Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kevin Cohee.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Highlight OneUnited Bank’s mission as the largest Black-owned and first Black-owned internet bank in America.
• Educate listeners on financial literacy, technology-driven banking, and economic empowerment in underserved communities.
• Promote OneUnited Bank’s products and services as solutions for financial challenges faced by Black Americans and others lacking access to traditional banking.

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Context & Mission

   • The concept of a national Black-owned bank dates back to leaders like Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized economic empowerment.
   • OneUnited Bank was formed through acquisitions and later pivoted to technology-driven banking.

2. Technology & Innovation

   • OneUnited embraced AI and data aggregation over a decade ago to create products that help customers understand assets, liabilities, and net worth in real time.
   • Banking has shifted from physical branches to digital platforms, enabling nationwide access.

3. Financial Literacy Crisis

   • 90% of Americans lack financial literacy, largely because it’s not taught in schools.
   • Cohee advocates for mandatory K–12 financial literacy education, citing studies showing it can add $126,000 to lifetime net worth.

4. Products Designed for Real Needs

   • CashPlease: Short-term emergency loans at affordable rates.
   • Second Chance Checking: Helps rebuild credit.
   • Savings Programs: Often in collaboration with employers.
   • These products address real-life challenges like low emergency savings and predatory check-cashing fees.

5. Accessibility & Reach

   • OneUnited offers nationwide banking via oneunited.com, surcharge-free ATMs, and partnerships with major networks.
   • Customers can deposit checks online and access services without visiting physical branches.

6. Economic Empowerment

   • Technology enables entrepreneurship without owning physical products—leveraging branding and e-commerce.
   • Cohee draws parallels between today’s tech opportunities and the historical wealth-building of Black Wall Street.

Notable Quotes

• “We are FDIC insured, commercial bank like them. The only difference is we’re smarter and we have better technology.”
• “Technology and AI allow anyone to make decisions like they were an expert.”
• “If we taught financial literacy in schools, it would create over $100,000 in net worth per person over their lifetime.”
• “You don’t have to go to check cashers and get ripped off. Just go to oneunited.com.”
• “We’ve been working on AI for over a decade. We’re not coming to the party—we are the party.”
• “Our generation has technology and communication skills. We can change society.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Valerie Obaze.

Founder of R&R Skincare.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Highlight Valerie Obaze’s entrepreneurial journey in founding R&R Skincare.
• Challenge stereotypes about Africa’s capabilities and resources.
• Promote African-made beauty products and their global relevance.
• Inspire others, especially women and diaspora Africans, to invest in and build businesses rooted in African heritage.

🧠 Key Takeaways 1. Breaking African Stereotypes

• Valerie and Rushion discuss how Africa is often misrepresented in Western media.
• Valerie emphasizes that ignorance is not always malicious, but it’s time to reframe the narrative through firsthand experience and platforms like social media.

“Ignorance doesn’t always have to be an insult. If you don’t know, you just don’t know better.” – Valerie Obaze

2. The Birth of R&R Skincare

• Inspired by the birth of her daughter, Valerie sought natural skincare solutions.
• She discovered liquid shea oil, which became her first product.
• The brand name “R&R” stands for Rebecca Rose (her daughter’s name) and also Rest & Relaxation.

“I wanted to create a product that makes using these raw materials from the continent enjoyable.” – Valerie Obaze

3. From Garage to Global

• Valerie started in her mother-in-law’s garage, turning it into a compliant mini factory.
• She had no formal business plan, relying on her PR and branding background.
• The brand now has three stores: one in Lagos and two in Accra, including one at the airport.

4. Authenticity and African Pride

• Valerie insists on maintaining the African identity of her brand.
• She uses locally sourced ingredients and ensures cruelty-free testing.
• The brand supports women in the supply chain, creating economic opportunities.

“We don’t intend to hide that in any way. We just wanted to make raw materials sexy.” – Valerie Obaze

5. Expansion to the U.S.

• Valerie is expanding R&R Skincare to the U.S., leveraging social media, activations, and PR expertise.
• Products are manufactured in Africa, but distributed from U.S. warehouses to ensure timely delivery.

“We found our tribe over here… and this was the right time to come back to America.” – Valerie Obaze

🧴 Product Highlights

• Shea Oil – First product, moisturizing and healing.
• Body Butter – Whipped, light, and rich in essential oils.
• Liquid Black Soap – Modern take on traditional African cleansing.
• Hand Cream – Convenient and portable for dry conditions.

🌍 Big Picture Vision

Valerie’s goal is to grow an African brand globally, showcasing the richness of African resources and empowering local economies.

“This is just a small representative of the entire continent and what it is capable of.” – Valerie Obaze

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Justin Lee, Sr.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

Highlight Justin Lee’s journey from a young real estate agent to a multifaceted entrepreneur.
Inspire listeners—especially from underserved communities—to pursue financial literacy, real estate ownership, and entrepreneurship.
Share actionable insights on building wealth through real estate, construction, and strategic partnerships.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Overcoming Age Barriers in Real Estate

Justin entered real estate at 24 and embraced being the youngest in the room.
He used his youth and tech-savviness (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) to bring value to veteran professionals.

“I started to network more in rooms that had more experienced people… let me break some of this new millennial technology into your business.”

2. Education and Credentials

In three years, Justin became a licensed broker and earned a doctorate.
He emphasizes continuous learning and certifications as keys to growth.

“I also finished my doctorate degree, so I'm now Doctor Justin Lee.”

3. Social Media as a Business Tool

He leveraged platforms like TikTok (90K followers) to market real estate and educate clients.
He stresses that online presence must reflect professionalism.

“Some people look better online than in person for a reason… make your business look the same way online.”

4. Addressing Homeownership Gaps in Communities of Color

Justin discusses systemic barriers like lack of financial literacy and credit education.
He offers free resources like Motivational Mondays and a podcast to educate aspiring homeowners.

“Most of the time, our parents… would say, ‘Don’t use no credit card.’ Great advice, but kind of bad advice at the same time.”

5. Real Estate Syndication & Group Investing

He formed a private investment fund with fraternity brothers and family to buy properties collectively.
Focused on affordable markets like New Orleans East for high ROI.

“Let’s develop a fund… Now we own over 150 apartment complexes and units.”

6. Amazon DSP Partnership

Justin owns an Amazon Delivery Service Partner business with 42 trucks and 200+ employees.
He recommends minorities apply for the program, which offers a \$10K grant.

“They want someone who is willing to commit… not someone who has all this business experience.”

7. Construction Ventures

Inspired by his mother’s post-Katrina property acquisitions, Justin entered construction.
He now leads major commercial projects including schools, restaurants, and celebrity studios.

“We ended up building out a restaurant… 10,000 square foot… I love this. This is my passion.”

8. Family Legacy & Early Exposure

Raised in New Orleans by a single mother and grandparents, Justin learned property management as a child.
His mother’s real estate investments post-Katrina laid the foundation for his career.

“I knew how to write a lease at ten… file eviction at 12… manage property before high school.”

🗣️ Notable Quotes

“If you don’t plan, you plan to fail.”
“Let’s teach you to do it right. Let’s do it together.”
“Knowledge was power… the one thing nobody can take.”
“You learn a skill, you’ll eat forever.”

#BEST #STRAW #SHMS

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