Black Luxury With Mikki Taylor Front and Center At Essence Fashion House
Essence Fashion House celebrated the continued growth of Black luxury in fashion and beyond with a spirited discussion held during New York Fashion Week.
Fashion maven and Howard University professor Mikki Taylor joined forces with designer Tia Adeola and Shop McMullen founder Sherri McMullen to go in depth about “Black Luxury: The New Face of High Fashion,” Essencereports. The female fashion powerhouse trio discussed the importance of Black luxury and the crucial role the Black community plays in the growth of Black fashion creatives.
McMullen has been on the frontline of Black luxury’s expansion. Her retail shop has helped put a number of Black luxury designers on the map along with her Beyond M. incubator program which sets emerging BIPOC designers up for long-term success.
When she started Shop McMullen 16 years ago, McMullen recalls wanting to represent her hometown of Oakland, California, but seeing very little mainstream support for diverse designers.
“What I found is that big box retailers did not have Black and Brown designers on their shelves,” McMullen said. “But we know that Black designers and creatives exist because we create so much.”
“You find that so many designers are looking at Black culture, Black people, everything that we do, and they’re inspired by us,” she added.
Coming from Nigeria to America, Adeola saw the Western world through a different lens and recognized the existence of Black luxury in everyday life, incorporating that into her designs.
“From the sensing, to the cars, to the empowering; everything for me represents Black luxury. There aren’t many like me,” she said.
“I take this duty very seriously and I feel like I’m here to continue to push and knock on those doors to try to open up the space for the people coming after me.”
Taylor, Adeola, and McMullen all agreed that Blackness is luxury and the two are not disconnected. From the emergence of Black handbag designers whose products remain in high demand to the major retailers and brands partnering with Black creatives and influencers, the Black luxury movement continues to gain steam and show that it’s here to stay.
Mary Borders Is More Than The ‘Dust Lady’ From 9/11, She’s An Unsung Hero
For years after the 9/11 terrorist attack, Marcy Borders was known as the “Dust Lady,” the Black legal assistant whose debris-filled photo gained worldwide attention.
Borders died in August 2015 at age 42, exactly one year after she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. She was sure her cancer diagnosis was a result of the toxic dust she was exposed to when the World Trade Center collapsed.
“I’m saying to myself, ‘Did this thing ignite cancer cells in me?’” she told the Jersey Journal.
“I definitely believe it because I haven’t had any illnesses. I don’t have high blood pressure … high cholesterol, diabetes. How do you go from being healthy to waking up the next day with cancer?”
The then 28-year-old Paterson, NJ, native was working for Bank of America at its branch located inside the World Trade Center North Tower and survived the deadly collapse caused by terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Once outside, photographer Stan Honda captured Borders’ debris-covered body that became an “iconic” image representing the horror of the day.
Marcy Borders on this date September 11 in 2001. Marcy died of stomach cancer in 2015 that she alleged was caused by the toxic dust she was exposed to when the World Trade Center collapsed. Photo by Stan Honda. #OTD#Remember911#September11pic.twitter.com/nC2GhMsXu7
Soon, Borders became known as “The Dust Lady,” a name that stuck with her even after her death.
“She didn’t let the Dust Lady thing define her,” her brother, Michael Borders, told The Guardian in 2015.
“She was still Marcy to everybody else–she just happened to have been involved in something tragic.”
But the cancer was just the tip of the iceberg of the aftermath 9/11 had on Borders. She spoke openly about the deep depression and addiction she battled for 10 years after the terror attacks.
“It was like my soul was knocked down with those towers,” Borders told the New york Post in 2011.
“My life spiraled out of control. I didn’t do a day’s work in nearly 10 years, and by 2011 I was a complete mess. Every time I saw an aircraft, I panicked. If I saw a man on a building, I was convinced he was going to shoot me.”
After losing custody of her two children and checking herself into rehab for a crack addiction, Borders’ despair was at the breaking point. She needed to make a change. While in rehab, Borders learned that Osama Bin Laden had been killed, which gave her some “peace of mind,” she said.
