Stacey Abrams’ Campaign Manager Says Negative Press and Polling Resulted in $1M Debt
Voting rights advocate Stacey Abrams raised more than $100 million during her second run for governor, but her campaign is currently more than $1 million in debt to vendors.
11 Alive reports Lauren Groh-Wargo, Abrams’ manager for both her 2018 and 2022 campaigns, confirmed the debt to Axios, adding that negative press and polling made fund-raising difficult for the campaign in the final weeks leading up to the 2022 midterm elections.
The lack of cash forced the campaign to cut its ad spending from between $2 and $3 million in October to just $800,000 in the week before the election. In comparison, Gov. Brian Kemp spent more than $2 million on advertising the same week, according to Axios.
A former staffer also told 11 Alive that the majority of Abrams’ 180 campaign staff members have not been paid since November 15. However, the staffer added that during the campaign they were well-compensated, received health benefits through November, and the campaign’s human resources department helped staffers find new jobs after the election.
“If we had ended the campaign with enough money to pay staff through January, and we lost—I think there would be pieces coming out about why does [the campaign] have like $2 million in the bank,” the former staffer said.
“I think the campaign was as transparent about things as it possibly could be.”
Abrams ran on a platform of Medicaid expansion, abortion rights, voting rights, and using the Peach State’s budget surplus to improve everything from infrastructure to education for its residents.
While she had the support of young college-aged voters and Black women, her support among Black men struggled despite making an effort to appeal to them with appearances on the 85 South Show podcast and a panel with radio personality Charlamagne Tha God and rapper 21 Savage.
Abrams wasn’t the only Democrat in Georgia who failed to win during the midterms.
Sen. Raphael Warnock was the only Democrat in a statewide race in Georgia who won during the 2022 midterm elections.
Report: Black Americans Left With Empty Pockets After Cryptocurrency Market Lost Nearly 75% Value in Last Year
Black Americans who saw cryptocurrency as a way to close the racial wealth gap and get rich outside of traditional financial methods are now regretting it as the value has hit rock bottom.
Business Insiderreports the unregulated cryptocurrency market has taken a nose-dive, leading companies to file for bankruptcy and leaving many Black people with empty pockets.
According to a September Pew Research poll of more than 10,000 U.S. adults, 18% of Black Americans had invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, compared to 13% of white Americans.
Other polls also show Black people got into the crypto game more than their white counterparts. Ariel Investments Founder John Rogers told TheAtlantic it’s not the first time Black people have jumped on a new opportunity only to be burned.
“We saw the same thing happen with the internet bubble when we saw many African American first-time investors chasing hot internet stocks,” Rogers said. “So many people made so much money over the last seven or eight years, and it is natural to fall into the trap of chasing what worked yesterday.”
The cryptocurrency market has suffered significant losses in the last year, losing nearly 75% of its value. Additionally, the downfall and arrest of FTX ownerSam Bankman-Fried last month contributed to the decline of the financial technology.
Black Americans gravitated toward cryptocurrency partly due to a mistrust of traditional financial systems, including banks, which have a long history of discrimination and racism. An April Ariel and Charles Schwab survey showed almost one-third of Black Americans do not trust banks.
Working-class Black Americans trying to get rich weren’t the only ones who jumped into the crypto game and lost. Several notable Black figures, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and rapper Jim Jones, promoted cryptocurrency and lost money during its decline. Large companies, including the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball, also got in on cryptocurrency.
Barack Obama, President Biden, Other Political Leaders Mourn Death of NFL Legend Franco Harris
Once word got out yesterday that legendary Pittsburgh Steelers player Franco Harris had died at 72, the world immediately began mourning the football great—including giants in politics.
Former president Barack Obama recalled watching the NFL Hall of Fame legend while growing up. He also reflected on getting to know Harris years later.
“I grew up watching Franco Harris, and had the honor of getting to know him years later. He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation.”
I grew up watching Franco Harris, and had the honor of getting to know him years later. He was an extraordinary man on and off the field, and will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and all of Steeler Nation.
President Joe Biden mentioning how Harris, a friend for 50 years, spent some time with his sons after he lost his first wife and infant daughter.
“Franco Harris is known for the glory he brought to football. But I knew him for his character and compassion–someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter. May God bless Franco Harris, a dear friend of 50 years and a great American.”
