• Black Men Xcel

by Atiya Jordan

October 14, 2022

‘I Find Places To Recharge’: CEO Kirk McDonald Talks Early Career Perseverance and Imposter Syndrome At Black Men Xcel

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GroupM North America CEO Kirk McDonald joined Executive Vice President/Chief Content Officer Derek Dingle at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Black Men Xcel Summit for candid reflection about his navigation through the world of media as a Black man. Yet, his efforts to increase diversity never stops.

On Thursday, Oct. 13, BLACK ENTERPRISE held a captivating fireside chat moderated by Dingle to allow McDonald the freedom to speak his authentic truth about his experience in leadership, equity, and advertising with Black media.

McDonald, revered as one of the world’s most influential leaders in tech, media, and marketing, expressed just how grateful he was to have had the opportunity to own his space at the summit. He thanked BLACK ENTERPRISE and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. publicly for uniting men of color to breathe new life into one other for such an empowering occasion.

“I think I forgot, and I got reminded last night of how energizing a room like this is, how affirming it is; because you do spend a lot of other time not in rooms like this ,and when you’re not, you kind of build up the scar tissue to work your way through it,” McDonald explained.

He continued: “I find places to recharge. This has been recharging. Thank you for Black Men Xcel for what you do. Thank you for Black Enterprise for creating this network and these connections.”

‘Curiosity’

For McDonald, securing a spot in the media industry wasn’t intentional, but since he couldn’t afford to pay for his last semester at City College, it was his curiosity and perseverance that helped him to navigate new territory. His journey began when a Black woman manager requested that she have a Black person on her team. Luckily, he had a background in coding, computers, and other qualifying skills. The rest is history.

“I became fascinated with how influential magazines like Black Enterprise and others could be in terms of shaping people’s lives, shaping their preferences, shaping their care, shaping their opinions,” McDonald recalled.

“Consumers, content, and connections became the tool I used to figure out where I want to go next with my career,” he added.

‘Perseverance’

Now leading more than 6,000 people, McDonald still remembers what it was like facing rejection in exclusionary disciplines like marketing and sales. He also shared a story with a captivated audience about his experience as a guest at The Ritz-Carlton in Palm Springs for a Condé Nast company award ceremony during the 90s. He recalled facing micro-aggressions and passive resistance from hotel security guards, guests, and even co-workers.

These daily battles, in addition to being a Black man without a college degree at the time, fueled a roaring imposter syndrome that still shows its teeth even today.

“Throughout that career, there were many moments where I wasn’t in the room with anyone or anything that look like me and I didn’t have a lot of images and models to follow,” McDonald explained.

Hailing from an immigrant family, McDonald shared that he didn’t have any mentors to check in with when he was starting out, but he had a good support network in his parents and his wife. He stayed determined.

 “I learned early that I shouldn’t try to or aspire to be the smartest person in the room, but if I was committed to outworking everyone in the room, then I get to stay in the room.”

McDonald certainly owned his spot in the Woodrow Wilson Ballroom during a special Black Men Xcel ceremony on the Wednesday evening of the summit’s kick-off. He received an award in which BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes McDonald for helping to “open doors of opportunity and present an inspiring example of success for others, especially men of color,” per the website.

Obtaining financing to grow or start an enterprise is often a snag for many women business owners.

But the Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) is doing its part to help change that by offering $5,000 grants to women entrepreneurs in the Lone Star State.

Texas-based, women-owned businesses can apply for a StartHer Grant. Women proprietors can seek 25 grants in the current round. The effort is aimed to spur economic development statewide by inspiring women entrepreneurs to pursue new and innovative projects.

Doing business in Texas could be profitable for some one million women business owners who reportedly call the state home. A study ranks Texas No. 3 on its “Best States For Black Entrepreneurs In 2022.” The study says Texas has no income tax, possibly allowing money earned to last longer.

