by Mary Spiller

January 27, 2024

‘He’s Been There For Me Through Tough Times’: LSU’s Angel Reese Talks About Support From Shaquille O’Neal

Angel Reese told USA Today that Shaq was like a father figure to her.

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Louisiana State University women’s basketball player Angel Reese sat down with USA Today for a Jan. 25 interview in which she opened up about her journey through adversity at LSU and how NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal supported her through it all. 

Reese explained that Shaq has been a powerful positive presence in her life as the “Bayou Barbie” has risen to stardom as a forward on the court. She revealed that Shaq is a “father figure” who made it a point to watch most of her games, and that he constantly pushes her to be better by giving her impressive goal stats to hit during the games she plays. 

Shaq and Reese met initially through LSU’s assistant coach Bob Starkey after he told O’Neal—whom he also used to coach—that Reese would be a good candidate for Authentic Brands Group, an enterprise that represents and markets top-notch athletes. O’Neal is a major shareholder in Authentic Brands Group.

Starkey explained, “There’s really strong parallels in their personalities. They love people, they welcome the spotlight that comes with stardom, they both have a great love for this school and an enthusiasm for life.” 

He continued, “It’s incredibly important to me that I know Angel has Shaquille every step of the way. Shaquille is an incredibly loyal person. When Shaquille is in your camp, he’s 10 toes in. Even when Angel was going through some difficulties earlier this season, he was right there for her. Where some companies might want to distance themselves from negative [attention], not Shaquille. He’s going to be there for her forever.” 

Reese and O’Neal have maintained a strong mentor-mentee relationship ever since they met. Reese hosted O’Neal’s daughter, Me’Arah, for an official visit to the LSU campus, and even admitted that she was going to ask Shaq to be a guest for her Senior’s Day activities, which are typically only for family members of students. 

Reese told USA Today that amid all her drama at LSU, Shaq advised her to stay off social media and keep hustling.

“He’s super inspiring to me. He’s so genuine, he’s been there for me through tough times. He just gets it, and there’s not a more perfect person for me to be tight with. We have fun, and if I need anything, he would help me … and he would do that even if I never played basketball again,” Reese expressed. 

“He doesn’t care about me as a player, he cares about me as a person. One thing I always remember he said is, I have the world at my fingertips. I could post right now on Instagram that I bought a million-dollar home and people are going to believe it, because that’s how social media works. So when all of that was happening, he was coaching me up.”

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Reese Continues To Score NIL Deals With Recent Dick’s Sporting Goods Collaboration

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2024

La La Announces $7 ‘La La Land’ Stay With Airbnb In Ft. Lauderdale: ‘I Wanted To Do Something That Was Affordable And Fun For Everyone’

She says she curated everything from "sheets to the soap."

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Entertainment industry veteran La La Anthony is adding to her ever-growing résumé and serving as creative adviser at Airbnb.

The “BMF” star has joined forces with Airbnb to aid in the expansion and development of the company’s talent and entertainment collaborations.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of Airbnb and their mission and what they’re doing to bring people together, bring communities together,” she tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. 

“Because at the essence, that’s what Airbnb is about. You’re hosting your home for someone else. You’re bringing someone into your home. So I was always a fan of what they did. And when I had the opportunity to become creative adviser, I was super excited about it because now I get to use all of my relationships and my resources to really plant some great experiences and activations with Airbnb that we all can be a part of.” 

For her inaugural project with Airbnb, La La invites guests to experience La La Land, a curated accommodation in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that’s influenced by her dynamic persona. La La carefully designed the lavish, Instagram-worthy pad to host her favorite kind of trip: a getaway with besties.

To kick off Black History Month in February, La La beckons guests to escape the winter blues by visiting the Sunshine State. A warm haven awaits, complete with palm trees and vacation vibes, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the unique travel experience that is La La Land. 

