by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 10, 2024

Working Multiple Concurrent Jobs–Or Polyworking–Is Becoming A Growing Trend

Polyworkers, individuals juggling multiple jobs simultaneously, are becoming a dominant force in the job market.

Amid an uncertain job market, more workers are choosing to work for multiple companies simultaneously instead of relying on a single employer.

Known as “polyworking,” this emerging trend is one of the top personal branding trends for 2024, where individuals take on a “portfolio career” by juggling multiple jobs at once, Forbes reports. Research shows the number of professionals embracing this work style is expected to rise in the coming years, with the rise of AI-enhanced efficiencies and a workforce seeking more fulfillment and purpose in their careers.

“Almost half (46%) of workers are polyworking with a side hustle or additional job, and a further 36% plan on starting one in the future,” as cited by Owl Labs.

Several key reasons explain the rise in polyworking: boosting job security and income, expanding skillsets, and fostering professional growth by exploring new industries. Other factors include personal fulfillment, inspiring creative thinking and problem-solving skills, reduced job burnout through variety, networking opportunities, and the autonomy and flexibility of working on your own terms.

Polyworking benefits not only employees but companies as well. Employers can gain from having polyworkers on their team, as they bring diverse skill sets and fresh ideas. Supporting employees’ flexibility to pursue multiple professional interests fosters stronger rapport, higher job satisfaction, and can lead to improved retention.

For those interested in joining the polywork community, there are six steps to follow:

Practice introspection by evaluating your skills, interests, and passions. Identify areas where you can contribute across multiple roles or projects and consider what could be missing that could enhance your life.
Assess your options and decide where to focus your efforts. Begin by adding just one new role or project to your work portfolio to not overwhelm or burden yourself.
Develop a plan by outlining the steps needed to pursue your new role, and set clear milestones and a timeline to track your progress.
Expand your network by connecting with individuals involved in the new industry or sector you’re adding to your work portfolio.
Put your plan into action, track your progress, and adjust as needed until you’ve fully embraced polyworking.
Update your personal brand to ensure your actions and communications reflect the new dimensions of your work. When revamping your brand, be sure to highlight how the diverse roles you take on make you a more unique and compelling professional.

RELATED CONTENT: Mastering the Art of the Side Hustle

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 10, 2024

Vanity Fair Trolls ‘The Convicted Felon’ Donald Trump With Viral Digital Cover Following Election Win

Vanity Fair unveils scathing magazine cover in response to Donald Trump's election victory.

Vanity Fair unloaded the clip on Donald Trump following his election win on Nov. 5.

The cover garnered over 1 million views on X, 28,000 likes, and 10,000 reposts, while the Instagram post amassed over 1 million likes on its first day. The photo the magazine went with showed a close-up shot of Trump staring into the eyes of the camera with his signature tan and scowl.

“Four years after launching an unprecedented attack on democracy and leaving the White House in disgrace, the convicted felon and twice-impeached politician will return to Washington, DC, as the 47th president of the United States,” Vanity Fair captioned the cover.

Donald Trump has won the 2024 election.

Four years after launching an unprecedented attack on democracy and leaving the White House in disgrace, the convicted felon will return to Washington, DC, as the 47th president of the United States.

🔗: https://t.co/rznxBpYKMZ pic.twitter.com/bBo5xS3BPU
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) November 6, 2024

The verbiage is all facts about the President-elect who has the country divided and many fearful of his return to the White House. Responses to Vanity Fair‘s cover highlight the split between the Americans who support another Trump presidency and those who don’t.

“Women who voted for Trump just sent back the women’s movement by 100 years. Unbelievable,” one critic stated on Vanity Fair‘s Instagram post of the cover.

“He won the popular vote, the PEOPLE have spoken the majority of people are tired of the progressive/woke agenda,” added one Trump supporter.

The debate continued on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Trump supporters faced opposition from those who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.

“And despite all of that, people overwhelmingly voted for him over Kamala. He was the safer bet,” a Trump supporter tweeted.

“How embarrassing for America…” added one Harris supporter.

Donald Trump addressed his supporters at his election night watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida, early Wednesday morning, following Fox News’ projection of his victory in the 2024 presidential election.

“I want to thank the American people for the extraordinary honor of being elected your 47th president, and your 45th president, and every citizen. And I will fight for you, for your family, and your future. Every single day I will be fighting for you, and with every breath in my body. I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe, and prosperous America that our children deserve, and that you deserve,” he said.

“This will truly be the golden age of America. That’s what we have to have. This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again.”

RELATED CONTENT: Opinion: Trump Won Despite Running A Divisive Campaign–Here’s How

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2024

‘History in Their Hands’: Cleveland Exhibit Celebrates Legacy Of Black Photographers In Ohio

The exhibition is titled History in Their Hands: Black Photographers in Cleveland, Ohio, 1968 – Present.

The Western Reserve Historical Society’s Cleveland History Center has launched a new exhibition showcasing the work of Black photographers in the Cleveland area. Titled “History in Their Hands: Black Photographers in Cleveland, Ohio, 1968—Present,” the exhibit is located inside the Bingham-Hanna Mansion.

According to Dr. Regennia William, a member of the Distinguished Scholar of African American History and Culture Curator of Community Partnerships and Traveling Exhibitions, the new exhibition is meant to honor Black contributions to America’s long history.

Williams told ABC News 5 Cleveland, “These photographers have traveled and lived all over the country and made friends for Black History all over the world.”

The exhibition includes photos of prominent historical leaders such as Jesse Jackson, the former Cleveland City Council President and Cleveland NAACP President George Forbes, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and others.

Charles Pinkney, a 91-year-old local painter and photographer, expressed how honored he is to have contributed to “History in Their Hands.” His career as a photographer took off in the late 1970s, and he reflected on his beginnings that brought him to today.

“I was in the darkroom where I spent a lot of time making pictures, and the phone rang,” Pinkney recalled. “The chief photographer for the Pittsburgh Press was on the other end and said, ‘Do you still want that job?’”

Pinkney then became the Pittsburgh Press’ first full-time Black photographer. He took the job because the “main thing I was trying to overcome was stereotypes. I knew that all Black women didn’t look like Aunt Jemima. And I knew all Black men were not like Uncle Ben. I want to show how beautiful we were,” he explained.

“I wanted my pictures to be truthful, to be honest and be fair. I try to take pictures that have some kind of meaning -– that tell a story.”

Pinkney is one of six photographers to have their work displayed in “History in Their Hands.” Some of his portraits include influential Black history figures, such as playwright August Wilson and Judge Stephanie Tubbs Jones, but many of his featured works also center around everyday people in Cleveland. Pinkney and the other photographers in the exhibit have curated photos rooted in authentic and moving moments, as well as historically and culturally relevant. The exhibition will run through the summer of 2025.

by Sharelle Burt

November 9, 2024

U.S. Retail Companies May Have To Up Their Prices Thanks To Trump’s Import Tariffs

Think this is a good plan?

U.S. retailers’ alliance with foreign suppliers may lead to higher prices for a range of products, thanks to Donald Trump winning the White House and his proposed import tariffs, CBS News reports.

In a report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) on Nov. 4, American consumers can expect to lose anywhere between $46 billion and $78 billion in spending power on products such as apparel, toys, furniture, household appliances, footwear, and travel goods over the next few years because of the tariffs. NRF Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold released a statement explaining what a tariff is and how it affects companies. “A tariff is a tax paid by the U.S. importer, not a foreign country or the exporter. This tax ultimately comes out of consumers’ pockets through higher prices,” Gold said.

“Retailers rely heavily on imported products and manufacturing components so that they can offer their customers a variety of products at affordable prices.”

Examples include a pair of sneakers for $50, which could increase prices between $59 and $64, or a $2,000 mattress and box spring set for $2,190.

The introduction of tariffs isn’t a first-time Trump proposal. During his first term, his administration set sights on tariffs up to 25% for over $360 billion in products from China. The Biden-Harris administration kept most of those tariffs and added additional ones to Chinese electric cars and microchips.

Under a Trump-Vance reign, the team has plans to embed a 60% tax on China-produced goods and a 10% to 20% levy on the $3 trillion in foreign goods the U.S. imports per year. During the campaign, Trump vowed to reduce inflation, but U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen issued a warning that since the tariffs would be paid, it mostly would only increase it. “A consistent theoretical and empirical finding in economics is that domestic consumers and domestic firms bear the burden of a tariff, not the foreign country,” the Budget Lab at Yale University said in a mid-October 2024 analysis.

However, Trump claims tariffs will benefit the U.S. economy in numerous ways, such as encouraging countries to negotiate more successful trade deals and limiting other countries from “dumping” their products in the States at under-market prices, according to USA Today. Another reason is to motivate nations to decrease their tariffs on shipments into their countries from the U.S.

The four-time criminally indicted President-elect has accused other countries of pushing much higher tariffs on imports than the U.S. and criticized trade deals—like NAFTA—that have led to more foreign imports into the country than exports from the U.S. to other countries. In 2020, the Trump administration replaced NAFTA with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

For now, the timeline of when or if the incoming administration will begin to tighten tariffs is unclear. The process requires legislation to increase the levies, which could take up to a year.

Iconic ‘Candyman’ Actor Tony Todd Dies At 69

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2024

Iconic ‘Candyman’ Actor Tony Todd Dies At 69

Todd reportedly died of natural causes in his California home.

Tony Todd, the iconic actor known for playing the title role in the “Candyman” horror film franchise, died in his California home on the night of Nov. 6. He was 69, Deadline reports.

Todd’s death was confirmed by his manager, Jeffrey Goldberg, who said, “I regretfully can confirm that my dear friend and client of over 30 years, Tony Todd, has passed away. What an amazing man and I will miss him every single day.”

Reports state that Todd died of natural causes. He had over 240 film and TV credits across an impressive four-decade career. He also notably appeared in the “Final Destination” franchise, “Platoon,” and “The Rock.”

Following the news of his passing, Todd, a co-star in the first “Candyman” movie, Virginia Madsen, took to Instagram to speak about his impact and death. She wrote in the caption, “My beloved. May you rest in power sweet to the sweet in heaven.”

Madsen added, “The great actor Tony Todd has left us and now is an angel. As he was in life. More later but I can’t right now. I love you. I just found out about Tony, and I will — I don’t know what to say right now. But I’m — anyway. Yeah, I know about it, but I’m, I will say more about it.”

She continued, “My beloved Candyman.”

Todd was born in Washington, DC, on Dec. 4, 1954, and completed his acting studies at the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute and the Trinity Repertory Company. His breakout role was playing Sergeant Warren in 1986, a cast member of Oliver Stone’s Vietnam War drama “Platoon.” His career continued growing through the ’80s and ’90s as he worked in TV and film.

Todd entered the horror genre in the ’90s, starring in the 1990 remake of George A. Romero’s film “Night of the Living Dead.” After that, he starred in the rest of the “Candyman” film series. He also played William Bludworth, the funeral home owner, in the “Final Destination” movies.

Todd also made an impact as a voice actor, lending his voice to pieces like Michael Bay’s 2009 Transformers: Rise of the Fallen and the Call of Duty video games.

by Daniel Johnson

November 9, 2024

Sean Combs’ Lawyers Request Bail Again, Argue Jail Conditions Make Trial Prep Hard

Combs' new bail package argues that the Metropolitan Detention Center is insufficient for his defense team to prepare a proper case.

Sean Combs and his lawyers are again petitioning for his release from jail ahead of his May 2025 criminal trial. As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Combs was turned down by the court for earlier bail requests.

According to USA Today, lawyers representing Combs suggested additional conditions to their previous proposals to convince the court that their client is not a flight risk.

The package, like the ones before it, offers a $50 million bond secured by equity in Combs and his mother’s homes in Florida, implementation of a 24/7 monitoring service by approved security personnel, no internet or phone access for Combs except for his meetings with legal counsel, and a pre-approved visitor list of select family members and the surrendered passports of Combs and his family members.

The package diverges from the previous one in its arguments that the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) is insufficient for his defense team to prepare a proper case. Combs’ lawyers also say that the frequent sweeps at the facility have made meeting with their client difficult.

“Even assuming Mr. Combs obtains a laptop and counsel is able to share critical discovery with him and visit him at the MDC every day, uninterrupted, it will be impossible for Mr. Combs to review this incredible volume of evidence under the present conditions,” his lawyers argued in the new request.

His lawyers also claimed that the “23.5 terabytes of discovery material,” which includes video evidence, may not be as incriminating as the government has suggested.

The defense team argued that the evidence that they reviewed might actually strengthen their case that the “freak-offs” described by the government as coerced sexual performances are just evidence of a toxic long-term relationship as opposed to proof of sex trafficking.

The lawyers also argued for Combs to be reunited with his children. “Sean Combs’s seven children and his mother love and support him and need his love and support… His minor child, now 2 years old, has not been able to see her father since he was incarcerated and misses him dearly,” the attorneys wrote.

Judge Arun Subramanian, the judge overseeing the criminal case against Combs, denied the defense’s request for a gag order for witnesses on Nov. 8, saying that the law does not support their broad request.

“The requested order here is incredibly broad, treats potential witnesses identically to their lawyers, and impacts a series of ongoing cases,” Judge Subramanian wrote.

The judge added, “Not all alleged victims will be participants in this case, and a blanket restriction on their speech will silence individuals who may never have anything to do with the proceedings here. And in any event, less restrictive alternatives must be considered and rejected before imposing a restraint on speech.”

Three Adults arrested, Child Endangerment, 6-Year-Old, Dryer

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2024

Photographer Fatally Attacked After Woman Allegedly Became Angry Over Photos; Suspect’s Girlfriend Livestreamed Incident

Savon Tyler reportedly shot Lauren Martin outside of her Florida home after an altercation over photos taken of the suspect.

A Florida photographer, Lauren Ashley Martin, was allegedly fatally shot by a woman upset about her photos. Authorities have arrested Savon Chantay Tyler and her girlfriend, Lakevia Davonna Pringle, who live-streamed the killing on social media in connection with the murder.

Thirty-four-year-old Martin was shot multiple times outside a Sanford home in a gated community on Nov 5. According to the Sanford Police Department, Pringle, 31, streamed the shooting on social media after Martin and Tyler got into an altercation over photos she had taken of Tyler in the past. Before the shooting, Tyler and Martin had gotten into an online back-and-forth leading up to the physical altercation.

Tyler, 35, is currently being held without bond on first-degree premeditated murder charges, and she has entered a plea of not guilty, per People. Pringle was later taken into custody after she turned herself in at the Sanford Police Department on Nov. 8, Fox 35 reports. She has been charged with one count of principal in the first-degree to first-degree premeditated homicide, according to police.

Just before the killing, Martin began a Facebook Live and told her followers that she was going to “beat” someone. Martin then drove to Tyler’s home, where they engaged in an in-person verbal altercation that escalated to physical violence.

Pringle, Tyler’s girlfriend, recorded the physical altercation live on Facebook. According to the arrest report, the livestream captured Tyler reportedly coming out of her home with a child’s baseball bat and gun when Martin arrived. As the pair began to fight, Martin took control of the bat. Pringle was heard on the livestream urging Tyler to continue the altercation, which led to Martin’s death, police said. Tyler was allegedly caught on camera shooting Martin at that time. Martin died in the hospital hours later.

by Daniel Johnson

November 9, 2024

Brandon Scott Wins Reelection In Baltimore, First Mayor To Do So In 20 Years

Scott handily won his reelection campaign, defeating GOP opponent Shannon Wright by a massive margin.

Baltimore’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott handily won his reelection campaign on Nov. 5, defeating the GOP nominee Shannon Wright by an 82% to 17% margin.

According to CBS News, Scott’s win in a rematch of the 2020 mayoral election made him the first incumbent mayor to retain his position since 2004.

Scott was humbled and grateful to Baltimore residents for believing in his vision for the city. He told the outlet that his administration would continue its work on violent crime, vacant housing, and focusing on young local residents.

“I am deeply humbled and grateful to the residents of Baltimore for granting me the opportunity to continue serving them as Mayor of Baltimore,” Scott said. “As we have said from the beginning of this race — the work is not done, and this victory is a mandate to double down on our efforts to keep building Baltimore’s renaissance and make our city into the best version of itself.”

Scott continued, “Together, we will continue the progress on improving public safety the right way, tackling the issue of vacant housing, investing in our young people, and modernizing city government to serve all Baltimoreans. Let’s get back to work building a more equitable Charm City.”

Scott’s campaign focused on his impact on reducing crime, his ability to grow Baltimore’s economy, and his investment in the city’s youth.

He was also vocal about his opposition to Question H, a ballot measure that would have reduced the number of seats on Baltimore’s city council from 14 to 8.

Scott argued that the reduced number of seats would have reduced the representation of the city’s voters, stripped Black leaders from office, and weakened the ability of voters to access their local government.

On his way to becoming the second incumbent Baltimore mayor since Martin O’Malley in 2004, Scott received endorsements from quite a few local leaders and unions, including Maryland Sens. Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, SEIU Locals 1199, 32BJ, and 500 and the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund.

by Mary Spiller

November 9, 2024

Historic Building Burns Down At One of Tennessee’s Oldest HBCUs, Knoxville College

No one was injured.

A building at Knoxville College, East Tennessee’s only historically Black college and one of the oldest in the state, was destroyed by fire on Nov. 4. Although vacant, the flames completely consumed the structure.

The huge fire was reported at Elnathan Hall around 9 p.m. According to a Knoxville Fire Department news release, around 40 firefighters responded to the scene and remained present until 1 a.m., attempting to douse the hotspots of the rubble.

As of Nov. 7, fire investigators suggested the fire was intentionally set at its source. They specified that the “set” could be because of arson but also could have been due to cooking. Knoxville Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Wilbanks told news outlets that they are still unsure of the cause of the Elnathan Hall fire.

Wilbanks explained, “Nothing new as far as any suspects or anything like that. We do believe it was a set fire. We don’t have any leads at this time, but the investigators were told a few people’s names. They are still looking into that.”

Knoxville College is a small, non-accredited HBCU campus near downtown Knoxville. The college has been contending with debt, low enrollment, and a loss of accreditation. The college now only offers online classes, so the campus is largely vacant. Thankfully, no one was present at Elnathan Hall during the fall, but the location was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Knoxville College is still trying to regain its accreditation and is also searching for a new president of the HBCU. Knoxville College lost its Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation in 1997 due to financial difficulties and a consistently declining enrollment. The college was founded in 1875, and it is one of seven historically Black colleges and universities in Tennessee and the only historically Black college in East Tennessee.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Black organications

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 9, 2024

Baltimore Mayor Reacts To Kamala Harris Election Loss, ‘This Country Does Not Deserve Black Women’

Scott shows solidarity with Black women after VP Harris's election loss.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is going viral for his impassioned speech lamenting Vice President Kamala Harris’s election loss to Donald Trump.

On Nov. 6, Scott addressed the public following Harris’s decisive loss to former President Trump. In a video shared Nov. 7, Scott shared his thoughts about her defeat and what he feels it signifies about the country.

While Scott became the first Baltimore mayor to win re-election since 2004, he expressed his “extreme disappointment” with the presidential election outcome and the reality of a second Trump presidency. He also criticized the nation for its lack of support for Black women.

“It is really on my heart this morning to say that as a man, but more importantly as a Black man, that this country does not deserve Black women or Black people, but specifically Black women,” he said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mayor Brandon M. Scott (@mayorbmscott)

“This morning, I woke up and I just gave my wife a hug because I know how heavy this is weighing on Black women,” he continued. “And they have carried this country and saved this country too many times and continue to be the most disrespected human beings on the planet. And it, quite frankly, it disgusts me.”

With the Baltimore Mayor expecting a baby girl with his wife, Hana Pugh, he expressed concern about the world she’ll be welcomed into. One that is “steeped in racism, sexism, and misogyny,” he said.

Scott defended Harris’s campaign, saying neither she nor her team deserves criticism for their strategy or its short timeframe after President Joe Biden opted out of re-election in July. Scott believes that even with more time, the outcome would have remained unchanged, given the state and history of the country.

“The fact is, is that they did everything that a campaign can do and more,” he said. “But we as a country really have a lot of soul searching to do, and that’s really what I wanna say about that today.”

Scott’s passionate speech received widespread support on social media, with many expressing gratitude and sending warm messages in the comments.

“Thank you Mayor Scott! We needed to hear this ❤️,” one person wrote.

“This brother gets it,” added someone else.

On X, Mayor Scott was celebrated for being “a real one.”

https://twitter.com/cbr_OLU/status/1854566807744504096