SHOPPE BLACK

Meet Sangu Delle, one of Africa’s Most Successful Investors

1 min read
sangu delle

Sangu Delle is a Ghanaian investor, entrepreneur, activist, and author. He has received several international accolades including being named Africa’s “Young Person of the Year”, a TEDGlobal Fellow, one of Forbes’ top 30 most promising entrepreneurs in Africa.

Sangu serves as CEO of Africa Health Holdings, an innovative company focused on building Africa’s healthcare future.

In November, African Health Holdings raised $18 million to expand its telemedicine service beyond Ghana to Nigeria and Kenya, and scale its network of health facilities.

He is also the Chairman of Golden Palm Investments (“GPI”); an investment holding and advisory company focused on building world class technology companies in Africa.

Via GPI, Sangu has been an early investor in several African tech startups including Andela and Flutterwave, two of only three West African companies valued at one billion U.S. dollars.

In this interview, Sangu and I discuss:

  • His journey from Ghana to the U.S. and back to Ghana.
  • Why he pivoted from investing in agriculture to focus exclusively on technology
  • What inspired his passion for building Africa’s healthcare future.
  • The importance of Africans and the Black diaspora collaborating on economic and social issues.
  • Advice for those interested in investing in startups based on the continent.

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Tony O. Lawson

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AMP Global, Empowering Creators and Giving a Voice to Music Fans Across the Continent

2 mins read

Three-time Emmy-nominated producer and host Derrick N. Ashong is the CEO and co-founder of AMP Global Technologies, the company behind the Take Back the Mic (TBTM) app, and The Mic: Africa, the first interactive TV format born on the continent.

This tech-enabled entertainment company helps content producers build a direct relationship with their audience and be rewarded for discovering and sharing trending content.

amp global

The “AMP-powered series”, Take Back the Mic: The World Cup of Hip Hop was the first 100% fan curated series to get an Emmy nod, becoming a back-to-back Emmy Finalist for Outstanding Interactive Programing and proving itself in the market with deep engagement, media impressions, and ROI across Mobile, Digital, TV, VR and Live media.

AMP Global also gives brands and media companies deep insight into global youth audiences.

amp global

In this interview with Lucia and Derrick, we discussed:

  • The inspiration behind “The Mic: Africa”, the first interactive TV format on the African continent
  • Why the Take Back the Mic app, is sometimes described as “Netflix meets Instagram.”
  • How the Take Back the Mic app empowers artists and creators.
  • How the pandemic influenced a key feature of the app, benefiting users.

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Watch all 5 episodes of “The Mic: Africa” Season 1 and download the Take Back the Mic app at www.takebackthemic.com.

 

Tony O. Lawson

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America’s Black Holocaust Museum Receives $10 Million Commitment To Fund Reopening

5 mins read
America’s Black Holocaust Museum

America’s Black Holocaust Museum has received a $10 million commitment from an anonymous donor to fund its reopening next year and sustain its operations moving forward.

The donation, which was made through the Greater Milwaukee Foundation will support the museum’s plans to open its new space at 401 W. North Ave. on Feb. 25 and a strategic plan developed by consultant NMBL Strategies that “provides a roadmap to growth and sustainability for generations to come,” the museum said in an announcement.

America’s Black Holocaust Museum

“At a time of hyperpolarization, we are in dire need of safe spaces and opportunities created to bring us together to explore difficult issues, to learn, and to celebrate our history,” said Dr. Robert Davis, president, and chief executive officer of America’s Black Holocaust Museum. “The reemergence of the museum is critical at this time for Bronzeville, Milwaukee, and nationally, and I am honored and humbled to continue the work and the legacy of our founder, Dr. James Cameron, as a result of this generous commitment.”

The commitment will be carried out in two phases, an initial $5 million gift that has already been made and a future commitment of another $5 million. The first will support expanding and enhancing the building’s exhibits, along with adding key staff positions and community programming.

The expansion will include ABHM’s recent acquisition of the adjacent former Community Warehouse Inc. building at 324 W. North Ave. for academic programming. State records show ABHM acquired the 36,900-square-foot building for $950,000. The building will provide office space, classrooms, exhibits, a small auditorium and parking.

The late James Cameron, who survived a lynching in 1930 when he was 16 years old, founded the original America’s Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee in 1988 to explore under-told stories of the African American experience and the harmful legacy of slavery and to promote racial repair, reconciliation and healing. Cameron died in 2006 when he was 92.

