Ten-year-old Zoe Oli is giving 1,000 dolls away this holiday season to young girls in need.

She has partnered with several non-profit organizations including Atlanta Children’s Shelter, Partners for Southern Equity, Girls Who Brunch Tour and others to distribute the dolls. A sixth grader, author and entrepreneur, Zoe Oli is the CEO of Beautiful Curly Me, an Atlanta-based mission-driven toy company empowering girls through natural hair dolls, puzzles and storybooks.

Zoe launched her company at seven years old with her mom’s help after she overcame self-esteem challenges. Her line of dolls, books and accessories instill and inspire confidence in young black and brown girls. For every doll purchased on beautifulcurlyme.com, one is given to a young underserved girl.

Zoe gives back regularly and is so excited to impact 1,000 girls especially this time of year to bring smiles to their faces and also inspire them.

Zoe and Beautiful Curly Me have been featured on various media outlets including Forbes, Good Morning America, People, BLACK ENTERPRISE, The Kelly Clarkson Show and her doll Leyla appeared on the Oprah’s Favorite Things promo in 2020. Zoe was also a Time and Nickelodeon Kid of the Year finalist this year.

Zoe is passionate about inspiring young girls and recently gave a TEDx talk sharing her ideas to build girls confidence as the youngest TEDx speaker in the U.S./Youngest Black TEDx speaker.

To support Zoe’s efforts and get dolls in the hands of more girls, visit beautifulcurlyme.com.

Beautiful Curly Me is on Instagram,  Facebook and LinkedIn.

Learn more at http://www.beautifulcurlyme.com.

A fight broke out that left eight players thrown out of a women’s college basketball game in Texas.

According to ESPN, the game took place on Monday between Texas Christian University (TCU) and George Washington University (GW). An altercation on the court resulted in multiple players from both teams getting ejected.

The eight players – five from GW and three from TCU – were kicked off the court after an initial fight between GW Colonials’ Essence Brown and TCU Horned Frogs’ Bella Cravens. The incident started with 5:51 minutes remaining in the first half at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.

It all started when Brown pulled Cravens’ hair when she went to retrieve a rebound during play. After doing so, Cravens, in retaliation, reached back, in an attempt to smack Brown. The two opposing players started going at it while teammates from both schools tried to stop the fight.

Brown, and Cravens were ejected. Brown’s teammates Nya Robertson, Jayla Thornton, Caia Loving, and Nya Lok, were also penalized. TCU’s Lucy Ibeh and Roxane Makolo faced the same punishment.

GW Athletics released a statement to ESPN regarding the incident.

“Yesterday’s incident was obviously challenging and unfortunate for our student-athletes and coaches, and we are working with the necessary parties on the path forward.”

TCU’s coach, Raegan Pebley, also commented to reporters after the game ended.

“We never want to be a part of anything like that. It doesn’t matter to me one bit who started it, who said what. It doesn’t matter. … I definitely know that we have, as do they, high-character kids that the moment got away from all of them.”

She also credited the referees for taking the right action and allowing the game to continue without any more issues.

“I thought the officials…did a really, really good job of managing it, not just in the moment, but throughout the game as well,” Pebley said.

TCU won the game by a score of 70-58.

• Entrepreneurship

by Stacy Jackson

December 7, 2022

Black Woman Becomes a Sports League Owner in the Metaverse

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This tech entrepreneur will join a scarce number of Black women who own sports leagues.

On Dec. 6, CEO of Sara Belay Inc., Sara “Lovestyle” Hood, announced her ownership of the Houston Hyenas in David J. Ortiz‘s SimWin Sports, a sports league in the metaverse.

According to the announcement Hood posted to her personal Instagram account, she teamed up with NFL analyst and on-air host, Emmanuel Ancho, and CEO and co-founder of Moon Ultra, Edward Madongorere to form the ownership group.

 

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A post shared by Sara Lovestyle ® (@saralovestyle)

“I’m a big fan of David Ortiz’s leadership and his team’s innovative approach to emerging technologies in gaming and sports betting,” Hood said in a statement via SimWin’s website.

