by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 29, 2023

TikTok Star PinkyDoll Accused Of ‘Light Skin Fishing For A Check’

TikTok’s reigning NPC star, PinkyDoll, debuted at the Streamy Awards and has everyone talking about the difference in her physical appearance.

The award show honoring the best in content creation took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on Monday, Aug. 28. PinkyDoll, who gained popularity with her money-making “ice cream so good” NPC content, was front and center to present the award for Streamer of The Year.

Video clips of her Streamy debut show Pinky entertaining the crowd with her signature slang and showing off her red carpet fashion. But instead of reacting to her random “gang gang” and cat growls, social media couldn’t stop making mention of how different she appears from her TikTok persona.

Known for rocking a blonde wig and acting as a non-playable character (NPC) for paying customers, PinkyDoll’s TikTok content shows her with much lighter skin than she displayed at the Streamy Awards. While it could just be a bright ring light she’s using or a filter, many accused the social media star of “catfishing” to present herself as light-skinned to the NPC community.

“Why she chocolate off TikTok but high yellow on TikTok 😭,” one person wrote.

https://twitter.com/itsKenBarbie/status/1696218350496403872

“She be lightskinfishing for a check,” added someone else.

Others called PinkyDoll a “marketing genius” for seemingly presenting herself lighter on social media to appeal to the colorism that takes place worldwide.

“I hate how the quotes just talk about her skin, America is obsessed with skin color,” one person wrote.

“Some of you are being colorist. I never knew who she was until today,” another user added.

The Shade Room reposted tweets where some accused PinkyDoll of “catfishing for a check” or called her a “weirdo” for seemingly trying to appear as “biracial” on social media.

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A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

“People feeling betrayed by her light skin fishing is making me giggle lol,” one user wrote.

Many praised PinkyDoll’s natural appearance and encouraged the TikToker to remove the filters and embrace her beautiful brown skin.

“And her brown skin tone is so beautiful! 😍 let’s get rid of the filters,” one user wrote.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 29, 2023

Founder of Chicago-Based Black-Owned Firm Celebrates Making the Inc. 5000 List for the First Time

Inc. has revealed that AtkCo (Atkins Coordination, Inc.) ranks No. 1395 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Facebook, Chobani, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“AtkCo lives and breathes a continuous improvement culture – allowing for us to bring the best of what we do to who we are. I am so humbled by this recognition and have ultimate gratitude to my team and support system,” says Shayna Atkins, Founder and CEO of the firm. The Inc. 5000 class of 2023 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate ticked up to an astonishing 2,238 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the economy over the past three years.

For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine.

“Running a business has only gotten harder since the end of the pandemic,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “To make the Inc. 5000—with the fast growth that requires—is truly an accomplishment. Inc. is thrilled to honor the companies that are building our future.”

About AtkCo:
AtkCo is a process improvement firm that transforms ways of working in order to take our clients from problem solving to acceleration. We believe if you shift the way you work, you improve how you live. We help companies improve in an information era by focusing on how they provide value to their customers. Implementing AtkCo’s unique frameworks along with its secret sauce – the 1% rule- has driven impressive results making the team excited to go to work everyday. AtkCo’s intentional about delivering an excellent customer experience and we are the recipient of accolades and awards highlighting them as the best in business and competent at what they do including the Young Challengers Award by the Global Social Business Summit, Women Tech Founders Award recipient for Talent Development, graduate of 1871 WiSTEM and BMO Harris Women in FinTech accelerators, and finally, the recipient of the Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in the Midwest and all of North America. For more information about AtkCo and their services, visit their website at https://www.atkcoinc.com.

Student Loan Debt, Biden, Joe, president

by Atiya Jordan

August 29, 2023

Why Are Black Voters Skeptical About Supporting Joe Biden?

As part of his 2024 reelection campaign, President Joe Biden wants to continue to defend democracy and personal freedoms. But many Black voters, who recognize the limitations of a divided capital, are more skeptical about Biden’s efforts to maximize what he has accomplished in a timely manner.

“Black voters like Joe Biden. They like him, but they are still frustrated,” said Terrance Woodbury, the founding partner and CEO of HIT Strategies, per The Hill. “Their frustration is as much about the state of politics as it is about Joe Biden’s ability to fix the state of politics.”

Throughout his term, Biden has “touted major improvements for the Black community,” including decreasing historic unemployment rates and investing nearly $7 billion in resources to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, strategists say that Democrats will need to do more to appeal to Black voters by doing a better job at getting the word out.

“Among people of color, 45% now approve of Biden’s overall performance, down from 54% in the spring. That decline includes a 6-point dip among Black adults and a 9-point decline among Hispanic adults,” a CNN poll revealed last year.

How long will it take to move the needle?

Biden signed into law the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act after more than 100 years of failed attempts. In May, he signed an executive order to improve police accountability and criminal justice practices.

However, Black voters remain disappointed as Democrats have implied advancements in voting rights protections, major police reform, and even potential reparations for slavery, but have yet to deliver concrete results.

What’s worse? The public’s perception of the economy is deeply negative—and it’s worsening.

“We have to be very clear about the barrier we’re trying to overcome,” Woodbury told The Hill. “The barrier here is not ‘how do we make them like Biden.’ The barrier here is ‘how do we convince them that government works?’” he said. “We do that by showing how we make their lives better.”

Biden signed an executive order to expand access to the right to vote in March 2021. But the voting rights bill named after the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) was blocked in the Senate in November 2021 after it passed the then-Democratic House.

Dominik Whitehead, who serves as vice president of campaigns at the NAACP, argues that the historic numbers of Black unemployment is a huge problem that needs to be better communicated to the Black community.

“We have low unemployment numbers in history when it comes to Black folks having jobs in this country, but then the question is, ‘How are you messaging and framing that to Black folks in states and letting them know that?’” Whitehead said. “What are those jobs? In terms of equity, are those jobs closing…the wealth gap in this country?”

Moreover, there have been other promises. Black families and loan borrowers alike were very optimistic about the Biden-led effort on student loan forgiveness. This meant canceling large sums for Pell Grant recipients, but conservatives in the Senate and Supreme Court blocked what could directly impact many Black borrowers during the early stages of eligibility.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 29, 2023

Harlem Heights: Harlem Will Soon Have A Legal Cannabis Store

The Apollo is about to get a new neighbor on 125th Street. According to The New York Post, there is about to be a cannabis shop in the heart of Harlem.

The first state-licensed marijuana store in Harlem will open next weekend after a contested fight. The shop is slated to open across the street from The Apollo at 248 125th Street on Sept. 5.

The store, Gotham Buds, was reportedly met with opposition from local merchants in the area as well as several politicians. The shop owners have come out victorious despite a lawsuit filed by the 125th Street Business Improvement District.

Amazingly, since lawmakers in New York have legalized the once-illegal plant, there have only been 23 licensed cannabis retail stores that have opened.

A judge ruled that cannabis regulators may have broken the law when granting earlier licenses. They allegedly favored giving the licenses to convicted pot dealers over disabled veterans and other social equity applicants. A court injunction prevents the state Office of Cannabis Management from opening or licensing any more weed retail stores.

Luckily for the owners of Gotham Buds, a judge granted them and nearly two dozen other cannabis operators an exemption from the injunction after they cleared all regulatory hurdles and were on the verge of opening.

“The Apollo is a community landmark. We hope to become a cultural landmark. We want to be part of the 125th Street legacy and hope to earn their trust,” said Gotham Buds co-founder Omar Tejada.

“It’s an excellent location for a new cannabis license. We have ties and relationships with the community. We want to approach this community with a conscience,” said Tejada.

His co-founder, Gregory Gray, is a lifelong Harlem resident who attended all Harlem schools, PS 197, Adam Clayton Powell Middle School, and Rice High School.

For the owners, it is not just about cannabis. They hope to distribute other medical information to Harlem residents to help them live healthier lifestyles.

The third owner, Jeffrey Lopez, used to be on the illegal side of selling cannabis and has come full circle.

“Our mission is to educate young people not to get lost in the criminal justice system. You will get lost in the criminal justice system.” Tejada stated. He acknowledges Lopez’s business acumen. “He’s got business in his DNA. His entrepreneurial spirit is impressive.”

Despite opposition, the men are confident that the people in the neighborhood will welcome them.

New York, Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer

by Iman Milner

August 29, 2023

Sen. Chuck Schumer Welcomes Top 1% Of Black Women Business Owners To The Empire State

The Black Owners & Women’s Collective (BOW), comprised of the top 1% of Black women business owners bringing in over $500 million in revenue annually, has descended upon the Big Apple and received a warm welcome from four-time New York Sen. Chuck Schumer.

In celebration of its annual Capital Conversations Conference, Schumer remarked on the success of the collective while addressing the need for more diverse businesses and suppliers in New York City. According to Kalkine Media, only 3% of small businesses in the densely populated metropolis are owned by African Americans, with even fewer being founded by Black women. Numbers like these are why the members of the BOW Collective decided to partner together. Its mission is to help change the demographic of those “at the table.” As a whole, members of the collective employ thousands of U.S. workers.

