20BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD MONDAY , OCTOBER 2 , 2017
Business Report
By Beatrice Louissaint
Entrepreneurship is the fastest way to build wealth in the black community . As children and young adults , most children hear from their parents , “ Go to college and get a great job with benefits .” If 76 percent of self-made millionaires in the U . S . are entrepreneurs , why are parents
By Cristin Wilson
More than 500 authors from around the world are scheduled to a�end the 34th Annual Miami Book Fair hosted by Miami Dade College on November 12-19 .
“ I think there is a lot of great material that will be part of the many discussions that we ’ ll have ,” said Lisse�e Mendez , director of programs for the Miami Book Fair .
Set in downtown Miami , the literary renaissance celebra�ng cultures , stories , and the words used to create them will feature Black authors including : romance novelist Simone Kelly of Hollywood , Georgetown University sociology professor Michael Eric Dyson , American University law professor Angela J . Davis , and civil rights ac�vist the Rev . Dr . William Barber .
In addi�on to reading excerpts from their latest works , the renowned authors will also par�cipate in intellectual discussions related to a wide range of topics .
Mendez said one of the features she loves most about the annual event is that it
Black Community Needs More Millionaires ; More Black Entrepreneurs Required
encouraging kids to go work for someone else instead of becoming an employer ? In order for the black community to solve the problems of poverty , unemployment , crime , and inequality we need more black businesses .
The wealthiest individuals in the world – people like Jeff Bezos , Bill Gates , and Warren Buffet – are entrepreneurs who are changing our world . Rags to riches billionaires Oprah Winfrey and Bob Johnson are black entrepreneurs who have made their marks in entertainment . Johnson , the founder of BET , is now changing the hospitality landscape and inves�ng in businesses with his equity fund . Oprah is a mul�billionaire , philanthropist , and owner of several companies .
Throughout black history , we have had examples of black millionaires . Most people know of America ’ s first black millionaire , Madame C . J . Walker , who made her millions selling hair products she developed in her kitchen . Lesser known is William Leidesdorff
Jr ., San Francisco ’ s wealthiest resident . In the 1880s , his holdings were worth $ 1.5 million and would be worth $ 30 million today . He established one of the city ’ s first hotels , opened a general store and a lumberyard , and ran the first steamboat in San Francisco Bay .
To be an entrepreneur , you need to be a risk taker and a visionary , to see opportuni�es where others do not . I want to encourage more black people to take the risk and think about innova�ve and crea�ve entrepreneurial endeavors they can start . The value of having more black-owned businesses cannot be overstated . Entrepreneurs create jobs , pay taxes , support charitable organiza�ons , change lives and upli� our communi�es in so many ways . Some do become millionaires .
If you are thinking about star�ng a business or if you are already an entrepreneur who needs addi�onal resources or technical assistance , make an appointment with the Miami MBDA Center
34th Annual Miami Book Fair Set for Nov . 12-19
provides an opportunity for the community to be involved .
“ There ’ s a period that includes ques�ons with audience members ,” she said . “ Everyone has a chance to be involved in the conversa�on .”
Author Jacob Katel said he will be onsite with three of the books he has wri�en : Inside The Music Biz with Henry Stone ; A
People ' s History of Overtown , vol . 1 ; and Cuban Coffee Windows of Miami .
“ It ' s the biggest book fair in North America and a great opportunity for a local author to interact with the community as well as visitors and publishers from around the world ,” Katel explained .
Andrew Frank , an author and associate professor of history at Florida State
University , recently published Before the Pioneers : Indians , Se�lers , Slaves , and the Founding of Miami . “ Any opportunity to speak with readers is priceless ,” Frank said . “ The Miami Book Fair is par�cularly exci�ng . To discuss the forgo�en early history of Florida with its residents will be exci�ng .”
According to Frank , most people have no idea that Miami ’ s vibrant and illumina�ng
Simone Kelly Angela J . Davis Rev . Dr . William Barber
history actually dates back 2,000 years .
Organizers added during the closing weekend of Nov . 17-19 , there will be a street fair to compliment the book exhibi�on . It will include bookseller and publisher booths such as “ Children ' s Alley ,” a pop-up children ' s learning ac�vi�es village that boasts a live performance stage . “ Kitchen Stadium ,” an outdoor pavilion equipped with a
Dr . Michael Eric Dyson
for a free 30-minute consulta�on session . Whether you need access to capital , technical exper�se , advanced business consul�ng resources or innova�ve management services , the Miami MBDA Center can meet your needs . To schedule an appointment with a business consultant , visit www . mbdamiamicenter . com or call 305.751.2907 .
Beatrice Louissaint is president and CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council ( FSMSDC ), one of 23 regional councils affiliated with the National Minority Supplier Development Council . The FSMSDC acts as a liaison between corporate America and Minority Business Enterprises in the state of Florida . The organization is also the operator of the U . S . Department of Commerce Miami and Orlando Minority Business Development Agency ( MBDA ) Business Centers , which serve southern and central Florida . FSMSDC ’ s goal is to increase purchasing from minority businesses by government entities and corporations while increasing the operating capacity of minority businesses through hands-on business assistance , training and access to technology and capital resources . To learn more about the FSMSDC , visit fsmsdc . org . Learn about the Miami and Orlando MBDA Business Centers at www . mbdamiamicenter . com or www . mbdaorlandocenter . com , or call 305.762.6151 .
professional kitchen featuring culinary discussions and cooking demos by top chefs , will be an exci�ng highlight , as well as “ The Porch ,” the ul�mate urban community hangout complete with a beer bar , comfy outdoor sea�ng stacked with board games and a stage for live music and performances . “ Seven pop up venues reflect the art scene and music with lots of hands-on learning ac�vi�es ,” Mendez said . Marking the book fair ’ s 34th year , more than 150,000 people are expected to a�end .
34th Annual Miami Book Fair
● Nov . 12 - Nov . 19 10 a . m . – Dusk
● Accessible by Public
Transporta�on : train , bus , MetroMover
● Free parking : Building No . 7 ; Between NE 1 & 2nd Avenues , Between NE 5 & 6th Streets .
● Tickets : 12 & under : Free 13-18 and seniors : $ 5 Adults : $ 8