• Business

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 22, 2023

Issa Rae Steps Up To ‘Invest In The Black Community’ With The ‘Backing Change’ Initiative

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Issa Rae is the creator behind television hits like Insecure and her current Rap Sh*t, but she’s also a small business owner who’s passionate about amplifying other Black and small businesses.

That’s why Issa teamed up with American Express to support the Backing Change initiative that aids underrepresented-owned small businesses with tools including grants and funding, Business Class content that helps businesses become more resilient and resourceful, a Contract Connections platform that connects Buyers and Suppliers, and a ByBlack program that serves as the first national certification program exclusively for Black-ownership designation.

Speaking exclusively with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Issa shared more about her involvement in the initiative and how it helps early entrepreneurs overcome common business hurdles.

Tell us about the importance of initiatives like Backing Change and what inspired your involvement.

I’ve been an American Express Card Member since 2006 and have partnered with them since 2019 – I continue to be impressed with the many resources they provide to small businesses, especially those owned by minority entrepreneurs. I’ve had the chance to meet and connect with many entrepreneurs to hear about their journeys and challenges firsthand. American Express provides unprecedented access to capital, resources, and tools for small businesses, all under the Backing Change umbrella. Support and resources go such a long way and AmEx truly walks the walk.

What are some common challenges early entrepreneurs face that initiatives like Backing Change help to combat?

Finding and connecting with customers and accessing capital are two of the most common challenges entrepreneurs face. Backing Change includes ByBlack, powered by the US Black Chambers Inc., and it’s the first national certification program exclusively for Black ownership designation. That means Black-owned small businesses can get a quick, simple, and free accreditation that allows customers and other companies to easily find these businesses. I certified my hair care business, Sienna Naturals, and customers have expressed that they appreciate having a trusted database to help them buy Black.

As another way to help entrepreneurs get customers, Amex offers Contract Connections in partnership with the National 8(a) association – this is a matchmaking program connecting small suppliers with government agencies and large corporations who are buyers, for one-on-one meetings to discuss shared business opportunities. In particular, ChallengeHER helps boost government contracting opportunities for women-owned small businesses through free workshops, mentoring, and direct access to contractors.

Small business owners can also get access to funding options that can help jump-start or grow their business through American Express’ Business line of credit, which offers flexible funding – customers use what they need and only pay for the amount borrowed.

Minority-owned businesses are often the most economically vulnerable, so I appreciate that American Express offers funding options to help these entrepreneurs.

Is Buying Black a priority for you? What are some ways you enjoy supporting Black-owned businesses?

Of course! I’ve been a supporter of buying small and buying local and living and working in South L.A., which means buying Black. Every dollar spent on a local, small business puts money back into our community, so it’s so important to invest in the Black community by patronizing businesses started by our smart and innovative business leaders.

How has it been managing your career in Hollywood and your entrepreneurial endeavors like Sienna Naturals and Hilltop Coffee?

I’m grateful to have such an amazing team of employees and collaborators to help me juggle so many of my dream endeavors. The most important tool for me has been time management. I’m very realistic with myself about my timelines and I tend to be regimented about what I lend my focus to.

RELATED CONTENT: Hey, President Barbie!;: Issa Rae Presides Over Barbie Land In Latest Film Trailer

Solange Knowles is showing her diverse range of talent and creativity with the launch of her first-ever glassware collection under her Saint Heron imprint.

On Tuesday, June 20, Solange took to Instagram to debut her 5-piece collection of hand-blown glassware dubbed “Small Objects Matter.” According to the singer/songwriter, the collection is “intended to deepen the contributions of Blackness to objects, collecting, design and glassblowing.”

“It is our hope that these glass works become cherished objects in your own sacred spaces,” she shared in her caption.

The “Cranes In The Sky” singer designed the pieces herself and had them produced by glassblower Jason McDonald, who has been working in the field since age 14, as noted by Ebony.

“The glassware reveals the sentience of household objects through the landscape of Black domesticity,” Solange explained.

 

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McDonald describes the pieces as “forever material,” that Solange designed the brown, black, and tan hued-pieces, as a form of “healing” and a way of learning to let “go of control.”

“Glass is a material in its constant need for the song and dance of movement that taught me the art of surrender, and the will of letting go of control…something that has kept me safe my whole life, that no longer serves me in the way that brings light to my life,” she wrote.