Nicole Cober, CEO of the BOW Collective, expressed gratitude for Schumer’s kind words while promising to work alongside him to deliver a more diverse entrepreneurial future to the city.

“Your dedication to public service and commitment to bringing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging to the State of New York is truly inspiring, and I am eager to explore the potential opportunities that working together may bring,” she said. “I am confident our mutual collaboration will yield fruitful results for NYC.” More than 100 members of the BOW Collective arrived at the landmark NASDAQ building, adorned in their signature green, to be recognized for their work to help Black women-owned businesses achieve sustained growth. “Standing in Times Square felt surreal like Black Owned Women businesses were kicking the door in at Nasdaq in numbers too large to keep under financing and ignoring,” said BOW member Ann Williams, owner of R&A Movers Inc.

This year’s Capital Conversations Conference brought together financial organizations, bankers, and strategic wealth builders at the Sofitel Hotel to further the BOW Collective’s mission of creating a pipeline of 1M+ business owners.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 29, 2023

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Brings A Philly Flair To Metro Atlanta

A prominent Black-owned business in Atlanta, known for its delectable sandwiches from the north, is Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. However, its impact extends beyond crafting mouth-watering meals.

In a profile with Fox 5 Atlanta, Big Dave’s owner, Derrick Hayes, only hopes to give back all that he has received from the Atlanta neighborhoods that have embraced his food. After bringing “A Taste Of Philly” to the Southern city in 2014, his business is now a franchise and is one of the most profitable vendors at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“I’m Philly-born and raised,” Hayes said. “West Philly is always going to be in my blood, but Atlanta gave me a shot. Atlanta gave me hope and opportunity.”

However, his latest collaboration is with a fellow rising star in the Atlanta restaurant scene. In June, Hayes married “Slutty Vegan” founder Pinky Cole, forming an entrepreneurial power couple.

Their alignment extends to servicing the community. Over the course of one day, they gave out over 1,000 meals to feed families in Atlanta. Currently, they’ve partnered to provide life insurance to working class homes with incomes under $30,000 a year.

While Hayes has made a name for himself and his brand, he wants to inspire others, especially young Black men, to not count themselves out even if the dream seems far-fetched.

“A lot of these kids are geniuses, and they just don’t know what direction to go,” he said. “I was that same kid with the tattoos all over my body, and I was being stereotyped. But, some of us have a mind so sharp, the world don’t know what’s missing until they see it.”

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has five locations in Atlanta, and has franchising opportunities available for those wanting to embark on their own entrepreneurship journey.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 29, 2023

KFC Rightfully Called Out For Racially Offensive Canadian Ad Campaign

KFC is in hot grease after Black Twitter called out its racially offensive ad campaign. Billboards across Canada displayed Black people enjoying its famous fried chicken under the slogan of “it’s finger lickin’ good,” drawing criticism for the tone-deaf imagery.

Azim Akhtar, director of marketing for KFC’s Canada, presented his “latest campaign” to Twitter Aug. 24, expressing how he “couldn’t be more proud” at how well it seemingly turned out.

“Sorry utensils, its finger lickin’ good,” he wrote, reiterating the motto featured on the ads.

https://twitter.com/AzimAkhtar_/status/1694799750581612594?s=20

However, his tweet gained traction in a negative light. Naysayers suggested that the team missed the mark, displaying Black people in an advertisement that perpetuated historical stereotypes against them.

One critic, whose opinion was re-shared by REVOLT, stated that this is why marketers should be culturally diverse and knowledgable about how to depict certain groups.

“This is why it’s important for marketers/advertisers to study art history and historic ad campaigns. The print ad vs. the video came across as a caricature display of Black people. A picture is worth a thousand words. Nah, this was a miss,” shared the Twitter user.

Despite the harsh feedback, Akhtar defended his work, stating that the full campaign includes a racially diverse video that showcases the country’s blended communities of people.

https://twitter.com/AzimAkhtar_/status/1695236090863493363?s=20

However, this was not enough.

“Folks would prefer the full diversity to be present across every medium,” shared media personality ladidai, know on twitter by her handle @laidaix. “The concept was great—you just missed the mark with execution. I hope the feedback you’ve received over the past day or so helps you and your team to nail it next time.”

https://twitter.com/ladidaix/status/1695630629646336091?s=20

While Akhtar or KFC mentioned no plans to modify or remove the billboards, Black Twitter is still urging the fast food brand to make things right.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 29, 2023

Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown First Active NBA Player to Play in a BIG3 Game; Ice Cube Calls Him a Hero

In what could be considered a victory in the eyes of BIG3 owner Ice Cube, an active NBA player participated in a league game over the weekend.

