Congressional Black Caucus, DEI report
by Sharelle B. McNair

September 9, 2024

Black Caucus Releases New DEI Guidelines, Calls On Corporations To Continue Efforts Despite Backlash

CBC Chair Rep. Steven Horsford stressed companies are falling victim to 'far-right actors who are attempting to bully corporate America.'

The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has released a new diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) report aimed at guiding corporations in improving workplace policies and urging them to reaffirm their commitment to racial justice, according to the Associated Press.

The report, “What Good Looks Like: A Corporate Accountability Report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” was released on Sept. 9. It asserts that workplace DEI policies remain legal despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action in college admissions. The report advocates for expanding these policies to foster economic prosperity and address racial wealth disparities.

“In the wake of the death of George Floyd, corporations pledged $50 billion to racial equity and strengthening DEI policies,” Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said in the report. 

“DEI is now under attack, but the response from corporate America has been overwhelming.”

The guidelines come after the caucus reached out to various Fortune 500 companies, academics, and business analysts to determine ways for them to promote DEI and Black economic mobility during 2024’s shaky political and legal environment. In the report, the caucus cited corporations that have faced backlash from conservative activists and lawmakers for implementing such policies, such as farm supply corporation Tractor Supply Co. 

In June 2024, Tractor Supply announced it was cutting all diversity, equity, and inclusion roles, eliminating sponsorships of “non-business activities” like Pride festivals, and goals to diminish carbon emissions. The National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) and critics called out the company and its leader, Hal Lawton, for the decision.

“I was appalled by the decision,” NBFA’s President and Founder, John Boyd Jr., said in a statement at the time. 

“I see this as rolling back the clock with race relations—because the country is so divided on race, especially in rural America.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, the CBC study outlines 12 categories where corporations can zone in on expanding DEI efforts and help close the gap within racial wealth. Guidance for workplace culture, data disaggregation, talent opportunities, retention rates, pay equity, and procurement policies are just some of the issues identified in the study. 

Corporations were invited to “collaborate legislatively” to develop laws that “create perpetual accountability for corporate America, help close this massive gap of inequality, and support the values of our caucus,” Horsford pointed out, adding that the high court’s historic ruling does not correlate with corporate DEI policies. Hence, the policies should still be in place. 

He said corporations shouldn’t fall victim to “far-right actors who are attempting to bully corporate America.”

Fifty CEOs met directly with the CBC, while other companies responded with letters and questionnaires from lawmakers.

“There is nothing under the law that is illegal or unconstitutional about corporations advancing DEI policies. I commend the corporations that answered our call,” Horsford stressed. “We are now giving the roadmap for what good looks like.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ford Joins Other Major American Companies In Scaling Back DEI Efforts

Mayor Eric Adams, New York
by Sharelle B. McNair

September 9, 2024

Eric Adams Tours NYC’s Black Churches To Heighten Support Amid Federal Investigation

Think it will work?

New York City Mayor Eric Adams started a tour of the city’s Black churches to garner support during his federal investigation probe, the New York Times reports. 

Adams appeared at the Changing Lives Christian Center and Power and Authority Evangelical Ministry on Sept. 8. He claimed he was unbothered by the overflow of his top aides who had their homes raided by the FBI in correlation to an investigation by the Southern District of New York. While speaking to Black congregations, Adams compared himself to the biblical figure, Job, who suffered immensely but had his spirit renewed. “Job lost it all, and even his wife questioned him. ‘Where’s your faith? Where’s God now?’ His friends rebuked him,” the mayor professed at Power and Authority. 

“And I wish I could tell you that I had one moment in my life that was a Job moment. But I did not have one. I had many.” 

The mayor is also under investigation for possible ties to Turkey, targeting alleged involvement in Adam’s 2021 campaign and collusion with foreign interests, including the Turkish government. However, during an interview on WABC’s “Cats and Cosby,” hosted by John Catsimatidis, Adams labeled the probes as “reviews.” 

