Black Tech Founders, From Student Loan Debt to Student Loan Solution: Asha Farrah Co-Founder of Reducify

Join us for part two of this two-part series, where we continue our journey as we sit down with esteemed scholars William Sandy Darity and A Kirsten Mullen, the architects of the Black Reparations Project Handbook. Our conversation is a deep and transformative look into the heart of reparations for Black Americans, a topic that unravels the fabric of our nation's history. We traverse the could-have-been world of 40 acres land grants, dissect the insufficiencies of piecemeal local and state attempts at reparations, and scrutinize the controversial HR 40 legislation. It's a dialogue that promises to challenge your perceptions, offering a nuanced perspective on the moral imperative to right the wrongs of the past and the potential to heal a nation through a comprehensive federal reparations program.

In a twist that reveals the power behind the scenes, we pull back the curtain on how media shapes our understanding and collective narrative about reparations. From the intricacies of determining who is eligible to receive reparations to the crucial role Hollywood plays in influencing public opinion, our discussion with Darity and Mullen is a masterclass in the interplay of media, identity, and history. We look at how representations of diverse relationships and social issues in the media can lead to widespread acceptance and change, pondering the possibility for this to pave the way for reparations discourse.

Finally, we reflect on the burgeoning support for reparations among different demographics and discuss the critical support HBCUs need, and deserve, as pillars of education and progress. We talk about closing the racial wealth gap, the tax implications of reparations payments, and the need for unity in the face of a fragmented support system. As we set the stage for future dialogues and action, we close with a heartfelt call to listeners, inviting them to join in the global fight for reparations—a fight rooted in justice, solidarity, and the unyielding belief that together, we can forge a path toward rectifying historical injustices.

Discover the extraordinary path of Lauren Washington, from Teach for America to the forefront of tech entrepreneurship and advocacy for Black businesses. Our latest episode is a beacon for those looking to navigate the challenges and triumphs of turning vision into reality. Lauren, with her wealth of experience in social media marketing and founding successful ventures , joins us to share how the threads of community and support weave through her narrative and offer a lifeline for Black entrepreneurs in the bustling hub of Austin, Texas.

Imagine if the skills honed in the classroom could unlock the potential of leading a start-up to greatness. Lauren Washington brings this perspective to life, illustrating the surprising similarities between teaching and entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of Fundr, she's breaking down barriers to create a bias-free landscape for investors and startups alike. Hear her story of Black Women Talk Tech's genesis and how harnessing community insights can lead to transformative business solutions. This episode isn't just about the journey – it's about finding your crew, your mission, and your voice in the world of innovation.

As we peel back the layers of what it means to be a Black woman navigating the entrepreneurial space, Lauren's candid reflections on the lifecycle of a business are eye-opening. From scaling to selling or stepping away, she emphasizes readiness for every outcome. Join us as we take you through the vibrant tapestry of the Black Future House event, where cross-industry collaboration and cultural celebration converge. Prepare to be inspired, enlightened, and ready to mark your calendar for an experience that embodies unity and progress.

In part one of a two-part episode, we embark on a journey through America's history of racial injustice; we welcomed scholars William Darity and A. Kirsten Mullen to discuss the imperative of Black reparations. Under the weight of the past and the shadow of Confederate monuments, our conversation meanders through the Sugar Land Massacre, the broken promise of 40 acres post-Civil War, and the haunting tale of Hortense MacLinton, UNC Chapel Hill's pioneering Black professor. The dialogue deepens as we confront the federal government's responsibility to address this historical debt and the moral obligation that compels our nation to act.

The concept of wealth and its origins take center stage, revealing the stark disparity between white communities and Black Americans in their generational accumulation of prosperity. We dissect the role of historical land grants and policies such as the Homestead Act of 1862 in shaping today's racial wealth gap. Our guests, Darity and Mullen, navigate us through the complexities of federal reparations, emphasizing the inadequacy of local initiatives and underscoring the need for a national strategy to meet the $16 trillion endeavor necessary to forge equality.

In our final segment, we scrutinize the autonomy and precedent set by direct payments in historical restitution cases, holding up the lens to America's capability and collective will to enact reparations. The discourse, rich with historical context and fueled by passion for justice, leaves us at the precipice of action, with a community-powered Q&A that challenges our collective understanding and calls us to engage further. This episode not only reflects on the past but also ignites the crucial conversation about what we owe each other as a society moving forward.

