Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kevin Cohee.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Highlight OneUnited Bank’s mission as the largest Black-owned and first Black-owned internet bank in America.
• Educate listeners on financial literacy, technology-driven banking, and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
• Promote OneUnited Bank’s products and services as solutions for financial challenges faced by Black Americans and others lacking access to traditional banking.

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Context & Mission

   • The concept of a national Black-owned bank dates back to leaders like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized economic empowerment.
   • OneUnited Bank was formed through acquisitions and later pivoted to technology-driven banking.

2. Technology & Innovation

   • OneUnited embraced AI and data aggregation over a decade ago to create products that help customers understand assets, liabilities, and net worth in real time.
   • Banking has shifted from physical branches to digital platforms, enabling nationwide access.

3. Financial Literacy Crisis

   • 90% of Americans lack financial literacy, largely because it’s not taught in schools.
   • Cohee advocates for mandatory K–12 financial literacy education, citing studies showing it can add $126,000 to lifetime net worth.

4. Products Designed for Real Needs

   • CashPlease: Short-term emergency loans at affordable rates.
   • Second Chance Checking: Helps rebuild credit.
   • Savings Programs: Often in collaboration with employers.
   • These products address real-life challenges like low emergency savings and predatory check-cashing fees.

5. Accessibility & Reach

   • OneUnited offers nationwide banking via oneunited.com, surcharge-free ATMs, and partnerships with major networks.
   • Customers can deposit checks online and access services without visiting physical branches.

6. Economic Empowerment

   • Technology enables entrepreneurship without owning physical products—leveraging branding and e-commerce.
   • Cohee draws parallels between today’s tech opportunities and the historical wealth-building of Black Wall Street.

Notable Quotes

• “We are FDIC insured, commercial bank like them. The only difference is we’re smarter and we have better technology.”
• “Technology and AI allow anyone to make decisions like they were an expert.”
• “If we taught financial literacy in schools, it would create over $100,000 in net worth per person over their lifetime.”
• “You don’t have to go to check cashers and get ripped off. Just go to oneunited.com.”
• “We’ve been working on AI for over a decade. We’re not coming to the party—we are the party.”
• “Our generation has technology and communication skills. We can change society.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Christina Dukes Brown.

CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ.
• Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs.
• Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs.

Key Takeaways

1. Community Impact

   • The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites.
   • Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development.

2. Challenges in the Community

   • High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson).
   • Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success.

3. Programs and Initiatives

   • Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions.
   • Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts.
   • Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes.
   • Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college.

4. Call to Action

   • Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth.
   • Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills.
   • Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs.

5. Dr. Brown’s Motivation

   • Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era.
   • Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues.
   • Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth.

Notable Quotes

• On Motivation:
  “I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.”

• On Stereotypes:
  “Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.”

• On Community Support:
  “My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.”

• On Youth Potential:
  “No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams.

President & COO (and owner) of OneUnited Bank, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Showcase OneUnited Bank’s role as the largest Black-owned bank and its commitment to financial empowerment.
• Educate listeners on digital banking solutions, financial literacy, and generational wealth strategies.
• Promote OneUnited Bank’s services and initiatives, including its youth financial literacy contest and “One Transaction” wealth-building concept.

Key Takeaways

1. Origins & Growth of OneUnited Bank

   • Started as a community bank in Boston, later acquired four Black-owned banks (Miami, LA, Boston) and merged into OneUnited.
   • Became the first Black-owned digital bank and now serves customers nationwide.

2. Digital Banking & Accessibility

   • Customers can open accounts online in minutes.
   • Features include:
     • Mobile check deposit (take a photo of your check).
     • Direct deposit with early pay (up to 2 days early, no fees).
     • Largest surcharge-free ATM network (100,000 ATMs, including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).

3. Combatting Financial Deserts

   • Addresses lack of brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities and reliance on predatory check-cashing services.
   • Emphasizes that check-cashing services never improve credit scores and often harm financial health.

4. Financial Literacy & Wealth Building

   • Advocates automatic savings as a key wealth-building habit.
   • Introduced WiseOne, a tool that aggregates financial data to:
     • Track net worth, income, expenses.
     • Identify duplicate charges and suggest savings.
     • Provide debt-reduction strategies.

5. Youth Financial Literacy Initiative

   • “I Got Bank” Contest for ages 8–12:
     • Read a financial literacy book (free download available).
     • Submit an essay or artwork on what they learned.
     • 10 winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.

