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Black businesses face an uphill battle after an overturned racism ruling

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Earlier this month, a federal judge dealt one other blow to the federal government’s efforts to shut the racial equity gap and higher serve Black and Brown communities.

The latest setback was Judge Mark Pittman’s ruling ordering the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to now not take race or ethnicity into consideration when providing services to small businesses within the US.

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“This is not one attack, but a series of attacks on the measures the federal government has put in place to address it,” Patrice Willoughby, senior vice chairman for global policy and impact on the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), told Grio.

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Using the identical constitutional argument that the U.S. Supreme Court used to strike down race-conscious affirmative motion in college admissions last yr, Pittman, appointed by former President Donald Trump to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, concluded that MBDA qualified by identifying themselves as “disadvantaged persons,” business owners violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

In other words, the judge argued that the agency violated the constitutional rights of white business owners.

“While the agency’s work may help reduce opportunity gaps facing MBEs (minority business owners), two wrongs do not make a right,” Pittman wrote in his ruling.

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Elected officials and supporters are condemning the federal court’s ruling, blaming a movement led by conservatives and supported by Republican-appointed judges that’s undermining decades-long efforts to right historic wrongs which have affected Black and brown communities. Advocates fear that the MBDA ruling could further exacerbate existing racial disparities in property and wealth.

“We really should see this as a response to Black economic progress,” said Willoughby, former executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus. “It is very clear that because discrimination still exists, these programs are still needed.”

The mission of the Minority Business Development Agency is to advertise the expansion and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses within the United States. MBDA provides minority business owners with access to capital, contracts and advisory services. Ironically, the agency was founded by Republican President Richard Nixon in 1969. Under Democrat Joe Biden, it became a everlasting agency under federal law, expanding its reach nationwide.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told the Grio that Biden is “very proud” of signing MBDA’s everlasting government status into law.

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White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks with reporters during her day by day news conference within the Brady Press Briefing Room on the White House on March 27, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

“Over the last three years, 16 million applications have started under this administration, which is important,” a Biden spokesman said. “There was definitely a boost… with minority-owned businesses starting their small businesses.”

Now that MBDA will probably be legally required to make its programs available to white business owners, experts fear it should feed into already existing patterns of implicit or explicit racial bias and further widen the racial wealth gap.

“Basically, people will do business with people they like,” Willoughby explained. “They want to increase the visibility of who can benefit underground, so that there is no oversight, no regulation, and no broader assistance when it comes to DEI.”

Samantha Tweedy, chief executive of the Black Economic Alliance, said the judge’s ruling “results in the MBDA being unable to support diverse business owners navigating an economic system that research shows is permeated by racial bias.”

“We know this is the goal of many who want to reclaim the paths of economic progress open to the Black community,” said Tweedy, who called on Congress and the White House to “step in to protect the vital role of MBDA.” ”

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So far, “reversal racism” rulings that roll back race-specific programs intended to deal with racial disparities have hit college campuses, businesses and even Black farmers. These cases were largely brought by conservative activists, including millionaire Edward Blum, who championed the affirmative motion case before the Supreme Court. Blum can also be behind an ongoing lawsuit against the Black women-owned Fearless Fund, arguing that its program to extend funding for Black women entrepreneurs is discriminatory against white women-owned businesses.

“You remove the legal framework that allows them to challenge discrimination,” Willoughby explained of the growing variety of legal challenges against DEI. She said success within the courts “emboldens opponents of equality” and turns back the clock on racial progress.

“Basically (they) are trying to return America to what these opponents called the good old days, but in reality it was a white supremacist framework,” Willoughby noted, “to which black businesses and people of color really had very limited access to the benefits of this country that other people enjoyed.”

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According to the February 2024 report Brookings InstitutionWhile Black-owned businesses experienced continued growth from 2017 to 2021, the variety of Black-owned employer businesses stays disproportionate to the variety of Black people living within the United States. In 2021, Black Americans made up just 2.7% of employers, despite making up 14.4% of the population. Closing this loophole, the report argues, would stimulate the U.S. economy and create 1000’s of additional jobs.

Looking ahead to the fight against legal failures in DEI-related programs, Willoughby told the Grio that policymakers, researchers and litigants might want to increase data collection and advocacy efforts. Proponents of DEI programs might want to make “a better case in the courts” and “a stronger case for the existence of any remedy where race is linked to disadvantage.”

“Collecting data, documenting discrimination and proving that disadvantage is directly related to race” will turn out to be rather more vital, she said.

The current legal failures also reflect the indisputable fact that decisions have consequences. In addition to Trump nominating Pittman as a judge, three Supreme Court justices who joined the bulk to finish race-based affirmative motion.

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“Now this court, which is hostile to issues related to race and racist measures, will continue to operate for the next decade,” Willoughby said.

“Voting is tied to Black progress,” she added. “Even if you feel disconnected, you still need to check who has your interests at heart and vote with your wallet to identify candidates who will strengthen your participation in the economic system.”


