Michael B. Jordan Raises Money For Black Women’s Health With Sneaker Raffle

Black women experience unique challenges when it comes to accessing proper healthcare and actor Michael B. Jordan wants to help.

The Black Panther star partnered with style platform GOAT for an exclusive sneaker raffle to raise funds for GirlTrek, the nation’s largest public health nonprofit dedicated to Black girls and women.

The sneakers–custom fits inspired by Jordan’s favorite movies — including The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coming To America, and The Last Dragon — are crafted by Los Angeles designer the Shoe Surgeon.

“I’ve loved sneakers since I was a kid and there are so many people in the sneaker community that inspire me. Coming up at a time where I couldn’t afford all these kicks, I would use my imagination to think about what my sneaker would look like if I had a chance to build it,” said Jordan in a press statement. 

“Knowing that designing a pair of kicks has always been something I wanted to do, my best friend Sterling Brim introduced me to the Shoe Surgeon, who provided me with an opportunity to combine my passion for sneakers and film and design some incredible sneakers inspired by some of my favorite movies. I’m excited to partner with GOAT to showcase my custom kicks to a community that loves sneakers as much as I do. More importantly, I’m excited to help bring awareness to the health movement amongst African American women, a cause that’s close to me and my family.”

The raffle ended on September 27 with the winners expected to be announced on September 28 through the GOAT app. The proceeds will go toward initiatives targeting to help Black girls and women with access to quality healthcare.

“At GirlTrek, we lace up our sneakers and walk each day as a declaration of self-care. So, we’re beyond thrilled that Michael B. Jordan recognizes the beauty and power of Black women walking in the direction of our [happiest, healthiest] lives,” said Jewel Bush, GirlTrek’s chief of external affairs, in a statement. 

“As the largest health movement for Black women in the country, it truly is a gift when Black men are passionate about Black women’s health and ready to join us on the frontlines,” she added.

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16-Year-Old Entrepreneur Makes History, Opens Beauty Supply Shop In Brooklyn

At the age of 16, Paris McKenzie has opened her own beauty supply shop called Paris Beauty Supplyz in Brooklyn, New York, making her the youngest person to ever do so. Already equipped with a lot of business experience, she has so far been running the business smoothly.

Over the years, Paris has been racking up knowledge in business while she was assisting her mother, Senica Thompson, in running her businesses, a boutique and a salon near where her new beauty supply shop is now located.

“I’ve been helping my mom run her business since I was very, very young. So I know how to handle finances and how to market products in the store,” Paris told CBS News. “I had enough money saved to invest in this.”

Despite her young age, she also earned the respect of her relatively older staff including 22-year old Giselle Ashby who said, “Paris, she’s like a little sister to me. I respect her. It’s fun.”

Aside from being an entrepreneur, Paris, who is a straight-A student, also plans to major in pre-med to achieve her dream of being an orthopedic pediatric surgeon. She is an incoming junior year high school student and is already taking college courses. She is a busy teenager but she doesn’t forget to enjoy from time to time.

“I don’t really have any more free time, but when I do, I try to go out with my friends,” said Paris. “Walking in here every morning, it makes me feel awesome.”

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

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Black Woman Entrepreneur Owns Two 7-Eleven Stores Right Across the Street From Each Other

Meet Alyson Rae Lawson, the CEO and founder of RaeLawson Enterprise LLC, a franchisee/operator of two 7-Eleven convenience stores with gas stations that are located right across the street from each other in Arlington, Texas. She is the only African American in her city to have accomplished this.

Originally from Dallas, Alyson is an HBCU graduate who earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Hampton University and later, her Master of Business Administration from Texas A&M University.

She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a franchisee because her father franchised three McDonald’s in the Oak Cliff area when she was younger. By the age of 30, she herself was a 7-Eleven franchisee with not just one, but two locations.

She recently made history after partnering with a Black-owned wine brand whose products continue to sell out in her stores.

Challenges along the way

“It is never an easy road to being an entrepreneur,” Alyson told Voyage Dallas. “Although 7-Eleven waves the purchasing fees, I was still left with the franchising fees and other costs that are associated with promoting my own business. It is always difficult financially beginning your own business.”

She says that she believes the biggest struggle when having a business is employment. She comments, “In this industry, it is a challenge finding the best help and longevity because although I am there most of the day, I have to be able to trust my staff when I am not there. So the hiring process is very tedious and selective.”

She also says that there are new challenges every day, but nonetheless, she describes herself as a team-oriented leader who combines motivation, drive, and the ability to adapt to various opportunities and work assignments. She says that she anticipates and readily accepts challenges.

In addition to running her 7-Eleven franchises, she is also a motivational speaker that empowers high school and college students.

The article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

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Trump Attempts To Woo Black Voters With ‘Platinum Plan’

President Trump is making his most significant effort to woo Black voters with what he calls his “Platinum Plan” for Black economic empowerment at a campaign event in Atlanta.

