economic, Retirement, Savings, retirees, COLA, social security, contribute, IRA, IRS, payments, cost-of-living adjustments, contributions, boomers

by Kandiss Edwards

November 30, 2024

Retirees Reveal Mistakes That Forced Them Back To The Workplace

Retirees talk about the mistakes that led them back to the workplace.

Business Insider talked with over 1,700 retirees to find out how they’ve navigated retirement. Each story presents a different error made by the retirees and highlights the contradictory nature of retirement planning. Though the retirees run the gamut in terms of socioeconomic status, one thing is clear: Social Security is not enough to survive, and retiring early did not work in their favor.

Social Security is adjusted yearly based on the cost of living, yet the increase depends on the state of the economy. The better the economy the less of a COLA increase is received, according to CNET.

“The 2.5% increase in 2025 is smaller than 2024’s 3.2% boost and 2023’s 8.7% jump and is an indication that inflation is cooling.”

Kathleen Rudd retired from her job and opted for early Social Security. The decision is costing her $400/month. The early retirement seemed manageable. With $40,000 in savings, Rudd believed she could take care of her finances and enjoy her life. Faced with the reality, she must sell one of her properties to garner additional income, Rudd wishes she would have continued to work.

“I never should have left that job, and I should have stayed working,” she said.

An unnamed Atlanta resident is another retiree who regrets the early cashout on Social Security. Claiming her benefits five years early, she only receives $936 monthly. The payment is not enough to sustain her basic cost of living or mounting medical bills. The Atlanta resident did not consider the health issues older age would present. As a result, she, like Rudd, went back into the workforce and does not foresee being able to retire truly.

“If only someone had just said, do not take Social Security early, do not invest your money this way,” Sharon said. “If I had somebody who would have just really directed me, maybe I wouldn’t be in this horrible situation because, by 2030, I easily will run out of money.”

The IRS estimates that most retirees should save enough to receive 80% of their yearly salary during retirement. The key is to start as early as possible. If that is not an option start today.

The IRS lists four stages of setting up a retirement plan. The process can be executed with little, but the more you put in — barring any extreme changes in the market — the more you get out.

Stage 1

Choose a plan that fits your needs. Consider how much money is needed to maintain your current socioeconomic position. Think about whether downsizing in retirement is an option. If it is an option, have a plan prepared to transition quickly and at minimal cost. Also, consider how much time you have until retirement. If your retirement planning has begun late, you may not have as many options as a younger investor.

Stage 2

Solidify your plan. The first step to solidifying a plan is writing it down. Arranging a trust will help protect some of your assets in retirement. Create a medical savings account to help ease the cost of care in older age. Decide on a system to keep track of your assets and update your trust and retirement portfolio.

Stage 3

Manage your trust and its individual components. A home, 401(k), IRA vehicles, and many more assets can be added to a trust. Keeping track of tax laws and benefits and making sure those changes reflect in your trust is a must. Depending on your age there may be an exemption for property taxes. Filing the proper paperwork and updating your trust to reflect relevant changes in the law or tax code changes can save you in retirement.

Stage 4

Execute. If your health is good, retirement can last up to 30 years. Adhering to a plan that maps out the years is integral to remaining solvent. Having a hobby that can generate extra income is a plus, but if the hobby is not by choice, then you’ve just rejoined the workforce.

The goal is to rest with little stress. Business Insiders interviewees stated more than just early Social Security was their retirement downfall. One retiree who is also back in the workforce overspent when she retired with abundant resources. Another took a hit in the stock market and became fearful of investing.

Researching the different retirement options. Taking advantage of employer matches and contributions and sticking to a plan can help.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 30, 2024

Nelly and Ashanti Are Reportedly Expecting Their Second Child

Now, with baby number two on the way, the music stars are preparing for the next chapter of their lives.

Congratulations are in order for music power couple Nelly and Ashanti! Insiders revealed on Wednesday that the two are expecting their second child together, just months after secretly tying the knot in December.

This exciting news follows the couple’s first child, Kareem Kenkaide Hayne, born on July 18. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ashanti opened up about the deeply emotional experience of becoming a mother. “I cried—it was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time. Having a vision of this moment for so long … it was such an electrifying feeling,” the “Happy” singer shared. On Instagram, she expressed her joy, revealing, “I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now.”

