by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 20, 2023

Watch: Young Thug Allegedly Caught Being Given Percocet in Courtroom

Young Thug, currently standing trial for RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges was allegedly caught accepting drugs from a co-defendant, Kahlieff Adams during a court proceeding according to WSB-TV.

Prosecutors in the case have presented evidence to the judge in the form of video footage allegedly showing the hand-to-hand exchange. This purportedly took place inside the courtroom as jury selection was taking place.

WSB-TV reporter Michael Seiden posted the video to his Twitter account. The footage was obtained by WSB-TV’s Investigative Reporter Mark Winne.

Seiden also states that prosecutors told Judge Ural Glanville that the video reveals Adams walking to a seated Young Thug (nee Jeffrey Williams) and placing a Percocet in his hand. A deputy then approaches the rapper and obtains the pill which he gave to authorities.

One of Young Thug’s attorneys, Keith Adams, said that he had nothing to do with the alleged exchange.

“His side is the truth. The reality is Mr. Williams had nothing to do with what went on in the courtroom on yesterday. One of the co-defendants on his way to the restroom attempted to pass something to Mr. Williams, who immediately turned it over to the deputy.”

Adams also stated that the recording artist did not know what was being given to him.

“He did not know. We don’t know what it is, did not know what it was. It was turned over to a deputy right away.”

Deputies reportedly found Percocet, marijuana, tobacco, and other contraband that was wrapped in plastic and food seasoning (to mask the smell of drugs) on Adams.

Young Thug was arrested last May and was charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and participating in street gang activity. He has been accused of heading an alleged affiliate of the Bloods street gang and being responsible for murders, armed robberies, and assaults committed between January 2015 and May 2022.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 20, 2023

Los Angeles Urban League Appoints Cynthia Mitchell Heard as Chief Operating Officer

Cynthia Mitchell Heard, a highly respected leader in nonprofit, has joined the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL) as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The announcement was made by Ambassador Michael A. Lawson, President and CEO of the perennial civil rights organization. The appointment is a historic one for the iconic organization, with Ms. Heard becoming the first woman to hold this leadership position at LAUL.

“We are excited to have Cynthia Heard as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said Ambassador Lawson. “Ms. Heard has an extensive background and experience in the non-profit world and her accomplishments in bettering the lives of disenfranchised communities in Los Angeles are admirable and remarkable. We are looking forward to her leadership as we move the Los Angeles Urban League into its second 100 years of service.”

Cynthia Mitchell Heard previously served as Vice President of Business Development and Communications  for the YWCA Greater Los Angeles (YWCA, GLA), creating and helming unprecedented social impact campaigns which serve as a blueprint for systemic change, according to a press release. Ms. Heard created a myriad of public/private, state, local and federal partnerships to design innovative community and operational collaborations throughout Los Angeles County to fund supportive services. During the COVID 19 pandemic, she developed key funding mechanisms through her steadfast efforts and assisted with promoting economic stability through public private workforce development, community engagement and securing resources to improve disenfranchised communities that experienced lack of access.

Prior, Ms. Heard served as Senior Executive Vice President of Programs for Children Uniting Nations (CUN) where she developed national collaborative stakeholder partnerships and created statewide bi-partisan advocacy initiatives that focused on new avenues to break down the barriers that surround at-risk/foster youth and marginalized families.

“It is my honor to join President & CEO, Michael Lawson, and the entire team at the Los Angeles Urban League,” said Cynthia Heard. “I am truly looking forward to embracing the mission of LAUL and the commitment of this stellar team as we continue the advancement of the ongoing community engagement programs, economic stability/self-reliance, civil rights advocacy and the workforce enrichment of our marginalized and disenfranchised communities throughout Los Angeles.”

by Jeffrey McKinney

January 20, 2023

Fidelity Commits $250M to Back Minority Students, Including Black Americans

One of the nation’s largest mutual fund companies, Fidelity Investments, is pledging $250 million to help as many as 50,000 Black, Latinx, and historically underserved students go to college.

The Boston-based firm is making the commitment via a fresh social impact initiative known as Invest in My Education. The effort over the next five years will include providing students with scholarships and mentorships. It will also focus on boosting college graduation rates, helping students finish school with no debt, and providing assistance in obtaining well-paying jobs after college.

The support is truly needed. Fidelity disclosed that just 21% of Black students who start college, graduate within four years, versus 45% of white students. Moreover, the company revealed that Black and Latinx students accumulate $25,000 more in student debt than their white peers.