The Trump campaign released its plan Friday to coincide with the event. Trump’s Platinum Plan includes a $500 billoion investiment in Black communities across the country, increasing access to capital to fuel Black owned Busineeses, a tax cut, increased education opportunities, lowering the cost of healthcare, making Juneteenth a National Holiday, prosecuting the KKK and ANTIFA as terrorist organizations and making lynching a national hate crime.

“President Trump’s return to Atlanta, GA will lay out his second term vision for Black America. Capitalizing off a successful first term of unprecedented accomplishments for the Black community, the Black Economic Empowerment-Platinum Plan, is a gamechanger for Black Americans and will lead to historic opportunities, security, prosperity and fairness for all Black Americans. President Trump made the Black community a priority in his 4 years in office while Joe Biden spent 47 years creating and supporting policies that destroyed Black families, communities and generational wealth,” Paris Dennard. senior communications advisor for Black media affairs said in a statement.

Additionally, the Platinum Plan will also create 3 million new jobs for the Black community, create 500,000 new Black owned busineeses, access to better education and job training opportunities and a committment to a Second Step Act, among other initatives.

President Trump, who won 8% of the Black vote in 2016, has had a contentious first term with Black voters. During his first term, Black voters have watched Trump praise the Charlottesville protesters, call Colin Kaepernick and other NFL player protesting protesting police brutality  “disgraceful,” call the Black Lives Matter mural in New York “a symbol of hate” and praise police officers in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed.

Many movements by Black Americans over the past year, including National Black Voter Day have been movements towards signing up more Black voters in order to defeat President Trump and push Black Americans to enter politics.

Trump does have a group of Black supporters who believe that he is fighting for their causes and the Dmerocratic Party has negliected and ignored the cries of Black Americans.

“Though Black Americans have traditionally been shut out of opportunities to grow our own businesses and create generational wealth, President Trump is working hard to give us access to the American Dream,” said K. Carl Smith, Black Voices for Trump Advisory Board Member said in the Trump release. “Unlike career politicians like Joe Biden, President Trump is a businessman and understands that pride, community, and dedication are built through entrepreneurship.

More detailed information on Trump’s Platinum Plan will be released in the coming days.

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Texas Teacher Fired For Refusing To Stop Wearing Black Lives Matter Mask

Texas teacher Lillian White was terminated from her position in Great Hearts Western Hills because she continued to wear a Black Lives Matter mask after being asked to stop.

White says that she wore facial masks with slogans from the Black Lives Matter movement and that she was asked by the assistant principal to stop wearing those types of masks. When she refused, she was terminated from her role.

“It was stressful because I have a financial obligation to help support my family,” White told KENS5 News. “It’s also kind of heartbreaking that this is the kind of—this is the reason that I lost my job,” she continued.

“This is human rights and it should be something that is promoted at our school. It’s an excuse to not talk about it by saying this is politics, talk about it on your own time. It’s just an excuse because they’re uncomfortable with the conversation,” White said.

Superintendent Daniel Scoggin said in a statement that “Great Hearts respects the privacy of all current and former employees and as a result does not issue a public comment on specific personnel matters. On the question related to face coverings, Great Hearts enacted, in this unprecedented pandemic environment, a policy that faces coverings have no external messages. This policy was authored by school leaders and teachers in service to the learning environment of our classrooms.

“Great Hearts was founded and exists today to serve the innate dignity and worth of every human being. We stand with the Black community and all who are suffering. Great Hearts deplores bigotry and its crushing effects on all those subjected to it,” Scoggin continued.

“Great Hearts is committed to an America where racism, violence, and injustice do not happen because such acts find no home in the hearts of a great people.”

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Highlights From the Black Enterprise Women of Power Tech Summit

Hundreds of women were empowered with the tools, insight, and knowledge needed to thrive in various tech-driven industries at the BLACK ENTERPRISE inaugural Women of Power Tech virtual summit this week.

The two-day digital conference included an all-star lineup of dynamic speakers, executives, and Silicon Valley leaders who opened up about their climb to the top of the industry during a variety of sessions, panels, and workshops. Hosted by Ally, Women of Power Tech also included professional coaching to help Black women identify new trends and opportunities and gain new skills.

Here are some of the highlights.

Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John on Career Transitions

Netflix Global Chief Marketing Officer Bozoma Saint John offered a masterclass of information for women looking to power through or to pivot in tech. During a keynote conversation hosted by Ally with Women of Power Chief Brand Officer Caroline V. Clarke, the marketing superstar shared her story about navigating in Silicon Valley, salary negotiation tips, and turning unique experiences into a story of success.

“Advice that I have for us, and for Black women, in particular, is that we actually have to own our unique ability and our unique experiences–and tout them,” said the marketing executive extraordinaire.

Saint John also talked about the various transitions she’s made throughout her 20-year marketing career, which includes serving in C-suite positions at Endeavor, Uber, Apple Music, and Pepsi-Cola North America.

“I would not say that transitions are ever easy,” she said. “I had to be able to figure out what was going to work for me, what I needed to do in order to advance and to grow because sometimes I couldn’t find those opportunities in the jobs that I was in or at the companies I was in.”