Keith Gaynor's War

Gerren Keith Gaynor is a White House correspondent and managing editor of theGrio’s Politics section. He lives in Washington

 

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

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Delaware State Hosts Pitch Contest for Agrictech throughout HBCUS

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Delaware State University and Capital One Financial organized a contest for HBCU entrepreneurs developing agricultural technological solutions.

“Venture Innovation Venture” took place on the Delaware State campus on April 14. He was hosting not only HBCU students from all around the country, but additionally successful of black entrepreneurs and agricultural experts who joined critical discussions in regards to the industry.

DSU partnership from Capital One for this national conference tries to encourage Next generation of agrobiznesa leaders.

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“Delaware State University proudly continues our cooperation with Capital One and provides the platform to raise the next generation of Agribusiness leaders,” said Tony Allen, president of Delaware State University, said in a press release. “Entrepreneurship is a key basis for building generational wealth. In addition to financing startup seeds, this partnership means that university students will receive mentoring and guidance from private sector leaders on business structures and intellectual properties, equipping them with knowledge and experience to effectively enter the labor market.”

HBCU students, in addition to participants from local high and high schools, learned more about agricultural activities and methods to further develop their products for greater use. Heman Bekele, a scientist and 2024 Kid of the Year, also joined as a speaker to encourage his generation to begin an entrepreneurship travel with tools learned from the speakers series.

Additional speakers were chosen officials, equivalent to the Governor Delaware Matt Meyer, US senator Lisa Blunt Rochester and entrepreneurs of pioneers, equivalent to Daysond John and James Lindsay, general director of rap.

“Agribusiness is the basis of how we develop and produce food, but innovations in the industry remain underfunded,” said Dr. Cherese Winstead, dean of College of Agriculture Science & Technology Delaware State University. “When Americans are confronted with rising food prices and challenges related to delivery, HBCU is incredibly capable of keep a fee for strengthening supply chains and increasing economic growth.

The revolutionary undertaking is the results of an extended -term partnership between Capital One and Delaware State. Because HBCU further determines its impact on the emerging agricultural technological solutions, the undertaking hopes to expand this range throughout HBC, with greater attention to young visionaries shaping these latest ideas.

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“Innovation venture means an exciting new chapter of our partnership with Delaware State University, introducing students’ ideas and providing them with the opportunity to solve problems with the real world in front of which the agricultural industry faces,” said Joe Westcott, president of the Delaware market at Capital One. “Capital One and Delaware State University divide a mission to enable this subsequent generation of leaders towards innovation thanks to technology.”

The partnership led to a broadly mentor program, connecting professionals with second yr students. Capital One also awarded over USD 250,000 for the Experimental University learning program, which offers larger profession paths for HBCU students to seek out opportunities within the developing business sector.

“Innovation is actually the cornerstone of agriculture in today’s world. Some innovations are quickly accepted. However, others take more time before they are widely received,” said the Secretary of Agriculture in Delaware Don Clifton. “People who accept the challenge and conduct these innovations are leaders of the upcoming generation in agriculture.”

Summary of the event is out there on YouTube DSU.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lokils33Cri

(Tagstranslate) Innovation Venture (T) Agritech (T) Capital One (T) HBCU (T) Delaware State University

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Brian Cornell meets Fr. Al Sharpton over Dei Rolbacks

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target, TikTok, DEI, comments, AL SHARPTON


CEO of Target Brian Cornell met with the activist, Fr. Al Sharpton in New York. The meeting from April 17 was convened when a well -known retailer still stands within the face of heavy slack and calls for boycotts after withdrawing the initiatives of diversity, equality and integration at first of this yr.

According to To CNBC Cornell, he initially asked for a gathering in response to groups of civil rights calling for big boycotts of the corporate. People call consumers to spend money elsewhere in response to cutting goal on Dei initiatives.

Sharpton repeated these feelings in an interview with CNBC before sitting with Cornell.

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Sharpton he said“You can’t come with elections and suddenly change your old positions. If the choices define your commitment to honesty, it’s good, you have the right to withdraw from us, but then we have the right to withdraw from you.”

The leader of civil rights stated in any uncertain conditions that he would also consider a call to a goal boycott if the meeting with Cornell doesn’t prove to be productive.

He asked the CEO to verify the corporate’s involvement within the black community and the duty to cooperate with black firms in the long run.
Sharpton continued: “I said:” If (Cornell) I need to have a sincere meeting, we are going to meet. I need to listen to what he has to say. “

After the initial meeting, Sharpton and Cornell Sharpton called it a “constructive and honest” conversation.

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“I will inform our allies, including Father Jamal Bryant about our discussion and what my feelings are, and we will go from there.”

Target is one in every of the various retail juggernaut, including Walmart, Amazon and Pepsico, who this yr eliminated their policy of diversity.

Cornell made this transformation within the goal after taking office this yr. One of his first activities because the president was the tip of programs of diversity, justice and integration (Dei) inside the Federal Government.

