by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 19, 2023

Vogue Editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson Removes Job From Bio After Anti-Israel Posts

Vogue editor-at-large Gabriella Karefa-Johnson is leaving fans to wonder if she’s still at the publication. The stylist has removed the job title from her social media pages following posts made condemning Israel for violence inflicted on Palestine.

The 32-year-old made headlines after posting her views on recent violence between Palestine and Israel, as detailed by the Daily Mail. Karefa-Johnson took to her Instagram to voice her belief that Israel is committing genocide and other acts of oppression against the Palestinian people.

‘It’s so disappointing to see the utter lack of understanding of the basic tenets and tactics of colonization, and one’s willingness to justify and defend those systems which have only ever oppressed,’ she posted on Oct. 14.

The fashion editor’s bold statements led to backlash from some of her colleagues in the fashion industry, prompting another public response about those she respected in her field that uphold “horrifying” opinions.

“Damn. I hate when Instagram shows me what I hope I never know about the people I follow and their horrifying belief systems,’ she also stated.

The New York-based stylist has not minced words in her posts, detailing her thoughts on the international issue and calling it a “mass Palestinian extinction plan.”

“I cannot believe that the world is watching in silence as a GENOCIDE — a mass Palestinian extinction plan — is happening before our very eyes,” expressed the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover.

“These are WAR CRIMES. I am sickened and saddened beyond belief. I feel helpless assessing the atrocity from the comfort of the west but we should not be okay with doing and saying nothing.”

In the aftermath of the controversy, Karefa-Johnson removed her job title from her official account bio, instead going for an ambiguous “many things.” After garnering attention for the heated exchanges, a spokesperson for Vogue stated, “Gabriella’s social media posts and opinions are her own and do not represent those of the company.”

Whether or not the style contributor is still associated with the magazine is unclear, as neither party has made an official announcement on her current employment.

Big Freedia, Bold Beats, makeup, Black Opal, gender-neutral makeup

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 19, 2023

Big Freedia Ready To Slay Beauty Game With Bold Beats Makeup For All Genders And Tones

Big Freedia is now a boss! The Queen of New Orleans Bounce music has officially announced the launch of her new beauty line, Bold Beats, in partnership with BLK/OPL.

This latest Black-owned beauty venture has an even more inclusive aspect: gender-neutral makeup, which the New Orleans native calls “fundamental” to her look. Big Freedia describes herself as “gender nonconforming, fluid, nonbinary.”

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“It’s finally here! I’m so excited for the launch of my limited edition Bold Beats Collection in collab with @blackopalbeauty,” shared the media personality on social media. “This collection is all about being your best, bold, beautiful self…I can’t wait to see y’all in these beautiful products!!”

She also revealed her inspiration behind the brand in a press statement, re-shared by MyNewOrleans.com, calling it an “honor” to release the collection with BLK/OPL.

“On the road over the years, I saw very little gender-neutral makeup,” she explained. “I thought, why not develop a make-up line that’s for everyone–for all gender orientations and skin tones?”

Bold Beats will not only feature traditional makeup products such as eyeshadow and lashes, but also items that keep up with Big Freedia’s true form, including vibrant nail tips. The eyelashes comprise three different styles named after some of the content creator’s most notable phrases, such as “Ya Best Believa” and “Girl Down.” The nail sets come in two colorful forms. All products range from $12 – $17 in order to be widely accessible to all groups.

The line represents Big Freedia’s partnership with BLK/OPL, a cosmetics brand known for its affordable and wide-range of products especially for those with darker skin tones. Bold Beats, sold exclusively at the Afrocentric beauty line’s website, is available now.

New Book Explores Black Women’s Pathways To Academic Leadership Amid Challenges In Higher Education

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

New Book Explores Black Women’s Pathways To Academic Leadership Amid Challenges In Higher Education

Originally reported by Blacknews.com

In the face of ongoing challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, a groundbreaking new book titled Black Women’s Pathways to Executive Academic Leadership has been released, offering a powerful and timely exploration of the experiences and challenges faced by Black women leaders in community colleges, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

The book comes at a crucial moment as higher education institutions grapple with legislative attacks on diversity initiatives in states like Florida and Texas. The authors of Black Women’s Pathways to Executive Academic Leadership address the urgent need for leaders who understand the experiences of racially and ethnically diverse student bodies, identify barriers that mask merit, and garner support to create welcoming and inclusive campus environments for all.

