• News

by Rafael Pena

February 13, 2024

Mardi Gras Beads Cast a Plastic Shadow Causing Environmental Fallout

New Orleans, steeped in the vibrant tradition of Carnival season, is grappling with environmental concerns.

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NPR reports that New Orleans, steeped in the vibrant tradition of Carnival season, is grappling with a less festive aftermath as environmental concerns rise. The age-old practice of flinging strings of colorful beads to the cheering crowd has inadvertently turned into what environmentalists call a “plastics disaster.”

“The waste is becoming a defining characteristic of this event,” said Judith Enck, a former EPA regional administrator and president of Beyond Plastics. The city’s parades, which culminate on Fat Tuesday’s Mardi Gras, leave behind a spectacle of trash, despite rigorous daily cleanup efforts.

Uncollected beads persist, hanging from trees and adding to the waste problem. “The waste is becoming a defining characteristic of this event,” Brett Davis, a native involved in waste reduction efforts, told NPR.

In response to the environmental challenge, organizations like the Arc of New Orleans encourage the donation of caught beads for repackaging and resale, funding services for individuals with disabilities. The city and tourism organization New Orleans & Co. have also set up collection points for recycling beads and other materials along parade routes.

Davis’s nonprofit, Grounds Krewe, is championing sustainability by introducing over two dozen non-plastic alternatives for parade riders. These include headbands made from recycled T-shirts, beads crafted from paper, acai seeds, or recycled glass, and consumable items like locally-made coffee or jambalaya mix. The initiative aims to offer useful, eco-friendly alternatives to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Despite the prevalence of plastic imports, there’s a growing movement toward greener Mardi Gras celebrations. Christy Leavitt of Oceana sees these efforts as crucial in mitigating environmental damage. Enck, advocating for biodegradable alternatives, believes it’s possible to revel in the festivities without causing harm to the environment.

New Orleans faces a pressing challenge: finding a balance between preserving cherished traditions and addressing the environmental consequences of this annual extravaganza.

RELATED CONTENT: Do Historic Events Add Up To a Resurgence for NOLA?

• Career

by Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq.

February 13, 2024

How To Hack Performance Gaps

How you deal with performance gaps–those areas where your performance is less than stellar–is critical to long-term career success. 

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Originally Published Aug. 29, 2014

When you have experienced considerable success, it’s easy to cling to your strong suits – those areas where you exhibit clear brilliance. However, as quiet as it’s kept, there are probably other areas where you are less than brilliant and which desperately need attention. In fact, these “dim areas,” may even wreak havoc on your career.

Believe it or not, even the most successful people experience performance gaps. Yet, often times they refuse to acknowledge professional shortcomings, fearing it will negate their “brilliance spree.” This is a huge mistake. How you deal with performance gaps – those areas where your performance is less than stellar – is critical to long-term career success.

Don’t pretend that your performance gaps don’t exist. They exist for everyone! So, hack the gaps and do what’s necessary to maximize your overall performance.

Here are four ways to hack performance gaps and maximize your career success:

Discover the gaps.

Take a deep dive and conduct a comprehensive assessment of your overall performance. Don’t merely dwell on the areas where you feel competent. Reach outside of your comfort zone and ask the hard questions – or have someone else conduct the analysis if the integrity of your results may be compromised. Once you discover where gaps exist, acknowledge them. Being honest about where you are inadequate is necessary to effectively tackle the gaps.

Find an expert

We rely on others who know more and better to provide insight where we lack it. Solving a performance gap is no different. If you need someone to walk you through the process, hire a consultant! If you need to develop a new skill set, find someone who can teach it. If conducting research or reading a book would solve the problem, do that. Whatever the case, discover where the missing pieces to your performance puzzle exist and put them together, one by one.

Close the gaps

Most of us don’t do what we know, which is the equivalent of not knowing. Instead of sitting idly by and hoping that your performance challenges will magically disappear; take strong, consistent action. Apply the expert advice you’ve stockpiled to help you to execute key changes and overhaul your performance. It’s not good enough to know – transformation requires action. And, action is the only way to close your performance gaps.

