"WHOSE YOUR LANDLORD?" Ofo Ezeugwu: Protecting Renters with the App we have been waiting for!
"Whose Your Landlord?"
Ofo Ezeugwu: The Man that will ensure you can finally answer that question beyond a name
By Mercedez McIntyre
It's winter of 2011 in Baltimore, MD. I am a transfer student at Morgan State University. Returning home from an interview to find my heat has been turned off. Like most students, funds are tight and I am renting a room whereas my heating & gas bill is included! Long story short I found out the man in which I was renting from was actually renting a foreclosed property with the utility bills in the name of previous renters! How could I have avoided renting from someone with such charisma?
How can other renters or students avoid such landmines?
Urban Freedom Exclusive Photographer: Dontez Henderson
For every answer, we only can hope for solutions. In this case, Ofo Ezeugwu has done just that! He has a solution, which is absolutely needed when it comes to handing over such large sums of money to a landlord. How can you trust who they are? The background process is a one-way street.
I had the pleasure of a great conversation with the Founder of "Whose your Landlord" Ofo Ezeugwu and the choice of words is no accident but of literal context. Check out how this ambitious young man saw a global problem and took an idea into a full-blown movement in social impact and technology.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
What was your upbringing like growing up?
@Ofo Ezeugwu Response:
Both of my parents immigrated to the United States, my Dad came from Nigeria, my mom came from Barbados. They met in college in Buffalo, NY. I have 3 other siblings. Growing up my parents enabled me to dream and achieve. I was taught high work ethic and to live a life of moral standards. When I look back on it I thought my parents were strict. As an adult, I see they just held a level of standards for me that they knew I needed at a young age. I apply everything they taught me and I am grateful for them.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
How did you come up with the name "Whose your landlord"? & What it is it, for our readers who are unaware.
@Ofo Ezeugwu Response:
My senior year at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, I was Vice President of the student body. One of the biggest issues students had in Philadelphia was housing. With the rise of gentrification, housing became harder. This really resonated with the students.
The word "whose" was chosen as using the word as ownership. Exactly who are you renting from? The power dynamic is very one-sided. The name is called "Land LORD".
Instagram: @wylandlord
Twitter: @wylandlord
https://www.whoseyourlandlord.com/
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Janeya Griffin: CEO of "The Commercializer"
From Providing strategy to NASA, to helping aspiring entrepreneurs monetize their talents through technology
By: Mercedez McIntyre
Shy, reserved, and quiet is what you may presume when you read the resume of Janeya Griffin. She must spend all of her time locked away behind closed doors with book after book with all of the knowledge and wisdom she attains. Au contraire! She is well educated, informed and living with a lifetime of experience already.
I had the utmost pleasurable and enthusiastic conversation with Griffin. Her voice springs with joy and peace simultaneously in such a way that you can't decide if you want to be friends with her or taught by her. Armed with passion, vision, and an upbringing which taught her tenacity through faith. Janeya Griffin is a down to earth example of hope for a generation. Also an answer to our community who hasn't yet begun asking themselves the right questions when it comes to building and monetizing our own technology instead of just being consumers.
*Please note this interview was not conducted on behalf of NASA or any affiliation. Janey Griffin is a contractor for NASA through Jacobs Engineering.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
What was your upbringing like growing up?
@Janeya Griffin Response:
I had a very good and stable upbringing for the most part. Around 16 both of my parents were incarcerated. Not for major reasons or a very extensive amount of time but it was life-altering. After my parents returned things were still rocky. They both tried their best to land back on their feet. I specifically remember how hard it was for my mom to find work again. She had a good job before things shifted but with her record smudged finding work became a battle that sent her into a depressive state. She would go into interviews courageously and humbly being honest about her record with the ability to explain exactly what happened. Yet and still it impacted her in ways that made me look at incarceration differently. My mother, my role-model took that hit extremely hard. To go from such success to struggle from a small mistake took a very long time for her to recover. It becomes so hard for people even with the smallest infractions.
I can say growing up it made me into who I am. My life has always taken unexpected twists and turns but I am a firm believer that things will always turn out for my good. Of course in the during those moments it was hard to see but as an adult, I realize that such independence so early shaped me into being such an independent woman in a positive manner.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
Who did you look up to and why?
@Janeya Griffin Response:
My mom was always who I looked up to. As I said before the previous struggles around the age of 16 made it hard as I watched my hero go through so many phases. Yet her will to succeed I inherited and am grateful for.
I would also say my best friend growing up. She read a lot, always had ambitions of college at a young age. She set a standard. She ended up going to Princeton, working at Morgan Stanley, joined the Navy and now she is in Law school. Watching go through all she has to accomplish these ambitions let me know that I can do anything I put my mind too.
@UrbanFreedomMagazine:
What were your passions growing up that you can see was the doorway to where you are now?
@Janeya Griffin Response:
Growing up I didn't know I was an entrepreneur. As I got older and found out the meaning I realized I had been an entrepreneur my whole life. When I was younger my mom would let me pick out candy that my friends and I liked. So I would go out and make friends. I am a people person. I would meet them and sell them candy. Then when my mom and her friends would go out I offered every time to babysit for a price. I always liked to keep busy and enjoyed coming up with ideas and following through.
At the same time, I remember my dad used to always.....