“He has played a pivotal role in ensuring that ownership opportunities have been accessible to black and brown investors, which I’m deeply passionate about increasing representation for black women in sports.”

“It’s especially meaningful to me to be a partner in the Houston Hyenas alongside Ed and Emmanuel, one of our first investments as a group,” she added.

Reportedly, Ortiz’s digital sports league is the first operation in the world to sell professional sports franchises as NFTs. The SimWin franchises are owned by some of the biggest celebrities, professional athletes, and influencers.

• Legal

by Derek Major

December 7, 2022

The Justis Connection Is Changing The Game By Helping Black People Find Black Attorneys

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It’s no secret that Black people struggle to find Black attorneys when they need legal services, but the Justis Connection is changing that by linking Black people with Black attorneys.

According to the American Bar Association, just 4.5% of attorneys in the U.S. are Black. As a result, finding a Black attorney can be difficult, which Cassaundra Brownell, an entrepreneur from Maryland, experienced first-hand.

NBC News reported that Brownell was not satisfied with the attorney she hired to help her launch an architectural firm she purchased earlier this year, adding it seemed “like we had to prove something to him.”

Brownell believed hiring a Black attorney would help her cause. The entrepreneur discovered the Justis Connection on Linkedin and contacted the founder, Kisha A. Brown, who connected Brownell with multiple Black attorneys in her area. She eventually hired Harvard Law School graduate and attorney Kerry Davidson.

“For us, having a Black attorney is such a bonus because he relates to us. They have gone through some of the same challenges that we go through as a Black entrepreneur,” Brownell told NBC. “With a Black lawyer, you start with credibility; you don’t have to build it with them. They understand you. There’s a greater sense of urgency in responding to your needs.”

According to Zippia, just 5.4% of public defenders are Black, meaning that Black people in the corrections system also receive little Black representation. It was numbers like this that pushed Brown, a former labor and employee relations attorney, to launch the Justis Connection in 2021.

The Justis Connection specifically works on forging relationships between Black clients and Black attorneys in family law, criminal law, estate planning, tax and business law, and more. Legal advocates say the Justis Connection is significant because Black attorney representation can be compared to studies that show Black patients receive better medical care from Black doctors.

The Justis Connection currently operates in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. and is expanding to Atlanta, Chicago, and Orlando this month. In 2023, the Justis Connection has plans to expand to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

“I felt the need for this from the minute I started law school,” Brown, a Georgetown Law graduate, said. “I had people asking, ‘Hey, do you know somebody who does family law? Do you know somebody that does criminal law?’ And on and on. And then you sort of go through your phone, and you start emailing folks because you want to make that connection. And that’s something most Black people experience because we don’t have Black lawyers in our inner circle.”

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, the most-awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey of 2019, 2020, and 2021, announced that its sales exceeded $100 million through October 2022, with an on-track forecast to more than double that total by the end of 2023.

Its recently expanded 323-acre distillery has already welcomed more than 100,000 guests with that number increasing significantly every week, according to a press release.

The company was founded by its CEO Fawn Weaver in 2017. She was then joined by Chief Business Officer Katharine Jerkens and, shortly after, Victoria Eady Butler, the great-great-granddaughter of the company’s namesake, Nearest Green, and four-time Master Blender of the Year recipient. Last year, Uncle Nearest announced it had become the best-selling Black American-founded, owned, and led spirit brand in U.S. history. With the announcement, the company has taken on the world’s largest. The company’s whiskey portfolio of seven offerings, available at its distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn. and in all 50 states, territories, and districts nationwide, ranges in suggested retail price from $49.99 to $149.

“To reach this and every other milestone on our horizon, we continue to push nonstop. Every penny this company has earned has gone back into the business, as well as to put Nearest Green’s college-age descendants through college and to invest in minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs through our Black Business Booster program (BBB), the Nearest and Jack Advancement Initiative (NJAI) and Uncle Nearest Ventures,” said Weaver.

