by Sharelle Burt

September 23, 2023

Creating While Black: Beauty Influencer Calls Out Skincare Brand For Stealing Her Content

A skincare line is being accused of stealing the content of a Black beauty influencer.

Avonna Sunshine posted a video on both Instagram and TikTok to call out skincare brand Yours Skincare for stealing her video and running it as an ad on Amazon. Sunshine said the brand never met with her, nor did she give permission and showed the ad being run under the search “sunscreen black girl.”

“So not only did you steal my content, completely disregard my hard work and time put into to creating my content, but you run it as an ad,” Sunshine starts off saying in the video.

“Not only do you run it as an ad, but you push it as brown girl-friendly, using the color of my skin as a means to push your product. If that is not racist, then I don’t know what is.”

@avonnasunshine #stitch with @Avonna Sunshine @Yours Skincare #fyp ♬ original sound – Avonna Sunshine

As comments began flooding in her defense, the beauty influencer showed how Yours jumped into her DMs to apologize. A screenshot of Sunshine’s message Yours shows its response: “we’ve escalated it internally to our Ads team. This shouldn’t have happened.” Yours also said it would contact Sunshine again once the ad was removed.

Sunshine was less than pleased when she received word of the removal. “Hi Avonna, team has fixed it and taken down the creative,” @lovefromyours wrote. “Sorry again for the trouble.”

Sunshine then went off, listing several appropriate responses the brand could have given her other than what she got.

“Trouble? Not ‘sorry for stealing from you.’ Not ‘sorry for possibly tarnishing your reputation.’ Not ‘sorry for trying to profit off of your skin color,'” she shouts.

“But ‘sorry for the trouble.'”

For decades, and most recently since the pandemic, white-owned brands and influencers have been called out for stealing the popular content of Black creators and making it their own. The popular “Renegade” TikTok dance, created by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon, is a perfect example. Late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon received infamous backlash after inviting white influencer Addison Rae on his show to perform the dance rather than Harmon, Cosmopolitan reported.

In January 2022, Forbes released a list of its highest ranking TikTok earners. None on the list were Black, despite funnyman Khaby Lame being one of the app’s most followed personalities.

Sunshine’s fans commented on what she should do, with suing the skincare brand a popular suggestion.

“Sue them expeditiously,” @msmallyboo wrote.

Another comment read “lawsuit pending,” while someone else pointed out the audacity of the brand: “Brown girl friendly without paying the f****** brown girl in question,” @dabqad said, adding laughing emojis.

by Jeffrey McKinney

September 23, 2023

SBA Lending To Black Businesses Doubled Since 2020

Calling it “historic progress,” the U.S. Small Business Administration announced it has doubled lending to Black businesses nationwide in multiple categories.

The SBA on Thursday, Sept. 21, reported it has backed 4,387 loans to Black-owned businesses so far in fiscal 2023 via its 7(a) and 504 loan programs, over twice as many as since 2020. In terms of loan amounts, a total of $1.3 billion has been provided, constituting a 7.5% overall share of SBA-approved loans for businesses, also showcasing a doubling since 2020.

The SBA reported that women and people of color have led a historic small business boom. Some 13.1 million new business applications have been filed with the agency since President Joe Biden took office— a rate 65% faster than the pre-pandemic average.

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman and Congressman Steven Horsford (D–NV Fourth District) announced the loan performance at the 2023 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference on Thursday.

“Black businesses are helping to power a nationwide small business boom that is creating jobs, advancing equity in communities across America, and uplifting our economy,” Guzman stated.

She added, “Today’s benchmark loan numbers show our work under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda making inroads to support more of America’s Black small business owners. Despite these gains, we still have a long way to go. We continue to push forward with long overdue and transformational reforms to our lending and investment programs that will raise the bar of equity and opportunity even further for all of America’s small businesses.”

“Economic mobility and success are vital to achieving the American dream, but for far too long small businesses owned by Black Americans have faced roadblock after roadblock on that path,” said Horsord, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

A separate analysis of SBA data is projecting that Black businesses in America could obtain at least another $200 million in loans by the end of 2023 if that activity continues at its current pace.

