Black Business News June 2015 Issue

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Publisher's Message

I

n this month's issue of the Black Business News, we acknowledge Black Music Month, a celebration for African American Music every year in the month of June in the United States. Created by music business insiders, the group successfully lobbied President Jimmy Carter to host a reception on June 7th, 1979 to formally recognize the cultural and financial contributions of black music. Since 1979, Black Music Month has grown from a small commemoration to national proportions with events held annually across the country. For each year of his term, President Barack Obama has announced the observance under the new title, African-American Music Appreciation Month.

In Los Angeles, the BET Experience at L.A. Live kicks Pubisher/Chief Executive Officer off on June 25th through the 28th … a 3-day celebration of music, entertainment and Black culture. This gala series of events are scheduled to coincide with the 13th annual BET Awards.

Each day, attendees at the BET Experience at L.A. Live have the experience of live performances, participating in live television taping, attending thoughtprovocative workshops and seminars, as well as interacting with sponsorship exhibitors and vendors. Each night, attendees will have the opportunity to attend concerts at the STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and the Club Nokia, as well as an array of clubs and after parties located on the AEG Live complex. Some of the headline artists and entertainers include Kevin Hart, Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, Ice Cub and Snoop Dogg.

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

Black Business News Group P.O. Box 43159 Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA 323-291-7819 Fax: 323-298-5064

www.blackbusinessnews.net PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Sarah Harris Steven Turner

ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR Kim Anthony

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Linda Ware

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dean Jones Linda Ware Ralph D. Sutton Veronica Hendrix LaSandra Stratton

GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris

STORY EDITORS

►A major piece of legislation signed into law by President Obama in 2012 is changing the landscape for raising capital for small businesses. The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act or JOBS Act, is a law designed to encourage funding small businesses by easing various securities regulations. This act has lead to proliferation of equity crowdfunding.

In this issue of Black Business News, we

Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx Sabir Narishima Osei

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR La Sandra Stratton

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications

acknowledge the importance of global enterprise and commerce. Given the significance of international trade and emerging foreign markets, we’re sharing ideas and actions that are re-shaping our economy. Stock markets across Africa are booming and funds focusing on sub-Saharan Africa have exploded in the past few years. In fact, with a market capitalization of well over $100 billion, Africa's stock markets are substantially larger than Central Europe and Russia were in the mid 1990s when they opened up to foreign investors.

Copyright © 2015

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. 

►Given the recent killings of young black men across the country, black leaders see Publisher's Message on page 18 3  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

About

ABOUT THE BLACK BUSINESS NEWS GROUP… 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 news, the publications of the Black Business News Group impart current local, national and international industry and social trends and news affecting small businesses across the United States of America (USA), providing guides to greater access to financial capital, management efficiencies, business education, mentorship opportunities and social media networks. The goals of the Black Business News Group include: •

promoting USA-based black-owned business enterprises to a world wide audience.

•

offering business growth enhancing information on education, exhibitioning, international trading, technology, industry trends, and more.

•

exploring major public and private sector contracting methods to educate black-owned and operated enterprises.

•

providing an affirmative influence forr emerging entrepreneurs by sharing in-novative design and creative culturall content that exposes them to the history of black enterprises and urges them to participate in the USA’s future.

•

advocating and promoting on behalf of 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 EWS.NET

2015 Black Business Association Events

September

Financial Pavilion

October

Procurement Exchange Summit Black Business News Group Publications Black Business News Black Business News International Black Business News Travel Africa

Contents

Black Business News…June 2015 3 7

~ ~

Publisher's Message Notes on Racism

Producer and Role Model of Success 70 ~ Take a Look!

Government

CommunityPublic Interest

9 ~ G7 Summit 2015 10 ~ Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act 12 ~ President Obama Recognizes Emerging Global Entrepreneurs 13 ~ President Obama to O Become First B U.S. President to U Visit V Ethiopia 14 ~ SBA 1 Announces New A Small-business S Loans in Wake L of o Baltimore Unrest U 22

73 ~ Reading Rainbow Goes Digital 77 ~ Reach Higher: A Michelle Obama Initiative to Improve Prospects for Young People 78 ~ Michelle Obama's Deeply Moving Words

Obituary 82 83 84 85 86

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ornette Coleman Reynaldo Rey Edna Anderson-Owens Marva Collins Robert "Mr. Bojangles" Hollis

International 90 ~ DHS Announces Intent to Expand Preclearance to 10 New Airports 92 ~ AGOA Extension Passes

Columns 15 ~ Obamatrade Passes Congress 16 ~ USTDA to Highlight Opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Entertainment 20

~

BBN Show Biz Buzz

95 ~ African Stock Exchanges 102 ~ Shopping Gallery 118 ~ Books to Consider...

120 ~ Calendar 122 ~ Resources

Business 24 ~ Ad-Free YouTube Starts on June 15 … Maybe 26 ~ Ford Opens Electric Vehicle Patent Portfolio to Competitors 29 ~ BBN Biz Notes 31 ~ Live to Wynn 35 ~ What Is Black Music Month?

36 ~ “BET AWARDS” 2015 Pulls out all the Stops for the 15th Anniversary of Music's Biggest Night 39 ~ Dr. Dre: Businessman, Music

92

5  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Editorial As President/CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA)and the Publisher of the Black Business News (BBN), I have always been acutely aware of the need to discern true racism so that subtle strategies can be developed to not only combat its effect Black Business Association but actually institute policies that improve the quality of life 40th Annual Awards Dinner for African Americans and other minorities. I addressed the June 25, 2014 importance of defining and identifying racism and racist actions during my closing remarks at the BBA's 40th Annual Awards Los Angeles California Dinner last year. As the issue of racism continues to dominate national and international discussion, BBN invites you to revisit my attempt at shedding some light on the subject and issuing a call for unification in our ongoing battles against it. Racism as it affects African Americans and America is a war we cannot afford to lose, Following is a transcript of my remarks from last year's BBA Awards Dinner.

Notes on Racism

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

Pubisher/Chief Executive Officer

S

omething has been floating around for the last few weeks where someone was taped and heard in a private conversation where he used the word "Black."

Now, I say the word "Black" every day, several times a day, being that I am the President and CEO of the Black Business Association."

Now, let me say that no one said anything about the Black member of the Supreme Court said earlier that week in the confirmation of Affirmative Action in the State of Michigan in fact he did not say anything which led to a death to the Affirmative action in our nation.

Explain racism: racism created the Civil Rights Movement.

Somebody might remember Emmett Till, August 28, 1955, Mississippi; Rosa Parks, Montgomery, December 1, 1955.

Somebody might remember 16th Street Baptist Church, September 15, 1963. Talking about racism, Congress signed the "Civil Rights Bill" in February 1964, the U.S. Senate did the same in June of

1964. If it were not for the "Civil Rights Movements" in the 1950's and early '60's, we would not have had the Civil Rights Bill to pass in 1964, and many of us would not be here today. President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rifhts Bill into law July 2, 1964 (approximately 50 years ago).

Talk about racism: I might not have been able to earn a MBA degree at the University of Southern California (USC). The Black Supreme Court Justice possibly would not have been able to earn a law degree; he must've forgotten that he was a product of affirmative action.

Affirmative Action is "Back on the Table." All of you need to go back to your "corporate workplace" and implement a taskforce. Many African Americans who have worked in the public and in private sectors have either experience or witnessed racism. If you haven't, we still have to deal with it. Affirmative action programs were created so that we might have a level plaing field in education, employment and business opportunities.

My chairperson, former Assemblyperson Gwen Moore, while in the California State Assembly, was able to garner legislation for "General Order 156," which the California Utilities and Telecommunications Commission has to utilize minority firms on contract procurement expenditures.

So, go back to these corporations and say that we need to deal with racism so we can undo the nail in the coffin of Affirmtive Action. It won't be easy.

Had some of our private conversations been recorded and publicized, it may have been construed as racism. Now Donald Sterling, at the apex of this "racism issue" is a friend of mine and though I don't condone his verbiage, I realize that at this time, he has 150 properties that he has to manage and with that comes politically incorrect private conversations. So through the review of his dialogue I hope it wakes America up to the point to deal with and make positive strides toward the annihilation of racism. 

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Government

French President François Hollande (second from left) gestured next to U.S. President Barack Obama (left), Presid Muhammadu Buhan (right) and other G7 summit participants and outreach delegates at a family picture event at t G7 summit at the Elmau castle in Krün near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Reuters/Christian Hartmann

N

igerian President Muhammadu Buhari arrived in Germany Monday armed with a “wish list” for the Group of Seven summit, his spokesperson said in a statement. The newly elected president requested help on Boko Haram and Nigeria’s economy from G7 leaders at the summit in the Bavarian Alps, local media reported.

The G7 leaders invited Buhari to the summit along with other so-called outreach guests -- the leaders of Senegal, Ethiopia, Liberia, South Africa, Tunisia and Iraq. Climate change topped the agenda for the final day of the two-day summit, at which the world leaders also discussed African development, the fight against terrorism from Boko Haram to the Islamic State group as well as combating epidemics and other

health issues. Buhari was expected to receive ample support from the G7 industrialized nations given the challenges they faced engaging with Nigeria’s previous administration of Goodluck Jonathan, experts said.

“I think there is very strong goodwill towards Nigeria,” Tim Murithi, head of program at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town, South Africa, said in an interview with Deutsche Welle. “So Buhari is in what you would call a honeymoon period at the moment, and I believed the rest of the world, the international community, would like to see Nigeria play a much more pivotal role in Africa, which historically it has played.”

Thousands of Nigerians have suffered under Boko Haram's brutal insurgency in the northeast for the

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dent he

G7 Summit 2015: Buhari Requests Help For Boko Haram From Group Of Seven Leaders

By Morgan Winsor

corruption as well as power and energy. The president also sought assistance in environment, good governance and enhanced transparency in elections. Buhari had said the G7 nations have shown readiness to work with the West past six years.

African country on its areas of More than 15,000 need, Vanguard news in Abuja people have died, reported. and nearly 1.5 However, the G7 leaders still million others have Shown: President Barack Obama, Liberia President Johnson regard Nigeria and other African been displaced Sirleaf, AU Commission Chair Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma nations as recipients of aid rather in Nigeria since 2009. Nigerian troops have recaptured most territories than partners in global affairs, experts said. “I think that from Boko Haram in recent months, with the help of perception has not yet changed,” Murithi told Deutsche coalition forces from neighboring countries. Still, the Welle on Monday. “The G7 countries to a large extent Islamist militants recently struck back in a spate of have almost a paternalistic relationship with the rest of deadly attacks in Borno state, the heartland of Boko the developing world, Africa in particular.”  Haram. www.ibtimes.com/g7-summit-2015-buhari-requestsApart from terrorism, Buhari requested support from help-boko-haram-nigeria-economy-wish-list-groupthe world leaders on Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure, seven-1956460 9  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

O

n March 23, 2010, I sat down at a table in the East Room of the White House and signed my name on a law that said, once and for all, that health care would no longer be a privilege for a few. It would be a right for everyone.

Five years later, after more than 50 votes in Congress to repeal or weaken this law and multiple challenges before the Supreme Court, here is what we know today: This law worked. It's still working. It has changed and saved American lives. It has set this country on a smarter, stronger course.

And it's here to stay.

On June 25, 2015, the Supreme Court upheld one of the most critical parts of health reform -- the part that has made it easier for Americans to afford health insurance, no matter where you live.

If the challenges to this law had succeeded, millions would have had thousands of dollars in tax credits taken away. Insurance would have once again become unaffordable for many Americans. Many would have even become uninsured again. Ultimately, everyone's premiums could have gone up.

Because of this law, and because of today's decision, millions of Americans will continue to receive the tax credits that have given about 8 in 10 people who buy insurance on the new Health Insurance Marketplaces the choice of a health care plan that costs less than $100 a month.

If you're a parent, you can keep your kids on your plan until they turn 26 -- something that has covered millions of young people so far. That's because of this law. If you're a senior, or have a disability, this law gives you discounts on your prescriptions -- something that has saved 9 million Americans an average of $1,600 so far. If you're a woman, you can't be charged more than anybody else -- even if you've had cancer, or your husband had heart disease, or just because you're a woman. Your insurer has to offer free preventive services like mammograms. They can't place annual or lifetime caps on your care.

And when it comes to preexisting conditions -- someday, our grandkids will ask us if there was really a time when America discriminated against people who got sick. Because that's something this law has ended for good.

Five years in and more than 16 million insured Americans later, this is no longer just about a law. This isn't just about the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare.

This is health care in America.

Today is a victory for every American whose life will continue to become more secure because of this law. And 20, 30, 50 years from now, most Americans may not know what "Obamacare" is. And that's okay. That's the point.

Because today, this reform remains what it always has been -- a set of fairer rules and tougher protections that have made health care in America more affordable, more attainable, and more about you.

That's who we are as Americans. We look out for one another. We take care of each other. We root for one another's success. We strive to do better, to be better, than the generation before us, and we try to build something better for the generation that comes behind us.

And today, with this behind us, let's come together and keep building something better. That starts right now.  Thank you, President Barack Obama If that means something to you today, add your voice at www.whitehouse.gov/health-carein-america?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email470-text1&utm_ campaign=healthcare.

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U.S.

Government

President Barack Obama signs Affordable Care Act, March 23, 2010.

U.S. Presidents who have advocated for health care and medical insurances for American citizens. Top left: President Theodore Roosevelt (1912), Lower Left: President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1934), Top Right: President Harry Truman (1945), Lower Right: President Dwight Eisenhower (1955), Center: Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, Top far right: President Lyndon Johnson (1965), Lower far right: President Richard Nixon (1978) 11  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Government

President Obama Recognizes Emerging Global Entrepreneurs Office of the Press Secretary

Tony Elumelu, Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation greets President Barack Obama

I

n May, the White House brought together emerging entrepreneurs from across the United States and around the world to highlight the importance of investing in women and young entrepreneurs to create innovative solutions to some of the world’s toughest challenges, including poverty, climate change, extremism, as well as access to education and healthcare.

This event comes ahead of the President’s travel to this summer’s 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, July 25th and 26th and provides a unique opportunity to galvanize global attention on emerging women and young entrepreneurs.

The event recognized the impact made by a number of U.S. government-led initiatives. In 2014,

the Administration set a goal for its best entrepreneurship programs, now to be led under the umbrella of the Spark Initiative (www.state. gov/e/eb/cba/entrepreneurship/ spark/239681.htm), to generate over a billion dollars in private investment for emerging entrepreneurs by the end of 2017, with half of this goal to be raised for women and young entrepreneurs.

The White House named nine more top American entrepreneurs to be named as Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship to contribute to this goal. The world’s brightest entrepreneurs still require further support through the commitments and collaboration of governments, investors, businesses, organizations and individuals.

The event also recognized the creation of the Spark Global Entrepreneurship Coalition to further these objectives.

Speakers for the event included five entrepreneurs from around the world and from various U.S. government programs, cast members of ABC’s TV series Shark Tank and other organizations. The event was streamed live on the White House website at www. whitehouse.gov/live.

Guest Speakers were: • Mark Cuban, Investor on “Shark Tank” & Owner of the Dallas Mavericks • Barbara Corcoran, Investor on “Shark Tank” & Founder of Barbara Corcoran Venture Partners • Daymond John, Investor on “Shark Tank” & CEO and Founder of FUBU • Tony Elumelu, Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation • Antonio Gracias, Founder of Valor Equity Partners • Julie Hanna, Founder of Kiva  www.whitehouse.gov/the-pressoffice/2015/05/06/presidentobama-recognize-emerging-globalentrepreneurs

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President Obama to Become First U.S. President to Visit Ethiopia

U

.S. President Barack Obama will in late July become the first sitting American leader to visit Ethiopia and the headquarters of the African Union (AU), the White House said on Friday.

President Obama's trip to Addis Ababa will come directly after an already announced trip to Nairobi, Kenya, his first as president to his father's homeland, Press Secretary Josh Earnest announced.

The President will meet with both the Ethiopian government and AU leaders, for talks on how to "accelerate economic growth, strengthen democratic institutions,

and improve security".

The election of the US's first black president - and the first with an African parent - had raised hopes on the continent of closer ties, but Obama has been a cautious friend.

In August last year, the White House hosted a huge Washington summit of African leaders and the upcoming July trip is intended to build on progress towards closer economic ties. www.news24.com/Africa/ News/Obama-to-becomefirst-US-president-to-visitEthiopia-20150619

2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit The 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, on July 25-26. It will be the sixth annual gathering of entrepreneurs at all stages of business development, business leaders, mentors, and highlevel government officials. The established tradition demonstrates the U.S. Government’s continued commitment to fostering entrepreneurship around the world.

