NEWS and EVENTS

CONTACT: Jayme Washington, jwashington@becma.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3,2022 Boston, Massachusetts – The Board of Directors of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA) is pleased to announce Nicole Obi as the new President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 3, 2022. Previously Vice President, Member Experience & Engagement for BECMA, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Obi
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“Idowu is already doing yeoman’s work around access and opportunity for minority businessesas president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts. I’m excited by howmuch more he will be able to accomplish. Thank you to Teri Williams and OneUnited Bank forsupporting BECMA from its inception and to former state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson, who
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On the eve of the annual meeting of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), President and CEO Segun ldowu spent the afternoon at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. A lot of her work for the past five years was “making sure Black businesses got our fair share of city contracts,” says ldowu
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“Segun Idowu, president and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts(BECMA), another coalition group, said the small amount of money won’t be much assistance tothe groups it aims to help. “Unfortunately we’re getting $50 million ... not just for people of color,but women, veterans, LGBTQ — which all are laudable groups to make investments
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"The only three people to testify at a Tuesday hearing — Forman, Samuel Gebru of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, and Joe Kriesberg of the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations — spoke in support of the same bill (S 270/H 505), filed by committee co-chair Sen. Eric Lesser and Rep. Antonio Cabral.” To read
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"Segun Idowu, executive director of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, arguesthe Payroll Protection Program had a number of significant flaws that made it harder for smallorganizations, especially Black-run organizations, to get loans.” To read more, click here.

“And for some waiting on the outside, the status quo is long overdue for a shakeup. CountSegun Idowu, president of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, among them. Hismembers, for example, are eager for Wu to make it easier for entrepreneurs of color to get inline for city contracts. As marketing maven Colette Philips puts
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"In Massachusetts, the annual unmet demand for capital among businesses of color is at least$574 million, and COVID-19 required many of these businesses to pivot quickly. CommunityAdvocacy Award honorees provided technical assistance, capital and other resources to assistthese businesses. Honorees in this category are:● Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), led by President and CEOSegun
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"The Metro Mayors Coalition, a group of 15 cities and towns in Greater Boston, has put its support behind proposals to create a public bank that would help small businesses and municipalities obtain financing. Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone spoke to the Legislature’s financial services committee on Tuesday, urging lawmakers to create a public bank. The
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"Nearly 40 organizations have signed onto the Yes On 1 Campaign, from organized labor to tenant organizing groups, immigrant rights groups, environmental advocacy groups, and affordable housing and community development groups. They include the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, which recently filed a civil rights complaint against the City of Boston for racial discrimination in
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