Waka Flocka, Trump, Miguel Nuñez Jr., Miguel Nuñez Jr.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 5, 2024

Miguel Nuñez Jr. Flames Waka Flocka For Supporting Trump And Dissing Biden

The actor called rapper Waka Flocka a "fool a** punk" after he dissed Biden supporters at a recent show

Recording artist Waka Flocka was seen on video throwing out a Joe Biden supporter while performing at a show in Utah earlier this week. After the video went viral, actor Miguel Nuñez Jr. called the rapper a “fool a** punk” for being a Trump supporter.

A video clip posted by TMZ shows the “No Hands” rapper onstage performing at Club Sky in Salt Lake City on July 1 when he called out anyone in the audience who were presumably President Joe Biden supporters. As he paused from doing songs, he announced to the crowd, “All Joe Biden voters, get out of my concert. We going to see y’all at the bingo game. We’re gonna party right now for motherf**king president T24!” apparently stumping for Donald Trump.

The Neighborhood Talk posted a comment from The Family Business actor on its Instagram account, with Nuñez dissing the Atlanta rapper for his declaration of support for Trump.

“What a IGNORANT A** N**Ga. Yeah, I said you FOOL A** Punk – No Biden supporter should buy this dumb a** House N**ga music again. If upset about this– BRING IT!!”

Waka did respond in the comment section to the actor’s response to him dissing the current president. He defended himself and his position and seemingly warned his distractor in the post.

“I always did and always will have an independent mindset… I watch, and I listen so know who’s who… keep that same energy.”

The rapper has made his support for the former president known in the past, and in October, made a photo opp with Trump in his profile pic.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The support goes both ways as the former president awarded the Queens, NY-born rapper with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his humanitarianism work in 2021, mostly for his work with the Chicago-based nonprofit group Daughter of Destiny, according to Newsweek.

Biden, President Joe Biden, BET, Ed Gordon

by Sharelle Burt

July 5, 2024

Biden Shuts Down Climate Change Deniers By Announcing First-Ever Heat Protection For U.S. Workers

Someone has to look out for them....

President Joe Biden is working to protect U.S. workers from the dangerous summertime heat in the first-of-its-kind legislation.

The proposed regulation will target farm and construction workers, kitchen cooks, and more—approximately 35 million workers—exposed to heat on the job, both inside and outdoors. Handed down from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the move would require employers to monitor workers for the first time and provide rest areas and water when temperatures reach 80 degrees or higher.

If the proposal passes, employers will be required to implement heat safety plans. Failure to meet standards could result in fines of more than $16,000.

The move comes after states nationwide are experiencing three-digit temperatures, expanding into the Fourth of July holiday. In 2023, the hottest recorded heat wave in history resulted in over 2,000 deaths and an increase in heat-related emergency room visits.

Announced on July 2, Biden is scheduled to discuss worker protections during his visit to Washington D.C.’s emergency operations center, where he is also expected to receive notes from federal scientists about the summer 2024 extreme temperatures forecast. According to The Hill, 436 workers died due to extreme heat exposure between 2011 and 2021. The issue with the proposal is the timing of approval. It has not been established if the measures will take effect.

With the regulations unlikely to be finalized by the end of Biden’s first term and the election up in the air, another Trump administration is expected not to move forward with the measure. However, Biden’s cabinet argues the proposal would be a lifesaver, and experts and advocates agree.

Rice University’s presidential historian with a focus on environmental policy. Douglas Brinkley, says working on climate change and heat protections for workers will help secure an easy win for Biden in November since the topic is his “comfort place.” “He likes being ‘lunchbox Joe’ and being on the side of labor and the working class,” Brinkley said.

“It’s a good issue for Joe Biden. It reminds environmentalists that he’s an ally and rings the climate bell, but also shows he has the back of and the health of the labor movement.”

Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions, shared similar sentiments. “The families of people who lose their lives to heat illness don’t see this as an overly burdensome regulation,” he said.

Currently, there are no federal heat protections in place for workers, but some states and cities have mandated their own protections. States like Florida and Texas — which both suffer from extreme heat conditions — have banned cities from implementing heat protections for workers. Marc Freedman, vice president of the country’s largest business lobbying group — the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — feels the move would present challenges for employers and make it “extraordinarily difficult for them to determine when heat presents a hazard because each employee experiences heat differently.”

The proposal already covers that. If established, workers would be entitled to acclimatization plans, which would allow newer employers who aren’t used to the heat to gradually increase hours to adapt to conditions.

