Kendrick Morales, Spelman College, grades, HBCU, professor

by Courtney Connley

May 21, 2024

Class Is Out But Learning Isn’t: Build Some Skills Over Summer Break

To help today's college students stay on track with meeting the expectations of hiring managers, below are four career building tips young professionals should put into practice this summer.

Originally Published May 22, 2015.

Graduation season is in full effect, and many students are trying to figure out their next move while on summer break. For some, a break from school means more time for family vacations, best friend outings, and social gatherings. While taking a mental break from the study sessions, group projects, and daily structure of going from class to class is an excellent step for students to recharge, it’s also important for collegiate professionals to carve out time to get ahead in their careers.

College students and employers differ on how well-prepared today’s young professionals are for the workforce. Employers feel that college graduates are falling behind in key areas such as oral communication, written communication, critical thinking, and creativity. To help today’s college students stay on track with meeting the expectations of hiring managers, below are four career building tips young professionals should put into practice this summer.

1. Attend a professional development conference:

Several professional organizations, such as the National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Black Accountants, ColorComm, and many more, hold summer conventions that bring together hundreds of industry professionals nationwide. Attending these events will allow college students to rub elbows with potential mentors, colleagues, and HR professionals who can help them land their next internship or first job. Before registering for these conferences, check out the student discounts some of these organizations offer.

2. Intern:

While interning is a common tip given to college students, it cannot be stressed enough how valuable an internship experience is to the career success of young professionals. Internships not only help students get their foot in the door of whatever industry they hold an interest in, but they also allow them to get an inside view of what it takes to succeed in that field and help them build their network of industry contacts.

3. Shadow an industry professional for a day:

For some college students, an unpaid or low-paying internship is not an option. Those in this position should reach out to someone with years of experience in your industry and see if they are open to being shadowed for a day. This experience will allow you to gain insight into the daily tasks needed to succeed in your career field and show your eagerness to get a foot in the door by any means possible.

4. Do your homework on the leaders of your industry:

Carve out a few days of your summer to look at the top power players in your career field and see what steps they took to attain their career success. While everyone’s journey will be different, reading other people’s career stories can give you an idea of what direction you should look for internships and work experience. If you can find the contact information for any of these professionals, reach out to them for some quick career advice, and if they are in your local area, see if they are free to meet for coffee. If an in-person meeting occurs, follow up with a thank you note or email.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 21, 2024

Diddy Settlement With Cassie Forbids Them From Saying Each Other’s Names

Diddy's apology video did not mention Cassie directly due to the rules of their settlement.

More insight has emerged into why Diddy’s new apology video did not directly mention Cassie. Details of their settlement reveal that the two cannot publicly say each other names.

Diddy apologized for his actions Sunday in regards to previously released footage of the entertainer abusing his former partner. Days following the graphic video’s exposure to the public, Diddy expressed his remorse for his actions. He stated he was “truly sorry” and took “full responsibility” for what happened.

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A post shared by LOVE (@diddy)

However, critics quickly noted that the Revolt founder failed to apologize to Cassie directly. While some felt he lacked genuine remorse, TMZ reported that their settlement forbids Diddy from saying the “Me & U” singer’s name.

In light of his actions in the video and alleged years of abuse, Cassie filed a lawsuit in November 2023. The former couple settled the next day for an undisclosed amount of money, alongside this newly-revealed clause to never speak on one another in public.

The tabloid also claims Diddy’s idea for the apology, which remains strictly general regarding who his remorse is for. As a result, Cassie has also stayed silent since the video’s release and the 54-year-old’s subsequent apology.

However, her lawyer shared a statement, calling his apology “disingenuous” given his previous denial of all allegations.

“Combs’ most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt. When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday,” said Meredith Firetog, an attorney for Cassie.

She continued, “That he was only compelled to ‘apologize’ once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words.”

Diddy remains the subject of numerous other allegations and lawsuits, all regarding sexual abuse, harassment, and rape.

by Stacy Jackson

May 21, 2024

Mom Drops Over $16K On Daughter’s Prom Arrangements

Marisela Torres said she desired to give her daughter the prom night that she was never able to have and would do it again.

A lavish prom experience for high school junior Fela Burk has ignited a heated online debate after her mother, Marisela Torres, revealed spending an astonishing $16,625 on the special occasion.

