Could Freelancing Cure Africa's Economic Woes?

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Freelancing Could Cure
Africa's Economic Woes

Photo credit | Judeus Samson On Unsplash 

OP-ED By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

Can Africa use lockdown to re-event its economies that will be based on giving, building and equality for all people?

As the old saying goes, "where there’s a problem there is a solution."

Even with the strict regulations like social distancing, wearing of masks and other forms of limiting the spread of the virus still in place, the spirit of turning big corporations and multinationals into servicing the public rather than being driven by self-interest profits, has become a real and of great necessity.

Although, it may take some time for Africa to better comprehend the damage or opportunities brought about by this global pandemic. But one thing for sure, is that life has very much turned around for many who have lost jobs, business decline or collapse and loved ones.

Black-Owned Investing Platform Celebrates 7 Years

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FOUNDERS OF BLACK-OWNED PLATFORM MAKE HISTORY, CELEBRATE 7 YEARS OF TEACHING MINORITIES HOW TO INVEST

Meet Ernest Curry and Latoya Smith, the founders of The Profit Room, an online learning platform that teaches people of color how to invest in stocks, cryptocurrency, foreign exchange, and futures. Launched in 2016, they are now celebrating seven years of financially empowering and coaching their clients.

The Profit Room does more than just talk about trading. It is an international community of traders who collaborate and support each other in their goals using easy-to-understand language and examples. Even more, there is a focus on teaching Black Americans how to invest and trade to help close the wealth gap.

In fact, as two professional traders who have active portfolios themselves and specialize in technical analysis with a systematic approach to trading any market, they are quite the team. Ernest brings the knowledge and experience acquired from his hedge fund manager mentor to the table. Meanwhile, Latoya’s brings to the table her background in Investment Banking at a top global bank. Ernest and Latoya work together to create, teach, and support all courses, resources, and community at The Profit Room. The mission and ultimate goal is to help people from all socioeconomic backgrounds learn how to trade and invest to be successful in all financial markets. It does not matter how young or old you are. It is never too early or late to learn how to master investing.

Black-Owned Construction Firm Awarded 7 Major Contracts Including JFK Airport In New York

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FAMILY-OWNED CONSTRUCTION FIRM AWARDED 7 MULTI-MILLION CONTRACTS INCLUDING JFK AIRPORT

Meet Darrell K. Choates, Sr., his father, his son, and his grandson (that's 4 generations), the owners of Choates G Contracting LLC, a Black-owned construction firm headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The company has recently scored — not one or two — but seven new multi-million dollar contracts including a $30 million reconstruction project of JFK Airport's Terminal 1 in New York City and a $25 million construction project in Ghana.

With more than four decades of inimitable experience in the construction industry, Mr. Choates has garnered a laudable reputation as the CEO of the firm. As a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), they manage large-scale development projects, construct senior living residences, and provide technologically advanced SaaS platforms creating Smart Cities.

In a career filled with highlights, Mr. Choates is most proud to have protected the legacy of his company as a strong minority-managed organization. Likewise, he has served the region of Philadelphia as the owner of a registered nonprofit community organization, Logan Community Enterprise Center, which among other non-profit activities sponsors bi-weekly food drives.

Is Supporting Black Businesses Economic Survival Going Forward in 2022?

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Supporting Black Businesses Is NO longer An Option - It is ECONOMIC Survival!

Photo Credit: Freddy Kearney | Unsplash

By Kamau Austin, Publisher Black News Scoop

Today I was on a popular Black group on a mainstream social media site and saw the question: Why should Blacks support Black business?  I must admit was a bit annoyed by one of the responders giving some push back on supporting black business.

It has been our work, as a media company, to advocate economic and business development to help enhance Black wealth. Our company AMS Digital has profiled and showcased over 3,600 feature stories on Black businesses, cultural institutions, and community organizations in the last few years.  This is an essential topic to our economic survival so I am sharing the following thoughts on subject.  

It is economic survival. Do you know Blacks in the US only have 1/10th of the wealth of whites?   Do you know Black college grads make less average income than white high school graduates?

Do you know Blacks get less than 3% of venture capital and fed contracts for business?  Do you realize if present things don't change Blacks will have a average median wealth of zero (0) by 2053?  This is reported on by Black Enterprise

One of the responders commented that other ethnic groups stay in their communities and shop because it is convenient.  They seem to feel that other ethnic groups have little planning to purposefully avoid supporting Black businesses.

However, I wonder why is it other ethnic groups tend to stay in their communities and support their businesses out of convenience and economic development however these same ethnic groups rarely come to even upscale Black communities to support our businesses?

Other ethnic groups may live in their communities but come to our community to often start their businesses to get our dollars?  So it seems they can stay in their communities except when it comes to making money - then they come to our communities?

