Nicole Taylor

While it’s cold for small businesses in general in today’s economy when it comes to access to capital, for Black-owned businesses it’s freezing. The numbers are startling. Kudos to my client PuffCuff and its founder Ceata Lash for sharing this story and for her resolve and determination to keep pushing forward despite extraordinary obstacles. We see you Ceata; but I challenge all of us to do one better. For all of us who talk about supporting and loving Black-owned and women-owned businesses, let’s all make sure that we buy a PuffCuff today and put our money where our heart is. If we don’t support us, who will? “In the Atlanta area, Black-owned firms raised a record-high $467 million in 2021, which dropped to about $110 million a year later and only $23 million last year, according to Crunchbase. That 79% decline from 2022 to 2023 is twice that of the general overall decline in VC funding.” #puffcuff #ceatalash #blackownedbusiness #blackenterprise #venturecapital #entrepreneur #smallbusiness

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    Black people (Hispanic and Latinos) and NY need to wake up to what is said about them when they are not around and sometimes in the media. These things are not slip-ups all the time. It's embarrassing that people would vote for people who think so low of them.              “Right now, we have young Black kids growing up in the Bronx who don’t even know what the word computer is. They don’t know, they don’t know these things,” Hochul said while on stage at the Milken Institute Global Conference. Biden said   "Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids' Lyndon Johnson purportedly said, “I’ll have them n****rs voting Democrat for 200 years.” "There's no question that Lyndon Johnson, despite championing the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and signing it into law, was also a sometimes racist and notorious vulgarian who rarely shied away from using the N-word in private. For example, he reportedly referred to the Civil Rights Act of 1957 as the "n***ger bill" in more than one private phone conversation with Senate colleagues. And he reportedly said upon appointing African-American judge Thurgood Marshall to the Supreme Court, "Son, when I appoint a nigger to the court, I want everyone to know he's a n **ger." #newyork #kathyhochul #democrats #republicans #politics #racism #biden #trump #elections #election2024 #veterans #military #police https://lnkd.in/gW4-Dqmu     

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PART 2: GOVERNOR WES MOORE'S MIGHTY PEN MAKES HISTORY PARDONING DECADES OF WRONGFUL MARIJUANA-RELATED CONVICTIONS AGAINST BLACK MARYLANDERS This issue has been troublesome to me as well! Why would we want to continue to criminalize already marginalized communities. As Gov. Moore said and I also agree with him continuing to lock up people when there are businesses legally selling Cannabis. It made no sense to keep imprisoning the majority of African Americans. Maryland passed a law last year that legalizes adult recreational cannabis. It is one of 24 states, plus the District of Columbia, where adult recreational use of cannabis cannot be criminalized. As Gov. Moore said, decriminalization of marijuana can never make up for the decades of bad policies of wrongful injustices suffered by marginalized communities. We have to rectify and make amends for decades of over policing and CRIMINALIZING Black and Brown communities of color in the state of Maryland. Moore said, people that were arrested some 40 years ago still have these convictions on there records. This makes everything harder for them obtaining employment, housing and education. A report in June of 2013 released by the ACLU stated, marijuana in Black and White: Billions of Dollars Wasted on Racially Biased Arrests was the first ever to examine state and county marijuana arrest rates nationally by race. What’s next? According to NPR, In Maryland many people who are eligible to have their record changed do not have to take any action: the Maryland Judiciary located the cases using its digital records, and it will now begin updating those records, in a process that should take one or two weeks, according to Moore’s office.

