eric johnson, fallas, texas, republican, democrat

by Daniel Johnson

September 23, 2023

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Leaves Democratic Party, Jumps To The GOP

In what has become a perplexing trend, yet another politician who was elected as a Democrat has decided to switch over to the Republican Party. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson wrote an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal explaining his decision on Sept. 22. In the piece, Johnson claims that it is because of Democratic policies and positions like attempts to end cash bail that cities have become unsafe and in need of Republican leadership. Those who follow Dallas politics, however, have long been suspicious of Johnson and are not surprised.

Vinny Minchillo, a Dallas-based Republican consultant, told the Texas Tribune, “This is one of the worst kept secrets in the world of politics. This has been coming down for a long time.”

Dallas, like the other major metropolitan hubs in Texas, tends to vote heavily Democratic, a point that Dallas City Council Member Adam Bazulda echoes in his remarks to the Tribune.

“I don’t believe that it sets the tone for where the priorities are,” Bazaldua said. “In fact, that’s why I believe it would have been nice for voters to have the opportunity of knowing that party affiliation prior to going to the ballot box in May.”

Political insiders believe that the party switch is part of Johnson angling for a state position, because he will not be able to win re-election in Dallas as a Republican, even if his policies and political bedfellows have tended to lean in that direction anyway.

As Cal Jillson, a political science professor at Dallas’s Southern Methodist University, explains it, “You’ve got to be a Democrat to win in Dallas. You’ve got to be a Republican to win in Texas.”

To my friend and former colleague, welcome to the Republican Party! Mayor @Johnson4Dallas is absolutely right. Conservative policies are the key to safe, thriving, and successful cities. His leadership is a shining example of that. Great news. #txlege https://t.co/suwJWCPXf8

— Dade Phelan (@DadePhelan) September 22, 2023

Johnson’s defection makes him the second Republican mayor to lead a major city in Texas, joining Dallas’s sister city, Fort Worth, and their mayor, Mattie Parker. Dallas is now the largest city in the country run by a Republican, The Washington Post reported.

Johnson seems satisfied with his decision, as he says in his article: “Today I am changing my party affiliation. Next spring, I will be voting in the Republican primary. When my career in elected office ends in 2027 on the inauguration of my successor as mayor, I will leave office as a Republican.”

Republicans, such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott, were all too eager to welcome Johnson into their fold. Abbott, along with Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, posted congratulatory messages on Twitter/X with the latter saying, “Mayor [Johnson] is absolutely right. Conservative policies are the key to safe, thriving, and successful cities. His leadership is a shining example of that. Great news.”

Texas is getting more Red every day.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson switches to Republican Party.

He’s pro law enforcement & won’t tolerate leftist agendas.

Two of the 10 largest cities in America now have Republican Mayors & they are both in Texas. https://t.co/Qn9SM7UZ1G

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) September 22, 2023

Texas Democrats, however, were less than thrilled and pointedly made remarks critical of Johnson’s record and signaling of conservative values over his tenure as Dallas mayor.

Gilberto Hinojosa and Shay Wyrick Cathey, the Texas Democratic Party chair and co-chair, respectively, issued a joint statement denouncing Johnson’s party change.

“In a city that deserves dedicated leadership, Mayor Johnson has been an ineffective and truant mayor, not only disconnected from Democratic values, but unable to even be an effective messenger for conservative local policy,” the statement read. “This feeble excuse for democratic representation will fit right in with Republicans — and we are grateful that he can no longer tarnish the brand and values of the Texas Democratic Party.”

Oldest Black-Owned Business In The U.S. Honored By Small Business Association With Legacy Status

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 23, 2023

Oldest Black-Owned Business In The U.S. Honored By Small Business Association With Legacy Status

E.E. Ward Moving & Storage in Columbus, Ohio is the first recognized Black-owned business in American history. After more than140 years of service, the company was recognized by the SBA as a National Legacy Business on September 20.

The United States Small Business Association (SBA) honored E.E. Ward Moving & Storage and 67 other small businesses for their community contributions and outstanding service.

