• Fashion & Beauty

by Daron Pressley

April 12, 2024

Dapper Dan Dabbles In Paint In New Partnership With Sherwin-Williams Campaign

Sherwin-Williams is shaking up the paint industry with a revolutionary campaign initiative, spearheaded by renowned Harlem couturier and designer Dapper Dan

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Black designers, models, and musicians have shaped global fashion perceptions and trends throughout history. In a groundbreaking move, Sherwin-Williams is shaking up the paint industry with a revolutionary campaign centered around a color often overlooked – the Loneliest Color™. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by renowned Harlem couturier and designer Dapper Dan as Creative Director, aims to redefine perceptions of color and empower individuals to embrace their unique style choices.

In an exclusive interview with the Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, and remarks from Dapper Dan, BLACK ENTERPRISE delved into the inspiration behind this daring venture and its potential impact on designer fashion and home design landscapes.

Unveiling the Loneliest Color™: A Story of Rediscovery

Discussing the genesis of the Loneliest Color™, Wadden reflected on the industry’s tendency to gravitate toward popular trends, leaving countless hues overshadowed. She stated, “People love to learn about color, but oftentimes we get stuck in the most popular and don’t get to talk about many beautiful colors.” 

The campaign, born out of a desire to amplify lesser-known shades, spotlights Kingdom Gold as the inaugural Loneliest Color™. Wadden emphasizes, “It revealed this gorgeous color! It’s a chance to amplify something new people have never seen.”

A Collaboration with Purpose: Dapper Dan as Creative Director

Central to the success of this endeavor is the collaboration with Dapper Dan, whose illustrious career in fashion aligns seamlessly with the campaign’s message. 

Daniel Day, widely known as Dapper Dan, was born in Harlem, New York, in 1944 and changed the face of luxury fashion. Dan’s oversized silhouettes and buzzy monogram creations cemented him as a sought-after tastemaker, creative, and designer.

Wadden affirms, “Dan was the first and only choice for Sherwin-Williams. His story aligned so perfectly with this color.” 

Dan’s creative direction has brought forth a stunning collection of wearable art pieces, underscoring the versatility and beauty of the Loneliest Color™. Wadden said, “His creativity pulls in all of the elements of this color into the ready-to-wear design. It came together so well.”

Beyond Trends: Encouraging Individual Expression

The campaign transcends conventional notions of color trends, urging individuals to paint authentically. Wadden said, “We hope people take risks and show their personality and style.” 

This call for authenticity extends beyond home design, resonating with fashion choices and personal expression. By embracing the Loneliest Color™, individuals can infuse their spaces with character and vitality, reflecting their unique tastes. 

Dan shared, “Something I’ve learned throughout my career is the power of staying true to our individuality and not conforming to what’s agreeable.”

Consumers tend to turn to neutral hues, greys, whites, and blues to preserve a home’s resale value or avoid the loss of a security deposit. This campaign is filled with a heart that encourages painting for you—in whatever shade that might be—unapologetically.

“In design and fashion, every color has the potential to tell a story, change perspectives, and inspire us – it’s about staying present so you can discover or sometimes rediscover beauty in places you may have initially overlooked,” Dan remarked. 

Supporting a Greater Cause: Auctioning Wearable Art for Charity

As part of the campaign, Sherwin-Williams and Dapper Dan are auctioning off exclusive wearable art pieces, with all proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity and other charities. 

Wadden explained, “The auction goes live on eBay, and 100% of proceeds go to various charities.” 

This philanthropic endeavor celebrates creativity and contributes to meaningful causes, further amplifying the campaign’s impact beyond fashion and design. 

Dan emphasizes that “as Creative Director of The Loneliest Color, I’m focused on championing the potential of what was once the least popular color to celebrate the magic of what it can become when given a chance in the spotlight.”

Sherwin-Williams’ collaboration with Dapper Dan marks a pivotal moment in color exploration, inviting individuals to paint their worlds with confidence and creativity.

RELATED CONTENT: Dapper Dan Drops ‘DAP’ Collection For The GAP

• Women

by Jameelah Mullen

April 12, 2024

Who Knew Willow Smith Authored A Whole Fantasy Sci-Fi Novel?

