Michigan Man Arrested After Allegedly Torturing Woman In Apartment Closet For Months
Darren John Dawson purportedly kept her in a closet torturing her while reportedly stealing her Social Security money and food stamps
A Michigan man has been arrested after it was alleged that he kept a woman in his closet for months, torturing her in the process, in his Clinton Township apartment.
A press release issued by the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office stated that 34-year-old Darren John Dawson was arrested after allegedly holding a woman against her will in his apartment over a drug debt. Between November 2023 and April 2024, Dawson purportedly kept her in a closet, torturing her while reportedly stealing Social Security money and food stamps from the 58-year-old victim.
“The victim endured unimaginable suffering in what can only be described as a living nightmare. Our office is committed to seeking justice for her, and we will pursue every avenue to ensure this individual is held fully accountable for the alleged crimes committed,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido in a written statement.
Dawson has been charged with torture, which carries a life sentence; unlawful imprisonment, a 15-year felony; and larceny by conversion of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a felony that calls for a five-year punishment. After being arraigned, the suspect’s bond was set at $1 million cash. If he can make bail, Dawson will be required to wear a GPS tether while having no contact with the victim, and he cannot possess any firearms.
His next scheduled court date, a probable cause hearing, has been set for August 20, 2024 at 8:30 am by Michigan District Court Judge Jacob Femminineo, Jr.
Macomb Daily reported that an Oakland County-based defense attorney, Randall Upshaw, said the victim’s story shouldn’t be believed based on information he obtained.
“When we go to court, you’re going to find out the real facts are not accurate or true,” Upshaw said.
“We have many neighbors who are willing to speak out on Mr. Dawson’s behalf. She claims to be held in a closet, but we have people who have seen her walking in and out of the apartment on her own during that time,” he said.
Vanessa Bryant Reveals Kobe-Inspired LA 2028 Olympics Logo
Bryant released an announcement video revealing the design and an old clip from the Mamba himself.
Vanessa Bryant has revealed her design for the LA 2028 Olympics, inspired by her late husband, Kobe Bryant.
Following the conclusion of the Paris Olympics, Bryant shared the design on social media on Aug. 12. The symbol features a purple and gold snake-skin “A,” with the “Mamba” logo directly in the letter’s center. The logo pays tribute to Kobe’s tenured history as a Los Angeles Laker and his well-known “Mamba Mentality.”
“Kobe was the ultimate athlete, and he took his role as an Olympian very seriously,” expressed Bryant in the announcement video. “He was so proud to represent our country. He considered his two gold medals part of his proudest professional accomplishments. His dedication to sport transcended basketball. As a spectator, he especially loved to show up for his fellow athletes and take in the competition at the world’s highest level.”
Bryant continued on, detailing how their family watched Kobe win gold in 2008’s Beijing and 2012’s London games. She also stated how her late husband was an instrumental figure in bringing the games to the city.
She added, “Kobe was an important advocate in bringing the games to Los Angeles…[He] wanted the games to come to LA because of his passion for the city, all the love Angelinos have shown for our family, and all our fond memories here as an iconic figure in Los Angeles and around the world.”
However, the video also featured a clip of the iconic athlete. The old footage showed Kobe explaining why Los Angeles was the perfect place to host the games.
“There’s so many icons that come from the city of Los Angeles, that live in the city of Los Angeles in so many different fields that it makes complete sense to host the Olympics here,” explained the two-time gold medalist. “…There’s so many things that you can do with the Olympic Games to even elevate it to a higher level and to tell the beautiful journey and story of these athletes that are represented in these Olympic Games.”
Kobe tragically passed away in a helicopter accident in 2020, along with his daughter, Gigi, and seven others. However, his legacy continues to live on through his family and love for Los Angeles. This new logo will symbolize his impact throughout the 2028 Olympics.
Bryant concluded, “We hope this inspires the Mamba Mentality in every aspiring Olympian and Paralympian. We’re so proud to see this emblem represent the Los Angeles Games. I know Kobe would be so proud to host the Games in this great city.”
Groundbreaking New Orleans Program That Gives Teens $50 Per Week Expands
The "$50 Study" will now expand to 1,600 high school seniors in New Orleans.
A New Orleans program is expanding as results show that giving teens $50 a week has positive benefits.
