• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 2, 2022

Ben & Jerry’s Joins New Hiring Program for At-Risk Youth to Prevent Incarceration

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Ben & Jerry’s today announced its participation in Unlock Potential, a ground breaking, intentional employment program for young people who are at greatest risk of incarceration. Through Unlock Potential, employers aim to use hiring to advance racial equity, recruit the next generation of corporate leaders, and help disrupt the poverty-to-prison pipeline.

“The importance of second-chance employment efforts cannot be overstated. But hiring individuals when they’re released from prison isn’t enough–we have to be taking steps to stop them ending up there in the first place,” said Matthew McCarthy, chief executive officer of Ben & Jerry’s.

“Data show that meaningful employment opportunities are one of the most impactful ways to prevent future incarceration. Unlock Potential will create those first chances.”

Supported by Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity, the Unlock Potential program aims to tackle the profound racial inequality and economic immobility generated by justice-system contact, according to a press release. For example, first-time incarceration can decrease lifetime earnings by more than 30 percent. These obstacles are also disproportionately felt by BIPOC communities. Black Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of whites, and studies have shown the effect of a criminal record on employment to be 40 percent more damaging for Black men than white men. By preventing incarceration before it starts, Unlock Potential can mitigate the resulting economic exclusion and help break intergenerational cycles of poverty.

Unlock Potential will also help businesses meet the unprecedented workforce shortage, their growing need to invest in future leadership, and their commitments to creating a fairer and more equitable society.

“Unlock Potential is a critical component in the advancement of our Racial Equity work,” said Allie Reid, Ben & Jerry’s senior retail Racial Equity and Inclusion manager.

“Creating meaningful career opportunities for Black and Brown at-risk youth supports skill development and economic mobility in the communities we serve and exist in.”

Unlock Potential will focus on the 4.4 million Americans identified as “disconnected youth”: individuals aged 16 to 24 who are neither in education nor employment. These young adults are far more likely than their peers to suffer negative outcomes like poverty and incarceration. Unlock Potential will focus on a subset who have experienced one or more of the following additional risk factors for incarceration: an incarcerated parent, sex or human trafficking, the juvenile justice system, or the foster care system. By opening up economic opportunities for these individuals, participating employers can help address the root causes of mass incarceration.

Following the design consultation phase expected to wrap up in October, Unlock Potential will launch a 12-month pilot program. Assisted by the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice–cofounders of Unlock Potential–a handful of Ben & Jerry’s franchised Scoop Shops will be matched with prospective hires to provide careers with real opportunity for advancement. Participants will also be connected with local wraparound support services through national non-profit Persevere to help ensure their success.

To learn more about the program, visit www.unlock-potential.org.

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 2, 2022

NeNe Leakes Reportedly Sued by Boyfriend’s Ex-Wife for Allegedly Sleeping With Her Husband

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Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes is in a hotbed of trouble for allegedly sleeping with a married man.

According to documents obtained by TMZ, Malomine Tehmeh-Sioh is the wife of Nene’s boyfriend, business mogul Nyonisela Sioh, who Malomine claims she was still happily married to when Leakes and Nyonisela started a relationship.

Malomine claims she was humiliated when Leakes posted pics online, flaunting her relationship with her husband.

Malomine says because of the whirlwind love affair between Leakes and her husband, she claims she suffered emotional distress, mental anguish, and a loss of affection.

And being in North Carolina, by law Malomine can sue a spouse’s extramarital partner for alienation of affection. While NC is one of 7 states that allow for this most states do not.

Malomine is looking for at least a $100K payout.

This isn’t good for Leakes who herself is looking for a payout from Bravo who she’s suing.

Last month, reality TV star NeNe Leakes, who is no stranger to controversy, sued the production companies and the network behind the reality TV show, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Page six reports.

In the paperwork filed, Leakes stated the network enabled and tolerated a hostile and racist work environment.

