Rev. Al Sharpton Calls Florida Governor ‘Baby Trump’ During Protest of State Rejecting AP African American Course
Black Americans across the country are stunned by Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R-FL) bold move to eliminate AP African-American study courses. However, during Black History Month, he should be prepared for a fight.
On Wednesday, CNN reported Rev. Al Sharpton and other civil rights activists held a protest in front of Florida’s state capitol building in Tallahassee.
The button for protest was pushed as DeSantis’ administration claimed the course “lacks educational value” and violates state law. Starting at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, the march hosted hundreds of diverse citizens who opposed DeSantis’ decision.
“If you would have studied history long enough, you would have known to mess with us in education always ends in your defeat,” Sharpton said.
DeSantis’ plan doesn’t just stop with African American studies.
According to The Tallahassee Democrat, DeSantis plans on cutting all college diversity programs, keeping his migrant relocation program going, as well as pursuing policies that are viewed as harmful to the LGBTQ community.
During his speech, Sharpton alluded to the beauty of diversity seen at the rally.
“Make note that we are all marching together,” Sharpton shouted to a crowd consisting of LGBTQ, Native American, and Latinx community members.
“You should have left us alone. Now you have brought us all together.”
Sharpton has never been shy about calling out racist tones of our country’s elected officials, including DeSantis. On an episode of MSNBC’s The Reid Out, he called the governor “Baby Trump.”
“Give him a pacifier and let some grown folk run the state of Florida,” Sharpton said.
Some community leaders used this time to call the governor’s bluff.
Bishop Rudolph McKissick, from Jacksonville, added Florida’s thriving athletic programs into the mix. “If you don’t want our story, you shouldn’t get our students,” McKissick said. “I wonder what would happen if every D1 athlete went into the transfer portal and found a school that wants their story.”
Former educators and community members, who the issue resonated with, felt it was necessary to attend the rally. Former teacher, Shaia Simmons, called the state’s rejection of the new course a “gross injustice,” while Martha Cummings, who’s family is interracial, just wants her daughter to be heard.
In response to the outcry and backlash, The Tallahassee Democratsaid DeSantis threatened to drop all AP classes in Florida.
Michael Jordan Turns 60 and Celebrates With $10 Million Donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation
NBA legend, Michael Jordan, is bringing in year 60 in a major way.
CNN reported that Jordan celebrated his 60th birthday by donating a record-breaking $10 million to the Make-A-Wish America foundation. The Charlotte Hornets owner said he’s been working with the organization for years and hopes others follow in his footsteps.
(Courtesy Make-a-Wish)
“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” Jordan said. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration.”
The nonprofit made the announcement via Twitter, calling Jordan their “Chief Wish Ambassador.” According to CNN, Jordan has worked with Make-A-Wish since 1989.
In honor of his 60th birthday, our Chief Wish Ambassador Michael Jordan makes the largest individual donation in Make-A-Wish history – $10M! A supporter since ’89, his bday wish is to inspire others to help grant more wishes. Join MJ: https://t.co/xRMm3MktP0#MJWishpic.twitter.com/PEG0hS9jur
Make-A-Wish President and CEO, Leslie Motter, said she admires Jordan’s ability to make amazing moves on and off the court.
“Everyone knows about Michael’s legacy on the basketball court, but it’s what he has consistently done off the court when no one’s watching that makes him a true legend for wish families and the wider Make-A-Wish community,” Motter said, as reported by People. “We hope that the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping make wishes come true.”
It’s not out of character for the iconic basketball player to make massive donations to organizations and companies with great causes. As a prominent North Carolina native, Peoplereported Jordan donated $10 million two years ago to Novant Health to assist with opening two new health clinics in Charlotte.
Last October, Novant opened the Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic in honor of the retired NBA MVP. Jordan will be turning the big 6-0 this Friday.
