HOW TO AVOID A FINANCIAL HANGOVER FROM HOLIDAY SPENDING
Research has shown, however, that year-end activities create the most financially exhaustive period of the year, with multitudes engaging in overspending or being overwhelmed by debt. Data shows more than 30% of consumers endured debt this past holiday season.
People connecting with loved ones, providing others with much-needed relief, and exercising greater generosity make the holiday a joyous time for so many.
Research has shown, however, that year-end activities create the most financially exhaustive period of the year, with multitudes engaging in overspending or being overwhelmed by debt. Data shows more than 30% of consumers endured debt this past holiday season.
(Photo: Sebastian Angarita/Pexels; inset: Public Domain)
“The Howard University Swim Team has been honored with the Key to the Historic Town of Eatonville, FL! A symbol of gratitude and recognition, this prestigious gesture celebrates their excellence, perseverance, and commitment to greatness.”
The Howard University Swim Team has been honored with the Key to the Historic Town of Eatonville, FL! 🏊🏾♂️🔑 A symbol of gratitude and recognition, this prestigious gesture celebrates their excellence, perseverance, and commitment to greatness. While in the Orlando area for winter… pic.twitter.com/3bjJPmkDFI
According to Fox 5 DC, the team was given the key to the city, due in part to the swim and dive teams going to the Rosen Aquatic & Fitness Center in Orlando every year during the school’s winter break.
The facility is located about 15 miles south of Eatonville.
Howard University’s swim team is the only Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to have a swim team that competes at the Division I level.
“Almost speechless, and that’s hard to do for me. When they reached out to us and said that, it just solidifies the work we do. The work we do is hard; being D1 is a difficult task,” said Swim Coach Nic Askew.
The swim team will compete for its conference championship next month. And, yes, it is practicing at at the Rosen Aquatic Center.
“As an alum, it couldn’t make me prouder because when I was a part of the program, we didn’t have opportunities like this. Either we couldn’t afford it or the resources weren’t available. Now, with my coaching staff and amazing support from our family and alumni, we’re able to provide these opportunities to be in this beautiful facility,” Askew said.
The image portrays a Little Tykes toy box with a picture of a Black boy and a foot outfitted with “My First Ankle Monitor.”
A screenshot shows Glennon-Goodman sent the image alongside a text saying, “My husband’s idea of Christmas humor.” After the text was uncovered, Chief Judge Timothy Evans reassigned Glennon-Goodman on Jan. 10 from the pretrial division in Chicago, where she once was responsible for deciding whether defendants facing criminal and domestic violence cases could face jail time, be confined to electronic monitoring—or ankle bracelet,—or be released.
‘A recently elected Cook County judge, Caroline Glennon-Goodman, was temporarily reassigned and referred to the state Judicial Inquiry Board Friday for allegedly sharing a racist image in a text message. The image, which was leaked to the broader public last week, parodied a… pic.twitter.com/7Tk31dQiY7
Glennon-Goopdman, elected in April 2024, was also remanded to implicit bias training along with being referred to the Judicial Inquiry Board in order “to determine whether further sanction is warranted.”
A close friend of Glennon-Goodman said the message was sent to another judge by accident and was initially intended to reach another friend with the same first name. However, the damage may already be done.
The region’s largest and oldest professional association of Black lawyers, the Cook County Bar Association (CCBA), released a statement condemning Glennon-Goodman’s actions and said as a judge already sitting on the bench, she should have enough “unbias” to know better.
“It is our understanding that the photo was meant to be shared with a different audience and that the judge involved has apologized profusely as a result. Nevertheless, such media is inappropriate to share regardless of the intended audience,” the statement read.
“Discernment and judgment are of utmost importance for the qualifications of a judge. Any judge should be unbiased enough to not further circulate such a racist trope.”
Originally assigned to the courtroom at 26th and California, according to CWBC Chicago, Glennon-Goodman came to the bench as a long time Cook County assistant public defender, starting her career in 1997 and handling a number of murder cases. She has the reputation of being one of the most lenient of the division’s nine judges sitting on the bench by rejecting almost half of the all detention requests that reach her desk. The overall pretrial division approved close to 66% of such petitions.