According to a calculated analysis by Creative Investment Research, the extra money could come from the SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The Washington, D.C.-based firm projected in June 2023 that lending to Black firms would rise to $1 billion this year, up from nearly $600 million in 2017. Black businesses widely use both programs.

Creative Investment Research reports the target for 2023 was reached this month as (7a) lending to Black firms totaled over $1.09 billion.

The cash infusion could be vital as securing financing is often among the largest operating challenges for Black entrepreneurs. The SBA loans can be used in many ways, including working capital, buying land, and acquiring equipment. The money can be tapped for acquisitions, expansion, and other uses.

William Michael Cunningham, an economist and owner of Creative Investment Research, told BLACK ENTERPRISE that from his company’s analysis, the SBA in 2023 approved 4,060 7(a) loans for Black firms, representing nearly 8% of total loan approvals. He says the $1.09 billion in total dollars granted to Black businesses represented 4.5% of overall lending activity in that category.

Now, Cunningham’s firm projects lending activity to keep growing.

“We now anticipate total SBA (7a) lending to Black firms will reach $1.2 billion in 2023,” he said.

However, SBA lending directed to Black businesses still has a way to go compared to other demographics. For instance, the data tied to the 2023 SBA 7(a) loan approval amount showed over $4.6 billion for Asian businesses and roughly $10.3 billion for white companies.

Cunningham says the gap in lending between the groups is significant but represents an opportunity for collaboration to make more loans to underrepresented communities. He says the Minority Business Development Agency might serve as the focal point for this proposed collaborative effort.

The SBA’s support for Black-owned businesses has been steadily rising over time. Cunningham says the number of 7a loans to Black firms approved has grown 68% when comparing 2023 to 2017.

Further, Cunningham says the SBA has worked more with Black-owned banks to expand access to 7(a) loans. He provided this chart on institutions’ contributions to Black businesses this year pertaining to SBA (7a) loans:

Lendistry SBLC, LLC (California) approved 83 loans worth just over $47 million.
Mechanics & Farmers Bank (North Carolina) approved 7 loans totaling over $4.9 million.
Industrial Bank (Washington, D.C.) approved 2 loans for over $1,6 million.
Tioga-Franklin Savings Bank (Pennsylvania) approved 4 loans totaling $1,2 million.
The Harbor Bank of Maryland (Maryland) approved 1 loan worth $558,000.
Liberty Bank and Trust Company (Louisiana) approved 3 loans totaling $299,000.
The First Security Bank (Oklahoma) approved 1 loan for $160,000.

Mechanics & Farmers Bank, Industrial Bank, The Harbor Bank of Maryland, and Liberty Bank and Trust are listed on the BE Banks list of the nation’s largest Black-owned banks.

Check out more details on the SBA’s 7(a) loan program and its impact on Black-owned businesses here.

Third Annual Creators Summit Is Coming To DC

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 23, 2023

Third Annual Creators Summit Is Coming To DC

This weekend in Washington, DC creators of color will gather for the third annual Creators Summit.

The yearly summit is hosted by Color Vision, an empowerment organization striving to improve fairness and equity in creative industries. The women-led platform provides support for women of color with training, mentorship and resources to gain access to equal opportunities in employment, business, and higher education.

Boasting a line-up of more than 40 speakers and support from household names like Uber, Capital One, the summit promises a day of inspiring panel discussions, insights on breaking into out-of-the-box industries, mastering branding and monetization Strategies and more.

One highly anticipated panel discussion will tackle new approaches to networking in the 2023 workspace, where many offices operate on a virtual or hybrid model.

“We know that 70% of all jobs are not published publicly, and 80% are filled through personal and professional contacts,” says Mia Hall, Color Vision founder. “So in a time when we’re seeing many changes in creative spaces from layoffs to months-long strikes in Hollywood, we want to equip women with best practices to grow their contact list with intention.”

To address this need, Hall and her team created the “Talk to Me Nice: The Art of Networking” panel session. Ahead of this summit, featured speakers preview their networking tips and philosophies.

Angel Gregorio, Founder, Spice Suite emphasizes the importance of first believing in yourself in the quest to form impactful relationships.