America’s Black Holocaust Museum
James Herbert Cameron, founder of the Black Holocaust Museum

The museum closed its doors as a result of the Great Recession in 2008 and has provided virtual programming since 2012. The new space was built as part of a larger mixed-use project at the corner of Vel R. Phillips Avenue and North Avenue. At one time, ABHM planned to reopen during the Democratic National Convention, but the COVID-19 pandemic rendered the convention a largely virtual event and the museum put its reopening plans on hold.

Davis said work still needs to be done on the museum’s exhibits, as well as most of its AV.

America’s Black Holocaust Museum 

“This is just a start to a journey that is continuing the legacy of Dr. Cameron,” Davis during the donation announcement Wednesday. “… This is a jumpstart. And one of the things the donor was really, really crystal clear about is that this gift is not going to be the end-all; this significant gift is going to plant the seeds that will be nourished by the community and this organization to grow a tree of life. And that is what this gift is supposed to do.”

The second funding phase will support “long-term goals of sustainability and development of the museum to ensure the mission and vision can be carried out in perpetuity,” the museum said.

“With this new investment, America’s Black Holocaust Museum is poised for growth as an unparalleled destination for knowledge and connection – a jewel in our city that enhances the surrounding neighborhoods and serves as a beacon for racial justice everywhere,” said Ellen Gilligan, president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “The generational work of ABHM aligns with the foundation’s vision of a Milwaukee for all, and on behalf of our anonymous donor, we hope this commitment inspires others to support and sustain the museum in its vital mission.”

Source: Biz Times

Meet The Black Woman Rocket Scientist who is Building in the Metaverse

1 min read

Mary Spio is a deep space engineer, tech innovator, and entrepreneur. She is also the CEO and Founder of CEEK VR Inc, a blockchain based streaming service for virtual events and other virtual experiences.

The CEEK VR platform includes a patented VR headset currently available at major retailers like Best Buy and Target. In addition, CEEK VR features artists like Ziggy Marley and much more.

The platform simulates the communal experience of attending a live concert, being in a classroom, attending a sporting event and other ‘money can’t buy’ exclusive experiences with friends from anywhere at any time.

ceek vr

In this interview, with Mary, we discuss:

  • Creating several patented products.
  • Presenting the idea of the metaverse to Facebook in 2015.
  • The role of NFT’s in the metaverse.
  • How her cryptocurrency, CEEK coin helps creators monetize their content.
  • CEEK’s role in the upcoming Black-In Festival.

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Tony O. Lawson

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Former NFL Player Frank Gore Discusses His Debut Boxing Match on the All Boxes Checked Podcast

7 mins read
frank gore

Former NFL running back Frank Gore sat down for an interview with All Boxes Checked Podcast, National Standard Abstract’s (NSA) new multimedia platform to discuss his career transition, family legacy, advice for pro athletes, and his outlook on the debut boxing match.

frank gore
Former NFL running back Frank Gore, above, will make his boxing debut against former NBA guard Deron Williams. Jose Pineiro/Showtime

Gore, a 16-year NFL veteran and potential Hall of Famer, is a living testament of what it takes to play on the field. Despite the numerous career obstacles and injuries, he ranks third in league history with 16,000 rushing yards. Although Gore has not announced his retirement, he opted not to play during the 2021 season to spend more with his family while exploring his odds with a new sport – boxing – swapping out his cleats for a pair of gloves.

Like many parents balancing a career while building a family legacy, the father of two shared an important decision that he had to make regarding his son’s career aspirations. Being the child of a high-profile athlete comes with many expectations and spectators. 

“Since he was like three or four years old, I knew that he wanted to play ball. As a dad, I never pushed him. I let him enjoy being a child. I knew when he got into high school –  his junior year – that was when I took him under my wing and let him start training with me,” said Frank Gore Sr. “Don’t try to be me, be the best you can be. He’s been doing it. I just want him to keep his head down and keep working his behind off. Keep having fun.” 

The father-son duo has trained rigorously for years alongside NFL players. Today, his eldest son and namesake, Gore Jr., is a running back for the University of Southern Mississippi. 

frank gore
Lynne Sladky/AP/Shutterstock (Gore Sr.); David E. Klutho (Gore Jr.)

“NFL All-Time Great Frank Gore has such an important voice that we wanted to feature on the All Boxed Checked Podcast because of who he is and what he represents. Frank has heart, persistence, respect for the game and his teammates.

