Charlotte, economics, matter, Black, dollar

by Rafael Pena

January 22, 2024

Over 200 Charlotte Teachers Must Reimburse $1,250 Each For School District ‘Mistake’

More than 200 high school teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are required to reimburse the district over $1,250 each over a mistake.

According to People, more than 200 high school English teachers in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) face an unexpected financial burden after being told they must reimburse the district over $1,250 each. On Jan. 12, the school district mistakenly issued recruitment bonuses intended for new teaching recruits, a blunder that has stirred controversy and financial concerns among educators.

The bonuses were never intended for the existing teaching staff — they were strategically implemented to address critical teacher vacancies and attract fresh talent to the school district.

The CMS compensation department detected the error on Jan. 17 and notified the affected teachers the following day. The announcement has put the teachers in a challenging position, requiring them to return the money either through a lump-sum deduction from their February paycheck or an extended three-month repayment plan.

Notably, the teachers who inadvertently received the bonuses already benefit from a $200 monthly “retention” bonus, a measure implemented to address the ongoing critical shortage of teachers within the CMS.

When questioned about the incident, a CMS spokesperson responded to WCNC Charlotte, stating, “CMS understands the concerns of affected teachers and is working closely with them to resolve this matter. The district is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices and will continue to communicate openly and transparently with its employees.”

The unexpected financial burden has sparked concern among educators, prompting a need for clear communication and resolution from the school district. As the affected teachers grapple with the prospect of repaying the erroneously issued bonuses, the CMS faces the challenge of rectifying the situation while maintaining transparency and fairness in compensation practices to prevent such incidents in the future.

Dexter Scott King, death, Atlanta, Morehouse, Martin Luther King Jr.

by Derek Major

January 22, 2024

The King Center Announces The Passing Of Chairman And Leader Dexter Scott King, Son Of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And Coretta Scott King

The King Center for Nonviolent Social Change sadly announced the passing of Dexter Scott King, the youngest son and the third child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

The civil rights leader’s youngest son, who was 62, died Jan. 22 following a battle with prostate cancer. Born in Atlanta, Dexter would have celebrated his 63rd birthday on Jan. 30. He was named after the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, where his father served his first pastorate.

Dexter was the second-born son of Dr. and Mrs. King and was only 7 years old when his father was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1968. Like his father, he grew up in the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his grandfather served as pastor. The son of the civil rights figure graduated from Frederick Douglass High School, where he played football and participated in many other school activities. He was an alumnus of HBCU Morehouse College.

He married his best friend and longtime partner Leah Weber King, a New Orleans native, former broadcast journalist, entrepreneur, and consultant, in a private ceremony in July 2013. The couple built a life of support and unconditional love, much like that of Dexter’s mother and father.

“He transitioned peacefully in his sleep at home with me in Malibu,” his widow, Leah, shared. “He gave it everything and battled this terrible disease until the end. As with all the challenges in his life, he faced this hurdle with bravery and might.”

His sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center, said, “Words cannot express the heartbreak I feel from losing another sibling. I’m praying for strength to get through this tough time.” His brother, Martin Luther King III, added, “The sudden shock is devastating. It is hard to have the right words at a moment like this. We ask for your prayers at this time for the entire King family.”

The son of the civil rights icons was the sibling who to took on the mantle of continuing the precedent his father set by legally protecting his work. Dexter had become well versed in intellectual property law and its management and licensing, and devoted his life to perpetuating his father’s legacy and protecting the intellectual property his father left behind.

At the time of his death, Dexter served as both chairman of The King Center and president of the King estate.

Known to be humble about his uncanny resemblance to his father, he portrayed him in the 2002 television movie “The Rosa Parks Story.” He loved the creative arts and at one point relocated to California to pursue a career in acting. However, family duty called and he answered, living out the rest of his life balancing both his love of the arts and his responsibilities to the King family legacy.

Rev. Al Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement on the passing of Dexter King, the second son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

“I was heartbroken to hear that Dexter King left us this morning, but I was comforted by the knowledge he is reunited with his parents and sister. Dexter was only seven when his hero, his role model, and, most importantly, his father was taken from us. He turned that pain into activism, however, and dedicated his life to advancing the dream Martin and Coretta Scott King had for their children, their grandchildren, and all the generations to come after. My love and prayers are with my brother, Martin III, Arndrea, Yolanda, and Bernice. We mourn with them for the loss of their brother — our brother — who left us far too soon.”

He was preceded in death by his father (1968), his mother (2006), and sister Yolanda (2007). He is survived by his wife of 11 years, Leah; his sister, Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King; his brother, Martin Luther King III; and his niece, Yolanda Renee King.

The King family will respond to media inquiries following a press conference planned for Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 10:00 a.m. ET, at The King Center’s Yolanda D. King Theatre, inside Freedom Hall.

An announcement of the date and time of Dexter Scott King’s memorial service is forthcoming.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2024

Tennessee State University Signs Its First Hockey Player

Drury University's only Black hockey player, Xavier Abel is joining TSU

Last year, history was made when Tennessee State University became the first historically Black college or university (HBCU) to welcome men’s ice hockey at the collegiate level. The announcement took place on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, before the 2023 NHL Draft. The school has recently stated that it has its first commitment to the ice hockey team with transfer student Xavier Abel.

Xavier Abel – Tennessee State’s first hockey team signee!!! Welcome! #GoBigBlue pic.twitter.com/tXVZ8Lt8NB

— TSU Madness (@TSUmadness) January 19, 2024

According to The Tennessean, Abel, a forward who will be transferring from Drury University, was at a recent men’s basketball game against Tennessee Tech at Gentry Center. Last season, the incoming hockey player was the only Black player on Drury’s hockey team in its inaugural season. He will go down in history as the first player at the school to score the first goal in the school’s existence. That record took place on Sept. 23, 2022. The transfer played in 34 games and had 12 goals and six assists for 18 points, plus 24 penalty minutes.

Abel has stated that he always wanted to play at an HBCU.

“The community and the culture at an HBCU is everlasting,” he told the media outlet. “The friends that you make here come with a lifetime bond, and that is what attracted me. It was an experience that I just wanted to go through, and now, not only do I get to go through it, but I get to do something historic while I’m at it.”

The school intends to start the inaugural season in 2024-25.

The incoming athlete is no stranger to organized play. He played with the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), the country’s second-tier development league, with the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs, Buffalo Stampede, and Las Vegas Thunderbirds.

“Once I saw on Twitter where TSU was starting a hockey team, I have wanted to be a part of it to help evolve the reputation of the sport,” Abel said. “Because, as everyone knows, it has always been a predominantly Caucasian sport, and I bore the brunt of that in my career. I felt like this was the perfect opportunity for me to make an impact on the sport at this level in case I can’t make it as a professional.”

Abel has already stated that he is trying to encourage friends who play hockey to the new program at TSU in hopes that they will join him there.

by Rafael Pena

January 22, 2024

Burglary Strikes Hype Kingdom, But Its Founder Vows To Rebound And Inspire

Deshawn J. Snelson, a 23-year-old entrepreneur of the high-end sportswear store Hype Kingdom was burglarized Sunday in L.A. before his grand opening.

AOL reports Deshawn J. Snelson, a 23-year-old Black entrepreneur and founder of the high-end sportswear store Hype Kingdom in Los Angeles, is grappling with the aftermath of a brazen burglary that occurred on Jan. 21. The thieves, who were captured on security cameras, stole an estimated $100,000 worth of shoes, clothing, and other merchandise from the shop located in a Bellflower shopping center.

The burglars, seen by the store’s security cameras at around 4:45 a.m., made away with an estimated $100,000 worth of shoes, clothing, and merchandise. The audacious act involved a gray sedan repeatedly ramming into the shop’s front, followed by 15 individuals rushing in to seize whatever they could carry.

Snelson, known as DJ, arrived at the shopping complex on Lakewood Boulevard to a scene of shattered glass and a significant breach of security. To his astonishment, the burglars had left a car in the showroom that resembled a government vehicle. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department identified the vehicle as a four-door Hyundai Sonata with government plates, possibly affiliated with a U.S. naval recruiting station. However, no theft report for such a vehicle had been filed. The case is under investigation, with no suspects in custody as of Jan. 21.

The incident disrupted what was meant to be a day of celebration, as Hype Kingdom’s second location in Huntington Park was poised for its grand opening just hours after the break-in. Snelson, disheartened by the burglary, took to social media to inform customers of the theft and the damage, and canceled the Huntington Park opening. The entrepreneur is now contemplating the future of the second store, considering its similar location in a relatively secluded shopping complex.

Hype Kingdom has garnered a devoted following for its “highly sought-after and exclusive” sneakers which include Air Jordans, Adidas, and Yeezy. This was not the first time the Bellflower store faced criminal activity, as an attempted break-in occurred days before Christmas, prompting Snelson to fortify the storefront with plywood. The recent burglary left a significant void in the store, with a shattered front and remnants of broken glass scattered on the showroom floor.

