Joining the R&B heartthrob as co-headliners will be pop band Maroon 5. NBC Sports’ Maria Taylorwill emcee the event, which will be at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.
Beloved Benefit is a community impact event that strives to motivate positive change through greater economic mobility. This year’s benefit will also honor John Lewis, the iconic, late Georgia Congressman.
“We are thrilled that Maroon 5, Usher and Maria will join us for this iconic event in Atlanta, which brings together community members from all neighborhoods to help drive action and address the key issues facing our city,” Rodney Bullard, vice president of corporate social responsibility, Chick-fil-A, Inc in a written statement.
The event was originally scheduled for February but postponed due to concerns with the increase in COVID-19 cases earlier. The event will feature a program filled with inspiring community stories.
All of the funds raised will be allocated equally to this year’s nonprofit beneficiaries and community beacons. Each organization prioritizes economic and community development. This year’s beneficiaries include Atlanta CareerRise, Center for Employment Opportunities, The Goodr Foundation, Goodwill of North Georgia, Latin American Association, Quest Community Development Organization, The Village Market, and Westside Future Fund.
The lead sponsors for this year’s Beloved Benefit include The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Chick-fil-A, Inc., Mercedes-Benz Stadium, The Home Depot Foundation, The WestRock Foundation, Georgia Power, Peach Bowl, Inc., Truist, The Coca-Cola Company and Sunkist Growers. Additional sponsors include AT&T, Choate Construction, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Google Data Centers, Graphic Packaging International, NCR, Walton Communities and Wells Fargo.
Usher has won eight Grammy Awards in his illustrious career, which also includes acting in television shows and movies. Since its 2002 debut album, Songs About Jane, Maroon 5 has won three Grammys.
Dr. Dre Donates $10 Million To New $200 Million Compton High School
Although he lost $200 million in a deal with Apple for his Beats By Dre product line, Dr. Dre donated $10 million to help break ground on a $200 million campus for Compton High School.
According to The Los Angeles Times, the $10 million is for the school’s new performing arts center, which will be able to seat more than 900 people. The facility will be named the “Andre ‘Dr. Dre’ Young Performing Arts Center.”
(Note: There are conflicting reports with some saying he donated $100 million, not $10 million).
“I was an artistic kid in school with no outlet for it. I knew I had something special to offer to the world, but with nothing to support my gift, schools left me feeling unseen,” Dr. Dre said at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Dr. Dre attended nearby Centennial High School before transferring to Fremont High in South L.A. but he eventually dropped out of school.
“I’ve always wondered how much further ahead I might have been had the resources I needed in school were available,” he said. “If I had learned more about the business industry, I would have saved myself [an] extreme amount of time, money, and, most importantly, [made] a lot of friendships.”
The new campus for the 126-year-old school will have a new academic building that will fit up to 1,800 students, with the possibility of an additional 450 more. There will also be a new gym, an aquatics center, a football stadium, and a track field.
The rest of the project is funded through the district’s bond measure passed in 2015.
The school’s principal, Rigoberto Roman said, “This new campus that will be erected, it will be erected upon deep roots and outstanding accomplishments that have been established over decades. Let us embrace this change for the sake of our future and our children’s future. This is a type of change to celebrate.”
The opening of the newly built campus is scheduled for the beginning of 2025.
HBCU Lincoln College Closing Due To CyberAttack, COVID-19-Induced Burdens
Lincoln College is preparing for permanent closure after experiencing significant financial burdens induced by the coronavirus pandemic and a December 2021 cyberattack.
According to NBC News, the predominantly Black institution in Illinois is scheduled to close Friday after 157 years.
“Lincoln College has survived many difficult and challenging times–the economic crisis of 1887, a major campus fire in 1912, the Spanish flu of 1918, the Great Depression, World War II, the 2008 global financial crisis, and more, but this is different. Lincoln College needs help to survive,” the college revealed in a farewell statement.
“The economic burdens initiated by the pandemic required large investments in technology and campus safety measures, as well as a significant drop in enrollment with students choosing to postpone college or take a leave of absence, which impacted the institution’s financial position.”
