by Stacy Jackson

October 19, 2023

South Carolina Senior Crowned High School’s First Black Homecoming Queen

Amber Wilsondebriano is celebrating a historic senior year at her South Carolina high school.

The graduating senior became the first Black homecoming queen in Porter-Gaud High School’s 155 years.

“When I was nominated, I didn’t feel confident I would win,” Wilsondebriano said, according to USA Today. “However, throughout the week, many students told me they were voting for me. When the day came and my name was called, I was relieved and honored because I knew I was a part of history. I was elated the whole night. My peers made me feel special for the day.”

The historic crowning celebrates the teen’s exceptional contributions to her campus. The 17-year-old is a stellar student at Porter-Gaud who boasts a 4.66 GPA and several leadership roles. Porter-Gaud’s 2023 homecoming queen is a founding member of its Black Excellence Society, a club Wilsondebriano pitched to the school with five of her friends. Having less than 10 Black people in her senior class, she recognized the need to diversify the school and curate a safe space for Black students.

On Sept. 13, Wilsondebriano was present during the celebration of Porter-Gaud’s second annual breakfast dedicated to HBCU Week.

“I think opening this up to all people allows Black kids to feel less isolated,” she told WCSC about the event, which the Black Excellence Society initiated.

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She is also dedicated as co-leader of the Chinese and Art Club.

“I’m so happy to have been chosen as homecoming queen for my character and achievements, not because of my race,” she said.

The aspiring entrepreneur, illustrator, and children’s book author plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design next fall as a painting major.

Wilsondebriano’s mother, Monique Wilsondebriano, can attest to her daughter’s talents and good character.

“She has taught herself how to paint,” Monique said. “It’s not surprising to me that the kids voted for her to become queen. She is a good friend and is very loyal.”

South Carolina became home for the Wilsondebriano’ after the teen’s father was injured due to the 9/11 attacks. The family launched their business, Charleston Gourmet Burger Co., and expanded its products to major retailers and supermarkets, including Macy’s, Whole Foods, and Walmart.

SNAP, food stamps, Georgia, families, delays, delay

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 19, 2023

Georgia Families In Food Crisis Over Delayed SNAP Benefits

Since 2022, thousands of Georgia residents have faced delays in receiving their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, with tens of thousands not getting them on time, 11Alive reports.

The Georgia Department of Human Services has grappled with a backlog issue for a year.

Many Georgians, such as Koren Gibbs, have encountered issues with their SNAP benefits. Although “approved,” the mother of a 4-month-old son has not yet gotten access to food stamps. In her case, as with others, calling a caseworker is futile, as state employees are bombarded with claims due to a staffing shortage.

Gibbs said she had to consider going to a food pantry because of the delay. She called to verify her benefits before shopping and confirmed that the claim still hadn’t been fully processed.

“I’m so glad I called before I went to the store because I would have had a cartful of food and no way to pay for it,” Gibbs said.

The delay in SNAP benefits has affected families across Georgia as they struggle to cope with not having access to food. Some have shared their stories, highlighting the hardship they face and the inadequate response from the authorities.

“For the past two weeks, I’ve had to wake up to ‘Mommy, I’m hungry.’ Or ‘Mommy, we don’t have any food,'” said one parent to 11Alive. Others faced challenges reaching caseworkers or supervisors who could assist.

11Alive has been investigating the issue for a year. As of October 16, more than 119,000 SNAP renewals are pending and 36,915 have exceeded the 30-day processing requirement imposed by federal law.

A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Human Services explained that SNAP benefit renewals are being processed as quickly as possible, starting from the oldest renewal. The department has attempted to better manage the delays by offering overtime to current case specialists and hiring new employees.

“We are also offering stipends to incentivize field leadership staff to carry a caseload,” the spokesperson said. “Since January, we have hired 923 new Economic Support Specialist 1 workers–and secured millions in new funding through legislative advocacy to make that possible.”

However, a caseworker spoke anonymously and expressed concerns about staff turnover, the increased volume of new applications, and the backlog. Although there was some improvement in staffing and caseloads over the summer, the caseloads now appear to be back at similar levels.

