African American Philanthropy, African American Philanthropy Committee
by Stacy Jackson

April 23, 2024

African American Philanthropy Committee’s 8th Philanthropy Summit Explores Transformational Philanthropy In The Black Community

The 2024 philanthropy summit covered topics like social detriments of health, education, social integration, and more.

The African American Philanthropy Committee (AAPC) of the Cleveland Foundation recently hosted the eighth biennial African American Philanthropy Summit on April 13, to spotlight philanthropy and the Black family.

The signature gathering aimed to bring together and inspire leaders from Northeast Ohio and countrywide who share a belief in the transformative potential of philanthropic efforts. In a press statement, Lillian Kuri, the president & CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, highlighted the AAPC’s role as “a national model for convening community members and driving conversation and greater visibility around the transformative power of Black philanthropy.” He emphasized the summit’s alignment with the foundation’s vision of a more expansive and inclusive philanthropic sector.”

This year’s summit theme, “Philanthropy and the Black Family: Elevating from Moment to Movement,” explored the multigenerational legacy of leadership and generosity within the Black community. As Constance Hill-Johnson, the Cleveland Foundation Board of Directors chairperson, stated, “Black philanthropy continues to transform our communities for the better.”

The event featured sessions with regional leaders and a keynote address by the esteemed professor and preacher Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Dr. Airica Steed and Dale Anglin joined Dr. Baston for a panel that addressed social determinants of health and generational wealth.

The summit featured panelists who covered a range of topics across three breakout sessions.

Health is Wealth: A Holistic Look At Care

  • Vickie Johnson, Chief Community Officer, Cleveland Clinic
  • Dr. Charles Modlin, Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer, Staff Urologist, MetroHealth Hospital
  • Michelle Hereford​, Chief Nursing Executive, University Hospitals

Stronger Roots: Education’s Importance to Families

  • Dr. Warren Morgan, Chief Executive Officer, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
  • Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, Chief Program Officer, College Now Greater Cleveland
  • Dr. Renee Willis, Executive Director, Martha Holden Jennings Foundation
  • Me’lani Labat Joseph​, Principal, Transformative Innovations

It Takes a Village: Healing Through Community

  • Dr. Mark Joseph, Leona Bevis/Marguerite Haynam Professor in Community Development, Case Western Reserve University
  • Joy Johnson, Executive Director, Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc.
  • Erika Anthony, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Cleveland VOTES

The AAPC collaborated with The City Club of Cleveland to host a pre-summit forum on April 12, delving into “the role of philanthropy in the path to prosperity” through a panel discussion with local banking executives and entrepreneurs.

Established in 1993 under the guidance of former Cleveland Foundation President & CEO Steven A. Minter, the AAPC has served as a national exemplar of community engagement. Its legacy fund supports various nonprofit organizations within the Greater Cleveland African American community.

Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, JVL. media, publishing company, books
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 23, 2024

Viola Davis And Husband Team Up To Launch Inclusion-Focused Book Publishing Company That Tells ‘Stories That Matter’

Viola Davis makes a new push for diversity with her new book publishing company, JVL Media.

Viola Davis is taking her push for inclusivity beyond the screen to the world of reading and book publishing with her newest business endeavor.

The EGOT award-winning actress teamed up with her husband and producing partner, Julius Tennon, as well as author and publisher Lavaille Lavette to launch their book publishing company JVL Media, ABC 4 reports. The independent publisher aims to strengthen the industry by releasing specially selected titles that represent diversity and inclusion.

With debut non-fiction titles that include “Had to Lose to Win: The Tiki Davis Story” by Tiki Davis, a narrated story told through unwavering resolve and the pursuit of self-renewal, and “The Inclusion Leader Genuis” by Dr. Johne’ Battle, which sees the visionary C-suite executive reshape leadership norms by emphasizing active involvement and genuine encounters over theoretical concepts, JVL Media hopes to establish strategic partnerships with top book publishing companies with its specially tailored titles for global audiences.

“This endeavor embodies our collective aspiration—to champion and elevate voices that resonate with authenticity and are often overlooked,” Davis said.

“Our mission is to interlace a rich mosaic venerates the enduring heritage of storytellers from diverse walks of life.”

Upcoming titles expected to capture audiences include JVL’s fiction titles “New Hope” by Tanya Wright—an emotional journey of friendship entangled in the intricacies of joy and sorrow—and “Black States of America” by D. E. Rogers, a sci-fi narrative that explores the path of Black existence in a differing world if Abraham Lincoln survived his assassination.

