“#BrothersWithNoGame follows the social and romantic lives of four friends: Theo, Dorian, Junior and Marcus. Facing a ‘quarter-life crisis’, the 20-somethings come to terms with the responsibilities and dilemmas that revolve around work, family, friendships and most notably, women. Their distinctive personalities and ever-changing love lives are paralleled with a strong friendship and one evident, common, trait…they have no game”
These 10 fast-growing, private companies are led by black entrepreneurs, most of whom are forging a decisive path in the government services industry.
These 10 fast-growing, private companies are led by black entrepreneurs, most of whom are forging a decisive path working with the government. Many take lessons they learned in the military and apply them to running a successful business. –Abigail Tracy
Integrated Finance and Accounting Solutions (IFAS) Woodbridge, Va. No. 705 2011 Revenue: $4.1 million Three-Year Growth: 501% A former financial officer in the military, Tabatha Turman always envisioned herself as her own boss and became a consultant right after her service. She took the next big step in 2007 when she launched IFAS, which uses finance and accounting strategies to help companies build business models. She has commercial and government clients, including the U.S. Air force. “I needed to do what the army had trained me to do,” says Turman. “Provide services to the war fighter and the federal government.”
Team Henry Enterprises Newport News, Va. No. 688 2011 Revenue: $10.6 million Three-Year Growth: 517% Devon Henry has always had the entrepreneurial itch: “It started out small, but before I knew it—it was a rash,” he jokes. In 2006, Henry founded Team Henry Enterprises, a multi-disciplinary contracting firm specializing in construction management and environmental, marine, and emergency response services. To him, operating as a team has been one of the most important determinants of his company’s success.
Lux Consulting Silver Spring, Md. No. 649 2011 Revenue: $12.3 million Three-Year Growth: 561% Back in 1999, Leonard Boyd first started his company with eyes on the music industry. Since its inception, Lux Consulting Group, which previously ranked No. 630 on the 2011 Inc. 5000 list, has evolved to IT and grants management to federal agencies. “A company takes on your identity and as your company grows so does your influence,” says Boyd. “You need to make sure that that influence is consistent with who you really are.”
Concepts and Strategies Washington, D.C. No. 613 2011 Revenue: $20 million Three-Year Growth: 598% Jason Hinton always saw himself as an attorney, and even worked in litigation for a few years. Eventually Hinton became frustrated by the limitations of the industry and opted for starting his own business working with the U.S. government. Launched in 2005, Concepts and Strategies specializes in research and providing communications strategies and services to government agencies and non-government organizations—both domestically and internationally.
Wellness Corporate Solutions Cabin John, Md. No. 535 2011 Revenue: $4.8 million Three-Year Growth: 719% After taking a few years off from business to stay with her children, Fiona Gathright was itching to get back into the entrepreneurial game and in 2004 founded Wellness Corporate Solutions, which designs health screenings, risk assessments, wellness challenges, and exercise and weight loss programs. “What really keeps me going is that I actually think we are making a difference in this country,” says Gathright.
Network Solutions Provider El Segundo, Calif. No. 376 2011 Revenue: $6.1 million Three-Year Growth: 1,001% Phillip Walker founded Network Solutions Provider, which ranked No. 297 on the 2011 Inc. 5000 list, in 2005. The company acts as a telecommunications or IT integrator—bringing all the different aspects of telecommunications together. Knowing that Network Solutions Provider will never be able to beat other competitors in marketing and advertising, Walker focuses on service and cutting IT costs for customers. “I created a company not only to sell products, but to fill in the gaps as well,” he says.
Verdi Consulting McLean, Va. No. 322 2011 Revenue: $4.2 million Three-Year Growth: 1,181% Mariama Levy never imagined herself as an entrepreneur, but in 2002, she founded Verdi Consulting. The company, which moves up the list from No. 409 last year, provides auditing, federal accounting, and systems support to large companies. Surprised at her own success, Levy keeps her “small but nimble” company growing through unrelenting hard work. “As a small business owner, you are always working,” says Levy. “Nothing is impossible, you just have to get it done.”
