Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, president, endorse, vice president
by Jasmine Jackson

October 17, 2022

Obama to Stump for Democrats in Three States Ahead of High-Stakes Nov. 8 Election

Former U.S. President Barack Obama will campaign for Democratic Party candidates in Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin later this month ahead of the Nov. 8 midterm elections that will determine control of the U.S. Congress.

Obama will stump for candidates for federal and state offices, appearing in Atlanta on Oct. 28 before traveling to Detroit and Milwaukee on Oct. 29, his office said on Saturday.

Republicans are seen winning control of the U.S. House of Representatives and possibly the U.S. Senate as well. Several Republicans who want to upend the way votes are cast and counted are also running for top election administrator offices in their states.

Obama will tell voters that Democrats are the party for protecting abortion rights but a main theme in his appearances will also be that Democrats can be better trusted to keep elections fair, with the next presidential contest slated for 2024.

“He looks forward to stumping for candidates up and down the ballot, especially in races and states that will have consequences for the administration of 2024 elections,” Obama‘s office said in a statement, which was issued as President Joe Biden, a fellow Democrat, was set to appear at a rally in Portland supporting the party’s candidates.

Former President Donald Trump, a Republican, is also holding campaign events to support Republicans, with the rallies featuring speeches in which he has repeatedly hinted he might run for president again in 2024.

Trump has falsely claimed fraud marred the results of the 2020 presidential election, which Biden won.

Republicans who back Trump’s false claim have become their party’s nominees for top election officials in states that could play decisive roles in the 2024 contest.

Republicans Jim Marchant of Nevada and Mark Finchem of Arizona, for example, want to curtail or abolish early voting, mail-in voting and ballot drop-boxes, claiming without evidence that they breed fraud.

Voting groups are concerned that the election of some far right candidates could threaten the integrity of the next presidential election. There are fears some might help Trump — if he decides to run again — or another like-minded Republican to overturn election results in 2024.

In an interview on a podcast released on Saturday, Obama said Democrats might not be able to trust that U.S. courts will keep elections fair. That means Democrats must hold offices in closely-contested states to ensure the results of elections will be respected, he said.

“Because it may turn out that in a close presidential election at some point, certification of an election in a key swing state may be at issue. And, it’s going to be really important that we have people there who play it straight.”

(Reporting by Lucia Mutikani and Jason Lange; editing by Grant McCool)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 17, 2022

Aunt Jackie’s Surprises Fisk University Women’s Gymnastics Team with $25,000

Recently, while on the Jennifer Hudson Show, the newly formed Fisk University women’s gymnastics team was surprised with a $25,000 check from Aunt Jackie’s Curls & Coils.

The donation will cover the 16-member team’s travel expenses enabling these talented student-athletes to attend national competitions. This team is the first intercollegiate gymnastics team in HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) history and will compete against colleges across the country. The women, prior to going on the show, were also treated to a full Aunt Jackie’s glam makeover and the studio audience all went home with $100 Aunt Jackie’s gift cards.

“Having the first HBCU gymnastics team means making history,” said Coach Corrinne Tarver. “We are paving the way for future gymnasts to be able to attend a HBCU and continue their gymnastics career; this donation means the world to us!” The university’s athletic programs are on the rise. The men’s basketball team, for example, is coached by former NBA star Kenny Anderson.

“Aunt Jackie’s is dedicated to the ongoing support of HBCU students, and we’re thrilled Fisk has launched the first-ever women’s gymnastics team,” said HBCU graduate Kendria Strong, chief marketing offficer at House of Cheatham, parent company to Aunt Jackie’s. “These students are the best and the brightest and it’s our honor to help lay the groundwork for their future success.”

In 2021, House of Cheatham gifted three million dollars to Clark Atlanta University to fund The Robert H. “Bob” Bell/House of Cheatham Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development to support the education and growth of Black entrepreneurs. Bell, a representative and senator in the Georgia General Assembly from 1969-1982, built House of Cheatham’s brands into household names.

Aunt Jackie’s continues to grow with the latest launch of the Elixir Essentials, a hair and scalp oil trio formulated with natural ingredients including biotin, rosemary, collagen, tea tree oil, and Jamaican Black Castor Oil to provide moisture while supporting thicker fuller strands and protective styles.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 17, 2022

The Executive Leadership Council Honors 132 Black Scholars with $1.5M in Scholarships During its Annual Recognition and Fundraising Gala

The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), the preeminent global membership organization for Black current and former CEOs, senior executives, and board members of Fortune 1000 and equivalent companies, top-tier entrepreneurs, and global thought leaders, announced that it has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to 132 undergraduate and graduate students during its annual recognition gala and fundraising event on October 6, 2022 in Washington D.C.

Black executives, philanthropists and influential leaders came together in person, after a two-year hiatus, to celebrate The ELC’s larger mission of providing programmatic pillars which work to increase opportunities for Black scholars and professionals to succeed on their path to becoming high-powered business executives.

