by Kandiss Edwards

January 14, 2025

Dooky Chase Pays Homage To Civil Rights Patrons With Dining Room Renovation

Dooky Chase reopens upstairs dining room that was once the meeting place for civil rights activists.

The Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans is more than just the inspiration for The Princess and the Frog. The reopening of the eatery’s upstairs dining room serves as a reminder of its rich history.

Civil rights leaders gathered at the New Orleans restaurant to celebrate the space where organizers and participants in the 1965 fight for freedom gathered.

The reimagined upstairs dining room was unveiled on what would have been the 102nd birthday of its founder, Leah Chase. The Chase family partnered with New Orleans artists Ron Bechet and Ayo Scott, along with students from Xavier University’s art program, to create murals that highlight the rich history of the space, according to NOLA.com.

Doratha “Dodie” Smith-Simmons, a member of New Orleans’ Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), attended the reopening and expressed joy that “the place where it happened” is continuing to tell the story of the Civil Rights movement.

As the “first lieutenant” of CORE, Simmons helped organize boycotts, sit-ins, and picket lines at businesses with racist practices alongside other members. Dooky Chase served as a key meeting place for the group.

Murals and paintings of civil rights icons now fill the space, much like the activists once did.

“We honor the people who inspired that room, but it’s about people today seeing themselves in that room,” said Stella Reese Chase.

“We’re a multi-generational family restaurant, and we have multi-generational customers. We felt it was important to connect the generations here. We needed to give this back to our community,” she added.

At an event introducing Leah’s recently released cookbook and seasonings, Edgar “Dook” Chase IV shared his grandmother’s commitment to service and to the restaurants kitchen:

According to Dook Chase IV, the newly opened dining room will also serve as an event space for special occasions. Curated menus will change based on patrons’ needs.

Established in 1941 by Leah Chase, the venue is heralded for its excellent Creole cuisine. The community also knew it as a safe space for all races to congregate during segregation.

Smith-Simmons commented on the people who once gathered.

“They were brave,” she said. “They were putting their business on the line and their lives and the safety of their family. But they did what was right instead of following the law of the land at the time.”

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 14, 2025

Black Professor To Give Away 1,000 Books To Support Anti-Hair Bullying Campaign

This inspired Dr. Holloway three years ago to launch a 1,000-free book giveaway campaign for children in underrepresented, marginalized, and oppressed communities

Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway is no stranger to attacking issues head-on. When she discovered that one out of three children were not able to read on their grade level, she knew she needed to do something. Even more so was the epidemic of young Black children being bullied about their hair. Many of these children were ridiculed so badly that they no longer wanted to go to school. There were administrators expelling children from school for the way they wore their hair. Thus, Dr. Holloway found it extremely disturbing that children were experiencing pain around their hair and became even more distraught when realizing that children’s literacy rate was low.

This inspired Dr. Holloway three years ago to launch a 1,000-free book giveaway campaign for children in underrepresented, marginalized, and oppressed communities. She started locally in the state where she resided. To date, she has been successful in distributing over 2,500 free books. She chose to give away her first book, I Love My Happy Hair, to raise awareness around hair bullying, to have an anti-air bullying campaign, and to fight against childhood literacy rates. Dr. Holloway wanted each child she encountered to have a free copy of her book because many of the children did not own an actual physical book.

This book is about a little girl named Little Miss Linda who does not like her hair. However, her mother teaches her to appreciate and celebrate her hair. Once Little Miss Linda learns to like her own hair, she goes on a mission to teach other children to celebrate and appreciate their hair and not tease others about their hair. She does this through a song she created called the Happy Hair Song and an Anti-Hair Bully pledge for children to sign.

You can also see the work she has done over the years on her YouTube channel: YouTube.com/channel/UCKdg4oNvmTeSccK7Jl8Xvsw

Dr. Holloway’s 1,000 free book giveaway campaign has been extremely successful in that she not only was able to distribute books on a local level, but her books have reached South Africa by helping school educators build a library for children so they no longer walk several miles just to access a library.

Dr. Holloway said she is super proud to have had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many children. As she moves forward, she desires to continue using her books to educate, elevate, and empower students. She looks forward to the organization investing in all eight of her award-winning children’s books, which can be purchased on Amazon.

This story was first reported on Blacknews.com

wildfires, California, Los Angeles, fire, Hollywood, insurance

by Mitti Hicks

January 14, 2025

Ohio Congressman Says Disaster Aid To California Should Be Withheld Over State Policies

So far, thousands of people have been displaced thousands, the wildfires destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and dozens are also missing.