“The SBA’s Legacy Businesses all demonstrate the strength and impact of entrepreneurship and how the federal programs at the SBA fill gaps in the marketplace to ensure small businesses have the support and resources needed to start, grow, and thrive,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman.

“We are proud of every small business the SBA has helped in our 70-year history and are working hard in the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure they have the capital and know-how to leverage opportunities as we Invest in America so they can do what they do best: innovate, create jobs and propel our economy.”

The company was founded in 1881 with ‘two horses and a wagon’ and began as a stop on the Underground Railroad before becoming a multimillion- dollar moving corporation. The family business is now owned and operated by Brian and Dominique Brooks who are committed to upholding the legacy of founder John T. Ward. In the 1830s, Ward and his wife Catherine Ross moved to Columbus, where they ran an underground railroad helping enslaved people realize freedom.

Nearly fifty years later, Ward founded Ward Transfer Lines alongside his son, William. The business name would be changed in honor of his late son Edgar Earl years later; however, the company’s mission would remain the same.

“They went through depression, bigotry, competition, but they still made it. They weren’t the people that wanted to just get rich, it was just to take care of family,” said Dolores White, the great-great granddaughter of Ward and the oldest living member in the family’s bloodline.

For Brooks, the recipe of success for E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has been hard work and perseverance. “They just preserved through just, finding niches. It’s very important and it means a lot to me because I think about a lot of the other long-time businesses,” he said.

The company is still headquartered in Ohio but has branched out to include another location in Charlotte, North Carolina.

by Stacy Jackson

September 23, 2023

Black-Owned Travel Company Takes Travelers On Curated African Adventures

Jay Cameron is dedicated to introducing Americans to the rich culture and history of Africa.

Through his travel company, Maximum Impact Travel, Cameron does just that. The company hosts group trips for travelers to experience the authenticity of the continent beyond what Cameron said is the misconstrued portrayal in Western media.

“Our commitment to anticipating the needs of every traveler, regardless of their age or background, has earned us a remarkable rate of repeat clients,” Cameron said, according to Black News. “We ensure they are taken care of and nurtured during their new adventures exploring African nations.”

Maximum Impact Travel takes its customers’ travel worries off their hands. According to the website, the company makes sure customers are well-prepared to take part in the curated African Adventure Tours. The company will design the itinerary, arrange ground transportation and reserve accommodations. Cameron also offers pre-destination services for travelers to obtain their passports, travel visas, and travel insurance. The company conducts research to inform travelers about local customs, regulations, events, and other travel concerns, including potential scams and medical facilities’ locations.

Cameron told Black News that he is thrilled to “venture into new destinations” along the African diaspora. Upcoming trips hosted by the company include Tanzania in December 2023, followed by Ghana, Tanzania, and Zanzibar in April 2024. The new year will also introduce tours to key destinations in Europe, Central, and South America.

“With our expertise in hand-holding first-time visitors, from booking to homecoming, and our dedication to exposing travelers to local African experiences, our exponential growth since 2019 comes as no surprise,” he added.

Cameron details the ways Africa has changed his life in ways he said “America never could,” on his “Maximum Impact with Jay Cameron” YouTube channel. Cameron narrates how his perspective of the continent shifted from the misconceptions to his own view after indulging in its culture.

by Derek Major

September 23, 2023

Battle Between Employers And Employees Over Office Return Continues

The matter of whether the commute to and from work counts as part of the work day is putting companies across the U.S. in an endless war over a return to the office.

Fortune reports a working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) pinpoints two big disconnects between managers and workers who are holding up efforts to return to the office. First, workers believe eliminating the morning commute leads to greater productivity because it gives them more time to work instead of spending time commuting. Second, workers do not understand the difficulties managers face leading a remote workforce.

Both sides make valid points. Jose Maria Barrero, one of the researchers for the paper, told Fortune accounting for commute time is a “big deal” when assessing the effectiveness of remote work, and the data backs it up. Nearly 86% of respondents told Barrero they’re more productive working from home, adding it saves time and money and is one of their favorite reasons for working from home. Working from home also leaves more time for employees to conduct other activities, including childcare.

