HEAD COACH, FOOTBALL.ALABAMA A&M, CONNELL MAYNOR — Dtg84 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 3, 2024

Alabama A&M University’s Head Football Coach Axed After 7 Seasons

Connell Maynor has been terminated after leading the team for the past seven seasons.

Alabama A&M University’s head football coach has been terminated after leading the team for the past seven seasons.

According to The Associated Press, Connell Maynor’s firing was announced by Alabama A&M’s Athletic Director Paul A. Bryant, on Dec. 2. The football team ended this season with an even .500 record in both regular standings (6-6) and conference records (4-4). The team played in the SWAC (Southwestern Athletic Conference) and lost to Florida A&M after winning the previous three games.

“We want to thank Connell Maynor for his seven seasons at Alabama A&M University,” Bryant said in a written statement. “We wish him well in all his future endeavors.”

The school has announced that the search for the next head coach will begin immediately.

Maynor led the football team to a 40-32 record as the head coach of Alabama A&M while having a 28-21 record in the conference. During the shortened 2021 season, Maynor took the team to its first SWAC championship in 15 years. The Bulldogs went undefeated with a 5-0 record. They beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 40-33 to win the program’s second SWAC football title.

Maynor played quarterback in the Arena Football League and played his collegiate career with Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T.

The school also announced on Dec. 3 that six student-athletes from the university have been selected to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) postseason football teams, the conference informed them.

Offensive lineman Carson Vinson and running back Donovan Eaglin were named to the All-SWAC First Team. Wide receiver Keenan Hambrick, defensive lineman Dorian Wesley, linebacker Cortez Andrews, and defensive back Delvon Gulley were chosen for the All-SWAC Second Team. Vinson was also named one of 10 finalists for the Urban Edge Network’s HBCU+ National Player of the Year Award. He was also the first HBCU player invited to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

GeneralMotors, charging stations, EV, electric vehicles — Drivers charging Chevrolet EVs at chargers that utilize the North American Charging Standard.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 3, 2024

Chevrolet’s HBCU Marketing Fellowship Driven By Marketing Campaigns For The Black Community

The campaign received an award for its purpose-driven message and authentic delivery.

Chevrolet’s “Discover The Unexpected” fellowship recruited HBCU students through an innovative, award-winning marketing campaign for the Black community.

According to Ad Age, the 10-week program offered journalism and marketing internships to 10 HBCU students. It also sought to fulfill a need for better strategies when engaging with the Black community. While granting access to mentors and resources that matched the students’ creativity, the program strengthened Chevrolet’s connection to HBCUs

Chevrolet’s long-standing partnership with The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) helped accomplish this mission. The organization represents over 200 Black-owned newspapers, which spread the word about this opportunity for HBCU students to showcase and sharpen their storytelling skills.

By investing in Black media through the newspapers and independent marketing agency Carol H. Williams Advertising, Chevrolet developed a new brand perception that encouraged inclusivity at the core of its values. They incorporated social as well as grassroots outreach and brought on media personality Terrence J as an ambassador for the fellowship.

“Chevrolet is proud to continue its collaboration with NNPA on Discover the Unexpected, providing HBCU students hands-on learning and development opportunities in addition to a platform to share their experiences,” said Steve Majoros, vice president of Chevrolet Marketing, in a 2022 news release. “This program is pivotal in our mission of reaching diverse audiences through amplifying their perspectives, and we look forward to witnessing the impact of this year’s fellows.”

Its marketing tactics also furthered its reach within the Black community from an environmental standpoint. It increased the consideration of Chevrolet’s electric vehicles to the diverse customer base.

Ad Age also confirmed a 12% lift in “purchase consideration” among NNPA readers through their ad placements. Its exposure also led to 63% of viewers seeking more information about the legacy car brand. Additionally, over 75% of NNPA readers could recall the assets associated with the fellowship.

With the successful rollout, Chevrolet won a 2024 Global Automotive Marketing Award for best purpose-driven campaign for its authentic message to serve the community.

