• Lifestyle

by Stacy Jackson

November 29, 2022

From Strangers To Business Partners: Jamal Hinton Launches Company With Woman Who Mistakingly Invited Him To Thanksgiving 7 Years Ago

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Two individuals who were once strangers sitting at the Thanksgiving table by accident have recently launched a business together.

This Thanksgiving, Jamal Hinton announced an addition to his entrepreneurial journey that involved Wanda Dench. The two have officially become business partners creating BlackMP, a company that sells alkaline water infused with soil-based probiotics.

“Thanksgiving year 7,” wrote Hinton via Twitter. “From year 1 as strangers, to year 7 as family, but now BUSINESS PARTNERS! I’m very thankful for my family, friends, fans.”

Thanksgiving year 7! 🦃🖤 From year 1 as strangers, to year 7 as family but now BUSINESS PARTNERS! I’m very thankful for my family, friends, fans. Check out our website for our alkaline black water @ https://t.co/kkQK0pViKB special discount code: THANKSGIVING pic.twitter.com/xuZhuDgus6

— Jamal Hinton (@Jamalhinton12) November 25, 2022

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the two met in 2016 after Dench, a grandmother, mistakenly texted Hinton, who was a high school senior at the time, thinking she was contacting her own grandson to invite him to Thanksgiving dinner. The moment went viral, inspiring a developing Netflix film to be written by Abdul Williams titled, The Thanksgiving Text.

Prior to the partnership, Hinton launched his previous car wrapping, painting, and tinting company, Wrap-A-Lot, this past spring.

I’m very proud to announce the opening of my new car wrapping, painting and tinting company Wrap-A-Lot in which I am CEO!!! Come stop by and check us out I’d love to show everyone what we can do !! 😁🏎 pic.twitter.com/r0GnNp4Kec

— Jamal Hinton (@Jamalhinton12) May 23, 2022

Hinton and Dench discussed their bond during a taped segment on the Today show. They shared how the interaction seven years ago has impacted their lives.

“He’s literally changed my life and my point of view on young generations about being open to friendships when you think you have nothing in common with somebody,” Dench said, according to People.

“But when you just sit and talk to them? Oh my gosh…”

“I told her the cameras and the fame, everything could stop tomorrow, and nothing’s changing between us,” Hinton told Today.

“Absolutely,” Dench added. “He’s in my heart for life.”

On November 22, Hinton took to Instagram to confirm with followers that this seventh year of Thanksgiving with the two was already in the celebration plans.

“To answer all your questions, yes Thanksgiving year 7 is planned out! See you guys Thursday!” he captioned a photo of them both standing in front of a Cheesecake Factory.

 

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“I’ve always told her whatever I’m doing, she’s a part of, no matter what it is,” he said on Today.

“Matching tattoos next,” Hinton added.

• Celebrity News

by Stacy Jackson

November 29, 2022

Report: Kyla Pratt Sued By Ex-Manager Over Alleged Unpaid ‘Call Me Kat’ Commissions

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It’s another case of a manager suing their ex-celebrity client.

Actress Kyla Pratt is reportedly being sued by Industry Entertainment Partners for refusing to pay the managers who helped her secure a role on the Fox sitcom Call Me Kat.

Court documents obtained by Radar Online claim the management company filed a lawsuit against Pratt, alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and negligent misrepresentation. The suit claims Pratt entered the personal management agreement with Industry Entertainment in August 2018 before managing her for over two years. Through written and verbal agreement, Pratt reportedly consented to pay commissions to the management team from her earnings on Call Me Kat.

For Black entrepreneurs, obtaining funding and investments doesn’t come easy.

In fact, 96% of black business owners are sole proprietors, making it that much harder to raise capital. With lack of funding comes the limited opportunity to hire employees that will help a business scale, which only continues to widen the racial wealth gap for Black entrepreneurs.

