by Derek Major

September 16, 2021

Applications Open For The Coalition To Back Black Businesses 2021 Grant Program

---

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced Wednesday that the Coalition To Back Black Businesses is now accepting applications for its 2021 grant program.

The program will provide $5,000 grants to more than 400 small Black business owners to help them meet their needs. Eligible Black Business owners can apply for the grants between now and September 22.

The coalition, a multi-year initiative launched by the U.S. Chamber Foundation and American Express in September 2020, supports the long-term success of small Black businesses. The program is also the first grant collaboration between the nation’s four major Black chambers: the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Walker’s Legacy. Since its inception, AIG Foundation, Altice USA, ADP, and the S&P Global Foundation have joined the effort.

The coalition will also provide long-term resources, including mentorships, training, and additional funding. Through a partnership with Ureeka, each grant recipient will be paired with an industry-specific mentor to help them further grow their business. Grantees will also have the opportunity to apply for $25,000 enhancement grants next year.

“The Coalition to Back Black Businesses $5,000 grant has allowed our business to purchase necessary medical equipment, office supplies, staffing, and increase our marketing and advertising reach,” said Melanie LaCour, owner of Alexandria Primary Care Clinic in Louisiana. “My mentors have given me the guidance and confidence needed to succeed and the enhancement grant will be used to hire additional staff, purchase specialty equipment, and improve access to services.

To be eligible for the grant program, businesses must have between three and 20 full-time, part-time or contracted employees and be located in economically vulnerable communities. Those interested can check their eligibility for the program by filling out a short form on the coalition’s website.

Eligible finalists will be invited to complete a full grant application. Businesses will be invited in October. Businesses that are not selected can apply again as the program will run through 2024.

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 16, 2021

Kym Whitley Says Mo’Nique Stepped To Her To Get Approval To Date Gerald Levert On TV One’s UNCENSORED

---

TV One’s original, autobiographical series UNCENSORED continues with actress and comedienne Kym Whitley on Sunday, September 19 at 10 PM ET/9C.

The hit autobiographical series UNCENSORED explores the lives of your favorite personalities as they provide first-hand accounts of their success and the obstacles they faced throughout their careers. The next episode stars actress and comedienne Whitley who born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and Khartoum, Sudan.

Whitley will be featured on an episode this Sunday and she drops some real tea about actress Mo’Nique asking for her blessing to date Whitley’s longtime boo, the late Gerald Levert. Whitley said that she and Levert had a longtime relationship/friendship.

Whitley admits that she and the singer who died in November 2006 had plans to ultimately get married.

Also a few weeks back Marlon Wayans opened up about why he has refused to get married, citing that he always wanted his momma to be his number one gal.

Well, seems like he just had a lot of love to go around. According to the actress Wayans is “blessed” in more ways than one.

Here’s a clip where she dishes on Wayans’ “excessive junk.”

Growing up, Whitley was a clever and creative child, but she didn’t realize she wanted to be a performer until she went to college at Fisk University. Kym’s family was doubtful, but supportive of her acting career. It was their doubt that fueled her to make the leap to Hollywood. While waiting for her big break, she worked as a Soul Train Dancer, a teacher, and she was also hired as Arsenio Hall’s assistant.

Kym landed her first acting role when she was cast for the television show Vinnie & Bobby in 1992. After that, the roles continued to trickle in, starting with Nickelodeon’s first black sitcom, My Brother & Me. She appeared on Martin, The Parent ’Hood, and Married With Children before landing her first role as a series regular on the show Sparks in 1998. As Kym continued her rise in Hollywood, she added stand up comedienne to her resume. Kym’s first big movie was Ice Cube’s Next Friday in 2000. In 2011, She adopted her son Joshua, chronicling her journey as a new mom on her own show, Raising Whitley.

In 2020, she joined her friend and fellow comedienne Sherri Shepherd to release the podcast, Two Funny Mamas. More recently, Kym can be seen on Twenties or comedy tours around the country.

This Sunday, the star is telling all about her journey to fame and success on UNCENSORED.

This season, some of today’s most notable personalities tell their story in their own words including super producer Swizz Beatz, R&B singer Anthony Hamilton, acclaimed actress Lynn Whitfield, singer and actress Raven-Symoné and more!