While adding worker protections, Biden also announced $1 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to cover communities from natural disasters and hazards, including flooding and heat. The money will go toward over 650 projects around the country.

Cam'ron, it is what it is, podcast, show, Las Vegas, Mase,

by Ida Harris

July 5, 2024

Cam’Ron Pays Homage To OJ Simpson Amid Ongoing Criticism

Cam’Ron’s troll game is undefeated

Cam’Ron, who is known for his uncensored candor around sports and topical issues, was seen suited and booted in Buffalo Bills football regalia, bearing the late OJ Simpson’s name and team number on the NFL jersey. There was no shame in his game. Cam shared footage of himself on IG strutting the corridors of Las Vegas’ Wynn Hotel with a football in tow and donning a football punter mask proudly.

The rapper-turned-podcaster captioned his post:

“OJ was here!!!! Happy INDEPENDENCE DAY! This ain’t really Our holiday.. But it Feels good not to have to answer to nobody!! #FreeNigga #IIWII”

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A post shared by @mr_camron

The same post is collaborated on the Instagram profile page for It Is What It Is, however, its caption read, “YALL KNOW LONG AS WE HEREIT WILL BE NO “UNCLE O” SLANDER. WE AIN’t TOLERATING THAT AT AL…#LLTHEJUICE #ITISWHATITISTALK #NOBODYSAFE #WESAYWHATTHEFUCKWEWANT”

The “Touch It Or Not” rapper’s post is a response to Stephen A. Smith’s scathing criticism of BET’s tribute to the deceased NFL Hall of Famer during BET Awards 2024. The “in memoriam” segment that featured Simpson got Smith up in arms. He took to his YouTube channel in a segment titled, “We should NOT be celebrating OJ Simpson,” to admonish the network for what, in his opinion, was nasty work:

“This is the BET Awards,” Smith ranted. “This is a celebration of Blackness, of Black culture, of Black entertainment, of Black excellence. And when you do something like this you got folks outside the community going, ‘See that, see that shit.’”

Smith continued: “We as a community are going to be held accountable for that.

It Is What It Is isn’t too pleased with Smith’s respectability politics called him out, in a now-deleted social media post, for “Sucka 💩”

Cam, has long been a supporter of Orenthal James Simpson, who died on April 10, not long after a final appearance on Cam’Ron, Mase, and Treasure Wilson’s sports-centric podcast It Is What It Is. The podcast highlights news, statistics, and hot takes around sports and culture, and features in-depth discussions with athletes, analysts, coaches and sports buffs alike. OJ was a recurring guest who contributed his two cents on football moments.

Cam’Ron’s troll game is undefeated. Back in May, the Harlem-bred entertainer leaned into his irreverent style during an interview with CNN, after anchor Abby Phillip queried Cam about Diddy’s demise, and sent some viewers into a tizzy.

The Pink Horse Power owner provided context recently around the incident stating, “I tried to go CNN the right/nice way, they said NO!! Ok bet!!!!”

Peep that dialogue below:

Calendar, small business, growth, second half, 2024

by Jeffrey McKinney

July 5, 2024

Grow Your Small Business In The Second Half Of 2024

A good start is to focus on matters that are most important and that can bring fruitful results. Consider practicing the 80/20 rule.

Originally Published June 4, 2021.

As we enter the second half of 2024, now is a fitting time to consider fresh strategies for growing your small business.

Still, more needs to be done. For example, firms owned by people of color must keep fighting to overcome ongoing obstacles like accessing capital as well as growing revenue. Here are some tips from small business experts to consider to help grow your enterprise.

Enhance Social Media Strategy

It may have been a while since you checked your goals in this critical area. One reason to consider this is that new social media figures proclaim there will be 5.17 billion social media users worldwide in 2024. And that number is projected to keep growing in upcoming years. That is potentially a very strong market of consumers looking to buy goods and services, possible clients for your business.

Offer Convenient Alternatives

One option to help win new customers and boost business with existing ones is offering online contactless service options. If you already offer these options, continue. If not, examine what services or products you can provide where this can be done. Then, list them on your website, social media, or other channels with details about how they work. Providing such measures could be a plus in showing patrons you’re concerned about their convenience.

Provide Video and Livestreaming

Online video content is reportedly sizzling and expected to keep doing so. Video livestreaming can be a game-changer for your firm as consumers have a strong appetite for it. Among its benefits: Boosting your exposure and helping you offer a niche service rivals might not.