The program grants young people a Universal Basic Income (UBI). Teenagers in the area receive the $50 stipends weekly, with no specific spending requirements. While starting with 20 students at The Rooted School in 2020, the “$50 Study” will host 1,600 high school seniors.
According to Nola.com, the study’s expansion stems from positive results from its original rollout. Moreover, it has received a $1 million investment from New Orleans to continue its distribution to more teenagers. Researchers found that the recurring payments led to fewer school absences, literacy growth, and financial stability for its recipients.
Students in the program, which held trials of 386 participants across two cohorts, also showcased “financial capability.” Results found that they demonstrated financial literacy when given real-life situations. Students from the first cohort spent only half of the weekly allotments, with about 47% still unused.
Of the money spent, approximately 50% went to food, with 30% designated for goods and services. The finding suggested that students often made wise financial decisions when given access and opportunity.
“The fact that these kids can interact with these financial markets so early,” explained Stacia West, one of the study’s lead researchers. “[It] means they’re going to be better equipped in their 20s to make better financial decisions.”
For some students, the money alleviated the stress of caring for themselves when their family’s finances could not.
“When I was stressed, I was like, ‘I don’t really have to stress now,'” explained recipient Dejah Grimes. “I can really do my best in school and get my good grades like I always do.’”
While the program is not the only UBI study to exist, its unique focus encourages UBIs across more age groups.
“This unique guaranteed income study enrolling public high school students will produce results that will inform policy and programming as we all work toward a more equitable and inclusive city,” explained Jeff Schwartz, Director of Economic Development at the City of New Orleans. “This study meets students where they are and provides opportunities for economic mobility that will surely create lasting impacts for individuals and in the larger community.”
With a larger class size, the study can collect more data to prove that implementing UBIs on a grander scale can uplift communities nationwide, starting with New Orleans.
Kevin Durant Invests In French Football Club Paris Saint-Germain
The Phoenix Suns player continues to invest in several sports clubs around the globe
Phoenix Suns power forward Kevin Durant went to Paris to bring home an Olympic gold medal and a piece of another sports club, as it was recently announced that the businessman had invested in the French football club Paris Saint-Germain.
Boardroom, the sports, media, and entertainment brand that Durant started with his business partner, Rich Kleiman, announced the investment on social media. The partners struck a deal with LLC via Arctos Partners, which is a minority investor in the club.
BREAKING: 2x NBA Champion Kevin Durant has invested in Paris Saint-Germain through his Boardroom Sports Holdings, LLC via Arctos Partners, the strategic minority investor in the club.
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the president of Paris Saint-Germain, met with Durant and Kleiman while the two were in Paris earlier this month. The pair took a tour of the club’s state-of-the-art training facility and education center, allowing them to see for themselves the innovation and excellence of the new environment.
While at the facility, Durant and Kleiman spent time with the club’s professional football teams, including the women’s and youth academy teams. The club posted video footage of Durant’s visit, where he is seen touring the facility, speaking to team members, staff, and other employees. He is also shown signing basketballs and being interviewed about his experience with Paris as he played there in 2015.
🏀 Kevin Durant at the PSG Campus 🤝
📺 Before tonight’s final, take a look back at Kevin Durant’s visit to the PSG Campus 🔴🔵 pic.twitter.com/qZjHEXfPBW
Boardroom will work with Paris Saint-Germain to develop a multi-faceted collaboration with content and strategy.
Yahoo Sportsreported that Durant is a minority owner in two other soccer teams. In 2020, he became an investor in the MLS club Philadelphia Union, and in 2022, he invested in a minority ownership of NWSL club NJ/NY Gotham FC.
Last year, Durant invested in the first majority-women and minority-owned professional sports league, the National Cycling League. The league, which started in 2022, opened the door for Black cycling enthusiasts and participants, diversifying what, historically, has a majority-white presence.
Durant and the rest of Team USA Basketball just won a gold medal after defeating the host country France by a score of 98-87 to bring home the fifth straight gold medal for the country.
Erica Lee Carter, Daughter Of Sheila Jackson Lee, Will Run For Her Vacant Seat In Special Election
Amanda Edwards, a former City Council member who mounted a spirited, but unsuccessful challenge to Jackson Lee's grip on the 18th Congressional District, told the Chronicle that she sees a parallel between this race and the choice of President Joe Biden to step aside for a younger, fresher voice to lead the Democratic Party.
