According to MPR News, the office is prepared to investigate cold cases and reopen any suspicious cases that proclaimed any Black women or girls who died by suicide or drug overdose.
“This is a real, true crisis,” said State Rep. Ruth Richardson (D), who carried the bill to create the new office. “One of the reasons this is so important is because when we see this data that our cases are not getting solved, or cases are not getting resources, it actually puts a target on the back of Black women and girls.”
The office will serve as a point of contact for anyone who feels hesitant to speak with police pertaining to active cases. “We can work towards a community intervention model that really serves all families for generations so that the office doesn’t have to be a forever office,” said Lakeisha Lee, the leader of Minnesota’s task force. “We can end this epidemic.” Such cases hit home for Lee whose family was reportedly brushed off by police after reporting her sister, Brittany Clardy, missing, who was murdered over a decade ago.
Minnesota’s House of Representatives passed the bill in March, to create the Office of Missing and Murdered African American Women. The office said it planned to allocate a $1.24 million annual budget to assist with cases. The budget is also supposed to be used toward the provision of grants to community organizations working to prevent issues such as domestic violence and human trafficking. Richardson noted that 40% of the 7% population of Black women are victims of domestic violence, which was found to be a contributing factor to missing persons cases.
Vybz Kartel Fights ‘Life-Threatening’ Illness While Working Toward Release From Prison
Vybz Kartel is reportedly in a fight for his life while also fighting for his release from prison on a life sentence for murder.
The dancehall legend has been behind bars since 2011 for the murder of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams. He was convicted in 2014 and has continued releasing new music despite being behind bars.
But Vybz, real name Adidja Azim Palmer, is working on appealing his conviction to the UK’s highest court. He’s focused on getting released from the jail that has had him in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day over an alleged cell phone infraction.
“He’s in a cell, and if you can picture a brick oven, because that’s how those cells are built, the ventilation is next to none,” human rights attorney Isat Buchanan toldFox 5 NY.
Now his medical and legal teams are working to get the “Bicycle” rapper surgery for his Graves’ Disease and heart condition they say are worsening as a result of the inhumane conditions he’s experiencing in prison.
“Mr. Palmer’s illness is actually life-threatening,” Buchanan said.
Buchanan saw Vybz on Memorial Day and claims the music artist’s health is worsening while living inside a brick cell with no air circulation, no water, and a bucket for a toilet.
“His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck and that’s how bad it is in this moment,” Buchanan said. “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”
Medical reports show Vybz has been battling Graves disease and a thyroid issue for seven years. He also has two heart conditions with their own complications.
“Fighting for his life, yes, because it can be dangerous,” Buchanan said. “We do not want to get a phone call to say that because he was under this 23-hour lockdown, and unable to breathe, that he succumbed to his illness.”
Vybz Kartel’s son, Adidja Jahiem Palmer, known as Likkle Vybz, says the family remains in prayer hoping for the musician’s release from prison.
“It weighs on my heart, I think about it a lot, but honestly, we just have to stay strong and know he is doing the best he can,” Likkle Vybz said.
Black Women’s Health Imperative Celebrates 40 Years of Empowering Black Women
In celebration of its forty years as the only national organization focused on Black women’s health and wellness, BWHI will return to its local chapter roots this fall, hosting large-scale “homecoming”-themed celebrations designed to educate, empower, and advocate on behalf of Black women and girls’ health and wellness.
These events will be a true celebration of everyday Black women, their achievements and contributions, and a reflection on the continued work necessary to improve the health outcomes of Black women.
“Our organization has dedicated itself to eliminating barriers to health and wellness for Black women nationwide for 40 years. We will celebrate our four decades of work by bringing some of the leading women of color in the fight for health equity to your doorsteps with our upcoming multi-city tour. We are truly honored to have sustained and grown since our founding and are excited to continue to raise awareness, provide programs, tools, and resources, as well as empower and inspire our nation’s Black women and girls,” said Linda Goler Blount, MPH, President of BWHI.
