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Showing posts with label Black Enterprise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Black Enterprise. Show all posts

Thursday, October 29, 2020

Chadwick Boseman’s Brother Announces He Is In Remission From Cancer

For the Boseman family, still reeling from the death of actor Chadwick, good news is a welcome thing as his older brother Kevin, a dancer and choreographer, has recently announced that he is celebrating two years of being in remission from cancer according to theGrio.

On October 14, Kevin shared in an Instagram story that he was celebrating a second anniversary of being cancer-free. Earlier this year, on August 28, Kevin’s younger brother, the Black Panther‘s star, passed away. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016 and battled with it for four years as it progressed to stage IV. ⁣He died in his home, with his wife and family by his side.

Boseman had revealed that he was originally diagnosed with cancer back in 2018 and had to undergo four rounds of chemotherapy. He stated that he initially shared the diagnosis with only a select few people because of “boundaries.”

“I wanted to share because while it’s been a year of profound loss and tragedy for so many of us, this is good news. Something to smile about. Something to shout about,” Boseman said in the Instagram story he posted.

“I hope you’re smiling and shouting with me,” he added. “Cancer is something most of us have no control over. We can only control our responses to it, which includes being proactive about our healthcare both physically and mental.

“Tomorrow is not promised and early detection saves lives. Health is wealth. True wealth.”

Chadwick Boseman’s widow, Taylor Simone Ledward, had filed a petition for probate in Los Angeles. The actor, who was 43 when he lost his battle to colon cancer, died “intestate”—meaning he died without having a will.

Ledward, who quietly got married to Boseman amid his secret cancer battle, requested to be made an administrator of his estate. According to the documents that were filed, the estimated value of the assets subject to probate in Boseman’s estate is approximately $938,500. She is asking the court to name her administrator of the estate with “limited authority.”



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2HNytBm

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Sit Back, Relax and Stand Up For Girls!

By Hollie Harper

Although I was 26 when I first got into stand-up, the idea of making people laugh had been brewing inside of me for as far back as I can remember. Growing up, Joan Rivers was my idol,  and I would watch her performances every chance I got. While my family never fully understood my obsession, they supported me and even bought me one of her tapes for Christmas when I was 15. I wore that tape down and had every word of her monologues and jokes perfectly memorized, many of which still live with me today.

As I grew up, I spent every spare moment writing jokes. While working as a waitress I’d find myself writing jokes between taking orders and delivering food to my customers. Every situation was an opportunity to write something funny. My older sister was finally the one to push me to admit not only was this my passion, but also my future. 

This was scary for so many reasons. While Joan was my idol, she was the exception to the rule, as most comedians were men. Even less was my chance of seeing anyone who looked like me, a woman of color. My choices were to give up before I began or keep fighting and working for my place in the industry that I knew I deserved.

My once in a lifetime chance finally came one night while working as a waitress in a blues bar. The host didn’t show up for the open mic. Knowing this was my ‘do or die’ moment I decided to take my shot and in between taking orders and delivering drinks I manned the stage and this stand-up comedian was born.

Becoming a stand-up is a mixed blessing. I love connecting with the audience and making people laugh. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as seeing people having a good time because of what you’re doing. What I didn’t love was the feeling that stand-up comedy was a ‘Boys Club’. No matter how hard I worked I felt that I would never be part of that club, and after three years, I transitioned to sketch comedy. I spent the next ten years honing my craft and though I loved sketch comedy, my first true love was still stand-up.

I know they say that ‘lightning doesn’t strike twice’ but for me it actually did. At one of my sketch shows, the comedian was a no show and I once again couldn’t waste the opportunity and opened the show. I continued there for many years but still felt hesitant to call myself a stand-up until just five years ago when I got the courage to try out my jokes at an open mic for an important upcoming show and thought “I can do this!”

Two years ago, while discussing names of comics for a show a friend was shooting, he turned to me and said “What about you?” The faith he had in me was what I needed to go back to the platform I loved so dearly. 

Seeing more women, especially young women of color in stand-up is extremely important. No girl should ever think that there isn’t a place for her because of her gender, nor do I want to hear the phrase ‘women are just as funny as men’ ever again. It’s 2020, we can do whatever we want no matter our gender, race, sexuality or any other type of identifier, as long as we have the passion, talent and desire. However, many girls today are still being told they are not as funny just because they are girls, and unfortunately believe it. 

I found Stand Up! Girls 18 months ago when I was introduced to Bryn Bowen, a board member,  at the Black Women in Comedy Festival. I remember attending my first show and tearing up thinking about how I could have used this in 1985. It was not until I was in my late 20’s that I was able to finally see an all-female stand-up show. 

Stand Up! Girls is a nonprofit organization, founded by Holly Weiss, whose core mission is to educate, inspire and equip girls from underserved communities with the communication skills necessary to succeed in and lead male-dominated workplaces. Through developing and performing stand-up comedy, the girls gain confidence and learn to ‘own the room’. The hope is that by learning these skills at a young age, young girls will feel empowered to seek out positions of leadership in settings like a courtroom, operating room or boardroom.

It was a no brainer to say yes when I was offered the opportunity to become an instructor. It has been an honor to give these girls a chance to find their voice and mentor them as they hone in on their craft in a nurturing and welcoming environment. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch these girls transform into confident young ladies and our future leaders! 

Stand Up! Girls will be hosting a virtual fundraising event on October 29th at 7:30 pm EST. The fundraiser, Sit Back, Relax and Stand Up for Girls, consists of an at-home movie showing of All Joking Aside, followed by a Q&A hosted by award-winning comedian and writer, Judy Gold. 

The Q&A panel will include the film’s lead actress Raylene Harewood and director Shannon Harwood, Stand Up! Girls program participants from Cristo Rey H.S. (Brooklyn), Stuyvesant (Manhattan) and Democracy Prep (Harlem) and a group of female comedians including myself!

