Stem, S.T.E.M., Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 29, 2024

11-Year-Old Black Entrepreneur’s STEM Toy Line In Whole Foods Market Stores

Team Genius Squad has products to engage STEM learning opportunities for young minds.

Team Genius Squad is a toy brand created by 11-year-old entrepreneur and author Ava. N. Simmons specializes in creating American-made toys centered on S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The company is excited to announce the upcoming launch of its Alternative Energy Experiment Kit series in Whole Foods Market stores, offering engaging S.T.E.M. learning opportunities for young minds.

As a brand with a community and education-focused mission, Team Genius Squad uses its profits to fund S.T.E.M. activities for children in the community and the academic learning journey of its 11-year-old creator, Ava N. Simmons, who was diagnosed with Dyslexia in 2021. Through this collaboration, the brand hopes to reach and impact more families across the nation, inspiring children to explore the fun of S.T.E.M. while emphasizing its positive impact on math, literacy, and critical thinking. Ava N. Simmons, also globally known as “Ava the S.T.E.M. Princess®” and “Ava the S.T.E.M. Ambassador™,” embraces her learning differences and views it as the unique superpower that makes her a Certified Genius. As the author of 3 books, the developer of 20 S.T.E.M. toys, and a community S.T.E.M. Ambassador, she is definitely a youth entrepreneurial genius in her own right.

“To be able to visit one of my favorite retail stores and see S.T.E.M. toys I developed on the shelf is a dream come true. We are so excited to work with Whole Foods Market and make our S.T.E.M. Toys accessible to more families across the country,” said Ava N. Simmons, the creator of Team Genius Squad. “I used S.T.E.M. to help me build my confidence and to overcome my learning challenges. I want to share my story and encourage other children to believe in themselves, focus on their strengths that make them unique, and remember never to let their challenges define their success or future.”

“Whole Foods Market is thrilled to join forces with Ava and Team Genius Squad, bringing their innovative S.T.E.M. toy line to our stores,” said Casey Gaston, Executive Leader of Local and Emerging Brands for Whole Foods Market. “We share Ava’s commitment to offering enriching products that inspire learning, curiosity, and exploration.”

Team Genius Squad Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics toys are perfect for all learning styles as they demonstrate S.T.E.M.’s simplicity yet significant impact. The Alternative Energy series quickly shows how easy it is to make electricity from sustainable resources such as fruits, wind, or the sun.

“I am so grateful to be able to witness my granddaughter positively impact the world and possibly change the trajectory of children from all walks of life,” said her 75-year-old grandmother, Mary Lee Foy. Her grandmother helped encourage Ava to start her S.T.E.M. entrepreneurial journey when she was seven years old and continues to travel with her to community events as her Senior Advisor. “We are so proud of Ava for using her learning journey to encourage others,” said her parents, Terrence and Tita Simmons.

Throughout the year, Ava travels with her “Squad,” presenting and conducting experiments at schools and community events across the country. To effectively deliver this purposeful play curriculum, Team Genius Squad partners with community organizations such as PBS Kids Channel Rootle NC, The Boys and Girls Club of Durham and Orange Counties, The Museum of Life and Science in Durham, North Carolina, and Marbles Museum in Raleigh, North Carolina.

To view Team Genius Squad in action in the community or to learn more about Team Genius Squad and its mission, visit their website at TeamGeniusSquad.com

Connect with Team Genius Squad on social media:

Instagram @AvaTheSTEMPrincess – Facebook @AvaTheSTEMPrincess– LinkedIn @AvaTheSTEMPrincess

This story was first reported by Blacknews.com

RELATED CONTENT: Meet 4 Successful HBCU Grads Turned STEM Professionals, Products of Black-Owned Non-Profit

young adults, cash, money, payment
by Rafael Pena

January 29, 2024

Most Young Adults Are Still Supported By Parents According To New Survey

Recent studies from the Pew Research Center reveal that a significant portion of parents nationwide continue to financially assist their adult children.

Business Insider reports recent studies from the Pew Research Center shed light on the financial dynamics between parents and their adult children, revealing that a significant portion of parents nationwide continue to financially assist their children well into their young adult years, including their 20s and 30s.

