Johnnie Turnage

How do we research and capture Black GDP? How do Black communities, given the times, figure out a way to move beyond DEI and focus on their value proposition, transitioning away from being mostly consumers to being primarily producers and owners? Decision Makers talks with Le'Keisha French, Founder & CEO of the Future in Color Institute and author of the upcoming Black GDP report ... https://lnkd.in/e8Grm-EJ

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The #diversity of our country is something to be #proud of as it is a source of endless #opportunities, which should not be overlooked – especially in sectors like #technology. On Monday, I attended an insightful conversation presented by the Cercle canadien de Montréal highlighting the important missed opportunity we face as a country given the financing gap when it comes to unrepresented communities. It was a refreshing conversation where Wils Theagene, B.Eng,Msc, Annick Charbonneau and Jean Vincent talked about their important work and provided tangible examples of actions that can be taken by the investment ecosystem to bridge the #fundinggap. This made me reflect on the op-ed Isaac Dream Maker Olowolafe and I wrote earlier this year on that subject. TheFutureEconomy.ca approached us to provide insight on what could be improved to better support #Blackentrepreneurs in Canada. We pulled out results from Senator Colin Deacon and L'Hon./Hon. Amina GERBA, M.B.A., C.Q.🇨🇦 ’s studies and shared our lived experience in the space - having raised the first institutionally backed Black-led #VentureCapital fund in Canada and having been focused on investing in Black-led tech companies for the past three years. One of the experiences that was striking to us was the number of talented #BlackEntrepreneurs we met, giants in their industries, who were welcomed and celebrated at social and visible functions while still getting denied when it came to significant long-standing partnerships (i.e. #funding). We have seen progress but dismantling entrenched systems requires a long-term vision, sustained commitment, and concerted efforts from financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, government bodies, corporations, and individual investors. There is still a long way to go but we're excited to be part of the solution. https://bit.ly/3JvAH5c BKR Capital #TechStartups #DiversityAndProfit #RepresentationMatters 

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Black businesses, including small businesses and contractors, play a vital role in the economy. It's essential to recognize their impact and importance in policy-making discussions. For policymakers and advocates of change, here are six actionable steps to consider. Supporting Black entrepreneurship and innovation benefits not only underinvested communities but all of society. Please read and share this article below if you identify as a changemaker! https://lnkd.in/g_FDBvMr

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In 2023, AWBI was increasingly intentional about convening practitioners and supporters to create a just economy. Hence, we launched the Black Community Wealth Network – a national network positioned to build a broad network of practitioners and supporters committed to the task of building Black community wealth. And through it, we have expanded the narrative to apply a more interdisciplinary analysis on what it means to build wealth for Black people and communities, according to Janelle Williams, PhD, CEO and Co-Founder of AWBI. We are grateful to bring together a key group of investors, advocates, practitioners, and scholars who will continue to help us create a just economy for Black people. Explore our full report at https://lnkd.in/dRAazvq #AtlAwbi #communitywealthbuilding #economicjustice

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Excited to share that the 2023 impact report for LISC's Black Economic Development Fund (BEDF) is now live. Since 2020, with generous support from our investors, BEDF has committed a majority of its capital, investing $211.9 million to fuel Black-led financial institutions, Black-led businesses, and other organizations doing business in predominantly Black communities addressing economic challenges and contributing to closing the racial wealth gap. Through initiatives like BEDF, LISC remains at the forefront of efforts to enhance capital access for entrepreneurs serving communities of color. Here's the breakdown: https://lnkd.in/epq7mrN5 LISC Strategic Investments

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Starting a business? Read below for top tips!

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Did you know that women are starting more profitable businesses? The Black business community is an untapped market for financial institutions. I'm putting this out in the open—repeating it: Access to Capital: A Persistent Challenge for Black Businesses and Real Estate Developers! Access to capital is a real problem for Black businesses and real estate developers. Despite many of them having exceptional credit scores and holding significant equity in several properties, they still receive lukewarm treatment from commercial lenders. What’s the real deal here? Is there an underlying agenda to prevent Black individuals from building wealth? It's time to address these disparities and advocate for equitable access to financial resources. Let's raise this issue and advocate for change. Everyone deserves a fair shot at building wealth and achieving financial success. Grow with us. Here is a unique opportunity to become an Innovative loan originator. Contact me at RIBBA #EconomicEquity #AccessToCapital #SupportBlackBusinesses #WealthBuilding #FinancialInclusion #women #jobs #wealth #loans