Snelson is exploring the possibility of relocating the shop to a more secure site, emphasizing the need for “somewhere safe.” In the interim, he plans to prioritize serving customers through the online retail site, expressing his determination not to be broken by the incident but to return stronger.

Despite the challenges, Snelson remains committed to the positive message embedded in Hype Kingdom’s name: “Help your people elevate.” As a Black entrepreneur from Carson, he sees Hype Kingdom as an inspiration for the South L.A. community. Snelson aims to demonstrate that even in Southern California, people of color can overcome obstacles and realize their dreams.

by Rafael Pena

January 22, 2024

Macy’s Announces Workforce Reduction and Store Closures Amid Restructuring

Macy's is undertaking significant measures, including a 3.5% reduction in its workforce, affecting approximately 2,350 employees, and the closure of five stores.

In response to the evolving retail landscape and changing consumer behaviors, iconic department-store chain Macy’s is undertaking significant measures, including a 3.5% reduction in its workforce, affecting approximately 2,350 employees, and the closure of five stores, according to CNN. The move is part of Macy’s ongoing efforts to adapt to the challenges posed by the online-shopping era.

A spokesperson for Macy’s explained the decision, stating, “As we prepare to deploy a new strategy to meet the needs of an ever-changing consumer and marketplace, we made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce by 3.5% to become a more streamlined company.”

The Wall Street Journal initially reported on Macy’s workforce reduction and store closures. While post-holiday layoffs are not uncommon in the retail sector, Macy’s decision reflects its commitment to adapting to changing market dynamics.

Despite a faster pace of consumer spending in December compared to the previous month, the retail giant is adjusting its operations to address ongoing challenges. Macy’s, which opened its first store in 1858, currently operates approximately 500 Macy’s branded stores and 55 upscale Bloomingdale locations.

While the retailer has been a symbol of the holiday season, hosting events like the Thanksgiving Day Parade and being featured prominently in classic films, the company has faced increasing competition and witnessed a shift in consumer preferences away from traditional department stores.

In December, reports emerged of a group of investors proposing to take Macy’s private, presenting a potential avenue for the company’s future. However, Macy’s has not officially commented on this. The department store has implemented various strategies in recent years to rejuvenate its business, including introducing new brands and experimenting with smaller store formats. Despite these efforts, the company has struggled to alter its long-term trajectory, with its stock price plummeting by 75% from a peak of $73 per share in 2015.

Over the years, Macy’s has closed nearly 300 stores, representing almost one-third of its total stores, and currently operates around 700 stores across its various brands. The five stores slated for closure are located in Arlington, VA; San Leandro, CA; Lihue, HI; Simi Valley, CA; and Tallahassee, FL, with their closure expected in early 2024.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2024

Drake Out $700K After Betting On Wrong UFC Fighter In Match

Drake bet against MMA fighter Dricus "Stillknocks" Du Plessis and ended up losing $700,000

It’s a good thing that Canadian entertainer Drake has a very large bank account.

The popular rapper placed an enormous bet on a recent Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match in his hometown of Toronto over the weekend and took a hit when he bet wrong.

According to Yahoo News, the man born Aubrey Graham bet $700,000 on American MMA fighter Sean Strickland beating his opponent, South African fighter Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis, at UFC 297 on Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Scotiabank Arena.

The rapper was counting on Strickland winning the fight so he could take home $1.379 million on the wager. But Du Plessis spoiled Drake’s profit-making plan.

Du Plessis scored a split-decision win over Strickland, becoming the first South African champion in UFC history by snatching the middleweight championship belt from the former champion.

After 5 rounds @DricusDuPlessis gets the split decision and is YOUR NEW middleweight champion 🏆#UFC297 pic.twitter.com/xyR1Bsn2Fa

— UFC (@ufc) January 21, 2024

Drake posted a screenshot of the huge bet he made on the fight while tagging UFC president Dana White, who posted it on his social media account.

This continues the famed “Drake Curse” that sports fans have tied to the “Thank Me Later” recording artist. It seems as if anytime Drake places a bet or shows support toward a sports team or meets an athlete, they suffer a defeat.

Over the years, various media outlets have reported on this so-called curse and fans have watched in either glee or despair when they found out that Drake was a supporter of a team or athlete.

