• News

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 9, 2024

Ida B. Wells Textbook Fund Provides Aid For HBCU Students

---

The Ida B. Wells Textbook Fund, a communal resource to aid HBCU students as they continue their academic journeys, is on its way back for another year to address students’ needs as they matriculate through school.

When the fund started in 2016, the original allotment was to lessen the burden of rising textbook costs, as many students face barriers such as food and housing insecurity despite receiving financial aid to attend school. However, the need for reliable support has made this direct resource invaluable to students; one’s ability to complete their coursework should not be dependent on their financial status, especially at HBCUs that host extraordinary Black minds.

As young academics deal with health, family, and other issues while trying to obtain a degree, the fund promotes outreach and awareness to help uplift individuals and acknowledge their determination to better their lives. This commitment has resulted in raising more than $200,000.

For this upcoming semester, the goal is to raise $25,000 for 70 students’ textbook fees at Morgan State and Howard University.

Students complete a form and receive the funding on a first-come, first-served basis; the maximum allotment is $250. However, student needs often extend beyond standard textbooks, and the money can go toward items such as course software, wi-fi hotspots, and digital equipment.

The demand of this fund is “immense,” but with more support, more students can acquire the tools they need most for a successful school year. Funding from the community is essential to its existence, as each semester requires new money for aid.

Currently, the fund is less than $10,000 away from meeting its goal, but urges those who support Black education to contribute. Journalist, Stacey Patton hopes to advance the lives of Black students so that it can create generational progress: “By Investing in our young individuals today, we are investing in a brighter future for us all.”

Keep an eye out for the activation of the text book fund.

RELATED CONTENT: HBCU Scholarship Named After Late Atlanta Anchor Jovita Moore

• Entrepreneurship

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 9, 2024

Tips To Accelerate Business Growth

To increase sales, one of the savviest moves Black-owned small businesses can make is to develop a strategic marketing plan.

---

To increase sales, one of the savviest moves Black-owned small businesses can make is to develop a strategic marketing plan. Small business owners who hone their marketing skills and take a multi-pronged approach to growth are much likelier to increase their customer acquisition rates than those with a spray-and-pray approach.

Understanding how to optimize your outreach efforts for success is crucial. Integrate the following nine small business marketing tips into your company’s growth plan, and you’ll be amazed how quickly you start to see results.

9 Marketing Tips for Black-Owned Small Businesses

• Use Google My Business to create custom offers for your target audience. Potential customers are already using Google to find companies just like yours; why not stack the odds of engagement in your favor?
• Conduct sales feedback calls with your existing customers. A quick phone call to current customers to ask for their feedback on interactions with your business shows you’re interested in continuing to earn your customers’ patronage and helps keep your company top-of-mind.
• Posting new videos on YouTube not only helps turbocharge the effectiveness of your video marketing efforts but can improve your search engine optimization (SEO), too. Make sure you’re uploading both seasonal and evergreen video content to maximize the potential of your video outreach.
• SlideShare is a powerful customer outreach tool many small business owners overlook. Adding slide presentations to SlideShare not only gives you more niche-specific pages for search engines to index, but it can help increase your social media marketing. Sharing individual slides from your SlideShare presentations can drive traffic to your brand while increasing your thought leadership reputation.
• E-book downloads are an excellent tool for small business owners wanting to double down on email marketing. Offering a free e-book in exchange for an email address helps build your subscriber list and showcase your small business’ expertise to prospective customers.
• Don’t overlook opportunities to market your small business at community events. Attend trade shows and conferences in your area wearing a jacket with your business’ URL on the back. Who knows how many visits you’ll have to your small business’ website simply because you advertised your URL to local conference attendees.
• LinkedIn blogging is a must-use tool for savvy small business owners. Post fresh content marketing posts on your business’ LinkedIn page on a daily/weekly basis to draw attention to your brand. Be sure to share your LinkedIn posts on social media with hashtags specific to your local area for maximum impact.
• Speaking of social media, promoting your brand and local community on social media networks like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook is an excellent way to boost brand awareness. Not only will you be connecting with community members, you will share insights about your small business.
• Digital marketing for small businesses is essential for company growth. Be sure you develop a detailed search engine optimization strategy to grow your company online. Use everything from blog posts on your company’s blog to guest posts on websites specific to your target customers. A detailed SEO strategy can drive traffic to your small business for years to come.

