Tag: Nkozi Knight

Private Equity’s Greed Is Catching Up: Why Ordinary Americans Will Pay the Price

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

April 30, 2025 • By NKOZI KNIGHT

Many of us do not realize that private equity firms has always been about extraction, not creation. The model is simple. Borrow heavily, buy a company, slash jobs and benefits, sell off assets, and walk away with fees long before the damage shows. Communities are left with shuttered stores, abandoned buildings, bankrupt chains, and broken promises.

The list of casualties is long. Toys “R” Us was loaded with more than $5 billion dollars in debt by Bain Capital and KKR before it collapsed, taking 30,000 jobs with it. Payless ShoeSource closed its doors, erasing 18,000 jobs. J. Crew, Gymboree, Shopko, Forever 21, and Sears each followed the same path. Behind nearly every failure was a private equity deal that turned once-profitable companies into vehicles for debt. Blackstone, the largest of them all, drew criticism for gutting nursing homes and rental housing, where residents and tenants bore the consequences. Carlyle, Apollo, and Sycamore Partners engineered deals that enriched executives while leaving behind bankruptcies across retail, energy, and health care.

The damage has never been limited to debt. Private equity firms extract billions in fees on top of what they load onto companies. They sell the land and buildings, forcing the very businesses they own to pay rent back to them. In franchise models, they skim off royalty payments while cutting services and staff. They charge management fees to companies they already control, ensuring that even if a business fails, the firm still profits. These practices are not side effects. They are the business model.

For years the system ran on cheap money. With interest rates near zero, debt was abundant and investors were eager. Firms could buy, bleed, and flip companies in two or three years. That era is gone. Interest rates now sit above five percent. Debt costs more, buyers are scarce, and the IPO market has dried up. Firms are stuck holding companies that are drowning under the very leverage designed to enrich their owners.

The numbers are staggering. Nearly $12 trillion dollars in private equity assets now sit unsold. Exit activity has collapsed more than 70 percent since 2021. To raise cash, firms are borrowing against their own portfolios with NAV loans or dumping stakes at steep discounts on the secondary market. Even the giants like Blackstone, KKR, Apollo, Carlyle, Bain are stuck with bad debt no one wants. They cannot sell, yet their investors are demanding cash.

The quiet truth is that these firms are already maneuvering for Washington’s help. During the 2008 financial crisis, banks and insurers were rescued with taxpayer dollars. Private equity, which profited handsomely off that same collapse, is positioning itself for similar treatment.

This is not just an elite problem. It is a national one. When private equity runs out of road, it is not the billionaire partners who suffer. It is the workers whose jobs are cut, the retirees whose pensions cannot meet obligations, the students whose tuition rises because endowments cannot keep pace, and the taxpayers who are asked to backstop the system.

The parallels to 2008 are frightening. Then it was mortgage backed securities. Now it is unsellable companies and illiquid funds. In 2008, families lost homes and jobs while Wall Street was saved. Today the scale is even larger. With trillions in assets frozen, the next bailout could dwarf the last one.

Meanwhile, private equity’s destruction also extends into America’s hospitals and nursing homes and people are paying with their lives. Studies show that Medicare patients undergoing emergency surgeries in private equity–owned hospitals are 42 percent more likely to die within 30 days compared to those treated in community hospitals . A nationwide study found infections, falls, and other preventable adverse events increased following private equity takeovers of hospitals . Even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services condemned the impact, warning that private equity ownership of nursing homes led to an 11 percent increase in patient deaths .

Recent reporting shows the financial calculus behind these tragedies. Nursing home operators in New York’s Capital Region diverted Medicare and Medicaid funds through inflated rent and bogus salaries. That left facilities chronically understaffed and suffering neglect so severe that it led to cases of serious injury and death .

By turning hospitals and nursing homes into profit centers rather than care centers, private equity firms aren’t just bankrupting businesses, they are literally killing people. And when that business model collapses, it will be everyday Americans who pay the cost once again.

The message is not subtle. If private equity’s gamble fails, the richest players will once again be saved. For ordinary Americans, the reckoning will look like it always does. Lost jobs. Higher taxes. Vanishing pensions. Rising tuition. And another generation paying for someone else’s greed.

This is the American cycle. The profits are privatized, the losses are socialized, and working families are forced to carry the cost.

Ironheart and the Betrayal of Storytelling

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

Riri Williams, Ironheart, stands beside her armor modeled after Iron Man, a symbol of the genius and potential that Marvel’s adaptation failed to honor.

When Marvel introduced Riri Williams in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, she felt like a revelation. A young Black genius, bold and quick-witted, standing confidently beside Shuri and Wakanda’s leaders, she radiated promise. Audiences believed she was destined to inherit the mantle of brilliance that Tony Stark left behind.

The Disney Plus series Ironheart undid all of that. Rather than elevating Riri’s genius, the show stripped her down and leaned on clichés. Instead of building an earned character arc, Marvel forced one, and when audiences rejected it, Disney did not admit the problem was storytelling. It turned on its own fans, deflecting fair criticism as misogyny or racism. That response only deepened the sense of betrayal.

What made Ironheart sting was not representation but its absence of authentic narrative. Riri’s journey was reactive rather than inventive, her brilliance muted to the point where she seemed less capable than in Black Panther 2. Her supporting cast was too thin to provide depth, leaving Dominique Thorne to carry scenes without the balance that seasoned actors could have offered. This was the opposite of what Marvel did with Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, where young talent was elevated by veterans like Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Keaton. In Ironheart, there was no gravitas to steady her.

The most glaring missed opportunity was the arc itself. In the comics, Riri is mentored by Tony Stark’s AI, a natural continuation of Iron Man’s legacy and a relationship that challenges her intellect. That arc was abandoned in favor of an AI woman who felt more like a nagging caricature than a mentor. It was meant to look progressive, but it flattened Riri even further. Instead of sharpening her genius through real tests, the show reduced her to tropes and sidelined the one connection that could have tethered her to Marvel’s larger story.