Adams made the same comparison to Job at Changing Lives, but this time, he cited his own shortcomings in his upbringing. “And when you come out of your Job moment, and your faith is intact, you will receive blessing tenfold,” Adams said. “Only God can make you go from being dyslexic, arrested, rejected, and now I’m elected to be the mayor of the most powerful city on the globe.”

Senior lead pastor Paul B. Mitchell laid hands on the political figure, praying for him by saying, “Father, we know that when you are a public servant, that, Lord, the forces of evil want to come against you.” Fellow political correspondents like former NY Gov. David Paterson aren’t too surprised by the Adams investigation since he was the “first elected official in the country to object to the placement of migrants in your city.” 

Fordham University political science professor Christina Greer is keeping a close eye on the investigation and highlighted that since the mayor or his colleagues have yet to be charged for anything, she understands why supporters are skeptical. “Right now, there’s a lot of smoke,” Greer said.  

“And smoke does not always lead to fire.”

Nurse Elizabeth Armstrong, who said she is prepared to vote for Adams during his 2025 re-election bid, says this is all a part of the world of politics. “When you’re in the political life and limelight, there’s things that are going to be thrown at you,” she said. “And it may not necessarily be him, but the people around him that makes his job a little harder.”

While there may be some truth to that, a person close to the details of the federal probe, according to Politico, says the Eric Adams’ team isn’t blind to what the investigation could do to the campaign. “It’s clear as day you don’t want what happened [Thursday] to happen when you’re heading into re-election,” the unidentified person said. 

Adams’ mentor, Rev. Herbert Daughtry, shared similar thoughts, highlighting the church strategy wasn’t too bad of a play. “Let’s say that I believe that the faith community surely will observe the ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ especially in this case,” he said.

RELATED CONTENT: NY Mayor Eric Adams Criticized For Alleged Pay-To-Play Scheme

Anti-DEI, Black Employment, DEI
by Jeffrey McKinney

September 9, 2024

Organizational Rigor And Strategic Initiatives Can Help Advance DEI Practices

A new report shows work is needed to help improve DEI and make it more progressive in corporate America.

A new report on corporate DEI practices by Ariel Investments reveals board directors have vastly different views on the issue than average U.S. workers.

The discovery is included in the latest Black Corporate Directors Study by Ariel, a global asset management firm. The analysis discloses findings on how and why momentum has shifted on the topic of DEI in public company boardrooms.

The Chicago-based Ariel issued the second survey of 165 Black, Latino, and Latina Fortune 500 corporate directors from August to October 2023. They attended the firm’s Black Corporate Directors Conference last year.

Also, a national sample was taken of 2,909 U.S. employees of all races to get their responses for comparison’s sake with the director group. Ariel first conducted the study in 2021.

All told, the data uncovered some eye-opening findings that show how more work needs to be done to improve DEI and make it more progressive in corporate America in the future.

The study offers a “call-to-action” for U.S. companies on DEI. It includes holding executives accountable for not making progress, offering incentives to boost DEI, and updating shareholders regularly with performance reports. Ariel Investments, No. 1 on the BLACK ENTERPRISE Asset Managers list, has about $15 billion in assets under management.

Overall, the DEI fallout has been adverse on many fronts recently. Large companies have laid off DEI teams or no longer finance programs; lawsuits have been filed against DEI initiatives, colleges are banning DEI programs, and some states are prohibiting affirmative action measures.

Operational Rigor: A DEI Challenge For Companies  

“Many board members surveyed still feel their companies struggle to operationalize DEI goals effectively—with stagnation or modest improvement from two years ago,” per the report.

