Meek Mill, Ghana
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 5, 2024

Meek Mill Wants To Migrate To Ghana Because The U.S. Wants Black Men In Check

Meek Mill is ready to migrate to the Mother Land due to how the U.S. is "made to tear Black men down."

Meek Mill is ready to migrate to the Mother Land due to how the U.S. is “made to tear Black men down.”

The Philadelphia rapper has been sounding off on Twitter amid the release of his new music and his suspected name drop in the latest sexual assault lawsuit involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. Meek remains under fire as many on social media question if he is one of the redacted names in the new bombshell lawsuit.

After denying allegations of being gay last week, the Grammy-nominated artist is now expressing his desire to leave the U.S. and become a citizen of Ghana.

“I wanna get citizenship in Ghana!!!! America made to tear black men down if you don’t follow orders!” Meek tweeted on Monday, March 4.

Meek is no stranger to the West African country as he last performed in Ghana at the Afro Nation music festival. While there, he visited the Jubilee House where he met with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He received backlash when he filmed portions of a music video at a seat in government. However, he apologized and has continued to show his love for Ghana and desire to work with Ghanaian artists.

All the while, Meek remains under scrutiny after a footnote in Comb’s latest bombshell lawsuit listed the redacted name of a rapper the Bad Boy founder claimed to have been intimate with as “a Philadelphia rapper who dated Nicki Minaj.” The lawsuit was filed by Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, a former producer and videographer for Combs, who accuses the hip-hop mogul of repeatedly sexually assaulting him while he was working on his latest album, The Love Album: Off the Grid, from September 2022 to November 2023.

Amid the criticism coming his way, Meek took to Twitter last week to deny any and all gay allegations surrounding his name.

“I’m from Philly I don’t do coke or freaky a** molly … nobody won’t even offer me coke because I’m that heavy,” he tweeted last Wednesday. “No man or watt would ever approach me about gay activity and the whole place don’t get flipped … woke up seeing this on every blog like they know I’m coming! lol.”

“Yall see these rappers with gay styles they want that look … leave that too (sic) them I come from that gangsta s–t surviving in the jungle!” he wrote in a separate message.

When a fan told Meek that he had the “right to remain silent,” the rapper replied, “I have the right to say I ain’t gay and I’ll trash anybody that play with my manhood lol”.

RELATED CONTENT: Meek Mill Overcome With Emotion And Tears Up As Pennsylvania Governor Signs Probation Reform Bill

Queen Latifah, vote, Kamala Harris
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 5, 2024

Queen Latifah Returns To Host 55th Annual NAACP Image Awards Honoring Amanda Gorman And June Ambrose

Queen Latifah will serve as the master of ceremonies for the 55th annual award show that will honor Amanda Gorman and June Ambrose.

Queen Latifah is returning to host the NAACP Image Awards for the second year in a row.

The legendary actress, artist, and entrepreneur will serve as the master of ceremonies for the 55th annual award show that will honor Amanda Gorman and June Ambrose, among many others. The awards will air live on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET/PT on BET and CBS.

The NAACP Image Awards announced the news on Tuesday, March 5. With Queen Latifah as host, Gorman will receive the prestigious Chairmain’s Award for her work as an award-winning writer, inaugural poet, and activist. Ambrose will receive the Vanguard Award for her prominence as an award-winning creative director and costume designer.

https://twitter.com/naacpimageaward/status/1765061594508075438

“We are thrilled to collaborate with groundbreaking megastar Queen Latifah and are elated to welcome her again as this year’s host! We also look forward to honoring changemaker and poet Amanda Gorman and fashion icon June Ambrose for their tremendous impact on culture,” Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET said.

“Queen Latifah, NAACP, and Pastis have been such incredible partners in amplifying Black culture, excellence, creativity, and ingenuity, and this year’s unforgettable show will be no different.”

