Marvin Peart, Peart
by Iman Milner

November 27, 2023

Black Executive Teams Up With Eastern European Investment Firm To Bring Hollywood Films To Region

Film producer Marvin Peart has partnered with the Georgian government and an investment firm to bring Hollywood to the region.

Marvin Peart and his production company, WonderHill Studios, have partnered with the Georgian government and Eastern European investment firm Silk Road Group to increase the number of Hollywood productions being filmed in the country of Georgia, Deadline reports.

Peart and his partner, Bob Yari, who also helped to helm the hit series Yellowstone and Mayor of Kingstown, believe their newly minted production collaboration, JV WonderSilk Studios, a partnership between their company and Silk Road, will create an easier path for Hollywood studios and indie film producers to access local sites, tax credits (the country currently boasts a 20%-25% rebate), studios, personnel, and untapped talent.

“One of WonderHill Studios’ visions is to bring the greatest stories of the world from lesser-known countries to the silver-screens of America,” said Peart. “Today, standing at the gateway of east and west in the ancient country of Georgia, after listening to the legends of the Georgian Kings and Queens and the fascinating tales of the original nomads of Kazakhstan I’ve discovered that these great nations and I as an African American filmmaker and movie executive from Brooklyn have more in common than I had ever imagined.”

As it stands, one of the country’s few studio facilities is located in the capital city of Tbilisi and is responsible for more than half of all productions filmed in the area. The most recent American project to choose Georgia as its location was 2019’s F9: The Fast Saga, according to Deadline. However, the Chairman of Silk Road Group, George Ramishvili, sees the new partnership as one that will not only close the gap for Hollywood productions in the area but could potentially create greater understanding between the two cultures.

“Combined strength of the founders of the WonderSilk studios in direct cooperation with the Georgian Government will provide the best platform for engagement between Hollywood and Georgian film industry, and most importantly it will bring Georgian and American culture, history and the people even closer together,” he said.

Peart and Yari launched WonderhHill Studios in March to “fill a crucial hole within the theatrical and television space while also focusing on diversity in cinema and television in front and behind the camera”, Variety reports. Combined, the two Hollywood heavy hitters are responsible for over 50 film and TV productions.

The 2023 One Million Black Women Cohort Is In Session!
by Atiya Jordan

November 27, 2023

The 2023 One Million Black Women Cohort Is In Session!

With One Million Black Women Cohort, Goldman Sachs is empowering Black women sole proprietors to seize the keys to a wealthy future.

With One Million Black Women Cohort, Goldman Sachs is empowering Black women sole proprietors to seize the keys to a powerful and wealthy future. The 2023 class is in session!

According to the global financial services company, investing in Black women is “one of the fastest ways to accelerate change and effectively begin to address the racial wealth gap.”

Thanks to partnerships with Black women-led organizations and other partners, Goldman Sach’s One Million Black Women commits $10 billion in direct investment capital and $100 million in philanthropic support for the ambitious cause.

In addition to the capital, the initiative also aims to address the dual disproportionate gender and racial biases that Black women have faced for generations. Goldman Sachs emphasizes that their investment is “grounded in the stories, voices and experiences of Black women.” 

“Black women are facing a multitude of roadblocks, barriers, and impasses as they start, grow, and scale their businesses,” Dr. Artika Tyner, founder of Planting People Growing Justice, wrote in the Monitor. “According to Goldman Sachs’ research in ‘Black Womenomics,’ only 0.5% of single Black women own their own business. This rate is 24 times lower than single white men. Goldman Sachs is changing the trajectory of Black woman-owned businesses by creating a pathway for business success through their One Million Black Women program.”

As a member of the cohort, business owners will experience a 10-week online business education program, in-person learning at Goldman Sachs in New York City, and strategic advising. They will also receive a $2,000 stipend to help along the way and access to a resourceful network.

Take a look at four Minnesota-based Black women-owned businesses currently in the 2023 One Million Black Women Cohort.

KOBI CO.

Self-care is a whole vibe for this candle company. Founded in 2020 by 17-year-old Kobi Gregory, she and her mother invite you to join the crew and curate little moments of luxury and self-care no matter where you are. From bath bombs, bath salts, and sprays to hand-poured candles; set your vibe with intoxicating scents. Want more? Candles are even paired with a musical playlist. 

