by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 28, 2023

Zeta Phi Beta Advocates For Black Maternal Health Act On Capitol Hill

Members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. are putting Black maternal health at the forefront of their activism. On Sept. 20, women organized an event on Capitol Hill to advocate for the passing of the “Momnibus Act,” championing the cause.

The “Momnibus Act” seeks to remedy the disparities in maternal health for Black women, as reported by Minority Reporter. The sorority hopes that persistent advocacy and engagement by women everywhere will bring the legislation to fruition, as Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Black women are losing their lives due to a lack of serious consideration from medical professionals,” expressed Dottery Butler Washington, the service organization’s international co-director of Social Action. “As Black women, we are reclaiming our agency, educating ourselves, and guiding doctors in understanding how to appropriately treat our conditions and bodies.”

This day of action, deemed “Zeta Day,” was especially important to the sorority, as it was not only its first in-person event since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic but also its largest congregation of members in its history. Its values of global progress are being upheld through this service event for a social cause on behalf of Black women.

The maternal mortality rate for Black women within the United States is a growing epidemic, and one, given the country’s medical achievement, many feel should be prioritized and remedied. According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die during childbirth, despite most causes of childbirth deaths being preventable.

However, the “Momnibus Act” will be an official policy catered to directly resolving the root issues causing the mortality rate to increase and other disparities plaguing Black maternal health.

In a continuation of this effort of advocating for reproductive rights, the sorority joined members of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. in a panel titled “Politics, Policy and Reproductive Justice” at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference on Sept. 21. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. hopes to continue on this mission to advocate for social causes deserving of legislative and societal upliftment.

Strike, writers, studios, pay, wages, deal, launch, writers guild

by Daniel Johnson

September 28, 2023

Hollywood Ending: Writers Reach Tentative Deal With Studios After Nearly 150-Day Strike

The Writers Guild of America and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have reached a deal.

The tentative three-year agreement, which took place Sept. 24, 2023 and still needs to be ratified, sets forth protections for television and film writers from AI, a gradual wage increase over the life of the contract, and a viewership-based residual model.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, one of the biggest improvements is the creation of minimum writers’ room size requirements and a guaranteed length of time that writers work on a show.

These specific gains do not take effect until Dec. 1, 2023, so anything written before that date is not bound by those terms. Originally, the WGA was looking to get a 16% increase in residuals but ended up getting 12.5%. Even if the agreement is not ratified, it can still go into effect if a majority of members vote to adopt it.

“What we have won in this contract—most particularly, everything we have gained since May 2nd—is due to the willingness of this membership to exercise its power, to demonstrate its solidarity, to walk side-by-side, to endure the pain and uncertainty of the past 146 days,” the WGA said in a statement.

Feeling joyful connection w fellow WGA writers on this strike victory

Weve shown the world where power is. We get our demands by withholding labor & shutting shit down

We were inspired by the strike wave happening b4 ours, & we r definitely inspiring others on strike lines now

— Boots Riley (@BootsRiley) September 27, 2023

According to Rolling Stone, had the strike lasted another week, it would have broken a record set in 1988 for the longest writers work stoppage in American history.

In August, the WGA received a counteroffer from the studios that it said was designed to get the writers to stop short of gains they desired. Because they did not take a deal that would have been friendly to the studios and streaming services, the writers secured an 18% increase in wages for shows and films that run at least 96 minutes, as well as a 26% increase in residuals for television and film projects that have reruns.

this is HUGEl! cliff notes: every writer in the room isn't guaranteed an episode BUT if you get one it's a big deal bc it's a credit AND an additional script fee on top of your weekly rate. but until now that didn't apply for staff aka the most junior writer #writersstrike https://t.co/zxIYlvHDxq

— Franchesca Ramsey (@chescaleigh) September 27, 2023

The writers strike may have concluded, but SAG-AFTRA is still on its work stoppage. Deadline reports that that strike could end as soon as next Friday if an expected meeting with the AMPTP goes well.

The actors union has been on strike since July 14 after joining the striking writers in solidarity, which created the nation’s first joint strike since President John F. Kennedy was in office.

SAG-AFTRA’s spokesperson released a statement on Sept. 26 that said, “We have no confirmed dates scheduled and there will not be meetings with the AMPTP this week. When we do have dates confirmed, we will inform our members. No one should rely on speculation.”

As the dust on this strike settles one thing has become clear.

The deal took roughly 10 days.

10 days. That’s it. The studio CEOs got serious and we had a deal in 10 days.

When those 10 days happened was not the decision of the writers. It was the decision of the AMPTP.

— Daniel Kunka (@unikunka) September 27, 2023

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 27, 2023

Meet the Black Female Architect Behind Nigeria’s Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Projects

Meet Olajumoke Adenowo, the remarkable Black female architect who is responsible for some of Nigeria’s top real estate projects. In a field traditionally dominated by men, she has defied the odds and achieved great success throughout her career.

Black women have made significant contributions to the field of architecture throughout history despite facing systemic barriers and discrimination. Despite their challenges, black women in architecture continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations, demonstrating the importance of diversity in shaping the built environment.

Adenowo was first inspired to pursue a career in architecture after a visit to Paris, where she was captivated by the magnificent structures she encountered. Determined to bring the same architectural excellence to Africa, she embarked on her journey in the field.

She started her career at Femi Majekodunmi Associates architectural firm and quickly rose, proving her passion and dedication. She shared that while others enjoyed their leisure time, she would be found at the office, even late at night.

“I think my boss saw my passion and he gave me a chance. If we had more mentors like that in Africa, I believe the younger generation would blossom faster,” Adenowo told Wakanda Africa News.

At age 25, she established her own company, which has since become a world-class organization known for its excellence in architecture.

Throughout her career, Adenowo has built an impressive portfolio, working on notable projects that have garnered local and international attention. Her noteworthy works include the Nigerian Stock Exchange building, the Heritage Bank Headquarters, and the Ekiti State Liaison Office in Lagos.

Her exceptional performance has earned her prestigious accolades, including the International Alliance for Women World of Difference 100 Award, the Rare Gems Award, the New African Business Woman of the Year Award, and the International Property Awards.

Be sure to follow her on Instagram @JumokeAdenowo

This article first appeared on blackbusiness.com

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 27, 2023

Myles Rowe Becomes First Black Driver to Win An Indycar Championship

On September 2, 2023, Myles Rowe, #99 Pabst Racing with Force Indy, became the first Black driver to win an INDYCAR-sanctioned championship. After starting the final race with a 64-point series lead, 23-year-old Rowe clinched the 2023 Cooper Tires USF PRO 2000 title at the Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon. With this USF Pro 2000 championship, Rowe will advance to the INDY NXT by Firestone series in 2024.

In the 2023 USF Pro 2000 series, Rowe accumulated more wins (five), pole positions (four), fastest laps (three), and podium finishes (seven) than any of his rivals. During last year’s USF 2000 Series Championship, Rowe placed runner-up, finishing within six points of the winner. Since age four, Atlanta native Myles Rowe has been fascinated with all things racing. He’s a past 2018 Lucas Oil Formula Car Race Series winner.

“This year was a test to see what I’ve got,” said Myles Rowe. “And luckily, I was able to pull it off.”

On December 3, 2020, Black Indianapolis business leader and team co-owner Rod Reid and Roger Penske, the owner of the most successful racing organization in history, announced the formation of the USF2000 race team at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as part of the Race for Equality & Change diversity initiative. On August 29, 2021, Rowe became the Black driver to win an INDYCAR-sanctioned race at New Jersey Motorsports Park in the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

“When I first envisioned the Force Indy team, I saw it as a pipeline to create opportunities for black and brown talent. An opportunity to change the face of motorsports,” said Force Indy Team Principal and Co-owner Rod Reid. “I never imagined winning a championship nearly two years before we won our first race.”

Force Indy celebrates this historic moment by focusing on establishing a program that fuels opportunities for people of color – including drivers, crew members, and more – across the INDYCAR paddock. The goal for Force Indy is to open as many doors as possible for diverse representation and leadership in the motorsports world. Force Indy was founded as part of Penske Entertainment’s Race for Equality & Change initiative, launched in July 2020 to create fundamental change in the motorsports industry.

