Season's Blessings

Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Happy Holidays - Be Blessed in 2026

As we close out a powerful year of telling our stories and uplifting our communities, we’re sending love, light, and gratitude to everyone who rocked with us. ❤️🖤💚

Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa & Happy Holidays — prayerfully wishing you a Blessed, Prosperous, and Uplifting 2026 from Kamau, nZinga, & the Media Team. ✨📣

NY Attorney General Letitia James: Standing Up for Workers, Consumers, and Families

NY Attorney General Letitia James: Standing Up for Workers, Consumers, and Families

In the face of political attacks and dismissed cases tied to mortgage-fraud claims pushed by the Trump administration, New York Attorney General Letitia James continues to do the job New Yorkers elected her to do: protect consumers, workers, and families. Affectionally referred to as Tish James, she continues to take decisive action to protect working families, immigrants, and consumers across the state. In a series of recent moves, AG James has pushed back against federal policies that threaten essential services, secured major restitution for consumers harmed by corporate misconduct, and defended food assistance for New York’s most vulnerable residents.

Defending Immigrant Workers and Essential Services

Attorney General James recently joined a coalition of 18 other attorneys general to sue the Trump administration over a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications—an unprecedented increase that would effectively dismantle the program for public institutions and nonprofits. The H-1B visa program allows highly skilled immigrants to work temporarily in the U.S., filling critical roles as doctors, nurses, teachers, researchers, engineers, and other professionals.

New York is home to more than 13,000 H-1B workers, many of whom are employed in health care, education, technology, finance, and the arts. AG James warned that the fee hike would worsen existing labor shortages, particularly in underserved and rural communities already facing severe shortages of doctors, nurses, and educators. The lawsuit argues the administration’s action is unlawful, bypassed required rulemaking, and violates federal law. If blocked, it would protect access to health care, education, and essential services for millions of New Yorkers.

Get The Scoop On Legendary Black and Ethnic Skincare Pioneer Pamela R. Springer Winning the Prestigious ASCP Icon Award

Pamela R. Springer Makes History as ASCP’s 2025 Industry Icon – And Redefines Skin Care for a Multi-Ethnic World

In an industry that has too often overlooked the needs of diverse skin tones, Pamela R. Springer has spent decades doing the opposite—putting skin of color at the center of the conversation. Now, her life’s work is being recognized at the highest level.

Pamela R. Springer, Founder and CEO of Global Skincare Products, has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious ASCP Industry Icon Award. ASCP (Associated Skin Care Professionals), the leading national association supporting licensed estheticians, represents more than 35,000 members nationwide and is the only organization offering estheticians comprehensive, industry-specific benefits throughout every stage of their careers.

With this honor, Pamela makes history as the first African American woman—and only the second person ever—to receive the ASCP Industry Icon title, underscoring the magnitude of her contribution to professional skin care, education, and inclusivity.

Elevating Skin of Color to Center Stage

The ASCP Industry Icon Award is reserved for visionaries who have made lasting contributions to professional skin care through education, innovation, and leadership. Pamela’s nomination through ASCP’s Skin Deep Readers’ Choice Awards is a testament to the respect she commands among peers and professionals across the country.

Her groundbreaking focus on ethnic skin care and pigmentation disorders has transformed how estheticians and medical providers approach treatment in today’s multicultural market. At a time when many textbooks and training programs barely mentioned skin of color, Pamela was building an evidence-based, culturally rooted framework for treating it properly, safely, and effectively.

Her career spans decades of transformative teaching, hands-on mentoring, and clinical insight, helping professionals move beyond fear, guesswork, and outdated myths about pigmented skin. Checkout her video below...

Elevating Skin of Color to Center Stage

The ASCP Industry Icon Award is reserved for visionaries who have made lasting contributions to professional skin care through education, innovation, and leadership. Pamela’s nomination through ASCP’s Skin Deep Readers’ Choice Awards is a testament to the respect she commands among peers and professionals across the country.