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Government

SBA Announces New Small-business Loans in Wake of Baltimore Unrest

By Carrie Wells, The Baltimore Sun

T

he U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba. gov)announced at the end of May it would make up to $1 million available in loans and other forms of assistance for small businesses in Baltimore in the wake of rioting and unrest.

Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the SBA, announced the new programs at a news conference at City Hall, flanked by Sen. Ben Cardin, Mayor Stephanie RawlingsBlake and members of Baltimore's congressional delegation.

The city has estimated that 380 businesses were damaged in the civil unrest from April 25 to May 3. Rawlings-Blake said that while most have reopened, some are still "not at full capacity."

The mayor said the SBA

designated the additional funding at her request.

Officials said the assistance includes up to $800,000 for "microloans" to small businesses, and grants of $100,000 apiece to two community development organizations to provide training and technical assistance to help small-business owners apply for loans.

"These funds are absolutely critical as small businesses work to reopen and to rebuild," RawlingsBlake said. "We know that Baltimore is stronger than this moment, but we won't have our history defined by violence. Rather, we will be defined by how we come together, how we rebuild and how we grow stronger than ever."

The SBA's microloan program allows loans up to $50,000, though

the average loan size is $13,000.

The short-term loans can be used for working capital or the purchase of inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery or equipment.

Contreras-Sweet said the loans were intended to help strengthen the city's small-business community overall, not just those affected by the unrest.

She said the program would "address the hardships and hopelessness that fueled [the unrest], in a long-term systemic way."

The $800,000 microloan program and $100,000 grant for training will be managed by Maryland Capital Enterprises, a small-business lender. The other $100,000 grant will be managed by the community development arm of Harbor Bank, a minority-owned bank based in Baltimore.

Contreras-Sweet said the administration also would host roundtable discussions over the summer with "Baltimore's innovators" on how to help the city's small businesses.

More than $250,000 also will be set aside as supplemental funding for the Maryland Small Business Development Center over 15 months.

The SBA previously approved Gov. Larry Hogan's request for a "disaster declaration" for Baltimore, allowing the agency to offer lowinterest loans to rebuild businesses and homes damaged during the unrest.

The agency opened two outreach centers — at the Pennsylvania Avenue branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library at 1531 W. North Ave., near the site of some of the worst destruction; and at the Southeast Anchor library, 3601 Eastern Ave.  http://touch.baltimoresun. com/#section/-1/article/p2p-83658994

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Obamatrade Passes Congress

By Garrett Reno

P

resident Barack Obama’s quest for a Pacific Rim trade deal to strengthen U.S. ties with Asia advanced on Tuesday, with the Senate moving toward a final vote on granting Obama the power to speed trade agreements through Congress.

Senate approval of “fast-track” negotiating authority for the president was likely to follow on Wednesday. That would move the trade package closer to completion, but a hurdle on a related measure remained in the House of Representatives.

In a win for Obama, the Senate voted 60-37 to limit debate on the fast-track measure. That just barely satisfied the 60-vote threshold needed after two senators who supported the bill on its first run through the Senate a month ago – Republican Ted Cruz and Democrat Ben Cardin – changed their votes to “no.”

“Today is a very big vote. It’s an important moment for the country,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the chamber’s top Republican, in urging senators to support Obama’s 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, a central part of his foreign policy pivot to Asia.

TPA will fast-track the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), essentially ensuring congressional approval of that Pacific Rim trade deal—one that currently does not include China, but will likely one day soon include the currency manipulating behemoth nation.

“The President met today with China’s Special Representatives to the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue and Consultation on Peopleto-People Exchange,” the White House announced in a press release.

The President acknowledged the importance of these annual ministerial-level mechanisms for expanding practical cooperation on regional and global challenges, while at the same time narrowing differences. The President and the Chinese Special Representatives agreed to further expand U.S.-China cooperation on climate and clean energy, and affirmed their unity of purpose in our approach to the Paris climate negotiations in December. Recognizing the importance of economic ties to the overall bilateral relationship, the President expressed support for China’s efforts

to reform and rebalance its economy, and for our ongoing bilateral investment treaty negotiations, while urging China to address major economic challenges in the areas of its currency, technology and investment policies. The President raised ongoing U.S. concerns about China’s cyber and maritime behavior, and he urged China to take concrete steps to lower tensions.

The White House press release indicated that “The President and the Chinese Special Representatives discussed the fundamental importance of demonstrating to North Korea that it will not succeed in its efforts to develop nuclear weapons and its economy simultaneously, and both sides reiterated their commitment to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”  www.breitbart.com/big-government/2015/06/25/as-obamatradepasses-congress-high-ranking-chinese-officials-meet-with-obamaat-white-house

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Government

USTDA to Highlight Opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa in June

S

ub-Saharan Africa is one of the fastest developing regions in the world with an average GDP growth of 5.2%.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 31,000 U.S. businesses exported to the African continent in 2013, of which approximately 92% were small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

Based on growth trends and a history of successful partnerships across the continent, the SubSaharan Africa region remains a priority for USTDA and will be highlighted during the month of June on Facebook and Twitter.

USTDA will utilize social media to promote its programs, activities and

potential U.S. export opportunities across the region.

Since its inception, USTDA has successfully connected U.S. businesses to energy, transportation and telecommunications projects in sub-Saharan Africa. The Agency will highlight some of these projects, as well as Africa-focused reports, events, business opportunities, photos, facts and figures during the month.

USTDA will use #AfricaOpportunity on social media to engage U.S. businesses currently exporting - or interested in exporting - to sub-Saharan African countries, as well as the region's stakeholders looking to partner

with U.S. businesses or access U.S. government resources for development projects.

Follow USTDA on Twitter and Facebook with #AfricaOpportunity throughout June to learn about the latest opportunities in the subSaharan Africa region. Visit www. ustda.gov for more information about the Agency's mission, programs and activities.

About USTDA: The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. 

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Publisher's Message are looking at economic solutions as a remedy for development, if not healing. For example, Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the SBA joined several political and business leaders, including the Baltimore Development

Corporation (BDC) to announce additional resources to help not only businesses damaged by the civil unrest, but to help steer new black-own businesses in this reportedly under-serviced and under-represented community.

The economic packages include grants, microloans, technical assistance and contracting opportunities. ►First, an online contest organized by the primarily white grassroots organization "Women On 20" asked the public to vote for “pivotal women in American history to be represented on printed US money. After more than 350,000 people cast their votes during the final round, Harriet Tubman edged out former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt as the people's choice for Andrew Jackson's replacement with almost

34% of the vote.

Then, news coming out of the U.S. Treasury Department that a woman will appear on the $10 bill in 2020 prompted an explosion of candidate suggestions and celebration, tempered by criticism of how the change will be carried out.

In the African American community the question is - why are we talking about a $10 bill when the question of the $20 has already been decided by the people’s vote; it’s Harriet Tubman aka “Moses" the most influential conductor of the Underground Railroad whose legacy left an imprint in American history compelling enough to win a public opinion poll implemented by the race who once owned slaves.

So why is there a discussion? Is the issue really about Hamilton vs Jackson? ►Last month, I was sadden by the passing of my longtime friend Lu Vason, who died of heart

complications at the age of 76.

Best known as the creator and promoter of the all-black Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, he promoted musical artists and was also a concert promoter.

His clients included the Pointer Sisters, Prince, Stevie Wonder and the Miss Black Colorado USA Pageant. Lu has left an indelible mark on black cultural knowledge, especially Western heritage, that will never be forgotten. He will be missed. ►Another sad announcement that we must share is the news of the passing of one of our long time members Robert “Bojangles” Hollis, a loving father, friend, and community member. He left us way too soon. He was a gentle soul, artist and dynamic gospel singer who performed on Bobby Jones Gospel. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed. ►As the world's commerce community continues to shift further into the technology area, black business owners must embrace the massive and disruptive changes that are brought on by technology.

Millionaires, as well as billionaires, are being made in weeks times as compared to years. This is a period in which the shift from traditional industry that the industrial revolution brought through industrialization, such as Ford, Westinghouse and General Electric, to an economy based on information computerization. Big data and the Cloud are the new ways of the world. The Black Business News, having embraced this evolution of technology in daily operations, welcomes the opportunity to share with our readers the rapid advances in global communications and networking to shape modern society in the black communities throughout the world. 

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ww.bbala.org.

BBN Show Biz Buzz

By Linda Ware

Only Light: African American Women Filmmakers Win Audience Award at Diversity in Cannes www.thechocolatevoice.com/only-light-africanamerican-filmmakers-wins-audience-award-atdiversity-in-canne

O

nly Light, a short film written and directed by African American Female Filmakers and, USC grad’s Thembi Banks and Evita Castine, wins the Audience Award at the 2015 Diversity in Cannes Film Festival.

Only Light tackles the harrowing topic of the international sex-trafficking industry. The film follows a young girl who is kidnapped from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sold as a sex worker in the U.S., and escapes her harsh reality by connecting with a girl next door.

The film stars Kennedy Zimet as Laeticia, a young Congolese girl that is kidnapped and sold to an American sex trafficker, Vannie, played by Aaron Spears (Being Mary Jane) who lives in a quaint

Southern California neighborhood. While Laeticia is held captive, she discovers a girl her age next door, Zora (Brooke McNeal) and begins to plot her escape.

Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, screens films that address global experiences.

This year’s showcase paid special homage to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Heralded as “Dazzling” by The Gene Siskel Film Center and casted by Tracy Twinkie Byrd Jongnnic Bontemps (Fruitvale Station, Black Nativity, and Being Mary Jane), the film was produced by Zac Skipp and Elena Ostromouva and features Michael Beach and Michole White. Jongnic Bontemps a graduate from USC’s Scoring for Motion Picture and Television program and also fellow for the Sundance Music and Sound Design Lab at SkyWalker Ranch composed and scored the music in Only Light (https://soundcloud. com/jongnic).

For more information on the film, please visit: http:// onlylightmovie.com and check out the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/96930350.

Thembi Banks (R) Evita M. Castine (C)

Lupita Nyong'o at Cannes 2015 20  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Dope features (from left) Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons and Shameik Moore. Photograph: David Moir/AP

D

Rick Famuyiwa For more information about the 2015 Cannes Diversity Showcase: http://bit.ly/1zXiqX9. 

Dope on Display at Cannes Film Festival

by Find story again

ope, written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Our Family Wedding) is yet another update of the familiar formula, where a bunch of nerds have their revenge and eventually come into their own, defeat the jocks, rule the school, and get the girls who would be way too pretty for them in real life. Dope could very well end up in the ranks of this canon, endlessly played on repeat on cable and quoted in meme after meme on Tumblr. The film will be shown nationwide starting in June 2015. 

Defiance Returns to Syfy Channel with New Stars

T

he Syfy channel announced that the third season for its original series Defiance, is slated to begin broadcasting on June 12th. Dewshane Williams will return in the role of Tommy LaSalle.

Conrad Coates and Nicole Galicia are new comers to the 2015 cast.

The series is produced by Universal Cable Productions. 

Dewshane Williams see page 22

21  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

BBN Show Biz Buzz

I

Straight Outta Compton

n the film Straight Outta Compton, coming out in August, we see the group NWA emerge from the streets of Compton, California in the mid-1980s and revolutionize pop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood. 

Conrad Coats as T'evgin in Defiance

Spike Lee's Chiraq to be Released in 2016

S

Nicole Galicia as Kindzi in Defiance

Danny Glover Receives Community Service Award

pike Lee's film Chiraq explores the ecology of violence in our inner cities. Details of the plot are not known at this time, but Lee has said the film’s focus is “blackon-black violence.” The purpose of the film set in the city of Chicago is to “help save lives.”

The long list of stars rumored to be featured in this film include: Samuel L. Jackson, Wesley Snipes, Common, Nick Cannon, Jennifer Hudson, Dave Chappelle, Teyonah Parris, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and Amgad Mostafa.  www.msnbc.com/msnbc/spike-lee-chiraqwait-until-you-see-the-movie

T

he Anacostia Community Museum celebrated the rich cultural community of Washington, DC at the Summer Soiree: Celebrating Community and Culture on June 12, 2015.

Actor Danny Glover received the John R. Kinard Leadership in Community Service Award at the Danny Glover event.  22  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Spike Lee

Joe Morton Stars on "Proof" and "Scandal"

J

Joe Morton

Lester Holt Anchors NBC Nightly News

was the first black co-anchor on the network nightly news in the late 1970s. He shared the job with two other anchors. 

oe Morton, most recognized these days as Rowan Pope, the ruthless father of Kerry Washington’s Olivia Pope on “Scandal,” will play the compassionate Dr. Charles Richmond on TNT's “Proof.” Proof explores the question of whether there is life after death.

The 67-year-old New York-born Morton, whose extensive work ranges from “The Brother From Another Planet” to “Eureka,” sees Dr. Charles Richmond as another challenging character role. 

L

ester Holt has been promoted to one of the most prestigious jobs in television news. The appointment makes Holt the first African-American solo anchor of a weekday network nightly newscast.

Holt follows Max Robinson, who

Max Robinson

Lester Holt

23  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business do:

Ad-Free YouTube Starts on June 15 … Maybe

By Heather Fletcher

O

n April 8, 2015 YouTube ( w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m ) debuted an ad-free subscription service in beta, “Music Key.” As for the rest of the videos on YouTube, many are now watching to see if indeed, according to Seeking Alpha, “June 15th Is D-Day For YouTube.” That’s the first day the video service may be gating premium content, only providing access for paying subscribers. So

Bloomberg the offering is expected to go live this year.”

However, Alex Pitti — the author of the Seeking Alpha “D-Day” article — says a lot of advertisers are already being blocked on YouTube, anyway. About 31% of YouTube viewers use Adblock, he says.

“It will grow larger in the future,” Pitti says, “because the younger demographic use it more heavily and they tend to be a leading

advertisers will be out.

“The June 15 date references when the [Partner Program] Terms changes go into effect,” writes TechCrunch on April 8. “But this doesn’t necessarily mean that the service will be immediately public to all YouTube users at that time.

It could be a staged rollout, or YouTube could have simply wanted the legalese in place ahead of the broader subscription service’s launch. However, sources told

indicator for technology adoption. … The number is higher in America, which is a problem because ads serving them cost the highest rates because of America's high GDP per capita. I was watching a YouTube channel called ‘MundaneMatt’ and he mentioned that of his 1 million views on YouTube, only 150,000 of his videos had ads in front of them because of Adblock Plus.”

Here’s what marketers can

• Upload Ads Separately. If ads are linked to other channels, as they were during the Super Bowl, consumers may seek them out.

• Create Videos. Many marketers already have their own YouTube channels. For instance, the Atlantic Records channel shows music videos with calls to action, such as the "Buy Now" button in-screen on this video: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=SN4DGGzVXEw • Get Featured In YouTube Stars’ Content. But know exactly what that content is because, well, view “PewDiePie” (https://www. youtube.com/user/PewDiePie) at your own risk.

How will your marketing program change now? 

www.targetmarketingmag.com/ article/ad-free-youtube-starts-june15-maybe/all www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/ article-3031116/Will-pay-YouTubeGoogle-approaches-partnersad-free-subscription-service-setlaunch-year.html http://seekingalpha.com/ article/3190026-june-15th-is-d-dayfor-youtube

24  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

www.indiegogo.com/projects/keep-music-arts-alive-so-our-kids-can-thrive onesha1@lovolivebranchescdc.com www.stephenbsteward.com/2015-talent-competition

Business

Business Opportunity:

Ford Opens Electric Vehicle Patent Portfolio to Competitors

By Charlie Osborne

F

ord has opened up its electric vehicle patent portfolio to other automakers in a bid to accelerate industry-wide research.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based firm announced the move recently.

Competitors now have access to over 640 patents owned by Ford

relating to electric vehicles (EVs), ranging from battery charging to sensors.

The adoption of electric vehicles is facing a number of hurdles, including the high cost of investment in the short-term by consumers, socalled "range anxiety" -- the fear of running out of juice on the road without a suitable charging outlet -- a lack of charging stations and low battery capabilities. Eventually, fossil fuels will become untenable sources of fuel for our cars, and so an alternative has to be found -- and by opening up patent portfolios and allowing other automakers to further EV technology, Ford is making its own small contribution to the

Ford

26  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Toyota Mirai

future of electric vehicles -- while also generating a profit in licensing fees.

Ford says that by opening its portfolio to competitors, industry-wide EV research will benefit.

In 2014, the automaker filed for over 400 EVrelated patents, which is over 20% of the total patents Ford applied for during the year.

