April 10, 2024
As Tennessee Tries To Outlaw Reparations, One Pastor Is Fighting Back
Fisher recommends that community organizing in Tennessee could help elect political leaders who will be less beholden to agree with the tenets of white nationalism and white supremacy.
The Tennessee Senate is attempting to ban the study of reparations in its counties. SB0429, sponsored by Republican Sen. Brent Taylor, is being positioned by Taylor as part of his belief that reparations is a national issue and not a state issue.
One Tennessee pastor is pushing back against the bill. As WKRN reports, Rev. Earle Fisher, the senior pastor at Memphis’ Abyssinian Baptist Church, has started a petition against the bill and claims that the bill is about maintaining political power.
“This is not about money. This is about ideology. This is about political power,” Fisher told the outlet. “This is about people who are hell-bent on maintaining racial and economic inequities across the state, and they are scared to death that the truth would come out. So, they don’t want anybody to study it.”
Fisher also told Capital B News, “It’s a white nationalist [legislature] with a supermajority, and it’s not lost on me or anybody who has been doing political organizing over the last several years that this is indeed who they are. When you are passing legislation to stop people from studying something, as a legislative body, it communicates that not only are you committed to injustice and inequity, but you are anti-truth.”
Taylor explained his reasoning for sponsoring the bill. “I will make very clear our vote today does not pass judgment on reparations,” he told WKRN. “That is a very significant and very important issue for many people in our country, but it is an issue that belongs to the federal government and does not belong to our cities and counties, and I think it’s inappropriate for our cities and counties tax dollars to go to such an issue.”
Rep. Justin J. Pearson, a Democrat, told Capital B that Tennessee’s fight against reparations is part of the state’s troubling history.
“This is the legislating of white supremacy and racism that we deal with here,” Pearson said, adding that the bill is a “terrible” yet “accurate” reflection of the state he represents. “The push by the Republican Party in our state against reparations is really an effort to live in an ahistorical way—to not understand the past and its ramifications for the present day.”
Fisher, meanwhile, recommends that community organizing in Tennessee could help elect political leaders who will be less beholden to agree with white nationalism and white supremacy.
“Sometimes you fight in Congress, and if you can’t win in Congress, you got to fight in court. But in order to do any of that effectively, you got to organize in the community,” Fisher told Capital B. “At the end of the day, we have to look at some of these elected officials who are proposing these things—look at some of these races where some of the white nationalist congressmen could potentially be ousted and try to focus on that.”
SB0429 is scheduled to go before the Tennessee House of Representatives for a vote on April 10. At the time of writing, Fisher’s petition has garnered 1,288 signatures on Change.org.
April 10, 2024
National Association Of Intercollegiate Athletics Bans Transgender Athletes From Participating In Women’s Sports
Think this will affect other organizations?
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics approved a policy that bans transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports.
The governing body for small colleges, overseeing close to 83,000 college athletes, voted 20-0 on Apr. 8 and is the first college sports organization to decide on trans athletes. The policy states that all athletes are allowed to participate in NAIA-sponsored male sports; however, only athletes whose biological sex assigned at birth is female and who have not started hormone therapy will be allowed to play in women’s sports.
Athletes who have begun hormone therapy will be required to notify the NAIA national office, but will be allowed to participate in workouts, practices, and team activities.
In a statement, President & CEO Jim Carr admitted that he knows the decision will cause a lot of controversy but ultimately feels “fair competition” is the goal.
“We know there are a lot of opinions, and a lot of people have a very emotional reaction to this, and we want to be respectful of all that,” Carr said.
“But we feel like our primary responsibility is fairness in competition, so we are following that path. And we’ve tried as best we could to allow for some participation by all.”
The new policy will go into effect on Aug. 1 and apply to all sports outside of cheer and dance, which are separate categories in the organization. The NAIA’s 2023-24 policy did not have regulations against transgender or nonbinary athletes competing in the division of their choice in the regular season. During the postseason, with some exceptions for athletes who started hormone therapy, athletes had to compete in the division of their birth sex.
LGBTQ rights advocate groups ripped the policy. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) says it “undermines basic decency deserved by all student-athletes.”
“The benefits of sports to the mind, body, and spirit are well known. Every student, including transgender student-athletes, deserves the opportunity to be a part of a team and to learn about sportsmanship, self-discipline, perseverance and more,” President Kelley Robinson said.
