We met the owner of this business while vending at the “Buy Black Marketplace” at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Houston, Texas. A little while after, we joined the group “Unity is Wealth” and found out that he was also a member. He is an intelligent and resourceful author and business owner. Read below to meet Ross Williams the owner of Williams Commerce, and see what all he has to offer!
Owners Name: Ross Williams
Year Started: 2015
Home base: Houston
University Alum: Tulane University
Explain what all you do and what all your business offers.
Empower authors, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. Authors have access to a publishing company, editing services, consultations, and ghostwriting services. Business plans and consultations are offered to business owners. Job seekers are offered resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn optimization services.
What is your “why”?
Creating generational change and breaking generational curses amongst my family and as many other families as possible.
Besides your own books, what is your favorite book and why?
Slam by Walter Myers Dean because it was the first book I read as a child that influenced my writing style and provoked my interest in literature.
Universal Sankofa x Williams Commerce
We started a challenge called #RonaAndReadChallenge to get people to share titles of books that they recommend to read during this Stay at Home mandate. Both of Ross Williams books were in our recommendations.Tote by: Universal Sankofa Book by: Ross WilliamsUs with Ross at his book signing event in 2018 at the Media BlockA dope photo Ross took of us at our table at the Buy Black Marketplace reading his book.
We met this king from being in “Unity is Wealth”. From day one, this king has been super supportive of us and we love his motto of “Collaboration over Competition”. We partnered with him a couple of months ago and we created apparel and novelty items based on the theme “Melanated Ancestors”. Besides offering apparel, he does Lyfe Coaching, and makes orgone items. We absolutely love his motivational videos that he posts on his IG and FB page! Read below to meet the owner of this dope business, see how multi-faceted he is, see our collaboration, and shop his website.
Owner: Johnny Sallie, Jr.
Year started: 2019
Home base: Houston, TX
University alum: Texas Southern University
What’s the meaning behind your business name?
One must have the Loyalty to Living Your Faith Everyday in order to leave a Legacy for the generations to come.
What is your “why”?
My “why” is being the change I want to see and providing others with solutions to everyday situations that they may feel they are stuck in and have no other way out or around. My mother always told me, “the best thing you can do in life is to leave a place better than I found it.”
You are such a great motivator. Who motivates you?
What motivates me is God and all that I have been given the strength to overcome, my children, family, business partners, friends and the potential change that I can be a catalyst of.
Universal Sankofa x Loyalty Lyfe Legacy
The above shirts and many more “Melanated Ancestors” items can be purchased from his website link below!
Orgone pyramid by Loyalty Lyfe Legacy. Shirt by Universal Sankofa
Orgone Pyramid’s have the ability to clean the energy in the room and protect individuals from EMF radiation. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the benefits that orgone pyramid’s can bring an individual. Google “Orgone Pyramid” and see all the amazing benefits of having these beauties in your life.
So…check out his website and IG for more info and motivation!
Hey everybody! Finding a lot of free time during the stay at home campaign for COVID-19? Well, exercise your mind! Don’t binge watch shows all day, read! It doesn’t matter if you are reading for pleasure or reading to learn, READ!!!!
A couple of years ago there was a challenge on instagram called #bookphonechallenge, look it up if you don’t remember it. We decided to create a challenge during these times called #ronaandreadchallenge. The purpose of this challenge is to give people ideas of what other people are reading and introduce them to some new book titles.
Here are the rules for the challenge:
Post an image of you holding up to 9 books (can be a combo of books you have already read or going to read)
List the titles and authors
Tag 8 others to take on the challenge
Use the hashtag #ronaandreadchallenge
Stacey’s reads….
Becoming Supernatural – Dr. Joe Dispenza
Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity – Queen Afua
Fear – Thich That Hanh
Crabs in a Barrel War on Racism – Ross Williams
I Went Through All That For What? – Tierra White
The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
Stolen Legacy – George G.M. James
Freakonomics – Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner
White Rage – Carol Anderson
Sankofa’s reads…
The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
Malcolm X – Walter Dean Myers
The Complete Works of Lao Tzu – Hua-Ching Ni
They Came Before Columbus – Ivan Van Sertima
The Isis Papers – Dr. Frances Cress Welsing
Metu Neter – Ra Un Nefer Amen
The City of Wellness – Queen Afua
Made it Out – Ross Williams
Unspoken Game – Andrew Beaver
We challenge you to join the challenge and exercise your mind! Tell us below what books you are reading or planning to read in the near future!
While we are all homeschooling/remotely/digitally educating our kids, if you need assistance with understanding something that has been assigned for your child, or if you need more resources, just email us. I am a teacher and will be happy to answer questions. We WILL get through this! #bettertogether ❤️📚✏️
I’m certified as Science 4-8 in Texas. While I specialize in science, I can also point you to other fabulous educators specializing in other subjects. Please let me know if I can help in any way!
