Howard Basketball Players Live Hoop Dreams While Getting Ph.D., Law Degrees

by Derek Major

January 24, 2024

Howard Basketball Players Live Hoop Dreams While Getting Ph.D., Law Degrees

Howard basketball players Seth Towns and Joshua Strong are playing out their hoop dreams on the court for the Bison while training to do much more after their careers end.

Towns, 26, who previously attended Harvard University, where he was Ivy League Player of the Year and AP All-America honorable mention as a sophomore, is studying as a doctoral candidate. Meanwhile, Strong, 21, who helped Division II Minnesota-Duluth advance to the NCAA Elite 8 as a sophomore, is working on his law degree.

Together, the two men have helped the Bison to an 8-12 record this season and 2-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) behind Delaware State, Norfolk State, and North Carolina Central University.

Although Towns and Strong are teammates, they took very different routes to Howard.

Knee and back injuries cost Towns his last two seasons at Harvard, but that didn’t stop him from continuing his education. He transferred to Ohio State, where he earned a master’s degree and played one season of basketball (2020-21) in three years. Towns thought his basketball days were over and sat out last season, but he got the itch to play on the hardwood again and filed an NCAA waiver to play at Howard as an eighth-year senior.

Towns told the Columbus Dispatch, like many aspiring ballers, it took him a while to put the game second in his life and his education first.

“I think I have restructured my relationship with basketball,” Towns said. “It is much healthier now. I’m not saying I put my entire identity into basketball, but man, it was hard because that’s kind of the only professional aspiration I’ve had. Everything else was kind of subsidiary to that.”

Towns, who leads Howard in rebounding (6.8 rpg) assists (43), and is second in scoring (15.2 ppg.) is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in English literature and added he’s proud to attend an HBCU school.

“I knew off jump that I wanted to go to Howard if I had any eligibility left,” Towns, the oldest NCAA basketball player this season, told Slam Magazine. “I feel like the value of something like attending an HBCU isn’t always seen clearly. It’s [ours] to build, ours to protect, and ours to cultivate into this huge magical thing.”

Strong, who’s averaging 5.3 ppg, 1.9 rpg, and 1.5 apg, earned his Bachelor’s degree in two years and applied to the Howard University School of Law. After being accepted, he contacted head basketball coach Kenny Blakeney about walking onto the Bison team. After showing his game during summer workouts, Strong earned a spot on the team and ran the hardwood while preparing himself to excel in the courtroom.

“I always had a passion for social justice,” Strong told The Washington Post. “I guess early, I kind of conceptualized law as the way to attack that. I was always smart, and people would say, ‘Oh, you’re going to be a doctor, engineer.’ Well, how am I going to help Black people?”

While they may not shoot hoops at the next level, the future is bright for both Strong and Towns. According to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, 50% of Black lawyers are HBCU graduates, and the Advocate reports Howard University is the best HBCU for English literature majors.

Zeal Capital, Stefanie Thomas, VC Fund, Black Tech founders,

by Stacy Jackson

January 24, 2024

VC Firm Zeal Launches BBFI Fund To Expand Capital And Support For Black Tech Founders, Appoints New Managing Director

In her new role, Thomas will lead Zeal Capital Partners' pioneering Barclays Black Formation Investments initiative.

Venture capital firm Zeal Capital Partners has appointed Stefanie Thomas as managing director to spearhead its expanded commitment to inclusive investing. Thomas brings over a decade of experience backing diverse founders and emerging companies.

In her new role, Thomas will lead Zeal’s pioneering Barclays Black Formation Investments (BBFI) initiative, Essence reported. Backed by Barclays, BBFI provides critical early-stage capital and support to talented Black founders building high-growth tech startups.

As Zeal founder Nasir Qadree stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Stefanie to Zeal Capital Partners, to spearhead a timely effort to propel the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs and companies shaping the future of technology and business at scale.”

Thomas shares this mission to expand access to capital so innovative teams and ideas can thrive. Her diverse background gives her a unique lens to identify talented founders with important business concepts that can create value and impact.

