shark tank, Black Entrepreneurs Day, Daymond, John, deal, stalker, grants, Black entrepreneurs
by Stacy Jackson

November 7, 2023

‘Shark Tank’s’ Daymond John Helps Out The Little Fish Awards $750k In Grants

The event—now in its fourth year—awarded nine Black entrepreneurs NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grants worth $25,000.

Shark Tank co-star Daymond John hosted Black Entrepreneurs Day on Nov. 1. The event—now in its fourth year—has awarded over $750,000 in grants to support Black businesses.

The FUBU CEO hosted the annual event at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where special guests included Whoopi Goldberg, Shaquille O’Neal, Anthony Anderson, and more. According to ABC News, nine Black entrepreneurs were awarded NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grants worth $25,000.

John, who received an official Black Entrepreneurs Day proclamation from New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, spoke to ABC News about the necessity of Black Entrepreneurs Day.

“The need for resources and community support for our Black businesses remains paramount. I salute our partners who, year after year, support our mission to educate and inspire Black entrepreneurs around the globe.” Data from a CNBC report showed that in 2022, financing for Black businesses went down 45%.

Ashley Sutton, who created Hustle & Hope greeting cards with a purpose, was the Salesforce-sponsored winner of a $25,000 grant, according to the news outlet. Sutton, a full-time entrepreneur with a marketing background, told ABC News that her motivation comes from something her mother said.

“If I kept track of every ‘no’ I’ve ever gotten, I could probably fund my business. But it’s just this unwavering belief in myself. And holding on to this quote from my mom, ‘No means next.’ That keeps me going.” The entrepreneur is disrupting a $7.5 billion industry in the U.S., according to facts and figures provided by Northern Cards. Business Wire noted that the greeting card industry is projected to reach $20.66 billion globally.

Lawrence Phillips, the $25,000 grant recipient selected by Hilton, created the Green Book Global travel platform for Black travelers.

The entrepreneur, who quit his job to travel the world after experiencing burnout, told ABC News, “I really could never find a platform that would tell me, from city to city, what it would be like traveling while Black.” He added that the platform, which was inspired by The Negro Motorist Green Book, aims to “increase the confidence and reduce the anxiety of Black travelers.”

Black Entrepreneurs Day began in 2020. Each year, the event celebrates enterprise in the Black community.

RELATED CONTENT: Getting Started: How One Corporate Exec Went from Workdays to Doggy Daycare

homecoming, prairie view, crime scene, Florida mother
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 7, 2023

Off-Campus Homecoming Event Leaves 7 People Shot Near Prairie View A&M

The incident is yet another occurrence of gun violence impacting HBCUs.

Seven people were wounded during an off-campus event to celebrate homecoming season for Prairie View A&M University. The festivity was held only 2 miles away from the Texas-based HBCU.

According to NBC News, the Nov. 5 event was a trail ride pasture party attended by over 1,000 people. While the party was not a university-sanctioned activity, a spokesperson on behalf of the school did express its sympathy for the victims,

“Although this was not an official PVAMU homecoming event and was unaffiliated with the university, our campus community is deeply concerned for those injured and all affected by this incident.”

The victims, which included a child, are not known to be affiliated with Prairie View A&M, and the investigation into the shooting is still being conducted. However, the incident is part of a concerning trend of gun violence at HBCUs across the nation. The university is not alone in shootings casting a dark shadow over its homecoming. Morgan State University canceled its homecoming set for early October in the aftermath of a mass shooting on school grounds.

Waller County Police arrived at the scene shortly after gunfire sparked, impacting four women and two men as well as the young boy. Those injured were bystanders to a dispute; law enforcement refers to the ordeal as aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In a statement, county officials also confirmed that safety protocols were not in place, which could have helped prevent violence.

“The organizers for this event went through the proper steps in terms of filing an application for a mass gathering permit…. [But] obviously, the organizers failed to meet permit conditions on a number of issues, and an investigation is ongoing at this time,” shared County Judge Trey Duhon.