Leakes filed the lawsuit in a federal court in Atlanta. She said she complained to television executives about years of racist comments from her fellow castmate, Kim Zolciak-Biermann, who is white. No action was taken against Zolciak-Biermann, yet Leakes claims she suffered the consequences.

The defendants named in the lawsuit are NBCUniversal, Bravo, production companies True Entertainment and Truly Original, executives from the companies, and Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen.

In a written statement from her attorney, David deRubertis, he stated,

“From the day the series began filming, NeNe was the target of systemic racism from co-star Kim Zolciak-Biermann, which was tolerated by Bravo executive producer Andy Cohen and other executives.”

Hip-hop artist Lil Uzi Vert has come to the defense of white rapper Jack Harlow.

TMZ caught up with Lil Uzi outside of Catch in West Hollywood over the weekend as the rapper hopped onto the tour bus to speak to the fans. The bus’s tour director asks Lil Uzi if Harlow deserves all the hate he gets because he is a successful white rapper.

As Lil Uzi is taking pictures with his fans, he responds by saying, “No, he’s really good. Yeah, he’s really good. He doesn’t have white privilege. He’s signed to Black people.”

Complex has reported that Harlow is signed to the Generation Now label, founded and owned by DJ Drama and Don Cannon. Harlow is riding high on his recently released second studio album, Come Home The Kids Miss You, released earlier this month, with a hit record, First Class. The first week’s sales of 113,000 units positioned him in third place on the Billboard charts.

Recently, the white rapper was embroiled in a little “tiff” with R&B royalty Brandy when he discovered while appearing on New York’s Hot 97 that she is reality TV star Ray J’s sister.

A Twitter post by Brandy Legion reveals the moment when Harlow found out about this widely-known piece of hip-hop knowledge.

.@jackharlow finds out Brandy and Ray J are siblings during interview to HO7 97 pic.twitter.com/dIFcbLOaP1

— Brandy Legion (@BrandyLegion) May 11, 2022

The R&B singer caught wind of the interview.

I will murk this dude in rap at 43 on his own beats and then sing is ass to sleep. ♠️

— b r a n d y (@4everBrandy) May 17, 2022

See, I can have a little fun too♥️ hehe…all love♥️♥️♥️

— b r a n d y (@4everBrandy) May 17, 2022

Brandy kept her word and dropped a rap rhyming over Harlow’s hit single, First Class.

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 2, 2022

‘National Battle of the Bands: A Salute to the Battle’ Documentary Film Re-airs in June for Black Music Month

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The “National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB): A Salute to the Battle” documentary film re-airs in over 44 markets throughout June in honor of Black Music Month.

Presented by Pepsi Zero Sugar, the film brings the action, energy, and pageantry of the ‘Battle’ performance to viewers, in an up-close and personal perspective, right into the comfort of their homes where they can experience the action with their friends and family.

“Our film creates another avenue for HBCU marching bands to be seen, heard, and experienced by the masses,” says Derek Webber, Executive Producer & CEO of Webber Marketing, according to a release.

“Any time we have an opportunity to elevate their visibility – whether through television and in-person events – we will do so in a major way to honor the insurmountable influence and impact of HBCU marching bands on the world.

“NBOTB: Salute to HBCU Marching Bands” captures the essence and showcases the spirit of the HBCU band battle, highlighting both the field and stand performances, and features Bethune Cookman University, Marching Wildcats; Langston University, “Marching Pride” Band; North Carolina A&T State University, The Blue and Gold Marching Machine; Norfolk State University, The Spartan “Legion” Marching Band; Southern University, Human Jukebox; Jackson State University, The Sonic Boom of the South; Talladega College, Great Tornado Band, and Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands.

The film originally premiered in February for Black History Month as an instrument to shine an intimate light onto the global influence and impact of HBCU marching bands while giving viewers a behind-the-scenes peek into the work, dedication, and passion that goes into creating the performances fans have grown to love and anticipate during football halftimes, homecoming parades and the coveted ‘battle of the bands’ showdowns.

For a full list of dates, times, and stations to watch “NBOTB: Salute to HBCU Marching Bands visit  www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/salute.