The StartHer grants have gained attention. Over 300 applications were received last year, based on a news release. The CWE is a part of TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Upon selection, grant recipients must complete a virtual small business training course in November hosted by CWE. Course topics will range from business plan development to marketing and accounting. Grant winners will be announced on Nov. 1.

To be eligible, businesses must meet several criteria. For instance, a business must be current or newly formed. It must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens and have five or fewer employees.

The grants can be used for many purposes, including buying machinery, equipment, or technology, acquiring new inventory, or making property improvements to help generate new business.

Businesses must submit a completed online application before 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 22. For more details, FAQs, and to apply, visit this site.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 14, 2022

Ne-Yo Fails to Get Judge to Shut Down Ex’s Post About Him Allegedly Sleeping with Prostitutes

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Ne-Yo‘s attempt to find his estranged wife, Crystal Smith, in contempt of court has been denied.

Last week, a court hearing was held in response to Ne-Yo and Crystal’s ongoing divorce and the emergency motion the singer filed against his estranged ex. However, a judge found Crystal was not in willful violation of the court order and said she doesn’t need to remove the posts that accused Ne-Yo of cheating, Radar Online reports.

The So Sick singer’s initial filing claimed that Ne-Yo’s “earnings and earning capacities are directly affected by the manner by which his image is received and considered by the general public.” He also referenced interviews Crystal conducted where she accused the singer of living a “different life” when he was away from her.

As a result, Ne-Yo claimed to have lost around $400,000 in earnings from canceled public appearances, professional bookings, and promotional efforts for his latest album, Self Explanatory.

“Court intervention is necessary at this time to cease the immediate injury to [Ne-Yo],” the singer’s lawyers wrote in the filing.

“Without the intervention of the Court, [Crystal] will continue to engage in similar public acts that are not only in direct violation of the Standing Order but detrimental [to Ne-Yo].”

The filing was in response to Crystal’s scathing Instagram post putting the singer on blast for allegedly being unfaithful and soliciting unprotected sex with prostitutes.

“8 years of lies and deception,” Crystal claimed in the lengthy post.

“8 years of unknowingly sharing my life and husband with numerous of [sic] women who sell their bodies to him unprotected… every last one of them! To say I’m heartbroken and disgusted is an understatement. To ask me to stay and accept it is absolutely insane. The mentality of a narcissist.”

While Crystal hasn’t been ordered to remove the posts, the judge ordered both parties to refrain from making public or derogatory statements about the other on social media or in interviews.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 14, 2022

Car Collison Kills Georgia Mother, Father, and Daughter Leaving Son’s Football Game

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Last week, a family was killed in a fatal car accident on their way home from a high school football game.

According to WTVM, Byron and Katrina Jakes, along with their daughter, Kamryn, were killed when another vehicle crossed into their lane, causing the cars to collide head-on.

Bryon and Katrina were ages 45 and 43, respectively, and Kamryn, 10.

The family members were leaving from 15-year-old Braylon’s football game for Carver High School in Thomasville, Georgia. After the game, Braylon took the bus with his teammates.

Jacqueline Jakes, Braylon’s grandmother, updated WTVM on how the brother and son is coping with the loss of his immediate family.

She said, “Braylon is hanging in there right now. He’s doing fine. He’s laughing and happy right now. His football team was out here yesterday and they had such a fun time. He joked around and played. Right now, he’s doing ok.”

According to a Facebook post by the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Columbus, Georgia, Byron was a Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. member, and Katrina Jakes pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

The organization posted a plea for support of the Jakes family.

“To the Divine 9 Family:

“We are calling on you all for your prayers and support!

“This young football player, Braylon Jakes, from Carver High School has recently lost his parents and sister. As his parents traveled back from Thomasville after the football game Friday night, they were both killed in car accident along with his little sister.”

“If you would like to donate to Braylon and the Jakes family, his cashapp is $Brayj23.”

“It’s hard to bury a child, but I just can’t fathom and imagine having to bury the whole family…practically the whole family,” Jacqueline stated.

