protestors, social studies, curriculum, march, Florida, miami

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 16, 2023

Protestors March Through Miami To Object Florida’s New Black History Standards

Hundreds marched through the streets of Miami, Florida on Wednesday, August 16 in protest against the state’s new standards on teaching Black history.

Protestors kicked off their rally around 11 a.m. at Booker T. Washington Senior High School and marched all the way to the Miami-Dade School Board, NBC Miami reports. The protest came in response to the Florida Board of Education approving new education standards for African American history that many state teachers deem as a “step backward.”

The #TeachNoLies protest was organized by the Miami Center for Racial Justice and included teachers, students, community members, and Teamsters all in opposition to the new education standards.

“The phrase that they’re saying that there were ‘benefits’ that happened to enslaved people is just disgusting,” protester Jonathan Gartrelle told Local 10 News.

“It denigrates the experience of 50 million enslaved Africans that were destroyed and brutally tortured and trafficked. And it tries to soften and whitewash history.”

Among the new standards, students will be taught that Black people benefitted from slavery because “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit,” a 216-page document about the state’s 2023 standards in social studies reads.

Other curricula will accuse Black people of being instigators of violence in historical race massacres.

“Instruction includes acts of violence perpetrated against and by African Americans but is not limited to 1906 Atlanta Race Riot, 1919 Washington, D.C. Race Riot, 1920 Ocoee Massacre, 1921 Tulsa Massacre and the 1923 Rosewood Massacre,” the documented posted by the Florida Department of Education states

But protestors argue the new education standards are just an updated way of enforcing white supremacy.

“This is another white supremacist tactic that we’re seeing again and again over and over in different places, this time in education.” Gartrelle said.

The march lasted two hours and ended by 1 pm. Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson, who was one of two Black lawmakers in Tennessee who were expelled and reinstated for protesting in favor of gun control, was in Miami to participate in the rally.

“Being raped, having your children stolen from you, being maimed, being denied the right to read, those were not benefits for our ancestors,” Pearson said.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 16, 2023

6 Ways Beyonce Is Doing The Lord’s Work

Beyoncé is known for her legendary vocals and overall performing ability, but all she does worldwide is something many say should also be celebrated. Although busy performing at record-breaking shows for her Renaissance World Tour, the entertainer still makes time to ensure her impact extends beyond her artistry.

From helping fund local transit for fans to leave the show safely to hosting luncheons through her BeyGood Foundation to empower small businesses in Atlanta, the vocal powerhouse remains committed to working to better the world. At her concerts, Beyoncé utilizes her global platform to highlight queer ballroom culture, being a beacon of support for the Black LGBTQ+ community. This is just one example of how she aims to instill a culture of acceptance and empowerment.

BLACK ENTERPRISE highlights a few of the many ways Beyoncé is a trailblazer in charitable causes and positive efforts–even by being a supportive mom. As her talent and philanthropy are praised worldwide, here’s how she is doing the Lord’s work.

Chipping In For The Local Transit System

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Heavy rain can’t break her soul! After weather delays during one of her Washington, D.C., shows at the MetLife stadium caused a scheduling delay, Beyoncé pitched in $100,000 for the local Metro train system to stay open later than normal. The multimillionaire forked over the hefty sum to ensure that all fans had a safe, efficient, and affordable way to get home after the late-night show. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority confirmed the extension in a press release, stating that the check will cover the cost to “keep all 98 stations open” and “run more trains” for an extra hour.

Helping Small Business In Atlanta “Bey” Good

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BeyGood, the singer’s charitable foundation, recently held a luncheon for small businesses in Atlanta during her three-day stint of shows in Georgia’s capital. Aptly titled “Beyoncé Knowles-Carters – Black Parade Route Small Business Impact Luncheon,” this event curated support and encouragement for diverse entrepreneurs. Tyler Perry joined in for a special fireside chat, sharing his wisdom and thoughts on success. In a surprise at the event, 12 business owners were bestowed $10,000 grants to expand their ventures even further.

Highlighting the LGBTQ+ Culture With a Ballroom Dance Contest At Every Show

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Beyoncé”s Renaissance World Tour is complete with diverse background dancers. While Queen Bey is off changing for her next set, the dancers put on a show of their own, doing a Ballroom dance battle in front of tens of thousands in the crowd. This showcase of queer dance culture and the art of voguing to a vast audience helps promote equality amid the growing fight for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.

