Old Lady Gang, Kandi Burruss, Atlanta, Keith Lee

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 1, 2023

Kandi Burruss Responds To Keith Lee’s Not-So-Good Rating Of Old Lady Gang

Kandi Burruss is following the path of least resistance. After haters flocked to Keith Lee’s less than stellar but kind review of Old Lady Gang, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star decided to make her response about understanding and appreciation.

On Oct. 30, while Lee relayed that he chose not to eat at Old Lady Gang after receiving a different treatment, Burruss spoke on Instagram about the issue in an effort to diffuse the drama surrounding her business. The mogul didn’t address the preferential treatment the patriarch received over his family.

“I really just wanted to say I do appreciate Keith Lee for stopping by our restaurant and trying to show us love,” Burruss expressed with a smile. “It is very unfortunate that we couldn’t serve him and his family. We would have loved to. But he’s right, we don’t take to-go orders on the weekends, and the simple reason is because we do love and appreciate the people who come and support our restaurant.”

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She explained that Old Lady Gang didn’t want to “overwhelm” the kitchen staff by having to juggle dine-in and to-go orders. Because the restaurant receives support not only in Atlanta but across the nation, focusing solely on those eating at the restaurant on the weekends ensured that the service and food quality would be top-notch.

Burruss ended her statement by offering Lee and his family the opportunity to dine with Old Lady Gang.

“Outside of that, I want to say thanks to Keith for trying to even show up to our restaurant and show us love, thanks for trying to bring your family by, and maybe next time, we will still get a chance to serve you.”

The patriarch and viral food review TikToker shared his thoughts on Old Lady Gang, the Southern comfort restaurant inspired by Burruss’ family. Lee detailed how his family was treated differently than he was when trying to dine or place a to-go order at the establishment, a running theme that has caused many to criticize the customer service of popular Atlanta restaurants.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 1, 2023

Unlike Pfizer, Moderna Can Meet 2023 COVID Forecast, Analysts Say

*Originally reported by Reuters

Nov 1 (Reuters) – Moderna (MRNA.O) should hit the lower end of its sales target for this year as it only needs to tap a small portion of the private market with its COVID vaccine to reach that goal, according to industry analysts.

Around 20 million people need to be vaccinated with Moderna’s updated COVID-19 vaccine for the company to reach $2 billion in 2023 sales from the private market, a figure four analysts told Reuters was achievable.

The company has said it expects total U.S. COVID vaccine demand to be as much as 100 million doses in the fall season.

Moderna forecast $6 billion to $8 billion for sales of its COVID-19 vaccine in 2023, $2 billion to $4 billion of which is expected to come from the commercial market. Previously signed government contracts would account for the rest.

That forecast was called into question last month, when Pfizer (PFE.N) lowered its full-year outlook for sales of its COVID-19 shot by about $2 billion due to lower-than-expected vaccination rates.

Moderna’s shares have fallen by some 22% since its larger rival’s warning.

“It is unlikely Moderna will have a negative fall (in its sales outlook) like Pfizer because they started off much more conservative,” said Oppenheimer & Co analyst Hartaj Singh.

Jefferies analyst Michael Yee said that while the rollout of the new shots was initially slow, it seems to be picking up, citing recent data. Yee expects most of the demand to come from people aged 65 and over.

Moderna reports third-quarter results on Thursday, two days after Pfizer posted its first quarterly loss since 2019 due to a large charge to account for the U.S. government returning millions of doses of its COVID-19 antiviral treatment Paxlovid, as well as inventory of its COVID vaccine Comirnaty.

The COVID vaccine is Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Moderna’s lone marketed product.

Its research and development (R&D) costs ballooned 62% to $1.1 billion in the second quarter as its seeks to bring other products to market, including a flu vaccine and a shot against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The company’s RSV vaccine, which it aims to launch in the United States in 2024, was found to be 82.4% effective in older adults with three or more symptoms in a late-stage trial. It would compete with recently approved vaccines from Pfizer and GSK (GSK.L).

Data from a late-stage study of Moderna’s flu vaccine with an updated formulation released in September showed it generated a stronger immune response against all four A and B strains of the influenza virus compared to traditional flu shots.