Topics to be discussed are female empowerment, gender bias, mentoring, and what we can learn from bombing on stage. 

Founded in 2018 by successful professional women and people of color, Stand Up! Girls has enrolled 30-50 girls a semester across New York City. Each program consists of 8-12 weeks of instruction and culminates in a performance showcase at a comedy club in NYC, and for now, on Zoom. To learn how to get involved, visit http://standupgirlsnyc.org

All Joking Aside will be available for rental and sale beginning November 13 on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and other major platforms.

By teaching girls stand-up comedy we teach them to tap into their voice, speak and be HEARD.

Because in the words of Kamala Harris, “Excuse me, I’m still talking.”



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/35Gh3Pu

Sit Back, Relax and Stand Up For Girls!

By Hollie Harper

Although I was 26 when I first got into stand-up, the idea of making people laugh had been brewing inside of me for as far back as I can remember. Growing up, Joan Rivers was my idol,  and I would watch her performances every chance I got. While my family never fully understood my obsession, they supported me and even bought me one of her tapes for Christmas when I was 15. I wore that tape down and had every word of her monologues and jokes perfectly memorized, many of which still live with me today.

As I grew up, I spent every spare moment writing jokes. While working as a waitress I’d find myself writing jokes between taking orders and delivering food to my customers. Every situation was an opportunity to write something funny. My older sister was finally the one to push me to admit not only was this my passion, but also my future. 

This was scary for so many reasons. While Joan was my idol, she was the exception to the rule, as most comedians were men. Even less was my chance of seeing anyone who looked like me, a woman of color. My choices were to give up before I began or keep fighting and working for my place in the industry that I knew I deserved.

My once in a lifetime chance finally came one night while working as a waitress in a blues bar. The host didn’t show up for the open mic. Knowing this was my ‘do or die’ moment I decided to take my shot and in between taking orders and delivering drinks I manned the stage and this stand-up comedian was born.

Becoming a stand-up is a mixed blessing. I love connecting with the audience and making people laugh. There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as seeing people having a good time because of what you’re doing. What I didn’t love was the feeling that stand-up comedy was a ‘Boys Club’. No matter how hard I worked I felt that I would never be part of that club, and after three years, I transitioned to sketch comedy. I spent the next ten years honing my craft and though I loved sketch comedy, my first true love was still stand-up.

I know they say that ‘lightning doesn’t strike twice’ but for me it actually did. At one of my sketch shows, the comedian was a no show and I once again couldn’t waste the opportunity and opened the show. I continued there for many years but still felt hesitant to call myself a stand-up until just five years ago when I got the courage to try out my jokes at an open mic for an important upcoming show and thought “I can do this!”

Two years ago, while discussing names of comics for a show a friend was shooting, he turned to me and said “What about you?” The faith he had in me was what I needed to go back to the platform I loved so dearly. 

Seeing more women, especially young women of color in stand-up is extremely important. No girl should ever think that there isn’t a place for her because of her gender, nor do I want to hear the phrase ‘women are just as funny as men’ ever again. It’s 2020, we can do whatever we want no matter our gender, race, sexuality or any other type of identifier, as long as we have the passion, talent and desire. However, many girls today are still being told they are not as funny just because they are girls, and unfortunately believe it. 

I found Stand Up! Girls 18 months ago when I was introduced to Bryn Bowen, a board member,  at the Black Women in Comedy Festival. I remember attending my first show and tearing up thinking about how I could have used this in 1985. It was not until I was in my late 20’s that I was able to finally see an all-female stand-up show. 

Stand Up! Girls is a nonprofit organization, founded by Holly Weiss, whose core mission is to educate, inspire and equip girls from underserved communities with the communication skills necessary to succeed in and lead male-dominated workplaces. Through developing and performing stand-up comedy, the girls gain confidence and learn to ‘own the room’. The hope is that by learning these skills at a young age, young girls will feel empowered to seek out positions of leadership in settings like a courtroom, operating room or boardroom.

It was a no brainer to say yes when I was offered the opportunity to become an instructor. It has been an honor to give these girls a chance to find their voice and mentor them as they hone in on their craft in a nurturing and welcoming environment. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch these girls transform into confident young ladies and our future leaders! 

Stand Up! Girls will be hosting a virtual fundraising event on October 29th at 7:30 pm EST. The fundraiser, Sit Back, Relax and Stand Up for Girls, consists of an at-home movie showing of All Joking Aside, followed by a Q&A hosted by award-winning comedian and writer, Judy Gold. 

The Q&A panel will include the film’s lead actress Raylene Harewood and director Shannon Harwood, Stand Up! Girls program participants from Cristo Rey H.S. (Brooklyn), Stuyvesant (Manhattan) and Democracy Prep (Harlem) and a group of female comedians including myself!

Topics to be discussed are female empowerment, gender bias, mentoring, and what we can learn from bombing on stage. 

Founded in 2018 by successful professional women and people of color, Stand Up! Girls has enrolled 30-50 girls a semester across New York City. Each program consists of 8-12 weeks of instruction and culminates in a performance showcase at a comedy club in NYC, and for now, on Zoom. To learn how to get involved, visit http://standupgirlsnyc.org

All Joking Aside will be available for rental and sale beginning November 13 on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and other major platforms.

By teaching girls stand-up comedy we teach them to tap into their voice, speak and be HEARD.

Because in the words of Kamala Harris, “Excuse me, I’m still talking.”



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/35Gh3Pu

Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Kamala Harris Calls President Trump A Racist

The presidential election is just a week away as voters are already lining up around the country to place their early ballots in what is being billed as one of the most important, if not, the most important presidential election. The battle to run the United States is between current Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden. 

