Black Foodie Finder Launches Platform To Find Quality Content From the Black Foodie Community
In search for some good food, head over to the Black Foodie Finder and find what satisfies your tastebuds.
Black Foodie Finder, a news and information-driven platform for urban foodies, has been created as a central site for Black Foodies to share their content, event, and news.
According to Yahoo Finance, The platform was launched as a space for foodies to connect and share interests surrounding food, business, and entertainment. Black Foodie Finder is the bridge between the Black community and the latest in the food industry.
“Black Foodie Finder is a platform for all the Black Foodies to gather around, Explore people’s creative talent through their food and business,” according to a statement from the founder. “Here you can find whatever you are looking for news, recipes, event, and many more.
Additionally, Black Foodie Finder publishes news blogs and visitors on the platform can find and connect with restaurants and chefs that appeal to their specific food desires.
“Our community includes foodies, chefs, event planners, attendees, and anyone needing a virtual tastebud awakening,” the founder added. “We strive to be a resource for Black Foodies all around the world. We will continue to share meaningful content that inspires others to enjoy the Black Foodie Lifestyle!”
The site’s food experts also offer interviews and in-depth editorials spotlighting food professionals and creators committed to their culinary crafts while honoring their heritage as African Americans. The platform aims to extend resources and opportunities to support like-minded foodies, in addition to promoting their network of creatives, culinary entrepreneurs, and non-profits throughout their community.
Those who connect through the platform can find resources to enhance their own culinary skills and recipes. People who are interested in becoming a part of this community and staying updated are encouraged to download The Black Restaurant & Foodie Directory App, which is available on iOS and Android.
According to the Black Foodie Finder website, the platform is presently accepting new partnerships.
Grandmother Sues Denver Detective After SWAT Raid Based On False “Ping” By iPhone
A Colorado grandmother is suing a Denver police detective who allegedly ordered a SWAT raid on her house after it was falsely “pinged” by an Apple device app.
According to NBC News, the Apple “Find My” app, which is used to track Apple devices that may be lost or stolen, marked 77-year-old Ruby Johnson‘s homeas the location of several stolen items.
According to a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the stolen items included six firearms and an old iPhone.
Lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, who filed the lawsuit, alleged that Detective Gary Staab of the Denver Police Department illegally issued a warrant for the raid of the home, based on a “hastily prepared, bare-bones, misleading affidavit.”
The complaint specifies Johnson is suing Staab “in his individual capacity.” Johnson is seeking a jury trial and unspecified damages, according to the filing.
According to an affidavit obtained by KUSA, the area that was highlighted on the Find My app as the possible location of the phone spanned at least six properties and four blocks.
The complaint alleges that Staab’s affidavit violated Johnson’s right, afforded by the state constitution, to “be free of unreasonable searches and seizures.” They also suggested that the affidavit allegedly “lacked probable cause that evidence of a crime could be found” at the 77-year-old’s home, since it was based on an unverified and wide-ranged ping by an Apple phone app.
NBC News reports that Staab issued the search warrant the day after a white truck with a Texas license plate was allegedly stolen from the parking garage of a Denver Hyatt hotel.
According to the vehicle’s owner, who was staying at the hotel, the truck contained six firearms — including a tactical military-style rifle, two drones, $4,000 cash, and an iPhone 11.
NBC News reported that Staab could not immediately be reached for comment on the matter.
The Denver Police Department and the Department of Public Safety issued a statement to “sincerely apologize to Ms. Johnson for any negative impacts this situation may have had on her.”
Adopted Woman Finds Her Biological Family With A Little Help From Social Media
From finding the scoop on sneaky links to locating long-lost loved ones, social media users may be outdoing the need for private investigators.
Within 10 hours of posting about a search for her biological family, Lydia MacNair was able to get in contact with her biological mother after social media users helped them find their way to each other.
Local Today reported that MacNair’s Twitter post on Nov. 25, begged for users to share a tweet providing information about her search. The only information she included in the tweet was her biological mother’s name Demonica, her birthplace and birth date, the adoption agency’s name, and knowledge of three to four older siblings.
Immediately after her post uploaded to the platform, users went to work, flooding her page with reactions and filling her DMs and comment sections with leads.
According to ABC 11, Demonica received a message about an adopted child, and MacNair’s older sister, Vivian Thorpe, was able to find Lydia on Facebook and comment on the post.
“I was at home and my mom called me and she was like, somebody, DM me, did you give someone away for adoption? And I was like, that’s strange. So, then she was like, Wait, there’s a name under it. And so I was like, what’s the name? So I typed in Lydia’s name, and then I found her post. And the baby picture that she posted is hung up in our grandma’s living room,” explained Thorpe.