According to data from Clever Real Estate, each year the average American spends almost $8,500 and more than 200 hours traveling to and from work, meaning those who work from home save 31% more money and 20% more time than the pre-pandemic days.

On the other side of the coin, managers, particularly senior managers, are worried about the effect remote work has on company culture. According to the paper, managers fear working from home reduces opportunities for training and upskilling among newer workers, which could have a domino effect on company productivity of up to 20%, according to the researchers.

“Supervising, training, mentoring, and building firm culture is much harder” with fully remote workers than with workers who come in once to twice a week. Barrero told Fortune previously. Managers say remote work can lead to issues in communication and building relationships among workers.

Additionally, managers said remote work has given them more responsibilities than they had before COVID, leaving them burned out. Business Insider reports almost half of managers said their company went through restructuring in 2023 and many noted budget cuts at their organizations have left them saddled with more work, new workflows, and tighter budgets.

Managers have also been forced to figure out how to oversee a virtual team and other responsibilities they did not have before the pandemic.

Experts believe that a hybrid schedule, where workers come in once or twice a week is the best option as it gives workers and managers a chance to come into the office for face-to-face interactions and the ability to save time and money from commuting.

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 23, 2023

Empowering Black-Owned Businesses And Fighting Gentrification In A Historic Brooklyn Neighborhood

A committee known as “Building Black Bed-Stuy” in the popular Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is taking a stand against gentrification. Comprised of Black women, the group’s mission is to safeguard, maintain, and elevate the neighborhood’s rich historical heritage.

Founded by Dana Arbib, Nana Yaa Asare-Boadu, Kai Avent-deLeon, and Rajni Jacques, this collective embodies a sense of communal responsibility put into tangible action. The group is dedicated to empowering the few remaining Black-owned businesses in the heavily gentrified Bed-Stuy area.

“The main objective was to find a way to foster our own support and not have to rely on anyone or anything outside of our people to liberate us,” says Avent deLeon.

Meeting bi-monthly, the committee focuses on raising money for nominated entrepreneurs who need support to keep their doors open.

“We want it to help be a driver of Black financial growth and prosperity in our local community and beyond,” says Jacques.

Among the values the group looks for in choosing which businesses to support are service, innovation, and a desire to pour back into the neighborhood, which has lost 35 percent of it Black residents to an influx of new developments, culture vultures, and skyrocketing living costs.

“Building Black Bed-Stuy” has raised $180,000 since its first fundraising term in 2020.

In addition to funding, the committee hosts a weekly marketplace for Black vendors and artisans to sell products. The growing gathering amassed 500 attendees in its first offering. Every Sunday between 12 pm and 5 pm, the community comes out in droves to take in local DJs, dance, and express their joy on Tompkins Avenue.

“The market is an opportunity for small businesses to have a space to come and share their products,” said group member Shani Coleman. “And not just with the community, but with each other.” The last marketplace of the year will take place on October 1.

Currently on their fourth round of funding, “Building Black Bed-Stuy” is raising $30,000 to support Alfreda’s Cinema, Order of the Tents, and Hattie Carthan Community Garden via their GoFundMe.

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 23, 2023

Lizzo Honored With Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award, Joined By Dancers Amid Allegations

Singer and plus-size icon Lizzo was honored with the Black Music Action Coalition’s (BMAC) Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award on Wednesday, September 21, amid ongoing allegations and a pending lawsuit from former employees.

The 35-year-old pop artist was joined onstage by the dancers who make up the “Big Grrls”— a highlight of the singer’s “Special Tour”—as she accepted an award for her philanthropy and activism as well as the groundbreaking nature of her Prime Video series Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.

“Black Music Action Coalition, y’all really are about that action. Thank you so much for this, because I needed this right now,” Lizzo said during her speech. “God’s timing is always on time! I didn’t write a speech because I don’t know what to say in times like these.”

Seemingly hinting at the onslaught of negativity thrown her way in recent months, the “About Damn Time” singer promised to continue her work to shine a light on individuals who are often left in the shadows.

“It’s easy to do the right thing when everybody’s watching you, and it’s what you do in those moments when nobody’s watching that defines who you are,” she continued.

“And I’m going to continue to be who I am, no matter who’s watching. I’m going to continue to shine a light on the people who are helping people, because they deserve it. I’m going to continue to amplify the voices of marginalized people because I have a microphone and I know how to use it.”

Before she took the stage, a video montage of her philanthropic efforts was capped off by cast members of Watch Out For The Big Grrrls, who paid tribute to the singer for her trailblazing efforts as a champion for plus-sized women. They praised her for being the “first person to ever believe in us, show us love and believe in our talent and our craft” and for loving “with her whole heart.”

Though the night ended in celebration, just hours before the BMAC gala, Lizzo was named in a second lawsuit from a former employee who alleged the singer created a toxic work environment in which she was sexually and racially harassed.

Clothing designer Asha Daniels is also claiming disability discrimination and illegal retaliatory termination. Daniels alleged that after being hired to make alterations on costumes made for the dancers on tour with Lizzo, she was “almost immediately…introduced to [a] culture of racism and bullying” that resulted in “constant anxiety and panic attacks.” While the designer doesn’t accuse Lizzo directly of displaying the behavior in question, Daniels alleged the singer turned a willing blind eye to the actions of wardrobe manager Amanda Nomura and tour manager Carlina Gugliotta, who are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.

Sen. Tim Scott Raises $1M In 24 Hours Just In Time For Second Round Of GOP Debates

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 23, 2023

Sen. Tim Scott Raises $1M In 24 Hours Just In Time For Second Round Of GOP Debates

Things are looking up for Sen. Tim Scott in his hopes for the White House.

In just 24 hours, Scott raised $1 million for his presidential campaign just one week ahead of the second GOP debates, The Hill reports. With Scott trailing behind his Republican opponents, the massive fundraising effort gives his chance at the Oval Office a boost in national polling.

His numbers had a positive look in Iowa after announcing his relationship with “a lovely Christian girl.” However, he still has his work cut out for the debate set in Simi Valley, California. Scott’s campaign spokesperson, Matt Gorman, said in a statement that the candidate’s debate tactics will surround policy outlooks.

“Tim looks forward to being back on the debate stage to draw the serious policy distinctions between the candidates,” Gorman said.

“Whether it be the economy, parental rights, or his vision for the country, Tim is prepared to have a conversation with voters, be the adult in the room, and demonstrate why he is the strongest candidate to beat Joe Biden.”

A memo was sent out to potential donors as speculation of poll numbers started to spark, according to Politico. Ahead of the second debate, the Republican National Committee requires candidates to prove the support of at least 50,000 donors and 3% support in two qualifying national polls or a combination of one national poll and polls from two early states. Scott’s campaign manager, Jennifer DeCasper, points out polls showing Scott having “the best net favorability score among the candidates — regardless of the state.” “I’m here to tell you to ignore the noise and focus on the facts in front of us,” DeCasper wrote.

“I’d encourage you to remember that these nights are merely a single moment in time. Any candidate who hopes to truly capitalize on it must be disciplined and built for the long haul.”

Luckily for Scott and the other candidates, Republican head honcho Donald Trump is reportedly skipping the second debate on Sept. 27 to speak in front of union workers in Detroit regarding talks of a major autoworkers strike.

Valera, father, renaissance, tour, Beyonce

by Mary Spiller

September 23, 2023

Dad From New Jersey Sews Custom Dress For Daughter’s Beyoncé Renaissance Tour Experience

New Jersey native Geselle Valera has a superhero father.

Just days before she was set to go to the July 29 Beyoncé Renaissance concert in East Rutherford, Valera still didn’t have an outfit. In an interview with Insider, Valera described how her dad came to the rescue and hand-crafted her a Beyoncé-worthy outfit.

Valera took to TikTok on Aug. 1 to show the process of her dad, Jose Peralta, designing a replica of one of Beyoncé’s tour outfits for her to wear to the concert. The video has garnered nearly 1.5 million views, with watchers praising her father for his dedication and love for his daughter.