With all the racial strife and protesting against racial injustice within the court system and the police departments across the country, the president has been accused many times over the course of his first term as leader of the free world of stoking racial fires by stirring up his base. Questions have always been directed at him asking why he doesn’t speak out against the white nationalists and white supremacy groups that support him as if he is one of their own.

In a 60 Minutes interview with CBS anchor, Norah O’Donnell, Sen. Kamala Harris, who is Joe Biden’s running mate, was asked directly by O’Donnell if she felt the president is racist.

“Do you think the president is racist?” asked O’Donnell.

“Yes, I do,” Harris responded. “Yeah. I do. You can look at a pattern that goes back to him questioning the identity of the first Black president of the United States.”

“You can look at Charlottesville, when there were peaceful protesters, and on the other side, neo-Nazis and he talks about fine people on either side. Calling Mexicans rapists and criminals. His first order of business was to institute a Muslim ban. It all speaks for itself.”

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3ozGTgz

Kamala Harris Calls President Trump A Racist

The presidential election is just a week away as voters are already lining up around the country to place their early ballots in what is being billed as one of the most important, if not, the most important presidential election. The battle to run the United States is between current Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden. 

With all the racial strife and protesting against racial injustice within the court system and the police departments across the country, the president has been accused many times over the course of his first term as leader of the free world of stoking racial fires by stirring up his base. Questions have always been directed at him asking why he doesn’t speak out against the white nationalists and white supremacy groups that support him as if he is one of their own.

In a 60 Minutes interview with CBS anchor, Norah O’Donnell, Sen. Kamala Harris, who is Joe Biden’s running mate, was asked directly by O’Donnell if she felt the president is racist.

“Do you think the president is racist?” asked O’Donnell.

“Yes, I do,” Harris responded. “Yeah. I do. You can look at a pattern that goes back to him questioning the identity of the first Black president of the United States.”

“You can look at Charlottesville, when there were peaceful protesters, and on the other side, neo-Nazis and he talks about fine people on either side. Calling Mexicans rapists and criminals. His first order of business was to institute a Muslim ban. It all speaks for itself.”

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3ozGTgz

Fatal Shooting Of Black Man In Philadelphia Sparks Protests Overnight

The shooting of a Black man in Philadelphia Monday night sparked protests and clashes between the police and residents.

The Black man was identified as Walter Wallace, who was killed during a confrontation Monday afternoon in West Philadelphia. According to reports, Wallace began threatening police with a knife. Video taken by citizens at the scene show cops telling Wallace to put the knife down as they backed into the street. Wallace follows them into the street. The two cops then shot Wallace killing him with a bevy of bullets.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and police commissioner Danielle Outlaw promised a full investigation in a joint statement on the incident.

“I have directed the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit to begin its investigation. I recognize that the video of the incident raises many questions,” Outlaw said in her statement. “Residents have my assurance that those questions will be fully addressed by the investigation. While at the scene this evening, I heard and felt the anger of the community. Everyone involved will forever be impacted. I will be leaning on what the investigation gleans to answer the many unanswered questions that exist. I also plan to join the Mayor in meeting with members of the community and members of Mr. Wallace’s family to hear their concerns as soon as it can be scheduled.”

Wallace’s father, Walter Wallace Sr., told the Philadelphia Inquirer his wife and Wallace’s mom was trying to defuse the situation before police shot him.

“Why didn’t they use a Taser?” Wallace Sr. asked the Inquirer. “His mother was trying to defuse the situation. He has mental issues,” Wallace Sr. said, adding that his son was on medication. “Why you have to gun him down?”

Philadelphia residents did not wait to express their anger. Citizens clashed with cops all night throwing rocks, bricks, and glass bottles at them. Fox 29, a local Philadelphia affiliate, reported 30 officers were injured in the riots. Most of the officers suffered minor injuries, but one female officer did break her leg after police said she was hit by a pickup truck.

Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton posted a video on Twitter of police being forced to retreat, saying “Philadelphia’s liberal prosecutor has abandoned his police and refuses to enforce the law.”

Protesters also set police cruisers and dumpsters on fire and local businesses, including a Foot Locker, which was broken into and vandalized. About 40 people in Philadelphia were arrested overnight for a slew of charges including looting and vandalism.

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3mtNbN7

Fatal Shooting Of Black Man In Philadelphia Sparks Protests Overnight

The shooting of a Black man in Philadelphia Monday night sparked protests and clashes between the police and residents.

The Black man was identified as Walter Wallace, who was killed during a confrontation Monday afternoon in West Philadelphia. According to reports, Wallace began threatening police with a knife. Video taken by citizens at the scene show cops telling Wallace to put the knife down as they backed into the street. Wallace follows them into the street. The two cops then shot Wallace killing him with a bevy of bullets.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and police commissioner Danielle Outlaw promised a full investigation in a joint statement on the incident.

“I have directed the Officer Involved Shooting Investigation Unit to begin its investigation. I recognize that the video of the incident raises many questions,” Outlaw said in her statement. “Residents have my assurance that those questions will be fully addressed by the investigation. While at the scene this evening, I heard and felt the anger of the community. Everyone involved will forever be impacted. I will be leaning on what the investigation gleans to answer the many unanswered questions that exist. I also plan to join the Mayor in meeting with members of the community and members of Mr. Wallace’s family to hear their concerns as soon as it can be scheduled.”

Wallace’s father, Walter Wallace Sr., told the Philadelphia Inquirer his wife and Wallace’s mom was trying to defuse the situation before police shot him.

“Why didn’t they use a Taser?” Wallace Sr. asked the Inquirer. “His mother was trying to defuse the situation. He has mental issues,” Wallace Sr. said, adding that his son was on medication. “Why you have to gun him down?”

