BBN December 2016 by Black Business News Group

Publisher's Message

s we are fast-approaching the close of 2016 and the advent of 2017 is following closely behind, we can look back with pride on many great events and accomplishments achieved. In the political arena, our nation’s ﬁrst African American President, Barack Obama, made historical strides and achievements on behalf of African Americans, diverse and small business initiatives. When signing the Small Business Jobs Act in 2016 (www.sba.gov/about-sba/

sba-performance/policy-regulations/laws-regulations/ public-laws-pl/small-business-act), and again when

Earl “Skip” Cooper, II

Pubisher/Chief Executive Oﬃcer

proclaiming the ﬁrst-ever National Entrepreneurs’ Day

Black Business News Group P.O. Box 43159 Los Angeles, CA 90043 USA 1-323-291-7819 Fax: 1-323-298-5064

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

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Sarah Harris Dean L. Jones Phyllis Dixon

(www.entrepreneursday.org/#intro) this past fall, President

Obama called on leaders from throughout the business, nonprofit, and university communities to join together with his Administration’s efforts to promote the success of more entrepreneurs across America. The outcome defined initiatives as a “call to action,” uniting a range of public and private commitments to: • Expand access to capital for high-growth startups throughout the country; • Expand entrepreneurship education and mentorship programs that empower more Americans not just to get a job, but to create jobs; • Strengthen commercialization of the about $148 billion in annual federallyfunded research and development, which can generate innovative startups and entirely new industries; • Identify and remove unnecessary barriers to high-growth startups; and • Expand collaborations between large companies and startups.

Awarded $1.2 Billion to Black Farmers. President Obama’s administration oversaw the $1.2 billion settlement awarded to Black farmers who have been denied loans and assistance by the Agricultural Department for decades. Expanded Funding For HBCUs. In February of this year, President Obama signed an executive order increasing funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to $850 million over the next 10 years. The funding is being administered through the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities that was started by the late President Ronald Reagan. Signed The Crack Cocaine Bill (Fair Sentencing Act). Crack users are disproportionately sentenced to longer jail terms than those who use powder. This unfair sentencing practice punished African Americans more severely than their white counterparts. With the signing of the Fair Sentencing Act, though, President Obama narrowed that disparity significantly. Created the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. The U.S. Justice Department is leading one of the most aggressive defenses of civil rights in recent memory. Whether it is clamping down on Arizona for its bias against Latinos or fighting unjust state Voter ID laws, this Justice Department has been fully engaged in fighting for the rights of all minorities. Earlier this year Congresswoman Maxine Waters provided the historic 218th signature required by House rules to the process forward to secure reauthorization to the Export-Import (EX-IM) Bank of the U.S. The discharge process has only been used five times in U.S. history successfully, and Waters’ signature removed a critical barrier to renewing the Bank, which provides the support and certainty American businesses and workers need to compete in the global economy. In 2015, Waters hosted a workshop for businesses, including small and diverse business

ENTREPRENEUR EDITOR Kim Anthony

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Linda Ware

PRODUCTION MANAGER Narishima Osei

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dean Jones Linda Ware Ralph D. Sutton Timothy Lester, Jr. Veronica Hendrix Giavanna Foster P. Yvette Thomas LaSandra Stratton

GRAPHIC DESIGN Sarah Harris Tia Robinson

STORY EDITORS Wanda Flagg Jennifer Marie Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY Ian Foxx Sabir Narishima Osei

PUBLIC RELATIONS CarVer Communications

CONTENT ADMINISTRATOR La Sandra Stratton

LAYOUT/TYPESETTING Lion Communications Copyright © 2016 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. 

see Publisher's Message on page 26 3  December 2016  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.

•

cexploring major public and private sece tor contracting methods to educate s. 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 usiness enterprises. blacks work, live and operate viable business

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view back issues at: https://issuu.com

2016-2017 Black Business Association Upcoming Events

March 201 7

Salute to Black Women

June 201 7 Salute to Black Music Black Business News Group Publications Black Business News Black Business News International Black Business News Travel Africa

Contents

Black Business News…December 2016 3

Publisher's Message

Government

41 42

President Obama on His Approach to Counterterrorism Last Obama Family Holiday Card from the White House 21st Century Cures Act, This Bill Will Save Lives Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator-Elect Obama, Japan’s Abe Make Somber Visit to Pearl Harbor

16 18 19

will Make More Millionaires Business Model Canvas - Increase your chance of success with a scalable and proﬁtable business model Why Luxury Brands Need Black Women A New Model for Investing in Energy Innovation LinkedIn’s New Proﬁnder Is a Service

Community/Public Interest 76

The 2016 White House Holiday Celebration

International 81 84 85 85

Put Your Company at the Export Starting Gate Support the Nigeria Women's Bobsled Team on GOFUNDME Resource Vault African Stock Exchanges

Columns 72 92 120 123 124

Take A Look! Shopping Gallery Books to Consider... BBA Master Planner Resource Vault

Entertainment 24

BBN Show Biz Buzz

Editorials/Perspectives 12 13 28 32 69

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM OPEN DOOR TO THE WHITE HOUSE Christmas a Season of Justice and Righteousness A Moral Appeal to Donald Trump Why Obama will Never get the Credit he Deserves

Business 30 34 36

Main Street Entrepreneurs are Economic and Community Pillars The Internet of Things Could Kill People 11 Business Opportunities in Africa that

BUY BLACK!!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON-PAGE 92 AND THROUGHOUT THE PUBLICATION

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Government

President Barack Obama makes remarks at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla., (Oﬃcial White House Photo by Pete Souza)

President Obama on His Approach to Counterterrorism over the Last Eight Years By Barack Obama

ood afternoon, everybody. I was just told that was going to be the last “Hail to the Chief” on the road, and it got me kind of sentimental. I want to ﬁrst and foremost say thanks to all of you. Just before I came here, I was able to visit with some of the men and women from MacDill Air

Force Base, Central Command, our Special Operations Command to thank them for their extraordinary service. And so to you and your families, and to the extended family of American servicemembers, let me say that our nation owes you an unbelievable debt of gratitude. We are grateful for you, and will be

praying for you over the holidays. As you know all too well, your mission — and the course of history — was changed after the 9/11 attacks. By the time I took oﬃce, the United States had been at war for seven years. For eight years that I’ve been in oﬃce, there has not been a day when a terrorist

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organization or some radicalized individual was not plotting to kill Americans. And on January 20th, I will become the first President of the United States to serve two full terms during a time of war. Now, we did not choose this fight, but once it came to us, the world saw the measure of our resolve. I came to this office with a set of core convictions that have guided me as Commander-in-Chief. I believe that the United States military can achieve any mission; that we are, and must remain, the strongest fighting force the world has ever known. I believe that we must never hesitate to act when necessary, including unilaterally when necessary, against any imminent threats to our people.

But I have also insisted that it is unwise and unsustainable to ask our military to build nations on the other side of the world, or resolve their internal conﬂicts, particularly in places where our forces become a magnet for terrorists and insurgencies. Instead, it has been my conviction that even as we focus relentlessly on dismantling terrorist networks like al Qaeda and ISIL, we should ask allies to do their share in the ﬁght, and we should strengthen local partners who can provide lasting security. Today, by any measure, core al Qaeda — the organization that hit us on 9/11 — is a shadow of its

former self. Plots directed from within Afghanistan and Pakistan have been consistently disrupted. Its leadership has been decimated. Dozens of terrorist leaders have been killed. Osama bin Laden is dead. And, importantly, we have built a counterterrorism capability

that can sustain this pressure against any terrorist network in South Asia that might threaten

the United States of America. That was because of the work of our outstanding servicemembers. So while we’ve made it much more difficult — you have made it much more difficult — to carry out an attack approaching the scale of 9/11, the threat will endure. We will not achieve the kind of clearly defined victory comparable to those that we won in previous wars against nations. We won’t have a scene of the Emperor of Japan and Douglas MacArthur in a surrender. And the reason we won’t have that is because technology makes it impossible to completely shield impressionable minds from violent ideologies. And somebody who is trying to kill and willing to be killed is dangerous, particularly when we live in a country where it’s very easy for that person to buy a very powerful weapon. So rather than offer false promises

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Government Obama Approach to Counterterrioism

from page 9

that we can eliminate terrorism by dropping more bombs, or deploying more and more troops, or fencing ourselves oﬀ from the rest of the world, we have to take a long view of the terrorist threat, and we have to pursue a smart strategy that can be sustained. …we need the wisdom to see that upholding our values and adhering to the rule of law is not a weakness; in the long term, it is our greatest strength. The whole objective of these terrorists is to scare us into changing

the nature of who we are and our democracy. And the fact is, people and nations do not make good decisions when they are driven by fear. These terrorists can never directly destroy our way of life, but we can do it for them if we lose track of who we are and the values that this nation was founded upon. Just think about what we’ve done these last eight years without ﬁring a shot. We’ve rolled back Iran’s nuclear program. We’ve secured nuclear materials around the globe, reducing the risk that they fall into the hands of terrorists. We’ve eliminated Syria’s declared chemical weapons program. All of these steps have helped keep us safe and helped keep our troops

safe. Those are the result of diplomacy. And sustained diplomatic efforts, no matter how frustrating or difficult they sometimes appear, are going to be required to resolve the conflicts roiling in the Middle East, from Yemen, to Syria, to Israel and Palestine. And if we don’t have strong efforts there, the more you will be called upon to clean up after the failure of diplomacy.

What It Is That You’re Fighting For So let my final words to you as your Commanderin-Chief be a reminder of what it is that you’re fighting for, what it is that we are fighting for. The United States of America is not a country that imposes religious tests as a price for freedom. We’re a country that was founded so that people could practice their faiths as they choose. The United States of America is not a place where some citizens have to withstand greater scrutiny, or carry a special ID card, or prove that they’re not an enemy from within. We’re a country

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that has bled and struggled and sacriﬁced against that kind of discrimination and arbitrary rule, here in our own country and around the world. We’re a nation that believes freedom can never be taken for granted and that each of us has a responsibility to sustain it. The universal right to speak your mind and to protest against authority, to live in a society that’s open and free, that can criticize a President without retribution — a country where you’re judged by the content of your character rather than what you look like, or how you worship, or what your last name is, or where your family came from — that’s what separates us from tyrants and terrorists. We are a nation that stands for the rule of law, and strengthen the laws of war. When the Nazis were defeated, we put them on trial. Some couldn’t understand that; it had never happened before. But as one of the American lawyers who was at Nuremberg says, “I was trying to prove that the rule of law should govern human behavior.” And by doing so, we broadened the scope and reach of justice around the world. We held ourselves out as a beacon and an example for others. We are a nation that won World Wars without grabbing the resources of those we defeated. We

helped them rebuild. We didn’t hold on to territory, other than the cemeteries where we buried our dead. Our Greatest Generation fought and bled and died to build an international order of laws and institutions that could preserve the peace, and extend prosperity, and promote cooperation among nations. And for all of its imperfections, we depend on that international order to protect our own freedom. In other words, we are a nation that at our best has been defined by hope, and not fear. A country that went through the crucible of a Civil War to offer a new birth of freedom; that stormed the beaches of Normandy, climbed the hills of Iwo Jima; that saw ordinary people mobilize to extend the meaning of civil rights. That’s who we are. That’s what makes us stronger than any act of terror. Remember that history. Remember what that flag stands for. For we depend upon you — the heirs to that legacy — our men and women in uniform, and the citizens who support you, to carry forward what is best in us — that commitment to a common creed. The confidence that right makes might, not the other way around. That’s how we can sustain this long struggle. That’s how we’ll protect this country. That’s how we’ll protect our Constitution against all threats, foreign and domestic. I trust that you will fulfill that mission, as you have fulfilled all others. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your Commander-in-Chief. I thank you for all that you’ve done, and all that you will do in the future. May God bless you. May God bless our troops, and may God bless the United States of America.  https://medium.com/@WhiteHouse/president-obama-onhis-approach-to-counterterrorism-over-the-last-eight-yearsb8a7c55cb422#.728efjwe1

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Government

THE WHITE HOUSE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

f someone had pulled aside the signers of the Declaration of Independence 240 yearss- "Tw enty-five ago and told them that, one day, the country they founded would be home to the largest st percent of all number of imprisoned people in the world, they might have been more than a little le imprisoned disappointed. Yet this is where we find our country today: The United States, founded on the basis off people on liberty and justice for all, suffers from that distinction. 25% of all imprisoned people on n our planet are our planet are imprisoned right here in America. And the fact of the matter is that, at thee imprisoned federal level, the majority of those imprisoned aren’t hardened, violent prisoners. Far too many are nonviolent, low-level drug offenders. right here in Thanks to policies enacted by Congress, our federal prison population has exploded America." by nearly 800% over the past the 30 years. And to pay for it, we’ve had to increase our prison spending by almost 400%. But the fact that these polices were enacted by our nge government in the first place should serve as a reminder that we have the agency to change them. Momentum is building across America -- in states, in the federal government, in both political parties -- to change this misapplication of justice that so grossly misrepresents our priorities as a nation. A diverse coalition of individuals, groups, and organizations -- ranging from Democrats to Republicans to law enforcement officials and clergy -- have come together to call for a comprehensive change in the trajectory of our justice system. And under President Obama’s leadership, the collective vision of these groups has found a home and a voice in the White House. I have been proud to stand by President Obama as he has taken courageous steps in recent years to make our justice system more just. Today, the White House is announcing that over 300 companies and organizations have signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge (www.whitehouse.gov/issues/criminal-justice/fair-chance-pledge), a commitment to eliminate unnecessary hiring barriers facing people with a criminal record. Along with this step and a series of Administrative actions to enhance the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system, he’s shown that the federal government can lead the way to progress. President Obama has created a legacy of bold action that we must carry on to elevate the cause of criminal justice reform, from Congress to statehouses across the country. Learn more about what’s at stake in the effort to reform our broken criminal justice system: Make sure to check out the White House discussion today, where a coalition of leaders and activists will join together to discuss what’s next for criminal justice reform. (www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/11/30/whats-next-criminal-justice-reform) But the conversation can’t stop there, and neither can the work. We must once again declare that we are a nation of independence, rooted in the spirit of interdependence. What happens to any of us, happens to all of us -- and we won’t get where we want to go faster by leaving anyone behind. I look forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with you in this fight to reclaim our criminal justice system in the years to come. Thank you,

