• News

by Black Enterprise

May 24, 2023

Couple Files Federal Lawsuit After Being Kicked Out Of Restaurant For ‘Smelling like Weed’

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Last August, a Black couple was kicked out of a Memphis eatery for allegedly smelling like marijuana. On May 11, a federal lawsuit was filed against the business, citing racial discrimination, according to NBC News. 

Dechandria Bass and her boyfriend, Dwan Brown, met with Brown’s family at Houston’s Restaurant, located on Poplar Avenue in Memphis. 

Soon after they arrived, the group was confronted by the white restaurant manager, Kayla Hollins. According to the lawsuit, Hollins informed the couple that they needed to leave because “they smelled like weed.” 

The pair initially thought Hollins was speaking to somebody else since they knew they did not smell like marijuana. However, minutes later, the manager returned—accompanied with a police officer. She once again confronted the couple, saying, “I asked you to leave and come back tomorrow because you smell like weed.”

On May 17, attorney Carlos Moore, who represents the couple, told NBC News that his clients did not smoke the day prior to their visit to the restaurant and do not smoke marijuana at all. 

This is not the first time a manager of this establishment has asked Black patrons to leave, accusing them of smelling like marijuana. According to WHBQ-TV, in August, another Black couple was told to leave, this time a police officer and a high school principal.

Marcus Mosby, the patron who was asked to leave along with his wife, said he felt racially-profiled. In his experience, it was not until other employees and nearby patrons confirmed that they did not smell anything that the pair was seated. It is unclear whether Hollins was the same manager from this encounter. 

The defendants listed in this new federal lawsuit are the restaurant; its parent company, Hillstone Restaurant Group Inc.; General Manager Ralph Price; and the restaurant manager, Hollins. 

In a statement released on May 17, the Holston Restaurant Group declined to comment on the pending litigation but did state, “Our Company does not discriminate as anyone who has ever dined at our restaurant can attest. We are proud [that] guests of all races choose to dine regularly at Houston’s and appreciate our hospitality.”

Price did not respond to a request for comment from NBC News; Hollins was unable to be contacted. When the restaurant was called, a woman who answered the phone said Hollins “no longer works for the company.” 

When asked whether Hollins remains an employee, a representative at Hillstone did not immediately respond.

RELATED CONTENT: New Study Finds Marijuana Harmful to Fetus When Taken in First Trimester of Pregnancy

Derrica and Natalie Wilson, the founders of BAMFI Enterprises, the production company for the Black and Missing Foundation, have launched a compelling new true-crime podcast called Black and Missing Podcast which will feature the stories of missing people of color. Inspired by the award-winning HBO Documentary, “Black and Missing,” this groundbreaking series will be hosted by Joy Sutton and is a must-listen for anyone who cares about justice and wants to make a difference in our community. Nearly 40% of missing people are of color, yet these cases often go under the radar and lack sufficient media and law enforcement support to bring our loved ones home or provide closure for the families.

Launching on May 24, the first season of “Untold Stories: Black and Missing” features 8 episodes that delve into the stories of missing people of color. The podcast shines a light on these cases to spark new interest in the unsolved crime and encourage the public to help solve the mystery.“Every missing person deserves to be found, and you could hold the key to bringing them home,” said Derrica and Natalie Wilson, founders of the Black and Missing Foundation. “This podcast is more than just a platform for raising awareness. It’s a call to action. By subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with others, you can help amplify the voices of those who have been overlooked by the system. You can help bring hope to those still searching for answers.”

The podcast debut coincides with the Black and Missing Foundation’s 15th-anniversary celebration, which includes the annual Hope Without Boundaries 5K Walk/Run and a multi-city billboard campaign. Podcast Executive Producers Derrica and Natalie Wilson have teamed up with Sound On Sound Off studios, Producer Denise Allen Membreno, and Award-Winning Host Joy Sutton, who also serves as an associate producer, to bring these stories to life.

“With the public’s help, BAMFI has been able to help find or bring closure to more than 400 cases, but there are hundreds of thousands still missing,” said Derrica and Natalie. “Just one tip could make all the difference in helping us find us. That’s why we’ve launched our podcast to help tell these stories.”