When asked if she ever looked back at the iconic photo, she explained why she tried not to.
“I try to take myself from being a victim to a survivor now. I don’t want to be a victim anymore,” Borders said.
While 9/11 is credited with killing around 3,000, many believe victims like Borders represent the death toll that continues to grow decades later.
“As we mark 20 years since that fateful day in 2001, we must remember that 9/11 isn’t just in the past,” Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney toldThe Independent in 2021.
“It is something that these responders, survivors, and their families are living with each and every day as they deal with their cancers, respiratory conditions, and the numerous other physical and mental health conditions caused by 9/11.”
T.I. Gives Gift Of Tech To Morris Brown College Students
T.I. recently paid a visit to Morris Brown College in his hometown of Atlanta, where he gifted students tablets and wi-fi, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.
On Friday, Sept. 8, T.I. met with Morris Brown students who are also Pell Grant recipients and posed for photos after giving away one year of wi-fi and tablets to go toward their education.
This visit comes one month after T.I. teamed up with Morris Brown College and Moolah Wireless to provide free tablets with 12 months of data service to students in celebration of the school’s restoration, WSB-TV reports. On August 15, T.I. gave away 200 tablets to students in Moolah Wireless’ start of the new venture.
“I’m excited to partner with Moolah Wireless to be able to provide the students at Morris Brown College free tablets to support their educational endeavors,” said T.I., who’s given name is Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr.
“This is the first of many schools whose students will receive Moolah tablets.”
In late April, the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools voted to restore Morris Brown’s accreditation status. T.I. sees giving back to the students as a way of supporting those who have supported him over the years, especially those seeking higher education.
It’s not T.I.’s first time partnering with an Atlanta-based university. In 2020, the “Motivation” rapper teamed up with Clark Atlanta University to teach a course on “The Business of Trap” with Dr. Melva Williams.
“HBCUs have a vital role in our community and have managed to withstand even while being some of the most under-resourced institutions,” he said at the time.
“Our national HBCUs continue to underscore the fact that we have always had to do more with less. I am excited to be partnering with Clark Atlanta University in my hometown–Atlanta.”
Karaoke Contestant in Polish Game Show Dons Blackface, Says N-Word As He Raps Kendrick Lamar Lyrics
A Polish game show is going viral for a white male contestant donning Blackface and using the N-word while performing a Kendrick Lamar song.
A clip from Poland’s karaoke show Your Face Sounds Familiar is making its way across social media for Kuba Szmajkowski dressing up in braids and full Blackface to perform his rendition of “Humble,” Lamar’s 2016 hit.
The show features eight contestants who perform a song from one star they have to imitate. In this case, Szmajkowski didn’t understand the assignment. At all. The video clip, which has to be seen to be believed, also features Szmajkowski saying “n***a” during the performance. (And, yes, the crowd of white people goes wild.)
Considering the controversial history of Blackface in American media, it didn’t take too long for the clip to go viral, with many blasting the show for thinking the brown makeup and braided lace front were acceptable.
“What made them think it’s okay to put blackface Kendrick, Drake and Kanye on Polish television and allow them to say the N- word??” one user tweeted.
This isn’t the first time the show has crossed this line. The Twitter user included past video clips from the Polish karaoke show highlighting past performers who wore full Blackface to perform Drake’s “Hotline Bling” and Kanye West’s “Stronger.” Polish actress Pola Gonciarz has also performed in Blackface on the show as Beyoncé.
What made them think it’s okay to put blackface Kendrick, Drake and Kanye on Polish television and allow them to say the N- word?? pic.twitter.com/XOry6btFZu
“Kendrick needs to file the nastiest copyright suit of all time,” another user wrote. “I’m talking not even able to say his name no more on some Voldemort sht.”
Kendrick needs to file the nastiest copyright suit of all time. I’m talking not even able to say his name no more on some Voldemort sht https://t.co/LttBD2ig43
Szmajkowski won the second episode of the show’s 19th season and donated his prize money to the Przystań Nadziei Foundation, which cares for child cancer patients.
