National Crown Day Becomes A Two Week Celebration To Honor The Historical Movement
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 28, 2023

National Crown Day Becomes A Two Week Celebration To Honor The Historical Movement

The fourth national CROWN (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Day will not be a one-day hair affair.

Presented by Dove and the CROWN Coalition, CROWN Day has been extended to a two-week celebration after its first signing, four years ago on July 3, 2019, Happi reports. 2023’s CROWN Act festivities kicked off during the 2023 BET Awards in Los Angeles and will continue during the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans with the CROWN Awards.

 

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Hosted by Tai Beauchamp, the ceremony will honor advocates and celebrities including Essence president and CEO Caroline Wanga, Academy Award-nominated hairstylist Camille Friend, rapper and actress MC Lyte, actress Quvenzhané Wallis, news correspondent Michelle Miller, social media stars Lynae Vanee and Tabitha Brown, and comedian Kym Whitley. The CROWN Awards highlight the strength, grace, and impact of these Black women and girls who are leading the path to advance the legacy of Black beauty and intellect.

Esi Eggleston Bracey, president of Unilever U.S. & CEO of Unilever Personal Care, said that Dove is proud to continue to sponsor the work toward ending hair discrimination in the workplace. “While there is much to celebrate with 23 states and 50 municipalities that have passed CROWN legislation, there is still work to be done to ensure protections and inclusivity,” Bracey said, according to a press release. “We look forward to uplifting Black women and girls who are standing proudly in their full, unapologetic beauty as part of this year’s fourth annual CROWN Day festivities.”

Unilever, which owns some of the most popular haircare brands including Vaseline, Shea Moisture, and Dove, recently took an additional important step toward understanding the importance of Black haircare: It opened a salon, called the Polycultural Center of Excellence, for Black people to test its products and give their honest opinions on what works best for them and why.

‘The District,’ Described As An LGBT+ Safe Space, Opens In Flint
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 28, 2023

‘The District,’ Described As An LGBT+ Safe Space, Opens In Flint

In May, a Flint businessman announced the transformation of his downtown Flint restaurant, 501 Bar and Grill, into a safe space called The District, catering towards supporting its local LBGT+ community.

Upon the news, commenters had a mixed reaction to the new establishment, questioning the intentions of the space, given that its owners are two white, cisgendered, and heterosexual men. One naysayer even went so far to refer to one of the partners Phil Shaltz, as a “sleazy bastard,” according to Flint Beat.

The co-owners almost decided to indefinitely halt the renovation, until friends encouraged them to push forward, saying it was “the right thing” for the Michigan city.

The term “safe space” was coined by Moira Kenney in her 2001 novel Mapping Gay L.A. The term has ties to an era of Anti-Sodomy laws in the 60’s where those in the community could come and feel accepted. This, in turn, was adopted into the Women’s Movement and soon carried into all levels of society.

However, The District would not be the first place deemed as such within Flint. Safe Space Ally Drop-in Center and Wellness Services has been a staple in the Flint community since the late 80s. However, during the Covid-19 crisis, the center had to eliminate the program due to social distancing issues.

With the uptick in Anti-LGBTQIA policies and hate crimes, one might be rattled by the comments received on 501’s social media posts.

General manager of the establishment, Amber Weyn, read some facebook comments regarding their “safe space” announcement and decided to clarify, “It doesn’t matter who you are, our establishment is meant for everyone.”

The District hopes to become a place within Flint that supports the idea of a safe space for a multitude of people.

RELATED CONTENT: Billy Porter Is ‘Over’ The LGBTQ+ Rainbow Flag

11-Year-Old Owner Of Black-Owned Doll Company Surprised With $10,000 Grant
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 28, 2023

11-Year-Old Owner Of Black-Owned Doll Company Surprised With $10,000 Grant

Zoe Oli, a young entrepreneur from the suburbs of Georgia, received a special surprise, thanks to Verizon.

Oli, the co-owner of Beautiful Curly Me, received an unexpected $10,000 grant during a recent episode of the local TV show Atlanta & Company, The Atlanta Voice reported. During the interview at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, Oli and her mom and business partner, Evana Oli, were taken aback when former Atlanta Hawks guard Lou Williams walked out to present them with the generous check from Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program and partner LISC.

