• Fashion & Beauty

by Black Enterprise

October 1, 2024

Iconic Fashion Brand FUBU Re-Emerges For Atlanta Fashion Week 2024

The men behind the For Us By Us brand will be making an appearance in Georgia during Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) 2024.

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The men behind the For Us By Us brand, FUBU, will appear in Georgia during Atlanta Fashion Week (ATLFW) 2024. The events will take place in various locations between Oct. 2 and Oct. 7.

The fashion brand, which, in recent years, has expanded into other creative outputs, was started in 1992 by J. Alexander Martin, Daymond John, Keith Perrin, and Carlton Brown. This year, ATLFW is hosting the brand’s stateside return with an opening night party featuring all four founders of FUBU. Along with the celebration of the brand, there will be a number of runway shows, immersive pop-up experiences, and many exclusive events that will feature emerging and established designers from around the world.

Global designers from as far away as Nigeria, the UK, Senegal, and local cities like New York, Houston, Dallas, and more are expected to be at Atlanta Fashion Week. Participants can attend fashion shows, pop-up shopping experiences, panel discussions, and art installations. With the return of FUBU, COOGI will also be on display along with runway shows featuring brands Sarayaa (as seen in British Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, and more), Paper Money & Made by Middle, GOAT by James King, BDR Black (NYC), Untourage the Label (Dallas, TX), and more.

A FUBU Archives Fashion Installation — VIP Preview is planned, which will give attendees an exclusive look at the installation.

FUBU prided itself on pushing the boundaries of creativity and self-expression, and this latest partnership, even though outside of fashion, seems on-brand. The FUBU brand has expanded in recent years, with each founder branching out to start other ventures, including HotelFUBU, FUBU Radio, FUBU Studios, and Shark Branding. ATLFW is the premier platform spotlighting Atlanta’s influence on global fashion.

To purchase or find out more information about Atlanta Fashion Week, you can check out the site here.

RELATED CONTENT: FUBU CEO Daymond John Vows Financial Aid To Family of Security Guard Slain In Buffalo Massacre

• Celebrity News

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 1, 2024

Rapper Tee Grizzley Made Millions Streaming On Twitch

Guess its not all bad in the world of gaming....

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Rapper and gaming pro Tee Grizzley shared how he turned his love of video games into a lucrative streaming gig, AfroTech reports. 

The “Blow for Blow” artist sat down for an episode of the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast and shared his strategy of making millions by simply playing video games — taking advantage of subscriber opportunities and ads on social apps like Twitch. “The way to make money, you gotta know how to repurpose things,” Grizzley explained. 

“Boom, you got subscribers, you got ads, you got people that can donate to you — and the sky’s the limit with all that stuff. With your videos saved, so you can take those videos [and] you can make content out of them on your TikTok, your Instagram, YouTube. You can [even] get a bag off Snapchat.”

The Detroit-based artist seemingly manifested his gaming career on X, then Twitter, in 2021. He tweeted that he needed a “plug” for the popular streaming platform Twitch. I need a Twitch plug ASAP. DM me,” Grizzley tweeted. 

One year later, during an interview in 2022 with the “Million Dollaz Worth Of Game” podcast, the rapper admitted to shifting gears into gaming after reaching momentums in the music industry. He created a custom “Grand Theft Auto” server called Grizzley World RP and garnered thousands of viewers with “Call of Duty” gameplay. 

During the COVID-19 shutdown, a friend of Grizzley’s helped him grow his wallet through his gaming passion. His friend North set up a free server for him, limiting Grizzley to earning $5,000 a month. However, the rapper overstepped that and made close to $50,000 a week with Grizzley World RP. With the server hosting 90,000 members at the time, each paying customer paid an admission fee between $100 to $400. “I put my sh-t up. I stream it on Twitch, right? I get paid from Twitch,” Grizzley explained. 

“I take the Twitch videos that are already streamed, [and] put it on YouTube. Get paid from the two, and I get paid from the server. Then you got sponsorships, you got ads.”

While speaking with Earn Your Leisure hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Milling, Grizzley said that gaming has no specific genre as some streamers stick to one and others like him venture into different worlds. When asked what his favorite game is, Grizzley said it all depends on the “era.” His love for gaming started in elementary school, so his favorites vary between “007” and “Call of Duty.” 

He’s not the only artist who has embraced the love of online gaming. According to Revolt, artists like T-Pain, DDG, Soulja Boy, and NLE Choppa have also gained popularity in the growing industry.