Katrina also leaves behind an older son, Brian.

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Stacy Jackson

October 14, 2022

Prairie View A&M University Offers Students New Bachelor’s Degree Option In African American Studies

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After 150 years, this Texas HBCU has expanded its student learning curriculum.

Prairie View A&M University has launched a new opportunity for its students, offering attendees an option to earn a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies through the institution’s new $1 million initiative, Enhancing the Humanities at PVAMU.

Prairie View issued says the program is a part of President Ruth J. Simmons’s vision at the historically Black college or university (HBCU). The curriculum prepares students to be emerging leaders through communication, critical thinking, and research. Students are expected to be equipped with resources to enhance their approach to any field of work through a comprehensive cultural lens.

“A part of the HBCU experience for many students is a journey to self-identification, Blackness, and trying to understand the Black experience better,” said Director and Associate Professor of AAS Jeanelle Hope, Ph.D. “It [African American Studies] provides students with the language to understand the world around them and an opportunity to engage key theories, concepts, and methods that seek to make sense of the Black experience and amplify our narratives.”

The initiative is reportedly funded partly by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, an anonymous contribution, and a matching grant.

According to Prairie View A&M, the university is the second-oldest public institution of higher education in the state, offering baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs for students to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and service.

The Texas Constitution designated the university as an institution of “the first class” as students have graduated to become leaders in education, agriculture, engineering, nursing, and the arts and sciences.

According to The Chicago Tribune, San Francisco State University faculty and student activists established the nation’s first Black studies department in 1968. HBCUs, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, Howard University, and Florida A&M University, are some of the other institutions that offer AAS programs. 

• Lifestyle

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 14, 2022

Fox Soul’s Funky Dineva Chews OUT Coach Stormy About Controversial ‘Low Vibrational’ Food Speech

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Leave it to Funky Dineva to read the fitness coach Stormy Wellington for filth for her now-viral video scolding her friend for eating a plate of food that’s “low vibrational.”

Coach Stormy appeared on Fox Soul’s Tea-G-I-F this week to address the viral video showing the self-certified nutrition coach shading one of her mentees for eating a “low vibrational” plate of food. Compared to her “queen’s plate,” Coach Stormy said her friend’s plate of food looked like that of a “hood rat.”

@dearjosieb Coach Stormy “I would never eat a plate like that” she said ol girl is not royalty #andGO #foryou #explorepage #coachstormy ♬ original sound – Josie B

https://twitter.com/profitwithant/status/1577078343144701954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1577078343144701954%7Ctwgr%5E0989ca1f28176460dbb69a200ded3ecc5f8e0cc2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthejasminebrand.com%2F2022%2F10%2F13%2Fms-funky-dineva-lashes-out-on-coach-stormy-following-viral-low-vibration-food-video-what-you-give-on-a-daily-is-more-consistent-w-hood-rat%2F

While appearing on Tea-G-I-F, Stormy explained that the woman she scolded was a close friend, Tammy Price, for whom she claimed to feel a personal responsibility.

“There’s a history with this young lady that y’all saw in the video; her name is Tammy Price,” Stormy explained.

“I have been her mentor, her coach, her friend….I feel responsible for her success, her next level.”

“So when I sat down at my woman’s retreat…and she was the top income earner that I’ve coached to….multimillionaire status, and she sits down with enough food for three people–I had a problem with that,” Stormy continued.

“I felt not only did she dishonor herself, but she dishonored and disrespected me…it would be wrong for me to have sat next to her and let her treat herself less than the queen that she is…she had too much food.”

That was Funky Dineva’s cue to scold Stormy for seemingly trying to embarrass her friend for all to see.

“You sat up there, in my opinion, as a friend and embarrassed the hell out of this lady, right, and then it was like, ‘my plate is fit for a queen and your plate is fit for a hood rat,’” Dineva said.

