by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 3, 2024

Mark Cuban’s ‘Shark Tank’ Investments In Black-Owned Businesses Pay Off Big

Mark Cuban has reportedly made investments in more Black-owned businesses than any other Shark on 'Shark Tank.'

Entrepreneur Mark Cuban, a minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has been on the TV show Shark Tank for over 13 years and has made many investments in various Black-owned businesses. During his time on the popular television show, Cuban has invested approximately $2 million in 13 Black-owned businesses.

One of those entrepreneurs who pitched his business on the show failed in three previous auditions, but the fourth time worked in his favor. Noel Durity, CEO and founder of online retailer Twist It Up Comb, found a believer in Cuban, and both have found more success through the investment.

“I never make charity investments. But sometimes, I do see promise in an entrepreneur that isn’t the result of numbers. Noel Durity from Twist It Up is a perfect example,” Cuban told Dallas News. “The company makes combs for naturals, and that’s not something I have personal experience with. But the guy loves to sell, loves his product and is always learning. Since then, he has paid me back my investment and then some and is absolutely killing it.”

That investment has helped the company’s annual revenue reach a total of $6 million.

“I just felt like Mark saw himself in me,” Purity stated. “He loves any entrepreneur that’s going to work hard and doesn’t quit. I feel like that’s the core belief that harmonizes Mark and I. Now, he’s always there for me. It’s been life-changing to have a mentor like him around.”

Another benefactor of Cuban’s business acumen and investment is Zoobean (name changed to Beanstack), which Felix and Jordan Lloyd own. The company helps curate educational materials for children. After being invited to appear on the show, although no other sharks bit at the chance to invest, Cuban was the only one they needed. After investing $250,000 for a 25% stake in the company, Beanstalk has about $5 million in annual revenue.

With the strategy to shift the focus of the business from parents to schools, Beanstalk’s business flourished. The billionaire entrepreneur helped the company reach at least 20 school districts and 600 libraries. Felix said that Cuban has made three times the amount of his original investment in Beanstack.

Cuban states he proudly supports diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“DEI means looking where others don’t for great people and businesses,” he said. “It means working with them to put them in a position to succeed and accepting what is unique about them.”

by Rafael Pena

March 2, 2024

Spike Lee’s HBCU Program Partners With Ralph Lauren To Dress Students For Success

This initiative aims to equip aspiring filmmakers with the attire they need to make a strong impression.

Renowned director Spike Lee’s commitment to empowering Black talent extends beyond the silver screen. In a unique collaboration, Lee’s fellowship program, Spike Fellows, created in partnership with the filmmaker’s agency, Gersh, has joined forces with Ralph Lauren to provide students with a wardrobe that epitomizes professionalism and success, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This initiative aims to equip aspiring filmmakers with the attire they need to make a strong impression and thrive in their professional endeavors.

The innovative initiative showcases a cross-industry partnership rooted in longstanding relationships and a shared commitment to offering transformative opportunities specifically tailored for Black talent. Gersh’s Head of Culture, Jayson Council, expressed the significance of this collaboration, stating, “What makes this cross-industry partnership so meaningful is that it’s rooted in longstanding relationships where all parties share an unwavering commitment to providing access to transformative opportunities specifically for Black talent.”

Ralph Lauren has enthusiastically embraced this initiative, engaging with the program by conducting individual styling sessions for the inaugural cohort. The iconic American label has generously provided the participants with a curated selection of pieces from its collection, ensuring they exude confidence and professionalism. This collaboration aligns with Ralph Lauren’s commitment to empowering the next generation.

The inaugural cohort of Spike Fellows, announced in May, has already benefited from Ralph Lauren’s involvement. Following their eight-week paid fellowship at Gersh’s offices in New York and Los Angeles, all five participants are now employed full-time at the agency, marking a successful transition from the program to professional careers.