Re-examine the gaps

You’ll never know whether you’ve made progress (or regressed) unless you take the initiative to re-examine your performance. Yes, you’ve made some key changes. But, have they stuck? Are you doing things differently now? Does your overall performance reflect the new level of thinking and skill that you’ve acquired? If not, you’ll need to determine what went wrong and devise a new plan of action.

Hacking performance gaps is no walk in the park – but it’s a critical component of becoming truly successful. So, let’s get hacking!

Article Written by Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq.

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Consulting Business Releases E-Learning Videos For Law Professionals

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 13, 2024

NeNe Leakes Being Taxed Over Unpaid Rent And Back Taxes

She's gonna have to pay the piper.

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NeNe Leakes reportedly owes thousands in rent and taxes.

The former Bravo star has been given a state tax execution by the Georgia Department of Revenue for the $28,593.24 in taxes she owes. Leakes initially owed $17,785.22 in back taxes but saw the amount jump to nearly $10K due to interest and fees.

The tax filing is linked to Leakes and her now-defunct Georgia lounge, The Linnethia, LLC. It comes weeks after the College Hill: Celebrity Edition star was sued for $25K by the landlord of her former clothing store, Swagg Boutique.

The landlord claims Leakes signed a lease in 2017 and extended it through 2021. When she vacated the premises in 2022, the property owner claimed she left owing $22K in unpaid rent.

Leakes was served paperwork on Aug. 16, 2023, while outside her $1 million condo in Atlanta. The landlord claims to have tried to get the unpaid rent from Leakes but was repeatedly ignored, hence the lawsuit. However, even after being served the lawsuit, Leakes still didn’t pay up on the debt. A judge intervened and ordered the reality television star to pay $22K in unpaid rent, $2,315 in attorney fees, and another $400 in court costs.

Leakes was also hit with a default judgment last year by Photography by Ace, a photography company reportedly hired to take photos at the Linnethia Lounge but whose invoices were ignored. The financial setbacks have occurred three years after Leakes announced her departure from “RHOA” ahead of the Season 13 premiere.

Leakes is an OG on the show, which stood out since its Season 1 inception. In the months after announcing her exit, she launched a public boycott against Bravo, accusing the network of behind-the-scenes racism. In August 2022, she dismissed her racial discrimination lawsuit against Bravo, but the messy fallout made it clear she likely won’t ever return to the show she helped put on the map.

• Health and Wellness

by Pervis Taylor, III

February 13, 2024

Achieve Your Career Goals While Maintaining Personal Balance

How does one satisfy both desires? Balance. Too often we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off to achieve things.

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Originally Published Sep. 9, 2014

Imagine working your butt off for five years straight. Working 70 to 80 hours a week with little to no sleep is just the norm for you. Never mind the premature graying and migraine headaches that you’ve developed all for that magical moment of being named partner. Think about all that you’ve missed, from weddings to quality time with family, all for that anti-climatic moment. Was it worth it?

Now, if you are using money as a metric, I’m sure you would say yes.

However, if you factor in the hours of your life that you will never get back, all for a title and possibly a new parking space – was it all worth it? As a life coach, I primarily deal with individuals who are extremely successful outwardly, but have neglected themselves and others. That risk cost them more than just time. It also cost them relationships and moments of joy that far outweigh any paycheck.

I’m here to offer you some key tools on keeping balance in your life.  Make no mistake, I want you to get the title. I just want you to get that title with joy.  Here we go:

Time with friends and family

Never break or reschedule this time for work unless it’s dire. Show those who matter to you that you matter to them. Remember, consistency provides comfort, especially in relationships.

Fitness

You have to take care of you. Exercise provides a release and gives clarity. The endorphins released provide energy and mental stability.

Date Night

I don’t mean with your spouse or significant other. I mean you. Take yourself out and spend some time hanging out with you. Even if it’s just playing music in your room. Zone out and leave work at work. Turn off work mode and turn on life mode.  Find time to enjoy yourself.

Work Efficiency

Not everything requires hours of work. Find efficient ways to lighten your load. If you take some time out to carefully examine your work load, you will discover there are some smart shortcuts that will help you cut back hours you spend at work.

Definitive Desires

It’s important to know why you want that title. Is it to stunt on social media, is it to fulfill an insecurity of yours, or do you truly desire to use that platform as a means for change?  Knowing why we do the things we do will always help us in our choices.

