Sisterhood Sit-in Trolley Celebrates Black Women Businesses with Two-Hour Shopping Tour
by Stacy Jackson

March 13, 2023

Sisterhood Sit-in Trolley Celebrates Black Women Businesses with Two-Hour Shopping Tour

Shop ’til you drop on this Philly tour.

Jeannine Cook, owner of sister bookshops Harriett’s in Fishtown and Ida’s in Collingswood, created the Sisterhood Sit-in Trolley Tour, a two-hour shopping tour that stops riders at half a dozen businesses along the Cherry Street Pier and Baltimore Avenue.

According to The Philadelhphia Inquirer, the tour is sponsored by Harriett’s and is a celebration of Black women in business.

“Welcome,” tour guide Sequoia “Starfire” Starre said to 18 women participating in the tour on Saturday, March 4. “We are here to celebrate Black businesses, Black womanhood, Black sisterhood, and maybe learn about some places we’ve never been to before.”

“We want to bring more attention, resources, and camaraderie to Black women’s businesses,” said Minista Jazz, events coordinator for Harriet’s. “We want to continue to support these women’s businesses after the initial buzz fades away. We are trying to create a congregation, a church experience.”

Nyambi Royster, owner of Nyambi Naturals, a beauty and apothecary shop on the Cherry Street Pier, is one of the business women who riders can support during the tour. Her shop sells handmade soaps, body butters, and skincare.

“The tour brings shoppers who are intentional about supporting Black businesses,” Royster said. “At least 85% of the people who have come by have made purchases, and 20% to 25% of them come back for return business.”

The tour also stops at French Toast Bites, a food truck at the Cherry Street Piers; Booker’s Restaurant; Ceramic Concept, a boutique that sells handmade pottery; and Modest Transitions, a specialty store that sells naturally dyed yarn.

According to a 2021 article in the Harvard Business Review, Black women are the fastest-growing group of American entrepreneurs. Statistics showed 17% start businesses, compared to 10% of white women and 15% of white men. Although percentages are higher for launching businesses, only 3% of Black women business owners see a profitable or repeat customer base.

Cook launched the shopping tour in February 2022, and it returned this year with a new theme, Rebel Ride, inspired by Rosa Park’s historic act of defiance. The tours depart from Harriett’s Bookshop on Saturdays, until April 15. Tour organizers are looking to eventually expand to Germantown Avenue, Main Street in Manayunk, and South Street.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 13, 2023

LaTocha Scott of Xscape Faces Backlash After Sister Accuses Her of Stealing Her Royalty Payments

LaTocha Scott is under fire after her sister, Tamika Scott, made some shocking allegations on their new Bravo reality series SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B.

The drama between the Xscape group members has plagued the R&B quartet for decades. While Tocha has often been at the center of the drama, she typically has had the support of her sister Tamika.

But all that has changed on the new show. The Bravo reality series follows Xscape and SWV’s work to try and organize a multi-city tour, after seeing the success of their Verzuz battle.

The only issue is, Tocha isn’t willing to work with a group that has so much bad blood. The main person she appears to have issues with this time around is her own blood sister, Tamika.

When their mother attempted to bring her two daughters together for a family meeting, Tamika became upset and revealed the stealing she claims Tocha and her husband Rocky did behind her back. According to Tamika, Tocha and Rocky were receiving her royalty checks and cashing them into Rocky’s bank account without her knowledge.

To make matters worse, Tamika has resentment toward their mother for seemingly always protecting Tocha and taking her side. When Tamika made the shocking claims on the show, their mother told the camera crew to leave her house.

In addition to the family drama being aired out, the show also revealed Tocha’s plans to work on a solo project, without her group members’ knowledge and approval. She also appeared visibly bothered whenever she was put in a group setting with the other Xscape members.

In the wake of the show’s first two episodes, fans have been sounding off and bashing Tocha in the process. She posted a solo photo on Sunday with a caption that appeared to be in response to all the issues she’s facing with her group members.

“There are so many forces against me, but the one who is with me is much greater,” she captioned her post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LaTocha (@iamlatocha)

But she failed to limit her comments, and fans were quick to call out Tocha for her behavior on the show.

“Lmaooo girl just give tamika her 30k 😂,” one fan wrote.

“No one is against you but right is right and wrong is wrong you was talking about kandi on xscape still kickin it and look what you doing,” another added.

The shade only got worse over on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/SoFuckingPetty_/status/1635087991608852482?s=20

“latocha gets on my NERVES !! you had all this time in between to chase that solo career you wanted so bad. but you wait until the group is working on something to attempt your solo career AGAIN?” one user claimed.

https://twitter.com/jadaalert/status/1635082427805872128?s=20

Only two episodes in and LaTocha has already managed to become the villain. Only time will tell if the fans’ view of the group’s lead singer will change.