The Chairman’s Award is granted to individuals who exhibit outstanding public service and leverage their respective platforms to foster catalysts for positive change. Gorman’s honor with the distinguished award follows that of U.S. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Samuel L. Jackson, the late U.S. Congressman John Lewis and Ruby Dee, Danny Glover, Rev. James Lawson, Tyler Perry, then-Senator Barack Obama, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and former Surgeon General Regina Benjamin.

“Amanda Gorman stands as one of the brightest young voices in our nation and has emerged as a formidable force inspiring a new generation of leaders towards transformative change through her advocacy efforts and poetic brilliance,” Leon W. Russell, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors said.

“With her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to positive change, Gorman continues to leave an indelible mark on the literary and social landscape, proving that words have the power to shape a better future.”

All the while, June Ambrose will be celebrated for her decades of creating iconic looks for some of the biggest names in music, film, and sports, and her prowess as a businesswoman.

As a fashion icon and cultural pioneer, June Ambrose has not only shaped the visual landscape of pop culture but has also elevated the conversation around the importance of diversity and inclusion in the world of fashion and entertainment,” Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Image Awards Committee said.

“Her multifaceted contributions have left an enduring legacy that transcends fashion, paving the way for a more representative and dynamic industry.”

Along with Gorman and Ambrose, some categories for the 2024 NAACP Image Awards will be televised. Those who won’t be televised will be recognized March 11-13th during the Awards Dinner on March 14th and Fashion Show on March 15th.

RELATED CONTENT: Keke Palmer Thinks Her Hollywood Retirement Is ‘Around The Corner’

Lynn Price, Oyster Restaurant, Turkey Leg Hut
by Daniel Johnson

March 5, 2024

Lynn Price Goes Full Petty, Assists Pop-Up Oyster Restaurant Across From Turkey Leg Hut

In the latest twist to the Turkey Leg Hut saga, former co-owner Lynn Price helped set up an oyster-themed pop up concept restaurant across the street from the eatery he was unceremoniously fired from a few months ago.

In the latest twist to the Turkey Leg Hut saga, former co-owner Lynn Price helped set up an oyster-themed pop-up concept restaurant across the street from the Houston eatery that unceremoniously fired him a few months ago. 

As the Houston Chronicle reports, Price heavily promoted Tiger2Dozen on his social media accounts on March 2 while he assisted the shop and its owner, Royal “Tiger” Bellock, in selling its New Orleans-style char-grilled oysters.

Price met Bellock a few weeks ago, and he was so impressed with his set-up that he invited him to Houston.

Bellock, who operates the business with his fiancée, Jacquel Johnson, started grilling oysters in New Orleans in 2019 with one grill before eventually graduating to a trailer. 

Price told the Chronicle that their set-up is unique in Houston’s culinary scene and praised the taste of Tiger2Dozen’s oysters. “We’re here hustling,” Price said. “I know good food, and I know how to make money. You can taste New Orleans in these oysters.”

Customers who showed up, meanwhile, attributed their presence to Price’s promotion of Tiger2Dozen. Nikki Harris told the Chronicle, “These are fire, but never waited this long for oysters,” Harris said. “I don’t know if we’d be here if it wasn’t for Lynn telling everyone.”

Others were curious about Price’s standing with Turkey Leg Hut. Some, like Janelle Williams, asked him directly, but Williams only received a smile in response. “I can’t tell if he’s still with Turkey Leg,” said Williams, who ate an order of crawfish from Turkey Leg Hut in the parking lot.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Turkey Leg Hut has been engulfed in several scandals over the past few months, most recently financial problems, which Price’s estranged wife, Nakia Holmes, insinuated in a statement was caused at least in part by his actioins.

Although Price allegedly can’t set foot in Turkey Leg Hut as a condition of his expulsion from the company, the tent Tiger2Dozen used the weekend of March 3 was Turkey Leg Hut branded and featured an image of Price and Holmes on it. This, along with him shuffling from the pop-up to Turkey Leg Hut, seemed to create confusion around Price’s standing with the company.

