Juneteenth Exclusive:  Black Women, the Strategic Architects of America

We make choices about who we recognize as strategic geniuses and who we overlook. Too often, Black women are left off our lists. While Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grant (a notorious drunkard) are often hailed for their wartime leadership, it was Harriet Tubman who combined on-the-ground intelligence with strategic action, leading the Union army from her position as a full-time spy and part-time general. A feat even more harrowing when you consider women weren’t even allowed to vote.

Today, Black women like Joquina M. Reed, a renowned Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDIJ) consultant and strategist, are continuing the legacy in the modern era by leading the economic justice charge. Joquina has spent nearly two decades helping organizations eliminate anti-Blackness and foster environments of authenticity and belonging. As the founder of J Reed Consulting LLC, she has created sustainable solutions that support safety, wellness, and agency for all.

@kinareed

Black resistance is part of our collective history but ✨someone✨ (bombastic side eye) doesnt want us remembering our triumphs. Theyd rathe... See more

Black women continue to be the strategic architects of America. Today, they are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the United States, with nearly 2.7 million businesses owned by Black women nationwide. This growth rate is significantly higher compared to other groups, demonstrating the increasing impact and influence of Black women in the entrepreneurial space (Black Enterprise)​​ (Yahoo)​​ (Black Enterprise)​. Rather than feeling undercut and undervalued in corporate and nonprofit environments, they are putting their strategies to work in their own businesses, driving economic progress and innovation.

As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us honor the strategic architects of America. Black women, like Harriet Tubman, have laid the foundation for progress and continue to lead us towards a more just and equitable future. Take this time for reflection and purposeful action, acknowledging their profound impact on our nation’s history and future.

Join and learn from Joquina:

Join Joquina M. Reed this coming Saturday, June 15th at 11 AM (CDT) for "Honoring Juneteenth: Seeking Reparative Justice." This virtual workshop is designed to offer insight into Juneteenth. Participants will learn about the historic event, understand why this history matters to all global citizens, and what we all can do to honor the formerly enslaved people and create a new legacy of shared humanity.

• Date: Saturday, June 15

• Time: 11 AM CDT / 12 PM EDT

• Event Link: Honoring Juneteenth: Seeking Reparative Justice

• Follow her on LinkedIn: Joquina M. Reed

Embracing the Business Ecosystem Model

How community-based support systems are empowering BIPOC entrepreneurs to thrive.

BIPOC entrepreneurs have faced historical disadvantages since the inception of America. However, thanks to decades of hard-fought advancements, business ownership has become a powerful way to address the wealth, wage, and income gaps underrepresented professionals encounter.

Steve Dubb at Nonprofit Quarterly is reporting that representatives from 16 US cities came together to share insights from their work supporting local BIPOC entrepreneurs. Unlike many conferences dominated by corporate investments and philanthropy, this gathering focused on grassroots strategies and the power of local, neighborhood-based support systems.

Instead of nonprofits coming in to fill deficit gaps they see in neighborhoods, organizations follow the asset-based community development (ABCD) philosophy. ABCD encourages a “build from within” system that recognizes and mobilizes the strengths within communities rather than relying solely on external aid.

The tangible impact of these community-based strategies is evident. NDC’s training programs have launched over 1,000 small businesses and created more than 5,000 jobs, demonstrating the potential of localized support systems to drive significant economic growth.

The Build from Within Alliance advocates a four-pillar support system for BIPOC entrepreneurs, encompassing technical assistance, business lending, business training, and real estate support. As Dayton Jackson, a Black business owner supported by West End Neighborhood House, explained, “It is all interconnected. I couldn’t do one thing without the other.”

You want to read this full article. If you work in nonprofits or philanthropy, the takeaways are obvious. But if you work in corporate giving or are just an everyday person that wants to make smart donations, educate yourself on these models. Read the full article.

Coffee is a multi-billion dollar business, with the global market size estimated to reach $132.13 billion in 2024​ (Mordor Intel)​​ (Research Markets)​. Women are increasingly taking ownership of their labor, especially in Colombia, where they form the backbone of the coffee industry.

Jeanette Hernandez at Remezcla reports that Sofia Vergara’s new brand is making sure Columbian women get their recognition—both in praise and in pay. Vergara has partnered with The National Federation of Coffee Growers, whose mission is “to work for the well-being of Colombian coffee growers through an effective union, democratic and representative organization.”

Read the full article to find out how Sofia is integrating mission, fairness, and value into her new coffee brand!

Culture Quick Reads

• Michelle Yeoh to Lead 2099: Michelle Yeoh is set to star in the Amazon Prime Video series "Blade Runner 2099," exploring complex philosophical themes in a futuristic society. This is a must-read for anyone interested in groundbreaking roles for Asian American actors and sci-fi enthusiasts alike. Read more from Sacha Wedner at AsAmNews.

• Support Queer-Owned Brands: When Target takes Pride merch out, we find it anyway. Riese at Autostraddle is helping you find your queer-gear for Pride spotlighting 23 queer-owned stores offering unique and empowering LGBT Pride t-shirts. Check out the list on Autostraddle.

• Segarra's Puerto Rican Pride: In an interview with Lissete Lanuza Sáenz at Remezcla, Josh Segarra discusses how he brings his Puerto Rican heritage into each character he plays, from "Abbott Elementary" to "The Big Door Prize." Learn more about his journey and the importance of representation in media.

Black entrepreneurs face the same systemic headwinds historically underrepresented workers face in other industries and facets of life. But Sycamore & Oak Retail Village in Washington, D.C. is bucking that trend becoming a thriving hub for Black-owned businesses, offering essential training, mentorship, and community support to empower local entrepreneurs.

Here are some actionable resources that you can use or get some ideas about what to look for in your local area.

1. Training and Mentorship Programs: The Sycamore & Oak Retail Village serves as an incubator for small businesses, providing essential training and professional development resources to help entrepreneurs gain critical business skills.

2. Community Space: The retail village acts as a community-owned coop, fostering a supportive environment where Black entrepreneurs can network, share resources, and support each other’s growth.

3. Holistic Wellness Promotion: Businesses like Wefit DC within the village emphasize holistic wellness, including nutrition and fitness, catering to the needs of the local community, which often lacks access to such facilities.

4. SCORE Mentorship and Education: SCORE, a nonprofit organization, offers free mentoring and educational resources to small businesses, helping them navigate challenges and build sustainable operations.