Dupri took to Instagram to announce he will host a SoSoDef Festival Oct. 7-8, 2023, at Atlanta’s Central Park. While there is no official lineup for the festival yet, fans of the label are expecting similar appearances to the label’s 20th anniversary tour, which included Xscape, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, Anthony Hamilton, Bone Crusher,Youngbloodz, Dem Franchize Boyz, and J-Kwon.
For those looking to secure their spot in the festivities, we’ve got you covered. You can head to the official website and purchase early bird tickets for $125 and VIP tickets starting at $250. The event is expected to take place rain or shine, with doors opening daily at 12 p.m. ET.
In the meantime, Dupri has been announced as a 2023 inductee into the Black Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame alongside Magic Johnson, Queen Latifah, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes.
“This year’s inductees embody Black excellence and individually have bodies of work that will remain impactful for generations to come”, said Catherine Brewton, one of the founding members of the Georgia Entertainment Caucus. All of the honorees will receive a Crown Jewel of Excellence emblem that will be installed on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in front of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
Wharton School’s First Black MBA Graduate, Hettie Love, Passes Away At 100
The first Black graduate of The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania has passed away at the age of 100.
Hettie Simmons Love was the first Black to graduate with a Master of Business Administration from The Wharton School, Penn Live reported. Love graduated from the Ivy League institution in 1947. She was the only Black student, and she and one other woman were the only female students at the time.
She was remembered as a pioneer and an educator by the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, community. ABC27 anchor James Crummel, who was a student of Love’s daughter, Karen, wrote on Facebook, “100-year-old Hettie Love was a trailblazer in more ways than one. She was passionate about education and was always giving back to the community. I always enjoyed our time together. It was a real honor to know her. She will absolutely be missed,” the post read.
According to Penn Today, the National Youth Foundation nonprofit organized a workshop in which students wrote a book about Love’s life in 2021. That book, Hettie Simmons Love: Penn Pioneer, included a quote from Erika James, Wharton’s first Black woman dean, at Love’s request.
When Love returned to the campus for the writing workshop in 2021, James said to her, “I would not be here if it weren’t for someone like you who paved the way.” She continued, “It’s so inspiring to me, inspiring to your family, and to others … that it has resulted in a book in your honor. This book recognizes the work that you’ve done and the life you have led.”
Before attending Wharton, Love completed her undergraduate education at Fisk University.
Hettie Simmons Love was born in Jacksonville, Fla., and became a Diamond member of Fisk’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, according to Penn Live. She was married to George Love, with whom she shared two children, George Jr. and Karen.
Black Texas Restaurant Brought Back To Life After 38-Year Hiatus
Decades ago, White’s Bar-B-Q in Longview, Texas, was a lively establishment, frequented by Black Americans throughout the area, including singer Ray Charles.
It closed in 1985 has been revitalized by the original owner’s daughter, Audrey White, Travel Noire reported. The building was set to be demolished but White was offered the chance to bring the once-popular restaurant back to life. She immediately accepted and has invested $40,000 of her savings into the project.
Under White’s leadership, it looks like this new venture will be a success.
“The grand opening was just so exhilarating because of the support that the community has given me. When people come in, they will see things in the past; they will see themselves when they were younger,” she said. An example: “One young lady held a birthday party here, a private deal, and she was sitting here with all of her friends and it was so happy. Everybody was happy. It was just like back in the day.”
The menu, a blend of ribs, brisket, chicken legs, and sausage, is a callback to its earlier flavors.
Texas has always had a fraught history with Black restaurateurs. While the state is known for its delicious barbecue, ranking exceptionally high compared to its Southern counterparts according to YouGov, it also has a fair amount of racist history.
The Library of Congress completed an extensive recorded history of Texas’ segregation era and its escalation of violence. Years ago, Black diners were excluded from many restaurants, leading them to eat at Black-owned establishments instead. This eventually built a community among the South’s Black Americans as these restaurants served as safe spaces for civil rights organizers, according to Southern Living.
The state has a rich history of Black-owned restaurants. For an extensive list, visit the Texas Restaurant Association.
This sweet shop in Baltimore is the only one of its kind.
Cajou Creamery, a plant-based ice cream company, has whipped up some healthier alternatives to ice cream for the DMV community.
The creamery boasts super-premium ice cream options that are crafted using whole superfoods, and free from chemicals, artificial flavors, or fillers. “Our goal is to make ice cream better — better tasting, better for your body, and better for the planet,” the company says on its website.
Husband and wife Nicole Foster and Dwight Campbell own the creamery. According to WBAL-TV 11, the couple began crafting ice cream in 2016 to provide their lactose-intolerant children with a healthier and natural alternative to the sweet treat.
