Did You Know: Nas "The Investor"
From the Block to Buying the Block “Nas as Mr. Jones”
Lyricist & icon Nasir Jones also known as"Nas" has not only mastered honesty and consciousness through hip-hop but has branched out into Black-owned business investing. SweetChick in NYC was one of Jones first funding ventures. Adding creative sophistication to traditional soul food from Brooklyn, NY to recent location Los Angeles, CA.
After the success of his business partnership with Sweetchick Nas took it up a notch becoming an Angel Investor become an angel investor (definition in business terms section). Investing in over 500k to technology start-up businesses alone! Founding his own venture capital firm called Queensbridge Venture Partners, his largest known investment.
QueensBridge channels cash flow to start up companies that are tapped into the healthcare, financial and technology field. Not bad for the 42- year old multi-platinum artist who had to leave school after the 8th grade! Nas is a true example of learning how to transition from boy to man. Never giving up on education Nasir Jones is growth taught. He doesn't turn his head from what interests him but chooses to simply learn more!
Queens Bridge Venture Initial Partnerships
Daafram Campbell, Disrupting the way we use Business Cards and Network: Switchit App!
By Mercedez McIntyre
How many times have you gone to an event to network, had a great experience and then found yourself trying your hardest to remember the names or contact information of everyone! At Urban Freedom Magazine we have come up with dozens of ways to retain business cards or requesting emails be sent just to organize it all. Then we came across Switchit! After downloading the app I looked through the website to make sure this was what I needed and worth using phone memory.
“ A business card is the first impression a person has of your brand and is key to establishing a strong and lasting relationship with potential customers. At Switchit, is to make one-on-one connections memorable. Today Switchit provides the most sophisticated multimedia digital business card in the industry. Make great first impressions, share content, and be remembered.
How They are Different?
Switchit® flexes with your core message and networking objectives through integrated multimedia features paired with dedicated networking tools. We provide an intuitive way to share great content and nurture leads.”
As founder and editor, personally, I must keep contacts in 2 completely different forms of contacts for two different job roles. Switchit helped immensely! In further research, I wanted to know who is the person to create such a great yet simple form of new technology. Furthermore who decided to finally help with our issue of building connections in person and not just social media.
To my excitement, it was Daafram Campbell an African-American pro-level graphics designer. Working alongside Tammy Robinson. Breaking into the world of technology and disrupting networking communication as we know it. During our phone interview that lasted well over our scheduled time due to such great rapport of similar missions. He explained the exact problem I had and made me a believer of how Switchit is the problem solver. I have been using the app ever since.
Download Switchit Today and get your networking style organized! Stay tuned for collaborations with Urban Freedom and Swtichit.
Instagram: @switchitapp
Website: www.switchitapp.com
Why being yourself pays off...that includes being Awkward: Issa Rae
Why being yourself pays off...that includes being Awkward & sometimes a little Insecure too
Issa before she knew just how close the Blessing was...
Issa Rae, most known for taking HBO by storm with her hit series Insecure. The script provides a candid & vulnerable view that many African- American men and women relate to. Pushing past stereotypes, insecurities and finding the balance in adulthood. As much as it may seem like an overnight success, the sitcom is the result of many years of hard work, try . fail, and mastering her craft first of being an openly vulnerable writer. Issa Rae has been writing since a teenager. Then finding her tribe in college. A small group of friends who shared her passion in all creative forms. From there she began her own web-series on Youtube. Building millions of subscribers Issa Rae then began working with additional directors, videographers, and writers. Helping elevate other African American film dreamers like her to bring their projects to life. Using her platform slowly but surely she built her own production company using those with passion and resources around her. Mastering all of the resources around her showed HBO executives that she wasn't just here to be famous but to rebuild Black Hollywood with substance.
AT&T Is on the Lookout for Black Filmmakers! Don't Miss out
AT&T is looking to collaborate with Black Filmmakers for 2018 Tribeca Film Festival
Tribeca Film Festival 2018
The Tribeca Film festival takes place every Spring as a platform for up and coming filmmaking teams. Since beginning its roots in the aftermath of 9/11, Tribeca has grown to highlight an extremely wide variety of genres and media. Alongside film, last year’s edition brought to life current HULU originals like “The Handmaid's Tale”. 2018 will spark a change that most noticed missing long ago; lack of African American representation. Many have debated if this is due to lack of support given to African American filmmakers or the lack of African American filmmakers altogether.