Careers In Transition Tucker, Ga. No. 247 2011 Revenue: $ 5.2 million Three-Year Growth: 1,500% After years of working within companies and creating unusual programs, Indigo Johnson developed entrepreneurial skills and, in 1995, founded her own company—Careers In Transition. The company offers training, staff augmentation and project management to federal agencies, universities, and corporations. “Getting to this point in my career was a progression and it was never planned,” says Johnson. “There were a lot of stumbling blocks along the way but I learned from them.”
Rapier Solutions Matthews, N.C. No. 142 2011 Revenue: $3.6 million Three-Year Growth: 2,336% While on active duty, William Bailey decided he wanted to start an IT company. So after 13 years on active duty and 13 years in the reserves, Bailey founded Rapier Solutions in 2002—a consulting and outsourcing company for information technology and logistics services. Veterans like Bailey make up 50% of Rapier’s workers.
JMA Solutions Washington, D.C. No. 128 2011 Revenue: $10.6 million Three-Year Growth: 2,546% After 23 years of service in the Air force, Janice Adams went into the consulting business and in 2003 founded her own company, JMA Solutions, which provides financial management, IT service, and systems and concept engineering to the federal government. The service-disabled vet credits her military experience with her management skills. She works with a team of fellow veterans and describes JMA solutions as a family. The company dropped from its No. 45 rank on the 2011 Inc. 5000 list.
So apparently a Black couple wanted to get married in an all-white church in Mississippi. They had the date set, sent out invitations, and all of that. However at the last minute, the church’s pastor told them that it was a no go.
Despite sending out invitations and setting a date, a black couple in Mississippi say that they were denied the opportunity to have their wedding at a local church because of their race. Charles and Te’Andrea Wilson told local NBC news station WLBT that pastor Stan Weatherford of First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs told them that his parishioners were “pitching a fit” about their color.
“The church congregation had decided no black could be married at that church, and that if he went on to marry her, then they would vote him out the church,” said Charles Wilson.
The Wilsons were trying to get married at the predominantly white First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs — a church they attend regularly, but are not members of.
“He had people in the sanctuary that were pitching a fit about us being a black couple,” said Te’Andrea Wilson. “I didn’t like it at all, because I wasn’t brought up to be racist. I was brought up to love and care for everybody.”
The church’s pastor, Dr. Stan Weatherford, says he was taken by surprise by what he calls a small minority against the black marriage at the church.
“This had never been done before here, so it was setting a new precedent, and there are those who reacted to that because of that,” said Weatherford.
Now maybe it is the smart dude in me, but I am guessing that this couple should have seen it coming. At no point they felt discriminated against? I am sure it was little clues here and there to make them see the light. But for whatever reason the Wilsons chose to ignore them. Then they look all surprised when at the last minute the church pulled the plug. Mr and Mrs Wilson, racism is still alive and kicking, and from the looks of it it is doing Judo down in Mississippi. My advice for you two is to find a spot that will let you praise God without judging you by your skin. They are out there, just make sure you pay attention to the clues put forth.
Let me make this clear off top…. I am not an Eric Benet fan. Nothing against dude at all, but he just ain’t what I would pop in when it is chill time with my lady friend. It could be possible that my lack of interest goes back to the fact that the homie used to walk around bare-footed. Not sure, and don’t care. I understand non-interest. But with all of that being said, people are tripping about his new song called Redbone Girl.
“Redbone girl…. you came and you changed my world. Just like in the movies!”
If everyone was mad about the fact that the song is horrible I would nod my head in agreement and keep it moving. If the point of discussion was how wack Lil Wayne sounded, I would have shut my mouth and thought to each it’s own. But the matter of discussion seems to be focused on the fact that Eric Benet decided to sing his ode to one particular “light-skinned” lady. Like for real? Is there not anything else to pout about Black America?
A few facts we must look into before everyone gets their undies in a bunch.
Now if Eric would have said all I love is light-skinned women y’all dark ones ain’t shit!! I would sympathized with everyone’s story. But for a man to sing about redbones and everyone getting mad is a perfect example of the ignorant self-hatred that has plagued us since the “house-nigga”/”field-nigga” days. I thought Spike Lee told us to wake up with School Daze? We still tripping.? Yeah Eric Bent likes redbones. Who doesn’t? Hell I like them also. But I also like blackbones, whitebowns, brownbones, tanbones, purplebones, pancakebones, etcbones. I love womenbones and I am sure Eric Benet as well, and so does every other man who doesn’t have a complex of some sort.