This championship win in the #99 continues Force Indy’s tribute to Dewey “Rajo Jack” Gatson, the Black racer denied entry in the Indy 500 in the 1930s and 40s. Rowe drove the red rear-winged USFPro2000 car to victory in honor of the Red-Tailed 99th Squadron of the Tuskegee Airman.

Learn more at ForceIndy.com

This news first appeared on blacknews.com

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 27, 2023

Nick Cannon Reveals Mariah Carey’s Lifesaving Role Amid Lupus Diagnosis

In a candid interview with Diary of a CEO, Nick Cannon shared a deeply personal and life-altering experience, shedding light on how his ex-wife, Mariah Carey, played a pivotal role in saving his life when he was diagnosed with lupus.

Cannon described the diagnosis as “life-changing,” recounting the moment he realized something was amiss. He experienced an unusual and uncomfortable pain in his side, which he initially thought could be jogged away. However, after returning home, he unexpectedly lost consciousness, prompting Carey to take immediate action.

“Mariah came in and found me,” said the father of 12, “and they rushed me to the ER in Aspen… I didn’t think it was that bad because I had just returned from jogging in Aspen. So they’re like, he probably has altitude sickness. I was just dehydrated, so that was the narrative we were going with. But the longer I was in the hospital [the doctors] were like, ‘Oh, maybe he has a kidney stone because there’s something going on back there.’ And I was like, ‘No, it wasn’t a kidney stone.'”

Subsequent tests revealed that his immune system was attacking his kidneys, leading to the lupus diagnosis. Cannon praised Carey’s unwavering support in his journey to remain healthy and alive.

“And then they wanted to do a biopsy, and then through the biopsy, I think it was like acute kidney failure. It wasn’t full. I had caught it early enough to where my kidneys didn’t completely fail, and then they found out the reason why is that my immune system was attacking my kidneys… A lot of times it’s not hereditary. They don’t know what the cause of it is. It’s related to stress, which I didn’t think I was stressed out, but there are various types of stress, physical stress, and emotional stress, [that] can send your immune system out of whack, and therefore your immune system then starts to self-destroy,” Cannon explained.

He expressed his gratitude toward Carey during his health struggles, acknowledging that while her dual role as global superstar and caregiver took a toll on their relationship, ultimately it was through these challenges that they grew closer.

“[Mariah] was my rock, man. She went hard, [I] probably wouldn’t even, I’ll be honest, probably wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for how hard she went with the doctors, with me, my stubbornness. She was the perfect helpmate, the perfect matriarch, the perfect mom, the perfect wife in those scenarios.”

Cannon’s revelation not only underscores the importance of having a solid support system during health crises but also reveals how personal struggles can fortify and deepen meaningful relationships.

This article was written by Black Enterprise contributor Rafael Pena.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 27, 2023

Homecoming Queen Punished For Allegedly Wearing Mexican Sash At Graduation

A homecoming queen in San Antonio, TX, is advocating for her right to display her heritage at graduation. Kayleigh Craddock claims she is being punished unjustly for not taking off her Mexican cultural sash at her high school commencement in May.

The school district stated that Craddock’s lack of compliance with the school dress code led to her no longer being invited to crown the next homecoming queen on Sept. 29. However, according to Kens5, Craddock believes that her actions were not worthy of any punishment, and was told by the administration that the display of her identity on the graduation stage was permissible.

When the issue first gained notoriety, the school district issued a statement saying that her “unapproved” accessory to the cap and gown was an infringement on the dress code.

“Graduation dress guidelines are communicated to all graduates. The school policy addresses the wearing of unauthorized sashes or accessories. Unfortunately, a student wore an unapproved sash that was not in the guidelines for graduation dress. The student was asked to comply with the dress guidelines and refused.”

Craddock’s “insubordination” from her refusal to remove the sash has led to her being ostracized by the school; however, the recent graduate stands firm that she was never told to remove it.

“I was never told to take it off. It’s on video. They have video. The whole thing is recorded. There’s pictures, everything,” shared the homecoming queen. “There’s a teacher at each row, he never told me anything.”

However, the punishment for showcasing pride in her identity at the commencement ceremony is of additional concern, as the school insisted that the sash violated the dress code.

Ultimately, Craddock wants the school district to understand her right to display her identity and allow her to be part of this year’s homecoming festivities.

mugshot, Trump mug shot, Trump arrest, politics, RICO

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 27, 2023

Manhattan Prosecutors Explain Trump’s ‘Corporate Death Penalty’

Trump has more legal issues to face beyond his recent RICO indictment. On Sept. 22, a Manhattan judge found the former U.S. President liable for fraud at his organization.

The decision alleged that Trump inflated his worth to banks and insurers by over 3.6 billion in one year, in a case that could result in the rare “corporate death penalty,” so rare that the only time its been attempted previously was shut down. However, if established, it could lead to the Trump organization’s downfall, according to Business Insider.

The details of Trump’s fraud were displayed in 35 pages of the filing by New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron, resulting in the immediate dissolution of his corporate charter. Any corporate licenses under Trump’s domain, including the Trump organization, his two sons, and any subsidiary LLCs, are canceled, immediately, according to the document.

In addition to the cancellation, Trump and his affiliates overseeing the companies must recommend “potential independent receivers to manage the dissolution of the canceled LLCs.”

“It’s comparable to once a person dies. A dead person can’t sell property. Only the executor of the estate can do that — or in this case, the receiver,” former financial-crimes prosecutor on behalf of Manhattan, Diana Florence, told Business Insider.

However, what is actually happening to Trump and the numerous businesses under his belt remains unknown, given the lack of precedent. The final charges will most likely be delayed. In the meantime, Trump’s corporations cannot operate under regular provisions; the stripping of their charter prohibits them from receiving loans or working on government contracts.

According to Florence, this type of dissolution typically occurs only when a business goes bankrupt. However, the difference stems from this process being court-mandated.

“This is the same thing, but it’s called a judicial dissolution,” she said. “It’s something that is almost never done. It’s a big mess, actually.”

The receiver appointed to the position will facilitate all rents, salaries, and taxes until the assets are sold off to fulfill all debts, including a hefty $250 million that the New York attorney general is asking for in the October trial.

by Derek Major

September 27, 2023

Michigan State University Officially Fires Mel Tucker As Sexual Misconduct Investigation Continues

Michigan State University officially fired head football coach Mel Tucker for cause Wednesday a little more than a week after the university announced it would do just that.

ESPN reports Tucker is currently under investigation due to a sexual misconduct complaint brought by sexual assault awareness speaker Brenda Tracy. In her complaint, Tracy claimed Tucker masturbated during an April 2022 phone call between the two.

Tucker said that the call was consensual, added that the university investigator acknowledged a personal relationship between Tucker and Tracy.

In a release, Michigan State said it terminated Tucker’s contract “for his admitted and undisputed behaviors which have brought public disrespect, contempt, and ridicule upon the university and constitute a material breach of his agreement and moral turpitude.”

Michigan State is now attempting to not pay Tucker any of the money remaining on his deal.

Tucker, who was hired in 2020, was suspended without pay earlier this month. The university announced its intent to fire him for cause on September. In his two seasons at Michigan State, Tucker was 20-14, and was 2-0 this season.

In the release, Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller claimed the university has “amassed a body of undisputed evidence of misconduct that warrants termination for cause.”

Tucker said his termination is “unjustified for several reasons.” In a Sept. 19 statement, Tucker said the university “does not care about my rights, the truth, or its future liability for policing its employees’ private lives.”

Despite Tucker’s termination, a hearing will still be conducted in October 2023 to decide whether Tucker violated university policy.

Tucker’s first season at Michigan State in 2020 was successful: an 11-2 record and a victory over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl. The school rewarded Tucker with a 10-year, $95 million contract, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football.

Michigan State has struggled to find its footing since Tucker’s departure, losing its first two games under acting coach Harlon Barnett to Maryland and Washington by a combined score of 72-16.