Tens of thousands of people in Southern California are dealing with the unimaginable. In what seems like a blink of an eye, thousands of families have lost everything as wildfires ravage Los Angeles communities. The ongoing devastation, however, didn’t stop Ohio Congressman Warren Davidson from adding insult to injury. He suggested that federal disaster aid to California should be withheld unless the state changes its forestry policies.

“If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies,” the Republican congressman said during an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business.

His comments are regarding the spending bill Congress has to do before March to prevent a government shutdown. The spending bill would include disaster aid for California. Davidson said Congress will need to address fires in similar ways it had done with hurricanes.

Rep. Warren Davidson on CA disaster relief: "If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies … CA wants the money without changing the policies that are making the problem worse & I don't see how Rs could possibly support that" pic.twitter.com/zMrwCmiXEu
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 10, 2025

“I mean, we support the people that are plagued by disaster, but we have to put pressure on the California government to change course here,” said Davidson. “When it comes to Congressional funding, the idea that we’re going to have an open checkbook no matter how bad your policies are is crazy.”

According to Davidson, Florida is prone to hurricanes and has “done lots of things to mitigate the risk of hurricanes.” He claims California has done nothing to stop wildfires.

“They do things to make the fires worse instead of responding to make them more resilient,” said Davidson.

Davidson isn’t the only one criticizing the state. President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly accused the Democratic leaders in the state of withholding water from the northern parts of the state to the southern portion because of environmental efforts to protect small fish.

California Governor Gavin Newsom Responds To Criticism

Califonia Governor Gavin Newsom rejected Trump’s claims during an interview with Pod Save America. Newsom said his messaging is “delusional,” adding he would not be surprised if the incoming administration withholds federal relief funds from the state.

“He’s done it in the past, not just here in California,” said Newsom, pointing to examples in Puerto Rico, Utah, Connecticut, and Georgia. “The rhetoric is very familiar; it’s increasingly acute, and we all have reason to be concerned about.”

So far, the wildfires have killed at least 24 people, the Associated Press reported. Thousands of people have been displaced, the wildfires have destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and dozens oe people are also missing.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Yvette Nicole Brown And Kym Whitley Defend LA Mayor Karen Bass Amid Criticism Over Handling Of Wildfires

Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley think Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is under more scrutiny as a Black woman.

Actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley are standing 10 toes down for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass amid the growing backlash over her handling of the city’s raging wildfires. The two screen stars and LA residents believe Mayor Bass is under increased scrutiny because of her race.

Brown and Whitley spoke with TMZ on Saturday and expressed their unwavering support for Mayor Bass when asked about her handling of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. Rather than joining the criticism directed at the mayor by many LA residents, including celebrities like Khloe Kardashian, who recently referred to Bass as a “joke,” Whitley and Brown expressed frustration with those quick to blame the Black woman in leadership.

“Let me tell you something, she’s got a spine of steel, and she’s also been a Black woman in America a very long time, so none of this is new to her,” Brown said in a clip reposted by The Neighborhood Talk.

“We’re mad because we’re tired of it. We’re mad for her. We’re mad for her and we’re gonna stand,” Brown and Whitley declared.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The Community star shared her concern for Bass, noting that the stress of the situation seems to be taking a visible toll on her. Brown emphasized that the mayor is dealing with an overwhelming workload and can only do so much, especially in areas where she isn’t the mayor.

“She has the city to take care of. She does not have time to hear from these reporters. And she is also not mayor of every municipality in California,” Brown said.

“Yes. There are people that are mad that she didn’t fix the fires in Malibu. She’s not the mayor of Malibu.”

“You’re right. What is she supposed to do in a city she’s not the mayor of? People don’t understand,” Whitley added.

Mayor Bass is not the mayor of Malibu, California, where wildfires caused major destruction. Bruce Silverstein is the mayor of Malibu. However, the wildfires have been ravaging LA and Ventura counties, along with the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires.

The Palisades Fire, which began as a brush fire on Tuesday morning in Pacific Palisades, a Los Angeles neighborhood east of Malibu, spread to over 23,713 acres by Sunday night, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). By Monday, the fire was 14% contained, with Cal Fire reporting that it likely damaged or destroyed approximately 5,316 structures.

There was much debate over Brown and Whitley’s defense of Mayor Bass. Many supported their stance and pointed out that the mayor might be facing heightened criticism due to her race.

“Damned if she do damned is she don’t! and as for Khloe Kardashian, keep your personal feelings out of this cause we know the real reason you were so quick to bash her,” one person wrote in response.

“Nahh yall not getting it, no matter what happened.. SEE how they QUICK to destroy a Black woman’s character,” added someone else.