Can't Stop, Won't Stop- Premier at 2017 Tribeca Film- NOW AVALIABLE ON APPLE MUSIC
AT&T has stepped in as a way to draw the line next year by giving minorities the additional support to make it to the festival and beyond the event itself. In order to see Black representation, this also calls on the duty of our community to step forward in pursuit of bringing dreams to fruition.
To want representation is one thing however to incite action we must support entrepreneurs of all forms especially in areas that we are stereotypically represented.
As a community, we need to take advantage of opportunities representing ourselves for ourselves with dignity. We cannot complain about poor representation and simultaneously maintain mental roadblocks of not feeling “good enough”. Take a chance and bet on yourself!
Creators this year are also able to submit features and short films through the digital system Withoutabox.
Check out submission deadline dates below:
· Sept. 5: Submissions open
· Oct. 18: Early deadline for features and shorts, Tribeca TV, Tribeca Immersive and N.O.W.
· Nov. 22: Official deadline A for features, TV, immersive and N.O.W.
· Dec. 1: Official deadline B for shorts
· Dec. 13: Early deadline for Tribeca X Awards; late deadline for features, TV, Immersive, N.O.W.
· Jan. 12: Official deadline for Tribeca X Award
· Feb 14: Late deadline for Tribeca X Award
· April 18-29: 2018 Tribeca Film Festival
Let us know if you plan to attend the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival this year, we will be there! Email: UrbanFreedomEvents@gmail.com
Tribeca Film Auditorium
Facebook Discrimination-No, It's not your Imagination
Research studies have shown that Facebook deliberately has settings to remove or restrict content views based on Demographics of who is posting. So let us call this "Reverse Urban Freedom". Upon recent review via reports & full receipts by ProPublica Facebook censorship guidelines are geared to do minimal in protecting minorities and those protesting racism. The root of the problem comes from the rules Facebook created to censor users. Their guidelines are to prevent nudity, violence and hate speech.
Can you spot the problem here? The first two are clear; if someone posts a nudity or violence Facebook removes it. Now the next question, who dictates hate speech? In my eyes hate speech can be from an angry driver at a red light to the very speech content given by our current president. So now what? Facebook created a list of "protected categories". To help the censorship team Facebook created a training program that includes a quiz to test censorship comprehension of their employees.
Let's Play Can you pass the Facebook Censorship Training Below:
Photo Credit_ ProPublica
So how can Facebook get away with this? Quite simple now that we live in the land of verbal gray area. The United States protects the marginalized via affirmative action. However, this is where things get gray...Facebook refuses to accept nor acknowledge the existence of marginalization. With this perspective, Facebook says its goal is to not protect one person over another.
In retrospect, this seems to be a great plan. The problem is what happens when a Black Man is gunned down & users want to vent, share or release? They are now in censorship violation. In the home of our city, University of Maryland professor Danielle Citron states colorblindness is not protection but the lack thereof when it comes to people who need it most.
How is it possible that someone can create hate speech on Facebook promoting gun violence or race bans but someone who speaks against it is now performing hate speech? Facebook says all systems have their faults including them but it's just the hit we have to sometimes take. I would say this is the best passive-aggressive answer for a billion dollar company with more control than it is willing to publicly admit.
Now, do we see the importance of Black-Owned Media? The purpose of our own media streams is not to segregate but to create platforms where support & standing up for wrong isn't considered "Hate Speech" but a movement for change.
Trading stock better than a broker….all from San Quentin Prison: Life lessons from Curtis "Wall St" Carroll
By Ebony Satterfield
Curtis "Wall Street" Carroll, the man who became a financial prophet while in San Quentin, prison after a lifetime of crime. It's amazing how the prison system is set up for the black man especially to fail. More of our men are institutionalized, given a jail education with promises to effectively transition back into society, just to be let down even wanting to change.
