Black Entrepreneurs

**Meet David Blanchard, Blanchard's Coffee Company** David Blanchard is the founder and president of Blanchard’s Coffee Company, a specialty coffee company based in Richmond, Virginia. He graduated from the University of Richmond in 2002, where he studied business and competed on the track team. Shortly after graduating, David and his wife, Kelly, started Blanchard’s with a small roaster and a big belief in building something meaningful from the ground up. Over the past two decades, Blanchard’s has grown from a home-roasting operation into a multi-location café and wholesale business, while staying rooted in hospitality, community, and values-driven leadership. David remains deeply interested in entrepreneurship, culture, and the long view of building businesses that last. **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, April 10, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

❤️♠️❤️ Speak & Spades - A Night of Cards & Conversation ❤️♠️❤️ Welcome to our 1st official Speak & Spades Night! Come out to a new venue in Downtown Silver Spring - Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. ♠️ Spades games will be available from 6pm to 10pm! Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy a variety of reasonably priced restaurant options. ❤️ Optional: Around 7:30pm, take a break from Spades...and take some time to Speak. Engage in an open and casual conversation between men and women. 👨🏾‍🏫 Led by Life Coach, Kool KT, discuss dating, relationships, love, marriage, and more. Speak your mind and learn how the other side thinks. 🌟 Singles and couples are both welcome to Spades and to Speak! Bring questions, share stories, and gain insight. 😀 Play a game of partnership and maybe learn how to find your permanent partner! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 A Live DJ will be playing music 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of cards and conversations! You won't forget it!🌛

* **Would you like to look deeper into the source of life?** * **Do you want to find your own answers to everyday questions?** * **Singing HU can bring you Love, Happiness, and Stability** **You’re warmly invited to join us at our** **Friday HU Chant at 7:00 pm** **You will be welcome to chant out loud or simply listen, whatever is right for you. The chant lasts about 20 minutes, followed by brief contemplative time and conversation with others of like heart.** **Attend In-Person at:** **The Maryland Eckankar Center** **1738 Elton Rd., Suite 104** **Silver Spring, MD 20903** **(Doors open at 6:30 pm)** **For more information:** **Call or text: (301)439-2120** **MEC@eckankarmaryland.org** **Presented by the DC & Maryland Satsang Societies, Inc. Chartered Affiliates of ECKANKAR.** **Copyright © 2025 ECKANKAR. The terms ECKANKAR, ECK, EK, MAHANTA, SOUL TRAVEL, and VAIRAGI, among others, are trademarks of ECKANKAR, PO Box 2000, Chanhassen, MN 55317-2000 U.S.A.**

Hey Queens, It's time for another Great book discussion. House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. "The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson is a historical fiction novel set in the 1950s, following two young Black women, Ruby in Philadelphia and Eleanor in Washington, D.C., as their lives intersect through difficult choices about love, motherhood, and ambition. The story explores themes of race, class, and the societal pressures on women, particularly concerning pregnancy and adoption, before Roe v. Wade. It was a New York Times bestseller and a Reese's Book Club pick, praised for its emotional depth and exploration of sacrifice and secrets. " Part 1 discussion Click https://us05web.zoom.us/j/82882610161?pwd=zpDWQwIwjLRd1QCcDMOmDs4TpPqQQK.1 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting. Part 2 Discussion Click https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89422397277?pwd=96hpAxokoO4sUaM4OTnmKUEYOP61YK.1 to start or join a scheduled Zoom meeting.

**RESTON AREA ROCKERS** We meet 2x/mo, once in-person and once on Zoom. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Friday 11:30 to 1:00 pm at various locations in the Reston area. We meet on Zoom on the 4th Friday 9:30 to 10:30 am. Visit https://teamnetwork.affnetz.us/events for updates and details. NOTE: We welcome visitors, however, we are an "Exclusive Business Category" Networking group, therefore we vet all guests. Questions? Call Curt at 301-260-0060 Thank You! You can find the Reston Area Rockers and other Team Network groups and events at https://www.teamnetwork.com. Our group is made up of local area business people who wish to grow their business by developing relationships that grow partnerships and increase business through collaborative problem solving and education and introductions in a unique and stimulating environment. If you want to get on top of the latest thinking and hottest topics, and turn this intelligence and collaboration into game changing results for your business please join us. For guests, the first two meetings are free, then joining is required.

