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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

Business and Finance

Like Fawn Weaver built a uncle of the nearest spirits brand worth $ 1.1 billion – and why he does not sell

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In the latest episode, Natasha S. Alfford from The Grio sits from Fawn Weaver, founder and general director Trailblazing for the closest, fastest growing Spirits brand in the history of the USA-Teraz valued at the amazing 1.1 billion dollars.

The Weaver journey is a master class in rewriting the rules. Instead of attempting to break into the traditional “Old Boys’ Club” of the Spirits industry, Weaver tells Alfford that she focused his energy where it was vital: constructing direct connections with consumers.

“They are not my consumer,” Weaver said, to be honest about a few years of industry guards. “Why should I spend time trying to break into a circle that will not buy my product?”

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Instead, Weaver set her take a look at the uncle’s cultivation closest to the bottom -up story and the relentless commitment to the honor of the heritage of Nathan’s “closest” Green, a previously enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel, how one can distinguish whiskey. “I am looking for storytelling who will make sure that every time they see a bottle, they share the history of the uncle’s loved one,” explained Weaver.

The Weaver relationship along with his loved one began when the writer’s bestseller and historian conducted research for his book “Love and Whiskey”. She read the article in the New York Times about Green’s relationship with Jacek Daniel and saw the opportunity. In Weaver’s eyes, their story was more about an alliance than with racial tension. By interviewing and making information in the Tennesee community, during which Green once lived, she planted a story that inspired her to launch the whiskey brand, which honored Green’s heritage.

This emphasis – on values, community and heritage – can also be the reason why Weaver has repeatedly rejected the offer of the sale of his loved one, even when its valuation increased to billions.

“For me, sales are not an option,” she said. “We will continue to build it. I intend to cross the country for the next 25 years, developing this company and training the next generation to go even further.”

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During the conversation, Alford emphasized how the history of Weaver questions the outdated narratives about the restrictions imposed on black women’s entrepreneurs. As a leader who opposed the expectations of a young age, Weaver offered advice not just for business owners, but for anyone who desires to have their profession path.

Natasha S. Alfford from The Grio talks to Fawn Weaver, a visionary standing behind the nearest Tennesee whiskey.

“If you are not an entrepreneur yet, you become a good” IntraPreneur “where you are,” said Weaver. “Take the initiative, invent your company’s goals and help you achieve them. We all have the opportunity to create values ​​if we decide not to discourage you.”

Weaver also shared one of her favorite scientific analogies-a ten-yr experiment with the participation of fleas and a glass jar-in the purpose of illustration, how perceived restrictions can survive the actual barriers that after existed.

“So many have already broken the ceiling ahead,” said Weaver. “If my presence says nothing but the saying:” Everyone, there isn’t any lid “, I did my work.”

Weaver sees no restrictions for his closest uncle, which is why the brand is happy to maneuver to the space of cognac and introduce latest products. Even during talks about tariffs and whether the recession is approaching the economy of America, he decides to stay optimist and hope.

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With an unwavering vision and a brand worth a billion dollars to indicate this, Fawn Weaver will not only master the game-changing it for the upcoming generations.

Watch a full interview with Fawn Weaver from the above video player.

Natasha Alford from Thegrio is investigating his own story in

(Tagstotranslate) Black Own (T) Business

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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New Orlean Entrepreneur enters the success in the footwear industry

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New Balance, Joe Freshgoods, Chicago


An entrepreneur from Nowy Orleans achieved a brand new success because of the idea for the online footwear business, DsneAkerxpress.

Darrick Jones began to find his entrepreneurial dreams during the Covid-19 pandemic. He took his passion and knowledge in all sneakers to attach with latest clients and satisfy demand.

In the case of many sneakerhead, “bots” shopping often buy the latest drops, taking possibilities from consumers. Now Jones falsified the system back in hand real people. He doesn’t do it to make a profit, but to bring a smile on the faces of his clients with a brand new pair of kicks.