His life experience resonates with so many Black fathers raising sons and doing their best to set the right example. As a father, I recognize the weight of responsibility we shoulder and how crucial it is to create a path that our children can follow to live responsibly and financially free. Our struggles may not be the same, but we share a common goal – legacy building,” said Osei Rubie, president and founder of National Standard Abstract. 

“Being part of a family that also works together can be challenging at times, especially with a parent-dynamic and societal pressure to follow in their footsteps. However, I would never trade the opportunity to work alongside my dad, mentor, and business partner because the experience is worthwhile.

In the six years since he started National Standard Abstract, we have collaborated on projects to build our communities and generational wealth. We plan to continually open more doors to help break the cycle of poverty holding many families from achieving financial security,” Nadir Rubie, a partner at National Standard Abstract.

frank gore

Although it remains unclear if or when Gore Sr. will return to the game, he is mentoring his 19-year-old son and hopes to do the same for the next generation of NFL players.

“Take it one day at a time. You’ve got to go out there and give it your all because the game can be taken from you. The NFL won’t be promised to you; I had to grind to get it. Don’t listen to anybody trying to judge you just because another man couldn’t do it. It’s all in you. Work your behind off, keep your head down, respect your elders, respect the guys that you’re on the field with, and respect the game. And you can go as far as you want,”  said Gore Sr.

On Saturday, December 18th, Gore Sr. will face former NBA point guard Deron Williams within the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, as the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury. According to Gore Sr., people will be surprised. 

Watch the “All Boxes Checked” interview with Frank here.

frank gore

About National Standard Abstract

National Standard Abstract is a full-service title insurance agency with expertise in faith-based developments, residential and commercial real estate transactions. Since launching in 2015, the family- and black-owned firm has closed over $1 billion in transactions within the New York metropolitan area. As the bridge to building one community at a time, National Standard Abstract expanded its footprint into philanthropy through the Osei Rubie Charitable Fund to help end racial inequity and support the organizations working on the ground to create real change.

About the All Boxes Checked Podcast

From commercial and residential real estate to financial investment and community empowerment, the All Boxes Checked podcast educates listeners on building wealth while circulating money within the Black community. Featured guests include business professionals and philanthropists to public officials and government agencies that will share their insights on the real estate and title insurance industries in addition to the growth of Black-owned businesses.

The All Boxed Checked Podcast is now available on all streaming platforms. 

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Black Owned Pet Daycare Now Run By Former Employee Who Has Revived and Expanded The Business

6 mins read
Black Owned Pet Daycare

Paws and Tales Puppy Playgroup is a Black owned pet daycare business that provides daycare for the furry members of families in the New York metro area.

The company is owned by certified dog handler, Curtis Giddings, whose mission is to provide a safe and healthy space daycare and for pups to learn to socialize with other dogs as well as humans. 

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), pet ownership rose to an all-time high of 70% due to people seeking companionship while sheltering in place as a result of the pandemic. As a result of the company’s growth, Curtis recently added grooming services.

We caught up with Curtis to find out more about his business.

black owned pet daycare

What inspired you to get into the dog training business?

I grew up in a New York apartment that didn’t allow pets but once my family and I moved to New Jersey, I was able to finally get a dog.

My love for dogs grew into a passion for learning about how to support a happy pup, as well as all the different attributes of an effective dog trainer.

When I was older, I went through a dog training program in Queens, NY, and was eventually hired as a dog trainer at a local pet sitter Paws & Tales, which I took over as owner in 2017.

black owned pet daycare

When you took over the business in 2017, it wasn’t doing well. Explain what was done to bring it back to life?

The business was in a rut, and I made it my mission to bring it back. I was perfectly qualified to run the dog training aspect of it, but not so much the business side. That’s when I discovered Rising Tide Capital where Cynthia Pullen, an RTC mentor, guided me through the process of registering the business and expanding its reach.

Unfortunately, she has since passed, a loss I wasn’t prepared for. But Cynthia, along with the Rising Tide family, was an integral part of my success as an entrepreneur and my growth as a person.

She provided much needed guidance to me, and it is of the utmost importance to ensure that I continue to make her proud. The business itself has been around since 2009 but I’ve been expanding over the years. My two locations are in Jersey City, where I have ample space for neighborhood pups to run around and socialize safely.

They are located in McGinley Square for small dogs up to 30 lbs and Downtown Jersey City for pups 30 lbs and over, serving Jersey City and the surrounding areas.

black owned pet daycare

How has the pandemic affected your business?