Instagram: @JaneyaGriffin
Twitter: @JaneyaGriffin
www.Linkedin.com/in/Janeyagriffin
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Rihanna ‘Million-Dollar” Fenty: Beauty meets Business
Rihanna ‘Million-Dollar” Fenty: Beauty meets Business
By: Rasheedah Merritt
Being of mixed race, if anyone understands cultural divides and a desperate need for diversity, it's Rihanna. Born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Rihanna spent parts of her life in Barbados and parts in the U.S. Everything Rihanna has seen and experienced has given her a deep connection to world culture and has inspired her to bring her vision to existence.
"I have wanted to do a line for years but needed it to be credible; something that industry pros and girls around the world would respect," says Rihanna.
On September 8th, 2017, at the age of 29, Rihanna launched Fenty beauty. She released a whopping 40 foundation shades. Make-up lovers over the world flocked to the internet and retailers.
In its first month, Fenty Beauty brought in 72 million dollars, applying pressure to brands who have been in business for decades. "I don't feel like I have to buy something five shades lighter or mix two shades to get my shade. I'm honored that I'm recognized in this beauty line!" Says Viola Davis, triple crown award-winning actress, and producer. She too has broken many barriers and pushed through adversity due to being a dark-skinned woman in the entertainment business.
Poshly Insights states, "Shade matching has historically been a major concern. 60 percent reporting at least some difficulty in finding a foundation that matches their skin." Fenty Beauty has given hope to many women who just want to feel beautiful and included. Ironically, the darkest shades sold out first.
Rihanna has brought attention to the lack of melinated representation in cosmetics. Stirring up a bit of controversy. Beauty brands that have been around for years are just now starting to expand to please women of color. We do not fit the standard of light, medium, and dark. Sorry, not sorry. Why aren't we included from the beginning? Why is dark not standard but light is. Bringing awareness to the fact that so many women have been waiting for the day that someone would see the void and fill it, Fenty Beauty has given women the ability to step outside and live in color, your color.
Rihanna and Fenty Beauty is changing lives. If you have a dream pursue it, you just may outdo Rihanna and make 73 million in your first month!!
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Mexico allowing artists to sell their paintings to pay taxes: Resurrection of Art in Business
Mexico allowing artists to sell their paintings to pay taxes: Resurrection of Art in Business
By Tahirah Wiley
“Pago en Especie” which translates to “Payment in Kind”. The Payment in Kind program all started in 1957 by David Alfaro Siqueiros. Siqueiros made a proposal to keep a fellow artist out of jail for tax evasion by suggesting to “Let him pay his debt in art.”.
The number of pieces in its possession is the only statistic that the SAT records. In recent years, the government agency has been forced to purchase additional warehouses in Mexico City to store an ever-growing collection of paintings, graphics, and sculptures according to Atlantic. In an article from 4/11/14 "Murals were how Mexican history was first portrayed to the public. A country's culture and its understanding of itself evolve through its art. That is something we are in need of, especially now." José Ramón San Cristóbal Larrea, director of the government's Cultural Promotion and National Heritage Office told The Atlantic.
"Bus Stop" by Ekua Holmes
Mexico has lost billions to tax evasion. Yet, have gained countless pieces of artwork from sculptures to paintings. The proposal from Siqueiros soon led to lawfully allowing the artist to pay federal income taxes with their own artwork.
Mexican mural protesting gentrification in the center of Pilsen.
This brings on the question if Art is commonly ignored as beautiful possessions to invest in? Especially, in our urban communities here in the U.S.? There is a high percentage of artists in many of our communities. Many of which go unnoticed or end up unable to use their art as income. You will find many artists, however, who struggle with local customers to willingly pay the minimum worth for their artwork.
What are some ways to support our Artists better you may ask? After listening, watching, studying, and becoming an artist I found 5 major ways we can assist with supporting.
Participate. One thing about an artist is that we love to share our gifts with others. See if there are any events in your area to incorporate into family or date night.
Invest. Look at the art as an investment. Like any rare artifact, it comes with a price and possession brings about heirlooms.
Local. Start buying the art from local artists as gifts to loved ones for the holidays. It’s a great way to build-up the creativity amongst your family and community.
Attend. or create art exhibits/shows in your Community. Sidewalk art nights are popular in many areas.
Promote. The best promotion is by word of mouth. If you know a local artist you love, share their work or tell someone about them when possible.
There’s always somebody that will appreciate it. Don't forget you can also use websites like webuyblack.com & keep an eye on @urbanfreedommagazine on Instagram for current art and designers as well.
BONUS*: In the UK, you can pay your taxes with art. You even get full fair market value credit without selling it or paying tax on your gain.
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Photographer & Model Deveja Webb: A vision that goes beyond the Lens.
"Freedom Gallery" feature: Deveja Webb
A vision that goes beyond the Lens.
By: Mercedez McIntyre
Handsome, humble & a sense of fashion that gives a fresh breath of nostalgia. The best way I can describe Deveja Webb. From Little Rock, Arkansas and raised in Dallas, TX by his grandparents and 5 generations of women who showed him how to pay attention to detail and expression through art.
When you take a look at this gentleman you think he is the model when in reality prefers to be the spotlight instead of in it. It is hard to believe there was a time Deveja felt he was not photogenic and struggled with self-esteem.
