• Business

by Keka Araújo

August 20, 2024

Perdue Foods Recalls Over 167,000 Pounds Of Chicken Over Potential Metal Contamination

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Perdue Consumer Care at 1-866-866-3703.

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Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Georgia-based establishment, has taken proactive measures by issuing a recall for approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nuggets and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement today.

The affected products were produced on March 23, 2024, and include:

• 22-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages of “PERDUE Simply Smart ORGANICS Breaded CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS” with a Best If Used By date of “03 23 25.”
• 29-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages of “PERDUE CHICKEN BREAST TENDERS” with a Best If Used By date of “03 23 25.”
• 22-oz. vacuum-sealed packages of “BUTCHERBOX Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets” with a Best If Used By date of “03 23 25.”

These products bear the establishment number “P-33944” on the back of the package and were distributed to retail locations nationwide and sold online directly to consumers.

The issue came to light after Perdue received consumer complaints regarding metal wire found embedded in the products. FSIS has reported no confirmed adverse reactions related to the consumption of these items. However, consumers who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, the products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS emphasizes concern that some products may still be in consumers’ freezers. As part of the recall process, FSIS will conduct recall effectiveness checks to ensure that the recalling firm informs its customers that the affected products are no longer available for purchase. Retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website as they become available.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Perdue Consumer Care at 1-866-866-3703. Media inquiries should be directed to Andrea Staub, senior vice president at Perdue Foods, at 443-493-3522 or via email at andrea.staub@perdue.com.

For food safety inquiries, consumers can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov. Issues related to meat, poultry, or egg products can also be reported through the FSIS’s online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, accessible 24/7 at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 20, 2024

Joe Biden Receives Thunderous Applause, Gives VP Kamala Harris A Passionate Endorsement At DNC

Biden received his flowers from the crowd of thousands of supporters while reflecting on his almost 50-year-long political career.

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The Associated Press reports that day one of the 2024 Democratic National Convention started with President Joe Biden passionately endorsing his Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris. 

During his valedictory address on Aug. 19, Biden received his flowers from thousands of supporters while reflecting on his almost 50-year-long political career. “I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” Biden said. With tears in his eyes, the President was greeted by a more than four-minute-long ovation and chants of “Thank you, Joe” after being introduced by his youngest daughter, Ashley.

He replied simply, “America, I love you.” 

Despite protests from pro-Palestian demonstrators outside the United Center on the opening night of the DNC in Chicago, it seemed designed as an enthusiastic exit for Biden while setting up a successful transfer of power to Harris. He reminisced about his thought process in selecting the California senator as his running mate, calling it “the best decision” he had made in his career.  

“She’s tough, she’s experienced, and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity,” he said. “Her story represents the best American story. And like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president.”

According to Politico, the President took some of the attention off of him as the crowd thanked him. “Thank you, Kamala, too,” Biden said at one point. “We’ve had the most extraordinary four years of progress ever. When I say ‘we,’ I mean Kamala and I.” Once the applause died down, it wasn’t long before Biden started to rip into his former presidential opponent, Republican nominee Donald Trump, warning Dems of the dangers he would bring if elected again. “Donald Trump calls America a failing nation. He says we’re losing,” Biden said. 

“He’s the loser. He’s dead wrong.”

Several Democratic speakers and supporters highlighted similar fears during their remarks. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) geared his remarks toward GOP VP nominee J.D. Vance, reminiscing on the horrific Jan. 6 insurrection where “patriots” were calling for former Vice President Mike Pence to be hung for not supporting Trump’s rhetoric. “JD Vance, do you understand WHY there was a job opening at the top of the ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor,” Raskin said. 

Georgia Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock took viewers and attendees to church while highlighting how a Harris administration will promote peace and opportunity for all people around the world. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Tx.) shared her witty use of words to jab at Trump’s attack on voters’ rights. “The question is, will a vindictive vile villain violate voters’ vision…for a better America or not?” she asked while met with laughs and applause. 

“We deserve better. We deserve a President who can be a bright light in darkness. One who will pull us forward because we won’t go back.”  