This caused a wave effect within the retail world, during which the goal and others implemented politics to strengthen the range of their employees and reduce inequalities towards members of minority groups, withdrawing these initiatives.

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Target officially accomplished three -year -old Dei goals in January. Cornell will now not send company reports and data to external groups focused on diversity, resembling the company index of the human rights campaign.

Since the announcement, Cornell stores have recorded a decrease in traffic and sales in goal locations throughout the country.

(Tagstranslate) Reverend Al Sharpton (T) Target Boycott (T) Brian Cornell (T) Donald Trump (T) Diversity

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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What do bumpers stickers say about our values ​​and identity

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Perhaps you saw them in town or in news. Bumper stickers He gave Teslas to anyone who looks: “I bought it before we learned that Elon was crazy.”

It may be assumed that it’s there to forestall someone from taking a automotive or an try and relieve potential hostility in a hyper-political landscape. But although this will signal disapproval for similar considering passers -by, the sticker is unlikely to discourage someone who’s already going to commit against the law (which is the important thing).

What he offers is a type of symbolic insurance. You can call it a approach to explain identity in a hostile political environment.

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An equal apology, protest and cultural time marker, the message can say more in nine words than a full -fledged. But it isn’t just about the automotive. It can be about values, identity management and evolving consumption policy.

Signal for others

In their core, automotive bumpers stickers act as a vehicle (literally and metaphorically) when it comes to identity projection. They are symbols of what psychologists call “Cheap identity displays”, used to display who we’re, or perhaps more precisely how we wish to be seen.

Buying Tesla could once signal innovations, environmental awareness or social progressivism. But the increasingly polarizing public behavior of Muska and political commentary They modified the cultural importance of the brand.

It creates a sense cognitive dissonance For those consumers whose values ​​are not any longer consistent with what the brand owner now represents. Enter the bumper sticker.

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Tesla sales dropped rapidly this 12 months because Elon Musk became more political.
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In an increasingly fragmented society, through which individuals are completely happy to face out, even a sticker is usually a subtle form of ethical positioning. But above all, it’s a approach to signal groups that a very powerful for us “please like me”.

The theory of social identity suggests that folks derive a part of their concept of themselves from the perceived membership in social groups. Bumper stickers make these group connections visible, protruding values, ideologies, belonging and even contradictory attitudes towards the skin world.

My tiny, disappearing Richmond Tigers sticker on my automotive will not be performative in the identical way as a daring political slogan may be. But it still signals the shape of identity and belonging.

Back of vans covered with bumba stickers
Bumper stickers can include social groups.
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North Face Jacket

Bumper stickers act as a “peacock” form. It is analogous to wearing branded clothes, equivalent to the North Face jacket during Covid, which made it look more accessible than in a proper suit. Or even like a biography curator at LinkedIn. It is a behavioral strategy through which people convey their qualities to others no words.

In marketing, it’s closely related to theory visible consumptionwhich can include symbolic consumption through which we buy and display products not just for utility, but additionally for what they Tell us about us.

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Bumper stickers are a literal version of this. They are symbolic, declarative and public. These are the low, high credibility of the communicators of the belonging of a bunch, virtue, humor, riot or indignation.

It is about informing or convincing, but their actual impact is more complicated.

Marketing class 101

In preliminary marketing classes, taught at almost every university, consciousness is usually presented as the primary stage Effect hierarchy model. The model suggests that customers’ operation goes from consciousness to knowledge, preferences, preferences, beliefs and eventually purchase.

Cars in road traffic
Stickers are unlikely to affect behavior.
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But in practice this progress is way more complicated. Bumper stickers can generate consciousness, but little evidence affects behavior – especially in insulation.

This is especially essential in such areas because the promotion of tourism. For example, unofficial, but still a provocative tourist slogan Advertising campaign “Cu in NT” It may cause conversation and recognition, but recognition doesn’t mean conversion.

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Despite the hope of hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on slogans and slogaty, consciousness is necessary, but insufficient for behavioral change.

Most marketing efforts should not said because people should not aware of the brand, but because they don’t have any reason, possibilities or tendency to act – that’s, buying a product or change.

The culture has shredded

Contemporary consumer culture is increasingly tribal and crushed. Social media algorithms strengthen the Echo chambers, while physical signals equivalent to automotive stickers and even political signs of Korflute signal belonging and limits within the group and group.

As a result, bumper stickers probably strengthen the identity of already converted, but it surely is unlikely to persuade people from outside the tribe.

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Visible preferences can, nonetheless, function a type of abbreviations for identity, especially after they are consistent with the symbols and language of the group. Although their direct impact on behavior is restricted, these signals, repeated and reinforced within the premature community, can shape and move social norms over time.

Ultimately, bumper stickers rarely change behavior. But they do something more subtle. They allow people to precise, perform and ensure identity. They act as signals for other, tribe markers, values, humor or riot. They help us tell who I’m, or perhaps I’m not like that.

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This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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