Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews George Lambert. He is the President and CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League. The League is on a mission to increase the economic and political power of historically disenfranchised and excluded Black and other populations of color. GWUL works to advance racial equity as a mechanism to achieve equality while also driving the acceleration of economic self-reliance, political parity, and physical and mental wellness. Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class George Lambert.
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome to Money Making Conversations.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
It's to show that she is the secrets of success
experience firsthand by marketing and Brandon expert Rashan McDonald. I
will know he's giving me advice on many occasions. And in
case you didn't notice, I'm not broke. You know he'll
be interviewing celebrity CEOs and entrepreneurs and industry decision make
because it's what he likes to do.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
It's what he likes to share.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Now it's time to hear from my man, Rashan McDonald
money Making Conversations.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
There we go.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Welcome to Money Making Conversation Masterclass. I'm your host, Rashaan McDonald's.
The theme is that there is no perfect time to
start following your dreams because I recognize that we all
have different definitions of success. For you, it may be
the size of your paycheck. Mines inspire you to accomplish
your goals and live your very best life. It's time
to stop reading other people's success stories and really start
(00:50):
writing your own. People always talk about the purpose of gift.
If you have a gift, leave with your gift. You
know that your friends, family, or co workers stop you
from planning your dreams, but I guess it is George Lambert.
He's the president's CEO of Greater Washington Urban League. The
League is on the mission they increase the economic and
political power historically disenfranchised and excluded blacks. He's on the
show to talk about this as well as an amazing
(01:11):
event that's happening. Please welco with the money making Conversation Masterclass.
George Lambert, How are you doing?
Speaker 1 (01:17):
George?
Speaker 4 (01:18):
I am doing good. Thank you so much. Delighted to
be a conversation of the day.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Well, you know, first of all, I alwas toll when
I want to heard the word Urban League and a
lot of people, you know, you hear about the NAACP.
You hear about a lot of organisms, like what exactly
is the Urban League.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
We are a civil rights social service organization, been around
since nineteen ten. Certainly, if you mentioned the NAACP, have
had a number of partnerships with the NAACPO for the years.
They preceded us in terms of the work that we do.
They certainly came on the forefront of nineteen or nine,
but we do a lot of work in collaboration together.
We have ninety two Urban League affiliates around the country.
(01:58):
We have certainly eye pullers that we all operate from
in terms of supporting the communities that we're in. And
in Washington d C. Ol foot print is Washington d C,
Prince George's County, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Wow, you know they've nicknamed oftentimes. You've heard the name
Chocolate City d C.
Speaker 4 (02:19):
That whole area it's now Cappuccino City.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Now, why you say that, George? Why do you say that?
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Is the demographics have changed and the landscape has shifted.
I'll leave it there.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Well, you don't see it's not Shockey.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I grew up in Fifth Ward, which is in Houston, Texas,
all predominantly black neighborhood.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
I would have to say ninety nine port nine percent of.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
That neighborhood was black. Now in Houston is Hispanic. And
so you see these transitional things happening. Is that good
or bad for black for the black community?
Speaker 4 (02:51):
You know, gentrification has been a real issue, particularly in
the DMV. So that wn't include Washington d C in particular. Uh,
And so I guess really kind of depends on your
lens from which you look at it. You know, the
the the scope for us at the greater warsher of
the leagues. Can communities coexist? And that's the conversation I
often leave with, can we coexist as a community? And
(03:14):
that's you know, part of the work the strength that
we really kind of work from. There are some who
relocate to this area, come to the city and come
for a spirit of wanting to coexist, wanting to support
the communities that they're coming into and wanting to see
you know, certainly how they can bring strengths and assets
and uh and be a part of the community. But
there's all those perhaps that you know, as I'm sure
(03:34):
you well know, that come of a different mindset. So
again it underscores can we coexist?
Speaker 3 (03:41):
We know really is is a you know, there was
there was a proble moment in the African American community,
you know in President Obama, which I know in my
lifetime I never thought I would see an African American
to be recognized as the president of this United States.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
We're back to back terms. Even when he.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
Was president, there was a lot of volatility when it
came to we don't know if we really made any
strides in the black community and the workforce in social
justice under his leadership. And I'm not putting to figure
out President Obama, but when he left office there seemed
to be a very negative tide for the worst.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Can you expound on that?
Speaker 4 (04:24):
So, first of all, let me talk a little about
the tenure President Obama became a president. I think it
was beginning in two thousand and eight or so. And
what I've always said is, well, we were excited about
getting an African American president, but I would submit that
the country perhaps was not ready for an African American
(04:46):
president all that throughout his tenure and certainly what you've
already alluded to as well, we clearly saw it after
he left the White House. It was almost like a
turning around and undoing so many of the and just
progress legislation that he put in place. So that was
very clear to all of us as well. I think
the other thing is to keep in mind we should
(05:07):
never forget this. Well, he did become president, so to sumricin,
while we as African Americans were very proud, and while
we were there so to speak, but we were never
really there, right, Yeah, And in other words, we still
have a long way to go before we really get there.
So We should never lose sight of that, for sure.
We know.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
It's interesting, did you say that, because, like you know,
when the we was emancipated free and during the Civil War,
we were offered forty acres in the mural. That was
when President Lincoln was still president, and then when he
was assassinated that was taking away A lot of people
don't realize that the forty acres in the mirror was
like a very short window. Some African Americans or some
(05:49):
blacks and some negroes at the time of color people
they call us at that time, did receive it and
and then but as soon as he was assassinated, it
was it was everything went back. It was like a correction,
a racial correction our gifts, i can call it. And
so it felt like it was the same way that
happened to us. When President Obama left the office, there
seemed to be a need to create a racial correction.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
You know. Strange as you mentioned that, because it gives
me an opportunity to just to do a brief bit
of a segue. This last week, the National Beligue released
the State of Black American You know, it's the document
that you've very familiar with and which really kind of
you know, talked a lot about our democracy and pearls
our democracy under attack. In other words, we are losing
some of those had one games that we fought for
(06:36):
over the years, and that is very true. I mean
there's been an onslaught in terms of really trying to
silence our voice with regard to the voting silence our
voice in so many areas as well our history really
trying to be race out history to some extent, and
so we are stilled very much, you know, fighting many
of the messages of the old, fighting many of those
(06:57):
issues we have to keep pushing. That is the work
of the urb Lingua. I mean, that's the boots on
the ground as much as we're very much at the
tip of the sphere. And then the fight of the
civil rights side of it. We also, you know, really
work hard every day or to provide services to folks
who we work on behalf of as well. Well.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Here there's something interesting, George. I was being to George Lambert,
the president and CEO involved in politically try to charge
our community economically and politically to write a lot of wrong.