‘Black Lives Deserves Quality Healthcare’: Gilead’s Commitment to Advancing Health and Black Equity
Equity in healthcare should be fundamental, something everyone can depend on when it comes to treatment, crisis management, and basic prevention. Yet, the unfortunate reality is that the healthcare system experience in the United States is not the same for everyone.
“Black Americans are among the most vulnerable to chronic and life-threatening illnesses from HIV to breast cancer to COVID, and more likely than white Americans to die from them,” says Rashad Burgess, vice president of Advancing Health and Black Equity (AHBE), a reimagined community engagement team of the US-based biotech company Gilead Sciences.
“Stark disparities in healthcare access and outcomes impact every aspect of Black lives and have c0mpelled us as a company to lean into finding solutions, to use our resources and expertise to do something meaningful.”
AHBE gathers many of Gilead’s programmatic and philanthropic initiatives related to Black health and equity under one umbrella. Under Burgess’s leadership, the team engages in a comprehensive set of initiatives that bring together health industry leaders and advocates, HBCUs and academic institutions, community-based organizations, tech innovators, and more to work collaboratively toward sustainable, community-based solutions.
The team’s strategy has several distinct components, starting with partnerships with organizations having an on-the-ground impact on Black health outcomes and access. Powerful voices of influence in the culture and community serve to generate critically needed dialog about health awareness and positive health practices with Black youth and other specific underserved groups. “The goal is to end the stark disparities in healthcare access and outcomes that have plagued Black people since slavery,” Burgess says.
Gilead is no stranger to the health equity space. The 35-year-old pharmaceutical firm has developed innovative therapeutic options for people living with HIV, viral hepatitis, cancer, and other challenging conditions.
The company’s focus on research and development of life-enhancing treatments is matched by its commitment to ensuring that the most vulnerable communities have access to them. In 2022, the company earned recognition as the No. 1 philanthropic contributor to HIV-related programs. In addition, the company has a long history of partnering with organizations and programs that address stigma, discrimination, and other social factors standing in the way of health equity.
In October 2022, Gilead launched its first-ever HBCU Homecoming Roadshow, an initiative created to conduct health awareness outreach on Black college campuses across the country. The six-week tour traveled to nine cities, touching down at 11 schools (including Howard, Morehouse, and Xavier), generating conversation around breast health, clinical trial diversity, and representation in the health fields.
For Burgess, the Roadshow tour illustrates a core goal of AHBE, to engage one of the principal drivers of equity in healthcare, the next generation of Black health professionals.
“HBCUs produce 50 percent of Black doctors in the United States – the medical schools at Howard and Xavier alone account for 92 percent Black med school graduates,” says Burgess, who shares that the tour reached a multi-generational Black audience of 500 – 700,000 students, alumni, faculty, and community members.
“These are the individuals who will be championing Black health and equity in the healthcare system and in the creation of public policy. Just as important, they will be the agents of information and preventative care on the ground in Black communities nationwide. Gilead is eager to support and partner with these future providers.”
Tiffany West, who serves as AHBE’s Senior Director of Public Affairs, describes the group’s focus on Black health and equity as a logical extension of Gilead’s thrust to optimize the benefits of life-saving therapies for those experiencing the greatest need.
“Black women have a 40% greater chance of dying from triple-negative breast cancer than white women,” West says.
“As a company, we always need to ask, ‘What is our responsibility to make sure everyone has equal access to therapies that can prolong their lives and improve their health?’ That’s what equity means to me.”
West and Burgess credit Gilead’s leadership for its willingness to reassess and reevaluate its longstanding commitment to Black health. AHBE represents a renewed and more targeted strategy when wide healthcare access disparities are producing increasingly unequal and tragic outcomes in Black communities.
The result, says Burgess, “is an amply funded, 365 days a year, seven-day-a-week commitment to creating and sustaining more equitable health outcomes for Black and other historically marginalized communities.”
