On Surviving Hate and Racism At Work and Elsewhere

Celebrating Black-Owned Businesses: A List of Top African American Enterprises

Supporting Black-owned businesses is more important than ever. These businesses not only contribute to the economy but also help uplift communities and promote diversity in the marketplace. Here’s a look at some outstanding African American businesses that have received excellent reviews, along with insights into why supporting them matters.

Notable Black-Owned Businesses

1. SheaMoisture

   • Founded by Richelieu Dennis, SheaMoisture specializes in natural hair and skin care products for Black women. The brand is known for its commitment to quality and community support, including initiatives that empower women and entrepreneurs [2].

2. The Honey Pot Company

   • Founded by Bea Dixon, this company offers natural feminine care products. The Honey Pot has gained a loyal following for its plant-based ingredients and commitment to women's health [2].

3. Slutty Vegan

   • This Atlanta-based vegan restaurant, founded by Pinky Cole, has taken the culinary world by storm with its creative plant-based burgers. The brand emphasizes inclusivity and aims to make vegan food accessible to everyone [2].

4. BLK & Bold

   • A specialty coffee and tea company, BLK & Bold donates 5% of its profits to support at-risk youth. Their mission combines quality products with a commitment to social responsibility [3].

5. Fenty Beauty

   • Launched by Rihanna, Fenty Beauty revolutionized the beauty industry by offering a wide range of shades for all skin tones. The brand has received accolades for its inclusivity and quality [3].

6. Pattern Beauty

   • Founded by actress Tracee Ellis Ross, Pattern Beauty focuses on hair care products specifically designed for curly and textured hair. The brand has been praised for its effectiveness and representation in the beauty industry [3].

7. Adwoa Beauty

   • This haircare line, created by Julian Addo, offers non-toxic products designed for multi-cultural hair textures. Adwoa Beauty has garnered positive reviews for its moisturizing ingredients and commitment to quality [1].

8. Alaffia

   • Known for its sustainable and fair-trade skincare products, Alaffia supports African communities through its foundation. The brand’s commitment to ethical sourcing and community empowerment has earned it a loyal customer base [1].

9. Black Girl Sunscreen

   • Created by Shontay Lundy, this sunscreen brand addresses the lack of SPF options for deeper skin tones. It has received rave reviews for its effectiveness and formulation [1].

10. Brother Vellies

    • Founded by Aurora James, this luxury fashion brand celebrates African craftsmanship. Brother Vellies is known for its handmade footwear and accessories, promoting sustainability and ethical fashion [2].

Why Supporting Black Businesses Matters

1. Economic Empowerment: Supporting Black-owned businesses helps to close the racial wealth gap. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Black-owned businesses only account for about 3% of all U.S. firms, despite significant contributions to the economy [2]. By choosing to shop at these businesses, consumers can help increase their visibility and success.

2. Community Upliftment: Black-owned businesses often reinvest in their communities, creating jobs and supporting local initiatives. For example, many of the businesses listed above engage in philanthropy and community support, which helps to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.

3. Diversity in the Marketplace: Supporting Black businesses promotes a more diverse range of products and services. This diversity enriches the marketplace and provides consumers with more choices that reflect their values and identities.

4. Cultural Representation: When we support Black-owned businesses, we help amplify voices and stories that have historically been marginalized. This representation is crucial for fostering understanding and empathy across different communities.

In conclusion, when we support African American businesses, it's not just a trend; it’s a vital part of building a more equitable society. By choosing to shop at these businesses, we contribute to economic empowerment, community upliftment, and cultural representation. Let’s celebrate and support the incredible contributions of Black entrepreneurs today and every day.

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Learn more:

1. 100+ Black-Owned Businesses and Brands to Support Now and Always
2. Top Black-owned Businesses in America | Black Business Owners
3. Black owned businesses you can support all the time

Rep. Jasmine Crockett on how Democrats should push back against Trump, Warns about a Recession | Overheard with Evan Smith

Don’t Get Played: How Media Manipulation Can Lead You Down a Dangerous Path

Ever heard a story that made you so angry you wanted to do something about it—right now? Maybe you saw a video on social media that got you in your feelings, or a news article that made you question everything. Next thing you know, you’re deep in a rabbit hole, convinced that action must be taken, and fast.  

That’s how media manipulation works. It taps into your emotions—anger, fear, injustice—until you’re so bound mentally that you don’t stop to think. And for some people, that emotional pull is enough to make them cross lines they never thought they’d cross.  

The Trap: When Emotion Overrides Logic  

We all have causes we care about. Injustice, inequality, corruption—it’s everywhere. But the media (both mainstream and social) knows exactly how to twist a story to get a reaction. Sensational headlines, edited videos, and one-sided reporting can push people to extremes.  

Think about it:  

• Someone shares a story about police brutality, missing key facts, and suddenly, people are rioting instead of organizing legal action.  
• A “leaked” video about government corruption goes viral, but no one checks if it’s real—leading to protests that turn violent.  
• Online influencers tell you “the system is broken” and that the only way to fix it is to take matters into your own hands.  

Sound familiar? This isn’t new. History is full of examples where media—whether it was a newspaper, a radio broadcast, or a viral TikTok—stirred people up so much that they acted without thinking. And guess who pays the price when things go too far? Not the ones pulling the strings.  

Who's Really Benefiting?  

