By Leroy Adams

Jewel Love and Jay Holmes are co-founders of Black Executive Men Capital Network.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

A Vision Rooted in Purpose

Under the swaying palm trees of Miami or the golden glow of an elegant New York dinner, Black men in private equity are finding a space where ambition, cultural pride, and luxury meet. Black Executive Men Capital Network (BEM Capital Network) is at the heart of this transformative movement, an elite ecosystem designed to elevate Black men in private equity while building a community where wealth and impact thrive together.

The mission is bold yet simple: to help 1,000 Black men each achieve $1 billion in assets under management (AUM)—a vision to shift the wealth paradigm and create generational legacies. In private equity—a world where high risk and high reward are embedded in the DNA of every deal—Jewel Love and Jay Holmes, the co-founders of BEM Capital Network, understood that their vision couldn’t just be another collection of investors chasing returns. Where’s the real risk in that? Instead, to truly be impactful, they had to think differently, build boldly, and redefine the rules of the game.

This ethos gave birth to BEM Capital Network, a purpose-driven ecosystem where Black men are supported at every level. The network isn’t just for GPs—it extends to lawyers, accountants, private equity operators, marketers, and allocators. It’s a cohesive, interconnected community of success and ambition. Picture a network that bridges the gap between the heavy hitters like BlackRock and KKR and the Black men ready to make transformative moves in private equity. It’s a space where collaboration thrives, capital flows, and cultural barriers are dismantled.

BEM Capital Network is on a mission to help 1,000 Black men each achieve $1 billion AUM.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

And the reward? It’s far more significant than dollars and deals. It’s wealth that drives community impact and creates a ripple effect for generations to come. As co-founder Jewel Love explains, “It’s this solidly Black man’s ecosystem financially. That stays true to the mission of Black men helping one another succeed financially and in the business world. But it takes it to a whole other level because instead of just helping guys get a new job, we’re going to be helping them go to 7, 8, 9, maybe even ten figures in terms of their net worth.”

High risk, yes. But the reward? Transformative. This is BEM Capital Network.

Fresh off my experience in San Antonio with the Black Executive Men Community—the cornerstone brand founded by Jewel nearly seven years ago— I was invited to experience the BEM Capital Network in Miami at their Private Equity Dinner.

If San Antonio was the warm welcome cocktail hour of the Black professional brotherhood embodied by the BEM Community, then Miami was the closing deal handshake, where BEM Capital Network solidified its mission to build wealth, forge alliances, and reshape the private equity landscape.

BEM Capital Network Arrives

Jewel Love talks with BEM Capital Network members during the welcome lunch at The Boatyard.
I arrived at The Boatyard, where a distinguished group of investors, lawyers, accountants, and GPs had gathered to kick off the day’s events. Beneath the blue umbrellas that shielded them from the brightly shining Miami sun, they sat around waterfront tables with prosecco bubbling to the tops of their glasses, a line of yachts idling in the canal behind them. Seasoned veterans and eager young professionals sat side by side, trading insights on everything from deal flow to personal resilience. Some spoke of valuing multi-million-dollar companies or navigating high-stakes lawsuits; others shared their aspirations to scale businesses and seek mentorship.

BEM Capital Network member Dominique Carroll talks with other network members during the arrival lunch at The Boatyard.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

What struck me immediately was how naturally this group of men came together. Typically, there’s a wall of defense many of us must work around to connect with our fellow brothers—a reflexive response to being socialized to fear what we see in the mirror. But here, those walls had fallen away. With BEM Capital Network, we see the undeniable benefits of that collapse.

Speaking with BEM Capital Network members about their vision for Black wealth and social impact.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

When I asked the men why they felt so comfortable being open and vulnerable, they emphasized the importance of having someone who truly understands their experience. “BEM Capital Network, and this event in particular, have been great for me because having someone who understands your context is beautiful and necessary,” shared Sam Kelly, a millennial investor and Managing Director of Solomon Gideon Capital, pausing to take a sip of his Sandbar Spritz, a Boatyard signature cocktail. “There are many hurdles and not always a guide for us [Black men] in these unique career paths. I’m looking forward to how this network helps me grow personally and professionally.”