Philadelphia residents did not wait to express their anger. Citizens clashed with cops all night throwing rocks, bricks, and glass bottles at them. Fox 29, a local Philadelphia affiliate, reported 30 officers were injured in the riots. Most of the officers suffered minor injuries, but one female officer did break her leg after police said she was hit by a pickup truck.

Arkansas Republican Tom Cotton posted a video on Twitter of police being forced to retreat, saying “Philadelphia’s liberal prosecutor has abandoned his police and refuses to enforce the law.”

Protesters also set police cruisers and dumpsters on fire and local businesses, including a Foot Locker, which was broken into and vandalized. About 40 people in Philadelphia were arrested overnight for a slew of charges including looting and vandalism.

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3mtNbN7

Monday, October 26, 2020

These Twin Sisters Graduated At The Top Of Their Doctoral Program

Obtaining a degree from an accredited college or university is no easy feat. Two twin sisters were always able to excel in their education together, now they are celebrating another milestone together—graduating at the top of their class in their doctoral program.

LaTonya and LaToya Harris made news back in 2010 when they graduated from high school as the top two students in their graduating class as reported by the Dallas Morning News. After high school, the Texas-born twins went on to earn their bachelor’s and master’s in sports management from UT Austin before continuing on to obtain their second master’s degree in clinical nutrition and their doctorate degrees in chiropractic medicine at Parker University in Dallas.

The sisters recall naturally wanting to accomplish their goals together growing up as they both cheered on the other to excel in their academic pursuits. “We don’t recall a time when we haven’t liked the same things. Our parents always left the decision up to us. They always wanted us to do what we wanted, and they never forced us to do anything the same. We both agree that we wouldn’t change anything about our journey because we understand that God planned it to happen exactly as it has, even if we didn’t,” the twins said in an interview with Because Of Them We Can.

“Your best friend gets to come to work with you every day. We are more efficient because we already know what each other is thinking,” the Harris sisters said to Because Of Them We Can. “We can just look at each other and know what needs to be said or done next. We make one another so much better.”

The sisters went on to say that their ultimate goal is to open their own clinic and create a scholarship for people of color pursuing careers in the medical field. “We feel we work much better together than apart,” the sisters added to Because Of Them We Can.

“We would love to have established our own practice in addition to a scholarship fund and mentorship program for minority doctors…We desperately want to help change the narrative of healthcare.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

✊🏾✊🏿✊🏽—Being #BlackAndExcellent runs in this family! In 2010, these Texas twins graduated high school as valedictorian and salutatorian and they’re set to do it again! They’ll be graduating this December with their second master’s in #ClinicalNutritian and their doctorate degrees in chiropractic medicine, nabbing the valedictorian and salutatorian honors for the second time..🙌🏽. — LaTonya and #LaToyaHarris are remarkable to say the least. They went to the same college, shared a dorm room, and got their bachelor’s and master’s in sports management from #UTAustin, and continued to #ParkerUniversity together. — Their mother, #GailHarris, took to social media to share how proud she and her husband are of their daughters, saying, “We are honored to be their parents.” — ☕..sip slow, stay ‘In the Know’ and follow @InTheKnowRadio for more #BlackNews.

A post shared by intheknowradio (@intheknowradio) on



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3kx2d3V

These Twin Sisters Graduated At The Top Of Their Doctoral Program

Obtaining a degree from an accredited college or university is no easy feat. Two twin sisters were always able to excel in their education together, now they are celebrating another milestone together—graduating at the top of their class in their doctoral program.

LaTonya and LaToya Harris made news back in 2010 when they graduated from high school as the top two students in their graduating class as reported by the Dallas Morning News. After high school, the Texas-born twins went on to earn their bachelor’s and master’s in sports management from UT Austin before continuing on to obtain their second master’s degree in clinical nutrition and their doctorate degrees in chiropractic medicine at Parker University in Dallas.

The sisters recall naturally wanting to accomplish their goals together growing up as they both cheered on the other to excel in their academic pursuits. “We don’t recall a time when we haven’t liked the same things. Our parents always left the decision up to us. They always wanted us to do what we wanted, and they never forced us to do anything the same. We both agree that we wouldn’t change anything about our journey because we understand that God planned it to happen exactly as it has, even if we didn’t,” the twins said in an interview with Because Of Them We Can.

“Your best friend gets to come to work with you every day. We are more efficient because we already know what each other is thinking,” the Harris sisters said to Because Of Them We Can. “We can just look at each other and know what needs to be said or done next. We make one another so much better.”

The sisters went on to say that their ultimate goal is to open their own clinic and create a scholarship for people of color pursuing careers in the medical field. “We feel we work much better together than apart,” the sisters added to Because Of Them We Can.

“We would love to have established our own practice in addition to a scholarship fund and mentorship program for minority doctors…We desperately want to help change the narrative of healthcare.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

✊🏾✊🏿✊🏽—Being #BlackAndExcellent runs in this family! In 2010, these Texas twins graduated high school as valedictorian and salutatorian and they’re set to do it again! They’ll be graduating this December with their second master’s in #ClinicalNutritian and their doctorate degrees in chiropractic medicine, nabbing the valedictorian and salutatorian honors for the second time..🙌🏽. — LaTonya and #LaToyaHarris are remarkable to say the least. They went to the same college, shared a dorm room, and got their bachelor’s and master’s in sports management from #UTAustin, and continued to #ParkerUniversity together. — Their mother, #GailHarris, took to social media to share how proud she and her husband are of their daughters, saying, “We are honored to be their parents.” — ☕..sip slow, stay ‘In the Know’ and follow @InTheKnowRadio for more #BlackNews.