“Every cent we make in the future will continue to do the same. We have an entire generation of women and people of color, who represent 70 percent of our country but still feel marginalized and underrepresented, counting on us.”

“This group continues to look to Uncle Nearest as proof that anything is possible. We will not let them down.”

“With the support of one of the most loyal consumer bases in spirits, we will continue to do the ‘impossible’ so they know, as long as they operate in excellence and refuse to give up, they can achieve whatever their heart believes.”

On Juneteenth 2021, an expanded Nearest Green Distillery opened to the public, a project that has cost approximately $50 million. On Black Friday, the company released its much-anticipated Single Barrel Black Label at the distillery for $79 and sold out of the first set of barrels immediately, requiring an additional bottling before doors opened the following morning.

“I joined the team this year with one mission in mind: to make Nearest Green Distillery one of the top three most visited distilleries in the world,” said Brielle Caruso, Chief Marketing Officer for Nearest Green Distillery, who two years ago made history as the first Asian American female CMO in the spirits industry.

“I have no doubt we will achieve that milestone even faster than we crossed the $100 million sales mark.”

“For the longest time, folks were sitting around waiting for us to fail. First, they underestimated us, then they expected us to fail,” said Victoria Eady Butler. “I guess they do that with independent companies owned by women or people of color.”

“Well, more than five years into this level of growth, y’all can stop waiting.”

“We are not a fad or some trendy brand – we are a purpose-driven, mission-oriented company. Uncle Nearest and Nearest Green Distillery aren’t just here to stay, but to grow and sustain at a pace never seen before in our industry.”

Sen. Raphael Warnock‘s victory in Georgia’s runoff election Tuesday gave Democrats one more seat—and more control over the chamber.

Warnock’s victory over former NFL running back Herschel Walker, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, gives Democrats a 51-49 edge in the Senate, expanding the narrow majority they have in Vice President Kamala Harris‘ tie-breaking vote in the chamber.

The New York Times reported that with the additional seat, Democrats have more operational control and ease in the confirmation process for federal judges, clearing the way for investigations and taking away some power from Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), who has on multiple occasions dashed the climate goals of the Biden Administration.

“It makes all the difference in the world,” Sen. Richard Durbin (D-Ll), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, told the Times, adding the bigger majority would make filling judicial vacancies much easier.

The larger majority will also give Democrats a one-seat edge on congressional committees that are currently evenly-split. That has allowed Republicans leverage over legislation, which they used to stall administration nominees. Now, Democrats will have enough power to overcome Republican opposition.

“It is good for the efficiency of the Senate,” Sen. Sherrod Brown, (D-OH), the chairman of the Banking Committee, where united Republican opposition held up some of President Joe Biden’s nominees for a time this year. “We can be more nimble, we will be a lot quicker, we will be a little more decisive, and that’s good. It doesn’t mean we will pass everything.”

The wider majority will also allow Democrats, who are planning a litany of investigations in January according to the Times, the authority to subpoena witnesses before Senate committees without the cooperation of Republicans.

While Democrats will have more control of the chamber, Republicans can still make things difficult through a filibuster. Additionally, Senate Republicans, led by Mitch McConnell, are sure to continue fighting a Democratic agenda.

Three African American entrepreneurs — Michael Nance, Ademola Adewale-Sadik, and Walker Brumskin — who met while attending Yale Law School are now the founders of Yellow Banana, a Cleveland, Ohio-based retail firm that owns and operates 38 Black-owned grocery stores with annual revenues in excess of $130 million.

Most recently, Chicago’s City Council’s Finance Committee has granted them a $13.5 million subsidy to buy and transform six more grocery stores.

Bukola Somide, and her eight-year-old daughter, Olusomi, the creators of the first-to-market African American interactive Somi, the Computer Scientist doll, are celebrating having won the 2022 ExCITE Innovation of the Year award presented by CodeCrew.

The doll helps to increase a child’s knowledge and interest in STEM.