Sam’s words perfectly encapsulated what makes BEM Capital Network more than just another networking organization. Networking is transactional, often focused on individual gains like sharing information or advancing professionally. BEM Capital Network, however, is transformational. It’s a space where investors like Sam feel valued for their skillsets and validated in their ambition to advance their investment careers—proven by the network sitting around him, empowering him to generate wealth for himself and his community. Beyond building wealth, the heart of BEM Capital Network lies in fostering authentic friendship and meaningful connections. These values anchor the community and create an ecosystem where collaboration, trust, and shared purpose are thriving. It’s the difference between exchanging business cards and intentionally building a foundation for generational progress while cultivating relationships that stand the test of time and business.

As I listened to the conversations around me, the fizzy cocktails bubbling in their glasses mirrored the buoyancy and energy of the gathering. Yet, soft, breezy winds carried the weight of shared concerns around the table. “Black men represent only 5% of senior-level positions,” one man said solemnly. Heads nodded in quiet agreement as those words hung in the air, each man intimately aware of the work ahead.

$1 Trillion Dollar Network

As founders, Jewel and Jay had unique and unexpected paths to private equity, an industry in which both had yet to gain prior experience. Yet, their shared desire to create wealth and generate meaningful impact, specifically for Black men, led to the creation of BEM Capital Network, their bold answer to the glaring statistic: Black men represent only 5% of senior-level positions in private equity.

BEM Capital Network members Kurt Dyer (left) and Wayne Dawson (right) are building relationships with wealth and community impact in mind.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

Jay Holmes’ journey began as a real estate portfolio manager in Connecticut, where he was first exposed to the mechanics of a private equity real estate deal. Seeing the scale of wealth these firms generated, he was immediately captivated and began his career as an Investment Broker. Armed with an entrepreneurial spirit, Jay wanted to start his fund and assemble an investment team capable of executing massive deals like the ones he witnessed. But, like many aspiring Black professionals in private equity, he faced significant barriers. “I didn’t have access to institutional capital, family offices, or accredited investors. Those relationships weren’t there for me,” Jay explained, recounting the challenges of building the necessary network to make his vision a reality.

BEM Capital Network member Sam Kelly reacts to a member sharing his strategy for building his technology and data investment portfolio.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

Jewel’s path, on the other hand, started with a LinkedIn message—a reminder of how transformative a single connection can be. Jewel and Jay connected on the platform over a shared interest in angel investing, but for Jewel, the conversation was about more than just financial knowledge. He was searching for something deeper: cultural resonance. “I wanted to speak with a Black man about it because there’s just that cultural stamp of approval that says, ‘I can do this too,’” Jewel explained. “If I’d had that conversation with someone who wasn’t Black, I might’ve understood the concept, but it wouldn’t have felt like it was for me. Jay gave me the information, but also the cultural ‘we’ factor on an identity level that made me realize, ‘This is for us.’” That realization set Jewel’s mind alight with possibilities and planted the seeds for what would come.

Jewel began posting about angel investing and venture capitalism on LinkedIn, sparking conversations and attracting attention within the investment world. Among those who noticed was Richard Venegar, a retired private equity professional and former National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) executive. Jewel recalls, “I saw that he was in that world— a retired PE professional.’ So I reached out to him. We hopped on a call, and I told him I wanted to make a lot of money and a lot of impact.”

Richard encouraged Jewel to contact Bob Greene at NAIC, the largest industry association for diverse-owned alternative investment firms, focusing on increasing access to capital for underutilized, diverse investment managers. Bob introduced Jewel to NAIC’s First-Time Fund Manager Program, a robust educational initiative designed to help aspiring private equity and venture capital professionals learn the ropes of fund management. Jewel didn’t hesitate—he signed up the same day and invited Jay and four other brothers to join him. Together, they immersed themselves in learning about private equity, venture capital, and the tools necessary to break into an industry historically closed to people who look like them.

For members like Kristopher Goings (pictured above), BEM Capital Network is a long overdue endeavor for Black men in private equity.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

And so, BEM Capital was born—a private equity firm dedicated to raising capital exclusively from Black men and investing in top-performing Black male general partners (GPs). The firm would give Jay the investment team he’d long envisioned and connect Jewel to the network of Black men he wants to do business with and empower financially and professionally. As Jay put it, “Jewel and I have this mission to create our own firm and do something different—raising 100% capital from Black men and investing it back into Black men. From every conversation I’ve had with institutional guys, that just hasn’t been done to date. So we’re trying to do something that hasn’t been done, and there’s a lot of guys behind us who aren’t just supporting us but want to do the same.”