A post shared by intheknowradio (@intheknowradio) on



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3kx2d3V

National Urban League Teams With Pepsi to Launch Black Restaurant Accelerator Program

Pepsi has announced that The National Urban League is launching the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program which is expected to boost approximately 500 Black-owned businesses over the next five years.

The PepsiCo Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to fund the program. The money will provide current and aspiring Black restaurateurs with access to the necessary capital, training, mentorship, and other services that are needed to run a successful business.

“This is a game-changing program that will provide Black restaurateurs with access to business-building resources tailored to meet their specific needs,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, in a written statement.

“Our understanding of the local business environment and community paired with subject matter expertise from PepsiCo team members will give business owners a leg up as they look to grow.”

Through National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers in 12 different cities spread across the United States, the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program will help Black entrepreneurs gain access to loans and capital that are not typically available due to biased community perceptions and gentrification challenges.

“This is a key component of the broader investments we’re making to bolster Black-owned restaurants and small businesses, which has never been more critical,” said Jon Banner, executive vice president of PepsiCo Global Communications and president of PepsiCo Foundation.

“We’re honored to build on the important work the National Urban League is doing to diminish the barriers that limit possibilities for Black-owned foodservice businesses and create economic mobility that propels individuals and communities.”

Starting in the first quarter of 2021, the National Urban League will start accepting applications for the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program. Black restaurateurs who are interested in receiving updates for the program can go follow this link. You can learn more about Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers and other workforce development programs by visiting NUL.org.



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3jueLbb

National Urban League Teams With Pepsi to Launch Black Restaurant Accelerator Program

Pepsi has announced that The National Urban League is launching the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program which is expected to boost approximately 500 Black-owned businesses over the next five years.

The PepsiCo Foundation is providing a $10 million grant to fund the program. The money will provide current and aspiring Black restaurateurs with access to the necessary capital, training, mentorship, and other services that are needed to run a successful business.

“This is a game-changing program that will provide Black restaurateurs with access to business-building resources tailored to meet their specific needs,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League, in a written statement.

“Our understanding of the local business environment and community paired with subject matter expertise from PepsiCo team members will give business owners a leg up as they look to grow.”

Through National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers in 12 different cities spread across the United States, the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program will help Black entrepreneurs gain access to loans and capital that are not typically available due to biased community perceptions and gentrification challenges.

“This is a key component of the broader investments we’re making to bolster Black-owned restaurants and small businesses, which has never been more critical,” said Jon Banner, executive vice president of PepsiCo Global Communications and president of PepsiCo Foundation.

“We’re honored to build on the important work the National Urban League is doing to diminish the barriers that limit possibilities for Black-owned foodservice businesses and create economic mobility that propels individuals and communities.”

Starting in the first quarter of 2021, the National Urban League will start accepting applications for the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program. Black restaurateurs who are interested in receiving updates for the program can go follow this link. You can learn more about Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers and other workforce development programs by visiting NUL.org.



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3jueLbb

Discover the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Business With This $30 Bundle

Technology has made it easier than ever to launch your own business. However, the digital world also presents business owners with a number of challenges. For one, online businesses need to use social media in order to gain brand recognition. It’s not as simple as creating a Facebook page and calling it a day, either.

You need to learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and social media in order for your business to thrive. However, choosing the right platforms for your business is important. For example, if your company offers B2B services, you definitely won’t be hitting the mark with a TikTok account. Luckily, the 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle contains all of the knowledge you need to create a winning social media strategy that attracts customers to your brand. This bundle normally costs $2,093, but you can purchase it today for $29.99, or 98% off.

The 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle features seven courses on how to effectively use the most popular social media platforms available to businesses. The first course you should tackle is the Social Media Strategy course. It illustrates why social media is important for online business. Also, it helps you determine which platform to use based on your target audience. And ultimately helps you create a social media strategy to reach your marketing goals.

Once you have a solid foundation for social media, you can choose the right platform for your business. The Facebook Marketing and Facebook Advertising courses are great introductions to Facebook that will teach you how to create and optimize your Page while creating engaging ad campaigns. The LinkedIn Marketing course offers similar insights with specific tips on how to grow your network and maximize your reach.

Most online businesses use social media to reach their audience, but most aren’t using them effectively. If you want to create a social media strategy that attracts and engages the right audience, you need to learn how to use the right platforms, and the 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle can teach you how for just $29.99.

 


Sponsored content



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2HCJgyL

Discover the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Business With This $30 Bundle

Technology has made it easier than ever to launch your own business. However, the digital world also presents business owners with a number of challenges. For one, online businesses need to use social media in order to gain brand recognition. It’s not as simple as creating a Facebook page and calling it a day, either.

You need to learn the fundamentals of digital marketing and social media in order for your business to thrive. However, choosing the right platforms for your business is important. For example, if your company offers B2B services, you definitely won’t be hitting the mark with a TikTok account. Luckily, the 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle contains all of the knowledge you need to create a winning social media strategy that attracts customers to your brand. This bundle normally costs $2,093, but you can purchase it today for $29.99, or 98% off.

The 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle features seven courses on how to effectively use the most popular social media platforms available to businesses. The first course you should tackle is the Social Media Strategy course. It illustrates why social media is important for online business. Also, it helps you determine which platform to use based on your target audience. And ultimately helps you create a social media strategy to reach your marketing goals.

Once you have a solid foundation for social media, you can choose the right platform for your business. The Facebook Marketing and Facebook Advertising courses are great introductions to Facebook that will teach you how to create and optimize your Page while creating engaging ad campaigns. The LinkedIn Marketing course offers similar insights with specific tips on how to grow your network and maximize your reach.

Most online businesses use social media to reach their audience, but most aren’t using them effectively. If you want to create a social media strategy that attracts and engages the right audience, you need to learn how to use the right platforms, and the 2020 Social Media Marketing Bootcamp Certification Bundle can teach you how for just $29.99.

 


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from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2HCJgyL

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Indiana Barber Turns Tragedy to Triumph, Then Turns It All Into a Talk Show

Growing up in the then-murder capital of America, Gary, Indiana, local barber turned talk show host Jamie McGrone knows all too well what it means to have to turn tragedy into triumph. Although he grew up in a loving, large family, he understood that nothing would be given to him. He would have to earn it.

McGrone decided to step out on faith and create a platform where other business owners and everyday people could share their stories on how they have survived life’s most damnable moments.

“Living your most incredible life is a choice,” says McGrone.v

We had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with McGrone.

Please tell us about your new talk show?

I’m so excited about my talk show, That’s Why I’m Here. I created this platform because I wanted to give people the opportunity to come and tell their story of how they turned tragedy into triumph. It was for those who may have never got a chance to be bold and be vocal about life’s traumatic events and to talk about their brokenness in the midst of people who were there for support as well. I saw the need for broken men and women to be restored through life, love, and relationships and I wanted every guest and my viewing audience to get to the greatest part of life.

What is it you want people to take away from being on your show/watching your show?

I want my guests and my viewing audience to be motivated and inspired to do something greater with their lives. I want to touch the hearts of people because at the end of the day, it’s all about living your best life. And you get to define what that is.

What is next for Jamie McGrone for the rest of the 2020?

Well, I’m ending the year with a red carpet premiere for the media world, giving them an opportunity to see what I have created and why television needs this platform. It’s entitled, “The Oscars in November” and I am looking to have a blast. Also, I’ll be filming more episodes for the 2021 season.

What can people expect from you in 2021?

In 2021, I expect my talk show to be well on its way for its introduction to the media world and to be on pace to change the face of television one episode at a time. I expect to help my guests get to their greatest part of life and begin to live life beautiful.


Dr. Jessica Mosley is a serial entrepreneur who loves teaching fellow CEO women how to show up in their truth & power. As Steward Owner of MizCEO Entrepreneurial Media Brand, Sovereign Care Home Care, Sovereign Care Medical Training Center, and Deborah’s Place for Battered Women, Jessica is busy making moves that impact her community & those connected to her.

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/34s0sQf

Indiana Barber Turns Tragedy to Triumph, Then Turns It All Into a Talk Show

Growing up in the then-murder capital of America, Gary, Indiana, local barber turned talk show host Jamie McGrone knows all too well what it means to have to turn tragedy into triumph. Although he grew up in a loving, large family, he understood that nothing would be given to him. He would have to earn it.

McGrone decided to step out on faith and create a platform where other business owners and everyday people could share their stories on how they have survived life’s most damnable moments.

“Living your most incredible life is a choice,” says McGrone.v

We had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with McGrone.

Please tell us about your new talk show?

I’m so excited about my talk show, That’s Why I’m Here. I created this platform because I wanted to give people the opportunity to come and tell their story of how they turned tragedy into triumph. It was for those who may have never got a chance to be bold and be vocal about life’s traumatic events and to talk about their brokenness in the midst of people who were there for support as well. I saw the need for broken men and women to be restored through life, love, and relationships and I wanted every guest and my viewing audience to get to the greatest part of life.

What is it you want people to take away from being on your show/watching your show?

I want my guests and my viewing audience to be motivated and inspired to do something greater with their lives. I want to touch the hearts of people because at the end of the day, it’s all about living your best life. And you get to define what that is.

What is next for Jamie McGrone for the rest of the 2020?

Well, I’m ending the year with a red carpet premiere for the media world, giving them an opportunity to see what I have created and why television needs this platform. It’s entitled, “The Oscars in November” and I am looking to have a blast. Also, I’ll be filming more episodes for the 2021 season.

What can people expect from you in 2021?

In 2021, I expect my talk show to be well on its way for its introduction to the media world and to be on pace to change the face of television one episode at a time. I expect to help my guests get to their greatest part of life and begin to live life beautiful.


Dr. Jessica Mosley is a serial entrepreneur who loves teaching fellow CEO women how to show up in their truth & power. As Steward Owner of MizCEO Entrepreneurial Media Brand, Sovereign Care Home Care, Sovereign Care Medical Training Center, and Deborah’s Place for Battered Women, Jessica is busy making moves that impact her community & those connected to her.

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/34s0sQf

Friday, October 23, 2020

Lena Waithe, Laverne Cox, and the Cast of Hulu’s ‘Bad Hair’ on the Politics of Black Hair

Just in time for Halloween, Justin Simien, the writer and director best know for the TV series and movie “Dear White People,” released a new project that has turned the pressures Black women face to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards into a satirical horror film. Titled “Bad Hair,” the film follows the story of Anna played by Elle Lorraine who succumbs to the hair discrimination Black women commonly face at work and ends up getting a weave from hell — literally.

The film takes place in 1989 as Anna pursues her dream of becoming a VJ at a Black music video TV network. However, she realizes that her natural coils are standing in the way of her aspirations after her manager, a light-skinned, straight-haired woman played by Vanessa Williams, encourages her to adopt a more white-friendly appearance. As a result, she reluctantly gets a weave, which turns out to be possessed by a demonic force. The evil weave becomes more than just the film’s antagonist: it’s a metaphoric symbol of the generations of oppression Black women have faced in lieu of white beauty norms.

“This young woman is incredible at her job. She has all the tools,” said Lorraine ahead of the film’s release on Hulu on October 23 to, BLACK ENTERPRISE. “But somehow she is not able to be seen because she’s not meeting this standard according to other people’s ideas of beauty.”

The Insecure star also admitted that she, too, still feels pressured by the same social stigmas. “There are times I question how I should look at an audition if they’re able to see past what my hair looks like and see what I’m giving and the work that I put in.”