“I learned that in a hot shop in Florida, and now must let that work show up in my daily journey and walk of life. I am thankful these objects are physical evidence and reminders of the work I must continue to do.”

The pieces are priced at around $147 and were sold out shortly after Solange unveiled the collection. Many of her fans and supporters left comments under her post requesting new stock.

“If ya’ll don’t put it up for pre-order and make some more. I need my 004 and 005 sets,” Beyoncé’s personal stylist Zerina Akers wrote.

“It sold out 😞I just woke up and was going to buy it (8:30 am pst) lol and it was all gone damn next time,” added someone else.

• News

by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

June 22, 2023

Moderate Will Hurd, a Trump Critic, Joins 2024 Republican Race

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Former U.S. Representative Will Hurd, a moderate who was once the sole Black Republican in Congress, on Thursday joined the crowded race to beat Donald Trump for the party’s 2024 presidential nomination.

Hurd, 45, announced his candidacy in a video and a Twitter post that stressed unity, the economy and equal opportunity for all Americans – and pulled no punches in taking on the former president.

“If we nominate a lawless, selfish, failed politician like Donald Trump – he lost the House, the Senate and the White House – we all know Joe Biden will win again,” Hurd said.

Painting a stark contrast to Trump, Hurd said his vision of America would acknowledge science, address mental health, and be inclusive and understanding.

“It’s not a given that this vision for America will happen, but it can if we focus on our timeless principles and limitless potential, not self-interest in politics,” Hurd said.

A former undercover CIA officer in the Middle East and South Asia, Hurd served on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee. He was first elected to Congress in 2014.

Hurd did not run for re-election in his southern Texas border district in 2020, saying he wanted to pursue opportunities outside Congress.

In 2019, he strongly criticized tweets by then-President Trump saying four progressive Democratic minority congresswomen, including one born in Somalia, should “go back” to where they came from.

“Those tweets are racist and xenophobic,” Hurd said at the time.

Trump remains the front-runner in the crowded field of Republicans aiming to unseat President Joe Biden, the likely Democratic candidate in 2024.

Hurd is the second Black candidate in the Republican race, joining U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina.

He is the latest long-shot candidate to join a group that also includes Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, and former Governors Nikki Haley of South Carolina and Chris Christie of New Jersey.

Since leaving Congress, Hurd has worked as a managing director at Allen & Company, a board member for OpenAI, and trustee of the German Marshall Fund, according to his website. He also has been a fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics.

Hurd for America submitted a candidacy filing with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday.

Larsa Pippen just scored a huge win in her years-long divorce from Scottie Pippen. It looks like the former basketball wife could receive half of his retirement package.

New legal documents reveal the order that was put in place in L.A. County court that grants Larsa, 48, rights to Scottie’s Chicago Bulls 401(k) and “savings plan trust,” The Blast reported. With Larsa being married to Scottie from 1997 to 2016, she was legally awarded half of the amount that was accrued in all account balances from 1997 to 2016.

Regardless of what’s in Scottie’s account, Larsa is legally entitled to the full amount.

“To the extent, there are no assets in his account sufficient to satisfy the assignment benefit on the date a separate account is established for (Larsa), the order should be interpreted as an award of 100% of (Scottie’s) vested account balance,” the doc stated.

In the order a judge signed on June 16, 2023, Larsa is to receive the funds in a cash lump sum and “as soon as administratively possible following the approval of this order.”

This is good news for The Real Housewives of Miami star who still takes care of their four children, sons Scotty Jr., 22, Preston, 21, and Justin, 18, and daughter Sophia, 14. She also reportedly has plans of having another with her current boyfriend Marcus Jordan, the son of Scottie’s former teammate and long-time enemy Michael Jordan.

Marcus, 32, recently opened up on the latest episode of the iHeart radio podcast Separation Anxiety with Larsa Pippen & Marcus Jordan, about their plans to welcome children together.

“There’s been conversations around [having kids],” Marcus explained

“When we go and we meet people, or I’m introducing you to some of my friends, or you introduce me to some of your friends I feel like it gets brought up. But I feel like we’ve never had a one-on-one, private conversation about having children.”

“It’s one of those things where I think time will tell, you know?” Larsa added. “I do feel like I’m happy, because I have four kids, and I feel like you don’t have kids, so basically it’d be a question for you.”

“Because I’m really fulfilled with my four children,” Larsa said before later admitting that she would be “open to having one more child.”