“From a diversity standpoint, it’s important to me too to also drive home things that are important to us, that are important to our communities, and things that we want to see,” La La says of the décor, adding that she curated everything from “sheets to the soap.”

While available all year, the first three one-night stays (accommodating up to 5 guests each) in La La Land are scheduled for Feb. 2, 3, and 4 at a special price of $7! This price holds significance as it pays homage to La La’s lucky number and her son Kiyan’s birthdate.

“I wanted it to be accessible to everyone and for everyone to be able to experience La La Land…I wanted to do something that was affordable and fun for everyone,” she said of the price.

Following those initial stays, the residence will be available for additional bookings throughout 2024. Whether marking a significant birthday, enjoying a weekend retreat for moms, embarking on a girls’ getaway, or simply indulging in a spontaneous escape, all visitors will relish the following amenities during their stay:

• La La-inspired artwork and modern décor that bring her fun, vibrant personality to life
• Plenty of bright, snappable spaces that have been perfectly curated for social media-worthy moments 
• Full, private access to the entire 2,491-square-foot property, including five customized bedrooms, four bedrooms, and an outdoor patio and pool for lounging
• All the amenities for a luxurious stay, including high-quality linens, a fully stocked kitchen, and haircare products from La La’s own brand, Inala 
• Guests who book the initial three one-night stays on Feb. 2, 3, or 4 will also meet La La in person, including a tour of the space—and maybe even some selfies!

For those who adore the beach, cherish friendships, and everyone falling in between, booking requests open on Jan. 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m. PT at airbnb.com/lalaland.

Guests are accountable for their own transportation to and from Fort Lauderdale. Press play below to learn more about La La’s plans with Airbnb—and what fans can expect from the new season of “BMF” on Starz.

RELATED CONTENT: La La Announces $7 ‘La La Land’ Stay With Airbnb In Ft. Lauderdale

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 27, 2024

As Trevor Noah Gears Up For Grammy Awards Hosting Gig, He Embraces The Challenges Of Comedy: ‘Sometimes People Will Not Laugh’

Trevor Noah is back to host the 66th annual Grammy Awards for the fourth year in a row!

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Trevor Noah is back to host the 66th annual Grammy Awards for the fourth year in a row, and he knows the audience doesn’t owe him their laughs.

Just on the heels of winning an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Talk Series, his second Emmy in total, Noah will serve as master of ceremonies for the 2024 Grammy Awards taking place on CBS on Feb. 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The “Daily Show” alum is also a producer of the show that has confirmed performances from Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, Burna Boy, and Luke Combs.

Singer SZA leads the Emmy nominations with nine. Rodrigo, Eilish, Taylor Swift, Boygenius, Miley Cyrus, Jon Batiste, and Victoria Monét are all competing against SZA for Record of the Year.

With many expected to tune in to music’s biggest night, Noah takes great pride in his hosting and producer role.

“It’s exciting. It is rewarding. It’s a little nerve-wracking. I guess all of the feelings combined into one cocktail that hopefully culminates in a pleasurable experience on the night,” he tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

As a standup comedian whose new comedy special, “Where Was I?,” premiered on Netflix last month, Noah knows firsthand how tough crowds can be on a comic. Comedian Jo Koy faced backlash for his recent hosting job at the 81st Golden Globes. Kevin Hart even turned down hosting the 2022 Oscars due to his belief that awards shows “aren’t comedy-friendly environments anymore,” Variety reported. 

However, Noah sees it differently and doesn’t think the audience owes him anything as host and comedian. He knows it’s his job to either make people laugh or try harder. 

“If it was guaranteed that people would laugh, then there would be no comedians because then what is the purpose of what you’re doing? So the very nature of the job implies that sometimes people might not laugh. So I think I understand that as a comedian, and I’ve always embraced that,” he says. “I understand that the audience isn’t supposed to laugh. I’m trying to make them laugh. This is a dance that I’m performing with them.”