Actress and LGBTQIA+ activist Laverne Cox said the film emphasizes the compromise Black women have had to make to their identities in order to get ahead. “Bad Hair is about the horror of white supremacy intersecting with the horror of capitalism.”

Waithe added, “This is Justin’s love letter really — a scary, funny love letter — to Black women and what they go through, particularly in the workplace.”

Watch Lena Waithe, Elle Lorraine, Laverne Cox, Blair Underwood, and Jay Pharoah open up about “Bad Hair” in the video below.




from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2TnBpaq

Lena Waithe, Laverne Cox, and the Cast of Hulu’s ‘Bad Hair’ on the Politics of Black Hair

Just in time for Halloween, Justin Simien, the writer and director best know for the TV series and movie “Dear White People,” released a new project that has turned the pressures Black women face to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards into a satirical horror film. Titled “Bad Hair,” the film follows the story of Anna played by Elle Lorraine who she succumbs to the hair discrimination Black women commonly face at work and ends up getting a weave from hell — literally.

The film takes place in 1989 as Anna pursues her dream of becoming a VJ at a Black music video TV network. However, she realizes that her natural coils are standing in the way of her aspirations after her manager, a light-skinned, straight-haired woman played by Vanessa Williams, encourages her to adopt a more white-friendly appearance. As a result, she reluctantly gets a weave, which turns out to be possessed by a demonic force. The evil weave becomes more than just the film’s antagonist: it’s a metaphoric symbol of the generations of oppression Black women have faced in lieu of white beauty norms.

“This young woman is incredible at her job. She has all the tools,” said Lorraine ahead of the film’s release on Hulu on October 23 to, BLACK ENTERPRISE. “But somehow she is not able to be seen because she’s not meeting this standard according to other people’s ideas of beauty.”

The Insecure star also admitted that she, too, still feels pressured by the same social stigmas. “There are times I question how I should look at an audition if they’re able to see past what my hair looks like and see what I’m giving and the work that I put in.”

Actress and LGBTQIA+ activist Laverne Cox said the film emphasizes the compromise Black women have had to make to their identities in order to get ahead. “Bad Hair is about the horror of white supremacy intersecting with the horror of capitalism.”

Waithe added, “This is Justin’s love letter really — a scary, funny love letter — to Black women and what they go through, particularly in the workplace.”

Watch Lena Waithe, Elle Lorraine, Laverne Cox, Blair Underwood, and Jay Pharoah open up about “Bad Hair” in the video below.




from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/2TnBpaq

Highlights From the 2020 Black Men XCEL Virtual Summit

Thousands of participants joined BLACK ENTERPRISE for the 4th annual Black Men XCEL Summit, which featured a variety of sessions, workshops, coaching, and virtual activities designed to train, equip, develop, and inspire Black men across a broad array of endeavors.

Sponsored by FedEx Express, Black Men XCEL (BMX) was created to provide Black men with the tools and resources needed to advance in their respective careers and industries as well as acquire generational wealth and maintain mental wellbeing. Participants were also granted access to some of today’s most successful business leaders like Walker Co. & Brands founder and CEO Tristan Walker, athletes like former NFL player Tiki Barber, and executives like PayPal Head of Global Financial Compliance Investigations Art Taylor. Furthermore, the summit, which was also facilitated in partnership with presenting sponsors AT&T and JPMorgan Chase, provided attendees with the opportunity to conduct live chats with speakers, experts, and mentors.

“The motto for this year’s BMX is celebrating the best of who we are,” said BLACK ENTERPRISE President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. in his opening remarks. “It is a celebration of Black men’s collective achievement, resolve, and resilience during one of the most challenging periods of our history. We meet under the cloud of COVID-19 and a crippled economy. We are nearing the end of a divisive, racially-charged election, and Black men are under assault at all levels.”

Thriving Amid COVID

 

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Walker Co. & Brands founder and CEO Tristan Walker kicked off the summit with a powerful session about how he built and positioned Walker Co. & Brands for its merger with Procter & Gamble. Walker, who went from a Twitter intern to serving on the corporate boards of Footlocker and Shake Shack, also opened up about how his company has grown amid COVID.

“The reason why I think we’ve been able to thrive as Walker and Company is because we had established that relationship from the very beginning. We were digitally native from the very beginning. So by the time COVID hit, we were prepared for this outcome,” said Walker.

At another point during his session, he admitted that if his company would have likely run out of money if it was not acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2018.

Turning Trials Into Triumph

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick opened up about his road to redemption following his 21-month prison sentence in 2007 for his involvement in a dogfighting ring during a panel about empowering the next generation of Black men.

“When I came home from prison, I felt the pressure. I felt like I was living in a bubble,” admitted the FOX Sports analyst and activist about the notorious incident which overshadowed the rest his football career.

However, rather than succumbing to the pressure he felt, Vick says he used the tools he developed behind bars to help him persevere.

“I set goals while I was in prison. I accomplished almost everything that I wanted to accomplish and then some. That right there was the ultimate confirmation that I could do anything that I wanted to do in my life.”

Vick added that now he uses the adversity he’s overcome as a teachable moment for younger Black men and women.

“I preach a hard message when talking to the youth in terms of responsibility, character, your beliefs, values, and morals,” said the NFL legend. “I try to explain to young men and women the hurt and the anguish that I’ve experienced to grow stronger and to get to where I am today. I want my message to be, at all cost, you’re not going to go through life perfect, there are going to be some ups and downs, but it’s all in how you persevere.”

Black Men and the Ballot

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder stressed the importance of exercising the right to vote and overcoming voter suppression during his appearance. He also urged young people, in particular, to make their voices heard at the polls.