In the past year, around 59% of parents extended financial assistance to their young adult children aged 18 to 34, as revealed by studies conducted through surveys in October and November 2023. The research gathered responses from 3,017 adults and 1,495 young adults.

The study emphasized a significant aspect, indicating that 45% of surveyed young adults regarded themselves as financially independent from their parents. This pattern was particularly pronounced among the 18- to 24-year-old age group, where 57% reside in their parental homes—a noteworthy surge compared to the statistics recorded in 1993.

The study also explored how the financial interdependence between parents and young adults affects their living arrangements. Nearly two-thirds of young adults living with their parents reported positive impacts on their personal finances, with 72% contributing financially to household expenses such as utility bills or rent.

According to the study, despite consistent support, 75% of those depending on parental financial assistance anticipate achieving eventual financial independence.

The report explored the financial constraints faced by high earners, not rich yet (HENRYs), earning six figures but grappling with student loans, housing costs, and other financial burdens. A significant 20% of first-time homebuyers received financial aid from relatives or friends.

Furthermore, the study underscored shifting demographic trends among young adults, revealing heightened education levels and higher full-time employment rates compared to their parents at the same age. Despite these advancements, they confront financial hurdles, prompting choices like delaying family planning and implementing spending cutbacks.

Despite these challenges, parents remain highly invested in their children’s success, with 71% stating that their children’s successes and failures reflect the quality of their parenting. The study also explored the delicate balance parents maintain between involvement and non-involvement in their children’s lives.

RELATED CONTENT: THESE MILLENNIALS CREATED THE PARENTS GUIDE TO MANAGING FAMILY AND BUSINESS

James Harden
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 29, 2024

James Harden Shows Off Latest Adidas Sneakers Inspired By J-Harden Wines

The eighth version of the footwear made by the German sneaker brand embodies the same pink, black, and blue colors that the wine displays.

Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden has found the perfect item to go with his signature J-Harden Wines.

According to Sports Illustrated, the basketball-playing entrepreneur arrived in Toronto on Jan. 26 to play a game against the Raptors and brought a special item to Scotiabank Arena. Harden, who has his own signature wine, J-Harden Wines, debuted his latest Adidas signature sneaker to show off the colors of the Harden sneaker that match the colors from the J-Harden Wines bottle.

His eighth version of the sneaker made by the German sneaker brand embodies the same pink, black, and blue colors that the wine bottle displays.

Harden was seen walking into the arena carrying the sneakers and the wine bottle in a see-through case, showing off the footwear before going out to help his team beat the Raptors by a score of 127-107.

The newly revealed sneakers helped make James Harden the eighth player in NBA history to have 75 games where he recorded a triple-double. The latest version of Adidas Harden Vol. 8 is slated to come out on Feb. 23, 2024. It is unknown if the same colors will be available for sale to the general public.

Complex reported that the details and color of the Adidas footwear were taken from the graphic on the 2020 California Red Wine bottle, which retails for $15.99.

“The Beard” is having a good year on and off the court. Last year, before he was traded to the Clippers at the start of the season, while in China, he sold 10,000 bottles of his signature wine within 10 seconds. If you blinked and sneezed, you missed an opportunity to buy a bottle, as it sold out within 10 seconds of announcing that it could be purchased during a livestream.

Harden was in China promoting his signature sneaker during the wine sale.

RELATED CONTENT: James Harden’s Foundation Partners With Houston Housing Authority To Revitalize and Reopen Local Basketball Court

Oprah Winfrey, Stanford University, Dr. Bongeka Zuma, black billionaires
by Atiya Jordan

January 29, 2024

Celebrating 7 Business Moves Oprah Winfrey Made In Her Career

In honor of Oprah Winfrey's 70th birthday, BE would like to display seven business moves that brilliantly display her business acumen.

The incomparable journalist-turned-business mogul Oprah Winfrey says she’s celebrating her 70th birthday with a run on the beach. While many can admire Winfrey’s health journey, BLACK ENTERPRISE continues to recognize her for making savvy business moves and building a media conglomerate from scratch.