“It is our mission as members of The ELC to support these young people in their pursuit of higher education, leadership roles and future careers,” said ELC President and CEO Michael C. Hyter. “Philanthropic endeavors like these ensure that students know they are being supported in their journey and that we are growing, maintaining, and securing the talent pipeline that is needed for corporations to fulfill their DEI commitments to our community.”

The Executive Leadership 2022 Scholars (Image: The Executive Leadership Council)

This year’s scholars represent a diverse number of fields with 73 percent pursuing either a STEM or business-related degree. Approximately 61% of this year’s scholars are women and 61% hail from a long list of HBCUs and other prominent universities from across the country including: Columbia University, Emory University, Florida A&M University, Florida State University, Howard University, Loyola University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Texas A&M University, University of Miami, University of Notre Dame, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin, Virginia State University, and many more.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to come back in person to celebrate with our scholars their academic achievements and through these contributions, their future success,” said ELC Board Chairman & CitiGroup CRA Regulatory Group Managing Director and Head Lloyd W. Brown, II. “Our partners’ commitment to the next generation of Black professionals through an intentional investment of their professional development will exponentially help facilitate The ELC’s ongoing efforts to expand the pipeline of future Black executive leaders. We truly value their support.”

As an ELC scholar, students are welcomed into a large network of opportunities, are given internship opportunities through the companies that help support The ELC Scholarship Program, and attend a four-day Scholars Symposium where they participate in virtual developmental workshops.

“The access to Black professionals across numerous fields, academic enrichment, and the ability to relieve part of my financial burden are the reasons why The ELC scholarship program is important to me. Knowing that I will have a network of executives and peers, who look like me, and with whom I can network and learn, encourages me to pursue my passions. I am excited to embark on this journey as an ELC Scholar,” said University of Miami Brunswick Scholar, Jaida Headley.

This year’s scholarships were made possible by: Bank of America, Bristol Myers Squibb, Brunswick Corporation, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, HSBC USA, Johnson & Johnson, Linde, Lowe’s, Moody’s, Nationwide, Otsuka, Synchrony, The Coca Cola Foundation, and The Executive Leadership Council.

In addition to the scholars, The ELC presented honors to Marvin Ellison, chairman and CEO of Lowe’s, Brenda J. Lauderback; chair of the board of Denny’s board of directors and a member of the Sleep Number and Wolverine Worldwide corporate boards; Target Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell on behalf of Target; and the Honorable Ambassador Andrew Young, Jr., who received the prestigious 2022 Global Game Changer Award.

The 2022 ELC Annual Recognition Gala, presented by returning lead sponsor Johnson & Johnson, also recognizes notable business achievements for corporate organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding efforts to pave the way to a successful enterprise that benefits and sheds light on their communities.

About the ELC

The Executive Leadership Council opens channels of opportunity for the development of Black executives to positively impact business and our communities. An independent non-profit 501(c)(3) founded in 1986, The ELC is the pre-eminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of global Black executives in C-suites, on corporate boards, and in global enterprises. Comprising more than 800 current and former Black CEOs, senior executives and board directors at Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies and entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, its members work to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline that empowers global Black leaders to make impactful contributions to the marketplace and the global communities they serve. For more information, please visit www.elcinfo.com. Engage during the event on social media: #ELCGALA on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Black Family Upset After 8-Year-Old Severely Burned at White Family’s House and No One Called 911
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 17, 2022

Black Family Upset After 8-Year-Old Severely Burned at White Family’s House and No One Called 911

A Black family in Arkansas is looking for answers. A family member was severely burned across his body at the home of a white family who didn’t bother calling them or emergency services.

According to Local 12, 8-year-old Jayceon Charles was visiting a friend at their house. The plans were for him to sleep over with his friend so that he would go to an amusement park the next day.

They were reportedly roasting hot dogs and an accident took place. Jayceon’s parents, Lakiesha Belin and Justin Charles, stated that their son called them and hung up and when Justin called the boy back, he heard Jayceon screaming in the background.

The parents rushed over to the house and discovered him covered in Vaseline and plastic wrap. He was severely burned and the parents had to drive him to the hospital as the family did not bother calling 911. The family wonders why no one was called.

This incident took place on August 9 and Jayceon is still hospitalized. He suffered severe burns across 80% of his body. Jayceon also suffered from kidney failure, sepsis, and brain damage and had to be placed on a ventilator and resuscitated twice. Over the course of his hospital stay, he’s had multiple surgeries; doctors have removed five inches of his small intestine.

Although Jayceon’s grandmother called the police, the family states that there has been a lack of investigation. Two months later, the family says that investigators rarely contacted them for witness interviews or medical reports. They fear that since the incident took place during the summer, that important evidence may have been lost since then.

