scholarships, Roc Nation, Jay-Z,
by Mary Spiller

June 8, 2024

Roc Nation Leads $300 Million Scholarship Initiative For Underprivileged Students

The scholarships will be available for Philadelphia students K-12.

Jay-Z’s company has set its sights on a new equitable initiative. Roc Nation’s most recent campaign is looking to improve education for the youth of Philadelphia. As announced on June 7, Roc Nation’s new initiative will help to distribute nearly $300 million in scholarships to students in need in the Philadelphia area. 

The scholarship funding will focus on supporting underprivileged kids from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Billboard reports that the new program also offers the opportunity to help children afford to attend prestigious private schools and have access to several different educational institutions across Philly.

The scholarship amount awarded to students will depend on their education level and age group. Half-day kindergarteners will receive $2,500, K-8th graders will get $5,000, and high schoolers can secure $10,000. Special needs children of any age are eligible to collect $15,000 in scholarship funding.

Several stipulations apply to the scholarship awardees. For a student to be eligible to receive a scholarship at all, their family can’t make more than 250% of the total designated federal poverty threshold. For a family of four, that income is currently $75,000.

According to Billboard, Roc Nation will use a series of events from June 10 to June 21 to spread awareness for the new program. These events will take place across Philadelphia and include informational sessions about the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success, also known as PASS. 

Roc Nation Managing Director of Philanthropy, Dania Diaz, said in a statement, “We have enjoyed such a special connection with Philadelphians, so we’ve made it our mission to invest in the long-term success of the city’s changemakers.” 

Diaz continued, “Impact starts with the students and with awareness. We want to empower the youth and families with the knowledge to pursue their scholastic dreams, make their voices heard, and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

RELATED CONTENT: Roc Nation To Produce Documentary On Legendary NYC Entertainers Basketball Classic League

American first, Alan Bragg, white men
by Daniel Johnson

June 8, 2024

America First Legal Claims New York AG Alvin Bragg’s Office Discriminates Against White Men

Alvin Bragg, the first Black district attorney to serve Manhattan, led the prosecution of Trump over hush money paid to Stormy Daniels.

America First Legal, headed by noted white nationalist and Donald Trump acolyte Stephen Miller, has accused New York Attorney General Alvin Bragg of discriminating against white men and Asian people through the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hiring policies of Bragg’s office. In a press release on June 6, the group complained that Bragg’s office emphasizes diversity to mask a hiring quota. 

As Newsweek reports, Miller, who has no background as a lawyer, founded the controversial group in 2021 to combat “woke corporations,” “the fake news media,” and “liberal Washington politicians.”

The press release indicates that the group has filed state and federal complaints, including a U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint, which alleges that the hiring practices of Bragg’s office violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and New York State’s Human Rights Law. As William C. Anderson sets forth in an op-ed for Prism Reports, the citing of laws meant to protect Black people has been a common tactic of Republican legal activism groups and individuals like America First and Edward Blum. 

As Anderson writes: “Furthermore, conservative legal “activists” like Blum are the epitome of turning even nominal legal protections and civil rights laws against their target populations. Blum is behind the gutting of the Voting Rights Act and the targeting of affirmative action, race-conscious admissions policies, and diversity policies.”

Indeed, in the press release, Reed D. Rubenstein, the senior vice president of America First Legal, makes the argument that Anderson points out is becoming commonplace. “Alvin Bragg has demonstrated beyond all doubt that he will disregard the law and abuse his authority to advance a political agenda. His practice of recruiting, hiring, and promoting workers based on their race, sex, or national origin is obnoxious, immoral, and illegal. The EEOC and the New York Human Rights Division were created to stop Bragg and others like him from illegally discriminating against Americans; based on the facts, they should act to protect equality and the rule of law.“

Bragg is the first Black district attorney to serve Manhattan, and America First Legal has also made several attempts to discredit Bragg’s prosecution of Trump. According to Politico, however, Bragg’s prosecution was done reluctantly and by the book. In another press release on June 3, Rubenstein called Trump’s hush money trial a “Stalinesque show trial” and said, “District Attorney Bragg, Judge Merchan, and every prosecutor associated with it have dishonored his or her oath and office. To protect our justice system, there must be accountability – and AFL will relentlessly work to expose the truth.”

