Kamau and Associates. Since 2003 - The World's 1st Blog for Black & Minority Business
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
THE NATION'S LARGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN HOSPITAL PARTNERS WITH SUGAR'S BABIES TO DISTINGUISH THEIR NURSERY
Washington, DC - With more than six hospitals within a 10 mile radius, Howard University Hospital felt the growing pressure of the competition and the need to distinguish itself from the others. As if being the nation's largest African American hospital was not distinctive enough, they contracted Sugar's Babies, LLC to create a special Baby's BIRTHday gift. Sugar's Babies LLC is the only African American family owned and operated business that specializes in nursery decor and accessories celebrating children of color.Sugar's Babies (SB) was asked to assist in upgrading the linen used in the pediatric nursery and to provide a keepsake commemorating the babies BIRTHday. Davene White, a registered nurse and clinical instructor for the Department of Pediatrics at Howard University Hospital, spearheaded the effort. "Since the majority of our patients are people of color, we think culturally sensitive products show true appreciation," she said. Besides, these products are so cute.
The hospital purchased high quality flannel blankets for their nursery, and each new mom will be given a SB Receiving Blanket and tee shirt both with Sugar's Babies signature Snoozing Baby design and the statement, Special Delivery by Howard University Hospital. More than 500 infants will receive the special birthday gifts this year. Sugar's Babies CEO, Fern E. Johnson said, "We are really excited to partner with Howard University, which is such a staple in our community. Their dedication to quality service is consistent with ours."
For 138 years, Howard University Hospital has existed and participated in innovative clinical medicine. Founded as Freedmen's Hospital in 1862, its initial purpose was to provide health care for newly freed slaves at a time when African Americans faced tremendous barriers to attaining quality health care. Howard University Hospital is the only African American academic and comprehensive health care center in the country. Thus, Howard University Hospital exerts a dramatic impact on Washington, DC and the nation.
Sugar's Babies, LLC manufactures nursery décor that esteems babies as early as possible. Products include 4-piece crib bedding sets, onesies, photo albums, receiving blankets, lamps, infant caps, bibs, and gift sets all depicting beautiful images of children of color. Sugar s Babies products are available for retail purchase at www.SugarSBabies.com
URBAN MOVIE MAKERS FIGHT CRIME BY SHOOTING GUN LORDZ
New York, NY - Taking a bold stand against gun-violence, with the support of several celebrities, Gigagroove Productions (Producers) is shooting the first "official antigun violence movie", called Gun Lordz. The movie is presently in preproduction (in New York) while shooting of this 90 minute feature begins on August 12, 2004. Gun Lordz is about a group of hardworking friends that have the opportunity to take on the local gun runner and gangster. But they are faced with several moral and ethical challenges that they never expected.Scriptwriter, J. Curry, states that the powerful message in Gun Lordz will resonate throughout many communities, but especially urban and poorer communities where gun violence is a daily occurrence. "Gun violence is increasing at alarming rates in America and indeed the world; urban communities must be more proactive in order to lessen the growing amounts of gun violence, particularly violence from our teens. Rather than glorify guns, we decided to make a movie that simultaneously entertains viewers while spreading a strong message to youth and adults alike! As a survivor of violent attacks, I take this matter seriously."
In addition to having a stellar cast (actors who have appeared in most networks), music on the Gun Lordz soundtrack is a unique blend of Classical, Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Hip Hop, Junkanoo, Reggae, R&B, Rock and Salsa will be featured. The soundtrack is purposefully a mix of various forms of music to expand the listening horizons of several demographics, from Hip Hop heads, to their parents. At present, a Grammy Award winner is negotiating with the Gun Lordz producers, and music industry notable F. Grant (who has worked with Mariah Carey, J. Lo, etc.) are involved. Amazingly, The Hiroki Violinists, often featured at the United Nations, White House (Washington) and around the world, will have songs featured in the Gun Lordz Soundtrack. These classical violinists will add their well-known touch during post-production, which begins in November, 2004. The fight scenes will be choreographed by the legendary martial arts Grand Master Ron Van Clief, well known for his movie, television appearances around the world.
M. Baptis, Co-Executive Producer of Gun Lordz, stated recently during an interview, "If positive people and business entities do not start to support positive movie releases, none of us can complain when the rate of gun violence increases exponentially. I have seen enough gun violence in my community, so decided to put my money where my mouth was." J. Curry stated, of course, we want Gun Lordz to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in profit, but just as importantly, we seek to spread the message that gun violence is not the answer to our world's present problems. The American Gun Lordz movie premiere is slated for April 21, 2005 in New York City with DVD and television releases to follow. Gun Lordz will be released in the following languages: Arabic, Creole, Dravidian, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Spanish, Swahali, Vietnamese and Zulu.
