Battleground State Polls Show VP Kamala Harris Tied With Trump But Outperforming With Black Voters
Things are looking up for the Vice President!
New polls show Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are neck and neck in the battleground states, but Harris is winning Black voters over by a landslide, The Hill reports.
The CBS News/YouGov poll surveyed roughly 3,100 registered voters between July 30 and Aug. 2. Both candidates are tied with 50% support from each of the battleground states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Arizona. However, Harris leads Trump 50% to 49% nationally in a head-to-head race. Trump has a small one-point lead in Wisconsin and a three-point lead in Georgia and North Carolina, while Harris is two points ahead in Nevada.
With third-party candidates added, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee holds a 2-point lead over the GOP candidate.
According to the outlet, the major key boost in numbers for Harris comes from Black voters, a critical demographic for the vice president, with 74% guaranteeing their support of Harris compared to when President Joe Biden was the nominee, with 58%. In total, Harris has 81% support from Black voters, compared to 73% support for Biden. The gap comes as no surprise to Democratic strategists who issued a warning that the president was losing ground with the key demographic for months.
According to CBS News, Black voters feel Harris will cater to all Americans, including them. However, GOP voters and lawmakers worry she will only help the interests of Black people over white people. For Harris’ voters, they are confident she will look out for everyone — regardless of gender or race.
Overall, voters on both sides of the aisle are now seemingly excited about Harris’ nomination and November 2024 voting. Even for Trump supporters, one-third of GOP voters are seemingly more motivated to vote with Harris on the ballot now. When it comes to candidate qualities, voters feel confident in Harris’ ability to match up more closely with Trump.
The vice president’s advantage over Trump touches on having the mental and cognitive capacity to serve, a key issue for Democrats when Biden was the nominee. Her energy rate is 69% over Trump’s 61% and 56% to Trump’s 52% regarding being focused.
Harris’ race entrance has also widened the gender gap between the candidates, with the vice president winning 54% of women’s votes, while Trump has won 54% of men.
As voters consider the country’s climate, most voters — both Harris supporters and beyond — feel America is ready for a Black woman to be president, taking into account 75% of independent voters and close to half of Republicans. Such viewpoints have shifted over the years. In 2000, almost more than one-third of the country supported the idea of a Black president-elect. The numbers increased in 2008 when former President Barack Obama was the Democratic nominee, and most of the country supported the narrative.
Actor Akili McDowell Charged With Murder In Houston
McDowell, who starred in an OWN Network show, “David Makes Man,” at 16-years-old and was considered a rising star in the film and TV industry, is accused by the Harris County Sheriff’s office of shooting Peralta and fleeing the scene.
According to ABC-13, the 21-year-old McDowell, who starred in the OWN Network show David Makes Man at 16 years old, attended North Shore High School, and was considered a rising star in the film and TV industry, is accused by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office of shooting Peralta and fleeing the scene.
On July 20, Harris County sheriff deputies responded to calls about a shooting. Upon arrival, they found a man, identified as Peralta, unresponsive from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS workers pronounced Peralta dead at the scene.
According to investigators, Peralta is believed to have gone to the apartments to purchase marijuana from McDowell, who neighbors allege was known as “the weed man.”
In McDowell’s first court appearance, prosecutors argued, “This defendant was seen talking to the complainant. They had a fistfight. The defendant pulled out a pistol and shot him once. When the complainant went to his car, he shot him again and again.”
According to a witness who declined to be identified, McDowell sped off after gunshots were fired. McDowell is currently held on a $400,000 bond but informed the court that he can’t afford a lawyer and has been assigned a public defender.
According to TheNew York Times, McDowell is scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 9. Jonell Whitt, McDowell’s manager, offered prayers to both McDowell and the family of the victim in a statement but declined any further comments.
“This is an unfortunate situation and I am in prayer for Akili and those impacted by this tragedy,” Whitt told the Associated Press.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, “On July 20, 2024, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an incident that occurred in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 13503 North Thorntree, near Wallisville and Uvalde (East Harris County). An adult male (possibly in his 20s) sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Suspect(s) fled the scene.”