The multitalented daughter of Will and Jada Smith is following in her parent’s footsteps by becoming an author.

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Black Shield Maiden, the historical fantasy novel written by Willow Smith, will hit bookshelves this May.

The book is co-authored by Jess Hendel and published by Penguin Random House, which is also the publisher of her father’s self-titled bestseller. According to the publisher’s website, Black Shield Maiden tells the story of a teenage girl who is kidnapped and taken away from her West African oasis. 

“This saga begins with Yafeu, a defiant yet fiercely compassionate young warrior who is stolen from her home in the flourishing Ghānaian empire and taken to a distant kingdom in the North. There she is thrust into a strange, cold world of savage shield maidens, tyrannical rulers, and mysterious gods.”

Black Shield Maiden was slated to debut in October 2022, but its release was stalled after Smith and Hendel were accused of creating historically inaccurate and offensive depictions of African people. Smith has never responded publicly to the backlash.

The revised edition of the book has received a blessing from famed author Tomi Adeyemi, who describes the novel as “Intimate, tender, and fiercely epic.” 

The Children of Blood and Bone author will join Smith and Hendel for a conversation and book signing at the Strand Bookstore in New York City on May 7.

In a 2022 interview with NME, the “Whip My Hair” singer said she hopes to inspire others with this novel. 

“I’m so grateful to bring the story of Black Shield Maiden to the world,” Willow said.

“At their core, the issues we’re facing now are the same issues we’ve faced time and again throughout our history. That’s why we create new narratives from different perspectives and even look back into history for deep wisdom that can inspire & help us evolve. My hope is that this story will do that for readers.”

The highly anticipated novel can be purchased in stores on May 7 and is available for pre-order now.

RELATED CONTENT: Willow Smith First In Star-Studded Family To Achieve A Billion Music Streams

by Jeffrey McKinney

April 12, 2024

A Third Of Black Americans Keep Money Secrets From Partners, Coming As Overspending Grows

Using cash instead of debit and credit cards and buying store brands can help people struggling with overspending.

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 Some 30% of Black Americans keep financial secrets from their partners, barely higher than 28% of all Americans.

Almost 60% of Blacks have shared tears over their spending habits. That figure is much greater than the 45% of Americans who do that entirely.

These discoveries are from Nick Pisano, author of  2024 American Spending Habits: Nearly 75% Have an Overspending Problem. Pisano shared data on Americans’ financial patterns with BLACK ENTERPRISE. The discoveries are linked to a survey of nearly 1,100  American adults by Clever Real Estate in February 2024.

Hiding money issues can truly be annoying and problematic. In fact, this report reveals that they only follow incompatibility and infidelity as reasons for divorces. Observers contend that conflicts may occur for several reasons, including partners having different feelings about spending money. Pisano pointed out that men (74%) are typically more satisfied than women (52%) with their financial state now.

“It also seems clear how crucial it is for those in relationships to communicate honestly and regularly about their finances and spending,” Pisano shared. “While it might be easier to avoid tough conversations with a partner, this is the kind of behavior that sets big spenders up for serious financial and personal issues down the line.”

This site and one here offer tips on how to deal with money concerns in relationships.

Also, Pisano’s analysis showed that Blacks (33%) were pretty in tandem with those overall (31%) on reckless expenses that still haunt them and making purchases they soon regret, at 76% versus 78%. Both groups mirrored each other on who wouldn’t save an unexpected $10,000 windfall, tallying 39% of Black Americans and 40% for all.

Other intriguing revelations surfaced. Some 35% of Black Americans are afraid to check their finances as they will realize how much they’re spending. And 46% know their purchases are reckless but still made them. Around 80% of Blacks have or would consider getting a second job for extra spending money, compared with 72% overall.

The uplifting news is that there are multiple actions all Americans can take to help combat overspending. Pisano says a popular one is using cash or debit cards instead of credit cards. Another is avoiding name brands, buying store brands, and spending less time with people who enable reckless spending.

“Simply keeping track of where their money is going can make a big difference to many people, as 1 in 5 Black Americans (20%) don’t track their spending at all, close to the 18% of all Americans who make this mistake.”