Nelly and Ashanti’s love story began at a Grammy Awards press conference in 2003. Over the years, they collaborated on hits such as “Body on Me” (2008) and their recent 2024 single, “This Lil’ Game We Play.” After dating for 10 years, the couple broke up in 2013 but rekindled their relationship in 2023 during a Las Vegas boxing match.

In September, Nelly confirmed their renewed romance, admitting the reconciliation caught him by surprise. “Sometimes being separate, you understand one another more,” the rapper shared during a conversation with Love & Hip Hop Atlanta stars Rasheeda and Kirk Frost.

According to a marriage license obtained by Page Six, the couple secretly wed in Nelly’s hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, on Dec. 27, 2023. Though the ceremony was private, their fans have continued to celebrate their journey as a couple.

With baby No. 2 on the way, the music stars are preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Their enduring love and growing family are sure to keep fans cheering them on.

Brittney Griner, Cherelle Griner, maternity, hotshot, shirtless, topless, pregnant, WNBA, player

by Kandiss Edwards

November 29, 2024

Brittney And Cherelle Griner Share The First Images Of Son Bash

Brittney and Cherelle Griner introduce baby Bash to the world.

Brittney and Cherelle Griner shared the first images of the new addition to their family, Baby Bash.

The WNBA legend posted several images of their 4-month-old son on Instagram. The Griners also posted multiple photos of their family in Bash’s nursery.

Foregoing matching pajamas, Cherelle wore a white two-piece pajama set, while Britney chose a black and white flannel set. The ladies dressed Bash in a black two-piece set with a white skull decal.

The Griners thanked Strolleria for giving them a nursing chair in Bash’s modern, olive-and-beige-toned room, complete with a “Bash Griner” sign adorning the wall.

“Thank you, @strolleria, for providing the most comfortable nursing chair and stroller. Relle and I both fall asleep with Bash at night in that chair and wake up without aches and pains! That’s a plus in my book!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BG (@brittneyyevettegriner)

The birth of baby Bash is another spark of joy for the WNBA All-Star and her spouse, who have faced a tumultuous few years. In February 2022, Griner was “wrongfully convicted” by a Russian court for entering the country with vape pens and hashish oil. The then-Phoenix Mercury player was held in Russian prison for 8 months and was eventually freed through a deal secured by the United States.

Since the new mom’s release, BLACK ENTERPRISE has reported on the many wins for the couple. In December 2023, Brittney signed a deal with Disney to produce a scripted series about her time in confinement. The first-time producer is taking on the project with Cherelle, who will executive produce. Both women are thriving independently; Brittney released her first memoir, Coming Home, chronicling her life as a WNBA player and former international prisoner. Cherelle recently completed law school and obtained her Juris Doctorate. The first-time mom spoke about her excitement about graduating from an HBCU via a post on Instagram.

“I didn’t just go to law school – I went to one of THE 6 HBCU law schools remaining! The way my ancestors are smiling,” she wrote.

Griner expressed her pride and admiration for her hardworking spouse in a separate post.

“There aren’t enough words for me to express how abundantly proud I am of you, baby. To be able to see first hand the hard work, determination, and passion you had during this journey of becoming an attorney! Congratulation,s Attorney Cherelle Griner.”

The Griners have proven themselves able to leap over hurdles and come out on top. Hopefully, Bash’s entry into the world will be another entry on a long list of wins.

For Employees, Returning To The Office Is Posing Challenges And Breeding Resentment

by Kandiss Edwards

November 29, 2024

For Employees, Returning To The Office Is Posing Challenges And Breeding Resentment

The return to office wave is leaving employees resentful.

A new survey revealed that employees returning to the office face significant obstacles, breeding resentment. Working from home provides many benefits. One is waking up and walking a few feet from a bedroom to a home office, then starting your day. For many, transitioning to waking up and driving to a physical location is challenging.

A Gallup study states, “commutes of only 30 minutes are linked to higher stress and anger, while 45 minutes or more is linked to poorer overall well-being, daily mood, and health.”

However, the commute is only one adjustment employees are having to make, which is turning productive employees sour. Here are a few obstacles and possible solutions to help ease the transition.

Return To Office

Obstacle 1:

Depending on where you live, the commute to work differs. Once freed from the daily shackles of public transportation, a city dweller is now forced back on the train, subway, or bus. The cost of daily travel can be exorbitant, depending on where you live. The average New Yorker spends “17 percent of overall household spending for the average household, or about $12,700, in 2022-2023,” according to the New York State Comptroller.