CNN reported that Abraham Lincoln’s namesake college had approximately 1,200 enrolled students as of summer 2021. While the pandemic directly influenced enrollment, the college explained that the cyberattack “thwarted admissions activities and hindered access to all institutional data, creating an unclear picture of Fall 2022 enrollment projections.”
Thankfully, no personal identifying information was exposed.
With the onset of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, there was an increased number of cyberattacks against schools, colleges, and universities that are often unprepared to ward off ransomware attacks, in which victims’ digital data is encrypted until the victim pays.
Since then, thousands of students, faculty, and alumni of Lincoln College have worked tirelessly to keep the school open. A public Facebook group was opened to share stories and efforts, as well as to console the community.
“Lincoln College has been serving students from across the globe for more than 157 years,” said David Gerlach, president of Lincoln College. “The loss of history, careers, and a community of students and alumni is immense.”
“Though we are experiencing undeniable grief and sadness, we find comfort in knowing Lincoln College has served generations of alumni who have undoubtedly impacted our world.”
The Illinois school held its 163rd and last commencement Saturday.
Fan Ejected After Putting Hands On Chris Paul’s Mother and Wife
During Sunday’s Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns NBA playoff game, a Dallas fan reportedly got physical with Suns’ point guard, Chris Paul‘s family during the contest, the New York Post reported.
A video started circulating of a young fan being escorted out of the arena by security guards at American Airlines Arena in Dallas. Paul can be seen yelling at the fan as he walked by the Suns’ bench.
“He put his hands on my mom, he put his hands on my mom!” Paul, 37, appears to say to a security guard.
Someone was escorted out of AAC after allegedly putting hands on one of Chris Paul’s family members pic.twitter.com/Z7UhGsHV59
It’s been reported that Paul’s mother, Robin, was physically touched by fans and his wife, Jada, was pushed as well. Paul and his children witnessed the action that took place behind the Suns’ bench during the game. The star point guard told security guards that his family “felt very unsafe.”
After the game, Paul tweeted his displeasure about NBA’s approach regarding fan behavior: “Wanna fine players for saying stuff to the fans but the fans can put they hands on our families….f**k that!!
The Dallas Mavericks released a statement regarding the incident after the contest.
“The Dallas Mavericks are aware of an incident between a fan and the family of Chris Paul,” the statement read. “It was unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. The Mavericks, along with American Airlines Center, swiftly removed the fan from today’s game.”
Statement from Mavericks: “The Dallas Mavericks are aware of an incident between a fan and the family of Chris Paul. It was unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. The Mavericks, along with American Airlines Center, swiftly removed the fan from today’s game.” https://t.co/jGl6zxpijs
The Chocolate Dandies: Meet The Young Entrepreneurs Behind This Tallahassee-Based Brownie Company
It had been a long day exploring the captivating Florida A&M University, dining in at the Black-owned Pineappetit, and grooving at the Bradfordville Blues Club, before the night was topped off with a box of mouth-watering chocolate treats.
During a media trip to Florida’s capital city, Visit Tallahassee and The Zimmerman Agency surprised us with The Chocolate Dandies‘ very own freshly baked fudge brownies and gourmet brown butter chocolate chunk cookies. As the chocolate oozed, our palettes sang with gratitude.
Three young Black entrepreneurs are behind The Chocolate Dandies, Noble Sissle, IV, 15; Royal Sissle, 14; and Knight Sissle, 12. The Tallahassee-based brownie company, launched in June 2020, was proudly named after the 1920’s musical, The Chocolate Dandies, co-written by the brothers’ notable great-grandfather, Noble Lee Sissle.
(Courtesy of The Chocolate Dandies)
The hardworking trio, alongside their culinary creative and business-savvy parents, offers a wide variety of chocolate-scrumptious flavors for all fudge lovers. The treats even aim to satisfy those who would prefer gluten and sugar-free options.
“The menu is a chocolate lover’s dream. Peanut butter fudge, espresso, and cheesecake brownies are just a few of the pastries crafted to satisfy your sweet tooth. Customers have the option of ordering a single brownie or a full batch—all available at their website,” according to Visit Tallahassee.