To help combat some of the disparity, Fidelity is joining with United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which calls itself the nation’s largest and most effective education organization.

With the gift, UNCF revealed it has gained the largest philanthropic corporate gift in its 78-year history from Fidelity Investments to launch the Fidelity Scholars Program. The UNCF reported Fidelity is donating $190 million to UNCF as part of the company’s $250 million initiative.

Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO at UNCF stated, “We are delighted to partner with a premier global financial services company to do this work. The Fidelity Scholars Program is exemplary, innovative and demonstrates the company’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for low-income and underrepresented students who do not have the advantages of other students.”

Fidelity’s initiative will consist of three key components that include a scholars program, retention and completion grants, and ecosystem-building grants.

Pamela Everhart, Head of Regional Public Affairs and Community Relations, Fidelity Investments, stated, “By taking a unique, long-term and holistic approach, Invest in My Education has the potential to support economic mobility for up to 50,000 students over the next five years — and that is really just the beginning.”

To learn more details check this out.

Combat Rising Food Costs By Buying In Bulk with Sam’s Club
by Black Enterprise Shop

January 20, 2023

Combat Rising Food Costs By Buying In Bulk with Sam’s Club

Even if you haven’t been to the store lately, you’ve likely heard of the shortages that have hit the food industry. Eggs are the latest commodity that’s fallen victim. Inflation and the avian flu have caused eggs to soar in price lately. Last year, baby formula and milk saw their share of rising costs.

While the market for products like eggs, milk and produce is unpredictable, there are ways you can help insulate yourself from the swings in price and availability. Sam’s Club not only offers high-quality products at attractive prices, but it does so in bulk, allowing shoppers the opportunity to stock and save.

You can unlock a year of savings by purchasing a one-year Sam’s Club membership for just $24.99. That’s a savings of 50% from its regular MSRP ($50). Membership renews automatically, and you’ll receive a complimentary household card.

You don’t have to travel far to visit a physical location. There are more than 600 locations in 488 cities across the United States. What makes Sam’s Club so popular among its 47 million members is the sheer vastness of its inventory. Customers can purchase everything from kitchen supplies to electronics to jewelry to furniture. Many items like cleaning supplies, candy and meat can be bought in bulk, saving you money by reducing trips to the store.

Household items and food aren’t the only items Sam’s Club offers. Members also gain access to discounts on hotels, rental cars, live events, movies, and more. Discounts of up to 60% are also offered on hotels around the globe.

More than 1,700 purchasers have rated this deal 5 stars.

“It was a fast and easy process and I was able to apply on the phone and was able to go to Sam’s within minutes of applying to take advantage of their membership,” writes verified purchaser Cyndi Lindenberger.

This offer is only valid to new Sam’s Club members.

While rising costs on supplies and scarcity will never go away, you can protect your pockets by purchasing a Sam’s Club membership. Take advantage of this one-year offer and start saving today.

Prices subject to change.

Necole Kane, Founder of XO Necole Defends Mielle Organics’ P&G Acquisition
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 19, 2023

Necole Kane, Founder of XO Necole Defends Mielle Organics’ P&G Acquisition

Necole Kane, the creative mind behind media outlets like Necole Bitchie and XoNecole, is speaking out amid mixed reactions to the recent acquisition of Mielle Organics.

Last week, Mielle announced the textured haircare brand is being acquired by Procter & Gamble, pending regulatory approval, Forbes reported. The brand’s founding couple said the acquisition will help the brand expand its reach to customers, scale nonprofit efforts with Mielle Cares, and help fund additional economic opportunities for Black and Brown communities.

However, amid news of the acquisition, there are growing concerns and complaints from consumers who fear P&G taking control of the brand might lessen the quality of the brand known for its all-natural approach to haircare.

“Mielle Organics is about to get gentrified and I am NOT OK,” one user tweeted.

“Better buy now before the formula changes 😕,” said someone else.

“I’m not looking forward to spending too much time and a small fortune on a bunch of wasted hair products looking for a replacement,” added another consumer.

Amid the upset reactions from beauty consumers, founder Necole Kane, who stepped down from XoNecole to run her plant-based supplement company, sent out a series of tweets to defend Mielle Organics and shed light on the struggle for founders to sell a company they created.

“In the wake of all the talk around Mielle Organics, I just want to say, no one ever talks about the grief you experience as a founder when you sell a business,” Kane wrote.

