Small Business Storefront Activation Program, Chicago

by Jeffrey McKinney

January 14, 2024

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Allocates Nearly $3 Million To Revitalize Vacant Storefronts Through Small Business Activation Program

The effort allows small business owners to test their business ventures in bare storefronts.

Vacant storefronts in Chicago could get new life and become occupied with nearly $3 million in city support.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) has announced 15 community and economic development organizations have been awarded grants as part of the $2.7 million Small Business Storefront Activation Program.

The effort allows small business owners to test their business ventures in bare storefronts and enhance local options for residents and visitors, according to a news release.

The organizations will collaborate with small business owners and landlords to provide rapid relief to small businesses by activating vacant storefronts into fledgling business spaces. They could reportedly anchor pop-up businesses like a retail incubator, art gallery, and an indoor farmer’s market.

Plans call for the groups to help transform commercial corridors citywide, including along the well-known Michigan Avenue to corridors in Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Uptown, and Chatham.

The fresh push comes after COVID-19 pandemic triggered large increases in commercial corridor vacancy rates across Chicago. As such, brick-and-mortar businesses that rely on foot traffic to drive sales were hit hard as some of the city’s commercial corridors had major cutbacks in economic activity.

“Small businesses are essential components of thriving communities,” Johnon stated. “We need to invest in our small businesses to generate economic activity, and the Small Business Storefront Activation Program will bring to life storefronts across the city and much-needed economic stimulus to business corridors in historically disinvested communities.”

BACP Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer added, “The Small Business Storefront Activation Program transforms storefronts and communities by stimulating entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and attracting new consumers. The selected grantees will assist local business owners and entrepreneurs to positively impact commercials corridors.”

Interested entrepreneurs wanting to participate can complete this form and get more details here.

by Mary Spiller

January 14, 2024

Florida Senate Considers Bill Making Accusations Of Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Or Transphobia Defamatory

The bill will allow for someone to sue another person for calling them one of the listed words.

A new bill has been pushed to the Florida Senate that would make it possible to be charged with defamation if you accuse someone of being racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic. Such accusations would no longer fall under the protection of freedom of speech if the bill is passed.

The bill, called SB 1780 Defamation, False Light, and Unauthorized Publication of Name or Likeness, will allow someone to sue another person for calling them one of the listed words, CBS reports.

The bill reads, “An allegation that the plaintiff has discriminated against another person or group because of their race, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity constitutes defamation per se.” Regardless of whether the accusations are true or false, under SB 1780, it would be defamatory to say.

Another essential stipulation of the bill is that provable “actual malice” is no longer a requirement — something that has been essential in defamation suits in the past. By allowing for a standard fact finder to infer malice automatically, any accusation of someone else being discriminatory has a lower investigative threshold before a lawsuit can be passed.

SB 1780 also includes sections concerning public figures and journalists and how they would be affected by the change. Not only would it restrict those who count as “public figures” by restricting the definition to not include “non-elected or appointed public employees and individuals who gained notoriety by publicly defending themselves against accusations, giving interviews or being the subject of a viral video, image, or statement uploaded on the Internet,” it also extends to any statements made that are made in the media.

As for journalists, SB 1780 will impose notable restrictions. According to the bill, any statements made by anonymous sources will be “presumptively false,” subjecting journalists to vulnerabilities to lawsuits or reveal their sources.

The punishment for defamation under the new bill is a fine of at least $35,000 if a defendant is found liable.

by Jeffrey McKinney

January 14, 2024

National Minority Supplier Development Council Triples Cohort Size In 2024 Acres Program, Empowering Black Farmers With Substantial Financial Support

The goal is to help increase incomes as producers access new markets including commodities, grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail outlets.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council is boosting the number of Black farmers and ranchers in its second cohort in a big way.

The 2024 Acres: Cultivating Equity in Black Agriculture will consist of roughly over 30 participants, about three times larger than the number during the first cohort. Now in its second year, the program trains and certifies Black farmers and ranchers as diverse suppliers.

The goal is to help increase incomes as producers access new markets, including commodities, grocery stores, restaurants, and other retail outlets, according to the press release. The program was formerly known as the Black Farmers Equity Initiative.