Small business marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you take a strategic approach to company growth. Incorporate these nine marketing tips for small business owners into your company’s growth strategy, and you’ll be amazed at the results.

RELATED CONTENT: Here’s What You Need To Know When Planning A Business Event

• Contributor Network

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 9, 2024

How Do Democrat And Republican Governments Perform In Stock Market?

Luckily, numbers don't lie and we've got the data to help you understand which political party fairs better in performance.

---

During any Presidential election year there’s always discussion about which party is better for the economy, the stock market is an integral part of this discussion. Typically, the country is split dependent upon region, demographic, or political affiliation. Luckily, numbers don’t lie and we’ve got the data to help you understand which political party fairs better in performance.

There’s a phenomenal interactive tool that sums things up quite nicely. It shows the hypothetical growth of $1 invested in the S&P 500, Jan. 1925 – Jul. 2023. The tool begins with our 30th President, Calvin Coolidge (Republican), and brings us to our current President, Joe Biden (Democrat).

Throughout history, Democrat Presidents (15.2%) have produced better overall returns than Republican Presidents (9%.)The difference between these average returns appears largely due to economic and market factors outside any president’s control. You will notice an upward-trending nature of the stock market since the Great Depression. This is why financial advisors always say to think long-term when investing; it’s evident that it pays off.

However, you’ve got to be able to weather the downturns and not lose sight of the long-term focus. If short-term is your goal, there might be better places for your money than investing in the stock market because you might be unlucky. There’s always a chance you can lose what you put in.

That last point is what we all should focus our attention on. The stock market has consistently gone up since the Great Depression. Yes, there are downturns here and there, but overall, it has still been a great place to keep your money over time. If there’s one takeaway everyone needs to remember, it’s this: Your long-term investment strategy should not be influenced by short-term political changes.

Jasper Smith is the founder of The #BuildWealth Movement®. He’s worked in the financial services industry for over 15 years and holds a life insurance license, multiple securities licenses, and the Certified Retirement Counselor (CRC®) designation. 

RELATED CONTENT: Moderna Stock Takes Minimal Hit After New COVID Vaccine Topped Projected Estimates 

by Stacy Jackson

August 9, 2024

Pinky Cole Gifts Her Day Ones With A Slutty Vegan Location

The two women who ran the Slutty Vegan social media and food truck tours are now the first licensees and owners of a Jonesboro location.

---

In celebration of Slutty Vegan’s 6th Anniversary, Founder and CEO Pinky Cole Hayes presented the two women who have been running her logistics and operations since the beginning as the first licensees of the restaurant, gifting them their own location in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Cole Hayes says Angel Barnwell and Miesha Hambrick helped build Slutty Vegan, the signature vegan burger joint established in 2018 in her two-bedroom apartment to offer healthier options to her Atlanta community. “Angel and Miesha put blood, sweat, and tears in my business,” Cole Hayes wrote in an Aug. 6 announcement on Instagram. “I am no longer the only entrepreneur at the table.” The new licensees strolled through the latest location, which features a spacious porch area where customers will enter. Inside is a ceiling covered in the signature Slutty Vegan graphics and yellow flooring throughout. It appears from the Instagram video customers at Barnwell and Hambrick’s location will be able to shop Slutty Vegan merchandise on the side as they await their orders.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pinky Cole Hayes (@pinkycole)

Barnwell, who is currently the assistant vice president for Slutty Vegan, started with the company on Oct. 3, 2018, as the social media intern. She worked her way up to a role as social media manager, which included handling customer service. “I spoke to every customer that we came into contact with,” Barnwell said in a Feb. 6 Black History Month spotlight video on the company’s TikTok channel. She leveled up in the company as Cole Hayes’ personal and executive assistant before being promoted to business manager. “It has been a rollercoaster ride,” she said, adding that the vegan restaurant now boasts over 13 locations and several food trucks. Becoming one of the first licensees is a major milestone, as Barnwell has witnessed the company grow into a dynamic business and household name over the years.

