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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 10, 2025

HBCU Professor Overcame The Prison Pipeline To Earn His Doctorate In Medical Sciences

Stanley Andrisse received his second chance after earning his Ph.D. in physiology from Saint Louis University.

Stanley Andrisse is inspiring his students with his lectures and journey to the classroom.

The HBCU professor had an untraditional pathway to academia. He overcame a stint in maximum-security prison to become a tenured faculty member at the Howard University College of Medicine.

According to a 2022 profile on Howard’s The Dig, Andrisse was dealt an unfavorable hand as a Black male teenager in the Missouri prison system. With multiple felony drug convictions before he was 30 years old, many counted out his future. However, upon completing his sentence, Andrisse became an endocrinologist scientist with a teaching gig at the HBCU medical school.

Andrisse is an example of the possibilities after incarceration, not letting his criminal background stunt his academic ambitions. As he teaches to a predominately Black cohort, his presence to Black medical students shows triumph over the often-stifling criminal justice system.

“My story represents both possibility and responsibility, and it’s the culmination of years of faith, mentorship, and resilience. But it’s bigger than me,” he told the student news outlet.

“It’s proof that redemption is real — that someone who was once written off as a “career criminal” can stand in front of classrooms, lead research, and shape the next generation of scientists. To my knowledge, I’m the first formerly incarcerated Black man in U.S. history to earn tenure at a medical school.”

Andrisse remembers the feeling of others counting him out. Now, he considers himself a mentor to others who may have fallen astray, reminding them that their dreams remain possible.

He also paves a way in the underrepresented field of medicine, as Black doctors only account for 5.7% of the field according to 2022 AAMC data. As for the sciences, Black people only make up 9% of the STEM workforce, as confirmed by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics.

He added, “Education gave me access — access to rebuild, to contribute, and to redefine myself.”

His inclination toward healthcare comes from his own familial history. His father died from Type 2 diabetes while Andrisse remained incarcerated. The stolen moment drives his mission today. He has combined his passion for medicine with his advocacy through From Prison Cells to Ph.D. , an organization that helps justice-impacted scholars.

His goal is to encourage all, no matter their criminal background, to get an education while eliminating the systemic barriers to the classroom.

“Most institutions treat a criminal record as a permanent reflection of character rather than a snapshot of circumstance. They focus on who a person was, not who they’ve become. But overcoming incarceration requires resilience, grit, and focus — the very traits we claim to value in academia. Second chances aren’t charity. They’re smart investments in human potential.”

Now, his focus on restoring society and the human body remains on full display through his work at Howard.

Commanders, Daron Payne, Amon-Ra St. Brown

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 10, 2025

Commanders’ Daron Payne Suspended One Game For Hitting Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown

The NFL announced that the defensive tackle was suspended for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct.

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne has been suspended for a game after he hit the Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown in the head after the Lions scored a touchdown, the NFL announced.

The act, which led to Payne being ejected from the game, took place in the second quarter of the Lions’ decisive 44-22 victory on Nov. 9.

“During the second quarter, Payne was disqualified for striking Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the general understood principles of sportsmanship,’ including ‘throwing a punch or a forearm,’ and Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which prohibits ‘striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s),” the league said in a statement.

Payne can to return to the field on Nov. 17, after the Commanders’ next game against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. Payne may appeal the suspension.

St. Brown was walking toward the sidelines when Payne turned around and punched him in the (helmeted) face after Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 13 yards to score a touchdown, extending the Lions’ lead to 17 points.

#Commanders DL Daron Payne has been EJECTED. He randomly punched Amon-Ra St. Brown after the play: pic.twitter.com/gnEqgYtCCR
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) November 9, 2025

After the infraction, the Lions kicked a two-point conversion to make it 22-3, but the Commanders’ Javon Kinlaw received a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after he made contact with an official on the field.

While the Lions look to be on a playoff push, the Commanders are spiraling. The team lost their fourth straight game, all of which have been by at least 20 points.

Last season, the Commanders were 12-5 and made the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season. They’ve already lost more games this year than they did all of last season.

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2025

DOH! Former NBA Baller Iman Shumpert Looks Back On Costly Uber Investment Faux Pas

The former NBA star opens up about selling his Uber shares too soon — and the lessons he learned about patience, trust, and building wealth on his own terms.

