If it’s true that necessity is the mother of invention, then it was inevitable that a Black woman would create an all-weather head cover to protect that fresh-from-the-salon hairstyle from the elements – unexpected rain, wind, and humidity. And, of course, the inventions would have to be practical, affordable, and certainly fashionable.
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
March 18, 2024
New York State Police Appoints First Black Woman Captain
New York State Police has officially appointed a Black woman, Lieutenant Trenee Young, to captain for the first time in its history.
New York State Police appointed Trenee Young captain of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Troop NYC, on March 14. Young is the first Black woman to reach the rank of captain. She began her career with the force in 2007.
Her promotion was recognized in a statement by Acting Superintendent Steven G. James, who noted Young’s “remarkable commitment” to New York residents and keeping them safe.
“I send my sincere congratulations to Captain Young on becoming the first African-American female in the history of the State Police to earn this prestigious rank,” James said. “Captain Young has shown remarkable commitment to serving the people of New York honorably, with dignity and the highest moral character. I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to provide excellent service to all in her new role. This is a well-deserved milestone in Captain Young’s career.”
Young released her own statement.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be the first African-American female Captain in the history of the New York State Police,” she said. “I stand on the shoulders of those who inspired and encouraged me, those who mentored me, and those who challenged me to never give up. I am humbled by the opportunity to pave the way for those who will come behind. Leadership has been defined in different ways by many, but the underlying theme is to set an example that others want to follow.”
This is Young’s second historic appointment. She became permanently ranked as lieutenant in 2021, another first for a Black woman in the state. She is now a symbol of diverse leadership in the force and hopes to lead by example for others pursuing their highest ambitions.
RELATED CONTENT: Pamela Smith Makes History As Washington, D.C.’s First Black Female Police Chief
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
March 18, 2024
The 3 Systemic Issues Keeping Black Women Out Of Boardrooms
Childcare, travel, and the "broken rung" are major contributors that keep Black women out of corporate boardrooms.
Black women have been systemically left out of the C-suite and corporate boards of Fortune 500 companies, according to a new report. Despite strides to diversify the boardroom, covered in Black Women on Boards’ (BWOB) new documentary, three key obstacles still remain that keep Black women out.
Forbes highlighted Patricia Roberts Harris, whose story is told in BWOB’s OnBoard: Story of Black Women on Boards. Even as the feature celebrates the accomplishments of women such as Harris who are on corporate boards, it acknowledges the challenges preventing them from reaching new heights professionally. Outside factors also stunt Black women.
Childcare remains a burden for Black women trying to climb the corporate ladder. Almost half of Black mothers are raising their children as single parents, thus taking on greater hardship and expense for their family. By having to dedicate more time to their children’s needs compared to two-parent households, Black women have less freedom to pursue more significant roles at the office.
“It’s important that all working families, especially Black working mothers and other women of color, have access to quality child care while pursuing their careers,” said Gigi Schweikert the CEO of Lightbridge, whose study revealed that almost a quarter of working mothers lack partners in the home to help with daily responsibilities. “Oftentimes, company decision makers are seasoned executives who aren’t directly affected by the early child care needs their employees face, so it’s up to all of us to speak up, advocate for our needs, and communicate the challenges we’re facing.”
The “broken rung” is another factor, as missed promotions lead to a lack of consideration for board positions. Especially during tough job markets, Black women are relatively ignored for scarce promotion opportunities, often being forced to transition to new professions in order to gain more leadership roles.
Kimberly Bryant of Black Girls Code argued that their continued marginalization within the workplace leads to their notable absence in boardrooms.
“This oversight not only diminishes the individual’s contributions but also perpetuates a cycle of underrepresentation and undervaluation that hinders the career progression of Black working mothers,” said Bryant.
Travel was also cited as a detrimental factor, as travel requirements for board positions often incur outside costs. With pay gaps and lack of childcare support, professional women cannot afford or commit to these opportunities. As Black women continue to make 63 cents for every dollar white men earn, they are being squeezed out of leadership roles that they are equally, if not more, qualified for.
