North Carolina Central University Adds 4 Stellar Senior Executives To Growing Leadership Team 
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 21, 2024

North Carolina Central University Adds 4 Stellar Senior Executives To Growing Leadership Team 

We see you, Eagles!

North Carolina Central University is making some exciting changes to its leadership team by adding four senior executives to the roster. 

After electing Dr. Karrie Dixon as the new chancellor of the historically black college and university (HBCU), Central announced Alyn Goodson will serve as executive vice chancellor, Dr. Ontario S. Wooden as interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, Avery L. Staley as chief of staff, and Sandra F. Powers as executive assistant to the chancellor. 

Their positions will start effective July 2024, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Staley is no stranger to the home of the Eagles as an alumnus of the esteemed school located in Bull City – Durham, North Carolina. As chief of staff, Staley will be responsible for providing leadership and direction for change management initiatives, project management, and program development. He has held the position of inaugural vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory since July 2021. 

Avery Staley

During his tenure, Staley oversaw the implementation of a new payroll system under a 16-point plan for equity and curating a campus wide DEI council. 

Alyn Goodson

Goodson has already held the title of vice chancellor from a fellow HBCU, Elizabeth City State University (ECSU). In addition to his vice chancellor role, Goodson also served as the school’s chief of staff and general counsel, where he was responsible for portraying the liaison for university stakeholders, state and local officials, and legislators, as well as the UNC System Office. 

He partners with the chancellor to secure funding for educational programs, capital projects, and campus operations. During his time at Central, Goodson will be responsible for insight on strategic oversight, as well as leadership and guidance on a wide range of campus-based administrative and operational functions. 

Ontario Wooden

Wooden will serve as the interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs as the national search for a permanent replacement has yet to be announced. Coming from the neighboring grounds of North Carolina State University, he will lead the university’s Division of Academic Affairs and serve as the chief academic officer. 

His impressive resume caters to 20 years of experience in academia leadership, including previously serving as interim president of Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Wooden also served as the provost and senior vice president for academic affairs between 2020 and 2023 at the HBCU.

Lastly, Powers is following Dixon to continue working with her in the same capacity as executive assistant to the chancellor. With 30 years years of experience in the administrative support sector, Powers will provide organizational and communication support, adding to the university’s mission. 

Dixon was named as the 13th chancellor at Central on June 6. Her appointment was unanimously approved by the UNC Board of Governors after serving as ECSU’s chancellor for five years. Several faculty, staff, students, community members, alumni, and political leaders – including Congresswoman Valerie Foushee – celebrated Dixon’s arrival on campus. Dixon said she felt the love and was ready to get the work. “The energy I felt in the room this morning as the Eagles welcomed me to becoming the 13th Chancellor at NCCU brought some amazing feelings and energy within myself,” Dixon said. 

“Being the second permanent female chancellor (at NCCU) is something that I’m very proud of, and I wear close to my heart.”

According to WFAE, ECSU saw substantial growth under Dixons’ leadership, including an increased enrollment by almost 70% and $24 million raised in private gifts.

RELATED CONTENT: College Students Discuss How NCCU Programs Support Black Male Student Success

Virginia birthing center, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Doula Services, Black Maternal Mortality Rate
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 21, 2024

NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Expands Doula Services Statewide To Combat ‘Unacceptable’ Black Maternal Mortality Rate

New York is tackling the maternal mortality rate, which directly impacting Black women, by issuing a statewide standing order for doula services.

New York is tackling the “unacceptable” maternal mortality rate, which disproportionately affects Black women, by issuing a statewide standing order for doula services.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new policy on Monday, June 10, that allows residents to pay for doula services through Medicaid, WCAX reports. The expansion comes one year after Gov. Hochul announced legislation directing the State Health Department to create and maintain a directory of doulas in response to high pregnancy-related deaths among Black women despite the state’s continued efforts to reduce maternal mortality.