Supporting Maui In Its Wildfire Recovery

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The devastation from the wildfires has severely impacted the land and people of Maui. As the Hawaiian island begins rebuilding, BeyGood is aiding in the recovery through Matthew 25: Ministries, a disaster relief organization. Alongside its donation, BeyGood has also highlighted local advocacy groups for those wanting to join in the support.

Being Blue Ivy’s No. 1 Fan In Her Tour Debut

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That’s her bloodline! Blue Ivy’s debut on a worldwide stage might have most parents frightened. However, Beyoncé has been her young daughter’s No. 1 fan throughout her dance set. The 11-year-old’s featured performance during “My Power” has emerged as a highly anticipated fan favorite during the show. Of Blue Ivy’s inclusion in the concert, the mother of three took to Instagram to shout out her daughter, saying she’s “so proud and thankful” for her firstborn.

Uplifting Education Through The Renaissance Scholars Program

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In July, the singer announced the RENAISSANCE Scholars Program, a resource for students at schools such as HBCUs Alabama State and Grambling State University to continue their academic journeys. Donating $1 million to the education initiative, considered a pillar of her foundation, 100 students will receive $10K through the scholarship to pay their school fees. More schools are set to be announced, and applications are open now for studious BeyHive members!

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 16, 2023

Beyoncé ‘Renaissance Tour’ Merch On Sale In Amazon Music Capsule Collection

You don’t have to attend Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour to get your hands on merch as Amazon Music has got you covered.

On Wednesday, August 16, Amazon Music released another capsule from their exclusive Renaissance Tour online merch collection. The third of four capsules, the latest collection includes five special pieces.

Bey Hivers can get their hands on the “On Air Icon Tee,” a $35 black t-shirt with a photo of Beyoncé’s face on the front and symbols related to the “Renaissance” tour showcased on the back. The “On Air Dad Hat” retails for $30 and reads “On Air” on the front and “RWT2023” on the back.

The “On Air” and “Renaissance Icon” hoodie both retail for $65 with the “On Air” hoodie coming in black and listing various tour stops on the back. The “Renaissance Icon” hoodie has “Renaissance World Tour” on one side and the tour symbols on the other. A $30 “On Air Icon” tote has the same design as the “Renaissance Icon” hoodie.

Items from the first two capsules are also available with clothing dedicated to singles from “Renaissance” including “Virgo’s Groove,” “Heated,” and “Alien Superstar.” The capsules are adding to the financial success of Beyoncé’s latest world tour.

The “Renaissance” world tour is on track to becoming the highest-grossing tour of Beyoncé’s career with the decorated Grammy award-winner estimated to make over $2 billion, Fortune reports. Her tour stops have also helped boost local economies including her latest stop in Atlanta that brought a $10 million boost to the city.

“Beyoncé is a force, and it’s fascinating to see the level of excitement and tangible interest generated for the local shops and businesses as her tour kicks off,” Tara Lewis, Yelp’s trend expert, said.

“Whether it’s people looking for dining and nightlife options, getting glammed up, or booking transportation, the ‘Beyoncé Bump’ is real, and it’s helping more people connect with local businesses in their communities.”

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Ways Beyonce Is Doing The Lord’s Work

‘Black Girls Travel Too’ Agency Founder Expands Horizons For Black Women Through Travel

by Stacy Jackson

August 16, 2023

‘Black Girls Travel Too’ Agency Founder Expands Horizons For Black Women Through Travel

This Black woman is changing the face of travel one exotic getaway at a time.

Dianelle Rivers-Mitchell encourages Black women to expand their horizons with her travel agency, Black Girls Travel Too. Travel Noire reported that the agency owner, who also goes by Danny, hosts regular and volunteerism trips worldwide.

According to its webpage, the agency owner encourages Black women to “silence the noise” and experience the freedom to live up to their own expectations. Rivers-Mitchell is planning trips to London and Paris, India, South Africa, Grenada, Thailand, and more this year.

The agency also offers opportunities for voluntourism for a different take on travel. People can travel to a place to make a difference through volunteer work. The agency’s site says voluntourism trips are for “Women who have a heart for humanity, a desire to vacation, and a spirit for helping.”

