by Black Enterprise
November 11, 2022
by Stacy Jackson
November 11, 2022
Royal College of Art Announces Full-Tuition Virgil Abloh Scholarship for Low-Income Black British Students
Initiatives for students in the arts are often crucial to their success.
A low-income Black British student currently enrolled in the Royal College of Arts School of Design is being scouted to receive a full-tuition scholarship totaling £35,000 ($39,865), according to The Architect’s Newspaper. The scholarship is being awarded in honor of the late American fashion designer, artist, architect, and creative director Virgil Abloh who is recognized for his clothing venture Off-White and studio Alaska Alaska.
“Virgil Abloh’s drive has always been linked to bettering others, bettering society, and communicating an optimistic future with grace, a radical spirit and intellectual prowess that operates on a diagonal, through all facets of society,” Dr. Samuel Ross, founder of the fashion label A-COLD-WALL* and Abloh’s mentee and first design assistant, stated in a press release.
“Without a doubt this philosophy will be expanded upon and continue to shift the behavior of the creative industry & physical spaces, whilst bettering key communities Virgil dedicated much of his time to supporting,” he added.
The Architect’s Newspaper reported that the RCA Virgil Abloh Scholarship, established in collaboration with the designer’s widow Shannon Abloh serves a larger initiative as RCA works to provide more scholarships for low-income students. The scholarship will cover full tuition and fees, applicable to all areas of postgraduate studies including Fashion, Textiles, Design Products, Service Design, and Intelligent Mobility.
“Over the years, the RCA and Virgil formed a beautiful relationship based on a shared appreciation of collaboration, creative vision, and of course, education,” Abloh’s wife said regarding his ties to the institution.
“We know that the RCA Virgil Abloh Scholarship will break down financial barriers to fulfilling creative potential and empower talented young individuals to dream even bigger.”
Other collaborators on the scholarship include the Fashion Scholarship Fund and the contribution of an anonymous donor.
A portion will be allocated to the Samuel Ross Black British Artist Grant Programme. Samuel Ross Associates will collaborate with the college to scout and sponsor talent from underrepresented Black British communities in the arts.
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 11, 2022
Not Letting Up: NBA Veteran Isiah Thomas Says Beef With Michael Jordan Won’t End Until He Gets ‘Apology’
Isiah Thomas is not letting his foot off Michael Jordan’s neck until he receives the apology he feels he’s owed.
The NBA veteran was not feeling what Jordan said about him in the ESPN documentary The Last Dance. As a result, Thomas said their age-old feud will carry on “for a long, long time” until Jordan says he’s sorry.
The former Detroit Pistons player spoke with Greece’s Cosmote TV, which owns the broadcast rights for the NBA, and explained why he took issue with Jordan’s remarks.
“When I was watching ‘The Last Dance,’ I’m sitting there, and I’m watching it with my family, and I’m thinking everything is good,” Thomas said, via EuroHoops.
“And then this guy comes on television and he says that he hates me, and then he calls me an a**hole.”
Thomas continued, “And then I proceed to watch a whole documentary about him being an a**hole. I’m like wait a minute, time out.”
With Thomas being a Chicago native, the city Jordan won six championships for, he’s not letting up so lightly on the NBA great.
“Until I get a public apology, this beef is gonna go on for a long, long time, cause I’m from the west side of Chicago,” Thomas quipped.
Thomas doubled down on his shade towards Jordan on Twitter to avoid any further confusion about his stance. “My full quote don’t shorten it or take it out context see below why!” Thomas wrote.
My full quote don't shorten it or take it out context see below why! https://t.co/2Vckw2yb3d
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) November 8, 2022
Thomas and Jordan’s feud dates back to the 80s and early 90s when they were both at their prime in the NBA. It was during the 1991 Eastern Conference finals when the Chicago Bulls swept the Pistons. At the end of the game, the Pistons walked off the court without congratulating Jordan and his team. In hindsight, Thomas said that is just how the game was played back then.
Once Jordan caught wind of Thomas’ response, he clapped back and most certainly added an “a**hole” in there.
“Well I know it’s all bulls***,” Jordan said in the documentary.
“Whatever he says now, you know it wasn’t his true actions then. He has time enough to think about it. Or the reaction of the public has kinda changed his perspective of it. You can show me anything you want, there’s no way you can convince me he wasn’t an a***hole.”
Guess some feuds never die out.
Proud HBCU grad Kimberly Biggs Roberson is an entrepreneur who inspires, motivates, and encourages women to reclaim the “sexy” in self-care through self-appreciation events.
She is the founder of the S.I.S (Self Care Is Sexy) brand, offering “dope energy” products and services through celebration and creation. A motivational guru at heart, Roberson hosts women’s self-love/ appreciation brunches and dinner parties for sister-friends to glow together. She also designs spaces so women can operate in the best versions of themselves.
