The Carter Family: Black-Owned Georgia House Honored with Historic Marker
by Atiya Jordan

December 21, 2022

The Carter Family: Black-Owned Georgia House Honored with Historic Marker

Built in 1909, the Carter Family House stands today as one of the few remaining historic Black residences in what was once a segregated Marietta.

Sarah Young and Oscar Carter, who purchased the downtown Cole Street home in 1944, have been honored with a historic marker dedicated to the only private residence remaining on the block, Atlanta News First reported.

The historical society, Cobb Landmarks, and the Marietta History Center’s Diverse Cobb Committee teamed up with members of the Carter family and community leaders to keep the Carter’s legacy and history protected. The committee oversees a grant fund created to present historic home markers to qualifying homes in historic Black neighborhoods. The fund was established by Marietta residents Jo-Evelyn and Jim Morris with generous donations.

The Carter couple raised four children in the house. Following Sarah’s death, her son Kenneth Carter, bought the house, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. He and his wife, Jeanie Carter, were longtime educators and change-makers in the Marietta school system. Jeanie was a member of the Marietta City School Board for 16 years, and made history as the first Black woman elected to the body.

According to Atlanta News, when Marietta Housing Authority acquired all of the property south of the Carter House, the Carter family refused to sell the home.

“As a family, we are taking this time to reflect on the significance of this place and the Carter family’s legacy in the City of Marietta, and to express appreciation for this honor,” Marcus Carter said, per The AJC.

The first home to receive a marker was owned by Katie and Charlie Hunter, Sr. The patriarch was a trailblazing entrepreneur who was best known for the café he operated for decades just a block from his home, per Marietta History. He was one of the very few Marietta business owners who advertised in The Green Book, a hospitality resource for Black travelers.

by Stacy Jackson

December 21, 2022

Meet the Honorary Chairs for Smithsonian National Museum of African History and Culture Campaign

This is a lot of powerful influence under one campaign.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African History and Culture has announced the honorary chairs of its $350 million Living History Campaign, a list of notable people to help drive the purpose of the campaign to build the museum’s funding, and support its programs and digital narratives.

According to The Washington Informer, the notable chairs include former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura, former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, museum council chairman and ex-CEO of American Express Ken Chenault, Scandal television series writer Shonda Rhimes, and media mogul Oprah Winfrey.

“It is really crucial to launching this fundraising campaign now — when the study and understanding of the African American experience are often under attack,” Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon director of the museum said about the campaign’s role in the operation of the facility.

“We are the guardians of that history, and we need everyone’s help to ensure this history is told accurately as part of the American story. This campaign will help us build our endowment to keep the museum going in perpetuity and will also provide support for our programming, exhibitions, collections, and digital capabilities, so that around the nation and the world, any time of day, people can have this history in their hands,” Young added.

 

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Winfrey shared her perspective on being a part of the campaign.

“One of the reasons I love this museum so much is because you must know from whence you come. … I think about all those who came before me and didn’t have the opportunities or choices my generation was given,” she said. “I think I owe them a resurrection. I feel that my life brings redemption to the lives they struggled to create and build for all of us.”

The Living History Campaign is also a part of the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, a campaign headed by Smithsonian secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, and chaired by Tony Coles, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Brian Moynihan.

According to museum officials, the campaign is set to conclude in 2024.

Master P, super bow, New Orleans, entertainment ambassador
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 21, 2022

Actor Romeo Miller Shades Dad: Says He ‘Stayed Loyal,’ Promoted Rap Snacks for Free for 15 Years

Romeo Miller is not taking his foot off Master P’s neck amid his social media war with his hip-hop mogul father.

The Growing Up Hip Hop star followed up his series of shady posts about his father by revealing he recently received his “first” payment for Rap Snacks after allegedly promoting the company “for free” for the last 15 years.

On Monday, Romeo, 33, shared a since-deleted post praising the Rap Snacks executives who reached out to him directly to ensure he received his rightful payment for the company many thought he owned alongside his dad.

“I would like to thank James and Taylor of Rap Snacks for seeking the truth and doing proper business,” Romeo wrote in the lengthy note, captured by The Shade Room.

“This year I will get my first Rap Snacks check and finally start receiving my earnings from my bags,” he added before taking a subliminal jab at Master P.

 

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“I was told as a kid that we owned Rap Snacks, and that my payday would come after we put in work and sold the company, silly me!”

Romeo continued shedding light on the business behind the Rap Snacks he only just received direct payment for.

“I promoted a company for free for 15+ years based on the word of my pops, without being allowed to see any contracts or even meet with the team, and I stayed loyal…but I’m entitled and ungrateful now?” he shared.

He went on to explain that he decided to share the payment information after feeling like his father tried to “gaslight” the public in wake of Romeo speaking out against his dad.