The BWHI “homecoming” celebrations, with the theme “40 Years of Loving Black Women,” will take place from September 22 through October 20, 2023, featuring in-person gatherings for the BWHI community in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Washington DC/Philadelphia Metro region, and Los Angeles.
This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment of BWHI’s team, partners, and supporters toward achieving health equity for Black women. The tour will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the organization’s accomplishments and highlight the ongoing work of improving health outcomes for Black women. We invite all our supporters to join us in celebrating this remarkable milestone as we continue to work towards a healthier future for all.
Each event will bring together a large number of past and present board members, staff, grass-roots activists, participants in BWHI signature programs, renowned musicians, actors, and entertainers, as well as BWHI’s esteemed founder, reproductive justice and civil rights trailblazer, Byllye Y. Avery.
As part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, BWHI plans to hold its inaugural health and wellness summit for Black women, called the State of Black Women (SOBW). The summit will occur at Spelman College in Atlanta, where BWHI was founded. This conference will feature keynote speakers from the scientific and medical communities, and select panel discussions. The panels will cover various topics related to Black women’s current status and where they can go in the future, including discussions on the economy, politics, health, and education. BWHI’s State of Black Women convening aims to bring together experts to discuss and address the challenges and opportunities facing Black women today.
Spelman President Dr. Helene D. Gayle will make the opening comments.
“We are proud to be the founding home of such a reputable and life-changing organization as BWHI,” Spelman President Dr. Helene D. Gayle states. “Spelman College has a goal to provide the best education and resources for women of color, and our partnership with BWHI on its inaugural State of Black Women Symposium aligns with our core mission to help lead the charge towards educating, preparing, uplifting, and empowering Black women.”
ABOUT BWHI: Established originally as the National Black Women’s Health Project in 1983, the Black Women’s Health Imperative is the first and only national non-profit organization created for and by Black women dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our nation’s 21 million Black women and girls—physically, emotionally, and financially. BWHI’s core mission is to advance health equity and reproductive and social justice for Black women across their lifespan through policy, advocacy, education, research, and leadership development.
Maverick Entertainment Celebrates 25 Years of Championing Black Voices in Film & TV
Maverick Entertainment, a leading independent studio specializing in the distribution of Black cinema, is proud to announce the successful completion of its 25th year. The company has come a long way since its inception in 1997, and its anniversary marks a significant milestone and recommitment to our mission.
The theme of promoting and uplifting Black creatives has been a constant anchor for Maverick throughout its journey. From its humble beginnings as a small operation to its current status as a powerhouse in the film industry, Maverick has consistently recognized the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving success and uplifting Black storytellers.
As the company looks back on its achievements, it takes pride in its ability to serve as a platform for Black artists to showcase their talents and stories. Over the years, Maverick has worked with many talented filmmakers and actors, providing them with the resources and support they need to bring their visions to life while staying out of the way of their creative process.
As the company looks forward to the next 25 years, it remains committed to its mission of promoting Black cinema and helping launch the careers of future black filmmakers. With the film industry changing rapidly, Maverick is poised to adapt and continue its tradition of excellence in independent film distribution.
Founder and CEO Doug Schwab says, “We are grateful for the support of our fans and collaborators, who have helped us build Maverick into the studio it is today. We are excited about the future of Black cinema and look forward to discovering and promoting the next generation of talented filmmakers.”
With a commitment to showcasing captivating stories and talent from the Black community, Maverick has cemented its place in the film industry and looks forward to an even brighter future where we will continue to uplift and promote Black creatives, storytellers, and the next generation of filmmakers. This year, we are proud to unveil an incredible lineup of upcoming feature film productions and acquisitions that will uplift and inspire audiences worldwide.
