Get The Scoop On Why Farmland Is a Good Investment For Black People

Why Invest in Farmland?

By Gary L. Smith

Many African Americans have ties to farmland either through inheritance, or through some form of ancestral rights. Whenever the word “farmland” comes up most of us immediately envision images of dirt roads between fields of crops, with beautiful sunsets. But have you ever considered such an investment as a strategy for creating wealth?

You may be surprised to learn that investing in farmland may indeed offer the kind of stability and consistency you’ve been seeking. Farmland in the U.S. is highly fragmented, typically with family-owned farms passed down from generation to generation. These farms make up a large portion of the farmland market, and with these valuable assets controlled by multi-generational families, it’s exceptionally difficult to access (there’s that word again) the growth potential of farmland investing.

Access to information is the gap we have in understanding potential investment opportunities that are literally within our grasp. An investment in farmland is an effective strategy for hedging against inflation and volatile markets. In fact, farmland is known as a low volatility asset. With many assets as consumer prices rise with inflation, the value of the asset decreases. But with farmland, the value tends to rise right along with consumer prices.

As a non-correlated asset, farmland investors are not handcuffed to the uncertainty of the stock market. Regardless of the stability or instability of the current market, farmland can continue to produce income and rise in value. Since farmland has only become scarcer over the years, a trend that is likely to continue, capital appreciation will likely continue to grow as well.

The Holidays are rapidly approaching, so before you pass the turkey, and share gifts, share and pass this information along. This is a subject worth discussing if there is farmland in your family. Having said that, any potential investor should conduct their own due diligence first and seek out and consult with the most knowledgeable and experienced investment advisor you can get. For the best results, choose someone who specializes in farmland to gain the most from your investment (inheritance).

Get The Scoop On The Innovative Wearable Health-Tech Fitness Fashions of Jeanette Ortegon And A'LuaR Wearable

Jeanette Ortegon Creates The Cutting Edge A'LuaR Wearable Fashion Line To
Empower Fuller Figured Women
With Health & Fitness Diagnostics

Jeanette Ortegon, is a persistent serial entrepreneur, but her current foray into business feels like a divinely inspired innovation.  Ortegon's emerging fitness and health monitoring undergarment company for full figured women A'luaR, is looking to center its products in the wellbeing of its customers.

A'luaR Wearable, looks to install small, discreet, but effectively smart health and fitness diagnostic monitors in women's bra undergarments.  Jeanette is looking to to accommodate the unique clothing and undergarment needs of full figured women while encouraging them to empower themselves towards greater awareness of their health and fitness stats in real time.

Jeanette Ortegon, is ahead of a trend in society to accept different body types in a healthy way.  However, it taps into the increasingly enduring concern for health and fitness.  I pursued the driven Founder and CEO to do an exclusive interview with me.

The insightful CEO with a military background shared some insight about what drives her visionary brand and inspires her fashion foray into wearable health and fitness technology.  You can see her provocative interview below...

Get The Scoop On How Visionary Artist Quinnell Williams Creates Clothing To Bring Black Men And Women Together In Unity

Can a Clothing Line Help
Unify Black Men and Women?

Visit The Politically Urban Website

By Kamau Austin with Quinnell Williams.

Some of the most ubiquitous and responded to posts and commentary on social media seem to be rifts and beefing between Black men and women online.  It is especially axiomatic across the legacy social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and even YouTube.

It seems like even social media upstart TikTok, thrives on divisions between Black men and women.  However, professional graphic artist Quinnell Williams, sees it as his mission and worthy cause - to change this divisive dynamic.

Quinnell Williams, the Founder, and creative force behind his apparel company Politically Urban, feels his artwear designs with positive messages will make a difference in society.  I was able to catch and convince the visionary artist to share his future goals for his inspirational socially relevant clothing company.