The company owns over 650 EV patents and has filed approximately 1,000 patent

pending applications.

Some of the patents available to competitors include a patent covering passive cell balancing to extend battery life, a patent which describes technologies which maximize the amount of energy recaptured in a hybrid vehicle through regenerative braking, and a patent relating to monitoring driver inputs such as braking and accelerating.

The firm also announced plans to hire an additional 200 EV specialist engineers in 2015.

Kevin Layden, director of Ford Electrification Programs commented: "Innovation is our goal. The way to provide the best technology is through constant development and progress.

By sharing our research with other companies, we will accelerate the growth of electrified vehicle technology and deliver even better products to customers. As an

industry, we need to collaborate while we continue to challenge each other."

In January, Toyota pledged to make thousands of its hydrogen fuel cell technology patents royaltyfree and open for use by other companies to propel research and development of the eco-friendly energy system forward. As part of the automaker's promise, roughly 5,680 fuel cell related patents are now available for use -- including technologies used in the Toyota Mirai -- and roughly 1,970 fuel cell stack patents, 290 hydrogen cell tank, 3,350 fuel cell system software and 70 hydrogen production patents will eventually be released for royalty-free development.  http://www.zdnet.com/article/ ford-opens-electric-vehicle-patentportfolio-to-competitors/?tag=nl. e232&s_cid=e232&ttag=e232&ftag =TRE6a12a91

27  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Use Your Senses to Spot a Gas Leak To help keep your community safe and secure, use your senses of sight, hearing or smell to alert you to any of the following signs of a natural gas leak.

LOOK

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK • Remain calm • Don’t light a match, candle or cigarette • Don’t turn electrical appliances or lights on or off or use any device that could cause a spark • Natural gas leaking from a plastic pipe can create static electricity which can ignite the gas • Immediately evacuate the area, and from a safe location, call 800-427-2200, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; or call 911

© 2014 Southern California Gas Company. All rights reserved.

• A damaged connection to a gas appliance • Dirt or water being blown in the air • Dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near gas pipeline areas • A fire or explosion near a pipeline • Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster

LISTEN • An unusual sound, such as a hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a gas line or appliance

SMELL • The distinctive odor* of natural gas *Some people may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell, olfactory fatigue (normal, temporary inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure to it) or because the odor is being masked or hidden by other odors that are present, such as cooking, damp, musty or chemical odors.

In addition, certain conditions in pipe and soil can cause odor fade – the loss of odorant so that it is not detectable by smell.

Business

BBN Biz Notes

By Black Business News Staff

Video Series on Venture Capital Now Complete

T

he Kauffman Founders School taps the potential of online education, presenting a robust curriculum from which entrepreneurs can learn anywhere, anytime. Subject experts present lectures that are embedded in modules designed to give founders a rich learning experience, engaging them in lessons that will make a difference in what they do in their business today, tomorrow, and in the future.

The final installment in a sevenpart video series that outlines steps entrepreneurs can take to find, approach, and negotiate with venture capitalists has been posted on the Kauffman Founders School.

Venture capitalist Jeff Bussgang, a senior lecturer at Harvard Business School, recommends entrepreneurs research the mindsets, goals, and track records of venture capital firms before negotiating with them. The series

features modules on how to stand out to an investor, h o w to know when you need venture capital funding, and what to watch out for when negotiating your deal.

Start your study at: www. entrepreneurship.org/ Founders-School/FinancingYo u r - Ve n t u r e - Ve n t u r e - C a p i t a l . aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_ m e d i u m = e m a i l & u t m _ campaign=Ideas_At_Work_06_11_15.



Starwood and Uber Form Partnership

U

ber Technologies is joining with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide to give rewards in the hotel chain's loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), to rravelers using the Uber car-booking app. Under the partnership, Uber riders can link their accounts to Starwood's SPG program and accrue points for use at any of the company's hotels worldwide. SPG members will earn StarPoints for every dollar they spend on Uber. Starwood

has similar partnerships with Delta Airline, Emirates Airline and Caesars Entertainment Corp. Since its founding in 2009, Uber has expanded to 291 cities in more than 50 countries.  http://www.meetings-conventions.com/ News/Hotels-and-Resorts/Starwoodand-Uber-Form-Partnership/

New Top Level Domain Names Expand Brand Awareness Options

O

ver the next few years, the Internet will look like a very different place. More than 1,000 new top-level domains (TLDs) are now joining "heritage" domains, such as .com, .info, and .org.

Businesses will now be able to take advantage of branded TLDs (like .nokia), geographic TLDs (like .vegas) and generic TLDs (like .shop). For example, consumers might buy new phone chargers from "charger.amazon" rather than "amazon.com/chargers."

Learn more at: www.marketingprofs.

com/articles/2014/24521/new-internetdomain-extensions-dont-get-blindedby-the-sunrise-or-run-over-by-thelandrush. 

www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-Worlds-Fair/543396465697684

www.laworldsfair.org

Business and giving back thousands of dollars to various nonprofits.

Live to Wynn

You run a small company, but I know you’ve worked with some big players and are in talks to work with some even bigger ones.

How do you keep yourself motivated and focused?

Moving from Depression to Success

By Kellye Whitney

Mental health conditions like depression are highly commen for women. In this interview we have a personal example of rising from a plane of depression to a plateau of success.

M

aisha Wynn, lifestyle specialist and founder of Live to Wynn, is a living example of what can happen when someone’s back buckles under that last straw. She’s also an example of why women should never give up, despite adversity and challenge.

Wynn turned a series of negative stressors into a whole new life.

Here’s a little bit of her story.

Personal tragedy led to your current position. Can you tell us a little about what happened?

Wynn: Over the last three years, I’ve learned your greatest strength can be found at your lowest point in life. As the only child, losing my beloved mother to a multitude of health issues in 2011 — including stomach cancer and diabetes — was earth shattering. My entire world was upside down. All I could do was eat, sleep, sleep and eat some more. In the course of six months, I gained over 30 pounds from depression. Why? My beloved mother was my rock and best friend.

However, I took an excursion with my cousin to Dubai, which was just what I needed to retool my mind and spirit. I will be forever thankful for that global experience.

You also lost your job around the same time. What happened there?

Wynn: As the National Advertising Director for a major luxury publication, it was very demanding.

Each week, we had sales calls to go along with our reports. Anyone who knows sales knows it’s always about what have you sold for us today. It doesn’t matter if you closed a $50,000 deal the day before. Every quarter, I would take a vacation to regroup from that intense environment. However, the day before Thanksgiving, I received a call from our New York office stating it would be my last day due to a change in ownership. It was the biggest blessing ever because what I learned in sales has been truly beneficial in building and running my own business.

How did you make the decision not to look for another job, to start your own business?

Wynn: I believe in the power of visualization. Before being laid off my six-figure career in advertising sales, I looked at my company for two years on my vision board. I thought if I could make someone else millions of dollars promoting their brand, it was truly time for Maisha Wynn to start living out her vision to transform the world.

We are making major strides daily. Some of our greatest accomplishments since conception two years ago are producing six, opulent, life-changing experiences

Wynn: As a lifestyle specialist, I’m all about living abundantly, which begins with your state of mind. I don’t allow the stresses of the world to consume me.

I’m mindful of how I treat my temple (body) and universe (mind). Each morning, I spend time giving thanks to the universe and reading my Bible. I take yoga and Pilates to keep me centered. I fuel my temple with foods that give me energy to be my very best when pursuing clients.

Over the years, I’ve learned brands buy from individuals they like and respect. Live To Wynn is not just the name of my global brand, but how I live my life daily.

If you had one piece of advice to share with other women who work, whether they’re business owners or working in an office, what would it be when it comes to safeguarding their mental health?

Wynn: The same time, energy and consideration you invest in your career, family members and/ or friends must be poured back into you. You are no good to others unless you are great to yourself first. With that in mind, start making yourself a top priority by nurturing your temple and universe. Set up a weekly or monthly play date so you can love on you, whether it’s going to the spa to get a massage, taking a yoga class and/or going to the movies. Your spirit will thank you later.  www.talentmgt.com/articles/7313being-down-doesnt-mean-stayingdown

31  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Black Music Month

33  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Black Music Month

THE WHITE HOUSE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH, 2015 For centuries, African-American musicians have shaped our Nation and helped tell our story. By melding enduring truths with new sounds, they have pioneered entire genres and contributed to the foundation of our musical landscape -- capturing an essential part of who we are as Americans. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, we recognize the artists who have enriched our lives and the ways their beats and harmonies have advanced our unending journey toward a more perfect Union.

With all the energy and diversity of our great Nation, the stirring sounds of the American experience have expanded our minds and lifted our souls, helping us better understand ourselves and one another. When the tides of injustice and hardship have seemed too great, melodies of hope have given us strength, and in moments of joy, powerful songs speak to the audacity that fuels our dreams. Through momentous change -- above the jangling discord of a people determined to write their own destiny and the consonance of great progress -- our music has remained a constant source of inspiration, bringing us together and empowering us to reach for what we know is possible.

By honoring the timeless sounds that define our past and help transform our future, we celebrate not only the musicians who move us, but also the spirit of resilience and renewal they embody. This month, let us remember the essential role music plays in breaking the barriers of our time and guiding us toward a more inclusive and more equal tomorrow.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2015 as AfricanAmerican Music Appreciation Month. I call upon public officials, educators, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate activities and programs that raise awareness and foster appreciation of music that is composed, arranged, or performed by African Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth .

BARACK OBAMA 34  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Black Music Month

What Is Black Music Month?

National Museum of African American Music http://nmaam.org/black-music-month

B

lack Music Month began in 1979 when Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright, and Dyana Williams developed the idea to set aside a month dedicated to celebrating the impact of black music. Created by music business insiders, the group successfully lobbied President Jimmy Carter to host a reception on June 7th, 1979 to formally recognize the cultural and financial contributions of black music. Since 1979, Black Music Month has grown from a commemoration to national proportions with extravaganza across the country.

In 2000, US-Representative Chaka Fattah sponsored House Resolution 509, which formally recognized the importance of Black music on culture and the economy during President Bill Clinton’s administration. In 2009, President Barack Obama further defined June as African American Music Appreciation Month who declared the start of summer as a celebration for all the black “musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters [who] have made enormous contributions to our culture.”

“The music of our Nation has always spoken to the condition of our people and reflected the diversity of our Union. African-American musicians, composers, singers, and songwriters have made enormous contributions to our culture by capturing the hardships and aspirations of a community and reminding us of our shared values.”

The National Museum of African American Music (“NMAAM”) Mission: The National Museum of African American

Music (“NMAAM”) educates the world, preserves the legacy and celebrates the contributions of African Americans and the role they play in creating and shaping the soundtrack of American life.

Vision: The National Museum of African American Music (“NMAAM”) is the premier place where fans, students and tourists globally go to be engaged, informed and inspired with respect to the origins of American music forms.

To fulfill this, NMAAM will serve as: • a digital repository for the preservation of music and artifacts • a gathering place for artists • a global educational outlet for students • a source for hands-on music recording and production • an economic-driver for Music City and the music industry • an exceptional opportunity to honor living legends • an international destination dedicated to the numerous contributions African Americans have made in music in the United States and around the world.  National Museum of African American Music Administrative Offices 211 7th. Ave. N., Suite 310 Nashville, TN 37219 Office:(615) 301-8724 info@nmaam.org http://nmaam.org

Black Music Month

“BET AWARDS” 2015 Pulls out all the Stops for the 15th Anniversary of Music's Biggest Night Show will air live on Sunday, June 28, 2015 on BET from Microsoft Theatre at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, CA

B

lack Entertainment Television (BET) Networks revealed some of the industry’s most influential names in entertainment who are set to appear at the 15th annual “BET Awards” 2015 on Sunday, June 28, 2015.

Hosted by Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, the “BET Awards” will include a performance

by Chris Brown and Kendrick Lamar. The star power continues as the network also announced that actor Michael B. Jordan and entertainer Zendaya will take the stage as presenters during the 15th Anniversary of the annual highlyanticipated televised event.

A full list of the “BET Awards” 2015 nominations is now available at www.bet.com/awards.

Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, Lynne Harris Taylor, BET’s Vice President of Specials, will serve as Executive Producers for the “BET Awards” along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.

The “BET Awards” 2015 will air LIVE on Sunday, June 28, 2015 on BET and will premiere around the world on BET’s international network on Tuesday, June 30 at 9:00pm BST / 10:00pm CAT and

will air live on MTV Australia for the very first time (check local listings).

The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. Live! in Los Angeles from June 25-28, 2015. BET.com/ Awards is the official site for the “BET Awards” and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show. All information about the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® can be found at BETExperience.com.

The BET Experience VIP Package offers the only way to purchase a “BET Awards” ticket, great seats to 3-nights of concerts at the Staples Center, and exclusive access to

events at the free Fan Fest. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to BET.com/BETX. Follow the Experience on Twitter @ betexperience.

ABOUT BET NETWORKS BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the AfricanAmerican audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the see page 38

Black Music Month Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET. com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a fullscale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension

Jesse Collins of BET network programming for global distribution.

ABOUT “BET AWARDS” The “BET Awards” is one of the most watched award shows on cable television according to the

Nielsen Company. The “BET Awards” franchise remains as the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is BET's #1 telecast every year.

It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.

ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT Jesse Collins Entertainment is a full service television and film production company founded by entertainment industry veteran Jesse Collins. For more than

Tracee Ellis Ross has worked with superstar talent such as Will Smith, Chris Rock, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince, Mariah Carey and many more.

BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE PRESENTED BY COCACOLA® Kendrick Lamar a decade, Collins, the company’s CEO, has played an integral role in producing some of television’s most memorable moments in music entertainment.

Formerly Executive Producer/EVP of Cossette Productions, Collins has produced ground-breaking and award winning television programming including the BET Awards, the GRAMMY Awards, BET Honors, UNCF An Evening of Stars and the BET Hip Hop Awards.

Collins is an executive producer of Real Husbands of Hollywood, (now going into its 4th hit season) alongside industry icons Stan Lathan and Ralph Farquhar; and

BET Networks, an entertainment powerhouse, and AEG, one of the leading entertainment companies in the world and developer/ operator of L.A. LIVE, have teamed up once again to create the BET EXPERIENCE AT L.A. LIVE (BETX), June 25 - 28, 2015 presented by Coca-Cola®. This three-day festival will be filled with music and comedy concerts taking place at Club Nokia and STAPLES Center; “106 & PARK”; FREE BET Fan Fest at the Los Angeles Convention Center including seminars, celebrity basketball games, celebrity meet & greets; and other special appearances. The weekend will be capped off with the “BET Awards” on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE. 

38  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Black Music Month

Dr. Dre: Businessman, Music Producer and Role Model of Success

by Giavanna Foster

D

r. Dre has risen to the level of a musical legend in the entertainment industry because of his success as an astute businessman, producer, and hip-hop recording artist. A native of the City of Compton, Dr. Dre’s professional career began during the 1980s while working as a music producer and a rapper with the popular hip-hop group, World Class Wrecking Cru. After reaching success with the Cru, Dre left the group to join forces with Yella where he led the movement to form the highly successful, revolutionary hip-hop recording act, N.W.A. Yella, a former Cru member, and Dre produced N.W.A.’s groundbreaking 1988 album, Straight Outta Compton. After this album, Dre became the producer for numerous L.A. rap groups like Above the Law, the D.O.C. and J.J. Fad. Dr. Dre continued to work as a music producer in conjunction with his work with N.W.A. until the group separated in 1991.

Dr. Dre

After major success as a member of N.W.A., Dr. Dre became a solo hip-hop artist changing the platform of the message behind the music along with the sound of hiphop. Before his 1992 album, The Chronic, hip-hop followed an East Coast aesthetic that originated from producers like Marley Marl and 45 King. The Chronic was a distinctive album from Dr. Dre mainly because of its edgy, staccato rhythms and sonic tempo. Dr. Dre’s 1992 album helped people change the way they see hip-hop by introducing a new sonic, rhythmic format. Dr. Dre innovated hip-hop by using synthesizers and musicians to interpolate rhythms and melodies.

Also, The Chronic was a major inspiration for the next generation of followers. The Chronic explored Dr. Dre’s perspective towards hedonism. Hedonism is defined as the view that pleasure, including the absence of pain, is the sole intrinsic good in life. Dr. Dre talked about the pleasures of low-rider convertibles and the sun culture of Southern California.

After achieving major success as a solo artist, Dr. Dre continued his work in producing other artists. He found a synergy nurturing new talent as a music producer.