Such data heightened CCBA’s viewpoints of Glennon-Goodman understanding the damage that the projected image can present. “The imagery recalls our nation’s history of inappropriate media images of Black people (such as blackface) and such imagery continues to shape the opinions of Black people, particularly Black men,” the group continued.
While Glennon-Goodman sits under review, a former Cook County state’s attorney, will take her place.
Baseball Fanatics Banned For Interfering With Mookie Betts Play During 2024 World Series
Major League Baseball banned the men indefinitely
During the 2024 World Series, two Yankees fans grabbed a baseball from an opposing team player’s glove during a play and, based on how it was done, Major League Baseball informed them that they are not allowed to attend any MLB games anymore.
According to The Associated Press, baseball fans Austin Capobianco and John P. Hansen were banned from attending baseball games in any ballpark associated with Major League Baseball, as well as any events that the league sponsors.
The incident took place at Yankee Stadium, the home stadium of the New York Yankees, in the Bronx on Oct. 29, 2024. During the fourth game of the series, as Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts reached out and caught the baseball in front of the fans in the stands the two men interfered with the play. After Betts clearly caught the ball, one of the fans grabbed the outfielder with both hands and then took the ball out of his glove. As he did that, the other man grabbed the bare hand of Betts. This happened in the first inning of the contest.
In a letter sent to both men, the league explained why they took punitive action towards the fans, TheNew York Post reported.
“On Oct. 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium, you interfered with play by intentionally and forcefully grabbing a player. Your conduct posed a serious risk to the health and safety of the player and went far over the line of acceptable fan behavior,” the letter read.
“Based on your conduct, Major League Baseball is banning you indefinitely from all MLB stadiums, offices, and other facilities,” the letter said. “You are also hereby banned indefinitely from attending any events sponsored by or associated with MLB. Please be advised that if you are discovered at any MLB property or event, you will be removed from the premises and subject to arrest for trespass.”
The two men were ejected after the play and banned from the next game the following night.
Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon Continues With New Burger Restaurant In Los Angeles
Marathon Burger's menu and location is a nod to Hussle's vision for the brand.
The legacy of Nipsey Hussle has grown with the opening of Marathon Burger, a Los Angeles restaurant brought to life by his brother, Sam “Blacc Sam”Asghedom.
The venture adds to the well-known The Marathon brand, a clothing line that became part of Hussle’s look and dynasty. The food spot hopes to bring his Los Angeles community together through good eats and fellowship, a vision Hussle once had in mind with his brother. What once started as a clothing shop on Crenshaw had previously reimagined itself as a CBD store, with its latest eyes on the food industry.
Its menu allows for those with any dietary restriction to enjoy a meal. From tiger shrimp to mushroom burgers, its offerings speak to the diversity of Los Angeles and The Marathon’s commitment to celebrating these communities of color.
In true fashion, one of its signature combos includes a Marathon Burger. This burger, comprised of two Wagyu beef patties, is topped with Fresno peppers and secret sauce, creating an enticing meal that nods to the rapper’s brand.
The restaurant’s location on Melrose Avenue also speaks to the business’s growth. It has taken on a different neighborhood than its predecessor, stepping away from South Los Angeles to delight the West side. However, the move is all part of the plan. It helps expand Hussle’s vision across the city and, eventually, the state.
Blacc Sam spoke in a documentary about their intentions to branch out and scale up The Marathon. Fulfilling this dream honors his brother, keeping his memory alive in the city that raised them.
“This is something we always spoke about,” said Asghedom in May 2022 doc. “Nipsey, Fatts, Adam and I had a goal to get a legitimate licensed store and have our brand in other stores across the state. We’re so honored to be able to fulfill the dream.”
Marathon Burger has partnered with “Spongebob Squarepants” to bring the “Krabby Patty” to life. As the burger spot hopes to become a chain itself, Marathon Burger continues bringing Los Angeles and Nipsey fans together for a tasty meal and memorable experience.
GoFundMe Directory Circulates As Black Families Mourn Lost Homes, History Amid Wildfires
Early numbers from AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss is $135-$150 billion.
There’s a GoFundMe directory circulating for Black families who have been impacted by the massive wildfires in Los Angeles communities. Thousands of residents have evacuated as the wildfires wreak havoc in communities such as the Black suburb of Altadena.
