Dana Storm Santiago, Vice President of Inclusive Partnerships, Raptive Represents

by Shanique Yates

May 22, 2024

Dana Storm Santiago Tapped As VP Of Inclusive Partnerships For Raptive Represents

She will lead Raptive Represents, an initiative launched by the company to link Raptive’s diverse creators and publishers with leading brands through strategic partnerships.

Dana Storm Santiago has been tapped to lead inclusive partnerships at Raptive. In the new role, she will spearhead Raptive Represents, an initiative launched by the company to connect Raptive’s diverse creator and publisher content with leading brands through strategic partnerships with BOMESI and MAVEN, according to a press release.

By aligning with MAVEN and BOMESI, the goal is to help advertisers and agencies achieve their commitments to diverse-owned media spending while simultaneously creating new opportunities for brands and diverse creators to collaborate.

“Raptive is the #1 destination for advertisers to connect with diverse creators, achieving massive scale within a premium content environment,” said Raptive Executive Vice President of Partnerships, Marla Newman, in a statement. “We are so excited to have Dana leading this effort to make it easy for brands to connect to our incredible creators and their audiences. Her insights into diverse audiences and deep experience crafting campaigns that resonate across cultures will benefit brands and our creator community.”

As a new kind of media company designed specifically with content creators in mind, Raptive is home to one of the largest and most diverse audiences on the internet. The company continues to merge its stance as one of the world’s largest ad management companies. It has a comprehensive suite of monetization, audience, and business solutions geared toward helping those same creators turn their passions and talents into lucrative independent brands.

With more than 16 years of experience in national sales and brand partnerships, Santiago, a native New Yorker, is dedicated to tailoring strategies that shift conversations within the cultural marketing landscape. In her most recent role at Essence Ventures, she developed new revenue-driving opportunities for partners while also managing strategic multiyear and multimillion-dollar partnerships with Fortune 100 clients.

“Creators are boldly redefining the traditional norms of publishing, reshaping lifestyle choices that resonated worldwide,” said Santiago in the news release. “Raptive is committed to democratizing the media landscape and leveling the playing field for content creators from underrepresented groups. Throughout my career, I have been unwavering in my commitment to driving forward the critical imperatives of equity and inclusion and I am invigorated by the opportunity to spearhead this initiative connecting advertisers seeking to activate inclusive investment strategies with successful, diverse creators, and opening more investment to support quality content.”

Current properties owned by the multicultural creatives backed by Raptive have a current reach of over 58 million unique visitors per month. Through Raptive Represents, brands will have a certified, approved channel for DE&I media buying across more than 500 diverse content creators’ premium websites across 27 content categories that focus on everything from food, family, and home to travel, tech, personal finance, and beyond.

Viola Davis, Joy Reid, Charlamagne Tha God, self help app,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 22, 2024

Viola Davis, Joy Reid, Charlamagne Tha God Invest In Self-Help App Tailored To The Black Experience

Viola Davis, Joy Reid, and Charlamagne are among a group of investors supporting a new self-help app curated for the Black experience.

Viola Davis, Joy Reid, and Charlamagne tha God are among a group of investors supporting the launch of a new self-help app curated for the Black experience.

ALTR (pronounced “alter”) is set to launch later this year as a personal development and learning subscription app that features short-form audiobooks by Black cultural icons and authors, Variety reported. The New York-based app was co-founded by CEO David A. Wilson, creator of TheGrio, and CTO Brandon John-Freso, former software engineer at WeWork and OkCupid.

ALTR aims to tap into an underserved market of Black people, particularly Black women, who despite being the largest consumers of self-help material, face a shortage of content tailored to their experiences.

“There is a yearning for solutions and knowledge from our cultural perspectives,” Wilson said.

“Our authentic voices are lacking in the existing self-help, wellness and educational platforms, which is why we’ve been able to galvanize broad support from trusted voices in our community.”

The app was created in partnership with Davis and husband Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions which curated a variety of audiobook miniseries catered to “the distinct life obstacles faced in the Black community,” ALTR stated.