Addressing this issue, REVOLT and Target have joined forces once again for the return of Bet on Black, the impact-driven series where rising Black entrepreneurs pitch their culture-forward business ideas in the hopes of securing investment funds. Hosted by Dustin Ross, season two of Bet on Black showcases 12 Black entrepreneurs who present their business ideas to a panel of trailblazing judges, including Remy Ma, Master P, Pinky Cole, Letoya Luckett, Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT, and Ron Brown, Vice President of Community Impact at Target, for a chance to take home a grand prize of $200,000 in funding.

Bet on Black’s goal is to not only provide funding, but to also spotlight Black businesses across industries that support Black culture at large. With business projects ranging from technology, lifestyle, entertainment, and more, Bet on Black focuses on investing in projects that bring positive impact to Black communities and champion social justice. Carrying out REVOLT and Target’s ongoing dedication to supporting Black changemakers, Bet on Black provides entrepreneurs the opportunity to receive full capital without its investors seeking any stake or equity.

“Bet on Black represents a movement to help close the wealth gap by empowering more creators to become owners and providing them with the resources and guidance needed to build a more equitable future,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “We are proud of the tremendous success we saw with Season one and look forward to working with Target to continue investing in the visions of so many incredible entrepreneurs leading companies that will power the new economy.”

“Target holds valued partnerships with diverse media. As we continue to bring joy to our guests, our partnership with REVOLT is another example of our commitment to advancing racial equity,” Ron Brown, Vice President of Community Impact at Target.

“We’re proud to continue supporting the economic empowerment of Black entrepreneurs through the Bet on Black series and working together to build equity for Black-owned businesses, ultimately fueling Black success.”

All episodes of Bet on Black are available on REVOLT’s linear channel and Peacock.

Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre is asking to be removed from a lawsuit by the state of Mississippi that is seeking to recover millions in misspent welfare funds.

The Associated Press reports an attorney for the longtime Green Bay Packers quarterback filed papers Monday saying the Mississippi Department of Human Services  “groundlessly and irresponsibly seeks to blame Favre for its own grossly improper and unlawful handling of welfare funds and its own failure to properly monitor and audit” how organizations used the money.

“Including Favre in this lawsuit has had the intended effect—it has attracted national media attention to this case,” Favre’s attorney, Eric D. Herschmann, wrote in the filing in Hinds County Circuit Court.

Additionally, Herschmann wrote the lawsuit focuses on the welfare agency’s “false insinuations concerning Favre’s supposed involvement” instead of the agency itself “which in fact is responsible for allowing this scandal to occur.”

Favre, who was raised in the Magnolia State, is not facing criminal charges but is one of more than three dozen people and companies being sued by the Mississippi Department of Human Services in what has become the largest public corruption case in the state’s history.

According to the suit, the defendants used more than $20 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families anti-poverty program (TANF).

Favre has repaid the $1.1 million he received in speaking fees from the Mississippi Community Education Center, a nonprofit that spent money it received from the TANF program with approval from the Department of Human Services. State auditor Shad White said Favre still owes $228,000 in interest.

In response to Favre’s request to be dismissed from the suit, White told the AP,  “Every party in the civil case is free to make the arguments that they would like to make, and I’m not going to comment on them. The court system can see the case through, and the judge can determine who owes what back.”

Favre played 19 seasons in the NFL for the Packers, Jets and Minnesota Vikings. The three-time MVP won Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers. During his career, Favre threw for 71,838 yards, 508 touchdowns, and 336 interceptions.

• Sisters Inc

by Stacy Jackson

November 29, 2022

Entrepreneur to Host Holiday Shopping Experience In NYC Featuring 40 Black Women-Owned Brands

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What better way to set off your holiday shopping than in NYC?

She Did That., a multi-media and engagement marketing company founded by Renae Bluitt, will host its annual Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 3. The all-day shopping experience will feature more than 40 Black women-owned brands from across the country at The Mezzanine in New York City from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Bluitt, the creator and executive producer of the She Did That. documentary and podcast, launched the platform making Black women entrepreneurs the focal point of the company.

“All of the work I do, from the documentary to the podcast, and live events goes back to one primary goal, which is to tell our stories and build a healthy ecosystem for the women entrepreneurs in our community,” Bluitt said. “We’re entering year six for the Holiday Bazaar and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built. Everyone who supports this event is intentional about where they’re investing their hard-earned dollars and wants to see these businesses thrive.”