Solution:

The solution is not one size fits all. If you are a middle-class employee, the tried-and-true carpooling method is the way to go; the price of gas is lower. As you become more comfortable with co-workers, exploring may be an option. Discount transportation services are available if you are a low-income earner or a senior citizen.

Obstacle 2:

Physical and mental burnout is real. Constant interaction and monitoring are taxing. Yahoo!’s survey found that employees returning to the office had increased stress levels and considered leaving their jobs more often. They “also had lower trust in their organization, engagement, and productivity levels.” The inability to multi-task personal and professional tasks leaves employees restless. They are in a constant state of anticipating the next thing on the to-do list. Instead of washing a load of laundry during a lull in the workday, they are now forced to abandon household labor or take it on as a second job once returning home.

Solution 2:

Designate a daily and weekly time to finish outside tasks; otherwise, shut out the noise. Daily, designate one hour for working on chores like washing dishes and mopping. Wash and dry one load of laundry. Even if you don’t fold, you’re halfway there. On your day off, designate a significant chunk of time to finish tasks and complete others that need to be done. Outside of that time, leave it all behind. Do not contemplate labor in any form. Take the time to read, relax, and tend to you.

Obstacle 3:

The rising costs of day-to-day life will eat you alive without flexibility. Childcare costs may rise if RTO hours do not fit your family’s needs. If you’ve become used to snacking during the day, RTO usually means paying for lunch or meal prepping. According to the survey,” The average employee returning to the office spends $561 per month on transportation, additional child and pet care, and domestic assistance.”

Solution:

The issue of money is a difficult obstacle. The solutions are minimal because making more money alleviates the stress of money. Still, looking for after-school programs at your child’s school is sometimes cheaper than complete childcare centers. Bringing snacks to work instead of whole meal prep can ease the cost of lunch.

The RTO will not be easy. Unfortunately, it is becoming a reality for many. The number of work-from-home positions has been cut in half. Money is a necessity, and jobs are necessities. Use these solutions to help ease the burden of RTO. And if you are able, plan your exit. Look for remote work, build passive income online, or market your skills through contract work.

nick cannon,mental health, NPD, lupus, Louis Vuitton, narcisstic personality disorder

by Keka Araújo

November 29, 2024

Nick Cannon Opens Up About Narcissistic Personality Disorder Diagnosis, Highlights Mental Health Advocacy

Cannon’s transparency offers a refreshing perspective.

Television host and media personality Nick Cannon, known for his roles on Wild’ N Out and America’s Got Talent, has disclosed his diagnosis with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

The 44-year-old entertainer, who has fathered 12 children with six women, including Mariah Carey and Bre Tiesi, shared his journey on a recent episode of his Counsel Culture podcast, but most recently talked about his diagnosis while feeding the homeless in Los Angeles on Nov. 28.

Cannon explained that understanding his condition has been both a challenge and an opportunity for personal growth. “I feel like there are so many labels out there, but to be able to embrace it and say, ‘Look, I’m healing. I need help. Show me,’ makes a difference,” he said. “I just embrace mental health and therapy in such a strong way.”

A Closer Look at Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for attention, and difficulty empathizing with others, according to the Mayo Clinic. While the exact causes remain unclear, experts believe unhealthy childhood relationships with parents and environmental factors may contribute to its development.

Although personality disorders are generally considered lifelong conditions, Cannon emphasized that aggressive therapy and self-awareness can improve symptoms. He views his diagnosis as empowering, allowing him to understand himself better and become an example for others.

“I want to use my platform to normalize discussions around mental health,” Cannon explained. “To be healing during my own process while encouraging others to seek help—that’s the mission.”

A Lifelong Search for Understanding

Cannon admitted he has suspected he might have undiagnosed mental health conditions for years. During an interview with People magazine, while serving Thanksgiving dinners at the Los Angeles Mission, he opened up about his mental health journey.

“I still don’t understand it all the way, but I kind of always wanted to get tested for it. I did a bunch of tests,” he said. Cannon also revealed previous diagnoses, including ADHD and dyslexia, which he has managed since childhood.

“I’ve always known I’m a neurodivergent individual,” he said, reflecting on how these challenges shaped his personal and professional life.