Justin feels this was no accident and due to Jayceon being Black and the family’s house he was staying at is white, investigators haven’t given the case priority.

“The stories that’s been told never sat right with me from the beginning,” said Earl Charles, Jayceon’s grandfather. “I never understood why so many people dropped the ball and just didn’t show any concern.”

Last week, they were informed that the Arkansas State Police will be taking over the investigation.

 

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for Charles.

“Jayceon was badly burned on August 9th, 2022 in Warren, Arkansas while visiting a friend’s house. He has been in ICU at the Arkansas Children’s Hospital since the incident. Jayceon has suffered burns over 80% of his body, not to mention that he’s coded twice and had to have a trachea placed in his neck. Doctors have had to remove 5 inches of his small intestine and he’s had sepsis. Our prayer is that Jayceon is able to fully recover and come back bigger and better than before. I ask that you please have and show compassion to this baby. Any and all donations will truly be appreciated.”

This Refurbished Macbook Air is Available at an Unbeatable Price
by Black Enterprise Shop

October 17, 2022

This Refurbished Macbook Air is Available at an Unbeatable Price

There’s a reason Apple is one of the most trusted and popular technology companies around.

The performance of its computers, tablets and cell phones has earned Apple widespread acclaim. But the way each product works seamlessly in the Apple ecosystem is something that many competitors for years have been trying to replicate without luck.

The one drawback to Apple products is the hefty price tag that often accompany purchase. That doesn’t have to be the case–thanks to this special Apple Day deal.

For a limited time, you can purchase a refurbished 13.3-inch silver 2017 model MacBook Air for just $389.99. That’s a savings of more than 70% from its MSRP ($1,599).

Apple Days end on Oct. 21.

This high-performing laptop is graded “A”, which means it will arrive in a near-mint condition with very minimal to zero amounts of scuffing on the case.

It’s powered by an Intel Core i5, 1.8GHz processor that gives it more than enough juice to tackle most of what’s thrown it’s way. It packs 128B of flash storage that allows you to save large amounts of files and data and take them anywhere with you.

Enjoy stunning crystal clear images and videos on the widescreen 13.3-inch display that offers 1440×900 native resolution. It’s perfect for streaming videos or TV shows. The Intel HD Graphics 6000 card takes viewing to another level of clarity.

This MacBook Air fits nicely into your Apple ecosystem, as it comes with WiFi and Bluetooth capability. You can move from your tablet or cell phone to it without any issues. The 12-hour battery life also means you don’t have to worry about lugging around a power source for those times you take it with you on the road.

Price doesn’t have to stand between you and one of Apple’s most popular products. Take advantage of this special Apple Days offer today and purchase this high-performing laptop while it’s available.

Prices subject to change.

Mississippi Community Mourns Loss of Black Woman Officer Killed in a ‘Shootout’
by Eric Moody

October 16, 2022

Mississippi Community Mourns Loss of Black Woman Officer Killed in a ‘Shootout’

A Mississippi community is mourning the loss of a police officer after she was shot and killed in the line of duty Oct. 11.

Officials say 30-year-old detective Myiesha Stewart, who severed the Greenville Police Department, was responding to a shooting, according to WLOX.

Law enforcement sources reportedly told WLBT that a male victim was shot in the head and a female was allegedly shot in the foot by the suspect responsible for shooting Stewart.

The suspect, who was also reportedly injured during the incident, was airlifted to a Jackson, Mississippi hospital, where that person remains in police custody.

The mayor of Greenville, Errick D. Simmons, released a statement following the tragedy that reads in part:

“Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell has been notified and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation will conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. Greenville Chief of Police Marcus Turner, Sr. and I have visited with family of the deceased officer, and we asked on behalf of the family for your continued prayers, condolences, and support during this very difficult time.”

Stewart was the mother of a 3-year-old son and is survived by her parents.

She was described by Simmons as a woman who ran into danger when others ran away from it, a person who exhibited “heart and courage.”

It is still unclear what led to this shooting at this time.

On Friday, Greenville police announced funeral arrangements for their fallen hero, beginning with a public visitation set for Thursday, Oct. 20, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a law enforcement visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A Sea of Blue procession will ride through Greenville following the law enforcement visitation.

Funeral service for the fallen officer is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m.

All services will take place at the Washington County Convention Center in Greenville.

Dikembe Mutombo
by Eric Moody

October 16, 2022

Dikembe Mutombo To Begin Treatment in Atlanta After Brain Tumor Diagnosis

NBA legend and Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo is undergoing treatment in Atlanta for a brain tumor, the NBA announced Saturday in a released statement.

The announcement was made on behalf of Mutombo and his family as the big man is beginning his treatment in “great spirits.”

“He is receiving the best care possible from a collaborative team of specialists in Atlanta and is in great spirits as he begins treatment,” Mutombo’s family said in the issued statement shared by the NBA.

