in Africa are enjoying rates of growth and development that are the envy of the emerging world. While sections of the continent still face steep challenges, Ghana is well placed to benefit from the forces of beneficial change in the region. • Strong and sustained growth in recent years - with the country benefiting from high global commodity prices and continued political stability • A youthful and better educated workforce, with half of the population under 20 • The emergence of a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs. Ghana has one of the most developed telecommunications sectors in Africa, with mobile phone penetration surpassing the 100% barrier • A concerted effort by the government to attract foreign investment and improve ease of doing business
However, Ghana faces serious challenges too. Its economy remains vulnerable to external factors— in particular the risk of a slowdown in China, the global commodity cycle and high inflation. The Ghana Investment Summit will openly explore the risks and opportunities—tensions and compromises—that are facing this thriving global African economy. It will bring together over 150 leaders from government, business and finance who are invested or otherwise interested in Ghana’s future. Register you interest today: http://response.economistconferences.co.uk/cemea-register-interest. 77 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
President Mugabe Slams West, Commends Rivals During Inauguration By Nkosana Dlamini
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eteran leader Robert Mugabe has been sworn-in as president of Zimbabwe for the next five years in a ceremony attended by a handful of African leaders. The ceremony was held at the giant National Sports Stadium before a crowded gallery, which greeted the veteran leader with wild cheers when he entered the giant sports facility accompanied by his wife, Grace. Mugabe was taken through his swearing-in rituals - his seventh since becoming Zimbabwe's founding leader in 1980 - by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku in a ceremony that was broadcast live on national television. In his inaugural speech that lasted more than an hour, Mugabe lashed out at Western governments that have refused to accept the outcome of the July 31st poll, which saw him garner 61% of the presidential vote. "SADC, Comesa, the African Union, the ACP, the United Nations as well as many nations of good will have praised the elections here," Mugabe said. "We welcome this positive spirit, this encouragement which should see us do even better, move forward faster as a nation. But like in all elections, there will always be bad losers, real spoilers, it is a price we pay for electoral democracy, isn't it? "Indeed an inevitable phase in our growth as a people where the democratic practice, where such a grousing stance remains non antagonistic, where it expresses
itself within the four corners of the however superior or powerful they law. It must be tolerated as part may imagine themselves to be, can of the Democratic tussles, part of override that right, let alone take it from them. It is our inherent right, electoral adjustments. "For those old western countries we fought for it when it was lost who happen to hold a different we won it through our own blood, negative view of our electoral we keep it for us and posterity, we process and outcome, well there is not much we can do about them. We dismiss them as the vile ones whose moral turpitude we must mould. "They are entitled to their views for as long as they recognise that the majority of our people e n d o r s e d the electoral o u t c o m e . Indeed for as long as they recognise that no Zimbabwean law was offended against Robert Mugabe is sworn in as and for us that is president for the 7th term. Photo: all that matters. New Zimbabwe "After all Zimbabwean elections are meant reserve it forever as an expression for Zimbabwean voting citizens; of our sovereignty as a free people. "Today we tell those dissenting after all Zimbabwean democracy is meant for the people of Zimbabwe nations that the days of colonialism who must within certain periods go and neo-colonialism have gone and to the polls to choose and install a gone forever. Today it is Britain government of their choice "It is their and her dominions of Australia and sole prerogative and no outsiders see Mugabe Inauguration on page 79
78 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Innternational
Mugabe Inauguration from page 78
Canada who dare tell us that our elections were not fair and credible. "Today it is America and her illegal elections with all that past of enslaving us, it is America that dares raise a censorious voice over our affairs and says our elections were not fair, were not credible, yes today it is these Anglo-Saxon who dare contradict Africa's verdict over elections in Zimbabwe, an African country. But who are they we ask?
