By Amy Lukau

Twelve black professionals are putting group economics to work. Creating the Miami Millennial Investment Firm, these Miami-Dade professionals seek to get black people to invest in gentrifying neighborhoods of Brownsville, Liberty City, Overtown, Gladeview and Little Haiti.

“We decided we wanted to make this a black project,” one of the group’s founders, Fabiola Fleuranvil told WLRN.

“People were saying, ‘How are you going to find young professionals who can put that type of money on the table?’ And we were able to find it without a problem.”

The firm’s inaugural investment was raised by finding 12 individuals with $10,000 each.

Miami Millennial Investment Firm is a closed group although they are in talks to create subgroups for future investors.

The firm has purchased two single families homes thus far planning to add commercial and industrial properties to their portfolio.

Fleuranvil said “We see the opportunity, but we don’t want to sit back as bystanders. We’re coming in to do it.”

Fleuranvil said when she looked at who was coming in on the cusp of neighborhoods changing in Miami and buying properties and then making large sums from profit it was foreign investors, big-name national and local developers. However, young black professionals were absent from the equation.

Steven Osakue one of  the firm’s investors said other groups have been strategic in South Florida when it comes to ownership in their own communities but in predominantly black enclaves black professionals do not  always see the potential in staying and investing.

“I think it’s been systemic for many generations that we haven’t been taught what to do with our money as much as other communities have,” Osakue said.

Firm members understand that black investors need to be creative and build a collective that pools money together if they are going to be successful in combating gentrification in the twenty first century.

1. iZania.com

Founded by former IBM employee named Roger Nelson, this site was created by him to be a “virtual Black community” that embraces  strong African principles, and aims to unite the global Black Family via group economics.

2. HBCU Money’s 2015 Black-Owned Directory of Banks

Perhaps one of the most sought after Black-owned businesses when it comes to Black Society, this directory will serve as a guide for your future Black banking needs. Let the dollar circulate…this time in the hands of Black bankers.

3. We Buy Black

This site is prime location for practical products (and cool miscellaneous items alike) that can be utilized by Black consumers on an everyday basis.

4. Melanoid Nation

To some, this entry might come off as being a shameless plug, but to those in the know, our organization has promoted Black economic empowerment since our inception in 2014. From featured stories on up-and-coming businesses, to young aspiring entrepreneurs, we will continue championing the resurgence of Black businesses (as well as Black entrepreneurs).

As listed above, these are just a few more ways that you as the Black customer can keep your money in Black hands as much as possible by supporting Black owned businesses. Stay tuned for future stories that will continue to show you who and what to support so long as it leads to the uplifting of Black businesses.

B. Clark

In fact, the lion’s share of Black people’s ability to combat the systemic evils of racism/white supremacy are deeply rooted in building a thriving and respectable economic base. In doing so, we in Black Society are not only enabling ourselves to experience individual financial  success, but we also position ourselves to do business with other like-minded and thorough Black business owners, thus building a thriving Black Community in the process..reminiscent of the grandiose vision of Black economic empowerment originally spearheaded by Black leaders such as the Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

One man lives by the economic-centered principles of Garvey–a man by the name of Delxino Wilson de Briano. In August of 1994, Delxino and his wife Debbie Wilson de Briano founded TAG TEAM Marketing in Atlanta, GA. Even though the company’s title includes the word “Marketing”, there is no need for alarm–which is justifiable based on consumers’ long-held suspicions with companies that operate with such a moniker.

According to TAG TEAM Marketing’s website,TAG TEAM Marketing is a “Black-owned and operated marketing company that specializes in marketing the products and services of Black-owned businesses to Black consumers.” In a nutshell, this means that if you are a Black entrepreneur with a quality product or service to offer prospective customers, the the platform that TAG TEAM Marketing has provided is the perfect place for you to “set up shop” online.

As you can see by following this link, TAG TEAM Marketing’s online store offers a plethora of products that are Black owned, operated, and manufactured. From cleaning supplies to financial services, this virtual store for all things Black appears to be well on its way to becoming a one-stop shop for Blacks who possess the good intentions of spending their hard earned Black dollars with other Melanoid people.

For more on the founders of TAG TEAM Marketing, follow this link.

B. Clark

Although the concept of the “Not One Dime” movement appears to be both a noble and revolutionary act in itself, we’d be remiss to acknowledge that boycotting non-Black businesses alone doesn’t necessarily equate to Black Empowerment at its full potential. As a matter of fact, many concerned Melanoid citizens have made it their responsibility to not only refuse the patronizing of non-Black establishments during this time period, but they’ve also made a conscious decision to “Buy Black” at a higher rate during this same time period–more so than they usually would at any other time.

While the “Buy Black” concept has been in discussions for many years, perhaps it is because of Internet’s far-reaching power that it has become a more commonplace activity. Last year, we featured a story which profiled several ways to locate Black-Owned businesses throughout the country, and this year we will be taking a slightly different approach to giving your Black-Owned business the shine that it deserves. If you are a Black business owner, please list your business info (and link to the business’s site) in the comments section of this story.

