Crime, UBER, Car, shoot, shooting
by Stacy Jackson

March 28, 2024

Dashcam Captures Uber Driver And Passenger Escaping Gunfire

Driver John Williams picked up a passenger in one of the most violent neighborhoods in Chicago.

Gun shots were fired towards an Uber driver’s vehicle after he picked up a woman in Chicago.

March 17 footage from the driver’s dash cam, via Storyful, revealed an unnamed woman calmly getting into the backseat of the Uber, but immediately after closing the door, she can be heard demanding driver John Williams to, “Go, go go! He finna shoot at the car,” as she ducked down into her seat.

Confused by the woman’s demand, Williams briefly turned around to look at the passenger that he picked up in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. “Shoot at the car?” he questioned, as he proceeded to accelerate from two miles per hour, to nine, to 20, while the woman confirmed, “Yeah, go.”

“What the…?” Williams asked as two gun shots were fired. Phone in hand and hitting over 35 mph, he asked “What is that?” The woman, still ducking in her seat, just yelled, “Go!” The driver having to ask again what was going on, the woman responded, “He just shot at the car.” Williams asked the woman what the man’s reason was for shooting.

The Uber driver multi-tasked as he appeared to have his body positioned to dodge any bullets and pay attention to the road at the same time. Williams told Storyful that he was “startled and alarmed.”

What seemed to be a bumpy Sunday night ride, soon slowed down after the woman told Williams she was contacting police and they proceeded to pull over. “Feeling increasingly uneasy and fearing for our safety, I made the difficult decision to inform [the passenger] that I couldn’t wait for the police any longer,” Williams told Storyful.

He and the passenger decided to switch the destination to a home address of the one of the woman’s relatives. According to Williams, this would reduce the risk of the woman being followed by the shooter. “Ensuring her safety became my top priority,” Williams said.

The Uber driver continued his shift after he dropped the woman off.

According to The Chicago Sun-Times, West Garfield Park is one of the most violent neighborhoods in Chicago. The outlet reported in 2023 that the neighborhood was responsible for nearly 1,000 shootings over the past five years, with over 1,500 murder victims over the last decade, and two-thirds of the victims younger than 30 years old.

Anti-violence groups like The MAAFA Redemption Project are working to find active shooters. The program offers job training, psychotherapy, and counseling.

RELATED CONTENT: Uber Driver Gets A Taste Of Vigilante Justice After Allegedly Killing Baby In Parking Lot

Marcus Carpenter, Rural Hennepin Co. Welcomes Minnesota’s First
by Rafael Pena

March 28, 2024

Minnesota Welcomes State’s First Black-Owned Freight Farm, Tackling Food Insecurity And Agricultural Inequities

The Black-owned Freight Farm is led by farmer Marcus Carpenter in Hennepin County.

In an effort to address food insecurity and inequities in agriculture, rural Hennepin County in Minnesota is welcoming the state’s first Black-owned Freight Farm on March 27, a modern solution to growing produce in confined spaces, according to KARE11.

Freight Farms is a Boston-based agriculture technology company and was the first to manufacture and sell “container farms,” or hydroponic farming systems that fit inside freight containers.

Led by farmer Marcus Carpenter and his organization, Route 1, the arrival of the Minnesota Freight Farm signals a significant milestone in the fight against hunger and disparities in food access. “Today is an exciting day,” remarked Carpenter as a semi-truck completed its journey from Massachusetts to Medina in rural Hennepin County. “We are getting our very first Freight Farm. The crane’s going to take the freight farm off the back of the truck.”

Freight Farms, based in Boston, supplies farmers worldwide with repurposed shipping containers, allowing them to grow food efficiently within a controlled environment. For Carpenter and Route 1, this innovative approach not only yields fresh produce but also provides opportunities for youth engagement and education.

“Not only does this freight farm give us the ability to grow over 200 pounds of fresh produce per week, but it also gives us the ability to bring in youth who may have not had an opportunity to experience agriculture,” Carpenter explained.

Route 1’s commitment extends beyond farming; their MN Seeds to Success Youth Academy offers hands-on agricultural and leadership education, addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited Black participation in farming.

The significance of this endeavor is underscored by the broader context of agricultural inequities. Carpenter highlights the historical denial of government support to Black farmers, contributing to underrepresentation in the agricultural sector and exacerbating food insecurity in Black communities.

