• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 17, 2023

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

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A new study is revealing the significant health impact marijuana could have on a fetus in a woman’s first trimester of pregnancy.

On May 16, the College of Medicine at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant released findings from their study showing how marijuana use during the early stages of pregnancy could affect fetal development.

“That’s why these findings are especially important—people can often be well into the first trimester and don’t even know they are pregnant,” lead author Beth Bailey told CNN. “Our study drills down to look very specifically at a specific time point in pregnancy—the first trimester.”

“We found a significant decrease in birth weight of 154 grams. In terms of pounds, it’s about a third of a pound,” she added.

Though just slight decreases in weight, they can be early signs of health and behavioral issues as children grow and develop.

“These kids are more prone to developmental delays, higher rates of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities, and have higher rates of emotional problems,” Bailey said.

The results worsen if marijuana use is continued throughout the pregnancy. Results include decreased birth rate and reduced head circumference, which could be a sign the brain didn’t develop properly during pregnancy.

“Even when pregnant people stopped using marijuana by the third trimester, the babies were born with a smaller head circumference of about 1 centimeter (0.4 inch),” Bailey said.

“What we are telling women is that it’s not an absolute certainty that your baby’s growth will be impacted if you are using marijuana. But we do know that you are at substantially higher risk for that outcome.”

The study was conducted using medical records from 109 pregnant people who delivered at an obstetrics clinic at Central Michigan’s College of Medicine. 171 people who did not use marijuana served as the control group to compare the data.

While reducing marijuana consumption is beneficial, scientists do not have enough research to determine if the lower use of marijuana does not cause fetal harm. Bailey is advising pregnant women to avoid any form of cannabis.

“My advice to women is to avoid using marijuana at all during pregnancy and if possible stop using prior to becoming pregnant,” Bailey said.

The issue is that marijuana consumption during pregnancy is on the rise.

“With legalization there seems to be the idea that it must be safe since it’s legal, and so a lot of people continue to use during pregnancy,” Bailey said.

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Kids Reunited with Parents Two Months After Marijuana-Related Traffic Stop

The 1954 Project welcomes the next class of Luminary Award winners!

Five exemplary Black leaders in education will be honored on May 17 at the virtual 1954 Project Luminary Awards. This momentous occasion marks the third year in which the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group, also known as The CAFE Group, will award each awardee a $1 million-dollar grant.

This year’s Luminaries include Carmita Semaan, founder and CEO of Surge Institute; Alex Bernadotte, founder and CEO of Beyond 12; Reuben Ogbonna, executive director at The Marcy Lab School; Chris Chatmon, founder and CEO of Kingmakers of Oakland; and Brittany Young, founder and CEO of B-360. According to The CAFE Group, they all have made an incredible impact on our communities.

“This year we have the honor of hosting the awards on the 69th anniversary of the historic Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling,” said Liz Thompson, 1954 co-founder and president of The CAFE Group, in a press release. “We are delighted to have Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and friend Nikole Hannah-Jones kick off this year’s celebration as a special guest.”

 

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With special guests such as Hannah-Jones, Academy and Grammy Award-winning artist and activist Common, and Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College, the upcoming awards ceremony represents how far the work has come. May 17 signifies the milestone decision of Brown v. Board of Education, in which the Supreme Court ruled that separating children in public schools based on race was unconstitutional. It sparked the end of legalized racial segregation in U.S. schools, overruling the “separate but equal” principle set forth in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case.

“I started my journalism career as an education reporter for the Raleigh News & Observer covering the majority-Black Durham Public Schools,” said Hannah-Jones, who is revered for her investigative work on the 1619 Project, per the release.

She added: “During those years, I saw the critical impact of race and class and the widespread consequences of the Brown vs. Board Supreme Court decision, so I understand the vital work that the 1954 Project is doing.”

To date, the 1954 Project has raised $35 million and granted more than $15 million to its Luminaries. The awards are funded through contributions from 1954 founders Don and Liz Thompson and other donors, including the Walton Family Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.

“Every year, we continue to be impressed by the creative and collective genius of Black leaders in education. This year, we received over 400 applications from prospective Luminaries across the country, and we expect that number to grow over time,” said executive Don Thompson, founder of Cleveland Avenue L.L.C.

On June 14, join thousands of film lovers at this year’s American Black Film Festival, showcasing diverse talent from all over the country. Taking place in Miami Beach through June 18, this festival offers attendees a first look at the most anticipated movies and television shows of the year. But the fun doesn’t stop there. On June 19–25, ABFF PLAY is hosting a virtual session featuring exclusive programs from networks like NBC and streaming services, including Netflix, BET+, and Prime Video. This year’s Festival Ambassador is Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and actor Lena Waithe. 

“There’s a variety of projects from our network and streaming partners this year. We’re excited for our attendees to experience all of the great content both live and virtually. From conspiracy theories to romance and comedy horror to learning about the first Black supermodel named Donyale Luna to grace the cover of British Vogue. There really is something for everyone to see at the festival,” festival producer and ABFF Ventures President/COO Nicole Friday said in a statement.

“It’s a thrill to be able to program provocative and captivating stories each year at ABFF.”

This year’s black film festival opening act is Joel Taylor’s directorial debut, They Cloned Tyrone. Starring John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, and Jamie Foxx, this Netflix film follows an unlikely trio as they uncover a nefarious government conspiracy. Check out the full lineup below: 

A Mother’s Intuition

Cast: Denise Boutte, Matt Cedeño, Brély Evans, Hazel Renee, Tamar Braxton, Jeff Marchelletta, and Karon Riley

Director: Cas Sigers-Beedles

Executive Producer: Dr. Holly Carter of Relevè Entertainment

Writer: Nicole D. Sconiers

Courtesy of: TV One Networks

Average Joe

Cast: Deon Cole, Tammy Townsend, Malcolm Barrett, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams, Michael Trucco, Ashley Olivia Fisher, Pasha Lychnikoff

Directors: Eric Dean Seaton, Christoph Schrewe, Marshall Tyler, David Katzenberg, Joy T. Lane

Writers: Robb Cullen, Scott Boden Hodges, Tyrone Finch, Arthur Harris, Bryce Ahart, Hawa Macalou, Paul McLalin, D.J. Ryan, Stephanie McFarlane, Jerron Horton, Kevin O’Hare

Executive Producers: Robb Cullen, McG, Mary Viola, Corey Marsh

Produced by: Wonderland Sound and Vision

Courtesy of: BET+

Donyale Luna: Supermodel

Cast: Dream Cazzaniga, Beverly Johnson, Omar Boone, Kyle Hagler

Director: Nailah Jefferson

Producers: Melissa Kramer, Isoul Harris, Melanie Sharee

Executive Producers: Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn, Jeff Friday, Dream Cazzaniga

Courtesy of: HBO Documentary Films

Exposing Parchman

Director: Rahman Ali Bugg

Writer and Producer: Jeanmarie Condon

Executive Producers: Rahman Ali Bugg (also director), Jordana Hochman, Jeanmarie

Condon, Desiree Perez, Lori York, Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro, Brad Abramson. Alison. Dammann serves as co-executive producer

Produced by: ITV America’s Good Caper Content, Roc Nation, and Red Summer TV for A&E

Network. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for “Exposing Parchman.”

Courtesy of: A&E Network

Found

Cast: Shanola Hampton, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen 

Escarpeta and Karan Oberoi

Creator: Nkechi Okoro Carroll

Showrunners: Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Sonay Hoffman

Courtesy of: Comcast NBCUniversal and NBC

I’m a Virgo

Creator, Writer, Director: Boots Riley

Cast: Jharrel Jerome, Allius Barnes, Brett Gray, Kara Young, Olivia Washington, Walton Goggins, Carmen Ejogo, and Mike Epps

Executive Producers: Boots Riley, Tze Chun, Michael Ellenberg, Lindsey Springer, Rebecca Rivo, and Jharrel Jerome