One of his most successful artists to date is Grammy

Award winning Hip-Hop Recording Artist, Eminem, who Dr. Dre signed to his label, Aftermath Records after he founded this record label in 1996. Dr. Dre signed Eminem after he was blown away by his 1997 album, The Slim Shady EP. Dr. Dre was specifically impressed by Eminem’s rapping skills. In 2003, Dr. Dre and Eminem helped 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003) become the biggest-selling album in pop music history.

Dr. Dre is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history.

He has won six Grammys in total, including the Best Rap Solo Performance (1993) and Producer of the Year (2000) awards and three Grammys for his production work.

Dr. Dre is the first African American and Hip-Hop Recording Artist to officially open a school on the campus of an Ivy League school.

Dr. Dre joined forces with Jimmy Iovine to open the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy on the campus of the University of Southern California. This school specializes in the arts, technology, and the business of innovation. Its first roster of students attended classes in the fall 2014. USC’s Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy is a profound influence towards the educational development of gifted students driven to excel in technology, business and the arts. The school is known for its curriculum that expands one’s perception and experience of artistic media. As a businessman, forward thinker and musical producer, Dr. Dre is a true innovative pioneer in the music industry transcending generations through music and sound. His use of synthesizers also helped elevate the sound of hiphop. Dr. Dre is a positive role model for us all exemplifying that success can be achieved with hard work and determination surrounding a vision of future achievement. 

39  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

RIO 2016 OLYMPIC OPPORTUNITIES Stay Current through the Olympic Newsletter: http://www.export.gov/brazil/games/eg_ br_080260.asp Current tenders can be found at: http://portaldesuprimentos.rio2016.com/en/ status/of/the/bids For information on the Games visit http://export.gov/ brazil/games/index. asp www.export.gov/ brazil/games/eg_ br_080260.asp

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

Sell Your Products & Services on

It Can Wait. http://itcanwait.com 40  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

T

he U.S. Department of Commerce is offering our Gold Key Service for Publishing Industry Clients at the Frankfurt Book Fair October 14 18, 2015.

The Gold Key Services is a customized program for exportready U.S. Companies.

Through this service our trade offices aboard (American Embassy and Consulates) will arrange appointments for you with pre-screened contacts whose interests and objectives meet your own.

The Service includes customized market and industry briefings prior to your business meetings with contacts for your company's particular objectives.

Whether you are looking for representatives, distributors, government contacts or licensing the Service will help find the right people to fit your requirements.

You will need to complete our questionnaire and provide product/service cost, including an introductory sales letter and how it is distributed in the U.S., what type of representation you are seeking, preferred payment methods, photos and product brochures (originals).

Literature will need to be sent via courier to our overseas office. If you are interested please request our questionnaire to get started.

The deadline for application for the Gold Key service for the Frankfort Book Fair is Monday, July 14, 2015.

On the next page you will find a flier describing the Gold Key offer which includes specialized services to ensure your success at the show, including meetings with six qualified

Gold Key Service for Publishing Industry Clients DoC Preps for Frankfort Book Fair

buyers, based on our in-house methodology and experience in identifying and vetting international buyers.

Our International Promotion Program is also available, and we will highlight your company to all international buyers at the fair, upon request. Please let us know if this is of interest as well.

We will also need to know if your business is strictly digital or if you are selling physical books and other content and merch.

NOTE: you will be required to sign up for the Frankfort Book Fair separately.

Other Shows and Services • 2015 Taipei Pets Show: Catalog Exhibition $200.00, July 10-15, http://export.gov/taiwan/

forms/2015taipeipetsshow/index. asp • Financing Your Exports: SBA - pellson.lau@sba.gov, Export Import Bank - Gregory.Moore@ exim.gov • Discover Global Markets: Pacific Rim - Opportunities from Seoul to Santiago; Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa, CA, October 29-30, 2015, http://www.export.gov/ discoverglobalmarkets

Contact Information Bobby Hines International Trade Specialist www.export.gov bobby.hines@trade.gov Phone: 213-894-4231 FAX: 213-894-8789 

44  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Generate Success at Frankfurt Book Fair!

October 14 – 18, 2015 xxx

The Frankfurt Book Fair (FBF) is the largest annual trade show for the publishing industry outside of the U.S. and takes place October 14 - 18, 2015 at the “Messegelände” (the Trade Fair Grounds) in Frankfurt, Germany -- with a focus on promoting books, digital content, magazines and publishing & licensing rights. www.buchmesse.de/en/

FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR 2015 is an excellent opportunity for U.S. publishers, agents, content providers and publishing service providers to promote their products & digital content, and to meet buyers from Europe and all over the world.

FRANKFURT BOOK FAIR 2015 FOCUS x x

x

x

x x

Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Non-Fiction and Art Books, Photography and Film STM & Academic Publishing, Specialist Information, Education Self-Publishing and "Rights and Licenses" (get to know the world of literary and licensing agents) Frankfurt Book Fair Academy Indonesia is the Guest of Honor in 2015!

For Gold Key Registration Due July 14th, and questions about services offered by the U.S. Commercial Service, and more information, please contact Andrea DaSilva at: Andrea.DaSilva@trade.gov REGISTRATION & LINKS ITA in Germany: http://export.gov/germany/Tra deShowsEvents/FeaturedGerm anTradeShows/eg_de_080076. asp

Special Offering from ITA GOLD KEY PROGRAM FOR U.S. PUBLISHERS – Application Deadline JULY 14TH xxx

The GOLD KEY is a program tailored to your need at the Frankfurt Book Fair. This is a fee based service offered exclusively to U.S. publishers, and includes scheduling with up to six pre-vetted & qualified buyers from target countries of your choice. xxx ADDITIONAL VALUE-ADDED SERVICES OFFERED BY THE U.S. COMMERCIAL SERVICE TO U.S. EXHIBITORS x Qualified Contact Lists x Counseling on Global Markets (by ITA Export Specialists at U.S. Embassies & Consulates) x Business - to - Business Matchmaking (Connecting foreign buyers with U.S. suppliers) x International Promotion Program (Highlight YOUR company to international buyers attending FBF)

The International Trade Administration (ITA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of our trade laws and agreements. ITA supports President Obama's recovery agenda and the National Export Initiative to sustain economic growth and support American jobs.

45  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Black Business Owners Loose Customers Based on Race

W

hen Paulette Still left a career in banking to open Posy Flower Design and Event Decor, she expected to sacrifice a steady and hefty paycheck for the chance to be her own boss. She didn’t expected the number of people who would challenge her entrepreneurship based strictly on her race.

After the d doors of her P Polish Hill storefront o opened in 2010, a doctor buying flowers for his w wife informed h her that she ccouldn’t be

the owner because black people in Pittsburgh “owned wig stores and cleaning businesses.” When she switched to appointment-only hours, customers would book appointments based on the strength of her work featured online only to “turn on their heels” after seeing her in person.

“I had someone say, ’You should have your picture on the website,’” she said. “I showed you my flowers and my work and you were excited but you met me and you weren’t excited anymore.”

According to 2006 Census figures, black-owned businesses nationally have average annual sales of $74,018, compared to $439,579 in sales for white-owned firms. Black-

owned businesses received 1.7% of $23.09 billion in Small Business Administration loans in the 2013 fiscal year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Nationally, efforts such as cash mobs — challenges designed to steer customers toward specific businesses — have popped up in an attempt to address the issue. That movement has touched Pittsburgh, as well, but here the effect has been to highlight the limited number of black-owned businesses providing gasoline, fresh produce and other essentials.

The challenge, supporters say, often becomes finding places that support the African-American business community and one’s own lifestyle. www.post-gazette.com/business/ pittsburgh-company-news/2015/06/28/ Pittsburgh-Artists-purchasinginitiative-shows-difficulty-of-findingcompanies-with-black-owners/ stories/201506250180

46  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

47  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

America’s $10 Bill to Have Woman’s Face

by Kellye Whitney

I

n the not too distant future, the $10 bill will bear a female face.

This as yet unnamed woman will be the first one in more than a century to join a mélange of dead presidents and statesmen featured on American paper currency, according to Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew. Lew will solicit suggestions from the public, asking Americans to tender their picks on The

“…And a recent grass-roots campaign to replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill asked voters to choose female candidates from a pool of 15 women, including Betty Friedan, Sojourner Truth, Rachel Carson and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosa Parks each gleaned more than 100,000 votes. Cherokee Nation Chief Wilma Mankiller was also added to the final ballot.

Tubman, famous for her role shuttling slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad, emerged victorious after a final round of voting.” http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-83809023

New 10 website (https://thenew10. treasury.gov) or via social media and the hashtag #TheNew10. The only requirements are that the woman reflect the theme of democracy, and

she has to be dead.

This mystery lady won’t be the first to grace American paper money, but it has been awhile.

Native American Pocahontas was on the $20 bill from 1865 to 1869.

Before that, First Lady Martha Washington was depicted on the $1 silver certificate in the late 1800s.

A few women were stamped on U.S. coins — women’s voting rights activist Susan B. Anthony was on the dollar from 1979 to 1981, Native American guide Sacagawea on the same coin after 1999 and disability rights advocate Helen Keller on the 2003 Alabama quarter.

Currently, Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first Treasury secretary is on the $10 bill, and he will remain even after the female is chosen.

Apparently, the Treasury will either design two different bills, or Hamilton and the mystery lady will share the same bill.

The new note will be issued in 2020 during the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.  www.talentmgt.com/blogs/4-fromthe-editors/post/7367-americas-10bill-to-have-womans-face

48  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

How 5 Retail Brands Responded to #TakeItDown and Banned the Confederate Flag

by Kellye Whitney

M

erchandise displaying the Confederate battle flag is swiftly being prohibited from sale by major retailers in what has turned into a nationwide movement sparked by the killing of nine people at a historic black church in Charleston, S.C., last week. The retailers' messaging, aimed at an emotional public during a time when nerves are frayed, has had to be carefully crafted and considerate.

In the aftermath of the shooting, pictures of the accused gunman posing with the flag surfaced, prompting a movement to encourage retailers and governments to stop the sale and display of the flag. On social media, advocates of banning the flag rallied around the hashtag #TakeItDown (https://mobile.twitter. com/hashtag/takeitdown).

Big brands including Walmart, eBay, Sears, Amazon, Kmart, Etsy and Google Shopping have responded in a big way, disavowing the flag and removing it from their stores. Let's take a look at how some of these brands have communicated their decision to ban the Confederate flag from sale in their stores.

• Amazon: "We will investigate each report [of Confederate flags being sold on Amazon] thoroughly and take any appropriate actions." (via CNN http://money. cnn.com/2015/06/23/technology/ amazon-banned-products/index.html ?sr=twmoney0623amazonban252pVO

Dtop) • eBay: "We have decided to prohibit Confederate flags, and many items containing this image, because we believe it has become a contemporary symbol of divisiveness and racism.

This decision is consistent with our long-standing policy that prohibits items that promote or glorify hatred, violence and racial intolerance." (via CNN www.cnn. com/2015/06/23/politics/confederateflag-ebay)

• Etsy: "Today, we are removing Confederate flag items from our marketplace. Etsy’s policies prohibit items or listings that promote, support or glorify hatred and these items fall squarely into that category. With each new application of our policies, we strive to strike the right balance between creative freedom, Etsy's values, and establishing a safe and respectful marketplace for members. The challenge of defining and eliminating offensive items raises deep and complex issues—both philosophical and pragmatic—which we at Etsy wrestle with regularly. We strive to think about our site holistically and determine what is best for the entire community." (via Etsy https://blog.etsy.com/news/2015/ policy-update-confederate-flags)

• Google Shopping: "We have decided to remove content containing the Confederate flag

from Google Shopping and Ads. We have determined that the Confederate flag violates our Ads policies, which don't allow content that's generally perceived as expressing hate toward a particular group." (via re/code http://recode.net/2015/06/23/googleshopping-pulls-confederate-flagsfollowing-amazon-ebay)

• Walmart: "We never want to offend anyone with the products that we offer. We have taken steps to remove all items promoting the confederate flag from our assortment—whether in our stores or on our web site.

We have a process in place to help lead us to the right decisions when it comes to the merchandise we sell. Still, at times, items make their way into our assortment improperly—this is one of those instances." (via CNN www.cnn. com/2015/06/22/politics/confederateflag-walmart-south-carolina/index. html)

As momentum continues to build around banning the Confederate flag and public pressure creates real results, retailers should brace for criticism of other products people may deem offensive.  www.prnewsonline.com/watercooler/2015/06/24/how-5-retailbrands-responded-to-takeitdown-andbanned-the-confederate-flag?hq_ e=el&hq_m=3103750&hq_l=6&hq_ v=a877824e45

49  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business - POWER AFRICA

Leveraging Partnerships to Increase Access to Power in Sub-Saharan Africa

On June 30, 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa, President Barack Obama announced Power Africa — an initiative to increase the number of people with access to power in sub-Saharan Africa. Utilizing the combined expertise of 12 U.S. Government agencies, Power Africa is unlocking the substantial wind, solar, hydropower, natural gas, biomass, and geothermal resources in the region to enhance energy security, decrease poverty, and advance economic growth.

Two out of three sub-Saharan Africans — approximately 600 million people — lack access to electricity affecting their access to quality health care and education, as well as obtaining fewer economic opportunities.

Power Africa is working with African governments, the private sector, and other partners in sub-Saharan Africa to add more than 30,000 megawatts (MW) of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity as well as increase electricity access by adding 60 million new home and business connections.

Since Power Africa’s launch in late June 2013, the initiative has helped financially close more than 3,000 MW worth of transactions, representing more than 30% of the initial 10,000 MW goal for new power generation.

These transactions have the potential to provide power for more than five million African homes, service providers, and businesses. Power Africa is currently considering projects expected to generate an additional 15,000 MW. The long-term objective is to double access to cleaner, reliable and efficient electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Although Power Africa’s implementation varies country-by-country, as a whole, the initiative also works to advance energy sector reforms, identify barriers to investment, and work with partner countries and institutions to improve efficiency and capabilities of relevant government institutions.

Power Africa strives to increase regional, cross-border energy trading through power pools, while also focusing on enhancing energy resource management capabilities, allowing partner countries and regions of Africa to meet critical energy needs and achieve sustainable, long-term energy security.

Beyond the Grid Power Africa is also expanding mini-grid and off-grid solutions to increase access to underserved areas through “Beyond the Grid.” This sub-initiative utilizes Power Africa’s innovative transaction-focused model to galvanize collaboration, engage in critical actions to accelerate transactions, and drive systemic reforms in order to facilitate future investment for off-grid and small-scale renewable energy solutions.

The Power Africa initiative already supports over 25 small-scale energy projects, but Beyond the Grid will expand this significantly – facilitating over $1 billion in new private sector investments. With over 40 partners, Beyond the Grid also seeks to unlock investment and growth for off-grid and smallscale energy solutions for millions of households, businesses and public facilities in underserved areas in Africa.

Transaction Focused Notable transactions undertaken in the first year of the initiative include: Kenya Aeolus Wind — 60 MW: The Government of Kenya, project financiers, and Aeolus Kenya Ltd. have completed all agreements for the funding and construction of the Kinangop Wind Park. Power Africa is providing assistance for the implementation of a grid management support program to assist Kenya in managing the integration of intermittent renewable energy into the national grid.

Nigeria Power Privatization — 2,000+ MW: Fifteen companies have purchased the assets of ten electricity distribution and five power generation entities during the initial phase of privatizing the Power Holding Company of Nigeria. Power Africa is supporting these companies’ efforts to improve operations and maintenance, and to obtain additional investment capital, which is projected to result in a 2,000+ MW increase in power generation capacity by 2018.

Ethiopia Corbetti Geothermal — Up to 1,000 MW: The Government of Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation entered into a project agreement with Reykjavik Geothermal to establish the Corbetti Geothermal Power Plant — the first independent power producer project in Ethiopia’s history. Power Africa is providing transactional and technical advice to move the Corbetti project toward financial close.

Tanzania Kiwira River Hydro Project — 10 MW: Through USAID’s Development Credit Authority, Power Africa has provided a partial loan guarantee to Stanbic Bank in Tanzania for the Kiwira River Hydro Project in the country’s agricultural corridor. This guarantee assisted the project sponsor, EA Power Limited in securing debt financing from Stanbic Bank, the first loan of its kind by the bank to an energy sector project in Tanzania.

