by Daniel Johnson

September 25, 2023

Amazon Delivery Drivers Look To Join UPS To Make More Money After Record Setting Deal With Teamsters

UPS drivers on average deliver fewer packages each day than Amazon drivers and were successful securing better living wages. According to Business Insider, this is leading some of its drivers, like 24-year-old Jordan Talmon, to consider other options even after the Amazon Delivery Service Partner Talmon works for raised its wages from $17 an hour to $18 an hour.

“It’s a dollar raise. I wasn’t really that excited about it, honestly,” Talmon remarked.

“Seems kind of pitiful compared to UPS.”

Amazon’s delivery drivers are subcontracted out to different DSPs to keep them from being directly employed by Amazon. As a result, those delivery workers can’t officially unionize collectively. Some workers, however, have joined the Amazon Labor Union. Others are aware that the Teamsters have an Amazon Division, whose goal is to establish a union for Amazon’s delivery drivers.

Amazon spent millions of dollars in 2022 to prevent its drivers, whom they have referred to as contract workers, from classifying them as employees.

According to Vice, this was done to specifically discourage the workers from unionizing under a Teamsters contract. Now, it appears that those efforts could cost them delivery drivers as many know the money UPS drivers make following their record-setting deal with Teamsters.

Randy Korgan, director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, told Vice, “Amazon has a level of responsibility that they’re trying to escape here. If the subcontractor is its own entity, and the subcontractor employs these drivers, then what is their interest in making sure that there are anti-union consultants meeting with drivers for a company that they don’t have any control over?”

In April, a group of 84 California-based Amazon drivers and dispatchers who joined a Teamsters union negotiated a deal to raise their pay from $20 an hour to $30 an hour. Still, that deal is contained to that specific group of workers and it is contingent upon Amazon renewing its contract with BTS.

Amazon uses around 3,000 subcontractors, so unionizing against Amazon and its union-busting tactics has proven difficult. However, the Teamsters have made inroads by negotiating with the subcontractors directly. Some subcontractors are afraid to negotiate with the Teamsters for fear that Amazon could retaliate by not renewing their contract, which is technically illegal, but not if Amazon can prove that there have been reliability issues over the life of their contract and not simply because a subcontractor voted to unionize their drivers.

In the short term, however, drivers like Talmon and another driver that works for the same subcontractor, Hunter Deaver, are eyeing a switch to UPS during the extremely busy holiday season.

“I think it puts Amazon in this situation where they’re going to have to decide if they want to keep quality drivers or not,” Deaver told Business Insider.

Benjamin Sachs, a labor professor at Harvard Law School, told Vox that the long-term future of Amazon drivers is contingent on how labor law interprets Amazon’s relationship with its delivery drivers and its delivery service providers.

“If Amazon is able to get away with ignoring the workers’ decision and hiding behind the subcontractor relationships, then I’m afraid we’ll have yet another story of the failure of American labor law,” Sachs said.

“If this leads to a recognition that these drivers are Amazon employees, joint employees, then this could be massively important.”

by Atiya Jordan

September 25, 2023

Here’s Why Black-Owned La Fête Wine Company Is Heading For No. 1

As a toast to the new autumn season, BLACK ENTERPRISE would like to share an empowering conversation with the founder and CEO of La Fête Wine Co., Donae Burston. He dropped seasonal sipping tips, business knowledge, and receipts about his journey to becoming the world’s No.1 rosé wine brand.

As a Black-owned brand, La Fête has been a disruptor in the alcohol industry since its inception in 2019.

Donae Burston, founder and CEO of La Fête Wine Company. (Photo: Jacie Marguerite)

The world traveler is no stranger to the wine industry, having worked with iconic luxury brands for over 15 years. After one conversation, we captured the essence of Burston’s ongoing quest to bridge the gap between Black buyers, winemakers, decision-makers, and restaurateurs.

Leveraging his connections, Burston witnessed firsthand just how quintessential the multicultural consumer is to the industry.

“When you get into the alcohol business, it is extremely challenging when you don’t have a celebrity as the face of the brand. Certainly we caught a lot of flack in the beginning,” Burston told BE.