Fans might miss watching Noah host “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central every weekday night. But he didn’t leave us waiting for too long, as he launched his Spotify podcast, “About What Now? with Trevor Noah” in November 2023. So far he’s sat down for candid, in-depth discussions with the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Bill Gates, Kerry Washington, and Da Baby. 

Noah is excited to take his show into 2024 as he knows how important his conversations will be during the presidential election.

“I think it’s really crucial for us to find ways to have conversations and to speak to not just people but ideas that we either disagree with, or struggling to grapple with, so that we can build a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world that we live in,” Noah says. “And that’s that’s what I’m going to be trying to do as the show progresses.”

RELATED CONTENT: Trevor Noah Will Return To Grammys Stage As Host For Fourth Time

by Rafael Pena

January 27, 2024

White Father Of Adopted Black Baby Ignites Debate After Asking ‘Black TikTok’ For Advice

In the TikTok video, a white man asks for guidance on how to care for his adopted Black infant daughter's hair.

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On Jan. 21, Will, a 36-year-old white man, posted a TikTok video of himself attempting to brush his Black infant daughter Zoë’s hair and asking for guidance on how to care for her hair texture. In the since-deleted video, Will, who adopted Zoë with his husband, called on “Black TikTok” for advice, sparking a wave of accusations suggesting the adoption was solely for social media content, according to NBC News.

Will has since expressed regret over the unintended message conveyed in the video. He emphasized the importance of intentional community-building around Zoë. “I want Zoë to grow up to love herself. That includes her personality, her skin color, her hair, everything,” he said.

Transracial adoption, particularly when white parents adopt Black children, has long been a subject of debate. Research indicates that Black adopted children with a strong sense of ethnic and racial identity tend to experience positive outcomes. However, challenges arise when racial differences are minimized or ignored.

Hannah Jackson Matthews, a transracial adoptee, shared her experiences of racism and feeling misunderstood. In response to such challenges, Matthews founded HeyTRA, an online community created to support transracial adoptive families in navigating race, embracing racial identity, and combating racism.

“Adoptees grow up racially, culturally isolated from other adoptees,” Matthews said. “With the internet, we’ve been able to see that, yes, we are a minority within a minority, but we’re not alone.”

Advocates and experts stress the importance of community for raising Black children in white families. Acknowledging race, enrolling in diverse schools, and providing Black role models all contribute to a greater sense of racial pride among transracial adoptees.

Meanwhile, Will, responding to online claims that he didn’t consider race until after Zoë’s adoption, said that he and his husband have discussed racism and its impact on Zoë’s life. Countering accusations of a lack of racial awareness, he spoke of their engagement with a diverse community and that they seek advice from Black friends.

Karen Valby, a white woman with two Black daughters, acknowledged that many white adoptive parents may initially lack awareness but emphasized the importance of learning and building connections within the Black community.

RELATED CONTENT: Meet Tamara Brown, The Co-Founder Behind Black Adoption Matters

by Daniel Johnson

January 27, 2024

Layoffs At Los Angeles Times Spark Industry Alarm: Journalism In Crisis

Taken together with cuts the paper made last year as well as cuts made at Time, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated, journalists sounded the alarm that journalism is not dying; it is in fact dead.

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The journalism industry continues its downward spiral that started in 2023, as the Los Angeles Times laid off almost 25% of its staff on Jan 23. Taken together with cuts the paper made last year as well as cuts made at Time magazine, National Geographic, and Sports Illustrated, journalists on social media sounded the alarm that journalism is not dying; it is in fact dead.

As NPR reported, these layoffs, and in some cases the outright shuttering of publications altogether, are happening at an accelerated rate because owners of publications are focused on profitability. At the Times, the layoffs are particularly concerning because, as The Guardian reported, the cuts primarily affected writers of color.

The Los Angeles Times Guild, a union representing more than 450 editorial employees, released a statement calling attention to the composition of the layoffs and the paper’s choice to fire journalists via webinar. 

