DEI, Reuters, HBCU conference
by Stacy Jackson

March 8, 2024

Elon Musk Singles Out Jeff Bezos’ Ex For Donating Billions For DEI

The CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX expressed his disapproval of Jeff Bezos' ex-wife MacKenzie Scott's charitable donations for minorities.

Elon Musk lashed out on X, formerly known as Twitter, at Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic efforts that include billions of dollars in donations to organizations benefiting women and minorities.

The CEO of Tesla Motors and SpaceX called Scott a “super rich ex-wife who hates her former spouse” in a since-deleted post. Musk’s criticism seemed to come from Scott’s donations to organizations that address issues of race and gender, Business Insider reported.

Musk’s post is in line with his vocal opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. “DEI is just another word for racism. Shame on anyone who uses it,” Musk wrote on X in January.

Musk’s disdain for Scott’s philanthropy is not new. In 2022 he accused her of donating to political action committees “posing as charities,” claiming her actions were motivated by animosity toward her ex-husband, Jeff Bezos, as opposed to a genuine commitment to addressing societal inequalities and empowering underserved communities.

“It’s safe to say that MacKenzie [ahem] Scott is not exactly a big fan of her ex-husband. Unfortunately, a lot of others are getting caught in the crossfire,” Musk wrote.

In contrast to Musk’s criticism, Scott’s approach to philanthropy has been widely praised. Since her divorce from Bezos in 2019, Scott has donated nearly $2 billion to “343 organizations supporting the voices and opportunities of people from underserved communities.”

Her no-strings-attached approach has been welcomed by recipients, with Ruth Simmons, then-president of Prairie View A&M University, saying, “The most cherished gifts are definitely those that are unrestricted because a complex university has a wide variety of needs,” per Business Insider. Scott received $38 billion worth of Amazon shares after divorcing the Amazon founder and executive chairman.

Bezos, on the other hand, has a different strategy for giving away his wealth. “The hard part is figuring out how to do it in a levered way,” Business Insider reported that he told CNN.

Biden,
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 8, 2024

Biden Drags Trump in State Of The Union Address Without Ever Saying His Name 

For 68 minutes, President Joe Biden laced into the GOP presidential front-runner for presenting "resentment, revenge, and retribution" and jeopardizing American freedoms.

President Joe Biden used the final State of the Union address of his first term to drag Donald Trump—without using his name once. 

In numerous different ways, Biden delivered a well-tailored speech to a packed Senate chamber and millions of Americans to touch on the dangers his “predecessor” could bring if elected again.

For 68 minutes, the president laced the GOP presidential front-runner for presenting “resentment, revenge and retribution” and jeopardizing American freedoms. “A president, my predecessor, failed the most basic presidential duty that he owes to American people—the duty to care,” Biden said. 

“I think that’s unforgivable.”

Biden quoted the former president on relations with Russia, reproductive rights, border control, and the infamous Jan. 6 insurrection. “Now my predecessor, a former Republican president, tells Putin, ‘Do whatever the hell you want,’” Biden said, met with boos. “That’s a quote.”

Touching on the Capitol Hill attack, he accused Trump and GOP leaders in the crowd of covering up the truth about that day. Biden also pointed the finger at Trump for overturning Roe v. Wade, but acknowledged he had help. 

With most of the Supreme Court justices in the room, Biden looked directly at them, addressing the issue of abortion. “With all due respect, Justices, women are not without electoral or political power. You’re about to realize just how much.” 

Commentators called his address “the most partisan State of the Union address they could remember” and “sharp.” In closing, he summoned the courage to plead to elected officials the importance of working together. Quotes like “we can fight about fixing the border or we can just fix” were met with large amounts of applause but the crowd of supporters exploded once he said, “You can’t love your country only when you win.” 

After Biden’s address, the world prepared for the scheduled Republican response. This year, the GOP showcased the youngest Republican woman elected to the Senate—Katie Britt of Alabama. Sitting in her home kitchen, Britt attempted to paint a picture that “the American dream has turned into a nightmare.”

“The true unvarnished state of our union begins and ends with this. Our families are hurting,” she said dramatically. 

“Our country can do better.” 

Biden’s supporters hope his fiery pleas will help his poll numbers climb heading into the 2024 presidential election. Sixty-two percent of viewers, according to CNN, feel the policies had a positive reaction to Biden’s address.

