Apple Macbook Air And Microsoft Office Bundle For Under $500
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Warner Music Group Accepting Applications for its HBCU Immersion Program
Fresh off its pioneering HBCU immersion program with Culture Creators. Warner Music Group is accepting applications for the 2022-2023 program.
In April, the inaugural WMG HBCU Immersion Program featured 32 students selected from over 150 applicants, The Source reported. In January 2023, applications will be accepted into an interactive six-week program that prepares HBCU students for a career in the music industry.
Applicants must be a college junior, senior, or graduate student currently enrolled in an approved HBCU who has a strong interest in music. During the six weeks, students must commit to three hours every week.
“As a proud HBCU alum, I am thrilled about the creation of WMG’s HBCU Immersion Program,” said Dr. Maurice Stinnett, WMG, global head of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“HBCUs are full of talent, brilliance, and creativity—everything we need in the next generation of leaders in the music industry. I’m so proud to offer this training opportunity in partnership with Culture Creators, which I know will further strengthen the leadership, skills and innovation of these amazing students,” Stinnett added.
Through the Culture Creators curriculum, the program aims to provide the knowledge necessary to create a pipeline of diverse and talented music professionals. Students will receive comprehensive learning in five cutting-edge modules: artists and repertoire, marketing, data science, business development, and administration and licensing. In addition, students will gain guidance on career development as well as learn the ins and outs of the music business from WMG leaders and more.
Along the way, students will participate in weekly live virtual sessions, interactive learning activities and guest speaker panels.
After the program is successfully completed, each student can apply what they learned in the WMG’s Summer Emerging Talent Associate Program.
“The key to creating an equitable environment for students of color to learn, grow, and rise in the music business relies on executives and companies’ willingness to give them access and support,” says Joi Brown, founder of Culture Creators and head of strategic partnerships at ICM Partners.
She continued: “The WMG Immersion program provided access, leadership, education, and mentorship, not to mention opportunity to intern across all business units. We’re proud to have been co-conspirators in the program and looking forward to our next cohort of students to run through the program.”
Prompted by Buffalo Shooting, NY Attorney General’s Office to Investigate Amazon’s Twitch, Discord, 4chan
New York Attorney General Letitia James will investigate four social media platforms in connection to Payton Gendron‘s racially motivated shooting at a Buffalo supermarket—which he live streamed—that left 10 dead and three injured, CNBC reported.
In addition to Amazon’s Twitch, James’ office will also probe 4chan, 8chan and Discord. Investigators will look into the online resources the gunman “used to discuss and amplify his intentions and acts to carry out this attack.”
“Time and time again, we have seen the real-world devastation that is borne of these dangerous and hateful platforms,” James said in a statement.
“We are doing everything in our power to shine a spotlight on this alarming behavior and take action to ensure it never happens again.”
Gendron live streamed the mass shooting on Twitch on Saturday. Twenty-two people viewed the live stream before it was removed, The Washington Postreported.
On Thursday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed the investigation while noting the “responsibility” social media platforms should take in incidents of this nature.
“I’ve issued a referral to @NewYorkStateAG to investigate social media platforms that broadcasted the horrific attack in Buffalo and legitimized replacement theory,” Hochul tweeted.
“Social media platforms must take responsibility and be held accountable for favoring engagement over public safety.”
I've issued a referral to @NewYorkStateAG to investigate social media platforms that broadcasted the horrific attack in Buffalo and legitimized replacement theory.
Social media platforms must take responsibility and be held accountable for favoring engagement over public safety.
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) May 18, 2022
Gendron is believed to have released a 180-page manifesto detailing the mass shooting where he credited racist memes and discussions found on 4chan with influencing him, NPR reported. The manifesto was posted on Discord by a user with the name Payton Gendron.
While the initial focus will be on only four social platforms, James warned that more tech platforms could be added to the investigation.
“The fact that an individual can post detailed plans to commit such an act of hate without consequence, and then stream it for the world to see is bone-chilling and unfathomable,” James said.
“As we continue to mourn and honor the lives that were stolen, we are taking serious action to investigate these companies for their roles in this attack,” she added.
Steve Pamon, Ex-President of Parkwood Entertainment, Joins Mielle Organics’ Advisory Board
The Black-owned haircare brand Mielle Organics has added a business heavyweight to its advisory board— Steve Pamon.
The company announced Wednesday that the former president and COO of Beyoncé‘s Parkwood Entertainment has been appointed to not only provide business mentorship but to serve as a “strategic thought partner” for the entire business.