I don't think you can have a right a lot
of wrong, but at least you can move forward and
try to make some corrections. And that's really and thinks
when I when I look at a person like you,
how did you get involved actively? You know, because you've
(07:37):
seen corporately structured a corporate mindset. How did you get
into the nonprofit civil rights approaches trying to make a
difference in this world?
Speaker 4 (07:47):
You know, I'm someone who've always had a passion for
serving our people. Are folks who to speak when I
on board the new folks who come to work for
the Credit Wash Up, I tell them all so you know,
before I can get to your skill set, your talents,
all those great things you want to tell me about
who you are, what you've done and all that. First
of all need to understand your calling. And so your
(08:09):
calling is that you were called to come to do
this work. Both my parents were for Baptist ministers, and
so I grew up in a household used to wake
up one morning on a whim and you going to
go side to preach your gods. You are called. And
I believe that folks who come to work for the
Greater Washing Airplay need to be no less than called
to do this work because the people that we serve
need people of that calling as well. So it has
(08:31):
always been my passion to do this work, and I
want to surround myself of others who come to work
for us as well. To do this work. I did
take a good of a heat as many years ago
I left the nonprofit ARENA, went to the for profit
and Rena and my wife would probably be the first
one to tell you, I was never happy because it
was more than about the money, right right. I did
(08:52):
work my way back to the Airpen League into the
non profit RNA, and I've enjoyed it, and as I said,
I'm still still having fun.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Before I get into what exactly a president and CEO
does at the Greater Washington Urban Urban League, I want
to ask you this.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
I'm an entrepreneur and I've been in the media.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
I managed Steve Harvey's or a number of years, the
Steve Harby Morning Show.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
I co create that with him, and.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
So I'm very familiar with black advertisement and the black opportunity,
the black dollars that were set aside for they and
they would specifically said black, they said black marketing dollars,
and then they transition to the word multicultural, and then
they started sliding the black dollars over to the Latino
community because they said that was the fastest growing community,
(09:41):
so they wanted to focus I'm talking about when I
say day, I'm talking about advertisers.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Now.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
As an entrepreneur, you have all these r f ps
and they they they said they use cod words now
and I'm a and then co words that frustrate me.
They'll say minority and minority is now. If you don't
know this, listen to my show and watching my show
is white women white women is minority. That's what they're
(10:08):
talking about. They're not talking about people of color. They're
not talking about black people. They've shifted that word and
made sure that they say minority now because they're really
not talking about trying to give the slices of the
pie that they say they are to the actual people
of color.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
Am I correct when I say that? Because that's what
I'm seeing in the streets.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
I think there's clearly a merit in terms of what
you're saying. I mean, I will tell you that we
are very intentional at the grated Washington that'd be about
trying to make a difference and grab those resources for
the folks that you're talking about folks of color. Yes,
look like you and me who are black folks. We
have a entrepreneurship program. We've been doing it for a
number of years now. While we do support those who
(10:51):
are starting businesses in the sweet spot for us, of
those who are in business been around for a while.
You know, they may have capital. Now they're looking to
double down and to scale in terms of their business,
and so we really kind of helped them to do that.
Here is one thing I will mention to you that
I think was a bit of a tragedy when we
went into COVID and the PPP, the payroll Protection Program.
(11:12):
There was a very critical lesson learned out of that,
I think for all of us, because what we saw
was that you know, many businesses, larger businesses got those loans,
many of our African Americans small businesses did not. And
so when we began to reach out circle back talk
with minute of what many of them said to us
as well, we had a relationship with our bank, They
(11:33):
did not have a relationship with their bank. They had
a transaction that occurred every month that banking relationship. So
inasmuch as we've helped me to pivot, but We've also
now very intentional about helping them, to many of them,
to develop a bona fide relationship with their bank, not
just a transaction that happens every month that you go
into deposit or cash checks. That is the intentionality of
(11:55):
what we do. That's what we have to be in
terms of, as you said, you know, really breaking in
those barriers and getting those doors, getting businesses, getting business
supposed to look like us.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
We know that. Really, this is when I get fired up, George.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
I'm just when I start talking about because you know, George,
I'm there.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
I see it, and it makes me mad.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
I go to these RFP meetings and it's supposed to
be and my walk in the room and I'm just
gonna tell everybody's predominantly white women just sitting in there.
And then they offer opportunities. And so then they offer
the opportunity really in the construction area and the area
of products, and so where blacks are making in rows
(12:36):
is in the media and the marketing and the graphic design.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
We're completely shut out.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
We're completely shut out because those deals are going to
the big marketing firms, and the way they keep it
in the big marketing firms they'll tell you what are
you doing differently that we can't do, And so when
they make that statement to you.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
You really sitting at the back of the line.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
And so for the last few years my goal has
been able to create my own database and that's been
a lot of hard work, George, but that's what we
have to do.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Yeah, yeah, Well, even though you know they're a leg
I mean, we're we're a small business, but we are
a business as well. Properly we are a business, but
we also are very intentional about who we use to
support us in our marketing. We make sure that you know,
our resources go to folks who look like us, who
can help to tell our stories, who can help to
really kind of push our brand out there, sir, and
(13:27):
get the kind of results that we want. So again,
I think it's all about intentionality and then of course
about breaking down barriers where we see barriers and going
at that very strong and we do that work as well. Well.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Here's the thing we movie slide.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
I've basically been lining up my questions to the black
and white summer that you have coming up here. Tell
us about that and the importance of it, and we
can take our time because I really want to.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Get a clear understanding of it.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
It was brought to my attention and they started saying,
you got to talk to George, got to talk to Jeore.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
He's the man. So I got the man on my show.