Yes, he is a gifted photographer who walks it like he captures it. Mr. Webb is no shallow man but in fact, everything one can admire about him has come from a twist and turn in life that he used to grow himself further. For example, his great sense of fashion was bestowed upon him by his grandfather. He found out due to having to be raised by his grandparents. Unconventional, yet something many in our generation can relate to…
The Debt Free Black Girl: Kristin Sutton
The Debt Free Black Girl:
Kristin Sutton
Who am I? Your Winter "Black History in the making" Financial Contributor!
My name is Kristin Sutton, founder of Debt Free Black Girl (based in Washington, DC) whereas a personal finance coach I help individuals change the way they think about money so that they can take control of their finances and achieve financial freedom. As a licensed therapist, my mission is to uncover and eliminate the mental roadblocks that hinder people from living the life of their dreams.
The Debt Free Black Girl: Kristin Sutton Washington, D.C.
I am no stranger to my money “being funny,” being “broke as a joke,” and struggling to survive until my next paycheck. I have been through it all: the negative checking account, having to beg for some money to eat, losing my entire retirement savings, trying to pay rent with no income which had me evicted and almost street level homeless, and creditors trying to bust down my door every chance they got.
Once I gained clarity and committed to changing my mindset, despite my circumstances, despite all obstacles, things started to change. My poor spending habits changed. I stopped living paycheck to paycheck. I started saving and paying off my debt aggressively. I made wiser decisions. My life literally changed forever.
My experiences led me to start the Debt Free Black Girl platform; the struggles that I’ve been through. I knew that there had to be someone out there like me who wasn’t taught much about finances growing up and had a hard time navigating it all as an adult. I noticed that people in finance didn’t really look like me or even sound like me. I wanted this to be a different feel. I wanted to make finances fun and cool to talk about in the Black community. I’ve always known that I was meant to help people work through hard times and mindset struggles but I never imagined that I would be doing so in the personal finance realm. It’s really dope that I get to apply my expertise in psychology to what I do with DFBG.
I’ve been focusing on creating and launching my signature course, Be Debt Free. Be Debt Free teaches individuals how to pay off their debt with ease so they can have peace of mind and do more of what they love.
Here are a few quick tips to get you started on the path to having the most LIT financial year you’ve ever had --
You gotta keep it 100 with yourself and get clear. In order for change to occur, you have to first get real with yourself and admit that there’s a problem. Why are you on the struggle bus? It’s important that you recognize the specific reasons why you’re living the way that you are if you want to change your situation around.
Tell your money where to go boo boo. If you never know where your money goes and are always wondering why you’re broke, then it’s time for you to get it together! You need to create and stick to a budget. A budget (spending plan) is an imperative piece to the puzzle. You cannot be successful with your finances if you don’t know where the heck your money is going. You should be purposely planning out each and every dollar that you receive.
Decrease your expenses. Take some time to review all of your expenses and determine where you can trim the fat. Most of the time, we throw our money away on unnecessary stuff, just out here being reckless in these streets.
Pay yourself first bruh. You work hard day in and day out and still have nothing to show for it. That’s because you forget to pay yourself first. You should at the minimum, be putting away at least 10% of your income. If you find it hard to save any type of money, then you need to decrease your expenses and increase your income if you can.
Pay down those debts. Just think about how much extra money you’d be able to free up if you weren’t paying all of those bills? You have to work on eliminating your debt by any means necessary. In order to get out of debt sooner rather than later, you’re going to have to be aggressive with your payments. And stop racking up new debt!
Get those temptations in check. You have to know your triggers man. By identifying your triggers to spend money, you’ll be able to work on avoiding those triggers from taking place. You should try writing your triggers down and have them someplace where you can review them often. Once you start working on breaking those habits every day, you’ll be that much closer to changing your financial situation.
Get you a real accountability partner. You can’t experience real growth if you don’t have any type of accountability. You are more likely to commit to something if you have someone pushing you along the way. You need someone who isn’t scared to check you.
Be patient with yourself and the process. It takes time! You know that it didn’t take hours or days for you to form those habits that you currently have, so don’t expect everything to change overnight. You have to allow yourself to make mistakes along the way. Be gentle and patient with yourself during the process and keep pressing through.
You deserve better financially and you have to believe that you’re deserving. Change your mindset, change your life!
Contact & Booking Info:
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Movers & Shakers on route to taking Hollywood by storm
Movers & Shakers en route to taking Hollywood by storm
By: Michelle Reed
Series: Brother with no Game
Entrepreneur: BWNG - Masibu Manima, Leon Mayne and Paul Samuel
Production: BWNG UK
Four young guys humorously trying to discover what to do and say when it comes to dating and women. BWNG’s production started in 2016 and all three entrepreneurs are storytellers.
Website: http://brotherswithnogame.com/contact-us/
Contact: michelleowusu.a@gmail.com
Series: Tough Love
Entrepreneurs: Roni Davis and Caleb Davis
Production: Creative Directions Group (Distributed by Black and Sexy Tv)
Location: New York City
Receiving a Nomination for a Daytime Emmy, Tough love displays lines between success and entanglements in New York City. Caleb Davis is director and producer. He has filmed all over the world and is even worked for productions like CBS, Bravo, Oxygen, and the food network. Holding his Masters in Film from Kingston University in London. Roni Davis writes and directs the show and has interned for CNN, Entertainment Tonight, the Dr. Phil Show and Fox. Both currently are based out of NYC. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, and Master’s Degree in Media Management.