(Courtesy of The Chocolate Dandies)
The Dandies are even offering DoorDash deliveries and nationwide shipping. You can order your sweet treats, here.
In an effort to grow the business, The Chocolate Dandies stay active in the community, from FAMU’s athletic events to Black History Month celebrations at the historic Brokaw McDougall House to Food Truck Fridays to the Southwood Town Center for the nighttime market, and more.
The Dandies offer DoorDash deliveries and nationwide shipping with FedEx. (Courtesy of The Chocolate Dandies)
With chocolate treats, these talented brothers tell BLACK ENTERPRISE that they are striving to create a legacy, build generational wealth, and pursue a number of exciting future endeavors.
In the name of your business, what does family legacy mean to each of the Dandie boys?
Royal: Our family legacy is truly important to us. We decided to name our business from our great-grandfather’s Broadway musical of the same name. We relish in it!
Knight: We believe it is important to recognize and uphold this legacy for our business.
Noble, IV: Legacy is also important to us because we plan to grow the brand of the business to expand over future generations.
How involved are your parents in your company?
Knight: Our parents are very dedicated and important. They help manage the company and make sure it’s on track for success. Our dad, Noble Sissle, III, is the main baker of the company and the graphic designer. He also owns his own business, nlsstudios.com. Our business relies on his baking skills and our mom, E. Marie Sissle, is the main marketing guru of the company. She has successfully marketed our business with her strong social media skills. She, too, owns her own company, somoarts.org. The management help from both of our parents steadily improves our business operations while showcasing professionalism.
How does each Dandie team member bring their individual talents to the company?
Noble Sissle, IV: I am our most outgoing and charismatic member of the team. I am the spokesperson for the company and understand the importance of being the face of the company.
Knight Sissle: I am also a spokesman sometimes. I sometimes serve as a mascot: supportive and hardworking! In addition to being a spokesperson, I assist with packaging and delivery.
Royal Sissle: I serve on the financial side of the business. I sometimes discuss operation plans with my mother and financial operations with my dad. During business operations, I handle the cash register and swipe the cards!
What have you enjoyed most about being young entrepreneurs?
Noble, IV: We love receiving support from our local community and family/friends from around the country. People believe in our full potential and want to help. We enjoy watching how our brand influences other young entrepreneurs to explore their full potential for success. No matter who you are or what age you are, The Chocolate Dandies inspires people to be what they want and just go for it!
What are some of the challenges you have had to overcome during your entrepreneurial journey?
Noble, IV: Getting help to meet our demand has been a little challenging. We truly believe in quality over quantity, but I would love to be at the stage of being more consistent. While steadily growing the business, my brothers, Royal, Knight, and I, are certain to meet the quantity demand while maintaining quality so that we can have the best of both worlds.
What does the future look like for The Chocolate Dandies?
Noble, IV: The future of The Chocolate Dandies includes a number of things. We would like to become an international company that provides quality sweets around the world. We also are looking at developing an animated TV show, a mobile game, and national franchises centered around our brand.
What advice would you give young people who are looking to pursue entrepreneurship?
Royal: I believe the first step is to find a motive. Be that a desire for money, as true as it is, or wanting to learn something new. Next is to plan. What do you want to sell? Who is your audience? Who will buy your products? How much will it cost to produce your product(s)? Then you get to work. Hard work! Find your audience and deliver what appeals to them. For us, it was brownies as a start, because a wide variety of people love them. Spread the word and pounce on the opportunities and stay dedicated. Keep a good strong mentality that will get you through the starting times.
Black Finance Manager of Subaru Dealership Sues Former Boss Over Alleged Racism
A Black finance manager of a Subaru dealership in Oregon has filed a federal lawsuit against the dealership’s former general manager over alleged racism and discrimination in the workplace.
On Wednesday, the employee, Tobias Ray, filed the suit over claims that former General Manager Tony Jimenez subjected him to disturbing racist remarks and discriminatory treatment, Oregon Live reports.
The suit comes after Ray submitted a written complaint to his employer on On Oct. 30, 2020, and took part in an internal investigation that determined his complaints were valid.