Embark on a historical odyssey with me, Langston Clark, as we converse with the brilliant Dr. Brandon K. Winford about the legacy of one Black banker and his profound intersection with the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Winford, author and historian, guides us through the remarkable journey of John Hervey Wheeler, whose multifaceted life defies the conventional barriers that often divide business leaders and activists. We delve into the rich tapestry of HBCUs and their role in sculpting African American thought as Dr. Winford shares his own path from law to mastering the annals of history, inspired by the very heart of Durham's storied past.

As the dialogue unfolds, we uncover the lesser-known narratives of Black business magnates who have been pivotal in shaping the quest for social justice. These leaders, often eclipsed by other prominent figures, emerge as crucial agents of change, offering more than just economic growth—their voices carry the weight of a community's aspirations for equality. The episode challenges the simplicity of economic gestures from institutions, spotlighting the necessity for a holistic approach in the ongoing struggle for progress within black communities.

The past's whispers echo into the possibilities of the future, where we muse about Black Wall Streets and their untapped potential had they not faced the ravages of urban renewal. We question what might have been for places like Durham had they been allowed to flourish alongside economic powerhouses like Charlotte. The conversation culminates in considerations of the re-emergence of black banking and the integration of black professionals into the corporate world, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of Dr. Winford's forthcoming work. Join us on this enlightening expedition through our shared history and its implications for the future of black economic empowerment.

What happens when a renowned journalist takes on the mantle of a professor? Bonnie Newman Davis, author of "Truth Tellers: The Power and Presence of Black Women Journalists since 1960," shares her compelling journey and gives us an insider's view into the world of journalism. She's joined by the dynamic Melissa Monroe, co-founder of the San Antonio Association of Black Journalists, Cherry Griffin, and Benet Wilson, seasoned veterans of the industry, whose personal narratives illuminate the resilience and dedication intrinsic to the profession.

Imagine a journalism landscape with more black journalists in decision-making roles - how would that shape the narrative? We dive into the significance of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and its initiatives to equip younger members, fostering diversity in newsrooms. Bonnie throws light on the compelling need for ownership in the industry and how it can bring about transformational changes. Whether you're a budding journalist or an industry veteran, you'll learn a lot about the challenges of journalism, the delicate balance between work and family, and handling the fatigue that comes along with the territory. 

We also journey with Bonnie into the world of black women journalists, exploring their unique paths, the beats they've chosen, and the value they bring with their diverse voices. Be inspired by the stories of Stacey Adams, Angela Dotson, May Israel, and Dan Hurd, who have all made an indelible mark on journalism. If you've always been curious about the trajectory of journalism through the lens of black women, this conversation is a must-listen!

Have you ever considered the impact of being birthed into Black excellence? Join me, Langston Clark, as I engage in riveting discourse with Rory Verrett, ex-host of the Prodigy Podcast and both a Howard and Harvard University graduate. We dive into Rory's experience of being birthed into Black excellence and its influence on his life. We'll also reflect on Rory's podcast years, discussing the crucial role of networking and the power of LinkedIn.

Our journey continues as we navigate  Black entrepreneurship within Corporate America. Hear intimate narratives about conquering career obstacles and the challenges of writing a book in today's swift-click culture. We underscore the value of maintaining one's integrity and the responsibility to uplift marginalized communities in the professional sphere. We then reorient towards diversity and recruitment, deploying the Pomegranate Principle as a metaphor to illustrate the organization of America's talent market.

Lastly, we embark on the discussion of sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) amidst the current political headwinds, especially within public institutions. We unpack the thorny issues inherent in upholding DEI, the false narrative of DEI as a win-lose proposition, and the urgent need for infusing diversity throughout organizations. We delve into the dynamics and duties of a mentor-protégé relationship and the significance of respecting time. Our conversation concludes by illuminating the unique experiences and hurdles black professionals face in Corporate America, emphasizing the critical need for support, comprehension, and meritocracy in the workplace. Tune in for this enlightening exploration of black excellence and DEI.

Have you ever witnessed a moment where ambition and innovation collide? Uthman Alibalogun, the co-founder of Monocle, an innovative social e-reading app, joins us to share his journey from a Nigerian immigrant to an entrepreneurial innovator in the tech industry. 