Whoever gave them the gift of seeing better than all of us?" The US has ruled out lifting its sanctions while the UK said it wanted an independent audit to investigate "allegations of election irregularities". The EU also "serious concerns" about the conduct of the
elections and said it would take this into consideration when reviewing its sanctions against the country. But Mugabe insisted that said the flawless conduct of the July 31 elections left countries hostile to his government with no excuse for maintaining the sanctions which he blames for the country's economic problems. "Yesterday the pretext for imposing those sanctions was to do with a deficit of democracy here. Today we ask those culprit nations what their excuse is. What is it now? Whose interests are those sanctions meant to serve?" The veteran leader extended an olive branch to his former partners in the inclusive government. "I owe nothing but praise and respect to my GPA era partners who are also my fellow countrymen. I am referring to former Prime Minister Morgan Richard Ts v a n g i r a i , f o r m e r Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara and much later Professor Welshman Ncube," Mugabe said, adding that their collaboration as an inclusive government helped produce the country's first ever postindependence constitution. "We have worked together initially compelled by GPA protocol, we
found each other and proceeded to produce the current constitution but it was the constitution to help us mould the way of life we have chosen for ourselves on this our land, our country together and for as long as our nation subsists, so will elections and the opportunities they offer also subsist. "Our own destiny bids us to work together never at cross purposes, we will be having competitions, having winners and losers but we are not competing, we shall never be competing to be Zimbabweans. No, that was a fight we fought and that was the gift that our country gave us, that we shall all we the citizens of this country be Zimbabweans." African leaders present were President Joseph Kabila of DRC, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, Armando Guebuza of Mozambique, and Swaziland Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini. Zambian leader Michael Sata was represented by his deputy Guy Scott while former South African leader and now Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe stood in for President Jacob Zuma. Former Presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin Mkapa both from Tanzania, Dr Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, Sam Nujoma (Namibia), Sir Quett Ketumile Masire and Festus Mogae both from Botswana also attended the inauguration. But, and as expected, the two MDC formations boycotted the ceremony, which was however attended by Mutambara. http://allafrica.com/ stories/201308221564.html?aa_ source=mf-hdlns
79 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
African Sprinters Star During 2013 World Games in Moscow from allAfrica.com
F
or the first time in the history of the Sprint, two Africans shared the podium at the World Athletics Championship. Murielle Ahouré wrote Ivorian sports history by winning a second
25 minutes and 44 seconds. "I am delighted I was able to defend my title successfully," Kiplagat said. "I got confident I was going to win at the 40-kilometre mark when I upped my pace."
Blessing Okagbare
Kenyans Win Steeplechase Ezekiel Kemboi dominated the 300m race in 8min 06s 01. He beat his compatriot Kipruto Conseslus whose time was 8min 06s 37. A Frenchman of Algerian origin M a h i e d i n e
Murielle Ahouré medal within five days. After her win in the 100m, Ahouré recurred on Friday in the 200m. She arrived second in the race behind the untouchable Jamaican Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce. Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare ranked third in the race, a second medal for Okagbare who ended Nigeria's 14-year wait for a World Championship medal of any colour by winning the silver medal in the women's long jump with 6.99m.
Moscow. The London 2012 gold winner replicated his heroics on the Moscow course he said was "perfect" ahead of the triumphant Saturday race. He clocked 2:09:01, beating three Ethiopians to the finish line. The Ethiopian team was no exception to the rule. Through the applications their tactics runners won two gold medals -
Edna Kiplagat
Kenya Marathoner Makes History
Mekhissi-Benabbad finished third with a time of 08min 07s 86.
Kenyan marathoner Edna Kiplagat became the first woman to win a second consecutive gold medal at the World Athletics Championships on August 10th, AFP reported. Kiplagat, 33, finished in 2 hours,
Ugandan Marathoner Wins Again Ugandan marathoner Stephen Kiprotich has beaten all to win gold in the marathon of the World Athletics Championships in
Tirunesh Dibaba & Meseret Defar Tirunesh Dibaba in the 10,000 and Meseret Defar in the 5,000.
80 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
http://allafrica.com
Innternational
New Mali President Keita Sworn Into Office By Baba Ahmed/Associated Press
M
ali's new president I b r a h i m Boubacar Keita took the oath of office recently, promising to help unify the country after a rebellion, a coup and an Islamic insurgency plunged what was one of West Africa's most stable democracies into near ruin. Keita emerged as the overwhelming victor of the first election held since mutinous soldiers overthrew longtime President Amadou Toumani Toure in March 2012. In the aftermath, alMali's new president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, is sworn in at an official ceremony in Qaida-linked jihadists Bamako, Mali, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013. Keita took the oath of office Wednesday, seized power across promising to help unify the country after a rebellion, a coup and an Islamic insurgency northern Mali and plunged the long democratic nation into near ruin.(AP Photo / Harouna Traore) were only ousted by a French-led military offensive earlier this year. even before those results were said. After taking the oath of office in While he officially became Mali's announced. front of an enormous Malian flag, president on Wednesday, an Many voters said they thought Keita thanked the international inauguration celebration is to take Keita was best equipped from community for its support in place on Sept. 19. World leaders, an initial field of 28 candidates to retaking the north from the hands of including French President reunite the nation after more than a extremists and vowed to prioritize Francois Hollande, are expected year of turmoil. Once he names his national unity. government, though, he will have to take part. "I swear before God and the Mali's constitution requires that only two months to resume talks Malian people to loyally protect the swearing-in ceremony takes with the northern Tuareg rebel group the republican regime, to fulfill my place two weeks after official results known as the National Movement functions in the best interest of the are released. for the Liberation of the Azawad, people, to preserve democratic Keita won Mali's Aug. 11 the name they call their homeland. gains, to protect national unity, the presidential runoff with 77.6 In addition to the simmering independence of the homeland percent of the vote. His opponent, rebellion in the north, Keita also and Mali's territorial integrity," Keita Soumaila Cisse, conceded defeat see President Keita on page 82 81 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Innternational
Growing Africa: Unlocking the Potential of Agribusiness Report from World Bank
food to feed its families, export its surplus crops, while safeguarding the continent’s environment.”
