HBCU, NBA
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 4, 2024

NBA Unveils 2024 HBCU Fellowship Class To Inspire Black Youth

This year's cohort features 70 fellows from 22 HBCUs.

The NBA has announced its third annual HBCU Fellowship class.

The fellowship consists of a 10-week internship that hosts students from HBCUs to gain experience with the professional basketball league. According to NBA.com, the program was launched in 2022.

“When the league wanted to do more for the HBCU community, we developed this program to ensure that HBCU students had an opportunity to learn about the business of basketball and break into the sports industry,” said Lauren Sills, head of operations for the NBA Foundation, per NBA.com.

The league welcomed this year’s cohort at a two-day professional learning event held at the NBA’s headquarters on May 23. The event started with an HBCU all-star panel featuring current NBA employees who are alumni of the program.

“Creating career and talent opportunities for students is directly aligned with the mission of the NBA Foundation,” Sills said. “Helping develop career pipeline initiatives for students with similar experiences to me is an incredibly unique opportunity that I do not take for granted.” 

The 2024 cohort features 70 fellows from 22 HBCUs, working across nearly all the NBA franchises and one WNBA team. Additionally, the interns will work and travel to their team hubs to assist in their marketing, business, and various departments. The program’s participants gain the skills and insight to potentially grow in the business of basketball.

“Our program has revolutionized what it means to be an intern because they have access to a diverse pool of departments and roles, so this is an opportunity for students to learn about the depth of careers you can find at the NBA,” said Early Career Programs Senior Manager Fredrick Salyers. “One of the main things I’d like to see for the fellowship is creating a more sophisticated and intentional pipeline for students of color.” 

The NBA also hopes that developing this pipeline and strengthening its alumni base will ensure a diverse workforce throughout its community.

Jill Scott Mural Unveiled At Her Philly High School Is ‘Surreal’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 4, 2024

Jill Scott Mural Unveiled At Her Philly High School Is ‘Surreal’

Jill Scott felt "surreal" seeing a mural made in her honor at her old high school.

Jill Scott was in her hometown of Philadelphia, ahead of headlining the Roots Picnic over the weekend to see a new mural unveiled in her honor.

The “Golden” singer returned to her high school on Thursday, May 30, to see a new mural that features her image, Philly Tribute reports. Made in honor of Girls High School’s 175th anniversary, the mural celebrates the historic high school by paying tribute to its graduates.

The 900-square-foot mural shows Scott alongside faceless girls in various poses that aim to symbolize power, strength, and community. Standing in front of a mustard yellow backdrop, the girls all have halos around their heads with a crown on top. Scott is seen smiling at the viewer in a bright red dress, with words in Latin coming from her mouth that read the school’s motto: “Vincit qui se vincit,” meaning “she conquers who conquers herself.”

“It’s surreal, is what it is,” Scott said of visiting her alma mater.

“I definitely remember and had a flood of emotions from the smells walking down the hallway. I just had to touch the lockers. I had to touch the pink marble. I remember myself here very, very well.”

Designed by artist Patrick Dougher and in partnership with Mural Arts Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia, a few select students participated in a “paint day” session. They painted the giant artwork following its reveal. Students took to the school library to paint on the crowns and pen positive notes or intentions on the back of the mural to signify a continuation of the school’s spirit.

The mural will be located on Broad Street, facing the side of the school’s building, and will be unveiled to the public in July.

“I never imagined that I would be on the side of the Philadelphia High School for Girls,” Scott said.

“It was such a coup to even come to this school. I thought I could be talented, but I don’t want to be dumb and talented, you know, I didn’t want to be misused and talented.”

RELATED CONTENT: Women in Black Music: Jill Scott Steps into the Light of the Sun

Questlove
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 4, 2024

Yes! Questlove Did Pop-Up With Dinner At The Roots Picnic

Questlove brought on the good vibes and good food for the 2024 Roots Picnic festival at The Mann in Fairmount Park.

Questlove brought on the good vibes and good food for the 2024 Roots Picnic festival at The Mann in Fairmount Park.

The Roots drummer and frontman teamed up with Stella Artois to create a unique first-of-its-kind pop-up restaurant dubbed “Questlove’s Cheesesteak Diner.” The diner served plates of his signature Questlove’s Cheesesteak paired with Stella Artois.