The deeper problem here is our self-hate that equates the closer the skin is to white the more beautiful it looks. WRONG! That shit been out of style since Al B. Sure. Ninja…A-A-AL B. Sure!! Real people in the community don’t care about skin tones as much as some people think they should. You can walk through any Black community and see all types of shades playing, spooning, grooving, laughing together. As a matter of fact you can walk into plenty of households and have a rainbow coalition of shades in any room at any given time. Black people come in all shades and hues, and some people may decide to sing about a particular shade from time to time. No harm, no foul.
The bigger issue that should be addressed is the hypocritical hate that permeates the community. On one hand we get upset because Eric Benet sings a tune about a light-skinned woman, BUT we talk about Baby Blue because she has features from her father (big nose and lips). Word…..
What we need to have a focused effort on is making sure that with all this “redbone” love the jerry-curl doesn’t make a triumphant return.
How’s this for a little Black History…
Not sure who the photographer is…but it’s classic by UML standards 
The visionary behind the Soul Train Franchise was found dead this morning at his home in California from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Don Cornelius changed the face of television and the industry of music by creating a TV show specifically for the black audience. Prior to Soul Train, there was no such music programming on television. Soul Train, which first aired in Chicago (locally) in 1970, quickly became a popular platform for the hottest Soul/R&B artists. The show aired nationally from 1971-206. Not only did it introduce many of the top artists to television, but it also showcased the “Hip” culture of Black America. While performers such as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Barry White graced the stage, viewers could also enjoy watching teenagers dressed in the latest fashions groovin’ to the music. It was like a Saturday morning House party with top notch entertainment…and everyone was invited. Mr. Cornelius will always be remembered for his contributions to music, TV, and Black culture. UML salutes you.
My girlfriend is a sucker for holiday movies. Every season she pops in the same dvd’s or watches the same Lifetime movies as she did the day before. I wouldn’t be surprised if she could provide the captions to some of the flicks. The other night she popped in the movie “This Christmas” with Chris Brown and them. While she sat there with her holiday mood in full swing, I kind of laughed to myself about how predictable the movie was. Not saying it was a bad movie, it actually hit the spot. But it reminded me of countless other Black movies made after Love Jones.
Bounce TV is coming September 26th to a local channel near you. What is so good about Bounce TV you ask? Well it is the first over-the-air Black network. We have other channels catered to African-Americans, but none of them are free. And for the love of JJ Evans, I hope this network is the real deal and not some slapstick after school special.
Most likely I won’t have anything to worry about judging by it’s opening week line-up; A Raisin In The Sun, School Daze and The Wiz.
Beau Pillet says the station will feature hundreds of movies, shows, documentaries and inspirational faith-based programs.
“Along with a lot of sports, like the CIAA, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, which is the oldest black athletic league in the nation,” Pillet said.
The network was founded by a group, including U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young and Martin Luther King III.
“I mean, it’s a unique network for the entire nation. It’s the first ever over the air broadcast television network programmed for African American audiences,” Pillet said.
As of now Bounce TV will be available in these markets.
