vegan friendly cosmetic line, POJE Cosmetics, POJE
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 6, 2023

Black Mom of 3, Makeup Artist For 30 Years, Launches Vegan-Friendly Cosmetics Brand

She says the idea was born from the experiences of women of color, evolving forward to usher in a new generation of beauty.

This news was first reported by blackbusiness.com.

Lady Joi, a radio personality, television host, and mother of three children from North Charleston, South Carolina, is also the founder and CEO of POJE Cosmetics, a Black-owned, vegan-friendly cosmetics line. She says the idea, born from the experiences of women of color, is evolving forward to usher in a new generation of beauty.

Lady Joi has never shied away from her love of cosmetics, as she is a former makeup artist. Being on stage and under bright lights for over 30 years, she has seen her fair share of not-so-great makeup and makeup tools. So she started POJE (pronounced Po-Jay) Cosmetics to push the prestige cosmetic industry far beyond its current reach.

Understanding the discomfort of not being able to find cosmetics that would give a flawless look for women of color on- and offstage, Lady Joi decided to reimagine cosmetics for women of color. Nodding to the history-making brands of the past, her goal is to help women of color of all ages renew their excitement in high-end makeup again.

Offering a vibrant collection of upscale cosmetics, accessories, and brushes, POJE gives women the tools and shades they need to achieve subtle and bold looks alike. Initially starting the North Charleston-based company with an innovative line of makeup brushes, Lady Joi has expanded POJE’s offerings according to the vision she established nearly 13 years ago.

What makes her brand especially unique is its commitment to unparalleled quality, in addition to earning certifications and memberships including Woman Minority Owned Certification, Amazon Black Business Accelerator Certified, Sunoco Cohort Certified, MBE Certified, and the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

Having such certifications will further enhance the brand’s support of major global concerns (e.g., sustainability) as well as being a vegan-friendly, paraben-free, and BUNNY APPROVED brand. POJE Cosmetics is dedicated to using top-tier ingredients and materials. Serving as an elite cosmetics brand for women of color, the company is the first to launch in decades. Lady Joi’s vision is: “Let us help you show the world your color!”

For more details and/or to support the brand, visit its official website at POJECosmetics.com

Also, be sure to follow her brand on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

mental health, Black Men Excel
by Jameelah Mullen

November 6, 2023

Milwaukee Man Creates Safe Space For Brothers To Discuss Mental Health

Talk Trauma was developed to help Black men better cope with mental health issues.

Founded by Artemus Johnson, Talk Trauma is a monthly group that invites Black men to come and discuss anything that’s on their minds. 

Johnson came up with the idea for Talk Trauma three years ago, when he started hosting discussions on Facebook Live.

The Milwaukee man said that he noticed he and his contemporaries were grappling with the same issues.  

“A lot of us were struggling with the same thing, and nobody said anything about it,” Johnson said. 

“I call it the safe spot for Black men, because helping them out is definitely helping the community I live in,” Johnson told Spectrum News. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death among Black men aged 15 to 24.  

“People don’t talk about how often Black men take their own lives,” Johnson said. “We don’t talk about those numbers.”

The Talk Trauma founder admits to having his own bout with depression. 

“One of the most real thoughts I ever had in my life was standing at that cliff, saying to myself, regardless of what was going on, that everybody would be OK if I’m not here,” he recalled.

NAMI also reported that Black men are less likely to seek mental health treatment, and when they do seek help, they are less likely to receive suitable care.

Lack of representation in the mental health community affects Black people tremendously. In 2020, the American Psychological Association reported that only 4% of mental health professionals were Black.  

The lack of diversity may make it more difficult for people of color, especially men, to find therapists who can understand the specific cultural nuances needed to provide adequate care.   

“Men don’t deal with their emotions. Men don’t actually talk about how they feel,” Johnson said.

“There’s an entire generation of men who raised men just like that.”

Talk Trauma is Johnson’s way of bridging the gap by providing a safe space for Black men to support one another. 

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance, click here for a list of resources. You can find additional resources here.

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Leroy Stover, Birmingham Police, Alabama,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 6, 2023

Birmingham’s First Black Police Officer, Leroy Stover, Dies At 90

Leroy Stover was a staple in the Birmingham Police Department for over 30 years.