The multi-Emmy-winner was listed No. 22 on BE‘s web series Great Moments in Black Business for making a groundbreaking deal that launched her entertainment empire and BE 100’s mainstay Harpo Inc. She would then go on to become the first Black female billionaire in North America. In honor of Winfrey’s birthday, we would like to display seven business moves that brilliantly display her business acumen.

1. HARPO STUDIOS’ LAUNCH & DOWNSIZING

In 1988, Winfrey acquired the rights to The Oprah Winfrey Show, which gained her complete creative and financial control of her program. As she structured her groundbreaking deal, she launched Harpo Studios in Chicago. In 2015, Harpo Studios closed its doors and transitioned to OWN headquarters in Los Angeles. She built the studio company in 1990.

2. RISE OF THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

When Oprah Winfrey launched her namesake network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), in 2011, the network struggled to find its footing. From programming changes and staff layoffs to moving headquarters, Winfrey stepped up as CEO and revamped the network’s programming lineup. OWN continued to grow its audience and programming with smart advertising, effective revenue generation, and strong branding.

3. CASHING OUT

On two occasions, Winfrey sold some of her ownership of the OWN cable network. In 2017, Discovery bought 25% of OWN for $70 million and then another 20.5% in 2020 in exchange for 1.34 million shares of Discovery stock, worth about $36.5 million.

4. MILLION DOLLAR SPEAKER

As a highly sought-after speaker, Winfrey’s fees are estimated to start at a whopping $1.5 million. From her famous 2018 Golden Globes speech and her commencement speech to Tennessee State University’s Class of 2023, Winfrey is revered for her empowerment and effective communication skills.

5. BRAND COLLABORATIONS & DEALS

Since 2015, Winfrey has been a WW director, per Barron’s, and The New York Post reports that she’s under contract to be a spokesperson for the brand through 2025. She reportedly made a whopping $75 million from WW (formerly Weight Watchers) in a single day. Throughout her career, Winfrey has been connected with many other brands, such as Kraft Heinz, to launch Mealtime Stores, a line of refrigerated ready-to-eat food products. She also released “O, That’s Good,” a line of refrigerated soups and side dishes with a portion of the profits designated to fighting hunger.

6. MILLION DOLLAR INTERVIEWER

According to The Wall Street Journal, Winfrey earned between $7 million and $9 million for her famous sit-down interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. CBS reportedly paid Winfrey based on advertising revenue expected, with the network charging $325,000 per 30 seconds of commercial time—which is about twice the normal rate.

7. A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT

During an interview, Winfrey reportedly revealed that she earned $35,000 to star as Sofia in the 1985 film The Color Purple. Decades later, in 2024, Winfrey is celebrating a full-circle moment as the producer of the latest musical adaptation of Broadway’s The Color Purple into a movie. 

RELATED CONTENT: Oprah Winfrey’s Painted Portrait Makes Its Way To The Smithsonian Gallery

Tipping, food delivery
by Rafael Pena

January 29, 2024

Gated vs. Apartments: Spark Delivery Driver Reveals Distinct Tipping Disparities

A Spark driver shares the challenges within the gig economy when it comes to tipping behavior between gated communities and apartment complexes.

In the heart of northwest Arkansas, a Spark driver navigating through the challenges of the gig economy sheds light on the stark contrasts in tipping behavior between gated communities and apartment complexes, according to Business Insider. Having transitioned to full-time driving for Spark after a job loss, this working-class driver provides a firsthand account of income inequality witnessed on the road.

With a background in various service jobs, including waiting tables, tending bar, and supplemental gigs in the event industry, the driver reveals the significant impact of tips on their earnings. According to the outlet, the observation of tipping patterns in different communities highlights a disconcerting reality.

While delivering to a gated community, a 17-minute drive from the store, the driver received a meager $1.50 tip for a heavy, multiple-trip order. Contrastingly, delivery to an apartment complex the next day, featuring items like a COVID test, a sub sandwich, orange juice, and hand sanitizer, resulted in a $10 tip. Another customer from a nearby apartment tipped generously, offering over $12 for an $80 grocery order.