The agency adds, “We all share in the economic and social responsibility to make a difference and make an impact when we can and while we can!” This year, the Black Girls Travel Too Agency offers a voluntourism trip to Barbados from June 8 through June 14, 2024.

Other trips to Barbados include a Crop Over Experience Tour and a Food and Rum Tour. According to the Black Girls Travel Too website, the Crop Over Experience Tour features the biggest Caribbean festival.

According to the website, the founder created the agency after a field trip to Washington, D.C., as a youth. The trip inspired her to help others like her in the world. The Mobile, Alabama native is committed to creating new and healthier generational cycles in the Black community, according to the agency’s webpage. The mother of two is leading by example and creating a family tradition of travel. Travel Noire reported Rivers-Mitchell also volunteers outside of the U.S. with her husband, Oliver, and their two children, Liam and Madison.

Florida’s Controversial Education Laws Have Teachers Shook Before Schools Open

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 16, 2023

Florida’s Controversial Education Laws Have Teachers Shook Before Schools Open

Florida’s new, extreme education policies are scaring teachers. Some Florida educators are worried that the law changes could lead to them being fired or facing criminal charges, NBC News reported.

Teachers claimed they are going into classrooms less confident about lesson plans amongst all the confusion. Richard Judd, a social studies teacher at Nova High School in Broward County said he doesn’t know what to do. “I don’t know how to approach the year,” Judd said. “There’s a lot of different ways you can get in trouble. And that’s what’s so insidious about these policies.”

Since the beginning of 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers have changed how schools teach African American history and topics surrounding the LGBTQ+ community, sexual relations, and more. In early August 2023, Hillsborough County Public Schools announced students will only be allowed to read excerpts from William Shakespeare’s plays after new laws restricted classroom materials from content that can be deemed sexual.

The Sunshine State already requires that any book in a classroom be deemed appropriate by a librarian or a “certified media specialist.”

Judd said he’s not sure if his district has had time to “digest” any of the changes. “They’ve created these really ambiguous terms that can get people in trouble, like losing your teaching license, which is basically losing your livelihood,” he said. “Without clear-cut definitions.”

Some teachers are trying to do something about it. In Miami-Dade County, a group of “teachers, students, community members, and Teamsters” marched to the Miami-Dade school board headquarters on August 16 to protest the state’s controversial Black history standards, Local 10 reported. Their issue is the state’s new standard to teach middle school students “how slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”

Close to 20% of the students in the county are Black.

“The phrase that they’re saying that there were ‘benefits’ that happened to enslaved people is just disgusting,” protester Jonathan Gartrelle said. “It denigrates the experience of 50 million enslaved Africans that were destroyed and brutally tortured and trafficked. And it tries to soften and whitewash history.”

With all the new changes, the state is facing a teaching crisis ahead of the new school year. According to the Florida Education Association, there are 6,920 advertised vacancies for teachers statewide.

by Stacy Jackson

August 16, 2023

Wayfair’s Black Head of Supplier Diversity Recognized For Increasing Black E-Commerce

A Black Wayfair program leader has been recognized for her efforts in increasing the number of Black suppliers for the e-commerce company.

Shardé Marchewski, head of supplier diversity at Wayfair, was named to Modern Retail‘s inaugural Vanguard list for creating opportunities for Black suppliers to partner with Wayfair. The list, created by the well-known media brand specializing in retail, highlights people leading new developments.

Wayfair, the popular e-commerce company selling home goods and furniture, encourages Black-owned brands to grow, thanks to Marchewski’s supplier diversity program. “All we’re doing is helping [these businesses] do what they know how to do,” Marchewski said, explaining that Black-owned businesses “have great power, they know how to get in front of customers and know how to sell. We’re just leveraging our portion of the market.”

The Modern Retail Vanguard list recipient helps Black business owners get more exposure for their products through in-person meetups and feedback as well as account teams that assist with financials.

Wayfair’s Celebrate Black Makers landing page allows customers to search for products by Black-owned businesses by using a filter. In so doing, Marchewski told Modern Retail, “We’re highlighting suppliers that you might not be able to find easily.”

According to Wayfair’s website, Marchewski, who led Wayfair’s WayBlack employee resource group in 2018, ensures the “company’s commercial strategy is inclusive of underrepresented groups.” She told Modern Retail she hopes to bring in more women and Latinx suppliers.

by Iman Milner

August 16, 2023

Sandra Bullock’s ‘The Blind Side’ Costar Wants People To Leave Her Out Of Michael Oher Scandal

Actor Quinton Aaron, who played Michael Oher in The Blind Side, is speaking out on behalf of Sandra Bullock in light of revelations about the story behind the 2009 film.

