North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, HBCU,
by Lauren Nutall

April 17, 2024

NC A&T Student Detained After Shooting Inside Freshman Residence Hall

University students were alerted of the incident early Monday morning via the campus emergency alert system.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University police are investigating an alleged incident on campus involving gunshots heard inside a freshman residence hall on Sunday, April 14, around 11:30 p.m.

According to WFMY News 2, a single gunshot was fired inside Barbee Hall on the building’s second floor, though no injuries were reported. Students were notified of the incident via a campus text alert system called AggieAlert. 

“UPD is investigating shots fired inside of Barbee Hall. No injuries were reported and UPD was on scene. Stay clear of the scene,” it read, according to Fox 8. While university police investigated, students were instructed to report any information that they may have to the campus emergency hotline. 

NC A&T’s campus police signaled that the situation was resolved shortly before 1:00 am with another alert, saying, “ALL CLEAR!! UPD has cleared the scene at this time. If you have any additional information, contact campus police at 336-334-7675.’”

The university issued a statement on social media regarding the situation. “As we continue to be vigilant in maintaining a safe, campus environment, please remember weapons are strictly prohibited on our campus,” it tweeted. “As always, if you see something, say something. Please review your Aggie email for complete details.”

The shooting allegedly took place following an argument between a male student, Nicholas Nasir McCall, 18, and his girlfriend, Jaila Chancel Gibson, 19. Gibson is not a student at the university. 

Both individuals have been taken into custody and charged with felony possession of a weapon on educational property. 

McCall received additional charges of simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and molestation of a fire device; Gibson was charged with felony firing of a weapon into an occupied dwelling. WXII 12 reports that McCall and Gibson are being detained at the Greensboro Detention Center. McCall has a $1,000 secured bond, while Gibson is being held without bond. This incident comes five months after Morgan State University had a shooting during its homecoming celebration, which left four students injured.

RELATED CONTENT: Former Virginia Elementary School Assistant Principal Faces Eight Felony Charges After Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old 

Dr. Melody T. McCloud, Atlanta OB-GYN, OBGYN, wellness guide, sex, talk,
by Stacy Jackson

April 17, 2024

Atlanta OB-GYN Talks Health, Sex, Life In ‘Black Women’s Wellness’ Guide

Back by comparative data, Dr. Melody McCloud's book covers health conditions, diseases, and wellness resources to help Black women thrive.

Dr. Melody T. McCloud’s “Black Women’s Wellness: Your ‘I’ve Got This!’ Guide to Health, Sex, and Phenomenal Living” stands as a comprehensive guide to lifelong health and well-being, specifically tailored to the unique challenges faced by Black women.

“I offer this book as a Black female to be your one-stop reference on your personal quest to achieve total wellness, health, and happiness in every important aspect of your life,” McCloud states in the book’s description. With a relatable and warm approach, “Black Women’s Wellness” tackles subjects often overlooked in physician-authored books, addressing the microaggressions and less-than-desirable healthcare outcomes that disproportionately impact Black women. Backed by comparative data across various racial groups, the book provides clear, actionable information to help Black women live vibrant, healthy lives.

The award-winning poet explores the effects of social stress and microaggressions on Black women’s health, covering gynecological conditions alongside other issues related to the eyes, lungs, and musculoskeletal system. Readers can find vital information on the top five medical issues facing Black women: heart disease, diabetes, cancers, HIV, and maternal mortality.

“Black women’s health data, statistics, and outcomes are not always equal to the majority…we need to take steps and create a new legacy of health and wellness,” McCloud told Bright Bold & Real in 2023, highlighting the higher mortality rates Black women face due to breast cancer and pregnancy-related issues compared to white women.

The book delves deeper into wellness, exploring beauty, finances, life-management tools, self-care, and mental well-being, providing health inventory checklists and tips for empowered patient advocacy. The Black female OB-GYN has cared for civil rights matriarchs, celebrities, and countless others. She emphasizes in her book’s description that “If we improve a Black woman’s health, we can improve that of her family and future generations.”