Iman Shumpert may have earned his championship ring on the court, but one of his most memorable lessons came from off it — and it cost him millions. The former NBA guard recently revisited one of his early business missteps: selling his Uber shares long before the company became a global powerhouse.

In a 2020 interview with DJ Vlad — per Basketball Network — Shumpert candidly described the decision as “idiotic,” acknowledging that impatience and the desire for a quick profit clouded his judgment. “I went for the quick flip,” he admitted. “I saw the shares climb, cashed out, and moved my profit somewhere else.”

At the time, the Illinois native was just beginning to explore investing, juggling his budding NBA career with a drive to expand into business. His early bet on Uber was smart — but selling too soon meant missing out on what became one of the most successful startups in history.

Uber, founded in 2009, now operates in more than 70 countries and has a valuation exceeding $200 billion. Had Shumpert held onto his shares, the return could have been life-changing. Instead, the former Cleveland Cavaliers champion walked away with what he calls “a lesson in patience.”

Looking back, Shumpert said the experience taught him more than just financial strategy — it reshaped his approach to trust and investment. “I always hated investing in other people’s minds… I felt like I couldn’t trust that in other people,” he said. That realization pushed him to focus on ventures where he had creative and operational control.

Though his dream of building an app to rival Uber didn’t materialize, Shumpert refuses to frame the episode as a failure. “It wasn’t a mistake,” he said. “It was just inexperience.” Over time, that experience translated into a more disciplined and self-directed approach to business.

During his decade in the NBA, Shumpert earned roughly $50 million — enough cushion to explore new opportunities and learn from missteps. Today, he treats his early errors as part of the process, using them to shape smarter, longer-term decisions.

In hindsight, Shumpert’s story isn’t just about missing a billion-dollar wave — it’s about understanding that success, whether on the court or in business, often depends on staying in the game long enough to see it through.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 10, 2025

Air Traffic Controllers Resigning In Droves As Government Shutdown Sparks Burnout

The issue may take months to resolve—even after the government reopens.

The weight of the government shutdown and subsequent lack of pay has left many air traffic controllers with no choice but to resign.

This mass resignation comes as the government shutdown becomes the longest one in United States history. As each pay period goes unfulfilled, many are leaving their crucial post out of dire necessity, putting the essential work in staff shortages. Most have not had a full paycheck since the shutdown began Oct. 1, which has impacted the pay of around 730,000 federal employees.

The sudden reduction at airport control towers nationwide has forced the Federal Aviation Administration to make steep cuts to the air traffic schedules. Now, travelers may see their flights cancelled in real time due to the inability to complete the trips with limited controllers overseeing the skies safely.

The president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Nick Daniels, told CNN that the industry has already lost 400 controllers since the last shutdown.

However, as the shutdown extends week by week, these individuals are prioritizing their own well-being and families. According to the Daily Beast, others who are still left are running out of emergency funds to get to work or pay for childcare.

To ease pressure on controllers returning to work despite burnout, the FAA mandated a 10% reduction in air traffic. However, that measure has also led to chaos as travelers see record cancellations and delays in the thousands, especially at major U.S. airports.

The shutdown could end, with the Senate passing a funding bill late on Nov. 9 to reopen the government. However, the contentious bill must now pass the House and reach the desk of President Donald Trump. It also only sustains the funding through Jan. 31, meaning another shutdown could even occur at the top of next year.

The news of returned paychecks, as the funding bill does include back pay for government work, could soothe some woes, but Daniels says the impact of the shutdown would take months to recover from fully.

Horror, Jordan Peele, Anthology, Us, Horror, Halloween

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 10, 2025

Trailer For Jordan Peele’s ‘The Black Cowboy’ Documentary Revealed With Official Release Date

The documentary sheds even more light on the history and legacy of the Black Cowboy.

Jordan Peele’s latest feature is a step into documentaries, with his new project centering on the legacy of the Black Cowboy.

Produced by Peele’s MonkeyPaw Productions, High Horse: The Black Cowboy is a “three-part pop culture and historical documentary” that speaks on the Black influence of America’s “Wild West.” Wanting to dismantle the white-centered tropes surrounding this Western period, the film also takes inspiration from Peele’s 2022 Western horror flick, Nope.