Black families started to settle in Altadena during the Great Migration in the 1930s. However, Black homeowners didn’t obtain mortgages until the 1960s. Many Black families have kept these homes in a community, that was once exempt from redlining policies, for generations. According to NBC Los Angeles, the Black home ownership rate in the area is at 81.5%. The figure is almost double the national rate.
Black Families in L.A. Mourn Lost Homes Amid Wildfire Outbreak
“The Heidelbergs have lived in Altadena for 38 years and tragically lost their home, with everything inside it, in the recent Los Angeles fire,” a GoFundMe reads that was set up by Varetta Heidelberg and her husband, Levi Heidelberg. “The funds will be used for paying off their mortgage (to a house that is no longer there), for any expenses as a result of the fire and to buy essentials to rebuild their lives.”
Unfortunately, the Heidelbergs are one of a growing number of Black families on the Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory.
“This home was a sanctuary filled with decades of memories, laughter, and love. It was where Barbara and my late Grandfather Arthur Jenkins raised most of, if not ALL our family,” the grandchildren of Barbara Jenkins, wrote.
“At 77, starting over is an overwhelming challenge. She has lost everything—all her personal possessions, irreplaceable mementos from my Grandfather Arthur gone in the wind, and her sense of security that has been there for decades.”
At the time of this report, there are 409 Black families on the list, but the form continues to grow.
As of Jan. 12, Cal Fire officials said the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst fires consumed more than 62 square miles. For context, it’s an area larger than San Francisco. The Associated Press reported that emergency crews contained the Palisades Fire by 11%. Fire crews contained the Eaton Fire by 27% as of Sunday morning.
State officials say the Santa Ana winds and droughts are largely to blame for the wildfires. The catastrophe is expected to be the costliest in U.S. history. Early numbers from AccuWeather estimate the total damage and economic loss is $135-$150 billion.
“To put this into perspective, the total damage and economic loss from this wildfire disaster could reach nearly 4 percent of the annual GDP of the state of California,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said.
Seaboard Plaza Hopes To Revitalize Black Businesses In Florida
The Black-owned Seaboard Plaza is hoping to revitalize the city of Quincy, Florida.
Seaboard Plaza is the first Black-owned business in Quincy, Florida. Located at 335 Pat Thomas Parkway, the plaza aims to revitalize the struggling area, according to WCTV.
According to the World Population, Quincy has a population of 7,943. Nearly half of the city’s citizens, 46.68%, live at or below the poverty line. The revitalization of the center will help the town’s bottom line.
Gadsden County Economic Development Director T.J. Lewis expressed his hope that the project would help Quincy generate income and revenue for Quincy.
“This helps employ local people. This helps keep local money local and not take it out of town. This also provides convenience to people,” Lewis said.
General contractor Latasha Murray, a Gadsden County native, shared similar objectives for the project. She has witnessed the plaza’s decline since the 1980s after it once thrived with businesses.
“They had many other businesses here back in the day,” Murray told the outlet. “So, we’re adopting some of that business trend here at Seaboard Plaza. We’re bringing back the great history.”
The plaza is being constructed with the community’s needs in mind. Seaboard aims not only to provide an economic boost but also to fill service and product gaps for local residents.
“We considered what people in Gadsden County wanted,” Murray said. “Restaurants were one of the main requests, along with cleaners, since we don’t have one here in Quincy right now.”
Once complete, Seaboard Plaza will offer a range of goods and services, including:
A food court
A barbershop
A hair salon
Dry cleaners
Construction and real estate offices
A full-scale restaurant with a private bar room
An event venue
The plaza will also feature office space where local youth can receive construction and real estate job training. It will also host summer programs for the city of Quincy’s youth.
Developers hope the project begins a trend of expansion for the neighboring I-10 interstate.
Verdine Baker, President Of StretchLab Franchise, Grows Company To 500 Units In 5 Years
StretchLab, the global leader in assisted stretching within the Xponential Fitness brand, under the leadership of seasoned fitness executive Verdine Baker, has grown the franchise brand to an astounding 500 units in just the past five years. Often, companies that open so many locations quickly cannot maintain healthy unit economics. Still, StretchLab has defied all odds, especially being a niche subcategory within the wellness industry. Numerous StretchLab franchise locations across the country have celebrated over $1 million in revenue in 2023, and membership numbers in 2024 continue to outpace years past. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Baker, president and CEO of StretchLab and former professional soccer player, to understand how he’s been able to drive such tremendous growth and the importance of having African American executives in leadership roles and ownership across the franchise sector.
