Local Community Rally to Help Silence Neighbor’s Racist Noises Toward Black Virginia Beach Family
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 11, 2021

Local Community Rally to Help Silence Neighbor’s Racist Noises Toward Black Virginia Beach Family

The problems of a racist next-door neighbor rose to unacceptable levels in a Virginia Beach town.

One family has had to endure a neighbor’s rude production of playing loud monkey sounds, banjo music, and racist slurs directed at them. This behavior reportedly starting several years ago when Jannique Martinez’s family moved into their house in Virginia’s Salem Lakes Cul-de-sac.

According to The Independent, after Martinez went to the police to try to get her neighbor to stop racially harassing them, she was told that the actions of the offending neighbor didn’t amount “to a level that Virginia law defines as criminal behavior.”

Now, a community has rallied behind the family in a show of support against the racist antics of the racist neighbor next door.

So, since the authorities didn’t do anything, her neighbors decided they would do something. Annoyed by the racist activities, the community held a support rally for the family. The gathering did make the neighbor stop the shenanigans, thus resulting in the area being quieter.

One of the neighbors, Nancy Kay Eleftheratos posted about the result of the rally on her Facebook page.

“This!! Everything about this!! We currently have some peace, and our neighbors do not have to endure the racial slurs directed at them! The support from the community has been amazing. We want nothing more to live in our homes in peace. Kids running around doing their thing without the nonsense!
It ain’t over yet! But it’s a start!”

 

The Virginian Pilot has reported that since they published a story regarding the neighbor’s behavior, the Virginia Fair Housing Office had reached out to the Martinez family through one of the reporters and has now stated that they will be looking into their complaints. The office has stated that it investigates alleged cases of “coercion, intimidation, threats or interference with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of their fair housing rights.”

Black Entrepreneur Launches African-Themed Jewelry Line, Goes From $5K in Sales to $50K a Month
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 11, 2021

Black Entrepreneur Launches African-Themed Jewelry Line, Goes From $5K in Sales to $50K a Month

Meet Penny Clarke, founder of Millie’s International Creations, an online fashion boutique that sells high-end, handcrafted African-themed jewelry, handbags, and home fashion. She started the company six years ago when she become a furloughed government employee working in Washington, DC. Since then, after partnering with local female artisans in Ghana, she has grown the business from about $5,000 in monthly sales to now more than $50,000 month.

Penny, who was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia, says that it was during a visit to South Africa when she decided to bring her passion and desire to help women around the world achieve their dreams to fruition. Now she works with a team of female designers who are all located on the African continent to help with her line of necklaces, earrings, bracelets, headwraps, handbags, and more.

How She Grew Her Business

Her business, like many other Black-owned businesses, really took off after the pandemic began in 2020. Part of this had to do with the powerful global movement to support Black entrepreneurs after the brutal killing of George Floyd. However, the major part of her continuous sales growth has to do with 7th Pro Solutions, a digital marketing agency that she hired to help her optimize her website and run very profitable Facebook ad campaigns.

Penny comments, “When I started working with Edwin Jardin (the founder of 7th Pro Solutions), he really helped me to create a sales funnel for my website that has literally increased my revenue by 500%. My company now gets sales every single day, and it’s a challenge to keep up with inventory – which is a great problem to have.”

Making Her Mom Proud

Penny, who is the youngest of her mom’s 8 children, says that she named the company after her mom who was a schoolteacher and principal in Liberia, but also made and sold cornbread as an entrepreneur. She says that her mom taught her and her siblings the importance of having multiple streams of income.

Sadly, her mom died of breast cancer and congestive heart failure in 2014, but her legacy of entrepreneurship and education lives on through Penny and her other siblings. As a part of Penny’s commitment to women and the continent of Africa, proceeds from every sale generated on her website are donated to various nonprofits that she supports in the U.S. and around the world.

For more details and/or to make a purchase, visit MilliesInt.com

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

Explore The Emerging World Of NFTs With This Masterclass Bundle
by Black Enterprise Shop

October 11, 2021

Explore The Emerging World Of NFTs With This Masterclass Bundle

Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, have burst onto the scene and have created a new source of income for those lucky enough to navigate the still-new world. NFTs are seemingly everywhere these days, as companies and artists are jumping into the craze.

In early October, Dolce and Gabbana sold its own spin on an NFT — a digital tiara — for more than $340,000 as part of its Collezione Genesi NFT event that earned more than $5 million.

There’s money to be made in the NFT space, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon.

Learn how to tap into this emerging market with The Complete NFT & Cryptocurrency Wealth Building Masterclass Bundle. Valued at $1,200, for a short time this six-course bundle is available for just $20. Individually, it costs $200 to take each course.

This bundle includes information on everything from How to Create Your First NFT: The Beginner’s Guide, to the Complete NFT Master Class for Artists and Entrepreneurs. Information about NFTs is just part of what’s included.

Three courses cover cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency Mastery, Cryptocurrency Wealth Creation, Cryptocurrency & Bitcoin Trading Masterclass, and Cryptocurrency & Bitcoin Trading: Candlestick Pattern Mastery Course.

More than 150 lessons are covered in this bundle, and 190 people are currently enrolled in the courses. Your one-time purchase entitles you to lifetime access to all six courses. That way, its materials will always be there for you to recall as you advance further into the world of NFTs and cryptocurrency.

If you find yourself frequently kicking yourself because you missed out on getting in on Bitcoin when it was available for just $.08 back in 2010, you’ve likely scoured the markets for other opportunities. NFTs have gained traction, and they’re likely here to stay, as will the chances to capitalize on their earning potential.

Purchase this bundle today at a limited time price of $20 and tap into this emerging market.

Prices subject to change.   

Boston’s First Black Mayor Signs Executive Order to Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day
by Charlene Rhinehart

October 10, 2021

Boston’s First Black Mayor Signs Executive Order to Replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day

Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey signed an executive order on Wednesday afternoon to observe Indigenous Peoples Day in lieu of Columbus Day. The executive order will begin on Monday, October 11. Community members watched as the city’s first Black mayor said goodbye to Columbus Day.

“As mayor of Boston, I hereby declare the second Monday of each October Indigenous Peoples Day in the city of Boston,” she said during Wednesday’s prepared speech. “Observing Indigenous Peoples Day is about replacing the colonial myths passed down from generation to generation with the true history of the land upon which our nation was founded.”

Boston joins other municipalities in Massachusetts that have decided to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. However, Columbus Day is still observed as a state and federal holiday.

“The atrocities that person committed was horrendous – to see this change is memorable,” said Chalinaru Dones, a supporter of Indigenous Peoples Day, according to Boston CBS Local. “It means the world to me; this is amazing – just the thought that I am alive to see this happen is huge in its own.”

While many residents applauded Janey’s move, she also drew criticism from others. Boston held no public hearings and many were surprised by the decision.

Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards shared her concerns on her Facebook page on Wednesday.

“I was elected to represent the largest Italian American community in the city,” Edwards wrote. “Today’s unilateral action by the acting mayor was a surprise to me and I don’t believe it encourages the honest, transparent, healing conversation we need.”

The next day Councilor Edwards, who represents Boston’s North End, apologized for her Facebook comments. She confirmed that she supports Indigenous Peoples Day. However, she does not agree with the way the “unilateral” decision was made,” Boston News reported.

Mayor Kim Janey Observes Indigenous Peoples Day

For many, this move was long overdue. After the signing of the executive order, Mayor Janey told reporters that “This is a small step in a long journey around justice in our city.”

Columbus Day was first observed in 1892. Now, nearly 130 years later, many cities can pay tribute to indigenous people.

“Our shared history in the city is tainted by colonial violence and systemic exclusion,” Janey shared. “As the current residents of this land, the city of Boston has an opportunity and an obligation to honor the cultures, experiences, and achievements of indigenous people.”

 

Complaint Filed Against Angry Woman Who Allegedly Told Black Boy She Would ‘Kneel On His Neck’ After Breaking Toy
by Charlene Rhinehart

October 10, 2021

Complaint Filed Against Angry Woman Who Allegedly Told Black Boy She Would ‘Kneel On His Neck’ After Breaking Toy

A complaint was filed against New Hampshire woman Kristina Graper after she allegedly told a Black boy she would “kneel on his neck,” Associated Press reported on Thursday.  The civil rights complaint states that Graper also called the 9-year-old boy a racial slur after he broke her son’s toy in the Dover park.

A civil rights complaint was filed in Strafford County Superior Court. The incident took place on May 10 while the Black boy was playing at the neighborhood park.

According to the complaint, the 9-year-old boy was pushed by Graper’s son. He then “broke a foam missile or foam bullet” toy that Graper’s son brought to the park. The situation escalated after Graper’s son went home to report to his mom what happened at the park.

New Hampshire Woman Threatened to Kneel on Black Boy

Graper, 51, ran up to the park and allegedly gave the 9-year-old boy a warning that brought back memories of the George Floyd incident.  The complaint states that she threatened to “kneel on his neck.”

A witness noticed the incident and disagreed with Graper’s behavior. She approached Graper and informed her about her unnecessary behavior. Graper turned her anger toward the witness and started yelled at her. Before she returned home, she call the Black boy a racial slur.

When the 9-year-old’s mother became aware of the incident, she immediately informed the police.

Graper denied telling the boy she would “kneel on his neck” at the park. However, the complaint reveals that Graper said “you wonder why you guys get (expletive) kneeled on.”

The 9-year-old boy is afraid to go to the park after this unfortunate encounter. He immediately cried when he heard Graper’s terrifying words. He recalled the moments leading up to George Floyd’s death last year. A white police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on George’s Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. He was crying out “I can’t breathe” but the police officer dismissed his plea. Video footage shows the horrific minutes when a Black guy’s life was taken away over a suspected counterfeit $20 bill.

The complaint says that the Black boy will only go to the park “when other children are there to help keep him safe.”

Graper could be subject to a civil penalty of up to $5,000, 7 News noted.

by Charlene Rhinehart

October 10, 2021

Instagram Mom Jalisa Vaughn-Jefferson Left Her Corporate Job And Secured $1 Million in Brand Deals in 2021

When Jalisa Vaughn-Jefferson revealed she was quitting her full-time corporate job to become a lifestyle influencer, her parents didn’t know what to think.

“My parents lost it,” says Vaughn-Jefferson during an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “They were like…how will you pay for health insurance? What are you going to be doing? You’re going to be taking pictures?”

Vaughn-Jefferson told her parents to trust her, and they did. Now, her parents are applauding her work as a lifestyle influencer. She has more than 293,000 Instagram followers.

“Of course, there was a bit of fear present,” says Vaughn-Jefferson. “I contemplated it over and over. But I could just feel it. I could feel how my entire body felt different when I was doing the influencing and blogging. I loved engaging and connecting with my audience. Creating content is something I truly enjoy. So I knew this was what I was supposed to do.”

Instagram Mom Reaches $1,000,000 in Brand Deals

Earlier last month, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that the 28-year-old mom secured over $800,000 in brand deals. Recently, she celebrated her first $1,000,000 in brand deals.

“Mood when wake up and realize you hit your $1M brand deal goal and still have Q4 to go,” Vaughn-Jefferson wrote. “God, I Thank YOU.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JaLisa E. Jefferson (@jalisaevaughn)

Vaughn-Jefferson shows the power of being clear about what you want and having the confidence to walk towards it. Last year, she tweeted her million-dollar goals and she’s already achieved them.

“A mill in brand deals next year,” Vaughn-Jefferson wrote. “Mark my words and remember this tweet”

Vaughn-Jefferson attributes her success to her team and her authentic presence on social media.

“Unlike a lot of influencers, I want to hire a team so that I can move faster,” says Vaughn-Jefferson. “I didn’t want to spend all my time trying to sit down and learn every trade of this business. And I really believe that’s kind of what helped me move a lot quicker. I was always open to having a team.”

Lifestyle Influencer Secures Brand Deals with Over 20 Brands

Vaughn-Jefferson has taken her audience on her journey to getting married, buying a home, and having a baby. By sharing her special moments, she’s been able to land deals and partnerships with over 20 top brands. Walmart, Carters, Cascade, Arm & Hammer, Reebok, and Zales Jewelers are just a few of the brands that Vaughn-Jefferson has worked with this year.

“I got noticed by these brands because I was doing the job before doing the actual job,” says Vaughn-Jefferson. “Before just waking up and deciding I wanted to start working with brands, I was sharing the products that I use and love every day without being paid. The brands I’ve worked with have been watching me for years. They reach out because they see how consistent I am. They love how I interact with my audience and get things done.”

Vaughn-Jefferson and her team celebrated her milestone this weekend.

“Last night my tribe (forced) me to celebrate a huge milestone,” Vaughn-Jefferson wrote. “Imposter syndrome told me to cancel it because “Who am I?” but they said no way & I couldn’t be more grateful for them speaking life & consistently reminding me of who I am & what God has called me to do.”

She added, “Cheers to this mill & millions more FOR ALL OF US.”

 

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A post shared by JaLisa E. Jefferson (@jalisaevaughn)

Female Student Athletes Suspended For Protesting School’s Lenient Treatment Of Football Player Accused Of Sexual Assault
by Tai Saint-Louis

October 10, 2021

Female Student Athletes Suspended For Protesting School’s Lenient Treatment Of Football Player Accused Of Sexual Assault

A group of female athletes at a Charlotte-area high school have been suspended after protesting their school’s decision to allow a football player to participate in a recent game after he had been charged with sexually assaulting another student.

On Friday, Oct. 1, Sereniti Simpson and other members of the girls’ varsity volleyball team at Olympic High School staged a walkout to call attention to the way their school handles reports of sexual misconduct, particularly for student athletes.

“We’re out here today because we’re not going to let them silence our voices anymore,” Simpson told local station WCNC at the time. “If you get your phone taken in class, you’re benched, but yet he can be under investigation for a sexual crime and still get to play on Friday, that is ridiculous.”

Brianna Moncada, a senior at the school, told the station that coaches covered the 15-year-old player’s ankle monitor before allowing him to take the stage.

Because of the ages of the students involved, neither Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department or Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools could confirm the identity of the accused student, and thus could not confirm that he played in the game in question. CMPD did confirm that a 15-year-old male student at Olympic was arrested and charged with attempted second-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping, and sexual battery on Sept. 14, following an incident which had taken place the day before.

According to Simpson, however, the student body is fully aware of which player was arrested. “I’ve had girls tell me they don’t feel safe because they see him walking on their campus,” she stated. “And not just him. There are so many other boys that get to walk free. [School administators] need to actually take steps to make sure our girls feel safer on campus. They need to kick kids off campus who are charged with crimes.”

Instead, Charlotte Observer reports the two members of the girls’ volleyball team who spoke out were issued a one day suspension, for violating the school board’s policy on student protests. Officials stated that while a separate, planned indoor demonstration in the school’s gym Friday morning was authorized, the “disruptive” student walk-out was not.

“Other sports teams were represented in the protest — hundreds of students were protesting — but the volleyball team was on the front line,” one of the girls’ parents told the Observer under condition of anonymity. “If you can’t punish them all, you can’t punish any.”

Simpson, the other suspended student, turned in her jersey when her coach informed her of the suspension.

“We were benched simply for demanding a safer environment not only for us, but for all girls on a CMS campus,” she said. “I will not play for a team or school that punishes its athletes for wanting a safer environment. It’s time to take a stand. We need to take action now.”

Both the state of North Carolina and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools only require student athletes be suspended from their teams if they are found guilty of a crime. However, following the Oct. 1 protest, Erica Turner, the Athletic Director at Olympic, said that “any student-athlete that is arrested or charged with a criminal offense will not be allowed to participate while charges are pending.”

 

by Charlene Rhinehart

October 10, 2021

Youngest NYSE Stock Trader Lauren Simmons Inks Deal with Spotify

Former New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) stock trader Lauren Simmons partnered with Spotify to release her podcast. The new project, “Mind Body Wealth with Lauren Simmons,” premiered on Wednesday, September 29. Simmons will share new episodes – – exclusively on Spotify — on Wednesdays.

Lauren Simmons went viral after making history as the youngest full-time female trader on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Her story also inspired many African-American women all over the world. She was the second Black woman equity trader since the NYSE was established over two hundred years ago.

After reportedly earning less than $25,000 per year as a stock trader, Simmons left her job and carved out her own lane. Hollywood picked up her story and is now producing a film about the young trader. She’s also working with Entrepreneur.com to debut the new digital series, Going Public, on October 19. The interactive series will give diverse entrepreneurs a chance to pitch investors and become a publicly traded company.

Former NYSE Trader Talks About Money on New Spotify Podcast

Simmons has been involved in many money conversations over the years. Now, she’s ready to share her behind-the-scenes insights. Simmons’ Mind Body Wealth podcast will give her another platform to share money insights and talk to other leaders about their relationship with money.

“I felt it was more rewarding for me to empower the next generation when it came to finances than for me to become a product of a company,” Simmons told Know Your Value. “And here I am. We are 100 percent going to change the narrative.”

She adds, “People can talk about sex, politics and so many taboo subjects, but people are so hesitant to talk about money. You need to know, ‘what is your relationship with money?’ It’s one of the most instrumental things if you want to change your financial circumstances.”

Simmons Reveals Her Earnings As an NYSE Stock Trader

Simmons has been transparent about her earnings while working as a stock trader. She earned $12,000 per year, according to an article she penned for Business Insider in March.

“While I’m forever grateful for that opportunity and stepping stone, I appreciate it more so for the life experiences that it has lent me because truth be told, all that glitters isn’t always gold,” Simmons shared with Business Insider.

During an interview with Essence, the renowned equity trader shared more details about her pay.

“I started on the trading floor as an intern, making $5 an hour, if that,” Simmons revealed. “It was a rite of passage…. Other employees on the trading floor would say, ‘Oh, you’re supposed to start from the bottom.’ Which—I agree, but then I don’t, because I think people should be [compensated accordingly for] their time. Ultimately I told them, ‘You’re not even paying me minimum wage.’ And they were able to hike it up to $23,000. And that is how much I was making on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange.”

Simmons’ didn’t allow her meager earnings or disappointments to hold her back. Instead, she used her experience to catapult her other interests.

“My life goal is to be part of a movement promoting change and giving minorities — whether women, people of color, or younger generations — the tools necessary to help forge their own paths to success,” she shared in a Business Insider article.

Through her Spotify podcast, Simmons has the chance to get one step closer to her life goal. According to Variety, Lauren Simmons has signed up to share 24 episodes of the “Mind Body Wealth” podcast.

Black Twitter Reminds ‘The Rock’ That He Needs to Stick to Movie Roles Instead of Rapping
by Tai Saint-Louis

October 10, 2021

Black Twitter Reminds ‘The Rock’ That He Needs to Stick to Movie Roles Instead of Rapping

In the midst of shooting and/or promoting no less than three projects due out over the next few months, Dwayne Johnson found time to record his rap debut.

The actor released his verse on rapper Tech N9ne‘s new single “FACE OFF” via Twitter on Saturday, proudly proclaim his gratitude for not being horrible.

Johnson tells Variety that, after turning down requests from his famous Hip-Hop friends for years, the request he received from Tech N9ne – one of the most successful independent artists and label heads in Hip-Hop – felt right.

“When Tech texted me, I knew I would make this work,” he explained We’re aligned, just in terms of our work ethic and desire. When Tech and I first met years ago on the set of ‘Ballers,’ we were talking about this idea about being the hardest worker in the room. He said something that I really appreciated: basically, ‘There could never be enough food in this room or on this set that could make me full because I always want to be hungry.’ I just love that.”

While Tech helped with structuring the verse, the writing was all Johnson. With a little help from his Teremana Tequila.

“One take,” he boasts. “I was drinking Teremana, so I had already been a bit lit and was ready to go. We sent it to Tech and his engineers and the text I got back from Tech, in all capital letters, was ‘F— yes!!!!’”

Unfortunately, fans on Twitter were nowhere near as impressed.

Check out the full song below.

Missing Instagram Fitness Influencer Ca’Shawn ‘Cookie’ Sims Found in Hospital After Month-Long Search
by Charlene Rhinehart

October 10, 2021

Missing Instagram Fitness Influencer Ca’Shawn ‘Cookie’ Sims Found in Hospital After Month-Long Search

Last week, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that fitness influencer Ca’Shawn ‘Cookie’ Sims was missing. After a month-long search, the 30-year-old has been found. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) confirmed to PEOPLE that the search is over.

NBC News reported that Ca’Shawn was found at a Los Angeles-area hospital on Thursday. She is in good condition and has reunited with her family.

Ca’Shawn’s family has been pleading for answers since she was last seen on September 8. The sheriff’s department has been investigating the situation.

“There is no suspicion of foul play,” the sheriff’s office said, according to the outlet. “The family is asking for privacy.”

Fitness Influencer Ca’Shawn ‘Cookie’ Sims Found

Ca’Shawn’s sister, Chris’tol Sims, celebrated her return by sharing the news on Instagram.

“Found!!!!!!!!!! Thank you guys so much we found her and she is safe! We love you and thank you! God is great!!!!!!” Chris’tol wrote on the Instagram photo.

Alongside the photo, her sister shared another message of gratitude.

“Thank you so much for all of the help! Every step of the way. Lord, we FOUND HER!!!!!!!!!”

 

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A post shared by Hue Cocoa (@christolsims)

Ca’rynn Sims, Ca’Shawn’s other sister, posted a photo of her sister on Instagram. She left a one-word caption: “FOUND!!!!”

Followers on Ca’rynn’s timeline wanted more answers. The family did not comment on the inquiries.

One social media follower responded to the post saying there was a video where “Cashawn clearly states she’s being abused.”

She added, “In the video she mentioned her father was more excessive but overall, her whole family being her mom, two sisters, and father.”

Ca’Shawn, a fitness trainer with more than 217,000 followers on Instagram, was reported missing after she was released from a hospital on September 11 and 12, according to her sister Ca’rynn.

The family posted missing person flyers on social media. The LASD also asked for public help on its Facebook account, sharing her description and location where she was last seen.

Ca’Shawn’s mother revealed to ABC7 that the fitness influencer struggled with mental challenges due to the pandemic.

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