What took its place was a parade of stereotypes. The single mother household. The absent father. The drive-by shooting that killed her stepfather. Drugs and street crime. Poverty. Black and Latino men both hyperviolent and emasculated. Struggle as the entire identity. These were not fresh interpretations of culture. They were shortcut stereotype boxes checked by writers who did not seem to understand the communities they were trying to represent.

Audiences are tired of this. They want aspiration and intelligence, not clichés. The success of Black Panther proved that. That film grossed more than $1.3 billion worldwide because it was rooted in authenticity and celebrated Black excellence. It trusted viewers to embrace complexity. Ironheart, by contrast, felt like it was written on autopilot, with representation treated as the main plot line coupled with bad writing.

The reception told the story. Ironheart failed to enter the top ten streaming shows at launch, averaging fewer than 90 million minutes per episode. Nielsen reported just 526 million minutes viewed in its debut week a fraction of Marvel’s earlier dominance. Viewers who began often did not finish. Critics offered cautious praise, but audiences were blunt. Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score fell into the mid-50s. IMDb scored it a dismal 3.7 out of 10. By every measure, this was the weakest Marvel Studios project to date.

Instead of listening, Disney dismissed its fans. Criticism was waved away as misogyny or racism. But this is dishonest. Marvel fans embraced Black Panther, Into the Spider-Verse, and Miles Morales because those stories were intelligent and authentic. They reject Ironheart because it was shallow. Viewers are not bigoted for noticing lazy storytelling. They are discerning enough to know when a studio has lost its way.

Riri Williams deserved better. She deserved a story that celebrated her genius and connected her to Iron Man’s legacy in a way that felt earned. She deserved writing that matched the promise we glimpsed in Wakanda. What we got instead was a hollow series that leaned on stereotypes, dulled its lead, and insulted its audience.

Marvel once thrived because it told stories with depth and intelligence, trusting its fans to embrace complexity. Ironheart showed what happens when that trust is broken. We are not rejecting representation. We are rejecting lazy representation. If Disney refuses to admit that the real problem is storytelling, it will not just be one show that fails. It will be the entire brand.

Disney did not fail Riri Williams. It failed to believe her brilliance was enough.

BlackRock Doesn’t Just Own Tech. It Owns Your Future.

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

BlackRock doesn’t just own parts of Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon. It owns your food supply. It owns farmland. It owns water infrastructure. And through those investments, it owns a growing stake in the future of human survival itself.

What began in 1988 as a modest Wall Street firm built on risk management is now the largest asset manager in human history. BlackRock controls over $11 trillion , which is larger than the GDP of every country in the world except the United States and China.

But what most people still don’t realize is that BlackRock’s most important power grab didn’t happen on Wall Street. It happened quietly, across America’s farmland, its food systems, and its natural resources.

How Did We Get Here?

BlackRock’s expansion strategy was never about flashy takeovers. It was about ownership without attention. They don’t need to buy entire companies when they can buy enough shares to influence them all.

Through complex index funds and ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds), BlackRock has quietly become a top shareholder in nearly every major corporation in America. Coca-Cola. PepsiCo. Kraft Heinz. Nestlé. Tyson Foods. Monsanto-Bayer. Even the companies that compete with each other are often owned by the same hand, BlackRock.

That includes food production, packaging, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, farmland, water rights, grocery store chains, and agribusiness suppliers.

It is a spider web so vast that very few industries operate outside of its reach.

Farmland: The New Oil

In recent years, farmland has quietly become one of the hottest investments among America’s wealthiest. But few players have been as aggressive as BlackRock and its peers like Vanguard and State Street.

Why Farmland you may ask?

Simple. Land produces food, controls water access, and holds its value against inflation. In a world of uncertainty, farmland is power.

BlackRock has invested in farmland directly and indirectly through real estate investment trusts (REITs) like Farmland Partners and Gladstone Land Corporation. In some regions, institutional investors now own an estimated 30-50% of all available farmland.

For local farmers like Paul Rettler, this creates an impossible game that no one can win. Competing against trillion-dollar firms backed by infinite capital means the consolidation of agriculture isn’t slowing down, rather it’s accelerating.

The ESG Illusion

Much of BlackRock’s public messaging has centered around ESG, which stands for: Environmental, Social, and Governance investing , a framework designed to steer money toward sustainable and ethical practices.

But behind the marketing, ESG has often allowed BlackRock to reshape industries while still investing heavily in the very corporations most responsible for environmental harm.

Larry Fink, BlackRock’s billionaire CEO, has framed ESG as both a moral obligation and a business necessity. Yet BlackRock remains one of the largest shareholders in fossil fuel giants, industrial agriculture companies, and food manufacturers responsible for deforestation and soil degradation.

As environmental groups have pointed out daily, BlackRock has the ability to change the food system overnight. But profit almost always wins over principle and we have seen this outcome time and time again.

So What Does BlackRock Want?

It’s simple: Control. Influence. Permanence.

The more essential needs a company controls such as food, water, housing, energy, the less it matters who holds political office. Ownership is the real power.

When a handful of corporations control the basic elements of survival, the public becomes renters of everything, including their health, their homes, and their future.

This is the world being built right in front of us.

Water rights in California. Farmland in the Midwest. Global seed patents. Packaging monopolies. Shipping routes. Grocery store chains. Pharmaceutical partnerships. Tech platforms controlling communication.

This is not just about selling products.

This is about owning life itself.

So what can everyday people do?

Waiting for a politician to fix this system is like waiting for a thief to return what they stole. It is not going to happen.

But the answer is not fear. The answer is awareness. The answer is action.

It starts with taking back control wherever you can.

Buy from local farmers when possible. Grow your own food even if it is just herbs in your kitchen window. Filter your water. Cook your own meals. Learn how to read ingredient labels. Support local businesses over corporations when you can.

Most importantly, do your own research. Step outside of Google, mainstream media, and the same recycled talking points coming from media companies owned by the very corporations profiting from your confusion.