“Only addressing this here because my father is trying to gaslight and break me instead of taking accountability of his mistakes/greed, and this is just the tip of the iceberg,” he wrote.

The “Could This Be Love” actor also denied any belief that he’s only upset with Master P over financial disagreements.

“My stand isn’t about money, it’s the perception of money,” he added.

“My father knows that I’ve made the most earnings over the past 10 yrs and play my part quietly as always so he could shine. In time the truth will prevail and I believe when my father truly leans on only God and not image and money, he will be the richest man in the world if that’s what his heart desires.”

Romeo ended by letting the public know he has tried to work out his differences with his father privately, to no avail.

“I’ve reached out behind closed doors and got burnt repeatedly. He’s an adult and has to do the honest work as well,” Romeo said. “Like I told him, I have to love from a distance until then. I have a family now too, and it’s critical I protect my peace. No more suffering in silence. The rise of the Phoenix.”

by Derek Major

December 21, 2022

Rex Richardson Pledges to Address ‘Racial Inequities’ as First Black Mayor of Long Beach

On Tuesday, Rex Richardson was officially sworn in as the first Black mayor of Long Beach and pledged “to address our housing crisis, our economic and racial inequities and our changing climate.”

Richardson, 39, defeated fellow City Council member Suzie Price to succeed Robert Garcia, who was elected to the House of Representatives after serving two terms.

CBS News reported Richardson’s ceremony was attended by some of the state’s top politicians, including new Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. During his speech, Richardson acknowledged Bass’ presence and pledged to work with her on the state’s homelessness crisis. Richardson also added that he would call the city manager to declare a state of emergency on homelessness in Long Beach after Bass declared a state of emergency on homelessness in L.A. last week.

“I accept your call to lock arms with you and confront our cities’ shared challenges,” Richardson said to Bass.

“Imagine a moment when two mayors from the two largest cities in the region are aligned on values and working together to get our unhoused neighbors off the street and chart an equitable recovery for the future of our region. We will turn this vision into reality, with Mayor Karen Bass as our neighbor.”

According to the state, more than 160,000 residents are currently homeless, which accounts for nearly one-third (28%) of the nation’s homeless population.

Richardson has been a mainstay in Long Beach politics ever since he became the youngest city council member when he was elected in 2014. The Cal State Dominguez Hills graduate served as student body president and a union organizer for SEIU Local 721.

The Long Beach Mayor was paramount in the construction of the city’s first municipal homeless shelter, which included supportive bridge housing that has helped unhoused individuals move off the streets.

In addition to Richardson, city prosecutor Doug Haubert, five city council members, as well as a city attorney and auditor were also sworn in on Tuesday.

by Niko Mann

December 21, 2022

Environmental Issues Delay Opening of International African-American Museum

The opening of the International African-American Museum in Charleston, SC has been delayed, according to ABC News. The opening, which was planned for January, is now being delayed due to temperature issues and humidity in the building.

Officials from the International African-American Museum released a statement announcing the delay on social media. The IAAM was scheduled to open on Jan. 21, 2023.

“Our ancestors’ stories are steeped in the art and artifacts we’re entrusted with preserving. This delay will ensure that the museum achieves the conditions required to preserve and protect our most sensitive artifacts and art,” read the announcement. “Our community, loyal members, and partners deserve a world-class experience that upholds IAAM’s mission to honor our ancestors. Postponing to the first half of 2023 will allow us to keep that promise.”

The statement also thanked the community for its support as they continue preparations for the opening.

“We deeply appreciate the support you all have provided thus far. We ask for your continued understanding as we work towards a solution. The IAAM looks forward to providing you an experience which upholds our commitment to honor the untold stories of the African American journey.”

The museum is located on Gadsden Wharf, the site where tens of thousands of enslaved Africans first entered the United States. IAAM Board of Directors Chairman Wilbur Johnson discussed the delay with News 2 on Dec. 19 and said that it was important to protect the portraits and objects selected for the museum.

“We have to be sure that there’s proper humidity, proper temperature control that will not permit those objects, those portraits, those artistic expressions, to be damaged in anyway or diminished in anyway,” said Johnson.

“We consider it, what you might refer to as a sacred obligation.”

A new date for the opening has not been set, but Johnson said the museum was working with the City of Charleston to resolve the issues.

Kimberly Dowdell, architects, American Institute Of Architects
by Atiya Jordan

December 21, 2022

Black-and-Woman-Owned Architecture, Construction Firm Oversees $15B in Projects

This December caps off a notable year for one of the nation’s leading Black- and woman-owned architecture, engineering and construction companies.

With a $1,000 budget, Deryl McKissack, Founder & CEO of McKissack & McKissack (DC), started her firm and it became an extension of the nation’s oldest minority-owned design and construction firm, tracing back to its founder Moses McKissack.

