Black Economy Solutions is a leading cultural insight research firm with a singular focus:
understanding and empowering black communities. Founded on the belief that to market effectively, you must first truly understand the people you serve, we are dedicated to exploring the rich historical, socioeconomic, cultural, and emotional contexts that shape black consumers' experiences.
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Black Economy Solutions

Your Expertise is Needed: Join Our Advisory Council

Advisory Council

Current Members

  • Richard Richardson (Founder)
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Black Economy Solutions Advisory Council

Leadership | Cultural Insight | Community Stewardship

The Black Economy Solutions Advisory Council is a group of dedicated members from our Cultural Insight Network who serve as thought partners, community stewards, and strategic guides for our work. These leaders help shape conversations, elevate community voices, and ensure our mission—to uncover cultural insights so valuable you can build an industry behind them—remains at the center of everything we do.

What the Advisory Council Does

Advisory Council members are entrusted with:

1. Guiding Cultural Insight Conversations

Helping spark meaningful discussions and seeding new topics that deepen our understanding of Black communities, histories, emotions, economies, and lived realities.

2. Increasing Visibility & Engagement

Championing Black Economy Solutions within their own circles by encouraging participation, sharing resources, and raising awareness of our ongoing research efforts.

3. Supporting Community Governance

Assisting with oversight of our listserv and digital community spaces, ensuring conversations remain constructive, respectful, and aligned with our purpose.

4. Facilitating Conflict Resolution

Helping mediate disputes, address misunderstandings, and uphold community guidelines.

5. Managing Partnerships

Representing Black Economy Solutions when partnership opportunities arise—with organizations, academic institutions, foundations, research groups, conferences, and agencies.

Council Terms & Structure

  • Members serve 12-month terms, with the option to renew for one additional term.

  • After two consecutive terms, members must rotate off for at least one full term.

  • The Council typically has 10 members, and meets monthly via virtual meeting.

  • Meeting times are agreed upon collectively at the end of each session.

  • Decisions are made primarily by consensus, or by majority vote when needed.

How to Join the Advisory Council

Any active member of the Black Economy Cultural Insight Network may apply.

To apply, email: [email protected]
Include the following:

1. Basic Information

  • Name

  • Affiliation / Organization

  • Contact information

2. Insight Background

A short (1–4 sentence) description of your cultural insight or research specialty, plus 2–3 links showcasing your work or contributions.

3. Reflection Questions

Provide 1–4 sentence responses to at least two of the questions below:

  • What is your highest ambition for the Black Economy Cultural Insight Network, and how would your skills, experience, or connections help move that vision forward?

  • How do you plan to use the Network and its resources in your research, business, or cultural insight practice?

  • How does your background and perspective complement the current Council membership?

4. Leadership & Service History

List any committees, boards, councils, or leadership roles you’ve previously served on.

5. Optional

Letters of reference or recommendation.

New members are selected once per year by majority vote of the current Council.

Advisory Council Expectations

Values & Responsibilities

To maintain a meaningful community space, Advisory Council members commit to:

  • Modeling excellence, leadership, and cultural humility in all discussions

  • Initiating insight-driven conversations that enrich the community

  • Supporting community members with guidance, encouragement, and clarity

  • Moderating conversations when needed to reinforce purpose, boundaries, and community values

If a participant consistently posts off-topic content, engages in self-promotion, or disrespects community guidelines, a Council member may gently remind them of expectations. Persistent issues may result in removal from the listserv.

Governance

Term Limits

  • Up to two consecutive 12-month terms

  • Must step back for one full term before reapplying

Notices & Applications

  • The application process is announced twice per year (summer & winter)

  • Notices include eligibility, open seats, and application instructions

  • A current list of all Council members will be provided

Vacant Seats

If a member steps down early, the Council may vote to appoint a temporary replacement to complete the term. Any term lasting 6 months or more counts toward the two-term limit.

Meetings

  • Regular monthly meetings via video or conference call

  • Meeting dates announced with reasonable notice

  • Decisions made by consensus or majority vote

  • In case of a tie, the topic may be opened to the broader community for input

Removal of Council Members

A Council member may be removed by majority vote for:

  • Missing three consecutive meetings

  • Violation of community values

  • Behavior that disrupts or undermines the mission
    Members will be notified in advance and may participate in the discussion.

Amendments

These governance guidelines may be updated by unanimous vote of the current Council.