Co-founders Monique Rodriguez and Melvin Rodriguez are focused on collaborating with seasoned businessmen and businesswomen as they nourish one of the fastest growing Black-owned and women-led global beauty brands.
“Melvin and I are looking to surround ourselves with the right people that understand the dynamics of scaling businesses while still positively impacting our communities—individuals who can push us to be better and do better, ultimately bringing out the best in Melvin and I as leaders,” said Monique Rodriguez.
Since its inception in 2014, Mielle Organics has seen significant growth including product expansion as well as an increase in distribution and investments within the community. The founders also recently revealed they are expanding warehouse capacity, investing in infrastructure, and improving efficiencies.
BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported the brand securing a multimillion-dollar investment from Berkshire Partners. The Series A investment of more than $100 million from the private equity firm is anticipated to be allocated for “its mission to educate, empower, and excite Mielle’s customers and the broader haircare community,” as per a company statement.
“The business fundamentals and rapid growth of Mielle Organics was very attractive, but it was the company, its leadership, [and] continued commitment to the broader community that drove my interest to help in any way possible,” Pamon said.
Pamon is currently the president of Verzuz, the lifestyle and entertainment division of Triller. With his insights, Mielle Organics can absorb insights about global business, including marketing, programming, production, acquisitions, and partnerships.
Additionally, Pamon’s track record as a global entertainment leader includes the success of the Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show, Beyoncé’s Lemonade visual album, The Formation World Tour, AEG’s Coachella Festival Performance, Netflix’s Homecoming documentary, and the On the Run II world tour.
Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation Awards $1 Million in Scholarships to 100 Graduating HBCU Students
Hip-hop artist and entrepreneur Travis Scott is again helping students complete their college education.
Earlier this week, Scott’s non-profit Cactus Jack Foundation announced it had awarded $1 million in scholarships to 100 students attending the 38 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) this year.
“Waymon Webster was a dean of the Prairie View Agricultural and Mechanical graduate school. My grandfather wanted me to take it all the way through college. I feel there is a power in education so to be able to give someone the opportunity to fulfill that dream as my papa thought for me is amazing,” Scott said in a written statement.
For the second straight year, the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund, named after Scott’s grandfather for his dedication toward Black academic excellence, has granted 100 $10,000 scholarships to seniors at HBCUs.
The Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund supplies financial support to students and families toward their final tuition fees. The funds are to assist as many students as possible by helping them graduate and receive their college diplomas.
Students who want to apply for the scholarship must be a graduating senior with an average grade point average of 3.5 or higher. They may also be experiencing financial challenges in their final semester of college
The news came after Scott performed at the Billboard Music Awards this past weekend following reports that hehad just booked his first headlining gig since last year’s Astroworld tragedy that led to the deaths of 10 people and injured hundreds more.
The Texas rapper will headline Primavera Sound‘s upcoming festival in São Paulo, Brazi. According to Rolling Stone, the festival is scheduled for Nov. 6,, one day after the first anniversary of the Astroworld tragedy.
Primavera Sound São Paulo representatives refused to comment beyond Scott’s appearance.
Other artists performing at the two-day festival include JPEGMAFIA, Arctic Monkeys, and Lorde.
After Will Smith was banned from attending the Academy Awards for slappingChris Rock, it’s only right to have the comedian return as next year’s host.
On Tuesday, President of Entertainment at ABC Craig Erwich teased his openness to having Rock host the 95th Academy Awards set to take place on March 12, 2023, Deadline reported. Despite the famed comedian getting physically assaulted during the live telecast, Erwich said this year’s show was—no pun intended—a hit.
“My assessment of the Oscars was that it was really a successful year for the show,” Erwich said.
“Obviously there was a lot of controversy, which overshadowed a lot of the positive things about the show, but I was really happy with the program.”
“Even before that very unfortunate moment, the show started off up year over year, and we came back in a big way,’ erwich added.
Wanda Sykes hosted the 2022 awards along with Regina Hall and Amy Schumer. Sykes has since spoken out about how she’s still affected by the Oscar slap and bashed Smith for his behavior.
“I’m still traumatized,” Sykes said during a live event at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, according to People.
“I can’t talk about it. I get emotional. I couldn’t believe he was still sitting there, like an assh***…Shouldn’t you be sitting there with a lawyer or LAPD, motherf*****?”
“I hope he gets his s— together. Until then, f— him,” she quipped.
Smith returned to the stage shortly after slapping Rock to accept his Oscar for King Richard. He has since apologized to the Academy and has accepted his 10-year ban. However, it’s not known if he has reached out to Rock to personally apologize.
Rock has made little jokes and references to the slap during his standup shows but said he isn’t talking until he gets “paid.”