Franco Harris is known for the glory he brought to football. But I knew him for his character and compassion – someone who spent time with my boys after we lost my first wife and infant daughter.
Politicians from Pennsylvania also expressed their grief over the loss of the Pittsburgh legend. The outgoing Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, spoke about being with Harris two months ago to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, one of the most famous plays in NFL history.
Deeply saddened by the loss of Franco Harris.
Just two months ago, he joined me in Harrisburg to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception.
Franco was a @steelers legend, on and off the field.
Sending condolences to his family and all who knew him.
Pennsylvania Senator-elect John Fetterman posted a photo of Harris supporting him in his race to become a senator and also sent his condolences to Harris’ family.
“Gisele and I are devastated by this news. We are sending our deepest condolences to Franco’s family. Franco was a true legend and icon on and off the field. He was a truly selfless man. It was an honor to have gotten to know him over the years. I will miss him dearly.”
Gisele and I are devastated by this news. We are sending our deepest condolences to Franco's family.
Franco was a true legend and icon on and off the field. He was a truly selfless man.
It was an honor to have gotten to know him over the years. I will miss him dearly. pic.twitter.com/PMaAoDGck2
The Associated Press reported that Harris’ son, Dok, confirmed the football legend’s death. The cause of death was not stated.
Harris totaled 12,120 yards and won four Super Bowl rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s. He initiated the Steelers dynasty when he caught a last-second pass from Bradshaw in a playoff game against the Oakland Raiders in 1972.
He ended his career as the NFL’s third all-time leading rusher behind Walter Payton and Jim Brown.
The Steelers icon also leaves behind his wife, Dana Dokmanovich.
Rev. William Barber II To Head Yale Divinity School Center For Public Theology And Public Policy
Rev. William Barber II will lead the Yale Divinity School’s Center for Public Theology and Public Policy, according to Religious News Service. The reverend will teach his first class at Yale in January.
Barber made the announcement Monday along with the news that he was retiring from Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina. The 59-year-old reverend has been with the church for 30 years. Barber posted the news on Twitter with a caption.
Today I’m glad to announce the new Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at @YaleDivSchool. This new Center will prepare a new generation of moral leaders to be active participants in creating a just society. https://t.co/P3wZkjiivBpic.twitter.com/H174QuPQOb
I love pastoring. I love the people. I love what it’s taught me. But I will not be selfish & not share what I’ve learned w/ generations coming. https://t.co/yDwQ4bpPp0
Barber also noted that the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale has the goal of preparing a new generation to become moral leaders. He added that the new Yale center would incorporate history and activism into the program as well as partner with HBCUs to “build pathways for students to engage in our work.”
“The goal of this center will be to prepare a new generation — what we call moral fusion leaders — that are going to be active in creating a just society both in the academy and in the streets,” he wrote.
“Every movement toward a more perfect union in US history has needed organizations that built power for people & research centers that have helped shape a new narrative,” he wrote. “We will teach this history & engage divinity students, law students, & undergrads in moral fusion analysis, articulation, & activism in the tradition of Frederick Douglass & Sojourner Truth, Walter Rauschenbusch & Howard Thurman, Ida B. Wells, Dorothy Day, MLK & Ella Baker.”
We will teach this history & engage divinity students, law students, & undergrads in moral fusion analysis, articulation, & activism in the tradition of Frederick Douglass & Sojourner Truth, Walter Rauschenbusch & Howard Thurman, Ida B. Wells, Dorothy Day, MLK & Ella Baker.
Barber delivered the sermon at the inaugural prayer service for President Joe Biden in 2021. He is also an activist who served as the former president of the NAACP. The pastor was arrested after protesting at the North Carolina Legislative Building in 2017 to call for a Medicaid expansion after staffers inside called the police to complain about the noise.
He previously taught at Union Theological Seminary and Duke University.
Costco Donates Nearly $400K to Inner-City Education Organizations That Benefited Naturade Co-Owners as Students
Naturade is pleased to announce Costco has donated $197,000 to both The LEAD Program and Prep for Prep.
These two education-focused organizations played important roles in the childhoods of Naturade co-owners Kareem Cook and Claude Tellis, and ultimately led them to pursue careers in business.