“Having my work recognized by my peers is a great honor and it encourages me to do more to positively impact the lives of our children,” says Bukola.

Inspired by her daughter, she created the interactive Somi doll to bring change, serve a need, and excite children (especially Black girls) about learning computer science (CS).

As the founder/CEO of Innovant Technologies based in Phoenix, Ariz. Bukola believes that cultivating innovative thinking in early childhood is important to uplifting our Black community. She comments, “We live in a fast-paced digital age so we cannot afford to allow our children to be left behind. Access to relevant, quality, easy-to-understand, equitable CS education that features Black characters can inspire a child to dream big and envision new possibilities. It’s a much-needed mindset shift! We need more inventors in our community that are capable of telling our own stories, meeting our unique needs as a collective, and building a legacy of wealth that could be passed down for generations.”

Google’s 2020 Gallup findings show that educators, parents, and employers increasingly see access as a critical aspect of educational equity. Computer science skills not only make it possible for students to engage, create and innovate in an increasingly technology-fueled society, but they also prepare them for a quickly evolving job market, where computing occupations now make up about two-thirds of projected new jobs in STEM fields. Girls are less likely than boys to see computer science as something important for them to learn, and they are less likely to express interest in pursuing careers in this area. Relatedly, parents and guardians of boys are more likely than parents and guardians of girls to encourage their child to pursue a computer science career, which suggests there are persistent gaps in perceptions and aspirations that present challenges to bridging diversity gaps in engagement, learning and opportunities.

For over 17 years working in corporate America, Bukola was often the only Black woman on the Software Development/IT team. “We need more Black women thriving in this field but it’s necessary to stimulate their interest from the time they are in elementary school,” Bukola states.

“Somi is not just a talking doll, it’s a pertinent movement to shift the minds of our children from simply being consumers of technology to becoming innovators of it.”

Bukola’s nonprofit organization, CompSci ABC, recently partnered with another non-profit, Infosys Foundation USA, to deliver the Somi doll and books into the classrooms. The online program “Computer Science Learning Reimagined with Somi” is free for K-4 Title-I teachers – just create an account on Pathfinders Online Institute and register while supplies last. The impact in the classroom setting is already yielding good results. Teachers are saying the Somi Computer Science kit has been a great resource for their students to learn CS and noticeably, their girls have since shown increased interest in this topic.

The “Somi, the Computer Scientist®” brand of products (Somi Doll, “Princess Can Code” storybook, and “Computer Science Activity Book for Girls & Boys”) are helping underrepresented children learn the basics of Computer Science in a fun and relatable way at home and in the classroom.

Would you like to give a gift of inspiration today? To learn more and get a free “Princess Can Code” storybook, use coupon code FREESTORYBOOK2022 at SomiDoll.com.

Follow the brand on Facebook @innovanttech | IG/Twitter @innovant_tech.

This article first appeared on Blackbusiness.com.

Filmmaker and Queen Sugar creator Ava DuVernay makes history by becoming the first Black woman featured on a Ben & Jerry’s carton packaging.

On Ben & Jerry’s website, the ice cream maker announced the new flavor entitled “Lights, Caramel, Action! directed by Ava DuVernay,” featuring an image of DuVernay on the latest ice cream pint-sized offering.

“In her directorial debut of an ice cream thriller, we present Ava DuVernay’s Lights, Caramel, Action! Guaranteed to be a hit in freezers nationwide, this flavor gives back through Ava’s ARRAY Alliance, advancing social justice through art. Arraynow.com”

The newest flavor is a vanilla ice cream with salted caramel swirls, graham cracker swirls mixed with chocolate chip cookie dough. There are two versions: ice cream and almond milk-based Non-Dairy. You can purchase this latest offering in January 2023. “Directed” by the acclaimed filmmaker herself.