Twin Founders Marcus and Markee Baskerville of The Black-Owned Battery Brand VoltCell Celebrate Being the First to Sell on Amazon

TWIN BROTHERS, FOUNDERS OF BLACK-OWNED BATTERY BRAND CELEBRATE BEING THE FIRST TO SELL ON AMAZON

Marcus and Markee Baskerville, twin brothers and the founders of VoltCell, are making history as the owners of the first and only Black-owned battery brand being sold on Amazon. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone for diversity and representation within the battery industry.

VoltCell's relentless commitment to the entrepreneurial spirit, exceptional product quality, and community empowerment will hopefully garner nationwide attention as the brand catches stream. Customers can find VoltCell's high-performance batteries available for purchase on Amazon's platform.

"This time is a moment of immense pride and joy for the VoltCell team. Being the first black-owned battery company on Amazon is a testament to our dedication to excellence and our ability to never give up. It is an honor to represent diversity and provide customers with a diverse choice for their battery needs," stated Marcus Baskerville, Co-Founder of VoltCell.

Dream Exchange CEO Speaks at Historic National Black Business Conference, Forges Transformative Partnership with National Black Chamber of Commerce ®

Dream Exchange CEO Speaks at
Historic National Black Business Conference, Forges Transformative Partnership with
National Black Chamber of Commerce ®

Joe Cecala, Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, was invited to speak at the National Black Business Conference which took place in Atlanta, Georgia on August 24-26. With a resounding commitment to empowering a new generation of entrepreneurs, a historic agreement that marked the beginning of an unprecedented partnership between Dream Exchange and the National Black Chamber of Commerce ® (NBCC) was solidified and signed.

Dream Exchange

Beyond the historic signing, Joe Cecala lent his expertise to the conference through dynamic panel discussions. Drawing upon his experience as a trailblazer in the financial and technology sectors, Cecala engaged in thought-provoking conversations about the challenges and opportunities that minority-owned businesses encounter in their pursuit of capital.

Namely, since the late 1990's not only has the total number of public companies declined by nearly 50%, the number of small initial public offerings (IPOs) has declined from 70-90% of the IPO market to just 20-30%, according to a white paper written by Dream Exchange in 2018. A proposed solution to this problem is the Main Street Growth Act, a new legislation that will allow for the creation of a new type of stock exchange specifically designed for small and emerging early-stage businesses providing access to capital for more underrepresented businesses.

Get The Scoop On How This Detroit Non-Profit, Mobile Mentoring Bus, and New Apparel Line Inspires Black and Brown Youth

BLACK NON-PROFIT USES
MOBILE MENTORING BUS AND
NEW APPAREL LINE TO
INSPIRE BLACK AND
BROWN YOUTH

Calvin T. Mann, President and Founder of Encourage Me I’m Young (EMIY) Inc., a Detroit-based non-profit organization has launched both a mobile mentoring bus and an apparel line to inspire Black youth.

EMIY is all about supporting Black and brown boys, girls, and their families against the negative forces they deal with every day.

“Negative influences have been normalized today, like violent video games and toxic social media–and it’s causing higher suicide rates, more bullying, heightened racism, more violence, and substance abuse,” Mann said. “We’ve created a new line of family-friendly apparel that schools and families can use to create positivity in our communities and help us continue the important work of encouraging others.”

EMIY Founder & President Calvin T. Mann

The EMIY mobile mentoring bus (as seen on Fox 2 Detroit) is used to reach young Black youth who are in crisis because of not having a positive figure in their lives. The concept is to pull up at sporting events and community activities and provide immediate encouragement to the young children who are there.

Get The Scoop On Gary Smith's New Book "5 Keys to Create Passive Income with Commercial Real Estate."

Trusted Commercial Real Estate Advisor
Gary Smith Pens New Book The
"5 Keys to Create Passive Income
with Commercial Real Estate."  

Gary L. Smith, CEO Business Consultants International, Inc.

Gary L. Smith is a distinguished business consultant and trusted advisor renowned for his expertise in advising high net worth investors in the realm of commercial real estate and business development. With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Gary boasts an extensive background in business, real estate, and investment ventures.  His niche lies in the intricate landscape of net lease retail commercial real estate, where his insights have consistently proved invaluable.

With a sterling reputation as a true industry expert, Gary Smith has undeniably left an indelible mark on the world of commercial real estate. For the past two decades, Gary has dedicated his expertise to the niche of net lease retail commercial real estate.

As an accomplished investor, broker, and investment adviser, Gary has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to navigate the complexities of this specialized field. As a former Investment Sales advisor with Marcus & Millichap, he not only propelled his own success but have also been instrumental in guiding high net worth investors through the intricate processes of purchasing, financing, and selling net lease commercial real estate.

Learn How Global Leaders Will Be Awarded $150,000 In Total Prize Money

Global Leaders To Be Awarded $150,000 Collectively

Do you know a leader with unconventional, breakthrough ideas?

The Tällberg Foundation believes in a new kind of global leadership, one that is innovative, courageous, dynamic, and rooted in universal values. The Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize honors leaders that push for positive global change with solutions for an unpredictable world.

Nominate a global leader today from any country and any discipline!

Women Of African Heritage Living In The US (Between 18-35) Discover How To Win A Car, Cash, And Be Crowned Queen Of AMBUSA

Young Ladies Of African Heritage
Be Crowned African Most Beautiful USA
Queen To Win A Car And Cash While...

... Also Helping Africans Develop Their Countries With Food, Water, And Infrastructure 

Founder and CEO of AMBUSA Queen Nana Akosua Nkrumah Adasa III (left) Presenting New Car To 2022 AMBUSA Winner Laurie Fonhoue (Right)

African Most Beautiful USA. It's that time of the year! The search for a new Queen is on!

If you are of African heritage living in the United States between the ages 18-35 then that could be your chance to win a car, cash and be crowned African Most Beautiful USA 2023.

Simply visit http://www.ambusa.org to register now. Registration ends May 31, 2023. Tell a friend to tell a friend.

AMBUSA Finalists with Awards and Checks

Young Entrepreneur King Mauni Awarded $25K Grant from Mayor of Tempe, Arizona

12-YEAR-OLD ENTREPRENEUR KING MAUNI AWARDED $25K GRANT FROM THE MAYOR OF TEMPE, ARIZONA

King Mauni, is the ambitious 12-year-old founder and CEO of We Kingz Bro, an inspirational apparel brand that empowers young men to build a life and future that they are proud of. His company was recently awarded a $25,000 grant from the City of Tempe, Arizona for BIPOC micro-manufacturers to support business operations and growth.

We Kingz Bro aims to inspire young men across the globe to embrace their purpose, financial independence, and their inner ‘King.’

Mauni comments, “Being a King is all about having a purpose, a vision, and confidence, but it’s also about being diverse and standing up for what you believe in. Huge thanks to the City of Tempe, Tempe Chamber of Commerce, Teniqua Broughton, and my mom Dr. Velma Trayham for helping me encourage more positive masculinity and equality worldwide through my inspirational designed apparel.”

Kemah Duopu's Vegan Nail Polish Brand Harmon Polish Wins Pitch Competition

FOUNDER OF BLACK-OWNED VEGAN NAIL POLISH BRAND WINS PITCH COMPETITION

Kemah Duopu, is the Founder and CEO at Harmon Polish.  She is celebrating having won $5,000 at the Heaven Center Pitch Competition at Awakening Trade & Conference held in Plano, Texas. The Awakening Africa Hub, a one-stop-shop resource for helping today’s entrepreneurs build tomorrow.

The Expo provides an opportunity to strengthen business and economic relationships among business people operating in Africa, America and the rest of the world, thereby creating shared prosperity, mutual trust and collective incentives for the public and private partnerships leading to the development of prosperous and sustainable economic initiatives between the US and Africa. The event included 25+ speakers, 70+ exhibitors, 10+ workshops, and entertainment representing more than 50 countries. It offered valuable opportunities to learn about the latest in trade, investment, and market trends.

The Heaven Center Pitch Competition featured five finalists with an opportunity to win $5,000 to a minority entrepreneur. The competition was for minority entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and build strong networks with ambitious and passionate individuals and mentors. Their goal is to encourage and support entrepreneurship in the African American community by offering competitions where entrepreneurs can receive constructive feedback from experienced venture capitalists and established CEOs.

Black Students Win $20K in STEM Scholarships

NONPROFIT GIVES AWAY ALMOST $20K IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO BLACK STUDENTS IN STEM

Math with EEEs, Inc., a Black-owned non-profit dedicated to eMath With Empowering African-American students through education and STEM scholarship opportunities, is sponsoring 10 students for the highly sought-after online coding course by Codewithsharen. All in all, the organization has already given away almost $20,000 in scholarships.

Led by Math with EEEs, the organization is working to bridge the gap in STEM education and provide equal opportunities for underrepresented communities to excel in the field.

“It’s crucial for students to continue learning STEM and not just rely on OpenAI like ChatGPT,” said Sharen Eddings, a top computer programmer turned STEM education provider and founder of Codewithsharen. “Without a mastery of the language of code, proper instruction cannot be given to AI like ChatGPT to build a website. Moreover, without the knowledge of web hosting, troubleshooting, maintenance, or cybersecurity, the final product can not be fully utilized. That’s why Math with EEEs, Inc and Codewithsharen have teamed up to impart this essential skill set.”

Designed for students in grades 6 and above, the course teaches coding in a fun, interactive, and easy-to-learn manner.

“Your child will learn the hottest skill in town: coding, also known as STEM in schools,” said Eddings. “We teach kids how to read and write code, then how to use that skill to build websites, and mobile games.”

Kevin Benoit Supports NYC High School Students as They Reach for Their Dreams

KEVIN BENOIT LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT NYC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AS THEY REACH FOR THEIR DREAMS

Kevin Benoit, founder of Parlé Magazine, is proud to announce the launch of Parlé Endeavors, a New York city based 501(c)3 organization aiming to empower and support young adults pursuing careers in the arts, media, journalism, entrepreneurship and related field. In its first year, the organization hopes to support a minimum of eight high school juniors and seniors through a scholarship program for those who are college bound; and a grant program for immediate aspiring entrepreneurs. Applications for both programs are available at ParleEndeavors.org since March 1, 2023.

The Parlé Endeavors Scholarship will provide four graduating New York State seniors with $2,500 each, to be applied towards their tuition in pursuit of an arts, communications, journalism or business-related degree at a 2- or 4-year institution. In addition to the scholarship, recipients will be matched with a professional already successfully working in their chosen field. The goal is to arm these students with guidance to begin shaping their post-collegiate careers in their first post-secondary academic year.

Parlé Endeavors’ Grant program is open to current juniors and seniors who are ready to begin, or have already begun developing a business concept in the arts, media, journalism or entrepreneurship. As part of the application process, these students will be required to present their idea in a pitch video shared via social media. Applicants will also have to demonstrate a proven commitment to bring that business to life within a year. Four students will be awarded a $2500 business development grant, to be disbursed in two payments.

These recipients will also be paired with a mentor in their chosen field, but with a much more structured program. Over the course of the year, the students will meet with their mentors twice a month to continue developing their business plan. The first disbursement will be made at the start of the program; while the second payment will be made once the mentor overseeing the student’s plan deems they are ready to shift from planning to actually building the business. As such, the second disbursement date will vary per student.

Get The Scoop On How Young Nurse Samantha Cepeda's Platform Gives 1,000’s of Nursing Students a New Fun Interactive Way to Study

YOUNG NURSE SAMANTHA CEPEDA'S PLATFORM GIVES THOUSANDS OF NURSING STUDENTS A NEW INTERACTIVE WAY TO STUDY

Samantha Cepeda, is a licensed practical nurse, artist, and educator from Atlanta, who is also the founder and CEO of The Nurse Sam, a leading resource for visual and interactive learning for nursing students. Her platform offers a new approach to studying with the use of innovation and artistry. Following the philosophy that “a person retains when entertained,” she helps students to effectively digest information while making learning a more fun experience.

Samantha founded the company in 2018, after going through an emergency hysterectomy just 5 days after her wedding. Today, her website has a continuously growing following who benefit from her unique learning materials. She has become a leading resource for nursing students at all levels! “I’m giving nursing students a new way to study and retain information that they will enjoy,” says Nurse Sam.

There are several types of educational content available on in the site. In addition to digital study guides, the site also offers other learning media such as online courses and live broadcasts.

Learn How The Nations Largest Black-Owned Cause Marketing Agency Proves Diversity is Good For Business

FOUNDER OF LARGEST BLACK-OWNED CAUSE MARKETING AGENCY PROVES DIVERSITY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Nationally recognized firm, CMRignite, has developed innovative campaigns for government, corporate and nonprofit clients for more than two decades.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are good for business at CMRignite, the nation’s largest Black-owned cause marketing agency. The firm, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been able to achieve exponential growth in staff and revenue by prioritizing diversity as a best practice for its business model.

Since the company was founded by Jacqueline Moore in 1995, CMRignite has been on a mission to develop innovative, cross-cultural marketing campaigns that lead to real, positive change. While many agencies struggle to hire and retain diverse talent, CMRignite has intentionally and methodically built a staff that is 70% Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ and/or people with disabilities. In addition, the company acquired a Washington D.C.- based marketing agency in 2022, creating an even more diverse team of creatives and communicators.

The agency’s current client list includes organizations like U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, National WIC Association, NAACP, Wisconsin Department of Tourism and the University of Wisconsin.

“I knew I wanted to build an agency that would make an impact and leave a legacy, and I also understood the importance of reaching the multicultural market in an authentic way long before it became popular,” said Moore, chairman and CEO of CMRignite. “Hiring the best and brightest talent allows us to compete at the highest level, yet it’s our diversity that sets us apart. I believe it’s one of our biggest assets.”

Discover How Troy Smith Became The First Black Private Mortgage Lender With a $100M Warehouse Line

ENTREPRENEUR MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST BLACK PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER WITH A $100M WAREHOUSE LINE

Troy Smith, is the founder and CEO of G1 Commercial Mortgage, a faith-based Private Credit Fund based in Charles County, Maryland, the wealthiest African American County in the nation. His company is a direct lender that offers finance options to real estate investors, and he is the first African American mortgage lender to have delegated underwriting authority over a $100 million warehouse line.

Troy positioned his company within the private mortgage market by creating bank-alternative lending capital for mortgage products that would be very challenging for individuals to find. They have created the first-ever Mortgage Revenue Sharing Network (MRSN - pronounced mer-sehn). For the first time, a national Private Credit Fund has agreed to share the origination fees charged on a business-purpose mortgage transaction with anyone who shares their loan programs with others.

Revenue partners have the ability to earn up to a 15% revenue share on each transaction. This revenue-sharing system encourages team growth, as they will pay an override on all volume created through a team channel. MRSN creates wealth development opportunities for the average person that would otherwise never experience the benefits of mortgage origination commissions.

However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when discussing Troy's overall financial and economic vision. He is also the Managing Partner of the United States Economic Right Coalition (USERC or simply ERC). The ERC is a Private Credit Fund with a demand for a unique set of Limited Partners. The limited partners will consist of a coalition of African-American-owned banks that pool a portion of their dollars within the fund to provide responsible credit capital to those businesses and individuals that are often overlooked and underrepresented.

The ERC will invest in community infrastructure through land cultivation and the four (4) supplies - Food, Water, Air, and Energy - to create a sort of resource pool of supplies for those within the ERC system. General Membership will be accepted into the ERC from those who represent the communities in which the ERC will serve. G1 Commercial Mortgage will be a Limited Partner within the ERC to provide mortgage underwriting support and liquidity stability.