“The modern method of freight farming is meant to change that,” Carpenter emphasized. “It gives us an opportunity to take good, clean, culturally relevant, nutritious food and place it right down in the middle of some of our food deserts in our low to medium-income areas.”

With support from American Family Insurance’s social impact initiative, Route 1’s freight farm represents a step towards closing equity gaps and promoting sustainable community development.

Nyra Jordan, social impact investment director for AmFam Institute, emphasized the importance of Route 1’s multigenerational approach to farming and its potential to foster positive change in Minnesota. “We have concerns around hunger in America,” Jordan told the Daily Yonder. “But at this local level, and the work that Route 1 is doing, there is a solution… We feel by supporting markets and Route 1, it’s an innovative business model that will equip farmers with the land and resources that every one needs for a thriving farming operation. And so we’re hoping that we can support economic opportunities and tackle hunger.”

RELATED CONTENT: Local Lands, A Black-Owned Farm, Widens Reach For Georgia Residents To Combat Food Deserts

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Black organications
by Sharelle Burt

March 28, 2024

‘DEIs’ Becomes Trending Topic After Criticism of Baltimore’s ‘DEI Mayor’ Brandon Scott

Leave it to Black people to laugh through the racism....

Social media was set ablaze after racist users attacked Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott after his press conference following the devastating crash that collapsed the Francis Scott Key Bridge. 

@iamyesyouareno hopped on Twitter to state his opinion on Scott’s remarks following the accident, calling him a “DEI mayor.” “This is Baltimore’s DEI mayor commenting on the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge,” he wrote. “It’s going to get so, so much worse. Prepare accordingly.”

The comments started to pour in defending Scott, referring to the comment as racist. “Too scared to say you h8 Black people, the infrastructure was built before he became mayor,” @sacred_cave wrote.

Another user said, “DEI, the new N-word. I guess.”

That started an interesting – some deemed comical – conversation, prompting the heavily discussed term “DEI” to begin trending. To make light of using the term in place of the N-word with DEI, Black people put their creative spin on things. “Shoutout to all my real DEIs,” @_CharlesPreston tweeted. 

Some even replaced the term in popular songs like R&B group Xscape’s “Just Kickin’ It.” “This is for my DEIs. Strictly for DEIs” or “ALL MY REAL LIVE DEI’s THROW YO’ HANDS UP!”

https://twitter.com/JamieEPratt/status/1772820260854382645

Scott caught wind of the rhetoric and joined MSNBC’s Joy Reid to respond. He told the anchor that Black men, particularly young Black men, have been under attack forever, saying they are the “boogie man” to racist people. “I know, and we all know, and you know very well, that Black men and young Black men, in particular. have been the Boogie Man for those who are racist and think that only straight, wealthy white men should have a say in anything,” Scott proclaimed. 

“What they mean by DEI, in my opinion, is duly elected incumbent. We know what they wanna say, but they don’t have the courage to say the N-word.” 

Fellow young legislators like Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-Fl.) jumped to his defense, defining the term “DEI hire = disgusting racial slur.” 

While people continue to make fun of DEI, a number of initiatives are under attack in real life. Since July 2023, close to 22 states have introduced legislation banning or restricting DEI efforts at universities. Black leaders like Rev. Al Sharpton and the NAACP have been working behind the scenes to fight this attack on the culture. 


NAACP President Derrick Johnson recently called for Black athletes to boycott Division I programs after the University of Florida eliminated their DEI offices. Sharpton is still battling hedge fund manager Bill Ackman by picketing outside his NYC offices every Thursday after the billionaire began pushing his opposition to DEI initiatives.

Gullah Geechee Culture, South Carolina School, Sweetgrass basket weaving, arts & craft
by Jameelah Mullen

March 28, 2024

New South Carolina School Will Include Gullah Geechee Culture In Curriculum

The Sea Island Heritage Academy will receive an estimated $3 million in grant funding in the next three years.

A new South Carolina charter school will prioritize Gullah Geechee heritage in its educational curriculum. Located in Beaufort County, The Sea Islands Heritage Academy was approved by the Public Charter School District Board of Trustees in April 2023. 

Founder and Executive Director Alana Jenkins has familial roots in Beaufort County and saw a need for educational programs that embraced Gullah Geechee culture. The veteran educator believes that community-centered schools are a key in achieving educational equality. 

Jenkins has worked in the New York City public school system for nearly a decade, serving as middle school teacher, dean of students, and assistant principal. The B.E.S. Fellow says that the academy will take an holistic approach to education that considers the students’ unique experiences. 

