Black Action Network BANC

06/04/2026

Who cares????. If they aren't in ownership any advisement can be thrown out the window.

Big lesson. The culture that's being served must be in ownership

BET Founder Robert L. Johnson returns to BET Network As Part Of A New Advisory Council alongside Queen Latifah and LL COOL J. This new advisory group will provide strategic advice to BET as the media company expands its programming, audience engagement, and business efforts. 🙌🏾

06/03/2026

As young Black men in our community, we carry a drive to prove oneself, first to his peers, then to the women who inspire him, and always to change his family’s future.

In a world that often mislabels us, we are good kids with big dreams. Sports, entertainment, and the hustle, this is our path. But success is about more than just glory; it’s about breaking cycles.

06/02/2026

One of the biggest reasons people never build anything significant?

They keep starting over.

In this clip, Ondrea Burton, founder of Always You, talks about the power of staying focused on the mission. While many people chase every new opportunity, she shares why she’s committed to building one thing exceptionally well.

Always You creates opportunities and support systems for young adults with disabilities, and her message is simple:

Focus creates momentum. Focus creates trust. Focus creates impact.

Sometimes the next level isn’t found in something new. Sometimes it’s found in going deeper into what you’ve already started.

CommunityImpact BusinessGrowth

06/02/2026

In this clip, of All City Cuts shares some of the challenges he sees in the barber industry and why many talented barbers struggle to reach their full potential.

From marketing and customer retention to professionalism and long-term planning, Carson discusses the opportunities available for barbers who are serious about growing their brand and creating sustainable careers.

He’s passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of barbers and helping them think beyond just cutting hair.

If you’re a barber or thinking about becoming one, this conversation is worth your time.

Leadership

06/02/2026

The next level of success doesn’t always require more work.

Sometimes it requires more rest.

In this clip, Ikeya Sade, author of Get Unstuck Now, shares why high achievers, entrepreneurs, and leaders often struggle with rest—and how constantly trying to fix, solve, and push through everything can actually become the thing holding you back.

The people who sustain success aren’t always the ones working the hardest. They’re often the ones who know when to recover, reset, and protect their capacity.

Check out Ikeya’s book Get Unstuck Now, available on Amazon.

Mindset PersonalDevelopment CapacityBuilding

06/02/2026

What does it actually take to build trust, access funding, grow your capacity, and prepare for the next level?

In this episode of Thinking Above the Line, I sat down with Zabriawn Smith of Housing Opportunities, Ondrea Burton of Always You, Carson Douglas of All City Cuts, Cameron McDowell of TBC Holdings, Ikeya Sade, author of *Get Unstuck Now*, and other leaders who are doing the work every day.

We discussed:
• How organizations build trust with funders
• What banks, foundations, and partners are really looking for
• The mindset shifts required to handle bigger opportunities
• Why rest is essential for high performers
• The difference between hustle and sustainable growth
• How to build the capacity to carry more responsibility, more money, and more impact

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, artist, or someone trying to break cycles and build something meaningful, this conversation is for you.

Thinking Above the Line is a movement focused on helping people recognize the invisible barriers that limit growth and providing practical strategies for building stronger communities through economic development, ownership, leadership, and personal growth.

Watch now and join the conversation.

06/02/2026

What does it actually take to build trust, access funding, grow your capacity, and prepare for the next level?

In this episode of Thinking Above the Line, I sat down with Zabriawn Smith of Housing Opportunities, Ondrea Burton of Always You, Carson Douglas of All City Cuts, Cameron McDowell of TBC Holdings, Ikeya Sade, author of *Get Unstuck Now*, and other leaders who are doing the work every day.

We discussed:
• How organizations build trust with funders
• What banks, foundations, and partners are really looking for
• The mindset shifts required to handle bigger opportunities
• Why rest is essential for high performers
• The difference between hustle and sustainable growth
• How to build the capacity to carry more responsibility, more money, and more impact

If you're a business owner, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, artist, or someone trying to break cycles and build something meaningful, this conversation is for you.

Thinking Above the Line is a movement focused on helping people recognize the invisible barriers that limit growth and providing practical strategies for building stronger communities through economic development, ownership, leadership, and personal growth.

Watch now and join the conversation.

BlackExcellence CommunityDevelopment CapacityBuilding Funding NonprofitLeadership SmallBusiness BusinessStrategy

06/02/2026

We are honored and grateful to have been selected as one of the recipients of the Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh grant through The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Thank you for believing in our vision and investing in the creative leaders, artists, entrepreneurs, and change-makers who are helping transform our communities from the inside out.

At Black Action Network Committee (BANC), we believe creativity is more than art—it is a tool for economic development, healing, leadership, and community transformation. Through our work, we bridge the gap between business, faith, art, and mental health, helping individuals develop the skills, support systems, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Through mentorship, education, funding opportunities, community engagement, and creative workforce development, we help artists and entrepreneurs turn their gifts into sustainable impact.

One example of this work is ImpactFluence, our young creative entrepreneur cohort. Through ImpactFluence, we help emerging artists, creators, and entrepreneurs discover their purpose, strengthen their skills, gain real-world experience, access financial opportunities, and receive support as they build their futures.

A critical part of our approach is helping participants develop the mental and emotional capacity needed to succeed. Through our partnership with licensed counselor Tonette Whitted, participants learn how to identify self-sabotaging patterns, navigate challenges created by environment and circumstance, build resilience, and develop the emotional tools necessary to sustain growth and leadership.

Together, Tonette Whitted's expertise in mental and emotional wellness and Seth Whitted's experience as a creative entrepreneur provide participants with both the internal and external tools needed to pursue their purpose and create meaningful change.

We are excited for what this opportunity will make possible and look forward to demonstrating the impact that can occur when creative talent, mentorship, emotional wellness, and community development come together.

Thank you again to The Pittsburgh Foundation for this opportunity and partnership. We are honored to continue this work.

12/23/2025

IMPACTFLUENCE-
Alignment isn’t just about where you are, it’s about where you’re headed.
When you have clarity on what you want in 5 years, you’re already taking the first step toward being in alignment with what God has for you. Purpose requires intention. Vision requires obedience. And alignment requires honesty with yourself.

Move with faith. Plan with wisdom. Stay aligned.

12/10/2025

Success doesn’t follow a strict timeline. During our latest Banc luncheon, we dive into the importance of patience and realistic goal-setting. Remember, your journey to success is unique and cannot be rushed. ✊🏾✨

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