“We celebrate simplicity in ice cream, using a few responsibly-sourced, nutrient-rich ingredients to churn out flavors into luxurious, creamy, dairy-free ice cream. As a result of our purist standards, our small batch hand-crafted ice creams sing with the authenticity of pure ingredients,” the company wrote.
Foster and Campbell create bases using handcrafted plant milks. “We handcraft the cashew milk,” Foster said. “We make the bases ourselves, and we flavor them ourselves.”
Cajou Creamery’s seven flavors represent cultures worldwide, inspired by their passion for travel and international cuisine. The globally-inspired flavors are sweet potato, blueberry cheesecake, baklava, horchata, kulfi, cortadito, and Mexican cacao.
Not only is the couple offering healthy dessert options, but the entrepreneurs have opened up opportunities for the incarcerated.
“We feel really deeply committed and passionate about giving returning citizens an opportunity — not only at a job, but because we are transitioning to a worker-owned co-op, an opportunity at ownership, and we hope by doing this we can transform communities,” Foster said.
Cajou ice creams are sold at Whole Foods and other stores, restaurants, and markets all over the area. The treats are also available at natural retail stores nationwide. Foster and Campbell are working to expand business with a second location in Baltimore.
The Country’s Oldest Black-Owned Camp Makes Long-Awaited Return After 3 Years
Camp Atwater, the country’s oldest Black-run summer camp, has re-opened following a three-year halt.
Stretching across 75 acres and neighboring Lake Lashaway, the North Brookfield, MA, camp has impacted the lives of over 60,000 Black children, bringing them cultural and academic experiences like no other.
Camp Atwater, an overnight camp, was founded in 1921 by pastor and social worker Dr. William N. DeBerry. The camp serves children ages 8 to 15 and is registered as a National Historic Site. It’s named after Dr. David Fisher Atwater whose daughter, Mary Atwater, donated $25,000 in honor of her father.
The camp has an impressive network of alumni, including two-time Oscar-winning fashion designer, Ruth Carter; Detroit’s first Black mayor, Coleman A. Young; and Donald Faison, the award-winning actor from the hit TV series, Scrubs.
The camp ceased operations in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic but has now returned with government financial assistance. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, (D-MA) provided nearly half a million dollars to help Camp Atwater continue running in 2023, according to Massachussetts Live.
During the years it was inactive, it was revamped by Henry Thomas III, the CEO and president of the Urban League, which runs the camp. .
“We just felt our campers really needed this,” Shadae Harris-Thomas, Thomas’ daughter and the camp’s new executive director, told Massachusetts Live. “Our young people need a place where they see themselves in the majority and can experience peace, put the electronics down and discover their natural environment
“We have about 50 campers there this summer, but we intentionally kept it at 50 since it’s the first year the camp is up and running, so we can continue to focus on programs,” she said.
Howard Alum Launches Company To Modernize Fertility Care For Today’s Families
Meet Blair Matthews, proud husband, father, and founder of a new digital health startup that’s reimagining the fertility journey for families.
Blair is fresh off the heels of launching Zuri Fertility in honor of Infertility Awareness Month. The digital platform aims to guide families through their fertility journey by offering personalized care that includes everything from telehealth and education to mental health services and financial support.
The passion for the company was born out of the fertility struggles he and his wife, Jasmine Matthews, experienced prior to welcoming their two sons. The happy couple, who met while attending Howard University, faced shame and frustration after spending a year trying to conceive, to no avail.
For Blair, being a Black man struggling with infertility helped him see firsthand how the community stigmatizes seeking medical help for reproductive health issues. He also noticed the lack of representation and education about male fertility.
The Matthews did their own research, trying out a number of remedies in hopes of getting pregnant. Once Jasmine, who works as a Physician Associate, tapped into her network to get the insights she needed, the couple ended up getting pregnant after a trip to Blair’s home country of Zanzibar.
After finally conceiving, Blair teamed up with his co-founder Giuliana Zaccardelli to launch Zuri, which means good and beautiful in Swahili. Speaking exclusively with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Blair went more in-depth about his company’s mission, services provided, and stigmas around male fertility.
Tell us about the inspiration behind Zuri.
Zuri Fertility was born out of our personal experiences and the challenges we faced when trying to start a family. I realized that many individuals in the U.S. struggle to access affordable and reliable fertility services due to high costs, lack of insurance coverage, and misinformation.
As a Northwestern alum, I am driven to create a solution to simplify the fertility journey, making it less stressful, less expensive, and more joyful for couples. My co-founder and I aim to provide streamlined assistance and trustworthy resources through a personalized digital fertility clinic.