According to the author’s bio on Amazon, the founder and medical director of Atlanta Women’s Health Care, PC, Dr. McCloud blazed a trail as the first Black female to establish an OB-GYN practice in Dekalb County, GA, and the third to do so in the metro Atlanta area. She is presently committed to spreading her health knowledge nationwide through books, media appearances, and lectures on women’s health, sex, relationships, and social issues.

RELATED CONTENT: Biden Reaffirms Commitment To Fight Black Maternal Health Crisis

Tuskegee University, celebration
by Daniel Johnson

April 17, 2024

Tuskegee University Receives Anonymous $20M Donation

Tuskegee University, the HBCU founded by Booker T. Washington, has received another $20 million donation from an anonymous donor, the institution’s second in four years.

Tuskegee University, the HBCU founded by Booker T. Washington in 1881, has received another $20 million donation from an anonymous donor, the institution’s second in four years. According to Tuskegee University, the donation will go towards STEM programming and research, scholarships, faculty positions, campus improvement, and Tuskegee’s United Negro College Fund endowment. 

As Al.com reported, the donation matches the donation given to the HBCU in 2020 by philanthropist Mackenzie Scott, and that donation was put to similar use by the university. Tuskegee’s top majors are all classified as STEM programs: animal poultry and veterinary sciences, nursing, biology, and mechanical engineering. 

Tuskegee University President Charlotte P. Morris said in a press release that the donation is a testament to the trust that Tuskegee University inspires. “This gift will allow us to invest in our students, faculty, programs, and infrastructure, enabling us to enhance our academic reputation, enrich the student experience, and continue our work to reach milestones within our strategic plan,” Dr. Morris said. 

Morris continued, “It will provide additional resources for us to implement vital initiatives, further securing the campus and fostering a more dynamic community. This contribution is a testament to our collective efforts and the enduring trust inspired by the Tuskegee legacy.”

In February, two residential halls at the esteemed university, which are named after Lewis Adams and Olivia Davidson, were in line to receive much needed renovations. As the Alabama News Center reported, the former was a Reconstruction Era leader in Macon County, Alabama, who suggested to Wilber F. Foster, a white Democrat, that developing a Black school in the area could win him Black votes. That school eventually became the Tuskegee State Normal School for Colored Teachers, which became the Tuskegee Institute, which became Tuskegee University.

Olivia Davidson is the second wife of Booker T. Washington and worked closely with Washington during the construction of Tuskegee after being recruited by Washington to help build the school. Davidson is credited with shaping much of the university’s early curriculum. In a similar fashion to Washington, she advocated for access to education for Black girls, and argued that they could exercise self-improvement by utilizing reading clubs, temperance, and community engagement. In a news release, the university affirmed that the buildings, which they said were critical to the university’s heritage, would receive the care they deserved. 

“These historical buildings, integral to the university’s heritage, are poised to enter a new era. Olivia Davidson Hall has been a beacon of female empowerment and education since its establishment,” the news release said. “Lewis Adams Hall, reflecting the university’s growth, has long stood as a symbol of academic and residential life on campus. The renovation showcases the university’s proactive approach to student welfare and academic excellence.”

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Jackson Scores Only HBCU Draft Pick To WNBA

Gen Z and Millennials, Homeownership
by Rafael Pena

April 17, 2024

Majority Of Gen Z and Millennials Expect Parents To Help With Homeownership

Redfin revealed that over one-third of Gen Zers and millennials are counting on assistance from their parents to achieve homeownership.

Achieving the American dream of homeownership has long been seen as a hallmark of success, but for many younger Americans, the path to property ownership is paved with financial challenges. Yourtango reports a recent survey conducted by Redfin revealed that over one-third of Gen Zers and millennials are counting on assistance from their parents to make their homeownership dreams a reality.

In an era marked by skyrocketing housing prices and stagnant wages, the prospect of purchasing a home has become increasingly daunting for younger generations. The survey found that a significant portion of Gen Zers and millennials expect financial support from their parents, with many relying on cash contributions for down payments.

