OBWS

335 posts published

News

Target Faces Sales Decline and Leadership Changes Amid DEI Backlash

Target is experiencing significant challenges, reporting a 3.8% drop in comparable sales for the first quarter of 2025, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of declining sales. The company's total revenue fell to $23.85 billion, missing Wall Street's expectations. Factors contributing to this downturn include

27 May 25 1 min read
Black History

Meet The Longest-Running Black-Owned Business In The Country

In 1881, a time when opportunities for Black entrepreneurs were scarce, one family defied the odds and built a business that would stand the test of time. What started with a simple horse and wagon in Columbus, Ohio, has evolved into a multi-million-dollar enterprise that has outlasted wars, economic downturns,

09 Apr 25 2 min read

The Damaging Consequences of Target's DEI Rollback

In early 2025, Target made a controversial decision to scale back its DEI initiatives. This move, which included the conclusion of a key racial equity program, team rebranding, and changes to supplier diversity efforts, has sparked significant backlash, legal challenges, and financial repercussions. The decision is part of a broader

23 Mar 25 3 min read
News

More Corporations Have Slashed DEI Initiatives - Part 2

We previously published a list of the major corporations that have rolled back their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Unfortunately, that list continues growing. Companies that once publicly pledged to support marginalized communities are now quietly scaling back or completely eliminating these initiatives. Whether it's due

21 Mar 25 3 min read
News

Corporations Remaining Committed to Their DEI Initiatives

In the face of increasing scrutiny and political pressures, several prominent corporations have denounced their DEI policies while others have boldly reaffirmed their dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.  Today we’re highlighting those companies that are standing firmly by their DEI initiatives, recognizing that fostering an inclusive

14 Mar 25 4 min read
Black Owned Businesses

6 Black-Owned Jewelry and Watch Brands to Have On Your Radar

Jewelry has always been more than just an accessory—it’s a statement, a reflection of heritage, culture, and personal style. This National Jewel Day, we’re celebrating Black-owned brands that are redefining the industry with their creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to excellence. From handcrafted jewelry with cultural influences to

13 Mar 25 2 min read
News

Official Black Wall Street Launches Exclusive Club & Safe Haven For Black Founders

Official Black Wall Street (OBWS), the premier digital platform dedicated to empowering Black-owned businesses, is proud to announce the launch of The OBWS Founders Club—an exclusive membership community designed to empower, connect, and uplift Black entrepreneurs with the network and resources tailored for long-term success. At a time when

10 Feb 25 2 min read
News

The List of Corporations Slashing DEI Initiatives

In 2020, the racial reckoning sparked by the murder of George Floyd led corporations to make sweeping promises about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many pledged millions of dollars, launched new initiatives, and vowed to create meaningful change. Fast forward to 2024 and 2025, and we’re seeing a troubling

27 Jan 25 4 min read
Black History

Monroe Nichols Makes History as Tulsa’s First Black Mayor

Monroe Nichols has made history as the first Black mayor elected in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This election is a significant milestone, not only for the city but also for the entire state, which continues to grapple with its history and the legacy of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Monroe Nichols has

07 Nov 24 1 min read
What's New

The Richest Black Families In The World... Worth Billions!

When we think of generational wealth and financial influence, it’s important to recognize the growing number of Black families who have built extraordinary wealth, breaking barriers in industries such as business, entertainment, sports, and politics. These families are not just accumulating riches for themselves; they are creating legacies and

15 Oct 24 3 min read
Black Excellence

Red Lobster Appoints Black Millennial As New CEO

After facing bankruptcy, Red Lobster has a new captain steering the ship, and it’s none other than a Florida-based Black millennial. From transforming P.F. Chang’s to now taking the helm at one of America’s most iconic seafood brands, he’s ready to revitalize Red Lobster and

11 Oct 24 2 min read
What's New

20 Black-Owned Resorts & Hotels Around The World

Anguilla Great House Beach Resort (Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla) Anguilla is a very small, British territory in the Caribbean, so if you’re looking to relax in the sun for a tropical vacation, head to Rendezvous Bay to visit the Anguilla Great House Beach Resort. The hotel has access to the

26 Sep 24 3 min read
Black History

What Is Juneteenth and Why Do We Celebrate It?

What is Juneteenth? Now that Juneteenth has been declared a federal holiday, millions of Americans will have a day off for an event they know little about. The history of the United States is centuries old, and still, while most people are aware of the significance of July 4, 1776,

19 Jun 24 3 min read
News

Mattel Is Honoring Venus Williams With Her Own Barbie Doll

In celebration of its 65th anniversary, Barbie is honoring nine trailblazing woman athletes with one-of-a-kind dolls in their likeness, including the legendary tennis star Venus Williams. This initiative by Mattel not only commemorates Barbie’s legacy but also aims to empower young girls by showcasing real-life role models who have

17 Jun 24 2 min read
News

Meet the Black Entrepreneurs Transforming Shipping Containers into Affordable Homes