Georgia Power Warns That Increased Use Of AI Can Lead To Higher Demand For Electricity — Photo by Brett Sayles: https://www.pexels.com/photo/low-angle-view-of-posts-under-blue-calm-sky-918986/

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 3, 2024

Georgia Power Warns That Increased Use Of AI Can Lead To Higher Demand For Electricity

As more data centers pop up in the state and nationwide, the demand for energy could triple by the next decade.

Georgia Power is preparing customers for a higher electricity demand as AI usage grows.

According to WSB-TV, the company determined this potential outcome after releasing a report. The report detailed the increased number of data centers used for intelligence software. As more data centers pop up in the state and nationwide, the energy demand could triple in the next decade.

“If you put thousands of machines, say 10,000 computers, it’s going to get hot,” Emory Professor Rajiv Garg explained to the news outlet. “They need cooling power. They need processing power.”

This processing power remains crucial for more advanced searches typically used in AI, which rely on data centers to develop their responses. As AI searches become more common, especially through platforms like Chat GPT, so does the growing need for the centers. In July, the World Economic Forum asked the platform how much energy it uses.

“AI systems vary widely in energy consumption depending on their complexity and usage, but they generally require significant amounts of electricity to process and analyze data efficiently,” explained the generative AI.

In other words, searching on Chat GPT takes the same energy typically needed for 10 Google searches. The platform also boasts 200 million weekly users, with the United States accounting for the most at 14%, per Backlinko. With this in mind, concerns over AI’s efficiency loom despite its advantages.

Garg added, “AI is going to be phenomenal, but we need to learn how to use AI efficiently as well.”

However, what this increased electricity use will mean for people’s wallets is not fully clear. Fortunately, Garg believes that prices should even out in time, although they will initially rise to keep up with the demand. While the professor emphasizes that one’s Georgia Power bill will go down to its “equilibrium point,” there is no telling of when exactly that will be.

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Team 1: Benedict College Firewall Phantoms

Phumosny Gauthier (Team Captain)

Sophomore, Computer Engineering, Benedict College

Nineteen years ago, on October 26th, at Justinien Hospital, a new member of the Gauthier family was born. His mother, shedding tears of joy, and his father, with a big smile etched on his face, warmly welcomed the crying baby. He was named Phumosny Gauthier, who is also known as Mosny. And from that day, his journey began. Phumosny Gauthier was born and raised in Haiti for fourteen years. He was blessed with a little brother named Moly Gauthier three years after his birth. In 2016, his mother passed away, and three years after that tragic event, his father relocated them from Haiti to the Bahamas. Having lived in Haiti for all his youth years, he did not know how to speak English. Therefore, In September 2019, he enrolled in Orion Academy, a school that serves to teach and prepare Haitian students for government schools in The Bahamas. Six months later, he enrolled at RM Bailey Senior High School. Graduating as the top male of his high school, he was awarded a full ride to pursue his bachelor’s degree at Benedict College. Currently majoring in computer engineering at Benedict College, Phumosny plans to pursue a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. He dreams of inventing an emergency vehicle that can adjust its size to navigate traffic more effectively, reducing delays and potentially saving lives in critical situations. As Phumosny grows, various factors and experiences continue to shape his path, and he is content with where he is and what he strives to achieve.

Cordell Johnson

Sophomore, Computer Science, Benedict College

My name is Cordell Johnson, and I am very passionate about software development. I have an interest in solving real-world problems where I can with innovative technology. I have good skills in C++, which is my preferred language, but I also know Python, Swift, HTML, and a bit of Java. I am also very good at following instructions to complete projects as quickly as possible. I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Benedict College, and I am set to graduate in 2027. I thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments and am always excited about opportunities to work with like-minded individuals. I am driven by my love for technology and desire to build many products that make life easier. Beyond technical skills, I also bring strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities to the table, ensuring effective teamwork and project management. I enjoy collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, bringing together developers, designers, and business minds to create products that not only work but offer seamless user experience. I am constantly learning and eager to push the boundaries of my skills, making me a valuable asset on any team I may be on.