“Ice cream is a simple joy of life. A comfort food that I’ve turned to on many days—making sunny ones brighter and dark ones sweeter,” said DuVernay in a written statement. “Partnering with Ben & Jerry’s, a company that I’ve long admired for their commitment to social justice, has been a thrill ride. I had the opportunity to work with food scientists to create a flavor with all the ingredients that I personally love for a cause close to my heart. Beyond being downright delicious, proceeds from Lights! Caramel! Action! will help ARRAY Alliance further its non-profit mission of inclusion and belonging in the film and TV industries. A worthy and delicious endeavor.”

The proceeds of Lights! Caramel! Action! will benefit the nonprofit DuVernay founded, ARRAY Alliance.

DuVernay’s mission with her nonprofit is to “amplify and elevate the work of artists of color and women directors, create inclusive film sets, provide grants, mentorship, and education for people from underrepresented communities who want to work in the film industry.” She started it in 2011.

The latest offering from Ben & Jerry’s has been added to the lineup of flavors sold by the franchise and is available to pick up in stores across the country as well as its franchised Scoop Shops. The purchase price for a pint is $6.49.

After Herschel Walker lost the election for the Georgia senate seat, Christian Walker, who has been quite quiet recently, blasted his father in a social media post.

Senator Raphael Warnock beat Walker, former president Donald Trump‘s handpicked candidate, Tuesday night after a runoff election. Christian Walker, who has been silent since putting his father, Herschel on blast in October for running a campaign on lies, returned with a vengeance not seen since, well, two months ago.

Shortly after Herschel Walker conceded the race and news organizations called the election in favor of Warnock, Christian Walker took to Twitter to shame the man he shares a last name with and the Republican party as well.

The ultra-conservative Christian went on a rant with a series of posts chastising the people who encouraged his father to run, while also defending his mother who raised him amid the abuse claims he previously acknowledged on Twitter in October. He referred to his father as an abusive man who beat women and threatened people with guns while paying for abortions. According to Christian, these were all things his father did, yet, ran on a platform that was against abortions and pro-life.

Don’t beat women, hold guns to peoples heads, fund abortions then pretend your pro-life, stalk cheerleaders, leave your multiple minor children alone to chase more fame, lie, lie, lie, say stupid crap, and make a fool of your family..

And then maybe you can win a senate seat.

— Christian Walker (@ChristianWalk1r) December 7, 2022

He then revealed, once again, that Trump asked his father to run but his family tried to discourage Herschel from entering politics. His past behavior would lessen his chances of winning and the family will look foolish in the process.

The Truth: Trump called my dad for months DEMANDING that he run. Everyone with a brain begged him: “PLEASE DON’T DO THIS. This is too dirty, you have an insane past… PLEASE DONT DO THIS.”

We got the middle finger. He ran.

— Christian Walker (@ChristianWalk1r) December 7, 2022

Christian then asserted that “a boring old Republican” could have won this election but they decided to pit his father against Warnock simply because they share the same skin color.

Republicans, we say we don’t play “identity politics” and then you ran this man mainly because he was the same skin color as his opponent with no background other than football. A boring old Republican could have won.

— Christian Walker (@ChristianWalk1r) December 7, 2022

He then reminded people that Herschel was, and still is, an absent father as he tried to hide that he had two other children that the public didn’t previously know about until after the campaign was in full swing.

I was called a backstabber after getting angry and blowing up from watching my dad lie for 18 months straight… But he’s not a backstabber for leaving his 2 minor children he kept secret to grow up without a dad as he chases more fame and power?

Pathetic. Raise your kids.

— Christian Walker (@ChristianWalk1r) December 7, 2022

He ended his emotional tirade by displaying a photograph of his mother, who he acknowledged didn’t want to speak to anyone regarding his father. After he said he witnessed many lies being told about her, he had to blast his father to protect her.

This is my amazing mom who’s had her name and image dragged through the media unwillingly. She refused to talk to any journalist after 18 months of stalking. I blew up after she was lied on multiple times.

Shoutout to every strong mother whose story goes untold. We love you. pic.twitter.com/4pLdFi5Oo1

— Christian Walker (@ChristianWalk1r) December 7, 2022