“That’s the only piece of the puzzle that I had to find her. And the crazy thing is, I tried looking for her for years, but her name was Michelle. So, I’m looking for Michelle, and I would have never found her without that post,” Thorpe added.
The next day, Thorpe drove around three and a half hours from Raleigh to Asheville, where MacNair grew up, and the two sisters met up.
“When I hugged her, it was just like a dream,” Thorpe said.
“Like someone was going to wake me up. And this was not going to be real. I waited my whole life to have a best friend. Now, I have a best friend and sister.”
The two sisters spent time catching up on the 21 years they spent a part, and still have curiosities as to MacNair’s adoption. However, MacNair may find those answers when she sees the rest her family in December.
Mother of Todd and Julie Chrisley’s Granddaughter Wants Custody After Couple is Sentenced to Prison
The mother of Todd and Julie Chrisley’s granddaughter Chloe is fighting to regain custody of her child after the reality star couple was sentenced to prison for fraud.
Angela Johnson, Chloe’s biological mother, spoke with TMZ about the years-long case she’s been building in hopes of regaining custody of her daughter. Johnson is “in the process of getting the gears turning to regain full custody of her daughter.”
“I want her home,” she said in a tearful video. “She deserves to be home.”
“I’ve held back for so long trying to patiently do it. And I don’t think it’s right for them to pretend that I don’t exist and say ‘Oh we just going to let Savannah get her’… That don’t make sense.”
Johnson shares Chloe with Kyle Chrisley, Todd and Julie’s son, as noted by OK! Magazine. However, in 2016, Kyle lost custody due to his drug addiction.
That resulted in Johnson sharing custody with Todd. But when Johnson was arrested later that same year for allegedly filing a false application for Medicaid assistance, Todd was granted sole custody. But the Chrisley Knows Best stars have since been sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison after they were found guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
Julie was sentenced to seven years in prison, while her husband was issued a 12-year sentence. In response, their daughter Savannah Chrisley claims to have custody of Chloe and her 16-year-old brother, Grayson.
Now Johnson wants to “go back to court to get Chloe back home.”
“I want her home. She deserves to be home…I’m her biological mom,” she said.
“I didn’t walk away from her. I was pushed out of her life.”
Savannah, 25, has opened up about the fractured state of her family as she prepares to care for Chloe, 10, and Grayson.
“[I”m] trying to navigate how you teach two younger children who aren’t fully developed yet and…get them to understand the circumstances,” Savannah said in a podcast.
Meet Helena Duncan, the First Black CEO of The Business Council Of Alabama
Black women are filling up seats as presidents of major organizations.
The Business Council of Alabama announced on Wednesday that Helena Duncan had been appointed as the new President and CEO for the organization.
According to The Alabama Political Reporter, Duncan entered BCA in 2020 with over 30 years of experience in the financial industry. Duncan served as Regional President for Liberty Bank & Trust before her transition to BCA where, with her long track record in executive management, she joined as Director of Strategic Operations and Growth .
“Helena Duncan has the experience, talent and perspective to lead the BCA effectively and enhance its role as the voice of Alabama business,” said BCA Chairman Mike Kemp.
“She is an experienced businesswoman who has worked with a broad cross-section of businesses. She speaks the language of business. Her leadership qualities, management experience and work ethic will be valuable assets to BCA as we chart our course for the future,” Kemp added.
As of December 1, Duncan was promoted from her most recent position with the organization as Senior Vice President of Operations and Investor Relations.
“I am honored to be chosen and entrusted with the responsibility of leading such a prestigious organization. I look forward to implementing our strategic plan that has been developed over the past year,” said Duncan.
“My previous roles at BCA have given me a strong knowledge of the organization and our members. As we begin this new chapter, our priority will be to refine and refocus our efforts on energetic, effective advocacy on behalf of our members in Montgomery and at the federal level,” she added.
Duncan, the wife of Clarence Duncan, and mother of sons CJ and Collins, was recently named a Yellowhammer “2022 Woman of Impact,” celebrating her influential role and contribution to business and the community across Alabama. Additionally, she has served as Chairman of the Board for Saint James School, and as board member for the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce and Child Protect. Duncan is a current board member for Dixie Electric Cooperative, YMCA, the Montgomery Committee of 100 and Board of Controls Committee of 100 and Synovus Bank.
Build Wealth with Your Phone: The Best Money Apps to Download Now
Wealth building can be simple and easy, especially when it’s at your fingertips.
