First Black-Owned Stock Exchange Announces New Anthem Encouraging People To Think Bigger

The first Black-owned stock exchange is encouraging people to think bigger with its new anthem, “Dream Again.”

Dream Exchange announced the release of its anthem, created by world-renowned saxophonist Mike Phillips. To record the uplifting song, Phillips recruited a team of talented artists including producer Hamilton Hardin and entertainment executive and song co-writer Tanya James of TJ Entertainment Group, according to PR Newswire. Sarah Ikumu, who received a Golden Buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent, is featured as the lead vocalist.

In an interview featured on Dream Exchange’s YouTube page, Phillips explains how the song came about and what he wants fans to get out of it. “When people are listening to the song, I want them to search their souls and check to see if they have their license to dream,” Phillips said. “And that’s why in society, we find people running in place, because the dream is not as prevalent as it should be.”

Dream Exchange is currently preparing an application to become the first minority-owned company to operate a stock exchange. Dwain Kyles, its director and managing member, says the song was created to get people moving toward turning their dreams into reality. “With ‘Dream Again,’ we hope to inspire all people as well as a new generation of investors and entrepreneurs to join us in creating a more just and ethical financial system,” said Kyles. “We are proud to be the first minority-owned stock exchange, in formation, and we believe that we will provide new opportunities and resources for underrepresented communities.”

The company is keeping its word: Last month, it announced that former NFL player Solomon Wilcots has invested in Dream Exchange, according to a press release. Kyles said that Wilcots’ joining the team is “further testament to their belief in Dream Exchange’s mission to democratize access to capital and continue empowering investors.”

Editors’ Note: This article was updated on June 9, 2023. It originally mistakenly stated that “Dream Exchange became the first minority-owned company to operate a stock exchange in 2020.” Dream Exchange is currently preparing an application to become the first minority-owned company to operate a stock exchange.