“JVL Media transcends traditional publishing. We’re nurturing a literary culture that echoes the soul of our society and propels us into the future with stories that matter,” Tennon said.

By 2025, JVL will expand its list of titles to include books for children and young adults.

“JVL Media stands as a beacon for inclusive and nuanced storytelling,” Lavette adds. We are wholeheartedly devoted to fostering joy, inspiring wonder, and unlocking the limitless power of literature to unite us all.”

RELATED CONTENT: Sarah Jakes Roberts Helps Us Tackle Intentionality With Her New Book ‘Power Moves’

Mayor Karen Bass, LA, ICE agents, Latino, DHS
by Stacy Jackson

April 23, 2024

Former Prisoner Arrested For Breaking Into Mayor Karen Bass’ LA Home

Mayor Karen Bass and her family were home when Ephraim Hunter, who was sentenced in 2015 for an attempted murder case, is alleged to have broken in.

A 29-year-old man identified as Ephraim Matthew Hunter has been arrested on suspicion of breaking into the Getty House, the official home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, early Sunday morning.

The Los Angeles Police Department alleges that the suspect gained entrance into the home around 6:40 a.m. by smashing in one of the home’s glass windows. “It’s got a fence, a gate, all the way around,” neighbor Jud Grubbs told KTLA 5. “I’m sure there are cameras, and there’s usually a lot of presence around the house.”

CBS News reported that LAPD Lt. James Mylonakis stated, “At some point, the individual made his way through the house, an alarm was activated by the residents in location, officers from our Olympic Station responded, and they managed to take the suspect into custody without incident.” A statement from the Mayor’s office confirmed that everyone inside the home during the break-in was safe, although the motive behind the incident remains under investigation by LAPD Robbery and Homicide detectives.

Hunter, who was previously sentenced to prison for a 2015 kidnapping and attempted murder case in Massachusetts, has been booked for burglary and is being held on $100,000 bail.

The Getty House, located in Hancock Park’s Windsor Square district, has served as the official home of the Los Angeles Mayor since 1977. Bass and her family have resided there since early 2023, following her appointment to the seat.

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Bass’s Baldwin Vista residence was burglarized in 2022, resulting in the theft of two legally owned firearms that Bass had purchased for protection years prior to the break-in. This incident occurred months after a mayoral debate where Bass expressed feeling “10 out of 10 safe” roaming the high-crime Los Angeles streets. Crime has been a focal issue for Bass since becoming the first woman to lead the nation’s second-largest city.

“The people of Los Angeles have sent a clear message: It is time for a change, and it is time for urgency,” she said in a 2022 statement, reiterating her commitment to “hit the ground running” on the issue.

Jill Scott, Chris Brown, talent, x,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 23, 2024

Not Jilly From Philly! Jill Scott Shaded After Celebrating Chris Brown’s ‘Amazing’ Talent

Jill Scott is under fire for celebrating Chris Brown's talent despite his violent past.

After defending Chris Brown and praising his talent, Jill Scott became a trending topic over the weekend for all the wrong reasons.

On Friday, Chris Brown tossed his hat in the ring of rap beef when he dropped a scathing diss track against Quavo of the Migos. His lyrics on the “Weakest Link” song see Brown taking shots at Quavo’s past relationship with Saweetie and even a low blow at the death of Takeoff.

Most social media platforms talked about the track and how shocked they were by Brown’s vicious subject matter. However, among those who were moved by Brown’s diss track was singer Jill Scott. The songstress sent out a tweet on Sunday that celebrated Brown’s talent as a singer, dancer, actor, and rapper.

“@chrisbrown is amazing. How does ANYBODY sing like THAT? Dance, look, Act and Rap… like THAT?” she wrote.

“Beyond gifted. It appears exceptional people have to go through exceptional 🔥. There’s nothing to debate.”

While Scott’s post was all about love, she received hate from some who were bothered by her praise of Brown, considering his violent past. Instead of ignoring the shade, she responded to one X user who said, “The women he’s abused would disagree.” According to the “Golden” singer, Brown’s abusive past is no different than her former step-father who abused her mother but was still beloved in the community for his work in construction.

“I doubt it. My Mother’s ex-husband was a mean, violent human, AND he could lay foundation better than anyone in my city,” she wrote in response. “What he did with cement was awe-inspiring. We got away. He got a raise and praise for his ability. God dealt with the rest.”

Scott went into more detail on how she chooses to view Brown after another X user scolded the “Wall to Wall” singer for having “so many domestic abuse cases it’s ridiculous we can’t look past that.”