 

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Apple VP of Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson on Knowing When to Exit 

During another keynote session, Lisa Jackson, the vice president of environment, policy, and social Initiatives at Apple, talked about the importance of knowing your worth in the workplace. The tech veteran also shared insights on when and how to pivot in your career.

“You can do a lot of things on your own, you can put up with a lot…But if your evaluation leads you to believe that you do not have a supportive management structure, you are probably in the wrong place,” said Jackson. She also advised viewers to trust their gut when decided when to make a new career move.

“Ask yourself, ‘is it worth it?’ because walking away feels good and it may be the right decision, but you have to think deeply about that.”

.@LisaPJackson on knowing when it’s the right time to walk away.⁣
⁣
Register (complimentary) and login https://t.co/a4xJbpJbgl to watch the full “Where Tech Meets Justice” panel hosted by @apple #WPtech pic.twitter.com/aowGJzVaVQ

— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) September 24, 2020

Verizon Director Shellye Archambeau on Owning Your Career

Silicon Valley leader and Verizon Director Shellye Archambeau stressed the importance of owning your career and being intentional about your journey.

“It’s really important as you’re building your career to realize that you own your career. You do, not anybody else. Not your boss, not your manager, not your employees, not your spouse, not your mentors. You own it,” she said during a session hosted by Verizon. “It’s important to take charge of what you own.”

 

 

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Entrepreneur Dawn Dickson on Using Tech as Solution

Serial tech entrepreneur Dawn Dickson discussed how she conceptualized and then actualized the development of her two most recent ventures Flat Out of Heels, rollable flat slippers for women, and PopCom, revolutionary software for automated vending machines. She revealed that she came up with Popcom after identifying a problem and then using technology to find a solution.

“I decided to solve my own problem and start PopCom,” she said during the “SistersInc.: Founders Real Talk Roundtable.”

“I had been itching for a big problem to solve.”

 

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These Black Women Are Joining The Board of Directors For Sports Betting Platform DraftKings

This week, sports betting operator DraftKings announced the appointment of Jocelyn Moore and Valerie Mosley to its board of directors in addition to making NBA legend Michael Jordan the new Special Advisor to the board.

“I am very much looking forward to working closely with both Valerie and Jocelyn as we continue to grow DraftKings,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings co-founder, CEO, and chairman of the Board, in a press statement. “They each bring a unique skill set that will complement those of our existing members while simultaneously bringing new perspectives and ideas to the table.”

Before joining DraftKings, Moore served as executive vice president of Communications and Public Affairs for the National Football League and currently serves as the Executive-in-Residence at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta. “I am thrilled to serve on the DraftKings’ Board of Directors. With its innovative and engaging product offerings, DraftKings has revolutionized the way sports fans consume content,” said Moore in a press statement.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, DraftKings is also doing authentic, intentional work to support racial equality and social justice—as demonstrated by today’s Board announcement as well as the company’s $1 million annual commitment to its Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging initiative. I look forward to helping DraftKings continue to innovate for consumers and deliver value for shareholders.”

Mosley comes with years of leadership experience, founding a company called Upward Wealth, a tech platform that helps customers grow their net worth. She has also worked at global management firm Wellington Management Company L.L.P., managing numerous big clients.

“DraftKings is a fast-growing, powerhouse of a company with a strong, competitive, and compassionate management team. I look forward to helping DraftKings continue to add value to their shareholders and stakeholders,” said Mosley in a press statement.

“I have invested in and advised small private companies and large public ones, and I’m excited to help DraftKings continue its already impressive transition into a smart, strategic, and well-managed public company.”

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Black Lives Matter Activist Exposed As White Woman Pretending to be Black

A white Black Lives Matter activist in Indiana was exposed for posing as a Black woman, according to the IndyStar.

After making a proclamation stating, “I have taken up space as a Black person while knowing I am white,” said Satchuel Cole, a highly visible community leader who advocates for racial and social justice in Indiana. She also apologized for deceiving people about her actual race.

After having her true identity revealed with an expose on BlackIndyLIVE, Cole posted a statement on her Facebook page acknowledging the deception.

“Friends, I need to take accountability for my actions and the harm that I have done. My deception and lies have hurt those I care most about. I have taken up space as a Black person while knowing I am white. I have used Blackness when it was not mine to use. I have asked for support and energy as a Black person. I have caused harm to the city, friends and the work that I held so dear. I will do the work to take responsibility for my actions and try to reduce the harm that I have already caused. If there are ways to repair the harm, I will do the work that is required to do so. I will continue to seek the help necessary to heal myself. I am sorry for the harm I have caused. I am sorry for the hurt and betrayal. I will do what I can to show that I want to be a better person.”

Cole has worked with Indy10 Black Lives Matter and Indy SURJ, and was also active in the LGBTQ community.

She was born Jennifer Lynn Benton to two white parents and had her name legally changed to Satchuel Paigelyn Cole in 2010 in Hamilton Circuit Court, according to the online court docket.