University of Maryland Honors Bowie State Student Killed in Racist Act on Campus
The University of Maryland (UMD) has honored Lieutenant Richard Collins III, the soon-to-graduate Bowie State University student who was killed in an act of racism by a white man in 2017.
UMD dedicated a plaque and plaza at a ceremony earlier this week for the Lt. Richard Collins III Plaza. Hundreds of university members attended along with social justice activists, community leaders, government officials, and family and friends of Collins.
The memorial also helped advance important discussions on social justice and equity for all.
“Our campus has a tradition of honoring civil rights heroes: Benjamin Banneker. Frederick Douglass. Harriett Tubman. Parren J. Mitchell.,” said University of Maryland President Darryll J. Pines in a written statement.
“Today, along with the spaces, statues, halls, and programs that bear their names, we are adding a new name that will spark the inspiration needed to fight for social justice: Lt. Richard W. Collins III. This is a name—a legacy that will mean something to every person who sets foot on our campus.”
Coming up on 5 years since Army 1st Lt Richard Collins III — days away from graduating from Bowie State Univ — was killed at this bus stop on campus of University of Maryland. The white man who killed him has been convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison. pic.twitter.com/05KWtnUTzd
First Lt. Richard Collins, a Black man, was stabbed by a white man, who has been sentenced to life in prison. At the groundbreaking in March, University Pres Pines said the school will continue to honor Collins, “as we pursue an anti-racist, inclusive culture.” pic.twitter.com/gZNDfLrUx2
“His young life exemplified all that [was] good and hopeful in a world that too often dismisses the sanctity of human life itself,” Richard Collins said.
“It is my desire that we all take with us the spirit of adding daily to the stock of our moral courage.”
Dawn Collins directed her comment to her deceased son:
“I promised you that I would ensure that the world will know your name. This is only the beginning.”
Serena Williams Opens Up About Close Friend’s Cancer Diagnosis
Serena Williams acknowledged her friend’s cancer diagnosis in a recent Instagram post.
Sports Illustrated recently profiled physical therapist, Esther Lee, who has treated Serena and her sister, Venus, as well as a professional snowboarder, Shaun White over the years. After not feeling well for some time, she found out in 2020 that she had Stage IV pancreatic cancer.
The article discusses her battle with the disease and that she is now in a reverse role. Instead of taking care of others, she is being taken care of.
“@estalee11 has been by my side for many years, and it was an honor to do the same for her after the devastation of her pancreatic cancer diagnoses,” Williams wrote in an Instagram post.
“This @sportsillustrated story gives you a glimpse into the wildly fearless and brave road to recovery, and the many people she has inspired along the way. I couldn’t be more grateful to call her my friend.”
Lee responded: “I am humbled by all the unexpected love returned to me. @shaunwhite and @serenawilliams thank you for switching roles with me to be my caretakers in my time of need. 💜
Thank you @sportsillustrated for allowing me to share my story to encourage and inspire during life’s moments of darkness, discomfort and fear. 💜 ”
Williams told Sports Illustrated that when she was hospitalized for blood clots and a pulmonary embolism after her ankle surge,. Lee slept in a chair beside Williams’ hospital bed.
“She never left my side,” the tennis legend said.
“And I never asked for that. That meant a lot to me…She is such a caretaker. And beyond anything that I’ve ever seen, beyond anything you could write in a job description.”
Williams also said Lee is “a wonderful, wonderful therapist. So good at what she was doing, and always taking different courses and learning more and more and more, and just wanted to make sure that she was the best she could be.”
No Limit Records CEO Master P And Rap Snacks CEO James Lindsay Discuss Driving Entrepreneurship With No Limits
The BLACK ENTERPRISEEntrepreneurs Summit, sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, began with a conversation between No Limit Records Chief Executive Office Percy “Master P” Miller and Rap Snacks Chief Executive Officer James Lindsay.
The conversation, moderated by BLACK ENTERPRISE Chief Executive Officer Earl “Butch” Graves Jr.,, began with him asking the two businessmen how they got their start and what made them want to be entrepreneurs. Lindsay told the audience he had an example to follow in George Johnson Sr., owner and founder of the Johnson Products Company.
“My first job was at a place called Johnson Products, one of the oldest Black companies in Chicago,” Lindsay said.
“I was fortunate enough to see another Black man being very successful, and I was able to sit close to Mr. Johnson and notice that we don’t produce enough products. Our communities are over-extracted and we’re buying everyone else’s product but our own, so I saw another Black man that had a product that was successful and it taught me the vision of, ‘Hey I can do that, I can be that guy.”‘
Master P, who used a $10,000 inheritance from his grandfather to purchase a record store at 19, said he quickly realized that working hard brought its own rewards.