To purchase tickets to the 2022 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands presented by Toyota on Saturday,  August 27 at 6PM CST  in Houston, TX at NRG Stadium visit www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/tickets and stay updated on social media at @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).

About National Battle of the Bands
The event’s mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their marching bands, the roles they play in educating aspiring musicians and developing our future leaders. Event organizers have generated more than $700,000 in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities. www.nationalbattleofthebands.com

About Webber Marketing and Consulting
Webber Marketing & Consulting (WMC), LLC is based in Charlotte, North Carolina and is the largest marketing agency of record for HBCUs specializing in strategic outreach program development, on-site event execution, experiential marketing and media. WMC provides their clients with focused programs that deliver measurable results, improve market position and build for future successes. www.webbermarketing.net

Last year, in solidarity with Breonna Taylor’s family, artist and curator Lady Pheønix developed Breonna’s Garden, a revolutionary framework for veneration through augmented reality (AR). What began as a single powerful concept has blossomed like the garden itself, offering opportunities for honoring and healing entire communities using exponentially-merging technology.

The development of the project began after Lady Pheønix learned that Ju’Niyah Palmer, (Breonna’s younger sister) was receiving death threats while publicly grieving her sister’s murder on Instagram. After speaking with Ju’Niyah, it was apparent that she not only needed a safe space to process her grief; but so did entire online communities that supported Breonna.

The Garden has not just evolved from a healing tool for Ju’Niyah and her family into a healing tool for the nation, it has grown immensely to encompass AR, VR, and physical mediums, touching the hearts of communities across the country, according to a release.

Now, following successes at Tribeca Film Festival, the Perez Art Museum Miami, the Augmented World Expo where Breonna’s Garden won Best Societal Impact Award, as a PGA finalist, and nominee for both an Aurea Top 50 award in immersive entertainment and Unity Award for Best Social Impact, and most recently SXSW, the sanctuary where her name can be said without negation is coming to Breonna’s hometown of Louisville.

Not only does this homecoming of sorts mean that members of Breonna’s own community will be able to experience the AR Garden and the newer VR and volumetric content that transports audiences to a very special place where they’re surrounded by the heart and mind of Breonna’s loved ones, it also represents the next evolution of the space for veneration. WEGIVE.FLOWERS is the next iteration of the Breonna’s Garden Virtual Reality Experience, made possible by partnership with the Roots 101 African American Museum.

In partnering with the Roots 101 African American Museum, this experience is both able to reach a new audience and be rightfully enmeshed in cultural history. Offering a space for community-members to come for an entire month and join the garden, but also making the weekend that would have been Breonna’s 29th birthday an incredibly special time for compassion and community.

The WEGIVE.FLOWERS Breewayy Brunch and Day Party, taking place on Breonna’s birthday, is a unique opportunity for communal memory, sitting at the intersection of celebration and grief. Rather than emphasizing mourning, the all-day event brings optimism, allowing us to look forward to the incredible work and community support online spaces and technological advancements have allowed us to achieve. With food, beverages, surrounding floral arrangements, photo opportunities, music, and Breonna Taylor’s family and loved ones present, this becomes a space for unapologetic joy and vulnerability.

Now, more than ever, collective reconciliation feels paramount to the evolution of the human story. Breonna’s Garden is an artistic model of transformative justice. The Garden seeks to align Breonna with her purpose instead of her pain. This event continues that mission, reminding each and every person who is touched by the experience that there is hope in moving forward and the opportunity to fill our world with more authentic vulnerability.

Legendary Australian artist Sutu led the project as its art and technical director, volumetric capture was provided by Metastage and Microsoft, audio by Ecco VR, Brenda Chen supported as the technical artist, Sound design was provided by composer Jake Steele, Character Design by Candie Quach, Rigging and Animation by JC Leon, Content Moderation by XR Safety Initiative, with additional support provided by Unity. Breonna’s Garden invites those who would like to experience the original AR version ahead of the event to download the app here. Now is the perfect time to say her name, louder.