Seek independent sources. Read books. Listen to people on the ground, not just those in boardrooms. Question convenience when it comes at the cost of your health.

Learn how to be less dependent on the systems designed to keep you dependent.

Because at this point, we cannot wait for RFK. We cannot wait for politicians. We cannot wait for the same people who helped build this system to suddenly tear it down.

We have to start building something different starting in our homes, in our families, in our communities.

Not because it is trendy.

But because survival has always belonged to the people willing to think for themselves, take responsibility for their lives, and protect their future by any means necessary.

Harvard Expands Free Tuition to Families Earning Under $200,000

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

By Nkozi Knight

In a move aimed at expanding access to higher education, Harvard University announced Monday that it will offer free tuition to students from families earning $200,000 or less starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. This marks a significant expansion of the university’s financial aid program, further removing financial barriers for prospective students.

Students from families with incomes below $100,000 will also have all expenses covered, including housing, food, health insurance, and travel costs. Previously, Harvard provided full financial support only to students from families earning less than $85,000 annually.

“Putting Harvard within financial reach for more individuals widens the array of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that all of our students encounter, fostering their intellectual and personal growth,” said Harvard President Alan Garber.

While tuition alone at Harvard currently exceeds $56,000, total costs, including housing and other fees, approach $83,000 per year. The new policy will significantly lessen that burden for many American families.

Families earning above $200,000 may still qualify for tailored financial aid depending on individual circumstances.

This initiative aligns with similar policies at other elite institutions, like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which announced a comparable expansion last fall. Harvard estimates that 86% of U.S. families will now be eligible for some level of financial aid.

“Harvard has long sought to open our doors to the most talented students, no matter their financial circumstances,” said Hopkins Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. “This investment ensures that every admitted student can pursue their academic passions and contribute to shaping our future.”

The expansion comes amid broader conversations about diversity in higher education, especially following the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action in college admissions. Harvard, along with other institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, views increased financial aid as a pathway to maintaining diversity by ensuring access to students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds.

“We know the most talented students come from different socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, from every state and around the globe,” said William Fitzsimmons, Harvard’s dean of admissions and financial aid. “Our financial aid is critical to ensuring that these students know Harvard College is a place where they can thrive.”

This policy marks a continued effort to create a more inclusive and accessible environment at one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.

Tech Rout: Nvidia Plunges as China’s DeepSeek AI Soars, Investors Flock to Safe Havens

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

By Nkozi Knight

Global markets took a hit on Monday as technology stocks plummeted amid growing concerns over competitive pressures from China’s burgeoning AI sector. Shares of Nvidia, a key player in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, dropped sharply, losing 11.2% in a single session. The slide came as Chinese startup DeepSeek surged in popularity with its low-cost AI model, intensifying market anxiety about the dominance of U.S. tech firms in the rapidly growing AI space.

Tech Stocks in Freefall

Nvidia, widely regarded as a leader in AI computing hardware, saw its shares nosedive after reports of slowing demand for its GPUs in China. Analysts attributed the decline to DeepSeek’s unveiling of its DeepSeek-V3 model, a highly efficient AI system offering comparable performance at a fraction of the cost.

The ripple effect hit other tech giants as well, with Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Alphabet each recording losses of 3-5%. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 2.6%, its worst single-day performance since December 2024.

“The competitive landscape is shifting rapidly, and this adds a new layer of uncertainty for U.S.-based AI leaders,” said Daniel Crawford, a senior equity analyst at Global Insights. “DeepSeek’s entry into the market highlights the growing sophistication of Chinese AI firms and their ability to disrupt established players.”

DeepSeek’s Meteoric Rise

DeepSeek’s DeepSeek-V3 became the most downloaded free app on Apple’s App Store within days of its launch. The AI assistant boasts advanced natural language processing capabilities and features targeted at small and medium-sized businesses, undercutting its U.S. competitors on price.

The surge in popularity underscores the increasing influence of Chinese technology companies in global markets. With heavy state-backed funding, firms like DeepSeek are rapidly closing the innovation gap with their Western counterparts.

“DeepSeek represents a ‘Sputnik moment’ for the AI industry,” said James Li, an AI researcher based in Shanghai. “This is a wake-up call for U.S. firms to accelerate innovation or risk losing their competitive edge.”

Flight to Safety

Amid the turmoil, investors sought refuge in traditional safe-haven assets. U.S. Treasury yields dropped as demand surged, with the 10-year yield falling to 3.42%. Gold also saw a 1.3% increase, closing at $1,945 per ounce. The U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies, with the euro rising 0.8% to $1.11.

“Investors are nervous, and rightfully so,” said Sophia Greene, chief market strategist at Capital Horizons. “The market is recalibrating to factor in geopolitical risks and the growing unpredictability of tech-driven disruptions.”

Outlook

The fallout from the tech sell-off has raised broader concerns about the U.S.’s ability to maintain its dominance in the AI industry. Lawmakers in Washington have called for more stringent measures to ensure domestic innovation and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

For now, the spotlight remains on how U.S. tech giants will respond to the threat posed by DeepSeek and other rising stars in the Chinese tech ecosystem. Investors are watching closely as the industry braces for further turbulence.

Wisconsin Real Estate Market: What to Expect in 2024 & 2025?

Posted on by Nkozi Knight
2024 Parade of Homes Model-The Clare

The median home sale price in Wisconsin has reached $327,000, reflecting an 8.8% year-over-year increase. Homes are still selling quickly, with an average of 43 days on the market, which suggests high demand in the real estate market. This is further reinforced by a 6.6% increase in home sales, with 6,532 homes sold in July 2024 compared to 6,130 last year. These figures indicate a competitive housing market, favoring sellers.

Inventory has risen by 6.5%, giving buyers more options. However, the supply remains tight, averaging around 2 months, which leans towards a seller’s market. Mortgage rates are around 6%, giving buyers somewhat more purchasing power, though prices are still on the rise.

