Sonny’s Top Black People of Interest: Modern Money Moves to #BuyBlack

Welcome to a very special edition of the Black Wall Streets blog. As we lean into the heart of February, a month dedicated to celebrating the profound legacy and vibrant future of the Black community, we’ve teamed up with Sonny to bring you a curated list of "Black People of Interest."

This isn't just a walk down memory lane, though. While we always honor the pioneers who built the original Black Wall Street in Tulsa, our mission at BlackWallStreets.store is to focus on the now and the next. We are here to highlight the visionaries making "Modern Money Moves": the entrepreneurs, tech-savants, and creatives who are redefining what it means to build Black wealth in 2026.

Why does this matter? Because when we talk about the #BuyBlack movement, we aren’t just talking about a hashtag; we’re talking about economic empowerment. We’re talking about creating a centralized hub where Black commerce can thrive, just like it did decades ago, but with the power of modern e-commerce behind it.

So, let’s dive into Sonny’s top picks and the modern money moves you can learn from them.

1. Asmau Ahmed: The AI Beauty Visionary

The Biography:
Asmau Ahmed is the founder of Plum Perfect, an innovative AI-driven platform that revolutionized the beauty industry. Long before "AI" was a daily buzzword, Asmau was leveraging data to help people of color find their perfect makeup shades. By simply uploading a selfie, her technology analyzes skin tone with scientific precision to recommend the best products. She saw a gap in a multi-billion dollar industry that often overlooked diverse complexions and decided to build the bridge herself.

The Modern Money Move: Solve for the Underserved
Asmau’s money move is a masterclass in niche identification. She didn't just want to "sell makeup"; she wanted to solve a technical problem for a demographic that was being ignored by mainstream tech.

How to #BuyBlack with this mindset:
Support businesses that center you. When you shop for lifestyle and beauty goods on our marketplace, you’re supporting entrepreneurs who understand your specific needs. For instance, if you're looking to elevate your home environment, check out our selection of Luxury Candles. Whether it’s the deep, sophisticated scent of Chêne Foncé or the romantic notes of Chérie Amour, these products are crafted by those who understand the luxury aesthetic of our community.

2. Amari Ruff: The Logistics Disruptor

The Biography:
Amari Ruff is the powerhouse behind Sudu, a logistics platform that connects small, minority-owned trucking companies with large corporations. In an industry dominated by massive conglomerates, Ruff realized that smaller Black-owned carriers were often left out of the most lucrative contracts. He used technology to level the playing field, ensuring that the "backbone of America": the logistics and trucking sector: included Black voices and Black pockets.

The Modern Money Move: Own the Supply Chain
Amari teaches us that wealth isn't just in the final product; it’s in how that product moves. By controlling the logistics, he created a pathway for hundreds of other Black businesses to scale.

How to #BuyBlack with this mindset:
At Black Wall Streets, we take inspiration from this by being more than just a store; we are a Vendor Marketplace. We provide the digital "logistics" for Black entrepreneurs to get their products: from Hats and Caps to home decor: into the hands of consumers nationwide. Supporting the platform supports the entire ecosystem.

3. Pinky Cole: The Culinary Empire Builder

The Biography:
You can't talk about modern Black success without mentioning Pinky Cole, the founder of Slutty Vegan. What started as a shared kitchen hustle in Atlanta has exploded into a national phenomenon. But Pinky isn't just selling plant-based burgers; she’s selling a vibe, a movement, and a new way of thinking about health in the Black community. She has leveraged her brand to provide life insurance for Black men, pay off tuition for students, and buy back the block.

The Modern Money Move: Brand as a Catalyst for Community
Pinky’s move is about hyper-growth through authenticity. She didn't water down her message to fit in; she leaned into her culture, and the world followed.

How to #BuyBlack with this mindset:
Wear your mission on your sleeve, literally. Our collection of Motivational and Inspirational Graphic Tees is designed for the modern builder. Like Pinky, let your apparel speak to your drive and your dedication to the community. When you buy a "Build the Legacy" sweatshirt, you aren't just buying clothes; you're funding the movement to rebuild the spirit of the original Black Wall Street.

4. Telfar Clemens: Redefining Luxury

The Biography:
Telfar Clemens, the Liberian-American fashion designer, turned the fashion world upside down with his brand Telfar. His tagline, "Not for you: for everyone," challenged the traditional gatekeeping of luxury. The "Bushwick Birkin" became a cultural icon not because it was expensive and exclusive, but because it was high-style and accessible to the people who actually set the trends.

The Modern Money Move: Democratize Excellence
Telfar’s move was to ignore the "prestige" of being exclusive and instead focus on community-driven demand. He proved that Black-owned luxury doesn't need a co-sign from Paris or Milan to be the most sought-after item on the planet.

How to #BuyBlack with this mindset:
Luxury is a feeling, not just a price tag. You can bring that Telfar-level excellence into your home today. Our premium candle line, featuring scents like Palais Royale and Soirée, offers a high-end sensory experience that rivals any legacy brand.

5. Adelanwa Adesanya: The Health Tech Pioneer

The Biography:
Adelanwa Adesanya is the co-founder of Moving Analytics, a digital health company focused on cardiac rehabilitation. Recognizing that cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects Black communities and that access to rehab is often limited by geography and cost, Adesanya created a "rehab at home" model. He is literally using tech to save lives and close the health equity gap.

The Modern Money Move: Invest in Longevity
Adelanwa knows that wealth is meaningless without health. His money move is about social impact as a business model. By solving a critical health crisis, he’s building a sustainable, high-value company that protects our most precious resource: our people.

How to #BuyBlack with this mindset:
Self-care is a radical act of community preservation. Take a moment to decompress and prioritize your mental well-being. Lighting an Ambergris candle from our shop and taking thirty minutes for yourself isn't just about "smelling good": it's about the "Modern Money Move" of investing in your own longevity so you can continue to build and lead.

Why We Do This: Rebuilding the Spirit of Black Wall Street

The original Black Wall Street in the Greenwood District of Tulsa was a marvel not just because of the money, but because of the circulation of that money. It was said that a single dollar would circulate within the community up to 19 times before leaving.

Today, in 2026, we have the tools to do that on a global scale. When you visit BlackWallStreets.store, you aren't just a "customer." You are an investor in a vision.

Sonny’s top picks remind us that Black excellence is multifaceted. It’s in the code of an AI app, the logistics of a semi-truck, the flavor of a burger, the stitch of a handbag, and the heartbeat of a patient.

Ready to make your own Modern Money Move?

1. Be Intentional: Next time you need a gift, a new tee, or a way to freshen up your home, ask yourself: "Can I #BuyBlack here?"
2. Spread the Word: Share this blog. Tell a friend about the entrepreneurs we’ve highlighted.
3. Join the Marketplace: If you are a Black business owner, don't just shop: sell! Join our Vendor Marketplace and let us help you reach the audience you deserve.

The spirit of Black Wall Street lives in you. Let’s keep building.

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