“First of all, Tammy used to be big Tammy, still semi-big, she was hungry…Your plate was giving starvation realness.”

https://twitter.com/aVeryRichBish/status/1580418719074832384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1580418719074832384%7Ctwgr%5E0989ca1f28176460dbb69a200ded3ecc5f8e0cc2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthejasminebrand.com%2F2022%2F10%2F13%2Fms-funky-dineva-lashes-out-on-coach-stormy-following-viral-low-vibration-food-video-what-you-give-on-a-daily-is-more-consistent-w-hood-rat%2F

But, Dineva wasn’t done. He accused Stormy of being the “hood rat” of the crew for the way she promotes herself.

“Then to compare it to royalty, Stormy…what you give on a daily is more consistent with hood rat than her plate,” Dineva quipped.

“You had green fingernails, you was licking BBQ sauce and God knows whatever else from up under your nails. All while digging around in this lady plate… y’all was eating off of white Dixie plates at an event that people paid thousands of dollars to attend that you was responsible for [sic]. And then, on top of that, shrimp are roaches of the sea and there is literally no nutritional value in corn–so how was your plate or your vibrations any higher than her while yo’ legs was cocked open on the chair.”

Coach Stormy doubled-down and responded to Funky Dineva’s statement saying:

“All the time I’m a one thousand percent real person, sometimes I’m a hood rat, all the time I’m a queen. I’m very very that and I don’t pretend not to be. I’m a mixture of two. I’m a hybrid b*tch, by the way. I act queenish all the time, but you can always get a little hood rat within me that’s number one. Number two I hired an outside caterer, I paid them according to what their proposed budget was, for me to get there and to see that stuff, I was already in the event I had no idea what they were bringing as utensils, that is a very high-top level chef number one. Number two, yea I’m a carry myself how I carry myself all the time like a queen, and I had my versions of being the hood rat as well. I love shrimp I was a pescatan for many years I just thought about eating chicken, I love great food, I love chicken, I love corn, I love barbecue, I love to lick it off my fingers, I’m always going to do that stuff but when I gave the example it was just to show the difference. I’m not a vegan, I’m not a vegetarian, I’m not a plant-based eater. It was the amount of food and the way in which it was placed on her plate that had nothing to do with the actual food itself.  I don’t care what you, Claudia, nobody says, respectfully that food was not placed on the plate properly it looked tacky and hood rat-ish.”

• Arts and Culture

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 14, 2022

Hennessy and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Partner With Brooklyn-based Gallery To Make Art Accessible to HBCUs

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Today, Hennessy and Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announce a new collaboration with Brooklyn-Based, The Bishop Gallery and Group Black, the largest collective of Black-owned media, to bring the “Our Friend Jean” Exhibition to six Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide.

The HBCU campus tour of the exhibition includes Hampton University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Tennessee State University, Dillard University, and Texas Southern University, according to a press release.

From now through Dec. 7, 2022, HBCU students will be able to participate in gallery programs such as private tours, talks with curators and collectors, and special immersive experiences designed at each school. “Our Friend, Jean” was first curated and exhibited by The Bishop Gallery in 2019 in the artist’s hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. In conjunction with collector Alexis Adler, gallerist and curators Erwin John and Stevenson Dunn, Jr. developed this exhibition and tour in their continued mission to make the arts more accessible to underrepresented groups.

“Since the inception of our Hennessy Fellows Program in 2019, we’ve worked with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to advance educational pathways for Black students nationwide and encourage them to push the limits of their potential,” said Jasmin Allen, senior vice president, Hennessy U.S.

“This new commitment allows us to continue that mission and reach more HBCU campuses, providing students with access to renowned art and culture.”

“Our Friend, Jean” is a curated collection of 20 plus artworks on loan from collectors who knew Jean-Michel Basquiat as friends, lovers, and collaborators. The collectors consist of Jane Diaz, Hilary Jaeger, Katie Taylor, and Lucy Sante, and also include photographer Alexis Adler, who was Basquiat’s friend and roommate, and Al Diaz, co-creator of SAMO©. Adler’s rare photographs collection shines a light on Basquiat’s personal life, and they will be sharing their remembrances and untold stories about their friendship with Basquiat throughout the week at each location. Hennessy and TMCF will also host an exclusive experience celebrating Black excellence and the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat in each tour city.

