by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 23, 2023

Black Woman-Owned Bakery Soars As First-Ever At Florida Airport

TC Bakery, a business known for its Southern roots and delectable treats, is the first-ever Black woman-owned Bakery at Tallahassee International Airport in Florida. As Black Business Month continues, the bakery is now part of history and paving the way for this avenue of food enterprises.

Owner and founder Jennifer Young has a story that many entrepreneurs can relate to and respect, as she emerged from humble beginnings with a dream of creating a successful business. TC Bakery was founded in her personal kitchen and has since grown into a formidable company making a name for itself, according to WTXL.

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Young is the offspring of fellow restaurateurs, following in her parent’s footsteps to embark on a dream of making confectionary delights that speak to her passion and pride for her Southern upbringing.

“My parents, Isaac and Tommie Williams, owned a popular restaurant in the ’80s and ’90s called Ma Mary’s Kitchen, located on the campus of FAMU,” Young shared with Tallahassee Foodies.

“My mother died when I was 10, and my daddy continued to raise me as a single father. I began baking in 2016 after the birth of my twins, using a cookbook that was passed down to me and added my own twist to the recipes.

After COVID left many small businesses hard hit, Young decided to hone in on the craft of baking, excelling in curating sweets that resulted in dedicated customers. Her hard work and representation in baked goods and desserts speak to the diversity she spearheads, especially in this new location venture.

However, her expansion into a business empire does not stop at the airport, as Young plans to also create the TC Bakery Factory. She hopes to explore franchising opportunities and a premium kitchen space within the facility to host more events that share her delights with Floridians.

beauty supply, Black-owned beauty supply, natural hair

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 23, 2023

Crown Love Beauty Supply Provides Black Hair Goals In Nashville

Crown Love Beauty Supply in Nashville, Tennessee, is doing its part to uplift the natural hair community and Black entrepreneurs in the city. Its “Black Business Spotlight” focuses on its mission to do more than the average store.

As a Black-owned business, Crown Love’s name represents its passion for spreading positivity in its community regarding Black hair. Through this, its communal involvement aids in reducing the misconception surrounding Black hair businesses. In conversation with the Tennessee Tribune, it addressed how it reduces negative stigmas surrounding Black beauty supplies, including the lack of proper customer service or accessibility to products fitting the needs of its clientele.

“Crown Love’s mission is still the same,” shared Whitney Sains, one of the establishment’s owners. “We are aiming to incorporate business with community involvement. Our purpose is to make our customers feel welcome and included. We approach business with gratitude and kindness. We are not just a beauty supply store; we are part of the community.”

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To progress the community it was founded in and serve, Crown Love’s “Black Business Spotlight” will host a consignment program to display local entrepreneurs’ work. The program will seek out these vendors so potential customers can peruse their items.

Calling the program “a great opportunity to lift as we climb,” Sains expressed her hope that the initiative would introduce the community to the diverse talent stemming from it. According to Crown Love, its mission is for all to thrive within its doors.

Crown Love continues to seek innovative ways to engage its patrons while showcasing Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit, especially within the Black community. Its work and quality customer service are progressing Black businesses in the hair and beauty industry.

As trailblazers in Nashville’s “evolving” beauty domain, Crown Love is always open to developing new relationships with growing Black-owned businesses around Tennessee.

by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

August 22, 2023

U.S. Supreme Court Asked to Hear High School Admissions Case Concerning Race

A parents group backed by a conservative legal organization asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to consider whether an admissions policy aimed at diversifying an elite Virginia high school is racially discriminatory.

The case over how students are selected to attend Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology came to the court two months after its conservative majority barred colleges and universities from considering race as a factor in admissions.

But unlike the higher education cases, the admissions policy adopted in 2020 by Virginia’s Fairfax County School Board for the state-chartered magnet high school was on its face race neutral.

The Alexandria-based school, known as TJ, often ranks among the best U.S. public high schools.

The board eliminated a standardized test from its admissions process, capped the number of students from each of the district’s middle schools and guaranteed seats for the top students from each.

After the overhaul, the share of Black and Hispanic students increased, but the percentage of Asian-American students fell to 54% from 73% in the first year.

A parents group called Coalition for TJ, whose members include Asian-Americans, sued, saying the policy was adopted with a racially discriminatory purpose in violation of the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution’s 14th Amendment.

In February 2022, U.S. District Judge Claude Hilton sided with the parents’ group lawyers at the libertarian Pacific Legal Foundation.

In May, however, the Richmond-based 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed him, saying the board did not intend to discriminate against Asian-Americans and had a legitimate interest in “expanding the array of student backgrounds.”

In Monday’s petition asking the Supreme Court to hear the case, the coalition’s lawyers said the court’s June decision ending affirmative action in college admissions “might mean little if schools could accomplish the same discriminatory result through race-neutral proxies.”

The school board’s lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last year the Supreme Court declined an emergency request to block its policy, though three conservative justices dissented.

Celebrity Black Dentist, Dr. Catrise Austin, Unveils VIP Smiles Dentistry Relaunch in New York City

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 22, 2023

Celebrity Black Dentist, Dr. Catrise Austin, Unveils VIP Smiles Dentistry Relaunch in New York City

Celebrated dentist Dr. Catrise Austin announces the exciting relaunch of VIP Smiles Dentistry Practice, centrally located in Midtown New York City. Amidst the vibrant celebration of Black Business Month and Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary, Dr. Austin returns to mark 25 years of dentistry excellence.

Having been entrenched in the Hip Hop movement since the age of 12, Dr. Austin’s journey intertwines the worlds of dentistry and Hip Hop in captivating ways. A fan letter to Run DMC during her youth set her on a path that led her to Russell Simmons, sparking a connection that forever linked her to the pulse of Hip Hop. Dr. Austin’s passion for dentistry stems from her personal triumph over smile insecurities, a story that reverberates with the resilience and self-expression emblematic of Hip Hop culture. Her mission crystallized at 15 when she transformed her own smile with braces, igniting her fervor for empowering others through confident smiles.

Embracing this new chapter, VIP Smiles Dental Practice will offer a range of services to cater to diverse needs. Dr. Austin’s specialized offerings include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and Smile Direct Club. Her accomplished team of dental experts will provide comprehensive services, encompassing dental check-ups, teeth cleanings, fillings, and general dentistry services. The office is set to operate six days a week, ensuring accessibility for busy New Yorkers City and patients who travel from across the United States for her services.

As VIP Smiles reopens its doors, all are invited to experience the transformative power of confident smiles, backed by decades of expertise. Join her in commemorating her remarkable journey and the harmonious fusion of Hip Hop culture with the realm of dentistry.

For additional information on VIP Smiles and Dr. Austin’s services, kindly visit VIPSmiles.com or hequeenofsmilesnyc@gmail.com.

This story first appeared on blacknews.com

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2023

Despite Florida’s Book Ban, Kizzy’s Books & More Embraces African-American Culture

As Florida continues to ban books, more Black-owned bookstores continue sharing African American stories. Trenessa Williams owns the online bookstore Kizzy’s Books & More, headquartered in Orange County.

Williams opened her store in 2018 after one of her favorite local bookstores permanently closed, Click Orlando reports. According to its website, Kizzy’s is an independent bookstore committed to embracing the African American culture and the joy of reading. Before entering the book space, the Winter Gardens native wanted to be a New York-based fashion buyer for luxury boutiques, but in 2008, something changed. “I got up that Saturday morning, went to that bookstore, to find out that the location wasn’t open,” Williams said.

“I thought, ‘OK, we need a bookstore here.’”

For 10 years, Williams walked the journey to entrepreneurship. She pursued her MBA in marketing and earned her Doctorate of Business Administration in 2014. Shortly after, she worked as a school liaison for Orange County Public Schools and an instructor for Bethune-Cookman University.

Recently, she used her platform as a business owner to foster her relationship with her community. As recent legislation in the Sunshine State has limited children’s access to books written by African American writers, the HBCU professor collected over 100 books to donate to children, working with different community organizations. “I reached out to some organizations and my customers and set up the book drive on my site,” Williams said. “Reading is so fundamental and so powerful, and it’s especially important for kids to have access to books.”

Earlier this year, Kizzy’s participated in the Protect Black History initiative, sponsored by the National Black Cultural Information Trust, Inc. The program provided Black history resources and materials to local communities and organizations needing support, including free online Black history seminars, panel discussions, and children’s storytimes. Regardless of her status as a business owner, Williams says she doesn’t want to stop growing. “When I talk to my students, I always tell them that it’s OK to have different jobs and different aspirations,” Williams said.

“You’ll get to wherever it is that you want to get to.”

by Iman Milner

August 22, 2023

‘Bank Shot’: James Harden Fined $100K For Calling The Sixers Owner ‘A Liar’

James Harden has been in a public spat with Daryl Morey, the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, throughout the summer. Now, following critical comments made by the superstar player, the NBA has fined Harden $100,000.

