by Stacy Jackson

August 3, 2023

Sheila Oliver, First Black Woman Speaker of New Jersey Assembly, Dies At 71

New Jersey’s first Black woman to lead the state Assembly has died.

On Aug. 1, 2023, the family of 71-year-old Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver announced her death, NBC News reported. According to the Associated Press, the family shared that Oliver died after being hospitalized on July 31, 2023.

NBC News reported the family did not reveal specific information about why the Black political leader had been in the hospital. When the news broke, New Jersey’s Gov. Phil Murphy was on vacation in Italy. The news outlet reported that Oliver, who was serving as acting governor while Murphy was on vacation, will be sorely missed by her political incumbents. Murphy said on Twitter that Oliver’s death saddened him and his family. “Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, @LtGovOliver,” the tweet read. Murphy also said that the five and a half years he served with Oliver was “the best decision I ever made.”

Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, @LtGovOliver.

We ask that you all keep the Oliver family and all those who loved her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ty6drz7DgY

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 1, 2023

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Oliver’s passing was a loss for the state. NBC News reported Christie’s statement, “The passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver is a loss for our state.” “I will miss Sheila. She served as Speaker in my first term, and we treated each other with kindness and respect. We got things done. She was a great person and partner,” the former governor tweeted.

The deceased political leader was different. The Associated Press reported Oliver showed up for Murphy’s bill signings—something that the political incumbents before her did not do. According to the outlet, Oliver was also praised for her public speaking skills.

Oliver was described as a trailblazer by many. In 2010 she became the second Black woman to lead a house of a state legislature in the United States.

by Iman Milner

August 3, 2023

Alzheimer’s Drug That Slows Symptoms Of The Fatal Disease May Be Less Effective For Black Patients

Scientists have been hard at work pushing promising treatment of Alzheimer’s through the drug Leqembi and more; however, results show they are less effective for Black patients.

According to NBCBlk, the drugs aid in removing a toxic protein—beta-amyloid—from the brain, but Black patients often have other risk factors that contribute more commonly to their battle with the disease.

Leqembi and donanemab are the first of their kind to help slow the mental decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Still, scientists worry that those most at-risk have not been considered by those developing the potentially life-changing treatments. Twenty percent of older Black people are said to have early symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other dementia, a rate double that of their white counterparts.

Racial disparities in diagnoses and treatment have recently become key factors in fatality for people of color suffering from cognitive diseases. Could it be that even a modern medical miracle contains implicit bias?

According to NBCBlk, nearly 50% of Black patients who volunteered for clinical trials of Leqembi were turned away because they failed to possess a high enough concentration of amyloid. Of 947 people enrolled in the U.S. version of the trial, only 43 participants were Black, although the community makes up the most Alzheimer’s cases. “We need to know what the other pathologies are beyond amyloid that leads to dementia in Black people, and how risk factors, especially socially constructed risk factors, relate to those pathologies,” Dr. Lisa Barnes of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Chicago said.

The findings from the trial have led researchers to believe that there needs to be an even more concerted effort across the industry to effectively determine how and why the percentage of Black patients suffering from cognitive diseases continues to rise. “Is it that it’s not Alzheimer’s disease? Is something else causing their cognitive problems across all these studies? Is it that the biomarkers don’t quite work the same in those communities, or is it something else that we’re not able to measure?” Dr. Joshua Grill, a University of California, Irvine, Alzheimer’s researcher, said.

White woman fired for harassing black man

by Daniel Johnson

August 3, 2023

White Woman Fired For Harassing Black Fisherman Now Needs His Help To Get Job Back

Anthony Gibson enjoys fishing at a pond in Springwater Plantation, his neighborhood in Newnan, Georgia. However, everyone in the neighborhood doesn’t like that. On TikTok, Gibson began to document every time a white person bothered him as he was minding his business while trying to fish.

On July 11, 2023, Gibson was fishing with friends when a white woman, Tanya Petty, came up to the group and informed Gibson that the pond is for “residents only.” Petty also informed Gibson that she would write down his license plate number and report him to the neighborhood authorities.

By the end of that day’s fishing trip, Gibson had been approached four times by white residents questioning his right to fish there.

Background on the incident was shared on Hollywood Unlocked’s Instagram.

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A post shared by HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED (@hollywoodunlocked)

Gibson later learned that Petty was fired from her job as a massage therapist at Sea Glass Therapy, an emotional wellness center, because of her actions. That was not his intent.

“I literally wanted people to see what people like me have to go through when they live in a nice neighborhood and people don’t think that they live there,” Gibson told NBC News.

Now, some of Gibson’s neighbors want him to help get Petty her job back. Gibson’s response to NBC News: “I’m not going to help her get her job back. She still hasn’t apologized to me. I haven’t seen her since.”

