by Stacy Jackson

January 18, 2024

Investment Firm Acquires Majority Stake In Intimate Care Company The Honey Pot For $380M

The $380 million deal with Compass Diversified places the The Honey Pot Company at the forefront of efforts to revolutionize feminine care and accessibility.

The feminine care industry is on the brink of transformation thanks to a partnership between Compass Diversified, a leading investment firm, and The Honey Pot Company, a Black-owned line of plant-based feminine care and wellness products.

The $380 million deal cements The Honey Pot Company’s place at the forefront of efforts to revolutionize feminine care and make holistic wellness solutions more accessible, Essence reported.

The personal care company co-founded by CEO and Chief Innovation Officer Beatrice Dixon has grown rapidly since she started it over a decade ago in her kitchen.

This landmark deal was facilitated by the work of Richelieu Dennis and the New Voices Fund. The fund initially invested in The Honey Pot Company in 2018, providing critical access to capital and expertise.

With only 0.2% of VC funding going to women of color entrepreneurs, the New Voices Fund is fulfilling Dennis’ vision of empowering women founders. Essence noted Dennis’ statement from a previous press release, “Entrepreneurship among women of color has increased 322%, but only 0.2% of those women receive access to the funding needed to sustain and grow their businesses. Black women raised just 0.0006% of the total $424.7 billion in tech venture funding since 2009. This is unacceptable.”

“It is why the Fund is focused on making equity investments and creating an ecosystem that empowers women of color entrepreneurs to reach their full potential by addressing three of the most pertinent issues preventing their long-term success—access, capital, expertise.”

The Compass investment will propel Dixon’s mission to get quality feminine wellness products “in more hands.” Most importantly, her journey stands as inspiration.

“No matter where you are and what you do, who you have been and who you think you have to be, you can always begin somewhere,” Dixon said, according to Essence. She emphasized the importance of having the courage to build something from your passions and ideas.

“That feeling you get that makes you want to share, to build, to feel compelled to create, follow that,” Dixon told Essence. “The feeling that makes you want to go, and whatever it may take to help you touch that—no matter how frivolous, how big, how bold, or silly it may seem: now, more than ever, you need to take that seriously.”

The Honey Pot Company stands poised to ignite positive change—from revolutionizing feminine care to inspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

brick, Houston, Roda Osman, TikTok video,

by Rafael Pena

January 18, 2024

Houston Woman Accused Of GoFundMe Scam Over Viral ‘Brick Attack’

Roda Osman, who gained viral attention on social media for claiming she was assaulted with a brick outside a Houston club, is now facing serious allegations of running a GoFundMe scam.

Roda Osman, the woman who gained viral attention on social media for claiming she was assaulted with a brick outside a Houston club, is now facing serious allegations of running a GoFundMe scam. The 33-year-old has been charged with felony theft by deception, accused of raising at least $40,000 through a fraudulent GoFundMe page created in September 2023, where she asserted she was the victim of a similar attack over three years ago.

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Houston police responded to Osman’s initial assault claims on Sept. 3, where she reported being attacked with a brick after refusing to give a man her phone number. However, discrepancies arose during the investigation, with Osman allegedly providing conflicting statements.

Charging documents reveal that Osman’s friend, who was present at the scene, contradicted her account, expressing skepticism about the brick assault. Detectives later discovered surveillance footage from the reported incident location, indicating Osman, the friend, and the alleged assailant, Olan Douglas, conversing and entering a club together. The footage contradicted Osman’s version, challenging the narrative of a brick attack. Moreover, Osman’s recorded statement conflicted with the video evidence, revealing inconsistencies in her claims.

The situation took a darker turn when it was revealed that a GoFundMe account had been set up a day after the reported assault, raising a substantial amount by capitalizing on Osman’s claims. The GoFundMe page described Osman as “Woman gets hospitalized after allegedly being hit in the face with a brick by a man she refused to give her number. The alleged incident happened in Houston. She says she was surrounded by men who did absolutely nothing. She says the man got in a car and left the scene after assaulting her and is afraid he will never get caught.” However, TikTok user and mental health advocate Daphne Sutton alerted police to Osman’s potential scam, citing a similar incident in Minneapolis in 2020, where Osman allegedly orchestrated a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign under a similar guise.

As detectives delved into Osman’s past, they discovered a history of charges in various locations, including the Virgin Islands, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Williamson County, and Travis County. Notably, Osman is currently out on bail for a separate offense from Sept. 22, 2023, involving felony assault and domestic violence in Steele County, Minnesota.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is seeking $50,000 bail for the theft by deception charge Osman faces in Houston. The GoFundMe account associated with her alleged scam has been frozen after multiple donors reported it as fraudulent.