• News

by Daniel Johnson

September 30, 2024

Trump Tosses Chicken Nuggets At University Of Alabama Football Game

Trump's visit to the football game, where he was accepted and seemingly praised by the crowd, stands in stark contrast to the coverage he has been receiving since he circulated a baseless conspiracy theory on the debate stage in early September.

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As the University of Alabama’s 17-year-old freshman phenom Ryan Williams thrilled the crowd in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 28 with a thrilling, impossible sideline catch against the University of Georgia, former President Donald Trump was being weird yet again.

This time, according to WFLA, the former president waved to the crowd before tossing several boxes of chicken nuggets to seemingly random football fans at the University of Alabama’s Bryant-Denny Stadium.

According to The Associated Press, Trump was there as the guest of Ric Mayers Jr, an Alabama businessman who is also a member of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago golf club. Mayers indicated to the AP that he wanted Trump to enjoy a warm welcome, which the crowd provided as they chanted “USA! USA!” while Trump tossed the nugget boxes.

Trump’s visit to the football game, where he was accepted and seemingly praised by the crowd, starkly contrasts the coverage he has been receiving since he circulated a baseless conspiracy theory on the debate stage in early September.

According to the AP, much of Trump’s appeal to conservatives, who have latched onto his “Make America Great Again” slogan, is the idea that America needs saving from Black and Brown people, especially Black and Brown immigrants.

Most of his supporters, however, would probably echo the sentiments of Shane Walsh, a 52-year-old businessman from Austin, Texas. Walsh said that although he doesn’t think the former president is a good person, despite his personal feelings about him, Walsh believes Trump is the kind of figure that should represent America.

“I don’t necessarily like him as a person, but I think Washington is broken, and it’s both parties’ faults — and Trump is the kind of guy who will stand up. He’s a lot of things, but weak isn’t one of them. He’s an optimistic guy; he just makes you believe that if he’s in charge. We’re going to be all right.” Walsh told the AP.

Although the crowd seemed to be solidly-pro Trump given their reaction, save for some boos and extended middle fingers, according to Braden Vick, the president of the University of Alabama’s College Democrats chapter, the truth on campus is opposite his reception at the game.

“There is, I think, a silent majority among the students that are not with Trump. We have this great atmosphere for a top-five game between these two teams, with playoff and championship implications, and it’s just a shame that Donald Trump has to try to ruin it with his selfishness,” Vick told the AP.

RELATED CONTENT: Haitian Nonprofit Fighting Back Against ‘Eating Pet’ Claims, Suing Trump-Vance Campaign

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 30, 2024

Chicago Mayors Urge Biden To Grant Presidential Pardon to Jesse Jackson Jr.

Nine Chicago mayors are urging President Joe Biden to pardon former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

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Nine Chicago mayors came together earlier this month to pen a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a pardon for former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.

The namesake son of the iconic civil rights leader who was recognized at last month’s Democratic National Convention was convicted of conspiring to use campaign funds for personal purposes more than a decade ago. After serving about half of his 30-month sentence and being released to a halfway house in March 2015, Chicago political leaders think Jackson Jr. deserves a second chance.

“We worked with him on a regular basis. His concern and care for his constituents’ needs were always present,” the mayors of South Chicago suburbs wrote in part.

“Like you, we also make decisions that affect people in their everyday life. Oftentimes, we must reflect upon ‘never judging a man based on his worst day.’ We believe that Congressman Jackson has better days ahead.”

NBC News reports that the letter follows Jackson Jr.’s 2013 guilty plea for conspiring with his then-wife, Sandi Jackson, to misuse $750,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses. This isn’t the first instance of elected officials contacting Biden about Jackson Jr.’s situation. Notably, Jackson Jr.’s successor, Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Ill., has encouraged the president in recent years to utilize his pardon power to aid the former lawmaker.

Jackson Jr.’s father, Rev. Jesse Jackson, 82, has also requested pardons for his son. The father and son have also worked together to request pardons for other convicted government officials like former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. In 2019, the Jacksons urged then-President Donald Trump to pardon Blagojevich for his corruption crimes, saying his 14-year prison sentence was “unfair and unnecessary.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson, who is currently fighting Parkinson’s Disease, made an appearance on stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in August. Sitting in a wheelchair and flanked by fellow civil rights leaders, he was met with a lengthy standing ovation.

The request for a pardon arrives just a day after President Biden’s son, Hunter, pleaded guilty to federal tax charges. Earlier this year, Hunter was convicted on three counts related to the illegal purchase of a handgun. Earlier this month, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that the president remains steadfast in his commitment not to pardon his son.