Deemed “the untold story of the real American Cowboy,” the documentary also released a trailer giving insight into the highly anticipated project. Alongside its trailer, Deadline confirmed its Nov. 20 premiere on Peacock.

“If there were no black cowboys, then America would not exist,” began one of the documentary’s speakers.

Directed by Jason Perez, Peele will also grace the screen in an interview for the project. Additional words will come from Bun B, Pam Grier, Lori Harvey, INK, Tina Knowles, Rick Ross, and the Compton Cowboys.

Another interviewer also shared, “The Black cowboy was intentionally removed from the story so that we can create the myth of the American white cowboy.

The resurgence of Black people’s place in country legends, music, and imagery has become a trend across pop culture. From Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter to additional media such as photography and books, reclaiming this sector of Black Americana has been years in the making, with High Horse adding to the knowledge of the Black cowboys’ impact.

The Oscar-winning director expressed his gratitude for the documentary, which reveals the hidden history of Black cowboys in America.

“I’m grateful to Monkeypaw for amplifying the powerful voices and long-standing culture of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls through High Horse: The Black Cowboy, on Peacock,” said Peele. “Their history is inseparable from the story of our country — and this project aims to honor and celebrate their lasting legacy.”

The film has also brought on Raphael Siddiq as composer, aiming to educate and inspire Black Americans this holiday season.

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2025

Gullah Geechee Parade Faces Cutbacks Amid Tensions Over Growth And Tradition

On South Carolina’s St. Helena Island, residents say traffic restrictions on their decades-old heritage parade reflect a deeper struggle against cultural erasure and rising gentrification.

For nearly 40 years, the annual Penn Center Heritage Day Parade has brought music, color, and community pride to St. Helena Island, South Carolina. Every November, locals and visitors line the road from the elementary school to the Penn Center — the first school for formerly enslaved people — to celebrate Gullah Geechee heritage with drums, gospel choirs, and floats draped in vibrant fabric.

But this year, what was once a joyful procession was scaled back after Beaufort County officials cited traffic concerns.

According to the New York Times, the St. Helena Island parade route was shortened, floats were reduced, and participants were confined to one lane of Highway 21 instead of the full roadway. To many residents, those changes symbolized a larger fight to preserve their culture amid rapid development and demographic shifts.

“It’s not just a parade, but a beautiful display of our heritage,” said the Rev. Isiah Smalls, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church. “This is like telling your wife, ‘Honey, it’s our wedding, but go ahead and wear your jeans.’”

Sheriff P. J. Tanner defended the decision, saying traffic had become unmanageable. Highway 21, he noted, is the only route to nearby Hunting Island State Park and Fripp Island. “You know, I agree — you’ve been doing this for 40 years,” Tanner said. “But now in 2025, this county’s landscape has changed.”

Residents argue that the restrictions reflect more than logistics — they reveal how the island’s Black community feels increasingly pushed aside by affluent newcomers. “Why pick on an event that represents the Black community, represents our culture, and try to mess it up?” asked Deacon James Peter Smalls, who returned to marshal the parade after recovering from injuries from a car accident last year.

The Gullah Geechee people — descendants of West Africans once enslaved along the coastal South — have seen their ancestral lands squeezed by rising property taxes and new gated communities. They’ve fought to block a proposed golf course and to keep zoning laws that forbid private resorts.

Dr. Robert L. Adams Jr., director of the Penn Center, acknowledged the complexity. “I don’t want to simplify it into, ‘It’s Fripp versus St. Helena, rich white folks versus Black folks,’” he said. “It’s connected to growth.”

Still, for lifelong residents like Carrie Major, the loss of space on the parade route felt personal. “The disrespect feels like a slap in the face,” she said.

Even with fewer floats and thinner crowds, the sounds of drums and children’s laughter returned to Highway 21. The celebration went on, though many feared that each passing year brings another small piece of their heritage at risk of fading away.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 10, 2025

Former TSA Agent Gives Back To Airport Workers, Raising Funds For Free Gas Amid Gov Shutdown

The fundraiser aims to help airport workers feel supported and seen as they work without pay.