Gibson started recording videos in 2022 and say that other Black residents of Springwater Plantation have shared their own tales of being harassed. Gibson said a retired army veteran had a bag of dog feces left on his doorstep after telling a white community member to stop letting her dog defecate in his yard.

In other videos of Gibson’s, Black residents have shared stories of unfair treatment they have received while fishing.

Springwater Plantation’s president of the board of directors, Thomas Drolet, said that although the development is racially diverse, there are elements of racism in how some of the residents view other residents. Drolet also stressed that the matter is one the community needs to handle internally.

Unfortunately, all of the incidents seem to have taken a toll on Gibson “ I’m not afraid of anybody,” he said. “But do I want to get out of this house and go fishing and do any of that stuff around here anymore? Hell to the no.”

by Iman Milner

August 3, 2023

Glossier Extends Commitment To Black-Owned Beauty Businesses, Meet the 2023 Grantees

The Glossier Grant Program has a new class of Black beauty entrepreneurs with businesses ranging from halal-certified skincare to feminine hygiene products. Since 2020, Glossier, through its “Glossier For Good” initiative, has invested over $1.4 million into the grant program, which has helped to spearhead sustainable growth for more than 30 Black beauty founders.

This year, six new entrepreneurs will spend four months in partnership with Glossier receiving mentorship from the company’s team of advisers, access to business programming, and one-on-one meetings with CEO Kyle Leahy and a host of the brand’s partners. Chosen by a panel that included Glossier‘s CMO Kleo Mack, Chief Creative Officer Marie Suter, and Into the Gloss Editorial Director Ashley Weatherford, the grantees all possess the innovation, creativity, and passion necessary to drive the world of beauty forward.

The 2023 Glossier Grant Program grantees include Flora & Noor, the only halal-certified skincare brand made and based in the US. Its products are completely vegan and cater to those in need of combating skin conditions like eczema and hyperpigmentation. Mela Vitamins will also participate in the program; the brand is the first and only vitamin company geared specifically to the needs of melanated people, including crucial Vitamin D nutrients. Moodeaux, founded in 2021 by Briana Arps, is an earth-friendly fragrance brand boasting long-lasting scents that nurture the skin. Soss focuses on self-care for Black men by providing high-quality grooming products designed to fight irritation and to be gentle on the skin, while Kushae, founded by OB/GYN Dr. Barb and ex-pharmaceutical sales consultant Kimba, offers cruelty-free and pH-balanced feminine care products. Lastly, Of Other Worlds is a different kind of beauty product’ offering clean and clinical skincare products for all skin tones, body types, and genders.

Grantees must apply with a clear sense of purpose, differentiation between themselves and similar brands on the market, and a solid business plan to be considered.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 3, 2023

A Black-Owned, Organic Tea Line Inspired By Caribbean Roots

Learning from her great-grandmother, who developed a love for tea as a Caribbean islander during British colonial rule, Michelle Watson has turned that passion into a Black-owned brand with products that customers cannot keep in stock.

The CEO of IngenuiTea, described as an organic tea line of premium blends for a healthier lifestyle, hopes to expand her business by bringing homegrown tea recipes to the mainstream. With an assortment of flavors, such as the classic mint or a Caribbean fusion blend, Watson’s love of tea and its expansive health advantages drives her to pour into her work.

While her great-grandmother’s customs stemmed from her native country’s tradition of tea partly influenced by British colonization, that Grenadian heritage has seeped into the vibrant blends created by the teamaker today. Taking her Caribbean roots with her, she traveled the world to explore new plants and herbs as she developed her wide-ranging line.

According to Watson, tea is “the next best thing” for one’s body after water. Her mission to make the drink delicious, soothing, and affordable is critical to her brand. Not only do the teas provide natural caffeine, but they also contribute to lessening stress and anxiety in the herbal blends. Since launching in January, her high-quality teas have nearly sold out, amassing high sales to prove that her philosophy is also profitable.

Putting the community at the forefront, IngenuiTea Gourmet Tea and Spice Co. donate 10% of sales to organizations that cater to food security and woman-founded agricultural programs. The website also features a blog describing its latest blends of the season and how to best utilize its beverages, hot or iced, for the perfect summer evening or fall afternoon.

As Watson discovers new ways to pay homage to her familial tea-drinking customs, her company will bring that love and dedication to wellness to customers globally.

Randy, Moss, Chick A Boom, South Carolina, partnership

by Daniel Johnson

August 3, 2023

Randy Moss Partners With Chick-A-Boom To Expand Company

Randy Moss celebrated the opening of a new Chick-A-Boom drive-thru location in Philadelphia on July 29, 2023, alongside owner Brittany Tolliferreo. Moss became an investor in Tolliferreo’s business in 2023 because he felt their values aligned closely. Chick-A-Boom has been experiencing a boom due to deals with Lincoln Financial Field and the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, where it has concession locations. In addition, Tolliferreo operates food trucks in the city of Philadelphia, has deals with six Pennsylvania colleges, and recently announced a catering service and an entertainment arm of the business.

