#BuyBlack: YP Holiday Shopping Guide for NYC Businesses

Ring in the winter season by kicking off your holiday shopping with these 16 local businesses that were highlighted at the New York Urban League Young Professionals’ 2016 Black Business Bazaar! Review our list of amazing businesses, apps and websites to help you commit to consistently supporting Black-owned businesses. There’s something for everyone and there’s no better gift than knowing that by #buyingblack you are #givingback and empowering your community by circulating the black dollar!

As you browse and shop online, remember that buying black should be a lifestyle and not just something we do during the holidays and Black History Month. Our dollars are our voice and we can support our communities with our economic impact. Let’s get to shopping!

 

Featured Businesses

1)   Activate Increase – financial literacy and financial services

2)   Strong & Elite – apparel

3)   Choko Mode – apparel

4)   Collective Vision Studios – photography and graphic design

5)   Crumbs & Roses – bakery

6)   Financial Education Services – financial services

7)   Cassandra Lenoir, Author of From Nothing to New York – author

8)   Geenie Box – gifts in a box

9)   Harlem Candle Company – candles

10) How to Dance, LLC. – dance instruction

11) RC Design – graphic design and holiday cards

12) Trashina Connor, Author of 18 Ingredients to Make Daddy – author

13) University of Dope Card Game  – card game

14) Wake Up Black Wall Street – apparel

15) Work Hard Train Harder – personal trainer

16) Alfred Edmond, Author of Loving in the Grown Zone – author

 

Apps & Websites

• Black Owned Businesses – free app
• Black Enterprise 100 – list of black businesses
• Afrobella’s online black-owned businesses – list of black businesses
• Black Owned Biz – list of black businesses
• The Root’s 50 Holiday Gift Ideas – list of black businesses
• Essence Guide to Shopping Black Businesses for the Holidays – list of black businesses

 

Join the Movement

At the New York Urban League Young Professionals, we believe economic empowerment is the civil rights issue of our time and it’s all too often that black businesses continue to face institutionalized racism, a lack of trust and support for their goods and services. This is a stark reminder that the conversation needs to continue and it starts with us.

Support #BlackBusinesses and join the conversation by doing the following:

• Take a stand and tell us why it’s important to purchase black using the hashtag #YPurchaseBlack.

• Join our Buy Black Challenge by taking selfies at Black-owned businesses using the hashtag #YPurchaseBlack and tagging @nyulyp.

 

To learn more about how you can get involved in the work of safeguarding our civil rights and bringing economic justice to our communities, please contact Civics and Economics Chair Chanelle Brown.

Black Business Spotlight: Bryant Arthur, The Carmoon Group

The New York Urban League Young Professionals features Bryant Arthur, President of The Carmoon Group, as a part of our National Day of Empowerment initiative. Bryant Arthur is a member of the New York Urban League Young Professionals, Co-Founder of the New York Caucus for Political Action and Chair of the Young & Powerful Group.  Our Civics & Economics committee chair, Chanelle Brown, had a discussion with Arthur about entrepreneurship and serving the black community, check out his responses below!

What inspired you to open your business? 

The Carmoon Group, Ltd. was founded by my parents and has been in business for over 15 years. We’re a specialty insurance brokerage firm headquartered in Hempstead, NY with a focus in Construction, Healthcare, Real Estate, Hospitality & Transportation. We also have a financial services division that provides Wealth Management, Business Financing & Credit Repair. What inspired me to join the family business was largely due to the fact I’m a firm believer in establishing family legacies and generational wealth. My parents made sacrifices to ensure that my siblings and I didn’t start from scratch and were just as equipped for success as our counterparts. As Bill Gates once said,”If you are born poor it’s not your mistake, but if you die poor, it’s your mistake.”

Why is it important to serve the black community?