But their vision didn’t stop there. High risk and high reward drive their world. So, under the bright lights of a New York City evening, following the conclusion of the NAIC program, the men gathered at an elegant dinner - a stable of the BEM brand - where the energy of possibility fueled their collective “we can do this” spirit, leading to the establishment of BEM Capital Network. Its mission? To help 1,000 Black men each achieve $1 billion in assets under management (AUM). This network would serve as the ecosystem surrounding their firm, composed of a powerful coalition of GPs, lawyers, accountants, allocators, and institutional investors ready to reshape the narrative. BEM Capital Network is designed to create wealth and build a values-aligned ecosystem, solidifying Black men’s public presence and power within private equity.

BEM Capital Network member Jourdain Bell takes in the moment.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

In my conversation with Jay, I sought to understand better what sets BEM Capital Network apart from other private equity ecosystems. Jay emphasized that while strategic investment planning is essential, the true game-changer is intentional networking—building purposeful relationships that uncover overlooked opportunities and foster collaboration among key stakeholders. "Success as an investor starts with setting clear objectives, conducting thorough market research, and leveraging curated deal flow to identify high-potential opportunities," he explained. "But it’s not just about strategy—it’s about intentional networking. When you’re deliberate with your efforts, you unlock deal flow opportunities that others might miss and forge strong relationships with industry experts, potential partners, and investors."

As Harland Abraham, VP of Development at NAIC, aptly put it, “We’re not asking for a handout.” Instead, Jewel and Jay are building something unprecedented—an unapologetically Black, deeply impactful ecosystem where wealth creation, professional growth, and community impact go hand in hand. Their bold mission promises to shift the wealth paradigm and create lasting generational legacies for Black men in private equity - ensuring that the 5% is just the beginning.

The Whole Man

Jewel Love’s journey began as a psychotherapist with a mission to provide culturally relevant support for Black men in corporate America, a demographic often left without access to the mental health services they need. This mission led him to found Black Executive Men nine years ago, starting as a 1-on-1 psychotherapy practice in Oakland. As a former licensed psychotherapist with an emphasis on healing trauma, Jewel witnessed firsthand the profound impact of isolation, loneliness, and imposter syndrome on Black men navigating corporate spaces, where they were often one of few—or the only—Black professionals. Despite the emotional strain, these men displayed incredible resilience, emboldened by their education, talent, and determination to succeed. Jewel recognized the psychological toll this environment took on their mental health and saw a unique opportunity to bridge the gap. “There’s just a level of cultural comfortability there that I wanted to experience personally,” Jewel explains. “That’s where it started, and I learned how isolated and alone Black men are in corporate America, but how educated and talented they are—and that there was an opportunity to be of service.”

This deep understanding of Black men's emotional and psychological needs became a cornerstone of BEM Capital Network. While the Network is dedicated to facilitating high-level deals and professional advancement, it is equally committed to fostering holistic conversations around mental health, relationships, and fitness.

At BEM Capital Network events, discussions of deal flow and investment strategies flow seamlessly into topics like building healthy relationships, prioritizing fitness, and managing mental health.

Elegance With Purpose

BEM Capital Network gather in Miami for an exclusive member dinner event.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

I stood in the backyard of a stunning Miami townhouse, surrounded by swaying palm trees and the gentle rustling of the evening breeze, watching a masterclass in event production unfold. At the center of it all was Chef Jay, a culinary artist renowned for his bold flavors and flair for presentation. It’s often said that Chef Jay doesn’t just cook—he curates an experience. On the covered patio, surrounded by lush greenery, his team moved with quiet precision, orchestrating the evening’s visual and gastronomic masterpiece. The bartender, dressed sharply in all black with a Chef Jay-branded polo, was slicing fresh lemons and meticulously arranging a collection of fine whiskeys around the high-top bar. He was preparing the night’s signature cocktail: a whiskey sour. Every detail—from the curated flavors to the stunning choice of venue—was steeped in intention. Luxury, style, and high-end appeal weren’t just decorative touches; they were the core pillars of BEM Capital Network events.

For Jewel Love and Jay Holmes, co-founders of BEM Capital Network, building a platform for mission-driven Black men to elevate their careers and create social impact couldn’t be separated from crafting high-end experiences. As Jewel explains, the polished and exclusive aesthetic of BEM Capital Network events reflects more than just luxury—it’s a statement about Black men’s rightful place in spaces historically closed to them.

Corporate attorneys, GPs, and allocators attended the BEM Capital Network Miami dinner.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

“It’s showing Black male unity in a professional setting of guys building together in high-end environments. It hits multiple psychological levers. Number one, high-end environment. If you’re dealing with private equity, that’s what you’re talking about—successful people who enjoy nice things. Luxury has to be a part of the experience.”