We met the owner of this business from being a part of the group “Unity is Wealth”. She has always inspired us because she has so much love for the community, she gives back so much, has a lot of projects on her plate, and persevere’s through any challenge put before her. Read below to meet Tierra White the owner of “Tierra’s Community Multi-Services, LLC”, and see what all she has to offer!
Name of Business: Tierra’s Community Multi-Services, LLC
Owner: Tierra White
Year Started: 2018
Home Base: Houston, Tx
University Alum: Prairie View A&M University (Masters in Community Development and Bachelors in CRJS)
Multi-Services most definitely fits you. Explain to the readers what all you do.
Community Multi Services, LLC is a consensus organizing alliance that focuses on identifying weaknesses within under-resourced communities while working to make an impact through projects and programming.
What is your why?
My mission statement is: “Building the Community from its People and Up”. To better under-resourced communities and the residents who live within it. To focus on the people within the communities and work to adhere to the complex issues that need attention. All while understanding that the community is nothing without its people. Helping is my ministry !!!!
You wrote an inspiring book called “I Went Through All That For What?”. What is one valuable lesson you want readers to take away from your book?
A valuable lesson that I want people to take away from my book “I Went Through All That For What” is to take hold of life and ride it out! I had to understand that life is mentally driven and that life is what you make it….LITERALLY!! We can’t allow generational chains to hold us down…yet we must understand the reason for the generational chains in order to break them. Lastly, always look within for self-love and self-validation that way all the other things that come your way as confirmations are EXTRA!
Universal Sankofa x Tierra’s Community Multi-Services
We found out about this company from listening to a podcast hosted by BeverlyD. The podcast featured, Baba Kentu of Djedi Institute of Learning. We love his passion for researching and sharing his knowledge about learning and the education system. If you are an educator, or have children in the education system, you should check out his website and social media sites. Keep reading to learn more about this business and a collaboration that we did together!
Owner: Kentu Mitchell
Business started: 2015
Home base: Pomona, California
University Alum: Chapman University
What is the “Djedi Institute of Learning”?
The Djed Institute of Learning is a progressive educational service provider which aims to resurrect and stabilize communities through superior education.
What is the story behind the name “Djedi Learning”?
The Djed Pillar is an ancient African symbol which represents stability, durability, and resurrection. We believe that institution building is a way to enhance any community as it supports the goals, customs, and advancement of the people. And finally, we believe anyone can learn to learn. Our name represents what we aim to do as an institute of learning with our cutting-edge and culturally-responsive educational practices.
What is your “why”?
We do this because the education of a people should be liberating and up-lifting. It allows them to adapt to any environment while also maintaining a solid sense of community, family, and home. By combining the latest learning technologies with wisdom of the ancestors, we can provide an educational experience that is both liberating and up-lifting.
The picture above is a product that the Djedi Institute ofLearning offers. Cushite-Kemetic (Ethiopia-Egypt) Timeline Mini-Scroll (White). The Timeline Mini-Scroll Banner is a sturdy and essential tool for identifying important events which occurred during the development of civilization. It covers the geographic areas currently known as Ethiopia and Egypt during the time periods from the Pre-Dynastic Age (4236 B.C.E) to the Late Kingdom (690 B.C.E). Great starting point for teaching African history
Check out this informative video called “Staying Afloat During School Attacks”. This video is great for anyone with loved ones who attend school. Some of the topics discussed by Baba Kentu include patterns of school shootings and how to protect yourself.
The other cool thing about this video is that Baba Kentu does an unboxing of one of our products. If you have ever ordered multiple products from us, you know that the unboxing experience can be different based on what you order and how much you order. This unboxing experience will show the experience of ordering a shirt from us.
We found out about this company from our friends of Black Coffee Co.! When we visited the IG and website of The Black Dollar Bank, we knew we had to be apart of this movement. Read below to meet the owner of this dope business, see what the black dollar is all about and see some of our black dollars!.
How does the Black Dollar Bank work?
Below is the letter that we gave people when they recieved a black dollar from our company. Hopefully this helps you understand how The Black Dollar Bank works.
Congratulations on receiving a black dollar!
What is a black dollar?
“The Black Dollar” is symbol of black wealth. Black businesses can join “the Black Dollar Bank” as either a collector or a distributor of “The Black Dollar”. Businesses will offer a deal for customers to either receive a black dollar or a deal for customers to spend black dollars.
You received this black dollar because we (Universal Sankofa) are currently a distributor of black dollars and we are giving them to customers who spend $20 or more.
The purpose of “The Black Dollar” is to also spread awareness of other black businesses. “The Black Dollar” that you received has the name of another black business. Hopefully as these “Black Dollars” are circulated, our community will be introduced to black businesses that can provide a service or goods for our needs.
