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Bill Withers’ music career offers business lessons to lean on in difficult times

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Bill Withers


When songwriter and musician Bill Withers died on April 32020 caused a wave of respect and admiration. And no wonder. Withers’ musical legacy features a string of hits which have resonated across generations, races, religions, genres and geographic boundaries, including 1972’s “Lean On Me,” whose director Tyler Perry and others clearly called out those difficult, socially distanced days .

Much less known than Withers’ beautiful music is the story of his career, which provided him with lifelong financial freedom and the flexibility to live on his own terms until his death on the age of 81.

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Songs like “Lovely Day” and “Just the Two of Us” helped put Withers in the Rock and Roll Songwriters Hall of Fame. But the lessons learned from his music career are as timeless and relevant today as ever.

Luck favors exertions, the self-employed and the self-taught

You haven’t got to have access or the most effective education to get ahead. You have to be hungry and willing to work hard. Withers never had any formal musical training; he had a natural talent, a real passion, and a desire to learn whatever he could, in any way he could.

He grew up because the youngest of six children in Slab Fork, West Virginia, a poor mining town marked by Jim Crow racism and native music, mainly country and gospel. He was born with a stutter, which he fastidiously managed to eliminate while serving in the Navy. While working in a California aircraft parts factory, after getting back from the Vietnam War, Withers bought a used guitar at a pawn shop and taught himself how to play. He began writing songs between shifts on the factory. The goal wasn’t fame, he told journalist Andy Greene in a 2015 profile in . “It was about survival.”

Rejection is a component of the method. Just keep going.

By 1970, Withers had scraped together enough of his hourly wage to self-finance a crude demo and sell it to major labels without success. But meeting Clarence Avant, now generally known as the Black Godfather, modified the whole lot. Avant signed Withers to his newly formed independent label Sussex, teamed up with producer Booker T. Jones, and in just a couple of days they accomplished his 1971 debut album. They included two hits which have survived to at the present time – “Grandma’s Hands” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” performed by artists starting from Michael Jackson to Ladysmith Black Mambazo and heavy metal band Black Label Society. The song even has its own Wikipedia page. “There aren’t a few songs I’ve written in my short career, and there isn’t a genre in which someone hasn’t recorded them,” he said. “I’m not a virtuoso, but I managed to write songs that people could identify with.”

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Stay humble. And keep your day job.

The photo for Withers’ first album cover was taken during his lunch break at work at Weber Aircraft. “Because I didn’t want to take time off,” he explained in an interview on CBS This Morning in 2015. “So I’m standing in the doorway with my real lunch box!” Withers never quit the job. He was fired just before the album’s release, and when the corporate tried to rehire him, he was also invited to perform.

Reinvest in your business and long-term financial stability.

Withers took a few of his earnings and purchased a piano. While he was learning to play a brand new instrument again, sooner or later he began tinkering with some easy chord progressions. The result was the hit “Lean on Me,” which became the centerpiece of his second album and stays a beloved anthem of friendship and unity in times of world crisis.

Stay true to yourself!

In the start, Withers all the time did his own thing and his own way. He never hired a manager, produced his own songs (music and lyrics), wrote his own notes and designed his own album covers. At Sussex he had full creative control over his music, but after Avant went bankrupt in 1975, Withers signed a five-album contract with Columbia, and the experience ruined him in business.

“I met my A&R guy, and the first thing he said to me was, ‘I don’t like your music or any black music, period,’” Withers recalled in a 2015 article. “I’m proud of myself for not hitting him.” When he fulfilled his obligations to Columbia in 1985, he left the corporate. And he could have, because he would go on to earn about half of each dollar he produced from his songs for the remaining of his life.

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Never stop growing – or knowing who to trust.

Withers’ first marriage to Denise Nicholas was notoriously unhappy and rumored to be abusive, but Withers went on to marry Marcia Johnson, whom he met in 1976 at a Gil Scott Heron concert. Marcia Withers, married for 44 years until her death, managed her husband’s publishing for years and was instrumental in the lucrative placement of his songs in countless movies, television shows and other media. “We are a mom and pop store,” he said. “She is my only overseer. I’m lucky I married a woman with an MBA.”


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson are finalizing the divorce, but there is one disputes about their daughter

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While Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson finalized their divorce, the former couple still has to straighten the dispute over their four-year-old daughter, Juno.

In accordance with legal documents obtained by TMZ AND People magazineThe 38-year-old actress and 46-year-old actor finalized the conditions of divorce, but they are still developing a plan for their daughter’s learning.