Erica Lee Carter, daughter of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, announced her intention to finish the rest of her late mother’s term in office in an Aug. 12 press release. On Nov. 5, there will be a special election to choose a new representative to finish Jackson Lee’s term representing Houston’s 18th Congressional District.
According to ABC 13, Lee Carter and Jackson Lee’s family backed former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner’s bid to become the eventual successor to Jackson Lee’s seat earlier this month. However, Lee Carter’s bid does not necessarily contradict that endorsement, as Jackson Lee’s term ends almost two months after the special election.
According to the press release, Lee Carter responded to requests from various community members and leaders in Houston’s Democratic establishment to finish her mother’s term by agreeing to run for the special election.
Erica Lee Carter – Daughter of The Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee issues the following statement:
— Erica Lee Carter – Sheila Jackson Lee (@EricaSLeeCarter) August 12, 2024
“The people of the 18th Congressional District re-elected my mother to the 118th Congress to protect their interest and uphold our democratic values. Congresswoman Jackson Lee kept their interests in her heart and mind until the very end. Since then, many community leaders and democratic stalwarts have requested that I consider completing her term this year by running in the November 5th Special Election. After careful consideration, the answer is YES.” Jackson Carter wrote.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the constituency of the 18th Congressional District has changed over the last 20 years, morphing from a majority Black district to a district where no one ethnicity holds a clear majority. Nancy Sims, a political consultant and lecturer at the University of Houston, told the outlet that the influx of more Latinx and Asian residents will likely shift the balance of power.
“The demographics are going to continue to change in that district, and then in 2030, we face redistricting again. Since the whole region is changing so drastically if you get someone elected now, they may be able to protect that seat, or it may change entirely.”
Amanda Edwards, a former City Council member who mounted a spirited but unsuccessful challenge to Jackson Lee’s grip on the 18th Congressional District, told the Chronicle that she sees a parallel between this race and the choice of President Joe Biden to step aside for a younger, fresher voice to lead the Democratic Party.
I am honored to share with you that I am running to succeed the Late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee to serve as the next Congresswoman for the 18th Congressional District. We are thankful for her years of service. We must honor her strong legacy by continuing and building upon… pic.twitter.com/Q66xvvVAcK
“When we saw President Biden step aside, within less than a day, we saw just an extreme level of enthusiasm, support and engagement happening for Vice President Kamala Harris. The precinct chairs are aware of the moment that we’re standing in…they’ve been a witness to that.” Edwards said.
Sims agrees but sees the situation playing out differently because this is not a general election.
“It’s a very similar situation,” Sims told the Chronicle. “If this were a general election, it would be different, but this is a game among deeply rooted partisans, and so I think the person with the deepest rooted Democratic ties is going to have the greatest opportunity.”
Texas Rep. Jarvis Johnson, whose district overlaps with the 18th Congressional District, believes that although the endorsement of the Jackson Lee family is significant, the result of the election is not necessarily a foregone conclusion.
“The 18th is not a monarchy. It’s a democracy,” Johnson told the paper. “While their choice is respected, I believe the voters have a different opinion from that of the Lee family. The voters are looking for a younger, energetic candidate that will have a plan to move the 18th forward and commit to years of service.”
Turner, meanwhile, believes that his experience representing all corners of Houston, a global city, makes him uniquely qualified among the 17 candidates vying for Jackson Lee’s vacant seat in Congress.
“When I was inaugurated as mayor, I said, ‘It matters not whether you are a Democrat or Republican or whether you’re Black, brown, white or Asian … What matters to me is that we are all Houston,’” Turner told the Chronicle. “That was my philosophy as mayor, and it will remain my philosophy as a member of Congress.”
Disney Legends Honors Martha Blanding, The Company’s First Black VIP Tour Guide
Martha Blanding's 50-year career at Disney led to many firsts for Black women at the company.
Martha Blanding made Disney history as its first Black VIP Tour Guide. Her impact on the company has led to her new status as a Disney Legend.
Blanding was honored for her long-standing impact and leadership during the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony on Aug. 11. She broke barriers as the first Black female leader at Disneyland Resort.