54  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

A New Operating Model: Mobilizing Investments in Energy

Highlighted Private Sector Partners General Electric Heirs Holdings Symbion Power Aldwych International Harith General Partners Husk Power Systems

The level of funding needed to electrify the continent far outstrips the capacity of African governments and foreign donors. To address this challenge, the 12 U.S. Government agencies behind Power Africa have developed an innovative model that focuses on the transactions of private investors and policy dialogue with key stakeholders to focus and drive energy reforms. By leveraging U.S. strengths in energy technology, private sector engagement, and policy and regulatory reform, Power Africa is galvanizing collaboration, making quick-impact interventions, and driving systemic reforms to facilitate future private investment.

The Power Africa model is part of President Obama’s new approach to development, which builds local capacity and supports innovative ways to make traditional assistance programs more effective and sustainable.

United States Energy Association Aelous Kenya Ltd Africa Infrastructure Investment Managers American Capital Energy & Infrastructure Corporate Council on Africa Nedbank Capital Standard Bank Group The Abraaj Group

For the first five-year phase of Power Africa, the U.S. Government has committed more than $7 billion in financial support and loan guarantees. To date, Power Africa has leveraged more than $20 billion from the private sector for new on and off-grid projects in sub-Saharan Africa, meaning that every dollar the U.S. Government has committed to Power Africa has already leveraged more than three dollars in private sector investment commitments.

Power Africa is also working closely with development finance partners and other donors to enhance the availability of energy sector resources in Africa. To date, the African Development Bank, World Bank and the Swedish Government have collectively committed an additional $9 billion in support of Power Africa.

For more information on Power Africa visit: www.usaid.gov/powerafrica or email powerafrica@usaid.gov

NextGen Solar Denham Capital

The Power Africa Toolbox Technical assistance

Loan guarantees

Direct grants to African governments for energy projects

Advise on government budgeting and financial accountability

Grants to off-grid communities for access

Medium and long-term direct loans for U.S. investments in Africa

Feasibility, project preparation and technical assistance grants

Reverse trade missions and training

Risk mitigation insurance

Working capital loans for U.S. exporters

Advocacy of legal, regulatory and institutional reforms

African trade promotion programs

Loans to African purchasers of U.S. goods and services

Transaction advisory services

Power Africa, a U.S. Government interagency initiative:

55  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business - POWER AFRICA

PARTNERING WITH POWER AFRICA Initiative Built on Partnership Partnership is at the core of Power Africa. Large and small-scale solutions for bringing cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity to subSaharan Africa are all grounded in the new model of development that drives Power Africa, which links public and private sector goals and resources, and connects investors and entrepreneurs to business opportunities in Africa.

Power Africa has partnered with many of the leading U.S., African and international private sector companies engaged in the power sector in subSaharan Africa, including developers, equipment providers, advisors, energy service providers, financial institutions and investors. Power Africa partners share the U.S. Government’s vision for working together to reach the common goal of increasing access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa and are willing to commit their resources and expertise to make this vision a reality.

Benefits of Power Africa Partnership

What Our Partners are Saying: “The benefit of association is important and significant. Our business partners are taking us more seriously the fact that we are part of this initiative.”

- Gilman Kasiga, CEO, EA Power “It has been critical to our success that Power Africa provides access to several arms of the American government, streamlining the process for developers on the ground so that we do not have to approach multiple agencies independently, but have Power Africa at the center directing our advocacy across agencies.”

- Richard Herbert, CEO, Aeolus Kenya

Power Africa private sector partners receive a variety of benefits from aligning themselves with the initiative, including: 9 Streamlined and coordinated access to the 12 Power Africa agencies of the U.S. Government (USG), including through joint meetings with multiple USG agencies 9 Open lines of communication to Power Africa staff and transaction advisors on the ground in Power Africa focus countries 9 Opportunity to inform Power Africa’s policy reform, transaction advisory and technical assistance efforts aimed at addressing critical constraints to power sector development and investment 9 Review of the partner’s project pipeline to identify opportunities for potential support of Power Africa agencies (for a summary of the types of support available from USG agencies visit http://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/partners/us-government-agencies) 9 Consideration for technical assistance under the Power Africa Transactions and Reforms Program managed

by USAID 9 Connections to other members of the Power Africa network, including other private sector partners, Power Africa partner governments and partner donors such as the World Bank and African Development Bank 9 Invitations to Power Africa-related events 9 Profile in a quarterly Power Africa newsletter 9 Recognition as partner on Power Africa website and in Power Africa publications 9 Positive public relations and enhanced profile that come with connection to the respected Power Africa brand

Expectations of Partners Partnering with Power Africa begins by providing a written commitment of support that outlines how the partner will advance Power Africa’s goals. Thereafter, it is expected that a partner will actively engage with the initiative, including through collaborating on specific projects, sharing information on project opportunities, identifying constraints to project development and investment, participating in constructive dialogue with governments to support necessary reforms, and providing periodic updates on its progress toward the goals set forth in its commitment.

56  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Limitations on Partnership While there are many benefits to becoming a Power Africa partner, partners will not receive any favorable treatment with respect to acquisition and assistance instruments that may be awarded by USG agencies and are not guaranteed support from USG agencies for the partner’s projects or business, whether in the form of financing, technical assistance, advocacy or otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. What do I have to do to become a Power Africa partner?

Power Africa is interested in continuing to add partners that are aligned with the mission of the initiative and will add significant value to the initiative’s efforts. As a first step, please express your interest in partnering through the Power Africa website here: http://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/partner-power-africa. A member of the Power Africa team will reach out to you to further understand your interest in the initiative and explore how best Power Africa and your organization might collaborate. If there appears to be a strong fit, your organization may be invited to provide a letter of commitment expressing your support for Power Africa and setting forth the specific activities you intend to pursue in furtherance of Power Africa’s objectives (e.g., investing $___, developing ___ MWs, providing energy access to ___ people).

2. By becoming a Power Africa partner, do all of the partner’s transactions or projects become official “Power Africa transactions”?

No. All transactions or projects are reviewed independently and are selected based on their merit, alignment with Power Africa goals and priorities, and the requirements of relevant Power Africa agencies. Each agency has its own internal processes and criteria to review projects and decides independently whether and how to engage on partner projects.

3. How does my project become a Power Africa project?

See the answer to #2 above. While subject to the limitations set forth in #2 above, the Power Africa team, including our transaction advisors and embassy staff on the ground, can streamline your engagement with the Power Africa USG agencies and utilize the biweekly interagency Power Africa Working Group meeting to share new project opportunities with a broad audience.

4. I'm interested in finding companies to partner with. Is there a network of Power Africa partners I can access (in the U.S. and in-country)?

A key strength of the Power Africa initiative is the diverse and high quality group of Power Africa partners. We are frequently introducing partners and facilitating dialogue among our partners, which has resulted in significant collaboration opportunities and the development of strong working relationships within the network.

We are currently exploring additional approaches that could further expand collaboration and information sharing within the Power Africa network.

5. What kind(s) of support does Power Africa provide that my company might access and how?

In addition to the support listed in the “Benefits of Power Africa Partnership” section above, the USG has a variety of tools and resources available to assist Power Africa partners and their projects (see a summary at http://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/partners/us-government-agencies).

6. Are there different criteria for companies that focus on smaller, rural, off- and/or mini-grid solutions since both the financial requirements and total MWs are generally significantly less than for large, on-grid projects?

Companies that focus on smaller scale, rural, off- and/or mini-grid solutions are important partners to Power Africa as they directly address energy access issues. We have a large number of such partners supporting our Beyond the Grid sub-initiative (see http://www.usaid.gov/powerafrica/beyond-the-grid) for more information).

Despite the differences in focus and scale, the process and considerations for becoming a Power Africa partner are the same for all potential partners (see the answer to #1 above).

For more information on Power Africa visit: www.usaid.gov/powerafrica

57  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

FOR

Father's Day

SPECIAL OCCASION

OR ANY

Business - Editorial

Intel Forms Venture Fund to Invest in Diversity

by Jessica Guynn, USATODAY

I

ntel has formed a venture capital fund to invest $125 million in technology companies with diverse founders or executive teams.

It's the latest effort to address a deeply entrenched problem in Silicon Valley brought to light by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition: Women and underrepresented minorities have been largely left out of one of one of the world's greatest wealth creation machines.

"There has been a gross lack of attention a n d neglect," said Lisa Lambert, who is managing t h e

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. with Intel CEO Brian Krzanich (photo Justin Sullivan)

Diversity Equity Fund, which is part of Intel Capital, the company's venture capital arm.

Venture capital firms run mostly by white and Asian men control the spigot of wealth in high tech.

Big bets by venture capitalists can help a company mature from the larval stage into the next Facebook or Google. Yet a tiny fraction of startups led by women — and an even tinier fraction of startups led by African Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans — have attracted venture capital dollars.

The culprit for this racial and gender gap in venture capital?

Unconscious bias from people in positions of power who hire from their immediate circles rather than casting a wider net, Lambert says.

As a result, patterns have emerged. White and Asian men are more likely to get funded, putting them in an advantageous position both to build successful companies and to have the kind of track record that venture capital firms seek in new partners.

Venture capital "is as homogeneous an industry as an industry can be in the 21st century," said Lambert, one of the few African American

Lisa Lambert female investors in Silicon Valley.

"Venture capitalists recruit partners out of their network and source deals out of their network. If you don't have diversity in the venture capital firms, you are very unlikely to get diversity in portfolio companies."

But there are signs of change, albeit slow in coming.

With

high-tech

companies

Marlon Nichols appealing to an increasingly diverse and global marketplace, historically underrepresented groups are becoming key to future growth in the sector. And venture capitalists have begun to realize they risk losing touch with a majority of consumers and losing out on new ideas.

Comcast Ventures, the cable and entertainment giant's corporate venture arm, started the Catalyst fund in 2011 to invest in minority entrepreneurs who might not

60  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Jas May hea Des Mark

Michael Seibel (Photo: Martin Klimek)

otherwise have access to capital.

The $20 million fund, a result of the merger of NBC Universal and Comcast, has made nine investments, most on the East Coast.

Now with the addition of veteran technology e x e c u t i v e Laurence "Lo" Toney who recently joined the fund in San Francisco, Catalyst is i n v e s t i n g in minority entrepreneurs at son the seed stage on den, the West Coast. d of "The fact sign, that Intel is also k One starting a fund further validates the vision Comcast had back in 2011 that there is a need for this type of fund to exist," Toney said.

Leading technology incubator Y Combinator has made a substantial commitment to funding qualified minority and women led startups with an effort spearheaded by veteran Internet entrepreneur Michael Seibel who is African American.

Marlon Nichols, an African American partner with Intel's new diversity fund, is forming an earlystage venture firm Cross Culture VC with Lady Gaga's former manager Troy Carter. Charles Hudson, an African American partner with SoftTech VC, is starting his own firm to invest in startups.

And after years of ignoring the issue, the National Venture Capital Association is owning up to the industry's diversity problem.

In December the trade group said it was forming a task force to brainstorm ways to bring aboard more women and minorities.

The real wake-up call for venture capital came with Ellen Pao's unsuccessful gender discrimination lawsuit against her former firm, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, which put the national spotlight on the lack of diversity among tech financiers.

Kleiner Perkins is one of the storied firms on Sand Hill Road, the wealthy row of influential venture capital firms in Menlo Park, Calif.

Now investors in these firms' funds, known as limited partners, are starting to ask tough questions, putting pressure on venture capital firms to recruit women and minority partners and to invest in more women and minority-led companies, Lambert says.

A report in 2010 by CB Insights found that fewer than 1% of venture capital-backed Internet companies were founded by African Americans.

Babson College survey found that 2.7% of the 6,517 companies that received venture funding from 2011 to 2013 had a female CEO. "Will the big Sand Hill Road firms get on board? All I can say is that I have been hearing that they are beginning to get on board," Lambert said.

Lambert's new fund, which is part of Intel Capital, the company's

venture capital arm, supports a broader pledge Intel made in January to increase diversity. Intel has said it's determined to make its work force better reflect the available talent pool of women and underrepresented minorities in the USA by 2020. And it established a $300 million fund to increase diversity at Intel and in the technology field.

Intel Capital held a press conference at Intel's Santa Clara, Calif., headquarters to announce the diversity fund. But the fund has been up and running for months.

The goal is to seek out more diverse investments. Of the investments made by Intel Capital, 10% are in companies that are women or minority led and 13% of investment partners are women or minorities, Lambert said.

The diversity fund has made four investments and has five investment partners, two of whom are women, two of whom are African Americans and two of whom are Asian Americans.

The criteria for investments: Either a startup's CEO or founder or at least three members of the senior management team must be a female or an underrepresented minority.

That does not necessarily mean that the companies are extremely diverse.

Mark One, maker of Vessyl, a smart cup that tracks what you are drinking with molecular analysis, had three African Americans on its management team.

"It's a really great thing that Intel is making this an issue," said Justin Lee, who founded the San Francisco startup. "It's a really great first step in making tech more diverse and it's a great sign of progress."  www.usatoday.com/story/ tech/2015/06/09/intel-venturecapital-diversity-fund/28737261

61  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars and save the date for Hollywood’s premier annual gathering of civic, business and community leaders. The Economic Development Summit will afford an opportunity to take stock of recent developments and successes taking place as Hollywood continues to revitalize. Attendees will be the first to receive coveted copies of the Chamber-produced Economic Development Update, listing the status of all major projects in the development pipeline, as well as the new Hollywood Business Profile, providing the latest demographic information on the community.

Victor L. Coleman

Victor Coleman is Chairman of the Board and CEO of L.A.-based Hudson Pacific Properties (HPP). Hudson Pacific’s current portfolio consists of seven-million sq.ft. located in L.A., San Francisco and Seattle. HPP also owns two irreplaceable media and entertainment properties in the heart of Hollywood – Sunset Gower Studios and Sunset Bronson Studios.

Keynote Speaker

Hamet Watt

Hamet Watt is a Venture Partner at Upfront Ventures. He is also co-founder and Chairman of bLife – a wellness innovation company, and co-founder and Chairman of MoviePass – a subscription service for movies in theatres. A leader in both the L.A. and wider entrepreneurial communities, Hamet has received numerous awards for technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

Keynote Speaker

Tickets for the conference are $50 with advance registration and $60 at the door.

Watch for more details and the opening of registration for this great gathering!

Produced by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce For sponsorship information, contact: Leron@hollywoodchamber.net

www.abff.com/

Business

Small Business Investment Companies (SBIC)

favorable rates through the federal government.

•And the national economy benefits as the small businesses financed by SBICs continue to create jobs and generate tax revenues.

Where can I learn more?

Visit the SBIC Program pages ( w w w. s b a . g o v / c o n t e n t / s b i c program-overview-0), including the FAQ, for more information about the SBIC Program. Still have questions? Email askSBIC@sba. gov. 

D

id you know that the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program has been helping high-growth small businesses get financing since 1958?

That's right – for more than 50 years, SBICs have facilitated the flow of long-term capital to America’s businesses. There are thousands of small business success stories, but here are a few you probably recognize: Costco, Apple and Staples – just to name a few.

funds (the SBICs) that finance small businesses.

How does it work?

What are the perks?

SBA doesn't finance businesses directly. For the SBIC program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) partners with private investors to capitalize professionally-managed investment

•Small businesses can receive equity capital, long-term loans and expert management assistance.

•Investment managers can add to their own private investment capital with funds borrowed at

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MOBILE BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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Download the App Add your Business Information Be found by new & old clients

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64  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Pinterest "Buy It" Button Coming Soon

By Angela Natividad

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ot using Pinterest in your E-commerce business, time to reconsider.

Pinterest has announced the coming arrival of pins with a "Buy It" button, and just in time: People like using Pins to plan purchases, whether for weddings, vacations, or DIY projects. Intent is there, and it's strong.

The big blue button lets people purchase within the app. A price filter will help make cost comparisons by pin, and an "options" feature lets users swipe through pins to choose between product variations. Payment can be made

via Apple Pay or credit card—info that's stored so customers never have to enter it again.

To activate Buyable Pins, businesses using Shopify (www. shopify.com) can simply log in, add the Pinterest channel, and enable Buyable Pins. Demandware (www. demandware.com) customers will get Buyable Pins in the coming weeks. Say hello to the Pin-based impulse buy. ď ƒ

www.marketingprofs.com/ chirp/2015/27848/socialskimpinterest-the-purchasing-powerhouseplus-more-stories-in-this-weeksroundup?adref=nlt061215

REGISTER TODAY! http://nulevents.eventready.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=reg.page&event_id=14

Business

Community Colleges and Employers Develop Online Course Content to Address High-Need Skills Gap

By Leila Meyer

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orpU (www.corpu.com), a social learning platform, and Jobs for the Future (www. jff.org), a national nonprofit that focuses on addressing workforce demands, have assembled the College Employer Collaborative (CEC www.jff.org/services/addressing-

employer-needs/college-employercollaborative), a group of community

colleges and employers that will work with CorpU to develop college curricula and credentials intended to meet the needs of high-growth industries.