There was a pair agreed that Ałun “Dawson’s Creek” would pay 2,787 USD for maintenance and a lump sum as a substitute of monthly marriage support, they gave points. However, they still have to seek out out who could have the final saying, deciding where their daughter goes to highschool.

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In court documents, in line with the stores, the star “Queen & Slim” said that she and Jackson participated in the whole day of mediation with the judge in May 2024 to resolve “Problems of temporary care” for the school 12 months in 2024–25. She was Dana, who divides the care of 50-50, determined that Turner-Smith would find a way to choose where Juno went to highschool. Now the mother claims that Jackson is pushing this detailed detail, even after she worked on finding the right school for their daughter for next 12 months.

“I have a clear right to choose a school in the best interest of Juno, and Josh refuses to comply with the conditions of the decision and order and deprives me of the right to choose school,” said Turner-Smith in court documents, for people’s warehouse.

He also asks for $ 75,000 in a lawyer fees in reference to the school misunderstandings.

The settlement and the latest divorce proceedings appear after Turner-Smith submitted a divorce application in October 2023, after 4 years of marriage. Jackson and Turner-Smith, who met at the party in 2018, married in August 2019 and welcomed their daughter in April 2020.

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In October 2024, Turner-Smith suggested her evolving “complicated” relationship of interdependence with Jackson in the profile for Glamor magazine.

“This is a period of correction for everyone when he separated with someone because you are used to being with your child all the time,” she said. “But no one gives you instructions. Everyone is trying to figure it out.”

Jodie Turner-Smith opens with a divorce with Joshua Jackson

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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7 black orgs with which you can connect for a month of volunteering

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April is taken into account a month of volunteering, however it is all the time a good time to remind people of the strong impact of social service. Volunteering for organizations which are in favor of sensitive demographies and reflect to those in need, enables community and contributes to non-public development. It can even be satisfying. Black company He identified seven organizations with which a volunteer and support.

Naacp

The National Association of Progress of Colorful People will not be just a group of civil rights. When it involves organizations with experience within the fight against system racism, NAACP was within the trenches for longer than most of us lived. Their history and influence are quite unusual when to give it some thought. From 1909 NAACP is a power organization It fights a good fight for equality on all fronts: political, educational, social and economic. NAACP encourages members to grow to be hands to complement black communities and strengthen the “voice of Black America”, especially in the sector of voting, policy and racial justice. The commitment is straightforward. Visit NaACP and Connect to chapters in your area.

Loveland foundation

The Loveland foundation consists in strengthening the position of black women and girls, helping them gain access to therapy after they need it. The Loveland Foundation understands that mental well -being is essential and sometimes insufficient resource in black communities. Foundation enters with financial supportSo mental health services should not out of reach. To change something, volunteers can help raise funds, throw on events or increase the digital presence of the organization. Go to the web site of the Loveland Foundation start.

Black voters matter

Look, the rights to vote remain as a way to attack the black and brown communities. The commitment will not be only about politics, it’s about opposing democracy itself. And it matters to all of us.

Black voters are fighting to extend political force in black communities throughout the country. The organization actively organizes voter aid programs, conducts educational initiatives and is in favor of changes in which this is vital. Black voters have the importance of initiatives throughout the election season, but her work never ends. The organization is in trenches all 12 months round, because democracy is full -time work. Join the movement, going to the Black Voters Matter website and register. It’s so easy.

Sister

Sisterreach is a company specializing in reproductive and sexual justice, and supports the laws of black women, women in color and LGBTQia+people. This Tennessee organization conducted by a black woman bends into health education, spokeswoman in the sector of vigilant rights and is dedicated to the extensive range of community all year long. By contributing to a significant reason, volunteers be sure that bodily autonomy and justice within the case of underestimated populations will still be human right. Those interested who’re consistent with maintaining women’s rights and who wish to play an lively role within the Sisterreach mission can do it Volunting to numerous social events or spokeswoman campaigns with the organization.

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Dream defenders

Dream Defenders is a dynamic collective of young, passionate individuals who fight for social justice in black communities. The Dream Defenders mission is deeply rooted within the Heritage of Trayvon Martin, reminding us of all the things that the voices of young people should not only vital, they’re crucial. The organization tirelessly in favor of transformational police reform, a fair housing policy and increased educational opportunities. The involvement of the Defenders of Dreams in activism knows no bounds. The organization collects all year long for changes. You can join the movement Volunteer shoes on Earth in your area or in a distant capability.