Led by the talented Reginae Carter, “Boxed In” delves into the complexities of life, and “Boxed In 2” has been greenlit, with production wrapping up in Atlanta this month. The compelling courtroom drama “Women of the Jury,” a modern jury drama from the perspective of Black women, features the phenomenal Angela Whyte (Black Chyna) alongside Erica Pinkett, Alexis Walker, and Drew Sidora, while the series “Soulful and Funny” starring Crystal Powell, combines soul food and uproarious comedy. The significant acquisition “The Legend of Glynn Turman” pays homage to the revered actor’s extraordinary career. Lastly, the delightful romantic comedy “The Comeback” celebrates Black love with the radiant pairing of Taye Diggs and Apryl Jones coming to screens later this year.
About Maverick Entertainment Founded in 1997, Maverick Entertainment remains the premier niche and Urban content distributor. Maverick has released more than 1,200 films over the past 25 years and controls the world’s most extensive library of feature-length Black Cinema.
In addition to funding and producing originals, Maverick releases 100+ movies annually and distributes physically and digitally worldwide to a growing list of platform partners.
Chilli Of TLC Recalls The Time ‘They Were Auditioning People’ To Replace Her In The Group
What would the iconic R&B girls group TLC be without the “C”? Well, according to Chilli, there was a time when T-Boz and Left Eye were willing to find out by kicking her out of the group.
Chilli, real name Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, opened up in the new Lifetime documentary TLC Forever about the early days of the group when she joined to replace the original “C” in TLC, OG member Crystal Jones, as noted by People.
Things were going well for the revamped trio that consisted of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Chilli. But things got dicey when Chilli ended up getting pregnant by the group’s producer, Dallas Austin.
The pair welcomed their son Tron Austin in 1997 before going their separate ways. But during their time as a couple, the group’s manager Pebbles, took issue with Chilli dating Dallas. It became so much of an issue that Chilli was almost given the boot and kicked out of the iconic group.
“They were holding auditions to replace me but never saw anybody that they liked,” Chilli recalled. “I don’t think anybody cared about the Dallas thing but Pebbles.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1S_2Wkzseg8
TLC would eventually part ways with Pebbles after revealing how “broke” they were despite the two awards they won at the 1996 Grammy Awards. Her confession came after the group filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy following the success of their 1994 album CrazySexyCool.
TLC had accumulated massive debt due in part to their sketchy contract with LaFace and Pebbitone. Since putting the incident behind them, TLC has never shied away from putting their quarrels with Pebbles on blast.
They even included the scarred relationship in their 2013 biopic which resulted in Pebbles filing a lawsuit against them the following year, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
“We’re the reason [LaFace parent company] Arista Records first got security,” Chilli said of the changes that came after filing a lawsuit against their record label.
“We kind of held Clive Davis hostage, like, ‘You’re the head guy. How do we fix this?'”
Black Girl Gamers Founder Shares How She Intersected Entertainment, Fashion and Beauty With Gaming
Meet Jay-Ann Lopez, the award-winning Founder and CEO of Black Girl Gamers, Co-Founder of Curlture, and proud BAFTA member and judge.
Jay-Ann founded Black Girl Gamers with the mission of advocating for diversity and inclusion while amplifying Black women’s voices in the gaming industry. With Black Girl Gamers, Jay-Ann has built brand partnerships aimed at increasing Black women’s equity in the industry in the form of talent brokering, consulting, innovative marketing solutions, events, and content.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop in the gaming industry. Jay-Ann expands her continued push to amplify Black women in the beauty space with her Curlture brand where she celebrates Black beauty and culture and addresses important issues on identity, self-love, natural hair, and everything in between.
Jay-Ann combines all of her efforts into her Gamer Girls Night, an event she co-produces with NNESAGA, which serves as the first women and non-binary-focused event that combines gaming, beauty, and fashion and proves that girls, women, and non-binary individuals can do it all!
Speaking exclusively with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Jay-Ann shares the inspiration behind her companies and mission to spread the Black Girl Gamers movement globally.
Tell us about the inspiration behind Black Girl Gamers.