Delays in SNAP benefits can have far-reaching consequences, affecting child welfare and parental stress, noted Melissa Carter, executive director of the Barton Child Law and Policy Center at Emory Law School. Families face difficulty covering essential expenses, and children’s needs often go unmet.

“We know that when those benefits are interrupted or when they’re delayed and certainly when there are extended delays to accessing those benefits, the parents are having to make choices about paying other bills or securing food for children,” Carter told 11Alive . “Tradeoffs like accessing timely and adequate health care, for example, or paying rent, and those issues of healthcare, of housing instability are also issues of basic needs of children and also give rise to concerns and reports about neglect.”

John legend, start up, its good, It good

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 19, 2023

John Legend Secures $5 Million In Funding For ‘It’s Good’ App

Award-winning musician and entrepreneur John Legend has taken a new step into the startup business arena with his social app, “It’s Good.” A report published in the Wall Street Journal revealed that the app has already secured $5 million in funding in early October as it readies itself for public launch.

Lightspeed Venture Partners, among other participants, supported the app in its recent funding round. “It’s Good” aims to provide users with personalized food and travel recommendations, setting itself up to compete with industry giants like Yelp and Google Reviews, as reported by Nairametrics.

Co-founder and tech entrepreneur Mike Rosenthal, who teamed up with John Legend during the COVID-19 pandemic to create the app, stated that the platform addresses a real-world problem that has remained largely unsolved since the inception of Yelp over two decades ago. The app’s concept is simple yet impactful: it allows users to share their delightful discoveries of great new places with their social circles.

“It’s tremendously satisfying to discover a great new place yourself and then share your delight with others,” noted Lightspeed Partner Nicole Quinn at the WSJ Tech Live Conference, emphasizing the significant potential she sees in “It’s Good.”

As a result, Lightspeed is leading the company’s $5 million seed round. The venture capital firm has previously invested in other celebrity-driven startups like Goop (Gwyneth Paltrow), HAUS LABS (Lady Gaga), and Autograph (Tom Brady), according to the outlet.

As “It’s Good” transitions from an invite-only platform to forming its community, the company’s primary focus will be growth rather than revenue generation. Additionally, the team is actively exploring potential partnerships with hospitality and food companies.

John Legend, well-known for his musical talents, introduced Loved01, his unisex skincare line, in February 2023, as reported by Men’s Health. Collaborating with dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye, Legend’s mission is to bring inclusivity to the skincare market by catering to melanin-rich complexions. He expressed that he didn’t want his brand to be merely a celebrity endorsement but an answer to a marketplace need that hadn’t been adequately addressed—formulating products for diverse skin types and making them accessible.

This venture into the world of startups is not John Legend’s first entrepreneurial endeavor. In February 2022, he co-founded OurSong, a music and art NFT platform. The multiple award-winning artist’s foray into the startup world highlights his commitment to exploring new horizons and making a meaningful impact in various industries.

retirement, social security, Hockenmaier, 401(K), retirement, social security, tax break, georgia, Georgia,, bills, utility

by Daniel Johnson

October 19, 2023

World Retirement Systems Get Assessment, U.S. Gets Only An C+

America’s retirement system is once again considered among the worst in the developed world in the 2023 version of the yearly Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index.

According to CBS News, the United States received a C+ largely due to the stratification embedded in the dual retirement systems it employs.

The report lists a C+ rating: “A system that has some good features but also has major risks and/or shortcomings that should be addressed; without these improvements, its efficacy and/or long-term sustainability can be questioned.”

Social Security and private pension plans like 401(K)s should, in theory, cover most Americans, but many slip through the cracks. With 401(K)s, for example, approximately half of U.S. workers do not have a retirement plan through their workplaces. Social Security will only replace around 40% of the income lost when American workers retire, putting a considerable strain on their finances.

By comparison, The Netherlands has one of the world’s best retirement systems, where corporate-sponsored employee pension plans cover 90% of employees. Its Social Security program, Mercer notes, is in the midst of an upheaval and, if not resolved, will result in a 20% decrease in benefits for retirees.

As Katie Hockenmaier, the U.S. defined contribution research director for Mercer, told CBS News, “Retirement savings coverage and institutional quality retirement vehicles remain out of reach for many Americans, creating a significant adequacy gap that needs to be addressed.”