Remember, we have the ability to not only change our world, but the world as a whole. Be great!

Article Written by Pervis Taylor

RELATED CONTENT: Eve Gets Candid About Life And Career In Upcoming Memoir ‘Who’s That Girl’

• Career

by Rafael Pena

February 13, 2024

Former Goldman Sachs Recruiter Unveils Salary Negotiation Hacks For Job Seekers

A recruiter is turning the tables with negotiation hacks, offering practical advice on how job seekers can leverage pay range information.

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According to NBC News, Chanelle Howell, a 31-year-old recruiter based in New York City, is turning the tables with negotiation hacks, offering practical advice on how job seekers can leverage pay range information to their advantage in a landscape where transparency in salary information is increasing, Howell, drawing from her extensive experience working for prominent firms like Goldman Sachs and Bridgewater Associates, shares valuable insights on effective negotiation strategies.

With over a dozen states and jurisdictions implementing pay disclosure laws, job seekers can now access salary ranges for open positions. Howell emphasizes the power of a single question during a job interview: “Can you tell me what skills and experiences separate the $100,000 candidate from the $150,000 candidate?” This question prompts hiring managers to outline the criteria for determining compensation within a given range.

Howell advises candidates to weave these criteria into their interview discussions, emphasizing their skills and accomplishments that align with the higher end of the salary spectrum. According to Howell, the key is to consistently highlight these qualities throughout the interview process, building a compelling case for why the candidate deserves the top-tier salary.

As negotiations progress, Howell’s hacks encourage candidates to leverage the information gathered during the interview. By quoting the hiring manager’s own words, candidates can articulate why they merit a higher salary, aligning themselves with the expectations set for top-paid candidates.

Even in regions where pay range disclosures are not mandatory, Howell suggests referencing the growing trend of transparency and expressing a desire for similar openness: “Given new pay transparency laws, a lot of companies are sharing pay ranges with candidates. Can you share the range for this role?”

Howell shares success stories of individuals who used this approach to negotiate substantial increases in their initial offers. One marketing client negotiated a 20% increase, amounting to a $15,000 to $20,000 boost, employing Howell’s framework effectively.

In situations where the salary range appears overly broad, Howell recommends asking what distinguishes a candidate at the top of the range. Additionally, if the initial offer falls short, candidates can inquire about median pay levels and ways to stand out within that framework.

Howell reminds job seekers that base pay is just one aspect of compensation, encouraging them to explore other elements like signing bonuses, performance-based bonuses, and equity during negotiations.

In a job market where wage growth has slowed post-pandemic, Howell’s approach provides a strategic roadmap for candidates seeking fair and competitive compensation.

RELATED CONTENT: Master The Art Of Salary Negotiation: 4 Tips To Secure Your Financial Future

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

February 13, 2024

Rare 1892 Portrait Found Of Harriet Tubman At Age 70

The article found alongside the Harriet Tubman portrait was written using a racist style known as "plantation dialect."

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A Maryland tour organization unveiled a newly discovered photo of Harriet Tubman, this one from 1892, capturing the iconic abolitionist around age 70.

Harriet Tubman Tours owner Alex Green told The Citizen that the rare portrait is from an 1892 edition of The Household Magazine. It depicts Tubman in a decorative dark dress with a pinned-up hairstyle. The accompanying caption identifies her as “Harriet, the Modern Moses, now living in Auburn, N.Y.“

An article alongside the photo, which Green noted was written using a racist style called “plantation dialect,” features an extended Tubman quote about a traumatic incident as an enslaved teen in Dorchester County where she was struck in the head by a two-pound weight hurled at another enslaved person. The incident left her with a fractured skull, which caused lasting epilepsy and visions that Tubman believed opened deeper spiritual insights.

“One night I went to de store with de cook to git some things for de house,” the article reads. “I was ‘shamed to go in, so I stayed outside. Pretty soon, I heard loud talkin’ in de store an’ saw de oberseerer raisin’ up his arm to trow a two-pound iron weight at one ob de slaves.”