“I love you too. I’m not here to fight anyone else’s battles. If/since women hear the stories, they should avoid that street,” she wrote. “Running backward in moving traffic makes zero sense. Therapy for every damn body.”

She also agreed when one person said Brown’s diss track was “too personal” and “too low.” In a separate tweet, Scott explained how she practices forgiveness and doesn’t judge people on their mistakes and transgressions.

“Look. Years of prayer, therapy, self-reflection, and making every effort to keep my feet on the ground has made me compassionate for other human beings,” she wrote. “People go through 💩 and do terrible 💩. We say we believe in God and pray for enlightenment. We ARE a living testimony.”

https://twitter.com/missjillscott/status/1782034342488703416

But the damage was already done, and Jilly From Philly was criticized on X by users who were turned off by her praise of Brown.

Scott returned to X on Monday, April 22, to respond to the backlash and maintain her stance on practicing love rather than hate.

“Walked away, came back, googled, read tweets, listened to friends & considered the state of us as a whole,” she wrote. “Some, lead with love ( YOU gave me perspectives to consider & directive. THANK YOU ). Some [of] you ONLY want the highs of war. You may have your war.”

The Frank Ski Kids Foundation, Planet Green Scholars
by Lauren Nutall

April 23, 2024

The Frank Ski Kids Foundation Announces Planet Green Scholars

For the first time since the program's establishment, the organization opened the application pool to students around the country.

The Frank Ski Kids Foundation has invited ten students on an all-expense paid trip to the Great Barrier Reef as part of its 2024 Planet Green Science Expedition, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Students Jayla Nicholas, Austin Gill, Amiel Atwater-Grey, Zayda Sanda, Ava McCune, Jason Adeyemi, Laila Coleman, Neil Sethi, Valeria Gonzales, and Namir Gaskin were selected as this year’s scholars. The week-long immersive adventure will take place from June 17 to June 26.

While on the expedition, participants will study the impact that climate change has on the environment and expand their knowledge of environmental conservation.

Each applicant was required to write an essay explaining the Great Barrier Reef’s significance in the Earth’s ecosystem and read their submission before a panel of judges at Howard University and the Georgia Aquarium.

Since its inception 20 years ago, the Frank Ski Kids Foundation has offered young people the opportunity to develop crucial life skills through its hands-on educational voyages. Though it was previously limited to Georgia residents, this year, the Planet Green Science Expedition opened its application cycle to children from around the country.

Founder and Executive Director Frank Ski spoke about the program’s mission and intended impact. “We believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore the world and learn from its wonders,” he said.

According to the organization’s website, the FSKF presents kids with opportunities to learn about different subjects such as science, technology, athletics, and the arts outside of a traditional classroom. 

“This contest is more than just a trip; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Ski continued. “The yearly expeditions inspire young minds, cultivate a love for learning, and empower future generations to become responsible stewards of our planet.”

Beyond the Planet Green Science Expedition, the Frank Ski Kids Foundation also offers international art tours for young people and an annual athletic youth bowl for disadvantaged children. Donations to help fund the trip to the Great Barrier Reef, including flights, passports, meals, lodging, and apparel, can be made at frankskikids.org.

RELATED CONTENT: Mother Jailed For Leaving Kids Home Alone To Go On Cruise, Blames Her Cousin

Dan Philip, Civil Rights Activist
by Lauren Nutall

April 23, 2024

Civil Rights Activist Dan Philip Laid To Rest On Monday

The Montreal activist died on April 1, 2024.

Civil rights activist Dan Philip, 87, was laid to rest on Monday, April 22, according to CTV News. The ceremony was held at the Holy Family Church in Villeray, where family members, friends and colleagues of the Montreal advocate paid their respects. 

Philip had served as the former president of the Black Coalition of Quebec, which announced his passing on April 1. “His sudden death will leave no one indifferent because he was not only a distinguished character recognized for his commitment and his fight for justice and the defense of rights,” it read. 

In the statement, the organization described Philip as a “man of conviction and tirelessness” who “remains a source of inspiration.”

Through his community engagement, Philip ushered in new policies designed to benefit and uplift the Black community of Montreal. He dedicated his life to fighting against racial discrimination and profiling, working to end discriminatory police street checks that targeted minorities, according to The Montreal Gazette.

Philip was also consistently outspoken regarding police violence, spotlighting high-profile cases such as the 1987 police shooting death of Anthony Griffin and the beating death of taxi driver Richard Barnabé in 1993.

