• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 23, 2023

“I Almost Took My Life,” Black & Brown Gen-Z Women & Girls Speak Out And Prepare To Oust Elected Officials Post Dobbs

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Justice + Joy National Collaborative (Justice+Joy), formerly National Crittenton, released findings from In Our Words: The Impact of Overturning of Roe v. Wade on Girls, Young Women, and Gender-Expansive Young People of Color. The discussions with over 100 youth aged 14–24 covered 14 states with a range of reproductive rights. A briefing will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. PT, following the one-year mark of the Dobbs v. Jackson Supreme Court decision.

“This is a fight for the health, safety, and autonomy of real people, and no one understands that better than young adults and people of color,” said Jeannette Pai-Espinosa, president of Justice + Joy. “They are the future of this country. They are a generation of young people prepared to usher in a wave of leaders committed to depoliticizing their bodies and protecting their rights.”

Key findings include:

1. The Dobbs decision impacted all reproductive healthcare services, such as STI testing, birth control, and routine exams.
   “I’m from Jackson, Mississippi, and the Jackson Women’s Health Organization was the place I would go to receive STI testing. Last month, I tried visiting for my STI test, and the building is now closed. Now I don’t have any option.” – Mississippi.
   
   
2. The Dobbs decision worsened socio-economic disparities and maternal and child health outcomes.
   “I’m Native American. I live around a lot of reservations, and it’s really hard to access, you know, reproductive care up here or even abortion access. Even being in Minnesota, where it is a pro-choice state, it’s still really hard to get abortions when you live on reservations.” – Minnesota.
   
   
3. Young people of color feel anxious, unsafe, and fear prosecution.
   “A girl I know told her best friend that she was getting an abortion. Her best friend’s mom found out, and she called the authorities since they lived in a state where abortion is banned. The police called to say they received information and they have to investigate if she received an abortion and she could now be charged. Ever since this, I have felt unsafe to disclose information because I don’t know if it could be used against me.” – DC/MD/VA.
   
   
4. Youth are making life decisions based on the status of state reproductive rights, which impacts cultural institutions and local economies.
   “I also plan on going to an HBCU after graduating this year. But with everything going on in the south, I have this sort of anxiety to do anything that involves leaving California.” – California.
   
   
5. Youth fear losing other civil and human rights, especially access to contraception, marriage equality, interracial marriage, and gender-affirming care.
   “I feel like the thing that has impacted me the most is not being comfortable to like, live my life, and do things I used to do. Like going to get birth control is scary now. I just fear, like, ‘oh, I’m getting birth control; is this going to be next?'” – Idaho.
   
   
6. Lack of bodily autonomy causes anxiety and affects mental health.
   “The decision affected my mental health. I had issues recently that I couldn’t speak out. I couldn’t tell nobody I wanted to have an abortion. I was stuck in shame and fear. I felt no one would understand me. I almost took my life.” – Virginia.
   
   
7. Youth want holistic sex education and access to reliable information and sources.
   “I haven’t heard anything about improving sexual education in schools or improving access to reproductive care for people. If it’s preventing people from having undesired pregnancies, for example, then they would improve access to reproductive care, and so people would really have sexual health and preventative education. But it seems like it was just a decision they made without thinking of the consequences.” – Alabama.
   
   
8. Young people of color are turning their anger into political activism.
   “I’ve learned that we can’t just expect the people in power to have our backs and support us. So I think we need to take the steps to use our power to elect our leaders and hold them accountable to bring change.” – DC/MD/VA.

Pai-Espinosa continued, “Opponents of reproductive rights may see Dobbs as a watershed moment, but so do we. We stand with a growing movement of young people whose power is about to be felt by their elected leaders in a historic way.”

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, aka ‘Bey,’ is making good on her pledge to support Black-owned businesses.

During a recent stop of her sold-out Renaissance World Tour, Queen Bey donated over $8,000 to a struggling Nigerian restaurant in London, the Miami Herald reports. Thanks to a grant from the BeyGood Foundation, Chuku’s, owned by siblings Ifeyinwa and Emeka Frederick, was awarded $8,793.20 to keep their business afloat.