Agribusiness: Strong Growth Opportunities Due to a combination of population growth, rising incomes
A
frica’s farmers and agribusinesses could create a trillion-dollar food market by 2030 if they can expand their access to more capital, electricity, better technology and irrigated land to grow high-value nutritious foods, and if African governments can work more closely with agribusinesses to feed the region’s fast-growing urban population, according to a new World Bank report. According to the Growing Africa: Unlocking the Potential of Agribusiness (http:// reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/ resources/Growing%20Africa%20 Unlocking%20the%20Potential%20 of%20Agribusiness.pdf) report,
Africa’s food systems, currently valued at US$313 billion a year from agriculture, could triple if governments and business leaders radically rethink their policies and support to agriculture, farmers, and agribusinesses, which together account for nearly 50% of Africa’s economic activity. “The time has come for making African agriculture and agribusiness a catalyst for ending poverty,” says Makhtar Diop, World Bank Vice President for Africa Region. “We cannot overstate the importance of
agriculture to Africa’s determination to maintain and boost its high growth rates, create more jobs, significantly reduce poverty, and grow enough cheap, nutritious
and urbanization, strong demand is driving global food and agricultural prices higher. Supply issues – slowing yield growth of major see Growing Africa on page 83
President Keita from page 81
faces the tasks of tackling corruption and ethnic tensions, and rebuilding the country's economy. And even as he tries to move past Mali's coup era, there are lingering ghosts: The coup leader Amadou
Sanogo was recently promoted from captain to four-star general, making him the highest-ranking military official even after the recent democratic election. "After a deeply troubling period, Mali stands at a crossroads," said Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher at Human Rights
Watch. "President Keita's actions or inactions - could usher in greater respect for human rights or a return to the problems that caused Mali's near-collapse last year." www.chicagodefender.com/index. php/news/world/23723-new-malipresident-keita-sworn-into-office
82 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
Growing Africa from page 82
food crops, slowdown in research spending, land degradation and water scarcity issues, and a changing climate all mean that prices will remain high. In this new market climate, Africa has great potential for expanding its food and agricultural exports. Africa holds almost 50% of the world’s uncultivated land which is suited for growing food crops, comprising as many as 450 million hectares that are not forested, protected, or densely populated. Africa uses less than 2% of its renewable water sources, compared to a world average of five percent. Its harvests routinely yield far less than their potential and, for mainstay food crops such as maize the yield gap is as wide as 60 to 80%. Post-harvest losses run 15 to 20% for cereals and are higher for perishable products due to poor storage and other farm infrastructure. African countries can tap into booming markets in rice, maize, soybeans, sugar, palm oil, biofuel and feedstock and emerge as major exporters of these commodities on world markets similar to the successes scored by Latin America and Southeast Asia. The report cautions that even as land will be needed for some agribusiness investments, such acquisitions can threaten people’s livelihoods and create local opposition unless land purchases or leases are conducted according to ethical and socially responsible standards, including recognizing local users’ rights, thorough consultations with local communities, and fair market-rate compensation for land acquired. “Improving Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors means higher incomes and more jobs.
It also allows Africa to compete globally. Today, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand each export more food products than all of sub-Saharan Africa combined.
Value Chains are Essential Rice: Africa has become a major consumer and importer of rice, and Africans import half the rice they eat and pay top dollar for it, $3.5 billion per year and more. Ghana and Senegal are significant importers. Senegal is competitive among its neighbors, but it is held back by the difficulty farmers have in accessing land, capital, finance for irrigation expansion and appropriate crop varieties. Ghana produces fewer varieties of rice than Senegal, but at significantly higher cost, and levies 40% tariffs and other charges on imports. Poor grain quality, cleanliness and packaging are major deterrents for consumers constraining the sector’s performance. Maize: A food staple for many Africans, maize is grown on 25 million hectares or 14% of cropped land. In Zambia where people eat on average 133 kilograms of cereals a year, maize provides half the calories in their diets. Zambia is competitive when importing maize but fails on exports. High transport costs, higher labor costs and lower yields combine to increase costs by one-third compared to Thailand, a major international producer of rainfed maize. The report argues that Zambia’s future competitiveness depends on raising yields, reducing costs, and removing disincentives for the private sector in markets and trade.
In addition, the study reviewed value chains for cocoa in Ghana and dairy and green beans in Kenya. “African farmers and businesses must be empowered through good policies, increased public and private investments and strong public-private partnerships,” says Gaiv Tata, World Bank Director for Financial and Private Sector Development in Africa.