“I’ve built three brands. The first I opted to turn down millions in acquisition offers because I wanted to choose its ending,” she continued. “I left money on the table for integrity. The second, I definitely sold for much less than I would have preferred but the sell was only two years in…”

Kane also touched on the “sadness” and “grief” that comes with “letting go of something you’ve birthed.”

“There’s a sense of happiness. Making it to the other side, and not having the burden of carrying loads of business debt, sacrifices and livelihood of those you employ on your shoulders, but there’s real sadness, painstaking grief attached to letting go something you’ve birth.”

Mielle Organics co-founder, Melvin Rodriguez, shared that he and Monique Rodriguez planned to keep their company committed to helping underserved communities.

“Mielle remains committed to leading with purpose and impact and serving as a beacon in historically underserved communities,” Melvin said. “Expanding our impact in Black and Brown communities will become an even greater focus in the years ahead.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 19, 2023

Snoop Dogg, Sade, Teddy Riley Among 2023 Inductees to Songwriters Hall of Fame

Hip-hop entertainer and entrepreneur, Snoop Dogg; jazz songstress, Sade; and “New Jack Swing” producer and singer, Teddy Riley, are among this year’s inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

An announcement shared that Snoop Dogg, Sade, and Teddy Riley will be joined by pop singer Gloria Estefan; Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne; six-time Grammy-winning songwriter, and producer Glen Ballard; and Grammy-winning songwriter, Liz Rose.

Snoop posted a message on his Instagram page acknowledging the recognition, as well as some of the other inductees.

“Damn, Songwriters Hall of Fame? That’s big. And just to think, I’ve been telling people for the past seven years, ‘Who you wanna do a song with, Snoop?’ I’d always say, Sade. And now we going to the Songwriters Hall of Fame on the same day. And not only that, Teddy Riley? New jack swing? I’m going in with him? Man, God is good.”

“Just a little kid from the East Side of Long Beach that had a big-ass dream. Yeh, It is true that dreams can come true. If it happened to me, it can happen to you. Keep dreaming, keep believing, keep being you. Keep God in your life. Do more right than wrong. Make your life a song. Thank you.”

 

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A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)

This will be the 52nd Annual Induction and Awards Gala for the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The event is scheduled to take place on June 15 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Chic founder and legendary songwriter, Nile Rodgers, who is also the chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, said in a written statement, “The music industry does not exist without songwriters delivering great songs first. Without them there is no recorded music, no concert business, no merch … nothing, it all starts with the song and the songwriter. We are therefore very proud that we are continually recognizing some of the culturally most important songwriters of all time and that the 2023 slate represents not just iconic songs but also diversity and unity across genres, ethnicity and gender, songwriters who have enriched our lives and, in their time, literally transformed music and the lives of billions of listeners all over the world.”

by Stacy Jackson

January 19, 2023

Black Woman Launched Chocolate Business With Laser Focus on Funding, Money Management

This Black woman went the extra mile to get the funding she needed for her company.

Jessica Spaulding, the founder of Harlem Chocolate Factory, launched her dreams of becoming a chocolatier after taking the chance to pursue startup capital for her company.

According to Forbes, Spaulding launched her business in 2015 after working hard to ensure it was a standout entrant of the New York StartUP! Business Plan Competition, sponsored by the New York Public Library.

To ensure success with funding, Spaulding took NYC Small Business Services FastTrac NewVenture, a free course facilitated by Sandra Holtzman.

In addition to winning one of the New York Public Library’s $15,000 grants, the chocolatier received a $3,000 loan from Ascendus (formerly Accion), a Community Development Financial Institute (CDFI), and free legal and accounting services from Start Small Think Big.

“The store was a game changer,” said Spaulding, but it wasn’t without its challenges. “Opening the store gave us a chance to create an experiential brand,” she said.

Spaulding was turned down by numerous bankers who thought her idea of chocolates celebrating Black culture would not appeal.

“Pre-pandemic, the idea of having a business supported because it’s Black-owned was unheard of, especially one steeped in African-American culture,” she said. “The beauty of Harlem is its bittersweetness: projects and brownstones; caviar and quarter juices; opportunity and poverty.”

“Seventy percent of our revenue came from corporate gifting and events,” Spaulding added. “All of them canceled. Foot traffic to the store dropped dramatically, too. It was a nightmare.”

Spaulding later won a $25,000 grant from QuickBooks.

“Our ‘CFO’ was QuickBooks,” said Spaulding, recalling how the program helped her manage cash flow, understand the impact of inflation on ingredient costs, and adjust prices accordingly.

“QuickBooks’ various features and tools enable us to track all of our finances accurately and create a better path forward,” she added.

Spaulding’s Harlem Chocolate Factory has been featured on Oprah‘s Favorite Things List and highlighted by celebrities like Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. These recognitions caused online orders to surge, even though the pandemic eventually interfered.

“It was a wonderful pressure on how we would make this work,” said Spaulding.

Cardi B Offset Takeoff
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 19, 2023

Shocked to the Core: Cardi B Smacked Offset In Chilling Moments After He Told Her Takeoff Was Killed

Rapper Cardi B was a guest on Revolt’s The Jason Lee Show, and the Bronx rapper recalled the tense moment when she and her husband, Offset, found out that his family and group member, Takeoff, had been killed in Houston in November.

Cardi reminisced on the details of what took place the night Offset was informed that his 28-year-old cousin was shot dead on Nov. 1 at a bowling alley in Houston.

Lala Anthony was throwing her annual Halloween party that night, and Cardi stated that due to their daughter, Kulture, vomiting on her costume, the pair decided just to stay in.

“We were supposed to go to La La’s party in New York, and my daughter threw up all over my costume. We just fell asleep, and out of nowhere, Offset phone kept ringing, my phone kept ringing,” she explained.

“Offset picked up the phone, and he’s just like, ‘No!’ He’s screaming and screaming, ‘No, no, no!’ And I’m like ‘What’s going on?’ And he was like, ‘Takeoff is dead.’”

She then says to Lee, “I smacked him and said, ‘Don’t say that!’ And then he’s just, like, screaming and throwing things, throwing up, running all over. And I was so scared. I was crying so much.”

The Bodak Yellow rapper also spoke about her and Offset almost heading to divorce court when she filed the papers in September 2020. She revealed that the two of them were “not seeing eye-to-eye. This was, like, the same year I filed for divorce and everything.”

But, instead of going into details about the situation, she expressed that the divorce filing was more about Offset, and she would allow him to tell that side of it.

“I’m gonna let him talk about this because the main thing that was really bothering me — I’m a let him say it,” Cardi said. “I want him to say it because I feel like that’s really part of his story.”

The Love & Hip Hop alum had initially filed the divorce papers in September 2020, but it was “dismissed without prejudice” two months later in November. In the initial filing, the mother-of-two cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split.

Pronghorn Announces Capital Investment in Hella Cocktail Co., Appoints New CEO, Managing Director
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 19, 2023

Pronghorn Announces Capital Investment in Hella Cocktail Co., Appoints New CEO, Managing Director

Pronghorn, an independent company dedicated to expanding diversity within the spirits industry by cultivating and investing in the next generation of Black founders, executives, and entrepreneurs, has announced today its most recent capital investment in Hella Cocktail Co.

Pronghorn’s capital investment in the brand will provide access to its supercharging services, designed to help continue scaling Hella’s business. Furthermore, Hella Cocktail Co.’s Co-Founder, Jomaree Pinkard will transition to Chairman of Hella Cocktail Co., and assume his appointment as Pronghorn’s new CEO and Managing Director.

“We are excited at the overwhelming support Pronghorn has extended to the Hella Cocktail family,” said Tobin Ludwig, Co-Founder at Hella Cocktail Co. “The investment in our shared vision at Hella is a true testament to Pronghorn’s mission to elevate brands across the category and create real industry change. We’re proud to see our Co-founder and Chairman, Jomaree Pinkard, bring his work to the next level for the entire spirits industry.”

Hella Cocktail Co., a brand of botanically inspired mixers and beverages crafted to elevate cocktail culture for everyone, is the newest, welcomed addition to Pronghorn’s steady stream of capital investments this year. Falling on the heels of the recent round of angel investments in Tequila with Friends, Den of Thieves, and Ego Tequila earlier this month, the financial investment in Hella Cocktail Co. will similarly be supplemented with access to Pronghorn’s supercharging program which includes consulting services from Pronghorn’s team of industry experts to accelerate the brand’s growth. Moreover, Pinkard will be transitioning from a decade-long role serving as Hella Cocktail Co.’s CEO to Pronghorn’s CEO and Managing Director.

“I know I speak for the entire team and myself when I say we are looking forward to welcoming Jomaree to Pronghorn.” said Pronghorn co-founder Dia Simms. “Jomaree shares the same modern, disruptive approach to building companies as we do at Pronghorn, making him the perfect fit to lead our company and ensure investments in other Black-owned spirits companies are successful.”

In Pinkard’s new role he will be leading Pronghorn’s tentpole initiatives that propel the company’s overarching mission of bridging the representation gap in the spirits industry. Pinkard will oversee the continuation of Pronghorn’s capital investments against the organization’s earmarked goal of supporting 57 Black-owned brands and will help accelerate its pipeline development of talent from the Black community to fill 1,800 roles committed to by suppliers, distributors, and retailers in the industry over the next ten years to generate $2.4 billion in economic value for the Black community.

“I am thrilled to be joining Pronghorn. I look forward to helping drive wealth and economic power to the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders in the beverage alcohol space,” said Jomaree Pinkard. “I’m incredibly grateful to be fully supported by my Hella Cocktail Co. co-founders Tobin Ludwig and Eddie Simeon, investors, and new family at Pronghorn who all share the common vision of uplifting minority-founded, owned and led spirit companies through their various journeys.”

Before joining Pronghorn, Pinkard spent ten years creating and developing a diversely-owned craft beverage company, Hella Cocktail Co. During that time, he helped usher the company through several strategic brand iterations and groundbreaking product innovations. His finance acumen enabled the bootstrapped brand to build capacity and capabilities at a premium level, starting with zero dollars and no account distribution. During his tenure as CEO, Hella Cocktail Co. grew from a mason jar to a national multi-million-dollar venture built on a foundation of inclusivity and inspired confidence.

Pinkard, a native New Yorker, is a graduate from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and earned his MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. His career journey has taken him from helping to develop and implement The Salvation Army’s September 11 World Trade Center Recovery Program to an independent consulting role for the National Football League. Pinkard brings an established history of pragmatic strategy that has maximized company potential to his new home at Pronghorn.

To commemorate the executive appointment and the new union between Hella Cocktail Co. and Pronghorn, both entities have released a new cocktail recipe that industry friends and consumers alike can toast to the news with.

Bittersweet Hella Rum Cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 4.0oz Hella Cocktail Co. Bittersweet Spritz Aromatic Bitters & Soda
  • 1.5oz Ten To One Dark Rum
  • 0.5oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 3 Dashes of Hella Orange Bitters

Method:

  • Combine ingredients in a highball over ice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge

For more information, visit pronghorn.co.

Omaha Man Receives 90-Day Sentence Following Crash That Leaves 35-Year-Old Mother Dead
by Diamond Jeune

January 19, 2023

Omaha Man Receives 90-Day Sentence Following Crash That Leaves 35-Year-Old Mother Dead

Regina Bright‘s family and friends are outraged after an Omaha man, Jonathan McDougald, received a light sentence for the fatal crash that ultimately ended her life. 

According to KETV, the accident occurred in March 2022 after Bright, who was driving a Jeep Compass, tried to make a left turn at a local gas station when McDougald’s Chevy Impala, traveling at high speed, struck the 35-year-old’s vehicle. Although McDougald would be taken to Nebraska Medicine with no life-threatening injuries, Bright was pronounced dead at the scene.  

At the time of Bright’s death, she left behind two children and a legion of family and friends.

Following the crash, McDougald was charged with misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide. On Jan. 12, McDougald received a sentence of 90 days in prison and two years probation. Despite the sentence, the Judge expressed to the court that they felt McDougald’s actions that fateful day were compelled by anger and emotions.

During an interview with KETV, Bright’s mother, Veronica Constance-Bright, opened up about her frustration with the justice system. She said, “He killed my daughter, that’s just not enough. The district attorney is doing what she can under the law, but the law needs to change.”

At the same time, Bright’s co-worker and friend Sarah Supenski shared how unfair McDougald’s sentencing was. Supenski explained, “It’s just not fair, in any way shape or form, I don’t care what way you cut it.” Another one of Bright’s friends, Anna Roark, told the publication that the light punishment felt “like a second funeral.”

After his sentencing, McDougald revealed to the judge how remorseful he was regarding the entire situation. He even offered to help the family at any cost. In addition to McDougald’s jail time and probation, he must do behavior and mental health evaluations and pay $1,000 in restitution.

 

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