“There is power in our collective knowledge. Life becomes easier when you can learn from those who’ve been there before,” Davis said. “Julius and I are excited to take part in building a platform that will enable millions of people to find guidance for personal growth and see themselves in a space where we’re not usually represented.”

MSNBC host Joy Reid believes the ongoing political and social climate and its impact on the Black community highlight how important spaces like ALTR are for underrepresented groups.

“From my purview as a cable news host covering the tumultuous political and social landscape, there is a growing sense of uncertainty amongst Black Americans on what it all means for their future,” she said. “I love that ALTR provides clarity, comfort and community for those looking to master their own destinies.”

ALTR uses short-form audiobooks on the app to let creators share condensed and timely knowledge “in a snackable format that perfectly aligns with our listeners’ fast-paced consumption habits,” John-Fresco says. Charlamagne, who uses his radio and TV platforms to advocate for mental health awareness, is happy to support an app that taps into the growing audiobook industry.

“In a booming $75 billion audio-based media market, audio content stands out as a powerful tool for engaging our community,” he said. “ALTR will be a game-changer by tapping into this market and making a much-needed positive impact.”

ALTR is currently available for early-access sign-up ahead of its expected launch in the third quarter of 2024. Free trials of the app will be available, the company said.

Russell Westbrook, Little Kitchen Academy, NBA, Club, Investment, Acquisition,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 22, 2024

NBA Star Russell Westbrook Now Investor, Advisory Board Member At Little Kitchen Academy

Westbrook has partnered with Little Kitchen Academy to offer culinary programs to more inner-city kids.

Basketball star Russell Westbrook has teamed up with Little Kitchen Academy to help children from underserved communities the opportunity to learn culinary skills and food literacy.

Westbrook, along with his non-profit organization, Why Not?, joined the leading Montessori-inspired cooking school to bring programs to inner city youth. He is also an investor and advisory board member with Little Kitchen Academy.

“Our family loves Little Kitchen Academy. Nina and I take our kids there and have seen firsthand the impact their programs have had on them. It’s because of this, that I want to help provide access to their incredible programs to kids who may not otherwise have access,” said Westbrook in a written statement. “I’m excited to join the advisory board and partner with their team. Their programs combine culinary education with practical life skills while fostering creativity, curiosity, and independence setting them up for success in the kitchen and beyond.”

Westbrook will work with the founders of Little Kitchen Academy as they continue empowering children through culinary education and increasing access to programs in underrepresented communities.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Russell Westbrook join the Little Kitchen Academy family as both an investor and advisory board member,” said Felicity Curin and Brian Curin, co-founders of Little Kitchen Academy. “We are in awe of his inspiring dedication to empowering young people. Together, we will continue to advocate for culinary education for children and nurture their successes in the kitchen and beyond.”

Westbrook started the Why Not? Foundation in 2012 to help people in underserved communities get ahead by implementing structured educational opportunities, workforce development, and accessible mental health resources. In March, the guard announced his commitment to building 180 affordable homes in South Los Angeles.

by Stacy Jackson

May 22, 2024

PROPEL, Southern Company Launch HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium With Over 30 Institutions

The HCC offers real-life research and work opportunities as HBCUs align their curriculum with evolving cybersecurity needs.

In a pioneering move, PROPEL, an innovation hub dedicated to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), has launched the PROPEL HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium (HCC).

This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to develop a future workforce equipped to tackle the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Created in partnership with Southern Company, the HCC unites academia, industry, and government, serving as a central point for HBCUs to align their curricula with industry skills while remaining agile as cybersecurity needs change.

“The dynamic and ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape has generated a myriad of leading career opportunities that have become critical across virtually every business sector—with a mere nine percent of those individuals being Black professionals,” PROPEL President Dr. Lisa Herring said in a press release. “We’re cracking the code in a sector that is grossly underrepresented by diverse talent and an industry in need of a greatly expanded workforce.”

