Jeffrey Stanford Scruggs, a trailblazing figure in the realm of technology and community empowerment

Washington, D.C. - March 19, 2024 - Jeffrey Stanford Scruggs, a trailblazing figure in the realm of technology and community empowerment, continues to leave an indelible mark on society with his multifaceted contributions. From pioneering advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to fostering community engagement and empowerment, Scruggs stands as a beacon of inspiration for individuals across the globe.

A graduate of Morgan State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Traffic and Highway Engineering in 2017, Scruggs is currently on the cusp of achieving another milestone as he nears completion of his Master's degree from The University of Advancing Technology, anticipated in May 2024.

With a distinguished career spanning various government agencies including the Army, Navy, and the Pentagon, Scruggs has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge AI technologies, driving innovation and efficiency in critical sectors.

In addition to his impactful work in the government sector, Scruggs has dedicated himself to grassroots community organizing, particularly in the Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. Collaborating with local leaders, he spearheads initiatives aimed at empowering marginalized communities and fostering inclusive growth.

As the Chief Technology Officer for Venture for T.H.E.M, Scruggs is at the forefront of developing the groundbreaking Fund. Fwd application, poised to revolutionize the landscape of financial empowerment. Set for release later this year, Fund. Fwd promises to democratize access to capital and propel aspiring entrepreneurs towards success.

Scruggs's commitment to inclusivity and education is further underscored by his recent engagements. He conducted a workshop on AI for Baddies In Tech, Women's Rights Buildathon, empowering women in technology and advocating for gender equality in the tech industry.

Continuing his mission to democratize knowledge, Scruggs is scheduled to lead a workshop on artificial intelligence at Diversitech 2024 in Philadelphia. This prestigious event serves as a platform for diverse voices in technology to exchange ideas and foster innovation.

Furthermore, Scruggs's expertise and leadership have been recognized by Howard University, where he has been invited to serve as a judge for the esteemed business pitch competition, HU EMPOWER. This annual event, now in its fifth year, showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of Howard University students, offering a platform for budding innovators to pitch their business ideas and compete for startup funding.

As Scruggs continues to push the boundaries of innovation and empowerment, his influence resonates far and wide, inspiring individuals to pursue excellence and effect positive change in their communities.

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Luvon Dungee Launch Fairways and Putts Golf Products

(BBR) Baltimore Maryland January 27, 2024 – Fairways and Putts, the vibrant and lifestyle brand founded by golf aficionado Luvon Dungee in 2020, is thrilled to announce groundbreaking enhancements to its customer experience. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled service to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels, Fairways and Putts proudly introduces Free Premium Shipping, a Generous 14-Day Return Policy, and Product Protection via a comprehensive manufacturer warranty.

MORE THAN JUST A CLOTHING BRAND: More than a mere clothing brand, Fairways and Putts, spearheaded by Luvon Dungee, seamlessly integrates the essence of your golfing passion into meticulously designed apparel. Recognizing that golf is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle, our collection effortlessly transitions from the course to daily life. With Fairways and Putts, you can embrace the rhythm of every swing and make every stroke count.

SHADOW COLLECTION: Introducing our iconic performance apparel, the Shadow Collection seamlessly blends golf-ready functionality with versatile style suitable for any occasion. This exclusive collection features new designs and updated favorites, ensuring a lightweight and mobile experience whether you're on the course, in the clubhouse, or exploring town.

It's all in the name – Fairways and Putts stands as a dynamic and lifestyle clothing brand catering to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. Our emphasis on stylish and comfortable designs sets us apart, striking the perfect balance between fashion and function. As we chart our course forward, we eagerly anticipate expanding our product line with accessories, exploring exciting collaborations, and reaching new markets through online channels.

Fairways and Putts extends a warm invitation to golf enthusiasts seeking the ideal fusion of style and performance. Elevate your golf lifestyle with us.

For media inquiries, please contact: Fairways and Putts https://fairwaysandputts.com/

A look at Black-owned businesses in the U.S.

(BBR) Nearly six-in-ten Black adults (58%) say supporting Black businesses, or “buying Black,” is an extremely or very effective strategy for moving Black people toward equality in the United States. While Black-owned businesses in the U.S. have grown significantly in recent years, they still make up a small share of firms and revenue in the country, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data.

In 2020, there were an estimated 140,918 U.S. firms with majority Black or African American ownership, up 14% from 124,004 in 2017, according to the latest available data from the Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey (ABS). Those firms brought in an estimated $141.1 billion in gross revenue in 2020, an 11% increase since 2017.