Jessica Lewis and Ibrahim Smith are not only disrupting traditional building methods but also pioneering an innovative approach to affordable housing. As the founders of MOBU Enterprises, they are transforming shipping containers into disaster-resistant, sustainable homes, marking a significant milestone for Black-owned businesses in the construction sector. The inception of

13 Jun 24 2 min read
Listicles

30 Black-Owned Brands You Can Shop at Target

When Black-owned brands make their way onto the shelves of big box retailers, it’s time for us to show up and show out. While it is important to support these brands through their own avenues, showing up at stores like Target sends a different message. It says, yes, we

22 May 24 13 min read
News

Black-Woman-Owned Beauty Brand Acquired by West Lane Capital Partners

In a significant move within the beauty industry, Mented Cosmetics, a pioneering Black woman-owned beauty brand, has been acquired by West Lane Capital Partners. The acquisition marks a new chapter for Mented Cosmetics, known for its inclusive range of makeup products catering to women of all complexions. Co-founded in 2017

25 Apr 24 2 min read
News

This Black Woman-Owned Electric Company Secured Six-Figure Deal with Utility Giant

Detroit Voltage, a pioneering Black woman-owned electrical contracting firm based in Detroit, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a six-figure deal with DTE Energy, the largest electric utility company in Michigan. This deal not only signifies a momentous achievement for the company but also highlights the entrepreneurial spirit and

23 Apr 24 2 min read
News

Jamie Foxx Unveils New Whiskey Brand With Partner

Academy Award-winning actor, comedian, and musician Jamie Foxx has joined forces with spirits incubator WES Brands to introduce a new whiskey brand: Brown Sugar Blend (BSB). BSB Whiskey is not just another spirit on the shelf; it's a labor of love that took over two years of meticulous

15 Apr 24 2 min read
News

Serena Williams Launches Inclusive Make Up Line: Wyn Beauty

Serena Williams, renowned as the queen of the tennis court, is now making strides in the beauty industry with the launch of her inclusive makeup line, Wyn Beauty. Inspired by her passion for both victory and beauty, Williams introduces a range that embodies her ethos of empowerment and inclusivity. With

03 Apr 24 2 min read
News

This 14-Year-Old Created A Watch To Detect The Signs Of Stroke

14-year-old Naya Ellis has had a passion for science since childhood, driven by her aspiration to make a meaningful difference in the medical realm. Her journey traces back to the age of 7 when she tended to her mother, battling breast cancer, diligently changing bandages in a gesture of love

02 Apr 24 2 min read
Listicles

17 Lingerie Brands Made By and For Black Women

Everyone wants to get sexy from time to time. There’s something about lingerie that makes us feel good about ourselves. And whether you’re putting it on for yourself or a significant other, you should feel good when you wear it. Some of the most popular lingerie brands feel

29 Mar 24 9 min read
What's New

The Richest Black Communities in the United States

What do you imagine when you think of Black communities? Society and entertainment still shape Black communities to solely mirror “ghettos.” It’s the 2020s. There is more to Black communities than what you see on TV and film. While shows and movies are showing poverty and crime, that’s

18 Mar 24 6 min read
What's New

Black-Owned Wineries To Add To Your 2024 Wine Trail

When we think of wineries, we hardly give much consideration to the ownership; however, the reality reveals a significant lack of diversity within the industry. According to the Association of African American Vintners, of more than 1,000 wineries within the United States, less than 1% are Black owned.  There

15 Mar 24 3 min read
News

Four Ways YOU Have Been Wasting Time!

"The major difference between achieving people and average people is how they use their time." - John Maxwell TIME is the most important resource known to mankind. Are You Wasting It? There are hundreds of productive ways to use our time but there was never a class on

14 Mar 24 2 min read
What's New

A Timeline of Beyoncé’s Many Wins (and Fails) In Business

With an estimated net worth of $800 million, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is undoubtedly a multi-generational cultural icon who dominates off the stage as well (just ask the Beyhive). Having recently launched her haircare brand, Cécred (pronounced sacred), she’s fulfilling one of her lifelong dreams of creating hair products that

08 Mar 24 4 min read
Black Excellence

Meet Dr. Iman Abuzeid: At The Helm of A Unicorn Startup

In 2017, Iman Abuzeid founded Incredible Health in an attempt to address the nursing shortage faced by American hospitals, which has resulted in burnout, frustration, and stress among healthcare professionals. Through Incredible Health, she is connecting qualified nurses with hospitals and cutting the hiring process down from the 90-day national

29 Feb 24 1 min read
Black History

19 Black Women Poets of Today and Yesterday

When I think of Black female poets, I think of Maya Angelou. I think of Audre Lorde. I think of Toni Morrison. While these women were some of the greats, regardless of their gender or race, they are joined by a ton of other great women. The poetry world might

27 Feb 24 9 min read
Black History

16 Wealthy Black Americans from Black History

Curated by Irene Smalls, MBA What do a scoundrel, a lady of the evening, a slave owner, an explorer, and businessmen have in common? They all became rich Black figures in American History. From the early days of struggle against slavery to the present era of groundbreaking achievements, Black individuals

