Believe it or not, there are some folks who are lucky enough to have some left over money in their wallets after all their usual bills and expenses are paid off. This is especially a good thing these days in a bad economy when the national unemployment rate in the double digits. Many people might think of using that disposable money to go on a vacation and buy an expensive gift for a loved one or for themselves.
Recent Posts from Talia Whyte
Disposable Income in a Bad Economy
- By: Talia Whyte
- March 18, 2010
- 0 comments
How to Get the Right Life Insurance
- By: Talia Whyte
- March 18, 2010
- 1 comments
Life insurance is possibly one of the most important assets an individual could have. For young professionals who are just starting out in life, it is a great time to take this process seriously. There is not one life insurance policy that fits everyone, as your unique life circumstance makes a difference.
Blacks Should Support ENDA
- By: Talia Whyte
- February 15, 2010
- 0 comments
With February being black history month, many African-Americans began to reminisce about the both the struggles and accomplishments they have made over the years. Recently, I went to a lecture about the life of radical labor activist A. Philip Randolph, who during his lifetime not only advocated for the employment rights of blacks, but also for Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans and poor whites.
I was joined at this lecture by a friend who wondered aloud if Randolph were alive today whether he would embrace the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), which would end workplace discrimination against LGBT workers. I don’t usually like to predict what dead people would think about current issues, but I would like to believe that Randolph would also be sympathetic to the cause of gay employees.
One thing I do know for sure is homosexuality is still a highly contentious issue within our community. Living in Massachusetts during the height of the same sex marriage debate, I saw first hand the sharp division between blacks and gays, and I don’t think either group will see eye to eye on marriage equality in the near future due to deep religious roots within black community. However, employment rights have nothing to do with religion. Everyone has a right to work and not be discriminated because of their skin color or who they choose to have as a romantic partner.
I remember one of my first jobs out of college I worked for a company that was openly hostile to gay people. A co-worker, who was a closeted lesbian at the time, always cowered in agony when her manager and other co-workers would make crass, homophobic jokes in the office. She knew that she could not speak out about this because she feared being targeted and possibly fired. She would eventually quit the company abruptly, and only tell me years later that she left because of the office homophobia. Looking back, I felt really guilty that I was not a better co-worker and spoke out against this horror that emotionally crippled my friend.
As a tribute to those who fought for the rights of African Americans in the past, maybe it is time for African Americans to help fight for the rights of other marginalized groups.
Entrepreneurs Look to Africa for Opportunities
- By: Talia Whyte
- February 12, 2010
- 1 comments
On Feb. 11, 1989, Nelson Mandela was released from a South African jail after 27 years of unlawful incarceration. With his release and his election to be the country’s president four years later, there was hope from the international community that finally South Africa would rise up from its dark past of racial and class bigotry.
Twenty years later, while the apartheid system is officially dismantled on paper, not only is racial division still a problem, but violent crime, poverty and HIV/AIDS have contributed to unemployment and has financially crippled South Africa from making progress. The 2010 World Cup coming later this year could financially help out South Africa, the rest of the continent and young black professionals in America. Let me explain.
YBP Profiles: Chris-Tia Donaldson
- By: Talia Whyte
- February 9, 2010
- 1 comments
Chris-Tia Donaldson is on a mission to make sure that every black woman knows that natural – hair or otherwise – is beautiful. She is the author of the recent book, “Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair,” which includes tips for other black women who want to learn how to maintain natural hair.
“Our hair-grooming habits are reflective of our history, and it affects how we go about our daily lives,” she said in a previous interview. “Thankfully, I learned that I am much more than my hair, and I take better care of my hair now.”