Blanding’s career with Disney spans five decades. Through her journey, Blanding worked her way to leadership, becoming a trailblazer in every new role. She reflected on the recognition in a recent interview with the company.
“Being the first Black Permanent Tour Guide, VIP Hostess and becoming the first Black Female in Management in my eyes was amazing,” she shared. “I felt that I had achieved a challenge that for some would have felt uncomfortable being the only one. My parents taught me to always put my best foot forward and always do my best, and that’s what I did.”
Blanding also forged a path for others as she progressed. While she gained more opportunities with Disney, Blanding helped create a diverse group of Black employees.
She added, “I have witnessed many changes in the company, [like] adding new lands and attractions in the park. I am most proud of being part of the growth of cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion for young Cast Members of color coming behind me. I saw the evolution of BERG diversity groups and was one of the founders of PULSE (People, United, Lead, Serve, Excel), which is the Black diversity group.”
Moreover, Blanding’s rise from an hourly cast member to Disney’s most incredible honor is recognized by her hard work and achievements within the parks.
“Becoming a Disney Legend was not something that I thought would happen to me. I was totally surprised when I received the call,” she expressed. “I [began at Disneyland as an hourly] Cast Member and moved up the ladder, working hard with many wonderful co-workers. This makes me proud because I am proof that an hourly Cast Member can become a Disney Legend.”
Trump’s Team Unknowingly Uses Plane Once Owned By Jeffrey Epstein Amid Transportation Woes
Another embarrassing moment in the circus that is the Trump campaign.
Disgraced felon and former President Donald Trump’s campaign faced an unexpected and embarrassing transportation challenge on Aug. 12 after its regular airplane, “Trump Force One,” encountered mechanical problems and was put out of commission. In a scramble to find an alternative, the campaign ended up using a plane that was once owned by the convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
The incident came to light after a social media user tracked the airplane’s tail number used by Trump on Aug. 10, sparking online discussions about theaircraft’s former ownership on the X app.
🚩Trump IS flying on Epstein’s plane!!! 🚩
No, this isn’t in the distance past tense. He flew on it as recently as Saturday.
I noticed a short mention of it, so I decided to dig a little deeper. In this 🧵, I’ll expose the evidence I uncovered and MUCH more.
The campaign reportedly used the replacement plane in an emergency on Saturday to attend a Montana rally, followed by Wyoming and Colorado fundraisers. According to a campaign official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, they were unaware of the plane’s previous ownership. “We had absolutely no idea,” the official stated.
The airplane involved in Trump’s transportation debacle is not the infamous “Lolita Express,” the aircraft Epstein allegedly used to transport young girls to his private island. That notorious airplane has since been destroyed. However, the situation has drawn attention due to Trump’s past social connections with Epstein, although there is no evidence that Trump was aware of Epstein’s illegal activities. Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges in a Manhattan jail.
Vice President Kamala Harris ‘Reintroduces’ Herself For Time Magazine Cover
Simply gorgeous!
Time Magazine celebrated Vice President Kamala Harris on the cover by highlighting how she pulled off “the swiftest vibe shift in modern political history,” The Independent reported.
The stunning cover photo features Harris sketched in black and white while surrounded by her supporters holding signs reading, “Her moment.” While she declined the interview, the title story, “The Reintroduction of Kamala Harris,” compared her Philadelphia campaign rally on Aug. 6 to a Beyoncé concert. With over 14,000 people attending the rally, her Democratic takeover has also been compared to the enthusiasm last felt when former President Barack Obama ran for President in 2008.
Harris took over on the presidential trail after top Democrats pressured President Joe Biden to end his reelection bid following a disastrous debate performance against former President Donald Trump in June 2024. Once he decided to drop out of the race, hours later, Biden endorsed his Vice President as the presumptive Democratic presidential candidate.
With her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, by her side, the Howard University graduate is ahead in the polls in several battleground states, including Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, by four points, according to a survey conducted by The New York Times and Siena College.
The Trump campaign defended his supporters, calling the poll results “dramatically understated.” “Once again, we see a series of public surveys released with the clear intent and purpose of depressing support for President Trump,” a memo from the campaign read. Trump himself posted about the polls, claiming he is doing well. “I’m doing really well in the presidential race, leading in almost all of the REAL polls, and this despite the Democrats unprecedentedly changing their primary winning candidate,” Trump wrote.