Other standout moments included Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow carrying an oversized copy of “Project 2025” to the podium, civil rights activist and founder of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition Rev. Jesse Jackson making an appearance, and abortion rights activist Hadley Duvall making brave remarks on women’s reproductive rights.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 20, 2024

NJ Bus Driver Arrested After Beating Passenger Who Allegedly Spat On Him

Toron Walker and the passenger were both arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

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After a passenger allegedly spat on a New Jersey Transit bus driver, the driver purportedly retaliated by beating the man, and both the driver and passenger were arrested. The incident was caught on a passenger’s mobile phone.

According to RLS Media, the bus driver was seen on video taking down the individual after a confrontation at the front of the bus. The fight occurred in Newark, NJ, and a video clip posted to social media shows the bus driver, identified by the New York Post as Toron Walker, telling passengers at the front of the bus to back up as the man stands in Walker’s face. When the other passengers moved out of harm’s way, the confrontation ensues as one of them yells out, “What you gonna do?” In that instance, Walker is then seen striking the individual.

Walker continues to pummel him, and the man falls to the ground as the other passengers try to yell for the bus driver to stop, no one intervenes, and Walker is heard saying, “You f**ed up. What the f**k is wrong with you? You want to spit?” He continues to punch the passenger in the head multiple times before the video clip ends.

Bus driver absolutely demolishes a passenger after the man allegedly spit on him in Newark, New Jersey.

The driver could be heard directing people to the back of the bus to keep them out of harm’s way before he started walloping on the man.

It is unclear what happened… pic.twitter.com/qezySafvbo

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 19, 2024

The New York Post reported that in a statement to the media outlet, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé stated that the incident took place at Court Street near Broad Street, and police officers boarded the bus to stop the fight. Both men were charged with aggravated assault.

NJ Transit also released a statement in response to the incident.

“This matter is currently under investigation, and we’re unable to comment on any specific details at this time. We don’t condone any form of assault aboard any of our vehicles or within our facilities,” a NJ Transit spokesperson said.

“We can confirm that our driver was assaulted prior to the altercation. We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that assaulting a transit employee is a serious offense and can result in a fine, jail time, and/or a ban from riding the transit system.”

The passenger reportedly didn’t suffer any serious injuries.

RELATED CONTENT: That’s Wild! Utah School Bus Driver Arrested For Allegedly Setting Bus Afire With 42 Children On Board

• Lifestyle

by Selena Hill

August 20, 2024

A Celebration Of Black Film And Excellence On Martha’s Vineyard

Filmmakers, elected leaders, celebrities, and influencers descended on the Island during the 2024 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

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The 22^nd annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) kicked off August 2 with nine days of programming, movie screenings, panels, and parties highlighting Black filmmakers, actors, and producers. At the backdrop of the festivities was Martha’s Vineyard, a quaint Massachusetts island on the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod marked by lighthouses, sandy beaches, and farmland.

Each year, the festival brings together vibrant celebrations of culture and community that spotlight successful Black professionals, creatives, and trailblazers. This year, about 70 shorts, features, TV series, and documentaries were screened at the MVAAFF. It was established in 2002 by Run & Shoot Filmworks principals Floyd and Stephanie Rance to amplify Black voices, storytelling, and culture and is now an Oscar-qualifying annual film festival in the short film category.

In addition to attending screenings, panels, and social events, festivalgoers reveled in the beauty of the Vineyard — a charming New England colony that has been a summer escape for Black vacationers and luminaries for generations. In the 20th century, when segregation barred Black Americans from beaches, pools, and resorts, they flocked to the island town of Oak Bluffs. The destination attracted Black families as well as prominent leaders and artists including Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke, and Maya Angelou. Today, the small island is a haven for Black Hollywood and high-profile figures like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee, and the Obamas.

Here are some highlights of the events and programming that took place during the MVAAFF.

