women, south
by Stacy Jackson

November 9, 2023

Southern Black Girls Opens Applications For 2024 Black Girls Dream Fund

Applications for the the Black Girls Dream Fund's 2024 grant cycle are open for submissions now through Dec. 4.

The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (Southern Black Girls) is accepting applications for a new cycle of the Black Girls Dream Fund grant.

The consortium, coordinated by an ensemble of Black women, launched the new fund on Nov. 7 to continue their efforts toward providing resources and support for organizations led by Black women whose initiatives intentionally empower Black girls and women in the South. According to a press release, the collective invites application submissions for the 2024 grant cycle through Dec. 4 by 11:59 p.m. EST.

“The Black Girls Dream Fund is a crucial step toward achieving our $100 million goal,” said LaTosha Brown, founder of Southern Black Girls.

Malikah Berry Rogers, executive director of Southern Black Girls, said the grant program is a “movement of transformation” with a mission to unlock the potential of Black girls and young women.

Southern Black Girls addresses the lack of philanthropic investments that fund programs focused on Black women and girls in the South.

A report published by Ms. Foundation titled Pocket Change: A Data Brief on Organizations Serving Black Women and Girls in the United States found an uneven distribution of foundation funding for organizations that support Black girls and women. Southern Black Girls is committed to reaching its $100 million goal over the next decade. The collective has supported 221 Black women-led organizations and 700 girls across the South with $3.7 million in awards.

“By investing in Black women and girls, we are investing in a brighter, more equitable future for our communities. In fact, we invite everyone who shares our vision to join our movement because it’s about giving wings to the aspirations of our next generation who will, undoubtedly, change our world for the better,” Brown said.

According to the Southern Black Girls website, the Black Girls Dream Fund seeks to support Black women-led organizations that support girls and women through projects surrounding education, health and wellness, economic opportunity, social justice, leadership, and empowerment. The fund supports 13 states in the southern region, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, East Texas, West Virginia, and Virginia.

Notifications of awards will begin in January 2024.

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flordia, muslim, postal worker, hate crime
by Iman Milner

November 9, 2023

Florida Man Charged With Hate Crime For Alleged Violent Attack On Muslim Postal Worker

Kenneth Jerome Pinkney was charged with a hate crime on Nov. 7 following an alleged attack on a United States Postal Worker in which he ripped off her hijab before slapping and punching her in the face

Kenneth Jerome Pinkney was charged with a hate crime on Nov. 7 following an alleged attack on a United States Postal Worker in which he ripped off her hijab before slapping and punching her in the face. Pinkney also yelled slurs at the unnamed woman before telling her to “go back to her country,” CNN reports.

The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 24 in Wilton Manors, Florida, while the woman delivered mail to a home. The 47-year-old is said to have approached her on his bike, directed a “shooting gesture” at her, and then forcibly removed her cultural and religious head garb. The attack turned more violent, and the woman allegedly sustained injuries to her face and mouth before escaping to her postal service truck. Pinkney continued to pursue her and tried grabbing her leg before she was able to free herself, CNN reports. The Florida man faces up to 15 years in state prison for the second-degree felony if convicted and has been ordered to undergo mental health screening.

As tensions grow amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, crimes committed against members of both the Jewish and Muslim communities are on the rise, with many organizations calling for law enforcement and state officials to be on high alert to keep people safe.

“This alleged violence and hate have absolutely no place in Florida,” CAIR-Florida Media and Outreach Director Wilfredo Amr Ruiz said. “We will make sure to follow up on this and any other case to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent to deter others from engaging in this criminal anti-social behavior targeting anyone, regardless of their race or religion.”

The death of 6-year-old Wadea Al Fayoume, who was stabbed 26 times by his family’s landlord for being Muslim, is one of the many recent crimes perpetuated against Muslims that is being investigated as a federal hate crime.

Whoopi Goldberg, millennials
by Sharelle Burt

November 9, 2023

Whoopi Goldberg Bashes Millennials Who Only Want To ‘Work Four Hours A Day’

“The View” co-host Whoopi Goldberg is raising eyebrows after her comments on millennials work ethic.

