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Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the writer’s own and not those of AfroTech. Five years ago, I started my business, Beaux & Paws, making bow ties, which are in my personal opinion – the perfect complement to any formal outfit. When I launched the business, I knew I wanted to do more than just sell a product. I wanted to make a difference. My idea sparked when I saw all of the displaced pets following Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey. Some of these animals were understandably not looking their best given what they’d been through. And while we know we shouldn’t, many of us judge books by their covers. I’ve always gotten compliments on how I present myself — my signature bow tie and dapper look is even how I got the nickname “Sir Darius.” That’s when I had the thought: what if, by wearing my bow ties, these dogs could find their “furever” homes faster? After all, who can resist a puppy in a bow tie!? I started by donating some bow ties to the ASPCA in New York City. Soon, I...
Emails contain a lot of sensitive information, so it’s one of the last things people want hackers to have access to. Unfortunately, in 2019 between January 1st and March 28th, hackers were able to gain access to email accounts on Microsoft’s Outlook.com, as reported by The Verge . This breach — which includes @msn.com and @hotmail.com email services — happened due to a customer support agent’s credentials being compromised, TechCrunch reported . Microsoft’s Information Protect and Governance team told TechCrunch: Microsoft recently became aware of an issue involving unauthorized access to some customers’ web-based email accounts by cybercriminals. We addressed this scheme by disabling the compromised credentials to the limited set of targeted accounts, while also blocking the perpetrators’ access. A limited number of consumer accounts were impacted, and we have notified all impacted customers. Out of an abundance of caution, we also increased detection and monitoring to further...
Coca-Cola is one of the most popular soft drinks in the world. Well-known for its iconic red branding, this fan favorite has been gracing the shelves of stores since 1886. While it comes from humble beginnings in Atlanta, Georgia Coca-Cola has become a global soft drink sensation; their plethora of products has made a tremendous profit. According to company reports , they made $215 million in just the first quarter of 2024. While the numbers certainly support Coca-Cola’s success, some consumers are starting to question the moral compass of the globally influential brand. Along with countless other popular companies , Coca-Cola is being put in the hot seat. With the ongoing ban on DEI on the federal level, many companies are choosing to follow suit. Some are sticking with inclusive initiatives but overall those seemingly anti-DEI are getting the most attention. These companies are either altogether getting rid of their diversity initiatives or making significant changes to company...
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) initiatives have been quickly scaled back or removed entirely across America following the Trump administration’s recent orders. Upon entering office last month, he banned DEI programs and even removed inclusive wording. Resources for underrepresented Americans on federal and corporate websites are disappearing by the day and many companies are following suit . This disappointing truth has led to a public uproar and general disappointment with obvious digressions from inclusiveness . What’s even more sobering is many companies’ silence or steady reversal of their previous commitments to progressive programs. Day by day companies are either doubling down , scaling back or completely switching up on their DEI efforts. No matter if their renunciations are quiet are bold, people are starting to pay more attention to corporate motives surrounding workplace inclusivity. Which Companies Are Still Supporting DEI? Christina @ wocintechchat.com/Unsplash...
Faith is the cornerstone of D’Janae Robinson’s life, shaping both her personal journey and professional endeavors. From our first conversation on LinkedIn, it was clear that her belief in God shapes her outlook on life and drives her decisions. Robinson has always felt a higher calling, though she admits the path forward wasn’t always clear. Raised in a family rooted in spirituality, Robinson grew up under the influence of her praying great-great-grandmother. This gave her an early understanding of God’s presence in her life. However, like many, her faith journey has had its highs and lows — a testament to the complexities of staying grounded while navigating life’s uncertainties. Through it all, Robinson’s unwavering trust in a higher purpose continues to guide her as she discovers how to align her life with her calling. “It wasn’t always easy being a believer, and I can say with my chest because I’ve been delivered from it. I didn’t always believe. I didn’t always believe that I...