Being a member of the Indy10 Black Lives Matter group, she became the spokesperson for the family of Aaron Bailey, who was shot and killed by IMPD following a traffic stop in June 2017. Cole was also one of Indy Pride Parade 2020 Grand Marshals. 

Cole is just the latest in a string of non-Black women claiming to be of African descent.

Rachel Dolezal was a white race activist who claimed to be a Black woman. She was outed by her parents back in 2015. Former George Washington University professor Jessica Krug was recently exposed for lying about being Black last week, while former University of Wisconsin Madison professor CV Vitolo-Haddad confessed to pretending to be Black and/or Latinx.

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Meet Yvette Kendall A Rarity in the Science Fiction Content Creation Game

As a Black woman science fiction writer/content creator, Yvette Kendall is the definition of a rarity. Kendall is the author of The GOD Maps series and also the creator of the new sci-fi sub-genre Biblical futurism.

Owner of her own publishing company, Stravard Lux Publishing House, Kendall will be publishing her brand of zombie anthologies named The American Zombie Chronicles and a children’s book called A Zombie For Mommy!

BLACK ENTERPRISE got the opportunity to talk to Kendall about what motivated her to become involved with the sci-fi genre and her future plans.

How rare is it for a Black woman to be engulfed in the science fiction genre as a writer and creator? What motivated you to be involved in it and what keeps your creativity going?

People say that I’m a rare occurrence in that I’m fully immersed in the concepts of science fiction and futurism in my daily life. My previous vocation was that of an inventor and product developer. Science fiction is the breath of innovation. Whether it is a three-dimensional product or building a new universe with words, it has been part of my everyday experience.

I’m motivated by the stories that present themselves to me in such a complete and demanding manner. I feel that being a Black woman in any time period (past, present, or future) makes me and other women like me an indispensable demographic. Our stories orchestrate energies that shape and mold new paths. We have a say in what this world will look like in the future because it cannot exist without us.

Being the first female writer for a zombie anthology under Caliber Comics, how did that accomplishment happen and what should we anticipate in the future?

Social media is a powerful tool! Networking and sharing my sci-fi novel online are invaluable. I was approached by someone on Facebook that has a comic book company that publishes through Caliber. He asked if I had ever written zombie horror before. Up until that point, I had never ever read a comic book. He urged me to try my hand at it, and I agreed.

Within the next few days, I had written 12 unique stories that blew him away! The catalog that I created was more than they needed at the time. Always thinking ahead, I began my own anthology in the same genre.

That decision gave birth to The American Zombie Chronicles. As I move forward, my schedule is to finish the trilogy of The GOD Maps, and put artists in place to formalize my new comic book line. I have several other mind-bending stories on tap that I’m writing as well like The Revelation Activation and another brand of spooky comics called The Conspiracy Theory Horror Edition.

How difficult is it for a Black woman trying to break into the sci-fi genre? What do you think it will take to make it less so?

I believe that the difficulties arise when our stories are read by people whose experiences are not reflected on those pages. When they can’t relate or when the content is too honest to digest, there can be an authority-ladened kickback.

That kickback can come in the form of unfavorable reviews or open protests of your work. As a sci-fi writer of color, you may be reprimanded for taking latitudes that other writers would otherwise be praised for. There’s a need to have people that understand your background intrinsically and to aid in telling of your stories.

I feel that the solvent for this issue rests in having more people of color in key creative spaces. People like Ava DuVernay, Regina King, and Shonda Rhimes, to name a few. Because they are pioneers, these women are integral in expanding the scope of our work.

What’s next for Yvette Kendall? Is there anything in the works that you’d like to speak of?

The future is really bright for me at the moment! I’m in talks right now to turn my flagship novel The GOD Maps, Volume One into a television series. I’m super excited about that recent development!

I’m also working hard to have the new sub-genre that I created called Biblical futurism recognized globally in the writing and film industries. It’s important to me because it’s the very genre that I employ to write my novels.

Biblical futurism has gained a following since its conception. Besides that, I have published a children-friendly zombie book series. The first book is on shelves now and it’s called A Zombie For Mommy!

What advice would you give to the little Black girl who wants to follow in your footsteps or the Black woman who is already entrenched in sci-fi but wants to advance to the next steps for her?

My advice would be to write daily, even if it’s just a paragraph. Books are nothing but a congregation of paragraphs that complement each other. Instituting this habit will allow your creative forces to grow. Another thing is to not focus on particular writing styles set by others.

There’s no right or wrong way to communicate your vision. Science fiction (by loose definition) is a broad field without set parameters. Don’t be afraid to go against the prescribed norms in order to find your voice.

For the ladies that are in the midst of it all, my suggestion is to find a team that believes in you and your vision. Put effort into providing quality content and imagery. It may be unfair, but books are judged by their covers and their titles. Protect your intellectual property with copyrights, trademarks, and other branding methods.

Be sure to “market … market …market,” and never forget to network strategically. That way, when the opportunity comes, it will be glad that it found you and not the other way around!