The program is being expanded this year with financial backing from the likes of Cargill and UNFI, contributing over $500,000. Walmart has contributed $220,000 to support the effort.

This year’s cohort will benefit from a revamped learning curriculum thanks to a partnership with the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. See the list of the latest cohort members here.

Farmers and ranchers in the program will engage in a 12-week learning curriculum centered on growing their capacity to take on major national contracts with NMSDC corporate members in the food supply chain. NMSDC will help them obtain MBE certification after the program ends.

This year’s cohort represents the rich diversity and potential of the Black agricultural community,” stated Jetheda Hernandez, NMSDC senior director of strategic alliances and programs. “We look forward to the more inclusive and sustainable food supply chain they will help create.”

The initiative is needed as McKinsey & Company has reported only 1.4% of farmers today identify as Black or mixed race, versus about 14% a century ago. Figures show that Black farmers account for less than 0.5% of total U.S. farm sales.

The program’s expansion is part of NMSDC’s ongoing efforts to address disparities Black businesses face both within and without the organization. That major trend was highlighted in NMSDC’s 2022 Minority Businesses Economic Impact Report, which was released in May 2023.

sinners, ryan coolger, micahel b. Jordan

by Mary Spiller

January 14, 2024

Michael B. Jordan Ventures Into Health Food Retail With Launch Of Sea Moss Beverage ‘Moss’

Jordan's new brand is dedicated to sustainability and uses plastic-free packaging.

Actor Michael B. Jordan is stepping into the health food retail world. The titular “Creed” star officially has launched a sea moss beverage called Moss in partnership with his investment firm, Outlier Society Ventures, and a health food supplier called Dr. SMood.

The 36-year-old’s brand will be available nationwide after launch.

The retail branch statement released and obtained by Blavity read, “In today’s world where people are increasingly disconnected, Moss is turning to the ocean to bring balance back to our lives.”

The statement continued, “The ultimate source of refreshment, the ocean’s endless waters are full of raw potential that enlivens both our body and minds. By harnessing the potency of sea moss and blending it with organic juices, botanical extracts, and herbs, Moss offers straight-from-the-sea refreshment in a new, ready-to-drink form.”

According to the brand details, Moss bolsters itself as healthy and delicious. The initial launch includes pure mango, ginger, and pomegranate. The formula consists of” feature ingredients such as sea moss, ashwagandha, and ginseng to awaken the senses, enhance vitality, and center us in the present moment.”

Through reverse osmosis “Moss strives to ignite a wave of wellness and believes that the wellbeing of individuals and communities is inextricably linked to the health of our planet,” according to the brand’s statement.

Moss’ ingredients are all-natural and healthy. For example, the pomegranate flavor’s ingredients are “organic pomegranate juice concentrate, organic black currant essence, organic hibiscus extract, organic orange extract, and organic monk fruit.”

Jordan’s new brand is dedicated to sustainability and uses plastic-free packaging verified by Oceanic Global’s Blue Standard. Additionally, the Moss company has committed over $25,000 to organizations dedicated to protecting the Earth’s oceans and the communities surrounding them.

Some of these organizations include Intersxtn Surf, Pacific Town Club, Tea Party for Black Girls, and Oceanic Global.

The products can be bought from the company’s website, Amazon, and in-person health food retailers.

by Derek Major

January 14, 2024

FAMU Boosters Urge University President To Halt Search For New Coach Amid Growing Discontent Over Process

The school’s major stakeholders say they’ve been 'shut out and completely left out of the room.'

The search to replace Florida A&M University (FAMU) football coach Willie Simmons has hit a snag as the school’s major stakeholders say they’ve been “shut out and completely left out of the room.”

The Tallahassee Democrat reports FAMU Boosters, Inc., have requested university President Larry Robinson suspend its search for a new football coach to replace Willie Simmonds.

The FAMU fundraising group requested in a letter it delivered to Robinson and FAMU Vice President Director of Athletics Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, who is directing the search for a new coach.

FAMU Rattlers Boosters, Inc. President Selvin Cobb told the Democrat Robinson confirmed Sykes’ top candidate to replace Simmons is Shawn Gibbs of Division II Fort Valley State. However, FAMU boosters say they’ve been left in the dark.