The police department in Birmingham, Alabama, is honoring a fallen member of its force. Leroy Stover, the city’s first Black police officer, died on Nov. 2 at the age of 90. His passing was announced via X post by the Birmingham police.

Stover was a pioneer in law enforcement, joining the force in 1966 as a 33-year-old man during the Civil Rights Movement.

“Today, our hearts are heavy as we [mourn] the loss of former Deputy Chief [Leroy] Stover,” shared the department in multiple posts. “As the first black officer to integrate the Birmingham force, his legacy and work at the Birmingham Police Department paved a way for others to follow in his footsteps. We offer our full condolences to the family and know that he would forever be in our hearts and[ minds].”

Stover was a native of Selma, Alabama, who graduated at the top of his high school class in 1952 and joined the U.S. Army as a paratrooper. Upon becoming a member of the Birmingham Police Department, Stover initially faced discrimination and isolation from his new co-workers but continued on his career journey and rose in rank. During his 32 years of service, the pioneer’s hard work led to his promotion to deputy chief in 1992 before his retirement six years later.

The second Black police officer in Birmingham, Johnnie Johnson, joined a day after him. Johnson eventually became the first Black police chief in the department’s history, appointing Stover to his highest role in the force. Stover’s long-lasting legacy of service and dedication to his community led his niece to publish a book on his life titled, Leroy Stover, Birmingham, Alabama’s First Black Policeman: An Inspirational Story.

Stover leaves an impact that commemorates his work in law enforcement, including the naming of the renovated West Precinct in his honor in March 2015. The Birmingham Police department further celebrated his legacy in 2021 by restating his message that embodied his spirit: “You live right, treat people right, right will follow you.”

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Black Aristocracy Takes Spotlight In New Season Of HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age,’ But The Real Story Is Much Deeper
by Iman Milner

November 6, 2023

Black Aristocracy Takes Spotlight In New Season Of HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age,’ But The Real Story Is Much Deeper

Black aristocracy is being spotlighted in HBO's "The Gilded Age" but there is more to the story than the The Scott family's plot.

The second season of HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Gilded Age premiered on Oct. 29, and fans were excited to see the return of the Scotts, a Black wealthy family depicted as societal equals to their white peers during a period in American history celebrated for its economic growth and prosperity. Though the character’s lives are fictional, Insider reported that the story of the Black aristocracy in the 19th century is not.

Groups of enterprising Black people began to use their newfound freedom—the Emancipation Proclamation was signed only a few years before the Gilded Age began—to create wealth for themselves and their communities.

“They begin to take their places in every pursuit about town and country, and as their thoughts and sympathies partake of their varied and independent occupations, they naturally form an active and efficient business class. I call it an ARISTOCRACY,” a person identified as “Ethiop” wrote in the April 22, 1852 issue of the Frederick Douglass Papers.

Well dressed and highly educated, Black entrepreneurs made their mark on society by owning everything from pharmacies to retail stores and restaurants, Insider reported.

“The Black elite of the Gilded Age signaled that we, too, have taste. We, too, have education. We are like other citizens,” said Carla Peterson, historian and author of Black Gotham: A Family History of African Americans in Nineteenth-Century New York City.

One such entrepreneur, Thomas Downing, is considered the man responsible for introducing oysters to the upper class and would go on to open the Thomas Downing Oyster House. The son of two formerly enslaved people was nicknamed the “New York Oyster King” due to the popularity of his restaurant, and he remained one of the city’s most wealthy residents until his death in 1866.

Black women also benefitted greatly during the Gilded Age, with many acquiring financial and social power. Mary Ellen Pleasant, who used advice she overheard while working as a maid, became a self-made millionaire and used her wealth to buy boarding houses, laundromats, and restaurants, as well as shares in Wells Fargo Bank.

Education was also a core component of Black wealth at the time, the outlet reported. Most of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities were founded between 1865 and 1900. “Since Blacks came to this country, education has always been number one,” Peterson said. “There is a belief that if you had ambition, you could do anything you wanted. And ambition started with education.”

Still, not all was well for Black people in the Gilded Age, as systemic inequities remained present. “Even exceptional Blacks were considered inferior to whites,” historian Willard B. Gatewood said.

