Christal M. Jackson, founder of Head and Heart Philanthropy and Mosaic Genius released today highlights from the annual Mosaic Genius gathering in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. The three-day-long event included a distinguished cohort of venture capitalists, angel investors, philanthropists and founders seeking to exchange ideas, collaborate and take action to advance social impact ventures and create a healthier economic ecosystem.
Aron Betru, Managing Director at the Milken Institute said of the gathering, “Thank you Christal Jackson for a great event and discussion about Opportunity Zones. From Milken Institute’s perspective, we are looking at ways for Opportunity Zone investors to work with local stakeholders –like minority-owned banks- that know where the viable opportunities are, to ensure both financial returns and social impact.”
In its seventh year, the annual Gathering on the Vineyard featured the following discussion topics:
- The Creative with Actress and Writer, Erika Alexander
- Impact investing (a private dinner at the home of Mitch and Freada Kapor)
- Africans and African Americans-Investing in Africa
- The Venture Economy
- Taking Advantage of Opportunity Zones
- Diversifying the Asset Management Economy
- Where we go from here
- Scaling Your Business for Greater Impact
- Ethical Storytelling & Messaging
- Wellness Matters
For Erika Alexander’s part, she recently partnered with former Google exec and blockchain tech entrepreneur Ben Arnon to launch Color Farm, a multi-platform content company. The company aims to feature a lineup of film, television and digital projects from diverse creators. (Alexander is best known as the unforgettable and hilarious character Maxine Shaw on 90s sitcom “Living Single.”)
“Entrepreneurship opportunities for African Americans has to extend beyond construction, janitorial services and catering into other areas like technology and financial services,” said John W. Rogers, Jr., founder and CEO of Ariel Investments.
(With additional reporting by TNJ Senior Editor Sergie Willoughby. And stay tuned to TNJ.com for a conversation with Marlon Nichols on the topic of Opportunity Zones.)