During the pandemic, I recognized the importance and worth of my work. While the world was in limbo, dog owners stayed home with their dogs and many families adopted new dogs.

But due to COVID-19 restrictions, many were unable to socialize their dogs or develop a healthy regimen for when they returned to work.

We’re in the process of implementing new services such as pick-ups and drop-offs, which follow coronavirus guidelines. Many of the businesses that provide similar services aren’t as comprehensive as what we offer.

Our mission is to be a leader in the pet care and socialization industry and place a priority on the mental and physical needs of pets.

Where do you see the business 5 years from now?

We are currently doing market research for an upcoming rebrand that I’m really excited about. And in 5 years, my team and I see ourselves as a micro-franchise that provides a myriad of high-quality services.

We want to support the dog owner’s lifestyle and are looking to offer products and services that cater to this demographic in the form of educational services where dog owners can consult with me for personalized advice on dog ownership, as well as branded apparel.

Additionally, we will be moving towards more of a structured daily routine for the dogs. Based on the feedback from clients, I want to ensure their dogs go home with the benefit of emotional, physical, and mental stimulation from a hands-on approach.

We’re also adapting our approach to a more customized method so that, in addition to free roam and play, each pup gets individualized, focused attention.

We have been working to improve our internal processes so that every client’s needs are met with grace and consideration, particularly being that we have hired more experienced staff to assist in this transition.

Tony O. Lawson

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This Black Owned FinTech is on a Mission to Improve Your Financial Health

5 mins read
Black Owned FinTech

OurBanc is a Black owned fintech that aims to dismantle the systemic barriers that America’s financial system has traditionally embraced with banking,

The company is built with the fundamental purpose of creating a fair and equitable relationship between individuals and financial services that enables everyone to view, manage, move, and grow their money to improve their financial health and end the perpetual deterioration of wealth in underserved communities.

We caught up with OurBanc CEO and founder, David Dwumah to find out more.

Black Owned Banking App
OurBanc CEO and founder, David Dwumah

What experiences inspired you to start OurBanc?  

We believe that the promise of fair and accessible services heralded by technology is yet to be fulfilled, especially for Black and brown communities. 

Growing up in Ghana, I was fascinated by Susu. In this non-formal community-based savings practice, family and friends borrow and lend money to each other. Today, I am amazed by how cellphone-based mobile money efficiently and exponentially connects the “unbanked” and “underbanked” with banking services, thus radically transforming their lives. 

Founding OurBanc is a culmination of my lifelong observation and belief in the power of people helping people, the use of the right technology to better the lives of others, and my firsthand experiences as an immigrant and black consumer. 

Black Owned Banking App   

In what ways do you feel your company can help users improve their financial health?    

We believe that society is at an inflection point. The social justice and pandemic events of 2020 have shown that our economic and social environments are ready for meaningful change. We believe ESG focused strategies will drive better outcomes for investors and the communities we serve.

The technology needed to create positive solutions is now more affordable and widely available. 

We believe open banking, equitable and widespread faster payments will be the foundation of fairness and inclusion that better serves the unbanked and under-banked communities. A fitting example of how we plan to use open banking is to provide short-term loans.

We plan to offer fairer short-term loans without hidden fees such as “tips” and payment terms based on a member’s ability to repay the loan and not limited to just credit scores.  

  Black Owned Banking App

Where do you see your business in 5 years?

In 5 years, we expect to share the results of what we have done to help provide minority-owned companies and underrepresented founders access to patient and mission-aligned capital. I recently became a member of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism. We commit to doing our part to significantly ease minority-owned companies’ access to patient and mission-aligned capital. 

According to FDIC surveys, sixty million Americans spend $3,000 a year on payday loans, check cashing, ATM fees, and more. That is not right. Our goal is to reduce this by at least $1000 over the next five years for the members of OurBanc. We are confident that we can inspire FinTech for good and help accelerate meaningful change within the industry. 

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?  

Find your purpose, nurture the right relationships, and develop the grit to see you through the challenging times!  

How can we support you today?  

We believe in the equality of opportunity for all. That is why we are building a community-driven Fintech where everyday people can be valued customers and potential owners and co-creators of our solutions. By Crowdfunding, we believe we are doing our part in the democratizing of the early-stage investment process.

We invite the Shoppe Black community, friends, and allies to be part of this special moment by visiting our pitch page here https://wefunder.com/ourbanccorporation.   