This upcoming December, Roberson would like to give away a S.I.S event to a tribe of sister-friends. She is inviting those interested to send a brief email on how they feel one of these events could benefit their group to info@sisselfcareissexy.com. There is also a chance to win S.I.S products by following and liking their social media pages.
Tell us about yourself and your background.
I’m a mother of three and wife of one. I reside in Georgia but attended the best HBCU in the world, North Carolina A&T State University. I have a true passion for children with autism because I am an autism mom. I love learning, traveling, creating, wine tasting, and great food.
What was your transition into entrepreneurship like?
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit given to me by my father. I’ll have to say my seriousness for my entrepreneurial journey started after seeing my father pass away. I remember one of our last conversations where he told me “Kim find your passion, I got you” and from that moment I’ve been on the journey to find my passion and leave my mark on this world by any means necessary.
What were the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship?
The challenges have been self doubt and maintaining financially. The rewards have been seeing myself grow and pushing myself to see my vision touch as many souls as it can, the freedom I’ve gained to be apart of my children’s lives is time I’d never get back.
Tell us about your self-care brand.
My brand S.I.S was birthed one night while having a come to Jesus closet meeting and after having many conversations with my mother on how important self-care was. As a woman and mother wearing so many hats, I lost myself. There were times when I was simply just going through the motions.
S.I.S started off as a fitness brand but throughout the journey I realized that self-care was deeper than just workout clothes. It was mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. I’ve always tried to motivate and encourage so the rebirth of S.I.S became a motivational product and service brand all centered around positivity, affirmations, and just feeding the soul dope vibes.
What is a self-love/appreciation event?
S.I.S Brunch or Dinner is a celebration bringing sister friends together over guided conversation, great food, and spirits; a chance to celebrate and pour into one another, to fill each other up with positive vibes, love, gratitude, affirmations and tools to manifest all your heart desires.
What does the planning process looks like?
The planning process starts with a consultation with the individual wanting to host. We go over what you’re looking for, what you’re wanting to gain during your celebration, food ideas, activity ideas, topics of discussion, and location.
How do you balance motherhood and entrepreneurship? Do you have a team to assist you?
I balance motherhood and entrepreneurship with a lot of “it’s all good Kim moments.” Taking the good with the bad and understanding some days I’m not going to be everything to everyone and that’s okay. To know that I can rest, I just can’t quit. Man my team is my village.
God showed out when he gave me them.
How do you practice self-care?
Quiet time and writing in my journal are my main forms of self-care and a must everyday. I love yoga, reading, of course getting my hair done, understanding the need for girl time.
Self-care care hasn’t always been my main focus because I felt guilty for putting myself first for many years. However after I realized that self-love, self-care allowed me to be the best version of myself I made up in my mind I would never stop or feel guilty for putting myself as a top priority.
Why is self-care important to you?
I never want to go back to where I lost my self esteem and didn’t feel I was deserving. I’m deserving of being a healthy version of myself and the world is deserving of having a healthy version of me.
What keeps you motivated to uplift women on social media and at your curated these events?
Understanding that the purpose is bigger than me, when I’m feeling low I go harder in gratitude. I’ve always tried to be positive because gratitude is the best love letter you can write God.
What advice would you give to other women or aspiring entrepreneurs?
Do it, if it makes you feel good, if it inspires you, do it. Live with a heart to give and God will handle the rest.
by Niko Mann
November 11, 2022
Deceased 93-Year-Old Rep. Barbara Cooper Re-Elected To Tennessee House
Rep. Barbara Cooper (D-TN) was re-elected to Tennessee House District 86 on Tuesday, despite her unexpected death on Oct. 25.
The late state representative defeated Independent Michael Porter by more than 5,000 votes. She was 93.
According to the Shelby County Election Commission, her name remained on the Nov. 8 ballot “as mandated by state law” following her unexpected death. Gov. Bill Lee will issue a Writ of Election, and a special election to fill Cooper’s seat will be held at a later date. The Shelby County Commission also has the right to appoint someone to fill the vacant seat until the special election is held.
Cooper was a retired teacher of Memphis City Schools. She was first elected in 1996 and served as an education reform ambassador in Memphis for 26 years.
Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-TN) reflected on his time with Cooper and said that he had memorable moments working with the no-nonsense retired school teacher. He also noted that she always gave him support and sage advice.
“She acted and behaved with the type of sincere integrity every Tennessean would hope to have in their representative.”
“You didn’t get any run around or bulls— from Mrs. Cooper. She didn’t have time for it. She told you like it was and I absolutely loved her for it.”
House Minority Leader Karen Camper of Memphis also had kind words for Cooper. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my longtime colleague and dear friend, Barbara Cooper,” said Camper.
“She was a warrior for her community and the city of Memphis, a tireless advocate for education and equality issues and just a delightful person. We will all miss her.”