The 11-year-old, who is the company’s CEO, has big plans for how the money will be spent. “I’m going to use every cent to expand my company, my social impact, and expand the line of dolls this Christmas,” Oli said.

Beautiful Curly Me is an Atlanta-based company that boasts three Black dolls named Bella, Anika, and Leyla. Customers can also purchase haircare for girls and their dolls, affirmation puzzles, clothes, and books authored by Zoe herself.

The company started when she was 7 years old and her mom bought her a Black doll. Zoe noticed something was missing: “I loved that doll but it didn’t have curly hair like mine,” she said. After Evana failed to find a doll that matched the one her inquisitive daughter requested, the mother-daughter duo decided to take matters into their own hands.

Since then, the company has soared to new heights. On May 3, 2023, Beautiful Curly Me placed third in the third annual Small Business Big Wins contest sponsored by Barclays US Consumer Bank, earning a $20,000 cash prize, as told by The Neighbor. The competition was fierce, with more than 14,000 companies participating, but Beautiful Curly Me was selected as a Top 10 finalist. “We got to see how much people really love and support us,” said Evana. “It was really heartwarming to know we have a true community around the brand and what it stands for.”

Oli has also adopted a philanthropic model for her business, saying that for every doll purchased on the website, one is provided to a little girl in need.

Nancy Davis Turned Her Pain Into Purpose & A Fight For Reproductive Rights
by Iman Milner

June 28, 2023

Nancy Davis Turned Her Pain Into Purpose & A Fight For Reproductive Rights

When Louisiana’s Nancy Davis was denied a birth termination she lawfully had a right to receive, she decided that no other women or families would be left to deal with similar traumas alone. The Nancy Davis Foundation was founded in 2022 in hopes of helping Americans navigate the war on Roe v. Wade rights across the country. Davis and her partner, who are parents to three children, were excited to learn they would be adding another member to their family. Weeks into the pregnancy, the baby was diagnosed with a lethal condition called acrania, which is the absence of a fetal skull. With a more than 90% chance that their baby would not be born if carried to full term, Davis and her partner made the decision to terminate her pregnancy. However, due to the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade in the state of Louisiana, their doctor broke the news that he would not be able to perform the procedure. What followed was a 1,300-mile journey to New York City, where Davis could safely receive an abortion due to the fact that her 16-week pregnancy was deemed “medically futile.” Maternal health in America is always a burning topic, and even more so for Black women, who continue to die during childbirth at alarming rates. For Davis, this is a major concern and the reason she has told her story. “This has changed my life, and I am committed to fighting to ensure other people don’t have to go through what I went through,” Davis said via the foundation’s website. “I want to reimagine what is possible for our communities, centering those historically left behind. Our right to abortion was stolen from us. But a better, more equitable, future is ours — and I know we can build it together.”

Davis recently met with first lady Dr. Jill Biden to talk about the damaging effects of the new abortion laws, and on June 22 she was named the recipient of Lifting Louisiana’s RBG Fierce Advocacy on Behalf of Women award.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 28, 2023

Phaedra Parks Gives Her 13-Year-Old Son The Gift Of Rental Property

Phaedra Parks’ eldest son turned the big 1-3, and to celebrate, the Bravo star threw him a lavish celebration and gifted him with an investment into his future.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum went all out for her son Ayden’s birthday last month by throwing him a royal-themed party at their home in Buckhead, Georgia, The Messenger reports. Much like the 12 birthday cakes Parks provided for Ayden’s first birthday years ago, the reality star didn’t hold back when it came to celebrating her son’s milestone year.

“I mean, it was almost like a little royal coronation,” Parks said.

The party included a trumpet player, stilt walkers, and fire dancers as well as farm animals, carnival games, and a 360 photo booth.

“Of course he’s 13 now, so he’s entering true adolescence,” said Parks of her son. “But I tried to really do a lot of elements from the first birthday party.”