Applications are currently open for the second cohort of Spike Fellows, targeting undergraduates from the Atlanta University Center Consortium. Comprising historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) such as Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University, this consortium represents a rich pool of talent interested in pursuing careers in the entertainment industry.

Expressing gratitude for Ralph Lauren’s support, Spike Lee said, “Big Thanks to the good folks at Ralph Lauren for blessing our HBCU fellowship program with fashion for the seasons. We and the students truly appreciate it, peace and Love Ya-DIG SHO-NUFF?”

This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnerships between industry leaders, fostering access and opportunities for underrepresented talent. As the second cohort takes shape, the Spike Fellows program continues to be a beacon of empowerment, providing a platform for aspiring professionals to thrive in the competitive entertainment industry.

by Rafael Pena

March 2, 2024

NBA Foundation Surpasses $100 Million In Grants, Continues Mission To Empower Black Youth

The Foundation is dedicated to supporting youth-serving organizations across NBA markets.

In an effort to uplift Black youth, the NBA Foundation recently celebrated a significant milestone, surpassing $100 million in grants since its inception in August 2020, NBA.com reported. The Foundation, dedicated to supporting youth-serving organizations across NBA markets, continues its mission to create economic empowerment in Black communities, with a commitment to invest $300 million.

With the announcement of the 11th round of grants, the NBA Foundation reinforced its commitment to fostering opportunities for young people and providing resources to organizations that often face challenges in securing support. Greg Taylor, the executive director of the NBA Foundation, emphasized the significance of the $100 million milestone, stating, “It really is about fostering opportunity and extending resources to young people and organizations that oftentimes don’t receive those resources.”

The 11th round of grants, totaling $8.66 million, will benefit 46 grantees, showcasing the Foundation’s commitment to diverse causes. From supporting The American Cancer Society to the Dallas Black Dance Theater, the grants aim to prepare young people for various industries, aligning with the Foundation’s key goals.

Taylor highlighted the distinctive aspect of this grant round, stating, “Probably more than any other grant round, this round speaks to the diversity of employment fields. What this says to us is that young people have broad interests, and what they need is mentors and resources to participate.”

Through 337 grants to 227 non-profits, the NBA Foundation has positively impacted the lives of over 240,000 Black youth. The grants not only offer opportunities in various fields but also focus on mentorship, skill training, and preparation to ensure long-term success.

The NBA Foundation’s journey began with a 10-year, $300 million commitment from each of the 30 team governors. The commitment, now a third of the way through, reflects a strong pace and a dedication to leaving a lasting impact on the ground.

“The 10-year commitment was to send a message to the world,” Taylor emphasized. “We want a lasting impact on the ground in where we are.”

Beyond financial support, the NBA Foundation actively engages with interested groups through bi-monthly webinars, simplifying the application process, answering questions, and ensuring transparency. The Foundation envisions co-creating opportunities with Black youth, building a national network of employers, and connecting them to meaningful jobs.

“The express mission was to connect Black youth to jobs,” Taylor stated. “We knew that jobs were a way to promote economic opportunity.”

by Ashlei Stevens

March 2, 2024

Loneliness Addressed During Global Student Mental Health Week

Students from Howard University have been engaging in a mental health activities.

Juggling classes, friendships, finances, and constant social media interaction can take its toll on college students. And isolation, resulting in loneliness, can be a result. During Chegg.org’s second annual Global Student Mental Health Week, which runs through March 3, students from Howard University have been engaging in mental health activities, such as a mental health investment roundtable, yoga, and a wellness day.

The events are sponsored by Chegg.org and its partner, the non-profit Young Invincibles. The two organizations’ goal for the week, which started Feb. 26, is to help students tackle loneliness and engage with policymakers to request funding for creation or expansion of school-based mental health centers.

“Although today’s students live in the most connected era in history, many experience a deep sense of disconnection, feeling lonely and struggling to make friends,” said Heather Hatlo Porter, head of Chegg.org and Chief Communications Officer of Chegg, Inc. “The need to elevate conversations about mental health has never seemed more urgent and our resolve has never been stronger.”