Are there services and resources that Zuri offers for couples looking to conceive?
Absolutely. At Zuri Fertility, we offer a comprehensive range of services and resources to support couples on their fertility journey. Our app serves as a one-stop platform, providing educational resources, menstrual and ovulation tracking, at-home fertility testing, and referrals to specialized treatment options at nearby brick-and-mortar fertility clinics.
One of the key services we provide is testing, which is a crucial initial step. Through blood work and imaging studies, couples can gain insights into their fertility status. Additionally, we connect users with a dedicated support team, including medical providers such as therapists, dietitians, fertility specialists, and fertility financial counselors. We believe in providing holistic care to address the emotional, physical, and financial aspects of infertility.
What are some common misconceptions and stigmas around male fertility?
One common misconception is that infertility is solely a female issue. However, male fertility is equally significant in the process. At Zuri Fertility, we emphasize the importance of male testing alongside female testing. We aim to break down the stigmas and provide a comprehensive understanding of fertility health.
It’s crucial to recognize that factors such as sexual activity, smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption can impact sperm health. By addressing these misconceptions, we empower couples with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their fertility journey.
What advice do you have for couples dealing with the emotional and financial impact of infertility?
Our advice is to prioritize open communication and empathy within the relationship. It’s essential to create a supportive environment where both partners can express their feelings and concerns.
Additionally, finding ways to make the journey less goal-oriented and more enjoyable can alleviate some of the stress. We also encourage couples to explore the expanding coverage for fertility treatments provided by employers, making services like Zuri more affordable and accessible.
How beneficial are digital health services for the Black community?
Digital health services can immensely benefit the Black community by easing access to care when needed. At Zuri, our platform breaks down barriers by providing accessible and trustworthy information. Zuri empowers patients to take control of their reproductive health by gaining knowledge about fertility care options.
Furthermore, at Zuri Fertility, we ensure the privacy and protection of patient information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Improving access and awareness, digital health services assist in bridging the healthcare gap and promoting better outcomes for the Black community.
The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities recently announced this year’s group of HBCU Scholars.
Selected across 29 states and countries and 70 HBCUs, the program recognizes 102 outstanding students who have proven themselves as leaders. Selected students will serve as ambassadors for their respective universities and the White House Initiative, as well as work to improve their surrounding community by addressing issues relating to HBCUs. Scholars will also have the opportunity for professional development and networking.
“Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation ’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I’m thrilled to see the HBCU Scholars program continue to expand its reach and provide such exciting professional development, networking, and educational opportunities to some of our nation’s brightest and most promising young leaders.”
The HBCU Scholar Program, a partnership with NASA, encourages students to collaborate and innovate with NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC). Through this program, students partner with each other create technological advancements designed to improve their campus.
“We are looking forward to the new ideas that the Scholars develop at the MITTIC Hack-a-thon using NASA’s technology portfolio and our continued overall support of the HBCU community,” said MUREP manager Torry Johnson.
This year’s conference, “Raising the Bar: Forging Excellence Through Innovation & Leadership,” will give students the opportunity to learn how to use their leadership skills, innovate, and grow professionally and personally. They will also interact with each other and partners of the White House Initiative.
As sweeping legislation causes drastic changes in diversity efforts nationwide, HBCUs are more necessary than ever. This program offers young professionals the opportunity to grow in their desired industry. The list of the winners can be found here.
The Black Lives Matter Movement Commemorates 10 Years
July 13, 2023 marks ten years since the Black Lives Matter movement was founded by activists Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi. The movement was born after the 2012 shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman. The teenager, who was Black, was gunned down near his father’s residence in Florida after purchasing a pack of Skittles, according to CNN. He had been profiled by Zimmerman, a white Hispanic male, who assumed that Martin was a robber. Zimmerman was acquitted by an almost exclusively white jury. The aftermath of Martin’s death and Zimmerman’s acquittal sparked anger across the country, and his death led to a nationwide push for police reform.
Now, the Black Lives Matter organization is a global network. It will commemorate this day with in-person and virtual events, as well as efforts to defund the police. Melina Abdullah, who is the director of BLM Grassroots Inc., spoke to Click Orlando about the movement. “What this movement moment means is that we have to absolutely redouble our efforts and redouble our commitment to making Black lives matter,” she said.
On July 15, the Los Angeles chapter will be holding the “#BLMTurns10 People’s Justice Festival” in Leimert Park. The event will feature a garden dedicated to victims of police violence and and a speech by Trayvon Martin’s mother, Sybrina Fulton. Philosopher and political activist Dr. Cornel West, who recently announced his candidacy for the presidency, will also make an appearance.