Hambrick is the operations manager for Slutty Vegan, and right when she wakes up, she’s checking emails, phone calls, and text messages. According to her LinkedIn, she started with the company in November 2018, the month after Cole Hayes opened the first restaurant location. In 2023, she appeared alongside the Slutty Vegan team as they graced BLACK ENTERPRISE’s digital cover during Black History Month. In 2021, she introduced herself as Slutty Vegan’s tour director. “I am responsible for Slutty Vegan being on the road,” she said at the time. Her role has included testing out the market in different areas, ensuring the locations’ functionalities are good, and overseeing the overall operational flow.

Cole Hayes is grateful to the two women for their sacrifices to her and her company, and the Jonesboro location is another step toward making their career dreams come to fruition.

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

August 9, 2024

‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ Actress Connie Chiume Dead At 72

The work of the award-winning actress impacted her South African community, family, fellow 'Black Panther' costars, and young artists.

---

Black Panther actress Connie Chiume died unexpectedly Aug. 6 at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, her family announced on Instagram. She was 72.

Chiume’s son, Nongelo Chiume told Newzroom Afrika that she had been in the hospital to undergo a medical procedure. Nongelo said she was recovering well, then “unfortunately…we then got the news of her passing.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Connie Chiume (@conniechiume)

The notable South African actress, entrepreneur and activist appeared in many films and television shows, including Black Is King, Housekeepers, Zone 14, and Soul City, which garnered her an Avanti Trophy in 2000 for Best Actress, according to IMDB.

Her role as “Mining Tribe Elder” in Marvel’s Black Panther and its 2022 sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, left a lasting impression on fans and fellow actors in Hollywood. Black Panther costar Lupita Nyong’o paid her respects on Instagram: “We have lost a library!” she captioned a photo of Chiume on the Black Panther carpet. Another fellow costar, Tobagonian-Rwandan actor Winston Duke, wrote on X, “Rest in peace my beautiful sister Connie Chiume. Thank you for your resilience and the always-inspired present work you have delivered in your long, illustrious career.”

Chiume was also an activist, founding the Connie Chiume Foundation in 2020 as part of her mission to invest in creative professionals by providing resource development, business education, and economic growth initiatives. She developed classes and workshops through her foundation to introduce the arts to rural and urban communities. Chiume’s activism also addressed several other matters like HIV and AIDS, gender-based violence, and voter education.

The South African Government honored Chiume on X: “Her outstanding work will always be remembered” and “South Africa will forever be grateful for your contribution, Mama.”

“We are proud to be her children,” Nongelo said. “I think she’s left us a beautiful legacy and the work that she’s done, not only…for her children or her family, but for the community and the country at large.”

• Money

by Jeffrey McKinney

August 9, 2024

6 Ways To Lower Financial Roadblocks and Elevate Your Prosperity

Navigating financial growth obstacles and unexpected expenses can be tough, but it can be overcome.

---

Overcoming financial roadblocks like not making enough and unexpected expenses can make improving financial condition hard for many people, including Black Americans.

Conquering the barricades can be more burdensome for people of color than their non-diverse peers for several reasons.  For instance, Black families are less likely to own a home that can be used as an asset to generate wealth. They typically have higher debt levels.

Statistics help illustrate why taking steps to erase financial roadblocks is critical. Roughly 27% of Americans have overspent to influence someone else. The median household income in 2022 for Black American families was around  $53,000, much less than over $80,000 for white families. As such, that makes the racial wealth gap even more unpleasing for Blacks.

Further, Black borrowers, on average, generally have lower credit scores than their white borrowers. That is important, for example, as it makes it harder for Blacks to get a mortgage to buy a home.  Credit scores also can have a large impact on determining how much a home loan will cost.

To help individuals overcome financial roadblocks, BLACK ENTERPRISE developed some tips based on research to help them achieve that.

CREATE A BUDGET

This can help you monitor where your money is going and spot opportunities to cut unnecessary expenses. And be mindful that it’s never too late to increase savings if you are not already doing that.  Be sure to erase student loans, credit cards, car notes, debt, and urgent obligations.