However, others disagreed with the two actresses and said Mayor Bass deserved the scrutiny she’s receiving alongside California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

“EVERYTHING IS NOT ABOUT RACE SIS MADE A BAD DECISION,” one critic wrote.

“The mayor cut 17 MILLION in fire disaster relief. They’ve been dragging the Governor Gavin too,” another critic added. “Please STOP and let these people take responsibility! The fire should NOT still be happening DAYS later!”

The LA wildfires have claimed the lives of at least 24 people, including some who perished while trying to save their homes. In addition to destroying hundreds of residences, a Los Angeles County fire official reported numerous significant injuries connected to two of the fires, though the exact number remains unclear.

by Daniel Johnson

January 13, 2025

British Gig Economy Workers Cry Foul Regarding Freelance Pay App

'It is so immoral, it's unreal.'

Retail assistants at a Manchester, England, area store are alleging that YoungOnes, a gig economy platform, changed its charging structure from not having a fee for getting paid in three days to charging those workers an increasing percentage based on how quickly they needed to receive payment if they couldn’t wait 30 days to get paid.

According to The Guardian, the allegations of the workers follow reporting in December 2024 that gig economy employment centers have not given gig workers basic employment rights. This prompted Justin Madders, the minister for employment rights, to request an investigation into the practices of YoungOnes.

Tom Gilliam, a worker at Emma Sleep’s store, told the outlet that it feels like the money they need is essentially being held ransom by the company.

“People do gig work for short-term cash…it feels like we’re being held to ransom,” Gilliam said. “It is so immoral, it’s unreal. They can’t really badger their managers because working as a freelancer, you have no voice; you might not get any more shifts if you are seen as outspoken.”

Another worker, who remained anonymous, said, “it is unfair for people working on a low wage with reduced rights to be charged to get their money quickly.”

Madders, for his part, told The Guardian that it is unacceptable for employers to claim that an employee is self-employed when, in fact, they are not.

“Action that reeks of this exploitation is intolerable, and we will not hesitate to ask all relevant authorities to scrutinize such employers,” Madders explained.

James Medd, YoungOnes‘ chief operating officer, told The Guardian that the organization’s new payment structure was designed to give freelancers more freedom in their options.

“We deeply value the freelancers on our platform and understand the challenges they face, particularly when it comes to payment timelines,” he said.

Previously, Margaret Beels, the government’s independent director of labor market enforcement, expressed her concern for the UK’s three-tier employment status system.

“Having three levels of status allows people to engage in sharp practice, shifting workers around between those [levels],” Beels asserted. “I really would like to see the government stepping up to doing more—you can probably consult till the cows come home on this issue, and it’s about time to do something about it.”

President Jimmy Carter, Georgia, death, passed away 100, former president

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 13, 2025

Jimmy Carter Was Related To This Motown Music Legend

Inside former President Jimmy Carter's shared ancestry with Motown Founder Berry Gordy.

The recent passing of former President Jimmy Carter has brought renewed attention to his shared ancestry with Motown Founder Berry Gordy.

Carter, the 39th president of the United States, died on Dec. 29 at 100. Before his passing, his son, Jeff Carter, released a detailed family history that traced their lineage back to cotton planters, Quakers, a spy for George Washington at Valley Forge, and a 19th-century plantation owner who happens to be Berry Gordy’s great-grandfather, the New York Times reports.

His shared ancestry with Berry Gordy, 95, highlights the painful history of slavery when enslaved Black women were often forced into relationships with their enslavers. This tragic practice connects Carter and Gordy through James Thomas Gordy, a white plantation owner in 19th-century Georgia, who fathered a child with a woman he enslaved.

That child, born around 1854, was named Berry Gordy, the grandfather of Motown music legend Berry Gordy Jr. Through the children James Thomas Gordy had with his wife, he also became the grandfather of President Carter’s mother, Lillian Gordy.

While no genealogical documentation, such as census records and slave schedules, exists to prove this blood relation, Gordy has recalled discussing the shared ancestry with the former president during Carter’s re-election campaign.

“In 1978, my sister Esther commissioned a research institute to verify the Gordy family tree,” Gordy told the New York Times in a statement.

“You can imagine the shock and pride I felt when I discovered that President Jimmy Carter and I were actually third cousins. We had such fun discussing this in 1980 at a Democratic fund-raiser in Los Angeles. From that point on, we started calling each other ‘cuz.’”

Jeff Carter, who researched the 216-page book Ancestors of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter (2012), partly using the Georgia State Archives, shared that his father had confirmed the family ties to Berry Gordy before his passing.