Solutions Agriculture and agribusiness should be at the top of the development and business agenda in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report calls for strong leadership and commitment for both public and private sectors. As comparators, the report cites case studies from Uruguay, Indonesia and Malaysia. For success, engaging with strategic “good practice” investors is critical, as is the strengthening of safeguards, land administration systems, and screening investments for sustainable growth. http://reliefweb.int/report/world/ growing-africa-unlocking-potentialagribusiness
83 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
AFRICA TRADE LINK AND EXPO September 24-28, 2014
Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa Why Become an Exhibitor? • Showcase and expand your business to Africa • Meet African businesses and government leaders • Locate partners and prospective clients • Receive firsthand market information • Customized one-on-one meetings with business contacts • USA Embassy briefings • Enter or expand your presence in the African market • Enter or expand your presence in the world market • Increase export • Increase sales • Gain the understanding needed for success in the largest and most sophisticated industrial and services sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Why Africa? • Major Market Opportunities • Africa’s consumer base increasing • Ample opportunity for exporters/investors
Why Kenya, East Africa? Kenya is: • The gateway to Sub-Saharan Africa • A country of 39 million people • Rich in culture and natural heritage • Rich in resources, such as oil, gas, minerals etc. • A pro-business environment • Is exhibiting remarkable macroeconomic stability • A logical and attractive choice for companies to enter Sub-Saharan Africa
What Are the Best Prospect Markets? • Capital goods • Consumer products • Services Agricultural equipment Energy-efficiency technology Education Labor force development Aviation Franchising Safety/security equipment Mining equipment Information technology. Cost:
$4,999 for Booth/Stall (1/2 page advertising included) $500 per hour for seminars $1,000 for advertising (if not exhibiting)
Apply Now, Space Is Limited: www.africatradelinkandexpo.com Date of Expo: September 24–28, 2014 Venue: Kenyatta International Conference Center, Nairobi, Kenya, East Africa Application Deadline: June, 30, 2014 For More Information: Africa Trade Link and Expo, 2025 Chicago Avenue, A6, Riverside, CA 92507. Telephone: (909) 648-3537 Email:africatradelinkandexpo@yahoo.com Note: Expenses for travel, lodging, most meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant.
84 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
International
Aitec Africa’s Conferences
Empowering Africa’s ICT Community with Knowledge http://aitecafrica.com
Internationl
Intelligent City in Qatar - We are looking for an ICT consulting company that has the expertise to advice on the framework that provides integration for the following systems: •Building Systems (eg Fire and Life, BMS) •Building Lighting •Car Park Management System •Waste Management System (Envac) •Customer Information Portal •Customer Services Portal (including payment service) •Electronic Amenities •CAEMS (Computer Aided Estate Management Systems) •Energy Smart Metering (Electricity, Water, Cooling, Hot Water, Gas) Thank you in advance for your leads. Sincerely, Natalia Hernandez, Commercial Assistant Bobby Hines, International Trade Specialist Embassy of the United States 444 S. Flower ST, 37th Floor Doha, Qatar Los Angeles, CA 90071 Tel. +974-4496-6730 Mob. +974-3347-6342 213-894-4231 Fax 213-894-8789 Fax. +974-4488-4163 Bobby.hines@trade.gov Web site: export.gov/Qatar Work week: Sunday -Thursday
www.nigeriaalternativeenergyexpo.org
IT
Internationl
One Africa:
Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too!
J
oin with and support the United Africa Organization’s campaign to petition the U.S. Department of State to include the whole African continent under its Bureau of African Affairs.
Why? The State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, led by Assistant Secretary Johnnie Carson, currently excludes Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Western Sahara from its agenda. Instead, the aforementioned countries are grouped with the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, together with Iran, Iraq, Israel and others. This artificial distinction between North Africa and the rest of Africa
negatively impacts US foreign policy relations throughout the entire continent of Africa. We unequivocally reject the argument that North African countries are outside the scope of African affairs. North Africa is geographically and historically part of the African continent, and all fifty-three (53) independent African states, including North African countries, are represented in the African Union (AU). It would be far more productive for the State Department to engage with the entire continent of Africa, including North Africa, under its Bureau of African Affairs. We are one Africa, from the Cape to Cairo, indivisible and bound together! Therefore, no square inch of African
land should be excluded from African affairs.
Sign The Petition!!! Go to www.change.org/petitions/ one-africa-tell-us-state-departmentthat-north-africa-is-part-of-africa and sign the online petition to support this important proposition. Next tell everyone you know to sign.
