5 Things / Fast Car
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I’m the type of person who cries at the National Anthem and, apparently, when Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs performed “Fast Car” at the Grammy Awards.
I’ve been fascinated by the commentary around and reception to the performance. Two people, who on paper, seem wildly different: a Black lesbian from San Francisco and a straight white dude from North Carolina. Luke’s cover is a beautiful tribute, and in his words and actions, he continually praises, respects, and amplifies Tracy. That was very evident on stage.
We’re more alike than we are different, and whether or not we want to admit it, we’re wired to crave connection. The story in the song, originally written by Tracy in the late 80s, is timeless. Who doesn’t want this feeling (yes, even at work)? “I had a feeling that I belonged. I had a feeling I could be someone.”
49ers launch Black Excellence Collection
The San Francisco 49ers, one of the teams in tomorrow’s Super Bowl, launched a Black Excellence Collection of merchandise, conceived by three Black employees. The collection celebrates Black excellence and amplifies Black voices and artistry, past and present. B.U.I.L.D., the 49ers Black ERG, was behind this initiative, which acknowledges: At times, this [Black] style has been appropriated, which in turn, silences Black voices. This collection is in direct opposition to that.
Poker Power for Women+
Kellogg School of Management is teaching Poker Power for female leaders in partnership with founder Jenny Just. With a mission to teach one million women+ poker, she's not just dealing cards; she's dealing empowerment, proving that the skills honed at the poker table are the same ones needed for success in the business world. Poker helps build strategy, cool composure, and resilience, skills that can accelerate a leader’s trajectory. Non-Kellogg students can learn along with the Poker Power app (no money or gambling required). I already started playing! I love this story because of the subversive approach to leadership development.
Lyft takes care of its drivers
Lyft introduced a groundbreaking minimum pay standard for drivers, ensuring they earn 70% of rider payments weekly, a move towards equity in the gig economy. Data reveals that 15% of drivers earned less than 70% in 2023. There’s also a level of transparency with a new app feature that details fare breakdown. This matters because median U.S. driver earnings, after expenses, averaged $23.46 per engaged hour in the second half of 2023, a tough wage to live on in many parts of the country.
M.M.LaFleur dresses women candidates
M.M.LaFleur's "Ready to Run" initiative is loaning or gifting outfits for female political candidates, addressing the wardrobe challenges that often hinder women in politics. With women holding just 31% of statewide elective offices in the U.S., M.M.LaFleur's program aims to bridge the gender gap in politics. By offering tailored outfits and styling advice, they empower candidates to focus on their campaigns rather than outfit concerns. I love this story: in the past, the program dressed over 275 politicians, making it financially easier for women to enter politics.
Apple to achieve gender balance on its Board
In its next Board meeting, Apple expects to achieve equal representation of men and women directors, standing out among all major tech companies. Until now, there were twice as many men as women on the board of directors. This sets a major precedent that I expect we’ll see other companies follow, and it matters for so many reasons. But for Apple, it probably comes down to competition: diversity gives an increased ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics.
This Week’s Call to Action
It’s Black History Month! Support small businesses with this list of 21 Businesses Owned by Black Women and Non-Binary Folx.