The survey highlighted that “More than one-third of Gen Zers and millennials who want to buy a home expect help from their parents in the form of cold, hard cash.”

The trend of parental assistance isn’t limited to financial support alone. Many young homebuyers are also tapping into their inheritances or opting to move back home to save money in preparation for homeownership.

Data from the survey revealed a notable increase in the reliance on parental funds for down payments. In 2019, 18% of millennials used cash from their families to fund a down payment, a figure that rose to 23% by 2023.

However, framing younger generations as “nepo homebuyers” overlooks the systemic challenges they face in achieving homeownership. The housing market has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, with housing prices soaring nearly 40% since 2020. Coupled with a diminished supply of properties, the median price of houses sold in 2023 stood at $417,700.

Daryl Fairweather, chief economist at Redfin, emphasized the structural barriers that prevent many young Americans from entering the housing market without parental assistance.

“The bigger problem is that young Americans who don’t have family money are often shut out of homeownership,” Fairweather noted. “Many of them earn a perfectly good income, too, but they aren’t able to afford a home because they’re at a generational disadvantage.”

As the conversation surrounding homeownership evolves, it’s essential to recognize the systemic inequities that shape access to housing opportunities. For Gen Zers and millennials, seeking parental aid for homeownership isn’t a reflection of entitlement but rather a response to a housing market that presents formidable barriers to entry.

In navigating the complexities of homeownership in today’s economic landscape, younger generations are challenging the traditional narrative of success, underscoring the need for a more inclusive approach to achieving the American dream.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Twitter Debates Home Ownership After Zillow Suggests Buying Amid High Interest Rates

OneUnited Bank, Roxbury, Massachusetts, Kevin Cohee, Roxbury, black-owned
by Daniel Johnson

April 17, 2024

OneUnited Bank To Move Its Headquarters To Roxbury, Massachusetts

The area the bank is moving to in Roxbury is known as “Nubian Square” and has been the target of a serious investment campaign.

OneUnited Bank, the biggest Black-owned bank in the United States of America, announced its intention earlier in April to move its national headquarters from Boston to Roxbury. The move, which is anticipated to be completed in 2025, is expected to provide an example to the Black community in Roxbury and bring it into proximity with its customer base. 

As the Boston Globe reports, the move also represents a full-circle moment for the bank, which began in Roxbury in 1968 as the Unity Bank and Trust Company. Roxbury has been, and is still considered, the center of Black culture in the Greater Boston area. OneUnited Bank CEO and owner Kevin Cohee told the Globe that the move will help expand its economic investment in Roxbury. 

“The move will bring us geographically closer to our customers, align our executive office better with our local branch, which is essential to help us create new products and services to meet the needs of low to moderate-income communities, and provide more room for the growth in our employees,” Cohee said.

Cohee told the Boston Business Journal via an emailed statement that the move is as practical as it is symbolic. “We wanted to make that change because that’s part of our growth as a company and part of our growth as a people. It’s not that we don’t understand the importance of having facilities in places like downtown Boston,” Cohee said. “But we also think it’s important to have the symbolism of the leading Black-owned bank in the country coming straight out of Roxbury.”

The area the bank is moving to in Roxbury is known as “Nubian Square” and has been the target of a serious investment campaign. In 2023, the Globe declared that the area could be this generation’s Black Wall Street but would require a focused, collaborative, and intentional investment of capital into the area. In November, WGBH spoke to Nicole Obi, the president of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, which had recently moved its headquarters to Roxbury. Obi told the outlet that the area had a lot of potential.

“The investment that’s needed is really focused on making sure that Nubian Square evolves into a place to live, work and play,” Obi said. “There’s so much pent-up potential in this area.”

Obi briefly alluded to Boston Celtics star guard Jaylen Brown and his stated desire to create a Black Wall Street in Boston before saying that she hadn’t spoken to him directly, but there are already other organizations in the community, such as Roxbury Community College, Franklin Cummings Tech, the Urban League, and Twelfth Baptist Church that are committed to doing the work. 

