United Justice Coalition to Host Social Justice Summit Aimed at Combating Injustice, Unifying Communities
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 13, 2022

United Justice Coalition to Host Social Justice Summit Aimed at Combating Injustice, Unifying Communities

The United Justice Coalition (UJC) announced that it will host a first-of-its-kind, social justice summit at Center415 in New York City on July 23 that will convene the country’s leading activists, entertainers, attorneys, entrepreneurs, professors, experts, media personalities, organizations and more together to discuss combating social and racial injustice.

The UJC is a think-tank of experts from different industries that informally came together in 2019 to share resources, information, ideas and support in an attempt to align on strategic ways to address systemic injustice across America. Over the years, they have worked together behind-the-scenes to amplify critical issues, develop and advance bipartisan legislation, regulations and policies and leverage support for on-the-ground organizations across the country.

Now, they are joining forces to launch this inaugural summit to bring increased awareness and analysis to critical topics such as criminal justice reform, mental wellness, public safety, etc.

UJC’s founding advisory board members include Team ROC (the philanthropic division of Roc Nation), Charlamagne tha God, Attorney Ben Crump, Dream Corps Founder Van Jones, Until Freedom Co-Founder Tamika Mallory, Michael Eric Dyson, Marcia Dyson, Gayle King, Attorney Angela Rye, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners Robert F. Smith, Until Freedom Co-Founder Mysonne, The Ladies of Hope Ministries Founder and CEO Topeka K. Sam, Attorney S. Lee Merritt, NFL Players Association Assistant Executive Director of External Affairs George Atallah, Color of Change President Rashad Robinson, ABFE CEO Susan Taylor Batten, Fair Trials Global CEO Norman Reimer, NACDL Executive Director Lisa Wayne, NACDL Director of Law Enforcement Accountability Julie Ciccolini, Deputy Mayor for Equity, Health and Human Services at City of Baltimore Faith Leach, REFORM Alliance Chief of Staff and Gathering for Justice CEO Carmen Perez, REFORM Alliance Chief Advocacy Officer Jessica Jackson, Attorney Alex Spiro, Innocence Project Co-Founder Barry Scheck, Innocence Project Director of Policy Rebecca Brown, McKinsey and Company’s Executive Shelley Stewart III, Attorney Jordan Siev, LAVA Media CEO and Founding Board Member, Innocence Project Jason Flom, Attorney Joshua Dubin, Media Executive KC Fox, Attorney Cynthia Conti-Cook, Attorney Whitney Tymas, Attorney Jonathan S. Abady and Attorney Bradley Bridge.

The coalition is also made up of family members whose loved ones were tragically shot and killed by police officers, including Danroy Henry Sr. and Angella Henry (parents of DJ Henry and founders of DJ Henry Dream Fund), Michelle Kenney (mother of Antwon Rose II and founder of Antwon Rose II Foundation), Allisa Findley (sister of Botham Jean and president of Botham Jean Foundation) and Tiffany Crutcher (sister of Terence Crutcher and executive director of Terence Crutcher Foundation).

“The United Justice Coalition started as an informal meeting of the minds, but it has quickly evolved into a more purposeful initiative to create change in our communities,” Team ROC and UJC Founding Member Dania Diaz said.

“Our goal for this summit is to spark discussion and collaboration and take a solution-oriented approach to reforming America’s antiquated policies. At the end of the day, we are all bonded by one common goal — to eradicate injustice.”

In the coming weeks, the coalition will announce guest speakers and organizations that will participate in the panel discussions, networking opportunities and keynote sessions. The UJC event will also be open to the public.

If you’re interested in learning more about the UJC and the forthcoming summit, please visit https://www.unitedjusticecoalition.com/ujc-summit.

HBCU Grad Turned Entrepreneur Launches Museum for Black Children, Global Celebration
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 13, 2022

HBCU Grad Turned Entrepreneur Launches Museum for Black Children, Global Celebration

Spelman alumna Veronica N. Chapman is a social entrepreneur and children’s book author on a mission to help make the world better for Black children. In an effort to achieve this goal, Veronica has launched Black Children’s Book Week (BCBW), a global celebration of Black children and the power of positive representation in children’s books and other media, and an accompanying Virtual Black Children’s Book Museum.