RELATED CONTENT: What To Expect From Biden’s Final State of the Union Address Before The November 2024 Election 

Frankie Beverly, New Edition, NAACP
by Jameelah Mullen

March 8, 2024

Frankie Beverly And New Edition To Be Honored At 55th Annual NAACP Awards

Get your dancing shoes ready, the 55th Annual NAACP Awards is going to be lit.

Iconic singing group New Edition will be inducted into the acclaimed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame during the 55th annual NAACP Image Awards show. 

“The Hall of Fame Award is bestowed on an individual who is a pioneer in their respective field and whose influence will shape the profession for generations to come.”

New Edition has done just that. The group was formed in 1978 in Boston with original members Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, and Ralph Tresvant. Released in 1983, the group’s debut album, Candy Girl, peaked at No. 14 in the U.S. R&B Charts. Their self-titled sophomore album peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard chart and was certified twice platinum.

The group produced seven studio albums together and several solo projects. Lead singer Tresvant released his first self-titled solo album in 1990, followed by two more solo projects.

Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe formed Bell Biv DeVoe and cranked out hits such as “Poison” and “Can You Stand the Rain.” Bobby Brown left New Edition in 1985 and was replaced by crooner Johnny Gill. Brown had a successful solo career with top-selling hits including “Every Little Step” and “My Prerogative.”

The “Tenderoni” singer returned to his New Edition roots in 2009, making it a six-member group. In November 2023, the group announced its Las Vegas residency, which began on February 28 and will run until March 9. 

The Lifetime Achievement award will go to legendary singer and songwriter Frankie Beverly of Frankie Beverly and Maze. The prestigious award will be presented to the singer at the NAACP Image Awards Dinner, which will be held on March 14, in Los Angeles.

Beverly’s noteworthy career began in 1963 when he released his first song, “If That’s What You Wanted,” with his group The Blenders. The group was renamed to Raw Soul and later changed to Maze. Frankie Beverly and Maze gained popularity in the 1970s and released nine studio albums, all reaching gold status. They released several charting hits, including “Joy and Pain,” “Happy Feelings,” “Southern Girl,” and the ultimate Black cookout classic “Before I Let Go.” 

Beverly announced that will be his final tour before his retirement. His Farewell Tour kicks off in Atlanta at the State Farm Arena on March 22. and will end in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum on May 12. 

“It is our distinct honor to celebrate New Edition and Frankie Beverly—two musical icons that have been instrumental in shaping our cultural landscape with their remarkable talent and enduring influence,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in a press release.

The 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards will air live on Saturday, March 16, at 8 p.m. on BET and CBS. 

Earned Wage Access, career, assessment, snapshot,
by Jaimee Ratliff

March 8, 2024

Career #Selfie: Take Assessment Of Your Professional Goals

Originally published Jan. 15, 2014

Everyone loves a good selfie.

Who needs someone to hold the camera for you when taking your own photo is so simple?

As addictive as they are, physical selfies aren’t the only pictures young professionals should be taking. For future business leaders, self-assessment of career goals is vital to success. By taking a snapshot of your current professional situation and comparing it to your ideal career, you can make adjustments where needed if the comparison is not on target.

Not sure where to begin with your career selfie? The following three questions will help you analyze your current position and provide insight that will reveal if you and your career are on the right path:

Are you happy?

Do you find yourself unable to sleep at night because you’re excited about what the next workday will bring, or do you miserably count down the time as soon as you arrive in the morning? Your happiness is most important when deciding what profession you pursue, and it should never be up for negotiation. If you aren’t thrilled about the work you’re doing, it may be time to explore other opportunities. Spending 40 hours of your week working in a field that you don’t enjoy is not cool. Instead, you should use that time to maximize your full potential and do something you love.

Does the company culture fit your personality?

Choosing a place of employment is similar to deciding who you date. Much like the qualities of a person, it’s always best to select a company that embodies the values, beliefs, and habits that align with your thinking. If you love sharing your ideas with others, focus on places that foster a collaborative environment. If you are a creative person, the last place you want to be is at a conservative organization that always sticks to the same processes and rejects out-of-the-box ideas.

Are you being challenged?

