Technikole Consulting

Tag: Black history

  • 29 Practical Ways to Support Black Business, Culture, and Growth

    As we celebrate Black Business Month it’s important to look towards the future and take tangible actions that uplift and empower the Black community. One powerful way to do this is by actively supporting Black businesses, culture, and growth.

    Here are 29 practical ways you can make a difference:

    1. Shop at Black-owned businesses:

    Seek out Black-owned businesses in your community and make a conscious effort to support them. Whether it’s a local bookstore, restaurant, or clothing boutique, your patronage can make a significant impact.

    2. Spread the word:

    Use your voice and social media platforms to share information about Black-owned businesses. Word of mouth is a powerful tool, and your recommendations can help these businesses reach a wider audience.

    3. Attend Black cultural events:

    Support and participate in Black cultural events, such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and theater performances. These events not only celebrate Black culture but also provide economic opportunities for artists and performers.

    4. Invest in Black-owned businesses:

    If you have the means, consider investing in Black-owned businesses. This can be done through crowdfunding platforms, venture capital firms, or even direct investments. Your financial support can help these businesses thrive and expand.

    5. Mentorship and networking:

    Offer mentorship and networking opportunities to aspiring Black entrepreneurs. Share your knowledge and expertise to help them navigate the business world and connect with valuable contacts.

    6. Buy from Black artisans and craftsmen:

    Support Black artisans and craftsmen by purchasing their handmade products. Whether it’s jewelry, pottery, or clothing, these unique pieces often reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Black community.

    7. Support Black-owned media outlets:

    Subscribe to and consume media from Black-owned outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. This helps amplify Black voices and perspectives, and provides economic support to these media organizations.

    8. Advocate for diversity and inclusion:

    Promote diversity and inclusion in your workplace or community by advocating for equal opportunities and representation. Encourage the hiring and promotion of Black individuals, and support initiatives that foster a more inclusive environment.

    9. Educate yourself:

    Take the time to educate yourself about Black history, culture, and experiences. Read books, watch documentaries, and listen to podcasts that provide insights into the Black community’s contributions and struggles.

    10. Support Black-owned bookstores:

    Instead of purchasing books from large chain stores, support Black-owned bookstores. These independent bookshops often offer a curated selection of literature that highlights diverse voices and perspectives.

    11. Engage in conversations:

    Engage in open and honest conversations about race and inequality. This can help raise awareness, challenge biases, and foster understanding and empathy.

    12. Attend Black-owned restaurants:

    Explore the vibrant flavors of Black cuisine by dining at Black-owned restaurants. From soul food to Afro-Caribbean delicacies, these establishments offer a unique culinary experience.

    13. Volunteer your skills:

    Donate your time and skills to Black-owned nonprofits and community organizations. Whether it’s offering pro bono services or volunteering at events, your contribution can make a difference.

    14. Support Black-owned fashion brands:

    When updating your wardrobe, consider supporting Black-owned fashion brands. These designers often bring fresh and innovative perspectives to the industry.

    15. Amplify Black voices:

    Use your platform to amplify Black voices and experiences. Share articles, videos, and artwork created by Black individuals to help their work reach a wider audience.

    16. Support Black-owned beauty brands:

    Discover and purchase products from Black-owned beauty brands. These companies offer a wide range of skincare, haircare, and makeup products tailored to diverse needs.

    17. Support Black-owned tech startups:

    Keep an eye out for Black-owned tech startups and support them by using their products or services. Innovation knows no boundaries, and these startups are pushing the boundaries of technology.

    18. Advocate for equitable policies:

    Advocate for policies that promote equity and address systemic racism. Support organizations and initiatives that work towards dismantling barriers and creating a more just society.

    19. Support Black-owned farms and food producers:

    Buy fresh produce, meat, and other food products from Black-owned farms and food producers. This supports local agriculture and helps create a more sustainable food system.

    20. Support Black-owned financial institutions:

    Consider banking with Black-owned financial institutions or credit unions. This helps to create economic opportunities and access to financial services within the Black community.

    21. Attend Black-owned fitness studios:

    Stay active and support Black-owned fitness studios and gyms. From yoga to dance classes, these businesses offer a variety of workout options.

    22. Support Black-owned breweries and wineries:

    Enjoy a refreshing drink while supporting Black-owned breweries and wineries. These businesses often bring unique flavors and perspectives to the beverage industry.

    23. Support Black-owned music labels and artists:

    Discover and listen to music from Black-owned labels and artists. From hip-hop to jazz, these musicians contribute to the rich tapestry of music.

    24. Support Black-owned theater companies:

    Attend performances by Black-owned theater companies. These productions showcase diverse stories and talent, and your support helps sustain the arts.

    25. Support Black-owned wellness and self-care businesses:

    Invest in your well-being by supporting Black-owned wellness and self-care businesses. From spas to wellness retreats, these businesses offer rejuvenating experiences.

    26. Support Black-owned social impact organizations:

    Donate to and volunteer with Black-owned social impact organizations. These organizations address a wide range of issues, from education to healthcare, and your support can help create lasting change.

    27. Support Black-owned podcasts:

    Listen to podcasts hosted by Black individuals and support their work. These podcasts cover a wide range of topics and provide unique perspectives.

    28. Support Black-owned travel businesses:

    When planning your next trip, consider booking with Black-owned travel businesses. From tour operators to accommodations, these businesses offer authentic and immersive experiences.

    29. Be an ally:

    Lastly, be an ally to the Black community. Stand up against racism, challenge stereotypes, and actively work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

    By actively supporting Black business, culture, and growth, we can help create a more just and prosperous future for all. Let’s make a difference this Black History Month and beyond.

    Remember Technikole Consulting is to proclaim we are a Black Owned Business in the Greater Washington DC area servicing clients worldwide. We can help you to be technically savvy.

  • Seeking Tomorrow, Starts Today

    As we step into the future, we carry with us the spirit of those who came before. The innovators and pioneers whose creativity lit the way.

    Normatives

    I used to think that I could not be an artist, that I was not creative in the way that creators create, artistically. I couldn’t shape a vase to save my life and the paintbrush was not my friend. There were never crepes or paper machetes in my toolkit. Nope, I definitely wasn’t an artist.

    But in 2021, I changed my mindset. I was introduced to AI Generated Art (yes before DallE and before Midjourney), I began speaking my words into art. The technology shaped my words into beautiful and creative images. (Thank you to Kane and Low for slinging Gospel and Jewelry while providing valuable tips.)

    Transformatives

    I create a new path, mainly because I thought it was cool to see the interpretations of words through technology showing up as artistic renderings. I immediately took my vision one step further and minted them as NFTs on the blockchain, inspiring a whole new type of empowerment.

    AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – the Journey to Empowerment (1/28/24)

    Ridiculation

    My thoughts were challenged, people said it wasn’t art. People said it wasn’t “me creating anything”, people side-eyed me but you know what? I kept going and today, its everywhere. Its the “thing” to do (or not). Its more accepted now than it was then but still there are those that ridicule. Tell me what form of art doesn’t have its “haters” – sideeye right back at cha.

    My main NFT gallery is called “GalleryOThought”, because that is what it is, the story of my visions chronicling my journey as we head into the reality of the Metaverse…and beyond. We’ve progressed SO much in just a few years, its cool to see what I did then vs. what I made today:

    AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 03 (1/28/24)

    Blaze a Trail

    I think of trailblazers like Gladys West, the Black woman whose mathematical models were vital to the development of GPS in the 1980s. Decades before location tracking went mainstream, West had the vision to see its possibilities.

    AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 04 (1/28/24)

    Or the possibilities that Marie Van Brittan Brown envisioned. She was the nurse who invented the home security system in 1966 to make her neighborhood safer. Her entrepreneurial solution was years ahead of its time…can you say cyber-security or physical-penetration testing?

    AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 05 (1/28/24)

    Be Bold

    These women embodied audacious imagination. By daring to think beyond the status quo of their eras, they paved inroads that lead us here today. Their brilliance guides us still. And there are hundreds more. They dared to be different, dared to be bold, dared to have their imaginations on trial.

    AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 06 (1/28/24)

    Meta Mind Shift

    At Technikole Consulting we dare too. During the Meta Mind Shift Mastermind, we seek to empower a new generation of diverse innovators, to provide them with the tools and community needed to dream big. Just as those who came before us did.

    AiRT Work by Technikole, part of a Digital Transformation – 07 (1/28/24)

    The pioneers of tomorrow are already among us. Eager minds of all ages, with fresh ideas to shape the future. I cannot wait to see where our participants creativity will take us. Will you be among us?

    Dearest Seeker of Tomorrow, the unwritten future awaits your vision. Your resilience. Your hope. The opportunity to leave your bold mark is here. Seize it, register for the Meta Mind Shift Mastermind today!

    Registration for Quarter 1 ends on February 14, the first session begins on February 13th.

    Register: https://technikole.com/mastermind-event

    You Can Be Technically Savvy Too!

    Notice: The artwork depicted on this page was created in collaboration with Artificial Intelligence, it is available for sale or collection. Email inquiry@technikole.com for rates.