It’s imperative that I serve and give back to the Black community. What makes a man or woman great is not the amount of wealth he or she accumulates or the acquisition of material possessions, but the degree one gives back to society. As being part of the Black community, I believe that I have an obligation to contribute towards the advancement and progression of the people I represent. We must continue the work of our great leaders and remind our youth that opportunities in life are not confined to their environment.  

What has been the biggest learning lesson being an entrepreneur in your industry?

I disagree with the statement that you have to work smart, not hard. Being someone of color that works in the private sector, I have to work not only twice as hard but have to be twice as smart to compete with those that are privileged. It’s a reality that my father once told me which provided clarification as to how I must approach business. 

Do you have any business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Wake up each morning and treat life as if it were a competition. If you don’t already, try and mirror the mindset of athletes when they prepare for competitions or soldiers as they prepare for combat. If you really want to succeed, understand that victory is only reserved for the most prepared.

Bryant Arthur will be one of several entrepreneurs to participate in our upcoming event, “Black Business Bazaar: Our Dollars, Our Voice,” which will be held Tuesday, Nov. 15th. Join us as we hone in on black consumer power, while showcasing local black entrepreneurs and businesses of Young Professionals in NYC!

Be sure to RSVP today!

Beyond the White House: Why Voting Matters

In order to achieve the change you want, you must head to the voting booth every year, not just every four.

Voting matters. No matter if you choose to vote or not. No matter if you choose to get civically engaged or not. No matter if you show up to the polls or not. No matter if you choose to vote down the ballot or not. To claim the right to equality, access, freedom and liberation, you must exercise your right to vote.

Voter Apathy is Threatening

As a community, we simply can’t afford to be apathetic. Evidence suggests that voter apathy plays a significant part in people’s decision on whether to vote or not. We see the repercussions of this in the form of congressional impasse and roadblocks on policy proposals.

Whether you care about gun legislation, immigration reform, women’s rights, or tax policy, it is imperative that you remain civically engaged not just during presidential election years, but during elections for our congressional representatives down to civil court judgeships. In order to achieve the change you want, you must head to the voting booth every year, not just every four.

The Effects of an Idle Democracy

After Obama’s “wave election” in 2008, mid-term congressional elections which came two years later, turned the tide. Republicans became the majority in the house, gaining 63 congressional seats, the largest seat transfer since 1948. Then came the blocking of Obama’s executive initiatives including the passage of the DREAM Act and appointing a successor to Antonin Scalia’s Supreme Court seat. Finally we saw the rise of the uber-conservative Tea Party.

Low Voter Turnout

The large culprit was poor turnout among registered Democrats- the same voters responsible for catapulting Obama’s candidacy into the White House. Essentially, there is a dramatic shift in power from one election cycle to another, but we must never not turn out for an election as there’s too much at stake, too much to lose and too much to gain for our communities.

Votes Rule Everything Around Us

Politics truly does rule everything around us. That is our mantra and campaign slogan- V.R.E.A.M.- Votes. Rules. Everything. Around. Me. We pledge to always exercise our right to vote because by not voting, we’re ignoring the hundreds of years of our ancestors’ struggles to grant us this right. By not voting, we’re giving up our voice, our power and our right to participate in the political process and advocate for change.

To join our voter registration and voter education efforts, please connect with Civics and Economics Chair, Chanelle Brown.

Be sure to turn out for the vote on Tuesday, November 8th. Polls are open from 6am to 9pm. You can check your polling place here!

Watch the live results at NYULYP’s Election Watch Party on November 8th from 7:30pm-12:00am at Angel of Harlem, 2272 Frederick Douglass Boulevard New York, NY 10027. RSVP here!

The time has come and gone…

July just opened and the lives of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile have been reduced to mere hashtags.

How does this make me feel? Tired. Hurt. Overly confused. Flat out disgusted.

My heart is literally bleeding!

From the gruesome pictures on the front of every newspaper to the little girl’s voice saying “It’s OK, Mommy… I’m here with you.” I must say again… my heart is literally bleeding!