“There has been no presentation of other highly qualified candidates being considered,” the letter states, according to the Democrat. “Therefore, the Boosters are requesting that you suspend any further head coach search activity until the Athletic Director addresses the university community on this subject.”

The letter continues, “We also request that major stakeholders are represented in the official Search Committee process for the Football Coach by you appointing an official Search Committee that can keep stakeholders abreast and provide discussion forums about the candidates.”

Simmons resigned as FAMUs head coach on Jan. 1 to join Manny Diaz’s staff at Duke University as the running backs coach. Simmons, who coached with Diaz at Middle Tennessee, spent five years at FAMU going 45-13, including finishing 12-1 this season, winning 11 in a row after a loss to South Florida in September. Simmons also led the Rattlers to a 30-26 victory in the December HBCU National Championship game against Howard University.

FAMU tried hard to hold on to Simmons, increasing its financial commitment to Simmons to $400,000, his assistant coaches and the program’s infrastructure. The FAMU community also raised $140,000 in 48 hours in an effort to retain Simmons and bolster the program.

Gibbs, who played football at North Carolina Central University, is 16-5 in two seasons at Fort Valley State and has spent more than 15 years as an assistant coach at the HBCU level. This Gibbs led Fort Valley State to an 8-3 record and a 23-10 victory

in the inaugural Florida Beach Bowl in Ft. Lauderdale in December.

FAMU alumni, supporters, and fans want the team’s recent success and believe an in-house candidate, such as interim coach James Colzie III, who served as FAMU’s assistant head coach and cornerbacks coach under Simmons, would be a better fit.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 13, 2024

Nikki Haley Will Push For Change In Retirement Age If Elected

Time to get to work, millennials and Get Z!

Presidential hopeful Nikki Haley raised some eyebrows during the fifth Republican Party presidential debate after she said she would raise the retirement age, Newsweek reports.

The debate, held on Dec. 10 in Iowa, hosted Haley as she battled it out with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on topics concerning the American voter. Once the moderator, CNN’s Jake Tapper, brought up the issue of Social Security, things took an interesting turn. He asked the former South Carolina governor if voters in their 20s should “plan on having

Her answer: “They should plan on their retirement age being increased. We have to go and start looking at what we can do to get out of this. We want to make sure that everybody who was promised gets it benefits, but we also want to make sure our kids have something when they get it, too.”

DeSantis’ take touched on the state of the country as Americans are fighting to make ends meet. “I don’t see how you can raise the retirement age when our life expectancy is collapsing in this country,” DeSantis said. “That’s a huge problem in and of itself.”

With a rebuttal, Haley accused the Florida governor of voting to raise life expectancy to 70 years old three years in a row and lying about it. “He can call me whatever name and be demeaning as much as he wants. It doesn’t change the fact that Ron’s lying because Ron’s losing. Everybody in the country sees it for what it is,” Haley said.

Currently, U.S. law prohibits citizens from collecting their full retirement benefits until age 67.

President Joe Biden recently trashed Republicans’ plans to cut Social Security and Medicare, while Trump called for the GOP to support the programs. According to CNN, during the Conservative Political Action Conference in early January 2023, Trump pointed the finger to some unnamed party members, alleging they “want to raise the minimum age of Social Security to 70, 75 or even 80 in some cases” and want to cut Medicare to unrecognizable levels.

Haley criticized some of Biden’s 2024 budget that increased Medicare trust funds by raising taxes on taxpayers making more than $400,000 a year. “Joe Biden now is basically saying the only way to deal with entitlements is to raise taxes. He doesn’t care that it runs out in five or 10 years, he’s not going to be there anymore,” Haley said.

The plan also allegedly allows Medicare to negotiate more drug prices, something that isn’t expected to go far within a Republican-controlled House.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 13, 2024

Dwyane Wade Shoots For Podcast Stardom With iHeart’s ‘The Why,’ Featuring NBA Legends And A-List Guests

'I am looking forward to sitting down with some of my friends, peers and people I admire most to hear more about their 'why' and what motivates them to get up every day to do what they do.'

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade will be hosting his own podcast with media giant iHeart.