“I did great in 2016, and WON, did much better in 2020, getting many millions more votes than ‘16, but this, 2024, is thus far my best campaign.”
While Harris’ latest magazine cover title caught some slack from social media users, the cover caught Trump’s attention. According to Newsweek, the indicted businessman called Harris “beautiful” during an X interview with Elon Musk. He then compared her to his wife, former First Lady Melania Trump.
Trump says he saw Kamala Harris today on Time Magazine. He says she looked beautiful but then says it was drawing. He then says she looked like Melania Trump. pic.twitter.com/pW9ctsCt0r
Social media users accused Time of attempting to diminish Harris’ accomplishments by using the term “reintroduction.” “The reintroduction…last time I checked, she’s been VP for the last four years,” lawyer @thompsonklay wrote.
Photography Veteran Shares 3 Steps To Creative Business Growth
In the dynamic realm of celebrity photography, where creativity intertwines with intuition, Robin V rises above the rest. With her unwavering passion and distinct perspective, she navigates the intricacies of the entertainment industry, capturing the essence of each subject and immortalizing the moments that shape our collective cultural consciousness.
Hailing from the vibrant city of Baltimore, Robin took an untraditional path in her journey into photography. Seeking even more opportunities, Robin left Baltimore for Miami with nothing more than a one-way ticket, a dream, and a determination to make it on her terms.
Brand equals value
Since its inception, the photography industry has been dominated by white individuals, and Black professionals, particularly Black women, have encountered challenges and obstacles as they try to break through.
Robin remarks, “From the beginning, I completely understood how important my branding would be to my business, and I branded with intention.”
Knowing how she wants her brand to live and breathe, Robin creates a strategy that aligns with her vision and resonates with her target audience.
“I would not show up to a photo shoot in sweatpants and a T-shirt. I come dressed to the nines,” she says. “I want my commissioner and client to know I am charging a premium price because I shoot luxury and I am luxury. The total package, including myself, is a part of my value.”
Putting systems in place
While photographers find joy and fulfillment in capturing moments and expressing their artistic vision, monetizing their passion in such a competitive industry can be complex.
“If you don’t have a strategy to scale your photography business, you will struggle,” Robin observes. “Many photographers struggle because they love what they do but don’t have systems in place to ensure profitability.”
Finding the right balance between passion and profit requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to navigate the challenges in the industry.
“I love what I do. I can do it with my eyes closed, but with no systems, you can get taken advantage of,” says Robin. Those systems include handling inquiries, scheduling, photoshoots, editing, and rates. “Photography is an expensive profession; if you are not pricing correctly, you are working for free. As a Black woman, I had to learn my value, and I didn’t learn it until I knew my value.”
Stay creative
Photographers can draw inspiration from countless sources that fuel their creativity and push the boundaries of their art. Working as a model in visuals directed by iconic directors such as Hype Williams and Benny Boom, Robin became fascinated by the cameras and everything happening behind the scenes.
“By being on sets with countless directors, I picked up aspects of lighting, placement, and creating perspective,” she says. “I find inspiration in movies and even social media. I am constantly asking myself what lighting and lens is used; was this on a built set or in a studio; and what time of day is the shot?”
But what’s most important is having a unique vision and developing it.
“Photography is about training your eye to see and look at your subject a certain way while shooting. This will separate you from the pack.”
Peep This List Of Financial Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs
For Black Business Month, Black Enterprise has compiled a list of financial resources that will help Black entrepreneurs.
Black-owned businesses have been thriving this year. Whether it’s retail, hair and beauty, food, or liquor, there are more Black entrepreneurs than ever, and many are becoming successful businessmen and women.
Despite the news, many Black entrepreneurs struggle to find seed money, bank loans, expansion funds, and credit. According to Forbes, 46% of Black business owners say they’ve faced issues accessing capital, among other challenges; 39% do not feel adequately informed about how to apply for money; 38% don’t have a relationship with a lender or bank; and 21% don’t know where to apply for capital.
For Black Business Month, BLACK ENTERPRISE has compiled a list of financial resources for Black entrepreneurs.
