AI, LinkedIn, AI Squared, intellectual property, pitch, marketing, technology, outage, Microsoft, small businesses

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 19, 2024

Global Tech Outage Disrupts Banks, Businesses And Flights

A worldwide tech outage crippled industries from travel to finance on Friday.

Originally Published by Reuters

A worldwide tech outage crippled industries from travel to finance on Friday before services started coming back online after hours of disruption, highlighting the risks of a global shift towards digital, interconnected technologies.

A software update by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike (CRWD.O) appeared to have triggered systems problems that grounded flights, forced some broadcasters off air and left customers without access to services such as healthcare or banking.

U.S. President Joe Biden had been briefed on the outage, a White House official said.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz said on social media platform X that a defect was found “in a single content update for Windows hosts” that affected Microsoft’s (MSFT.O) customers and that a fix was being deployed. Microsoft said later on Friday that the issue had been fixed.

“We’re deeply sorry for the impact that we’ve caused to customers, to travelers, to anyone affected by this, including our company,” Kurtz told NBC News’ Today program. “Many of the customers are rebooting the system and it’s coming up and it’ll be operational,” Kurtz said. “It could be some time for some systems that won’t automatically recover.”

CrowdStrike shares plunged as much as 14.5% shortly after the Wall Street open before paring losses to trade down 8.5%. Its cyber rivals were up, with SentinelOne 3.6% higher and Palo Alto Networks up 1.7%. Microsoft was down 0.2%

“Earlier today, a Crowdstrike update was responsible for bringing down a number of Windows systems globally. We are actively supporting customers to assist in their recovery,” Microsoft chief communications officer Frank Shaw said in a post on X.

But even as companies and institutions began restoring regular services, experts said the cyber outage revealed the risks of an increasingly online world.

“This is a very, very uncomfortable illustration of the fragility of the world’s core Internet infrastructure,” said Ciaran Martin, professor at Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government and former head of the UK National Cyber Security Centre. While the core problem appeared simple, which should make it short-lived, its immediate impact was remarkable, Martin said.

“I’m struggling to think of an outage at quite this scale.”

Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, governments and businesses alike have become increasingly dependent on a handful of interconnected technology companies over the past two decades, which explains why one software issue rippled far and wide.

DISRUPTION

Early on Friday, major U.S. airlines American Airlines (AAL.O), Delta Air Lines (DAL.N), and United Airlines (UAL.O) grounded flights, while other carriers and airports around the world reported delays and disruptions.

Banks and financial services companies from Australia to India and Germany warned customers of disruptions and traders across markets spoke of problems executing transactions.

“We are having the mother of all global market outages,” one trader said.

In Britain, booking systems used by doctors were offline, multiple reports posted on X by medical officials said, while Sky News, one of the country’s major news broadcasters, was taken off air and apologized for being unable to transmit live. Soccer club Manchester United said on X that it had to postpone a scheduled release of tickets.

Airports from Los Angeles to Singapore, Hong Kong, Amsterdam, and Berlin said some airlines were having to check in passengers manually, causing delays.

Government agencies were also affected with the Dutch and United Arab Emirates’ foreign ministries reporting some disruptions.

As the day progressed, more and more companies reported a return to normal service, including Spanish airport operator Aena (AENA.MC), U.S. carriers American Airlines, Frontier and Spirit (SAVE.N), Dubai International Airport operator, and Australia’s Commonwealth Bank (CBA.AX).

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said transportation system issues appeared to be resolving and would hopefully be back to normal by Saturday, adding that the Federal Aviation Administration did not appear impacted.

Rihanna, Fenty Hair, font beauty, Paris olympics

by Shanique Yates

July 19, 2024

Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty Inks Historic Partnership With Paris 2024 Olympics, Paralympics

Rihanna takes her talents to the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics—as an entrepreneur.

Rihanna is taking Fenty Beauty to the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics

The pop star turned serial entrepreneur announced that her Fenty Beauty imprint will partner with the international sporting events to equip volunteers with makeup kits. As the individuals present the medals to the winning athletes, they can show off a “designated look” curated thanks to Rihanna’s products.

This marks the first time that Fenty Beauty has partnered with events of this magnitude. Continuing the brand’s mission of empowerment and inclusivity in a space with a long history of doing the opposite, the initiatives included in the partnership will feature athlete appearances, beauty tutorials as well as interactive experiences to bring fans and athletes closer together.

“Tried to tell yall….we outside all 2024,” wrote Rihanna of the news in an Instagram post. “PROUD to announce that @FentyBeauty is a premium partner of the Olympic AND Paralympic Games baby.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri)

Makeup kits received by participating volunteers will be equipped with a range of Fenty Beauty products for them to achieve the makeup look of their choice. Six hundred volunteers, whose ages range from 18 to 21, will be presented with the brand’s Eaze Drop’Lit All-Over Glow Enhancer, the Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, and the Invisimatte Instant Setting and Blotting Powder.

Since its 2017 inception, Fenty Beauty has become one of the leading brands for people across the globe. It is also partly responsible for its creator, Rihanna, becoming the youngest self-made billionaire when she achieved the status in 2021 at the age of 33. Today, Rihanna has also successfully launched a lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, skincare company, Fenty Skin, as well as a haircare line, Fenty Hair, among other notable investments, including an ownership stake in Tidal.

“Fenty Beauty was created for everyone: for women of all shades, personalities, attitudes, cultures, and races,” said Rihanna in the announcement of Fenty Beauty’s launch. “I want everyone to feel included.”

Now, she continues to showcase that Fenty Beauty is a brand designed with everyone in mind. Fans may anticipate an appearance from the Barbados native herself during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at some point while it is underway from Friday, July 26 until August 11. The Paralympics are set to begin on Wednesday, August 28, and will run until Sunday, September 8.

RELATED CONTENT: Rihanna Expands Empire With New Fenty Hair Line

Golf, Women in sports, Golf course, Black Women

by Stacy Jackson

July 19, 2024

Teeing Off Tradition, Sierra Balgar Leads City Girls Golf Revolution

City Girls Golf hosts entry-level clinics in in the DMV and New York tri-state areas for Black women to connect and embrace the golf culture.

City Girls Golf, a trailblazing organization dedicated to integrating Black women into golf culture, is reshaping the landscape of this traditionally white and suburban sport.

Founded by Sierra Balgar, the initiative aims to empower Black women to embrace and excel in the world of golf. According to Revolt, Balgar shared how her journey evolved into a broader mission. Hailing from Harlem, she discovered golf through a friend and quickly became captivated by the challenge of perfecting her swing. Recognizing the sport’s potential for skill development, community building, and enjoyment, she saw an opportunity to transform perceptions of golf among Black women.

City Girls Golf offers more than just golf clinics in the DMV and New York tri-state areas; it provides a platform for Black women to connect, feel empowered, and thrive on the course. The organization also hosts networking events to foster enduring relationships among players.

@citygirlsgolf
The first and Finest black girls golf community #citygirlsgolf #blackgirlsgolf
♬ Let’s Go – Key Glock

Balgar observed, “Golf is predominantly men… white men. And even when there were women’s clinics, I never saw women of color or Black women.”

This realization fueled her determination to create inclusive spaces for Black women in golf culture. Emphasizing the beginner-friendly nature of City Girls Golf clinics, Balgar explained, “Ultimately, to learn how to play this game, you have to play on the course… Not everyone is trying to be a professional golfer. Most people do it because they enjoy it and enjoy doing something different with their friends.” The impact of City Girls Golf extends beyond the greens. “Within the past year…I realized that people love golf. But our members ultimately love the community and building friendships and sisterhood,” Balgar noted.

@citygirlsgolf
Lessons with D.Cs largest African American Golf Club #citygirlsgolf
♬ Truth or dare TYLA SPEDUP – ssxmusic

Balgar envisions expanding to more cities as City Girls Golf grows and amplifies its voice in the golf industry. She aims to establish partnerships with like-minded organizations and significant brands while focusing on community outreach and charitable initiatives. Notable collaborations include the Urban Golf Weekend in Miami and an upcoming partnership with Baddies in Tech, showcasing City Girls Golf’s commitment to empowering Black women across various sectors. Balgar’s ultimate goal is to make City Girls Golf a household name, solidifying its role in transforming golf culture and creating opportunities for Black women in this historically exclusive sport.

by Selena Hill

July 19, 2024

Nick Cannon: A Creative Mastermind & Media Mogul Kicking Down Barriers in Business

Black Restaurant, Washington D.C., Baltimore

by Jameelah Mullen

July 19, 2024

Black Restaurant Week Is In Full Swing In Washington, D.C. And Baltimore

DMV foodies get ready, Black Restaurant Week Is Here

Black Restaurant Week, a multi-city tour highlighting Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, and caterers, has kicked off in Washington, D.C., the Metro area, and Baltimore.

Black Restaurant Week will showcase more than 30 Black-owned restaurants. This year’s list features a variety of delectables to suit almost every palate. Vegetarians and vegans can visit the Land Of Kush for some plant-based soul food. Foodies can indulge in jollof rice and other West African goodies at The Spice Kitchen Grill. Other participants include Diasporan Soul, a Jamaican-American fusion restaurant, Big Buns Burgers and Miss Toya’s Creole House.

Quicha Brown owns Berries By Quicha, one of Black Restaurant Week’s featured eateries. To support her fellow restaurateurs, the entrepreneur offers her customers a special incentive.

“If you bring in a receipt from any participating in Black Restaurant Week during Black Restaurant Week, you’ll get 20 percent off half a dozen or more here,” Quicha said in an interview with WMAR, Baltimore.

Black Restaurant Week was founded in 2016 by Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell, and Derek Robinson to create visibility for Black-owned and operated eateries.

“We were inspired to create Black Restaurant Week because we noticed the lack of representation of Black-owned culinary businesses from our community in the local primary food and wine festivals and restaurant weeks. Most of the companies in our community didn’t fit the business model to participate in a traditional restaurant week. They are fast-casual business concepts, not fine-dining restaurants serving two-course and three-course meals. We designed an all-inclusive platform to promote Black-owned culinary businesses in our community—restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and caterers.” Ferrell said in an interview with Forbes.

The event started in Houston and expanded to more than 20 cities, including Atlanta, Toronto, Phoenix, Oakland, and Philadelphia. Go here to find out when Black Restaurant Week is coming to your city.

The DMV installment of Black Restaurant Week will run until July 28th. Click here for a complete list of participants.

by Shanique Yates

July 19, 2024

And Another One! Mystery Donor Blesses Livingstone College With Its 7th $1M Donation

Livingstone College has announced its seventh $1 million donation within the span of seven months thanks to an anonymous donor.

North Carolina’s Livingstone College is officially celebrating its seventh $1 million donation in less than a year.

As one of the nation’s private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Livingstone is located in Salisbury, North Carolina. Thanks to an anonymous donor, Livingstone has received its seventh $1 million donation in seven months. This marks the most significant monetary gift received by Livingstone in the college’s 145-year history.

Livingstone’s 13th president, Dr. Anthony J. Davis, spearheads a $30 million campus revitalization project. The recent string of $1 million donations will help the college as it continues to be the home for students interested in studying business, liberal arts, STEAM, teacher education, and workforce development programs. Set to be completed in five phases, the first wave includes new residence halls and a cafeteria.

The two historic residence halls, Tucker and Dancy Hall, rooms at the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management facility, and an uplift to Aggrey Cafeteria are all projects that Livingstone will complete by the end of 2024.

Founded in 1879 as Zion Wesley Institute by a group of A.M.E. Zion ministers to train fellow clergy members, Livingstone College has operated under its current name since 1887. The mission, however, remains the same: to provide various programs for students to thrive through a Christian-based environment equipped for holistic learning.

As the city of Salisbury continues to dedicate itself to acknowledging the economic opportunities provided by the HBCU through graduates who go on to contribute to the community, the latest donations from the anonymous donor are a testament to the school’s history of being small but mighty.

Livingstone recently launched a biomanufacturing training program in partnership with the Biden Build Back Better Initiative. The program included a separate $1 million donation in laboratory equipment to fulfill the college’s overall goal of providing North Carolina’s underserved communities with the tools and resources needed to survive and thrive.

by Sharelle Burt

July 19, 2024

No Boost In Polls Show Public Is Unswayed By Shooting At Trump Rally

What did they really think would happen?

The first presidential survey taken since the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump revealed there was no boost in his poll numbers over President Joe Biden.

The poll conducted by Morning Consult on July 15 found that out of 2,045 registered voters, Trump is leading Biden in the polls by just 1%, with 46% over the President’s 45%. Trump’s lead has slightly increased since the firm’s previous survey, which was conducted between July 12 and July 14, putting the former president at a 2% advantage ahead of Biden, with 44% to 42%.

This latest poll may have analysts stumped as some predicted that Trump would see a surge in polls after surviving the assassination attempt. Republican strategist John Thomas even predicted it would be labeled a unifying moment for the nation, which would result in Trump’s “total victory in November.” “Immediately after [Trump] got up at his rally, you’ll notice that the crowd cheered, with epic proportions,” Thomas said, according to Newsweek.

“We’re seeing all over the country that people, whether honestly you like Trump or you don’t, you are rallying behind Trump in this moment. And I anticipate. I think this is going to be a moment of unity. And I suspect it will propel Donald Trump’s campaign to total victory in November.”

Before the shooting, national polls had Trump labeled as a favorite to win the White House. In a week before the events at the rally, he had a narrow lead in six key battleground states, including Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, where the shooting occurred.

However, despite the imagery of the GOP candidate raising a bloody fist to the crowd after the shooting, Trump is only leading Biden by a narrow margin. The President hopes to close that gap while defending his place in the race ahead of the upcoming Democratic National Convention, regardless of extreme pressure from fellow party members calling for him to step down.

While poll numbers help create a narrative for either candidate, polling reliability has come under fire after some state results of the 2016 and 2020 elections were accused of missing the final results. Since then, polling firms have changed specific methods, but critics remain skeptical about turnout and the challenges that come from capturing views of key demographics like Black voters.

Black voters were vital in Biden’s 2020 election. However, several are on the fence about voting for him in November 2024 due to the lack of economic growth. However, for Trump, the same demographic can’t seem to forget about some of the racist policies put into place under his 2016 administration.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 19, 2024

Ol’ Dirty Bastard Documentary To Debut In August On A&E

'Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys,' will premiere on Sunday, August 25

An official documentary detailing the life of Wu-Tang Clan‘s Ol’ Dirty Bastard, real name Russell Jones, will be released in August on the A&E network.

A&E announced that the project will air on Sunday, August 25, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The documentary, Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys, was co-directed by Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning director Sam Pollard and ODB’s son Jason Pollard.

“I am so happy to have brought this documentary about my husband’s life to the screen. He was and is an inspiration to my family, children, and fans across the world. It’s been amazing to work on this project with my partners at Four Screens, as well as Pulse and A&E,” says ODB’s wife, Icelene Jones, who is also the administrator of his estate. “Like all of hip-hop, I have missed his energy. This project has let me know that he is alive and well in all of our hearts.”

The two-hour film features those close to him, including his friends and family. Some notable names appearing in the documentary are Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan members Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, ODB’s wife, his son Bar-Sun Jones, and his parents, along with several recording industry executives, and more. The documentary will reveal a never-before-seen personal archive shot by his wife, Icelene. The film will depict the popular Wu-Tang Clan member as a man, a father, and a husband like no one has seen before.

“Part of A&E’s DNA is telling the stories of iconic people who have left a lasting impact on culture and the world,” said Elaine Frontain Bryant, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming for A&E. “Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys’ does just that with intimate, never-before-seen footage and interviews with the people who knew him best. The documentary tells his story while celebrating his life and his lasting impact on hip-hop and the music industry.”

ODB was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1968 and was a member of the nine-man crew Wu-Tang Clan, which started in Staten Island. Ol’ Dirty Bastard: A Tale of Two Dirtys will tell the story of ODB’s solo career until his untimely death from a drug overdose in 2004.

President Biden, Biden, Trump, Elon Musk

by Sharelle Burt

July 19, 2024

President Biden Clowns Elon Musk For His Massive $45M Pledge To Support Trump Super PAC

President Biden is such a jokester....

Tech billionaire Elon Musk committed to a massive $45 million monthly pledge for former President Donald Trump’s new political action committee (PAC), and President Joe Biden is “sick” about it.

After Biden announced he tested positive for Covid, he mocked Musk’s support of the GOP candidate. “I’m sick,” Biden said in a post on X on Jul. 17. He then continued to say, “of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here.”

I'm sick
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) July 17, 2024

Established in May 2024 and registered in Texas, the America PAC will target voter outreach and registration efforts with efforts to fight similar Democratic campaigns. Other reputable supporters include tech entrepreneur Joe Lonsdale, former ambassador to Canada and Kentucky Senate candidate Kelly Craft, and coal executive Joe Craft.

The group already raised $8.75 million in the second quarter and a little under $100,000 in cash towards the end of June. With Musk’s donation, the commitment would likely be labeled as one of the most significant donations of the 2024 presidential campaign and is scheduled to begin pouring in as early as July 2024.

The move contradicts a previous promise he made to stay out of the 2024 election, however, this is not the first time the tech guru has supported political aspirations. According to CNN, Musk donated $5,000 to President Obama’s campaign in April 2011. Once viewed as a Democratic donor, things have changed in recent years as he feels the Democratic party has moved too far to the left for him to support its candidates.

However, the relationship between Musk and Trump has not always been sweet. In 2017, Musk quit two White House business councils he once served on after Trump announced America would withdraw from the Paris climate accord. “Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world,” he tweeted.

The two have grown closer in recent months, having discussed a possible advisory role for Musk in a second Trump administration. Now, he is in full support of Trump, issuing his official endorsement following the assassination attempt of the candidate at a rally. “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk wrote on X.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 19, 2024

Tasha K Catches Another Defamation Lawsuit, This Time From Soulja Boy

The rapper is suing the vlogger and William The Baddest who claimed he had sex with Soulja Boy in an interview with Tasha K

After having lawsuits filed against her by Cardi B and Kevin Hart due to the salacious and, according to them, untrue content she posts on her YouTube channel, another celebrity has filed a lawsuit against the controversial vlogger.

According to Billboard, hip-hop recording artist Soulja Boy is suing Tasha K for defamation due to a story alleging that the rapper had sexual relations with another man. Also named in the lawsuit is a man who calls himself ‘William The Baddest’ (William Thomas). William claimed he had sex with Soulja Boy, during an interview with Tasha K in May.

Due to the allegations revealed during the interview, Soulja Boy’s attorneys have stated that the conversation has brought “embarrassment and disgrace that can cause fans to abandon and withdraw from supporting him.” They also deny that the encounter took place.

“Plaintiff has suffered actual reputational and professional harm as a result of defendants maliciously targeting plaintiff and seeking to sabotage his careers, redefining his character as a man who is not straight, a fraud and dishonest person in the entertainment industry, as a public figure, which is not true,” it states in the paperwork filed on July 16 in Los Angeles.

The attorneys also stated that after the May 16, 2024 video was posted, a cease and desist letter was sent to Tasha and William. They demanded that the interview be deleted as the duo had “already engaged in tortious acts that entitle Mr. Way to monetary damages” and that if they did not stop, “liability for such monetary damages will increase.” Mr. Way refers to Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way.

TMZ reported that Soulja Boy is suing Tasha and William for defamation, sexual harassment, violation of right to privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more. He is requesting more than $16 million in total damages.