Cory Booker U.S. Senator

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THE WHITE HOUSE OPEN DOOR TO THE WHITE HOUSE

hat’s it like to attend a state dinner at the White House? Or see Marine One land on the South Lawn? From hosting festivals on the South Lawn to allowing people to explore its rooms via Google Street View, President Obama has used both traditional events and new technology to open up the doors of the White House to more Americans than ever before. Today, we’re excited to share a new way for you to experience 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue -- and all you need is a smartphone and a dollar bill. Check it out now: Download the app, point your smartphone camera at a dollar bill, and you’ll see an interactive, 3D video of the White House pop up – narrated by yours truly. (www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/11/30/

how-see-white-house-dollarbill?utm_source=email&utm_ medium=email&utm_ content=email658-text1&utm_ campaign=ar)

As you experience a year at the White House -- from the Easter Egg Roll to a State Arrival Ceremony -- you'll see that even as seasons and people change, the White House endures as an institution of American democracy. That’s why we teamed up with the White House Historical Association and Nexus Studios to create this augmented reality experience -- to educate and inspire Americans to learn all about what the People’s House stands for. Whether it’s seen on a teacher's desk or around a dining room table, we hope you enjoy and share this new way of taking a peek inside the White House. So, give it a try: If you have an iPhone or iPad, you can download 1600 here (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/1600/ id1179840697?mt=8). Or if you have an Android phone or Android tablet, you can get it here (https://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.whha.sixteenhundred). Check it out!

Josh Josh Earnest Press Secretary The White House @PressSec 13  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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Government

Last Obama Family Holiday Card from the White House

requires each sitting US president to let their staﬀ and supporters know they wish them a happy holiday. Who gets to receive the cards changes from year to year (www. c s m o n i t o r. c o m / U S A / P o l i t i c s / Decoder/2009/1221/Who-gets-aWhite-House-Christmas-card-andwhy), and each card is unique. With the help of the White House Historical Association, we've pulled together 67 White H o u s e holiday cards from the past eight decades. View them at the address below. Happy holidays!. 

hile it may be less common these days to send a holiday greeting via snail mail, the White House

has yet to let go of its nearly 90year tradition. Starting with Calvin Coolidge in 1927, the long-standing practice

www.businessinsider.com/ white-house-christmas-cardsthrough-the-years-2016-12/#calvincoolidge-1927-1

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21st Century Cures Act, This Bill Will Save Lives by Joe Biden, Vice President, United States of America

ast Monday night, forty-four years after the people of Delaware first sent me to the United States Senate, I presided over a Senate vote for one of the last times. As Vice President of the United States and president of the Senate, I served as the presiding officer as the Senate moved forward on the 21st Century Cures Act, a bill that will harness America’s best minds in science, medicine, and technology to tackle the biggest health challenges of our time. This bill will help us combat the heroin and prescription opioid epidemic ripping apart families and communities. It invests in programs to improve mental health treatment and suicide prevention. It will provide resources for President Obama’s BRAIN and Precision Medicine initiatives, so that our worldclass researchers can figure out how to better prevent, treat, and eventually cure Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injuries. And this is the part that's personal for me and for millions of Americans: The 21st Century Cures Act invests $1.8 billion to help us end cancer as we know it. For over a year, I've been leading our National Cancer Moonshot to fundamentally change the culture of our fight against cancer and inject a sense of urgency into

it. This bill goes a long way to help us -- investing in promising new therapies, enhancing prevention and detection eﬀorts in every community regardless of zip code, and bringing us closer to the day when there are vaccines for all kinds of cancer, just as we have them for measles or mumps. God willing, this bill will save lives. While I was presiding in the Senate, my colleagues from both sides of the aisle renamed the section of this bill on cancer research for my son, Beau, who lost his battle with brain cancer, but like countless Americans who lost their own battles, inspires us to do everything we can for the loved ones we can save. My thanks goes out to the bipartisan leadership -Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate -- who ensured that this important bill became law. Without this true bipartisan support, this piece of legislation, which will help millions of Americans, would not have been possible. Today, President Obama will sign the 21st Century Cures Act into law. One last time in our Administration, I will stand right by him at a signing ceremony -- proud of our country, and proud of the work we’ve done to give people hope. I hope you'll join me. Thanks, Joe  www.whitehouse.gov

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From the Staff of the:

Black Business Association and the

Black Busines News Group 17  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Kamala Harris, U.S. Senator-Elect by Kamala Harris, Senator-Elect On Tuesday, January 3, 2017, Kamala Harris will take the oath of oﬃce to become California’s newest U.S. Senator. Here is a statement from the new senator's website.

efore the polls closed on Election Day, I wrote to you and said, “We are at a pivotal moment in our history, and we must all look in the mirror with furrowed brow to ask that question — who are we?” Despite the results of the presidential election, I still believe that answer is a good one. While the ﬁght for justice and equality has become more urgent, this is still a nation founded on the ideas of liberty and equality for all — and we will not give in at a time when so many Californians and Americans are uncertain about

the future of our country. I will unrelentingly fight for our families and our values, and I know you will too. With that in mind, I want to share an update with you that will shape our work in the coming years. This week, we learned that I will serve on four committees in the Senate — Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Select Committee On Intelligence, Environment and Public Works Committee, and the Committee On Budget. I’m proud to have had a long career as a prosecutor protecting public safety and defending immigrants and refugees. On the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I will be on the frontline of immigration enforcement action in the Congress. Here in California, I fought to pass laws that protect immigrant victims of crime and

illegal retaliation for undocumented immigrants who report crimes. And during our campaign, I was a leading voice for increasing — not stopping — the number of asylum seekers our country accepts from Syria and other war-torn countries. On the Select Committee On Intelligence, I will be able to put my experience as a prosecutor to work fighting for smarter approaches to intelligence and law enforcement strategies. Much of my work as Attorney General focused on fighting cybercrime, and in fact, my office created the largest e-crime unit in the nation, including a privacy enforcement and protection unit within the California Attorney General’s office. Throughout my career, I’ve defended California’s landmark climate change protections while prosecuting Big Oil companies and corporate polluters. On the

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Obama, Japan’s Abe Make Somber Visit to Pearl Harbor 75 Years after Surprise Attack

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Obama greet Pearl Harbor survivors during their visit to the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii on Tuesday. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

resident Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe paid somber tribute here Tuesday to the American service members killed in a surprise attack by the Japanese imperial navy 75 years ago. The two leaders, dressed in

dark suits and ties, presented wreaths and bowed their heads in silent respect during a brief tour of the USS Arizona Memorial that commemorates the U.S. sailors and Marines who perished on the battleship on Dec. 7, 1941. President Franklin D. Roosevelt

had called it “a date which will live in infamy.” In public remarks afterward, Obama and Abe reaﬃrmed the U.S.Japan alliance, calling it the bedrock of security and prosperity in Asia. Obama declared that the “hallowed harbor” stands as a symbol not just

Environment and Public Works Committee, I will be able to continue this work while fighting for $59 billion in unmet transportation needs we have in California, which will fuel long-term economic growth through infrastructure investments. Fighting to protect programs such as Obamacare and Medicare will be one of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate, and as a member of the Committee On Budget, I will be fighting for the funding these programs require to operate. As Attorney General, I’ve defended the Affordable Care Act from legal challenges and expanded health

care access for Californians. I will keep prioritizing access to comprehensive, aﬀordable health care and lead the resistance against any short-sighted legislation intended to gut our social contract for future generations. And of course, I will continue to do my job as your Attorney General until I take the oath of oﬃce and we will work hard to ensure a smooth transition for the people of California with my successor. No state in the Union can have a larger impact on the direction of our country’s future than California, and I am honored to serve as your

representative in Washington on these committees, ﬁghting for the issues that matter most to us as Californians and Americans. This is a moment that we must use to rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice, equality, and tolerance while building a coalition for progress. I hope you’ll stay involved as we move forward and continue to be a part of shaping our nation’s future. Thanks again for everything you do. Fight on, Kamala  http://splash.kamalaharris.org/

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Obama, Abe Visit Memorial

from page 19

of the valor of the Americans who fought to defend it, but also of the power of reconciliation between former enemies. It was a message, he suggested, that remains as resonant today as over the past seven decades. “It is here we remember that even when hatred burns the hottest, even when the tug of tribalism is

the most primal, we must resist the urge to turn inward; we must resist the urge to demonize those who are different,” Obama said. “The sacrifice made here, the anguish of war, reminds us to seek that divine spark that is common to all humanity.” Abe did not apologize for Japan’s actions, but he offered his “sincere and everlasting condolences” to the souls of those who died, and he pledged that Japan would remain on a peaceful path. “We must never repeat the horrors of war again. This is the solemn vow we the people of Japan have taken,” Abe said, speaking mostly in Japanese.

The visit marked the ﬁrst by a Japanese leader to the memorial, which was built in 1962 over the submerged remains of the battleship that was sunk during the attack. In all, 2,403 Americans died in the attack and an additional 1,178 were wounded. The United States declared war on Japan the following day, marking the nation’s formal entry into World War II. At one point, Obama and Abe stood in a well of the memorial

overlooking the battleship and each tossed a handful of ﬂower petals over the railing. U.S. Navy personnel in dress white uniforms accompanied them, along with senior aides and a small contingent of reporters. Obama praised the “greatest generation” that served in the war, including his maternal grandfather and the late Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The longtime senator, who died in 2012, served with fellow Japanese Americans in the highly decorated 442nd Regimental Combat Team at a time when the United States jailed many Japanese and Japanese Americans in internment camps.

“Here at Pearl Harbor, where America fought its ﬁrst battle of the Second World War, it roused a nation,” Obama said. “Here in so many ways America came of age.” Abe thanked the United States for helping rebuild Japan after the devastation of the war, noting that Americans sent food and clothing to the Japanese people. He said that after he arrived in Hawaii on Monday, he visited a stone marker for a fallen Japanese pilot — an impromptu gravesite made by American service members. “We are allies that will tackle together, to greater degree than ever before, the challenges across the globe,” Abe said. While hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Pearl Harbor on Dec. 27, President Obama sent a message that "there is more to be won in peace than in war." (Reuters) The Japanese leader has been eager to establish a relationship with President-elect Donald Trump, who has questioned the costs of the U.S. military-basing agreements in Japan and South Korea. Among the shared goals, Obama said, was “slowing the spread of nuclear weapons,” a message that contrasted with Trump’s recent suggestion that he is open to increasing the U.S. nuclear arsenal. Japanese leaders had avoided paying homage at Pearl Harbor over right-wing opposition back home. Abe decided the time was right after Obama’s visit in May to Hiroshima, where the United States dropped the ﬁrst atomic bomb in August 1945 to help end the war, was well received by the Japanese public. The morning attack on the U.S. military base in 1941 by the Japanese imperial navy caught American commanders by surprise. But the Japanese government has insisted that Tokyo had not intended it as a sneak attack. Rather, a

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cable notifying the U.S. military of the attack was delayed due to “bureaucratic bungling,” Tamaki Tsukada, a spokesman for the Japanese Embassy in Washington, said ahead of Abe's visit. “There’s this sense of guilt, if you like, among Japanese, this ‘Pearl Harbor syndrome,’ that we did something very unfair,” Tsukada said. He added that the prime minister’s visit could help “absolve that kind of complex that Japanese people have.”

After speaking, Obama and Abe greeted several World War II veterans dressed in ﬂowered Hawaiian shirts. Japanese singer and ﬁlm and television actor Ryotaro Sugi was at the event as well. Among those in attendance were Everette Hylland, 93, who was aboard the USS Pennsylvania during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Domingo Los Banos, 91, a Hawaii-born U.S. Army veteran who enlisted at 19. “I think it’s wonderful,” Los Banos

said of Abe’s visit. “It’s time that all nations put away the atomic bomb. I congratulate Japan for doing that and I’m happy the prime minister is here.” Obama ﬂashed a traditional Hawaiian “shaka” sign, a gesture of friendship, before departing.  www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ obama-japans-abe-make-sombervisit-to-pearl-harbor-75-years-aftersurprise-attack/2016/12/27/3c8d6692cc65-11e6-b8a2-8c2a61b0436f_story. html?utm_term=.8a941d53ed9c

21  December 2016  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

• A damaged connection to a gas appliance

• Remain calm

• Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, ﬁre, ﬂood or other disaster

• 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

• 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

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.