“Networking is ultimately about confidence. You have to have the audacity to step into rooms where you are amongst leaders. As a professional, it’s the path toward ascension.”

This weekend in Washington, DC creators of color will gather for the third annual Creators Summit.

The yearly summit is hosted by Color Vision, an empowerment organization striving to improve fairness and equity in creative industries. The women-led platform provides support for women of color with training, mentorship and resources to gain access to equal opportunities in employment, business, and higher education.

Boasting a line-up of more than 40 speakers and support from household names like Uber, Capital One, the summit promises a day of inspiring panel discussions, insights on breaking into out-of-the-box industries, mastering branding and monetization Strategies and more.

One highly anticipated panel discussion will tackle new approaches to networking in the 2023 workspace, where many offices operate on a virtual or hybrid model.

“We know that 70% of all jobs are not published publicly, and 80% are filled through personal and professional contacts,” says Mia Hall, Color Vision founder. “So in a time when we’re seeing many changes in creative spaces from layoffs to months-long strikes in Hollywood, we want to equip women with best practices to grow their contact list with intention.”

To address this need, Hall and her team created the “Talk to Me Nice: The Art of Networking” panel session. Ahead of this summit, featured speakers preview their networking tips and philosophies.

Angel Gregorio, founder of Spice Suite, emphasizes the importance of first believing in yourself in the quest to form impactful relationships.

“Networking is ultimately about confidence. You have to have the audacity to step into rooms where you are amongst leaders. As a professional, it’s the path toward ascension.”

Fellow summit speaker and communication strategist Whitney Stringer recommends going the reciprocity route.

“Consider going into any networking opportunity with a spirit of giving first. The best relationships are two-way relationships, so be ready to offer a resource or a connection, before you even ask for something or a contact referral.

Finally, The Black Hair Experience CEO Alisha Brooks highlights the importance of prioritizing relationships in addition to skills.

“Networking is one of the most powerful tools you can use in business. Opportunities don’t always happen based on what you know but more often because of who you know.”

To learn more career gems like these, the Creators Summit takes place Saturday, September 23 at the Washington, DC Marriott Marquis. Register here.

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 22, 2023

Byron Scott And Other Laker Legends React To HBO’s Cancellation Of ‘Winning Time’

Former Los Angeles Lakers player Byron Scott has no hard feelings about HBO’s cancellation of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty and claims that he, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar never discussed the show as friends and former teammates.

Scott, who was a crucial figure in three NBA championships in the Lakers dynasty, hadn’t yet appeared on the show, as his storyline was slated for the upcoming season. However, the former guard was not an avid watcher of the popular biographical series to begin with, due to liberties that were taken with the story.

When asked if he was upset about the show’s cancellation, Byron said, “Nah, I’m good,” explaining, “I wasn’t a big fan of the show because I know a lot of it was fabricated in certain ways just to make it more interesting for the fans, which is cool, that’s TV. That’s Hollywood. That’s what they do.”

While six-time NBA champions Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar have spoken out against the show’s portrayal of the “Showtime” Lakers, Scott said the three have never discussed it with one another.

“I haven’t talked to Magic about it, didn’t talk to Kareem about it,” he said. “When we’re together, we never even talk about it.” In fact, the former Lakers head coach says the show was only ever mentioned by the players’ wives. “If it makes the convo, it’s because the wives would bring it up.”

Last year, Johnson called out the show’s creators for not including actual players from the era in the storytelling process. “You can’t do a story about the Lakers without the Lakers,” he said. “The real Lakers. You gotta have the guys.”

The 64-year-old billionaire business owner was not willing to give the show a chance and said that other players shared his sentiments. “So I don’t know what this stuff is, I haven’t watched it, I’m not gonna watch it. And all the guys said the same thing. Kareem, everybody. You can’t do it.”

While former Lakers greats have had mixed reactions about the show’s cancellations, fans of the series see it as yet another premature ending in the streaming era.

Former TikTok Employees Retaliated Against For Claims Of Racial Discrimination

by Sharelle Burt

September 22, 2023

Former TikTok Employees Retaliated Against For Claims Of Racial Discrimination

TikTok is getting caught up—again—in discrimination accusations.

