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Black America Needs a ‘New Normal’: Equitable Credit Access to Build Wealth
Charlene CrowellOpinion

Black America Needs a ‘New Normal’: Equitable Credit Access to Build Wealth

Charlene Crowell NNPA Newswire ContributorJune 17, 2021

Although many officials have called for a ‘return to normal’, millions of small businesses and communities need something new instead. In Black America especially, the ‘old normal’ never delivered equitable access to wealth-building opportunities as those that well-served served much of White America. Instead, a lengthy history of public policies designed to create and sustain a burgeoning middle class systemically excluded Blacks and other people of color.

Suffering Continues While more COVID-19 Aid Remains Stymied in Congress
Charlene Crowell

Suffering Continues While more COVID-19 Aid Remains Stymied in Congress

Charlene CrowellSeptember 24, 2020

Beyond the health effects, according to the the U.S. Census Bureau, as of August 31, over 80% of adults with post-high school education plans either cancelled or significantly changed those plans this fall. Further, a significant number of consumers are housing challenged, with one-third of adults anticipating either eviction or foreclosure in the next two months, and over 36% of adults continuing to telework due to the pandemic.

As MLK asked in 1967, Where Do We Go from Here: Community or Chaos?
NationalOp-EdOpinion

As MLK asked in 1967, Where Do We Go from Here: Community or Chaos?

Charlene CrowellJune 18, 2020

The nationwide protests against the heinous killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis policeman, is reminiscent of the 1960s era of turmoil and voices that fervently called for social and economic justice. Today’s turbulent times seem that history is repeating itself. 

In addition to George Floyd, recent tragedies took the lives of a Black Louisville EMT in the middle of the night while she was asleep in her own bed. In another fatal incident, a young Black Georgia man jogging in daylight was shot dead. None of these three unarmed people deserved to die violently. 

Center for Responsible Lending virtual town hall focuses on COVID-19 and economic relief
COVID-19News

Center for Responsible Lending virtual town hall focuses on COVID-19 and economic relief

By Faith Petrie Contributing WriterMay 21, 2020

The non-profit research and policy organization is targeted towards the education surrounding predatory lending, a practice commonly directed towards minority communities. The virtual town hall, moderated by White House Correspondent and CNN Political Analyst April Ryan, focused primarily on the areas of small businesses, housing and student loans with a particular emphasis on minority and Black communities.

FTC announces record $191M settlement against University of Phoenix
Charlene CrowellOpinion

FTC announces record $191M settlement against University of Phoenix

Charlene CrowellDecember 19, 2019

The University of Phoenix (UOP), one of the nation’s largest for-profit colleges will pay a record $191 million settlement to resolve charges stemming from a five-year investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). On December 10, Andrew Smith, Director of FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection noted it was the largest settlement the Commission has obtained in a case against a for-profit school.

Senate Education Chair blocks bipartisan bill to extend HBCU funding
BusinessCharlene CrowellEducationNews (Business)Opinion

Senate Education Chair blocks bipartisan bill to extend HBCU funding

Charlene CrowellOctober 10, 2019

Each year as families beam with pride at seeing a son, daughter or another relative graduate from college, that achievement is nearly always the result of a family’s commitment to higher education.  And when these institutions are among the more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), that pride is magnified by the history of how our forefathers overcame what once seemed to be insurmountable challenges.