World of Hyatt on the Vineyard

On August 8, the World of Hyatt held Bar Noir featuring an evening of cocktails, conversation, and community building at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Vineyard Haven. During the event, Tyronne Stoudemire, the Senior Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, talked about the hospitality brand’s commitment to advancing and supporting Black entrepreneurship.

“Many organizations either reacted or responded to the death and murder of George Floyd,” said Stoudemire, a recognized global DEI thought leader. “We responded with a program that’s called Change Starts Here.” Launched in 2020, Stoudemire touched on the initiative’s effort to address systemic racism through three key areas: who they employ, develop, and advance; the communities they support; and who they buy from and partner with. In addition to employment opportunities, the program also opens doors to further managerial advancement, community development, and supplier diversity. Furthermore, it has provided $1 million over three years to six community-based organizations located in Chicago, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.

“It’s just not about the money, it’s about care. It’s just not about care, it’s about helping people to grow [and] invest in businesses,” he added.

The Black Excellence Brunch

Over 200 guests dressed in all-white ensembles gathered for The Black Excellence Brunch held at the Atria, an outdoor venue in Edgartown, on August 9. The invite-only affair honored actress and director Sanaa Lathan for her contributions to Hollywood over the past 20 years. During a live fireside chat with Trell Thomas, founder of The Black Excellence Brunch, the 52-year-old Love & Basketball star opened up about her family’s history with addiction and her own journey to sobriety.

“I stopped drinking six years ago,” Lathan revealed. “Addiction runs in my family. I just did Finding Your Roots and it was crazy because I found all these generations of alcoholics that had literally died.”

The Brown Sugar star also mentioned the impact alcohol had on her life. “It was affecting my health. The people that I was allowing to be around me wasn’t right. And so, I decided, this is something that’s in my family. I need to nip it in the bud.”

Rather than enrolling in Alcoholics Anonymous, Lathan says she quit drinking on her own shortly before the pandemic. She then went on to direct and co-star in On the Come Up on Paramount+ in 2022, where she played a recovering addict and mother. 

The brunch, which was sponsored by Camille Rose and offered specialty drinks provided by Ciroc, also included notable attendees like filmmaker Will Packer, Orange is the New Black star Uzo Aduba, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Win With Black Women founder Jotaka Eddy, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard cast members Alex Tyree and Nick Arrington.

“The Black Excellence Brunch was beautiful,” said Arrington, likening the event to the vibrant sense of community felt at an HBCU homecoming or Black family reunion. “It was a beautiful thing, and everybody looked good,” he continued. “I think the best way to describe Trell’s brunches are, it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of us.”

Founded in 2017, Thomas said he created the event series to foster community and connection while paying tribute to the legacy of Black excellence. The series reimagines the Sunday dinners he had with his family while growing up in South Carolina. What started as a local gathering in Thomas’ home has since morphed into a global celebration of under-recognized cultural figures from New York to New Orleans to South Africa and Ghana.

“Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to excellent Black people, and it was amazing to join in on the celebration of Black Excellence hosting our first-ever Black Excellence Brunch on the Vineyard,” said Thomas, a seasoned media expert, in a statement to BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It was truly an honor to give flowers to so many amazing people and celebrate the cultural icon that is Sanaa Lathan.”

The Director’s Brunch

On Saturday, August 10, MVAAFF, Comcast NBC Universal, and Black Experience on Xfinity teamed up to present “The Director’s Brunch” in celebration of storytellers of color. Held at the Atria, the soiree included a buffet-style brunch, live DJ, and a panel discussion featuring MSNBC president Rashida Jones, award-winning filmmaker B. Monét, director Gia-Rayne Harris, Robert Baltazar, NBCU Launch’s Vice President of TV Programming DEI, and moderator Loren Hudson, Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. During the discussion, the panel touched on the challenges Black filmmakers face when trying to break into the business.

“I think the path of being a director, especially if that’s what you want to be, it’s not just cut and dry,” said Monet. It’s not “like you go to film school and then you’re just going to make it. You know? I mean, the rules, unfortunately, are different for us,” she said.