Bullock, whose portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, has been relatively quiet following news that Oher had been tricked into conservatorship by the Tuohys, who’d also lied about key parts of his life in their “white savior” narrative. Aaron feels his costar is being unfairly attacked for simply doing her job.

“Saying stuff like she needs to relinquish her title doesn’t make any sense,” said Aaron regarding calls for Bullock’s Oscar to be revoked. “She gave a brilliant performance and that shouldn’t be tarnished for something that had nothing to do with her.”

Neither Bullock nor Aaron was aware of the Tuohys’ alleged scheme to benefit from Oher’s story or athletic prowess, and it is still unclear if liberties were taken by John Lee Hancock, who wrote and directed the film.

“I really feel like we live in a society today where people are so hellbent on pointing blame on people. To make a statement like that, doesn’t make any sense,” Aaron continued. “Sandra Bullock didn’t have anything to do with the real story… I think that people just need to chill out, relax and let the families involved handle whatever is going on.”

The 39-year-old actor’s portrayal of Oher catapulted him to Hollywood fame, but the recent news is giving him mixed feelings about the legacy of the film as well as the role he played that brought the story to light.

“I didn’t know what to think. It’s news to me… unfortunately, it’s not a good turn of events,” he said. “This movie inspired so many people, and changed people’s lives, mine included. I feel for everyone involved. I’m not taking sides. I love Michael. I love the Tuohy family.”

Oklahoma Will Not Honor Appeal Of Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors, Refuses To Reach Settlement

by Iman Milner

August 16, 2023

Oklahoma Will Not Honor Appeal Of Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors, Refuses To Reach Settlement

After more than 100 years since the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the three known survivors of one of the most atrocious acts of violence on American soil are still seeking retribution from the state of Oklahoma.

Lessie Benningfield Randle, Viola Fletcher, and Hughes Van Ellis have sued for reparations from the city and state for the brutal attack by a white mob on the thriving Black district historically known as Greenwood. However, Oklahoma has refused to acknowledge the lasting effects of the racially motivated and state-sanctioned mass murder on the Black residents of Tulsa. It’s no surprise that the state, which took part in a lawless massacre of American citizens, has refused to settle,” their attorney, Damario Solomon-Simmons, said.

“The survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre are heroes, and Oklahoma has had 102 years to do right by them. The state’s efforts to gaslight the living survivors, whitewash history, and move the goalposts for everyone seeking justice in Oklahoma puts all of us in danger, and that is why we need the Oklahoma Supreme Court to apply the rule of law.”

According to NBC News, District Court Judge Caroline Wall believes the lawsuit was properly dismissed as the survivors have failed to provide sufficient proof of a need for reparations. The survivors have leaned on Oklahoma’s “public nuisance” law as grounds for the state to take action; however, representatives for the state have vehemently disagreed with their stance.

“All their allegations are premised on conflicting historical facts from over 100 years ago, wherein they have failed to properly allege how the Oklahoma Military Department created (or continues to be responsible for) an ongoing’ public nuisance,’ Assistant Attorney General Kevin McClure said. The survivors have alleged that the state’s National Guard took part in the massacre, a claim the state has denied. Other than acknowledging the massacres as part of Oklahoma’s stained racial history, no other form of atonement has been made to the survivors.

“We have people that suffered the harm that are still living, and we had the perpetrators, the city, the state, the county chamber, they are still here also,” Solomon-Simmons said. “Yes, the bombings have stopped. The shooting has stopped. The burning has stopped. But the buildings that were destroyed, they were never rebuilt.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 16, 2023

Gayle King Breaks From ‘CBS Mornings’ To Celebrate Robin Roberts On ‘GMA’

Gayle King took a break from her anchor post on “CBS Mornings” to join her longtime friend Robin Roberts’ bachelorette party on “Good Morning America.”

King missed the first 20 minutes of her live morning show on Wednesday, August 16, to travel across the street and take part in Roberts’ live pre-wedding celebration, ET reports. King toted a pink bag that contained her gift for Roberts and her soon-to-be wife Amber Laign.