The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg is raising eyebrows after her comments on millennials’ work ethic, Entertainment Weekly reports. 

A clip of the popular Hot Topics segment circulated around social media from the Nov. 8 episode feaured the hosts discussing the current economic climate, including housing, finances, and being parents. Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin started the conversation, pointing out the fact that the millennial generation faced a housing and financial crisis as well as a war.

As the conversation turned to why fewer millennials are having children, Goldberg took the opportunity to look in the camera to scold the generation, calling them “lazy.” “I’m sorry, you know, listen, every generation comes and wants to do better than their parents did. But, I’m sorry, if you only want to work four hours, it’s going to be harder for you to get a house,” Goldberg said.

“I feel for everybody that feels this, but I’m sorry, we busted our behinds, we had to bust our behinds, because we didn’t have the option of going back. We had all kinds of stuff.”

Griffin wasn’t backing down, stating that millennials are the first generation to be worse off than their parents, but Goldberg bought it back to her generation. “You know what, people pick it up, and they do what they do, and they raise themselves,” the EGOT winner continued. “This is what you’ve got to do. It’s called being a good citizen.”

Her viewpoints didn’t go over so well on social media, with fans saying that because Goldberg is out of touch. “Whoopi is a baby boomer,” @MJFINESSELOVER wrote. “She doesn’t understand anything.”

Another user had more than enough time to defend both millennial and Gen Z’s work ethics.

“Whoopi, girl hush! Not one millennial or Gen Z person said they only want to work 4 hours,” wrote @Kbaby313404. “Now what we DO ask for is having a four day work week, work from home (which is coming anyway,) and for you OLD PEOPLE in power to pass the torch, so we young people can actually afford life.”

Goldberg’s comments stirred the pot, similar to when reality star and Skims founder Kim Kardashian made some controversial statements during a 2022 interview with Variety. When asked to give some advice for young women in the business sector, the mom of four said she had some of the best: “Get your f—ing ass up and work. It seems like nobody wants to work these days.”

Ex-Rangers Manager Ron Washington Named Los Angeles Angels New Manager
by Derek Major

November 9, 2023

Ex-Rangers Manager Ron Washington Named Los Angeles Angels New Manager

The Los Angeles Angels have tapped longtime baseball figure Ron Washington to turn around a decade of losing.

The Associated Press reports Washington, 71, will become Major League Baseball’s (MLB) oldest current manager and the second Black manager after Houston Astros Manager Dusty Baker, who announced his retirement following the team’s ALCS loss to the Texas Rangers, where Washington served as bench coach.

Washington has been in baseball for more than four decades. He played second base and shortstop for five teams between 1977 and 1989. before serving as a manager and coach for numerous teams, including the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics. 

Washington managed the Texas Rangers from 2007 to 2014, leading the team to the World Series in 2010 and 2011. He also coached the Oakland Athletics in 2015 and served as the third base coach of the Atlanta Braves from 2016 to 2023, winning a World Series in 2021. 

“I’m lost for words, but the work it will take,” Washington told the Associated Press.

Washington replaces Phil Nevin, who the Angels declined to re-sign after one-and-a-half losing seasons. Despite having two of the league’s top five players in outfielder Mike Trout and pitcher and outfielder. Shohei Ohtani for the last six years. Then Angels have had eight consecutive losing seasons and have missed the playoffs in nine straight seasons. Both streaks are currently the longest in baseball. 

Washington, one of the most respected figures in baseball today, will be the Angels fourth manager in the last six seasons after Mike Scioscia, who managed the team for 19 years before leaving after the 2018 season.

Despite Washington’s stellar record, he has been involved in several controversies. He tested positive for cocaine in 2009 while he was managing the Rangers. He offered to resign, but the Rangers decided to keep him. Five years later, he abruptly resigned as manager of the Rangers; several weeks later acknowledged he was having an extramarital affair. 

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Virginia Union, Winston-Salem State, NBA HBCU Classic
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 9, 2023

Virginia Union Will Go Up Against Winston-Salem State In 2024 NBA HBCU Classic

For the third year and counting, the NBA presents the latest version of the 2024 NBA HBCU Classic in Indianapolis.