Let’s not limit buying Black to a short weekend alone. Remember to buy Black, and sell to the world as much as possible. Much success to the hardworking and entrepreneurial minded Melanoid people who exude top-flight professionalism and have provided goods and/or services of excellent quality.

B. Clark

Surprisingly, there have been many of Black Society’s notable figures who have taken an opposing stance on reparations for the descendants of Melanoid people who served as slaves to the wealthy white slave owners. Concurrently, white supremacists–and suspected white supremacists alike–are vehemently against Black America’s case for reparations as compensation for our racial group’s subjugation in this country.

In spite of whether detractors of reparations exist or not, the fact of the matter is that slavery in America was an oppressive and demonic institution that has traumatized the descendants of its immediate victims to this very day. That being stated, Those who are pro-reparations often debate what we in Black America should receive as stipulations of what is due to us. Here are a few suggestions, listed below:

1. Counseling/Therapy

As previously mentioned, slavery “did a number” on us in Black Society, and because of the system of racism/white supremacy that exists to this very day, our overall morale is severely wounded, despite recent attempts to recover from the lingering effects of systematic white supremacy. Because of this, counselors of our sorts should be at our disposal to aid us in our attempts to recoup our historic greatness as a people.

2. Money

This is hands down the most popular–and obvious–proposed provision of reparations due to Black America. With non-Black groups in America such as the Japanese already having received financial compensation for their own collective mistreatment, reparations in the form of cash payments could definitely serve as a direct path to empowerment for Black America.

3. Real Estate

The supposed “American Dream” includes home/land ownership. With groups such as the Native American Indians having received land allotments in the form of reservations which include wealth-generating businesses such as casinos and hotels, Melanoid people in this country deserve similar compensation. With gentrification posing as one of the primary factors for Melanoid people being shut out of neighborhoods and cities across the country, the right to own our own shares of real estate shouldn’t be in question. After all, the same people who cultivated the land of America  (Black people working under free slave labor) are entitled to the land as well.

4. Instant Credit Repair

Although the United States as a corporate entity recently saw a reduction in its credit rating, its individual citizens are still encouraged–and in many cases required–to maintain excellent credit. For Black America, credit repair for those in dire need of it would enable us to do anything from buying a home to starting our own businesses, thus putting us back in the race to be competitive with our counterparts in the dominant American society.

5. Business Start-up Initiatives

In order for Melanoid people to protect ourselves from a recently heightened level of racism/white supremacy here in the States, it has been widely recognized and agreed that building an economic base isn’t a luxury, it is necessary. With other racial groups setting up shop with their businesses in the States going through little or no red tape involved, every other group has a leg up on Black America when it comes to creating the necessary businesses that constitute a viable economy in their respective communities.

6. True Rehabilitation of Blacks Returning to Society 

Melanoid people in this country are by far the most affected group of people who suffer from mass incarceration. There are an overwhelming number of Blacks who are contrite about their former lives on the “other side of the law”, and seek to start new chapters in their lives as productive and beneficial members to society upon their return from the prisons. It is wrongfully assumed that the countless institutions across the country “rehabilitate” criminals, when we in fact know this to be false. The numerous Brothers and Sisters who return home from incarceration often find themselves entrapped in the same vicious cycle that saw them get “locked up” before. The solution? Provide sustainable options for these unfortunate victims of mass-incarceration in the form of an extensive (and accredited) college educations, an abundance of trade programs, job placement services, in addition to a host of other legitimate incentives for true rehabilitation….BEFORE their release from prison. This properly prepares them for society, and enables them to avoid the pitfalls that polluted the environments they were brought up in.

7. Protection From Race Soldiers

Since the long-standing problem of law enforcement officials murdering Melanoid people en masse has garnered global exposure, it is only fitting that policies be implemented to specifically eliminate the unjust killings of innocent Melanoid people. If animals such as the bald eagle are protected by law, then it is only fitting that human beings in danger of being eradicated–such as Melanoid people in this country–be protected as well.

The items listed above are a few scenarios of Melanoid receiving our well-deserved reparation compensation as a result of centuries of subjugation under such an unjust and murderous system of racism/white supremacy. A consensus has been reached in Black Society that we were by far the most mistreated group of people to ever reach the shores of the U.S. To further state our claim, this country was built off of our blood, sweat, tears, and intellect. It’s time to pay up, America.

 B. Clark

Detroit, Mich. – Who says that Melanoid people don’t support their own? Those naysayers should swing over to the corner of Wyoming Avenue and Ellsworth Street and see what our people are flocking to on the weekends.

Detroit native Bruce Muhammad, along with his wife, Lakeisha, have been operating a produce outlet, called Eat 2 Live Produce, with their two daughters since mid-May. Like many urban cities across the country, much of the harvest is grown and sold by non-Melanoid families. The local markets don’t have fresh fruits and vegetables in abundance either. Most rely on a Kroger or Meijer (Michigan retail store) to purchase their groceries for the family.