Last but not least, recognize that you are enough, that your voice matters, and that “YOU” matter.

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Baby Boomers More Comfortable Returning To Office Than Millennials as COVID-19 Lingers

In an astonishing revelation, baby boomers feel safer going back to their offices than millennials even as COVID-19 continues to spread, according to a new Clutch survey.

Some 59% of employees over 55 would feel safe returning to their office, compared with 53% of workers both age 35-55 and under 35. The finding is thought-provoking as news reports have suggested that boomers are among the groups most likely to face problems from the coronavirus pandemic.

A ratings and review firm, Clutch’ recently surveyed surveyed 400 U.S. workers.

Even if the difference is slight, Clutch Editorial Manager Shelby Jordan told Black Enterprise she thinks the discovery is extremely shocking given older employees’ increased susceptibility to the virus. She is unsure why. But Jordan says that maybe while millennials are not as concerned for their own safety, they are more concerned about the safety of those around them. For example, they would be hesitant to return to the office because they could catch the virus and put those around them—like parents and friends—in danger.

“Based on my past report, I do think companies are doing a great job of accommodating their workspaces to make their staff feel safe, Jordan says. “This could explain nearly even numbers across all age groups.”

The gap between boomers and millennials isn’t the only difference. In terms of location, the survey revealed that people in the Midwest (64%) would feel safe working from their office in this stage of the pandemic. That’s compared with 56% of Southern employees, 45% of Western employees, and 36% of Northeastern employees.

“I think the Midwest feels safer going back to work because the region features a more spread-out landscape—it is easier to remain socially distant,” Jordan says.

Other findings indicated most employees (55%) would feel safe working from their office at this point in the pandemic, and just 32% would feel unsafe. The rest fall in the middle.

Some (82%) of the American workforce is comfortable commuting to work safely amid COVID-19, which is understandable given that 84% of employees drive to work alone.

About 75% of employees concur that private office spaces are the safest office layout, but only 1 in 5 have that option. The most popular floor plan today is a mixed office space (42%) that combines private spaces with communal areas.

The survey further showed that the pandemic highlighted some factors that suggest remote work will be a more popular and accepted alternative after COVID-19.

While almost all employees feel safe commuting to their office, working from home offers time back in their day to spend with friends and family or simply relax. Plus, some workers report their home office set-up is just as comfortable and productive as their desk at company headquarters.

Urban cities and rural areas have faced different obstacles in managing the spread of COVID-19, leaving some regions more ready to return to work than others. However, American employees have recognized the benefits of working from home over working in a traditional office.

Interestingly, all age groups in the U.S. workforce have a consistent perception of safety in the office. The survey indicated over half of each generation would feel safe returning to work. Still, some employees are concerned about the ages of co-workers, family, and friends around them.

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This Black Woman Entrepreneur Is Teaching People How To Heal Through Breathing

The business of wellness has become increasingly popular over the last several years due to the trend of more Americans becoming conscious of their mental health. For the Black community, racial trauma along with other factors can contribute to more Black Americans dealing with anxiety and depression. One Black woman decided to create a series of workshops to help other Black women cope with their anxieties through breathing sessions.

Jasmine Marie is the founder of Black Girls Breathing, a special workshop series for Black women to practice breathwork, a type of breathing exercise or technique used to improve mental health. Marie found that this type of wellness exercise was critical for Black women who face their own set of challenges.

“After practicing breathwork and incorporating the tool into my life (while experiencing the many up’s and down’s of various chapters) for 4.5 years, I decided to get my breathwork training. During training, I noticed the lack of diversity in our groups (not uncommon for the wellness industry) and thought even more how this work isn’t really known in the Black community or accessible,” said Marie in an email interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“I created Black Girls Breathing when I didn’t see any organizations focusing on bringing this work specifically for us while knowing the power of this tool and how Black people suffer from the highest rates of chronic stress and the related physical ailments related to it.”

Unlike mediation, breathwork can be described as an active practice that lets a person control their breathing, which can be used to boost immunity, enrich creativity, and reduce stress levels. For Marie, it was important to bring diversity in this space that is typically predominantly white to help Black women with their healing journeys.

“Black women have different experiences than non-Black women of color and white women,” she added.”It was important for me to acknowledge that our particular lived experiences and how the world perceives us has an impact on our mental health and create an environment that addresses that reality and offers tools to help us work through and heal through that.”

Customers can book virtual sessions amid the COVID-19 pandemic to take part in group sessions. Marie says in addition to healing in their own individuals, the sessions have also created a safe space for Black women to convene and feel relaxed.

“Most of the Black women who experience it once, come back and have begun to develop a practice. Now more than ever we’re seeing how lack of insurance and low-income due to layoffs have caused additional stress on top of the everyday stress felt of being Black,” said Marie.

“Our community has been so grateful that we’ve made the core of our work available in an accessible way. We’ve begun to host some sessions with a licensed therapist so the community benefits from traditional talk therapy + somatic healing (healing of the body). We look forward to expanding our work so more Black womxn can experience this powerful tool.”