BLACK ENTERPRISE: How did you decide to go into the fitness franchise industry?
VERDINE BAKER: I’ve built my career from the start in the health and wellness industry. From a business perspective, I have always been intrigued and curious about small businesses and the scalability that can come from them. Franchising offers a good balance between executing small business operations and corporate business and being able to help people and entrepreneurs all at the same time. Having played sports at a professional level, I’ve suffered my fair share of injuries, including six knee surgeries. When it comes to StretchLab, I had an immediate connection with the brand and its mission. Combined with my personal relationship with the service, I knew my wellness and fitness business background would serve me well in taking on leadership with the brand as well.
BE: What was your path to becoming president and CEO of the StretchLab brand?
BAKER: Having been recruited as a result of my business experience in the fitness and wellness category, I was brought on board as national sales director, where I helped build sales and operations processes for the brand when it had just three locations. Being that I worked at the gym and studio level for years, I had hands-on experience with finding ways to build and optimize the business model. When I started with the brand, I was fortunate that my leader at the time empowered me to build my skills, use them, and learn other aspects of franchising — from franchise development to franchisee relations — that ultimately positioned me to grow to Vice President to Sales and later to President, where I’ve now served for the last three years.
BE: How have you grown the brand to 500 units without compromising unit economics?
BAKER: We have prioritized maintaining high-quality support for our franchisees, which has been essential to our brand’s growth to 500 units while preserving strong unit economics. As we expanded, we were deliberate in structuring our corporate team and refining the systems and processes that our franchisees implement daily. By continuously enhancing our foundational practices and seeking innovative methods to boost efficiencies across our network, we’ve successfully fueled our growth without sacrificing performance.
BE: Why do you feel having more African Americans in executive roles at franchise brands is important?
BAKER: I think it’s essential to have diversity in leadership. It’s also important to me that the next generation of people who look like me see a path for themselves to succeed in business. Additionally, having people of color in executive positions is truly representative of our franchise system. When I look at our franchisees, they’re made up of people of all different ethnicities, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and have all come together with a common goal to have a successful business. We have a great mix of franchisees that include Black and African American business owners who have done an incredible job scaling their businesses. As far as franchising specifically, the beauty of this model is that franchising can create generational wealth for families, and I think that’s something that the African American/Black community hasn’t historically always seemed like a reality.
BE: How does StretchLab promote and market membership and ownership to people of color?
BAKER: When it comes to our franchise development and public relations efforts, our marketing and PR teams make a concerted effort to ensure our franchisees of color get the recognition they deserve in the media. We’ve been fortunate to be able to share the stories of excellent and successful StretchLab owners like Steve Ojeshina and Lenita Williams, among many others, in major business and franchise publications, showing that StretchLab has a place for entrepreneurs of all walks of life, whether you are Black, Asian, Latinx, and beyond.
We also ensure diversity is included in all our marketing assets and imagery for a true representation of what our members look like. We truly serve everybody in our studios — our members are veterans, student-athletes, retired athletes, grandparents, parents, and working professionals — and yes, many of those are people of color. It’s important that when people are presented with our brand, they know that StretchLab is a place for them.
BE: With your experience at the brand, do you believe StretchLab is a good opportunity for African American owners?
BAKER: Absolutely. In addition to what I’ve already mentioned, StretchLab also creates the experience of being an independent business owner and teaching valuable business skills.
To learn more about franchise opportunities with StretchLab, visit its website at stretchlab.com/franchise
Felix Mantilla, Trailblazing Baseball Player And Teammate Of Hank Aaron, Dies At 90
Mantilla was one of a small handful of players still alive who were on the Braves 1957 world championship team, famously anchored by a young Hank Aaron.
Felix Mantilla, who was among the first wave of Puerto Rican players in Major League Baseball and a minor and major league teammate of Henry “Hank” Aaron, who helped Aaron integrate the farm system of the then-Milwaukee Braves, died on Jan. 10 at the age of 90.
According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Mantilla was one of a small handful of players alive who played on the Braves’ 1957 world championship team, famously anchored by a young Hank Aaron.