The sheriff’s office continued, updating their initial report, “Arrest update: Homicide Investigators charged Akili McDowell (21) with murder in the shooting death of Cesar Peralta (20). McDowell was recently taken into custody and booked into the Harris County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and we encourage anyone with info to contact the Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.”
The approximate value of the 2024 gold medal is higher than the all-time high value of the gold medal for the 2012 London Olympics.
It was recently revealed on a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe and Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson‘s Nightcap that gold medal winners from the United States take home $37,000 when they win in their sport.
But what is the actual worth of that gold medal?
According to Forbes, based on the current price of gold as of July 24, the precious gold medal Olympian athletes take home is worth approximately $950. That also includes materials that are used for the medal. The media outlet states that, due to record-high prices for the precious metal, this is the most that the top medal has been worth.
The approximate value of $950 beats the value of the $708 of the gold medal for the 2012 London Olympics.
Although it’s labeled as gold, more than 95% of the medal is actually made of silver. The price of the top medal, if it were made purely of gold, would substantially raise the value of the medal to approximately $41,161.50. The last time that Olympic medals were 100% gold was in 1912.
In terms of how much the medal weighs, it is 529 grams. Silver makes up 505 grams, while six grams consists of pure gold, which serves as the plating for the medal. The remaining 18 grams are iron.
In comparison, the silver medal comes in just at 525 grams. The medal is made with 507 grams of silver and 18 grams of iron. The current value of the silver medal is approximately $486. The bronze medal weighs 455 grams. No silver is incorporated in the bronze, but its makeup is 415.15 grams of copper, 21.85 grams of zinc, and 18 grams of iron. The value of a bronze medal? A paltry $13.
The iron included in the medals is no ordinary iron. According to the outlet, the iron is specifically made from the iron from the Eiffel Tower, the universally recognized symbol of Paris and France.
All the medals are 85 millimeters across and 9.2 millimeters thick.
21 Savage Releases ‘Master Your Money’ Guide To Put Ms In Your Bank Account
The rapper gave away copies of the financial literacy workbook at his annual back-to-school drive in Atlanta.
21 Savage is a man of many trades, from rap music to financial empowerment. The hip-hop artist has released a guide to teach youth about managing their pockets.
The free digital booklet, titled Master Your Money: Financial Success 101 Guide With 21 Savage, begins with an explanation of the rapper’s hit song “Bank Account.”
“The main focus of the song is on wealth, success, and the lifestyle that comes with financial prosperity,” according to an explainer found in the booklet. “In the track, 21 Savage raps about having a large amount of money in his bank account and the luxurious lifestyle that his wealth enables him to enjoy. The song highlights themes of financial success, the rewards of hard work, and the contrast between his past struggles and his current status.
The booklet then includes a list of short- and long-term goals to be financially savvy. Eliminating small debts or growing an emergency fund can also coincide with years-long endeavors, such as buying a home. The workbook, in collaboration with Wealthy Habits, also teaches readers about wise spending, from budgeting for a trip to the differences between savings accounts.
Moreover, the comprehensive book touches on credit scores and investments. It encourages readers to not only understand loans but also build wealth. This financially-focused document aims to address concerns regarding wealth-building and financial literary for the youth, especially in the Black community. While Black wealth is on the rise, the racial wealth gap persists. Through this booklet, 21 Savage hopes to contribute to the trend of financial awareness.
21 Savage is continuing the work through his Leading By Example foundation. On Aug. 4, the Atlanta native hosted his eighth annual “Issa Back-to-School Drive” in the city. According to Complex, over 3,000 people participated in the charitable event. They took home school supplies and copies of “Master Your Money,” all provided by the rapper.
For the 31-year-old’s ongoing work to better the Atlanta community, Congressman Hank Johnson and Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson declared Aug. 4 as “21 Savage Leading By Example Day.” Despite his tough lyrics, 21 Savage has proven himself as an advocate for education and financial literacy nationwide.