The governor included funding for doula services in New York State’s fiscal year 2025 enacted budget as part of the legislation.

“I want others to look at what we do here as the model of how we protect moms and babies and give them the world-class healthcare that they deserve, so thank you,” Hochul said.

Hochul addressed the maternal mortality crisis during a roundtable discussion at Bronx Borough Hall with the borough president and midwifery and doula community leaders. Her location was intentional, as the borough currently holds the highest maternity mortality rates in the city.

In what kicked off on March 1, 2024, New York State Medicaid covers the cost of doula services for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum individuals. The services can be accessed through the Department’s directory of doulas enrolled to provide covered services to Medicaid members. Additionally, the Doula Expansion Grant Program will allocate $250,000 to community-based organizations for the recruitment, training, certification, support, and mentoring of community-based doulas.

“Doula services improve birth outcomes and provide families with emotional support during pregnancy, delivery, and following birth,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.

“The number of Black people who die while giving birth is indicative of long-standing health disparities resulting from systemic racism, and this is unacceptable.”

Gov. Hochul announced $8 million in funding for the Morris Heights Health Center in the Bronx to construct a state-of-the-art maternal health center, which is much-needed in the Bronx, where women of color are nine times more likely to die from childbirth than any other borough.

“The State Health Department remains committed to addressing disparities in birth outcomes, eliminating barriers to accessing important health resources, and providing quality resources and support, like doula services, so all people who give birth have pregnancies and deliveries that are safe and empowering,” McDonald added.

Master P, Miller Family Foods
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 21, 2024

Make ‘Em Say Yum? Master P Launches Healthy Food Company

'African Americans want healthier food alternatives. I heard them loud and clear. And that’s why Miller Family Foods was created. We feed happiness. Eat well. Feel good.'

Hip-hop entrepreneur Percy Miller, better known as Master P, has started a company that will offer healthier food choices for the betterment of the Black community.

On his Instagram account, Master P announced on Juneteenth that he launched Miller Family. He said he started the healthy food company to build economic freedom while adding diversity in grocery stores with Black-owned healthy food that tastes good.

“We are evolving as a culture; we are no longer just consumers. We spend trillions of dollars annually with no real ownership, but that’s changing. African Americans want healthier food alternatives. I heard them loud and clear. And that’s why Miller Family Foods was created. We feed happiness. Eat well. Feel good,” Master P wrote.

Products in the new line include cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars, pancakes, and waffles. The New Orleans businessman ensures that the items are made with the highest quality and use natural ingredients.

Miller said the company is giving back to the community and supporting charitable organizations.

Miller Family Foods’ motto is “FEEDING HAPPINESS, making a difference, serving healthy happiness, one bite at a time. We stand for integrity, hard work, and giving back. We are honored to support charitable organizations such as Door of Hope.”

The products sold under the Miller Family Foods label have no artificial preservatives, GMO, and BHA/BHT; no partially hydrogenated oils nor high-fructose corn syrup; no artificial sweeteners and colors.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Master P (@masterp)

For more information, go to MillerFamilyFoods.com

This news comes several months after Master P and Snoop Dogg sued Walmart after accusing the store of sabotaging the Snoop Cereal (which was launched in July 2023) brand and intending to “take a stand against the defendants for their diabolical actions.”

According to MarketWatch, Broadus Foods, the company owned by Snoop and Master P, has filed a lawsuit in Minnesota court, accusing Walmart and Post Consumer Brands (Raisin Bran, Shredded Wheat, Honeycomb) of stifling their product and jeopardizing sales of Snoop Cereal by keeping the items off the floor and leaving them in the stockroom.

Jessica Braidden, Deborah's Place
by Roz A. Gee

June 21, 2024

Deborah’s Place Opens New Facility To Serve The Community With Positive Change

Deborah's Place Serves The Community By Opening A New Facility For Women of Domestic Violence in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2024.