A survey of Fortune 500 board directors showed a bulk of the nation’s most influential companies continue to prioritize DEI despite some news headlines contradicting that. Yet, amid headwinds such as the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling in higher education, the data reveals a drop in several areas, including:

  • Asking if their board added directors from diverse backgrounds in the past year due to recent board diversity rules, like Nasdaq’s Board Diversity Rule, 41% stated their boards had added no diverse directors.
  • Directors say board conversations about DEI are less thoughtful, balanced, and intentional than two years ago, decreasing from 84% in 2021 to 78% in 2023.
  • The report stated, “Fewer companies are investing capital to support their racial equity and diversity goals; when they are, the capital is less sufficient.”
  • Corporate boards in the last five years have become more racially and ethnically diverse overall. But the percentage of Black and Latino directors stalled among S&P 500 firms, at 12% and 5%, respectively.

DEI Still A Priority In Boardrooms, But Infrastructure In These Initiatives Weaken 

The report stated that DEI was added as a primary agenda item several years ago for 59% of the boards where respondents serve, while 28% made it a priority in the last two years. Still, 54% of directors feel that among the wide range of diversity issues, race/ethnicity gets too little attention and is lower on the priority list in their boardrooms. 

For instance, race follows gender identification, sexual orientation, and political affiliation in pecking order.

Conversely, some 45% of average workers feel there is an excessive emphasis on race and ethnicity—particularly white male workers (54%). That sentiment has risen since 2021.

Arielle Patrick, Ariel’s chief communications officer, said via email the most troubling finding is the vast misalignment between leaders and the average worker on why DEI is important. “This dissonance signals how much harder leaders must work to ensure that the rank-and-file truly understand diversity as a business imperative,” Patrick said.

A Potential Framework To Elevate DEI To Next Level

So, what is needed now to make DEI more progressive in U.S. companies moving forward?

Patrick said it’s no secret that DEI is under attack in our nation’s volatile political landscape. Diverse directors are facing more obstacles in the fight to keep civil rights on the corporate boardroom agenda—with the operational rigor it deserves.

She said the results signal that corporate America must adopt consistent oversight, transparent reporting, and accountability measures to ensure the progress of years past does not stagnate.

She added companies must ensure their DEI efforts are comprehensive and the entire management team takes it on as a strategic imperative across:

  • People with representation and inclusion from the entry-level to the board level.
  • Purchasing efforts should include diversifying vendor/supplier relationships with women and minority-owned businesses.
  • Philanthropy should include long-term commitments to organizations focused on equality and civil rights with employee representation on non-profit boards.
  • The product a company offers should ensure the research, development, and marketing process fully considers and includes the diverse stakeholders the business serves.

RELATED CONTENT: Ford Joins Other Major American Companies In Scaling Back DEI Efforts

Actor Brian J. White, Detain Man, wildfire
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 9, 2024

Two Babysitters Arrested In Brutal Death Of 1-Year-Old Left In Their Care

Kali Moore was found 'unresponsive' and Dijon Smith and Kiya Moore were charged for the killing after giving conflicting stories to police officers.

Two people have been arrested and are facing charges of murder after a 1-year-old died while in their care. The girl suffered multiple skull fractures, brain bleed, and abdominal trauma.

According to Law & Crime, police officers responded to a call from LeBonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis at around 3 a.m. on Aug. 17 after the child, Kali Moore, was brought into the medical facility. Moore was taken there suffering from cardiac arrest and died an hour after arriving at the hospital. Thirty-four-year-old Dijon Smith and 21-year-old Kiya Moore, who is reportedly related to the child, were babysitting the infant around 5 p.m. that day. Police officers picked them up and charged both adults with first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse charges.

The two suspects are being held at the Shelby County Jail without bond.

Doctors stated that Kali had skull and neck fractures and “massive bruising” on her back.

Once in custody, Smith and Moore gave investigators “conflicting statements” about what happened and blamed each other. Moore allegedly told detectives that Kali was left alone with Smith and was “unresponsive” when she returned. She told the detectives that Smith wouldn’t explain what happened and instructed her to say she fell asleep with the girl, and that Kali had fallen off the bed, hitting her head on the nightstand.

Yet, Smith allegedly told detectives that he heard Kali crying in the backroom and Kiya yelling at her.