Curtis Carroll found a way to use his downfall as a major key for a come up. As a young man, he committed a crime that pretty much sentenced him to life in prison with no chance at redemption. While being detained, he found a way to make his past work for his future all while using the time he was given to end his life, he found his form of freedom. Starting with the basics of learning how to read. Carroll had gone by his entire life pretending he knew how to read. Sounding out words, avoiding writing and every other thing he could do to mask a form of education he hadn't found useful living a life of crime.
After teaching himself to read starting with small words and building on others he was incredibly enthusiastic, seeing the world around him as new. Even from jail, his excitement grew. Reading every single thing around him. Getting his hands on a newspaper, however, changed everything.
Creating a foolproof financial guide, Caroll learned how to not only read the stocks, but he created a system that if followed, can lead a lot of people to a depth of understanding of what making money and having it work for you as easy as simply reading a book. People always say, after a long sentence there is no life after prison, well not if Curtis has his way. After watching the interview between Sway in the morning and Curtis, he has made sure that if they grant him a second chance at life, he will be set to have a true chance at living in his truth. People believe that the choices and decision we make in life are permanent and who you are will be your forever identity.
Curtis "Wall Street" Carroll chose to not allow a pattern to be his life, even from prison. He took the talent of knowing money, to learn about money and plans on using his gift to teach others, especially people of color. If successful, Curtis " Wall Street" Carroll will do for many what a lot of us people of color was never taught.....The game of finance. He is a perfect example of what society expects people like him not to be. Once a victim of circumstance, to now productive and positive citizens even in his present situation.
Someone once said to me that "life is made up of choices and decisions, and based off of what we chose to decide will determine our outcome, however, the most consistent thing about choices is that they can change". Just like an idea or thought, we have the power to choose what it is that we do, learn from the outcome, and then decide to do something different for better or for worse, but ultimately the decision of your choice depends on you.
Passion so bright it became a brand: Jahfarii Beads
Interviewed by fellow artist: Melanin Reigns
I got the lovely opportunity to sit down with celebrity jewelry maker Jahfarii Beads. Jahfarii was featured on the very first issue of Urban Freedom Magazine, and my first initial introduction to this talented brother was at the Launch Party. Ever since then, I’ve witnessed this talented artist, travel and present his work with remarkable confidence.
The jewelry speaks for itself as he doesn’t speak much.
Graciously, he sat down with me to provide exclusive insight on his life and progress thus far
Here’s a recap
@MrsMelaninReigns:
“When did you start your business and how do you balance it out with everyday life?”
@JahfariiBeads:
“My business is my life and my life is my business. Even when I’m on vacation, I still have to work. The only real time I have to balance life and work is when I’m asleep.”
@MrsMelaninReigns:
What are some obstacles you’ve faced since 2012, in starting Jahfarii Beads?
@JahfariiBeads:
Jahfarii Receiving his Cover Gifts @ Urban Freedom Magazine Launch Party October 2016
“So many ideas, not enough capital. You don’t want to rush the process, but sometimes you want your hard work to catch up with time. So being patient, that’s an obstacle for most.”
@MrsMelaninReigns:
As for progress, what motivates you the most? What was a major sign for you that you were progressing?
@JahfariiBeads
I haven’t felt that feeling because all I’ve gained is a social presence amongst the people. Nonetheless, knowing that my work is that good and I have something to look forward to motivates me.
@MrsMelaninReigns:
Where do you see yourself expanding towards?
@Jahfariibeads:
My brand is about to shift to an upscale level, I’m in over 30 states right now, and moving towards an international level. High-end fashion brands and global designers.
My store will also be coming soon.
@MrsMelaninReigns:
“How do you feel about giving back?”
@JahfariiBeads:
I love it, whether we realize it or not, when we give a product or service it’s a form of giving back.
As far as community organizations, I do not have one of my own but I have many of which that I support and vice versa.
@MrsMelaninReigns:
“Last but not least, what makes Jahfari Beads different?”
@JahfariiBeads:
“My Energy!”