Loans and Grants
Founders First CDC
Founders First CDC is the largest national platform for growing businesses led by diverse founders. Since 2015 the nonprofit has provided funding, training, and mentorship opportunities for companies run by women, people of color, military veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and entrepreneurs in urban communities.
Earlier in 2023, Founders First awarded $25,000 to women-run businesses to celebrate Mother’s Day. Last year, it committed $300,000 to help Black, female, and veteran entrepreneurs of color in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Chicago, and Texas through its Job Creators Quest Grant program. Founders First also offers scholarships to its business accelerator program, including leadership coaching and continuous business education.
Lendistry
Since 2014, Lendistry, a minority-led Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), has provided more than $9 billion in economic opportunities and progressive growth to more than 600,000 small businesses and their underserved communities. Lendistry provides business loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, special grants, and programs for entrepreneurs in California, Colorado, and New York.
Lendistry works with its nonprofit organization, The Center by Lendistry, to connect small business customers with technical assistance, business courses, and business advisers. The organization also features testimonials from entrepreneurs who have applied for and received funds.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lendistry gave over $200 million in pandemic recovery grants for small and microbusinesses in New York.
Other grant programs for Black entrepreneurs include the Power Forward Small Business Grant, which offers $25,000 to Black-owned businesses in New England, and the Beyond Open Grant for minorities, women, veterans, LBGTQ+, and people with disabilities in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Businesses Accelerator Programs
Those who already have their business off the ground may now be looking for an accelerator program to take their business to the next level. Here are a few business accelerator programs to help.
Amazon
If you’re an entrepreneur in the retail industry, the Amazon Black Business Accelerator Program is dedicated to helping build sustainable growth for Black-owned businesses by explicitly targeting barriers to access, opportunity, and advancement.
Amazon’s Business Accelerator provides financial assistance, including business education and coaching, plus and marketing and advertising support, for Black entrepreneurs.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs has two business programs, one specifically for Black women.
The first is the 10,000 Small Businesses program, which provides business education covering the key elements for growing a business through a network of community colleges across the U.S. The program works with CDFIs and other lenders to provide capital for small businesses. The 10,000 Small Businesses program also puts its new entrepreneurs in touch with those who have made it through the program for one-on-one advising and networking opportunities.
Goldman’s One Million Black Women program expands on the 10,000 Small Businesses Program to teach Black female entrepreneurs to understand their finances better, hire employees, price their products and services, and connect aspiring entrepreneurs with a network of successful Black female entrepreneurs.
Google for Startups Black Founders Accelerator
The Google for Startups Black Founders Accelerator is a 10-week digital accelerator program for Seed to Series A tech startups based in the U.S. and Canada. The program will accept 10 Black-owned technology startups for the program and provide them with three months of mentoring and training from more than 20 Google teams, technical support, early access to Google tools and products, and much more.
A great number of Black investors are looking for the right company to get in on these days, Everyone from Black celebrities to those in the finance industry has opened venture capital firms in recent years to help Black entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Here are some VC firms and investors that can help turn your idea into something special while also providing financial help.
Black Angel Tech Fund
The Black Angel Tech Fund is a VC firm founded by Black entrepreneurs and investors focusing on seed funding for early-stage technology companies. Black Angel’s investments include On Second Thought, a patented mobile delay/recall technology that allows users to take back transactions before they get to the other person; and Ceek VR, a next-generation virtual reality platform.
Those interested can email Black Angel or register on the fund’s homepage to get more information.
Harlem Capital Partners
New York-based Harlem Capital Partners focuses on early-stage minority startups. The firm aims to create generational wealth for women and people of color. Forty-three percent of the companies Harlem Capital has invested in are women-owned, and 61% are Black- or Latino-owned.
Black news sites Blavity, Fixt, and Chatdesk are among the companies comprising Harlem Capital Partners’ 51-investment portfolio. Those interested can fill out its investment form to pitch their idea.
Serena Ventures
Retired tennis legend Serena Williams is using her second act to help people of color and women in different industries. Serena Ventures, which Williams started in 2014, invests in entrepreneurs who aim to solve everyday problems through unorthodox thinking. Serena Ventures has managed a portfolio of more than 60 angel investments using Williams’ own money.
