Desmond Durham, a 36-year-old single father from Newark, New Jersey, is celebrating having earned his Master’s degree. He achieved the incredible feat while juggling three jobs and caring for his son.

Desmond earned his degree in Educational Leadership at Montclair State University in New Jersey. He was a full-time student while he balanced his 3 jobs — a teacher to kids, a GED instructor to adults, and a basketball trainer to kids.“I never considered myself being the smartest person but the drive and the determination to keep going,” Desmond told ABC7. “Dedication, hard work, and long days, long nights, it’s the will.”

Related: KEY STRATEGIES FOR SINGLE MOTHERS TO BUILD GENERATIONAL WEALTH

His nine-year-old son, who was with him all throughout his journey, served as his motivation.

“My son is my reason to keep pushing forward. When he looks at me, I can’t give up,” he said.

Related: PROGRAM HELPING THOUSANDS OF BLACK MOMS, OTHER MINORITY WOMEN IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE

Desmond’s dedication and potential amid his demanding schedule were recognized by his professors. Rachel Garver, one of his professors, said, “I knew how much he had on his plate and was impressed with everything he was able to handle and hand in such quality graduate school work.”

Related: SINGLE MOM OF 3 MAKES HISTORY AS NEWEST BLACK WOMAN-OWNED SUPPLIER TO HBCUS AND FEDERAL/STATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

Desmond’s ultimate goal is to become a high school principal, hoping to be a “reflection and positive light” for his students in Newark, New Jersey, he said.

At his graduation, Desmond was surrounded by his loved ones, including his mother and son. His achievement serves as an inspiration to others, proving that with perseverance, any goal is within reach!

Related: ONCE HOMELESS, THIS SINGLE BLACK MOM OF 2 NOW OWNS A SUCCESSFUL PLANT-BASED SKINCARE BRAND

This news first appeared on blacknews.com

BLACK GIRLS ROCK!^® Founder Beverly Bond is keeping the celebration of Black women going with a new venture, BLACK GIRLS BOND^®, a daily digital publication delivering content and amplifying visibility for women of color creating across multiple industries.

Bond’s digital community will feature content from skincare and beauty to health and wellness, fashion, business, tech, and pop-culture news. “The underrepresentation of Black women in media ownership contributes to a scarcity of diverse experiences and perspectives of Black women across digital and broadcast mediums,” Bond said.

“Having personally witnessed the substantial impact that representation can make, I am thrilled to inaugurate a digital media publication that provides a daily trove of informative and aspirational content that caters to the multifaceted lifestyles of our readers, providing them with the resources necessary to forge balanced and fulfilling lives,” she continued.

Other features will include:

• Digital covers
• Fashion spreads
• Profiles of game-changing women

Coverage of the Black Hollywood scene and all things in the entertainment business will feature Black representation on and off-screen. Not to mention monthly features on Black Girl Magic in diverse fields will be put on full display on the “More Black, More Beautiful” recurring cover issue.

“As we launch BLACK GIRLS BOND^®, we’re joining an escalating wave of voices that are magnifying the need for Black-owned and Black women-owned media. I feel humbled and privileged to be among those leading this critical evolution,” Bond said.

Women of color will be able to get their weekly horoscope fix from BLACK GIRLS BOND^®. The publication will also help women create a vibe with monthly playlists and podcasts. Podcasts include, Bread & Bond, where women will talk about their journeys over dinner and Who Rocks Next?, will feature emerging talent.

We’re excited to see the continued evolution of the Black Girls Rock brand and Beverly Bond still making waves in the industry.

• News

by Iman Milner

May 25, 2023

Michigan Board of Education President Launches Senate Seat Bid

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Michigan State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh has officially launched her bid for the U.S. Senate seat that will become vacant due to the retirement of Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

According to The Detroit News, Pugh’s campaign is founded on a mission to change the non-existence of Black women in the upper chamber. The 52-year-old boasts an impressive track record as the only candidate vying for the seat to win two statewide races in Michigan. Last fall, Pugh won a second, eight-year term on the statewide Board of Education with over two million votes, according to The Detroit News.

However, she already faces a battle as Stabenow and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have thrown their support behind Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.