Order Today!
http://jahfariibeads.bigcartel.com/
Instagram: @JahfariiBeads
Jahfarii Beads Jamaica Promotion Tour
#BankBlack : 38 Black Owned Banks
UNITED STATES BLACK OWNED BANKS
Omega Psi Phi Credit Union – Lawrenceville, Georgia
Phi Beta Sigma Federal Credit Union – Washington, DC
One United Bank – Los Angeles, California
FAMU Federal Credit Union – Tallahassee, Florida
Credit Union of Atlanta – Atlanta, Georgia
North Milwaukee State Bank – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Seaway Bank – Chicago, Illinois
The Harbor Bank- Baltimore, Maryland
Liberty Bank – New Orleans, Louisiana
United Bank of Philidelphia – Philidelphia, Penn
Alamerica Bank – Birmingham, Alabama
Broadway Federal Bank – Los Angeles, California
Carver State Bank – Savannah, Georgia
Capital City Bank – Atlanta, Georgia
Citizens Trust Bank – Atlanta, Georgia
City National Bank – Newark, New Jersey
Commonwealth National Bank – Mobile, Alabama
Industrial Bank – Washington D.C.
First Tuskegee Bank – Tuskegee, Alabama
Mechanics & Farmers Bank – Durham, North Carolina
First Independence Bank – Detroit, Michigan
First State Bank – Danville, Virginia
Illinois Service Federal – Chicago, Illinois
Unity National Bank – Houston, Texas
Carver Federal Savings Bank – New York, New York
OneUnited Bank – Miami, Florida
OneUnited Bank – Boston, Massachusetts
Tri-State Bank – Memphis, Tennessee
Citizens Bank – Nashville, Tennessee
South Carolina Community Bank – Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia Savings and Loan – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Liberty Bank – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Liberty Bank – Kansas City, Missouri
Citizen Trust Bank – Birmingham, Alabama
Liberty Bank – Chicago, Illinois
Liberty Bank – Jackson, Mississippi
Toledo Urban Credit Union – Toledo, Ohio
Hill District Credit Union – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Let us know about your Black Owned Banking experiences: info@UrbanFreedomMagazine.com
Poets Cove: "Wake up black" By: Michelle Reed
By: Michelle Reed
Alton and Philando That's just the names of some down I could write up a list But it will take me some while There's Too many to run down No justice for those that have been unjustly gunned down This is a game to the badge That's virally having fun now Devoted to the systems traditional supremacy And we are forced to run bow Because they can pull over our car Beat us to the ground All because of what the system allows... Because we ain't put that cigarette out Do y'all remember Sandra Bland now And example of how They can tell us to stand down After we've already been harassed, tazed, or slammed down Hands cuffed behind our backs screaming "stop resisting and put your hands down" This country cares more about the death of a monkey Then a black man down Understand now that we need a plan now 1st let's not just protest in these streets It's all noble and good But we need more than free speech We need committees that put pressure on Officials each week More punishment for harassment and for the blood on concrete Because their unity peaks and we need take down the strength in the freedom of weak police Don't let us and defeat meet My people stand up And wake this country from deep sleep
Poets Cove: Tre' Vont Bowman "Love Cycle/Pt. 1"
"Love Cycle/Pt. 1"
Know how to reopen your heart before you close it.
Closed hearts just counter the love no matter how potent.
In a relationship, you can say whatever you want just make sure you show it.
It's some good women out here but some men just had to blow it.
Discombobulated inside so love I don't know it.
Can't worry about love no more, can't lose my focus.
Everything seems like a hoax without the pocus.
You're connecting to everything I am saying so you already know this.
Real love you can feel in thee air with no fear.
If you get hurt too much then your feelings disappear.
Tried to heal a broken heart but it just keep getting tears.
Now, it's dripping blood and you're filled with hell of fears.
Now you're so confused, looking for love everywhere.
You survived the love cycle and wish somebody would dare.
-Virtue
(Tre' Vont Bowman)
Freedom Gallery: Shotsby Skylaflame
Thought provoking photography is an art form of its own caliber.
Skylaflame from Baltimore, MD. Chosen for his brilliant way of using photography and graphics to show imagery from his perspective.