Website: www.toughloveseries.com/
Contact: thetoughloveseries@gmail.com
Series: The Grapevine
Entrepreneur: Ashley Akunna
Production: Created by MEKS and Powered by Wordpress
Location: Maplewood, NJ
Ashley Akunna hosts a series that is an intellectual panel style discussion. Her topics are controversial, artistic, and even venture into the current pop culture. Topics like R. Kelly scandals, the New Spike Lee Joint She’s gotta have it, and politics, get passed around to a panel of speakers who voice their opinions. Akunna has a degree in Film from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Website: http://www.grapevineshow.com/about/
Contact: grapevinetvshow@gmail.com
Series: Milk and Honey
Entrepreneur: Brown Paper Dolls – Jeanette McDuffie, Dana M. Gills and Asha Kamali May
Production: Issa Rae Productions
Location: Los Angeles, CA
The struggle of chasing artistic and business success while maintaining relationships, current jobs, and friendships is depicted in Issa Rae’s productions of Milk and honey. The shows ultimate goal is to witness the beauty and struggles of black women chasing their dream. The women of Brown Paper Dolls are graduate of Spelman, Howard U, & FAMU.
Website: http://www.milkandhoneyseries.com/
Contact: milkandhoneyseries@gmail.com
Series: Giants
Entrepreneur: James Bland
Production: Issa Rae presents
Location: Los Angeles, CA
The lengths people will go through to survive and even “get by” is displayed in the Issa Rae web series Giants. From executive producer Jussie Smollett, this is a captivating portrayal of the costs to fight life back when it beats you down. James Bland has studied A&M University in Florida.
Website: https://giantstheseries.com/about/
Contact: giantstheseries@gmail.com
Series: Minnie Small
Entrepreneur: Minnie Small
Location: London
Minnie Small is a talented artist from South-East London who is very popular for the art that she shares on her YouTube channel and her IG. Her goals her to inspire beautiful creativity through life experiences.
Website: http://semiskimmedmin.com/
Contact: minnie@semiskimmedmin.com
Fashion Brands with A Message!
Fashion Brands with A Message!
Brand: Rejected SocietyX3
Founders Swadeya Starling, Tamara Todd, Shimese Coleman
@rejectedsocietyx3
Location: New Jersey
Rejected SocietyX3
RSX3 is a three-way partnership made up of Swadeya Starling, Tamara Todd and Shimese Coleman, three young androgynous females, to which whom or who have been a part of the LGBT community for over ten years. RSX3 was unsatisfied with the negativity, lack of education, and support from society including the lack of support from members of the LGBT community. This inspired RSX3 to want to make positive changes in sharing, educating, and supporting the LGBT community. RSX3 came to the conclusion, in order to communicate to each part of the community they would have to make a clear understanding of each letter; LGBT, one at a time. Never forgetting about anyone within society with our new generation of fashion Genderless Clothing! The Rejected Societyx3 purpose is not to alter anyone's feelings. We are here to educate the eager, inspire the dreamers, motivate the believers, & support & recognize the Go-Getters & that goes for anybody in the world, not just the LGBT community.
S.uccessful Y.oung R.ebels U.tilizing S.kills
Syrus Klothing has been created hope to spread their message that you can do anything you believe in as long as you are consistent, passionate and utilizing everything you know. Assisting a generation to understand it's not about the money because that will come; If you apply yourself to see what is right in front of you with value. It's about utilizing the skill you were given or adopted. If you really study, spend your free time learning, getting out engaging with the people and building relationships you can be successful which would make you S.Y.R.U.S (Successful Young Rebel Utilizing Skills)!
Urban Freedom Magazine Subscribers: Use Promo Code: "Syrus" when purchasing!
15 Great Men & Women in Tech Forging the way!
15 Great Men & Women in Tech Forging the way!
By: Tahirah Wiley
Although technology consumes the world around us there still remains a huge gap in the inclusion of African-American entrepreneurs. Yet and still the lack of diversity in Silicon Valley has not stopped those with a mission to open the doors for the black community to not only be consumers but contributors. You are taking a look at present day “Black History”
This touches home here at Urban Freedom Magazine as we strive as well to break barriers in Black Owned Media by turning our digital publication into an interactive framework that we will be extending into 2018.
Aaron Russell
San Francisco, CA
Aaron Russell is the Tech Lead within Facebook Edge Strategy Network Engineering team. Russell negotiates agreements covering internet interconnect, peering colocation, and content distribution services among many other tasks. He was also a speaker at the Afro Tech Conference 2017.
https://www.facebook.com/aaron.russell.3914
Andrea Moore
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Andrea Moore is the Founder and CEO of the organization Black Tech Woman(BTW). BTW is a community built for black women in the technology ecosystem to connect, learn, and grow. Moore currently is the WW Growth Lead for Apple since 2016. This position consists of recruiting and managing a team of five. She is also the one to execute partnerships with companies like Google, Samsung, Lyft, eBay, and More.
http://anndreamoore.strikingly.com/
Angela Benton
San Francisco, CA
Angela Benton is the Founder and CEO of Black Web Media. Under Black Web Media she founded both the NewMeConference and the NewMeAccelerator. The goal for the company is to create a more diverse and inclusive economy in the internet world. Benton is a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Savannah College of Art and Design. She graduated with a B.A. in Visual Communications with a specialization in Digital Design.
Chris Bennett
San Francisco, CA
Chris Bennett is the CEO of Soldsie, a tech company that helps merchants to sell products through social media. Benett is also the CEO of Wonder school, which makes it easy for teachers to start a school out of their home, and also for those parents in need of finding those schools. Bennett graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Economics.