@geselle_v My dad made my outfit for the beyonce concert the night before! #rwt2023 #beyonce #cozydance #cozydancechallenge #renaissanceworldtour @Beyoncé ♬ THIS A REMINDER – Beyoncé

The heroics occurred after Valera searched online for an adequate dress to see Queen B perform. She was initially searching for a silver dress to accompany the album’s theme, but with all the popularity, everything she liked was sold out or had an arrival date too far away to make it in time for the concert.

According to Insider, her cousin and date to the Beyoncé concert luckily stumbled across a dress made of a fabric similar to one that Beyoncé wore during her Stockholm tour date on May 10. Beyoncé’s dress was created by a famous British designer, David Koma, but Valera’s father decided to take the basic dress her cousin found and rework it to look like Beyoncé’s.

Peralta, a Dominican Republic native, told the outlet that he started sewing when he was 13. After immigrating to the United States in his mid-30s, he continued using his sewing skills to take side jobs, tailoring clothes to pay for his children’s education.

Valera explained, “Without his side job, I wouldn’t have been able to live the life I did or get the education I did.”

She continued telling Insider that she didn’t expect the TikTok video to have such overwhelming support because “Running to my father for last-minute assistance was nothing out of the norm for me; he is truly an incredible man.”

“My father always comes to the rescue.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 23, 2023

Creating While Black: Beauty Influencer Calls Out Skincare Brand For Stealing Her Content

A skincare line is being accused of stealing the content of a Black beauty influencer.

Avonna Sunshine posted a video on both Instagram and TikTok to call out skincare brand Yours Skincare for stealing her video and running it as an ad on Amazon. Sunshine said the brand never met with her, nor did she give permission and showed the ad being run under the search “sunscreen black girl.”

“So not only did you steal my content, completely disregard my hard work and time put into to creating my content, but you run it as an ad,” Sunshine starts off saying in the video.

“Not only do you run it as an ad, but you push it as brown girl-friendly, using the color of my skin as a means to push your product. If that is not racist, then I don’t know what is.”

@avonnasunshine #stitch with @Avonna Sunshine @Yours Skincare #fyp ♬ original sound – Avonna Sunshine

As comments began flooding in her defense, the beauty influencer showed how Yours jumped into her DMs to apologize. A screenshot of Sunshine’s message Yours shows its response: “we’ve escalated it internally to our Ads team. This shouldn’t have happened.” Yours also said it would contact Sunshine again once the ad was removed.

Sunshine was less than pleased when she received word of the removal. “Hi Avonna, team has fixed it and taken down the creative,” @lovefromyours wrote. “Sorry again for the trouble.”

Sunshine then went off, listing several appropriate responses the brand could have given her other than what she got.

“Trouble? Not ‘sorry for stealing from you.’ Not ‘sorry for possibly tarnishing your reputation.’ Not ‘sorry for trying to profit off of your skin color,'” she shouts.

“But ‘sorry for the trouble.'”

For decades, and most recently since the pandemic, white-owned brands and influencers have been called out for stealing the popular content of Black creators and making it their own. The popular “Renegade” TikTok dance, created by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon, is a perfect example. Late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon received infamous backlash after inviting white influencer Addison Rae on his show to perform the dance rather than Harmon, Cosmopolitan reported.

In January 2022, Forbes released a list of its highest ranking TikTok earners. None on the list were Black, despite funnyman Khaby Lame being one of the app’s most followed personalities.

Sunshine’s fans commented on what she should do, with suing the skincare brand a popular suggestion.

“Sue them expeditiously,” @msmallyboo wrote.

Another comment read “lawsuit pending,” while someone else pointed out the audacity of the brand: “Brown girl friendly without paying the f****** brown girl in question,” @dabqad said, adding laughing emojis.

by Jeffrey McKinney

September 23, 2023

SBA Lending To Black Businesses Doubled Since 2020

Calling it “historic progress,” the U.S. Small Business Administration announced it has doubled lending to Black businesses nationwide in multiple categories.