Amid the growing violence, HBCUs everywhere have increased security measures to ensure students and their extended community remain safe.

J.C. Jackson, Chargers GM Tom Telesco
by Derek Major

November 7, 2023

San Diego Chargers GM Tom Telesco Apologizes To Team For Signing Safety J.C. Jackson

Since returning to the Patriots, Jackson has played all five of their games collecting 14 combined tackles, 12 solo tackles and three passes defended

In March 2022, the San Diego Chargers signed former New England Patriots Safety J.C. Jackson, who was coming off a second team All-Pro selection to a five-year $82.5 million contract.

However, just one year into the contract the Chargers traded Jackson back to the Patriots for a later round pick which prompted Chargers General Manager Tom Telesco to apologize to Chargers players during a defensive backs meeting in Week 6 ahead of its 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

According to ESPN’s Kris Rhim Telesco told the Chargers defensive backs that signing Jackson was a mistake and apologized for continuing to give Jackson opportunities to play despite the fact the six-year veteran routinely showed he wasn’t as committed as the rest of the team even though he was one of its highest paid players.

The situation reached a pivotal point in week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders when Jackson refused to enter the game, keeping his shoelaces untied even though the team needed him due to safety Michael Davis injuring his ankle in the third quarter.

Two weeks later, Jackson was traded back to the Patriots, who needed a safety after rookie Christian Gonzalez suffered a torn labrum and a separated shoulder knocking him out for the season.

Jackson isn’t the first Patriot who signed a big contract with a new team and didn’t live up to it. Following the 2008 season where he guided the Patriots to an 11-win season, Matt Cassel signed a six-year, $63 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. However he went just 19-28 during his four seasons in KC and Chiefs fans cheered when he was knocked out of a home game against the Baltimore Ravens during his last season.

Others who signed lucrative deals with other teams after leaving New England and have disappointed include wide receivers David Givens and Reche Caldwell and defensive back Ellis Hobbs.

Since returning to the Patriots, Jackson has played all five of their games collecting 14 combined tackles, 12 solo tackles and three passes defended. Many in the Chargers organization believed Jackson had a lackadaisical attitude when it came to practice and didn’t respond well to coaching, something NFL fans may consider weird considering Patriots coach Bill Belichick is known as a stickler for players practicing and his attention to detail.

Angel McCoughtry, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 7, 2023

WNBA Champ Angel McCoughtry Is Now An Honorary Member Of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, one of the country’s largest women’s service organizations, announced the induction of Angel McCoughtry as an honorary member into its Alpha Omega Chapter. McCoughtry has demonstrated outstanding commitment to civic engagement and the advancement of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.’s principles, Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood.

The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, November 4, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.International First Vice President for Membership, Gina Merritt-Epps, Esq., shared, “I am honored to lead Zeta’s membership function and continue our tradition of recruiting influential and prominent women that will advance, elevate, and bring awareness to the initiatives of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.”

Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President and CEO, enthusiastically stated, “The members of Zeta are proud to carry out the legacy of the five trailblazing women that dared to be different and established the number one service organization.  Today, we honor their vision by inducting a woman of excellence whose groundbreaking career and impressive commitment to service is aligned with Zeta’s principles and work.”

McCoughtry is a professional basketball player with the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. She was selected first overall by the Atlanta Dream in the 2009 WNBA draft. Ms. McCoughtry has garnered numerous awards and recognition for her athletic skills. She is the first WNBA athlete to host a basketball camp in Ghana. She is the owner of McCoughtry’s, an ice cream shop and food truck. McCoughtry will align her talents and passion to mentor our Zeta youth auxiliary groups.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be part of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. I’m honored to be part of this sisterhood to grow, build, and create better communities.” — Angel McCoughtry

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was founded on Jan. 16, 1920, on the campus of Howard University and has since grown to become one of the most prestigious and impactful organizations worldwide. With a mission to foster its ideals and principles, Zeta Phi Beta is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Honorary members have the opportunity to work closely with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in advancing its philanthropic initiatives and promoting social welfare. Their influence and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the organization’s ability to positively impact the communities it serves.

new edition
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 7, 2023

New Edition Jumps Back In The Mix With Upcoming Las Vegas Residency

The group is set to perform all their classic hits in their debut Vegas Residency.