Naturade first entered Costco Wholesale warehouses in 2021. This month, LEAD and Prep for Prep received nearly $400,000 to support inner-city education. Both organizations have rich ties to their communities and to Naturade’s co-owners.
“We can’t begin to express the joy this brings us,” Cook said.
“We are so thankful to Costco for being such an amazing company with leaders at the top dedicated to truly making an impact. They have a history of supporting organizations in the education space, and we are so thankful that, through our partnership, we’re able to give back to the two organizations we credit for our success. Prep for Prep had the most significant impact on my life, ultimately providing the opportunity to attend a prominent high school, which then led to attending Duke University for my undergraduate degree and my MBA. I have Prep for Prep to thank for helping me reach where I am today.”
“The LEAD Program introduced me to the business industry when I was in high school and I was immediately hooked,” Tellis said.
“The program taught me business skills and truly sparked a passion within me. I’m thrilled we’re able to support these organizations through our partnership with Costco. They have been incredible partners and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”
Since 1978, Prep for Prep has been committed to developing “future leaders by creating access for young people of color to first-rate educational, leadership development and professional advancement opportunities.” Prep for Prep prides itself on its students’ dedication to excellence, integrity, commitment and courage.
“I am so grateful for this exciting and generous gift from Costco, facilitated by Prep for Prep alum Kareem Cook and Naturade,” Prep for Prep CEO Ruth Jurgensen said. “Costco’s major gift allows Prep to continue to support our future, which Prep is squarely focused on as detailed in our new Strategic Plan. We are committed to bringing opportunities to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in our students, which will only improve their lives, and the contribution from Kareem and Naturade to Prep aligns with this work. Thank you so much, Costco, Naturade, Kareem Cook and Claude Tellis for believing in the future of Prep for Prep!”
LEADership, Education and Development (LEAD) provides under-represented high school students with residential college experience, leadership development and immersive learning experiences in industries such as business, finance, entrepreneurship, medicine, engineering and more. Since 1980, LEAD has rapidly expanded its programming and remains committed to developing generations of life-long learners with the capacity to contribute to human-kind, equipped to “think differently” about how they learn, where they learn and the relevancy and application of what they learn.
“We are thrilled to partner with Naturade co-owner and LEAD Alum Claude Tellis and Costco as we join together to create learning opportunities for the next generation by guiding vibrant and talented students, preparing them to compete in this 21st century ‘knowledge economy,’” President and CEO of The LEAD Program, Dr. Lawrence Drake, said.
Prestigious Executive Leadership Council Adds Ameren Executive Leader as Member
Chonda Nwamu, senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Ameren, has earned a spot as a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Class of 2023.
The ELC is the preeminent membership organization committed to increasing the number of Black executives in the C-suite, on corporate boards, and in global enterprises.
Nwamu’s ELC membership places her among some of the most accomplished Black professionals in the world. Since its founding in 1986, the ELC has grown to include more than 800 current and former Black CEOs, corporate board members, and senior executives of Fortune 1000 and Global 500 companies, entrepreneurs at top-tier firms, and thought leaders.
“Chonda has been at the forefront of enhancing Ameren’s enterprise-wide diversity, equity and inclusion strategy,” said Marty Lyons, president and chief executive officer of Ameren. “Through her leadership, Ameren has proactively implemented measures and metrics to recruit and retain diverse attorneys and legal staff, increase the volume of legal and related services it purchases from diverse law firms and suppliers, and facilitate increased opportunities for diverse attorneys to handle Ameren matters. She is among the best of the best and will represent Ameren well on the ELC.”
“I’m looking forward to leveraging the network and resources of the ELC to help level the playing field in the legal profession and the C-suite,” Nwamu said.
“I hope to use this experience as an opportunity to serve as a role model and mentor to more women and diverse leaders. I’m passionate about using my influence to help develop and promote the next generation of diverse leaders to close the representation gap.”
Ameren remains focused on building a diverse culture where leaders like Nwamu can emerge and thrive, according to a press release. Some of Ameren’s top diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives to fulfill this vision include:
Pledging $10 million over five years to nonprofits working for racial equity and opportunity.
Holding an annual virtual DE&I summit with community leaders and Ameren co-workers and encouraging employees to volunteer with organizations working toward equity.
Investing in a robust supplier diversity program, which resulted in a record $900 million on projects delivered by women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned companies in 2021.
Continuing to facilitate several types of diversity training and mentorship programs for employees, including Discussions Across Differences.
Building a more diverse workforce through intentional recruiting, such as Ameren’s Hiring Our Heroes program to hire veterans and the Bright Return Program to give opportunities to mid-career professionals to return to a career after voluntarily leaving the workforce.
Providing employee resource groups (ERGs) for women, veterans, minority groups and LGBTQ+ employees.
Engaging more than 1,600 Ameren co-workers in more than 7,000 hours of DE&I learning with the launch of the ConvERGing: Learning and Action program.
With the New Year less than a month away, many people are looking for ways to motivate themselves to make the most out of the new calendar year. While each person’s motivation will differ, nearly all will center on some form of personal betterment.
Gyms will see an increase in memberships, and meal plan kits will undoubtedly fly off the shelves. For others, though, there will be a focus on improving mental health.
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The app’s Habit Directory includes more than 300 good habits organized by areas in which they improve. The content is science-backed and contains easy-to-follow text, videos, and infographics for more than 150 habits. In addition, there are pre-built routines, and the scoring tracking system includes levels, making for an interactive way to follow your progress.
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If you’ve decided to make yourself and your betterment your New Year’s resolution, this app can help you achieve that goal. Purchase it today at its discounted price.
The NBA rookie has been making a splash, as he was recently named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for both October and November. Mathurin averaged 19.2 points per game for the first two months of the season. The young rookie’s accomplishments are substantial because he won the honors as a reserve. In every game that he has played in thus far, Mathurin has come off the bench in all but one of Indiana’s 28 games, according to The Athletic. In 11 of those games, he has scored more than 20 points.
According to Andscape, the signing is part of the brand’s latest roster addition as adidas has also recruited 11 other NBA rookies from this year’s 2022 draft class.
We are thrilled to announce our 2022 NBA Rookie Class.
The other rookies who have been brought on board are: Keegan Murray (Sacramento Kings), Jabari Smith Jr. (Houston Rockets), Nikola Jovic (Miami Heat), MarJon Beauchamp (Milwaukee Bucks), Ousmane Dieng (Oklahoma City Thunder), Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz), Johnny Davis (Washington Wizards), Dalen Terry (Chicago Bulls), Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder), Isaiah Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Blake Wesley (San Antonio Spurs).
Mathurin recalled his first time putting on a pair of adidas when he was much younger.
“I remember I bought my first pair of shoes when I was 12 years old, and they were the Adidas Superstar. Someone sold them to me for $40, and I would play basketball with them at the park or rock them with jeans and sweats. My mom gave me $40 to pay for something at school, and I bought a pair of shoes.”
Now the sneaker company is paying him to wear athletic shoes.
Mathurin’s older sister, Jennifer played basketball at North Carolina State University and had a pro career overseas in Finland and Australia.
Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency Announces Nearly $100M for Entrepreneurs
Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched the Capital Readiness Program grant competition, which dedicates $93.5 million to help minority and other underserved entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses.
This program, administered by the Minority Business Development Agency, marks the largest program of its kind in the history of the Commerce Department, according to a press release.
The Capital Readiness Program will provide funding to incubators and accelerators across the country, with expertise to assist and train minority and other underserved entrepreneurs seeking resources, tools, and technical assistance to start or scale their businesses in high-growth industries such as healthcare, climate resilient technology, asset management, infrastructure, and more.
Businesses owned by women of color represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy. However, structural barriers persist, preventing many women from starting their own businesses and accessing capital, childcare solutions, and peer networks. The Capital Readiness Program will provide the curriculum, tools, and resources to minority entrepreneurs to access capital and funding, and connect them to subject matter experts, vendors and peer support to help start or scale their business.
“This new program reflects President Biden’s and the Commerce Department’s continued historic commitment to underserved business owners and entrepreneurs,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “During the pandemic, women and minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs were among the hardest hit, often lacking the resources they needed to keep their doors open. We can’t let this happen again. That’s why the Capital Readiness Program prioritizes and encourages resources and tools, such as childcare services, that will ensure more people can launch and scale businesses.”
“In 2020, Black and Hispanic female founders accounted for less than half of a percent of total venture capital investments,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “Jumpstarting the next generation of entrepreneurs and ensuring diverse representation in these high-growth industries is essential, not only to spurring innovation, but also to building a more resilient economy that’s reflective of all Americans.”
MBDA’s Capital Readiness Program is funded by the Department of Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), reauthorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. SSBCI provides $10 billion to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to promote entrepreneurship, increase access to capital, and help businesses grow—especially in traditionally underserved communities. The Capital Readiness Program is intended to serve entrepreneurs and businesses that are applying, have applied, or plan to apply to SSBCI or other government programs that support small businesses.
“We know that entrepreneurs and small businesses in underserved communities have long lacked equal access to resources and capital to reach their full economic potential,” said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “Through the Capital Readiness Program, the Minority Business Development Agency—tasked with promoting growth and competitiveness of our nation’s minority-owned businesses—will help enable entrepreneurs and business owners to obtain the information they need to access funding through small business support programs. When entrepreneurs and small business owners in all communities have a chance to compete and thrive, it increases our country’s entire economic potential and growth.”
MBDA is the only federal government agency dedicated solely to supporting minority-owned businesses, enterprises, and entrepreneurs and helping them overcome the barriers to economic success that many women and minority communities face. The agency is uniquely situated to provide technical assistance and help these businesses be successful in applying to SSBCI capital programs and other government programs that support small businesses.
“The Capital Readiness Program will open doors for entrepreneurs,” said Donald Cravins, Jr., Under Secretary of the Minority Business Development Agency. “The greatest obstacle facing disadvantaged entrepreneurs, especially entrepreneurs of color, is access. MBDA can effectively launch the initiative to help entrepreneurs start and develop their business, access capital through the Department of Treasury’s SSBCI Capital Program, and access networks that understand and address the unique challenges minority entrepreneurs and other underserved entrepreneurs face.”
Entities that are eligible to apply include non-profit organizations, private sector entities, institutions of higher education, and a consortium of two or more of any of the above-mentioned eligible applicants. To address one of the largest barriers to women in the workplace, the competition incentivizes applicants to provide childcare solutions, such as on-site day care, as a strategic priority. The competition also incentivizes proposals from organizations that are working to break down economic barriers for underserved communities and support traditionally underrepresented, high-growth industries while growing America’s economy.
Starting in January, MBDA will host a series of informational pre-application webinars. The webinars will assist potential applicants in better understanding the Capital Readiness Program and the application requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The webinars are scheduled on January 10, 17, and 24th 2023 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time.
For more information on the program and to register for the pre-application webinars, visit www.MBDA.gov.
Kevin Hunter Responds to Backlash for Asking if Ashanti Went Under Knife to Gain Weight
Wendy Williams’ ex-husband Kevin Hunter came under fire after he questioned if Ashanti had her “body done” to achieve her current “weight gain.”
Hunter, 50, was using his Instagram Story as an outlet to pose questions to his followers on Monday, including his observations about another woman’s physical appearance. But the former television executive faced backlash after he posted a throwback photo of singer Ashanti and questioned if she’s had any cosmetic work done.
“Ion know… That’s alotta weight gain since 2007,” Hunter wrote in his post, captured by The Shade Room. “No hate queen but BODY DONE???” The obvious shade wasn’t received well by viewers who encouraged Hunter to “get a job” instead of commenting on a woman’s physical appearance.
“His on the wrong app. Ain’t he supposed to be on indeed,” one viewer wrote.
“Him ‘no hate’… then proceeds to hate. The attack on black women from black men is wild,” added someone else. “They literally had to reference your ex wife just to ensure we even knew buddy.”
Hunter went on to explain his reasoning for assuming Ashanti went under the knife to achieve her toned and curvy figure.
“In this day and time, it’s not uncommon for people to have surgery…My question was for my page,” Hunter quipped. “I’m not a blogger nor am I trying to be or disrespect her in any way.”
The former Wendy Williams Show producer ended his rant by praising Ashanti and her “natural assets.”
“[I] was merely posing a question,” he added. “SALUTE to her and all her accomplishments. Errbody CALM DOWN.”