Bellock told the Chronicle that he wants to bring his trailer to accommodate more customers as well as his burgers the next time he comes to Houston. “I’m not surprised so many people showed up,” Johnson said, “but it’s still amazing.”

RELATED CONTENT: HOUSTON’S TURKEY LEG HUT ACCUSED OF HAVING ANTI-BLACK DRESS CODE

kids, bank, money, savings, bank account
by Stacy Jackson

March 5, 2024

Bank Accounts To Consider For Your Child In 2024

With diverse banking products tailored to children's needs, parents can select the ideal starter account to build a strong foundation.

As cash becomes less prevalent, it’s crucial to teach children financial literacy early.

Opening a bank account for your child can instill valuable money management skills and budgeting habits. According to MoneyWeek, junior savings accounts and ISAs are great for long-term savings; however, children may benefit from having access to funds for day-to-day spending and learning.

Many banks now offer current accounts specifically designed for children. “Children’s financial habits are formed by age 7,” said Louise Hill, co-founder of the GoHenry pocket money app. “…With lack of financial education in primary schools, kids miss a huge opportunity to master money skills that influence their decisions for life.”

Choosing the Best Account

The ideal kids’ accounts balance affordability, accessibility, and educational tools. When selecting an account, prioritize low or no fees, convenient access methods, and features that encourage saving habits.

MoneyWeek notes that it’s wise to distinguish between account types based on your goals. Look for key features such as linked savings accounts and spending controls. Additionally, consider interest rates as banks are now offering higher returns due to increased base rates. Current accounts facilitate accessible funds for learning experiences. Savings accounts accrue interest on larger sums. Junior ISAs provide tax-efficient long-term investing, though funds are locked until age 18.

Opening an Account for Your Child

The application process mirrors opening an adult account, as reported by Time, provides basic personal details like names, birthdays, and social security numbers for both parent and child. Contact information, ID verification, and funding the initial deposit are also typical requirements. If opening online, you’ll need account and routing numbers to facilitate transfers.

Many providers issue debit cards to kids, allowing spending oversight after activation. This hands-on experience is valuable, but timing is key.

There is no definitive “best” age to open an account, as children develop financial awareness at varying paces. Experts recommend starting with a savings account around age 6 to nurture financial curiosity. Some children show readiness through chore earnings or academic incentives, while others display interest once employed. Whenever natural money management opportunities arise, initiating banking access reinforces positive lifelong habits. As kids earn an allowance or job income during their teens, a spending account builds budgeting prowess.

According to Time, parents should consider one of the following bank accounts for their child.

Banks with Spending Limits

Axos First Checking

  • Teens ages 13 to 17
  • Zero monthly maintenance fee
  • $50 minimum deposit
  • Checking account balances earn interest
  • Daily transaction limits: $100 for cash withdrawals, $500 for debit card purchases

GoHenry

Prepaid debit cards from services like GoHenry act as digital “pocket money” accounts, allowing parents to load funds with spending notifications and parental controls.

  • Children as young as 6 years old
  • Reloadable debit card
  • Includes savings options
  • No load, transaction, or foreign fees
  • $4.99 to $9.98 monthly fee
  • Add up to four child accounts
  • Use any ATM

Step

A great option to build credit, Step offers teens the freedom to spend, save, and invest

  • Secured Visa debit card
  • Mobile banking app
  • No monthly or overdraft fees
  • No minimum balance required
  • Smart Pay feature to build credit
  • Report positive payment history to major credit bureaus
  • Competitive savings rate

Chase First Banking

Kids can enjoy a more traditional banking experience as they spend and save with access to over 15,000 Chase ATMs.

  • Ages 6 to 17
  • Chase debit card
  • In-store and online purchases
  • No minimum deposit or monthly fees
  • Set spending limits and alerts
  • The parent must be a Chase customer

Accounts to Focus on Savings

Capital One 360

This fee-free banking option offers multiple accounts to fund different goals.