Calling all the Candy Girls! New Edition is finally making a home in Sin City so that the show goes on. The R&B group announced its upcoming Las Vegas residency on Nov. 6, launching in 2024 at the Wynn Hotel’s Encore Theater.

The day before the official release, the award-winning musical act told their following to stay tuned for the “huge” news that will sure to excite fans everywhere. Wanting to make the experience more intimate for concertgoers, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, Ronnie DeVoe, Johnny Gill, Michael Bivins, and Ricky Bell all announced the highly anticipated concert will take place at the exclusive Encore Theater.

“Fulfilling a career-long dream to solidify ourselves with a residency performance in the entertainment capital of the world, we are beyond excited to embark on this fantastical journey at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas,” shared all six artists in a joint statement.

“On behalf of all of us, including Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike, Ralph & Johnny, it is our extreme purpose to give our fans a show that they cannot witness anywhere else in the world.”

The group also appeared in a message sent to the Sherri talk show to celebrate the news, as the host asked the men, while guests on the show’s prior season, if they would ever consider a Vegas residency. They previously answered Sherri by saying, “When the time is right.” It is clear that the moment has now come.

“A while back when we were on your show, you and your audience were asking us when we were going to do a Las Vegas residency,” recalled Devoe.

“Well, guess what? It’s finally going down in 2024.”

Gill followed up the message, enticing fans by letting them know it would be “the best show on earth.”

New Edition hopes to continue the trend of successful R&B residencies, such as Usher’s, as they begin the string of six shows from Feb. 28 to March 9. Tickets to the exclusive event will be on sale on Nov. 10 at 10 am PT and are expected to go fast given the up-close and personal venue.

RELATED CONTENT: Bobby Brown: Every Little Step

Bronny James, LeBron James, USC Trojans
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 7, 2023

LeBron James Hopeful His Son Returns To The Court This Season

LeBron is ready for his son to play ball again--if he is healthy.

According to The Los Angeles Times, while the USC Trojans started their season in Las Vegas on Monday, Nov. 6, Bronny James sat on the bench instead of in the starting lineup. But Bronny is a tad closer to playing with his team again, his dad, LeBron James, revealed.

As the freshman continues physical therapy and conditioning, the James family will assess his progress and decide how to move forward.

LeBron commented about his son’s progress following a Lakers lost to the Heat on Monday night.

“Things are going in the right direction with Bronny’s progress,” the future Hall of Famer said. “He’s doing rehab. Every week, he gets to do more and more and more. We have a big moment at the end of this month to see if we can continue to go forward.

“If he’s cleared, will be not too long away from him being back on the floor and back with his teammates and practicing, with the notion of being back on the floor and playing game situations.”

 

Bronny has been recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest on July 24. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where it was determined that a congenital heart defect was the probable cause. He is expected to recover fully, although no timetable has been set. His presence on campus has already led to a Nike T-shirt selling out quickly.

DJ Kool Herc Overcome With Emotion As LL Cool J Inducts Him Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 7, 2023

DJ Kool Herc Overcome With Emotion As LL Cool J Inducts Him Into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame

The godfather of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc, inducted by LL Cool J received the Musical Influence Award at this year's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

In 2021, LL Cool J was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Two years later, he joined the induction ceremony for the father of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc.

Along with Missy Elliot, The Spinners, Chaka Khan, and Don Cornelius, the man credited with starting hip-hop culture was inducted into this year’s Class of 2023. On the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Herc was honored for his contribution to this genre. He received the Musical Influence Award.

At the ceremony, the “Mama Said Knock You Out” rapper took to the podium to introduce, acknowledge, and honor Herc to give him his just due.