Courtney Eimerman-Wallace
Washington, DC
Courtney Eimerman-Wallace is a front-end developer, designer, and UX leader at the United States Digital Service team at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Eimerman-Wallace is the director of Technology for the company Color of Change. Eimerman-Wallace stated she is dedicated to using technology to improve access to create opportunities for underrepresented communities. She also serves as a board member for LGBTTech Institute.
https://www.colorofchange.org/team/
Dineo Seakamela
Greater Chicago Area
Dineo Seakamala is the COO of Black Tech Mecca, which translates to the brains of the Black Tech community. Seakamala is originally from the heart of South Africa. She stated on LinkedIn (which is a professional networking site) that her current goal is to “Make tech accessible to continental and diasporic Africans, by using data to define and retell the story of innovation in our communities.” Her ultimate intention is to establish an operational framework that creates a new generation of global Black Tech practitioners who challenge limiting social norms and break down stubborn, systematic barriers.
https://www.dineoseakamela.com/blank-4
Erica Joy Baker
Oakland, CA
Erica Joy Baker is the Senior Engineer at Slack Technologies and the advocate for diversity and inclusion in tech. At Slack, Baker built the Native client build and release infrastructure. Baker began a career in tech over 15 yrs ago starting with Domain Administration at the University of Alaska statewide system.
Greg Greenlee
Cincinnati, OH
Greg Greenlee is the Founder of the Blacks in Technology organization. Greenlee works as a system and Network Engineer and has spent over 15 years in the information technology field. His experience includes networking, IT security, system administration, virtualization/cloud computing, and storage administration. The ultimate vision is to create an online technology hub where “knowledge and experiences can be shared, news and information can be obtained, relationships can be forged, and a community can grow.”
https://www.blacksintechnology.net/
http://www.twitter.com/blkintechnology
Hadiyah Mujhid
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Hadiyah Mujhid is a software engineer and entrepreneur. Mujhid is the founder & Manager of HBCUvc, which has been awarded a Kauffman Foundation Inclusion, Open Grant. Mujhid has over 13 years of experience as a software engineer and has built web and mobile applications for startup and mid-size corporations.
http://blackfounders.com/team/
Kaya Thomas
Staten Island, NY
Kaya Thomas created a mobile application as a way to encourage people to read the work of Black Authors. The directory contains more than 600 children’s and young adult fiction books. Thomas was honored in 2015 on BET's Black Girls Rock! an award show for educating people of color in technological and cultural literacy. She was also named one of Glamour magazine's 2016 College Women of the year. Her app is said to have more than 5000 users currently.
Kimberly Bryant
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Kimberly Bryant is an electrical engineer who worked in the biotechnology field at Genentech, Novartis Vaccines, Diagnostics, and Merck. She is also the Founder of Black Girls Code. This camp was created, in thought of her daughter Kai, for girls of color to be introduced to computer science with the goal of building a new generation of coders. “We are creating a powerful community of women skilled and confident about what they can create in the workplace,” Bryant told USA Today. She stated she plans to reach 1 million girls by 2040.
http://www.kimberlybryant.net/
Laura Weidman Powers
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Laura Weidman Powers is the Co-Founder & CEO of Code 2040. Code 2040 places software engineering students of color internships with major tech companies and startup companies as well. Powers is a Harvard and Stanford MDA graduate. The John S. and James L Knight foundation gave CODE2040 a 1.2 million grant to assist with the expansion of the company.
http://www.code2040.org/laura-weidman-powers/
Marian R Croak
Fair Haven, New Jersey
Marian R. Croak is the SVP at the AT&T Labs. She is also the creator of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Croak currently owns over 135 patents with many more that are under review. In 2013 she was inducted into the Women in Technology International's Hall of fame in recognition of her achievements in tech.
https://www.att.com/Common/about_us/pdf/marian_croak.pdf
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marian-croak-926361bb
Tristan Walker
San Francisco, CA
Tristan Walker has been named as Ebony Magazine's 100 Most powerful people list, to name one of the few titles he has been honored with. Not to mention the Forbes 100 list. Walker is the Founder and Chairman of Code 2040. It is a program that matches high performing black & Latino undergraduate and graduate coders, and software engineering students with Silicon Valley startups for summer internships. Walker recently raised $24 million for his modern personal care line for people of color. He is a man on the move creating his own business “Bevel Brand”
Wayne Sutton
San Francisco, CA
Wayne Sutton has 14 years of experience in technology from various angles. Sutton has Co-Founded and/or worked alongside multiple non-profit organizations and programs in the tech world. One of those including the NewMe Accelerator, the first minority led startup accelerator/incubator in Silicon Valley, which was featured in CNN “Black in America 4”. He has been featured on a list of media sites, such as USA Today and TechCrunch, and was also recognized as one of the Silicon Valley 100 coolest people in tech. Sutton is currently one of the leading voices in diversity and inclusion in tech.
Independent Music artists keeping your mind woke & eardrums lit!
INDEPENDENT MUSIC ARTISTS KEEPING YOUR MIND WOKE & EARDRUMS LIT!
By: Shade Bowman
Detonator
@detonator.ig
Long Island, NY
Independent Artist/ Owner of “DayDreamers” Fashion Line
A hip-hop artist out of Long Island, NY with witty wordplay and a vivid lyrical imagery that represents the 9-to-5'ers who won't settle for the corporate shackles but instead choose to pursue their life's passions. "I'm the voice of that dreamer stuck at some dead-end day job who vows every day not to lose hope in his daydream."