The annual Holiday Bazaar provides Black women-owned brands the opportunity to launch, amplify, and scale their businesses during the holiday season.

The holiday market, presented in partnership with Cadillac, provides resources that the brands can value beyond the event.

“Consumers want to see how brands show up and support – it’s integral to building businesses and community,” said Juanita Slappy, head of multicultural marketing at Cadillac. “On the heels of our branded content efforts and as a longtime supporter of Renae’s vision, it’s an honor to drive impact with her. The She Did That. Holiday Bazaar aligns with our mission to champion big dreams and bold ambitions.”

Attendees can expect to find a variety of products, including apparel, candles, CBD products, beauty, and literature. Food and beverages will be served by The Taco Mami’s, a Brooklyn-based, street style taco bar paying homage to Afro-Americans. Guests can also grab some champagne from B. Stuyvesant Champagne or sample wine with Texas-based brand, The Guilty Grape.

Shoppers will enjoy musical vibes from a soundtrack curated by DJ Ty Alexander.

For tickets and additional event details, visit shedidthatholidaynyc.eventbrite.com

• Men

by Derek Major

November 29, 2022

Sen. Raphael Warnock Doubles Opponent Herschel Walker’s Fundraising Haul In Senate Runoff

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Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock raised $52.2 million between October 20 and November 16 for his reelection, doubling the amount his opponent Herschel Walker has received.

NBC News reports Warnock is the top fundraising federal candidate of the 2022 midterm elections and spent almost $40 million ($39.2) over the same period, which is also double the amount Walker spent during the time frame.

Walker, meanwhile, raised $20.9 million between October 20 and November 16 and spent $16.5 million. The fundraising period, which included both before and after the midterm elections, shows how both campaigns are faring heading into the Senate runoff.

Early voting has begun in the race after the Georgia State Supreme Court denied an attempt by state Republicans to block it. The Georgia GOP claimed the elections restrictions bill Governor Brian Kemp signed banned early voting so close to a holiday but the state’s high court disagreed.

According to ABC News, last weekend saw record-breaking turnout in 34 counties that offered early voting after the Thanksgiving holiday. State election data shows more than 181,000 residents have voted early either in-person or through absentee voting through Sunday.

Black Georgia residents have been flying to the polls for the Senate runoff, making up 46.3% of early voters. That’s eight points higher than white Georgia voters, although White voters make up nearly double the share of the state’s population.

Interim Deputy Secretary of State Gabriel Sterling tweeted Monday that “This could be the biggest early voting day ever in Georgia election history.”

Later that same day Sterling tweeted “This is outpacing the turnout from the last day of early voting in the General Election.”

According to Sterling, early voting on Sunday was 130% higher than the previous Sunday record of 37,785 set on October 25, 2020.

Election officials are also encouraging Peach State residents to vote early in person because mail ballots must be received before the polls close next week. Both candidates have released new ads with Warnock bringing back Alvin the Beagle and Walker questioning Warnock’s character.

Saltbox, Inc., the flexible co-warehousing and small business logistics pioneer, today announced a $35 million Series B funding round.

The investment was co-led by Atlanta-based and family-owned Cox Enterprises Inc.; a leader in the broadband, automotive and media industries, and Pendulum; a strategic growth investing and advisory platform designed for founders and leaders of color and previous investor in Saltbox. This Series B round brings Saltbox’s total funding to $56 million. The round also included investment from Playground Global, XYZ Capital, Fundrise, Kapor Capital, Wilshire Lane Capital, Colliers, Lincoln Property Company, Flexport and Overline among others. Funding will support developing Saltbox’s core technology stack powering its end-to-end logistics platform for small and growing ecommerce businesses.

“Supporting small-and medium-sized businesses as they navigate the challenges of their entire logistics stack, from warehousing, to shipping and more has been our main goal since day one. The next step for Saltbox is to advance our logistics and fulfillment technology while also continuing to expand our physical, human-centric spaces for members,” said Saltbox CEO and Co-Founder Tyler Scriven. “Thanks to the support of Cox, Pendulum and our other investors in this pivotal Series B round, Saltbox will continue to disrupt the logistics and fulfillment space by further investing into our unique offerings, whether that be our workspace, fulfillment, or on-demand labor solutions.”