Throughout his presidency, Biden has granted blanket pardons for specific marijuana offenses in 2022 and 2023 to individuals convicted on drug-related charges. However, he has been selective in exercising his constitutional authority to issue pardons.

RELATED CONTENT: Rev. Jesse Jackson To Retire from Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Name Successor

• News

by Daniel Johnson

September 30, 2024

Georgia’s Chemical Plant Fire Spews Chlorine In The Air

According to air quality surveys conducted by state and federal officials, chlorine was identified as the substance that emanated from the plant.

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Residents in Georgia were advised to stay indoors and shut their windows on Sept. 30 after a fire on Sept. 29 at a BioLab plant in Conyers, Georgia, caused a chemical reaction to release chlorine into the air.

According to CNN, 17,000 residents and businesses near the plant were told to evacuate in the aftermath of the fire, and a shelter-in-place advisory remains in place for approximately 90,000 residents of Rockdale County.

Conyers is about 30 miles outside of Atlanta. According to officials, the fire started on the plant’s roof before water from a malfunctioning sprinkler came into contact with a water-reactive chemical, creating a plume.

According to air quality surveys conducted by state and federal officials, chlorine was identified as the substance that emanated from the plant. This matches the description of some residents in the area who described a bleach or chemical smell in the air.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chlorine exposure can be identified by a burning sensation in the eyes, nose, and mouth. It can also produce coughing, choking, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness.

Rockdale County Sheriff Eric Levett warned people to stay out of the area in a statement. “This is not the time to do any type of sightseeing. We are strongly encouraging everyone, no matter where you’re coming from, but especially Rockdale residents, to stay out of this area,” Levett said.

Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt stated that emergency agencies are being mobilized to respond. “All of our resources have been dispatched and deployed,” Nesbitt told CNN. “Every available agency, GEMA, FEMA, everyone is on deck here in Rockdale County. We’re managing this situation as we try to get it under control.”

The situation in Conyers and Rockdale County resembles a July 2024 report from WABE stating that Georgia Power was preparing to dump 33 million tons of coal ash in unlined pits of groundwater.

At the time, several Georgia environmental organizations urged the revocation of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s coal ash residuals program, which had been used to approve the dumping.

A petition filed in July 2024 on behalf of the Coosa River Basin Initiative, Altamaha Riverkeeper, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light, and the Sierra Club, among others, sets forth that state and federal environmental protection agencies are failing to protect the state’s water systems.

According to Frank Holleman, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, “Georgia EPD has made it clear that it will not follow the law and protect Georgia’s clean water and communities from toxic coal ash pollution,” Holleman said. “EPA is charged with overseeing EPD’s program, and we need EPA to step in to protect Georgia’s rivers and neighborhoods because EPD will not.”

RELATED CONTENT: Two Black Towns In The Shadow Of Environmental Racism Fight Back Against Chemical Companies

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 30, 2024

Why Gen Z’s Disconnect From The Black Church Affects Social Cohesion And Political Unity

'There's such a divide in the church among the generations. A lot of people don't realize that some of the kids aren't coming back.'

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New research highlights Black congregations’ challenges in attracting Gen Z members, raising concerns about potential impacts on community solidarity and Black political influence.

Churches like Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia are confronting a growing challenge: their congregations are aging, with fewer young people filling the pews. Despite its historic significance as the birthplace of the A.M.E. Church, Mother Bethel, and many churches like it, are struggling to connect with Gen Z, the New York Times reports.

Church membership among Black adults has dropped nearly 20 percentage points over the past two decades. Among Black Millennials and Gen Z who attend religious services, only about half go to predominantly Black churches, compared to two-thirds of Black baby boomers and the Silent Generation.

While churches nationwide face declining membership, Black churches’ shrinking congregations are especially impactful when considering the broader implications for social togetherness and the power of the Black vote. Long gone are the days when the church served as the center for Black life, where pastors could launch their political careers and members rallied behind political candidates.

“There’s such a divide in the church among the generations,” said Donnell McLachlan, a 30-year-old social media influencer from Chicago who makes videos about his religious journey. “A lot of people don’t realize that some of the kids just aren’t coming back.”

For many younger Black Americans, the church no longer holds a central role in their lives, with factors like technology, the pandemic, and evolving social issues all contributing to the shift.

“That really has taken over the coming in and meeting, and gathering together,” Margaret Jerrido, 79, the archivist at Mother Bethel, said of how the internet and social media have impacted in-person discourse. “They don’t come into the building anymore, and we miss that.”

There is an even greater disconnect when it comes to mobilizing voting power within the Black church. The political activism that once resonated from the pulpit and could sway an entire congregation is now more difficult to achieve, especially as many churchgoers participate virtually or not at all.