A former TSA agent is giving back to his old coworkers, organizing a fundraiser to help them with an essential bill.

In the midst of the longest government shutdown in United States history, Caleb Harmon-Marshall empathized with what current airport workers are experiencing. Most have not received a full pay check since the shutdown started Oct. 1.

Harmon-Marshall decided to step in to alleviate one bill for these essential workers, encouraging the local Atlanta community to also take part in the cause. In collaboration with Caliber Car Wash, Harmon-Marshall hosted a free car wash and gas cards giveaway at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport Nov. 5.

TSA officers not only got a squeaky clean ride, but funds to help fill up its tank while their paychecks remain paused. While not absolving all problems, Harmon-Marshall hopes the measure makes TSA officers feel supported during this unprecedented time.

“They’re feeling unseen…They’re feeling unheard,” organizer Caleb Harmon-Marshall, who is the founder of the travel newsletter Gate Access, told WANF. “They’re feeling forgotten because they’re going through this.”

The donation page, launched through Harmon-Marshall’s own travel newsletter, Gate Access, has raised almost half of its $10K goal. According to its description, the money will go toward $50 gas cards for all TSA officers they reach, with plans to extend this charitable gesture to other airports beyond Atlanta. Harmon-Marshall opted to help out with transportation after hearing about how that heavily impacted people’s ability to get to work.

“The most significant pain point I’m hearing nationwide is transportation costs,” he told the Washington Post.

In the weeks since the government shutdown, the lack of pay has forced many airport workers to call out. While essentially required to report for duty, many have been unable to due to insufficient funds to buy gas. Staffing shortages from Air Traffic Controllers, also impacted by the loss of their paychecks, have even led to reductions in flights across the country.

Other airport workers shared that current conditions have rightfully left them uneasy.

“It’s not a good feeling,” shared Philip Simmons to WANF. “Sometimes you wonder, okay, if you’re going to impact somebody, why are they impacting us?”

As they continue to show up despite paused compensation, Harmon-Marshall is inspiring others to show their appreciation for all airport workers during this time.

Trump Campaign, Hacked, Election, trump, Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2025

Donald Trump Is The First Sitting President Ever Boo’d During Rare Appearance at NFL Game

The president became the first sitting leader in nearly 50 years to attend a regular-season NFL matchup, sparking mixed reactions from fans and players alike.

President Donald Trump made a high-profile appearance at Sunday’s Washington Commanders game, becoming the first sitting president in nearly half a century to attend a regular-season NFL matchup. The Commanders fell 44-22 to the Detroit Lions, but much of the crowd’s attention was fixed on Trump’s presence — and the divided reaction it drew.

Loud boos erupted throughout the stadium when Trump appeared on the videoboard during the first half, standing alongside House Speaker Mike Johnson. The jeers resurfaced when the stadium announcer introduced him at halftime, where he led a brief military oath ceremony for new enlistees.

Trump just got massively booed and flipped off by the crowd at the Commanders game. pic.twitter.com/KuZgbAvHXI
— No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen (@NoLieWithBTC) November 9, 2025

“I’m a little bit late,” Trump told reporters, according to the Associated Press, after landing at Joint Base Andrews and catching the final part of the first half. “We’re gonna have a good game. Things are going along very well. The country’s doing well. The Democrats have to open it up,” he added, referencing the ongoing government shutdown.

Many on X weighed in on the situation, even politician Jasmine Crockett.

Thank you to each person at the game that understood the assignment.
— Jasmine Crockett (@JasmineForUS) November 9, 2025

It was glorious. The one thing most Americans can agree about
— The Spiritual Shift (@spiritualshift_) November 10, 2025

https://twitter.com/Yamika_X/status/1987839930710819205?s=19

Before Trump’s arrival, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by mimicking the viral “Trump dance,” a gesture that became popular among athletes last year.

“I heard Trump was going to be at the game,” St. Brown said. “I don’t know how many times the president’s going to be at the game, so just decided to have some fun.”

https://twitter.com/the_det_times/status/1987641547504882033?s=19

Lions coach Dan Campbell admitted he didn’t notice Trump’s entrance.