“Victims” of the “Drake Curse” have included tennis legend Serena Williams, boxer Anthony Joshua, the Toronto Raptors, MMA fighter Connor McGregor, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Golden State Warriors, to name a few.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 22, 2024

Wyclef Jean Releases Song With Pusha T, Flau’Jae, Lola Brook To Combat Retirement Wealth Gap

Wyclef Jean is continuing his advocacy for pushing Black Americans toward a financially secure retirement with the release of his song, “Paper Right.”

Wyclef Jean is continuing his advocacy for pushing Black Americans toward a financially secure retirement with the release of his new music collaboration, “Paper Right.”

The hip-hop track sees The Fugees icon team up with rappers Pusha T, Flau’Jae, Lola Brook, and singer Capella Grey for a song aimed at closing the retirement gap. For African Americans and the youth, too many Americans are not on track to reach a financially secure retirement.

TIAA, a leading provider of secure retirements, found that approximately 41% of individuals between the ages of 24 and 35 fail to utilize or contribute to their employer-sponsored retirement plan. To combat this, the organization collaborated with prominent figures in hip-hop to craft an anthem shedding light on savings and retirement disparities, with a mission to address and overcome these challenges.

Wyclef Jean created “Paper Right” to motivate younger generations to reflect on their financial legacy and retirement potential through the power of music, particularly hip-hop.

“The most important thing is the access of information for these rural communities because they don’t get that,” Wyclef tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “So when you look at the population, when you do the statistics, and you look at just Black families alone, it’s over 54% with no retirement plan.”

Considering hip-hop’s long history of shedding light on the challenges that disproportionately impact the Black community, TIAA launched the #RetireInequality campaign to highlight the retirement and savings gaps faced by Black Americans. This includes the alarming statistic that 54% of Black Americans lack sufficient savings to uphold their standard of living in retirement, further contributing to the overall retirement crisis in America.

“If you understand this then you understand if we don’t step in and start to do something, that entire idea of generational wealth is completely gone forever,” Wyclef says.

“Paper Right” initiates crucial discussions on retirement, prompting proactive steps to address retirement gaps, enhance financial education and literacy, and eliminate inequality in retirement. As part of the song’s release, TIAA is collaborating with First Generation Investors (FGI), a non-profit committed to empowering underserved high school students with investing literacy. Streaming the track automatically directs 100% of the song’s sales towards FGI, contributing to financial education and investing literacy for upcoming generations.

by Derek Major

January 22, 2024

Small Business Administration Implements 60-Day Goodwill Exception For PPP, EIDL Loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is giving entrepreneurs a 60-day goodwill grace period to pay back COVID-19 PPP and EIDL loans under $100,000.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is giving entrepreneurs who took Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) a break on paying them back.

According to an SBA press release, the agency has implemented a 60-day goodwill grace period under which the agency will not send delinquent loans to the IRS or Treasury Department for collections to entrepreneurs who borrowed less than $100,000 from the programs.

Additionally, the SBA will use the 60 days to assist PPP borrowers with applying for loan forgiveness and ensure that EIDL borrowers are informed of all repayment options, including hardship repayment opportunities.

“Small business borrowers in delinquency or default who take action and obtain good standing with the SBA will improve their long-term financial health substantially,” the agency said in the release. “The benefits of getting, and staying, current on SBA loans include better credit scores, which make it cheaper and easier to buy a home or car in the future; eligibility for future government financial assistance, like a VA loan or help after a natural disaster; and, in some cases, avoidance of federal and private collections activities which can include withholding tax returns and wage garnishment.”

If borrowers are unsure if their loan has been forgiven, they can log into the MySBA loan portal, where borrowers can see all of their SBA loans, including PPP loans, and the status of each loan. For PPP loans, the status will show “paid in full” if the PPP loan has been forgiven. The agency’s website also provides information on how to apply for forgiveness, which borrowers should do immediately if they have not already.

The Business Journals reports the SBA approved around 3.9 million COVID EIDL loans totaling $378 billion before the program ended in May 2022. EIDL loans carry a 3.765% interest rate and a 30-year term as well as provisions including that business owners must start making payments two years after the loans were distributed. The SBA added a six-month deferment period, extending it to 30 months.

For business owners who can’t make the payments, applying for the SBA Hardship Accommodation Plan will reduce a borrower’s payment to 10% of their monthly payment for six months, and borrowers can apply for up to four six-month hardship extensions if necessary.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced it would begin pursuing business loans that were distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic after initially announcing that the federal government would not pursue small businesses that had withdrawn funds under the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

by Rafael Pena

January 22, 2024

Charisse McGill, Trailblazing Founder Of Lokal Artisan Foods, Dies At 42

Philadelphia is mourning the unexpected loss of Charisse McGill, the 42-year-old founder of Lokal Artisan Foods, known for the popular French Toast Bites.

