SHOPPE BLACK

Brolly: Transforming African Auto Insurance with AI and Affordability

6 mins read

Brolly, founded by Bernard Baah, is an insurtech startup on a mission to revolutionize Africa’s auto insurance landscape.

Baah’s vision is simple yet profound: to empower Africans with accessible and affordable insurance solutions tailored to their needs. With the use of AI and a pioneering pay-as-you-go model, Brolly is transforming how drivers access and manage insurance.

In this interview, Baah shares insights into the challenges faced, the strategic vision driving Brolly’s success, and ambitious plans for expansion across the continent.

brolly

What inspired you to establish Brolly?

Fundamentally, I believe Africans have to be at the forefront of building solutions to African problems. Our best bet is to have our most qualified and experienced people going at the hardest problems whose solutions have the potential to impact millions of lives.

Insurance remains one of the most powerful human inventions to help people build economic resilience. But Africans are yet to enjoy the full benefits of insurance. After almost two decades of working at various levels in the insurance industry, Brolly is my life’s work to leverage my connections, deep market understanding, and vast knowledge and experience to help Africans benefit from insurance. 

How does Brolly leverage technology to make car insurance more affordable and accessible?

At the heart of everything we do at Brolly is the human experience. We aim to make insurance easy to buy and hassle-free to claim.

We are transforming how people buy insurance by layering AI and automation to deliver insurance coverage on platforms that people find easy to use. Then we’re using machine learning algorithms to build alternative credit scoring so that we can give coverage and allow customers to pay in affordable installments.

When you ask a ride-share driver who earns daily or weekly income to pay annual auto insurance premiums upfront, you put him in a situation where he has to make difficult choices between feeding his family and paying insurance premiums. Our algorithm helps us to offer payment flexibility by using our customers’ income patterns and other proprietary data. 

What challenges have you encountered while building Brolly, and how are you navigating market-related obstacles, particularly in the context of the Ghanaian insurance landscape?

The main challenges have been with the state of technology infrastructure, lack of data, and regulation.

We’ve had to take many steps back in most cases to lay the very rails on which our software needs to run. That slows you down a bit. There’s no data on the credit history of the initial market segments we’re focused on. So we have had to figure that out. And then you have the classic scenario of regulation staying behind innovation, so you run into roadblocks.

As I noted earlier, I have been privileged to work at very high levels in the Ghana insurance industry. Therefore, I usually know who to speak to when I run into regulatory obstacles. Secondly, we have adopted market transformation rather than a disruptive approach to developing our business. This enables us to build partnerships and alliances quickly.

How is Brolly differentiating itself in the insurtech space and building a strong competitive advantage?

Firstly, we are grounded on our purpose as a company “to keep drivers moving”. In that light, we’re going hard at saving our customers money and developing value-adding services on top of affordable auto insurance.

Secondly, our product and service design are natively focused on the peculiarities of our market. For example, our pay-as-you-go model is what we call “pay small-small’ and this is because the typical app-based as pay-as-you-go in Europe or America was bound to fail.

Thirdly, we have chosen a specific market segment to build for and dominate before going for other segments. This thinking is reflected in our multi-country growth plans as well.

In terms of our competitive advantages, we started with our founding team’s relevant competence and experiences as well as market understanding and connections. We are quickly building moats through key partnerships with carriers and ride-share platforms. Then, we’re providing free software tools to carriers to enable them to interface seamlessly with our platform and that enables us to build strong lock-in.

In terms of our offering to our customers as well, we’re developing additional services that deliver value on top of auto insurance. These are aimed at increasing customer lifetimes and shared value. 

What are your future goals and expansion plans?

2024 is primarily focused on growing our sales and customer base in Ghana. We aim to achieve critical mass so we can fully unlock our model’s network effects to power accelerated growth. While we do that, we’re also sowing the seeds for take-off in other African countries.

We have our eyes on seven African countries over the next 3 years.

by Tony O. Lawson

➡️Interested in investing in Black founders? Please complete this brief form.

Fabrice Do Rego on Changing The Face of European Venture Capital

10 mins read

Fabrice Do Rego is the co-founder of The Blueprint VC, a venture capital firm focused on backing under-represented founders in France and Belgium.

