Connect with us

Technology

Microsoft Alum Launches Hey, Black Seattle!: A Hub of Connection for the African Diaspora in the Emerald City

Published

on

SEATTLE, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today entrepreneur and former Microsoft director Kiesha Garrison proudly introduces Hey, Black Seattle!, a platform to help Seattle residents of the African diaspora answer the question “Where are all the Black people?” This community-centered initiative aims to connect, support, and celebrate the vibrant yet dispersed Black population in the region by using data and technology for good.

Pushing Back on a Stifling Narrative

Despite the often-cited small percentage of Black residents in the Greater Seattle area (6.7% in the city of Seattle, 8% in the central Puget Sound as of July 2022 census), the region is home to a rich tapestry of Black community organizations, Black-owned businesses, and artists actively working to preserve Black culture and address the isolation experienced by many Black residents.  Some, like the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute and the Black Heritage Society of Washington State have been mainstays for decades, while others like the Africatown Community Land Trust and Arte Noir were formed more recently to push back against gentrification and massive displacement in the historic Central District neighborhood.  All are an example of the creative resilience of a people who refuse to be erased by systemic inequality.

Founder Kiesha Garrison emphasizes, “When people repeat the popular hyperbole ‘there are no Black people in Seattle,’ they do so out of genuine frustration, but it is clear they are missing out on the important work of the deeply committed Black leaders here.” Hey, Black Seattle! seeks to close the awareness gap so that disconnected individuals can come to know the facilitators of Black culture & community that are doing this powerful work in the region.

Founder’s Data-Tech Background Meets Her Love of Community

Garrison, a Spelman alumna who held various business leadership positions in consumer products and enterprise AI at Microsoft, also worked at Vitals, a popular physician finder website. She was also a founding board member for The Live Music Project, a Seattle-based nonprofit which supports access to the arts through the development of community-driven technology products.

She drew inspiration from Microsoft Employee Resource Group leaders who provided Black community resource lists to their employee population as well as from her conversations with local non-profit leaders who have long desired to have a digital community hub but lacked the bandwidth and expertise to build it. Leveraging her background with data-driven tech and her passion for the wellbeing of all Black people, Garrison set out to create a central space for the community to share and find information that transcends professional and social silos.

A Simple Yet Necessary Mission

The mission of Hey, Black Seattle! is simple yet profound: to shorten the time it takes for Black people to find their community in the beautiful Puget Sound region. Garrison, also a public speaker who focuses on how oppression affects personhood and culture, shares, “Community is essential because I believe isolation is a dream killer.  And I want Black people and our dreams to thrive wherever we live.”

At the center of the web service is a comprehensive database of entities serving the Black community across King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties. Hey, Black Seattle! pre-seeded their database with over two hundred vetted community organizations, social groups, businesses, and artists, creating a rich directory that will grow through collective knowledge and aspires to give hope to those who might otherwise relocate for a sense of belonging and wellness.

A Comprehensive Platform

Beyond the community resource directory, Hey, Black Seattle! also offers:

An events calendar, providing a focused space for the community to post and discover events which can often seem buried in traditional search sites.A job board, offering organizations a direct channel to list employment opportunities and support of economic empowerment for the Black community.A photo archive to contribute to the preservation of the historical record of Black life in the region.Regular meetups to introduce newcomers to neighborhoods and educate them about the rich Black history of Seattle.And space for residents to share “Black Love Notes,” acknowledging the importance of appreciation in any culture.

Hey, Black Seattle! is more than a platform, it is a movement. A call to action for Black residents of the Greater Seattle area to come together and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Connect with Hey, Black Seattle!:

Website: www.heyblackseattle.comInstagram: @HeyBlackSeattle

For media inquiries, contact: media@heyblackseattle.com

About Hey, Black Seattle!

Hey, Black Seattle! is a community-driven platform dedicated to connecting and celebrating the African diaspora in the Seattle region. Through its rich database, media, events, and merchandise, Hey, Black Seattle! strives to be a beacon for Black life, highlighting resources and spaces for the community to connect and thrive.

Contacts:
Kiesha Garrison
media@heyblackseattle.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/microsoft-alum-launches-hey-black-seattle-a-hub-of-connection-for-the-african-diaspora-in-the-emerald-city-302080008.html

SOURCE Hey, Black Seattle!

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Leoguar Electric Bike Makes Christmas Unforgettable with Exclusive Holiday Offers

Published

on

By

HOUSTON, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As the holiday season draws near, Leoguar is excited to offer exclusive deals on their range of electric bikes, bringing families together for memorable moments. With a collection designed to combine fun and fitness, this Christmas is the perfect time to gift an unforgettable experience.