“Our school will be an educational experience that affirms all parts of a student’s identity, teaching students of color about their legacy of resilience and strength,” Jenkins said on the school’s website. 

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Beaufort County residents who shared their thoughts on the new school. 

Mahoganee Amigér and Andre Amigér are the co-founders of Responsible ARTistry, Inc. The certified teaching artists facilitate music camps workshops in the Beaufort county schools and integrate Gullah Geechee culture into their programs. Mahoganee, who met with Jenkins during the planning stages of the charter school, is “extremely proud” to have been a part of the process. 

“I’m excited for what the Sea Islands Heritage Academy will do specifically for our Gullah Geechee youth now and in the future. I’m excited that there’s a culturally relevant school dedicated to place-based learning specifically for our culture,” Mahoganee said.

Michelle Washington, who has been an educator in Beaufort County for 19 years, often uses Gullah Geechee stories and songs when teaching her kindergarten students. She said the new school allows for parents another option when it comes to their children’s education while also teaching an aspect of South Carolina history that is often overlooked in traditional public school curriculums.

“As a public school educator, I totally agree with incorporating our Gullah culture into the curriculum,” Washington said.


The Sea Islands Heritage Academy plans to enroll up to 150 students at the sixth- and seventh-grade levels and will add grades each year until it reaches the 12th grade. The school will be temporarily housed on Lady’s Island. A permanent site has not been announced, though it will be on St. Helena Island, the Beaufort County Post and Courier reports.

The Sea Islands Heritage Academy is currently accepting applications for sixth- and seventh-grade students.

RELATED CONTENT: The Gullah-Geechee Community Is Fighting To Protect Their Land From Gentrifiers In South Carolina

Frank Farrow, Boston, Grant
by Rafael Pena

March 28, 2024

Boston Allocates $500K In Grants To Support Black Men And Boys

The grants will provide financial backing to community-based organizations striving to make a difference in the lives of Black men and boys across the city.

In a move aimed at bolstering community empowerment and fostering positive outcomes for Black men and boys, Boston has announced the distribution of $500,000 in grants to 63 local organizations, according to Boston.com.

Mayor Michelle Wu, alongside the Office of Black Male Advancement, unveiled the 2024 Empowerment Grants on March 26, underscoring the city’s commitment to addressing systemic disparities and promoting equity.

“I’m grateful to the Office of Black Male Advancement and Commission on Black Men and Boys for their critical work to invest in and empower our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re excited to relaunch these Community Empowerment grants and look forward to partnering with the community in our shared goal to provide multi-faceted, comprehensive programming and support that uplift our Black men and boys across neighborhoods.”

The grants, funded through the Office of Black Male Advancement’s operating budget, are intended to provide financial backing to community-based organizations striving to make a difference in the lives of Black men and boys across the city.

The grants were awarded to organizations focusing on seven key areas identified by the city, including mentoring and out-of-school time, youth and young adult pathways, housing mobility, economic inclusion and wealth building, workforce training and development, fatherhood engagement, and mental health and wellness.

Frank Farrow, executive director of the Office of Black Male Advancement, emphasized the importance of collaboration with local organizations in driving positive change. “The Community Empowerment grants will provide additional financial support for Boston community-based organizations to continue their invaluable efforts within our neighborhoods day in and day out,” said Farrow. “I’m excited to collaborate with local community-based organizations and can’t wait to see the continued positive impact they will be able [to] bring to our Black men and boys across the city.”

The grants were awarded to organizations focusing on seven key areas identified by the city, including mentoring and out-of-school time, youth and young adult pathways, housing mobility, economic inclusion and wealth building, workforce training and development, fatherhood engagement, and mental health and wellness.

“The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement community empowerment grant gave our young men the opportunity to learn about business entrepreneurship and the power in networking in spaces they wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to be in,” Royce Veal, executive director of Chills Diamond Ring Education Foundation, told Boston.com. “Participants were able to start their first phase of developing their business ideas to include: clothing lines, photography, basketball training. This grant allowed us the ability to show our young men that business and home ownership is possible by putting them in front of black male business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders that have seen success on their journey.”

Among the recipients of the 2024 funding are notable organizations such as Young Man with a Plan and the Family Nurturing Center of Massachusetts, recognized for their dedication to advancing the well-being and opportunities of Black men and boys in the Boston area.

