By Dr. Frances Murphy DraperAFRO Publisher and CEO Black-owned businesses have always been a cornerstone of our communities—anchoring neighborhoods, creating jobs and proving that vision can thrive even in the face of economic headwinds. Last week, we celebrated companies across the country that have endured for a century or more, surviving depressions, recessions, and sweeping […]
Category: BUSINESS
Posted inWashington D.C. News
The long path home: A look at reentry and family reconnection after serving time
After facing his own challenges with reintegration following incarceration, Foster Sellers found purpose in supporting others through the reentry process. Now a project coordinator with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens, Sellers works to empower returning citizens and support family reunification through employment programs, outreach, and community engagement.
Posted inMaryland News
Greater Baltimore Committee celebrates 70 years of civic and economic leadership
The Greater Baltimore Committee marked its 70th anniversary on Sept. 12 with a gathering of business, community and elected leaders at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel. The event celebrated the organization’s legacy while outlining its vision for the region’s economic future.
Posted inBUSINESS
Bridging the funding gap: A look at grants for small businesses
Small business owners often point to limited access to capital as one of their biggest hurdles, a challenge that can be even steeper for entrepreneurs of color. Nationally, public and private programs are working to expand funding opportunities and provide resources to help these businesses grow.
Posted inFinancials
The president’s last tax cuts failed Americans like me– let’s not repeat the mistake
Brakeyshia Samms is a senior analyst at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. This week, she discusses why Black women often don’t see the benefits gained from tax cuts put in place by political leaders.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
‘Black Diary 1887’ expands to D.C. with GPS walking tours
Black Diary 1887 is a revolutionary, GPS-enabled mobile app that connects users with overlooked narratives from the African Diaspora through interactive maps and audio storytelling, and is now available in 30 US cities, including Washington, D.C.
Posted inBUSINESS
Building legacy and lifting others: The power of Black entrepreneurship
Black entrepreneurs like John E. Harmon Sr. and Stefanie Magness are scaling global heights. Their success is transforming how the world sees Black leadership, strategy and innovation.
Posted inBUSINESS
From 9-to-5 to business owner: Two women share their path to entrepreneurship
After years of working traditional jobs, Tiffany Veney and Leslie Frelow took a leap of faith to launch their own businesses. Now, they’re carving out space in industries where Black women are often underrepresented—construction and wine.
Posted inBUSINESS
Mova Nature: Empowering Black community with nutrition and education
In a time of rising illnesses among Black people, healthy diets are relevant now more than ever. Kelli Redmond, founder of Mova Nature, has been spreading the word through Baltimore and beyond. Not only does she provide nutritional fruit juices and blends, but she also educates people on how they can incorporate healthy practices in their homes.
Posted inBUSINESS
Black wealth infrastructure as a safety net
Federal layoffs and industry cuts leave Black families most vulnerable to housing and income loss. Here are some things you should know about asset-building programs and fair lending reforms that offer pathways to lasting Black wealth and resilience.
Posted inHealth
Experts urge families to seek genetic counseling early
Early genetic counseling gives families crucial information and support, turning uncertainty about rare diseases into informed decisions, community connections and hope for their children’s health and future.
Posted inBUSINESS
Old Arthur’s Barbecue Products: Family recipes born in bondage, perfected in freedom
Old Arthur’s Barbecue Products carries forward recipes first crafted in the 1800s by Arthur “Old Arthur” Watts, a formerly enslaved pit master whose flavors have endured for generations. Today, his descendants preserve that legacy through their business while also supporting children’s literacy initiatives in his honor.