Starbucks, closures, restructuring, tariffs — (Photo: Dom J: https://www.pexels.com/photo/starbucks-signboard-303324/)

by Daniel Johnson

September 17, 2024

Starbucks North America CEO Michael Conway Retires

Conway will stay on with Starbucks North America in an advisory role through the end of 2024.

Starbucks North America CEO Michael Conway, who was appointed to the position in April after the company began dealing with weak demand for its expensive coffee beverages coupled with ongoing customer boycotts over its connections with Israel and the treatment of the coffee store chain’s workers, has retired from the company.

According to CNBC, Conway will remain with Starbucks North America in an advisory role through the end of 2024. Previously, as the company’s group president, Conway oversaw Starbucks’ international and channel development.

In July, then-Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan indirectly pointed at the role that the boycott over Israel’s bombing of Gaza was having, saying on the company’s quarterly earnings call, “Headwinds persist in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, parts of Europe driven by widely discussed misperceptions of our brand.”

Although Vox’s December 2023 analysis of Starbucks’ struggles did not explicitly blame the coffee chain’s struggles on the boycotts, the boycotts could not be completely discounted as a factor among many responsible for the company’s loss of $11 billion in market value.

However, some experts, like Allison Horton, the head of insights at Memo, said that a more common problem was at the root of Starbucks’ troubles: customers aren’t interested in their products.

“Last year’s success with Red Cup Day was likely partially driven by increased awareness around it as an event — as indicated by the public’s higher engagement with news about the promotion,” Horton told Vox. “We do not see news readership data indicating that this year’s downturn is closely correlated to worker walkouts or boycotts, but rather due to lower consumer awareness and interest in general.”

Regarding Conway, Starbucks has opted not to hire a replacement, instead appointing Sara Trilling, Starbucks’ North American president, to lead retail operations in the North American market. According to Business Insider, Conway’s retirement is another shakeup at Starbucks following the beginning of the tenure of Brian Niccol, the former CEO of Chipotle, as the new top executive at Starbucks.

In an open letter, Niccol directed his attention to changing the culture at Starbucks.

“We’re committed to elevating the in-store experience — ensuring our spaces reflect the sights, smells, and sounds that define Starbucks,” Niccol wrote.

Niccol continued, “Our stores will be inviting places to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design, and a clear distinction between ‘to-go’ and ‘for-here’ service.”

Niccol also said he wants to “spend time in our stores and at our Support Centers, meeting with key partners and suppliers, and working with our team to drive these critical first steps.” He also believes the Starbucks experience needs an update, saying that a visit to a Starbucks in the United States “can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, the product is inconsistent, the wait too long or the handoff too hectic. These moments are opportunities for us to do better.”

Kamala Harris, VP Harris, Teamsters — (Photo: Gage Skidmore/Flickr)

by Mitti Hicks

September 17, 2024

Ohio Residents in Fear After Sheriff Says To ‘Write Down Addresses’ of Harris Supporters

On Sept. 13, he posted on his personal and public Facebook accounts, calling Vice President Harris a “laughing hyena" before telling his supporters to send the addresses of her supporters.

Residents in Ohio are expressing fear and concern after Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski told his friends and supporters to write down the addresses of people supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, who is at the top of the Democratic ticket running for president.

On Sept. 13, he posted on his personal and public Facebook accounts, calling Vice President Harris a “laughing hyena.”

“When people ask me…What’s gonna happen if the Flip-Flopping, Laughing Hyena Wins??” he begins on Facebook. “I say…write down all the addresses of the people who had her signs in their yards! Sooo…when the Illegal human “Locust” (which she supports!) Need places to live…We’ll already have the addresses of their New families…who supported their arrival!”

His comments come as Ohio has taken the national stage for immigration after Republican Vice President hopeful JD Vance made false claims that Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, are eating people’s pets. Vance recently admitted that his claims were false and defended his lies on CNN, saying he is willing to “create stories.”

Hence, the American media has “to pay attention to the suffering of American people,” as MSNBC points out.

Residents in Ohio, including the Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, have called his comments “baseless,” and he’s now sending more police to Springfield for an uptick in bomb scares, The New York Times reports.

Meanwhile, people in Portage County say Zuchowski’s comments fuel the fire. Social media users have expressed concerns over his Facebook post and are worried that an elected official is attempting voter intimidation.