So if the man don't talk fans, maybe we all can.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Learn something and also be participants in a summit that
can also change our life.
Speaker 4 (14:06):
Well, I will leave by saying that the man is
talking to the man as well.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Thank you so, But let me.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
Just give you a little bit of background and say this.
When we went into the beginning of COVID, so many
companies reached out to me, corporate, you know, major corporations
reached out and said, you know, Georgian as president, you
know what is it we can do? We want to help.
This was at the around the murder I will not
say killing, but really the murder of Jewish for what
can we do? How can we help? And I said
(14:37):
to all of them then, and I still lead my
conversation now by saying the same thing, if you are
interested in going beyond the metaphor, I'm happy to have
a conversation, okay. And it's still there. And so that
really kind of led to our first Equity Summit, which
we did two years ago, and one coming up on
Friday for the twenty eight.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
Right after that was right after the COVID.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
Right right after the killing the murder of George Floyd.
Actually okay, cool, yeah, right up there, and men we
were moving into coporate right after the killing of George Floyd,
murder George Ford. And so really again, uh, if you're
interested in going beyond the metaphor happy to have the conversation.
So many of them did engage. And what we decided
to do because there's a major issue in so many
(15:20):
companies about equity, particularly when you kind of look at
many companies recognize that they are under you know, they're
under index, I will say, in terms of having folks
of color and where their equity lenses inside the company, right,
and we wanted to begin to have some conversations around that.
We initially curated the Equity Summit as a safe space
(15:42):
for top of house in terms of corporate CEOs, to
come do some sharing of best practices, what other companies
are doing, what their colleagues are doing, particularly in areas,
for example, how you move the needle in their talent
acquisition strategy. So many times, you know, folks like you
and I, we can get into companies and we can
(16:02):
come in at perhaps a senior level, but we don't
get the coaching and we don't get the mentoring right
that we can move forward in terms of at some
point that there's a pathway for us to become president
and see that company as well. And if that's not there,
that's a problem, okay, and that's a blind spot. And
so this, you know, this, this event that we do
(16:24):
is a continuation of the work that we started two
years ago. So this would be the third, third year
we're doing it. This year, we're really kind of underscoing
trust inequity. And let me tell you what I'm talking
about in terms of trust and equity, because many companies
do get it. First of all, clearly recognize that there's
a business imperative for so many companies here. I tend
(16:46):
to talk now more about the emerging majority. The emerging
majority are really folks who look like you and I.
That's what a lot of the political battles about in
this country, because our numbers are certainly spie and increasing,
and so when we kind of take a look at that,
we have to be very clear that companies now having
(17:09):
imperative as they you know, bring various things to market
that they need to be certainly positioning to folks who
look like us, you know, get any brands in front
of us, making sure that there's something we have an
interest in it. So there's a whole batch of research
and surveys and studies out there now that suggests that
(17:30):
you may love a particular brand, but in as much
as you love that particular brand, if you don't trust
that brand, you will stop buying it. All right. Companies
get it, They understand that, and so really kind of
changing in terms of how they're reaching out and marketing
the folks who look like us. So that's about the
trust in companies. Folks will make decisions now about not
(17:52):
going to work for a particular company because they don't
trust them absolutely they're going to do the right thing.
And that's the conversation that we're having to you know,
really unpack it to it just kind of understand it.
So the folks that look like us, we understand it,
but how do we help companies to understand it? And
how do we help take down barriers in terms of
many of the systematic racism barriers that are under some
(18:14):
companies to some and said, and then those who get it.
But they're really trying to move the need forward in
terms of how they do better as well and how
do we support them.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Absolutely, I'm speaking to George Lambert is the president's CEO
of the Greater Washington Urban League. They're on a mission
to everybody to strengthen the economic and political power of
black population in their region. It's two things I'm asking
you first, and I ask you how does one find
out about it? Give us some contact information so we
can see how we can get people involved. And the
question I'm ask you about after that is diversity, equity inclusion.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
First of us, give us that contact information.
Speaker 4 (18:49):
So the easiest way is there's just a Greater Washer
of les so g w L. If you just google that,
go to a website, you'll see the link that will
give you the information about the upcoming summit on truck
and it is opening. As I mentioned, it's a hobby event.
So while we are delighted to have folks to join
us on site at the event, you can also join
online as well. So again GwL four Greater Washer ever link,
(19:13):
just google it you'll get us immediately and you'll see
a link that will take you straight to the information
about the event.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
Okay, cool.
Speaker 3 (19:21):
When George Floyd, unfortunately was murdered in Minnesota, a groundswell
of civil injustice, social change swept this country. You know,
you had a massive amount of donations to HBCU's jobs
was saying we've done wrong, we have to do better.
We've done wrong, we have to do better. The DEI diversity,
(19:41):
equit inclusion. That phrase was thrown out there more times.
If I had a dollar for every time, I wouldn't
be here interviewing you, sir, because I would be rich.
As I turned into twenty twenty two. As we stand
in twenty twenty three, I feel that that energy, the
desire to do right has changed.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
I feel there's no need. Why is that happening?
Speaker 4 (20:07):
So here's what I would say to you. I am
of the strong belief and I think there are companies
out there that certainly get it as well, that the
George Floyd moment, so to speak, was not just a
moment in all honesty. In other words, sometimes we subscribe
to form, and then sometimes we subscribe to substance. And
(20:28):
here's what I mean by that when we subscribe to form,
what we're saying is that, you know, we certainly will
continue to state the course, so to speak, with the
status quote, but when we subscribe to substance, we are
very intentional about aligning strategies that will succeed in It
will certainly make a difference in terms of taking down
(20:49):
barriers and all those things that I talked about earlier
in terms of how we address systemic racism, how we
address that. There is clearly equity cross the board and companies.