RELATED CONTENT: Pippen and Jordan Dating? Michael Jordan’s Son Reportedly Seeing Scottie Pippen’s Ex-Wife, Larsa Pippen

• News

by Lauren Nutall

June 22, 2023

The Harlem Festival Of Culture Honors Cam’Ron And Tamika Mallory

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In celebration of Juneteenth, the Harlem Festival of Culture hosted its Second Annual Black Independence Awards on Saturday, June 17, at Harlem Parish. The Harlem festival is dedicated to preserving Harlem’s legacy as the hub of live cultural and music entertainment, while encouraging health and economic prosperity for the neighborhood’s diverse communities and creatives. The festival spotlighted today’s most influential leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and creators who have helped shape Harlem culturally, socially, and economically. Later on this summer, the first Harlem Festival of Culture will take place from July 28–30, with a slate of special guests including artists FERG, Teyana Taylor, Cam’ron, Wyclef Jean, Muni Long, Bell Biv DeVoe, and many more.

​The Black carpet event kicked off with a cocktail pre-reception followed by an elegant sit-down dinner catered by Babbalucci. Once guests finished dining, the awards presentation ceremony began, hosted by award-winning journalist and BE’s Selena Hill. The Second Annual Black Independence Awards featured several categories. This year also featured a Special Awards category. Hip-hop icon and entrepreneur Cam’ron was the recipient of The Legacy Leader Award. Tamika Mallory, a social justice activist and author, received The Champion Award, and the leadership team behind Harlem Week were honored with The Vanguard Award.

During his acceptance speech, Cam’ron shared what his life was like as a young child growing up in Harlem. His family relocated from Atlantic City to the neighborhood, where he went to school and played basketball with his friend and fellow music icon Ma$e. Cam’ron initially dreamed of going into the NBA. However, his interests slowly shifted to hip-hop. The rapper credits Ma$e and Dame Dash as the reason why he got his start in the music industry and revealed that he carries Harlem with him wherever he goes.

Along with the Special Awards honorees, there were six additional categories. Nominees in these categories spanned across different industries, acknowledging individuals and businesses that have helped the Harlem community and have gone under-recognized for their work.

Presenters for the Black Independence Awards included HFC Co-Founders Nikoa Evans, Musa Jackson, and Yvonne McNair, Shea Moisture’s Global Head of Purpose & Brand Partnerships, Simone Jordan, Tamika Mallory’s sister, Sharon Mallory, and the President and CEO of the National Urban League Marc Morial.

Winners of the Black Independence Awards 2023 by category were:

The Flex Your Style Award Presented by Shark Beauty: Felicia Michelle Strong

Social Impact Award: Rachel Noerdlinger
Cultural Heritage Award: Lee Lee’s Baked Goods
Maverick Award: Harlem Hops
Visionary Award: Denny Moe’s
Entrepreneurial Award: Black N Ugly

Saturday had several buzzworthy moments, including a special musical tribute to Cam’ron performed by Award-winning violinist Mapy also known as “The Violin Queen” and a powerful speech in honor of Juneteenth delivered by Tamika Mallory. The Urban League’s Morial also shared the organization’s plans to remain in New York City, which was originally founded in Harlem. The Urban League will be completing one of the largest and most significant building projects Harlem has seen in five decades—the Urban League Empowerment Center. Located on 125th Street, this new project will include headquarters, New York’s first civil rights museum, and the National Urban League Conference Center for Race, Equity and Justice. Morial also discussed how an essential component for the Urban League is ensuring affordable housing.

For more information about this year’s event, visit the website.

RELATED CONTENT: Tamika Mallory Blasts Kanye West for Weaponizing Black Culture, ‘Be Quiet Get Some Real Help’

• Business

by Stacy Jackson

June 22, 2023

Morehouse Alum Says No More Financial Fouls For Black Athletes, Launches Firm To Help Secure Long-Term Wealth

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A Morehouse graduate is working to change the culture around professional athletes and wealth management.

Rashaun Williams created Antimatter Business Partners (ABP) firm to help Black athletes manage and grow their money. Williams’ primary strategies include venture capital and private equity investing and exposure to ownership opportunities, Sportico reported.

The firm provides opportunities for athletes to invest and increase financial literacy, among other services. The chairman and CEO of ABP told Sportico, “We’re trying to help the modern athlete invest like the owners.” Williams noted that financial advisors could contribute to poor money management for athletes — whether intended or not. He said to Sportico, “The vast majority of financial advisors are not bad people, but many of them are misdiagnosing athletes and entertainers.” The founder of ABP added, “They are giving athletes the same strategy as they give someone that works until they are 65 and spend $50K a year.”

