A new Black-owned gaming company has its latest game, Growing Up Black Memes, exclusively sold at all Target stores. The Black game of memes, created by Michael McGriff and Arielle Cooper, is quickly becoming a family favorite and perfect for adults and older teens to play this year.

Growing Up Black Memes allows players to “relive the wildest moments on social media and out-meme their friends” by matching random cultural sayings with hilarious, well-known meme photos. With two years of Black social interaction behind us, now is the perfect time to line up this slap-your-knee-funny game for Friday nights and upcoming get-togethers.

How Growing Up Black Memes Came to Be

McGriff has been doing real estate for 12 years and has always considered himself an entrepreneur. Co-founder Cooper is an insurance underwriter. The idea of creating unique games for the culture came from the pandemic. McGriff has always been creative; coming up with new ideas and playing around with Photoshop for this new project was a treat for him. “I got to really utilize all of my design skills and my mind to come up with a lot of different designs and concepts for it.”

Dreamed up during the pandemic, their ultimate goal was to create a game for a time when connections were at an all-time low but deeply desired. The initial process involved them coming up with all of the words for the game on a spreadsheet. The next part was a bit more challenging – getting permission for every single meme photo used. McGriff personally reached out to everyone he has a meme of. Then came creating the physical game itself.

“[There were] a lot of moving pieces, a lot of fees, a lot of expenses, but at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. Especially when people get Out of Bounds or Growing Up Black Memes and you see their videos. When you get those good reviews, it’s all worth it.”

McGriff started off thinking he’d only be making a couple hundred games. However, his faith began building as he began diving deeper into its creation. “It went from an order of a couple hundred to putting in an initial order of 10,000 for a truckload of games” He shared that once all of those games arrived, he was staring at a garage full of pallets and thought, “OK, what now?” He started running ads on social media, which allowed him to begin building momentum. Then, Jaime Steger Wolanski of Upside Agency contacted McGriff, who assisted the founders in getting into Target.

The Black Parker Brothers? Possibly.

McGriff and Cooper’s company Simpli Gaming is just getting started, and they have goals beyond Growing Up Black Memes and their must-have Out of Bounds Game (affectionately known as “The Black Taboo”). McGriff shared that the plan is to eventually have an entire section in Target with multiple games for the Black community and other minorities. “When we see it and play it, it resonates and brings back memories of our childhood,” he shared.

“Within five years’ time, I could see our company Simpli Gaming having a stronghold in the gaming industry. Having a section in more than one store. The goal is to not only be in Target, but to be in Walmart, Kohl’s. Just really being able to find these games in multiple areas. To be very accessible, where we can be in every household.” They want their games to be the go-to games for the Black community.

Growing Up Black Memes can be found at all Target stores, online, and on Target’s app. Their Out of Bounds game can be found at outofboundsgame.net or Amazon. You can follow and learn more about the games on their Instagram page @outofboundsgame.

OneTen, a coalition of leading executives and companies committed to hiring, promoting, and advancing one million Black individuals without four-year degrees into family-sustaining careers, today announced the appointment of Debbie Dyson as President and Chief Operating Officer, reporting to CEO Maurice Jones.

In this newly created role, Dyson will apply her more than 30 years of human capital management experience to scale OneTen’s operations and efforts, overseeing its strategic, financial, operational, technology, and marketing plans.

“Debbie has garnered industry-wide respect and established herself a leader with an unmatched ability to drive results,” Maurice Jones, OneTen CEO, said.

“As OneTen continues to grow and scale our efforts to hire one million Black talent into family-sustaining jobs, we need someone equipped to help us build muscle to achieve operational excellence, and Debbie is that person. I am excited for her to join us in our mission.”

Dyson comes to OneTen after holding 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.

“OneTen is leading the charge in the skills-first hiring movement, and to advance even greater change, we need leaders like Debbie at the helm,” said co-chairs, Ginni Rometty, former Chairman and CEO, IBM, and Ken Frazier, former Chairman and CEO, Merck. “Debbie is an innovative leader whose decades of management, technology, and operational experience is similarly matched by an unwavering commitment to inspire and engage everyone around her. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her to OneTen.”

Among her accolades, Dyson was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business two years in a row by Black Enterprise Magazine, as well as one of the 300 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Santa Clara University.