Dr. Jessica Braidden, founder of Deborah’s Place for Battered Women in Indianapolis, has transformed her trauma into a mission to support and uplift others. Her openness about her experiences is a powerful testament to her resilience and dedication. She frequently references her history of abuse when speaking publicly, using her story to inspire and connect with others who may be suffering in silence.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have endured some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. These acts can range from pushing and shoving to more severe forms of assault. The statistics are even more alarming when considering that 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner. “These statistics are staggering and very scary to me,” says Braidden.

Braidden has committed herself to helping women reclaim their lives in response to these grim realities. Her work at Deborah’s Place is multifaceted, addressing not only the immediate safety needs of domestic violence survivors but also their long-term well-being. “The goal is to not only heal them but to make them whole!” she emphasizes. This holistic approach is evident in her organization’s wide range of services.

“The goal is to not only heal them but to make them whole!” –Dr. Jessica Braidden

One of Deborah’s Place’s key components is its donation center, which serves both the public and other nonprofit organizations that support underprivileged and vulnerable communities. For absolutely free, people receive brand-new clothing, shoes, toiletries, bedding, and furniture—almost 99% of everything is brand-new. This center ensures that essential items and resources are distributed to those in need, helping to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by survivors of domestic violence.

Deborah’s Place

In addition to the donation center, Deborah’s Place recently opened a transitional housing facility fully furnished by IKEA. This facility represents a significant step forward in Braidden’s mission to empower women. The transitional housing provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors and offers various programs to foster independence and self-sufficiency.

Women at the facility have access to financial literacy training and credit repair services, which are crucial for rebuilding their lives after leaving an abusive relationship. The economic aspect of recovery is often overlooked, but Braidden understands that financial stability is key to long-term independence. By providing these services, she helps women gain the skills and knowledge necessary to manage their finances effectively and avoid future dependency on abusive partners.

Furthermore, Deborah’s Place offers vocational training programs, enabling women to pursue careers in fields such as healthcare. Participants can train to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), phlebotomists, medical assistants, and more. These career opportunities provide financial security, boost self-esteem, and offer a sense of purpose.

Mental health support is another cornerstone of the services provided at Deborah’s Place. Survivors of domestic violence often grapple with a range of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Access to mental health therapy helps these women process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and work toward emotional healing.

Dr. Braidden’s comprehensive approach to service ensures that women receive the support they need on multiple fronts—financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Her relentless dedication to making a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors has not only provided immediate relief but has also paved the way for lasting change.

Through Deborah’s Place, Dr. Jessica Braidden has created a sanctuary where women can heal, grow, and ultimately thrive. Her work exemplifies the power of turning personal pain into a passion for helping others, and her impact on the community is profound and far-reaching. As she continues to expand her services and reach, Dr. Braidden remains a beacon of hope and a champion of change for all those affected by domestic violence.

Grand opening of Deborah’s Place

Dr. Braidden is a respected and highly efficient multifaceted entrepreneur, seven-time bestselling Amazon author, a national journalist for some of the country’s biggest media brands, an international motivational speaker, and a philanthropist. Her content focuses on empowerment, personal growth, faith, and entrepreneurship/stewardship. She is also a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.

Stay connected with Deborah’s Place:

Website: www.deborahsplace.net

Carl Jones
by Jameelah Mullen

June 21, 2024

Carl Jones Teams With Walmart To Celebrate Black Fathers With Animated Short Film

The short film was created by Carl Jones in conjunction with Martian Blueberry Studios.

Walmart has partnered with renowned producer Carl Jones to create The League of Black & Unlimited Dads. The animated short film tells the story of a team of Black fathers as they display their parenting superpowers. The film strives to elevate the portrayal of Black dads and their roles in their children’s lives while debunking negative stigmas about Black fatherhood. 

Jones is the co-founder of Martian Blueberry Studios, the award-winning agency behind hit animated shows such as The Boondocks, Black Dynamite, and Becoming Molly. 