Before you let outrage dictate your actions, ask yourself:  

• Who gains from this? Politicians, corporations, influencers—someone is always profiting from the chaos.  
• Is this the full story? Sensational media rarely gives all the facts. Always dig deeper.  
• Am I being used? If an issue is real, there are legal, productive ways to address it. If someone’s encouraging lawlessness, they don’t have your best interests at heart.  

How to Stay Smart and Avoid the Setup  

1. Pause Before You React – When you feel an emotional pull, step back. If something is really urgent, taking an extra day to think won’t change the truth.  

2. Check the Source – If your only “proof” is a viral post, that’s a problem. Look for multiple sources, including ones that challenge your perspective.  

3. Ask Who’s Profiting – Media companies want clicks. Politicians want votes. Influencers want views. If they’re using extreme messaging, it’s not just for your benefit.  

4. Think Long-Term – Acting on impulse can wreck your life. People who vandalized property in protests stormed buildings, or followed radical calls to action have ended up in jail or worse—while the ones who fueled the fire walk free.  

5. Find Legal, Productive Outlets – Real change doesn’t come from destruction; it comes from strategy. If you care about an issue, get involved in ways that won’t land you in a cell.  

Final Thought: Don’t Be Someone’s Pawn 

The harsh truth? People will use the media to manipulate others into making bad decisions. They rely on emotion, outrage, and impulsiveness to push their agendas. And when the dust settles, it won’t be them paying the price—it’ll be the ones who got caught up in the moment.  

Don’t be that person. Stay smart. Stay in control. Think before you act.  

For more insights on manipulation, control, and avoiding toxic influences, check out Nicholl's books:  

📖 Should I Go to the Party?

📖 Face Your Foe on Confronting the Critics 

📖 Socially Sweet, Privately Cruel Abusive Men 

Russia🇷🇺Has Revealed a Biblical Icon of 'BLACK JESUS' from Their Vaults

The Mindset and Lengths Wicked People will Go to Avoid Exposure, Jail or Death

In this powerful and thought-provoking message, the speaker explores the lengths to which wicked individuals will go to evade exposure, accountability, and the consequences of their actions. Drawing on biblical references, particularly from the book of Job, the speaker emphasizes that those engaged in evil often operate in darkness, attempting to conceal their misdeeds. The narrative intertwines historical and contemporary examples of notorious figures like Cain, King David, Jezebel, and Jeffrey Epstein, illustrating a recurring theme: the inevitable exposure of wickedness. 

The speaker highlights the societal tendency to prefer comforting lies over uncomfortable truths, suggesting that many people are unwilling to confront the reality of evil, even when it manifests in their personal lives. The message closes with a call to recognize and confront the wicked mindset, emphasizing the importance of truth, justice, and personal accountability in a world rife with manipulation and deceit.

Highlights

🕵️‍♂️ Wickedness in the Shadows: The evildoers often operate in darkness, trying to avoid exposure for their actions.

📖 Biblical Examples: Historical references from the Bible, such as Cain, King David, and Jezebel, illustrate the timeless nature of wickedness and its consequences. 

🌍 Societal Denial: Many people prefer comforting lies over harsh truths, avoiding uncomfortable discussions about evil in their lives.

⏳ Inevitability of Exposure: The message emphasizes that ultimately, all deeds—good or evil—will be brought to light and judged.

💔 Victims of Wickedness: The speaker highlights the suffering caused by wicked individuals and the societal structures that support abusers.

⚖️ Call for Justice: A plea for truth-tellers and seekers to confront and expose wickedness, advocating for justice for victims.

🙏 Divine Accountability: The speaker underscores the biblical promise that God will judge every hidden deed, reinforcing the importance of repentance and accountability.

Key Insights 🔦 Darkness vs. Light: The metaphor of darkness and light serves as a powerful theme throughout the message. Wicked individuals prefer to operate in the shadows to avoid exposure, mirroring the biblical narrative where light represents truth and righteousness. This duality calls for a societal shift towards embracing uncomfortable truths rather than ignoring them for the sake of comfort.  

🌪️ Contemporary Relevance: The examples of modern figures like Jeffrey Epstein highlight how wealth and influence can shield individuals from accountability. The speaker's analysis of these cases serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolizing celebrities and powerful individuals without acknowledging their potential for wrongdoing.

🔍 Psychological Insights: The speaker delves into the psychology behind wicked behavior, discussing various personality disorders such as narcissism and sociopathy. By linking these modern psychological concepts to biblical characters, the message encourages listeners to recognize and understand the traits of wicked individuals in their own lives.

 💬 Cultural Commentary: The speaker critiques the societal norms that often protect abusers and perpetuate cycles of silence and denial. This commentary invites listeners to reflect on their own complicity in allowing wickedness to flourish within their communities.

 ⚠️ The Cost of Silence: The speaker warns against the dangers of remaining silent in the face of evil, illustrating how silence can enable abusers and perpetuate injustice. This insight serves as a rallying cry for individuals to speak out and confront wrongdoings, regardless of the personal cost.

🛡️Empowerment through Truth: The message emphasizes the power of truth as a tool for liberation. By confronting and exposing wickedness, individuals can free themselves and others from the oppressive grip of evil, fostering a culture of accountability and justice.

🕊️ Spiritual Reflection: Finally, the speaker calls for a personal spiritual awakening, urging listeners to seek repentance and a relationship with God. This spiritual dimension adds depth to the message, reminding individuals that ultimate accountability lies in divine judgment, encouraging a return to faith and moral clarity in a chaotic world.

On Serving God without Distraction - Allow the Lord to Lead You Toward Freedom