Heinz Reaffirms Commitment To Black-Owned Restaurants With $1M Grant
Heinz has bestowed $4 million in total since launching the Black Kitchen Intiative.
Heinz has reaffirmed its commitment to support Black-owned restaurants. The brand will donate another $1 million in grants to help Black entrepreneurs keep and grow their kitchens.
The hefty check will go toward Heinz’s Black Kitchen Initiative (BKI), which is also in partnership with The LEE Initiative and Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice. In a statement released toEssence, Heinz emphasized its ongoing mission to support Black-owned restaurants nationwide.
“The Black Kitchen Initiative grants are a tentpole moment for us each year, not only because we recognize the importance of Black-owned food businesses in the American culinary space, but also because entrepreneurship has been one of the core values in our brand DNA since day one,” stated Lizzy Goodman, brand communications manager at Heinz U.S.
Recipients will receive grants of $20,000 each to sustain their food business operations. This funding remains critical as financial issues disproportionately impact Black restaurateurs. According to Bankrate, Black restaurants start their business with significantly less capital, an average of $35,000, than their white counterparts, who hold an average of $107,000.
With stats like this in mind, Heinz’s financial support of the BKI seeks to dismantle these systemic problems. Moreover, the brand has allocated $4 million in total since launching the partnership.
SRRJ’s Founder Cheryl Day also spoke of the ongoing measure, “For a fourth year, we are grateful to Heinz to be able to support heritage chefs, bakers, and restaurants and continue to uplift communities all across the country.”
In 2023, Heinz also partnered with famed chef Marcus Samuelsson for an “Open Kitchen” event series to uplift recipients. It offered new experiences in kitchens throughout major food spots, as grantees showcased their skills on a grander scale.
Currently, the grant program will accept submissions until Aug. 31. They intend to prioritize applicants with community involvement and dedication to business growth.
Star Publicist And Life Coach Lynn Hobson Empowering Female Entrepreneurs With Networking Platform
'Money Lynn & Friends' was born out of a desire to create a supportive and empowering network for women entrepreneurs, especially those from minority backgrounds.
The pleasure of giving back is not lost on entrepreneur Lynn Hobson, who has been involved in the entertainment industry since 1995 when she worked for powerhouse publicist Terrie Williams. While building up her résumé, working with Eddie Murphy and Boyz II Men, she became director of Publicity at Untertainment Records. At the label, she worked with Lil Kim, Junior MAFIA, and Cam’Ron until she started her entrepreneurial journey in 1998, when she started her own company.
Her client roster has been extensive over the years. She became a published author in 2015 when she released her book, Diary of A Hip-Hop Publicist,and she hasn’t stopped working since then.
Her latest venture, “Money Lynn & Friends,” is a platform that encourages other entrepreneurs to gather. With 95% of these enterprises led by women, it has become a haven for female entrepreneurs to have an inclusive and supportive environment.
This entity has become a pop-up shop and expo that offers a dynamic space for entrepreneurs to market, promote, showcase, and sell their products. With different themes and goals throughout the year, minority-owned businesses can network among peers amid support from people who look and think like them.
BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with “Money Lynn” about the purpose of “Money Lynn & Friends” and her contributions to helping fellow entrepreneurs succeed in their businesses.
You’ve been involved in the entertainment industry for several years, and throughout that time, you’ve done things for the community that have helped empower them. Why did you feel it was important to do so, and how have you helped others with that mindset?
From the very beginning of my career in the entertainment industry, I recognized the impact that media and public relations can have on individuals and communities. It was important for me to leverage my platform to not only entertain but also empower and uplift those around me. I believe that when we invest in our communities, we create a ripple effect of positive change and opportunity. Through initiatives like “Money Lynn & Friends,” I’ve been able to mentor young talents, provide resources and networking opportunities, and create platforms for voices that might otherwise go unheard. By sharing my knowledge and connections, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and give back to their communities to further a culture of support and empowerment.
You also focus on assisting women entrepreneurs, particularly minority-owned businesses, through your “Money Lynn & Friends.” When did you start this initiative, and what goals do you have for it?