According to Boston Plans, the investment alluded to by Obi is well underway. There is a board-approved project by the Boston Planning & Development Agency in September 2023, the Nubian Square Ascends Project, aimed at making Nubian Square the center of Roxbury. According to its description, “The Nubian Square Ascends Project will transform Nubian Square into a cultural, entertainment, and artistic mecca that celebrates the rich diversity of the neighborhood. This mixed-use project will be developed by an all-minority team.”

The description continues, “Nubian Square Ascends will offer retail, entertainment, Artist Housing, commercial uses, and a 300-space parking garage. The project is anticipated to become a nexus of science, academic, and medical research, given its location in a key institutional corridor. A comprehensive wealth-creation plan will include approximately 900 permanent jobs and contract opportunities for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) during all project phases.”

Xzibit, Cannabis Store
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 17, 2024

Xzibit Prepares Grand Opening Of Cannabis Store

The rapper recently opened Xzibit’s West Coast Cannabis (XWCC) in the ritzy neighborhood of Bel Air

West Coast rapper and former “Pimp My Ride” host Xzibit has opened a cannabis store in the ritzy neighborhood of Bel Air in Los Angeles.

According to High Times, Alvin Nathaniel Joiner, who uses the moniker, Xzibit, recently opened Xzibit’s West Coast Cannabis (XWCC), located off the 405 Freeway on Sepulveda Boulevard. The opening occurred after news that the “Paparazzi” lyricist had launched his podcast Lasagna Ganja last year. The show airs weekly and focuses on the cannabis sector. It is co-hosted with cannabis advocate Tammy The Cannabis Cutie.

“The West Coast is more than just a term that describes where we live. It stands for the culture of everything that represents us. From entertainment to our beloved sports teams, our car culture, our neighborhoods, and beaches, we are proud citizens of this community, and XWCC is a celebration of all of the above,” Xzibit said. ‘We are honored to be able to open our doors in such a special location and invite everyone to come celebrate the West Coast along with us.”

The store is scheduled to have its grand opening on April 28, which will have a 4:20 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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A post shared by XZIBIT (@xzibit)

XWCC has the distinction of being the only dispensary licensee in the Bel Air neighborhood, according to Benzinga.

The new store is close to The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and has offered UCLA students a 60% discount on premium cannabis products.

Last summer, Xzibit announced a partnership with Flora Arbor LLC, a licensed craft grower based in Elgin, Illinois. The company has an exclusive licensing and distribution agreement with the rapper’s cannabis brand, Napalm.

“I am excited to collaborate with Flora Arbor to cultivate unique genetics, manufacture, and distribute my line of products. Flora Arbor’s commitment to quality, consistency, and responsible cultivation/manufacturing aligns perfectly with my vision,” Xzibit said in a written statement. “Together, we aim to elevate the cannabis experience and make a positive impact on the community we serve.”

Al Roker, Sued, DEI Initiative, Black Cartoon
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 17, 2024

Al Roker Sued For Allegedly Not Following DEI Initiative On Black Cartoon

Al Roker Entertainment accused of using DEI initiative as a "box to be checked" rather than a requirement.

Famed weather anchor Al Roker is being sued by an executive producer who’s accusing him of using DEI as a “box to be checked” and not a requirement.

Bill Schultz, a former executive producer on the animated kids’ TV series “Weather Hunters” filed the lawsuit in New York federal court on Tuesday, April 16, accusing Roker and his production company of violating NY’s human rights law against racial discrimination and breach of contract and negligence, via The Hollywood Reporter. The veteran producer, whose credits include “The Simpsons,” “King of The Hill,” and “Garfield” claims he was fired after calling out Al Roker Entertainment’s alleged failure to properly adhere to a diversity initiative to bring on more diverse writers.

The DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiative, mandated by the show’s network PBS, would cover 70 percent of production costs under the agreement that “Weather Hunters” would adhere to a DEI plan. However, Schultz claims Al Roker Entertainment “callously disregarded” the program by attempting to have Black writers only touch up scripts written by white writers to give the appearance of a diverse writers room.

“I put nine years of my career into Weather Hunters, a project I strongly believe in, with the goal of making a wonderfully crafted show for children to enjoy and learn from,” Schultz said in a statement.

“I also believed, and still believe, that the project benefited by creating opportunities for the ‘new voices’ crucial in storytelling and that the Weather Hunters production needed to live up to the ideals it was supposed to represent.”

PBS emphasized the importance of DEI efforts for “Weather Hunters” since the show is targeted at Black families. With Roker having full ownership of the show, Schultz argues that the production company “treated the DEI Policy as discretionary and an obstacle to be circumvented.” The lawsuit cites an August 2023 meeting where the show’s story editor said that he “could not meet the production schedule if BIPOC writers were used to write the stories” and that “he would need to hire experienced non-BIPOC writers.”

“Instead of giving the chances to BIPOC writers as had been the plan, the story editor, repeating a strategy previously advocated and backed by Al Roker Entertainment management in writing, wanted to have ‘non-BIPOC’ writers write the stories, and then bring on a ‘BIPOC’ writer and after the stories/episodes [were] shaped, they could be ‘hand[ed] off to BIPOC writers,’” the lawsuit states.

It was after the meeting when Schultz was served a notice telling him he was in breach of contract for issues related to staffing. Shortly thereafter, a Black producer was reprimanded for complaining and Schultz was eventually terminated. He calls out Al Roker Entertainment for failing to see DEI as a requirement but rather a “box to be checked in the most expedient manner possible” and an “impediment to business as usual.”

Roker has yet to respond to the lawsuit.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Lawmakers Offended After Being Left Out Of Anti-DEI Bill Passed In South Carolina House

Nick Cannon Confirmed As The Keynote Speaker For Black Enterprise’s Disruptor Summit In Atlanta
by Black Enterprise

April 16, 2024

Nick Cannon Confirmed As The Keynote Speaker For Black Enterprise’s Disruptor Summit In Atlanta

The annual event will host some of the biggest names in business.

Nick Cannon is now the confirmed keynote speaker for BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Disruptor Summit, which returns to Atlanta, Georgia, this May. The multi-hyphenate, known for his business acumen, philanthropy, and talent, will share his journey in the entertainment and entrepreneurial space with Disruptor Summit attendees .

The Summit will feature a slate of prominent Black entrepreneurs. Hosted by insurance company Nationwide, the event will take place at the Southern Exchange Ballrooms in Downtown Atlanta on May 17-18. 

BE’s very own Director of Multiplatform Content, Selena Hill, will host the welcome reception on May 17, where Black Enterprise President & CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. will deliver opening remarks. He will be joined by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. 

The Disruptor Summit will officially kick off on May 18 with a series of sessions; each structured around what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur and business liaison. 

Following a breakfast reception and introduction, Hill will moderate a one-on-one discussion with Cannon, who will share his advice on how Black entrepreneurs can elevate their brands and leverage opportunities to build a lasting company.

The session, “Black Trailblazers Transforming Business and Beyond,” will center on the Black business owners who have changed their respective fields for the better, starting as small-scale startups and eventually developing into full-blown enterprises.

The conversation will also include an open discussion about the challenges of being a burgeoning entrepreneur.

Later that day, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with a trained and certified business coach to become equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to grow professionally. During that same period, participants can network in the Business Lounge, interacting with industry experts and peers alike. 

The Disruptor Summit will also host workshops throughout the day, designed to offer entrepreneurs game-changing advice. With these workshops, participants can learn how to trademark intellectual property with Rosezena J. Pierce, founder of R.J. Pierce. They can also learn about using the stock market to its fullest advantage with Tiffany James of Modern Black Girl and how to harness the power of marketing with best-selling author and professor at the University of Michigan, Marcus Collins. 

For full details about the event including registration and a list of expected speakers, visit Black Enterprise Disruptor Summit 2024.

US Justice Department, Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Suing
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2024

Justice Department Will Reportedly Sue Ticketmaster Parent Company Live Nation For Antitrust Violations

After years of complaints, the Justice Department is reportedly taking legal action against Ticketmaster's parent company.

After years of complaints against Ticketmaster’s ticket-buying process, the United States Justice Department is finally taking legal action against its parent company.

On Monday, April 15, the Wall Street Journal confirmed the DOJ’s plan to file an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation Entertainment as soon as next month. The lawsuit could accuse Live Nation of controlling tickets for live events and weeding out competition.

This comes after complaints surrounding the sale of tickets for Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour in 2022 when consumers complained about the ticketing giant’s dominance of live events. A hearing was held in June 2023 where senators criticized Live Nation’s lack of transparency, fee structure, and inability to block bot purchases of tickets for live events.

The company has blamed bots purchased by scalpers as the cause for how quickly tour tickets sell out before being resold at higher prices. Joe Berchtold, Live Nation’s president and chief financial officer, apologized to Taylor Swift fans during the hearing.

Fans became skeptical about what was to come when federal regulators allowed Ticketmaster to merge with Live Nation under a settlement agreement in 2010. By 2019, the DOJ accused Live Nation of forcing venues into using Ticketmaster to sell their tickets. A revised agreement was made that extended restrictions on the company through 2025.

In a blog post last month, Live Nation accused artists and their teams of setting the high ticket prices. Analysts believe the lawsuit would only end in a settlement as the DOJ won’t target the company’s business model, but only some of its business practices.

However, fans are hopeful the lawsuit could help bring about change to the live event space and return to a time when attending a live show didn’t cost as much as your rent.

“Good. They are ripping off customers so bad with their insane prices,” one X user wrote.

“Should’ve been a class action lawsuit,” added someone else.

RELATED CONTENT: Roc Nation’s Lenny S. Kept On Payroll By JAY-Z When There Wasn’t Work

Chris Paul, retires
by Rafael Pena

April 16, 2024

Chris Paul Teams Up With Black-Woman-Owned Fintech Company To Financially Empower Oakland Middle-Schoolers

NBA star Chris Paul has joined forces with Goalsetter, a Black-woman-owned fintech company equip students with financial literacy.

According to AfroTech, NBA star Chris Paul has joined forces with Goalsetter, a Black-woman-owned fintech company founded by Tanya Van Court, to equip Oakland middle-school students with essential financial literacy skills and resources.

The partnership, which also involves the Oakland Fund for Public Innovation and Nike, aims to address the pressing need for financial education among youth. A recent study conducted by Goalsetter revealed alarming gaps in financial knowledge among undergraduate students from Ivy League universities, emphasizing the critical importance of early financial literacy initiatives.

“Empowering our youth with the knowledge and tools to secure a financially sound future is not just a commitment, it’s a necessity,” stated Chris Paul. “We owe it to the next generation to lay the groundwork for financial success, ensuring they’re equipped to make informed decisions that will shape their lives and communities for the better.”

Through this initiative, 1,400 middle-school students from Edna Brewer Middle School and Montera Middle School in Oakland, California, will gain access to comprehensive financial literacy education. The curriculum, aptly named “Goalsetter Classroom,” will include weekly quizzes infused with pop culture references to engage students effectively.

In addition to educational materials, students will receive practical resources, including a Goalsetter savings account accessible through the company’s app. They will also receive $40 in Nike stock deposited into their Goalsetter investment account. To further empower students, Goalsetter will provide them with Cashola Cards, debit cards supported by Mastercard, equipped with features like “Learn Before You Burn” and “Learn to Earn.”

“This is more than just a conversation; it is a step towards bridging the financial literacy gap for youth across America,” remarked Tanya Van Court. “Chris Paul’s involvement has been instrumental in driving home the message that financial education is crucial for all, irrespective of socio-economic background.”

By imparting core financial concepts such as the Rule of 72 and the power of compound interest, the initiative seeks to break the cycle of costly financial mistakes that can impede students’ ability to build wealth.

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