The announcement was made by iHeartPodcasts as this will be a collaboration with Wade’s 59th & Prairie Entertainment. The podcast “The Why with Dwyane Wade” will debut on Jan. 17, with a two-part episode that will feature Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker, and Pau Gasol. The discussion between the former NBA players will dwell on topics that incorporate personal challenges among themselves. They speak about the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat rivalry, their experiences as rookies, and a conversation on what qualifies someone to be labeled a GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

January 17th 🎙️: https://t.co/c6xBS70J8t pic.twitter.com/sEcdkeuh9F

— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 11, 2024

“As someone who is always curious and wanting to learn, I am looking forward to sitting down with some of my friends, peers and people I admire most to hear more about their ‘why’ and what motivates them to get up every day to do what they do,” said Wade. “iHeartPodcasts is a true leader in the industry, and I am excited and grateful to partner with them for my first show.”

The podcast will come out weekly as the legendary player sits with individuals who have made their mark in various fields including sports, fashion, music as well as business. Esteemed guests who will be seen on “The Why with Dwyane Wade” will include Carmelo Anthony, Rick Ross, Pat Riley, David Grutman, Lindsey Vonn, and many who are accomplished in their fields.

“Dwyane Wade has always been a force on and off the court, and his influence reaches fans of sports, pop culture and beyond,” said Will Pearson, president of iHeartPodcasts. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the iHeartPodcasts family, and excited for listeners to get up close and personal with Dwyane and his guests.”

You can catch the premiere episode on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms starting Jan. 17.

by Stacy Jackson

January 13, 2024

Let’s Talk About It! Taraji P. Henson Shares Experience With Bladder Leakage In New Always Discreet Partnership

Like several other women, Taraji P. Henson says she didn't know what was happening to her when she transitioned into her perimenopause stage.

As women transition into perimenopause, their bodies undergo changes that often go unspoken, but are totally normal.

To empower women navigating this transitional life stage, Proctor & Gamble’s bladder leak protection brand Always Discreet has teamed up with actress Taraji P. Henson to shine a light on perimenopause and common experiences that many have limited knowledge about. According to a press release, such experiences include the common occurrence of bladder leaks, which Balaka Niyazee, senior vice president of P&G Feminine Care North America said “is a common experience that 1 in 2 women over the age of 18 will experience in their lifetime.”

The North American Menopause Society reported that by 2025 the rise in post menopausal women is expected to reach 1.1 billion worldwide. However, 83% of women are unaware of the perimenopause stage that takes place before menopause. “When it comes to perimenopause, this knowledge exchange is limited. Women are left unprepared for typical physical changes – this is especially true when it comes to bladder leaks,” Niyazee said.

To spark awareness, Always Discreet created the “I Wish I Knew” video series that features Henson gathered with other women as they openly share their own perimenopausal journeys. As the women swap stories, commonalities emerge around unexpected symptoms like bladder leaks. “I didn’t know what was happening to me,” Henson shared about her perimenopausal journey. “I was experiencing a lot of other symptoms. We don’t talk enough about how women’s bodies continue to change and it leaves us confused, frustrated, and feeling alone.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@alwaysdiscreet_us/video/7319902469700472110?lang=en

Her words ring true, as a survey conducted by Always Discreet found that 70% of women feel less alone knowing other women undergo the same bladder leakage challenges. Yet these leaks carry a heavy impact, with 73% admitting they avoid activities due to worry over leaks. Over 80% of women who experience bladder leaks said it was detrimental to their overall confidence, while 77% said the leaks came at a disadvantage to their ability to exercise or partake in physical activity.

“I’m passionate about women living confidently and feeling empowered,” Henson stated. Always Discreet aims to use this video series to empower others as well.

by Mary Spiller

January 13, 2024

Kevin Hart Declares ‘Those Days Are Done’ For Him Hosting The Oscars

Hart was almost the host of the 91st Oscars but was forced out of it after making homophobic comments online.

Kevin Hart has officially told fans that he will never go for hosting the Oscars again after his scandal five years ago resulted in his removal from being its emcee. While opening up Thursday’s episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, he told the Jan 11 audience that “there is no upside at this point” to trying for it again.

During the Bravo interview, the 44 year old comedian told Cohen that him being a host for the Oscars “is not going to happen.”