“The exhibition will highlight some of the earliest artworks created by America’s most influential artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.”

“His massive influence on pop culture and record-breaking sales continue to dominate the art world, as he remains one of the most sought-after artists in history,” Stevenson Dunn, Jr., co-owner of The Bishop Gallery. “During the immersive gallery experience, there will be live discussions with Basquiat’s close friends and people who knew him personally. These stories will hopefully help students gain insight into Jean-Michel’s early influences and creative inspirations.”

Group Black has quickly become a major player in the media space, known for creating custom opportunities and scaled distribution for Black-owned media and creators that would not otherwise be available. With this experience, Group Black is working with The Bishop Gallery to create a unique opportunity to authentically connect the students and culture at HBCU’s with the inspiring works of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

“It is essential that we amplify diverse creativity,” said Bonin Bough, co-founder and chief strategy officer.

“By partnering with The Bishop Gallery to bring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artwork to HBCU’s across the country it is our hope that it inspires the next generation of culture creators.”

To date, Hennessy has committed $14 million over 10 years to TMCF, through the Hennessy Fellows program, which has helped to increase the visibility of HBCU talent to take on leadership roles across major organizations in North America. As of 2022, more than 30 Hennessy Fellows have successfully completed the program and progressed into full-time employment. Now, Hennessy and TMCF are able to support The Bishop Gallery with Group Black in engaging and educating more HBCU students about “Our Friend, Jean” Exhibition, eliminating previous barriers to access and creating more equity in the arts community.

The tour began at Hampton University last week Friday and new tour dates will be announced throughout the fall and winter.

• Lifestyle

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 14, 2022

‘Look at How Far We’ve Come!’: Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance Celebrate 25th Anniversary

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Black Hollywood’s favorite couple, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and gave fans a peek inside how they commemorated the big day.

The Black Panther star took to Instagram on Thursday to share a video showing the lavish hillside celebration she and Vance hosted to honor their 25-year marriage.

“25 years…When we first got married, we couldn’t wait to say we made it to 10 years! Now look at how far we’ve come!,” Bassett shared in the heartfelt caption.

The seasoned film star gave a nod to the soul band Frankie Beverly & Maze in her message, honoring her milestone anniversary.

“As Frankie says, ‘Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain…Whew! He sure was right!’” she wrote.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett)

“We’ve had ups, we’ve had downs; we gained two amazing children; but lost cherished family members and friends…” Bassett continued.

“We’ve had successes, we’ve had failures; we’ve had spectacular wins, we’ve had devastating losses…But through it all there’s been one, beautiful constant: We’ve always had each other!”

Bassett concluded by thanking the higher power and their loved ones for all the support over the last two and a half decades.

“Thank you God for each and everyone one of these 25 years! We can’t wait to do 25 more! 10/12/1997🔒❤️,” she wrote.

The Hollywood couple celebrated their 25th anniversary on Oct. 1 at a lush soiree that included familiar faces like Bassett’s 9-1-1 co-star and close friend, Aisha Hinds. During the event, Bassett and Vance watched a sweet tribute video of their children, Bronwyn Vance and Slater Vance, before the twins gave a heartfelt speech to their parents, ET reports.

Bassett and Vance first met at the Yale School of Drama in New Haven, Connecticut, during the 1980s. It wasn’t until they reconnected 14 years later that the romance started.

“I was single. He was single. And I had such an appreciation for him over those years—of his consistency, how he treated other people, of what a supporter he is, what a connector of people he is, how passionate he is,” Bassett told People.

Every contestant wants to hear their name called as the new Miss USA, but some of the ladies in this year’s competition felt they had no chance at winning the title, claiming the competition was fixed.

