Business

We are nearing the end of a historic election year, in the middle of a pandemic and people are losing jobs left and right. African Americans have been among the hardest hit, many not having “nest eggs” or savings to get them through these critical times, and when things began to normalize again – or as close as we can get to it -- smarter money management skills will be high on the priority list.

As students prepare to head back to school, some families are concerned they will not have the technology needed to help their children succeed in virtual or distance learning. Specifically, in the African American community, many students have not engaged as much in the virtual learning landscape, as we have relied on brick-and-mortar institutions.

The word they use is "negotiating," but it is more fitting to flat out call it what it is --fighting -- as Democrats and Republicans are trying to reach a decision on what to do about unemployment benefits during this pandemic.

"Right now, we as Black people need to get us an agenda and we need to discuss all of these disparities that we have in the Black community; education, healthcare and clinics, employment, parks for the youth, food, housing, economic development and the list goes on and on," Georgia Provost said.

H-E-B Vice President of Operations Terry Williams had double pneumonia, was extremely tired and hallucinating from drugs and fever when his father came into his room and told him two simple words, "Get up." And just like any obedient son, he did.

Youtube celebrity and Socialite Mink Lash owner Ariell Ash will be hosting a free interactive beauty workshop to “Makeover Racism.”

Lone Star College-Houston North and Comcast’s Houston Region have announced a business partnership to provide free internet access to approximately 200 LSC-Houston North students and families in need. The new agreement will ensure these students can continue their education through the school’s distance learning offerings as many in-person options are on hiatus.

In this day of "a change is gonna come," businesses are finally starting to take ownership of the racial stereotypes of which some of them have been operating. It is now time to say goodbye to "Aunt Jemima" and "Uncle Ben."

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the second phase of the State of Texas' ongoing plan to safely and strategically re-open while minimizing the spread of COVID-19. Under Phase II, restaurants may increase their occupancy to 50% and additional services and activities that remained closed under Phase I may open with restricted occupancy levels and minimum standard health protocols laid out by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

In 1953, Ebony magazine reported there were 3,000 black-owned funeral parlors across the country, and last year, that number had decreased to about 1,200, with nearly a dozen remaining across the Houston area. Many African Americans continue to rely on the comfort and security from familiar faces when it comes to burying their loved ones, especially during the COVID-19/ coronavirus global pandemic.

By: N.L. Preston HOUSTON – It is commonly said that journalists work on passion; working around the clock as the truth tellers bringing you the daily updates during the floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, battlefields of war and, as with today, health crises. And oftentimes, these dedicated journalists are putting themselves in the elements and on

Philanthropist, entrepreneur and fashion designer, Tina Knowles Lawson, has created the #IDIDMYPART campaign to encourage residents in her beloved home city of Houston to get tested in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that African American communities have an escalated rate of infections and fatalities, Knowles Lawson is pleading to Houston residents to know their status in an urgent appeal to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Nothing brings a smile to a person's face more than a cool taste of ice cream, and no one understands that more than a child -- so one local first-grader is doing her best to spread the love!

With the spread of Coronavirus, people are being asked to choose between their livelihoods and their very lives. Businesses are pairing down to "skeleton crews," keeping just enough workers on board to get by and doubling remaining employees' duties. Never before have we realized just how interconnected we all are in our quest for survival.

As we all know Covid-19 is an unprecedented event that is affecting everyone around the world. Dr. Fatima Ogunlana has compiled a list of the ways you can possibly see your doctor during your state’s stay-at-home orders to abide with social distancing and to assist in flattening the curve.

With the panic of food shortages and the still questionable race to stock up on toilet paper sweeping the nation, H-E-B's Scott McClelland wants to reassure Texans that there are enough supplies to help us get through our shelter-in-place and social distancing initiatives as we all safely strive to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the threat of coronavirus impacts our communities, H-E-B is sure of one thing: they will do their part to help Texans. H-E-B will make an initial $3 million commitment to support local organizations helping people most in need and working hard to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Unity National Bank of Houston NA (“Unity”), the only African American owned bank in Texas and one of only two African American owned banking institutions with a National Chartered Banking License, announced an on-going knowledge exchange partnership with Citi under the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Agent Mentor Protégé Program.

Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) has promoted Vanessa T. Reed to Regional External Affairs Manager, reporting to Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford Jr.

Audrey Gilbreath is owner of the largest and oldest African-American-owned integrated marketing agency in Houston. She founded Gilbreath Communications more than 29 years ago, and the company has steadily expanded its business and raised its profile — earning recognition over the years as one of Houston’s Fastest-Growing Small Businesses.

For one black Houston proprietor, the latter part of William Dunkelberg's statement, "increased focus on operating and growing their businesses" is becoming a challenge because he feels that the city he’s proudly supported over the years, is not supporting him.

BOO THANG' ALERT! As though the world didn’t already recognize the euphoric pairing of Netflix and a pint of Ben & Jerry’s… the two have made it official with a new original flavor.

The power of owning your business and having someone work for you, is a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment; and, for a race who has worked and slaved for someone for centuries, it’s a feeling of generational respect too.

As we embark on another year, we must focus on controlling more of what’s happening in our own communities, but how can you have any power, if you don’t own any property? Home ownership is more important than you think.

The power of owning your business and having someone work for you is a feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment; and, for a race who has worked and slaved for someone for centuries, it’s a feeling of generational respect, too.

Among our many upcoming New Year’s resolutions we will be promising ourselves at the beginning of next year, financial growth will surely be at the top of most of our lists. And with that, relocation and /or pursuing new business ventures and opportunities will be somewhere on that timeline.

Rapper Percy Miller, best known by his stage moniker “Master P,” has launched a new business venture into the food industry by announcing a brand of instant Ramen noodles with hip-hop flavor.

On Dec. 18, the MacGregor Market H-E-B opened its doors for the first time after nearly 11 months post-groundbreaking. Located at the corner of N. MacGregor Way and South Freeway (SH 288), the new supermarket replaces the previous neighborhood market located on Scott and Old Spanish Trail (OST).

Dallas native, Jihan Woods has made history after struggling to find a Santa Claus with the same skin color as her young twin boys. Woods, a psychiatrist, raised $5K in less than a month using Kickstarter to help develop her directory app, which lists Black Santas in over 35 states.

McDonald’s announced a new and easier way to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) with the launch of Round-Up for RMHC. The innovative technology introduces giving to the menu by providing customers the opportunity to Round-Up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar.

A handful of residential neighbors who filed a lawsuit against the Turkey Leg Hut (TLH) two weeks ago claiming smoke from the restaurant to be a public health hazard dropped their lawsuit Monday and requested an unconditional dismissal of the suit.

Unity National Bank of Houston, N.A. announced Dec.3 that Laurie Vignaud has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of the historic bank. Effective January 1, 2020, she will assume day-to-day leadership of the company and will also join Unity’s Board of Directors.

Airbnb joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Houston Dec. 3 to announce its newest regional partnership, designed to create economic empowerment opportunities for underserved communities.

l-r Day Edwards, The Church Space; Shehara Downing, Level Comm, LLC.; Chrishaunta Joseph, Hello PCOS By Megan Bryant HOUSTON (November 11, 2019) – Three aspiring entrepreneurs earned a vote of confidence and $10,000 in start-up capital on Saturday as the winners of the 2019 Liftoff Houston! Start-up Business Plan Competition. After roughly six months of

By Rebecca S. Jones HOUSTON – “My advice for the African-American community can go to anyone, but I do have a particular bond with single mothers… When it comes to earning an education, it depends much more on your persistence than anything else. I went to school with people that were very, very smart and

By Burnest Carter September 20, 2019 was a day to remember for Ayeshia Smith. Ayeshia Smith, a member of the Prairie View Chapter Top Teens of America, became the 2019 Homecoming Queen for Hempstead High School in Hempstead. Teen Ayeshia Smith is a 2020 graduating senior and the daughter of proud parent and grandparent, Ms.