Oprah Winfrey’s BFF said she couldn’t miss Roberts’ bachelorette party as the two news anchors have been good friends since meeting in 1994. A video clip posted online showed Roberts giving King a special shoutout for attending her celebration.

“Dude, can we say that Gayle King has made her way here?” Roberts said through applause.

“I mean, come on, she’s a little busy in the mornings too. For her to make the time to be here means a lot.”

King added, “I’m so glad to be here.”

https://twitter.com/GMA/status/1691792642944762354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1691792642944762354%7Ctwgr%5Eba7716553e82f40c653d0199b1eee87242135cf6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etonline.com%2Fcbs-mornings-anchor-gayle-king-goes-to-good-morning-america-to-celebrate-robin-roberts-bachelorette

Family and friends joined King, and Roberts’ co-anchors George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan for the live morning show dedicated to celebrating Roberts’ upcoming wedding to Laign. The couple are set to finally tie the knot next month after two decades of dating.

The live bachelorette show included a performance from En Vogue, mocktails, and a Newlywed Game. The show also included a trip down memory lane where Roberts and Laign shared their love story that started from a blind date 18 years ago.

Roberts became emotional while praising “sweet Amber” for sticking by her side when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.

“We had only been dating not even two years when I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Roberts said.

“She could have bailed early on in the relationship. No one would have blamed her.”

"She took my breath away. She still does. I get butterflies when I think about it."@RobinRoberts and her fiancée Amber Laign share their 18-year love story ahead of their upcoming wedding. ❤️ https://t.co/04yrkN5D6v pic.twitter.com/e2wHASQk0g

— Good Morning America (@GMA) August 16, 2023

Laign then battled breast cancer herself in 2022 and completed chemotherapy in July. After the health scares, Roberts and Laign decided it was time to elope while at their favorite Mexican restaurant. The pair slipped onion rings on each other’s fingers and now they’ll be saying “I Do.”

“Many people go into marriage hoping for and looking for what Amber and I already know we have, and so ours is a celebration,” Roberts gushed.

“We’ve been living our happily ever after through all the ups and downs, so it’s a celebration.”

by Daniel Johnson

August 16, 2023

Miami Launches Efforts To Support Local Black-Owned Businesses

In celebration of National Black Business Month, Miami-Dade County is actively supporting and investing in the growth of Miami’s Black-owned enterprises.

In an interview with the Miami Herald, Bill Diggs, executive director of Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, emphasized the importance of community involvement to help stimulate Miami’s local economy. Diggs told the Herald, “We need the community to help us make an undeniable statement that the growth and prosperity of Miami-Dade County is correlated to the growth and prosperity of the county’s Black business community.”

Florida’s economy is taking a hit due to backlash from the policy decisions of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. A growing number of corporations, Black advocacy groups, and prominent figures like Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade are distancing themselves from the state.

In a candid conversation with Rachel Nichols on her Showtime series, Headliners With Rachel Nichols, in April 2023, Wade explained the factors influencing his family’s departure from the state. When asked about DeSantis’ controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which has been particularly pertinent given his daughter’s LGBTQ+ identity, Wade candidly responded, “That’s one more reason why I’ve chosen not to reside in that state. Many are unaware of this. My decisions must encompass my family’s well-being, extending beyond personal choices. While the state’s tax benefits and the recognition of Wade County are positive, it’s essential that my family feels embraced and at ease. Unfortunately, that’s not a sentiment we would encounter there, which is a significant factor in my decision not to live there.”

In May 2023, the NAACP issued a travel advisory recommending that Black people and people of color avoid traveling to the state. The organization raised concerns due to the prevailing notion that Florida’s educational directives were unfavorable to the Black community, coupled with its stance on LGBTQ+ issues exemplified by the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The advisory reads: “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

To fight this, the City of Miami is focusing on increasing the visibility of Black businesses. The Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust is hosting several events open to the public from August 15-22, with many of them aimed at helping Miami-area Black businesses thrive and generate public interest.

As the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor Bureau CEO David Whitaker told the Herald: “The travel and hospitality industry can only continue to truly have equitable growth in Miami-Dade County if those in the Black business community are afforded viable opportunities. Black Business Month can be used to reassess key relationships, evaluate resources and needs and enter into meaningful conversations to leverage the talents and drive of our entrepreneurs.”

RELATED CONTENT: Celebrating National Black Business Month