ForbesBLK

"I want people to be inspired." Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum spoke to Forbes about what he wants his legacy to be. https://t.co/2ykbZdecOz

"Like everybody else, I get paid every two weeks and I have a savings account and I use that to invest." Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum spoke to Forbes about managing his finances. https://t.co/2ykbZdecOz

"She's my best friend to this day." Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum spoke to Forbes about his mother and her role in his life. https://t.co/2ykbZdecOz

Now in its third year, Forbes will bring its impactful ForbesBLK Summit back to Atlanta from October 8-10, 2025, hosting it for the first time at the historic HBCU, Morehouse College. Known as the central meeting place for ascendant Black business leaders in America, this year’s Summit will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that today’s leading executives, entrepreneurs, creators and changemakers face, while leaving them inspired to translate their takeaways from the Summit into world-changing initiatives. Check out the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/epqX9mX3

April is #financialliteracy month so we asked actor Tasha Smith about the best piece of money management advice she’s ever received. Turns out, it was around non-use of credit cards The Enterprise Zone: https://lnkd.in/e-UAwWkJ ForbesBLK

Last week, I was honored to be featured in ForbesBLK Member Spotlight. ✨ For me, leadership has never been about titles — it’s about transformation. About showing up with clarity, conviction, and care. About doing the hard, heart-centered work to challenge systems, uplift communities, and build something more just. That same week, I officially kicked off my Change Collective Fellowship with the Spring 2025 Cohort, surrounded by trailblazing leaders in Chicago, Detroit, and Jackson who are committed to making meaningful change where it matters most. 🔥 This feature is a reminder that impact isn’t always loud, but it’s always intentional. I’m committed to leading in ways that are equity-rooted, community-accountable, and future-facing. 🌍 Grateful to be seen. Energized to keep going. We’re not done yet. ✊🏾 #ForbesBLK #EquityLeadership #PurposeDriven #BlackLeadership #SocialImpact #HealingJustice

Sometimes I’m a business columnist. When I do give my personal opinion, it’s always in the ForbesBLK Newsletter. https://lnkd.in/eigTUvrh Here, I take you behind the scenes to what’s going on at ForbesBLK. Hear it (in this case read lol) directly from me. ForbesBLK Summit updates to exclusive events (Invite-Only🥂) we’re hosting; business talks with elite level CEOs; my one interesting read and how I’m using business to raise my daughter. A fun journey… lol It’s ONLY published in the newsletter on Thursdays! Subscribe here…it’s free🙂: https://lnkd.in/eigTUvrh

Located in Cobble Hill, Yerba Buena is not like any other dispensary, it’s an experience. This has been made possible by Diógenes Brito and Doralyn Brito, along with industry leader Jillian Dragutsky, who have created a destination where mindfulness, education and community are the key focus. From the moment one enters Yerba Buena, the customer is greeted by a space that was intentionally designed and greeted by staff who are committed to consumer education. The lingering ‘war on drugs’ coupled with financial and regulatory barriers has made it difficult for Black, and Latino entrepreneurs , who make up only 4.3% and 5.7% respectively of cannabis business owners. Dora and Dio are breaking those barriers and are truly redefining the cannabis retail experience. I spoke with Dora and Dio Brito about their experience, the cultural influences of their shop, and why education is the cornerstone of their company.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are engines of opportunity, producing generations of leaders and scholars despite facing systemic, long-term underfunding and structural barriers. For over a century, they have struggled with unfair state funding allocations, unstable federal funds, and limited access to private capital. Yet, HBCUs persist, continuing to educate Black students in culturally empowering ways. Building on this commitment to supporting Black education, the Reinvestment Fund is one of the few Community Development Financial Institutions actively investing in HBCUs and their future. Since 2018, RF has loaned nearly $50 million to support the financial health of HBCUs and fund essential capital projects. Several HBCUs have benefited from critical improvements due to RF’s targeted investments, including Fisk University, Edward Waters University, and Talladega College. Fisk University received two CDFI Bond Guarantee Program loans to refinance debt, retire liabilities, and secure financial stability, allowing the Nashville, Tennessee-based university to grow enrollment by over 1,000 students in the 2023-2024 school year. This stability also positioned Fisk to receive additional federal financing for a new Science Center and Student Life Center—developments that will further strengthen the institution’s long-term sustainability. Edward Waters University used its CDFI Bond Guarantee Loan for similar refinancing efforts, reducing liabilities and improving cash flow. The result? An enrollment increase of 1,100 students in the same academic year. Meanwhile, Talladega College secured a bridge loan to construct much-needed student housing and a student life center, eliminating the costly practice of housing students in local hotels. The new facilities support students and serve the broader community, providing space for events and engagement.

Ten days after the 24-hour consumer blackout called by The People’s Union USA, all eyes are on retail giants Target and Amazon. While the boycott increased public awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion rollbacks, the numbers aren’t telling us much. That said, we might be missing the bigger picture, especially when it comes to what this all means for small businesses. While in-person traffic to Target’s physical stores and time spent on its mobile app saw measurable decreases during the one-day consumer blackout, they weren’t substantial enough to make a permanent dent. It’s also worth noting that Target has lost something north of $12 billion, according to its statements. That tracks with a considerable brand reputation nosedive since 2023 before it cut its DEI programs. That the company has downgraded its sales forecast to remain flat through 2026 is not nothing. There’s good reason to believe that their next earnings report covering the current climate and at the center of the latest 40-day boycott organized by Black faith leaders – will paint a substantially less ambiguous picture. With Black consumers having $2 trillion in buying power, this boycott could be the lightning rod that sparks a much wider movement.