During a recent appearance on the “Tamron Hall Show,” the mother-daughter duo opened up about the extravagant price tag and its emotional motivations. Hall meticulously broke down the expenses, listing items like Burk’s $1,300 floor-length gown, $4,900 Jimmy Choo heels, $175 hair styling, a $4,000 car rental, and a $3,900 send-off celebration. Additionally, Torres splurged $1,600 on a hotel for preparations and $750 for photography and videography services.

When questioned about the massive expenditure, Torres revealed a deeper sentiment, stating, “…Prom is really big in Philadelphia, but I didn’t get to go to my prom, and I’m the only one out of four that didn’t.” She added, “I know that was something my mom really, really wanted, so I just told myself that I wanted to give my daughters a big prom.”

Burk, a content creator with over 200,000 TikTok followers, initially shared the $16,000 prom arrangements as part of a viral online trend. Burk took to her TikTok page to address some of the critics, like one who commented, “Black parents will spend $10k on a prom just for their kid to be taking out loans struggling to pay for college months later.” Some critics even accused the family of having illegal money. Burk clarified in the video that her mom works really hard to give her the life she didn’t have, and her posts are for people who want to see, not to brag. She informed viewers about the great ways her family uses their money to give back to the community, something she says isn’t necessary for her to post about.

@felaaliyah_
Replying to @Mia Mitchell #foryoupage #fyp #relatable
♬ original sound – Fela

Burk told Hall that she felt comfortable opening up to her followers and critics, explaining, “I know a lot of people were assuming we couldn’t afford it, so that was the big thing, too.” Despite the backlash, Torres commended her daughter’s gracious response, advising her, “…be positive, don’t come at anyone because we do know some people aren’t fortunate enough to have it, but just explain, we have it, we did it, and you can do the same.”

Ultimately, the mother-daughter duo agreed that the extravagant experience was worth every penny and expressed their willingness to repeat the grand affair.

Inaugural Black Women In Tech Cohort Class

by Jeffrey McKinney

May 21, 2024

Earn A High Salary After Graduation With These Tips

Originally Published May 20, 2023.

With graduation here, Black college students are willing to accept a minimum of $70,000 from their first job. Black college graduates should earn more.

That amount is about 4% less than the $72,580 other respondents would take, based on new research regarding college students’ salary expectations. The data showed Black college students expect to take home $80,000 one year out of college, about 6% less than the $84,855 of all students. The $70,000 for Black students is 25% higher than the $55,911 average starting salary for recent graduates.

Jaime Seale, the report’s author, declared Black college students are typically more realistic about their salary expectations than other students. However, Black workers tend to earn less than white workers, and they don’t fare as well in salary negotiations, so Black students may already be tempering their expectations.

She says by including salary ranges on job postings, employers can educate all students about realistic salary expectations. She says this would benefit Black students and other people of color.

“Rather than job applicants having to determine if their pay is fair and equal to employees of the same position, that responsibility shifts to the employer.”

The data also revealed that 36% of students report the average starting salary is lower than expected, and (34%) don’t believe they will be able to afford basic expenses after graduation.

Some 97% of students would consider lowering their salary expectations, but they would not work for less than $72,580 on average at their first job. Around 70% of students say they deserve more than the average starting salary because they work harder than their peers.

Seale offered tips that Black college graduates can take to potentially get a raise after they start working:

“Take on increased responsibilities: More companies are transitioning away from annual raises to raises based on performance. Highlight how your performance has impacted the company or how you’ve taken on increased responsibilities. Make an itemized list and don’t assume your boss remembers everything you do.”
“Explore other pay options: Your company may not give you a raise, but they may give you a bonus. You could also try to negotiate for other perks, such as more paid time off.”
“Earn a certification: Typically, more education means more pay. If you grow your skills through a developmental class, it may increase your earning potential. If you don’t have the money to pay for a certification, ask if your company has a personal development budget that will cover the expense.”
“Work a side hustle: This will help you earn more money in the short term, and it may also help grow your skills and experience that could boost your earning potential.”
“Leave for a better offer: Your company may never give you a raise if it’s not doing well financially, but you don’t have to stay in that low-pay environment. Sometimes the best way to raise your salary is to get a better offer at another company.”

SEEK Foundation, STEM, SMART Tech Health Hub

by Stacy Jackson

May 21, 2024

SEEK Foundation Dedicates $4M Fund To Build SMART Tech Health Hub In Opa-Locka

S.E.E.K. Foundation's SMART Tech Health Hub will provide families in Opa-Locka with a multifaceted space with access to STEM education.