 

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Finding Out What’s Next for Naturi Naughton and Tasha St. Patrick

Naturi Naughton is the definition of success. She has worked for everything she has been able to accomplish. She has built the drive, tenacity, and the wherewithal to be able to conquer in such challenging times. She has definitely stood the test of time in an industry that is forever changing. The businesswoman and the philanthropist that she has grown into is because she took the lemons that she was given and made lemonade. Black Enterprise had the opportunity to meet and speak with this powerhouse of a woman.

 

What do you have going on currently?

Well, preparing for the spin-off of Power, staying focused on my faith, being a good mother to my 3-year-old daughter, enhancing my relationships, and continuously working in my goals. I went back to my first love, which is my music; just finding my voice again. For the rest of the year, I just want to stay healthy and do good work. Hopefully, I will direct and produce my own projects. I’m really working on producing more stories for our people. I would like to get more involved behind the scenes of filmmaking in another year or so.

What have you learned from being a businesswoman on Power?

I’ve learned so much! Not just from Power, but from the transitioning from the music industry. Things like:

• Sometimes it’s OK to let the other person be right. You don’t have to fight to be right.
• In business, sometimes you will have to do things you don’t want to do and that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Be patient.
• You will have to work with people that are not kind, have bad energies, are not easy to work with.
• Although Power is widely successful, it is not all of who I am. You can’t let any business or career dictate you or your happiness. I think that is so important.

What advice would you give to that woman who wants to give up, who has no more fight in her?

There are no shortcuts to success. I literally was that woman living in L.A. I wasn’t making any money. I wasn’t working for about two years. There was a dry spell in the industry. I’m not going to lie to you, there are going to be moments when you do feel like giving up. There are going to be moments when you are not chosen, when you are not going to be successful. Anything that is great will be met with challenges. So, when you do get something, you have a great appreciation for it because you put in the work. Pray for strength! There may be a reason why you’re being blocked, why it isn’t working out for you. Just being aware that everyone has their time. And soon your time will come.

Tell us about your foundation, Naturi Dreamers Foundation.

I grew up in the inner city. We have fed over a hundred families in different cities. We fed well over 500 families in Brooklyn alone. We coupled with a restaurant here in Brooklyn so that they could stay afloat in the midst of this COVID/pandemic crisis. We’ve fed over 10,000 people in New Jersey. Simply, my foundation is a place where people can go if they have a need. Obviously, I can’t fill every need, but I can do my part.

Eventually, my foundation will have a summer workshop that helps to find artists, actors, entertainers. We will have classes and have others in the industry come and speak with them. They will get the tools needed for entertainment. It takes education and talent.

 

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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.

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Black Entrepreneur Gets Saucy, Signs Deals With 30 Grocery Stores

Reggie D. Smith, founder of one of the fastest-growing Black-owned line of gourmet sauces called STL Pure Heat, started out creating delicious meals for just his friends and family. Now, however, he is the owner and CEO of one of the hottest food products in the country.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, STL Pure Heat is a perfect mix of flavor and heat that flawlessly blends peppers, spices, and locally sourced vegetables into one sweet and tangy marinade. His sauces can be used to transform meats and seafood dishes into authentic, at-home culinary delights for dipping as a marinade or as a meal topper.

Made locally in small batches with all-natural ingredients, the sauces have only 40 calories per serving and are available in three different flavors – Sweet & Spicy, Sweet & Mild, and Garlic Heat. Each bottle has a unique blend of sweetness with a nice kick of your desired heat. Reggie makes it extremely easy for foodies to go beyond the ordinary hot sauce and jazz up their next dish with creativity.

Especially during grilling season, professional and family chefs can show off their talents at the grill and embellish their perfectly seared steaks and burgers with flavorful sauces that reflect the taste of true southern roots.

Reggie says that it was during one of his other business ventures when he discovered that he had created an amazing sauce that everyone enjoyed. He takes pride in using local small businesses to manufacture and package his products and says that it is important for him to see his community flourish.

His sauces can be purchased at more than 30 grocery stores across the nation or online at STLPureHeat.com.

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Political Analyst Bakari Sellers to Address What Biden’s Policies Would Mean for Black America

In the midst of this historic election year, Black Americans are facing the compounding crises of a global pandemic, police brutality, record-high unemployment, and targeted voter suppression.

To unpack this pivotal moment, BLACK ENTERPRISE partnered with Be Heard Talk, an award-winning talk show that adds a taste of hip hop, Assata Shakur, and spice to unseasoned news. Each Sunday, the Be Heard Talk team — Selena Hill, Digital Editor at BLACK ENTERPRISE; Stanley Fritz, the New York State Political and Campaigns Director at Citizen Action of New York; and Tammie David, a community organizer – will hold live conversations with elected officials, organizers, political leaders, and surrogates from the Biden campaign about this era-defining election.