“That’s cool,” he said. “You’re talking about the president of the United States. That’s a big deal.”

Quarterback Jared Goff added that it was “awesome that he was here,” recalling Trump’s plane flying low over the stadium.

During the third quarter, Trump joined Fox Sports commentators Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma for a light conversation, recalling his days playing tight end at the New York Military Academy.

“It was not quite football like this,” he joked.

Trump left before the game ended, marking another stop in a series of sports-related appearances that have included the Ryder Cup, the Daytona 500, and the U.S. Open. He also became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, watching the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs earlier this year.

The president also used the event to praise plans for a new Commanders stadium, telling broadcasters, “They’re going to build a beautiful stadium… You’re going to see some very good things.”

According to a previous report, an intermediary for the White House told the Commanders’ ownership group that Trump wants the team’s upcoming stadium — part of a nearly $4 billion project to redevelop the former RFK Stadium site in Washington — to bear his name.

The new venue, headed by Commanders’ managing partner Josh Harris, has been a high-profile project aimed at bringing the franchise back into the nation’s capital.

Harriett's Bookshop, Philadelphia, Black Girl Picnic Marks 5th Annual Event With New Black Literacy Campaign To Gift 1000 Books

by Ahsan Washington

November 10, 2025

Gain A Money Mindset With These 6 Books On Increasing Wealth

Read financial frameworks with cultural context

The process of building wealth begins with developing the right mindset. Before you even open an investment account, you might want to open up a book. These books by Black authors offer financial frameworks, cultural context, and motivational support to help people move from surviving to thriving financially.

Get into these six books that focus on improving your money mindset and building generational wealth.

Get Good With Money: 10 Simple Steps To Becoming Financially Whole

The Budgetnista Tiffany Aliche presents Get Good with Money as a practical 10-step guide for financial wholeness. The book shares a pathway that includes budgeting, saving, investing, and legacy building. The book was published in 2021 to serve communities that have been traditionally excluded from wealth-building conversations. According to Aliche, wealth starts with habits and mindset before considering large paychecks.

The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets Of Black Millionaires

Dennis Kimbro, a business professor and author, conducted a seven-year study of 1,000 affluent Black Americans to identify the shared beliefs and behaviors behind their success, as detailed in The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires. The book, published in 2013, examines wealth-builders in various industries across the United States. Kimbro seeks to understand the unique thought patterns of Black millionaires and how those habits can be acquired and used by others to overcome financial barriers.

The Black Girl’s Guide To Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, And Live The Life Of Your Dreams

The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom by Paris Woods empowers Black women through financial independence. The 2021 publication provides Black women with financial strategies to achieve early retirement and long-term financial security while avoiding common money pitfalls. The text teaches that wealth is self-defined and attainable with discipline and purpose.

The Black Tax: The Cost Of Being Black In America

Shawn D. Rochester, an entrepreneur and financial strategist, examines how systemic discrimination creates hidden financial burdens for Black Americans. The 2017 publication of The Black Tax uses U.S. economic data and racial wealth disparities to inform readers about systemic barriers and provide tools to overcome them.

Mud 2 Millions: Ayesha Selden’s 7 Step Wealth Cheat Codes

In her book Mud 2 Millions: Ayesha Selden’s 7 Step Wealth Cheat Codes, real estate investor and financial advisor Ayesha Selden reveals seven wealth strategies that she calls “wealth cheat codes.” A self-made investor, Selden built a seven-figure portfolio from modest beginnings and teaches that mindset, consistency, and calculated risk are essential for creating wealth. The book offers insights from a self-made investor’s perspective, demonstrating that anyone can build wealth by cultivating the right mindset.

We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide To Earning More, Building Wealth, And Gaining Economic Power

Rachel Rodgers established Hello Seven after transitioning from attorney to entrepreneur to help women of color increase their income and wealth potential. In We Should All Be Millionaires, Rodgers presents a motivational and strategic guide for women who want to become millionaires. The book focuses on mindset development, alongside pricing strategies and confidence-building to help women reach financial success. The book was published in 2021, focusing on women of color.

by Jeffrey McKinney

November 10, 2025

Black Hair Accessories Brand Targets $50M Revenue By 2030 With New Products, Market Expansion

The company plans to fund its growth organically through internal cash flow and revenue.