Grow your personal finance muscle with these Black-owned apps and tools designed for Black families. From financial education and investing to online banking, these digital platforms are available on Google Play and the App Store.
Financial Literacy Apps
“Achieve financial freedom faster” with Qoins
Co-founders Christian Zimmerman and Nate Washington Jr. launched Qoins to provide a solution for tackling debt and building healthy financial habits.
How it works: Set a goal, choose your transfer method, track progress, and erase debt. The app uses automation technology to turn small transfers throughout the month into one big monthly contribution towards your debt or savings goals.
Highlight Feature: The Qoins Visa debit card is designed to help you pay down debt or add to your savings. It comes with a Qash-back Rewards program, a 10% cash-back on roundups, and a $50 direct deposit bonus.
Cost: Free app download. For $4.99 a month, the company offers an array of benefits, including easy automation technology and cash back towards debt or savings goals with the Qoins Card. You can receive all benefits and save $10/year if you opt to pay $49.99/year.
“Many ways to get financially fit” with Goalsetter
Former Nickelodeon executive and Goalsetter founder Tanya Van Court created her financial literacy platform with the goal of closing the wealth gap between Black and brown families in America, and educate Black youth across the country.
How it works: Sign up and start saving right away with automatic deposits, swipes, and round ups. Goalsetter also provides rules to set up allowances and gold-clients have access to investment education into stocks and ETFs to help them manage portfolios.
Highlight feature: A smart debit card that allows kids from 8 to 18 learn how to budget proactively and spend responsibly.
Cost: Free app download. Plans start at $3.95/month which includes financial quizzes and debit cards for kids and teens. The gold plan offers more benefits for $5.95/month.
“Financial wellness for Black men” with Breaux Capital
HBCU grads and Breaux Capital co-founders Ras Asan, Brian L. Williams, and Derrius Quarles are shifting the culture of financial health for Black millennials across the globe.
How it works: Apply for an account and start automating your asset-building. Once your membership gets green-lit, enjoy a plethora of benefits, including exclusive investment opportunities and community-driven education.
Highlight feature: Engage with fellow Breaux Capital members at online and in-person annual events and independently organized meetups.
Stackwell founder and CEO Trevor Rozier-Byrd designed a robo-investing app that focuses on promoting accessibility, education, and support to encourage individuals to participate in investing and building sustainable wealth.
How it works: Begin your investment journey with stress-free stock picking, automated investment portfolios, and more.
Highlight feature: In-app educational content that demystifies investing so users can grow their knowledge and their wealth.
Cost: Free app download. There is a $1 monthly subscription fee and $10 minimum investment.
Co-founders David Fisayo and Bimpe Nkontchou are the masterminds behind UK’s first Black-owned digital investment platform, Wealth8, designed to connect Black and multi-ethnic communities with wealth and investment opportunities.
How it works: Download the app and gain access to global investment funds and diversified funds from the largest global asset manager, BlackRock Asset Management.
Highlight feature: Everyone can get access to traditionally unavailable investment options, including Africans living in major economies on the continent, such as Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.
“Join the #BankBlack and #BuyBlack Movement,” with OneUnited Bank
OneUnited Bank is the first Black digital bank and the largest Black-owned bank in America, led by Kevin Cohee.
How it works: Having financed nearly $1 billion in loans, this bank enterprise offers online banking services, personal banking services, business banking, and more. They also promote financial literacy by conducting workshops for adults and children.
Highlight feature: Known as CardSwap, keep track and use your BankBlack Visa Debit Card as your payment option for online subscriptions like Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, Uber, and more, all in one place.
Co-founders Andrew Young, Michael “Killer Mike” Render, and Ryan Glover are providing a digital mobile banking experience made for Black and Latino customers.
How it works: With no hidden fees or minimums, a digital bank account empowers you to save, help the community, and get paid early.
Highlight features: When you open an account, feed five meals to a family through Goodr, donate to UNCF and NAACP through spare change round-ups, and earn $10,000 every month for your Black or Latino owned business.
Deion Sanders Announces Son Shedeur Will Become Starting Quarterback at the University of Colorado Boulder
After announcing that he will be coaching for another college football program next season, Coach Prime said he is taking his son with him to lead the team as its starting quarterback.
According to The Sporting News, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders has accepted the position as the football head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes at the University of Colorado Boulder. He is currently the head coach of the Jackson State University Tigers, who won the division championship over the weekend. That team, led by his son, Shedeur Sanders, is undefeated.
At a press conference introducing Sanders as the school’s head coach, he let the media, school, and anyone within earshot know that he is not coming to the University of Colorado Boulder alone. As he suggested to some of the Colorado players entering the transfer portal, he told all in attendance that Shedeur would be the starting quarterback for the Colorado Buffaloes this coming football season.