On Aug. 14, during a press conference in China, the 10-time All-Star guard made it clear that he does not plan to play if the Sixers fail to honor his request for a trade. “Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of,” Harden said. “Let me say that again: Daryl Morey is a liar, and I will never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.” According to Yahoo Sports, the 33-year-old’s comments stem from a conversation between Morey and Harden in which the latter picked up his $35.6 million player option, and the former agreed to work on trading him to another team. However, it seems Morey has not honored his end of the bargain.

For the NBA, it is not Harden’s critique of the Sixers owner that earned him the fine but rather his promise not to play—which puts him in breach of his player contract.

After a conversation with the 2017–2018 season MVP, the NBA determined that “he would not perform the services called for under his player contract unless traded to another team.” According to the Washington Post, Harden’s ideal scenario involved him being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers; however, when a sensible deal failed to materialize in the Sixers’ favor, Morey ceased all conversation regarding the matter. The team’s owner was focused on finding “a very good player or something that we can turn into a very good player” to replace their star guard. Morey and Harden had harmoniously worked together before this current stint in Philadelphia: once when the former was the Houston Rockets general manager and again when the latter agreed to leave the Brooklyn Nets to come to play for the Sixers.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2023

Daymond John Praises Drake, SZA, And Other Celebrities For Proudly Rocking FUBU

There’s a re-emergence of FUBU that’s sweeping the music industry, and founder Daymond John couldn’t be happier.

It’s been decades since the For Us By Us (FUBU) clothing brand dominated the hip-hop scene with stars like LL Cool J helping to popularize the Black-owned streetwear company. There have been moves to reignite the iconic fashion line in recent years through partnerships with Forever 21, a television network launched by co-founder J. Alexander Martin, and more.

But now we could be seeing hip-hop fans start flocking to the stores to purchase the trendy attire (much like the youth in the 90s) did as rap superstars take to the streets sporting some of FUBU’s finest.

Grammy-winning rapper Drake went viral over the weekend as he stepped out to attend the NBA open runs while wearing a royal blue FUBU shirt. Many fans commented on Drake’s seemingly Thugnificent from Boondocks-inspired hairdo, rather than his FUBU shirt, when reacting to his latest sighting.

https://twitter.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1692588345015103897

But FUBU wasted no time celebrating the win by reposting a selfie Drake shared on Instagram.

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A post shared by FUBU (@fubu)

Daymond John who founded the fashion line back in 1992, spoke with TMZ about the new interest in his apparel company and thanked Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and the other music superstars who’ve been proudly sporting the brand in recent weeks.

According to the Shark Tank star, Drake, Megan, Sza, and Chris Brown wearing the brand serves as “a testament to the foundation he and his partners carved out nearly 30 years ago.”

Some Twitter users started to clown others who seemingly waited until Drake wore FUBU to express interest in the veteran streetwear brand.

“You can still wear Fubu if you want to without Drake dawg,” one user wrote in response to another who expressed hope for Drake to “bring FUBU back.”

You can still wear Fubu if you want to without Drake dawg https://t.co/BBFOHAJayx

— 40 (@40URTY) August 19, 2023

“Y’all don’t have to wait on Drake. FUBU been tryna come back since like 2017-18,” another user quipped.

Y’all don’t have to wait on Drake. FUBU been tryna come back since like 2017-18. Niggas just wasn’t supporting it https://t.co/XtuuKf266Q pic.twitter.com/XnGf5dzdXc

— PrettyBoy International (@dom_perignon7) August 20, 2023

Looks like FUBU is back like it never left!

‘He’s A Good Man, Savannah’: LeBron James Promotes Wife’s Skincare Line On Instagram

by Stacy Jackson

August 22, 2023

‘He’s A Good Man, Savannah’: LeBron James Promotes Wife’s Skincare Line On Instagram

LeBron James does not miss an opportunity to give his wife her flowers.

The NBA star recently shouted his wife Savannah James out on Instagram to celebrate one of her newest business ventures, which appears to be the launch of a skincare line. King James posted a clip of the products from his wife’s line, labeled SJ Skincare. “UH-OH!!!!!! @mrs_savannahrj skincare line is in the works. Testing out the ingredients, products and all. Don’t hate if y’all see my face start shining and looking apart! It ain’t my fault, don’t blame me! Just simply 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 for the 👸🏾 and get on board the fresh face 🚂,” James wrote.

The products featured in LeBron’s post include a Daytime Moisture Veil, All Day Serum, and a Nighttime Moisture Veil.

“She has no idea I’m posting this cause she would actually kill me,” LeBron continued. “…But f it I’m excited for what’s to come for when she’s ready for y’all to join her journey!!! BEAUTIFUL, I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW. YOU’RE MY FAVORITE GIRL!!”

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Savannah is no stranger to the world of entrepreneurship and her business profile continues to grow. As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Queen of the James family recently invested in LeBron’s Lobos Tequila brand, which launched in 2020 with her husband as an early backer.

In an interview with The Cut, Savannah detailed other business endeavors she has pursued throughout her career, including a juice shop in Miami, that she noted was her first business, and a few other investments in a Web 3 start-up called Lockerverse and a natural deodorant company called NEZ.

Clearly, Savannah still has the line under wraps, as she commented under her husband’s post with three shushing face emojis. Presently, there is no release date regarding the launch of SJ Skincare.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 22, 2023

Keke Palmer Denies She’s Worth $7.5M, ‘It’s Inaccurate’

Keke Palmer is shutting down Google’s claims that say she’s worth a few million. According to the Nope star, don’t believe the hype.

Always one to keep it real, Palmer’s latest interview saw her clear up claims of being worth $7.5 million.

“Y’all can’t believe net worths,” Palmer told Complex’s Speedy Morman.

“Because first of all, they said my net worth was $7.5 million when I only had $100,000 in the bank. They’re lies. Do not look at those. Do not look at that, okay? It’s inaccurate.”

@complex Keke always keeps it real 😅 #KekePalmer #networth #360withSpeedy ♬ original sound – Complex

While she has more than a $100,000 net worth today, the Akeelah and the Bee star can remember the days when that wasn’t always the case.

“There was times where it was less, now it’s more,” she said. “But there was times where it was less than that. That’s why I’m like, don’t believe that.”

According to sites like Celebrity Net Worth, Palmer has a net worth listed at $7.5 million, thanks in large part to her success in film and television. The former child star turned adult Hollywood it-girl has appeared in blockbuster films like Nope, Crazy Sexy Cool: A TLC Story, and Hustlers, along with hit TV shows like Scream Queens, The Proud Family, and Legendary.

On the real estate side, Palmer reportedly owns a Brooklyn penthouse she bought for $2.35 million, and a home in Studio City she purchased in 2021 for $1.38 million. As an entrepreneur, Palmer launched her KeyTV network in 2022 and oversees a variety of digital productions from diverse creators.

“Digital is what gave me my freedom,” she told Deadline.

“I started out doing traditional but when I started getting into digital I was able to kind of change the narrative and evolve my career in a way that traditional always won’t let you. Sometimes you’re waiting for somebody to open the door but with digital, you could create a door.”

Audible Pledges Over $1 Million To Attract Black Businesses To Newark, NJ

by Jeffrey McKinney

August 22, 2023

Audible Pledges Over $1 Million To Attract Black Businesses To Newark, NJ

Hoping to attract more diverse firms, including Black businesses, Audible is pledging over $1 million to invest in firms that want to expand or relocate to Newark, New Jersey. Owned by Amazon, Audible is an audiobook and podcast platform that calls itself the fastest-growing employer in Newark.

Audible is offering new incentives and is encouraging founders of color or female founders to apply. Applicants can access relocation assistance, capital for new leases, and stipends for employees to live and shop locally as part of Audible’s Live Local program. Its efforts include a $500 monthly after-tax rent subsidy for employees who choose to live in the city.

The program‘s efforts include targeting startups with at least 10 employees. The aims are to boost local spending to preserve and create jobs, address high retail and commercial vacancy rates, and help grow the city’s innovation ecosystem. Six firms in the tech innovation, hospitality, and entertainment sectors have already joined the program and will be expanding or arriving in Newark.

In addition, Harlem’s BLVD Bistro plans to open a second location in a mixed-use space at 33 Washington. It will be run by husband-and-wife team Chef Carlos Swepson and co-owner Markisha Swepson. BLVD was named among the best soul food spots in the country by Food Network. 550 Broad Street will become home to Melba’s 550, a second location of the comfort food destination Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem.

Audible is backing other developments in the city, including Newark Culture Club, a 2,500 square feet cocktail bar and live entertainment venue expected to open in 2025. Audible says it will be owned by an investment group of mostly Newark residents and minorities, led by comedian Justin Williams, host of the Fraudsters podcast.

Businesses interested in seeking help for locating in Newark “can plug into” the city’s entrepreneurial community catalyzed by Newark Venture Partners (NVP), an early-stage venture capital fund and accelerator founded by Audible founder Don Katz. Created in 2015, NVP is the most active investor in New Jersey, having invested over $55 million into more than 100 companies, nearly 60% of which are founded by women or founders of color, Audible says. Go here to get more details.

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