Furthermore, Hockenmaier says the findings of the institute’s study indicate an “urgent need for action.”

Mercer suggests raising the minimum payment for low-income retirees and creating a system that places part of a worker’s retirement benefit into an income stream, like a residual payment.

The United States ranks 22nd in Mercer’s overall index out of 47 countries it surveyed, which is in line with its C+ rating, placing it around the middle of the pack. In its featured chapter discussing the impact of artificial intelligence on retirement systems, Mercer’s report says it will have a tremendous impact on how pension and Social Security systems function, “Artificial intelligence (AI) has been with us for years and is affecting our lives in many ways, from the use of search engines to institutional investment decisions. Yet, during the next decade, its prevalence is likely to increase significantly so that it will affect every aspect of our pension and social security systems.”

Overall, the chapter strikes a hopeful tone that the expansion of AI in the retirement system will be used to benefit retirees.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 19, 2023

3 New Orleans Children Die In House Fire Allegedly Started By Father

A tragedy occurred in New Orleans, where three children died in a house fire on Wednesday morning. Police officials have announced that the children’s father was arrested and faces charges for allegedly setting the house on fire.

According to ABC News, the father, 29-year-old Joseph Washington, allegedly started the house fire after an apparent domestic dispute, police said. He was taken into custody after police went on a manhunt to apprehend him.

New Orleans Deputy Superintendent Ryan Lubrano stated that Washington has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder, three counts of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile, and one count of aggravated arson. He also stated that the charges could change.

The New Orleans Police Department released details of the incident.

According to the outlet, when emergency workers got to the house, they rescued a 5-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. The children were taken to the hospital, where they died about an hour later. A third child, a 3-year-old boy, died at the scene.

After initiating a search for the suspect, the Gretna Police Department informed NOPD that Washington’s car was found in the Mississippi River, partially submerged in the city of Gretna. He wasn’t in the vehicle but was apprehended on the I-610 Eastbound later in the day, where he was discovered in another car. He tried to escape authorities by jumping off the overpass.

Washington was then taken to a local hospital for treatment of potential injuries.

The coroner will determine the cause of death for the three children.

digital business, Black Liberation and the Digital Economy, BLADE, survey 900, digital platforms

by Lauren Nutall

October 19, 2023

Survey Shows Surge In Black Entrepreneurship Via Digital Platforms

Black entrepreneurship has witnessed unprecedented growth as more business owners are launching digital platforms. A recent survey from the Black Liberation and the Digital Economy (BLADE) called “The BLADE Blueprint” reveals that Black entrepreneurs are establishing wealth through new online businesses.

BLADE surveyed 900 Black digital entrepreneurs to observe how digital business is changing the economic landscape for the better. The survey found that 23% of respondents secured venture funding: a significant achievement in the field, as Black founders previously acquired only 1% of total venture funding. Some 77% of survey participants also own profitable businesses, a stark contrast compared to Guidant Financial’s 2023 reports, which found only 54% of small POC-owned businesses and 66% of small businesses maintained profitable companies.

The digital business world is as lucrative as it is competitive, and many young people are using it to their fullest advantage. According to the Black Liberation Alliance, there is a steep generational divide in the industry, with Black Gen Z and millennial entrepreneurs accounting for 90% of this new demographic. Of the survey’s respondents, an astonishing 76% are millennials, with another 12% being Gen Z. Social media has made it even easier for these entrepreneurs to reach wide audiences, relying on sites like TikTok and Instagram for promotional marketing.

Still, despite these statistics, digital business is not just a young person’s game. As more businesspeople discover the advantages of digital entrepreneurship, many are flocking to these platforms to leverage their businesses.

Supported by the Kauffman Foundation, the first BLADE Blueprint edition was published in spring 2022. However, this year’s edition, which was scheduled to release on Oct. 18, is funded by Walmart and the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity as part of BLADE’s annual conference highlighting Black creators who are transforming the digital landscape. To register for the digital event, which takes place Oct. 18-20, visit here.