Two Black TikTok employees alleged they were fired after raising concerns to human resources, NPR reports. Nnete Matima and Joel Carter filed a class action charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission against the company on Sept. 21, claiming TikTok downplays complaints of racial discrimination and hosts retaliation practices against people for speaking out.

Matima, based in New York City, experienced extreme burnout only one year into her sales position at the Chinese-owned social media company. She was required to handle 75% of the sales outreach for the four-person team she worked on. Matima also learned she was excluded from meetings and heard of supervisors calling her racist names—often referred to as “black snake” behind her back.

She suffered from her first-ever panic attack just by seeing the building.

“It’s like you against the world in these situations; you’re mocked and ridiculed,” Matima said. “It brings you to a very dark place.”

Matima took her complaints to HR, but the claims were pushed to the side. After she filed a second complaint, she was fired. Carter and Matima say the companies’ HR practices will have a horrible effect on future employees who speak out.

Carter, who works in the Austin, Texas, office, said everything was great when he was hired as a risk analyst in 2021 and even promoted to a policy manager within his first year. Then things changed, and he started to experience the same things as Matima. In his claim, Carter says a new manager treated him worse than his white counterparts and excluded him from meetings.

His reputation around the office was being portrayed as “angry” and “tense,” and falsely accused him of “slamming doors.” The characterization of him as angry and tense perpetuates a “historic false narrative about people of color, especially Black people,” Carter wrote in his letter. “…When we claim to be mistreated in the workplace” and “dismisses the courage it took to raise these concerns.”

After going to HR and requesting a transfer, the department responded by saying there was no evidence of racial discrimination. Carter was later fired in August 2023.

According to CNN, a spokesperson from TikTok says they take employee claims “very seriously” and “have strong policies in place that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. As an organization, we have a strong record of championing diversity and inclusion,” the rep said.

TikTok has been accused by Black creators of discrimination in the past. In May 2020, Black TikTok creators formed a protest against the company, accusing the company of censoring their content. Weeks after the death of George Floyd, TikTok admitted to a “technical glitch” in the system and acknowledged Black creator’s concerns of feeling “unsafe.”

by Derek Major

September 22, 2023

Memphis Deputies Indicted After Allegedly Beating Mentally Ill Black Man To Death

Nine Memphis jail deputies have been indicted in the death of a Black man who had a psychotic episode and died in custody after deputies punched and kicked him during a confrontation.

NBC News reports Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, who is running for mayor and supervises the jail in which 33-year-old Gershun Freeman was beaten to death, unveiled the indictments at a news conference Wednesday but did not reveal the names of the deputies or the changes they are facing.

Lawyers for Freeman’s family have filed a wrongful death lawsuit, adding the charges are serious. However, they said the indictments are sealed.

Video of the incident shows Freeman’s beating by at least 10 Memphis corrections officers, striking him with handcuffs, rings of jail keys, and pepper spray canisters.

The incident occurred on Oct. 5, 2022, when two officers served meals to inmates. When Freeman’s cell opened, he ran out naked toward the officers, who wrestled him to the ground and began to punch, kick, and use pepper spray before being joined by other officers. The video then shifts to a group of escalators that Freeman runs up in another hallway, where officers attempt to restrain him again. Officers can be seen stepping and kneeling on Freeman’s back before sitting him up, where his body appears limp as his head falls between his knees. He remained in that position until medical personnel arrived, and the video ended.

Freeman, who had psychosis and cardiovascular disease, died of a heart attack while being restrained, Bonner said in March. Freeman was booked on Oct. 1 for attacking and kidnapping his girlfriend.

The West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center listed Freeman’s death as a homicide, and Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy asked the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate Freeman’s death.

In Wednesday’s press conference, Bonner said he supports the Memphis deputies, claiming the video’s release is politically motivated because Mulroy, who has recused himself from the investigation, supports a different candidate for mayor.

“Let me be clear. No action — no action — by any Shelby County Sheriff’s Office employee caused Mr. Freeman’s death,” Bonner said.