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The recent push back against DEI is yet another case of the political pendulum shifting. DEI was a response to Black Lives Matter that took root following the murder of George Floyd in May of 2020. While the intent of DEI was to redress systemic racial discrimination, almost four years later, it has yet to fulfill its promises of equity and inclusion. At the same time DEI is becoming politically divisive. It’s little wonder that push back is gearing up both in the US and somewhat more slowly in Canada. Part of DEI’s fundamental dilemma is moving from pure theory to working practice. As the general public increasingly becomes aware that DEI job placements purposely exclude non-racialized applicants, push back increases. The essential problem that DEI poses is one of reverse discrimination. That occurs when job postings expressly exclude specific categories of applicants typically for reasons of gender, race or ethnicity. Whenever that occurs excluded job applicants may seek redress in the courts or before Human Rights Tribunals. That DEI runs counter to Human Rights Codes is inherently problematic. The unintended by-product of DEI is hiring of job applicants who have neither the best possible education or training nor the best work place credentials. Absent a level playing field which is open and fair to all applicants DEI can satisfy its diversity objective only at the expense of equity and inclusion. This should not be unexpected. The philosophical underpinnings of DEI lie in a belief in equality of results, not in equality of opportunity. It is a philosophy that is rejected in liberal, merit based societies. For DEI to work fairly, all employment postings would need to be open to all applicants without discrimination. Secondly, a neutral point system would need to be implemented. The applicant with the highest score ought to be hired. In the event of a tie, a minority candidate sharing the highest score should be offered the position provided that the employer has under employed minorities based on demographic statistics. Practical changes though preferential would be defensible public policy. All of which reminds us that pure theory that lacks fair, workable criteria will cause more problems than it resolves.

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According to available data, women in the US get access to less than 3% of all venture capital awarded in the US with Black women getting an even smaller portion of that pittance at somewhere less than a full percentage point of all dollars invested. So, what do we have to do to pursue any level of parity, equity or justice in this situation? The most direct way; get more money into the hands of Black women. Full STOP. There are a lot of other interventions at play, like the improved policy frameworks that CAE are working on as shared below, but this is the fastest way. Give Black women the money to build their businesses and get out of the way. Let's be clear, the only thing being pursued here is a balancing of opportunity and access to resources. That requires an acknowledgment that all humans are worthy of safety, economic security, agency, autonomy, vibrancy and joy. Anti-racism isn't anti-white. Feminism isn't anti-male. Inclusion doesn't seek to exclude those who already have access or belonging. Equity doesn't seek to set anyone with built advantages further behind, only allow everyone a chance to catch up. We can do better, y'all. We simply have to choose to do so.

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Ron Jordan is absolutely right. We cannot afford to grow weary in pushing for diversity in the legal profession. We cannot grow complacent. For me, it's not enough to help underrepresented students gain access to a legal education if they won't be able to get hired and become the changemakers we need them to be in both the public sector and the corporate legal world. We need to make sure that there are more of us not just getting a seat at the corporate law table, but eventually growing to lead the charge. We know that firms have certain pressures from their clients to hire from select schools, but at the same time, data shows that "for schools that placed 20 or more attorneys at top 200 firms in 2019, the average success rate was 53 percent. This means that 47 percent of new attorney hires exited their firm before the three-year mark." We hope that this kind of data helps create a case for firms to be more open to strong, top-of-class graduates, even if they do not go to top law schools. (Source: https://lnkd.in/e9y-SJY9) At Barrier Breakers®, Inc., we are actively trying to support our students and our larger community of diverse current law school students by partnering with firms through our Career Fair & Firm Matching Program. We interview and match diverse students with law firms, according to firm criteria, to help them see candidates they may otherwise have overlooked. We know that there is a wealth of talent in our students, and we're hoping that more firms will work with us and take an active stance in increasing diversity in the legal profession. You can find more about our Break into Law Conference Career Fair & Firm Matching Program here: https://lnkd.in/eXAdHRpW