Despite this growth, businesses majority-owned by Black or African American people accounted for only 3% of all U.S. firms that were classifiable by the race and ethnicity of their owners in 2020. And Black-owned firms accounted for just 1% of gross revenue from classifiable companies that year. By comparison, Black adults comprised 12.4% of the overall U.S. population in 2020, according to the Census Bureau.

As has long been the case, White Americans accounted for a large majority (86%) of firms whose ownership was classifiable by race and ethnicity in 2020. These firms brought in 93% of all revenue from classifiable companies that year.

U.S. firms with Asian majority owners accounted for 11% of all classifiable firms and 6% of revenue in 2020. Those majority-owned by Hispanics accounted for 7% of classifiable companies and 3% of revenue.

It’s important to note that not all U.S. businesses are classifiable by the race or ethnicity of their owners. A business is classified as “majority Black-owned” if a Black owner has at least 51% equity in the firm. (The same is true for business owners of other racial and ethnic backgrounds.) In 2020, only about 4% of all businesses in the U.S. were not classifiable by the race and ethnicity of their owners – but these firms accounted for 62% of total revenue. For that reason, ownership and revenue figures in this analysis refer only to the roughly 5.6 million firms that are classifiable by the race and ethnicity of their owners, most of which are smaller businesses.

Smaller payrolls common at Black-owned businesses

Majority Black- or African American-owned firms provided income for more than 1.3 million workers in 2020, with overall annual payrolls at these businesses totaling an estimated $42.2 billion that year.

Most Black-owned businesses have relatively small payrolls. Roughly two-thirds (66%) had fewer than 10 employees in 2020; 14% had 10 to 49 employees and just 3% had 50 or more. (In the ABS, employment size is determined by the number of paid workers during the March 12 pay period each year, which coincided with the start of the U.S. coronavirus outbreak in 2020. During that 2020 pay period, an additional 17% of majority Black- or African American-owned firms reported no employees.)

For most Black or African American business owners in the U.S., their firm is their main source of income. Among those who reported data about their primary source of personal income in 2020, 69% said their business was their primary income source, while 31% said it was not, according to ABS data.

Black-owned businesses are more common in health care sector and in certain states

The greatest number and share of majority Black- or African American-owned businesses are in the health care and social assistance sector. In 2020, more than 38,000 of the nearly 141,000 U.S. companies with majority Black or African American ownership, or 28% of the total, were in this sector.

Looked at a different way, 7% of all classifiable U.S. businesses in the health care and social assistance sector had Black or African American majority owners that year.

Professional, scientific and technical services was the second-most common sector, accounting for 14% of majority Black- or African American-owned businesses in 2020. Other common sectors included administrative and support and waste management and remediation services (9%) and construction (7%).

An overwhelming majority (88%) of Black- or African American-owned businesses are located in urban areas. Just 6% are in rural areas – that is, places with fewer than 2,500 inhabitants, under the Census Bureau’s definition. Three of the four most populous states also lead in the number of estimated businesses with majority Black or African American ownership: Florida had 15,149 such businesses in 2020, California had 13,729 and New York had 12,636. But majority Black- or African American-owned businesses made up the greatest share of all classifiable firms in the District of Columbia, Georgia and Maryland.

More than half of Black business owners are men

The gender divide among all U.S. business owners extends to Black or African American business owners, though by a smaller margin. Among all U.S. firms whose ownership is classifiable by gender, 63% were majority-owned by men in 2020, while 22% were owned by women and 15% had equal male-female ownership that year. By comparison, 55% of majority Black- or African American-owned businesses in 2020 had male owners, while 37% were owned by women and 8% had equal male-female ownership.

Roughly half (52%) of Black or African American business owners who reported their age grouping were 35 t0 54 in 2020; an additional 25% were ages 55 to 64. A majority of those who reported their educational background had an undergraduate degree or more education. About a quarter (26%) had a bachelor’s degree, and another 34% had some form of degree beyond a bachelor’s.

Alexis Coates Business Consulting Launches New Website

Alexis Coates Business Consulting Launches New Website, Offering Enhanced Services and Resources

[Baltimore, MD] – Alexis Coates Business Consulting is thrilled to announce the launch of its new website, www.alexiscoates.com, designed to provide clients with a more user-friendly and informative experience.