NOSH POSH

Nosh Posh reimagines healthy convenience with an innovative product line of snack boxes sourced exclusively from BIPOC and women vendors. From improving the supply chain to rethinking daily operations, the team at Nosh Posh delivers snacks directly to your doorstep or office, and their fresh food vending machines provide on-demand access to whatever snack you might be craving.

PLANTING PEOPLE GROWING JUSTICE

For Planting People Growing Justice, readers are leaders. It is important for the organization to dismantle the pipeline to prison by promoting literacy and diversity in books. Founder and educator Artika Tyner is passionate about planting seeds of social change and creating a world of inclusive leaders. Through the “Leaders are Readers” and author read-aloud programs, PPGJ encourages and empowers Black children to find joy in reading.

REVERING LAW OFFICE

Attorney Calandra Revering has led the Revering law office for over two decades. She represents clients in criminal defense, family law, civil and family mediation, and conducting neutral workplace employment investigations. The team strives to achieve justice and equality, advocating for fair policies and representing juvenile defendants on a pro bono basis.

One Million Black Women applications are currently closed. Stay updated on the details for next year.

Black Friday
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 27, 2023

Viral TikTok Vid Airs Out Shady Retailers During Black Friday

The video detailed a Target retail store showing the regular price for a Smart TV as a Black Friday discount.

This year’s Black Friday looked to be less beneficial for the frequent shopper than past Black Fridays. A viral TikTok has shown that some deals are not money-saving at all.

The video, which garnered over 3.3 million likes since its release on Nov. 25, showed that a product listed under “Black Friday Deals” at Target had the same regular marked price underneath the new sign. What a shopper thought was a good deal for a Samsung 75″ Smart TV, going for $649.99 at the retailer, was actually the original price.

The user who posted the footage, Dejay Downey, captioned the post as “[Deals] look great this year.”

@barbienoise

#deals look great this year

♬ original sound – Barbie Eats & Moves

This marketing tactic was especially misleading given it listed its first price-point at $729.99. Commenters were shocked at the scam, but one, named Brandon Saunders, also revealed that he has seen Black Friday deals hike up the price of certain goods.

“Black Friday deals used to be SO GOOD,” shared another user named Kirsten Elizabeth. “Now I don’t even bother. Even online, they raise the price, to ‘drop it.'”

With consumers catching on to the marketing strategy to boost profits while having buyers believe they are actually getting a deal on highly-coveted items, Black Friday is becoming less viable for everyday shoppers. According to Fortune, sales from the Nov. 24 shopping day have decreased from past years, as more significant discounts are needed to push consumers to spend their cash. With a gap in discount realities versus expectations, the lack of in-person sales also equates to a jump in online purchases, as well as venturing out to brick-and-mortar establishments only after the biggest shopping day of the year.

With additional concerns, including high interest rates and inflation, shoppers are thinking twice about the products they are purchasing, and whether or not they can get it for cheaper elsewhere and at a later date.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Black Cookbooks To Cop On Black Friday

Cheryl Lynn Confirms That She Owns Her Masters As 1983 ‘Encore’ Single Soars On TikTok
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 27, 2023

Cheryl Lynn Confirms That She Owns Her Masters As 1983 ‘Encore’ Single Soars On TikTok

Cheryl Lynn's 1983 hit "Encore" is seeing new success as the single grows in popularity among Gen Zers on TikTok.

Cheryl Lynn’s 1983 hit “Encore” is seeing new success as the single grows in popularity among Gen Zers on TikTok.

It’s been one month since the Baltimore-based dance group T.T.S. reignited fanfare around Cheryl Lynn’s “Encore” by posting up a TikTok of their impromptu street dance to the song. The trio showed off their separate moves while taking turns dancing in front of the camera.

Viewers praised the “Black Boy Joy” that was on display throughout the short video. Many also loved the song choice with the trio choosing a classic upbeat soul song to strut their stuff to.

“Ya’ll picked the right song,” one person wrote.

“The handsome men and the old school jam wow how gorgeous,” added someone else.

@lordonnie_ OK enough playing T.T.S.✨ is back 😮‍💨😮‍💨#fyp #fypシ #foryoupage #trending #viral #baltimore #makegoviral #donniespinns #TTS #WheneverWherever ♬ Encore – Cheryl Lynn

Soon enough, other TikTokers were joining in on the fun and posting their own dance videos to Cheryl Lynn’s “Encore.”