Knowles-Carter’s foundation is doing some amazing work while Bey works the stage. Chuku’s was one of 10 small businesses selected to receive the grant, beating out over 500 other applicants. The foundation organized the Black Parade Small Business Impact luncheon to honor individuals, communities, and small businesses affected by financial hardships. Emeka spoke about how grateful the restaurant is for the financial assistance. “This grant couldn’t be more welcome. Chuku’s, like other restaurants that don’t have a financial reserve, has been battered by lockdowns and the cost of living crisis,” Emeka said. “Every day, we’re fighting to stay open to make it to our fourth birthday.”

The struggle has been real for this brother-and-sister duo, but they already received some unsolicited help from Beyoncé before the grant. Since the restaurant is close to the Tottenham arena, where five of Bey’s shows have been held, the restaurant has become a “fan favorite” for attendees. Last year, the owners launched a challenge to get 600 bookings in six weeks. Luckily, they saw 800 reservations to help fill up their books with customers ranging from A-list celebs to everyday people who raved about their traditional Nigerian dishes.

 

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Ifeyinwa says this money will make it easier for them to continue celebrating Nigerian culture. “I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant—it feels a bit surreal,” she told ITV. “We’d already felt her impact when she was in town, and concertgoers chose Chuku’s for their pre-gig meal, but this is a whole other level.”

• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 23, 2023

Comcast Reveals $4.5M Grant To Advance Economic Opportunity Through Digital Skill Building And Tech Training

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Comcast Corporation announced a new $4.5 million, three-year grant to Per Scholas, a leading national nonprofit advancing economic equity through tech training and career building. The investment will enable more than 10,000 diverse adults across 15 markets to launch new tech careers, empowering individuals from low-wealth communities to earn a collective $450 million in new wages alone. Notably, the funding will also support Per Scholas expansion to three new markets in need of skilled technologists for digital economies — allowing for even greater community impact.

“The key to closing the digital divide goes beyond just mere access to the Internet,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott​, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Corporation & President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “With nearly one-third of U.S. workers lacking the basic digital skills needed to function and compete in our increasingly digital job market, we need urgent focus on digital literacy and technical skilling — particularly in communities of color. By continuing our partnership with Per Scholas, we are helping to produce measurable outcomes that will create a more prepared and inclusive workforce and better ensure that no community is left behind.”

Since 2021, the Per Scholas-Comcast partnership has resulted in more than 2,500 trained learners across a dozen markets, empowering nearly 1,700 graduates to launch tech careers, generating more than $76 million in collective new earnings. Through this new three-year grant and market expansion, Per Scholas learners will graduate from the “10,000 Accessible Careers in Tech” program equipped with in-demand technical and professional skills that prepares them to succeed in technology careers, with in-house support to identify employment opportunities during and post-graduation. Per Scholas current training tracks include AWS re/Start, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Java Development, and Software Engineering.

“Comcast continually helps Per Scholas unlock potential, building a future of unlimited possibilities,” said Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas. “Our partnership is powerful — Comcast is investing in communities, ensuring digital skills are ubiquitous across America, and hiring Per Scholas-trained technologists. Because of Comcast’s support, we just celebrated our inaugural graduation in Indianapolis, and I’m looking forward to making impact together in cities and communities that could benefit most from Per Scholas’s nationally-recognized, proven tech skills training.”

The 15 markets where the Per Scholas-Comcast partnership is making a difference every day include Atlanta, Baltimore, Greater Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Orlando, the National Capital Region, Newark, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, New York, and two new cities to be announced soon. The Per Scholas grant announcement is part of a $25 million comprehensive funding initiative specifically targeted at creating economic opportunity through digital skills building in 2023, and Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to help advance digital equity and build a future of unlimited possibilities.

This news first appeared on blackprwire.com.