6. One Transaction Concept

   • Six key transactions to build generational wealth:
     • Homeownership (OneUnited offers $25K–$50K down payment assistance).
     • Life Insurance (affordable way to transfer wealth).
     • Investments (automatic contributions).
     • Profitable Business (entrepreneurship or side gigs).
     • Credit Score Improvement.
     • Savings (automatic transfers).
   • Focus on one transaction at a time for sustainable progress.

7. Economic Advice for Uncertain Times

   • Anticipates stagflation (inflation + rising unemployment).
   • Recommendations:
     • Hold on to your job (avoid unnecessary job changes).
     • Save more, spend less.

Notable Quotes

• “We were the first Black-owned digital bank—and now the largest Black-owned bank in the country.”
• “Check cashers only report to credit bureaus when you don’t pay them. That’s crazy.”
• “If it goes in your pocket, you’re more likely to spend it. Wealthy people automate savings.”
• “One transaction can make the difference between being wealthy or not.”
• “We have the largest surcharge-free ATM network in the country—100,000 ATMs.”
• “Hold on to your job. Start saving more and spending less.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cheryl McKissack Daniel. 

Topic: Legacy, resilience, and entrepreneurship of the McKissack family, as detailed in the book The Black Family Who Built America.

Cheryl shares the powerful story of her family's 230-year legacy in architecture and construction, making McKissack & McKissack the oldest minority woman-owned professional design and construction firm in the U.S. The conversation explores themes of generational resilience, Black excellence, business strategy, and personal growth.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Highlight the McKissack family’s historical and cultural impact on American infrastructure and Black entrepreneurship.
2. Promote the book The Black Family Who Built America as a record of legacy and inspiration.
3. Inspire small business owners and entrepreneurs with lessons on perseverance, succession planning, and self-identity.
4. Address the importance of preserving Black history in the face of cultural erasure.

🔑 Key Takeaways 🏗️ Legacy & Impact

• McKissack & McKissack has contributed to major U.S. infrastructure projects like:
  • Barclays Center
  • JFK Terminal One
  • LaGuardia Airport
  • Penn Station
  • Lincoln Financial Field

“We are the fifth generation. Right. And we're Black in America.”

📚 Historical Significance

• The family legacy began with Moses McKissack, who was enslaved and later became a builder.
• Cheryl’s ancestors were the first licensed Black architects in America (licenses 117 and 118 in Tennessee).

“They became the first Black licensed architects in America… and helped get licensed in 22 other states.”

💼 Business Wisdom

• Cheryl emphasizes the importance of:
  • Succession planning
  • Understanding both technical and political buyers
  • Building relationships before you need them

“You better have that relationship before you need it.”

🧠 The 5 Ps of Family Resilience

1. Perseverance
2. Persistence
3. Preparedness
4. Purpose
5. Prayer

“Sometimes you do get up in the morning and you say it's not for me… You have to come back and meditate on the fact that you're a winner.”

🧘‍♀️ Personal Growth & Mental Health

• Cheryl discusses overcoming stress, rediscovering herself after a difficult marriage, and the importance of meditation.

“Being yourself is what we're talking about… I recognize that I am currently feeling stressed out. So what do I need to do?”

👩‍👧‍👧 Women in Leadership

• Cheryl’s mother took over the business after her father’s stroke, despite societal barriers.

“She only knew the telephone number to the office at that time… but she knew deep inside that she wanted to hold on for the fifth generation.”

🎥 Representation & Media

• The book and Cheryl’s story aim to counteract negative portrayals of Black people in media and history.

“You may not have known about Black excellence. You just ignored it. But we exist.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “Black people built America. Now, that's the point we're making here.”
• “You have to say the opposite to yourself. And you have to put one foot in front of the other.”
• “This book is a receipt to say we are around. We have a foundation. We're not going anywhere.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Renard “Ray” Sims.

Topic: Entrepreneurship, property management, and building generational wealth through real estate.

Ray Sims shares his journey from government employee to entrepreneur, founding a property management company in the Metro DC area. He discusses the challenges of transitioning into business ownership, the structure of his company, and the importance of networking, automation, and community service.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

1. Showcase Ray’s entrepreneurial journey and how he turned a layoff into a business opportunity.
2. Educate listeners on property management and real estate investment strategies.
3. Inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to take calculated risks and build sustainable businesses.
4. Promote financial literacy and generational wealth through real estate.