Natalie Williams, general manager, titles, consecutive, back to back, Aces, Las Vegas Acces, WNBA

by Atiya Jordan

October 19, 2023

Natalie Williams One Step Closer To Historic Back-To-Back Victory As GM Of WNBA Aces

Natalie Williams, general manager of the Las Vegas Aces, is gearing up for a win of a lifetime. She could become the first Black general manager in WNBA history to win back-to-back titles.

The 2022 WNBA champions are just one win away from trailblazing history. Las Vegas could become the first team to win back-to-back championships in 20 years if they defeat the New York Liberty. In Game 3, the Aces were looking to become the first repeat WNBA champion since the 2001-2002 Los Angeles Sparks. But the Liberty’s win has opened up another opportunity, with Game 4 taking place Oct. 18 in Brooklyn. Williams is all in!

The wife and mother of six has served as the Aces’ general manager for only two years. In her first season, the Basketball Hall of Famer witnessed the “magical” run to Las Vegas’ first title in franchise history last year. Her team was also the 2022 Commissioner’s Cup Champions.

And yet Williams is no stranger to winning as a player herself.

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Considered the greatest two-sport athlete in UCLA history, Williams was the first woman to earn first-team All-American honors in both basketball and volleyball in the same year. She is an Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup Champion. Before joining the Aces, she was honored as Pac-10 Player of the Year, ABL MVP, and four-time WNBA All-Star. Williams is a recipient of the 2023 Outsports Power 100 award.

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The Utah native was coaching basketball in Salt Lake City at her successful Natalie Williams Basketball Academy when the call came to join the Aces.

“It was a pretty big business, and it was a challenge for me to give that up and one I didn’t want to give up,” Williams told Outsports in a previous report. “I definitely miss coaching the youth. It was an incredible joy for sure.”

In her new chapter with the Aces, Williams takes pride in empowering LGBTQ youth by being an example of what’s possible. She found a place to be her authentic self, celebrating her team’s Pride Night, which took place in June 2023 and attracted one of the largest crowds of the championship season.

“The biggest thing for me is that people like myself, and anyone in the WNBA, finds an avenue to somehow, with all of these amazing players in the league who are part of the community, reaches out to the youth who are struggling,” she said, per Outsports.

Israel’s First Black Beauty Queen Condemns ‘Black Lives Matter’ For Support Of Palestine

by Iman Milner

October 19, 2023

Israel’s First Black Beauty Queen Condemns ‘Black Lives Matter’ For Support Of Palestine

Israel’s first Black beauty queen, Yityish “Titi” Aynaw, is calling out the Black Lives Matter movement for not taking a stance against Hamas and, instead, voicing demands for a ceasefire against innocent Palestinians in Gaza, the New York Post reports.

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A post shared by טיטי פרנקל איינאו (@titiayenew)

The Ethiopian-born model was crowned Miss Israel in 2013 and took to Instagram to express her disappointment in “Black Lives Matter,” which protested unjust police murders of innocent civilians, for its choice to support Palestine.

“I am so shocked by the response of Black Lives Matter regarding the terror attacks here in Israel,” Aynaw said. “I remember you screaming in the streets, ‘I can’t breathe. I want to inform you right now… who cannot breathe.”

She continued, discussing her thoughts on Black Lives Matter and who she believes the group supports.

“These groups — BLM — need to learn their facts,” she said, per the New York Post. “People need to learn who they’re really supporting, what they do to their own people, let alone Jews. They don’t care about saving lives. There are no human rights [with Hamas]. They kill their own — they also kill Muslims, Bedouins who serve in the army.”

The former Israelite beauty queen moved to the Middle East when she was 12 and later served in the Israel Defense Forces.

Aynaw’s post caused a stir amongst those who felt her criticisms were misdirected, incorrect and uneducated. “You can not expect an oppressed people in another country to lead the charge in a foreign conflict,” one Instagram user said.

“Many Black Americans are supporters, and many are seeking knowledge on the issue. The media is filtering what many of us see. But don’t attack an oppressed people for not leading the charge in the way you think they should.”

Racquet Club Brings Inclusivity To Tennis And Pickleball, Meet The Woman Behind The Movement

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 19, 2023

Racquet Club Brings Inclusivity To Tennis And Pickleball, Meet The Woman Behind The Movement

All-Love Racquet Club is a collective community and lifestyle brand dedicated to embracing inclusivity within sports like tennis, padel, and pickleball.