To learn more about the show and listen to the trailer, visit BlackandMissingPodcast.com

Learn more about the foundation at BAMFI.org

This news first appeared on blacknews.com

• News

by Iman Milner

May 23, 2023

HBCU Clothing Brand Strikes A $300K Deal With Mark Cuban On ‘Shark Tank’

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Tones of Melanin Founder Ashley Jones has brought her HBCU athleisure brand to Shark Tank and walked away with Mark Cuban’s co-sign and $300,000.

In exchange for 5% equity, Jones now has the means to start making an income from her brand, which has already raked in $3.3 million in revenue since its launch in 2017, according to AfroTech. The Norfolk State University alum told the Sharks that the money generated from the brand goes to the cost of production, marketing, and other business expenses. For Jones, the aim has been to push for diverse representation in the fashion industry and establish a viable HBCU presence in a collegiate fashion market involving bigger and well-known educational institutions such as Duke, Harvard, Yale, and others, according to Sportskeeda.

Though HBCU students have often found ways to promote their institutions through apparel, national attention, like the kind an appearance on Shark Tank provides, helps to inspire other students and alum looking to bring HBCUs more visibility.

“I think that everyone who attended an HBCU will benefit from my appearance on national television, which will show that we can thrive anywhere,” Jones said. “Never give up on yourself or your dreams, regardless of what anyone else says. Understanding what your purpose is along with your vision and that no one can ever discredit you because of where your degree may come from. HBCU graduates are thriving everywhere!” Tones of Melanin already holds 40 HBCU licenses, and the apparel can be found in major retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Belk Stores, according to AfroTech.

Jones has big plans for the brand’s future and hopes that the investment from Cuban will be the first step. “In the future, I want to expand my company without using a third party by working more directly with HBCUs,” she said to AfroTech. “In addition, I want to expand our empowerment line so that we can engage with more members of our community. As we start to lean more toward philanthropic efforts, we are working on partnerships and collaborating with companies and individuals who are interested in supporting HBCU students.”

Her episode of Shark Tank can be viewed below:

Two Black-owned businesses, Conscious Venture Partners L.L.C., and Tale Venture Partners L.L.C., will be among three venture capital firms to run a $20 million seed fund in New Jersey to help minority firms grow.

Those firms, along with Red Bike Capital L.L.C., were approved by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to oversee the fund to help to close the racial wealth gap. The firms will each manage portions of the fund and make investments into early-stage, innovative, Black-and Latino-owned businesses throughout New Jersey based on this. The fund has been described as the first of its type nationally.

The cash infusion handled by the investment managers is needed. Though almost 45% of New Jersey’s 8.9 million residents are people of color and more than 200,000 businesses in the Garden State are minority-owned, those businesses historically do not get as much funding as their white counterparts.

Among their efforts, the venture capital firms plan to do everything from open offices in New Jersey to align with the fund commitment and engage with entrepreneurs at marketing and networking events.

Here is what officials said the firms’ participation would look like:

• Conscious Venture Partners will manage $7.5 million. The Maryland-based firm has a history of investing in diverse entrepreneurs and disadvantaged urban communities.

• Tale Venture Partners will manage $7.5 million. The California-based firm was founded by first- and second-generation Jamaican-Americans and has vowed to relocate its headquarters to New Jersey.

• Red Bike Capital will manage $5 million. The New York City-based company is committed to opening an office in New Jersey.

Businesses that will be supported with funding focus on life sciences, technology,  and innovation. It was reported the funding was created with input from Black and Latino founders, investors, and policy experts. The seed fund is aimed to help crush institutional barriers that hold Black and Latino entrepreneurs back and provide resources that respond to their needs.

NJEDA Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Michelle Bodden stated, “The NJEDA is working to remove systemic obstacles that far too many Black and Latino business owners face when trying to get their businesses off the ground. The fund we are launching will strengthen Black and Latino business owners, their families, and their communities–creating a stronger, fairer economic future for generations to come.”

Application details for funding have not been determined yet. Check out additional comments about the funding here and contact NJEDA at this link. 

Viola Davis is opening up about the “vast desert” of acting roles Black women over 50 have to choose from.