Her groundbreaking focus on ethnic skin care and pigmentation disorders has transformed how estheticians and medical providers approach treatment in today’s multicultural market. At a time when many textbooks and training programs barely mentioned skin of color, Pamela was building an evidence-based, culturally rooted framework for treating it properly, safely, and effectively.

Her career spans decades of transformative teaching, hands-on mentoring, and clinical insight, helping professionals move beyond fear, guesswork, and outdated myths about pigmented skin. Ms. Springer's outstanding contribution to the medical field of ethnic skincare is featured in the renowned Doctor Bob Lee's book PEOPLE TO KNOW IN BLACK HISTORY & BEYOND.

Get The Scoop On Bridging the Capital Gap: African American Small Business Foundation Donors Drive Local Economic Resilience Amid National Funding Disparity

Bridging the Capital Gap: African American Small Business Foundation Donors Drive Local Economic Resilience Amid National Funding Disparity

 

Photo Above: Phil Andrews, President of the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. addresses donors at the Foundation’s Annual Fundraising Networking Event and Holiday Fundraiser.

New York, New York – As national conversations continue regarding the persistent capital access issues faced by minority-owned enterprises, the African American Small Business Foundation (AASBF) is highlighting the critical, immediate impact of its local initiatives. The AASBF operates as a vital local antidote to a systemic national challenge, ensuring that dedicated, high-potential African American entrepreneurs in Downstate, New York receive the funding and resources necessary to thrive and stabilize the local economy.

Recent economic reports confirm that despite heightened visibility, Black-owned businesses still receive a disproportionately small share of small business loans and venture capital. This disparity—a major headwind against national equitable economic recovery—underscores the irreplaceable value of localized, mission-driven organizations like the AASBF.

The Importance of the Foundation: A Local Solution to a National Problem

The AASBF is more than a funding source; it is an economic accelerator. By providing tailored mentorship, technical assistance, and direct grants and loans, the Foundation tackles the core barriers to scaling Black-owned businesses. These businesses often serve as cultural hubs, major employers of local talent, and key drivers of neighborhood revitalization.

"While discussions about multi-billion-dollar funding disparities happen in boardrooms across the country, the reality for our local entrepreneurs is far more immediate," said Phil Andrews, President of the African American Small Business Foundation. "Every dollar we raise translates directly into inventory, technology, new hires, and community stability. We are not waiting for the national tide to turn; we are building our own local economic engine."

Why Support Matters: The Donor's Strategic Investment

For individuals, corporations, and philanthropic partners, supporting the AASBF is a strategic investment that yields clear, measurable returns beyond simple charity. Donors are not just funding businesses; they are funding economic resilience and civic stability.

What Donor Support Means:

• Closing the Equity Gap: Donors become immediate partners in challenging the national narrative of funding disparity, providing capital where traditional institutions hesitate.

• Direct Job Creation: Every dollar raised by the AASBF translates into an average of several hundred new jobs created or retained in Downstate, New York.

• Anchor Investments: Funding helps convert small businesses into neighborhood anchors, fostering community stability and increasing the tax base.

• Legacy Building: Donors help secure the economic future of African American families, creating generational wealth pathways that mentorship alone cannot achieve.

Get The Scoop On How Pretty Young Autistic Visionary Aaliyah Alicia Thompson Transformed Adversity Into Beauty, Business, and Community Empowerment

Young and Pretty Autistic Visionary
Aaliyah Alicia Thompson Transformed Adversity Into Beauty, Business, and Community Empowerment

When Aaliyah Alicia Thompson was diagnosed with autism at just five years old, many would have assumed her future would be limited. But for Aaliyah, autism was never an obstacle — it was a different path, one that shaped her resilience, sharpened her creativity, and fueled a purpose that now inspires thousands.