In this interview, Fabrice shares his motivations, investment strategies, and insights for the future of European VC. He also delves into his views on promising sectors, the rationale behind a sector-agnostic approach, and the challenges he faced as a Black fund manager.

Fabrice Do Rego

What inspired you to start a VC fund?

What inspired me to launch a VC fund was the coming together of several factors that I summarize by the notion of Ikigai, a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose, a reason for living.

I went to business school, I started my career in M&A in large international investment banks, I then became an entrepreneur by creating an M&A boutique where I advised SMEs, startups, and scaleups in their fundraising, development strategies, and exit strategies. I loved it and still do. This ties in with the two essential points of Ikigai, what I like to do and what I’m good at.

Then, what was probably the most important and founding point in my thinking was to think about what the world needs in a logic of economic AND social value creation. To put it simply, I realized two things that I thought didn’t make sense. (1) Teams of diverse founders are on average more efficient than homogeneous teams and despite everything we see that (2) only a very small amount is invested in these teams of mixed founders (I’m talking about diversity of gender, origins, etc.). There is therefore a market inconsistency which seems obvious to me.

Finally, what was also decisive was our conviction that the more efficient we are, the more diverse we are going to make the ecosystem, the more we are going to create new role models and the more we are going to ensure that having diverse founding teams will be the norm. We create a virtuous circle.

Ultimately, rationally the decision to launch a fund with this investment strategy was very simple. Now the implementation of this especially in a very tense market environment is another debate… 😉

What are some of the most promising sectors for venture capital investment in Europe right now? 

I don’t think I’m going to be very original in saying that everything related to AI will constitute a significant part of the investment. However, I think that in terms of the structure of these investments, these are going to be significant amounts in relatively few companies. Unlike B2B SaaS which will continue to attract a lot of funding but with relatively lower amounts in a relatively larger number of startups.

Beyond that, within Blueprint VC there are two sectors for which we have taken a slightly more proactive approach in terms of dealflow, these are HealthTech and everything linked to Climate and Decarbonization because we have a very positive long-term vision. We believe that the issues linked to these two segments are essential and must be addressed and I also believe that the added value of diverse teams is even stronger in these segments.

What was your reasoning behind making your fund sector-agnostic?

The choice to be sector agnostic lies in elements that are purely mechanical and/or financial. Namely, a diversification of risk, a larger pipeline, and therefore a higher rate of selectivity, and agility with regard to our strategy to try to be ahead of trends, etc.

Then some elements are a little more intangible. For example, I am quite convinced that in early stage the needs of entrepreneurs are very similar, whether in terms of organization, recruitment, financing, etc. I don’t have the feeling that early-stage specialization has any impact on the fund’s performance. Maybe potentially on dealflow but given our strategy on typology of founding teams, I’m not too worried about that.

Finally, on a personal level, I find it more intellectually stimulating to be confronted with different sectors, or even different situations. Possibly drawing inspiration from completely different sectors to advise/support entrepreneurs from another sector, etc. It also prevents boredom and a potential drop in motivation for me.

What, if any challenges have you faced as one of the few Black fund managers in Europe?

First thing to say is that for everyone, whoever you are (except a few very privileged people) it is very difficult to raise a fund (especially a first one), especially in a market environment such as what we have known since mid-2022.

Then obviously when we come with an “original” thesis, which has not yet been deployed in continental Europe and with a typology of GPs that we are not used to seeing, we indeed experience difficulties. 😉

Finally, putting aside aspects linked to bias and possible stereotypes (which I cannot measure in any case), it is true that we had limited access to networks of LPs such as HNWI, Funds of Funds, etc. but we built it little by little. So, it takes time, and you just must be aware of it.

How do you see the European VC landscape evolving in the coming years? What trends do you expect to see emerge?

I think a lot of funds will disappear over the next few years. However, I don’t think it’s a bad thing in absolute terms.

I think that the number and size of funds, in addition to the available cheap money and an unprecedented global environment linked to COVID, led us to the bubble that we experienced at its peak in 2021. It is therefore normal or even healthy that there is a correction.

If we can take advantage of this correction to restore the structural inconsistencies of the market, that is a good thing.

I don’t know what the future will hold at this level. But what I hope because I think it will be a good thing for the ecosystem and its efficiency is that:

  • there is a real segmentation between the funds and their investment phase (pre-Series A, post-Series A/Growth, Late stage, etc.)
  • the number of early stage (pre-seed/seed) funds will be very large but with significantly lower average AUM

What advice do you have for other emerging fund managers?