“When I found out about it, I asked Dad. He said, ‘Yeah, they all knew about it.’ It wasn’t a secret,” Jeff Carter said.

by Daniel Johnson

January 13, 2025

Move Over Quiet Quitters! Now We Have The Job Boundary Setters

Employee Connect's analysis of the current workplace sets forth that Gen Z and Millennials, who now comprise the bulk of the American workforce, prefer a workplace that prioritizes work-life balance

As the pandemic changed how workers see their relationships between their personal and professional lives, many started to feel simultaneously overburdened with responsibilities and underappreciated by the companies that employ them. This arrangement led them to deeply reconsider how they fit into the culture of their workplaces. According to Forbes, just as “quiet quitting” created discussion around workers’ engagement or lack thereof, another concept of the American worker has emerged: the “boundary-setter.”

The “boundary-setter” is primarily interested in creating work-life balance in workplace cultures that often prioritize hustle and grind culture.

These boundary-setters are often highly productive and committed to their roles but do not let their jobs or occupations become their all-consuming identities.

Instead, they often take steps to protect their peace of mind, such as turning off email notifications after work hours, declining unnecessary meetings, and prioritizing mental health days.

In part, the rise of the boundary setter is a way for them to counter burnout, which, according to a 2024 report from SHRM, affects 44% of American workers at some point in their careers.

Their efforts also have the added benefit of making businesses, in general, reconsider how they approach and conceptualize employees’ roles.

According to Jessy Marshall, her Gen-Z employees helped her see the benefit of setting boundaries as it applies to the workday.

“They are good at setting boundaries, but they are also very good at making sure they work in their allocated time. Gen Z asking to go home early because they’ve completed their work isn’t a sign of laziness. They are just here to work smarter, not harder, which is good for my business and the office culture,” Marshall told Forbes.

Despite this, some employers still cling to the hustle culture, the “burn the candle at both ends” mentality, despite research showing that companies that employ work-life balance have better employment metrics.

According to an empirical validation study published in the European Journal of Management, work-life balance significantly boosts employee retention, and psychological empowerment plays a significant role.

In addition, Employee Connect‘s analysis of the current workplace shows that Gen Z and millennials, who now comprise the bulk of the American workforce, prefer a workplace that prioritizes work-life balance.

“Gen Z and Millennial employees, who now form the bulk of the workforce, are vocal advocates for work-life balance, seeking roles that allow them to integrate work with personal and family responsibilities. Organizations that accommodate these preferences by offering flexible schedules and remote work options are more likely to retain talent and keep employees engaged,” Employee Connect asserted.

They continued, “A healthy work-life balance directly correlates with higher job satisfaction. Employees who feel that their company respects their time outside work are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and remain loyal. Studies show that when employees have the freedom to manage their work schedules and are encouraged to take time for themselves, they feel valued and are more productive and committed. This mutual respect fosters a positive workplace culture that motivates employees to stay.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 13, 2025

Meta’s Chief Diversity Officer Addresses Company’s Plan To Cutback On DEI Programs

Williams, a Black woman, assured her team that employee-resource groups will still continue at Meta.

Amid Meta’s latest announcement to cut back on its DEI programs, its now-former chief diversity officer has addressed the company’s next steps as employees grow concerned.

Maxine Williams, a Black woman, and Meta’s former DEI lead released the memo to her team at Meta on Jan. 10, explaining to her staff the company’s changing dynamic regarding DEI and what that means moving forward at the tech giant, according to Business Insider.

She began by acknowledging how the news may impact personnel and lead to some worries about their comfort at the workplace.

“I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that these changes may be difficult to understand and process since they represent a significant shift in our strategies for achieving the cognitive diversity we value,” Williams wrote, according to the news outlet.

Despite the impending rollbacks, she emphasized that the employee resource groups will remain intact with Meta’s support. These groups, called MRGs and BRGs for Black employees, specifically, are worker-led communities that foster a sense of belonging and togetherness among colleagues.

She stressed, “You play a critical role in creating a place for community and connection — among us and with the company.”

Williams’ role will transform into the vice president of Accessibility and Engagement, as already reflected on Meta’s website. She previously served as its Chief Diversity officer for over a decade.

Her message comes as several companies follow the growing trend of gutting DEI initiatives ahead of Trump’s second presidency. As Williams continues her career with Meta, she assured her staff that their work has cultivated a more inclusive professional environment.

“I have watched you show support, share resources, and bond through learning, understanding, and appreciating our various backgrounds,” she continued. “Our Global Communities contribute to the richness of our experiences as we learn from each other and leverage our different backgrounds, working together to build products for the world.”