Furthermore, Pisano says it is vital to make a budget and follow it. He shared many personal finance experts recommend splitting 50% of your income for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and investment. However, he says, 66% of those surveyed spent income on needs and non-mortgage debt repayment, leaving far less for other categories.

by Stacy Jackson

April 12, 2024

Black Woman Launches Multimillion-Dollar McKissack & McKissack Construction Firm With $1K Investment

Deryl McKissack says she only paid herself $7,200 in the first year of operating her McKissack & McKissack construction firm.

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At the helm of the multimillion-dollar construction management and design firm McKissack & McKissack stands Deryl McKissack, a 62-year-old trailblazer who launched her enterprise with a mere $1,000.

According to CNBC, the firm now generates between $25 million and $30 million in annual revenue, overseeing projects that BLACK ENTERPRISE previously noted valued at a staggering $15 billion. The firm’s impressive repertoire includes iconic projects like the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. CNBC stated the firm’s portfolio also includes repairing the Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson memorials.

McKissack’s journey was far from easy, as attracting clients proved challenging for the Howard University civil engineering graduate who left a six-figure engineering job to pursue her entrepreneurial dream. “It was touch and go because I didn’t have a bank that believed in me,” McKissack recalled. “It took me five years to get my first $10,000 line of credit. I probably went to 11 banks that told me ‘no’ … [but] I had this burning passion on the inside that I just had to do this, and it was going to work out for me.”

Undeterred, McKissack leveraged her networking skills, landing her firm’s first project at her alma mater. With a single employee, she immersed herself in the work, putting in 80 hours weekly. This initial success paved the way for more opportunities, allowing her to build a portfolio and secure jobs as a federal contractor, which included projects at the White House and the U.S. Treasury building.

Despite her growing success, McKissack prioritized reinvesting in her business over personal gain. She paid herself $7,200 the first year, $18,000 the second, and worked her way up to a $100,000 salary after roughly a decade while ensuring her employees were compensated.

Today, McKissack & McKissack, run in New York by her twin sister, Cheryl, boasts offices across major U.S. cities, including Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Baltimore.

Committed to uplifting others, McKissack recently founded AEC Unites, a nonprofit dedicated to providing professional opportunities for Black talent in architecture, engineering, and construction.

by Jameelah Mullen

April 12, 2024

Baby Dove Launches The Expected Care Campaign To Improve Black Maternal Health

The company aims to close the maternal health disparities by providing access to life-saving doula care.

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Baby Dove has launched the Expected Care campaign, which is designed to help Black mothers receive adequate health care during their pregnancies. The program aims to bring awareness to the importance of doula care that can help mothers through every phase of pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum process. 

According to research, Black women are 3-5 times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women; the report also shows that 60% of these deaths were preventable. A study also shows  that pregnant women are more likely to experience overall positive health outcomes when they receive support from a doula.

Since its launch in 2021, Baby Dove’s Black Birth Equity Project has provided over $650,000 in funding to help mothers acquire doula support. More than 500 women have received the grant so far. The aim of the program is to help close the gap in care and improve health outcomes for Black expectant mothers.

The Expected Care campaign features five Black Birth Equity Fund grant recipients who will be posted on Baby Dove’s social media platforms. Photos captured by Solana Cain showcase the women – Ronique, Jazzmine, Kendra, Matilda, and Jasmine – in various stages of pregnancy and early motherhood. 

“I appreciate the Black Birth Equity Fund for trying to give us a stronger fighting chance,” Ronique, a Black Birth Equity Grant recipient, said. 

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“The goal of Baby Dove’s Black Birth Equity Fund has always been to improve the birthing journey for Black moms and their babies. said Greg Ross, Chief Operating Officer of North America Personal Care at Unilever. “As we enter Black Maternal Health Week 2024, Baby Dove is proud to uplift the stories of our grant recipients with our Expecting Care project while reinforcing our commitment to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality care for Black moms.”

In 2021, Baby Dove made a commitment to help bridge the Black maternal health gap by addressing systemic issues and creating outlets to improve the birthing experience for Black mothers and their children. They partnered with the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to offer more access to doulas through the Black Birth Equity Fund. In 2023, Baby Dove partnered with Sista Midwife Productions, a birth advocacy consulting agency, to launch  Black Doula Directory. The Black Doula Directory features over 1,400 birthing professionals in the United States, Canada, Australia, England, and Germany.