Increase Productivity

A good start is focusing on the most important matters that can bring fruitful results. Consider practicing the 80/20 rule. It basically declares that 80% of the results come from 20% of your actions. The principle can help people spot and target problem areas, refine existing strategies, or understand what is working extremely well and apply it elsewhere.

Use Strategic Partnerships To Become Stronger

These alliances can offer many fundamental ways to scale your business, boost revenue, and make you more competitive. By teaming up with another business, you can potentially capture a new set of customers, offer existing patrons fresh products and services, and set yourself apart from rivals. A partnership can often provide you with expertise or a capability in an area you might outsource or are unfamiliar with. It can be a cost-effective way to expand into new areas without risking failure due to insufficient resources. Of course, partnerships have ample benefits—one vital suggestion: Do your homework and research before choosing a partner.

6) Revamp Your Business Model

The bottom line is to be open to examining fresh ways to boost sales, increase customer traffic, and retain business. For instance, say you have a barber shop, spa, or hair salon. Ask yourself what other services customers might want that you don’t offer now. To help retain customers, examine if rewards or loyalty programs could be a good fit.

executor, estate, read the will, death, assets, decedent

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 5, 2024

Here’s What You Need To Know As Executor Of An Estate

Are you up to the task?

Following the death of a loved one, there may be fear and uncertainty about what to expect. However, needs must be attended to on behalf of the deceased. Specifically, an estate executor must be appointed to carry out essential responsibilities for the decedent’s estate.

It is important to note that if you are named executor of a will you are not legally required to carry out any tasks. An executor is liable for any mismanagement of an estate. The position may not be suitable for everyone.

The following are some of the primary responsibilities of being the executor of a will.

Obtain the Death Certificate and the Latest Version of the Will

One of the first steps, which can be easily overlooked, is to obtain a death certificate. Also, you must have the most updated version of the will and understand it completely. Finding and familiarizing yourself with all appropriate documentation will save you time and energy as an executor.

Submit the Will to Probate Court

The majority of wills must be filed in probate court. Probate is used to determine the validity of the will and to officially appoint the executor. The process and cost vary by state and the complexity of the will. The will must be filed for probate in the state in which the decedent lived (e.g., had their permanent residence, paid taxes, etc.).

Sort Out Finances

The executor must sort out the decedent’s final finances. First, any costs incurred as a result of the deceased, such as funeral and burial charges, will be funded from the estate. Second, the executor must pay off any existing debt or balances due for the decedent and pay any applicable state and federal taxes due on the estate.

Alert Appropriate Agencies

It would help if you alerted all appropriate agencies, including government bodies, about the death. You will need to stop all mail to the decedent, close credit cards, and perform other similar tasks. To have legal authority over the decedent’s affairs you will need a death certificate and proof of executorship.

Represent the Estate

As executor of the will you are legally responsible for the decedent’s affairs. However, hiring an attorney to seek counsel on decisions and procedures you may be unfamiliar with may be wise. This will ensure that you are adequately prepared for any duties required to perform as executor.

Be Fair and Impartial

Family members and other heirs may have conflicting wishes regarding asset distributions and other matters about the will. While it may sound easy in theory, being fair and impartial when it comes to handling the estate’s affairs is critical. Keeping the best interests of all parties in mind is necessary both legally and to maintain personal relationships. Some estate disputes may only be resolved for a while and could ultimately result in hefty legal fees and damaged relationships. It is in everyone’s best interest if the estate is handled in a way that limits and quickly resolves conflict.

Take Inventory of All Assets

As executor, you are responsible for taking inventory of all the estate’s assets. This includes large assets such as houses and automobiles, as well as household items, bank accounts and lock boxes. Consider hiring an appraiser if the estate is large as this could significantly impact taxation and cost-basis values.

Consider Proper Compensation

Given the stress, time, and energy of being the executor of a will, collecting compensation for your work is permissible. Remember that your compensation may vary based on the estate size, is subject to court approval, and must be claimed as income.

While the responsibilities of an executor of a will might be stressful, it is an honor to represent an estate on behalf of a decedent and to provide stability and strength in a time of grief and uncertainty. Be careful not to rush, skim over, or skip any steps as there could be legal repercussions for any mismanagement of the estate. It’s recommended to speak with a licensed attorney to discuss your (or your families) estate planning needs.