  • Kids savings account
  • MONEY teen checking account
  • Joint parent-teen account
  • Debit card
  • Online banking app
  • No minimum deposit or monthly maintenance fees
  • Savings account earns 2.5% APY
  • Set up multiple accounts

Copper

Teach your child about personal finance and money management with a Copper debit card.

  • For kids and teens
  • Copper debit card to spend and withdraw
  • Savings rewards
  • Direct deposit
  • Divvy
  • Auto-reload to transfer money
  • Investing portfolio

Alliant Credit Union

  • Teen checking accounts for ages 13 to 17
  • Kids savings accounts 12 and younger
  • It must be a joint account with a parent or grandparent
  • No minimum balance or service fees on teen checking account
  • Debit card
  • Competitive rate on kids savings

MPH “Makes People Happy” Bank

  • Spending and savings account for ages 10 to 24
  • Contactless debit card
  • No monthly fees
  • Savings app for kids
  • Savings balances earn interest above traditional bank accounts
  • Employed teens get paid two days early with direct deposit

All-in-one App

Greenlight

The banking and investing app offers a great option with several parental controls.

  • Kids and teens
  • Debit card
  • Earn 1% cash back for savings
  • Savings rewards with up to 5% bonus
  • Parents pay kids through the Greenlight app
  • Set controls on spending
  • Keep track of spending and withdrawals through notifications
  • Monthly fees between $4.99 to $14.98

Across providers, common benefits include no overdraft fees, robust parental monitoring, and easy-to-use digital platforms engaging kids in money management. With age-appropriate banking tools, children gain real-world experience managing funds responsibly under parental guidance.

RELATED CONTENT: Best Credit Cards for Small Business Owners

Russell Westbrook, affordable homes, South L.A. , Los Angeles
by Rafael Pena

March 5, 2024

Russell Westbrook Partners With BRIDGE Housing To Create Retail Spaces Adjacent To Affordable Home Developments In South Los Angeles

Russell Westbrook recently announced his commitment to building 180 affordable homes in South Los Angeles, a community close to his heart.

Renowned NBA star and Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook is making waves on the basketball court and leaving an indelible mark on the community that raised him. According to Essence, the nine-time NBA all-star, known as “Mr. Triple Double,” recently announced his commitment as a retail partner to help build retail spaces adjacent to Bridge Housing’s affordable home developments In South Los Angeles.

Westbrook, a South L.A. native, took to Instagram to share this significant development that extends beyond a mere financial investment. The project is set to take shape on a plot that holds historical significance, as it was a site of extensive destruction during the civil unrest in South Los Angeles following the brutal beating of Rodney King by LAPD officers on March 3, 1991.

The retail initiative, named the Evermont Project, is a collaborative effort, with Target as a key partner. The development will feature community-centered businesses, fostering a holistic approach to community development. In a video posted on Instagram, Westbrook shared the vision behind Evermont alongside City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Elle Perrault from the Vermont Knolls Resident Association, and Pastor Jeffrey Lewis from New Antioch Church of God.

“‘Evermont’ stands tall as a beacon of collaboration between the city, county, local, and business communities. This represents a thriving example of what happens when we come together, fostering empowerment and driving the positive change that this community has been waiting for,” Westbrook stated in the video.

The announcement comes as the city approaches the 32nd anniversary of the Rodney King beating, a pivotal moment in history that brought attention to systemic injustices faced by Black communities. Westbrook’s initiative signifies a transformative step toward rebuilding and empowering the South L.A. community.

City Councilman Harris-Dawson praised Westbrook’s commitment, saying, “Russell Westbrook is not just investing in housing; he is investing in the future of South Los Angeles. The Evermont Project will create a vibrant community with opportunities for local businesses to thrive.”

Westbrook’s Evermont Initiative reflects his dedication to making a lasting impact on the community that shaped him. It showcases the potential for positive change when sports figures use their influence to uplift and empower marginalized communities.