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“Love of this. I do not do it for money. I love to help people get the necessary shoes, or like a child who is looking for their first pair of Jordan … I love to provide them, appearance on their faces,” said Jones.

His botting system led to an expansive collection of footwear, which he uses to take care of his resale and calm latest customers. Its composition even includes celebrities equivalent to Lil Baby and Rob49 rappers.

“You once heard about tennis bots where you get online shoes and they automatically caught them. I bought Jordan 5s and did $ 1500. Then he began to grow and grow, and Boom, we are where we are,” said Jones.

However, not only technical skills led to its development. Jones still builds his network by participating in the conventions of sneakers, which ends up in even greater sales for the entrepreneur. He says that the experience of learning from other sellers or wholesale sneakers are crucial when scaling their activities.

“I find out how this person gets shoes from this particular website, or has this specific buying plugin or wholesale, and then I can interact with other people in the same space as me,” said Jones.

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Although every little thing is in his love of playing sneaker, Jones also thank his family and friends who supported him on this journey. It encourages all business enthusiasts to start out, because all good things require time.

“Go, never stop. Rome was not built at night. You can write like a thousand reels or publish a thousand photos, and no person buys. But someone should purchase a thousand, 2000, 3000, 4.

His range of things on the market extends to Very desirable clothing. From a limited edition to designer jackets, Dsneakerxpress enters the size.

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(Tagstranslate) latest Orlean

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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40,000 employees thank Marriott CEO for defending Dei among political pressure

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DEI, Marriott, CEo

During the right place for the highest of labor, the overall director of Marriott Anthony Capuano divided his sentiments about how the corporate that the captains reacted to attacks on diversity, own capital and integration released by the Trump administration. Although privately he wondered if he made the correct phone, he soon received confirmation from 1000’s of employees, which he actually selected the correct path.

According to Capuano told the stakeholders At the highest, which took place on April 8-10 in Las Vegas, that Marriott wouldn’t hesitate to create a chance for everyone who crossed the corporate’s door, whatever the political pressure of the White House.

“The winds blow, but there are some basic truths for these 98 years,” Capuano told the audience. “Welcome to everyone in our hotels and create opportunities for everyone – and they will never change in principle. The words can change, but that’s what we are as a company.”

https://twitter.com/arevamartin/status/191475286650743400?s=19

Within 24 hours of his comments, he received a litany of emails from the corporate’s most significant resources: its employees, and furthermore, over 40,000 messages thanked him for coping with diversity, equality and inclusion, because they were also the values ​​during which they believed.

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Marriott, which employs over 800,000 people around the globe, was consistently placed on the list of “best companies for work”, this 12 months the hotel network took eighth place on the list and as a consequence of its strong commitment to its employees, 90% of the worker retention index within the industry, which has a mean of 57% retention index.

According to comments, Capuano represent a position Diversity, justice and integration are usually not a social programFlooding that has been supporting the White House and other Republican countries for several years. Instead, it is an element of the corporate’s operational infrastructure, and the consistency between what the corporate says and creates a culture of consistency.

Indeed, in line with Great Place is Work, jobs with great trust on the a part of their employees They often outweigh the competition by almost 4 times. Companies for their 100 best firms also exchange their results on the stock exchange greater than thrice; This signifies that the trust of employees, as attributable to Marriott, translates directly into profitability.

According to Michael C. Bush, the General Director of the Great Place to Work: “The 100 best companies have built the foundation of employees’ trust, that it drives performance in all areas of their activities – not only in some areas, and not only for some people. They are more profitable and productive because they have consistently positive professional experience, lower firing indicators and higher levels of psychological and emotional health compared to typical jobs. “

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He continued: “These leaders be certain that that every one employees have the opportunity of special recognition and be certain that that they imagine that what they do, they’ve meaning as people in the primary place, and the employees second. They built organizations during which transparency, well -being and high level of cooperation are foundations. interested parties.

Related content: Justification for a thoughtful approach to Dei: Taking a mistaken belief and reality

(Tagstranslat) diversity

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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