Black women are raising awareness of the factors that limit their career potential while honoring those paving the way for their seat at the table. In the meantime, addressing and further dismantling these obstacles are crucial for Black women to land spots on corporate boards.
RELATED CONTENT: Want More BIPOC Women On Corporate Boards? Start In Middle School
by Mary Spiller
March 18, 2024
Former Phillies Player Jimmy Rollins To Open Restaurant In The City Of Brotherly Love
Jimmy Rollins and his business partner, Matt DeLima, have named the restaurant Eleven Social.
Former Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins has announced plans to open up a restaurant in the city.
In a partnership with restaurant owner Matt DeLima, the pair are set to open Eleven Social this June or July. Eleven Social will serve American fare out of 117 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia.
The restaurant isn’t set to be a brewpub, despite the in-house brewing equipment still onsite from the previous owners. Instead, it will be a full restaurant, and the equipment will be used to make the bar’s very own branded beer, according to DeLima.
He continued to express that they don’t want it to be sports-themed, but instead just have “a few baseball references to remind you that Jimmy’s a part of it.”
The American menu will be cultivated by a head chef who is yet to be hired.
The restaurant has dining rooms spread across two floors, and DeLima said that he and Rollins plan on utilizing them to have different vibes. “It will be a good place for a social gathering with good food,” DeLima described.
The restaurateur recalled how he and Rollins decided on the place.
“I reached out to Jimmy to see if he’d be interested in having a restaurant, and he said we should open one in Philly, [even though] I’ve never lived outside of California.”
After Rollins was put in contact with DeLima by a mutual friend, he knew Rollins would be the right man to partner with.
“Jimmy’s a super social guy, and he loves going out to restaurants,” he said. “He always wanted to own a restaurant and also be involved with all aspects of the business. I didn’t think it was going to be like that because he’s a busy guy.”
Rollins is an active adviser to the Phillies and an analyst for Turner Sports; he also owns a cannabis boutique and lounge in Alameda, California, which lends itself to his business experience.
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by Daniel Johnson
March 18, 2024
Debate Over Taxes And Reparations: Insights From Tiffany Cross, Angela Rye, And Andrew Gillum
Is actor Terrence Howard right that it's 'immoral' for those with slave ancestors to pay taxes?
As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Terrence Howard made some waves when he declared during a voicemail to the lead tax attorney for the Justice Department that Black people should not have to pay taxes due to the unpaid bill of reparations owed to Black people by the United States government.
In a recent episode of their Native Land podcast, television journalist Tiffany Cross; Angela Rye, head of political advocacy firm IMPACT Strategies; and former Florida politician Andrew Gillum discussed the merits of Howard’s claim even though they briefly acknowledged that the Hollywood star’s claims likely come from a place of self-preservation.
During their conversation, they wondered aloud if the same attention is paid to Black people who evade paying taxes as opposed to white tax dodgers before moving on to a larger discussion about the way tax law works to shield the wealth of families with generational wealth, typically white families.
In 2023, ProPublica reported that after being gutted for nearly a decade, the infusion of cash into the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) prescribed by the Inflation Reduction Act would enable it to increase the agency’s ability to perform audits on high-income earners.
According to the IRS’ strategic operating plan, “Taxpayers earning $1 million or more were subject to an audit rate of just 0.7% in 2019 — a sharp decline from 7.2% in 2011. We will increase enforcement for high-income and high-wealth individuals to help ensure they are paying the taxes they owe.”
This is undoubtedly a good first step, but America’s tax system in general, as ProPublica also reported on, has been designed with such benefits for the wealthy that Jeff Bezos, one of the high-income earners referenced by the IRS, went years without paying taxes.
On March 7, the White House released a fact sheet detailing its plans to implement tax cuts for working American families while requiring the wealthy to pay their fair share of the tax burden.