While she’s achieved EGOT status at 57, it’s been no easy feat for Davis, who has seen success in older age despite her start in the ’90s, via IMDB. While at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, the Air star explained her initial reluctance to take on the role of Deloris Johnson, the mother of basketball great Michael Jordan, who helped negotiate his life-changing Nike deal.

“As soon as they called me, I said, ‘You want me to play his mom?’ ” Davis told People.

“I play a lot of moms. Everyone wants me to play their mom. I have people who hug me in the street who call me Mom.”

But the film’s director and co-star Ben Affleck didn’t have to do too much convincing once he explained to Davis the crucial role Jordan’s mom played in the Nike endorsement that, as of 2020, has earned the NBA champion $1.3 billion , according to Sporting News.

“I think the enticement came that it wasn’t your normal mom role,” Davis explained. “He turned it on its head so that she was the one who negotiated the [multimillion-dollar Nike] deal that we know today. And that intrigued me. I like surprises.”

The negotiating scene was one Davis ad-libbed and felt comfortable shooting since it came down to a Black woman having to negotiate her worth.

” It was sort of like art imitating life, life sort of influencing art,” she said before explaining the trials Black actresses over 50 face in Hollywood.

“When it comes to Black women who are over 50, then that is when [the lack of interesting roles] is problematic,” Davis said. “That’s when it is a vast desert.”

Remaining optimistic, the Academy Award-winning actress credited film and television stars like Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Kerry Washington, Issa Rae, Michaela Coel, Halle Berry, Keke Palmer, and Marsai Martin who are “no longer begging for a seat at the table; they’re creating their own.”

“They’re empowering themselves by understanding that they’re the change that they want to see,” Davis added.

When it comes to being a Black woman in Hollywood, the Help star admits it’s a constant fight of “hustling for your worth.” But after continuous letdowns, Davis says there’s a “God divine moment” waiting on the other side where you look in the mirror and realize you are and always were worthy.

“I don’t hustle anymore. And it has nothing to do with my age and how long I’ve been in the business. It’s a realization,” Davis explained.

“It’s a self-actualization that worth is nothing to be negotiated with. I was born worthy. That’s not on the table. What’s on the table?” she adds with a knowing glance, “Maybe you have to see it the way I see it.”

RELATED CONTENT: FLC Announces Presenters for 48th Chaplin Award Gala Honoring Viola Davis

• Business

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 23, 2023

Get Into This Black-Owned Brooklyn Laundromat Going Viral For Having A Bar

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Doing laundry can be draining, especially at a public laundromat. But what if you could socialize over drinks while washing your clothes?

That’s where Pearl Lee’s Washtub comes in. The Black-owned Brooklyn-based laundromat went viral on social media for the bar it added inside its establishment.

The Small Business Plug was the first to highlight the laundromat on TikTok for its innovative approach to the typical laundry day.

“Doing laundry in the city is a drag so if you’re looking for a good spot to watch the Playoffs and/or make doing your laundry less painful, I highly recommend @pearlleeswashtub in Crown Heights,” it wrote.

@therealremyredd @thesmallbusinessplug • Doing laundry in the city is a drag so if you’re looking for a good spot to watch the Playoffs and/or make doing your laundry less painful, I highly recommend @pearlleeswashtub in Crown Heights. #blackowned #blackownedbusiness #nyclaundry #nyclaundrymat #libation #blackownedbusiness #laundrytok #laundryhacks #laundryhackthatworks #laundryroom #laundryday #crownheights #nbaplayoffs #playoffs2023 #knicks #nycfood #nyclife #nyceats #nyctok #laundryroom #miamiheat #jimmybutler #nyc #smallbusinesscheck #smallbusinesstiktok #MakeItMakeSense #Therealremyredd3 #Therealremyredd Please support a #blackownedbusiness and get your own Leave Black People Alone 👕 FOLLOW / SHARE / LIKE @wecontrolthenarrative.tv #wecontrolthenarrative ♬ original sound – Remy Redd

Owner Theo DuPree open the laundromat in March with an aim to “ease the chore of laundry with libations” for Crown Heights residents, NY Eater reports. The newest laundrobar joins the ranks of Sunshine in Greenpoint, which serves as a laundromat and pinball bar, and Celsius in Williamsburg, which serves coffee.