Breonna’s Garden XR Exhibition 
Opening
June 4, 2022 | 4pm – 9pm
Exhibition Dates
June 4, 2022 – July 3rd, 2022
Roots 101 African American Museum 
124 N 1st St, Louisville, KY 40202

WEGIVE.FLOWERS Breewayy Brunch Garden Party 
June 5th, 2022
12pm-4pm
1205 E. Washington St Louisville, Kentucky 40206

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 2, 2022

New Details Emerge In the Untimely Death of Master P’s Daughter, Police Suspect Fatal Overdose

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This past week music mogul Master P announced the heartbreaking loss of his 29-year-old daughter Tytyana Miller, shocking social media.

Now authorities are working to determine how the Growing Up Hip-Hop star actually died. According to TMZ, drug paraphernalia was found at the scene which suggests Tytyana may have died from an overdose.

However, the outlet reports no substances were found so if something was in Tatyana’s system it will take a toxicology report to reveal what has happened. According to sources from the LAPD, an autopsy has been completed and it will take a few weeks to get the toxicology results.

Depending on what the results determine, law enforcement officials told TMZ they are ready to find who supplied drugs if drugs are determined to be a factor in the cause of death.

Earlier this year when actor Michael K. Williams died of a fentanyl overdose, authorities went after his dealer Irvin “Green Eyes” Cartagena and arrested and charged him with Williams’ death for selling fentanyl-based heroin.

Tytyana’s Untimely Death

As we previously reported, on Sunday night, music and business mogul Master P announced the untimely death of his daughter Tytyana Miller, 29, in a heart-wrenching Instagram post.

“Our family is dealing with an overwhelming grief for the loss of my daughter Tytyana,” Master P wrote in the post. “We respectfully request some privacy so that our family can grieve. We appreciate all of the prayers love and support. Mental illness & substance abuse is a real issue that we can’t be afraid to talk about. With God, we will get through this. #MyAngel.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Master P (@masterp)

Master P’s son, Romeo, shared a sentimental statement of his own about his sister.

“Our family is dealing with an overwhelming grief for the loss of my little sister Tytana,” Romeo wrote. “We respectfully request some privacy so that our family can grieve. We appreciate all of the prayers, love, and support, and although this is sad times, I’m forever grateful for the memories I did have with my amazing sister. Love on your loved ones, life is short.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Romeo Miller (@romeomiller)

He continued, “The silver lining, I know she’s in a way better place and finally at peace. God Bless.”

The family did not disclose an official cause of death but shared that she battled mental health and substance abuse issues which was outlined on Growing Up Hip-Hop.

Master P recently attended BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Entrepreneurs Summit where he talked candidly about business and his success with BE CEO Earl ‘Butch’ Graves.

Our deepest condolences go out to the Miller family.

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 2, 2022

Omari Hardwick Says His $150K Pay Per Power Episode Wasn’t Enough, He Still Borrowed Money From 50 Cent

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Actor, Omari Hardwick, discussed his salary in a recent interview. The actor revealed he had to borrow money from Power’s co-executive producer, 50 Cent.

According to Complex, Hardwick appeared on The Pivot Podcast to discuss his time on Power. He shared what he earned while filming the Starz hit series. Hardwick even said, not only did he borrow money from 50 Cent, but he repaid him with interest.

Hardwick acted for years before landing the lead role in Power. However, he felt he never made the money he deserved. The veteran actor acknowledged he is now at a point where he makes the type of money he should’ve been paid before.

“I still haven’t made what I should have made. I still never made the money—no, the money, I never made what I should have made. Never,” Harwick stated.

“Period. It’s happening now, finally.” He jokingly said he only made “five dollars” from the movies he appeared in before playing hustler, James St. Patrick, in Power.

Hardwick admitted that 50 Cent loaned him money after the first and second seasons.

“He gave me $20,000 and the next summer he gave me $23,000,” he said.