Chegg.org is the impact, advocacy, and research arm of education tech company Chegg, which addresses issues facing the modern student. Young Invincibles works to amplify the voices of young adults in the political process and expand their economic opportunity. The two groups, plus a suite of additional Chegg.org partners, teamed up to shed light on student loneliness.

According to the World Health Organization, social isolation has been deemed a global health priority, warning of the impact of loneliness on physical and mental well-being, as well as 30% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A Chegg.org global student mental health survey found that: 59% of those polled said they do not sleep enough, 54% say they experience daily feelings of anxiety, and 46% say they have experienced academic burnout.

This burnout and stress can lead to health complications. According to research released in January by the American Heart Association (AHA), the effects of stress in the teenage years can last long into adulthood. Cardiometabolic health concerns may increase later in life, which include type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity, all of which contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, the study found.

The AHA offered tips on how teens can decrease stress and ways parents can support teens who are struggling with mental health concerns. Calm, a leading mobile app for meditation, sleep, and relaxation, and a Chegg partner, has curated a collection of guided meditations for anxiety and stress targeted toward students.

Chegg and Young Invincibles also plan to meet with federal lawmakers and Department for Education officials to discuss mental health issues affecting students. Their request? Consider implementing a “mental health checklist” for universities to ensure that schools have the resources to emphasize prevention and self-care, provide resources for substance use disorders and recovery, and ensure culturally competent and accessible services. The checklist also aims to elevate student voices and increase accessible information for student services.

And to help students understand their issues concerning mental health are relatable — even to celebrities — award-winning actress, author, and activist Kerry Washington joined students on social media to answer their questions on how she prioritizes her mental health.

“I like to go for a walk, I like to take a bath, I like to listen to a great podcast or music,” Washington said on Instagram. “Meditation is really important. Spend time with my family and friends. Journaling can sometimes help, and also a really good night’s sleep.”

by Jeffrey McKinney

March 2, 2024

Black Entrepreneurs In Four Major Cities Can Seek $10,000 Grants From Verizon

The funding is being offered in Houston, Miami, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

Black entrepreneurs are among small business owners who can go after a new round of $10,000 grants in four of the nation’s largest cities. The funding will come from wireless giant Verizon and is being offered in Houston, Miami, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

In partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online platform is geared to give under-resourced small businesses the free tools needed to help them flourish and succeed in today’s digital economy, according to a news release.

Small business owners who register on the platform also get free, personalized access to over 40 online courses, coaching opportunities with industry experts, and access to peer networking events, among other services.

All small businesses can apply, and recipients will be awarded on a rolling basis this year. Small businesses in the four cities can apply here for funding until April 8.

Insufficient or expired capital is one of the main operating obstacles for both budding and mature small business owners. A recent report showed that 76% of Black entrepreneurs disclosed that access to capital was a challenge.

Further, there are a reported 3.12 million Black-owned businesses in the United States, generating $206 billion in annual revenue. Yet, regardless of this growth and their overall economic contribution, over 25% of Black business owners purportedly still struggle to access needed capital to back their enterprises.

The initiative is tied to Verizon’s goal to support 1 million small businesses by 2030 and is aligned with its responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon.

Verizon recently awarded surprise grants to several BIPOC small business owners. One recipient was Denette Braud, owner of Braud’s Funnel Cake Cafe in Las Vegas. The first Black- and women-owned gourmet funnel cake café in the city, she landed a $10,000 grant to support her thriving business. She talked about how the grant will help her business here.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 2, 2024

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

Don't worry, Black Enterprise got you!

Parent company of Facebook, Meta, announced the Facebook News tab will be shut down in the United States and Australia starting April 2024.

The decision about the beloved feature comes from the company putting forth an effort to “better align our investments to our products and services people value the most.”

“As a company, we have to focus our time and resources on things people tell us they want to see more of on the platform,” the social media conglomerate mentioned.

