WorkBnB CEO Finds Solutions To Provide Companies With Long-Term Rental Homes For Employee Travel
by Stacy Jackson

October 6, 2022

WorkBnB CEO Finds Solutions To Provide Companies With Long-Term Rental Homes For Employee Travel

Vacation rental companies have been a leading outlet for providing short-term stays for guests, but a new approach is addressing long-term accommodations.

WorkBnB, a Black-led travel startup based in Reno, Nevada, is on a mission to accelerate the proliferation of workforce rental homes to improve the lives of millions who travel for work in the United States.

The app, run by Yeves Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Daj’Anique Staples, President, is a participant of Techstars, an accelerator program in Tulsa. 

“Construction workers, journeymen, linemen, in most cases they don’t book where they stay. They get their travel assignments from the company. So, if the company can’t find housing, they will put them in a motel or hotel for months,” Perez told The Black Wall Street Times.

According to the outlet, the app helps companies find long-term rental homes for their employees, differing from other apps like AirBnB which only offer short-term rentals. 

“They’re not even trying. And they’re not treating their hosts very well. That’s why we’re having so much success. We want this to be a Black-led venture, and we want to own this space,” Perez said.

The wellbeing and satisfaction of workers is the top focus for Perez. 

“Imagine being an office administrator or travel manager for a big construction firm, and you’re trying to look for 30 employees. You have to do one search at a time, one booking at a time,” the tech entrepreneur said.

In 2021, Perez created a Facebook group to gather data, in an attempt to discover hosts who were willing to do long-term rentals. He shared the difficulty he experienced receiving support from the Reno tech community since the company was not blockchain based. 

After being turned down for an accelerator program he applied for in Reno, Perez received an encouraging phone call from an interested French International news travel platform. 

“As a tech entrepreneur, you’re not building in a closet by yourself, assuming what people want,” Perez said.

Reportedly, Perez relocated the company from Las Vegas to Tulsa, Oklahoma, the home of the original Black Wall Street. The WorkBnB community has grown to around 600 participants across 39 states.

SUV Carrying V.P. Kamala Harris Crashed Monday; Secret Service Initially Blames Mechanical Failure
by Derek Major

October 6, 2022

SUV Carrying V.P. Kamala Harris Crashed Monday; Secret Service Initially Blames Mechanical Failure

An SUV carrying Vice President Kamala Harris was involved in a one-car crash on a closed road in Washington, D.C. Monday, which the Secret Service initially blamed on mechanical failure.

According to The Washington Post, the Secret Service agent driving Harris struck the curb of a tunnel hard enough to blow out the front tire, temporarily halting Harris around 10:30 a.m. The incident has raised questions about how such an incident could happen and the agency’s history of concealing its mistakes.

Harris was not injured in the crash and was quickly moved to another car in her motorcade.

The Post adds that the Secret Service left out key details regarding the incident when alerting senior leadership to Harris’ delay. The agency’s protective intelligence division initially reported that a mechanical failure in the lead car forced agents to transfer Harris to another vehicle.

By late Monday, Secret Service Director Kim Cheatle was informed that the alert did not convey what happened. According to Secret Service Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi, the driver of the SUV overcorrected when steering.

“During a protective movement Monday, a vehicle in a motorcade had a minor overcorrection and struck a curb,” Gugliemi said, according to The Post. “The protectee was transferred to a secondary vehicle, and the motorcade continued to its destination. There were no injuries to anyone.”

Video of the aftermath of the crash was taken by a bystander from a building overlooking the tunnel and was posted on Twitter.

The Secret Service has a history of covering up its mistakes and misconduct. In 2011, the agency misled the public and the family of President Barack Obama about a shooting that took place at the White House.
Three years later, the Secret Service gave inaccurate information concerning a mentally troubled veteran who jumped the White House fence. The agency reported the man was not armed and was stopped at the White House entrance. However, it was later determined the man got deep into the White House.
Earn Your Leisure Partners With Steve Harvey To Assemble All-Star Financial Lineup for Invest Fest London
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 6, 2022

Earn Your Leisure Partners With Steve Harvey To Assemble All-Star Financial Lineup for Invest Fest London

Following a successful return to live programming with more than 14,000 attendees at a sold out Invest Fest in Atlanta, Earn Your Leisure announces (EYL) its bringing it to London Oct. 30-31, 2022.