Jones took to his Instagram page to announce the project by sharing a clip from the film.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Walmart (@walmart)


“We are proud to present an animated short film inspired by real stories, celebrating the heroics of a team of Black Dads. Tag the superheroes in your life,” he wrote.

The five minute film will screen at the 2024 American Black Film Festival (ABFF), earlier this month.

Walmart and ABFF will also feature the second annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project content creators’ competition designed to support independent filmmaking and provide a platform to center stories about Black fatherhood.

The three winners will receive a $10,000 cash award. Their films will be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s online platform, and Walmart’s Black and Unlimited YouTube page from June 17-24.

“We’re honored to continue our partnership with the American Black Film Festival. Our collaboration in 2023 was a resounding success, and we are thrilled to spotlight the importance of Black fatherhood and the role of Black men in their families and communities. We look forward to another year of empowering emerging directors and highlighting stories about Black fatherhood to mainstream audiences,  “D.J. Vaughn, multicultural media & content lead at Walmart, said in a press release. 

You can watch The League of Black & Unlimited Dads at Walmart.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Opinion: Reflecting On Persistent Misconceptions And Celebrating The True Role Of Black Fathers

Shawn Harris, Democrat, runoff, Marjorie Greene
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 21, 2024

Shawn Harris Wins Georgia’s 14th District Democratic Runoff, Will Face Marjorie Taylor Greene

Think he can do it?

Shawn Harris won Georgia’s 14th congressional district Democratic runoff and will take on outspoken GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. 

Harris defeated Clarence Blalock, securing 71.5% of the vote with 34% of ballots counted. Blalock initially defeated Harris during the state’s primary election in May 2024 by only 124 votes. The election was pushed into a runoff election, held June 18, after both candidates failed to receive over 50% of the vote.

Now, he will go up against the Donald Trump advocate in an uphill battle for a seat labeled as Republican. 

Greene was re-elected in 2022 after defeating another Black Democrat, Marcus Flowers. But, according to Newsweek, Greene has an overall unfavorable rating of 52.5% in comparison to 42% who described her as “very unfavorable” and 10.5% who were somewhat unfavorable. 

Harris, a retired Brigadier General posted a video on Twitter, saying he is ready to end Greene’s “toxic career.” He encouraged those dissatisfied with her performance on Capitol Hill to fight back and put him in office.

“I’m thankful to the voters for electing me as the Democratic nominee to face MTG,” he said. “Tonight is not about me. It’s about thanking Clarence, whose work will be vital in bringing us all together. This fight is not done; it actually just began, and it’s with Marjorie Taylor Greene.”

Thanking Blalock for his work, Harris said he wants to “bring all the Democrats back together” and social media fans seem to be on board.

“Congrats on a hard earned Democratic nomination!”,@ac_californian wrote. “I encourage all my followers to follow you at @ShawnForGeorgia and support you however they can to give Moscow Marge a real run for her money in November!”

“Listen up Georgia 14th District! Is MTG really who you want representing you?,” @LiberalGenXVet said. “MTG isn’t worthy of your vote! Choose someone who truly cares about your community and its values!”

malignant lymphoma, tattoos, study, Lund University, Swedish
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 21, 2024

Study Reveals Higher Risk Of Malignant Lymphoma In People With Tattoos

Initially, researchers speculated that tattoo size might influence lymphoma risk.

A recent study by a Swedish university suggests a possible link between malignant lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system, and individuals with tattoos.

However, health experts emphasize the need for further research to confirm this association.

Lund University’s Christel Nielsen, Ph.D., the lead researcher, organized a team that analyzed data from 11,905 individuals in Sweden and released the results. The subjects were individuals diagnosed with lymphoma between 2007 and 2017 to folks of the same age and gender who were cancer-free.

The study used information from the Swedish National Cancer Register to focus on participants aged 20 to 60. Among the participants, 2,938 individuals were diagnosed with lymphoma.