Founded on the principles of collaboration, leadership, innovation, and foresight, the HCC facilitates connections between industry, students, and faculty, providing access to current trends, emerging technologies, and training. The collaborative consortium consists of a resource hub, professional development, accelerated learning, and a workforce pipeline.

As Southern Company President and CEO, Chris Womack said, “Leveraging the insights, tools, resources and access to real-world opportunities that industry and government entities can bring to the table now will help further develop and enrich the transformative skills our future workforce must have…to protect our critical infrastructure and be better prepared to face the cyber challenges ahead.”

We’re excited to announce the launch of the HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium, created in partnership w/ @SouthernCompany! This experience is designed to empower HBCUs to remain on the cutting-edge of cybersecurity. https://t.co/0qDpgLWVTw pic.twitter.com/L41t9up2c3
— PROPEL Center (@thepropelcenter) April 24, 2024

The HCC offers real-life opportunities for research, work opportunities and collaborations with industry professionals. It aims to curate a pipeline of qualified cybersecurity professionals, corporate partners and industry experts. The HCC launched two year-long programs: the Faculty Fellows engagement and professional development track, designed to upskill cybersecurity educators, and the Student Accelerator, an immersive experience for advancing skills, knowledge, and career preparedness.

The inaugural consortium institutions include 32 HBCUs, including Howard University and Stillman College, with cybersecurity curricula and degree offerings. The complete list can be found here.

books, summer, end of year, read, picnic

by Kandia Johnson

May 22, 2024

5 Empowering Books To Add To Your Summer Reading List

Originally Published Aug. 18, 2015.

The end of the summer should remind us of one thing—the countdown to the New Year starts now. So, if you’re behind in your career goals or need some motivation to launch that idea you’ve been sitting on for several months, check out these awesome books on career and creativity.

Strategize to Win by Carla Harris

Recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of “The Most Powerful Black Executives in Corporate,” and Black Enterprise magazine’s “Top 75 African Americans on Wall Street” and “Top 75 Most Powerful Women in Business, “Harris is more than qualified in the career strategies and tools necessary to “start out, step up, or start over in your career.

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon

When Austin Kleon was asked to speak to students at Broome Community College, he wrote his speech based on “ten things he wished someone had told him when he was starting out at their age.” “Nothing is original, so embrace influence, collect ideas, and remix and re-imagine to discover your own path. Follow your interests wherever they take you.” This message serves as the foundation for Steal Like an Artist—transformative principles that help people discover their artistic side.

And you don’t have to be an “artist” to benefit from this short, yet powerful read about tapping into your creative side. The book includes empowering messages, graphic illustrations, and Kleon’s personal experiences.

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

If there is anyone who can teach you something about holding out for “hope,” it’s our very own former President of the United States, Barack Obama. According to the book description on Amazon, The Audacity of Hope is Barack Obama’s call for a new kind of politics—a politics that builds upon those shared understandings that pull us together as Americans. Lucid in his vision of America’s place in the world, refreshingly candid about his family life and his time in the Senate, Obama here sets out his political convictions and inspires us to trust in the dogged optimism that has long defined us and that is our best hope going forward.”

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

If you’re one of the millions of people who dream about escaping the corporate rat race, the 4-hour workweek is recognized by many “career switchers” as the “blueprint.” The book includes 50 practical tips and case studies from readers (including families) who have doubled their incomes, overcome common sticking points, and reinvented themselves using the original book as a starting point.”

Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job. Kill It in Your Career. Rock Social Media by Aliza Licht

Leave Your Mark: Land Your Dream Job is described as “mentorship in 288 pages.” Highlights from the book include communication and personal branding tips as well Licht’s invaluable lessons learned from her career as well as advice and inspiration.

Quarterback, Jaden Rashada #5, Arizona State Sun Devils

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 22, 2024

Former Florida Gator Recruit Jaden Rashada Sues Coach Over Failed $14M NIL Deal

There is a debate on whether NIL deals are good for student athletes.

Former University of Florida recruit Jaden Rashada filed a lawsuit against the school and its coach, Billy Napier, over his failed historic $14 million NIL deal.