For the third year and counting, the NBA presents the latest version of the 2024 NBA HBCU Classic in Indianapolis. The two teams playing in the annual event will be the Virginia Union University Panthers (VUU) and the Winston-Salem State University Rams (WSSU), according to NBA.com. 

The NBA announced the pairing that pits the two men’s basketball programs against each other on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This contest will be a part of the NBA All-Star Weekend in 2024. The game is slated to air on TNT, ESPN2, and NBA TV.

“We’re excited to bring these two storied programs and conference rivals together to compete in our third HBCU Classic as part of NBA All-Star 2024,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum in a written statement. “The level of competition during the previous two Classic games set a high standard and showcased the tremendous pride of the HBCU community. We look forward to celebrating Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University on one of the NBA’s marquee stages.”

Both programs were selected in collaboration with the CIAA.

The league has been supporting HBCUs through programs, mentorship, the issuing of scholarships, and networking, among other things. The NBA works in conjunction with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and academic institutions. On Feb. 17, the NBA HBCU Classic will showcase competitive on-court action and band performances.

“We are thrilled the CIAA will be represented during this year’s NBA All-Star weekend,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. “This is an amazing opportunity to give expanded exposure for our DII student-athletes, our member institutions, and the HBCU Community. We look forward to bringing the talent, culture, and excellence of the CIAA to the grandest stage of the game.”

You can obtain tickets for the 2024 NBA HBCU Classic here, and to learn more about the NBA’s commitment to HBCUs, go here.

Georgia, teacher
by Iman Milner

November 9, 2023

Georgia High School Teacher Charged With Murder Of 2-Year-Old Girl

Kianna Davis, a Georgia high school teacher, was arrested on Nov. 3, and charged with malice murder, felony murder, cruelty to children in the first degree, and aggravated assault in the death of two-year-old Karter Ambrose. Davis allegedly committed the crime alongside Kiyon Devoy Benton, who was also apprehended by authorities, Fox News reported.

Davis allegedly beat Ambrose with an object between Nov. 15 and 17 in 2020, which resulted in lacerations on the child’s liver. The pair, whose relationship to the child remains unidentified, are also accused of “failing to seek immediate medical attention” after Ambrose was injured, according to 11 Alive. Davis, who taught students at Seckinger High School in Georgia, had only been at her new job for two weeks before being arrested; however, she’d previously worked at Peachtree Ridge High School since 2021.

Seckinger Principal, Jimmy Fisher, sent a letter to parents on Nov. 6 assuring them that a separate investigation into Davis was being conducted by the school district, in an effort to combat concern for student safety.

“As is often the case in situations like this, news about this has spread among students and to social media, and I felt it important that you heard the facts from me first. Although this news may come as a surprise to you and spark questions, I want to reassure you your student is in good hands. A substitute will continue to cover the duties of the teacher in question for the time being,” Fisher said. “As your principal, I am committed to the work we are doing to foster a safe and positive school environment and encourage our school community to come to me when you have concerns.”

Davis was taken into custody by the Houston County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the Warner Robins Police Department and will appear for a bond hearing on Nov. 9.

BLAC CHYNA, CUSTODY
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 9, 2023

Blac Chyna Completes Parent Education As Custody Battle With Tyga Continues

Blac Chyna has completed a court-mandated online parent education class as part of her ongoing custody battle with ex-fiancé Tyga, Page Six reports, weeks after he filed for sole custody of their 11-year-old son, King Cairo Stevenson.

The former couple have been locked in a bitter custody battle after Chyna requested joint custody of their son in July. When news of Chyna’s filing hit the press over the summer, Tyga told Chyna to “stick to your schedule sat-mon.”

Court documents show Tyga is the primary caregiver of King and the child only spends weekends with his mother. Chyna also shares daughter Dream Kardashian with her other ex-fiancé, Rob Kardashian, a member of the legendary reality TV clan.

The “Rack City” rapper is seeking legal and physical custody of King and for Chyna to keep her weekends with their son. He also wants “written permission” in the event Chyna wants to take their son out of state.