A groundbreaking initiative from Miami’s S.E.E.K. Foundation, Inc. is set to transform the landscape of Opa-Locka, Florida, providing families in the community with unprecedented access to STEM education, workforce re-entry pathways, broadband connectivity, and essential health services.

The SMART Tech Health Hub is a first-of-its-kind project in the city, bolstered by a $4 million funding commitment from the state of Florida, according to a press release. Slated for full operation by December 2026, the SMART Tech Health Hub will fulfill a multifaceted purpose to empower individuals with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. The hub seeks to fill a void in the community, which currently lacks a high school or technical facility.

“The partnership with the Miami Foundation’s Digital Equity Collective program has been pivotal in advancing this initiative,” said Anike Sakariyawo, Founder of S.E.E.K. Foundation, Inc. “We are looking to provide Opa-Locka community members of all ages access to educational resources and pathways to STEM careers.”

The multilevel building will provide dedicated spaces for S.E.E.K. Foundation’s educational programs in STEM on its first and second floors. Plans include a pipeline program tailored to specific industries like agriculture, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, coding, robotics, and UI/UX design. The third floor will cater to the community’s basic health needs, offering services such as annual vaccinations, back-to-school boosters, and telehealth. The goal is to partner with local public health entities, county health departments, and federally qualified health centers.

The foundation’s commitment to nurturing STEM interest is evident through initiatives like the 1st Annual Youth STEM Summit held this summer. The event catered to 500 young students and elaborated on STEM education through hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and informative presentations.

https://twitter.com/seek_inc/status/1791099236899053921

According to the foundation’s website, S.E.E.K. has worked to improve the value of life for children of diverse backgrounds since its inception in 2012.

Morehouse Graduate, Morehouse College's graduation ceremony

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 21, 2024

Morehouse Graduate Thanks Incarcerated Uncle For Taking Out A Loan To Help Him Pay Tuition, ‘It Really Takes A Village’

A Morehouse graduate thanks his incarcerated uncle for taking out a loan that helped him obtain his degree.

A 2024 graduate of the prestigious Morehouse College went viral after thanking his incarcerated uncle for taking out a loan that helped him obtain his degree.

The 140th Morehouse graduation ceremony took place on Sunday, May 19, when President Joe Biden was present to deliver his commencement speech to the graduating class. Among those crossing the stage was a first-generation graduate who thanked an incarcerated loved one for helping to ensure his educational future.

Identified as @dmacblast on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Morehouse grad shared a tweet with photos from the ceremony thanking his incarcerated uncle for helping him pay off the last of his tuition and secure his college degree.

“Last one, but in order to finish my senior year my incarcerated Uncle took a loan out in his name to pay the remainder off of what I couldn’t,” he wrote. “Wouldn’t have graduated without him, it really takes a village.”

https://twitter.com/dmacblast/status/1792362414073426383

The tweet received nearly 25,000 likes, 2,000 reposts, and 300 saves from a community that applauded the graduates’ uncle for supporting his nephew’s education even from behind bars.

“Congratulations!!! It really does take a village,” one person wrote.

“Nothing like a good uncle. Congratulations!” added someone else.

However, some criticized the situation and questioned the uncle’s ability to obtain a loan while in prison rather than sending congratulatory messages.

“Don’t want to take away from that Morehouse Man graduating but wym they let inmates take out federal loans?? How an inmate had better credit than his parents?? I have so many questions,” one person asked.

The graduate replied to the question and explained why his uncle needed to co-sign a loan that his mother, who had him at a young age, couldn’t obtain on her own.

“Life happens, and not everyone is fortunate enough… My mom had me when she was still a baby,” he wrote. “A Federal Plus Parent loan is different than a regular loan. If your parents both don’t qualify you are able to get a co-signer. You don’t need income to qualify for a plus loan.”

When one person explained their confusion about whether or not the graduate’s uncle could take out a loan while incarcerated , the Morehouse graduate explained why it shouldn’t matter.

“The question shouldn’t be how my incarcerated family member was able to get a loan for my education, but rather why there isn’t resources put into institutions for those less fortunate to be able to achieve the same things of those with the right resources,” he wrote.

The Morehouse graduate shared an initial tweet expressing his pride in becoming the first college graduate in his family.

https://twitter.com/dmacblast/status/1792218513932734855

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 21, 2024

Black Woman Forced Off Frontier Plane After Allegedly Refusing To Agree To Help In Case of Emergency

What was supposed to be a peaceful flight turned unruly after a Black woman was forced off a Frontier plane and arrested after allegedly refusing to save other lives while seated in an emergency aisle.