“We know that people don’t come to Facebook for news and political content — they come to connect with people and discover new opportunities, passions, and interests.”

The announcement is a continued strategy following Meta dumping the same tab in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany in late 2023. Frequent users of the feature jumped on social media to call out growing measures to keep users less informed. In 2021, Facebook allowed all users – including celebrities, politicians, brands, and news outlets – to limit who could comment on posts. “First they prevented users from commenting on news stories, now they are removing the whole News section,” @nasescobar316 wrote.

“@Meta does not want people informed. And like most Big Tech companies, they do not want to pay people who create the content.”

Users may not be able to comment, but the company assured that users will still get their news on the app. “People will still be able to view links to news articles on Facebook,” Meta said. “News publishers will continue to have access to their Facebook accounts and Pages, where they can post links to their stories and direct people to their websites, in the same way any other individual or organization can.”

The feature, launched in 2019, was first started to “bring people closer to the stories that affect their lives,” However, in the past year, the number of people using the feature has dropped by over 80% in 2023, according to CNBC. Meta has now focused on short-form video content, like Reels, as they compete intensely with TikTok.

The move also reflects on efforts other countries, like Australia and Canada, are making to force major tech platforms to pay news outlets for content. Australian legislation in 2021 required both Google and Meta to formulate deals with news outlets. Canada issued similar legislation, resulting in Meta blocking users in both regions from viewing and sharing news content.

California has considered similar moves but was put on hold.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 2, 2024

Anti-Social Media Charles Barkley Finally Joins Instagram: ‘It’s For Business Purposes’

After years of blasting people who use social media as 'losers,' Barkley finally obtains an Instagram account.

It’s official: former NBA player Charles Barkley is finally on Instagram, according to an announcement made on his show Inside the NBA on Feb. 29. Even though for many years he insisted he would never join social media, Barkley has caved in and started his own IG account.

When Kenny Smith broached the subject on the show, Barkley confessed to the other Inside the NBA hosts by saying, “I’m trying out social media.” As the man known as the “Round Mound of Rebound” slyly smiled, his co-hosts immediately began to tease him, since he had been adamantly against having a presence on social media.

“I’ve been here 12 years, and 11.9 of those years, you said ‘I’m never going on social media,'” Shaquille O’Neal reminded him.

Barkley responded, “It’s for business purposes” before revealing that his handle is CharlesWBarkley on Instagram. Then the hosts warned him about “sliding into DMs” before giving him an explanation of what that means, in social media speak. Barkley, who revealed he had only had the account for a week, admitted that someone else is posting for him while he “learns” how to use his Instagram account.

His fellow co-hosts also warned him about “liking” other people’s posts, because other users can see who and what he likes.

Chuck finds out what “sliding in the DMs” means 😂 pic.twitter.com/UyNKEbxeAj

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 1, 2024

Still, fans and friends are shocked Barkley finally joined social media.

The Sporting News unveiled a video from seven years ago showing Barkley saying that he thinks “social media is just for losers.” He emphasizes that social media gives “losers” a bigger voice when they shouldn’t be heard. Although he admits that you can’t “survive without technology” but refused to join Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

As recently as last month on his CNN show with Gayle King, King Charles, Barkley still had an attitude about joining social media. When King asked him why doesn’t he have social media, he said, “I don’t want to bring fools into my life.”

Barkley just signed a deal last year with the Atlanta Hawks to bring his Redmont Vodka brand to State Farm Arena.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 2, 2024

National Urban League Focuses On The Civil Rights Act Of 1964 In 2024 State Of Black America Report

The report is broken into three sections: Overview of the 2024 Equality Index, Biden Progress Report, and the attack on the Civil Rights of 1964.

The 2024 State of Black America report, published by the National Urban League, focuses on the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The report, shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, is broken down into three sections – an Overview of the 2024 Equality Index, the Biden Progress Report, and the attack on the Civil Rights of 1964 – while NUL celebrates 60 years of the historic legislation by summarizing where Black America stands in the continuous fight for equality.