Founded by Erika Bond, the club is committed to championing diversity and ensuring that every player or fan, regardless of their background, finds a welcoming and authentic space to build community and culture. To serve its mission, a pop-up series was introduced in Long Beach, CA last month with a focus on breaking down barriers and creating a more diverse and accessible environment for those who may otherwise be isolated from the world of racquet sports.

With Bond being a former D1 tennis player and teaching pro at Rose Bowl Tennis Center in Los Angeles, she has been a driving force behind this initiative. She uses her seven-plus years of experience in public health, combined with her passion for tennis and the desire to empower all players and fans, regardless of their background, within the sport.

“The vision behind All-Love was born from my personal journey as a person of color in the world of tennis, both as a player and coach,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“In many cases, sports and community naturally intertwine, but when you engage in a sport that wasn’t originally designed with you in mind, it can be an isolating experience. Through All-Love, my aim is to transform that narrative and create a welcoming space for anyone interested in racquet sports.

The tennis world has long been marred by a lack of diversity and inclusivity. Bond, recognizing the disparity, set out to change this narrative. Looking back at her career as a D1 tennis player at an HBCU, Bond was able to naturally cultivate her skillset in sports thanks to her supportive community.

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“I played tennis at Prairie View A&M University, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU). What I took most from that experience is how important culture and representation are for the success of our Black and Brown communities,” she said. “Not only did I gain teammates who have become lifelong friends and supporter, the people I met while studying Biology and pledging AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.) have also helped shape much of who I am today.”

She continued.

“When you are in an environment that looks like you, the freedom and safety to express yourself, learn, and grow are felt so strongly – and that feeling is the heart of what I am trying to create for the tennis community through All-Love.”

Through tennis activations/events and partnerships with schools and foundations, All-Love aims to provide opportunities for underrepresented youth in racquet sports. Plans to expand the initiative include a flagship core merch collection and opening a physical tennis club in Los Angeles that will serve as its headquarters before scaling in key cities around the US and internationally.

“It is my hope that the All-Love Racquet Club becomes a leading voice in the conversation about inclusivity and diversity in the tennis community,” she said.

“I want All-Love to be representative of everyone and become a platform for impact amongst diverse populations.”

by Atiya Jordan

October 19, 2023

IRS Set To Rollout Free File Tax Return Pilot In January

Ahead of tax time, the IRS wants to iron out its products first.

The IRS is reportedly planning to release its pilot electronic free file tax return system in January 2024. The rollout will allow select taxpayers across 13 states to try out the new system, according to The Associated Press.

IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel told the news outlet that the agency has decided to roll out the pilot program in increments to examine “how products like this are rolled out in the private sector.” In order to determine the usefulness of the program, Werfel added how “imperative” it is to make sure it is an “easy- to-understand pilot.” The direct-file pilot participation will be voluntary and completely optional, the IRS previously shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The program was established after the IRS was granted nine months and $15 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to publish a feasibility report. In May, the agency reported on “taxpayer interest in direct file, how the system could work, its potential cost, operational challenges and more,” per AP.

With assistance from nonprofits, congressional offices, and states, the IRS can identify taxpayers who are are eligible to test out the government-run option.

“Our work to evaluate the feasibility of direct file is just one of many examples of how we’re working to transform the IRS,” Werfel said, per AP.

In collaboration with organizations including Code for America, IRS officials are planning to collaborate with Arizona, California, Massachusetts and New York for filing season 2024 to integrate state taxes into the program.

However, the decision to move forward with the dissemination of the pilot has sparked concerns among the industry. From Turbo Tax Live to H&R Block, private tax preparation companies would be competing. Among this group includes Black accountants.

Back in June, BE reported on claims that that free tax prep could hurt Black Americans.The IRS stated in a letter in May 2023 that “Black taxpayers are audited at three to five times the rate of non-Black taxpayers,” an analysis that confirms research by Stanford University.

Critics claims that if the “IRS’ new role is the tax assessor, collector, preparer, and enforcer, that puts more taxpayers from vulnerable communities at risk of being treated unfairly and potentially not receiving their full tax refund,” BE reported.