“I wake up and go to bed with ‘ how can I move the community forward?’,” Says James Parker Artwork

Black Businesses Matter

Black Businesses Matter is a weekly podcast show on the impact of collaborating and advocating for Black Businesses to drive impact. It is hosted by Larvetta L. Loftin. Founder of The L3 Agency, a full service influencer marketing and communications agency. Hear from investors, thought leaders, supply chain leaders, DEI practitioners and business owners on why engaging minority businesses should be a social responsibility when black businesses are the largest employers of black people. Each episode will provide inspiration and actionable tools to help you become culturally sensitive in growing your business or brand. Each episode are about 30 - 45 minutes in length to help you to pledge to support Black businesses EVERY DAY in EVERY WAY and REIMAGINE #blackbusinessesmatter.

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Black Businesses Matter

“I wake up and go to bed with ‘ how can I move the community forward?’,” Says James Parker

March 31, 2025 • Larvetta Loftin • Season 9 • Episode 109

We would love to hear from you! Text "BBMFAM" to (312) 300-1300.

Episode 109:

Guest Name: James Parker with Surprise Guest

Guest Business: 1921

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Black Businesses Matter Podcast, we sit down with James Parker, the CEO and Founder of 1921 Coworking, Inc. and 1921 Incubator, NFP. Named to honor the historic Black Wall Street of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1921 is the first tech and manufacturing incubator located on the far South Side of Chicago.

James shares insights about his upbringing and describes himself as a serial tech entrepreneur, having launched several apps and websites. He moved around frequently as a child, which allowed him to learn and experience a variety of things. One of his first ventures was teaching piano basics, showcasing his talent as a music prodigy.

Joining James is special guest Cynda Williams, known for her role in ‘Mo’ Better Blue’. She explains her reasons for supporting 1921 and emphasizes the importance of initiatives like this for the community. Cynda also discusses her connection to Chicago, her journey in building a creative career, and the necessity of leaving the city to grow.

James outlines the opening plan for 1921, detailing the phases for the coworking space's rollout throughout the year. With the first phase set to launch this month, he highlights the significance of creating jobs in the community through the business owners he aims to attract.

If you are a Chicago based entrepreneur this may be the coworking space and initiative for you, Join James on his journey to revive black Wall Street.

IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT…

What was James like as a child?
What is 1921?
How has she balanced both sides of her career?
How can people connect to 1921?
Cynda Williams backstory
BBM Brag Moment
What brings them joy?
Why do black business matter?

Stream and download the Black Businesses Matter Podcast NOW for FREE on Apple Podcast, Google, Stitcher, Pandora, and Spotify!

Connect with them

Connect with them on their website: https://www.1921coworking.com

Connect with them on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/1921CoWorking/

Connect with them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1921coworking/

Support the show

To connect further with me:
Visit my website: Thel3agency.com
Connect with me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thel3agency
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larvettaspeaks/
Connect with me on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/thel3agency
Be sure to follow our podcast on Instagram. I can't wait to see you join us and take the pledge of #blackbusinessesmatter

People on this episode

Larvetta L. Loftin

Host