The driver reflects on the implications of these tipping practices, expressing frustration when the affluent use the service for convenience but tip inadequately. “It tells me that they don’t see me as a person. They don’t consider the humanity of the person who is driving to deliver their orders,” says the driver.

Recognizing the right of customers to tip as they see fit, the driver emphasizes the emotional toll of feeling undervalued. The driver conveys the dissatisfaction and resentment brewing among the working class toward the upper class, especially when confronted with the glaring wealth disparities in the local landscape.

Living in an area where a McMansion stands just yards away from a trailer park, the driver feels the weight of being part of the working poor. The two main Walmart supercenters in the region, one situated near the affluent Pleasant Crossing and the other in downtown Rogers, showcase the community’s economic diversity.

Despite the challenges, the driver strategically prefers deliveries around the downtown area, anticipating better tips. This narrative underscores the intricate intersections of economic disparity, service work, and the gig economy, providing a poignant glimpse into the everyday struggles faced by those navigating the complex web of income inequality.

RELATED CONTENT: Uber Eats And DoorDash Remove Tipping Prompts From NYC Orders

Timberland
by Rafael Pena

January 29, 2024

Timberland Celebrates Black Cowboys With Black Pioneer Collection

Timberland, a VF Corp-owned footwear brand, has launched the Black Pioneer Collection and an accompanying campaign to mark Black History Month.

In a tribute to Black pioneers of the past and present, Timberland, a VF Corp-owned footwear brand, has launched the Black Pioneer Collection and an accompanying campaign to mark Black History Month, according to Footwear News. The collection, a collaborative effort by Timberland footwear designers Shari-Lee Whyte and Andrew Townes, introduces reimagined editions of the iconic Premium 6-inch Boot and the Euro Hiker.

The design of both footwear styles incorporates “hairy” green suede accents, symbolizing the lush greens and textures of nature, set against a rich hue of premium, seam-sealed, waterproof Timberland leather. The Black Pioneer Collection extends beyond footwear, featuring an array of apparel pieces such as an embroidered tree hoodie, a utility mixed-media jogger, a short-sleeve embroidered pocket tee, an anti-UV long-sleeve shirt, Brookline utility cargo shorts, and a canvas and leather backpack.

Townes emphasized the significance of showcasing the outdoors and inclusivity for everyone through this collection. “This allowed us to bring awareness to Black Pioneers and outdoorsmen across the globe,” he stated. Whyte added, “We took the concept of fresh traditions with the charm of old-school Americana and elements of contemporary African American dress to create an outdoor-inspired lifestyle collection.”

To bring the collection to life, Timberland collaborated with the legendary Oklahoma Cowboys, a family-run and community-rooted organization, for an ode to the enduring and transformative power of community. As part of its commitment, Timberland will donate $50,000 to the Oklahoma Cowboys Foundation, which raises awareness of and celebrates the significant role of Black cowboys and cowgirls in Oklahoma’s equestrian heritage.

This initiative follows Timberland’s recent collaboration with Louis Vuitton during Paris Fashion Week, where the brand made waves with a fall 2024 men’s show debut. The collaboration featured a classic industrial boot in wheat-colored or black waterproof nubuck leather, embossed with the Maison’s monogram, marking a noteworthy presence in the global fashion scene.

The Black Pioneer Collection is now available on Timberland.com, Timberland stores, and select specialty retailers worldwide. This move reinforces Timberland’s commitment to diversity, heritage, and community and reflects its dedication to both style and substance.

RELATED CONTENT: Timberland Honors Black Creators and Nonprofits in New Black History Month Campaign

John David Washington Rumored To Be Next Up For Kang The Conqueror Role
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2024

John David Washington Rumored To Be Next Up For Kang The Conqueror Role

The rumor mill keeps spinning on who could replace Jonathan Majors as Marvel's new Kang the Conqueror, and new reports say it could be Denzel Washington's son, John David Washington.

The rumor mill keeps spinning on who could replace Jonathan Majors as Marvel’s new Kang the Conqueror, and new reports say it could be Denzel Washington’s son, John David Washington.