 

Tony O. Lawson

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Black Owned Trucking Startup, CloudTrucks Raises $115 Million, Now Worth $850 Million

2 mins read
Black Owned Trucking

CloudTrucks, a Black owned trucking startup that helps truck drivers make more money, optimize their schedules, find better-paying loads, and manage their businesses for better financial health and a more successful and empowering life.

Launched in May 2020, the company caters to the 3.4 million small or single-person businesses run by independent truckers.

“The trucking industry is truly the backbone of America, yet small independent truckers are at a major disadvantage due to lack of technology solutions and increasing operating costs, such as insurance and maintenance,” said Tobenna Arodiogbu, founder and CEO of CloudTrucks.

“We empower truck drivers who want to be independent and help them develop strong relationships with vendors [truck rental and leasing companies, insurance, brokers and shippers].”

black owned trucking Startup
Tobenna Arodiogbu, founder and CEO of CloudTrucks

On Tuesday, CloudTrucks announced that it had raised $115 million. The new funding values the San Francisco-based startup at $850 million.

Tiger Global and Menlo Ventures led the latest CloudTrucks funding round, while freight forwarding platform Flexport also participated, as did previous investors Khosla Ventures, Caffeinated Capital and David Sacks’ Craft Ventures. The company will use the money to enhance its suite of product features.

“We believe that the future of the trucking industry lies in the hands of the trucking entrepreneurs, and with this new investment, the largest ever dedicated to building business management solutions for trucking entrepreneurs, we intend to help build that future,” said CloudTrucks CEO Tobenna Arodiogbu in a blog post announcing the investment.

Tony O. Lawson

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Virgil Abloh, Famed Fashion Designer, Dies At 41 After Cancer Battle

1 min read
virgil abloh

Virgil Abloh, the highly influential fashion designer, founder of Off-White and the Men’s Artistic Director of Louis Vuitton, died this afternoon.

The 41-year-old had cardiac angiosarcoma, a rare, aggressive form of the disease, according to an announcement on his official Instagram page.

“We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh,” it said. “He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture.

“Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. He often said, ‘Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,’ believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations.”

Born on Sept. 30, 1980 in Rockford, Ill. to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Abloh studied civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 2002, and went on to earn a Master of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2006.

Following his education, Abloh met rapper Kanye West, who would become one of his first major collaborators in the creative world.

Virgil Abloh is survived by his wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe and Grey,  his sister Edwina Abloh, and his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh.

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Meet The Black Woman CEO and Veteran Who Has Built a Multimillion Dollar Cybersecurity Company

3 mins read

Phyllis Newhouse is the first Black woman to lead a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). She is also a serial entrepreneur and investor, retired military senior officer, and mentor.

While serving in the United States Army on various assignments she specialized in National Security and established the Cyber Espionage Task Force. After a 22 year military career, she decided to shift her focus to entrepreneurship.

Black woman ceo
Phyllis Newhouse

In 2002 she founded Xtreme Solutions (XSI).  XSI provides state-of-the-art information technology and cybersecurity services and solutions and has employees in 42 states, with 40% of its workforce made up of veterans. XSI revenues are reported to exceed $8 million.

In 2019 she founded ShoulderUp alongside Academy Award-winning actress Viola Davis, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting and supporting women on their entrepreneurial journeys.

ShoulderUp Ventures is the first women-founded and led influencer fund providing impact and exclusive access to a diverse portfolio of media, technology companies, and sports entertainment. In 2019 alone its members and affiliates invested over $10 million in companies like Lime, Rent the Runway, and Airbnb.

In 2020, Phyllis co-founded Athena Technology Acquisition Corp., to carry out mergers, capital stock exchanges, asset acquisitions, stock purchases, and reorganizations with one or more businesses in the technology, DTC, and fintech industries.

black woman ceo
Phyllis Newhouse

While Athena is joining over 500 other active SPACs, only 17 of those have a woman as chair or CEO, according to SPAC Track.

In March 2021, Athena closed a $250 million IPO, making it the only SPAC listed on the NYSE with a Black woman CEO. In November 2021,

She told Forbes, “I think about the impact and responsibility that you have to be successful at this. You could be the first Black woman to lead a SPAC, and it could flop, and it would be a disaster, or you could be responsible and own this. “So in my mind, from day one, I had to own this, because I know with the ownership comes a deep responsibility. Others are watching.”

According to a press release, the company currently intends to focus its efforts on identifying businesses in the technology and cybersecurity industries.

Tony O. Lawson

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