“This year marks the 60th anniversary of that landmark legislation, but the journey toward racial justice in the United States is older than the nation itself and nowhere near complete,” President and CEO Marc H. Morial wrote. “No issue in history has met with more resistance in the United States Congress than civil rights.”

The 2024 Equality Index

For 20 years, the Equality Index looked at the conditions of Black people compared to those of whites. This year’s index shows that compared to 2022, the 2024 Equality Index of Black America stands at 75.7%, a jump from 73.9%.

As far as voting, midterm elections have lower registration and voting rates than in general elections. The percentage of Blacks registered to vote was slightly above 60% in 2022, a decrease from 62.4% in 2002. In the same year, the percentage of Black people who submitted votes dropped from 54% to 42.3%

However, in recognizing the Civil Rights Act, numerous statutes created to protect us are now under severe attack. Title I, which “barred unequal application of state voter registration requirements for federal elections,” has been tugged and pulled in an attempt to take away that right. The same rhetoric can be seen today in Republican-led states. Florida, Iowa, Georgia, Montana, Kansas, and Texas have passed some of the harshest restrictive voting laws in the U.S.

The Attack on the Civil Rights of 1964

The overturning of several landmark cases has threatened the Civil Rights Act, such as Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina.

Title VII, “Discrimination of Employment,” went under nationwide attack in 2023 when the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, blocking affirmative action policies used to create equal opportunity for Black, Hispanic, and other underrepresented minority students on U.S college campuses.

The high court’s decision created a domino effect, threatening diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs designed to increase diversity in the workplace. The decision affected entities like the Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based venture capital fund accused of unlawful racial discrimination for supporting Black-woman-owned small businesses.

The Biden Progress Report

Before being elected, President Joe Biden made numerous promises for the betterment of the Black community. According to Morial, Biden was the first president to implement an explicit Black agenda after his inauguration. With the Lift Every Voice promise, the president reportedly “committed to prosecuting hate crimes, fighting gun violence, and fighting poverty” through essential investments in education, housing, and small businesses.

But has he kept his word?

It would seem so. His promise to have a cabinet reflect what he calls “the Soul of America” started by naming Kamala Harris as his running mate. After being elected, he enlisted a number of people of color to hold important titles, including Lloyd Austin as our Secretary of Defense and confirming Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson.

Biden also took steps to improve the economy with plans such as the Minority Business Development Agency, reaching a 30-year goal of the NUL.

In the justice reform and affordable housing field, the Justice Department awarded $334 million for school security, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development created the first-ever task force to remove racial and ethnic bias in home valuations.

However, there are still things to do. The report laid out action items for Biden’s next term, including passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, establishing a Reparations Commission, and passing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.

by Sharelle B. McNair

March 2, 2024

Michael Eric Dyson Endorses Dem Candidate In Bid To Unseat Long-Serving Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Renown professor Michael Eric Dyson Backs Amanda Edwards.

Democratic candidate for Texas’ 18th Congressional District Amanda Edwards has garnered support from author and professor Michael Eric Dyson in her campaign to unseat long-serving Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

The author of Unequal: A Story of America posted an endorsement video on Twitter/X, pushing voters to vote for Edwards as the district’s next congressperson in the March 5 primary. In under a minute, Dyson broke down why he feels Edwards is the best candidate for the job.

“I am enthusiastically endorsing Amanda Edwards as the next congressperson from the 18th district of Texas,” he said. “Why? Because she is a woman of character. Why? Because she is a woman of conscience. Why? Because she is a woman of consistency.”

https://twitter.com/AKEdwardsTX/status/1762900820872380920?t=pfaPbJDHQ55dMRogqJ7KZQ&s=19

The former Houston City Councilwoman hopes to unseat Jackson Lee, who has held the position for 30 years. Edwards, 42, once announced she was running for Houston mayor, until the congresswoman made her own unsuccessful move into mayoral territory. Following that decision, the former intern for Jackson Lee endorsed her former boss and focused on a bid for Congress.

