Get The Scoop On How How Systemic Barriers, Not Creativity, Impact Black Business Growth

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How Systemic Barriers, Not Creativity, Impact Black Business Growth

(C) Copyright nZinga E. Austin

By Kamau Austin

I sometimes hear people — sometimes even Black people — complain that there is a lack of creativity in Black businesses. This is shocking, given that so many creative cultural achievements in the U.S., like jazz and hip hop, are artistic innovations that sprang from Black communities.

However, some claim that the lack of successful Black businesses is due to a lack of creativity. I’m a contrarian in this regard.

As the owner of a media company that has covered and written about over 5,350 Black businesses, cultural institutions, community organizations, and events in Southeast Queens and globally through my news blogs, I can say without hesitation: there is plenty of creativity, brilliance, and determination among Black businesses.

I’ve seen Black entrepreneurs create more innovative tech platforms than many mainstream legacy sites (for example: Fanbase, B1, and BlaqSBI). I've seen all kinds of Black-owned apps and amazing educational technology developed for our children.

The real problem is that owning businesses, real estate, and making investments are the primary ways to create multigenerational wealth — and unfortunately, Black entrepreneurs are systemically marginalized from accessing capital, securing large contracts with governments or corporations, and, as Dr. Claude Anderson states, are "boycotted by white people and companies" far too often.  

Community Baby Shower & Family Health Expo

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Mark your calendars and get excited! The Jack and Jill of America and Rochdale Village Community Center are gathering resources just for you!

For expecting and new parents!

Queens EOC Career Fair

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Join New York State Department of Labor and SUNY Queens Educational Opportunity Center for a career fair next Thursday at the Queens EOC academic center!

Jamaica & Southeast Queens Politics Weekly In Review/

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Jamaica & Southeast Queens
Politics Weekly In Review

🏛️ NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams

• NYC Mayor’s Race: City’s largest public sector union backs slate with Speaker Adams on top, shutting out Cuomo: AMNY

• Support for AG Letitia James: Speaker Adams expressed solidarity with New York State Attorney General Letitia James amid alleged intimidation tactics by the Trump administration. New York City Council

• Nonprofit Contract Delays: Released a report addressing challenges nonprofits face in receiving timely city contract payments, with a hearing scheduled for April 30. New York City Council

• Speaker Adams, Finance Chair Brannan, and NYC Council Release Preliminary Budget Response, Outlining Budget to Strengthen Core Services and Prepare for Uncertainties. New York City Council​

• In Honor of Black Maternal Health Week, Speaker Adams, Council Leaders, Advocates, and Healthcare Workers Continue Call for Sustained Action to End Maternal Mortality. New York City Council

🏛️ NYC Mayor Eric Adams

• NY Mayor Eric Adams, NYPD Commissioner Tisch, Community Leaders and Activists Destroy 3,575 Seized Illegal Firearms, Furthering Mission to end Gun Violence and Keep New Yorkers Safe. NYC.gov

• ICE Office at Rikers Island: Authorized federal immigration officials to operate within Rikers Island jail, a move criticized by immigrant rights advocates and city officials. AP News

• Congestion Pricing Lawsuit: Joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to halt New York City's congestion pricing program. POLITICO

• Media Critique: In a speech at the African American Mayors Association, Adams criticized media portrayals of his administration and accused city bureaucrats of undermining his agenda. POLITICO​

🏛️ NYS Senator James Sanders Jr.

• Mortgage Discrimination Hearing: Chaired a public hearing examining potential discrimination in New York’s home mortgage banking industry.  TrashMedia+3NYSenate.gov+3NYSenate.gov

• Cryptocurrency Task Force Proposal: Introduced a bill to establish a 17-member task force to study the effects of digital assets on state revenue and the environment. ​3blockonomi.com

🏛️ NYS Senator Leroy Comrie

• Utility Rate Hike Legislation: Sponsored a bill requiring the Public Service Commission to consider community impacts before approving utility rate increases. More Info

🏛️ NYC Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams

• Council Member Nantasha Williams Applauds Interim Agreement Between Southern Queens Park Association and NYC Parks for Operation of Roy Wilkins Recreation Center and Park Access. Council.NYC.gov

• Tree Care Legislation: Sponsored and passed legislation to clarify the city's responsibilities regarding tree pruning and removal, aiming to improve transparency and accessibility. QNS

• Racial Equity Plans Inquiry: Questioned city agencies about delays in submitting racial equity plans during a City Council Committee on Finance session. citymeetings.nyc

• Council Member Nantasha Williams Applauds Interim Agreement Between Southern Queens Park Association and NYC Parks for Operation of Roy Wilkins Recreation Center and Park Access​. New York City Council

🏛️ NYC Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers

• Mayoral Endorsement: Endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo in his bid for mayor, joining other Queens Democrats in support. QNS

• Budget Negotiation Role Removal: Was removed from the City Council's budget negotiating team following her endorsement of Cuomo. City & State New York

Space Month: Solar System Craft

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Color and create your own solar system! For children ages 3-5.

Earth Day Craft

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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In Honor of our Home, we are Going to Make a Special Earth Day Craft!

Get The Scoop On Global Prostate Cancer Advocate Kevin Byrd's Induction into Who’s Who In America V2

Help Us To continue to inform and empower our community please Donate. Get The Scoop Weekly On the Global Black Community and Southeast Queens, NY. Subscribe to Our Mailing List. Receive the Latest Events, News, Jobs, and Top Community Economic Development Stories Like this one Click Here | Reach up to 1.3 million people Promote

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Global Prostate Cancer Advocate with
New York Roots Set to
Be Inducted into
Who’s Who in America

New York, New York — Global Prostate Cancer Advocate and award-winning actor Kevin Byrd, who proudly traces his roots to New York, is set to be inducted into the Marquis Who’s Who in America 77th Edition on May 1, 2025. Who’s Who in America is a prestigious publication by Marquis Who’s Who, a respected publisher of biographical directories that has chronicled notable individuals since 1898.

Byrd, who also serves as President of the Brown Byrd Foundation, Inc., is being honored for his lifelong commitment to prostate cancer awareness and advocacy. His induction into Who’s Who in America marks the culmination of decades of work dedicated to promoting early detection and screening for prostate cancer—work that began in his teenage years following his grandfather’s diagnosis.

Although Byrd’s impact is global, his efforts have had a lasting influence on local communities, including the Village of Hempstead, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. In partnership with the 100 Black Men organization, he helped bring a mobile prostate cancer screening unit to the Village of Hempstead, expanding access to critical health services.

Byrd has graced the cover of New Health Magazine, a Long Island-based publication by Gloria Gantt, on multiple occasions, highlighting his global advocacy through the Brown Byrd Foundation, Inc.

He has served as the Health Care Chairman for both the 100 Black Men and the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (LIAACC), New York State’s largest African American Chamber of Commerce. His advocacy earned him a spotlight on Verizon Fios 1 News in a special segment titled "Heroes on Long Island."