Shiwali Patel, senior counsel at the National Women’s Law Center, described the ban as “unacceptable and blatant discrimination.” “It’s important to recognize that these discriminatory policies don’t enhance fairness in competition,” Patel said. “Instead, they send a message of exclusion and reinforce dangerous stereotypes that harm all women.”
Since 2020, approximately 25 states have implemented laws restructuring transgender athletes from competing on school sports teams corresponding with their gender identity. The issue has become a hot topic for conservative groups and others who believe transgender athletes shouldn’t be allowed to compete in girls’ and women’s sports teams.
More than a dozen current and former college athletes have filed federal lawsuits against the NCAA, accusing the organization of violating their rights by allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. In March 2024, World Athletics set new rules banning transgender women from competing in female track and field events and prohibiting any transgender women who have experienced male puberty from competing in the female categories.
RELATED CONTENT: Florida High School Officials Reassigned After Allowing Transgender Player On Volleyball Team
April 10, 2024
New Report Reveals Which States Have High Private Equity Influence On Healthcare, Housing and Jobs
Are you for big business or affordable solutions?
A new report highlights the states where private-equity firms have taken over key economic areas, including healthcare, pensions, jobs, and housing.
Research conducted by the nonprofit Private Equity Stakeholder Project shows that Arizona and Georgia top the list in housing, with more private equity firms purchasing rental homes. Massachusetts and Alabama are on the high end in terms of impact on jobs and employee relations, while healthcare systems operated by financiers have dominated New Mexico and West Virginia.
Lastly, Washington, Louisiana, and Michigan are at a high end in pension risk due to investments in private equity.
In the last few years, private equity firms have been responsible for shifts in the United States economy in a vast group of industries outside of the top four. Other spaces seen under the influence include supermarkets, child care, fast food operations, pet care providers, and senior living centers.
Even the departments of first responders are impacted, as 40% of emergency departments are operated by staffing companies owned by private equity firms.
According to MetLife, by 2030, companies supported by private equity could potentially own 40% of the nation’s single-family homes, adding a risk for areas already facing increased housing costs. In Fulton County, Georgia, the selection of single-family homes owned by corporate landlords has doubled to 6,429 in 2023 from only 3,169 in 2018. With a staggering number of rent increases in Atlanta, nonprofit Housing Justice League’s Alison Johnson said the private equity firms are putting residents in a tough spot. “They have us in a chokehold,” she said.
“They have purchased so many homes here, they get to manage the market. They get to tell us what rents are set in areas where they have absorbed all the housing.”
Patrons of these businesses are unaware of the private-equity ownership since the firms don’t put their names outside the buildings or paperwork. The report’s positive side is that Private Equity Stakeholder Project policy director, Chris Noble, says state leaders have “the tools to protect the people they serve” from these firms.
Since private-equity firm ownership risks a decline in healthcare, lawmakers are pushing to “take for-profit, equity-based companies out of the healthcare system.”
Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michael Rodrigues (D-Mass.) said Gov. Maura Healey must change the damage done to the state healthcare network, Steward Health Care network, and other surrounding hospitals. “I’m worried about health care in general because all of our providers, all of our hospitals, are facing immense pressures — labor and workforce pressure, they can’t get enough nurses; inflationary costs, health care costs generally have increased more over the last year than it has in probably the prior decade,” Rodrigues said, according to Mass Live.
He added that Cerberus Capital Management, who purchased Steward, made $800 million. The Democratic legislator believes that money would have been better off being pushed “back into the healthcare system” instead of into corporate pockets.
While an independent study found that private equity ownership of nursing homes, hospitals and physician practices hurts patients, pro-private equity advocates like the American Investment Council argue that corporate acquisitions only improve their investments. “Private equity investments consistently support quality, affordable health care for patients across America,” the council wrote.
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April 10, 2024
Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Lands 7-Figure Fiction Deal To Author Crime Novel Series
We can't wait to get our hands on a copy!
Civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump is adding author to his impressive resume after signing a seven-figure deal to write a crime novel series.
Under a deal with Bantam Books, Bantam will publish the first two novels of the series surrounding Beau Lee Cooper, a Black civil rights attorney who “tackles heart-wrenching cases of corruption and injustice while celebrating Black love, joy, and resilience.” Crump celebrated the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting both novels as being “informed by my decades of courtroom experience and personal revelations with the world!”
The announcement was met with warm congratulations remarks on social media. Some book fans even dropped recommendations on the cases they hoped Cooper would solve.
“Wow. That’s amazing. I hope he solves the mystery of Rachel Jeantel and who Trayvon Martin’s real girlfriend was. Now, that would be a spicy twist!” @OnRecliner tweeted.
As Crump has defended and secured settlements for the families of Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Henrietta Lacks, and more, the prominent civil rights advocate thinks it’s imperative for people to see the realities of the legal world and the justice system. “I feel it’s important to introduce a charismatic figure to the world who shows the realities of the legal landscape and the justice system through the eyes and experiences of the marginalized and the voiceless,” Crump said.
“A person of color who allows readers to step into an expansive universe of characters they may never otherwise notice or understand and, in the process, hopefully, be inspired to broaden their perspectives and even decide to play a part in moving society towards true justice for all.”
This isn’t Crump’s first venture in the entertainment industry. In 2022, he was the subject of the documentary Civil, which can be found on Netflix. His voice and production skills were utilized as he narrated the documentary short film How to Sue the Klan: The Story of the Chattanooga Five, which was an official selection at the Social Justice Now Film Festival and will premiere at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) and the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in late 2024.
The announcement isn’t getting in the way of Crump’s continual fight for the rights of victims of police brutality. Crump recently spoke at the press conference outside a Miami-Dade County courtroom where Donald Lenard Armstrong was scheduled to be arraigned. According to NBC Miami, Armstrong was shot numerous times by police officers following an incident on March 7 and was later charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence.
Crump and co-counsel Larry Handfield are asking for the charges to be dropped and, if not, request bond. “It’s insult on top of injury, and that is why we are demanding these charges to be dropped,” Crump said. “They shoot and paralyze him, and now they charge him with aggravated assault?”
The team also requested the officer who shot Armstrong be criminally investigated.
RELATED CONTENT: Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Gets Keys To The City Of Miami Gardens At Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival
April 10, 2024
These Strategies Will Help You Manage And Lead Multigenerational Teams To Success
One of the most pressing challenges facing managers today is effectively leading multi-generational teams.
Written By Chelsea C. Williams, Founder & CEO, Reimagine Talent Co.
One of the most pressing challenges facing managers today is effectively leading multigenerational teams. With five generational cohorts in today’s workplace–traditionalists, baby boomers, Gen Xers, millennials, and Gen Zers–each brings unique experiences, values, and approaches to work.
Fostering harmony and collaboration among these diverse cohorts is essential for business and team success.
As a founder and CEO, my team and I work with leaders and managers who struggle with multigenerational team dynamics. As retirement patterns shift, individuals are working longer than ever before. Baby boomers and traditionalists are still working because of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial need; this is especially true for communities of color. Meanwhile, Gen Z is hungry for opportunities to advance quickly and move into leadership roles. All generations can become easily frustrated by a lack of understanding of their younger or older co-workers.
All organizations can benefit from learning to lead across generations to build, engage, and retain a multigenerational workforce.
Understanding Each Generation
First, let’s take a moment to clarify what generational analysis means and how it is used to help shape insights into the different cohorts in today’s workforce and workplace.
Now let’s look at the Pew Research Center’s findings about each generation and a few characteristics that affect their work styles and expectations from managers:
Generation Z, born 1997-2012:
- Accustomed to change and expects it in the workplace.
- Values in-person interactions.
- Seeks feedback on a frequent, ongoing basis.
Millennials, born 1981-1996:
- Wants to be coached and mentored.
- Prefers collaborative and technology-centric training.
- Must be in alignment with company values.
Generation X, born 1965-1980:
- Views change as a vehicle for opportunity.
- Embraces a hands-off management policy.
- Is entrepreneurial and results-oriented.
Baby Boomers, born 1945-1964:
- More reserved in communication style.
- Values traditional instructor-led courses or self-learning tools.
- Appreciates managers being ethical, fair, and consistent.
Traditionalists, born before 1945:
- Believes in hierarchical management styles.
- Has a strong work ethic and loyalty to an employer.
- Slow to adapt to new technology.