@tsu_terry Encore strut 🔥🔥🔥 #fyp #foryoupage #encorechallenge #tsuterry #parkheightsstrut #tts #bunkyjrstrut #ayoshag #ravens ♬ Encore – Cheryl Lynn

With the song gaining traction on TikTok, it eventually led to an increase of over 30,000 streams on Spotify in just 24 hours on Nov. 7, 2023, and an overall growth of 10% in sales/streams, according to Music Data. Cheryl Lynn, who released the Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis-produced track on her 1983 album “Preppie,” expressed her surprise and amazement by the 40-year-old song’s recent spike in popularity.

“What is happening? wow ♥️🎶 the music will live on,” she tweeted.

Many on social media offered their praise to the “Got To Be Real” singer for making timeless music. They also questioned if veteran artists like herself are being properly compensated for their early music releases.

However, according to Cheryl Lynn, all is good with her musical payouts since the smart businesswoman actually owns her royalties.

“I own my masters so the royalties are lovely. Have been for over 35 years. CLXO,” she wrote.

RELATED CONTENT: Russell Simmons Says Hip-Hop Is Not Dead, ‘It Is Always Evolving’

Garcelle Beauvais
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 27, 2023

Garcelle Beauvais Is Working To Change The Narrative About Haiti, ‘It Needs Our Attention’

Garcelle Beauvais has teamed up for an initiative that amplifies her home country in the form of economic advancement.

Haitian actress and humanitarian Garcelle Beauvais has teamed up for an initiative that amplifies her home country of Haiti in the form of economic advancement.

In partnership with Pockets of Hope, a campaign of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), Beauvais is helping to change the narrative around Haiti by highlighting the progress of local initiatives. Alongside WKKF Program Officer Alix Cantave they share the strides that are being made to expand access to quality education for children, improve healthcare, and create economic opportunities.

Through Pockets of Hope, the WKKF is looking to connect more philanthropic funders and local organizations to work together to maximize outcomes for communities. At the Clinton Global Initiative in September, WKKF announced a commitment of $30 million to Haiti over the next three years and called on others to collectively commit $60 million, for a total commitment of $90 million, as part of the Pockets of Hope campaign. 

On November 18, Haiti commemorated Vertières, a decisive battle in the country’s revolutionary war, which established Haiti as the first independent Black republic in the world. One hundred and twenty years later, wide-ranging progress is still underway in Haiti being led by local Haitians and campaigns like Pockets of Hope. To shine a bright light on the important, innovative hard work happening across the country, Garcelle Beauvais is helping spread the word on the significance of its latest campaign.

Vertières was a revolutionary battle that set the stage for Haitian independence and helped spark worldwide calls for the abolition of slavery. Something that continues to be of great significance even today.

“It’s really kind of a testimony to the fact that Blacks did not accept the conditions of slavery which at the time everyone felt that we were being uncivilized,” Contave tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

While Haiti made monumental history by becoming the first Black nation to declare its independence, Contave notes how the country has been paying the price ever since.

“Haiti is the first place to say, to affirm Black Lives Matter and we’ve been paying the price ever since,” he said.

As for Garcelle, she was proud to put her name behind the Pockets of Hope initiative as a Haitian native and advocate for her home country.

“I’ve never been shy about saying that I’m a proud Haitian, even when the connotations were not always positive. So for me, Haiti is my roots. It’s where I’m from. It’s what I’m proud to be,” she said. “When W .K. Kellogg came to me, it made perfect sense. It’s like, how can I help? I love using my platform not only to, you know, promote the things that I do, but promote the things that are important to my community, and my country.”

“And so Haiti is where I really want to focus my attention because I really feel like it needs our attention,” she added.

Press play below to learn more about  Pockets of Hope, a campaign of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), how “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star is using her platform to raise awareness, and how we can support the initiative.

Joe Smith
by Derek Major

November 27, 2023

Joe Smith Discusses Wasting $61M NBA Fortune

Former No. 1 NBA draft pick Joe Smith, who played 15 years in the league discusses losing his $61 million fortune.

Joe Smith, the No. 1 selection in the 1995 NBA Draft, recently discussed how he blew through the $61 million he made during his 15-year NBA career.

Smith, who played college basketball at Maryland, was drafted by the Golden State Warriors and played for 12 different franchises from 1995 to 2011, making $61.2 million.