“Research shows that when Black children see themselves represented positively in their media, it fortifies their self-esteem and helps protect them from the impact of racism,” says Veronica.

“In an ideal world, Black children would get to grow up fully experiencing the joys and protections of childhood and not be dehumanized simply for having melanin-rich skin. Instead, they are often affected by and fully aware of the devastating impacts of racism, which can replace their natural childhood curiosity and zest with anxiety and fear. Black Children’s Book Week is an invitation for everyone to be intentional about making sure Black children feel our love.”

Administered by Black Baby Books, a platform founded by Chapman to make it easier to discover children’s books with Black characters, many responded to her call to action to help “raise the vibration in the world” for Black children. Authors, educators, community advocates and others organized events during the week to accomplish this goal. Celebrants included people throughout the United States as well as the United Kingdom, Nigeria, St. Lucia and Venezuela to name a few.

If you missed this year’s celebration, don’t worry, because parents, educators and all advocates for Black children are invited to celebrate Black Children’s Book Week for years to come. The Week will always serve as an extension of Black History Month, beginning on the last Sunday in February.

To learn more about Black Children’s Book Week and join the newsletter to stay informed, visit https://blackbabybooks.com/bcbw and follow Black Children’s Book Week on Instagram @BlackChildrensBookWeek.

The Virtual Black Children’s Book Museum is open 24/7, year-round. To tour the museum and learn more, visit BlackChildrensBookMuseum.org.

This article first appeared on Blacknews.com. 

Florida Judge Blocks Redistricting Map That Would Disproportionately Affect Black Voters
by Derek Major

May 13, 2022

Florida Judge Blocks Redistricting Map That Would Disproportionately Affect Black Voters

A Florida circuit court judge signaled that a new congressional map touted by Gov. Ron DeSantis is likely unconstitutional because it suppresses Black voters.

According to CNN, Judge J. Layne Smith, who DeSantis appointed to the 2nd Circuit Court of Florida, sided with Democrats and voting rights advocates’ claims that the map violates the state constitution “because it diminishes African Americans’ ability to elect the representative of their choice.”

The order could come as soon as this week, and a DeSantis spokesperson said in a statement the ruling would be appealed.

“As Judge Smith implied, these complex constitutional matters of law were always going to be decided at the appellate level. We will undoubtedly be appealing his ruling and are confident the constitutional map enacted by the Florida legislature and signed into law passes legal muster. We look forward to defending it,” spokeswoman Taryn Fenske said in a statement.

The Florida Republican-controlled legislature pushed the congressional map through the state government along party lines. The map eliminated two districts represented by Black lawmakers and would give Republicans the advantage in as many as 20 districts in the state.

The governor argued that the state’s 5th Congressional District, represented by Al Lawson, was unconstitutional because it stretched 150 miles from Tallahassee to Jacksonville. But Smith said the district has historical roots in Black communities on the Florida-Georgia border. Smith added the precedent set by the state Supreme Court and the state constitution says a reappointment plan cannot diminish the ability of minority residents “to elect representatives of their choice.”

DeSantis’ map cuts the number of districts where Black residents make up the majority of voters from four to two. Additionally, the map also shrank the percentage of Black voters in Florida’s 10th congressional district, represented by Rep. Val Demings, a Black Democrat currently running for a U.S. Senate seat.

Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers approved a map and a backup in case the first was found unconstitutional. However, DeSantis vetoed the first map and called lawmakers back into a special session to approve new congressional boundaries. DeSantis approved that map and signed it into law.