Values Vary Across Generations
First, let’s recognize that employees’ values vary across generations. What constitutes success, fulfillment, and recognition in the workplace differs significantly from generation to generation. Therefore, adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to management is not effective. Instead, managers must tailor their strategies to accommodate each generation’s diverse needs and expectations.
At Reimagine Talent, we are seeing our clients diversify their benefit options, like retirement, 401(K) savings, and student loan repayment, to appeal to younger and more seasoned employees.
We have heard from many students and early career professionals who decide where to work based on an organization’s social image, commitment to “do good,” and team diversity. Many Gen Zers from underrepresented communities have said they do not want to be a company’s “one and only” minority representative.
Furthermore, external realities, such as social, political, and environmental factors, impact each generation differently. While older generations may have experienced similar challenges in wars and economics today, younger generations, like Gen Z, confront these issues with fresh and inexperienced perspectives. Understanding how these external factors shape each generation’s worldview is crucial for effective leadership.
Different Communication Preferences
For managers from older generations, integrating Gen Z and Gen Alpha members (those born entirely in the 21st century) into their teams requires an understanding of the evolving nature of work. Significant differences exist in how these younger generations access and consume information compared to their predecessors. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok are central to shaping their perceptions and behaviors. According to SocialPilot, it’s estimated that 96% of Gen Z and 87% of millennials in the U.S. have a YouTube account.
Managers must adopt a dual role of overseeing and guiding younger team members, providing mentorship and coaching while sharing best practices to support their professional development. By embracing the shifting trends and preferences of younger generations, managers can create an environment conducive to collaboration and growth.
What resonates with one generation may not satisfy another. Use various methods, from in-person and written interactions with older generations to chat platforms and short video announcements with younger workers.
Consider expanding the communication mediums on your team and, most importantly, ask each team member what communication works best for them. In cases where your team may be hybrid or fully remote, this focus on clarifying communications becomes vital in building a strong team culture.
Challenges Facing Older Vs. Younger Generations
Another important factor to consider with a multigenerational team is the personal challenges that may affect their work, finances, and mental health. Be cognizant of life stages and challenges and offer resources and guidance to help your team through them.
Personal finances, economic climate/job opportunities, mental health, and climate change worries impact younger generations. There’s a growing mental health crisis for everyone, but especially younger generations. The Thriving Center of Psychology reported that 1 in 4 Gen Zers and millennials said their mental health declined in 2023, and more than half reported they are going or have gone to therapy. Managers should be mindful of mental health needs and willing to provide reasonable accommodations for some team members.
On the other end of the spectrum, older generations are impacted by concerns about reaching or achieving retirement, receiving fair compensation as they age, having work flexibility to slow down or reduce hours, and stress about using advanced and new technologies. In a recent retirement survey by Schroeders, 61% of non-retired Gen Xers were not confident in their ability to achieve a dream retirement, and 84% of Gen X respondents were concerned or terrified about not receiving regular paychecks. Many older workers plan to work for as long as they can simply because they must. Managers can help alleviate some of this stress by providing financial resources and having open, honest conversations about job security.
Build a Culture of Inclusion
One generational shift that has caused tension in the workplace is the heightened conversations and actions toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Fostering a diversity, equity, and inclusion culture is critical for all generations to feel supported and valued at work. When done well, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives serve as the bridge in bringing people of differences together toward a common goal. As one example, Employer Resource Groups (ERGs) are a great way for organizations to help create welcoming environments and advance business priorities. For one of our clients at Reimagine Talent, ERGs help bring generations together through powerful educational programming offered to all employees. During Disabilities Awareness Month, three ERGs worked together to shed light on accessibility at work and provided practical resources to help employees advocate for people with disabilities.
Advice for Millennial Managers
As a millennial founder & CEO, I am in the middle of the generational spectrum. I have been challenged with navigating the dynamics between younger and older team members. I’ve learned how important it is to be mindful of differing experiences and approaches to work. Through this journey, I have learned much and seen my leadership skills evolve by simply asking questions, being flexible, and maintaining transparency.
While drawing on established best practices like respect, promptness, and thoughtfulness, millennial managers should remain open-minded to evolving trends with Gen Z team members, such as using A.I. technologies and the gig economy. Flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace change are essential for millennial managers leading multigenerational teams.