That's the difference between form and substance. And so we
are very clear really want to work with companies for
about the substance of making change, not so much just
(21:11):
about the form. In other words, it's going beyond as
I mentioned earlier, going beyond the beyond the status quo.
But really, how do you bring that that that rhad
everything line with your actions as well? That's the key thing.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Well, you know that and because I'm frustrated again, you
know at two frustrations you got out of me, George,
you know, the minority really being the white woman and
now the versus the echoing inclusion is being is taking
on on Lukewarm temperature in twenty twenty three.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
So when you go to the black white sumburb, what
are you trying to gavin at it? How are you
gonna get Rashan McDonald energized? Get me fired up again?
Because right now I'm kind of lukewarm, sir. I'm thinking
M and C. I'm sinking INM and C.
Speaker 4 (21:56):
Well, so a couple of things. So, first of all,
it is about sharing best practices and so you know,
iron shopping's iron so to speak, and so having companies
in the room where they can hear best practice what
others are doing. We also bring in subject matter experts
who are in this space, who are really doing a
lot of this work. For example, we have a great lineup,
(22:16):
but one of the ones that we'll mention is Donna
Gambrel used to be with the Tragic Department, but it's
doing a lot of work in this space, particularly the
work in terms of you know, financial and financial inclusion
and also economic empowerment as well. And so we're really
kind of talked about things that we can all do,
(22:38):
how we can really change the lens with regard to
where we are now. But again two things. One subject
matter experts in the room. Two best practices about iron
shopping iron in terms of listening what others are doing
as well.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
Right, you know, as we go through this whole process.
And the first of all, I want to thank you
for taking the time to get on this call just
to hear my side of the store, because my side
of the store is heard by a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
Because I'm an.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Entrepreneur, I feel I employ people, but I'm also frustrated
by the process when people say they got an opportunity
over here, and this is what these RFPs or these
summit can lead to frustration from a person like me,
especially when I because I'm a member of the National
Minorities SIFIRE, the Development Council as well as the Georgia
Minority Developing Council as well down here in Atlanta, Georgia,
(23:28):
and you make these phone calls, they set up these
one on ones, and then at the end of the
one on one, you're excited, and then they tell you
that magic word that you know is going to go nowhere,
We're going to pass your information to another department. And
it almost seems like they're just checking off a box.
Say they've done this and there's gonna be no results.
(23:48):
I know as a as a person who's frustrated, and
I'm not pointing in their fingers, but how can I
push it? Just just don't give up, Just keep trying. George,
Is that's the mantra I should have in my pocket.
Is that the more I should be telling all my
fellow entrepreneurs, that's part of the system. Don't let one
off stop you. There may it be many many offs,
and there's many offs would eventually lead to success.
Speaker 4 (24:11):
Well, so a couple of things I'll say to you.
First of all, that was the lesson we learned from
the ancestors. Okay, persevereriance. We learned that lessons from the ancestors.
The second thing I will say to you is that
the in the District of Columbia, I know, the mayor
did to prove a disparity study for folks who are
in business, you know, who have businesses or whatever, to
just kind of see with the District of Columbia their
(24:32):
spend in terms of, you know, how many of the
folks like yourself and others who are in business who
can provide services or whatever, how much businesses that the
city is really doing with them. And so as you
as your listeners are listening, then I would encourage other
communities and of local governments to take a look that
it well, because it is a tremendous spin and you
(24:54):
and I both know that we have more than the
capability of delivering on a line of those services and
delivering what a lot of those needs in terms of
you know, what the what the demands are. So again
we have to be you know, just like what the
ancestors did, continue to just stay in the space to persevere,
(25:15):
but also work with organizations like ours for very much
about the business of taking down barriers, and we will
help you in that fight to take down those barriers
as well.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Well.
Speaker 3 (25:24):
I want to thank you for coming on Money Making
Conversation Masterclass again. I'm speaking to George Lambert, the CEO
and president of the Greater Washington Urban League, and the
event that we were discussing that is happening this Friday
is the Black and White Summit. Close us out by
giving us a little bit more detail and how we
can get in talk the information we can use to
get in.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
Touch with you all your organizations so we can participate.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
Well, first of all, just google us, go to our website.
This Greater Washing Urban League or gw u L, and
you will find us when you find us at GwL
three sixty five. What you will also see is a
link there that you can go directly to will give
you information about the summit. It is a hybrid event.
If you have an opportunity, lovely to join us in
(26:08):
the in the studio for the event, but if not,
you can certainly streaming and join us online as well.
I encourage you to come and thank you so much. Uh,
this is the master talking to the Master.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
I would say, humble saying, I'll do up popper. I'm
just trying to get people to follow me and come
to your advent.
Speaker 4 (26:29):
And I'm saying, but.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Again, I really appreciate you. And again this is money
making conversations. Master Lives.
Speaker 3 (26:37):
The show is put here in place so individuals like
you and people around the country can expose themselves and information.
So it's about upper mobility, and the only way you
can have upper mobility is do information and information.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
I try to get well on.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
This show is absolutely free, and if you participate, I
assure you it'll make your life and your family's life,
and your friend's life and the region a lot stronger
in the black community. Thank you for coming on my show.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
Thank you, sir, I appreciate it. Have a good one.
Welcome to Money Making Conversations.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
It's to show that she is the secrets of success
experience firsthand by marketing and Brandon expert Rashan McDonald. I
will know he's giving me advice on many occasions. And in
case you didn't notice, I'm not broke. You know he'll
be interviewing celebrity CEOs and entrepreneurs and industry decision make
because it's what he likes to do.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
It's what he likes to share.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Now it's time to hear from my man, Rashan McDonald
money Making Conversations.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
There we go.