It’s bleeding saying… how can any respectable person of any nationality, creed, or origin not have compassion for a child or family that has endured this type of end to a loved one’s life.

It’s bleeding saying… how can any respectable person turn a blind eye to national data which clearly states that one group of American citizens is more vulnerable to these type of incidents.

It’s bleeding saying… how can any respectable person turn outrage over these types of events into allegations that one group of citizens is against authority, or that the same group of citizens is against another race, when that group of citizens is actually against feeling as if they’re rights and lives don’t matter based on incidents that happen over and over and over again.

It is bleeding saying… the time has come and gone! We as a people, with no regards to race, need to work to come together as one. Hate, no matter what type or form, has no place in our society. The fabric of our country was built on the notion “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

These said rights should not be stripped from anyone. Especially a child whose pursuit of happiness might be tainted by witnessing such a horrific incident; whether the witness be physically or digitally.

The time has come and gone! Will you help our country stop it’s bleeding?

With thoughts of equity for all,

J.U Jones
Philanthropist, Education Advocate, & Announcer
info@jujones.com

J.U Jones (IG: iamjujones) is an Education Advocate, Announcer, & Philanthropist. As a first-generation college student, J.U’s Entertainment & Education career spans a decade. During this time, he worked as an Assistant Program Operations Manager for an education nonprofit, hosted a myriad of Pan-Hellenic step shows, moderated community talks, and motivated parents & students through information sessions about education. J.U teaches the community to ‘Believe in Possible’ even when ‘possible’ seems impossible.

June 2016 NYULYP Candidates and Statements

We’re excited to be building up to our election for the 2016-2018 NY Urban League Young Professionals board at our General Body Meeting on June 21! You can find tickets here, and check out statements from each of our candidates below!

If there are questions that members would like the candidates to answer at the June General Body Meeting, please send them to YPElections@nyul.org and CC: YPParliamentarian@nyul.org by Wednesday, June 15th.

If a member would like an absentee ballot, please send a request by June 17th to YPElections@nyul.org and CC: YPParliamentarian@nyul.org

Members interested in becoming a committee chair or co-chair should email ypelections@nyul.org and cc: ypparliamentarian@nyul.org for an application by June 20th. Applications are due by June 21st.

• Candidates for President
  • Erika Beckles
  • Gremesha Crump
• Candidates for Vice-President
  • Ebony Smalls
• Candidates for Secretary
  • Emile Session
• Candidates for Treasurer
  • Evelyn Owhor
• Candidates for Parliamentarian
  • Michael Coleman

Candidates for President

Erika Beckles

During my tenure as the President for the New York Urban League Young Professionals I would like to focus on Reconnection and Community.

Highlight how membership chair has sensitized you to the needs of members, and how those needs, whether it’s was for more diverse programming, a stronger focus on professional and personal development or the need for a forum that enables members to feel as though they have a voice and the requisite tools for effective communication and collaborations is integral to your decision to run.

After listening to the ideas, needs and concerns especially in the last year, I acknowledge the accomplishments we’ve made as an organization but my decision to run is a direct result of the faith and confidence I have in all of you to achieve greater, impact many more individuals and to position this chapter and organization as a model for young professional organizations to emulate. There is so much potential, ideas and creativity in this room and I believe it’s imperative that we harness your talents, abilities and most importantly your continued commitment to the NYULYP cause.

The President of the NYULYP must be the provision of cross-sectional process improvement across the breadth of the organization. The architectural and structural purpose which I seek to bring to the Office of President would therefore involve fine-detail streamlining of processes as well as expansion of organizational structures to address current lacunas and weaknesses. More than simply engaging in reforms which meet the current demands of the Organization, I propose to provide an infusion of an innovative and proactive ethos within the NYULYP, to prepare the organization for the immense possibilities of the future.