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BBN Show Biz Buzz

dress complete with wings; the mother-daughter duo also sported matching braids and as they walked the carpet with a posse of Lemonade stars and the mothers of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown. Just like the Grammys, Queen Bey reigns supreme at yet another annual awards show. According to Deadline, Beyonce leads other entertainers with nine nods at the forthcoming NAACP Image Awards. 

By Linda Ware

www.popsugar.com/celebrity/BeyonceBlue-Ivy-2016-MTV-Video-Music-Awards42294250#photo-42294250

Beyoncé Receives Awards from Grammys & NAACP

www.vibe.com/2016/12/beyonce-naacp-imageawards-nominations/

Podcasts Galore: WNYC

Blue Ivy Carter & Beyoncé

eyoncé shook our souls when she showed up to the MTV VMAs with her 4-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, on Sunday. The singer, who is nominated for 11 awards and was rumored to be performing during the show for weeks, popped up at Madison Square Garden looking like a her usual fierce self in a Francesco Scognamiglio feathered gown covered in crystals, while Blue wore a fluffy princess

he best podcasts of 2016 you can binge in the new year. WNYC creates ground-breaking radio programs and podcasts for public radio stations around the country and listeners throughout the world. Broadcasting live from New York City on 93.9 FM and AM 820 and available online and on the go. Check out these two podcast series at least. 2 Dope Queens: produced every Tuesday, featuring the 2 Dope Queens, Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams, along with their favorite comedians, for stories about sex, romance, race, hair journeys, and living in New York. Plus a whole bunch of other s**t. Produced by WNYC Studios. http://www.wnyc. org/shows/dopequeens Revisionist History: a podcast from Malcolm Gladwell and Panoply Media. Over the course of 10 episodes, Revisionist History goes back and reinterprets something from the past: an event, a person, an idea. Something overlooked. Something misunderstood. http:// revisionisthistory.com/. Review the writers full list of WNYC podcasts at the address below.  https://mic.com/articles/161644/the-best-podcasts-of2016-you-can-binge-in-the-new-year#.VdhxOjyfu

A Few Movies Out Now -

24  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Happy Holidays

ssassin's Creed: When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society. Performers include: Michael Kenneth Williams and Crystal Clarke. Will Smith

Naomie Harris

Alyssa Cheatham

Melanie Harris, and Alyssa Cheatham.

oonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as Michael K. Williams Crystal Clarke he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami. ollateral Beauty: When Howard Inlet (Will Smith), a successful New York advertising Performers include: Jaden Piner, Jharrel Jerome, executive, suffers a great tragedy, he retreats and Janelle Monáe.  from his social life. While his concerned friends try desperately to reconnect with him, he seeks answers from the universe by writing letters to Love, Time and Death. When his notes bring unexpected personal responses, he begins to understand how these constants interlock in a life fully lived and how even the deepest loss can reveal moments of meaning and beauty. Perfomers include: Will Smith, Naomie Jaden Piner Jharrel Jerome Janelle Monáe

Quote of Note “America is not the project of any one person. Because the single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We The People.’ ‘We Shall Overcome.’ ‘Yes, We Can.’” — President Barack Obama

25  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Publisher's Message from page 3

community, in collaboration with EX-IM Bank; Torrance Chamber of Commerce; Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce, and Sunrider Manufacturing (a local Torrance-based business). What makes this so important and impactful is that nearly 90% of EXIM’s transactions directly support U.S. small businesses!

I 2016, 2016 it was a year that th t In revealed that African American business owners have been greatly underserved in terms of access to capital to invest and grow their businesses. The Black Business Association, along with its strategic alliance with Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), Small Business Administration, (SBA), City National Bank, Comerica, Wells Fargo, US Bank, East

West Bank to name a few, have been working diligently to level the playing field in this vital area. In the area of race relations, we as a nation have been forced to re-examine progress in this area and the areas that still are in dire need of improvement. Through all of the tragedies we’ve seen from Blacks and other minorities who were killed or beaten due to abuse of authority and power by some law enforcement officials, we’ve seen the good side of law enforcement also rise up to decry the injustices, and as a nation, has challenged each of us individually and collectively to do our part to improve race relations, especially between law enforcement and the urban communities. There is much more work to be done, but it has awakened many of have fallen asleep about the importance of ensuring that all Americans have access to fair and equitable justice, and for those in law enforcement and the legal system to use their positions of influence and power to improve, and not further erode race relations. One of the more prolific events was this year’s Presidential election, where we saw Hillary Clinton try a 2nd time to become the first female president, but was defeated by a non-traditional candidate Donald Trump, with no political background to garner the most electoral votes, making him our new president. While many are concerned about president-elect Trump’s

presidency due to unpopular comments made during the political campaign, we have all lived long enough to know that many of the promises and statements made by candidates running for public oﬃce, seldom come to fruition. At the end of the day, we are hopeful that Trump’s promises and his business background will serve to be a positive force for the African American-owned businesses by keeping and bringing more business opportunities for African Americans and other diverse business owners. Leading business publications and media outlets have already begun reporting on his initiatives to keep American corporations from sending jobs and resources overseas, by incentivizing them to keep Americans employed (ﬁrst); and to come up with immigration policies that are fair. For 2017, the Black Business News will continue to be a voice to promote the growth and global competitiveness of large, medium and small businesses that are African American-owned; and continue to advocate the issues impacting businesses, including but not limited to access to capital, contracts and new markets; and providing our readers with information on the latest trends in business. In order for African American business owners to remain competitive and knowledgeable, we will be adding additional segments to our magazine, especially in the emerging industries like healthcare, IT, insurance, robotics, environmental and energy sectors. We also see a bright future on the horizon as we continue to promote economic empowerment in urban communities throughout the nation. While none of us can truly predict what the future holds, we can individually embrace our faith, hope and battles or equality by our past ancestors to continue to

26  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

push forward, but never forgetting the injustices we suffered as a people who were so paramount in building the success of this nation. Equally important is to mentor and put resources in place for the next generation, the Millennial, and African American women-owned businesses – two of the fastest growing segments of business owners in the nation. “Looking ahead to our future” is a nice-sounding cliché. However, we cannot afford the luxury of complacency, but need to continue with the important work of inspiring young people in the areas of entrepreneurship. As times change, it is necessary for us as a culture of business owners to be the catalyst to continue to foster change that births economic empowerment. There will always be a “changing of the guard,” which is all the more reason to ensure that we have equitable representation and access to business opportunities. The Black BusinessAssociation, headquartered in Los Angeles, and other organizations are working to provide entrepreneurship education for at-risk high school students from low-income communities. If we don’t, the gangs and streets will certainly exploit their blossoming savvy business acumen, to the ruin of their futures. We have much work to do. United, we can continue to stand as a nation of opportunity (for all people), here and abroad. Divided, we will fail as a nation, as a race…with the trickledown effect, continuing to erode our urban communities, versus providing the needed economic empowerment to be competitive with mainstream America. We appreciate your continued support and contributions to the Black Business News. Best wishes for a healthy, safe and prosperous New Year. 

Welcome to More.

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27  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Editorial

Christmas a Season of Justice and Righteousness

n Monday, December 19, 2016 the Electoral College met to cast their ballots for the new president after a bitterly contested election in a deeply polarized nation. On Sunday, the vast majority of Americans will celebrate Christmas, literally the mass of Christ, marking the birth of Jesus. Christmas is not simply a day for exchanging presents and cards. It is not simply a holiday; it is a holy day. Each year, I use this column to remind us of the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus was born under occupation to a couple ordered to go far from home to register with authorities. The innkeeper told Joseph that there was no room at the inn. Jesus was born in a stable, lying in a manger, an “at-risk baby.” He came at a time of great expectation among the poor and the oppressed. Prophets had predicted that a mighty Messiah would be born — a king of kings — to defeat the occupiers and free the people. They expected a powerful warrior, one who would lead them against Rome’s legions. But Jesus rallied no army. Jesus was a liberator, but He was a Prince of Peace. He gathered disciples, not soldiers. He converted rather than conquered. He accumulated no worldly wealth. He threw the moneylenders from the temple.

least of these,” by how we treat the stranger on the Jericho Road. He called on us to serve the poor, to care for the sick, to reach out to the refugee. Now, of course, Christmas has become a holiday, more secular than sacred. Too many of us stretch our budgets not to lift those in need but to buy baubles for families and friends. Christmas often means more debt until Easter. It has become a marketing scheme, a time of malls and sales, of come-ons and discounts. But we should not allow Jesus the Christ, the redeemer, the emancipator to be displaced by Santa the Claus, and more debt and unaffordable things. Assessment Let us use this holy day to reassess where we are. We are spending trillions in wars without end. Inequality has reached extremes not witnessed since the eve of the Great Depression. We continue to lock up more people than any nation in the world. On an average day, 27 people die from gun violence in the United States; in Canada and other western nations, the average is fewer than five per day.

Prince of Peace We cannot speak of Jesus in the past tense. He is the Prince of Peace today. Peace, He showed us, is not the absence of noise; it is the presence of justice and righteousness. We will be judged, He told us, by how we treat “the 28  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

The good news is that since last year, unemployment is down, poverty is down and incomes have begun to rise. But we’ve lost ground this century, with more people and more children in poverty than in 2000. There are 45 million Americans living in poverty, a Buyers and sellers (Christ driving out the money changers) (c. 1942) Louis DUFFY number that would www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/82399/ be far worse without Social Security The rich, on the other hand, have more money and (which lifts 26.5 million out of poverty), refundable income tax credits and SNAP, or food stamps. Last pocket a greater percentage of the nation’s income than year, the life expectancy of Americans began to decline. ever. So why would an incoming administration focus on more tax cuts for the wealthy and more cuts in basic services for the poor and working people? You don’t need to be a Christian to understand the relevance of the real Christmas story today. Jesus taught us the overwhelming power of faith, hope and charity, the importance of love. He taught us that people of conscience can make a difference, even against the most powerful oppressor. He showed leaders the power of summoning our better angels, rather than rousing our fears or our divisions. This Christmas, this surely is a message to remember. Merry Christmas, everybody.

DARE TO BE A DISCIPLE

www.rainbowpush.org

29  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business

Main Street Entrepreneurs are Economic and Community Pillars By Jason Wiens and Chris Jackson

hether it's called a gazelle or a unicorn, a small business or a family business, a "side hustle" or a startup, it is all entrepreneurship. No matter what term is used, the act of setting out, working for one's self and creating something new and valuable is key to growth, both for individuals and the economy. Entrepreneurship is a path to economic security for founders. It also presents opportunities for those who are not entrepreneurs to climb the economic ladder and achieve economic stability through the jobs entrepreneurs create. Replicated hundreds of thousands of times a month, Americans' entrepreneurial pursuits drive economic growth, create nearly all of the country's net new jobs, spark competition and build community cohesion. Entrepreneurship is also dynamic. Some businesses that start small will grow quickly to employ many people. Some will fail. Others will remain small, following a more gradual growth path. We call the founders of these locally owned small businesses Main Street entrepreneurs. Main Street entrepreneurs are the owners and founders of companies that are more than ﬁve years old and employ ﬁfty or fewer workers. These businesses tend to have deep roots in their communities and encounter distinct policy challenges.

The Power of Main Street • 63% of all businesses in America are small businesses, more than five years old and with 50 employees or fewer. • Main Street entrepreneurs serve as models of success to others in the community. When people see someone that they relate to succeed as an entrepreneur, they see that as a plausible option for themselves. • Main Street entrepreneurs are critical mentors and nodes of networks that help others find their place in the entrepreneurial community. • The small businesses started by Main Street entrepreneurs also bring surprising benefits to

their communities. Counties with a high density of small businesses may be associated with lower mortality rates and a lower prevalence of chronic disease.

Challenges Facing Main Street Entrepreneurs Main Street entrepreneurs historically rely on small banks to finance their companies. Since the Great Recession, (which disproportionately hurt Main Street businesses) lending by small banks has shrunk dramatically as a portion of the overall loan market. Simultaneously, larger banks lend even less to Main Street entrepreneurs. Marketplace lenders provide another option for Main Street entrepreneurs seeking capital, but the terms of these loans can be difficult to understand, and interest rates can be high. With traditional credit from banks harder to obtain, these alternative paths to financing will continue to be an important part of the funding landscape for entrepreneurs. Main Street entrepreneurs not only provide avenues to economic independence for individuals, but also inject competition and innovation into markets dominated by incumbent firms. But policies that limit competition, such as occupational licensing or some procurement processes, shut out Main Street entrepreneurs and entrench incumbent advantage. Main Street entrepreneurs often have to comply with the same regulations as larger businesses, but have fewer resources and feel the cost of compliance more acutely. Regulatory accumulation compounds this challenge.

Help Main Street Entrepreneurs Get their Start • Mitigate the Risk of Starting a Business • Entrepreneurship is risky. A regular income is not guaranteed, assets are put on the line and the odds of success are unknown. Create a targeted infrastructure of social insurance to shoulder

30  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

some of the entrepreneurial risk facing potential founders. • Expand Access to Capital • About 40 percent of the initial startup capital of newly formed businesses originates from banks. But Main Street entrepreneurs are struggling to get the capital they need from traditional banking sources. • Encourage new business funding options, such as debt-based crowdfunding. This allows Main Street entrepreneurs to engage their customers as investors, generate capital from new sources and keep control in the hands of the entrepreneur.