Some contestants from this year’s Miss USA pageant, held earlier this month, claim the organization did not handle the competition fairly, giving preferential treatment to winner R’Bonney Gabriel. Representing Texas, she made history as the first Filipina American to win the title this month.

However, a series of videos on TikTok, posted by former pageant contestant Jasmine Bruce, who was first runner-up in the 2021 Miss Arkansas pageant, revealed some of the contestants appeared to exit the stage after the crowning took place, as opposed to following the traditional pageant decorum of congratulating the winner as she embraced her moment.

@callmejas0

Part 2 !! #greenscreenvideo #missusa #pageant #fyp #OverwatchMe

♬ original sound – Jas

@attorney.heather

#missusa #missusa2022 #riggedreimagined

♬ original sound – Heather

“I’ve never seen all 50 contestants walk off stage or react the way that the contestants reacted in the background,” Gabriel said in an interview with NBC News. “To me, that’s very telling. These girls aren’t just upset that they didn’t win. There’s more to the story.”

Contestants who spoke with the media included Ashley Ehrhart, Miss Oklahoma 2022 and Heather Lee O’Keefe, Miss Montana 2022. Both say there was “favoritism” in this year’s pageant.

“The official coaching school of Miss USA sponsored all of the contestants but gave an extremely more generous amount to Miss Texas USA,” O’Keefe told ABC News.

The pageant was led by The Miss Brand Corp., headed by former Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart, who took over the franchise in 2020. Gabriel and Miss USA officials deny the allegations of “favoritism.”

“As the first African American woman in this leadership role I take this position with all seriousness and regard, Stewart said.

“I would [not do] anything, such as ‘rig a competition’ that I fought so hard [to win], and jeopardize that hope. The fairness of the pageant and the well being of each and every contestant is my top priority. The allegations against the Miss USA Organization are misleading and against everything I stand for personally and professionally.”

According to a statement provided to NBC News, the organization has suspended Stewart’s leadership and a third-party investigation is being conducted.

Stewart said the investigation will provide clarity and assurance that a fair competition took place.

Samira Mohammed Ibn Moro has become the first-ever recipient of the St Antony’s DAC Scholarship.

The award was instituted by the Governing Board of Oxford University in October 2021. It provides undergraduate students in countries that receive Development Assistance, as identified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), support toward achieving their academic potential.

Born in Bolgatanga, in the Upper East region of Ghana, Ibn Moro started her education in the town and continued her studies in journalism at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) where she graduated in April 2022 with First-Class Honours.

We are delighted to welcome Samira Mohammed Ibn Moro, our first-ever DAC Scholarship recipient to St Antony's.
Find out why Samira chose to study for an MSc in African Studies and what the scholarship means to her⬇️https://t.co/OAMCdnM2SL#oxforduniversity @AfricaOxfordUni pic.twitter.com/Vc4RRfn9uZ

— St Antony's College, University of Oxford (@StAntsCollege) September 26, 2022

According to GIJ, Ibn Moro will be pursuing a master of science in African Studies, to further her understanding of the African continent. In addition, she will approach other important cultural issues in Africa, including providing a holistic pragmatic solution to gender inequalities.

“Earning a master’s degree in African Studies from Oxford University will broaden my scope in understanding the intricacies of African politics, history, general geopolitics, and the processes involved in negotiating collective actions for global responses to existing or emerging challenges in Africa,” she said.

“The DAC scholarship is the foundational dais that holds my dreams, it is the most important and brightest light at the beginning of my Oxford journey, it is my testimony.”

“Being the first-ever recipient is incredibly overwhelming and inspiring at the same time. I am grateful to the sponsors of the scholarship and St Antony’s College for such a life-altering opportunity.”

Face2Face Africa reports that Ibn Moro is an advocate for women’s rights and a development enthusiast who believes the media is a strong tool for change. She shares with the outlet that studying journalism and communications was an important sync to her long-term plan.