• Arts and Culture

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 14, 2022

Hennessy and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Partner With Brooklyn-based Gallery To Make Art Accessible to HBCUs

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Today, Hennessy and Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announce a new collaboration with Brooklyn-Based, The Bishop Gallery and Group Black, the largest collective of Black-owned media, to bring the “Our Friend Jean” Exhibition to six Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide.

The HBCU campus tour of the exhibition includes Hampton University, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Tennessee State University, Dillard University, and Texas Southern University, according to a press release.

From now through Dec. 7, 2022, HBCU students will be able to participate in gallery programs such as private tours, talks with curators and collectors, and special immersive experiences designed at each school. “Our Friend, Jean” was first curated and exhibited by The Bishop Gallery in 2019 in the artist’s hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y. In conjunction with collector Alexis Adler, gallerist and curators Erwin John and Stevenson Dunn, Jr. developed this exhibition and tour in their continued mission to make the arts more accessible to underrepresented groups.

“Since the inception of our Hennessy Fellows Program in 2019, we’ve worked with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to advance educational pathways for Black students nationwide and encourage them to push the limits of their potential,” said Jasmin Allen, senior vice president, Hennessy U.S.

“This new commitment allows us to continue that mission and reach more HBCU campuses, providing students with access to renowned art and culture.”

“Our Friend, Jean” is a curated collection of 20 plus artworks on loan from collectors who knew Jean-Michel Basquiat as friends, lovers, and collaborators. The collectors consist of Jane Diaz, Hilary Jaeger, Katie Taylor, and Lucy Sante, and also include photographer Alexis Adler, who was Basquiat’s friend and roommate, and Al Diaz, co-creator of SAMO©. Adler’s rare photographs collection shines a light on Basquiat’s personal life, and they will be sharing their remembrances and untold stories about their friendship with Basquiat throughout the week at each location. Hennessy and TMCF will also host an exclusive experience celebrating Black excellence and the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat in each tour city.

“The exhibition will highlight some of the earliest artworks created by America’s most influential artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.”

“His massive influence on pop culture and record-breaking sales continue to dominate the art world, as he remains one of the most sought-after artists in history,” Stevenson Dunn, Jr., co-owner of The Bishop Gallery. “During the immersive gallery experience, there will be live discussions with Basquiat’s close friends and people who knew him personally. These stories will hopefully help students gain insight into Jean-Michel’s early influences and creative inspirations.”

Group Black has quickly become a major player in the media space, known for creating custom opportunities and scaled distribution for Black-owned media and creators that would not otherwise be available. With this experience, Group Black is working with The Bishop Gallery to create a unique opportunity to authentically connect the students and culture at HBCU’s with the inspiring works of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

“It is essential that we amplify diverse creativity,” said Bonin Bough, co-founder and chief strategy officer.

“By partnering with The Bishop Gallery to bring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artwork to HBCU’s across the country it is our hope that it inspires the next generation of culture creators.”

To date, Hennessy has committed $14 million over 10 years to TMCF, through the Hennessy Fellows program, which has helped to increase the visibility of HBCU talent to take on leadership roles across major organizations in North America. As of 2022, more than 30 Hennessy Fellows have successfully completed the program and progressed into full-time employment. Now, Hennessy and TMCF are able to support The Bishop Gallery with Group Black in engaging and educating more HBCU students about “Our Friend, Jean” Exhibition, eliminating previous barriers to access and creating more equity in the arts community.

The tour began at Hampton University last week Friday and new tour dates will be announced throughout the fall and winter.

• Lifestyle

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 14, 2022

‘Look at How Far We’ve Come!’: Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance Celebrate 25th Anniversary

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Black Hollywood’s favorite couple, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and gave fans a peek inside how they commemorated the big day.

The Black Panther star took to Instagram on Thursday to share a video showing the lavish hillside celebration she and Vance hosted to honor their 25-year marriage.

“25 years…When we first got married, we couldn’t wait to say we made it to 10 years! Now look at how far we’ve come!,” Bassett shared in the heartfelt caption.

The seasoned film star gave a nod to the soul band Frankie Beverly & Maze in her message, honoring her milestone anniversary.

“As Frankie says, ‘Joy and pain are like sunshine and rain…Whew! He sure was right!’” she wrote.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Angela Bassett (@im.angelabassett)

“We’ve had ups, we’ve had downs; we gained two amazing children; but lost cherished family members and friends…” Bassett continued.