According to a recent Gallup survey, approximately one third of business leaders think college and university graduates don't have the skills that meet their business needs. The CEC aims to help rectify the situation by developing online courses geared toward the skills employers are looking for in employees.

"Community colleges have always been a critical pipeline of talent," said Brian Inbody, president of Neosho County Community

College, in a prepared statement.

"By working with employers to actually develop course content, we are able to help students develop high-demand skills in the context of a meaningful academic environment."

The CEC will meet in mid-June to begin designing the courses.

Employers and CorpU learning designers will work together to develop the courses using CorpU's social learning platform. Colleges will integrate the online course content into their on-campus courses beginning in the Fall 2015 semester. According to information from CorpU and Jobs for the Future, "students who successfully complete the courses will earn a credential recognized by employers in the Collaborative, which signals their mastery of these critical skills."

Community college members of

the CEC include Neosho County Community College in Kansas, Everett Community College in Washington State, LaGuardia Community College in New York and Alamo Colleges in Texas.

Employer members include AGCO, Boeing, MetLife Premier Client Group, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Waddell & Reed and Securian Financial Group.

GAMA International, a professional development association for leadership and management professionals in the insurance, investment and financial services industry, helped to convene the employers that have joined the CEC.  http://campustechnology.com/ articles/2015/06/15/community-collegesand-employers-develop-online-coursecontent-to-address-high-need-skills-gap. aspx

67  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

'Bridging the Divide' Documentary Takes a Timely Look at Tom Bradley's Legacy

By Oliver Gettell

D

uring his groundbreaking 20year mayorship of Los Angeles, Tom Bradley was known for his quiet resolve, some would even say his inscrutability. One of his nicknames, after all, was "the Sphinx of City Hall."

It's perhaps oddly fitting, then, that Bradley's remarkable story — that

of a grandson of slaves who became the first African American mayor of Los Angeles and presided over the rapidly changing metropolis for five terms — is not particularly well known. Until recently there had never been a documentary about him, a benchmark that has now been cleared by

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2 1: Tom and Ethel Bradley 2: Mayor Bradley, Rev. J.L. Jackson 3: Tom Bradley waves Los Angeles Olympics Flag 4: Mayor Bradley with Earl "Skip" Cooper, II, President, Black Business Association 5: Mayor Bradley Welcomes Nelson & Winnie Mandela to Los Angeles

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"Bridging t h e Divide: T o m Bradley and the Politics of Race," a one-hour documentary making its world premiere at the 2015 Los Angeles Film Festival.

Directed by Lyn Goldfarb, who cowrote and coproduced with Alison Sotomayor, "Bridging the Divide" chronicles Bradley's rise from sharecropper's son to LAPD officer to city councilman to mayor. Connecting his legacy to the present day, the film makes

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the case that Bradley, in gathering broad support from blacks, Jews, Latinos, Asian Americans and other groups, paved the way for Barack Obama.

"Tom Bradley laid the foundation for the kind of coalition politics that allowed President Obama to be elected," Goldfarb said in a recent phone interview. "When he won [the mayoral election] in 1973, his victory enabled other candidates or potential candidates from around the country to see that, yes, it can be done."

The parallels between Bradley and Obama aren't the only aspect

of "Bridging the Divide" that feels timely: The documentary also looks at Bradley's long and complicated relationship with the LAPD. Though he served 21 years on the force, Bradley was often frustrated — as an officer and later as a politician — by a department that "operated as an autonomous, almost paramilitary force," in Goldfarb's words.

When the filmmakers began the project in 2008, "We thought that the link to this story, the resonance, would be the first black president and building coalitions," Goldfarb said. Seven years later, amid racially

charged protests against alleged police brutality in places like New York, Baltimore and Ferguson, Mo., the film's exploration of Bradley's struggles to bring civilian control and reform to the LAPD have come to the fore.

"The film kind of grew into the times, but all the elements were there," Goldfarb said. "We always felt that the story of Tom Bradley was a story about the police."  www.latimes.com/entertainment/ movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-laffbridging-the-divide-tom-bradleylegacy-20150612-story.html

69  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business Technology:

Take a Look!

by LaSandra Stratton

C

heck out what these firms and organizations have to offer for your personal interests, personal wealth building, and business expansion opportunities.

https://evernote.com/ products/scannable

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cannable, a new app from Evernote (www.evernote. com), captures the paper in your life quickly and beautifully, transforming it into high-quality scans ready to save or share.

Whether on the go or at the office, send paper on its way and move on.

Scannable instantly recognizes business cards, receipts, and any other paper you point it at. Scans are automatically cropped and enhanced, producing crystal clear digital documents.

Business cards are about the person, not the paper. Scannable transforms cards into rich contacts with LinkedIn details and photos and gives you the ability to save it all to your phone’s contacts.

Scannable improves your workflow. Get your documents

to their destination without ever

leaving the app. Save scans to Evernote and other apps, or share them with colleagues via email or SMS. Scannable connects directly to the ScanSnap Evernote Edition scanner via WiFi to streamline team scanning. Anyone in the office can walk up, drop documents in, tap their phone, and walk away. Finally, a hassle-free office scanner for everyone.

Scannable is designed for iPad and iPhone. Download the app from the AppStore.

www.dufl.com

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ownload the DUFL app and experience travel like never before. DUFL is a premium, luxury travel service - a personal valet that simplifies business travel by shipping, cleaning and storing your business attire.

D U F L stores your clothing in your personal DUFL closet, and allows you to virtually ‘pack’ by selecting your clothing items from within the app. Once you’ve scheduled your trip, you’ll travel – bag free, and your freshly cleaned and neatly packed clothing will meet you at your specified destination. When you’re ready to head home, schedule a pick up from the hotel and we’ll clean your clothes and have them waiting in your virtual closet, ready for your next trip!

• DUFL Saves You Time by eliminating time spent packing, cleaning and managing your bag.

• DUFL Cleans and Packs

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your clothes are professionally cleaned and stored in your virtual closet and then freshly packed when you schedule a trip.

DUFL Eliminates Airport Hassle with no worry about checking or retrieving your bag.

DUFL Gives You Peace of Mind as you track your bag’s whereabouts in the DUFL app at all times.

DUFL is Safe and Secure in our storage facility offers 24/7 security with state-of-the-art tracking and inventory systems to keep your items safe.

DUFL Makes Your Life Easier as your bag meets you at your scheduled destination allowing you to focus on business.

DUFL Pricing is Simple. Prices are fixed and applied to the credit card on file upon completion of your trip.

Download the app from the AppStore.

http://human.co/

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eed just a little motivation to keep you on your "exercise for my good health" plan?

Then consider downloading Human on your iOS tools. Human is an allday activity & calorie tracker that inspires you to move 30 minutes or more, every day. Need more

inspiration? then establish one or more Human Clubs. These are

70  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

small private groups that make it easy to share your daily activity with friends, family, and colleagues.

Inspire each other to get active and see how you compare from day to day.

Create a Club Swipe right on the Human dashboard to create your first club.

Search for your friends by name or e-mail to invite them to join your club. Are your friends not on Human yet? Fill in their e-mail address to send them an invite to join.

Clubs can have up to 10 members and you can create up to 3 clubs yourself. You can join as many other clubs as you want. Create a club with your spouse, a club for your colleagues, or get your family in. Get Human today and stay motivated to be the best that you can be.

www.nativeapp.com

I

f commercial travel is a major part of your business operation or your retirement joy, consider Native.

This new app (www. nativeapp.com) provides personal travel assistant services via your smart communication devices.

Your Native travel assistant can plan, book, and handle the headaches of travel, all from your phone. This is a fee-based service.

www.silvercar.com

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t Silvercar, our mission is to remake the airport car rental business. We are a team of innovators with experience from the worlds of automotive, travel, web and mobile technologies.

We are committed to delivering the industry’s most innovative products, the most professional concierge service, and the finest

fleet of cars anywhere. We believe you deserve the best airport car rental experience possible and our promise is to deliver this every time you choose Silvercar.

Why choose Silvercar? There are no lines, no paperwork and premium features available at no extra cost.

Plus lots of travel information in the Trunk Show section of the website.

After you sign up as a Silvercar user then reserve a Silvercar in 4 easy steps: Download the app; Reserve your Silvercar; Unlock your assigned Silvercar using the app on your iPhone or Android device; Drop off your Silvercar and receive your receipt by e-mail.

That's it.

Silvercar is privately held, funded by some of the world’s most influential investors, led by Austin Ventures.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/ app/cleanup-suite-quicklyeasily/id570900107?mt=8

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his app combines three musthave tools in one to make sure that your address book is free of duplicates and unwanted contacts. CleanUp Suite contains the following functions: • Merge and detect duplicates automatically - This module cleans your address book automatically but you will stay

in control. You can configure the merge level; run a scan to check for all duplicate contacts; view the scan results; select info to be removed. Works flawlessly with sources like Gmail and iCloud to keep all duplicate contacts centralized.

• Select and remove contacts in bulk - Select the contacts you want to remove, click the delete-button and your contacts will be removed. You can use smart filters or the instant search function.

• Manual merging for the finishing touch - You have the option to fine-tune your address book to the last bit.

• Backup and restore - All above modules c r e a t e automatic backups b e f o r e doing their trick.

The entire app is universal and optimized for iPhone, iPhone 7.0 and iPad.  Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

71  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

Reading Rainbow Goes Digital animals, friends, family, science, space, music, and more. Each book comes alive as children readalong with audio storytelling by

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osted by LeVar Burton, the reimagined Reading Rainbow App includes an unlimited library of books and video field trips to encourage your child’s love of reading.

FEATURES: • Curated digital library of over 500 fiction and non-fiction books • More than 150 exclusive educational video field trips with host LeVar Burton • New books and videos added every week • Recommendations based on your child's age and interests • Two modes of reading: Read to Me or Read by Myself • Fun interactive animations in every book • Games and rewards to motivate reading • One subscription works for up to 5 children • Sync reader profiles across multiple devices/platforms • Spark family conversations as you track your child’s progress with the NEW Parent Dashboard Children ages 2-9 explore worlds of reading to discover storybooks and learn about such topics as

LeVar Burton spoken word Grammy winner Burton himself, and his hand selected group of actors. Plus, over 100 exclusive video field trips take children on adventures to visit fascinating people and places.

Introduce your child to the fun of reading with Reading Rainbow – download it FREE.

WHY READING RAINBOW: • The #1 Educational App that inspired the Kickstarter campaign to “Bring Reading Rainbow Back to Every Child, Everywhere” • Over 20 million books read & video field trips enjoyed by children • 5-star award-winning learning App recognized by Common Sense Media, Mom’s Choice, Dr. Toy and more

• Based on the beloved Emmy award-winning PBS TV series

HOW THE READING RAINBOW APP WORKS: • Free to try, select up to 5 books and enjoy a sampling of educational video field trips.

• Subscribe and unlock an unlimited reading experience for your child: 1 Month “Explorer” for $9.99, 6 Months “Voyager” for $29.99 or 1 Year “Adventurer” for $49.99 (all subscriptions are reoccurring).

• Customized profiles for up to 5 children in a family, at no additional cost.

• Your subscription is for your Google Play account and can be used on additional Android devices you own.

• Payments will be charged to your account at confirmation of purchase.

• Your subscription will auto-renew unless auto-renewal is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You may turn off auto-renewal at any time from your Google Play account settings.

• Subscriptions cannot be cancelled during the active subscription period.

TESTIMONIALS: “The vibrant games, beautiful illustrations, and cute animation all make for an interactive experience, but kids get hooked on reading books” – PC Mag “The benefit to children's literacy development cannot be overlooked” – Smart Apps for Kids  https://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.rrkidz.rrk

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Community/Public Interest

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First Lady Michelle Obama greets students after participating in a conversation with the 10th-grade class at Bell Multicultural High School in Washington, D.C. (Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

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he Reach Higher initiative is First Lady Michelle Obama's effort to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school, whether at a professional training program, a community college, or a four-year college or university.

In today's economy, a high school diploma just isn't enough. Students have to reach higher, which is why the First Lady is working to rally the country around the President's "North Star" goal — that by 2020, America will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

Expanding Opportunity The Reach Higher initiative will help make sure all students understand what they need to complete their education, including:

• Exposing students to college and career opportunities • Understanding financial aid eligibility that can make college affordability a reality • Encouraging academic planning and summer learning opportunities • Supporting high school counselors who can help more kids get into college

Resources College Scorecard The College Scorecard makes it easier for students and families to search for a college that provides a good value.

It includes essential information a b o u t

a particular college’s cost, its graduation rates and the average amount its students borrow, all in an easy-to-read format. It is designed to help you compare colleges and choose one that is well-suited to your individual needs. www.whitehouse.gov/issues/education/ higher-education/college-score-card

Net Price Calculator Center T h e Net Price Calculator C e n t e r provides an easy tool to allow students and families to enter information about themselves and find out the net price of any given college- that is, the price after subtracting the

76  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Reach Higher: A Michelle bama Initiative to Improve Prospects for Young People President Barack Obama talks to graduating seniors and junior mentees in the Cross Hall prior to the White House Mentorship and Leadership graduation ceremony in the Blue Room of the White House, June 15, 2015. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

scholarships and grants a student are likely to receive. http://collegecost.ed.gov/ netpricecenter.aspx

College Navigator College Navigator is an interactive website that provides detailed information about different

institutions, including programs and majors, admissions considerations and more. http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator

Financial Aid Shopping Sheet Many colleges and universities have adapted a shopping sheet that provides personalized information

on financial aid and net costs as well as general information on institutional outcomes — all in a standardized format. This tool provides an easy way to make clear comparisons among financial aid offers from different schools. www.ed.gov/blog/2012/09/institutionscommit-to-providing-millions-ofstudents-with-easy-to-understandinformation-about-college-costs/

Studentaid.gov Navigate the financial aid process and make informed decisions about paying for college. This website provides straightforward and easyto-understand information about planning and paying for college.

The site combines content and interactive tools from several Department of Education websites.

StudentAid.gov/FAFSA Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is

the first step in accessing the more than $150 billion available in federal student aid. https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa

Learn More See what the Obama Administration is doing to expand college opportunity.

• The First Lady on the Power of Education: www.whitehouse. gov/blog/2013/11/12/first-ladypower-education-12 • Taking Action to Expand College Opportunity: www. whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/01/17/ taking-action-expand-collegeopportunity • A World Class Education for Every Student in America: www.whitehouse.gov/ blog/2014/03/07/world-classeducation-every-student-america  www.whitehouse.gov/reach-higher

77  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Guest Editorial

Michelle Obama's Deeply Moving Words

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ast May at the graduation ceremony of Tuskegee University, a historically black college, First Lady Michelle Obama spoke candidly about the racial barriers facing African Americans and encouraged them to overcome continuing discrimination by staying “true to the most real, most sincere, most authentic parts of yourselves.”

People, she said, “will make assumptions about who they think you are based on their limited notion of the world.” She and her husband have “felt the sting of those daily slights throughout our entire lives.” But “those feelings are not an excuse to just throw up our hands and give up. … They are not an excuse to lose hope.”

Michelle’s comments were deeply moving because they came from her lived experience. Today, two of three Americans have a favorable opinion of her; she is more popular than her husband. She’s hailed as a fashion icon for her stylish mixing of designer with off-the-rack clothes. She’s confident enough even to release a video of her exercise routine featuring kick-boxing and lifting weights. Her campaign against obesity and for healthy living has helped transform school lunches and vending machines across the country.

But it wasn’t always this way. She was raised in the South Shore community in Chicago. Her father, a municipal worker, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis as a young man. Her mother and father surrounded their two children with love, with high expectations in hard conditions. This month in Chicago, Michelle gave another commencement address, to graduates of Martin Luther King Jr. Preparatory High School, and spoke to students from experience: “I know the struggles many of you face. How you walk the long way home to avoid the gangs. How you fight to concentrate on your homework when there’s too much noise at home. How you keep it together when your families are having hard times making ends meet.”

Michelle flourished in school, and went on to Princeton, where she felt virtually like an alien in a school filled

with the children of privilege, where only 8% of the student body was African American. Yet she graduated with honors and went on to earn her law degree at Harvard Law School. After experience in a corporate firm, she turned her energy to more publicspirited work, eventually as a vice president for external affairs at the University of Chicago Hospital, creating bridges to the surrounding community where she had been raised.

But as B a r a c k Obama’s comet rose in 2008, Michelle became the target of harsh criticism.