• News

by Alexa Imani Spencer

September 16, 2021

Courvoisier Cognac Pledges $1 Million To Help Black, Minority Small Businesses Recover From the Pandemic

---

Courvoisier Cognac has launched global philanthropic platform Foundation  1828, which includes a five-year $1 million financial commitment to equipping Black and small minority business owners with resources to recover from the pandemic’s impact.

This is the brand’s first formal initiative to support entrepreneurs since it was founded in 1828 by Felix Courvoisier, who created a house that supported a close-kit collective of artisans in Jarnac, France.

“Entrepreneurs come in many different forms, from all walks of life and varying income levels. Courvoisier recognizes the importance of nurturing that drive, passion, and creativity in these individuals around the globe—especially for those who may have the odds stacked against them,”Jon Potter, managing director of Maison Courvoisier said in a press release. “Foundation 1828 is designed to unify our mission and make a lasting impact by assessing the critical needs of underserved communities in our key global markets to build authentic programming that will provide long-lasting benefits to entrepreneurs for years to come.”

Last year, Courvoisier and the National Urban League formed a multi-year partnership.

The collaboration will continue at this year’s National Urban League Conference on Sept. 30. Courvoisier will be sponsor a virtual session from 4:30 to 6 p.m. as part of the Small Business Matters Entrepreneurship Day.

The virtual session, entitled “Marketing Your Business in the New Normal with Courvoisier Cognac,” will include a pitch competition where three pre-selected small Black businesses will have a chance to receive $75,000, $50,000, and $25,000. Finalists must be members of the National Urban League to participate.

The session will also include an educational marketing panel discussion focused on rebuilding after the impact of COVID-19. Topics will include marketing strategies and social media guidance.

The panelists include Courvoisier curators Chris Roy of Los Angeles, Kwabena “K. Botchey” of Atlanta, and Brooke Mackie of Chicago, and moderator Klassi Duncan, vice president, Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Urban League of Louisiana. 

For more information about the virtual session, click here.

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 16, 2021

Wu Tang’s RZA and Violife Award 5 Black-Owned Restaurants With $100K

---

Upfield’s Violife® vegan cheese brand today announced the recipients of its 2021 Plant Grants, a new program aimed at making plant-based meals more delicious, affordable, and available in local communities.

This year’s program aims to address the disproportionate challenges faced by Black-owned restaurants and communities, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Five Black-owned restaurants have been selected to receive $20,000 each, as well as education and mentorship, to add new plant-based dishes to their menu and perform outreach in their communities. Restaurants are often the economic and cultural centers of their neighborhoods, and the goal of the Plant Grants program is to help these restaurants give everyone – vegans, flexitarians, and the plant curious alike – an easy and inspired way to eat more plant-based food every day.

“With the 2021 Plant Grants program, we’re tackling plant-based food inequity head on by empowering Black-owned restaurants to offer more plant-based dishes to their communities – dishes that will delight customers and keep them coming back for more,” said Lisa Akey, Head of Away from Home Marketing for Violife® USA. The 2021 Plant Grants program is the first year of a planned annual initiative.

Moving Plant-Based Eating Forward 

Inspiring more people to eat plant-based is at the heart of the Plant Grants program.

RZA, the legendary hip-hop artist and outspoken vegan advocate, is sharing his personal story of going plant-based, as well as what motivated him to become involved with Plant Grants.

“I’m excited to work with the Plant Grants restaurants because they are on the front line of the plant-based revolution in their communities, through their recipes and the individual touch they put on their dishes to give their customers a great meal,” said RZA. “We are what we eat. For me, that means I still get to eat cheese – vegan cheese from Violife – and with their help, I get to convince people to switch to foods made from plants because they taste good, they’re affordable, and there is a whole lot of variety to choose from. It’s a journey, which is why we need more restaurants like these grantees to help show us the way with delicious plant-based food.”

Two vegan chef pioneers have also signed on to help the grantees create new plant-based recipes and get their communities involved. Chefs Lemel Durrah of California’s Compton Vegan and Laricia Chandler Baker (aka “Chef Fab”) of Chicago’s Can’t Believe It’s Not Meat have been at the forefront of the plant-based movement for years. As the 2021 Plant Grants Chef Mentors, they are working side-by-side with the grantees to provide guidance on everything from menu development to community outreach, as well as building a successful plant-based restaurant business.

