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.
Category: BUSINESS
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.
Posted inBUSINESS
Money matters: How to be smart about saving
Certified financial planner Nicolas Abrams advises savers to be strategic by aligning their savings with specific goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. This week, he emphasizes the importance of choosing the right accounts—whether for retirement, homeownership or education—to ensure their money is working efficiently.
Posted inCommentary
Keeping the dollar close: Strengthening community wealth through intentional spending
Supporting Black-owned businesses and service providers is a powerful way to strengthen Black communities economically, yet much of Black spending still goes to non-Black businesses. By intentionally increasing spending with Black service providers—such as doctors, lawyers, and tradespeople—Black communities can foster economic growth, improve health outcomes, and build generational wealth.
Posted inNational News
Tariffs could deepen economic burdens for low-income and marginalized communities
The 47th president’s newly announced tariffs are expected to raise prices on everyday goods, disproportionately impacting low-income and marginalized communities who spend a higher share of their income on essentials. Experts warn that the increased costs and economic uncertainty could worsen inequality, strain household budgets, and potentially lead to job losses in vulnerable sectors.
Posted inBUSINESS
Founders of Black-owned brands adapt their hopes and business plans amid diversity, equity rollbacks
Black-owned businesses are adjusting their strategies as major retailers scale back diversity initiatives, with some entrepreneurs reconsidering partnerships and others looking for alternative growth avenues. While brands like Pound Cake and Puzzles of Color navigate shifting corporate commitments, founders remain focused on community-driven support, independent retail expansion, and fostering resilience in an evolving business landscape.
Posted inNational News
Kenneth B. Stanciel Sr., Chicago broadcast media sales executive, dies at 90
Kenneth “Ken” Stanciel Sr., a trailblazing African American broadcast sales executive at CBS Radio (WBBM) and longtime media professional, has passed away at 90. A respected figure in both general market and African American media, Stanciel was known for his business acumen, charismatic presence, and contributions to corporate investment in diverse audiences, leaving a lasting impact on Chicago’s media landscape.
Posted inBUSINESS
A loan shark in your pocket: Cellphone payday loan apps leave many consumers worse off
Predatory earned wage advance (EWA) apps are trapping low-income workers in cycles of high-interest debt, with borrowers often reborrowing at rates equivalent to 300 percent APR or more. Consumer advocates and regulators warn that without stronger financial protections, these apps will continue to exploit vulnerable Americans, deepening financial insecurity rather than alleviating it.