Speaker 3 (00:30):
Welcome to Money Making Conversation Masterclass. I'm your host, Rashaan McDonald's.
The theme is that there is no perfect time to
start following your dreams because I recognize that we all
have different definitions of success. For you, it may be
the size of your paycheck. Mines inspire you to accomplish
your goals and live your very best life. It's time
to stop reading other people's success stories and really start
(00:50):
writing your own. People always talk about the purpose of gift.
If you have a gift, leave with your gift. You
know that your friends, family, or co workers stop you
from planning your dreams, but I guess it is George Lambert.
He's the president's CEO of Greater Washington Urban League. The
League is on the mission they increase the economic and
political power historically disenfranchised and excluded blacks. He's on the
show to talk about this as well as an amazing
(01:11):
event that's happening. Please welco with the money making Conversation Masterclass.
George Lambert, How are you doing?
Speaker 1 (01:17):
George?
Speaker 4 (01:18):
I am doing good. Thank you so much. Delighted to
be a conversation of the day.
Speaker 3 (01:23):
Well, you know, first of all, I alwas toll when
I want to heard the word Urban League and a
lot of people, you know, you hear about the NAACP.
You hear about a lot of organisms, like what exactly
is the Urban League.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
We are a civil rights social service organization, been around
since nineteen ten. Certainly, if you mentioned the NAACP, have
had a number of partnerships with the NAACPO for the years.
They preceded us in terms of the work that we do.
They certainly came on the forefront of nineteen or nine,
but we do a lot of work in collaboration together.
We have ninety two Urban League affiliates around the country.
(01:58):
We have certainly eye pullers that we all operate from
in terms of supporting the communities that we're in. And
in Washington d C. Ol foot print is Washington d C,
Prince George's County, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Wow, you know they've nicknamed oftentimes. You've heard the name
Chocolate City d C.
Speaker 4 (02:19):
That whole area it's now Cappuccino City.
Speaker 1 (02:24):
Now, why you say that, George? Why do you say that?
Speaker 4 (02:27):
Is the demographics have changed and the landscape has shifted.
I'll leave it there.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Well, you don't see it's not Shockey.
Speaker 3 (02:35):
I grew up in Fifth Ward, which is in Houston, Texas,
all predominantly black neighborhood.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
I would have to say ninety nine port nine percent of.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
That neighborhood was black. Now in Houston is Hispanic. And
so you see these transitional things happening. Is that good
or bad for black for the black community?
Speaker 4 (02:51):
You know, gentrification has been a real issue, particularly in
the DMV. So that wn't include Washington d C in particular. Uh,
And so I guess really kind of depends on your
lens from which you look at it. You know, the
the the scope for us at the greater warsher of
the leagues. Can communities coexist? And that's the conversation I
often leave with, can we coexist as a community? And
(03:14):
that's you know, part of the work the strength that
we really kind of work from. There are some who
relocate to this area, come to the city and come
for a spirit of wanting to coexist, wanting to support
the communities that they're coming into and wanting to see
you know, certainly how they can bring strengths and assets
and uh and be a part of the community. But
there's all those perhaps that you know, as I'm sure
(03:34):
you well know, that come of a different mindset. So
again it underscores can we coexist?
Speaker 3 (03:41):
We know really is is a you know, there was
there was a proble moment in the African American community,
you know in President Obama, which I know in my
lifetime I never thought I would see an African American
to be recognized as the president of this United States.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
We're back to back terms. Even when he.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
Was president, there was a lot of volatility when it
came to we don't know if we really made any
strides in the black community and the workforce in social
justice under his leadership. And I'm not putting to figure
out President Obama, but when he left office there seemed
to be a very negative tide for the worst.
Speaker 1 (04:21):
Can you expound on that?
Speaker 4 (04:24):
So, first of all, let me talk a little about
the tenure President Obama became a president. I think it
was beginning in two thousand and eight or so. And
what I've always said is, well, we were excited about
getting an African American president, but I would submit that
the country perhaps was not ready for an African American
(04:46):
president all that throughout his tenure and certainly what you've
already alluded to as well, we clearly saw it after
he left the White House. It was almost like a
turning around and undoing so many of the and just
progress legislation that he put in place. So that was
very clear to all of us as well. I think
the other thing is to keep in mind we should
(05:07):
never forget this. Well, he did become president, so to sumricin,
while we as African Americans were very proud, and while
we were there so to speak, but we were never
really there, right, Yeah, And in other words, we still
have a long way to go before we really get there.
So We should never lose sight of that, for sure.
We know.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
It's interesting, did you say that, because, like you know,
when the we was emancipated free and during the Civil War,
we were offered forty acres in the mural. That was
when President Lincoln was still president, and then when he
was assassinated that was taking away A lot of people
don't realize that the forty acres in the mirror was
like a very short window. Some African Americans or some
(05:49):
blacks and some negroes at the time of color people
they call us at that time, did receive it and
and then but as soon as he was assassinated, it
was it was everything went back. It was like a correction,
a racial correction our gifts, i can call it. And
so it felt like it was the same way that
happened to us. When President Obama left the office, there
seemed to be a need to create a racial correction.
Speaker 4 (06:13):
You know. Strange as you mentioned that, because it gives
me an opportunity to just to do a brief bit
of a segue. This last week, the National Beligue released
the State of Black American You know, it's the document
that you've very familiar with and which really kind of
you know, talked a lot about our democracy and pearls
our democracy under attack. In other words, we are losing
some of those had one games that we fought for
(06:36):
over the years, and that is very true. I mean
there's been an onslaught in terms of really trying to
silence our voice with regard to the voting silence our
voice in so many areas as well our history really
trying to be race out history to some extent, and
so we are stilled very much, you know, fighting many
of the messages of the old, fighting many of those
(06:57):
issues we have to keep pushing. That is the work
of the urb Lingua. I mean, that's the boots on
the ground as much as we're very much at the
tip of the sphere. And then the fight of the
civil rights side of it. We also, you know, really
work hard every day or to provide services to folks
who we work on behalf of as well. Well.