Like the exercise motto “no pain, no gain,” you are minimizing your shot at bigger and better opportunities if you aren’t pushing your skillset past its comfort level. Always make sure you are consistently expanding your knowledge. In today’s professional world, and many thanks to Google, there is nothing that can’t be learned.

Over time, career selfies are a great way to gauge your evolution of style and age. Similarly, you should regularly do a snapshot of your career to see how it is evolving.

Written by Jaimee Ratliff

RELATED CONTENT: Unlock Your Earning Potential, Maximize Your Career Power

career, switch, mistakes, dreams, goals, SMART, negotiate, salar, Toxic Job Resource Guide
by Kandia Johnson

March 8, 2024

Avoid The 4 Common Mistakes Career Switchers Make

Time For A Careers Switch? Avoid These 4 Mistakes

Originally Published Nov. 2, 2015.

In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an increasing number of people changing careers. Last year, Americans began quitting their jobs in droves. Many left and entered into new industries, changing their career trajectory entirely.

And if you spend any time watching business-based reality shows, such as Project Runway, Shark Tank, or The Pitch, you’ll quickly realize many of the cast members have one thing in common—they’ve also switched careers. But take note: while many people say change is good, there are a few common mistakes that people make when taking a leap into uncharted waters.

Check out four common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Not creating a career strategy and action plan

Making a successful transition from one career to another is not an overnight process. You’ll need to create a career road map that identifies where you are now, where you want to be in the future, and the best strategies for successfully launching your new career. Your assessment process should also identify the sacrifices and the mindset you’ll need to develop to make it all happen. Does your new career align with your values, strengths, and interests? Do you need to take a pay cut? What about health and retirement benefits? If your income increases or decreases, what are the tax implications? Create a three-month, six-month, and 12-month action plan to close any gaps. Your plan should include SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, and timely) goals and key action steps such as enrolling in courses to develop the skills and experiences you need for your new career, creating a monthly budget for irregular income, building relationships with influencers in the industry, and navigating potential roadblocks.

Not finding a mentor or support network

Whether you’re making the switch from employee to entrepreneur or from one career to another, you can’t do it alone. A mentor, sponsor, or support network, such as Score, can help keep you accountable and provide the tools and resources needed to thrive in your career.

Not  promoting your transferable skills

Sure, your old work title or role may be a thing of the past, but your transferable skills may be the key to setting yourself apart from the competition. Transferable skills are the competencies that can be applied across a variety of roles. This includes soft, technical, and analytic skills.

Not conducting thorough research on your desired career

Before switching careers, do as much research as possible. Set up a few informational interviews with people in your desired industry. Attend industry-related events. Read articles and scroll through online industry forums to gain insight from professionals working there. Do you need a professional license or degree? Does your new employer cover continuing education courses? What are the day-to-day challenges faced by people currently working in the industry? What about work-life balance? These things are typically not included in a job description, so learning about the nuances beforehand can help you make a well-informed decision.

RELATED CONTENT: Achieve Your Career Goals While Maintaining Personal Balance

ESSENCE, BLACK WOMEN
by Black Enterprise

March 8, 2024

OWN To Premiere Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) will air the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards ceremony, featuring esteemed nominees such as Danielle Brooks and Halle Bailey.

Mark your calendars! The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) will premiere the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards on March 15.

The 17th annual event, which occurred March 7, will highlight the accomplishments of its Black women honorees, according to Winfrey. This year’s ceremony, hosted by multifaceted entertainer Method Man, celebrates and champion the Black women who have become trailblazers in Hollywood.

Held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the ceremony features four honorees who have contributed to the elevation of Black women in entertainment. Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning actress Danielle Brooks will be honored alongside six-time Grammy nominee and Little Mermaid actress Halle Bailey. Both women were dominant forces in front of the camera last year, as part of the star-studded cast of 2023’s The Color Purple.

As for the women on the business and writing side, acclaimed showrunner and screenwriter Nkechi Okoro Carroll, known for her work on All-American: Homecoming and Found, and Kathryn Busby, president of original programming for STARZ, will take the stage.

Upon the announcement, the honorees were featured in a campaign for Essence to commemorate the occasion. They spoke with the publication about their triumphant rise, and what it means to be celebrated for their hard work.

“It’s really healed something within myself as a young Black woman to be able to play an iconic character [who] didn’t necessarily look like me,” shared Bailey, who also welcomed her first child last year.