With the launch of the pioneering BBFI fund, Zeal is dramatically expanding capital and support for Black founders in tech. Thomas’ appointment represents a major investment in this initiative. As she stated, unlocking value for the industry and world begins with funding the most talented yet overlooked teams.

“My work and life experiences have helped me to see investment opportunities beyond a traditional investing lens, and I’m looking forward to using that experience to identify founders with unique and important ideas that will unlock value for both our industry and the world,” the new managing director said according to Essence.

This work aligns with Zeal’s commitment to inclusive investing and empowering new voices in venture capital. As Qadree emphasized, Thomas’ leadership will continue Zeal’s focus on generating outsized returns, uplifting diverse teams, and cultivating the next generation of VC investors, Essence reported.

Previously, Thomas was a founding investor at Impact America Fund (IAF), helping expand it from $7 million to over $100 million.

Now at Zeal, she will have the opportunity to leverage her experience backing overlooked founders to unleash the potential of diverse entrepreneurship.

Russell westbrook, clippers, Russell Westbrook

by Rafael Pena

January 24, 2024

Russell Westbrook Is Now Part Owner of Arizona Athletic Grounds

Renowned NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook, through Russell Westbrook Enterprises, has recently become part of the ownership group at Arizona Athletic Grounds.

Phoenix Business Journal reports, renowned NBA All-Star and entrepreneur Russell Westbrook, through Russell Westbrook Enterprises, has recently become part of the ownership group at Arizona Athletic Grounds. The announcement of the collaboration came on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and aims to blend Westbrook’s passion for basketball programming with a strong commitment to community engagement through his Why Not? Foundation.

Westbrook, a nine-time NBA All-Star, is celebrated not only for his athletic prowess but also for his forward-thinking approach to business and philanthropy. With a keen eye for innovative ventures, Westbrook’s investment in AAG aligns seamlessly with his dedication to community-based education programs and empowering youth.

Donnell Beverly, President of RWE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Chad Brownstein and Rocky Mountain Resources, emphasizing RWE’s goal to transform Arizona Athletic Grounds into a national hub for basketball tournaments. Beverly stated, “We’re excited to bring the resources of the Why Not? Foundation to at-risk youth in the Mesa and Phoenix Valley area to create a longstanding relationship with the community.”

Arizona Athletic Grounds, located in Mesa, AZ, stands as the premier youth sports and entertainment facility in the Western United States, according to Visit Mesa. Attracting over 4,000,000 visitors annually, the facility offers a diverse range of youth and adult athletic programming and hosts various special events. AAG boasts an extensive array of amenities, including eight Baseball and Softball Fields, 19 Basketball Courts, 24 Soccer Fields, Football and Lacrosse Fields, 57 Indoor Volleyball Courts, 12 Beach Volleyball Courts, 41 Pickleball Courts (with a 2,000-seat Stadium), 22 Futsal Courts, a 14,000 square foot performance center, and multiple festival fields.

Chad Brownstein, Chairman of AAG, expressed admiration for Westbrook’s community leadership, stating, “Russell is the great American embodiment of community leadership. We are pleased to partner with him and Donnell at AAG. The alliance will grow our Basketball programming and solidify our commitment to supporting at-risk youth.”

The collaboration between Russell Westbrook Enterprises and Arizona Athletic Grounds signifies a synergy between sports, community engagement, and philanthropy. As Westbrook brings his influence and resources to AAG, the alliance aims to enhance basketball programming and foster a positive impact on at-risk youth in the Mesa and Phoenix Valley area.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2024

Former NBA Player Kevin Porter Jr. Agrees To Plea Deal After Alleged Assault Of Former Girlfriend

Porter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation and if he completes the court-ordered treatment program, he may stay out of jail.

Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested last year on Sept. 11 for allegedly attacking his former girlfriend, Kysre Gondrezick, in a New York City hotel room. The former Houston Rockets guard was charged with domestic violence assault. He originally pleaded not guilty to felony assault and strangulation. The Associated Press reported that he reached a plea deal on Jan. 23 to keep him out of jail.