“Now some other brands have caught onto our messaging, and they’re starting to see that the value and the growth of the category is really outside of the cliche,” he continued.

“Immerse yourself in every aspect of the business,” Burston advised, crediting his thirst for knowledge despite facing the challenges of inviting people of color, an audience often overlooked in the wine industry and the conversation.

La Fête du Rosé cocktails and Strawberry Rosé Spritz. (Group photo, Creative Images Photography)

I tried the wine!

Burston suggested that we warm up our chilly nights with his rosé, its delicate sweetness and freshness reminiscent of a sunset on a beach. The liquid gold paired perfectly with a hearty grilled salmon meal. The exquisite La Fête Blanc danced on my palate. Its vibrant, fruity flavors transported me to the dance floor as if I were on a honeymoon island.

Burston said that La Fête is where the party meets approachable luxury. “You can consume it however you want.”

La Fête du Blanc. (Photo: Nathalia Mahecha)

La Fête is home wherever you are.

Burston is the 2023 Breakthru Tastemaker, leading a legacy for his wine brand La Fête du Rosé by creating an ecosystem for Black and Brown wine founders.

“Knowing that I have to start to let go and bring on a team that is far more better than I am at things has been a game changer,” Burston explained. “Instead of trying to do everything not well, we’re going to do things amazingly well by bringing in the talent.”

The movement continues in the wake of DEI casualties despite the slowing down of business connections with major retailers. Burston started strong with generous donations to The Roots Fund and continues to support organizations that expose underrepresented youth to the world via travel. All Abroad Inc. was their first beneficiary and partner.

In a continuous effort to connect the Black community with wine, La Fête Wine Company is currently sponsoring The Roots Fund’s HBCU Wine Tour in partnership with Michael Lavelle Wines.

“For La Fête, we need to be where that consumer is,” Burston said. He contemplated just how far and wide his brand continues to go.

“Here, it is brand validation and brand association. It’s about brand discovery in other places and bringing a piece of home with you.”

Cheers to that!

Shanayla Sweat, a young Black woman, departed from her role at Microsoft to establish ‘A Few Wood Men’ watch company

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 25, 2023

Young Black Woman Quits Microsoft Job, Launches Groundbreaking Wooden Watch Collection

In a bold move that underscores the power of entrepreneurship and representation, Shanayla Sweat, a dynamic young Black woman, departed her exciting role at Microsoft to establish A Few Wood Men, a trailblazing Black-owned wooden watch collection designed exclusively for men and women of distinction.

Sweat’s journey is an inspiring narrative of breaking barriers and following a passion-driven path. With a vision to empower and celebrate men of distinction, Sweat embarked on her entrepreneurial venture to redefine the watch industry.

A Few Wood Men goes beyond timepieces: It encapsulates the spirit of empowerment and strength that men exude. “As an African American woman, I realized the significance of positive representation and the need to create a space that celebrates men’s empowerment,” said Shanayla. “A Few Wood Men is a tribute to the strong, distinguished men in our lives who shape communities and inspire change.”

With a deep-rooted commitment to providing positive representation and acknowledging the stories that shaped her journey, Sweat’s brand stands as a symbol of inclusivity. The watches are not just accessories; they embody the values that drive men to break down barriers, shatter stereotypes, and embrace their unique journeys.

Sweat’s decision to transition from a notable position at Microsoft to becoming a changemaker through A Few Wood Men speaks volumes about her dedication to fostering empowerment and challenging norms. Her journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams, regardless of obstacles.

A Few Wood Men offers a diverse range of meticulously crafted wooden watches that embody elegance, style, and strength. The collection reflects the essence of men and women who are leaders and community pillars. Each watch is a reminder of the unique stories and experiences that shape individuals.

This news first appeared on blacknews.com.

Memphis Popeyes Location Closed After Video Shows Roaches In The Kitchen

by Daniel Johnson

September 25, 2023

Memphis Popeyes Location Closed After Video Shows Roaches In The Kitchen

A Memphis, Tennessee, Popeyes restaurant was recently shut down after a video posted to TikTok by former employee Tykeia Ransom went viral. In the video, roaches are seen scurrying across surfaces that come into contact with food and several other kitchen areas.

According to WREG, the manager of the Popeyes location was made aware of the roach infestation and still wanted to serve the food, Ransom told WREG.

“I got fired for the previous video that I had recorded on TikTok.”

Ransom also discussed the extent of the roach problem, saying,

“It’s very bad. It’s everywhere and all in the food you know and everything you can think of. All in the rice.” Ransom continued to say that things escalated when she alerted the manager to the problem. “The G.M. knew about it. It’s been a problem; you get what I’m saying? And when I tried to tell her about it, we got into it.”

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After WREG contacted Popeyes’ corporate office about the situation, the company responded swiftly. Not only did Popeyes send an e-mail confirming the practice violated its company policy, but it would also investigate how this happened and close the store until the roach problem was solved.

Popeyes writes: “Absolutely nothing about the condition of the restaurant in this video is acceptable. Even though the Health Department visited yesterday and confirmed no issues at the restaurant located at 4720 Showcase Blvd, Memphis, TN, we shut it down, thoroughly cleaned and will not reopen until we understand what happened and team members have been retrained on proper procedures.”

Ransom is not interested in getting her job back:

“I don’t want my job back because that’s the rudest company I ever worked for.”

According to Fox 13 Memphis, several customers expressed frustrations with that particular Popeyes location. Donald Ellis told Fox 13, “They don’t worry about the customers like how they eat and what they eat. It’s all about money,”

The news station reached out to the Shelby County Health Department, which handles food inspections, to see when the restaurant would reopen, but they have not responded to those inquiries. Ransom has set up a GoFundMe to help her cover her expenses until she can find another job, and the whistleblower says that she will never work in food service or for Popeyes again.

shannon sharpe, stephen a. smith, first take, espn, skip bayless

by Daniel Johnson

September 25, 2023

Shannon Sharpe Tells Stephen A. Smith Why He Left ‘Undisputed’

In a lengthy episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show podcast, Smith sat down with his First Take co-host Shannon Sharpe, delving into Sharpe’s much-talked-about departure from the rival show, Undisputed.

Sharpe made his First Take debut with Smith for the full two hours on Sept. 4-5, following Week 1 of college football and the opening week of the NFL regular season. Their appearance on First Take marked the first time HBCU alums had co-hosted. (Smith went to Winston-Salem State; Sharpe attended Savannah State.)

The conversation turned to Sharpe’s exit from Undisputed, which was spurred by comments from his co-host Skip Bayless that he was jealous of quarterback Tom Brady. Bayless told Sharpe, “[Brady]‘s still playing at a high level at 45 when you had to stop at 35, that’s the point!”

You could hear the raw emotion in Sharpe’s voice in his response to Bayless: “That’s what you do. Every time I call something into question, ‘I’m jealous’. Skip, I did what I did. You make it seem like I was a bum! I’m in the effing Hall of Fame. I’ve got three Super Bowls…See what you do, you take personal shots…You’re willing to take a personal shot at me to say this man is better than me because I say he’s playing bad this year?…You would disrespect me to support him!”

Sharpe candidly discussed with Smith what ultimately led to the exit, telling Smith “it had gotten to the point where we needed to go our separate ways. I wish it had been handled differently, but it was handled the way that it was.”

Sharpe admitted that he had certain “blind spots” when it came to Bayless.

He added that the fallout of the Tom Brady incident can be chalked up to instances where he let Bayless slide with snide remarks. Sharpe shared that it took quite a bit for him not to lay hands on his co-host during the Tom Brady incident. He then recalled a lesson from his grandmother in Georgia where she told him, “Don’t you be no slave to loyalty.”

Smith noted that Sharpe’s personal conduct is probably due to his upbringing in the South, as he noted that there is a tendency for Black men in the South not to tolerate disrespect from anyone.

Sharpe agreed: “It’s kind of like a bully, once a bully does something to you, if you don’t stand up, he’ll keep doing it.”

This is embarrassing behavior on air from Skip here. And when Shannon takes the glasses off…we’ve all been there… pic.twitter.com/ntXvIFuFni

— Jay Scott Smith (@JayScottSmith) December 12, 2022

Sharpe told Smith that eventually his relationship with Bayless was more or less contained to their workspace because that’s how Bayless wanted it.