SPEND UNDER WHAT YOU MAKE

Doing this can be challenging now, given inflation has boosted the cost of many things like food, housing, and other consumer items. Some ways to help spend less than what you take home can include setting up a transfer of your money into an automated high-yielding savings account, separate from a direct-deposit checking account.  This can help save you money before you see it.

CONSIDER OTHER REVENUE STREAMS

Examine how to generate extra sources of revenue to help conquer financial challenges. Diversifying your income could come from various potential sources, including part-time work, freelancing, starting a side business, and consulting. The funds could be used to supplement your main income.

TAKE ACTIONS TO PAY OFF DEBT

This can be game-changing for financial success. Try to pay it off as fast as you can with as little interest as possible. Pay off accounts with the highest interest with what you can afford and pay the minimum on all other debts. If you have credit card debt, consolidate what you can into a card with a lower or 0% annual percentage for as long as you can. This could help pay off debt before interest is charged again.

SET UP AN EMERGENCY FUND

Many people tap into their checking or savings accounts because they don’t have this fund. That is largely true when a disaster hits. People may turn to a credit card or incur new debt if they are unprepared for a catastrophic event. Building up at least three to six months’ worth of expenses is suggested by experts to help provide such a financial lifeline.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

There are several options to help you overcome financial difficulties. They often can provide guidance and sights to help improve your personal finances. Some examples online include this site, this place, and another here.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 9, 2024

J.D. Vance Tries To Pull Up On Vice President Kamala Harris Near Air Force 2

Say it to her face!

---

GOP Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance badmouthed Vice President Kamala Harris in front of her Air Force Two plane and then ran away as her ground transportation arrived, TMZ reported. 

Vance approached reporters on the tarmac in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as both political candidates were scheduled for appearances. Along with members of his campaign and Secret Service members, Vance stopped directly in front of the Air Force Two plane, which he said “will hopefully” belong to him in a few months, to see if the press were getting lonely since Harris won’t take questions. “I also thought you guys might get lonely since the Vice President doesn’t answer questions from reporters and hasn’t for 17 days,” Vance said. 

He then asked reporters if they had any explanation as to why. Once no one responded, he said he thought it would “be good for the American people” if Harris would take questions and run a “real campaign” instead of doing it from a teleprompter. After a reporter asked him what exactly he wanted from the VP, Vance took the opportunity to get things off his chest. “I want her to answer a question. I’d love for her to tell us what she wants to do and explain why every single position she’s had has changed,” he said. 

The Ohio state senator then inaccurately unloaded on Harris’s record. “She pretends to be a tough-on-crime prosecutor,” he said, followed by touching on her border patrol policies. 

It was likely that the two politicians would bump into each other, since they were in the same place at the same time, however, according to The Associated Press, Vance said he didn’t get a chance to speak with Harris, but he did see her as she drove away. “I had a little bit of fun,” Vance said. “I don’t think the vice president waved at me as she drove away.”

While it’s common for ​​opposing candidates to cross paths during a general election campaign, people on social media think that Vance is stalking Harris, comparing him to when former President Donald Trump was campaigning against Hillary Clinton in 2016. “Reminds me of when Trump stalked Hillary onstage at their debate. Super creepy and weird,” @crazyfenaker said. 

The term “weird” has been used over and over again when describing the vice presidential nominee. For some users, his comments about the plane made it seem like he was more interested in the perks of the White House than doing the work. “Sounds like he’s more interested in turbulence than leadership,” another user said. 

As the presidential candidates are still waiting to schedule a debate, Vance said he is still willing to debate Harris on Aug. 13, which was scheduled before Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, “if she’d like to do a debate with me.”

RELATED CONTENT: Battleground State Polls Show VP Kamala Harris Tied With Trump But Outperforming With Black Voters 

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 8, 2024

White Family Arrested In Nevada After Allegedly Calling For A Black Man To Be Hanged

Incidents like this have got to stop.

---

Three family members in Nevada were arrested and charged in connection to a viral verbal altercation in which a Black man claimed they directed a racist slur toward him and said, “They have a hanging tree,” 8 News Now reports.