Over the past year, his tour lit up both coasts, touching NYC, Philly, DC, Baltimore, Boston, and LA. Detonator movement includes relatable, yet club-bangable music, a super trendy fashion line called "DayDreamrs," and unique outside-of-the-box events like speed dating (for dreamers) and sip-n-paints (with actual mixology lessons!).
“Don’t quit your daydream”
Benniharding
@benniharding
Trenton, NJ
Recording & Visual Artist
Benni's art is inspired by her life and the things she's felt. Her goal is to create art that makes her viewers and listeners FEEL her. She recently curated a film she called "Drained" that will be releasing the February 2018. Going through hardships most wouldn't imagine from such a woman Benni has forged through in music by a humble nature, honesty and using multiple vessels of entrepreneurship.
https://www.benniharding.com/bio
BlaqueStone
@Blaquestone_
Washington D.C Metropolitan area
BlaqueStone |Artist|Performance Arts|
BlaqueStone LLP located in Maryland/ Washington D.C Metropolitan area. A music couple with an amazing band! With a mission to spread love, light, and truth through the arts. "As African Americans and humans period, we all have a story to tell, and with our love, community and personal lenses of life and continued lessons, this is our outlet. "
One of their biggest accomplishments arose out of New York City and being interviewed on Revolt TV. Another moment was partnering on an event with the Smithsonian Museum in Anacostia Washington D.C. Finding creative ways for kids to express themselves through music and lyrics.
What led to their brand flourishing was them being unapologetic about being black, showing true authenticity in what love is and a message that is so relatable to many, is truly what made and makes us prosper. As the world inspires them to stay true, learn/teach balance, and spark love in others, it’s positively contagious!
Mobish.Young
@mobish.young
Washington, DC
Mob Ish Records, LLC: Founder/CEO/and Artist
My mission is to put my myself in a position to Grant the most opportunity as possible for others. Coming from doing 13 years in prison to having a marathon run in Music. A true testament that trials can lead to triumph, literally. Keep an eye on Mobish all 2018. He is an artist that moves at a fast and deliberate pace.
Quinton Randall aka Mr. Baltimore Blues
@Baltimoreblues_
Baltimore, MD
Independent Artist
Quinton Randall, a full time multi genre musician. A composer, film scorer, teacher and singer-songwriter.
Armed with a mission to lead by example as an entrepreneur in many fields providing a sense of hope, and clarity. Still growing as an artist Quinton understands the purpose of having a gift is first to serve your community, second to provide knowledge and last comes self.
Life.of.Shalane
@lifeofshalane
Riverside, Ca
Independent Music Artist
Growing up in Southern California, in a small city called Pomona. Shalane began writing poetry when and later on in life, her love for words unfolded into a passion for Music.
A powerhouse to be reckoned with, releasing two full albums in the last 10 months and her music broadcasted live on public radio (102.3 KJLH Radio based in Los Angeles, CA).
Keeping in mind that music connects all, her music can be found on all streaming sites with new music dropping in 2018.
Asia Karin
@Asia_karin
Baltimore, Md
Singer/ Songwriter: Asia Karin aka “Miss Singing With a Rapping Flow”
“Miss Singing With a Rapping Flow”. Not just a young woman with talent but a mission to save her family. Most artists are in search of lavish living, materials etc, however, this woman is here to save the community and her family.
Growing up with so much pain and anger brought her closer to music as a pain reliever. Taking advantage of opportunity even at the physical risk of singing on the streets of Baltimore, MD as a woman. Asia is a true lesson of learning to use what you have while staying focused on breaking generational chains.
Ebonyy
Baltimore, MD
TNB Greenbackz Independent Artist: Singer/ Songwriter
Growing up in the church, she soon found her voice in between those faith-filled walls. It was in the church choir that Ebonyy really focused on her vocals. Which helped to prepare her for what was to come. She didn’t know when but waited until the time was right. Now is that time.
Not only an artist Ebonyy is a great songwriter honing in on her skills as a poet. At a young age, Ebonyy has experienced life that has taken her through all forms of positive and negative experiences. No matter what the situation she has a silent strength that comes out in words of diversity that every songwriter wishes they could do. Stay Tuned for Ebonyy 2018!
DrizzyThaDon
@drizzythadon
Baltimore, MD
On Point Event Management (owner/operator)/ HigherGround Music
A hip-hop artist, model, and also owner and operator of my own event planning, management, and promotions company, called On Point Event Management, based out of Baltimore as well.
Dre Thompson as an artist/model, his mission is to be able to sustain life and recreational endeavors solely from his art. As an event planner, Dre's mission is to be able to provide a one of a kind experience at any event we have "stamped" from small parties to as large as festivals.
Gudda Cal
@gudda_cal
Baltimore, MD
Independent Artist
Gudda Cal and his music campaign name From The Gutta ( FDG ). Appropriately and humbly titled to describe his upbringing in the rough streets of Baltimore. Cal is determined to allow the truth of his music to elevate him instead of facades as most do in the music industry. His Ep is called 60sec Killing Spree drops on January 1st on spinrilla so stay tuned! With a past of struggling what has propelled him to where he is now would have to be his work ethic, practice, and patience.
