News

Total Posts : 131 posts

New Brew On The Block: Meet The Three D.C. Creatives Reshaping How You Enjoy Coffee

“tāst is a lot of things, but is not coffee. It’s an invitation to slow down, to savor. It’s a reengagment with the ritual of everyday life. It’s a start.” For coffee lovers, coffee is more than just a quick drink. It marks the beginning and ending

Hayley-Ann Mark

08 May 25 2 min read

News

Meet The 23 Black Billionaires Whose Combined Worth Is $96 Billion

Since 1987, Forbes has been rounding up a list of billionaires from around the world, listing 140 in that first year. Among them, only one was Black: Robert L. Johnson – the co-founder and former CEO of BET. While both the number of billionaires and their collective wealth have grown astronomically

Hayley-Ann Mark

06 May 25 5 min read

News

Virginia’s Historic Black Church Donates Over $100K To Clear Student Debt For 11 Graduating Seniors

On April 26, Saint Augustine’s University (SAU), sometimes referred to as the “Miracle on Oakwood”, announced a generous gift of $132,469 from the Alfred Street Baptist Church of Alexandria, Virginia, to clear the outstanding cumulative debt of graduating seniors. The donation allowed 11 of 25 students in the

Hayley-Ann Mark

05 May 25 1 min read

News

Basketball All-Star Chiney Ogwumike To Produce First Ever Scripted Series About The WNBA

Two-time WNBA All-Star, former Rookie of the Year and ESPN host Chiney Ogwumike is set to produce a new comedy series based on the WNBA entitled The W. The 30-minute series will be the first scripted show centered on the WNBA and will follow a rookie player and her inexperienced

Hayley-Ann Mark

28 Apr 25 2 min read

News

Michelle Obama And Steph Curry Team Up To Create New Sports Hydration Drink

In 2023, former First Lady Michelle Obama co-founded PLEZi Nutrition to raise the bar for what children consume, particularly when it comes to food and beverage choices. Building on her mission of her Let’s Move! campaign, which she launched during her time in the White House to combat childhood

Hayley-Ann Mark

25 Apr 25 1 min read

Black Owned Businesses

Meet The Couple Whose Plant-Based Ice Cream Brand Will Take You On A Journey Around The World

The conversation around what we eat, where it comes from, and how it impacts our health is one that remains relevant - and for good reason! These were the exact concerns that Nicole Foster had when she first had children. After obtaining a certification as a raw vegan chef, she

Hayley-Ann Mark

23 Apr 25 2 min read

News

This Father-Son Duo Launched An AI-Powered Tool Geared Towards Making Financial Coaching Accessible To Everyone

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has infiltrated so much of our lives. From virtual assistants to smart recommendations, it’s woven into the fabric of our daily lives and has been seamlessly integrated into so many of our frequently used apps. Let’s be honest -most of us probably use ChatGPT more

Hayley-Ann Mark

21 Apr 25 1 min read

Black Owned Businesses

These Three Friends Teamed Up to Launch 100% Natural Bamboo Toilet Paper

The call for sustainability could not be any louder. From rising sea levels to devastating wildfires and stronger storms and hurricanes, the planet is sending pretty clear signals that we need to change our ways – and fast. While actions such as swapping out plastic straws for reusable ones may seem

Hayley-Ann Mark

17 Apr 25 2 min read

News

Tyler Perry Launches Dream Collective Program For Next Generation Of Filmmakers

Tyler Perry is no stranger to putting into practice the saying “lift as you climb.” With 20 years in the entertainment industry, he has built a legacy, which he is paying forward through his new initiative - the Dream Collective Short Film Program. Through this program, he will be taking

Hayley-Ann Mark

12 Apr 25 2 min read

Black Excellence

This Howard Alum Launched The First Ever Strip Mall For Black-Owned Businesses in DC

In 2015, Angel Gregorio, a Howard University alum, founded The Spice Suite, which quickly evolved into more than just a boutique for selling her own specialty spices. Named D.C.’s Small Business of the Year (2018) by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, The Spice Suite became a space for Black

Hayley-Ann Mark

10 Apr 25 1 min read

News

Grammy Award-Winning Artist Doechii Launches Mental Health Resource Hub

Doechii’s meteoric rise comes as no surprise. Born Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon, Doechii first rose to fame on TikTok following her viral song Yucky Bucky Fruitcake. This year, her mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal won Best Rap Album at the Grammys, making her one of only three women to

Hayley-Ann Mark

09 Apr 25 2 min read

News

Kandi Burruss Makes Broadway History As The Highest-Grossing Black Female Producer

Kandi Burruss has donned many hats – from R&B royalty and reality tv icon to serial entrepreneur and now Broadway record-breaker - continuing to prove time and again that anything is possible. In August 2024, it was announced that Kandi, former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, would join the

Hayley-Ann Mark

07 Apr 25 1 min read

News

Issa Rae’s New HBO Documentary “Seen & Heard” Sheds A Light On The History Of Black TV And The Reality Of The Black Experience

If there is one thing Issa Rae has always done, is bet on Black. Her commitment to elevating her community has always remained at the forefront of all her projects and initiatives, and she has never shied away from calling out Hollywood for its treatment of Black-led television shows. Last

Hayley-Ann Mark

04 Apr 25 1 min read

News

Netflix Greenlights Rare Pilot For “A Different World” Sequel

Originally airing in 1987, A Different World was created as a spin-off from The Cosby Show and followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) as she attended the fictional HBCU, Hillman College. Although Bonet left after the first season, the show continued to run on NBC for five more seasons, until 1993,

