Fashion Bomb Daily CEO and Founder Claire Siobhan Sulmers is creating a pathway for emerging designers of color to showcase their talent during New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Fashion Bomb Daily, a direct-to-consumer fashion company that leverages content and community to power a multicultural shopping experience, is unveiling the first-ever Bomb Fashion Show, sponsored by Shea Moisture during NYFW.

Featuring two designer ensemble runway shows, The Bomb Fashion Show is an all-day immersive event that allows the public access to the once exclusive NYFW lineup of events. The Bomb Fashion Show will highlight emerging designers, celebrity designers, and designers sold on Fashion Bomb Shop. 

In an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Sulmers discusses The Fashion Bomb Daily platform, The Bomb Fashion Show, representation in the industry, and offers advice for men and women of color with a dream to show at NYFW. 

Over the last 15 years, you have grown Fashion Bomb Daily into a cultural destination, written a book, and built successful platforms. What do you attribute to your success?

Never accept no for an answer. We’ve seen that it is not easy for a person of color to break into the fashion industry, be acknowledged, and be recognized. From a young age, I’ve felt driven toward the idea of creating a platform and space where everyone can feel welcomed, seen, heard, and valued. What drives me is knowing there is a need for people of color in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds to feel accepted and welcomed into the fashion industry. 

You’ve accomplished a lot. Did you have any setbacks along the way? How were you able to overcome them?

One of my favorite phrases is, “I couldn’t find a seat at the table, so I created my own.” If I couldn’t get in the door at a national magazine, I would create my online magazine. If I couldn’t attend the top NYFW shows, I would make one. It is the internal understanding that you don’t necessarily need the green light or validation from the outside. When the world told me no, I told myself yes. The Bomb Fashion Show is a prime example of that. 

How important is the Black audience for major brands that want to reach a diverse audience?

Brands such as LVMH are making a very intentional move to incorporate the Black culture into their businesses. The brands that get it see the way forward. The way forward is to embrace the culture. There is a lot of room in the industry for us. For us, it is about being for the culture but by the culture. Something important for Fashion Bomb Daily is being the door or step into the fashion industry for people of color. 

Why is it important to increase diversity during NYFW?

Representation is important because it drives revenue. The idea that only one type of person or shape and size is outdated and antiquated. Wanting to be represented is not something that should be overlooked. Things have improved, but (correct me if I’m wrong) the statistics show that less than 10% of designers showing at NYFW are Black. We are trying to open it up to make it more accessible. 

What advice do you have for aspiring designers who want to be on the NYFW Stage?

Stay encouraged and continue to go for your dreams. It may sound cliched, but when I started in fashion, there were no invitations for NYFW. I worked my way into the fashion industry over the last 15 years, built up the brand, and eventually worked my way into the industry. It has not been easy, but if you have a dream go for it. Continue to do the work, adhere to a standard of excellence, be consistent and persistent, and don’t let anybody tell you no. If you have to start small, that’s OK, but continue to build upon each success day after day, and you can do it. 

• Education

by Derek Major

September 8, 2021

Howard University Names JPMorgan Chase As Its Primary Bank, Expands Relationship To Assist Students

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Howard University and JPMorgan Chase announced they are expanding their relationship, and the multinational bank will now be the HBCU’s primary bank.

The relationship between the two is directly aligned with the university’s Howard Forward plan, which builds on the relationship between the two and focuses on academic development and the recruitment of students.

JPMorgan Chase will use its innovative technology and digital banking solutions to simplify and reduce manual processes that will increase efficiency and save time for Howard’s staff. The bank will also assist the university in adopting digital payment technologies that improve cash flow processes. The move will allow the HBCU to deliver refunds and facilitate donor transactions faster.

Howard President Wayne A.I., Frederick, M.D., MBA, said the partnership will benefit both parties and its students.