This historic event will close out the United Kingdom’s Black History Month at storied landmark, the Royal Albert Hall. The first festival of its kind, Invest Fest was founded by Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, Matthew Garland, and Michael MacDonald with a mission to revolutionize the way Black and Brown people secure wealth through a series of dynamic and inspiring conversations facilitated by financial empowerment educators and influencers.

Ending the UK’s Black History Month with Invest Fest London is important to the founders of Earn Your Leisure, as it celebrates and further educates future leaders of commerce and finance on the most impactful wealth building methods of today. People from African, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history and its great financial power. However, they are statistically the least educated when it comes to acquiring wealth. This festival will work to help close that gap.

“I feel that Black History is world history. To have Invest Fest close out Black History Month at the iconic Royal Albert Hall is not only a very symbolic and important gesture to the UK, but sends a message to the entire Diaspora,” says EYL Co-Founder, Rashad Bilal.

Both the Atlanta and London festivals were produced in partnership with entertainer, business leader and philanthropist Steve Harvey and Harvey Ventures. The London event will feature all stars Earn Your Leisure podcast hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, Terrence J, 19 Keys, Wall Street Trapper, Ian Dunlap, Patricia Bright and Matthew Garland, and more to be announced. Invest Fest London will include topics that will educate Black and Brown people on investing in stocks, cryptocurrency, and real estate, along with advice on how to market your business, maximize federal funding programs, and wealth-building. Additionally, attendees will gain greater understanding of estate planning, taxes, and the importance of securing adequate life and property/business insurance. Sponsorship will be provided by exclusive nightlife venue Tape London.

EYL Co-Founder Troy Millings said, “What we are embarking on is a financial revolution. The mission is to provide tangible and digestible financial information to the overlooked, underserved, and underrepresented on a global scale.”

Invest Fest will also include live podcast stages with interviews from well-known entrepreneurs and celebrities, as well as live performances from popular musicians. Tickets and more information on Invest Fest are available online at InvestFest.com.

Runaway Love: En Vogue Member Marries Her Longtime Beau and Best Friend
by Stacy Jackson

October 6, 2022

Runaway Love: En Vogue Member Marries Her Longtime Beau and Best Friend

Wedding bells were ringing in September for this singer and her best friend. 

En Vogue member, Rhona Bennett, married her longtime friend, Shantiel Simon, in a private wedding on September 9, at Chateu Elan Winery and Resort. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rhona Bennett (@officialmissrnb)

According to Essence, the newlyweds met in their freshman music class after Rhona extended some encouragement to Shantiel, leaving an admirable impression on the then-freshman student. They became friends shortly after, but didn’t move any further into a deeper connection until five years ago. 

The spark reportedly happened during a spiritual journey they were on together, while they both experienced roles as integration coaches. 

“He decided to shoot his shot, if you will, and I was running,” Rhona tells the outlet. “But I didn’t run too far because next thing you know, I’m like, ‘Dude, I think I’m in love. What’s going on?!’”

As of April 2021, the couple’s dating status became official and Shantiel asked for Rhonda’s hand in marriage by September. 

“He popped the question really fast. He knew exactly what he wanted,” she says.

The couple exchanged their vows in front of loved ones who were in attendance to witness the matrimony. 

“I think I got lucky in marrying my friend, so it’s an adventure,” she adds. “It’s like, we get to explore this aspect of ourselves, something we never even thought would happen between us.”

En Vogue group mates, Cindy Herron and Terry Ellis were also in attendance, occupying special roles as bridesmaids. 

“We’ve known each other now for almost two decades and so they’re very close to me,” she says about her En Vogue besties.

“We have so many collective goals together so we’re looking forward to seeing how and when those are going to manifest,” Rhona shares.