Cube, who isn’t exactly feeling the lack of support from the NBA, posted over the weekend that the player with the largest signed contract in NBA history was participating in the BIG3 All-Star Game. By doing so, Boston Celtics player Jaylen Brown became the first current player from the NBA to participate in a BIG3 basketball game.

Jaylen Brown is my hero. He’s making a humongous statement by being the first current NBA player to play in a BIG3 game. By suiting up for our All Star game tomorrow, he’s doing everything in his power to help the league succeed. Salute. Forever grateful…

— Ice Cube (@icecube) August 26, 2023

According to CBS News, Brown, who recently re-signed with the Celtics for a five-year supermax contract extension that could pay him up to $304 million, played in a game this past Saturday for the BIG3 All-Star Game in London. Brown played with Team Big in its contest versus Team 3. He did so to help support a local charity called London Youth.

In a brief interview, Brown spoke about his participation in the charity event.

“Having some fun for charity, giving back to the community, and supporting,” Brown said. “It’s amazing being in this environment. Shout out to London, shout out to the O2 [Arena]. Excited to give back to charity, excited to be a part of this, and I appreciate you, Ice Cube.”

He played well, but not well enough to pull out a victory in the game. His stat line was nine points, five rebounds, and two assists in the exhibition. Team 3 defeated Team Big, 51-42.

The BIG3 league comprises retired and former NBA players on the roster. Brown’s involvement with the league may open the door for more active players to participate, but time will tell.

by Stacy Jackson

August 29, 2023

Boston Public Health Commission Takes Time To Recognize Black Breastfeeding Week

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is recognizing Black Breastfeeding Week.

Along with lawmakers, advocates, healthcare providers, and community partners, BPHC gathered in Boston’s Roxbury community on the morning of Aug. 24 to shed light on the disparities in Black breastfeeding rates among Black mothers. The City of Boston reported that the celebration focused on raising awareness of the impact these inequities have on Black families and ways to support them.

“Breastfeeding is important for supporting the health and well-being of babies and infants, but for many families, especially our Black families, it’s inaccessible,” said Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission Dr. Bisola Ojikutu. “We’re in the midst of [a] nationwide Black maternal health crisis, but we can help Black babies and infants thrive and overcome the inequities harming our Black communities by supporting these families on their breastfeeding journeys.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data showed that only 25% of infants born in 2020 were “exclusively breastfed in their first six months of life.” Health organizations recommend that children be breastfed throughout their first two years to ensure proper health and development. Black mothers showed lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding than their white counterparts. “Ensuring that new moms have support and the necessary resources in their community is crucial,” said Alexandra Valdez, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Women’s Advancement. “As a woman of color, Latina, and first-time mom, I understand the firsthand struggle women face when breastfeeding, especially in public.”

As part of the event, BPHC hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly installed Mamava lactation pod in the Bruce C. Bolling Building lobby. The pod is open to the public for mothers to breastfeed free of charge.

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According to the official page for Black Breastfeeding Week, the annual celebration takes place from Aug. 25–31.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 29, 2023

MLK National Park Hosts Event Honoring March On Washington

Dozens traveled to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta to gather and pay respects to the civil rights leader on Aug. 26, the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington.

In a special day of programming, the historic site featured 60-year-old footage of the event, including a viewing of the “I Have A Dream” speech shared by Dr. Martin Luther King at the 1963 march. Guests heard music from the era to engulf them in the scene. Attendees also heard first-hand accounts of those who participated in the civil rights movement, creating an intimate yet educational festivity to honor King’s legacy.

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A post shared by Martin Luther King, Jr. NHP (@martinlutherkingjrnps)

Guests at the national park were allowed inside Ebenezer Baptist Church, where a park ranger led informative talks. Known as King’s church home, the establishment was also part of the civil rights movement’s deep history: it was the first place where King conducted a speech.

Many Atlanta activists spoke of King’s impact on their activism, which helped shape King’s native city. King was born there in 1929 and graduated from Morehouse College.

In an interview with radio station WABE, Andrew Young, the former mayor of Atlanta and the ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, spoke on how tranquil the march was, given the constant threat of danger that the nonviolent protesters faced.

“It turned out to be very peaceful,” the civil rights activist recalled. “The March on Washington really excited the hopes and dreams of everybody … that all men were born with certain inalienable rights; life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

All attendees left with a sense of empowerment and advocacy that King evoked in his memorable, stirring words, experiencing a magnitude first-hand that has reverberated for generations.