Some African American Executives Make a Silent Agreement with White Corporate Hierarchy

Many Black men and women who choose to follow their dreams inside of large corporations still find their hopes shoplifted by a rigged system. I’ve always been a big fan of boxing. I appreciate the subtleties of how prize fighters balance brute strength with finesse and endurance. I love watching old footage of Mike Tyson … Continue reading Some African American Executives Make a Silent Agreement with White Corporate Hierarchy

Corporations That Say They Stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter Must Be Ready for a 150-Point Inspection

Black Lives Matter protests have now occurred in at least 1,700 locations across the United States since George Floyd was murdered by a police officer in May of 2020. In response, brands—including giants like Target, Ben and Jerry’s and NIKE—have made statements offering their support. But is their solidarity solid? Now a new non-profit Pull … Continue reading Corporations That Say They Stand in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter Must Be Ready for a 150-Point Inspection

Black Men and Women Have for Centuries Put Themselves in Social Quarantine

We must always wear a mask in public that can only be removed at home, in church or in segregated spaces such as salons and barbershops. Salons and barbershops provide a safe space for combing through the tangled emotions of being black in America.   George Floyd’s recent murder has brought much needed attention to … Continue reading Black Men and Women Have for Centuries Put Themselves in Social Quarantine

Coronavirus Is Changing the Film Industry and How It Markets Entertainment to African-American Consumers

Many studios are finding that African-American salons and barbershops offer a unique platform for reaching black communities—even when they can’t open for business. You might not think that Hollywood and black beauty venues have much in common, but these days businesses of every size all share the same threat—social distancing. It is just as difficult … Continue reading Coronavirus Is Changing the Film Industry and How It Markets Entertainment to African-American Consumers

African-American Salons and Barbershops Are Told Its Time to Open Up. Many Are Saving a Seat for Their Customers Instead.

As black business owners weight the risks and rewards, their reputations lie in the balance. Few industries have felt the effects of COVID-19 as acutely the salon, nail and barbershop industry. Currently, there are 147,406 barbershops, 50,000 nail salons, and a staggering 289,277 beauty salons in the U.S. That doesn’t include shops that operate without a … Continue reading African-American Salons and Barbershops Are Told Its Time to Open Up. Many Are Saving a Seat for Their Customers Instead.

It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers

Even during coronavirus isolation, black barber and beauty shops offer unique, creative options for marketing film, television, and music. Fox Corporation recently launched a new streaming service called FOX Soul, which is aimed at African-American millennials. They did it for one very good reason: Black millennials spend about $7.3 billion dollars a year on streaming … Continue reading It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers

Salon and Barbershop Owners and Stylists Struggle to Catch Their Breath as the COVID-19 Shutdown Continues

But what if it is a huge opportunity in disguise? If you’re one of the 1.7 million Americans who own or are employed by a hair and nail care business, you may feel like you just lost everything. Before the coronavirus pandemic struck, IbisWorld forecast that the industry would generate $64 billion and take in … Continue reading Salon and Barbershop Owners and Stylists Struggle to Catch Their Breath as the COVID-19 Shutdown Continues

It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers

Black salons and barbershops are the perfect venue for doing it. Fox Corporation recently launched a new streaming service called FOX Soul, which is aimed at African-American millennials. They did it for one very good reason: Black millennials spend about $7.3 BILLION dollars a year on streaming services. Why wouldn’t a major network want a … Continue reading It’s Time for Streaming Services to Get Serious About Reaching African-American Millennial Consumers