The former Warrior recently made an appearance on VladTV, where he discussed how his NBA earnings have dropped to $3,000. Despite earning more than $60 million, Smith said he took home less than $20 million due to taxes, fees, and management costs.

“It was a very low point,” Smith said in the interview. “Like, when I say I was in a deep, deep, deep depression, like mentally messed up, I’m telling you I was there.”

“I bought my mom’s house in Virginia, bought a house in the Bay, and I bought a house in Milwaukee,” Smith continued. ‘Those are three houses that I bought and lost a lot of money to get them off my hands. So, that’s when the issue came on the other end too; I didn’t make anything off the houses once I had to sell them.

In addition to the houses he purchased, the power forward bought several luxury cars but said his divorce cost him a significant amount of money as well.

“That’s what really cost me,” Smith said of his 2011 divorce. “I laugh about it now, but that’s what really cost me. The divorce left me with not much at all. That’s where a bulk of my retirement money went.”

During his career, Smith averaged 10.9 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game and 1.0 assists per game. Smith’s best year came during the 1996-97 season when he averaged 18.7ppg and 8.5 rpg. In addition to the Warriors, the No. 1 draft pick played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Toronto Raptors, New Jersey Nets, and L.A. Lakers

Alabama, Montgomery, riverboat, #FadeInTheWater
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 27, 2023

Alabama Riverboat Brawlers Release Merch And Plan To Sue

Reggie Ray and Tammie Howard have released their own collection of product to honor the event through The Black Lawyers website.

Two prominent fighters in the infamous Alabama Riverboat Brawl will release merchandise in honor of the viral incident in August. The two are launching their own line of products and have plans to sue others for selling similar items using their likenesses.

Reggie Ray and Tammie Howard participated in the now notorious brawl, with Ray being charged with disorderly conduct for his action of using a folding chair to assault the inebriated white patrons involved in the melee. According to TMZ, both parties are now working with an attorney as they unveil their own collection of souvenirs.

Their lawyer told the publication that the idea to develop their own products came after noticing sellers on Etsy and Amazon taking advantage of the social media frenzy. Their original line, sold on “The Black Lawyers” website, will ensure those who want to pay tribute to the battle will source the souvenirs directly from those involved.

The “Alabama Brawl Collection” boasts an assortment of mugs, water bottles, and clothing items such as hats, sweaters, and hoodies, with prices ranging from $12.99-$59.99. The products make use of multiple taglines that went viral with the footage, including “Fade In The Water” and “Lift Every Chair And Swing,” as many phrases are labeled on the size-inclusive merch.

The collection urges patrons to “celebrate the bravery” of those who fought in the unlikely altercation. The brawl became a fixture on social media for the footage detailing the racially charged issue, as Black people across the way swam to defend a Black security officer who was being attacking by a group of white people who were docked in the Montgomery riverfront.

However, the conflict is not over yet, as two Black participants make way to sue those capitalizing off their situation.

BLM, Black Lives Matter, Royal family
by Iman Milner

November 27, 2023

New Book Claims Royal Family ‘Chose To Completely Ignore‘ BLM Movement, Refused To ‘Stand Against Racism’

A new book suggests that the British royal family refused to speak out in the wake of George Floyd's death and the Black Lives Matter movement.

A new book from British journalist Omid Scobie claims that the British royal family “chose to completely ignore” the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of George Floyd’s murder at the hands of former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin.

In Endgame: Inside the Royal Family and the Monarchy’s Fight for Survival, Scobie alleges that the royals’ refusal to speak out during that time follows a longstanding trend of silence on racial issues, Page Six reported.

“During my years covering the Royals I have regularly been surprised by the Palace’s blasé attitude when it comes to anything to do with race, racism, or the issues that impact those from minority backgrounds,” the 42-year-old wrote.

“A global civil rights issue was forcing change around the world, but the royal family chose to completely ignore it.” The journalist claimed that his many attempts to gather comments from Buckingham Palace as global unrest and protests in London reached a fever pitch went ignored.

“As often as I emailed or phoned the Buckingham Palace communications team (more than weekly during the height of the BLM marches), my requests for on- or off-the-record guidance on whether we may see family members acknowledge this hugely important moment went noticeably unanswered — they responded to other queries I had, just not that one.”

The journalist’s disappointment in the royals came from what he believes was their refusal to simply denounce racial injustice. “The Palace famously stays away from anything it considers political, but unlike the political intricacies involved with the movement in the United States, BLM support in Britain simply meant standing up to and against racism,” Scobie wrote.