Black men are healing themselves

Unfortunately, the shadow of the stigma of mental health results from many communities, and the obstacles that make access difficult are deep. Both emphasize the critical have to support and understand in our communities, especially around black men. Black Men Heal is a company of mental health dealing with satisfying the needs of these services for black men. The organization provides invaluable resources, reminiscent of free therapy sessions and community involvement. In the guts of black men heals a mission, lies a constant demand for volunteers. These willing to assist Via the Black Men Heal website.

National Black Food & Justice Alliance

Food and soil mean greater than bizarre resources; They personify power and function vital instruments within the pursuit of liberation. The National Black Food & Justice Alliance is a coalition of black -headed organizations ruthlessly striving for the sovereignty of food and justice within the use of land. The organization approaches agriculture, activism and politics, attempting to make a change. For those that want strengthen agricultural initiatives or contribute to spokesman’s effortsBrowse the probabilities at Blackfoodjustice.org.

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This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com
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Black Mother’s Day gifts that say “thank you, mother”

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If we actually know one thing, then black moms, grandmothers, aunts and ladies who raised us deserve the world or not less than gifts that are approaching. From remaining moisturized on a regular basis (yes, even elbows), to stopping the family with faith, strength and a bit of side eye, they taught us that love is intimately. This 12 months, skip the overall candles and show her that you actually see her with gifts made by us and for us. And listen, if a number of items appear fashionable, just know that Mother’s Day is de facto a mother’s month for our moms. Trust, he’ll still feel love, even whether it is a number of days after May 11.

Handmade honey

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(Photo: Oyin Handmade)

One thing about black moms, aunts and grandmothers is that they do not play about moisturizing. From cocoa butter to petroleum jelly, add to your mother’s moisturizing mission Oyin handmade “Pudding beaten”, a natural cream wealthy in Shea and Aloe, which offers moisture from head to toe (it may even be used on hair).

Brown Sugar Babe gift set

Black ovning mother's day gifts, ideas for gifts for Mother's Day, ideas for mum gifts, guide to mother's day gifts, black brands for mom, black ideas for gifts thegrio.com
(Photo courtesy of Brown Sugar Babe)

Everyone knows about perfumes, but help your favorite maternal character to boost your fragrance with fragrant smelling oils Brown Sugar Babes. These luxurious oils with forecast in black fishing are designed to make sure fragrant self -care for on a regular basis life. Brown Sugar Babe gift set It has something for each fragrance profile, from warm vanilla to fresh flowers to the stuffy rotation of the viral “Baccarat Rouge 540”.

Gabrielle Union values ​​expressing himself while raising his daughter:

Sweet July

Black ovning mother's day gifts, ideas for gifts for Mother's Day, ideas for mum gifts, guide to mother's day gifts, black brands for mom, black ideas for gifts thegrio.com
(Photo: Sweet July)

Sweet leather lipia set This is a 3 -stage skincare ritual from Curry Ayesh, which brings balance, hydration and glow (without all additional ones). It is a full-size trio, toner and face oil, made with clean, effective ingredients and rooted in simplicity and culture-toner and face oil-just what it deserves: luxury and results without confusion.

And the very best part is that this Also available on Amazon!

McBride Sisters wine

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Black ovning mother's day gifts, ideas for gifts for Mother's Day, ideas for mum gifts, guide to mother's day gifts, black brands for mom, black ideas for gifts thegrio.com
(Photo: McBride Sisters wine)

The largest wine-black company within the USA, McBride sisters Know something about an excellent lagoon. Lot wine or chosen gift set can simply make you a favourite child.

A black woman on a mission

Black ovning mother's day gifts, ideas for gifts for Mother's Day, ideas for mum gifts, guide to mother's day gifts, black brands for mom, black ideas for gifts thegrio.com
(Photo: black woman on a mission)

By offering clothing, cups, travel sets and bags, this lifestyle line speaks on to the spirit of the drive and the divine goal. Whether he manages meetings or movements, Black Woman on a missionSongs are on a regular basis confirmation that it shouldn’t be only busy, she is on a mission and appears good.

Kimith Activewear

Black ovning mother's day gifts, ideas for gifts for Mother's Day, ideas for mum gifts, guide to mother's day gifts, black brands for mom, black ideas for gifts thegrio.com
(Photo: Kimith)

Kimith It is a brand Athleisure for us, by us (versus other popular brands). Regardless of whether he’s a fitness enthusiast or simply likes to be cozy and flying while coping with matters, Kimith offers quite a few sports elements for all body styles and kinds. Inspired by the mother, the founder Kimith says that the brand has a mission to boost awareness about stopping heart disease through a holistic lens that covers the mind, body and spirit.

Watch: MOMs actually helps mothers to regain their identity

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This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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