J Dilla, Rakim, And DJ Jazzy Jeff To Be Honored At Kennedy Center’s Inaugural Hip-Hop Festival

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 18, 2024

J Dilla, Rakim, And DJ Jazzy Jeff To Be Honored At Kennedy Center’s Inaugural Hip-Hop Festival

The late J Dilla is among the hip-hop greats being honored at the Kennedy Center’s inaugural hip-hop festival.

The late Slum Village member J Dilla, along with Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff, is one of the hip-hop greats being honored at the Kennedy Center’s inaugural hip-hop festival.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts new “Hip Hop &” festival will be an annual event aimed at highlighting and celebrating hip-hop‘s intersection with other music genres, Rock The Bells reports.

This year’s inaugural festival, which starts March 27, will focus on hip-hop’s cross between jazz. It begins with a special edition of the Kennedy Center’s Hip Hop Listening Sessions that will bring together select DJs, radio personalities, and producers to discuss and play classic hip-hop songs with jazz samples including Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” to Kendrick Lamar’s “For Free? (Interlude),” DCist reports.

On March 30, a special one-night-only concert will take place with two-time Grammy Award–winning musical director, Robert Glasper, bassist Derrick Hodge, and the Black Radio Orchestra that celebrates the 125th and 50th birthdays of two late music icons, Duke Ellington and rapper/producer J Dilla. There will also be two performances by Igmar Thomas’s Revive Big Band. Thomas is the former bandleader for Lauryn Hill and Nas. Members of this supergroup, DCist reports, have 13 Grammys between them.

Then, on April 19 Rakim, two-time Grammy Award winner DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Grammy–nominated saxophonist, bandleader, and composer Ravi Coltrane assemble for “The Rakim & DJ Jazzy Jeff & Ravi Coltrane Project.”

“We are so excited to launch our Hip Hop & Festival celebrating the deeply interconnected and symbiotic relationship between Hip Hop and Jazz. As two of America’s greatest art forms and vital genres within the Black Music Continuum, they have transformed global culture,” Simone Eccleston, director of hip-hop culture & contemporary music for the Kennedy Center, said.

Tickets can be purchased here.

by Atiya Jordan

January 18, 2024

Experts Call On Medicaid Agencies To Focus On Low-Income Postpartum Patients

Black people, including those who are low-income, are half as likely to get treatment for postpartum depression.

Following the release of a new drug for postpartum depression, experts and advocates are urging Medicaid agencies to focus on ensuring its easy access for low-income patients, 19th News reported.

The Black community, which faces maternal death three times higher than the national rate of white people, are also twice as likely to suffer from a mental health condition, according to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance.

But Black people, including those who are low-income, are half as likely to get treatment for a variety of reasons.

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In December 2023, Sage Therapeutics and Biogen announced Zurzuvae or zuranolone 50 mg (two 25 mg capsules per day) by prescription for treating postpartum depression for adults in the United States, a press release explained.

The product, the first pill the Food and Drug Administration has approved for this condition, had already been found at specialty pharmacies and had been delivered to patients. However, the drug reportedly comes with a “hefty price tag of nearly $16,000 for the two-week course,” according to 19th News.

“We recognize that Black and Brown women are reported to be disproportionally impacted by [postpartum depression]. In addition, those who live in rural areas and those who have Medicaid may be more likely to receive inadequate postpartum care, compared to those who live in urban areas,” Biogen spokesperson Allison Murphy said in the 19th News report.

WHAT ARE EXPERTS AND ADVOCATES SAYING?

They want the removal of “prior authorization requirements and other restrictions, such as “fail-first” approaches that require patients to try other drugs first.”
Experts say restricting prescription privileges to psychiatrists will limit access because many of them don’t accept insurance or Medicaid due to low reimbursement rates.

SOME STATES ARE ONBOARD WITH OR WITHOUT CONDITIONS

As of last month, only 17 insurers in at least 14 states—less than 1 percent of the nation’s 1,000 private insurance companies—had published coverage guidelines for Zurzuvae, according to an analysis by the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. These include the Medicaid agencies in Louisiana and New Mexico. Other states include:

Massachusetts: Zurzuvae will be available in March and will require prescribers to get prior authorization.
Georgia: Pending consideration of coverage on a case-by-case basis until May 1.
Illinois: The state will cover the cost of the medication on a case-by-case basis.

Kay Matthews, who struggled with postpartum depression after giving birth to her stillborn daughter, told 19th News that more pharmaceutical companies should prioritize the development of postpartum mental health drugs.