According to former city councilor and close associate of Philip, Marvin Rotran, Philip helped dismantle the system of segregation in the world of taxi driving, spearheaded legislation that protected Black Canadian renters from racial discrimination, and fostered community relations between Jewish and Black people. 

“He spoke of the importance of building bridges to fight hate and said we could not fight alone,” Rotrand said. 

Now, the City of Montreal is looking for ways to pay homage to the late activist. 

“Clearly, something needs to be done for Dan Philip,” Rotrand told CTV News.

“It shows you can come from modest means and have a major impact that betters life for your fellow citizens and profoundly improves your society, so it’s fairer to everybody. You deserve to be recognized.”

RELATED CONTENT:Supreme Court Sides With Police Officer’s Lawsuit, Rejects Black Lives Matter Activist’s First Amendment Appeal

Supreme Court,FBI, lawsuit
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 23, 2024

Supreme Court Debates How Far Cities Can Go While Cracking Down On Homeless Encampments 

But where are they supposed to go?

The Supreme Court went back and forth on the lengths U.S. cities can go to when cracking down on homeless encampments.

The high court heard arguments in the case of Grants Pass, Oregon, a town that banned sleeping in public with a blanket. Members of the homeless community in the tourist city faced fines of $250 and jail time if they broke the city’s strict anti-camping laws, until a federal appeals court stepped in, claiming such ordinances violate the Constitution’s ban on cruel and unusual punishment. 

Similar rulings were made in 2018 against an anti-camping ordinance in Boise, Idaho.

Now, city officials blame the ruling as having caused an influx of unsanitary homeless encampments unless the Supreme Court reverses the decision. A number of the justices, including Justice Sonia Sotomayor, were seemingly concerned with the lack of empathy shown with criminalizing homelessness, but they also worried about placing limits on a city’s ability to regulate public health hazards in these encampments. “Where do we put them if every city, every village, every town lacks compassion and passes a law identical to this?,” Sotomayor asked. 

“Where are they supposed to sleep? Are they supposed to kill themselves, not sleeping?” 

Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler argued cities need flexibility to embed “reasonable” rules about where, when, and how someone can sleep in a public place. Kelsi Corkran, a lawyer representing Grants Pass’ homeless residents, labeled the “blanket” law as a clear target of the community. In contrast, permanent residents evaded consequences while lying on blankets in public. “The ordinances, by design, make it physically impossible to live in Grants Pass without facing endless fines and jail time,” Corkran said. 

“All the ordinances do is turn the city’s homeless problem into someone else’s problem by forcing its homeless residents into other jurisdictions.”

City of Grants Pass attorney Theane Evangelis called the ruling a “failed experiment” and asked the justices to end what is described as fueling “the spread of encampments while harming those it purports to protect.” “Cities are struggling to apply arbitrary, shifting standards in the field,” Evangelis said. 

“Without the court’s intervention, she said, cities will be forced to surrender their public spaces.

Several justices felt it was up to local governments to decide, adding that the federal courts were limited in their involvement. But the justices also showed compassion, as Chief Justice John Roberts claimed “many people” called it a serious policy problem.

“Why would you think that these nine people are the best people to judge and weigh those policy judgments?” he asked.

“Sleeping is a biological necessity. It’s sort of like breathing,” Justice Elena Kagan said. 

“You can say breathing is conduct, too, but presumably, you would not think that it’s OK to criminalize breathing in public. And for a homeless person who has no place to go, sleeping in public is kind of like breathing in public.”

Over 650,000 people in the United States are experiencing homelessness, an increase of 12% from 2022 to 2023. Roberts and a few other justices raised a series of questions on how labeling someone as homeless can be tricky, as the circumstances can change at any given time.  

The distinction between status and conduct is what the justices — both liberal and conservative — are having trouble with. That decision will hold leverage, especially since, in 1963, the high court ruled against a law in California that criminalized drug addiction instead of drug possession. Under the Eighth Amendment, the court deemed it a “cruel and unusual” punishment as it attempted to punish someone’s status.

A decision in the case is expected by June 2024.

Tamera Mowry-Housley, Trailblazer Award
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 23, 2024

Tamera Mowry-Housley ‘Incredibly Blessed’ To Receive Trailblazer Award At 16th Annual Pink Pump Affair

Tamera Mowry-Housley feels "incredibly blessed" to be honored as a Trailblazer.

Tamera Mowry-Housley’s 30 years of innovation on and off the screen is being celebrated as she gears up to receive the Trailblazer Award at the 16th annual Pink Pump Affair.