Economic challenges often force companies to make tough decisions about their workforce, with “furlough” and “layoff” being two terms frequently mentioned. While both terms involve disruptions to employment, they carry different implications for employees and businesses. Understanding these differences is crucial for navigating uncertain times and planning the next steps effectively. What Is A Furlough? A furlough is a temporary, unpaid leave of absence initiated by an employer. Unlike a layoff, a furlough allows employees to remain on the company’s payroll, maintaining their employment status even though they are not actively working or receiving pay. The key feature of a furlough is its temporary nature, as it is typically used when a company expects to bring employees back once conditions improve. Employees on furlough often retain access to certain benefits, such as health insurance, depending on company policies and the length of the furlough. Employers use furloughs to manage...
Kim Roxie has opened a vegan makeup store in the historic district famously known as Black Wall Street. Roxie began her entrepreneurial journey in 2004 when she opened a makeup storefront in her hometown of Houston, Texas. According to Fox 23, her mother supported the launch with a $500 investment . “She gave me $500 and I saved up the rest of the money,” Kim told the outlet. “My mom loved makeup, she loved sitting in front of the vanity getting herself together and my mom did not have an office job, she was getting herself together to work at the post office.” Although the shop closed its doors in 2018, Roxie’s journey in the cosmetics space was far from over. The closure marked not an end, but a pivot — a chance for her to realign her mission with deeper personal connections and greater purpose. She was driven by two profound health challenges that reshaped her outlook on beauty and wellness. The first was her own struggle with alopecia, an autoimmune condition that caused hair...
Some consider silver a reliable hedge against inflation, a safe haven during economic uncertainty, and an asset with growth potential. Globally, 2023’s mine production of silver was estimated to be around 26,000 metric tons. That same year, however, silverware demand fell by 25% to 55.2 Moz, and silver jewelry fabrication experienced a 13% drop, with losses mainly in India who’d seen an apex of silver demand the previous year. For those looking to diversify their investment portfolio, the question stands: is silver a good investment? While silver shares many qualities with gold as a precious metal, its volatility, industrial demand, and price fluctuations make it a unique investment. To understand whether silver is a good investment in 2024, it’s essential to consider market trends, economic conditions, and the factors driving silver’s price. Understanding Silver As An Investment Silver, like other precious metals, has been used for centuries as a store of value. It has various...
Farmer, Patrick Brown, has reclaimed the land once owned by his great-great-grandfather, who was also enslaved there. Currently, Patrick serves as the director of farmer inclusion for the social justice nonprofit Nature for Justice, reports Bitter Southerner. He is responsible for ensuring that $1.7 million in funding is allocated to farmers of color in North Carolina by 2029. Brown also serves on the board of the Eva Clayton Rural Food Institute, an organization established to combat food inequities. Patrick’s passion for farming is rooted in his upbringing. At the age of 9, he was already working on his family’s farm in North Carolina, helping to load tobacco. “It would take us about nine hours to fill up two barns,” he told the outlet. His father, Arthur, played a key role in igniting his interest in farming. He passed down stories of their family’s four-generation legacy in agriculture. “He was educating me,” Patrick explained, according to Bitter Southerner. “He would say,...
Leading with integrity over the dollar sign is food reviewer Keith Lee’s mantra. Keith Lee is renowned for his social media presence, where he shines a spotlight on small-owned businesses , helping them gain widespread attention. With 16.8 million followers on TikTok and a staggering 794.2 million likes (as of this writing), his influence is undeniable. Beyond amplifying businesses, Keith is also known for his restaurant reviews, many of which have gone viral. His reviews carry significant weight, often referred to as the “Keith Lee Effect” — a phenomenon where his endorsement can skyrocket a business’s popularity, while a less favorable review might have the opposite impact. As previously reported by AFROTECH™ , Keith Lee’s platform played a pivotal role in supporting Soul Prime Chicago, founded by Shonya “Chef Royce” Williams. At the time, the restaurant was facing financial struggles just four months after opening, struggling to pay its staff. Following Lee’s video, customer...