In 2021, the researchers surveyed 1,398 lymphoma patients and 4,193 cancer-free participants to understand lifestyle factors that might influence lymphoma risk, such as smoking, age, and tattoo history.

The study found that 21% of lymphoma patients and 18% of cancer-free individuals had tattoos. Notably, the risk of developing lymphoma was 21% higher among those with tattoos, especially within two years of getting their first tattoo.

Initially, researchers speculated that tattoo size might influence lymphoma risk, considering those with extensive tattoos might face higher risks. However, they found no correlation between tattoo size and lymphoma risk.

“We do not yet know why this was the case. [We] can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer. The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen further emphasized the need for research to fully comprehend the long-term health implications of tattoos. The team plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment to explore potential correlations between tattoos, various cancers, and inflammatory diseases.

“People will likely continue to express their identity through tattoos, so it is vital that we, as a society, ensure that it is safe. For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health and that you should consult your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that could be related to your tattoo,” Nielsen said.

Vincent Ballentine, PGA, Golf, Racism in Sports, Wyndham Resorts and Hotels, Art, Culture, Sports,
by Daron Pressley

June 21, 2024

Gillespie Golf Course Honors Legacy of the Greensboro Six

The Greensboro Six, led by Dr. George Simkins, made history in 1955 by playing at the then whites-only Gillespie Golf Course in North Carolina.

While golf might be a delightful way for some to enjoy sunny days, it represents a substantial industry in the United States. In 2022, the value of the U.S. golf course industry alone exceeded $26 billion, and the overall golf industry was worth an impressive $84 billion. 

Of the U.S.’s approximately 24 million recreational golfers, less than 3 percent are Black. Yet research reveals that this analysis, as is its history, is equally deceptive and incomplete.

The game’s history is inseparable from the tactics and appeal of white supremacy. The crown jewel of golf, Augusta National, where every year crowds ascend upon the Masters Tournament, is rooted in segregation and supremacy. “As long as I’m alive,” Clifford Roberts once said of his course (Augusta National), “all the golfers will be white, and all the caddies will be Black.”

In a powerful fusion of art and history, Wyndham Rewards, in collaboration with the City of Greensboro and First Tee–Central Carolina, has commissioned artist Vincent Ballentine to create a commemorative mural honoring the Greensboro Six at the historic Gillespie Golf Course.

Ballentine, a multi-disciplined visual artist based in Brooklyn, New York, earned a degree in film and education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and continued study in film at Cleveland Institute of Art.

This project commemorates the bravery and impact of these civil rights pioneers and highlights Gillespie’s ongoing significance to the community.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with Ballentine, Chris Simkins, the son of Dr. George Simkins Jr., leader of the Greensboro Six; and Ryan Wilson, president of First Tee Carolina, to discuss the significance of the Greensboro Six on golf and the impact Ballentine’s commemorative mural will have on the city of Greensboro and around the world. 

Historical Significance

The Greensboro Six made history in 1955 by playing at the then whites-only Gillespie Golf Course, challenging segregation and enduring arrest and jail time. Their actions set the stage for desegregation and paved the way for the Greater Greensboro Open to welcome its first Black player, Charlie Sifford.

“My father and the other five men took a courageous stand that went beyond golf,” Chris Simkins says. “They challenged the status quo and fought for equality, paving the way for future generations.” 

USGA tournaments often excluded Black golfers, and the PGA had a specific rule prohibiting Black players from participating. The PGA’s white-only clause remained in place until 1961, 10 years beyond the integration of most other major American sports leagues.

“This mural honors their bravery and educates and inspires us all to continue the fight for justice,” shares Simkins.

Inspiration and Activity

Ballentine’s mural is more than a historical recount. “I wanted to include moments of movement because the act of golf is doing things, moving your body, which is equally important,” he explains. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries, free and enslaved Black Americans played a pivotal role in designing and maintaining golf courses across the United States. Despite their invaluable contributions, they were primarily barred from playing on these courses. Dr. George Grant, an African American inventor of the golf tee, faced racial discrimination that prevented him from playing at courses in Boston.