The City of Memphis is still reeling from the death of Tyre Nichols in January when he was punched, kicked, hit with a baton, and pepper sprayed by Memphis police officers during an arrest. Five officers now face a litany of charges in that incident.

by Mary Spiller

September 22, 2023

Ex-NFL Star Chad Ochocinco Unveils Past As An L.A. Stripper Named ‘Twix’

During a recent Instagram Live, former Cincinnati Bengal star wide receiver Chad Johnson, known as Ochocinco, revealed a surprising piece of his personal history. In the reposted stream, Johnson told viewers that while he was a Santa Monica College student back in 1997, he worked as a stripper to make money living on his own in Los Angeles.

Johnson recorded the livestream while smoking in his parked car.

He began the video, “I used to strip at The Right Track. I used to be a dancer. I could tell you because we are family. In 1997, I was in LA. My mom was out there, but I really couldn’t live with my mama, so I had a place in Santa Monica. Sometimes, I was short on my light bill. Them candles, light em. I used to strip. I used to be a dancer. If anybody in the chat is from LA, that’s a little bit older. I used to strip at The Right Track. I bulls*** you not.”

He continued to detail the type of money he used to make and even pro tips on how to make it.

“I used to make about $2,500, $3,000 a night. Sometimes the night would be slow, and I couldn’t make it to work because I had football practice, [but] the key is, the key back then…Back then, you danced for the big women. The big women tip you good. You know, having $2,500, $3,000 back in 1997 as a little kid, you know how much money that is? Boy, I was making a killing.”

Wearing a bright orange sweatshirt and a pair of sunglasses, the 45 year old former wide receiver explained that his stage name was “Twix” because of how skinny he was back in the ’90s.

Johnson admitted that he felt comfortable talking about such a personal part of his history because he feels close to his supporters.

He expressed, “I can share this story with y’all now because we family and I just want you to know everything about me, so if s*** come up on Google or something, or somebody tries to expose me for being a stripper, I told you first.”

He clarified that he isn’t ashamed of his past despite the stigma that tends to float around stripping. He said, “S*** like that builds character man, like when you can’t pay your bills, you know you gotta improvise, and that’s what I did. It made me who I am today.”

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by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 22, 2023

Atlanta Police Shines Light On Its All-Black Women Traffic Squad

Atlanta Police is highlighting a special unit, one that is composed of all Black female officers as they conduct traffic stops within the city. Traffic units such as these are also considered to be among the most dangerous tasks in the force.

The work of these officers extends beyond mundane tasks of ticketing those who violate traffic regulations, but to stop the those who commit more threatening acts on a daily basis. The City of Atlanta’s Police Department (APD) is noting their sacrifice and contribution to the city, as they risk facing violent crime in an effort to keep residents at peace.

Speaking to WSB-TV, members of the unit elaborated on their wide-ranging cases and responsibilities, and how this representation comes with its own pros and cons.

Sergeant Tiffany Hampton touched on how this uptick in Black female officers is a new development from when she first started,

“Compared to when I came on the department, this is very unusual to have this many females, especially this many Black females,” shared Sgt. Hampton. “And for this to be a traffic unit, you know traffic is one of the most dangerous calls that we could go on.”

Her shared identity with the fellow officers in her squad makes their bond as police officers even stronger, as encountering discrimination due to it is not uncommon.

“That comes with the job, so you honestly have to love what you do,” shared another officer.

Their role in this unit is also one of prevention, as the initial step to “keeping the communities safe” often begins with traffic stops.

“We’re looking for people who are carrying contraband, people who are a danger to themselves or others,” stated Officer Michaela Herring. “[We’re] just really keeping the community safe and a lot of those interactions start in the vehicle.”

As the APD deals with everyday occurrences, they are showcasing their strides in diversity as women take over the roles that are directly impactful in citizens’ safety.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 22, 2023

Megan Thee Stallion Launches Fake University To Raise Funds For Texas Southern Students

Megan Thee Stallion and Frito-Lay’s Flamin’ Hot have teamed up to launch a fake university whose goal is to raise money for her real-life alma mater, Texas Southern University.