Inspired by Questlove’s vision for a “better for you, better for the planet future,” additional menu items included the drummer’s Lemon Pepper Popcorn, Kale Picnic Slaw, and Shoestring Potato Fries. There were games and entertainment on deck inspired by Questlove’s epic game nights, and attendees at the retro pop-up diner also enjoyed access to the festival’s headlining acts to end the evening.

Headliners for this year’s two-day Roots Picnic included Lil Wayne, The Roots, Nas, André 3000, Gunna, and Philadelphia’s hometown diva Jill Scott, who brought out fellow Philly native Tierra Whack. Others who hit the stage include Sexyy Red, The Dream, Smino, Philadelphia’s “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcasters Wallo and Gillie, Cam’ron, Robert Glasper, Wale, Fantasia, and many more.

Panel discussions on social issues and economic empowerment also took place at the Roots Picnic Con, where featured panelists tackled topics around music education, real estate, and beauty careers. Questlove hosted a keynote conversation with a few of this year’s panelists, including Philadelphia rapper Beanie Sigel, singer Marsha Ambrosius, Leon Thomas, and Mont Brown.

The Roots launched the Roots Picnic in 2008 with their manager, Shawn Gee, to give back to the city that made them. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a highly anticipated annual event that puts Black culture at the forefront.

“It feels like it’s something that’s for the culture,” attendee Teayra Bowden tells WHYY. “Recognizing where all the people of color are in the city coming together, [it’s] really special.”

Between the talent-packed lineup, panel discussions, and good vibes within the crowd, Roots Picnic is one festival where Black Excellence shines bright.

RELATED CONTENT: Questlove Reveals ‘Second Thoughts’ About Jay-Z’s ‘Takeover’ Diss on ‘Unplugged’ Album

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter
by Stacy Jackson

June 4, 2024

Sky Guard Chennedy Clark Questions Caitlin Clark’s Skills, Defends Foul WNBA Ruled A Flagrant-1 Violation

Saturday's contest marked both the Chicago Sky's and the Indiana Fever's first game in the Commissioner's Cup.

In the aftermath of a clash between WNBA guards Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever during Saturday’s game, tensions continue to escalate.

The incident in which Carter committed a foul play against Clark sparked a heated exchange on social media, with Carter questioning the Fever rookie’s abilities beyond three-point shooting.

Carter wrote on Threads, “& that’s that on that cause beside three point shooting what does she bring to the table man.”

The comment was allegedly a direct response to a play where Clark was sent to the ground after Carter took a jump shot before reportedly shoulder-checking Clark ahead of an inbound attempt. ESPN reported that after reviewing the play, the WNBA upgraded Carter’s foul to a flagrant-1 violation.

Addressing the game’s physical nature, Clark stated, “I grew up playing basketball with the boys, so, like, it’s always been physical and feisty…You gotta find a way to hold your own.”

Fever coach Christie Sides took to social media to condemn Carter’s actions as “unacceptable” and question the league. “When will the consistent complaints be heard?!?” she wrote. “Something has to be done!”

Carter, however, has defended her gameplay against critics, dismissing calls for an “enforcer” to protect Clark. “We grown asf & y’all talking about enforcer man gtfoh, hoop or shut up,” she wrote on X. Athlon Sports reported that fans have suggested Sides and the Fever acquire a player like Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors to safeguard Clark during games.

https://twitter.com/ChennedyCarter/status/1797210059602071613

ESPN noted Clark’s approach to the situation as she stated, “It is what it is. I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate…I’m trying not to let it bother me.”

Angel Reese, who celebrated with Carter after the foul, was fined $1,000 for failure to engage with the media following Saturday’s game. At the same time, the Sky incurred a $5,000 fine for non-compliance with league media policies.

Unfortunately, the heated exchange may have overshadowed Saturday’s contest, which marked both teams’ first game in the Commissioner’s Cup, the WNBA’s in-season tournament.

Jesseca Harris-Dupart, Hair Salon
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 4, 2024

Jesseca Harris-Dupart Shows ‘Anything Is Possible’ After Sharing Her Inspiring Journey

Jesseca Harris-Dupart is giving an aerial view of the business plaza she owns that once housed her first hair salon.

