God has called home another faithful servant. Losing Dikembe Mutombo is a heartbreaking loss, not just for the basketball community, but for the world at large.
He was so much more than an NBA Hall of Famer, he was a true humanitarian, a voice for the voiceless, especially marginalized women and children. Working with him on women’s rights projects with Silke Endress International, the UN, and CARE was an honor. We didn’t just attend conferences like the Bloomberg Global Business Summit, CARE or McCain Institute, a common interest; we shared stories, exchanged ideas, and best practices for sustained growth. In 2010, I remember Dikembe asking me to stand on a chair to take a photo so I can be his equal in height and passion.
When Dikembe spoke on panels discussions, I listened carefully and was always in awe of his unwavering commitment to human rights. His passion was just as towering as his presence on the court.
Dikembe always stood tall, not just in height, but in his moral convictions. Just as he was a defensive powerhouse in basketball, blocking shots with ease, he defended those who didn’t have access to health services, education, or economic opportunities, particularly in his homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was relentless, whether it was on the court or fighting for justice. He embodied what it means to be a champion, both in sports and in life.
Dikembe will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, advocacy, and resilience will continue to inspire. Rest in peace, Dikembe. The world was better with you in it.
Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Dikembe Mutombo, a legendary basketball player, devoted humanitarian, and profoundly good man. I’ll never forget hosting his large family at the White House. They filled the whole stairway down to the South Lawn.
As commanding as he was on the court, he was even better off it, with a big heart to match his 7-foot-2-inch frame, a great sense of humor, and an unshakeable commitment to helping people everywhere, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo. His proudest achievement was the state-of-the-art hospital he built in Kinshasa in honor of his mother, which Hillary loved visiting in 2009.
Dikembe was also an active member of the Clinton Global Initiative community from the very beginning, making and keeping commitments to support the hospital and more economic opportunity across Africa. He was the real deal and inspired everyone at CGI to follow his lead. He once told me that he blocked shots for a living, but he lived to save lives and open doors.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rose, his children, and everyone else who loved him, was inspired by him, and is living a better life today because of him.
In a twist that few would have predicted, Vice President Kamala Harris is gaining unexpected support from a corner where you wouldn’t expect it—Republicans. That’s right, over 700 current and former military and national security officials, along with prominent GOP prominent names like Liz Cheney, Dick Cheney, and even members of Congress have begun to publicly back her leadership. This wave of endorsements highlights the growing divide within the GOP, while signaling a possible reshaping of the political landscape ahead of the 2024 election. It’s like a political earthquake, shaking up expectations of what the 2024 election could look like.
So, why is this happening? Why would long-time Republicans, many of whom have been at odds with Harris on several policy fronts, back her in such a bold way?
National Security First
One of the main drivers behind these endorsements is national security. Harris has consistently emphasized the importance of strong international alliances, military readiness, and tackling threats to democracy. For many military and national security professionals, her approach resonates. With her focus on working alongside NATO and ensuring the U.S. remains a global leader, these officials see a Commander-in-Chief who values diplomacy as much as she values defense. This isn’t just politics—it’s about ensuring America stays safe in an increasingly unpredictable world.
It’s like picking the best captain for the ship when the waters are rough. Even if you don’t always agree with how they run the crew, you trust them to navigate through the storm. That’s the mindset many of these military figures seem to have when it comes to Harris.
Let’s start with Liz Cheney. A staunch conservative, Liz has become a leading voice against the extreme right-wing faction of the Republican Party. She sees Harris as someone who stands firm on principles like democracy, rule of law, and national security. For Liz, Harris represents a stabilizing force in American politics, something she believes is essential in these volatile times. In a sense, Harris has become a beacon of bipartisanship, someone who can unite Americans across political lines in defense of core democratic values.
Photo credit: JOSH EDELSON/AFP/Getty Images
Dick Cheney’s endorsement is just as significant. A former Vice President himself, Cheney has always been associated with a hardline, no-nonsense approach to foreign policy. His approval of Harris may seem surprising at first, but it underscores how deeply concerned he is about the current trajectory of his own party. The Cheneys, known for their strong support of national defense and intelligence, view Harris as a capable leader who can effectively navigate the complexities of foreign policy while protecting U.S. interests.