“My journey wasn’t just No Limit blew up and became this successful company,” Master P told the audience.
“I failed so many times at business trying to figure it out, but [at] 19 it was hard for me to open a business in a place I knew nothing about,” he said. “I kept going, I didn’t give up, and I kept educating myself, and that was the thing that opened the doors for me. Everybody wants money, but I was seeking knowledge and information.”
The record producer and executive told fellow Black entrepreneurs to know their worth, using the story of the first record deal he was offered by Jimmy Iovine and explaining why he turned it down.
“You also have to know your worth no matter what you do. Knowing your worth is going to take you where you want to go in life,” Master P said.
“When Jimmy Iovine offered me $1million in the 90s, that was supposed to change my life, but looking at and reading that contract it said I was selling all my rights off and I couldn’t use my name anymore,” he explained. “That was just for a million dollars and I was already selling my records on the street independently. Turning down that money was probably the best thing I ever did. It pushed me to go back to the ghetto, work harder, and sell more—and that’s how I was able to build my empire.”
Lindsay, who has been running Rap Snacks for more than two decades, told entrepreneurs that when they come up with an idea, act on it, don’t sit around and wait.
“When you have an idea, the first thing you have to do is act on that idea,” Lindsay said.
“Once you act on it and you have some success, it grows confidence and now you have confidence but you’re seeking more information, and in the Black community today misinformation and lack of information are what’s creating barriers to being successful. So once we overcome that,, we’ll be there.”
Both men also talked about the failures they’ve experienced throughout their careers. Master P, who went from owning a record store to opening for some of the biggest artists, talked about trying to create a name in rap music at a time when all the top artists came from the East and West coasts.
“I got introduced as Mr. P., the country singer, and I had one guy jumping up to my music. And when I got that one fan, I said, ‘I’m going to turn that one fan into millions and through my failures, I was able to do that.'”
Lindsay, who said he looks at failure as an opportunity said his failure was the inability to see just how far Rap Snacks would go.
“When we talk about the brand today and selling it in Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, my brain didn’t fathom that it could be that successful,” he admitted.
Both men added that those failures is what they learned the most from. They pushed the audience to learn from their failures and others as well.
“Don’t be afraid to learn from other people and celebrate other people because that’s the only way we are going to grow,” Master P said. “If we’re going to be leaders and bosses we have to be workers first. We have to be great students to be great teachers and so, this is only the beginning.”
Black Tenants Getting Hit Particularly Hard by Rising Rents, Making Affordability More Difficult
On the income front, Black men earn 87 cents and Black women bring in 63 cents to every dollar a white man makes, national data show. The statistics are powerful as they show paying for rent will perhaps become more difficult for Black tenants to afford.
Moreover. the rent-to-income ratio nearly doubled from 9 percent to 17 percent in that period. With rent increasing about four times faster than income since 1985, the study surmises that Americans are “forced to move to cheaper, subpar units” or spend much more of what they make on rent.
The study found insufficient affordable housing fuels the shocking rate hikes. It reported home values rose 17 percent in 2021, pricing many would-be homeowners out of the market and boosting the demand for rental units. Yet it expanded with vacancy rates declining 5.6 percent last year—the lowest since 1984—as “landlords have the power to mark up prices for a limited number of available units.”
Simultaneously, wages are not matching rising rent prices, and 58 percent of renters are now living paycheck to paycheck. The study maintains if rent prices jumped identical to income since 2000, the median rent in 2020 would be $586 monthly compared to $894.
The findings do not offer an encouraging scenario for Black renters.
“With so much competition, Black renters and people of color typically have to submit more applications than white renters,” says Jamie Seale, the study’s author. She explained application fees can add up if they have to apply to multiple properties.
Seale pointed out when they get an apartment, Black renters and people of color are asked to pay security deposits more often than white renters, and the deposits they pay are typically higher.
In terms of tips, renters could ask their landlord if there are discounts for long-term leases. Seale says it costs landlords money to move tenants in and out, so they might be willing to offer a lower monthly rate if renters agree to stay for a longer period.
She adds that renters should take advantage of any referral bonuses for recommending the apartment to friends or family who end up signing a lease.
If possible, look for apartments in the winter, when demand is low and vacancy rates are higher.
“Landlords lose money each month they’re not collecting rent, so they may be more willing to offer tenants a deal.”
The study too disclosed that the rent-to-income ratio is 89 percent higher for millennials than it was for baby boomers at the same age in 1985.
Check out more details including rent prices across U.S. cities here.