The affidavit states, “He then heard Moore slam Kali into the floor, walls and wooden furniture six to 10 times. He advised that he asked her what she was doing and she stated nothing but Kali was crying too much and getting on her nerves. He advised that when he entered the room Moore stopped and he observed Kali unresponsive.”

Police officers searched the residence and stated that there was no baby food there and it was unclear if Kali had a safe place to sleep.

According to Action News 5, both suspects were being held under a $3 million bond and are scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 9.

RELATED CONTENT: Florida Father, Stepmother Charged In Abuse, Killing Of 9-Year-Old Girl

Tyreek Hill, NFL, handcuffed, Miami-Dade police
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 9, 2024

Miami Dolphins Star Tyreek Hill Cuffed Before Season Opener; Cop Put On Administrative Leave

The NFL season opener took an unexpected turn for the Miami Dolphins wide receiver

The NFL season opener took an unexpected turn for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

As Hill was en route to Hard Rock Stadium for the game, police officers detained him. Video footage showed Hill on the ground being handcuffed. Following the incident, the Miami-Dade Police Department issued a statement confirming that one of the officers involved has been placed on administrative leave, CNN reports.

The police department posted the statement on X but did not give details like the officer’s name or why the action was taken against him.

“Following the incident involving Tyreek Hill, I have initiated an Internal Affairs investigation to ensure a thorough review of the matter. One of the officers involved in the incident has been placed on administrative duties while the investigation is conducted,” Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) Director Stephanie V. Daniels said in a written statement. “I’m committed to transparency and accountability to the community with any situation involving my officers.”

The incident took place on Sept. 8 shortly before 11 a.m.

The arrest did not slow Hill down in any way. The wide receiver caught seven passes for 130 yards and also scored a touchdown on an 80-yard reception. The Dolphins beat the Jacksonville Jaguars with a last-second game-winning field goal.

Hill spoke briefly about the situation after the game, saying he wanted to make this incident “a positive on both ends” so that both sides could do something positive for the community, according to NPR.

“Obviously, everybody has bad apples in every situation,” Hill said, “so I want to be able to use this platform to figure out a way to flip this and make it a positive on both ends—on my end, and then also Miami-Dade—so that way we can team together and do something positive for the community, cause that’s what it’s all about.”

RELATED CONTENT: NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin Joins ‘It Is What It Is’ Podcast As Football Analyst

Lesa Milan, Beyonce, Mina Roe
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 9, 2024

Lesa Milan Celebrates Mina Roe Expansion And Calls Out The ‘Critics With No Credentials’ On ‘Real Housewives of Dubai’ Cast

Lesa Milan explains her passion for her Mina Roe brand and current dynamic with "The Real Housewives of Dubai" cast.

Lesa Milan and her Mina Roe brand were hot topics during the Season 2 finale of The Real Housewives of Dubai, so her candid deep dive with BLACK ENTERPRISE comes right on time.

Appearing on The Culture Shift, Lesa shares the vision behind her luxury maternity brand/skincare line, Mina Roe, and why she thinks the passion she put into her company event featured on the show rubbed some of the ladies the wrong way.

“So we’re dealing with a bunch of critics with no credentials,” Lesa shared. Referencing luxury brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, the entrepreneur says the design of her wellness event was a “marketing ploy” to stylishly brand her event considering its feature on a global television show.

“I think it was coming from a place of jealousy,” she said of her co-stars who were bothered with how she styled her event. Lesa was also disappointed in the criticism from the group since “women should be supporting women,” she added.

“I started my business in my living room and I grew it to be where it is today. I’ve worked so hard on it and for people to try to tear it down it’s hurtful.”

Despite the drama, which is a normal component of any Real Housewives franchise, Lesa was happy to see the show’s warm reception in its second season compared to its 2022 debut. As a first-of-its-kind reality show for the United Arab Emirates, the ladies faced fierce criticism from locals who were concerned with how the country of Dubai was being represented.