The following fundamentals should be mastered before considering contacting LPs to raise a fund:

  • Develop an ultra-clear investment thesis that demonstrates that you have thought through all aspects from the genesis to the exit of the fund through execution.
  • Mastering portfolio construction is essential. Show that you have thought in detail about the unit economics of your fund and that you have considered a certain number of scenarios.
  • Surround yourself with a complementary and exceptional team on each of the added value topics that you offer to your portfolio companies.

Once you have these basics, the essential point is to distribute your time well with potential LPs. My recommendation is to spend a lot of time early on with LPs that are intrinsically aligned with your investment strategy AND that can put an anchor investor ticket.

At the same time, you start building the relationship with the other LPs and once the anchor(s) have confirmed their interest (by committing) you accelerate the discussions with the others.

by Tony O. Lawson

➡️Interested in investing in Black founders? Please complete this brief form.

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter.

Black Owned Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2024

1 min read

Valentine’s Day is almost here, making it the perfect time to celebrate love in all its forms. This year, why not make your expressions of affection even more meaningful by supporting Black owned businesses?

We’re excited to present another curated list of unique and heartfelt gifts that not only capture the essence of love but also offer a range of options that resonate with the spirit of love and unity.

Join us on a journey to discover Black owned treasures that promise to make this Valentine’s Day an unforgettable celebration of love.

Jewelry

Balacia “Moissanite Oval Tennis Necklace And Bracelet Set”

ALMASIKA “Universum Pinky Ring”

Yenae “Telsom Dome Cufflink”

Fragrances

American Luxury Unlimited “Ms. Influential Limited Edition Gift Set.”

B Fragranced

Pink Mahogany

Chocolates

Good Girl Chocolate Vegan Chocolate

No photo description available.

Chocolate Therapy

Shop – The Chocolate Therapy Store

’57 Chocolate

57 Chocolate U.S. | Raising The Chocolate Bar! – '57 Chocolate U.S.

Candles

Beaucoup Hoodoo “Cuffing Season Bundle”

Milky Candles LLC “Dark + Handsome Candle”

Good Day Scents “Black Love” Candle

Wine

Maison Noir

iBest Wines

Edelheiss Wine 

Home - Edelheiss Wine

Champagne

McBride Sisters’ Sparkling Brut White Wine

B. Stuyvesant Champagne

Photo courtesy of Marvina Robinson.

Viarae Prosecco

Cards

Nicole Marie Paperie

Neighborly

Books

The Black Joy Project

Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present

 

➡️ Advertise your Business

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

Saalex Corp Strengthens Defense Presence with $75 Million Acquisition

3 mins read

Saalex Corporation is a federal services contractor that provides engineering and information technology services for the Department of Defense, municipalities, and small to medium-sized businesses.

On January 24th, Saalex announced the acquisition of Spalding Consulting, for over $75 million. This strategic move positions Saalex as a major player in the lucrative defense sector, expanding its reach and expertise.

“At Saalex, we are continually exploring avenues for inorganic growth to complement our strong proposal capabilities. The acquisition of Spalding Consulting aligns seamlessly with our expansion objectives,” said Travis Mack, Chairman and CEO of Saalex. “

This acquisition follows Saalex’s 2022 purchase of Netsimco, an information technology services provider, for approximately $30 million. The transaction aimed to enhance Saalex’s IT capabilities in the Department of Defense and aerospace markets. Netsimco, with over 180 employees across four states and a consistent annual growth rate of 20 percent, played a crucial role in Saalex’s long-term growth strategy.

The Spalding Consulting acquisition brings several key benefits to Saalex:

Expanded Defense Footprint: Gaining access to Spalding’s established clientele and expertise strengthens Saalex’s presence in the defense industry, unlocking doors to new contracts and opportunities.

Talented Workforce Integration: With Spalding’s 430 skilled professionals joining Saalex’s ranks, the employee base surpasses 1,200 nationwide. This influx of talent enhances Saalex’s ability to deliver a broader range of services to its clients.

Enhanced Software Development Capabilities: Spalding’s expertise in software development complements Saalex’s strengths, enabling the combined entity to offer more comprehensive solutions to clients.