Today, Aaliyah a pretty 24 year old young woman, is not only a rising entrepreneur in the haircare industry — she is the first woman with autism in the United States to open her own beauty bar, the CEO of the Aaliyah Alicia Thompson School of Nails & Cosmetology, and a nationally recognized changemaker who uses her platform to uplift others with autism.

Her story is one of determination, faith, and family support — but most importantly, it’s the story of a young Black autistic woman who refused to let delays or adversity define her limits.

From Early Delays to Early Honors

Aaliyah’s journey began with a childhood marked by communication delays and the challenges that come with an autism diagnosis. But her mother, Patricia Terry, saw possibility where others saw barriers. She nurtured Aaliyah’s confidence, encouraged her curiosity, and helped her develop the discipline she would need to excel.

And excel she did.

Aaliyah grew into an outstanding student, graduating from high school with honors, proving early that her autism was not a limitation but a strength.

Discovering Her Passion for Beauty and Haircare

Her life changed when she began working at a beauty school and salon. Something clicked. The rhythms of hairstyling, the creativity of nails, the satisfaction of transforming someone’s confidence — it became Aaliyah’s calling.

She wasn’t just good — she had a gift.

Her mother believed in that gift so much that she encouraged Aaliyah to open her own beauty bar. At just 21 years old, also a fitness advocate, Aaliyah made national history, becoming the first autistic woman in America to launch her own beauty business.

Her brand, Aaliyah Beauty Bar, quickly became known not only for quality styling but for its powerful mission: beauty with purpose.

Get The Scoop On Why Ownership Of You & Your Community Are Key! By Pierre Clark

Wealthbuilding and Community Development: Why Ownership Of You & Your Community Are Key!

NuMillennium Opportunity Capital Ltd. Is focused on helping all of us build community wealth and ownership! This is the movement that more and more are embracing as the way to be in control of your life and your family’s future. But by definition, community people aren’t convinced they can build their own wealth/asset base for themselves.

Especially people who haven’t done it or known others who have done it for themselves. So they don’t plan to do it intentionally because they don’t believe they can, and that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that plays out in a real-time scenario of misery and disillusionment.

So we at NuMillennium Opportunity Capital Ltd. have devised and are championing our Community Wealth-Building Academy, where we have developed the tools, resources abundance and pathway to help you get started and connect you with others of like mind and intention.

Get The Scoop on the 2nd Annual Networking Soirée of The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.

The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. Announces the
2nd Annual Networking Soirée —
Celebrating “The Power of Partnership”

Carle Place, New York— December 2, 2025 — The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. proudly presents the 2nd Annual Networking Soirée, in partnership with the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York, Inc. and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC). This year’s celebration will be held at Fogo De Chão, located in Carle Place, New York, and will highlight the 2025 theme: “The Power of Partnership.”

The Networking Soirée brings together business leaders, community advocates, and professionals from across Long Island and New York City for an evening of collaboration, connection, and celebration of economic empowerment. Guests will enjoy 2hrs of appetizers along with an elegant experience, live networking opportunities, and highlights of ongoing initiatives that strengthen the small business ecosystem across the region. Click on link here to register 

About the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc.

The African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting small businesses, particularly those owned by African Americans and other minority entrepreneurs. The Foundation focuses on financial literacy, entrepreneurial training, access to capital, and economic empowerment, helping business owners build sustainable enterprises and strengthen communities throughout New York State.

First Trans Woman of Color Toni Newman Receives Honorary Doctorate in International Law and Legal Studies

Toni Newman Receives Honorary Doctorate in International Law and Legal Studies

Toni Newman, renowned author, human rights advocate, and social justice leader, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Azteca University for her outstanding contributions to the advancement of LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, and the rights of marginalized communities.

As a Trans Woman of Color, Newman’s decades-long career has been defined by visionary leadership, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting those whose voices are too often silenced. This prestigious recognition from Azteca University honors not only her personal journey of transformation and triumph but also her trailblazing work at the intersection of advocacy, education, and social equity.