I was looking to meet and connect with other people that play games. I didn’t want to engage with the current culture in gaming which was sexist, racist, and exclusionary. I wanted to find women like me and from my prior experience with Curlture I learned how to curate online communities.
What are some of the ways Black Girl Gamers works toward equity and inclusion in the gaming industry?
We work in five ways to increase equity and inclusion in the gaming industry and beyond:
Consultancy– Our team has consulted for a number of clients, including Square Enix, Maybelline Cosmetics NY, alcoholic beverage companies, and TV & Film production companies to lead to their successful integration and/or execution of their projects, products, or campaigns.
Community – For eight years (and counting), Black Girl Gamers has held the status of the largest gaming safe space for Black Women in the world. We aim to keep our members safe and connected whilst also offering education opportunities to demystify career paths in gaming for our community members and exposing them to other aspects of the industry through events and mentorship programs.
Events – We’re known for creating innovative, inclusive, and unique event experiences for all levels of gamers. Past events have included a Pass the Pad event series in partnership with Belong Gaming Arenas, Gamer Girls Night In, store takeovers, integration into Adidas events like #MadeOriginals Blue Space, and experiential movie screenings in partnership with film studios.
Content – Across all of our social media platforms, we generate and execute content concepts that stand out against the status quo, often innovating in the gaming space. Some of which include press junket content, red carpet interviews, game side chats, and our proprietary gameshow Play or Pass.
Talent – BGG Talent is our talent brokering verticle where we are the trusted partners of our clients to source and broker the amazing talent we have within our global community. As part of our mission, we are dedicated to giving Black Women more equity in the gaming industry. Past clients have included H&M, Google, Samsung, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Benefits Cosmetics, and various TV casting agencies in the US and Europe.
What are your plans for expanding Black Girl Gamers?
I want to continue to increase equity for Black women in a variety of ways. We want to partner with companies to provide programs and partnerships to advance Black women, create a job board for Black women with opportunities in various industries, make impactful events in the US market, expand BGG’s talent arm, look to create new and fresh content from the Black woman gamer perspective and bring on investors to expand our US and UK teams.
We are also looking to partner and consult with non-gaming brands to help them enter into the gaming industry (fashion, beauty, music, etc). And give them a perspective that doesn’t just center around white male gamers.
What has the response been like to your Gamer Girls Night In and what’s your mission behind the event?
Gamer Girls Night In is a co-produced event between Black Girl Gamers and Nnesaga, and though my work for Black Girl Gamers focuses on Black Women and non-binary people; I also wanted to create an impact and an empowering space for all women/femme-identifying and non-binary people. Gamer Girls Night In is one of my love letters to the industry; it’s one of the first events to be created from a non-male lens and it combines gaming, beauty, and fashion. The response has been overwhelming after both events, they both sold out with international demand including the USA, hence my move to the States to expand Black Girl Gamers and GGNI.
Tell us about the inspiration for your Curlture brand and any plans for its future.
Curlture was inspired by our need for a conversation about Black hair, culture, and self-esteem. At the time, there was a huge amount of discourse in the States but it was very much underground in the UK, so we created Curlture to help bring meaningful conversations about Black hair and its interaction with the Black psyche to the forefront. Due to my move, we’re no longer working on the platform, but we’re leaving our page up and our book, KINK, is still on sale as a legacy and love letter to Black people everywhere.
Any upcoming projects we should know about?
We do have things in the works at the moment that are under wraps. We have plans to do more events in the UK and US and we’re working with some major brands for the upcoming years.
Diddy Files Lawsuit Against Liquor Giant Diageo For ‘Typecasting’ DeLeon Tequila
Diddy has filed a lawsuit against the company distributing his DeLeon tequila and Ciroc vodka brands, accusing it of racism. According to Bloomberg Law, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ company, Combs Wine and Spirits, filed a lawsuit against Diageo North America Inc. Combs claims that Diageo doesn’t support Black-owned brands the same way it supports brands that are not black-owned.The lawsuit, filed in New York State court, accuses Diageo of being dishonest about its diversity efforts. Combs claims the company “kneecapped” the liquor products he backed, typecasting them as “Black brands” that should only be marketed to “urban” (code: black) consumers.In Diageo’s legal paperwork, a company executive acknowledged the company’s racist tendencies in saying “race was part of the reason Diageo limited the neighborhoods where the Combs brands were distributed.”“In a business where production, distribution, and sales are the pillars of success,” Diageo and its leaders “have put their feet on the neck of Mr. Combs’ brands” by starving them of resources, the suit states. “Contracts matter more than press releases.”The hip-hop business mogul is seeking billions in damages “in a proceeding not before this court,” according to the complaint.TMZ reported that Diddy has complained that Diageo refused to properly market and invest in DeLeon for the past several years, focusing instead on tequila brands such as Don Julio and George Clooney’s Casamigos.Combs also alleges that the company has been neglectful toward his brand. DeLeon has repeatedly been out of stock at retailers nationwide, including larger markets like California and New York.
This action comes on the heels of Diddy launching Diddy Direct for consumers and retailers to access his Ciroc and DeLeon brands.
Achieving Advertising Equity: Empowering Black-Owned Media
Written by Don Brown
In a recent AdAgearticle, the increase in ad spend within black-owned media outlets is recognized as a step toward fostering diversity and inclusivity. However, the current levels of investment still pale in comparison to “general” or white-owned media. To address this disparity, a proactive role must be assumed by black CMOs and brand side leaders to emphasize the importance of spending with black-owned media. Misconceptions about their readiness and safety should be addressed, and brands should invest in emerging black media brands. Additionally, flexibility in media partnerships and a shift in perception are both crucial to achieving meaningful progress.
The Growth of Ad Spend in Black-Owned Media:
The AdAge article highlights the increase in ad spending (over 50% from last year) in black-owned media platforms, representing progress in recognizing their value and reach. This positive trend signifies a growing commitment to inclusivity as brands acknowledge the importance of engaging diverse audiences and allocating their ad budgets accordingly. Although there’s still a significant way to go in terms of achieving true equity in this space, this type of increase can’t be treated lightly and is an overall sign of progress.
Empowering Black CMOs and Brand Leaders:
Black CMOs and brand leaders play a vital role in driving change and advocating for increased investment in black-owned media. They must assert the significance of supporting these platforms and emphasize the unique value and perspectives they offer. By leveraging their influence within the industry, they can ensure that advertising dollars are allocated more equitably.
Dispelling Misconceptions and Embracing Flexibility:
Addressing misconceptions about the readiness and “safety” of black-owned media is crucial. Internal discussions and education should challenge biases, fostering an inclusive mindset that recognizes the untapped potential and impact of these platforms. Brands should also exhibit flexibility in their media partnerships, exploring a wide range of creators, agencies, and platforms to effectively reach diverse audiences.
Investment in Emerging Black Media Brands:
Private equity, venture capital, and brands themselves have an opportunity to invest in the growth and development of emerging black media brands. Although these platforms may not be structurally perfect initially, collaboration and investment can equip them to handle a high volume of brand deals at industry standards. By nurturing these platforms, brands can cultivate a new generation of black media outlets that offer unique perspectives and reach untapped audiences. There is also huge potential for brands to assist in the growth of black-owned media outlets by allocating long-term budget commitments which will provide the stability needed for growth.
Customized Solutions Beyond Programmatic Ad Buys
While programmatic ad buys are part of the advertising mix, they alone cannot solve the issue of equity in black-owned media. A more integrated and customized approach is needed to allow brands to build long-term, successful relationships with Black-owned media outlets and agencies. There needs to be a cohesive investment in the black-owned marketing ecosystem including legacy media outlets, creative agencies, media agencies, creators and emerging outlets. One of the media executives who spoke with AdAge was quoted as saying, “We have some partners that said no to programmatic, and we respect their decision. … But I want to be clear that they’re losing here. They’re leaving some money on the table that somebody else is going to take.”
Resistance to programmatic buys from black media owners should definitely be addressed, but it’s imperative for brand marketers and agencies to explore a wider variety of options in terms of their black-owned media partners. Are they truly scanning the full inventory that they could have access to? In summary, simply because one or two black-owned media outlets express resistance to programmatic buys should not mean that that money immediately escapes the entire black-owned media landscape.
While progress has been made in ad spending on black-owned media, there is still a significant disparity compared to more established white-owned media outlets. Achieving advertising equity requires a multifaceted approach. Black CMOs and brand leaders must actively advocate for increased investment while dispelling misconceptions and embracing flexibility in media partnerships. Brands should invest in emerging black media brands and adopt integrated, customized solutions beyond programmatic ad buys. In doing so, the industry can work toward achieving a more equitable and inclusive advertising landscape.
Young Black Law Student From Baltimore Shatters Bar Exam With Record-Breaking Score
Matthew Graham, an African American man from Baltimore, has much to celebrate, Not only did he pass the bar exam on his first attempt, he also scored an impressive 309 out of 400, and the video of his heartfelt reaction has gone viral and caught the attention of national media.
Graham, who attended the University of Baltimore School of Law, faced many challenges during his journey to becoming a lawyer. He had to balance a full-time job, being a new husband and father, and his studies. But he took that as a motivation to push through.
Last month, Graham walked across the stage at the law school’s graduation ceremony after completing his studies in December 2022, one semester early. He ranked 7th in his class with an outstanding 3.6 GPA and magna cum laude honors.
Moreover, all his hard work in studying and reviewing paid off as he scored a 309 on the state’s bar exam, landing in the 94th percentile after taking it only once. The average passing score is about 266, and many candidates take the exam at least three times.
Graham posted a video on his Facebook page of his emotional reaction upon learning his bar exam score back in April. It caught national attention and touched the hearts of many.
“I understand how significant this is,” Graham told Essence. “Even ever since I passed the bar exam, when I would walk around, for example, today, walking around in the courthouse and you see Black staff or Black parents of other successful people who pass the bar, it’s just pride. They just smile.”
He continued: “We know how difficult it is for us to pass this exam. The barriers that are in our way, the bar exam, African Americans, we score the lowest on the bar exam historically. And I don’t think that it’s just enough to say, ‘Oh, it’s just because you guys didn’t work as hard or you guys aren’t as smart.’ No. There is a racial component there that makes our journey more difficult. So, it’s just a lot of pride knowing that regardless of what was put in my way, I was going to get this done.”
Graham was recently sworn in as a licensed attorney to the State of Maryland Bar.
Author Celebrates Black Dads and the City of Detroit With New Children’s Book
A Day in the D With Dad, by native Detroiter Dr. Kelli M. Felder, is a feel-good story celebrating quality daddy-daughter time, outdoor activities, and the city of Detroit. This realistic-fictional book is told by 12-year-old Michelle as she explores the city with her dad. This story brings awareness, remembrance, and appreciation for the many jewels on offer in Detroit.
The history of black people in Detroit is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of equality in the face of immense challenges. From the early 20th century onward, African Americans migrated to the city seeking employment opportunities in the booming automobile industry. However, their arrival was met with systemic racism and discrimination as they faced segregation, limited access to housing, and unequal educational opportunities. Despite the obstacles, black Detroiters forged a vibrant community, creating their own businesses, churches, cultural institutions, and music powerhouses that became the bedrock of their identity.
A Day in the D With Dad promises to leave Detroiters and visitors alike with a wealth of information about the Motor City and all but guarantees that readers will want to see the home of Motown music for themselves.
Felder, who was born, raised, educated, and employed in Detroit, says she was motivated to write the book so she could expose others to the beauty and richness her own family and friends enjoy in the D. She commented, “My goal is to inform readers that there is a lot of fun and learning experiences to be had in Detroit.”
A Day in the D With Dad is available on Amazon in paperback and as an ebook.
