The Executive Leadership Council (ELC)’s Post

As America celebrates Independence Day, The ELC is in Africa honoring our ancestors. Today, we pay homage to those who came before us and paid the ultimate price for our freedom. By laying flowers at the river and reflecting on our history, we acknowledge the profound journey from slavery to freedom. #IndependenceDay #ELCInAfrica #Accra #HonoringOurAncestors #Freedom #Legacy

Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, EdD, CEO of The Village Retail, says her shop and night marketplace helped circulate more than $8 million for Black-owned businesses. “You have to be willing to erase the paper and build something else,” Hallmon tells Forbes. “You can have the same mission, but it has to look different.” Hallmon says Village Retail is profitable. The shop employs seven people and aims to expand to 20 employees by the end of next year. Hallmon wants to solve two problems: economic parity with non-Black businesses and scaling sole proprietors, known as solopreneurs. U.S. Black consumers’ collective economic power is estimated to hit $1.7 trillion in 2030, up from $910 billion in 2019, according to global research firm McKinsey and Company. “When I hear that number,” Hallmon says, “I hear nothing but opportunity.” However, scaling solopreneurs is vital to achieving that figure’s full impact. Learn more about her story: https://lnkd.in/ejXXXN9B #BlackEntrepreneurs #Solopreneur #BlackCEOs #BlackWomenLead

We love to see Keith Lee making moves! Keith Lee has been making waves not only with his viral food reviews but also by using his platform to uplift small Black-owned food businesses. Now, he’s partnering with Microsoft on their new AI-powered tool, Copilot, to help restaurants future-proof their operations. Microsoft’s “The Reheat” video series showcases its commitment to supporting Black businesses. In the first episode, @keith_lee125 highlights three restaurants that have seen significant growth since his viral reviews. The series explores the impact of Lee’s new ratings, along with Copilot and other AI tools, on these businesses’ journeys. Learn more https://lnkd.in/ejz7TAbu #KeithLee #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackOwnedBusiness

The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) strongly condemns the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Political violence has no place in our society and undermines the democratic values we hold dear. We echo President Biden's words: “I want to speak to you tonight about the need for us to lower the temperature in our politics. We're neighbors or friends, coworkers, citizens. Most importantly, we are fellow Americans, we must stand together. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized. I believe politics ought to be an arena for peaceful debate. Our politics must never be a literal battlefield. We resolve our differences at the ballot box -- not with bullets.” We urge all citizens to engage in our political process through peaceful and constructive means. Voting is a powerful tool for change and a cornerstone of our democracy. Let's ensure our voices are heard by participating in local, state, and national elections. Together, we can foster a society built on respect, justice, and unity. #ELCVotes

South Carolina State University (SC State) has received funding to support research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to WCIV-4 News, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has received $8 million, which will go toward education and research within its College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) workforce development. “I thank Gov. Henry McMaster and the General Assembly for supporting this visionary milestone in the development of SC State and our partners in this critical endeavor,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said, per WCIV-4 News. Read more https://lnkd.in/evJJMaej #HBCU #SouthCarolinaStateUniversity #STEM

A new partnership is championing Black women’s health. Black Girl Vitamins Black Girl Vitamins, a Black women-focused wellness brand, has entered into a multi-year partnership with Howard University’s Bison Women’s Basketball team to provide direct monetary sponsorship and essential vitamins to players and coaches. “I’m extremely excited about this partnership! As a huge supporter of those who positively impact the Black community and beyond, Black Girl Vitamins has created a brand and product that promotes health and well-being for us,” says Howard University – Bison head coach Ty Grace. “I look forward to the great things ahead!” The partnership comes in time for the commemoration of Howard University’s 50th years of women’s athletics at the school, which garnered nine MEAC regular season titles and 11 tournament championships over the past five decades. Read more https://lnkd.in/eSk6Zuuh #BlackGirlVitamins #HowardUniversity #BlackWomensHealth

On Juneteenth 2024, African American Studies Chair, Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara and department alumnus, Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, were joined by hundreds of Madison community members for the groundbreaking ceremony of Madison’s Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Both Gee and Clark-Pujara gave remarks to celebrate the start of construction. The Center for Black Excellence and Culture will be the first of its kind. This space will celebrate Black culture, excellence and support Black entrepreneurs for generations to come. Rev. Dr. Alex Gee, a powerhouse team of Black leaders and hundreds of diverse Black voices are shaping The Center, ensuring it brings together a collective Black brilliance that affirms, inspires and advances the Black community in Madison and beyond. The Center for Black Excellence and Culture is set to open in late 2025. Learn more at theblackcenter.org Read more https://lnkd.in/eikyTXgf #BlackExcellence #BlackCulture #BlackEntrepreneurs

Today, on #BlackWomensEqualPayDay, we recognize the persistence of pay disparities faced by Black women. They deserve equitable pay for their invaluable contributions to our workplaces and communities. It's time to close the gap and ensure equity for all women in the workplace. We’re a proud advocate for fair pay, equal opportunities, and inclusive policies. 💪🏿✊🏿🤎 The ELC’s mission is to increase the number of successful Black executives, domestically and internationally, by adding value to their development, leadership and philanthropic endeavors across the lifecycle of their careers. #BlackWomensEqualPayDay #BlackWomenAtWork #GenderEquality #WageEquality #EqualPay #PayEquity #ELC

Jobs With Justice recently announced the launch of the second Advancing Black Strategists Initiative (ABSI) Fellowship! In partnership with Clark Atlanta University, the newest ABSI fellows will be welcomed on July 11, 2024. This paid apprenticeship program offers a cohort of Black worker-leaders direct experience in developing & implementing strategies that expand organizing and collective bargaining power. Learn more https://lnkd.in/ev99JenF #BlackWorkers #BlackLeaders #ABSI