When it came to Ayden’s birthday gift, Parks opted for a real estate investment rather than the dirt bike he’d wanted.

“I gave him a piece of investment property, because he loves investments and money,” Parks revealed.

“He wanted a dirt bike [but I thought], ‘Let me get you something that you won’t kill yourself [on]. Let me get you something that’s going to be useful.'”

Parks knows the rental property won’t be as much cause for concern as a dirt bike would. Plus, the mother-son duo plan to work on the property together.

“I’ll probably have to worry about this rental property, but I won’t worry about it as much!” she joked.

“We are going to do a project together where we will rehab that property, so I’m super excited about that.”

Ayden’s celebration included an appearance from Dwight Eubanks, an OG from RHOA who helped plan the boy’s first birthday party that fans watched in the early seasons of the show. Viewers followed Parks’ entry into motherhood when she welcomed Ayden and his younger brother Dylan, with her ex-husband, Apollo Nida.

Now that Ayden is 13, Phaedra is celebrating the young man he is already becoming.

“He’s quite the young man,” she said of Ayden. “He gave me a wonderful [emerald] necklace with diamonds [from Congés Jewelry].”

Let’s see if Parks outdoes herself when Dylan, whom she nicknamed “Mr. President,” turns 13 in three years.

RELATED CONTENT: Reality Star Phaedra Parks’ Ex-Husband Apollo Nida Asks Federal Judge To Terminate His Probation, Citing It Interfering With His Money

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2023

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work: Joel Embiid Launches Production Company In Partnership With LeBron James

In a pairing no one saw coming, two NBA superstars—the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and Philadelphia 76er Joel Embiid—will be playing on the same team, sort of.

According to Variety, the league’s highest-scoring player of all time and the current NBA MVP are collaborating to launch a production studio called Miniature Géant. Embiid runs the new studio backed by the SpringHill Company, a media venture created by James and partner Maverick Carter. 

“We want to do as much as we can to inspire,” said Embiid in a written statement. “I want it to be successful, but I want it done the right way. The whole goal is just to try to tell people’s stories and use my platform to inspire the next generation.”

Boardroom reports that Miniature Géant will produce unscripted, scripted, audio, and branded stories that showcase people who have pursued nontraditional avenues to success. One of the company’s first projects  is a documentary showing the path Embiid himself took from the streets of Yaoundé, Cameroon, to his current role as a six-time NBA all-star who was recently named the league’s most valuable player.

“Joel Embiid is one of the greatest basketball players of this generation, but he’s an even better human being. He’s incredibly smart, funny, and thoughtful, and we’re really lucky to have this opportunity to work with him as he shares his unique point of view with the world,” Maverick Carter said. “At SpringHill, our mission is empowerment, and [James’ project] UNINTERRUPTED was built to empower athletes as creators so they can create important and impactful content. Joel is the perfect person to do this with.” 

The SpringHill Company plans to provide production, development, and strategic resources to Miniature Géant, positioning the company to focus its storytelling on Black audiences.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2023

Hennessy Honors The Spirit Of Hip-Hop’s With Limited Edition ‘HenNASsy’ Bottle After Famed Rapper Nas

In July 2023, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Hennessy will do something it has never done in the existence of the brand. A limited-edition Hennessy VS will be released featuring Queensbridge’s own legendary recording artist Nas, and rebranded with a HenNASsy logo.

“It means a lot to me to celebrate this legendary moment in Hip Hop history with Hennessy, a brand that has supported me for over 10 years,” said Nas in a written statement. “Hennessy is part of our culture and continues to inspire generations of Hip Hop fans, so I’m really proud to share our new Limited-Edition bottle with the world.”

Hennessy collaborated with Bronx-bred photographer Renell Medrano to produce a Nas-narrated film that is being billed as the rapper’s love letter to hip-hop and features imagery of the special Hennessy VS bottle.

Hennessy Nas Limited Edition

“Hennessy has been an undeniable mainstay in Hip Hop, intricately woven into the fabric of the genre and its global influence for decades,” said Jasmin Allen, senior vice president of Hennessy USA. “We’re proud to honor Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary with a pioneer of the art and culture – Hip Hop icon Nas – as we celebrate the debut of our collaborative Limited-Edition Bottle.”