“It also means the company has reneged on its promises to diversify its ranks since young journalists of color have been disproportionately affected,” read the statement. “The Black, AAPI, and Latino Caucuses have suffered devastating losses. Voluntary buyouts could have helped prevent this but that’s not the path the company chose. A buyout process required by our Guild contract could still help offset these cuts.”

The guild blames the paper’s management for trying to force journalists into agreeing to a deal without the ability to read it first.

“In his public comments, The Times’ owner has sought to shift the blame for these layoffs away from himself and onto the union. We wholeheartedly reject that. For one, it is the company that chose to lay people off, not the Guild. Secondly, management wanted the Guild to agree to extreme layoff terms that it was unwilling to share on the record—essentially asking journalists to sign a deal without telling them what was in that deal. Third, as part of this secretive deal, the company attempted to pit young journalists of color against more senior employees and gut seniority in the process. We didn’t—and won’t—stand for that.”

Unfortunately, the situation at the Times is not an outlier but follows a familiar pattern. Poynter. reported in December 2023 that the news media experienced 2,681 cuts, which is more than in the previous two years. According to an op-ed by Angela Fu, Ren LaForme, and Tom Jones, ownership at media companies like Lee Enterprises, the fourth largest newspaper chain in America, is concerned about maximizing profit, which often means laying off staff.

In October 2023, Lee Enterprises sold The Southern Illinoisan to Paxton Media Group, which immediately made plans to lay off the paper’s entire unionized staff. The unions issued a statement to Poynter. saying, “If this is the road Lee Enterprises intends to travel, where it guts newspaper holdings and passes on what’s left to disingenuous buyers who will disinvest in local news coverage, then all the communities where Lee owns news organizations have reason to fear for the future,” the unions wrote. “This is not a plan for long-term growth. In fact, it’s no kind of plan at all.”

In Nieman Labs’ roundup of predictions for journalism in 2024, Robert Hernandez, a professor of professional practice at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, explained why he believed that the industry’s push for profit would lead many to continue firing the wrong people.

As Hernandez explained, “We’ve all seen many of these leaders not only stay but get promoted — and in some cases be the authors of the memos announcing newsroom cuts. Everyone needs to roll up their sleeves to produce and fund journalism. If making money off journalism is your job, deliver or step aside. If they aren’t held accountable, the wrong people will be laid off again.”

In the same roundup, Amethyst J. Davis, founder of the Harvey World Herald, calls out funding efforts for the Black press, particularly those of Press Forward, which has been criticized for a lack of equity in its fundraising by the National Association of Black Journalists and others. “What’s required of philanthropy in this moment—American newspapers dying out, this country deep-sliding into fascism, journalists killed at alarming rates overseas—extends beyond giving money,” Davis says.

She continued, “The Black press is demanding structural change. Not lip service. No cap, we should also move the goal post. $500 million is the floor; truthfully, it’s not enough funds…To that end, I think funders should up their ambitions: $1 billion into local journalism nationwide.”

RELATED CONTENT: Sports Illustrated Publisher Axes Staff, Future In Limbo

by Selena Hill

January 26, 2024

The Recording Academy Announces New DREAM Initiative To Empower Underrepresented Music Creators

The Recording Academy's CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., spoke exclusively to BLACK ENTERPRISE about the organization's mission to increase diversity and representation in the music industry

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The Recording Academy, the organization that presents the annual Grammy Awards, is taking another step toward progress and inclusion with the announcement of its new DREAM Initiative.

DREAM — an acronym for Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Musicmakers — was created by the academy’s DEI team to support and empower music creators who identify as Black Americans, women, LGBTQIA+, Pan-Asian, Latinx, Indigenous, disabled, and/or Gen Z. In addition to spotlighting their contributions to the music industry, the Recording Academy established member resource groups to uplift music professionals within those eight communities.