MISSOURI CITY – MCTX City Manager Anthony J. Snipes has been selected by the National Academy of Public Administration (the Academy) for inclusion in its 2019 Class of Academy Fellows, in recognition of his years of public administration service and expertise. Induction of the 51 new Fellows will occur during the Academy’s annual Fall Meeting,

Photo credit: Priscilla Graham Photography By Rebecca S. Jones Introduction A connoisseur for hosting and producing extravagant and elaborate functions throughout Texas and well known for embracing multiculturalism before it was ever popular; Judy Foston-Stanford has developed an exceptional track record spanning over 30 years in the media, community, sales, marketing, public relations, advertising and

Photos courtesy of Deavra Daughtry By Rebecca S. Jones “As a child, growing up in Houston, I knew I was going to help people. My grandmother was of service to everybody. She would just give and give and give and it made a huge imprint on my heart. I started out in social work, but

By Rebecca S. Jones HOUSTON – Claude Cummings, Jr. was born and raised in Houston’s Kashmere Gardens. Since as early as he can remember, he has leant his voice to the community, Corporate America and the political world. For decades he has served as a conscious servant, who rightfully detests the ills, discriminations and prejudices

By: Chelsea Davis-Bibb HOUSTON – Born and raised in the Acres Homes community, Ms. Willie Elaine Hubbard Brooks wanted a way to give back to where she grew up. Inspired by her mother’s community activism and outstanding leadership in the Acres Homes community, Brooks founded the BenCheri’ Educational Center. It was her mother who encouraged

By TJ Baker Photo credit: Priscilla Graham Photography “Without Favor or Fear” is the journalist creed. So, Mr. Paris Eley, this is especially for you, because you asked that African American News & Issues, print professionally and not bull-sh-t!! African American News & Issues’ readers, I’m going to try my best to unconfuse you in

HOUSTON – The City of Houston, America’s fourth largest city has named CEO & Lead Strategist Jeri Brooks, founder of One World Strategy Group as Chairwoman of the Houston Permit Center (HPC) Advisory Board. The advisory board was created in 2012 to provide recommendations on areas of improvement to HPC leadership. In her new role,

  HOUSTON – Last month, the Acres Homes Chamber for Business & Economic Development held its Monthly Networking luncheon at the Beulah Ann Shepard building located at 6112 Wheatley, 77091. Burn’s BBQ served as the caterer and Mrs. Ann Harris Bennet of the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector & voter Registrar was the keynote speaker. Photo

HOUSTON – H-E-B is pleased to officially break ground on its new MacGregor Market located at the intersection of N. MacGregor Way and SH 288. The new, 90,000 sq. ft. store located in the Third Ward/Riverside community...

Nationwide — Oil industry veterans, Donald Glover and Harold Thomas, want black people to participate in the behind the scenes world of oil and gas by utilizing the power of Blockchain technology. African Americans are a large consumer of fossil fuels and low on the supply chain in terms of involvement and profit. Reserve Oil and Gas Coin (ROC) is an innovative project aimed to making an impact on that dynamic.

Nationwide — Latoya and Ernest created “The Profit Room” based on their individual success as investors and traders. They are well known for their transparency in showing profits and losses from their Live Day Trading Rooms.

Nationwide — Michelle Johnson (Amtu) is the CEO & Founder of Amtu Hair Art & Tools, a product design company which specializes in hair accessories and styling tools. Their latest and most exciting product, is the Hair Weight, which is their most recent patented styling tool invention for natural hair.

Malcolm X’s quote explains how adversity is the instrument for empowerment. New Millennial African-Americans are using personal adversities to aspire to entrepreneurship. African-Americans have social equality, but they do not have social equity.