She was burlesqued as

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“Mrs. Grievance” or “Barack’s bitter half.” The fist bump she gave Barack when he clinched the Democratic nomination was called a “terrorist fist jab.” She was accused of exhibiting a “little bit of uppityism.”

As she told the graduating class at Tuskegee, “as potentially the first African-American First Lady, I was also the focus of another set of questions and speculations; conversations sometimes rooted in the fears and misperceptions of others. Was I too loud, or too angry, or too emasculating? Or was I too soft, too much of a mom, not enough of a career woman?

But she made her way.

She focused her political energy on fighting obesity, a plague across America, disproportionately afflicting African Americans and

First Lady Michelle Obama wearing Carolina Herrera

was her biggest priority — raising her children in the White House. Her mother, Marian Robinson, moved in to provide an anchor. The president came back at 6:30 pm to eat with this family, attended school events and athletic practices like a regular parent. Their tight and loving family has been an exemplary model for families across the country. And today, the vast majority of Americans have respect and affection for the first lady who made this happen.

Michelle Obama has said she has no Obama family walks to Sunday morning church service intention of running for political office Latinos. She made healthful eating when she leaves the White House. But the interest and exercise more popular, while in her running never subsides. If she decides to run, mobilizing public pressure on food she would be the odds-on favorite, particularly for the and beverage companies to cut Illinois Senate seat now held by Mark Kirk, whose most the sugar and change the offerings recent infamy was his attempt to use “street language,” in school lunches and vending degrading Sen. Lindsey Graham and the South Side of machines. Her work on issues Chicago. military families face, particularly As Barack Obama’s presidency heads into its final the pressures they feel not only years, one thing is clear. Michelle Obama’s grace, when deployed but after they intelligence and discipline have served her family, her come home, helped thousands find husband and the nation well.  decent work. www.rainbowpush.org Perhaps her biggest triumph 79  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

J

une is Membership Month at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and we’ve set an exciting goal.

Between now and June 30 we need to raise $20,000. Join and donate now to help us reach our goal and make Membership Month a success.

This is an exciting time at the Museum. Visitors to the National Mall are watching the distinctive corona panels being installed on the outside of our building. Inside is taking shape as well—floors are being poured and polished, drywall is going up and windows have been set in place.

We have entered the “home-

stretch” of construction and every square foot is getting our fullest attention so the Museum will exceed our greatest expectations when it opens to the public in fall 2016.

But meeting our goal depends on Charter Member and New Member support. Join us by donating during Membership Month to show your commitment to making the National Museum of African American History and Culture a reality.

With every corona panel installed on our building’s exterior, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for those donors and members who have brought the Museum to this incredible moment. Without our donor family, this stunning architectural masterpiece and all of

the historic and cultural treasures it will hold would be nothing more than a dream.

But there is more work ahead, which is why we must meet our Membership Month goal.

Please help raise $20,000 during Membership Month.

Once completed, our Museum will include approximately 400,000 square feet of space. But it will be much more than a building. Within its walls, people of all ages and walks of life will be immersed in America’s story from the African American perspective. Through this unique lens, visitors will experience the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history and explore the racial challenges that remain part of the national conversation today.

Unlike any museum of its kind, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will be a place where people can come together to learn, discuss, reflect and act in meaningful ways.

Please help see the Museum to completion so it can serve this needed purpose.

Join and donate before June 30 to help the Museum raise $20,000 during Membership Month.

All the best, Lonnie Bunch Founding Director 

80  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

http://nmaahc.si.edu/

Community/Public Interest

Quote of Note Excerpt: Remarks by the President in Eulogy for the Honorable Reverend Clementa Pinckney "…As a nation, out of this terrible tragedy, God has visited grace upon us, for he has allowed us to see where we’ve been blind. (Applause.) He has given us the chance, where we’ve been lost, to find our best selves.

(Applause.) We may not have earned it, this grace, with our rancor and complacency, and short-sightedness and fear of each other -- but we got it all the same. He gave it to us anyway. He’s once more given us grace.

But it is up to us now to make the most of it, to receive it with gratitude, and to prove ourselves worthy of this gift.

For too long, we were blind to the pain that the Confederate flag stirred in too many of our citizens. (Applause.)

It’s true, a flag did not cause these murders. But as people from all walks of life, Republicans and Democrats, now acknowledge -- including Governor Haley, whose recent eloquence on the subject is worthy of praise -(applause) -- as we all have to acknowledge, the flag has always represented more than just ancestral pride.

(Applause.) For many, black and white, that flag was a reminder of systemic oppression and racial subjugation.

We see that now.

Removing the flag from this state’s capitol would not be an act of political correctness; it would not be an insult to the valor of Confederate soldiers. It would simply be an acknowledgment that the cause for which they fought -- the cause of slavery -- was wrong -- (applause) -- the imposition of Jim Crow after the Civil War, the resistance to civil rights for all people was wrong. (Applause.) It would be one step in an honest accounting of America’s history; a modest but meaningful balm for so many unhealed wounds. It would be an expression of the amazing changes that have transformed this state and this country for the better, because of the work of so many people of goodwill, people of all races striving to form a more perfect union. By taking down that flag, we express God’s grace.

(Applause.)

But I don't think God wants us to stop there.

(Applause.) For too long, we’ve been blind to the way past injustices continue to shape the present. Perhaps we see that now. Perhaps this tragedy causes us to ask some tough questions about how we can permit so many of our children to languish in poverty, or attend dilapidated schools, or grow up without prospects for a job or for a career. (Applause.)

Perhaps it causes us to examine what we’re doing to cause some of our children to hate…"

Barack Obama www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/06/26/remarks-president-eulogy-honorable-reverend-clementa-pinckney

81  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest-Obituary

Ornette Coleman 1930-2015

I

n 1989, Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead said of the iconoclastic alto saxophonist Ornette Coleman "His playing has a real purity about it, a real beauty." Garcia had just played on the latter's album Virgin Beauty, a complex, radiant showcase for Coleman's idea of free jazz: defying conventional laws of harmony, melody and rhythm in the pursuit of an individual, ecstatic voice.

Coleman, who died on June 11th in New York at age 85 of cardiac arrest, coined a name for his music: harmolodics. But Garcia recalled Coleman trying to explain his vision during a session for that LP: "Finally, he said, 'Oh, just go ahead and play, man.' And I thought, 'Oh, I get it now.' " Coleman's titanic impact on jazz as a composer, improviser and lifelong outsider can be measured in the truth of album titles like Something Else!!!!, his 1958 debut, and 1960's Change of the Century.

"Even in jazz, there are rules of engagement – Ornette shook up that orthodoxy," says Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid, who played with drummer and Coleman alumnus Ronald Shannon Jackson. "And a lot of people did not get it." The exuberant turmoil of Coleman's groups and his searing tone on alto sax, grounded in gospel and the blues of his native Texas, polarized the jazz community in the late Fifties and Sixties. Miles Davis claimed Coleman was "all screwed up inside"; John Coltrane became a disciple and collaborator.

The liberating force of Coleman's music had an equally dramatic, transforming effect on rock. "I used

to run around the Village following Ornette Coleman wherever he played," said Lou Reed, whose free-rock guitar work in the Velvet Underground was inspired by Coleman's soloing. The Dead's collective improvising, the directed chaos of Captain Beefheart's 1969 album Trout Mask Replica, and New York post-punk bands like Sonic Youth and Defunkt all reflected Coleman's innovations.

Born on March 9th, 1930, in Fort Worth, Coleman led his first combos in Los Angeles in the Fifties, starting long relationships with bassist Charlie Haden and trumpeter Don Cherry. The 1960 LP Free Jazz became synonymous with an emerging avant-garde, but Coleman resisted definition: composing the symphony Skies of America; recording in Morocco

with the Master Musicians of Jajouka in 1973; revving up his R&B roots with guitars in the band Prime Time with his son Denardo on drums; and making a 1986 LP, Song X, with guitarist Pat Metheny.

Coleman's imprint was summarized at a 2014 tribute concert in Brooklyn featuring saxophonist Sonny Rollins, guitarist Thurston Moore and Patti Smith. But Coleman was always certain his music would be understood. "I have always wanted to go into the mainstream," he said in 1989. "But I didn't want to sacrifice what I was doing to get there." www.rollingstone.com/music/ features/ornette-colemanthe-man-who-set-jazz-free20150612#ixzz3d6IhKhFb

82  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest-Obituary

Reynaldo Rey 1940-2015

R

eynaldo Rey, comedian, actor, artist and writer (songs, television, stage plays and screenplays) comes from a very unusual background. Born in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, of African-American and AmericanIndian ancestry, he grew up in the nightlife atmosphere of Kansas City. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Education at Kansas State Teacher's College, and returning to work toward his Masters, he taught for a year in Wichita, where he participated in experimental theater at Wichita University. He later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he taught for seven years and became a member of the Karamu House Theatre, world renowned for its production of top-notch actors, directors and producers. There, he launched his career in comedy, going on the road with the O'Jays and show business became his life.

Reynaldo then moved to New York City where he was invited to join the Harlem Theater Group. While a member of the group, he appeared in his first movie. From there he performed in Europe, Asia and Africa for two years.

Reynaldo has been entertaining audiences for 30 years. He has appeared in 52 movies, including "Friday," "House Party 3," "White Men Can't Jump," "A Rage in Harlem," and "Harlem Nights." He also has 32 television shows to his credit, including B.E.T.'s "Comic View,"1998-99, 2000-2001, on which he was a Co-Host; "The Tonight Show," "Sister, Sister," Robert Townsend's "Parents in Crime," and "Parenthood," "227" as Ray

the Mailman, "Sanford and Son" and "The Royal Family."

Reynaldo has also recorded three comedy albums and three videos.

He produced his own video, which features Reynaldo Rey a rap he wrote called "I’m Scared A U" after overwhelming audience reaction to it on Russell Simmons' "Def Comedy Jam." Reynaldo's last project w a s "Hollywood P.O.," a play that he wrote, directed, financed, penned the tunes for (all but one, which was written by his wife, Evelyn, who coproduced the play), starred in and cast. He chose longtime friend, Sherman Hemsley (Mr.Jefferson of the "Jeffersons") for his co-star.

He took the play on a trial run across the country, and when he returned to Hollywood, did a total rewrite and recast all the characters (except Sherman). He opened at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles to standing ovations.

Rey's newest project is a salute to an old friend, Redd Foxx, whom he met after only two months in Hollywood. After catching Reynaldo's show, Foxx became his

Redd Foxx and Reynaldo Rey manager for 12 years. Reynaldo opened for Redd Foxx for 18 years in Las Vegas and around the country. They worked well together because their shows were in total contrast, with Redd being triple X and Reynaldo more family oriented.

Redd showed Reynaldo the pitfalls of life in showbiz. And they took many rides up and down the Vegas Strip at four and five in the morning, sharing their life experiences.

Reynaldo feels that Redd never truly got his props, so his latest film project, "Foxx," is a salute to his mentor.  www.reynaldorey.com

83  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest-Obituary

Edna Anderson-Owens: A Pioneer and Woman of Excellence

W

hen it comes to African American leaders in the music industry, there are people who have made remarkable contributions from various positions and roles that have contributed to the greatness of some of the most successful corporations and global figure heads. Such is the legacy of Edna Anderson-Owens. She is best known for her significant contributions to the world of music as a music executive representing the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy.

A woman of poise and inner confidence that shined through her smile, Edna Anderson-Owens

was a pioneer and woman of excellence who found her motivation in her remarkable life through making a difference in the lives of others. A graduate of Central State University, Edna majored in Business Administration.

Her extraordinary talents in business along with her keen business savvy and intellect moved her up the ranks in career to heights of greatness where she held rank as a respected advisor and innovator for change.

A West Virginia native, Edna was wholeheartedly a civil rights activist in her roles of leadership and accomplishments as an outstanding African American Female. One of the most powerful transforming moments of her life’s journey occurred when she and her family traveled to Washington to participate in a moment in time where they stood with a large group of people in an outside gathering to hear and witness a speech presentation that would change their lives. Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech, “I Have a Dream”. That moment inspired within her a motivation to support civil rights efforts. After securing a Bachelor’s degree in Business

Administration from Central State University, she began her journey in exploring community service and communications.

In her rigorous networking activities, she was soon sought after as a candidate of choice for some of the top positions in Black Corporate America. Her career catapulted on the day that she was recommended for the position of Executive Assistant to the founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy.

When she began her career at Motown, she focused her activism toward the business objectives that Mr. Gordy had established for Motown Records. As she and Mr. Gordy grew in their mutual synergy in working together, her role expanded to include serving as a business advisor in corporate relations as well as social, political and philanthropic areas of communications.

A respected woman of purpose, Edna was a brilliant and gifted woman with a professional rapport with people coupled with a business savvy comparable to the qualities of a U. N. Ambassador. She traveled the world with Mr. Gordy engaging with celebrity artists, corporate executives and political leaders including several American Presidents, including our current Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama. 

84  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

by Linda Ware

Marva Collins, Renowned Educator, Dies at 78

by Tony Briscoe, Chicago Tribune

A

pioneer in education, Marva Collins gained wide acclaim for her novel approach to teaching at a West Side school she started.

Mrs. Collins, 78, who founded Westside Preparatory School in Garfield Park in 1975 and whose life became the focus of a made-forTV movie, died of natural causes on Wednesday while in hospice care in Beaufort County, S.C., according to her son Patrick Collins.

"She gave it her professional all, her very best," he said.

Born Marva Knight in Alabama, Mrs. Collins graduated from Clark College, now Clark Atlanta University.

She moved to Chicago after graduation and took a position as a medical secretary. She later became a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, teaching second grade at

Delano Elementary School on the Near West Side, her son said.

She became frustrated with the classroom approach at the public school, her son said.

"It was more playtime, less learning," he said. "So she cashed in her $5,000 teacher pension, moved her tenants out and taught out of the second floor of her own home. That was her vision."

Under her guidance, Westside Preparatory School flourished and became nationally known for its success at taking children from impoverished neighborhoods who were often considered unteachable and turning them into solid students.

In 1981, she was portrayed by actress Cicely Tyson in the TV movie "The Marva Collins Story," which also starred Morgan Freeman. Tyson and Freeman stayed in the Collins family home

for a time to prepare for the roles, Patrick Collins said.

By 1991, Mrs. Collins was training 1,000 teachers each year on her methods of instilling pupils with a love of learning and an ability to think critically through classic literature. During that time, the school received about 6,000 visitors annually who wanted to know "how we make scholars of children at a time when people lament that nothing can be done," Mrs. Collins told the Tribune that year.

She had two schools at one point, but both closed by 2008 because of financial issues.

However, schools continue to use Mrs. Collins' teaching techniques, including Joshua Academy in Evansville, Ind., where her son Patrick serves as a methodology specialist.

Outside of her educational work, Mrs. Collins enjoyed reading books on The New York Times best-seller list.

"The spine of every book was broken in," Patrick Collins said. "Her lexicon would rival your Rhodes Scholar. She would sit with a book rather than watch TV." Mrs. Collins is also survived by another son, Eric; a sister, Cynthia Sutton; and her mother, Bessie Mae Johnson.

Her husband of 26 years, Clarence, died in 1995. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Collins.  http://my.chicagotribune. com/#section/-1/article/p2p83871272

85  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Robert "Mr. Bojangles" Hollis

by Dr. Valerie Wardlaw, Contributing Writer

F

amily and friends gathered at Faithful Central Bible Church (FCBC) in Inglewood, CA to celebrate the life of Robert “Mr. Bojangles” Hollis. “We’re here to celebrate a great man…a man I never saw sad, a man who served a great God,” said Bishop

also paid tribute through song. “His voice and spirit were wonderful. He was a very nice man,” said Founder Windy Barnes Farrell.

Poignantly weaved throughout the vigil were recordings of the melodic singing voice of Robert Hollis, each song helping to tell the story of how he lived. Hollis, a four-year member of the Men of Faith Choir, was hailed as a “committed member despite his physical challenges. He was 80% blind but we took care to make sure that he had rides to rehearsal and to the services.

He was a part of us and we will miss him dearly,” Taylor said.

