Black-owned funeral homes like Bynes-Royall in Georgia and McGuire Funeral Service in D.C. have served Black communities for over a century, offering stability during major historical events like the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Movement. Leaders from both institutions shared their legacy of service and offered advice for today’s Black entrepreneurs navigating a changing economic landscape.
Category: BUSINESS
Posted inBaltimore News
How Black businesses thrived in 1925 Baltimore—and what entrepreneurs can learn today
In honor of National Black Business Month, the AFRO takes a look at what it took to open a Black business 100 years ago and the lessons that can be learned by today’s entrepreneurs in 2025.
Posted inBUSINESS
A look at the century-old businesses still going strong
Black-owned businesses that reach 100 years endure systemic racism and economic barriers, creating lasting legacies that inspire future generations to build promising futures and strengthen their communities.
Posted inFinancials
Preparing for retirement is hard– here’s how to make it easier
Jason Brown, founder of The Brown Report, encourages Black Americans to prioritize financial education and redefine retirement as financial independence rather than a fixed age. He stresses the importance of understanding personal finances to overcome systemic barriers and build long-term wealth.
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How to Pay When Buying From Someone You Don’t Know: Keep These Tips In Mind to Help Avoid Scams
Consumers should be aware of the risks associated with different payment methods and take steps to protect their money from scammers, such as using secure payment methods, being cautious when sending money to unfamiliar individuals, and taking advantage of credit and debit card protections.
Posted inFinancials
Retirement tips for the self-employed
With more Americans turning to self-employment for greater fulfillment, experts emphasize the importance of starting retirement savings early—even amid unpredictable income. From opening a Roth IRA (Individual Retirement Arrangement) to eventually establishing an SEP (Simplified Employee Pension plan), building a flexible, consistent approach is key.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Morning Glory Homestead: Cultivating history, heritage and hospitality
On St. Helena Island in South Carolina, Anthony and Belinda Jones have transformed their ancestral farm into a living classroom and cultural retreat. Through immersive camping experiences, storytelling, traditional meals and educational programs, they celebrate and preserve Gullah heritage while sustaining their family farm.
Posted inHBCU
Howard University partners with Google to launch AI speech recognition initiative
Howard University President Ben Vincent III touts groundbreaking initiative to include Black dialect in artificial intelligence (AI) development.
Posted inTV and Film
Not just Big Bird: Things to know about the Center for Public Broadcasting and its funding cuts
By Audrey McAvoyThe Associated Press The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps pay for PBS, NPR, 1,500 local radio and television stations as well as programs like “Sesame Street” and “Finding Your Roots,” said Aug. 1 that it would close after the U.S. government withdrew funding. The organization told employees that most staff positions will […]
Posted inFinancials
Exploring alternative paths to security in retirement
As traditional retirement options like pensions and workplace plans become less accessible for many, some Americans are exploring real estate, entrepreneurship and other nontraditional paths to build financial security in their later years.
Posted inFinancials
The retirement gap: Why Black Americans face an uphill battle in saving for the futureÂ
Despite working for decades, many Black Americans reach retirement with significantly less savings than their White counterparts. A 2024 study finds that unequal access to employer-sponsored plans, lower wages and greater economic hardships have fueled this growing racial retirement gap.
Posted inFinancials
Avoiding online fraud: How to stay one step ahead
Phishing emails pose a major cyber threat, targeting businesses and individuals with deceptive messages to steal sensitive information. Timothy Smoot, executive vice president and chief financial officer, warns that scammers often impersonate trusted contacts to gain access. He stresses the importance of cybersecurity training, multi-factor authentication and vigilance in spotting red flags to prevent fraud and data breaches.