Contact Information:
Email: shotsbskylaflame@gmail.com
Instagram: @shotsbyskylaflame
Tumblr: http://lordmaalik.tumblr.com/
Banking Black & The Tools they are providing to further African American Finance
By Tahirah Wiley
Many are still unaware of how beneficial it is to keep money flowing into our communities through our community.
“It is time to get angry and do something!” “Divert money away from the system.” Quotes from an interview in 2016 by activist Michael Render, also known as Killer Mike, on Hot 107.9. The lines spoken in the interviews from Render sparked the minds of many African-American people, especially in the music industry.
Artist and Activist Killer Mike shared inspirational photos and videos all over the US, fans followed suit.
So what brings up the conversation a year later? The answer is the lack of knowledge on what to do with the money once it is put into the bank. The purpose of black banks is to allow minorities the opportunity of having access to commonly ignored, or refusal to use, tools and advantages that come with having an account with a bank.
Our community’s esteem can blossom with understanding and acknowledge the empowerment in growing black economics. Banks seem to be the open yet hidden piece to altering our dynamic in America. African-American communities seem unaware that banks assist with the following:
* Educating in economics
* Classes on how to spend money
* Money Management
* Understanding contracts and financial paperwork.
* Mortgage loans
* Small business loans
Just to name a few. With these tools, we can prepare ourselves to establish a successful
business in our neighborhoods. We can then sustain and circulate those profits. Essentially taking more money away from the system and rotating it amongst ourselves. This is key to breaking down a system built on monetary gains.
You can go to the website below to find your nearest black-owned bank or credit union to gather information on the options & tools available in your area.
www.blackoutcoalition.org
Inside Civil Wrongs- Founder Ejay McDonald
By Michelle Reed
Civil Wrongs is a line of apparel representing issues facing the black community and the origin of the RBG flag. The owner Ejay McDonald, has a brand based on black community outreach, and diverse events catering to black creativity. Speaking with her revealed her inspiration, experiences, and perspective on black/African American issues.
What experiences lead to Civil wrongs?
Before Civil Wrongs became the name of a brand/movement, it was solely personal expression. I got hip to the ills of Amerikkka in 2008 but in 2012, after the assassination of Trayvon Martin, my partner and I pooled together our funds and resources to make t-shirts [for ourselves] that said "JUSTICE FOR BLACK AMERICA." It caught like wildfire.
Were there personal issues that could have discouraged you from this business if you would let it?
There are always hills and valleys in business. So, of course, I've had times when I wanted to give up. But I live the mission of my brand every day, and though I may get discouraged, fulfilling my purpose is what keeps me going the most.
What Inspired "Be civil Battles?"
I have artist’s friends I associate with regularly. I'm a strong believer that artists shouldn't starve. On top of that, I've always been a fan of rap battles. I wanted Civil Wrongs to sponsor an event that embodies the essence of hip-hop yet adds that element of promoting hidden knowledge, self-sufficiency, and unity. We wanted to incorporate our own sauce to the scene so we added the dance element as well as one featured performer each month. Shoutout to my host Nova Gray & DJ, DJ Foqus. The event occurs every 2nd Friday of the month at 208 South Pulaski St Baltimore MD 21223.
How did you get such a diverse crowd together for Be Civil battles?
People usually refer the event or bring someone back with them. After every show, we ask new attendees for feedback and they always tell me how it's truly unlike any other event they've ever been to. The vibe is authentic and the reach is organic. And it's ALL LOVE in the building. Great networking opportunity.
What do you personally believe is an exterior issue hindering the black community?
Institutionalized racism and the system of white supremacy. We don't know who our real enemy is. Therefore we are unable to focus on any real solutions because we don't even know the problem!!
What is an interior issue?
Self-hate, which is a byproduct of the same exterior issues. Naturally, people of melanin are nurturers, loving, and extremely forgiving. But when it comes to people who look like us, those natural instincts seem to fade. We're working on it instinctively though and ultimately, we will win.
Did you expect the amount of support that you have gotten for your business thus far?
I can't say that I expected it because you can never be too sure of how the marketplace will receive you, however, we are living in pivotal times and people want to express themselves without always being verbal. That's what we're sensing a lot of. It's been wonderful and extremely humbling.