“This is a bigot racist in a badge! This is CRAZY!” said Colnith Anthony Brown on Facebook.

“This guy is a disgrace to the badge. Absolutely despicable,” Michael Hancock wrote on Facebook. “Total abuse of power. He needs to be removed from office immediately. How dare he tarnish the badge I stood behind for 38 years.”

“This type of messaging, ‘call to action’ is dangerous, decisive, and absolutely should never be shared by a public official,” Tom Hove added. “THIS. NEEDS. TO. STOP.”

Haiti, france, reparation, Haitians, Haitian Heritage Month — (Photo: Manuel Augusto Moreno/Getty Images)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 17, 2024

Springfield Community Flocks To Support Haitian Restaurants In Light Of Trump Rumors

Community members took part in the act of "organized love" on Sept. 13.

The Springfield, Ohio, community has come together to uplift local Haitian restaurants and businesses following viral rumors about immigrants eating pets.

What started as a baseless Facebook post emerged as a topic during the U.S. Presidential Debate. At the Sept. 10 event, GOP nominee Donald Trump falsely stated that Haitian immigrants in Springfield were killing and eating neighborhood pets.

Although local officials and police swiftly debunked the rumors, the statement still led to prejudice and more bigotry against Haitian immigrants in the area. Bomb threats led to public schools and municipal offices closing for days as hate groups spread their rhetoric throughout the city. Many Haitian residents also felt scared to leave their homes due to the threats of xenophobic violence.

To stand against the hatred, the Springfield community brought dozens to dine at the Rose Goute Creole restaurant on Sept. 13 in an act of “organized love.” NowThis Impact shared some images of the event.

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Since the original incident gained traction, Rose Goute’s owner, Romane Pierre, revealed they had faced some harassment.

“Yesterday some people call, I think they make some joke, ask if we have a cat, dog,” he said to the Springfield News-Sun. “I say, ‘We don’t sell that. We sell chicken, fish, goat, pork, rice, beans.’ I know my people — dogs, cats — we don’t do that in Haiti.”

Despite the tasteless jokes, others have stopped by to showcase their support and care for the Haitian community.

He added, “A lot of American people come here to try the food. They say, ‘Don’t worry, we are with you.’ Everybody is welcome.”

One of the organizers shared with Dayton 24/7 Now that their hometown is a place for love and diversity.

“Springfield is diverse,” explained resident and organizer Steve McQueen. “We know Springfield is full of love. [It] does not have the hate that is being told to the rest of the country and world as they’re even talking about.”

Another Springfield native, Terrance Crowe, felt shame about the controversy surrounding his hometown.

“I immediately shook my head and put my head down,” he said of the issue. “You can’t conquer with hate; conquer with love.”

Crowe added, “You’ve got to bridge the gaps, tear down those mental fences. We’re all human; we’re all in one race, the human race.”

As for the restaurant, the news outlet relayed that staffers were overwhelmed by the love and support of their diverse community.

congressional, Black, House, caucus, workers, government, retake seats, CBC — UNITED STATES - MAY 9: Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, conducts a news conference following the CBC's National Summit on Democracy & Race near Capitol Hill on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

by Daniel Johnson

September 17, 2024

CBC PAC Launches Pro-Haitian American Ad Campaign In New York District

The Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee launched a digital advertising campaign on Sept. 16 aimed at combating the lies former president Donald Trump pushed about Haitian immigrants

The Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee launched a digital advertising campaign on Sept. 16 aimed at combating the lies about Haitian immigrants former president Donald Trump pushed at the presidential debate between himself and Vice President Kamala Harris. The price tag for the digital campaign has been reported at five figures, placing it between $10,000 and $99,000.

According to NBC News, the CBC PAC is urging voters in New York’s 4th District to vote “in an act of unity against bigoted attacks,” and although the district is currently controlled by Republicans, Democrats believe they can wrest control during their bid to retake control of the House of Representatives.

The ad, titled “Unity,” features narration from a Haitian-American woman and prominently positions Trump’s incendiary statements against Haitians and Haiti such as his statement in 2016 that he considered Haiti a “shithole country” and his comments at the debate that Haitian immigrants were eating and abusing pets in Springfield, Ohio.