With Wisconsin’s strong job market and an unemployment rate of 3%, the housing market is unlikely to experience a crash soon. Wisconsin’s balanced economy, affordable cost of living, and steady population growth continue to support the real estate market’s strength .

If you’re considering buying or selling in areas like Caledonia or Beaver Dam, it’s a good time to stay informed as the market is expected to favor buyers slightly towards the end of 2024.

2024 Parade of Homes model

Generative AI: Transforming the Fabric of Education, Business, and Society

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

By Nkozi Knight

The dawn of generative artificial intelligence (AI) is not merely a technological milestone but a transformative force poised to touch every corner of our lives, reshaping the fabric of our world. Imagine a future where AI-driven systems enhance learning experiences in classrooms from rural villages to urban centers, personalize healthcare treatments globally, and revolutionize businesses, driving unprecedented innovation and efficiency. The potential for AI to create new opportunities and solve complex problems is immense, making it a topic of critical importance for everyone from tech enthusiasts to policymakers, but most importantly for everyday citizens.

A Revolution in Our Society

Generative AI has begun to alter the societal landscape significantly. Major advancements by platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini Advanced demonstrate AI’s capabilities in creating human-like text and solving complex problems. These tools are increasingly integrated into customer service, content creation, and strategic decision-making processes. According to McKinsey, over 55% of organizations now use AI in at least one business unit, up from 20% in 2017 .

This surge in adoption highlights the tangible benefits of AI, such as cost reductions and revenue increases. For instance, the use of AI in human resources has led to significant cost savings, while its application in supply chain management has boosted revenues by over 5% . However, this rapid integration is not without challenges, as issues like data privacy, intellectual property, and the accuracy of AI outputs remain pressing concerns .

Education: A New Frontier

In the realm of education, generative AI is revolutionizing how students learn and educators teach. AI-driven platforms are providing personalized learning experiences, adaptive testing, and real-time feedback, thereby making education more accessible and tailored to individual needs. Google’s Gemini Advanced, for example, can create interactive learning modules that adapt to a student’s progress, enhancing engagement and retention.

According to UNESCO, the thoughtful integration of AI into education systems can support lifelong learning and bridge educational gaps by providing resources to underprivileged communities . However, there is a caveat; an over-reliance on technology without adequate human oversight could undermine educational standards and equity.

Business Innovations

Generative AI is also making waves in the business sector, driving operational efficiencies and strategic advancements. Companies are leveraging AI for marketing, sales, product development, and customer engagement. Deloitte’s insights reveal that businesses are moving from pilot projects to large-scale AI deployments, aiming to realize tangible benefits such as improved efficiency and innovation .

AI-driven analytics are enabling businesses to make more informed decisions, ultimately driving growth and competitiveness. For example, AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately helps companies to identify market trends, optimize supply chains, and enhance customer experiences.

Comparing AI Platforms

Different AI platforms bring unique strengths to the table. Here’s a detailed comparison of some leading generative AI tools:

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is exceptional at natural language generation, versatile across multiple domains including customer service, creative writing, and coding assistance. It’s best suited for general-purpose use, especially for enterprises needing versatile AI capabilities.

Google’s Gemini Advanced integrates seamlessly with Google services, providing real-time internet data and robust solutions for data analytics and enterprise applications. It’s ideal for businesses looking for deep integration with Google’s ecosystem, real-time data processing, and enhanced search capabilities.

Apple’s AI system focuses on privacy-centric AI solutions, ensuring secure data management while delivering powerful performance. This makes it a great choice for users and organizations prioritizing data privacy and security.

Microsoft’s Copilot is integrated with the Microsoft Office Suite, enhancing productivity tools like Word and Excel with AI capabilities. It’s perfect for office productivity enhancements, particularly for enterprises that extensively use Microsoft products.

Anthropic’s Claude emphasizes safety and ethical AI use, with a customizable conversational tone and a large context window. It’s best for ethical AI applications and businesses needing secure content generation.

Cohere’s Generate (Command) offers straightforward API integration for text generation, focusing on business use cases like copywriting and data extraction. This tool is well-suited for businesses needing seamless API integration for text generation and analysis.

Midjourney excels at creating artistic and highly stylized images, making it ideal for creative industries and artists looking to enhance their visual content.

DALL·E 3 is easy to use for AI image generation, capable of creating photorealistic and imaginative visuals. It’s best for marketing, design, and any application requiring high-quality images.

These platforms reflect the diverse approaches tech giants are taking to capture the AI market. OpenAI’s emphasis on broad accessibility contrasts with Google’s enterprise-focused strategies and Apple’s commitment to privacy, catering to varied user needs and preferences .

Societal Implications

Generative AI’s societal impact extends beyond business and education. It influences cultural production, healthcare, and even social interactions. AI-generated content, such as music and art, challenges traditional notions of creativity and authorship. In healthcare, AI-driven diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans are revolutionizing patient care, offering more accurate and timely interventions .

However, these advancements come with ethical considerations. The potential for job displacement, biases in AI algorithms, and the need for regulatory frameworks are critical issues that society must address. Ensuring that AI development is inclusive and benefits all segments of society is paramount.

As generative AI continues to evolve, its role in shaping our future becomes increasingly significant. Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or everyday life, AI is set to redefine the parameters of possibility, ushering in an era of unprecedented innovation and change.

For more insights on AI and its impact, visit NkoziKnight.com.

Unveiling Africa’s Economic Boom Behind the Headlines

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

By Nkozi Knight, GreenHomeHub, Knight Investment Group

April 19, 2024

Embracing Africa’s economic upswing, a group of entrepreneurs mirrors the continent’s colorful ascent on the global stage.

African Original travel-reality series, Ebuka Turns Up Africa, featuring celebrated Nigerian star Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

My journey into the heart of Africa’s economic boom began with conversations with my oldest daughter Nkozia who is a frequent visitor to the continent, and my curiosity further peaked from my sectional sofa as I became captivated by Amazon Prime’s series “Ebuka Turns up Africa”. In this television series, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu travels across the continent, exploring hidden gems and navigating the complexities of friendships, relationships, finances, and loyalties. Inspired by the vibrancy and spirit shown in each episode, I was interested in diving deeper and upon my research, I discovered a reality about the continent that is vastly different than the Western media portrayals that mostly reflect poverty and conflict.