Events Honoring 9/11 Victims And Heroes Are Taking Place Across The Country
It’s been 22 years since one of the most terrifying terrorist attacks hit United States soil. To honor the victims and heroes of that day, a ceremony is being held in lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, (9/11) CBS News reports.
The ceremony will be available to stream live on television and mobile devices starting at 8:25 a.m. ET with the reading of the names of those who were killed.
Close to 3,000 people were killed after members of an Al Qaeda terrorist group hijacked four planes. Two planes crashed into the iconic World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in New York City, causing both buildings to collapse to the ground. Shortly after, another plane crashed into the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., and another dived into an open field in Pennsylvania as passengers fought back. This was the only plane that didn’t reach its intended destination.
As victims in the air succumbed to the attacks, hundreds of thousands of people on the ground in Manhattan unknowingly were breathing in toxic air and debris. According to firefighter union leaders, hundreds of people have since died from post-9/11 related illnesses, including 341 FDNY members.
A Pentagon memorial is also being held in Arlington, Virginia, honoring the lives of 184 people who died at the Pentagon and American Airlines Flight 77 during the terrorist attacks. The event is free and open to the public, according to WUSA 9. Another event, titled the 11th Annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service, is happening in Fairfax. Held at George Mason University, numerous service projects will be available for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to participate in until 5 p.m.
Military veteran Ben King from Armor Down is scheduled to host a virtual morning mindfulness and meditation session.
Busboys & Poets in Hyattsville, Maryland, is hosting a veterans open mic night for those who can’t make any of the honoring events during the day. The event encourages veterans and supporters to share their courageous stories.
Meet Tamera Preacher, the founder and CEO of LyingClient.com, a website she envisioned after having three consecutive bad experiences with difficult customers. On one occasion, her general contracting company, one of very few owned by a Black woman, had been falsely reported to the BBB, and this motivated her to create a platform that would expose dishonest and Karen-like customers. Ultimately, it would be a website that would allow business owners and entrepreneurs to report problematic customers and share their experiences.
It wasn’t easy, however, for Tamera to create the platform. She does not have a technical background, she is a military veteran, and she earned her master’s degree in Human Resources – all factors that have nothing to do with website development. But she was determined to get it done regardless.
She sought out an attorney to learn the laws about recording and displaying customers’ information. Then she began the process of finding the right website developer but initially, no one seemed to have the same passion and standards to develop the perfect website. It needed to be user-friendly, have a social media platform adjoining, and most importantly, be accessible to busy people really easily. Most individuals who work for themselves don’t have a lot of time to write about or even research a customer’s information.
Eventually, though, she found the right developer, and the site was officially launched shortly after. Now in year two, she has grown a substantial social media following and gained attention from several business owners active in their careers. Her website has even now ranked #1 on Reddit.com as the best platform to report “Karen” customers.
PepsiCo Foundation, NUL, and the Greater Baltimore Urban League Host Culinary Tasting Event to Celebrate Black Owned Restaurants
The PepsiCo Foundation,National Urban League, and Greater Baltimore Urban League are pleased to announce the first Culinary Tasting Event in honor of the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program. The one-night event will showcase grantees of the program and highlight success stories emerging from this impactful partnership.
The Black Restaurant Accelerator Program (BRAP), a joint initiative between PepsiCo Foundation, the National Urban League, and Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) aims to provide support and resources to Black-owned restaurants across the country. Recognizing the critical role that these businesses play in their communities, the GBUL BRAP program focuses on empowering entrepreneurs and building a stronger future for Black-owned restaurants. The accelerated program runs for 8-10 weeks of intense and informative sessions to educate, enhance, and sustain Black-owned restaurants in Maryland. The cohort consists of a series of workshops in addition to one-to-one personal coaching guidance from our expert consultants to support their growth and the scaling of their businesses.
The event will be held on September 12th at 6 pm, at the Baltimore World Trade Center. A city rich in culture and history, Baltimore serves as the perfect backdrop to celebrate the resilience and achievements of Black-owned restaurants as the city is home to many successful grantee stories.