Franklin Hepburn

Junior, Cybersecurity, Benedict College

I am a prospective cybersecurity major with a love of coding and practical knowledge of computers and networking technologies. I like learning about network intricacies and delving into programming languages. My objective is to gain solid technical expertise in IT infrastructure, coding, and cybersecurity while continuously broadening my understanding of the ever-changing IT industry. I’m motivated by curiosity and a desire to use technology to tackle difficult challenges, and I’m thrilled to be a part of a creative and safe digital future.

Sarai Sanford

Senior, Cybersecurity, Benedict College

I am a senior majoring in cybersecurity with diverse experience in IT, compliance, and education. In the summer of 2024, I worked as a Compliance Intern at Blue Cross Blue Shield, collaborating with teams to ensure adherence to regulatory standards, conducting audits, and documenting my experiences through weekly reflections. Prior to that, I interned at Suri Research, where I contributed to key research projects, and as an IT intern, I supported secure IT practice and troubleshooting operations.

Quentin Whitfield

Junior, Cybersecurity, Benedict College

Results-driven IT professional with notable success in planning, analyzing, and implementing security initiatives. Strengths in providing comprehensive network design and security frameworks and being well-versed in robust network defense strategies.

by Mitti Hicks

December 3, 2024

Black-Owned Coffee Shop Will Reopen Following Car Crashing Into Building

Rising for People Coffee began as an online business in 2022 before expanding to local farmers' markets.

A Black-owned coffee shop in Reno, Nevada, has announced plans to reopen the café after a challenging setback in May 2024. A car crashed into the original bakery, forcing the owner of Rising for People Coffee to close the café temporarily.

“Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we’re returning stronger than ever, committed to our customers and community,” says founder and owner Sky Jones.

Jones confirmed Rising for People Coffee will reopen in a new space in Midtown Reno in early 2025. Even with the new location and renewed strength, Jones says the company is dedicated to its mission of sustainability, social impact, and high-quality coffee.

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A post shared by Coffee Company ☕️ (@risingforpeoplecoffeeco)

From Farmer’s Market To A Brick-and-Mortar

Rising for People Coffee began as an online business in 2022 before expanding to local farmers’ markets. Jones gained a ton of community support through partnerships with local companies and involvement in local community events, including Reno’s Black Business Proclamation Day and Reno Food & Drink Week.

Rising for People Coffee is unique because it focuses on sustainability and intentional support of small, family-owned coffee farms. The company strives to partner with farms that use natural, chemical-free farming methods and prioritize fair trade practices. Beyond supporting farms that have adopted chemical-free practices, Jones adds the company is committed to ensuring farmers are paid living wages and supporting women-owned farms to ensure gender equality in the coffee industry.

Jones Launches Crowdfunding Campaign To Help With Smooth Transition

When Rising for People Coffee reopens, the Midtown café will feature Reno’s first Roast on Demand Service: freshly roasted beans using an energy-efficient, gas-free electric roaster that aligns with the company’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

Jones has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the new café that centers around loyal customers as investors. Her goal is to raise $50,000 by the end of 2024.

Each donation level offers discounts on merchandise, personalized coffee blends, and exclusive tasting events. Jones says this unlocks rewards for up to $420 in store credit.

“Funds will help outfit the new location and ensure a smooth transition,” a statement reads in a news release. “To contribute, visit this link or text ‘RisePeople’ to 53-555.”

The new café will be located at 121 Vesta Street in Midtown, which Jones describes as a “vibrant area poised for development.”

Karine Jean-Pierre, AAFCA — (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 3, 2024

Karine Jean-Pierre Defends President Biden’s Decision To Pardon Son Hunter

Wouldn't you do the same fro your child?

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre went toe to toe with reporters, telling them, “Enough is enough,” while defending President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, NBC News reported.

Despite telling the press on a number of occasions that Biden had no plans to issue a pardon for his troubled son, the President made the last-minute decision on Dec. 1. Jean-Pierre defended her boss while en route to Angola on Air Force One, saying the President “wrestled” with the decision but ultimately “believes in the justice system.”