Let us get together and plot to conquer the world!:) ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** ***Tate has been doing crypto and investment for years and he will share his immense experience.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. Instead of silently doing research on your own, it is well known that when you are regularly connected with people of your own investment interest, you are likely to be more motivated, better informed and less likely to miss out on opportunities. Meet and discuss face-to-face. **HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. Space is limited and advance RSVP is required. PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS (Hard/Soft Copy).** THIS IS NOT A SEMINAR or A PANEL EVENT AND THERE WILL BE NO SPEAKER. It is just a happy hour social event for those interested. In the past we had a great mix of developers, miners, investors, blockchainers and people who are completely new to cryptos. \- Come one\, come all OR FLY SOLO; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member \- Event is 21\+ ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE WILL HIT THE DANCE FLOOR AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY. BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** [)

Greetings, For those interested, the Next Gen Leadership Counsil (presented at last year's NAACP Conference in Charlotte, NC) will be hosting a leadership and advocacy discussion panel this Friday and Saturday April 10th through the 11th (reception on Friday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm; feel free to message the organizers for more information on Friday's meeting location; see link below). Saturday's events will include discussions, starting from 8:00am to 4:00pm, on policy, bridging the gap between various minority/underserved communities, community campaign strategies, legal advocacy, and collaboration between various advocacy organizations. Speakers include local DMV Civil Rights Attorney Chavis Jones, Director of African American Affairs for the New York State Executive Chamber--Jessica Mireya Douglas, and the Managing Director of Bold Justice Consulting--Kolbey Gardner. Feel free to RSVP, message, or call at anytime if there are any questions about this event (NextGen event organizers can be messaged directly on their page, see link below). Updates may also be added to the event chat at anytime, thank you. **NAACP NextGen Leadership Summit: Friday April 10th, 2026 to Saturday April, 11th 2026** https://www.nextgenalumni.com/summit (pay as you wish options) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday April, 5th, 2026 4:45pm.

“Teen Takeovers” aren’t chaos. They are a response! Black working-class youth are growing up with closed schools, underfunded programs, over-policing, and no real investment in their futures. When the system abandons them, they create their own spaces to be seen, heard, and together. This is what rebellion looks like when basic needs go unmet. What we’re seeing is not just frustration—it’s potential. These moments show that youth are already moving, already gathering, already pushing back. Instead of criminalizing them, we should be organizing with them. This is an opportunity to build leadership, develop political consciousness, and turn energy into collective power. Turn out for them to show them real, revolutionary support at a time when all our regarding them as the problem. Join us Saturday, April 11 to demand an end to all juvenile curfews and fight for real solutions rooted in community power and democracy.

Greetings, For those interested, the Next Gen Leadership Counsil (presented at last year's NAACP Conference in Charlotte, NC) will be hosting a leadership and advocacy discussion panel this Friday and Saturday April 10th through the 11th (reception on Friday from 4:30pm to 7:30pm; feel free to message the organizers for more information on Friday's meeting location; see link below). Saturday's events will include discussions, starting from 8:00am to 4:00pm, on policy, bridging the gap between various minority/underserved communities, community campaign strategies, legal advocacy, and collaboration between various advocacy organizations. Speakers include local DMV Civil Rights Attorney Chavis Jones, Director of African American Affairs for the New York State Executive Chamber--Jessica Mireya Douglas, and the Managing Director of Bold Justice Consulting--Kolbey Gardner. Feel free to RSVP, message, or call at anytime if there are any questions about this event (NextGen event organizers can be messaged directly on their page, see link below). Updates may also be added to the event chat at anytime, thank you. **NAACP NextGen Leadership Summit: Friday April 10th, 2026 to Saturday April, 11th 2026** https://www.nextgenalumni.com/summit (pay as you wish options) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Alicia (202) 627-0361 Sunday April, 5th, 2026 4:45pm.