The Children of Hope campaign in Malawi presents a snapshot often seen in Western media: youthful faces finding joy amidst the challenges often depicted across the continent.

For years, Africa’s narrative has been dynamically shifting. Long portrayed as a continent primarily of destitution and despair, the real Africa has a much different story. A rich story of booming economies, groundbreaking technologies, and cultural renaissance. This narrative shift reflects a continent ripe with opportunities and a hotbed for growth and innovation in places like my home country of Nigeria, challenging the outdated views held by much of the Western and European media.

Nigeria: The Economic Powerhouse
Leading Africa’s economic charge is Nigeria, currently the continent’s richest country with a GDP of $477 billion as of 2022. With projections by the International Monetary Fund suggesting an ascent to $915 billion by 2028, Nigeria’s economy, fueled by its diverse sectors including oil, gas, and technology, shows no signs of slowing down. Its burgeoning tech industry, particularly in cities like Lagos and Abuja, underscores a broader trend across the continent: a leap into digital and technological entrepreneurship.

The city of Lagos has the tallest skyline in Nigeria. 

Infrastructure and Regional Giants
Significant infrastructural developments such as Ethiopia’s Renaissance Dam and Kenya’s expansion of the Mombasa-Nairobi railway illustrate serious strides toward modernization and improved regional connectivity. These projects not only support economic growth but also enhance the daily lives of millions, with technology at the forefront of this renaissance.


Africa’s tech revolution extends beyond my home country of Nigeria. Innovations in mobile banking and renewable energy are pivotal. Mobile banking has transformed financial access for millions, demonstrating a leapfrog over traditional banking barriers. In the realm of sustainable development, nations like Morocco, where my daughter attends school, and South Africa are harnessing wind and solar power, setting new benchmarks for renewable energy.

The cultural sectors throughout Africa is thriving, making significant inroads on the global stage. Nigerian music, South African films, and Ghanaian fashion are capturing international audiences, showcasing the continent’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and its something to truly be admired.

Cape Town South Africa

Economic Landscape

The economic landscape across Africa is as rich and varied as its cultural tapestry, with nations like South Africa and Egypt featuring robust, diversified economies that span mining, agriculture, and a burgeoning service and tourism industry. Algeria’s substantial oil and natural gas reserves play a crucial role in its financial health, echoing Angola’s reliance on its natural resources. Morocco’s vibrant economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and a growing industrial sector.

Also, Kenya’s status as a regional economic hub is cemented by its diverse economy that embraces services, agriculture, and tourism. Ghana’s growth is buoyed by its agricultural base, complemented by significant oil and gas sectors. Tanzania, where my daughter recently visited, leverages its natural beauty and resources with a flourishing tourism and finance sector. Meanwhile, the beautiful people of Ethiopia are charting a path of rapid economic expansion, driven by sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and ambitious infrastructure projects.

The economic diversity across Africa is a story we need to hear more of as it reflects the resilience of the continent’s people who still deal with the theft of resources from European countries who often threaten to make topple their governments if they refuse to comply. Despite this, Africa’s adaptive and innovative spirit helps shape a new narrative of prosperity on the global economic stage.

Ethiopian Airlines pilot and flight crew

Confronting Stereotypes

Yet, despite these successes, Western portrayals often remain focused on negative aspects, overshadowing the continent’s achievements. This skewed narrative can influence public perception and policy in ways that are not reflective of the current African reality. African leaders and thinkers are calling for a more balanced portrayal that recognizes both the challenges and the immense progress being made.

Ebuka Turns up Africa

As the stories of 2024 unfold, it’s evident that Africa’s rise is not just in spite of Western media narratives but perhaps because it defies them. From the bustling markets of Cairo to the stunning vineyards of Cape Town, innovation, growth, and cultural vibrancy weave a rich tapestry that demands a global reevaluation. The legacy of resource extraction by countries like France and Great Britain is being overwritten by a new chapter of African self-determination and prosperity.

Shows like Ebuka Turns up Africa serve as a clarion call, inviting viewers to step beyond the screen and witness firsthand the continent’s transformation. The call is not just to watch, but to participate; to swap the well-trodden paths to Europe or the beaches of Mexico for the opportunity to immerse oneself in the tapestry of Africa’s economic prowess and cultural renaissance.

Let 2024 be the year where more travelers like myself, choose African destinations, where investment flows not just to traditional markets but to the burgeoning cities and industries across the African continent. This is not just an invitation; it’s a call to be part of a historical movement where one can witness a continent coming into its own, with success stories like Ebuka’s becoming the norm, celebrated and shared with the world. It’s time to rise from our sofas, set foot on African soil, and experience the continent’s heartbeat for ourselves.

Fitch Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating Amid Rising Deficits and Political Turmoil

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

In a recent blow to the United States, Fitch Ratings has downgraded the nation’s credit rating from the highest possible AAA to AA+. The rating agency attributed the drop to increasing deficits and political conflict, which they believe threaten the government’s capacity to service its debts.

This decision was made two months following a last-minute agreement between the Biden administration and House Republicans to temporarily raise the debt ceiling, thereby narrowly dodging a potentially catastrophic federal default.

This isn’t the first time the U.S. has faced such a demotion. Back in 2011, amid a similar crisis regarding the debt ceiling, Standard & Poor’s reduced the United States’ AAA rating. At present, Moody’s Investors Service is the only major credit rating agency that continues to assign the U.S. the top AAA rating.

Despite recognizing the robustness of the U.S. economy and the benefits reaped from the dollar’s position as the world’s primary currency, Fitch expressed concerns about the escalating deficits and both political parties’ reluctance to address long-term fiscal issues. Fitch voiced limited faith in the government’s ability to effectively manage the country’s finances.

