The National Business League, National Medical Association, National Bar Association, and More Announce Collaborative Effort to Empower and Protect Black American Communities

The National Business League (NBL)®, National Medical Association (NMA)®, and National Bar Association (NBA)® are proud to announce a collaborative effort to address critical issues impacting Black communities. This initiative focuses on protecting educational pathways, enhancing wealth opportunities, improving healthcare access, reducing health disparities, and strengthening legal advocacy for Black Americans. On Thursday, June 27, 2024, the presidents of these organizations met with the White House and Congressional Black Caucus with a non-partisan agenda.

Following the recent Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which impacts educational equity and affirmative action, the organizations emphasize the urgency of uniting their resources and professional expertise. Our collective efforts include:

1. Pathways to Education: The NBA, NBL, and NMA commit to fostering educational opportunities for Black students from primary school through higher education, including scholarships, mentorship, and educational resources.
2. Protecting Wealth Opportunities: The NBL supports Black Business Enterprises (BBEs) and their workers by providing resources for business development, enterprise ownership, and economic freedom tools to close the global yet generational wealth gap.
3. Healthcare Access and Equity: The NMA leads initiatives to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Black Americans, advocating for policies that address health disparities and expand access to quality services.
4. Legal Advocacy: The NBA provides robust legal advocacy to protect the civil rights of Black Americans, challenging discriminatory practices and promoting justice reform.

"Healthcare is a fundamental human right," said Yolanda Lawson, MD, president of the NMA. "The NMA is committed to addressing the health disparities that disproportionately affect Black Americans and ensuring access to quality health care for all."

Through this historic partnership, the NBA, NBL, and NMA reaffirm their commitment to protecting and advancing the rights and opportunities of Black communities. Together, with hundreds of Black professional organizations in America, they will work tirelessly to create a more just, equitable, and prosperous future.

Dominique D. Calhoun, president of the NBA, said, "The NBA is dedicated to ensuring that Black Americans have equal access to justice and educational opportunities. This collaboration allows us to leverage our collective strength to make a profound impact."

About the National Medical Association: Founded in 1895, the NMA is the nation's oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. The NMA promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent, advocating for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities, and promotion of optimal health. Visit https://www.nmanet.org for more information.

About the National Business League: Founded in 1900 by Booker T. Washington, the National Business League is the first and largest trade association for Black businesses and entrepreneurs of African descent. The NBL empowers Black-owned businesses through economic advocacy, enterprise training, and development initiatives throughout the Pan-African diaspora. Visit https://www.nationalbusinessleague.org for more information.

About the National Bar Association: Founded in 1925, the National Bar Association is the nation's oldest and largest network of predominantly African American attorneys and judges. The NBA advances the interests of the African American community through legal advocacy, education, and professional development. Visit https://nationalbar.org for more information.

National Black Farmers Association Calls for Immediate Resignation of Tractor Supply President

The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) is calling for the immediate resignation of Tractor Supply President Hal Lawton following the company's recent decision to cut diversity-focused positions and withdraw its carbon-emissions goals in response to right-wing pressure.

Tractor Supply, one of the country's largest farm-supply retailers, announced on Thursday (June 27, 2024) that it would refocus on its "85-year-old culture" and step away from "political agendas." This decision has been met with outrage from the NBFA, a non-profit organization that represents tens of thousands of African American farmers and their families nationwide.

According to Tractor Supply's statement, this decision does not change the company's commitment to its customers and team members, and providing a welcoming and respectful environment. However, NBFA President John Boyd, a shareholder and customer of Tractor Supply, believes otherwise.

"Tractor Supply has shown with its broken promises that it has little respect for black farmers," said Boyd. "As President of the NBFA, I am appalled by this decision, which is reflective of the ongoing racial tension and division in America. This affects our 130,000 members, many of whom regularly shop at Tractor Supply. Having repeatedly attempted to discuss our concerns with Mr. Hal Lawton, I am now calling for his immediate resignation."

Last year, Tractor Supply celebrated its recognition for pursuing workplace diversity. In its February annual report, the company stated its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and announced new initiatives aimed at achieving these goals. However, the recent decision to roll back these initiatives has sparked outrage and disappointment among black farmers and their supporters.

"Diversity and inclusion play a key role in moving our business forward," Tractor Supply said in its annual report. "Our workforce is approximately 51% male and 49% female, and racial and ethnic minorities comprise about 18% of our workforce."

In addition to diversity, Tractor Supply also pledged to cut its carbon footprint by 20% by 2025 and by 50% by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions across all operations by 2040. These commitments, along with the company's recognition for its pursuit of diversity, gave hope to many farmers, especially those from underrepresented communities.

But as Boyd pointed out, Tractor Supply continues to participate in predominantly white farm shows and events while snubbing events and opportunities for black farmers. The company has never displayed a booth or sponsored an event or training opportunity for black farmers, denying them the respect and dignity they deserve. This behavior is reflective of the widespread disdain that still exists in the agricultural industries towards people of color.

Many sectors of American society have taken action to address the shameful racial disparities that plague people of color. However, Tractor Supply has not followed suit. As an association that represents a substantial customer base for Tractor Supply, the NBFA believes its members deserve the same consideration as other agricultural associations and non-profits, who enjoy discounts on Tractor Supply purchases and program support.

"We deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, not as a nuisance," said Boyd.

For more information on this matter, please contact NBFA President John Boyd at Johnwesleyboydjr@gmail.com or 434-210-2286.

The NBFA is a non-profit organization that represents African American farmers and their families in the United States. Its education and advocacy efforts focus on civil rights, land retention, access to loans, education and agricultural training, and rural economic development for black and other small farmers.

The Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show Coming to New Orleans

The Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show is a renowned event in the beauty industry, particularly for professionals and enthusiasts in the realm of hair care, styling, cosmetics, and skincare. Here's a description of what you might typically experience at a Bronner Bros. Beauty Show:

Venue and Atmosphere: The event is usually held in The Ernest Morial Convention Center In New Orleans, LA.  Our last Beauty show was in Atlanta, where Bronner Bros. is based. The atmosphere is vibrant and energetic, with music, colorful displays, and a sense of excitement permeating the air.

Exhibitors: The show features a diverse array of exhibitors, including leading beauty brands, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. Attendees can explore booths showcasing the latest products, tools, and technologies in hair care, cosmetics, skincare, and related industries. Exhibitors often offer demonstrations, samples, and exclusive deals.

Education and Workshops: One of the highlights of the Bronner Bros. Beauty Show is its focus on education and professional development. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in workshops, seminars, and classes conducted by industry experts. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including hairstyling techniques, color trends, business management, marketing strategies, and more.

Hair Shows and Competitions: The event typically features elaborate hair shows and competitions that showcase the creativity and talent of hairstylists from around the world. These shows often include extravagant runway presentations where stylists demonstrate their skills in creating intricate hairstyles, avant-garde looks, and innovative techniques. Competitions may encompass categories such as fantasy hair, barbering, braiding, natural hair, and more, with participants vying for prestigious titles and prizes.

Networking Opportunities: The Bronner Bros. Beauty Show provides excellent networking opportunities for professionals in the beauty industry. Attendees can connect with peers, mentors, influencers, and potential collaborators, fostering relationships that can lead to career advancement, partnerships, and new opportunities.

Celebrity Appearances and Special Guests: The event frequently attracts celebrity hairstylists, makeup artists, beauty influencers, and industry insiders who make appearances, host workshops, and engage with attendees. These special guests add to the excitement and draw of the event, inspiring attendees with their expertise and insights.

Overall, the Bronner Bros. Beauty Show is a dynamic and immersive experience that celebrates creativity, innovation, and excellence in the beauty industry while providing valuable opportunities for education, networking, and professional growth. Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show

New Orleans- Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, LA
August 17-19, 2024

Learn more here: Bronner Bros | The Bronner Bros. Beauty Show inspiring, educating and elevating cosmetology professionals and students in the multicultural beauty industry.

McKenzie Long qualifies for the U.S. Olympic team

McKenzie Long qualified for the U.S. Olympic team on Saturday.

Long finished third in the 200-meter final on Saturday to earn a spot with Team USA, and this is just the latest headline she has made in the world of track. In the NCAA Outdoor Championships earlier this month, she captured the triple crown, winning the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4x100-meter relay in Eugene, Ore.

She is running in memory of her mother, Tara Jones, who died unexpectedly of a heart attack at just 45 right before the season started.

When she crossed the finish line Saturday she told reporters Friday after her first heat that she and her mom had dreamed together of attending the Olympics — with Long on the track, and Jones in the stands cheering her on.

McKenzie Long, inspired by her mom, earns a spot on the Olympic team in the 200m. #TrackFieldTrials24 pic.twitter.com/JstUJFw1qz

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 30, 2024

Jasmine Moore wins triple jump at U.S. Olympic Trials, headed to Paris Olympics

Jasmine Moore already owns the American record in the women’s triple jump.

On her final jump of the competition, Moore won the triple jump at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Ore. with a leap of 14.26 meters (46 feet, 9.50 inches). She qualified for her second straight Olympics, and she will enter the Paris Games in August as one of the favorites.

Moore came into the Olympic Trials ranked No. 7 in the world for 2024 and was the second-ranked American behind Keturah Orji. Orji was leading Saturday’s competition until the sixth and final round, when she jumped 14.22 meters (46-8) but was forced to settle for second place and a spot on her third Olympics team as Moore passed her.

Moore was a nine-time state champion at Lake Ridge and a seven-time NCAA champion in the triple jump and long jump at Florida before turning pro in 2023. She finished 23rd in the qualifying round at the Olympics in 2021, then broke the American record in the triple jump with a mark of 15.12 meters (49 feet, 7.25 inches) at the NCAA Indoor Championships in 2023.

Jasmine Moore is leaping across the pond to Paris in the long jump! 🇫🇷#TrackFieldTrials24 pic.twitter.com/xvdBn9AM65

— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 30, 2024