WHY AFRICAN-AMERICANS SHOULD CONSIDER HAVING A LIFE COACH
Atlanta, GA - Do you know people who have goals, yet never seem to reach them? Do you know people who make good money, yet don't feel they are on a firm path to financial independence? Do you know anyone who is in a career or job that would like to make a change, but feels stuck? Life coaching is one of the fastest growing professions today because coaching focuses on results and goal attainment.Life coaches assist people who are stuck, to get unstuck and to start to feel empowered in their lives. Life coaches, unlike therapists, primarily are concerned with the present and the relationship amongst thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Life coaching takes place primarily over the telephone where, in the majority of interactions, client and coach never meet. Despite this many coaches have international client rosters. On average, life coaches charge between $250 - $495.00 per month for two to four 30 minute phone calls. Most personal coaching interactions run from three to six months in duration.
Coaches support clients in building stronger personal foundations for their lives. Coaches relate to clients holistically. Coaches help restore integrity, get personal needs met, extend boundaries, raise standards, and help clients to become problem-free zones. Coaching involves aligning what the client does with whom he or she is, by simplifying life, creating reserves, and staying attractive.
Dr. Michael Imani, an African-American life coach, can illustrate in five minutes how one can begin to feel more positive, be closer to reaching life goals, and be on the way to peace of mind. Dr. Imani addresses work-life issues from a culturally-aware perspective.
Dr. Michael Imani has a Ph.D. in Clinical Hypnosis, is board-certified by the American Board of Hypnotherapy, is a registered coach at Coach University, and currently practices in Atlanta, Georgia. His reputation has earned him a title that no other life coach can assume - "Black America's Personal Life Coach".
Interested ones can contact Dr. Imani at 404-880-9856 or at michaelimani2@hotmail.com
BRINGING BACK THE $600 BILLION: THE BLACK WALL STREET NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Durham, NC - Historic Durham, North Carolina will the site for the first annual Black Wall Street National Conference. The Black Wall Street National Conference will bring together a diverse and unique national array of African American business people, government officials and conscious citizens, for the purpose of reviving the great legacy known as BLACK WALL STREET. Business leaders such as: J. Alexander Martin, Executive VP of FUBU The Collection, former NFL player Donnell Thompson, Marriott Hotels franchise Owner/President, Fortune magazine writer Cora Daniels and others, will come together to share their insights and expertise.There were many Black Wall Streets throughout the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries---with Durham, North Carolina and Tulsa, Oklahoma being the most famous. These professional, prosperous business districts were self-maintained and supported by African Americans and other communities. Boley, OK; Jacksonville, FL; Detroit, MI; and Memphis, TN were some of the other Black Wall Street locations.
Now in the 21st century, there are more African American businesses and millionaires than ever before. The African American consumer spends over $600 billion annually, yet unlike the past, the majority of these dollars are spent outside of their own communities. The Black Wall Street National Conference will create opportunities for extensive networking and deal making, between all segments of the African American business community---the ultimate consumer.
Highlights of the Black Wall Street National Conference will be: The African American Department Store, where the merchandise will have been produced and/or distributed by Black-owned companies. The Department Store will be opened free to the general public, to maximize conference vendor's sales and exposure.
The Workshops/Seminars are diverse in subject matter, from the "Youthpreneurs: The New Millionaires" to "Over 40 and Starting a Business".
The Boardroom Meetings are designed for manufacturers and service providers of African American products to make presentations to a targeted audience. They can pitch their services and products to potential clients, and "seal the deal" in the private boardroom setting.
The Sankofa Awards Luncheon, BWSNC will be honoring persons who have made outstanding achievements and contributions. (Sankofa: "Learning from the past and building for the future")
The "Bringing Back the $600 Billion" Forum, will address the economic power African Americans possess, and The BWSNC National Plan will be presented on how this multi-billion dollar power will be redirected into African American communities across America.
The Black Wall Street National Conference will be held Friday July 30 - Monday August 2, 2004, in Durham, North Carolina. HBCU North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and Hayti Heritage Center, all historic landmarks of Durham, North Carolina's Black Wall Street past and present, are conference sponsors. Downtown Durham, Inc. will be offering a tour of Durham's historic Parrish Street, that Booker T. Washington declared a "Black Wall Street".