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🎙️ The wait is over! We're excited to announce our latest podcast episode featuring David J. Kirschner, Justice of the New York State Supreme Court in Queens County. Don't miss out on "𝐉𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞'𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐯𝐬 𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬" available now at: https://lnkd.in/ePY6Qipv 🔍 Hosted by Christopher Mines from LearnFormula, this episode explores the nuanced differences between bench and jury trials, offering valuable insights from both judicial and practitioner perspectives. From strategic decision-making to presentation techniques, we uncover the essential considerations that shape trial outcomes. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞: 🎯 Strategic Decision-Making: Factors influencing trial type selection and statistical insights on trial frequency. 📝 Preparation and Approach: Tailoring strategies for bench versus jury trials, considering audience dynamics and attorney presentation styles. 📜 Presentation of Evidence: Examining differences in evidence presentation and legal arguments and their impact on trial progression. ⚖️ Plea Bargains and Trial Dynamics: Strategies and likelihood of plea bargains in bench versus jury trials. 👥 Role of Jurors and Judges: Managing juror perceptions and gaining insights into judges' perspectives on trial management. 📑 Legal Formalities: Procedural differences in bench and jury trials, including opening statements, objections, and motion arguments. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion! Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of trial dynamics and enhance your litigation strategy. #LearnFormula #CLE #LegalInsights #USLaw #TrialStrategy

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CALL FOR CHAPTER PROPOSALS: I am pleased to announce a call for proposals for contributions to an edited volume tentatively titled "Black in The Ivory: Maneuvering the Academy in Our Own Words." This volume aims to explore the experiences of current Black doctoral students and doctoral graduates in navigating the challenges of doctoral education, tackling issues of representation, support systems, and systemic barriers. This volume seeks to share the experiences of current Black doctoral students and graduates. Please share with your networks! #BlackGraduates #BlackDoctoralStudents #HigherEducation #FirstGeneration

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https://lnkd.in/gUxZmJq4 Racism is abnormal, evil and inhuman. Let's Stop, Eradicate, Discourage,Condemn, Punish, Enlighten and Talk about our ugly past. Please watch the movies: "The Bankers". #racismisevilandinhuman #letsstoperaducatediscouragecondemnandpunishracism.

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Political Tokens The perspective that African American leadership has shifted towards sports stars and that political figures like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris are considered "tokens" due to their biracial heritage and lack of direct ties to the historical African American experience of slavery and civil rights struggles is a critical reflection on the nature of racial representation and leadership in contemporary America. Critique of Political Representation Barack Obama's Presidency Critics argue that Barack Obama, despite being celebrated as the first Black president, did not fundamentally alter the conditions of many African Americans. They point out that his policies often did not specifically address the unique challenges faced by the African American community, such as systemic racism, police brutality, and economic disparities. This critique suggests that Obama's presidency, while symbolically significant, may have lacked the transformative impact on racial issues that some had hoped for. His biracial identity and upbringing by a white mother and grandparents are sometimes seen as distancing him from the historical and cultural experiences of African Americans descended from enslaved ancestors. Kamala Harris's Vice Presidency Similarly, Kamala Harris has faced scrutiny over her record as a prosecutor and her actions regarding criminal justice reform. Critics argue that her policies as California's attorney general were not always in favor of progressive reforms that would benefit the African American community, such as her stance on truancy laws that disproportionately affected Black families. Her mixed heritage and marriage to a white man are also pointed out by some as factors that might affect her identification with the African American struggle, questioning her authenticity as a representative of Black Americans. The Role of Sports Stars In contrast to political figures, sports stars have often been seen as more authentic and forceful advocates for African American rights and interests. Figures like LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick, and Serena Williams have used their platforms to directly confront issues of racial injustice, police brutality, and inequality. Their actions, such as Kaepernick's kneeling during the national anthem, have sparked national conversations about race and justice in ways that some feel Obama and Harris have not. This has led to a perception that sports figures, rather than politicians, are the true inheritors of the activist legacy of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The Dynamics of "Tokenism" The term "token" used in reference to Obama and Harris reflects a critical viewpoint that these figures were primarily symbolic, chosen to appease and assure a sense of progress without intending to enact significant changes that would challenge the existing racial order. This critique argues that their positions and policies did not adequately reflect or address African Americans .