Moss first encountered the business on Instagram, and his initial excitement over the brand has become a partnership. His investment has allowed Chick-A-Boom the opportunity to become a true franchise with plans to expand well beyond Philadelphia. In fact, one of the places they are looking to expand in is Moss’ hometown of Rand, West Virginia, with a Chick-A-Boom Sports Club. Tolliferreo is excited to work with Moss, as she tells Afrotech, “It’s amazing to go into business with a legend,” Tolliferreo explained. “Not only does Randy have an entrepreneurial spirit, but he is a man of his word and he believes in the vision.”

Their connection began shortly after Moss’ Instagram like of a post on the Chick-A-Boom account. Tolliferreo sent Moss a message a few days later explaining her vision to him, and the pair arranged to meet in Philadelphia. Tolliferreo runs the business along with her husband, Kirk Hightower, and once Moss tasted the food, he was hooked. Moss became an investor, received an equity stake in the business, and started planning how to best expand on the company’s growth. Moss would like for the franchise to expand into Charlotte, North Carolina, where the ESPN broadcaster now lives, as well as other Southern states. Moss explained his excitement to Forbes, “For me to be able to be an entrepreneur, to team up with Brittany and her husband and her team here at Chick-A-Boom has been everything that I expected it to be,” Moss remarked. “I think now it’s time for the company to really try to branch off. I want to be the first one to have me a store and I want to bring it back to my people.”

by Lauren Nutall

August 3, 2023

Philander Smith College Becomes The Second HBCU In Arkansas

Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas, has transitioned into a university, making it the second HBCU in Arkansas. The school, now Philander Smith University, joins the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff as one of only two historically Black universities in the state.

This achievement has been in the works for a long time. Established in 1877, Philander Smith University had a pivotal role in the founding of the United Negro College Fund and is one of the earliest institutions west of the Mississippi River to educate newly freed Black Americans, according to the school’s official website.

The university offers a range of opportunities, teaching 20 majors and serving nearly 1,000 students. However, with this new title, it will be able to provide more academic and research opportunities than ever before, diversifying its academic fields. Philander Smith University now offers a master’s in Business Administration and hopes to expand into additional degree programs for graduate and undergraduate students.

Though this is only a name change to some, it is far more significant for the school. “That one word means that we are moving forward. It means we’re offering a different level of excellence,” said Philander Smith University’s Interim President and CEO, Dr. Cynthia A. Bond Hopson, during a press conference captured by THV11.

Shannon Clowney Johnson, the vice president of academic affairs and chief academic officer, shared how this goal came to fruition. “Philander Smith was founded by those who encouraged ‘dare to dream. Their mission [was] to provide formal higher education to train preachers and teachers.”

As HBCUs continue to grow in recognition and accomplishments, Black students have earned opportunities far beyond what some could have imagined and broken into industries they would have never thought possible. Now, Philander Smith University joins in this mission.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 3, 2023

Pharmaceutical Startup Secures $12M From VC Firm To Support Operations in Nigeria

A Nigerian startup changing the way hospitals receive pharmaceutical products just received some major financial support. Remedial Health recently raised $12 million Series A equity-debt funding to support operations in Nigeria, TechCrunch reports.

QED Investors, a fintech venture capital firm, sponsored the funding round, banking on implementing financial opportunities like payments and lending in the pharmaceutical field. With this being QED’s third investment in an African startup, Remedial can continue its work of being pharmacies’ and hospital’s go-to source for reliable products from manufacturers and verified distributors.

Remedial Health has helped Nigeria’s healthcare industry filter through outrageous prices and make products available that are the source of preventable deaths in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

Founded by CEO Samuel Okwuada and COO Victor Benjamin, the ultimate goal is to have more pharmacies and hospitals sign up, specifically in rural areas, where the help is needed. “We are seeing more growth in rural areas, because they are difficult to reach, and are far from major open drug markets in Nigeria,” Okwuada said.

What makes Remedial special is that customers receive their products within 24 hours and does provide last-mile delivery in-house or with the help of partners, according to AfroTech.

“We are a B2B business and we are able to provide inventory to these pharmacies without requesting cash up-front, or at the point of delivery,” Okwuada said. “We’ve seen them grow their businesses, open additional branches because they are able to get credit.”

QED Investors partner and head of Africa, Gbenga Ajayi, said the company is proud to work with a growing startup and is excited for what’s to come next.

“The success that Remedial Health has enjoyed to date is an indication of the market gap that exists, and their value in providing effective holistic services to thousands of pharmacies across Nigeria,” Ajayi said.