This week, CNN political analysts, best-selling author, and attorney Bakari Sellers will join the team to discuss the impact that Joe Biden’s policies and politics will specifically have on people of color. The series, which is part of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s “Our Voice Our Vote” 2020 election coverage, kicked off on September 13 with LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund. During her appearance, she stressed the importance and the power of the Black vote.

Sellers made history in 2006 when he was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives at the age of 22. This made him the youngest African American to win a public office at the time. After eight years in office, he ran for Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina in 2014 and lost. In 2018, he released the documentary While I Breathe, I Hope that chronicles his losing bid for lieutenant governor.

In May the Morehouse graduate published the memoir My Vanishing Country at the age of 35.

Watch Bakari Sellers’ live interview on “Be Heard Talk” this Sunday, September 20 starting at 2 p.m. EST by registering here. You can also view and leave comments during the live show via Black Enterprise’s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or YouTube page.

 

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Tracee Ellis Ross Signs Overall Deal With ABC Signature

This week, television actress and Golden Globe winner Tracee Ellis Ross revealed that she has signed a multiyear deal with ABC Signature with her production company Joy Mill Entertainment to produce new content for the network. The Blackish star raved about the news with excitement to bring new stories to her home studio. “I love sharing stories and using storytelling as a way to connect and celebrate humanity. As an actor, I’ve had the joy of inhabiting nuanced and dynamic roles. As an executive producer, I am able to build stories, gather creatives, and shape worlds as a way to illuminate different realities,” said Ross in an interview with Variety.

“This deal continues my journey as a storyteller and content creator. I am thrilled to finally be sharing the news and expanding this part of my artistry at my home studio, ABC Signature. Jonnie Davis, Tracy Underwood, and their team have been incredible collaborators, and I am eager to continue our shared journey.”

Adriana Ambriz will be joining the production company as head of development for new content across platforms. Prior to her new role, she served senior director of original programming for BET where she oversaw the production of shows like Tales, Street Dreams: The Story of Nas, and Mandela.

“Tracee is a beloved member of the ABC Signature family and, as everyone knows, has brought so much to our ‘ish’ universe,” said Jonnie Davis, president of ABC Signature to Variety. “We also love and admire Tracee’s passion for storytelling and developing projects, so we’re thrilled that Joy Mill Entertainment will be housed at our studio. We’re already incredibly excited by the projects she’s bringing to us in this new role.”

 

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The brand is expanding y’all! Been waiting to share this. I love using storytelling as a way to connect and celebrate humanity. As an actor, I’ve had the joy of inhabiting nuanced and dynamic roles. As an executive producer, I am able to build stories, gather creatives and shape worlds as a way to illuminate different realities. How wonderful to be expanding my journey as a storyteller and content creator at my home studio, #ABCSignature at @disneytvstudios. Jonnie Davis, Tracy Underwood, and their team have been incredible collaborators, and I am eager to continue our shared journey and thrilled to bring in Adriana Ambriz as Joy Mill’s head of development. Joy Mill Entertainment, my production company, is committed to amplifying multilayered stories that reframe assumptions about how we see ourselves and each other. Our stories will reflect humanity in their narratives, encouraging boundless freedom of expression, producing content that intentionally inspires possibility and joy in order to create connection and understanding. Stay tuned!!

A post shared by Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross) on Sep 15, 2020 at 1:22pm PDT

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BET Network Joins Forces With The National Urban League, Others To Host The First National Black Voter Day

BET, The National Urban League, and other civil rights organizations have joined together to host the first-ever National Black Voter Day.

National Black Voter Day takes place today, Friday, Sept. 18, and all organizations tied to the effort will seek to aid Black citizens against suppression tactics ensuring their vote counts in the various elections taking place in November.

“The final stretch is always the most important part of any race, and with just 100 days until Election Day, there’s no time like the present for BET to go ‘all in’ with National Black Voter Day,” BET Networks President Scott Mills said in a statement. “We are rallying all the resources and relationships we have to mitigate the undeniable efforts being made to disenfranchise the African American community, a voting bloc ubiquitously understood to influence elections. We will use the current momentum of the fight against systemic racism to galvanize those marching in protest to march to the polls in November.”

With the help of the National Urban League (NUL), National Black Voter Day will break down the necessary steps to make Black voices heard, including securing and checking voter registration, making a voting plan, and encouraging friends and family to vote.

NUL President Marc Morial said teaming up with the biggest name in Black television and civil rights groups will ensure the organization reaches as many Black voters as possible.

“We will be launching a grassroots effort in probably about a dozen cities to put people in the communities on the ground, using everything from canvassing to organizing, to door-to-door leaf footing, and social media to register, educate and mobilize people to vote,” Morial told BET.com, adding his organization will use BET’s social media accounts to amplify the effort and educate voters.

Other organizations involved in the effort include the NAACP, Color of Change, When We All Vote, Black Voters Matter, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, The Collective PAC, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Election Protection, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and The National Action Network.