“This Christmas, we’re inviting families to rediscover the joy of outdoor exploration. Our bikes help you bond, stay active, and make the most of every moment,” said the Leoguar COO.

Leoguar’s holiday lineup offers premium e-bikes for every rider, now with unbeatable deals: 

Flippo Folding eBike: A lightweight, foldable ride perfect for urban commutes. Upgrade to the Flippo Pro for enhanced performance with a torque sensor for smoother rides.

Fastron Fat Tire eBikes: Built for rugged terrains, the Fastron features a durable, rugged build, and speeds up to 28 MPH, making it the perfect choice for adventurous riders.

Zephyr Beach Cruiser eBikes: Crafted for effortless coastal cruising, the design combines style and comfort, featuring a comfort saddle that ensures a smooth, seamless ride.

Sprint Utility eBike: A versatile, practical choice featuring a sturdy frame and passenger seat, perfect for errands or leisure.

Trailblazer EMTB: Designed for tough off-road trails, the model features a 500W mid-drive motor, offering powerful performance, extended range, and excellent climbing ability.

To make this holiday gift even sweeter, all Leoguar bikes come with free shipping and a two-year warranty for worry-free riding. Additionally, customers can join the holiday giveaway to win prizes like $59 bottle holders, or even a free e-bike!

Leoguar bikes cater to all experience levels, offering comfort and a seamless riding experience. They promote health benefits like improved fitness and stress relief while creating lasting memories on scenic rides.

“Whether it’s cruising the city streets, riding mountain trails, or relaxing by the beach, a Leoguar electric bike is the ideal Christmas gift,” the COO added. “This holiday season, choose a cycling gift that will last for years to come — there’s no better way to kick off the new year.”

To check out the full collection and take advantage of these limited-time offers, visit www.leoguarbikes.com

About Leoguar:

Leoguar is an eco-conscious e-bike brand founded by Johnny, an engineer with decades of industry expertise. Combining innovation, agility, and power, Leoguar delivers high-quality electric bikes designed for adventure, sustainability, and individuality.

Media contact: lily@leoguarbikes.com 

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leoguar-electric-bike-makes-christmas-unforgettable-with-exclusive-holiday-offers-302339078.html

SOURCE Leoguar Electric Bikes

Continue Reading

Technology

2024 Financial Oscars: Waton Securities International Honored as “Outstanding Digital Empowerment Institution” of the Year

Published

on

By

SHENZHEN, China, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In early December, at the 18th Huaxia Institutional Investor Annual Conference of 2024, the 18th Golden Cicada Awards were announced. Waton Securities International was awarded the “Outstanding Digital Empowerment Financial Institution of 2024” for its significant achievements in securities brokerage and fin-tech sector.

The selection for the “Outstanding Digital Empowerment Financial Institution” focused on evaluating companies based on financial performance, market competitiveness, customer recognition, digital strategy planning and implementation, digital transformation outcomes, and risk control capabilities. Particularly, it highlighted cases that have made significant strides in digital empowerment.

The evaluation also emphasized the outstanding performance of financial institutions in their own digital transformation and the sound risk control abilities demonstrated during this process, ensuring that while pursuing innovation, companies can effectively manage and control risks. Waton Securities International distinguished itself among the contenders with its sophisticated technology platform, well-defined digital strategy, substantial transformation achievements, and commendable risk control mechanisms.

Established in Hong Kong in 1989, Waton Securities International has steadily grown with a deep understanding of professional financial services and regulatory compliance. It has obtained licenses 1/4/5/9 from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, becoming a fully licensed brokerage with comprehensive financial service qualifications. Through continuous technological innovation and digital transformation, it has successfully built a one-stop brokerage cloud service platform, promoting advanced digital financial technology globally. Its pioneering SaaS product, “Broker Cloud”, allows corporate clients to independently deploy and operate high-performance digital customer information management and trading systems without their own IT teams. The solution is relatively low-cost and adaptive to industry, which is the core competitiveness of Waton Securities International.

Data reveals that of the 1,100 securities firms in Hong Kong, approximately 600 are actively trading, yet fewer than 50 have developed their own mobile applications. On a global scale, among the 30,000 securities companies, only a handful—less than 300—feature brokerage trading Apps in App stores. This underscores a significant market demand for the digital enhancement of the securities sector.