As Vanity Fair reports, Trump’s allies and acolytes are threatening to imprison Bragg and impeach President Joe Biden over what they have determined to be a politically motivated prosecution of the presumptive Republican Party nominee. As Speaker of the House Mike Johnson told Fox News, a congressional hearing scheduled for June 13 will “investigate what these prosecutors are doing at the state and federal level to use politics, you know, political retribution in the court system, to go after political opponents, federal officials like Donald Trump.”

RELATED CONTENT: GOTEEM! Donald Trump Found Guilty Of 34 Felony Charges In Hush Money Trial

P Diddy, combs, lawsuit, Howard University, video, cassie, Revolt, CEO
by Mary Spiller

June 8, 2024

Howard University Revokes Sean Combs’ Honorary Degree And Returns His $1M Donation

The HBCU will also discontinue the scholarship programs listed in Combs’ name.

The Howard University Board of Trustees voted on June 7 to discuss revoking Sean “Diddy” Combs’ honorary degree. The Board unanimously voted to take back the honor he received in 2014, explaining that he is “no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.”

The Board of Trustees said in a statement, “Mr. Combs’ behavior as captured in a recently released video is so fundamentally incompatible with Howard University’s core values and beliefs that he is deemed no longer worthy to hold the institution’s highest honor.” 

“The Howard University Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to accept the return by Mr. Sean Combs of the honorary degree conferred upon him in 2014. This acceptance revokes all honors and privileges associated with the degree. Accordingly, the Board has directed that his name be removed from all documents listing honorary degree recipients of Howard University.”

Additionally, Howard University will return Combs’ $1 million contribution to the campus and discontinue a standing pledge agreement with the Sean Combs Foundation to the sum of $1 million. 

Howard University explained that its decision was based on a video obtained by CNN in 2016. The disturbing footage shows Combs physically assaulting — dragging, kicking, and throwing things at — his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. The CCTV footage showed Ventura being attacked in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles.

Howard, located in Washington, D.C., also revealed that it will discontinue the scholarship programs listed in Combs’ name.

The HBCU explained in its statement, “The University is unwavering in its opposition to all acts of interpersonal violence.”

Howard University’s announcement comes amid the ongoing controversy and legal battles surrounding Combs. 

As previously reported, Combs has had several lawsuits lodged against him after Ventura accused him of subjecting her to years of sexual and physical abuse during their relationship. The lawsuits include accusations of sexual misconduct and other illegal activity, but Combs has denied many of them. 

RELATED CONTENT: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Sells Majority Stake in Revolt To Employees, Keeping The Company Black-Owned

FBI, Black woman, St. Louis
by Stacy Jackson

June 8, 2024

Cortland Firm Raided By FBI For Rent Price-Fixing Scheme

The Cortland raid is part of the DOJ's investigation into suspected anticompetitive practices within the multifamily residential sector.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s federal investigators are probing an alleged price-fixing scheme aimed at driving up rent. The scheme has been traced back to an Atlanta-based development firm, Cortland.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation raided Cortland’s Atlanta headquarters due to a scheme court documents revealed that “involved the use of algorithms by competitors in allegedly fixing prices.” The court stated that under the Sherman Act, “it is per se unlawful for competitors to join together their independent decision-making power to raise, depress, fix, peg, or stabilize prices; and the Supreme Court has made clear that ‘the machinery employed by a combination for price-fixing is immaterial.”

Cortland, which owns over 80,000 homes and apartments nationwide, confirmed in a statement obtained by 11Alive that federal agents carried out a limited search operation. Armed with a court-sanctioned warrant, it is part of an ongoing probe spearheaded by the United States Department of Justice into suspected anticompetitive practices within the multifamily residential sector. The company stated that it was wholly cooperating with investigators, claiming, “neither Cortland nor any of our employees are ‘targets’ of that investigation.”

Northwest Atlanta tenant Torrin Strong told the outlet that his two-bedroom apartment rents for nearly $1,700 monthly, and he’s currently paying around $500 more than he was a few years ago.

