Barefoot Wine and New Voices Foundation Award Grants To Black-owned Beauty Businesses

Earlier this year, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that Barefoot Wine was creating a new platform to celebrate the beauty of Black women. Now, the company has teamed with the New Voices Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing minority women entrepreneurs, to give business grants to various Black-owned beauty businesses.

The $10,000 grants, which six business received, will be used to highlight the beauty of Black women and integrate it into their branding. The winning businesses will also receive exclusive mentorships and business coaching through the foundation.

The Grand recipients are Alodia, Goddess Beauty Supply, Freedom Apothecary, Mischo Beauty, PuffCuff, and Range Beauty.

“At Barefoot, we are committed to doing our part as an ally and advocate to ensure Black women are recognized and supported,” Shannon Armah, Barefoot Wine’s associate brand manager, said in a press statement. 

“As we have seen from the numerous applications we received, there are so many inspiring and much-needed Black women-owned beauty businesses worthy of our support. We hope the Barefoot Beauty Grant will help these deserving businesses continue to grow and thrive,”

“We look forward to having these six beauty companies join the New Voices’ vibrant community of women of color entrepreneurs,” Richelyna Hall, chief impact officer at the New Voices Foundation, said in a press statement. “With access to our unique ecosystem, they will receive unprecedented networking, learning, and leadership opportunities to help them grow and scale their businesses.”

In addition to the beauty grants, Barefoot Wine also chose recipients for its COVID-19 Business Recovery Grant. Twenty-five Black-owned hair salons affected by shutdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic will each receive $1,000.

 

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Let’s raise a glass to our @BarefootWine Beauty Business Grant WINNERS – @AlodiaHairCare, @Freedom.Apothecary, @GoddessBSupply, @MischoBeauty, @ThePuffCuff, and @RangeBeauty — six Black women-owned businesses who are helping to expand beauty standards and highlighting the beauty of Black women every day! We Support Her. We Celebrate Her. #WeStanForHer Each @BarefootWine + @NewVoicesFamily Beauty Business Grant winner will receive $10,000 + professional business coaching & mentoring to help them further grow and scale their businesses. The New Voices Foundation partnered with Barefoot in support of #WeStanForHer – a platform to collectively highlight the beauty of Black Women through original content, conversations, and community partnerships! TAP that link in our bio for more details on the WeStanForHer platform. #partner #barefootwine #blackbusinesswomen #blackbusinessowner #blackwomenentrepreneurs #blackwomenentrepreneur #blackfounders #blackstartup #blackgirlmagic #blackbeautybrands #blackbeautybrand #blackbeautycompanies #blackownedbeautybrands #blackownedbeautybrand #blackownedbeauty #blackownedskincare #blackskincare #blackskincareproducts #blackownedcosmetics #blackcosmetics #blackhaircare #makeupforblackwomen #BlackOwnedBusiness #womenofcolorentrepreneurs #womenofcolorentrepreneur #femaleentrepreneurs #PurposeAccessCapitalExpertise #NewVoicesFoundation

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Black Girl Who Hit Six Figures By the 6th Grade Shares Her Story With Millions on QVC, HSN, and Zulily

Confidence by GaBBY Goodwin has been selected for Qurate Retail Group’s Small Business Spotlight, a collaboration with the NRF Foundation to help small businesses navigate today’s challenging retail environment. This phase of the program is highlighting 20 Black-owned businesses as part of Qurate Retail Group’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within its company and in society at large.

Qurate Retail Group, a multi-platform retailer that includes QVC, HSN, Zulily, and several other brands, is using its production resources, television broadcasts, and digital platforms to help GaBBY share her story with millions of consumers nationwide. GaBBY’s story began appearing on QVC’s and HSN’s websites and social pages in August and the company was highlighted on air in early October on QVC and on HSN. Click here to watch a replay.

Zulily is promoting the campaign on its website, email, and social, and Confidence by GaBBY Goodwin can also tap Qurate Retail Group team members for advice on solving a business issue through a virtual mentoring initiative.

“I am super excited to showcase my business and inspire girls around the world to follow their dreams and walk in confidence,” GaBBY Goodwin shared.

At the age of seven, GaBBY and her mom Rozalynn solved the age-old problem of disappearing hair barrettes by inventing GaBBY Bows, and non-slip Double-Face Double-Snap Barrette. GaBBY Bows, along with their line of girls’ hair styling products help remove stress from the styling process so moms, dads and girls can cherish this precious time together. The company’s online hair care tutorials and hair tool organizer also save time and frustration, while GaBBY’s children’s book, virtual entrepreneurship academy for girls and keynote presentations inspire confidence and creativity.