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As Black women assume more leadership positions across industries they are coming under attack in a variety of ways. The goalpost for success and credibility is constantly being moved backward or redefined. Therefore, the way attacks are crafted and deployed is also changing. We are ready to Clapback and Get the Facts.   #SistersLead #SistersVote @SistersLead    https://lnkd.in/eMJGY8dj

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#CampaignManagers and #FieldDirectors - as you're planning for November or a primary, remember that safety for canvassers means more than working in pairs and using crosswalks. It also means protecting canvassers of color from harassment by residents and the cops. In many progressive campaigns, young people of color make up much of the #canvassing teams. Young Black and Latine people are often shut out of better jobs and opportunities, so well-paying temporary jobs talking to voters are often a good option for earning money for living expenses, school or to support their families. Our stratified economic system runs right smack into another legacy of Jim Crow: the assumption that a person of color walking through the neighborhood is up to no good. In every campaign I've ever worked, someone calls the cops on canvassers who are just doing their jobs. They carry campaign literature, use a mobile canvassing app and often wear a campaign t-shirt, sticker or ID badge. Worse, canvassers tell stories of residents chasing them down the street, yelling and threatening violence. One woman once said she couldn't call the cops because who are they going to believe? The middle-aged white woman who owns a house? Or the young Black woman? Here are a few tips to prepare for safe canvassing for your team and deal with incidents if they happen. 1: Talk to the cops before the first knock. H/T here to Izzy Goodman who writes more about this step in a blog post. (Link in the Comments.) 2: Struggle with assignments. On one hand, sending canvassers of color to all-white neighborhoods could be problematic. On the other hand, denying canvassers of color the opportunity to build their skills with these difficult voter conversations is pretty paternalistic. Also, team leads and full-time organizers have to come from somewhere. Great leads and organizers grow their skills with difficult canvassing conversations. As a field director or lead, it's your job to struggle with the balance between protecting these canvassers' safety and providing opportunities for growth. 3: When someone calls the cops anyway, listen to the canvasser. Remember, it's about the canvasser not you. Performative anger at the resident who dialed 911 or the cop who answered won't make the canvasser feel any better. 4: Talk to the cops. Again. Call the local precinct to report the incident. Spoiler alert: they will get defensive. However, it’s important to talk to them about it anyway. The cops have to know you’re watching. (Reminder: don't identify the canvasser to the cops. Don’t make it worse.) 4: Report Back to Canvassers Relate the conversation with the cops and go back to step # 2. With these steps - and probably others - You can keep your campaign on track and support the canvassers. For more tips on canvassing, campaigns and organizing, subscribe to the Organizing to Win newsletter! Link in the comments. #CommunityOrganizing #OrganizingToWin #Elections #Election2024

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A quick breakdown of some of the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs: ❗ 75% of Black entrepreneurs would not know who to turn to borrow $10,000 ❗ High rejection rates of nearly 50% of applicants for loans  ❗ Above-market interest rates These hurdles are holding back some of our country’s most innovative minds from their full potential. In a new op-ed, Isaac Dream Maker Olowolafe and Lise Birikundavyi, CFA from BKR Capital discuss how to overcome these barriers: https://lnkd.in/gJEMsT2D

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How can you improve support for #BlackInTech in #Canada? As seasoned investors and partners at BKR Capital, Canada’s first Black-led #VentureCapital firm, Isaac Olowolafe & Lise Birikundavyi offer insights on the topic in an op-ed for TheFutureEconomy.ca. They share accounts of witnessing extremely talented #BlackEntrepreneurs; people who are welcomed at “social and visible functions”, getting overlooked when it comes to “long-standing partnerships”. Leading by example, the two are spearheading many initiatives like the BKR Capital VC Fellowship and DMZ’s Black Innovation Program to foster a more inclusive tech industry. However, as they correctly observe in the thought leadership piece, “dismantling entrenched systems of disadvantage requires a long-term vision and sustained commitment” and “concerted efforts from financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, government bodies, corporations, and individual investors.” Read this insightful piece to understand the hurdles faced by Black entrepreneurs and actionables to address these systemic barriers. Read here: https://bit.ly/3JvAH5c #BKRCapital #WeekendReads #TechStartups #DiversityAndProfit #RepresentationMatters #ThoughtLeadership