Jasper Smith, retirement, plans, early, financial roster, experts — Credit: Gregory Collins (Smoothpix.net)

Jasper Smith is the founder of The #BuildWealth Movement®. He’s worked in the financial services industry for over 15 years and holds a life insurance license, multiple securities licenses, and the Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®) designation.

vacation, family time, devices, laptop, expert tips

by Safon Floyd

July 5, 2024

Work And Play: How To Vacation While On The Job

Check out these expert tips on how to successfully get work done while vacationing.

Originally Published Aug. 1, 2016.

You’ve likely been there before—in desperate need of a vacation but afraid to leave behind the tons of work that needs to be done. That growing, urgent pile of work that will inevitably be waiting for you upon your return.

You wouldn’t be the first to be faced with that situation.

In fact, you’re probably like many vacationers who try to avoid that very situation by balancing it all at once, getting their relaxation on while simultaneously assuring their office isn’t burning down.

Though this may sound all good theoretically, it rarely ever goes that smoothly. Something always wins. Either you’re constantly checking emails and taking calls, ultimately defeating the purpose of a vacation, or you give in completely to vacating, ignoring all communication with the office, and you return to head-swooning work overload.

Keynote speaker, executive trainer, and founder of national corporate consulting company Professional Matters, Dana Brownlee, has a solution for your balancing issue with her 95% unplugged vacation mode. Check out her insight below:

Get Your Significant Other On Board

This one seems like it may be tough, but Brownlee suggests getting an agreement from your spouse/partner upfront and letting them know exactly what you need, the time, and how long it will take you to do it.

Know When to Say No

The plan is 5% business—just enough to keep your sanity, respond to emergencies, and keep operations flowing. If you find yourself itching to handle a task that can be performed when you return, don’t.

Set a specified amount of ‘check-in time.’

Stick to no more than this amount of time, and definitely less if you can manage it.

Use Family Downtime Wisely

Only check-in or conduct business activities during family downtime. You may have to alter your personal vacation sleep schedule to accommodate work and family—consider if the sacrifice is worth it. If your family happens to make a quick run, giving you alone time to get things done, have at it.

Don’t bring laptops or other devices that might encourage work

The idea is that you shouldn’t PLAN to do any work. Only allow yourself to respond to communications as absolutely needed to maintain your sanity and keep things afloat in your absence.

Know when to pull back

If anyone in your family starts complaining, you’re probably beyond the 5% mark, so pull back and refocus. If you’re working too much, what’s the point of the vacation?

RELATED CONTENT: 4 Ways To Protect Your Credit During Vacation

10 Black Female Athletes Who Put Up Stats When The Odds Were Stacked Against Them

by Black Enterprise

July 5, 2024

10 Black Female Athletes Who Put Up Stats When The Odds Were Stacked Against Them

Big ups to these 10 female athletes.

What better way to celebrate the weekend of American freedom and independence, stemming the Fourth of July, than to highlight Black female athletes who did numbers despite facing disparities, discrimination, and detractors? Check out these 10 female athletes who put that work in against all odds.

1.) Serena Williams

The GOAT has won more Grand Slam singles titles (23) than any other player, male or female, in tennis history’s Open era.

2.) Althea Gibson

The first Black tennis player to win the French Open (1956), U.S. Open (1957, 58), and Wimbledon (1957, 58) singles titles, earning her a place in the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

3.) Wilma Rudolph

The first U.S. woman to win three gold medals (100m, 200m, 4×100) at a single Olympics (Rome 1960), earning her the title of the fastest woman in the world during the 1960s.

4.) Simone Biles

With 30 medals, Biles is the most decorated gymnast in World Championships history, earning 23 gold medals and 6 all-around titles in the women’s competition.

Simone Biles, Gold — Source: **(Photo: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)**

5.) Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Joyner-Kersee holds the world record in the heptathlon and the second-best all-time record in the long jump, along with winning six Olympic medals from 1984 to 1996.

6.) Enith Brigitha

The first Black woman to medal in Olympic swimming won the bronze in the 100 and 200 freestyle events in 1976.

7.) Alice Coachman

The first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, Coachman secured victory in the high jump at the 1948 Olympics in London, while achieving national titles and setting records.

8.) Gabby Douglas

The first African-American to win the Olympic all-around title in gymnastics.

9.) Florence Griffith-Joyner

Griffith-Joyner set world records in 1988 for both the 100 and 200 meters, earning four medals at the Seoul Olympic Games.

10.) Surya Bonaly

The French figure skater records include three World silver medals, five European championships, and nine French national titles, alongside her notable one-legged backflip in 1998.