“We’ve had successes, we’ve had failures; we’ve had spectacular wins, we’ve had devastating losses…But through it all there’s been one, beautiful constant: We’ve always had each other!”

Bassett concluded by thanking the higher power and their loved ones for all the support over the last two and a half decades.

“Thank you God for each and everyone one of these 25 years! We can’t wait to do 25 more! 10/12/1997🔒❤️,” she wrote.

The Hollywood couple celebrated their 25th anniversary on Oct. 1 at a lush soiree that included familiar faces like Bassett’s 9-1-1 co-star and close friend, Aisha Hinds. During the event, Bassett and Vance watched a sweet tribute video of their children, Bronwyn Vance and Slater Vance, before the twins gave a heartfelt speech to their parents, ET reports.

Bassett and Vance first met at the Yale School of Drama in New Haven, Connecticut, during the 1980s. It wasn’t until they reconnected 14 years later that the romance started.

“I was single. He was single. And I had such an appreciation for him over those years—of his consistency, how he treated other people, of what a supporter he is, what a connector of people he is, how passionate he is,” Bassett told People.

Every contestant wants to hear their name called as the new Miss USA, but some of the ladies in this year’s competition felt they had no chance at winning the title, claiming the competition was fixed.

Some contestants from this year’s Miss USA pageant, held earlier this month, claim the organization did not handle the competition fairly, giving preferential treatment to winner R’Bonney Gabriel. Representing Texas, she made history as the first Filipina American to win the title this month.

However, a series of videos on TikTok, posted by former pageant contestant Jasmine Bruce, who was first runner-up in the 2021 Miss Arkansas pageant, revealed some of the contestants appeared to exit the stage after the crowning took place, as opposed to following the traditional pageant decorum of congratulating the winner as she embraced her moment.

@callmejas0

Part 2 !! #greenscreenvideo #missusa #pageant #fyp #OverwatchMe

♬ original sound – Jas

@attorney.heather

#missusa #missusa2022 #riggedreimagined

♬ original sound – Heather

“I’ve never seen all 50 contestants walk off stage or react the way that the contestants reacted in the background,” Gabriel said in an interview with NBC News. “To me, that’s very telling. These girls aren’t just upset that they didn’t win. There’s more to the story.”

Contestants who spoke with the media included Ashley Ehrhart, Miss Oklahoma 2022 and Heather Lee O’Keefe, Miss Montana 2022. Both say there was “favoritism” in this year’s pageant.

“The official coaching school of Miss USA sponsored all of the contestants but gave an extremely more generous amount to Miss Texas USA,” O’Keefe told ABC News.

The pageant was led by The Miss Brand Corp., headed by former Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart, who took over the franchise in 2020. Gabriel and Miss USA officials deny the allegations of “favoritism.”

“As the first African American woman in this leadership role I take this position with all seriousness and regard, Stewart said.

“I would [not do] anything, such as ‘rig a competition’ that I fought so hard [to win], and jeopardize that hope. The fairness of the pageant and the well being of each and every contestant is my top priority. The allegations against the Miss USA Organization are misleading and against everything I stand for personally and professionally.”

According to a statement provided to NBC News, the organization has suspended Stewart’s leadership and a third-party investigation is being conducted.

Stewart said the investigation will provide clarity and assurance that a fair competition took place.

Samira Mohammed Ibn Moro has become the first-ever recipient of the St Antony’s DAC Scholarship.

The award was instituted by the Governing Board of Oxford University in October 2021. It provides undergraduate students in countries that receive Development Assistance, as identified by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), support toward achieving their academic potential.

Born in Bolgatanga, in the Upper East region of Ghana, Ibn Moro started her education in the town and continued her studies in journalism at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) where she graduated in April 2022 with First-Class Honours.

We are delighted to welcome Samira Mohammed Ibn Moro, our first-ever DAC Scholarship recipient to St Antony's.
Find out why Samira chose to study for an MSc in African Studies and what the scholarship means to her⬇️https://t.co/OAMCdnM2SL#oxforduniversity @AfricaOxfordUni pic.twitter.com/Vc4RRfn9uZ

— St Antony's College, University of Oxford (@StAntsCollege) September 26, 2022

According to GIJ, Ibn Moro will be pursuing a master of science in African Studies, to further her understanding of the African continent. In addition, she will approach other important cultural issues in Africa, including providing a holistic pragmatic solution to gender inequalities.