To register for BWSNC, visit: www.BWSNC.Homestead.com or call (919) 620-9941 for more information
Monday, June 28, 2004
NAACP AWARDS 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award to Civil Rights Activist Dick Gregory
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) President, Kweisi Mfume has named Comedian and Civil Rights Activist Dick Gregory as this year's Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. Gregory will receive the award during the 95th NAACP National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . The Lifetime Achievement award is one of the NAACP's highest honors. NAACP President & CEO Kweisi Mfume, stated: "Dick Gregory has used his considerable wit and humor to open the hearts and minds of men and women across the nation to racial harmony and tolerance. From ensuring that activists attempting to register voters were not starved off their post by the Mississippi government withholding federal food surpluses to participating in sit-ins and marches, his achievements in the area of civil rights have been both numerous and significant. The entire NAACP family proudly honors Gregory and thanks him for all he has done to advance the cause of ensuring the civil rights and civil liberties of all people."40th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and the EEOC
This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. On June 19, 1964 , after the longest debate in its nearly 180-year history, the U.S. Senate passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On July 2, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the bill into law. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination in a broad array of private conduct including public accommodations, governmental services and education. One section of the Act, referred to as Title VII, prohibits employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion and national origin. Title VII applies to private employers, labor unions and employment agencies. The Act prohibits discrimination in recruitment, hiring, wages, assignment, promotions, benefits, discipline, discharge, layoffs and almost every aspect of employment. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also creates the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a five-member, bipartisan commission whose mission is to eliminate unlawful employment discrimination. The EEOC was opened on July 2, 1965 -- one year after Title VII's enactment into law.Cuisine Entrepreneur Wiley Mullins says Ancestors’ 150 year old diet is key to improved African American health
Alex Haley's Roots gave the world enlightened exposure to Black history, but this great epic didn't reveal perhaps the slaves most valuable contribution - their diet! That's why the Juneteenth holiday (June 19, 2004) has been designated as the day to launch a year long national effort to educate Americans about the importance of a healthy diet. Most Americans are perhaps unaware that the slaves were possibly the healthiest Americans that ever lived! They ate primarily a garden-grown diet of fresh vegetables; root crops like potatoes and turnips, and occasionally fish. With the exception of some limited root and bark teas, water was their sole beverage. Given this, the slaves approach to eating and consumption warrants immediate consideration particularly given the current declining health status of today's Black community. Today's typical African-American diet contains plenty of fatty, high caloric, and sugary foods - far different than the slaves' diet of less than 150 years ago. "The way many African-Americans look now bears little to no resemblance to their slave ancestors," says Wiley Mullins, founder of Uncle Wiley's Specialty Foods, Inc. and author of the soon to be released book The Unopened Gift about the nutritional legacy of slavery. According to Mullins, "slaves were lean, agile, and their bodies were for-the- most-part void of chronic illness and pain. Adapting our diet to a diet similar to that of our slave ancestors is certainly more healthful. It would improve the quality of our lives and could possibly save or extend our lives.” For years, Mullins wondered how the slaves were able to endure the scorching heat of his native south especially during the "dog days" of summer when daily temperatures typically exceed 95 degrees and the humidity often approaches 100%. His curiosity led him to his new book, "The Unopened Gift" because up to this point in history no one had shared slave survival techniques that were responsible for their enduring health, continued stamina, and longevity. The book, is targeted for release in the Fall 2004. For more information on getting a copy of the book, contact: Wiley Mullins by calling (203) 259-1084 or by sending e-mail to: wiley@unclewileys.com.Tour of Success presents Spike Lee, George Fraser in Philadelphia,
Tour of Success presents Spike Lee, George Fraser in Philadelphia, PA – July 10, 2004---The Business Exchange: 2004 Tour for Success presented by Volvo Cars of North America and produced by the Global Diversity Group travels to Philadelphia for a July 10 event with Spike Lee and networking guru George Fraser. The Tour for Success brings free seminars, workshops and networking opportunities to emerging minority entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. The event begins at 9 a.m. (registration opens at 8 a.m.) with free interactive workshops focusing on key business issues and trends including: "Winning at the Contract Game”, "Marketing Your Way To Success” and "Gaining the Competitive Edge via Technology," There are also workshop tracks focusing on issues that concern mature businesses as well as Business Basics workshops for startups. The workshops, Success Story Session and Luncheon with George Fraser are FREE and open to the public, but registration is required. Tickets are also available for the Economic Empowerment Networking Reception. To register, go to www.mpbnetwork.com or by calling 1.888.265.6480. After you register, send your name and email to info@unityfirst.com and register to win two free tickets to the Empowerment Networking Reception.Sugar's Babies Wins African American MBA Venture Competition at Wharton
Sugar's Babies, an African-American family owned business, wins the business plan competition at #1 business school. The event was held by AAMBA (African-American MBA Association) at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 27th 2004--Sugar’s Babies, LLC, a maker of nursery décor and accessories that celebrate children of color, won first prize in the New Venture competition at the 30th annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference held by the Wharton School of Business African-American MBA Association on December 6, 2003.
As the Wharton School boasts a history of nurturing business ideas from inception through launch and growth, the New Venture competition focuses on early-stage ventures and searches for business ideas that will contribute socially and economically to urban communities. A total of $15,000 is awarded to the finalists.
Three finalists out of more than 30 applicants were selected to make an oral presentation to a panel of professors, venture capitalists and business owners. In addition to Sugar’s Babies, the other finalists were the Golf Training Zone, an indoor/outdoor golf training facility, and Baobab Tree Project, an enrichment program for 10-15 years olds.