Rather than pursuing a linear path, Monet encouraged young filmmakers to try to explore alternative methods to break into the industry, such as producing short films and shadowing other producers and artists.

Fight Night

The MVAAFF ended with a punch featuring a special screening, star-studded panel, and after-party for Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist on closing night.

The evening kicked off with live music from DJ Trauma before the festival’s founders, Stephanie and Floyd Rance, introduced acclaimed filmmaker and the series’ executive producer, Will Packer, who participated in a one-on-one fireside chat with journalist Danielle Cadet on Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago’s iconic gold couch.

“All kinds of interesting people have sat on and have had conversations on this couch. This is the kind of cultural thing that is for us [and] that we get to do at a Martha’s Vineyard film festival [and not] elsewhere,” said Packer to a sold-out audience.

The show, which will be released September 5 on Peacock, tells the story of a brazen armed robbery that took place in Atlanta on the night of Muhammad Ali’s famous return to the ring in 1970. Based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist chronicles how the infamous robbery ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.”

The story centers on a hustler named Chicken Man (played by superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart) who hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest and most notorious gangsters. However, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (played by Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice.

Following the screening, Packer returned to the stage with showrunner, creator, and executive producer Shaye Ogbonna and cast members Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, and Chloe Bailey for a discussion moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross.

“I have always loved and admired working with Will, and to have this opportunity come to fruition was really, really cool,” said Bailey. “I’m an Atlanta native and I have never heard of this heist story. And then to hear that I get to work alongside Taraji and Don and Samuel (Jackson) and the most incredible actors in the game meant so much to me.”

To close the evening, Peacock hosted the Closing Night Party of the festival at The Loft in Oaks Bluffs. The 70s-theme party was decorated with roses, disco balls, and plush red carpets. Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, songwriter Ledisi, actor Glynn Turman, President of MSNBC Rashida Jones, and Destiny’s Child singer LeToya Luckett were in attendance.

• Business

by Daniel Johnson

August 20, 2024

Black Businesses Still Need Investments To Thrive Equitably

According to The Economist, while campaigns emphasizing the support of Black businesses are important, the more vital contributions come from recieving equitable access to capital, education, and connections.

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In June 2020, The Economist discussed ways Black businesses needed investment beyond placing the onus on consumers to support Black businesses through “buy Black” campaigns. 

According to the outlet, while such campaigns are important to the success of Black-owned businesses, the more vital contributions come from receiving equitable access to capital, education, and connections. 

Recently, INC laid out its own suggestions for ways to help support Black-owned businesses, and unsurprisingly, the advice remains much the same as it was in 2020. This is a sign that despite some policy and funding access improvements, there has not been much change on an institutional level since The Economist’s report. 

As Shaundell Newsome, the founder of Sumnu Marketing, argued in an op-ed for Fortune, although there has been some assistance provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, mentorship in the Black economic community can also boost these businesses. 

Newsome also called for larger corporations to support these businesses by creating or participating in programs that give financial assistance or resources that meet the specific needs of African-American-owned businesses. 

Black-owned and operated businesses have been experiencing something of a renaissance, according to Isabel Casillas Guzman, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, who stated in a January press release, “America’s great diversity continues to propel entrepreneurship with Black, Latino, and women founders starting up at higher rates than ever. As we enter 2024, the SBA will continue its work to increase access to the resources needed to start and grow resilient new businesses, harnessing the unique optimism and ingenuity of American entrepreneurs.” 

The same press release pointed out that Black business ownership was at its highest level in 30 years, a small business boom precipitated by $52 billion in funding from the SBA, of which over 32% was allocated to these small businesses. 

Despite this, African-American business owners face a persistent dearth of capital, often at the hands of the banking industry, according to Larry Ivory, the president and CEO of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce.

“One of the biggest and greatest challenges that African American business owners face is not getting access to the capital they need. Cisco data points out the fact that Black people get turned down at a much higher rate than Caucasians, even with the same credit scores and same factors being considered.” Ivory said.

RELATED CONTENT: Peep This List Of Financial Resources For Black Business Owners And Entrepreneurs