The SBA on Thursday, Sept. 21, reported it has backed 4,387 loans to Black-owned businesses so far in fiscal 2023 via its 7(a) and 504 loan programs, over twice as many as since 2020. In terms of loan amounts, a total of $1.3 billion has been provided, constituting a 7.5% overall share of SBA-approved loans for businesses, also showcasing a doubling since 2020.

The SBA reported that women and people of color have led a historic small business boom. Some 13.1 million new business applications have been filed with the agency since President Joe Biden took office— a rate 65% faster than the pre-pandemic average.

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman and Congressman Steven Horsford (D–NV Fourth District) announced the loan performance at the 2023 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference on Thursday.

“Black businesses are helping to power a nationwide small business boom that is creating jobs, advancing equity in communities across America, and uplifting our economy,” Guzman stated.

She added, “Today’s benchmark loan numbers show our work under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda making inroads to support more of America’s Black small business owners. Despite these gains, we still have a long way to go. We continue to push forward with long overdue and transformational reforms to our lending and investment programs that will raise the bar of equity and opportunity even further for all of America’s small businesses.”

“Economic mobility and success are vital to achieving the American dream, but for far too long small businesses owned by Black Americans have faced roadblock after roadblock on that path,” said Horsord, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

A separate analysis of SBA data is projecting that Black businesses in America could obtain at least another $200 million in loans by the end of 2023 if that activity continues at its current pace.

According to a calculated analysis by Creative Investment Research, the extra money could come from the SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs. The Washington, D.C.-based firm projected in June 2023 that lending to Black firms would rise to $1 billion this year, up from nearly $600 million in 2017. Black businesses widely use both programs.

Creative Investment Research reports the target for 2023 was reached this month as (7a) lending to Black firms totaled over $1.09 billion.

The cash infusion could be vital as securing financing is often among the largest operating challenges for Black entrepreneurs. The SBA loans can be used in many ways, including working capital, buying land, and acquiring equipment. The money can be tapped for acquisitions, expansion, and other uses.

William Michael Cunningham, an economist and owner of Creative Investment Research, told BLACK ENTERPRISE that from his company’s analysis, the SBA in 2023 approved 4,060 7(a) loans for Black firms, representing nearly 8% of total loan approvals. He says the $1.09 billion in total dollars granted to Black businesses represented 4.5% of overall lending activity in that category.

Now, Cunningham’s firm projects lending activity to keep growing.

“We now anticipate total SBA (7a) lending to Black firms will reach $1.2 billion in 2023,” he said.

However, SBA lending directed to Black businesses still has a way to go compared to other demographics. For instance, the data tied to the 2023 SBA 7(a) loan approval amount showed over $4.6 billion for Asian businesses and roughly $10.3 billion for white companies.

Cunningham says the gap in lending between the groups is significant but represents an opportunity for collaboration to make more loans to underrepresented communities. He says the Minority Business Development Agency might serve as the focal point for this proposed collaborative effort.

The SBA’s support for Black-owned businesses has been steadily rising over time. Cunningham says the number of 7a loans to Black firms approved has grown 68% when comparing 2023 to 2017.

Further, Cunningham says the SBA has worked more with Black-owned banks to expand access to 7(a) loans. He provided this chart on institutions’ contributions to Black businesses this year pertaining to SBA (7a) loans:

Lendistry SBLC, LLC (California) approved 83 loans worth just over $47 million.
Mechanics & Farmers Bank (North Carolina) approved 7 loans totaling over $4.9 million.
Industrial Bank (Washington, D.C.) approved 2 loans for over $1,6 million.
Tioga-Franklin Savings Bank (Pennsylvania) approved 4 loans totaling $1,2 million.
The Harbor Bank of Maryland (Maryland) approved 1 loan worth $558,000.
Liberty Bank and Trust Company (Louisiana) approved 3 loans totaling $299,000.
The First Security Bank (Oklahoma) approved 1 loan for $160,000.

Mechanics & Farmers Bank, Industrial Bank, The Harbor Bank of Maryland, and Liberty Bank and Trust are listed on the BE Banks list of the nation’s largest Black-owned banks.

Check out more details on the SBA’s 7(a) loan program and its impact on Black-owned businesses here.