Applications for one-time grants of up to $1,300 are available. Visit BabyDove.com to apply.

RELATED CONTENT: BLM Advocate Zyanha Bryant Scores Dove Partnership To Address ‘Fat Liberation’

• News

by Sharelle Burt

April 12, 2024

Arizona Supreme Court Upholds 1864 Law Banning Most Abortions

America...America has a problem!

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Arizona’s Supreme Court has ruled to uphold a 160-year-old law to prohibit almost all abortions in the state. 

The law, dating back to 1864, will make performing an abortion a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or helps a person obtain one – unless with the exception of “when it is necessary” to save a pregnant person’s life.

In a 4-2 decision on Apr. 9, the high court looked past arguments that the current 15-week abortion ban should stay in place. Instead, judges enforced the Civil War-era law – before women could vote – to be passed. The court also ruled to lift a stay on the law, as it won’t go into effect until Apr. 23. 

With the ruling, Arizona is now added to a list of 16 other states where abortion is effectively banned. However, the state justices sent the case back to a lower trial court in order to sort through questions regarding the law’s constitutionality. 

Democratic state Attorney General Kris Mayes said the law puts the lives of Arizonans at risk. “The decision made by the Arizona Supreme Court today is unconscionable and an affront to freedom,” Mayes said. 

“Make no mistake, by effectively striking down a law passed this century and replacing it with one from 160 years ago, the Court has risked the health and lives of Arizonans.”  

The law would ultimately affect the remaining abortion clinics in the state, forcing people who are seeking abortions to travel hundreds of miles away for abortions in California. 

Following the ruling, Vice President Kamala Harris released a video condemning the new legislation, saying, “It doesn’t have to be this way.”

“Understand to stop bans like this, we need a United States Congress that will restore the protections of Roe v. Wade. And when they do, President Joe Biden will sign it into law,” she said.

She is planning to travel to Tucson on Apr. 12 for her “Fight for Reproductive Freedoms” rally, where, according to ABC News, Harris plans to push blame on former President Donald Trump for his role in the 2022 overturning of the legislation. Trump appointed three of the justices who voted to restrict national guarantees to abortion access. 

Biden shared similar sentiments, blasting Arizona’s ban. In a statement, he called the restrictions a failure to “protect women when their health is at risk or in cases of rape or incest.” “And it’s back because of Republican elected officials committed to ripping away women’s freedom,” he wrote on Twitter. 

After celebrating Roe v. Wade’s ruling, GOP lawmakers seem to be jumping the line to opposing Arizona’s ban. Rep. Juan Ciscomani called Tuesday’s ruling “a disaster for women and providers” – after confirming his support of a 15-week preexisting prohibition.

“In Arizona, our 15-week law protected the rights of women and new life. It respected women and the difficult decision of ending a pregnancy – one I will never personally experience and won’t pretend to understand,” Ciscomani said. 

“I oppose a national abortion ban. The territorial law is archaic. We must do better for women and I call on our state policymakers to immediately address this in a bipartisan manner.”

Pima County Attorney Laura Conover thinks the ruling confuses physicians about whether or not they will be arrested for performing abortions. However, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Mayes said they do not plan on prosecuting any abortion providers under the new legislation.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 12, 2024

Georgia Governor Suspends Pineview Mayor After Allegations Of Theft

Brandon Holt has been accused of stealing nearly $65,000 from the town.

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The governor of Georgia suspended a mayor after he was indicted on charges of stealing nearly $65,000 from the town.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the mayor of Pineview, Georgia, Brandon Holt, was given the suspension by Gov. Brian Kemp on April 9. He will not be able to govern until his criminal charges are resolved. Along with the suspension, he will not receive pay while this is being determined.

Holt was accused of taking $64,455 from Pineview’s bank account between June 2023 and October 2023. He allegedly used Cash App to transfer the funds into his banking account 75 times. He was arrested in January and indicted last month as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) charged him with 75 counts of theft by taking. He is currently free on bail.

The GBI announced the arrest in a press release stating that the 34-year-old Holt was taken into custody and booked on January 16 at the Wilcox County Jail. Wilcox County Sheriff Steve Mauldin and District Attorney Brad Rigby requested that the agency look into allegations that the mayor had misappropriated City of Pineview funds.