A Turning Point in Self-Awareness

Cannon’s revelation came after a podcast discussion with psychologist Dr. Cheyenne Bryant. During their conversation, he realized that many of the “markers” for NPD resonated deeply with him.

“Most of the traits described me to a T,” he admitted. However, instead of feeling defeated, Cannon turned to research and therapy as tools for empowerment. “Understanding the disorder through my own lens has helped me own it,” he said.

Cannon emphasized that embracing mental health challenges and seeking therapy are critical steps for anyone struggling. He believes his openness about his journey can help break down stigmas surrounding mental health and inspire others to seek support.

Moving Forward with Purpose

Cannon’s candidness about his diagnosis and his commitment to therapy underscores a broader effort to normalize mental health conversations. “I want to be an example for my kids and anyone who looks up to me,” he said. “It’s about healing, learning, and growing.”

Cannon’s transparency offers a refreshing perspective in the entertainment industry, where public perception can often be a double-edged sword. By using his platform to highlight mental health issues, he hopes to foster greater understanding and compassion.

As the father of 12 navigates the demands of his personal and professional life, his journey serves as a reminder that mental health is an ongoing process—one that requires patience, vulnerability, and support.

by Alisa Gumbs

November 29, 2024

Why A Fall Beach Getaway Was Just The Reset I Needed

I took advantage of the warmer-than-normal weather we’ve been having in the Northeast and scheduled a weekend road trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey, for one last chance to be a beach bum, courtesy of the Ocean Casino Resort.

The beach is my happy place. Something about the scent of saltwater wafting on the breeze, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore, and the sun’s warmth on my skin just melts my stress away. And staring out into the vast horizon puts a pause on whatever else is going on in the world, giving me time to reflect and a change of perspective that brings me clarity and centers me.

Because I live in New York City, the end of summer usually means the end of the beach –- at least until the middle of winter, when I’ll inevitably hop on a plane to a sandy tropical destination with the rest of the sun seekers. But this year, I decided to try something different: a fall beach getaway.

I took advantage of the warmer-than-normal weather we’ve been having in the Northeast and scheduled a weekend road trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey, for one last chance to be a beach bum, courtesy of the Ocean Casino Resort.

Here are three reasons fall is a perfect time to hit the beach:

1. To stave off seasonal sadness

As soon as Labor Day weekend is over, I start dreading the impending reality that sunsets are getting earlier and earlier. That first day when you leave the office and it’s already dark outside is always a shock to my system. And for those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder, the change of seasons is even more challenging.

A beach trip is the antidote for shorter, grayer days. You may be wrapped in a sweater instead of sporting a bikini, but the extra dose of vitamin D is real. Even when I stayed in the room, not only did I have amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I got hours of incredible sunlight.

The Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City

Timing your getaway to the time change is another smart travel move, as it gives you something to look forward to other than “falling back.” In addition to the casino, of course, the Ocean Resort offers a range of bars and restaurants, the HQ² nightclub, a Topgolf Swing Suite, and a premier venue for live entertainment, Ovation Hall—which happened to host Lenny Kravitz the weekend I was there. How can you be mad when you spend your last hours of daylight savings time singing along with Lenny?

2. To prepare for a productive fourth quarter

Have you heard of the “winter arc?” The TikTok trend may be new, but the idea behind it isn’t. It’s a way to dedicate yourself to self-improvement over the colder months by focusing on new, healthier routines. It’s also a way to jump-start your “new year, new you” resolutions because, despite the frosty name, it typically starts in October. A fall beach trip could be the perfect kickoff for your winter arc, as it is an ideal place for reading, journaling, and meditating. Or if it’s your physical well-being you’re looking to prioritize, you can check out Ocean’s newly renovated MUSSELS Fitness Center, with a yoga space and Peloton offerings.

Even if you’re not intentionally working on a winter glow-up, studies have shown a connection between travel and mindfulness, creativity, and personal growth. Fall has traditionally been a season of reflection, transition, and rediscovery, so it’s an excellent time for a getaway.

The activity boost can help you smash those Q4 goals when you return.

3. To enjoy the calm before the holiday storm

Before you know it, your calendar -– and to-do list -– will be filled with holiday shopping, travel, hosting, and parties. It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but arguably the most hectic. Having quality time with just myself and the ocean helped me feel ready to tackle a jam-packed next couple of months. And even though dipping my toes into the frigid waters of the Atlantic wasn’t an option, if water is what you find soothing, the Ocean Casino Resort has a year-round indoor/outdoor pool with views of the coastline and both a jetted pool and jacuzzi in its award-winning Exhale Spa + Bathhouse.