How Texas Attorney Kevin Kelley Is Raising the Bar For Southern Dining, Hospitality, and Opportunities For Minorities
Kitchen + Kocktails is Kevin Kelley's latest endeavor.
Kevin Kelley is a Dallas-based trailblazer and tastemaker, creating countless opportunities and hospitable destinations across America considerate of people of color. The sole owner of the rising national hospitality group Kevin Kelley Concepts, Kelley has successfully implemented a vision in his concepts that strives for nationwide expansion.
Kelley is an attorney, entrepreneur, restaurateur and progressive visionary, Kevin Kelley Concepts has seen substantial success due to Mr. Kelley’s drive, passion for service, ability to inspire the best from those around him, and his selflessness. His love for serving the community and equipping the “underdogs” can be credited to the success of Kevin Kelley Concepts.
The wrongful death, serious injury, and business litigation law firm Kelley Law Firm, P.C., represents clients internationally who have been wronged or harmed due to the actions of others. Over 17 years. the firm has recovered over half of a billion dollars for its clients.
As for Kevin Kelley Concepts, it consists of three hospitality brands across six nationwide locations: Kitchen + Kocktails by Kevin Kelley (Dallas, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, NC), Club VIVO, and KANVAS Sports + Social. Within the group, Kelley employs over 800 employees of color, emblematic of his commitment to creating opportunity for those who otherwise would struggle to have it recognized.
Every menu item, crafted cocktail, and dessert is carefully created, tasted, and selected by Kelley. He prides himself on the time, attention, and quality that goes into each plate served; the core of what the restaurant provides is built on great service, delicious Southern comfort food, creative hand-crafted cocktails, and memorable experiences.
Club VIVO is Dallas’ #1 Latin nightclub, operating out of 19,000 square feet at 1930 Pacific Ave. Club VIVO’s main staff is primarily Latino, thoughtfully addressing the needs of the customer base.
The most recent addition to Kevin Kelley Concepts’ body of work is an elevated sports viewing destination in the heart of downtown Dallas, Kanvas Sports + Social. Located on 2823 Main Street, Kanvas Sports + Social boasts 10,000 square feet of space, two floor-level dining areas, and a connected upper-level lounge, bar, and kitchen that makes up Dallas’ next vibrant double-decker sports lounge. Plus, there’s fantastic food and first-rate cocktails.
Taking pride in his ability to lead through principles and goal-oriented action, Kelley has empowered hundreds of entrepreneurs and next-generation professionals. Many first-time professionals, including paralegals, attorneys, and restaurant general managers, have gotten their start through opportunities provided by Kevin Kelley Concepts.
Thompson Hospitality CEO Leads Through Diversification
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Thompson offers sage advice: 'Get knowledge and experience in the business before you launch out on your own.'
Source: Thompson Hospitality CEO Warren Thompson (Photo provided by Thompson Hospitality)
Restaurant sales are projected to surpass $1.1 trillion this year, setting a new record for the industry. By the end of 2024, it is anticipated that over 15.7 million individuals will be employed in this sector in the United States, according to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 “State of the Restaurant Industry” report.
Black-owned businesses play a crucial role in the American economy, significantly driving growth and development across numerous industries. About 9% of restaurant firms are owned by Black people, below the total U.S. representation of 13.6% reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Despite the challenges many face in the restaurant industry, Warren Thompson, CEO of Thompson Hospitality, founded in 1992, leads the nation’s largest minority-owned food and facilities management company. Thompson’s success story exemplifies the potential for growth and excellence within Black-owned businesses, showcasing their ability to thrive and innovate even in competitive markets.
BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with Thompson to gather his insights on the changing landscape of the restaurant business, diversification, and his philosophy about leadership.
Delivering Success Through Diversification
Thompson attributes much of his success to a profoundly ingrained entrepreneurial spirit. “I was a consummate entrepreneur as a kid,” he recalls. “I had multiple businesses, from raising hogs to cutting grass to selling produce from an old school bus.” This entrepreneurial mindset has been a cornerstone of Thompson Hospitality’s culture. From its inception as a restaurant company, the business quickly diversified into contract food service and hotels, allowing it to navigate economic fluctuations and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve done that with an entrepreneurial culture,” Thompson explains. “People we attract and retain are entrepreneurial. In every interview, I ask if they see themselves as more of a corporate person or an entrepreneur. I want the answer to be entrepreneurial.”