Moderna’s broader mRNA based respiratory pipeline, which includes RSV and flu vaccines, is expected to reach $10 billion to $12 billion in sales, which will reduce expenses and bring R&D stability by 2025, Yee said.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 1, 2023

WeWork Plans To File For Bankruptcy As Early As Next Week, Source Says

WeWork plans to file for bankruptcy as early as next week.

*Originally reported by Reuters

Oct 31 (Reuters) – WeWork (WE.N) plans to file for bankruptcy as early as next week, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday, as the SoftBank Group-backed company struggles with a massive debt pile and hefty losses.

Shares of the flexible workspace provider fell 32% in extended trading after the Wall Street Journal first reported the news. They have fallen roughly 96% this year.

New York-based WeWork is considering filing a Chapter 11 petition in New Jersey, the WSJ reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

WeWork declined to comment.

Earlier on Tuesday, WeWork said it had entered into an agreement with creditors for temporary postponement of payments for some of its debt, with the grace period nearing an end.

The company had net long-term debt of $2.9 billion as of June end and more than $13 billion in long-term leases, at a time when rising borrowing costs are hurting the commercial real estate sector.

WeWork’s filing for bankruptcy would mark a stunning reversal of fortune for the company that was privately valued at $47 billion in 2019 and a black spot for investor SoftBank that sunk billions.

The company has been in turmoil ever since its plans to go public in 2019 imploded following investors’ skepticism over its business model of taking long-term leases and renting them for the short term and worries over its hefty losses.

The 8th Annual BLACK ENTERPRISE Smart Hackathon Returns

by Atiya Jordan

November 1, 2023

The 8th Annual BLACK ENTERPRISE Smart Hackathon Returns

The annual BE Smart Hackathon is gearing up for its eighth year! Let the competition begin.

Hosted by American Airlines, the upcoming four-day event boasts the largest gathering of HBCU students to date, all poised to become leaders in the tech industry. A group of 180 students have been selected to meet at the American Airline headquarters in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, from Thursday, Nov. 2 to Sunday, Nov. 5. Along the way, the BE Smart Hackathon promises these dynamic minds a memorable experience around this year’s theme, “No Code No Switch,” and myriad life-changing opportunities.

Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., president and CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, has witnessed the impact of the ever-evolving technology industry. “The demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever, and BE recognizes the importance of nurturing the talent that already exists within HBCUs,” he stated in a press release.

Graves continued: “This event, in partnership with American Airlines, is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering diversity in the tech industry and ensuring that HBCU students have access to the opportunities and mentorship they need to excel in their careers.”

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Since its inception, the BE Smart Hackathon has enabled students from renowned HBCUs to forge lasting connections, access mentorship opportunities, and enrich their résumés with meaningful experiences. The 24-Hour hack will feature 36 teams in a friendly competition. Thanks to American Airlines, each team will have access to technical staff for mentoring and guidance in preparing and delivering their presentations to the judging panel.

Last October, a three-member team from Atlanta’s Morehouse College took home the win at the 7th Annual BE Smart Hackathon, representing the “best of the best” in tech among HBCUs across the country. Juniors Kevin Drew, Trent Gaylord, and Elijah Truitt were later flown to Chicago to claim the remainder of their first-place prize. That trip presented an unique opportunity for the trio to show their winning concept to Eben Hewitt, chief information officer at the Hyatt, the Hackathon’s presenting sponsor, at its corporate headquarters in Chicago.

“American Airlines is proud to support the BE Smart Hackathon and play a role in
fostering the next generation of tech leaders,” said Cedric Rockamore, chief diversity
officer at American Airlines. “We believe in the talent and innovation that these students bring to the table, and we’re excited to provide mentorship and career opportunities. This event is a testament to the power of diversity in driving technological advancement and we’re honored to be a part of it.”