Alongside the investment, Saltbox also announces the addition of both Andrew Davis, Senior Vice President of Strategy for Cox Enterprises, and Robbie Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Pendulum, to its Board of Directors.

“At Cox, we put focus on supporting our communities and the organizations that help them thrive,” said Evelyn Bolden, Senior Director of Strategy and Investments for Cox Enterprises.

“With its mission to power the next generation of entrepreneurs to launch, grow and scale, Saltbox is a great partner to help continue Cox’s mission to contribute to the economic well-being of an increased number of businesses and their employees. Saltbox is committed to helping ecommerce owners get the most out of their business in a community-focused workspace.”

“Tyler and the Saltbox team have tapped into a strategic and unique opportunity at the intersection of community and shared services in warehousing, inventory management and fulfillment. This is evident in the company’s growth, and its ongoing expansion across geographies speaks to the high demand for this differentiated bundling of services,” says Robbie Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Pendulum. “I am excited to join Saltbox’s Board of Directors and continue Pendulum’s partnership with the team as they establish an infrastructure that supports emerging and fast-growing small-to-medium businesses that power our economy.”

In 2022, Saltbox more than doubled its growth, expanding its flexible warehouse network to ten locations, including new co-warehousing locations in Alexandria, Virginia; Duarte, California; Carrollton, Texas; Arden Hills, Minnesota; and a second location in Atlanta’s Upper Westside neighborhood to support its flagship facility. The company also opened its first-ever fulfillment hub in Dublin, Ohio – a strategic location in the Columbus, Ohio market that allows members to reach 67% of the total U.S. population via two-day shipping.

This momentum follows a successful 2021, in which Saltbox expanded its footprint into the Los Angeles area in Torrance, as well as Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Seattle. It also launched fulfillment offerings tailored to SMBs. Saltbox closed its Series A round of $10.6 million in March 2021.

Later this year, Saltbox plans to open locations in two new cities: Tempe, Ariz. and Doral, Fla., with additional plans to open a second Florida location early next year in Tampa, Fla.

Of Saltbox’s more than 500 members across its ten co-warehousing locations, more than 70 percent are ecommerce companies that sell physical goods directly to consumers. These SMBs span numerous industries including fashion and apparel, health and beauty, home goods, resale, and tech in the hardware and services sectors. Half of Saltbox member businesses are led by women or people of color.

• News

by Eric Moody

November 29, 2022

5 Connecticut Officers Charged After Black Man Paralyzed In Police Van

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Officials announced charges Monday against five Connecticut police officers involved in an incident that left a Black man partially paralyzed.

According to the Associated Press, 36-year-old Randy Cox was being driven to a New Haven police station for processing on a weapons charge on Sunday, June 19. When the driver reportedly braked hard at an intersection to avoid a collision, it caused Cox to fly headfirst into a metal partition in the back of the police van.

The Associated Press reports that Cox was cruelly neglected, despite his repeated pleas for help following the injury inflicted by the driver’s reaction and the police van’s lack of seat belts.

“I can’t move. I’m going to die like this. Please, please, please help me,” Cox said minutes after the crash, according to dialogue captured by surveillance and body-worn camera footage.

Some of the New Haven officers, including Sgt. Betsy Segui, one of the five officers charged, allegedly mocked Cox at the detention center and accused him of being drunk and faking his injuries. The other four officers involved included Officer Oscar Diaz, Officer Ronald Pressley, Officer Jocelyn Lavandier, and Officer Luis Rivera. All the involved officers were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty, both misdemeanors, and have been on administrative leave since last summer.

Cox was reportedly dragged by his feet from the van by officers and placed in a holding cell prior to his eventual transfer to a hospital. It was later discovered that Cox had suffered a fractured neck and was paralyzed.