Over half of college presidents (55%) are planning to step down from their positions within the next five years. This impending change in leadership, particularly among underrepresented groups, presents an opportunity not only to diversify leadership but also, as the editor states, address “the need for leaders who understand the experiences of racially and ethnically diverse student bodies, who can identify barriers that mask merit, and who can garner support to make campuses welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.”

Key highlights of the book include:

• The voices and experiences of Black women leaders in various higher education settings, including community colleges, HBCUs, and PWIs.

• Through in-depth analysis and personal narratives, the authors delve into the intricacies of academic leadership, shedding light on the obstacles and opportunities that Black women leaders encounter.

• A powerful call to action for higher education institutions to prioritize diversity and inclusion within their leadership structures.

• The invaluable contributions of Black women leaders in shaping the future of education and calls for recognition and support for their vital work.

As the landscape of higher education evolves, this book serves as a crucial resource for navigating the complexities of leadership and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion on campuses nationwide.

You can purchase Black Women’s Pathways to Executive Academic Leadership at UWPBooks.com or contact geane.delima@sagepub.com

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland’s First Black Governor, Celebrates 45th Birthday

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, an accomplished leader who holds the distinction of being the state’s first Black governor, celebrated his 45th birthday on Oct. 15, according to Afro.com.

To mark his 45th year, Moore used Baltimore’s iconic Hippodrome Theater as the venue for his birthday celebration. The gathering featured live performances by distinguished rap artists LL Cool J, MC Lyte and D-Nice, an unforgettable event that brought together music, culture, and celebration.

Sen. Cory McCray offered his felicitations to Moore and expressed his enthusiasm for the governor’s achievements during the past legislative session. He praised Moore’s role in the significant wage increase that will see Maryland’s minimum wage rise to $15 on Jan. 1, 2024, a milestone that holds great promise for the state’s workers and economy.

Moore’s background features a stint as a captain in the 82nd Airborne. Beyond his military career, Moore has made a significant impact as an author. He is the creative mind behind several best-selling books that tackle racial equity and opportunity.

The governor, who has also been recognized as a Rhodes Scholar, embodies the notion of excellence in education and scholarship. His intellectual pursuits have not only enriched his life but also the lives of those he serves.

Moore has authored 10 pieces of legislation that address critical issues affecting Maryland residents. They encompass substantial investments of $122 million in local police departments throughout the state as well as an $11 million fund dedicated to the revitalization of West Baltimore. Moore also introduced innovative measures such as a gap service year option for recent high school graduates, child tax credits, and essential financial support for Maryland’s veterans.

As he embarks on the next chapter of his tenure, Moore’s leadership continues to resonate with the citizens of Maryland as he works to address the most pressing challenges and advance the state toward a more prosperous future. On Jan. 18, 2024, the governor will have completed his first full year in office.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 18, 2023

Howard Professor Prepares Next Generation Of Black Space Law Professionals

Howard University Professor AJ Link is passionate about advocating for Black students’ involvement in his lesser-known field of expertise: Space Law.

In honor of World Space Week, conducted in early October, Link shared how he is preparing the next generation of Black Space Law professionals to insure that diversity is in and out of this world.

Space law entails the legal framework that governs activities related to outer space. Similar to general international law, it includes a range of international agreements, treaties, conventions, United Nations General Assembly resolutions, and regulations established by international organizations.

After discovering a course in the subject as a first-year student at George Washington Law School, Link went on to receive his own LLM, or Master of Laws, in space law, from one of the two law schools that offer the unique degree, the University of Mississippi.

“With the lack of options and access to space law as a field of study for J.D. students, and legal professionals seeking an LLM, it’s no wonder that the space law community is lacking anything close to adequate representation of Black folks in the profession,” he wrote in an essay for Howard’s The Dig.

Upon completing his education and noticing he was one of few Black people to do so, Link returned to D.C. to teach the first-ever course on space law at Howard University Law School (HUSL). The professor is now ensuring that access is given to Black people who are interested in this realm of space outside of STEM-subjects such as astrophysics or aerospace engineering.

He especially noticed this gap during events for Black Space Week, where the number of Black space lawyers was particularly meager. However, his addition to the HUSL’s faculty will ensure that at least one HBCU in the country is able to teach students about the Black letter law of international space treaties, as well as the space policy in the U.S.

As new groups, such as BlackInAstro, advocate for diversity in the stars, these growing programs will seek to provide opportunity and spark passion for this evolving field that will become more prominent as space activity advances.