On Sunday, April 12 from 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., the [DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID)](https://www.downtowndc.org/ "https://www.downtowndc.org/") will present **Jazz & Blossoms** in partnership with [Words Beats and Life](https://wblinc.org/ "https://wblinc.org/"), transforming Franklin Park into a full-day open-air celebration of live jazz, hip hop, DJs, art, activities, and community. A premier event of the [National Cherry Blossom Festival](https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ "https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/"), it's where music, culture and downtown energy meet. **Reserve your free tickets [here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jazz-blossoms-2026-tickets-1984327046613?aff=ebdssbdestsearch#location).** ***Free admission. Bring a blanket. Bring a lawn chair. Paid parking is available nearby. Metro highly suggested!*** #### **Official Concert Lineup** Experience a dynamic mix of national and local artists throughout the afternoon & evening: * Tweet [@tweet_](https://www.instagram.com/tweet_/ "https://www.instagram.com/tweet_/") * Oddisee & Good Compny [@oddisee](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Foddisee%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmartina%40downtowndc.org%7Ca53ea331142048708e0c08de86ada4df%7C7981560d97de40879d666041bd51af0f%7C0%7C0%7C639096277535480993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UDKddz9CJREd3ronucuTxZxbJWEJOtO3C632l7WDvmY%3D&reserved=0 "https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Foddisee%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmartina%40downtowndc.org%7Ca53ea331142048708e0c08de86ada4df%7C7981560d97de40879d666041bd51af0f%7C0%7C0%7C639096277535480993%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=UDKddz9CJREd3ronucuTxZxbJWEJOtO3C632l7WDvmY%3D&reserved=0") [@goodcompnyband](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgoodcompnyband%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmartina%40downtowndc.org%7Ca53ea331142048708e0c08de86ada4df%7C7981560d97de40879d666041bd51af0f%7C0%7C0%7C639096277535517345%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=blj6U3%2FjRh77mRRY1GnxczaQ72JF2yTCpcY3uAPULrE%3D&reserved=0 "https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fgoodcompnyband%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmartina%40downtowndc.org%7Ca53ea331142048708e0c08de86ada4df%7C7981560d97de40879d666041bd51af0f%7C0%7C0%7C639096277535517345%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=blj6U3%2FjRh77mRRY1GnxczaQ72JF2yTCpcY3uAPULrE%3D&reserved=0") * Chuck Brown Band [@chuckbrownband](https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchuckbrownband%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmartina%40downtowndc.org%7Ca53ea331142048708e0c08de86ada4df%7C7981560d97de40879d666041bd51af0f%7C0%7C0%7C639096277535541147%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OC%2F%2FjYu35ylaNckCwvZXWPxvjuvIk63g5wKh8esheBg%3D&reserved=0 "https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchuckbrownband%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cmartina%40downtowndc.org%7Ca53ea331142048708e0c08de86ada4df%7C7981560d97de40879d666041bd51af0f%7C0%7C0%7C639096277535541147%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=OC%2F%2FjYu35ylaNckCwvZXWPxvjuvIk63g5wKh8esheBg%3D&reserved=0") * Nabaté Isles' En Motion: Miles Davis Tribute [@nsitrumpetsports](https://www.instagram.com/nsitrumpetsports/ "https://www.instagram.com/nsitrumpetsports/") * Featured DJ sets by: The Funset with DJs Jahsonic & Harry Hotter 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**The tradition continues!** 🍷🥾 Join The Hike Crew & Goombay Adventurers for the **4th Annual Water to Wine Hike**—a DMV favorite that blends outdoor adventure with a well-earned reward. We’ll kick things off with a scenic **4-mile moderate hike** through Rosaryville State Park—good energy, great people, and plenty of laughs along the way. After the hike, we’ll head to **Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards** to relax, connect, and celebrate with wine, food, and great company. ⚠️ This event sells out every year—lock in your spot early! *** **EVENT DETAILS** 📅 April 11, 2026 📍 Rosaryville State Park → Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards ⏰ 10 AM – 5 PM 🥾 Distance: 4 miles ⛰ Difficulty: Moderate 🎟 Tickets start at $35 (Early Bird) (Includes wine flight, guided hike & private winery area) 🚗 Park entry: $5 per car ❗️NO REFUNDS **PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER AT THE LINK BELOW OR GO TO WWW.GOOMBAY.NET** https://posh.vip/e/the-4the-annual-water-to-wine-hike

