Morgan State and Howard University have joined forces with the PNC Foundation to help expand Black-owned businesses.

According to CBS, it’s creating a new business hub and pop-up market to encourage students to display their from-the-ground-up business skills.

Morgan State University’s Dr. Mary Foster underscored that in today’s culture, resources can level the playing field for potential Black business owners.

“There are many rich resources already out there, so we want to not reinvent the wheel, not duplicate things,” Foster said.

“We want to create new things that are needed to help reduce those disparities for Black entrepreneurs.”

The new program also includes novice business owners. Owner of Nobel Gems Community Health Services, Cierra Jones, recently completed Morgan State and PNC’s business hub.

“It’s deeper than a Google search, it’s deeper than what you can find in a dictionary or encyclopedia, right, or even a newspaper, but it’s about having access directly handed to you or having those direct relationships with the most important people that can bring you those resources and direct you to the right opportunity,” Jones said.

Howard University is also partnering with PNC for the business hub. Anthony Wilburn, dean of Howard University School of Business, said the collaboration would have long-term effects on Blacks in the business space and the overall Black community.

“Entrepreneurship is the engine of this nation. Our students and alumni are entrepreneurs by nature and really embrace the concepts of what it means to start up and run a business,” Willburn told PNC.com.

“Some of our students go on to become entrepreneurs themselves, while others find entrepreneurship concepts useful within corporate jobs. We’ve been trying to support their passion and interest in entrepreneurship as much as possible, and it is very much a part of what we do at Howard University.”

PNC Foundation will host its conference for Black entrepreneurship from June 14–16 in Washington, DC.

RELATED CONTENT: Operation HOPE CEO John Hope Bryant joins Clark Atlanta University and PNC for National Center for Entrepreneurship Launch

• Business

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2023

Young CEO Delane Parnell Leaves $400 Million Gaming Company To Build New Business

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Delane Parnell is leaving amateur esports platform PlayVS, which he founded, to build a new business.

PlayVS announced that Parnell is stepping down as chief executive officer after six years. Joe Gibson, who joined the company almost four years ago, will take over as CEO during the search to find Parnell’s replacement.

Parnell will remain on the board of directors and serve as a senior advisor during the interim period

“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved at PlayVS in only a few years,” Parnell said in a written statement. “Leading such a talented team has been an honor, and developing an innovative product that has created so many opportunities for an underserved audience has been a dream come true. It has been humbling to serve as a role model for Black tech founders in gaming, and I hope that my example inspires others to break down barriers in the industry. I’m excited to see PlayVS continue to grow and make a positive impact on the world of gaming and education.”

Parnell started internal discussions with the board last year, informing members of his desire to step back and focus on a new project. The parties agreed earlier this year to start a CEO search. 

“While we are sad to see Delane step down, we’re proud of the cultural impact he’s made in the lives of millions of high school students’ lives and we’re confident that he’s paved the way for PlayVS’ continual growth,” said Michael Jones, a PlayVS board member. “Delane’s hard work and commitment have been integral to the company’s achievements thus far, and we appreciate his support through this transition, ensuring PlayVS’ continued success.”

PlayVS was started in 2018 with the intention of bringing amateur esports programs to students natioinwide, opening up opportunities to college students and as a career. It also helped to advance students’ personal and academic development.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 3, 2023

NYC Woman Who Mowed Into Black Lives Matter Protestors Escapes Prison Time, Accepts Community Service

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A woman facing seven years in prison for mowing her vehicle into a crowd of Black Lives Matter protestors, striking six people, was heckled outside a Manhattan courtroom Monday after she received five hours of community service.  

According to The New York Post, Kathleen Casillo, 53, was looking at seven years in jail when she pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor. She made a deal with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office that if she stayed out of trouble for six months, the charge would be reduced to a disorderly conduct violation.

On December 11, 2020, Casillo drove her black BMW sedan into a Black Lives Matter protest in New York City. She was riding with her 29-year-old daughter in Manhattan on 39th Street and Third Avenue.

She told police officers she feared for herself and her daughter when she claimed she panicked and stepped on the gas. There is video footage of the incident revealing several people at the protest being hurled into the air. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. 

Prosecutors in District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said earlier this week that they agreed to the deal due to Casillo not having a previous criminal record. That she did not leave the scene and had not intended to hurt the protestors, taking full responsibility for the incident, were also factored into the decision.

“We believe, given all this, it is just to permit the defendant to try to earn a non-criminal disposition,” Assistant District Attorney Andrew Mercer said in court.