Cooper earned both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Tennessee State University. She was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators, the National Council of Negro Women, and the NAACP.
by Niko Mann
November 11, 2022
Construction Suspended At Obama Presidential Center After Noose Found On Site
Construction was halted at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago after a noose was found on the construction site. ABC7 News reported that the noose was found on the morning of Nov. 10 by members of the construction crew.
The Black-owned construction firm working on the project, Lakeside Alliance, has offered $100,000 reward for any information that leads to the responsible party. They halted construction on the site after notifying the police so that investigators could interview employees.
“We have zero tolerance for any form of bias or hate on our worksite,” said a representative from Lakeside Alliance. “Lakeside Alliance remains committed to providing a work environment where everyone can feel safe, be their best self, and is treated with dignity and respect.”
The Obama Foundation released a statement that said that leaving the noose at the site was an “act of cowardice.”
“This shameless act of cowardice and hate is designed to get attention and divide us. Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our workforce. We have notified authorities who are investigating the incident.”
Governor JB Pritzker also released a statement denouncing the hate-filled symbol found at the site.
“Hate has no place in Illinois. The noose is more than a symbol of racism, it is a heart-stopping reminder of the violence and terror inflicted on Black Americans for centuries,” he wrote. “I condemn this act of hate in the strongest possible terms, and the state of Illinois will make all needed resources available to help catch the perpetrators.”
I condemn this act of hate in the strongest possible terms, and the state of Illinois will make all needed resources available to help catch the perpetrators.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) November 10, 2022
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also released a statement after the noose was discovered at the construction site and said the guilty party would be held responsible.
“Racism and racist symbols have no place in Chicago, and those inciting it will be held responsible for this repulsive act,” said Lightfoot.
According to USA TODAY, the Chicago Police Department is investigating the incident.
The Obama Presidential Center will feature an activity center, museum, library, plaza and forum. The center is scheduled to open in 2025.
by Eric Moody
November 11, 2022
Watch: White Alabama Councilman Facing Racism Allegations Arrested for Punching Black Mayor
An Alabama councilman was arrested after allegedly punching Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton in the face following a council meeting on Monday night.
The incident was caught on camera as officials told Fox’s affiliate station WBRC that it stemmed from Councilman Tommy Bryant and Mayor Newton. Officials told the outlet that officers escorted the councilors to their cars following a heated city council meeting on Monday night.
Councilman Bryant stopped to talk in the parking lot when he approached Mayor Newton and later punched him in the jaw.
“I don’t know what motivated Councilor Bryant to act. I know that there was a verbal exchange between the two,” Chief Wendell Major explained to WBRC.
“That’s when Councilor Bryant struck the mayor.”
That is when the chief called local authorities to report the incident that prompted an arrest warrant and was upgraded to third-degree assault.
Video footage shows Major immediately grabbing the councilman after the punch while other officers soon stepped in.
Major added that the incident makes the city look bad.
“I do not think it’s a good look for the City of Tarrant, and we would hope that we can continue without these types of distractions in the future,” Major told WBRC.
“We cannot condone violence because people don’t like people’s words no matter how provocative one might think the words may be.”
According to TMZ, the dispute arose from a heated argument where Bryant challenged the mayor to step down during the council meeting.
They also reported that Bryant has been accused of racism in the past after allegedly referring to another council member as a “house (expedite)” during a public meeting last year.
Tarrant, Alabama city council member Tommy Bryant has come under fire after he stood up and loudly asked, “Do we have a house nigger in here?” during a city council meeting https://t.co/5HqTZ3WV4m pic.twitter.com/xo1rjgqSGy
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) July 20, 2021
Bryant was arrested but later released from the Jefferson County Jail on a $1,000 bond, according to WBRC.
WBRC reported that they have reached out to Mayor Newton and Tarrant City Council for comment but have been unsuccessful.
Councilman Bryant has reportedly declined WBRC’s request for an interview.
by Niko Mann
November 11, 2022
Black Man Paints ‘White People Parking Only’ on His Property After City Refuses Building Permits
A Georgia man painted the words “white people parking only” on his property after dealing with the city of Lafayette for 20 years with no results.
Terry Shropshire, who is Black, told Channel 9 News that he became frustrated after being denied a building permit by the city multiple times for his property.
Shropshire said that he wrote both “white parking only” and “white people parking only” to garner attention to the issue. He said that he had planned to build a walk-up diner on his property, but the city repeatedly denied him a building permit. Shropshire also wrote a sign that said a Black man couldn’t open a business in the city.
“Black man can not open business. Different codes for different people.”
“They want this to be a parking lot. They told me to move my cars so everybody else can park. Now what kind of sense does that make,” he said. “It’s not that I did not ask for it…I even begged for it. I just told them to tell me what to do and I’ll do it. And they still won’t do it.”
