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Email newsletters are having a moment right now. As social media networks continue to change their algorithms and become less reliable, content creators have reverted back to email — a tried-and-true method to reach their audience.
In the past few years, a number of Black entrepreneurs have launched dope email newsletters on tech, culture, commerce and more. I read each of these and learn something great each time I read them. I hope you will too!
1. 2pm by Web Smith
E-commerce and DTC Brands
Web and his team do a fantastic job breaking assessing e-commerce trends in the marketplace. He’s become a reliable voice in this space.
2pm's executive membership ($150 year/$20 month) offers two briefs each week on the latest developments in media, commerce and brands. Members also get access to industry databases and info on digitally native vertical brands (DNVBs). He also sends a free email each Monday.
Favorite post: "The DTC Playbook is a Trap"
2. ThePLUG Daily by Sherrell Dorsey
Investigative Black Tech News
I like how Sherell’s team mixes in the content they create, curate content from elsewhere and keep a pulse on important applications and deadlines that we should look out for.
Favorite post: "HBCUs Trail Behind in Intellectual Property Creation"
3. CultureBanx by Kori Hale
Business, Finance and Tech News for Minorities
Kori and her team stay on top of all the latest business moves and share insights on how it relates to Black folks, business professionals and more. They are also locked in on what’s happening in African countries, which I appreciate.
Favorite post: "African Music Bops Help Boomplay Raise $20 Million"
4. FaintFlex by Aaron McClendon
Insights from Brands Founded by Influencers and Consumer Startups
McClendon, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Detroit Venture Partners, continues to have great takes on an emerging space. I’m excited to see where it goes.
Favorite post: "What Lyrical Lemonade Could Do Next"
5. Office Hours
by Ernest Wilkins
Culture, Marketing and Chicago
Ernest’s newsletter does a lot of things for me. He has interviews with smart people, podcast interviews and smart discussions on the culture. I especially enjoy when Ernest takes on the wild commentary of Black Twitter and turn it into a thoughtful assessment.
Favorite post: "WTF is the Yeehaw Agenda?"
6. Noise Complaints by Kit Russell and Lyle Burns
Brand Strategy for Creators
Kit and Lyle are a brand agency duo who help aspiring creators develop their message and hone their craft. They also run a newsletter with a bunch of helpful tips for artists, influencers and everyone in between. They also have a free brand strategy guide that you can download to learn how to tell your authentic story.
Favorite post: "Artists are tapping into nostalgia because it works"
7. Trapital by Dan Runcie
Hip-hop Business and Strategy
I gotta do a shameless plug for my own newsletter! Each week, I break down the strategic business moves that have shaped hip-hop's past, present and future. You can get the next one in your inbox for free.
Trapital recently launched its membership. ($10 year/$100 month) Members get an additional email each week with a roundup of the three most important stories that happened in hip-hop business. Members also get invited to a private forum to discuss ideas and topics.
Favorite post: "How Jay Z and Damon Dash’s Split Still Impacts Hip-Hop"
Newsletters are a great way to build an audience, understand what a market needs and sell future products. I look forward to seeing how each of these newsletters continue to grow and evolve!