Over 100 professional athletes, current and retired, have already joined the firm, AfroTech reported. Some athletes include NFL safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, NBA forward Wendell Carter Jr., and NBA guard Terance Mann, Sportico reported.

In 2012, ESPN’s documentary 30 For 30: Broke revealed that nearly 78% of professional football players and 60% of professional basketball players went broke within five years of retiring. NPR reported a lack of financial literacy, extravagant purchases, and poor or non-existent financial planning for the off-season as some of the common reasons athletes go broke. According to NPR, ESPN’s documentary cited child support as another reason athletes can quickly lose money. The outlet reported that Evander Holyfield, a former professional boxer, has 11 children to pay child support. Injury is another hidden reason athletes who mismanage their money while playing might lose their fortune. According to NPR, injuries sustained over time can hinder an athlete from working specific jobs after retiring from the game.

It turns out that celebrities enjoy a burger and fries like most of us.

Drake was thoroughly impressed when he made a surprise stop at Houston legend Bun B’s new restaurant, Trill Burgers, on Juneteenth.

The Toronto-born rapper popped in around 6:30 p.m., ABC 13 reports.

While the newly opened restaurant was busy, staff and customers were kind enough to give the duo some space to catch up. That’s when the “God’s Plan” rapper got his hands on the signature OG Trill Burger and fries and shared his experience with his 139 million Instagram followers. ‘

“The best burger I’ve ever had,” Drake said about the tasty burger on his IG story.

 

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Drake called Bun B his mentor and one of his “favorite people in the world” before telling his fans to check out the restaurant, located in the heart of Houston. While the “Houstatlantavegas” rapper isn’t the first to visit the restaurant, Bun claims that he is the biggest.

“We get a couple of big deals in here every now and then,” Bun B said, according to Chron. “Maybe not this big, but we do get some big deals.” Rappers such as Slim Thug and Ludacris have already visited.

 

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Bun B, who is one half of the legendary rap duo UGK, opened the restaurant earlier this month after years of operating as a pop-up. The new digs holds up to 125 customers at a time. Customers can only purchase food in-person—only taking credit and charge cards. Drive-thru service will be opening soon. ‘

The Trill Burgers company recently secured a deal with Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo. The burgers have a place among 10 Houston restaurants that can be purchased at Clutch City’s Shell Energy Stadium.

Sprite, a brand that has championed hip-hop culture for more than 35 years, will celebrate the groundbreaking genre’s 50th anniversary this summer with a buzzworthy TV spot starring a crew of living legends and rising stars, a new limited-edition flavor, sponsorship of one of the year’s most anticipated concert tours, and a series of exclusive merch and experience drops.

Nas, Rakim, Latto, and GloRilla will star in fresh Sprite creative, paying tribute to the past, present, and future of hip-hop. A remix of The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” – the first-ever hip-hop song to hit the Billboard Top 40 – is infused with memorable bars from the cast of old-schoolers and contemporary artists and anchors the campaign with a rapping, time-traveling love letter to the music that has shaped popular culture over the last five decades.

• Entrepreneurship

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 22, 2023

60-Year-Old Personal Trainer Invents Revolutionary All-In-One Push-Up Bar For Home And Commercial Gyms

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E. Earl Jenkins, the founder and CEO of Core Champion, a health and wellness company specializing in fitness training equipment, accessories, apparel, and supplements, has launched the Core Champion Push-Up Bar, taking fitness to the next level.

Jenkins, who is 60 years young, is the clever inventor of this patented, one-of-a-kind apparatus; he’s also a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and AFFA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America) certified personal fitness trainer and the founding pastor of a church in Hamilton, New Jersey. He focuses on being in his best shape spiritually, physically, and mentally while helping others that strive for the same goal. His motto is “Be Fit Forever.”

“We know we are not going to live forever, but until that time comes, we can be fit, healthy, and in great shape if we choose to take care of ourselves. I believe what you give your body it will respond to it… be it good or bad,” he says.

The Core Champion Push-Up Bar is the most compact, multifaceted fitness equipment to impact the fitness industry in decades. It is uniquely designed to develop and strengthen the total body while targeting the core and chest. “After training for 35-plus years with dumbbells, I suffered a tear in my elbow. I invented the Core Champion Push-Up Bar to increase the metabolic and core strength using our intrinsic body weight. The patented multi-grip design reduces the risk of sprains and joint pain,” Jenkins explains.

Although Jenkins’s target audience age is between 25 and 45, the Core Champion Push-Up Bar is universal and can be used starting age 8 up to senior years. Jenkins, who is also a senior fitness specialist and youth exercise specialist, had all ages and fitness levels in mind while designing the bar.

The bar is sturdy, solid, and holds up to 300 pounds, providing an all-in-one unit that can be used for 100-plus exercises. Until now, fitness enthusiasts would need as many as 10 different pieces of fitness equipment to accomplish what this one is designed to do.

With so many advancements in home gyms, Core Champion is seizing the moment to compete with other fitness equipment suppliers across the country by offering something that excels in quality, price, and satisfaction. Made in the USA, the Core Champion Push-Up Bar offers premium fitness to beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike that are looking to add to their home gym. Commercial gyms and trainers can also use it to save money on gym equipment and space.

Jenkins, who was inspired by athletes Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson, states, “A short, focused workout with the Core Champion Push-Up Bar will leave you feeling energized and accomplished! I believe the bar is a testament that through education, dedication, and exercise with the right equipment, we can all attain our highest level of wellness.”

Jenkins has secured a domestic manufacturing deal that will put the Core Champion Push-Up Bar in retailers, gyms, and homes around the world.

This news first appeared on blacknews.com.

Good news for Raphael Saadiq fans: The famed R&B singer-songwriter is going on tour and bringing his beloved Tony! Toni! Toné! along for the ride.

On Tuesday, June 20, Saadiq announced the Raphael Saadiq Revisits Tony! Toni! Toné!, The Just Me and You Tour. For the first time in 25 years, Saadiq will reunite with Tony! Toni! Toné! and give fans what they want to hear and see.

The tour kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, on September 21 at the BJCC Concert Hall and continues through major markets nationwide including New York City, Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles. The tour will wrap up at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, California, Tony! Toni! Toné!’s hometown, on November 14, followed by The Masonic in San Francisco on November 17.

Produced by Live Nation Urban, the tour marks a momentous homecoming for Saadiq, his brother, D’Wayne Wiggins, and Timothy Christian Riley as they perform as Tony! Toni! Toné! for their R&B fans. The trio is set to perform a number of their smashes like “Feels Good,” “Anniversary,” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California),” plus brand-new material.

Saadiq will also dig further into his crates and perform tracks from his acclaimed solo albums, the singles from his short-lived but beloved R&B supergroup Lucy Pearl, and hits he wrote for artists like D’Angelo, Daniel Caesar, Brent Faiyaz, Solange, and Beyoncé.

“I’ve always wanted to put my family back together,” Saadiq said in a statement. “Playing with the Tonys again is a thank you to the fans, the Super Tonians, for supporting all my musical efforts.”

“Without those who were with us from Day One, where would I be? But the main reason is that my father, Charlie Wiggins, would’ve wanted it this way–to see me, D’Wayne, and Tim playing together again.”

Presale tickets begin Wednesday, June 21, at 7 a.m. PST/10 a.m. EST, with Live Nation and Spotify presales following on Thursday, June 22, at 10 a.m. local time. General on-sale goes live Friday, June 23, at 10 a.m. local time.

All tickets may be purchased through RaphaelSaadiqMusic.com.

Check out the full list of tour dates below.

• Thu September 21 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
• Fri September 22 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
• Sun September 24 – Washington, D.C. – The Theater at MGM National Harbor
• Tue September 26 – Baltimore, MD – Lyric Opera House
• Thu September 28 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
• Sat September 30 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
• Sun October 1 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
• Thu October 5 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
• Sun October 8 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre
• Tue October 10 – Louisville, KY – Louisville Palace
• Wed October 11 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
• Thu October 12 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
• Fri October 13 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
• Thu October 19 – Greensboro, NC – Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts
• Fri October 20 – Columbia, SC – The Township Auditorium
• Sat October 21 – Jacksonville, FL – Moran Theater
• Sun October 22 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
• Thu October 26 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
• Fri October 27 – New Orleans, LA – Orpheum Theatre
• Sat October 28 – Dallas, TX – Music Hall at Fair Park
• Sun October 29 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
• Fri November 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
• Sat November 11 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
• Mon November 14 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
• Fri November 17 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic