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Hollywood mogul Issa Rae is always rooting for everybody Black, and today is no different as she pushes for all Black-owned businesses to officially certify their brands through a newly-launched program. According to a press release shared with AfroTech, the producer and actress is supporting American Express and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.’s (USBC) joint effort to expand their ByBlack initiative with the launch of the “first national certification program exclusively for Black-ownership designation.” Photo Credit: American Express The free first-of-its-kind platform — which was designed as a directory for Black-owned businesses — will now offer Black business-owners the opportunity to easily obtain approved accreditation that their customers and other companies can trust when spending with them. “We are thrilled to team up with the USBC to expand the ByBlack platform,” Jessica Ling — senior vice president of Global B2B Marketing at American Express — tells AfroTech. “Seventy-five...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. In today’s rapidly evolving economy, equitable policies that support Black-owned and minority-owned businesses are not just a moral imperative, but a necessity for national growth. Despite their resilience and innovation, systemic barriers continue to block the full potential of these businesses. From access to capital to securing federal contracts, the current policy landscape often fails to reflect the challenges minority entrepreneurs face. To foster real economic progress, we must push for comprehensive policy changes that promote equity and empower these businesses to thrive. Black-owned businesses account for about 2.2 million firms, contributing $150 billion to the U.S. economy. Yet, they still face significant obstacles, particularly in securing financing. Research from the Federal Reserve shows that Black and minority entrepreneurs are disproportionately denied loans. Black entrepreneurs...
Like most of us, the 2020 lockdown forced Chris and Fay Breedlove to reevaluate their relationship with travel. It had been a central part of their lives together since they met as law students at Howard University, leading them to over 44 cities in 15 countries over the course of their courtship and marriage. As they dreamt of revisiting some of their favorite destinations, Fay came up with the idea of creating a scent that captured some of the cities they had fallen in love with. “Fay’s initial thought for starting this whole business was that she wanted to get the scent of Singapore Changi International Airport, which is funny because that airport is a destination itself, and definitely analogous to Singapore as a whole,” Chris says. And thus, Terminal B, a luxury fragrance brand built around their love of travel, was born. The company itself is named after the Tom Bradley International Terminal at Los Angeles International Airport, with the letter B representing both the...
Coalition to Back Black Businesses (CBBB), co-founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, American Express, and four leading national Black business organizations – announced 491 Black-owned small businesses across 39 states were each awarded a $5,000 grant as part of a multi-year grantmaking and mentorship initiative. The recipients will be eligible to apply for enhancement grants of $25,000, which will be provided to a select number of 2021 grantee recipients in July 2022. The CBBB was formed in September 2020 to address the needs of businesses impacted by the pandemic and support their long-term growth. Since its launch, CBBB has awarded grants to more than 1,000 Black-owned small businesses. “From nationwide supply chain disruptions to worker shortages, Black small business owners are facing new and daunting challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “The strength of our economy depends on the...
Issa Rae said it was her “me season.” In yet another deal that serves the Black creative community, Issa Rae proves that it’s her winning season even with the series ending of the beloved “Insecure.” In a press release provided to AfroTech, the creator’s company Raedio has announced that it has closed in on a worldwide multi-project development deal with Audible.
Issa Rae is always helping creatives get in their bag. According to Billboard, with the help of Google, artists can be on standby for t he Raedio Creators Program. The new emerging artist program aims to ensure u nderrepresented independent artists receive the support they need to thrive within the entertainment space. Issa Rae’s “audio everywhere company” — launched in 2019 — has helped four artists break through and find their voice. Yung Baby Tate and TeaMarrr are two Black female artists who have reaped the benefits of Issa Rae’s music platform. Through the partnership with Google, the intended goal is to increase representation for women of color in the music industry. “This partnership is perfectly aligned with my mission in helping open doors and provide opportunities for women to succeed and flourish in their craft,” Issa Rae told Billboard. “I can’t wait to see the impact this program and partnership has on the selectees and the music that is created as a result.”
It’s no secret Issa Rae is rooting for everybody Black and things are no different this holiday season. Joining forces with American Express, Issa Rae will be curating the ByBlack Bazaar marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 11 in Downtown Los Angeles. “As a curator at the marketplace, in its simplest form it will be a great place to stop by and get a gift especially if you do not know what to get people because there will be a range of options,” Issa Rae shared exclusively with AfroTech. “It will also be a great way to establish community amongst business owners and allow owners to establish and forge relationships. You will see the family behind the business and you will see directly or hear about the history of these businesses. With online businesses, you don’t get the neighborhood store feel often. So, the Bazaar marketplace really excites me for that.”
Recently, as AfroTech previously reported, American Express and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) announced the expansion of ByBlack with the first national certification program exclusively for Black-ownership designation. And one of the most famous participants in the program is Issa Rae, who recently certified her Sienna Naturals through the program with the hopes of reaching more customers for her in-demand products. “We have only scratched the surface of the collective power of Black businesses, so I am excited to join AmEx and the USBC to shine a light on the opportunities ByBlack presents,” she said in a statement. “ByBlack is a powerful platform that connects Black business owners with new revenue streams and helps all of us find and shop at standout businesses. Together we can spread the word to support small Black businesses.” To qualify for the no-cost certification process, businesses must provide proof that their business is 51 percent Black-owned, and also...