Jada Pinkett Smith
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 6, 2022

Dey Street Books To Publish Memoir From Jada Pinkett Smith

Dey Street Books, an imprint of the William Morrow Group at HarperCollins Publishers, announced today that they will publish a memoir by actress, entrepreneur, singer, philanthropist, and talk-show host, Jada Pinkett Smith.

VP and Editorial Director Carrie Thornton brokered the deal with Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Thornton will partner with sister imprint 4th Estate in the UK. The book will be released Fall 2023.

In her honest and gripping memoir, as yet untitled, the iconic actress and host of the innovative talk-show Red Table Talk, Jada Pinkett Smith, chronicles lessons learned in the course of a difficult but riveting journey—a rollercoaster ride from the depths of suicidal depression to the heights of personal rediscovery and the celebration of authentic feminine power.

With no holds barred, Jada reveals her unconventional upbringing in Baltimore—from the child of two addicts to a promising theatre student and a violent interlude as a petty drug-dealer—followed by a parallel rise to stardom alongside her close friend 2Pac, then falling in love with and marrying Will Smith, and a joyous embrace of motherhood. In crisis at age forty, Jada recounts the excruciating choices she was forced to make to redefine her life in every way.

At the heart of this powerful book are two unexpected love stories, one being Jada’s complicated marriage to Will Smith, the other being the one with herself.

Thornton says, “The world has imposed many labels and narratives on Jada Pinkett Smith.”

“This is down to the realities of our media landscape, but also the roles thrust upon women by culture. At the center of all the speculation and false stories is a woman who, like so many women, has had to reconcile her personhood with the needs of those she loves. This memoir is Jada giving the world her truth, taking readers on a journey from lost girl to woman warrior. It is my great honor to take that journey with her.”

Meet the Black ESPN Executives Working to Achieve Diversity For the Next Generation
by Atiya Jordan

October 6, 2022

Meet the Black ESPN Executives Working to Achieve Diversity For the Next Generation

Black Men are excelling across the globe. And two Black executives at ESPN are  on the frontlines, advancing diversity in the sports media world.

In recent years, ESPN has seen an increase in Black representation behind the camera, but not in executive roles.

However, David Roberts, the network’s Head of NBA and Studio Production, and Antoine Lewis, Vice President of Production, both have a seat at the table and an iron-clad commitment to improving diversity and changing the landscape of industry hiring practices.

“Throughout my career, achieving those principles of real diversity has always been paramount. What’s intentional is making sure that the ability to influence the impact of diversity remains a top priority for me as we move forward, throughout the industry,” Roberts told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“I am also a door that knows the struggles and knows what it took to get to this point and I can help others. My role now is to come in every day and set a tone and a pace so they know that Black executives are competent,” Lewis explained.

Among their ambitious efforts, the pair are both gearing up for the highly anticipated HBCU Week at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. ESPN’s popular daytime debate show, First Take – with Stephen A. Smith and host Molly Qerim – will broadcast live from the network’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday, October 7 during the event’s college fair. 

David Roberts Gets Results

Roberts, who rose through ESPN’s ranks over nearly two decades, now oversees the network’s NBA and WNBA production, including event and studio. A man of many content responsibilities, he also leads production for First Take, the 6 p.m. ET edition of SportsCenter, Get Up, and more.

His journey began in 2004 as a coordinating producer who went on to produce Emmy-award-winning work for the Daily Studio Show category in 2021. From senior coordinator to vice president of production, Roberts credits his ladder-climbing success to his ability to drive and deliver results.

“The biggest lesson I learned as I moved from those entry-level positions to the current position I have now was simple: we’re in the results business. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what your race is,” Roberts explained to BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“You have to deliver results,” he added.

A Cablefax Diversity honoree, Roberts was an integral part of a leadership team that brought First Take live to HBCU Week in 2019, with the goal to increase HBCU enrollment and scholarships.

