As faith leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers navigate the fast-shifting terrain of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital globalization, few figures have leaned into this moment with as much intentionality — or complexity — as Bishop T.D. Jakes. Known to many as a pastor, to others as a media mogul, and increasingly to investors and technologists as an ecosystem builder, Jakes is reasserting his role at the intersection of innovation, equity, and cultural capital. This is where his ongoing initiative, the Good Soil Forum, enters the chat. The conference, which has convened business owners, technologists, creatives, and investors for years, positions itself as a gathering and a long-term infrastructure. It reflects Jakes’ emphasis on sustainability, access to capital, and the kind of practical knowledge often kept behind institutional gates. What has shifted recently, however, is not the mission — but the moment. When Technology Hits Close To Home For Jakes In 2024,...

Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the most influential self-improvement books of all time. First published in 1936, the book remains widely read today, offering timeless advice on communication, leadership , and building meaningful relationships. The book teaches practical strategies for improving social interactions, gaining influence, and fostering genuine connections—skills that are valuable in both personal and professional life. This summary explores the key principles and lessons from Carnegie’s book, breaking down the strategies that have helped people around the world build stronger relationships and succeed in business , leadership, and everyday interactions. The Core Idea Of The Book Carnegie’s philosophy centers around understanding human nature and using that knowledge to create positive interactions. The book argues that people respond best to appreciation, encouragement, and genuine interest rather than criticism or manipulation....

Jim Reynolds is leading a vegan beverage brand that generates millions and is backed by notable athletes. Reynolds’ journey as a founder began in 1997. He had already spent several years on Wall Street before deciding to launch Loop Capital, a full-service investment bank, brokerage, and advisory firm that assists corporate, governmental, and institutional clients, according to its LinkedIn page. Inc. magazine reports that it is the largest Black-owned investment bank globally. Various deals have landed on the bank’s table, including one surrounding Coco5, a hydration beverage company. Its products are made with balanced sugars and no artificial dyes or flavors. They are also vegan, gluten-free, caffeine-free, and non-GMO. Inc. reports that as a health-conscious person Reynolds had already developed a taste for coconut water by the ’90, and heard about the company in 2011. He would go on to invest in Coco5 in 2015 and join its board. Over the next decade, Reynolds attracted the...

Snoop Dogg is rapidly losing social media followers after his appearance at President Donald Trump’s Crypto Ball. As of Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, the “Gin and Juice” rapper — Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. — has 88.1 million Instagram followers, a drop of 571,800, and 20.7 million on X, down 17,177, according to the New York Post. Snoop Dogg’s performance at the pre-inauguration bash on Jan. 17, 2025, drew significant backlash from people who pointed out his previous anti-Trump position and speculated that financial incentives may have motivated him to take part. “For all the hate, I’m going to answer with love. I love too much,” Snoop Dogg said, addressing the criticism on Instagram Live. “Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a black man. Still 100% black. All out till you ball out or till you fall out.”   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)   Per another report by the Post, in September 2018, Snoop Dogg...

Shaquille O’Neal went several years without spending a dime of his first NBA paycheck. O’Neal’s glory days in the league date back to June 24, 1992. He was drafted by the Orlando Magic as a first-round draft pick, according to ESPN. His initial contract was a four-year deal valued at $17,400,000, notes Spotrac. O’Neal’s talent and charisma made him a sought-after player among companies looking to endorse the young player. In fact, he sustained himself solely through his endorsements until he had his first child, Taahirah, in 1996. “I didn’t spend my first NBA check until I started having children. I had so much coming in, I was like, ‘NBA money over there, and I’ll just live off endorsement money,'” he said during a 2022 interview with Gayle King on “CBS Mornings.” When he became a free agent, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, ultimately leading to three national championship rings. He earned his fourth with the Miami Heat in his 14th career year. Beyond his success on the...

Naomi Osaka has scored another investment. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the tennis athlete launched the media company Hana Kuma with Stuart Duguid in June 2022, in collaboration with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Co., which serves as its financing, operations, and producing partner. In April 2023, Hana Kuma closed a $5 million funding round that included participation from SpringHill and other investors to support its team and programming and create “a more robust business plan.” The move was part of a spin-off that would give the company more independence. “We really want to see her build her own version of SpringHill,” Carter said then, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “We’ve worked really hard to get SpringHill where it is, but now we want to help others to do the same, and to do it different than as we have done at SpringHill, and to do it in their own way and their own voice.” Just over a year since its last investment, Hana Kuma has attracted...

Marsai Martin is one of the brightest stars in Hollywood and the definition of young Black excellence. Born in 2004, she’s quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood and presents herself as a role model for young Black girls around the world. The young actress and producer has accomplished so much since her breakout role in “Black-ish,” describing the time right now as “surreal,” according to Good Morning America . Let’s get to know her more with the fun facts below. Editorial note: This article was initially published in 2019 and updated to reflect the most recent information. Her real name isn’t Marsai Martin. “Marsai” is actually her middle name. Her given name is Caila Marsai Martin. Marsai Martin made her first national commercial appearance at 5-years-old. Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube Before starring in ABC’s “Black-ish,” the young actress got her first start in the entertainment industry by nabbing a national commercial with Meineke. She made her big-screen debut at...

Living a plant-based lifestyle is becoming more popular and Violife’s new program — backed by Wu Tang’s RZA — is set to help the growing community. While the plant-based market grows, Black-owned restaurants have hit losses during the pandemic. According to a press release, Violife launched its annual Plant Grants program to “help these restaurants give everyone – vegans, flexitarians, and the plant curious alike – an easy and inspired way to eat more plant-based food every day.” The vegan cheese brand selected five recipients to receive funding of $20,000 each. “With the 2021 Plant Grants program, we’re tackling plant-based food inequity head on by empowering Black-owned restaurants to offer more plant-based dishes to their communities – dishes that will delight customers and keep them coming back for more,” Lisa Akey , Head of Away from Home Marketing for Violife said in a statement. As a vegan himself, RZA aligned with Violife’s mission toward more plant-based food accessibility...