Lincoln University, HBCU, Getty Images
by Daniel Johnson

March 28, 2024

Preserving History Through Pictures: Lincoln University Partners With Getty Images As It Celebrates 170 Years

Lincoln, like the other partner universities in the program, will keep their existing rights to their work and gain access to another potential source of revenue.

On March 21, Lincoln University announced a partnership with Getty Images. Lincoln, which was founded in 1854, was the first HBCU to grant degrees in America. This year, as the university notes in its press release, marks its 170th anniversary and part of the reason for the partnership is to catalog and celebrate the university’s history.

According to Cassandra Illidge, Getty Images vice president of Global Content Partnerships and executive director of the HBCU Photo Archive Program, the collaboration is a continuation of the program Getty launched in 2021. 

“In 2021, Getty Images launched the Photo Archive Grants Program for HBCUs to support the preservation of historical photos from HBCU’s archives and celebrate the traditions and photo coverage of HBCUs today,” Illidge said in the press release. “Lincoln now joins other esteemed HBCUs currently working with Getty Images to protect their intellectual property, increase access to unique imagery, and raise awareness of rarely seen historical events.”

Lincoln University’s President, Dr. Brenda A. Allen, said in the press release that the university is proud to be in partnership with Getty Images.

“At Lincoln University, we are immensely proud to partner with Getty Images, marking a significant milestone in our institution’s history that illuminates our legacy and safeguards our intellectual heritage,” Dr. Allen said. “This collaboration not only allows us to preserve and disseminate our rich history on a global scale but also underscores our commitment to empowering future generations with the transformative power of visual storytelling.”

Lincoln, like the other partner universities in the program, will keep their existing rights to their work and gain access to another potential source of revenue. 

According to the Getty Images website, “HBCUs retain full copyright ownership of their photography. All revenue generated from the Collection will impact the program – effectively providing each HBCU with a new revenue stream and support scholarships for students attending HBCUs.”

As NPR reported in 2023, HBCUs have been underfunded by $13 billion over the last 30 years, and in a letter sent to the governors of 16 states, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack said that HBCUs “would be much stronger and better positioned to serve its students, your state, and the nation if made whole with respect to this funding gap.”

Photo archives could prove to be a source of revenue for Lincoln and other HBCUs.

RELATED CONTENT: Lincoln University President Reinstated After Being Cleared Of Bullying Claims Over Administrator’s Suicide

Derrick Lambert, LRG Clothing, ‘I Ain’t Fresh’ Guy
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 28, 2024

Viral ‘I Ain’t Fresh’ Guy Might’ve Landed An LRG Ad Campaign

The now-viral "I Ain't Fresh" guy is showing just how fly he can be with his recent endorsement from LRG clothing.

The now-viral “I Ain’t Fresh” guy is showing just how fly he can be with his recent endorsement from LRG clothing.

Dallas resident Derrick Lambert became a trending topic last week after being on the receiving end of a young group who attempted to clown his fit. Rocking a pair of sky blue New Balances with a pair of blue jeans and a striped sky blue and white Ralph Lauren Polo shirt, Lambert garnered widespread support on social media from many who defended his attire.

Now one week later it looks like the social media star might’ve landed his first ad campaign after catching the attention of Lifted Research Group (LRG). On Monday, March 25, the streetwear brand shared a photo showing Lambert rocking a brown LRG shirt with matching pants and a pair of his signature New Balance sneakers.

“Salute to @dlamb870 #WhoAintFresh #DLamb4DaWin #lrgclothing 🌲🫡” the company captioned the photo that included Lambert’s new catchphrase “I Ain’t Fresh?”

LRG responded with four fire flames when Lambert first shared the image the day before. No word on if the Orange County-based clothing company received Lambert’s permission to turn his photo into an ad campaign. But it’s likely they received the green light before making the move.

A separate post showed Lambert rocking a white LRG t-shirt with brown khakis and a pair of Nike sneakers. The company teased an “interview” with Lambert was on the way.

It’s the latest nod to Lambert’s growing popularity after getting mocked outside of a Dallas Whataburger by the two young ladies who found his fashion style funny.

“I ain’t fresh?” he asked the people recording the video while holding his Whataburger order.

“You not fresh, no. Sometimes, you just gotta take your L, bro,” one person said in response.

“No, sir,” added another.

Lambert appeared visibly defeated as the group laughed. They did later admit to joking around and told Lambert they were recording him “cause you fresh, bro.”