“There is no better feeling than having an opportunity that matches exactly where you are personally and professionally,” said Dyson. “I can easily say that is what OneTen represents for me. I am thrilled to join this fantastic organization grounded in a vision and mission to change the trajectory of how we empower, excel, and enhance the potential of these deserving individuals. The work is meaningful and life changing. Becoming part of this team to carry forward the efforts in motion and provide a path for acceleration through partnership and collaboration is a true honor.”

Abesi Manyando is a writer, author, and founder of the public relations and branding development firm Abesi PR.

She has worked with many recognizable names, including Grammy Award-winning artists Future, Nelly, and Lil Baby, along with Grammy-nominated artist Saweetie, the George Floyd family, Judge Jimmie Edwards, Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, and many more.

Working with such high-profile clients can come with many stressors, which is why Manyando has begun loving herself more through much-needed time off to escape. She sat down with BLACK ENTERPRISE about her views on work-life balance and the importance of living a softer life.

Abesi Manyando’s moment of clarity

Manyando is a busy lady. Outside of her noteworthy career as a celebrity publicist, she has also written for many major publications and penned her own children’s book. Her book, Jarvis Po: The Secret Adventures of a Potato, teaches about “the beauty and power that comes with knowing and loving yourself in a world that may not always be kind or accepting.”

While Manyando’s career and projects were enjoyable for her, doing so much, coupled with the political and racial tension in the country, eventually led to burnout. Watching the George Floyd situation unfold really impacted Manyando. “It does something to your spirit. I think as a Black person living in America…you almost want to question your value, your worth, and who you are…You become nervous to go outside.”

So, what did Manyando do? She decided to take a break from it all. A real, substantial one. She initially took 14 days off and headed back home to the continent of Africa. “And I say, Africa. I know it’s a huge continent, but I went to a few places. I’m not saying that to just generalize,” the Zambia native clarified. Those 14 days led to six months of full relaxation. Manyando traveled to Ghana, Zambia, Ethiopia, and South Africa during her stay.

Living a softer life through work-life balance

Manyando once found detaching a hard thing to do. Being constantly glued to her phone for trends and the latest happenings due to her career, was the norm. “You have to be up all hours of the night. You have to beat the news cycle. You have to make things go away in whatever best way you can. It’s strenuous on ourselves and on relationships.”

During this much-needed trip, however, Manyando learned what truly mattered in life and how to really let things go. She had the chance to witness authentic love and happiness all around her. “I felt the love; I was so happy.” She reminisced.

She loved the warm, kind souls she encountered daily, and it opened her eyes to the balance she needed to create in her own life. “Sometimes we become obsessed with success and we actually stop living because we’re living for money…When I went to Ghana, I just saw people living life and happy. And not everyone had money. There’s a lot of luxury in Africa, and Ghana is amazing, some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve seen…but even the person that doesn’t have [a lot of money] is still very happy…The people that didn’t have much would still try to share.”

This was a huge contrast to what she had become accustomed to seeing. “I saw a different aspect of people. Because here, especially coming from [Trump’s] presidency, people became very rude, and openly so. The negativity and hatred. So being there was like, ‘wow, I can breathe.’ It was like, ‘wow, this is life.’ In life, you’re just supposed to be happy.” It was at this moment Manyando knew she wanted a softer life. “I wanted a softer life. As Black women, we take on a lot.”

Abesi Manyando’s advice for busy people

While Manyando is extremely dedicated to her clients and work, she understands that although tough, we must be able to pull ourselves away from the work we do to be able to work on ourselves and make time to play.

“You don’t want to wait until it’s too late to figure life out. Life will pass you by. You have to put enjoyment in your calendar.”

Manyando shared that she always encourages people to be successful, but for them to be mindful of at what cost they find that success. “I’ve seen very successful people, and I’ve seen their demons. I’ve seen their depression and seen suicidal tendencies. And these are multimillionaires. So, what is the point? There has to be more. You have to have something outside of yourself. ‘Cause, you can self-destruct…You have to understand life and purpose and give back…you have to have love. Love is important.”