State |
Market |
Station |
Channel[10] |
Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Birmingham | WBRC | 6.2 | Raycom Media |
| Alabama | Dothan | WDFX-TV | 34.2 | Raycom Media |
| Alabama | Huntsvile | WAFF | 48.3 | Raycom Media |
| Alabama | Mobile | WFNA | 55.2 | LIN TV Corporation |
| Alabama | Montgomery | WSFA | 12.3 | Raycom Media |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | KARZ-TV | 42.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| California | Fresno | KVHF-LD | 4.2 | Cocola Broadcasting |
| Connecticut | Hartford | WTNH | 8.2 | LIN TV Corporation |
| Florida | Jacksonville | WCWJ | 17.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Florida | West Palm Beach | WFLX | 29.2 | Raycom Media |
| Georgia | Albany | WALB | 10.3 | Raycom Media |
| Georgia | Atlanta | WATL[11] | 36.3 | Gannett Company |
| Georgia | Augusta | WFXG | 54.3 | Raycom Media |
| Georgia | Columbus | WTVM | 9.2 | Raycom Media |
| Georgia | Savannah | WTOC-TV | 11.2 | Raycom Media |
| Kansas | Wichita | KGPT-CA | 49.1 | Great Plains Television |
| Kentucky | Louisville | WAVE | 3.3 | Raycom Media |
| Illinois | Chicago | WWME-CA[12] | 23.2 | Weigel Broadcasting |
| Illinois | Peoria | WMBD-TV | 31.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Illinois | Rockford | WQRF-TV | 39.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | WISH-TV | 8.3 | LIN TV Corporation |
| Louisiana | Baton Rouge | WAFB | 9.2 | Raycom Media |
| Louisiana | Lake Charles | KPLC | 7.2 | Raycom Media |
| Louisiana | Monroe | KARD | 14.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Louisiana | Shreveport | KSLA-TV | 12.3 | Raycom Media |
| Mississippi | Biloxi | WLOX | 13.2 | Raycom Media |
| Mississippi | Jackson | WLBT | 3.2 | Raycom Media |
| Mississippi | Laurel/Hattiesburg | WDAM-TV | 7.3 | Raycom Media |
| Missouri | Kansas City | KSMO-TV[13] | 62.2 | Meredith Corporation |
| Nevada | Las Vegas | KGNG-LD | 47.3 | King Kong Broadcasting |
| New York | Rochester | WROC-TV | 8.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| North Carolina | Charlotte | WBTV | 3.3 | Raycom Media |
| North Carolina | Greenville | WYDO | 14.2 | Bonten Media |
| North Carolina | Wilmington | WECT | 6.2 | Raycom Media |
| Ohio | Cincinnati | WXIX | 19.3 | Raycom Media |
| Ohio | Cleveland | WUAB | 43.3 | Raycom Media |
| Ohio | Columbus | W23BZ-D | 23.1 | Guardian Television Network, Inc. |
| Ohio | Dayton | WBDT | 26.2 | LIN TV Corporation |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | WMCN-TV[13] | 44.2 | Lenfest Broadcasting |
| South Carolina | Charleston | WCSC-TV | 5.3 | Raycom Media |
| South Carolina | Columbia | WIS | 10.3 | Raycom Media |
| South Carolina | Myrtle Beach | WMBF-TV | 32.2 | Raycom Media |
| Tennessee | Memphis | WMC-TV | 5.2 | Raycom Media |
| Texas | Abilene | KRBC-TV | 9.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Texas | Beaumont | KBTV-TV | 4.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Texas | Houston | KHOU | 11.3 | Belo Corporation |
| Texas | Lubbock | KAMC-TV | 28.2 | Mission Broadcasting Group |
| Texas | San Angelo | KSAN-TV | 3.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Texas | Tyler/Lufkin | KLTV KTRE |
7.4 9.3 |
Raycom Media |
| Texas | Wichita Falls | KJTL | 18.2 | Nexstar Broadcasting Group |
| Virginia | Norfolk | WVBT | 43.2 | LIN TV Corporation |
| Virginia | Richmond | WUPV | 65.2 | Raycom Media |
| Wisconsin | Milwaukee | WBME-TV[12] | 49.3 | Weigel Broadcasting |
For the first time in a few decades, middle and high school students in New York will learn about sex in school. Things such as putting on condoms, birth control, STD’s, will be explained to the little bright-eyed students.
The new mandate is part of a broader strategy the Bloomberg administration announced last week to improve the lives of black and Latino teenagers. According to city statistics, those teenagers are far more likely than their white counterparts to have unplanned pregnancies and contract sexually transmitted diseases.
“It’s obviously something that applies to all boys and all girls,” said Linda I. Gibbs, the deputy mayor for health and human services. “But when we look at the biggest disadvantages that kids in our city face, it is blacks and Latinos that are most affected by the consequences of early sexual behavior and unprotected sex.”
The change will bring a measure of cohesion to a patchwork system of programs largely chosen by school principals.
It will also bring to New York the roiling national debate about what, exactly, schools should teach students about sex.
Nationwide, one in four teenagers between 2006 and 2008 learned about abstinence without receiving any instruction in schools about contraceptive methods, according to an analysis by the Guttmacher Institute, which studies reproductive health. As of January, 20 states and the District of Columbia mandated sex and H.I.V. education in schools. An additional 12 states, New York included, required H.I.V. education only, according to a policy paper published by the institute.
Do you think it is the school’s responsibilty to teach students about knocking boots, or should it come from parents? What’s your take Moguls?