What do I do with the black dollar?
Don’t throw it away! Keep it and turn it in to a black business that is collecting Black Dollars. For example, we will eventually become a collector and offer a deal if you spend a black dollar with us (ex: Turn in a black dollar to Universal Sankofa and get 33% off your total purchase).
Let’s circulate these black dollars and help spread the awareness of other black businesses. If you are a black business owner, join the movement! If you know a black business owner, tell them about it!
The Black Dollar Bank
The Black Dollar for our business: Universal SanofaMore Black DollarsNipsey Hussle Black DollarThe Black Wealth Plaque
WAKE UP!!!! These are the words that open one of our favorite movies, “Do The Right Thing” by Spike Lee. We are currently living in the age of information and it’s time to wake up! You woke? If so, the messages that this black business provides are for you! Read below to meet the owner of this dope business and see some of our purchases.
Owner: Chris Burrell
Year started: 2018
Home base: Houston
University alum: Lamar University
What’s the story behind the company name?
It’s funny that we have became known as Wake Up HOU, but the actual name is Wake/Up Apparel. I came up with the name because so many people are so adamant about being “woke” but I feel like its a constant struggle to stay woke. One has to continue to wake up. Growth has to continue.
What is your “why”?
As simple as it might sound, my “why” with this, as well as in life is…because I felt like it. I’ve never been one to follow, or conform.
What is favorite and least favorite thing about being an entrepreneur?
My favorite is the independence to do what you want and be responsible for your own well being. My least favorite is being responsible for handling everything when things don’t go your way!
Universal Sankofa x Wakeup HOU
This is Stacey sippin’ from a Wakeup HOU mug and wearing a Universal Sankofa shirt. Ain’t nothing like being “Melanated and Motivated” and “Melanated and Educated”.
Chris is a pretty dope graphic artist so we couldn’t pass up this print of the late and great Nipsey Hussle. We found this print a great home in our office, now we need to spend some coins and get it properly framed!
So…go ahead and check out this dope business and the other items they have to offer.
Nothing is like a good ol’ massage to melt away the stress of the day or ease the strains of working out. We were first introduced to this brand from a giveaway on Instagram. Then, we realized that we were both part of the the “Unity is Wealth” group, and then we started running into each other while vending at the BLCK Market here in Houston. Sankofa has received several massages from Latrina, the owner of Logistic Massage, and he loves it. Sankofa does crossfit on a regular basis and needs the benefits that comes along with getting massages (although he doesn’t do it quite enough). So…keep on reading to learn more about this company and what all it offers besides massages.
Owner: Latrina Williams
Business started: 2014
Home base: Houston
What are the products and services that you offer?
Logistic Massage is a licensed massage therapist establishment that provides massage therapy services for corporate, sporting, and private events as well as private clients. A few modalities we specialize in is Sports, Injury Recovery, Myofascial, Prenatal, Lymphatic, Thai, and Chair massage. We have self care products consisting of therapy balls and compression tools. We also offer CBD oil and Organic Body Scrubs.
What inspired you to become a massage therapist?
The thing that inspired me to become a massage therapist was the need to understand the body on a mechanical level and the recovery of it.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
The most satisfying aspect of what I do is the benefit and results I see in my clients.
Universal Sankofa x Logistic Massage
This is us getting a massage the day we hosted a 20/20 Vision Board and Wellness event together with some other dope members of Unity is Wealth.
When you get some time, check out this business and all they have to offer!
Life is Good! This is why we love the meaning behind this business we introduce to you today called, “Live Good Gang”, aka, LGG. We were introduced to this brand because the owner is a member of “Unity is Wealth” with us. We love this brand because of the positive messages that are embodied on their apparel. So….keep on reading to learn more about this dope brand, the owner and the purchase we have made from this company.
Owner of LGG: Creighton Dekine (pictured below)
Year Business Started: 2013
College Alum: Middle Georgia State & University alumni, East Georgia College alumni and Georgia Southern University dropout lol
What is the story behind the business name?
When I started doing music, I wanted to rap and start my own label but I wanted to have the label built on positivity because I could see the negative relativity uprising in rap music. so I gained the idea of Live Good Gang. Once I made the logo and wore my first shirt it, I figured I could make LGG a brand name, and so, that’s what I started and continue to strive for.
If you had a magic stick, what are 3 things you would change in the world?
Economic education for poor people, organic food consumption increased, and self love increased.
Favorite Quote
Stand for something or fall for anything.
Universal Sankofa x Live Good Gang
The purchase we made from this company is this fly ass hat with their logo. Below is an image of the hat and of both us wearing the hat paired with one of our tshirt designs.
When you get some time, check them out and patronize a black business with a dope message!