“For young people who are disillusioned or who don’t trust the system, take it from one who is a little older and has experienced a lot, your future is on the ballot. And the world that you want to live in is on the ballot,” Holder told BLACK ENTERPRISE SVP and Chief Content Officer Derek T. Dingle. “If you want to shape that world, you have to participate in that process by voting on November 3. But then you have to continue to be involved in a civic way and do the things that people before have done. Fight for not only your generation but for generations that will come after you.”

Building Wealth That Last


In a panel sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, Barber, the former NFL running back who spent 10 seasons with the New York Giants and the co-founder of Thuzio, shared one of the biggest financial mistakes he made during his career.

“The worst mistake I made personally was I bought a very expensive apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was over $6 million. I had been around for a very long time, but the timing was wrong in the market. And I didn’t look at the market. I didn’t look at the economic trends,” he admitted. “And we know what happened in 2008, the world corrected itself.”

Not only did he lose money on his property, but he then went through a divorce two years later. “Everything started compounding,” he added. “Timing absolutely matters when you’re making large purchases like that.”

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3kpZYzj

Highlights From the 2020 Black Men XCEL Virtual Summit

Thousands of participants joined BLACK ENTERPRISE for the 4th annual Black Men XCEL Summit, which featured a variety of sessions, workshops, coaching, and virtual activities designed to train, equip, develop, and inspire Black men across a broad array of endeavors.

Sponsored by FedEx Express, Black Men XCEL (BMX) was created to provide Black men with the tools and resources needed to advance in their respective careers and industries as well as acquire generational wealth and maintain mental wellbeing. Participants were also granted access to some of today’s most successful business leaders like Walker Co. & Brands founder and CEO Tristan Walker, athletes like former NFL player Tiki Barber, and executives like PayPal Head of Global Financial Compliance Investigations Art Taylor. Furthermore, the summit, which was also facilitated in partnership with presenting sponsors AT&T and JPMorgan Chase, provided attendees with the opportunity to conduct live chats with speakers, experts, and mentors.

“The motto for this year’s BMX is celebrating the best of who we are,” said BLACK ENTERPRISE President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. in his opening remarks. “It is a celebration of Black men’s collective achievement, resolve, and resilience during one of the most challenging periods of our history. We meet under the cloud of COVID-19 and a crippled economy. We are nearing the end of a divisive, racially-charged election, and Black men are under assault at all levels.”

Thriving Amid COVID

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) on

Walker Co. & Brands founder and CEO Tristan Walker kicked off the summit with a powerful session about how he built and positioned Walker Co. & Brands for its merger with Procter & Gamble. Walker, who went from a Twitter intern to serving on the corporate boards of Footlocker and Shake Shack, also opened up about how his company has grown amid COVID.

“The reason why I think we’ve been able to thrive as Walker and Company is because we had established that relationship from the very beginning. We were digitally native from the very beginning. So by the time COVID hit, we were prepared for this outcome,” said Walker.

At another point during his session, he admitted that if his company would have likely run out of money if it was not acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2018.

Turning Trials Into Triumph

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick opened up about his road to redemption following his 21-month prison sentence in 2007 for his involvement in a dogfighting ring during a panel about empowering the next generation of Black men.

“When I came home from prison, I felt the pressure. I felt like I was living in a bubble,” admitted the FOX Sports analyst and activist about the notorious incident which overshadowed the rest his football career.

However, rather than succumbing to the pressure he felt, Vick says he used the tools he developed behind bars to help him persevere.

“I set goals while I was in prison. I accomplished almost everything that I wanted to accomplish and then some. That right there was the ultimate confirmation that I could do anything that I wanted to do in my life.”

Vick added that now he uses the adversity he’s overcome as a teachable moment for younger Black men and women.

“I preach a hard message when talking to the youth in terms of responsibility, character, your beliefs, values, and morals,” said the NFL legend. “I try to explain to young men and women the hurt and the anguish that I’ve experienced to grow stronger and to get to where I am today. I want my message to be, at all cost, you’re not going to go through life perfect, there are going to be some ups and downs, but it’s all in how you persevere.”

Black Men and the Ballot

Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder stressed the importance of exercising the right to vote and overcoming voter suppression during his appearance. He also urged young people, in particular, to make their voices heard at the polls.

“For young people who are disillusioned or who don’t trust the system, take it from one who is a little older and has experienced a lot, your future is on the ballot. And the world that you want to live in is on the ballot,” Holder told BLACK ENTERPRISE SVP and Chief Content Officer Derek T. Dingle. “If you want to shape that world, you have to participate in that process by voting on November 3. But then you have to continue to be involved in a civic way and do the things that people before have done. Fight for not only your generation but for generations that will come after you.”

Building Wealth That Last


In a panel sponsored by JP Morgan Chase, Barber, the former NFL running back who spent 10 seasons with the New York Giants and the co-founder of Thuzio, shared one of the biggest financial mistakes he made during his career.

“The worst mistake I made personally was I bought a very expensive apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was over $6 million. I had been around for a very long time, but the timing was wrong in the market. And I didn’t look at the market. I didn’t look at the economic trends,” he admitted. “And we know what happened in 2008, the world corrected itself.”

Not only did he lose money on his property, but he then went through a divorce two years later. “Everything started compounding,” he added. “Timing absolutely matters when you’re making large purchases like that.”

 



from Black Enterprise https://ift.tt/3kpZYzj

Black Faith

  • Who are you? - Ever since I saw the first preview of the movie, Overcomer, I wanted to see it. I was ready. Pumped. The release month was etched in my mind. When the time...
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Pride & Prejudice: Exploring Black LGBTQ+ Histories and Cultures

  In the rich tapestry of history, the threads of Black LGBTQ+ narratives have often been overlooked. This journey into their stories is an ...