Rashada claims he was defrauded of millions of dollars in his name, image, and money. The suit, filed on May 21 in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola, accuses Napier and businessman Hugh Hathcock of fake misrepresentation and inducement, aiding and abetting fraud, civil conspiracy to commit fraud, negligent misrepresentations, inference with a business relationship or contract, aiding and abetting tortious interference and vicarious liability.

The complaint seeks a jury trial and damages of at least $10 million. There is no mention of a breach of contract, meaning either party could have terminated the agreement at any point without penalty.

Rashada became a household name during his time at Pittsburg High School in California after throwing 5,275 yards and 59 touchdowns. He was supposed to start his collegiate football career at the University of Miami, playing for the Hurricanes in fall 2022, and was promised a $9.5 million NIL deal. But things changed when he was whisked away by Napier and Hathcock — with a $13.85 million NIL deal — promising to play for the Florida Gators.

However, the deal was a violation of the NCAA bylaws. According to the suit, the coach vouched for the collective and mentioned Rashada would receive $1 million on signing day. “But before Rashada could arrive on Florida’s campus, the … contract was terminated — suddenly and without warning,” the suit read.

The young player “tolerated” several delays in receiving payment before garnering “no faith in the UF football team’s leadership and the individuals who had constantly lied to him.” Rashada’s attorney, Rusty Hardin, said fraud such as this is becoming more and more common. “Sadly, this type of fraud is becoming more commonplace in the Wild West that is today’s college NIL landscape,” he said.

“As the first scholar-athlete to take a stand against this egregious behavior, Jaden seeks to hold these defendants accountable for their actions and to expose their as-yet unchecked abuse of power.”

Other defendants in the suit include Gator’s former director of player engagement and NIL, Marcus Castro-Walker, and Velocity Automotive Solutions LLC, owned by Hathcock, who was said to provide most of the funding for Rashada’s deal.

The NCAA has been watching Florida for a while. An investigation was launched in June 2023 following Rashada’s recruitment. The organization asked the school not to launch its own investigation and said it would contact the school “soon regarding the projected timeline of the investigation.”

However, in March 2023, a look into booster-backed collectives or third parties making NIL compensation deals with Division I athletes stopped, given pending lawsuits. A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction in a lawsuit presented by Tennessee and Virginia attorney generals — challenging NCAA rules against recruiting inducements, saying they limit athletes’ ability to cash in on their celebrity and fame.

According to ESPN, the Gator Collective, an independent fundraising organization that provided money to UF athletes, was behind the deal. But after the deal fell through, the group terminated the contract, and Rashada was released from his letter of intent. He ended up signing with his father’s alma mater, Arizona State, and committed to play for the Sun Devils.

After only playing in two games, an injury kept Rashada sidelined for most of the 2023 season. On April 18, he entered the transfer portal and plans to transfer to the home of the Gator’s biggest rivals — the Georgia Bulldogs — where he will have four years of eligibility remaining.

Will Packer, Dominique Dawes, Atlanta Falcons, NFL

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 22, 2024

Will Packer And Dominique Dawes Strengthen Ties To Atlanta Through Falcons Ownership

Will Packer and Dominique Dawes are taking their love for Atlanta to new levels by becoming limited partners of the Atlanta Falcons.

TV and film producer Will Packer and Olympic gold medalist Dominique Dawes, along with American businesswoman Rosalind Brewer and venture capitalist Rashaun Williams, have joined the NFL team’s ownership group as limited partners, the Falcons announced. They were carefully vetted by the Falcons, the league office, and the NFL’s Finance Committee, before being advanced to a full vote of the NFL’s 32 owners during a May 21 meeting in Nashville.

“What I accomplished in 1996, winning America’s first Team Gold Medal in gymnastics and as the first African-American to win Gold, in the city of Atlanta, has given me, to this day, the greatest platform to continually inspire others,” Dawes said.

