Jade Stevens, CEO of the 40 Acre Conservation League, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for a timely Earth Month conversation on land, legacy, and environmental stewardship.

As conversations around sustainability and climate take center stage, this episode reframes the discussion through the lens of ownership, access, and economic empowerment. Jade shares how conservation is not just about protecting land—but about ensuring that underserved communities have a stake in it.

From the historical significance of land ownership to modern-day barriers and opportunities, this conversation explores how environmental justice intersects with business, wealth-building, and community resilience.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• The mission and vision behind the 40 Acre Conservation League
• Why land ownership is critical to economic mobility and generational wealth
• The connection between environmental stewardship and business leadership
• Practical ways individuals and organizations can engage in sustainability efforts

This episode aligns with the mission of the Black Business Association—advancing economic equity through access, ownership, and collective action.

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

Follow the show:
@blocpowerhour
@blackbusinessassociation
@sarahharrisceo_
@msjadesaid
@fortyacreleague

Francia Telesford, CEO of Gracelamp Wellness, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris to discuss building a purpose-driven wellness brand centered on healing, restoration, and nervous system care. From her early journey into entrepreneurship to serving as a vendor within the Black Business Association ecosystem, Francia shares how wellness is not just a lifestyle—but a critical business strategy.

The conversation also highlights her recent recognition as a Top 3 finalist in the Unsung Excellence category at the 23rd Annual Salute to Black Women, and her powerful win in the inaugural Pitch Competition. Francia reflects on the moment the prize pool grew from $1,500 to $4,000 through contributions from the Sister Circle and community—and how she plans to leverage those funds to scale Gracelamp Wellness.

This episode explores the intersection of wellness, entrepreneurship, and community support—offering practical insights for business owners navigating stress, growth, and sustainability in today’s fast-paced environment.

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

Follow the show:
@blocpowerhour
@blackbusinessassociation
@sarahharrisceo_

Starlett Quarles, Founder and CEO of the Minority Renewable Energy Project of California, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for an insightful and empowering conversation on the future of clean energy—and why Black communities must be part of it now.

As California moves toward its goal of 100% clean energy, this episode explores what that transition really means on the ground—from rising utility costs and power outages to the growing demand for solar energy, EV infrastructure, and sustainable solutions. Starlett shares how her journey from real estate and marketing into renewable energy was driven by real-life experiences, including high energy bills and gaps in EV charging access in her own community.

This conversation goes beyond awareness and dives into opportunity. From homeowners cutting utility costs with solar panels to entrepreneurs building businesses around EV charging and energy solutions, the green economy is positioned as a pathway to wealth creation, workforce development, and long-term sustainability.

Starlett also introduces her “urban sustainability model,” which focuses on awareness, access, application, and adoption—breaking down how communities can fully participate in and benefit from this emerging industry. She highlights the importance of education, representation, and early entry into the space before barriers increase.

The episode also touches on larger systemic issues, including gentrification, economic leakage, and the importance of ownership—particularly in leveraging assets like homes, churches, and community spaces to generate both income and impact.

Ultimately, this discussion reframes clean energy as more than an environmental issue—it’s an economic opportunity, a workforce solution, and a chance to build generational wealth in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How California’s clean energy transition impacts everyday communities
• The financial and lifestyle benefits of solar energy and EV adoption
• Career pathways and business opportunities in the green economy
• The importance of education and access in renewable energy spaces
• How communities can leverage assets for sustainable income and growth
• Why now is the time to enter the clean energy industry

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

Follow the show:
@blocpowerhour
@blackbusinessassociation
@sarahharrisceo_