Speaker 3 (07:14):
Here there's something interesting, George. I was being to George Lambert,
the president and CEO involved in politically try to charge
our community economically and politically to write a lot of wrong.
I don't think you can have a right a lot
of wrong, but at least you can move forward and
try to make some corrections. And that's really and thinks
when I when I look at a person like you,
how did you get involved actively? You know, because you've
(07:37):
seen corporately structured a corporate mindset. How did you get
into the nonprofit civil rights approaches trying to make a
difference in this world?
Speaker 4 (07:47):
You know, I'm someone who've always had a passion for
serving our people. Are folks who to speak when I
on board the new folks who come to work for
the Credit Wash Up, I tell them all so you know,
before I can get to your skill set, your talents,
all those great things you want to tell me about
who you are, what you've done and all that. First
of all need to understand your calling. And so your
(08:09):
calling is that you were called to come to do
this work. Both my parents were for Baptist ministers, and
so I grew up in a household used to wake
up one morning on a whim and you going to
go side to preach your gods. You are called. And
I believe that folks who come to work for the
Greater Washing Airplay need to be no less than called
to do this work because the people that we serve
need people of that calling as well. So it has
(08:31):
always been my passion to do this work, and I
want to surround myself of others who come to work
for us as well. To do this work. I did
take a good of a heat as many years ago
I left the nonprofit ARENA, went to the for profit
and Rena and my wife would probably be the first
one to tell you, I was never happy because it
was more than about the money, right right. I did
(08:52):
work my way back to the Airpen League into the
non profit RNA, and I've enjoyed it, and as I said,
I'm still still having fun.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Before I get into what exactly a president and CEO
does at the Greater Washington Urban Urban League, I want
to ask you this.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
I'm an entrepreneur and I've been in the media.
Speaker 3 (09:12):
I managed Steve Harvey's or a number of years, the
Steve Harby Morning Show.
Speaker 1 (09:16):
I co create that with him, and.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
So I'm very familiar with black advertisement and the black opportunity,
the black dollars that were set aside for they and
they would specifically said black, they said black marketing dollars,
and then they transition to the word multicultural, and then
they started sliding the black dollars over to the Latino
community because they said that was the fastest growing community,
(09:41):
so they wanted to focus I'm talking about when I
say day, I'm talking about advertisers.
Speaker 1 (09:45):
Now.
Speaker 3 (09:46):
As an entrepreneur, you have all these r f ps
and they they they said they use cod words now
and I'm a and then co words that frustrate me.
They'll say minority and minority is now. If you don't
know this, listen to my show and watching my show
is white women white women is minority. That's what they're
(10:08):
talking about. They're not talking about people of color. They're
not talking about black people. They've shifted that word and
made sure that they say minority now because they're really
not talking about trying to give the slices of the
pie that they say they are to the actual people
of color.
Speaker 1 (10:25):
Am I correct when I say that? Because that's what
I'm seeing in the streets.
Speaker 4 (10:30):
I think there's clearly a merit in terms of what
you're saying. I mean, I will tell you that we
are very intentional at the grated Washington that'd be about
trying to make a difference and grab those resources for
the folks that you're talking about folks of color. Yes,
look like you and me who are black folks. We
have a entrepreneurship program. We've been doing it for a
number of years now. While we do support those who
(10:51):
are starting businesses in the sweet spot for us, of
those who are in business been around for a while.
You know, they may have capital. Now they're looking to
double down and to scale in terms of their business,
and so we really kind of helped them to do that.
Here is one thing I will mention to you that
I think was a bit of a tragedy when we
went into COVID and the PPP, the payroll Protection Program.
(11:12):
There was a very critical lesson learned out of that,
I think for all of us, because what we saw
was that you know, many businesses, larger businesses got those loans,
many of our African Americans small businesses did not. And
so when we began to reach out circle back talk
with minute of what many of them said to us
as well, we had a relationship with our bank, They
(11:33):
did not have a relationship with their bank. They had
a transaction that occurred every month that banking relationship. So
inasmuch as we've helped me to pivot, but We've also
now very intentional about helping them, to many of them,
to develop a bona fide relationship with their bank, not
just a transaction that happens every month that you go
into deposit or cash checks. That is the intentionality of
(11:55):
what we do. That's what we have to be in
terms of, as you said, you know, really breaking in
those barriers and getting those doors, getting businesses, getting business
supposed to look like us.
Speaker 1 (12:04):
We know that. Really, this is when I get fired up, George.
Speaker 3 (12:08):
I'm just when I start talking about because you know, George,
I'm there.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
I see it, and it makes me mad.
Speaker 3 (12:14):
I go to these RFP meetings and it's supposed to
be and my walk in the room and I'm just
gonna tell everybody's predominantly white women just sitting in there.
And then they offer opportunities. And so then they offer
the opportunity really in the construction area and the area
of products, and so where blacks are making in rows
(12:36):
is in the media and the marketing and the graphic design.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
We're completely shut out.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
We're completely shut out because those deals are going to
the big marketing firms, and the way they keep it
in the big marketing firms they'll tell you what are
you doing differently that we can't do, And so when
they make that statement to you.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
You really sitting at the back of the line.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
And so for the last few years my goal has
been able to create my own database and that's been
a lot of hard work, George, but that's what we
have to do.
Speaker 4 (13:05):
Yeah, yeah, Well, even though you know they're a leg
I mean, we're we're a small business, but we are
a business as well. Properly we are a business, but
we also are very intentional about who we use to
support us in our marketing. We make sure that you know,
our resources go to folks who look like us, who
can help to tell our stories, who can help to
really kind of push our brand out there, sir, and
(13:27):
get the kind of results that we want. So again,
I think it's all about intentionality and then of course
about breaking down barriers where we see barriers and going
at that very strong and we do that work as well. Well.