 

‘#WeAreBG’: Phoenix Suns Honor WNBA Star Brittney Griner With New Court Decal
by Atiya Jordan

May 13, 2022

‘#WeAreBG’: Phoenix Suns Honor WNBA Star Brittney Griner With New Court Decal

As WNBA superstar Brittney Griner remains detained in Russia,

According to TMZ, the team unveiled a new logo of Griner’s initials and her jersey number, 42. It is reportedly the same logo specially designed to be placed on the Phoenix Mercury’s court last week.

The Suns revealed photos and videos on social media just before their playoffs game against the Dallas Mavericks, saying, “One family. #WeAreBG.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Phoenix Suns (@suns)

“Honoring Brittney Griner on our court for the remainder of the playoffs. 💜🧡”

 

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A post shared by Phoenix Suns (@suns)

According to Indy Star, the “BG42” logos will appear on every WNBA court this season, including the Indiana Fevers.

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported that the two-time Olympic gold medalist was in Russia to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg. She was arrested at a Moscow airport for allegedly having vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage while traveling through security. The oil is deemed an illegal substance in the country.

She recently met with U.S. Embassy officials in Moscow regarding her well-being after her pre-trial detention was extended to May 19.

Since Griner’s detainment, influential sports, entertainment, and political figures have called for her release. The Biden administration even announced that Griner was being wrongfully held in Russia, signifying that  U.S. officials will now move more hastily for her release. But no further details have been reported concerning her freedom.

Last week, Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks forward and president of the WNBA players’ union, released a statement in response to Griner’s case. She echoed the Biden administration’s announcement and expressed hope that her friend and colleague would be free soon.

“It has been 75 days that our friend, teammate, sister, Brittney Griner, has been wrongfully detained in Russia. It is time for her to come home. Having learned that the U.S. government has now determined that BG is being wrongfully detained, we are hopeful that their efforts will be significant, swift, and successful.”

 

 
Jackson State University Football Coach Deion Sanders Joins List Of Those Upset About Players Making Money
by Derek Major

May 13, 2022

Jackson State University Football Coach Deion Sanders Joins List Of Those Upset About Players Making Money

Jackson State University football coach Deion Sanders has a problem with the way money earned under the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules is changing athletes’ behavior.

USA Today reports Sanders tagged the NCAA in a Twitter video explaining his position on the subject, saying the money has student-athletes acting like professional athletes

“When you start paying athletes like they’re professionals, you get athletes acting like they’re professionals,” Sanders said. “And you don’t have staffs large enough and equipped enough to handle a young man with money. Let me go deeper. Handle a young man that’s making more money than some of the coaches on staff.”

Sanders’ solution to the NIL problem is for schools to add more football staff members.

“I suggest to you to allow college teams to hire more qualified men. Qualified. That can handle these young men that’s getting this money,” the two-time Super Bowl champion added.

Last year, the NCAA began allowing student-athletes to earn money off their NIL. The move came after several lawsuits and amid states drafting legislation allowing students to earn money. At the time, the move was celebrated by student advocates.

However, several coaches, including University of Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban, have complained. Additionally, multiple players have transferred or have threatened to transfer to other schools where student-athletes are making more NIL money.

Sanders, who has convinced top talent to transfer from Power Five schools to Jackson State, added that HBCU and smaller schools could not compete with the amount of money those schools are paying their student-athletes.

“See, with the NIL, which really ain’t NIL because it ain’t no name, image, and likeness, it’s just pay-per-view right now,” Sanders added. “That’s what they’re doing at the big boys, little boys we can’t compete with that. But anyway, you’ve got a problem.”

Sanders has been coaching Jackson State’s football team since 2020, and the former Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers cornerback has brought a significant amount of press and popularity to the team and HBCU sports programs.

 

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 13, 2022

Disney+ Releases Trailer for Film About Giannis Antetokounmpo and His 3 Brothers

Rise, a film about the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions, is scheduled to be released June 24, but the official trailer is out now.

Perennial MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo is considered by many to be the best player in the league. He and his brother, Thanasis won a championship last season playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. Their brother, Kostas, was the first in the family to get a ring when he won the title playing for the Los Angeles Lakers during the pandemic-shortened season in 2020.