To achieve excellence, I am committed to supporting the future president of the organization and embarking on my responsibilities through a five pronged approach that will encapsulate my plan to ensure that we are equipped to make a stronger impact in the short, medium and long term. Together we will Embrace, Educate, Empower, Engage and Execute. My campaign and vision for the NYULYP is built on embracing the core tenets of the organization and ensuring that we not only achieve the stated purpose but exceed our goals and objectives.

Embrace:

More than ever, by embracing the core tenets of the organization and permeating its essence throughout the entirety of the committee structures, we can propel NYULYP to further heights. The organization must also seek to embrace local communities and further to embrace the national goals of the Organization. In this vein:

• Create strong corporate, social and local community partnerships
• Support local organizations and initiatives to further promote NYULYP
• Sponsorship of NYULYP goals/events to help further involve the community and national messaging

Educate:

Membership Education lays a solid structural foundation for the organization in ensuring that Members and Committee Members especially, are equipped to perform their respective roles with a level of confidence and surety, thus resulting in greater retention and impact.

• Committee Re-tooling: Expanded opportunities for Professional Training in the requisite skills, which the Committees Require
• Recommendations for the modification of the NYULP New Member education program to be more interactive, expansive and engaging.

Empower:

The empowerment of the Organizations members as individuals, will lead to the collective strengthening of the Organization as a totality.

Engage:

A central element to the realization of the potential of the NYULYP as the pre-eminent Organization of choice for Young professionals must be the engagement of new members from the onset, and the continually expanding engagement of members in creating a cohesive, dynamic and powerful organization.

To realize this mission of engagement, it is proposed:

• iEngage Program – Initiative rewarding Membership Participation and Celebrating Member participation
• Mentorship Scheme – Structured Pairing of inductees and new members with senior members of the Membership Committee
• Highlight other areas here for engagement: e.g. Intranet you created, group meet,
• Highlight new initiatives – Monthly forums for committee chairs and members, functionality on website for members to submit recommendations, ideas, concerns

Execute:

At the core of the architectural mission of the President must be an attune eye and precision of execution. The focus areas of execution include:

• Improvement of chapter/internal communications and messages: via intranet portal
• Improvement of E-board communication internal/national: calls/meetings
• Streamlining processes amongst tri-state chapters
• Develop new program initiatives
• Leverage relationships and partnerships to raise the visibility of NYULYP
• Foster a committee that operates in unison
• Use the platform of President to raise $25,000+ in corporate sponsorships external to fundraising activities

Gremesha Crump

As a member of NYULYP for over two years, I have experienced first hand the many opportunities to serve the needs of greater New York City. Through my declaration for the Presidential candidacy, I look forward to sharing a multi-tiered strategic plan that outlines the most efficient and productive approach to supporting the needs of NYUL while also responding to the needs and expectations of the NYULYP membership body.

I have witnessed the outstanding access to talent and resources within our membership and it is my priority to make space for inclusive opportunities for members to donate their time and talents in such a way that is mutually beneficial to NYULYP/NYUL. Through my many years of volunteer experience, I can attest to the need to feel utilized without having to await periodic opportunities to engage. If elected, I intend to conduct a thorough survey that captures biographical details, industry information as well as resources that members are willing to donate. Within this survey, we will also ask members to evaluate the performance of NYULYP and we can assess the expectation members have of the organization. It is of the utmost importance that we understand not only who our members are but what they expect and how they can serve within the Movement.

Once we have assessed the state and expectations of membership, an equally important priority to give attention to is relationships. As a fundraising professional, I am highly aware of the value in effectively cultivating, nurturing and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. I understand that in many instances, it takes time to forge partnerships and it is my intention that, as an executive board, we develop a strategy for developing and maintaining relationships that span the scope of one event or even one year. It is my experience that multifaceted partnership opportunities require advance preparation, capacity and research. Through a strategic plan and execution, we can set expectations and benchmark success, productively. And as previously mentioned, members are our first line of resource which lessens the burden with regard to external relationship cultivation. To iterate, it is of most value to leverage the resources at our immediate disposal and seek external partnerships to complement.