Leadership, for Thompson, is about taking calculated risks and evolving with experience.
“When I started this company 32 years ago, I took crazy risks,” he admits. “I started with $100,000, heavily leveraged transactions. I’ve become more conservative as we’ve grown, but I still believe in taking appropriate risks to grow the company.” His leadership philosophy is encapsulated in the company’s guiding principles, the last of which is “Do the right thing, treat others the way you’d like to be treated.” This principle, he says, is the essence of the company’s culture and drives decisions at all levels.
Power in Partnerships
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly in the context of racial issues. Starting Thompson Hospitality in 1992, Thompson recalls, “was a time when our country was going through racial challenges similar to what we are experiencing now.” His first major deal, franchising 27 Shoney’s restaurants, came on the heels of a significant discrimination lawsuit against Shoney’s.
“Even though they were required to have a certain number of African American franchisees, they were having a hard time. When I approached them, they were anxious to do the deal.” To navigate the racial tensions and business hurdles, Thompson assembled an influential advisory board, including prominent figures like Martin Luther King III and Dr. Dorothy Height, who provided crucial support and guidance.
Thompson’s commitment to diversity and community is unwavering. “Diversity equals income,” he asserts. “It’s been a fundamental part of our company from day one.” This commitment extends to substantial contributions to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
“We provide about $4 million a year in scholarships and financial support to HBCUs,” Thompson says, highlighting his deep personal connection to these institutions as both his parents were HBCU graduates. This focus on giving back and fostering diversity has strengthened the company and created opportunities for future generations.
Hen Quarter Prime: A Recipe for Success
Hen Quarter Prime, the latest addition to the Thompson Hospitality portfolio, has quickly become a standout in the competitive Washington, D.C. restaurant scene. According to Alex Brown, director of operations, its success lies in a robust marketing strategy and deep community engagement.
“If you’re joining us for dinner, we’ll talk to you about brunch, and vice versa,” Brown says. “We also cross-market with brands like Makers Union and Milk and Honey at the Wharf.” This integrated approach helps maximize visibility and draw a diverse crowd to Hen Quarter Prime, enhancing its reputation as a destination for various dining experiences.
Adaptation and innovation are also crucial to Hen Quarter Prime’s success. Brown notes that the restaurant continually evolves its menu to cater to customer preferences and market conditions. “We offer everything from a casual dinner with chicken and waffles to a more elevated experience with table-side carved Tomahawk and Porterhouse steaks,” he says. The beverage program is equally versatile, featuring entry-level cocktails and a large selection of rare bourbons and whiskies.
Hen Quarter Prime’s blend of innovative marketing, strategic cross-promotions, adaptive offerings, and community engagement is a model for success in the competitive restaurant industry. It thrives under the Thompson Hospitality Group’s umbrella, bringing a unique and elevated dining experience to the heart of Washington, D.C.
Entrepreneurial Advice
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Thompson offers sage advice. “Get knowledge and experience in the business before you launch out on your own,” he recommends, drawing from his nine years at Marriott.
He also emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships.
“Five years into this company, we partnered with Compass Group, the global food service company. This partnership allowed us to grow our business exponentially.” Thompson encourages young entrepreneurs to be financially conservative and seek proper funding, noting that many businesses fail due to being underfunded.