Olympics, Team USA, Brittney Griner
by Stacy Jackson

November 6, 2023

Brittney Griner Returns To Play For Team USA In Exhibition Game

Brittney Griner is playing in her first game with Team USA since she returned home after being arrested in Moscow in 2022.

A roar filled the gymnasium on Nov. 5 when Brittney Griner was announced as a starter for the U.S. women’s national team in an exhibition match against the Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

“I actually talked to people that said they were coming specifically to see her and to watch her play,” Tennessee coach Kellie Harper said, according to ESPN. “And they had become fans throughout her challenges in the last year or so.”

The outlet reported that the last time Griner played with “USA” across the front of a jersey was in August 2021, when she won her second Olympic gold medal. The exhibition match marked Griner’s first time wearing the Olympic team’s jersey in a game since she was arrested for possession of vape canisters containing cannabis oil while traveling from an airport in Moscow.

Diana Taurasi spoke of her Phoenix Mercury Teammate putting in the work to show her appreciation for her country amid her release from prison.

“I think she’s trying to repay it every single day by being on the court and the stuff she’s doing off the court,” Taurasi said. “That’s a huge burden, and she’s willing to carry that.” Taurasi said Griner put on the USA jersey as a way to show her gratitude. 

The U.S. team defeated Tennessee 95-59. Griner sunk her first shot over Jillian Hollingshead within the first five minutes of the game, putting the U.S. ahead 15-7. She stacked up three rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes.

Griner was not available to speak with reporters following the victory. On Nov. 3 she expressed her desire to represent her country again and play with the national team. 

“My dad was law enforcement 30 years, military Vietnam ’68-69 Marine, so I mean, being able to represent my country means a lot,” she said. “Before ball, I actually wanted to actually go into the military, before I found basketball, so this is my way of still representing USA.” 

U.S. coach Cheryl Reeve talked to her coaching staff about how enthusiastic Griner was to rejoin Team USA. “Just seeing her here, the joy, the excitement that she has, I don’t know what she shared with you all, but she looked to me like she was pretty excited to be back,” Reeve said.

In preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the U.S. team will begin training camp in Atlanta on Nov. 7 and play in another exhibition at Duke on Nov. 12. The U.S. team has the opportunity to win their 8th gold medal in a row.   

Team USA is currently in the process of evaluating players before releasing the final roster for the Paris Games.

RELATED CONTENT: Brittney Griner Takes Leave Of Absence To Focus On Mental Health

Philadelphia
by Daniel Johnson

November 6, 2023

City of Philadelphia And Juvenile Justice Services Center Play Blame Game Over Declining Juvenile Facility

The city, meanwhile, faces its own criticism from juvenile advocate groups, who say that Philadelphia could do more.

The City of Philadelphia has accused the Juvenile Justice Services Center in Philadelphia of a failure to address long-standing issues at the facility.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the city petitioned a judge to hold the facility in contempt as it produced photos showing children sleeping in crowded cells on the floor while also alleging that lights are on 24 hours a day and access to bathrooms and showers is limited. 

Philadelphia is also blaming the state for a failure to get custody of those individuals who have been sentenced to long-term state placement in a timely fashion. They allege that this practice has created a backlog, resulting in prolonged time served for juveniles. 

Meanwhile, the city faces its own criticism from juvenile advocate groups, who say that Philadelphia could do more. Advocates claim that the city could alleviate the problem by not locking up children for minor probation violations, using alternative detention programs, as well as working with child welfare agencies to bring down the number of children in custody. 

Marsha Levick, the chief legal officer of the Juvenile Law Center, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the stalemate between the city and state was indefensible.

Keisha Hudson, chief of the Defender Association of Philadelphia, said, “Our children are very frustrated because the time they are sitting in JJSC, or lying on a mattress on the floor with lights on 24 hours a day, none of that time counts.” Hudson said some children are asking to transfer to the Texas facility to be closer to home. 

Kendra Van de Water, the executive director of YEAH Philly, an organization that works with young people in Philadelphia’s criminal justice system, says that the actual problem lies with judges, who, despite their broad powers, fail to exercise them beneficially.

Van de Water told the Inquirer, “There are so many services that exist that the juvenile courts could be utilizing, and they purposely don’t.”

