OneTen, a coalition of leading executives and organizations committed to skills-first hiring of one million Black individuals over the next 10 years into jobs with family-sustaining wages and opportunities for advancement, today announced that Maurice Jones has decided to step down as its CEO in order to pursue his next challenge.

The Executive Committee has appointed Debbie Dyson, OneTen’s President and COO as his successor. Dyson will assume the CEO role effective March 1.

“Maurice’s accomplishments as the inaugural CEO of OneTen will have an impact on the organization, our constituent companies and the people we exist to serve that extends well beyond his tenure,” said Ken Frazier, co-chair of OneTen.

“It has truly been an honor to help lead the formation of One Ten. With a strong and stable organization, a talented staff and a capable successor in place, I believe the time is right for me to seek new opportunities,” said Maurice Jones.

Under Jones’s leadership, the coalition has grown to more than 70 companies and partners with links to more than 100 talent development organizations. The efforts of One Ten and its member companies have led to more than 65,000 people being hired into fulfilling careers with another 19,000 having been promoted into such positions.

“We are grateful for Maurice’s valuable contributions to OneTen, and we are confident that Debbie Dyson will build on the firm foundation Maurice is leaving behind,” said Ginni Rometty, OneTen co-chair. “I thank Maurice for all he’s done and look forward to working with my OneTen colleagues to achieve our mission of hiring, promoting and advancing the careers of deserving people by taking a ‘skills-first approach’ that will provide our members with skilled and productive talent while helping to close the opportunity gap,” said Debbie Dyson.

Prior to joining OneTen, Dyson held multiple senior executive leadership positions, most recently as President of ADP’s National Account Services. Under her leadership, this multi-billion-dollar organization evolved to implement rich technology solutions and flourish with operational process improvements, year-over-year client retention, and commitment to enterprise service excellence. She brings a depth of experience spanning many disciplines, including client success delivery, business process optimization and global enterprise solutions.

About OneTen

Founded in 2020, OneTen is a coalition of leading chief executives and their companies who are coming together to upskill, hire and promote one million Black individuals who do not yet have a four-year degree into family-sustaining jobs with opportunities for advancement over ten years. OneTen connects employers with talent developers and other skill-credentialing organizations, leading nonprofits and community-based partners who support the development of diverse talent. By creating more equitable and inclusive workforces, we believe we can reach our full potential as a nation of united citizens. Join us at OneTen.org.

SOURCE OneTen

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 27, 2023

A Side of Racism With Those Waffle Fries? Chick-fil-A Customer Receives Order Receipt With Misspelled Racial Slur

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One Chick-fil-A restaurant in North Carolina is in hot water after a customer allegedly saw a racial slur on a receipt earlier this month.

According to WSOC-TV, Nyiashia Jackson was in line to pick up her food at a Charlotte-based chain. When she received the receipt, a racial slur was printed on it instead of her name. “She told her her name was Nyiashia, and the worker put on her ticket N****,” her mother, April Jackson, said.

Nyiashia said an employee of the popular fast food chain gave her a warning when she was handed her food. “He was like, ‘You might want to look what they put your name as,’” Jackson said. “I was just in shock. I literally parked right there. I couldn’t eat the food, I was just in shock.

The 19-year-old’s mother April is calling for the employee who took the order to be fired.

“I was really, really upset and sad,” April said.

Since Chick-fil-A, known for their “outstanding” customer service, many caught wind of the incident.

“The Operator/Owner of Chick-fil-A Mountain Island has thoroughly investigated and tried to connect with the customer to better understand her experience and apologize for the situation,” the statement said, according to the New York Post.

“It’s the company’s expectation that guests at all Chick-fil-A restaurants are treated with honor, dignity, and respect.”

Also, according to the statement, the operator of the franchise has started additional training to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Jackson, however, feels that’s a cop out. “You shouldn’t have to be trained to not call someone a n—,” Jackson said. “I’m just being as honest as I can be; I want the employee fired.”

Although the restaurant has attempted to speak with Jackson, the family is pursuing legal action so has no intentions on speaking with the restaurant at this time.

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 27, 2023

Nick Cannon Praises Mariah Carey’s ‘Beautiful’ Bond With Their Daughter Monroe After Viral TikTok

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Nick Cannon is all in favor of the “special” TikTok Mariah Carey and their daughter Monroe Cannon filmed with his ex Kim Kardashian and her daughter North West.

Mimi and Cannon’s 11-year-old daughter recently appeared alongside Kim and Kanye West’s eldest daughter in a TikTok video where they danced to Mariah’s 2009 single “It’s A Wrap.”

@kimandnorthIt’s a wrap! But never for us!♬ its a wrap for you baby. –

Cannon, who shares 11-year-old twins with Carey, praised the video that went viral receiving over 7 million views.