According to WGXA, the suspended mayor addressed the allegations at a Pineview City Council meeting in February: “What I think most people want to know is about the charges against me. Those are just what I stated; those are allegations,” Holt said.

13 WMAZ reported that this is not his first robbery accusation and arrest.

• News

by Sharelle Burt

April 12, 2024

Former Virginia Elementary School Assistant Principal Faces Eight Felony Charges After Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old 

This could have been avoided....

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A former Virginia elementary school assistant principal faces eight felony counts after a 6-year-old student brought a gun to school and shot his teacher in 2023. 

On Mar. 11, Ebony Parker, former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary in Newport News, was indicted and charged with child abuse and disregard for life by a Special Grand Jury. Court documents labeled Parker as “responsible for the care of students at Richneck Elementary” and committed “a willful act or omission in the care of such students, in a manner so gross, wanton and culpable as to show a reckless disregard for human life.” 

In Virginia, each felony count holds a sentence of up to five years in prison.

The Special Grand Jury released the 31-page report into the shooting that occurred on Jan. 6, 2023. According to WAVY, the legal team of Abby Zwerner – the teacher shot by the minor – released a statement saying they are “grateful” for the work of the special jury.

“The grand jury report reveals a systemic failure that led to the shooting of Abby Zwerner. Most shocking is the apparent cover-up of disciplinary records before and after the shooting,” attorneys Diane Toscano, Kevin Biniazan and Jeffrey Breit wrote. 

“We are grateful for the work of the special grand jury and the answers they have provided this community.”

In a $40 million lawsuit against the school board and administrators filed in 2023, lawyers claim the shooting could have been avoided with proper intervention from the school and administrators, including Parker. In March 2023, it was confirmed that the lawsuit was scheduled for trial. 

Toscano alleged that teachers and employees gave notice to administrators three times on the day of the shooting, raising concerns that the student had a gun and was issuing threats to people. Parker is accused of failing to call 911, putting the school on lockdown, or having a security guard on duty.

“These charges are very serious and underscore the failure of the school district to act to prevent the tragic shooting of Abby Zwerner,” Toscano, Biniazan and Breit wrote in a statement. 

“The school board continues to deny their responsibility to Abby, and this indictment is just another brick in the wall of mounting failures and gross negligence in their case.”

Zwerner was shot while reading to her class. She survived her injuries and was released from the hospital weeks after the shooting. Parker resigned from her assistant principal position 19 days after the teacher was shot.

Several families of Richneck students have filed lawsuits, each seeking $3 million in damages. According to their attorney, Emily Mapp Brannon, Parker’s charges suggest that there is evidence the students were placed in grave danger by the people put in place to protect them.

“I remain optimistic that our criminal justice system will provide answers to the Richneck community,” Brannon said. “For the first time in over a year, the families may find comfort in knowing that the administration is being held accountable.”

• Women

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 12, 2024

Trina Happy To Share Her ‘Wisdom’ As Part Of Femme It Forward’s New MUSE Mentorship Program

Heather Lowery's Femme It Forward launched a new mentorship program that amplifies the next generation of female creatives in music.

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Heather Lowery’s Femme It Forward (FIF) has launched a new mentorship program that’s all about amplifying the next generation of female creatives in music.

On Wednesday, April 10, Lowery announced the launch of “MUSE” (Musicians Uplifting Stars Everyday), her organization’s new mentorship program aimed at guiding emerging female artists and creatives in the music industry. Rappers Trina, Rapsody, and singer/actress Amber Riley will serve as MUSE Mentors alongside the program’s Advisors, Alicia Keys, Erykah Badu, and Teyana Taylor.

“Every day is a journey of growth and evolution, and I approach it with an open heart, taking each moment as it comes. I work every day to make a meaningful impact beyond my music,” Trina told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Through Heather’s MUSE program, I’m thrilled to share the wisdom and experience I’ve gained over the years with a new generation of artists who are eager to leave their mark on this world. True success isn’t just about accolades; it’s about the lives you inspire and uplift along the way.”