According to Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), the Chairman of the CBC PAC, the messaging is part of a Democratic push to create unity. “Every day between now and Election Day, Haitian Americans are going to hear a message of unity from the party of progress, inclusion, and the American dream — that is the Democratic Party,” Rep. Gregory Meeks said. “While Republicans seek to divide our communities by creating wild conspiracies and disrespecting our cultures, Democrats are working hard to make the American dream possible for all.”

According to NBC News, the advertisement, in contrast to the Republican Party’s attempt to otherize the Haitian immigrant community, establishes them as just as American as any other group.

The ad opens with the narrator saying “They want to tear us apart.” Then clips of Trump’s previous statements play before the narrator begins speaking again, “Demeaning our culture and creating conspiracies that harm our families. Isn’t our hustle and sweat as good? Isn’t the American dream for us, too? Vote this November.”

The ad closes with an appeal to Haiti’s national motto, which appears on the country’s flag. “Remember, our unity is our strength. L’union fait la force.”

The CBC PAC ads are going to be aired as the Trump campaign gears up for a rally in the 4th District in Uniondale, New York on Sept. 18. Currently, the district is represented by Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, who is facing a challenge from Democrat Laura Gillen.

The Colored Girls, Kamala Harris — (Photo: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 17, 2024

Kamala Harris Scheduled To Take Questions From NABJ Following Trump’s Convention Appearance

This should be interesting....

Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris will be in Philadelphia for an event to take tough questions from three members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) just six weeks after Donald Trump questioned her ethnicity at the group’s annual convention, NBC News reported.

Harris is scheduled to take questions on Sept. 16 at the public radio station WHYY, from the co-host of NPR’s Fresh Air and Truth Be Told podcast host, Tonya Mosley; The Grio’s White House correspondent and managing editor of politics, Gerren Keith Gaynor; and Eugene Daniels, Playbook co-author, and Politico’s White House correspondent. The event will be live-streamed on the NABJ YouTube and Facebook pages at 2:30 p.m. ET. However, it is not labeled as an official campaign event for the Harris-Walz team.

Only NABJ members and 100 students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) will be able to participate.

Harris’ appearance is stirring up more positive responses in comparison to former President Trump’s chaotic appearance in August 2024, making incorrect statements about the Vice President and comparing himself to President Abraham Lincoln, claiming he was the best president for Black people since his tenure. “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black, and now she wants to be known as Black,” Trump said.

“So, I don’t know, is she Indian, or is she Black?”

The Vice President is expected to answer questions regarding her record as attorney general of California, her vice presidency, and certain details about policies benefiting Black people that her administration is preparing. According to WHYY, President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Marrazzo called the opportunity an “honor.” “It is an honor for WHYY to be a participant in this important process,” Marrazzo said.

“WHYY welcomes the chance to support NABJ’s goal to ensure that its membership, as well as the general public, hears from both presidential candidates in advance of the November election.”

NABJ President Ken Lemon echoed his sentiments. PolitiFact is scheduled to conduct a real-time fact-checking of the conversation, using the hashtag #NABJFactCheck on social media, as the journalism organization is not able to endorse any political candidates. “We look forward to our members and student journalists hearing from Vice President Harris as our panel asks the tough questions that are most pressing to the communities served by NABJ members,” he said.

“As we have always stated, NABJ does not endorse political candidates as a journalism organization. Just as we demonstrated during our Convention interview with former President Trump, this event will not be a campaign rally but will be handled with respect to journalistic principles.”

mental health, Black youth, suicide, Denver, documentary — (Photo: Getty Images)

by Mitti Hicks

September 17, 2024

Texas Mom Is Pushing Congress To Pass Kids Online Safety Bill After Daughter Experienced Racists Attacks at 13

Hernandez says they had safeguards in place, such as not allowing her child on social media, yet she was still affected.

LaQuanta Hernandez wants to ensure that no child ever experiences what he went through when he was just 13 years old. She is lobbying Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).

She says her daughter, Jazmine, had to go through therapy after boys at the middle school she attended at the time created and posted racist photos of her on Instagram and TikTok.

“I’m thankful that my daughter didn’t commit suicide, but one of the things that the counselor said was that if she did not have the support she had … the counseling, [and] supportive family behind her … it could have happened,” she told Here and Now.

Hernandez said it all started when a picture of Jazmine circulating on TikTok with her classmates and volleyball team was captioned, “The only Black b***h in school.”

Her parents reported the post to TikTok and the school, and it was eventually taken down. Weeks later, more racist photos started to reappear on Instagram.

“It was a picture of her, and it said the name of her middle school and then the N-word,” Hernandez told the radio outlet about some of the images. “It consisted of her face superimposed on someone burning on a cross with the KKK lined up behind her with the caption, ‘gorilla pack.’ There was another similar picture with her face superimposed on a burning cross with the Caption, ‘filthy monkey burning.’

Jazmine’s dad works in law enforcement, and her mother works in school district administration. Hernandez says they had safeguards in place, such as not allowing her child on social media, yet she was still affected.

Jazmine is now 16 years old, and her mother still fights for her and her children’s safety online.

Hernandez has been traveling to Washington, D.C., with the advocacy group Parents Together to lobby Congress to pass the KOSA. The Senate passed the bill in July with bipartisan support, and it is now in the House.

The bill, which President Joe Biden said he would sign if passed, would require online platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent and mitigate harm to children, provide safeguards for minors, and require that social media platforms offer tools for parents to supervise their children.

“If you can imagine a 13-year-old girl having to go through that, it was traumatic,” says Hernandez. “I’m very hopeful. I’m expecting change to happen [because] the failure to act has real human consequences.”

Frankie Beverly, Farewell Tour, Atlanta, Georgia, maze, Tony Lindsay, farewell, State Farm arena, retire, retirement, — (Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for NAACP)

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 17, 2024

New Orleans Holds Second Line Parade To Honor Life Of Frankie Beverly

The Big Easy celebrated the life of Frankie Beverly their way with a second line parade.

The people of New Orleans recently held a second-line parade to celebrate the life of veteran entertainer Frankie Beverly. The Maze singer died on Sept. 10 at the age of 77.

Thousands of people gathered in all white, a signature theme at Beverly’s concerts, to take part in the event. The ShadeRoom reposted footage featuring a cardboard cutout of Beverly enclosed in a transparent casket.

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Second Line parades are a New Orleans tradition in which people follow a band and dance throughout the streets to celebrate an occasion. As Beverly’s image weaved through the streets, fans paid homage to the man who helped create hits such as “Before I Let Go.”

The event continued for hours as the street lights came on, while many continued dancing through the rain and shine. While some not from the city raised eyebrows at the celebratory mood, others flocked to the comments to explain the event’s intentions.

“For those that don’t understand…a second line is held to celebrate one’s life and legacy instead of crying,” explained one commenter. Celebrating helps to relieve the strain of grieving. This is beautiful wish I could have been there.

New Orleans native and media personality Toya Johnson also wrote in the post about how they “celebrate life” even beyond death.

“My city really different. You have to be from New Orleans to understand our culture….. We celebrate life,” explained Johnson, who also shares a daughter with fellow New Orleans figure Lil Wayne. “What a beautiful celebration. RIP to the legendary Frankie Beverly. “

She added, “You couldn’t tell us Frankie Beverly wasn’t from our city. New Orleans Love him so much.”

Beverly hailed from Philadelphia, where he originally founded his soul-funk band Maze in 1970. The group later released nine albums that went Gold, and he continued to perform his beloved music at his concerts.

His impact on Black culture and music lives on, especially in Crescent City.

Black women voters, Mississippi, boot camp, Georgia, black voters, Georgia — (Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 17, 2024

Black Women In Mississippi Hold Power Of The Sister Vote Boot Camps To Combat Voter Suppression

The boot camps are aimed at increasing voter turnout among Black women in counties throughout Mississippi.

There’s a growing movement among Black women in Mississippi focused on mobilizing their voting power ahead of the November election.

“Power of the Sister Vote Boot Camp” has been sweeping Mississippi to combat the state’s deep history of voter suppression. Organized by the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, a civic engagement and policy advocacy organization, the boot camps serve as a new kind of intentional voter engagement training aimed at increasing voter turnout among Black women in counties throughout Mississippi.

“Black women mobilize their communities,” Cassandra Welchlin, the executive director of the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, told The 19th News. “They are the catalyst.”

The group has been traveling the state of Mississippi for months, hosting their voter boot camps to mobilize Black women for this year’s election and beyond. Welchlin views Black women as the backbone of democracy and recognizes their crucial role in a state and region with a history of suppressing Black voters.