“Sometimes it takes a while for the true significance of an action to become apparent. The neighborhood party that took place on August 11, 1973, in the rec room of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx is one of those things. Cindy Campbell, a high school student at the time, she wanted to raise some money for back-to-school clothes. So she invited all her friends and charged them 25¢ for the ladies; 50¢ for boys—and most importantly, she also asked her older brother Clive, who was 18, to DJ. Now we don’t know how much money Cindy managed to make that night or what clothes she was able to buy, but we do know that she changed the course of history—music history. That party has come to be recognized as the birthplace of hip-hop. Her brother Clive, better known to the world as DJ Kool Herc, has been justly called ‘the Father of Hip-Hop,” LL Cool J said.

Herc came to the stage and started to cry, overcome with emotion. LL held him up as he stood there with his sister, whom he has always acknowledged when speaking about the start of what we’ve come to know as hip-hop. After thanking his parents and other influences in his life, Herc told the world once again, “My sister, she needs some props, too.”

Congratulations go out to DJ Kool Herc and the newest inductees of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Claims He Doesn’t Know The Construction Company At Center Of Fundraising Investigation
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 7, 2023

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Claims He Doesn’t Know The Construction Company At Center Of Fundraising Investigation

Adams claims he doesn't know the firm who is being accused of funneling money with the Turkish government into his 2021 mayoral campaign.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams claims he’s unaware of KSK Construction, the firm embroiled in a federal campaign finance investigation. 

Adams claims he doesn’t know KSK Construction amid an investigation for its alleged involvement in a kickback scheme tied to the mayor, Daily Mail reports. The Brooklyn-based company is accused of funneling money from the Turkish government into Adams’ 2021 mayoral campaign, which led to the FBI raiding his chief fundraiser’s home.

During a televised interview, Adams was asked directly if he had any prior involvement with the company.

“Not to my knowledge,” he said. Adams put KSK in the category of one of many groups that contributed to his campaign. 

The home of Eric Adams’ primary fundraiser, Briana Suggs, 25, in the Crown Heights neighborhood was searched by the FBI shortly after Halloween as part of the potential corruption investigation. A welfare check was requested for Suggs’ home on Nov. 1, just hours before the raid. Law enforcement seized phones, laptops, and documents as part of its investigation, and Adams said during the interview that he has been in touch with Suggs and his legal team. 

KSK is allegedly attached to potential straw donors who donated in their names to cover up the real source. Campaign finance records reveal that 11 employees of the construction company made close to identical donations of about $1,250 to Adams’ campaign on the same day in 2021, totaling almost $14,000. Records show that the company’s co-owner, Erden Arkan, made a personal $1,500 donation to Adams and held a fundraiser in May 2021 that brought in almost $70,000 toward his mayoral campaign. 

While the investigation continues, Adams has denied any wrongdoing and feels confident in Suggs, who once managed to raise $18 million for his 2021 campaign.

“Where there’s smoke, there’s not always fire,” Adams said. “She has done an amazing job.” 

According to Gothamist, KSK specializes in condo and hotel development and other projects in the Big Apple. It has more than 50 buildings constructed in the city. Founder Ulgur Aydin said that’s low in terms of real estate standards.

In an article with Construction Today in 2021, Aydin said he had high hopes for the future. 

“My hopes and goals for 2022 are to obtain more projects to build, and in the meantime, continue developing,” he said. 

KSK has close to 35 active construction jobs in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. 

Black Author Tells Her Late Mother’s Story In First-Person Narrative Book
by Kandiss Edwards

November 7, 2023

Black Author Tells Her Late Mother’s Story In First-Person Narrative Book

Nationwide — Rosalind “Bee” Harris has announced the release of The Story of Ruth in honor of her mother’s passing 15 years ago in November 2008. In the book, which was published on Mother’s Day this year, she shares the inspiring story of her mother, Ruth Juanita Smith James Boyd, using her mother’s own words in this unique first-person narrative. The book taps into the heart of the African American experience, from Jim Crow to the election of the first Black president.