Speaker 1 (13:38):
Here's the thing we movie slide.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
I've basically been lining up my questions to the black
and white summer that you have coming up here. Tell
us about that and the importance of it, and we
can take our time because I really want to.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
Get a clear understanding of it.
Speaker 3 (13:52):
It was brought to my attention and they started saying,
you got to talk to George, got to talk to Jeore.
Speaker 1 (13:56):
He's the man. So I got the man on my show.
So if the man don't talk fans, maybe we all can.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Learn something and also be participants in a summit that
can also change our life.
Speaker 4 (14:06):
Well, I will leave by saying that the man is
talking to the man as well.
Speaker 1 (14:12):
Thank you so, But let me.
Speaker 4 (14:15):
Just give you a little bit of background and say this.
When we went into the beginning of COVID, so many
companies reached out to me, corporate, you know, major corporations
reached out and said, you know, Georgian as president, you
know what is it we can do? We want to help.
This was at the around the murder I will not
say killing, but really the murder of Jewish for what
can we do? How can we help? And I said
(14:37):
to all of them then, and I still lead my
conversation now by saying the same thing, if you are
interested in going beyond the metaphor, I'm happy to have
a conversation, okay. And it's still there. And so that
really kind of led to our first Equity Summit, which
we did two years ago, and one coming up on
Friday for the twenty eight.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
Right after that was right after the COVID.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
Right right after the killing the murder of George Floyd.
Actually okay, cool, yeah, right up there, and men we
were moving into coporate right after the killing of George Floyd,
murder George Ford. And so really again, uh, if you're
interested in going beyond the metaphor happy to have the conversation.
So many of them did engage. And what we decided
to do because there's a major issue in so many
(15:20):
companies about equity, particularly when you kind of look at
many companies recognize that they are under you know, they're
under index, I will say, in terms of having folks
of color and where their equity lenses inside the company, right,
and we wanted to begin to have some conversations around that.
We initially curated the Equity Summit as a safe space
(15:42):
for top of house in terms of corporate CEOs, to
come do some sharing of best practices, what other companies
are doing, what their colleagues are doing, particularly in areas,
for example, how you move the needle in their talent
acquisition strategy. So many times, you know, folks like you
and I, we can get into companies and we can
(16:02):
come in at perhaps a senior level, but we don't
get the coaching and we don't get the mentoring right
that we can move forward in terms of at some
point that there's a pathway for us to become president
and see that company as well. And if that's not there,
that's a problem, okay, and that's a blind spot. And
so this, you know, this, this event that we do
(16:24):
is a continuation of the work that we started two
years ago. So this would be the third, third year
we're doing it. This year, we're really kind of underscoing
trust inequity. And let me tell you what I'm talking
about in terms of trust and equity, because many companies
do get it. First of all, clearly recognize that there's
a business imperative for so many companies here. I tend
(16:46):
to talk now more about the emerging majority. The emerging
majority are really folks who look like you and I.
That's what a lot of the political battles about in
this country, because our numbers are certainly spie and increasing,
and so when we kind of take a look at that,
we have to be very clear that companies now having
(17:09):
imperative as they you know, bring various things to market
that they need to be certainly positioning to folks who
look like us, you know, get any brands in front
of us, making sure that there's something we have an
interest in it. So there's a whole batch of research
and surveys and studies out there now that suggests that
(17:30):
you may love a particular brand, but in as much
as you love that particular brand, if you don't trust
that brand, you will stop buying it. All right. Companies
get it, They understand that, and so really kind of
changing in terms of how they're reaching out and marketing
the folks who look like us. So that's about the
trust in companies. Folks will make decisions now about not
(17:52):
going to work for a particular company because they don't
trust them absolutely they're going to do the right thing.
And that's the conversation that we're having to you know,
really unpack it to it just kind of understand it.
So the folks that look like us, we understand it,
but how do we help companies to understand it? And
how do we help take down barriers in terms of
many of the systematic racism barriers that are under some
(18:14):
companies to some and said, and then those who get it.
But they're really trying to move the need forward in
terms of how they do better as well and how
do we support them.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
Absolutely, I'm speaking to George Lambert is the president's CEO
of the Greater Washington Urban League. They're on a mission
to everybody to strengthen the economic and political power of
black population in their region. It's two things I'm asking
you first, and I ask you how does one find
out about it? Give us some contact information so we
can see how we can get people involved. And the
question I'm ask you about after that is diversity, equity inclusion.
Speaker 1 (18:45):
First of us, give us that contact information.
Speaker 4 (18:49):
So the easiest way is there's just a Greater Washer
of les so g w L. If you just google that,
go to a website, you'll see the link that will
give you the information about the upcoming summit on truck
and it is opening. As I mentioned, it's a hobby event.
So while we are delighted to have folks to join
us on site at the event, you can also join
online as well. So again GwL four Greater Washer ever link,
(19:13):
just google it you'll get us immediately and you'll see
a link that will take you straight to the information
about the event.
Speaker 1 (19:19):
Okay, cool.
Speaker 3 (19:21):
When George Floyd, unfortunately was murdered in Minnesota, a groundswell
of civil injustice, social change swept this country. You know,
you had a massive amount of donations to HBCU's jobs
was saying we've done wrong, we have to do better.
We've done wrong, we have to do better. The DEI diversity,
(19:41):
equit inclusion. That phrase was thrown out there more times.
If I had a dollar for every time, I wouldn't
be here interviewing you, sir, because I would be rich.
As I turned into twenty twenty two. As we stand
in twenty twenty three, I feel that that energy, the
desire to do right has changed.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
I feel there's no need. Why is that happening?
Speaker 4 (20:07):
So here's what I would say to you. I am
of the strong belief and I think there are companies
out there that certainly get it as well, that the
George Floyd moment, so to speak, was not just a
moment in all honesty. In other words, sometimes we subscribe
to form, and then sometimes we subscribe to substance. And
(20:28):
here's what I mean by that when we subscribe to form,
what we're saying is that, you know, we certainly will
continue to state the course, so to speak, with the
status quote, but when we subscribe to substance, we are
very intentional about aligning strategies that will succeed in It
will certainly make a difference in terms of taking down
(20:49):
barriers and all those things that I talked about earlier
in terms of how we address systemic racism, how we
address that. There is clearly equity cross the board and companies.
