Corporate Action Can Help Protect the Planet
A new scientific report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), showed that climate change is “unequivocal” and that the world must take immediate action to prevent the worst effects of climate change. However, communities across the country are already dealing with the impacts of climate change, while at the same time working […]
Amazon Launches the Black Business Accelerator to Empower Black Entrepreneurs
As of 2021, there are millions of retail establishments in the United States, with retail sales growing 4% annually since 2010. Despite unprecedented circumstances in 2020, the National Retail Federation forecasts that businesses and retail sales will only continue to grow. It is estimated that there will be an increase of sales between 10.5% and […]
Increasing Educational Opportunities in STEM: 6 Years After the STEM Education Act
September 27, 2021 marks the sixth anniversary of the passage of the STEM Education Act, legislation meant to strengthen federal efforts around science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs as well as broaden the definition of STEM to help fund computer sciences. A Brief Background on the Act and its Importance The bill was derived […]
Robert F. Smith’s Top Back-to-School Book Recommendations
Students are heading back to school, and even though they may have plenty of new binders, pencils and backpacks, there’s more to add to their educational tools. When it comes to learning about African American history, culture and the arts, here are some of Robert F. Smith’s favorite recommendations. They’re perfect for giving to young […]
New Organization Aims To Support Black-Owned Small Businesses
“New PA Chamber for Black Owned Business launches” by PennLive.com The road to success for small businesses is tough. For minority-owned small businesses, the struggle can be made even harder through systemic challenges inherent in Black communities. To help remedy these challenges, Pennsylvanians Marcia Perry Dix and David Dix recently founded the PA Chamber for Black Owned […]
New Research Will Significantly Improve Prostate Cancer Treatment for Black Men
A study of an experimental treatment for prostate cancer, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows promising results in prolonging life for men with aggressive prostate cancer. The new treatment targets proteins on the prostate cancer cells and attacks them, causing less damage to the surrounding cells. Patients who received this treatment […]
Colorado’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program Is a Big Step to Help Expand Outdoor Access
Over the last year, more families have been venturing outside to explore what nature has to offer through hiking, biking and other recreational activities. While these entertaining and educational opportunities seem limitless, there are still significant disparities when it comes to who can easily access these resources. The Creation of Colorado’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program […]
Student Freedom Initiative Will Provide Millions for HBCUs and Black Students in STEM This Fall
This fall will mark not only the beginning of a new school year for millions of students, but the launch of Student Freedom Initiative, a nonprofit organization which was the brainchild of Robert F. Smith. Student Freedom Initiative will offer flexible, lower-risk alternatives to high-interest private student loans to college seniors and juniors studying Science, […]
Robert F. Smith and John Rogers Jr. Talk Black Banks and the Digital Divide
Robert F. Smith, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, recently joined John Rogers Jr., the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, the oldest Black-owned asset management firm, on Roll Call’s Fintech Beat podcast. Together, the two financial sector leaders discussed everything from the rise of digitalization to the importance of supporting Black-owned banks with […]