“Money Lynn & Friends” was born out of a desire to create a supportive and empowering network for women entrepreneurs, especially those from minority backgrounds. I started this initiative in 2020, recognizing the unique challenges that women and minorities often face in the business world. My goal is to provide them with the tools, resources, and connections needed to thrive. This includes everything from workshops and mentorship programs to networking events and funding opportunities. Ultimately, I aim to create a community where Black and brown women entrepreneurs can share their experiences, learn from one another, and build successful, sustainable businesses.
How do you and your company help those under the umbrella, and what goes into including certain people and businesses when you do events?
At “Money Lynn & Friends,” we take a holistic approach to supporting those who come under our umbrella. This involves providing tailored advice, strategic PR and marketing services, and creating opportunities for exposure through events and media features. When selecting individuals and businesses to include in our events, we look for those who not only have a compelling story or innovative business model but also demonstrate a commitment to the community and a willingness to support and uplift others. We aim to create a diverse and dynamic mix of participants who can learn from and inspire each other.
Through your efforts, you’ve hosted several panels with entrepreneurs and successful business people. How do you decide what will be featured at your events, and what goes into the planning?
Deciding what to feature at our events involves a combination of market research, community feedback, and current trends in the industry. We aim to address the most pressing issues and opportunities that our audience faces at that particular time. Planning an event involves meticulous attention to detail, from securing the right venue and speakers to marketing the event and ensuring a seamless experience for attendees. We also prioritize inclusivity and diversity, making sure that our panels and discussions represent a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Collaborating with industry experts and influencers is key to delivering valuable content that resonates with our audience. Keeping my thumb at the very pulse of hot trending Black & Brown concerns is of the utmost importance for me.
What advice would you give anyone who wants to start and/or revitalize their business? What do you suggest to someone who wants to thrive off their passion for what they want to do?
For anyone looking to start or revitalize their business, my advice is to stay true to your passion but be strategic in your approach. Understand your market, know your audience, and continuously seek feedback to refine your offerings. Networking is crucial—surround yourself with mentors, peers, and collaborators who can provide support and guidance. For those wanting to thrive off their passion, it’s important to stay adaptable. The journey will have its challenges, but maintaining a clear vision and being open to learning and growth will pave the way for success. Furthermore, remember why you started and let that drive you through the ups and downs. Passion combined with perseverance is a powerful force and most importantly, keep GOD first in all that you do.
North Carolina Woman Mysteriously Dies At Haitian Vodou Retreat; Son Seeks Answers
Dana Jackson went to Haiti to become a Vodou priestess.
Dana Jackson, a North Carolina woman, was scheduled to return from a Vodou spiritual retreat in Haiti on July 26, but her family members raised concerns when she failed to show up as expected.
According to WCNC Charlotte, Timothy Jackson, Dana’s son, was already skeptical of his mother’s trip due to the unstable political environment and violence in Haiti, but his mother was adamant about becoming a Vodou priestess.
“We talked and [she] told me she was fine once they got there … we would talk once a day or even more,” Timothy told the outlet.
He continued, “The last text I received from her was on July 12. They were going to church the following day and [she said] to pray for her. I knew at this last part of the ceremony she wouldn’t have access to her phone. I did research and that was common.”
According to USA Today, although Timothy was uncertain about his mother’s trip, she was not going to Haiti with complete strangers, these were people whom the 51-year-old Jackson had built relationships with.
“The people that she went down there with, their name is Sosyete and I believe that that means society in the Turkish language and Nago,” Timothy told USA Today. “These weren’t strangers that she went down there with. These are people that she’s built a relationship with.”
According to Timothy, his mother was going to send him a message on July 21 and when she did not message him by July 22, he began to feel like something was wrong. His grandmother would confirm his worst fears that same day when she called Timothy to tell him that his mother had died.
“The way she told me was, ‘Your mom’s not coming back from Haiti.’ So I hung up the phone with her,” Timothy told USA Today. “I called her back. I asked her, ‘What did she mean?’ She said, ‘She’s not coming back from Haiti. She passed away.’ I hung up the phone. I called her again.”
After confirming his mother’s death with his grandfather, Timothy then called the person who was in charge of the itinerary, demanding answers, but what answers he received only created more questions.
“I pulled up her itinerary and called the lady in charge, Manbo Maude, and I asked her what happened,” Timothy told WCNC. “They asked me how much I knew. Then they said she had gone through the ritual but got sick and had a stroke … then she said seizures … then, she changed it up and said she had an asthma attack. I feel like they manipulated and lied to my mom and I feel like I can’t be quiet about it anymore.”
Timothy told USA Today that it felt like they were hiding something from him. “That was the initial story. They said that my mom didn’t bring her medicine. So there was a red flag because what medicine are you guys talking about? It sounds like they were trying to perpetuate a story,” he alleges.
Timothy also told the outlet that his mother was extremely health conscious and would have gone to a hospital if she suspected something was wrong. Timothy eventually discovered that his mother’s body had been moved around Haiti multiple times and he had no idea where her body was.
Upon receiving the official death certificate from Haiti, Timothy also noticed it looked sloppy and was missing key information such as the official cause of his mother’s death.
Timothy has also created a GoFundMe to assist in covering the costs of bringing his mother’s body home from Haiti.
According to the GoFundMe, which at the time of writing has raised $10,000 of its $50,000 goal. “We are unable to get clear answers as to how she passed. We also don’t have answers on where she is located or where her belongings are. Usually, when someone dies in another country, the US Embassy is involved and they will work with the family and funeral homes to get the body back to the States. This has yet to happen,” Timothy wrote.
He added, “The group she left with has been untruthful and, at times, hard to reach. To add insult, the family has received information that while attending this retreat, Dana was neglected and not properly taken care of during the time of her demise.”
Ohio Woman Finally Arrested After Evading Police For Allegedly Stealing $1.5M From Medicaid
Janay Corbitt had been evading the police since May.
Police have found and arrested an Ohio woman following her indictment for medical fraud. Janay Corbitt allegedly stole $1.5 million from Ohio Medicaid.
According to WDTN, the 36-year-old has evaded authorities for months. In May, a Franklin County grand jury initially indicted her on eight felony counts. However, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost disclosed that Corbitt has been located and is currently detained in Texas. Her charges include medical fraud, aggravated theft, and forgery.
Yost’s Health Care Fraud Unit uncovered Corbitt’s scheme, which included identity theft. She allegedly stole multiple identities to launch her two fake behavioral health counseling agencies in Dayton, Ohio. The investigation also accused the now-detained fugitive of using the credentials of actual counselors to bill Medicaid for unprovided services. They promptly issued a warrant for her arrest and the U.S. Marshals Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) began searching for her.
Corbitt continued to evade the authorities until the police found her at a Dallas bus station. She remains in Texas while her home state begins the process for extradition.
Moreover, this alleged medical fraud is not Corbitt’s first rodeo. In 2019, she was convicted of theft and ordered to pay $200,000 back to Medicaid. However, the woman has only paid a little over $6,200 thus far. Following her conviction, she was banned from the medical assistance program, resulting in her finding new ways to exploit the system.
Corbitt faces six charges in total, including additional singular counts for identity fraud against a person in a protected class and aggravated theft of $1.5 million or more. She was also indicted for one count of engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
Authorities did not disclose how many years in prison Corbitt may receive if convicted. Officials expect her to return to Ohio for further legal action.
Jury Finds D.C. Man Guilty Of Manslaughter In Killing Of Unarmed 13-Year-Old
Jason Lewis’s killing of Karon Desean Blake caused outrage, initially drawing comparisons to the 2012 death of Trayvon Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman.
Former parks and recreation employee Jason Lewis, who worked with troubled teens in the Washington, DC, area, was found guilty of manslaughter in the 2023 shooting death of 13-year-old Karon Desean Blake.
According to the Washington Post, Blake’s death sparked outrage in the District of Columbia, with many drawing comparisons to the 2012 killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman. The speculation arose, in part, because authorities released little information about Lewis, including his name or race, leading many to assume the shooter was either a white man or a police officer—neither of which was true.