On the other hand, if you started watching Christmas movies in July and can’t wait to lean into the season, the end of fall is a great time to experience the magical touches many hotels roll out. Ocean Casino Resort transforms into a seaside winter wonderland with 30 holiday-themed rooms and suites, complete with Christmas trees; a festive Jingle Bell Bar and a pop-up holiday market for adults; and a Santa’s Hideaway Adventure if you want to make your beach trip a family affair.

RELATED CONTENT: 9 Beaches To Visit Throughout The Black Diaspora

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 29, 2024

Handsome Brook Farms Recalls Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs Over Salmonella Concerns, 25 Costco Locations Affected

Salmonella can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Handsome Brook Farms has issued a voluntary recall of 10,800 units of Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs due to potential salmonella contamination. These eggs, sold at 25 Costco locations across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, were distributed starting Nov. 22, 2024.

The recalled eggs are packaged in clear plastic cartons labeled “Kirkland Signature” and bear the UPC 9661910680. Only cartons with Julian code 327 and a “Use By” date of Jan. 6, 2025, are affected. These details can be found on the side of the packaging. The recall impacts no other products.

Salmonella can cause severe illness, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea (which can be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to more severe conditions like arterial infections, endocarditis, or arthritis. Healthy individuals may recover without medical treatment, but complications can pose significant risks for vulnerable populations.

Handsome Brook Farms initiated the recall after discovering that eggs not intended for retail sale were inadvertently packaged and distributed for retail. The company is implementing enhanced supply chain controls and retraining measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

No illnesses have been reported. However, consumers who purchased the affected eggs are urged to stop using them immediately. The products can be returned to any Costco location for a full refund or safely discarded.

Consumers can contact Handsome Brook Farms at 646-733-4532, ext. 1, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ESs. Alternatively, inquiries can be emailed to recall@hbfeggs.com.

The recall is being conducted with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Costco customers in the affected states are encouraged to check their purchases and act swiftly to ensure their safety.

GPS, Google Maps, Bareilly, Amit, Kumar, India, bridge,

by Keka Araújo

November 29, 2024

Google Maps Misroutes Vehicle Off Demolished Bridge, Killing Three Security Guards

The bridge, a key route in the area before its destruction, has become infamous among locals as a “death trap.”

On Nov. 23, three men lost their lives when the car, guided using Google Maps, plunged off an incomplete bridge in Bareilly, India, sending them 25 feet down into the Ramganga riverbed. The victims, Kaushal Kumai, Vivek Kumar, and Amit Kumar—all security guards—were returning home from a wedding when tragedy struck.

Local villagers discovered the submerged car early Sunday while visiting the riverbank. Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found the lifeless bodies of the three men inside. Police were immediately notified, and authorities began investigating the fatal accident.

According to police, the victims had relied on a GPS to take a shortcut home from Dataganj to Faridpu. Google Maps directed them onto a bridge destroyed by severe flooding in 2022. Reportedly traveling at high speed, the car failed to stop, plummeting into a ditch in the riverbed below. All three occupants died at the scene.

Victims Identified, Families Notified

Kaushal, Vivek, and Amit were well-known security guards in their community. Police confirmed that their families had been notified of the accident. Their bodies were transported via boats to a local morgue and have been sent for post-mortem examinations.

A Known Hazard Becomes a Death Trap

The bridge, a key route in the area before its destruction, has become infamous among locals as a “death trap.” Although the damaged section is officially closed to traffic, inadequate signage warning of its condition and reliance on outdated GPS and Google Maps have made it a persistent danger.

“Drivers unfamiliar with the area trust their GPS blindly, which often directs them onto this incomplete bridge,” said a resident.

The tragedy has renewed calls for urgent government action to improve infrastructure and install clear warnings to prevent further accidents.

Google Maps horror :

Wrong #GPS location took the lives of 3 people in #Bareilly, #UttarPradesh #GoogleMaps directed a car to a half-finished bridge.

Due to dense #fog, the incomplete bridge was not visible and the car falls into the #RamgangaRiver, resulting in the death of… pic.twitter.com/uTCMKTz7xG
— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) November 24, 2024

Technology Reliance Raises Concerns

This incident highlights a growing issue of overreliance on GPS technology, especially in areas where infrastructure is poorly mapped or outdated. While digital maps provide convenience, errors, insufficient updates, or incomplete data can lead to catastrophic consequences, as seen in Bareilly.

Local officials urge drivers to exercise caution when navigating unfamiliar areas and verify routes with locals, especially in rural or flood-prone regions.

Infrastructure Fix Demanded

Residents are demanding immediate repairs to the bridge or, at the very least, the installation of prominent barricades and warning signs to prevent future tragedies.

“This was a preventable accident,” a relative of one of the victims said. “If proper warnings were in place, these lives could have been saved.”

As Bareilly mourns the loss of Kaushal, Vivek, and Amit, the community hopes this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for improved road safety measures in the region.

Support Your Girlfriends Pow(H)er Experience + Awards Is A Movement For The Greater Good

by Ida Harris

November 28, 2024

Support Your Girlfriends Pow(H)er Experience + Awards Is A Movement For The Greater Good

Nikkia McClain continues to evolve and elevate those who are doing good in the community

Thanksgiving came early for the 2024 attendees and honorees of Tene Nicole’s Support Your Girlfriends Pow(H)er Experience + Awards. The event, founded by Nikkia McClain, is in its sixth year. It has provided a space for networking, professional development, and resources for entrepreneurs through a series of panels and workshops. The Pow(H)er Awards ceremony continues to celebrate Black excellence and leadership supported by Grow with Google, Novartis, Barbados Tourism, and Chase for Business among others.

The Pow(H)er Experience kicked off at Jay Suites in the Bryant Park section of New York City and offered visitors health activations around preventative and restorative care. The Black Heart Association was on site with mobile services offering genetics testing and information about heart diseases that plague Black communities at an alarming rate, and URAWarrior was on hand to share details about the newly released app and facilitate onboarding for users to access mental health resources.

The robust programming was preceded by opening remarks from Dr. McClain, who encouraged participants to lean into the sessions that consisted of a wealth of topics:

Building a Network of Navigating Your Cash Flow
Sisterhood & Community
The Power of Getting Your Ask Together Turning Your Passion into Profit
How to Invest with Less Emotions Even in a Viable Market
Empow(H)ering Leaders to Transform Adversity into Opportunity
Seen & Paid: Transform Your Story into Media, Speaking & Sales Success
Support Her: Men Advocating for Women’s Personal Success
How to Pitch Your First VC
Transitioning from Corporate to Purposeful Entrepreneur
Balancing Act: Navigating Women’s Health & Wellness Strategies
Get to Know Your Money

Day one concluded with “The Power of YOU” fireside chat between Desiree Perez and social justice advocate Tamika D. Mallory.

The awards dinner went down on day two and was the culmination of all things pink, empow(H)ering, supportive, and celebratory among attendees, honorees, and the notable Glossy Posse. Mistress of Ceremonies Lyndsay Levingston wowed audience members with her emcee prowess by giving an honoree roll-call over Lil Kim’s “Jump Off.” Six women were honored with the 2024 UnapologeticallyHER honor.

Cheryl Stallings: Business
Sharene Wood: Entrepreneurship
Tara Robinson: Health
Shaquanna “Ms. Business 101” Brooks: Finance
Nit Reeder: Social Impact
Amber Sabathia: Philanthropy

Sharene Wood, founder of Harlem Haberdashery, gave a heartfelt acceptance speech to family members who were in attendance: “I honored, I’m here because my mother loved me,” Wood said.

“I’m here because my brother loves me. To my husband and friend, thank you for your support. Thank you to my beautiful baby girl.”

Wood continued: “You are everything I dreamed of and I work just for you. Just so you know, when I talk about legacy, I talk about you. When I talk about legacy, I talk about my brother.”

The 2024 Pow(H)er Women of the Year and Power (H)IM Man of the Year awards went to music icon and cultural powerhouse Queen Bee Kimberly “Lil Kim” Jones and CBS News Correspondent Nate Burleson.

Burleson could not be present for his award but sent a thoughtful virtual message, and his wife, Atoya Burleson, accepted the honor on his behalf. Lil Kim was extremely grateful for the honor and thanked McClain directly, along with the attendees.

“Everyone in here made a difference in my life because when I look at all my girls who are doing it, y’all are the people. I’m talking about them bosses,” Kim said.