While high-impact service and proper resources help push forward the Movement’s agenda, NYULYP also understands the power of its voice and under my leadership we will continue to lift up the agenda of the National Urban League and strategically approach the obstacles to overcome implicit bias and racial aggression as it relates to equal access to opportunities. With an empowered and leveraged membership body alongside strategic partners, I am very confident in the ability that NYULYP has to make a grand impact in the term ahead while sustaining the momentum of previous leadership. A solid foundation has been set beneath us and as President it would be my intention that we continue to build and expand within the movement in such a way that allows succeeding terms to do the same, but bolder.

Candidates for Vice-President

Ebony Smalls

As the membership co chair of the New York Urban  League Young Professionals I have learned quite a few lessons that have lead to me making the decision to run for the vice presidency today. I have been able to witness the struggles (transitioning board members, dwindling membership) and the triumphs (chapter of the year, awesome programming). In all of this the biggest lesson I have learned that is in order for us to continue to be great we have to support one another in service and as individuals. It really does take a YP village to make great things happen. As vice president I plan to take my role seriously in getting the word out about the mission of the Urban League. Most importantly I plan to support the committee chairs in engaging the membership body so that we can secure even more scholarships for future generations and provide much needed services to our communities.

I plan to support the committees in creating programming and events that appeal to young professionals in varying levels and stages of their development.

YP’s with families: I want to host at least 2 family days a year, which include children whether they be the children of the YP’s or their siblings, nieces/nephews. This can be a family picnic or family game day. I will also work with the community service committee to seek projects that include youth or other family members. How great would it be to see families serving together.

Form smaller supportive groups within the membership body: this is not to create silos but to create more comradery amongst members. If members build friendships based on their interests they will be more likely to stay around and renew their membership. Studies have shown that a friend in the work place increases longevity at a company.

Men’s group-who better to bring in more men, than men? We would find a very active male member who is willing to spear head events and programming that cater to men.

Industry specific-allow the space for those who want to connect with someone in their industry to do so. Let’s give a member an opportunity to take the lead on gathering people within and outside of YP to talk about what’s important in their field of work.

Professional moms and dads- they have to balance life differently than those without the responsibility of being a parent. They should have a space to conect with those who understand as well as a space to continue to serve their community.

I plan to continue to build on the great relationship that we have with our affiliate by keeping the communication open and consistent. i want the general members to feel a connection to the affiliate and our national mission the same as the YP eboard. i hope that within this open communication i can create a space for their voices to be heard with out them being in the room.  I also plan to clarify what our mission is as YP’s is so that we can be clear and open with our members.  i want all members to have an understanding of where we came from but also what we hope to accomplish as an organization moving forward. As vice president I will ensure that programming and meetings reflect a closer alignment to the mission.

In closing I have been a very active member of this organization, participating in 3 conferences, spearheading multiple events and assisting all committees (not just membership) in reaching our yearly goals.  I recently traveled to Flint on behalf of the chapter to assist our brothers in sisters who are in great need. YP has given me countless opportunities to become a more informed, skilled and confident person and as Vice President I plan to provide that same space and opportunity for others.

 

Candidates for Secretary

Emile Session

We need effective people working towards a great goal. The New York Urban League Young Professionals has members with diverse talents and expertise. Their positive contributions to the community are valuable and inspiring, but I believe that our potential is greater than our current influence. My ambition is to grow and develop our capacity.