“[It’s] something we’re really proud of,” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. told BLACK ENTERPRISE in an exclusive interview. “The point of it is to make sure that we’re listening, we’re learning, we’re interacting with different groups, and…we’re hearing from some people that didn’t always have their voice heard.”

Mason says the academy is committed to addressing past injustices and creating safe spaces for underrepresented music creators.

“We’re trying to do a better job,” he said.

To better understand and represent these groups, the 65-year-old organization will facilitate interactive listening sessions to engage with diverse music creators.

“We invite each group to sit with us and to sit with the members of the leadership team and the staff at the Academy, and tell us everything,” says Mason. “Tell us the good, tell us the bad. Tell us the things we could be doing better. Tell us the things we’re missing. We need these groups to pull our coattails a little bit when there’s things that we need to pay attention to.”

Since Mason’s appointment as CEO, the organization has focused on ensuring that all genres and communities are represented and honored.

“We have enough people feeling left out. We have enough people in groups feeling like they’re scratching to get heard. And that’s not how it’s supposed to be. It’s not how it’s supposed to be in anything, but specifically around music,” he says.

Mason was tapped to serve as interim CEO of the academy after his predecessor, Deborah Duggan, was suspended in January 2020. In a scathing legal complaint, the former president and CEO alleged that academy members engaged in unethical voting practices that favored artists they were personally interested in. Duggan also called the academy a “boys club” dominated by white men. She was terminated in March 2020 for misconduct. She and the academy settled for an undisclosed amount in 2021, according to Variety. That same year, Mason was appointed as permanent CEO, and the Recording Academy eliminated its secret voting committees that had existed for nearly 30 years.

Under Mason’s leadership, the academy has made significant transformation efforts in response to the long-standing criticism of its lack of racial and gender diversity.

“Women, people of color, and individuals of other traditionally underrepresented communities have joined the Academy in record numbers,” said the organization in a statement to BE, citing an increase in membership among people of color and women. Membership among people of color has risen from 24% to 38%, while the percentage of women members jumped from 26% to 30% since 2019. The Recording Academy says it’s on its way to reaching 2,500 women voting members by 2025. Furthermore, 60% of the 2023-2024 board of trustees are people of color, and 45% are women.

Additionally, the academy has launched dozens of new initiatives and partnerships, including the Black Music Collective, Women in the Mix Study, GLAAD Partnership, and the HBCU Love Tour. 

Outside of leading the Recording Academy, Mason is a decorated record producer who’s penned and produced songs for the likes of Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Elton John. Mason also produced the LeBron James movie More Than a Game and Aretha Franklin’s 2021 biopic Respect starring Jennifer Hudson. He says he’s grateful that the academy allows him to continue to work on major film and music projects while running the prestigious music institution.

Watch Harvey Mason, Jr.’s interview on The New Norm With Selena Hill below.

by Sharelle Burt

January 26, 2024

Nitrogen Gas Used For First Time To Execute Man In Alabama

The usage of nitrogen gas has caused a debate about capital punishment.

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According to The Associated Press, the country has executed a convicted murderer using nitrogen gas for the first time.

Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, was executed on Jan. 25 at an Alabama state prison by breathing in pure nitrogen gas through a face mask to be deprived of oxygen. This was the first time the new method was used in the United States since lethal injection was first introduced in 1982. 

Its usage has renewed debates about capital punishment. The state sees the method as humane, while others describe it as cruel and experimental. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey described his execution as justice for the 1988 murder-for-hire killing of 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett.

“After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes,” Ivey said. “I pray that Elizabeth Sennett’s family can receive closure after all these years dealing with that great loss.”

Court records from the Alabama Attorney General’s Office said, “Elizabeth welcomed Smith and his accomplice into her home, and they savagely beat her and stabbed the defenseless woman eight times in the chest and once on each side of the neck.” 

More states have been finding new ways to perform prison executions, as lethal injection drugs have been difficult to find. Only three states — Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma — have authorized the usage of nitrogen hypoxia as a method, but none have used the untested method until now.