The Hall of Fame remembers Braves, Mets, Red Sox and Astros infielder Félix Mantilla, who passed away at the age of 90.
Mantilla was one of five players, including Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who integrated the South Atlantic League in 1953. pic.twitter.com/vDlUoC8Eyk
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) January 12, 2025
Although Mantilla never played for the franchise that now calls Milwaukee home, the Brewers, they honored the former utility man’s contribution to the city and sent their love to Mantilla’s loved ones in a statement.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Felix Mantilla, an iconic figure in Milwaukee who was an inspiration to all of us in the Milwaukee baseball community. We will forever remember Felix for his time with the Milwaukee Braves, but even more for the impact he had on thousands of children through the Felix Mantilla Little League. Our love and thoughts are with Felix’s dear wife, Kay, and the many friends and family who join us in mourning his passing,” the Milwaukee Brewers wrote.
Mantilla played 11 seasons in the majors, mostly as a middle infielder, but he did everything but pitch and catch on the baseball diamond during his career in stops with the New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros.
Felix Mantilla was one of the first Puerto Rican-born players in the majors and a real force in the community. He played three seasons in Boston from 1963-1965.
Mantilla created the Felix Mantilla Little League alongside his son, also named Felix but, who goes by Tony, so the two are not confused.
According to the outlet, it was the younger Mantilla’s idea to use the league to expose the city’s youth to his father’s hometown in Puerto Rico.
On Jan. 11, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also extended his condolences to those mourning Mantilla.
Our city remembers Félix Mantilla. He lived a remarkable life. He was both a baseball all star and a world champion. His community work included the Félix Mantilla Little League -introducing youngsters to teamwork, discipline and fun. My thoughts are with his family and his fans. pic.twitter.com/My9ImRmPtF
“Our city remembers Félix Mantilla. He lived a remarkable life. He was both a baseball all-star and a world champion. His community work included the Félix Mantilla Little League–introducing youngsters to teamwork, discipline, and fun. My thoughts are with his family and his fans,” Mayor Johnson said.
Black-Owned Business Vandalized With Racist ‘White Power’ Graffiti In South Dakota
The business owner stated her 'disappointment' with intra-city relations that may have led to the racist graffiti.
A Black-owned business in South Dakota has become the target of racist graffiti, including a swastika and phrase of “white power” spray-painted on the establishment.
Beth Shaw, who owns a toy store in Sioux Falls with her husband, Jerry, returned to her business on Jan. 9 to discover the hateful markings covering the back of the building. She reported messages that ranged from general threats toward Black people to a swastika and mentions of the Ku Klux Klan.
Shaw told local news outlet Keloland about the shocking discovery, sharing her “disappointment” with intra-city relations that may have led to the racist graffiti.
“I feel disappointment in how things are going in the city that I love,” shared Shaw. “I don’t understand how anyone can not care or be so vile as to what they’re gonna do because of the pigmentation in someone’s skin.”
Her husband, Jerry, expressed similar concerns about the state of their local community. He also agreed that tolerance and equality have declined over the years.
“I’ve lived here for like 16 years, and I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he explained. “It’s changed a lot, and it’s not changing for the better.”
The business owner added, “Being Black, a lot of people don’t understand; sometimes you feel like just being Black is a crime in itself. People just look at you and say you’re up to no good.”
Their concerns continue to loom as the Sioux Falls police have yet to make an arrest for the hate crime. A spokesperson for the department also confirmed that no suspects are under investigation at the time. The mall where the store is located noted that this racist graffiti was unacceptable on its property and swiftly removed it.
According to Data USA, Black people account for 6.74% of Sioux Falls’ 193,401 population as of 2022. The local NAACP chapter called upon local business leaders, as well as the city’s Mayor Paul TenHaken, to rise up against the growing hatred against its Black community.
It encourages them to “do more” to fight against injustice as discriminatory acts, including other incidences of harassment and verbal threats, begin to plague the area.
“This community has also allowed and really not fought against or not battled against the spirit of racism and the spirit of hatred,” shared chapter Vice President Julian Beaudion. “As the NAACP, we call on not just the community overall, but we call on business leaders. We call on Black business leaders, prominent Black business leaders in this community, to do more, to say more.”