Hayley-Ann Mark

02 Apr 25 1 min read

News

Viral “Pop the Balloon” Dating Series Finds New Home on Netflix, With Yvonne Orji As Host

With over 100 million views on YouTube alone, popular dating series “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” is almost instantly recognizable across any social media platform, with multiple clips having gone viral on the internet. Created by Bolia Matundu (BM) and Arlette Amuli, the speed dating-style show brings a fresh

Hayley-Ann Mark

31 Mar 25 1 min read

News

Carol’s Daughter Returns to Black Leadership—Lisa Price Partners with New Owner

In a landmark move within the beauty industry, Carol’s Daughter, the trailblazing haircare brand founded by Lisa Price in 1993, has transitioned back to independent ownership. After more than a decade under L’Oréal USA, the brand is now co-owned by Lisa Price and finance veteran Joe Wong, marking

OBWS

27 Mar 25 1 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

OBWS

21 Mar 25 4 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

OBWS

14 Mar 25 4 min read

News

Toxic Chemicals Found In Braiding Hair Used By Black Women - Use These Black-Owned Alternatives

A recent investigation by Consumer Reports has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of synthetic braiding hair commonly used in the Black community for various hairstyles. The study analyzed ten popular synthetic hair-braiding brands, including X-Pression, Sassy Collection, and Sensationnel, and discovered the presence of harmful chemicals in all samples

OBWS

12 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

OBWS

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

OBWS

27 Jan 25 4 min read

What's New

Official Black Wall Street Teams Up With JP Morgan Chase To Celebrate Black Business Month

Official Black Wall Street (OBWS), the foremost platform dedicated to promoting and supporting Black-owned businesses, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Black-Owned Showcase in celebration of Black Business Month. This initiative, proudly sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, is aimed at shining a spotlight on the excellence of Black

OBWS

05 Aug 24 1 min read

News

Atlanta Falcons Gain Four New Black Owners: Will Packer, Dominique Dawes, Rosalind Brewer, and Rashaun Williams

The Atlanta Falcons have announced the addition of four new limited partners to their ownership group: Rosalind Brewer, Dominique Dawes, Will Packer, and Rashaun Williams. This landmark decision was approved by the NFL’s full ownership during the league meetings in Nashville, and it represents a significant step forward in

OBWS

18 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

OBWS

17 Jun 24 2 min read

News

Oklahoma Supreme Court Dismisses Reparations Lawsuit by Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors

The Oklahoma Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the last known living survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The case, initiated by Lessie Benningfield Randle, 109, and Viola Fletcher, 110, sought reparations for the devastating attack on the Greenwood district, historically known as "Black Wall Street.

OBWS

17 Jun 24 3 min read

News

Beauty Founder Makes History As The First Creator to Hit $1 Million In Sales In One TikTok Live Session

Stormi Steele, the visionary founder and CEO of Canvas Beauty, recently made history by becoming the first creator on TikTok to earn over $1 million during a single live session. This achievement, realized Saturday, June 8, 2024, underscores Steele’s drive, innovative spirit, and commitment to her brand's

OBWS

14 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

OBWS

13 Jun 24 2 min read

News

This 1-Year-Old Set The Guinness World Record as The Youngest Male Artist In The World

In a remarkable feat that has captured the world’s attention, Ace-Liam Nana Sam Ankrah, a one-year-old from Ghana, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s youngest male artist. This extraordinary achievement sets a new benchmark for toddler prodigies and highlights the profound impact of nurturing

OBWS

06 Jun 24 2 min read

News

Federal Appeals Court Blocks Fearless Fund from Issuing Grants to Black Women Entrepreneurs

In a devastating ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit has temporarily halted the Fearless Fund, a Black-owned venture capitalist firm, from awarding grants exclusively to Black women entrepreneurs. This decision arises from a lawsuit challenging the legality of the fund's racial criteria for

OBWS

05 Jun 24 3 min read

Black Excellence

The WNBA's Angel Reese Becomes Co-Owner of Professional Soccer Club

Angel Reese, the former LSU women’s basketball standout and current WNBA rookie with the Chicago Sky, is making waves both on and off the court. Reese, who was selected seventh overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has now ventured into the world of professional soccer by becoming a co-owner

OBWS

04 Jun 24 2 min read

News

Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole Hayes Gifts $8.9M To Savannah State University Graduates

Savannah State University’s class of 2024 received a remarkable graduation gift, setting them up for success in the entrepreneurial world. Pinky Cole Hayes, the founder of Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan, announced during her commencement speech that she would be gifting $8.9 million to the Georgia Historically Black

OBWS

13 May 24 2 min read

News

Ashanti And Nelly Become Co-Owners of At-Home Fertility and Hormone Testing Company, Proov

Music icons Ashanti and Nelly have announced their engagement and the impending arrival of their first child together. But amidst the excitement of expanding their family, the power couple has also unveiled a new venture they're embarking on: co-ownership of Proov, an at-home fertility and hormone testing company.

