Kwanza Jones Chronicles

It felt like a gut punch…

Hard to believe we’re only half way through the year. A lot has happened since the beginning of 2022. And the last few weeks have been tough. So I’ve got a question for you. How do you respond to the things that happen around you? Do you respond and react passively? Do you get angry and take immediate action? Or do you digest for a moment and weigh out your options? Listen to this:

You alone control your happiness. Do not give that power to anyone else. You can choose how you react to any situation. 

You know that I am always strategic and try to think 3 steps ahead. I’m all about taking action, that’s why I want to share with you some of the things I’ve done recently. 

  • A few weeks ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. I was shocked and horrified when I read the news. It was a gut punch. But instead of reacting passively, I took action. Creating lasting impact through equity is what fuels my fire. And that’s what I did. I spoke with the Executive Director of WRRAP (Women’s Reproductive Rights Assistance Project) and she told me that their demand has more than doubled in the days leading up to the Roe V. Wade ruling. So, I’m going to double down and boost our friends! I will match every dollar that is donated to WRRAP up to $20,000.
  • On June 1st, my SUPERCHARGED® teamily and I made an impact in the lives of many by volunteering at the LA Food Bank. We spent 2 hours there and packed 3,648 boxes which will provide 58,368 meals to feed hungry children, seniors and families. To add to that, I donated $15,000 to provide an additional 60,000 meals, bringing it to a total of 118,368 meals in a single day!
    Feeling inspired? I challenge you to head to your local food bank to see how you can get involved!
  • On June 19th, I shared my thoughts on why I work on Juneteenth instead of taking the day off. Did you know that after the Emancipation Proclamation which declared that enslaved people were free, it took another 2.5 years before the announcement was made? Did you also know that so many people were still enslaved and made to work during that period until the announcement was made? You can learn more about my stance by reading the blog post I wrote about why I work on Juneteenth.
  • Recently, I released the official music video for the Queen Moves Only, Mother’s Day Mix track on YouTube. Queens come in all shapes, in all sizes and in all demographics. It’s about connection and unity, and most importantly, it’s about love. The music video elevates the Queens and Kings who have inspired us to fight and not sit idle. Check out the music video by clicking on the image below and you’ll see what I mean.
  • June was Black Music Month. A month for celebrating the art, music, and culture that impact the world. For me, it’s about history. It’s about the foundation. It’s about the roots. So what does it mean to make an impact as a Black artist? In this article, I talked about it and about what you can do as an individual. 
  • To celebrate Black Music Month, I participated in the Apollo Spring Benefit event as the premier sponsor and event chair. I donated $250,000 at the event and we raised over $3.7 Million. The proceeds will support the Apollo’s important performing arts, education and community initiatives. For me, the Apollo Theater is more than just a performance venue. It is a cultural institution. It’s about access and opportunities. It has provided a space for voices to be heard where they usually wouldn’t be. That is why I support the Apollo by being on the board and by being a philanthropist.
  • I believe that equal opportunity exists when we recognize the role equity plays in the disbursement of opportunity. My investing for impact model takes into account diversity and inclusion as well as access to capital for underrepresented groups. Everyone’s starting point is different, which is why I invest in organizations like Sola Impact’s Black Impact Fund. Together we are focused on creating practical solutions to the growing racial and income inequality that continues to impact the Black and Brown communities. In August we will celebrate the Grand Opening of the SoLa Technology and Entrepreneurship Center, an Esports and Gaming Center with robust tech programming that is provided free for the youth in the community of South LA.

When I look back at what I’ve been able to accomplish in the last month, I feel grateful. But what I’m most grateful for is the impact I’ve been able to make with my actions.

Remember, you don’t need to have money to make a difference in the lives of others. The fact is, there are many ways to make an impact like showing up in service, spreading awareness, and sharing insightful perspectives amongst your family and friends.

What’s one thing you’re willing to do to make an impact in someone’s life today?

Please share this email with someone you think would benefit from it. 

Until next time… 

Who loves you? I do. 

Bye for now

Kwanza Jones Signature

Upcoming: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing inequities and widened the opportunity gap for students from low income families in Los Angeles. In the next Kwanza Jones Chronicles, I will be sharing some insights on the action I took to lower the opportunity gap and provide more access. Stay tuned

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