“Kill the idea of it, it’s not going to happen,” Hart stated,” There’s just no return of good. What is it doing for me? There’s no upside at this point. That’s the only reason why.”

Back in 2018, Hart was set to be the host for the 91st annual Oscars, but was tanked after homophobic comments he made in the past came to light. The Academy Awards then was left with no host after Hart had to step down.

55 year old Cohen acknowledged the weight of the job for comedians particularly, citing Richard Pryor, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Stewart, and Chris Rock as those who took on what “Some would call it a thankless job.”

“Some would,” Hart agreed. “But you can’t discredit the stage that the Oscars presents. It’s a phenomenal stage, with millions of views attached to it.”

The Ride Along actor continued, “I think at a point of time in my career, it was something that acted as a bump and want, just to get a notch in my belt of something else that I was able to obtain and view. But I’m far beyond and past that. But I don’t need that at this point.”

Hart reiterated his intentions to never host the Oscars again in an interview the next day with Sky News.

He told the outlet “Whatever little hope you had, I want to destroy it right now,” he told the outlet. “Those gigs aren’t good gigs for comics. It’s no shot to the Oscars, no shot to the Globes or anything else. Those just aren’t comedy-friendly environments anymore… The days of it being a room for a comic, those days are done.”

Elon Musk, Tennessee, pollution, super computer

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 13, 2024

Elon Musk Attacks Airlines’ DEI Efforts, Prompting Criticism From Civil Rights Leaders

Musk claimed DEI efforts by United Airlines and Boeing will make air travel less safe.

Tesla CEO and X/Twitter’s “Chief Troll Officer,” Elon Musk, ruffled some feathers with his tweets about diversity, equity and inclusion, irritating civil rights groups, NBC News reports.

After criticizing DEI efforts by United Airlines and Boeing wanting to hire pilots and factory workers of color, he went on making false claims that diversifying workspaces will make air travel less safe.

People will die due to DEIhttps://t.co/RXCv6M4gGU
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 10, 2024

He even blamed airlines for focusing more on DEI requirements than finding “qualified pilots.”

“The airline industry can’t find enough qualified pilots even without insane DEI requirements!”

The airline industry can’t find enough qualified pilots even without insane DEI requirements!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 8, 2024

His tweets caught the attention of the president and CEO of the National Urban League, Marc Morial, who called Musk’s statements “abhorrent and pathetic.” Morial highlighted how Tesla is facing numerous Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuits after being accused of abusing Black employees with racial slurs and nooses found on work grounds.

“Musk’s company not only refused to investigate complaints or take any steps to end the abuse, it viciously retaliated against employees who complained or opposed the abuse,” Morial said. “The only thing anyone needs to hear from Musk about diversity in the workplace is an apology.”

Musk’s comments were sparked after an Alaska Airlines plane made an emergency landing on Jan. 5 when a panel blew off 16,000 feet in the air. “It will take an airplane crashing and killing hundreds of people for them to change this crazy policy of DIE,” Musk tweeted, misspelling the DEI acronym.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson took another route by criticizing Musk’s comments, saying they may promote hate speech, according to The Hill. “Reminder to @elonmusk: providing a home for the proliferation of hate speech and white supremacist conspiracy theories kills people. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion cultivates a more inclusive society,” Johnson tweeted.

Reminder to @elonmusk: providing a home for the proliferation of hate speech and white supremacist conspiracy theories kills people. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion cultivates a more inclusive society.

They are not the same. We are not the same.
— Derrick Johnson (@DerrickNAACP) January 10, 2024

“They are not the same. We are not the same.”

Another notable giving Musk the side eye is Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban. The two have been battling it out on social media, leading Cuban to chime in on the tech billionaires’ remarks. After Musk attacked the airlines DEI efforts, Cuban rebutted saying the efforts applies to training school and not the airline.

This is a training school. Once they graduate, it’s a multi year process to have an OPPORTUNITY to pilot for United

Since I’m a nice guy and want you to be fully informed, I’ll share with you the benefit of the 60 seconds I spent looking for how the program works. BTW, looks… https://t.co/LRvbHrQ2eC
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 8, 2024

Elon’s only response was, “Mark Cuban is a racist.”