November 2022    Issue No.39

Acknowledging the beauty, power, and genius of Black people in a world trained not to see

15th Century Luba Empire Exemplified High Values and Effective Governance

When you pay close attention to many traditional African practices, noting how beliefs and behaviors promote equality and collective well-being, you may discover people like the Luba who lived by rich and enduring ethical standards.

 The Luba trace their central African origins back to 5th century fishing communities. They grew into a 15th century empire known for its high regard for women, fair and equitable means of governance, and coveted preservation of its history. These and other Luba characteristics provide insights to common African values that promote collective well-being.

Click below to learn more about the Luba, a brilliant people whose traditional governing structure was extraordinarily effective and copied by other African leaders.

photo credit: Matt Sullivan at Afrotech.com

1895 Colored Hockey League, 

Sport Forerunner and Innovator

Twenty-two years before the National Hockey League (NHL) was established, there was the Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL). It was founded in 1895 in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia by four Black community leaders that included the well-known Pan-African organizer Henry Sylvester Williams. In existence for more than 30 years, CHL grew into a sizable operation of 400 players, organized into 12 teams, located across 7 Canadian communities. 

 As a forerunner to the NHL, the CHL contributed heavily to the character of the sport. Two techniques initiated by Black players highlight their exceptional talent and athletic prowess. Henry “Braces” Franklyn was the first goalie in the history of hockey who would dive onto the ice to make saves. This technique became known as the butterfly style. Another innovation of the CHL was the slap shot, a rapid offensive move, invented by player Eddie Martin. 

Click below to learn more about the Colored Hockey League and its extraordinary players. Be inspired by the historic and continued ability of Black folks to adapt, improve, and often define professional sports, including those played in cold weather. 

Multi-Millionaire Crystal Etienne Forges Strategic Path From Entrepreneur To Investor

Determined to launch her period apparel company, 7 years ago Crystal Etienne stepped out on faith, quit her day job, and self-funded her company, Ruby Love. Her ingenuity and investment paid off. Within months, Ruby Love generated $1 million. Under Etienne’s leadership, Ruby Love is now a $50 million enterprise and major player in the period apparel market.

 Additionally impressive is how, after experiencing her own struggles to obtain start-up capital, Etienne followed the wisdom expressed by the African adage “each one reach one.” She started the venture capital firm, CaJe. Etienne explained, that “As a female founder and woman of color, I’ve personally experienced the vast inequalities Black women face when looking to secure venture capital . . . My husband and I want to provide today’s leading Black entrepreneurs and visionaries with the capital, resources and guidance needed to help them win.”

Click below to learn more about an extraordinary businesswoman, who embodies her brand’s “can’t stop, won’t stop” messaging. Be encouraged by Etienne's demonstration of how Black people DO find a way, AND then reach back to help each other.

Brilliant Ghanaian Woman Wins 

Engineering Innovation Prize

As the 2020 winner of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, Charlette N’Guessan, has secured her place among the brightest minds across the African continent! At 26 years-old, she became the first woman and Ghanaian awarded the prize, which recognized N’Guessan’s innovation and ingenuity as a technology entrepreneur. She and her co-founders developed the BACE API, facial recognition software designed specifically to identify Africans.

“We focus on Africa because we want to make sure BACE API is used by our people and works for them,” N’Guessan said. She currently serves as the CEO of BACE Technologies Limited—the distributor of the software—which is used by financial services, healthcare, and transportation industries.

To learn more about the fabulous mind of Charlette N’Guessan, click below. Know that she is one among many young African technology entrepreneurs building a brighter future for African and the world. 

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Older Group of Black Men and Women 

Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

Five decades after Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his prophetic “been to the mountain top” speech, Black people are still climbing and reaching new heights, despite obstacles. Last month, the Wisdom Walkers—a group of men and women between 47 and 73-years-old—set the record for being the oldest group of Black men and women to climb and summit 19,000 feet tall Mount Kilimanjaro in East Africa.  

The group trained for almost 10 months to make the seven-day trek. They hoped their climb would inspire other Black people—young and old—to achieve even their wildest dreams.  

Click below to learn more about the Black collective that accomplished an incredible goal because they climbed together. Be reminded that growing “older” can mean accomplishing higher.

New Card Game Teaches Black Wealth Building Skill, Includes Weekly Prizes

Ruby Taylor is on a mission to teach Black college students and young professionals how to invest, save, and financially prosper. The founder and CEO of Financial Joy School has created yet another wealth building teaching tool—a game called Play Win Invest. It's a fun-filled  learning experience that conveys vital wealth building knowledge, and awards real-time prizes—each week!  

According to Taylor, “We are cultivating equality and generational wealth. Through our games, resources, and content, we’re teaching people how to reclaim joy . . .”  

Click below to learn more about Play Win Invest—-the game that Ruby Taylor created with Black folks in mind. Be inspired to schedule a financial “play date” that honors your prosperity vision. 

Father and Teen Son Launch 

Anti-Bullying Clothing Business

Dissatisfied with how school representatives responded to 14-year-old JeNoah Lee being bullied, his family decided to remove him from that school and teach JeNoah at home. In addition to learning to never tolerate bullying, Lee and his dad took actions that powerfully taught and exemplified Black self-love. They launched a clothing business called Urban Stereotype to help combat racial bullying and champion positive cultural diversity.  

The letters “US” that represent the company’s name not only stands for Urban Stereotype but also spells the word “us.” According to Lee, “us applies to minorities who experienced racial stereotyping, along with other groups who oppose these negative behaviors.”  

Click below to learn more about JeNoah, and how he and his dad are overcoming adversity. Be reminded of how sons and fathers can prevail when working together.