“This Honorary Doctorate from Azteca University is more than an honor—it’s a testament to every trans woman of color who has fought to live authentically and lead with purpose,” said Dr. Toni Newman. “I share this recognition with all those who continue to break barriers and create spaces of dignity, hope, and justice for our communities.”

Get The Scoop On The Exclusive Interview with Author Max W. Miller on Healing, Self-Publishing, and Turning Pain Into Purpose

Exclusive Interview: Author Max W. Miller on
Healing, Self-Publishing, and
Turning Pain Into Purpose

When it comes to healing through words, Max W. Miller is more than just an author—she’s a literary force driven by a higher purpose. After a diverse and accomplished career that began in psychiatric nursing and evolved into roles as a corporate project manager, real estate broker, and entrepreneur, Max has fully stepped into her calling as a writer, publisher, and healing voice for readers seeking restoration from emotional pain and trauma.

A proud native of Savannah, Georgia, Max’s publishing journey is not just a business—it’s deeply personal. Her latest body of work in the self-help and emotional healing genre is a reflection of her own path toward wholeness. Known for her imaginative beginnings in sci-fi, fantasy, and paranormal fiction, Max now uses her platform to help others confront their past, release shame, and reclaim their purpose.

In our earlier feature, we highlighted her newest release and how it’s resonating with readers across generations. Now, in this exclusive interview, Max opens up about her Southern roots, the life experiences that shaped her writing lens, and the emotional breakthroughs that inspired her shift into trauma-informed storytelling.  To see her exclusive video interview see below...

Get The Scoop On How AI Made Simple Can Help Everyday People Create New Income Streams

Learn How Everyday People are Using AI to Create New Income Streams.

Click Here

✨ Imagine what an extra few hundred dollars — or even a few thousand each month could do for your life. What would that kind of breathing room mean for you?

Join your Host Carol Berry and Coach Joy Mallard for a live, interactive workshop where she’ll show you:

• ✅ How to start using AI to generate income — even if you have zero experience.
• ✅ Why you don’t need to spend 4–8 hours a day making it work (AI does the heavy lifting).
• ✅ Simple steps you can take right away to start building extra income from home.

Get The Scoop On What Healthy Really Means (and Doesn't)

What Does Healthy Mean to You?

What Healthy Really Means (and Doesn’t)
By Afi Okon, MPA, Solutions-Provider focused on wellness and community empowerment. Creator of Let’s Make Healthy, Our New Happy Campaign and Founder, American Obesity Foundation

So, let’s define it — what does "healthy" really mean? It’s not a number on the scale. It’s not a diet plan. And it’s sure not what you see on social media.

Healthy simply, means your family has the energy to live, love, and grow. It means your meals nourish more than your bodies — they bring you together. It means you move your bodies not to punish them, but to celebrate what they can do.

In this campaign, healthy means:

• Feeding your family with love and intention

• Finding joy in movement

• Creating moments of calm, connection, and care

• Building habits that support long-term well-being

• Choosing a Culture of Healthy Living

Healthy doesn’t mean:

• Being perfect or rigid

• Cutting out entire food groups unless necessary

• Comparing yourself to others

• Sacrificing joy for the sake of control

Get The Scoop On How The REMA 4 US Business Fair Promoted Black Economic Development In Far Rockaway, New York

REMA 4 US Business Fair Promoted Black Economic Development In Far Rockaway, New York

By Gail Johnson

The Rockaway East Merchant Association 4 United Synergy (REMA4US) celebrated their annual Business Fair, Saturday, September 13, 2025 on Beach 20th Street in the heart of Downtown Far Rockaway. This year was the 5th consecutive year for this Business Fair which showcases the Small Businesses of Far Rockaway.

The celebration was made possible by partnerships with the Far Rock Village Business Improvement District, the New York Career Training School, Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation (RDRC), St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Wellness Cares, and Cash Dash on the Rock.