The PR professional really hopes we all take the time to re-center and humble ourselves this year. During her travels, she was taught in the best way possible that life is for living. Seeing people live their lives authentically, celebrating good times without alerting social media, was a reminder that happiness and peace are found in the present. “I had to humble myself too. The trip humbled me because what I thought was important, wasn’t even important.” She realized it’s not always all about the business, red carpet, or the next cover.

While still working with her high-profile clients, Manyando has begun to prioritize her art and writing again, and in doing so, has discovered a softer life that makes space for work-life-balance. You can keep up with Abesi Manyando on Instagram, @abesipr; Twitter, @abesiPR; and on her lifestyle blog 7thandLotus.com.

• News

by Diamond Jeune

January 13, 2023

JCPenney Commemorates Black History Month by Launching Another Collection With Hope & Wonder

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In light of JCPenney’s first anniversary with Hope & Wonder, a private label brand the company created to honor those commemorating what it described as “cultural observances,” the retailer is planning to release another Black History Month collection. 

The items usually include clothes, accessories, and house products. Last year, when JCPenney launched Hope & Wonder, the company contributed $100,000 of its sales to a nonprofit organization called Black Girls Smile.

 

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According to a release, Black Girls Smile provides Black women “with education, resources, and support to lead mentally healthy lives.” On January 9, JCPenney’s Hope & Wonder announced it is collaborating with Black Girls Smile again. They also plan to donate this year’s Black History Month collection earnings to the nonprofit. 

In a statement released by Black Girls Smile founder Lauren Carson, she expressed how happy she was about JCPenney’s continuous “support” of the company. 

She said, “Black Girls Smile is extremely excited to partner with JCPenney for the second year to celebrate Black History Month. Our continued collaborative partnership helps BGS to expand our programming and initiatives focused on uplifting and empowering the mental health and well-being of Black women and girls. We truly appreciate the continued support and encouragement from JCPenney’s team and community through the commitment to honoring and celebrating Black history and Black wellness.”

JCPenney’s BIPOC designers developed Hope & Wonder’s Black History Month collection. Several individuals and their families were included in the ads seen online and in stores. Since then, the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Andre Joyner, shared that it was important for JCPenney to create these pieces because it wanted to impact “the lives of diverse American families” positively.

He said, “JCPenney continues to pull inspiration from not only our customers’ wants and needs, but from our dedicated associates and their families. We believe in honoring Black History Month and other cultural moments that resonate deeply with our associates and are committed to making a positive impact within the lives of diverse American families.”

JCPenney’s Hope & Wonder Black History Month collection is on sell now.

A family is split in two over the decision to sell a historic Los Angeles beach property.

After a decision was made by the heirs of Charles and Willa Bruce to resell the Black-owned land Bruce’s Beach, back to Los Angeles County, some descendants objected to that decision.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the Bruce family would be selling two parcels of their Manhattan Beach property back to the county for nearly $20 million, Daily Breeze reported.

However, family member Patricia Bruce, who said she was not involved in the sale, expressed disappointment over that decision, The Daily Mail reports.

“I really don’t think that Charles would have sold it,” Bruce said.

According to reports, Willa and Charles Bruce’s great-great grandsons, Marcus and Derrick Bruce, co-owned the property along with Derrick’s sons, Anthony and Michael, before reselling it.

When the city returned the property during a ceremony last July, Anthony said the initial seizure destroyed his grandparents’ financial legacy.

“It destroyed their chance at the American Dream,” Anthony told the Daily Mail. “I wish they could see what has happened today.”

Now things have changed.

The resale was announced via Twitter last week by the chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Janice Hahn. 

The Bruce Family has informed the County of Los Angeles that they have decided to sell the Bruce’s Beach property back to the County for nearly $20 million– which is the estimated value of the property.

— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) January 3, 2023

Stating she always advocated for the beach return, Hahn tweeted that the decision has always been about the Bruces.

“This fight has always been about what is best for the Bruce family, and they feel what is best for them is selling this property back to the county for nearly $20 million and finally rebuilding the generational wealth they were denied for nearly a century.”

I fought to return Bruce’s Beach because I wanted to right this wrong. This fight has always been about what is best for the family, and they feel what is best for them is selling this property and finally rebuilding the generational wealth they were denied for nearly a century.

— Janice Hahn (@SupJaniceHahn) January 3, 2023

On the contrary, in a statement released by the Bruce family, some members debated who actually advocated for the land’s return.

“We know that some envisioned that we might hold this piece of land and attempt to reestablish our family’s former enterprise,” the statement said via Daily Mail. “But we have chosen instead to look to the future.”

Although the family is feuding, news of the resale has given hope to other descendants of Black families with property taken away from them.

Sotheby’s has listed a Kobe Bryant jersey for auction that it expects will fetch between $5 and $7 million.

The latest jersey is a game-worn Los Angeles Lakers Bryant jersey he wore from the start of the season in 2007 until the end of the Western Conference Finals on May 29, 2008, according to Sotheby’s website. The jersey was worn by the Lakers legend in five pre-season games, 14 regular season games, and six playoff games.

The jersey was worn during his only NBA MVP-winning season.

“Coming to auction this February, Sotheby’s is pleased to announce the sale of Kobe Bryant’s game-worn and signed Los Angeles Lakers jersey from his only MVP season in what is set to become the most valuable jersey of Kobe’s to ever appear at auction.”

Coming to auction this February, Sotheby’s is pleased to announce the sale of Kobe Bryant’s game-worn and signed Los Angeles Lakers jersey from his only MVP season in what is set to become the most valuable jersey of Kobe’s to ever appear at auction. pic.twitter.com/wHmWZHfOxa

— Sotheby’s (@Sothebys) January 12, 2023

The jersey has been described as a “heavily worn condition consistent with persistent and long-term use.” The jersey also has a small hole on the “backside of the jersey, and loose threading throughout.”

The jersey is scheduled to be auctioned between February 2 and February 9 on the Sotheby’s website. The starting bid will be $5 million. The actual basketball jersey will be on public display from February 1 through February 7 in Sotheby’s New York galleries.

Bryant was a five-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. During his career, he made the All-Star team 18 times and was the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. Bryant retired in 2016 and scored an NBA-season-high 60 points in his final game.

The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people on January 26, 2020.

Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin became household names in the entertainment industry after hitting the music scene as the hip-hop duo Kid ‘n Play in the late 1980s.

The pair would ultimately solidify their status after starring as themselves in the comedy classic, House Party. The film’s premise follows the unexpected events the men encounter as Kid attends Play’s house party. House Party‘s theatrical debut in 1990 was only the beginning. After grossing over $26 million at the box office, the movie spurred several sequels. 

Over three decades later, Warner Bros Pictures has decided to reboot the franchise, this time starring Jacob Lattimore and Tosin Cole. A screening of the movie, which has the same name and a similar plot, was held in Los Angeles on Wednesday.  

Those in attendance included Lattimore, Karrueche, BlameItOnKway, Bill Bellamy, Rotimi, Tinashe, Algee Smith, Rosa Acosta, Big Boy, and Mark Cuban. Despite the star-studded event, the men that stole the show were Kid ‘n Play. The original stars show their support for the new film by walking the green carpet and posing alongside the cast and the movie poster.

The next day, Kid uploaded a photo from the event on his Instagram account with a touching message. The 58-year-old said, “ABOUT LAST NIGHT….We outchea blessing the new “HouseParty”….We believe the children are the future- Support This Film.”

 

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A short time later, Play gave fans a glimpse of what occurred at the screening by sharing the ticket and cup he received while attending the event. In addition to the images, the 60-year-old wrote the caption, “There’s a time to Work, to Play, to Reflect, but there’s no place like Our Bubble.”

House Party, the reboot, is out now in theaters. 

Georgia Trend announced this month that entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman John Hope Bryant has been named to its 2023 Most Influential Georgians List.

The 2023 Most Influential Georgians List celebrates 100 Georgians who are leading by example and improving lives through business. This is Georgia Trend’s 25^th annual list, and Bryant’s second time being honored among several notable politicians, presidents, CEOs, and economic development leaders across the state.

John Hope Bryant is the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Atlanta-based Operation HOPE, Inc., a leading national non-profit dedicated to financial literacy and economic empowerment. Operation HOPE serves over 4 million people and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities.

He is also the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Bryant Group Ventures, and Founder and Principal of The Promise Homes Company, which is the largest minority-controlled owner of single-family rental homes in the United States.

Bryant has served as a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy under President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. At the recommendation of Mr. Bryant, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew renamed the former U.S. Treasury Annex Building the Freedman’s Bank Building.

“A long time ago, I decided to commit myself to matters that would better the lives of other people. I am grateful to Georgia Trend for recognizing my contributions and plan to continue building,” said Bryant. “Georgia is not only the global headquarters for Operation HOPE, but also the place my family calls home. I am humbled and honored to be included on this list with so many great leaders and changemakers—many of whom are colleagues and friends.”

Operation HOPE promotes social justice for ethnically diverse individuals through an economic lens. Within the past year, HOPE has experienced incredible growth and expansion with a focus on diverse communities that are typically underserved. With currently 200 HOPE Inside locations across the country, John Hope Bryant and his team of certified coaches, will continue to support the wider community through programs, partnerships, and initiatives.

Georgia Trend’s list of influential leaders is gathered by the staff who looks for people that represent the best of leadership, service, character, and influence.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through our community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Feeling saucy? Head to retail stores to pick up a bottle of the flavorful Pink Sauce that hit viral status in summer 2022.

Chef Pii, the creator of the Pink Sauce, is making major moves as her product makes it to Walmart shelves.

“The Flavor Genie,” a title Chef Pii coined for herself, took to Instagram to announce it to her followers.

“THE PINK SAUCE IS NOW AT WALMART,” Chef Pii captioned the post with a party emoji.

“Go to your local @Walmart and get your bottle,” she added with a wink and complementary pink heart emoji.

 

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According to Dexerto, Walmart has committed to being the exclusive retailer for Pink Sauce, a deal set to run until July of this year.

The deal comes following months of scrutiny from consumers who were vocal about the flaws they discovered with the sauce last year.

Consumers took to social media criticizing the sauce, some saying it spoiled during the delivery process, while others knocked the product after finding inconsistencies in the listed ingredients highlighted on the packaging.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, a partnership with Dave’s Gourmet gave Pink Sauce a boost after it announced its commitment to producing the sauce “on a commercial scale under the required food manufacturing guidelines.”

Dave’s Gourmet, which is famous for its “Insanity” hot sauce, backed the Texas-based company against the criticism.

“It’s our pleasure to reach out to a talented foodie who has not had any experience with commercial production of sauces, and, with our expertise and resources, help bring her Pink Sauce™ to the market,” said Dave’s Gourmet’s President David Neuman in a press release at the time.

Neuman assured that the sauce had been manufactured under FDA guidelines in an SQF-certified facility, confirming that the Pink Sauce is shelf-stable.

Rapper and businessman 50 Cent said he launched a campaign to help revive Mo’Nique‘s acting career, and recalled a private conversation he had with Tyler Perry in defense of the Oscar-winning actress.

The hip-hop mogul appeared on Big Boy’s Neighborhood last week where he addressed Mo’Nique’s casting in season two of his Starz series BMF and how he helped reignite her career after claims of being blackballed by Lee Daniels, Oprah Winfrey, and Tyler Perry.

While addressing “cancel culture” 50, real name Curtis Jackson, recalled confronting Perry about the role he played in Mo’Nique not getting cast in any major roles.

“Like, Mo’Nique, why is she canceled? I had to revisit that,” 50 explained.

 

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He expressed his confusion about why she was out of work for 13 years “because of something she said.” Mo’Nique spent over a decade calling out Daniels, Winfrey, and Perry over claims they worked together to blackball her for not doing promotional press for the 2009 film Precious.

“I know Tyler wouldn’t support that,” 50 said. “He never told nobody not to work with her… When I talked to him, he was like, ‘Nah, I never told no one not to work with her.’ And I said, ‘But you’re Tyler Perry and you never told anyone to work with her.’ He was like, ‘I never looked at it like that.’”

In February 2022, Mo’Nique came forward with receipts of Perry’s behind-the-scenes behavior where he demanded Mo’Nique apologize to him for the blackball claims before he would agree to a sit-down with her.

“@tylerperry eventually the people will see, listen and do something about you not keeping your word. I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE,” she captioned an Instagram post at the time.

 

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Mo’Nique and her husband, Sidney Hicks, conducted an Instagram Live where they played audio revealing how remorseful Perry was for how he had treated her in the past.