Taking place on Sunday, May 19, 2024, Mowry-Housley is among the distinguished honorees set to be recognized by the Special Needs Network (SNN) for their contributions within their respective fields. The Emmy-winning host, author, actress, producer, and entrepreneur is being honored as a Trailblazer for her dedication to advancing women’s health, wellness, and inclusivity and for her commitment to empowering others through her platform.

From her start as a child star alongside her twin sister Tia Mowry to transparently tackling real-life issues and conversations as a co-host on The Real,” Mowry has continued to serve as a voice for underrepresented groups.

“I feel incredibly blessed and honored to have been considered for the ‘Trailblazer Award.’ It’s hard for me to believe I’ve been pursuing my passion for more than 30 years now!” she shared in a press release.

“While there have been some challenging times throughout my career, I’m grateful that most of my experiences have been positive. All these experiences have helped shape who I am today, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing support and love I’ve received. I’m forever grateful for this journey.”

One look at her social media shows how committed Mowry-Housley is to promoting self-love, family, and motivation to her 11.7 million followers. From her motherhood testimonials to the positive affirmations she shares just because the Sister, Sister star is leading by example and taking action toward motivating transformative change.

The Pink Pump Affair’s Trailblazer Award honors individuals who have forged paths for others through groundbreaking work in their field or through community activism. Past honorees include Angela Bassett, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Alfre Woodard, Holly Robinson Peete, and Tisha Campbell.

Held during Autism Awareness Month, the annual charity event is hosted by Special Needs Network (SNN), a leading non-profit organization that advocates for individuals with disabilities and their families. In addition to Mowry-Housley, this year’s honorees include Alva Adams-Mason, Director of Multicultural Business Alliances at Toyota, who will receive the Game Change Award for her work promoting diversity in the automotive industry; Cristy Romero will receive the Self-Advocate Award for advocacy work in disability rights; and Entrepreneur and Autism-Self Advocate Michael Jett will receive The Areva Martin Everyday Advocate Award for his retail innovation and commitment to DEI initiatives.

This year’s ceremony will be hosted by comedian Kym Whitley, with famed Los Angeles news anchor Pat Harvey serving as mistress of ceremonies.

Walmart, DEI, attorneys
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 23, 2024

More Walmart Locations Say Goodbye To Self-Checkout Lanes Replaced With Staffed Checkout Lanes

This is good news-- More jobs and personal experiences.

Customers at certain Walmart locations will have to get used to staffed checkout lanes, as more stores are eliminating self-checkout options. 

Two stores — one in Missouri and one in Ohio — are hoping to improve customers’ in-store experience by eliminating self-checkout lanes. The grocery giant confirmed that construction in the Cleveland Steelyard location and a St. Louis-area Supercenter will take place after hours and will be finalized in close to two weeks. 

Based on feedback from customers, employees and the trend of local shopping patterns, spokesperson Brian Little says the move helps the service provided to shoppers.

“We believe the change will improve the in-store shopping experience and give our associates the chance to provide more personalized and efficient service,” he said.

Several of the country’s largest retailers have been reevaluating their self-checkout lanes. According to Fast Company, in February 2024, Target cut back on self-checkout lanes in select stores by reducing the hours of customer usage. Their decision helped combat the “shrink” in the retail industry — the loss of products due to theft. 

Dollar General also reversed the trend, removing self-checkout stands in 300 stores with the highest level of shoplifting and merchandise losses. In other stores — 9,000 total — the discount retailer giant converted most or all of its self-checkout registers to regular checkout with cashiers. “We believe these actions have the potential to have a material and positive impact on shrink,” CEO Todd Vasos said. 

Three Walmart locations in New Mexico followed the same procedure in 2023. 

Researchers also found that self-checkout aisles produce a concept known as “partial shrink,” where inventory is lost because customers do not know how to properly scan and pay for all of the items in their transactions.

Before deciding to remove self-checkout aisles, a number of Walmart stores limited access to self-checkout lanes to users of the company’s Walmart+ or Spark delivery apps. Target changed their policy to a limit of ten or fewer in the self-service lanes, which assisted with making the checkout process twice as fast as when there were no limits.  

American-based retailers aren’t the only ones adopting these changes. After a study found retailers in the United States, Britain, and other European countries with self-checkout lanes and apps sustained a loss rate of approximately 4% — more than double the industry average — Booths, a British supermarket chain, removed self-checkout stations in all but two of its 28 locations.

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