Alongside his rebuke of the royals’ lack of a response to the Black Lives Matter movement, there has been suspicion that some of his intel was gathered directly from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a claim he’s vehemently denied, BBC reported. “The Sussexes have nothing to do with it,” Scobie said while also denying allegations that he and Meghan Markle are friends.

RELATED CONTENT: Racism So Real: Former British Officers Comes Clean About Racist Messages About The Royal Couple

Black Billionaires
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 27, 2023

Billionaires Jay-Z, Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, And Magic Johnson Didn’t Earn Enough To Make 2023 Forbes 400 List

Jay-Z, Oprah, Tiger Woods, LeBron, and Magic Johnson didn't make enough to be on this year's Forbes 400 List.

A billion dollars is a great deal of money, but being labeled a billionaire doesn’t mean you’ll make it onto the 2023 Forbes 400 list.

In October, Forbes revealed the 400 people on its annual list of wealthiest people based on net worth as of September 8, 2023, as well as other factors listed here.

The person with the lowest net worth is listed at $2.9 billion, which is slightly higher than last year’s, whose net worth was $2.7 billion. According to Forbes, you can still be among the 350 billionaires in the United States on the outside looking in.

There are some notable names that you would expected to be on the list, but who did not qualify.

One is Oprah Winfrey. Having built her empire after starring on The Oprah Winfrey Show for 25 seasons (from September 8, 1986, to May 25, 2011), she is worth “just” $2.8 billion. After being on the top 400 list for 25 straight years, she hasn’t made enough in the past three years to make the cut.

The richest and first hip-hop recording artist (and fifth Black American) to have a net worth of a billion dollars, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter missed the list by having a net worth of $2.7 billion. The most nominated male artist in Grammy history started building his empire after taking himself out of the streets and making records.

Tiger Woods, perhaps one of the most celebrated golfers in history, although worth $1 billion, also missed the list. So did the NBA’s only active billionaire, LeBron James. Coincidentally, they are the only two active-playing athletes who are billionaires. Magic Johnson, who didn’t make the billionaires list until it was official on October 29, also didn’t make the top 400.

First Black Woman-Owned Vinyl Record Shop Opens in Grand Rapids
by Rafael Pena

November 27, 2023

First Black Woman-Owned Vinyl Record Shop Opens in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids welcomed a new cultural milestone with the opening of Della Soul Records, the first vinyl record shop owned by a Black woman.

On Nov. 4, Grand Rapids welcomed a new cultural milestone with the opening of Della Soul Records, the city’s first vinyl record shop owned by a Black woman, according to WoodTV. Della Marie Levi, driven by her lifelong passion for music and inspired by her father’s vinyl record collection, has transformed her dream into reality by establishing this unique record store.

Music has always held a special place in Levi’s heart, as she reminisced about her father’s enthusiasm for vinyl records. “He loved vinyl records. He was in the special zone whenever he listened to his vinyl records,” Levi fondly recalled to WoodTV. Her journey into vinyl records began when she decided to learn DJing using this classic medium. Starting with pop-up shops, she recently expanded into her permanent brick-and-mortar store on Kalamazoo Avenue near Hall Street, officially named Della Soul Records.

Reflecting on her remarkable achievement, Levi expressed her desire for the store to be more than a commercial space. “I want to be here for a while. I want people to know where to find me. I want them to know that this is a space for them,” she emphasized, underlining her commitment to creating a community-oriented hub for music enthusiasts.

As the first Black woman to own a vinyl record shop in Grand Rapids, Levi aims to foster connections through the power of music. “I started collecting vinyl, and I thought, what is my next going to be? And I said, I’m going to own a record store, and here we are,” Levi proudly declared. Her vision goes beyond a business venture; she envisions Della Soul Records as a welcoming space where people can share their love for music.

This achievement holds deep personal significance for Levi, who acknowledged the support of those who contributed to her journey, especially her father. In honoring his memory, Levi remarked, “I know if he were still alive, he would be in this store today listening to music, sitting on my sofa, and beaming from ear to ear with joy.”

Della Soul Records, situated on Kalamazoo Avenue, operates from Thursday to Sunday, welcoming music enthusiasts from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Levi’s accomplishment marks a significant cultural addition to Grand Rapids, offering not just a record store but a vibrant community space celebrating the love of vinyl and the diversity of music.

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