One of the biggest reasons for the effort is voter suppression. Concerns about voter suppression, particularly in the Black community, have been a widely debated topic since a 2013 U.S. Supreme Court decision gutted Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibited certain states and localities from making changes to voting laws without obtaining federal approval or “preclearance.”

Many pointed to voter suppression when  Stacey Abrams lost to Brian Kemp in Georgia’s 2018 gubernatorial election.

In addition to voter suppression, the coronavirus has lead to less voting precincts, which must institute social distancing requirements with fewer poll workers and machines.

Voting lines are of particular concern for Morial, who called them “an orchestrated effort to suppress the vote to make it more difficult for Black people to vote.” In order to fight this Morial feels voters should have all the information necessary about their state’s mail-in ballot and early voting options.

BET has also lined up multiple stars to produce voting PSAs to be distributed on BET’s platforms, those of its sister channels MTV, VH1, and Comedy Central and of media partners including The Root, The Skimm, Entertainment Tonight, Bounce, and Black Enterprise.

Stars that are taking part also include Twenties actor Jonica T. Gibbs, Tyler Perry’s Sistas actor Mignon, Rhapsody, National Urban League CEO Marc H. Morial, Blavity Inc. founder and CEO Morgan DeBaun, and others. Sports stars including Blake Griffin, Caron Butler, Udonis Haslem, and Dwane Casey and more are also participating.

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Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Criticizes Trump For Early Shutdown of Census Count

The COVID-19, or novel coronavirus pandemic, has made collecting data for the 2020 Census difficult, especially under the guidance of the Trump administration. On Wednesday, during an online conference, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms called out the administration’s plan to slow down in-person data collection for the Census Bureau, calling it a political move in light of the upcoming November presidential elections.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the state of Georgia tied with Mississippi for the worst response for the 2020 Census. If the data is not correctly gathered, the U.S House Oversight and Reform Committee, revealed that the state of Georgia could lose nearly $75 million in annual funding that goes toward healthcare, job training, and education throughout the country if 1% of responses are undercounted.

“We are getting help from every conceivable corner,” said Marilyn Stephens, an assistant regional Census Bureau manager to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Every mayor in the state of Georgia, every congressional representative, both senators, the governor’s office―everybody is all hands on deck.”

Only 85% of households throughout the state have been counted according to the latest figures from the U.S Census Bureau. The only U.S. state to perform worse was Alabama, with 82.3% of households counted. The city of Atlanta, where the mayor resides, has a 57.7% self-response rate.

“Given that we are in the midst of a pandemic, given the natural disasters that we are facing, it really is inexplicable that we wouldn’t take as much time as we need to get these numbers,” Lance Bottoms told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in an online discussion.

“This is a political play because it does speak to representation in Congress. And the higher the numbers are―especially in urban communities―the more representation that we have in Congress. And that is certainly not something the Trump administration I’m sure is supportive of.”

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WNBA’s Maya Moore Marries the Man She Helped Free From Prison, Jonathan Irons

Earlier this year, WNBA small forward Maya Moore had opted to sit out a second season to fight for the release of Jonathan Irons, whom she believes was wrongfully convicted of burglary and assault. Now, according to Good Morning America, she is legally married to Irons.

The newlyweds made their announcement to the world when they appeared on Good Morning America Wednesday to share exclusive details of their love story that came out of friendship after she helped free him from prison following a wrongful conviction that had him imprisoned 23 years ago.

“We wanted to announce today that we are super excited to continue the work that we are doing together, but doing it as a married couple,” Moore said. “We got married a couple of months ago and we’re excited to just continue this new chapter of life together.

 

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Grateful to announce this new chapter of life! What a miracle

A post shared by Maya Moore (@mooremaya) on Sep 16, 2020 at 6:42am PDT

Irons, now 39, was only 16 years old when he was accused of breaking into a home in St. Louis and allegedly shooting the homeowner during a burglary. The victim testified in court that Irons was the person responsible, but there were no witnesses, fingerprints, footprints, DNA, or blood evidence to connect Irons to the crime. Along with there being no tangible evidence, the officer who interrogated Irons did so alone and did not record the conversation.

Moore’s decision to sit out a second season while still being under contract with the Lynx comes at a time when the WNBA announced that they are increasing the average salary of their players to nearly $130,000 and a maximum salary above $500,000. Despite walking away from a six-figure salary, Moore had no regrets.

“Basketball has not been foremost in my mind. I’ve been able to rest, and connect with people around me, actually be in their presence after all of these years on the road,” she said back in January of this year. “And I’ve been able to be there for Jonathan.”

Earlier this year in March, in a Jefferson City, Missouri, courtroom, Irons learned his conviction was overturned by a state judge with the WNBA star behind him. The inmate, with Moore’s help, was appealing a 50-year sentence for a crime he says he never committed. Judge Daniel Green issued a ruling that vacated the guilty verdict, and ordered Irons to be released from a maximum-security prison after 23 years.

GMA anchor Robin Roberts had announced during the interview that her production company, Rock’n Robin productions, has teamed up with ESPN Films to produce a documentary about Moore and Irons’ story.

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