The success of this nationwide partnership can be seen in the numbers since the inception of the program in 2021:
More than 1,000 business owners across the country have been served by the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program, leading to 26 new restaurant openings
Local Baltimore Success:
-24 restaurant owners participated in the Baltimore programming
-96 restaurant jobs were created in the Greater Baltimore region
“We are inspired by the impact we are making through our collaboration with the National Urban League to address a fundamental gap and create opportunities for Black business owners to build generational wealth and continue to strengthen their communities,” C.D. Glin, president of PepsiCo Foundation, said. “By providing Black-owned restaurants with capital, technical assistance, and access to resources, we believe we can make a measurable impact on their trajectory not just today but for generations to come.”
Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to hear directly from program grantees, who will share their inspiring stories of growth, innovation, and community impact.
“As a first-generation black woman and entrepreneur, there are tons of things we are not taught or have access to when building our businesses. The Black Restaurant Accelerator program opened doors that previously seemed impenetrable. The support and feedback from the business coaches have refocused me on the upward trajectory of French Toast Connection. Funding will set the stage for materials and staffing needed to grow as well as expansion,” said Donvenia “French” Jackson, chef/owner of French Toast Connection. “It’s no secret that small black businesses don’t often reach their full potential due to various systemic barriers. This program is changing that for participants. I am now more equipped to grow French Toast Connection strategically and organically which will have a positive outcome for my family, community, and other food businesses.”
These entrepreneurs will detail how the Black Restaurant Accelerator Program has helped them to transform their businesses, overcome challenges, and navigate the complexities of the industry.
“We are truly thrilled about the transformative partnership between the Greater Baltimore Urban League and the PepsiCo Foundation Black Restaurant Accelerator program. This collaboration represents a remarkable opportunity to empower and uplift Black restaurant owners in our community, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and guidance they need to thrive in the culinary industry,” said Tiffany Majors, President & CEO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League. “We are especially excited to announce a forthcoming culinary tasting event that will showcase the exceptional talents of the program’s participants as well as celebrate their incredible achievements. This group of entrepreneurs has certainly transcended above their peers. They could view the tip of the iceberg in creating generational wealth for their families. This event will serve as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of these entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of our local Baltimore food scene.”
Executives from the PepsiCo Foundation will be present to address attendees and emphasize the company’s commitment to supporting black-owned restaurants.
Leaders from the National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization, also will be in attendance to discuss the organization’s dedication to economic empowerment and social justice through partnership and collaboration.
“Entrepreneurship is at the heart of the Urban League mission, and Black–owned restaurants, in particular, hold a special place in the history of the civil rights movement,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “The impact of the Black Restaurant Accelerator program lies not only in breaking down barriers to business creation and expansion but also in infusing strength and resiliency into our communities. We’re proud to showcase the success of this incredible partnership.”
This invite-only event will include notable Baltimore city leaders, community members, and grantees.
When: September 12, 2023, 6:00-8:30 PM
Where: Baltimore World Trade Center – 401 E. Pratt Street
NFL Hall Of Famer Michael Irvin Paid $100M After Being Wrongfully-Accused For Sex Assault
Former Dallas Cowboys legend and sportscaster Michael Irvin shocked fans and the NFL world when he appeared Sunday on the NFL Network’s Game Day television show. This came after news that the NFL Hall of Famer has recently settled his lawsuit against Marriott, allowing him to return to the airwaves.
According to The Dallas Morning News, the former wide receiver was back smilingon the air on Sunday morning after reportedly settling the $100 million defamation lawsuit he filed against Marriott earlier this year.
Earlier this year, during Super Bowl weekend, a female employee at the Renaissance Hotel accused Irvin of misconduct in Glendale, Arizona, where the championship game was being played. Irvin always maintained his innocence but was quickly suspended by the NFL Network and ESPN, where he made guest appearances during the football season.
As previously reported, Irvin statedthat he was “baffled” by the false accusation, expressing to The Dallas Morning News he barely remembers the conversation. “Honestly, I’m a bit baffled with it all. This all happened in a 45-second conversation in the lobby. When I got back after going out…I came into the lobby and I talked to somebody. I talked to this girl. I don’t know her, and I talked to her for about 45 seconds.”