Infamous Taz
@infamoustazjcoe
Bay Area, California
Independent Artist/ J.C.O.E Entertainment
The leader of the Bay Area-based rap group and aspiring independent label known as J.C.O.E. Entertainment.
His mission overall is to use my music as a platform to spread unity amongst my community and globally, as well as a platform to guide listeners that have been through the same hardships and life situations.
As an artist, Taz has released multiple songs and videos and have been featured, as a poet he has spoken for schools and local events within the community. As an actor, performed at the California Theatre in Pittsburg, CA, the King Center in Denver, CO, and the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. He began to freestyle on social media over well-known instrumentals every Tuesday and tagged it as “#TazForceTuesday” to gain more attention while continuing to release his own music and music with his group...which was a success.
Pmg.Barz
@pmg_barz
Baltimore, MD
Pandemonium Music Group/ Co-Founder/Artist
Independent Artist from the west side of Baltimore City. The name Barz came from a past of always being incarcerated given to him by close family and friends. Reversing the name to showcase his talent in writing songs and pursued music. With a background so rough his persistence is the driving force in his music.
Be sure to check out his Newest Video “Paid in Full” on Youtube now. Mixtape coming late winter of 2018.
What we can all learn from Basquiat: The artist who gave up too soon...
What we can all learn from Basquiat: The artist who gave up too soon...
By Michelle A. Reed
Studies show that most artists have a versatile often hyperactive frame of mind. The world and its history are filled with the outlets of the most creative individuals. Either it be dance, literature, or even portraits, artists seem to have a beautiful way of communicating with the rest of the world.
Born on December 22nd, 1960, in Brooklyn New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat was an African American painter who rose to fame during the beginning of the Neo-impressionism era. His father was a Haitian accountant and his highly supportive mother was Puerto Rican. Although suffering from mental-health issues his entire life Basquiat's mother always was a place of peace even when she became hospitalized.
Although he had run away from home, often sleeping outside, Basquiat was a middle-class kid who attended private schools and independently explored the art world with his mother even as a toddler.
Initially, Basquiat was a graffiti artist. In the 70s he formed a duo with childhood friend names Al Diaz and they called themselves Samo, which meant “Same old shit.” Their eye-catching work consisted of tagging buildings in the lower east side that had boldly conscious statements such as “Samo as an alternative to food stamps.”
The Neo impressionism era became popular around the mid-80s helping with his success. Its rise being similar to that of Hip Hop culture. Basquiat’s work was abstract and expressive containing dialogue that often brought out bold perspective. He was thought of as extremely rebellious. Although his work displayed depth and bravado in a beautifully twisted yet childlike blatancy.
Once he gained notoriety Basquiat even collaborated with Italian artist Francesco Clemente and American artist Andy Warhol. Basquiat did a show with Warhol that included “Ten punching bags” which seemed to be a rebuttal to Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The last supper.” Its purpose was to fight all forms of oppression. Basquiat’s most expensive piece of work was a 1982 untitled painting of a skull. At $110.5 million, this piece became the sixth most expensive artwork sold at an auction.
Basquiat Painting Sells for $110.5 Million
Around that time gallerist Annina Nosei, was rumored to have a genius black kid locked in her basement making masterpieces. To which Jean-Michel Basquiat commented, “If I was white, they would just call it an artist-in-residence.” Ultimately he surpassed what was expected of him racially and socially being a black kid from Brooklyn.
It seemed as though more mental obstacles allied with the success of Basquiat. His affiliations and fame allowed him easy influences in a negative direction. Jean Michel Basquiat, unfortunately, became addicted to heroin not long after his popularity began. On August 12th, 1988, his 22-year-old girlfriend found him overdosed in his bathroom at 28 years old. His funeral was a small closed casket service with family and only a few members of the art world. It was said he left behind 1,198 drawings, sketchbooks, prints, and paintings. His father Gerard Basquiat, inherited the estate and when he died in 2013 he left the estate to his daughters.
There are documentaries associated with the life and work of Basquiat including “The radiant child” and also “Rags to riches.” If nothing else Basquiat’s life teaches us not only to give into our creative passions, but to remain grounded and focused during those transitioning stages to success.
In 2017, Yusaku purchased Basquiat's Untitled (1982), a powerful depiction of a skull, at auction for a record-setting US$110,487,500--the most ever paid for an American artwork and the sixth most expensive artwork sold at an auction,surpassing Andy Warhol's "Silver Car Crash (Double Disaster)" which sold in 2013 for $105 million.[
BASQUIAT THE ART & THE MAN FACTS:
Credit- Artlistr
1. Basquiat came from a culturally rich, yet troubled family.
After his parents divorced. Basquiat’s mother was institutionalized for mental illness. He then left his father’s due to physical and emotional abuse. Prior to becoming famous, he spent the next handful of years homeless, staying at friends’ houses, park benches, and abandoned buildings.
2.His style was shaped by his history, both urban and ethnic.
Many of his works depict black celebrities such as writers, athletes, and musicians. He also often featured the griot, an oral storyteller in Western African societies.
3. Though very young, Basquiat’s talent captured the interest of Andy Warhol.
He was the youngest artist to join “documenta,” an international exhibition of contemporary and modern art held every five years in Germany.
4. . Basquiat’s street smarts and daring were instrumental in his rise to fame.
Homeless, he supported himself by peddling postcards and sweatshirts featuring his art. With the rise of graffiti art and Neo-Expressionism, Basquiat’s work finally gained traction in the Times Square Show, a landmark Punk Art exhibit. His first solo exhibition came two years later.
