by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 8, 2023

5 Black Women Make History as Winners of the State Queen Ms. California Beauty Pageant

Originally published on Blacknews.com

Five African-American women were crowned queen at this year’s State Queen, Ms. California HeartShine beauty pageant that happened during Black History Month. The women are Shlanda Breeden, Deirdre Bolden, Diamond Bolden, Michalia Banks, and Zahara Mitchell.

All of the winners are promoting a non-profit initiative but Shlanda is using all the publicity as an opportunity to promote pet cancer awareness. Awarding her to the Cancer Association and other animal organizations geared towards aiding animals who are battling diseases the prestigious opportunity to represent the Golden State next year at the Run for National Queen.

Shlanda is using her reign to act as a community leader and animal advocate on behalf of her community while partnering with The Canine for Cancer Association and Miranda’s People, who provide financial assistance for people who have pets with cancer.

As an entrepreneur, Shlanda has even launched an event-planning company for pets called Kit Kat Poochie Parties

Service is at the forefront of her passion when it comes to helping animals in need. She created her own personal initiative, Canines for Cancer, after her bullmastiff, Dutch, was diagnosed with cancer. Many people are forced to put their pets down when facing the high cost of medical care that comes with being a pet parent. She uses her title to provide life-saving financial information to pet owners and directs them on ways to cut down expenses for their pet’s veterinary care.

Shlanda has partnered up with the National Canines for Cancer Foundation to help educate dog owners (pet parents) on how to detect cancer in their fur babies early. She has also reached out to an organization called Miranda’s People, which provides financial assistance to those that need medication or surgery for their cancer-stricken fur babies. Both organizations desperately need donations to continue fighting this horrible disease.

Shlanda, an ambassador, leader, and educator, plans to use her title to continue spreading canine cancer awareness in her community and to educate pet owners that they have a choice and they don’t have to euthanize their pets when they find out they have a major illness like cancer. She also teaches ways to get assistance and how to detect early stages of cancer in their pets.

Outside of her dedication to service and animal care, Shlanda is a multifaceted titleholder. She is currently a student at Grand Canyon University working on her bachelor’s degree in business management. She also works as an accounting officer for the State of California and is the owner of a pet party business called Kit Kat Poochie Parties. She also likes to spend time with her four dogs; she has left two pit bulls, Capone and Little Girl, and two chihuahuas, Little Boy and Peanut. She also loves sports. She is a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, and she loves the Dallas Mavericks as well!

Shlanda was also awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award, which is the highest award in the pageant industry. She was also awarded best actress and artist. She was also featured in several news publications and was one of six African American women who were crowned during Black History Month! What are the odds of that?! Because of this, Shlanda was on KCRA Channel 3 news and Good Day Sacramento with the other African American women who took the state queen title.

The HeartShine Pageant Organization is all-ages. A progressive, national pageant system that celebrates inner beauty through a program that empowers, inspires, and changes lives. The pageant awards an incredible prize filled with countless opportunities and scholarships and is also a certifying organization for the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards. This Miss Heartshine Pageant prides itself on helping girls and women grow their confidence and leadership skills through positive experiences, community service events, personal development workshops, modeling and performing opportunities, and so much more.

For more information about the Heartshine Pageant, go to www.heartshine.net

The Current State of The Housing Market: 4 Tips For Buyers And Sellers From HGTV Star Page Turner

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 8, 2023

The Current State of The Housing Market: 4 Tips For Buyers And Sellers From HGTV Star Page Turner

HGTV star and real estate expert Page Turner, busy with the Season 2 premiere of Fix My Flip, took some time to educate BLACK ENTERPRISE readers on how they can navigate the current state of the housing market.

Turner’s hit HGTV series premiered its second season last Thursday after attracting 12.4 million total viewers in its first season. The hit home renovation show follows Turner as she meets with struggling house flippers who need help with assessing their properties.

Each episode sees Turner use her 20 years of real estate experience and even investing her own money to help the flippers “Fix My Flip.” The show comes at the perfect time as the country continues to see major shifts in the housing market in the wake of the pandemic.

“Season two is going to be something else!” Turner tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“From a home with 130 cats to the heartstrings of flippers with real-life crises that take lifesaving measures that override the flip, to my interactions and negotiations with problematic flippers (I mean houses! LOL).”