The negative encounter turned positive for Lambert who followed up with a video sharing all the love he’s been getting since the video went viral. He also spoke with Rolling Out about his newfound fame, the anti-bullying campaign he’s developing, and shared all the DMs he’s been getting from women hoping to snag a date.

Another clothing endorsement could be on the way for Lambert after he shared a recent photo that received a comment from T.I.s Akoo Clothing telling the TikTok star to check his DMs. Lambert is living proof of what can happen when you turn lemons into lemonade.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Therapists On TiKTok Are Growing Their Online Communities

Will Smith, Jada Smith, Charity
by Rafael Pena

March 28, 2024

Is Will And Jada Smith’s Charity Closing Due To Backlash From Oscars Slap And Mismanaged Funds?

The Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation was established in 1996.

The glitzy world of celebrity philanthropy is taking a downturn as the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, the brainchild of Hollywood power couple Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, may be closing following a significant drop in donations, according to Variety.

Tax filings revealed that the foundation’s income plummeted by 83% in 2022, marking a staggering decline from previous years.

The foundation, which was established in 1996 to support causes ranging from health and wellness to arts education, experienced a severe blow to its funding after Will Smith’s widely viewed altercation with comedian Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars. High-profile contributors including American Airlines and CAA withdrew their support, leading to the organization’s downfall.

Variety reported that according to records, the foundation’s revenue dwindled from $2,138,660 in 2021 to a mere $365,870 in 2022. That forced the couple to wind down the foundation and redirect their charitable efforts to private donations.

Despite the setback, the foundation continued its philanthropic endeavors in 2022, albeit on a smaller scale. Contributions were made to notable organizations such as the American Film Institute and Big Brothers Big Sisters. However, scrutiny arose over donations to lesser-known entities like Rebecoming and World Rebirth Foundation, raising questions about their legitimacy and impact.

Rebecoming, dedicated to exploring trauma release through non-ordinary states of consciousness, had a minimal online presence, with unanswered inquiries about its operations. Similarly, World Rebirth Foundation, focused on issues like gun violence and mental health, lacked transparency and faced challenges in verification.

Additionally, the foundation faced criticism for extravagant expenses, including bank overdrawn fees totaling over $3,000. The organization’s staffing also decreased significantly, signaling a shift away from its core mission.

If the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation does close, it will mark the end of an era in Black celebrity philanthropy. Will Smith, however, continues to command substantial paychecks in Hollywood and appears to be rebounding from the Oscar scandal. His big-budget Bad Boys: Ride or Die with Martin Lawrence is set for release in June.

RELATED CONTENT: Being Married To Will Smith Put Jada Pinkett Smith In The Throes Of Pay Disparity

Cam’Ron, Mase, home raid, it is what it is, lawsuit,
by Rafael Pena

March 28, 2024

Cam’ron And Mase Say Diddy’s Home Raids Are ‘Reparations’

The podcast co-hosts suggested that the past year had been a form of payback for Diddy, alluding to his ongoing financial disputes with Mase.

March 25 was a tumultuous day for rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, as federal agents raided his homes and detained family members as part of a sex trafficking investigation spurred by a series of sexual assault lawsuits against him, Uproxx reported. Coincidentally, it also marked the anniversary of two albums closely tied to Combs’ musical legacy: The Notorious B.I.G.’s Life After Death and The Diplomats’ Diplomatic Immunity.

On their sports podcast It Is What It Is, Cam’ron and Mase commented on the “eerie” timing of the raids, dubbing Diddy’s legal troubles as “reparations.”

The crux of their comments revolved around Mase’s long-standing financial grievances with Combs, dating back to the early 2000s. Despite his contributions to iconic albums like Life After Death and pivotal role as a Bad Boy artist following The Notorious B.I.G.’s death, Mase felt he was never adequately compensated by Diddy. In 2023, after years of dispute, Combs sold Mase the publishing rights to his music recorded under Bad Boy, alongside those of other artists.

During the podcast, Mase remarked, “Reparations is getting closer and closer,” to which Cam’ron responded, “I ain’t got nothing to do with that money, that’s all yours.” They went on to suggest that the past year had been a form of payback for Diddy, alluding to his ongoing financial disputes with Mase.

Mase, who signed with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records in 1996, announced in December 2012 that he was leaving the label. “Feel So Good” was his debut single, released in October 1997, and remains his bestselling single. He also wrote songs for various Bad Boy artists, including the hit “Mo Money Mo Problems” for The Notorious B.I.G.