Levick says that the photos in the complaint against the facility underscore research that locking children up does nothing to increase public safety, telling the Inquirer, “Those pictures speak a thousand words,” Levick said. “We do not take a particularly humane approach to how we deal with children who come into contact with our justice system.”

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Stacey Abrams
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 6, 2023

‘That Does Not Create a Hero,’ Says Stacey Abrams On Brian Kemp Opposing Trump

Stacey Abrams commends her former opponent for not falling to political pressure but warns that it does not grant him a clean slate. The former Georgia gubernatorial candidate has applauded Gov. Brian Kemp for refusing to overturn the election at Donald Trump’s request yet reminded viewers of his controversial history.

In an interview with MSNBC’s Inside With Jen Psaki, Abrams acknowledged how Kemp spoke out against Trump’s election interference in the state while questioned about the ramifications of his good deed.

“It already has,” responded Howard University’s Chair for Race and Black Politics on how the move overshadows Kemp’s history of alleged voter suppression in Georgia.

“Brian Kemp did not commit a crime, which is what Donald Trump called on him to do. And I applaud his refusal to commit a crime. I applaud his refusal to overturn an election that was rightfully conducted, but that does not create a hero.”

She continued, saying not allowing this highlight of good politics to erase Kemp’s attempts to thwart voters’ rights. Abrams noted that his refusal should be part of the “expectation” constituents have for elected officials.

“Doing your job is the expectation that we should have. One of the challenges of the last eight years has been a lowering of our threshold for what we expect of public officials. It’s insufficient that you are lauded for simply doing the job you were hired to do, and then you get to erase the bad that you continue to do.”

Rectifying voter suppression is pivotal to Abram’s political work, as the former Georgia State representative founded the nonprofit Fair Fight Action to promote changes in voter registration laws for more equitable elections. While the politician did note that Kemp rightfully condemned Trump for his crimes in the Peach State, which led to the Fulton County indictment spearheaded by District Attorney Fani Willis, she feels it should not absolve him for what his administration has done to prevent all eligible voters from exercising their rights.

“The work done by Brian Kemp and Brad Raffensperger for average Georgians continues to reverberate,” shared The New York Times bestselling author. “And it is a terrible, terrible, terrible stain on our democracy. You don’t get to claim that you are a defender of democracy when you are still engaged in behavior that undermines it.”

While Abrams continues to advocate for voter registration reform, the 49-year-old is adamant that she and others can “very easily separate” Kemp’s instance of justice from the rest of his controversial moves.

Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, $1M, homeownership
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 6, 2023

Jayson Tatum Becomes Youngest Boston Celtics Player To Score 10,000 Points

NBA forward Jayson Tatum is the youngest player in Boston Celtics history to score 10,000 points.

According to NBA.com, while helping the Celtics remain undefeated this season, Tatum put up 32 points while pulling down 11 rebounds – and broke a record in the process. On Saturday, Nov. 4, while playing the Brooklyn Nets, Tatum placed himself in the record books in the second quarter.

He spoke of the achievement after the Celtics beat the Nets at the Barclays Center in New York City.

“That’s special. That’s cool. I’ve just been blessed to be in a great franchise. I’ve had some great teammates, some great coaches, that have contributed to helping me get 10,000 career points.”

Tatum beat the former youngest player to reach that mark, Antoine Walker, who hit the milestone when he was 26 years and 131 days old. Saturday, Tatum was 25 years and 246 days old.

He currently has 10,016 points.

The scoring output also made Tatum the 10th-youngest player in NBA history to reach the mark. The people who reached the mark before him were LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, Tracy McGrady, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Devin Booker, Dwight Howard, and Bob McAdoo.

Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised his work ethic as well.

“He shows up to work every single day, he puts the work in, he dedicates his life to it, he doesn’t miss days, he doesn’t miss practices, games,” Mazzulla said. “And just his open-mindedness of wanting to be coached and wanting to be held to a high standard … He’s one of the guys that sets the tone for us because he’s willing to be pushed to the ultimate level, and it allows us to do that for everybody.”

Last season, Tatum did something no other Celtics player has done, not even the great Larry Bird. He became the first Celtics player to ever average 30 points per game for a full season. After five games, he is averaging 30.2 PPG.

SBA, Biden administration, small business, loans, startup, funding
by Iman Milner

November 6, 2023

Biden Administration Making Good On Promise To Black-Owned Businesses, SBA Loans Reach $1B Milestone

The Biden administration has kept its promise to even the playing field for Black-owned businesses by way of access to necessary capital and other business resources. The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has now surpassed the $1 billion mark in lending to Black-owned small businesses for the third year, doubling that of the 2020 fiscal year, CNBC reports.

The SBA’s commitment to offering government-backed loans, without predatory interest rates, to Black-owned businesses has resulted in unprecedented growth for the estimated 161,031 companies under the umbrella and the national economy. Across those businesses, CNBC reports that more than one million people are employed, and more than $183.3 billion is brought in annually.

“To continue to under-invest and face these barriers in the communities is something that would limit our economy and our growth competitively,” said SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman. “The systemic issues around access to capital are, of course, foremost.”

This year, the SBA also made significant changes that are predicted to continue boosting loan numbers. On Aug. 1, the administration simplified the application process and did away with the required prior equity investment for loans under $500,000. The SBA also implemented a more efficient online eligibility verification system.

Even with increased efforts to help Black-owned businesses procure much-needed funding, many small businesses still struggle to maintain. Black business owners feel that lack of access to capital will continue to be a problem, according to the Bank of America 2023 Women & Minority Business Spotlight. Booming Black-owned businesses are a necessary pillar in all communities countrywide, where hope is often gleaned from seeing the success of others.

“If Black-owned businesses are getting funded, the inner-city economies will get better since many small businesses are urban-based,” Rohit Arora, CEO of lending platform Biz2Credit, said. 

SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO POSSIBLY ISSUE SUBPOENAS TO GOP DONORS CONNECTED TO SUPREME COURT JUSTICES
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 6, 2023

Senate Judiciary Committee May Issue Subpoenas To GOP Donors Connected To Supreme Court Justices

The committee could vote as early as Nov. 9 to issue subpoenas to GOP donors Harlan Crow and Robin Arkley II, as well as legal activist, Leonard Leo.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on issuing subpoenas to two well-known Republican donors and a conservative legal activist, CBS News reported. 

The subpoenas may be issued for GOP donors Harlan Crow and Robin Arkley II, as well as co-chairman of the board of directors of the Federalist Society, Leonard Leo. The subpoenas are being voted on for their involvement with luxury trips gifted to two Supreme Court justices, revealed during the summer of 2023.

Leo played a key role in the confirmations of current Supreme Court justices. Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse announced on Oct. 30 that the panel could vote as soon as Nov. 9. In a joint statement, Durbin and his Democratic committee members said it is “imperative that we understand the full extent of how people with interests before the Court are able to use undisclosed gifts to gain private access to the justices.”

“By accepting these lavish, undisclosed gifts, the justices have enabled their wealthy benefactors and other individuals with business before the court to gain access to the justices while preventing public scrutiny of this conduct,” the joint statement said. 

The vote is all up to Democrats as over ten members of the Judiciary panel on the blue side of the aisle have the authorization to give the subpoenas without Republican support. Committee members on the GOP side have accused Democrats of targeting conservative justices since decisions have been made on controversial issues including abortion, affirmative action, guns, and religious rights.

Democratic committee members have been on the prowl for information from Crow, Arkley, and Leo since news outlet ProPublica highlighted ties between Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito with the donors. 

ProPublica reported that Thomas accepted lavish trips on Crow’s private plane and yacht and spent vacations at his Adirondacks resort during their 25-year friendship. However, Thomas failed to report the gifts on his financial disclosure forms. His most recent disclosure form, filed in August, included details about a 2014 real estate transaction with Crow for three properties he purchased from Thomas and his family in Georgia. It was reported that Arkley, who owns a mortgage company, provided Justice Alito lodging for a luxury fishing trip in Alaska in 2008.  Alito didn’t disclose the trip – including the housing or traveling on a private jet – and noted that the trip didn’t need to be reported, citing exceptions for personal hospitality. 

Republican senators feel issuing a subpoena is an unfair attack seeking to undermine the high court because of decisions that Democrats have disagreed with, according to Roll Call. 

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