But Chyna is hoping to share joint legal and physical custody of King and for Tyga to pay her attorney’s fees, USA Today reports. Tyga and Blac Chyna dated from 2011 to 2014 and called off their engagement nearly two years after King’s birth. Soon after, the rapper rebounded with Kylie Jenner who was just a teenager at the time.

Chyna recently appeared on The Viall Files, where she recounted Tyga leaving her for a then-16-year-old Kylie.

“Kim [Kardashian] and then her little sister, who she has no control over, started talking to my fiancé and then I get attacked. And it’s like, how does that work?” Chyna said.

Chyna went on to date Kylie and Kim’s brother, Rob, for a little over a year before their messy split, which resulted in a revenge porn lawsuit.

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Boosie Claims Ankle Monitor ‘Slipped Off,’ Offers $5,000 To Anyone Who Can Locate It
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 9, 2023

Boosie Claims Ankle Monitor ‘Slipped Off,’ Offers $5,000 To Anyone Who Can Locate It

Boosie Badazz is asking for help in obtaining the ankle monitor he claims "slipped off" his leg during a cross-country plane ride.

Boosie Badazz is asking for help locating the ankle monitor he claims “slipped off” his leg during a cross-country plane ride.

The “Wipe Me Down” rapper took to X on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to ask his fans for help finding the ankle monitor he allegedly lost while en route from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

“I WAS ON DELTA FLIGHT 0501 SEAT 8c COMING FROM ATLANTA TO LA N MY ANKLE MONITOR CHARGER SLIPPED OFF MY LEG,” Boosie wrote.

According to the Louisiana native, the ankle monitor is lost somewhere in either Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or Los Angeles International Airport, and he needs help in getting it back, or else he’ll be “in trouble.”

According to the US government, a non-removable, waterproof, and shock-resistant GPS tracker, like the one Boosie is wearing, is placed on the ankle of a participant 24 hours a day. The participant must charge the GPS tracker daily or as directed, as it allows authorities to keep track of the wearer’s location through GPS satellites, cellular towers, and/or Wi-Fi.

Federal agents arrested Boosie in June after he was seen with a firearm tucked into his waistband while on Instagram Live, WAFB reports. The rapper, real name Torrence Hatch, was in San Diego court on a gun charge that was later dismissed. However, agents arrested him on another gun charge outside the courtroom soon after the initial gun case was done.

Boosie was charged with possession of a weapon by a felon charge and spent a week in jail before being released on bond and ordered to wear an ankle monitor. In August, his motion to dismiss the gun charge was denied.

Now, speed up to November, and Boosie has somehow lost the charger he needs to keep his ankle monitor active and trackable.

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Steinbridge
by Jeffrey McKinney

November 9, 2023

Exclusive: Steinbridge CEO Tawan Davis Discusses $100 Million Commitment To Empower HBCUs Through Real Estate Ventures

A Black impact investment firm, the Steinbridge Group is making a $100 million commitment to back the nation's HBCUs through real estate..

The Steinbridge Group is embarking on a significant initiative by committing $100 million in capital to bolster historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) through real estate ventures. This substantial investment will be directed towards forming real estate partnerships with HBCUs, with the primary aim of revitalizing underutilized assets owned by these institutions and other Black organizations. The goal is to develop accessible housing and mixed-use projects within communities connected to the over 100 HBCUs across the nation.

Steinbridge Founding Partner and CEO Tawan Davis shared these details in an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

A Black-owned impact investment firm, Steinbridge aims to produce a guide to generate value from untapped assets like real estate owned by HBCUs. Davis maintains that while “many of the institutions own large amounts of land, properties, or buildings, they need additional resources, capital, and bandwidth to mobilize them for productive use.”

Steinbridge intends to activate the property assets, creating new income sources for higher education institutions.

According to Davis, his firm envisions that the institutions will retain meaningful ownership of the developments, generate new revenue streams, and bolster long-term financial gain.

 He also spoke about the commitment this week at the ForbesBLK Summit in Atlanta, an event attended by some of the nation’s top Black business leaders.

“This $100 million commitment expands our strategy to meet the housing and other real estate needs of people in rapidly changing communities across the country, while contributing to capital and investment goals of HBCUs and other organizations,” he said.