Our conversation with Uthman isn't just about technology; it's a deeper exploration of personal development through his experience as a college student at North Carolina A&T, Tech Co-founder, and Graduate Student at UC Berkeley.   Plus, we celebrate the team of Black men behind Monocle as they forge a new narrative in the ed-tech space, fostering pride and a strong sense of community.

Wrapping up, Uthman lays out his vision for Monocle - a tool that promises to weave readers into a tightly-knit shared knowledge and discourse fabric. From its potential in academic peer reviews to chipping away at intellectual stereotypes, Monocle is poised to make waves in the educational landscape. We end on a personal note, sharing Uthman's inspiring climb of Mount Fuji, a testament to how life's unplanned routes can lead to fulfilling dreams. It's a session that's as much about the transformative power of reading as it is about the milestones on the entrepreneurship journey. Join us for an episode that's bound to ignite a spark within, whether you're a book lover, a tech enthusiast, or a dreamer looking to leave your mark on the world.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to transform a solitary activity like reading into a vibrant, intellectual community experience? Leslie Winston III, the mind behind the Monocle, joins us to unravel just that. From his roots in a family that valued social consciousness and black history, Leslie's remarkable journey through architecture and technology has created a platform redefining how we engage with literature and each other.

This episode is a tapestry of ambition and innovation, weaving together Leslie's architectural precision with his drive to foster a knowledge-sharing society. We journey through Leslie's formative years, the influence of his HBCU-educated parents, and the pivotal switch from crafting buildings to coding apps. Leslie's story is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the impact of HBCU networks and the resilience required to navigate the world of innovation.

As Leslie shares, the future of reading and human connection lies in platforms like Monocle, which encourage thoughtful discourse and counteract the polarization plaguing our digital interactions. Our conversation ventures into Monocle's potential to enrich the reading experience by integrating social elements, allowing readers to connect and share insights. Leslie leaves us with a powerful message on authenticity and the collective potential for positive change. Tune in for a narrative bound to inspire readers, thinkers, and creators to see the possibilities at the intersection of technology, community, and literature.

Join us on a thrilling journey with the dynamic Jen Fry as she unfolds her story, one that zigzags from the adrenaline of college athletics to the pioneering frontiers of tech and travel. Jen doesn't just swap jerseys for boardrooms; she inspires with her vision of professional growth for coaches and athletes alike. Her candid talk on the philosophy of being a 'kind asshole' – delivering tough love through honesty – leaves no stone unturned in our understanding of impactful communication and leadership.

In the trenches of entrepreneurship, Jen spotlights the highs and lows of her tech startup adventures. She walks us through the maze of market research, the switch from B2C to B2B strategies, and the birth of an app that promises to revolutionize group travel. Imagine erasing the headache of coordinating trips with just a few taps on your phone – that's the future Jen is crafting, and she's here to share how she's navigating this ambitious endeavor.

We wrap up our session with an exploration of the power of networking and why seizing the moment can be a game-changer. Jen recounts tales of chance encounters leading to transformative business pivots and the unmatched value of events like Black Tech Week. She also offers a treasure trove of book recommendations that have propelled her on this journey. So, buckle up for an episode that's as much about embracing the unknown as it is about charting a course to success.

Discover the story of Kaliyah Martin, the pioneering product manager behind Kingdom Press, as she unveils her extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. From a high school initiative to a bold switch from pre-med to business, Kaliyah's narrative is marked by her family’s entrepreneurial legacy and her enduring faith. Our conversation traverses her early steps and the defining moments that steered her into the heart of the publishing revolution.

This episode isn't just Kaliyah's tale; it's a discussion about the profound role of family and faith, especially within the black community, as it relates to business and innovation. We share personal experiences that underscore the bravado necessary to pursue dreams and the profound influence a gap year can have on personal development. Together, we examine 'Pub Tech', the transformative potential of blockchain, and how Web 3 is poised to overhaul the publishing realm, affirming Kalea's vision for Kingdom Press as a vanguard in this new era.

Delving into the nuances of pitching and authorship, Kaliyah imparts her wisdom on navigating the complexities of the book industry, from marrying NFTs with physical copies to striking a balance between self-publishing and traditional methods. Her journey not only highlights the challenges faced by black authors and entrepreneurs but also celebrates their triumphs, providing aspiring minds at institutions like the Fearless Leadership Institute with invaluable insights. Join us as we peer into the innovative future of publishing with one of its most influential voices.