Black Connect

One of the effects of the racial wealth gap is Black entrepreneurs’ inability to afford legal guidance to help them build thriving businesses. Through Black Connect’s Small Business Legal Services Program, over 300 Black entrepreneurs across the U.S. have received a quarter of a million dollars in business-related pro bono legal services. Thank you to Angela Majette for your tireless efforts in fighting for Black entrepreneurs to have access to legal guidance along their entrepreneurial journeys and thank you to Foley & Lardner LLP for stepping up and truly supporting Black Connect through legal assistance for our members, financial contributions to the organization, amazing events and an all-around remarkable partnership!

Let’s talk about philanthropic redlining and the racial funding gap on Giving Tuesday. The attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion is also impacting non-profit organizations, as we are now seeing grants exclude organizations and programs like Black Connect that focus on elevating and economically empowering the Black community.  While we have been working to neutralize systemic barriers, others have been working just as hard to maintain the status quo and ensure that opportunities and resources that flow to the Black community remain scarce.  For over five years, Black Connect has been a trailblazer in the  fight to close the racial wealth gap in America and empower Black entrepreneurs. Our impact has been transformative—but we need your support to continue this essential work. Black Connect faces “philanthropic redlining,” a systemic lack of funding for Black-led organizations, especially Black Connect, which seeks to upset the status quo and achieve economic equality for Black Americans. With foundations and major donors withholding financial support we’ve been left to navigate this landscape with few resources. This racial funding gap can be seen in many ways: Budget size: Black-led organizations have smaller budgets than white-led organizations. Access to funding: Black-led organizations lack access to funding from major donors and foundations. Corporate donations: White-led organizations are more likely to receive corporate donations and in higher amounts than Black-led organizations. Leadership: Organizations led by Black women receive the least amount of funding. Why Your Help Matters 

Black-owned businesses are crucial to building generational wealth. Through programs & initiatives we’re helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and thrive in a system designed to exclude them. Donate today at https://buff.ly/46NPK50 and share our campaign to amplify our mission. Thank you for standing with Black Connect #blackconnect #givingtuesday #philanthropy #racialwealthgap #philanthropicredlining #blackownedbusinesses #blackentrepreneurship #blackwealth #blackowned #socialjustice #donate #America

Shop from our community of small businesses this holiday season and discover one-of-a-kind designs by creative entrepreneurs in everything from fashion and luxury handbags to beauty, home goods, and children's items. Find more products on the website. Shop now at https://buff.ly/3AVxVW5 or click the link in our bio. 🎁 #blackconnect #holiday #shopping #ecommerce #blackentrepreneurs #blackownedbusinesses #smallbusiness #shopsmall

Having to deal daily with racism, inequity and racial and gender bias in philanthropy takes a significant toll. So for every hug, every smile, every word of encouragement, every donation, we say a heartfelt….THANK YOU 🙏 Wishing all of our supporters a warm and joyful Thanksgiving ♥️ #blackconnect #thanksgiving #gratitude

Last week in New York City, 3 Black Connect members, including Rejected Hearts Club, participated in an evening of networking and shopping featuring women-owned small businesses. Thank you to Foley and Lardner for sponsoring such an empowering event and holding steadfast to your commitment to equity and inclusion. Rejected Hearts Club is a jewelry brand that creates handcrafted, gold-filled magnetic clasp pieces designed for individuals who value style and convenience. Their jewelry not only offers ease of wear but also serves as a symbol of strength, resilience, and self-love. The magnetic clasps solve the problem of traditional difficult-to-use clasps, making it perfect for people on the go. In addition, each purchase supports a greater cause, with a portion of proceeds going to the Myositis Foundation, turning every accessory into an opportunity to give back. Learn more and shop at https://buff.ly/4eO5XJT #blackconnect #blackownedbusinesses #blackentrepreneurs #womanowned #womenowend #foley #foleyandlardner #newyorkcity #nyc #jewelry

This holiday season, take the opportunity to explore and support our vibrant community of small businesses. You'll find an array of unique gifts and fun stocking stuffers ideal for yourself, family, friends, and colleagues. Each purchase not only brings joy to your loved ones but also contributes to the growth and sustainability of these innovative entrepreneurs. Embrace the spirit of giving and create memorable moments with thoughtful gifts. Shop from now until December 20th at https://lnkd.in/ecU9UrRg Happy Shopping! #blackconnect #blackownedbusinesses #blackentrepreneurs #ecommerce #christmas #kwanzaa #holidayseason #blackfriday Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