National HBCU Week Focuses On Career Pathways And Economic Development

by Ashlei Stevens

September 25, 2023

National HBCU Week Focuses On Career Pathways And Economic Development

Career pathways, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and economic development are among key topics to be discussed this week at the 2023 National HBCU Week conference, hosted by the U.S. Department of Education’s White House Initiative (WHI) on HBCUs.

The largest annual convening of historically Black college and university (HBCU) leaders and stakeholders takes place at a pivotal time, as the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in June and the U.S. Secretaries of Education and Agriculture last week sent a letter to 16 governors to address the $12 billion funding disparity between public, land-grant HBCUs and their non-HBCU land-grant counterparts.

“What we’re saying to our governors is that we’re in a global, competitive world and we need everybody at the table, and we need diversity at the table,” Dr. Dietra Trent, WHI executive director, told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“If we’re going to be able to innovate and compete, we really need you to support your HBCUs so they can be a part of the solutions to some of the challenges we have.”

Themed “Raising the Bar: Forgoing Excellence Through Innovation & Leadership,” the conference takes place Sept. 24-28 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, VA. The WHI expects 3,000 attendees, including 101 of the nation’s 103 WHI HBCU Scholars, and more than 25 participating federal agencies.

HBCU week — hoto courtesy of the White House Initiative on HBCUs

Key conference topics include:

Infrastructure, particularly broadband access on HBCU campuses and surrounding communities. The Department of Commerce’s first-ever Connecting-Minority-Communities program delivered $134 million to 43 HBCUs to purchase broadband internet, equipment, and IT personnel. Private partnerships exist as well. The Student Freedom Initiative helped HBCUs apply to receive Internet for All grants, and they partnered with Cisco to deploy 5G internet at Claflin University.
Artificial Intelligence and its impact on HBCUs. Dr. Trent said this discussion includes the Department of Defense, Google, and Morgan State University’s Center for Equitable AI/ML Systems.
Economic Development sessions will explore how HBCUs can leverage partnerships promoting the economic wealth of HBCUs and the communities they serve. Trent said the Biden-Harris administration has invested a cumulative $7 billion directly to HBCUs over the past three years.
Executive Leadership: HBCU leaders will discuss crisis management, such as the bomb threats made against 30 HBCUs in 2022, of which the White House provided roughly $2.5 million in Project SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) grants. Delaware State University received a $217,000 grant and president Dr. Tony Allen said the funds are useful for enhancing safety, training, and security through technology for his campus’s 6,400 students. Additionally, CEOs from Thurgood Marshall College (TMCF) and UNCF will discuss the HBCU Transformation Project, which recently received a $124 million investment from Blue Meridian Partners for this collaboration between TMCF, UNCF, and the Partnership for Education Advancement, to improve efficiency, increase enrollment and economic mobility.
Entrepreneurship: Trent said the WHI also works closely with federal agencies, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Commerce to look at opportunities to “provide assets for our HBCUs,” including several universities that have business centers on their campus.

One of those campuses is Bowie State University, which has a state-of-the-art, tech-infused, 176,000-square-foot Entrepreneurship Living and Learning Community, a real-world innovation hub with student housing, retail space, and small business incubator. In collaboration with National HBCU Week, Bowie State is hosting the third annual HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Conference Sept. 27 from 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. The free hybrid conference takes place on Bowie’s campus in Bowie, MD and also online.

Johnetta Hardy, executive director of Bowie’s Entrepreneurship Innovation Center, said the conference drew 1,000 virtual attendees last year from 179 universities including Ivy Leagues and colleges outside the U.S.

“We added the plus symbol to make it more inclusive,” Hardy told BE of the HBCU+ Entrepreneurship Conference.

“We’re bringing in other universities and industry partners because it takes a village to make this happen. We want a conference with outcomes.”

Dr. Trent echoed this sentiment for the larger HBCU Week Conference, which features a free career and recruitment fair on Thurs., Sept. 28 for recent HBCU graduates as well as members of the public. Last year, Dr. Trent said 200 people walked away with jobs after the career fair.

“That’s what this conference is really about: I want my universities to walk away from this conference with something tangible in hand. I want my students to walk away with an internship or a job,” Dr. Trent said, “but I don’t want anyone to walk away from this conference empty handed.”