Green’s wife, Lisa, posted the rare portrait on social media, which grasped the attention of Tubman biographer Kate Clifford Larson, who also shared the discovery on Facebook. “Such style!” Larson raved of the “beautiful” depiction. She thanked the couple for unearthing another glimpse into Tubman’s life, expressing hopes the original print will surface, too.

This newest photo caps several of the 2022 findings by Harriet Tubman Tours. Last December, they released another never-before-seen 1908 image of Tubman at her Auburn, NY residence. “I thought it’d be interesting to move the needle forward with her wonderful life,” Green stated last year. “History has so much to catch up to.”

“I hope the photos generate more interest in Tubman, her life, and her work to achieve freedom for all,” Green said. The newest magazine portrait offers another chance to inspire learners about her tireless crusade for liberty.

• Entrepreneurship

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 13, 2024

Snoop Dogg And Dr. Dre Turn ‘Gin & Juice’ Into A Business Venture

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of "Doggystyle," Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre have launched Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop.

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Although the pair did not create gin and juice, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre did have a hand in popularizing the drink in the hip-hop community 30 years ago. Now, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre have released their canned version of the mixed cocktail, Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Snoop Dogg’s classic hip-hop debut album “Doggystyle,” produced by Dr. Dre, the pair launched the canned alcoholic beverage. The cocktail is named after the second single, “Gin and Juice,” from the legendary debut album. Dre and Snoop hosted a Super Bowl afterparty at Wynn Las Vegas, where they launched their new product and treated attendees to a surprise performance.

Back At It!!!@bydreandsnoop#ginandjuice pic.twitter.com/sRDw5TcWmf

— Dr. Dre (@drdre) February 10, 2024

“Together, we always try to create magic, we’re having fun being creative, and everything about this product is really us,” said Dr. Dre in a written statement. “There’s passion behind it, and friendship and love and a culture. We’re shooting to make everything we do magnificent, and fortunately, most of the time we hit the target.”

The ready-to-drink beverage comes in four flavors: Citrus, Melon, Passionfruit, and Apricot. Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop will be available US-wide by early spring. The newly formed spirits company is looking to offer more products in the future that will be distributed nationally through Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, the largest beverage distributor in the United States.

“Look where we’re at in our careers,” says Snoop Dogg. “Look at our age and look at what we’ve done, and we still love each other, so why not do something together? A lot of times people have been in a relationship for thirty years and can’t talk to each other, can’t hang out, so it’s just fun to be in a partnership with people that you actually love.”

This is the duo’s first collaboration in the wine and spirits industry.

RELATED CONTENT: Snoop Dogg And Master P Sue Walmart For Allegedly Keeping Snoop Cereal In Stockrooms

by Rafael Pena

February 13, 2024

Good American Clothing Company Faces Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Over Cancer Diagnosis

There's been no comment from Khloe.

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Clothing company Good American is facing legal action from a former employee who alleges wrongful termination in October 2023.

According to the Good American website, the company was founded by Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede in 2016. The brand’s mission is to provide women’s clothing crafted by women, catering to all body shapes. From its beginnings, Good American has transformed into an iconic and all-encompassing fashion brand. Neither Kardashian nor Grede were named in the lawsuit.

Brooke, the person named as the plaintiff, initially joined the company as an intern in 2019 and reportedly climbed the professional ladder, but faced dismissal shortly after requesting to work remotely due to a cancer diagnosis in 2023.

Brooke received commendable performance reviews, multiple promotions, and salary increases throughout her tenure. The former intern ascended to the position of Marketing Coordinator in June 2021 and subsequently transitioned to the social media team in June 2022. She also received a bump in pay.

A performance review from February 2022 characterized her as a “team player who gets the job done” and was a high-pressure performer. It highlighted her as a “great multitasker” and an “asset to the team,” emphasizing her dedication and going “above and beyond.” Further demonstrating her competence, she received another raise in February 2023.

However, after informing her employer about her cancer diagnosis in June 2023, the situation took a turn for the worse. Despite providing doctor’s notes recommending her to work from home due to health vulnerabilities, Brooke alleges facing negative comments from executives.

She asserted that she was advised to take a medical leave of absence versus working remotely. Brooke had previously been allowed to do so.