Porter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation due to the incident that allegedly took place last September. If he completes the court-ordered treatment program and stays out of trouble, there will be no jail time. Porter agreed to enroll in a 26-week Abusive Partner Intervention Program or an equivalent program with a private counselor. He is also required to abide by a limited order of protection, keep all slated court dates, and make sure he doesn’t get arrested.

If Porter adheres to the stated requirements, he will be able to withdraw his assault plea in a year and will be sentenced to time served for the non-criminal harassment count. Doing so will clear his criminal record.

The attorneys for the 23-year-old Porter accused prosecutors of presenting false felony allegations as Gondrezick also stated they presented a false narrative of what took place that evening.

“The resolution will allow Mr. Porter to put this incident, which involved false felony allegations and false facts, behind him with no criminal record and move forward,” Porter’s attorneys, Phillip Jobe and Stephanie Kelemen, said in a written statement.

ABC 7 reported that the shooting guard was taken into custody by the New York Police Department. Prosecutors stated that Porter attacked Gondrezick at the Millennium Hilton Hotel and left her with a fractured neck vertebra and a deep cut above her right eye.

After the accusation, the Rockets banned him from the team and traded him to the Oklahoma Thunder on Oct. 17, after which the NBA team released him.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 24, 2024

Olamide Olowe Makes History In Beauty Industry With Topicals Brand

Olamide Olowe of Topicals is changing the game with her innovative and inclusive skin care company.

Olamide Olowe has been a game-changing entrepreneur ever since she stepped into beauty with her popular Topicals brand. The CEO and founder of the skincare company is making history as she reaches new heights through successful capital funding rounds.

According to AfroTech, Olowe launched the brand in 2020, securing $2.6 million in venture capital to grow its reach. With the investment backing its quality products, the brand continued raising the bar by becoming the fastest-growing skincare brand sold in Sephora in 2022. That same year, at the age of 26, the founder emerged as the youngest Black woman to raise $10 million in funding, with Black investors including Kelly Rowland, Gabrielle Union, and Jay-Z’s Mary Venture Partners also joining in.

Olowe spoke on her thriving journey in entrepreneurship with BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Sisters Inc. in 2021. She is well aware of the obstacles, but notes how crucial diverse investors, and even Black women mentors, have been to her growth.

“I wanted to get as many people who looked like me in the round,” expressed Olowe. “One, because we want to increase wealth in the Black community. But two, because they, like myself, have dealt with these skin conditions and have dealt with being an outsider…In order to become great, you have to surround yourself with greats. And I’m so fortunate that each and every one of those women has seen me and has taken me under their wing to help support this business…They’ve been instrumental to our success.”

BE has continued showcasing Olowe and her mission with Topicals through her inclusion as a 2023 “40 Under 40” honoree. Topicals features a variety of masks, serums, and newly added lip products to combat common issues, such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation, for diverse skin types and tones. However, Topicals seeks to uplift from within and throughout, advocating for mental health causes in addition to showcasing other Black-owned brands to support alongside them.

Olowe and Topicals have furthered their brand development and product sales in this commitment to authenticity and giving back to their consumers. The bright CEO not only has a promising future in the industry, but has maintained her promise of a holistic impact to the world.

strengthen, unique, business, weakness, focus, mindfulness, concentrate

by Black Enterprise

January 24, 2024

3 Ways To Strengthen Your Ability To Concentrate

Originally Published Sep. 11, 2016

One facet of productivity that doesn’t often get talked about is the difference between efficiency and effectiveness. You could arrive at work early, knock a bunch of items off of your to-do list, and feel good about your day. And while you may have earned it, have you ever stopped to think about how effective you really were?

At my company, Do.com, we help companies become both more effective and efficient with their meetings. The lack of follow-up and action taken after a meeting is a problem that plagues a lot of boardrooms. The sole purpose of a meeting is to discuss things collaboratively so that action items can be acted on; however, this is often not the case. We’ve pinpointed several reasons why your meetings aren’t as productive as you think–and how you can change them for the better.