We need to examine our mission and bylaws to narrow and better our goals and range of projects. We have to choose the right services and get them right. Towards that end, as Secretary I would endeavor to work with the executive board and committees towards the following goals and benchmarks:

• Rewriting the bylaws with the consultation of the executive board to remove ambiguities about co-chairs
• Driving project planning and documentation of cross-committee projects and all-member events to improve the lead time leadership has for decision making and members have for submitting time-sensitive information
• Create procedures for and norm the use of dedicated information sharing and two-way communications tools that:
  • Create a single centralized location members can refer to in order to learn about upcoming events more reliably than the current website, creating a stable set of links for much of the content that currently flows through the weekly announcements and committee emails
  • Enables live collection of and collaboration on projects and meeting feedback so that we better capture the results of our major meetings and events

My proven professional expertise in knowledge, project, and change management makes me the ideal candidate to make sure that the services YP offers our members and community are not only high quality, but of steadily increasing quality. For that reason I ask you to consider electing me as Secretary.

 

 

Candidates for Treasurer

Evelyn Owhor

As a current member of the Executive Board, I have learned a great deal about what makes the NY Urban League Young Professionals a success.  This past year, I had the privilege to serve as the Community Service Co-Chair.   Throughout the year, I learned valuable leadership qualities and the ability to work together.  I have learned how to manage and communicate with volunteers from a volunteer based organization.  I have also developed a relationship with Access, a Jewish Young Professional Organization, and would hope to continue that in the position of Treasurer.  I am very interested in learning more about the financials and managing a budget of this size.  I hope to make the process seamless between the affiliate, yp’s, and its members.  I want to be timely and organized to ensure that all money related matters are taken care of expeditiously.

 

Candidates for Parliamentarian

Michael Coleman

As Parliamentarian, it is important to ensure that the Executive team is supported as they conduct the business of the organization. Creating a process that is efficient and effective is a priority. Familiarizing the board and general members of parliamentary procedure will ensure that meetings are run in a timely and orderly fashion.

I seek to empower the executive team to collaboratively develop procedures and processes that meet the needs of the organization. In addition to creating processes that will promote efficiency, cultivating a culture where members can voice their opinions to effect change is vital.

 

Woke Reading with Jared: Ghettoside

In preparation for the 2016 State of Young Black New York conference on March 12, our Civics and Economics co-chair Jared Clemons is sharing the woke-est reading from some of our panelists:

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“Ghettoside: A True Story of Murder in America”

By Jill Leovy

For a scintillating narrative about America’s criminal justice system that’s anything but just, look no further. Leovy’s in depth account of the homicide of a policeman’s son offers readers a close look into violent crime and how our criminal justice system is failing our communities—namely communities of color—and engendering violence in our neighborhoods. We know that Black lives matter, but for many people, that statement is nothing more than a hashtag. “Ghettoside” argues that in certain parts of the country—particularly in urban areas—we need to practice what we preach.

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Jared is a twenty-something New Yorker by way of Southern Louisiana. He spent four years studying political science at Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!), two years studying Elections & Campaign Management at Fordham University (Go Rams!) and, in his spare time, obsesses over all things politics. Jared is on Twitter (@jayctigerfan) and is ready talk elections, football, and being a Southern transplant to NYC in his mentions or “the DM”.

Woke Reading with Jared: The Beast Side

In preparation for the 2016 State of Young Black New York conference on March 12, our Civics and Economics co-chair Jared Clemons is sharing the woke-est reading from some of our panelists:

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“The Beast Side: Living (and Dying) While Black in America”

By D. Watkins

In many ways, Baltimore has become the poster child for racial injustice and civil unrest. Why is that? And what can we do improve the plight of those who often become mired in an abyss of hopelessness? D. Watkins, a Baltimore native who was able to free himself from the shackles poverty en route to a career in academia, shares his thoughts in this no-frills, honest memoir. This is a must read not only for Black America, but for anyone who wants to understand why so few people of color are fortunate enough to follow D. Watkins’ social trajectory.

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Jared is a twenty-something New Yorker by way of Southern Louisiana. He spent four years studying political science at Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!), two years studying Elections & Campaign Management at Fordham University (Go Rams!) and, in his spare time, obsesses over all things politics. Jared is on Twitter (@jayctigerfan) and is ready talk elections, football, and being a Southern transplant to NYC in his mentions or “the DM”.