Marvin West (left) and Sean Howard (right) discuss career aspirations.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

BEM Capital Network merges mission with style. Many Black men in corporate America are deeply committed to uplifting their communities, both socially and economically. However, they often lack viable platforms that integrate personal ambition with meaningful connection. “The fact that we were creating a viable platform for it is based on Black men's unity,” Jewel continues. “But it also tapped into something very powerful- private equity.”

This ethos—a perfect blend of purpose and elegance—became the hallmark of BEM Capital Network’s events. Jewel recounts a pivotal moment when this vision crystallized. At the New York dinner, the only people who accepted his invitation to join the dinner were Black men. “I looked around the table,” he says, “and I knew that the venture capital brand was a bit saturated. There were a lot of Black people focusing on going into venture capital because there’s a lot of money to be made. However, I’m a brand guy and I realized that private equity—this term I kept hearing at NAIC and discussing with Jay—was not something I was seeing represented in the market by Black brands.”

Listening to the bartender explain the thoughtful pairing of the whiskey sour and the evening’s featured cigar perfectly exemplified Jewel and Jay’s vision for BEM Capital Network events—intentional spaces designed not only for wealth-building but for redefining what it means to thrive as a Black man in private equity.

My admiration for the setup was validated as the bartender detailed why the whiskey sour had been selected.

“The whiskey sour was chosen for its balance of sweet and warm flavors—perfectly reflecting the breezy warmth of our host city,” he shared. “The tangy citrus cuts through the creaminess of the evening’s featured cigar, while the whiskey's smoky depth complements the undertones of the Dominican Romeo y Julieta Short Churchill. Together, the pairing embodies the elegance and sophistication of a Miami evening.”

The smoky aroma of tomahawk steaks grilling over an open flame pulled me from the bar to the outdoor kitchen. Chef Jay’s assistant was effortlessly flipping four massive tomahawk steaks over the fire. Donning black, gold-trimmed sunglasses, his precision and flair captivated everyone passing by. The sizzling sound of the meat and the crackling flames set the perfect prelude to what was to come.

I reluctantly pulled myself away from the mesmerizing show (and the irresistible aroma) and entered the house, where I found Chef Jay in action. He had already transformed the kitchen into a vibrant oasis. Bright yellow chafing dishes emitted streams of steam, while cobalt-blue blocks displayed an inviting array of breads, green grapes, ruby-red strawberries, and fresh, winding greenery dotted with blooming sunflowers. A cascading waterfall tumbled gracefully through the leaves to complete the look, adding movement and life to the serving station. The aesthetic was fresh, fun, and imaginative, blurring the line between fine dining and art.

Chef Jay’s setup blurred the lines between fine dining and performance art. The arrangement and decor matched the energy of the founders of BEM Capital Network, “We're holding nothing back to make this event memorable for you all.”

“I’m Glad You’re Here”

I entered the greeting room, where the men of BEM Capital Network gathered to continue the day’s conversations from The Boatyard. The space was alive with energy, filled with corporate attorneys, law firm partners, investment operators, C-suite professionals, accountants, and allocators. Each man was dressed for the occasion, forming a sea of suits that seemed to mirror the vibrancy of Miami itself. Sky-blue blazers, deep burgundy ensembles, and beige jackets with gold accents created a symphony of style. Some sported bold pink bow ties, while others opted for sleek gold ties. Compliments flowed effortlessly, each exchange infused with the effortless cool that only Black men can deliver:

“My brother, your suit is bad, and you’re looking great! I’m glad you’re here.”

BEM Capital Network member Jack Thomas III.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

As a writer, it took effort to avoid getting caught up in documenting every detail of the scene. Conversations unfolded organically, echoing beneath the high ceilings. I managed to pull myself from “writer mode” just long enough to observe. Discussions ranged from investment strategies and ad tech to family life, market capital, and fund allocations. Small, diverse groups of professionals formed naturally as more men arrived, each quickly immersed in the curated experiences around them—sipping on whiskey sours, admiring Chef Jay’s artful culinary displays, stepping outside for photos by the pool, or brainstorming potential investment deals.

The men enjoy cocktails and discuss deals before dinner.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

This moment was unlike anything I’d experienced before. I found myself surrounded by Black men who were actively building wealth, raising multi-million-dollar funds in industries like healthcare, tech, and oil and gas. Information flowed freely, untainted by ego or any sense of scarcity—a refreshing and powerful atmosphere that defines the essence of BEM Capital Network.