The 42-year-old Lewis, who is Black, appeared to take the law into his own hands. He brought his handgun with him when he confronted Blake and two others who were allegedly attempting to steal vehicles on his street.
In court, Lewis described the shooting of Blake as devastating. “It was devastating,” Lewis said. Lewis formerly helped run programs for the city’s parks and recreation department aimed at keeping youths in D.C. out of trouble. “I spent close to 20 years of my career working with young people, making sure they were safe and that they had opportunities.”
Lewis said that he thought he heard a gunshot shortly before he shot Blake, but prosecutors pointed out that his Ring security camera was able to pick up Lewis letting out a heavy sigh, but never picked up any gunshot before Lewis fired his weapon. In addition, the prosecution also argued that Lewis never said he heard gunfire until last week, over a year after the shooting of Blake.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Lewis was found guilty of three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two charges of assault with a deadly weapon. Although Brian McDaniel, a lawyer for the Blake family, said in a statement that the family was disappointed that Lewis wasn’t convicted of the murder of Karon, they still held out hope.
“The family is disappointed that Mr. Lewis was not found guilty of the more serious charges but they respect the time and attention of the jury and appreciate their participation in the process. They miss Karon dearly and hope that a sentence will reflect the loss that they experience every day,” McDaniel said.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Superior Judge Anthony Epstein scheduled Lewis’s sentencing for Oct. 25. For the manslaughter charge, Lewis faces a maximum sentence of 45 years. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, since Lewis was found guilty of assault with a deadly weapon, the jury rejected his self-defense claim.
According to WUSA 9, although the trial has now concluded, it has left a community and a family to pick up the pieces in the aftermath. As the prosecution reminded the jury, Blake’s mistakes did not give Lewis the license to take his life, regardless of what he thought he heard or what Blake was doing that night. “Karon should not have been breaking into cars that night, but he didn’t deserve to die in someone’s garden either.”
Black Men Vote PAC Announces $4M Campaign To Elect Kamala Harris To The White House
'Black men can be the difference between winning and losing,' said Black Men PAC co-founder Frank White.
Black Men PAC is preparing to spend $4 million to encourage Black men to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in several swing states.
According to Politico, the group plans to spotlight Harris’ record and achievements using a social media campaign and a campaign drive in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania involving door knockers and radio advertising.
Frank White, the co-founder and board chair of Black Men PAC, told the outlet that he believes Black men could be the difference between a Harris win and a Trump win.
“Black men can be the difference between winning and losing,” White said before he acknowledged that the emergence of Harris as a candidate made for a better return on their investment. “Kamala is a better investment,” White noted.
According to The Associated Press, Black men have emerged as a key constituency in the upcoming election. Although they historically tend to vote Democrat, both political parties see them as voters whose votes are up for grabs.
Bishop Reginald Jackson, the head of all 534 African Methodist Episcopal churches in Georgia, told the AP that Harris’ entry into the race has also energized Black men.
“To be frank, I think early on in this process, a lot of Black men viewed this election with much skepticism and dread.”
“But since the change in the Democratic ticket, there has been a turnaround. I think they feel they have something that they can support. I think a lot of issues which made a lot of them skeptical are being addressed.” Bishop Jackson said.
According to TheNew York Times, some Black men, like Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, have placed their finger directly on the pulse. Raoul said on the Win With Black Men fundraising Zoom call for Black men, “Sometimes, as Black men, we get confused as to what strength is, and sometimes we think that standing behind a Black woman as a leader does not display strength as Black men. I’m here to tell you all tonight that it does the opposite of that; it displays strength.”
Raoul continued, “I’m standing behind a Black woman to be president of the United States, and it doesn’t make me any less of a Black man, I’m asking all of you all to do the same.”
For her part, Harris has been attentive to Black men during her term as vice president, highlighted by a 2023 meeting of 60 Black men at the White House brokered by the NAACP.
In addition, Harris has said the exact same thing as many Black men: that she needs to earn their vote.
Harris told The Nation in July, “There is a trope in this election which I take issue with because the underlying premise suggests that Black men should be in the back pocket of Democrats, and that is absolutely unacceptable. Here’s why: Why would any one demographic of people be different from any other demographic? They all expect you to earn their vote! You’ve got to make your case.”