“Dikembe and his family ask for privacy during this time so they can focus on his care. They are grateful for your prayers and good wishes.”

Mutombo, 56, played 18 NBA seasons in the NBA for seven different franchises before retiring after the 2008-09 season.

Those teams include the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets (Currently known as the Brooklyn Nets), Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, and the Houston Rockets.

Along with currently ranking second in the league’s history for career blocks, Mutombo was the NBA’s top defensive player four times, earned three All-NBA selections, and played in eight NBA All-Star games.

The Hall of Famer, who speaks nine languages and has severed on many organization boards, has also helped the people of The Democratic Republic of the Congo through his Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, which was founded in 1997.

The foundation focuses on improving health, education, and quality of life for the people in Africa’s second-largest country.

“We know he will approach this challenge with the same determination and grit that have made him a legend on and off the court,” said Atlanta Hawks principal owner Tony Ressler in a quote to the Associated Press.

The family did not release any other details to the public surrounding the situation’s severity or what prompted the tumor’s discovery.

We’re sending prayers to Mutombo and his family.

Black Woman Contracted to Work for Apple, Loses Job After Posting TikTok Video About Her Day
by Eric Moody

October 16, 2022

Black Woman Contracted to Work for Apple, Loses Job After Posting TikTok Video About Her Day

Nylah Boone, a former Apple contractor, is raising concerns after losing her job amid a viral TikTok video that has made its rounds on the internet.

The video, titled “Day in the life of a Black girl working in tech,” has reached nearly 400,000 views, with hundreds of comments asking Boone for career advice and highlighting some of her daily routines and activities that consist of her being an Apple contracted worker.

 

@nylah.akua Black girl working in tech – we are back in office y’all!! 💅🏾 #blackwomenintech #blackgirltiktok #dayinthelife #workingintech #backtooffice ♬ As It Was – Harry Styles

Although the video, which was recorded in April, did not reveal any secrets within the company, it did contain footage of her office space inside one of Apple’s buildings.

Boone, who also utilized her time as a TikTok creator highlighting other unrelated vlogs, unexpectedly lost her job in May when Apple did not renew her contract.

“My followers or people that would reach out to me or comment were like 80 percent Black women,” said Boone in her interview with The Verge. “That was important to me to be able to connect with other Black women as well to encourage them.”

She also added in her interview with The Verge that she was only trying to show other women of color that the tech space could be a career option available for them too.

However, while her intentions were to help tech giants like Apple achieve a more representative workforce, the outcome was not in alignment with that viewpoint.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple typically prohibits workers from sharing footage from within the company’s offices, as a part of their employment contracts and company rules to abide by.

This may also include NDA agreements, which have been also reportedly part of the company’s practices.

Although Boone has reportedly moved on to another opportunity at a marketing agency, it certainly makes someone else think twice before certain content creation in certain company workspaces.

Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart
by Kia Morgan Smith

October 16, 2022

Snoop Come Get Ya Girl! Martha Stewart Has Internet Buzzing With Topless Thirst Trap Video

Culinary connoisseur Martha Stewart is known for her fanciful tutorials decorating during the holidays, making meticulous crafts, and curating delectable cuisines. But it’s her cringy viral ad that has social media stewing.

Stewart went viral this past weekend wearing a mere Green Mountain Coffee apron — and nothing more — while promoting pumpkin spice since it’s that time of the season. Although the video was released in September, it gained traction Oct. 14 with Stewart appearing to go naked under her apron while being sure to emphasize that she’s wearing nothing.

“I’m just enjoying the natural flavor of pumpkin spice from Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, and nothing else, literally,” Stewart said.

“Just look at this…a thing of natural beauty,” she continues. “No, no, not me. My Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Pumpkin Spice coffee. It’s made with natural flavors, that means they stripped away the artificial and left nothing but goodness.”

Stewart is also well-known for having a fast friendship with rapper Snoop Dogg. And many are crediting Snoop for Stewart’s new edgy persona.

Stewart is quite a saucy lady at 81 and it looks like she is enjoying her senior years and won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

In fact, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters enlisted the elder to actually appeal to a younger audience. Stewart has some  3.4 million Twitter followers and has harnessed a 1.7 million Instagram following too.

“Our objective is to recruit new, younger Green Mountain Coffee Roasters consumers while driving existing fans to continue to purchase,” said Phil Drapeau, svp of coffee marketing at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, according to Digiday.

“Green Mountain found a way to cut through the ubiquity of pumpkin spice latte season,” said Colton Morris, senior planner, insights and action at Mediahub, a global media planning and buying agency. “The campaign made waves while playing to the strength of the product line, so no matter which way you cut it, the conversation comes back to natural.”

Ice Cube partnered with Green Mountain Coffee too.

Do your thang Martha!

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