“It is so exciting to see the breadth of what we can deliver, to share the beautiful Black experience with the world,” expressed Busby, who has been a powerhouse in entertainment for over three decades.

The 90-minute feature, including red carpet arrivals, will premiere on OWN and will be available to stream on MAX.

RELATED CONTENT: Danielle Brooks And Halle Bailey To Be Honored At Essence Black Women In Hollywood

Food, Garden, Baltimore
by Rafael Pena

March 8, 2024

Baltimore’s Black Church Food Security Network Cultivates Self-Sufficiency In Communities

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown of Baltimore is sowing the seeds of change, emphasizing self-sufficiency through his Black Church Food Security Network.

Rev. Dr. Heber Brown of Baltimore is sowing the seeds of change in Black and marginalized communities, emphasizing self-sufficiency through the Black Church Food Security Network, or BCFSN. Brown, the organization’s founder, believes that addressing health challenges and improving quality of life can start in people’s backyards.

BCFSN encourages individuals, particularly within African American communities, to grow their own food. Brown sees this as a powerful message that resonates within Black churches, where health challenges like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are prevalent. His initiative transforms the narrative from depending on charity to fostering an empowered, community-driven food system.

At Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, where Brown served as pastor, a garden was established on church grounds to grow food rather than rely on external charity organizations. This endeavor positively impacted the church community and inspired other churches and pastors to follow suit.

Brown emphasized that BCFSN is not just about producing food; it’s about creating a FUBU (For Us, By Us) food system. Approximately 250 churches nationwide are part of the network, each growing and selling food from their own land.

“We are spurring the co-creation of kind of a ‘FUBU’ food system. A for us by us food system that empowers us to take care of ourselves and to partner with other communities from a position of strength and power, as opposed to depending on benevolence and charity,” Brown explained.

The crops grown within the network are diverse, ranging from tomatoes and bell peppers to corn and watermelon. Brown emphasizes that a person doesn’t need vast acreage in order to grow food; even small backyards, windowsills, or buckets can be utilized effectively.

But recognizing the still daunting nature of cultivating food independently, Brown advocates for a collaborative strategy. He encourages people to engage with neighbors, community groups, and churches, promoting a shared sense of responsibility.

Looking ahead, Brown envisions a future where the younger generation recognizes the power of self-help. He aspires for communities to build for themselves, creating essential resources without relying on external assistance.

RELATED CONTENT: Local Lands, A Black-Owned Farm, Widens Reach For Georgia Residents To Combat Food Deserts

Immigrants, Georgia Capitol
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 8, 2024

Georgia Bill Would Punish ‘Sanctuary’ Cities and Counties Harboring Immigrants

Isn't cutting off state aid kind of dangerous?

Georgia senators want to punish “sanctuary” cities and counties harboring immigrants illegally by cutting off state aid or removing officials from office. 

Honoring a victim killed by a Venezuelan immigrant in February 2024, the Senate Public Safety Committee voted 4-1 on Mar. 6 to rewrite House Bill 301. Supporters feel the bill is crucial, as it will enforce a 2009 state law banning sanctuary cities and counties. 

Jose Ibarra was charged with murder and assault in the death of 22-year-old University of Georgia student Laken Riley. The nursing major was found dead Feb. 22 after a roommate reported she never returned from a morning run in a wooded area. Immigration authorities say Ibarra unlawfully crossed into the U.S. in 2022. It is unclear whether he applied for asylum. 

HB 301 would allow any Georgia resident to sue, asking a judge to declare the accused county or city of violating the law. If a judge agrees, state aid would be cut off, and federal assistance would be under its control, except for a limited number of emergency and health services. However, a judge could restore funding if local government repeals, with ramifications – a permanent order would be placed banning the government from readopting a sanctuary policy, ever. 

The measure also puts elected officials on the chopping block. The bill allows state residents to complain to the Board of Community Affairs, prompting them to conduct a hearing on whether or not the official is breaking the law, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Following the hearing, recommendations will be sent to the governor for suspension. The governor will then decide to remove the official and appoint a replacement.

In that case, the official can issue a petition to be reinstated, but only if they show their service is “more likely than not to improve the ability” to comply with the anti-sanctuary legislation. 