RELATED CONTENT: Panama City Unveils New Affordable Housing Complex

Opill, Contraceptive, over the counter
by Daniel Johnson

March 5, 2024

Opill Heads To Retail Pharmacies, First Ever Over-The-Counter Contraceptive

Opill, the first non-prescription or over the counter contraception pill is finally heading to retail pharmacies, nearly a year after FDA approval.

The FDA approved Opill as the first nonprescription or over-the-counter contraception pill in 2023, and almost a year after its approval, it is now heading to retail pharmacies.

Walgreens and CVS have already declared their intentions to carry the product; to that end, CVS spokesperson Matt Blanchette stated via email to CNN on March 1.

 “Opill will be available at CVS.com and through the CVS Pharmacy app in late March,” Blanchette wrote. “In early April, more than 7,500 CVS Pharmacy stores will offer Opill, and for added privacy and convenience, customers can choose same-day delivery or buy online and pick up in-store.”

As NPR reported, the drug’s journey to shelves actually started about nine years ago but recently picked up steam. According to Trina Schmelter, executive vice president and president of consumer self-care at Perrigo, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures the drug, “We have been working on it for nine years and got approval in July 2023 from the FDA to move forward. And it’s been kind of full-steam ahead since that day.”

According to the FDA and experts like Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, the pill is safe and effective. Prager told NPR in 2023, “The progestin-only pill has an extremely high safety profile, and virtually no one can have a health concern using a progestin-only pill.”

The FDA, meanwhile, said in its press release announcing its approval of the drug, “For approval of a product for use in the nonprescription setting, the FDA requires that the applicant demonstrate that the product can be used by consumers safely and effectively, relying only on the nonprescription drug labeling without any assistance from a health care professional.”

The FDA continued, “Studies showed that consumer understanding of information on the Opill Drug Facts label was high overall and that a high proportion of consumers understood the label instructions, supporting their ability to properly use the drug when it is available as an over-the-counter product. When properly used, Opill is safe and effective.”

As CNN reports, the pill will be reasonably priced; Perrigo’s suggested retail price is $19.99 for a one-month supply, while a three-month supply will cost 49.99, roughly the same as one package of the popular Plan B pill. 

On March 4, the company announced that the pill would be available for pre-order from select retailers and Opill.com and would arrive at major retail pharmacies the week of March 8. Schmelter told CNN that the pill would be available to order online almost immediately but cautioned that it could take a few weeks to arrive in stores. 

“From an online perspective, it should be available for order pretty much immediately.” Schmelter continued, “I expect it’s going to take a few weeks for it to get through the distribution pipeline, of us shipping to retailers’ distribution facilities and then them shipping to their stores.” Regarding the product’s location, Schmelter said “Consumers will find it in the family planning section in most retailers and should be able to pick it up at their convenience.”

Though the price is reasonable, Free the Pill, a group concerned with contraception pill accessibility, sent a letter to Perrigo to call for the company to lower the cost of its drug to $15 for a three-month supply. In the letter, Free the Pill cited the affordability of contraception as a marker of racism in America.

“Perrigo’s and retailers’ decision to price Opill affordably can help to combat contraceptive inequities— rooted in systemic racism and other forms of oppression—that already persist across the United States.”

The letter continued, “As a result of these inequities, the communities that currently face the highest barriers to accessing contraception are often the same communities for whom a high retail price would put Opill out of reach altogether. Studies show that cost barriers disproportionately impact Black, Indigenous, Latina/x, Asian American Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.”

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Andre 3000, Atlanta, Jazz Fest
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 5, 2024

Andre 3000 (And His Flute) Return To Atlanta For Free Jazz Fest

Are you going?

The City of Atlanta recently announced that former OutKast member Andre 3000, who helped define Atlanta hip-hop, will perform at Atlanta Jazz Festival 2024.

The free annual celebration of culture, community, and jazz will take place Saturday, May 25, through Monday, May 27, at Piedmont Park from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

“We have a fabulous lineup of musicians performing at the 47th Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival on Memorial Day Weekend,” Camille Russell Love, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, said in a written statement. “We invite you to experience an eclectic mix of jazz by National artists on Saturday, explore the global sounds of some of the world’s best International artists on Sunday, and discover the latest music from notable Atlanta musicians on Monday.”