Projections suggest an annual revenue increase exceeding $175 million, solidifying Saalex’s position as a major player in the aerospace and defense market.

This acquisition signifies a significant step forward for both Saalex and Spalding Consulting. Saalex gains a valuable foothold in the defense sector while Spalding gains access to resources and opportunities that fuel continued growth.

The strategic synergy not only benefits the companies involved but also their clients, who can expect a wider range of innovative and comprehensive solutions to meet complex needs.

Looking ahead, Spalding will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Saalex, with the executive leadership remaining in place during the transition.

by Tony O. Lawson

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter.

Chess in Slums Africa: Empowering Futures, One Move at a Time

2 mins read

Founded by Chess Master Tunde Onakoya, Chess in Slums Africa aims to harness the transformative power of chess to overcome the challenges posed by poverty.

Onakoya, who himself experienced life in a Lagos slum, understands firsthand the potential of chess to bring about positive change.

Rising to become the 13th-ranked chess player in Nigeria despite facing adversity, Onakoya envisioned chess not merely as a game but as a tool for empowerment. In 2018, he established Chess in Slums Africa with a mission to leverage chess as a catalyst for education, mentorship, and opportunity in underprivileged communities.

May be an image of 7 people

The organization conducts two-week intensive chess camps in slums such as Majidun, Makoko, and Oshodi. These camps not only introduce children to the intricacies of chess but also impart valuable life skills.

Participants learn critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic planning, discipline, and focus – skills that extend beyond the chessboard, empowering them to navigate the complexities of their circumstances and envision brighter futures.

May be an image of 8 people

Chess in Slums Africa’s impact extends beyond the classroom, with a 3-year grant deal with Lufthansa Airlines Global The deal, according to Onakoya, will facilitate the development of a chess academy and STEM innovation lab in Lagos, Nigeria, that will be open and free to street children without access to education.

Chess in Slums Africa has also strategically partnered with chess.com, the world’s leading online chess platform to gain access to educational resources, online tournaments, and a global network of chess enthusiasts.

Through strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives, and a commitment to empowerment, Chess in Slums Africa continues to pave the way for a brighter future for children in underprivileged communities.

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter.

Eastside Golf Receives $3.4 Million to Drive Cultural Shift in Golf

3 mins read

Eastside Golf, the lifestyle golf brand founded in 2019, recently closed a $3.4 million seed round led by EP Golf Ventures, a partnership between the PGA of America and Elysian Park Ventures. The investment aims to accelerate Eastside Golf’s growth and redefine the cultural perception of golf.

Founded by Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf has achieved remarkable success, experiencing a 600% year-over-year growth in the past two years. The company has grown from 2 employees to 16, its revenue reportedly increasing from $100,000 in its first year to $4 million in 2023.

eastside golf
Eastside Golf founders, Earl Cooper (L) and Olajuwon Ajanaku (R)

The brand’s unique apparel line has resonated beyond traditional golf circles, embraced by professionals, celebrities, and athletes.

EP Golf Ventures, recognizing Eastside Golf’s potential, commended the founders for creating a brand that transcends golf’s traditional boundaries. Jay Adya, Managing Partner at Elysian Park Ventures and EP Golf Ventures, expressed confidence in Eastside Golf’s capacity for immense growth.

Seth Waugh, CEO of PGA of America, highlighted the organization’s commitment to evolving golf culture. The partnership with Eastside Golf aligns with PGA of America’s goal to broaden participation in the sport and make it more inclusive. The investment supports Eastside Golf’s mission to create new entry points for diverse audiences.

With the secured funding, Eastside Golf plans to launch new product lines, including wholesale and women’s apparel. The company aims to double the number of pop-up events in major markets, hosting its second-annual Eastside Golf Invitational during New York Fashion Week. The highly anticipated “Spring Forward” collection will debut at the PGA Show in Orlando.

eastside golf

The company’s success extends to celebrity endorsements, including NBA stars Chris Paul and Jayson Tatum, NFL great Victor Cruz, musician DJ Khaled, and former President Barack Obama. Collaborations with global brands like Jordan Brand and strategic partnerships with the NBA, MLB, and Mercedes Benz underscore the brand’s impact.

