Florida Power & Light Company Supports the Black Men Talk Tech’s Pitch Competition
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 14, 2022

Florida Power & Light Company Supports the Black Men Talk Tech’s Pitch Competition

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) served as one of the lead sponsors of the Black Men Talk Tech’s Pitch Competition, part of the 4th Annual Unicorn Ambition Conference. The conference was held in Miami in October.

Purvis Bell, a principal in the investment group for NextEra Energy (NEE), FPL’s parent company, served as one of the four judges for the pitch competition, which was the kick-off event for the two-day conference. Other judges included:  Boris Moyston, Co-Founder, Black Men Talk Tech and Relentless Venture Partners; Victoria Kennedy, Founder and General Partner, Seed to Harvest, and Kenyon Williams, Associate Managing Director, Accenture Strategy.

(Image: Purvis Bell, a principal in the investment group for NextEra Energy (NEE), FPL’s parent company, was one of the judges for the pitch competition. Photo credit: Ricardo Reyes, Sonshine Communications)

Four companies were selected to participate in the pitch competition, which was also supported by Accenture, according to a press release. The companies were provided with the opportunity to gain exposure, get connected to investors and win prize money. First place winnings, which included a $5,000 check, went to Jonas Cleveland – Rav.ai. The second place went to Timothy Keith – Propense AI; third place went to Laurel Djoukeng, Sparc; and fourth place went to Khalil Masi – Green Ora.

“This was a tremendous event and we were delighted to be a part of this experience,” says Whitney Walker, who helps lead the Corporate Philanthropy and Community Engagement Initiatives at FPL.

“FPL has been and continues to be committed to helping empower minority-owned businesses and startups, and encouraging and empowering Blacks in tech.”

“This is at the forefront of our goals and mission with our Black Business Resource Hub.”

FPL’s Black Business Resource Hub on the Powering Florida website provides access to programs and information aimed to support the development of Black-owned businesses. The site also covers how to become an FPL or NextEra Energy supplier; provides access to a Black business directory and Black business resources that help cultivate success for Black-owned businesses; information on minority-owned business certifications; and a list of workshops, training sessions, and programs for Black entrepreneurs and Black business owners offered via various organizations. To find out more about FPL’s Powering Florida Black Business Resource Hub, visit https://www.poweringflorida.com/how-we-help/black-business.html.

Black Men Talk Tech is a collective that supports emerging and elite Black tech entrepreneurs. The Unicorn Ambition Conference is the only national conference that focuses on providing support for the Black male tech founder, and provides exposure and resources to Black entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to create innovative companies that can be scaled for massive growth, becoming the next “unicorn.” Since its inception, the conference has highlighted Miami and South Florida as an emerging tech hub, especially for the Black community.  The experience brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and practitioners to share actionable, relevant, and timely insights to help grow your business.

Tupac Shakur’s Stepfather Granted Compassionate Release After Serving More Than 35 Years in Federal Prison
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2022

Tupac Shakur’s Stepfather Granted Compassionate Release After Serving More Than 35 Years in Federal Prison

Tupac Shakur’s stepfather has been granted parole after imprisonment for more than 35 years.

According to NBC News, Mutulu Shakur, stepfather to one of hip-hop’s most popular deceased recording artists, Tupac, will be walking out of jail next month on Dec. 16. He has been granted compassionate release after advocates have been fighting for years for him to be released due to his diagnosis of stage-3 multiple myeloma (an incurable blood cancer that can do damage to the bones and kidneys).

The 72-year-old activist and holistic healthcare advocate will spend his remaining days with family and friends.

NBC News obtained papers stating that the U.S. Parole Commission recently granted a request to release Shakur in October, and the decision to grant the 72-year-old parole was made public last week on Thursday.

He is currently being held at a federal medical center in Lexington, Kentucky. The facility is a prison for inmates who require medical care.

Shakur’s attorney, Brad Thomson, has gone on record stating that the prisoner has massive weight loss due to treatments for his medical conditions. He reportedly contracted COVID-19 twice and has had to depend on IV feeding tubes on and off since May. Earlier this year, Thomson said that doctors with the Federal Bureau of Prisons had given Shakur less than six months to live. They noted that treatment for his cancer no longer worked.

“There are a lot of tears of joy,” an organizer with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Jomo Muhammad, said after the parole was granted. He has been working to gain Shakur’s freedom for some time. “There’s still disbelief because we were steadying ourselves for another denial. Now folks are excited about being able to reunite Mutulu with his family. We were crying together. It’s a long time overdue.”

The Associated Press reported that Shakur was denied parole in 2016. He was accused and convicted of leading a revolutionary group responsible for killing two New York City police officers and an armed guard. He was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison after being charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act), bank robbery, armed bank robbery, and bank robbery-murder. Shakur was also convicted of assisting Assata Shakur with her escape from a New Jersey prison in 1979.

3 People Dead, 2 Injured at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville; Shooter Being Sought
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2022

3 People Dead, 2 Injured at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville; Shooter Being Sought

A shooting on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville has left three people dead as local police officers actively search for the suspected shooter.

According to NBC News, two others were injured Sunday night. Officers are looking for the suspect, identified as Christopher Darnell Jones. The shooting was first reported around 10:30 p.m. The incident reportedly took place in a parking garage on Culbreth Road, near the school’s drama building.

The three people who died were not immediately identified.

The University of Virginia Police Department issued a warning to students and the general public and gave a description of Jones:

“UVA Alert: SUSPECT IS DESCRIBED AS A BLACK MALE, WEARING A BURGANDY JACKET OR HOODIE, BLUE JEANS, AND RED SHOES.”

They later followed up that social media post with a photograph of Jones.

6 News Richmond reported that police officials stated that Jones was armed and dangerous, and may be seen driving a black SUV that has a Virginia license plate identified as TWX3580. Police described Jones as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. The search is still active.

UVA president, Jim Ryan released an email to students warning them of the shooter and detailing the shooting.

“I am heartbroken to report that the shooting has resulted in three fatalities; two additional victims were injured and are receiving medical care. This is a message any leader hopes never to have to send, and I am devastated that this violence has visited the University of Virginia.”

Wine Down With This 18-Bottle Black Friday Deal
by Black Enterprise Shop

November 14, 2022

Wine Down With This 18-Bottle Black Friday Deal

The subscription box craze has left its imprint on just about every aspect of life.

Once reserved for television and movies, monthly and quarterly subscriptions have expanded to cover everything from flowers to boxes of treats for your favorite feline or canine.

Wine connoisseurs can finally rejoice as Splash Wines has entered the box space. With the Every Friday is Black Friday deal, fans of wine can purchase Splash Wines Top 18 Wines for Fall 2022 for just $69.99. That’s a savings of 80% from its MSRP ($350).

Shipping ($39.95) is not included in this total.

The experts at Splash Wine have collaborated to provide 18 of the best wines for the fall. The selection includes reds, whites, and even a bottle of champagne. You can tinker with your choices, though, to change your order to your liking, by requesting all reds or all whites.

More than 21,000 customers have rated Splash Wine’s deal 4.6 stars on Trustpilot.

“I love the variety of good wines from this company. They have good-tasting wines with rich flavors from all over the world. Some wines I have never heard of are delicious,” writes verified purchase Heather Stanley.

If you don’t happen like one of the 18 bottles you receive, you can send it back to Splash Wines 180 days after your purchase for receive store credit.

Splash Wines ships to every state except Utah, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia. State and local taxes may be included. Shipping to eligible states takes no more than five days. You must also be 21 years old to purchase this deal, and someone 21 years must present a valid ID to accept delivery of the wines.

Few things are better than a glass of wine during the fall. It’s the perfect complement to those crisp autumn days and evenings. With Splash Wines, you’ll receive a box of 18 expert-curated wines for a stunningly low price. Take advantage of Every Friday is Black Friday and purchase this box today.