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Link’s inclusion at Howard’s law program aims to make the HBCU a “premier space law institution,” as well as one that champions the next generation of Black space law experts.

Google Executive Defends Search Quality In U.S. Antitrust Trial

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Google Executive Defends Search Quality In U.S. Antitrust Trial

*Originally reported by Reuters

WASHINGTON, Oct 18 (Reuters) – Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) Google called its first witness on Wednesday in a once-in-a-generation U.S. antitrust trial, putting on the witness stand an executive who detailed the vast effort the company puts into ensuring search quality.

The Justice Department has called witnesses who testified about Google’s payments, billions of dollars annually, to smartphone makers and wireless companies to make Google search the default on devices, and win more users. Others testified how search dominance led to clout in online advertising, including the ability to quietly raise ad prices.

Google has countered these arguments with several of its own, zeroing in on how the high quality of its search products have played a crucial role in customer demand and help explain the prominent placement on phones and tablets.

Pandu Nayak, a vice president for search who has been with Google since 2004, testified on Wednesday about the efforts that Google has made to index the web, culling out irrelevant pages and ranking websites in order to answer user queries with sources that are relevant and reliable. He also testified about how Google used machine learning tools that it developed to improve search.

Nayak’s discussions of improving search appeared to downplay the role that search query volume played, implicitly disagreeing with Microsoft (MSFT.O) CEO Satya Nadella’s arguments that his company needed more search queries to improve its Bing search engine but was being blocked by Google.

Judge Amit Mehta, who will decide the case, asked Nayak how important “user interaction” was. Nayak acknowledged that user reactions to queries mattered but stressed the need for other factors – like infrastructure to track websites and how they change – is key.

Nayak also testified that Google compared its results to answers from Microsoft’s search engine Bing, and found Bing to be lower quality. He said that Google has also begun comparing itself to the videosharing app TikTok.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Jason C. Bass Named Director Of Culture And Programming At Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead

Luxury hotel Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead has appointed Jason C. Bass as its director of culture and programming, HospitalityNet reported.

Bass will spearhead the curation of culturally diverse programming, shaping a community-centric brand strategy, and fostering collaborations with external partners, all designed to enhance the hotel’s ambiance and offerings.

He was previously director of culture and impact for the esteemed Hotel Revival in Baltimore. Notably, Bass was the first-ever director of culture and impact within the Hyatt portfolio. His tenure at Hotel Revival coincided with the stewardship of the current general manager of Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead and seasoned hospitality expert Donte Johnson.

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Bass has founded multiple ventures in diverse industries. In 2016, he established the Treason Toting Company, a Baltimore-based travel apparel and accessories brand with a distinctive focus on locally manufactured goods. As the co-founder and CEO, Bass raised $600,000 in capital and forged a partnership with Baltimore-based sports apparel giant Under Armour.

In 2018, he launched “The Night Brunch,” a pioneering pop-up dining event series designed to transcend social and racial boundaries and unite people through music, food, and community. Over the past year, “The Night Brunch” team has orchestrated more than 50 events at top-notch restaurants and hotels in Baltimore and provided 2,200 meals to the West Baltimore community through the Night Brunch Summer Lunch program.

In 2023, Bass was honored with the “Maverick Award” from the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and in 2022, he received the “Impact Award” from MRI Programs. He received the “Award of Excellence” from Hospitality Design in 2022.

In 2021, he was celebrated as the “Icon of Culture” by the Indie Hotel Congress, and in 2020, the Baltimore Business Journal lauded his efforts with the “Leaders in Diversity Award.” In 2019, The Baltimore Times presented him with the “Positive People Award.”

SWAT Takes Down Illegal Strip Club Run By Squatters In Metro Atlanta

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 18, 2023

SWAT Takes Down Illegal Strip Club Run By Squatters In Metro Atlanta

A SWAT team raided a house in the metro Atlanta neighborhood, where they found an illegal strip club operating on the premises. However, neighbors’ concerns exposed even more unusual findings during the Oct. 15 raid.

After multiple complaints ranging from loud house parties to car races starting on the property, authorities investigated the South Fulton home. According to WSB-TV, SWAT resolved the issue after a license plate check located a stolen car in the home’s driveway.

Cops discovered an illegal strip club allegedly hosted on the weekends. According to neighbors, the raid led to the arrest of four squatters, whose belongings included stolen guns, IDs, cars, credit cards, and even horses.