I joined a discussion centered around Harland Abraham, Vice President of Development at the National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC). Dressed in a tan suit sharp enough to rival Barack Obama’s, Harland stood confidently, his peppered hair and beard perfectly groomed. His tone carried authority and warmth as he invited Jay Holmes into a conversation about career advancement through relationships.

Jay Holmes and Harland Abraham discuss relationship building and networking.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

"It’s not just who you know—it’s who they know," Harland explained. "And it’s about how they can connect you to opportunities."

He shared a real-life example, recounting a recent interaction with an ambitious young investor:

"I asked him, 'Who are you? What do you do? And how did you get to me?’"

The young investor had answered, "Jewel sent me."

"Okay," Harland replied. "You’re one step closer." Then came the critical follow-up:

"What year is your fund in?"

The young man responded, "Year 1."

Harland smiled as he turned to the attentive group before him. "Alright, here’s where I take a step back. You’re in Fund 1? Call me when you’re in Year 3."

The message was clear: knowing the right people might get you in the room, but true success comes from understanding where you are, what you need, and why you need it. With his words—and even hand gestures to drive his points home—Harland provided an insider’s view of how opportunities are forged in the world of private equity.

The men take time to exchange contact information and schedules.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

Nearby, another group gathered around Wayne Dawson, CEO of VIP Transformative Living LLC. Wayne’s mission is to help Black men achieve fulfilling and significant career and life goals, free from the stress and trauma often tethered to their skin color. Towering over the group in a sharp three-piece blue suit accented with a gold and blue tie, Wayne exuded confidence. His gleaming white teeth flashed as he spoke with a commanding yet warm presence. His voice, rich with a strong Caribbean accent, carried the joy and passion of a man who genuinely loves coaching and empowering Black men.

Wayne spoke about family as his superpower, reminding those in his circle of the strength found in unity and mutual support among Black men. Gesturing to the gathering around us, he emphasized the proof of that strength: the value of creating spaces that allow Black men to stand tall, collaborate, and shape a brighter future together.

Wayne Dawson delivers a speech about the social and community impact BEM Capital Network will have.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

At that moment, I was struck by a profound contrast: the haunting image of George Floyd with a knee on his neck—a devastating symbol of a system that strips Black men of their potential—juxtaposed with the scene before me. Here stood BEM Capital Network - Black men in tailored suits, standing upright, sharing knowledge, discussing multi-million-dollar funds, and leveraging their collective wealth and expertise to uplift their communities and empower the next generation.

The conversations were just beginning to flow when the enticing aroma of sizzling tomahawk steaks wafted into the main room. Chef Jay’s soft, inviting call signaled that it was time to transition to the main course. The night of intentional luxury, connection, and mission-driven ambition was just getting started.

BEM Capital Network…Global?

Chef Jay gives his approval of the culinary masterpiece.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

Chef Jay gathered the men around the serving station, unveiling his culinary masterpiece with a flourish. Beneath the bright yellow chafing dish hoods lay a banquet fit for kings: succulent tomahawk steaks, golden corn on the cob, creamy mashed potatoes crowned with fresh green garnishes, tender jerk chicken, perfectly fried shrimp, beautifully seasoned baked lobster tails, and a selection of sides, including sautéed asparagus and a rich, cheesy mac and cheese with a perfectly crisp crust. The aroma was nothing short of intoxicating, and the artful presentation drew a spontaneous ovation from the room—a well-deserved tribute to a chef who turned dinner into an unforgettable experience. Plates in hand, the men made their way to linen-clad tables adorned with gold place settings and matching cutlery, a setup befitting the elegance of the evening.

Between bites, the men introduced themselves to those they hadn’t met, discussing their current projects and future ambitions. One by one, the men spoke of the funds they managed and the opportunities they saw to scale and collaborate. Many shared stories of social impact, explaining how they were leveraging business and capital to address systemic and social issues in underserved communities, such as tackling food deserts. It was at this moment I first heard about BEM’s global vision. While the stories of domestic social impact—such as leveraging funds to address food deserts in underserved communities—were inspiring, as someone who has traveled to over 30 countries and lived in China and Ethiopia, the international opportunities truly grabbed my attention.

