The Renaissance Group To Roll Out ‘Culture Mix’ At Cannes Lions Festival
Culture Mix brings its activation to the public for the very first time at Cannes Lions Festival.
The Renaissance Group will debut Culture Mix at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity on June 17, according to a recent press release.
The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is regarded as the largest event in the advertising and creative communications industry, it serves as a pivotal platform for networking, innovation, and industry recognition.
Curated to highlight diverse and unique ideas from a growing network of talent, Culture Mix will offer a platform so innovators can positively impact the world. By harnessing the transformative power of various creative fields, this company aims to invigorate some of the world’s most creative industries, changing them for the better. The Renaissance Group provides fashion and literary curation and offers entrepreneurial support through mentorship programs and resources.
“Our mission at Renaissance Group is to inspire individuals from all walks of life to embrace their unique talents and perspectives,” said Leeza Singh, founder of the Renaissance Group.
“We believe that true success goes beyond financial gain; it is about the positive impact we make on the world around us.”
Culture Mix is using fashion to showcase cultural richness in a way that it’s never been done before—challenging the social norm and initiating a new form of self-expression. Meanwhile, in the world of literature, the company has carefully crafted a library of written collections intended to champion enlightenment and inclusivity, offering a glimpse into world cultures.
The Renaissance Group also has partnerships with tech innovators and music influencers who are equally as committed to making a difference.
The most significant pillar of the Culture Mix’s mission is entrepreneurship. Through a web of mentorship programs and resources, it is helping growing entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life so that they may spearhead positive change in the world.
Food For The Family: Chef Jada Prince Provides Price-Friendly Tips For National Nutrition Month
Chef Prince offers doable and affordable recipes.
March is National Nutrition Month, when attention turns to the importance of making informed food choices, healthy eating, and physical activity. This year, there is a heightened focus on staying nourished on a budget as inflation and food prices rises.
U.S. consumers have spent more money on food than in the past 30 years. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans spent 11.3% of their disposable income on food in 2022—more than they have since 1991.
Jada Prince is the owner of Sassy Chef’s Kitchen, a thriving minority- and woman-owned boutique caterer and bake shop that serves the Washington, D.C. area. Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Prince embraced the city’s blue-collar solid heritage and hardworking mindset. Following a life-altering car accident that left her jobless, Prince embarked on her culinary journey, now providing catering services for retreats nationwide and a line of dry mixes with powerful health benefits.
In a recent interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Prince discussed making nutritious food choices on a budget, using innovative approaches to affordable eating, and promoting nutrition in diverse communities.
A Big Problem: Addressing Food Insecurities Through Community Engagement
Over 44 million people, including 13 million children, experience food insecurity in the United States, and 60 million (1 in every 5) received charitable food assistance in 2020. Through partnerships with local food banks and community organizations, Prince extends beyond simply providing meals to people and families in need.
“I team up with the local food banks, but take it a step further than just giving away food… I teach valuable cooking skills..,” Prince says. Recognizing the importance of meeting people where they are, Prince makes her presence felt at various pop-up food giveaways and even participates in community events focused on violence prevention.
“My commitment extends beyond charity,” she explains. “It’s about building relationships and empowering individuals to navigate food challenges confidently.”
Navigating Nutritious Choices On A Budget
With rising food prices, making nutritious choices on a budget has become increasingly challenging for many. As inflation and escalating food costs persist, many Americans use unconventional methods to stretch their budgets and maintain access to essential nourishment.
Food inflation continues to impact households’ budgets and ability to maintain an adequate and nutritious diet. Highlighting the importance of strategic shopping, Prince suggests buying “your staple items used frequently, like rice or potatoes, in bulk.”
In addition to purchasing at warehouse stores, Prince also recommends exploring international markets and wholesale stores for affordable yet high-quality ingredients.
“My approach isn’t just about saving money. In today’s landscape, families must maximize value and prioritize health without breaking the bank.”
Cooking Education: Empowering Families In The Kitchen
Empowering families to cook nutritious meals at home is at the heart of Prince’s mission. Recognizing that cooking skills are essential for long-term health and financial well-being, she actively engages with her community to teach cooking basics and creative meal preparation.
Prince emphasizes the importance of pantry staples and strategic meal planning, stating, “if you learn how to cook the basic foods, you’ll be more inclined to, especially when trying to eat on a budget.”
Practical tips, such as batch cooking and meal prepping, save time and empower families to make healthier choices consistently. “Take a simple item like chicken breasts and create two or three meal variations from it by simply slicing the breasts and adding them to a pasta dish, a rice and vegetable dish, and a salad.”
Community Collaboration: Strengthening Support Networks
Beyond her business, Prince collaborates with local ministries and organizations to serve those in need. From feeding the homeless to distributing food in underserved areas, her efforts exemplify the power of community collaboration in addressing food insecurities.
“My church feeds people every week,” she shares. “Through partnerships with organizations like St. Lights Ministries and The Storehouse, both in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, we can collectively create a more food-secure future for all.”
Simple Ingredients, 3 Simple Meals: Prince Provides Three Price-Friendly Nutritious Meals
Ingredients: chicken breast, broccoli, bell peppers, onions, rice, potato
Meal 1: Chicken Stir Fry
Saute seasoned diced chicken breast with sliced onions in a hot skillet until golden brown. Add chopped bell peppers and broccoli florets, and stir-fry until tender-crisp. Season with soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, and ginger. Serve with rice (optional).
Meal 2: Loaded Baked potato
Bake potatoes until tender. Top potatoes with cooked chicken, broccoli, bell pepper, onion, and cheddar cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream and optional toppings.
Meal 3: Sheet Pan Chicken Bake
Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place chicken breasts (whole or diced) on the baking sheet and surround them with broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, and onions. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite sassy spice blend. Bake in the oven until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are roasted and caramelized.
Entrepreneurship And Innovation Summit Set to Return In September For Future Innovators
The successful HBCUniverse summit held at Morgan State University will return in September to impact more future leaders.
The HBCUniverse Summit for the future of HBCU Entrepreneurship and Innovation will return in September. The second installment comes after a successful Black History Month event at Morgan State University.
Venture for T.H.E.M. and THINK PGC partnered for the first-ever summit Feb. 24. Its mission highlighted those within the HBCU community on their entrepreneurial and innovative achievement.
The summit hosted multiple activations and panels for HBCU students to learn and network with established leaders across many sectors. Panels included discussions on the future of startup fundraising, tech and innovation, media and culture, and digital currency.
Diverse workshops, HBCU trivia, and a pitch competition were also held for the over 450 people in attendance. Keynote speaker Dia Simms, CEO of Lobos 1707 Tequila, spoke on her journey as a Black woman in business.
HBCUniverse featured over 20 guest speakers, while hosting virtual attendees from across the world. Alongside more than 30 sponsors and partners, multiple government agencies offered internship and full-time opportunities.
“For the HBCU May this summit motivate us to continue lifting up young Black students and professionals — the future of our Nation,” said Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard University graduate. “I look forward to seeing all that you accomplish, and I thank you for all that you do for your communities and our country.”
Maryland’s governor, Wes Moore, also released a statement on its commencement.
“The work and ideas featured here today have the potential to help change the world,” Moore said. “It is truly thrilling to know that the next generation of leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs are converging today at Morgan State—keep working toward your goals and always pursue your dreams.”
More information on its upcoming event in September will be posted on its social media.
Empowering Black Women Social Workers: Navigating Challenges, Building Resilience, And Shaping The Future Of Social Work
Breaking Boundaries Therapist Academy founder Whitney Coleman leads the charge in recognizing, supporting, and elevating Black women social workers.
March is National Social Workers Month, a time to recognize social workers’ tireless efforts and invaluable contributions nationwide.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Social Workers,” resonates deeply with professionals like Whitney Coleman, LICSW, LCSW-C, who tirelessly advocate for better recognition, compensation, and support. As the owner of Jade Clinical Services and the Breaking Boundaries Therapist Academy, based in Washington, D.C., Coleman stands at the forefront of empowering patients, social workers, and, in particular, Black women.