“I want to thank y’all for supporting me for all these years because I couldn’t do it if you guys didn’t keep elevating me and pushing me … I just want to say, I see all of y’all and thank you so much for all these beautiful years.”

Dr. McClain, who also balances multiple businesses while completing her PhD, took to the stage to honor her personal support team—her staff, her grandparents, and her husband and children. After a sweet twerk session with her grandmother, the Support Your Girlfriends founder posed a rhetorical question to the room on how she’s able to accomplish all that she does.

“I’m able to show up the way I do for you now because these people over here are holding me down,” McClain said, referencing her family.

“Y’all get a small piece of me when they get all of me. But even in that small piece of giving it to you all, I give as much as I can so even it feels like 100%.”

“I just want to thank you all for sharing me. I love y’all. I couldn’t be here without you. Thank you a lot of you for believing in me.”

After six years, the Support Your Girlfriends movement and Pow(H)er Experience + Awards continue evolving and elevating those doing good in the community. To learn more about the initiative, check out the website.

by Keka Araújo

November 28, 2024

UNESCO Study Reveals Most Influencers Fail To Verify Information Before Sharing

UNESCO warned that the “low prevalence of fact-checking highlights influencers’ vulnerability to misinformation, which can have far-reaching consequences for public trust and discourse.”

According to a study published Tuesday by UNESCO, the UN’s scientific and cultural agency, most social media influencers fail to verify the accuracy of the content they share. The report underscores the growing risks of misinformation in an era where influencers play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion.

The study, conducted in August and September 2024, surveyed 500 influencers from 45 countries with at least 1,000 followers. It found that 62% of respondents admitted they did not fact-check their content. While 37% occasionally consulted fact-checking sites, many relied on subjective measures, such as a source’s popularity or input from trusted friends, rather than documented evidence.

UNESCO warned that the “low prevalence of fact-checking highlights influencers’ vulnerability to misinformation, which can have far-reaching consequences for public trust and discourse.”

Influencers’ Role in Shaping Public Perception

The findings are particularly concerning given that nearly 40% of young Americans aged 18 to 29 “regularly” get their news from influencers, according to a Pew Research Center study. These influencers often lack the formal training of journalists, relying on personal experiences or social media trends as their primary sources of information.

Notably, 42% of influencers surveyed said they judged a source’s credibility by the number of likes or views received, while only 17% prioritized documentation and evidence. Despite this, 69% believed they were promoting “critical thinking and digital literacy” among their audiences.

Misinformation’s Real-World Impact

The report comes from the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where social media influencers were crucial in disseminating information. President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris leveraged influencers and podcasters with massive followings to appeal directly to voters.

UNESCO noted that the lack of rigorous fact-checking by influencers has real-world implications. Earlier this year, false claims about migrants in Springfield, Ohio, stealing and eating pets went viral, fueled by right-wing influencers. Despite local officials’ attempts to debunk the rumors, the misinformation led to bomb threats, school closures, and widespread fear in the community.

Governments and social media platforms have struggled to combat such misinformation. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) rely on “Community Notes” features for fact-checking but often fail to remove false content. Similarly, YouTube banned the monetization of election-related misinformation and profited from such videos.

Opaque Funding and Sponsored Content

Another concern is transparency in influencer funding. According to the UNESCO study, 53% of respondents said they created sponsored content, but 7% admitted they did not disclose sponsorships, presenting such content as unsponsored.

This lack of transparency can further erode trust in the information influencers share, especially as some unwittingly promote divisive narratives funded by foreign actors. In September, a U.S. Justice Department indictment revealed that Russia unknowingly paid several conservative influencers to spread misinformation, although they were not accused of wrongdoing.

Calls for Media Literacy

UNESCO emphasized the need to enhance media literacy among influencers, advocating for tools and training to help creators identify credible sources and verify facts. “The prevalent lack of rigorous critical evaluation of information highlights an urgent need to enhance creators’ media and information literacy skills,” the organization said.

While some influencers, like UK journalist Kassy Cho, use mainstream media as a baseline for content creation, many others, like China-based influencer Zhang Zhaoyuan, rely solely on personal experiences. This disparity illustrates the broader challenges in ensuring accuracy across the digital content landscape.

As social media continues to dominate the information ecosystem, the need for accountability and transparency among influencers has never been greater.