Each generation brings value to your organization. The significance of multigenerational diversity extends beyond your internal teams. As employees and consumers, all generations play dual roles in shaping business success. A multigenerational workforce provides a competitive advantage, offering a deeper understanding of diverse consumer segments. By harnessing insights from different generations, you can create strategies that resonate with today’s growing customer segments.
Navigating multigenerational teams requires self-awareness and the desire to build the bridge within your team! Managers can cultivate team harmony by recognizing and leveraging each generation’s unique strengths and preferences to drive productivity, innovation, and organizational success in 2024 and beyond.
RELATED CONTENT: 5 Tips For Managing Workplace Conflict
Chelsea C. Williams, an entrepreneur, workplace educator, and mentor, is the founder & CEO of Reimagine Talent Co., a national talent development firm based in Raleigh, NC. Her national team empowers employers, educational institutions, and nonprofits with high-impact HR & career development solutions that support employee engagement, development, and retention.
Chelsea is a trusted contributor to CNBC, Fast Company, Investment News, Insider, and Forbes, focusing on leading multigenerational teams and developing Generation Z. She’s a 2021 Forbes Next 1000 Award recipient, 2022 Tory Burch Entrepreneurial Fellow, and 2023 Entrepreneurial Impact Awardee by J.P. Morgan Chase Commercial Bank and Women Presidents Organization (WPO). She is passionate about redefining workplaces through innovation and inclusivity.
Chelsea is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
April 10, 2024
The Biden Administration Issues Regulations On How Government Can Use AI
Good because AI can be dangerous!
The Biden Administration announced new guidelines on how federal agencies can and cannot use artificial intelligence (AI).
In a memo released by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the regulations implement a balance between mitigating risks and being open to advancement in innovation. Each agency will require appointing people to several roles, including a chief artificial intelligence officer and a senior role to oversee AI implementation. In addition to growing the AI workforce, close to 100 professionals will be hired during Summer 2024.
An initial memo draft was introduced before Vice President Harris’ trip to the first global AI summit in the UK in the fall of 2023. It was then open for public commentary before the final version was released on Mar. 28. Harris described the regulations as “binding” and emphasized the need for the guidelines to prioritize public interest globally.
“President Biden and I intend that these domestic policies serve as a model for global action,” Harris said.
“We will continue to call on all nations to follow our lead and put the public interest first when it comes to government’s use of AI.”
Agencies must implement safeguards by Dec. 1, including assessing, testing, and monitoring AI’s impacts. If not, they will have to stop using the technology unless approved as being necessary for agency functionality. As artificial intelligence can be used for harm, Shalanda Young, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, says it’s vital for Americans to trust the government’s use.
“The public deserves confidence that the federal government will use the technology responsibly,” Young said.
Several government agencies already use AI, but the memo further explained how the technology will be utilized, including extreme weather forecasting, and control of the spread of disease and opioid use.
The measure is a massive step towards guaranteeing safe AI practices, something that private companies and other countries are trying to get a hold of. In December 2023, according to Wired, the European Union voted to pass the AI Act, legislation that will control the creation and use of AI technologies. China is also said to be working on stricter AI regulations.
However, officials think there is more work to be done beyond adding guidelines. Alex Reeve Givens, president and CEO of the Center for Democracy and Technology, questioned exactly what the U.S. government’s testing requirements are and who has the expertise to greenlight them. “I see this as the first step. What’s going to come after is very detailed practice guides and expectations around what effective auditing looks like, for example,” Reeve Givens said.
“There’s a lot more work to be done.”
Reeve Givens recommended that the administration release procurement processes and what requirements will be in place for companies with AI technology the government is eyeing to buy.
April 10, 2024
At The Intersection Of Black Culture And Country Music Lies History
Let's talk fact, history, strategy, money, business, and Beyoncé's chart-topping album
Written by: LMarilyn Crawford
Country music, often associated with rural America and the heartland, has deep roots in African American culture. Its origins can be traced back to the African American musical traditions of blues, gospel, and folk music. While the genre has predominantly been represented by white artists, black musicians originated and have played a significant role in shaping its sound and style.