Fellow residents shared how they dealt with sporadic gunfire, piles of trash surrounding the home, and raucous partying spilling out onto the road. The stench of weed was also allegedly prominent. After the raid, DeAnthony Maddox, Jeremy Wheat, Kelvin Hall, and Tarahsjay Forde were identified as squatters.

The raid prompted South Fulton City Council to crack down on home vacancies to ensure squatters do not trespass on those properties. One of the council members, Carmalitha Gumbs, unveiled plans to pursue action against homeowners whose negligence leads to squatters and the subsequent influx of crime.

Although the squatters are gone, Atlanta police continue to survey the property to ensure no new dwellers drop by. The four men arrested face multiple charges, including theft of the stolen items in their possession, as they await trial at Fulton County Jail.

New Jersey, Noiré Dispensary, cannabis, Black-owned

by Iman Milner

October 18, 2023

First Black-Owned Dispensary In Northern New Jersey Is A Family Business

When Noiré Dispensary opens its doors Oct. 28, it will become only the second Black-owned dispensary in New Jersey and the first in Maplewood Township.

Noiré Dispensary’s owners, Giovanni and Sharquana Paul, will also hold the title of the first family-owned adult-use cannabis shop in the area, Tap Into Soma reports.

“This business is a labor of love to us,” Sharquana said. The Pauls conceived of the idea to open Noiré right before the birth of their fifth child and have poured their resources from other entrepreneurial endeavors into bringing the dispensary to life.

Every part of the Pauls’ lived experiences oozed into the creation of Noiré’, including its name.

Paying homage to the once secretive experience of buying cannabis in their former home of Brooklyn, NY, the Pauls built on the former seedy ways to procure the plant and turned into a way to educate, uplift, and build community.

“That’s where the inspiration for our brand name came from,” said Sharquana. “We named our dispensary Noiré, which means ‘Black’. We decided to take the old concept of “knocking on the black door,” and turn it into a symbol of safety, trained knowledge, and no judgments.”

In a country where Black people are arrested four times more often than white people for marijuana possession, creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for the community is of top concern for the Pauls.

“At Noiré Dispensary, we believe in empowering our customers through knowledge,” said Sharquana. “From the intricate workings of the endocannabinoid system to understanding safe consumer use, we will help you find the best products for your individual needs.”

At Noiré, giving back extends beyond the shop’s walls as management prioritizes mentoring, volunteering, and encouraging other entrepreneurs in New Jersey.

“No matter how many no’s you get, keep knocking until you get your yes. We are standing here as living proof that you can do it,” said Sharquana. “Leverage your resources, whether big or small, surround yourself with like-minded positive people, and don’t be afraid to fail.”

by Jameelah Mullen

October 18, 2023

Applications Are Still Open For Disney’s Dreamers Academy

Disney is searching for exceptional teens to attend their Disney Dreamers Academy next spring. The deadline is fast approaching—to be considered for the program, students must either apply or be nominated by an adult by Oct. 31, 2023.

The Disney Dreamers Academy is a four-day mentorship program that was created for Black students from underrepresented communities.

“The Disney Dreamers Academy program is an important part of Disney’s commitment to supporting diverse communities by encouraging the next generation to think big and to use what they learn in their relentless pursuit of their dreams in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others.”

One hundred teens will be selected to be a part of this groundbreaking program. The students will attend a series of workshops, seminars and activities taught by professionals and innovators in their respective fields which include business, entertainment, STEM and more. Participants will get an in-depth look into their chosen career paths as well as receive practical tools and strategies designed to set them up for success.

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Last year’s mentors consisted of a star-studded roster that included gospel star, Yolanda Adams, Television personality Terrence J and sports commentator, Stephen A Smith.

“We’re gearing up to bring the next generation of big dreamers to Walt Disney World for this life-changing program that has been inspiring students across America to reach for their dreams and providing with some of the tools they need to make those dreams a reality,” Disney Signature Experiences vice president Tracey D. Powell said in a press release.

She urges students to apply for this once- in a lifetime opportunity before time runs out.

“Any who hasn’t applied for this program already should apply or be nominated today so they can join the hundreds of former Disney Dreamers who have moved one step closer to their futures.”

To apply, one must be a U.S. high school student from ages 13 to 19. Selected participants will be announced early 2024.

Selected students and one parent or guardian will receive an all-expense-paid trip along with one parent or guardian to Walt Disney World Resort.

For more information, visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com