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 23, 2023

Nick Young & Victor Cruz’s Latest Partnership With Tequila Avión Is Every Golf Lovers Dream

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Tequila Avión has connected with former professional basketball player Nick Young and former football wide receiver Victor Cruz. On June 14, 2023, Tequila Aviion partnered with the former players to release two Caddie’s Caddy Kits paired with golf course essentials and signature cocktails by the tequila brand. Golf enthusiasts have inspired both kits, and it features the ultra-premium Avión Range – Reserva 44 Extra Añejo and Reserva Cristalino.

Former NBA shooting guard Young, AKA “Swaggy P,” who played for the Los Angeles Lakers and won a championship with the Golden State Warriors, said in a written statement, “I may be a bucket on the court, but I’ve been working on my swing too. I’m excited to hit the course with my man Victor Cruz and sip on some of this Avión. While I do like to enjoy drinking Tequila Avión Reserva 44 straight on the rocks, I also wanted to create my own spin on the margarita that is Swaggy P approved.”

The Caddie’s Caddy kit includes one 750ml bottle from Tequila Avión’s Reserva Range. Both Young and Cruz inspired the cocktail and items in the kit. It has a crystal decanter and golf accessories, including a bespoke leather nickel bag with a ball marker, bar towel, and autographed collectible golf balls by the two former players.

“Nick may be swaggy, but I’m already salsa dancing to the finish line,” said Cruz, who played for the New York Giants, in a press release. “Touchdowns may be what I’m known for, but every win needs a celebration, and I prefer the quality and taste of Cristalino to toast all the elevated moments in life.”

• The Nick Young “Swaggy Marg” Cocktail Kit: The elder by one year, Nick Young, prefers an aged extra Añejo tequila, choosing Avión Reserva 44 for its complex and rich flavor experience. Young is toasting at the 19th hole with “The Swaggy Marg,” – a refreshing summer cocktail with watermelon, lime, and honey.
• The Victor Cruz “Spicy Cruzarita” Cocktail Kit: The smooth moves of Cruz’s salsa dancing are a perfect match for the silky smoothness of Avión Reserva Cristalino. Renowned for its clarity thanks to a doubled-charcoal filtration process, the refined liquid is a unique blend of the finest 12-month-old añejo tequila and a touch of 3-year-old extra añejo. The “Spicy Cruzarita” adds fuego to the competition with homemade summer pepper syrup and lime.

The kits are available for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $230 each while supplies last.

• News

by Iman Milner

June 23, 2023

‘Black Press,’ Omaha’s Oldest Black-Owned Newspaper, Now Owned By A Black Woman

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The Omaha Star, Nebraska’s oldest Black-owned newspaper, is now owned by Terri Sanders, a Black woman, and native Omahan.

According to NBC 6 News, Sanders becomes the fifth woman to take charge of The Star but the first to have sole ownership. “This is more than surreal — this has been a dream for a long time,” she said. For 85 years, the paper has focused on positive stories happening in and around the north Omaha area, a move seldom made by more mainstream publications.

The Star has had a rich legacy of Black leadership that Sanders is eager to continue.

“Phyllis Hicks was the publisher, as was Frankie Williams. And I am No. 5,” she said. “I knew Mrs. Mildred Brown as a little girl growing up in Omaha. I knew what she represented and believed in it.”

As the only Black newspaper in the state, The Star has held an important place in the community, and though there are plans to make some changes, moving the paper to any location other than north Omaha is off the table, reports to NBC 6 News. “It was important to keep it here and not move it, and not have someone outside of our community that did not understand the relevance and the importance and the history that goes along with The Omaha Star,” Sanders said.

The changes she plans to make involve turning the newsroom of the historic building into a memorial that honor’s the paper’s founder and establishing a larger digital footprint for the publication. “We want to turn part of the building where we’re standing now into a museum — a museum dedicated to Mildred Brown, the Black newspaper, and Black journalism,” she said. The Black population has declined in the past few years, amounting to only 12% of the total populace since the COVID-19 pandemic; however, north Omaha is home to over half of that total.

One program is making it its responsibility to see more Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry.

The Black CannaBusiness CEO Intensive Program is a free six-week executive program that features virtual and in-person workshops and training sessions, Forbes reports. Topics for the courses range from risk management and leadership to finance and marketing/sales. Sponsored by heavyweight cannabis operator, Parallel, the program debuted in April 2022 in Boston but has circulated to other major cities, including Chicago, Denver, Tampa, and Pittsburgh.

Created by Black CannaBusiness or BCB, the program has worked with over 100 minority and Black entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of community building, which program co-founder and instructor Brandon Wyatt says is the key to a successful business. “No business can survive in isolation,” Wyatt said. “Through our Black CannaBusiness Mastermind experience, participants are able to reestablish the vital business ecosystems and community trust, which has been intentionally altered by the ‘war on drugs.’”

Both Wyatt and Co-Founder Todd Hughes have experience in the offered courses. Hughes is a serial entrepreneur and community organizer, and Wyatt is a business attorney, so they know what it takes to make it in this industry; being supported by Parallel is just the icing on the cake. James Jackson, Parallel’s senior director of Social Equity, says they were “honored” to work with so many entrepreneurs across the country. Entering year number two of the program is exciting as it’s important to “reach a new class of entrepreneurs now that we’ve established a track record of success,” according to Benzinga.

The program is open to cannabis business owners of color, and owners of all levels are encouraged to apply, but there are a few requirements. There is a time commitment of 65 hours as participants must attend mandatory in-person workshops in their region and be willing to participate in group training sessions, homework, and group assignments.

Applications for Black CannaBusiness open on July 7.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 23, 2023

Georgia Police Department Cries They ‘Made A Mistake’ After Using Photos Of A Black Man For Target Practice

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A controversy has developed in Georgia after the Villa Rica police department used a photograph of a Black man for target practice during a firearms safety class. According to NBC News, the police department, located roughly 33 miles west of Atlanta, is now under investigation.

Photos of people participating in the target practice, aiming their weapons at a life-sized picture of a Black man, were posted on social media, causing an uproar. 

Although the photos have since been deleted from the police department’s Facebook page, the damage has already been done after social media users took screenshots of the post, causing it to go viral.

Following the incident, the Villa Rica Police Department released a statement saying, “The targets utilized in our recent firearms class depicted realistic human images and were part of a package which included target images of people from various ethnic groups. It was never our intention to be insensitive, inflammatory, or offensive to anyone. However, we respect the honest opinions of our fellow citizens and apologize for any offense we may have caused. We invite everyone to attend one of our next citizen firearms classes and share in a positive experience alongside us.”

Villa Rica’s Chief of Police, Michael Mansour, told NBC News that the targets with Black men are typically used in various police departments throughout the state for training, and they also use white and Asian targets. However, the only photos posted on its Facebook page were of the Black targets. Mansour, who would not identify the officer responsible for posting the images, stated that using those images was a mistake.

“It’s just an innocent mistake, but it was a mistake,” Mansour told NBC News. “And I’m very transparent in saying that we messed up. But at no time will I accept people telling me I’m a racist or our department is a racist because we made a mistake.”

The NAACP of Carroll County, located in the same area as the police department, wrote an open letter to Mansour stating the targets used were “extremely offensive” and requested a meeting with city leaders.

Akilah Davis, a local TV news anchor at WTVD in Raleigh, North Carolina, made a powerful statement on Juneteenth by embracing her natural hair after appearing without her wig on live television.

Growing up, Davis’ hair texture was often misunderstood, leading her mother to use various hair-straightening techniques to make it more manageable.

“I didn’t think she had bad hair. She just didn’t have the texture I had,” Davis’ mom, Debra, said during an interview with ABC 7. “The only way I could fix it was to either hot comb it or perm it.”

Unfortunately, Davis grew up adopting the belief perpetuated by societal messages, including those from TV and magazines, that straight hair was the only standard of beauty.

“The message really stayed with a generation of Black women in particular who really had to work to overcome the idea that something about their hair was inherently inadequate,” said Dr. Jasmine Cobb, a professor of African American studies at Duke University and the author of the book New Growth: The Art and Texture of Black Hair.

However, amid the global racial reckoning sparked by George Floyd’s murder in 2020, a quiet movement among Black women was gaining momentum. Many women, including Davis, began embracing their natural hair as a symbol of freedom and self-expression.

“One way we’re redefining and reclaiming our identity is through our hair,” said Maya Anderson, a loctician at Locs, Naturals, & More, citing the growing trend of Black women starting locs. “Just get up, shake your hair, move on with the day and not have to worry about rain or humidity.”

In December 2021, Davis had micro locs installed by Anderson that she concealed with a wig for over a year. On Juneteenth, she decided to remove the wig on live TV, sharing her journey to hair freedom. In doing so, she hoped to inspire other women and young girls who struggle to embrace their roots.

“I’m just proud of you doing what you’re doing and being brave by presenting yourself how you want to present yourself,” her mother told her.

This news first appeared on blacknews.com.

Mariah Lovemore, an African American cosmetologist who is also the founder and CEO of Naija by Lovemore beauty products, spent seven years researching and developing a hair growth formula for Black women and men who wear natural hairstyles, and now she has finally broken the code so to speak.

The product is called Naija Growth Elixir, and it helps make natural hair more manageable, softer, and shinier which retains length and stimulates growth in areas treating alopecia, postpartum, and dandruff. Her innovative formula accomplishes all of this without leaving a person’s natural hair and scalp feeling greasy. It has given people of African descent hope and courage to wear their hair with confidence while enjoying its invigorating and pleasant fragrance.

Maria says that she inherited her entrepreneurial spirit such as passion, creativity, confidence, motivation, optimism resilience, and decisiveness. She says that “her motto from the source of healing” goes deeper than the surface. Her sense of community has driven her to address and help those suffering from suicide and depression during the pandemic through song and inspiration by way of Puerto Rico, Mexico, and beyond.

As an experienced cosmetologist, she pays close attention to her client’s needs and specifically targeted the necessary ingredients to resolve and beautify her customers. Naija Growth Elixir, which is her newest breakthrough product, is a high-quality oil blend that is stored in a special ombre glass bottle with essential oils.

She comments, “I researched this project for seven years and was able to give some of my customers prototypes of the formulation. Their positive feedback and reactions inspired and motivated me that I had successfully developed a winning product.” After realizing that she was now ready to go to market, she came up with the company name “Naija By Lovemore” and decided to name her first product “Naija Growth Elixir.”

This news first appeared on blacknews.com.

Johnson C. Smith will have some new leadership on board thanks to alumna Dr. Valerie Kinloch.

Kinloch was announced as the university’s 15th president, WBTV reported. Kinloch is an alum of the Charlotte, NC-based HBCU and a member of the school’s Board of Trustees, who selected her with a unanimous vote.

Chairman Steven Boyd said the decision was easy. “Valerie’s proven leadership, deep background in academia, and intimate knowledge of Johnson C. Smith University gives her the expertise and credibility to continue our transformation,” Boyd said. “She is a dynamic leader and change agent pure and simple.”

Kinloch will be taking over for Clarence D. Armbrister, who served as the university’s president for five years and announced his retirement earlier this year.

Her resume speaks for itself. Currently, Kinloch holds the title of Dean of the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, where she has recruited top faculty, led transformative academic growth, and exceeded fundraising expectations. She oversaw more than $9 million in capital projects and renovations.

The Golden Bull alum received her bachelor’s degree in English and Literature in 1996 and her master’s and doctorate degree from Wayne State University. This full circle moment brings on a lot of excitement for Kinloch. “It’s a dream come true to be invited to lead one of the finest historically Black colleges and universities in America – and at the same time, come home,” Kinloch said, according to QCity Metro. “We need to make space for innovation and for different types of learning – not just inside classrooms but also through internships, experiential engagements, and job placements with businesses, organizations and community groups with whom we have deep relationships.”

Boyd will serve as the interim president until Kinloch’s start date of Aug. 1.