From the the counter-top sit-ins we saw during the Civil Rights movement of yesteryear, to the Black Lives Matter demonstrations we've seen recently across the country and globe, "what else can we do" is a question that many have asked following mass protests and direct action campaigns held for decades. Consider this for a contemporary look:

In the days and weeks since the killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile by police, social media sites and Black news spaces have posted about the need to support Black businesses and Black-owned banks as one way to do more to support and bring resources to the Black community. But here in RI, one question to ask is how are Black businesses doing?

Today we talk to Lisa Ranglin, President of the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) to learn about what it's like to open and run a business in RI and what it's like when you are a Black or Brown person, woman, and/or other underrepresented entrepreneur? We'll also discuss the purpose and function of the RI Black Business Association, and we'll talk about the kinds of people, members, and/or partners that support RIBBA? We'll also talk to Lisa about what current candidates should consider from the point of view of the Black business community and we'll ask her about someone special in her life participating in the upcoming elections!

What else can you do? Tune in to Sonic Watermelons.

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Contact Info for Guest(s):

www.ri-bba.com www.twitter.com/ribbabizwww.facebook.com/RhodeIslandBlackBusinessAssociation 401-383-1179

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More Info About the Guest, Topics and/or Podcast:

Three thousand, three hundred and sixteen: that is the number of Black owned businesses in RI, and one way to reach them is the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA) according to Lisa Ranglin, President of RIBBA. Ranglin joined Sonic Watermelons on July 26, 2016 to talk more about her organization and about the different challenges facing Black entrepreneurs and Black-owned business in RI and the services designed to avoid or overcome them.

Some of those challenges include the lack of access to capital and contracts, says Ranglin, despite various laws and policies requiring a minimum number of contracts be made to women and minority-owned firms. Ranglin says that even in the present year, Governor Raimondo talks frequently about attracting new businesses to the state at the same time that there is a need to invest in micro-companies that are already here in RI.

Saying you can’t find qualified people of color isn’t enough, says Ranglin, especially when there are organizations like RIBBA and events like their Annual Awards Gala,, coming up this year on Friday October 7th, 2016. There are also a number of other initiatives, hashtags and activities that have risen up (#buyblack; #bankblack), inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and/or a desire to better catalogue and, therefore support, Black-owned businesses and communities disproportionately affected by police brutality. More information on some of these efforts are below, including a page showcasing efforts by Sonic Watermelons contributor Kabir Lambo and his Sorry4theBlog site: http://sorry4theblog.com/category/bobri/http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/dc/bankblack-boosts-local-business/312641514 http://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2016/08/30/491933320/for-some-african-americans-efforts-to-buyblack-present-challenges

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Sonic Watermelons Contact Info:

www.bsrlive.comwww.venussings.com Facebook: @sonicwatermelonsTwitter: @WatermelonRadioSoundcloud: @sonicwatermelonsiTunes: “sonic watermelons”

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Sonic Staff & Volunteers

Reza CliftonDeejay KellanJessica LaBrieKabir Lambo

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