“I loved it. To be honest, it was epic,” Cannon told ET. “… My daughter has the entertainment bug… (You can) definitely see that connection with her and her mom.”

The father of 12 applauded the relationship Monroe has with her superstar mom.

“It’s beautiful, the fact that they get to have fun with each other… families are connecting in a different way than ever before,” he said.

The TikTok video was especially meaningful to Cannon since he helped Carey produce the song she and their daughter danced to.

“That song that they were doing TikTok to is a song that I produced and worked on with Mariah, so even that made it special,” he said.

“… It was a touching moment. It was shocking at first, but then it was awesome. I was like, ‘Alright, I see what y’all are doing, going viral.’”

With Monroe having the “entertainment bug” and being the child of a platinum-selling Grammy award-winner, Cannon also teased what’s to come from his eldest daughter.

“Her and Mariah, they doing what they do,” he said. “I don’t even know if I’m allowed to talk about it, ‘cause Mariah’s like, ‘Let me handle this. I got this.’”

After welcoming their twins, Cannon and Carey divorced in 2014. The Masked Singer host has welcomed 10 additional children with five other women.

He welcomed his 12th child in December 2022 with model Alyssa Scott, one year after he and Scott lost their 5-month-old son to brain cancer.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2023

High School Student Caught on Video Beating School Worker Unconscious for Confiscating Nintendo Switch

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A disturbing video captured a student pummeling a school worker for taking a game console away from him.

According to a news release by the Flagler County Sherriff’s Office, the troubling incident took place at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, FL. A 6-foot-6-inch high school student assaulted a woman who worked at the school into an unconscious state after she confiscated his Nintendo Switch video game device.

The attack occurred on Feb. 21 when the angry 270-pound 17-year-old male student pounced on the unidentified paraprofessional employee. The encounter was caught on video and showed her being assaulted when the much larger teenager pushed her forcefully to the floor. He repeatedly hit her as she laid on the ground and even after others tried to intervene, he continued to hit her, although she was already unconscious.

He was placed in custody soon after the physical attack. The 17–year–old student, who was not named, was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility before being turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice. He has been charged with felony aggravated battery with bodily harm.

Other employees came to her aid and they grabbed the student to stop him from hitting her. She was not able to protect herself as he quickly pounced on her. She was taken to a local hospital and treated for the injuries she suffered.

“The actions of this student are absolutely horrendous and completely uncalled for,” said Sheriff Rick Staly in a written statement. “We hope the victim will be able to recover, both mentally and physically, from this incident. Thankfully, students and staff members came to the victim’s aid before the SRDs (School Resource Deputies) could arrive. Our schools should be a safe place – for both employees and students.”

A video of his arrest was placed on the police department’s Facebook page.

“Creating a safe learning and working environment on our campuses is critical. Violence is never an appropriate reaction,” said Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt

• Career

by Stacy Jackson

February 27, 2023

Las Vegas Raiders Team President Sandra Douglass Morgan Joins Players for Panel Encouraging Next Generation

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The Las Vegas Raiders are about more than playing football.

As the first Black woman appointed as a team president for an NFL franchise, Sandra Douglass Morgan joined a panel alongside other NFL professionals to encourage local youth during the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium Management (ASM) “Blazing Trails” event.

According to Raiders News, Douglass Morgan spoke to local youth scholars from Democracy Preparatory Academy on a panel moderated by “Raiders: Talk of the Nation” host Sibley Scoles, Friday morning during ASM’s celebration of Black History Month.

“It’s so important that we know our history and talk about our history so [we] know where we came from,” said Douglass Morgan. “I think that gives us a better sense of self as to know where we want to go. Not only where we want to go as individuals, but as a community and definitely, as the Raiders.”

Douglass Morgan shared her experiences breaking down racial barriers as an attorney and game commissioner in Vegas. She placed her focus on providing resources and opportunities for the next generation.

• Business

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 27, 2023

Shine Bright: Black Film Producers Launch Drone Show Technology Company In Florida

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As if Black people couldn’t get more innovative, two film producers from Florida are reaching for the stars.

Miami Business Journal reports event and film producers Adrian Allen and Arturo Lorde just launched LunaLite Drone Show Technologies, a minority-owned drone show technology company based in South Florida. Combining their storytelling skills with technology, the duo has acquired 400 drones and hired six employees. Lorde says their clientele will be able to experience something fresh and new. “It provides a great alternative for event producers who seek to deliver something new, exciting, and environmentally sustainable to their audiences,” Lorde said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LunaLite Drone Show Technologies (@lunalitedroneshow)

The company, headquartered in Lynwood, Florida, is bringing the art of drone show productions to music festivals, sporting events, and corporate engagements. What exactly are drone shows? They are produced by groups of drones lit and choreographed by computer software with the ability to produce cool variations of aerial formations.

The displays give a more environmentally safe option over fireworks, which send off pollutants and particles that contaminate air and soil. “We are thrilled to bring our unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the world of drone shows,” Allen said via a press release. “At LunaLite, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with this exciting technology, and we can’t wait to share our vision with audiences around the globe.”

According to the company’s Instagram page, LunaLite operates from within WeWork facilities and has already made a serious footprint in the marketplace. With a $1 billion global market for drone light shows, it’s projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2031 as more corporations and brands use drones to replace fireworks.

Drones have already been proven to be popular in the event space. The Philadelphia Eagles used drones to celebrate advancing to the Super Bowl, displaying “It’s a Philly Thing” and “Go Eagles” in the sky.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 27, 2023

Heinz Found the Stranded Seaman Who Survived 24 Days Eating Ketchup — Now He Gets a Bigger Boat

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It’s not every day that ketchup is glorified, but in one peculiar case, the condiment is responsible for keeping a man lost at sea alive.

According to Insider, a man who was stranded for almost a month at sea stated he kept himself nourished by eating Heinz ketchup. The man, Elvis Francois was lost at sea for a total of 24 days. After trying to repair his boat in December, according to The Associated Press, currents took over his sailboat off the island of St. Martin in the Netherlands Antilles, where he resides.

The 47-year-old was rescued by the Colombian navy. He told them that he survived the 24 days in the Caribbean by eating ketchup, garlic powder, and seasoning cubes. The boat was discovered from the air 120 nautical miles northwest of the La Guajira peninsula. He was rescued after writing the word “help” on the hull of his boat. Francois was then brought to the port city of Cartagena by a passing container ship.

After hearing about his adventures, Heinz took to their Instagram account in an attempt to find Francois to offer him a new boat, writing:

“To whoever finds this message,

We need your help tracking down an amazing man with an amazing story.

You may remember Elvis Francois as the brave sailor who survived on nothing but ketchup and spices while adrift at sea for 24 days.

Well, Heinz wants to celebrate his safe return home and help him buy a new boat… but we can’t seem to find him.

Sincerely,
Heinz

#FindTheKetchupBoatGuy”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Heinz (@heinz)

Francois told Insider over the weekend that he was told by multiple people about Heinz’s attempt to locate him to gift him with a new boat. He could not contact them because he didn’t have a phone. After Insider got in touch with him, he stated, “I spoke to Heinz yesterday and they said they’ll try to find a way to organize getting a boat for me.”

Emo News, which is a media outlet in Dominica was able to locate Francois.

“I knew Elvis lived in the community near me and I took a drive to go and look for him – and found him,” Emerline Anselm, the CEO of Emo News said.

After Anselm interviewed Francois on Facebook Live last week, Heinz responded on the page, “Incredible. We’ve hopped into your DMs – let’s get Elvis his boat!”

He was also given a free mobile phone from a local telecommunications company, Flow, because he did not have one.

The Board of Directors of Public Allies, a nonprofit dedicated to social justice and racial equity, is honored to announce the appointment of Jenise Terrell to the position of CEO.

Jenise brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community development, and leadership development to this role. Most of her career has been focused on leveraging national service as a vehicle to create pathways to leadership for marginalized and disenfranchised voices across the United States.

Terrell began her journey in servant leadership as a Public Allies AmeriCorps member herself in 1997. Throughout her more than 20 year history with Public Allies, Ms. Terrell has held several roles, including Ally mentor and supervisor, field operations leader, fundraising strategist, government relations lead, Executive Vice President of Program Strategy, and most recently, Interim CEO. By accepting this new role, Jenise Terrell becomes the first alumni and first Black woman to hold the CEO title at this organization that has included such powerful women leaders as Vanessa Kirsch, Public Allies co-founder and first CEO, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, founding Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago.

Terrell has been serving as Interim CEO for the past six months, deftly navigating Public Allies through transition following an organizational restructure. Following the organization being called into account for operating in alignment with its values, Ms. Terrell has driven the effort to work with the board, staff, alumni, and key organizational partners to reimagine a vision for the future.

“In a time of increasing inequity and division across the country, Public Allies’ values-based leadership practice, our signature Ally Program, and our talented, mobilized alumni network are needed now more than ever. We have the leadership, network, passion, and programming in place to support that vision.” says Ms. Terrell. “Everyday, I have the privilege of working with an amazing group of driven leaders. My appointment to CEO is a reflection of their brilliance, and a reflection of the values that we hold so dear. It is the greatest honor of my life to serve at the helm of the organization that not only helped shape my own leadership, but has been responsible for launching the careers of thousands of noteworthy changemakers across our nation. I am enthusiastically committed to furthering the reach of our premise that leadership is an action to be taken, not just a position to be held.”

Over the course of its 30-year history, Public Allies has continued to transform lives and impact communities by choosing to see promise and potential in spaces where others see deficit. Centering the values of equity and proximate leadership, Public Allies has launched nearly 10,000 equity-centered and social justice-oriented leaders across sectors and across the country. With the rise in rhetoric that points to an increasingly divided nation, America needs the kinds of diverse, democratic leaders that Public Allies fosters. Public Allies’ mission is more relevant and critical now than ever before.

“Jenise Terrell so powerfully embodies the mission and values of Public Allies,” says Kanwar Singh, Chair of the Board of Public Allies. “Her appointment to this position represents a shift towards the alignment of our values with our practice. We can not help but recognize her as exactly the kind of leader our social justice movement needs today. We commit to walking the path alongside her and in support of her, and we extend our deepest gratitude to her for leading us into this next, exciting phase for Public Allies.”

• Black History Month

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 27, 2023

The Nashville Black Market Offers Safe Haven for Black Businesses to Grow and Thrive

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When was the last time that you attended a family reunion that was like an outdoor block party with food trucks?

Now keep that vision in mind as The Nashville Black Market gives you that feeling that focuses on black-owned businesses and curating a family fun event.

Carlos Partee and Javvon Jones founded the Nashville Black Market by creating a safe haven for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. 

“When was the last time you’ve been to a family reunion, meets block party, meets outdoor mall? Our family-friendly atmosphere gives people the chance to network, eat, dance, and shop their values,” said Carlos Partee, Co-Founder of the Nashville Black Market

Partee and Jones recently held their fourth annual Black History Month 2-Day Expo Feb. 11-12, that had over 14,000 attendees.

By having it at the Nashville Fairgrounds facility, it gave attendees a chance to to buy products, experience a family fun community event, and more, the organizers told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Between the two days, most vendors sold out of their products on the first day, organizers said.

There were food trucks, vendors, AR experience, raffles, games, photo booth installations, DJs, live music and murals.

As the community grows, the duo wants to support a lot of upcoming entrepreneurs and small businesses.

As the city of Nashville expands, it is difficult for the entrepreneurs to have opportunities for their businesses, the duo said. In 2023, the mission for the market is to create opportunities for black businesses and entrepreneurs in the community by creating a tangible marketplace where culture and commerce can connect and provide services to elevate their businesses.

The Nashville Black Market made its mark in 2018 by attracting thousands of attendees and helping black entrepreneurs and black-owned businesses in the community. The Music City is a place and community where culture and commerce can connect and provide services to elevate their businesses.

The Black Market had their first monthly event that had over 75 vendors that offered everything from baked goods, books, photo shoots, beauty supply products, and more. Every month, starting on March 3, there will be a recurring First Friday Night Market event at the Nashville Farmers Market. 

Partee and Jones are in the process of growing the business big enough to have a permanent location where they can stay each month. As they grow the expo, it gives small business owners a chance to maintain and grow their business. Their focus is to create a space for black empowerment.

• Career

by Stacy Jackson

February 27, 2023

Peace Tree Is Brewing Up Its First Black Female Brewer in Iowa

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History is in the making for this Black Iowa woman.

After seeking an open opportunity to work with the actual brewing of beer at her place of employment, Ashley Hynick is preparing to become the first Black female brewer in Iowa.

According to WHO 13, Hynick started working at Peace Tree Brewing Co. in Knoxville as a bartender, serving her customers various options of brews.

“For me it wasn’t super hard because I wanted to learn,” said Hynick, who was eager to learn more about what she was serving. “I feel like when you want to learn something it’s kind of easier to pick up.”

“Not like a heavy pressure,” she said. “More like that’s exciting, like, I’m glad that I can be that person.”

Hynick quickly learned how to run the process of brewing beer, which led her to her present plans of creating her own recipe, which is still in the works.

“I’m kind of just starting it, but I’m just trying to figure out what kind of yeast I want to add into it,” said Hynick. “Also thinking on what kind of hops, what kind of flavor I want it to be.”

Peace Tree owner Megan McKay is excited that the opportunity worked out to have an employee from within the company take on the production role.

“Ashley started with us part-time as a bartender,” said McKay. “We had an opening in production so we always like to look within to see who could grow with us.”

“There’s a profile that you’re trying to fit for certain types of jobs and I try to keep a really open mind about that,” said McKay. “All of the sudden we’ve got Ashley who’s brewing great beer and getting ready to make her own recipes.”

Currently, Hynick is indulging in various workshops and seminars to further her knowledge and strategies to become the best brewer she can be.