The nitrogen gas execution was completed in about 22 minutes between the opening and closing of the viewing room curtains. Smith seemed conscious for a while, but for almost two minutes, the prisoner seemed shaky, often pulling against the restraints. Long minutes of heavy breathing followed between the opening and closing of the curtains to the viewing room until breathing was no longer visible.

Smith’s final words were, “Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backwards … I’m leaving with love, peace and light.” Afterward, he signaled the “I love you sign” with his hands toward witnessing family members. “Thank you for supporting me. Love, love all of you,” he said.

According to AL, after the warden took the microphone away and left the room, Smith spoke with his spiritual advisor, Rev. Jeff Hood. Hood touched Smith’s feet with his Bible and continued to pray for him throughout the execution. 

This wasn’t the state’s first attempt at Smith’s death. He was first scheduled to be executed on Nov. 17, 2022, but the attempt failed after workers couldn’t start a line for the lethal injection drugs before the state’s execution warrant expired at midnight. 

RELATED CONTENT: Charleston Church Massacre Shooter Wants His Death Sentence Overturned

by Black Enterprise

January 26, 2024

How To Send The Perfect Email Every Time

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Originally Published Aug. 18, 2016

People often view email as a less formal means of communication.

This can be true when emailing family members and friends, but in my experience as a public relations professional, it is always better to veer more toward the formal side when reaching out to someone concerning business. Here are a few things to remember when communicating via email:

Pay Attention to Spelling and Grammar

We are accustomed to using abbreviations and shorthand when texting or communicating within the office; however, this is inappropriate when emailing for business purposes. No matter who you’re dealing with, you should always check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Shorthands like “SRY or “PLS”  are often not taken seriously in an office setting. Present yourself via email in a way that lets the receiver know you are intelligent, professional, and are to be taken seriously.

Include a Subject Line

Always include a straightforward subject line that clearly indicates to the receiver what the email entails. With an inbox overflowing with incoming messages, it is easy to overlook a vague email with no subject. Including a subject line will make it much easier for the receiver to get to your message, and there is a greater chance it will be read and replied to.

Address the Receiver by His or Her Name 

I appreciate when businesses that contact me take the time to find out who I am and address me by name in their emails. Emails that just say “Hi” and continue with a message or start with “To Whom It May Concern” are impersonal and show a lack of initiative by the sender to do a little research. I am always more inclined to answer an email when it is addressed to me.

Use a Proper Sign-Off

I recommend setting an automatic signature to your email containing your name, job title, company, phone number, email address, and any other information you would like the recipient to know or think they might need. This is extremely important, especially when communicating with someone new. Concluding with a proper sign-off leaves a good impression and allows the recipient to better understand who you are. By providing your phone number, email address, and even links to your social media accounts, the recipient will have many opportunities to get in touch with you and research your company and your work.

Warm It Up

Emails can easily feel impersonal and robotic. Don’t be afraid to add personality and emotions to your emails. If something excites you, add a couple of exclamation marks. An email that portrays you as a friendly yet serious businessperson will create a favorable impression. Just be careful not to overuse punctuation.

Bearing this in mind, determine your relationship with the person you are emailing. If you have been doing business with someone for many years and have developed a good relationship, it is definitely OK to let your email exchanges be more casual. Remember that formal does not necessarily mean “unfriendly.” Don’t be afraid to include exclamation marks or even a smiley face if you feel it is appropriate.

RELATED CONTENT: 3 Ways To Strengthen Your Ability To Concentrate

by Sharelle Burt

January 26, 2024

Mayor Andre Dickens Announces Major Move Against Atlanta’s Homelessness Crisis

The order will provide close to $5 million to assist those without permanent housing.

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Fox 5 Atlanta reports that Mayor Andre Dickens recently signed an executive order to reduce Atlanta’s growing homeless population. 