Under her leadership, McKissack and her network of diverse employees have brought landmark projects to life. The firm is currently managing over $15 billion in projects nationwide, while celebrating the induction of new leadership.

From the new Museum of African-American History and Culture on the National Mall to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC., McKissack & McKissack strives to empower communities across all market sectors.

More recently, the McKissack family has welcomed new team members onboard, as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported. Lisa Edmonds, who brings more than two decades of human resources experience, will lend her expertise to her new role as vice president of Human Resources. Nijah Barley, a seasoned IT expert, now oversees McKissack’s IT department, as director of information technology.

“I am excited about Lisa and Nijah because they will apply deep expertise and fresh perspectives to two of the most important aspects of our company’s strategic growth—our supportive people-oriented culture and our robust information technology infrastructure,” McKissack said.

Additionally, Chicago-based project executive Girard Jenkins has been promoted to vice president of operations for the Midwest and West.

“We have a robust, high-profile portfolio of work in Chicago, and Girard is an integral part of our team. He came up through the ranks on the construction management side, so he understands the business and has incredible connections in the area,” McKissack said.

When she is not working, McKissack strives to increase the number of Black professionals in the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry by providing STEM opportunities to elementary and high school students. She sits on the board of Living Classrooms, and the executive board of the ACE Mentor Program.

DaBaby, lawsuit
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 21, 2022

DaBaby Wins $6M Lawsuit After 5-Day Trial for Miami Brawl with Promoter

Rapper DaBaby has another legal win under his belt after scoring a victory in his $6 million lawsuit related to a 2020 brawl in Miami.

On Monday, the trial over the million-dollar lawsuit wrapped with a jury ruling in DaBaby’s favor, TMZ reported. The trial stemmed from a January 2020 encounter that showed DaBaby and his crew beating the breaks off a Miami promoter following a dispute.

A criminal battery charge against DaBaby had already been dropped, but the North Carolina native was still on the hook for the lawsuit. Promoter Kenneth Carey accused Baby and his crew of physically assaulting him and a friend following a disagreement over payment for a Miami event that Carey organized.

Carey claims money and a cell phone were stolen during the beatdown that went viral across social media. Now DaBaby and his legal team are celebrating their latest win in court.

“Along with our client, Jonathan Kirk (DaBaby), we are thrilled that this federal jury, after a five-day trial, came to the same conclusion that we have maintained for almost 3 years – that these plaintiffs were attempting to use the legal system to shake down Mr. Kirk,” DaBaby’s attorney Drew Findling said.

“Mr. Kirk deserves all the credit in the world for not caving in to these plaintiffs’ cash demands and having the confidence in the facts and his legal team to take this to a jury trial for a complete and total victory!”

The latest win comes one year after DaBaby had his Las Vegas battery case dismissed. The “Bop” rapper ended up paying $7,500 to a driver who accused the rapper of attacking him during a ride, Page Six reports.

The “Suge” hitmaker still has other legal woes to tend to, including one over his 2020 single “Rockstar.” Florida producer JuJu Beatz accused DaBaby’s team of copying elements of his original beat, “Selena” to produce “Rockstar,” Rolling Stone reported.

Murder, crime
by Niko Mann

December 21, 2022

Two Missing Teenagers Found Dead Inside Ohio Basement

The bodies of two missing teenagers were found in the basement of a burned-out house, according to WTOL11 News. Sixteen-year-old Ke’Marion Wilder and 15-year-old Kyshawn Pittman were found in the vacant home in Toledo, Ohio, on Dec. 15.

The two boys were last seen on Dec. 3 at approximately 8:14 p.m. at a party at the Maumee Bay Resort in Oregon, Ohio. Five people have been arrested and charged in connection with the case. Cruz Garcia, 24, was charged with kidnapping and murder. Diamond Rivera, Carrissa Eames, Crystal LaForge-Yingling, and Corbin Gingrich were charged with obstruction.

Video footage obtained by the police showed the teenagers being picked up from the party by a silver SUV after they were asked to leave for allegedly having a gun in their possession. The ride was reportedly arranged by Gingrich’s niece, who was the girlfriend of one of the boys. Eames and Gingrich were seen leaving with Wilder and Pittman. Nearly two weeks later, the boys were found dead in a vacant house on Chase Street near New York Avenue. A fire broke out at the house on Dec. 5, but the boys weren’t immediately found due to a firefighter falling through a staircase at the home.

A search warrant was conducted by the police on Eames’ home on the 500 block of Maumee Avenue on Dec. 9 at 6:15 p.m. Both boys were seen on a video chat from the basement at 9:06 p.m. on Dec. 3. The police found evidence of assault, 11 rounds of ammunition, several bags of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a piece of glass with what appeared to be blood on it. After questioning LaForge-Yingling, Gingrich, and Eames on Dec. 13, the police returned to the vacant house on Chase Street and found the bodies of the two boys two days later.

Garcia was arrested on Dec. 15. He allegedly tied up one of the boys and repeatedly hit him with a gun. According to Lucas County Assistant Prosecutor John Arnsby, the cause of death of one of the victims was strangulation and thermal burns. The second boy also died from thermal burns.

Garcia’s bail was set at $2.25 million. Lt. Dan Gerken is asking anyone with pertinent information to come forward.

“This is an ongoing case,” Gerken said. “We’re not even close to being done.”

GoFundMe pages were set up to help with funeral expenses for both teens. M’Aaliya Nino, Wilder’s sister, spoke about her brother at a vigil on Dec. 16.

“He was a good person,” Nino said. “He was very outgoing. He lights up any room he’s ever been in … He was the glue to my family. We’ll miss him.”

Home owner, realty, brokerage
by Niko Mann

December 21, 2022

First African-American Public Housing Complex in US Breaks Ground in Texas for Renovations

Renovations for the first African-American public housing complex in the United States, Pathways at Rosewood Courts, broke ground in Austin, TX on Dec. 15, according to CBS Austin.

The renovations in the historically Black East Austin community are long overdue, as the price of rent and homes have skyrocketed. The re-imagined Pathways at Rosewood Courts will provide residents with modern amenities and affordable housing while also honoring the history of the property.

The renovations will preserve the property’s original eight buildings while creating an open, safe, and beautiful area with green spaces and expanded parking. The project will also offer affordable homeownership for first-time homebuyers.

Alexis Henderson once lived in Rosewood Courts and says she was pushed out of Austin due to the high rent, but is now thinking of moving back. “It’s very important. The cost of living is so expensive now. I couldn’t stay in Austin. I had to go out of Austin because of the cost of living,” said Henderson. “They are going to have houses here and my main goal is to be a homeowner, so I am on the fence.”

The finished project will include 184 units as well as houses and townhomes. A rent-to-own program will also be available to help residents buy their own homes. The project should be completed in 2024, and residents who have been relocated will be offered first dibs to return when Pathways at Rosewood Courts reopens.

HACA spokesperson Jeff Patterson said he expected that many residents will want to return and noted that all moving expenses would be paid for the residents.

“We will be keeping tabs with all relocated families throughout construction and anticipate that at least 60%-80% of families will want to return,” he said. “Families have the first right to return upon construction completion. All moving expenses will be covered.”

 

Black Santa Experience
by Stacy Jackson

December 21, 2022

New Jersey Workshop Creates Memories for Black Children With Black Santa

This year, Old Saint Nick is a Black man in the iconic red suit.

Mother Talia Young, founder of Black Santa’s Workshop, created a space for children of color to be able to celebrate the holiday by interacting with Black Santa.

According to NJ Advance Media, Young opened the workshop four years ago after observing that her daughter was not connecting with the mall Santa in her holiday photos.

“I noticed that my child, similar to other Black and brown children, wasn’t seeing themselves,” said Young, 39, of West Orange. “Other families weren’t feeling like they were a part of such a holiday that so many of us enjoy and love.”

“Black Santa’s Workshop is a customized space, that provides unique and culturally relevant holiday picture moments that will impact families for years to come,” Young said. “Outside of the picture moments, we provide the opportunity for families to bring their children and participate in really fun moments, like decorating Christmas cookies or decorating pancakes while having breakfast with Santa.”

Customers can book an appointment for a photo session with Black Santa at 10-14 Main St. in West Orange, every Thursday in December from 3-8 p.m. Additionally, each Saturday throughout the month, the workshop hosts Breakfast with Santa.

“This is when kids come to enjoy the space by having an indoor snowball fight, take pictures with Santa and enjoy a nice breakfast,” she said. “Our breakfast includes Christmas-themed waffles that the kids can decorate, eggs, turkey bacon and more.”

Each Sunday in December, customers can decorate freshly baked cookies with Blue’s Baking Bash, along with a hot cocoa bar. Children are also invited to write letters to Santa.

“The Black Santa letters are to help kids keep the imaginative spirit of Christmas alive,” Young said. “We all know that the magical essence of this holiday is kids’ excitement of a jolly man that’s been watching to see if they have been naughty or nice.

“What’s more fun than sending a letter asking for what you want and waking up on Christmas to all your wishes met?”

Young hopes the workshop allows children of color to create memories and new traditions.

“The response from kids and parents has been nothing but positive, which is overwhelmingly comforting,” she said. “We always find that the adults have more fun than the kids. I have always been one who enjoyed Christmas so to have built something that is filling a void within my community is the greatest gift I could truly ask for.”

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