Malik Yoba Partners with Martha Underwood CEO Of Black-Owned Secure Digital Wealth Transfer Platform

MALIK YOBA PARTNERS WITH BLACK-OWNED DIGITAL PLATFORM DESIGNED TO SECURELY STORE IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS FOR WEALTH TRANSFER

Award-winning actor, philanthropist and founder of Yoba Development, Dr. Malik Yoba, has partnered with Martha Underwood, the founder and CEO of a Black-owned technology company called Prismm to promote preparedness and peace of mind when you need it the most.

Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Prismm, is a digital platform that allows individuals to securely store and organize important documents, communicate end-of-life wishes, and plan for the transfer of wealth and assets.

“Being a caregiver for my mother as she was succumbing to the horror that is dementia, it was a serious challenge for my siblings and I to find, manage and organize the important documents in her life on top of all the other stressors that come with being a caregiver. Not having access to all of her information was an important aspect of life planning that is often overlooked or put off until it’s too late.

When I met Martha and her sister Shella, and found out that they solved this very stressful pain point, I immediately offered to help spread the word any way I can. I wish we had Prismm when my mother was still with us.

Given that my company Yoba Development, as a diversified portfolio company focusing on education, media and real estate, I saw a lot of synergies in our efforts to educate and empower individuals and their families with information regarding generational wealth building. For folks to have access to this cutting-edge technology that Prismm offers can be a gamechanger on so many levels,” said Yoba. “I am very excited to work with Prismm to help make this process easier and more manageable for people.”

Through this partnership, Yoba Development and Prismm aim to provide accessible and organized tools for individuals and families to plan for the transfer of wealth and assets at the end of life.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Malik Yoba as a partner,” said Prismm Founder and CEO, Martha Underwood. “His personal experience with being a caregiver make him a valuable asset in helping us educate the public about the importance of curating critical documents and providing consent before life’s unexpected moments catch us off guard.”

This partnership will bring together Yoba’s celebrity power, personal experience with managing the affairs of a transitioning loved one, and his commitment to helping others with Prismm’s innovative technology to create a comprehensive resource for end-of-life planning.

For more information about Prismm, please visit GetPrismm.com

See How This Mom of 4 Laine Bradley Secured Over $15M in Funding for Clients and Students

32-YEAR-OLD BLACK ENTREPRENEUR, MOM OF 4, SECURES OVER $15M IN FUNDING FOR CLIENTS AND STUDENTS

Laine Bradley, a 32-year-old Haitian-American woman from Raleigh, NC, has helped small businesses and nonprofit organizations secure over $15 million in grant funding. She is the founder and CEO of Vraiment Financial, a full financial firm focused on providing innovative client solutions.

In addition, she is the creator of the Grant Capital Society, a funding resource community for new and existing small businesses and organizations that provides information, resources, and training to become grant ready.

As a wife and mother of four, Bradley prides herself in educating small businesses and organizations to consistently establish the foundation they need to win grant funding.

In 2019, Bradley won her first business grant of $4,000 for her financial firm. She was able to invest the funds into growing her business with a business coach and paying a few months of operational expenses. From there, Bradley has won over $250,000 in grants for her company by applying consistently every month.

She became a certified federal grant writer in 2020 and began assisting other small businesses and organizations for free during the pandemic. By the end of 2020, Bradley was able to secure over $1.2 million.

Today's News Bytes: 241 Cosmetics And Brown Venture Group

Twins From War Torn Region Come To US And Start Successful Beauty Brand Company

Learn how Feven and Helena Yohannes, the founders of 241 Cosmetics are changing the game in cosmetics.  The twin visionaires have developed a line of "hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, paraben-free lipsticks and lip glosses, eyeshadows, and eyeliners."  According to ShoppeBlack.

The ambitious twin sisters, who were once political refugees, are now successful owners of a cosmetic company.  How did these 2 sisters leave a war torn region in Africa to become the successful business owners of 241 Cosmetics? 

For More Info Visit