As per Cortland’s corporate profile on LinkedIn, the company “operates as a product-to-people company, encompassing multifamily real estate investments, development, and management under one roof.” Cortland’s distinctive approach internalizes the vast majority of functions pertaining to multifamily development, design, construction, renovation, asset management, and ownership.

With a team of nearly 2,500 people worldwide, Cortland is headquartered in Atlanta and London. The company’s website reveals that it also has regional offices in Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Greenwich, Houston, Orlando, and Phoenix. In the U.K., it operates a build-to-rent (BTR) management and development platform.

RELATED CONTENT: JPMorgan Chase Prepares to Roll Out App That Automates Payments for Renters and Landlords

Financial Literacy Game
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 7, 2024

New Game ‘Get The Bag’ Aims To Revolutionize Financial Wellness And Empower Players To Master Money Management

Another fun way to get to the bag!

The new financial literacy game from Neon Money Club is an innovative way to educate players on financial fundamentals.

“Get The Bag” challenges players’ financial knowledge in a fun and engaging way. Building on the success of Google’s viral “No Internet Game,” this interactive experience features a resource center focused on financial wellness. Players join Freddy, the animated polar bear, as he navigates financial obstacles like bad credit, payday loans, and day trading. Through multiple-choice trivia questions, Freddy transforms from financially illiterate to savvy and quick-witted, helping players improve their financial literacy along the way.

The game, which Neon Money Club co-founder and CEO Luke Bailey describes as “revolutionary,” provides educational value and knowledge to help people sustain the confidence to manage their money in today’s unstable economy. “Neon Money Club doesn’t just champion financial literacy; we revolutionize it,” Bailey said, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“From boosting credit score awareness with the Score dating app to linking financial stress and overall health in our Cream Wellness Studio, to now embedding financial fundamentals into a video game like ‘Get The Bag’ — we’re continuing our mission to make financial wellness mainstream. To achieve this, we have to make literacy and good habits culturally relevant.”

Inspiration came heavily from the late fashion designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh, who created “FREE-GAME,” a center designed to target young design talent. For “Get The Bag,” an additional support layer includes online lectures and tools to sustain financial wellness. 

The team at Neon is well-versed in developing viral games with a financial twist. In early 2024, they introduced a Valentine’s Day-themed credit-focused dating app called Score. According to Bailey, the app “aims to elevate the discussion around financial health, which has remained stagnant for decades.”

The group’s mission is to extend financial wellness above and beyond traditional methods. With the new game, boundaries are pushed within the realms of financial education, bringing it to the forefront for players with engagement. “Financial education often feels like a chore, but we know it doesn’t have to be that way,” Jackie Liao, Neon’s CPO, said. 

“In a time when financial anxiety is at an all-time high, especially among our youngest generation, providing free and engaging resources is crucial. We want ‘Get The Bag’ to be more than just a game—it’s a tool to empower people to take control of their finances, alleviate stress, and build a brighter financial future with confidence.”

RELATED CONTENT: HBCU Alumna Creates Digital Financial Card Game for Young Black Youth to Close the Racial Wealth Gap

Cash out, atlanta
by Stacy Jackson

June 7, 2024

Ohio Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against Minority Entrepreneur Fintech Platform, Hello Alice

Hello Alice, a fintech platform dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, has emerged victorious in a lawsuit filed by America First Legal, which sought to undermine the company’s mission of providing equitable access to capital and resources.

The dismissal of the case by a federal judge in Ohio marks a significant milestone for Hello Alice and the broader small business community in the United States. “This resolution marks a pivotal moment not only for our company but for the broader small business community in the United States,” Elizabeth Gore, co-founder and President of Hello Alice, stated in a press release. “Facing a labor shortage, heightened interest rates, and inflation, this country needs its small business owners, and they, in return, need the capital and resources that programs like Hello Alice provide. We are thrilled for the judgment in favor of Hello Alice, as this represents one less threat to our nation’s small business community and economy.”

Lead counsel Neal Katyal, representing the fintech platform, believes the dismissal is crucial for diverse small businesses competing in today’s economy. The decision has further propelled the company’s mission to foster an inclusive ecosystem where every entrepreneur has the opportunity to thrive.

Hello Alice has experienced significant growth, closing its Series C venture raise and expanding its community to support 1.5 million small business owners.

