Nearly 9 in 10 founders report a mental-health challenge. In this feature, 5 Black entrepreneurs share how they balance growth with rest, boundaries, and purpose. A practical look at redefining success without burning out. https://lnkd.in/gY_KcTVW

The weight of this moment in media is heavy. So many of our peers—especially Black journalists—are being laid off across publications that have shaped culture and told our stories with care: People, Vibe, and countless others. These aren’t just bylines disappearing; they’re voices, perspectives, and relationships that made this industry feel human. As a publicist, I’ve felt this shift deeply. Our work is built on collaboration—with the writers, editors, and producers who help us tell our clients’ stories. When they hurt, our ecosystem hurts. This isn’t just about press hits—it’s about people. So, as we continue pitching, following up, and navigating this new terrain, let’s lead with patience, empathy, and grace. Many journalists are carrying heavier loads, reinventing themselves, or mourning colleagues and community. To every writer, editor, and creative affected—your voice still matters. Your impact continues. And for those of us on the PR side, now’s the time to show up with understanding, not just strategy. We’re all adjusting, but I still believe in the power of storytelling—and in our collective ability to rebuild it with heart.

Founders Lab: Volume 1 is officially a wrap! 🥂🔥 This week, our first group of Wealthy Black Educator® Mastermind clients came together for two days of deep, intentional, Founder-level strategic planning for 2026 — and whew… the work we did? Next level. Inside this lab, we didn’t just talk strategy — we built it. ✨ We turned P&Ls into diagnostic tools ✨ Evaluated their businesses through the 8 pillars of the Seven Figure Educator™ Framework ✨ Crafted a 5-year, 3-year, and 1-year strategic vision ✨ Broke those visions into clear priorities, goals, and KPIs ✨ Mapped out the year — quarterly, monthly, and weekly — so their actions align with their ambition This is what it looks like when educators step fully into their Founder identity. When they plan like CEOs. When they build businesses with intention, clarity, and confidence. And this is only Volume 1. We’ll be back in January with our second group leveling up the same way. If you’re an educator who knows you’re called to build, grow, and scale a seven-figure education consulting business, this is your invitation to plug into a community that plans differently — and wins differently. Comment “CALL” to schedule a time with our team to learn more about our programs and events. 2026 is coming. The question is: will you be ready?

The speaker shares a video inspired by Black Wall Street, reflecting on its legacy and the spirit of ownership it represents. The video aims to evoke the classy, positive imagery of black families and communities from the 1920s. The speaker emphasizes that this vision isn't just a fantasy, but a glimpse into a time when black business owners thrived. Rebuilding strong, supportive communities, like those seen at the All Black National Convention, is key to fostering wealth and collective success. #BlackWallStreet #CommunityWealth #EconomicEmpowerment #BlackExcellence #FinancialLiteracy

Today's top news success With an estimated annual disposable income of £4.5bn, the UK Black community represents both an economic consumer force and an undertapped talent pool. One common misconception about leveraging community, says Flavilla Fongang, founder of Black Rise, is that you need to be an extrovert: "Stay yourself and know which your strengths are." Fongang recently joined a Linkedin Live panel alongside Dr. Raphael Sofoluke, CEO of the UK Black Business Show, which explored how communities drive innovation and business success. Both founders have woven community into the fabric of their businesses, with Sofoluke advising that turning one's "frustration into inspiration" can become a powerful driving force.

Representation That Doesn’t Relate By Raymond Alford Managing Partner — Realford Holdings & Trust Founder — Pathways to Prosperity Initiative Across America, we talk a lot about representation. But we rarely ask a critical question: Does the representation actually relate to the economic interests of Black business owners? Too often, the individuals positioned as “voices” for Black communities are not business owners, employers, developers, investors, or policy strategists. They come from cultural influence, not economic experience. And the result is predictable: symbolic representation instead of economic representation. Why Black Business Owners Must Be Engaged in Politics Regardless of party affiliation, Black entrepreneurs must participate in policy-shaping environments. Wealth is influenced heavily by: • Tax codes • Contracting opportunities • Economic incentives • Workforce programs • Development approvals • Federal and state appropriations If we do not advocate in these spaces, others will make decisions that determine our access to capital, contracts, and economic mobility. --- Why I Vote Republican as a Business Owner This is not about party identity — it is about policy alignment. For Realford Holdings, our most accelerated periods of growth occurred during Republican presidencies, due to: • Lower taxes • Business-friendly regulatory structures • Stronger incentives for development • Favorable private investment conditions My focus is simple: Vote for the policies that build generational wealth. The Path Forward Black America needs more economic representation at the policy level: business owners, contractors, developers, financial leaders, and investors. Cultural representation is valuable. Economic representation is transformative. Representation is only effective when it relates to our economic reality. This is the principle behind the Pathways to Prosperity Initiative and the future of Realford Holdings.

AfroTech out of Houston, TX is the largest global tech conference for Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives, hosted annually at the George R. Brown Convention Center. It is owned by Blavity Inc. and features programming focused on emerging tech trends, networking opportunities, and career growth for a diverse range of attendees from entry-level to executive. Note: Blavity Inc. CEO Joins the Olin Brookings Commission To Help ... Morgan DeBaun is the founder and CEO of Blavity Inc.. She is a serial entrepreneur who established the digital media company for Black culture and millennials, which includes brands like AfroTech, Travel Noire, and Shadow and Act. Founder and CEO: Morgan DeBaun is the founder and CEO of Blavity Inc. Company focus: Blavity Inc. is a digital media company that focuses on Black culture and millennials. Other roles: DeBaun is also a bestselling author, angel investor, and board advisor, and she was inducted into the American Advertising Hall of Fame.

Supporting Black artists and businesses is more than just a transaction—it's an investment in the community's future. Recently, The Black Business School proudly sponsored Dee-1's tour, witnessing firsthand the power of Black economics in action. Sold-out venues demonstrated what's possible when resources are pooled together with a common objective. It's about tenacity, courage, and a belief in ourselves. And a quick look at stocks like Affirm, reveals opportunities for financial empowerment. The community has what it takes to win. #BlackEconomics #SupportBlackBusiness #CommunityInvestment #FinancialEmpowerment

You thought Roland Martin was reporting Black news. He built the blueprint every Black creator needs. As a journalist on CNN, TVONE, and many syndicated news shows, Roland is the constant voice reporting on and speaking up for the Black community.  His unapologetic, straightforward, hold-accountable broadcasting style is a masterclass in “don’t try to play in my face with the lies.” He was the kind of journalist who hit every metric that mattered: ratings, revenue, and truth. While his talent was growing their enterprises, he was quietly building something they couldn’t take from him. He negotiated content ownership. He built multiple revenue streams. He carved out deals that kept his brand consistent. Media was never the destination.  It was the vehicle for ownership. When CNN got funny with the money, Roland’s response was, “I have 5 revenue streams. CNN is number 3.” When he was denied a weekend show, he prepared for the future and purchased his own equipment. When TVONE brought in outside crews, he pitched using his own equipment under one condition: “We have to co-own the content.” The network later canceled his show. TVONE removed the platform, but they didn’t take his skillset. He left with more than a severance package.  In his ownership, a digital library of 200+ terabytes worth of content that he can monetize. While the media has been gutted, intentionally cutting Black voices, Roland sits in the chair he can’t be fired from. Let’s run these receipts. Roland Martin Unfiltered: 2M YouTube subscribers Black Star Network: 25K app downloads Ranked: Top 100 podcasts globally “The power in media,” he said, “is with the person making the final decision.” Go to work if you must. But make it your business to build a powerful second option.