Far Rockaway Business Activist Gail Johnson of Ca$h Da$h

Get The Scoop On Award Winning Social Empowering Attorney Zulu Ali Being Recognized by USA Today

Highly Awarded Attorney Zulu Ali Is
Recognized by USA Today

Zulu Ali - Attorney Zulu Ali has been recognized as one of the Top Five Lawyers to Watch in 2025 by USA Today.

Attorney Ali isn’t just practicing law—he’s reshaping the meaning of justice for those often left behind. He founded and now leads the Law Offices of Zulu Ali & Associates, LLP as the principal attorney. The firm is recognized as the largest Black-owned practice in California’s Inland Empire and is ranked among the top five nationwide.

Few attorneys bring the kind of frontline experience Attorney Zulu Ali does. The experience he gained during his time serving in the military and law enforcement inspired him to represent the suppressed voices in court. These voices include immigrants, defendants, and common people looking for justice. His role in appellate matters has contributed to meaningful discussions in the area of immigration law.

Teen Business Prodigy Gabby Goodwin Lands Major Retail Deal in 600 Claire’s Stores

Gabby Goodwin Inventor of
Gabby Bows Lands
Retail Deal in 600 Claire’s Stores

Gabby Goodwin invented GaBBY Bows, the first and only anti-slip double-face double-snap barrette at the age of seven with her mom, Rozalynn, and holds three U.S. patents. The now teenage CEO just landed her GaBBY Bows in 600 Claire’s stores nationwide.

It has been an exciting few months for the recent high school graduate who received merit scholarship offers totaling more than $1 million (including four full rides) from eight esteemed universities before committing to enroll at Vanderbilt University as an Ingram Scholar. Gabby also secured a book deal from HarperCollins, and her first authored children’s book, Naturally Me at the Confidence Salon, was released May 27 everywhere books are sold.

Inspired by Gabby’s real-life Confidence Salon, this picture book inspires young readers to embrace their natural beauty, find their confidence, and follow their dreams.

Gabby’s retail deal with Claire’s has been in the works since May 2024, and though four colors of her GaBBY Bows are being launched in stores while the company is selling most of its North American business to private equity firm Ames Watson, there is still reason to celebrate.

Get The Scoop On How To Create A Thriving Wealth-Building Ecosystem In Your Community

How To Create A Thriving Wealth-Building Ecosystem In Your Community
By Pierre Clark

By Pierre Clark, Managing Partner, NuMillennium Opportunity Capital, Inc.

There are cities and towns in America where Black people are thriving.
Take Atlanta, for example. According to reports, Atlanta is home to more than 11,000 Black millionaires.

Black Atlanteans are eating in restaurants they own, conducting business together, buying real estate from each other, and closing all kinds of deals within their own networks. One brother in real estate estimates that 95% of his business is conducted with other Black people.

Prince George’s County, Maryland, is another locale — home to one of the wealthiest enclaves of Black people in the country. Million-dollar homes owned by Black families sit side by side, supported by a network of Black-owned vendors and service providers.

Get The Scoop On 10 Practical Ways To Generate Wealth Now By Pierre Clark

10 Practical Ways To
Generate Wealth Now
By Pierre Clark

There’s a lot of argument about whether we are in a recession right now.  But there’s no debate at all that for the last year, prices for basic goods and services have risen.

People have felt and are feeling the pinch on their savings and finances and their overall wealth. They are seeking practical right now ways to generate extra income and rebuild their wealth. Here are ten readily accessible ways to do so.

1. Sidehustle. A successful and profitable sidehustle can make/will make the difference between financial independence and struggle in your life. You can leverage all your skills and provide solutions and services that people need at a price you can set.

And you will be in control of a successful business that will provide freedom and income.