Ray has worked at Lithia SOC, doing business as Lithia Subaru of Oregon City, since 2018. But in 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Ray says Jimenez’ sent a sexually suggestive and racially insensitive photo text message to a select group of employees.
On June 15, 2020, the photo Jimenez shared showed a nude white man lying in the lap of a naked Black woman whose breasts covered his face. “This white man cant (sic) brethe. But you won’t see that on the news,” the message read.
That same month, Ray went into the dealership’s breakroom and noticed a racist image drawn on the whiteboard. It depicted a stick figure with an Afro hairstyle with the caption, “I love watermelon.”
Ray became aware of other text messages Jimenez sent to the dealership’s general sales manager, Corey Fay, and Lithia’s sales manager, Ryan Vaughan, showing images of Ray dressed in casual attire on his day off.
Jimenez likened Ray to a character from the film New Jack City. Vaughn agreed, saying that if the lights were turned off in the office, they wouldn’t be able to see Ray.
In another encounter, Jimenez reportedly passed a client along to Ray by the name of Rodney King. Jimenez told Ray to ask the customer, “Can’t we all just get along?” Once the customer was gone, Jimenez asked if the customer was “slow” and suggested he had been “hit in the head with a club one too many times,” the lawsuit states.
Ray’s suit claims that after the internal investigation, Jimenez faced no disciplinary action, Daily Mail reports. He seeks unspecified damages for lost earnings, lost advancement, and emotional distress.
Hip-Hop Mogul Percy ‘Master P’ Miller to Share Insights at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit in Philly May 18-20
(New York, NY) May 10, 2022—BLACK ENTERPRISE, the nation’s No. 1 Black digital media brand, will bring back its national Entrepreneurs Summit as an in-person event in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, May 18-20.
The Entrepreneurs Summit is well established as the premier annual event dedicated to the success of Black entrepreneurs and the growth, profitability and wealth-creation potential of Black-owned businesses. In partnership with Host sponsor Nationwide, Black Enterprise will feature high-engagement elements for attendees, maximizing real-time, peer-to-peer learning, coaching, mentorship and networking opportunities for participants.
A major highlight of the multi-day event will be an exclusive fireside chat with Hip Hop Mogul, Actor, Producer and No Limit Records Founder Percy “Master P” Miller, conducted by BLACK ENTERPRISE CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr. After a slow underground start, Miller achieved fame and success not only for himself but for much of his stable of artists, including Mystikal, Kane & Abel, and Snoop Dogg, who signed with No Limit in 1998 after falling out with Death Row. Miller has also established himself as a savvy businessman with a range of investments and interests beyond music.
The mission of the Entrepreneurs Summit is to provide access to the connections, capital, expertise, ideas, and inspiration established and aspiring Black business owners need to make money, build companies, and create wealth. The Entrepreneurs Summit will feature engagement-driven, content-rich sessions, workshops, and coaching designed to help entrepreneurs expand their business network and position their companies for opportunities and growth. The relevance and urgency of the Entrepreneurs Summit is heightened by the emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion in response to the disparities revealed by the global coronavirus pandemic, and a renewed sense of urgency around investing in Black entrepreneurship and closing America’s racial wealth gap.
“After successfully presenting this event as a virtual experience last year, we are extremely excited about the Entrepreneurs Summit’s return as a unique in-person experience, with all of the most enduring and valued elements of the premiere national event for black entrepreneurs, founders and business owners,” says Black Enterprise CEO Earl Graves Jr.
“Black Enterprise is more committed than ever to our 50-plus-year legacy as the No. 1 champion of Black entrepreneurship to build black wealth.”
“Promoting economic inclusion and empowerment has long been a priority for Nationwide and we’re proud to invest in the growth and success of Black business owners,” said Ramon Jones, chief marketing officer for Nationwide.
“As host sponsor of this Summit for 12 years now, we remain committed to supporting emerging and established entrepreneurs as they create legacies and give back to their communities.”