Africa is entering a defining economic decade. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and digital transformation are reshaping markets across the continent. Yet many professionals and members of the diaspora in the United States lack structured, grounded insight into how development actually works — beyond headlines and social media narratives. The **Africa Development & Capital Forum** invites you to our in-person gathering in Washington, DC. This session will explore: • Key macro trends shaping African markets • Infrastructure and real asset development opportunities • The evolving role of diaspora participation • Risks, realities, and responsible engagement • What disciplined, long-term development looks like This event is educational in nature and designed to foster meaningful dialogue and relationship-building among professionals interested in Africa’s long-term economic trajectory.

. 🎬 Movie Night You, Me & Tuscany Join us for a cinematic escape to the sun-drenched vineyards and romantic landscapes of Italy as we gather to watch You, Me & Tuscany, the new feel-good romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page. Set against the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany, the film follows a spirited young woman whose impulsive decision to stay in a Tuscan villa leads to unexpected adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance she never saw coming. Expect an evening filled with: 🍿 A beautiful cinematic escape to Italy 🍷 Relaxed social vibes and great conversation ✨ A feel-good romantic story perfect for movie lovers Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, stunning travel settings, or simply enjoy experiencing great films with great people, this will be a perfect night to unwind and connect. Come ready to relax, laugh, and be transported to Tuscany for the evening. Follow Black Love & Friends on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/17oXQtZz36/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackloveandfriends?igsh=djVrYnhqeG5nMjBx) to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming dimnets, social gatherings, and other exciting member-only events.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Have a small business? Ever wish you could just ask some questions around how to grow your business, get more customers or just know what the freak you are doing with sales? Now is your chance!! Every month we are hosting the "Ask an Expert" at the Columbus Metro Library, Main campus. I will be there to answer your Sales related questions. Drop-in for sales coaching designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals sharpen their sales approach. Whether you have questions on how to refine your pitch, are looking to close deals more quickly, or are working on building better client relationships, Smashing Your Sales Goals Coaches are here to help. Drop-in to get expert insights, actionable strategies and real-time solutions to grow your business and generate higher profits. Drop-In Sales Coaching is FREE + OPEN to the public. No appointment needed. First come, first served. EPIC Learning created. Accelerate Columbus supported.

**Connected Westerville Night of Networking** *April Edition: The Introduction Economy* You've been to the networking events. You've done the small talk. Collected the cards. Forgotten the names. And walked out feeling like you just wasted two hours of your life. The problem isn't you. It's the format. Most networking events put you in a room and tell you to figure it out. So everyone defaults to elevator pitches and business talk, and nothing real gets built. Here's the truth about networking that most people miss: Your network isn't just who you know. It's who thinks of you when they're talking to someone else. *That's* The Introduction Economy. And it only works when relationships are real. There's a reason people who come once keep coming back. It starts with seven minutes that feel nothing like networking. Then we open it up. Free networking. More conversations. More momentum. This is a room full of corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and career builders in the Westerville and Columbus area. The mix is the magic. You might never do business with everyone you meet tonight. But someone in this room will think of *you.* **By name**. So, the next time someone needs exactly what you do, you get the recommendation. **April 14th. RSVP now.** **When:** Tuesday\, April 14th \| 6:15 PM \-\- 8:00 PM **Where:** Vineyard Community Center \| 6000 Cooper Rd\, Westerville\, OH 43081

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.