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In today's Ellevate Network's Mobilize Women 👩🏾Summit 2024 on the topic of Harnessing Women's Economic Power, the recent ruling (https://lnkd.in/gPbiq5wP) against the Fearless Fund was discussed. Championing The Fearless Fund and the Legacy of Generational Wealth The recent court ruling regarding the Fearless Fund is more than just a legal setback; it's a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality in the entrepreneurial landscape. The Fearless Fund has been a beacon of hope and support for minority women-owned businesses, providing capital and the promise of generational wealth and security. Generational wealth is not merely about financial prosperity; it's about creating a legacy that transcends time, offering stability and opportunities for future generations. The Fearless Fund's commitment to fostering this wealth among African American women entrepreneurs is a testament to their vision of a more equitable future. Despite the challenges, the importance of organizations like the Fearless Fund cannot be overstated. They are the architects of a future where generational wealth is accessible to all, ensuring that the next generation inherits a foundation of financial security and empowerment. As we stand in support of the Fearless Fund, let's reaffirm our commitment to building a world where every entrepreneur has the chance to create a lasting legacy. Let's continue to fight for a society where generational wealth is not a privilege but a right for all. #GenerationalWealth #FinancialSecurity #WomenInBusiness #LegacyBuilding

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Unpopular opinion: Defending her dissertation after giving birth was a form of self care. I don’t disagree that the media loves to portray Black women as strong and invincible.. tropes that often do us more harm than good. At the same time, let’s not forget (1) self care and rest look different for everyone and (2) we have the autonomy to choose what’s best for us. For this woman, what if it was completing her dissertation hours after she gave birth? This is something she’s probably been working towards longer than her pregnancy, something she was already prepared for, something that was on her mental even while in labor. I could see how it’d be hard to shake that mental focus and preparation even when giving birth four weeks earlier than expected. Only SHE could determine how she was feeling that day. She said she was already mentally prepared. She assessed her options. She said she could do it and wanted to get it over with. She said she needed a nap, a meal, a shower and her laptop. She had the presence and support of her spouse and team. She decided to move forward. Let’s also remember that there is a mental element when it comes to rest. I would even argue that rest is more mental than it is physical. Because what kind of rest do you have when your body is still but your mind is racing? As someone who also just gave birth to baby number 2, I can tell y’all this: To truly have quality postpartum rest, to truly be present with a newborn and go through the emotional/mental/physical toll of healing while adjusting to a new family dynamic, your organs shifting, breastfeeding and adjusting to a new normal … I would imagine that no mother would want a DISSERTATION DEFENSE hanging over their head IF that didn’t have to be the case. I too would have wanted to get it done IF I had the chance and IF I was well enough to do it. Other women might choose differently because they would know whether such a task served their self care and rest needs. Which is their right. All in all, I get why the general response is “Black women don’t need to be this strong” because we don’t. I also trust that we (1) know what self care and rest look like for ourselves and (2) will make the best decisions for us accordingly. Black women are not a monolith and the way we practice self care shouldn’t be either. I’d love to know your thoughts 👇🏾 #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #selfcare

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In an Opinion piece in today's New Jersey Globe, NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz explains why and how NJ's top job creators are already paying well beyond their fair share of corporate taxes, how they struggle in regional and national competitiveness, and how the #njleg must reject a proposal to give them a massive $1-billion-plus hit. #dobetterforbusiness https://lnkd.in/embHmQS4

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Judges ruling against anonymous plaintiffs suing a company aimed at helping its own raises eyebrows. The data suggests those suing may be the ones in need of assistance. Black women supporting black women is crucial. “The panel also ruled that the plaintiffs, who were not identified by name” Anonymous bullies suing a company aimed at helping its own because data shows they are the ones who need help Black women helping black women. Remember, Black Wall Street was built because racists told us we could not have what they have and get it ourselves. So we went and built our own. And then the racists burned it down anyway. They many not be able to come in and burn it down in the same physical manner, but by abusing the power of law, the ideal is the same. History shows how systemic racism has tried to hinder progress, but resilience prevails. #BlackWomenSupportingBlackWomen #Resilience #Justice #SocialTalk #Faculty #Professor #afroamerican #CRT #americanhistory #ushistory #banned #criticalracetheory #Blackpeople #Black #blackhistory #historylovers #DoddsEducates #dei #diversitymatters #UnitedStates #USA #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #Polialertcom #segregation #intergration #Education #FearlessFund

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