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Led by FIF’s Founder and President, Live Nation Partner Heather Lowery, MUSE will seamlessly integrate FIF’s ongoing Next Gem Femme mentorship program to support women of color executives and entrepreneurs on successful paths into the entertainment sector.

“I am elated to expand Femme It Forward’s mentorship endeavors with the launch of “MUSE” (Musicians Uplifting Stars Everyday), a new Mentorship Program specifically created to guide and advise emerging female artists and creatives in the music industry,” Lowery said.

“This is yet another impactful way to pass the torch to the next generation of women in music so we can continue to rise together.”

Lowery recruited the group of female powerhouses in music to guide MUSE mentees through moderated conversation, unique Q&A sessions, and hands-on mentorship opportunities. Badu praises the initiative for serving as the starting foundation for a growing circle of sisters in music.

“Heather’s MUSE is creating a powerful circle of women from different backgrounds and across multiple generations,” Badu said. “I am choosing to share my legacy by becoming a MUSE advisor to encourage and educate this circle and help the next generation become an improvement on the design that precedes them.”

Adding to the advisory team is a group of acclaimed artists and creatives, including the producer and songwriter duo Nova Wav; singer, songwriter, and producer Nija; songwriter and artist Jozzy; and four-time Grammy-winning engineer Ann Mincieli. The MUSE mentors will work in pairs, with rapper Rapsody being matched with Brittany Carter, Trina working alongside Kaliii, and Amber Riley paired with Jane Handcock.

Music created from Femme It Forward’s MUSE Labs will be included in the organization’s second Big Femme Energy music compilation album coming later this year.

RELATED CONTENT: Trina Announced As the Brand Ambassador of NYAK Cognac

• News

by Sharelle Burt

April 12, 2024

New Bill Allows Tennessee K-12 Educators To Carry Guns At School 

Guns in schools now?

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The GOP-controlled Tennessee state Senate approved legislation permitting teachers and staff in K-12 public schools to carry concealed handguns on school premises. 

The approval of S.B. 1325 – with a 26-5 senator vote – was met by protesters on Apr. 9, shouting, “No more silence, end gun violence” and “Kill the bill, not the kids.”

The bill comes close to one year after the state suffered a mass shooting at The Covenant School, resulting in the death of three 9-year-old children and three staff members. Before heading to the state House for an official vote, the bill has already received pushback from anti-gun advocates and Democratic lawmakers. Tennessee chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action released a statement condemning the legislation.

“We should be listening to Tennessee law enforcement, teachers, superintendents and more who have spoken out against arming teachers,” organization volunteer Linda McFadyen-Ketchum said.

“And, most importantly, we should be listening to Tennesseans, who worry their children won’t come home from school every day.”

If signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee, SB 1325 would no require employees to disclose to parents or other teachers that they had concealed firearms. If passed, school employees will be allowed to carry the weapons if they meet designated requirements—having an enhanced carry permit and being authorized by the school’s director, principal, and chief of the local law enforcement department. 

Educators would also be required to complete 40 hours of basic training in school policing, complete a background check, undergo a psychological exam by a licensed Tennessee health care provider, and attend 40 hours of Peace Officers Standards and Training that targets school policing every year at the teacher’s expense. 

Since parents wouldn’t need to be notified if their child’s teacher is armed under the bill, Sen. London Lamar (D) said her child is now “at risk.” “This bill is dangerous, and teachers don’t want it. Nobody wants it,” she said.

Sen. Raumesh Akbari touched on how backwards the state is when it comes to the safety of children in schools.

“A teacher is not allowed to put a rainbow flag on her desk, but she’s allowed to carry a gun in this state,” Akbari argued on the senate floor before voting against the bill. 

Bill supporter and Republican state Sen. Ken Yager recognized that the legislation is “emotionally charged” but feels it will assist some of the rural counties he represents. With some only having two deputies on shift, Yager thinks the bill would fix delays in law enforcement’s response time to campus gunfire.

The bill puts the issue of arming educators back in the limelight as mass shootings continue to happen in schools, parades, places of worship and more. On Apr. 10, as the Muslim community ended the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, three people were shot as gunfire erupted at a park in Philadelphia.

In 2024, so far, more than 300 children under 18 have been killed due to gun violence, the leading killer of youth in the United States.