“Earning a master’s degree in African Studies from Oxford University will broaden my scope in understanding the intricacies of African politics, history, general geopolitics, and the processes involved in negotiating collective actions for global responses to existing or emerging challenges in Africa,” she said.

“The DAC scholarship is the foundational dais that holds my dreams, it is the most important and brightest light at the beginning of my Oxford journey, it is my testimony.”

“Being the first-ever recipient is incredibly overwhelming and inspiring at the same time. I am grateful to the sponsors of the scholarship and St Antony’s College for such a life-altering opportunity.”

Face2Face Africa reports that Ibn Moro is an advocate for women’s rights and a development enthusiast who believes the media is a strong tool for change. She shares with the outlet that studying journalism and communications was an important sync to her long-term plan.

• Black Men Xcel

by Derek Major

October 14, 2022

Moving the Needle: CEOs Discuss Black Men Raising the Bar, Pushing Forward at Black Men Xcel Summit

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BLACK ENTERPRISE Senior Vice President Alfred Edmond Jr., sat down with a diverse group of extraordinary Black men at the 2022 Black Men Xcel Summit for a powerful conversation on how Black men have raised the bar for themselves.

The chat, sponsored by Prudential, included Prudential Financial Planner Delvyn Joyce; founder of the Marcus Graham Project Lincoln Stephens, and Values Partnerships Managing Director Nicholas Wiggins.

The men started the conversation discussing the lessons and wins for Black men coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rise in focusing on mental health. Stephens talked about how important it is for Black men to talk about things they used to keep to themselves.

“We’re winning because there is a certain amount of courage, particularly if that’s not the orientation of your mind to be open and expressive and vulnerable,” Stephens said. “So I think we’re winning in that.” 

Wiggins agreed with Stephens, adding the pandemic helped break down the stigma of therapy.

“I started therapy post-pandemic, but I’m happy to be in therapy, I didn’t realize how much of a need that was for that and that’s because as Black men,” Wiggings told the panel. “Whether directly or indirectly, we have dealt with trauma most of our lives and it didn’t take the incidents in June 2020 to remind us of the trauma that we’ve faced day in and day out, but it gave us a little more drive to focus on our well-being and our mental health and that’s an important step that’s allowing us to win.”

The men also discussed how in addition to mental health Black men are taking their financial outlook and money more seriously, opening savings accounts, joining  401K plans, and investing.

“More than ever people are taking their financial wellness so much more seriously than previously and part of it is the pain of 2008 and 2009,” Joyce said. “Prior to the pandemic, many people could not imagine a scenario where they could be out of work for six months or a year because they forgot that pain, and one of the big wins that I’ve seen is people taking their finances so much more seriously.”

The men also touched on other topics, including what Black men can do moving forward and how Black men should help each other in business and personally instead of talking about it.

“I think a lot of times we get into rooms and part of the solution is, ‘Yeah we have to partner you know we have to do a deal together,’ but then we don’t,” Stephens said.

“Ego gets in the way or something else but we need to be thinking collective impact strategy and be really intentional about what that looks like,” he added. For example, that could businesses about to do a deal finding “a backbone organization that can help with structure and work together to maximize what you both can get out of a thing.”

Family drama has entered the life of a former NBA player as his sister has taken to social media to disrespect him for making a move that she does not like.

According to The Shadow League, current NBA basketball analyst and former NBA player Jalen Rose is embroiled in what appears to be a family feud with his sister.

Rose’s sister, Tamara Rose has taken to social media to blast him for his plan to sell the home he bought for his mother who died less than two years ago. She currently lives there and states she had been taking care of their mother when she was alive.

Tamara took to her Instagram account and posted a now-deleted message to tell the world that Jalen was selling the home she lives in. The video Tamara posted was reposted by Gossip of the City (gossipofthecitytea) shows her chastising her brother in front of another woman. She speaks into the camera as she refers to her brother as an idiot as he is seen walking in the home with the woman as Tamara continues to call him out about wanting to sell the home.

Their mother, Jeanne Rose, died after a bout with cancer in February 2021.

 

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A post shared by GOSSIP OF THE CITY (@gossipofthecitytea)

“My MOTHER passed 20 Months ago! I am still grieving her loss!!! How dare you bring ANYBODY in here to go in My Mother’s room!!”