Hardwick believes 50 Cent did it partly because he “adores” his wife Jennifer “Jae” Hardwick and their children.

“He might like them more than me. It was absolutely given in a way of, like, you know take care of the family, bro, use that.”

While discussing his time on Power, he publicly disclosed how much he earned per episode for the first time. Although it wasn’t what he expected, it was more than what he’d received before.

“How much do you think I made a week? An episode?” he asked the hosts. They guessed around $150,000 per episode. Hardwick replied, “You got it right, yeah. First time I’ve ever disclosed it.”

One of the positive things to emerge over the past two years has been the ability for nearly anyone with a computer or internet access to carve out their niche and create side hustles. Some of these projects have been as simple as selling a few unwanted things, while in some cases others have been able to establish large enough income streams to justify leaving their full-time jobs.

There is no shortage of platforms out there for such opportunities, but Amazon has a marketplace like none other when it comes to reach and accessibility.

If you’ve considered launching your online store or if you already have one but want to boost its profile, look no further than The 2022 Premium Amazon FBA Dropshipping Bundle. For a limited time, you can purchase it for $34.99. That’s a savings of 97% from its MSRP ($1,400).

Seven courses are included in this bundle. Individually, each costs $200. After the completion of these courses, users will be equipped with all the information needed to grow and promote their business on Amazon.

The Amazon FBA Course: How to Sell on Amazon with Tight Budget course explains the topics and tactics of selling on Amazon. Everything from Amazon’s A9 algorithm to launch strategies to Amazon PPC ads is covered in depth over 51 hours.

With the Email Marketing Mastery course, users will learn how to use email marketing campaigns to generate revenue. Learn not only how to build effective campaigns but how to make sure your emails go to the right people.

For those looking to capitalize on products already listed on Amazon, the Amazon Product Research Challenge will show how to do just that. Over the span of 15 hours, users will earn how to check for product seasonality, they’ll gain a professional understanding of the Amazon FBA Business model, and they’ll learn the best product-finding strategy on AmazeOwl, among other useful tools.

Other courses include Amazon FBA Course: How to Sell on Amazon with Tight Budget, Amazon FBA Mastery Course Series Sourcing Alibaba for Amazon, and Amazon PPC Advertising, among others.

There’s never been a better time to use Amazon and the internet to your advantage. Purchase this bundle today to unlock the secrets of successful Amazon sellers.

Prices subject to change.

• News

by Derek Major

June 1, 2022

Buffalo Supermarket Shooter Payton Gendron Indicted on Terrorism, Murder Charges

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Payton Gendron, the White man accused of killing ten Black people in a Buffalo supermarket last month, was charged Wednesday with domestic terrorism and 10 counts of first-degree murder.

The Associated Press reports Gendron, who has been in custody since the shooting on May 14, is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in the Erie County Court in Buffalo. The 18-year-old has also been hit with charges of attempted murder for a hate crime and weapons possession.

The domestic terrorism charge accuses Gendron of killing “because of the perceived race/color” of his victims and is punishable with a life sentence without parole.

The victims in the shooting ranged from 32 to 86 and included eight shoppers, the store security guard, and a church deacon who was driving to and from the store with groceries.

Attorney John Elmore, who is representing the families of victims Katherine Massey, 72, and Andre Mackniel, 53, told the AP he is hoping for a conviction on every charge. Mackniel was in the store buying a birthday cake for his son while Massey was a community activist who supported gun control and fought against racism.

“This man was motivated by hate against people he never met for no reason other than the color of their skin,” Elmore said.

Federal authorities are also investigating whether to add federal hate crime charges against Gendron who had an online diary where he detailed his plan, racist motivations, and allegedly spent months planning the attack.

According to The Washington Post, Gendron spent months keeping his plans from his family. He purchased guns and ammo by buying and selling silver coins and hid the guns in his bedroom. He also added in the diary that he felt his parents were beginning to suspect something was going on with him. Both of Gendron’s parents are civil engineers for the State of New York.