The company has also introduced a range of inclusive financial products and programs, including the company’s Small Business Mastercard, the Business Health Score, the Equitable Access Program and Fund, and Elevate the American Dream. Through Elevate the American Dream, Hello Alice has already distributed 49 grants this year, bringing its total grant funding to over $40 million. The latest funding round will fuel the expansion of the platform’s cutting-edge, AI-powered financial health services and its dedicated Small Business Funding Center, a vital conduit connecting business owners with the capital they need to thrive.

Matt Brewster, chief financial officer at Hello Alice, recently appeared at Mastercard’s Small Business Summit in New York City to impart invaluable insights and strategies for small business owners looking to gain a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving market.

Rick Ross, street, hometown
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 7, 2024

Rick Ross Files For Zoo License For His Promise Land Animal Park

Rick Ross says he has filed for a zoo license.

Rick Ross is on a mission to officially establish his Promise Land Zoo, filing for a zoo license to seal the deal.

The hip-hop mogul shared a video on social media in response to a colleague who seemingly made a mockery of the two elephants and two giraffes Ross wants to add to his growing zoo.

“Listen, when you in the presence of a boss this what you got to realize,” Ross said. “It’s a difference and you may be just like my homie that’s standing right here who don’t believe I’m a have and own two elephants that I can take care of and nurture.”

Ross revealed the zoo license he applied for that will solidify his growing animal sanctuary located on his massive 235-acre estate in Fayetteville, Georgia.

“That’s why I’ve already filed for my zoo license,” he said. “Yeah, two o’s. You ain’t know that, huh? And it take time but guess what, I am buying right now two giraffes and you’re gonna have to climb up somewhere real tall. Feet of danger.”

The two elephants and two giraffes will join Ross’ at-home zoo, which already includes two Senegalese lions, four horses, a bull, and two buffalo he was gifted by Darius Burton, director of brand operations at underwear company Ethika.

Burton aimed to give the “Aston Martin Music” rapper a giraffe, but Ross said the animal was too big to take on at the time.

The expanding roster might be helping Ross financially as Georgia tax laws allow homeowners to receive an agriculture tax exemption for owning farm animals.

Chapter 40-29 of the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption rule identifies agricultural products or purposes as “managing livestock, equine or poultry; producing or storing feed for use in the production of livestock, including, but not limited to cattle, calves, swine, hogs, goats sheep, equine, and rabbits.” This rule likely qualifies Ross’ two buffalo as livestock, making him eligible for the exemption.

RELATED CONTENT: Rick Ross Prepares 3rd Annual Car & Bike Show

Lonnie Phelps, Cleveland Browns
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 7, 2024

College Football Hall Of Fame Coach Doug Porter Dead At 94

The longtime HBCU football coach helmed teams at Mississippi Valley State University, Howard University, and Fort Valley State University.

A longtime HBCU football coach, Doug Porter, recently died at 94.

According to The Associated Press, Porter, the oldest living member of the College Football Hall of Fame, died on June 5. Porter was a head coach at various HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities), including Mississippi Valley State University, Howard University, and Fort Valley State University, before ending his coaching career in 1996.

“Doug Porter was a remarkable person, crafting an impressive career in coaching and athletics administration among the HBCU ranks,” National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning said. “A great football mind, he was a top-flight recruiter who cared deeply about his players and put them in a position to succeed.”

Porter, who hailed from Mississippi, started his collegiate career playing the quarterback position at Xavier of Louisiana before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He began his college coaching career when he took over the head coaching position at Mississippi Valley State from 1961-65. The next year, he joined the staff of legendary coach Eddie G. Robinson as an assistant at Grambling State University, where he stayed until 1973. He became a head coach again when he joined Howard University from 1974-78. Porter coached at Fort Valley State University from 1979 to 1985 and then again from 1987 to 1996.

While coaching at Fort Valley, Porter won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year seven times while operating as the athletic director for 16 years. He was chairman of the Division II Football Committee and president of the National Athletic Steering Committee. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the FVSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009.

Porter’s funeral service is scheduled for June 15 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Grambling.