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“Fixing flips continues at high-stress levels as I navigate through troubled waters with flippers that dig themselves into deep financial holes, who are stubborn with dated designs and unwilling to accept that the housing market has changed drastically and don’t believe me when I tell them that this change also means that the business of flipping has changed as well,” she continues.

“The market has taken a 180 turn from season one and we will see many of the flippers in disbelief that their ways of flipping don’t work anymore, and if they want to work with me, it’s my way or the highway! We’ll have to see which way they choose!”

An eternal optimist, author, fierce boxer, and proud single mother of three college-graduated women, Turner enjoys lending her expertise to those in need. It’s why she had no problem sharing insight with us on the current housing market, what appeals to home buyers, what upgrades should be at the top of a seller’s list, and how to budget for it all.

What insight can you share on the current housing market?

This year has found us in a very interesting and completely different housing market than we have seen in recent years! Especially since the pandemic when interest rates were at historic lows and home prices at historic highs, everyone was scurrying to buy a house. Now, with the rise in interest rates doubling and the once-historic rates of 2-3% settling in the first quarter of this year in the mid to high 6% range, we have seen the median U.S. home-sale price fall for the eighth straight four-week period 9-21%, after more than a decade of increases.

Many owners don’t want to sell and lose their low-interest rates, so there are fewer homes on the market. However, at 6% mortgage rates, buyers are still in the market. With fewer homes and higher interest rates, buyers are being met with lower list prices. For now, this means that though homes aren’t selling themselves anymore and sellers and agents must put in more time and work to favorably position the listing on the market, sellers can still get attractive prices (and in some markets multiple offers) for their homes if they are intentional with the pricing, presentation, and condition of the property. And in turn, buyers can purchase a lower-priced house in great condition that will take longer to gain equity, but a house they can turn into a home that they can love for many years to come.

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What are key elements that appeal to buyers?

Price, curb appeal, updates, and a great flowing floor plan. The marketing has changed with the rising interest rates and homes no longer selling themselves. This means sellers and agents must focus more on the home and put in more elbow grease to get their home sold for top price. The curb appeal of a home sets the buyer’s tone (and sometimes attitude!) as soon as the buyer drives up to a house.

Upon entering a home, bright, airy, and open spaces with a good flow throughout (rooms that aren’t choppy or feeling boxed in) often put a smile on a buyer’s face. Noticing fresh paint, cabinets (or at least updated pulls), new fixtures, and when possible a “flex space” for a den or office will make your home most appealing and memorable. Adding fresh scents and flowers throughout adds the cherry on top.

What tasks or upgrades need to be at the top of a seller’s list?

Less is more to buyers! The less a buyer needs to do to a home when purchasing a property, the better! If a seller is not in a position to complete a full renovation, it is best to focus on the key elements that would satisfy a buyer enough with the right price and minimal upgrades–curb appeal (fresh landscaping), fresh paint throughout, new hardware to update cabinets, and updated light fixtures.

If a renovation is possible, focusing on the kitchen with an open floor plan, new cabinetry, and appliances and adding an island, along with an updated primary ensuite (paint, tile, lighting, vanities) will do the trick to position the home at the top of the market list. When a home is positioned properly with price and presentation, multiple offers and receiving a top price for this new market can still happen!

How can one budget for these things?

Just like we are taught to have 3-6 months for an emergency fund, think of saving 3-6 months for your renovation the same way. Prioritize the projects you need to do that will add value and buyer interest to your property, collect bids and start saving. Especially in a changing market with higher interest rates and lower list prices, cash is always better when preparing to update your home to put on the market vs. pulling out a line of credit that carries costly interest fees.

Make sure that you don’t “over renovate” your home for your market/neighborhood and work with a Realtor that knows your area and who will work with you to decide what upgrades are necessary and the best and most cost-efficient materials to use to position your home as a top listing in your market.

by Booker Jones

May 7, 2023

Howard University Hires Historian Ben Vinson III To Serve As School’s New President

Howard University has selected Ben Vinson III, a historian of Latin American studies, to serve as its new president.