“Season 2 has been received a lot better than season 1,” she said. “I’m not sure if you’re familiar, but in Season 1, we kind of got some backlash here in Dubai in the Middle East because it’s never been done before, right? So it was a lot. But this time, after seeing Season 1 I think people are more receptive and it’s really been so nice.

Lesa also notes how much “closer” the cast was this time around, “so the dynamic and everything was more organic,” which made the second season “much better” than the first.

When it comes to her passion for her business, Lesa explained how she’s modeled Mina Roe after her own motherhood journey. What started as a fashionable maternity wear line when she was pregnant with her first son soon expanded to include postpartum wear and now skincare for moms with stretch marks and other physical changes that come with welcoming a baby.

“As I grew as a mom in my journey in motherhood, the brand grew with me,” the mother of three explained. “So the next step was skincare because another issue that I had was stretch marks.”

The Jamaican-born and former Miami resident shared her design process with “some of the best teams in Europe,” who “came up with a really great formulation” that includes some traditional elements from her native country.

“Our products are made with natural and organic ingredients,” Lesa says with pride.

Among the brand’s skincare items is Mina Roe’s Belly & Body Oil, designed to help prevent and minimize the appearance of scars and stretch marks. The vegan product relieves the dry, itchy belly that can make a pregnant woman want to scratch her stomach, which can enhance the possibility of stretch marks. The oil also deeply moisturizes without a greasy feel and contains a quick-dry formula that leaves you clothing-ready and eliminates staining your garments.

The body oil contains argan kernel oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and bitter almond kernel oil, among other all-natural ingredients. The skincare line also includes a beauty mask, lip balm, C-section silicone patch, and kits for pregnant and newly postpartum moms.

As a mother to three boys, Lesa is passionate about helping other moms due to all the emotions and trials of welcoming and raising a child. Acknowledging the physical changes and possible postpartum depression that can come with welcoming a child, Lesa encourages new moms to give themselves the grace they deserve.

“It took nine months for that belly to grow and for me to grow this human and this perfect little baby. It’s going to take nine months or more” to lose the baby weight, Lesa says.

“I think a lot of women, we don’t give ourselves grace because we’re in this rush for perfection because that’s what we see online but honestly my advice to you is take your time, enjoy it. The baby weight’s going to go.”

Press play below for the full interview and catch The Real Housewives of Dubai Season 2 reunion on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo.

Mielle Organics, Founder, Products, Hair loss
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2024

Mielle Organics Founder Shuts Down Rumors That Products Cause Hair loss

Monique Rodriguez affirmed that the product formulas have not changed despite the company was sold to Procter & Gamble in 2023.

The founder of Mielle Organics is speaking out against allegations that her products cause hair loss.

Monique Rodriguez took to social media to address the viral backlash against her haircare line. In the video, Rodriguez affirmed that the formulas have not changed despite it being sold to Procter & Gamble in 2023. The Shade Room reshared footage of her statement.

“From the very beginning, authenticity and transparency have been at the core of what I do,” said the CEO. “Over the years we have had the privilege of serving millions of customers who have experienced wonderful results using our products…So when I made the decision to partner with P&G it was driven by my vision to take Mielle to new heights and become a global beauty brand. That vision remains as strong as ever today.”

She also emphasized that she is still at the helm of operations for Mielle, attempting to soothe wary customers fears about the once-beloved brand.

“So I want to be crystal clear that my involvement in Mielle, still as a CEO, is a personal choice,” Rodriguez said. “I am deeply committed, staying actively involved in every aspect of the brand…I poured my heart into every detail because this is my passion. Our products are created with healthy ingredients and they are formulated to deliver safe and effective results…If you have any doubts, I encourage you to explore our labels. From 2019 to 2024, you will see that there has been no formula changes.”

The response came out after beauty expert and influencer Danesha Mo’nek alleged that the brand’s rosemary and mint hair strengthening oil induced hair loss. Another influencer filmed her own response to the viral critique, claiming Mielle changed the ingredients due to the acquisition.

@laura_beautycoach @Danesha Mo'Nék I am so sorry this has happened to you. When we know better, we do better! #boycottmielleorganics #mielleorganics #mielleorganicshairproducts #hairloss #hairbreakage ♬ Spooky, quiet, scary atmosphere piano songs – Skittlegirl Sound

“The amount of people who have reached out to me personally, either in DMs or in the comment sections that said that they use Mielle products, and […] experience scalp irritations, or massive hair loss, or hair breakage, it’s insane,” explained Laura, a self-identifying beauty coach, in the video. “There is no other reason for this, except that when she sold out to Procter & Gamble, they changed the formula.”

Others swiftly chimed in across multiple social platforms that they had faced similar issues recently. The collective “cancellation” called for a boycott of Mielle’s product lines.

However, Rodriguez shut down the rumors that her products have changed for the worse. Supporters also called out those who are quick to boycott Black-owned companies for selling to bigger corporations.

“Why do yall only do this to Black business owners?,” questioned one commenter under the tabloid’s post. “The minute they make a money move and sell their business, yall immediately accuse them of ‘changing their formula’ without an ounce of proof and start making accusations! Shea Moisture, Carol’s Daughter, Mane Choice, Honey Pot and I am sure there are more! Meanwhile those same ‘white’ companies that bought them out own several other products that yall use but those are just fine?”

RELATED CONTENT: Mielle Organics Founder Opens Up About P&G Acquisition

unemployment, AI, Black women, jobs
by Daniel Johnson

September 9, 2024

Employers Pause Hiring Amid Recession Fears

Part of the reason for the trepidation of employers hinges on which presidential candidate will win the election in November.

Even though employers are eager to hire more workers, concerns about a potential recession and possible layoffs are causing them to pause their hiring plans.

According to CNN, August’s unemployment numbers went down to 4.2%, and in July, the number of job openings was at the lowest level since 2021. Part of the reason for the trepidation of employers hinges on which presidential candidate will win the election in November, as former president Donald J. Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have wildly different approaches to the economy. 

As it relates to Black workers, unemployment dipped to 6.1%, down slightly from July’s 6.3% rate. According to CNBC, Black men’s unemployment rates dropped sharply from 6.6% in July to 5.9% while Black women’s numbers remained static at 5.5%

According to Elise Gould, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute, the employment to population ratio, particularly for women workers, shows that the labor market is in a good place, despite the hiring freeze. 

“The employment-to-population ratio for women’s prime-age workers remains at a quarter-century high,” Gould told CNBC. “This remains very strong, even if there is still a little bit of softening in other measures. It makes sense we’ll see some weakness now that we’re approaching full employment.”

As it relates to the election, Trump has essentially promised to be an economic isolationist, and has floated the idea of proposing a 60% tariff increase on imports from China as well as a 10% tariff on goods imported from other countries. 

According to Vox, Trump’s economic plans would be a disaster for the recovery of the American economy from inflation and would likely make things much worse for the average consumer than what they are experiencing currently. In his crusade against imports, Trump’s reported desire to lower the strength of the dollar will have the effect of making prices more expensive for everyday Americans. 

As Eric Levitz warns in his conclusion, “Unfortunately, Trump’s proposals and their economic consequences appear to be largely lost on the American electorate, possibly because neither have attracted much media attention. If that does not change between now and November, the country could pay a heavy price.”

Vice President Harris’ plans for the economy, by contrast, have been praised by Goldman Sachs in a note they released to Reuters on Sept. 3. Like Levitz, Goldman Sachs believes a Trump win or a Republican-controlled Legislative branch would be a disaster for the economy. 

A campaign spokesperson for Vice President Harris released a statement to Salon following the release of the note, emphasizing the importance of a Harris win for Americans. 

“Vice President Harris has a positive vision to strengthen the economy by building up the middle class, cutting taxes and lowering costs for working families and small businesses, and creating opportunities for all Americans to get ahead,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “On the economy, the choice could not be any more clear this November.”