“JPMorgan Chase has been a steadfast and committed partner to Howard University. In naming JPMorgan Chase as our primary operating bank, we are deepening an already impactful partnership in ways that will drive clear and measurable success across the Howard University community and move us closer to achieving our Howard Forward strategic plan,” Frederick said in a statement.

“We are excited to be aligned with a financial institution that will work with us to find ideas and solutions beyond traditional banking.”

The multinational bank will also assist Howard with business continuity, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity efforts. The banking relationship has already reduced costs for the HBCU, totaling the equivalent to 20 full-time scholarships.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon said the new relationship will help the next generation of Black leaders.

“As one of the oldest and most impactful historically Black colleges and universities, Howard University has inspired generations of young talent and helped rebuild a more equitable society,” Dimon said in a statement. “We recognize that talent is distributed equally, but opportunity is not which is why we are so proud of our expanded partnership with Howard University. Together, we will empower a whole new generation of leaders and create new opportunities to serve our country and expand our global economy.”

• Lifestyle

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 8, 2021

DMX’s Fiancée Shares Heartbreaking Message That His Son ‘Wants To Be With Daddy In Heaven’

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The death of popular rapper DMX is still stirring his legions of fans, but his 5-year-old son is still struggling with his father’s absence.

According to DMX’s fiancée, Desiree Lindstrom, their 5-year-old son, Exodus, struggles with his father’s death. Last Friday, Lindstrom shared that their son wishes he could be with his father on her Instagram Story.

“It’s so sad and heartbreaking as a mother when your son asks mommy when can we go and be with daddy and God in heaven…!” she wrote in an Instagram story. “He misses his daddy so much.”

Just two weeks ago, Exodus celebrated his birthday as Lindstrom acknowledged him in an Instagram post.

“Exodus Earl Simmons…you are the joy that came into our lives five years ago. God blessed us with you, and I am thankful that you are by my side. Your daddy loved you beyond the countless stars, and when he named you…he knew that you would be the next chapter to us…the Exodus. HAPPY BIRTHDAY my son…blessings, good health, love, and peace.”

 

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A post shared by Desiree Lindstrom 🐾 (@desi123love)

Earl Simmons, better known as DMX, the rapper/actor hospitalized earlier this year in April, following a reported heart attack, died on April 9, a week after being admitted. The rapper was reportedly on life support in a “vegetative state” when he was admitted to the hospital.

DMX had an extensive battle with drug addiction, and the Yonkers emcee had been open about his struggles. His drug use began at 14 when a supposed mentor introduced a young Simmons to crack cocaine.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 8, 2021

Woman Caught on Surveillance Trying to Set Black Church on Fire

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Shocking video shows the moment a woman dressed in all black approached the Ebenezer Baptist Church and tried to set it on fire—twice.

The African American church located in Berkeley, California, was targeted in an attempted arson attack for the second time this year, CBS San Francisco reports. Lead Pastor Kevin Craddock II shared a video revealing the Aug. 14 incident where a woman tried to set the church on fire twice within a 7-minute timespan.

An unidentified woman was seen pacing around the Baptist church before throwing bricks at the window and pouring lighter fluid on the grass in the video.

“By the grace of God the lighter wouldn’t take, it wouldn’t come on full force and nothing was being lit up,” Pastor Craddock said.

The pastor wasn’t aware of the attempted arson attack until after Sunday service on Aug. 15, when he noticed red marks on the window. After watching surveillance footage, Craddock was shocked to see the arson attempt he believes was racially motivated.

“It was very painful to watch, very concerning in 2021 to see someone attempt to burn down an African American church,” he said.

Pastor Craddock expressed his disappointment with the targeted attack considering the church’s history and the traumatic history of racist attacks on Black churches in America.

“Being an African American church, we know our history of the churches and the church bombings and setting fire to churches that were of African American descent and worship centers,” Pastor Craddock told KRON4.

The attack comes one year after a nearby church, The Way Christian Center, was the target of an arson attack. At the time, the church’s pastor, Ben Bartlett, explained why he felt the attack was a response to their stance on racial injustice.

