Loretta McNary

The National Negro Business League (August 23 & 24, 1900) was founded by Booker T. Washington in Boston. The league, which predated the US Chamber of Commerce by 12 years, strives to enhance the commercial and economic prosperity of the African American community. The NNBL was incorporated in 1901 in New York and established hundreds of chapters across the US. In 1966, the National Negro Business League was reincorporated in DC and renamed the National Business League. Booker T. Washington believed that solutions to the problem of racial discrimination were primarily economic and that African American entrepreneurship was vital. He founded the league to further the economic development of African American businesses to achieve social equality in American society. Members in the league included small business owners, farmers, doctors, lawyers, craftsmen, and other professionals. The league maintained directories for all major US cities and incorporated African American contacts in numerous businesses. Oftentimes, white business leaders addressed the National Business League at their annual conventions. Booker T. Washington himself kept contact with members of the white corporate elite, such as Andrew Carnegie and Julius Rosenwald, president of Sears, Roebuck, and Co. The league established the Booker T. Washington Foundation in 1967 as a public, non-profit operating foundation to serve as the research and development arm of the organization. It established the National Student Business League in 1974 as its collegiate division. Although the influence of the league declined since its peak in the early half of the 20th century, the organization still exists today and is headquartered in Atlanta with a second “federal” office in DC. The National Business League continues to promote economic enterprise and financial literacy for African Americans throughout the US and international trade with Africa and the African Diaspora. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

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This is a testament to what happens when young talent is nurtured by professionals who see potential, not just product 🎬 “They didn’t just guide us — they believed in us.” As innovative kids from Brooklyn, we weren’t just performers — we were creators. Under the mentorship of Howie Tee, Adrian “Tank” McCrae, Toni Irby, Terrence Gittens, Michelle Williams, myself, and DR. SPECIAL ED, we were trusted to shape our own music and music videos, design our own wardrobes, and express our vision freely. Our managers didn’t micromanage — they invested. Time, money, and belief. When I asked to wear their Profile Records jackets during a freezing shoot in Brooklyn, they said yes without hesitation. That moment wasn’t just about warmth — it was about respect. Today, DR. SPECIAL ED is a doctor. I’m an engineer. And we carry that legacy forward. This is what career advancement looks like when adults trust young minds. When professionals empower youth with real responsibility, they build more than projects — they build futures.

Howard University has cemented a partnership to put Black excellence on full display at the annual tech conference of the year ✨ #afrotech https://lnkd.in/dgnPv5sk

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Black Business Orlando Builds an Affordable Education Platform for Marketing, Networking, and Growth Black Business Orlando is building a powerful educational platform designed to empower entrepreneurs and professionals with essential marketing and networking skills. Through expert-led discussions, practical marketing insights, and real-world strategies shared by outstanding community members, this platform delivers high-value education at an affordable price. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your marketing skills, expand your professional network, or learn directly from experienced business owners, this growing community is designed to help you elevate your capabilities and move forward with confidence. Stay tuned for upcoming updates, engaging webinars, and opportunities to connect with motivated learners who are serious about growth. Let’s build, learn, and grow together. Listen now to the All Business No Bull (ABNB) Podcast, available on all major listening platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. #BlackBusinessOrlando #EntrepreneurEducation #BusinessMarketing #NetworkingSkills #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #Webinars #Empowerment #Entrepreneurship #AllBusinessNoBull #ABNBPodcast #SmallBusinessSupport #LearnAndGrow #2025

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Nigerian Afrobeats star Tiwa Savage has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation, an initiative aimed at nurturing and empowering emerging African creatives through mentorship, access, and world-class music education. Voice of Nigeria was live on the red carpet to cover the launch. Full details coming soon.

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One of America’s most recognizable African American audio media stars has extended his relationship with iHeartMedia. Charlamagne Tha God, co-host of iHeartMedia New York’s WWPR “Power 105”-based Premiere Network-syndicated “The Breakfast Club,” has agreed to a new multi-year agreement announced by iHeartMedia. As the founder of The Black Effect podcast network, Charlamagne has emerged in recent years as a crucial and influential voice in American culture, according to iHeartMedia.

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29-Year-Old Black Entrepreneur Wants to Buy Spirit Airlines to Make it America’s First Black-Owned Commercial Airline 29-year-old entrepreneur Hashim Walters from New Orleans, Louisiana, has officially launched The Latimer Group, an ownership consortium focused on acquiring Spirit Airlines, an iconic brand facing critical financial distress. He says that his mission is to empower African American economic leaders, creating the only Black-owned commercial airline in the United States.

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