‘I Am My Hair’: Unilever Salon To Test Products To Understand Black Hair Care

by Sharelle Burt

June 22, 2023

‘I Am My Hair’: Unilever Salon To Test Products To Understand Black Hair Care

Unilever is taking steps to truly understand Black people and their hair.

For an experiment, Unilever, one of the largest consumer goods conglomerates in the United States, opened up a salon called the Polycultural Center of Excellence for Black people to test products and give their honest opinions, The New York Times reports. Unilever owns some of the most popular haircare brands like Dove, Vaseline, and SheaMoisture. As the Black women provided their feedback, scientists and hairstylists just listened, taking notes on their phones.

The salon hosted about 50 men and women to test certain products. None of the participants were told what products were being tested or what executives thought they should be used for. The team then observed how the testers interacted with each product just in case they decided to reveal what it is used for. Peter Schrooyen, who supervises Unilever’s research and development for beauty brands in North America, says that while their work is commendable, there is still a long way to go. “I’ve been amazed with the work that’s been done so far, but also the work we still have to do,” Schrooyen said.

“We have a lot of understanding of people with darker skin from India, from Africa, but there’s relatively little information we have on the African American, the Black and brown and Hispanic people from North America.”

In recent years, the company made different changes to the brands, including upgrading Vaseline’s lotion formula, adding 88% more moisture. Dove rolled out a new line, including detangling conditioners and hair masks with honey, jojoba, aloe, and coconut oil. For Black women concerned about dandruff, SheaMoisture introduced a scalp care line focused on the issue.

The consumer goods brands understand that the Black haircare market is a highly undervalued place, understanding that Black consumers are a group that beauty companies have ignored for decades and constantly overlook. In 2021, Black Americans spent $6.6 billion on beauty, which is over 11% of the total beauty market in the United States and slightly behind the 12.4% of Black representation of the total population, according to a report from McKinsey.

Black Motorist Profiled By Cop Who Writes Him A Ticket For Hanging Air Freshener

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 22, 2023

Black Motorist Profiled By Cop Who Writes Him A Ticket For Hanging Air Freshener

A Black TikTok user named Alex Harbour recorded his interaction with a white police officer who pulled him over. He was stopped in Wall Township, New Jersey, after the officer said Harbour didn’t put on his turn signal. Although Harbour disputed that claim, he questioned the police officer why he was stopped.

The video clip is labeled, “When they pull you over for NO REASON but have to find A REASON.” As Harbour speaks to the police officer, he politely requests the officer contact his supervisor because Harbour was driving a company car and felt it was an unlawful traffic stop.

As the exchange continued, the police officer informed Harbour he was stopped because his “Little Tree” air freshener was “obstructing his view.”

The video continued with Harbour explaining to the camera he was being followed for a while, and instinctively, like many Black people, assumed he would soon be stopped. While having a strong intuition about what could happen next, Harbour said he purposely used his turn signal, and that’s when the police officer made his move to make the traffic stop.

@sxvagexi like for part 2! the supervisor came!#police #policebrutalitymuststop #anotherdayatwork #harassmentawareness #unlawful #abuseofpowerawareness #tomuchfacebookvideos #viral #wrongdoor #penalcode #3937 ♬ original sound – iAMSXVAGE

Following the supervisor’s arrival and another brief back-and-forth exchange, the officer said the driver would not be ticketed for failure to use a turn signal; instead, he would be ticketed for obstruction of view due to his hanging air freshener.

@sxvagexi #police #policebrutalitymuststop #anotherdayatwork #harassmentawareness #unlaw #uoa #unlawafuluseofauthority #viral #wrongdoor #penalcode3937 #3937 #unlawful #walltownshippolice #newjersey #fyp ♬ original sound – iAMSXVAGE

Harbour got plenty of advice, with many stating he should fight the ticket. Unless another video is recorded, there is no known court date or decision made by Harbour. But the clip revealed the ongoing harassment of Black people by law enforcement.

A Nia Long Memoir Is On The Horizon With Promise Of ‘Truth And Transparency’

by Iman Milner

June 22, 2023

A Nia Long Memoir Is On The Horizon With Promise Of ‘Truth And Transparency’

Celebrated actress and Hollywood mainstay Nia Long will publish her memoir with 13A, an imprint of Gallery Books, according to ESSENCE.

The book is said to chronicle Long’s decades-spanning career, motherhood, and activism, and will feature untold stories from the 52-year-old actress. “I am thrilled to have found a home for my memoir at Gallery and 13A,” Long said. “My steps to finding divine purpose have been thoughtful and intentional. For better or worse, you will find truth and transparency in the storytelling, sprinkled with 90s nostalgia.”

The New York native has kept a pretty low profile when it comes to her private life; however, a highly-publicized split from her ex-fiancé and former Boston Celtics head coach, Ime Udoka, led Long to be more vocal about her children as well as her life away from the silver screen.

Reprising her role as Jordan Armstrong for The Best Man: The Final Chapters as well as playing opposite Eddie Murphy in Our People, Long has proven that she has true staying power in an industry that is known for discarding women as they age. After three decades, audiences are still buying everything Nia Long is selling; chances are her memoir will be no different.

“Nia Long’s life has unfolded on screen, right before our eyes, from Boyz n the Hood to Love Jones and beyond,” Charles Suitt, Publisher of 13A said. “Yet there is just something so relatable about her. She is a trailblazer who is all about action. We are looking forward to her telling her truth, as only Nia can.”

13A is an imprint of Simon & Schuster, and named for the amendment that abolished slavery. The imprint focuses on “publishing the leading Black voices in sports, entertainment, lifestyle, and other areas,” according to Yahoo News. Sports journalist, Stephen A. Smith‘s upcoming memoir, Straight Shooter: A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes, will also be published through 13A later this year.

Black Hardware Store Employee Targeted With Racist Prank After Finding Noose On Juneteenth

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 22, 2023

Black Hardware Store Employee Targeted With Racist Prank After Finding Noose On Juneteenth

The wheels of racism continue to spin in Texas.

According to CBS News Texas, an Ace Hardware store in Arlington was at the center of a racist prank against a Black employee on Juneteenth.

A Black employee, Devondrick Hartsfield, who has been with the company for four months, said that on June 19, 2023, while walking in the back of the store with a store manager he spotted a noose hung from the store’s ceiling.

“Before we walked to the door, he told me to look up, and I looked up, and when I looked back at him, he was like, ‘It’s a joke, Juan left his backpack,'” Hartsfield said. “And when I looked back up, I saw the noose with the rope, and I was like, ‘What the hell?'”

Now an investigation is underway.

“I took it as a Black man being hung, dismembered. The bag to me looked to me like a Black man who was hung and dismembered,” he said. “I really feel like that was a message.”

Hartsfield is a delivery driver for Van Marcke’s Ace Hardware. He said that he is the only Black employee at the store.

The Facebook page of the Arlington store left a message reassuring customers they were looking into the alleged racist incident.

“In light of recent events, Van Marcke’s Ace Hardware would like to assure you and the entire community that any allegations of racism; or any discrimination is being thoroughly investigated and addressed with the utmost urgency. We take such incidents seriously and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for both our employees and customers.”

Due to what he saw, Hartsfield said he fears returning to work. He said a supervisor apologized, but he has contacted the local NAACP chapter and OSHA, asking them both to investigate.

Issa Rae Steps Up To ‘Invest In The Black Community’ With The ‘Backing Change’ Initiative

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 22, 2023

Issa Rae Steps Up To ‘Invest In The Black Community’ With The ‘Backing Change’ Initiative

Issa Rae is the creator behind television hits like Insecure and her current Rap Sh*t, but she’s also a small business owner who’s passionate about amplifying other Black and small businesses.

That’s why Issa teamed up with American Express to support the Backing Change initiative that aids underrepresented-owned small businesses with tools including grants and funding, Business Class content that helps businesses become more resilient and resourceful, a Contract Connections platform that connects Buyers and Suppliers, and a ByBlack program that serves as the first national certification program exclusively for Black-ownership designation.

Speaking exclusively with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Issa shared more about her involvement in the initiative and how it helps early entrepreneurs overcome common business hurdles.

Tell us about the importance of initiatives like Backing Change and what inspired your involvement.

I’ve been an American Express Card Member since 2006 and have partnered with them since 2019 – I continue to be impressed with the many resources they provide to small businesses, especially those owned by minority entrepreneurs. I’ve had the chance to meet and connect with many entrepreneurs to hear about their journeys and challenges firsthand. American Express provides unprecedented access to capital, resources, and tools for small businesses, all under the Backing Change umbrella. Support and resources go such a long way and AmEx truly walks the walk.

What are some common challenges early entrepreneurs face that initiatives like Backing Change help to combat?

Finding and connecting with customers and accessing capital are two of the most common challenges entrepreneurs face. Backing Change includes ByBlack, powered by the US Black Chambers Inc., and it’s the first national certification program exclusively for Black ownership designation. That means Black-owned small businesses can get a quick, simple, and free accreditation that allows customers and other companies to easily find these businesses. I certified my hair care business, Sienna Naturals, and customers have expressed that they appreciate having a trusted database to help them buy Black.

As another way to help entrepreneurs get customers, Amex offers Contract Connections in partnership with the National 8(a) association – this is a matchmaking program connecting small suppliers with government agencies and large corporations who are buyers, for one-on-one meetings to discuss shared business opportunities. In particular, ChallengeHER helps boost government contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses through free workshops, mentoring, and direct access to contractors.

Small business owners can also get access to funding options that can help jump-start or grow their business through American Express’ Business line of credit, which offers flexible funding – customers use what they need and only pay for the amount borrowed.

Minority-owned businesses are often the most economically vulnerable, so I appreciate that American Express offers funding options to help these entrepreneurs.

Is Buying Black a priority for you? What are some ways you enjoy supporting Black-owned businesses?

Of course! I’ve been a supporter of buying small and buying local and living and working in South L.A., which means buying Black. Every dollar spent on a local, small business puts money back into our community, so it’s so important to invest in the Black community by patronizing businesses started by our smart and innovative business leaders.

How has it been managing your career in Hollywood and your entrepreneurial endeavors like Sienna Naturals and Hilltop Coffee?

I’m grateful to have such an amazing team of employees and collaborators to help me juggle so many of my dream endeavors. The most important tool for me has been time management. I’m very realistic with myself about my timelines and I tend to be regimented about what I lend my focus to.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 22, 2023

Solange Knowles Launches ‘Small Matter Objects’ Glassware Collection Under Saint Heron

Solange Knowles is showing her diverse range of talent and creativity with the launch of her first-ever glassware collection under her Saint Heron imprint.

On Tuesday, June 20, Solange took to Instagram to debut her 5-piece collection of hand-blown glassware dubbed “Small Objects Matter.” According to the singer/songwriter, the collection is “intended to deepen the contributions of Blackness to objects, collecting, design and glassblowing.”

“It is our hope that these glass works become cherished objects in your own sacred spaces,” she shared in her caption.

The “Cranes In The Sky” singer designed the pieces herself and had them produced by glassblower Jason McDonald, who has been working in the field since age 14, as noted by Ebony.

“The glassware reveals the sentience of household objects through the landscape of Black domesticity,” Solange explained.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Solange (@solangeknowles)

McDonald describes the pieces as “forever material,” that Solange designed the brown, black, and tan hued-pieces, as a form of “healing” and a way of learning to let “go of control.”

“Glass is a material in its constant need for the song and dance of movement that taught me the art of surrender, and the will of letting go of control…something that has kept me safe my whole life, that no longer serves me in the way that brings light to my life,” she wrote.

“I learned that in a hot shop in Florida, and now must let that work show up in my daily journey and walk of life. I am thankful these objects are physical evidence and reminders of the work I must continue to do.”

The pieces are priced at around $147 and were sold out shortly after Solange unveiled the collection. Many of her fans and supporters left comments under her post requesting new stock.

“If ya’ll don’t put it up for pre-order and make some more. I need my 004 and 005 sets,” Beyoncé’s personal stylist Zerina Akers wrote.

“It sold out 😞I just woke up and was going to buy it (8:30 am pst) lol and it was all gone damn next time,” added someone else.

Moderate Will Hurd, a Trump Critic, Joins 2024 Republican Race

by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

June 22, 2023

Moderate Will Hurd, a Trump Critic, Joins 2024 Republican Race

Former U.S. Representative Will Hurd, a moderate who was once the sole Black Republican in Congress, on Thursday joined the crowded race to beat Donald Trump for the party’s 2024 presidential nomination.

Hurd, 45, announced his candidacy in a video and a Twitter post that stressed unity, the economy and equal opportunity for all Americans – and pulled no punches in taking on the former president.

“If we nominate a lawless, selfish, failed politician like Donald Trump – he lost the House, the Senate and the White House – we all know Joe Biden will win again,” Hurd said.

Painting a stark contrast to Trump, Hurd said his vision of America would acknowledge science, address mental health, and be inclusive and understanding.

“It’s not a given that this vision for America will happen, but it can if we focus on our timeless principles and limitless potential, not self-interest in politics,” Hurd said.

A former undercover CIA officer in the Middle East and South Asia, Hurd served on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee. He was first elected to Congress in 2014.

Hurd did not run for re-election in his southern Texas border district in 2020, saying he wanted to pursue opportunities outside Congress.

In 2019, he strongly criticized tweets by then-President Trump saying four progressive Democratic minority congresswomen, including one born in Somalia, should “go back” to where they came from.

“Those tweets are racist and xenophobic,” Hurd said at the time.

Trump remains the front-runner in the crowded field of Republicans aiming to unseat President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic candidate in 2024.

Hurd is the second Black candidate in the Republican race, joining U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina.

He is the latest long-shot candidate to join a group that also includes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former Governors Nikki Haley of South Carolina and Chris Christie of New Jersey.

Since leaving Congress, Hurd has worked as a managing director at Allen & Company, a board member for OpenAI, and trustee of the German Marshall Fund, according to his website. He also has been a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

Hurd for America submitted a candidacy filing with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 22, 2023

Larsa Pippen Entitled To 50/50 Split Of Scottie Pippens Retirement Funds

Larsa Pippen just scored a huge win in her years-long divorce from Scottie Pippen. It looks like the former basketball wife could receive half of his retirement package.

New legal documents reveal the order that was put in place in L.A. County court that grants Larsa, 48, rights to Scottie’s Chicago Bulls 401(k) and “savings plan trust,” The Blast reported. With Larsa being married to Scottie from 1997 to 2016, she was legally awarded half of the amount that was accrued in all account balances from 1997 to 2016.

Regardless of what’s in Scottie’s account, Larsa is legally entitled to the full amount.

“To the extent, there are no assets in his account sufficient to satisfy the assignment benefit on the date a separate account is established for (Larsa), the order should be interpreted as an award of 100% of (Scottie’s) vested account balance,” the doc stated.

In the order a judge signed on June 16, 2023, Larsa is to receive the funds in a cash lump sum and “as soon as administratively possible following the approval of this order.”

This is good news for The Real Housewives of Miami star who still takes care of their four children, sons Scotty Jr., 22, Preston, 21, and Justin, 18, and daughter Sophia, 14. She also reportedly has plans of having another with her current boyfriend Marcus Jordan, the son of Scottie’s former teammate and long-time enemy Michael Jordan.

Marcus, 32, recently opened up on the latest episode of the iHeart radio podcast Separation Anxiety with Larsa Pippen & Marcus Jordan, about their plans to welcome children together.

“There’s been conversations around [having kids],” Marcus explained

“When we go and we meet people, or I’m introducing you to some of my friends, or you introduce me to some of your friends I feel like it gets brought up. But I feel like we’ve never had a one-on-one, private conversation about having children.”

“It’s one of those things where I think time will tell, you know?” Larsa added. “I do feel like I’m happy, because I have four kids, and I feel like you don’t have kids, so basically it’d be a question for you.”

“Because I’m really fulfilled with my four children,” Larsa said before later admitting that she would be “open to having one more child.”

The Harlem Festival Of Culture Honors Cam’Ron And Tamika Mallory

by Lauren Nutall

June 22, 2023

The Harlem Festival Of Culture Honors Cam’Ron And Tamika Mallory

In celebration of Juneteenth, the Harlem Festival of Culture hosted its Second Annual Black Independence Awards on Saturday, June 17, at Harlem Parish. The Harlem festival is dedicated to preserving Harlem’s legacy as the hub of live cultural and music entertainment, while encouraging health and economic prosperity for the neighborhood’s diverse communities and creatives. The festival spotlighted today’s most influential leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and creators who have helped shape Harlem culturally, socially, and economically. Later on this summer, the first Harlem Festival of Culture will take place from July 28–30, with a slate of special guests including artists FERG, Teyana Taylor, Cam’ron, Wyclef Jean, Muni Long, Bell Biv DeVoe, and many more.

The Black carpet event kicked off with a cocktail pre-reception followed by an elegant sit-down dinner catered by Babbalucci. Once guests finished dining, the awards presentation ceremony began, hosted by award-winning journalist and BE’s Selena Hill. The Second Annual Black Independence Awards featured several categories. This year also featured a Special Awards category. Hip-hop icon and entrepreneur Cam’ron was the recipient of The Legacy Leader Award. Tamika Mallory, a social justice activist and author, received The Champion Award, and the leadership team behind Harlem Week were honored with The Vanguard Award.

During his acceptance speech, Cam’ron shared what his life was like as a young child growing up in Harlem. His family relocated from Atlantic City to the neighborhood, where he went to school and played basketball with his friend and fellow music icon Ma$e. Cam’ron initially dreamed of going into the NBA. However, his interests slowly shifted to hip-hop. The rapper credits Ma$e and Dame Dash as the reason why he got his start in the music industry and revealed that he carries Harlem with him wherever he goes.

Along with the Special Awards honorees, there were six additional categories. Nominees in these categories spanned across different industries, acknowledging individuals and businesses that have helped the Harlem community and have gone under-recognized for their work.

Presenters for the Black Independence Awards included HFC Co-Founders Nikoa Evans, Musa Jackson, and Yvonne McNair, Shea Moisture’s Global Head of Purpose & Brand Partnerships, Simone Jordan, Tamika Mallory’s sister, Sharon Mallory, and the President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc Morial.

Winners of the Black Independence Awards 2023 by category were:

The Flex Your Style Award Presented by Shark Beauty: Felicia Michelle Strong

Social Impact Award: Rachel Noerdlinger
Cultural Heritage Award: Lee Lee’s Baked Goods
Maverick Award: Harlem Hops
Visionary Award: Denny Moe’s
Entrepreneurial Award: Black N Ugly

Saturday had several buzzworthy moments, including a special musical tribute to Cam’ron performed by Award-winning violinist Mapy also known as “The Violin Queen” and a powerful speech in honor of Juneteenth delivered by Tamika Mallory. The Urban League’s Morial also shared the organization’s plans to remain in New York City, which was originally founded in Harlem. The Urban League will be completing one of the largest and most significant building projects Harlem has seen in five decades—the Urban League Empowerment Center. Located on 125th Street, this new project will include headquarters, New York’s first civil rights museum, and the National Urban League Conference Center for Race, Equity and Justice. Morial also discussed how an essential component for the Urban League is ensuring affordable housing.

For more information about this year’s event, visit the website.

Morehouse Alum Says No More Financial Fouls For Black Athletes, Launches Firm To Help Secure Long-Term Wealth

by Stacy Jackson

June 22, 2023

Morehouse Alum Says No More Financial Fouls For Black Athletes, Launches Firm To Help Secure Long-Term Wealth

A Morehouse graduate is working to change the culture around professional athletes and wealth management.

Rashaun Williams created Antimatter Business Partners (ABP) firm to help Black athletes manage and grow their money. Williams’ primary strategies include venture capital and private equity investing and exposure to ownership opportunities, Sportico reported.

The firm provides opportunities for athletes to invest and increase financial literacy, among other services. The chairman and CEO of ABP told Sportico, “We’re trying to help the modern athlete invest like the owners.” Williams noted that financial advisors could contribute to poor money management for athletes — whether intended or not. He said to Sportico, “The vast majority of financial advisors are not bad people, but many of them are misdiagnosing athletes and entertainers.” The founder of ABP added, “They are giving athletes the same strategy as they give someone that works until they are 65 and spend $50K a year.”

Over 100 professional athletes, current and retired, have already joined the firm, AfroTech reported. Some athletes include NFL safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, NBA forward Wendell Carter Jr., and NBA guard Terance Mann, Sportico reported.

In 2012, ESPN’s documentary 30 For 30: Broke revealed that nearly 78% of professional football players and 60% of professional basketball players went broke within five years of retiring. NPR reported a lack of financial literacy, extravagant purchases, and poor or non-existent financial planning for the off-season as some of the common reasons athletes go broke. According to NPR, ESPN’s documentary cited child support as another reason athletes can quickly lose money. The outlet reported that Evander Holyfield, a former professional boxer, has 11 children to pay child support. Injury is another hidden reason athletes who mismanage their money while playing might lose their fortune. According to NPR, injuries sustained over time can hinder an athlete from working specific jobs after retiring from the game.