Qurate Retail Group has a long tradition of helping small business owners and entrepreneurs launch and grow their brands through the incredible power of storytelling and shopping discovery. QVC, HSN, and Zulily provide compelling platforms, with unmatched reach, that enable small businesses to speak directly to millions of consumers in their homes.

Earlier this spring, Qurate Retail Group and the NRF Foundation launched the Small Business Spotlight with 20 small businesses across America that have been impacted by COVID-19. The current focus on Black-owned businesses is part of several initiatives announced by Qurate Retail Group to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We’re proud to stand with the Black community by sharing the stories of these extraordinary businesses, including their innovation, their triumphs, the challenges they face, and their remarkable resilience,” said Mike George, President and CEO, Qurate Retail, Inc. “In these important times, we want to be part of the solution and help build inclusive communities where all people are treated with equity.”

This phase of the Small Business Spotlight runs from August 12th through October 16th.

“Retailers serve every community across the country and support one out of every four jobs. Diversity and inclusion have always been at the heart of our industry, but we know there is so much more work to be done,” said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of the National Retail Federation. “By amplifying Black voices and businesses through programs like the Small Business Spotlight, we are taking an important step to ensure our industry remains a catalyst for promoting equity and opportunity in America today.”

For additional information on Confidence by GaBBY Goodwin, visit GabbyBows.com

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

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Former President Barack Obama Tells Democratic Voters In DNC Ad ‘It’s Going To Be Close’

Former President Barack Obama is making sure Democrats make plans to vote this election season with a new get-out-the-vote digital advertisement.

The ad is part of the continued push to engage young voters before Election Day. Early voting is already taking place in 48 states (in-person and mail-in ballots) and Obama wants you to know “It’s going to be close.”

“The 2020 election isn’t a few weeks away; it’s already here. Millions of Americans are already voting; make sure you stand up and join them,” Obama says in the ad. “It’s going to be close. It could come down to a handful of voters just like you. So I’m asking you to bring this thing home. Leave no doubt. Vote early.”

Democrats, terrified about a potential Trump second term, are harnessing the influence of Obama to animate voters who may have skipped the 2016 election or who might be planning to skip the 2020 election.

“There will always be reasons to think your vote doesn’t matter—that’s not new,” Obama says. “What is new is a growing movement for justice, equality, and progress on so many issues. This really is a tipping point, and that momentum only continues if we win this election.”

The advertisement is part of a seven-figure campaign that will hit 11 states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Obama has put himself back into the spotlight to rally voters to vote for former Vice President Joe Biden. Earlier this week Obama appeared in a DNC video encouraging voters to learn about how to cast a ballot with state-specific tutorials for 24 states amid a national pandemic.

According to ABC News, more than 15 million Americans have already voted, smashing previous records three weeks out from Election Day. According to the U.S. Elections Project, the total so far is nearly five times the roughly 3.2 million who voted at a similar point four years ago.

The former president is also expected to campaign for Biden in the coming days, an aide to the former president told ABC News.

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Stripe Acquires Nigeria’s Paystack For $200 Million For Expansion Across The Continent

Lagos, Nigeria, has become a hub for new, innovative tech startups from entrepreneurs from within the country and abroad. African tech startups raised a record $1.3 billion in funding for over 400 investments in 2019, according to an annual report by WeeTracker.

This week, the online paying system Stripe announced the acquisition of a new Nigerian tech startup to expand its services across the continent.

Paystack, an online payment processing system that makes it easier for tech companies in Nigeria to accept online forms of payments, has been dubbed the “Stripe of Africa” by numerous tech insiders. The company currently has around 60,000 customers ranging from large corporate entities to small businesses and educational institutions.

“Paystack was not for sale when Stripe approached us,” Shola Akinlade, co-founder and CEO of Paystack, told TechCrunch. “For us, it’s about the mission. I’m driven by the mission to accelerate payments on the continent, and I am convinced that Stripe will help us get there faster. It is a very natural move.”

According to TechCrunch, the terms of the deal were not revealed but it confirmed that the deal was for over $200 million. That makes it the biggest startup acquisition out of Nigeria and Stripe’s biggest acquisition in its history.

“There is an enormous opportunity,” Patrick Collison, Stripe’s co-founder and CEO, said to TechCrunch. “In absolute numbers, Africa may be smaller right now than other regions, but online commerce will grow about 30% every year. And even with wider global declines, online shoppers are growing twice as fast. Stripe thinks on a longer time horizon than others because we are an infrastructure company. We are thinking of what the world will look like in 2040-2050.”

 

 

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In the midst of a tough week in Nigeria, we have some positive news to share. Paystack will be acquired by Stripe to accelerate online and offline commerce across Africa. Tap on the link in our bio to learn more.

