Ryan Mack

It was the first week of April, 2012 and I was in Philadelphia getting prepared for the next stop of my "Less Talk...More Action" Empowerment Tour, which would be held in Philly the following week. After a long day of meetings with community partners, I stopped at my bank to...

This rainy Tuesday in Brooklyn seemed to be starting off in the same fashion. I left home walking to the subway to head into Manhattan when I passed two people under a bus stop giving away free books and coffee. As a resident of New York City I have grown...

Here we are in the middle of yet another bad economy. Technically it is not a recession as the GDP numbers were better than expected for the year of 2011, the Dow Jones has recovered its losses, and analysts are expecting a stronger 2012 for the banks. Yet if you...

If we are real with ourselves, there has to be a time when we confront the disconnect that exists in Black America between those who have become "successful" and those who continue to struggle in impoverished conditions. If you talk to anyone living in a public housing community, prison, or...

I want to personally thank Dr. West and Tavis Smiley for bringing their "Poverty Tour" to my hometown of Detroit, Mich. in the first week of August 2011. Had I not taken the time to come to their stop in downtown Detroit, I never would have had the inspiration to...

When it comes to the failure of the super committee, it is discouraging to continue to hear pundits trying to place blame on both parties. It seems as if the desire to appear fair has trumped the desire to be correct or logical.

On one side you have the...

In August of 2011 I sat on a panel discussion for a Poverty Tour in Detroit; I realized there was a need for a more aggressive level of action if we are truly going to combat the evil demon called poverty. Detroiters and everyone who suffers from an impoverished existence...

Last week I had a stimulating conversation with a group about the economy. We talked about the Occupy Wall Street movement and what it stood for, the need for fiscal responsibility within this struggling economy, and the value of entrepreneurship and its necessary role in a global economic recovery. This...

For years individuals, businesses, and the government borrowed excessively based on what they hoped to earn tomorrow. In the latter part of the George Bush II era, many believed -- through the excessive use of debt -- to have found the magic fountain of wealth. However, the rug was pulled...

I am not one who likes to protect those who want a handout. I don't think that a single dime of taxpayer dollars should be given to anyone without the proper measures put in place to ensure the accountability of how those dollars will be used by the recipient in...

Too many times in family communities across the country those who have become comparatively financially successful are unknowingly volunteered to become the "universal provider" within their family circle. I should stress the word "comparatively," because many times those who are more successful within a family are also having their own...

Not too long ago, I had a friend who opened a new restaurant in my neighborhood. I was very proud of his accomplishment and was not only willing to dine at his establishment, but would always take a few paper menus to share with my network so they could also...

As I begin this letter I would like to say to Dr. West that I have the utmost respect and admiration for you. I have been and continue to be a long time fan of your work, your intelligence, and passion to assist the community... especially the underserved. As president...

President Obama goes on Oprah with the First Lady and the first and largest breaking news story of her interview was the release of the coveted long form of the President's birth certificate. "He was born here!" says the First Lady in gest as they both laugh and...

I can't seem to get away from these celebrities who have decided it to be okay to use their fame and influence to delve deep into the pockets of the people of this country to persuade them to pay for things that have no benefit. This common practice of these...

In an ideal world when establishing or expanding a small business, it would be best to utilize personal resources. However, as we all know, this is not always possible. Furthermore, if used properly and responsibly, financial leverage can be a very efficient way to expand your small business, many times...

As I walk down the streets of many inner city/urban neighborhoods across the country, it always amazes me how many fried food and greasy spoon restaurants I see compared to the amount of establishments where you can obtain a healthy meal. I write a lot about financial literacy, but an...

Many people have heard the story of Moses in the Bible. He was the elderly gentleman who was chosen by God to lead the Exodus of the Hebrew people out of bondage from the Egyptians to freedom. He set up base at Mount Sinai and at that time received the...

On September 2nd, 2010 I had the chance to be a part of an event that signaled a look inside of the type of programming that will lead to this economy turning around. The number one issue in the minds of all America and around the world is the economy....

On August 7, 2010, the Optimum Institute of Economic Empowerment took to the streets to conduct the most fun program that we have ever done. We conducted the "Shape Up Your Finances" Economic Empowerment tour which consisted of visiting barbershops and beauty salons throughout Brooklyn, NY with the intent of...