• News

by Black Enterprise

September 4, 2024

National Civil Rights Museum To Honor Spike Lee, Sherilyn Ifill, Xernona Clayton With Freedom Award

According to a press release from the museum, part of the reason for Lee’s selection is his long history with Jordan Brand, the presenting sponsor of the award.

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The National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Motel will honor acclaimed director Spike Lee, President and Director-Counsel Emeritus of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund Sherrilyn Ifill, and broadcast executive and civil rights leader Xernona Clayton with the Freedom Award.

According to a press release from the museum, part of the reason for Lee’s selection is his long history with Jordan Brand, the award’s presenting sponsor. Lee was part of the brand’s iconic rollout of the Air Jordan III, appearing in commercials alongside Michael Jordan as Mars Blackmon, the character from Lee’s breakthrough 1986 film, She’s Gotta Have It.

According to the Freedom Award website, the honorees were chosen based on their accomplishments and dedication to freedom and civil rights.

“Our honorees are presented the award for their work, impact, and accomplishments in the name of freedom and civil rights. A Special Tribute is paid to those who stand against injustice and inequity,” the website states.

According to Sarah Mensah, the president of Jordan Brand, “Spike is an integral member of the Jordan Family and someone who, like Michael and the Jordan Brand, represents greatness and inspires others to the same. We’re thrilled to be partnering with this esteemed institution to recognize and celebrate his work and contributions.”

According to National Civil Rights Museum President Dr. Russ Wiggington, there is good synergy between the Jordan Brand and the museum.

“One of the museum’s key pillars include economic empowerment, which is an issue Jordan Brand is impacting through several community initiatives,” Wigginton said. “This announcement is timely as we observe Black Philanthropy Month. Our partnership with Jordan Brand proves that representation matters as we explore how benevolent business and corporate responsibility manifests in our society. Doing good is also good for business.”

Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand announced plans for a 10-year $100 million Black Community Commitment in 2020. The commitment involves investing in sustainable solutions aimed at creating change in social and economic justice and education. In a June press release, Nike announced over $8 million in grants had been given to 37 organizations. 

According to Mensah, “The Jordan Brand has a unique and distinct role to play in continuing to elevate Black culture and Black communities. It’s why we are so committed to partnering closely with organizations who are boldly and intentionally leading the change to create a more equitable future for Black Americans. We are privileged to support these organizations in their inspiring work.”

The Freedom Award will be presented to the honorees on October 17 at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. The award ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be hosted by rapper and actress MC Lyte. Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox will perform.

RELATED CONTENT: Dr. Clayborne Carson To Receive National Civil Rights Museum Freedom Award Along With Stacey Abrams, Kerry Kennedy

• Sports

by Black Enterprise

September 4, 2024

NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin Joins ‘It Is What It Is’ Podcast As Football Analyst

The seasoned commentator joins Cam'ron, Ma$e, and Stat Baby on the popular YouTube program.

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With the premiere of its latest season, Cameron “Cam’ron” Giles and Mason “Ma$e” Betha have announced that former Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin has joined the It Is What It Is podcast.

The current slate of episodes, which started on Sept. 2, signifies the beginning of Season 5 for the popular sports show. Irvin is the show’s newest football analyst, replacing the deceased former NFL Hall of Famer O.J. Simpson, who died earlier this year in April.

Irvin is a three-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver who played his whole career with the Dallas Cowboys and is no stranger to giving his commentary on sports. He worked for the NFL Network as an analyst for 15 years while also appearing on various sports programs like ESPN’s First Take, GET UP, Sunday NFL Countdown, and other ESPN programs. Irvin had a successful career and was acknowledged for his many achievements on the football field. The analyst is a Hall of Fame All-1990s NFL team member, appearing in five Pro Bowls (1991-1995), a one-time All-Pro, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Feb. 3, 2007. He was also inducted into the Dallas Cowboys’ Ring of Honor on Sept. 19, 2005. During his professional career, he caught 750 passes for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns in 11 NFL seasons. 

Hip-hop fans were in for a special treat when former Bad Boy recording artist Ma$e kicked the show off with a stunning, unexpected freestyle that proves that he still has the chops and lyrical prowess he’s known for since he came into the hip-hop world as Murder Ma$e.

In May, at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit in Atlanta, Cam’ron told the audience how the podcast It Is What It Is got started along with his Harlem childhood friend, Ma$e, and moderated by Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson.

RELATED CONTENT: Cam’Ron Pays Homage To OJ Simpson Amid Ongoing Criticism

• News

by Shanique Yates

September 4, 2024

San Francisco Youth Center Faces Death Threats After White Woman Vows to Shut It Down

Just days after a San Francisco nonprofit dedicated to at-risk youth's building was plastered with racist graffiti, the Youth 1st director reports being on the receiving end of a string of death threats.

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The leader of a San Francisco youth center dedicated to serving at-risk youth is now receiving death threats after being the subject of reported racially driven attacks.

Nonprofit Youth 1st remains committed to providing at-risk youth with additional resources to thrive in their educational journeys. However, the nonprofit’s director, Renard Monroe, said there has been a string of death threats just days after racist graffiti was plastered on the center’s building, The San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Since its opened 24 years ago, Monroe said this is the first time that the nonprofit has been on the opposing end of what he is calling straight-up harassment. He said the center “will continue to bring the love despite it all.”

Just days after an encounter on a nearby playground where Monroe, a Black man, asked a white woman to walk her dog within the appointed area of the park, the same racial comments that she shouted at him were the exact comments that were spray painted on the building that is home to the San Francisco youth center. 

“She said that he was ‘a dirty N-word,’” District 11 Supervisor Asha Safaì reported shortly after the incident. Monroe also said the woman told him,, “We never should have given your people books,” and vowed to dedicate herself to “shutting you guys down.”

In addition to the racist graffiti found on the nonprofit’s building, a noose was also found hanging from the organization’s yellow door, according to Safaì.

“San Francisco has to recognize how much work it still needs to do,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins during an Aug. 30 press conference, where she also deemed the graffiti a hate crime. “We must come together and march through the streets against something like that; that didn’t just happen against an organization and a man—that happened against our children.”

After the reported racially charged incident, which included the vandalization of the Youth 1st building, Monroe revealed to KRON 4 that an anonymous tip to the State of California Social Services led to an investigation, alleging the program was “operating a childcare, daycare without a license.”

Despite a city official confirming that the program is funded by San Francisco City & County’s Department of Children, Youth & Their Families (DCYF), and Monroe providing state officials with all necessary paperwork, the Department of Social Services insists it “still needs to go through all the necessary channels,” followed by a standard follow-up visit.

According to the organization’s website, Youth 1st was founded in 1999 and operates out of Merced Heights Playground. It is defined as a comprehensive year-round academic enrichment program that serves at-risk youth and all youth between the ages of 5 and 15. 

RELATED CONTENT: ABC’s Rachel Scott Allegedly Receives Death Threats After Holding Trump Accountable

• Money

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 4, 2024

Viral TikTok Scam Is ‘Plain And Simple’ Check Fraud

While many assumed they were taking advantage of a glitch in Chase's system, they were actually committing check fraud.

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A viral Chase banking scam in which users seemingly receive free money from ATMs has finally caught up with customers.

According to CNN, Chase confirmed that the cash grab was not a glitch in their system. Those who participated were committing a form of check fraud.

TikTok users tried their luck and recorded themselves depositing hefty checks into the ATMs. However, the withdrawals made did not equate to the number of deposits. Instead, users cashed in on a banking standard that allowed account holders to access some of the money “deposited” before the entire check cleared.

The initial success of “manipulating” the system led others to try, marking a trend that could come with serious consequences. An X user, deemed “scuba Ryan,” shared footage of a line forming outside a Chase bank.

people are currently lined up outside a Chase bank in New York trying to do the new viral glitch to get free money 😭😭pic.twitter.com/V49JpVu9iq

— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) August 31, 2024

Chase caught wind of the matter quickly. However, they have yet to uncover how many customers took part in the scheme or how much money they stole. JPMorgan, its parent company, has issued a statement that they are aware of what happened. They warned those who indulged in the scam that they had undoubtedly committed fraud.

“We are aware of this incident, and it has been addressed. Regardless of what you see online, depositing a fraudulent check and withdrawing the funds from your account is fraud, plain and simple,” explained a spokesperson for Chase.

However, some have already seen their bank accounts negatively affected by the scheme. The same X user reshared footage of a man already facing a deposit error from the money he withdrew. In the clip, the TikToker showed nearly $40K in debt.

this dude is currently $40k in debt as the outcome of doing the new viral Chase money glitch 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/aHZJMCkR7H

— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) August 31, 2024

“They really told me to tap in…next day it was supposed to clear,” said the unidentified man, revealing the negative transactions on his bank account. “Look at my account, yo.”

It remains unclear if the Federal Reserve will investigate the matter or if those who participated could face criminal charges.

RELATED CONTENT: Wells Fargo Foundation Hands Reins To First Black Woman President, Darlene Goins

• Politics

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 4, 2024

Isaac Hayes Estate Shuts Down Trump’s Usage of Song At Campaign Rallies, Cites ‘Character Issue’

Hayes III also filed a cease-and-desist when the GOP candidate used the song at an NRA convention in 2022.

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The family of Isaac Hayes has successfully sued the Trump campaign for using the late star’s song “Hold on, I’m Coming” at rallies.

On Sept. 3, a U.S. District Judge ruled that the politician could no longer play the song after the family deemed it a “character issue.” Prior to the lawsuit, Trump often used the hit, released by Hayes in 1966, as exit music for his rallies. The Oscar winner died in 2008 at the age of 65.

Notably, People reported the song played during his exit at the Republican National Convention in July. That same month, the Hayes family sued Trump, citing that his continued use of the deceased artist’s music was copyright infringement. In the lawsuit, they requested that Trump remove any videos of himself that included the song, per the Associated Press.

While Atlanta Judge Thomas Thrash ordered a temporary injunction prohibiting Trump’s further usage of the song, he denied the additional request to take down video footage. Despite this, the Hayes family told reporters they remain “grateful” for the decision.

“We are very grateful and happy for the decision by Judge Thrash,” said Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, as confirmed by Forbes. “Donald Trump has been barred from ever playing the music of Isaac Hayes again. I couldn’t ask for a better decision.”

Moreover, Hayes III encouraged other artists to take action if their music played during Trump’s campaign events.

He added,” I want this to serve as an opportunity for other artists to come forward that don’t want their music used by Donald Trump or other political entities and continue to fight for music artists’ rights and copyright.”

The issue has been ongoing for years. Hayes III also filed a cease-and-desist when the GOP candidate used the song at an NRA convention in 2022. However, it was not Trump’s political stance, but his character flaw, that displeased the estate.

“I’ve never wanted this song to be associated with Donald Trump in the manner that he was using it…,” expressed Hayes III. “My father was a father to seven daughters… Donald Trump has been found liable of sexual abuse. I know my father would not want that man playing his music. Some of the things he says about women, especially Black women, and women of color, especially in this election… We have to take a stand that we want to separate ourselves from someone with Donald Trump’s character. This is not a political issue; this is a character issue.”

However, Trump’s attorney, Ronald Coleman, seemingly shrugged off the injunction. Coleman expressed that they already agreed to remove the song from their rotation. He said that they will not “force the issue.”

“The campaign has no interest in annoying or hurting anyone, and if the Hayes family feels that it hurts or annoys them, that’s fine; we’re not going to force the issue,” he shared.

by Shanique Yates

September 4, 2024

ImpactTulsa Secures $3.6M Investment To Boost Economic Mobility for 15K Youth By 2030

The $3.6 million investment from StriveTogether will helps push Tulsa's youth toward economic mobility.

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Tulsa’s rich Black history carries significant weight in the community, but one organization is committed to moving the needle forward to empower the city’s youth.

According to The Black Wall Street Times, ImpactTulsa has received a $3.6 million investment from StriveTogether to place 15,000 Tulsa youth on the path to economic mobility by 2030.

“Since April 2014, we have been working with our community partners to drive equitable outcomes in the Tulsa community,” said Ashley Phillipsen, ImpactTulsa’s executive director. “By bringing together people and organizations, leading strategic collaborations through our MBK Model Community Milestone tables and place-based working groups, and harnessing the power of actionable data insights, we are primed to make our goal a reality. We are excited about the opportunity this investment will enable as we work to shift the policies, practices, resources, and power to support Tulsa youth.”

With economic mobility within the United States declining, Opportunity Insights research anticipates that only half of today’s children will surpass their parents’ income levels. As a result, ImpactTulsa has connected itself to various partners to focus on kindergarten readiness, early grade reading, middle school math, high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment,  postsecondary completion, and employment—all key factors that lead to economic mobility.

By 2030, ImpactTulsa wants to place 15,000 more youth on the path to economic mobility; the investment from StriveTogether will help do that. ImpactTulsa is a member of StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network, a nationwide initiative “committed to ensuring that every child, no matter their race, ethnicity, zip code or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive in school and life.”

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Once a bustling community of Black professionals and entrepreneurs, Tulsa earned the nickname “Black Wall Street” due to its Greenwood District neighborhood where Black residents built a self-sufficient community filled with thriving Black businesses, including grocery stores, hotels, and pharmacies.

The term “buying Black” originated in Tulsa, which, due to segregation, was a means of survival for the Black people who resided in the Oklahoma city. In 1921, the population in Greenwood included roughly 10,000 people, and the district was considered one of the nation’s preeminent Black communities.

That same year, however, the Tulsa Race Massacre changed the trajectory of the city’s history forever. Still known as one of the nation’s worst race massacres, the event completely upended the lives and livelihoods of Black Tulsans, wiping out thousands of homes and causing roughly $1.5 million worth of damages. 

The tragic events still impact on the city. In 2020, the last three known survivors of the massacre, along with other plaintiffs, filed a lawsuit against the City of Tulsa and other agencies to seek reparations.

RELATED CONTENT: Tulsa Proposes Reparations Program For 1921 Massacre Survivors And Descendants

• Technology

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 4, 2024

Cleveland Browns Myles Garrett Invests In Former NASA Scientist’s Energy Company

'I’m excited to be part of an effort that has the potential to have a lasting impact on our environment and uplift our communities.'

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Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett has invested his money in an unexpected endeavor instead of the usual options: a National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee’s energy company.

Johnson Energy Storage (JES), owned by former NASA Scientist Dr. Lonnie Johnson, announced that the star NFL defensive end has invested in the company.

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A post shared by Boardroom (@boardroom)

“It’s a privilege to partner with Johnson Energy Storage to support their mission of transforming energy storage,” said Garrett in a written statement. “Their work is nothing short of visionary, and I’m excited to be part of an effort that has the potential to have a lasting impact on our environment and uplift our communities.”

Johnson’s company is focused on developing a proprietary, all-solid-state battery. Johnson Energy Storage said its batteries have advantages over traditional lithium-ion batteries, which include greater safety, higher energy density, and lower manufacturing costs. Garrett’s belief in the company is based on the power of technology to drive meaningful social and environmental change. The company looks to bring more efficient and safer energy solutions to market.

“We believe that the power to change the world extends beyond just industry—it’s about making a lasting impact on our communities and future generations,” said Brandon Martin, CEO of Johnson Energy Storage. “We’re honored to have Myles Garrett join us in this mission, as his commitment to innovation and sustainability perfectly aligns with our vision for the future.”

Garrett, an All-Pro defensive end, also supports Johnson’s nonprofit, the Johnson STEM Activity Center. Other high-profile investors in Johnson Energy Storage include comedian and actor Steve Harvey; the president of Disney Karey Burke; Southern Company CEO Chris Womack; United Talent Agency Partner/Agent Mike G.; and the chairman of United Distribution, Doug Hertz.

To learn more about Johnson Energy Storage, go to www.johnsonenergystorage.com.

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 4, 2024

Lee Daniels Faces Backlash After Calling White Female Character The ‘Fabric’ of The Black Community

Lee Daniels is under fire after referring to the white female character in "The Deliverance" as "the fabric of our community."

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Lee Daniels is under fire on social media after referring to Glenn Close’s character in The Deliverance as “the fabric of our community.”

The film and television producer was active on social media over the weekend following the release of his new Netflix thriller, The Deliverance. The film quickly became the most-watched title on the streaming service and caused quite a stir on social media over its subject matter.

Amid the film’s hype, Daniels took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to explain the inspiration behind Close’s character, Alberta, the white chain-smoking mother of Andra Day’s biracial character.

“Every Black person knows an Alberta. She’s part of the fabric of our community, but we’ve never seen her on screen before,” Daniels wrote. “Thank you, Glenn, for bringing her magnificently to life.”

While Daniels sent the tweet to celebrate his character and Close’s portrayal of Alberta, Black Twitter quickly took offense and blasted the director for the seemingly tone-deaf statement.

“A white woman is “part of the fabric of our community?” one user asked.

“THE FABRIC OF…WHOSE COMMUNITY? WHO IS OUR?” wrote someone else.

Another user applauded Alberta’s character’s styling and Close’s performance but said that’s where it stops.

“The sew-in scene was cute. I enjoyed the movie and Glenn’s acting, but “the fabric of our community” is crazy, Lee,” the user quipped.

It didn’t take Black Twitter too long to mock Daniels’ tweet and start sending out sarcastic and comical tweets criticizing the director of “The Butler.”

The Deliverance tells the real-life story of “the Demon House,” which saw a family in Indiana claim their home was haunted by a demonic presence in 2011. The film stars Andra Day, Mo’nique, and Close, whose characters stole the show.

At one point toward the end of the horror film, a demon-possessed Alberta sniffs and says to her daughter: “I can smell your nappy p***y.”

The clip was shared on X in a now-viral tweet that read, “Lee Daniel’s you will pay for your crimes for having Glenn Close say this,” to which Daniels replied, “Had to do it.”

Daniels is standing by his words about the Alberta types being “the fabric of our community.” He even followed up with a repost of one tweet that noted his love for “a white girl from the hood. First, it was Star Davis, then her heaux-ass grandmother Alberta Jackson.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 4, 2024

Communities In Schools Launches Nationwide PSA To Combat Chronic Absenteeism

A new 60-second PSA was released to raise awareness of the nationwide epidemic of chronic absenteeism in schools.

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Communities In Schools® (CIS®) released a new 60-second roll call to raise awareness of the nationwide epidemic of chronic absenteeism.

The new campaign, released on Aug. 28, shows adults reading a six-foot-tall paper attendance roll with 15 million names representing chronically absent students in the U.S.

“Sophia A grade 4 absent because transportation absent,” one woman says at the start of the video.

“Julio M grade 6 absent because Wi-Fi was absent,” another woman says.

The striking image of this oversized attendance roll winding through a school campus represents the millions of students who are chronically absent from school and missing 10% or more of the school year since the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative emphasizes opportunities to bring students back to school nationwide. Communities In Schools addresses the issue and offers solutions to eliminate it.

“Being present for our students is more than just showing up—it’s about sending a powerful message that they matter and that we believe in their potential,” Rey Saldaña, president and CEO of Communities In Schools, said.

“When we show up for them, we empower them to show up for themselves.”

Research reveals numerous factors that prevent students from regularly attending school, including transportation challenges, the need to provide childcare for younger siblings, housing insecurity, a lack of mental health support, and anti-bullying support. The new PSA emphasizes the crucial role of individual and school-wide support in addressing the diverse challenges students and their families face in securing consistent attendance.

Communities In Schools programs proved their solutions work during the 2022-2023 school year, with 99% of students enrolled in CIS programs having stayed in school through the end of the school year, 97% of K-11 students being promoted to the next grade, and 96% of seniors graduating or receiving a GED.

Now, CIS is working to expand its model to more schools across the nation to help get students back on track. Through the CIS step-by-step-back-to-school pathway, students facing challenges with school attendance receive support from CIS site coordinators, who collaborate with teachers, school administrators, and families to connect students with the vital resources they need to learn and thrive.

“I do my best to establish a relationship and rapport, so they trust me with any information—whether personal or school-related,” Site Coordinator Marco Mercado from CIS of Southern Nevada said.

“Once they see they are capable of doing things, it keeps me going and gives me confirmation that I’m making an impact, benefiting their lives and providing consistency.”