The 2021 Plant Grants recipients share a passion for plant-based eating and have already started making a positive impact in their communities though their food.

• Seasoned Vegan is owned and operated by mother-and-son team Brenda and Aaron Beener and located in New York City’s Harlem neighborhood. Their menu of organic, 100% vegan meals are a unique type of cuisine that the Beeners call gourmet vegan soul food – globally-inspired dishes with a soulful twist.
• Meek’s Vegan Pizza is operated by native New Yorker Demetrius Walker, who brings New York-style vegan pizza to Houston, Texas with the intention of introducing people to veganism through one of America’s favorite foods. Demetrius was inspired to establish Meek’s Vegan Pizza as a result of the struggle to find vegan foods for his nine-year-old son. Demetrius is making the transition to vegan easy and delicious through the familiarity of a comfort food staple.
• Supreme Oasis Bakery and Deli (SOBAD) is based in Philadelphia and run by Nuyen Emanuel and her daughter, Shon, who has been deemed the “Vegan Goddess” by loyal customers. The restaurant was founded by Nuyen’s father in Baltimore 30 years ago, and she honors his legacy with delicious wholesome food at affordable prices, that is pork-free, MSG-free, trans-fat free and increasingly vegan. SOBAD partners with a local university, hospitals, and other organizations to provide free meals to their community.
• Vegans on the Run LLC of Shreveport, Louisiana is family-owned and operated by three generations of women including owner Dr. Joslin Mar-Dai Pickens, her daughter, Jalynn Mar’Dai, mother Linda Pickens, and sister Dr. Kimberly. They are on a mission to introduce plant-based eating to customers and give back to the community through providing free “Grab ‘n Go” meals for the elderly and partnering with a local university by offering free cooking classes to college students. Joslin offers traditional comfort foods that she grew up eating but with a unique 100% vegan twist, with an aim to change the face and taste of vegan food in her community.
• Plant Power Café & Juice Bar is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee and run by Aurellia Alexandre. Opened in November 2016, the restaurant has been a turning point for the community which had not had a vegan restaurant before then. It boasts one of the largest vegan comfort food menus in the city with easy access, availability, and reasonable fares so more people can experience a plant-based lifestyle. Plant Power Café & Juice Bar believes in feeding anyone who comes in the café, if they can afford a meal or not, and has a history of feeding the homeless at no cost.

To learn more about the 2021 Plant Grants program, please visit www.plantgrants.com.

About Violife

Violife is a range of award-winning 100% vegan cheese products. All Violife vegan cheese products are free from dairy, preservatives, casein, lactose, gluten, nuts, and soy. Violife comes in a wide variety of flavors and formats.

About Upfield

Upfield is the largest plant-based consumer food products company in the world, producing plant-based spreads and plant butters. In the U.S., Upfield’s iconic brands include Country Crock®, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! ®, Brummel & Brown®, and Imperial®. Violife® 100% vegan cheese products were added to the Upfield portfolio with the acquisition of Arivia in 2020. Upfield is on a mission to deliver plant-based nutrition that is better for you and better for the planet and is helping to create a “Better Plant-based Future” for all. For more information, visit www.Upfield.com.

• Lifestyle

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 16, 2021

Dapper Dan Will Be the First Black Designer to Receive Council of Fashion Designers of America ’s Lifetime Achievement Award

---

The Harlem man who helped bring the urban street to the forefront of the fashion world in the 80s will be acknowledged for his contributions to the industry.

Dapper Dan, whose fashion trend became synonymous with the world of hip-hop, sports, and entertainment is being honored with the Council of Fashion Designers of America‘s (CFDA) lifetime achievement award. With this distinction, Dan becomes the first designer to receive the honor without ever having a solo fashion show. He is also the first Black designer to receive this award.

The Dapper one acknowledged the announcement on his Instagram account.

The 2021 CFDA Fashion Awards will take place on Wednesday, November 10, at THE POOL + THE GRILL, housed within the Seagram Building on New York’s Park Avenue.

Nominations for each award category were submitted by the CFDA Fashion Awards Guild, which consists of CFDA members, along with top fashion retailers, journalists, and stylists.

• Health and Wellness

by Kia Morgan Smith

September 16, 2021

Leadership Lessons from Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles

---

I am at that stage in my career where I am seeing the newer generation challenge and redefine norms and expectations. When I started my career in big law, there was this expectation to go above and beyond at all costs. Yet, being sad, depressed, and mentally exhausted were considered signs of weakness that should not be displayed. 

It is humbling to see the world’s greatest jolt society into a compassionate sphere: compassion for self and others. The world within which we operate is challenging. Black women still make 63 cents to every dollar a white, non-Hispanic man makes, and the pandemic turned the clock back in terms of impact on Black women. The last few weeks were a reminder that sexual harassment in the workplace is still very much a reality. And we are now just starting to really broach the topic of mental health in the workplace.

Emerging from these bleak realities is a different form of leadership, one that requires leaders to be supportive of others, which celebrates candor and transparency, and demands that mental health be prioritized. 

Below are a few tenets of this empathetic leadership that Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka embody:

1. Elevating women of color. We’ve seen Simone support her teammates from the sidelines in Tokyo. We also saw Naomi support Coco Gauff during the 2019 U.S. Open. This support of not just their peers but also their competitors is a healthy departure from the ‘me first’/zero-sum game approach. The effect here is twofold: they are lifting up women who, by virtue of their race, are at a disadvantage. Additionally, they are nurturing the next generation of diverse leaders that will, in turn, emulate these values of community and kindness.
2. Raising awareness about mental health. A recent study showed that “up to 80% of people will experience a diagnosable mental health condition over the course of their lifetime.” Mental health issues are, therefore, the norm. When Naomi uses her platform to discuss the prevalence of mental health issues, it adds urgency to addressing this topic.
3. Putting personal mental health first. A few months ago, Naomi challenged convention by refusing to attend French Open press conferences to protect her mental health. When she received pushback from the establishment, Naomi withdrew from the French Open to prioritize her mental health. During the Tokyo Olympics, Simone withdrew from certain events because she was fighting internal ‘demons.’ Naomi and Simone have demonstrated that it’s OK to sit a round out. As humans who navigate the ups and downs of life, we can’t always perform. Naomi and Simone are normalizing the idea that it’s OK to take a beat to regroup and engage in self-care.
4. Being vulnerable is an act of bravery. Instead of having to fight against one’s demons silently in a corner, Simone and Naomi have proven that we don’t have to feel shame regarding our mental health issues.
5. Leveraging their platforms to advocate for social justice. From speaking out against sexual abuse to wearing masks with the names of victims of police brutality, both use their voices to shine a light on systemic racism and systemic abuse against women.

Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka have taught us all these lessons while winning Olympic medals and Grand Slams. They have shown us that we can be the best in our field, elevate those around us, all the while putting our mental health first. This new form of leadership will unlock the potential of scores of diverse leaders who will, in turn, be leading from a place of compassion, self-love, and community. 

Kindred’s Chief Impact Officer, Sarah Green-Vieux, is an ESG expert, holding a degree from Georgetown Law. Sarah joined Kindred from JUST Capital, where she held the role of Director, Human Rights & Communities. She led research on the types of opportunities companies created for local communities and minorities, including second-chance policies, veteran hiring policies, and funding local educational efforts. She also developed research on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and privacy rights. A licensed attorney, Sarah was an associate for law firm White & Case’s arbitration department, where she worked on multimillion-dollar international disputes. Sarah currently serves as a Board Member of Middle Project, a non-profit dedicated to preparing ethical leaders for a just society. A committed advocate for development and human rights, she has volunteered with a civil rights firm in New York, trained Haitian judges on arbitration in Port-au-Prince, and launched the opening of a medical facility in Burkina Faso. Sarah is most recently a new mother to a beautiful young girl named Zora!

• Lifestyle

by Alexa Imani Spencer

September 16, 2021

This Train Conductor Left the NFL To Work For A Railroad

---

After being cut several times, Keith Fitzhugh turned down a final opportunity to play in the NFL. Instead, he followed another calling to be a train conductor and doesn’t regret it.

As a child and throughout college, Fitzhugh believed he’d play in the NFL one day. His wife, Jessica, said he had the same vision about their life together, the New York Post reported.

“I was walking around campus and Keith stopped me and said, ‘You’re gonna be my wife,’” Jessica recalled about their time as Mississippi State students. “That’s what type of confidence he had. That was our first conversation.”

Fitzhugh was right about both things—he married the woman of his dreams and made it to the 2009 NFL Draft. Not being selected was not in his vision.

“That’s what I always dreamed to do,” he said. “When my name wasn’t drafted, I was really hurt.”

The New York Jets contracted him as an undrafted free agent that May, waived him in August, and added him to its practice squad in September.

“He’s the perfect example of someone who had the talent but never really got a chance to show it,” Doug Plank, the Jets’ former defensive back assistant coach, said.

Things changed one day when Fitzhugh was told the Baltimore Ravens had claimed him. He joined the team’s active roster, went to playoffs but didn’t play any snaps.

He was back with the Jets by the next training camp in 2010 but could not secure a spot on the team’s secondary. Ultimately, he was waived again, causing him to reevaluate his life.

“I remember being in the house, being depressed, and my dad would pull me aside and say, ‘Son, you have to pick yourself up,” he recalled.

Fitzhugh chose to follow his second passion and become a train conductor. He entered Norfolk Southern’s conductor program as the 2010 NFL season opened.

“When I took that conductor job, I thought, ‘That’s life for me now. It’s Part 2,’” he said.

One day following an overnight shift, Fitzhugh had a chance to get the NFL life back. The Jets called to discuss him returning as a replacement.

He had to think about it. After coming to a decision, he cried and declined the offer.

“I told them how my dad wasn’t doing so well, and I had a great opportunity as a train conductor, and I think it was best for me to spend time with my family and my dad and take this career path,” Fitzhugh recalled.

His decision was followed by several promotions that have taken him all over the country. In April, he relocated to Tampa for advancement with Road and Rail Services, where he plans to live as long as possible.

“Now my son’s growing up, and it’s time to get a little grounded, and this is a great opportunity for us to get grounded here in Tampa,” he said.

Though Fitzhugh sometimes thought, “I wish that was me,” he doesn’t dwell on the past. Football still has a place in his life. His son, Keith lll, has dreams of being drafted and will be starting flag football soon.

“He looks like he’s got a promising future, and I’m gonna do everything in my power to make sure he grows up to be a good young man and that he has fun.”

• Uncategorized

by Ashantai Hathaway

September 16, 2021

Sisters Post TikTok Dancing The Popular ‘Rick & Morty’ at Mother’s Funeral, Critics Furious

---

People seem to do TikTok dances nearly anywhere—but two sisters decided to do one at their mother’s funeral, sparking outrage.

A video posted from the @rickandmourning account shows two sisters doing the popular Rick & Morty TikTok dance. It garnered nearly 12 million views in its first five days.

@rickandmourning

we also do weddings, bar mitzvahs, baptisms, gender reveals & graduations #rickandmorty #foryoupage

♬ original sound – rickandmourning

The video comes with the jokey tag, “We also do weddings.”

The TikTok prompted many to comment about the sisters doing the dance at their mom’s funeral—calling it inappropriate.

The creators responded to commenters, explaining why this was part of their grieving process.

“This is not dark humor,” one person scolded. “This is disrespectful towards your dead and the life she lived.”

The sisters responded, “My mom said, ‘You need a sense of humor.’”

Another person dismissed the duo as “messed up and sad.”

One commenter observed, “More so, just unprofessional and putting yourself at unnecessary risk of being fired, but go off I guess.”

After posting the video, one of the sisters later posted another TikTok explaining she was “a mess” in her grieving process and disclosed she had been fired from her job. That creator also takes time to ask if she can “Rick & Morty her job back.”

In response to the latest TikTok video by the sister, someone commented, “She was rightfully fired from this. She’s using her mom’s death for TikTok clout. She doesn’t even seem upset that she’s gone. They just giggling.”

Still, some people did not believe the sisters were disrespectful and offered support.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” one well-wisher said. “I’m sure if your mom was a very fun person and loved laughing she is laughing with you girls.”

Another exclaimed, “Everyone grieves differently. It’s these goofy and silly things that families do to remember the good times out of losing someone they love,” before instructing everyone to “chill.”

According to Dailydot.com, there appears to be a trend where people are doing the dance at gravesites.

The trending dance comes from a summer audio song released by rapper Soulja Boy. The song called “Rick & Morty” originated in a freestyle during a Fortnite livestream

It looks like Jay-Z isn’t the only rapper becoming interested in purchasing a professional sports team. Hip-hop artist Yo Gotti, who is signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, has invested his money into a Major League Soccer Team.

According to Sportico, Yo Gotti has reportedly reached an agreement to purchase a minority stake in Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. The club has a valuation of roughly $730 million.

BREAKING: Rapper @YoGotti is investing in @dcunited. He’s taking a stake slightly larger than 1%. Deal values club at roughly $730 million, among the highest totals ever for an @MLS club in a transaction.

More from me and @soshnick 👇https://t.co/dOrNKtlcAO

— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) September 10, 2021

According to a source with knowledge of the transaction, the Roc Nation artist is buying a little more than 1% of the team. He joins National Football League player Mark Ingram II, who invested at a $710 million valuation in June. In June, D.C. United announced that three-time NFL Pro Bowl running back and Heisman Trophy winner Ingram had joined the Black-and-Red ownership group as an investor.

Yo Gotti has reached an agreement to purchase a minority stake in D.C. United, per @novy_williams.

The rapper is part of a group that will gain about a 6% stake in the MLS club, pending approval.

In June, RB Mark Ingram also invested in the team at a valuation of about $710M. pic.twitter.com/v5vUaHhWXb

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) September 13, 2021

The Washington Post reported that Yo Gotti would be joining with petroleum executive Eyob “Joe” Mamo and several other people in the business sector to invest in the team. The expected investment, with league approval, will net the group a 6% stake in D.C. United. 

Last month, Gotti attended the MLS All-Star Game and met with the commissioner of Major League Soccer, Don Garber. He’s also friends with D.C. United’s co-chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan for several years through their investments in Yo Gotti’s hometown Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA.

• Lifestyle

by Ashantai Hathaway

September 16, 2021

Meet Yla Eason, A Black Rutgers Professor and Mother Who Created The Sun-Man Action Figure Picked Up By Mattel

---

Mattel is bringing the popular He-Man superhero back but this time he will have a Black sidekick.

It has been nearly four decades since the world was introduced to He-Man. And now the muscular superhero will not only be on store shelves but in an effort to bring diversity,  toymaker Mattel has teamed up with Netflix to create two new animated series that will go along with two toy lines already out on store shelves.

Mattel is expanding the Masters of the Universe’s lineup of muscled heroes with the introduction of Sun-Man. Sun-Man is a Black character that was actually created in 1985 by a New Jersey mother who wanted to create a role model for her son.

“My son said he couldn’t be a superhero because he was Black. He was 3,” said Yla Eason, an assistant professor of professional practice at Rutgers University.

Eason created a solution and started her own company, Olmec Toys, to make Sun-Man and other toys for Black, Hispanic and Native American children. “The intention was to give positive Black presentation in imagination and creativity,” she said.

But now, decades later, Mattel has taken notice and believes the concept is powerful. Ed Dunan, who is a senior vice president at Mattel who is overseeing Sun-Man’s official introduction into the lineup.

“Reintroducing a Black hero for today’s kids not only feels good, it feels important,” he said in an email. “Sun-Man is such an aspirational character, from his aesthetic design to his character traits and powers.”

In addition, the two Netflix series — “Masters of the Universe: Revelation,” and in  “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe,” some characters have been reimagined and are Black.

“Children need to see themselves represented in the world around them,” said Rob David, the vice president of creative content for Mattel Television and an executive producer for the two animated series. “The TV screen is a window and also a mirror,” he said.

As one of the first Black action figures, Sun-Man was a groundbreaking character for Black children and comic book fans, who were finally able to see a hero who looked like them and who harnessed his identity as his greatest superpower.