In September 2023, her doctor recommended remote work to minimize physical contact to reduce the risk of respiratory infections. Despite her positive track record, she was terminated in October 2023. Good American cited “company-wide layoffs”‘” affecting a dozen employees, but the former worker claims her dismissal was a result of her cancer.

RELATED CONTENT: Social Media Questions Why Khloe Kardashian’s Good American is Listed in Nordstrom’s ‘Black-Owned’ Section

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 13, 2024

Don Lemon Doesn’t ‘Have To Worry About Getting In Trouble’ On His New Show

Don Lemon is gearing up for his return to news by way of his new X talk show.

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Don Lemon is gearing up for his return to news by way of “The Don Lemon Show,” on X.

Last month, Lemon announced that his new show would allow him to be “bigger, bolder, freer,” and that it will be available to anyone by way of the Twitter/X platform.

Now, as he gears up for the launch, Lemon is sharing how much more he enjoys his new work style.

“It’s a lot of work, so I really enjoy doing it — but it is a little bit unnerving because it is new, but exciting,” he told “Page Six.”

“I am going to be the same — but more. Just wait, I don’t have to worry about getting in trouble. Freedom it’s the best feeling, freedom.”

When asked about the leniency he’s afforded on Elon Musk’s X platform, Lemon said that for one, his beauty routine was more laid-back than during his days on CNN.

“I don’t really need makeup. I can get somebody to do my makeup, but I have done my own for a long time… When I am out on the field I do it on my own,” he said.

“I don’t mind my phone not ringing. I like the peace. I have always known who my real friends are… I don’t hold grudges. You do you, I do me.”

Last week, Lemon teased his return in a tweet that celebrated Black History Month.

“Starting off this 5th day of #BlackHistoryMonth by gearing up for #TheDonLemonShow & thanking God & the ancestors for blessings in disguise,” he wrote. “🙏🏾Wishing you a prosperous day as well. How y’all doing?”

Lemon was fired from CNN in April 2023 by former CEO Chris Licht, who was later axed from the news network himself. However, the CNN doesn’t mind reminiscing about the “good old days” on the network with his former colleagues.

“Boy, did we keep it fun and interesting! Ah, the good old days. Happy Black History Month!” he wrote in a tweet at the start of Black History Month.

• Fashion & Beauty

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 13, 2024

Jay-Z Sports Reebok S. Carters At Super Bowl

The billionaire rapper was seen on the football field wearing a throwback pair of the 2003 S. Carter Collection Reeboks

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Over 20 years ago, in 2003, a young rapper named Shawn Corey Carter, also known as Jay-Z, in collaboration with Reebok, released a pair of sneakers, the “S. Carter Collection.” Now, in 2024, those same sneakers were donned by Jay-Z at this year’s Super Bowl game that pitted the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers.

According to Footwear News, while the billionaire rapper was on the football field at Sunday’s event, he was wearing a pair of the Reebok sneakers that Foot Locker sold exclusively in its stores when they debuted. The footwear, which resembled white Gucci sneakers from 1984, sold 10,000 pairs mere hours after they went on sale.

Complex reported that Jay-Z signed the deal with the sneaker brand in 2002. Along with his rival 50 Cent securing an agreement with the sneaker brand, the partnership with both rappers was responsible for a rise in sales for Reebok: The company saw an 11% jump in footwear sales and a 20% gain in shares. The deal lasted four more years before the “Hard Knock Life” rapper walked away from the partnership. Is there a resurgence of the sneaker on tap? With Jay-Z you never know, but so far there has been no announcement.

The businessman attended the game with his wife, Beyoncé, and daughters Blue Ivy, 12, and Rumi, 6. Meanwhile, Beyoncé may have taken a little attention away from the teams and Usher when it was announced she would be dropping her latest project next month, on March 29.

“OK, they ready! Drop the new music.”

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

The “Lemonade” performer also released two new country-themed songs co-written and co-produced by Tony! Toni! Toné!’s Raphael Saadiq, called “Texas Hold ’Em” and “16 Carriages.”

Now, the world awaits the next album and project to drop, and it won’t be that much longer.

RELATED CONTENT: Reebok Inks LSU Star Angel Reese To Brand’s First NIL Deal