“He said he came to this decision this weekend, and he said he wrestled with this and, because he believes in the justice system, but he also believes that the raw politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” she said.

“Hunter was singled out, and because his last name was Biden, because he was the president’s son. That’s what we saw. And so the president believed enough is enough, and the president took action, and he also believes that they tried to break his son in order to break him.”

Biden’s only surviving son was found guilty on federal gun charges in June 2024 and pleaded guilty to tax evasion in a separate case in September 2024. Following the charges, Jean-Pierre was constantly confronted by reporters on whether Hunter would be pardoned, including during a press conference in September, saying, “It’s no — it’s still no.”

She provided a similar response when reporters asked the question again on Nov. 7, dismissing a question about Biden’s plan to pardon his son.

“We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no,” she said.

According to The National Review, Republican lawmakers and even some Democrats labeled Hunter’s pardon as the president lying to the American people, as Hunter’s sentencing for both cases was scheduled to take place in late December 2024. However, people on social media are pushing the criticism back to the GOP as their soon-to-be leader, President-elect Donald Trump, pardoned others with similar charges to Hunter’s. Some even say they understand where Biden is coming from as they would do the same for their child.

Comedian Lil’ Duval supported the President’s decision, saying he doesn’t get the concern. “So if yall was president, yall wouldn’t pardon yo child? I know I would and wouldn’t give af how hypocritical it would be,” he said on X.

https://twitter.com/lilduval/status/1863563822247584221

Another user, @facts0601, pointed out that Biden wasn’t the one who promised pardons to people who took over Capitol Hill on Jan. 6, 2021. “Joe doesn’t owe us any explanation.

“But he said he wasn’t going to pardon Hunter!” yeah, and you guys said January 6 was a stain on our country, and you just re-elected the guy who caused it. I don’t wanna hear it,” he wrote.

https://twitter.com/Facts0601/status/1863385951696814383

During Trump’s first term in office, he issued 144 pardons, including a distant family member, Jared Kushner’s father, Charles, and ally Roger Stone. Charles Kushner served more than 16 months after being convicted of preparing false tax returns, retaliating against a cooperating witness, and making false statements to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in 2005.

Stone was sentenced to more than three years in prison prior to Trump commuting the sentence. The Department of Justice found him guilty in 2019 of obstruction of a congressional investigation, making false statements to Congress, and tampering with a witness.

man dead, July 4, Birmingham, partner missing, MASS SHOOTING, baddies — (Photo: D-Keine/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 3, 2024

Ex-Cop Dies By Suicide Ahead Of Trial For Abusing Black Women and Girls

Now these women will never get their day in court....

Former Kansas City, Kansas, detective Roger Golubski was found dead in his home of apparent suicide on the day his sexual assault trial was set to begin, The Associated Press reported.

Police found Golubski on the back porch of his home outside Kansas City on Dec. 2 after a neighbor heard a gunshot. While local authorities were investigating the 71-year-old’s death, prosecutors and Golubski’s attorneys were preparing for day one of his trial where the ex-detective was facing six felony counts of violating women’s civil rights. Prosecutors allege Golubski sexually assaulted Black women and girls for decades and terrorized those who tried to fight back.

Golubski pleaded not guilty but was accused of preying on female residents in poor neighborhoods and demanding sexual favors. In some instances, victims claim he threatened to harm them or place their loved ones in jail if he didn’t get what he wanted.

The Edwardsville Police Department have not confirmed that Golubski’s death has been ruled a suicide but did add there were no indications of foul play, according to KCTV 5. Prior to his death, the former police officer, who served for more than 30 years on the force, was under house arrest awaiting trial. The Department of Justice alleged Golubski assaulted two teenage victims for years between the late 1990s and the 2000s. One of the victims, Ophelia Williams, was scheduled to testify at trial.