Hows to Concentrate Better: Give Your Undivided Attention to the Task at Hand

Let’s say you’re in a meeting, and you’re answering emails while discussions are taking place. Those who can multitask are often admired for their ability to juggle, but the reality is that you can never give your undivided attention to any one thing when you’re constantly jumping between two or more items. You’re really just giving a few minutes here, a few minutes there, and are never fully engaging.

So if you’re in a meeting and you’re answering emails, you might think you’re giving your attention to both, but you’re actually not giving your whole attention to either. This means you can miss important questions, decisions, and discussions. You also risk slipping up in your email communication, losing your train of thought, or failing to reply to an urgent message.

A great way to combat this is to use the famous Pomodoro technique, in which you work for 25 minutes on one task, without checking your phone, email, or switching between apps. Then, you take a five-minute break where you can check those emails or respond to those texts. This cycle repeats for four rounds, after which you take a 15-minute break. This really helps fight the urge to multitask and has been proven to allow you to fit 40 hours of work into 16.7 hours of actual work.

Train Your Mind to Focus for Longer Periods of Time

What do some of the most successful entrepreneurs, artists and actors all have in common? They’re able to stay focused for longer periods of time on a single task.

This concentration has to be cultivated; it doesn’t come naturally when you’re used to constantly checking your phone, surfing the web, and giving into other distractions. For reasons already mentioned, if you give 100 percent to everything you engage in, you’ll make fewer mistakes and get more done. “Big projects” will feel less intimidating when you discover that you’re able to complete them with a couple of hours of focused effort. As a result, your confidence will also increase. You’ll soon discover that you have plenty of time left over for lower-value tasks. Using the aforementioned Pomodoro technique will allow you to focus on what’s really important at any given moment, since you have to prioritize tasks during each cycle. When these cycles finish, you can work on other, less pressing tasks during your breaks.

Be Selective, and Prioritize

If you don’t prioritize your activity, it will have power over you. Assuming you could only pick three to five things to complete on any given day, what would you choose to work on? Manage your expectations. Don’t go into your day with the idea that you are superhuman and can handle everything under the sun. Instead, pick your battles. Don’t allow yourself more than three to five items on a daily basis. Then, if you have time left over, start crossing off smaller tasks that don’t require a lot of time or mental effort. Every morning at our company, we lay out the most important things for us to tackle that day. As you go throughout your day, use a to-do list or journal to track what you’ve accomplished and what you still need to complete. Look back on this after every task and at the end of the day. It’ll make you feel really good about your productivity and is a great way to visually see your progress throughout the day.

Every morning at our company, we lay out the most important things for us to tackle that day. As you go throughout your day, use a to-do list or journal to track what you’ve accomplished and what you still need to complete. Look back on this after every task and at the end of the day. It’ll make you feel really good about your productivity and is a great way to visually monitor your progress.

Don’t forget — these tips don’t work if you don’t prioritize. If you find yourself jumping from one task to another, remember that there are tasks on your to-do list that can wait. You need to be able to segment your projects into meaningful categories in order to gain clarity on the importance of each. Pretty soon, you’ll be accomplishing way more than before — and it’ll reflect in your business.

liability, llc, leap, assets, protect your assets, entrepreneur

by Kandiss Edwards

January 24, 2024

How To Get Certified As A Minority-Owned Business

Becoming certified as a minority-owned business allows you to access certain government and private-sector programs that can help support your efforts.

Originally Published Jun. 2, 2017

In 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that there were 8 million minority-owned businesses in the U.S. That’s a huge number of business owners looking for opportunities to achieve the American dream and make it as a successful entrepreneur.

If you own one of those businesses, becoming certified as a minority-owned business allows you to access certain government and private-sector programs that can help support your efforts. Here are three certifications/qualifications that can help minority business owners get support for their venture.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) DBE Certification

The DOT developed the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification to assist DBE companies that wish to compete for federally assisted highway, transit, airport, and highway safety contracts. Any state or local government that receives DOT funding must maintain a DBE program that conforms to DOT standards.