“The unique opportunity [Falcons owner Arthur Blank] has provided enables me to further my positive impact on those in the Atlanta community, a place I hold near and dear to my heart,” she added. “Having been a global ambassador for the United States, I hope that my platform and influence as one of the few African American women to be a limited partner in the National Football League has broad impact throughout the NFL community and beyond.”

Brewer, a Detroit native who is the first woman to become CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, group president and COO of Starbucks, and CEO of Sam’s Club, is also associate director on the board of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.

“Having worked with Arthur and his foundation for several years, I have deep respect and appreciation for the values that guide everything Arthur does in his businesses and philanthropy–his impact on Atlanta has been immeasurable,” Brewer said. “With this incredible opportunity, I look forward to championing the Falcons’ successes and Atlanta’s spirit as we strive to make a genuine difference in the lives we touch, both on and off the field.”

Emmy-nominated Girls Trip producer Packer, who already serves on the board of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, is excited to bring his expertise in the entertainment industry to the Falcons franchise.

“The power of representation and equity should never be underestimated and as someone who has dedicated his career to creating diverse imagery, I have a true appreciation of Mr. Blank’s commitment to opening doors that have historically been closed to African Americans,” Packer said. “This investment represents not only the personal opportunity of a lifetime, but also the chance to demonstrate for generations to come that someone who looks like me can excel not only on the field but at the highest level of the exclusive ranks of NFL ownership.”

CJ McCollum #3, New Orleans Pelicans, NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 22, 2024

NBA Star CJ McCollum Awarded The J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award For His Community Work

This honor is awarded to a player, coach, or athletic trainer who has given outstanding service and dedication to the community.

The NBA has announced that New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum is this year’s recipient of the 2023-24 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

McCollum, an 11-year veteran, was selected by the Professional Basketball Writers Association (PBWA). This honor is awarded to a player, coach, or athletic trainer who has given outstanding service and dedication to the community. The citizenship award is named after the NBA’s second commissioner, J. Walter Kennedy.

The Pelicans guard beat out four other finalists: Miami Heat assistant coach Caron Butler, Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.

“C.J.’s passion, generosity, and commitment to improving the lives of the youth in his community is truly impressive,” said PBWA President Howard Beck, of The Ringer, in a written statement. “The members of the Professional Basketball Writers Association salute him and all the nominees for their inspiring work.”

McCollum is also president of the National Basketball Players Association.

He is being recognized for his community work in and around New Orleans, focusing on education, social justice reform, and efforts to provide equitable resources and opportunities for youth.

He was selected from a list of nominees submitted from their respective teams to a committee of PBWA members. The membership of more than 200 NBA writers and editors who write for various newspapers, magazines, and online outlets, selected their choice for the people up for the honor.

McCollum joins a list of players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Damian Lillard who have taken home the award in recent years.

In 2024, McCollum partnered with the nonprofit CollegeBeyond to launch McCollum Scholars to provide eleven New Orleans students with a $100,000 scholarship (totaling $1.1 million) to pursue four-year degrees. Then, in March, he opened the doors to the CJ McCollum Dream Center, “a dynamic hub of innovation and inspiration” at the Westbank Boys and Girls Club of Metro Louisiana.

This past season, he averaged 20 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists while playing in 66 games for the Pelicans.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 22, 2024

LaMelo Ball Sued For Allegedly Breaking Boy’s Foot Driving Away From Arena

Tamaria McRae claims in her lawsuit that her then-11-year-old son, Angell Joseph, was outside of the Spectrum Center Arena when Ball allegedly drove over his foot, breaking it

A mother has filed a lawsuit against LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets alleging that the basketball player drove over her child’s foot and broke it after he asked the Hornets star for an autograph.

According to WSOC-TV, Tamaria McRae claims in her lawsuit that her then-11-year-old son, Angell Joseph, was outside of the Spectrum Center Arena in Charlotte at the team’s annual Purple and Teal Day on Oct. 7, 2023. When several fans, including her son, approached the point guard to ask for his autograph, he ignored their requests and as Ball drove away, his car rolled over Joseph’s foot.