Jason Nichols, a senior lecturer in the African American Studies Department at the University of Maryland College Park, told The New York Times that he believes that Black men know how important it is for them to vote for Vice President Harris this time around.
“You see the community coming together to vote their best interest — which, in this case, is a Black woman. I think this time, Black men understand the assignment,” Nichols said.
Alabama High Schooler Dies After Collapsing At Football Practice
Semaj Wilkins was practicing in 96 degree weather, which had a heat index of 100 degrees.
A community in Alabama is grieving the unexpected death of a high school student. Semaj Wilkins was attending football practice at New Brockton High School when he suddenly collapsed.
On Aug. 13, Wilkins was participating in warmups when he suffered a medical emergency around 4:30 P.M. After being given CPR on the field, emergency responders transported him to a nearby medical center. The 14-year-old was pronounced dead shortly after. The temperature in the area that day, according to data from the National Weather Service, reached 96 degrees.
“It’s dealt a real blow to this small community,” said Coffee County Coroner Arnold Woodham, as reported byToday.com. “I’ve been here all my life and this is the first time I’ve seen or heard of anything like this occurring here.”
Superintendent Kelly Cobb also posted a statement on Facebook about Wilkins’ death. She wrote that the young teen “brought joy and inspiration” to those he knew throughout the community. A vigil also occurred at the school’s football field on Aug. 16.
“Semaj [Wilkins] was a young man who brought joy and inspiration to his peers, teammates, coaches, and faculty members. His loss will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him,” stated Cobb. “We encourage everyone to come together to support one another and remember the positive impact Semaj made on our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this most difficult time.”
The high schooler’s mother, Regina Johnson-Adams, expressed to local reporters that her son seemed healthy before the fatal incident.
“At this time, I know that my son was healthy…It was probably something that we missed,” Johnson-Adams said to WDHN. “You never know because we do have underlying health problems in our family.”
Cobb shared in another statement that the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office have launched an investigation into Wilkins’ death.
The cause of death remains unclear, with the results from Wilkins’ autopsy expected in the upcoming weeks.
Saint Augustine’s University Secures New Funding As HBCU Enters Credit Agreement
The credit agreement will allocate a $7 million term loan for the HBCU to resolve its outstanding debts.
Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) will start the school year with a boost in cash flow. The once-troubled North Carolina HBCU has entered a credit agreement with Gothic Ventures.
SAU will receive a $7 million term loan to start the new partnership. However, the school may receive up to $30 million from the agreement in additional rollouts. According to the school’s Board of Trustees, the financial cushion will ensure SAU can sustain and grow its operations.
“The partnership with Gothic Ventures marks a pivotal moment for SAU as it embarks on a multi-year strategic plan to stabilize and grow the University,” said SAU Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Boulware in a statement reported by HBCU Gameday. “This funding secures our immediate needs while allowing us to implement our long-term vision. We believe our partnership with Gothic Ventures will be crucial to our journey toward excellence.”
SAU’s interim president, Marcus Burgess, added, “This loan represents a significant affirmation of our commitment to our students and staff. We are grateful for the belief that Gothic Ventures has placed in our vision, allowing us to focus on enhancing the academic experience while showcasing our resilience in the face of adversity.”
The initial loan, secured by a deed of trust on SAU’s real estate holdings, will go toward resolving the school’s debts. These issues extend to employee salaries, student credit balances, and the external audit. The school’s financial concerns initially led to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) removing its accreditation. However, the organization reversed the decision in July.
In light of this new development, Gothic Ventures decided to support the HBCU as it navigates this new era.
“We are excited to partner with Saint Augustine’s University during this pivotal time,” expressed Kip Johnson, Gothic Ventures founder and managing general partner. “Our belief in the transformative power of education aligns with the University’s historic mission, and we are confident that this collaboration will lead to future successes for the institution and its community.”
The school’s struggles prompted students to leave campus early last semester. It intends to resume normal operations for the fall.
Mississippi Councilwoman Resigns Hours Before Federal Indictment On Bribery
On the same day of her resignation, Lee was indicted on federal charges of bribery.
Jackson City Council now faces a special election after Councilwoman Angelique Lee abruptly resigned on Aug. 14. The Mississippi lawmaker left the role hours before her indictment on federal bribery charges.
Lee turned in her resignation letter Wednesday morning. She remained mum about why she was suddenly leaving the role she had held since 2020.
“Circumstances that I am not at liberty to discuss at the moment, have led to this decision,” Lee said in her resignation letter, obtained by the Mississippi Free Press. “I will greatly miss working with each of you, and I am proud of the work we have done as a collective body for the City of Jackson and its citizens.”
She added, “It has been my tremendous honor to serve the constituents of Ward 2 and the people of the City of Jackson as a whole. I would like to personally extend my gratitude to all of my neighborhood association presidents for all of their support and prayers throughout my tenure.”
According to the Associated Press, federal officials accused Lee of accepting bribes from two undercover FBI agents. The court documents allege that Lee agreed to vote on the agents’ real estate developments in February and March. She reportedly received $3,000 in cash and a $10,000 payment to alleviate some of her campaign debt.
The former councilwoman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. If convicted, Lee faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Following the news of her abrupt departure, Jackson’s Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, released a statement of support for Lee.
“On behalf of the entire city, I want to express my deep gratitude for her service and dedication. We will miss her leadership on the council, but we know she will continue to be a passionate advocate for our community in other ways,” expressed the mayor. “The process to fill the vacancy on the City Council will begin immediately, and I encourage all interested and qualified individuals to consider serving in this important role.”
As Lee’s legal battle begins, Jackson residents will vote on her replacement in a special election within the next 30 to 45 days.
Philadelphia Selected As Site For First Harris-Trump Debate
Philadelphia will host the first of two agreed-upon debates.
The city nicknamed the “Birthplace of America” has been selected to host the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. It will be held on Sept. 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.
According to The Hill, the debate will begin at 9 p.m. EST and will be hosted by ABC News’s David Muir and Linsey Davis. Although Trump previously railed against ABC News and said he would not attend this debate, he has changed his mind and will attend this debate and two others.
Harris’s campaign, meanwhile, has committed to two debates, including the one in September. Trump was originally scheduled to debate President Joe Biden, but once he announced that he was dropping out of the race, Harris, the eventual Democratic Party nominee, inherited the debate.
According to The New Yorker, Harris may have no better assistance on her quest to become the first Black woman and Asian-American president than another former occupant of the White House, Donald Trump.
The outlet argues that this is largely due to his proclivity to melt down over the size of Vice President Harris’s crowds or to blatantly refuse to center policy over personal attacks on Harris. According to the Washington Post, several Republican political strategists have called for Trump to stop focusing on crowd sizes and insulting Vice President Harri and instead focus on policy and crafting a story.
J.D. Vance, Trump’s vice presidential pick, told reporters that by virtue of his winning the nomination that Trump should be allowed to say whatever he wants.
“To the people who say that Donald Trump should do something different, they had an opportunity to make Donald Trump do something different by challenging him over three separate primaries — every single one of which he won,” Vance said. “So I think that Donald Trump has earned the right to run the campaign that he wants to run.”
Harris, by contrast, has changed the energy of the Democratic Party in a matter of months, as Julian Zelizer, a presidential historian at Princeton University, told the Washington Post, “It is remarkable. An incredibly important election, which made the Democratic convention interesting from the start, is now truly distinct. The entire ticket has changed, the energy is different, and what the party is putting forth as the faces of the party has transformed the terms of the competition.”
The stage is set for a clash of ideas on democracy, and some say it’s only fitting that the debate should take place in Philadelphia.
As the National Constitution Center Communications Director Moira Bagley Smith told CBS News, “We are footsteps away from Independence Hall where it all started. The great experiment that is American democracy, and we’re seeing it play out here in our presidential debate. What a great moment for Philadelphia to have both these candidates here on Sept. 10.”
Bagley Smith expressed optimism, stating, “The Constitution Center is known for its reasoned and mature debate and we look forward to that taking place here.”