HBCU Marching Band, Alabama State University, battle of the bands

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 5, 2024

HBCU Week Signs Off Another Successful Year With 5th Annual Awards Gala

The black-tie fundraiser took place in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 28.

The HBCU Week Foundation celebrated another year of success for its scholars at its 5th Annual Awards Gala. The black-tie fundraiser took place in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 28.

HBCU Week held the commemorative event to highlight the ongoing work of its scholarship recipients, sponsors, and honorees. Founded in 2017, the nonprofit has encouraged thousands to apply to HBCUs, spreading awareness of their rich histories and furthering their legacy. The nonprofit’s founder, Ashley Christopher, spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE on the commitment to encouraging and supporting students at these institutions.

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A post shared by HBCU WEEK FOUNDATION, INC. (@hbcuweek)

“What we’re doing now is just encouraging all our supporters and sponsors to continue their work,” shared Christopher, who highlighted the event’s presenting sponsor, Bank of America. “What we’ve seen over the last five years is that there is a large demand of students that want to attend HBCUs but don’t know where to start, from how to apply or get the resources they need to get through that process. So we have a laser focus on getting those sponsors and supporting those students from day one, up until they graduate and find jobs.”

Several students, championed by HBCU Week’s STEM scholarship offerings, spoke of their latest successes and appreciation for the nonprofit’s help in their journeys. As for the evening’s honorees, Grammy-winning producer Bryan-Michael Cox and television personality Tiffany Cross took home the Trailblazer and Social Impact Awards, respectively. Of his recognition, Cox reflected on his own HBCU education that helped foster his career.

“It takes me back to square one. Going to Clark Atlanta, knowing what I was coming to Atlanta to do, I understood that education was just as important as my social perspective,” detailed Cox to BE. “And, you know, it’s important for us to have our lineage and set it up. Clark [Atlanta], for me personally, shifted everything. Making the decision to go to an HBCU gave me a cultural, social, as well as music perspective. I don’t think I would have ever gotten a better experience.”

Moreover, HBCU Week’s brand ambassador, Stephen A. Smith, attended to congratulate the scholars on their educational success. Smith also shared with BE his long-standing relationship with the nonprofit and the upliftment of its mission.

“My [ambassadorship] is very touching and beneficial,” explained Smith. “Working at ESPN, speaking to [executives], I worked to get them to televise our event and shows from HBCU Week. It’s my responsibility, and it’s been a collective effort, so I’m proud to have been a part of that. I’m doing what I can to make sure HBCUs receive the assistance and attention they so richly deserve.”

The sports commentator added, “HBCUs have a bright future, as they have continued to survive and thrive throughout the years. With Name, Image, and Likeness taking hold and athletes coming on board, these schools are on national television. Celebrities are also doing their part to contribute…all of this spell[s] good things for HBCUs. The world is taking notice, including outside of sports.”

Since its inception, HBCU Week has partnered with corporations to award $25 million in scholarships. Its most impactful event, the College Fair, hosts “on the spot” acceptance processes and scholarship opportunities for prospective students. More information on HBCU Week’s upcoming programming and growing impact can be found on its website.

by Black Enterprise

July 4, 2024

Holiday Weekend Boss Moves: Return To Office With Focus

Holiday weekends are a big deal for the employed demographic. It’s the ultimate TGIF

Holiday weekends are a big deal for the employed demographic. It’s the ultimate TGIF—and with it comes parties, barbecues, weekend activities or for some, just a reason to relax. Many professionals will enjoy a three-day holiday with family and friends.

And then the day inevitably comes when it’s time to return to work.

When the clock hits 12:01 a.m. on the morning before your return to office, there might be a few feelings of anxiety imagining the hundreds of emails waiting, more meetings to be scheduled, and bottom lines to reach.

Let’s make this year a bit different by making a few pre-holiday weekend boss moves. Check out three that will have you breathing a sigh of relief as you sneak in one extra hour of sleep the night before your return to office:

1. Prioritize things to do from most important to “It can wait.”

I know you probably have a lot of apps on your phone, but try using one like Any.do Cal to help you keep it all together even while you’re on vacay. It syncs with your current calendars, social media profiles, and other apps to make scheduling a lunch meeting or remembering an important deadline that much easier. Sure, once you get back, everyone’s task will seem like an emergency (to them), but be sure to put things in proper perspective and plan your activities for your return accordingly.