A post shared by Paystack (@paystackhq) on Oct 15, 2020 at 9:40am PDT

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Get a Lifetime of Language Learning with Rosetta Stone at a Limited Time Discount

Language learning isn’t exclusively done in adolescence or through required credits in school, and honestly, it shouldn’t be. Becoming multilingual can benefit you immensely and doesn’t have to be too difficult whenever you decide to start. Maybe you’ve been trying to connect with your family’s first language, are aiming to become bilingual to better teach, or you’re prepping for a future trip—no matter the circumstance, Rosetta Stone has you covered with a pretty great deal.

Right now, you don’t need to commit to choosing just one language or experience level to purchase on your road to becoming multilingual. Rosetta Stone is giving you the opportunity to be a little indecisive and have access to ALL 24 of their language offerings for life. The programs are intuitive, and offer an immersive training method to get you reading, writing, and speaking new languages like a natural in no time.

The award-winning software will guide you through speech-recognition technology that analyzes the words you say 100 times per second. So, you know you’ll get the attention and detail you want, but through an easy at-home platform. You will also match words to visuals, so for those visual learners, you’ll appreciate the features designed for memory enhancement. The bundle allows you to learn one language at a time, but you’ll have access to all 24 for as long as you need, so you can build your repertoire.

You’ll also get lifetime access to 12min Microlibrary, a growing collection of books and audiobooks you can read (or listen to) in under 15 minutes, and a lifetime subscription to top-rated virtual private network (VPN) KeepSolid, which will keep your data safe while you browse online.

Originally $744, the Social Distancing Lifetime Subscription Bundle from Rosetta Stone is now on sale for $199. That’s a 73% discount.

 

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Kamala Harris Suspends Travel After Two Staffers Test Positive For Coronavirus

Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris announced Thursday she will suspend travel after two staff members tested positive for coronavirus.

According to a statement from campaign manager Jen O’Malley Dillon, the Biden campaign learned late Wednesday that Harris’s Communications Director Liz Allen, and a “non-staff flight crew member” contracted the coronavirus. Neither person had contact with Biden or Harris 48 hours before they were tested.

O’Malley Dillon said the former attorney general will suspend her events through Sunday “out of an abundance of caution.” Harris was scheduled to spend Thursday in North Carolina.

“After being with Senator Harris, both individuals attended personal, non-campaign events in the past week. Under our campaign’s strict health protocols, both individuals had to be tested before returning to their work with the campaign from these personal events,” O’Malley Dillon said in a statement to CNN. “These protocols help protect the campaign, the staff, and anyone who they may have contact with; the importance of having such protocols—which include testing before resuming duties, regular testing while working in-person, isolation after time off, and masking and distancing while on campaign duties—have been illustrated once again.”

O’Malley Dillon said Harris, her husband, Doug Emhoff, and Biden have tested negative multiple times since the two staffers tested positive for coronavirus.

The news of a potential coronavirus outbreak within the Biden campaign comes less than two weeks after President Trump and more than 18 people in his circle admitted they’d contracted the virus since former senior adviser Hope Hicks tested positive in early October.

Others who’ve contracted the coronavirus in Trump’s circle include his campaign manager Bill Stepien; Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel; Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany and two of her deputies, Chad Gilmartin and Karoline Leavitt; Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah); Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.); Nick Luna, the president’s personal assistant; and the first lady, Melania, and their son, Barron.

As a result of Trump’s COVID-19 infection, Trump and Biden will host competiting town hall events Thursday night instead of a second debate. Biden’s town hall will be on ABC, while NBC, MSNBC, and CNBC will host Trump’s town hall.

NBC is already facing backlash on Twitter for agreeing to host Trump’s town hall. The election has already begun in several states due to early voting and Democrats have a significant edge but that is not expected to hold up as Election Day draws closer.

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Grow Your Business By Launching A Podcast. These Master Classes Show You How

The podcast industry continues to balloon and shows no signs of stopping. More than one-third of Americans over age 12 consume podcasts regularly, and big companies like Spotify and Pandora are changing their platforms to accommodate more listeners.

This is a perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs and professionals to leverage podcasts for business growth. The medium allows you to showcase your expertise, establish thought leadership, and create revenue streams. But launching a podcast is easier said than done, considering how a lot goes into the process.

The Start-to-Finish Guide to Launching a Successful Podcast Bundle offers a step-by-step guide on creating your very own podcast. Learn everything from hashing out the initial idea all the way down to going live. Comprised of nine information-rich courses, it has lessons on presenting, speaking, audio mixing, and more from top-rated instructors. Right now, it’s on sale for $44.99.

In this nine-pronged learning package, you’ll get a complete rundown of what running a podcast entails. You’ll get a technical walk-through of which equipment you should use. Furthermore, you will learn how to create a recording set-up and how to mix voice to production standards. Aside from the technicalities, there are also lessons on how to speak confidently, interview different guests, structure your podcast for better conversion rates, and come up with unique content that will resonate with your audience. To top it all off, you’ll also get marketing tips that can help grow your listener base and attract advertisers.