“I was raised in a house of Black women — my aunties, my grandma, and then the neighborhood of elders,” she said. “I know the power of Black women taking care of Black women, and taking care of the community.”

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Dressed in military fatigues for the boot camp-themed events, Michelin says the war zone mentality is intentional considering the “battle” that comes with voting as a Black person in Mississippi.

“Voting feels like a battle in Mississippi,” she explained. “Mississippi is part of the fabric of the struggles in the South. We have a history, and a muscle, and a foundation in which we have built.”

Welchlin came up with the idea of targeted “boot camp” training because she recognizes that Black women predominantly manage their households and also take on the significant task of encouraging their communities to vote. The trainings are part of The Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable’s “Sistervote” initiative.

Mississippi faces several voting setbacks, including being one of only three states that do not offer early voting to all residents and one of eight states without online voter registration. The 12-hour window residents have for casting a ballot on Election Day can be challenging for people with irregular work schedules, childcare responsibilities, and transportation difficulties.

Other barriers include gerrymandering and restrictive disenfranchisement bans, like seizing voting rights from people convicted of certain felonies, including nonviolent crimes. Welchlin’s group estimates that over 123,000 Black women in the state did not vote in the last three election cycles. Their goal is to boost voter participation among these women by 10% this November.

Through the boot camps, The Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, an affiliate of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, is being credited with taking Black women’s political power “to another level.”

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“Having a Cassandra Welchlin in leadership, who’s doing unique things — there could be more Black elected officials in the state of Mississippi because the demographics are there. But when you talk statewide, it’s not reached its full potential,” said Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and convener of the national Black Women’s Roundtable programming.

“Good things do come from the South, and we know that Black women have been a part of making that happen,” Welchlin said.

RELATED CONTENT: Trump Campaign Drops ‘I’m Not With Her’ Video Of Black Women Against Kamala Harris

AI, Financial Planning — (Photo: mindandi/Freepik)

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 17, 2024

Avoid These Top 4 Life Insurance Mistakes

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month.

Written By Jasper Smith

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month. Because life insurance is one of the most important purchases you will make, careful thought needs to go into purchasing a policy. Many people don’t do the necessary work upfront, which could result in severe and costly mistakes.

Here are four life insurance mistakes you should try to avoid:

Mistake #1: NOT DOING YOUR POLICY REVIEW

You should review any personally owned life insurance at least annually or when you have a life-changing event. Here’s a short list of common life-changing events: Getting married, having a child, buying a house, losing a job, getting divorced, leaving 9-5 to become an entrepreneur, or moving.

A review helps you ensure that your coverage is sufficient or, if not, what changes need to be made. Before making any changes to your current coverage, carefully consider the risks and benefits. Consider your current need for coverage, health status and insurability, fees, and charges associated with terminating an existing contract, as well as future liquidity needs.

Mistake #2: YOUR ESTATE IS YOUR BENEFICIARY

If the insured’s estate is the beneficiary, the policy proceeds may needlessly be subject to probate, creditor claims, and estate or inheritance taxes. This isn’t a good thing, and it can easily be avoided.

So, how does this happen? Two ways: (1) if only one beneficiary is named and they predecease you, then, by default, the estate becomes the beneficiary. This is common because many people might name a parent as a beneficiary and forget to update things long after that parent dies. (2) you don’t designate a beneficiary at the time of the application. (Something I never let my clients do!)

Knowing who is listed as a beneficiary on your policy(ies) is important, and many forget to check it. This is why I encourage people to review their policy at least annually. Not having or having the wrong beneficiary listed is an issue we can avoid.

Mistake #3: THREE’S A CROWD

Normally, a life insurance policy beneficiary will receive the death proceeds income and gift tax-free. However, policy proceeds are subject to gift taxation when three different parties are designated as the owner, the insured, and the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. This is called the “Triangle.”

A federal court decision from 1946 addressed this. It stated that where a “Triangle” exists at the insured’s death, the policy owner (not the insured) will be deemed to have made a taxable gift of the entire death proceeds to the beneficiary. Should the insured person die, the policy proceeds are considered to be a gift from the owner to the beneficiary.

To avoid this mistake, here are two options: the insured and owner should be the same individual, or the owner and beneficiary should be identical.