A tweet surfaced on Saturday, Jan. 27, citing industry insider Daniel Richtman, who claims that Washington may be the next actor to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe and fill the shoes of the supervillain Kang the Conqueror.

Majors was just heating up in the role after appearing as Kang in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and season 2 of the Disney+ series Loki. But after the actor was convicted last month on two misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment, Marvel made a swift move to drop Majors from the MCU.

A jury found Majors guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari inside a taxi in New York City. The case became high-profile following his arrest last March. Following a two-week trial that ended in mid-December, Majors was found guilty of third-degree assault and one count of second-degree harassment.

Majors’ Kang was being set up to become the next supervillain in the MCU after Thanos. With the role too big to let fall by the wayside, Marvel appears to be on the search for a replacement.

Social media has expressed their views on Washington potentially becoming the next Kang and appear to be in support of MCU replacing Majors, rather than throwing away a good role.

“He would have been a great “Black Panther” replacement too,” one fan wrote.

“Hmmmm I think I like this,” added someone else.

There also fans who still want MCU to consider casting actor Colman Domingo as the new Kang.

“i wonder if they ever looked at colman domingo, he seems like he’d be amazing as a villain,” one person wrote.

RELATED CONTENT:  Marvel Fans Are On Board With Colman Domingo Replacing Jonathan Majors As ‘Kang the Conqueror’

 

birdman, New Orleans, projects
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2024

Birdman Recalls Buying 50 Cars For ‘Everybody That Had A License’ In New Orleans Projects

Bryan "Birdman" Williams is the "#1 Stunna" for a reason since he's probably the only person in New Orleans who can say they bought cars for their neighborhood.

Bryan “Birdman” Williams is the “#1 Stunna” for a reason, since he’s probably the only person in New Orleans who can say they bought cars for their neighborhood.

The Cash Money co-founder appeared on Jalen Rose’s Renaissance Man podcast where he opened up about the origin of his “#1 Stunna” moniker. It was after a friend told him about the stunts on the 1980s television series MacGyver that Birdman decided he was going to be “the number-one stunna” of his community.

Once he started making money from music, Birdman sought to share his success with the neighborhood that raised him.

“Back then, we ain’t really have sh*t,” he recalled around the 22:30 mark. “I said I’m about to change our identity of how we look at […] We might’ve had one car, with no AC, you know, n****s riding with the windows down. I didn’t understand why we had to have one car, one house.”

It was after taking a trip to New York City and seeing people driving around in luxury cars and big jewelry that Birdman decided he wanted to bring that energy back to his city.

“In New Orleans, we ain’t know nothing about none of that,” he said. “We ain’t know nothing about Rolls Royces and foreign whips. We wore Dickies suits, dope boys… that was normal for our city.”

He continued, “Honestly I went to New York and seen them n***as in foreign cars and all that sh*t […] rocking big chains and I’m like, ‘Man, I’ma bring that sh*t down bottom.’ We ain’t never seen this sh*t down bottom, and that what influenced me, bro.”

The “Still Fly” rapper set a maximum budget of $15,000 per car and purchased “50 whips” for people in his hometown.

“I bought 50 whips for everybody. $15,000 was the maximum [I spent] for some of them, but a couple of my partners, I spent a little more, but yeah, everybody in the project that had a license, I bought them a car,” he shared.

shell, Shell’s
by Derek Major

January 29, 2024

Oil Sector In Nigeria Thrown Into Turmoil Amid Shell’s Onshore Asset Sale

Shell’s exit from Nigeria’s onshore oil sector has thrown Africa’s biggest oil exporter into turmoil but is also raising hopes local farms could help reverse the output decline.

Reuters reported that Shell, which pioneered Nigeria’s oil industry, has left the Niger Delta due to  pollution, oil theft, and pipeline vandalism, which have limited investment and have hurt production and government finances.

Shell announced the move earlier this month and is selling its subsidiary to five mostly local firms, continuing an ongoing trend of Western Oil giants divesting from onshore Nigerian oil fields.

A decade ago, Shell’s operations were producing as much as 300,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) ; however, by 2022, production had fallen to 131,000 boed.