Other confirmed speakers for the virtual experience include Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics Founder and former supermodel Kim Baker; Weiden + Kennedy New York Chief Strategy Officer Dr. Marcus Collins; Maconomics Founder Ross Mac; Approved Jets Co-Founders Aaron Wilson and Kelvin “PJ Kev” Mensah; SmartHustle.com Founder and CEO Ramon Ray; Buttah Skin Founder Dorion Renaud; Lobos 1707 Tequila CEO Dia Simms; Nationwide Director of Relationship Management, Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Procurement Michelle Smith; Canvas Beauty CEO and Founder Stormi Steele; Women in Media Global Founder Danielle P. Jeter; EonXI Founder and Chairman Sherrard Harrington; Host and Style Influencer Kela Walker; and many more.
Other sessions and highlights of the Entrepreneurs Summit:
· Tapping Into the Billion-Dollar Beauty Industry
· Procurement Equity: Getting Your Slice of the Pie
· Cash for Content: How To Capitalize in the Creator Economy
· Navigating Supply Chain Challenges
· Understanding the Metaverse to Power Your Business
· ….And More!
In addition to the Entrepreneur’s Summit Host sponsor Nationwide, Presenting sponsors include MasterCard and McDonald’s; Platinum sponsors include Braun and JP Morgan Chase; and Corporate sponsors include ComcastRISE, FedEx, Instacart and Walmart.
The Entrepreneurs Summit begins Wednesday, May 18 and concludes Friday, May 20, 2021. To register and find out more information, visit www.blackenterprise.com/entrepreneurssummit. Search #BESUMMIT for additional updates and information about the Entrepreneurs Summit on social media.
Interested press should contact Alfred Edmond Jr. at 201-243-8269 (text message) or via e-mail at edmonda@blackenterprise.com. (Include “ENTREPRENEURS SUMMIT MEDIA REQUEST” in the subject line.)
BLACK ENTERPRISE EXISTS TO INSPIRE, EMBOLDEN, AND EMPOWER The Black COMMUNITY TO EMBARK ON THE LIFETIME JOURNEY FROM AMBITION TO ACHIEVEMENT. BLACK ENTERPRISE is the No.1 Black media brand, with more than 10 million monthly unique visitors. Since 1970, BLACK ENTERPRISE has been the premier business, career, investing, and wealth-building resource for African Americans. BLACK ENTERPRISE produces video and podcast programming, virtual and in-person business and lifestyle events, other digital media. Visit www.blackenterprise.com for more information.
Magic Johnson & Mike Tyson to Address Black Business Owners at Recession Proof Convention May 27-28 in Las Vegas
Sharing their competitive fire and strategies for success, professional athletes Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Mike Tyson have been confirmed as keynote speakers for the upcoming fourth annual Recession Proof Convention. Slated for May 27-28 at The Mirage in Las Vegas, this wealth strategy celebration from “Recession Proof” founder Marcus Barney will welcome an all-star line-up of attendees and speakers.
Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships before later serving as the team’s president of Basketball Operations. After contracting HIV (and later beating the virus), Johnson launched the Magic Johnson Foundation to help fight against HIV and AIDS and remains a well-known and well-loved broadcaster in addition to being a worldwide successful business mogul.
A former professional boxer, Tyson is known as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time. He holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF heavyweight titles at just 20 years old. His nicknames include “Iron Mike,” “Kid Dynamite” and “The Baddest Man on the Planet.”
“We couldn’t ask for more fascinating speakers at this year’s Recession Proof Convention. We know they will both bring fire and wisdom, personality and insight to their conversations on personal growth and wealth strategy,” Barney said.
“And that’s not all! Our speaker line-up this year is truly better than ever and our members will learn a lot and have a great time while doing so.”
Other Recession Proof Convention speakers include:
– Million Dollaz Worth of Game: Find the best life tips from this weekly podcast hosted by legendary Philadelphia rapper Gillie Da King and his cousin, social media influencer and disruptor Wallo267.
– Drink Champs: Known as the most professional, unprofessional podcast, Drink Champs is hosted by hip-hop and reggaeton recording artist N.O.R.E.
The multi-million-dollar Recession Proof program comprises financial literacy, personal and business funding, credit to cash strategies, coaching and more. Recession Proof reported a 2021 year-end payroll of $2.5 million and sales commissions of $1 million to his all-Black team of entrepreneurs. Further, Barney has mentored more than 10,000 others on building wealth, getting out from the crushing load of debt, and how to become successful entrepreneurs.
Exclusive to Recession Proof members, registration for the private event is available on Eventbrite.
Minneapolis Mall Welcomes First Black Woman-Owned Shoe Store
Brittney Kline, the founder and chief executive officer of Boss Lady Shoetique. The shoe store has opened a storefront in Northtown Mall in Minneapolis, Minn. making her the first Black woman to ever open a shoe store in the mall.
Brittney has always wanted to be a fashion model since she was a child. But she had to put her dream on hold when she got pregnant at an early age. Even though she wasn’t able to fulfill her childhood dream, she didn’t stop dreaming.
Still related to fashion, Brittney started a shoe business online in 2019. It stems from her desire to provide good-quality shoes at an affordable price to career-driven women. Now, she has expanded to a physical shoe store in Northtown Mall.
“It’s been a struggle, but it’s been fun. We ended up here today so I’m really excited,” Kline told KSTP.
“I lost my job this past fall. And that really just made me want to go harder to my entrepreneurship.”
Kline is only the first Black woman to open a shoe store in the mall and she initially got worried it would be accepted. But that was exactly what inspired her more to pursue this venture. The lack of representation in her community pushed her to work harder in hopes to change the narrative.
“Nothing comes easy. You have to work for it and that’s the example that I want to show them that it wasn’t easy, but you can do it,” she said.
For more information about Boss Lady Shoetique and/or to order online, visit BossLadyShoetique.org.
Pinky Cole’s 4-Year-Old Slutty Vegan Business Values At $100M After Securing $25M In A Series A Funding Round
Aisha “Pinky” Cole‘s Slutty Vegan brand is now four-years-old with a whopping $100 million valuation.
For(bes) The Culture reported that Cole raised $25 million through a Series A funding round that directly contributed to the current value of the popular vegan burger chain.
With the funding, Cole is planning to expand her empire by opening 10 Slutty Vegan locations by the end of this year and an additional 10 in 2023. These locations include Brooklyn, Harlem, Birmingham, Alabama, Columbus, Georgia, and Athens, Georgia.
For her unbelievably rapid growth, the 34-year-old Baltimore native credits the expertise of her lead investors, entrepreneur Richelieu Dennis and restaurateur Danny Meyer. The funding round was led by Dennis’ New Voices Fund, which supports women of color businesses, and Meyer’s Enlightened Hospitality Investments, a strategic growth equity firm.
With this winning team, Cole gains insight from Dennis’ Sundial Brands, which makes products such as SheaMoisture and Nubian Heritage, and mentorship from Meyers, who created Michelin-starred restaurants and Shake Shack.
Cole learned the value of scaling a business that is unique from Meyers. “I got the Michael Jordan of food on my team,” Cole said.
“I had never seen vegan food presented in such a fun way,” said Meyer. “Leaders are often defined by the degree to which people want to follow them, and I saw people following the leader.”
Cole’s 100% plant-based burger joint is well-known for consistently adding thousands of new eaters to an already fast-moving revolution in vegan foods. According to Harlem World Magazine, 97% of the customers coming in for vegan burgers are meat-eaters. Cole hopes to serve salads and kids’ meals in the future.
As per For(bes), the four-year-old brand now has products ranging from kettle chips to CBD gummies, a shoe deal, a foundation, and an upcoming cookbook called Eat Plants Bitch. Cole also told the publication that a major grocery chain had ordered 60,000 units of Slutty Vegan dip, which features flavors like Bangin’ Hot-Lanta Chik’n. The dip can be found on shelves at Target.
Cole is determined “to build a billion-dollar brand.” Her vision continues to unfold as she aligns herself with seasoned and successful entrepreneurs.
“To have the New Voices Venture Fund and the GOAT of the restaurant industry, Danny Meyer himself, to have them a part of this team is a recipe for success,” Cole said, as per Harlem World Magazine. “I’m excited about the people I’m involved with.”
“It’s about partnering with these incredible entrepreneurs and their businesses to drive real scale and growth and create wealth for those founders,” said Dennis. “And that’s what Pinky has done here and continues to do.