www.uniteafricans.org
International
www.zambiausachamber.org
African Stock Exchanges • Bolsa de Valores of Cape Verde - www.bvc.cv (in Portuguese) • Bond Exchange of South Africa - www.bondexchange. co.za • Botswana Stock Exchange www.bse.co.bw • Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres - UEMOA (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) - www.brvm.org • Casablanca Stock Exchange (Morocco) - www.casablancabourse.com/bourseweb/index. aspx • Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (Tanzania) - www. dse.co.tz
• Douala Stock Exchange (Cameroon) - www.douala-stockexchange.com/index_us.php • The Egyptian Exchange - www. egx.com.eg/English/homepage. aspx • Ethiopia Commodity Exchange - www.ecx.com.et • Ghana Stock Exchange - www. gse.com.gh • Johannesburg Stock Exchange (South Africa) - www. jse.co.za/Home.aspx • Khartoum Stock Exchange (Sudan, in Arabic) - www.kse. com.sd • Libyan Stock Market - www. lsm.ly/_layouts/membership/
• • • •
• •
•
• • •
login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fEnglis h%2fPages%2fdefault.aspx Lusaka Stock Exchange (Zambia) - www.luse.co.zm Nairobi Stock Exchange (Kenya) - www.luse.co.zm Malawi Stock Exchange - www. mse.co.mw Mozambique Stock Exchange (in Portuguese) - www. bolsadevalores.co.mz Namibian Stock Exchange www.nsx.com.na Nigerian Stock Exchange www.nse.com.ng/Pages/default. aspx Stock Exchange of Mauritius www.stockexchangeofmauritius. com Swaziland Stock Exchange www.ssx.org.sz Tunisia Stock Exchange - www. bvmt.com.tn Uganda Securities Exchange www.use.or.ug
Read the last issue of The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke/media-center/ecommunique/exchange-magazine/ category/50-free-version.html)
89 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
see On The Rise on page 90 90 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
RESOURCES FOR GOING GLOBAL Dear International Executive,
I
f you have any questions about these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http://export.gov/usoffices/ index.asp. And, remember to use these outreach tools to grow your international business: Sell Worldwide in the USA Product Showcase; Commercial News USA: Buy 2, Get 1 Free; and Read the Digital Edition of America’s Export Promotion Magazine. Happy Exporting! *************************
Event: 2013 Export Workshop Series Location: Crowell and Moring, 3 Park Plaza, 20th Floor, Irvine, California 92614 Date/Time: August 15-Nov 21, 2013 Times: 8:30 A.M. to 12:00 Noon Cost: $35.00 a class Register: Jean Coronel at jcoronel@ portla.org or register at: http://tinyurl. com/ExportUSFValley Workshop Series
• Is Exporting for Me? - August 15 • Finding and Entering New Export Markets/Int'l Matchmaking August 29
• International Business CultureInternet - September 12 • Internet Export Marketing September 26 • Export Sales Techniques and Documentation - October 10 • Export Trade Finance and Insurance - Getting Paid October 24 • Legal Do's and Don’ts for Exporters - November 7 • Freight and Logistics /Export Planning and Counseling November 21 Sell Worldwide in the USA Product Showcase for Just $499 Commercial News USA, the official
export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can advertise in the USA Product Showcase section of the magazine for just $499. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide in print and 23,000 per month online. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to export@thinkglobal.us. Follow Commercial News USA on LinkedIn and Twitter @comnewsusa
Commercial News USA: Buy 2, Get 1 Free Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, offers exporters an inexpensive way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. In addition to free Portuguese translation, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. Does not include Showcase section). Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www. thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us. Follow Commercial News USA on LinkedIn and Twitter @ comnewsusa. Read the Digital Edition of Commercial News USA Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has launched a new interactive PDF edition. The new edition is available for free at http://cnusa.thinkglobal. us Commercial News USA offers exporters an affordable way to promote their products and services in 178 countries worldwide. Now, you can take advantage of a special offer: Buy two ads and get the third ad for free (Based on one-time rates. Does not see Going Global on page 93
92 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Going Global from page 92
include Showcase section). Moreover, you will receive a free online listing in Portuguese. Commercial News USA reaches more than a quarter-million buyers worldwide. Reserve your space in the next issue today. For more information, contact your U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist, call 1-800-581-8533 x 822, go online to http://www.thinkglobal.us, or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us The U.S. Commercial Service - Your Global Business Partner. With offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration uses its global Network and international resources to connect U.S companies with international buyers worldwide. If you have any questions about
these initiatives, please contact your local U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist. To find the trade specialist nearest you please visit http:// export.gov/usoffices/index.asp.
up to receive alerts, please visit http:// simplesend.com/simple/t.asp?S=221& ID=55171&NL=5996&N=69348&SI=2 676111&URL=http://www.trade.gov/cs/ employment.asp or e-mail CSCareers@ trade.gov.