With the swift growth of technologies like generative AI LLMs, blockchain, big data, and cloud computing, the securities industry can use these tools to streamline trading strategies, assess risks more accurately, and forecast market trends. These technologies also help the industry to move towards more integrated, platform-focused, and digital operations. The main goal of technology in finance is to increase the efficiency of financial institutions. A good starting point for applying technology is to focus on financial services and build a solid technical foundation for these institutions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2024-financial-oscars-waton-securities-international-honored-as-outstanding-digital-empowerment-institution-of-the-year-302339091.html

SOURCE Waton Securities

Continue Reading

Technology

Mega Matrix Announced that the English Version of “Getting Even: The Secret Prodigy’s Playbook” Now Streaming on FlexTV

Published

on

By

SINGAPORE, Dec. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The highly anticipated English adaptation of the revenge rebirth series, Getting Even: The Secret Prodigy’s Playbook, officially premiered on December 19th on FlexTV, the world-leading short drama streaming platform operated by Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU). The series delves into the intricacies of power struggles within the White family, chronicling the protagonist’s journey of rebirth and empowerment to rewrite her destiny.

Audrey White, the legitimate daughter of the White family, was sent abroad at a young age due to family circumstances, gradually estranging her from her kin. When she finally returns home, eager to reunite with her family, she unexpectedly becomes the target of jealousy from Ruby White, the family’s adopted daughter. Harboring deep resentment, Ruby orchestrates a kidnapping plot, culminating in a devastating fire designed to test the loyalty and affection of the White family.

Left to perish in the flames, Audrey is abandoned by her family but heroically rescued by her uncle. Miraculously, she is granted a second chance at life, returning three years prior with the power to alter her fate. Determined to expose Ruby’s schemes, rebuild her family bonds, and claim her rightful respect and happiness, Audrey embarks on a journey of resilience and redemption.

FlexTV, operated by MPU, is a global leader in short drama streaming, delivering content in over 100 countries in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Arabic. Known for its premium-quality dramas and unparalleled user experience, FlexTV has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. The English version of Getting Even: The Secret Prodigy’s Playbook, now streaming on FlexTV, offers a compelling exploration of familial power dynamics, the complexities of human nature, and the protagonist’s growth and self-redemption in adversity. For more exciting content, please visit https://www.flextv.cc/.

#WealthyFamily #Revenge #Rebirth #ShortDrama #FlexTV #MPU

About Mega Matrix Inc.: Mega Matrix Inc. (NYSE American: MPU) is a holding company and operates FlexTV, a short-video streaming platform and producer of short dramas, through its subsidiary, Yuder Pte, Ltd.. Mega Matrix Inc. is a Cayman Island corporation headquartered in Singapore. For more information, please contact info@megamatrix.io or visit: http://www.megamatrix.io.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this press release other than statements that are purely historical are forward looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose,” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, are: the ability to manage growth; ability to identify and integrate future acquisitions; ability to grow and expand our FlexTV business; ability to execute the strategic cooperation with TopReels, ability to obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures; ability to establish the investment fund with 9 Yards Communications under the memorandum of understanding; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions; costs or other factors adversely affecting the Company’s profitability; litigation involving patents, intellectual property, and other matters; potential changes in the legislative and regulatory environment; a pandemic or epidemic; the possibility that the Company may not succeed in developing its new lines of businesses due to, among other things, changes in the business environment, competition, changes in regulation, or other economic and policy factors; and the possibility that the Company’s new lines of business may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. The forward-looking statements in this press release and the Company’s future results of operations are subject to additional risks and uncertainties set forth under the “Risk Factors” in documents filed by the Company’s predecessor, Mega Matrix Corp., with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K, as amended, and are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. In addition, such risks and uncertainties include the Company’s inability to predict or control bankruptcy proceedings and the uncertainties surrounding the ability to generate cash proceeds through the sale or other monetization of the Company’s assets. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.

Disclosure Channels

We announce material information about the Company and its services and for complying with our disclosure obligation under Regulation FD via the following social media channels:

The Company will also use its landing page on its corporate website (www.megamatrix.io) to host social media disclosures and/or links to/from such disclosures. The information we post through these social media channels may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor these social media channels in addition to following our website, press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. The social media channels that we intend to use as a means of disclosing the information described above may be updated from time to time as listed on our website.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mega-matrix-announced-that-the-english-version-of-getting-even-the-secret-prodigys-playbook-now-streaming-on-flextv-302339090.html

SOURCE Mega Matrix Corp.

Continue Reading

Trending