Milwaukee is witnessing a surge in innovative entrepreneurship, and at the forefront is Nyesha Stone, founder of Carvd N Stone. Stone’s media company is dedicated to a powerful, yet often overlooked, mission: the consistent delivery of positive news, particularly within the Black community. Her work is gaining national recognition, and she’s poised to expand her reach significantly.
In a media landscape often dominated by negative headlines, Stone identified a critical need for a platform showcasing success, resilience, and progress. “We only cover original positive news through articles, video interviews and podcast. We are real journalists covering real news, just focused on positivity,” Stone explains, a testament to her commitment to shifting the narrative. A graduate of Rufus King High School and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Stone’s journey began while still a student, driven by a desire to counter the pervasive negative portrayals of Black individuals and communities.
Stone’s dedication has recently earned her acceptance into the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program, a highly competitive initiative selecting 1,000 Black women entrepreneurs nationwide. This program represents a $10 billion investment commitment from The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., aimed at creating opportunities for Black women in health, housing, education, and entrepreneurship. The program provides crucial resources including business education, capital, networking, and mentorship.
The impact of this program extends beyond individual businesses. Goldman Sachs’ commitment aims to address systemic inequities and foster economic empowerment within the Black community. Stone expressed her excitement, stating, “I am beyond excited. I love learning, and I love it when I am able to learn more about how to be a better businesswoman.” She envisions leveraging the program’s resources to scale Carvd N Stone’s operations both nationally and internationally.
Building a Foundation for Positive Change
Carvd N Stone, now nine years ancient, isn’t just a media company; it’s a community pillar. Through its non-profit arm, the Carvd N Stone Foundation, the organization has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships and grants since 2019. The foundation also actively engages in community events, provides journalism training to young people – having taught basic skills to 100 kids – and recognizes local achievements. Recently, the foundation received a grant from The Journal Foundation, funded by Greater Milwaukee Foundation, further bolstering its community impact.
Stone’s long-term vision is ambitious. She aims to establish Carvd N Stone hubs globally, mirroring the reach of established news organizations like USA Today. “I wish to have Carvd N Stone hubs around the world like USA Today. We are working our way up to providing career-long jobs in covering positive news,” she says, highlighting her commitment to sustainable employment and expanding the reach of positive storytelling.
Addressing Media Representation
The genesis of Carvd N Stone stemmed from Stone’s frustration with the disproportionately negative coverage of the Black community in local news. “I would like for local news to stop sharing so much negative news about the Black community in Milwaukee. We are more than what they portray us as,” Stone asserts. She specifically calls for an end to sensationalized reporting focused on “clickbait, the mugshots, the dead bodies,” arguing that it obscures the successes and intelligence within the community.
Stone’s journey is particularly inspiring given the obstacles she has overcome. “Being a Black woman from the North Side of Milwaukee, we are constantly told that we won’t develop it in life, but here I am: thriving with my own positive news company for nine years,” she reflects, underscoring the importance of perseverance and challenging societal expectations.
Nyesha Stone’s story is a powerful example of how entrepreneurial vision, coupled with a commitment to social impact, can drive meaningful change. As she embarks on this new chapter with the Goldman Sachs program, her work promises to amplify positive narratives and empower communities both locally and globally.
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Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute professional advice.
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