“We must continue to move towards progress and equality. We are still living in a current moment where things will continue to happen, so take time and appreciate our present, but be aware of where we are,” Ballentine says.

Community Impact and Future Generations

First Tee–Central Carolina, headquartered in Gillespie, continues to honor the legacy of the Greensboro Six by providing life-changing opportunities through golf to local youth. The course also hosts PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), which serves veterans and offers programs for players with disabilities.

“I’ve already enjoyed walking around the grounds, seeing mixed groups of people enjoying the game together. In a world where things are equal, they should feel more natural,” Ballentine says.

This sense of natural integration and unity is a testament to the progress initiated by the Greensboro Six. “Seeing diverse groups of people coming together at Gillespie is a realization of my father’s vision for equality,” Chris Simkins says. “This mural will remind everyone of our strides and the work ahead.”

A Lasting Tribute

The mural, to be unveiled August 5 ahead of the 85th Annual Wyndham Championship, is poised to be a lasting tribute to the Greensboro Six.

“What set him [Ballentine] apart was that we only had one picture of the Greensboro Six,” Wilson says. “And that was outside of a courtroom. Here, he shows up and gives us this image that portrays these six men in a way that nothing’s ever been done before. This will last for lifetimes and remind us that many have endured similar circumstances at golf courses worldwide.”

Ballentine’s mural at Gillespie Golf Course is a powerful homage to the Greensboro Six, celebrating their courageous stand against segregation and enduring legacy in the fight for equality. Ballentine captures a story of resilience and progress, which will inspire current and future generations to appreciate and continue the journey toward inclusivity and unity. 

“This mural is not just a piece of art,” Chris Simkins says. “It’s a beacon of hope and a reminder of the progress we’ve made thanks to heroes like my father and the Greensboro Six.”

Photographer, Atlanta
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 21, 2024

Atlanta Photographer And Designer Goes Viral With Graduation-Themed Fashion Series

A rising Black creative is being celebrated for his eye-catching fashion designs inspired by the traditional cap and gown.

A rising Black creative is being celebrated for his eye-catching fashion designs inspired by the traditional cap and gown.

An Atlanta-based photographer, designer, and creative director, Akachè St. Marcino IV produced an original series to celebrate Black women who graduated in 2024. Dubbed “The Grand Miliarium,” the series combines high fashion with the monumental milestone of graduating.

Marcino used two female graduates from Georgia State University to model his original designs inspired by the traditional graduation cap. The Grand Miliarium Volume I highlights model Siearra Shakiena in a unique pair of pants embroidered with graduation cap tassels and the 2024 graduation year.

The pants were “personally crafted to symbolize the significant steps of the journey to graduation,” Marcino wrote.

The second part of the original series features model Keria Laura wearing “an exquisitely designed gown, meticulously crafted from graduation caps, symbolizing the pinnacle of educational accomplishment,” Marcino explained. He got the help of his seamstress sister, Elizabeth Oluokun, for the dress design, which took him almost a year to finalize.

Drawing inspiration from 69 Views, Chad Lawson, and Book Be Creative, Marcino conceptualized the look consisting of a gown full of black graduation caps. Marcino wanted to “break the internet” with his original grad cap dress that Keria Laura helped bring to life. A video shows Marcino’s journey to design and craft the dress and direct the photoshoot.

In addition to the fashion designs, Marcino also shared photos he took of other Black women who recently graduated from GSU and Spelman College. Last month, he collaborated in Instagram posts with a series of 2024 graduates, including Black males who sported “Black Grads Matter” sashes.

His original designs and photo series amplifying Black graduates might help the rising photographer build a lane for himself. The 2024 class is applauding his work and its celebration of Black excellence.

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