OBWS

26 Apr 24 2 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

OBWS

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

OBWS

23 Apr 24 2 min read

News

Richelieu Dennis’ Sundial Media Group Acquires Refinery29: Expanding Cultural Reach in Media

In a significant move that underscores the ever-evolving landscape of media and entertainment, Richelieu Dennis' Sundial Media Group (SMG) has recently acquired Refinery29 (R29), a prominent digital media platform focusing on multigenerational women. The acquisition, which adds another powerhouse to SMG's growing portfolio, marks a pivotal moment

OBWS

22 Apr 24 2 min read

News

Tatyana Ali Launches 'Baby Yams' Quilt Line To Support Black Maternal Health

Amidst the buzz of Black Maternal Health Week, actress and singer Tatyana Ali unveiled a heartfelt surprise for her fans – the launch of her new line of baby quilts, affectionately named "Baby Yams." The limited-edition collection, a testament to Ali's creative talents and her commitment to

OBWS

17 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

OBWS

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

OBWS

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

OBWS

02 Apr 24 2 min read

Listicles

25 Black-Hosted Podcasts for Embracing the Black Experience

Let’s keep it real. We have all had those days where we can’t stand any TV show or movie that comes across our screen. Instead of wasting time trying to find something to watch, subscribe to a podcast. Whether you are using them for education, relaxation, or comedy,

OBWS

01 Apr 24 6 min read

What's New

Tubi's Acquisition By Fox And The Concerning Impact on The Black Community

Four years ago on March 17th, 2020, Fox Corporation acquired Tubi for an estimated $440M. The acquisition has since sparked discussions about the potential implications for Black viewers and content representation within the streaming platform. The platform has seen a near 60% growth in 2023 thanks to a rise in

OBWS

25 Mar 24 3 min read

What's New

Meet Sandra Douglass Morgan, The NFL’s First Black Female President

In 2020, Jason Wright became the first Black team President in NFL history. Since then, there has been a notable increase in Black NFL team presidents, with the New York Times analysing that currently, more than 15% of the league’s presidents are Black. In July 2022, Sandra Douglass Morgan,

OBWS

21 Mar 24 1 min read

What's New

Master P and Snoop Dogg File Lawsuit Against Walmart And Post Foods Over Cereal Venture

In a recent announcement, it has come to light that Master P and Snoop Dogg, known not only for their rap careers but also for their business ventures, are encountering obstacles in their cereal business due to alleged actions by major industry players. The duo has reportedly taken legal action,

OBWS

19 Mar 24 2 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

OBWS

14 Mar 24 2 min read

News

Kai Cenat Becomes First Streamer To Partner With Global Shoe Giant, Nike

Whether you’re a Twitch user or not, if you are on social media, you’ve surely come across viral clips of Kai Cenat. Named one of Rolling Stone’s 20 most influential creators in 2023, the 22-year-old won the Streamer of the Year Award at the 2023 Streamer Awards,

OBWS

13 Mar 24 1 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

OBWS

08 Mar 24 4 min read

News

Black-Woman Owned Firm Selected To Develop And Operate NYC’s $25 Million Innovation Hub For Black And Woman-Owned Businesses

According to a 2022 report by McKinsey & Company on Black Representation in the Beauty Industry, Black consumers are responsible for 11.1% of total beauty spending; yet, Black brands make up a mere 2.5% of revenue in the industry. While Black consumers possess a penchant for Black brands,

OBWS

07 Mar 24 2 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

OBWS

27 Feb 24 9 min read

What's New

Black-Owned Nonprofit Announces Plans To Purchase Skid Row Grocery Store

Black-led nonprofit, Creating Justice LA, recently announced its plans to purchase the Skid Row People’s Market. Located at 5th and San Pedro Streets, Downtown LA, the Market has been an enduring community hub for this Los Angeles neighborhood. The previous owner, Danny Park, took over the business from his

OBWS

18 Feb 24 1 min read

Black Excellence

A Portfolio Of 20 Airport Restaurants Results In $50M In Revenue For This Entrepreneur

In 2023, CEO of H&H Hospitality, Randy Hazelton, was on track to earn $50M in revenue, and is expected to reach $100M by 2025. Originally founded in 2007, H&H is one of Hartfield Jackson Airport’s biggest food vendors; however, to achieve this milestone, Hazelton had

OBWS

15 Feb 24 1 min read

What's New

Monique's Controversial Journey From Comedy Queen to Serial Entrepreneur

Mo’Nique, known for her comedic genius, captivating performances, and more controversial moments, has left an undeniable mark on the entertainment industry. From her breakout roles in film and television to her stand-up comedy specials, Mo'Nique's professional career has been defined by her boldness, and willingness

OBWS

14 Feb 24 1 min read

What's New

Meet Jeremiah Fennell: The 11-Year-Old Reporter Living His Dream

Recently, young journalist, Jeremiah Fennell, captured the hearts of NFL players and fans. In the lead up to the Super Bowl, all eyes were on him in Las Vegas as he conducted interviews with charm and confidence. At the tender age of 11, Jeremiah had 49ers George Kittle asking “Goodness

OBWS

14 Feb 24 2 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

OBWS

13 Feb 24 1 min read

News

Social Media Reacts to Black-Founded Brand The Honey Pot Being Acquired

Did you know that The Honey Pot, a popular Black-founded feminine care company, was recently acquired? Well you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to give you all of the details including what people online have to say about the acquisition. While the acquisition has led to

OBWS

08 Feb 24 1 min read

News

Black Woman-Owned Eyewear Brand Makes History With Major Distribution Deal in 900 Retail Stores

Founded in 2019 to address the need for better-fitting, vibrant eyewear, Vontélle Eyewear has become more than just a brand – it's a movement. And now, the brand is also making history. The Black and woman-owned brand kicked off Black History Month with a history-making collaboration between National Vision,

OBWS

07 Feb 24 2 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

OBWS

01 Feb 24 1 min read

News

The OBWS Black-Owned Holiday Gift Guide Challenge Is Coming | Apply Today!