One of the most notable contributions to country music from the black community is the influence of the banjo, an instrument with West African origins. African American musicians such as Darius Rucker and the late Charley Pride have defied stereotypes and garnered widespread acclaim in the industry. Unfortunately, the Country Music industry cherry-picked one or two. When they lost Charley, they then found Darius Rucker. Both extremely talented in their own right, but the industry rarely opened the door and embraced more than one at a time. It’s been a slow process, but recent activities have added some fuel, and now is the time to put the pedal to the metal. These trailblazers have shattered barriers and paved the way for others to follow.
Believe me, there are so many more out there that could pour new life and inclusivity respect into the genre. Then you have the one-time black country music flukes, like Lil Nas X, who had a mega-hit because of Billy Ray Cyrus’s collaboration.
In recent years, we’ve seen a renewed interest in black artists within the country music scene. Beyoncé is a talented, business minded genius, who is a black woman. Yessss! She is already at the top of her game, reigning globally as ‘the’ Superstar, with one of the largest fam bases and audiences in the world.
Beyoncé’s foray into country music was nothing short of genius. It was an expansion of her world, her conglomerate, her empire, her dedication to educating and mobilizing and elevating all of us. It is her commitment to the American Constitution and to our Culture. The timing in her career was optimum.
Beyoncé’s chart-topping song, “Texas Hold ‘Em” album showcased her versatility as an artist and brought a fresh perspective to the genre of country. Moreover, Beyoncé’s groundbreaking collaboration with the Dixie Chicks on the track “Daddy Lessons” further blurred the lines between country and pop, illustrating the evolving landscape of country music. This collaboration not only introduced Beyoncé to a new audience but also challenged traditional notions of genre boundaries, encouraging fans to embrace a more diverse range of musical influences.
Beyoncé’s success in the country music realm serves as a testament to the genre’s ability to transcend cultural and racial barriers, fostering a more inclusive and expansive musical landscape. Her innovative approach to blending genres has opened doors for other black artists to explore and excel in the country music genre, paving the way for a new generation of trailblazers.
However, while artists like Beyoncé have achieved crossover success, there are countless black musicians like Dean Crawford who have dedicated their lives to country music without receiving the recognition they deserve. Crawford, feels, lives, speaks, and bleeds country. Half Jamaican and half black, he is the antithesis of country, yet that has been his lifelong dream and action. From playing backroom bars to huge casinos and The House of Blues, he has never been discovered or given his deserved place at the top. Record companies and executives missed the beat and overlooked this country music treasure. Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country, and Crawford would make a great country duet! Crawford is a prolific songwriter with over 550 songs to his name, and he embodies the passion and dedication of these unsung heroes. Despite their talent and contributions, many black artists continue to face barriers within the industry.
It’s crucial to acknowledge the historical context in which country music emerged and how it intersects with the experiences of black Americans. The term “cowboy” originated from black men who were proficient on farms, working as skilled laborers, and often tending to cattle. Similarly, the term “cattlemen” has a history deeply intertwined with the experiences of slaves and black men in the American South. Cattlemen were used by Caucasian men working on farms, but they chose “boy” to describe black grown men. When it became more popular, they appropriated the name and stole it for themselves.
The acceptance of black country singers by mainstream country fans has been a gradual process. While some fans have embraced diversity within the genre, others have been slower to accept change. However, with the rise of social media and streaming platforms, there are more opportunities than ever for artists to connect directly with their audience and bypass traditional gatekeepers.
The economic, mental, and cultural impact of black artists in the country music industry extends far beyond the borders of America. Their music resonates with audiences around the globe, transcending language and cultural barriers. By embracing diversity and celebrating the rich tapestry of voices within the genre, country music has the potential to continue evolving and reaching new audiences.
In terms of financial impact, the country music industry benefits significantly from the contributions of black artists. Concerts, album sales, and streaming revenue generated by black country music artists contribute to the overall economic health of the industry. According to recent statistics, the country music industry generated over $7 billion in revenue in 2023, with a significant portion attributed to the success of black artists. Moreover, the growing popularity of black country music artists among diverse audiences has led to increased ticket sales and merchandise purchases, further bolstering the industry’s financial prosperity.
As we look to the future of country music, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the contributions of black artists. Their stories, experiences, and perspectives enrich the genre and ensure its continued relevance in a rapidly changing world. By fostering inclusivity and embracing diversity, we can ensure that country music remains a vibrant and inclusive art form for generations to come. Here’s a salute to Black country music artists and all the fans who embrace them and the music.
RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé Gives Flowers To Black Women In Country Music ‘For Opening Doors For Me’
April 10, 2024
New Study Claims The Validity Of U.S. Maternal Mortality Rates Are Up For Debate
A new study proposes an alternative method to collecting U.S. maternal mortality rates, suggesting that the current numbers are an overestimation.
A new study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology has proposed that the CDC’s current U.S. maternal mortality rates are inflated.
The study emphasized that the current categorizations for the statistics contribute to this supposed inflation, as reported by ProPublica. Its alternative resolution suggests only counting maternal mortality if a cause listed on death certificates specifically mentions pregnancy.
The publication did note that there is room for flaws in data collection, especially as direct reporting by doctors on patients’ causes of death is how the CDC gathers this information. It also stated how changes to abortion access across the country had played a role. States with limited or banned access have higher maternal mortality rates.
The CDC, however, refuted the claims that their data misleads Americans on the state of the maternal mortality crisis. In its perspective, changing the categorization will lead to further misinformation and marginalization of the issues causing it.
“To reduce the U.S. maternal mortality crisis to an ‘overestimation’ is irresponsible and minimizes the many lives lost and the families that have been deeply affected,” explained Dr. Christopher Zahn, interim CEO at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
The CDC has also noted that it has addressed these challenges regarding data collection in past reports. The health organization has also implemented additional measures to ensure the accuracy of this growing statistic. These included not considering a pregnancy checkbox on the death certificates for women 45 years of age or older. They maintain that their current calculations, even if over the actual number, still correctly detail that the rate is increasing.
“We feel fairly confident that there has been an increase [in maternal mortality], particularly during the pandemic,” Robert Anderson, the CDC’s chief of mortality statistics, told CNN. We went from underestimating to overestimating, so we had to make that correction. But I feel fairly confident that the increases since 2018 are real.”
However, the study’s implementation between two time spans differs from the CDC’s numbers. While the CDC noted an increase in maternal mortality, the study listed a stagnant rate for 1999-2022 and 2018- 2021.
Regardless of the distinct numbers, Black women continue to be most impacted by maternal mortality. The new study also confirmed that their numbers remained higher than the other racial groups. This rate is nearly three times higher than that of their white counterparts, even with the alternative method used.
While the divide persists regarding the best course of action to track maternal mortality, the CDC remains committed to addressing the groups and factors critically tied to the issue.
April 10, 2024
Jamie Foxx Partners With WES Brands To Release BSB Whiskey
'As an avid whiskey drinker, owning a brand that is sippable and unlike any other has been a life goal of mine; with BSB, I’m finally making that happen.'
Multitalented actor, singer, comedian, and businessman Jamie Foxx has partnered with spirits incubator WES Brands to unveil BSB Whiskey, a flavored spirits brand.
The liquor is a 70-proof whiskey that combines the aromatic spice of cinnamon with the sweetness of brown sugar. The BSB is an acronym for Brown Sugar Blend and is being introduced by Foxx, BSB Whiskey’s brand owner and creative director.
“Life is precious, so I’ve always tried living it to the fullest. As an avid whiskey drinker, owning a brand that is sippable and unlike any other has been a life goal of mine; with BSB, I’m finally making that happen,” Foxx said in a written statement. “BSB is an ode to my personal philosophy – it’s about bringing people together to celebrate life and have fun.”
The 750ml bottle will be sold for $24.99 across the United States, and more info about the brand can be found online at BSB Whiskey. You can also follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.
WES Brands has also hired Naeemah Leonard, a 15+ year veteran in the wine and spirits industry, as its new Senior Brand Director of Whiskey. Based on her past work in brown spirits and the management of many celebrity partnerships, her expertise will support the company’s focus on BSB Whiskey.
After a well-publicized health scare that prevented Foxx from hosting his game show, Beat Shazam, for season six, the celebrity entrepreneur will return for season seven, along with his daughter Corinne. Last month, the network announced that the Any Given Sunday actor is back. The show will return for season 7 on Tuesday, May 28, at 8 p.m. and will also be shown on Hulu.
“Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam,” said Allison Wallach, FOX Entertainment’s president of unscripted entertainment, in a written statement. “As our undeniably dynamic father-daughter hosting team, they bring a relationship like no other to a show like no other, and it’s wonderful having them back on set this season.”