Prices subject to change.

Gabrielle Union Shares Video Of Dwyane Wade’s Surprise On Her 50th Birthday
by Niko Mann

November 13, 2022

Gabrielle Union Shares Video Of Dwyane Wade’s Surprise On Her 50th Birthday

Actress Gabrielle Union shared a video on Instagram of herself receiving a birthday gift from her husband Dwyane Wade over the weekend.

The family was celebrating Union’s 50th birthday in Cape Town, South Africa in October when the Being Mary Jane actress learned that Wade had gotten a new tattoo on his wrist with her initials next to a heart.

Union shared the video set to “My Heart Goes (La Di Da)” by Becky Hill on Instagram with the caption “best bday gift yet.”

“The moment you find out your man has made you his 17th 🧐 tattoo. 🖤🖤🖤@dwyanewade made his best bday surprise for #SouthAfrica WadeWorldTour2022 🌍edition #Capetown Part 4

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)

The couple’s daughter, Kaavia James, 4, also made an appearance in the video. The couple married back in 2014. In addition to their daughter, Kaavia, Wade has two sons, 20-year-old Zaire Wade and Xavier Wade, 9. He also has a 15-year-old daughter, Zaya Wade and was the guardian to his nephew, 21-year-old Dahveon Morris.

Union also shared a video of her surprise birthday celebration in Zanzibar, Tanzania on Oct. 30. The video features footage of the birthday celebration, including a surprise performance by Lisa Lisa. Union also shared a moving message with the post.

“I’m still processing the level of effort and planning that went into pulling off such an unbelievable 50th birthday party in Zanzibar Tanzania and keep the details a surprise from my nosy self. I’m beyond grateful for all of my loved ones who flew around the world to celebrate with me.”

Union also thanked her husband and  Lisa Lisa in the caption for the video and said she was “floating on gratitude.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)

“How @dwyanewade @ronndarocksevents @dauniedaune got THE @lisalisall77 to come all this way to perform was unreal. Thank you Lisa for being so amazing to my Mom & reminding me that your childhood heroes can turn out to be as lovely as you imagined them. I’m just floating on gratitude and to know this is just our 1st stop on the #wadeworldtour2022 🌍 Edition, I’m the happiest seasoned gal around. 🇹🇿 #ScorpioSeason #BirthdayGirl 🎉🎂🥳 #tanzania.”

The proud mom shared a video of her daughter’s #Encanto-themed birthday party on Instagram as well. Union captioned the post, “@kaaviajames insisted as soon as we returned from Africa, she could have her #Encanto themed 4th birthday party and she get to dress up as Isabella. She came to slay, don’t play with her. I cannnoooottt!!! @dwyanewade call security.”

 

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A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)

 

Six-Year-Old Boy Dies In Georgia After Finding ‘Toy’ Gun And Accidentally Shooting Himself
by Niko Mann

November 13, 2022

Six-Year-Old Boy Dies In Georgia After Finding ‘Toy’ Gun And Accidentally Shooting Himself

A six-year-old Georgia boy passed away after he found what he thought was a toy gun and accidentally shot himself. According to The Telegraph, Zi Zi Olmstead died on Nov. 5 in Calhoun, Ga.

Police Chief Tony Pyle said Zi Zi found the gun behind his apartment building and accidentally shot himself at around 3 a.m. on Nov. 5. Zi Zi’s mom, Tara Olmstead, reportedly let the dog out and when she went outside, police said that her son followed behind her.

Zi Zi reportedly said that he had found a “toy” before going back inside, and Olmstead heard a pop. She ran inside and found her son with a gunshot wound to his head. The “toy” that Zi Zi found was a 9 mm Taurus handgun, which was found next to him.

Zi Zi was a student at Calhoun Primary School in Calhoun, approximately 69 miles northwest of Atlanta. The superintendent for Calhoun City Schools Michele Taylor said that Zi Zi was loved by his classmates, teachers and staff members.

“He was loved by his classmates, friends, teachers and staff members. We continue to keep his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Calhoun City Schools also shared a message on Twitter with the caption, “Our deepest condolences to the Olmstead family, Zi Zi’s teachers, and friends during this difficult time!”

The police are still investigating the shooting.

A GoFundMe was set up to help cover funeral costs. A memorial service is being held on Nov.16, 2022, at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. The service begins at 6 p.m. and the family will receive friends at 4 p.m. at the church. The family asked that people attending the service dress in the colors blue and red to honor Zi Zi and his love of Spider-Man.

Texas Teacher On Leave After Telling Students His Race Is Superior
by Niko Mann

November 13, 2022

Texas Teacher On Leave After Telling Students His Race Is Superior

An unidentified teacher told his students at Bohls Middle School in Pflugerville, Texas that he was racist, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The teacher, who is white, was calmly having a conversation with his students about race when he shocked his students by declaring himself “ethnocentric” and said that he considered himself to be of the superior race in an exchange caught on video.

“Deep down in my heart, I am ethnocentric,” said the teacher. “Which means I think my race is the superior one.”

The teacher appeared to have had the conversation in the classroom with his students, several of whom were Black. One student asked the teacher if he thought white was better.

“So, white is better than all?”

 

“Let me finish,” he said. “I think everybody thinks that, they’re just not honest about it.”

Several of the students challenged the teacher with one student saying that he wasn’t racist and liked all kinds of people. Another student asked the teacher to clarify his statement.

“Wait, so you said you are what? You are racist?”

The teacher responded that he thought everyone was racist. “I’m just trying to be honest.”

Tariq Nasheed shared the video on Twitter with a caption.

“A teacher in Austin Texas calmly expressed his white supremacist ideology to Black students in his class. This is the reason why we need reparations and an anti-Black racism hate crime bill #Rally4Reparations.”

 

Two of the students told the teacher that they had lost respect for the teacher after his race revelation. Bohls Middle School Principal Sharon Churchin said that the teacher is now on leave as they investigate the incident.

“This interaction does not align with our core beliefs as a district,” said Churchin. “The video of the conversation includes statements that we find wholly inappropriate.”

Earvin Magic Johnson Gives Food To 800 Detroit Families With General Motors And Feed The Children
by Niko Mann

November 13, 2022

Earvin Magic Johnson Gives Food To 800 Detroit Families With General Motors And Feed The Children

Former NBA star Earvin Magic Johnson gave back to the community on Saturday when he partnered with General Motors to spread some holiday cheer across the city of Detroit. Johnson was on hand to help feed 800 families at the Second Ebenezer Church on Nov. 12 for “Feed the Children.”

Every family was given a voucher one week earlier that enabled them to pick up a 25-pound box of food at the church. Each family was also given a 15-pound box of personal items as well as coats, Avon products, and a holiday turkey for Thanksgiving. Several volunteers also helped with the food giveaway and spent hours filling the boxes.

Johnson shared pictures from the giveaway on Twitter and noted that all of the families also received a turkey, ham, tuna, water, canned goods, books and toys in the giveaway.

“What an incredible day at Second Ebenezer Baptist Church in Detroit! We spent the morning blessing over 800 Detroit families in collaboration with @GM and @feedthechildren!”

Bishop Edgar Vann said that he and Johnson have been doing the giveaway for a number of years.

“We’ve been doing this for a number of years here in the city, with Feed the Children, with Magic Johnson and with our other corporate partners. just to see the impact, the joy on the people’s faces,” said Vann.

Johnson also thanked all of the volunteers who helped make the food giveaway special.

“Let me just say thank you to all of you incredible volunteers who came out to bless someone else to be unselfish to make a family happy during their time of need,” said Johnson.

Dave Chappelle Jokes About Kanye West And Anti-Semitism On ‘Saturday Night Live’
by Niko Mann

November 13, 2022

Dave Chappelle Jokes About Kanye West And Anti-Semitism On ‘Saturday Night Live’

Comedian Dave Chappelle appeared on Saturday Night Live on Nov. 12, and the funnyman delivered a hilarious monologue that is sure to ruffle some feathers.

Chappelle made light of the controversy surrounding anti-Semitic comments made by musician Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, when the musician appeared on the podcast Drink Champs in October.

“He said, ‘I can say anti-Semitic things, and Adidas can’t drop me. Now what?’ Adidas dropped that N— immediately. Ironically, Adidas was founded by Nazis, and they were offended,” joked Chappelle.

He also joked about Jewish people running Hollywood and said that West broke showbusiness rules.

“He broke the showbusiness rules… If they’re Black, then it’s a gang, if they’re Italian, then it’s a mob, but if they’re Jewish, it’s just a coincidence and you should never speak about it,” joked Chappelle.

Chappelle also joked that West got into so much trouble, he got Brooklyn Nets baller Kyrie Irving into trouble. Irving apologized after he shared a link on Instagram to a movie he saw on Amazon that is reportedly anti-Semitic.

The comedian was the focus of controversy himself following the debut of his 2021 Netflix special, The Closer. Chappelle was accused of being transphobic in the special and was later nominated for two Emmy Awards. Upon being booked to host Saturday Night Live, reports that writers on the show were boycotting Chappelle began to circulate. However, a representative of Chappelle’s denied the rumors.

“The room was full of writers. They all pitched ideas and they seemed very excited about it. … Dave is looking to have some fun,” said the rep.

Chappelle did not address the controversy surrounding The Closer during his appearance except to say that it shouldn’t be “this scary” to do his job.

“It shouldn’t be this scary to talk about anything, it makes my job incredibly difficult,” he said. “I thank you for your support. I hope they don’t take anything away from me. Whoever they are. We got a great show tonight!”

https://youtu.be/_m-gO0HSCYk

Former San Diego Chargers Defensive End Adrian Dingle Passes Away At 45
by Niko Mann

November 12, 2022

Former San Diego Chargers Defensive End Adrian Dingle Passes Away At 45

Former San Diego Chargers defensive end Adrian Dingle has passed away at the age of 45. Dingle died on Nov. 8 but the cause of death has not yet been made public.

Dingle played with the San Diego Chargers for five seasons. He was first drafted in 1999 in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, but he missed his rookie season with the team due to an injury. The defensive end played with the San Diego Chargers until 2004.

Dingle shared two young children with his fiancée Amy Bell, a son born in 2018 named Adrian and a 2-year-old daughter named Ava. Bell told People that Dingle had an “infectious smile” and “selfless love.”

“While Adrian was known for his football accomplishments, he was so much more than football,” Bell told People.

“In the few short days since his passing, I’ve been overwhelmed by the outpouring of stories and memories. The common theme is his infectious smile and his selfless love. I’ve never met any other person who could meet someone once and go on to be a groomsman in a wedding. His smile will live on through his gorgeous babies who loved their daddy beyond measure.”

 

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A post shared by Amy Bell (@amy.c.bell)

His former teammate and sportscaster Marcellus Wiley was surprised by the news. According to his social media, Wiley had recently seen Dingle.

“RIP to my teammate @AdrianDingle. We were just hanging, laughing, swapping war stories, and talking family. Rest easy big dog!”

https://twitter.com/marcelluswiley/status/1590736565143482368?s=20&t=sKkF7zUNAD4COFiRCM4B_A

In 1995, Dingle began playing football for Clemson University in South Carolina. Prior to being drafted by San Diego, the talented athlete also played football for Roberts High School in Holly Hill, South Carolina and was the defensive MVP of the 1994 North-South High School All-Star game.

Clemson University mourned Dingle’s passing with an announcement on Nov. 10.

Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

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