Notably, the White House’s sheet also brings attention to the fight against this initiative by the Republican Party. Regardless of their grievances, the tax code was adjusted so that corporations are required to pay at least 15% in taxes. The Biden-Harris administration notes that this will ensure billion-dollar corporations like Bezos’ Amazon won’t be allowed to forgo paying federal taxes in the future.
The Biden-Harris administration has proposed that those who make over $100 million pay at least 25% in taxes, an increase from their current tax rate of 8%. Proportionally, they currently pay less in income taxes than occupations like firefighters or teachers.
The administration also touted its moves to help the IRS crackdown on delinquent millionaires, which is likely what got Howard caught up with the Justice Department to begin with. Howard, meanwhile, has claimed that he has been the victim of lowball pay on a consistent basis during his career.
As it regards the tax cuts for working Americans, the Biden-Harris administration is striking a tone that is familiar under Democratic presidents: to finance the tax cuts for the middle class, they will seek to raise taxes on the rich.
According to the fact sheet, “President Biden’s plan will extend all middle-class tax cuts; as the President has repeatedly promised, he will not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 per year. He will fully pay for these extensions with additional reforms to make the wealthy and corporations pay their fair share so that they do not add to the debt. And he opposes extending tax cuts or restoring tax breaks for those making more than $400,000 per year.”
While the idea of not paying taxes due to the American government’s refusal to provide wholesale reparations is certainly attractive, the absolute best thing that the government is going to be able to do, from a standpoint of tax collection, is going to be making the tax code more equitable for everyone, while making the rich pay what they weigh.
RELATED CONTENT: Terrence Howard Ordered To Pay $1M In Taxes, Believes It’s ‘Immoral’ To Tax Slave Descendants
by Daniel Johnson
March 17, 2024
Former ‘All That’ Child Star Recalls Being Called A ‘Piece Of Charcoal,’ Describes His Nickelodeon Experience As A ‘Torture Chamber’
Bryan Hearne recounts his experience in the docuseries 'Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.'
Ahead of the release of the Investigation Discovery four-part docuseries Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, actor Bryan Hearne talked to People magazine about what stuck with him during his time at Nickelodeon. The documentary, according to People, focuses on the experiences of child actors who were sometimes asked to navigate a manipulative and sometimes sexually charged environment. The docuseries will air on the ID Network on March 17-18, 9 p.m.- 11 p.m. ET/PT.
Hearne told People that what he experienced at Nickelodeon still haunts him. “I was referred to as a ‘piece of charcoal’ [by an adult],” he recalled. “Remarks like that are harmful. They stay with you.”
Hearne, who was asked to portray a rapper whose stage name was “Lil Fetus,” told the outlet, “I was already in an uncomfortable position being in a leotard. That’s not something that I’m used to at all.”
Now 35, Hearne was a cast member on All That for seasons 7 and 8 and sometimes would appear on a show called On-Air-Dare, which People likened to a kids’ version of Fear Factor. Hearne said there was often no real communication about when he would appear on the show, and described the situation as a torturous one.
“There was never any discussion,” Hearne said. “We felt like we couldn’t say no. It was a really uncomfortable situation, and after a while, it felt like we were just part of this torture chamber.”
Hearne also said that he was treated differently, or at least that he felt he was treated differently, from some of the non-Black talent on All That. He described his relationship with Dan Schneider, who ran and created the show, as nonexistent. Schneider was fired from Nickelodeon in 2018 after the company conducted an internal investigation after receiving allegations of verbally abusive and demanding behavior were made.
The directors of the documentary series, Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, told Variety that they took great pains to shield the talent they talked to from further harm, as several people who worked at Nickelodeon during that time have since been convicted of child sex abuse.