Pearl Lee’s went viral on Twitter Tuesday after one user reposted the TikTok to praise the bold laundromat concept.

“Y’all they done opened a BLACK OWNED laundry mat with a bar!” the Twitter user wrote.

Y’all they done opened a BLACK OWNED laundry mat with a bar ! pic.twitter.com/Q5wF9dI7tw

— auntie Neeka (@astoldbyneekz) May 16, 2023

Many applauded DuPree’s innovative laundromat concept and staying true to his mission of adding some upbeat vibes to the typical laundry day.

“Everybody’s so creative,” one user wrote.

“I know it smell amazing in that bih,” added someone else.

Another user joked that would make people “forget all about clothes.”

Now that Pearl Lee’s is going viral, it might be hard to find a free washer and dryer during peak hours. But DuPree is raking in the dough.

RELATED CONTENT: Maryland Entrepreneur Buys Laundromat, Already Making $24K a Month

• Travel and Leisure

by Stacy Jackson

May 23, 2023

Black Travel Groups Criticize NAACP Advisory, Says It’s Harmful To Black-Owned Businesses

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Black travel groups are raising concerns for Black-owned businesses after the NAACP issued a Florida travel advisory in response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ current policies eliminating African American studies and DEI programs.

According to Travel Weekly, leaders of the Future of Black Tourism, Blacks in Travel & Tourism, and the Black Travel Alliance addressed the NAACP’s latest move in a joint statement. The groups said there is “a better way to make a statement to Governor DeSantis beyond a travel advisory petitioning African Americans and people of color to stay away from Florida. Small Black businesses and marginalized communities certainly should not be the sacrificial lamb.”

“The question we all must ask ourselves is, ‘Who does the Florida Travel Advisory really hurt?” read the statement. “DeSantis’ attack on Black history studies and undermining of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for political gain is not a representation of everyone in the state of Florida, especially Black businesses and marginalized communities who stand to be most negatively impacted by the NAACP’s call to action.”

The statement from the Black travel groups suggested that the NAACP should have met with Black travel and tourism entities to discuss how this could affect Black travel and tourism businesses financially.

Since the NAACP’s travel warning, destinations in Florida have extended warm welcome messages to visitors of the Sunshine State.

“Orlando has always been and will continue to be a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community,” Casandra Matej, CEO of Visit Orlando, said. “As the top travel destination in the country and long-standing leader in the travel industry, our community has a history of welcoming all to our destination. Travel and tourism positively impacts our community and plays a valuable role in ongoing engagement and dialogue.”

Geoff Freeman, CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, encouraged leaders to open their minds and work progressively rather than closing doors based on their disseverance with current policies.

The group is ready to work with the NAACP to find alternative solutions. The statement was signed by Stephanie Jones, CEO of the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance/Blacks in Travel & Tourism, and Martinique Lewis, president of the Black Travel Alliance.

After the Los Angeles Lakers made a statement in the opening round of the NBA playoffs, people began to speculate that LeBron James and his team could get another championship this year. Then the Denver Nuggets denied any chance of that happening by not allowing the Lakers even to win one game, sweeping the celebrated franchise. An exasperated James made a statement eluding that he possibly has played his last NBA game.

According to CBS News, after losing to the Nuggets, scoring 40 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists, it doesn’t sound like the stat line of someone who can’t or doesn’t want to play anymore. Yet, his statement spoke volumes and created speculation about his NBA future.

“We’ll see what happens going forward. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest,” James told reporters after his team lost to the Nuggets with a score of 113–111, ending the series and completing the sweep. “I don’t know. I don’t know. I’ve got a lot to think about, to be honest. Just for me personally, going forward with the game of basketball, I’ve got a lot to think about.”

With Carmelo Anthony just announcing his retirement, if James were to leave the game, it would leave just one of the infamous Banana Boat crew playing in the NBA. That crew consists of a retired Dwyane Wade, James, Anthony, and Chris Paul.

James recently said he would play as long as he could to play on the same team as his son, Bronny. His son has committed to playing basketball at USC. Even if he played only one year, James would have to hold off his retirement until after Bronny enters the league.

“My last year will be played with my son,” James said in February 2022. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”

Whether James was reacting to emotions immediately after losing the series or, loosely speaking, his decision will be big news either way.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 23, 2023

Lashawn Thompson Died in Bedbug-Infested Jail Cell From ‘Criminal Neglect,’ Autopsy Confirms

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The family of Lashawn Thompson has received the results from their independent autopsy that determined the 35-year-old died inside a bedbug-infested jail cell due to “criminal neglect.”

Thompson passed away inside his Fulton County Jail cell in September 2022, three months after being booked on a misdemeanor assault charge, Fox 5 Atlanta reports. His body was found covered in bedbugs and insects inside a psychiatric ward cell he was ordered to stay in due to not having the funds to pay his $2,500 bail.

An initial autopsy listed Thompson’s death as “undetermined” while noting the “severe bed bug infestation” inside his jail cell. Now, months later, and after former NFL star Colin Kaepernick helped fund an independent autopsy, another medical examiner determined the cause of Thompson’s death was cardiac arrhythmia due to criminal neglect.

“For 93 days, there was severe neglect for a mentally ill citizen,” civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump said at a press conference. “And for about 40 of them, he didn’t get any medical treatment at all.”

Calling the Fulton County Jail a “torture chamber,” Crump called out the detention facility for not giving Thompson any medical treatment he needed during his incarceration.

“Major contributing causes—untreated schizophrenia, dehydration, malnutrition, and extensive and severe body insect infestation,” Crump described.

Jail records reportedly confirm the accounts from detention officers and medical staff at the jail, who allegedly noticed Thompson’s deteriorating health but did nothing to help him.

“It’s not enough that the bedbugs and lice ate my brother to death,” Thompson’s brother Brad McCray said. “It’s the neglect that affects me the most.”

Thompson’s family is demanding that the county launch an investigation. Two investigations remain ongoing —one by the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and another by the Atlanta Police Department. The family also plans to file a civil rights lawsuit over Thompson’s death.

The latest autopsy results come after the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said “sweeping changes” at the jail are on the way in response to Thompson’s death, CBS News reports. Last month, following a preliminary investigation, called for resignations for the chief jailer, assistant chief jailer, and assistant chief jailer of the criminal investigative division. They, eventually, all resigned.

Meanwhile, the county board has given the sheriff’s office an additional $5.3 million to provide upgrades at Fulton County Jail, including increased monitoring in the psychiatric and medical units and improvements to the sanitation of those units.

RELATED CONTENT: H&M Store Closes After Employee Shared Photos Of Bed Bugs On Clothing For Sale

NASCAR race car driver Bubba Wallace came in second place during his latest race. Right before an on-air interview, Wallace appeared to gesture toward the cameras and to no one in general, which caused immediate reactions with fans booing him.

According to Fox News, after the masses clearly saw the gesture, the crowd started booing the race car driver, and there were calls for him to be penalized. He was about to speak to FOX Sports’ Jamie Little when the incident occurred.

The Sacramento Bee reported that after Wallace raised his left middle left finger and “flipped the bird” on live television, some expected some type of punishment, but NASCAR announced there would be no action taken against Wallace. The league said Wallace informed them that he had directed the gesture toward a friend and that there was no malice behind the move.

According to Motorsport, someone was able to hack into Wallace’s 23XI Racing team radio channel during the race and made a derogatory statement to the racer. Although Wallace allegedly did not hear the message, the person said, “Go back to where you came from you a**hole. You’re not wanted in NASCAR.”

NASCAR officials said they knew about the incident and confirmed their security operation is investigating the interference to see who could gain access to Wallace’s radio channel.

The driver took the second-place finish in stride, saying, “Larson was lights out, so congrats to him. They have been hitting it on the head all season, so to run second to them is not a bad thing. But to run second in the All-Star race sucks because you go home with nothing.”

On camera, he also acknowledged that the boos come often, and in the sport, he had to get used to hearing them, but he continues to race.