Storytelling is fundamental to AHBE’s strategy and success – the practice of listening to, elevating, and sharing stories of Black experiences within the nation’s healthcare system.
“Black people have strong reasons to be skeptical of the system based on years of blatant disregard for Black bodies in the name of American medicine,” says Burgess. “We must acknowledge that history. Even today, providers often dismiss Black concerns when we try to access care. As a result, too many patients of color are leaving the system.”
These circumstances prompted Burgess and his team to engage in what he calls a “cultural humility” tour. The effort involves talking to caregivers and walking them through the disparities African Americans experience, helping them understand levels of mistrust of the medical system. “And we emphasize why it is vitally important that providers not dismiss Black experiences and actively listen to what your Black patients are telling you.”
The response, Burgess says, “has been incredible! The trainings have proved an important place to talk about the racial dynamics of healthcare and for organizations to act intentionally to address disparities.”
Intentionality extends to Gilead’s community engagement efforts. AHBE Senior Director for Public Affairs, Omoro Omoighe, MPH, says creating a companywide culture around Black equity, supported by programs and policy, will translate to more informed, empowered, and healthier communities.
“If we act ethically and with good practice, we can mind the gap in health disparities largely based on lack of inclusion and community engagement. Black people and other communities of color need to be at the table when decisions regarding our healthcare, like clinical trial programming and screening guidelines, are made,” Omoighe says.
A particular benefit to better health outcomes in Black communities is greater diversity in research and development, including clinical trials. Explains Burgess: “We must ensure diversity from early development stages through launch. Equity also means collaborating with diverse principal investigators, bringing Black minds to the table to engage in this research.”
Moving forward, AHBE looks to avoid the pitfalls of overly generalizing its strategies and practices. All the unique and specific factors related to the Black healthcare experience are central to AHBE’s work and decision-making.
“Equity is different from equality,” Burgess says. “It’s not about doing the same thing for everyone. It’s about understanding each community and doing what it takes to achieve positive outcomes. For Black patients, that means making sure everyone vulnerable to HIV is aware of their status and that those who are living with HIV are on therapies that allow them to live their lives. It means making sure Black women have cancer screening and treatment and that they know what it means to be on different therapies and how each one impacts their quality of life. It means being intentional.”
“Everyone deserves quality healthcare, especially Black lives,” says Burgess. “If it takes extra work to make that happen, we need to do that work.”
Get Ready to Get Happy Watching This Viral Black Men Frolicking Video
Ever wonder what would happen if Black men just stopped and acted silly for once?
You would actually receive some of the best content to hit the internet. Facebook user Kylae Howard posted one of the most positive reels people will ever see during Black History Month, which was shared by social media users such as ColorBlyndByNoni on TikTok.
The reel shows a number of Black men doing something rarely seen—frolicking.
According to Merriam-Webster, to frolic means to “play and run around happily.”
The men featured in the video are doing just that. Each man seems to come from different walks of life, with different styles and looks. It shows the joy that Black men can have in a world that is constantly trying to take it away from them. Running to the theme music from “Peanuts,” the men can be seen running threw fields, their backyards, even on the beach.
The comments share in the sense of joy you feel when watching the video. Jeff Price commented, “I legitimately have had one of the worst weeks I’ve ever had, and this helped. If it wasn’t 4:45am and snowy outside I’d go frolicking too.”
Johanne Javel said, “This is the kind of videos that should go viral. Love every thing about this video and what it represents.”
Even some white commentators wanted in on the fun, like Angela Garrett, who said, “I ain’t black, but if I see this, can I please join in, I love frolicking in fields, it’s so much fun!!!!!”
Besides creating wholesome content, there are a lot of benefits Black man can receive some from frolicking. it can provide mental clarity. Newsone reported that the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities claim African Americans are 20 percent more likely to experience serious psychological distress because of s—ocial and economic factors.