Ahead of its festival, the Black Lives Matter movement is leading a campaign called the Defund the Police Week of Action. There are also calls for a draft proclamation, declaring July 13 “Black Lives Matter Day.”
“As we continue our push to defund the police, invest in Black communities and reimagine safety in our communities, we need our elected officials to focus on the people, not police. The safest places around the world don’t have more police, more jails, more prisons, or harsher sentences. They have better access to economic opportunities, quality education, stable housing, and health care,” D’Zhane Parker, a board member of BLM Global Network Foundation, said in a statement.
Tennessee Black Churches Find KKK Flyers Outside Of Building
Police are conducting an investigation after Ku Klux Klan flyers were recently discovered outside of three Black churches in Columbia, Tennessee, according to WKRN-TV News.
The recruitment flyers were found outside of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Bethel Chapel AME Church, and Faith United Missionary Baptist Church. Churchgoers in the area came upon them as they exited service. While faded from the rainy weather, some of the language was still legible, saying, “Be warned.”
Kenny Anderson Sr., church pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist, spoke about the ordeal.
“That lets me know now it’s a threat,” Anderson said. “I don’t see it as a prank; I don’t see it as just three churches, why not all of them? Well, I don’t care if it’s just one, it was still an act of hate and evil, and we have to stand against that.”
In May 2022, the Associated Press reported that KKK leaflets were left outside Black churches in rural Mississippi. Despite these threats, KKK membership has steadily declined over the decades, according to Lydia Bates, a senior research analyst at the Southern Poverty Law Center.
“They are, not surprisingly, not good at conflict resolution, so there is a lot of infighting that splits up groups and then they splinter into other smaller groups and they make new names, but it’s all the same members,” Bates told The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
The flyers in Tennessee were apparently the work of the Old Glory Knights, a chapter of the Ku Klux Klan that has only appeared in the past few years.
Former Congressional Black Caucus Workers Start Political Action Committee
Nicarra Campbell-Wallace, a former political director of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, is launching a new organization, the Rolling Sea Fund, according to NBC News.
The organization will be aligned with, but not affiliated directly with, the Democratic Congressional Black Caucus. It will focus on increasing Black voter engagement, flipping the House majority in favor of the Democrats, and electing the first Black Speaker of the House.
“We know that Black voters are the cornerstone of the Democratic Party and of protecting American democracy,” Campbell-Wallace said. “This will be something where we have an always-on effort to empower and mobilize Black voters and make sure that we are reflecting the diversity and amazingness of America. We recognize as Democrats that we can do more and support Black voters who have been the cornerstone of our democracy, have turned out in record numbers overwhelmingly.”
The name is a nod to the Black National Anthem,” Lift Every Voice and Sing,” reflecting the group’s focus on Black voters and Black issues.
However, another aim of the group is to get Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to sit as Speaker of the House. The group’s expected initial funding of ten million dollars will go a long way toward this long-term goal while it addresses the short-term goal of gaining the five seats required to give Democrats control of the House.
Focused on states where the average Black voter engagement is around 8%, this allows the PAC to choose battles that it sees as vital as opposed to spreading itself too thin in contests that it may not be able to affect efficiently.
Recent numbers suggest that Black people are losing confidence in the party. In 2009, 76% of Black voters polled by NBC News had a favorable view of the Democrats, but in April 2023, that number had fallen to 61%. Thus, the PAC’s focus on Black voters is equal parts response and reassurance that is of paramount importance to the Democratic Party’s long-term prospects.
According to the Huffington Post, as recently as 2020, there have been efforts aimed at increasing the diversity in the Democratic Party’s junior ranks, such as congressional aides. These efforts led to an increased presence of diverse vendors who were given contracts by the Democratic Party.
More recently, Black lawmakers have grown frustrated with what seems to be a lack of progress by the Biden administration when it comes to prioritizing issues that Black constituents care about. The lack of student loan forgiveness, as student loan debt disproportionately affects Black people, coupled with failures to pass meaningful criminal justice reform laws or increase voter protections with a Democratic majority in the Senate signaled a lack of concern with issues directly affecting Black people.
As Kevin Harris, former executive director of the CBC, told the New York Times: “It’s a difficult conversation to go back into those (Black) communities and explain why we didn’t get criminal justice reform. It’s a difficult conversation to go into those communities and talk about why we didn’t get the protections that we need with voting rights. That’s a hard conversation to have. But you still go have it.”
If all goes right with this new PAC, perhaps Democrats will have to do less explaining about what they didn’t get done and more talking about the things they have accomplished for their most consistent voting bloc.