Without missing a beat, the former Cowboys player immediately fileda $100 million lawsuit against the Renaissance Hotel employees in Phoenix. Irvin asserted that the hotel fabricated a tale to turn him into the next victim of “cancel culture” over an incident that the NFL Hall of Famer says never happened.
Sports Illustrated reported that, although Irvin was taken off the air, the network still paid him as things played out. This may explain why the network wasn’t sued in addition to Marriott since he wasn’t officially fired and was allegedly still receiving his regular pay during the time he was off the air.
There is no word on what happened with the female employee who made the accusation or the financial settlement agreed upon.
Ice Spice Slam Dunks A Munchkins Dunkin Donuts Collab
After successfully adding “munch” to our lexicon, rapper Ice Spice is teaming up with Dunkin Donuts for a munchkins collaboration to kick off the fall season.
The “Munch” rapper took to Twitter on Sunday, Sept. 10, to tease her official collaboration with the famed coffee and doughnut company that plays off the title of her hit single and the name she gave her fan club.
The announcement included a photo of a Dunkin Donuts munchkin wearing the rapper’s signature “Princess” chain with the release date “9.13” etched across the top in the brand’s orange colorway.
Dunkin Donuts shared the announcement on Instagram with a caption that played off the “Ice in Pumpkin Spice.” Fans praised the new venture and their excitement to support Ice Spice’s collaboration with the major food chain.
“I will be buying dunkin’ donuts more often now that you got a brand deal with them,” one fan wrote.
“The munchkins are ready!” added another.
As part of the collaboration, Dunkin Donuts will be debuting an Ice Spice Munchkins Drink that serves as a perfect blend of their frozen coffee with pumpkin munchkin donut hole treats infused with caramel drizzle and topped with whipped cream.
The collaboration shows how well major brands and corporations are working to appeal to younger audiences. It was just shy of one year ago when Ice Spice developed the name “Munchkins” for her fans.
The Bronx rapper was still riding high on the success of her hit single “Munch” when she released a Twitter poll asking her fans to decide on what they would be called. “Munchkins” won in a landslide over “Spice Cabinet” and “Spice Cadet.”
Since the success of “Munch,” Ice Spice has remained consistent with four songs in the top 10 of the Hot 100, including collaborations with the likes of Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj, as noted by Billboard.
“I have put in so much hard work, and it means a lot to be recognized for it and have more than just plaques to show for it,” she said.
“I hope to push the genre forward in whatever ways I can, but I know I’ll have a huge impact on the youngins coming up now.”
5 Black British Businesses Awarded Free TV Ad Space
As part of Channel 4’s Black In Business initiative, five British Black-owned businesses will get personalized free TV advertising as well as six months of tailored marketing and business support from Lloyds Bank, the channel, and social enterprise DOES.
The air time, according to a press release, is worth 500,000 pounds.
Black In Business ,launched as part of Channel 4’s Black to Front legacy, is the network’s ongoing commitment to improve Black representation on-screen and across the TV industry. The program, which offers support to small businesses new to television advertising, was founded after research done by the public channel found Black entrepreneurs face more obstacles running their businesses compared to their white counterparts.
Close to 50% of Black entrepreneurs claim to need marketing and public relations support; 20% stated they need assistance with finding new clients, according to a report from the Black Business Network.
Out of 1,000 applicants, the 2023 recipients are Dalgety Herbal Teas, founded by Mark Dalgety; LØCI, founded by Emmanuel Eribo; The Gym Kitchen, founded by Segun Akinwoleola; and The Turmeric Co from Thomas Robson-Kanu and TreasureTress, founded by Jamelia Donaldson.
“When our research highlighted the obstacles faced by Black-owned businesses, we wanted to make a tangible difference by offering practical support to directly target some of the issues,” Peters said, according to The Media Leader.
“It is our sincere hope is that this scheme kickstarts wider awareness of the challenges faced by Black-led businesses and prompts action across the industry to deliver equal opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners, regardless of their background and ethnicity.”
Production on the TV ads begin this fall and will hit screens in January 2024.