Pugh has assured Michigan residents that she’s not dismayed by the road ahead. “The people of this state want someone who is a fighter. They want someone who they know knows their values, but also knows their struggles,” Pugh said. “We’ve heard from the people, and people are excited, as we are. We know that it’s going to be a tough race, but we are up for it.” And the former state House candidate knows that her campaign is about more than just a personal victory, it’s about course-correcting history and etching out a more equitable future. “There have been too few Black women—despite our experiences, our strengths, our qualifications—who have served on the U.S. Senate,” Pugh told The Detroit News.

The Saginaw native was also instrumental in pushing to get racism declared a public health crisis in Michigan and served as the chief public health adviser during the Flint water crisis. Currently, Pugh anticipates her campaign focus to be climate change, a quality education system, and “economic dignity.”

The BLACK ENTERPRISE Disrupter Summit is a business conference geared at empowering and connecting Black entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives. Designed to provide business leaders with the tools and expertise needed to build their brands, BE’s Disruptor Summit is just what’s needed to disrupt the industry. 

Join like-minded business folks on June 2-4, 2023 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia for this incredible three-day experience. Registration will take place from 3-6 pm on Friday, June 2.

 

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Guests can look forward to the Disruptor Kick-Off Mixer that begins that evening at 7 pm at The Gathering Spot. The mixer will be hosted by entertainment strategist and creative director Krystal “KG” Garner, who knows how to coordinate a good time. 

During the kick-off mixer, attendees will have the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs while enjoying a full bar, bites and live DJ. 

After Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., president and CEO of BLACK ENTERPRISE, provides opening remarks on Saturday, June 3, the conference goes into full swing. On hand as moderators, are BE’s own Alfred Edmond Jr; Justin V. Barton; Alisa Gumbs; Selena Hill and Sidnee Douyon. 

Shannon LaNier will serve as master of ceremony, 

The Disruptor weekend is filled with panels, pitch competitions, workshops and coaching with some pretty impressive CEOs, founders and entrepreneurs like Aisha “Pinky” Cole of Slutty Vegan, Judy Dupart of Kaleidoscope, Angie Nwaduof the Shade Room, Arlan Hamilton and Lamar Tyler, to name a few. 

And that’s not all, Disruptors can schedule office hours with Walmart executives who will be on deck to offer top-notch business advice to add to the entrepreneurial tool kit. Walmart Business is an entity of Walmart Brand that engages small business owners, entrepreneurs & nonprofits through its Supplier Inclusion Program and other initiatives  

These Walmart hosted “Office Hours” are by appointment and give attendees an opportunity to meet with experts  one-on-one.

Throughout the Disruptor Summit, attendees can please their palettes with delicious bites and mouth-watering treats from a variety of Black-owned food trucks. 

On Sunday, June 4, the Disruptor Summit continues with The Champagne Reception also hosted by Walmart for pre-brunch networking. 

The Disruptor Summit will conclude with a celebratory ceremony and brunch from 12:25 – 2:30 pm. The ceremony is to honor the accomplishments of the Black business leaders and pioneers that have changed their respective industries for the better. 

To register for BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Disruptor Summit click here, and follow @BLACKENTERPRISE on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Enterprise to Disrupt Atlanta With New Disruptor Summit Sponsored By Nationwide

• Career

by Jeffrey McKinney

May 25, 2023

Chris Womack Is Now CEO Of Southern Company, Among Few Blacks Overseeing Nation’s Largest Publicly-Traded Corporations

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Chris Womack has officially become president and CEO of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest energy providers.

His appointment makes Womack among a few Black chief executives leading one of the 500 largest U.S.-based publicly traded corporations. His appointment is a big deal given that the number of Black CEOs has reportedly declined from nearly 20 in recent years. Pressure continues on corporate America to boost the number of Blacks in C-suite positions.

The Atlanta-based company announced earlier Womack was appointed president of Southern and elected as a member of its board of directors. The business declared Womack was appointed the gas and electric utility holding company’s CEO following the end of its 2023 annual meeting on May 24.

Womack previously was chairman, president, and CEO of Georgia Power, the Southern Company’s largest subsidiary. Before that, he was executive vice president and president of external affairs for Southern Company.

A Greenville, Alabama, native, Womack joined Southern Company in 1988 and has held several leadership positions within the company and its subsidiaries. His roles have included serving as executive vice president of external affairs at Georgia Power and senior vice president and senior production officer of Southern Company Generation, overseeing coal, gas, and hydro generation for Georgia Power and Savannah Electric.

Womack was senior vice president of human resources and chief people officer at Southern Company, as well as senior vice president of public relations and corporate services at Alabama Power.

In an exclusive interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE,  Womack discussed his corporate achievement.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring honor to lead this wonderful company that provides an incredible service and being able to work with an incredible team to address all the challenges that face the energy industry and bring Southern Company to the future.”

The expansion of the Steph Curry brand is taking place in the spirits industry as he announced the upcoming launch of Gentleman’s Cut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which has been years in the making.

Although no official release date has been set, it will be manufactured at The Boone County Distilling Co. following the inaugural bottling.

“Celebrations take on many different forms, from intimate gatherings to major milestones, and at the center of each memorable moment is a spirit rooted in history and tradition,” said Curry in a written statement. “I’m proud to have helped carefully craft a new signature Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Gentleman’s Cut. This rich, complex and bold bourbon is the perfect offering to commemorate life’s great occasions, and will be part of a raised-glass toasting moment in the lives of my fans, friends and family.”

Curry was involved in every step of building the brand from manufacturing, blending, and aging to the packaging and marketing efforts.

Gentleman’s Cut begins in a 500-gallon copper pot stills where it is distilled. The whiskey is aged for five to seven years in charred white oak barrels. The resulting tastes are a combination of cinnamon, seared caramel, and sweet toasted chestnut.

Curry and his company, SC30 Inc. are partners in the bourbon with John Schwartz, the owner of Amuse Bouche Winery in Napa Valley. Gentleman’s Cut is distilled, aged, and bottled by Game Changer Distillery in Boone County, Kentucky.

“In close collaboration with Stephen, we produced a high-quality aged bourbon offered at a great value that will resonate with bourbon connoisseurs and help grow the craft bourbon category to our global audience,” said Schwartz.

The brand has signed a national distribution agreement with Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. China Duty Free Group, which operates in more than 200 stores in 70 cities, will handle international distribution and will be among a select group of importers establishing the brand overseas.

You can own a bottle of Gentleman’s Cut for $79.99 for a 750ml bottle.

For more information, visit www.gentlemanscutbourbon.com.

• Health and Wellness

by Stacy Jackson

May 25, 2023

Medical Racism Is The Reason Black Women Are More Likely To Die During Childbirth

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Black women still face health inequities when giving birth. The Associated Press spoke with medical professionals about obstacles Black Americans face when they seek healthcare. The project, which lasted for one year, investigated how racism shaped health disparities today. The racist roots of medical practices revealed a harsh reality – Black patients are not taken seriously and sometimes the result is catastrophic.

Sadly, the numbers don’t lie. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that Black children were most likely to be born prematurely (14.8%) when compared to Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islanders (12.7%), American Indian/Alaska Native (12.3%), Hispanic (10.2%), White (9.5%), and Asian (9.2%). Black mothers were more than two times as likely to die in childbirth compared to their white counterparts in 2021, according to the CDC. While Black infants died at a rate of 10.4% compared to White infants (4.4%), for every 100,000 live births in 2020, according to the same federal data.

Angelica Lyons, a public health instructor at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, contacted the university’s Hospital Labor and Delivery Unit when her stomach started hurting during her pregnancy. She recalled that her students said she “didn’t look good,” the Associated Press reported. Lyons’ pain was dismissed she recalled about a woman on the phone, “She made me feel like my concern wasn’t important, and because this was my first pregnancy, I decided not to go because I wasn’t sure and thought maybe I was overreacting.”

Dr. Laura Riley, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, told the Associated Press, “The way structural racism can play out in this particular disease is not being taken seriously.” Dr. Riley referred to maternal sepsis, a major source of maternal mortality – which Black women are two times as likely to develop than white women. She added, “We know that delay in diagnosis is what leads to these really bad outcomes.”

The Biden-Harris administration focuses on the state of maternal health in the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis. President Joe Biden has also designated $471 million to support the Blueprint. According to a White House briefing, the amount also, “requires all States to provide continuous Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum.”

Ansel Troy, an African American entrepreneur from Oakland, California, has found a lucrative venture as an Airbnb host and owner after acquiring two tiny houses and putting them in his yard. Now that his business is thriving, he has been able to quit his full-time job and Airbnb has become his primary source of income.

Prior to acquiring the tiny house, Troy had converted his garage into a studio which was occupied by a long-term tenant. As a self-proclaimed “house hacker” who always thinks of creative ways to maximize his property’s potential, Troy eventually found Airbnb as an opportunity to seek extra income, he told Business Insider.

Troy was used to long-term rentals but he decided to explore short-term rentals through Airbnb, which he thought would be more profitable. He started with one tiny house he purchased online for $33,000. He secured the purchase using a home equity line of credit loan. His first experiment with the tiny house became an instant success so he decided to buy another one for $35,000.

Despite being tiny, Troy found various options from its layout. He renovated and designed the tiny house using sites like Etsy, Instagram, and Pinterest for inspiration. One of the tiny houses, which is called The Black Art Gallery, features minimalist architecture and an art gallery filled with black art. The other tiny house is called The Tiny Heauxtel and is designed to be aesthetically pleasing with plenty of fake plants.

Now as a full-time Airbnb owner, Troy manages his tiny houses right next to his home which has become his primary source of income. He said the growing popularity of tiny houses and minimalism, along with his competitive pricing strategy and transparency, helped attract Airbnb viewers.

“I don’t have to lie. I don’t ask people to leave reviews or encourage them to say nice things. They just come and speak about their experience, and it works out perfectly,” he said.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 25, 2023

Black Republican Byron Donalds Slams NAACP Travel Advisory ‘Makes No Sense’ as Black Floridians Are ‘Thriving’

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Byron Donalds (R-FL) had a few things to say regarding the NAACP’s recent Florida travel advisory.

The Black Republican congressman appeared on Fox’s The Ingraham Angle to express how “dumb” he thinks the advisory is. “I don’t even know what they’re talking about,” Donalds told host Laura Ingraham. “I think they’re more mad because they don’t really have a voice per se through the legislature. The governor is not listening to them.”

Donalds says the advisory “makes no sense” as Black people are thriving in the state, opening businesses, and more.

Earlier this week, the NAACP issued the advisory accusing the state of being “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.” “Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color,” the advisory states.”

During the sit down with Donalds, Ingraham played a clip of a CNN interview featuring Ft. Lauderdale NAACP chapter President Marsha Ellison, saying that the advisory is a “political move” since Gov. Ron DeSantis is allegedly running for President of the United States. “Why doesn’t she leave then? Why doesn’t she leave if it’s so awesome?” Ingraham asked. She continued saying that all Democrats offer is “pot, despair, and the country is racist.”

In response, Donalds claimed the Democrats know they are “already losing Black men.” “Black men are looking at what’s going on under Joe Biden and the Democrats and they are basically saying this is enough, we’re out,” the Congressman said. “The economy is squeezing Black families more than most families.”

Donald’s comments seemed to be inadvertently backed up by Black travel groups. Some claim the advisory is bad for Black businesses and feel there is another way to take a stand against DeSantis’ policies.

• News

by Iman Milner

May 25, 2023

Hayti, The Black-Owned News App Becomes Largest Source of Black Podcasts

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Hayti, the leading Black-owned news aggregation app, has officially become the largest source of podcasts led by Black hosts, according to a press release.

Hayti had already cornered the market as a resource for print and on-air news by Black publishers, but with its expansion into podcasts, it further cemented its legacy. The app’s users will now have access to over 2,000 Black podcasters. “Launching the podcast section of the Hayti app was so important to me because I wanted everyone, no matter their preference of news, to find a home at Hayti,” said Cary Wheelous, CEO of Hayti.

Wheelous believes this move keeps the app aligned with its mission to provide culturally relevant and meaningful content.

“A majority of our community already surfs social media apps to keep up with the Black news cycle. Creating a news aggregation app from credible Black publishers and outlets allows our community to connect with culturally relevant, fact-checked information and stop the spread of misinformation on social media,” he said. When the app launched in 2021, the objective was to “influence and disrupt” cultural narratives and put the spotlight solely on Black content creators; who often drive trends and conversations but are not properly celebrated. According to a press release, Hayti was the first mobile app to feature over 200 Black publishers available to both Android and iOS users.

Black podcast listeners are often drawn to the media model to engage with people with similar backgrounds and experiences. Hayti’s approach to putting them all in one place could improve visibility for podcasts still looking to expand their reach. Something podcast host Camille Kauer said cannot be understated. “As a Black woman who has worked in media and entertainment for decades, I cannot express enough how Hayti’s existence as a one-stop platform is a game changer for creators and our community,” she said.

Hayti users can head over to the app to check out podcasts from all over the globe.