Jesseca Harris-Dupart is giving fans an updated visual of her inspiring journey from single hair salon owner to owner of the entire chain of buildings where she grew her beauty empire.

The Kaleidoscope Hair Products founder and CEO took to Instagram on Sunday, June 2, to provide an aerial view of the massive growth of her haircare company. What started as just one hair salon in 2013 has now grown to include a variety of businesses that lease locations in “The Miracle Plaza,” which Dupart-Harris owns.

To show her followers and supporters that “anything is possible,” Harris-Dupart used herself as an example of the “LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES” that can happen “when you let GOD lead.”

“Who would’ve known the building I rented a suite in to open my salon I would eventually OWN,” she wrote in her caption.

“Crazy thing is my 1st BIG act of faith was right here when I paid the deposit to open the salon …. Cus, the balance in the bank, was real sketchy when I did it, but SCARED AND ALL…. I did it. BIG FAITH got me this BIG BUILDING ❤️❤️ I named it #themiracleplaza.”

“This video is for inspirational purposes only,” Harris-Dupart says at the start of the video.

She stands in front of a Jackson Hewitt location, which used to house the first hair salon she launched in 2013. She walked over to another portion of the lot past a fitness gym to show a building she bought years ago to run her first manufacturing location. But after a decade of grind and growth, Harris-Dupart is proud to announce her ownership of the entire business plaza where she launched her haircare business.

“This entire thing. This entire building. I own it,” she said.

A final drone shot image captures an aerial view of Harris-Dupart’s Miracle Plaza. She stood in front of the plaza with a big smile as Pastor Mike Jr.’s “BIG” played in the background of the video.

The video testimony is an update to the video recap she shared in 2022, providing a visual of her journey from a 20-year-old single mom of three to the owner of a large manufacturing warehouse to run her thriving haircare brand.

“Hope my story of defying the odds can let someone know ANYTHING is possible,” she wrote. “Far from where I’m goin’ but way further from where I started. Do it, do it scared, do it against the odds you’re facing.”

RELATED CONTENT: Real Love: Rapper Da Brat Marries Kaleidoscope Hair Mogul Jesseca ‘Judy’ Dupart

RTO, return to work, return to office, workers, employees, mandate, companies, employees work home
by Jeffrey McKinney

June 4, 2024

Survey: Quarter Of Companies Plan To Boost Return-To-Office Mandates In 2025

A robust 93% of business leaders overall feel employees should be physically present in the office.

The ongoing friction between workers and employers on return-to-office policies (RTO) is causing many businesses to lose talented employee. Now, 25% of companies plan to order employees to return to the office in 2025, according to a ResumeBuilder.com survey of 756 business leaders.

Companies with established RTO policies since 2021 were quizzed to gauge how their policy might change in 2025.  Of the 51 Black business leaders polled, 41% report their company will boost or maintain the number of days employees are required in the office in 2025.

Some 96% of the Black business leaders believe employees should be in the office to support RTO mandates, while 75% report that their company provides incentives to encourage workers to RTO. Eighty-eight percent of the group said their firm lost talent due to RTO requirements.

Entirely 50% of companies demanded workers to be in the office four or more days a week. The survey stated most companies now require employees to work in person three days per week, with nearly 40% of respondents selecting this option.

In a news release, Resume Builder’s Resume and Career Strategist Julia Toothacre pointed out reasons companies are losing workers due to RTO policies.

“People may have moved and aren’t willing to move again to keep their position. It’s also possible that there are familial responsibilities that require a flexible schedule or the need to be at home. Some people also like working from home or remotely and don’t want to return to an office environment.”

So, what is fueling companies’ plans to increase the number of required in-office days for employees? Improving productivity (86%), a desire to enhance company culture (71%), a wish to better employee well-being (57%), and retention (55%) were cited as the top reasons.

The survey indicated that 70% of companies don’t offer incentives to encourage workers to RTO..

“Companies should absolutely be providing incentives to get employees back into the office, if that’s what they want, especially financial incentives,” Toothacre said. “With the rising cost of living, it’s more economical for professionals to work from home, so any additional financial compensation will help employees feel more comfortable returning to the office.”

Read more findings and comments on this topic here.

Black-Owned Brewery
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 4, 2024

Crown & Hops, Black-Owned Brewery, Lock Arms With Fellow Spirits Owners To Diversify The Industry

The breweries share resources, including a facility, to help with production.