“While we don’t know whether or not this attack was racially motivated, it understandably has people upset, and it does strike a deep nerve in the community,” Bartlett said.

The Berkeley Police Department is asking for help in identifying the woman behind the latest arson attempt.

• Money

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 8, 2021

‘Candyman’ Director Nia DaCosta Admits She’s Still Paying Off Student Loans Despite Huge Success

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Despite directing two blockbuster hits in the last year, film director Nia DaCosta admits that she is still facing student loan debt.

DaCosta thought her success in the film industry would help her pay off her hefty $100K student loan debt. But she learned, just like millions of other Americans, the $1.7 trillion student debt crisis is no easy feat.

“I was like, I will only pay them off if I get a Marvel movie, and now that I have one, I’m like ‘Jesus, I’m still not going to pay them all off,'” DaCosta said on the Blank Check podcast. “Everyone thinks I literally paid them off when I got the job, which is not how you get paid through the [Directors Guild of America].”

Her latest interview comes two years after DaCosta was interviewed by New York Times columnists Julia Rothman and Shaina Feinberg about her debt. At the time, DaCosta strongly believed that she would pay off her massive student loan debt after landing a big film in Hollywood.

“LiKe if I get an ‘Avengers’ movie, my first big purchase will be to pay it all off,” Dacosta said at the time.

But two years later, and after making history as the first Black woman to direct a movie that landed No. 1 at the box office during its opening weekend, the Candyman director believes she is still paying off her debt due to pay equity issues in the entertainment industry.

Despite directing Candyman and The Marvels, coming in 2022, DaCosta’s early start as a director hasn’t garnered her the typical pay more established names in the industry receive, Business Insider reports.

Despite President Joe Biden canceling $9.5 billion in student debt, it’s only 0.6% of the nation’s $1.7 trillion in student debt. Those with existing student loan debt are urging Biden and others in government to pass sweeping debt reform that would give borrowers long-needed relief.

• Lifestyle

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 8, 2021

Kirk Franklin’s Son Kerrion Goes On Live, Accuses His Mother Of Abuse

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Kirk Franklin‘s son is again in the news after making headlines back in March after falling out with his famous father. This time, the troubled man accuses his mother of abuse on social media.

A video filmed on Instagram Live from Kerrion, the embattled son of Franklin, was reposted by The Neighborhood Talk two days ago, showing him accusing his mother of abuse. He is the eldest son of the famed gospel recording artist.

“I’m being abused right now. I’m being assaulted by my own mother. This is on Live! You on Live, you guys!” Kerrion says. “I’m going live just so I can make sure I’m protected right now. Let the world know. My momma already done assaulted me, now they trying to take me to some hospital. This crazy!”

 

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk, LLC (@theneighborhoodtalk)

In March, Kirk Franklin apologized after a recording of a profanity-laced conversation between him and Kerrion was released publicly and went viral.

The gospel singer posted an explanation on his Instagram account explaining the “toxic relationship” he has with his son.

“For many years we have had a toxic relationship with him as a family. We’ve tried for many years through counseling, through therapy, to try to rectify this private family matter,” he says in the post. “Recently, my son and I had an argument that he chose to record. I felt extremely disrespected in that conversation and I lost my temper and I said words that are not appropriate. I am sincerely sorry to all of you. I sincerely apologize. I want you to know as a father, that during that conversation, I called the family therapist and got that therapist on the phone to try to help. He never played that part of the recording.”

• Education

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 8, 2021

Pepsi, Deion Sanders, Terrence J, Join Forces To Award $25K Scholarship To The Fan-Favorite HBCU

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School pride during fall football season at HBCUs is unmatched but, this year, Pepsi is giving students one more way to level up their unapologetic fandom and another reason to celebrate.

Pepsi is rallying HBCU students and alumni to vote for their favorite university, unlocking a $25,000 donation to the winning school’s general scholarship fund. Following the return of the Orange Blossom Classic on Sunday, fans will be able to cast their vote on September 7, while getting hyped up with a playlist curated by actor and North Carolina A&T State University alum Terrence J.