“We know that all drugs don’t work the same for everybody, right? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” said Matthews, founder of Houston-based Shades of Blue, a national Black maternal mental health advocacy and support group. “The more we uplift these things in a way, then we start to really reach toward equitable care within a system that we know wasn’t designed to care for us, but we have the ability to change that.”

by Rafael Pena

January 18, 2024

Airbnb Introduces La La Anthony As Its Newest Creative Adviser, Introduces Exclusive Stays In La La Land

Airbnb allows winners to stay in La La Land.

As of Jan. 18, Airbnb has welcomed entertainment industry celeb La La Anthony as its creative adviser, marking the beginning of a collaboration aimed at elevating the company’s talent and entertainment partnerships. Anthony will leverage her entertainment experience to amplify Airbnb’s connections and cultivate new business opportunities.

As creative adviser, Anthony will spearhead strategic alignment and foster relationships with celebrities, influencers, studios, and production companies. The primary objective is to enhance and sustain diverse representation within Airbnb’s talent and entertainment initiatives. Additionally, Anthony will take charge of incubating innovative products and programs, providing partners with avenues to engage their audiences genuinely.

For her inaugural project with Airbnb, Anthony introduces “La La Land,” an exclusive stylish listing designed to encapsulate her unique vision of an ideal getaway, according to Airbnb.

Anthony invites guests seeking an escape from the winter blues to experience La La Land in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this January. The first three one-night stays, accommodating up to five guests, are available at a special price of $7: a nod to the “BMF” actress’ lucky number and the birthdate of her son, Kiyan. These special stays will take place on Feb. 2, 3, and 4, allowing guests to revel in the warmth, palm trees, and vacation ambiance.

During their stay in La La Land, guests can look forward to a curated experience featuring La La-inspired artwork and modern décor. The accommodation offers bright and aesthetically pleasing spaces designed for social media-worthy moments. Exclusive access is granted to the entire 2,491-square-foot property, which includes five customized bedrooms, four bathrooms, and an inviting outdoor patio with a pool. The stay is enhanced with luxurious amenities such as high-quality linens, a fully stocked kitchen, and haircare products from La La’s own brand, Inala. For the lucky individuals securing the first three one-night stays, the experience becomes even more special: They will meet Anthony in person, enjoy a guided tour of the space, and potentially capture some memorable selfies.

For those interested in booking a La La Land experience, requests can be submitted on Jan. 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT at airbnb.com/lalaland. Following those stays, the residence will be available for additional bookings throughout 2024.

Aspiring hosts inspired by Anthony’s foray into hospitality can explore opportunities at airbnb.com/host. It’s important to note that the three, one-night stays are not contests, and the property is independently owned and operated. Airbnb enthusiasts are responsible for their travel arrangements to and from Fort Lauderdale.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 18, 2024

Harlem’s Fashion Row Announces ICON360 Scholarship With Nordstrom For HBCU Students

The nonprofit launched by Harlem’s Fashion Row has a new scholarship in partnership with luxury retailer Nordstrom.

As part of Nordstrom’s growing partnership with Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) through its nonprofit ICON360, the retailer announced how the scholarship will continue ICON360’s mission to provide financial assistance to Black designers and fashion programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and help advance marginalized talent through educational programming.

“As the founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, I know firsthand the barriers in our industry. ICON360 is excited to partner with Nordstrom to provide more pathways for the next generation of Black designers and HBCU fashion students,” Brandice Daniel, founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row and ICON360, said.

“Together, we can create a more equitable fashion industry that reflects the diversity of our communities and celebrates the unique perspectives and talents of designers of color.”

Launched in 2007, HFR aimed to provide designers of color with the recognition they deserved in an industry that had historically overlooked them. Now, with over 15 years of experience, HFR has emerged as a leading agency that builds connections between brands and designers of color in the fashion world.

Through its initiatives, HFR aids diverse fashion designers with brand strategy, collaborations, new media engagement, experiential marketing, recruitment, and pipeline programs with notable brands and retailers like Nordstrom.

Nordstrom has been partnered with NFW for years, joining the agency at its annual Fashion Show and Style Awards, Designer Tech Summit, and Black History Month Fashion Summit. It’s part of Nordstrom’s commitment to work with expert organizations that improve pathways for diverse communities and foster an equitable fashion industry.

“Nordstrom set ambitious marketplace diversity and equity commitments. To reach these goals, we need to invest in improved pathways for fashion, design and retail talent,” said Colleen Mitchell, senior director of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Nordstrom.

“ICON360 has built authentic relationships with HBCUs to connect with and foster emerging talent. We look forward to building on our work together to create more pathways for future fashion and retail leaders.”