In response to the downgrade, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen criticized Fitch’s decision as “arbitrary” and reliant on obsolete data. She emphasized that “Treasury securities remain the world’s preeminent safe and liquid asset” and affirmed the underlying strength of the U.S. economy.

According to Fitch, the expenditure caps set as part of the recent debt agreement in June merely scratch the surface of the overall budget and do not confront enduring issues, such as financing Social Security and Medicare for an aging populace.

With tax reductions and elevated government expenditure leading to an expansion of deficits in recent years, and coupled with increasing interest rates, the fiscal burden has grown. Government interest payments in the first nine months of the current fiscal year amounted to $652 billion, marking a 25% rise from the same period last year.

Maya Macguineas, the president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, responded to the downgrade, terming it a “wake-up call.” She stressed the urgent need for fiscal responsibility, stating, “We are clearly on an unsustainable fiscal path. We need to do better.”

The repeated political standoffs over the debt ceiling have not only eroded the faith in U.S. fiscal management but also put the longstanding reputation of U.S. government bonds at risk. For close to a hundred years, these bonds have been considered some of the safest investments globally, primarily because the U.S. seemed unlikely to default on payments.

However, with the recent debt ceiling impasses, there is growing concern that the U.S. might default for the first time. Over a decade ago, S&P pointed out political discord as a significant risk to the country’s governing ability, and many experts opine that the situation has deteriorated since.

The Meteoric Rise of Online Gambling and The Destructive Impact On Sports, Athletes, and Fans

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

As the digitization of daily life accelerates, the world of gambling is not immune to this transition. Recent years have witnessed an explosion of online gambling, fueled by large media sports outlets, with ESPN leading the charge, often making sports shows unwatchable. This shift has profound implications for the sporting world, the athletes at its center, and the fans, young and old, who passionately follow their favorite teams and players.

The Push from Sports Outlets

For sports media platforms, the digitization of gambling represents a new frontier of audience engagement and a fresh stream of revenue. ESPN has been at the forefront of this transformation, incorporating gambling lines, odds, and statistics into their sports coverage. Last month at the NBA draft, a betting line was changed when NBA Insider Sham Charania posted that Scoot Henderson was “gaining serious momentum” as the No. 2 pick. The problem is Sham Charania is a paid brand name ambassador for Fan Duel and his tweet resulted in millions of dollars changing hands with what many consider was bad information. This brought to light the lack of regulations and oversight to prevent conflict of interest between members of the media who can influence betting markets and company’s like Fan Duel. Companies like ESPN and Fox Sports continue to blur the lines as they have effectively mainstreamed sports betting, lending an air of legitimacy to an activity previously associated with the outskirts of the sporting world.

ESPN, owned by Disney, and other sports outlets are leveraging their immense influence to not only provide sports news but also to shape the way fans engage with sports. By introducing betting elements in their broadcasts, these platforms have turned viewership into an interactive, higher-stakes experience. Now, fans aren’t just rooting for their team; they’re also potentially reaping financial gains or losing everything from the outcome.

Impact on Sports and Athletes

This increased focus on gambling has significant implications for the sports themselves and the athletes who compete. One major concern is the threat to the integrity of sports. While most bets are placed in good faith, there is an increased risk of match-fixing and corruption as the volume of sports betting grows. Several NFL players were recently suspended for betting on games, potentially ruining their careers and livelihoods. Rigging a game for betting gains may become tempting to unscrupulous individuals, casting a shadow over the purity of competition.

For athletes, the rise of online gambling can present a new kind of pressure. Knowing that their performance can affect not only their team’s fortunes but also the financial outcomes of countless fans adds a unique stressor. This added pressure could affect their performance, either spurring them on to greater heights or causing them to buckle under the weight of expectation.

Impact on Fans

From the fans’ perspective, the rise of online gambling has transformed the way they engage with sports. It’s no longer just about cheering for your team; now, there’s a personal stake in the game’s outcome. For some, this adds an exciting new dimension to their fandom, heightening the thrills of victory and the agonies of defeat. But for others, it can lead to financial distress and potential addiction.

Furthermore, there’s the potential to alter the dynamic between fans and athletes. Instead of viewing athletes as individuals who are striving for success in their sport, they may increasingly see them as mere components of their betting strategies. This could potentially lead to a dehumanization of athletes and a detachment from the essential spirit of sports.

As the rise of online gambling continues, fueled by sports outlets such as ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS, it’s imperative that we carefully consider and address its potential impacts. Regulation will play a key role in ensuring the integrity of sports and protecting fans from financial exploitation. As we move forward, it’s crucial to regulate this new landscape with the goal of preserving the core values of sports: competition, teamwork, and integrity for this generation and generations to come.

The Oz Principle: Getting Results Through Individual and Organizational Accountability

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

The Oz Principle, written by Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman, is a popular management book that explores the concept of accountability in the workplace. The book draws on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz to illustrate how individuals and organizations can take ownership of their actions and outcomes to achieve success. In this blog post, we will summarize the main ideas of The Oz Principle and explain how they can be applied in the workplace.

The Oz Principle presents a framework for personal and organizational accountability based on four key principles: See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It. Let’s take a closer look at each of these principles:

  1. See It: The first step in the accountability process is to see the problem or opportunity clearly. This involves identifying the root cause of the issue and understanding its impact on the organization. Seeing It requires individuals to be honest and objective in their assessment of the situation, without making excuses or blaming others.
  2. Own It: Once a problem or opportunity has been identified, the next step is to take ownership of it. This means accepting responsibility for the outcome and committing to taking action to address the issue. Owning It requires individuals to be accountable for their role in the situation, regardless of whether they were directly responsible for the problem.
  3. Solve It: The third step in the accountability process is to develop a plan to solve the problem or capitalize on the opportunity. This involves working collaboratively with others to identify and implement solutions that address the root cause of the issue. Solving It requires individuals to be proactive and creative in their problem-solving approach.
  4. Do It: The final step in the accountability process is to execute the plan and achieve the desired outcome. This involves taking action and following through on commitments to ensure that the problem is fully resolved or the opportunity is fully realized. Doing It requires individuals to be persistent and disciplined in their efforts to achieve success.