In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded over 715,000 social workers in the United States. By 2030, the field is expected to grow by 12% to 782,00 social workers, making social work one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh, Bradford, with minors in psychology and international studies, Coleman completed her master of social work degree at the University of South Carolina. She has licenses in four states, plus the District of Columbia. Coleman has successfully navigated the complexities many social workers face regarding compensation, increased professional regard, and recognition.
Coleman shared her experiences with BLACK ENTERPRISE, providing insight into the challenges, opportunities, and rewards of being a social worker.
The Invisible Backbone Of Society
Social workers are pervasive throughout society, but their work often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Trained to help individuals, families, communities, and even the larger society, social workers work in schools, hospitals, and at the federal, state, and local levels in government, corporations, social service agencies, and veterans centers.
“There are many different types of social workers, but no one knows what we do,” Coleman says.
Social workers are often called in during crises, yet receive little respect or recognition for their vital role. The opioid addiction crisis has hit the United States hard, impacting all races, regions, and economic levels. Homelessness is on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide has risen.
Social workers can handle these societal troubles. “We’re the ones you call in an emergency, yet once the crisis ends, we go back to being ignored, and asked to heal others while silently fighting to heal our personal and professional battles,” Coleman says. “I want to change that.”
Navigating Life Transitions, Anxiety, And Trauma
In her practice, Coleman specializes in supporting women, particularly women of color, through life transitions, anxiety, and trauma. “Life transitions, anxiety, and trauma go hand in hand,” she says. “When things in life change, it can cause anxiety, and sometimes these transitions are traumatic.”
Coleman highlights the importance of understanding trauma beyond traditional definitions. “Trauma is different for every person. What might be traumatic for one may not be for another.”
Shedding light on a phenomenon deeply ingrained within the Black community, known as the “Black Superwoman Syndrome,” Coleman describes this concept as “encapsulating the expectation for Black women to epitomize strength, resilience, and independence, often at the expense of their well-being.”
The pressure to take care of others while neglecting personal needs is a central aspect of this syndrome, leading to exhaustion and emotional strain.
“This syndrome dictates that black women should have everything together, appearing strong and composed even when facing internal struggles or challenges,” Coleman says. “As social workers and therapists, we know how damaging this can be.”
Daily life’s relentless demands and societal expectations often leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. By acknowledging these experiences, Coleman says, “Black women can navigate personal and professional challenges and reclaim their narratives.”
Empowering Through Education And Support
Despite the challenges, Coleman remains dedicated to empowering social workers, mental health clinicians, and patients. Through her Breaking Boundaries Therapist Academy, she provides BIPOC mental health professionals with the knowledge, tools, and support to build prosperous private practices.
“Empowerment begins with acknowledging our worth and advocating for change,” Coleman says. “Together, we can create a brighter future for social workers and the communities we (social workers) serve. When we do this, it positively impacts everyone.”
By addressing systemic challenges and providing support and education, Coleman is paving the way for a more equitable and empowered future in the social work field.
Vaughan Gething Becomes Europe’s First Black Head Of Government
Vaughan Gething, a Zambian-born lawyer, is now the First Minister of Wales.
Vaughan Gething, a Zambian-born lawyer, became the first Black European head of government and the first Black head of government in the United Kingdom after being elected by the Welsh Parliament and approved by King Charles III on March 20.
Gething acknowledged this history, issuing a statement on March 21 shortly after taking office, “Today we turn a page in the book of our nation’s history—a history we write together,” Gething said. “Not just because I have the honor of becoming the first Black leader in any European country, but because a generational dial has jumped too.”
Diolch i aelodau sydd wedi cefnogi fy enwebiad heddiw.
As First Minister, I will bring together a government that constantly makes the positive case for progressive politics.