Podcasting is a perfect opportunity to grow your business. Make sure yours is up to snuff with the Start-to-Finish Guide to Launching a Successful Podcast Bundle, currently on sale for $44.99.

 

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Father and Son Open New Hardware Store Franchise in Their Neighborhood

Warren Pegram and his stepson, Charlston Austin, have opened an Ace Hardware franchise in their neighborhood in the city of South Fulton, Georgia. It is one of the first hardware stores in their community.

According to the City of South Fulton Observer, the new store is a great addition to the current retail lineup at the Old National Marketplace. Its opening came right on time as the city has been encouraging more small businesses to do business in the area.

The Ace Hardware franchise promises to particularly offer home improvement products that are most needed in the community. Pegram said that unlike other franchises, they will also sell party rental equipment such as commercial grade snow cone machines, inflatables, popcorn machines, and many more.

Austin, who used to work as a former retail account executive, is making sure to connect with the community to know the products they need and to be able to provide it in their hardware store. His father, on the other hand, is ensuring the high level of customer service so everyone who comes to the store will have an awesome shopping experience.

Because of the newest hardware store in the area, residents in the community don’t have to go further away for their home improvement needs. They are also hoping to inspire the younger generations to become entrepreneurs.

To keep their customers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are currently offering pick-up and delivery options. They are located at 6385 Old National Hwy Suite 120, South Fulton, GA.

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

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This 12-Year Old Just Started His 2nd Year in College, Majoring in Aerospace Engineering

Caleb Anderson, a 12-year old gifted boy from Georgia, has already finished his first year in college and has just started his second year. He is majoring in Aerospace Engineering at Chattahoochee Technical College.

Caleb was just 9-months old when he learned to sign more than 250 words. He eventually learned to speak and read when he turned 11-months old. Aside from the English language, he also learned Spanish, French, and Mandarin.

Caleb’s parents, Claire and Kobi, knew he was special and has been very supportive of him ever since.

“As we started to interact with other parents, and had other children, then we started to realize how exceptional this experience was because we had no other frame of reference,” Kobi told CBS News.

At the age of 3, Caleb qualified for MENSA. He joined at the age of 5, making him the youngest African-American boy to be accepted at that time.

Caleb has exceptional from elementary to middle and high school. His mother said Caleb thought those were boring and not challenging so he wanted to go to college already and he was enjoying it so far.

“It was exactly how I expected it to be like if I were 18 or something,” Caleb said.

Caleb has 2 other younger siblings, Aaron and Hannah, who are also gifted. Their parents are all proud of them and encourage other parents to nurture their children’s potential.

Moreover, Caleb is set to graduate at the age of 14. He says that he plans to continue his studies at Georgia Tech as well as MIT.

This article was originally published by BlackBusiness.com.

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Rihanna Launches Men’s Collection of Savage x Fenty Featuring Brand Ambassador Christian Combs

Rihanna is expanding her Savage X Fenty lingerie line to include a men’s collection, which is scheduled to be released on Friday. She is also introducing a new brand ambassador, who happens to be an heir to Hip Hop royalty, Christian Combs, the son of entertainment mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

According to The New York Daily News, this will be Rihanna’s first collection of men’s loungewear and underwear. This news comes right before the scheduled Savage X Fenty Fall/Winter 2020 show also on Friday. The show, which can be exclusively viewed on Amazon Prime Video, will feature Lizzo, Willow Smith, Paris Hilton, and Demi Moore, with performances by Roddy Ricch, Mustard, Ella Mai, Travis Scott, Bad Bunny, Miguel, and Rosalia.

“It’s lit !! S/O @badgalriri I have my new line in collaboration w/ @savagexfenty Coming out OCT 2!!! Don’t wanna miss this ! Tune into Amazon to see it live !”

 

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It’s lit !! S/O @badgalriri I have my new line in collaboration w/ @savagexfenty Coming out OCT 2!!! Don’t wanna miss this ! Tune into Amazon to see it live !

A post shared by Christian Combs (@kingcombs) on Sep 24, 2020 at 3:28pm PDT

It will be an 11-piece capsule collection that will feature woven and knit boxers and swimming trunks with the Savage x Fenty logo imprinted around the waistband. The line ranges between $12 to $70 and includes a satin monogrammed pajama set accentuated with a smoking jacket.

“I wanted to create men’s wear styles that everyone can wear,” Rihanna said in a written statement. “And after Christian did such a great job at the 2019 fashion show wearing men’s, I knew we had to have him as a collaborator.”

Christian Combs, who also has the rap moniker of King Combs, is the son of Sean “Diddy” Combs and late model Kim Porter, who passed away on November 15, 2018.

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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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