The Black American Network is a for profit, Black owned media and community impact company dedicated to empowering Black Americans through news, storytelling, education, and economic opportunity. Founded by Therone Shellman, an author, entrepreneur, and community advocate, BAN operates as a national platform that amplifies the voices, experiences, and solutions emerging from the Black American community.
The mission is grounded in four core pillars:
• Economic Empowerment (Business & Financial Literacy)
• Health & Wellness (Holistic Health)
• Education & Personal Development (Social Equity)
• Civic Engagement & Social Impact (Political Advocacy)
Through these pillars, we provide culturally relevant content, digital media programming, and community driven resources designed to strengthen families, expand economic mobility, and elevate the national conversation around Black American progress.
What we do
Function as a multi media, multi platform ecosystem that includes:
• Digital News & Commentary — covering business, culture, policy, and community issues.
• Video Programming — interviews, documentaries, and educational series centered on Black American life.
• Community Resource Hub — connecting users to Black owned businesses, service providers, and opportunities.
• Networking & Vendor Marketplace — enabling entrepreneurs to promote products and services to a national audience.
• Educational Content — business literacy, self development, and financial empowerment tools.
We are designed to be both a media outlet and a community infrastructure, bridging the gap between information, opportunity, and empowerment.
Who We Serve
Serve:
• Black American individuals seeking news, education, and empowerment
• Entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking visibility and customers
• Community leaders and advocates seeking a platform for solutions
• Youth and adults seeking financial literacy and personal development
The platform is intentionally built to uplift Black American lineage communities (Freedmen/ADOS/FBA) whose stories, needs, and contributions are often overlooked in mainstream media.
Why We Exist
The Black American community faces persistent gaps in:
• Wealth
• Health outcomes
• Media representation
• Access to accurate information
• Community centered platforms
The Black American Network addresses these gaps by providing trusted, culturally grounded media and practical tools that help individuals and families build stronger futures.
Funders increasingly recognize the importance of narrative change, community power building, and Black led media. The Black American Network sits at the intersection of all three.
Impact & Outcomes
The Black American Network advances measurable outcomes that funders prioritize:
• Increased access to culturally relevant news and information
• Greater visibility for Black owned businesses
• Improved financial literacy and self development
• Strengthened community networks and civic engagement
• Positive narrative change about Black American life and leadership
The Black American Network content strategy is built to scale nationally, with the ability to reach millions through digital distribution.
Business Model & Sustainability
As a for profit social impact company, The Black American Network generates revenue through:
• Advertising
• Vendor listings
• Sponsored content
• Digital products
• Educational materials
• Events and partnerships