To remind people, that only through coming together, can we achieve for the whole of Wales. pic.twitter.com/nvku9l7Lq8
The 50-year-old is the first leader of Wales to be born after the U.K. delegated some powers to its former subjects in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which began in 1990 after public votes were held.
The votes led to the eventual allowance of the countries to be responsible for local government, while England remains responsible for national matters such as defense, foreign relations, and others.
Gething is the latest leader of the U.K. to be non-white, following England and Scotland’s elections of Rishi Sunak, a prime minister of Indian descent, and Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf, who is of Pakistani descent. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, is led by two women. This means there are no white men at the top of the political pyramid in any of the U.K.’s countries.
Gething’s selection, as he told legislators on March 20, is both “a matter of pride” and a “daunting responsibility” but he also promised that Wales would be a place for its citizens to “celebrate our differences and take pride in all of those things that draw us together.”
In addition to Gething, as The Guardian reported, other leaders such as Keir Starmer, the leader of U.K.’s Labor Party and former Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones recognized the importance of Gething’s position.
Starmer told the outlet, “His appointment as first minister of Wales, the first Black leader in the U.K., will be a historic moment that speaks to the progress and values of modern-day Wales.”
Jones said that the achievement should be a source of national pride, telling The Guardian, “It’s something we can be very proud of in Wales.”
The outgoing leader of Wales, Mark Drakeford, meanwhile, promised to work with Gething on delivering quality leadership to the country, “He [Gething] will provide the next generation of leadership for the party and I look forward to campaigning with him to deliver the U.K. Labour government Wales so desperately needs.”
Prison Escapee Captured By U.S. Marshals After Planet Fitness Workout
Tilghman was originally arrested on drug-related charges.
Isaiah Tilghman, a 33-year-old prison escapee, was captured on March 22 in Philadelphia, according to the U.S. Marshals, after a workout.
As CBS Newsreports, Tilghman was arrested at approximately 11:00 a.m. after leaving a Planet Fitness in Philly.
@USMS_Philly arrested western Pennsylvania escapee, Isaiah Tilghman, 33, this morning in the 3300 block of Aramingo Ave in Philadelphia. Tilghman escaped from the Blair County Prison on December 3rd, 2023, after being arrested on drug related charges and PA parole violations. pic.twitter.com/cNvW4Gbv4z
— U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) March 22, 2024
According to an announcement from Robert Clark, the supervisory deputy U.S. Marshal for the Eastern Pennsylvania Task Force, “This arrest was a result of Fugitive Task Forces in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, diligently working together, to capture a dangerous escapee. The Marshals Service is unequivocally the best in the business at finding people who do not wish to be found, and this arrest reinforces that fact.”
Tilghman originally escaped from the Blair County Prison in Hollidaysburg, PA, on Dec. 3, 2023. He had been arrested on drug-related charges as well as a parole violation before he escaped the custody of the prison.
At the time of his escape, according to the Blair County Prison Board, Tilghman had been incarcerated but not yet sentenced. Since his recapture, he is charged with escape, flight to avoid apprehension, among other charges.
After a red Ford truck matching the description of one Tilghman allegedly stole was found in Philadelphia on March 20, Marshals were able to identify a Black BMW he was allegedly using and followed him to the gym.
Once Tilghman emerged from Planet Fitness, he was surrounded by more than 20 U.S. Marshals agents and summarily arrested. According to ABC 6, Tilghman is currently in custody in an undisclosed location, and authorities are allegedly planning to make an argument to revoke Tilghman’s bail.
Tennis Star Naomi Osaka Seeks To Reclaim Top Rank In Miami Open
Naomi Osaka advances to the third round of the Miami Open after defeating Elina Svitolina.
Naomi Osaka is on a mission to be the No. 1 tennis player in the world—again. The new mother has advanced to the third round of the Miami Open after defeating Elina Svitolina on March 23.
Osaka’s play has been considered her “best tennis of the year,” as reported by Tennis.com. Osaka entered the tournament as a wild card, although she was a finalist in 2022. The 26-year-old is ready to get back to her place as one of the best in the sport.
“I definitely do think it was one of my best matches, if not the best match (of the year),” Osaka said in her post-match press conference. “But I also want myself to play better and better every match…For me going into the match, I knew that she’s a great player, and I had no choice but to play really well if I wanted a chance to win.”
The match was delayed a day due to inclement weather, but the interruption and the move to a smaller court did not disrupt Osaka’s flow.
“I honestly think the court was really cool, just like having everyone surrounding and everyone was so loud and vocal,” she said. “It just felt like Miami. It was really cool to play on that court.”
Osaka bested the Ukrainian player in two match points for a tiebreak. She now faces Caroline Garcia on March 24, who she has met three times and beaten twice.
“She’s an amazing player. I know this. Every match we play is really difficult,” Osaka said. “It’s just going to be interesting playing on these courts because I really like these hard courts.”
In her return to the courts, Osaka has also advocated for the Women’s Tennis Association to introduce maternity leave.
Is Candace Owens Attempting A Black Media Rebrand After Parting Ways With Conservative Daily Wire?
Owens appears poised for a rebrand, using appearances on Black-led radio shows and podcasts like the "Joe Budden Podcast" and "The Breakfast Club."
Candace Owens has been fired by the conservative outlet Daily Wire, which did not provide a reason beyond co-founder Jeremy Boreing writing in a post on Twitter/X that “Daily Wire and Candace Owens have ended their relationship.”
As The Hill reports, Owens confirmed Boreing’s post, writing in her own post, “The rumors are true— I am finally free.”
There has been speculation that the break in the business relationship is due to controversial remarks the podcaster has made about Israel and Jewish people.
Daily Wire is a conservative news website and media company founded in 2015 by political commentator Ben Shapiro and film director Boreing.
Owens, as many users on Twitter/X have speculated, appears poised for a rebrand, using appearances on Black-led radio shows and podcasts like the Joe Budden Podcast and The Breakfast Club as evidence.
Candace Owens appearing on The Breakfast Club makes perfect sense sadly. Anyone who thinks otherwise, unfortunately, isn’t paying attention to who they have usually platformed – and, frankly, who the host is.
We are far too accommodating and accepting as Black folks sometimes.
— Preston “Highbrow Negro” Mitchum (@PrestonMitchum) March 23, 2024
Candace Owens has said repugnant things about Black folk. And, when we were reeling from the unjust killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, she blamed them.
Her falling out with her equally white supremacist boss is not enough to platform her in Black spaces.
Candace Owens is TRYING to rebrand. All her talk about Black culture/family- she doesnt care. She wants you to forget her vile remarks about George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, etc, but outlets platform her for clicks.
Is her GOP check running out? We've seen it all before, grift on
Owens has simultaneously courted the far-right and disparaged Black people for years, most recently cozying up to white supremacists like Nick Fuentes through her recent controversial commentary about Jewish people.
According to CNN, Shapiro and Owens engaged in back and forths dating back to November 2023, when Shapiro called Owens’ rhetoric “disgraceful” and labeled her arguments about a Jewish cabal and statements accusing the Jewish government in Israel of genocide as “faux sophistication.”
She responded to Shapiro with an indirect but seemingly direct shot at him, saying that a person “cannot serve both God and money,” according to CNN. Shapiro’s response: “Candace, if you feel that taking money from The Daily Wire somehow comes between you and God, by all means quit.”
As The Daily Beast reports, when the hosts asked her to finish a common saying in the Black church, starting with “God is good—” Owens answered, “Amen,” which prompted the hosts to explain that the correct answer is “All the time.” Owens responded, seemingly confused, “Where’s that from?”
Owens also couldn’t name Ketanji Brown Jackson when asked who the first Black female Supreme Court Justice is. Owens replied, “Is it now? Just now? It’s whatchamacallit. I can’t believe I’m blanking on her name. Can you give me a first letter?” When the hosts informed her it was Jackson, she replied, “Her name is a little tricky.”
Users on Twitter/X have been vocal about the outlets providing Owens the forum to attempt a rebrand. As one user wrote, “Candace Owens appearing on The Breakfast Club makes perfect sense sadly. Anyone who thinks otherwise, unfortunately, isn’t paying attention to who they have usually platformed—and, frankly, who the host is. We are far too accommodating and accepting as Black folks sometimes.”
Lincoln University President Reinstated After Being Cleared Of Bullying Claims Over Administrator’s Suicide
The independent investigation into John Moseley followed the suicide of Lincoln administrator Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey.
The president of Lincoln University, an HBCU in Jefferson City, Missouri, has been reinstated after being cleared from bullying claims surrounding an administrator’s suicide.
The independent investigation into John Moseley followed the Jan. 8 suicide of Antoinette Bonnie Candia-Bailey. The Guardian reports the inquiry found no substantial evidence that Moseley bullied Candia-Bailey, who killed herself in January, sending shockwaves throughout the campus.
The university’s curators penned an open letter to the school’s community about the results. Moseley was on paid leave during the investigation.
“For us, this report is not the end of a process, but rather the beginning of one,” explained the board of curators president, Victor Pasley. “None of its findings have led the board to doubt President Moseley’s ability to lead the university, but this tragedy has forced us to grapple more fully with issues facing Lincoln and our individual students and employees—ranging from mental health support to employee work and relationships.”
The curators voted 7-1 to reinstate Moseley as president. Responding to the news, Moseley expressed his gratitude over the board’s support.
In the wake of Candia-Bailey’s death, a social media campaign of #FireMoseley emerged to remove Moseley as president. Critics questioned Mosley’s fitness to run a historically Black institution as a white man into question. He was also under fire for his treatment of the distressed employee.
Candia-Bailey’s friend, Monica Graham, urged that the former administrator killed herself following her termination as vice president of student affairs. In an email regarding Moseley’s treatment of her, Candia-Bailey detailed his harassment and alluding to her being an “angry Black woman.”
Despite the cleared allegations, the curators did note that working under Moseley’s leadership has been tense for employees. They intend to work with the president to remedy these issues. The school also created a committee to improve employee and student wellness programs.
Flint City Councilman Eric Mays Finally Laid To Rest After Legal Dispute
Flint City Councilman Eric Mays, known for his controversies and social media popularity, was laid to rest a month after his death.
Eric Mays, a longtime councilman Flint, Michigan, councilman, was finally laid to rest March 23. His funeral occurred nearly a month after his death due to legal dispute over his body’s handling.
His son, also named Eric, filed a lawsuit against Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home despite his elder relatives contacting the company, per Mid-Michigan Now. The younger Mays lost the legal battle. A judge determined he did not contact the funeral home within a legal 72-hour window. By not doing so, he forfeited the rights over the body’s handling.
However, the funeral home ultimately surrendered the rights of the late councilman’s body to his son. The funeral then proceeded despite the weeks-long delay.
The older Mays was first elected to the city council in 2013, serving in the position until his Feb. 24 death. According to M Live, he was a “polarizing and strong-willed” member of the council.
“Mays wasn’t afraid to speak his truth,” expressed Flint councilwoman Tonya Burns. “He let everyone know he was a Black man from the north side of Flint…Councilman Mays brought attention to the courts of local government, especially urban areas with a Black population. Councilman Mays fought for labor unions, the Flint water crisis, the House of Esther and more.”
Mays emerged as one of the Flint’s first elected officials to acknowledge its water crisis, using his platform to spread awareness on the issue alongside local advocates. Prior to his death, he was serving a 90-day suspension for misconduct and use of “racist rhetoric” during a December 2023 special meeting. He died while fighting the order.
Throughout his tenure, clashes with other Flint lawmakers led to his lawsuits against current Mayor Sheldon Neely, as well as its police chief and fellow council members. He sought to run for mayor in three different election cycles, his last being in 2022. Mays’ catchphrase of “Point of Order” garnered him popularity beyond Flint on social media.
While his controversies often made local headlines, his dedication to his city and his community was undeniable. He died at 65, and was laid to rest at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Flint.