When it comes to investing , two common methods of portfolio construction and index strategies are value-weighted and market-cap weighted approaches. Both of these strategies offer unique ways of measuring the importance of individual assets within a portfolio or index, but they operate on different principles and have distinct advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these differences is key to making informed investment decisions, particularly for those investing in large indices or diversified portfolios. What Is Market Cap Weighted? Market cap weighted, or capitalization-weighted, is a method used to determine the importance of a stock within an index based on the company’s market capitalization. The market capitalization of a company is calculated by multiplying its stock price by the number of shares outstanding. In a market cap-weighted index, the larger the company’s market cap, the more influence it has within the index. For example, in a market cap-weighted index like the...
“Houston, we have a problem” took on an entirely new meaning as AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 transformed the city into a hub of innovation and inspiration. Over 37,000 participants, 237 dynamic speakers, and 168 leading corporations came together to create a groundbreaking experience that redefined networking and collaboration. Over four electric days, Houston, TX, became the epicenter of innovation, wealth-building, and culture. From groundbreaking tech demos to impactful conversations on economic empowerment, AFROTECH™ delivers it all with unmatched innovation and purpose. Innovation At The Forefront This year’s conference lived up to its promise, showcasing the forefront of technological innovation. Attendees got a first-hand look at product demos from SnapChat, showcasing its latest hardware, and NVIDIA, which wowed the crowd with groundbreaking 3D imaging technology. The Learning Labs offered AI demonstrations and outlooks for the future, with Google unveiling its advanced Gemini...
Choosing a career can feel like a monumental decision, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process less overwhelming and more fulfilling. It’s a journey of self-discovery, research, and planning that aligns your interests, skills, and values with professional opportunities. For those still in university, this can even impact your studies when it comes to choosing a major. About 25% of college students surveyed by BestColleges reported reconsidering their chosen field frequently. Choosing a career comes down to choosing what you want to do presumably for the rest of your life. It’s not unusual to feel a bit of pressure. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can narrow down your choices and learn how to choose a career. Reflect On Your Interests And Strengths Start by identifying what genuinely excites you. Consider activities or topics you enjoy in your personal life and at work or school. Are you drawn to creative tasks, analytical problem-solving, or helping...
Nothing is more significant in this life than the love of a mother. Renowned musician will.i.am took a moment to shed light on how his mother’s sacrifices led to his success today during the AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference, Nov. 13-16. The innovative producer, visionary artist, and founding member of the Grammy Award-winning music group Black Eyed Peas opened up about his humble beginnings in a session on the main stage titled “CollaborA(I)te: Empowering Creative Connections.” “I remember my mom was like, ‘Wait, put your clothes on. You go up here to get our food stamps. Sit in this line to get this cheese.’ When you’re in the projects, and that’s your reality, standing in line to get government services, and you’re there and you’ve got dreams and you’re like one day, I want to move my mama out of these projfts, and you come outside, and your best friend that you grew up with is no longer with you because he got shot and you want to dream different — that’s where I get ambition from.”...
LaMelo Ball , the Charlotte Hornets’ star point guard, has quickly risen as one of the NBA’s brightest young talents. Known for his flashy style of play and basketball IQ, LaMelo has garnered attention not only for his on-court success but also for his business ventures and endorsements. In this article, we’ll explore LaMelo Ball’s net worth in 2024, the factors that have contributed to his wealth, and his standing as one of the most marketable young athletes in the NBA. Key Sources Of LaMelo Ball’s Wealth LaMelo Ball’s net worth is driven by several key factors: NBA Salary: Ball signed a rookie-scale contract after being drafted third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2020. His initial contract, worth about $35 million over four years, provided him with a solid financial foundation. In 2024, LaMelo is playing under a max contract extension that significantly boosts his earnings. The deal, likely exceeding $200 million over multiple years, cements LaMelo as a franchise cornerstone...