She said she noticed Joseph going down, thinking he may have dropped something.

“I just seen my son kind of go down and I thought maybe he had dropped something,” McRae told WSOC.

Yet, she realized that he didn’t drop anything but when Ball drove away from the scene, he allegedly drove over her son’s foot, breaking it in the process.

An 11-year-old was waiting outside the Spectrum Center after the Hornets’ Purple and Teal Day. He wanted an autograph from LaMelo Ball

His mom says Ball didn’t sign anything. He sped off in his car and drove over the 11-year-old’s foot, breaking it.

A lawsuit has been filed… pic.twitter.com/fsvnmQVRNV

— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) May 21, 2024

The Los Angeles Times has reported that she filed the case in Mecklenburg County Superior Court in North Carolina on May 21. The lawsuit states that the injuries that Joseph suffered took months to heal while costing them more than $25,000. They accuse Ball of failing to “yield the right of way to a pedestrian” or to “apply his breaks in time to avoid an accident.”

In addition to suing Ball, the attorney for McRae is suing the team because they alleged that the Hornets did not provide adequate security and pedestrian control measures for the fans who gathered at the players’ parking lot.

McRae told WSOC-TV that after the accident, her son changed and it affected her.

“For a while, I couldn’t even recognize who my child was because, like depression, not being able to go outside and play,” she said. “When you see your children hurt, it hurts you. It’s been rough. It’s been real rough. I mean like I’m a strong person. This broke me. This right here, it really did.”

Is The Eyelash Extension Industry Dying Amid Inflation?

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 22, 2024

Is The Eyelash Extension Industry Dying Amid Inflation?

The popularity and fanfare the eyelash extension industry experienced in recent years appears to be dying out amid ongoing inflation.

The popularity and fanfare the eyelash extension industry experienced in recent years appear to be dying out amid ongoing inflation.

The drastic change has lash enthusiasts taking to social media to explain their reasoning for opting out of lash extensions and taking a DIY approach to their beauty. Bllak Label compiled a list of women who took to TikTok to vent their frustrations with the lash industry and explain why they’re considering other beauty options.

According to the TikTokers, high pricing, poor customer service, consistent maintenance, and the high cost of living amid inflation are just some of the reasons why lash extensions are becoming more of a fad and low on their list of priorities.

“Depending on where you are, a lash tech can run from $150 to $200,” TikToker swagtastic1738 explained. “And then you have to get it maintained every two weeks. That’s another $100 to $150 depending on what your initial set was, that’s how much the fill can cost.”

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A post shared by B L L A K L A B E L (@bllaklabel)

Another TikTok user explained why the service industry is on the decline, speaking from the perspective of someone who works in the industry. The user, kyygirl, believes it’s a generational issue, with younger professionals not being “hungry for money.”

“When I go in and get my nails done, I’ve had nail techs tell me ‘oh girl, those aren’t cute let’s do something else,'” she explains before giving the same criticism to lash and hair techs.

Others showed off the lashes they applied themselves at home, the dramatic eyelash extensions they find dangerous, and why they think lash extensions were just a “fad beauty trend” that is phasing out. In the comments section, many women explained why they stopped or never considered getting lash extensions.

“First off, eyelashes were for special occasions, never quite understood the ‘everyday’ Secondly, the service industry is dying because the service doesn’t match the price,” one person wrote. “Service industry workers may want to study customer service and customer retention.”

“This economy got us focusing on PRIORITIES,” another user added.

One noted the growing DIY approach to beauty in recent years. However, despite the criticism and complaints against the eyelash extension industry, it’s still growing due to increasing consumer trends in beauty enhancements and personal grooming.

Luxe Cosmetics valued the lash extension market at $1.36 billion in 2020 and projects it to reach $2.31 billion by 2028. A large number also opt to do their own beauty at home, with 71% of consumers in the U.S. shopping for beauty products online.

When it comes to which demographic are the largest beauty consumers, it’s women between the ages of 18 and 34. So, while many might feel like the lash industry is dying, the numbers say otherwise.