OBWS

16 Oct 23 1 min read

News

Did You Know These Major Companies Have a Black CEO?

Who do you envision when you think of the CEOs of the major companies in the world? I don’t know about you, but I automatically assume that the three words that can be used to describe our money still apply - old, white, male. While this is mostly still

OBWS

01 Sep 21 5 min read

News

11 Black Companies You Can Invest In Right Now

BUY BLACK, BUY BLACK, BUY BLACK. With the surge of support we’ve seen for Black-owned businesses, it’s necessary to recognize that this isn’t the only way to demonstrate it. You might think you are investing in the future of these companies, but you can literally invest in

OBWS

12 Jul 21 3 min read

News

14 Black-Owned Clothing & Fragrance Brands To Help You Get Valentine's Day Ready

Valentine's Day is here! The last few months might've had us off our game, but we’re all ready to jump back into date night, especially on the most romantic night of the year. It’s time to suit up and jump right back in. We’

OBWS

09 Feb 21 3 min read

News

Five Steps for Starting Your Journey to Financial Freedom

Whether consciously or subconsciously, you probably find yourself comparing your finances to that of your personal and professional peers. Don’t. When it comes to money, everyone is starting at a different place. And that’s perfectly fine. Money comes and money goes, no matter who you are, so it’

OBWS

05 Feb 21 4 min read

News

Pantora Bridal Founder and Designer Andrea Pitter Graces the Cover of The Knot Magazine

Pitter Calls Attention to the Need for Greater Diversity and Inclusion Within the Wedding Industry, Along With Better Resources for Underrepresented Wedding Professionals New York, NY/January 25, 2021—The Knot [http://theknot.com]—a leading wedding planning and registry resource—today unveiled the Spring 2021 issue of The Knot

OBWS

25 Jan 21 2 min read

News

Black-Owned Locs Brand, Peculiar Roots, Wins Sally Beauty Supply Business Grant

After only seven months on the market, Peculiar Roots [http://www.PeculiarRoots.com] secured the opportunity to expand its operating footprint as one of four brands selected in Sally Beauty and Cosmo Prof’s Cultivate Cohort. The accelerator program is designed to empower female-owned beauty brands to bring their visions

OBWS

28 Dec 20 3 min read

Listicles

16 out of 930 Nobel Prize Winners Are Black | The Men & Women Who Have Been Awarded

As of 2020, 930 people have been awarded a Nobel Prize. Since 1901, nearly a thousand individuals have been recognized for their achievements in chemistry, literature, physics, physiology and medicine, and peace. Later, in 1969, an associated prize in economics was added. While the yearly process begins in October, awards

OBWS

26 Dec 20 10 min read

Entrepreneur Spotlight

Find Diversity & Representation with Kaleidadope - OBWS 2020 Innovator of the Year

At Official Black Wall Street, Black entrepreneurs are celebrated every day. In August, we took it one step further by recognizing and rewarding the creative and innovative minds of trailblazing entrepreneurs. Krystal Banner, the CEO and designer behind the brand Kaleidadope [https://kaleidadope.com/], rightfully earned the 2020 Innovator of

OBWS

22 Dec 20 3 min read

News

Darlyng & Co. Creates the First Black-Owned Gift Registry for Kids

Darlyng & Co. [https://www.darlyngandco.com/], a lifestyle tech-enabled kids brand, creates the first Black-owned gift registry for children. With products ranging from everyday essentials such as skin care, hair care, toys, and more, this will allow parents to create gift registries with over 100 Black-owned, invented, and designed

OBWS

21 Dec 20 3 min read

News

Black-Owned Pantora Bridal Teams Up With Zola For Exclusive Wedding Wear Collection

Zola [https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2981796-1&h=3743938623&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zola.com%2F&a=Zola] , the one-stop-site for couples getting married, is thrilled to unveil an exclusive collection of little white outfits perfect for every body

OBWS

19 Nov 20 3 min read

News

This Black-Owned Bamboo Tissue Paper Benefits Your Health and The Environment

Christion Sims and his wife Tera were ahead of the game in late November 2019 when they decided to begin the production of their own toilet paper made by 100% bamboo, which they uniquely named Ultra Kosmic 9 [https://ultrakosmic9.com/]. With their new company, the vegan couple were creating

OBWS

10 Nov 20 4 min read

News

ecountabl App Reveals Where Companies Stand When It Comes To Racial Justice, Gender Equality & More

What drives you to make a purchase? Discounts? Product quality? Brand values? While it might be a combination of all three, the emergence of socially conscious purchases has many of us rethinking the way we shop. The company, ecountabl [https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ecountabl-shop-with-purpose#/], is paving a way to

OBWS

03 Nov 20 2 min read

News

7 Effective Ways to Support Your Staff Through the Pandemic

Many words have been used to describe the COVID-19 pandemic. Unprecedented is one, difficult is another. While the coronavirus has had an impact on health and medicine, this is closely followed by the stresses of work and employment. With millions of people currently unemployed, millions more are worried about job

OBWS

03 Nov 20 4 min read

News

This Young Black Mogul is Taking Over with Movies, Modeling, and Entrepreneurship

Imagine being a model, author, actress, entertainer, and overall entrepreneur all at the age of 7-years-old? That’s just what London James Boyce is doing. It’s no surprise that London is also known as Wonder London, a play on the character, Wonder Woman. She does it all and so

OBWS

29 Oct 20 4 min read

News

Brother and Sister Join Forces To Create Puzzles For Us, By Us

The last decade ushered in the rise of the smartphone. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t have an iPhone or Android stuck to their hip. While we can all praise the advances of technology, the increase in “screen time” has made life a lot less personal.

