“Nobody has poverty on their vision board”, Health and Human Services leader Dr Alicia M. Johnson states on this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked. Yet we still find ourselves in a society with Black people experiencing poverty at a much higher rate than the white population, and they’re passing that poverty down to their children. So in this episode, host Dr Janelle Williams talks with Dr Alicia M. Johnson and economic justice activist Jessica Norwood about where Black poverty comes from and what we can and should do to prevent it.

Jessica tells her story of growing up poor in Alabama and shares her observations on how Black people are excluded from the virtuous circle of intergenerational wealth. The conversation turns to how historic segregation impacts society today, particularly in the southern United States, and how the examples of Black exceptionalism can hold back Black advancement. Listen out for the guests’ thoughts on reparations and how community-based wealth creation models could help tackle racial poverty.  

Despite discussing poverty, inequality and racism, this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked is still uplifting and joyful, as you’ll hear in the guests’ final thoughts. If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend. 


Connect with Alicia M. Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciajohnson1/
Connect with Jessica Norwood on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norwoodjessica/

Buy Jessica Norwood’s book: https://www.jessicanorwood.com/book/

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

One statistic stands out in this conversation because it represents the work that the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative has set itself: currently, 2 million Black households in the American South have zero net worth. With its rebranding into Kindred Futures and a team of experts walking arm-in-arm towards the same goal, the AWBI wants to change that. Tune into this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked to find out how. 

In this second part of the conversation between Dr Janelle Williams and social justice advocate Tene Traylor, they lift the lid on why the AWBI will become Kindred Futures and what the new name means for them and their mission. Listen in as they discuss the need to create shared wealth in the Black community and what they want to achieve within the next five years, including what they would like the conversation around Kindred Futures to be.

As Tene states in this episode, the work that Kindred Futures will engage in isn’t just head work, it’s heart work. As such, it requires support from a community of people who share the vision of creating freedom through shared wealth in the Black community. If this is your vision too, you can show your support by subscribing to the Black Wealth Unlocked podcast and by making a donation to the AWBI through the links below. 


Resources: 

Read the AWBI Beloved Economies report: https://www.atlantawealthbuilding.org/building-a-beloved-economy-a-baseline-and-framework-for-building-black-wealth-in-atlanta

Connect with Tene Traylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tene-traylor-26ba124/

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

“When we think about success, it’s so easy to be seduced by the outliers. And the outliers are really important. But we need to think about ‘How do we move the mean?’” On this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, Dr Janelle Williams talks with philanthropist and social justice advocate Tene Traylor about soul work and building a better future for America’s Black communities, in Atlanta and beyond. 

Tene breaks down the problem with focussing effort and attention on the ‘Talented Ten’ instead of the ‘Talented Ninety’ in the Black community and underlines why we need to work on creating shared wealth as opposed to individual wealth. Listen out for Dr Janelle’s North Star goal for Tene unpacking why now is the time to make societal changes. 

This conversation is so important and thought-provoking that it’s been split into two parts, with the second half featuring a deep dive on what’s next for Kindred Futures. Subscribe to the Black Wealth Unlocked podcast to get notified as soon as the next episode is available.  

Resources: 

• Read the AWBI Beloved Economies report: https://www.atlantawealthbuilding.org/building-a-beloved-economy-a-baseline-and-framework-for-building-black-wealth-in-atlanta 
• Connect with Tene Traylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tene-traylor-26ba124/

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

Your business can’t thrive in isolation. If you want to grow your revenue and make strategic decisions about the future, you need support and advice from people in the know. That’s what you can expect to find if you join an organization like the Atlanta Black Chambers, the Atlanta Business League, or the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network. On this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, host Kim Addie talks to three Black titans of business about building a business ecosystem and what the future holds for the Black-owned businesses of Atlanta.

Leona Barr-Davenport, Elizabeth Wilson, and Melvin M. Coleman explain what they do in their organizations to support Black entrepreneurship and what attracted them to this work in the first place. Then they share the achievements they’re most proud of and the reason why, although their organizations have similar objectives, they’re not in competition with each other. Listen out for their advice for new entrepreneurs which is great for any new business owner who’s feeling like they didn’t know what they were letting themselves in for!

You can catch more conversations on Black business and Black success by subscribing to the AWBI YouTube channel. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a business owner in your life.


Resources: 

• Atlanta Black Chambers: https://atlantablackchambers.org/
• Atlanta Business League: https://atlantabusinessleague.org/
• Georgia Micro Enterprise Network: https://gmen.org/
• Find out more about the Atlanta Business League’s 40th Annual Super Tuesday Conference: https://atlantabusinessleague.org/our-events/events-at-a-glance/
• Find out more about the Atlanta Black Chambers chairing the Global Opportunities conference: https://goglobalconference.com/

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

Atlanta is a hub for so many amazing Black-owned businesses that play a crucial role in their communities, but even the most beloved institutions can fail. AWBI commissioned a study into Black-owned businesses and how we can support them and the results are in: Black-owned businesses are the future for the Black community, but only if we act to help them. 

Jarryd Bethea, Senior Research Associate at AWBI, unpacks the data that shows a positive link between Black-owned businesses in a neighborhood and increased child well-being in that same area. He also explains why the numbers don’t capture the full picture of what Black-owned businesses look like in Atlanta. Then the conversation moves onto the challenges that Black-owned businesses in today’s business environment, from rent hikes to lack of access to capital. Stay tuned to the end to hear about how you can help to support your favorite local Black-owned business. 