“As a long-time resident of the South, I love the energy, spirit, and sense of community that HBCUs bring, especially around the highly anticipated return of football. This scholarship opportunity isn’t just open to students and alumni to cast their votes, but to anyone who shares pride and enthusiasm for these great institutions. I have a strong passion for HBCUs, and I am proud of the work we continue to do spotlighting these schools across the South to support and foster opportunities for students,” said Chauncey Hamlett, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Beverages North America (South Division).

Earlier this year, Pepsi became the primary beverage sponsor of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and announced their partnership with Jackson State Coach Prime aka Deion Sanders as an ambassador, as part of the brand’s larger commitment to HBCUs.

“I’m happy to build on the work we’ve done with Pepsi and SWAC and push this partnership forward to bring even more attention to HBCUs. While I know which school I am rooting for, my goal is to continue to make progress for the overall greater good of the students and communities. This $25,000 scholarship donation will make such an impact on HBCU students’ education and therefore career growth in the future,” said Coach Prime. 

HBCU fans can go to the site , select Choose Your School, then cast their vote for their school. Fans can vote one time per day during the voting period. While on the site, fans can also check out the HBCU Homecoming Spotify playlist curated by Terrence J.

The $25,000 HBCU donation is the latest step to further the Pepsi brand’s ongoing commitment to working with HBCUs and fostering Black talent, as part of the larger PepsiCo Racial Equity Journey.

 Voting is open now through December 3, 2021, and the winning school will be announced shortly after voting closes. To read the official rules, visit www.pepsipromos.com/hbcu

Larry Elder, a conservative Black politician in California, took the conversation on reparations to a new level when he said he believes the descendants of slave owners deserve compensation, too—not just Black people whose ancestors were captured and enslaved against their will.

Elder appeared on The Candace Owens Show in July, but a clip from his interview with the conservative talk show host has resurfaced and is circulating on the web. On the “PragerU” podcast, he told Owens that slave owners should have received reparations after slavery ended because they lost legal “property,” Yahoo! reported.

“When people talk about reparations, do they really want to have that conversation? Because, like it or not, slavery was legal,” Elder said. “Their legal property was taken away from them after the Civil War, so you could make an argument that the people that are owed reparations are not only just Black people but also the people whose ‘property’ was taken away after the end of the Civil War.”

BREAKING: Larry Elder called for SLAVE OWNERS to get reparations in newly unearthed footage by @RzstProgramming. Share this everywhere and remember to VOTE NO on the recall! pic.twitter.com/mdyH68jc8m

— MeidasTouch.com (@MeidasTouch) September 3, 2021

Elder justified his argument by referencing how British slave owners were compensated after slavery ended with the passing of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

“Did you know that slave owners were compensated?” Elder told Owens. “After they lost their quote-unquote ‘property,’ the government compensated slave owners.”

Elder’s misguided analysis erupted in a wave of criticism on Twitter.

One tweeter said, “I guess it doesn’t matter to him that the so-called property were people, our ancestors.”

“Are the butter biscuits really that good,” the tweeter asked.

Here’s @larryelder doing some grade A 🦝 ing and arguing that slave owners were rightfully owed reparations because their ‘property’ was taken.

I guess it doesn’t matter to him that the so-called property were people, our ancestors.

Are the butter biscuits really that good? pic.twitter.com/08u1ff4oto

— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) September 4, 2021

Comedian and radio host DL Hughley compared Elder to R. Kelly.

“#LarryElder saying the families of former slave owners should get reparations for losing their property! Is like saying #RKelly deserves compensation for babysitting,” Hughley wrote.

#LarryElder saying the families of former slave owners should get reparations for losing their property! Is like saying #RKelly deserves compensation for babysitting! #TeamDl

— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) September 5, 2021

Amid the controversy, Elder is currently running a campaign to take the seat of California Gov. Gavin Newsom in the upcoming recall election.