OBWS

29 Oct 20 2 min read

News

Meet The Black-Owned Business Putting African High Culture Jewelry on The Map

For Haby Barry, a proud Guinean American of Fulani descent, it was important that she represented her upbringing and culture when creating her signature jewelry line, Fulaba [http://www.fulaba.com]. While in search of and having trouble finding jewelry, particularly African jewelry, made with precious metals, Haby decided to

OBWS

27 Oct 20 4 min read

News

This Entrepreneur Is Keeping Newlyweds Out of Debt With New Wedding Platform

Serial entrepreneur, Ruka Curate, knows what it takes to succeed as a Black woman business owner. OBWS first connected with the Brooklyn native in September 2019 [https://blog.obws.com/black-owned-nanny-tiny-treasures/] to learn about her start-up, Tiny Treasures Nanny Agency [https://www.tinytreasuresnyc.com/]. Since then, Ruka has gone on

OBWS

20 Oct 20 5 min read

News

Meet The Winners of The Inaugural OBWS Black Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

At Official Black Wall Street, Black entrepreneurs are celebrated every day. August was National Black Business Month, and we took it one step further by recognizing and awarding the creative and innovative minds of these trailblazing individuals. Last month, Official Black Wall Street introduced The Inaugural OBWS Black Entrepreneur of

OBWS

02 Sep 20 2 min read

News

Meet The Black-Owned Brand Providing Eco-Friendly Bamboo Sheets

Prosper Heights [https://prosperheightshome.com] was founded in the small town of Prosper, Texas, and already created a tremendous buzz about their organic bamboo sheets! One blogger wrote, “Their linens are soft to the touch and make it so hard to get out the bed!” Prosper Heights has created a

OBWS

21 Aug 20 2 min read

News

This Virtual Festival Is Bringing Together Black Writers And Creators Like Never Before

Black Writers Weekend [http://blackwritersweekend.com] virtual experience will stream online on Thursday, August 27th to Saturday, August 29th. While the event usually takes place in June, pushing the date back, has given the brand the opportunity to take part in Black August. Signifying a month of historical civil rights

OBWS

21 Aug 20 3 min read

News

Pull Up or Shut Up: How Diverse Are Major Companies Showing Support For Black Lives Matter?

With the recent resurgence of support for the Black Lives Matter movement, we have seen dozens of companies scramble to show their support for the cause. While many of them are making donations to organizations and pledges to hire and support Black employees, it is interesting to see the diversity

OBWS

07 Aug 20 5 min read

News

Silver & Riley’s Second Round of 2020 Grants Have been Awarded to Three Black Founders

The black owned luxury leather goods brand awards grants quarterly as part of program helping female entrepreneurs start, grow and scale their businesses. Silver & Riley [https://www.silverandriley.com/] continued the commitment to supporting minority owned businesses with the second round of grants awarded through their Buy 1, Give

OBWS

06 Aug 20 3 min read

News

Serena Williams Donates 100% of Proceeds from Jewelry Collection to Small Business Relief Fund

Serena Williams is unstoppable. In a conversation about the greatest athletes of all time, she has to be praised. The tennis star rewrote history with her career, and she continuously allows her fans (and haters) to see why she flourishes on and off the court. Off the court, she is

OBWS

30 Jul 20 2 min read

News

Nick Cannon is “Unbossed and Unbothered” Following ViacomCBS Firing

Nick Cannon refuses to give ViacomCBS the reigns over his career and the legacy he created with the popular TV show Wild 'N Out. On July 14, the company terminated their relationship with Cannon, effectively firing him as host and executive of the MTV series. This comes after the

OBWS

16 Jul 20 2 min read

News

A Rundown of the Businesses Pledging Support & Money to the Black Lives Matter Movement

At the tail end of May and the beginning of June, our social media feeds were flooded. Every hour on the hour, there was a new set of photos in outrage of police brutality and in support of Black lives and social justice. Many Fortune 500 companies also took to

OBWS

15 Jul 20 4 min read

News

This Black-Owned Marketing & Tech Firm Helped Over 4,000 Entrepreneurs Grow Their Business

Many web development firms focus only on UI (user interface design) and the online presence of a business, independent of market strategy & technology performance indicators. Unfortunately this doesn’t help much when you only have seconds – maybe milliseconds – to convince consumers that your business is worth their time. This

OBWS

07 Jul 20 3 min read

News

Afropop Socks Takes African Fashion to New Levels with Trendy African Inspired Socks

Individuals looking for a new way to celebrate African culture now have a new ally in the London start-up, Afropop Socks. Contemporary African Design Touted as ‘African Fashion for your feet,’ Afropop Socks [https://afropopsocks.com/] is a forward thinking fashion brand with a focus on African vibes. The company

OBWS

02 Jul 20 2 min read

News

The West Coast's Last Black-Owned Bank Narrowly Avoids Hostile Takeover

What is the West Coast known for? Some might say Hollywood. Others would tell you about the coffee. The West Coast is also considered the hub for technology. Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said for Black-owned banking. The West Coast states (California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska) are the home

OBWS

25 Jun 20 3 min read

News

Black Tech Startup Hosts Juneteenth 4.0 Celebration To Build Racial & Economic Justice Through Tech

Today, OHUB [https://opportunityhub.co/], ThePlug [https://tpinsights.com/], Living Cities [https://www.livingcities.org/] & Impact Network [https://watchimpact.com/] are convening a Juneteenth 4.0 Celebration [http://juneteenth.ohub.at/], 1 PM - 4 PM EDT. The online experience is a salute to Black America’s triumph over