Gary Miller faces a charge of violation of breach of peace, Janis Miller faces a charge of battery, and Tiffany Miller faces a charge of obstructing and delaying a peace officer, according to Storey County Sheriff’s Office. The family was seen antagonizing Ricky Johnson, who was working at the Hot August Nights classic car festival in Virginia City, Nevada.

Johnson started to record the now-viral video after some alleged racist comments were directed at him.

While Miller was seen giving Johnson the middle finger, Johnson demanded that Miller repeat himself. “And where the tree to hang people at? Where’s that? Where is the hanging tree at?” Johnson can be heard saying. 

The viral video shows Gary Miller responding, “In the backyard.”

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford released a statement condemning the racist undertones, saying that hate has no place in the state.

“Such hate does not represent the values we hold here in Nevada, and it should not be countenanced,” Ford added. “I am proud to be a Nevadan, as are the employees from my office who reside throughout our state, including those living in and around Virginia City. Nevada is rich in diversity, with people from different backgrounds, and I know us to be welcoming and kind.” 

He encouraged people to speak out about mimicking incidents as several have voiced concern, including Gov. Joe Lombardo. “I encourage others to likewise denounce the racism displayed in the video,” Ford said. 

“I’m concerned and disappointed by this incident in Virginia City this weekend. Racism and hate have no place in Nevada – this behavior must be condemned in the strongest terms possible,” Lombard said in a statement on X. “We take pride in our rich, diverse history, and we’ll always be a place where all are welcome.” 

I’m concerned and disappointed by this incident in Virginia City this weekend. Racism and hate have no place in Nevada – this behavior must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. We take pride in our rich, diverse history, and we’ll always be a place where all are welcome. https://t.co/tHYFKreDYk

— Governor Joe Lombardo (@JosephMLombardo) August 5, 2024

Virginia City is located just outside of Reno. The old mining town hosts tens of thousands of tourists who visit wood-planked sidewalks filled with old saloons and stores. Johnson, the Houston native who was in town to collect signatures for a proposed Nevada state ballot targeting capped attorney fees, said the ordeal troubles him. “I’m still shaking every time I think about it,” Johnson told the Associated Press.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Influencer Claims Hulk Hogan Canceled Her Contract Because She’s –Well, You Know

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 8, 2024

Nelly Arrested In Missouri For Drug Possession, Outstanding Warrant For No Car Insurance

Nelly's attorney is 'confident this case will go nowhere' because the police officer had no probable cause to justify searching the rapper.

---

St. Louis recording artist Nelly was arrested on August 7 at a local casino after a police officer stated he found four illegal ecstasy pills on him after checking his license and discovering he had an arrest warrant issued for not having car insurance. Nelly’s attorney states he is “confident this case will go nowhere” after accusing the officer of being overzealous.

According to The Associated Press, the incident took place at the Hollywood Casino and Hotel in Maryland Heights, Missouri. Nelly’s attorney, Scott Rosenblum said the 49-year-old Country Grammar artist had some winnings he wanted to cash in. When he tried to do so, a police officer “needlessly” ran a search for warrants. After discovering Nelly had an outstanding warrant, he placed him in handcuffs and “felt compelled” to “parade him through the casino in front of other customers,” Rosenblum said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TMZ (@tmz_tv)

Nelly, whose full name is Cornell Haynes, was given a ticket in June 2018 in Maryland Heights for operating a vehicle without proper proof of insurance. A warrant had been issued in December 2023 and was labeled outstanding.

Rosenblum called what the officer found “alleged ‘ecstasy’” and said he had no probable cause to justify searching the rapper. He also stated that Nelly did not know about the warrant because he was not notified of it.

He said the officer was overzealous, and “any other citizen would have been told to address it and allowed to go on their way.”

“I am 100% confident this case will go nowhere,” Rosenblum said. “And we will be asking for an inquiry into this officer’s conduct.”

Nelly married fellow recording artist Ashanti in December. The pair are expecting a child together.

The two were an item when they dated on and off from 2003 to 2013. After Ashanti and Nelly reunited in 2021 on stage at the Fat Joe/Ja Rule Verzuz battle, they reconnected and rekindled their romance after that.

RELATED CONTENT: Ashanti And Nelly Ready To Share Their Love Story In New Reality TV Show