Bill supporters and Republican Senator Randy Robertson said the new rule would guarantee that sheriff’s offices comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement so they wouldn’t evade the 15-year-old law.

“What we’ve done in this legislation is we’ve added some teeth because there were none in the past,” Robertson said.

However, critics such as Georgia policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, Isabel Otero, look at the rule as another attempt by GOP leaders to impose their ideologies on cities and counties. They also feel the measure would give activists a new way to tie up cities and counties with court cases and administrative proceedings. “We have built-in accountability measures for when communities do not like what their local government or local sheriffs are doing, and those are elections. We should not be using the legislature to dictate to local communities,” Otero said. 

This is the second attempt by Georgia legislators to implement stricter immigration laws. In early March 2024, the Georgia House voted 97-74 for House Bill 1104, looking to require local law enforcement to help identify immigrants in the country illegally and detain them for possible deportation.

Jamie Foxx, beat Shazam
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 8, 2024

Jamie Foxx Makes Return To ‘Beat Shazam’ For Season 7

The show will return for season 7 on Tuesday, May 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

After being unable to host Beat Shazam for season 6 due to being hospitalized after a health scare, comedian and host Jamie Foxx will be making a return for season seven.

Foxx released a trailer for the upcoming season, slated to debut in May. The trailer shows that Foxx and his daughter, Corinne, who is a co-host of the program, are returning.

The network announced that the Any Given Sunday actor is back. The show will return for season 7 on Tuesday, May 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. It will also be shown on the Hulu streaming platform.

“Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam,” said Allison Wallach, FOX Entertainment’s president of unscripted entertainment, in a written statement.

“As our undeniably dynamic father-daughter hosting team, they bring a relationship like no other to a show like no other, and it’s wonderful having them back on set this season.”

In April 2023, reports started hitting the news cycle about Foxx being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness. His daughter, Corinne, posted a message on her Instagram account informing people that her father was recovering after the medical emergency. Word of his health scare started popping up one day after the comedian was photographed in Atlanta on the set for his Netflix film Back in Action.

On Dec. 4, the talented artist appeared at the Critics Choice Association’s Celebration of Cinema and Television: Honoring Black, Latino and AAPI Achievements to accept the Vanguard Award. After receiving a standing ovation when he went to collect the award, he said that taking a walk to the podium was something he couldn’t do “six months ago.”

“I wouldn’t wish what I went through on my worst enemy because it’s tough,” Foxx said.

He continued, “I have a new respect for life. I have a new respect for my art. I watched so many movies and listened to so many songs, trying to have the time go by. Don’t give up on your art, man, don’t give up.”

Check him out when the show returns in May.

Remote Work, report
by Jameelah Mullen

March 8, 2024

Remote Work Has Caused City Living To Be Less Affordable For Most Workers, Study Says

A new study suggests that only company's highest paid employees are able to live in expensive cities.

Since 2020, the percentage of remote workers has skyrocketed. One surprising outcome is the difference in where management and frontline employees live. 

The ADP Research Institute conducted a study that showed the locations of workgroups pre- and post-pandemic. The data shows that people who work in leadership roles tend to live in larger, more expensive cities, while people who work in support roles migrate to rural areas where housing is more affordable. 

The analysis says that “more expensive cities have, on average, become increasingly more specialized in managerial tasks since the onset of the pandemic, while more affordable ones have become increasingly more specialized in individual contributor and frontline work.” 

In the concept known as “domestic offshoring,” companies can cut costs by moving support jobs such as customer service and other administrative roles to areas where the cost of living is lower while still being headquartered in larger, pricier cities. Remote work opportunities have made it easier for them to recruit potential employees living in rural areas. 

This shift may negatively impact companies headquartered in smaller towns. They are now competing with larger corporations that can offer higher wages and more competitive benefits. 

The study also suggests that companies benefit from keeping management roles in larger metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago. Leaders from large companies, universities, competitors, and media professionals can network and exchange ideas in person, which is still preferred over video conferencing. 

The shift to remote work is a key factor in driving the $2 trillion gain in the housing market. According to a Redfin study, there has been an uptick in workers ditching metropolitan areas and moving to “secondary cities” where they can secure more affordable housing. Popular secondary cities, such as Charleston, South Carolina, Camden, New Jersey, and Elgin, Illinois, have all seen a 10% increase in the value of their homes.

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