23 Feb 24 6 min read
Black History

6 Must-Read Books By Black Authors

Standing imposingly along West Africa’s Gold Coast are two of approximately 40 castles originally constructed in Ghana for European traders - Cape Coast and Elmina. Powerful symbols of the Transatlantic slave trade, they are relics of a harrowing past, whose legacy continues to reverberate. Engraved on their walls are

17 Feb 24 4 min read
Black Owned Businesses

Black-Owned Haircare Brands Making Life A Tad Bit Easier

Over the years, the natural hair movement has been reenergized, blossoming into not just a potent force for empowerment, but also a necessary one that has challenged societal norms and stereotypes. Transcending a mere phenomenon, the movement has been a vital catalyst for broader conversations on the importance of representation,

16 Feb 24 3 min read
News

Issa Rae Is Launching A Studio To Create Opportunities For Creators

Issa Rae is expanding her business portfolio with a new up and coming venture.  In a recent conversation with Time Magazine, the multifaceted actress and producer unveiled an array of new projects and ventures coming down the pipeline. Issa Rae is emphatically signaling that she's far from reaching

13 Feb 24 1 min read
News

Byron Allen Submits Bid To Purchase Paramount Global For $14.3B

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Allen Media Group extended a $14.3 billion offer to acquire the remaining shares of Paramount Global. If green-lit, this deal would encompass Paramount's debt, estimated at around $15 billion. According to the outlet, a statement indicated, "Mr. Byron Allen submitted a

01 Feb 24 1 min read
Black Owned Businesses

18 Black-Owned Wine Brands To Support Today

Did you know that less than 1% of winemakers are Black? Yes, you heard correctly. That’s why we’re excited to bring you this round up of Black-owned brands you can support! But first… Welcome back to Official Black Wall Street, the largest app and digital platform connecting you

29 Jan 24 1 min read
Entrepreneur Spotlight

The 10 Wealthiest Black Entrepreneurs in America

In this video we're going to discuss the 10 wealthiest Black entrepreneurs in America today. These individuals have built successful businesses and have amassed impressive fortunes along the way. Get ready to be inspired by their incredible journeys and the impact they have made in their respective industries.

24 Jan 24 1 min read
What's New

3 Tips to Get Your Small Business Through Tax Season

Tax filing season is here. Most founders would prefer to focus on their business rather than dive into the minutiae of tax forms and filing deadlines. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to get your startup’s taxes completed on time and with as little disruption to

15 Jan 24 2 min read
Business Tips

3 Ways to Make the Best Connection With Customers

No matter how amazing a company’s products or services are, it’s impossible to survive without customers. Whether it’s a steady stream of new customers or a revolving door of loyal ones, forming a strong connection with your clientele is the best way to keep them invested in

02 Jan 24 4 min read
Listicles

23 Black-Owned Hotels & Resorts for Your Next Vacation

The temperature is dropping and if you're anything like us, you're already planning a trip somewhere sunny. Whether you’re looking to stay in the States and travel across the country or you’re ready to dust off your passport for an international trip, we have

04 Oct 23 8 min read
Entrepreneur Spotlight

Meet The Black Woman Behind The Jewelry Showcasing The Beauty of Human Creativity & Compassion: Emerald Sun Creations

In the enchanting world of jewelry making, where artistry meets adornment, one Louisiana-based entrepreneur stands out with a unique vision and a heartwarming mission. Meet Wendy Turner, the brilliant mind and artisan behind Black-owned brand Emerald Sun Creations, a brand that weaves stories of nature, creativity, and compassion into every

04 Oct 23 6 min read
Listicles

16 Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Around the Country

In 2022 and beyond, we’re trading in corporate offices for coworking spaces. Most of us have probably had a toxic experience of working in an office. 2020 had many of us working at home or quitting our jobs to start a business. Now that the dust has settled and

17 Aug 23 7 min read
Listicles

23 Black-Owned Beauty Brands to Shop at Sephora | Makeup, Haircare & More

In recent years, there has been a powerful movement to amplify Black voices and support Black-owned businesses across various industries. Within the realm of beauty, Sephora, a global leader in cosmetics retail, has taken steps to spotlight and promote Black-owned brands, providing an avenue for inclusivity and representation within the

16 Aug 23 7 min read
Listicles

25+ Black-Owned Swimwear Brands for Your Next Vacation

Bikinis, monokinis, and coverups - let’s just say this will be the attire for the summer. After a year of staying indoors and missing out on beach trips and vacations, we’re all ready to hop back into our favorite swimwear. And what’s better than bringing out an

01 Aug 23 8 min read

Join The Black-Owned Challenge This Black Business Month

How often do you buy Black? Wherever you are, look around you. How many items in your surroundings come from a Black-owned business? Black Business are the essence of Black communities, providing jobs, resources and hope for the future, yet they only receive 2% of our collective $1.3 Trillion

17 Jul 23 2 min read
Amazon Finds

19 Black-Owned Amazon Finds For Prime Day & Beyond

If you're like us, you spend a lot of time and even more money on Amazon than you probably should, especially during annual Prime Day. During those hours of aimless shopping, how often do you think a Black-owned brand comes across the page? Not as often as it

11 Jul 23 8 min read