His son has won the past two Southwestern Athletic Conference titles while leading the Tigers. The quarterback has a great record that can’t be questioned, but his father also stated that he would have to earn it.
“He’s going to have to earn it, though, believe that,” Sanders said.
Sanders’ record at Jackson State University over the past three years is an impressive 27-5, with the team being undefeated this current season with a 12-0 record. Shedeur, who is only a sophomore, has made 70.2% of his passes for 3,383 yards. With only six interceptions, he has scored a total of 36 touchdowns this season. He also rushed the ball 76 times for 174 yards while adding five more touchdowns.
Although the Tigers have won the championship, their playoff season isn’t done yet. Coach Prime has assured his team that he will be coaching the next game when they go up against North Carolina Central on Dec. 17 at the Celebration Bowl.
Both Sanders’ will try to end this very successful season as an undefeated team.
Harlem Globetrotter’s Maxwell Pearce Debuts Inaugural Exhibit at Art Basel in Miami
Harlem Globetrotter guard Maxwell Pearce has officially tossed his hat into the artist ring after debuting his first official exhibit at Art Basel/Miami Art Week 2022.
Pearce was inside N’Namdi Contemporary Fine Art over the weekend displaying his first exhibit, “The Art of an Athlete,”The Black Wall Street Timesreported. The exhibit highlighted Black athletes’ ability to shape their own narratives beyond their careers in sports.
The exhibit collected fine art, mixed media, and athletic material highlighting sports figures who have used their platforms to fight for social justice throughout history.
“My work explores the multitudes of ideas within Black athleticism and celebrates athletes’ individual ability to do more than dribble, shoot, and score. It honors the literal ties that connect athletes across generations and binds them to public, collective memory,” Pearce said.
The exhibit was crafted in response to Pearce’s racist 2020 encounter with reporters in Alabama who threw fruit, including a banana, at him during an interview. Pearce posted a video testimonial in August 2020 about the incident in hopes of “educating and inspiring people to speak up when it’s necessary to right a wrong.”
“Without understanding other cultures, we cannot truly create change,” he shared in the video’s caption.
(Image: “More Than an Athlete” / theartofanathlete.com / Screenshot)
Pearce’s Art Basel exhibit included a piece entitled “More than an Athlete” that showed neon sign versions of LeBron James lit up over the top of a gold basketball hoop. Images of James showed the NBA champion wearing shirts reading “I CAN’T BREATHE,” “BLACK LIVES MATTER,” and “MORE THAN AN ATHLETE.”
Other pieces included “42,” “Sports and Politics Don’t Mix,” and “Wilma,” which paid homage to legendary Black athletes and civil rights activists like Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Colin Kaepernick, and Wilma Rudolph.
Bank Chairman Aims To Address Disparities In New Orleans East That Have Affected Investments
Banking institution founder, Alden McDonald Sr., recently spoke out against what he views as negative publicity that has made investments for Black borrowers in New Orleans East difficult.
McDonald Sr. founded New Orleans-based financial institution Liberty Bank, which has grown into the largest Black-owned bank in the U.S. with more than $1 billion in assets and a presence in 11 states, according to Nola.com.
But McDonald Sr. believes, as of recently, that New Orleans East’s reputation has been tarnished and is viewed as a place not worthy of investment, he told Nola.com in an interview.
“When you look at history, the African American community has been slow in accumulating wealth over the years. I remember when New Orleans East was a mixed community. Then, a lot of the properties were sold, and people moved out. When you look at it today, we don’t even have a supermarket out here. So, there are a lot of disparities,” McDonald Sr. told the outlet.
McDonald Sr. also added that since many families in the area lack a lot of equity and capital of wealth when they go into business, they face many challenges securing loans.
“We can make them a loan, but you can’t build a large business with just a loan.”
“It takes equity and investment, and it will take many years for these to multiply out,” he added in his interview.
McDonald Sr., 79, reportedly handed over his day-to-day operation duties as president of the financial institution to his son, Todd McDonald, but will continue advising on strategic initiatives and acquisitions as chairman of the bank’s holding company, Liberty Financial Holding Co.
“He was really running things before we gave him the presidency title,” McDonald Sr. stated to Nola.com.
“One of the things Todd has done is attract investment from large national banks like J.P. Morgan Chase, which invested $18 million with us, and other national banks who have formed partnerships with us and other minority-owned banks around the country to help us grow.”
Overall, McDonald Sr. will focus on addressing the challenges Black borrowers face to increase business and homeownership throughout New Orleans East and beyond.