Your privacy is important to us. Please note that we do not share our lists with parties outside of the U.S. Department of Commerce. You may review our privacy policy at http://www. commerce.gov/Privacy/index.htm **************************** Interested in a Career in International Affairs, Foreign Relations, Trade Promotion and Commercial Diplomacy? The U.S. Commercial Service is looking for dedicated professionals to add to its complement of nearly 250 Foreign Service Officers serving in Embassies and Consulates around the globe. The U.S. Commercial Service will take applications for Foreign Service Officers starting August 2012 and will hold the Foreign Service Officer Assessment in Winter 2012/2013. To read a detailed description of the position and application process, express your interest and sign
93 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Thursday Blues at Uncle Darrow‛s High Noon-2pm Every Thursday
Come by for lunch and relax to blues & jazz from our house band! 2560 S. Lincoln Blvd. Marina del Rey North East corner of Washington & Lincoln
“LA Times Magazine favorite cajun food”
310-306-4862
www.uncledarrows.com 94 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Returning to Africa? African Repatriation is an invaluable online resource for any African national who is thinking about returning to Africa. Our industry articles and specialist editorials provide the latest sector information. Why not find out for yourself and become a part of our growing community today? www.africanrepatriation. com
Career Opportunities in Africa Search and apply online for the latest vacancies in Africa with African Talent. We provide candidates and employers with the tools and resources needed in today’s competitive job market. For employers, we offer numerous options to feature your jobs in Africa and for candidates, reviewing the most recent job vacancies in Africa is a fast, easy process. Uploading your CV is simple and takes just a few moments. www.africantalent.com 95 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Eso Won Books African American Books 4327 Degnan Boulevard Leimert Park, Los Angeles
Give the Gifts that Keep on Giving! Come see our unsurpassed collection off books, b k music, videos, cildren’s books, and games!
323-294-0324
www.esowonbookstore.com //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events
International Edition
Black Business News
View the International Edition at www.bbala.org
Watch & Support the Africa Channel! Time Warner • Comcast Don’t have the Africa Channel in your area? Call Time Warner at: 1-888-892-2253 and ask that the Africa Channel be broadcast to ALL regions of your state. For information on the Africa Channel visit www.theafricachannel. com or send an e-mail inquiry to info@theafricachannel.com.
BLACK MEETINGS & TOURISM DIGITAL MAGAZINE
T
he digital version of Black Meetings & Tourism magazine is available on-line. The current issues, as well as archived issues, can be viewed by visiting www.blackmeetingsandtourism. com and click on the image link located on the home page.The digital version is just a small part of BM&T’s expanded on-line presence, which includes a host of new departments, the twice-monthly e-newsletter, an increased focus on leisure travel, and many new marketing opportunities. The newly designed website offers a guest blog page, a video page and a variety of interactive and custom advertising products that will allow vendors direct access to the more than 45 billion dollar AfricanAmerican travel market.
97 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
FRASERNET.COM http://frasernet.com/tour-africa-2014
Cultural Interiors West &
Cordially Invited Cultural Interiors West 5573 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019 Experience our exciting array of products from Cards to Cupcakes, African Masks, Asian Teacups, Healthy Herbal Teas, Gourd Purses, Candles, to Furniture
Artwear Handpainted Handbags, Skirts, Tees, Accessories, Calendars, Wall Hangings & More! http://gbabysworld.blogspot.com Gbabyartwear@hotmail.com or Gbabyart345@gmail.com Find Gbaby Products at the “Collective” http://www.atthecollective.com 280 Elizabeth Street, Atlanta, GA
Hope to see you soon!!! In the meantime visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/CulturalInteriors-West/140688362658236
JJ’s Belizean Cuisine 2618 W. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90008 1-323-293-2926
100 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Enjoy the Best Soul Food in Southern California.
Catering Available During the
Summer.
Visit us at
Soul Food Express
This Fall.
Bernahu Asfaw & Getahun Asfaw
1041 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019 323-938-8827 or 323-938-8806 • Fax: 323-932-6047 messob@gmail.com • www.messob.com
Open 7 days a week • 11am - 11pm
How to Do Business with Metro - Monthly Workshop DECEMBER 11, 2012 9:30am – 12:00 pm October 8, 2013 ǣ x x x x
Ǧ
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Ǧ Ȁ Ǥ ǯ ǡ ǡ Ǧ Ǥ ǯ Ǧ Ǧ Ǥ ͻǣ͵Ͳ ǤǤ For further questions, please contact Sherman Gay, Ph.D. (HC) at gays@metro.net or at (213)922-3502. Ǥ ሺ ̷ Ǥ ሻ ǡ ǡ ǡ Ȁ Ǥ
103 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
JWFA
Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors, LLC M a n a g i n g We a l t h I n t e l l i g e n t l y