Rapper T.I. Arrested In A Case Of Mistaken Identity
T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris was picked up on an arrest warrant that was issued for another man with the same name at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport
Clifford Harris was arrested over the weekend in Atlanta, but it turns out that the wrong Clifford Harris was arrested. According to TMZ, rapper and reality TV star T.I., real name Clifford Harris, was picked up on an arrest warrant issued for another man with the same name at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Georgia. The Clifford Harris that police officers are looking for is from Baltimore, while the rapper, who also is a comedian, lives in Atlanta. Harris is wanted for alleged involvement in violent behavior toward a woman, stalking, and possibly involving a gun.T.I. was arrested at the airport and then taken to Clayton County Jail. The entertainer’s attorney, Steve Sadow, informed the media outlet that he telephoned the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and was able to have his client released within 2 hours of the incident.Since the warrant was from out of state, his arrest triggered an automatic extradition hearing. After the judge reviewed the particulars of the arrest, he dismissed the extradition order. The warrant for Harris was filed on June 13 but states that the suspect reportedly weighs 205 pounds. T.I. weighs about 40 pounds less at 165.Late last year, the “Rubber Band Man” lyricist was pulled over when he was seen speeding past a police officer on an Atlanta highway.After being stopped in a Range Rover with no tags, the rapper informed the police officer that he had purchased the vehicle that day. After the officer questioned why he was driving so fast, he responded that his “girl” was getting on his nerves.“I was arguing with my girl. She was getting on my nerves. I apologize. She was getting under my skin.”
HipHopDX reported that T.I. was not arrested but was given three citations and allowed to leave the scene.
Rep. Jeffries described Gov. Hochul’s decision as a “reasonable thing to do at this moment” during a news conference on August 5
Senate Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries praised the decision of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to pause a controversial congestion pricing program even though it reportedly cost the Manhattan Transit Authority $15 billion.
According to Gothamist, Jeffries described Gov. Hochul’s decision as a “reasonable thing to do at this moment” during a news conference on Aug. 5, which marked the groundbreaking of a $57 million project that will add elevators to the city’s Clausson Avenue station.
According to Jefferies, “I think that Gov. Hochul was obvious that she had cost-of-living concerns regarding congestion pricing that should be evaluated. I stayed neutral throughout the entire process, but I’ve supported the pause as a reasonable thing to do at this moment.”
Jeffries supported the pause following Hochul’s announcement on June 5. His office quickly approved a “temporary pause of limited duration to understand better the financial impact [of congestion pricing] on working-class New Yorkers.”
Although the program was touted by Danny Pearlstein, a spokesperson for Riders Alliance, a nonprofit organization that advocates for better transit in New York, Hochul indicated that her decision to pause congestion pricing came from talking to everyday New Yorkers.
Although the cost of congestion pricing for the everyday driver would have increased the daily fee to enter a designated congestion zone in Manhattan to $15, transit advocates like Riders Alliance accused Gov. Hochul of orchestrating a political move.
Gov. Hochul and Rep. Jeffries, however, have denied such actions. According to Jeffries, “We did not discuss the impact adversely on the House of Representatives in connection with congestion pricing.”
According to The New York Times, congestion pricing has proven effective at reducing pollution, although it was no less controversial when first instituted in London. When London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan decided to expand the city’s congestion pricing program in August 2023, he was met with protests and criticism from his own party and the opposition. Still, he eventually won the election comfortably despite his plans for congestion pricing.
However, the data released on July 24 showed that most London drivers had already met the threshold for avoiding the $16 fee. However, it still made more than $130 million for the City of London, and it is projected that by 2026, the city will no longer be collecting fees because all cars will comply.
Hochul, meanwhile, faces two lawsuits from environmental groups, including one from the Sierra Club, the aforementioned Riders Alliance, and the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance, which alleges that Hochul’s blockage of the program constitutes a violation of the New York State right to clean air and water promised to its citizens via the state Constitution.
According to Dror Ladin, a lawyer for Earthjustice’s northeast regional office and lead attorney on the group’s lawsuit against Hochul, “The governor just took it away and said, ‘We’re not going to do that. That seems to be a pretty clear violation. Governor Hochul’s decision to block congestion pricing is totally inconsistent with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act,” Ladin told the Sierra Club.
“It specifically gets us further away from our emissions goals.”
5-Year-Old Maryland Boy Killed After Bounce House Goes Airborne At Baseball Game
Declan Hicks was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital.