Eligibility standards state that you must be in a socially and economically disadvantaged group and own 51% or more of a small business. The DOT defines “presumed groups” as defined in the next section. Other individuals may prove their disadvantaged status based on the DOT standards — these are handled on a case-by-case basis and intended for groups with disproportionately low incomes and high unemployment rates.

Contact your state Department of Transportation to learn how to apply for DBE Certification.

The 8(a) Business Development Program

The 8(a) Business Development Program was created by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace. This nine-year program provides business assistance to help disadvantaged businesses succeed in government contracting and in competing for commercial business. The program aims to “graduate” companies that will thrive in today’s competitive environment. However, before you can apply for the program, you need to qualify as a socially disadvantaged individual.

Some minority groups automatically qualify as “presumed groups,” meaning they are presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged and can apply to the program. These groups include African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and Subcontinent Asian Americans. In addition, Alaska Native Corporations, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian Organizations, and Community Development Corporations can also apply to the program.

Besides being in a presumed group, there are other SBA requirements that must be met by the owners of the business and the business itself. You can review the steps in the application process on the SBA website. Qualifying as a socially disadvantaged individual isn’t technically a “certification,” but the program is large enough that we wanted to include these standards in the article.

There are a number of benefits offered by the program. For instance, participants can receive sole-source contracts and form joint ventures and teams to strengthen their position when bidding on contracts. In addition, the Mentor-Protégé Program pairs successful firms with companies new to the program. The mentors provide a range of assistance, including technical expertise, contracting help, and more.

Getting a foot in the door at the SBA can help you understand the process for accessing government grants and contracts and can even open doors to understanding how to qualify for SBA loans — the gold standard when it comes to business financing for growth and expansion. Those loans can be some of the most difficult to qualify for, especially if you haven’t established a business credit score.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council’s MBE Certification

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is a trade group that supports certified minority business enterprises in obtaining new business opportunities and connects them to their network, which includes corporate members. Their goal is to help MBEs integrate into industry supply chains and to help corporate members meet the increasing call for supplier diversity. The council’s efforts match more than 12,000 MBEs to their impressive network of corporate members.

The council’s regional affiliates coordinate the MBE certification process, and you’ll want to start your application by contacting the affiliate closest to your company’s headquarters. You can visit NMSDC Central to learn more about applying for certification and completing the MBE Certification Application.

This is not a government-affiliated program like the 8(a) and DBE certification. There is an application fee for processing the application. The application process also includes a site visit and interview. The Council’s Certification Committee will review your application, and the Council’s Board will issue final approval after a review of the committee’s recommendations.

In general, your business may apply for certification if the company is 51% owned and operated by minority individuals who are U.S. citizens. The minority ownership members must manage the company’s daily operations and be a for-profit enterprise located in the U.S. or its trust territories.*

Interactive Timeline, invest, stock, 5, maintenance, retirement, goals, investments, beginners, begin, basics, mistakes

by Nancy E Williams

January 24, 2024

How To Fund The Franchise Business You’ve Always Wanted

Understanding how to fund a franchise business is critical because it could ultimately determine what business you end up purchasing.

Originally Published Jun. 30, 2019

As a franchise adviser, the most-asked question I receive after “What’s the best franchise to buy?” is “Where can I get the money” to purchase a franchise. Understanding how to fund a franchise business is critical because it could ultimately determine what business you end up purchasing.

In addition, potential franchisees often find out that there are more options than they thought, and they may be able to purchase a larger territory, multiple territories, or a resale business.

Understanding your funding options isn’t just for the purpose of starting up your franchise. It’s also about cash infusion opportunities down the line when you want to grow the business or have an unplanned event occur that requires emergency funds.

Most African Americans Bootstrap Franchises

The SBA reports that 70% of African Americans who start businesses turn to family or use their own personal funds. And while nearly 19% of white business owners started their business with a business loan from a bank or other financial institution, only 15.2% of black business owners did so. Black and Hispanic business owners are more likely to rely on personal credit cards carrying balances, which is a much more expensive financing option than a traditional bank loan.