 

 

‘YP Live’ Trainer Preview!

Shanelle Gabriel is a singer, poet, and an advocate for Lupus Awareness. She has toured nationally and internationally, hitting cities from Hawaii to Johannesburg, South Africa with her inspirational blend of spoken word and soulful singing. Widely known for her performance on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam alongside Jill Scott and DMX, she has shared the stage with artists such as Eric Benet, Talib Kweli, Nas, and more. Shanelle was spotlighted on the Rachael Ray Show, featured in Women’s Health Magazine and by Listerine and Wal-Mart in the “Your Mouth Matters” campaign. She competed in both the National and Individual World Poetry Slams, and was the narrator for Jennifer Hudson’s “I Got This” audiobook. Check her out at www.shanellegabriel.com.

Shanelle will be performing her poetry.

Jared Clemons, Civics & Economics Co-Chair, is a Louisiana native who now calls Brooklyn home. Upon graduating from Louisiana State University in 2010, Jared accepted a job at JPMorganChase as an operations analyst. He joined the New York Urban League Young Professionals in April 2014, and has been a member of the Civics & Economics Committee since joining the League.

Jared received his Master’s Degree in Elections & Campaign Management from Fordham University in August 2014, and is planning to continue his education as a Political Science PhD Candidate in Fall 2016. He has a keen interest in electoral politics, social policies and understanding government institutions. Jared’s hobbies include going to the movies, mixology and reading books about historical figures.

Jared will be discussing Excel and providing high level tips on how to improve your skills.

Dariana Colon-Bibb graduated from Spelman College in 2010 with a Bachelors of Arts in English Studies. She has worked in the media, education and fashion/beauty industries over the course of ten years in various assistantships, internships and company positions. In 2012, she founded the public relations and brand management company, Rebelle Agency, to inspire creative vision for brands and campaigns..

Dariana’s tenacity and natural ability to develop relationships in diverse social settings is in part due to her matriculation at the boarding high school, Phillips Academy Andover and growing up in Harlem, NY. She credits her passion for people and her upbringing for her entrepreneurial spirit.

She currently lives and works in New York City while building Rebelle Agency and future companies

Dariana will discuss the importance of networking!

Dara Kalima, poet and author of “Black Man, Black Woman, Black Child”, is a loud and proud Bronx resident. Dara received her BA in from SUNY Purchase and later pursued her MA in Educational Theater from NYU. As a poet Dara Kalima has performed on several stages across New York including Bowery Poetry Café, the Nuyorican, and Bush Baby. She will be featured on Let Your Voice Be Heard on Sunday, January 24th and has previously been featured on WBAI’s Ppectives and Inspired Word’s We Heart NYC Writers. As an artist, Dara believes in addressing the difficult and taboo topics to create discussion, promote healing, and encourage critical thought within her community and across cultures. To learn more about her work or contact her please visit: www.darakm.com

Dara will be discussing the life of self-publishing.

Kevin L. Matthews II is a licensed financial advisor, author, and speaker. After obtaining the FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses in 2014, Kevin joined Capital One Investing as a financial advisor in New York City where he has helped hundreds of individuals plan for their retirement and send their children and grandchildren to college.

In 2010, Kevin launched BuildingBread, a wealth education organization specializing in financial literacy and empowerment catered to young adults and college students. Kevin regularly speaks to young adults across the country and has been featured in several media publications and productions including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, LearnVest, The Oklahoma Eagle, NAACP Student Connect, A Measure of Truth radio show, and many others.

During his final year of college, he published Brick Theory, a riveting handbook for young adults about the basics of financial literacy. His second book, Starting Point: How To Create Wealth That Lasts, has been selected as the personal finance textbook for multiple high schools throughout the country.

Prior to his current role, Kevin worked with organizations including Google, ING Investments, and Teach for America (Dallas). Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Hampton University and is a candidate for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation through Northwestern University.

Kevin will be discussing how to build financial freedom.