The participating schools include:

Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University
·Alabama State University
·Benedict College
·Bethune-Cookman University·Dillard University
·Edward Waters University
·Fisk University
·Florida A&M University
·Florida Memorial University
·Grambling State University
·Howard University
·Jackson State University
·Johnson C. Smith University
·Morehouse College
·Morgan State University

Historical Marker, 16-Year-Old Lynching Victim, Robert Mosley, Alabama

by Iman Milner

November 1, 2023

Author Unearths Grandfather’s ‘White Savior’ Lie, Reveals He Executed Black Man Instead Of Protecting Him From Lynch Mob

Author and historian Grace Elizabeth Hale has spent over a decade grappling with the truth behind an account of her family’s history that centers on the actions of her grandfather, Oury Berry. After spending much of her life believing that Berry had saved a Black man named Versie Johnson from a lynching, Hale learned that the man was allegedly murdered by law enforcement on orders from the patriarch, the LA Times reports.

Hale’s grandfather was celebrated throughout her childhood for defending Johnson’s life after Johnson was accused of raping a pregnant white woman who failed ever to come forward, leading many to believe they were consensual lovers, in 1947. The outlet reports it would take the harrowing events in Charlottesville on Aug. 11, 2017, in which the white supremacist-led “Unite the Right” rally ended in the death of Heather Heyer, to push Hale to tear down the lies and confront the horrors enacted by a member of her own family.

“I realized the story couldn’t have actually been true the way it was described to me. But at that point, I didn’t really want to know. I had grown up with a story of my grandfather’s heroism. And I thought my not wanting to know was symptomatic of a lot of white Americans. I wanted to make the point that this erasure of history is foundational to why racism and white supremacy [persist.]”

She poured her findings into a book, In the Pines: A Lynching, a Lie, a Reckoning.

“The thing that was most difficult to me was discovering the story — which I didn’t know until I started this research — that the sheriff before [Berry] stopped a lynching multiple times,” she explained.

“That was just heartbreaking because it showed that it could be done.”

Hale hopes to use her grandfather’s story to help illustrate an even darker truth in American history, one that highlights the connection between law enforcement and vigilante behavior often carried out by white men, according to the book.

“When there’s an understanding of citizenship as limited to a certain group of people, whatever they do is somehow justified. We saw that with Ahmaud Arbery and with January 6th. Most Americans don’t think about how different levels of the government — local, state, federal — are at cross-purposes with each other, and that these various levels often turn the other way or even encourage vigilante violence,” the author expressed.

Hale revealed that she wanted to honor Johnson’s life.

“There’s nothing that I can do about these actions and his death, but I could bring him to life on the page to whatever degree I could and acknowledge his life,” she explained.

Charly Palmer Depicts Constance Baker Motley On 2024 Stamp For U.S. Postal Service Black Heritage Series

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 1, 2023

Charly Palmer Depicts Constance Baker Motley On 2024 Stamp For U.S. Postal Service Black Heritage Series

The United States Postal Service (USPS) continues its Black Heritage Series by unveiling its 2024 cohort of Black trailblazers receiving their own stamp. Featured for the year is Constance Baker Motley, whose portrait was created by Charly Palmer. Born in 1921 in the city of New Haven, Connecticut, Motley grew up to become an unsung civil rights hero. Not only did her work in law lead her to become not only the first Black woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court, but also the the first Black woman to become a federal judge. The celebration of her legacy is long overdue, and her picture enshrined on the special-edition stamp by Palmer is right on time. “The stenciled circular shapes create a subtle crowning effect, and the heavy brushstrokes and scratches add texture to the acrylic-on-canvas work,” Palmer stated in a press release. “Stenciled curlicues embellish the lower background and continue onto Motley’s black dress.” A prominent force for women’s equality and civil rights, the fierce attorney wrote the original complaint in the Brown v. Board of Education case. Her list of firsts continued well into her career; she also was the first Black woman to hold the position of state senator for New York. Motley‘s impact on Black women in politics, law, and judicial affairs has been monumental to their inclusion in leadership roles, including Vice President Kamala Harris listed Motley as an influence in her own pursuit of a career in law and politics, as confirmed by the Los Angeles Times. Palmer, an acclaimed visual artist, unveiled the portrait of Motley that will be used in the series, with the Postal Service releasing a statement detailing the symbolism behind Palmer’s work. The collaborative effort of Palmer taking on the illustration of the civil rights icon is a further upliftment of Black professionals. Last year’s Black Heritage Series honorees were playwright August Wilson and author Ernest J. Gaines, with the late Rep. John Lewis receiving his own stamp as well. The latest edition of the stamps, commemorating Motley, are set to be released in 2024. RELATED CONTENT: ’The New Brownies Book’ Is A Love Letter To Black Children and Families

Spelman College, Generational wealth, donation, STEM

by Stacy Jackson

October 31, 2023

Spelman Students Participate In Pilot Program To Build Generational Wealth

Fintech in Action is in its third year of teaching students how to make the most of their money and introducing them to several career pathways. The company partnered with digital investment platform Stackwell to launch a financial wellness pilot program with Spelman College students.