The unidentified woman was filmed arguing with flight attendants at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina in May 2024. As things escalated, everyone on board was deplaned as police officers boarded the aircraft. The video starts with the woman seated with two other passengers, going back and forth with a flight attendant, asking her, “What is the problem?” She then told the attendant she was “wasting her breath” as she walked away.

She is then seen arguing with other crew members, including the pilot, after being asked to exit the plane. The woman refused to do so, citing the need to get to her four-year-old grandson in Texas.

NEW: Frontier passenger makes entire fight deboard after she refused to comply with exit row instructions, gets arrested.

The woman allegedly refused to help save anyone in case of an emergency before yelling at a flight staff.

"Oh, I'm not going to save anybody. If something… pic.twitter.com/c25TTiQngZ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 20, 2024

The woman was seen attempting to contact her lawyer as other passengers started to encourage the woman to deboard the plane with police. “Are you arresting me?” she exclaimed. “What crime did I commit?”

As passengers are seen heading back out to the boarding area, the woman was seen outside being led off the plane in handcuffs, heading to a police car. Passengers were upset about the situation as one was heard calling the woman a “dumb*ss” in the background.

According to the Independent, the woman went against a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirement that passengers seated in an emergency exit row read instructions and confirm verbally that they will adhere to the physical duties of assisting others in case of an emergency. The woman did claim several times during the verbal exchanges that she said yes when the flight crew asked.

TikTokker, Travel with Tia, is the person who caught the incident on camera. She made a follow-up video defending the woman, explaining that this was potentially the first time she had sat in the emergency exit row. “This may have been her first time in an exit row, so she did not understand or realize or want to understand that the flight attendant has to get a verbal yes from everyone when you are doing, when you are going through the drill,” Tia claimed.

@travelwithtia23
let’s clear something up real quick! #travelwithtia #travelwithtia23 #blackvloggers #fyp #travel #traveltiktok #xyzbca #viral #traveltok #vacaciones #vacation #budget #budgettravel #tsa #tsaprecheck #airport #SelfCare #airplanemode #clt
♬ original sound – Travel With Tia

“And she had an attitude with giving the verbal yes because she thought shaking her head was sufficient and didn’t realize or didn’t want to realize why she had to give a verbal yes.”

Frontier Airlines has yet to release a statement regarding the incident.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 21, 2024

17-Year-Old Fatally Shoots Himself While Filming Instagram Story

The teen, who used the moniker Rylo Huncho, was found dead from an “accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound” to the head, police told "The New York Post."

A 17-year-old in Virginia accidentally killed himself while filming an Instagram Story, authorities said.

According to The New York Post, the teenager, who used the name Rylo Huncho, was found dead after he was seen filming a social media video where he pointed a gun at his head and pulled the trigger, killing himself. The incident took place May 15 in Suffolk, Virginia.

Police confirmed the death of Huncho but did not release his real name. Officials believe he died from an “accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound” to the head.

The Mirror identified Huncho’s real name as Raleigh Freeman III. The outlet stated reported a video had circulated online that showed the teen first waving the gun. He then apparently switched off the gun’s safety, pointed the firearm to his head, and pulled the trigger. He was thrown from view as he dropped the camera, The Post reported.

A GoFundMe account was started the next day by members of Huncho’s family.

“Hello, my aunt recently lost her 17 year old son from a self inflicted gun wound to the head. He was her only son! She was a single parent but took care of her son the best she could. Suicide/accidental was the cause of his death we are still trying to figure out why. But anything, I mean anything, can help her at this time of need. He was her only child. She was also an only child. It was always her and her son. Anything can help! Please keep my family in your prayers thank you so much.”

So far, a little more than $3,000 has been donated. The fundraising goal is $15,000.

Twin Porter, a friend of Huncho, posted a Facebook message saying: “Long live rylooooooo.” Family members and friends got together to release a balloon to pay tribute to Huncho, which was displayed across social media.

Black-Owned Credit-Building App, Michael Broughton

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 21, 2024

Get To Know Michael Broughton Of Altro, A Black-Owned Credit-Building App

Broughton's Altro App helps users build their credit through recurring payments for common expenses.

Michael Broughton founded Altro as a way for diverse users to build credit through everyday methods. The Altro app users can improve their credit scores through recurring payments.