OBWS

18 Jun 20 9 min read

News

Starbucks Cancelled? 10 Black-Owned Coffee Brands To Support Instead

May I have a venti low-fat Iced Caramel Macchiato with four shots, six pumps, and extra caramel drizzle? Or not. Following the murder of George Floyd, tons of corporations took to the Internet to pledge their support of the Black Lives Matter movement and their stance against racial injustice. Starbucks

OBWS

13 Jun 20 4 min read

News

Buy Black With The Official Juneteenth 30-Day Challenge

Do you buy black? Wherever you are, look around you. How many of your belongings come from a Black-owned business? One? None? How often do you support local Black-owned businesses and restaurants? There are thousands of Black entrepreneurs that deserve your support. These times are calling for us to support

OBWS

12 Jun 20 2 min read

News

Here's How You Can Support the Black Lives Matter Movement

Black lives matter. Whether it was at the height of Jim Crow in 1963 Alabama, or in 2013 when a 17-year-old boy was murdered on his walk home, or now in 2020 when a Black man was pinned beneath three police officers until he lost consciousness and ultimately, his life,

OBWS

04 Jun 20 3 min read

News

Black Author Creates Children's Book to Help Families Deal With The Impact of COVID-19

As a Haitian American born and raised in New York, author and entrepreneur Jenny Delacruz was always aware of the importance of diversity and how each person has a story that weaves back generations. As a Children’s Book Author & Licensed Professional Counselor, Jenny, has a released her latest

OBWS

02 Jun 20 2 min read

News

4 Sustainability Plans to Help Black-Owned Businesses Survive an Economic Shift

In the midst of these uncertain times you may find yourself wondering how to crisis proof your business, and maintain the clients you have, sustain your business expenses and even gain new clients. You may find your vendors, clients, and customers shifting their decisions to expend fees, contracts, and proposals.

OBWS

29 Apr 20 2 min read

News

5 Keys to Navigate Tax Filings And Your Stimulus Check During COVID-19

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been some confusion regarding tax filings, payments and extensions (myself included). Thankfully I have my sources. As of March 20, 2020, the Department of Treasury made a few announcements, and the IRS confirmed such changes on their website. There are a few curveballs you

OBWS

06 Apr 20 3 min read

News

This Mother-Daughter Duo Wants To Change Your Hair unbraiding experience with The Braid Releaser

When Angela Green created THEBRAIDRELEASER [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/saraagreen/thebraidreleaser-conquering-the-world-one-braid-at-a-time] in 1992 it was because she knew there had to be an easier way to get through her young daughters braids. She saved up just enough to have a 3D printed prototype made. She’s since used the

OBWS

05 Mar 20 2 min read

News

The Official Black Wall Street Brunch Brings Together Over 100 Black Entrepreneurs To Discuss Funding

On Saturday, February 29th, over 110 Black entrepreneurs and creatives gathered in Brooklyn, New York for an afternoon of mingling and sharing resources. The sold out Official Black Wall Street Brunch for Black History Month centered around an insightful and transparent panel on funding options for Black-owned businesses, or as

OBWS

05 Mar 20 2 min read

News

This Serial Entrepreneur Is Bringing Diversity & Inclusion to The Virtual Assistant Industry

To say that Bria Hash is a powerhouse would be a major understatement. The Virginia-native wears many hats, including author, sales strategist, mentor, marketing professional, entrepreneur, and, most recently, Co-Founder of a national organization putting an emphasis on true diversity at the forefront. After working as a virtual assistant for

OBWS

01 Mar 20 7 min read

News

Meet The Caterer Building A Family Legacy Through Caribbean-Inspired Tapas

For caterer and entrepreneur Claudine Wilson, food is more than a basic need, it's the glue that holds family traditions together. Coming from a large West Indian family, the Brooklyn-native was no stranger to cooking from a young age, helping prepare meals for their many family gatherings. As

OBWS

24 Feb 20 3 min read

News

Entrepreneur's Battle With Mental Illness Birthed a Brand Celebrating Black Women

Entrepreneur Kristin Farmer is the perfect embodiment of the quote "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." While in her twenties, the Birmingham-based graphic designer was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. With the odds stacked against her, she pushed through mental illness to create a brand that would celebrate

OBWS

17 Dec 19 3 min read

News

HBCU Grads Created Holiday Wrapping Paper Featuring Black Santa

Unable to find diverse holiday gift wrapping paper for their son’s Christmas gifts, husband and wife duo Shaun, a Morehouse College grad, and Jacquelyn Rodgers, a Clark Atlanta University grad, decided to take matters into their own hands. The couple founded Greentop Gifts [https://www.greentopgifts.com/store/], a

OBWS

25 Nov 19 4 min read

News

This Entrepreneur Created a Travel Bag That Pays Homage to Our Ancestors

Making travel and Haiti her business over the past 10-years Guerline T. Emmanuel understands the need for utility in a travel bag. When she could not find one that suited her needs she created one. After 5 years of research and multiple prototypes, THE LIBERATORS travel bag is available for

OBWS

12 Nov 19 3 min read

News

Buy Black: The 2019 Black-Owned Holiday Gift Guide

It's that time of the year again! Every holiday season there are major talks of buying Black and supporting Black-owned businesses, especially during Black Friday. Let’s get ahead of the curve by investing our holiday money back into our community. We've rounded up amazing Black

OBWS

01 Nov 19 7 min read

News

This Black Entrepreneur Built A Global Designer Watch Empire

Millennial entrepreneur and London-native William Adoasi is no stranger to the startup life after launching his first company at the young age of 19. Ten years later, William quit his job as a consultant and combined his love for watches with his desire to give back to create the watch

OBWS

21 Oct 19 5 min read

News

New Black-Owned Brooklyn Restaurant Has 24K Gold-Infused Lobster Rolls

On August 17th, 2019, Bk Lobster officially held it's grand opening at its new location in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The brand new eatery will be headed by Restaurateur, Latisha Jefferson; Promoter, Day Hampton; Soul Food Chef, Tequila Silva; Marketing & Advertising Strategist, Jamila Boyd; Investment Strategist, Tony Brooks;

OBWS

11 Sep 19 1 min read

News

This Entrepreneur Is Working To Make Sure Our Black Physicians Are Paid Fairly

Many people assume that medical professionals are some of the highest paid in our community, but unfortunately this isn't always the case when it comes to Black physicians. As a matter of fact, there are cases where Black physicians will not receive a single payment for their work

OBWS

05 Sep 19 6 min read

News

Black-Owned Businesses to Support This Valentine's Day

It's that time of the year again... Valentine's Day is right around the corner, which means the pressure is on to find the perfect gift for that special person in your life. We've got you covered with a list of Black-owned businesses to support

OBWS

01 Feb 19 5 min read

News

Meet The Millennial Entrepreneur Giving African Designers a Place to Shine

Over the past few years, traditional African attire has seen an increase in popularity in Western culture. Black Panther especially had us all hustling to find any piece of African print to wear with pride during its opening night. With this increase in popularity, larger brands like Zara and Asos

OBWS

29 Aug 18 10 min read

News

How Three Black Women Accomplished Their Dream of Owning a Lingerie Boutique

We all have great ideas that consistently live on the backburner right? For Kerlyne, Helene & Stephanie, that was The Fitting Curve [https://officialblackwallstreet.com/biz/the-fitting-curve/], size-inclusive lingerie shops with high-quality lingerie and the expertise of bra fittings. In 2016 that dream became a reality. With Kelly based in

OBWS

24 Jul 18 4 min read

News

Starbucks Who? These Black Entrepreneurs Created The First Vegan Instant Keto Coffee

With the backlash from Starbucks still brewing, Black consumers are rightfully exploring new Black-owned alternatives for their coffee fix. So, you can imagine how excited we were to learn of a new coffee brand that isn’t only Black-owned, tasty, and healthy, but also supports economic growth in Tanzania. Indiana-based

OBWS

02 May 18 4 min read

News

Meet The Woman Putting a Spotlight on Black Content With Streaming Service KweliTV

While Hulu and Netflix are great for binge watching the latest in mainstream media, they often don’t cater to the Black community’s need for content for us, by us. Surf through either platform and you'll be lucky to find a wealth of series or movies that

OBWS

30 Nov 17 5 min read

News

Announcing The Launch Of Our New App Making It Easier To Buy Black

We're beyond excited to announce the launch of the Official Black Wall Street app [http://onelink.to/obwsapp]! The highly anticipated app combines social impact and tech, allowing people to seamlessly discover Black-owned businesses and circulate the Black dollar. Some of the app's most notable features

OBWS

27 Oct 17 1 min read

News

53 Black-Owned Hair Care Brands You Can Support

With Black women and men purchasing nine times more [https://blog.obws.com/black-owned-beauty-supply-stores/] beauty and grooming products than any other ethnic group, yet owning less than 1% of that market share, it’s only right that we support the brothers and sisters who have stepped into the industry and

OBWS

25 Apr 17 6 min read

News

Black-Owned Cannabis Businesses You Should Know

As the number of states legalizing marijuana steadily increases, African Americans are slowly but surely carving out their own space within the billion dollar industry. Since Blacks have been disproportionately criminalized [https://blog.obws.com/wanda-james/] for marijuana possession for decades, it's refreshing to see more take hold

OBWS

20 Apr 17 4 min read

News

Grow Your Brand Using PR Tips From Publicist & Business Owner Eddie Desormeau

Since launching her firm DE|1989 [https://www.de1989.co/] two years ago, Eddie Desormeau has secured countless mentions and features for her clients who are budding Entrepreneurs, Fashion Designers, and Artists. Her current client list includes, Indie Artist Callistus [https://soundcloud.com/callistus], popular contemporary clothing brand RUE107 [https:

OBWS

11 Apr 17 3 min read

News

African-Owned Fashion Brand Highlights Ghanaian Royalty Through Swimwear

Ashanti Swimwear launched a £50,000 ($60,788) Kickstarter [http://bit.ly/AshantiSwimwearKickstarter] campaign - to their social media community. The ‘Swimwear with Culture’ campaign - tells the story of royalty from the Ashanti kingdoms of Ghana. With less than 20 days to hit their goal - Ashanti Swimwear continues

OBWS

15 Mar 17 2 min read

News

Meet Mandy Bowman, the Founder of Official Black Wall Street

We've gotten a few questions about Official Black Wall Street (OBWS) and the person behind the brand, so what better way to answer them than to have the founder herself walk you through a few of our most frequently asked questions. If there's anything else you&

OBWS

19 Sep 16 6 min read

News

Summer Series: Black-Owned Fitness Businesses

This Summer, take your health and fitness to the next level with these Black-owned businesses! If you know of a business that should be added to the list, add it to the comment section below. Fitness Foods Anger Management Nutrition Supplements [http://www.angermgmtfitness.com/] More Info: Fast working, and

OBWS

05 Jul 16 7 min read

News

Watch Jesse Williams' Powerful Speech From the 2016 BET Awards

Jesse Williams was without a doubt the real MVP at last night's BET Awards. After being presented the Humanitarian Award "for his continued efforts and steadfast commitment to furthering social change," the 34-year-old Grey's Anatomy star took to the stage and gave an inspirational

OBWS

26 Jun 16 3 min read

News

The Ultimate Guide to Millionaire Success

If you want success, emulate success. If you want to be a millionaire, study millionaires. Through countless hours of reading and watching YouTube interviews, I've discovered hidden secrets and documented what it takes to become a millionaire. Allow me to reveal the elite secrets to success from the

OBWS

11 May 16 23 min read

News

52 Black-Owned Beauty Supply Stores You Should Know

For decades, the hair care industry in the Black community has been dominated by Asian entrepreneurs and larger corporations like Strength of Nature and L'Oréal. Both brands have had a strong hold on the "ethnic" beauty market especially after acquiring numerous brands from Motions to Softsheen-Carson.

OBWS

27 Jan 16 7 min read

News

4 Reasons why Success is not a Goal... It's your Responsibility!

What is the meaning of achievement for our generation today? Coming up with one autonomous definition can be tricky. Why is money always the ultimate indicator of someone's success? I mean, although it's possible, nobody would look at a millionaire and call him a failure. However,

OBWS

10 Jan 16 2 min read

News

Black Mompreneur Gives Parents Peace of Mind with Nannies of The Woodlands

North Houston-based entrepreneur, Meshonda Donaldson Womble, was no stranger to wearing many hats after balancing work in clinical research, being a wife, and a mother of 3 children all under the age of 3. She understood first hand the frustration of families in need of reliable childcare and the challenges

OBWS

06 Jan 16 2 min read

Monday Motivation

Meet The First Black Female Mayor In Douglasville, Georgia

Rochelle Robinson is no stranger to hard work and definitely no shrinking violet when it comes to fighting for her community. Recently Robinson was elected as Douglasville, Georgia’s first female, African American Mayor. Robinson’s road to the Mayor’s office began as young as the age of 8,

OBWS

04 Jan 16 1 min read

Black History

Unbought And Unbossed: Shirley Chisholm, Ahead Of Her Time

Recently President Obama presented the distinguished Presidential Medal of Freedom to several deserving recipients, and although posthumous Shirley Chisholm’s name was rightfully one of those to top the list. She was an unflinching champion of minority education and employment opportunities for all. Shirley Chisholm didn't get into

OBWS

21 Dec 15 1 min read

News

10 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Never Worry About

I believe we all have an entrepreneurial spirit! Why? Because we all desire more time, more freedom, and more happiness! I didn't become a full-time entrepreneur until recently, but when I look back, the signs were there. 1. I never liked working for other people, 2. I was

OBWS

16 Dec 15 3 min read

Monday Motivation

Jewell Jones: Young, Black And Seated On The City Council

While most adolescents in the state of Michigan are still trying to figure out their place in society, Jewell Jones is fighting for justice from within the City Council and bridging relations between the African American community and those who police them. Serving the people is nothing new for Jewell

OBWS

07 Dec 15 1 min read

News

5 Ways To Become More Likable At The Workplace

Why do so many of us go through life not liking certain people, or even worse, not being liked by many? Sadly half of us don't even know why. The fascinating part is, we hardly ever take the blame or ask ourselves "why?" someone thinks we&

OBWS

02 Dec 15 3 min read

News

Black Friday Boycott: Sales Down By $1.2 Billion

Black Friday is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, serving as the official kick-off to the holiday shopping season. With racial tensions high, black consumers nationwide used the weekend to protest the unfair treatment of African Americans with their money. After a weekend of shouting #NotOneDime and urging

OBWS

29 Nov 15 1 min read

News

7 Ways Black Businesses Can Prepare For Black Friday

Black Friday is only a few days away. African American community advocacy groups and "leaders" everywhere are urging people to support Black owned businesses or not spend money altogether in protest of the continued mistreatment of African Americans, who it seems this country tends to forget are actually

OBWS

24 Nov 15 5 min read

News

11 Black Kidpreneurs Leading The Way For The Next Generation

Can you remember what you were doing at the age of 11? Chances are you weren't running a lucrative business or trying to save the world one meal at a time. These black children and teenagers have accomplished a major feat by pursuing their passions and becoming business

OBWS

06 Oct 15 6 min read

News

9 Black-Owned Ice Cream Shops You Should Know

Today is National Soft Ice Cream Day, so it's only right that we share some of our favorite black-owned ice cream shops around the country. The following businesses serve the best in all things frozen from soft ice cream to frozen yogurt and custard. If you know of

OBWS

19 Aug 15 3 min read

News

20 Black-Owned Wine + Spirit Brands You Should Know

From Virginia to California and beyond, you'll find some of the richest and most flavorful wine and spirit brands owned and even produced by African Americans. Although less than 5% of the wineries in the United States are black-owned, the number is steadily growing. Of course, with such

OBWS

05 Aug 15 6 min read

News

KweliTV: The Black Netflix We've All Been Waiting For

While Hulu and Netflix are great for binge watching the latest in mainstream media, they often don’t cater to the black community’s need for content starring… us. Surf through either platform and you'll be lucky to find a wealth of series or movies that reflect your

OBWS

30 Jul 15 1 min read

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