A Black-owned brewery has joined forces with other diverse entrepreneurs to expand its reach in the beverage industry. Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. discussed its plan to connect with and elevate Black business owners.

The Inglewood-based company launched in 2019, but its founders, Beny Ashburn and Teo Hunter, swiftly realized the power in numbers. Wanting to grow their impact by uplifting others like themselves, they joined three other Black-owned breweries to start the Circle of Crowns Beverage Group.

“We always understood that what we were building at Crowns & Hops had the opportunity to be something that was industry-changing. There are very few entrepreneurs in the beverage industry, especially the craft beer industry, that were addressing diversity in the space,” Hunter told the Los Angeles Business Journal.

This diversity in the craft beer sector is much needed. Hunter stated that Black entrepreneurs only account for 80 of the 10,000 breweries within the United States. Given this, the Crowns & Hops founders started their business with virtually no expertise or guidance. However, they hope to alleviate this uphill battle for those currently on the journey.

“We’ve had to raise capital. We’ve had to create efficiencies,” explained Ashburn. “We can be a great adviser-consultant guide and help them build that foundation to be successful moving forward. We ourselves had a lot of help getting started, so it’s our opportunity to pay it forward.”

They partnered with fellow California company Full Circle Brewing Co., the nation’s largest Black-owned craft brewery and owners of Speakeasy Ales & Lagers and Sonoma Cider. Together, the cohort shares resources and business acumen to take their brands to new heights. Additionally, focusing on Black consumers within the rising craft beef space remains a priority for the group.

“What we’re doing is not just moving the needle in racial equity for our country, but it is really making an impact on the beverage industry as a whole,” shared Hunter. “People are looking for new consumers and how to find that diversity. For us, it is something that we believe is the future of craft beer.”

Crowns & Hops continues to see its success in action, as sales have grown at a 30% increase annually. With a greater influence in California, the brewery also plans to launch a taproom at LAX airport.

RELATED CONTENT: Top 5 Blacks in Brewery

Hyundai, Lawsuit
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 3, 2024

Hyundai Faces DOL Lawsuit After Being Accused Of Hiring 13-Year-Old Girl To Work Assembly Line 

'Instead of attending middle school, she worked on an assembly line making parts,' the DOJ said in the complaint.

A Hyundai manufacturing plant in Alabama is being sued by the U.S. Department of Labor for allegedly employing a 13-year-old girl to an assembly line—for 50 hours a week. 

The complaint claims the manufacturer hired the minor illegally in collaboration with another auto parts manufacturer and a staffing agency. The Labor Department wants the Alabama federal court to stop the companies from hiring children illegally as well as “surrender profits related to the use of oppressive child labor.”

“A thirteen-year-old girl worked up to 50-60 hours per week at a manufacturing facility in Luverne, Alabama, over a period of six to seven months,” the complaint said. “Instead of attending middle school, she worked on an assembly line making parts.”

The filing accuses the defendants of profiting off of “use of oppressive child labor” with consumers across the country unknowingly purchasing cars assembled by minors.

According to CNN, the child worked on machines that turned sheet metal into body parts for vehicles between July 11, 2021 and February 1, 2022. The allegation put all three companies in violation of child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

“A 13-year-old working on an assembly line in the United States of America shocks the conscience,” Wage and Hour Division Administrator Jessica Looman said in a statement. “As we work to stop illegal child labor where we find it, we also continue to ensure that all employers are held accountable for violating the law.”

Child labor advocates are celebrating the agency’s actions to hold companies accountable for adhering to child labor laws, including in states working toward relaxing laws in place.

In Florida, a bill was proposed on Dec. 14 seeking to eliminate state guidelines for children, ages 16 and 17, on when they can work. Sponsored by Republican State Rep. Linda Chaney, HB 49 would also limit the ability of local government bodies to propose stronger regulations in their communities.

Laws in Florida currently make it illegal for employers to have minors under 18 work more than 30 hours a week throughout the school year, have them work during school hours, have them work between the hours of 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., or schedule older teens to work more than six days in a row.

Hyundai said it “took steps to fix the issue” and took preventable steps that hinders future employment of under-age workers.