Help Main Street Entrepreneurs Succeed • Simplify Regulatory Processes and Remove Barriers • A tangled web of regulations and tax requirements, even ones designed to help entrepreneurs, can discourage entrepreneurship. Regularly review existing regulations with the purpose of pruning

unnecessary regulation and making compliance as simple as possible. (www.kauﬀman. org/neg/section-7#taxcomplianc ecostsandbusinessformation)

• Connect to Local Networks • Main Street entrepreneurs can both benefit from relationships with other established firms and institutions as well as provide those same organizations with important services. Bring entrepreneurs together in an environment that catalyzes learning and relationship building. (www.kauffman.org/ what-we-do/research/city-metroand-regional-entrepreneurship/ guidelines-for-local-and-stategovernments-to-promoteentrepreneurship)

• Zone for Main Street • Land use restrictions, both in large cities and in small towns, can present an immovable barrier to Main Street entrepreneurs trying to sustain themselves. Local policymakers have the authority to regularly review rules and regulations

to facilitate ﬂexible and diverse areas for Main Street entrepreneurs to grow. Cities need to take advantage of these opportunities. Identify policies that entrench incumbent power, and look for opportunities to say "yes" to creative, small businesses. (www.kauﬀman. org/what-we-do/resources/ entrepreneurship-policy-digest/ a-fair-fight-entrepreneurshipand-competition-policy; www.kauffman.org/ newsroom/2015/03/how-localand-state-governments-can-revup-business-creation)

For More Information Contact Jason Wiens at jwiens@ kauffman.org or visit www.kauffman. org.  www.kauffman.org/what-we-do/ resources/entrepreneurship-policydigest/main-street-entrepreneursare-economic-and-communitypillars?utm_source=newsletter&utm_ medium=email&utm_ campaign=ideasatwork11_23_16&_cl dee=bGlvbi5jb21tQGhvdG1ha WwuY29t&recipientid=contactc5fd32cf10cfe311992e3cd92beec6c8-12f8 9efa96b840cd803bc807cbdaa244&esid=1 99ad31f-dbb0-e611-9415-00155d029400

31  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Editorial

A Moral Appeal to Donald Trump

n Sunday, a man armed with an assault weapon president and former secretary of state, was involved marched into a popular pizza place — Comet in “sex crimes with minors.” This isn’t partisan animus. Ping Pong — in Washington, D.C. He said he It isn’t the excesses of the heat of an election. It is had come to “self-investigate” false stories spread by simple lunacy. hate sites that the restaurant was the center of a Hillary After the shooting on Sunday, Politico reported that Clinton ring trafficking in children. He reportedly fired Gen. Flynn’s son, an adviser to his father, tweeted: his rifle one or more times and was arrested. Luckily, no one was injured. After the utterly baseless and scurrilous stories spread over social media, the restaurant owner and staff had been inundated with death threats. The lunatic conspiracy was spun off of WikiLeaks’ publication of Clinton campaign chairman corresponding with the owner about a possible fund-raiser. The neighbors who know and love the restaurant have rallied to its support. But under the hashtag #pizzagate, the hate stories keep spreading — and the threats keep building. Mr. Trump, this ugliness is poisonous and dangerous. But it keeps spreading. On Nov. 2, a few days before the election, Gen. Michael Flynn, the man you appointed to Comet Ping Pong as your National Security Adviser, issued a tweet tying Hillary Clinton to “sex crimes with minors. “Until #Pizzagate proven to be false, it’ll remain a The full text reads as follows: story. The left seems to forget #PodestaEmails and “U decide — NYPD Blows Whistle on New Hillary the many ‘coincidences’ tied to it.” He linked to the Emails: Money Laundering, Sex Crimes w Children account of the special projects director of a group etc…MUST READ.” The tweet linked to an article on called Citizens4Trump. He chose to fan the flames. the website “True Pundit.” That article, which didn’t I realize that Gen. Flynn supported you when you mention Comet Ping Pong, alleged — fantastically were the underdog. Having run as an outsider, I — that the NYPD had new evidence linking “Clinton understand the deep sense of loyalty and appreciation herself and associates” to a series of crimes. that builds for those who were with you from the start, I’m told that Gen. Flynn now says he was duped. But when the odds were long, the establishment scornful how can anyone with common sense choose to spread and the press dismissive. It is to be expected that you a report that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for will want those you can trust around you in the White 32  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Anti-King protestors House. But as you know, this campaign — which you have correctly described as “the nastiest” — has fanned anger, division and fear in the country. It is vital, as you have stated, that the country come together. For this to happen, you must lead. The president is the great teacher. What you say and how you act will set the tone. So I respectfully suggest you reconsider your appointment of Gen. Flynn. It is inconceivable that the National Security Adviser to the president would traffic a report that Hillary Clinton was engaged in sex crimes with minors. You have stated that you want Democrats and

Republicans to work together. But how can any Democrat work with a White House whose National Security Adviser fanned lunatic rumors that the Democratic candidate for president was engaged in sex crimes? Gen. Flynn is not the only appointment that raises fears. Sen. Jeff Sessions, with a long history of venom towards people of color, is not fit to be Attorney General. But at least Sen. Sessions must face Senate confirmation. Gen. Flynn is your decision alone. When people are frightened, hatred can spiral out of control. I’ve witnessed this time and again during the civil rights movement, when citizens in both the South and the North were inflamed into assaults on nonviolent and peaceful demonstrators. Leaders can fan those flames, and they can help calm those fears. That is why I make this simple moral appeal that you stand clearly against the hate and seek to calm the fears in what you say, how you act and who you put in your administration. Your appointments reflect what you think is acceptable. You draw the line. I implore you to draw it wisely.  www.rainbowpush.org

33  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Editorial

The Internet of Things Could Kill People By Mike Orcutt

growing mass of poorly secured devices on the Internet of things represents a serious risk to life and property, and the government must intervene to mitigate it. That’s essentially the message that prominent computer security experts recently delivered to Congress. The huge denial-of-service attack in October (www.technologyreview.

com/s/602713/how-the-internet-ofthings-took-down-the-internet) that

insecure things on the Internet. For example, Schneier and other experts testiﬁed that the same poor security exists in computers making their way into hospitals, including those used to manage elevators and ventilation systems. It’s not hard to imagine a fatal disaster, which makes it imperative that the government step in to ﬁx this “market failure,” he said. The problems with IoT devices are worsening because manufacturers lack incentives to prioritize security.

Even if consumers wanted to assess the relative security of Internetconnected thermostats and other devices, there are no established ratings or other measures. There is little disagreement that the government should do something about this, since so many critical systems are vulnerable to attacks like the one that hit Dyn. Exactly how the government should handle the situation, however, is a subject of an intensifying debate in Washington—one that

crippled the Internet infrastructure provider Dyn and knocked out much of the Web for users in the eastern United States was “benign,” Bruce Schneier, a A "bot" is a type of malware that allows an attacker to take control renowned security over an aﬀected computer. Also known as “Web robots”, bots are scholar and lecturer usually part of a network of infected machines, known as a “botnet”, on public policy at Harvard, said during which is typically made up of victim machines that stretch across a hearing (https:// the globe

What is a Bot?

energycommerce. house.gov/hearingsand-votes/hearings/ understanding-roleconnected-devicesrecent-cyber-attacks)

last month held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. No one died. But he said the attack—which relied on a botnet made of hacked webcams, camcorders, baby monitors, and other devices—illustrated the “catastrophic risks” posed by the proliferation of

Since a bot infected computer does the bidding of its master, many people refer to these victim machines as “zombies.” The cybercriminals that control these bots are called botherders or botmasters. Some botnets might have a few hundred or a couple thousand computers, but others have tens and even hundreds of thousands of zombies at their disposal. Many of these computers are infected without their owners' knowledge. Some possible warning signs? A bot might cause your computer to slow down, display mysterious messages, or even crash. https://us.norton.com/botnet/

34  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

the government do in the meantime? Last month, the Department of Homeland Security released a set of “strategic principles for securing the Internet of Things,” (www.dhs.gov/sites/ default/files/publications/ Strategic_Principles_for_ Securing_the_Internet_of_ Things-2016-1115-FINAL.... pdf) and suggested that

won’t be settled before Presidentelect Donald Trump takes oﬃce. Business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Consumer Technology Association argue that new regulations on IoT devices could hinder innovation. Schneier argues that we need a new agency in charge of cybersecurity rules. This seems unlikely, given that Trump campaigned on a broad promise to roll back regulations, and Republicans generally oppose expanding the government. But if something catastrophic were to happen, a frightened public would probably ask that something be done, and the government should be prepared for that, he warned the committee members. How big is the risk? Massive and growing, says Kevin Fu, a University of Michigan professor of computer science and engineering who specializes in cybersecurity. Not only are IoT devices being added in “sensitive places that have high consequence, like hospitals,”

Fu said, but millions of them can be easily hacked and gathered into huge botnets, armies of zombie computers that adversaries can use to debilitate targeted institutions. Fu, who also testified in the House hearing, believes that without a “significant change in cyber hygiene” the Internet can’t be relied on to support critical systems. He recommends that the government develop an independent entity in charge of testing the security of IoT devices. The process should include premarket testing along the lines of the automotive crash testing done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, post-attack testing similar to what the National Transportation Safety Board does after car crashes, and “survivability and destruction testing” to assess how well devices cope with attacks, says Fu. We don’t know yet whether the Trump administration or the next Congress will make addressing IoT-related risks a priority. So what can

the government could sue manufacturers for failing to “build security in during design.” On the same day, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, which publishes industry standards for many areas of technology, issued voluntary guidelines (http://nvlpubs. nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/ NIST.SP.800-160.pdf) for engineering

“more defensible and survivable” connected systems. Meanwhile, every additional connected computer—whether it is in a car, drone, medical device, or any one of countless other gadgets and systems—is exposed to these risks. That’s why centralized regulatory authority is needed, according to Schneier: “We can’t have diﬀerent rules if the computer has wheels, or propellers, or makes phone calls, or is in your body.”  https://www.technologyreview. com/s/603015/security-experts-warncongress-that-the-internet-of-things-couldkill-people/

35  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business - Africa

11 Business Opportunities in Africa that will Make More Millionaires by John-Paul Iwuoha

Africa by 2017 and has recently expanded into Rwanda. M-KOPA, which provides ‘payas-you-go’ solar power systems has attracted investments of up to $40 million. This Kenyan-based business has already provided solar power to nearly 300,000 homes in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. 2) Agribusiness

he latest Africa Wealth Report by New World Wealth

(www.researchandmarkets. com/reports/3632320/the-africa-2016wealth-report) reveals there are now

just over 160,000 millionaires in Africa. Interestingly, from 2000 to 2013, the number of millionaires on the continent grew by more than 145%, compared to the worldwide growth rate of 73%. In recent years, most of the ‘new millionaires’ have been young entrepreneurs and investors who have created promising businesses and invested in lucrative sectors of Africa’s fast-growing economies. This year, more new millionaires

will join the club. In this article, I’ll share with you the top business opportunities on the continent that will make more millionaires. Let’s meet them…

1) Solar Power Solar energy is one of Africa’s most abundant natural resources. Most parts of sub-Saharan Africa enjoy more than 300 days of free God-given sunlight every year. Still, over 600 million people on the continent, especially in rural areas, don’t have access to reliable electricity. In most cities and towns, power outages are the norm and people often have to rely on noisy petrol and diesel power generators. Solar energy is free, absolutely clean and abundant. And it provides the best alternative for people in remote parts of Africa who are out of reach of electricity grids. Interestingly, some smart entrepreneurs are rising to the challenge of lighting up Africa through solar energy, and are very likely to join the millionaires club in 2016. I’ll share a few interesting examples… Oﬀ Grid Electric, a solar energy provider in Tanzania recently raised $25 million from international investors and won a $5 million grant from USAID. The company is already on track to provide solar power to Photo credit: africanbusinessmagazine.com 1 million homes in East

Photo credit: IITA Agribusiness is Africa’s untapped goldmine, and a major potential source of millionaires in 2016. According to a World Bank report (www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/ special-edition-agriculture-2014/alleyes-1-trillion), Africa’s agribusiness

industry is expected to be worth $1 trillion by 2030. With up to 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, fertile soils, abundant labour, and allyear sunshine, sub-Saharan Africa surely has the potential to become the world’s biggest exporter of food products. Even if Africa decides to ignore export markets, the continent’s one billion people provides a huge and ready market for agribusiness. Still, every year, African countries import more than 70% of wheat consumed, over 300,000 tons of chicken and spend more than $10 billion on imported grains, especially rice. Interestingly, more African entrepreneurs are tapping into the vast opportunities in Africa’s agribusiness market. And with the continued harsh impacts of low crude oil prices in 2016, sleeping agribusiness

36  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

giants like Nigeria and Angola are ﬁnally putting a strong focus on agribusiness as a means to diversifying their economies. This means that governments in these countries are now more open and supportive of agribusiness initiatives. 3) Smartphones