Williams accused Golubski of sexually assaulting her repeatedly and still has nightmares about the encounter more than 25 years later. “He didn’t come back one time to rape me. He came back and back,” Williams once said. She recalled her abuser being unfazed when she threatened to call the police. “He said, ‘I am the police,’ What good would it do?,” she remembered.

“It would be a long time before anybody found me.”

After hearing of his death, U.S. District Judge Toby Crouse dismissed the charges through prosecutors’ request, however, charges from a second criminal case involving three other co-defendants will continue to go through due process. Officials from the DOJ labeled cases like this as “difficult” since it can’t “be fully and fairly heard in a public trial.” But advocates for Golubski’s victims and others alike are still pushing for justice, feeling the community, which has heightened disdain for law enforcement following the case’s popularity, was denied justice. “The community had an enormous interest in seeing this trial go forward,” Cheryl Pilate, an attorney representing some of the women, said.

“Now, the victims, the community and justice itself have been cheated.”

Anita Randle-Stanley, who said Golubski harassed her when she was a teenager after denying his advances, shared similar thoughts saying, “there is no justice for the victims.”

Some advocates and victims were angry over Golubski being under house arrest due to kidney dialysis treatments. Things took a turn when he failed to appear in court on Monday. His attorney, Christopher Joseph, said his client “was despondent about the media coverage” but spoke regularly — including on the morning of his death. Pilate questioned how well the government was monitoring Golubski.

Regardless of the sad turn of events, abusers and advocates like Starr Cooper, who says Golubski targeted her mother before she died in 1983, claim the fight for justice isn’t over. “We have to keep fighting,” she said.

Marilyn Mosby, conviction overturned, fraud, Baltimore — Amy Davis/Baltimore Sun/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

by Mitti Hicks

December 3, 2024

Ben Crump, Angela Rye Call On President Biden To Pardon Marilyn Mosby After He Pardoned Son

There are growing calls from Civil Rights advocates to pardon former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

One day after President Biden decided to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, after stating he would not do so, there are growing calls from Civil Rights advocates to pardon former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.

Mosby, the former state’s attorney for Baltimore City, is currently under house arrest after she was convicted of two counts of perjury and for making a false mortgage application. A federal judge sentenced her to 12 months of home confinement that’s tracked with 24-hour electric monitoring.

Attorney Ben Crump and political strategist Angela Rye are asking Biden to pardon Mosby and former St. Louis Attorney Kim Gardner, stating, “We want to remind President Biden that justice is still not served for so many in this country.”

Gardner recently admitted that she misused office funds to cover expenses for the case of former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens. Gardner reached a pretrial diversion agreement with federal prosecutors that allows her to avoid prosecution if she pays the funds back in 18 months and avoids any further legal activity, St. Louis Public Radio reported.

In a joint statement, Ben Crump and Angela Rye stated:

“There are thousands of people who have been wrongfully convicted and sit in federal prisons today. While Hunter Biden was selectively prosecuted, he’s not the only one.

“Marilyn Mosby is on house arrest right now with her law license hanging in the balance over purchasing property with her own money. Kim Gardner was forced into taking a plea deal for a $5000 expense that was approved in an ethics opinion. We welcome a conversation with President Biden to discuss ways to use his pardon power to free those ‘others’ who deserve justice also.”

While Mosby plans to appeal the case, the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland called for her law license to be suspended. So far, the Maryland Supreme Court has denied the commission’s request, as Mosby’s appeals cases continue, The Hill reported.

LL Cool J, Philadelphia, Jazmine Sullivan — (Photo: Def Jam Records)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 3, 2024

LL Cool J Claims He ‘Is The Most Important Rapper That Ever Existed’

Speaking on a podcast, the rapper thinks people will agree with that sentiment over time.

LL Cool J, the self-proclaimed G.O.A.T. of hip-hop, has stated that he is “the most important rapper that ever existed.”

Legendary Def Jam recording artist James Todd Smith, who uses the moniker LL Cool J, appeared on a recent podcast, Apple Music’s Le Code, on Nov. 29 to discuss his current project, “The FORCE,” with Mehdi Maïzi, according to People. During that conversation, he made a statement about his storied career that started as a teenager when he released his first single, “I Need a Beat,” in 1986. He proclaimed that people would one day acknowledge his place in hip-hop history and deem him the most essential rapper ever.