The Oz Principle emphasizes the importance of accountability in driving individual and organizational performance. By following the See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It framework, individuals can take control of their actions and outcomes, and work together to achieve shared goals. The book provides practical tools and strategies for implementing accountability in the workplace, including the use of performance scorecards, team charters, and action plans.

In conclusion, The Oz Principle is a powerful management book that offers a fresh perspective on accountability in the workplace. Its four-step framework provides a clear roadmap for personal and organizational success, and its practical tools and strategies can be applied in a wide range of settings. By embracing the principles of See It, Own It, Solve It, and Do It, individuals and organizations can achieve greater accountability, productivity, and success.

What Emmett Till’s Mother Taught Me About Grief and Justice

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

On Feb. 26, 2012, my entire life changed in ways that I could never imagine. Within an instant, after the brutal and inhumane killing of my son, …

What Emmett Till’s Mother Taught Me About Grief and Justice

Five ways of expanding your business internationally

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

The global economy is changing thanks to worldwide connectivity. Companies across the globe are communicating with others without delays or hassles …

Five ways of expanding your business internationally

5 Tips to Get Your First Business off the Ground

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

Building your first business is tough. Building any business is tough, but your first is going to be especially difficult – you have no mistakes to …

5 Tips to Get Your First Business off the Ground

7 Surprising Things Successful Leaders Stop Doing that Make Leadership Easier

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

It doesn’t take a genius to make hard work painful. Sometimes success is about stopping something. 7 surprising things successful leaders stop doing:…

7 Surprising Things Successful Leaders Stop Doing that Make Leadership Easier

7 Ways to Transform Your Money Mindset

Posted on by Nkozi Knight
 

The level of abundance in your life in any area (love, friendship, success or finances) is a reflection of your inner state — what you hold in your mind and heart.

Want to create a healthy and loving wealth consciousness? Here are seven ways to transform your money mindset.

1. Forgive your past.

So many of our unquestioned beliefs and behavior patterns today around money are simply things we picked up at childhood or our past. They are not true and they don’t serve our highest good.

Forgiveness is a way to release them from our heart and energy field, so we are no longer blindly re-creating the same patterns and keeping ourselves stuck at the same level of abundance.

Grab a piece of paper and write down all of the painful memories you have around money –involving your parents, lovers, bosses or even yourself — that make you feel icky, stressed, anxious or frustrated.

Now, go through your list and practice forgiveness until you release the negative charge from each memory. You could try:

(a) Using a mantra such as: I forgive you. I’m sorry. I love you.

(b) Placing your hand on your heart and simply letting yourself feel the emotions that arise — giving yourself permission to feel them fully without attaching a mental story to them. Often as you let your feelings rise and observe them without judgement, they will naturally dissolve.

(c) Having compassion. Maybe your parents fought in front of you or didn’t have enough money and it caused you pain, but they were doing their best from their level of awareness — and they were probably re-creating the patterns they had learnt when they were children. Everyone is a divine loving inner spirit deep down — sometimes our true nature just gets temporarily obscured, like a cloud covering the sun.

2. Change your story.

The poet Rumi once said: “This world is like a mountain. Your echo depends on you. If you scream good things, the world will give it back. If you scream bad things, the world will give it back.”

He is referring to the Universal law of creation. Your inner world (thoughts, beliefs and feelings) creates your outer reality.

Do you find yourself saying or thinking things like: I’m so broke… Making money is hard… I’m always down to my last dollar… I never have enough… Wanting money is bad or greedy…?

Try changing your story around money. Start saying and thinking things like: I’m so blessed… I have everything that I need… the Universe always takes care of me… I give to the world and I receive… it is safe for me to have abundance… I am provided for.

3. Open your mind to infinite possibilities.

When it comes to manifesting, your logical mind can be your worst enemy.

It has a limited capacity to think beyond what it already knows, and it can be quick to tell you things like: Well, you can’t earn more from your current job, so receiving more money is, frankly, impossible.

When you have unexamined assumptions that you can only receive money in certain pre-determined ways — like a pay cheque from a day job — you block the Universe from finding other amazingly creative ways to bring you abundance.

Begin asking the Universe: What would it take for more money to flow to me? What would it take for me to get paid for being me? What would it take for creative ideas to come to me?

4. Practice gratitude.

The world is a reflection of you. When you look around your life and see and feel lack, the Universe receives the message to send you more lack.

So many of us suffer from a condition called Onlyness. We look at our bank balance and think: I only have $42. We look at our wardrobes and think: I only have these clothes to choose from. We look at our lives and think: I only have this much love, friendship, success, wellbeing or happiness.

When you start looking around your life and seeing everything as evidence of abundance, and feeling thankful and deeply grateful, the Universe sends you more abundance.

Look at your bank balance and think: Wow, I have a whole $42 to spend, that’s awesome. Look at your wardrobe and thank: Wow, I have warm clothes for my temple, how amazing is that? Look at your life and think: Wow, I already have this much love, friendship, success, wellbeing and happiness, and I am excited for even more. I am so grateful to be alive, adventuring in time and space, and I am going to soak up and appreciate every moment.

Bless your money as it goes in and out of your life. Bless it as you buy something as simple as your morning coffee. Pause and give thanks to the Universe for providing so much for you.

5. Create space.

When your life is full to the brim with old energy, memories and clutter, you are not symbolically or energetically creating space for abundance to come into your life.

Do a life assessment — look lovingly and honestly at your home, possessions, bank balance, love life, friends, career, leisure time, wellbeing and lifestyle.

Where are you not being true to your heart, soul and values? What needs to go in order for you to feel freer, lighter and liberated?

The more you remove anything that no longer serves you, the more space you create — physically and emotionally — for new people, opportunities and abundance to flow into your life.

6. Know your worth.

You are a divine spiritual being having a human experience.