Carolyn Wilson, 70, recalls her father dying just before the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This inspired her to vote in every election “because that right was taken from him.” But when it comes to the younger generation, “They want to know ‘what’s in it for me?’” she said.

Given Mother Bethel’s location in a crucial swing state like Pennsylvania, social cohesion and political togetherness in the Black church are that much more important. But, as young Black individuals increasingly distance themselves from the church, Democrats in Pennsylvania are exploring alternative avenues to engage with Black voters, according to Rotimi Adeoye, 28, a Philadelphia resident and member of the Pennsylvania Young Democrats.

“I don’t think that means that the Black church doesn’t play a crucial role in this election—they definitely do,” he said. “I think for young Black voters, though, we just want to make sure we’re meeting them where they are.”

RELATED CONTENT: CDC Partners With Black Churches To Continue COVID-19 Outreach

• Legal

by Daniel Johnson

September 30, 2024

Alabama Town’s Ordinance Criminalizes Unpaid Garbage Bills, Disproportionately Impacting Black Residents

A municipal garbage disposal policy in Chickasaw, Alabama, is regarded by its citizens as punitive, experts say it's illegal.

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Chickasaw, Alabama’s garbage policy allows residents to be arrested or issued a criminal summons if they get behind on their sewer or garbage bills. If convicted under the city’s ordinance, residents of this small suburb just outside of Mobile face a fine between $25 and $500 and a jail sentence not exceeding 10 days.

According to Inside Climate News, in 2021, the city passed an ordinance on outstanding bills. The ordinance charges a $25 fee for each month the original bill goes unpaid and does not allow debtors to make partial payments.

Investigators for the outlet determined that the ordinance, passed by an all-white city council, disproportionately harms the city’s Black population. Although the racial makeup of the city is relatively evenly distributed among white and Black citizens, the policy has had a disastrous effect on women, Black residents, and people with disabilities.

Chickasaw’s history tells a more troubling story. According to Inside Climate News, the city was founded as a whites-only company town in the early 20th century. This exclusionary practice continued until 1980 when a federal court case revealed that Chickasaw had long been perceived as a “Caucasian town” and that no Black residents had lived there since World War II.

Following that lawsuit, Chickasaw’s Black population began to climb; however, the city’s leadership remained white.

According to Shaquala Jackson, a former resident who also faced problems after the city charged her with “theft of service,” the city’s past is bleeding into its present.

“I was always told that Chickasaw was a ‘No Black Zone’ for many years,” Jackson told Inside Climate News. “So maybe they just want to get the Black people out of ‘their’ area.”

According to Southern Poverty Law Center legal experts, Chickasaw’s policy of prosecuting its residents over unpaid garbage bills violates Alabama and federal law.

On Sept. 11, SPLC lawyers sent a letter to Chickasaw’s city attorney indicating that the city was violating constitutional provisions at both the state and federal levels.

“Our review of the City’s billing practices, its theft of service ordinance, nearly 200 criminal case files, and conversations with dozens of Chickasaw residents indicate that the City’s practices violate multiple constitutional provisions and state and federal laws,” the SPLC’s lawyers wrote.

A similar case unfolded in Alabama in 2022 when Valley, a city in Alabama located along the Chattahoochee River, made national headlines after police arrested Martha Menefield, an 82-year-old woman, over her unpaid garbage bills.

Now, it appears that prosecuting citizens for falling behind on garbage bills is a more widespread practice than Micah West, an SPLC lawyer, previously believed.

West told Inside Climate News, “We can see now in Chickasaw that Valley was not an isolated incident. We think that cities throughout the state of Alabama are prosecuting people who fall behind on their garbage bills.”

RELATED CONTENT: Justice Department: Police In Small Mississippi City Engaged In Systemic Discrimination Against Blacks

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 30, 2024

New York Times Endorses Kamala Harris As ‘The Only Choice’ For President

Who else stands with the paper of record?

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The editorial board of the New York Times endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 30, labeling her as “the only patriotic choice for president” while dragging former President Donald Trump, Politico reports.

This is the first time the Times‘ board has endorsed a presidential candidate since Republican candidate Dwight Eisenhower in 1956. The board took a different route of endorsement for Harris. Instead of issuing a praise report, the group coordinated a list of disqualifying arguments against Trump.

“It is hard to imagine a candidate more unworthy to serve as president of the United States,” the Times editorial board wrote. “He has proved himself morally unfit for an office that asks its occupant to put the good of the nation above self-interest.” 