But it’s not just the Cheneys. Republican senators and congressional members quietly, but surely are also signaling their support. Many in the intelligence community, recognizing Harris’ understanding of global security and diplomacy, are stepping up with their endorsements as well. The move shows a growing discomfort among moderate Republicans with the direction of the GOP, especially in areas like international relations, law and order, and maintaining checks and balances.
Think of this shift as a political earthquake. Much like a seismic event that starts quietly beneath the surface before shaking the foundation, Harris’ appeal to these Republicans shows the cracks forming in what was once considered a rock-solid GOP coalition. For some, the extreme polarization in the Republican Party is becoming too much to bear, leading them to align with someone like Harris, who they feel can restore stability and balance.
This isn’t just about party lines it’s about the bigger picture. Harris, with her sharp intellect, strong leadership, and pragmatic approach to governance, represents a pathway that’s more about preserving democracy than sticking to partisan divides. Her endorsements from prominent Republicans signal a desire for a leader who can steer the nation through the choppy waters of division and bring a sense of unity and purpose.
As we look ahead, Kamala Harris’ support from figures like Liz and Dick Cheney is a powerful reminder that in politics, allegiances can shift, and leadership that prioritizes the nation over party can resonate across ideological lines. It’s a wave worth watching closely it could reshape the future of American politics.
In a shocking turn of events, music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has been arrested in New York, facing serious legal trouble after a federal indictment was unsealed detailing allegations against him. The indictment, which came to light just one day after his arrest, accuses Combs of involvement in a multi-million-dollar money laundering scheme, as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
According to federal prosecutors, the charges stem from an ongoing investigation into illegal financial activities linked to a network of shell companies allegedly created to conceal large sums of money. The funds, investigators say, were moved through various offshore accounts in an attempt to obscure their origin and final destination. Sources suggest that Combs’ arrest is part of a larger federal crackdown on financial crimes within the entertainment industry.
While Diddy’s legal team has yet to release a formal statement, insiders close to the rapper and entrepreneur have expressed shock and disbelief at the allegations. The hip-hop icon, known for his successful ventures in music, fashion, and spirits, now faces a lengthy legal battle that could have serious implications for his career.
More details on the case are expected to emerge as the investigation continues. Diddy is set to appear before a judge in New York in the coming days to address the charges.
In recent years, there has been a significant surge in the growth and success of black women-owned businesses, and their impact on the global economy cannot be overstated. These enterprises have emerged as powerful engines of job creation, economic empowerment, and innovation, contributing to the overall prosperity of communities worldwide. This article explores the state of black women-owned businesses, highlighting their role in generating employment opportunities and propelling economic growth on a global scale.
The Resilience and Tenacity of Black Women Entrepreneurs
Historically, black women have faced numerous challenges when starting and running businesses. Discrimination, lack of access to capital, and societal barriers have often hindered their progress. However, black women entrepreneurs have demonstrated exceptional resilience and tenacity in overcoming these obstacles, leading to the establishment of a diverse range of businesses across various sectors.
The Rapid Growth of Black Women-Owned Businesses
In recent years, the number of black women-owned businesses has been on the rise globally. According to the 2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report commissioned by American Express, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 21% between 2014 and 2019 in the United States. Additionally, the same report found that black women-owned businesses saw remarkable growth during that period, with a 50% increase in the number of firms and a revenue growth of 58%.
Fostering Innovation and Diversity
Diversity in business ownership leads to increased innovation and creativity. Black women-owned businesses bring unique perspectives and solutions to the market, enhancing competition and driving progress in various industries. Their presence in sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and entertainment has led to groundbreaking advancements and new business models that benefit societies at large.
Global Market Penetration
As barriers to international trade and communication continue to diminish, black women-owned businesses are increasingly participating in global markets. These entrepreneurs are leveraging technology and forging partnerships to access customers and clients worldwide, thereby expanding their reach and influence on the global economic stage.
The state of black women-owned businesses today is a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of these entrepreneurs. As they continue to grow and thrive, their
impact on the global economy becomes increasingly significant. By creating jobs, empowering local communities, fostering innovation, and engaging in global markets, black women-owned businesses contribute substantially to economic growth and prosperity. Supporting and encouraging the growth of these enterprises is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic move that benefits economies worldwide. As we celebrate and champion these remarkable entrepreneurs, we must also work collectively to dismantle the barriers that still exist, ensuring that their potential to drive positive change remains unhindered in the years to come.