WHY OWN GOLD IN YOUR IRA/401k Changing jobs creates a great opportunity for you to switch, or rollover, your former employer’s retirement plan into an IRA. Plus, it usually provides you with more investment options than if you left the money in your former employer’s plan or rolled the money into your new employer's retirement plan. The early 1980s presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy stocks. Today, economic and political conditions appear to offer a similar opportunity in tangible assets such as physical gold. With the global economic environment growing more uncertain, physical gold has become the #1 alternative for IRA, 401k, 403b, and Pension Plans, as well as for non-retirement funds. Gold is produced primarily for accumulation while other commodities are produced primarily for consumption. Gold’s value does not arise from its usefulness in industrial or consumable applications. It arises from its use and historical worldwide acceptance as a store of value. Gold is money. A healthy measure of gold clearly belongs in every portfolio for the “Four Ps” – Personal Purchasing Power Protection. There are six primary reasons why investors own gold: As a hedge against inflation. As a hedge against a declining dollar. As a safe haven in times of geopolitical and financial market instability. As a commodity based on gold’s supply and demand fundamentals. As a store of value. As a portfolio diversifier. According to Bloomberg.com, on October 15, 2009, Paul Tudor Jones of Tudor Investment Corp, who manages about $11.6 billion out of Greenwich, Connecticut, told its investors, “I have never been a gold bug… but Gold is just an asset that, like everything else in life, has its time and place. And now is that time…Gold appears to be cheap. In our view, gold’s value should increase as its scarcity relative to printed currencies increases.” JAMAAL WILKES FINANCIAL ADVISORS makes 401(k) rollovers easy with just a few simple steps. Please call us at (310)209-8298 or email gold@jamaalwilkes.com for a web seminar presentation. Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors is an independent Registered Investment Advisor www.jamaalwilkes.com Phone: (310)209-8330 6601 Center Drive West, Suite 500 Los Angeles, CA 90045
105 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Books to Consider... Clifton L. Taulbert
A
uthor and lecturer Clifton L. Taulbert is perhaps best known for his memoir Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored (1989), about his experience of growing up in the racially charged Mississippi Delta. Born February 19, 1945, in Glen Allan, Mississippi, in his memoir he writes about his childhood during
St. Louis. The book was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Other awards he has received include the 27th annual NAACP Image Award for Literature and the Mississippi Arts and Letters Award for Nonfiction, and Time magazine named him one of America’s outstanding black entrepreneurs. www.olemiss.edu/mwp/dir/ taulbert_clifton/index.html
Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored. Tulsa, OK: Council Oak Books, 1989. A bittersweet story about love, community, and family—and the difference they made in the life of one young man. Taulbert reflects on his childhood in the segregated but amiable town of Glen Allan, Miss., during the 1950s and his move in 1963 to St. Louis, where he eventually founded his own marketing company.
integrated city of St. Louis, where opportunity was everywhere. The realities of the North sometimes fall short of his fantasies, but he never loses sight of his dreams.
Watching Our Crops Come In. New York: Viking, 1997. Watching Our Crops Come In, the third in Clifton Taulbert"s acclaimed memoir series, begins in 1967 when, as a young airman, Taulbert leaves segregated Missisippi for a special assignment to Washington, D.C.. Grateful for having avoided combat in Vietnam, Taulbert comes
The Last Train North.
the civil rights movement, but rather than focus on the growing conflict between white and black, he chose to focus more on the bonds of community and family, which included his mother and grandparents and an extended family of aunts and uncles. A second memoir, The Last Train North (1992), details his decision to leave the Delta following his graduation from high school and follows his career with the Air Force through the 1960s, where he reached the rank of sergeant. He also describes meeting for the first time his father, a preacher, in
Tulsa, OK: Council Oak Books, 1992. In the sequel to the internationally acclaimed "Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored"Clifton L. Taulbert takes the reader on a journey out of the segregated South of his childhood and into the explosive era of the 1960s. This is the story of what happened when, at age 17, Taulbert boarded the Illiniois Central train on one of its last runs out Greenville, Mississippi, to St. Louis, the city of his dreams. Ta u l b e r t recounts his 1963 h migration from the f s m a l l segregated s Mississippi M to town of his birth h to the big
face to face with another war -- the struggle for civil rights -- raging at home. Filled with the stirring recollections and loving wisdom that marked his earlier work, Watching Our Crops Come In vividly evokes the mood and personalities of the emerging civil rights era -- from the Freedom Riders and Martin Luther King, Jr to Taulbert's own work as a campaign volunteer for Robert E Kennedy. In his hometown, young idealists and old dreamers register the colored vote. And it is those very dreams -- learned on the front porches of his childhood -- that carry Clifton Taulbert through turbulent times in see Books to Consider on page 107
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Books to Consider from page 106
the fervent belief that tomorrow is the brightest day.
More Taulbert Books: Eight Habits of the Heart: The Timeless Values That Build Strong Communities. New York: Viking, 1997.