Since making her congressional announcement, Edwards has made minimal reference to her opponent but has made it clear that she is all about results for the people she hopes to serve. “This race is not about me or Congresswoman Jackson Lee,” Edwards said during a speech at Messiah Lutheran Church. “It’s about you getting the results that you deserve.”

We are so excited to release our new ad today that will be highlighting the voices of so many people across the 18th Congressional District, who are ready for new leadership in Washington! Our district deserves a fresh perspective, and I look forward to delivering for this… pic.twitter.com/ulEwCKAfBE
— Amanda Edwards (@AKEdwardsTX) February 6, 2024

Dyson, currently a professor in the College of Arts and Science and in the Divinity School at Vanderbilt University, touched on the issues he feels Edwards will address if elected. Knowing her since her days as a Harvard Law School student, Dyson called Edwards “a remarkable politician” who will give voters her all. “She is concerned about healthcare, about housing, about educational advance, about economic opportunity,” Dyson said.

“Give her your vote and in return she will give you her very lifeblood.”

Some analysts already predict that Edwards will be heading to Washington. Baker Institute fellow in political science at Rice University, Mark Jones, thinks 2024 is Jackson Lee’s last year. “This could be the year that Congresswoman Jackson Lee loses,” Jones said. “And given that as a safe, Democratic, seat whoever wins the primary will be headed to Washington in January of 2025.”

Jackson Lee holds a slight five-point lead over Edwards – 43% to 38% – while 16% of voters are still undecided. Still, having to face off against fellow primary Democratic candidate Robert Slater Jr., there will be a runoff election in May if no candidate receives a majority of votes.

Former Baltimore Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake , lawsuit

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 2, 2024

Family Of Exonerated Man Killed By Georgia Police Files $16 Million Lawsuit Over Fatal Shooting

Family of Leonard Cure cite excessive force and negligence by law enforcement.

The family of Leonard Cure, who was exonerated in 2020 and killed by a police officer in Georgia last October, has filed a $16 million federal lawsuit on Feb. 28 against the sheriff’s deputy who fired the fatal gunshot.

The family seeks judgment after saying Camden County Sheriff’s Staff Sgt. Buck Aldridge used excessive force when he shot Cure. The family has also named Sheriff Jim Proctor in the suit for ignoring Aldridge’s history of violence on the force. The officer killed Cure in a violent confrontation during a traffic stop on Interstate 95 on Oct. 16, 2023.

The 53-year-old Cure was killed three years after he was freed by The Innocence Project of Florida. He had been jailed for a 2003 armed robbery in Broward County and was later acquitted. He served 16 years in prison before being released in 2020.

The lawsuit was filed in a U.S. District Court. Following the incident, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office released three videos of body camera footage.

CNN reported that Cure’s mother, Mary Cure, gave a statement outside of the federal courthouse. “It’s a terrible day when the citizens have to police the police.”

She added, “And when they want to use excess force there, you have other parts of the body. You can shoot, you don’t have to always kill somebody.”

The paperwork states that Aldridge and Proctor violated Cure’s constitutional rights when Aldridge used excessive force by using a Taser on Cure. The Georgie Bureau of Investigations said that Aldridge used the stun gun, as well as a baton, to subdue Cure, but pulled out his gun and fatally shot Cure as the officer asserted that the victim resisted arrest.

The lawsuit also stated that the sheriff created an “unnecessary danger and risk of serious harm or death, with deliberate indifference” by hiring Aldridge and keeping him in uniform despite prior instances of unlawful force. When Proctor hired Aldridge in 2018, he “knew or should have known that Defendant Aldridge had a propensity for violence and had a history of using unlawful force and excessive force while on duty as a law enforcement officer.” The Kingsland Police Department previously terminated Aldridge for violating its use-of-force policy in 2017.