If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe to the AWBI YouTube channel and share this video with people in your community who need to see it. Comment below with the name of a Black-owned business you’re proud to support!

Resources: 

• AWBI Annual Report 2023: 
  • https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e4f266c0482c41080c9774b/t/667d7503db74c2249478b2ff/1719497991346/ABWI_2023AnnualReport_FINAL_compressed.pdf
• Lending Tree report:
  • https://www.lendingtree.com/business/small/black-owned-businesses-study/
• Connect with Jarryd Betha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrydbethea/
• Connect with Alex Camardelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-camardelle-ph-d-569b2b40/

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

Welcome to the last episode of the series: The South has something to say! In this thought-provoking episode, host Dr. Janelle Williams is joined by esteemed guests Tamieka Mosley from GrantMakers for Southern Progress, Kelly Burton from Black Innovation Alliance, and April Albright from Black Voters Matter, as they delve deep into the importance of collective power, shared experiences, and the assault on Black communities within the diaspora.

Our guest speakers share their personal journeys and experiences, highlighting the power of grassroots organizing and using the law to fight for justice. They touch upon landmark cases, such as the Black farmers' lawsuit, where reparations were not fully attained but progress was made in reclaiming land taken from them.

The discussion also reveals the powerful connection between economic empowerment and political participation, showcasing the transformational impact of providing mortgages to Black communities. Our guests stress the importance of understanding the historical movements for independence and supporting nations fighting for wealth-building policies.

Join us on this eye-opening journey as we uncover the struggles, victories, and ongoing fight for Black liberation and economic justice in the South and beyond. Stay tuned to Black Wealth Unlocked to unlock Black wealth and explore the solutions, strategies, and initiatives that can create a fair and just democracy.

Don’t miss this powerful episode on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and YouTube. Subscribe now to be part of the movement for change!

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

Join host Kim Addie, Vice president of Strategy and Impact at the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, and special guest Harriett Williams, co-founder and Vice President of the Village Micro Fund, as they delve into the transformative power of partnerships in building and empowering Black businesses. In this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, you’ll discover how Village Micro Fund is bridging the gap in investments for underserved communities and providing creative financial solutions.

Harriett shares the inspiring story of Westview Pizza Kitchen, the first business that Village Micro Fund supported through a crowdfunded loan. Learn how this loan allowed the business to purchase a pizza oven, increasing its efficiency and transforming the lives of its owners. Harriett emphasizes the significant impact that business ownership has on families, communities, and future generations.

Together, Kim and Harriett explore the importance of trust and meaningful relationships in empowering communities. They discuss the urgent need to address the predicted decline in Black families net worth and the innovative community wealth-building practices that can reverse this trend.

Understand the power of education, capital, and support in enabling Black entrepreneurs to build generational wealth. Through Village Micro Fund's comprehensive cohort program, over 300 businesses have received funding, consultation, and the opportunity to pitch their ideas. 

Join us as we uncover the power of partnership in driving change, empowering communities, and creating a legacy of lasting wealth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about supporting Black businesses and building a more equitable future.

Tune in to Black Wealth Unlocked on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for this empowering conversation with Kim Addie and Harriett Williams as they explore the untapped potential of partnership in creating generational wealth within Black communities.

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

Join host Dr. Janelle Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI), and guest Dr. Alex Camardelle, AWBI VP of Research and Policy, as they delve into the concept of Black wealth and its significance for the Black community. In this thought-provoking episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative's groundbreaking podcast, they explore how wealth equates to freedom and liberation, along with the role that data and public policy play in shaping Black wealth outcomes. 

With a focus on the structural determinants of Black community wealth, AWBI aims to dismantle systemic racism and empower individuals to live freely. They discuss the power that transforming the economic landscape and protecting democracy has in the struggle to build Black wealth, while emphasizing the need for race explicit solutions to combat historic discrimination.  

Janelle and Alex also explore the dynamic and diverse meaning of Black wealth, and how it is vital to create better outcomes for Black communities. Through this episode, discover how Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative is working towards building Black wealth by amplifying community voices, challenging policymakers and philanthropy, and rewriting existing policies and practices.  

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube as Black Wealth Unlocked brings you another captivating episode centered around building Black wealth and rewriting the narrative of racial injustice.

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com

Welcome to a captivating episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, proudly presented by the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative (AWBI). In this episode, AWBI CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Dr. Janelle Williams invites a special guest, co-founder of AWBI, Tené Traylor, to the mic for an intimate conversation about the genesis, growth, and the future of AWBI.

Join us as Janelle and Tené traverse the remarkable journey of AWBI including the organization's birth during the challenging times such as the pandemic and civil unrest, its unwavering commitment to Black empowerment, and its profound impact on communities in Atlanta and beyond.

Janelle and Tené also discuss the future of the AWBI and its mission to redefine wealth for Black communities, focusing on shared prosperity as the cornerstone of its vision.

Subscribe to Black Wealth Unlocked on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and be sure to watch the full episode on YouTube to stay connected with our collective progress, ignite change, and build a brighter tomorrow.

Join the movement, unlock the wealth, and let's build a thriving future together!

Connect with Kindred Futures:

• Website: https://kindredfutures.org/media/podcast/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kindredfutures
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kindred_Futures
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kindredfutures

Audio & Video Production by Adode Media www.adodemedia.com