The phone in the picture is one of the versions of the Obi Worldphone; a low-priced smartphone that’s specifically targeted at the African market. Guess what? It sells for just about $129, and it’s selling like hot cakes. Africa is currently the second fastest growing market for mobile phones, after Asia. However, the first wave of Africa’s mobile phone revolution is almost over. These days, African consumers are looking to upgrade from ‘first generation’ feature phones to smartphones. It’s no surprise that the (continent’s growing population of technology and fashion-savvy youth now presents a multi-billion dollar market for smartphones. However, most ‘new-age’ smartphone devices like iPhone, Blackberry and Samsung are quite expensive for the average African. This has created a huge opportunity for low-priced smartphones that are now hitting the African market. Better still, many of these

smartphones are built on the Android operating system, have similar features to the ‘high end’ smartphones and most are just as stylishly designed. In the last eighteen months, over a dozen low-priced smartphone brands have debuted on the African market. Given the market potential for these phones, they’ll very likely make more millionaires for the entrepreneurs behind them. 4) Internet Access Africa’s internet market is worth billions of dollars. It’s no surprise that tech giants like Google and Facebook are scrambling to improve internet access to millions of Africans. Google’s Project Loon and Facebook’s Free Basics are just two of several bold initiatives to connect Africa. However, some smart African entrepreneurs are already making impressive moves to conquer the

internet access market. One example is ‘BRCK’ a startup company in Kenya that has created a rugged internet modem device that’s designed for harsh environments with limited internet connection and electricity. The modem can hop between Ethernet, WiFi, 3G and 4G, and comes with eight hours of battery life. This African-inspired invention has already sold thousands of units in 54 countries, even in faraway places as India. Their biggest

customers have been schools. Recently, BRCK raised $3 million in funding from investors to extend the reach of this amazing device. The entrepreneurs behind it will surely be smiling to the bank, after all the hardwork is done. 5) Education

Photo credit: andela.com Africa’s human talent is one of its most ignored and underexplored assets. With one of the world’s youngest populations (over 50% of Africans are younger than 31), the continent is rich with creative and innovative talent. However, poor access to quality education is a serious threat to Africa’s human capital. Currently, a couple of interesting businesses and initiatives are achieving remarkable successes as they tackle Africa’s education problems head-on. Bridge Academies (in Kenya and East Africa) and Omega Schools (in Ghana and West Africa) have built an incredible education model of low-cost primary schools that allow pupils to pay as low as $1 a day as school fees. Another interesting business on Africa’s education scene is Andela. Through its free and highly rigorous training program, Andela develops promising African talents into top class software developers who are hired out to the likes of Microsoft and other tech giants in the USA and Europe. This interesting business model is called ‘talent-as-a-service’.

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see page 38

Business - Africa In April Africa is 2016, the now one of Mall of the fastest Andela recently attracted $10 Africa growing million in investment and is on track opened r e t a i l to train 100,000 world class African in South markets in software developers over ten years. Africa. the world. 6) African Art T h i s A large and How much do you think African m a s s i v e growing art is worth these days? You’ll be 1 3 1 , 0 0 0 m i d d l e Photo credit: memeburn.com surprised. square c l a s s , In November 2014, a collection metres of retail space is the largest increasing local spending power, shopping mall in and a boom in the number of expat Africa ever to be workers are fueling the shopping built in one phase. trend on the continent. Recently, the Two 8) Apps and Online Services Rivers mall opened There’s a digital revolution in Nairobi, Kenya. taking over Africa. These days, It’s the largest many services now have an app shopping mall of its or are going online. Africa’s digital kind anywhere in economy is growing really fast. East Africa. These days, there’s almost an Across the app or online service for anything continent, both local you want. Photo credit: CNN Africa Startup and international If you’re looking for a suitable hotel supermarket brands accommodation in Nigeria, Hotels. of antique African art from Mali, like Shoprite, Game, Checkers, ng and Jovago.com are now the Gabon, Congo and Liberia was Woolworths, Edgars and Spar biggest online services in the hotel sold in New York at Sotheby’s are expanding as they scramble booking business. Recently, Hotels. for a record-breaking price of $41 for every inch of available million. This is the largest ever sum space in shopping and realized from the sale of African art retail infrastructure in the USA. developments. Not too long ago, a set of wooden Interestingly, the battle sculptures by the Nigerian artist for retail supremacy in Ben Enwonwu sold in London Africa isn’t only happening for over $500,000, three times the in physical retail chains. expected price. eCommerce giants like New World Map, the aluminium Konga and Jumia have and copper sculpture of El Anatsui, grown quite impressively the Ghanaian artist, sold for roughly in the last few years. $767,000, one of the highest prices Both internet-based retail ever fetched by the work of an businesses now have a indigenous African artist. combined worth of over $1 billion. ng attracted an investment of $1.2 After decades of neglect, both In fact, the battle ground for million. antique and contemporary works of Africa’s retail market is moving If you want to watch African African art are attracting high prices beyond the continent’s shores. movies on the ﬂy, there’s an app in the world’s major art markets. New eCommerce entrants like Mall for that. IrokoTV is an app that In 2016, more investors and for Africa and Shop to my Door gives you access to 5,000+ African collectors will be upping the demand now make it possible for Africans movies on your mobile phone. for African art, and more millionaires to shop directly from retailers in the In January 2016, IrokoTV secured will be made in the process. USA, UK and China. an additional $19 million in Amazing! 7) Retail investment funding to expand its from Make More Millionaires on page 37

38  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

presence across Africa. If you’d like to order bespoke furniture pieces without having to run after artisans or worry about quality, there’s an online service for that too. Showroom.ng is a Nigerian startup that’s changing how people buy furniture in Africa’s biggest economy. In 2016, more apps and online services will launch across Africa to solve problems and provide value. And more millionaires will be made in the process.

attracted a $13 million investment to expand its business within and o u t s i d e Nigeria. It’s a huge bet that has the potential to really pay oﬀ. Payment solutions will be a key area to watch in 2016.

9) Payment Solutions

10) Real Estate

Photo credit: memeburn.com Every year in Africa, over $100 billion in transactions are still done in cash. This presents a huge and lucrative ﬁnancial services opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs. Since M-Pesa was introduced in East Africa, the transformational mobile-based money transfer and payment service has proved to be phenomenal in Kenya and Tanzania, where the platform handles over 200 million person-toperson transactions every year. In other parts of Africa, there is a huge scramble for Africa’s next big money transfer and payment service. In Nigeria alone, several promising businesses are jostling to dominate Africa’s biggest economy. Some of the top contenders are Paga, PayAttitude, SimplePay and PayWithCapture. Less than six months ago, Paga

Africa’s real estate market is a multibillion dollar o p p o r t u n i t y, and several n e w millionaires will build their fortunes in this market. In almost every corner of the continent, real estate projects are emerging. The biggest attractions are highrise hotels and oﬃce buildings, residential homes and apartments, and shopping malls. In Nigeria alone, there is a shortfall of 17 million housing units, with a funding requirement of $363 billion. In Angola’s capital, Luanda, prime oﬃce rents are among the highest in the world at US$150 per sq metre per month. In Mozambique, property prices at the sea ports, particularly for warehouses, are one of Africa’s most expensive. The key markets for real estate on every investor’s agenda are Angola, Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique, South Africa and Kenya. All of these countries are experiencing a real estate boom like never before in history. Africa’s large and youthful

population, an expanding middle class, increasing urbanization, influx of expatriates and multinational companies are the key drivers of demand for both commercial and residential real estate. 11) Startup financing Investing in startup and earlystage businesses is on the rise globally, accounting for 67% of all venture capital (VC) funds in North America and increasing 19-fold in Europe. Across Africa, start-up companies are attracting the interest of venture capital, private equity, social impact funds and angel investors who are looking for higher returns on invested capital. In 2015 alone, the amount of capital invested in African startup businesses was roughly $0.5 billion. And in 2016, this figure is expected to double. As Africa’s young entrepreneurs continue to come up with brilliant business ideas that have the potential to significantly disrupt both new and established markets, it’s almost impossible for investors to ignore the lure of attractive investment returns. As of January 2016, there are now more than 200 investment organisations, firms and platforms that are focused on investing in early-stage African businesses.  www.linkedin.com/pulse/11business-opportunities-africamake-more-2016-john-paul-iwuoha

39  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business - Training

Business Model Canvas Increase your chance of success in the search for a scalable and proﬁtable business model. By Kauﬀman Founders School

he Kauﬀman Foundation, in collaboration with the founders of Strategyzer – the makers of the best-selling book Business Model Generation and the inventors of the breakthrough Business Model Canvas methodology – developed the animated, short videos to boost executives' and entrepreneurs' chances of success in their search for a scalable and proﬁtable business model. The video series teaches entrepreneurs how to go from having a business idea to pitching a validated business model and value proposition. You’ll learn about the Business Model Canvas: a tool that will help you design business models that have a competitive edge, leverage opportunities in your environment and test your ideas through experiments with customers. Episode 1 - Getting from Business Idea to Business Model Learn why great business ideas can only take off within a great business model. Your search for the right business model starts now! (https://youtu.be/ wwShFsSFb-Y) Episode 2 - Visualizing Your Business Model Get familiar with the Business Model Canvas, and learn how to visualize any company’s business model on this one-page tool. (https://youtu.be/wlKP-BaC0jA) Episode 3 - Prototyping Don’t fall in love with your first ideas! Great business models emerge during the prototyping phase. In this video, you’ll learn how to quickly and cheaply design alternatives for your model. (https://youtu.be/ iA5MVUNkSkM) Episode 4 - Navigating Your Environment You never create a value proposition or business model in a vacuum. Make strategic decisions based

upon your environment's opportunities and threats. (https://youtu.be/7O36YBn9x_4) Episode 5 - Proving It The earlier you test, the likelier you are to learn,

improve, and get it right without wasting time on ideas that customers don't care about. (https://youtu.be/2gd_vhNYT4) Episode 6 - Telling Your Story The ability to clearly communicate your ideas and vision is crucial in a corporate or startup venture. You need a convincing story to get investors excited and turn an idea into reality. (https://youtu.be/SshglHDKQCc) Additional episodes will be released on a weekly basis. Please check back for new episodes or sign up here for our newsletter to learn about a new release (www.entrepreneurship.org/Newsletters.aspx?newsletter=f oundersschool). 

www.entrepreneurship.org/Founders-School/TheLean-Approach/Business-Model-Canvas.aspx?utm_ source=kfe_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_ campaign=kfe_12_21_16&_cldee=bGlvbi5jb2 1tQGhvdG1haWwuY29t&recipientid=contactc5fd32cf10cfe311992e3cd92beec6c8-bcb7dc0ae079 419e95b22f134945d702&esid=a447b7b5-f1bf-e6119417-00155d029400

40  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

The current impact of icons, such as Oprah, Beyoncé, and Michelle Obama, have changed the public perception, showing that black women are a force to be reckoned with. We are more educated than ever before and have incomes that are continuing to rise. Our opinions combined with buying power of standard and luxury products are a state of empowerment. If you are swayed by stats, here are a few to prove the claims. According to an article from MDG Advertising: “As more and more African American women have become the heads of their households, they have become extremely empowered with their spending and saving decisions. They are mindful of their money, yet appreciate luxury and are willing to spend for the products they think are worth it.” This blog article also states that the shopping habits of African American women reveal: • 79% must trust a brand to purchase their products. • 63% are more likely to buy a luxury vehicle in the next year than the general market. • 40% are more inclined to purchase movie tickets online than the general market. • African American women are twice as likely to shop at Neiman Marcus than the general population.

Why Luxury Brands Need Black Women By Maryann Reid

t shouldn’t have to take a black model recreating luxury ad campaigns (http://nymag.com/

thecut/2016/12/this-black-modelrecreated-famous-ad-campaigns.html)

to get a message across—or does it? In marketing, it’s all about having unique insight to craft messages that capture the heart and soul of a particular consumer. While demographics shift and change, there is one group that the marketing gurus seem to be missing: upscale black women. We are an incredibly powerful force, carrying influence in dynamics that continue to impact the world. If companies want to tap into this power (and—hello—make more money), they need to wake up and start paying attention to younger, more affluent, and tech-savvy black women, as well as the luxury brands they purchase. It’s called having “brand intelligence”; high-concept thinking that helps brands explode for a new level of consumers. A Nielsen report, Increasingly Affluent, Educated and Diverse: African American Consumers, looks at how black Americans buy things. Upscale black women are at the heart of this circle; our insight, intellect, and influence has made us the “quiet storm.” Incorporating more ads to target this demographic will open the doors of enticement and encourage more interaction from this consumer base—and here’s why: 1. Black Women Are Some of Society’s Main Trendsetters Today

2. Black Women Now Have Increased Financial Abilities to Discern Which Brands Are Most Worthy of Their Customer “Loyalty” The Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia has projected black buying power to reach $1.2 trillion, and by the year 2020, it will increase to $1.4 trillion. That number represents a 275% growth from 1990. This is a tipping point. With increased income, our choices and

loyalties will connect with those that acknowledge our position in life. 3. Black Women Have High Social Media Influence and Presence Connecting with affluent black women is not like splitting atoms. Brands can meet us where we are. For instance, black women gather online during top shows by Shonda Rhimes, or for episodes of Power and Empire. It’s happy hour without the booze. During the show, retweeting each other’s comments about what we like, don’t like, and where to shop, is a thing we do. Many black women don’t purchase what white women buy, rather they buy what other black women buy, share, and praise. The Nielsen report indicates that black Americans are more connected online in both social media and mobile advertising. Big data demonstrates that black Americans earning $100,000 annually shop online more than white Americans with similar incomes. The brands that we can connect with most in social media influence our decisions and make us 44% more likely to give them our money. So, what’s the hold up? Hearing the ‘voice’ of this certain kind of black woman has been part of the challenge that many companies grapple with. Developing a relationship in a way that speaks to us, where we already are, can take away half of the work for brands. This requires recognizing the power of the force of upscale black women as part of the progressive movement forward. Taking the lead on this is one of the smartest marketing moves that companies can make.  www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/3reasons-luxury-brands-upscale-blackwomen

41  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business Opportunity

A New Model for Investing in Energy Innovation By Bill Gates, gatesnotes, The Blog of Bill Gates

y the middle of this century, the world will use twice as much energy as we use today. There’s good news in this: more energy means better lives and stronger economies. But it also means the world needs a new energy supply—one that doesn’t contribute to climate change. Climate change is a serious threat, especially in the poorest parts of the world. We need affordable and reliable energy that doesn’t emit greenhouse gas to power the future—and to get it, we need a different model for investing in good ideas and moving them from the lab to the market. That is why today, I, along with an incredible group of people who care a lot about energy innovation, am announcing the launch of Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), a fund that will invest more than $1 billion in scientific breakthroughs that have the potential to deliver cheap and reliable clean energy to the world. It’s the next step in an effort that began last December,

when we brought together private investors from around the globe who were passionate about solving this problem. We formed the Breakthrough Energy Coalition, a group of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and institutional investors committed to help bring promising new zero-emissions energy technologies to market. The Coalition partnered with Mission Innovation, an initiative of more than 20 countries and the European Union to double their investment in clean energy research and development in the next five years. As I’ve argued before, an investment in a true energy transformation requires governments, research institutions, businesses, and private investors to work together. And it’s hard to overstate how important this public commitment is. Government funding gives scientists the freedom to come up with bold new ideas and try to prove they will work. But government research is not enough. The world needs the skills

U.S. President Barack Obama and French President François Hollande join Bill Gates to announce Breakthrough Energy Ventures.

42  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

and resources of investors with experience driving innovation from a lab to the marketplace. The private sector knows how to take great research, turn it into a great product, and ultimately create a great company to bring a transformative technology to market. It’s this type of public-private collaboration that’s given rise to advances in defense, space, medicine, and information technology. In fact, it’s what brought these words to your screen right now. During the Cold War, the Department of Defense developed a network of computers that could survive a nuclear attack, and private companies saw an opportunity to expand this technology to the public. Together, they created the Internet. When it comes to energy, though, this transition— from idea to product to company—is often complicated by the challenges of the market. Unlike a software start up, getting a new energy technology from a lab to market takes a lot of infrastructure, a lot of upfront capital, and a lot of time.

Addressing Many Challenges The Breakthrough Energy Coalition created BEV to address some of those challenges in the energy market. We are willing to wait a longer time for returns than other funds. We have a higher tolerance for technical risk, because we know it’s tough to determine which technologies will succeed in a complicated energy market. We are led by our investors, who are a unique group of global business leaders, entrepreneurs, energy experts, and company builders who can help new companies navigate the challenges of building a business while developing partnerships with the companies and institutional investors who will help bring those products to scale. The fund is also driven by science. Because of the technical nature of succeeding in an energy market, we will build a team that knows as much about the science behind energy breakthroughs as the investment strategies necessary to build those businesses. Finally, the fund is committed to discovering breakthroughs, wherever they are. The world has made remarkable progress in wind and solar over the past decade, and these technologies will continue to play an important role in our zero-carbon energy mix. I have argued before that innovative industries deploy the technology they have while developing the technology they need. But because the scale of the challenge of providing reliable and affordable power without contributing to climate change is so vast, and the future energy needs are so great, we need to explore as many viable solutions as possible. As I’ve learned through my work in business and philanthropy: to be successful, you have to get the most out of the

technology you already have while developing the technology you still need.

Landscape of Innovation After talking with some of the world’s greatest scientists, energy experts, and energy investors, the Coalition has developed a list of scientific priorities that will set us on the path toward the energy future we need. We see this list as a “landscape of innovation”— essentially, a roadmap that Breakthrough Energy Ventures and others can use to focus their attention and guide their investment decisions over the next two decades. In this landscape, we’ve outlined five grand challenges, corresponding to the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions around the world: • Electricity: How can we deliver reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity to the world? • Buildings: How can we eliminate emissions from our homes, offices, hospitals, and schools? • Manufacturing: How can we make everything we use without emitting greenhouse gases? • Transportation: How can we get around our communities and the world without emitting carbon? • Food: How can we feed the planet without contributing to climate change?

Clean Energy Ecosystem Of course, no investor can answer these questions alone. That’s why, in addition to funding new ventures, Breakthrough Energy investors will help build a broader clean energy ecosystem. We’ll explore new partnerships with governments, businesses, and institutional investors who want to be part of the global energy transition. Through these partnerships, we will not only help organize more investments, but we will also help research new solutions. One of the Coalition’s partners is the University of California, which has an amazing capacity to innovate through their labs and universities. In the coming years, we’ll work with them to expand our research partnerships and identify the best ways to pull great inventions out of the lab and turn them into companies. Even though $1 billion is a significant step, it is just one of many steps on the path to a sustainable energy future. With patience, flexibility, collaboration, and a clear vision backed by meaningful investment, we, the fund’s investors, are confident the world can meet its energy needs in a way that is fair, safe, and sustainable. And we’re excited about the role that Breakthrough Energy Ventures will play in that effort.  https://www.gatesnotes.com/Energy/BreakthroughEnergy-Ventures

43  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Business Tech

LinkedIn’s New Profinder Is a Service By Patricia Moyer

here are many websites that can help bridge the gap between freelancers and clients who need their expertise. And, as of August of this year, add LinkedIn’s Profinder service, with its more than 450,000 members, to the mix. It all began when LinkedIn identified a 50% increase in freelance participation over the past five years. That began a commitment to develop a useful way to “link” these skilled professionals with other members for short-term needs and projects. But, don’t look for Profinder on your LinkedIn profile page. It’s a behind-the-scenes service that prescreens its freelancer pool. The qualification step assures member clients that they receive proposals from highly skilled providers. Right now there are 140 areas of expertise in 13 “macro” specialties. For example, the “Writing and Editing” specialty has eight subcategories including copywriting, blogging, and content strategy. Unlike other LinkedIn marketing opportunities, the Profinder platform acts as a kind of “seal of approval” for qualified participants. And, it’s easy, because Profinder finds the clients, sends you the request for proposal, and you can review with complete anonymity.

So, how do you qualify to join? • Develop or review your LinkedIn profile. Key words in your headlines, tag lines, or job descriptions will be reviewed by

Profinder to determine that you have the specified skills. • Go to LinkedIn/ profinder/ pro and fill out their form. This will ask you to list your specialties for profile review. • When you qualify, you’ll receive an invitation to a webinar to learn how to use the platform and dashboard. • Once you’ve completed the webinar, a dashboard will be opened for you to customize.

Welcome to Profinder. You are now a qualified LinkedIn freelance pro. And now, all you have to do is wait for an email notification and send your first proposal. But, not so fast… The platform is very new, very simple, and has limitations. Here are a few things to consider before you hit the “submit” button on your first request for proposal (RFP). By design, Profinder’s RFP is short and easy to fill out. This means you may not have enough information to determine costs, conditions, and goals when responding. You’re also required to set an hourly or per-project price, or the proposal will not be sent. After some initial failures, I set a

comfortable hourly price, but also placed a statement in the narrative box offering “per-project pricing” and “discounts” when scope of work is determined. Next, there’s a strict time and proposal limit on all RFPs. You have a mere 24 hours to respond. But, since there’s also a fiveproposal limit, I’ve seen offerings close in as little as one hour. Once the client has five, the system shuts off, and no additional proposals are considered. I’ve missed out on some good opportunities. So, rather than building a completely customized RFP for every client, I have four templates – one for each writing or marketing specialty. This way, the basics are covered, and I can quickly address some of the specifics. Using this approach, I’ve submitted more proposals, which has led to more work.

What’s next? Once your future client has the proposal, there are four outcomes you can expect and follow on your dashboard: • It’s not read.

44  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

• It’s read but not responded to and expires. • It’s declined. • It initiates a conversation. I have to admit I hover over my dashboard. And I’ve seen too many proposals expire without comment or even being read. Now, I prefer a quick “no thanks.” It’s painless and takes the tantalizing possibility of a new client “off the table.” I take comfort in the notion that it’s my proposal alone that has been rejected. But, when a client hits the button initiating a conversation, it’s akin to winning the lottery. The client has

already said “yes,” and my job is to further the conversation. To date about 15% of the proposals have initiated a conversation, and I’m excited to report I haven’t lost one yet.

Things to look for. There are other things to look for when deciding to send in a proposal. One of the RFPs sent to

my box asked for copy “righting” services. Another asked for website construction. Also, look for clues in the narrative, such as what I call the “kitchen sink” approach, which lists endless non-related functions as part of the proposal. I also prefer to work virtually, but there’s a pulldown option for the client to ask for a face-to-face meeting. I generally skip these. So, now that you know what to expect, you’re ready for success using this platform.

Upgrade?

Profinder is still fairly new and is free to use for the fist 10 proposals. After 10, you’ll be asked to upgrade to Business Premium, after a 30-day trial period. But, as long as you have a strong profile and a method for quick proposal response, the cost of joining should be minimal. I’ve earned back four times the yearly cost of Business

Premium with my first two clients alone. And, LinkedIn is supporting this product. It has launched a largescale email advertising campaign to the entire membership touting the advantages and power of professionals hiring professionals. Their ads seem to be working. Since the August launch, I’ve noticed a spike in RFPs, RFPs being read, and generally higher quality clients. Once you’re accepted, Profinder also has a 15-person concierge team ready to evaluate your profile or give you help or advice to make the most of the Profinder service. They also want to hear from you on what works or what can be improved. Finally, as members of the LinkedIn community, Profinder can help you locate freelance professionals in any of the 140 specialties to support your business and growth goals. Business services, web design, photography, graphics, legal or accounting assistance have qualified professionals eager to send you proposals. Whether you become the freelance pro or need a pro, Profinder’s new tag line says it all… The right skills. The right experts. Right now.  www.wealthywebwriter. com/2016/12/linkedin-proﬁnder/

45  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

re you a Small Business interested in selling your product or services to Metro or to Prime Contractors that do business with Metro? Would you like to learn how to win contracts as a Prime Contractor through SB Prime, Metro's exciting set-aside initiative? If so, we invite you to come grow with us and learn about Metro Connect. Start now and register for a How to Do Business with Metro Workshop. Metro staff will show you how to take advantage of the vast array of products, services and transportation related opportunities projected over the coming weeks, months and year. As an added bonus, Metro's procurement staff will host informal interviews with firms before the workshop, starting at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 10, 2017 8:30 a.m.: Registration 9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: One-on-One with Contract Administrators and Continental Breakfast 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.: Program

Metro Headquarters 3rd Floor, Board Room, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Topics: Highway Project Update, Procurement Update, Certiﬁcation Update, Small Business Prime Update, LA SAFE/511 Next Generation Update To learn more about how Metro Connect's Small and Disadvantaged Business Certiﬁcations can help open the door to contracting opportunities with Metro visit Metro Vendor Portal. For further questions, please contact Marisela Villar at VillarM@metro.net or via phone at 213.922.2235.