Earlier this year, Steinbridge announced partnerships and investments with leading financial institutions in its impact strategy, including PNC Bank, an affiliate of Frontrange Capital Partners, and others.

Now, the fresh initiative comes as enrollment at HBCUs is soaring, even though the overall number of students entering college in the U.S. is shrinking. In the South, where most HBCUs are located, they are poised to capitalize on growing migration.

Further, the commitment intends to address the funding disparities HBCUs face, with many receiving 30% less funding and having endowments just one-tenth the size of other universities. Steinbridge is confident the investments will help advance their missions and expand their influence.

Steinbridge’s HBCU investments will prioritize partner ownership. On this end, Davis said that means partner institutions are expected to keep meaningful ownership of the projects and retain the flexibility to be sensitive to student and local needs.

Another goal, revealed Davis, is to ensure that HBCU graduates and staff have the chance to take advantage of homes provided via the partnerships. Steinbridge plans to work with partner HBCUs to make it possible for graduates to become homeowners. That could help build wealth in communities at risk of displacement from the impacts of gentrification in transitioning neighborhoods.

Davis noted “home prices could vary, given the diversity among HBCU institutions. For mixed-used development, the properties may range from dense urban infield developments to expansive greenfield opportunities.”

In general, the developments can include several uses, such as residential, retail, and office space, into one building or area.

Davis added the commitment “is the first move that Steinbridge hopes will be among expanding partnerships with other entities that also have unused land, potentially including local churches, governments, and various non-profits.”

Check out more details about Steinbridge and comments on its new commitment here.

RELATED CONTENT: Steinbridge Group Sets $100 Million Commitment To Create Attainable Housing For HBCUs

Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan
by Iman Milner

November 9, 2023

NBA Legend Isiah Thomas Says He’s Willing To Make Peace With Michael Jordan, Claims He Was Unaware Of Feud Between Them Before ‘The Last Dance’

The Detroit Bad Boys vs. The Chicago Bulls was one of the best NBA rivalries of all time.

Basketball Hall of Famer, former Detroit Bad Boy, and two-time NBA champion Isiah Thomas claims he’s ready to bury the hatchet he didn’t know existed between him and former basketball nemesis, Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

During an appearance at the ForbesBlk summit in Atlanta on Nov. 6, Thomas claimed that he had no knowledge of the reported bad blood between him and Jordan until he saw the 2020 documentary series The Last Dance.

“I didn’t know we had beef. I really didn’t,” Thomas said. “And if you see me in that interview, I’m dressed in a three-piece suit. We did the interview right across the street from NBA TV. Jordan and his producer called me themselves and said, ‘Hey, we want you to participate in the documentary. Michael admires you, so forth and so on, can’t tell the story without you.'”

The former Detroit Pistons team captain alleged his willingness to participate in the series stemmed from his nephew having lived with Jordan for five years when the Chicago Bulls legend first arrived in the Windy City.

“My family looked out for him [Jordan]. We all hung out together,” he continued. “So, this beef that we supposedly had, or have–I didn’t know anything about it until The Last Dance.”

Due to his recollection of their relationship, Thomas expressed he’d be willing to make peace with Jordan if an olive branch were offered.

“I don’t hate anybody. If the brother came here and sat down today and wanted to have an honest conversation — keyword, honest — I’m down for it,” the basketball champion said.

Sports fans may find Thomas’ tale confusing, as the Bulls and Pistons rivalry was a prominent fixture of not only the 90s era of basketball but also of both players’ overall history. Thomas’ “Bad Boys” even developed a specific strategy designed to stop the six-time NBA champion called “The Jordan Rules.”

During The Last Dance, both players seemed to hint at their on-court rivalry spilling into real life when Thomas was allegedly kept off the famous 1992 U.S. Men’s Olympic basketball team due to Jordan not wanting to play with him, which the latter claims never occurred. However, basketball fans and Thomas alike have long wondered how a player as dominant and skilled as the former Pistons point guard was left off of the “Dream Team.”

“I don’t know what went into that process. I met the criteria to be selected, but I wasn’t,” Thomas said in a clip from the documentary that has since become a viral internet moment.

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