President Zelenskyy Conversation With President Clinton on Ukraine
President Bill Clinton, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton concluded the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2022 Meeting, announcing 144 new Commitments to Action that address climate change, health equity, inclusive economic growth, and the global refugee crisis. For the first time since 2016, CGI brought together global and emerging leaders to take action on the world’s most pressing challenges.
Highlights from the CGI 2022 Meeting program include:
President Zelenskyy of Ukraine and President Clinton in a one-on-one conversation about the state of global affairs; the refugee crisis created by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and what members of the CGI community can do to help.
Watch the conversation, and read the full transcript of the conversation here.
Secretary Clinton speaking with Malala Yousafzai about expanding education for girls worldwide, following Malala receiving the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award on stage;
Clinton Foundation Vice Chair Chelsea Clinton leading a tribute to Partners in Health Co-Founder Paul Farmer, announcing commitments to advance his lifelong mission of global health equity including a commitment by University of Global Health Equity to educate 3,000 new health care leaders over the next 25 years, with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CRI Foundation, Partners In Health, Tanzania Ministry of Health, and The Rockefeller Foundation;
Trailblazers including Ashley Judd, Actor and Partner at Kokolopori Bonobo Research Reserve; Dave Isay, Founder and President, StoryCorps; and L Morgan Lee, Tony Nominated Actress; sharing inspirational stories about new ways to address some of our greatest common challenges in the CGI Story Studio; and
Emerging social entrepreneurs in communities across the United States and around the world connecting with potential partner through the CGI Entrepreneurship Greenhouse.
How We Can Close the Ownership Gap for Entrepreneurs and Investors of Color
Thasunda Brown Duckett at the Clinton Global Initiatives
In the United States, centuries of systemic racial discrimination have locked communities of color out of the tools and opportunities to build generational wealth. These persistent inequities are evident in the country’s entrepreneurial and financial landscape – only 2 percent of businesses with employees are Black-owned, and only 6 percent are Latino-owned.
Of all U.S. asset management firms – key wealth creators and allocators – those owned by persons of color control just 0.7 percent of U.S.-based assets under management. Despite heightened awareness of bias and calls for equity and justice, the focus has often been on increasing representation in leadership positions instead of enabling more diverse ownership of the businesses and capital that
drive the nation’s economy.
This session explored:
• How do we create pathways to asset building, wealth creation, and ownership for historically excluded communities?
• How can we work together to identify and break down the greatest systemic barriers that have slowed and prevented asset building and wealth creation?
• How can we support the growth of asset allocators, fund managers, and entrepreneurs of color?
Speakers:
• Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO, TIAA
• Janis Lee Bowdler, Counselor for Racial Equity, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• James A. Casselberry Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Known Holdings LLC
• Patty Arvielo, Co-Founder & President, New American Funding
• Alicia Menendez, MSNBC host of “American Voices with Alicia Menendez,” author of “The Likeability Trap,” and host of the “Latina to Latina” podcast
• Nathalie Molina Niño, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Known Holdings
The continuing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising inflation, and the war in Ukraine have exacerbated global poverty levels. According to the World Bank, between 75 and 95 million people are likely to be pushed into extreme poverty this year, reversing decades of progress on global poverty alleviation. In the face of severe loss of income, social protection measures like direct cash transfers, poverty graduation, and cash plus programs have proven extremely effective in providing fast relief to those facing disruption. Strengthening the social protection infrastructure, and pairing immediate poverty relief with long-term strategies, is key to helping the most affected communities rebound and withstand future shocks.
The session explored:
• How can governments, businesses, and NGOs work together to implement and scale up evidence-based anti-poverty solutions?
• How can we make social protection programs more robust and more responsive?
• How can we leverage data and technology to improve the targeting of anti-poverty interventions so that the most vulnerable are not left behind?
Speakers:
• Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization.
• Cina Lawson, Minister of Digital Economy and Transformation, Government of Togo
• Prof. Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, Ford Foundation International Professor of Economics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Gargee Ghosh, President, Global Policy and Advocacy, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Alice Patterson Albright, Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation
How to Foster Community and Belonging in an Increasingly Unstable World
Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai at the Clinton Global Initiatives
Today, 1 in every 95 people around the world has been forced to leave their homes– the highest number on record – due to political persecution, conflict, violence, and climate change. For many others, natural disasters and a lack of housing and public services threaten their ability to stay rooted in their communities. While these trends present both short and long-term challenges, it prompts an important question – what does it mean to be at “home”?