Norma Hollis, his former wife of 27 years and family members remembered Robert’s sense of style and fun (he once dressed in costume as Rick James) and his talent as a gifted sign and car artist. Hollis, affectionately known as Mr. Bojangles, was the owner of Bojangles Sign Studio. Through this studio Hollis provided promotional services for the Black Business Assocation for 20 (l to r) Earl 'Skip' Cooper, II, President/ years. Bishop L.J. Guillory, of CEO Black Business Association (BBA) the Ombudsman General Office described Hollis as a “faithful with Robert Hollis servant of God, a man of Kenneth Ulmer, Sr. Pastor of goodwill and someone you wanted FCBC. "Tonight – we will celebrate to customize your car. Speaking the light of love that came through directly to the Hollis family, Guillory Robert Hollis, Ulmer said.” said that his death was “not just a The FCBC Men of Faith Choir, crime against the Hollis family but directed by Donald Taylor, began a crime against humanity, against the celebration with a rousing us.” rendition of “God Is”. Musical Inglewood Mayor, the Honorable tributes were plentiful as the James T. Butts said “there are Inspirational Voices of Free! – a some things where you ask God group Hollis sang with for 15 years is there really a plan? Robert’s life,

the way that he lived has reassured me that there is absolutely a plan.

I know that vengeance belongs to God but earthly justice is the province of those who serve.” Butts along with City Council members Alex Padilla and George Dotson and Inglewood Chief of Police Mark Fronterotta announced to great applause plans to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) involved in the crime.

The Honorable Mark Ridley Thomas echoed the shock of this crime calling it “unspeakable.”

“Our objective is to make sure that justice is served and that we pause, take note, and bear witness that we should never be so numb to the violence in our city without recognizing that his was a life worth taking note of.”

The praises for the life of Robert Hollis were heralded by many: Jerrold Smith, Assistant Pastor of the Third Church for Spiritual Living asked those in attendance to “reflect on what really matters in this life and to think of how Robert lived.” Sister Floy Hawkins of the St. Brigid Catholic Church called Hollis a “servant of God,” and Dorothy Stephens, a former partner of Hollis said that the man she called “Bo” was a great personality, a creative and talented artist,” and his youngest son, Austin, called his dad, “extraordinary, relentless, and compassionate.” And then the room was dark, and one by one, candles were lit in honor of Robert Hollis, a life that mattered.  http://lasentinel.net/candlelight-vigilheld-for-robert-bojangles-hollis.html

86  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Download the Zambia-USA Chamber of Commerce App from the

Apple App Store or

Google Play Store Search: "Zambia USA Chamber"

Find links to the chamber website and facebook page, and embassies; access business resources; receive breaking news; view relevant video presentations; communicate via Twitter, smartphone and e-mail.

www.zambiausachamber.org

88  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

DHS Announces Intent to Expand Preclearance to 10 New Airports

S

ecretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson recently announced that the United States intends to enter into negotiations to expand air preclearance operations to ten new foreign airports, located in nine separate countries: Belgium, the Dominican Republic, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. If negotiations are successful, preclearance – where each traveler undergoes immigration, customs, and agriculture inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before boarding a direct flight to the United States– could be completed before departure from these foreign airports rather than upon arrival in the U.S. Expanding the preclearance program is both a security imperative – enabling CBP to stop potential threats before they arrive on US soil – as well as a strong economic opportunity.

"A significant homeland security priority of mine is building more preclearance capacity at airports overseas. We have this now in 15 airports. I am pleased that we are seeking negotiations with ten new airports in nine countries. I want to take every opportunity we have to push our homeland security out beyond our borders so that we are not defending the homeland from the one-yard line. Preclearance is a win-win for the traveling public.

It provides aviation and homeland security, and it reduces wait times upon arrival at the busiest U.S. airports,” said Secretary Johnson.

After nearly a year-long process that began with soliciting expressions of interest from foreign airports, CBP identified these airports in coordination with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of State (DoS) and prioritized them based on the greatest potential to support

security and travel facilitation. More than two dozen foreign airports expressed an interest in opening Preclearance facilities. DHS and DoS evaluated all interested foreign airports in collaboration with stakeholders across the government, and with the U.S. and global aviation industry.

The 10 airports identified for possible preclearance locations include: Brussels Airport, Belgium; Punta Cana Airport, Dominican Republic; Narita International

90  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Secretary Jeh Johnson, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Airport, Japan; Amsterdam Airport Schipol, Netherlands; Oslo Airport, Norway; Madrid-Barajas Airport, Spain; Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden; Istanbul Ataturk Airport, Turkey; and London Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport, United Kingdom. These countries represent some of the busiest last points of departure to the United States – in 2014, nearly 20 million passengers traveled from these ten

airports to the US. “CBP’s preclearance operations are an important step in the U.S. government’s effort to prevent terrorism from coming to our borders,” said CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske.

“Where we can identify foreign airports willing to partner with us, additional preclearance agreements will further protect the safety and security of our citizens while also streamlining legitimate travel and commerce.”

The United States and the governments of the host countries are expected to begin negotiations which could result in a final air preclearance agreement, paving the way for the establishment of a new preclearance facility.

Preclearance is the process by which CBP Officers stationed abroad screen and make admissibility decisions about passengers and their accompanying goods or baggage heading to the United States before they leave a foreign port. TSA requires that

passenger and accessible property screening at a foreign preclearance airport conforms to U.S. aviation security screening standards so that the U.S.-bound aircraft can disembark passengers at a domestic U.S. air terminal without needing to be rescreened. CBP officers do, however, retain the authority to inspect passengers and their accompanying goods or baggage after arriving in the United States. Today, CBP has more than 600 law enforcement officers and agriculture specialists stationed at 15 air preclearance locations in 6 countries: Ireland; Aruba; The Bahamas; Bermuda; Canada; and United Arab Emirates.

Last year, CBP cleared over 16 million passengers through these preclearance locations.

CBP is transforming the international arrivals experience for travelers—creating a faster and more traveler-friendly process.

Programs like Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, Automated Passport Control (APC) and Mobile Passport Control (MPC) are streamlining and expediting travelers’ entry into the United States, while maintaining the highest standards of security. With the expansion of CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs, APC and MPC, average wait times were down 13% at the top 10 airports last year.

This preclearance announcement is one in a series of steps the Administration has taken to accelerate the growth of the American travel and tourism industry, while enforcing the highest level of security. For example, the Administration has facilitated travel to the United States by decreasing wait times for a visa from countries like China, India, and Brazil from a few months to just a few days  www.dhs.gov/news/2015/05/29/ dhs-announces-intent-expandpreclearance-10-new-airports

91  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

AGOA Extension Passes House of Representatives

Dear Friend, Thursday, June 11th was truly a landmark day.

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly reauthorized the 10-year extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and, as a result, we are in the final round of obtaining the long-term reauthorization of AGOA. As you know, yesterday's vote was the result of years of work by a combination of AGOA stakeholders that included African governments, the African Union, the African Diplomatic Corps, members of the U.S. and African private sectors, members of the African and U.S. civil society, countless members of the Diaspora as well as the Obama Administration--all of whom spoke to members of Congress about the significance of AGOA and its critical role in strengthening commercial and economic relations between the United States and the nations of Africa.

Nearly 400 members of the House of Representatives voted to support extending AGOA. This incredible bipartisan vote was the result of your commitment and years of work. I know it was challenging at times, but you persevered. That is why I want to thank each and every one of you. I would also remind you that the United States Senate still needs to pass the House legislation before President Obama signs it into law, so our job is not quite done.

It took all of these efforts to get the reauthorization of AGOA to this stage, but Americans and Africans will benefit from our work. When I had the opportunity to speak on the floor of the House of Representatives yesterday in support of AGOA, it was your commitment towards its reauthorization that was in my thoughts.

Thank you again for your all of your efforts.

Sincerely,

92  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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 lastest issue of The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke/media-center/ecommunique/exchange-magazine/ category/50-free-version.html

95  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Support AGOA's Reauthorization

A CALL TO ACTION! To sign up and pledge your support for the reauthorization of AGOA, learn more and join with other AGOA supporters go to: www.supportagoareauthorization.org

A

'Call to Action' campaign has been launched for the reauthorization of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which is set to expire in September 2015, and we are running out of time. AGOA is a cornerstone of the U.S.-Africa commercial relationship to increase investments, strengthen the private sector, reduce trade barriers, and the reduction of poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since AGOA was enacted, seven of the world's ten fastest growing economies are in Sub-Saharan Africa creating 1.3 million jobs.

Leadership Africa USA, Africare, Bechtel, Bread for the World, Chevron, Constituency for Africa, Manchester Trade, New Markets Lab, Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa, The Africa Society, The Corporate Council on Africa, the U.S.-Angola Chamber of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Witney Schneidman (former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs) are supporting this 'Call to Action' for the reauthorization of AGOA to continue as a catalyst for economic development and improved governance between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa.

We hope you will be part of this and join the campaign to reauthorize AGOA by using the hashtag #ProAGOA on your social media.

The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) is the biggest business and networking opportunities event in the continent, showcasing a wide range of products that includes non food retail products with special sectors featuring tools, equipments and essentials, hardware and building supplies as well as house wares and home wares, decorating items, interior designing items and much more. The event throws open an exclusive platform where the right kind of buyer meets the sellers and each is entitled to a gala affair dedicated to business development. www.exhibitonsafrica.com

SAITEX TURNS 22!!!

Service offerings in over 3,000 categories presented by exhibitors from 44 countries await visitors to SAITEX, the world-renowned Southern African International Trade Exhibition. This spectacular ‘business opportunities’ expo takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 21 to 23 June 2015. It draws more than 15,000 visitors annually.

“In its 22 years of delivering business opportunities to new and established enterprises alike, SAITEX has grown into one of the most successful and effective business networking platforms in the world,” says John Thomson of show organisers, Exhibition Management Services. “With almost 1,000 top notch exhibitors from around the world, all looking for new business partners, SAITEX is the ultimate exhibition for finding new products and suppliers, making new business contacts, exploring new markets and finding new customers.”

What’s New? SAITEX 2015 showcases exciting new developments, including the staging of the first-ever Eastern European and South American pavilions.

“Eastern Europe is far more advanced than we realise, and manufactures a huge variety of electrical and engineering equipment, consumer goods and

food products which are exported to other ex-Soviet countries,” says Thomson. “Not many people know that Peru is a big exporter of coffee, clothing, textiles, fabricated metal products and machinery.”

Regular SAITEX exhibitor China will have an even bigger and better pavilion this year, aptly branded “The China Year in South Africa”. The China Technology Investment & Trade organisation (CTIT) has already booked out the whole of Hall 5 at Gallagher and will present hundreds of business opportunities from that country. CTIT also plans to host a conference about ‘Doing Business with China’ during SAITEX as well.

“We are very excited to have new national pavilions at the show this year; they make a visit to SAITEX even more rewarding and worthwhile for business owners and entrepreneurs seeking new services, products and technology,” says Thomson.

About SAITEX The exhibitor profile focuses on retail products with special sectors featuring tools, hardware and building supplies as well as housewares and homeware, home appliances, and consumer electronics. The visitor profile includes importers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, agents and entrepreneurs. SAITEX is colocated with Africa’s Big Seven food and beverage expo, making the biggest multi-sector trade show in Africa.

97  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

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

98  June 2015  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 99  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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International

One Africa:

J

Tell the US Government that North Africa is Africa Too!

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

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Buy Black  Save Black  Invest Black 111  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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Leimert Park Village 3347 W. 43rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90008 1-323-299-6383 www.zambezibazaar.com shop@ zambezibazaar.com 115  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Books to Consider

Books to Consider...

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to my Daughters

by Barack H. Obama

I

n this tender, beautiful letter to his daughters, President Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the

artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, President Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America's children.

Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.

This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation's founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever.  www.amazon.com/Of-Thee-Sing-Letter-Daughters/ dp/037583527X

I’VE BEEN OUT THERE: On the Road with Legends of Rock ‘n Roll

by Grady Gaines with Rod Evans

I

n terms of sheer numbers and star power, few musicians can match Houston’s own Grady Gaines when it comes to the number of musical stars that he has shared a stage with over the course of his 60-year career. Beginning with his mid-1950s stint as the band leader for The Upsetters, rock ‘n roll icon Little Richard’s legendary backing unit, and continuing as the leader of backing band for iconic singer Sam Cooke and through the 1960s, when The Upsetters became the go-to road band for a litany of blues and R&B stars on massively popular tours that crisscrossed the nation, Gaines has played behind an authentic who’s who of musical royalty. By his own count, Grady has performed on stage or in the studio with over 70 inductees in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The book, “I’ve Been Out There: On the Road with Legends of Rock ‘n Roll,” is the fascinating, tell-it-like-it-is account of Grady’s remarkable musical journey.  www.gradygaines.com/ book

118  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

We Could Not Fail: The First African Americans in the Space Program

by Richard Paul, Steven Moss

T

he Space Age began just as the struggle for civil rights forced Americans to confront the long and bitter legacy of slavery, discrimination, and violence against African Americans. Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson utilized the space program as an agent for social change, using federal equal employment

opportunity laws to open workplaces at NASA and NASA contractors to African Americans while creating thousands of research and technology jobs in the Deep South to ameliorate poverty. We Could Not Fail tells the inspiring, largely unknown story of how shooting for the stars helped to overcome segregation on earth.

Richard Paul and Steven Moss profile ten pioneer African American space workers whose stories illustrate the role NASA and the space program played in promoting civil rights. They recount how these technicians, mathematicians, engineers, and an astronaut candidate surmounted barriers to move, in some cases literally, from the cotton fields to the launching pad. The authors vividly describe what it was like to be the sole African American in a NASA work group and how these brave and determined men also helped to transform Southern society by integrating colleges, patenting new inventions, holding elective office, and reviving and governing defunct towns.

Adding new names to the roster of civil rights heroes and a new chapter to the story of space exploration, We Could Not Fail demonstrates how African Americans broke the color barrier by competing successfully at the highest level of American intellectual and technological achievement.  www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0292772491/ spaceviews

119  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Calendar June

21st-23rd SAITEX The Southern African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) is the biggest business and networking event on the continent, showcasing a wide range of products that includes non-food retail products with special sectors featuring tools, equipments and essentials, hardware and building supplies as well as house wares and home wares, decorating items, interior designing items and much more.

For particiation information on the Johannesburg-based trade show contact www.exhibitonsafrica.com.

August

12th-17th

13th-15th

Trade Winds Africa Conference Set for Johannesburg, South Africa is a two-tier event. Particpants may elect the conference only option or the conference plus trade stops option.

The Trade Stops offered in conjunction with the conference are: Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and extended time in South Africa.

For detailed particiation information go to www.trade.gov/DBIA/ tradewinds-africa/index.asp.

2015 African Global Economic and Development Summit Ta k i n g place on the campus of the University of California (USC), T h i s 3rd annual conference connects the US entreprenuer and business communities to the opportunities and growth potential of the African Continent. For particiation information visit www.agedsummit.com.

September

29th 2015 Africa Showcase South Africa Airways hosts exhibits in 4 US cities - Los Angeles, 9/30, Dallas, 10/1, Boston, 10/5, Toronto, 10/7. For details go to www.onshowsolutions.co.za 

24th Hollywood Economic Development Summit The summit offers an opportunity to take stock of recent developments and successes during the revitalization efforts for Hollywood For particiation information contact www.hollywoodchamber.net.

120  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Resources Media/Information Africa Interactive Multimedia Press/Content Agency in Africa www.africa-interactive.com Africa World Press Books www.africaworldpressbooks.com African Trade Magazine www.africantrademagazine.com African Vibes Magazine www.africanvibes.com The Africapitalist www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/ africapitalisminstitute/africapitalist-magazine The African World www.theafricanworld.tv Africast TV www.africast.tv Afritorial www.afritorial.com www.facebook.com/Afritorial AllAfrica http://allafrica.com Black Wall Street Times http://bwstimes.com Black Business News Group www.blackbusinessnews.net BlackPast.org www.blackpost.org Black Press USA www.blackpressusa.com BridesNoir www.bridesnoir.com CuisineNoir www.cuisinenoirmag.com DiasporaVoice www.blogtalkradio.com/diasporavoice Publish Africa http://wow.gm/publishafrica Rock Me Africa //rockmeafrica.com YouTube Educational Channels http://teacherswithapps.com/197-educational-youtube-channels-know

Organizations

www.au.int/en Black Business Association www.bbala.org CauseCast www.causecast.com www.causecastfornonprofits.com 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 Disrupt Africa http://disrupt-africa.com/ The Exchange Magazine www.nse.co.ke Silicon Harlem http://event.siliconharlem.net Ventures www.ventures-africa.com

U.S. Government Commerce Department www.doc.gov International Trade Administration http://trade.gov Minority Business Development Agency www.mbda.gov Power Africa www.usaid.gov/powerafrica Small Business Administration www.sba.gov State Department www.dos.gov Trade Africa www.usaid.gov/tradeafrica White House www.whitehouse.gov

Africa Leadership Forum http://africaleadership.org The African Union 122  June 2015  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819