Deeply committed to social causes, Eastside Golf has donated $150K to support HBCU golf, emphasizing inclusivity and authenticity. The founders envision creating brick-and-mortar locations and expanding internationally, with gratitude for EP Golf Ventures’ support.

With a focus on inclusivity and innovative design, Eastside Golf is poised to lead the way in making golf more accessible and appealing to a diverse audience.

by Tony O. Lawson

➡️ Advertise with us ⬅️

➡️Interested in investing in Black founders? Please complete this brief form.

Spelman College Receives $100 Million Donation, Largest-Ever Single Gift to an HBCU

2 mins read

Spelman College, renowned for its historic role in educating and empowering Black women, erupted in jubilation today as it announced a monumental $100 million donation – the largest single gift ever received by a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This transformational gesture comes at a particularly poignant moment, coinciding with the centennial anniversary of the college’s official naming in 1924.

The gift originates from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker, a Spelman College Trustee since 1997, and her husband, William Johnston, Chairman of Greenleaf Trust.

“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” declared Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College. “This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”

A cornerstone of the initiative is a $75 million commitment to endowed scholarships, ensuring that brilliant young minds can pursue their academic dreams at Spelman regardless of financial constraints. This investment in talented young Black women promises to enrich the college’s vibrant community and contribute to a more diverse and equitable future.

Not only will financial accessibility be enhanced, but the remaining $25 million will be used to cultivate new avenues for intellectual exploration and growth. A dedicated focus on public policy and democracy will empower Spelman students to become influential agents of change in their communities and beyond. Additionally, improvements to student housing and the allocation of flexible funding for strategic needs will further create a nurturing and well-equipped environment for academic excellence.

This landmark donation transcends its financial magnitude. It serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of Spelman College and its unwavering commitment to nurturing the intellectual and societal leadership of Black women. As the college embarks on its next century, Stryker and Johnston’s transformative gift provides a vital springboard for Spelman to continue shaping the future, one extraordinary woman at a time.

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter.

Business Buying: A Potential Path to Early Retirement

4 mins read

As the Baby Boomer generation prepares for retirement, a vast, untapped potential emerges: established, profitable businesses seeking new ownership. This presents a unique opportunity for discerning investors, not just corporate giants, to acquire thriving businesses and chart a course toward financial independence.

No longer the sole domain of private equity firms, business buying is becoming accessible to individual investors with foresight and ambition. Imagine owning a beloved local bakery, a bustling community bookstore, or a well-established gym – businesses with proven track records, loyal customers, and the potential to fuel your dreams.

In this article, we’ll provide a high level overview of the key steps in the business acquisition process.

Step 1: Identify the Perfect Match

The first crucial step in purchasing a business is finding the right fit for you. Consider factors such as location, industry, and size. Assess whether you prefer a hands-on approach or a business with an existing manager. Initiate your search online, leveraging various platforms to compile a list and carefully evaluating each potential deal. If you possess expertise in a specific industry or skill, starting there can minimize knowledge gaps and expedite your success.

Step 2: Extend an Offer

Once you’ve identified the ideal business, it’s time to make an offer. Formalize offers using a Letter of Intent (LOI), outlining the price structure and terms. Accurately determining the actual value is crucial, as sellers may overvalue their businesses. Consider hiring an advisor for precision, with many CPA firms offering a service known as “quality of earnings.”

Step 3: Conduct Due Diligence

The third step, due diligence, involves a thorough examination of the business’s financials, operations, and other critical aspects. While this step may seem formidable, avoid going through it alone. Engage a diligence firm or a CPA to streamline the process and ensure a clear understanding of the business’s true profit.

Step 4: Secure Funds and Finalize the Deal

Securing the necessary funds is pivotal. Explore options such as small business administration (SBA) loans, allowing you to invest as little as $50,000 in a million-dollar business. Negotiating the purchase agreement is critical, and collaboration with the seller and their attorneys will facilitate the finalization of the ownership transfer.

Step 5: Grow the business

Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a revenue-generating enterprise! The final step is to concentrate on growing the business. Boost revenue through marketing and sales efforts, and trim costs by optimizing vendor fees and eliminating unnecessary expenses. Enhance the business’s effectiveness and efficiency to pave the way for financial success and early retirement.