Our society is obviously structured so Blacks are marginalized in terms of business ownership and primarily put in positions of consumerism and investment of other racial groups and mainstream corporations. In the US whites have almost I've seen any where from $96 trillion to $100 trillion dollars in wealth while Blacks collectively only have a few trillion.

So given our social and economic conditions it begs the question: why don't we support and invest more in our own businesses?  Because what we're doing now definitely isn't working. 

African World News | See How Africa And The World Is Mourning Anti-apartheid Hero Desmond Tutu

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Africa And The World Mourns Anti-apartheid Hero Desmond Tutu

The Late Archbishop Desmond Tutu | Pic Source Wikipedia

By Afrikan Correspondent Thandisizwe Mgudlwa 

KENYAN President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined fellow world leaders in mourning South Africa's anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Desmond Tutu.

Tutu who has died in Cape Town on the morning of Sunday, December 26, 2021, was 90 years of age.  In a message of condolence to President Cyril Ramaphosa, the People of the Republic of South Africa, and the family of the Tutu family, Kenyatta mourned the ever-smiling Archbishop Desmond Tutu as an African icon of freedom, peace and reconciliation.

"The passing away of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a big blow not only to the Republic of South Africa where he leaves behind huge footprints as an anti-apartheid hero but to the entire African continent where he is deeply respected and celebrated as a peacemaker.

KENYAN President Uhuru Kenyatta| Pic source Wikipedia

Through his distinguished work over the years as a cleric, freedom fighter and peacemaker, Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders who embraced his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle," Kenyatta hailed the former head of the South African Anglican Church.

Kenyatta wished Ramaphosa, South Africans and the family of the departed prelate God's comfort as they come to terms with his demise.

"To my brother President Cyril Ramaphosa, the People of the Republic of South Africa and the family, friends and relatives of Archbishop Tutu, I pray to God to cover you all with his calming fortitude during this difficult period of mourning," Kenyatta condoled.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, the People of the Republic of South Africa Pic Source Wikipedia

12-Year Old Julius Faison, Creates Book About Black Superhero

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12-YEAR OLD JULIUS FAISON MAKES HISTORY, PUBLISHING BOOK ABOUT BLACK SUPERHERO

Julius Faison, a 12-year-old African American boy from New York City, enjoys reading adventurous books so much that he has written his own book about a Black superhero.

When the pandemic struck and he transitioned to virtual learning, he and his mom began working on creative storytelling to further develop writing skills. One story led to the publication of his first book, Jewels and Stella: The Secret, which tells the story of Jewels, also a 12-year-old boy, his friends, and his pet bird who are fighting evil to save the world.

Julius attends Durham Nativity School and lives in North Carolina with his mom, dad, brother and a host of animals, including Stella, their pet parrot. In addition to reading, he enjoys playing soccer, chess, gaming, and spending time with his family.

Checkout The Family Journal's USA & Overseas Fishermen’s Hall of Fame 2nd Round of 2021 Inductees

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The Family Journal, USA & Overseas Fishermen’s Hall of Fame 2nd Round of 2021 Inductees By Dr. Charles Singleton

Photo Credit, Flowertown Woman, McGrath & Bevins

Anthony Flood Hueston Sports Ministries, Lawrenceville, GA, "Perennial" Gulf Coast of Mexico and The Atlanta Coast Deep-Sea Fishing Champion, shares a ministerial-after-church moment and Red Snapper B-liners. “Hello friends, in the ministry that I love, and the shaded moments of a Godly day, I fish and fish.”

The Family Journal, USA & Overseas Fishermen’s Hall of Fame 2nd Round of 2021 Inductees

Acclamations Committee: Linden Evans Bell Champagne Congratulations from ME to ALL of You on behalf of the committee: Alex A. Singleton, Ravenel, SC & Rome, GA, Tillman U. Millhouse, Jr., Summerville, SC, Donnie Middleton, Summerville, SC, Isreal T. Singleton, Summerville, SC, John Thompson, Blasting Bassmaster, Charleston, SC and Linden Evans Bell, Conyers, GA. Fishing Quotes from John Thompson: John said, "A good fish story has 9 million words." My uncle, the late Mr. Gabriel "Gabe" Thompson often said after a fish was caught, "The proof is in the pudding!"

Since our 2020-2021 First-Ballot Hall of Famers, we have received some outstanding information and verifications. We are proud to share with you the successful acclamation of these Second-Ballot Inductees into the Family Journal, USA & Overseas Fishermen’s Hall of Fame (2021). The championship names will tell you about fishermen’s love for fishing and their communities. 

Why You Should Look^UP!

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"If it ain’t one thing, its another!!" That's...

Why You Should Look^UP!

Photo Credit: Julian Myles Upsplash

As we approach the end of another week, another month, and yet another year - and what a year it has been - we face with bewilderment a sobering reality - "if it ain't one thing it's another.” From nation states like Russia and China with their aberrant and belligerent disposition, from inanimate entities like AI (artificial intelligence) and viruses Covid 19, Delta, and the mutant Omicron variant, to political entities with abysmal lack of empathy toward mankind to turning our back on “ Mother Nature.”  If it wasn't Alcee Hastings it was Cecily time.

If it wasn't bell hooks, it was Desmond Tutu, if it wasn't John Thompson, it was Colin Powell, if it wasn't DMX, it was Biz Markie. If it wasn't the Insurrection at the Capitol, it was a school shooting in Michigan.

If it wasn't the near execution of Julius Jones, it was the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse. If it wasn't an attempt to restrict voting, it was an attempt to overturn Roe versus Wade.  If it wasn't Andrew Cuomo, it was Chris Cuomo. If it ain't privacy violations in Facebook, it's Metaverse to make matters worse... enough already!

Maybe not; if it ain't "Too Sir with Love," it ain't Sydney Poitier.

In an effort toward summation of a year gone by let’s get real about why the pendulum swings (it's all good on one end and it doesn’t look good on the other end) the way it does and confront the reality in plain sight that myopia (nearsightedness) can’t justify and hyperopia (farsightedness) can’t clarify.

Both address the physical eye but the reality I’m referring to speak to the mind, emotion, and spiritual eye. Ophthalmology can address the limitation of the physical eye and a psycho therapist can speak to mental and emotional health while saving your spiritual issues for that introspective look up.

Editor's Note: Many people are talking about the controversial and provocative flim: "Don't Look Up," and how it relates to the impact of disinformation on our society and other salient issues.  After seeing the movie you'll realize "Why You Should Look^UP!"  You can see the trailer below...

Mama Zora, An African Icon

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Mama Zora, An African Icon

OP-ED By Thandisizwe Mgudlwa

Zora Mehlomakulu shall never die.

Instead she has multiplied.

She counseled those bothered either by personal issues, family matters, work injustices or just the ups and downs that we all encounter in this wonderful but imperfect world.

She traveled all around the length and breath of the country to organize and meet the downtrodden in villages, hostels, townships, community halls and open spaces and engaged industry bosses pleading for the plight of the workers to be improved to acceptable global working standards.

She worked and shared ideas with religious leaders, traditional leadership, industry leaders and working class, and community activists, members & representatives to found workable solutions to the challenges confronting humanity.

She sacrificed her youth and family life and marriage for the workers and the oppressed majority of South Africa, with numerous incarceration and ill-treatment at the hands of the apartheid regime.

But she never complained about her experiences as a true soldier of liberation, she stood her ground until the colonial apartheid regime fell.

Her story like that of her many compatriots who fought against the Apartheid regime must never be silenced and forgotten.

In the building of a totally liberated and prosperous nation, we have to refer back to the wisdom of people like Zora Mehlomakulu if we stand any chance of advancing the Struggle for a truly free and thriving society.

Watch As Bigg Robb Talks Southern Soul Music And Wows With His Performance On The Michael Colyar Morning Show!

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Bigg Robb Talks
Southern Soul Music and
Wows With His Performance On
The Michael Colyar Morning Show!

Watch!

Funnyman Michael Colyar welcomes Southern Soul Superstar Bigg Robb on The Michael Colyar Morning Show!

Bigg Robb guest appeared on the show Wednesday, January 4 streaming on YouTube and Facebook. He wows the viewers with his performance! Click Video below to watch now!

The multi-talented entertainer is a singer, recording artist, producer and songwriter.

He is one of the most exciting artists in the Southern Soul community, known for his high-energy performances, where he wows crowds with his sensational live shows and energetic showmanship.

Highly regarded in the music industry by both his peers and fans, Bigg Robb’s sound is a mixture of Midwest funk, R&B, modern blues, contemporary gospel, and Southern soul.

Eric Roberson Stops By The Michael Colyar Morning Show! January 7th Tune-In!

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Eric Roberson Stops By
The Michael Colyar Morning Show!

January 7

Tune-In Tomorrow Morning!

Funnyman Michael Colyar welcomes musician extraordinaire Eric Roberson on The Michael Colyar Morning Show!

Eric Roberson stops by the show Friday, January 7th to talk about his music, up-coming projects and all things Eric Roberson.

The Michael Colyar Morning Show streams Monday - Friday at 7 am PST on YouTube and Facebook.

As a GRAMMY Award-nominee, singer, songwriter, producer and Howard University alum, Eric Roberson continues to break boundaries as an independent artist in an industry dominated by major labels, manufactured sounds and mainstream radio. Described as the original pioneer of the independent movement in R&B/Soul music, Eric has achieved major milestones in his career, from being a successful songwriter and producer for notable artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, Vivian Green and countless others, to headlining sold out tours across the country.