Williams’ letter endorses DEI’s shrinking priority in workplaces nationwide. However, it comes at a time when Black representation in tech companies’ C-suites remains slim. According to a McKinsey analysis of Fortune 500 executives, Black people accounted for a meager 3% of technology executives in 2023.

With DEI on the decline, this number may remain stagnant. It could virtually disappear with no initiatives in place to prioritize diverse talent. As high-profile companies like Meta make the move to drop DEI efforts, others down the line are even more likely to follow suit.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 13, 2025

Brand Nubian’s Sadat X Reveals One Of His Hustles

When he's not on stage or in the studio, he's at the hospital helping those in need

We all hear about recording artists and celebrities not being in the spotlight and being regulated to try to stay relevant, but then some understand that as long as there are bills to pay, a regular job is not beneath them, and Brand Nubian’s Sadat X is a perfect example.

Sadat X posts regularly on his Instagram page, whether it’s a recent video, a performance, or from his job at a medical facility. In a recent video clip, as some people may question why he keeps his fans updated on regular happenings in his life, he explained that, although he STILL performs and goes into the studio, he has a regular place of employment as well, and his job is one of his hustles. And even with his hustle, he is trying to elevate his status to bring home more money.

“Yeah, basically, it’s just one of my hustles, yo. I’m here from 7:00 to 3:00. I’m certified. You know, I did go to school for it. I’m going. I’m getting ready to get a, probably, a surgical tax certification, probably moved to the OR (Operating Room) but, you know, it got benefits.”

He explained that, although hip-hop can be lucrative as a career, unless you’re a superstar, there are no health benefits, and with this medical job, he has benefits that he can use. But he is still doing shows, performing for people, and recording material, even stating that he keeps busy in that department.

“It still affords me the opportunity to do shows. I got some in Europe. I’m back and forth on the bird. You understand? My passport is the ticket and Grandma’s Bible.”

“My feature list goes from Conway to J to Common to the Beat Nuts to Nas, on to Biggie, and so on and so on. So I’m good, man.”

But for the fans who question why he has a regular job, he said “I’m good, man. So like, why do I work here? Basically, just one of my hustles.”

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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 13, 2025

Islamic Police In Nigeria Are Evacuating ‘Street’ Children And Sending Them To Rehabilitation Camps

They plan to evacuate over 5,000 street children from the streets of Nigeria's largest city, Kano.

An Islamic-based police force in Nigeria plans to evacuate more than 5,000 children living on the streets over concerns that they pose a “security threat.”

Known as The Hisbah and based in northern Nigeria, they have started bringing in over 5,000 street children into a camp for rehabilitation. CBS News reported that they launched this operation through night raids where many of these children sleep, including in motor parks and markets. They have also swept the street corners of the regional capital and the nation’s largest city of Kano, to evacuate these unhoused minors, primarily comprised of boys.

The security threat stems from their potential indoctrination into a criminal lifestyle. The Hisbah’s director-general, Abba Sufi, called the children a “ticking time bomb” that required an immediate solution.

“We have so far mopped up 300 of these boys from the streets and taken them into a camp provided for their rehabilitation,” explained Sufi to AFP. “Their continued living on the streets is a huge social and security threat because they are potential criminal recruits… They are a ticking time bomb that needs to be urgently defused with tact and care.”

The children hail from the city and other states, with most from broken homes, given the capital’s high divorce rate. These boys fend for themselves without access to care or an education. They roam the streets and scavenge for items to sell in an effort to secure food.

Others come to Kano to learn how to read the Quran at informal Islamic religious schools called almajiri. However, their schooling does not stop the scavenging and begging that has become commonplace.

The crisis has also worsened due to nationwide inflation, which rose to a staggering 34.6% in November. Nigeria aims to remedy this specific effect through this measure.

Once rounded up, the children travel to a rehabilitation camp to receive “psychosocial” support and counseling. Sufi claims that those who show interest in academics will enroll in school. The others can gain seed money to start a new trade. Children from surrounding states will be repatriated back to their native areas after the rehabilitation is completed.

This plan will differ from previous approaches to reduce the number of street children. In their prior plan, conducted from 2017 to 2018, the Hisbah returned children to their parents in outside states. However, this strategy proved unsustainable and unsuccessful, with the minors ultimately going back to the streets.

Sufi added, “We want to avoid a repeat of the past experience, which is why we changed approach by camping the children and rehabilitating them before sending them back into the society.”

Nigeria itself has 18.5 million children not in school, with 1.9 million living in Kano, according to a UNICEF survey. With these numbers in mind, the Hisbah’s plan of action toward street children remains a top priority.