Seasoned baked lobster tails.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

At the head of my table, Shawn Driscoll, BEM Capital Network’s National Director of Regional Operations, captivated us with his insights on logistics startups in Senegal. Across from him, another member shared his firm’s strategy for investing in Nigerian founders. Their discussions underscored the immense potential for BEM Capital Network to transform the landscape of private equity, all in pursuit of their bold mission: empowering 1,000 Black men, each achieving $1 billion in assets under management (AUM). With an average GP managing $39 million in AUM and Limited Partners carrying an average net worth of $4 million, the network is already a force to be reckoned with. This financial capacity positions BEM Capital Network as a game-changer in fostering economic empowerment on a global scale. As Jay Holmes, co-founder of BEM Capital Network, aptly put it: "We’re coordinating a diversified portfolio of funds through top-tier GPs within the network. The momentum we’ve built in just the first year gives us a lot of great things to point to—and this is only the beginning."

Shawn Driscoll, BEM Capital Network’s National Director of Regional Operations.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

As conversations unfolded over Chef Jay’s expertly curated feast, the topic of BEM Capital Network’s growing international presence took center stage. The network’s impact is already felt in the U.K., where barriers in senior-level positions remain pervasive. This is particularly stark when looking at non-law firms' investment bankers and equity partners, where average Black representation at senior levels is just 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively. Yet, as Shawn Ford, BEM Capital Network’s London Regional Leader, shared, “Black professionals who make it into the industry are exceptionally talented and highly respected, but the challenge lies in creating greater awareness and access to these opportunities in the first place.”

As Shawn emphasized, increasing representation starts with targeting Black and African societies at leading institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College. “These spaces are filled with highly capable individuals who, with the right exposure and mentorship, could thrive in private equity and finance,” Shawn explained. Engaging directly with these communities is one way BEM Capital Network can “move the needle” on the industry’s glaring underrepresentation of Black professionals. Beyond London, the network’s global ambitions are expanding further. With plans to launch chapters in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Singapore, and Mexico, BEM Capital Network is poised to create a genuinely interconnected ecosystem of Black professionals, breaking barriers and reshaping wealth-building opportunities worldwide.

Between dinner and cigars, I pulled Jay aside to dive deeper into how BEM Capital Network plans to support first-time and emerging fund managers while delivering value to investors both in the U.S. and abroad. Jay Holmes laid out the network’s strategic approach to driving impact and value:

“A big focus of ours is education and access to capital. We’re not just upskilling first-time and emerging fund managers; we’re helping them with advanced strategies—fundraising, navigating secondaries, or planning exits. At the same time, we’re working to create pathways by building key partnerships with established institutional organizations with a proven track record of backing diverse fund managers and founders. It’s about connecting the dots between these two ends so more guys get funded, and more allocators have the diversity they need to offer their investors.”

An Invitation

The men end the evening with a cigar ceremony.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

As the evening drew near, the men gathered around the high-top tables near the pool, its waters illuminated by soft lights rippling beneath the surface. The tips of the Dominicans in their hands burned warmly as they leaned back, exhaling whiskey-scented smoke into the warm Miami night sky.

Behind me, Jay Holmes, co-founder of BEM Capital Network, stood poised for a video interview, ready to distill the mission that had brought these men together. His words carried a clarity that matched the magnitude of their ambition: “We’re helping 1,000 Black men get to $1 billion in assets under management. That speaks volumes about the impact we’re creating. And naturally, BEM Capital will be one of those firms to cross $1 billion AUM.” The conviction in his voice reflected the network’s momentum—just six months into their launch and already building toward an explosive first year.

Before leaving, I caught up with Jewel Love who added his reflections, his tone vibrant with excitement about the network’s rapid growth. “People keep asking, why hasn’t this happened sooner? And now that it’s here, the opportunities are endless. Black men in private equity—some of the heaviest hitters—are stepping up, wanting to mentor, invest, and contribute. It’s only been one year, and already top-tier professionals in finance are saying, ‘I want to be part of this.’”

BEM Capital Network member Kamar Jones reflects on the evening.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

As I took in the scene—a collective of ambitious, mission-driven Black men building wealth and legacy—the magnitude of their vision became more evident. BEM Capital Network is a call to action. In this space, high-impact investments meet cultural resonance, and Black men unite to break down barriers, create generational wealth, and redefine what success looks like in private equity.

BEM Capital Network is building the future of Black wealth and social impact.
Photo by: @kvonfoto

For anyone not yet involved, the message was unspoken yet resounding: Why aren’t you here? Whether you’re a seasoned private equity operator, a lawyer, an accountant, or a young professional with a dream, BEM Capital Network isn’t just an invitation to join—it’s a challenge to elevate. Because here, at the intersection of ambition and brotherhood, is where the future is being built. Don’t miss your seat at the table.