2. Pre-schedule any correspondences that can be….well, pre-scheduled.

If you want to take a break from social media posting or blogging while on vacation, why not use tools like Buffer, or Hootsuite to schedule posts and updates to launch while you’re busy enjoying your personal time? Also, you can use tools in Microsoft as well as Google, including Outlook’s delayed sending option and Google Sheets or Boomerang.

You can also utilize Microsoft Outlook’s signature option to send customized messages and meet correspondence deadlines that are routine in your line of work. (This is actually a bit simpler than creating a spreadsheet because you can literally create tailored messages to specific people to launch for a specific span of time, just as your typical “out of office” message works.) Doing this will most certainly take a few things off your plate upon your return.

3. Come into the office at least 30 minutes early (or work at least an hour later) the night before your holiday weekend starts.

I know, I know. Nobody likes to stay at work late or come in early. But, think about how much you’ll be ahead of the game when it’s time to return. If you know a deadline is looming, take an extra 30 minutes to an hour to at least get on the path to meeting it. (I stress that this must be before or after work. You don’t want to add to the stress of catching up after a holiday weekend by having to pile on current work you’re responsible for but have missed doing.)

You can also take this time to do steps one and two above, whether you stay in the office to do it, or take an hour at home as if you’re still on the clock. If you’re really into getting a head start (or know you’ll need as much extra time as possible to catch up), begin coming in early this whole week before Fourth of July weekend hits. Studies show workers who arrive to work early see results not only in productivity, but mood and disposition as well.

With these steps you can be sure to enjoy your holiday weekend without those dreaded rushes of anxiety in anticipation of when all the debauchery—or peaceful solo time—ends.

How will you be enjoying your Fourth of July weekend? #Soundoff and follow me on Twitter @JPHazelwood.

by Sharelle Burt

July 4, 2024

Detroit’s Legendary African Bead Museum Ordered To Be Demolished

The building has come under scrutiny for years

The city of Detroit has ordered an emergency demolition of a collapsed portion of Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum, just days after the owner started crowdfunding for repairs.

Detroit’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department Director David Bell released a statement confirming the emergency order was handed down on June 27 due to the inspection. The property was scheduled to be the new home of a collection of African beads from hundreds of years ago.

“At the time the owner of DABLS posted information on social media about his building next to his museum, there was no demolition order related to it,” the statement read.

“However, since the issue was brought to our attention, we have inspected the building and determined it to be in a state of significant collapse and must be taken down immediately. Based on our inspection, we have issued an emergency demolition order for this building.”

Toward the end of June 2024, owner Olayami Dabls launched a $400,000 crowdfunding campaign to repair the property after receiving a $500 blight ticket — given if property owners in the city fail to maintain their properties according to the city’s property maintenance code. Dabls feared the violation would result in demolition.

However, he didn’t believe an emergency demolition would take place after a conversation with a city inspector that leaned toward a path to move forward.

“I’m disappointed that they decided to not allow me to make the building safe,” he said.

The vibrant building with bold colors stands at the corner next door to the museum with intentions of being what Dabls said would “rival anything we have” regarding the city’s cultural institutions. Now, he says the demolition “will be devastating” for his plans.

“That was going to be the building where all of the museum’s collection was going to be,” he says.

“And it’s already surrounded by murals. Nothing has been said about preserving the murals on the walls.”

According to Bridge Detroit, the building is close to 100 years old and was built in the early 1920s. Dabls’s plan was to host educational workshops in addition to housing the new gallery. But after years of issues with the building, he hopes to rebuild.

“I could’ve done so much with this space,” Dabls said.

“But people said it’ll cost less to rebuild than to repair, so all is not totally lost.”

The owner’s love for African beads started after meeting a trader at the Michigan State Fair in 1985. After he became a collector, he purchased two buildings in 1996 as he sought to transform the neighborhood into an “Africantown.” Over the years, Dabls has received several grants and awards, including a $25,000 Kresge Artist Fellowship in 2011 and a $50,000 cash prize of the Kresge Eminent Artist Award in 2022.

However, the building’s appearance has been scrutinized for years, and the recent ticket isn’t the first one the museum has received in its 23-year existence.

Prior to the demolition announcement, the museum planned to host an “MBAD Bead Festival” on Aug. 10 with vendors and live entertainment in hopes of raising funds. However, after volunteers called the property ”a place of renewal and healing,” Dabls said not all hope is lost. He said he may have a new building constructed on the demolition site — contingent on the city’s blessing. Sometimes, you cut your losses and move forward,” he said.

“And we would have still been struggling trying to make the repairs before we got hit with another ticket. We still have the land, we still have people interested in rebuilding.”