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Washington State, Program, Historical Housing Discrimination, housing discrimination

by Rafael Pena

January 18, 2024

What Are The Top 10 Cities To Buy A Home In The United States?

Housing analysts spotlighted the nation's 10 most economically viable cities.

Housing analysts spotlighted the nation’s 10 most economically viable cities for homebuyers, with a certain southern city claiming the top position, according to Daily Mail.

Leveraging data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Altos Research, Homebuyer.com utilized a algorithm to select the most budget-friendly cities across the country. The analysis delved into essential factors such as mortgage payments, property taxes, transportation expenses, and home insurance costs among America’s 800 Census-recognized cities.

Notably, the research pinpointed Macon, Georgia, as the current frontrunner for the most economical city for homeownership, where overall costs amount to approximately $1,892 per month.

Macon, Georgia: The Heart of Georgia

The most affordable city in the U.S. for homeownership offers a blend of rich history and affordability. Mercer University in College Hill adds to Macon’s appeal.

Detroit, Michigan: The Motor City’s Resurgence

Detroit takes the second spot on the list with an average monthly cost of $1,921. The city has experienced a resurgence in recent years, marked by population growth and a thriving arts scene.

Gary, Indiana: “The Magic City” on Lake Michigan

Monthly living costs in Gary average around $1,931. The city’s Dollar House Program and revitalization efforts contribute to its affordability and attract new residents.

Flint, Michigan: Vehicle City’s Rejuvenation

Flint has faced economic challenges since the decline of General Motors. However, recent revitalization efforts have rejuvenated the city. Flint offers an average monthly homeownership cost of $738, making it an affordable option.

Toledo, Ohio: The Glass City’s Revitalization

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Toledo has gained recognition for its affordability and ample housing supply. The Glass City’s ongoing revitalization efforts, including a burgeoning entertainment district, contribute to its attractiveness for homeowners. Monthly homeownership costs average $932.

Syracuse, New York: Outdoor Activities and Affordability

With mortgage payments averaging $1,002 per month, the city faces high demand and low housing inventory, making homebuying a challenge.

Canton, Ohio: Urban Renaissance and Arts District

Canton, once a heavy manufacturing center, has experienced a significant urban renaissance since the mid-2010s. Homebuyers benefit from mortgage payments averaging $1,063 per month and a growing arts district in the downtown area.

Springfield, Illinois: Capital City’s Appeal

Springfield, the state’s capital, boasts above-average public schools, a diverse population, and a reputation as one of the best places to buy a home, with an average monthly homeownership cost of $1,104.

Lansing, Michigan: Progressive City With Affordability

Michigan’s capital is recognized as a top choice for first-time buyers seeking affordability and progressive amenities. With a vibrant arts scene and an economy driven by technology and manufacturing, Lansing offers a monthly homeownership cost of $1,156.

Pontiac, Michigan: Economic Renaissance and Housing Boom

Known for its historical ties to General Motors, Pontiac has seen a boom in jobs and housing. Monthly costs for homeownership in Pontiac average $1,165, and it is a short commute from Detroit.

by Rafael Pena

January 18, 2024

Washington Police Officers Cleared In Manuel Ellis Death To Receive $500,000 Each

Washington state police officers, previously acquitted of criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, will each receive $500,000 to leave the Tacoma Police Department.

Three Washington state police officers acquitted of criminal charges in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was shocked, beaten, and restrained, will each receive $500,000 to leave the Tacoma Police Department, according to documents released on Jan. 18.

The officers, Timothy Rankine, Matthew Collins, and Christopher Burbank, were cleared by a jury in December following a trial held over two months. Rankine faced manslaughter charges, while Collins and Burbank faced charges of manslaughter and second-degree murder.

The voluntary separation agreements were released by the city, coinciding with Police Chief Avery Moore’s announcement that none of the officers violated the use-of-force policy in effect on March 3, 2020, the day of Ellis’ death. Collins was found to have violated a policy concerning courtesy.

City Manager Elizabeth Pauli said the agreements support a responsible and constructive path forward for the community and the Tacoma Police Department.

Matthew Ericksen, an attorney for Ellis’ family, criticized the agreements, calling it “perverse” and asserting that the officers were “effectively being rewarded” for Manuel Ellis’ death. He highlighted that the officers had already been paid around $1.5 million while on leave for nearly four years.

The U.S. attorney’s office in Seattle announced last week that it is reviewing the case, and the Justice Department can bring prosecutions for federal civil rights violations. The scope of the review was not disclosed.