Yesterday we recieved photos of this in Lafayette, Georgia. Today I spoke with Terry Shropshire… the man who created these. pic.twitter.com/b4shQqF0tL
— Hanah May (@HanahMayWTVC) November 7, 2022
Shropshire said that he knew it would be hard for people to look away from the words he painted but noted that after 20 years, nothing else was working. He said the city requesting that he remove junk cars from his property set him off.
“After 20-something years, a man gets tired. 20 years of this. So I did that white parking only not as a racist thing, because I’m never racist. Don’t like racist people. Don’t wanna be racist,” he said.
“But that’s the only way to get attention is if a Black man can’t park here, then I’ll just let the white people park here.”
“And if that’s racist and someone takes it out of context then I’ll apologize. I feel sorry for you. I’m just tired of what’s going on. And I don’t know any other way to handle it. I’ve tried to get lawyers. I’ve tried everything, and it’s not working.”
Lafayette City Manager David Hamilton told Channel 9 News that they were “happy to work with any property owner” to “understand these codes.”
“The International Building Code, Health Codes, Fire Safety Code, City Zoning and Ordinances apply equally to everyone. They are written to help protect the health and safety of communities and citizens. We are happy to work with any property owner or potential business owner to help them understand these Codes and how to meet them.”
Within 24 hours, someone went onto Shropshire’s property and pained over the messages.
by Niko Mann
November 11, 2022
Happy Veterans Day! Here Are Five Ways To Honor A Veteran On Veterans Day
On Nov. 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. in Compiégne, France, the Allied powers and Germany signed a ceasefire agreement, thereby ending World War I in the 11th month of the year. The following year, Nov. 11 was proclaimed Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson, and we have celebrated our service members every year since. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
One way to honor a veteran today is to write a letter to a veteran. A simple postcard or letter to a veteran you know recognizing their service can go a long way. If you don’t know a veteran personally, you can still write a letter to a deployed soldier. The military-focused nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels is a wonderful organization that writes letters to troops who are deployed, veterans and veterans’ caregivers.
Another great way to honor a veteran is to simply hang an American flag outside your home to let veterans passing by know that you are honoring them (don’t let the flag touch the ground).
A third way to celebrate veterans is to make a donation to Wreaths Across America. WAA is a nonprofit organization that lays wreaths on graves to remember fallen veterans. The organization lays wreaths on graves at the Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,500 locations worldwide. There are also many wounded veteran organizations that would love a donation, such as the Wounded Warriors Project. The Black Veterans Project is also a wonderful organization that educates the public about the history of Black veterans and seeks to advance racial equity to ensure the welfare of all Black veterans.
Another great way to honor a veteran is to visit a VA hospital. Many VA hospitals host special events on Veterans Day, and volunteering at one of these events can help a veteran even if you don’t personally interact with a vet.
A fifth way to honor a vet is to simply talk to a veteran, listen and thank them for their service. Happy Veterans Day!
by Stacy Jackson
November 11, 2022
‘Black-ish’ Star Marsai Martin Steps Into Metaverse in Style, Announces New Digital Fashion Collection on Genies Studio App
November is looking like a rewarding month for this young celebrity.
Black-ish star Marsai Martin has launched her first-ever digital fashion collection, sharing the news Thursday in a post across her social media platforms.
In a slideshow of photos on Instagram, Martin’s avatar was decked out in one of her designs which appeared to have angel wings coming out of the back of a jacket that covered a white crop top paired with matching pants. The words “SPREAD YOUR WINGS” were written on the bottom side of one pant leg.
“I designed this collection with my little boss girl genie to encourage you to spread your wings and empower you even beyond the physical world,” Martin captioned the post.
To top off the outfit, Martin’s avatar sported winged high-top sneakers and a pair of matching sunglasses with wing-like frames.
View this post on Instagram
Last year, the young actress launched her avatar on the Genies Studio App, a digital studio where users can make their own avatars, customize their dream outfits, and share with friends. Martin teased fans on her Facebook page in a caption that more digital goods would be coming soon.
“Here, you’ll be spreading your own wings and learning how to fly,” Martin said on the collection‘s page.
“I designed this collection to put you on the edge of opportunity and give you the confidence to dive off, knowing there’s no way your wings will let you hit the ground.”
She continued, “With these pieces, you’ll learn how to feel confident in your own skin, take hold of your own personal power, and manifest the life of your dreams. Can’t wait to see how you style these! Much love.”
After showing off her avatar’s outfit from multiple angles, Martin encouraged followers to head to the app to customize the pieces from her digital collection.
“It’s free,” she wrote in the caption.
Fans were also graced with other ventures including her appearance in Rihanna‘s famous Savage x Fenty Show Volume 4 that premiered on Nov. 9, and a trailer for her role in the movie Fantasy Football that is set to premiere Nov. 25 on Paramount Plus.