🔑 Key Takeaways 💼 Entrepreneurship & Transition

• Ray was laid off from a government job and used the opportunity to launch his business.
• He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.

“I got forced to do it. And I'm kind of glad that that happened to me.”

🏠 Property Management Defined

• Manages real estate portfolios for absentee owners.
• Handles everything from tenant screening to maintenance coordination and invoicing.

“I manage people’s assets… Most of the homeowners don’t even want to know who the tenants are.”

🔍 Tenant Screening Process

• Includes credit checks, employment history, landlord references, and even social media reviews.

“I go on your Facebook page or Instagram page… see how you want to treat that property.”

🧰 Business Structure

• Licensed in DC; structured as an LLC in Maryland.
• Works with a network of trusted vendors (plumbers, electricians, etc.).
• Uses automation and a third-party admin for newsletters and monthly reports.

“I’m really big on automation… I don’t want to have a bank account with \$30,000 on August 1st.”

🤝 Networking & Growth

• Attends real estate events across DC, New York, and Atlanta.
• Uses Instagram and podcasting to build his brand and connect with clients.

“I cannot leave a networking event without connecting with five different people.”

🎙️ Podcast & Branding

• Podcast started organically from a conversation with a landscaper.
• Focuses on real estate and business conversations.

“I call it ‘The Creator’… just conversations with different people in the real estate field.”

📈 Investment Advice

• Recommends duplexes and townhomes as top investment choices.
• Notes that single-family homes are less popular for rentals due to maintenance concerns.

“Duplex, duplex, duplex… it’s an easy way to gain revenue.”

🌍 Vision & Expansion

• Plans to expand beyond DC by learning local regulations and networking.
• Attends Invest Fest in Atlanta for exposure and connections.

“I want to be the face of property management in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area.”

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “All money is not good money.”
• “Life is risky. Like waking up in the morning is risky.”
• “You have to step out of your comfort zone.”
• “I’m proud of you… I’m glad you got laid off.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lamar Tyler.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

To spotlight Lamar Tyler’s entrepreneurial journey, the growth of his platform Traffic, Sales & Profit (TSP), and to share actionable insights for Black entrepreneurs on building scalable, profitable businesses from side hustles.

🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Branding with Purpose

• Lamar emphasizes the importance of clear, relatable branding.
• His previous brand, Black and Married with Kids, succeeded because the name instantly resonated with its audience.
• Quote:

“If they can hear the name, they can see it and say, ‘Hey, that’s for me.’”

2. Side Hustle to Main Hustle

• Most Black entrepreneurs start businesses while working full-time jobs.
• Success requires treating the side hustle like a real business from day one.
• Quote:

“There is no perfect time. The time to get started is now.”

3. Consistency & Growth

• TSP’s first event in 2016 had only 47 attendees, half of whom came for free.
• Growth came from consistency and listening to the community.
• Quote:

“Sometimes all you need is confirmation.”

4. Customer Experience & Branding

• Inspired by Disney’s “unexpected touchpoints,” Lamar expanded branding beyond the event space to include the hotel exterior and even airport baggage claim.
• Quote:

“We brand everything from the lobby to the pool… to make it feel like home.”

5. Faith & Execution

• Faith plays a central role in Lamar’s business philosophy.
• He encourages entrepreneurs to act on the opportunities they pray for.
• Quote:

“You pray to get the opportunity, now you want to do all the work too.”

6. Scaling vs. Growing

• Growth increases revenue and expenses; scaling increases revenue without proportional expense growth.
• TSP Scale is a new event focused on helping businesses reach this level.
• Quote:

“Scale is where the real money comes in.”

7. Lever-Driven Growth System

• Lamar outlines systems for:
  • Proposal processes
  • Upselling
  • Referral systems
  • Creating experiences that justify premium pricing
• Quote:

“If you create an experience around what you do, you can charge two, three, four times more.”

8. Platform & Community

• Lamar transitioned from doing all the speaking to empowering others in his community.
• He believes in giving others a platform to grow.
• Quote:

“Too many artists try to hold on too tight… and miss out on the blessing.”

🌟 Notable Guests & Surprises at TSP Events

• Surprise appearances by Magic Johnson, Issa Rae, Master P, Jermaine Dupri, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
• Quote:

“If you want to be it, you need to see it.”

📍 Event Details

• New Event: TSP Scale
• Location: Atlanta Westin Gwinnett, Gwinnett County, GA
• Website: TSPScale.com

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Harvey Morning Show Online: http://www.steveharveyfm.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.