“This man is acting as if I do not exist and I do not live here! It will be 4 years in March. He has always said, I don’t know what it is about Detroit ni$$as, I’ve been all over the world but it summin about Detroit ni$$s they think somebody supposed to take care of them!!! I’m not just sum ni$$a off the street! I’m you SISTER, grew up in the same house with you, took care of you, raised you! You would do this to me! You let these white people see you treat your Sister this way with no conscious, heart or soul! The way I’ve been bullied, threatened, taunted, harassed, disregarded and disrespected us totally.”

Jalen Rose hasn’t commented publicly about the situation between him and his sister.

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 14, 2022

Las Vegas Raiders’ Davante Adams Charged With Assault After Shoving Photographer

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The actions at the end of a recent game have led to an assault charge against an NFL player.

According to NFL.com, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams, after shoving a photographer to the ground earlier this week after losing a football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, has been charged with a city ordinance violation. News of the violation was announced several days after the brief confrontation at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The incident was captured on video.

Adams is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 1:30 p.m. CT.

The photographer filed a report with the NFL.

Meet Sabrina Lamb, the Founder and CEO of Wekeza, a Black-owned and Black woman-led trading and investing mobile app.

Wekeza means “invest” in Swahili.Together with Wekeza’s experienced team of Wall Street experts, Sabrina is determined to close the widening wealth gap in the Black community by democratizing access to trading and investor education – with zero trading fees. Members can purchase fractional, and whole shares of U.S. publicly traded companies.

Sabrina comments, “We are excited that with Wekeza, everyone can own fractional or whole shares of any company we support as consumers. Let’s become consumers and educated investors! And receive guidance from licensed, experienced financial advisors.”

A former stand-up comedian, Sabrina is the best-selling author of the NAACP Image Awards nominated Do I Look Like An ATM? A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Educated African-American Children (Outstanding Literary Work- Instructional). She knows that financial insecurity is no joke in the Black community. She says, “It is no laughing matter to ignore the power of saving and investing, which are opportunities to earn returns over time. Parents can also create Wekeza custodial accounts for their children.”

Despite some fluctuation, the widening racial and ethnic wealth gaps have remained unchanged for half a century. Typical white families have about ten times the wealth of average Black families.

Sabrina says that her 17-year-old non-profit WorldofMoney helped to inspire the creation of Wekeza. WorldofMoney is the leading provider of immersive online and classroom financial and entrepreneurial education for ages 7 – 21 in the United States, Senegal, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

Sabrina shares, “Leveraging decades of WorldofMoney’s financial education experience empowering over 7,000 youth with 120 hours of holistic financial education, we created Wekeza so adults also can receive investor education, create financial security, and build generational wealth for themselves and their families. Imagine the day when we no longer experience financial roller coasters in our lives!”

The Team

The Wekeza team possesses over 20 years of Wall Street, financial education, technology, legal, and marketing experience. Stellar members include Mickey Factz, the legendary MC, hip-hop recording artist, producer, and entrepreneur. Rory Sparrow formerly played in the National Basketball Association with the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks, and the Miami Heat and was honored by Sports Illustrated as co-Sportsman of the Year.

Sabrina, the founder and CEO, has co-hosted radio programs on three popular New York City radio stations. She was a radio correspondent during three Democratic National Conventions and presidential inaugurations. A former actor and stand-up comedian, Sabrina performed at national comedy clubs and starred in Lifetime Television’s Girls’ Night Out and NBC’s Saturday Night Live. She is a three-time finisher of the New York City Marathon.

Sign up now for your free invitation.
Visit Wekeza.com for more details!

Also, follow the brand on Instagram and Twitter.

Ths story has been re-published from Blacknews.com. If you have questions, please refer to that site. 

• Black Men Xcel

by Derek Major

October 14, 2022

A Seat at the Table: Black Executives Discuss Landing On Corporate Boards at Black Men Xcel Summit

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Three Black corporate executives sat down for a lunchtime conversation on how Black men and women can get on corporate boards at the Black Men Xcel Summit.

The chat featured Citizens Bancshares Corporation Chairman Ray Robinson, FedEx Senior Vice President Shannon Brown and Thompson Hospitality Corporation Chairman Warren M. Thompson. The chat was hosted by Black Enterprise Editor-in-Chief Derek Dingle.