Sloane Stephens Shares How She Makes Her Marriage Work And Honors Her ‘Trailblazer’ Mom
Tennis champion Sloane Stephens is all about celebrating Black Love. Whether it’s with her husband Jozy Altidore or honoring her mother, who blazed trails for Black women in sports decades ago.
One year after marrying her longtime boyfriend and childhood friend, Stephens is dishing on how the two pro athletes keep their spark alive. The 2017 US Open Champion and Altidore have been going strong since reconnecting back in 2016 years after they first met in the fith grade, as noted by the NY Times.
Stephens a decorated tennis champion and Altidore, a current player for the New England Revolution, tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in their hometown of Florida on New Years Day 2022. Since eloping, the happy couple has been tasked with adjusting to married life all while being two in-demand professional athletes.
But when it comes to balancing her relationship while maintaining a busy schedule, Stephens says it takes lots of discipline.
“Communication and delegation!” Stephens told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“We are very disciplined with our schedules and expressing our priorities to our teams so that when it is family time, we are all in and fully present.”
“Because Jozy is also a professional athlete, there is so much implied understanding about what is required for each of us to do to be and feel our best,” she added. “It is so comforting to have that level of understanding in a partner.”
Stephens is still busy competing in tennis matches around the world, all while serving as a wife to Altidore and stepmother to his son from a previous relationship, as noted by People. The same goes for her husband who exited the Toronto FC soccer last February to join the NE Revs.
But there are key components to managing their marriage and sports careers, Stephens says. She believes vulnerability and aligning their goals are what keeps them stable.
“Our lives have a lot of distractions and it would be really easy to be pulled in a million directions and pursue lots of different opportunities, so it is absolutely critical to really be vulnerable with each other and align on our end goals and what we’re working towards,” she said.
“If we’re rowing in the same direction, it’s much easier to weigh every opportunity against that end goal – if it helps us get there together, great, if not, it’s a no from us.”
In addition to her work on the court, Stephens also lends her hands in community work and education initiatives.
“I got my MBA online during the pandemic so I could show our students that I’m putting in the work alongside them,” she shared. “Almost all of the students we work with will be first-generation college attendees and graduates and it is important for me to use tennis as the hook to keep kids engaged in the classroom and excited to go to school.”
Trailblazing is in Stephens’ DNA. The Grand Slam champion kicked off Black History Month this year by honoring her mother Sybil Smith, a former collegiate swimmer who became the first African-American female swimmer to be named a first-team Division I All-American, and the only All-American in Boston University women’s swimming history.
“My mom is a trailblazer and an inspiration to me, especially in another sport where historically there has been very little representation for women of color,” she said.
“From an early age, she empowered me to believe that I deserved to be out there competing against everyone else. On top of that, she understands the sacrifices and commitment required to perform at a high level and has always done what is needed to support me.”
Shocked by what happened, Rhymes furiously turned around and threw a drink in Mathis’ face, splashing nearby onlookers as well. His security and team were seen getting in between Rhymes and the fan before the incident escalated.
According to The Sun, Rhymes was in Las Vegas for MAGIC Fashion Trade Show at the Las Vegas Convention Centre.
Mathis, owner of Platinum Plus Fashions Boutique, felt foolish for what happened and made an apologetic statement to the Shade Room.
“I didn’t mean to touch his behind, honestly. I was just happy to meet him and wanted a pic,” Mathis said. “Been a long time fan and I admit, I shouldn’t have touched him at all but he’s BUSTA. I felt like I could possibly get a pic.”
Twitter had a field day with Busta’s reaction, using memes and jokes to make light of the situation.
Some Twitter users expressed support of the rapper, saying she was wrong for putting her hands on him.
I’m glad, people need to learn not to touch people if they don’t invite you to do so. pic.twitter.com/LLgBtS3Nmo
— ”Better I choke You, LaFred!”☘️📣 (@itsLiterallyHim) February 14, 2023
The 50-year-old rapper, who’s real name is Trevor Smith, Jr., has had an eventful Black History Month. Rhymes recently received a standing ovation during the 50th anniversary tribute to hip-hop at the Grammy Awards.
Ursula Burns, First Black Female Fortune 500 CEO, Says ‘Being In The Minority Can Be a Career Advantage’
When Ursula Burns became the CEO of Xerox in 2009, she didn’t consider it a milestone achievement; then, she began receiving calls from Magic Johnson, Al Sharpton, and others.
It wasn’t long before she realized she was the first Black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Although Burns felt a bit overwhelmed, her work ethic, drive, and the fact that she was comfortable being the only Black person and woman in the room kept her in the position for six years.
Burns told CNBC she never minded being the only Black woman in the room and considered it an advantage.
“If I raised my hand in any meeting, almost surely, it was called on,” Burns said. “You’re so different that, at least in open spaces, they can’t ignore you.”
Burns was born in Panama and moved to the U.S. when she was two. According to the former CEO, she and her two siblings were raised by their mother, who cleaned offices and did childcare work. She also taught her three children to go out and make things happen for them, often telling Burns and her two siblings, ‘Where you are is not who you are.”
Her mother’s advice led Burns to Columbia University and a career where she knew she’d be one of a few in the room. Even when there were Black people in a room, it was mostly men, but again, being one of the few in the room never bothered Burns. Rather it drove her to stand out.
“My natural comfort is being the only or the few in a room—I was always a little bit of a loner, so it didn’t bother me,” Burns said. I became very good at playing in that space.”
Burns was truly in a space by herself while she was the CEO of Xerox.
Today, women make up less than 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs, and women of color make up less than two percent of CEOs. There are currently two Black female CEOs in the U.S.: Rosalind Brewer, the CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance, and Thasunda Brown Duckett, the CEO of TIAA.
Three things that Burns said helped her get to a CEO position were a strong work ethic, a desire to solve almost any problem, and being a minority, which she felt was more of an advantage than a disadvantage.
“If I had an idea, people would listen. They may not always comprehend it or agree, but being the minority turned out—at least, at Xerox—to be an advantage,” Burns said.
This article was republished from a previous version.
Marley Natural® Flagship Cannabis Dispensary and Lounge Now Open at Bob Marley’s Home in Kingston, Jamaica
The Marley family and Docklight Brands are proud to announce the Marley Natural® cannabis store is open and welcoming visitors in Kingston, Jamaica. The reggae legend’s former home and recording studio at 56 Hope Road, now known as the Bob Marley Museum, is also host to the new flagship Marley Natural Dispensary and smoking lounge.
Marley Natural, the world’s first global cannabis brand was born of a collaboration between the Marley family and Docklight Brands, Inc., which holds exclusive global rights to Bob Marley cannabinoid products.
“I think my father would be pleased to see that an herb house is opening at the Bob Marley Museum. When I think of how far the world has progressed surrounding its attitudes toward cannabis and to finally recognize its many positive qualities – this is exactly what my father and the Rastafarian Community has been saying for over 40 years. He has done so much to foster a positive understanding, it’s just right that we do this for him and his legacy,” said Stephen Marley.
The newly constructed Herb House has been approved by Jamaica’s Cannabis Licensing Authority, which permits both locals and tourists to consume cannabis for medical and therapeutic purposes. The outlet will exclusively offer Marley Natural cannabis grown locally in St. Ann, Jamaica, the parish where Bob Marley was born. Its opening will allow qualified consumers to enjoy authentic cannabis in eighths, pre-rolls, and vape cartridges inside the historic space. In addition to cannabis, the retail location will sell a full line of Marley Natural accessories including grinders, cases, holders, trays, bubblers, and other Marley branded products.
Future locations are planned at Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston and elsewhere on the island.
About One Draw Holdings, Ltd.
One Draw Holdings, Ltd., a Marley affiliate company, was established in 2018 by Stephen Marley and is based in Kingston, Jamaica. One Draw is the exclusive operator of Marley Natural cannabis retail locations and distributor of Marley Natural cannabis products in Jamaica.
Atlanta Mourns Death of Businessman and Community Advocate Thomas Dortch Jr.
Atlanta is in mourning after the passing of an esteemed civic leader.
According to Atlanta Daily Word, community advocate, Thomas Dortch Jr. died Wednesday at the age of 72. He was the chairman of 100 Black Men of America. The beloved businessman entered the world of politics when he worked for United States Senator Sam Nunn as an administrative aide in 1974.
His legacy was celebrated late last year when the city of Atlanta proclaimed November 7 Thomas W. Dortch Jr. Day.
Mayor Andre Dickensreleased a statement regarding the death of Dortch.
“This is a sad day for our city. We have lost another soldier. Tommy Dortch wasn’t born in Atlanta. He came here to attend school, and never left. And Atlanta is the better for it. Whether during his days in government or during his tenure leading 100 Black Men of Atlanta and later 100 Black Men of America, Tommy never lost sight of his mission. Long before we called it diversity, equity, and inclusion, Tommy was hard at work in that space. In matters of equity, not too much happened here that Tommy wasn’t involved in. Tommy was a connector and a facilitator. He knew how to get the right people together to make something good happen for Atlanta.”
His many accomplishments included the Presidential Citation for volunteerism by President George Bush; the Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award; Concerned Black Clergy’s Salute to Black Fathers Leadership Award; Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials, Humanitarian Award; and the Fort Valley State College Alumni Hall of Fame, inductee.
Leaders across Georgia acknowledged the greatness of Dortch, including Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock, who relayed a statement via his Twitter account.
“Deeply saddened to hear my friend Thomas “Tommy” Dortch, Jr. of @100BlackMen has passed away. He was a trailblazer whose decades of leadership in the community moved Georgia forward and paved the way for so many who have come behind him. Praying for his family & many friends.”
Dortch’s activism also had a profound impact on African Americans throughout the nation, especially those within the black business community. Says BLACK ENTERPRISE CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr.: “Tommy was the quintessential advocate for the economic advancement of Black-owned businesses. He will be truly missed as both a business colleague and a friend.”
Funeral services will be held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia, 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18th.
The family request that in lieu of flowers contributions be made to: Thomas W Dortch, Jr. Foundation or National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 42118 Atlanta, Georgia 30311
Deeply saddened to hear my friend Thomas “Tommy” Dortch, Jr. of @100BlackMen has passed away.
⁰He was a trailblazer whose decades of leadership in the community moved Georgia forward and paved the way for so many who have come behind him.
⁰Praying for his family & many friends.
— Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (@SenatorWarnock) February 15, 2023
Karl Malone Impregnating a 13-Year-Old Resurfaces After NBA Names Hoops Legend Judge of All-Star Dunk Contest
Once-celebrated 14-time NBA All-StarKarl Malone, who spent nearly his entire career with the Utah Jazz, was recently announced as a judge for the upcoming All-Star weekend for the popular dunk contest.
Some people were not pleased and came out against Malone playing any role in the annual game due to his past dating a 13-year-old girl.
According to Audacy, when he was 20 and playing basketball at Louisiana Tech, Malone impregnated a 13-year-old girl. There were no charges pressed and the child born out of that relationship, his son, Demetress Bell, ended up as an offensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles. He didn’t meet Malone until he was 17.
Fans who knew this went on Twitter and social media questioning why the NBA would allow a “pedophile,” to be in such a prominent position.
Malone’s reputation was also soiled because he was labeled a non-supportive father who refused to pay child support to twins he had when he was 17, The Daily Beast once reported. The outlet mentioned that he allegedly made a pass at his then-teammate, Kobe Bryant‘s wife, Vanessa.
Twitter users were quick to point out the character of the man who was known in the NBA as “The Mailman.”