Andre 3000 is slated to bring his flute to the stage on Day 3. Last year, he finally released a solo album that the hip-hop audience had requested since his days in OutKast. But there were no Andre verses as he opted to debut an instrumental flute album, New Blue Sun.

The City of Atlanta has released the official artist lineup and performance days and times:

Saturday, May 25

1 p.m.: New Jazz Underground

3 p.m.: Sullivan Fortner

5 p.m.: Butcher Brown

7 p.m.: Cécile McLorin Salvant

9 p.m.: Something Else!

Sunday, May 26

1 p.m.: OKAN

3 p.m.: Luca Ciarla Trio

5 p.m.: Jacques Schwarz-Bart

7 p.m.: OLATUJA

9 p.m.: Paquito D’Rivera

Monday, May 27

1 pm Justice Michael & The Passage

3 p.m.: KELS

5 p.m.: Groove Centric

7 p.m.: André 3000: New Blue Sun LIVE

9 p.m.: Lizz Wright

RELATED CONTENT: André LeRoy Davis Hosts Art Exhibit With City Winery NYC

Mathew, Knowles, Pepperdine, university, Beyonce, professor, co-teacher
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 5, 2024

Beyoncé’s Dad Co-Teaching African American Music History Course At Pepperdine University

Beyoncé's dad is sharing his music and entertainment knowledge with Pepperdine University students.

The father of the one and only Beyoncé is sharing his music and entertainment knowledge via a spring semester course at Pepperdine University.

Matthew Knowles has joined Pepperdine English and film professor Joi Carr as co-professor of the “African American Aesthetic Culture From Spirituals to Hip Hop” course, Fortune reports. The class explores the musical contributions of African Americans in the U.S. throughout history and how they reshaped society as a whole.

With his background as a music executive, entrepreneur, and educator, Knowles is eager to share his expertise and align his value of empowering young people.

“I have a fundamental belief that knowledge is power,” he said. “Most people I know, they are successful because they have a tremendous amount of knowledge in the area that they’re working in and are contributing.”

The course will take scholars through the history of African American musical contributions dating back to slavery and venturing into modern-day hip-hop.

“We learn about resilience, we learn about hope, faith, the deep complexity of the human condition—by looking at one particular group of people. And I think it’s important for us to do that, especially in the United States,” Carr said.

“Most people don’t know the contributions that the slaves made to all the genres of music we know today,” Knowles added. “And that’s what this course is all about.”

Knowles has a personal passion for the course’s focus as he hopes to combat the miseducation surrounding African American history. The material is even more relevant as Republican-led states work to remove learning material that teaches Black and diverse history.

“There’s a tremendous false narrative there. We just want to educate, and the knowledge is so important that we understand the pitfalls of history, and how our young people can learn from that,” he said. “There’s history. And there’s his story. And often, we’re listening to his story instead of history.”

Knowles is most known for propelling the careers of Destiny’s Child and Beyoncé’s. He’s also worked with Earth Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan, served as an executive producer for over 100 award-winning, platinum and gold albums, and has sold more than 500 million records globally.

AT THE WELL, leadership, teen
by Stacy Jackson

March 5, 2024

‘At The Well’ Hosts 2024 Leadership Program For Teen Girls

Actress Nicole Ari Parker and Emmy Award-winning producer Nikole Hannah-Jones are scheduled speakers for this year's leadership program.

The At The Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy continues its work to empower and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.

Scheduled to take place from July 16 to July 29, 2024, at the Erdman Center, Princeton Theological Seminary, the prestigious program promises to be a transformative experience for its selected participants. According to At The Well Conferences, Inc.’s official website, this year’s two-week leadership program seeks to equip young minority girls with the essential tools required to become successful leaders. Targeting scholars entering the eleventh and twelfth grades from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, ATW aims to cultivate a generation of trailblazers who will positively impact their communities.