Remedial currently serves 5,000 pharmacies and hospitals and is still growing, expanding its clientele three times over since November 2022. Their catalog exceeds over 8,000 products, selling from some of the world’s leading manufacturers including GSK, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 3, 2023

R&B Group Blackstreet Honored With Street Renaming In New Jersey Hometown

A ceremony to rename a street in Paterson, NJ, recently took place for the R&B group Blackstreet. Presidential Boulevard is now Blackstreet Boulevard.

The Grammy Award-winning group, which features Chauncey “Black” Hannibal, Levi Little, Mark Middleton, and Eric Williams, was honored for their contributions to music. The group has had memorable hit records like “No Diggity,” “Before I Let You Go,” and “Joy.”

The street renaming ceremony was held at Presidential Blvd. between W. Broadway and Temple St. in Paterson on Friday, July 28, 2023. The group posted the accomplishment on its Instagram account.

“It’s official!!!

“Blackstreet is literally on the map📍Words can not express the amount of joy we have at this moment. Having a street dedicated to us in our honor from the city we grew up in is beyond anything we would have imagined when we were kids. Truly, a special thanks goes to Dr. Lisa Mimms, Benjie Wimberly, Mike Jackson, Robert Artist, and the rest of the men and women of the Paterson City Council. And a major thank you to the city of Paterson, New Jersey, for nurturing us and continually showing us love and support.”

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A post shared by BLACKstreet (@official_blackstreet)

BLACK ENTERPRISE had a brief conversation with Hannibal to speak about the recognition.

“I just thank God for where we are right now, man, and it looks like a beacon of hope right now in Patterson with this, with this Blackstreet Blvd. It has the two Grammys on the side, and it lights up at night.”

The group is happy for the acknowledgment, and Black hopes that when kids see the street, it inspires them to want to be successful. He wants them to know that they can also realize their dream and not fall into the pitfalls of society, especially in a neighborhood that isn’t perfect.

Blackstreet Street Renaming — (Image: Katrina Castillo-BLKat Entertainment LLC)

“This is definitely something that I’m hoping that’s going to give the younger generation right there where I’m from. That hey, you can make it out of there and do more for the community.” The emotional turmoil of receiving this honor caught up to Hannibal when he witnessed the street name unveiling.

“They’ve got the whole street blocked off, a bunch of people out there, and they just take you up, man. And I’m already crying. There it was. Like the most beautiful thing I’ve ever saw in my life, you know?

“I’m truly grateful. And this will bring about a change in Patterson. And I’m going to do everything I need to do to make that happen as well. Being that you know, I own, I own the brand, and I’ve been just rocking it, making sure the brand stays current.”

The Paterson native always wanted to give others advice they could utilize when entering any field. He stresses ownership of your art if you are going into a creative field.

“I own my catalog as well as the Blackstreet catalog and everything, and that’s what really is the game changer for us because I own the trademark and my catalog. So I’ve been able to do nice licenses and stuff like Instacart, you know, Ninja Turtles and things like that.”

Hannibal said he makes more money now because of the ownership of the music than when the group was at its peak.

The group will release a new single soon, and an upcoming solo project for “Black” may be in the works.

Blackstreet continues to perform, and the group hopes to headline a tour when the time is right. For now, Hannibal saids the group is still thriving, doing its thing, and we can expect more from Blackstreet.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 3, 2023

Donald Glover and Brother Join Forces for ‘Lando’ Limited Series

Donald and Stephen Glover are taking their screenwriting skills to a galaxy far, far away. The brothers are uniting on a project to expand the Star Wars franchise in the upcoming Disney+ series, Lando.

Based on the fan-favorite character, Lando Calrissian, the show will detail his younger years, with Donald expected to reprise his role from the 2018 movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story.

Donald Glover’s take on the role, originally portrayed by Billy Dee Williams, was well-received by critics and audiences alike. While Lando is finally getting his time in the spotlight, the show is currently being developed in a limited episode format.

It’s safe to assume that Star Wars fans are excited for an update on the series, which was announced almost three years ago to be in the planning stages. No word yet on when the series will premiere.

According to Above the Line, the Glover siblings are replacing Justin Simien, who reportedly withdrew from the series to direct Disney’s Haunted Mansion. The news of the duo latching on was kept secret for months.

Regardless, the spinoff series is highly anticipated, especially with Donald now officially connected. While he nor his brother have commented directly on their latest gig, they have collaborated on multiple projects in the past, including FX’s acclaimed series, Atlanta, which made Donald a household name. Most recently, the siblings partnered to create Swarm for Amazon Prime, which is up for two Primetime Emmy Awards this year.

However, the duo is not breaking any picket lines to be part of the series. The announcement stated that both brothers signed onto the project before the ongoing WGA strike, and are abstaining from working in any projects alongside their fellow writers.