That's the difference between form and substance. And so we
are very clear really want to work with companies for
about the substance of making change, not so much just
(21:11):
about the form. In other words, it's going beyond as
I mentioned earlier, going beyond the beyond the status quo.
But really, how do you bring that that that rhad
everything line with your actions as well? That's the key thing.
Speaker 3 (21:28):
Well, you know that and because I'm frustrated again, you
know at two frustrations you got out of me, George,
you know, the minority really being the white woman and
now the versus the echoing inclusion is being is taking
on on Lukewarm temperature in twenty twenty three.
Speaker 1 (21:44):
So when you go to the black white sumburb, what
are you trying to gavin at it? How are you
gonna get Rashan McDonald energized? Get me fired up again?
Because right now I'm kind of lukewarm, sir. I'm thinking
M and C. I'm sinking INM and C.
Speaker 4 (21:56):
Well, so a couple of things. So, first of all,
it is about sharing best practices and so you know,
iron shopping's iron so to speak, and so having companies
in the room where they can hear best practice what
others are doing. We also bring in subject matter experts
who are in this space, who are really doing a
lot of this work. For example, we have a great lineup,
(22:16):
but one of the ones that we'll mention is Donna
Gambrel used to be with the Tragic Department, but it's
doing a lot of work in this space, particularly the
work in terms of you know, financial and financial inclusion
and also economic empowerment as well. And so we're really
kind of talked about things that we can all do,
(22:38):
how we can really change the lens with regard to
where we are now. But again two things. One subject
matter experts in the room. Two best practices about iron
shopping iron in terms of listening what others are doing
as well.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
Right, you know, as we go through this whole process.
And the first of all, I want to thank you
for taking the time to get on this call just
to hear my side of the store, because my side
of the store is heard by a lot of people.
Speaker 1 (23:03):
Because I'm an.
Speaker 3 (23:03):
Entrepreneur, I feel I employ people, but I'm also frustrated
by the process when people say they got an opportunity
over here, and this is what these RFPs or these
summit can lead to frustration from a person like me,
especially when I because I'm a member of the National
Minorities SIFIRE, the Development Council as well as the Georgia
Minority Developing Council as well down here in Atlanta, Georgia,
(23:28):
and you make these phone calls, they set up these
one on ones, and then at the end of the
one on one, you're excited, and then they tell you
that magic word that you know is going to go nowhere,
We're going to pass your information to another department. And
it almost seems like they're just checking off a box.
Say they've done this and there's gonna be no results.
(23:48):
I know as a as a person who's frustrated, and
I'm not pointing in their fingers, but how can I
push it? Just just don't give up, Just keep trying. George,
Is that's the mantra I should have in my pocket.
Is that the more I should be telling all my
fellow entrepreneurs, that's part of the system. Don't let one
off stop you. There may it be many many offs,
and there's many offs would eventually lead to success.
Speaker 4 (24:11):
Well, so a couple of things I'll say to you.
First of all, that was the lesson we learned from
the ancestors. Okay, persevereriance. We learned that lessons from the ancestors.
The second thing I will say to you is that
the in the District of Columbia, I know, the mayor
did to prove a disparity study for folks who are
in business, you know, who have businesses or whatever, to
just kind of see with the District of Columbia their
(24:32):
spend in terms of, you know, how many of the
folks like yourself and others who are in business who
can provide services or whatever, how much businesses that the
city is really doing with them. And so as you
as your listeners are listening, then I would encourage other
communities and of local governments to take a look that
it well, because it is a tremendous spin and you
(24:54):
and I both know that we have more than the
capability of delivering on a line of those services and
delivering what a lot of those needs in terms of
you know, what the what the demands are. So again
we have to be you know, just like what the
ancestors did, continue to just stay in the space to persevere,
(25:15):
but also work with organizations like ours for very much
about the business of taking down barriers, and we will
help you in that fight to take down those barriers
as well.
Speaker 1 (25:23):
Well.
Speaker 3 (25:24):
I want to thank you for coming on Money Making
Conversation Masterclass again. I'm speaking to George Lambert, the CEO
and president of the Greater Washington Urban League, and the
event that we were discussing that is happening this Friday
is the Black and White Summit. Close us out by
giving us a little bit more detail and how we
can get in talk the information we can use to
get in.
Speaker 1 (25:43):
Touch with you all your organizations so we can participate.
Speaker 4 (25:46):
Well, first of all, just google us, go to our website.
This Greater Washing Urban League or gw u L, and
you will find us when you find us at GwL
three sixty five. What you will also see is a
link there that you can go directly to will give
you information about the summit. It is a hybrid event.
If you have an opportunity, lovely to join us in
(26:08):
the in the studio for the event, but if not,
you can certainly streaming and join us online as well.
I encourage you to come and thank you so much. Uh,
this is the master talking to the Master.
Speaker 1 (26:23):
I would say, humble saying, I'll do up popper. I'm
just trying to get people to follow me and come
to your advent.
Speaker 4 (26:29):
And I'm saying, but.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Again, I really appreciate you. And again this is money
making conversations. Master Lives.
Speaker 3 (26:37):
The show is put here in place so individuals like
you and people around the country can expose themselves and information.
So it's about upper mobility, and the only way you
can have upper mobility is do information and information.
Speaker 1 (26:48):
I try to get well on.
Speaker 3 (26:49):
This show is absolutely free, and if you participate, I
assure you it'll make your life and your family's life,
and your friend's life and the region a lot stronger
in the black community. Thank you for coming on my show.
Speaker 4 (27:00):
Thank you, sir, I appreciate it. Have a good one.
Host
Rushion McDonald
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