A seasoned Black businesswoman who specializes in hair accessories, Joni Odum was at a crossroads five years ago.

She had to decide whether to let the family business, Firstline Brands, started by her father nearly four decades ago, potentially wither or build on his triumphs by elevating it to a higher level.

She initially joined the Houston-based multicultural hair accessories company in 2002, working in various roles including marketing, sales, distribution, and product development. Odum left an analyst job at healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson to run Firstline Brands. That followed her father, Robert A. Bowser, who passed in 2020.

“Taking over Firstline Brands was both pivotal and deeply healing for me. It’s my way of keeping my father’s legacy alive; bringing his vision into fruition and reaching milestones I know would make him incredibly proud. Every achievement feels like honoring a piece of him.”

In general, family business leaders face many obstacles. They often must maneuver, extending a legacy while adjusting to ever-changing market conditions. Plus, disputes over such issues as strategy and money matters can create internal stress, possibly affecting a firm’s operating model and growth prospects.

Odum’s business acumen has helped Firstline Brands achieve much. While revenue was not disclosed, the company calls itself America’s largest Black-owned manufacturer of hair tools and accessories. Under her watch, the company reported a 44% rise in profits and a 32% jump in employee headcount among metrics.

Since emerging as Firstline Brand’s president and CEO, Odum’s actions have included restructuring product development by centering on convenience-forward innovation and design. She has expanded the brand’s reach by connecting with massive, big-box retailers.

Setting itself apart from rivals

The moves could give her firm a competitive edge, as Odum said many other Black beauty brands are wrestling with less funding, reduced shelf-space, and higher tariff costs.

As such, the ambitious entrepreneur is now hoping to capitalize by expanding and pursuing a larger share of the nation’s estimated $23 billion-plus hair accessories market. That business is expected to double in size by 2033.

Presently, Firstline Brands sells over 200 items, including hairbrushes, combs, and maintenance essentials, across a portfolio that includes Evolve, WavEnforcer, and Camryn’s BFF, mainly for textured hair. Its products are customized for many people, including men, women, kids, and frugal shoppers.

Yet Odum has loftier plans that include expanding offerings for women and men over the next few quarters as her firm approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026.

Its new grooming items include a retractable 3-in-1 tool with an edge brush, bristles, and teeth for detangling, smoothing, and edge styling. Another novel product they offer is an oversized, masculine cap for protecting waves, curls, locs, braids, and textured styles. Altogether, the firm is offering at least seven fresh tools; with the items ranging around $5–$13.

Odum credits much of her success to her values, education, and strong work ethic. Her greatest inspiration: Sitting under the tutelage of her father as a child, learning from his leadership, and benefiting from an entrepreneurial spirit he instilled in her. Thus, her guidance as the firm’s leader has been crucial to its resolute growth and product expansion.

Handling challenges while scaling up

Still, the quest was not a cinch. Upon becoming CEO, she said the firm was navigating an unprecedented global pandemic while also dealing with her father’s death. Another big challenge for the firm was pivoting to direct-to-consumer marketing virtually overnight.

“We have always focused on innovating by listening, learning, and responding to their needs. However, we’d never developed a direct connection with our consumer, to ensure they understood who we are and what we stand for as a brand.”

Sizing up current hurdles, Odum said one of the largest is meeting the customer wherever they are on their journey. “As a Black-owned, woman-led business, our mission is rooted in innovation, inclusion, and community. We consider it our responsibility to advocate for their needs and to be present, relevant, and authentic across every touchpoint. We know this customer, because we are this customer.”

Furthermore, the firm has the resources to finance its expansion. “We’re funding our growth organically through internal cash flow and revenue, keeping control of our destiny while we scale,” Odum said.

Looking ahead to future growth prospects

Firstline Brands is targeting $50 million in revenue within the next five years. Odum said the firm has seen 30% revenue growth since she took over leadership.

The gain is projected to come from “aggressive market expansion in both new and existing channels, strategic partnerships with major retailer partners like Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Sally Beauty, and others, and diversifying into new product categories. It’s ambitious, but absolutely achievable.”