You are the Universe experience itself through you. Your creator desires for you to experience endless happiness, peace and fulfillment.

Until you know your true nature and worth, you will probably experience feelings of guilt and doubt around receiving and abundance.

When you wake up to who you really are, you begin to realize that you are not here just to struggle and survive – you are here to love, create, expand and thrive.

7. Take small steps to cultivate the feeling of abundance.

Abundance is not a number on a bank statement, a large house or a luxury holiday. Abundance is a feeling.

Think about what abundance means to you. Does it mean freedom? Does it mean generosity? Does it mean indulgence?

When you know what abundance means to you, you can start taking baby steps to cultivate the feeling of abundance on a daily basis.

You can do this through visualization (imagining your dreams already being real) or by looking around your life and coming up with creative ways to feel the way you want to feel.

Maybe you feel abundant when you: spend a whole hour with a good book and a glass of wine; cook dinner for friends; have freshly washed hair and wear your favorite outfit; or carry a $100 note in your wallet. Start doing these small actions more often.

When you create the feeling of abundance within you, the Universe will pick up your new signal and start bringing you circumstances to match your new vibration.

Elyse Santilli Writer and life coach at NotesOnBliss.com, your guidebook to happiness and creating a beautiful life

Elyse is a writer, life coach and happiness teacher at NotesOnBliss.com and the creator of the Beautiful Life Bootcamp online course. She teaches people to align with their inner spirit, design a life they love, and expand their happiness and inner peace. For updates and inspiration, sign up now.

Quad/Graphics plans to close plants, cut $100M in costs

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

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By Rick Romell of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 3, 2015
In the wake of disappointing financial results, Sussex-based Quad/Graphics Inc. said Tuesday it will begin closing plants and taking other steps to cut $100 million in costs.

“Our third quarter financial performance was challenging and below our expectations,” Joel Quadracci, CEO of the commercial printing firm, said in a statement.

Quadracci said the company would move swiftly to slice costs and bring them in line with sales.

Quad did not say how many jobs it might cut, or identify any plants for closing. However, spokeswoman Claire Ho suggested that the firm’s operations in Wisconsin, where it employs 7,000 people at 14 facilities, are not high on the target list for closures.

Quad continues to move work to its most efficient printing and distribution plants, and the Wisconsin operations are “among the most efficient platforms in the entire printing industry,” Ho said in an email. She said Quad is still hiring in Wisconsin.

The company, the biggest printer of magazines and catalogs in North America, operates 57 printing plants in the U.S. and another eight outside the country. It employs 24,000 people worldwide.

However, like other printers, it has seen demand dampened by the rise of the Internet and digital technologies such as iPads and other tablets.

In its annual report filed with securities regulators last March, Quad noted that prices for printing had “declined significantly in recent years.”

Tuesday, Quadracci said in his statement that pricing pressure accelerated during the three months that ended Sept. 30, while Quad’s manufacturing productivity declined.

The firm’s sales for the three months ended Sept. 30 totaled $1.16 billion, down 6.5% from the $1.24 billion in third-quarter 2014 revenue.

The company booked a loss of $552.2 million, or $11.50 a share, in the quarter. But that stemmed almost entirely from a $532.6 million non-cash, after-tax charge Quad recorded for “goodwill impairment” triggered by the decline in the firm’s stock price.

Before Tuesday’s announcement, Quad’s stock closed at $13.10, down 18 cents.

The company went public in July 2010 at $49. Its shares traded above $40 for almost a year, then plunged. They rebounded above $30 in 2013, but have trended downward for the last two years.

The slide in the stock notwithstanding, Quad generates enough cash to pay a hefty dividend — at least at the prices of the last two years. The current dividend of $1.20 a year amounts to roughly 9% of Tuesday’s closing price.

Quad on Tuesday declared another 30-cent quarterly dividend.

The company also reduced its 2015 revenue estimates by about $200 million. Previously, Quad had estimated sales of $4.8 billion to $4.9 billion for the year. The firm now expects $4.6 billion to $4.7 billion in revenue.

Since 2009, Quad has more than doubled its revenue, in large measure through acquisitions.

Quadracci may disclose details of the company’s cutback plans this morning during a conference call with analysts.

About Rick Romell

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Rick Romell covers retail and general business news.

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Quad/Graphics is an American printing company, based in Sussex, Wisconsin. It was founded on July 13, 1971, by Harry V. Quadracci, son of Harry R. Quadracci.
Headquarters: Sussex, WI
Company Website: qg.com
CEO: Joel Quadracci
Founded: 1971

Urban Ecology Center- Riverside Park

Posted on by Nkozi Knight

Image I am always amazed when I find new and exciting places to visit here in Milwaukee Wisconsin, and Urban Ecology Center’s Riverside Park is one of those places. Made of 76% recycled material, the Urban Ecology Center “Green” building boast that it using rain water for all restroom purposes and is not connected to the Lake Michigan water filtration system, saving thousands of dollars a year. On the roof are solar panels that produce enough energy to sustain it for the summer months and get a rebate from Wisconsin Electric Energies (WE Energies). The hardwood maple floor is over 100 years old and was donated after the demolition of a nearby elementary school gym. The wraparound porch is made entirely of wood scraps of trees from Africa from the construction of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Although the building is amazing, the best feature of the Urban Ecology Center is its people.

Led by the unassuming Executive Director, Ken Leinbach, the Urban Ecology Center has grown year after year as one of the key organizations designed to connect urban areas with the beauty of the outdoors. In just 10 years the organization has grown from a $50,000.00 annual budget to over $3 million dollars as of the 2011. To ensure that all of the employees of the Urban Ecology Center share the vision of the organization, they are required to go on a 3 day camping retreat with no access to technology while being immersed in nature. This helps drive the purpose of the mission and the importance of what they look to accomplish; improving the relationship between nature and the urban community while promoting green energy alternatives.

If you are interested in learning more about what the Urban Ecology Center has to offer, please visit their website at: http://urbanecologycenter.org/ for more information.