Youngest brother Alex is also featured in the upcoming film. Last season, he was a member of the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League.

The film will exclusively stream on Disney+ starting June 24.

The film stars actors, Dayo Okeniyi, Yetide Badaki, Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols, Ral Agada and Uche Agada. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Douglas S. Jones served as the executive producers.

Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo emigrated from Nigeria to Greece, as they struggled to provide for their five children while living under the threat of deportation. As the couple desperately tried to obtain Greek citizenship they found themselves being turned away at every opportunity.

Their sons, who started playing  basketball late, used their natural abilities and worked hard to perfect their craft. Getting help from an agent, Giannis entered the 2013 NBA Draft as a long-shot prospect and not only changed his fortune, but that of his family as well. The tall, gangly kid with an impossible to pronounce name became one of the NBA’s Top 75 players and an ambassador for a global game.

For more about Giannis Antetokunmpo’s amazing journey, check out Mirin Fader’s best-selling biography, Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA Champion. 

Puppy Love: Ciara and Russell Wilson Welcome Latest Addition to the Family
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 13, 2022

Puppy Love: Ciara and Russell Wilson Welcome Latest Addition to the Family

Former Seattle Seahawks and current Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson surprised his wife, R&B singer Ciara, with a present on Mother’s Day that left her glowing.

Welcoming a new addition to the family, Ciara posted the surprise she received from her Super Bowl-winning husband.

“Meet.. BRONCO 🐶
The kids call her Bronco Love Brownie:)
The sweetest surprise. I love you baby @DangeRussWilson
#MothersDay
❤️”

 

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A post shared by Ciara (@ciara)

While appearing as a guest host on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in March, Russell Wilson got down on one knee to repropose to his famous wife and asked for more babies.

The married couple already has three children: Future Zahir, 7, whom Ciara shares with her former boyfriend, rapper Future, daughter Sienna Princess, 4, and 19-month-old son Win Harrison.

Wilson had already presented his wife with a bouquet of roses on the talk show. He then asks the television audience, “Do you guys want me to make her more nervous?”

Then he gets down on bended knee and says, “I have a question for you. Serious question. Can we have more babies? I mean, it would be perfect. Just give me one more at least.”

We’ll see how that goes!

In the meantime, he will have to enjoy the new canine who has occupied a place in the family’s heart. The dog was named Bronco after Wilson’s current NFL team, the Denver Broncos. According to ESPN, Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2012 and was recently traded to the Broncos this offseason after waiving his no-trade clause in his contract with Seattle.

The 33-year-old quarterback won Super Bowl XLVIII and played 10 seasons with the Seahawks.

“My goal is to play 10 or 12 more years and hopefully win three, four more Super Bowls; that’s the plan,” Wilson said when being introduced as the quarterback of the Broncos. “That’s the mindset. That’s why I came here, to finish my career here and hopefully finish on top as a champion. And do it multiple times.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 13, 2022

Mother-Daughter Duo To Graduate From HBCU Grambling State University

A mother and daughter from Monroe, Louisiana, are set to share the stage at Grambling State University’s commencement ceremony to accept their respective bachelor’s degrees.

Suzzon Jiles and her daughter, Trinity Jones, will graduate together at GSU’s Class of 2022 ceremony on May 12. Jiles will receive her bachelor’s in child development and Jones will be presented with her bachelor’s in biology, the school announced.

“Grambling State has changed my life,” jiles said. “I’m now educated and soon to be degreed!”

“I have enjoyed every connection I have made here, finding friends for a lifetime and a plethora of knowledge about early childhood education,” she added. “I’m very much grateful for that.”

Jiles shared her goals of running her own childcare business after growing up in a big family.,

“I was inspired to become a child care worker/owner after being number two of 10 siblings,” she said. “I helped my mom raise my younger siblings and loved teaching them as well. So, I’ve kind of been doing it most of my life.”

Jones thanked Grambling for aiding in her transition into adulthood.

“Coming to this institution has taught me leadership skills, time management, and how to grow as a young adult,” she said. “It also has taught me how to socialize with people after joining the prestigious sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.”