The order, signed on Jan. 24, will provide close to $5 million to assist those without permanent housing. Dickens says everyone could be in similar situations, so it’s time to work through the issue. “Every single one of us is one bad day, one disaster, one serious illness or tragedy away from experiencing homelessness,” Dickens said. 

“Today, I am announcing that I am issuing an executive order allowing $4.6 million to the appropriate city departments to expand shelter services, warming centers operations, additional shelter sites, and provide the wraparound services and security needed to go along with these additional locations.”

The initiative aims to give the city’s most vulnerable citizens a place to call their own. Atlanta’s streets are paved with hundreds of unhoused men, women, and children sleeping in tents and on blankets.

Partners for HOME (Housing Opportunities Made for Everyone), a leading agency fighting the homeless epidemic, says the city’s population increased by 30% between 2022 and 2023. Executive Director Cathryn Vassell feels this is the right step, but safe housing is the key. “Housing is the solution to ending homelessness, and not housing alone, but housing with wraparound services and safe, affordable housing,” she said. 

Dickens’ order allocates $3.1 million to the Gateway Center and Partners for HOME. Broken down, Gateway will receive $700,000, used for the Evolution Center, a low-barrier men’s shelter, while Partners for HOME will be given a $2.4 million donation, according to 11 Alive. Local leaders are praising the mayor’s moves. Jason Winston, Councilman and sponsor of the Gateway Center investment, says it’s long overdue. “This is desperately needed. We’ve got people still living outside, and our hearts go out to them,” Winston said. 

To provide more safety for homeless transitions, H.O.P.E. Team officers and members of the Atlanta Police Department have promised not to criminalize homelessness. “These officers are now equipped every time they encounter an individual that’s experiencing homelessness,” Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said. “They have more ready, available opportunities to get the individual off the street.” 

Certain projects began in early January 2024. In partnership with the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation, Midtown Fire Station 15 is being transformed into a mixed-use site that will combine affordable and market-rate housing.

RELATED CONTENT: Bridge Fires Cause Atlanta To Clear Homeless Encampments Around City

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by Jameelah Mullen

January 26, 2024

BLK Dating App Launches Campaign Supporting Black Women’s Authenticity

The "New Year, Real You: RealNotPerfect" was created by the BLK Dating App to encourage Black women to be their authentic selves while dating.

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The BLK Dating App, the world’s largest dating app for the Black community, has launched its “New Year, Real You: #RealNotPerfect” campaign. 

This campaign created by Arxna with BLK’s in-house marketing team aims to encourage Black women to be their authentic selves in every area of their lives, including in professional and educational settings and while navigating the dating scene. 

BLK recognizes the pivotal roles that Black women play in society and how their influence has helped to shape our communities. The “New Year, Real You: #RealNotPerfect” campaign challenges societal expectations and helps to provide a safe space for Black women to express themselves without fear of judgment. 

“At BLK, we encourage all of our members, not just Black women, to amplify their unique brilliance. Our message is clear: Be bold and unapologetically Black,“ Jonathan Kirkland, head of brand and marketing at BLK, said in a press release.

The campaign features a four-segment video series where Black women discuss their experiences with BLK’s relationship and intimacy expert, Marissa Nelson. The women cover topics such as hair politics, code-switching, and workplace discrimination.

Sesali, a writer, appeared in the video where she shared her experience while working in corporate America.

“In corporate environments, the standard is so limiting. Like I would come up with amazing ideas for certain clients, but I wouldn’t be trusted to be the person to present those ideas because I wasn’t deemed client-facing enough,“ she said.

App users are invited to participate in this initiative by taking the #RealNotPerfect pledge, encouraging women to embrace their authenticity. Participants will receive a #RealNotPerfect badge. 

The BLK App offers subscriptions starting at $4.99 a month and can be downloaded from The App Store or Google Play.

RELATED CONTENT: BLK DATING APP ANNOUNCES GIVEAWAYS TO ADDRESS BURDENING ‘BLACK TAX’ ON SINGLE PEOPLE