In a previous episode, Mase reflected on his departure from Bad Boy, saying, “Even though I made those decisions and it cost me money, that’s why [when] I got with [Cam’ron], [God] gave me the money back. I didn’t [really] lose no money. Destiny.” Those remarks underscored his belief that his departure from Bad Boy ultimately led to financial restitution, validating his decision to leave the label.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy’s Lawyer Slams Federal Raids As ‘Gross Overuse Of Military-Level Force’

Danni Washington, Entrepreneur, Tax Professionals
by Stacy Jackson

March 28, 2024

Serial Entrepreneur Leads Flourishing Tax Services Enterprise, Inspires Black Entrepreneurs Nationwide

Danni Washington is working to teach her clients the ropes of the tax industry to help her community create generational wealth.

With billboards in 15 different states, at the helm of a flourishing tax services enterprise is Mississippi native Danni Washington, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Washington Credit & Tax Solutions, LLC.

Driven by an unwavering desire to inspire the next generation of young, Black entrepreneurs in the tax sector, the mental health advocate has built multiple successful tax businesses boasting an impressive network of 32 locations dedicated to delivering unparalleled tax preparation services for those filing self-employed, individual, and business returns.

Now, she continues her endeavors as she uses her initiative to bridge the gaps for people of color facing financial disparities.

“I was basically just hiring people that work at restaurants…just people that make the bare minimum,” the tax powerhouse told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I was giving them a chance to make more money in a little amount of time. So, I would get them certified and everything, and within two to three months, they probably made their first $100k…$200k.”

Washington has helped over 40 tax partners launch their own companies from the ground up. “From registering their business to purchasing bank products and software, I allow them to use my bank products to support their business,” she shared. “I also help them with funding.”

Making money and creating generational wealth is one of the benefits of understanding the industry, which she said is “something that will be ongoing forever.” The CEO, who is also a beauty and fashion influencer, said filing taxes is something we all should know.

“Where I’m from…we weren’t raised to understand the tax industry,” Washington said. “I just feel like the finance world should be for everyone” and understanding the changes is important because filing taxes is a priority. When we learn how to do things for ourselves, we eliminate mess-ups…that’s why I try to teach everyone that I can.”

Keeping Track Of Business

It’s not so much about expanding, but picking the right team. Tax companies should be intentional about who they put inside their offices. “The right team takes you further,” said Washington, who has expanded from having 12 contractors to 349.

“You have to lock yourself into your office,” she added.

Washington has several accountants to help new business owners keep up with things like bookkeeping and expenses. Washington gives her clients opportunities beyond taxes as she also acts as a financial coach. Other investments that have worked for her entrepreneurial success, she extends to her clients. “Even though I teach them how to make the money, I make sure they grow the money as well.”

Aspiring Tax Professionals

Washington holds trainings every 90 days, four times a year. She offers her clients bookkeeping services, accounting, personal and business taxes. Washington also offers coaching for those who may not be interested in establishing a tax company, but still desire to learn about taxes in general. Training for partners includes marketing materials, forming websites, jot forms, radio ads, flyers, setting fees, and training on how to coach your own team.

The businesswoman, who initially attended college to become a behavioral therapist, is currently converting over to the Association of Rich Tax Professionals (ARTP), a tax service bureau company with a mission to provide education, support, and innovative solutions for entrepreneurs in the tax industry. As the owner, she has built a team ready and willing to help provide the necessary tools for entrepreneurs to succeed in tax preparation and business development as they accomplish their own financial goals and build their communities.

ARTP provides tax preparation training, tax software and bank products, virtual one-on-one tax training, business development support, and individual and business filing.

Still Owe From Previous Years?

Washington also does back taxes for those who haven’t filed taxes in previous years. “I always start mid-March to April,” she said. “For the ones that owe, the first thing I look at is the tax return to make sure it was done properly.” If there was a mistake with how they reported any information, she helps them complete the amendment process with a goal to try to keep her clients from owing anything.

Prior to filing taxes, Washington worked with thousands of clients on building their credit. “Credit can get you more things than your social security number can get you,” she said. She also has partners who offer credit services.

Meet the tax mogul in Atlanta this weekend from March 29-30, for the Women Making History ATL Social.

Stay connected with this boss woman, here.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Tax Tips Every Business Traveler Should Know

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