According to The Hilltop News, Howard University’s newspaper, Vinson has been chosen as the university’s 18th president and will replace Wayne A.I. Frederick, who announced his plans to retire last year on Sept. 1, 2023.

“My message is that I’m passionate about education. It is one of the most important values that I have,” Vinson said during an interview with The Hilltop.

“I promise to work my hardest to be sure that I, to my very best with the Howard University community elevate that institution to the best of my ability. That is my heartfelt pledge to this community.”

The news of Howard’s new president was announced on May 2 and comes after the 156-year-old HBCU received $122 million for research funding and the hiring of elite writers Nikole Hannah-Jones and Ta-Nehisi Coaste in 2021.

“Dr. Vinson is the right leader to usher Howard into its next era,” said Leslie Hale, vice chair of the university’s board of trustees, according to The New York Times.

“As a historian, he reveres the Howard legacy and brings a bold perspective of where Howard University should sit within the upper echelon of academic institutions.”

As a historian, Vinson’s publications include Africans to Spanish Americans and Black Mexico: Race and Society From Colonial to Modern Times, which examines the intersection of Latin America and the African diaspora.

Vinson obtained his B.A. from Dartmouth College and his Ph.D. in history from Columbia University. He has worked in higher education for 25 years, and this will be Vinson’s first time connected to an HBCU.

“I believe in paying it forward,” Vinson told The Hilltop News. “That’s how I’ve lived my life, and I’m excited to get a chance now to apply all the things that I’ve learned to be on the other side – rather than creating consortiums and networks with HBCUs – to actually be at an HBCU.”

by Ida Harris

May 7, 2023

Oprah Winfrey Tells Graduates It Took Over 10 Years To Get College Degree

In a commencement speech for Tennessee State University’s class of 2023, Oprah Winfrey shared that, unlike them, she did not graduate with her college degree in four, or even five, years.

On Saturday, the media mogul explained to the graduating class that she had been one credit shy of qualifying for her diploma when her career in broadcast journalism took off. Winfrey told students that it would be 10 years before she returned to complete her degree, The Associated Press reported.

Winfrey said her father pushed her to finish the education she had started at TSU. Over the years he asked her repeatedly, “When you going to get that degree?”

It wasn’t until 1988 that Winfrey received her degree from the Nashville-based HBCU, WABE reported. By that time she had become the Oprah Winfrey we all know and love.

“So I got my degree from Tennessee State, right around the time I got my third Emmy,” Winfrey said.

To date, Winfrey has won 19 Emmys, 12 NAACP Image Awards, and a Tony. To boot, she was nominated for an Oscar for her work in The Color Purple and as a producer for Selma.

After telling the students about her journey to graduation and her God-ordained steps to success, the OWN creator encouraged them to follow their purpose and to listen to the “still, small voice,” that will lead them to a space where they would “begin to know your own heart and figure out what matters most,”

Winfrey inspired the graduates to do purposeful work with the story of Tennessee state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson, who were expelled for for protesting for tougher gun laws while on the house floor, and the work and passion of Nelson Mandela.

Family Demands Justice For Rasheem Carter After Authorities Find 3rd Set Of Remains

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 7, 2023

Family Demands Justice For Rasheem Carter After Authorities Find 3rd Set Of Remains

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of 25-year-old Rasheem Carter have been notified that a third set of remains found February contained a DNA match to Carter, WLBT reported.

Carter went missing in rural Mississippi in October after twice telling the Taylorsville Police Department about the group of white men in pickup trucks who were chasing him, Crump wrote for MSNBC. The last image of Carter, caught on a hunting video, shows him partially dressed and “running for his life,” his mother said.

On November 2, 2022, Carter’s skeletal remains were found dismembered and scattered in the woods near the Taylorsville Police Department. His skull was severed in half. Despite the disturbing state of his corpse and the threats he shared in a police report prior to his death, local police have dismissed foul play.

In February, a third set of Carter’s remains were located and his family was only informed about the remains late last month via email, according to a statement by Crump’s law firm. The family, Crump, and protestors have had enough.

“The family of Rasheem Carter, while still deep in grief, is being denied adequate information and closure from the Mississippi officials overseeing this case,” the statement read.

“From the beginning of this case, the family has been misled. At first, when the first of Rasheem’s remains were discovered with his head decapitated from his body, officials told the family that it was animals that killed Rasheem. Then, officials admitted that they believed he was murdered.”

MEDIA ALERT: @AttorneyCrump & Rasheem Carter’s family have issued a statement in response to Mississippi Crime Lab officials notifying the family that a 3rd set of remains, found Feb. 23, contained a DNA match to Rasheem. His family will hold a protest to demand justice. pic.twitter.com/iKW4T0Jhrk

— Ben Crump Law, PLLC (@BenCrumpLaw) April 26, 2023

“Now, it is unacceptable that the family had to find out through an email that more of Rasheem’s remains were found, and still, they haven’t been told any other information, been offered a meeting with officials, or received his remains,” Crump continued.

“They continue to be stonewalled at every turn. This family just wants to find out what happened to Rasheem and say their goodbyes—they ask that the additional remains be returned to them so that they can lay him to rest.”

Crump has remained vocal regarding Carter’s death and demanding justice from local authorities in a case that is still being investigated, via WLBT.

“There should be no doubt that this was an act of murder, a hate crime—and a Mississippi lynching,” Crump said.

“But the Taylorsville Police Department and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations continue to ignore the cold, hard facts and railroad the family at every turn.”

These Black-Owned Destinations Are What You Need To Decompress

by Atiya Jordan

May 7, 2023

These Black-Owned Destinations Are What You Need To Decompress

The daily grind can be tiresome. One of these Black-owned destinations could be an easy fix.

Whether you have a free afternoon or a long weekend, take some time to get away, refocus, recenter, and rejuvenate. In the meantime, support Black hospitality business owners in the process.

Check out this list of six incredible Black-owned destinations worldwide, including a glamping-style bed and breakfast in Brooklyn, a jaw-dropping beachfront resort in Grenada, a luxurious oasis in Jamaica, and much more.

Akwaaba Mansion in Brooklyn, NY

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Husband-and-wife team Glenn Pogue and former Editor-in-Chief for Essence magazine Monique Greenwood own the upscale lodging collection, the Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns. Boasting locations in Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Cape May, New Jersey, Akwaaba’s journey began in 1995 with the opening of a groundbreaking urban B&B in Brooklyn, New York. The 1860s landmark mansion is lit with ornate fireplaces, antiques, and Afrocentric elegance. Guests can indulge in private baths, double Jacuzzis, a secluded garden, a glassed-in porch, a shaded courtyard, and a personal concierge to arrange tours.

Spice Island Beach Resort in Grand Anse, Grenada

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The award-winning Caribbean getaway Spice Island Beach Resort is on Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach. It is owned by the late Sir Royston O. Hopkin, who bought the resort in 1987 and is still family-owned. The all-inclusive resort comprises 64 suites, including premium Royal Collection Pool Suites, featuring amenities such as cedar saunas and large private pools. The Royal Cinnamon and Saffron Beach Suites are the premier category suites, ideal for romantic getaways or family vacations. Gourmet dining, an oceanfront swimming pool, scuba diving, sailing, non-motorized water sports, island tours, tennis, golf, and biking are a few activities that make a stay here extra special.

Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica

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With 400 acres of tropical gardens and two miles of beachfront, the luxurious Half Moon resort gives you the luxury of time. Enjoy pure relaxation with yoga, a gentle stroll on a friendly horse, get adventurous with a scuba outing, or book one of several treatments in one of its 12 treatment rooms, some of which are housed in overwater bungalows. If you’re up for a fitness routine, don’t miss a beat with its state-of-the-art facilities and variety of classes and personal training sessions.

La Vida Divine Healing Institute in South America

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La Vida Divine Healing Institute, a Black-owned wellness retreat in the breathtaking jungle of Maca, is nestled in the basin of the Amazon jungle in Ecuador. This is a place to visit in South America for those seeking fully immersive experiences in a natural environment. The retreat, owned by Jhoselyn Catalina Riffo and Courtney Gaddy, offers multi-day retreats pairing high-quality rest and relaxation periods with intense plant medicine experiences.

iwi fresh Garden Day Spa in Atlanta, GA

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Located in downtown Atlanta, iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa invites you to feel like you’re relaxing in a blossoming botanical garden. Iwi stands for “it is what it is,” so decompress with spa treatments made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The spa menu includes a variety of clean facials, massages, and wellness services that will leave you feeling great. And when you’re done, enjoy fresh juice from Yogi’s Juice Bar.

The Jenesis House in Arizona

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Wellness enthusiast Jenesis Laforcarde owns Arizona’s first Black woman-owned wellness resort and spa, The Jenesis House, slated to open in 2025. From healing instructors and in-room meditation to Nordic spa treatments and more, Laforcarde looks forward to providing an experience that fits all types of people who seek to experience true self-care at the resort. Until then, The Jenesis House has offered unique experiences and an all-inclusive retreat series with destinations including Cabo, Sedona and Marrakesh.

Take some mental health days to check out these Black-owned destinations, and tell them BLACK ENTERPRISE sent you!

Teyana Taylor at Center Of Alleged Fight Between Usher And Chris Brown

by Ida Harris

May 6, 2023

Teyana Taylor at Center Of Alleged Fight Between Usher And Chris Brown

Teyana Taylor is at the center of an alleged fight that occurred May 5 between R&B singers Usher and Chris Brown at Skate Rock City in Las Vegas.

The beef is said to be the result of Brown becoming incensed that Usher intervened as he fired a litany of B-words at Taylor, Hollywood Unlocked reported. Wack 100 corroborated Brown’s alleged vitriol against Taylor and shared his two cents on the exchange.

“That n***er Chris Brown outta control,” Wack 100 said about the events that took place. “That n*gg* gonna run into … remember, I told y’all this … he gonna run into the wrong squad…”

Wack 100 continued: “He took off on my boy in London, drunk and high. Now he took off on Usher, and Usher was hosting his birthday party…cause he went off on Teyana Taylor calling her a bunch (sic) of bitches. Usher tried to talk to him and they just took off on him.”

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The internet was set ablaze after reports surfaced alleging Brown and his entourage assaulted Usher after an altercation at Brown’s birthday bash. In an image circulating social media, the two R&B kings appear to have words. Sources told TMZ that Brown and his crew jumped the “Lovers and Friends” crooner, leaving him with “bloody nose.”

According to LoveB.Scott, sources shared that “Chris Brown was angered by seeing Teyana at the party and wanted her gone.” The source said Brown and Taylor had a brief back and forth before Usher came to Taylor’s aid.

The source told the outlet that Brown’s energy toward Taylor stems from her pulling out of his American Music Awards performance before it was eventually canceled.

Brown has been the focus of negative headlines for years mostly due to his questionable behavior. His name has been attached to several physical altercations, sexual assault and bad-mouthing.

The public has had a love/hate relationship with Brown since he beat his then-love interest, megastar Rihanna in 2009.

Usher is still scheduled to hit the stage as part of his Vegas residency at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

by Ida Harris

May 6, 2023

Sha’Carri Richardson Blazed Her Last Race With A Record-Breaking Win

Sha’Carri Richardson showed up and showed out at the Diamond League season opener in Doha on Friday.

The first-rate athlete won the 100m in 10.76 seconds—the fastest time in the world this year. She has been the only American woman to break 10.80 seconds since 2017. Her personal best was 10.72 seconds in 2019.

The 23-year old broke the 2023 record of 10.82 seconds set by Jamaican Sherika Jackson who came in second place at 10.85 seconds. The third-place winner was Dina Asher-Smith who came in at 10.98 seconds. The athlete wore waist-length braids and a colossal smile as she celebrated her record-breaking win.

“I found my peace back on the track, and I’m not letting anything or anybody take that anymore,” the track star told NBC Sports.

This increases Dallas native’s chances at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in July, where the top three in the 100m will be in the running to qualify for world championships in Budapest in August.

Richardson was expected to be a big winner at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics but was banned from the race after testing positive for marijuana. The then 21-year-old admitted to using cannabis after hearing about the recent death of her biological mother. In an interview with NBC, Richardson took accountability for her misstep.

“I want to take responsibility for my actions, I know what I did and what I’m not supposed to do,” Richardson said.

The debacle wasn’t all bad for the sprinter. She was offered a $250K endorsement deal with vape company, Dr. Dabber which she declined. Nike, who had been sponsoring the athlete since 2019, refused to revoke her endorsement deal.

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“We appreciate Sha’Carri’s honesty and accountability and will continue to support her through this time,” the company said, told an ESPN reporter.

by Stacy Jackson

May 6, 2023

Amanda Seales Has Words For Black Passengers Who Failed To Help Jordan Neely

Comedian Amanda Seales says she “cannot understand” why no one stepped in to help after the death of Jordan Neely, especially the Black people present during the incident.

Seales, 41, took to her Instagram Live to speak out about the death of Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man who was choked to death by a white subway passenger in New York.

“I’m trying to figure out why people think this is all regular, or this is OK,” she said. “I’m trying to understand how a Black man can be murdered again in front of your face and [you can] be like ‘I mean it’s crazy on the train in New York. I cannot understand that…If I’m being honest, we’re not doing enough.”

One user commented under Seales’ live video, “You right.” Another said, “A man died on national tv again.”

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Neely, known as a Michael Jackson impersonator, died last Monday after being placed in a chokehold by Daniel J. Penny, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, minutes according to police reports. Penny has not been charged with any crimes.

A passenger on the train, Juan Alberto Vazquez, said Neely complained about being “fed up and hungry,” according to CNN. Neely also said he was “tired of having nothing” and that “I don’t care if I die. I don’t care if I go to jail. I don’t have any food … I’m done,” according to Vazquez. He said no passengers were attacked by Neely before he was restrained and put in a deadly chokehold, according to NPR.

Rolling Stone reported that New York Mayor Eric Adams said on CNN,

“We have so many cases where passengers assist other riders. We don’t know exactly what happened here until the investigation is thorough,” New York City Mayor told CNN, according to Rolling Stone. “…We cannot just blanketly say what a passenger should or should not do in a situation like that,” when asked about passengers intervening in matters such as this.

The video of Neely being restrained has struck a nerve in the Black community, including Seales, as the death of another Black man is televised.

Concerns about how homeless people and people with mental illnesses are treated also surfaced. Vocal-NY echoed Seales’ concerns in a statement, “The murder of Jordan Neely is a direct result of the sustained political, systemic abandonment and dehumanization of people experiencing homelessness and mental health complexities…any semblance of justice here requires accountability and a reversal of Adams’ austerity budget and (Governor Kathy) Hochul to stop blocking progressive policy in Albany.”

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Launches ‘Pitch the Future’ Campaign

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 6, 2023

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Launches ‘Pitch the Future’ Campaign

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is getting a much-needed makeover. ESPN reports the Kansas City-based landmark and home of the Kansas City Monarchs is opening a fundraising campaign called “Pitch the Future” to raise $25 million for a new building to house an education center and the world’s most unique collections of baseball memorabilia.

Bank of America is already on board, having a relationship with the museum since the 1980s, by giving them a grant worth $1 million to support the initiative to build a new 25,000-square-foot facility. With the grant, NLBM will be able to provide state-of-the-art technology used to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity through the eyes of America’s unsung baseball heroes who overcame amazing social adversity to play America’s favorite pastime.

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The facility will be adjacent to the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center, named after the first baseman and manager in the Negro American League who assisted with fundraising efforts to build the initial museum. Museum President Bob Kendrick says he’s proud of this expansion.

“The current building is not designed to have that many people in it at one time. While no one says a disparaging word about the museum, the record turnout made things feel uncomfortable,” Kendrick said, according to KSHB 4.

“Now, we’re building an organization that will continue to preserve and celebrate the triumphant story of the Negro Leagues but also fortify our position as one of the nation’s most important civil rights and social justice institutions.”

Outside the facility, baseball fans will see images of Satchel Paige, O’Neil, Josh Gibson, and other Negro League stars. Some of these greats played alongside legend Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier as the first African American to play in the MLB.

In collaboration with the second annual March of the Monarchs, Bank of America and NLBM will host the “Play It Forward” baseball clinic on May 6, the same day of Jackie Robinson’s first game with the Monarchs, and will feature MLB alumni players Curtis Granderson and Jarrod Dyson.

The baseball clinic is set to “inspire the next generation to play and learn not only the game of baseball but also important life skills.”