Muhammad saw an entrepreneurial opportunity to serve his community after receiving insight from local farmers.

“They were telling me how there’s not enough retail outlets to sell their crops to,” he said. “That immediately rung a bell in my head that something can and be should be about the health and economic situation here in Detroit.” After a ten-year career as a Mortgage Broker, Muhammad quit and decided to go into business for himself. Since their opening on Mother’s Day weekend, the response from the West Detroit area has been phenomenal. “Once the stand went up, people in the community came out to support us and they kept on coming,” Muhammad said. “We’re pushing to close theirs mouths from McDonald’s and open their minds to eating healthy.”

His vision was to bring life to the community. Ironically, he set up the stand directly across the street from a medical marijuana dispensary and a meat market.

“We’re so immune to death around here,” Muhammad said. “And we resort to the quick fixes when we don’t deal with the real problem, which is our diets.” The subliminal message was simple to those around him – your key to health is in the food. “As a nation, we spend an average of $92 Billion on fast food every year,” Muhammad said. “From that, our people remain sick and the pharmaceutical company are sitting rich based off our bad habits.”

Muhammad and his wife, who met during Saviour’s Day weekend last year, understand that this mission is bigger than themselves.

After Lakeisha moved from Tulsa, Okla., they wasted no time formulating a plan to help employ some of Detroit’s residence with the expense of people eating healthy. “With her being from the place of Black Wall Street and Detroit being home of the Nation of Islam, the energy between us was definitely astounding,” Muhammad said. The stand may be small now, but the family is looking to expand. Their goal is to move into a building in Highland Park, Mich., by the fall season. As the business expands to two locations, the family will be looking for help with delivery, customer assistance and other possible positions that are needed.

Along with fresh fruits and vegetables, Eat 2 Live Produce has featured item as Ginger Lemonade, jams and jellies, Bean Pie and Curry Chicken (at least that was for the featured meal for that day). The stand is open Thursday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Muhammad was asked about the myth about Melanoid people supporting their own and he responded, “come see us,” with a smile.

]]> https://www.melanoidnation.org/a-produce-oasis-in-a-fast-food-desert/feed/ 88 https://www.melanoidnation.org/the-renaissance-of-black-wall-street/ https://www.melanoidnation.org/the-renaissance-of-black-wall-street/#comments Tue, 26 May 2015 09:04:07 +0000 http://melanoidnation.org/?p=1793 In recent years, there has been very insightful and in-depth analysis among the brightest minds of Black Society involving the legend which has now become ‘Black Wall Street’. The dialogues now include yet another element to them that has sparked the interests of countless Melanoid people throughout the U.S., and beyond: Where should the next “Black Wall Street” be?

If there has been one question alone that has created a conversational wildfire in Black Society, it’s the question of where “Black Wall Street” should make its new home. Should the new “Black Wall Street” take residence in Atlanta, with its Black mayor, countless Black millionaires, entrepreneurs, and its recently-created reputation of “Black Hollywood“? Should it be rooted in Chicago, the midwestern City that was founded by a Black man, and  the same city where the Nation Of Islam is based? What about Detroit, the largest city in Michigan with a majority Black population that once served as an incubator to some of the greatest music ever created (by Melanoid people nonetheless) by the Brothers and Sisters at Motown?

All of the previous questions are not only great questions to ask and consider, but they also happen to all be the correct answers. The answer is that all of the cities mentioned above–in addition to any other city of Melanoid people willing to create their own Black economic base–should  have a new “Black Wall Street“. With the militaristic attacks executed by the hands of white supremacists during the early 20th century to destroy the original “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, OK, it’s a safe assumption to acknowledge that  building new “Black Wall STREETS” in as many cities inhabited by Melanoid people as possible is the best option at this point..

The following video clip is a trailer to an upcoming film which shows the importance of building multiple “Black Wall Street” districts to avoid being easily isolated for destruction at the hands of white supremacists once again.

by B. Clark

As its website reads, Freedom Paper Company LLC is committed to providing quality paper products to its commercial clients and vendors. Not only does the company offer paper products, but it also offers an impressive variety of industrial products that are considered necessities in order to make our lives a little easier, as the catalog shows here.

In addition to the company’s mission to serve with quality and environmentally-friendly products, the Baltimore-based company is doing another great deed for the community. If customers purchase any Freedom Brand Bathroom Tissue package of 48 rolls or more, then the company will donate 10% from those purchases to the family of Mr. Freddie Gray, the young and unarmed Melanoid man who was senselessly  murdered last month by cops in Baltimore.

Let us stand by our words and good intentions of Melanoid Empowerment, and be sure to show continual support for the Freedom Paper Company.

by B. Clark

Below is a link that gives a growing list of Black-owned farms/gardens.

Click here to check out the list.

by B. Clark