Schwartz told Variety, “Pretty early in the process, we learned that there have been several people who’ve been arrested and convicted of child sex abuse at Nickelodeon. We began to hear whispers that the person who was the victim in Brian Peck’s case was Drake Bell, but we wanted to be really careful and really thoughtful approaching someone who is a survivor of child sex abuse, especially someone who has, at that point, clearly remained very private about that. But at a certain juncture, when we were pretty certain it was him, I wrote a letter and that letter began a back and forth and a conversation that eventually led to his willingness to sit down on camera.”
Schneider, according to the directors, was asked to participate but declined to participate on camera, but they told Variety that the responses he provided to their questions would be worked into the documentary.
Schneider’s representatives told People that the allegations were contained to adults, and never concerned children. “Nothing has been alleged about Dan other than him being a tough boss who got into disagreements with other adult executives at Nickelodeon and when Dan departed Nickelodeon a full investigation was done and again, that’s all that they found.”
Hearne and Giovonnie Samuels shared a close relationship, and Samuels feels as though their relationship and the representation it broadcast to homes nationwide helped her survive a work environment that didn’t always seem to have her in mind.
Samuels told People, “I didn’t realize the significance of the impact that I made on people being the only representation they had on television and going through, I hate to call it a trauma bond, but at least having somebody with me that I could talk to, not just as a child actor, but also culturally.”
Samuels also told People that she referred to herself and Hearne as the “token Black kids on the show” before delving into the topic of sexual assault behind the scenes. While they were unaware of the alleged sexual assault of Drake Bell by Brian Peck when Bell was just 15, Samuels said that the familiarity may have led some child actors to believe the adults were behaving normally, when the behavior was abnormal at best.
“We’re working 12 to 13 hour days and when you’re on there for seasons, you grow comfortable and you do let your guard down, and again, you’re also a child or a teenager where you’re looking to an adult like this is acceptable behavior and it’s not.”
Samuels hopes the docuseries allows for better laws to be passed regarding child actors.
She told People, “This dream costs and it shouldn’t for children as [much] as it does. We need better laws to protect our kids on set. I really hope that with people watching this, that people will do better and not just look at children as a paycheck.”
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by Daniel Johnson
March 17, 2024
David Johnson, Groundbreaking San Francisco Photographer, Dies At 97
Johnson's work is significant because his photographs document both the lives and conditions of Black people as they sought to gain civil rights.
David Johnson, a photographer who became the first Black student of Ansel Adams after a student dropped out of one of his classes, died earlier in March. His stepdaughter informed NPR that Johnson had been suffering from an advanced form of dementia and pneumonia; he was 97 when he transitioned.
Johnson became the first Black photographer to have his archive displayed at the Bancroft Library in 2016. In 2018, Jack Von Euw described it as “one of the best documentaries I have seen of an African American community.” Johnson’s work is significant because his photographs document the lives and conditions of Black people as they sought to gain civil rights. According to the Berkeley Library at the University of California, Johnson’s ability to get close to his subjects allowed him to capture them candidly.
Johnson had always carried an interest in photography, which was further piqued when he came across a magazine article that said the California School of Fine Arts was beginning a photography program under the direction of Ansel Adams. Johnson had, at the time, recently returned from service in the U.S. Navy. Johnson sent a message declaring his interest in the program, as he said in an interview with the Berkeley Library, “I said, ‘Dear Mr. Adams: I’m interested in studying photography. … By the way, I’m a negro.'”
Initially, Adams declined because there wasn’t a spot, but later, Johnson received a telegram from Adams, which read, “There’s a spot for you, David, if you want to proceed.”
Johnson did not have any formal training in photography when he left Jacksonville, Florida, for California, as the photographer told Berkeley, “I didn’t have that background. What I had was a burning desire to study photography and succeed.”
Upon his arrival, Johnson’s professors made him feel welcome, from Adams putting him up in his home until Johnson could afford a new place to live to Minor White, another professor, who helped to surprise Johnson with a new camera after he showed him his folding Eastman camera. Johnson recalled what the gesture meant to him, telling the library, “They put their money (together) to buy me a new camera,” Johnson said. “They wanted me to succeed.”