Ruth Smith, her husband, and their first of six children turned away from their racially segregated Mississippi home and ventured north to Michigan, in search of a dream too often deferred for so many. She sought what every family would want to experience – real freedom.

“I wrote this book to memorialize her life,” says Harris, who learned of her mother’s sudden death on the evening of the election of Barack Obama in 2008. “Losing my mother was devastating. My heart sank with pain. It was the beginning of my soul’s search, which brings me to this point of honoring and remembering her.”

“I think about my mother every day, and I feel her spirit around me,” Harris says. “Writing this book and expressing my love for her has been soothing to my soul.”

Harris is the publisher of the award-winning Denver Urban Spectrum, a community publication that has been spreading the news about people of color since 1987 and is recognized as the documenting source for accuracy in news and information.

“The telling of this story gives voice to the insightful historical saga of a Black family at a time when many now seek to silence such voices,” says former Denver Urban Spectrum editor, contributor, and friend, James Michael Brodie, who served as editor for this project.

“Roughly half of the states in this nation have entertained measures to erase the teaching of Black history,” says Brodie. “Ruth Smith bore witness to the humanity of those she loved. If ever there was a time to tell our stories, now is that time.”

The Story of Ruth is available where all books are sold including on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

RELATED CONTENT: Mother And Daughter Share Breast Cancer Diagnosis In ‘The Death Of A Jaybird’

breastfeeding
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 7, 2023

Black Woman Founder Of Nonprofit Launches Magazine To Support Minorities Affected By Breast Cancer

asmine Dionne Souers, President and CEO of The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance and a breast cancer survivor herself, is proud to announce the launch of More Life Magazine.

Originally reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — Jasmine Dionne Souers, President and CEO of The Missing Pink Breast Cancer Alliance and a breast cancer survivor herself, is proud to announce the launch of More Life Magazine. The publication features a collection of stories, resources, and innovative ideas that relate to the experiences of people of color affected by breast cancer.

The website and magazine feature personal stories to address cultural access barriers, connect people to more than 300 existing resources and support services, and promote policies and practices demonstrating success in eliminating barriers and disparities.

With the support of Genentech and Built to Rock Events, The Missing Pink partnered with 12 dynamic breast cancer organizations to showcase the impact of their respective services in the lives of people of color, reflecting back the possibility of hope, help, and healing for patients and amplifying insights behind barrier-breaking efforts.

“The disparities facing minorities affected by breast cancer are so great, they’re not something one organization is going to solve alone,” said Jasmine. “More Life Magazine brings together hundreds of resources in one place, it exists in various formats, and makes it easier for patients and the people who care for them like caregivers, social workers, providers, etc. to find help that may or may not exist in their backyard.”

The inaugural issue of More Life Magazine predominantly features experiences that relate to Black and Latino people affected by breast cancer and unlike many minority breast cancer efforts, it includes the experiences of and resources for men and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

“I remember how isolating it was to navigate breast cancer as a 26-year-old Black woman in 2016,” said Jasmine. “In our first issue, I wanted to make sure we held space for as many

unique perspectives from our diverse communities as possible because where there is light, there is hope. Everyone deserves to see a reflection of themselves in the face of people who are surviving and thriving after breast cancer and know what help is available to them.”

More Life Magazine tackles various subjects, including experiences with clinical trials, parenting with cancer, fertility preservation, the impact of delayed diagnoses on families and more. As the cover story, Jasmine’s personal journey as a young survivor, advocate and co-survivor to her grandmother living with metastatic breast cancer lays the foundation for the vulnerable, authentic, and informational storytelling found throughout the publication.

“Speaking from experience, I know the challenges people are facing to overcome this disease are very real and I don’t think we should shy away from that, but the work happening to help people overcome many of these challenges is just as real,” said Jasmine. “I want to make help and hope more tangible for people who feel like it’s out of reach for them or the community they serve.”

More Life Magazine is available online, in print, and in PDF. Additional stories and resources will be added to the site. Promo items for offices and outreach events are also available online.

To learn more, visit TheMoreLifeMag.com

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