There are new programs coming out all the time that investors can take advantage of, and it’s important to learn about those, as well as the changes that occur to existing programs. I sat down with Rodney H. Brown, executive director of Unlimited Financial Funding L.L.C. as he shared some valuable information.

How to Fund a Franchise

What are the most common loans you broker for your clients?

Rodney H. Brown: SBA 7A, SBA 504, CRE conventional loans and Non-SBA working capital loans, equipment loans, and development funding to name a few.

What does a client seeking funding need to qualify?

If purchasing a franchise, they need to be working with an SBA franchise, have a 660 credit score (may accept 620 with explanation), no bankruptcies, and 10%-15% cash down payment of the total loan amount.

Industry experience is not required, however, with hotels most lenders prefer two or more years’ experience or have a management team in place with the experience.

What are some of the franchise brands you have funded for clients? Marcos Pizza, Five Guys, Subway, and Tropical Smoothie Café.

What advice do you give clients on how much they should borrow?

I advise my clients to take what is needed but at the same time, have access to 20%-25% liquidity because with an SBA loan you will need 10%-15% down but underwriters love to see additional liquidity available in the form of home equity, IRA/401(K), stocks, etc. If you only have 10% to inject into a business and it takes longer than 6-9 months to turn a profit, the business is headed for disaster.

Other than SBA, what funding options are there?

We can provide additional working capital and term loans — conventional loans for those clients that prefer not to take an SBA loan, and we also can assist our clients with programs to calculate any new or existing federal tax benefits and incentives they may not be taking advantage of. We are always trying to add more value for clients to stay ahead, and with limited business debt as possible.

When should a candidate start the funding process and how long does it take?

Once a person has identified a franchise or business they feel confident will be a good fit for them, they should begin the funding process ASAP. At Unlimited Financial Funding, once we receive all the personal/business financials from the borrower, we underwrite the file to see how strong it is and if it is strong enough, we submit it to our top 2-3 lenders that we know will give the best terms or provide the most flexibility, if needed. Such as lower credit scores, lack of collateral, limited locations for the franchise, etc. Once the file is submitted to the lender, we typically can close within 45-60 days. However, we can usually have an LOI (Letter of Intent) after 72 hours of loan submission.

Are there limits to what the funds can be used for?

They can be used for business acquisitions, partner buyouts, buying commercial real estate for owner-occupied properties (the borrower must occupy 51% of total space), working capital, commercial build-out, as well as buying equipment & FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment).

What other key information do potential candidates need to know?

My advice would be to steer clear of the big banks. They have less flexibility and are more focused on bank deposits, savings accounts, CDs, etc. SBA lending has come a long way in the past 5-10 years. It no longer takes 3-6 months to close an SBA, which it still can if you’re working with the Big Banks. In addition, if they are willing to fund the loan, they will require the borrower to move their banking portfolio to that branch and may only fund the loan if you have collateral. The SBA DOES NOT require that you have collateral!

So, if you’re denied a loan for no collateral, that shouldn’t mark the end of your journey. Unlimited Financial Funding works with several non-bank lenders that do not require collateral. However, if you do have a home or other investment properties the lender may have to use that as collateral.

The best funding partners focus on SBA loans ONLY, no bank deposits or bank accounts, simply financing and closing viable loans for the small business community.

by Atiya Jordan

January 24, 2024

Black Woman-Founded Mentoring Program In Chicago Receives A Major Investment

Chicago-based Polished Pebbles is among the star-studded group who are selected to receive funding from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Girls Opportunity Alliance have just announced a major investment in 14 grassroots organizations from her favorite city. From holistic healing programs and bullying prevention to holistic arts education for youth and adults and reproductive education, Chicago is beaming with Black communities who are doing vital work to empower adolescent girls.

Chicago-based Polished Pebbles, founded by author and award-winning social entrepreneur Kelly Fair, is among the star-studded groups selected to be a part of history. The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, a program of the Obama Foundation, and Lady Obama are ultimately advancing Polished Pebbles’ work, which addresses the “hope gap” for Black and Brown girls and aims to build the future, one girl at a time.