RELATED CONTENT: Americans More At Ease With News Of Slowing Inflation, Report

Ferlanda Fox Nixon, newark business
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2024

Black Woman Appointed CEO In Historic Newark Business Group Move

The Syracuse and Georgetown alum will begin her new role on Sept. 16.

The Newark Regional Business Partnership has marked the historic appointment of a Black woman as its president and CEO.

Ferlanda Fox Nixon will take over the position from Chip Hallock, who served as CEO for 25 years. According to Mosaic, Hallock spoke of his successor’s aptitude for the role in a statement released on Sept. 3.

“It is a pleasure to have Ferlanda take the reins,” expressed Hallock, who announced his retirement in April. “She is the consummate professional, and I am confident that she will successfully execute and expand on NRBP’s mission and vision. Her leadership will help continue to grow NRBP’s impact on and in the greater Newark business community.”

Prior to accepting the position, Nixon’s work background includes a career as a corporate attorney and an executive role within the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. In her own statement, she also recognized the historic nature of this appointment as the first Black person and woman. However, she emphasized that she was selected of her own merit and not race.

“I am excited and honored to join the Newark Regional Business Partnership team as president and CEO,” Nixon said. “Newark is a terrific regional business community with unlimited potential.”

She continued, “I believe the NRBP selected the person it deemed most qualified to lead and further the mission of the organization and that person happened to be an African-American woman.”

As head of the partnership, Nixon will lead the group that includes over 300 organizations, ranging from small business to nonprofits and educational institutions. Their mission aims to connect these businesses in New Jersey’s largest city. The partnership also promotes economic activity through policy and collaborative projects.

The Syracuse and Georgetown alum will begin her new role on Sept. 16. In the meantime, she will work alongside Hallock to transition into the CEO position.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Women Entrepreneurs Discuss The Impact Of Limiting DEI Funding For Businesses

Vice President Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, white dudes for Kamala, ad
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 9, 2024

Kamala Harris And Tim Walz To Kick Off ‘New Way Forward’ Tour After Debate

The tour will see Harris and Walz appear in key swing states, as well as a new advertisement.

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are officially hitting the road. The Democratic Presidential ticket will kick off their “New Way Forward” tour after the presidential debate on Sept. 10.

Harris and her running mate will begin traveling to multiple battleground states a few days after the highly-anticipated debate. According to The Hill, the vice president will take off following her address, on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

“This election is about two very different visions for our country,” Harris campaign communications director Michael Tyler said in a statement. “Donald Trump and JD Vance want to take us backward with their dangerous and extreme Project 2025 agenda. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz are fighting for a New Way Forward that protects our fundamental freedoms, strengthens our democracy, and ensures every person has the opportunity to not just get by, but to get ahead.”

However, the politicians seek to cover more ground as the tight race heats up, by heading to different areas separately. While Harris starts with appearances in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, Walz will venture to Nevada, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Moreover, the first gentleman and second lady-hopefuls will also be part of the campaign trail. The current second gentleman, Doug Emhoff, has plans to tour additional swing states, as does Gwen Walz. The states include Arizona, Georgia, New Hampshire, and Maine.

To accompany their travels, a new advertisement marking a “New Way Forward,” will also hit screens in these states. The commercial emphasizes Harris’ plans to ban price-gouging and increase housing options.

Tyler added, “With early voting about to begin and less than 60 days until Election Day, our campaign will take the vice president’s message directly to the voters wherever they are – on the airwaves, on the doors, and online. With so much at stake in this election, we are blitzing the battlegrounds and leaving it all out on the field.”

Harris’ plans may build momentum off her first debate with Trump in the ABC News event. However, there is no confirmation if another one will take place before the November election. Despite this, the “New Way Forward” Tour hopes to reach crucial voters as both parties battle to secure the presidency.

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Targets Black Voters With Ad Accusing ‘MAGA Loyalists’ Of Being Behind ‘Project 2025’

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