Through Altro, which translates to “other,” credit is simplified, and your hustle matters. Their members can use subscription payments to boost their credit and prepare for even bigger purchases, such as a home, car, or business loan.

Altro’s mission of making every payment count is dear to Broughton, who himself experienced credit score woes while pursuing his degree at USC. Black people are also historically disenfranchised when it comes to credit, with discriminatory practices leading to higher interest rates in diverse communities, per U.S. News.

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A post shared by Altro (@altro_finance)

“There are holes in the credit industry. We’re in the business of changing lives and building something greater,” stated Broughton on his website.

Broughton hopes that Altro will help Black people feel less burdened by credit scores. By obtaining an Altro credit card and downloading its app, users can join a community dedicated to financial empowerment.

Get to know the founder and CEO of the innovative credit-building app.

Started in Corporate Before Creating His Own Bag.

Broughton first got his start as a scout at Sequoia Capital. The venture capital firm has aided and invested in numerous companies from the initial seed round to growth stages. There, Broughton learned the ins and outs of company development and financial strategy.

**A Forbes “30 Under 30” Alum.**

Broughton’s work was amplified by Forbes as part of their famed “30 under 30” class of 2023. The then 23-year-old’s success in consumer tech with Altro proved to break barriers in credit score increases. The outlet also noted that Broughton has since raised over $18 million.

Ironically, Student Loans Jumpstarted His Career.

Broughton got an unusual start to his business endeavor, taking a stressful experience and turning it into a fruitful opportunity. His vision to ease the woes of credit scores stemmed from a missed student loan payment, which left him with limited ways to finance the rest of his education. That problem led him to destiny, with Altro now helping others in similar financial situations.

Now on the Credit Union Board of Directors for His Alma Mater.

Through his success, Broughton now sits on the Board of Directors for USC’s Credit Union. The not-for-profit cooperative aims to uplift its members to achieve their financial goals within and beyond their community.

He’s Breaking Down Financial Barriers For Underrepresented Communities.

Broughton continues to elevate Altro and its members by sharing their stories through the app’s Convos podcast. Originally Backed by Jay-Z’s Marcy Ventures, the sky is the limit for Altro and its vast community of goal-getters.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 21, 2024

Father-Son Lead Multimillion Design Firm Uplifted By DEI Efforts

Their company, Space Continuum LLC, has helped high-profile clients like Honda and Ford.

John and Joshua Johnson are the father and son owners of the multimillion-dollar design firm Space Continuum. DEI initiatives helped bring their venture to fruition.

John founded the company in 2016 after years in corporate America, creating Space Continuum LLC as a contract furniture dealership and interior design firm. He shared with AfroTech how DEI led to the establishment of his own business, as companies sought to meet diversity goals and started contracting his services.

“A lot of the corporate clients were saying, ‘Listen, we have initiatives that we need to meet, and we’re asking, how can you help us meet those particular initiatives?’ With me already being in the marketplace and with my history and experience, everyone knew of me. So, they approached me and asked, would I consider becoming a MillerKnoll dealer, which I did,” explained John to the news outlet.

As he transitioned to his own dealership, John brought in his son, Joshua, to help in its operations. Joshua’s background in tech and marketing furthered the team to remain a crucial Black-owned business in this sector. John intends for Joshua to take over once he retires.

“I’ve been around the furniture industry. I am familiar with how to process goals… and of course, like my father stated, there are not many of us in that environment, so we’re pretty much a fly on the wall,” said Joshua, who works as the vice president of business development. “As far as the legacy standpoint, when he asked me to come back, I was familiar with the business. I saw different ventures that we can branch off into and grow the business and continue to build on its success.”

DEI initiatives were crucial to getting Space Continuum off the ground. Its high-profile clients include Honda, Ford, and Harrah’s Casino. Establishing a relationship with these long-standing companies has helped the duo emerge as respected players in this industry.

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A post shared by Space Continuum LLC (@spacecontinuumllc)

“Being in this space, DEI is so important, when it comes to entrepreneurs,” Joshua mentioned. “We understand that racism is very prevalent within corporations and also the government or who they choose to work with. There’s nothing that we can continue to put a cover on, so DEI is so important when we are actually presenting our certifications, along with our capabilities and success done in the past, to show that we’re able to fulfill these contracts.”

Space Continuum also elevated its services to clients, including design viewing through virtual reality and distribution of electric vehicle charging stations. Their continued work and expansion signal DEI’s importance in growing a minority presence in various industries.