Manuel Ellis, 33, died in 2020 after an encounter with the officers while walking home in Tacoma. The officers claimed he became aggressive, but witnesses and surveillance footage contradicted their accounts. Ellis, already handcuffed and facedown, repeatedly stated he couldn’t breathe. His death became a focal point for racial justice demonstrations in the Pacific Northwest.

The trial marked the first under a five-year-old state law aimed at facilitating the prosecution of police accused of wrongfully using deadly force. The Ellis family settled a federal wrongful death lawsuit against Pierce County, which includes Tacoma, for $4 million last year.

Pharrell Williams Named Official Adviser At Human Made

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 18, 2024

Pharrell Williams Named Official Adviser At Human Made

Pharrell Williams is now an official adviser at Human Made.

Pharrell Williams has expanded his fashion credentials. Japanese fashion designer Nigo has named the hip-hop maven official adviser of his brand Human Made, Women’s Wear Daily reports.

In addition to the “Happy” singer serving as an early investor in Human Made since its launch in 2010, Pharrell and Nigo launched Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream together.

“He didn’t have an official role and I thought it was time to make it official that he’s actually advising on the direction of the brand,” Nigo said.

“I’ve really just started talking about it with Pharrell now in this position, and Brian Donnelly [known professionally as Kaws] is also an adviser,” Nigo told WWD. “So now the three of us are officially going to have this responsibility and we’re going to start working out plans.”

Nigo and Pharrell announced their official partnership through an Instagram post last week.

“Welcoming Pharrell as an advisor to the HUMAN MADE team ❤️彡,” Nigo captioned a photo of the two.

“Love you brother,” Pharrell wrote in response.

Pharrell is currently serving as Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director, where he recently unveiled an American western cowboy-themed runway show at Paris Fashion Week, TMZ reported. LV’s A/W 2024 collection includes fringed coats with the signature LV logo, silk shirts, and bootcut denim. Models even showed off their strength by lugging carts of Louis Vuitton suitcases down the runway.

Celebrity A-listers flocked to the show, including actor Bradley Cooper, rapper Quavo (who wore an LV-monogrammed Canadian tuxedo), rapper Gunna (who paired a fuzzy LV bag with an all-black leather LV ensemble), and Swae Lee, according to GQ.

Meanwhile, according to WWD, Nigo will unveil his fall 2024 men’s and women’s collections for Kenzo on Friday as part of men’s fashion week in Paris.

Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, New York Mets

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 18, 2024

New York Mets Legends Dwight Gooden And Darryl Strawberry Will Have Numbers Retired This Season

Gooden will have his No. 16 retired on April 14, while Strawberry's No. 18 will take place on June 1.

During the 1980s, New York Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden and outfielder Darryl Strawberry were always connected. Now, their legacies with the team will be immortalized together when the Mets retire their baseball jerseys this upcoming season.

The Major League Baseball team has announced that two of their brightest stars will be recognized for their contributions to the game in the coming months. Gooden will have his No. 16 retired on April 14, while Strawberry will get the same treatment for his No. 18 uniform on June 1. Both ceremonies will occur at the Mets’ home stadium, Citi Field.

Secure your tickets NOW for our two number retirements! Use code LGM24 for presale tickets.

Doc – Sun., April 14 👉 https://t.co/vqmaxF2AZt
Darryl – Sat., June 1 👉 https://t.co/JiOUotXK8g pic.twitter.com/cTkcGy7jmB

— New York Mets (@Mets) January 17, 2024

“It’s the highest honor you can get from a team,” Gooden said in a written statement. “I know for myself … even when I was with the Yankees, I always considered myself a Met. I always wanted to retire as a Met. … I can’t thank [owners] Steve and Alex [Cohen] and the board enough to give me this great honor I can share with my teammates, the fans, and my family. I’m looking forward to this day. It’s the greatest honor I can achieve in baseball.”

Gooden will be the ninth, and Strawberry will be the 10th player to have their jerseys hanging from the rafters. They join Willie Mays, Keith Hernandez, Jerry Koosman, Mike Piazza, Jackie Robinson, Tom Seaver, Gil Hodges, and Casey Stengel.

“We had an opportunity to be young players and come up through the farm system, develop and become the type of players that we were … in the city that is very tough to play in, said Strawberry. “I’m so glad that we had an opportunity to play in New York City in the National League at Shea Stadium. I wouldn’t trade it in for anything. … To be able to have this honor … your number is going to be retired, and that’s forever, it’s bigger than going into the [Baseball] Hall of Fame.”

The former players had the distinction of playing for both New York teams, as each also played with the New York Yankees.

Gooden wore the Mets uniform from 1984 to 1994, while Strawberry donned the blue, white, and orange from 1983 to 1990.