Congratulations to New York City Chapter member Wilbur Pack Jr. for interview with ABC news journalist, Sandra Bookman, on the NYC program “Here and Now” speaking about his business, B. Brave by SK Wilbur! Wilbur is a 2024 National FeverPitch Finalist and a passionate and talented designer with a storied career in the fashion industry. His newest venture combines social justice and art through his line of colorful backpacks. Using his love for comic books and Black history, Wilbur uses eye-catching designs to tell the stories of Black historical trailblazers to empower today’s youth and share the rich history of Black Americans. Each backpack comes with a collectible QR code that leads to more artwork and facts about historical Black superheroes. Wilbur also sells t-shirts featuring his comic book designs- all of which can be found on bbravebackpacks.com and purchased at locations like the Schomburg Center in New York City, the Houston Museum of African American Culture, and the Muhammad Ali Center in Kentucky. Wilbur’s goal is to “share [stories] connecting young people, families, and communities to our rich, fantastic history that will hopefully increase self-esteem, give them a sense of belonging, and hope for the future.” Support B. Brave by SK Wilbur by heading over to bbravebackpacks.com and click the link in our bio to check out the video for his segment on Here and Now! #BlackConnect #FeverPitch #BBravebackpacks #SKWilbur #backpacks #blackbusiness #blackowned #blackhistory #newyork #newyorkbusiness #blackentrepreneurs #comicbooks #comics #blackownedbusinesses

We’re happy to welcome Stephanie Furlough-Morris, PhD, our newest Business Mentor accessible through Black Connect’s Business & Entrepreneur Assessment Program. Stephanie is a CPA and she has a doctorate degree in management with a concentration in finance; a MBA with a concentration in finance and accounting; and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fisk University. Stephanie has spent the last 25 years working in finance and accounting in corporate America, and at Universities in Europe and America. Most recently, she spent the last 8 years working as a Chief Financial Officer for a corporation in Switzerland. Stephanie has a passion for finance and helping entrepreneurs develop strategic plans and manage their businesses. The BEA program provides business advice and guidance to Black Connect’s Entrepreneur, Small Business, or College Student members on a rolling basis. Fueled by a team of entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals, and executives from around the world, our mentors volunteer their time to share their knowledge and experiences. To learn more and request a consultation with Stephanie, visit https://buff.ly/3UxlJBE. #BlackConnect #businessmentoring #businessadvice #blackentrepreneurs #blackwealth #blackownedbusinesses #fisk

✨ Pro Bono Spotlight: Black Connect ✨ Black Connect is on a mission to bridge the racial wealth gap by empowering Black-owned businesses with vital legal support. Through partnerships with leading law firms, their pro bono efforts have impacted over 300 businesses across the U.S. Their innovative Small Business Legal Services Program provides free legal assistance, education, and resources to help Black entrepreneurs thrive in the face of systemic barriers. Learn more about their impactful work and how Paladin helps them connect with pro bono attorneys. #ProBono #BlackOwnedBusiness #AccessToJustice #LegalAid #Paladin

As part of our Pro Bono Financial Planning Program, we are excited to announce our upcoming webinar on Financial Strategies for Entrepreneurs. Join us on Wednesday, October 23 to hear from our Certified Financial Planners for tips and strategies to help entrepreneurs and small businesses owners at any stage of business plan for growth and fund their own retirement. Our Certified Financial Planners (“CFPs”) assist Black Connect members in understanding and improving their personal and/or business finances and charting a path to build generational wealth. Our team of CFPs work one-on-one with members remotely to help our members build confidence in managing their own money and reaching the goals they set for themselves. At this webinar, our partnering Certified Financial Planners will share Topics include: Navigating Business Funding and Debt - with a focus on strategies for obtaining funding and loans, managing and reducing business debt Retirement Planning - with a focus on ways entrepreneurs with limited income can jumpstart their retirement fund Tax Strategies and Planning for Small Business Owners- (preparing for tax season, navigating tax deductions and credits, etc.) Register at the link in our bio/https://lnkd.in/dCQnJusV #blackconnect #financialplanning #probono #blackbusiness #blackowned #blacknetworking #blackwealth #financialadvice #probonoservices #CPA #CFP