In September, lawyers for Cox filed a $100 million lawsuit against the city of New Haven. The case drew outrage from civil rights advocates like the NAACP and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who previously spoke out against the incident.

“If we say we respect life and respect Randy Cox’s life experiences and people like Randy Cox, similarly situated, then we have to show that by action, not just by rhetoric,” Crump stated to the Associated Press. “Not just say we care about Black lives, but we have an actual duty in New Haven and throughout America to show that we believe Black lives matter.”

• Women

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 29, 2022

The BOSS Network Presents Launch Summit ‘Ideas, Inspiration and Innovation’ Series

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On Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, The BOSS Network, presents “The Launch Summit” sponsored by JPMorgan Chase.

This annual event series meant to educate, empower, and promote minority women in technology. The Launch Summit will showcase Black women entrepreneurs who have success in technology, digital and the online business space. We will exchange ideas and best practices to help attendees succeed. The event will take place virtually from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

In the technology industry, less than 1 percent of founders who have received venture capital funds are African American or Hispanic. Minority women compose only a fraction of that 1 percent. The time is now to highlight extraordinary women who are breaking down barriers in technology and provide a platform for women to share their experience on how they’ve created and achieved success, provide a blueprint on navigating the workplace, and to educate and support the next generation of women in in the digital space. JPMorgan Chase and Advancing Black Pathway’s has partnered with The BOSS Network, to expand the opportunities and resources for Black women entrepreneurs.

Presented by The BOSS Network, Founder Dr. Cameka Smith, will feature a panel discussion composed of thought leaders who are innovators in Building a Digital Brand, Diversity, Black Women in Technology, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Funding Your Small Business. Our BOSS honoree, Simone I. Smith leads a full life. The wife of entertainment icon, LL Cool J, a proud mother of four, she’s also a 17-year cancer survivor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 2011, Smith co-founded Simone I. Smith Jewelry. The idea for her first design came to be following her diagnosis of stage III chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer. Simone l. Smith will receive the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award and participate in a fireside conversation.

We will also showcase a live pitch competition, where current BOSS members will have the opportunity to pitch for $15K. This virtual event is open to the public for women. Tickets are available at www.thebossnetwork.org at no cost and will be held via Zoom.

• Arts and Culture

by Stacy Jackson

November 29, 2022

A Seat at Oprah’s Table: Media Mogul Celebrated Thanksgiving With Her ‘Daughter-Girls’

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Holiday traditions may vary across the world, but one thing’s for sure: they are best spent with the people you love.

This past Thanksgiving, Oprah Winfrey hosted a celebration at her Santa Barbara home with her annual guest list of graduates from the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, whom she refers to as her “daughter-girls.”

According to Oprah Daily, the celebration began with a greeting from the “Thanksgiving Welcome Committee.” Daughter-girl Palesa‘s spouse, Paul, was serenaded with an African song, as a new guest at the gathering.

 

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This year, Winfrey themed the holiday “Goodness of God Thanksgiving.”

“I just want to say thank you to everybody at this table,” she said. “Thank you for your presence. I know everybody has had their own journeys here. And everybody’s journey has brought them, you know, from multiple directions. And so I would like for us to just take a moment to think about the journey that you have made this year to be sitting at this table, and the goodness and grace that has put you here.”

Before breaking bread, Winfrey said grace a little differently from the traditional prayer, having everyone sing a song that was sent by one of her daughter-girls, Thando Dlomo, who was not able to attend because of a work commitment. The song was from Winfrey’s long-time friend and gospel singer, Cece Winans.

“CeCe and BeBe volunteered to sing at my father’s funeral,” Oprah explained. “So Thando sent me this beautiful song from CeCe that I thought was a blessing on my life; that’s why she sent it. We exchange songs all the time, and I thought it would be a wonderful blessing for the table. Instead of giving a blessing for the table, we are going to sing along with CeCe.”

 

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Along with the variety of food options that were provided, Winfrey gifted her daughter-girls with some of her favorite luxury products, including boxes of skincare products from Dr. Barbara Sturm, eyebrow products from Anastasia Beverly Hills, and smart sunglasses from Ray Ban.