To celebrate the culture of hip-hop, the mixologists employed by the Cognac brand have created three unique cocktails:

  • The Big Apple: Hennessy’s homage to the birthplace of hip-hop, inspired by Nas. The fruity notes of Hennessy VS complement the cinnamon-apple flavors prevalent in the cocktail.
  • HenNASsy Honey: A tribute to Hennessy’s partnership with Nas. The complexity of Hennessy VS reacts well with the sweetness of honey while balancing the tartness of lemon juice in this cocktail.
  • Incredible Hennessy: A new twist on a classic hip-hop cocktail. This well-balanced and refreshing cocktail taps into Hennessy’s legacy within hip-hop and will be immediately recognizable to fans of the brand and the genre.

On August 11, 2023, the actual birthday of the seminal culture that was started in the Bronx, Hennessy will send its Team Hennessy ambassadors across 14 U.S. markets to host hip-hop celebrations.

Mathew Knowles And Executive Producer Tamra Simmons Announce Partnership With New New Production Company, Music World TV, Film & Media
by Lauren Nutall

June 28, 2023

Mathew Knowles And Executive Producer Tamra Simmons Announce Partnership With New New Production Company, Music World TV, Film & Media

Mathew Knowles and Emmy-nominated executive producer Tamra Simmons have announced the ultimate team-up in a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE. The duo has partnered to create the media company Music World TV, Film & Media. Knowles, the mastermind behind the iconic musical group Destiny’s Child, will serve as CEO. Simmons, producer of the docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, will act as president. The company boasts many accomplished women executives, including Jasmine Murray as head of development and Krystal Rascoe as business liaison. 

Music World TV, Film & Media is developing both scripted and unscripted projects. Knowles shared his excitement about the new venture. “I can’t wait to see what this next generation of women can accomplish,” he said.

“I’m excited for this new journey. I’ve always believed in giving back, and what greater gift can you give than the gift of knowledge.”

Simmons is also looking forward to the new venture and to expanding the boundaries of the entertainment industry.

“I am thrilled to partner with Mr. Knowles. We have both achieved success in the industry individually, and I am excited to collaborate and achieve even greater success together,” Simmons said.

“This partnership presents a unique opportunity for us to dominate the TV and film business and gain new heights of achievement. As the saying goes, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ My team and I look forward to going farther with Music World TV & Film.”

Both Knowles and Simmons hope to change the current landscape of the film and television industry by drawing in diverse audiences. With their impressive résumés, it shouldn’t be a difficult feat. 

Both Knowles and Simmons are well established in their respective fields. Knowles is considered one of the best managers in the music industry, his most notable success being the career of his daughter Beyoncé. He successfully developed the independent music label Music World Entertainment, selling over 450 million records, and executive produced multiple No. 1 soundtracks such as Dreamgirls, Cadillac Records, and The Fighting Temptations. 

Knowles is also behind successful marketing campaigns for brands such as Pepsi, L’Oreál, and Samsung, just to name a few. 

Simmons’ most notable work is the Lifetime docuseries Surviving R. Kelly, which garnered over 25 million views following its 2019 debut. The series produced three well received seasons. Simmons is also the executive producer of Casey Anthony: Where the Truth Lies, which premiered on Peacock to soaring ratings. 

Knowles is represented by Lin Almanza at Music World Entertainment, and Simmons is represented by Bobby Kenner and Ashley Harrison at CAA.

RELATED CONTENT: Mathew Knowles Reveals His Vision Behind Remixing ‘No, No, No Part I’ By Destiny’s Child 

Black Thought Project And Media 2070 Collaborate To Release “The Black Future Newsstand”
by Lauren Nutall

June 28, 2023

Black Thought Project And Media 2070 Collaborate To Release “The Black Future Newsstand”

In celebration of Juneteenth, the Black Thought Project and Media 2070 have collaborated to mount the “Black Future Newsstand,” a live newsstand designed to answer the question, “What does a media that loves Black people look, feel, sound, and taste like in a future where reparations are real?”