For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, consider negotiating with the current owner to stay involved or hire a capable manager. This ensures a smooth transition and allows you to leverage their expertise, providing you the flexibility to steer the business toward financial success and early retirement without being directly involved in day-to-day operations.

 

Interested in investing in Black owned businesses? Please complete this brief form.

Interested in selling a business? Please complete this form.

The Honey Pot Co. Acquired for $380 Million by Compass Diversified

3 mins read

The Honey Pot Co. a leading plant-based feminine hygiene brand, has secured a $380 million partnership with middle-market investment firm, Compass Diversified, propelling growth in the natural feminine care sector.

This strategic alliance signifies a significant advancement for both companies, poised to reshape the industry by promoting natural alternatives and empowering women to make informed choices.

The Honey Pot Co

Founded in 2012 by Beatrice Dixon, The Honey Pot Co. has championed a campaign against harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, resonating with a growing demographic of women seeking healthier options. With a strong presence in over 33,000 stores, including major retailers like Target and Walmart, The Honey Pot Co. has achieved considerable success. This morning, during a conference call hosted by CODI, it was disclosed that The Honey Pot Co. exhibited strong financial performance in 2023, achieving $121 million in gross sales, $29 million in adjusted EBITDA, and a remarkable 54% gross sales CAGR since 2020.

Dixon expressed her optimism about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to embark on this collaboration with CODI, a firm that aligns seamlessly with our values and is dedicated to championing our vision of destigmatizing feminine care through accessible products and promoting holistic wellness, both inside and out.”

Elias Sabo, CEO of Compass Diversified, acknowledged the remarkable work done by Beatrice and her team, noting, “They have a strong leadership team, an efficacious line of products, and a track record of impressive innovation and category disruption. We believe they have tremendous growth opportunities on the horizon.”

This partnership ensures the preservation of The Honey Pot Co.’s core values and vision. Beatrice Dixon will continue to lead as CEO and Chief Innovation Officer, with existing owners retaining a significant stake, ensuring continuity in the brand’s mission and facilitating a seamless transition toward accelerated growth.

Beyond reshaping the industry, the partnership aims to enhance the accessibility of natural solutions. Increased resources will enable The Honey Pot Co. to broaden distribution channels, ensuring that their products reach diverse communities, especially those traditionally underserved by the industry.

The acquisition, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to conclude in February.

by Tony O. Lawson

➡️ Advertise with us ⬅️

➡️Interested in investing in Black founders? Please complete this brief form.

Lincoln University Reels in Wake of Beloved VP’s Tragic Death and Allegations of Mistreatment

2 mins read

The Lincoln University community is mourning the unexpected death of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey, Vice President for Student Affairs, while grappling with unsettling allegations of workplace bullying and a toxic environment that surrounded her final days.

Dr. Candia-Bailey, an alumna of Lincoln University and a revered figure in the community, passed away on January 8th, 2024. Her death sent shockwaves through the campus, with students, faculty, and alumni expressing deep sorrow and sharing heartfelt tributes. However, the grief has been accompanied by a growing wave of anger and concern fueled by unconfirmed reports of Dr. Candia-Bailey’s struggles within the university administration.

Lincoln University
Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey

These reports, supported by an email allegedly sent by Dr. Candia-Bailey before her death, paint a disturbing picture of alleged bullying and severe mistreatment at the hands of President John Moseley. This has sparked outrage and protests demanding President Moseley’s resignation, with the hashtag #FireMoseley gaining traction online and resonating within the community.

Adding to the turmoil is the news of an investigation launched by the Board of Curators into the university’s handling of Dr. Candia-Bailey’s situation. This investigation aims to determine whether proper support was provided and whether university policies were followed in addressing her concerns. The results of this investigation are highly anticipated, as they are expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Dr. Candia-Bailey’s death and potentially hold those responsible accountable.

Amidst the swirling emotions and unfolding developments, one thing remains clear: the Lincoln University community is hurting. Their beloved leader, a champion for social justice and student well-being, is gone, leaving a void that is difficult to fill.

This story continues to evolve, and the coming days and weeks are likely to bring further revelations and potential consequences. With eyes fixed on the investigation and demands for accountability, the Lincoln University community navigates a period of grief, confusion, and growing discontent, hoping to find answers and a path forward while honoring the memory of Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey.

Don’t miss any articles! Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter.