Bippy, the clown of Bippy’s World, was not clowning around when she reported a disturbing voicemail she received from an unidentified caller.

Bippy, who has been entertaining since 1992, does parties for children and any special events throughout Texas that require fun and excitement. KERA News reported in June about the entertainer’s visit to Uvalde following the tragic elementary school shooting, where she used her talents as a ministry to serve.

According to KPRC, the racial slur that was reportedly left in the voicemail she received last week was concerning for the Black entertainer, who is a one-woman show.

“You’re a pedophile. You’re a pedophile, (racial epithet),” the voicemail said in part.

Bippy said she felt angry and unsafe after hearing the voicemail that was addressed to her. She shared that she received a different call the day after, saying someone allegedly tried to lure her to a specific location, refusing to leave a primary contact.

“I’ve even thought about quitting clowning around. I’ve even thought about not doing it anymore,” said the entertainer. Everything I do with the kids is to make people happy. So when I heard it I didn’t think that I heard it right the first time and I just kept listening to it over and over.”

Eager to know the caller’s intentions behind the message, Bippy reported it to Houston police in hopes of tracking the number.

Bippy requests for anyone who sees her truck in their area to look out for her, expressing that she fears one day she may be subject to abuse during one of her stops.

Kanye West is continuing his media blitz and, this time, NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo gave him a platform.

While appearing on NewsNation on Monday night, Ye immediately chastised Cuomo because he didn’t address him by his legally changed name.

After Cuomo asked the reason for the name change, Ye explained that he doesn’t “owe people an explanation,” stating he has the right to change his name. Still, Ye  proceeded to explain that West is a “slave name” and he wanted to free himself of it.

Ye then told Cuomo that he is speaking to the CEO of Parler, and is negotiating to become an owner.

.@ChrisCuomo questions Ye if it’s possible that antisemitic comments he’s made violated social media apps’ community guidelines. “I don’t believe in that term… I classify as Jew also, so I actually can’t be an antisemite,” Ye says.

Watch #CUOMO: https://t.co/s8z9kDZInW pic.twitter.com/EZtvlV9awD

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) October 18, 2022

@ChrisCuomo counters Ye’s antisemitic comments: “I know you are intelligent and understand that when you target people because of their faith, other people may do so the same… We don’t want to tolerate that.#CUOMO pic.twitter.com/mdTem0TXau

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) October 18, 2022

When the fashion designer stated that he is being silenced by Facebook and Twitter, Cuomo asked if it’s because his words target a particular audience and violate the terms of the platforms that have suspended his account.

West saID, “I don’t like the term antisemitic. It’s been a term that’s allowed people, specifically in my industry, to get away with murder, sometimes literally, and get away with robbing and doing bad [to] people.”

“You’re saying it’s antisemitic, but I don’t believe in that term. One thing is, Black people are also Jews. I classify as Jew also, so I actually can’t be an antisemite. So the term is actually, uh, it’s not factual.”

After a brief back and forth, Cuomo responded after Ye said he wasn’t being allowed to finish his thoughts.

“Look, there is no Jewish media, cabal, mafia. That is a figment of either your imagination or a projection of a prejudice,” Cuomo said.

“You may have had bad business dealings with people, it’s about those people. It’s not about their religion or faith. And I know that you’re intelligent and understand that when you target people because of their faith, other people may do so the same.”

You can view the complete video on News Nation.

• Entrepreneurship

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2022

Kinetic Expands Black Business Support Fund to Entire Service Area

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Kinetic Business announced another expansion of the Black Business Support Fund. Now Black-owned businesses anywhere in the Kinetic footprint can take advantage of this grant.

The fund seeks to increase the number and stability of Black-owned businesses located within Kinetic’s service footprint, according to a press release. Kinetic Business will now accept applications for the awarding of grants to eligible businesses in the 18 states where its fiber-backed network provides premium broadband and managed solutions that make companies more efficient and profitable such as OfficeSuite UC® and SD-WAN.

Since the fund’s launch in late 2020, businesses selected for the grants have received a grand total of $300,000 in cash awards.

“When we started the fund, the pandemic was having a disproportionate effect on Black-owned businesses across the country, so the grants were just keeping the doors open for our neighbors’ businesses,” said Lorenzo Clark, vice president of digital sales for Kinetic and president of the Windstream Black Professional Network Committee.

“Now that things have stabilized a bit, these grants are helping businesses that often don’t have good access to capital to grow.”

According to a 2010 Department of Commerce report, “[Minority owned businesses] experience higher loan denial probabilities and pay higher interest rates than white-owned businesses even after controlling for differences in credit-worthiness, and other factors.”

Additionally, a 2020 McKinsey & Company report found improving the viability of Black-owned businesses improves the overall economy: “Healthy Black-owned businesses could be a critical component for closing the United States’ Black–white wealth gap, which we project will cost the economy $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion (in 2018 dollars) per year by 2028.”

Clark added, “It’s extremely gratifying to not only support other businesses in our service area, but also be the kind of partner that lifts up the entire community so everyone can thrive and pursue their dreams.”

Each small-business grant recipient will receive $2,500 in cash and a year of free internet for their business. The selected businesses will also get a free consultation from Kinetic Business on processes and products that could improve efficiencies and make their business more profitable.

To be eligible for a Black Business Support Fund grant, a business must:

• Be a new or current small business in a market that Kinetic serves, receiving broadband Internet from Kinetic;
• Be Black-owned and have 25 or fewer employees;
• Not be currently engaged in bankruptcy proceedings;
• Not be a nonprofit organization, liquor store, check-cashing agency, gun shop, pawn shop or adult entertainment business, and
• Not apply for multiple businesses.

Funds will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Applicants should check Black Business Support Fund website for full terms and conditions and application process.

Kinetic Business’s mission is to bring network solutions that work as fast as business does through high-speed connection, collaboration, continuity and cybersecurity solutions.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

October 18, 2022

An Olympian’s Hero: Father Who Helped His Injured Son Cross 1992 Olympic Finish Line Dies At 81

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Jim Redmond, who ran to his injured son’s aid during his 1992 Olympic 400m semifinal, has reportedly died at age 81.

The valiant father passed away on Sunday, October 2, “peacefully in his sleep” in England’s Northampton General Hospital, according to his son, Derek. The news was announced on the two-time Olympian’s Instagram, along with a series of heartwarming photos of his late father.

“It is with great sadness that I am writing this post to share the news that my hero, best friend my father has passed away,” Derek’s caption began.

“To say he will be greatly missed is a true understatement.”

It was at the 1992 Barcelona Games when the Redmond patriarch helped his son display his true talent: to not quit.

 

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A post shared by Derek Redmond (@therealderekredmond)

“There is so much I could say about this man but he was truly one of my heroes in life, anyone who knows me or has heard me present will know how much he inspired me in my life, how close we were and what he meant to me,” Derek’s caption continued.

In the first 15 seconds of the race, Derek fell, due to a pull in his right hamstring, NBC Sports reported. Determined to cross the finish line, Derek limped around the track while refusing help from officials. He faltered with each step until he received a crutch from his first true hero.

In a previous NBC Olympics profile interview, Derek recalled hearing his dad’s voice telling him that he didn’t need to finish the race. But Derek shouted back that he wanted to.

 

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A post shared by Derek Redmond (@therealderekredmond)

“He was sort of saying things like, ‘You’ve got nothing to prove. You’re a champion. You’ll come back. You’re one of the best guys in the world. You’re a true champion. You’ve got heart. You’re going to get over this. We’ll conquer the world together,’” Derek said, per the sports outlet.

In a video of the inspiring moment, a standing ovation filled the stadium. Jim Redmond has since been recognized for embodying the “Olympic spirit.” He was even nominated to carry the Olympic torch during the London 2012 Torch Relay, according to CNN.

“Rest in peace Dad, you have truly made me the person I am today,” Derek closed his caption.

Master stylist Syreeta Scott is looking to expand and create a path to wealth for other entrepreneurs throughout her North Philadelphia community.

The Philly native is the CEO of Duafe Holistic Hair Care and has unveiled plans for a multi-million dollar expansion project that she envisions will shake up the natural hair care industry.

Scott, 48, is considered a legend in the natural hair space by many, with more than 20 years in the business.

Her client list includes Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Ava DuVernay, Sonya Sanchez, Smokey Robinson, Questlove, Les Nubians, and Vivian Green.

Scott plans to demolish Duafe‘s current building located on the 3100 block of N. 22nd Street to create a four-story facility with 6,000 sq. ft.

With a $3.5 million development budget, funded by a combination of loans and community-based lending organizations, the commercial space will house 26 salon suites.

The salon suites will be owned by individual stylists and will provide an educational training center for aspiring hair professionals.

“A large part of the project is the education and training component,” said Scott.

“The company will continue to hire from nearby technical schools, Dobbins and Mercy Tech, investing in the community and offering classes in natural hair techniques, such as braiding, locs and twists, and business ethics.”

The building will also serve as a holistic healing space for others, including massage therapy, reiki, and herbology.

In addition, the new planned structure will feature nine affordable luxury housing units that will focus on Scott’s mission of improving and benefiting her Philadelphia community.

“We’re calling this a business incubator for natural hair care,” Scott added.

“We are teaching people how to become entrepreneurs, and we’re engaging the community. The goal of this new chapter of my business is to help men and women create their own legacy under the umbrella of Duafe.”

Scott says Duafe is known for a consistent product and wants to uphold that standard and teach the next generation.

“I’m an activist at heart. Duafe is about teaching the people around me the business,” she added.

Construction and demolition are expected to begin in early 2023, with an anticipation of two to three years for completion.

“The hope is that we’re not just creating jobs. We’re creating stability,” Scott said.

“We’re fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence. We’re helping people create their legacy!”

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 18, 2022

Former NFL Cornerback Antonio Dennard Shot and Killed in Pennsylvania

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A former NFL player was fatally shot over the weekend.

According to The Reading Eagle, Antonio Dennard who played in the National Football League as a cornerback died after being shot outside of a restaurant located in Berks County, Pennsylvania, over the weekend. He was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital.

Police stated that the shooting took place in the parking lot of a Muhlenberg Township motel, Rodeway Inn, located at 2545 N. Fifth St. Highway.

Dennard, 32, was pronounced dead at Reading Hospital by a trauma surgeon. The Berk County coroner’s office reported that Dennard arrived at the medical facility at about 3:15 a.m. Sunday. No other details have been disclosed regarding the actual shooting. His death was ruled as a homicide. Police officials in Muhlenberg have stated that this is an active investigation.

An autopsy has been planned for Tuesday.

Dennard, who was born in Chicago, played collegiate football at Langston University in Oklahoma. Thought he was undrafted, he played on several football teams—the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers—when he participated on the practice squads during the 2012-14 seasons. He last played professional football in 2015 for the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League.

The Daily Mail reported that the Muhlenberg Township Police Department released a statement pertaining to the shooting.

“Antonio D. Dennard, a 32-year-old male, was pronounced deceased at 3:15am on October 16, 2022 at Reading Health Medical Center after being admitted to the Emergency Department for a gunshot wound to the torso.

‘In coordination with Muhlenberg Township Police Department and Berks County Detectives, the Coroner’s Office is conducting a death investigation into the cause and manner of death.

‘The shooting incident was reported to have happened at 2545 N. 5th Street Hwy at the establishment known as Legends Bar & Restaurant, around the time of the call placed to the Berks County 911 Center at 02:25am on October 16, 2022.”

• History

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2022

Penn State University Professor Receives Award For Work Getting Black History Remembered

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Penn State University Professor, P. Gabrielle Foreman, is among this year’s 25 MacArthur Fellows for her dedication to ensuring “unremembered” Black history.

The co-director of Penn’s Center for Black Digital Research was awarded the fellowship for her work “uncovering histories of African American organizing that are still relevant and resonant today,” NBC News reports.

“I just could not be more honored,” Foreman said.

Foreman serves as the founding director of the Colored Conventions Project, a research initiative dedicated to preserving the history of Black people’s fight for civil rights dating back to the 1830s. It’s Black history that Foreman says has been erased from academic studies and mainstream conversations.

“We knew about the anti-slavery movement; we knew about abolition,” Foreman said.

“But the very same African Americans that were involved with those were advocating for the very same things that are on the table today.”

The Colored Conventions were started in the 19th century and were a safe space where Black people could come to discuss equality, the political, and socioeconomic demands they had. Most records of the conventions were buried inside private libraries.

“We’ve got a movement that is so resonant with today’s political issues, and yet, we didn’t know about it,” she said.

Jim Casey, an assistant professor at Penn State and Foreman’s partner in developing the Colored Conventions Project, says it’s their goal to rediscover the Conventions’ efforts and share them with the masses.

“The Colored Conventions movement helps us to understand a history full of possibilities,” Casey said.

“The Colored Conventions movement shows us democracy in action, and where we might hope to go.”

Currently, the project has expanded to include an interactive online archive and helped in the inspiration of the book “The Colored Conventions Movement: Black Organizing in the Nineteenth Century.”

“Most people, when they think about Black history, they think that African American history started with slavery,” Denise Burgher, a doctoral student at the University of Delaware and co-chair of the project’s curriculum committee, said. “That’s not true.”

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2022

Bank of America Names Neighborhood Builders Racial Equality Awardees Who Are Advancing Opportunities for Minority Communities

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Bank of America today announced the second group of honorees of its Neighborhood Builders: Racial Equality Award, which recognizes the impactful work of leaders who strive to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian American, and Native American communities.

The five individuals were selected for their extraordinary contributions to breaking racial barriers and creating opportunities for people of color across the country.

Bank of America also announced today a $24 million investment in support of nonprofit leadership and sustainability through Neighborhood Builders® and Neighborhood Champions – its signature philanthropic programs that provide funding and leadership training to nonprofits, advancing economic mobility and enriching underserved neighborhoods.

The Racial Equality Award – established in March of this year – is an extension of Bank of America’s signature philanthropic program, Neighborhood Builders®. Awardees have the opportunity to direct a $200,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice, and the selected organizations can participate in the company’s year-long Neighborhood Builders Leadership Program, which provides strategic growth and development training to establish organizations for long-term success.

“At Bank of America, supporting nonprofits and their leaders has been core to our commitment to advancing racial equality and economic opportunity,” said Ebony Thomas, president of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

“Through this award, Bank of America is recognizing a diverse slate of inspiring leaders who are investing in their communities – including Black, Hispanic-Latino, Asian American and Native American — and addressing the specific issues impacting them.”

“We are proud to honor their dedication and work supporting communities of color.”

The awardees for the Neighborhood Builders: Racial Equality Award include:

• Calvin Holmes: President of Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) – Chicago, Ill.: Calvin L. Holmes has served as the President of Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) since 1998. With a career in community development spanning more than 30 years, Holmes is a recognized expert in community development finance and issues involving access to capital. Holmes plans to direct Bank of America’s funding to the Chicago Community Loan Fund. Nominated by the local market team in Chicago for his impact in the community, Holmes is a former member of the bank’s National Community Advisory Council (NCAC), a forum of senior leaders from social justice, consumer advocacy, community development, environmental, and research organizations who provide perspectives, guidance, and feedback on topics important to our clients and communities.
• Vida Lin: Founder and President of Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) – Las Vegas, Nev.: Vida Chan Lin has worked closely with the Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community for the past 28 years. She is the Founder and President of the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC), the first non-profit community development corporation in Nevada established to educate, connect and empower the fastest-growing demographic in the United States. Lin plans to direct Bank of America’s funding to the Asian Community Development Council.
• Arencio López: Executive Director of Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) – Ventura, Calif.: Arcenio López is a Ñuu Savi leader from Oaxaca, México, dedicated to elevating the voices of Hispanic-Latino indigenous people across California. After immigrating to the U.S., he worked as a farmworker in strawberry fields before he was hired by the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) as its first community organizer and eventually became its first indigenous Executive Director. López plans to direct Bank of America’s funding to the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project.
• David Robinson: Co-Founder of Admiral Capital Group – San Antonio, Texas: David Robinson is a former NBA center for the San Antonio Spurs and Co-Founder of Admiral Capital Group, where he has focused on private equity and real estate programs and projects that create a positive social impact. Robinson graduated with a mathematics degree from the U.S. Naval Academy and honored his military commitment to serve two years in the Navy before joining the National Basketball Association, where he spent 14 years with the San Antonio Spurs. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009 and has won two NBA championships and two Olympic Gold Medals. Robinson is recognized as one of the preeminent philanthropists in professional sports, leading to the NBA’s creation of the David Robinson Plaque, which is awarded to current players in recognition of their outstanding community service. Robinson plans to direct Bank of America’s funding to the Friends of Carver, which supports the IDEA Public Schools system in San Antonio, Texas.
• Mary Kim Titla: Executive Director of United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) – Mesa, Ariz.: Mary Kim Titla is the Executive Director of United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY), a high-impact Native youth development nonprofit. Born on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, Titla was Arizona’s first Native American TV news reporter. She carried her passion to UNITY, where she serves as the Executive Director, to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of Native youth. Titla plans to direct Bank of America’s funding to United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc.

The inaugural class of National Builders: Racial Equality Award honorees was announced earlier this year. Since 2004, through its Neighborhood Builders® and Neighborhood Champions programs, Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in 92 communities across the nation, partnered with more than 1,500 nonprofits, and helped more than 3,000 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills. Nearly 18 years after its launch, Neighborhood Builders is one of the nation’s largest philanthropic investments in nonprofit leadership development.

Chloe Bailey is a pop culture favorite and she recently announced to the fashion world that she’ll offer fans a taste of her personal aesthetic.

The Have Mercy singer launched her new B.DY clothing line in partnership with retail company Garage Clothing in a social media post where she starred in the brand’s newest campaign. When asked about her style aesthetic in an interview with InStyle via email, Bailey described it as “sexy and comfortable.”

Bailey’s line gives her fans versatile items that stand out and make them feel confident, while still maintaining comfort.

“I got to work with people who I love and who have created incredible content for me before, so it was amazing because it gave me the freedom to put my stamp on this,” Bailey said of the campaign.

“I had complete say in what I wanted to wear, which I loved. I love the entire collection because it’s interchangeable. You can match any piece with anything.”

y’all know i love to show my body 🤣🥰 now you can too confidently with my new collection of B.DY by @garageclothing available now 💋 https://t.co/oRdnBlQoeQ pic.twitter.com/7WKePqo70r

— Chlöe (@ChloeBailey) October 13, 2022

“I want to always be comfortable, but I also want something that will give me some sort of shape,” she explained.

“I have a smaller waist and my thighs, my arms, and shoulders are bigger. I always like to accentuate my waist. I don’t like to wear too many baggy things. Like, if I have baggy pants, I want a fitted shirt to balance.”

Items in the line combine everyday basics that include crop tops, cargo pants, a bodysuit, and a puffer coat. Incorporating bold looks was also important to the singer’s aesthetic as she shared her fascination with red pieces that offer exciting, fun, and bold options to the line.

“I want to feel sexy and shiny and fitted, and comfortable as well.”

“But definitely a bit extra when it comes to performing,” she said. “I love the red because it’s bold. And, if you’re walking around in that color, people will be sure to see you!”

Bailey shared that her style inspiration stems from her sister Halle Bailey, and fashion icons Beyoncé and Rihanna.

• Technology

by Atiya Jordan

October 18, 2022

How This Black-Owned Tech Ecosystem In Tulsa Aims To Breathe New Life Into Black Wall Street

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A new destination is on its way on the map, and it’s called Black Tech Street.

Tyrance Billingsley II, a native Black Tulsan entrepreneur, founded the Black Tech Street national initiative and tech hub in 2021 to mobilize resources and cultivate an economy designed by, and for, black entrepreneurs. His direct lineage to the original architects of the Black Wall Street helped forge Billingsley’s path to witness a rebirth of an inclusive and equitable community for Black entrepreneurs and businesses.

 

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A post shared by Black Tech Street (@blacktechstreet)

After commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Billingsley partnered with SecondMuse, an impact and innovation company that incubates entrepreneurial ecosystems to create self-sustaining, resilient and equitable economies. They came together to cast a new vision for the future of Black prosperity.

“What could Black Wall Street have been, had it been supported and not destroyed?“ Billingsley poses to 3BL CSRWire reporters.“When I thought about the level of tenacity that it took for these entrepreneurs to build these incredible businesses during Jim Crow, it really reminded me a lot of the tech industry.”

In partnership with SecondMuse, Black Tech Street is calling on investors to pour funds into Black-owned startups, large tech companies to open local hubs and recruit Black talent in Tulsa, and more. Groups such as Build in Tulsa,  ACT Tulsa, Techstars, and Lightship Foundation are similarly collaborating with other businesses to collectively build the groundbreaking ecosystem.

“This is a really collaborative effort among the city, local organizations such as our regional chamber, and entrepreneurs,” said Arthur Johnson, senior vice president of economic development at the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce. “I’ve never seen this kind of intentionality around not only developing Black-owned businesses, but also Black tech talent.”

 

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According to a State of Tech Diversity: The Black Tech Ecosystem report, the Black community represents only 3% of workers in tech. Meanwhile, venture funding to Black-founded startups in the U.S. saw a dramatic drop this year with at least one Black founder having earned “1.9% of deal counts and 1.2% of overall venture dollars invested in the U.S,” per the report.

“Sometimes in the tech space, it’s not just what you know, but who you know, and for Black and Brown individuals, that can be a disadvantage,” explained Tim Butler, a founder who’s part of Build in Tulsa’s Entrepreneurs in Residence program. “Thank God for organizations like Build in Tulsa and this entire ecosystem, because they’re allowing folks that look like us to be able to get in the room and talk with folks that historically we wouldn’t even meet.”

To learn more, check out the Black Tech Street website.