The group continued highlighting that voters may disagree with some of Harris’ policies but pushed that she is the only choice that matters. “As a dedicated public servant who has demonstrated care, competence and an unwavering commitment to the Constitution, Ms. Harris stands alone in this race,” the op-ed read. 

While the board admitted that some of the Harris’s plans are not as detailed as some voters may like, they are clearer than those of the four-time indicted businessman. To assist voters in seeing the contrast, the board laid out the “clear dangers” of a second Trump presidency, including his refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election and threats to potentially not accepting the results of the upcoming one. Trump has also issued promises to use political power to attack those opposing him.

“Unless American voters stand up to him, Mr. Trump will have the power to do profound and lasting harm to our democracy,” the board wrote.

However, Trump is not out of the fight yet. According to CNN, both candidates are neck and neck, with Harris receiving 48% support over 47% for Trump. The opponents are holding on to positive support from the majority of their supporters: 72% of Trump’s supporters say their choice is more for him than against Harris, while 60% of Harris’ supporters say their choice is more for her than against the former president. 

It wasn’t all bad news for Trump by the Times‘ board. It highlighted some of the positives provided during his White House years but still marked Harris as the way to go in November 2024. “Yet even when the former president’s overall aim may have had merit, his operational incompetence, his mercurial temperament and his outright recklessness often led to bad outcomes. Kamala Harris is the only choice.”

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 30, 2024

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium To Host FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Games

The international sports organization chose the Georgia city as one of 12 American venues for the FIFA Club World Cup.

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Atlanta continues to be the hot spot for business, music, entertainment, and sports.

FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) has just announced that the city was one of 12 cities selected to host the 2025 Club World Cup Tournament next summer.

More massive soccer matches are headed to #Atlanta, the epicenter of soccer in the US!

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been selected to host matches as a part of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025! pic.twitter.com/YghGBsTRTf

— Mercedes-Benz Stadium (@MBStadium) September 28, 2024

The international sports organization chose the Georgia city as one of 12 American venues for the FIFA Club World Cup.The 12 stadiums that will stage matches at the new FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ have been announced! 🇺🇸🏆

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) September 28, 2024

• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 30, 2024

Companies Enticing Employees To Stay By Offering New Benefits Like Elder And Pet Care

These options are an attempt to ensure workers feel affirmed and supported by their employers.

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More companies are offering employees a wider range of benefits that reflect the changing times, including elder care and pet care.

The NFP’s 2024 US Benefits Trend Report confirmed an uptick in interest for benefits outside of the traditional paternity and paid time-off limits. A majority of workers are considering companies that offer nutrition and exercise programs, as well as mental health support such as meditation and stress management services.

Moreover, popular benefits also include care for elderly or sick relatives, as well as pet insurance. Less traditional but more inclusive coverage entails leave for grandparents and pet bereavement.

These coverage options are to ensure workers feel affirmed and supported by their employers. They also entice new employees to join or current ones to stay. One expert, Dan Schawbel, managing partner of leadership agency Workplace Intelligence, believes that the expansion of benefits reflects society’s evolving take on family.

“This holistic approach to employee benefits not only fosters a more inclusive workplace but also acknowledges the interconnectedness of work and personal life, promoting a more compassionate and understanding corporate culture,” explained Schawbel to the New York Post. “The trends of offering unique family support-type employee benefits appear to be more than just passing fads; they are likely here to stay. As the workforce becomes more diverse and as values around work and life continue to evolve, more organizations are expected to adopt similar policies to stay competitive in attracting and retaining talent.”

IVF treatment has also emerged as a greater priority for company benefits. Moreover, the number of people undergoing IVF treatment has increased annually. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, IVF births accounted for 2.5% of all U.S. births in 2022. This number, 389,993 specifically, rose 6% from the year prior.

“This is a more common practice in the last ten years than ever before,” emphasized Corinne Jones, President of CJC Human Resources Consulting, to the news outlet. “For those that can’t start a family and want to, nothing compares in priority. Finding an employer that shares this priority is more important than any other benefit by far.”

Companies have continued to offer these benefits in the fine print. Ensuring that employees feel encouraged and allowed to use them remains a hurdle.

“Fringe benefits cultivate a healthy work environment, as long as there is a culture that encourages employees to take the fringe benefits,” said Lauren Becker, an HR consultant. “Simply providing fringe benefits on paper but promoting a culture where no one uses them is less likely to result in the cultural improvements that employers may be hoping for.”

RELATED CONTENT: U.S. Unemployment Benefit Applications Declining, Signaling Robust Job Market