The installation, located in The Africa Center’s Teranga Cafe at Fifth Avenue in Harlem, drew a large crowd of creatives who gathered to imagine an alternate world in which reparations exist, and the media centers on Black stories rather than excludes them.

The installation offers people the opportunity to view featured outlets and artwork. Visitors can also read the special “Black Future News” edition of the New York Amsterdam News, created in partnership with the Newsstand team.

“We have poured our hearts, souls, art, dreams, and self-love into this newsstand,” Media 2070 co-creator Collette Watson said in a news release. “We’re so grateful to bring this project to Harlem and are overwhelmed by the turnout and positive reception.”

Added Watson, “It’s important that Black people own and control our narratives and that Black expression is protected. These Black-owned publications provide a space for us to breathe and offer our perspectives and gifts.”

The exhibit received hundreds of visitors throughout the week, all clamoring to view the Afro-futuristic display, which featured Black-owned publications that guests could peruse. Contributing artists also spoke to the guests, and visitors shared stories they would like to see in the news with the project’s organizers.

The installation also showcased a Black Thought Wall, which allowed visitors to write directly on the outer walls of the newsstand, answering questions like “What do you love about yourself?” 

“There are so many people who have done the utmost to bring this newsstand to fruition, and our gratitude can’t be overstated,” said Alicia M. Walters, creator of the Black Thought Project. “We are here to practice centering Blackness together and celebrate what is possible when Black people come together in creative matrimony.”

Umber magazine was one of the featured publications at the newsstand.

“Umber was created for moments like this,” said Mike Nicholls, its founder and creative director. “We’re all about globally amplifying creative perspectives that matter, and I’m honored and humbled to have Umber be part of Black Future Newsstand. It’s critical to create and promote the future you want to see, particularly as it relates to Black publishing and journalism.”

“Black Future Newsstand” will remain open in The Africa Center’s Teranga Cafe through July 31.

The Black Future Newsstand Project was made possible with the support and collaboration of Free Press, Maven Collaborative, and Borealis Philanthropy’s Racial Equity in Journalism Fund. Institutional partners include The Africa Center and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

RELATED CONTENT: Juneteenth Cleared A Path For The Rise Of The Black Investor Class

Sheena Roberson Wants To Make More Room For Women Of Color In The Cannabis Industry
by Lauren Nutall

June 28, 2023

Sheena Roberson Wants To Make More Room For Women Of Color In The Cannabis Industry

It goes by many names: Mary Jane, cannabis and, commonly, marijuana. Still, no matter its title, the plant is projected to change the landscape of medicine and business as the country knows it. Retail cannabis is one of the most lucrative business ventures in 2023. 

Since its legalization, the cannabis market has been saturated with entrepreneurs hoping to take advantage of the ever-growing industry. Entrepreneurs are scrambling to set up shop both in-person and online. The United States cannabis market is valued at $13.2 billion and is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years, according to Ebony.

Cannabiz Media, a cannabis and hemp intelligence platform, revealed that by 2027 the global cannabis market revenue is estimated to reach $92.1 billion.

Black and Brown business owners are carving out their own space in the growing industry. Cannabis Noire founder Sheena Roberson seeks to create space for herself and others in her quest to make cannabis accessible for minorities and underserved communities, according to Candid Chronicle. She also wants to help create a gender-inclusive industry and bring more women of color to the forefront of the cannabis market.

One way she did that was by launching the Women of Color Cannabis Business and Wellness Conference. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these Black women in the cannabis space, address the unique challenges they face and empower them to continue leading the way,” Roberson said.

The inaugural conference took place June 24 and June 25, 2023. Black women and women of color convened to discuss how to create new opportunities within the cannabis industry and amplify their voices, Ebony reported.

The conference provided panels and workshops to assist career women in learning money-making strategies. The event hosted over 30 female speakers, who offered advice about navigating business, entrepreneurship, and health wellness. 

RELATED CONTENT: Owner of Black-Owned Cannabis Wellness Brand Launches Platform to Help Other Startup Entrepreneurs

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