What is your favorite item sold on your website and why?
My personal favorite is our Galaxy T-shirts. It's a unique (colored speckles) yet powerful garment (design).
Name an aspect of Black/African American history that is not what’s considered "Common knowledge."
In the 1920s, Marcus Garvey united over 1 million people and had huge ships ready to set sail back to Africa before he was betrayed. Just think about how powerful he was to be able to unite 1 million people before any type of internet access.
Baba Garvey is also the creator of the Red-Black-& Green (RBG) flag which you see the symbolism of in Civil Wrongs apparel.
Red for the bloodshed from the people
Black for the people as a nation
Green for the motherland
A modern-day aspect many don't know is many of us were here before the Atlantic slave trade. We were called MOORS. Moors taught the "forefathers" everything they knew, only for the knowledge to be used against them. Why do you think slave masters didn't want slaves to know how to read and write?
Www.CivilWrongsBrand.com
Be Civil Battles Presented By Civil Wrongs
Fashion with a Mission: Nulanguage Brand a Year Later!
By Tahirah Wiley
“Just keep going. You might get discouraged. You may go through a time where you feel that this may not be what you really want to do… But just keep going. It will all pay off in the end”
Nulanguage Fashion- Founder Demira Hamilton
Words of encouragement from Baltimore, MD native, Demira Hamilton. You may know her from the successful headgear line called NuLanguage. Celebrities such as “Yo Gotti”, “Tammy Rivera”, “Juelz Santana” even to Baltimore’s own “Chino” & “I am King Los” can be found wearing the innovative headwear. Recently Hamilton accomplished her 1st year of a successful business! (Check out her first feature in our Fall 2016 Issue when NuLanguage started)
How does she balance life & work you may wonder? Her Notepad, Hamilton, tells Urban Freedom. “Writing everything down and staying organized by my notepad is a must in my everyday success.”
Her Inspiration? She answered that question with one simple answer. "Life". Hamilton explains a story of possible defeat that she used as fuel to create great artwork thru her collection. This is how the infamous “Black America” hat was created.
The future for NuLanguage is on the road as Hamilton states she wants to create a NuLanguage Tour and provide a traveling Pop-Up Shop. Be sure to check out some of this Boss ladies favorites like the patch dad hats, LeGrande Hat, and her current collaboration collection, with tattoo artist Rude Boy Ink.
nulanguagecaps.bugcartel.com
Instagram: @NuLanguage.
Also look out for the upcoming collaboration with “Waka Flocka” in the near future.
FALL FASHION Powered by: @Eccentric.Styles Founder Louise Wheeler
Stylist Louise Wheeler
Founder of Eccentric Styles
IG: @Eccentric.Styles
Are you working on a budget and still want to indulge in retail therapy? Fear no more! This month’s fashion style guides feature pieces all under $100 or less! Can you say BARGAIN?! I can honestly say I am a huge bargain shopper and to be quite honest, I don’t have a budget where I can spend $100 on a garment. I am sure there are many who can relate. Life throws financial curveballs on a regular basis. But, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to look good while still figuring out life. When life throws you lemons, we make lemonade!
Eccentric Styles Fall Women’s Fashion
Our women’s style guide consists of pieces that are under $50 or less and be found at a few local retailers. A few retailers featured in this month’s style guide is Eccentric Styles, Madden Girl by Steve Madden, and ASOS. Don’t worry Boys, we kept you in mind as well with our “Ballin on a Budget” style guide.
Eccentric Styles Fall Men’s Fashion
When styling for men, I realized a great deal of men’s clothing is priced much higher than women’s clothing. So this month, we wanted to keep the price points for these pieces featured in our Men’s style guide under $100. Some retailers featured in our Men’s style guide is ASOS and Macy’s, which both carry stylish fashion for Men, on a budget!
For Personal Styling Needs Across the Globe Contact:
Eccentric Styles
Website: www.eccentricstyles.com
Email: eccentric.styles29@gmail.com
Blog: www.eccentricstyles.wordpress.com
E-styling Coming this Spring!