Tamika Mallory , Chrisean Rock , motherhood

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 25, 2023

Mom To Mom: Tamika Mallory Offers Her Support To Chrisean Rock

Activist Tamika Mallory is offering words of support from one young mother to another. Mallory is reaching out to help 23-year-old social media personality Chrisean Rock, who is currently facing criticism for her handling of motherhood

Rock gave birth to son, Chrisean Jr., on Sept. 3. She shares the baby with rapper Blueface.

Days after Rock was caught walking around Wal-Mart with her newborn son’s head not secured in his carrier, as shared by TMZ, Mallory told critics to stop judging the new mother so harshly. Sharing how she also had a child at a young age, the strategist revealed that her child “suffered” at times while she learned how to become a good parent.

“My heart goes out to Chrisean,” expressed the co-organizer of the 2017 Women’s March on social media. “She has been heavy on my heart. I was a young single mother and it is NO JOKE. I was young, fighting with my son’s father (RIP). I had no real clue about adulting. People talked about me. Many people didn’t think I’d be successful. I made a lot of mistakes and poor decisions. My son suffered at times.”

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The 43-year-old has one child, but carried on with the new addition to her life as she dedicated her work in activism. Mallory hopes that Rock is aware that people empathize with her plight and support is out there.

“While we sit and watch sis struggling to find her way, I want to offer support,” Mallory said.

She continued, “If anyone who follows me knows sis, please let her know that there is a group of women ready to help her (we’ve already discussed ways we can support). When she said, ‘don’t film me, help me,’ it hit me to my core. I know it’s not easy or convenient to intervene in the affairs of people you don’t know, but I do it all the time. A lot of times, I suffer the consequences and I’m ok with that. This situation is no different!”

When naysayers asked why she doesn’t bestow this same advice to mothers who are not social media famous, Mallory made an additional post, explaining that she does just that.

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by Stacy Jackson

September 25, 2023

‘Make A Pointe’ With Misty Copeland: Petition For More Pointe Shoe Emoji Skin Tones

Veteran ballerina Misty Copeland wants the community to help her #MakeAPointe.

Copeland launched a petition on Sept. 21 to encourage Apple and the Unicode Consortium to expand its skin tone options for the pointe shoe emoji. NBC News reports the campaign kicked off on Thursday and had garnered over 7,000 signatures by Friday.

“This petition isn’t just about an emoji. It’s about ensuring the art of ballet, in all its forms, celebrates every dancer’s story and shade,” Copeland said.

“My journey in ballet has been filled with moments of triumph and challenge,” Copeland wrote on the official campaign page. “One of those challenges was the ubiquitous ‘European Pink’ pointe shoe, a shade that didn’t reflect my skin tone. Time and time again, I found myself coloring my pointe shoes, striving for a match closer to my own shade. It was a constant reminder of the subtle ways dancers of color have not been included.”

Copeland’s campaign acknowledges the diversity efforts companies have made toward changing the industry standard of the “nude” ballet shoe, a norm that led many dancers of color to master the “pancaking” technique. Dancers match their “true” skin tones by putting their own makeup shade on top of the pink-peach-colored shoes.

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Copeland, who made history in 2015 after becoming the American Ballet Theatre’s first Black female principal dancer, has been a vehicle for change throughout her career. In a 2022 interview with NPR, Copeland opened up about her struggle to make her melanated skin look like the other dancers’, even being told to paint her skin white.

Widening the color spectrum for Apple’s pointe shoe emoji is Copeland’s next step toward ensuring “a world where ballet, both on the stage and in digital spaces, reflects all of us.” To date, the petition has collected over 19,000 signatures.

Copeland is encouraging campaign supporters to create content and make their own statements on social media regarding the matter.

“This is an important show of inclusivity and welcomeness, and I want to encourage Apple to join by creating the many tones of the pointe shoe emoji,” she said.

She followed up her call to action on Instagram with a video on the brief history of the pointe shoe.

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by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

September 25, 2023

Megan Thee Stallion Takes The Stage with Beyoncé, Leaving Tory Lanez Drama Behind

She’s a Savage! Megan Thee Stallion took her long-awaited place on stage with Queen Bey at Beyoncé‘s highly anticipated Houston stop of the “Renaissance World Tour” on Sept. 23.