On August 2, a five-year-old boy died after a bounce house went flying into the air at a family event at a baseball park in Maryland.
According to NBC Washington, the boy, who was identified by a representative of the family as Declan Hicks, died during “Faith and Family Night” at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, where the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs baseball team was playing a game. An inflatable bounce house, which had several children playing inside, went airborne due to a wind gust.
A press release from the Charles County Government stated that the Charles County 9-1-1 Public Safety Communications responded to a call about a moon bounce house becoming airborne with children inside it. According to the outlet, the moon bounce was carried approximately 15 to 20 feet up in the air, causing the children inside to fall before it landed on the baseball field.
Within minutes, Charles County EMS personnel, who were stationed at the stadium, started attending to the children, along with trainers from the team and some volunteer first responders. Two children were injured and taken to Children’s Hospital, where Hicks was later pronounced dead. The second child had non-life-threatening injuries.
“We extend our deepest empathy to the children and their families during this difficult time,” stated Charles County Government Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II, Esq. in a written statement. “We thank our EMS team and the Maryland State Police for their swift actions to ensure the children received immediate care.”
NBC Washington spoke to Hicks’ father, David Hicks Jr., who stated his wife was at the game with Declan.
“She’s trying to get through it, but it tears her up,” Hicks stated. “We can’t even come with words sometimes.”
“Words just can’t explain how remarkable he was.”
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Maryland Department of Labor are investigating what happened.
Black Women Entrepreneurs Discuss The Impact Of Limiting DEI Funding For Businesses
Black women entrepreneurs discuss how the anti-DEI movement could potentially impact the future of Black business.
With rising threats limiting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) funding, Black women entrepreneurs are expressing their fears and strategies to handle this growing issue.
A cohort of 70 Black entrepreneurs, the majority being women, participated in the conversation regarding the future of their businesses. As DEI initiatives remain under attack, crucial funding is now in limbo. This current dilemma limits how many companies can stay in operation and get off the ground.
The discussion by tech CEO Barbara Jones-Brown pointed to a particular lawsuit that has paused the distribution of Fearless Funds grants to Black women entrepreneurs.
“There are grant programs that are giving people $100,000, $200,000, and $500,000. They were giving [$20,000], and they get attacked,” said Jones-Brown, as reported byThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s all calculated. All of this stuff is strategic…They know exactly what they’re doing to dismantle all of this.”
The lawsuit, filed by an Edward Blum-led conservative group, claimed that its $20k grant contest to support Black women entrepreneurs was “discriminatory.” The Fearless Fund’s mission of investing in women-owned companies has been stunted amid the legal battle.
Jones-Brown’s own success also stemmed from DEI funding. She scaled her own business, Freeing Returns, through the help of Black-led funds. The funding efforts gained traction after the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which prompted nationwide protests and a cultural shift to uplift the Black community.
“A lot of Black-led funds got created that year,” explained Jones-Brown. “So, I was pitching to Black women, Black men, and they heard me; they saw me.”
However, the shift now leans in the opposite direction, with a conservative movement to disband DEI programs. The movement ignores the fact that funding barriers continue to persist for minority-owned companies. According to a 2021 study by the Minority Business Development Agency, Black entrepreneurs were 13% more likely to use their personal finances to alleviate business struggles than their white counterparts.
“These organizations, funds and programs are set up to address the disparity between brown and Black communities and women,” explained Donna Ennis, director of community engagement for the Georgia MBDA Business Center. “Because when you do the research even on women companies, no matter what color, they’re significantly underfunded as well.”
All hope is not lost, with some lenders understanding that specifically helping diverse entrepreneurs keeps them around. However, the most significant factor in maintaining one’s business is having the sales to sustain it.
“We need to really focus on getting a lot of our money through sales, not just from investments and grants and non-dilutive funding,” Jones-Brown said. “That’s wonderful to get you started, but we need business. We are in business to make money.”
One can expect this anti-DEI movement to wage on. Despite this issue, Black women entrepreneurs continue to rally together and advocate for the importance of diverse funding.