According to CBS News, Philadelphia is mourning the unexpected loss of Charisse McGill, the 42-year-old founder of Lokal Artisan Foods, known for the popular French Toast Bites. McGill passed away on Jan. 15, leaving a legacy of entrepreneurial success and community leadership. Her cause of death is unknown.

In a statement, McGill’s publicist, Kory Aversa, conveyed the family’s appreciation for the outpouring of love and support. He stated, “Charisse McGill holds a huge place in so many of our hearts, and she will be so deeply, deeply missed.”

In 2018, McGill left her position as the director of special events at Valley Forge Military Academy to launch French Toast Bites at Philadelphia City Hall’s Christmas Village. The delectable treats quickly gained popularity, and McGill’s vibrant personality made her a fixture at various events and festivals.

McGill’s entrepreneurial journey expanded with permanent seasonal stands at iconic locations like Spruce Street Harbor Park, Cherry Street Pier, Eastern State Penitentiary, and a year-round stand at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. By 2021, she had diversified her offerings with a branded spice mix, beer, and coffee.

Recognized for her contributions, McGill received awards from the 76ers Buy Black program, United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Her story was featured in local news outlets, Forbes, and the Today Show.

Last summer, McGill became the executive director of the Farmers Market Coalition, leveraging her extensive experience working with markets and food vendors. She had previously managed the Lansdale Farmers Market for seven seasons, overseeing its growth from 22 vendors to over 40.

Before venturing into artisan foods, McGill had a diverse career, working with organizations like the 76ers, the Atlantic 10 Conference, and Special Olympics Pennsylvania. She launched her event management company, Ardent Meeting & Event Management, in 2006 and earned an MBA in food marketing from St. Joseph’s University in 2021.

Beyond her entrepreneurial success, McGill was a teacher and mentor, holding positions as adjunct faculty, instructor, and lecturer at various educational institutions. She coached girls’ varsity basketball at Benjamin Franklin High School.

Known for her warm and welcoming demeanor, McGill had a significant impact as an employer, employing a dozen workers at five French Toast Bites locations. She supported her young workforce with fair wages, professional guidance, and open communication, fostering a positive work environment.

McGill’s daughter, Madison, 18, is one of her employees and has already displayed an entrepreneurial spirit. Madison played a pivotal role in McGill’s Today Show appearance, sharing the story of launching a successful lemonade stand at the Lansdale Farmers Market at the age of 12.

The legacy of Charisse McGill lives on through her daughter, Madison, who will continue to run Lokal Artisan Foods. Funeral arrangements and donation information will be announced on social media in the coming week. Philadelphia remembers McGill as a trailblazer, mentor, and community leader.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 22, 2024

Black-Owned, Las Vegas-Based Sin City Seafood Kitchen + Lounge To Host Super Bowl Events

Sin City Seafood Super Bowl LVIII Week 2024 will take place Wednesday, Feb. 7 until Sunday, Feb. 11.

With the Super Bowl taking place in Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 11, many venues are preparing to cash in on the number of football fans in town for the festivities.

One of these venues is a Black-owned seafood restaurant that will be hosting several events with food options ranging from lobster and shrimp to chicken and waffles. Plus, this being Vegas, bottle service and specialty cocktails are available.

According to BlackNews, Sin City Seafood Kitchen + Lounge, located at 353 E. Bonneville Ave. in downtown Las Vegas, will have 10 events between Wednesday, Feb. 7, and the day of the game. Five day parties and five parties at night will feature two main event celebrations for what the owners are calling “Sin City Seafood Super Bowl LVIII Week 2024.”

DJs will be there to make sure they enjoy the sounds going through the venue. DJ DLyfe (who has worked with the likes of George Clinton and Mariah Carey), Cleveland sensation DJ Ill Will, and other guest DJs will share the duties over the course of five days and nights. Some of those taking their turns on the wheels of steel are coming from New York City, Chicago, Detroit, Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, and overseas destinations.

The event will also present the best talent that Las Vegas has to offer. Performances for the day and night events include Carolyn Scott and the Al B. Sure, Jr., the firstborn of the 80’s-90’s R&B legend.

The Super Pass and the VIP Super Pass, will give you an all-inclusive experience that include an open bar, dinner, a photographer, commemorative merchandise, and more.

To find out more and/or to purchase, go to Bit.ly/sincitysuperbowl.