RELATED CONTENT: Former Pittsburgh Steelers Star Jerome Bettis Earns College Degree 28 Years Later

First All-Black-Led Sports Rap Station In The Country Debuts
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 7, 2024

First All-Black-Led Sports Rap Station In The Country Debuts

The radio station launched in Detroit.

An all-Black-led sports rap radio station has just launched in Detroit.

According to CBS News, Rob Parker, a former sports anchor from Detroit, launched Sports Rap Radio on AM 1270 on June 4. It is the first and only Black-owned radio station in the country featuring all Black sports hosts.

“[This is] history-making,” said Parker. “[It’s] groundbreaking, [and] we just believe that the time has come.”

“Just four years ago, there were no Black full-time sports hosts on the radio in Detroit,” Parker said. “In a city that’s nearly 80% Black, I looked at that as a problem.”

Joining Parker in ownership of Sports Rap Radio are his longtime friend Dave Kenney, former NBA player BJ Armstrong, and former Detroit Country Day football star and University of Michigan wide receiver Maurice “Moe” Ways.

Detroit Metro Times reported that although the station was supposed to launch on May 16, the station debuted on June 4 through a two-year lease with Audacy, WXYT’s owner. The radio station replaces Audacy’s syndicated BETQL Network.

Parker has the pedigree to be behind this vision as a former co-host of “The Odd Couple Show” on Fox Sports Radio; he has also worked for cable outlets ESPN, FS1, and other platforms. He was also the first Black sports columnist at the Detroit Free Press and has penned columns for The Detroit News, Channels 4 and 7. In 1994, Parker was the first on-air personality hired for then-sports WDFN-AM.

As an entrepreneur, he also owns the Sporty Cutz barber shop on West Seven Mile Road.

“We’re hoping everybody will get behind us,” Parker said. “The response so far has been just tremendous. You wouldn’t believe how many people have asked, ‘What do we need to do?’ I tell them, ‘We’re going to need everything,’ but it’s shaping up and we’ll be ready to go.”

RELATED CONTENT: After Being Denied Jobs This Black Woman Started Her Own Radio Station In Boston

Zendaya, On
by Stacy Jackson

June 7, 2024

Zendaya Launches New Clothing And Shoe Line With On

The campaign features dancers moving together as Zendaya flaunts performance wear looks from "The Zendaya Edit."

Actress Zendaya has teamed up with performance brand On to “Dream Together.”

The campaign, which features a short film with the Dune star in the middle of a group of dancers moving in synch, aims to inspire conversations about the unifying power of sport and movement, transcending individual backgrounds.

“Dream Together…is a film about the power of community…We learn,” the brand states on its website. “We get back up. Together.”

https://twitter.com/on_running/status/1798687727807820252

Zendaya is the catalyst for On’s “The Zendaya Edit,” a collection of versatile, all-day comfort wear for both women and men.

The collection boasts the lightweight and ultra-cushioned Cloudtilt sneaker, designed for lasting comfort during city adventures, and the stylish Cloudnova for everyday wear. The breathable Movement Bra and Movement Tights come in various colors. The Edit also includes a range of hoodies, tees, tanks, shorts, socks, joggers, and crop tops.

“I’ve been a big fan of On for a long time,” Zendaya said. “And now it’s official…I think this feeling of collaboration and inclusiveness shines through in what we’ve created.”

The collab complements the superstar’s recent role in the tennis drama Challengers. Zendaya recently sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Sidnee Michelle to discuss and share her Black female tennis inspirations.

Fans have taken to social media to express their excitement about the On x Zendaya partnership. On X, one user praised the “Incredible collaboration!” while another commended the choreography and cinematography.

Instagram users also shared their enthusiasm, with one account commenting, “adds to cart immediately,” and another stating, “I love how inclusive this is 🔥🔥🔥 @on you are crushing it !!!!!!”

The Zendaya Edit’s performance wear ranges from $24 to $270, with items available for purchase online. As the partnership unfolds, On co-founder David Allemann told Complex that fans can expect to see more inspiring campaigns and distinctive voices alongside Zendaya that reflect On’s commitment to performance and comfort.

RELATED CONTENT: Law Roach Name-Drops Designers That Wouldn’t Style Zendaya

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