“I’m [going to] say this humbly, but I really mean this. I think one day people are going to wake up and realize that LL Cool J is the most important rapper that ever existed. I truly believe one day people are going to say that.”

He points out that he brought certain things to hip-hop that are still seen in the genre, like flashy jewelry and drinking champagne. He even mentions that he “introduced” love songs to hip-hop.

“They’re gonna look and say, ‘Wow, when it comes to the jewelry, this is the guy that introduced all the diamonds, and the ice and the jewelry and the champagne. They’re gonna say when it comes to the love songs, they’re gonna say, ‘This is the guy that introduced the love songs and all the love s***.’”

LL also stated that his emergence with the Def Jam Recordings label in 1984 led to the wealth of some artists who signed to the label years later.

“Every artist that you can name, the biggest billionaire artists, were launched on the label that I launched on. I’m saying this with love. I’m not trying to be funny-style, I’m not trying to be arrogant, and I really sincerely…when I look at the epicenter of what it really is… it’s almost unfathomable.”

venture capital, venture capital — Photo by Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 3, 2024

5 Key Ways AI Transforms Access To Funding For Black Entrepreneurs

Securing capital is one of the biggest challenges any founder will face

Written By Thierry Lindor

Securing capital is one of the biggest challenges any founder will face. Traditionally, business owners will tap into personal savings, utilize commercial bank loans, seek out angel investors or venture capital, leverage crowd funding, or apply for grants. Well, I’m here to tell you there’s a revolution happening in how funding for innovation is sourced, applied for, and secured.

Below, we’ll explore how AI is democratizing access to funding for entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of change.

In a world pulsating with potential, where every community holds untold stories of innovation, artificial intelligence stands as a transformative force.

We can harness this force, as a beacon of progress, illuminating pathways for those in the shadows of economic opportunity. This is about rewriting the narrative of who benefits from the digital age — ensuring it includes dis-invested communities and equity-seeking groups.

If you’re an entrepreneur caught in the crosshairs of funding challenges, here are 5 ways AI can empower your funding journey:

1. Precision Matching

AI’s ability to analyze vast data sets allows matching innovators with funding opportunities that are not just available, but perfectly suited to their needs and potential.

2. Streamlined Applications

Through tools that auto-populate and refine application responses, AI removes the daunting barriers of paperwork and bureaucracy that often deter aspiring entrepreneurs.

3. Anticipatory Assistance

Anticipatory texting tool act like mentors over your shoulder, guiding you through the grant-writing process to avoid common pitfalls and strengthen your proposals.

4. Access to Global Opportunities

AI breaks down geographical barriers, granting users access to international funds, pitch competitions, and accelerators they might otherwise never encounter.

5. Real-Time Updates and Insights

Stay ahead of the curve with AI-driven insights that notify you of upcoming deadlines, policy changes, and emerging opportunities in real time.

As a Black entrepreneur, I draw inspiration from thinkers like Malcolm Gladwell, who often explore the overlooked details that can change our understanding of society. In his spirit, I suggest that the real “tipping point” for innovation comes when the tools for change are made accessible to all, especially those who have been waiting on the fringes of opportunity.

AI for good should be more than a buzzword. It should be a commitment to ensuring that the fruits of innovation reach every corner of our society. It’s about building systems that anticipate the needs of the underfunded and the overlooked, and actively working to meet those needs. It should influence every algorithm and every business decision.

The story of innovation has too often been told from the perspective of the few who already have the means to succeed. It’s time to broaden that narrative to include the many, harnessing the collective potential of our diverse society. Let’s use AI not just to change how we do business, but how we build communities, support education, and empower every individual with the tools to change their world.

Thierry Lindor is the Co-Founder and CEO of Happly AI, a platform which is reshaping the funding landscape to include a wider array of innovators — from grassroots artists to tech startups.