“Chicago is the place that made me who I am. It’s the place that shaped me, developed my self-confidence, and helped me discover my voice. There’s an energy to this city that’s like no other— an energy that lifts, inspires and nurtures,” said Obama in an Instagram video proudly announcing the big news.

“That’s why I couldn’t be more thrilled to share that the Girls Opportunity Alliance is expanding our work right here in my favorite city,” Mrs. Obama continued.

“EVERY GIRL IS A CEO”

The Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund will support Polished Pebbles’ Every Girl is a CEO (EGCEO) Summer Work-Study program. “EGCEO is a six-week professional development program that combines workshops and hands-on training to prepare girls for success in the workplace,” according to a GoFundMe page that seeks $50,000 in funding. With the Alliance’s support, participants in the program will earn wages for 20 hours each week as they learn and practice how to complete “employment applications, interview for jobs, and engage in professional communication.” Additionally, girls can take on the opportunity to shadow CEOs and professionals by way of Polished Pebble’s collaborations with local businesses, nonprofits, and other institutions to offer shadow opportunities.

To date, the program has employed hundreds of girls. Late last year, Fair celebrated three of the program’s alumni who accepted full-time positions at SOPHY Hyde Park, a boutique hotel in Chicago and a long-standing partner of Polished Pebbles.

“Seeing the success of young, driven women like Diamond, Teja, and Tiara reaffirms why we do what we do,” Fair told the Chicago Defender. “These young women have been in our program for years, building confidence and gaining leadership and adaptability skills that they can take into any workplace.

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A post shared by Polished Pebbles Mentoring (@polishedpebbles)

“BREAKING BARRIERS”

Since its inception in 2009, Polished Pebbles has helped to enhance the life skills, career readiness, and leadership ability of girls and young women ages 7-17. Fair, the incomparable CEO and trained speech pathologist, began her innovative career directing college prep and work-study programs. She has remained steadfast in addressing the gap in girls-centered programming to help them build strong communication skills.

“While I am dedicated to making a difference and preparing girls and young women for leadership positions, one of my biggest gifts is being a mentor to others so that they can live their best lives not only now but in their future careers,” Fair previously shared in a 2022 Instagram introduction post.

Learn more about supporting Polished Pebbles and other selected organizations here.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2024

Milwaukee Bucks Fire Head Coach Adrian Griffin After 43 Games, Reportedly Hire Doc Rivers

The Milwaukee Bucks fired Griffin although the team has a 30-13 record.

The NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks fired head coach Adrian Griffin Tuesday after just 43 games and an impressive 30-13 record.

“This was a difficult decision to make during the season,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. “We are working immediately toward hiring our next head coach. We thank Coach Griffin for his hard work and contributions to the team.”

Originally, the team announced assistant coach Joe Prunty as in the interim head coach—until they reportedly hired veteran basketball coach and current ESPN NBA analyst Doc Rivers.

The Milwaukee Bucks are currently ranked second in the Eastern Conference. The team gave no reason for letting Griffin go.

Less than 24 hours after the firing of Griffin, the Bucks reportedly hired Rivers, who won a title with the Boston Celtics in 2008 and last coached the Philadelphia 76ers last season.

Milwaukee Bucks are hiring Doc Rivers to be the franchise’s next head coach, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/UMeQ7bTK4d

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 24, 2024

Milwaukee hired Griffin last summer after dismissing longtime coach Mike Budenholzer, who led the Bucks to an NBA title in 2021, but flamed out in the playoffs’ first round last year. The offseason featured another big move for the Bucks: a trade with the Portland Trailblazers for perennial All-Star guard Damian Lillard.

Now, the pressure is on Rivers, a veteran coach who was fired from the 76ers last season after winning 50 games for the past two years. The team’s failure to get to the NBA Finals after losing the semifinals for three straight years sealed Rivers’ fate.

His next win will tie him for eighth with Larry Brown for NBA coaching wins. Rivers, who has also coached for the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic, has a win-loss record of 1,097-763 in the regular season. His playoff record is 111-104.