Mistake #4: TAKING PREMATURE POLICY WITHDRAWALS

There are two characteristics of life insurance that allow it to serve as a great retirement income option:

(1) Cash value build-up is not subject to income tax.

(2) Cash values can be withdrawn (to the extent of basis) or borrowed, free of income taxation.

Please note: It is important to understand that withdrawing or borrowing cash values may decrease the policy’s death benefit.

Congress enacted provisions in the Internal Revenue Code to prevent abuses of the tax-favored treatment of life insurance. The rules generally affect policies with large premiums relative to the death benefits that are issued or exchanged after 1984.

According to what they call the “cash-rich rules,” any time a cash distribution from a policy results in a reduction of the death benefit within the policy’s first 15 years, some portion of the distribution may be subject to income tax. There are many ways to avoid the adverse income tax consequences of a “cash-rich” policy.

The easiest solution is to either wait until year 16 before taking a withdrawal or structure the distribution as a loan.

RELATED CONTENT: Are Association Health Plans The Cure?

Kendrick Lamar, Video Game, Not Like Us — Kendrick Lamar. (Pierre Suu/Getty Images)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 17, 2024

Kendrick Lamar Called Out By Businesses Claiming They Lost Thousands During ‘Not Like Us’ Video Shoot

The businesses claim they lost revenue when they were required to shut down during the rapper's hometown music video shoot.

Kendrick Lamar faces criticism from local businesses in Compton, California, who claim they lost thousands due to his “Not Like Us” video shoot.

Businesses such as Alma’s Place, a soul food restaurant in Compton, seek compensation from Lamar’s pgLang production company for the revenue lost when they were required to shut down during the rapper’s hometown music video shoot. Corina Pleasant, who runs the business with her mother, Alma, estimates the eatery lost between $1,800 and $2,200 on the June 22 shoot day.

“It was really disheartening to have the electricity on and gas,” Pleasant told the LA Times. “I’m just running everything and making no money. I literally was there for nothing, because the little money that I did make, I had to pay my staff with that.”

The restaurant is across the street from the city courthouse where Lamar shot his video. On June 21, Compton officials issued a film permit certificate for multiple locations in the city center, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at the courthouse, Compton Courtyard and parking structure, Tam’s Burgers on Rosecrans Avenue, Compton College, Central Avenue, Willowbrook Avenue, and Compton Boulevard.

On the day of the video shoot, over 700 people gathered at the courthouse to appear in the video. Nearby parking lots were filled, with some attendees even parking on the grass. Lamar began filming at Tam’s Burgers and other areas earlier in the afternoon before heading to the courthouse around 3 P.M., where the large crowd awaited him.

Businesses like Alma’s Place were unable to operate, and customers who often drive from Riverside and Orange County to dine at the soul food joint on weekends turned around and left. Alma’s Place is blaming city officials for not providing any notice about Kendrick’s video shoot. Pleasant said she could have closed for the day or set up a pop-up tent with a special menu if she had been informed in advance.

“One day does matter,” Pleasant said. “It does matter when you’re there, and you’re wasting your time. It does matter when your Edison bill is $1,000. It does matter when two weeks’ payroll for three people is nearly $3,000. It does matter when gas is $800. You’re there, all these things are running, and you have nothing to show for it.”

Adelfo Antonio Garcia, co-owner of Sunny Express Gourmet Fast Food, said he lost around $2,000 that day. Many of his customers still believe he’s closed on Saturdays, which he says is frustrating since his business has already been struggling to get by.

“The people who suffer are the small businesses,” he said.

A spokesperson for the City of Compton said in a statement that the city would identify “opportunities for more efficient film permit communication to our community” in the future.

“Businesses in Compton, especially small businesses, are the backbone of our city,” the statement said. “We want to continue to keep an open line of communication and do everything we can to support economic growth.”

A City Council meeting was held the Tuesday after the video was shot, during which the businesses requested compensation for the losses they reportedly suffered. Kathryn Arnold, a producer and entertainment consultant not connected to Lamar, says that production companies aren’t required to pay impacted businesses. However, she notes that filmmakers often compensate as a gesture of goodwill.

“Everybody does better when there’s clear communication,” Arnold said. “Nobody likes to be blindsided by something like this.”