Through a comprehensive intensive, the program’s multifaceted curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including leadership development, critical reading and writing, study skills, time management, financial literacy, and the art of cultivating healthy relationships. Participants not only hone their academic abilities but also develop the confidence and resilience necessary to navigate the challenges of leadership.

Renowned professionals from various fields, including actress Nicole Ari Parker and Emmy-winning producer Nikole Hannah-Jones, are scheduled as speakers to share their experiences and impart invaluable wisdom with this year’s youth participants. Workshop facilitators, drawn from diverse professions such as medicine, law, finance, entertainment, and the non-profit sector, will serve as role models and offer guidance on topics ranging from body image and entrepreneurship to health and wellness.

The vision behind ATW is deeply personal for its founder, Jacqueline Glass Campbell. Inspired by her daughter’s experience as one of two African American girls in her graduating class, Campbell sought to curate a space for girls of color to embrace leadership and break free from the isolation often felt in predominantly white academic settings. In 2019, Campbell told Princeton Theological Seminary her desire was to “give gifted girls of color a platform to come together and encourage one another.” She explained that “most of them come from spaces where they’re the only black girl in their AP class, and that can be isolating at times.”

The Princeton Theological Seminary alum shared at the time that the program’s name, “At The Well,” was inspired by a Bible story from the book of John, “when a woman comes to the well for water” and leaves in a different state than she came. “It was an educational encounter, and one that transforms her,” the ATW founder said. “That’s what we seek. We want girls to be impacted by the history of women who looked like them, and then go home and become the change that’s needed in the community where they live.”

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, At The Well welcomed hundreds of Black teen girls to apply for its 2023 program.

The application deadline for this year’s two-week At The Well Young Women’s Leadership Academy program is March 31, 2024, and participants will be selected through a competitive process.

RELATED CONTENT: 12-Year-Old Gabrielle Goodwin Lands A Mega-Retail Deal with Target

Instagram, Facebook, outage
by Lauren Nutall

March 5, 2024

Instagram And Facebook Crash, Affecting Hundreds Of Thousands Of Users

The apps' parent company Meta has ensured users that they are working on the ongoing issue.

According to numerous reports, Instagram and Facebook are down, affecting thousands of users nationwide. 

Meta Platforms, which owns the two social media sites, is experiencing significant difficulties, preventing users from operating the applications and logging some people out of their accounts. According to outage data collector DownDetector, there have been over 470,000 reports from Facebook users regarding the issue and more than 75,000 formal complaints from Instagram users during the past 24 hours. Due to the outage, several people are unable to refresh their feeds or upload their stories.  

Threads — Instagram’s text-based conversation app — is reportedly experiencing technical difficulties, though there have been fewer reports about the issue. According to ABC News, the outage has impacted several business and commerce tools on the platforms, including Facebook and Instagram Shops, Meta Business Suite, and Ads Manager.

“We are aware of an issue users are having logging into our platforms. Our engineering teams are aware and are actively looking to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” the site reads. However, some of Meta’s tools are being recovered.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone tweeted a brief statement regarding the ongoing issue: “We’re aware people are having trouble accessing our services. We are working on this now,” he posted. He did not provide an estimate of when the issues would be resolved, and functionality would be restored. 

While Meta works to restore operations, several people have flocked to X, formerly known as Twitter, to react to the sudden outage. Some have expressed annoyance at the occurrence. 

https://twitter.com/blahblah_suckme/status/1765040921706442826?s=12

Meanwhile, others have made jokes and found humor in the situation.

https://twitter.com/twittahbobby/status/1765048927659704423?s=12

Several people feared they had been hacked and were relieved to discover this was false. 

https://twitter.com/coach_co_/status/1765051194450280527?s=12

RELATED CONTENT: Meta Axes News Tab On Facebook In U.S., Faces Backlash As Users Express Concerns Over Access To Information

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