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Black Tech Saturdays has brought an energy and momentum to the City of Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, thanks to the efforts of Alexa Turnage and Johnnie Turnage. In just a year, this weekly event at Newlab has grown from a dozen participants to over 1,000+ weekly. Entrepreneurs show up to find talent, to find new opportunities, to connect with each other.  Why is this so important? The answer is simple math: 🧩Our Detroit population is comprised of over 80% black and brown people 🧩Less than 1% of venture capital goes to startups owned by black and brown entrepreneurs  ����Tech jobs are like the automotive factory jobs our grandparents came to Detroit to fill over the past century that lifted them up and into the middle class 🧩Detroit’s resurgence has fueled increases in real estate values and added over $3Billion in wealth to the black community over the past decade TechTown Detroit, NPower, Venture For America and a host of other organizations are all collaborating and contributing to Detroit’s continued resurgence. https://lnkd.in/gZWazp7M

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Happening now. Critical conversations around economic & racial equity!! New Detroit, Inc. is here to engage and find partners dedicated to creating the world we want to see, one where we are all able to thrive not just survive!

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124th National Black Business Conference Returns to Atlanta “We Are Together” Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the World Conference of Mayors. The National Alliance for Black Business (2022), co-founded by The National Business League ® (1900), National Black Chamber of Commerce ® (1993), and The World Conference of Mayors ® (1984), is thrilled to cohost the NBL’s 124th National Black Business Conference ®. Set to take place from August 21-24, 2024, at the Hilton Atlanta in downtown Atlanta, GA, this highly anticipated event coincides with Atlanta Black Business Weekend ™, promising an exhilarating gathering of the nation’s foremost Black business leaders and community luminaries.   Building upon the success of last year's conference, which commemorated the 30th Anniversary of the National Black Chamber of Commerce founded in 1993 and drew over 1,900 attendees, this year's event holds special significance as it celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the World Conference of Mayors. Established in 1984, The World Conference of Mayors serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Black Mayoral leadership and economic empowerment within Black communities worldwide. This year marks a significant milestone, as it pays homage to 50 years since the Southern Conference of Black Mayors held its inaugural National Conference at the Hilton Atlanta Hotel. Notably, Daniel "Chappy" James, the first four-star Black general in the Air Force and a Tuskegee airman, served as keynote speaker, setting the stage for the remarkable journey of Black elected leadership in the years to come. The conference agenda will spotlight the profound impact of Black mayors in fostering entrepreneurship, economic development, and community growth, echoing the visionary principles championed by Booker T. Washington. In 1881, Lewis Adams (Town) and Booker T. Washington (Gown) joined forces to establish Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, now known as Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. This institution was surrounded by a historic Black settlement, conceived by Dr. Washington, which, though never formally incorporated, was assigned its own zip code: 36088. This collaboration between "Town" and "Gown" laid the groundwork for further partnerships in central Alabama.   Anticipated to attract hundreds of Black-owned businesses, professionals, and elected officials from around the globe, the conference will serve as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and forging strategic partnerships with city, state, national, federal, and global resources, and leadership. The event is hosted by local, Black-led business institutions, including the Atlanta Business League, Greater Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council. Join us as we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Black entrepreneurship at the 124th National Black Business Conference in Atlanta! Register Today: https://lnkd.in/eE5Did8a

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Learn about & listen to new Black podcasts, new podcast seasons, and best episodes from Black Podcasting Awards’ winners in this weekly spotlight

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Ahead of #Juneteenth2024, another great Word In Black feature about #digital literacy and access in Black communities. #Juneteenth #digitalaccess #digitalequity #BlackAmericans https://lnkd.in/ewMCX5Jv

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Embark on the global journey with Black & Global Business Network. Step by step, exporting success worldwide. 🌍 #GlobalAmbition #BusinessGrowth #blackandglobal #blackentrepreneurs #smallbusinessowner #blacksmallbusiness #blacksmallbusinessowner #entrepreneurlife #blackentrepreneurs #blackentrepreneurship #entrepreneurs #blackandproud #blackpeople #blackinbusiness #blackpeopleinbusiness

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