 
2. Reducing Expenses.  Another easy to improve your wealth is to cut unnecessary and unwise sending. COVID proved many things we buy (that we think we really need) we don’t.

Don’t buy that extra bag of snacks or hot dog just because you can or think you want it. Don’t spend that extra $10.00 on that streaming account.

Take it from me, reduce expenses and invest the difference. Your bank account and strengthened lifestyle will thank you later.

3. Selling Unused Items. Everything you have ever owned usually comes down to a few things you use or wear all the time and the rest just gathers dust. Sell the unused item if you’ve stopped using it or it no longer serves your needs. Then put the proceeds in an investment account.

Get The Scoop From NY Business Leader Phil Andrews On Why Technology Empowers Black Business Owners.

Op-Ed: Technology Empowers Black Business Owners. Supporting Innovation Will Keep Them Competitive.

By Phil Andrews

August marked National Black Business Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, contributions, and success of Black entrepreneurs. As President Calvin Coolidge once said, “the chief business of the American people is business.”

This is as true today as it was nearly a century ago — and it holds for every American, especially the Black community. Black-owned business creation is surging. From 2017 to 2022, the number of businesses owned by a Black entrepreneur increased by nearly 57%. During those years, at least half of the new businesses were Black-owned.

The US Census estimates that Black entrepreneurs own 3.5 million businesses with an annual payroll of $40.5 billion.

Technology is fueling this boom in entrepreneurship and tearing down barriers. That’s especially true of artificial intelligence.

But to fully unlock AI’s economic potential, policymakers need to ensure that business owners and the workforce of the future are properly equipped to succeed. Albany and Washington should focus on investing in education and workforce training –– and resisting legislation and regulations that stifle rather than support our local innovators.

Get The Scoop On How The Future of Minority and Black Investing May Be A Dream Exchange

Dream Exchange CEO Joe Cecala Discusses Future of Public Capital for Small Business on Yahoo Finance

Joe Cecala, Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, In July, appeared on Yahoo Finance's "Financial Freestyle" with host Ross Mack to discuss its mission to build a public market that is designed for small and medium-sized companies. During the interview, Mr. Cecala detailed the Dream Exchange's progress towards registering as a national stock market with the Securities and Exchange Commission and its future plan to answer the market's need for a clearer path for capital formation to entrepreneurs from all walks of life with the creation of a venture exchange after the enactment of the Main Street Growth Act into law.

Mr. Cecala explained that for nearly a quarter-century, the path for small, innovative companies to enter the public markets has been largely closed. "By the time they are going to the public markets today, all the wealth creation, all the opportunity to 'get in early and build wealth by making an investment in a company that is emerging', it is gone," said Mr. Cecala.

The Dream Exchange is being built to solve this problem by focusing on the needs of emerging businesses. It will be the first stock exchange that is privately owned by individual investors, earning it the name "The People's Exchange." The objective is to create a trusted and accessible stock exchange in conjunction with a venture exchange where the most imaginative and innovative companies can find the capital they need to grow and thrive.

Get The Scoop On How to Read Nutrition Labels: A Simple Guide for Families By Afi S. Okon, MPA

How to Read
Nutrition Labels:
A Simple Guide for Families

By Afi S. Okon, MPA, Founder American Obesity Foundation

Want to eat healthier but confused by nutrition facts?  Knowing how to read nutrition labels can help you and your family make smarter food choices – especially if you are trying to eat healthier, manage weight, or reduce sugar and salt. This easy guide breaks down how to read nutrition labels in minutes—even for busy parents or beginners!

📌 Why Learn to Read Nutrition Labels?

Understanding what's really in your food can:

• Lead you to cut back on sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and additives

• Make grocery shopping faster and smarter

• Manage or prevent chronic diseases - support healthy weight, heart health, and energy

• Control portion sizes

• Help you stay informed and empowered

If you’re a parent, label reading also helps you make better choices for your kids—whether you’re packing school lunches or buying cereal.