Beyoncé had the rapper join her on stage to perform “Savage Remix” live for the first time ever in their shared home city. Although Megan was originally set to headline at the Global Citizen Festival the same weekend, she dropped out to surprise fans at the Beyoncé concert, Pitchfork reports.

The 28-year-old appeared in a head-to-toe camouflage fit, rapping one of her verses. She shared some footage of her look, and incredible figure, to her over 31 million followers on Instagram.

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This show is a major comeback to performing for the hip-hop Grammy winner. It follows her recent VMA performance, where she took the stage with Cardi B for their newest single, “Bongos.”

She had stepped away from the spotlight in the aftermath of the Tory Lanez trial. While Lanez, who was found guilty of three felony counts for shooting Megan, is currently serving out his 10-year sentence, he and his fans continue to show their dislike for Megan.

Beyoncé’s Houston show was jam-packed with artists across the decades, including modern R&B songstresses Normani and Coco Jones. Former Destiny’s Child members LaTavia Roberson, Latoya Luckett, Michelle Williams, and Kelly Rowland also reunited in the VIP section.

The performance was especially significant to Megan as the song garnered the artist two Grammys: Best Rap song and Best Rap Performance at the 2021 awards ceremony.

From Beyoncé, “Bongos,” and a new brand deal with Hot Cheetos to support her alma mater, Texas Southern University, this stallion is unstoppable.

Chris Brown, Burger King, Popeyes Chicken, City National Bank, franchise

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 25, 2023

Chris Brown Faces $2 Million Suit Over Defaulted Popeyes Chicken Loan

Chris Brown was hit with a $2 million lawsuit by City National Bank (CNB) for allegedly defaulting on loans meant to purchase two Popeyes Chicken franchises.

According to The Blast, the “Fine China” singer and a group of investors, including The Dream, applied for the money in 2018 in Georgia. CNB also filed the lawsuit in California, where Brown resides. The bank revealed in court documents that the 34-year-old Virginia native was the guarantor for the loan and owed “unpaid principal and interest.”

“As of February 17, 2023, Borrower and Guarantors owe $2,140,901.74 in unpaid principal and interest.”

He is on the hook for $1,314,367.40.

Brown has reportedly invested in fast-food franchises for almost ten years, according to 25 Fast Facts about the singer by US Weekly in 2015. The “Another Round” singer, outside of the two Popeyes Chicken restaurants, owns 14 Burger King franchises. And the investment has proved to be lucrative for him– his net worth is $50 million.

According to Burger King’s website, the requirements to secure a franchise from the fast-food organization are– the person must have a net worth of $1 million and $500,000 in liquid assets. The “initial franchise fees and costs” are “a flat franchise fee of $50,000 USD for a franchise agreement with a term of 20 years. Prospective franchisees also pay an initial New Entity / Application Fee of $5,000 USD to help with the costs of processing the application. There is also a $280 USD background check fee, as well as varying application costs for Managing Owner / Managing Director and other application / administrative requirements. These fees do not include any of the initial costs typically associated with starting a restaurant.”

Brown is definitely about that multiple-income stream life. On Sept. 21, the entertainer posted the launch of his NAMI slides by his brand Auracles, which he shares with John Dean of Renowned fashion brand fame.

“NAMI 2.0 🎱✨ Deep Sea Black Nami Slides September 30th at Theauracles.xyz @Theauracles_

$95 USD Worldwide Shipping #Nami”

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“A MESSAGE FROM THE FUTURE! Introducing NamiWAVE foam..our newest creation is THEE most comfortable & Durable Slide you will own. Other features include Haters will be unbearable, Hoes will be mad, and confidence will be on 10,000%. This Nami Slide 2.0 also will BIODEGRADE in 2 years under the right circumstances, lessening our global footprint! Let’s change the world and flex while we do it!!! LFGG! BLACK Nami release September 30th, 9 AM PST, at Theauracles.xyz #NAMI @chrisbrownofficial @nosailes @deano_32”

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Brown hasn’t publicly responded to CNB’s claim.