Jiles recalled how challenging it was to stay on top of her studies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There were many difficulties I faced working and going to school,” she said. “It was overwhelming at times being a wife and a working mother.”

“There were long hours spent studying, not to mention that COVID hit right when I enrolled at Grambling. I never got to enjoy my college experience, and I never even got to tour the campus. But thank God I made it this far, and I will continue.”

Never Worry About Running Out Of Ideas For Content with Friday Ai Writer
by Black Enterprise Shop

May 13, 2022

Never Worry About Running Out Of Ideas For Content with Friday Ai Writer

AI writing has revolutionized marketing in many ways. It’s allowed marketing professionals and content creators to reach large audiences by providing structure and tone in their writing tailor-made for clients and target audiences. With less time spent on producing content, AI writing programs have afforded marketing professionals more time to work on other tasks vital to their company’s mission.

Friday AI Writer has excelled in its space, as many have used it with successful results. For a limited time, a premium plan is available for just $99. That’s 56% off its MSRP ($228).

With Friday AI Writer, you’ll have access to more than 40 templates and more than 20 writing tones, you’re sure to find something that meets your content-related needs. This product helps you create, rewrite, and output a complete, high-quality blog, letter, or marketing copy.

Friday AI Writer’s premium plan comes with a 1,000,000-word limit, and it doesn’t have a limit on files. The premium plan also entitles you to early access to new templates that are released.

Creating content is as simple as following three steps: Choose your template, provide (add keywords to and writing tones to sharpen your results), and click generate to allow Friday AI Writer to begin producing copy.

“We have been using this service for less than 2 months in our office and so far, we absolutely love it. We mainly use it to fill gaps in our content or expand on product descriptions for our clients,” writes Bruce M. Martinez, a copywriter.

Watch this video.

This product can be used on any modern browser. Reactive customer is also available 18 hours a day, every day of the week.

Creating content isn’t easy. Writer’s block, trying to connect with a certain audience, and language barriers can all stand in the way of you and good copy. Purchase this product today and leave content creation to Friday AI Writer.

Prices subject to change.

Suspect in Ex-NBA Star Adreian Payne’s Shooting Death Pleads Not Guilty
by Corey Lee

May 12, 2022

Suspect in Ex-NBA Star Adreian Payne’s Shooting Death Pleads Not Guilty

Michigan State University and ex-NBA star Adreian Payne, 31, was shot and killed after he accompanied his girlfriend to her female friend’s home where a domestic violence incident was underway.

The shooting occurred in Orlando and Payne was pronounced dead on Monday morning after being transported to an area hospital, Freep.com reports.

The suspect in the case, Lawrence Dority, has pleaded not guilty, according to The Detroit Free Press. He has been charged with first-degree murder with a firearm and was arrested at his home, which was the scene of the shooting. Dority waived his right to an arraignment.

Per the Free Press report, Payne’s girlfriend’s name has been redacted from the affidavit, but she allegedly described the relationship between Dority and her friend, Tatiana Mesa as one where the couple argued often. She added that she “has previously responded to be a ‘mediator’ to prevent any physical violence.”

The shooting was witnessed by Dority’s father who dropped his son off at the home where Payne and his girlfriend were in a car waiting. The two men reportedly argued and Dority claims that he was intimidated by the size difference. Payne was 6 feet 10 and 244 pounds; Dority’s court file lists him as 5-8, 150.

The man also told police that Payne made threatening gestures including reaching near his waistband. However, he was unarmed. Further, a witness said that Payne was not acting in a threatening way at all. After shooting Payne, Dority called 9-1-1 and his father provided the former athlete with medical aid.

Florida is a Stand Your Ground state where the law states, “A person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked in any other place where he or she has a right to be, has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force, if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the commission of a forcible felony.”

Orange County Sheriff’s chose to file charges against Dority, in part, because he left the scene and returned with a gun, further, because they felt that Payne was no immediate threat in the situation.

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