Other oil companies who have left the region in recent years include Exxon, Italy’s Eni, Norway’s Equinor and China-based Addax.

“Nigeria has had well-established problems in policy in the oil sector, and the FX policy concerns have put constraints on investments. That’s probably partially why you have seen the majors pulling out and disinvesting to some extent,” Goldman Sachs senior economist Andrew Matheny told Reuters.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who took office last May, pledged to remove obstacles impacting oil producers, including ending crude theft and pipeline vandalism. However, it may have been too late by then, as many of the asset sales were already underway when Tinubu took office.

According to Statista, oil was discovered in Nigeria in 1956, and production started in the late 1950s. In the following decade, oil exploration was open to foreign companies, and the oil industry grew constantly to become a global giant. Today, the Nigerian petroleum industry accounts for about 9% of Nigeria’s GDP and for almost 90% of all export value.

“The majors reduced investments in the onshore for many years,” Roger Brown, chief executive of Nigeria’s Seplat Energy, told Reuters.

According to Brown, a combination of local issues and the fact that major oil companies must compete for cash with their assets in other regions, such as Guyana, that can often look more attractive has also contributed to the decline in Nigeria.

Things are not all bad, however. As Western petroleum companies leave the region, locals are attempting to pick up the slack. 

Earlier this month, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, announced he had opened one of the world’s biggest oil refineries in Nigeria to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on other countries for its oil imports. The $19 billion project began production earlier this month.

RELATED CONTENT: Green Insider: What’s Slowing Our Transition to Alternative Energy?

Jess Hilarious, Host, Breakfast Club, Loren LoRosa
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 29, 2024

Jess Hilarious Officially Joins ‘The Breakfast Club’ As Third Co-Host

After weeks of speculation, iHeartMedia has officially announced Jess Hilarious as the new co-host on "The Breakfast Club."

After weeks of speculation, iHeartMedia has officially announced Jess Hilarious as the new co-host of The Breakfast Club.

Jess and Charlamagne announced her getting the coveted job on Jan. 29 by sharing the same video on their Instagram pages.

“To Whom It May Concern,” Charlamagne’s post read.

It included a video montage of sound clips from various podcasts and social media posts in recent weeks that speculated if Jess was joining the morning show after an initial announcement that seemingly produced no results.

Power 105.1 followed up with an official statement from Jess and an iHeartMedia exec confirming the announcement.

“I’m looking forward to joining forces with one of the largest media platforms,” Jess Hilarious said. “I’m confident that taking the third seat at The Breakfast Club will show people that Jess Hilarious is not just comedy, but culture.”

The media company’s VP of programming supported the decision, following a year of rotating guest hosts where Jess remained a clear standout.

“I’m very excited to have Jess Hilarious join The Breakfast Club. She is a force in her own right, an actress, comedian, podcaster, and now, the co-host of The Breakfast Club,” Thea Mitchem, iHeartMedia Executive Vice President of Programming said.

“Jess was the standout choice to join Charlamagne and DJ Envy to build upon The Breakfast Club’s legacy of entertaining, informing and enlightening the community.”

It was late last month when Jess was first announced as the new co-host. She made the announcement at a holiday party in her hometown of Baltimore.

However, in the days and weeks that followed, no official announcement was made and many started to speculate if the offer was rescinded. Most recently, Jess posted a rant on social media that called Charlamagne and DJ Envy “trash” for their comparison of SZA to Mary J. Blige. The post left many wondering if Jess was confirming that she would no longer be a co-host on the show.

But, it might’ve all been a part of a bigger marketing plan as Jess shared another video post highlighting the official photoshoot she had with her new co-workers Charlamagne and Envy.

“I wanted to be on The Breakfast Club. Who wouldn’t want to be third co-host on a hall-of-fame show,” Jess says at the start of the video.

Jess Hilarious’ first day begins on Feb. 5. She replaces Angela Yee, who left the show in 2022 to host her midday show Way Up With Angela Yee.

RELATED CONTENT: Guest Hosting Pays Off For Jess Hilarious, Joins ‘The Breakfast Club’Permanently

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