Showrunners: Boots Riley, Tze Chun

The Blackening

Cast: Grace Byers, Jermaine Fowler, Melvin Gregg, X Mayo, Dewayne Perkins, Antoinette

Robertson, Sinqua Walls, with Jay Pharoah, and Yvonne Orji

Director: Tim Story

Screenplay and screen story by: Tracy Oliver and Dewayne Perkins

Producers: Jason Clark, Marcei A. Brown, E. Brian Dobbins, Tracy Oliver, Tim Story, and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett

Lionsgate and MRC present, a Story Company / Tracy Yvonne / Artists First / CatchLight Studios

Courtesy of: LIONSGATE

The Perfect Find

Cast: Gabrielle Union, Keith Powers, Aisha Hinds, DB Woodside, Janet Hubert, Alani “La La”

Anthony, Gina Torres

Director: Numa Perrier from a screenplay by Leigh Davenport

Producers: Glendon Palmer, Gabrielle Union, Jeff Morrone, Codie Elaine Oliver, Tommy Oliver

Based on the book of the same title by Tia Williams

Courtesy of: Netflix

Three Ways (Previously titled Threesome)

“Three Ways” was an ABFF 2022 official film selection.

Cast: Andrea Lewis, Brittany S. Hall, Jerrel O’Neal

Writer & Director: Jamal Dedeaux

Producers: Jaleel Ghafur, Rebecca Haze, Jamal Dedeaux

Courtesy of: Andscape

Time of Essence

Executive Producers: Christian Sarabia, Nicole Elliott, Raymond Garcia, Emmet Dennis, Sidra Smith, Barkue Tubman-Zawolo, and Stephanie Hodges-Dunivan

Produced by: 51 Minds and ESSENCE Studios, LLC

Courtesy of: OWN

The YouTube Black Voices Festival Showcase

“The YouTube Black Voices Festival Showcase” features highlights of original short films from Black Voices creators.

Black Girl Day Off: Baby Tate wants Black women to take a day off and imagines how the world would crumble if they all did simultaneously.

Armani White revisits his home and past mistakes in Proud of You.

Conscious Lee explores the world of Black fine art through the lens of Afrofuturism.

June’s Crown, a short film by Glen’ Beleaf’ Henry, follows a young girl’s journey to loving her hair.

Courtesy of: YouTube Black Voices

Spotlight Screenings That Will Appear Virtually on ABFF PLAY Are:

Exposing Parchman

Courtesy of: A&E Network

Judge Me Not

Cast: Chyna Lane, Javon Terrell, Terrence Green, Jonathan Chase, Gena Shaw, and Bonita Brisker.

Executive Producer: Judge Lynn Toler

Courtesy of: ALLBLK

Makeup x Breakup Season Two

Cast: Nicolette Ellis, Kamel Goffin, Omar Salmon, Olivia Grey, and Karmia Berry

Courtesy of: ALLBLK

Ready to Love

Producers: Will Packer Media and Lighthearted Entertainment produce the Ready to Love series

“Ready to Love” 100th Episode Special Producers: Tara Montgomery and Brian Piotrowicz

Courtesy of: OWN

​​The Conversations Project

Cast: Hosts Elaine Welteroth, David Lawrence, and Marc Spears joined by numerous credentialed guests

Executive Producers; Raina Kelley, Tracey Baker-Simmons, AC Roe

Courtesy of: Andscape

RELATED CONTENT: Film Legacy Lives On Premieres At ABFF, Follows Financial Journey of Three Black Women

-Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins will resign her post by Friday, her lawyer said on Tuesday, after the prosecutor became the subject of a wide-ranging ethics investigation by the Justice Department inspector general’s office.

Rollins, the first Black woman to serve as the top federal prosecutor in Massachusetts, is a prominent figure in the “progressive prosecutor” movement that supports policies designed to eliminate racial disparities in the justice system.

“Rachael has been profoundly honored to serve as U.S. Attorney over the past 16 months and is incredibly proud of all her office has accomplished during that limited time, especially in the areas of gun violence and civil rights,” her attorney Michael Bromwich said in a statement to Reuters.

“After the dust settles and she resigns, Rachael will make herself available to answer questions,” Bromwich added.

Her resignation comes after a months-long investigation by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz – launched at the urging of a Republican senator – after Rollins last July attended a Democratic National Committee fundraising event in Massachusetts with U.S. first lady Jill Biden.

The investigation later broadened to examine her travel and her use of her personal cellphone for official business, among other things, Reuters previously reported.

The results of the investigation have not yet been made public, though her attorney told Reuters last month that Rollins was in the process of reviewing and providing comments on a final draft of the investigative report.

Rollins is one of the 93 U.S. attorneys appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate to serve as the lead federal prosecutors in various regions around the country.

Bromwich announced her decision to resign her post not long after Rollins met with officials in Washington at the Justice Department on Tuesday. Bromwich said he was unable to discuss the report’s findings due to a non-disclosure agreement.

The inspector general’s investigation began at the urging of Republican Senator Tom Cotton after the Boston Herald photographed Rollins arriving in a government vehicle at the house in Andover, Massachusetts where the Democratic fundraising event was held.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel, an independent government internal watchdog entity, last August launched a parallel probe into whether Rollins violated a law called the Hatch Act that restricts political activity by federal government employees.

Cotton was one of the leading Senate Republicans to oppose her nomination by President Joe Biden. Rollins was narrowly confirmed by the Senate in December 2021 after Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote.

“I warned Democratic senators that Rachael Rollins wasn’t only a pro-criminal ideologue, but also had a history of poor judgment and ethical lapses,” Cotton said in a statement on Tuesday.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland had vowed when he assumed his post as the nation’s top law enforcement official to protect the Justice Department from partisan influence. The controversy surrounding Rollins has threatened to undermine that pledge.

The Massachusetts U.S. attorney’s office in the past decade has taken on high-profile prosecutions including mobster James “Whitey” Bulger, the Boston Marathon bomber and a probe into wealthy parents’ use of bribery to secure their children’s admission into elite universities.

After news broke about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signing a bill to defund Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs at Florida public schools, Black leaders and thinkers took to Twitter to voice their perspectives on his latest legislation.

Philly native Becky Pringle is the president of the National Education Association, the largest labor union in the U.S. of nearly three million educators advocating for students and their own professions. Pringle voiced her concern that politicians who censor curriculum are harming students.

Politicians who ban books and censor lessons are harming our students—and making it harder for educators to do their jobs.

We will stand united with families and community allies to provide the honest and accurate public education our students deserve. https://t.co/A4LwHh2K5b

— Becky Pringle (@BeckyPringle) May 15, 2023

“We must diversify the education profession,” the middle school teacher added to her thread. “We must encourage more college students of color to enter the profession and demand that this nation identify and address the barriers that prevent people of color from becoming the incredible educators they have the potential to be.”

Madiba K. Dennie, a woman who has worked as counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, providing legal and policy analysis regarding a range of democracy issues, including attempts to disempower communities of color, was straightforward about how bad she feels things have gotten.

Shit has gotten so dark so fast https://t.co/8ln09QuFtX

— Barred and Boujee and on Bluesky aka Madiba Dennie (@AudreLawdAMercy) May 15, 2023

• News

by Stacy Jackson

May 16, 2023

Missouri High School Student Serves Three-Day Suspension for Recording Teacher Saying N-Word

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A geometry teacher at Springfield, Missouri’s Glendale High School was put on blast after a student posted a video of the teacher using a racial slur.

According to Riverfront Times, the school suspended high schooler Mary Walton from May 15 to 17 for recording the teacher.

The video revealed audio of the teacher asking why it’s acceptable for Black people to use the n-word but deemed offensive if other people say it. Walton claimed the teacher said the word several times during the conversation that had been going on for a while before she began recording. The video captured the teacher using the n-word twice as a student warned the instructor, and another gasped at the language. The teacher demanded Walton stop recording after he noticed her doing so.

KSHB reported that Walton only shared her video with her mother and one friend, but the video ended up circulating and eventually going viral, accumulating comments that Glendale Principal Josh Groves said were inappropriate and did not meet the Springfield district’s professional standards.

“Mary saw a teacher do something wrong, and she documented it,” Walton’s lawyer, Natalie Hull, said.

“Language can be harmful, and Mary captured proof of her teacher, a person who is supposed to protect children, harming them through his use of a racial slur. If he had been hitting a student — or worse — would the school have reacted the same? Frankly, this school is exercising a chilling effect on all of the students by sending the message that they will get in trouble if they capture evidence of their teachers doing something wrong,” Hull added.

The school claimed Walton violated the district’s electronic device policy, which resulted in the three-day suspension. Walton and her attorney are seeking an apology from the school and for the suspension to be lifted so the girl can return to class.

Currently, the teacher has been placed on paid administrative leave, and the student has garnered major support on Twitter from people who believe she did the right thing.

https://twitter.com/LindaM32109623/status/1658471239764279301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1658471239764279301%7Ctwgr%5E82fd51fe287efc5ef5822e409c7ad3ecbbcc8c9b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolt.tv%2Farticle%2F2023-05-16%2F302770%2Fmissouri-student-suspended-after-filming-teacher-saying-the-n-word%2F

Wait a minute, the student gets a 3 day suspension for recording, a 3 day suspension is what they give kids for fighting. So the same outcome can come from recording a video as it can for fighting? SMH

— Dean (@thedeans_list) May 16, 2023

A question is would the student be believed without the recording? Would anyone be talking about this teacher in a world where there was no recording?

— Nayomie (@itsnaoria) May 16, 2023

https://twitter.com/Mann4Congress/status/1658315209604202498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1658506892363317248%7Ctwgr%5E82fd51fe287efc5ef5822e409c7ad3ecbbcc8c9b%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolt.tv%2Farticle%2F2023-05-16%2F302770%2Fmissouri-student-suspended-after-filming-teacher-saying-the-n-word%2F

• Business

by Stacy Jackson

May 16, 2023

Magic Johnson Included in Ownership Group to Purchase the Washington Commanders

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Magic Johnson is in the midst of a major deal in the NFL.

The NBA legend is one member of a new ownership group that agreed to purchase the NFL’s Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder.

According to NBC News, the group, led by Philadelphia 76ers billionaire co-owner, Josh Harris, closed the $6.05 billion deal, which has been reported as the highest purchase for a North American professional sports franchise.

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement for the sale of the Commanders franchise with Josh Harris, an area native, and his impressive group of partners,” Snyder and his wife, Tanya Snyder, said in a joint statement with Harris on Friday. “We look forward to the prompt completion of this transaction and to rooting for Josh and the team in the coming years.”

Johnson expressed excitement about the ownership group on Twitter. “I’m so excited to get to work on executing our vision for the Commanders and our loyal fanbase!” the basketball Hall of Famer wrote in his statement.

I could not be more excited to be a partner in the proposed new ownership group for the Washington Commanders. Josh Harris has assembled an amazing group who share a commitment to not only doing great things on the field but to making a real impact in the DMV community. I’m so…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 12, 2023

The ownership group includes Harris and Johnson, Mitch Rales, and David Blitzer.

“I want to express how excited we are to be considered by the NFL to be the next owners of the Washington Commanders and how committed we are to delivering a championship-caliber franchise for this city and its fanbase,” Harris said on behalf of the entire group, in an official statement shared on May 12.

This Nigerian chef can stand the heat, and she’s breaking records in the kitchen.

Hilda Baci, a 27-year-old chef in Lagos, Nigeria, has reportedly spent over 100 hours cooking in an attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest-ever cooking session by an individual.

According to Sky News, the Nigerian chef pulled out her kitchen tools for the days-long cook-a-thon that began in the afternoon on Thursday, May 11, and concluded Monday evening on May 15.

Guinness is currently aware of Baci and will review the evidence that she cooked for over 100 hours before officially confirming the record, potentially surpassing Indian chef Lata Tondon, who set the current record of 87 hours and 45 minutes in 2019.

https://twitter.com/DocumentWomen/status/1658014144442818565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1658014144442818565%7Ctwgr%5E630c8f8171e498b681b5787f1c3f9c7944204763%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F21ninety.com%2Fblack-woman-guinness-record-for-longest-cooking-time

“The goal of the Cook-a-thon is to inspire every young girl on the possibility of achieving their dreams; this is why I am setting an example with this attempt. My victory is a win for young women across the continent in breaking barriers and leaving lasting impact,” Baci said at a press conference ahead of the marathon, according to The Guardian.

Broadcasted across several streaming services, loved ones, celebrities, politicians, and thousands of other supporters cheered Baci on as she prepared local and intercontinental Nigerian recipes that included jollof rice, a West African dish. Muhammadu Buhari, the president of Nigeria, tweeted a message congratulating Baci.

I share the immense joy of all Nigerians as Hilda Bassey Effiong (Hilda Baci) makes history by breaking the world record for longest cooking marathon. A great day for Nigeria. We're all very proud of what she has personally accomplished—and placing Nigeria in the global spotlight pic.twitter.com/X69PadrjxV

— Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) May 15, 2023

“The Hilda Cook-a-thon is a ground-breaking project geared at making an impact and providing growth opportunities,” Nowe Isibor Segun-Ojo, the lead project coordinator for the Hilda Cook-a-thon, said. “We are on a journey to setting a new narrative and bringing something refreshing to Africa. We believe this is achievable and we are banking on everyone to support a young woman with big dreams. We appreciate all our sponsors who have made this project possible.”

The essence of sisterhood was on full display in Atlanta this past weekend at Mary J Blige & Pepsi’s Second Annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. Philanthropy, music, culture, inclusivity, and U-N-I-T-Y were the event’s themes, accompanied by some major surprises.

Perfectly stationed during Women’s Health Month and Mother’s Day weekend, the festival introduced mental and physical joy and relaxation to attendees. BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with the iconic Grammy Award-winning artist, producer, philanthropist, and legend Mary J Blige about the growth of the festival and how the amplification and inclusivity of women, especially Black women, improves the Black community at large. 

BLACK ENTERPRISE: This festival feels like home no matter where you’re from; the North, the South, African American, or the Caribbean—you have a little bit of everything. Was the inclusivity of all women, especially Black women, and that sense of warmth important to you when creating this festival?

Mary J Blige: Of course, all Black women and women in general. This festival is for us by us. But if anybody else of color—or not—wanted to come, it’s fine and welcomed. You know what I’m saying? We’re not shutting the doors. It’s the Strength of a Woman. That title is purposely done. We want everybody to feel included, you know?

Can you talk a little bit about the festival’s growth and how that feels in relation to this being YOUR festival? Like this is your baby! Can you respond to comments comparing it to other great women-centric festivals like Essence Fest? Between philanthropy and entertainment, it’s really; it’s up there!

MJB: It’s so major because it’s all things Mary j Blige; it’s everything you see is what I am. Yes ma’am. You know, women in unity, the uplifting and encouraging, educating us, you know. I’m about all of this. Music, beauty, comedy, fashion, wealth, you know, I love all of it.

Philanthropy was the main theme of the first night. The Festival + Summit kicked off with PepsiCo presenting $140,000 in donations to four local Atlanta organizations that support opportunities for women, alongside a $60,000 HBCU Scholarship in partnership with Mary J. Blige.

BE spoke with renowned screenwriter and television producer Mara Brock Akil on the festival’s contribution to women and Black businesses and why Strength of a Woman is extremely good for Black women’s mental and physical health.

As someone who strengthens and empowers so many women through your work, do you feel that that energy of strength is here at the festival? 

Mara Brock Akil: I can speak specifically on the strength of a woman, it can be any woman. But in this particular context, we are talking about Black women, and Black women lead with their hearts. It’s almost, sometimes it could be to our fault because we can tip that over to exhaustion. That could tip over to not self-care. It could tip over into repeating bad cycles or just holding on too long. You feel that strength here, but it’s rooted in love instead of exhaustion. For the most part, Black women are about love and care. Seeing the warmth, seeing each other. Like givin’ a high five, a hug, and a ‘Heyy girl, you look good.’ That’s love. And we need that sometimes.

Talk about why you love seeing big festivals like this pour back into Black and Brown communities like Atlanta.

MBA: Well, I mean, at the base level, it is offering an entrance to more. It’s offering entertainment. It’s offering escape. It’s offering information. But in terms of giving back, everything should be philanthropic at this point, where we are in the context of history. Our history. We have to lift as we climb. Black people historically have been doing that period. You may have been the only person that bought something from a small business vendor today. And that may be the thing that helps that sister keep going. That sale for that day may validate her reason to do the endeavor in the first place. That helps her mental health, her physical well-being, and that helps her survive.

Speaking of offering and sharing information, the festival included pivotal panels and engaging programming from some of the most influential Black voices in a diversity of industries.

Panelists included Mary J. Blige, Former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Ciara, Gail Bean, Monique Rodriguez, Earn Your Leisure’s Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, Mara Brock Akil, Angela Yee, Brandee Evans, Raven Goodwin, and Modern Blk Girl’s Tiffany James.

Attendees enjoyed hearing from successful entrepreneurs, influencers, and experts in their field and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women.

PepsiCo’s Kent Montgomery, senior vice president of Industry Relations and Multicultural Development, touched on how the festival contributes to Atlanta’s diversity initiatives and PepsiCo’s partnership with the Festival. 

Pepsi is really ‘putting its money where its mouth is, as they say. Tell me a little about how Pepsi contributes to the success of this women-centric festival curated by the icon Mary J Blige and to the Black community at large, especially in ATL. 

Kent Montgomery: Working with Mary was a go from the start. She’s a major voice on education and women’s empowerment here and all over the country. Absolutely. She’s generational. My generation, your generation, everybody knows she’s a superstar.

What impact do you think this partnership will have in Atlanta communities and on women around the country?

KM: I think it starts with us. On our journey, which is racial equality worldwide, PepsiCo committed to pouring $400 million into the Black community. We framed that up in really three ways: people, business, and community. This festival is about community, and we’ve awarded thousands of dollars to the Atlanta community, students, Black-owned businesses, and more during this weekend. I think when it comes down to it, we saw that great work that was happening in Atlanta it became a destination.

If the driving topic of sisterhood and philanthropy isn’t enough, the festival included an A-list lineup of performances and even some amazing surprises. Grammy and Emmy-winning artist and producer Robert Glasper delivered a powerful evening of music kicking off the festival.

Friday, Day 2 consisted of a concert celebrating the past, present, and future of hip-hop music with electrifying performances from artists who have paved the way, such as Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Busta Rhymes, Jeezy, Method Man, Ciara DJ Drama, Jadakiss, and Missy Elliot.

Saturday concluded with performances from Coco Jones, Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, and the soulful legend Lauryn Hill.

The weekend ended on a Sunday with a comedy show from the hilarious comedian Mike Epps and ‘The Purpose Ball’ to honor the LGBTQIA+ community’s undeniable impact on popular culture and highlight the disparities of access and equity in healthcare for Black and LGBTQIA+ communities. 

Overall, it’s a festival that all women, especially Black women, should experience once in their lifetime; shoutout to Queen Mary J. Blige for a weekend of empowerment coming to fruition for a second year.

RELATED CONTENT: Pepsi Pledges $200,000 In Donations and Scholarships For Mary J. Blige’s ‘Strength Of A Woman’ Festival