Alexis Coates Business Consulting, led by industry expert Alexis Coates, has been a trusted partner for businesses seeking strategic guidance and effective solutions. With the unveiling of the new website, the company aims to further streamline the client experience and showcase the comprehensive range of services it offers.

The redesigned website features a modern and intuitive interface, making it easier for visitors to navigate and access essential information about Alexis Coates and the consulting services provided. The site includes detailed insights into the consulting process, client success stories, and the latest industry trends, offering a valuable resource for businesses looking to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

Key Features of www.alexiscoates.com:

1. Service Offerings: Learn about the diverse range of consulting services tailored to meet the unique needs of clients across various industries.

2. Client Success Stories: Explore real-world examples of how Alexis Coates Business Consulting has helped businesses achieve their goals and overcome challenges.

3. Blog and Resources: Stay updated on the latest industry trends, insights, and best practices through the blog and downloadable resources section.

4. Contact Information: Easily connect with Alexis Coates and the consulting team for inquiries, collaborations, or to schedule a consultation.

Alexis Coates, the founder of the consulting firm, expressed excitement about the website launch, stating, "Our new website reflects our commitment to providing clients with valuable resources and insights to navigate the complexities of today's business environment. We believe this platform will serve as a hub for businesses seeking strategic solutions and growth."

For more information about Alexis Coates Business Consulting and to explore the new website, visit www.alexiscoates.com.

About Alexis Coates Business Consulting: Alexis Coates Business Consulting is a leading consultancy firm specializing in providing strategic guidance and solutions to businesses across diverse industries. With a track record of success and a commitment to excellence, Alexis Coates and the consulting team collaborate with clients to drive innovation, optimize operations, and achieve sustainable growth.

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Jusan Hamilton NASCAR Director

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Jusan Hamilton fell hard for fast cars, dreaming as a kid of a NASCAR career as he drove at dirt tracks in New York. He contended for wins, kept pace with top drivers as he bounced from series to series and trusted his talent enough to know that he could succeed as a professional driver.

What Hamilton didn’t see as his family traversed around tracks were other kids that looked like him. And while a dearth of minorities didn’t deter him from racing, it did lead other friends and family to wonder what he was doing with his time each weekend.

“Why does an African-American kid from upstate New York have an interest in motorsports?” Hamilton said he was often asked.

The answer was simple, based less on breaking barriers and blazing trails, and more about simply pursuing his passion.

“For me, it was, this is what I enjoy,” Hamilton said. “This is what I love doing. There’s a huge connection with me and my family to go to the race track each weekend and spend the time together.”

The 31-year-old Hamilton did make it in racing, not in a driving career that petered out -- to a great degree because of the financial strain on his family -- but behind the scenes for over a decade in NASCAR. He has worked in event production, social media, shepherded the series’ Drive for Diversity program (that rejected him as a teen) and eventually was named race director for NASCAR’s three national series.

On deck, his milestone moment: Hamilton is set to become the first Black race director in Daytona 500 history and only the third since 1988. He will watch from a booth overlooking the sprawling track and call the shots on everything from cautions to penalties to the clean-up crew, navigating the complexities of the race in the official debut for NASCAR’s Next Gen car.

“It’s not necessarily about being the first Black man to call the Daytona 500,” Hamilton said. “Career-wise, it’s a huge accomplishment for me, with the passion I’ve had for motorsports. Bigger picture, I hope it sets a positive example for others that, regardless of race and background, if you work hard and have a mindset toward your goal, it is achievable.”

NASCAR’s broadened diversity initiatives have made strides over the last decade, as the stock car series tries to bust traditional stereotypes and reflect all genders, ethnic groups and backgrounds.

“I’ve always felt welcome,” Hamilton said. “I didn’t think the perception was the reality of working here. I do think in the last two years, that was the right time for the company to make its internal stance, that I’ve always felt, known to the public. I think we’ve taken huge steps in our public perception.”

Bubba Wallace, who last season became the first Black driver to win a Cup Series race since 1963, has become the face of NASCAR’s diversity push. Wallace, who won driving for a team co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, found his voice as a catalyst for change and led the successful push for NASCAR’s 2020 ban of the Confederate flag.

He’s not alone as a person of color paving a new path in NASCAR. Take a look around the garage at Daytona and multicultural audiences are represented in a wide range of jobs.

Jesse Iwuji, a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve, will become the second fulltime Black driver this season with plans to run in the second-tier Xfinity Series. Iwuji co-owns his team alongside Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, who enters NASCAR a year after Jordan and entertainer Pitbull joined the ownership ranks. Pitbull co-owns a team that has Mexican driver Daniel Suarez.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has a car that will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500, as does NY Racing, a team owned by Black entrepreneur John Cohen.

“Jesse, he’s been grinding so hard to make this work for him and being a dream for him, something he wanted to do when he retired from the armed forces, was really cool,” Wallace said. “That’s just him having the right people around him and helping him succeed. As far as industry leaders like Jusan, it’s really cool that he’s a voice that we hear out here for a race director.”

Noah Gragson raced his way into the Daytona 500 on the strength of team owner Linda Beard and Beard Motorsports. Busch Light announced this week it was “seizing the opportunity to make historic progress toward gender inclusivity” and committed $10 million to sponsor every 21-and-older female driver in NASCAR over the next three years. Among the familiar names expected to benefit from the “Accelerate Her” program include Xfinity Series driver Natalie Decker and Truck Series veteran Jennifer Jo Cobb.

Cohen has an ownership career that included five drivers and 17 starts from 2012 to 2018. He recruited Greg Biffle for his NY Racing team for a run at Daytona as an open car and secured sponsorship from Grambling State University. The 46-year-old Cohen credited NASCAR President Steve Phelps for his role in shifting racial attitudes within the industry.

“I got stories, you know what I mean,” Cohen said. “It’s different for me than a Michael Jordan. It’s a trap. People don’t know who I am. Even if you know he’s a NASCAR owner, you’ll still respect him because he’s Jordan. I’m talking about security, talking about fans, talking about everybody. It’s just a different feel for me than it would be for him.”

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Just maybe, not so far down the road, the days of the good-ol’-boy Southern attitudes will truly become extinct.

“People have this perception that it’s not really for you,” Hamilton said. “I hope that by what I’m doing, the next age group that’s coming up and has an interest like I do, they don’t get those sideways looks and those questions of why. It’s more something that shows, yes this is achievable. Someone has set an example and the pathway is there. If this what you want to do, by all means pursue the goal and you get that kind of support.”

McChere Childs of Philadelphia Beauty Standard are set with natural black women.

(BBR) In a world often dominated by unrealistic beauty standards, natural black women continue to stand tall, breaking barriers and redefining what true beauty means. Their power lies not only in their physical appearance but also in their unwavering strength, resilience, and unapologetic embrace of their natural selves.

1. Embracing Authenticity: Natural black women proudly showcase their natural hair, which comes in a myriad of beautiful textures and styles. From tight coils to flowing curls, each hair type is a testament to their unique heritage and individuality. By embracing their natural hair, black women reject societal pressures to conform and instead, celebrate their true selves.

2. Cultural Richness: Natural black women carry with them a rich cultural heritage that spans across continents and centuries. Their roots trace back to diverse traditions, languages, and customs, making their identity a tapestry woven with stories of resilience and strength. This cultural richness is a source of pride, connecting them to their ancestors and inspiring future generations.

3. Strength in Diversity: Natural black women come in all shapes, sizes, and shades, showcasing the incredible diversity within the black community. This diversity is a testament to the strength of their heritage and the beauty that exists in every shade of melanin. It challenges harmful stereotypes and promotes inclusivity, encouraging acceptance and understanding among people of all backgrounds.

4. Resilience: Throughout history, black women have demonstrated unparalleled resilience in the face of adversity. From fighting for civil rights to breaking barriers in various fields, they have shown immense strength and determination. Their ability to rise above challenges inspires others and exemplifies the power of perseverance and courage.

5. Cultural Influence: Natural black women have significantly impacted various aspects of culture, including art, music, fashion, and literature. Their creativity and innovation have shaped global trends, enriching the world with their unique perspectives and talents. From iconic hairstyles to influential fashion statements, their cultural influence is both profound and enduring.

6. Educational Advocacy: Natural black women are at the forefront of educational advocacy, promoting the importance of representation in classrooms and textbooks. Their efforts to bridge educational gaps and provide equal opportunities empower future generations to pursue their dreams and aspirations, regardless of their background.

In essence, the power of natural black women lies not just in their physical attributes but in their ability to inspire, uplift, and empower. Their journey towards self-love and acceptance serves as a beacon of hope for individuals striving to embrace their authentic selves in a world that often demands conformity. As society continues to recognize and celebrate the diverse beauty of natural black women, it paves the way for a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone.