What do Wealth & Africa have in Common?

A recent article in theWall Street Journal’s Market Watch section revealed some not-so-shocking findings, that black wealth is disappearing. Through the course of American history African-American Blacks have been marginalized and often denied access to resources that would enhance our wealth. Nearly 45 years after the height of the Civil rights Movement black people have made many improvements and have overcome many barriers to hold prestigious positions in business, politics, and entertainment. However, as a whole, there has been little improvement in the overall wealth of black people.

This graph clearly shows the recession that blacks have taken in median net worth and though there are many factors contributing to the problem, there are not so many focusing on the solution. The U.S. as a whole is experiencing a recession and some sources attribute this to the disproportionate ratio of consuming to producing. The U.S. is a consumer nation and constructs society around it, this being most evident through the holidays which have become nothing more than an excuse to spend money for many american citizens. In addition to consumerism, many U.S. businesses have been outsourced to other countries because of the availability of cheap labor. But what does this all mean for the black community?

It becomes quite obvious the effect that poverty has on the black community. But more importantly , the loss of black wealth proves that financial changes must be made. In the same way that businesses outsource we must come to do the same. Although Africa’s economy has been subdued by European countries there is still much promise due heavily to one simple fact: the abundance of natural resources. Many people, black, white, and asian alike have caught hold to this growing trend and see African investment as a promising business venture. But before we pack our bags and move to Africa we must be aware and knowledgeable about Pan-African investment.

Join us Thursday Feb. 24 for a Special Black History Month Power Mixer as we discuss Pan-African investment with feature panelists from Africa for the Africans, a black-owned business specializing in African investment. There are many avenues to wealth but we must be informed. We cannot rely on the government to sustain our wealth, we must do it ourselves, through a collective effort. Essentially this is what the Power Mixer is about, aligning businesses and individuals in order to achieve power financially, politically, and by any means necessary.

Click to  read full article in Market Watch

Gentrification &The Urban Renewal Movement

This month’s Power Mixer focuses on Gentrification and the Urban Renewal Movement and will feature panelist speakers Robert Watson and Senator Vincent Fort. Join us for a night to mix, mingle and become empowered. The panel will begin with a brief presentation that will define Gentrification and explain the effect it has on the urban community and our panelists will then discuss in further detail the implications of this nationwide trend. This is a must attend event! Gentrification affects us all and its time to find out what we can do about it. See you there!

Business 101 Recap: Wealth vs Riches

What’s the difference between wealth and riches? Investments. Wealth is acquired from years of well-calculated investments. Wealth takes time to accrue where as riches can be gained just by hitting those lucky numbers. Wealth ensures longevity where as riches can be spent easily and be depleted before you pick your next five lotto numbers. I’m sure we’ve all casually acclaimed “I need to invest in….” failing to realize that if it doesn’t gain any value then its not an investment, it’s just an expense with a sugar coating.

At the September Power Mixer personal bankers, Carolyn Johnson and Eric Jones, presented on ways that small businesses and individuals alike can gain wealth by making simple investments and smart money moves.

Mr. Jones stressed how important it is for businesses to invest in annuities. Annuities are contracts made between a business and an insurance company, where the business makes a lump sum payment or series of payments and in return the insurer makes periodic payments to the business. Annuities are a great tool for businesses to insure their company while at the same time receive funds that can accumulate through interest along with profits already being gained.

For individuals, he emphasized bonds. Bonds are certificates of debt issued by the government or corporation that guarantees payment of original investment. This is especially important for individuals in developing cities. The government issues bonds to the public to fund state projects such as infrastructure, roads, highways, etc., so when one “buys the debt” that is required to fund this project, the government is obligated to pay them back in over a period of time. Bonds gain interest so the longer you keep them the more they will be worth. In the end, the amount you invested will be surpassed by the payments you receive in return. Many local newspapers show what government bonds have recently been issued so skim through the paper and see which one interests you.

Whether you invest or not keep track of your finances. Every day record your spending, take on the role of an accountant and see where you can cut back. Maybe you didn’t need that bag of chips or that lottery ticket. Each week cut an expense and put what you saved into an account. After six months, how much have you saved?

In a capitalist society only those with money smarts will survive. Reach out to local banks and see what services or help they can provide. Knowledge is Power! So get the knowledge on wealth and get the Power!

What You Missed at the Power Mixer

August 12, 2010 marked the re-emergence of The Power Mixer and featured a nonprofit showcase. Guest arrived promptly at 7pm and continued to trickle in throughout the night. Bob Marley and the Wailers provided entertainment as each guest nibbled on light refreshments sparking conversation with their neighbor. The art gallery in which the Mixer is held provided great conversation starters as the melody of colors and shapes captured everyone’s attention. After every phone number, business card, and autobiography was exchanged the real Mixer was ready to begin.

Seated comfortably around 5 round tables the panel discussion began with an informative presentation on the nonprofit sector. The presentation addressed and answered several key questions: What is a nonprofit organization, What steps comprise the planning and implementation, What are the sources of financing, and most importantly, How can we gain power in the nonprofit sector?

Essentially there are several major ways that we can become empowered through the nonprofit sector on a large and small scale. The major source of power within nonprofits is the POWER OF INFLUENCE. An organization with a well-defined mission statement can garner support from the people by providing them with the necessary services and programs. Through this influence nonprofits have access to POLITICAL SOLIDARITY. When masses of people are in accordance with the organization they have a stronger voice, and when used properly this voice can help promote political change. Most importantly nonprofits create A STRONG COMMUNITY PRESENCE and UNIFY ORGANIZATIONS. Herein lies the most powerful aspect of nonprofits, their ability to help the people. Within the nonprofit sector we are able to leave a positive mark in the community through programs which often involve collaboration with other organizations.

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The mission of The Power Mixer is to unify organizations and businesses by providing a space to network and through these bonds create programs/services that will have a lasting effect in the community. The nonprofit sector is a powerful tool that we will use to bring change and awareness.

Final Book Review: Free Lunch + Freedom Party Preview

I was awoken by my thoughts this morning. First, of anger. Secondly, with excitement and hope. These are all emotions that I regularly get as a revolutionary, often in confluence with one another.

In my half-sleep, I was upset. I read an article that was questioning the founding of an all-black political party. The party in question was New York’s Freedom Party. Helmed by activist New York City Councilman Charles Barron, the party is in fact a congregation of black and Latino/Latina radicals and progressives seeking radical transformation of New York State politics. Welcoming all races who are in a fight to bring equality and justice to the state (and ultimately the country), the Party is led by people of color who, inspired by the phenomenal Fannie Lou Hamer, are sick and tired of being sick and tired of other folks (and, in New York, they’re virtually all white politicians) politically controlling their lives but doing little of nothing to improve them.  Putting matters into their own hands,

Message from the Coordinator

Some time has passed since the last Power Mixer but now we are back in full swing! August 12, 2010 marks the rebirth of The Power Mixer  and as we approach our one year anniversary the need for such an event is of great importance to the community and abroad.

When we began The Power Mixer our main mission was to create an event that caters to the black community, provides a networking space for small and large businesses alike, as well as inform people on issues of health, commerce, and government. We want to bring positive attention to areas considered the “hood” and become apart of the solution rather than just talking about the problem. With each event we hope to build a  strong network of like-minded people working to bring about some change through alliances with other organizations.

Ten years ahead I envision The Power Mixer being a world-wide network of businesses, organizations, and individuals that have the Power to transform the environment we live in politically and economically. I am grateful for all those that share this same vision and have supported the efforts thus far and look forward to extending our arms to touch many more. Please stay tuned to the website for more information on the upcoming event and please spread the word! The Power Mixer is dependent on the People. There is Power in numbers so join us in this journey.

All Love and Thankfulness,

Miss Iman Folayan

The Matrix: Unplugged

In the Matrix time is Money

But I know time is of the essence

Hope you aren’t plugged into the gridlock’d matrix

Clocked in But Clocked out, I’m totally out the Box

But like the pyramid base I stay grounded

Stalked by Big Brother, the undercover undercover

But mine eyes stay wide open when shut to uncover his plunder

How many $ and cents have been stolen from your wallet?

Only 5 corporations own nearly all media

and with all the $ earned you’d think my internet connection would be speedier…

The master deceiver choking us with the tube

But I grab him from behind, and with a quick move I am cutting off his circulation too

In this moment I am eternal, Unplugged, now I am time.

Inspired by Sophia Stewart

When the first film of the matrix trilogy premiered in 1999 it created a revolution, and the masses received it as the  cultural phenomenon of the 21st century. The film and all  other associated products (DVD’s, toys, etc) garnished over $1 Billion in sales and the directors, Wachowski Brothers, received various accolades including four Oscar awards but the true creator  has received no compensation. Sophia Stewart, an acclaimed screenwriter and author, wrote the Third Eye in May of 1981 which served as the source for the Terminator film and The Matrix.

This past Saturday at the Auburn Avenue Research Library Ms. Stewart held a book signing but unfortunately she could not be present due to ongoing legal matters. Her battle against copyright infringement and malpractice fraud has been a long one and shows how the matrix thrives on control. The fact that her work is copyrighted was not honored by the Wachowski brothers and exposes a common trend in Hollywood, cinematographic fraud. For more information on Ms. Stewart’s case and the surrounding controversy visit www.truthaboutmatrix.com

Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference+Expo

May 16-19 2010 Black Enterprise Magazine will be hosting an entrepreneur conference and expo geared at empowering black professionals in the business sector. The conference features many high-powered speakers including Lisa Nicols, life-coach and motivational speaker, Bishop Eddie L. Long, and various CEO’s who will be offering informative sessions for aspiring business owners. This event, held at the Marriot Hotel in Atlanta, GA, also features a Teenpreneuer Conference for youth interested in starting/learning about business.

Since 1970 Black Enterprise has offered pertinent information for small-business owners and has highlighted the achievements of successful black business owners. This event will most certainly be a powerful one and can help solidify or develop any business plans or venture you may be pursuing. For more information visit Black Enterprise

Powerbroker Profile: Mellody Hobson

In light of the upcoming Power Mixer topic, this Powerbroker Profile features Mellody Hobson, the President of Ariel Investments and listed among Time Magazine’s “50 Women to Watch.” 

Check out this insightful and inspiring interview covering her entry into the financial services field, a sector in which Black people, and Black women in particular, are vastly underrepresented.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9047045

In  their recent profile of the powerbroker, Fortune Magazine had this to say about Ms. Hobson:

In a world gripped by fear, Hobson’s words are a welcome tonic. A master networker, she has become one of the most recognizable names in financial services, often sought out by the media to help inform – and these days calm – investors.

Experience “The Power Mixer” 7pm Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Join us at the Shrine Bookstore and Cultural Center for September’s networking social as we discuss: 

Making a Dolllar out of 15 Cents: Growing Your Money in an Economic Crisis

With Special Guest Belinda Pedroso

CEO of Ascension Financial & President of the League of Women Voters of Dekalb County

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Doors open at 7pm

Complimentary appetizers will be served

Space is limited. RSVP here

Shrine of the Black Madonna Bookstore and Cultural Center

946 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.

Atlanta, GA 30310

Map it

Read more about Ms. Pedroso after the jump