5. He died after seven short years in the industry.
Basquiat’s rise to prominence was accompanied by an equal rise to his personal struggles. He vacationed in Hawaii to kick his heroin addiction, but ultimately failed and died of an overdose.
Nipsey Hussle: The merge between business & music that every artist should be able to vision.
Nipsey Hussle:
The merge between business & music that every artist should be able to vision.
By: Shade Bowman
“We brought back the block and that’s how you give back, open businesses and create wealth in your community”
Grand Opening of Nipsey Hussle's "The Marathon Clothing"
The Marathon Store 3420 W. Slauson Ave Suite F Los Angeles, CA 90043
Born Ermias Asghedom, Nipsey Hussle’s journey, the one thing that he never did was give up. Although he’s had his ups and downs as an artist and a businessman, he’s never let that get in the way of his dreams or the reality of his success. Living life as a reformed reflection of his environment.
Throughout the years Nipsey lets us know that the merge between business and music has always been a mindset. As an artist, it’s very important to invest in the ones who gave you a platform. Being labeled as “Real” is a respect thing, often times we use the word real to justify one's actions.
But, Hussle shows us what the definition of what “Real” actually means, “Always execute what you start” is one of the mottos that he lives by. Which is a method he has stuck to, even during a prison sentence right in the middle of creating his brick & mortar store"The Marathon".
Real is when you as an artist or businessman lead by example, it’s when you can walk the walk and back it up with actions...not just all talk. Nipsey lives by the code, give back to your community! Music was one of the ways to get his name heard on a global scale, build a following, and building a foundation that he can stand on was the goal.
Comptons 1st Smart Store
Nipsey has made it very clear on what his goal was even back in 2008 when he first took his music seriously. When you see that there’s a need for something in your community, what would you do? Since rap music is one of the only genres that embraces business principles, Nipsey made a wise decision to merge the two. By opening up a business in your community, you show the younger generation that they can do the exact same thing. You start to create jobs, rebuild families, police your own neighborhoods, etc. just by investing in the community.
The Marathon Clothing Los Angeles Flagship Store
The merge between business and music is an investment and in business, when others around you are watching you invest...it makes them want to invest. As an entrepreneur that’s a very smart business move, and Nipsey explains how to create wealth in but so little words. If you’re the only one generating wealth around you then you’re surrounding yourself with unmotivated people. It’s about connecting the dots and merging the arts together to build one creative umbrella.
Make your moves, expand your mind, and support your own. That’s the new wave.
Be Sure to check out the exclusive documentary of ups and downs leading to the creation of "The Marathon" clothing brand. Nipsey Hussle has not only changed his life but that of his family, friends, and even helped those in his neighborhood become clean from drugs and become a member of his growth.
To Watch Exclusive Video Footage of The Grand Opening & The 3 year journey Subscribe today!
The Marathon Clothing
3420 W. Slauson Ave #F
Los Angeles, CA 90043
Is leadership created or instinctive?
Is leadership created or instinctive?
By: Melanin Reigns
Let's find out . . .
Leadership takes initiative. A mixture of being fearless, self-assured and unorthodox.
We all specialize in areas, in which it is our birthright to reap the abundance in that field. Our prosperity is not limited to any particular stream. However, it is guaranteed to flow wherever we set focus.
What separates a leader from a follower, is their response to outside opinions of themselves. These opinions can be as simple as a friend speaking negatively about you, or as general as a commercial telling you, you need to buy something to be someone. How you see and affirm yourself determines how prosperous you'll be.
Divine leadership is instinctive. However, political and other forms of leadership are created. All forms of leadership require high levels of authenticity. Regardless of how a leader is viewed, their confidence and ability to persevere is the reason for the position they hold.
Trials throughout life have the ability to weigh on self-esteem, if not rectified. Prior to the universal shift to a higher state of awareness, conformity was a hiding place for the majority of us.
Now, as we ascend, we are learning that we all possess the abilities to lead.
This does not always mean leading a large group of people, but we absolutely should lead our own lives.
Here are some tips to evolve in the vibration of leadership:
Be confident
Abundance & mastery is your birthright. Do not be afraid of what you can achieve. Stop worrying about who will and will not be made uncomfortable by your success.
Commit to your craft
As a leader, you should be constantly creating, in order to become a better version of yourself!
Communicate clearly
Speak up! Why?
To acquire what you need, and get things done.
When you take out time to communicate effectively, you inspire others to feel just as free to manifest their vision through networking & proper delegation.
Listen
Great speakers are superb listeners.
A critical part of communication is listening (with discernment).
Everyone should be considered when carrying out the vision.
This is where self-assurance steps in to guide you.
All advice isn't “good” advice but something positive can be drawn from everything.
Find your formula and expand upon it consistently
If it works “don't change it, expand it”. Recreate the elements that have proven to be successful. This may mean acquiring updated resources, investing more money, time, focus etc.
Trust your inner voice, what works for others may not work for you.
Trust your spirit, and your ego will not feel threatened.
It is the temporary panic of the body detaching from the spirit that can conjure destructive leadership skills. Ex: Dictatorship
Take care of yourself
In order to reach out to others as your best self, you must begin within. Studying yourself keenly will provide vital pivoting points that can assist you in relation to others.
Leadership Created or Instinctive? Urban Freedom Magazine “Freedom 100 List 2018”