Months After Herschel Walker Loses Bid For Georgia Senate, His Wife Puts Atlanta Home Up For Sale

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 27, 2023

Months After Herschel Walker Loses Bid For Georgia Senate, His Wife Puts Atlanta Home Up For Sale

The wife of former Republican Georgia senate candidate Herschel Walker is selling the house that was listed as his residence during his campaign, The Associated Press reported.

Julie Blanchard has been the owner of the house for more than 20 years. Sitting on a 1.5 acre lot, the three-bedroom home is located in Atlanta’s upscale Buckhead neighborhood. It’s listed for $1.45 million. A report from the Atlanta Business Chronicle showed that Blanchard, who has been married to the former NFL running back since 2021, bought the house in 2002 and had it listed for $1.3 million in 2020.

During Walker’s campaign, he faced raised eyebrows on whether he actually lived in Georgia, since he continued to maintain a homestead exemption on a house in Westlake, TX, which has lower property taxes.

The exemption only stands for people using the home as their primary residence. Walker asked officials in Texas to remove the exemption from the residence for the 2021 and 2022 tax years, as he listed the Atlanta home as his mailing address. On his application, he wrote that he no longer lives in Texas.

The exterior of the Atlanta house was featured in at least one campaign ad for the former University of Georgia football star, and financial statements proved the home was used as a rental property as recently as 2021.

In a December 2022 runoff, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) beat Walker by close to 3% of the points, securing a Democratic majority in the Senate. Walker’s campaign was overshadowed by pressing allegations, including being accused of paying for the abortions of two ex-girlfriends despite portraying an image of being pro-life and supporting the Roe v. Wade overturn.

Since failing in his political efforts, Walker has been relatively quiet. It was reported that he may be going back to the home of the Bulldogs as a student after being seen inside an academic adviser’s office at the Franklin College of Arts & Sciences.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 27, 2023

‘Love & Hip Hop’ Cast Discusses Erica Mena Calling Spice A ‘Monkey’

For the first time in “Love & Hip Hop” history, a roundtable discussion was held around racism and colorism as a result of Erica Mena referring to Spice as a “blue monkey.”

The “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” cast, minus Mena, sat down for a candid talk about race and colorism in the Black community. The roundtable aired after the season finale on Sept. 26.

Clips from the much-needed discussion included cast members Yandy Smith-Harris, Kirk and Rasheeda Frost, Cierra Gates, Karlie Redd, and others who shared their thoughts on Mena’s racist outburst that came after Spice made a comment about Mena’s son not liking her.

Jay’s Reality Blog reposted a portion of the discussion that highlighted the cast reactions and a private unaired conversation Yandy had with Mena where she attempted to get the Puerto Rican reality star to acknowledge her wrongdoing and apologize.

“Seeing it live, seeing the scene, and hearing the sounds, it was like you felt it,” Kirk said.

“It turned from like a one-on-one to a one on the culture,” Rasheeda said.

The group discusses Erica Mena calling Spice a blue monkey. #LHHATL pic.twitter.com/TI5gsaUVky

— jay (@JaysRealityBlog) September 27, 2023

Yandy said her first reaction whenever she gets angry is not to go the racist route. Hence, her questions around Mena’s intent in not only referring to Spice as a “monkey” but also making monkey noises at her during the heated exchange.

https://twitter.com/itsKenBarbie/status/1696720365358080121

In addition to the roundtable, Yandy showed her hope in getting a sincere apology from Mena after learning of the racist remark. But cameras captured how unremorseful Mena was once confronted by Yandy and other Black cast members.

“You was offended because you chose to be offended, Yandy,” Erica said.

The Bronx native was so focused on the remark Spice made about her son that she had no regret for making a racist remark in return.

“Was it wrong, yes. But at the same time, how fu*king dare she,” Erica quipped.

Since being fired and learning of the roundtable, Mena has spoken out to accuse the show and network of using her to “save face” in a scene they allegedly only reacted to after receiving backlash from viewers. Mena says she continued to film the show after the racist remark and only got fired after the scene aired.

Now Mena is no longer a part of the “Love and Hip Hop” franchise and has to contend with more scrutiny from her former cast members and the general public.