“After we learned of the alleged supplier violations, we took immediate actions,” the statement read. “At our request, the suppliers involved terminated their relationships with the third-party staffing agencies even though those agencies had certified that they had screened and cleared individuals as being of legal age. In addition, we completed an investigation and a broader review of our U.S. supplier network.”

“Companies cannot escape liability by blaming suppliers or staffing companies for child labor violations when they are in fact also employers themselves,” Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda said.

Close to 1,000 cases were being investigated by the Labor Department as of 2023, ABC News reports, involving 5,792 children nationwide, including 502 children employed in violation of hazardous occupation standards.

RELATED CONTENT: Investigation Found Tennessee Firm Hired Kids To Clean Head Splitters In Slaughterhouse

fight, delays
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 3, 2024

Brawl Breaks Out Between Airport Workers And Passenger At Spirit Airlines Ticket Counter

The incident that took place at BWI Marshall Airport just outside Baltimore.

A May 28 confrontation at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter at Maryland’s BWI Marshall Airport led to some employees of the airline jumping on a man, The New York Post reports.

The clip, captured on a cellphone and posted on TMZ, shows the passenger, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts, going toward the desk, squaring up against two Spirit Airlines workers dressed in black. A male worker, wearing a white shirt, then comes from behind the counter and is seen striking the passenger. The other men grab the passenger. Another man, also dressed in all black, finally joins the fray as the instigator falls to the ground.

The three men dressed in black continue to pummel the passenger as the man in the white shirt holds him down. The video ends with the employees restraining the passenger.

Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police released a statement to The New York Post confirming the incident.

“Officers responded to the Spirit Airlines ticket counters at BWI Marshall Airport for reports of a fight. Officers identified five involved individuals. One individual suffered minor injuries. All involved parties were provided with victims’ rights and services information, including information about filing criminal charges at the local commissioner’s office.”

The budget airline said the incident that took place around 4:15 p.m. A spokesperson expressed the employees did not work directly for Spirit Airlines but were “employed by our vendor at BWI.”

“Our vendor has suspended four of their employees involved pending an investigation into the matter. We do not tolerate violence of any kind, and we will take appropriate action as necessary following the completion of the vendor’s investigation.”

According to the Post, the budget airline is no stranger to this kind of viral content. “Earlier this month,” the paper reported, “a Spirit Airlines flight attendant nearly got pummeled as she desperately tried to break up a fistfight between two men on a Boston-bound flight.”

RELATED CONTENT: Spirit Airlines Reimburses Family For Placing Child On Wrong Flight, But Doesn’t Offer Explanation

Winston-Salem State University
by Stacy Jackson

June 3, 2024

First Female Chancellor Appointed At Winston-Salem State University

As WSSU's new3 chancellor, Bonita Brown has dedicated the next few weeks to understand the university's and community's challenges.

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) has appointed Bonita Brown as its 14th chancellor, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold the position at the institution.

After an extensive search, Brown was elected by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, following her nomination by the University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans. WSSU confirmed that she will assume her new role on July 1.

Reflecting on her trailblazing appointment, Brown, who previously served as WSSU’s assistant attorney, expressed her determination to be a role model and source of inspiration, drawing from her experiences at other universities. “I always say female leadership is a little bit different from male leadership. So we’ll see how that plays out in the course of my journey here,” she said, according to WXII 12.

Chosen from a pool of 50 candidates after several rounds of interviews, the North Carolina native has prioritized higher education in the state and investing back into the community. Over the next few weeks, Brown plans to dedicate time to understanding the specific challenges faced by the university and the surrounding community before implementing her strategic vision.

“There’s a lot of challenges,” the new chancellor acknowledged. “And so I think for Winston-Salem State, we have to find our grounding, make sure we’re fiscally sound, make sure we’re offering our degree programs that are appropriate for this time and that our students leave with the skills and tools they need to be leaders and entrepreneurs.”

Brown follows in the footsteps of her predecessors, former chancellor Elwood Robinson, whose tenure concluded with his retirement in June 2023, and WSSU provost Anthony Graham, who has served as interim chancellor.

Prior to this appointment, Brown served as the Interim President of Northern Kentucky University, where she navigated a leadership transition and tackled university issues regarding finances and enrollment. As the university’s former Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, she implemented “Success by Design,” a plan that resulted in more than a 5% increase in retention and persistence rates.

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