Founder and CEO of Sugar’s Babies, Fern Johnson said, “I was really impressed with all of the finalists. We were really blessed to come out on top. Wharton and the African American MBA Association are doing good thing.”
Sugar’s Babies products include 4-piece crib bedding sets, onesies, photo albums, receiving blankets, lamps, infant caps, bibs, and gift sets all depicting images of children of color. Sugar’s Babies’ products are available for purchase at www.SugarSBabies.com.
The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference is an annual conference held at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, the number one ranked business school in the country. The Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial annual conference began in 1973, when four students established the program in memory of the former executive director of the National Urban League. The convocation has evolved from a half-day lecture series to one of the largest student-run business conferences in the country attended this year by leaders such as Black Entertainment Television chief executive Robert Johnson , author and activist Michael Eric Dyson , Delores Tucker of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc., and Philadelphia mayor John Street.
For more information on Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference:
Web: http://wmy.wharton.upenn.edu
For more information on Sugar’s Babies, LLC:
Contact: W. Hasani Johnson, VP Sales and Marketing
Ph: 877.679.3389 (toll free) or 202.905.7320
Web: http://www.SugarSBabies.com
Email: hasanij@SugarSBabies.com or info@SugarSBabies.com
SBA Discrimination Suit Proceeds Against SBIC Program - Black Firm Presses For Unprecedented Change
ATLANTA , GA (PRWEB) June 25, 2004 Diamond Ventures, a majority black venture capital firm is suing SBA for discrmination in its SBIC program. SBA has 450 licensees and none are black and less than five are women and minority. The inspector genral found bias in the application process.Diamond Ventures, an Atlanta-based venture capital firm with majority black management, announced that its discrimination lawsuit against the Small Business Administration in the District Court of Washington, D.C. is preceding.
The suit filed in August 2003 alleges bias in the SBA selection process and prejudice in its application policies and procedures towards minority applicants in the SBIC program. This program licenses management teams to offer risk capital with private money raised and low cost funds borrowed from SBA to finance new, existing, and expanding businesses.
District Judge Gladys Kessler recently set a schedule for advancing the litigation including timetables for discovery of evidence, obtaining witness testimony, and other key matters. C. Earl Peek, Managing Partner of Diamond, addressing the merits of the case said “SBA has licensed few firms with minority management . In total less than 5% of the existing 450 SBIC’s are Black, Hispanic, Women, Native Indian, or Asians in total.” Harry Haskins, deputy associate administrator admitted “The number is not as high as we would like it to be”.
SBA need only look internally to find the answers. SBA funded a research report in 1994 entitled “Is SBA A Racist Institution”, by Dr. Timothy Bates. Bates noted that “SBA administered the now defunct Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment Company Program (“MESBIC”) poorly, requested funding from Congress at smaller than needed levels to meet its commitment to the program, frequently changed administrators, implemented legislation to reform the program and other acts of racism”.
Bated found that from 1970 and the next 10 years, SBA licensed 141 MESBICS in which 65 had been declared insolvent by 1994 and forced into liquidation by SBA, 44 abandoned their charters, and 32 continued to operate at minimum levels with little if any capital. The 109 MESBICs licensed that went under were 77% of the total program. Peek said, “This is not the American Dream-it’s a minority nightmare”.
Bates should know something, he has studied SBA since 1970, and recently co-authored a report Minorities in Venture Capital-A New Wave in American Business, funded by the Kauffman Foundation. He studied 24 venture funds nationally and demonstrated that minority focused venture funds are successful with a median rate of return of 19.5%. Oddly, the report had no SBIC’s in the survey. Diamond Ventures, which has a management team with more than 70 years of combined experience has completed over 1,000 financings including 50 investments with a return of over 400% while other SBIC’s, per SBA reports, have averaged a 9.28% return for the last 15 years.
In February 2003 Jeff Pierson, Associate Administrator for the SBA’s Investment Division denied the application stating that the team lacked “qualifications and ability to operate a Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) and SBA has “significant concerns” with Diamond Venture’s investment philosophy of investing in Blacks, Asians, Women, Hispanics, and Native Indians. Peek noted, “Those statements are a pretext for discrimination.” Public reports show:
“No matter what the outcome is regarding Diamond Ventures, SBA will need to address the serious disparity and availability of risk capital financing to minorities and women and in inner-city, underserved, and rural areas” Peek added.
Photo Caption: C. Earl Peek and Lonnie A. Saboor (Diamond Ventures) with Former Senior Vice-President Roger Bower of RBC Tucker Federal after its first commitment to the venture fund.
Contact Information:
Earl Peek
(404) 371-4200
(404) 285-6661-Cell
epeek@diamondventuresllc.com