“The First Take show in Orlando will be the next and latest example in showing how ESPN is committed to showcasing how HBCUs have made this country a better place to live and also help educate people regarding the many contributions of HBCU students and the fact they will continue to make a legacy worthy impact for generations to come,” Roberts said.

 Antoine Lewis is at the Center of Excellence

Named vice president of production in March 2021, Lewis has been instrumental in First Take‘s immense growth in monthly and annual viewership since 2013. He’s also led the daily talk show Jalen & Jacoby, featuring Jalen Rose and David Jacoby, since November 2020.

The award-winning news producer joined ESPN in 2003 as a coordinating producer with years of diverse journalism experience. The awards followed, as he excelled in his role in the network’s SportsCenter, which garnered back-to-back Sports Emmys for Outstanding Studio Show.

“When you come in at an entry-level, you’re learning, you’re doing, you’re honing your skills and your craft,” Lewis told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “When you get into an executive level, you are charged with helping others be the best they can be.” 

“The biggest thing that I’ve learned is, bring others along. Teach them. Guide them. But also give them the latitude and room so that they can create and figure out their own corporate acumen,” he added.

Lewis has also led the efforts around First Take’s increasing number of on-site shows surrounding events, including HBCU Week.

“There are many people with talent, but sometimes you just need the help or you need the finances so that you can cultivate what you have innately,” Lewis said. “The things that stick out to me the most about HBCU Week and the thing we never want to lose sight of is that we are helping people change their lives through education.” 

NAACP Leader Killed in Deadly Ambush While Vacationing in Turks and Caicos
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2022

NAACP Leader Killed in Deadly Ambush While Vacationing in Turks and Caicos

An American who was vacationing in the Turks and Caicos islands was killed when the vehicle he was traveling in was ambushed.

According to Fox 5 DC, a Virginia man named Kent Carter was gunned down this past weekend when men, suspected gang members carrying automatic weapons attacked a vehicle he was riding in. Carter, who is an NAACP leader in Arlington, was an innocent bystander in the attack.

The police commissioner in Turks and Caicos, Trevor Botting said that the van that Carter was a passenger in was attacked by gunmen and a staff member of Carter’s was injured in the ambush.

Botting said, “These criminals began to indiscriminately shoot into the vehicle.”

The Daily Beast reported that the police commissioner also said another person who lived there was also killed in the ambush.

“As a result of this attack, two persons were murdered, one from the local business and another being a tourist from the United States.”

Police officials stated that officers engaged in a shootout with the suspected gunmen and believe one of them was killed during that shootout. There were also five other people reported as injured in the shootout, including a police officer and another American.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of those who were murdered,” Botting said.

The police commissioner also mentioned that this was an indiscriminate shooting that is linked to the drug supply. The attack may have been sparked by revenge amid turf wars, and retribution.

The Facebook account of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force showed photographs of the police vehicle that was involved in the shooting.

The Arlington, Virginia branch of the NAACP released a statement via its social media accounts:

“Notification of Loss -NAACP Arlington Branch mourns the tragic and unexpected loss of our 1st Vice President, Kent Carter, who passed away Sunday, October 2, 2022, while vacationing abroad.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. May God grant them strength during this time of sorrow.”

President of the NAACP Arlington Branch, Julius D. “JD” Spain also gave a statement to Fox 5 DC.

“Mr. Carter was not only a friend but a true champion of civil rights and social justice,” Spain told Fox 5’s Melanie Alnwick. Spain stated he has known Carter and his family for over a decade and referred to him as “a gentleman with a gentle heart.”

young boy, masculinity, harmful ideals, social media, content, common sense media
by Eric Moody

October 6, 2022

Streaming Service Partners With Charlotte Lab Schools to Provide Youth Early Start in Podcasting Space

There is a new tech platform that is aiming to help youth get an early start in the creative space of podcasting.

Disctopia is a podcast hosting and streaming service that’s on a mission to help curated artists, podcasters, film directors, and content creators who seek creative freedom with simple merchandising integration.

Independent creators can make a steady income through the platform’s subscription-based service model, collecting 100% of their revenue generated.

The service recently announced its new partnership with Charlotte Lab Schools in North Carolina to help provide students an opportunity to learn the skills necessary in these skilled areas.

Charlotte Lab Schools serves about 850 students in grades K-9 with the goal to grow to 1,000 up to 12th grade.

The tuition-free public charter school aims to prepare students with STEAM education skills for careers of the future.

Students will have access to mobile studios and kits with instructions that will instruct them on how to operate and jumpstart their podcasts.

Teachers will also have access to the mobile podcast studio through the Charlotte Lab Schools library or media center.

The goal is for teachers and students to discuss topics that will help them develop and push their interests forward.

As of now, Charlotte Lab Schools are some of the first in the region to have access to a Podcast Education System solution.

Disctopia plans to unveil this educational podcast technology with more schools in the upcoming months.

Disctopia CEO and founder Patrick Hill issued a statement saying, “Podcasting has an important role to play in the future of education. Through this partnership and many more, we hope to unlock the potential of many classrooms by opening a creative space for teachers and learners to share and discover new ideas. We believe this will help teachers push through the challenges of a modern classroom.”

Match Group’s Blk Teams Up With Rappers Trina and Saucy Santana for New Voting Anthem
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 6, 2022

Match Group’s Blk Teams Up With Rappers Trina and Saucy Santana for New Voting Anthem

BLK, the largest dating app for Black singles, is bringing the heat this Fall with a spicy collaboration between legendary rapper Trina and rising rap superstar, Saucy Santana.

BLK, who recently released an in-app Election Center, has teamed up with the Florida icons to create an audacious new voting anthem, No Voting No Vucking, to command a new generation of voters to shift the culture and make their voices heard. The new single and video was released during National Voter Education Week on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.

Young people are the next generation of voters and represent a major voting bloc in this country. And while Gen-Z turnout increased in 2020, BLK wants to ensure youth continue this momentum by bringing even more young people into the voting process. Just in time for the 2022 Midterm Elections, No Voting No Vucking aims to motivate young Black citizens to vote, by calling out that exercising your basic civic duty of voting is the biggest turn-on of all.

“I’m honored to use my platform to empower young people because not voting is definitely a red flag in a relationship. Period,” said Saucy Santana.

“Now, more than ever, we have to use our voices to stand up for what we believe in. Voting is sexy. Being informed is sexy.”

The explosive new single opens with Santana’s infectious Southern drawl proclaiming “No Voting, No Vucking.” Having recently commanded the internet to “walk,” the self-proclaimed material girl opens the track with the line, “He got mad jokes, he don’t seem broke, the only red flag — he say he don’t vote.” His swagger is contagious as he maneuvers through the beat with his memorable signature hooks, before hip-hop icon Trina hops on the track to command attention with the fierce feminine energy she’s been serving for over 20 years. Trina’s clever political puns are bold, yet empowering. With lines like “Don’t stop now, stuff my ballot box again, brought my homegirl through, we’ll put the bi in partisan,” Trina flexes her signature sex appeal and confidence that is sure to get Black singles to the actual ballot box.

The new single comes fresh on the heels of BLK’s announcement of their in-app Election Center, a digital hub designed to shift the culture of voting and politics in the Black community, amplify the voices of Black voters, and drive Black voter registrations. The dating app recently conducted a survey of its users and found that while 80% of users are registered to vote, more than half of registered voters do not know the date of the 2022 midterm election.

“We couldn’t be more excited to announce this collaboration with two of the most trailblazing figures in hip-hop and culture,” said Jonathan Kirkland, head of brand and marketing for BLK.

“Our users are inspired by Trina’s confidence and her powerful female-first lyrics, while Saucy Santana’s fervent and self-assured lyrics have broken barriers of inclusivity in the hip-hop community. With these two cultural icons, we hope to empower a new generation of young voters to get involved in this and future elections.”

In addition to the new voting anthem, the campaign will also incorporate in-app and other digital features to encourage young Black singles to get involved in the voting process. The dating app has created a digital hub, www.NoVotingNoVucking.com, where users can check their registration status, register to vote, and learn more about political initiatives in their communities. On the BLK app, members will have the opportunity to share a profile sticker and allow users to match with others that share the same concern over policy issues.

The campaign was created in partnership with Majority, the marketing agency that created and executed last year’s “Vax That Thang Up” campaign featuring Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and Mia X. Of the creative approach, Majority Founder and CEO Omid Farhang explains:

“Attraction boils down to how one prioritizes the physical, emotional and intellectual. To encourage more singles to vote, we’re formally adding civic duty to that priority list.”

For more information, or to watch/stream the new “No Voting, No Vucking” video, visit www.NoVotingNoVucking.com.

About BLK

A subsidiary of Match Group, BLK was introduced in August 2017 and is currently the leading dating and lifestyle app for Black singles. To help users find love at its core, with over 8 million downloads to date, BLK has built a community and space where Black love can happen every day in all its forms and expressions. BLK’s mission is simple: bring Black people together to spark meaningful connections.

Vogue Releases Statement Supporting Its Black Fashion Editor-at-Large That Kanye West Bullied
by Kia Morgan Smith

October 6, 2022

Vogue Releases Statement Supporting Its Black Fashion Editor-at-Large That Kanye West Bullied

Kanye West pulled a stunt that stirred controversy about his mental health and his malignant alignment with extremists with the public proclamation of “White Lives Matter” embedded on a tee shirt at Paris Fashion Week.

Many celebs and supporters of Black Lives Matter, which West mocked, were repulsed by the attention-seeking attempt that caused Jaden Smith to walk out of Ye’s YZY Season 9 presentation in protest.

Vogue’s global contributing fashion editor-at-large, a Black woman, named Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, outright called him out.

Karefa-Johnson said it was “indefensible behavior” in light of today’s turbulent racial climate in America, post-Trump presidency. She added that it was a “Duchampian” provocation in his attempt to elevate the narrative, which many concluded was a failed attempt.

“It didn’t land, and it was deeply offensive, violent and dangerous,” Karefa-Johnson contends.

And a New York Times review of the show said, “there is no excuse” for the shirt.

British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful even chimed in, calling the shirt “insensitive, given the state of the world.”

In response, West, a Black man, went after Karefa-Johnson, a Black woman, with a nasty and unnecessary retort attacking her looks.

West posted a photo of the fashion editor wearing brown boots, a striped knit skirt, a yellow graphic T-shirt, and a corduroy trench coat. In an accompanying caption, Ye wrote, “This is not a fashion person. You speak on Ye Ima speak on you Ask Trevor Noah.”

As with his usual antics, he deleted the post later that day.

But that was enough for the fashion magazine to release a statement via social media backing Karefa-Johnson after Ye’s disparaging commentary.

“Vogue stands with Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, our global fashion editor at large and longtime contributor. She was personally targeted and bullied. It is unacceptable. Now more than ever, voices like hers are needed and in a private meeting with Ye today she once again spoke her truth in a way she felt best, on her terms.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Vogue (@voguemagazine)

In response, Ye took to Instagram to let everyone know he met with Karefa-Johnson. Although the attack was seen by many as more than chipped beef, West said that he hashed out whatever “beef” they had and that he and the fashion editor mutually apologized.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ye (@kanyewest)

The original controversy came when Ye and conservative commentator Candace Owens wore “WHITE LIVES MATTER” shirts to Paris Fashion Week, and Karefa-Johnson critiqued Ye’s YZY Season 9 presentation as “offensive.”

Ye is famously known for posting something outrageous on his Instagram account and deleting it. The rapper made a post on Tuesday stating, “EVERYONE KNOWS BLACK LIVES MATTER WAS A SCAM. NOW ITS OVER. YOU’RE WELCOME.” Per usual, Ye deleted the post first shown on his Instagram Live, but various media outlets had already taken a screenshot.

Karefa-Johnson also thanked her followers on her Instagram account following the dust-up.

Karefa-Johnson Instagram post

 

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