Lasell University Student Accused of Stealing Over $500,000 from Jewelry Store Where She Worked
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 13, 2023

Lasell University Student Accused of Stealing Over $500,000 from Jewelry Store Where She Worked

A college student in Massachusetts has been arrested after being accused of stealing over half a million dollars from her employer.

According to the Burlington Police Department in Massachusetts, Ariel Foster, 19, was arrested after being involved in a credit card scam that alleges she made approximately $500,000 in fraudulent charges.

Burlington Chief of Police Thomas P. Browne stated that Foster, who hails from Boston, has been charged with larceny over $1,200.

On Feb. 22, police officers were contacted to go to the Lovisa jewelry store in the Burlington Mall for a report of a credit card machine breach.

After an investigation by police officials, they determined that on three dates in February, several items that were bought at the store were scanned at the register at a higher price. Then those items were allegedly refunded to a credit card that belonged to Foster. The total of eight transactions was at a loss of $547,187.

Foster worked at the jewelry store and, based on the investigation, the transactions all took place while she was working.

After obtaining a subpoena for records from the 19-year-old’s financial institutions, investigators uncovered a refund transaction from the jewelry store, listed as Lovisa America LLC, that was issued to her bank account. Records revealed that Foster made several high-priced purchases between Feb. 2 and Feb. 22, including a Tesla that cost more than $35,000, and almost $5,000 in Louis Vuitton purchases. She also had purchases from Delta Airlines for almost $6,000, and more than $20,000 to a hotel in Maui.

On March 8, Burlington Police, Boston Police, and Lasell University Police had search warrants for Foster’s residence, as well as her dorm room. She was arrested and taken into custody without incident.

She was released on bail and will likely be arraigned this Friday at Woburn District Court.

Bank of America Partners with University of Memphis Business Students to Prepare for Success After College
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 13, 2023

Bank of America Partners with University of Memphis Business Students to Prepare for Success After College

Bank of America is creating opportunities for the future.

The financial institution has partnered with the University of Memphis’ Fogelman College of Business and Economics for the FCBE Career Fellows Program, a program open to college juniors to help prepare Black business students for professional success. The Memphis Business Journal reported the program already has four students participating in the two-year program.

Bank of America stated the program is set up to provide students with professional development opportunities, job shadowing, resume and interview workshops, internships, and career opportunities.

Trevia Chatman, president of Bank of America’s Memphis market, said opportunity is the best way to tackle the gap in racial equality. “The FCBE Career Fellows Program is designed to further equip Black and African American undergraduate business students with career development support and guidance to help ensure their success and position them for career advancement,” Chatman said.

“Career opportunities are a critical pillar in addressing the racial equality gap in our country.”

The school said this partnership has been in the works for over a year. According to the Memphis Flyer, FCBE is looking to provide students with internships that can give them the same financial stability as a part-time job. Mentors are in place to give guidance, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of their resources, something director of the Avron B. Fogelman Center for Complete Professional Development, Marja Martin-Carruth, says is a common situation. “Some students just don’t take advantage of those resources, or know how to access them,” Martin-Carruth said. She continued to say many don’t even know the option is available to them.

Bank of America is committed to investing in the Black community of Memphis. They are the fourth-largest bank in the Memphis metro area, with over $2 billion in local deposits. They also invested close to $700,000 in funding to non-profits to improve economic status in the area.

 

 

 

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 13, 2023

Shaquille O’Neal Celebrates Opening of New Restaurant at Kansas City International Airport

Shaquille O’Neal was in Kansas City to celebrate the opening of his new restaurant inside the city’s International Airport.

The NBA legend took to Missouri for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for his Big Chicken restaurant inside the new KCI terminal in Kansas City International Airport, Fox 4 KC reported. O’Neal hosted the event with the city’s mayor, Quinton Lucas.

The restaurant serves as an homage to O’Neal’s favorite home-cooked foods, with trending flavors. Names of the menu items draw inspiration from his childhood, including a sandwich named after his supportive Uncle Jerome.

It’s Shaq’s first Big Chicken franchise location within an airport, and the first for Kansas City.

“We are excited to have Shaq’s Big Chicken in Kansas City!” Lucas said.

“Good things are happening in Kansas City!” he tweeted along with a video of the ceremony.

“It’s great to have @SHAQ invested in the town and to welcome Shaq’s Big Chicken to our part of the country. I also thank him for buying 200 free sandwiches for folks at the airport today.

Located inside Terminal B near Gate 60, the menu boasts a variety of signature sandwiches like the Big & Sloppy, the Uncle Jerome, and the Shaq Attack. The menu also features desserts and sides, including a variety of fries, macaroni and cheese, and jalapeno cole slaw.

Those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can opt for one of Big Chicken’s signature milkshakes, an ice cream sandwich, or a huge cookie dubbed the “Big Cookie.”

Shaq stayed true to his love for sports after celebrating the launch of his new restaurant and attended the Big 12 Championship. The four-time NBA champion was seen sitting courtside with Mayor Lucas at the Kansas vs. Texas game.

On Saturday, Shaq put on his DJ hat to perform a DJ Diesel set at KC Live! in the Power & Light District, KMBC 5 reported.

https://twitter.com/Big12Conference/status/1634770615692595201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1634770615692595201%7Ctwgr%5E81819eb30cd237bc12a67a74baebdc82c227410e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kmbc.com%2Farticle%2Fshaq-restaurant-new-kci-dj-set-kansas-city%2F43283246

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 13, 2023

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is Interested in Purchasing a Majority Stake in BET

With the recent reporting of Paramount possibly fielding offers to buy a majority stake in BET Networks, Tyler Perry‘s name emerged as a potential buyer. After gaining the interest of other Black executives (Byron Allen and Group Black), another Black power player has thrown his name in the hat.

According to Variety, hip-hop billionaire, Sean Combs, is now looking to purchase a majority stake in BET. A source close to the Revolt network owner informed the media outlet that the mogul, who is also known as Diddy, is “exploring the opportunity to purchase BET as a part of his strategy to build a Black-owned global media powerhouse.”

Although Paramount has not officially placed a “for sale” sign on the network, with last week’s news, Black owners are smelling the blood in the water.

Recently, Combs has placed more effort into creating spaces to allow for Black ownership to thrive. According to a different source, he feels that BET should return to being a Black-owned brand. He truly believes that is “better for the business, for the culture, and for building wealth in the Black community.”

Paramount still wants to own a piece of BET as a minority owner. They will also continue with the commercial agreements they have with BET for content across its platforms.

If a deal is done, it will most likely include BET Studios, which launched in 2021. The partners involved in BET Studios include Kenya Barris, Rashida Jones, and Aaron Rashon Thomas. VH1 was shifted under the BET umbrella last year.

BET was started as a Black-owned entity in 1980 by Robert L. Johnson (who currently owns The RLJ Companies) and his wife Sheila Johnson, until he sold the network to Viacom in 2000 for $2.3 billion, making him the first Black billionaire. BET was the first cable network to specifically cater to Black audiences.

Georgia Democratic House Rep. Letitia “Tish” Naghise Dies at 59
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 13, 2023

Georgia Democratic House Rep. Letitia “Tish” Naghise Dies at 59

The Georgia House Democrats are in mourning as Democratic House Rep. Letitia “Tish” Naghise passed away.

Naghise died at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, after being hospitalized for a few days, according to friend and former coworker, Wan Smith. The first-time candidate won the Democratic primary in House District 68, representing quiet suburbs of Atlanta like southern Fulton and northern Fayette counties. Smith remembered Naghise as a talented leader who was excited about serving. “She was an extraordinary servant leader, an extraordinary and multifaceted leader, who didn’t start or stop with the legislature,” Smith said.

Georgia House Democrats released a statement, according to FOX News, calling her a “dear friend.” “She made an impact from day one at the Capitol, showing up with enthusiasm and grace,” Leader James Beverly said. “Her presence will be missed but her legacy of public service and kindness will live on.”

The 59-year-old’s love for politics grew after watching Barack Obama win the presidential election in 2008. She became a delegate at the Democratic National Convention in 2020 and even volunteered for Georgia state senator Jon Ossoff’s initial 2017 campaign. She also worked for the Census advocacy group, Fair Count, and Georgia Conservation Voters before running for office. “No matter what part of the the state we were organizing in, she knew somebody there or knew somebody who could put her in contact with someone there,” Smith said.

Government officials took to Twitter to release statements on Naghise’s passing, including Governor Brian Kemp, who remembered her care for the people of Fayetteville.

After learning of her passing, Ossoff made a statement, testifying to her hard work. “I always knew Tish to be a kind, caring, hardworking, and committed community leader and public servant,” Ossoff wrote. “Georgia will miss Tish.”

No cause of death has been provided at this time.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 13, 2023

Tems Called Out for View-Blocking Outfit at The Academy Awards

Tems came to slay at the 95th Academy Awards. But her stunning outfit might’ve prevented some attendees from watching the show.

The Nigerian singer/songwriter was front and center at the Oscar Awards on Sunday night, where she was nominated for Best Original Song for writing on Rihanna’s “Life Me Up” off the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

Photographers captured footage of Tems’ white Lever Couture gown with a puffy white feature that wrapped around the back of her head, Rolling Stone reported.

While it appeared remarkable on the red carpet, it proved to be a bother for those seated behind the “Free Mind” singer. It didn’t take long for social media to start cracking jokes and criticizing Tems’ Oscars attire.

“This is so disrespectful to the people sitting behind her. #TEMS #Oscars #Oscars2023,” one user wrote.

“Sorry to whoever is sitting behind Tems at the #Oscars 😂😂,” added someone else.

“Imagine waiting your whole life to be at the Oscars and you end up sitting behind a stratus cloud,” one person jokingly said.

Another filmed their own comical rendition of Tems’ Oscars outfit and the “POV” for anyone seated behind her.

https://twitter.com/lasulja/status/1635073385314287618?s=20

Some defended Tems, comparing her view-blocking outfit to one Lady Gaga wore years before.

“Everyone is going gaga cus of Tems’ dress at the Oscars but no one is talking about the condition Lady Gaga puts the people behind her as well,” one user wrote.

“Tems outfit to the Oscars is view-blocking but why’s no one talking about Lady Gaga’s outfit?” added someone else.

Tems co-wrote the nominated track, “Lift Me Up,” with Rihanna and the film’s director Ryan Coogler. The song paid tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who passed away ahead of filming the sequel.

Tems, Rihanna, and Coogler lost the category to “Naatu Naatu” from the film RRR. The songstress did win her first Grammy last month and became the first Nigerian woman to do so.

Man Starts Uber Black Business Has Account Shut Down for Suspicion of Fraud After Spending $180K
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 13, 2023

Man Starts Uber Black Business Has Account Shut Down for Suspicion of Fraud After Spending $180K

It seems like Uber has some serious beef with Black employees and drivers of color.

After a report showed Uber and Lyft have been deactivating Black driver accounts with little to no explanation, more drivers are coming forward to talk about their experience with the company.

Miguel Abreu drove for Uber for seven years but wanted to take things up a notch.

According to MarketWatch, he decided to purchase a Chevy Tahoe and Mercedes for $90,000 to start a luxury Uber Black, a premium service the company offers to customers. After spending $10,000 on a commercial license, the Massachusetts resident found himself unable to log into his account. Uber Technologies had deactivated his account because he was suspected of splitting his account, or having two drivers using one account.

According to recent reports, 40% of drivers said they weren’t given an explanation of why they were fired. Abreu said he wanted an explanation. “How could that be?,” Abreu said he questioned Uber. ” You know I’m an Uber Black driver. I bought this expensive car, got my commercial license. I shouldn’t just be deactivated.”

In order to be an Uber Black driver, drivers must have higher ratings, the required license, and newer cars – so nothing should have gone wrong for Abreu. However, federal regulations tell a different story.

The state of Massachusetts conducts additional background checks for drivers, on top of ones run by the hiring company – the only state in the United States to have such rule.

That could be the reason behind the deactivation, as he recently became an official U.S. citizen. Uber claimed Abreu’s account had been reinstated and was only deactivated because of suspicion of fraud. “We approach any deactivation decision with caution and consideration,” Austen Radcliff, Uber spokesperson, said.

“Drivers are also able to appeal eligible deactivations, which includes submitting additional evidence.”

When he went to Uber to make an appeal, the company told him one was already in motion, but he had never sent one in. Abreu’s experience is similar to difficulties faced by other drivers, who had actually submitted an appeal, only for the company to say otherwise. Abreu is telling his story in hopes that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.

“What happened to me shouldn’t happen to anybody else. We need protections.”

Black Entrepreneur Who Secured $200K Deal On ‘Shark Tank’ Made $1.8M Last Year
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 13, 2023

Black Entrepreneur Who Secured $200K Deal On ‘Shark Tank’ Made $1.8M Last Year

Raquel Graham, the creator of Headlightz who scored a major deal on Shark Tank back in 2020, is reporting now generating millions of dollars in sales. When she appeared on the show, she ended up landing a deal with Kevin O’Leary and Peter Jones for $200K in exchange for 20% of her company plus a one-dollar per unit royalty until they recoup $600K.

That deal has paid off very well for all parties involved because, in 2021, she generated $1.7 million in revenue. She reportedly generated another $1.8 million in revenue in 2022.

Her company, Roq Innovation, produces Headlightz, a line of hats and headbands with removable and rechargeable LED lights that are perfect for outdoor running, walking the dog, and many practical and safety uses for hands-free lighting. In addition to appearing on Shark Tank, her products have been featured on Oprah’s O List twice, Oprah’s Favorite Things, Forbes, Good Morning America, and The Drew Barrymore Show. She has even sold out multiple times on HSN.

Raquel is no newbie to entrepreneurship. In fact, she has a very successful track record in marketing strategy, branding, partnerships and sponsorships, and event management.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, she later moved to Chicago where she worked for Johnson Publishing Company (Ebony and Jet) as Vice President and a National Marketing Director for seven years. She earned her MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management and holds a B.A. in History with an Associates degree in Economics from Wesleyan University.

Her products are currently being exclusively sold on Amazon via a page that profiles her company as one of their most successful Black-owned vendors.

This news first appeared on blackbusiness.com

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