A recent executive order aimed at reducing government functions has significantly cut staffing and funding for key federal programs like the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, despite their proven success in fostering minority-owned businesses and revitalizing underserved communities. Critics, including bipartisan senators and Rep. Maxine Waters, argue these cuts undermine economic equity and squander public-private models that yield substantial returns and job creation.
Category: BUSINESS
Posted inWashington D.C. News
DC artist Reggie Gillumo creates art that the visually impaired can ‘see’
Reggie Gillumo, a D.C.-based visual artist and sculptor, has spent nearly 30 years perfecting his signature style—vibrant, touchable artworks designed to be experienced by both sighted and visually impaired audiences. Celebrated for his innovative technique and community impact, Gillumo recently opened his own gallery and continues to inspire through mentorship and his deeply personal, inclusive art.
Posted inBUSINESS
Target national selective buying campaign continues
The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has intensified its national selective buying campaign against Target Corp., citing the company’s failure to uphold its commitments to equal opportunity initiatives, and its ongoing neglect of Black-owned media. The NNPA calls for widespread support in demanding corporate accountability, economic justice and meaningful investment in Black communities.
Posted inMoney
From debt to success: Lamar Laing’s journey
Lamar Laing, CEO and founder of Copiafy, turned his struggles with debt and poor credit into a mission to empower Black Americans with financial literacy and resources. Through Copiafy, an online platform, he provides tools for setting financial goals and tracking bills and credit report disputes.
Posted inBaltimore News
The dos and don’ts of credit repair from the ‘Credit Queen’
Ronda Brunson, the “Credit Queen,” advises people to take a comprehensive approach to credit repair, emphasizing the importance of facing their financial reality and addressing emotional spending behaviors. She highlights the significance of timely payments, avoiding disputes on credit reports and using credit responsibly, while also recommending credit monitoring services to protect against identity theft and keep track of financial progress.
Posted inBaltimore News
World Autism Month sparks call for broader inclusion and acceptance
As World Autism Month calls for greater awareness and acceptance, advocates and creatives alike are pushing for more inclusive narratives. In Baltimore, Donte Lewis uses music and media to build community, while Taya Dunn Johnson challenges biases that delay diagnoses and deny dignity to individuals with autism.
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Harnessing Emerging Technologies to Power Your Business
Small business owners are increasingly using AI to drive innovation, efficiency and growth, with 80% already using or planning to implement AI, focusing on customer-facing applications like chatbots and customer service automation.
Posted inBaltimore News
How 4MyCiTy is feeding Baltimore and the planet this Earth Day
As Earth Day approaches, 4MyCiTy founder Christopher Dipnarine shares how his Baltimore-based nonprofit is tackling food waste and food insecurity. By transforming discarded food into nourishment and community empowerment, 4MyCiTy is reshaping sustainability in South Baltimore and beyond.
Posted inBUSINESS
Sharpton presses Target and PepsiCo over equity retreats as NAN mulls boycotts
Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) are weighing further action against corporations like Target and PepsiCo for scaling back their equal opportunity and inclusion efforts, following high-level meetings with company executives. Sharpton plans to consult with NAN’s board and civil rights allies before deciding whether to support boycotts or “buycotts” in response to these corporate retreats.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Meet the financial content creators making money management education accessible for all
With the growing Black-White wealth gap and diminishing federal job opportunities, financial literacy has become essential for Black Americans. Experts are increasingly using social media to provide practical advice on budgeting, saving and investing.
Posted inAfro Briefs
Record-high credit card interest rates and fees are bogging down consumers– here’s how to avoid them
By Jill Jaracz Monthly credit card statements are causing consumers ongoing stress and concern. After years of high inflation and rising interest rates, consumers are having trouble keeping up with their credit card bills. According to industry data compiled by BankRegData, nearly 3 in 4 consumers carry outstanding balances on their credit cards, and more […]
Posted inMaryland News
Testimonies at Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final hearing call for reparations, healing and accountability
The Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission (MLTRC) held its final public hearing to examine the enduring legacy of racial terror lynchings, with testimonies advocating for reparations and police accountability. Experts, advocates, and community members emphasized the need for radical reparations and a shift in how law enforcement engages with Black communities, urging both acknowledgment and concrete action to repair historical harms.