Stackwell announced the initiative on Aug. 8. The program is geared toward accelerating progress for Black students in finance and fintech.

Fintech in Action Director Korene Smith and Dr. Venetta Coleman, the director of Institutional Effectiveness and the “Quality Enhancement Plan” at Spelman College, discussed the program’s goals during the Oct. 30 episode of WABE’s Closer Look.

According to the episode, the program aims to eliminate the racial wealth gap and teach students about investing and building generational wealth, teaching students early on how to budget money, manage student debt, and manage credit, especially as the target market for creditors.

“You have to start somewhere, which is why we decided to start at the university level,” said Smith, one of the executives heading the program. “We challenged the Spelman students to dig deeper,” she said and posed the question, “How do we help Black women become more comfortable with money, knowing that it starts before the career?” The fintech expert explained that starting at the university level was how to accomplish this goal.

Technology plays a key role in securing generational wealth. Coleman said that access to technology significantly impacts the ability to have access to educational and other experiences. In terms of money, Smith said financial technology makes areas such as banking more accessible to people. The company partners with financial institutions, such as Visa and JPMorgan Chase, to provide post-graduate placement opportunities. Coleman said obtaining generational wealth allows students to be able to be able to pay off student loan debts and purchase things, such as a corporate wardrobe, that they may have never been able to because of their financial status.

The August press release provided details that the first cohort of students included the 16 Spelman students who won the Braven Accelerator Capstone Challenge. The winners were awarded a $250 investment kickstart with their own Stackwell accounts. Over three years, the companies will track the students’ progress and provide resources as they build sustained wealth over time.

This fall, Fintech in Action also launched its national HBCU financial wellness tour with Rapunzl Investments, the “HBCU Invest More Tour.”

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 31, 2023

Black Entrepreneur Known For Trucking Company Sells Out 2023 Conference For Women Entrepreneurs

Originally reported on blacknews.com

Kristi Jackson-Muhammad, who once went viral for her success as one of the first Black female owners of a trucking company, is also the visionary behind the 25th Annual Global Power Tour Conference for Ambitious Women Entrepreneurs, which has officially sold out. The stage is set, the excitement is palpable, and anticipation is soaring for this event in Houston, Texas. From November 8th to 12th, Houston will play host to the most prestigious and exclusive gathering of forward-thinking women in business from around the globe.

With an exclusive group of 100, this event has garnered attention worldwide for its unmatched dedication to empowering and advancing the opportunities, skills, and aspirations of women entrepreneurs. The conference stands as the pinnacle gathering for women who seek to make a mark in the business world, providing an invaluable and unique platform for networking, mentorship, and professional development for current and aspiring coaches.

“Year after year, the Global Power Tour Conference serves as the beacon for current and aspiring female coaches, providing them with the tools, insights, and connections necessary to excel in the competitive business landscape,” said Kristi.

Renowned for its captivating keynote speakers, illuminating workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the conference is a treasure trove of wisdom and innovation. Attendees can expect an agenda ﬁlled with sessions designed to unlock their potential, whether they’re seasoned entrepreneurs or budding businesswomen eager to take their initial steps.

“This event transcends boundaries, offering a dynamic platform for women in business to exchange ideas, gain practical skills, and be inspired by some of the brightest minds in the industry,” added Jackson-Muhammad.

This landmark event has not only sparked enthusiasm amongst attendees but has generated buzz within the realms of women in business, business coaching for women, and beyond. The conference’s success is a testament to the growing inﬂuence and impact of women in the global business landscape.

For more information about the 25th Annual Global Power Tour Conference for Ambitious Women Entrepreneurs, please visit GlobalPowerTour.com. Stay tuned for post-event coverage, exclusive insights, and highlights from this unparalleled gathering of inﬂuential women in business.

Drake Signs Letter Calling For Ceasefire In Israel-Hamas War

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 31, 2023

Drake Signs Letter Calling For Ceasefire In Israel-Hamas War

Drake has been catching heat for seemingly remaining silent in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. But the Jewish-born rapper has joined with other A-list stars in calling for a ceasefire.

The Grammy-winning rapper joined celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Killer Mike, Dua Lipa, Lena Waithe, Vic Mensa, Miguel, and many more in signing the Artists4Ceasefire letter that urges President Joe Biden and Congress to get Israel and Hamas to agree to end their current war, Billboard reports.

We urge your administration, and all world leaders, to honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages,” the letter reads in part.

Others who signed the letter include Adam Lambert, Michael Stipe, Caroline Polachek, Kaytranada, Macklemore, Cate Blanchett, Joaquin Phoenix, John Cusack, and others. The letter calls out the thousands of lives that have been lost in the ongoing war that’s carried out over the last three weeks.

“More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians,” the letter continued.

“Half of Gaza’s two million residents are children, and more than two-thirds are refugees and their descendants being forced to flee their homes. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach them.”

The letter comes weeks after another letter demanding a ceasefire in Gaza as well as calling for humanitarian aid in the region, Variety reported. The Artists for Palestine UK letter was signed by British stars like Tilda Swinton, Charles Dance, Steve Coogan, Miriam Margolyes, Michael Winterbottom, Mike Leigh, and Asif Kapadia. The letter blasted the British government for “not only tolerating war crimes but aiding and abetting them.”

Drake and DJ Khaled have faced criticism for not making a public statement about the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Earlier this month, Drake’s father, Dennis Graham, claimed his son would face harder blowback if he did speak out publicly.

“If you say something about this one, you’re going to get criticized, and if you say something about someone else, you’re going to get criticized,” Graham told TMZ.

According to Drake’s dad, it’s best for superstars like his son to “stay out of it. Especially if you’re somebody that’s well-known, but be a celebrity and say something favoring one over the other, and it’s gonna come back on you.”

ABCs of wealth building, financial literacy, Tanisha Adjokatcher, book, author, black

by Rafael Pena

October 31, 2023

Two Black Fathers Come Together To Open A Bookstore In Nebraska

Fearless Cummings and Andile Mahlageni-Byndon are two fathers who took their love of reading and decided to open a bookstore in Bellevue, NE, called 2Dads and a Bookstore, KETV reported.

This literary oasis was born from a shared love of literature, discovered during a training session at their agency job, the outlet reported. Their friendship blossomed as Cummings and Mahlageni-Byndon realized their mutual passion for books. Shortly after that, opening a bookstore in Nebraska became a reality.

In a recent interview with KETV, Mahlageni-Byndon shared, “Since then, we became good friends, and ever since then, everything just kind of took off.” Following this initial spark, they extensively researched the logistics of launching their business. Remarkably, just three months later, 2Dads and a Bookstore opened its doors.

Cummings reflected on the whirlwind journey, stating, “That took a lot of work. My guy had a lot of books, we found a place over in Bellevue, and everything just kind of fell together.” The founders’ dedication and swift execution materialized into a vibrant community space.

A Unique Literary Haven

What sets 2Dads and a Bookstore apart is its unwavering commitment to supporting local, up-and-coming authors. Mahlageni-Byndon explained, “Our bookstore is very unique because we are probably one of the only few stores that give 100% of the revenue that the authors make back to them. We just want to give them a place, a platform where they can show their work to the community.”

More than just a bookstore, 2Dads and a Bookstore is, as Mahlageni-Byndon described it, “not your typical quintessential bookstore. It’s a vibe.” The founders aim to create a welcoming and serene environment for customers to immerse themselves in the joys of reading.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As Black fathers, Cummings and Mahlageni-Byndon see their venture as an opportunity to inspire young Black boys. The outlet explained how they want to convey that reading is not only fun and cool but also accessible to everyone.

Mahlageni-Byndon said, “It’s just this beautiful dynamic between me and this guy, and we’re like, ‘You know what? We can tackle so many different issues in our community if we’re able to do this the right way.’”