A newly unveiled advertisement shows the Grammy award-winning rapper as the dean of Flamin’ Hot University, a fictional college they created to raise money for a $150,000 scholarship fund at TSU, the historically Black university in Megan’s hometown of Houston.

To raise funds, fans can buy apparel from streetwear designer Melody Ehsani, who created six pieces for Flamin’ Hot University. A varsity jacket, sweater, and shorts, among other items, are available while supplies last.

The fictional school’s website includes video courses from the “Savage” rapper, who teaches students how to pose for photos or be a content creator, and offers snack and food ideas with chances to purchase Flamin’ Hot snacks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-9i66Wg2Nk

The scholarship comes just in time, as borrowers prepare to continue paying off their student loans beginning October 1, 2023, following a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. The estimated cost of tuition at TSU for the 2023-2024 academic year ranges from $28,870 to $42,580.

“Student loans can create a significant burden on college graduates—especially at HBCUs where students graduate with 19% more debt than those at non-HBCUs,” Tina Mahal, senior VP of marketing at Frito-Lay, said in a statement, citing 2022 data from the Center for Responsible Lending.

“The Flamin’ Hot University scholarship fund at TSU was designed to ease some of the financial pressures student loans bring so graduates can focus on unleashing their hottest potential.”

In addition to the scholarship and Melody Ehsani merch, Flamin’ Hot will also donate $100,000 to Megan’s Pete and Thomas Foundation, the nonprofit organization she launched in 2022 to assist women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities throughout Houston and around the world.

by Stacy Jackson

September 22, 2023

Leslie Jones Exposes Racist Trolls And Unequal Pay On ‘Ghostbusters’ In Tell-All Memoir

Leslie F*cking Jones: A Memoir reveals actress and comedian Leslie Jones’ truth about the racism and inequalities she faced while filming the all-female version of Ghostbusters.

According to Rolling Stone, the comedian detailed the racist backlash she received and how she was paid “way less” than her co-stars, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and Kate McKinnon.

“It was made clear to me at times during the process that I was lucky to even be on that movie, but honestly, I was thinking, ‘I don’t have to be in this muthaf*cka,’ especially as I got paid way less than Melissa McCarthy and Kristen Wiig,” Jones wrote in her book. “No knock on them, but my first offer was to do that movie for $67,000. I had to fight to get more (in the end I got $150K), but the message was clear: ‘This is gonna blow you up — after this, you’re made for life,’ all that kind of s***, as though I hadn’t had decades of a successful career already.”

The Hollywood Reporter noted that McCarthy collected a $14 million bag from the Ghostbusters $150 million production budget. Jones wrote that all the movie brought in for her was “heartache and one big-ass controversy,” according to the exclusive book excerpt in Rolling Stone.

Following the film’s release in 2016, Jones was moved to delete her Twitter account after being “brutally attacked with racial slurs and worse.”

Jack Dorsey, who was Twitter’s CEO at the time, was made aware of the online trolls and assigned monitors to Jones’ account.

“I’d tried to fight back,” Jones wrote about the trolls. “I can’t believe anyone would do this sh*t to someone, anyone, for working. This is awful. I am in a movie. Death threats for something as small as that?”

Jones reflected on what she called an “unforgivable” comment made by director Jason Reitman upon making the 2021 franchise reboot Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Reitman said the sequel would “go back to the original technique and hand the movie back to the fans.” Reitman later clarified his statement with an apology to the female leads.

Wo, that came out wrong! I have nothing but admiration for Paul and Leslie and Kate and Melissa and Kristen and the bravery with which they made Ghostbusters 2016. They expanded the universe and made an amazing movie!

— Jason Reitman (@JasonReitman) February 21, 2019

“The damage was done,” Jones wrote. “Bringing up the idea of giving the movie ‘back to the fans’ was a pretty clear shout-out to all those losers who went after us for making an all-female film.”

Jones told People that writing her memoir was a form of therapy.

“I think I learned the trials and tribulations, how much I’ve triumphed, how much I’ve changed, how much I’ve grown. Just a lot of things,” she said, adding that she had many self-realizations during the process.