Robinson, who serves on numerous corporate boards, including American Airlines, the Georgia Aquarium and Progressive Finance, started the panel by discussing why corporate boards are important and why Black Men and women should be represented on them.

“I think it’s obvious to me why it’s important that we seek out opportunities to be on corporate boards Because we basically are the ones that keep America in business,” Robinson told the panel. “We’re active consumers and the way you ensure that you get a piece of the pie is and that your community is being served well is you have to have a voice in the boardroom where decisions are being made and so I firmly believe that the idea of being on a corporate board gives you a voice at the table and a voice that really matters.

“Why do I think it’s important for African-Americans to be there, because we represent a very large part of the consumer base for just about every company in the world.”

According to Harvard, there were 449 new board members appointed in Fortune 500 companies in 2022 Black people accounted for six percent of corporate board seats.

Thompson added that when it comes to equity pledges corporations made in 2020 the role the board should play is ensuring the company acts on its pledges.

“When pledges and Commitments are made, it goes back to the accountability aspect of it,” Brown, who has been with FedEx for more than four decades, told the panel. ”The board should hold the CEO accountable to execute and deliver on those promises so absolutely, the board has a role in that.”

Thompson also talked about DEI pledges and strategies saying that if companies just hire people, their strategy will fail. Instead, it has to be a coordinated effort, which can’t be done overnight.

“DEI is a strategy just like any other strategy, You can’t just go out and say I want to hire two of these and three of these and say okay I have a DEI program, as Ray just stated that’s not sustainable,” Brown added.

“A good DEI strategy and organization understand how people come into an organization, who’s being groomed, who’s being developed, who’s being given the responsibilities so people can see them and what they do and that takes time, so it has to be a strategy.”

The men also touched on how Black men and women can start their path to corporate boards.

”The first boards I joined gave me access to CEOs for major corporations so that was the first step to getting into that club, if you will. Things have changed from 25 years ago, now there are agencies out there that really work for the boards and screen and do a lot of recruiting.” 

Thompson added on of the most prominent one of the most prominent recruiters is The Ferguson Group out of Chicago which has established an African-American advisory board to find qualified African-Americans for corporate boards.

According to Thompson, there are another 10 boards like the  Ferguson group that do the same.

Thompson added one of the most prominent recruiters is the Ferguson group out of Chicago which has established an African-American advisory board to find qualified African Americans for corporate boards. 

According to Thompson, there are more boards like this focused on getting more Black people on corporate boards.

“I would suggest getting to know people through university associations and nonprofit associations but also going through the agencies and getting your resume in their data bank

• Business

by Stacy Jackson

October 14, 2022

Black-owned Businesses Take the Hardest Financial Hit, Causing Closures Years After the Pandemic

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During the height of the pandemic, many companies encountered major setbacks in their business endeavors. However, Black business owners reportedly experienced a higher impact on their earnings causing them to undergo major financial loss, according to a recent study.

According to Chicago Business, Robert Fairlie, an economics professor at the University of California at Santa Cruz, shared statistics in a report distributed by the National Bureau of Economic Research. The provided statistics show that Black-owned businesses saw earnings decrease by 28% in 2020 as opposed to the 15% drop White-owned businesses encountered and a 17% overall decline.

“The disproportionate business earnings losses among business owners of color in the pandemic contributed to widening broader economic inequality setting back one of the long-term goals of fostering minority business development,” Fairlie wrote in the report.

Minority-owned businesses were also majorly impacted by the pandemic in areas including leisure, hospitality, and trade.

“Business owners make up 10% of the workforce and are a significant engine in job creation. Minority business owners tend to hire diverse workers, which in turn narrows economic inequality gaps,” Fairlie wrote. “Losses to business earnings may be especially damaging for job creation and economic stability in low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods,” he included.

According to Business Insider, a new 2022 report from Meta shows that small Black-owned businesses were experiencing record-low sales following the pandemic. The report surveyed 5,324 small-business leaders in the US, and more than 24,000 globally, and found that businesses run by underrepresented founders were 14% more likely to report lower sales than others. In addition, 51% of Black-owned businesses were experiencing record-low sales compared to January 2021, versus 36% of all US businesses.

“Black-owned businesses have faced additional hardships, such as reducing employment, as a result of the pandemic,” Nicola Mendelsohn, the vice president of Meta’s global business group told Insider. “They’ve also cited cash-flow issues and a lack of demand as reasons behind lower sales.”