49  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Nominations for 2017 Small Business Week Award are Open! SBA has just opened the 2017 Small Business Week Award and we encourage you to complete the nomination forms. The nominations should be submitted by 3 p.m. EST Tuesday, January 10, 2017. For more information, take a look at the NSBW awards website, www. sba.gov/nsbw/awards for all of the categories, submission guidelines, and forms. All nominations must be mailed or hand delivered to the district oďŹ&#x192;ce by January 10, 2017.

www.blackenterprise.com/events/women-of-power-summit 59  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

From: Cornell William Brooks, President and CEO, NAACP One of the most troubling prospects for 2017 is the nomination of Senator Jefferson Beauregard Sessions for Attorney General. Senator Sessions stands against everything that you and I fight for: He's spoken out against the Voting Rights Act, and has described the work that the NAACP and ACLU do to protect civil rights as "un-American." We must do all we can to prevent him from rolling back the rights and protections our parents and grandparents worked so hard to gain, and we've worked so hard to preserve. Please make a donation today — even $4 can make a real difference — to help us fight back in 2017. The Attorney General is the chief law enforcement officer of the United States. And our president-elect has appointed Jeff Sessions, a man who's actively threatened to strip us of our rights throughout his career. Can we trust someone with our rights — and our lives — with a track record like this? • Sessions was denied appointment as a federal judge because of racist comments he made to a colleague. • He opposed and criticized the removal of the Confederate flag from public spaces. • He once joked that he approved of the Ku Klux Klan until he learned its members smoked marijuana. Too many of our brothers and sisters have sacrificed for the rights we have today. We're ready to battle for our rights in 2017 — and we need your support. P l e a s e contribute what you can right now and help us resist: http://action. naacp.org/ StopSessions

63  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

www.nubianskin.com/us

Sell Your Products & Services on

Black Business Association is joining forces with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and a number of other businesses and community organizations to help promote safe driving through

It Can Wait.

http://itcanwait.com

FOR

Christmas, Kwanzaa OR ANY SPECIAL OCCASION

Editorial

Why Obama Will Never Get the Credit He Deserves Editorial Voices, The Wave Newspaper http://wavenewspapers.com

he credit Obama deserves must be written accurately, comprehensive, objectively, and frequently in a quantitative and qualitative featured format. The 44th US President of the USA's legacy cannot be left to anyone else to write it but blacks. For example, no other President would have ever inspired the Black Lives Matter movement. Although it was by far not his idea, it did culminated under his watch. No other President could have moved the gay agenda as much as Obama. It had been around for quite some time, but the ultimate same marriage thing somehow happened under his watch. Police and racist showed their hands out of frustration under the black White House era, and many black men and women paid the ultimate price of loss of life. But, now it is as clear as rain that white people have serious 'parity' issues. Black publications have to establish the legacy of this Presidency to ensure hope remains active for those that follow. The Obama Presidential Center will be better served when blacks hurriedly share the news from top to bottom, First Lady's phenomenal health movements, Mother-in-Law support, educated children, wide area appointments, Africa involvement, and all with absolutely ZERO Republican participation. Black press should be clear that the ﬁrst time in known history an elected oﬃcial call the POTUS a LIAR during a State of the Union address. This should have been an act of treason and would have been had the tables been turned. 

www.womensmarch.com

Business

MIT Lets You Design Your Own Drones

longer need to be a "one size fits all approach," and rather, people looking to capitalize on drones for their business can tailor their devices without requiring an indepth knowledge of electronics, physics, and design elements. The interface itself allows users to design drones with different rotors and rods and guarantees that the fabricated end result will be able to take off, hover and land. If you are able to design less "conventional" drones, however, they could be used for more unusual purposes -- such as carrying objects with irregular shapes.

including payload, cost and battery usage, and using computer metrics to design the drone based on these parameters. Elements including rod lengths and motor angles are automatically calculated to determine whether the design will work. In addition, MIT researchers have added what they call an "alternating direction method" which reduces the number of drone design variables -ﬁxing some and optimizing the rest -- to reduce the number of factors which could negatively impact the drone's performance. "Once you decouple these

esearchers at MIT have unveiled a new way for consumers and businesses to take to the skies -- by designing and developing their own drones. The program, created by a team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)'s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), is a prototype computer system (.PDF) which allows users to create a variety of drones (http://cfg.mit.edu/sites/cfg.mit. edu/files/copter.pdf). According to the lab, users can design, simulate and build custom drones, altering the size, shape, and structure depending on how they want their drones fabricated and their purpose -- which impacts on factors including payload tolerance, flight time, and battery life. To demonstrate the system, CSAIL created a range of unusual drones, including a five-rotor "pentacopter" and a rabbit-shaped "bunnycopter" (https://youtu.be/ oTKABMVlaCw?t=12). MIT says the program could pave the way for businesses and consumers to develop new drones able to perform a wider variety of functions. As noted by the chief of the project, MIT professor Wojciech Matusik, one day there may no

"For example, adding more rotors generally lets you carry more weight, but you also need to think about how to balance the drone to make sure it doesn't tip," says PhD student Tao Du. "Irregularly-shaped drones are very diﬃcult to stabilize, which means that they require establishing very complex control parameters," Du added. The new system removes the need for specialized knowledge by pulling data from databases full of drone parts, required speciﬁcations

variables, you turn a very complicated optimization problem into two easy sub-problems that we already have techniques for solving," says Du. The project was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. The system is currently only in the prototype stage, but it is hoped that eventually, the program will become open-source. 

Technology:

Take A Look! by LaSandra Stratton

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

www.zdnet.com/article/mit-

72  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

lets-you-design-your-own-drones/?loc=newsletter_ missed_content&ftag=TRE6a12a91&bh id=22879832233920783794305160720838

AirBar Oﬀers Touch Screen Capability for Your PC

irBar is a sleek, lightweight device that attaches to the bottom of a PC screen and emits an invisible light field that senses touch from any object. Imagine being able to give your standard PC touch screen capabilities in just a matter of seconds. AirBar uses Neonode’s optical sensing technology to let you touch your PC screen using fingers, gloves, a paintbrush, a stylus, long finger nails and more. Even the priciest touch-enabled PCs lack this range of functionality. AirBar can be used for anything from scrolling through recipes in the kitchen to flipping through instructions on how to assemble that motor in your workshop. It can even be used for virtual painting with the kids using a real paintbrush, or for sketching your own doodles with a stylus. The product’s low cost makes AirBar ideal for schools looking for ways to improve their technology without breaking a budget. Simply Plug-and-Touch, and AirBar is ready to go. No battery drain—AirBar is powerefficient and results in significantly less battery drain when compared to a PC with a built-in touchscreen. No glare—Built-in touchscreens are reflective and cause glare, making it difficult to see what you’re doing. AirBar alleviates this issue. Specs: The device has magnets that latch onto any screen and connects through a USB cord. AirBar enables touch for most

Chromebooks or PCs running Windows® 8.1 or 10. Gestures that can be used with AirBar include pinch, sweep, zoom and scroll. AirBar is available for notebooks with screen sizes 13.3”, 14” and 15.6”. http://www.air.bar/ Submitted by LaSandra Stratton, Chief Content Administrator of the Black Business News.

Coming to your e-mail box.

Read Back Issues at: https://issuu.com/blackbusinessnews 73  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest

The 2016 Holidays In our eighth and final Holiday season of the Obama Administration, we present ‘The Gift of the Holidays’.

his joyous season is always filled with opportunities to perform acts of kindness and goodwill. Whether by expressing gratitude to a service member, offering a token of appreciation to a teacher, or sharing moments of love and laughter with our neighbors, all of us can extend hands of friendship and reflect on what it means to be a part of our American family. As we look toward a new year filled with renewed hope and possibility, let us take time to share the holiday spirit of generosity and compassion with those we love. Each year, guests from across our country and around the world travel to our nation's capital to rejoice in the holidays. From floor to ceiling, rooms are trimmed with reminders of the bountiful gifts Americans hold dear.

The Gift of Education The White House Library is a special reminder of the important gift of an education. A cozy room packed full of treasured books, the Library is adorned with a child’s school supplies; yellow pencils, bright crayons, and paper note cards create one-of-a-kind topiaries with chalkboard pedestals. In the colorful ornaments, the word “girls” is spelled in many languages to recognize the millions of adolescent women around the world who are not in school.

The Gift of Service and Sacriﬁce This year’s White House decorations also pay tribute to our

First Family lights National Christmas Tree. First Lady with Simone Manuel

Nation's service members and veterans for their gift of service and sacriﬁce. The East Garden Room features an American ﬂag display formed from images of brave military members and their families,

76  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Community/Public Interest 2016 White House Holiday Tour Book www.whitehouse.gov/sites/whitehouse. gov/ﬁles/documents/2016%20WH%20 Tourbook%20for%20WEB.pdf

and Gold Star ornaments adorn the evergreen that honors the men and women who have laid down their lives for our country.

A Holiday Favorite The White House Gingerbread House takes its place at the north end of the State Dining Room. This season’s house, created by a talented team with White House Pastry Chef Susie Morrison, is made of 150 pounds of gingerbread, 100 pounds of bread dough, 20 pounds of gum paste, 20 pounds of icing, and 20 pounds of sculpted sugar pieces.  www.whitehouse.gov

The gift of education

The gift of service and sacriﬁce

Gingerbread White House 77  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

Put Your Company at the Export Starting Gate by Curt Cultic, Senior Communications Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service, International Trade Administration

o what’s new on the export horizon for your company? Perhaps it’s narrowing down your choice of a new market in which to export, ﬁnding the latest market intelligence, or looking for the best way to pursue market entry strategies. Whatever your needs, when conducting research

expanded portfolio of U.S. Country Commercial Guides, designed to help U.S. companies doing business overseas. This year, 16 new countries, and a World Bank Commercial Guide have been added to the current CCG portfolio. Altogether, the more than 140 countries covered by the CCGs

on foreign markets, do what thousands of U.S. businesses do each year: start by checking out the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Country Commercial Guides (CCGs). Altogether, the CCGs cover markets representing 97% of global GDP outside of the United States. Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. Commercial Service, Arun Kumar today unveiled an

now represent 97% of global GDP outside of the United States. “Made in America has a worldwide reputation,” said Kumar. “Greater access to cutting edge market intelligence is key to helping more U.S. exporters leverage new and emerging international opportunities.” With the recent addition of 16 new countries, the CCGs now serve as a window into more than 140 foreign markets. Businesses

will be able to gain insight into the latest intelligence on highdemand industry sectors – and also receive market-by-market economic overviews, selling techniques, investment climate considerations, trade financing options, and business travel advice and resources. Since the CCGs are written by “boots-on-the-ground” U.S. Commercial Service trade professionals and U.S. State Department economic officers—all living and working in the country— you can be confident on getting accurate and up-to-date information on your market of interest. Among the new country additions are the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Ecuador, Fiji, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Oman, Namibia, Qatar, Suriname, and Sri Lanka; as well as a number of sub-Saharan Africa countries: Chad, Sao Tome and Principe, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. In addition, the new CCG portfolio also includes a World Bank Group Commercial Guide that provides insights into how World Bank-funded projects work, and how American firms, from prime contractors to subcontractors and suppliers, can identify and access opportunities in them. By doing your homework first, you can avoid costly mistakes that could set your company back and cost valuable time and money. That’s critical in today’s competitive global economy where more than 95% of world consumers reside outside of U.S. borders. On the website, businesses can also find out more about the global U.S. Commercial Service export assistance network of 108 offices across the United States, and in U.S. embassies and consulates in more than 75 countries.  https://blog.trade.gov/2016/12/05/putyour-company-at-the-export-startinggate/

81  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

HIGHLIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS’ KEY BENEFITS Business and Cultural Workshops Country Briefings Orientation Sessions Profile Booklet - Key Projects and Local Partners Visa, Health, Safety, and Travel Information Complimentary Conference Call Business-to-Business Networking Sessions Matchmaking Sessions Business Roundtables Products and Services Exhibition Hall One-on-One Business Appointments Sector-Focused Panel Discussions “Pitch Your Venture” Entrepreneurship Session Doing Business in Africa/Niger Forums Private Meetings with Government Officials Plant/Area Sites Visits National Cultural Extravaganzas Agadez Festival Guided Tours with Interpreters Receptions, Banquets, Leisure, Entertainment, etc.

83  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Support the Nigeria Women's Bobsled Team on GOFUNDME www.gofundme.com/nigeria-womens-bobsledteam?ssid=838605794&pos=1

Donate to the Bobsled Team on GOFUNDME.COM

y name is Seun Adigun, and I am the driver of the aspirant 2018 Winter Olympic Nigerian Women's Bobsled Team. Starting the Nigerian Women’s Bobsled team was not an easy decision. The fate of Nigeria's eligibility to be represented in the 2018 Winter Olympics rests exclusively on my ability to qualify as a competent driver. I decided to accept this responsibility and recruited two wonderful young women, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga, as my brakemen. As the driver, I am individually responsible for the vast majority of team and operational expenses. The 2016-2017 season has already begun, which has required spending to get everything set up. Between now and the 2018 Winter Games, I need to raise $150,000 to successfully execute this historic run and support my team. I have created a plan that will divide this sum into phases so that it can strategically be achieved. I will need to fund things such as: • A bobsled for practice and competition • Sled Runners (blades on the base)

• • • •

Tools for the sled Ice time (for learning how to drive) Cost of shipping the sled to diﬀerent tracks Transportation, lodging, travel expenses for myself and my brake(wo)men • Winter gear (shoes, jackets, spikes, travel bags, etc) for myself and my brake(wo)men • Team Competition gear (helmets, uniforms, practice gear, etc) • Athlete insurance for myself and my brake(wo)man • Misc. (registration and membership fees) The success of this bobsled team will positively aﬀect millions of people all over the world and will represent monumental international advancements in social, athletic, and economic statuses. Together, we can demonstrate that nothing is impossible with a little faith, support and willingness to persevere. Thank you for taking the time to read this campaign! I am eternally grateful for all your support! Please SHARE, SHARE and SHARE to get the word out about this amazing venture! Let's Make History! 

84  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Resource Vault www.risingafrica.org

Telling the African Success Story

www.allafrica.com A voice of, by and about Africa

www.okayafrica.com Compelling content and high-profile cultural events

http://africaleadership.org Africa Leadership Forum

www.au.int/en The African Union

https://sheleadsafrica.org/ Advice, tools & networks to lead to success

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

85  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

International

The Hershey Company: Nutritional Mainstream Commerce in Ghana By Bill Fanjoy, the Director of the U.S. Commercial Service Team in Virginia.

our years ago, a business consultant from Project Peanut Butter (PPB) walked into my International Trade Administation (ITA) office in Arlington, Virginia, and showed me a “60 Minutes” news clip called “Plumpynut: The Miracle Food.” It described a ready-to-use therapeutic formula (RUTF) that treats a malnourished child in a number of weeks. RUTFs are much more accessible and inexpensive than going to a hospital, which is often too far away for many living in rural Africa. This, I thought, could easily be as important commercially and socially as powdered milk was in the 1970’s. First introduced to African mothers through relief groups, powdered milk is now part of everyday African family life, on the grocery shelf next to bread, sugar and cooking oil. “Can you help me find local partners in Ghana, so we can start up RUTF production there?” he asked, at the conclusion of the video. PPB had just forged a relationship with the Hershey Company, who would fund a factory, but still needed help finding local partners. The plan was to find palm oil producers, to provide local ingredient, and groups of buyers to distribute the finished product. Within six weeks, ITA’s Commercial Service team at the Embassy in Accra set up on-the-ground meetings for PPB with palm oil producers and non-profit organizations that wanted to distribute RUTF for their relief programs. Our Commercial Service team supported PPB through its factory renovations, helping complete local business registrations, secure local utilities, formalize local partnerships, and set up quality control systems. The result today is a full production factory in Kumasi, Ghana, employing 20 Ghanaians and producing 65,000 sachets daily. And after passing a joint United Nations-Medecins Sans Frontieres quality inspection last year, the facility is qualified to produce RUTF for sale to U.N. agencies. The peanuts and equipment are American, palm oil and processing are Ghanaian and distribution is non-profit relief and Ghanaian Government. “Just the beginning”, says partner, Hershey Company

End of story? “No, this is just the beginning,” says Hershey Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Jeff King. Using the same factory, Hershey has added production of a second nutritional product called “ViVi,” a reduced version of RUTF, aimed at providing a peanut-based supplement for Ghanaian school lunch programs. After just one year of production, Hershey’s pilot program provides ViVi to 50,000 Ghanaian students EVERY DAY, bears all the expenses, and has plans to continue and grow. Its full-growth market projection is 1.3 million students, but it will be a great deal higher than that if ViVi goes the way of powdered milk! Vivi’s trajectory into mainstream distribution will hinge on Hershey’s present and final phase of their business model: reducing costs and increasing production through buying more local Ghanaian groundnuts. Along with USAID, Hershey Company is training Ghanaian farmers to grow safe groundnuts, specifically for ViVi production, and purchasing necessary U.S. roasting equipment. The result will be a significant cost-reduction in production, mainstream distribution, increased student distribution (paid from mainstream distribution revenue), a new roasting factory and a system of collecting groundnuts from approximately 7,500 Ghanaian farmers. That’s right, while Hershey champions a new commercial market, providing

86  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

nutritional benefits to thousands of students, it also creates a supply chain of 7,500 Ghanaian farms, thus insuring its future and investing in Ghana’s. This collaborative Hershey model could be the future for U.S. companies trying to gain market share in Africa, while also investing in the future of the economy they’re accessing. Speaking on Hershey Company’s Africa strategy, Jeff King says, “ViVi is a Hershey investment and comittment towards nourishing kids, providing Ghanian jobs and improving farmer income.” This is the kind of work that makes me proud to be a public servant, and it’s a great testimonial to how international trade and the work of the U.S. Commercial Service can support U.S. companies and organizations, while also bringing benefit to developing economies. 

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

www.export.gov

Bill Fanjoy celebrates an export success with Ghanaian children while serving as the acting commercial oﬃcer at the U.S. Embassy in Accra. 87  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

konya

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International

One Africa:

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

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 90  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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93  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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We're excited to announce the arrival of our brand new venture, The Africa Collection. To debut, we present “Moroccan Nights”, a limited edition, luxury lingerie and sleep wear collection inspired by and made in Africa. Inspired by the midnight sky and shadows of a balmy Moroccan night, Nubian Skin’s Moroccan Night collection conjures up the warmth and sensuality of Marrakesh asleep. As a brand, Nubian Skin’s mission has been “redefining nude”, with this collection the brand wants to challenge the way Africa is seen. “We are moving past the idea that producing in Africa meaning charity – this is a celebration of the excellence present throughout Africa in this case in the design and technical expertise to produce a luxury collection lovingly made in Morocco." The Moroccan Nights campaign is a true celebration of Africa – combining Saharan and SubSaharan, Traditional and Avant-garde, Ancient and Modern.

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101  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

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1041 S. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90019 323-938-8827 or 323-938-8806 • Fax: 323-932-6047 messob@gmail.com • www.messob.com

Open 7 days a week • 11am - 11pm

thering? Holiday Ga eeting? M e c i f f O e h T arty? Superbowl P

Krispy Kruchy Chicken is in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Los Angeles. Krispy Krunchy Chicken is a cajun-style chicken (bone-in and tenders), served fresh, never frozen and fried in zero trans fat oil. Their menu also includes signature dishes of Traditional Wings; Krispy Wings; Cajun Sweet & Sour Wings; Cajun Tenders; Red Beans and Rice; Jambalaya; Boudin Bites (Cajun rice balls); Krispy Shrimp and Honey Butter Biscuits. For additional information, please call Krispy Kruchy at 1-323-293-3332 or visit www. krispykrunchy.com.

Parker House Sausage (www.

parkerhousesausage.com) was started by Chicago entrepreneur, Judge H. Parker who came to Chicago from Montgomery County, Tennessee with little more than the conviction that there was a potential market for homemade sausage products prepared according to his mother’s recipes. By 1919 Judge Parker began selling his unique blend of herbs and spices mixed with ﬂavorful, savory sausage from a horse drawn cart on a retail basis. Recognized as one of the oldest family owned businesses in the U.S. In 2014 Parker House expanded its product line to include chicken products including breakfast sausage, hot links, and smoked sausage.

SHOP ONLINE! //shop.parkerhousesausage. com

We invite you to browse through our store and shop with conﬁdence. Need a dinner idea. Go to the Recipe Page on our website. Thanks for visiting!

ince people from all walks of life really enjoy Down South cooking, NFL Pro Reggie Kelly thought, why not bring a piece of the South to their homes. Reggie and his wife founded KYVAN® FOODS. KYVAN® Foods is a supplier to great customers like Kroger, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Firehouse Subs, Performance Foodservice, Hot Shots Distributing and more. As stated by Reggie, “It’s my goal to pass down to my kids (Kyla & Kavan) and to everyone the gift passed down to me… An Appreciation Of Good Food.” Thanks and God Bless! Website: http://kyvan82.com Shop Online: http://kyvan82.com/store Store Locator: http://kyvan82.com/storelocator

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Ma's Best is a bakery specializing in the production of home-style yeast rolls and baked products. www.facebook.com/masbestrolls/#!/masbestrolls/?tab=page_info#!/masbestrolls/info

Try all 3 flavors!

In your local grocery store or shop online for syrups, recipes, and books. Learn about our special projects and join the recipe contest.

MICHELE FOODS, INC. 1-708-331-7316 www.michelefoods.com

1177  D 11 December ecem ec embe berr 2201 2016 0166  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Eso Won Books African American Books 4327 Degnan Boulevard Leimert Park, Los Angeles

Give the Gift of Books and Music Come see our unsurpassed collection of books, music, videos, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s books, and games!

1-323-294-0324

www.esowonbookstore.com ď&#x192;&#x201D; //esowon.booksense.com for Calendar of Events

Behold A Pale Horse

48 Laws of Pow er

Books to Consider

Books to Consider...

Showing My Color: Impolite Essays on Race and Identity

by Clarence Page

he Pulitzer-Prize winning columnist for the Chicago Tribune presents a series of essays examining the central questions of race, gender, and ethnic identity that have emerged since the civil rights reforms of the mid-1960s. The essays address such topics as how racism still acts to keep nonwhites in subordinate political, economic, and social status; how the hip-hop generation has turned -black is beautiful' on its head; and the volatile relationship between blacks and Jews. Page reﬂects on changes in the racial landscape since the 1960s a and reconnects the increasingly abstract political debates about black conservatives, aﬃrmative action, and the race card to the people for whom these words mean something more than just votes.  www.amazon.com/Showing-My-Color-Impolite-Identity/ dp/0060928018

The Ways of White Folks: Stories

by Langston Hughes

he Ways of White Folks is a collection of short stories by Langston Hughes, published in 1934. Hughes wrote the book during a year he spent

living in Carmel, California. The collection, "marked by pessimism about race relations, as well as a sardonic realism or, contextually: humorous racism," is among his best known works. Like Chesnutt's The Conjure Woman (1899) and Wright's Uncle Tom's Children (1938), it is an example of a short story cycle. Th collection ll ti consists i t off 14 short h stories: The "Cora Unashamed," "Slave on the Block," "Home," "Passing," "A Good Job Gone," "Rejuvenation Through Joy," "The Blues I'm Playing," "Red-Headed Baby," "Poor Little Black Fellow," "Little Dog," "Berry," "Mother and Child," "One Christmas Eve," and "Father and Son"  www.amazon.com/Ways-White-Folks-Stories-Classics/ dp/0679728171

Parable of the Talents

by Octavia Butler

auren Olamina's love is divided among her young daughter, her community, and the revelation that led Lauren to found a new faith that teaches "God Is Change". But in the wake of environmental and economic chaos, the U.S. government turns a blind eye to violent bigots who consider the mere existence of a black female leader a threat. And soon

120  December 2016  Black Business News  www.blackbbusinessnews.net  1-323-291-7819

Lauren must either sacrifice her child and her followers -- or forsake the religion that can transform human destiny. The novel is a harsh indictment of religious fundamentalism.  https://www.amazon.com/Parable-Talents-Octavia-Butler/ dp/0446675784

Outliers: The Story of Success

by Malcolm Gladwell

n this stunning book, Malcolm Gladwell takes us on an intellectual journey through the world of "outliers"-the best and the brightest, the most famous and the most successful. He asks the question: what makes high-achievers different? His answer is that we pay too much attention to what successful people are like, and too little attention to where they are from: that is, their culture, their family, their generation, and the idiosyncratic experiences of their upbringing. Along the way he explains the secrets of software billionaires, what it takes to be a great soccer player, why Asians are good at math, and what made the Beatles the greatest rock band. Brilliant and entertaining, Outliers is a landmark work that will simultaneously delight and illuminate..  https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-SuccessMalcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930/ref=la_B000APOE 98_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1483410652&sr=1-1

The Color of

Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother

by James McBride

ho is Ruth McBride Jordan? A self-declared "light-skinned" woman evasive about her ethnicity, yet steadfast in her love for her twelve black children. James McBride, journalist, musician, and son, explores his mother's past, as well as his own upbringing and heritage, in a poignant and powerful debut, The Color Of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother. The son of a black minister and a woman who would not admit she was white, James McBride grew up in "orchestrated chaos" with his eleven siblings in the poor, all-black projects of Red Hook, Brooklyn. "Mommy," a fiercely protective woman with "dark eyes full of pep and fire," herded her brood to Manhattan's free cultural events, sent them off on buses to the best (and mainly Jewish) schools, demanded good grades, and commanded respect. As a young man, McBride saw his mother as a source of embarrassment, worry, and confusion—and reached thirty before he began to discover the truth about her early life and long-buried pain. In The Color of Water, McBride retraces his mother's footsteps and, through her searing and spirited voice, recreates her remarkable story. The daughter of a failed itinerant Orthodox rabbi, she was born Rachel Shilsky (actually Ruchel Dwara Zylska) in Poland on April 1, 1921. Fleeing pogroms, her family emigrated to America and ultimately settled in Suffolk, Virginia, a small town where antiSemitism and racial tensions ran high. With candor and immediacy, Ruth describes her parents' loveless marriage; her fragile, handicapped mother; her cruel, sexually-abusive father; and the rest

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of the family and life she abandoned. At seventeen, after fleeing Virginia and settling in New York City, Ruth married a black minister and founded the all- black New Brown Memorial Baptist Church in her Red Hook living room. "God is the color of water," Ruth McBride taught her children, firmly convinced that life's blessings and life's values transcend race. Twice widowed, and continually confronting overwhelming adversity and racism, Ruth's determination, drive and discipline saw her dozen children through college— and most through graduate school. At age 65, she herself received a degree in social work from Temple

University. Interspersed throughout his mother's compelling narrative, McBride shares candid recollections of his own experiences as a mixed-race child of poverty, his flirtations with drugs and violence, and his eventual self- realization and professional success. The Color of Water touches readers of all colors as a vivid portrait of growing up, a haunting meditation on race and identity, and a lyrical valentine to a mother from her son. .  https://www.amazon.com/Color-Water-Black-TributeMother/dp/159448192X

Behind the Lens: 2016 Year in Photographs

Feb. 23, 2016 “This photograph evokes the President in deep thought, which is not always an easy mood to convey. He was prepping with his national security staﬀ before a teleconference with European leaders.” (Oﬃcial White House Photo by Pete Souza) https://medium.com/the-white-house/behind-the-lens-2016-year-in-photographs-9e2c8733bbb3#.mtwgclb9b

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BBA Master P lanner March 201 7

BBA Salute to Back Women Business Conference The conference highlights the achievements of African American women entrepreneurs, offers workshops and a retail pavilion. For particiation information call 1-312291-9334 or send an inquiry to mail@bbala.org 

June 201 7

BBA Annual Awards Dinner Taking place at the LA Hotel Downtown, the awards dinner will highlight the achievements of African American entrepreneurs and the government agencies and corporate entities that provide positive supports for African American businesses. For particiation information visit www.bbala.org. 

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Resource Vault 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 Black Children's Books and Authors http://blackchildrensbooksandauthors.tumblr.com BlackPast.org www.blackpost.org Black Press USA www.blackpressusa.com Black Then https://blackthen.com BridesNoir www.bridesnoir.com The Chocolate Voice www.thechocolatevoice.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 World Library

www.worldlibrary.org

Organizations 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 United Nations http://webtv.un.org

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

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