“If she fails in fulfilling any of the conditions of this plea—that is, if she does not complete the community service or gets rearrested in the next year—she will not be permitted to withdraw her plea,” Mercer said. “The misdemeanor conviction will stand, and she will face possible jail time.”

She turned down two previous deals that would have sentenced her to six days of community service and suspended her driver’s license for one year in exchange for pleading guilty.

Her next scheduled court appearance is June 9.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 3, 2023

Brooklyn Bishop Lamor Whitehead Faces Another Accusation, This Time It’s Real Estate Theft

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Controversial Bishop Lamor Whitehead is making headlines again—this time for claiming he owned a church building in Brooklyn where he evicted church members.

The City reports the lawsuit seeks $3.5 million in damages from Whitehead and his church and for the city to void the deed.

Lawyers say Whitehead never owned the property he evicted the ministry from. The East Flatbush building was the site of Glory of God Global Ministry for almost 10 years before Whitehead allegedly changed the locks, kicking out 200 members of that congregation in December 2022. Pastor Joseph Williams said the lockout happened out of nowhere, recalling that he received an alert from the church’s alarm system saying there’d been a break-in. “It’s very devastating,” Williams said.

According to the lawsuit filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court last week, the property was originally purchased by Michael Moses and his sister, Lydia Moses, of Maryland, at a tax sale auction last February for $1.9 million.

Later, Whitehead contacted the siblings to express his interest in purchasing the building, and they permitted him to evict the current tenants while he went through the financing process. He never received the proper financing but still went ahead and allegedly submitted a fraudulent new deed to the Office of the City Register in April, claiming he and his church, Leaders of Tomorrow International Ministries, were the rightful owners.

The Brooklyn-based pastor claims it’s “a frivolous lawsuit” and said he had yet to have been served a copy of the lawsuit, so he’s blind to the specifics.

Since 2022, the ministry leader has been inundated with lawsuits and controversy. Black Enterprise reported in March Whitehead was accused of falsifying bank documents, claiming his business had $2 million in its coffers when there was less than $10 in it. The world was first introduced to him after he was robbed during a sermon and was seen via live stream. Shortly after, he was accused of staging the robbery to collect an insurance payment.

One of DMX’s biggest hits wasn’t one of his favorites and he only recorded it because the New York native lost a bet to producer Swizz Beatz.  

“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” was one of the first tracks he produced for the late artist. A bet between the two resulted in the song making the album. 

For those listening to hip-hop in the late ’90s, and early 2000s, Swizz Beatz, real name Kasseem Dean, was a household name: he produced many hits for the Ruff Ryders label. His uncles were Joaquin (Waah) and Darrin (Dee) Dean, co-CEOs of the then-fledgling hip-hop label. 

In an interview with SiriusXM’s Hip Hop Nation, the Verzuz founder described the song’s release. 

“I was Atlanta in school, and then, um, they got the project to where it was at, and then I came in last minute with Stop Drop. X lost a bet, or I wouldn’t have even been on the album. But he didn’t lose the bet because that song ended up changing all of our lives. So, he technically won the bet for my Uncle D, and that changed all of our lives. So, it was just enough to do what it needed to do.”

According to American Songwriter, “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” was arguably the best song in DMX’s catalog and one of his highest charting Billboard records. Released off his 1998 debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 while being certified 2x platinum by RIAA (The Recording Industry Association of America).

After achieving much success, including eight studio albums and three mixtapes, he suffered a heart attack on April 2, 2021. He died a week later at the age of 50. More than two years after his death, fans worldwide still celebrate his artistry and the musical legacy he left behind with songs like “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.”

Ms. Tab is already feeling summer vibes and sharing the sunshine with her fans.

Actress and serial entrepreneur, Tabitha Brown, announced her final collection with Target which will release just in time for Mother’s Day.

“I am so excited to share with you this collection for Target” Brown stated in an advertisement posted to her Twitter page.

“I designed this collection to celebrate my favorite season of the year: summer.”

The new, limited-time Outdoor Entertaining Collection will feature all of Brown’s outdoor favorites, including furniture, decor, cooking, dining, pool and beach essentials, games and activities.

https://twitter.com/iamtabithabrown/status/1653427724390924293?s=12&t=EnI8LpkKUkdwbsuH0OtHUQ

The summer season is all about gathering together, according to Ms. Tab.

“With some good food, some fun games, good music, and tons of sunshine,” the vegan influencer says it doesn’t matter how large or small the party is. “I hope that this collection adds sunshine to all of your celebrations,” she concludes.

Brown also shared details about her fourth Target collection on Instagram.

“I have had the time of my life bringing these collections to life! This final collection,” which marks her fourth partnership with Target, “is all about family, gathering and outdoor entertainment!!” she captioned the ad.

Ms. Tab’s final Target collection is dedicated to her mother, who, according to Brown, passed away in 2007.

She told her followers that one of her mother’s favorite things was summer time fun with family. “So what better day than Mother’s Day to launch this beautiful collection! This one is for Mama❤️🙏🏾,” her caption continued.

Summer lovers can get a head start on their shopping by saving their favorites online. Shoppers can choose from a selection of colorful products such as throw pillows, beach balls, towels, floats, cups and plates, card game essentials, puzzles, and even download recipes.

“Honey y’all get ready because we are about to be outside playing games, eating good and relaxing in style!!” the “It’s CompliPlated” star said.

Brown’s Outdoor Entertainment Collection will be available online and in stores on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14.

RELATED CONTENT: Tabitha Brown Appreciates Target for Supporting Her Authenticity – Partnership Unfolded History-Making Deal

Last week actor Nick Cannon claimed Jamie Foxx was “awake” and “alert” after being hospitalized for a “medical condition.” Now, friends are pleading for fans and loved ones to “pray for Jamie.”

The New York Post reports the Oscar-winning actor has been hospitalized in Georgia for more than three weeks after falling ill on a movie set. Doctors are running tests to determine what happened. Foxx’s family and team have been extremely tight-lipped on his condition but sources close to Foxx say he needs all the prayers he can get.

His daughter, Corinne, first alerted fans of her father’s illness via Instagram, and asked for “privacy during this time.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Corinne Foxx (@corinnefoxx)

Recently numerous reports have come in talking about Foxx’s progression and recovery.  “Doctors are running tests, but he’s awake and alert,” a source told People. “They’re keeping him under observation.”

The timeline for the star to return to work is unknown. He has numerous projects in the works including hosting a game show, Beat Shazam, which was set to go into production just days after he was hospitalized. According to TMZ, a new host will film the show in Foxx’s absence. Corinne will also step away from the show to stay by her dad’s side.

On social media, fans have been highlighting the work of his 30-plus year career. One Twitter user posted a combination reel of Jamie’s work saying, “here’s to 30 years and many more of Foxx.”

Jamie Foxx isn’t a modern celebrity.

Foxx is what Hollywood entertainers used to be — multi-talented.
(Fred Estaire, Bruce Willis, Eddie Murphy)

Singing, stand-up, acting. Foxx isn’t another carbon copy celebrity.

Here’s to 30 years and many more of Foxx. pic.twitter.com/J1oRpn3TzJ

— Garreth Dottin (@garr_eth) April 27, 2023

Another tweeted about his work in the music industry, showing a clip of his work on Kanye West’s “Slow Jams.” “I really hope he gets well soon,” the user wrote with a heartbroken emoji. 

..it’s been said that Jamie Foxx’s health condition is worsening as his closest friends ask the public to keep him lifted in prayer. I really hope he gets well soon..💔pic.twitter.com/Ai6jonCquH

— thong song enthusiast. (@thePLAINESTjane) May 3, 2023

• News

by Booker Jones

May 3, 2023

Fort Lee Army Base Will Be Renamed After Two Black Pioneers

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Virginia’s Fort Lee Army base will be renamed after two Black officers of the U.S. Army. According to the United States Army, Fort Lee will now be known as Fort Gregg-Adams. The decision comes after the Congressional Naming Commission voted to remove names, signs, or anything that praises the Confederate Army or Confederate officers. 

According to the U.S. Army website, Fort Gregg-Adams is just one of nine Army bases that will undergo name changes in the coming years. 

“We are deeply honored to have Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams as the new namesakes for our installation,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Simerly, a commanding general at Fort Lee.

Lt. Gen. Gregg, a Florence, South Carolina, native, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946. He was 17 years old. Lt. Gregg served in Germany as a medical laboratory technician and then as a Quartermaster at Leadership School at Fort Lee before tours in Nuremberg and Germany as a member of the 95th Quartermaster Battalion, according to the Military Officers Association of America. 

“Once I arrived, I was told there were no medical facilities operated by the U.S. Army staffed with Black soldiers,” Lt. Gregg said. “So, I could not get a job as a medical laboratory technician in Germany.”

Lt. Gregg earned his first and second stars as a general officer in 1972 and 1976, respectively. He was also the first Black person to earn the title of lieutenant general in the U.S. Army.   

Gregg finished his career in the U.S. Army in 1981.

Maj. Adams not only pushed past being Black in America, but she was Black and a woman. Despite the obstacles that come with womanhood, Maj. Adams became the first Black woman to lead a unit during her tour of World War II.

In 1944, Adams was commander of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Her unit also accomplished successful missions in Rouen and Paris before being promoted to lieutenant colonel.

Adams went on to earn her master’s degree in psychology from Ohio State University. 

Fort Lee received its new official name on April 27.

RELATED CONTENT: New Monument Celebrates the Life and Legacy of Coretta Scott King

• News

by Booker Jones

May 3, 2023

Member Of The Last Living Tuskegee Airmen Just Received His Honorary Doctorate

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One of the last living members of the Tuskegee Airmen was honored with a doctorate from Norwich University. 

Brig. Gen. Enoch Woody Woodhouse, Jr., 96, was recognized for his service as a finance officer for the Tuskegee Airmen during the April 29 commencement ceremony in Northfield, Vermont. 

“I had the most important job on base,” Woodhouse told Boston University Alumni Magazine.

“You didn’t write checks out; you paid in cash. Everybody knew me.”

Woodhouse enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1944.

“Blacks were told, and it was publicized, that they lacked intelligence,” Woodhouse said. 

“We were thought to be skilled for and were utilized only in support positions. That means truck drivers, laundry people, and oil fillers for airplanes. Even though we were trained in basic training, when we got into the Army, we were all relegated to service functions.” 

During World War II, the U.S. was in desperate need of pilots. Under the Civilian Pilot Training Program, the U.S. partnered with several colleges and flight schools to train college students to become aviators. Initially, Blacks were not allowed to train to become pilots. However, in 1940, President Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act into law, a bill that ended discrimination in the Army but not segregation. 

Tuskegee University, the famed university founded by Booker T. Washington, was chosen as the pilot training site because of its proximity to surrounding flight schools. The Tuskegee Airmen Pilot Program graduated its first class of five in 1942.  

However, Woodhouse never became an airman. After passing the flight training exams, the U.S. Army terminated the program, Woodhouse recalled. 

Norwich University is the oldest private military university in the U.S., as well as the original home of ROTC, and the alma mater of Harold “Doc” Martin, another Tuskegee Airmen and the first African American to enroll in Norwich University.

RELATED CONTENT: Celebrating the Tuskegee Airmen Legacy #SoaringToGreaterHeights

Destiny Nelson-Miles, 19, graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, as the city’s first Promise Scholar after being on campus for only two years. 

Nelson-Miles’s success is a result of her hard work and the completion of the Early College Program when was a student at Woodlawn High School. The Early College Program is a dual enrollment program that allows students to take college courses while finishing high school. The young student entered the university as a junior with 69 college credits.

“Young people like Destiny Nelson-Miles are the reason my office initially launched Birmingham Promise, and why the Birmingham City Council and I continue to support this program,” Mayor Randall L. Woodfin told the Birmingham Times. “With partners like UAB, we are removing barriers and allowing our young people to achieve their dreams and fulfill their potential.”

Inside the classroom at UAB, Nelson-Miles’ academic interests found her exploring leadership roles and researching business topics. 

“The finance program at UAB is awesome,” Nelson-Miles said. “It gives a lot of opportunities to explore the many different disciplines in finance. Collat (School of Business) does a really good job of getting finance majors hands-on experience.”

She conducted research at the Region Institute for Financial Education for Professor Stephanie Yates on The Effects of Purchasing Power on Cryptocurrency Usage. Miles’ research won first place in the business category at UAB’s Undergraduate Research Expo. 

Nelson-Miles also excelled as a member of Beta Alpha Psi, the Financial Management Association at UAB, the National Association of Black Accountants, and the Green and Gold Fund. 

“It was an eye-opening experience to see how research can truly impact how we make decisions,” Nelson-Miles recalled.

“I learned a lot and dove deeper into finance through these experiences, and I had a lot of fun,” Nelson-Miles said. “I was very curious about financial management, and as a financial analyst for the utilities sector of the Green and Gold Fund, I learned many useful lessons about investments by exploring different companies.”

As an intern at Jones Valley Teaching Farm, Nelson-Miles helped with financial operations. She also prepared and organized financial reports for annual audits and researched market opportunities for newly earned revenue initiatives.

Despite the success inside the classroom, it was a challenge for Miles to create a social network while on campus. To meet the challenge, Nelson-Miles served as a mentor as a Collat Scholar, assisted incoming freshmen to get comfortable on campus, and served as a tutor for on-campus students living.

In June, Nelson-Miles will begin a full-time job as an analyst at Regions Bank.

RELATED CONTENT: Flying High: Student From Penn State Set To Graduate As The Only Black Person With A Degree In Aerospace Engineering