When Johnson moved out of Adams’ home, he settled in the Fillmore district of San Francisco, where Black people settled post-World War II. Johnson indicated to the library that not only were they his friends and neighbors, but they became his subjects.
Johnson’s favorite image, one that he considers his defining image, came from the Fillmore neighborhood: Clarence, a 1947 image of a young Black boy sitting on the steps of a church. The subject resonated with Johnson as they share a common background. According to Johnson, he was raised by a relative, like Johnson, and maintained a “certain Innocence.”
Johnson continued, “There was something about this little boy. I could see myself in him.”
Johnson also turned his lens toward more weighty matters once the opportunity presented itself. In addition to capturing images of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Nat King Cole, Langston Hughes, Eartha Kitt, and Jackie Robinson, he also captured images of the March on Washington.
According to Von Euw, Johnson’s life reflects the ability of Black people in his generation to create something marvelous out of a set of circumstances that tried to limit their mobility.
“It really is an amazing story of someone who had the will, the vision, the perseverance to transform his life completely under what were really constrained circumstances.”
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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
March 17, 2024
Empower Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Discover Brand Transformation And Holistic Wellness In A 60-Day Reset Program
Karen Taylor Bass and her "60-Day Reset" Program aims to promote personal wellness as a key factor in business owners' success.
Media Strategist Karen Taylor Bass has developed a 60-day reset program for entrepreneurs to transform their brands through holistic wellness.
Taylor Bass curated “60-Day Reset: Brand, Business & Bottom Line—A Holistic Approach to Success.” In this eight-week workshop, business owners and idea-holders will revolutionize their path to success through various sectors. Highlights of the program include a comprehensive curriculum for branding and PR strategy, wellness integration, and hands-on learning with guest speakers. Her companion book on the 60-Day Reset also comes with the package.
Taylor Bass aspires to build a community of diverse entrepreneurs with the same mission to elevate businesses that are stagnant in their growth. Covered before in BLACK ENTERPRISE, in addition to the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Essence, Taylor Bass is committed to transforming the landscape in how entrepreneurs view success, with wellness at the helm of it.
“I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs and professionals not just excel in their businesses but also lead fulfilling lives,” shared the PR maven. “This program is the embodiment of my belief that success is holistic, combining hard work with mindfulness and well-being practices. I invite you to join me on this transformative journey.”
Her program comes when business owners discover that wellness is a factor in their brand’s thriving. Inc. encouraged a sustainable work-life balance and stress management to ensure owners bring their best selves to their businesses.
Forbes also detailed in 2022 that poor personal health is tied to fewer business profits. Incorporating self-care into daily practice can lead to a better lifestyle and a successful professional career.
“You cannot rule out the importance of your wellness to your business success,” as explained in the article. “Only when the body and mind are healthy can you perform your best and contribute at the highest level to the growth of your business. ”
Taylor Bass’ program is still offering placements, with an early bird offer of $2,499 if one applies by March 22. More information on the 60-Day Reset can be found on her website.
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by Daniel Johnson
March 17, 2024
Man Faces Multiple Charges Including Murder Following Rampage Across Two States
Andre Gordon allegedly killed his 52-year-old stepmother, his 13-year-old sister, and the mother of his two children.
A 26-year-old man is facing multiple charges of carjacking, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of an assault firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm without a serial number, receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines, and possession of hollow-point ammunition in addition to three potential murder charges as the suspect in a March 16 rampage across two states.
As Fox 29 Philadelphia reports, Andre Gordon allegedly killed his 52-year-old stepmother, Karen Gordon, and his 13-year-old sister, Kera Gordon, in Falls Township, Pennsylvania, shortly before 9 A.M. Gordon is accused of then going to Trenton, New Jersey, where he carjacked a vehicle before allegedly killing Taylor Daniel, the mother of his two children, and injuring another person by hitting the person with his rifle. He is being charged with Daniel’s murder as well.
According to police, after he fled that scene, he allegedly carjacked the driver of another vehicle at gunpoint, a gray Honda CRV belonging to a 44-year-old man. The car was later found unoccupied in Trenton. A manhunt for Gordon ensued, culminating in a home in Trenton being surrounded by a SWAT team where police believed Gordon had barricaded himself. According to authorities, Gordon is accused of taking hostages inside that home, but no one was harmed, and the hostages were released. Eventually, officers found Gordon a couple of blocks away, ending the search.
As of March 17, no motive has been revealed, but as NBC News reports, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora described some of the events in an interview. “It’s apparent that he left before the police arrived,” the mayor said of the first home Gordon took over. “The people that were still in the house on the second floor believed, and they relayed to them through 911 calls, that he was still downstairs. My understanding is he was walking down the street.”
Gusciora also indicated that he does not regret giving the order for residents to shelter in place while others were evacuated, saying, “We value life and we wanted to make sure that we err on the side of caution to tell people to stay in your home. The suspect was still out and about.”
According to Jennifer Schorn, the district attorney for Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the death toll would have been worse if not for other people inside the home where Gordon killed his stepmother and sister hiding from the gunman. Schorn said at a March 16 news conference that they “were able to hide and avoid being shot by Gordon as he went through the house searching for them.” A woman that Gordon “bludgeoned” with his gun was taken to a local hospital, where she is expected to recover.
According to Pennsylvania police, Gordon was homeless but had some connections to Trenton. They cautioned that he could have more weapons and was considered “extremely dangerous.” Falls Township Police Chief Nelson Whitney said that Gordon had contact with his department in the past, but nothing gave them the indication that Gordon would eventually do anything like this.
Gordon is now in custody at the Mercer County Correction Facility, where he presumably awaits murder and charges that are pending from the multiple shootings and carjackings he is accused of, in addition to the charges earlier enumerated that are coming his way from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin.
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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
March 17, 2024
Usher And ‘The Color Purple’ Win Big At NAACP Image Awards
The NAACP Image Awards honored stars such as Usher and the cast of "The Color Purple" in its 55th Annual event.
Black Hollywood is getting its rightful praise. Stars such as Usher and the cast of 2023’s film The Color Purple took home big awards at the 55th NAACP Image Awards on March 16.
The Los Angeles ceremony, hosted by Queen Latifah, brought out Black A-listers in all sectors of entertainment. From Usher to Taraji P. Henson and New Edition, the stars came out to be celebrated by their community for their work in the arts.
According to AP News, Usher took home two esteemed honors, the first being the President’s Award. He was bestowed this award for his public service achievements through his New Look Foundation. During his speech, the newlywed expressed his gratitude to the “strong” women in his life, including his mother and wife, Jenn Goicoechea.
“My passion work is what has mattered to me the most, the moment my mother made me understand what purpose lies with the opportunity to be able to speak to the entire world,” shared the 45-year-old.
Oprah Winfrey then presented him with the Entertainer of the Year award, a category in which Usher beat out other transformative stars like Coleman Domingo and Halle Bailey. He dedicated the award to his fans, who have stayed with him throughout his decades-long career.
“This is for you, you, my number ones,” shared the R&B crooner, reciting the lyrics to his hit song “Superstar” from his 2004 album “Confessions.”
Fantasia Barrino won Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role as Celie in The Color Purple. During her speech, Fantasia mentioned her initial fear of playing the character but emphasized how she knew her community would award her for her work because they could relate to Celie’s story.
“I didn’t prepare a speech, because I didn’t think I was going to win,” shared the entertainer. “I was afraid to play Celie, but I’m glad I did. Because I kept saying, ‘If I don’t win an award, the awards that I will win will come from the people who watched ‘Color Purple’ and the women who will relate to her and feel like Oscars when they walk out.’”
Other night winners included the film The Color Purple for Best Motion Picture, and New Edition was also inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame.
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