The Journey Home: A Father’s Gift to His Son. Tulsa, OK: Council Oak Books, 2002. Children’s Books:
Little Cliff and the Porch People. 1999. Little Cliff and the First Day of School. 2001. Little Cliff and the Cold Place. 2002. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers
Reminiscences of My Life in Camp by Susie Baker King Taylor
B
orn on the Grest Farm in Liberty County, Georgia, on August 6, 1848, Susie Baker King Taylor was raised as an enslaved person. Her mother was a domestic servant for the Grest family. At the age of 7, Baker and her brother were sent to live with their grandmother in Savannah. Even with the strict laws against formal education of African Americans, they both attended two secret schools taught by black women. Baker soon became a skilled reader and writer. By 1860, having been taught everything these two black educators could offer, Baker befriended two white individuals, a girl and boy, who also offered to
teach her lessons even though they knew it violated Georgia law and custom. On April 1, 1862, at age 14, Baker was sent back to the country to live with her mother around the time federal forces attacked nearby Fort Pulaski. When the fort was captured by the Union Army, Baker fled with her uncle’s family and other African Americans to Union-occupied St. Simons Island. Since most African Americans did not have an extensive education, word of Baker’s knowledge and intelligence spread among the Army officers on the island. Five days after her arrival, Baker was offered books and school supplies by Commodore Louis M. Goldsborough if she agreed to organize a school for the children on St. Simon’s Island. Baker accepted the offer and became the first black teacher to openly instruct African American students in Georgia. By day she taught children and at night she instructed adults. Baker met and married her first husband, Edward King, a black non-commissioned officer in the Union Army, while teaching at St.
Simon Island. For the next three years, Susie Baker King traveled with her husband’s regiment, working as a laundress while teaching black Union soldiers how to read and write during their off-duty hours. She also served as a nurse, helping camp doctors care for injured soldiers. In 1866, the Kings returned to Savannah, where she established a school for freed black children. In that same year, Edward King died in September only a few months after their first son was born. By the early 1870s, she moved to Boston where she met her second husband, Russell Taylor. With nursing being a passion of hers, Baker soon joined and then became president of the Women’s Relief Corps, which gave assistance to soldiers and hospitals. In 1890, after a trip to care for her dying son, Baker wrote her memoirs which she privately published as a book in 1902 as Reminiscences of My Life in Camp with the 33rd US Colored Troops. Susie Baker King Taylor died in 1912 at the age of sixty-four in Boston.
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Calendar
One Matchmaking opportunity and the informational workshops. Enjoy the Awards Luncheon and Keynote Speaker. Information on participation as a sponsor, vendor, advertiser, procurement representative or attendee is available at www.bbala. org or send an inquiry to the BBA using mail@bbala.org.
September… 16th-21st
Ronald H. Brown African Affairs Serices Annual Conference The 2nd West Coast Expo will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The expo features include a Job Fair, Junior Business Camp, Fashion Show, and six pavilions business, technology, green living, automotive, home improvement, and health and beauty. Get detailed information on exhibiting, sponsorship and registration at: www.westcoastexpo.biz.
wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide. Get detailed information on exhibiting, sponsorship and registration at: www.nationalblackbookfestival.com.
27th-28th
December…
West Coast Expo
6th
November… The 2nd West Coast Expo will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The expo features include a Job Fair, Junior Business Camp, Fashion Show, and six pavilions business, technology, green living, automotive, home improvement, and health and beauty. Get detailed information on exhibiting, sponsorship and registration at: www.westcoastexpo.biz.
14th BBA Procurement Exchange Summit Plan to attend the 10th Annuall Procurement Exchange Summit to take full advantage of the One-on-
Los Angeles OIC Breakfast of Champions Call or email www. LAOIC.Org for sponsor packages, invitations or to register to attend. The LAOIC agency has a 17 year history in Los angeles assisting those who desire to help themselves and better their communities. The Breakfast will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles.
October… 24th-26th National Black Book Festival The 6th annual National Black Book Festival (NBBF) is sponsored by Cushcity.com, the world’s largest African-American retailer online. It will be held at Fallbrook Church, 12512 Walters Rd., in Northwest Houston, Tx. The festival attracts a 109 September 2013 Black Business News www.blackbbusinessnews.net 1-323-291-7819
Resources Media Africa Interactive Multimedia Press/Content Agency in Africa www.africa-interactive.com Africa World Press Books www.africaworldpressbooks.com African Vibes Magazine www.africanvibes.com The African World www.theafricanworld.tv Africast TV www.africast.tv AllAfrica http://allafrica.com Black Wall Street Times http://bwstimes.com Black Business News Group www.blackbusinessnews.net Black Press USA www.blackpressusa.com BridesNoir www.bridesnoir.com CuisineNoir www.cuisinenoirmag.com DiasporaVoice www.blogtalkradio.com/diasporavoice Rock Me Africa //rockmeafrica.com
www.causecastfornonprofits.com Continental African Chamber of Commerce www.continentalacc.org Pan African Film Festival www.paff.org United African Organization http://uniteafricans.org Zambia-USA Chamber of Commerce www.zambiausachamber.org
Investment/Development Africa Reports www.africareports.com African Development Bank www.afdb.org African Export - Import Bank //afreximbank.com/afrexim/en AfrigadgetTV www.afrigadget.com The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke Ventures www.ventures-africa.com
U.S. Government Commerce Department www.doc.gov International Trade Administration http://trade.gov
Organizations Africa Leadership Forum http://africaleadership.org The African Union www.au.int/en Black Business Association www.bbala.org CauseCast www.causecast.com
Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov Small Business Administration www.sba.gov State Department www.dos.gov White House www.whitehouse.gov
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