The mother of 20-year-old Daunte Wright, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in April 2021, was grabbed by the wrist this week by an officer of the same Brooklyn Center police department that killed her son.

According to CNN, Katie Wright told the press that she observed a heavy police presence and a young person being detained when she stopped on the side of the road to film the interaction.

“All I was doing was my civic duty to pull over and make sure that those babies got home safe to their families because I don’t want what happened to me to happen to any other families,” Wright said during a press conference on Thursday.

Daunte Wright was shot and killed by former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter, who claimed she accidentally fired her gun instead of her taser. She was sentenced to two years in a Minnesota prison.

CNN notes that Katie Wright shared the interaction on Facebook where a person was being arrested. An officer is heard saying to Wright, “she’s getting a ticket,” as another officer says, “Nah, don’t worry about it. Come on!”

The officer then crosses multiple lanes of traffic to confront Wright.

“You’re going to give me your driver’s license, or I’m going to take you to jail for obstruction,” the officer says to Wright, who is sitting in her car filming the officer.

She then says, “You know who I am, right?”

“You guys killed my son, and I’m gonna videotape it,” she says and points in the direction of the traffic stop. “And if you take me to jail, I’m going to sue you.” She also tells the officer not to touch her again.

The officer told Wright that she would receive a ticket in the mail.

Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott said that he was “really sad” by how Wright was treated. It “seemed unnecessary to approach Ms. Wright,” Elliott told CNN, adding that “whatever was happening in the police situation that they were dealing with, had largely subsided.”

Elliott also adds that Wright’s instinct to film the officers is an indication of the breakdown of trust between police and the public.

Wright has called for the officer to be fired, noting that he escalated the interaction unnecessarily. The ACLU of Minnesota stated that citizens “have the right to record police actions as long as you do not interfere with their activities and are not breaking any other law.”

Brooklyn Center police released a statement saying, “While assisting another agency on a high-risk stop as part of a homicide investigation, there was an encounter between Katie Wright and Brooklyn Center officers.” The city released the body camera footage “in an effort to promote public safety and dispel widespread rumor or unrest.”

An app that connects people stopped in traffic with attorneys was recently launched in Brooklyn Center. As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, TurnSignl is an app where drivers can video conference a lawyer during traffic stops or after a car crash. In partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, TurnSignl offers its app free of charge to the Brooklyn Center community.

Vontélle, a Black women-owned eyewear company that launched in October 2020, recently announced a three-year licensing partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to create a children’s eyewear line centered around Nickelodeon’s beloved characters.

“We will soon launch with SpongeBob, Rugrats, and BabyShark eyewear. We are the first African-American women-owned eyewear company to have such a deal,” company co-founder Nancey Harris told Finurah.

The company, co-founded by Harris and Tracy Vontélle Green, creates eyewear inspired by the African diaspora. “Vontélle was founded to satisfy the demand for better-fitting vibrant, luxury eyewear designed and handcrafted to pay homage to the African, Caribbean, and Latin diaspora,” says Green.

The company’s most popular design is the Rwanda Wayfarers, a rich and beautiful textile print that enhances any melanin tone. Harris adds that “the versatile rectangular silhouette adds a sophisticated, professional look.”

Launching during the coronavirus pandemic presented some challenges to the company. However, there were also some positive points.“Due to virtual meetings, eyewear has become a way to show one’s personality as your face is all that you see. Thus, there was an increase in eyewear sales,” notes Green.

Harris added, “Eyewear is meant to reflect your personality and compliment your wardrobe. Vontélle has a vast selection, and you can pick your own adventure from an array of vibrant, pattern enriched designs.”

She adds, “Whether looking for a subtle slay or a powerful pop, our glasses are the solution. Our eyewear brightens up any mood and wardrobe.”

The duo spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE last year, where they said of the eyewear industry, “Think about this: According to the Vision Council of America, one billion people worldwide need eyeglasses. In 2019, the global eyewear market brought in revenues over $139 billion and is estimated to grow to $259 billion by 2027.”

“Yet, there are less than a handful of Black eyewear manufacturers or designers. Considering 164 million American adults wear glasses and 218 million wear non-prescription sunglasses (to block sun rays), people need glasses as they are a medical necessity. We are getting into the industry at the right time with our handcrafted ethnic designs.”

• Entertainment

by Corey Lee

May 6, 2022

Will Smith to Appear on David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction

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Academy Award-winner Will Smith will be one of the guests on the popular Netflix series, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. The sit-down interview show has featured stars like Dave Chappelle, Kim Kardashian, and former President Barack Obama.

According to ComicBook.com, Smith’s episode was filmed before the now infamous Oscar slap, where he climbed on stage and struck Chris Rock after the comedian joked about Smith’s wife—Jada Pinkett Smith. The joke referenced her short haircut, which she maintains is due to alopecia.

According to the report, Smith is one of several luminary guests in the new season. Cardi B, Kevin Durant, and Ryan Reynolds are all set to sit down with Letterman. While Smith’s appearance was before the Oscars incident, the conversation should be an interesting glimpse into the star and his life.

Since the slap, several of Smith’s projects have been delayed or canceled. Bright 2—the sequel to the 2018 sci-fi thriller on Netflix has been canceled, although producers denied that it was related to the incident, as previously reported by Black Enterprise. Another project, Pole to Pole—has been delayed due to the slap. The National Geographic series is Smith’s third exploring the planet with the nature network.

Smith has not spoken out since the incident other than his initial apology. In a post on Instagram the afternoon following the 94^th Academy Awards, Smith called his behavior “unacceptable and inexcusable.”

“Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally,” he wrote. “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be. There is no place for violence in a world of love and kindness.”

Smith added in his post, “Violence in all forms is poisonous and destructive.”

He has been banned from all Motion Picture Academy events for 10 years.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 6, 2022

‘Proud Cracker’ White Parent Hurls Racial Slurs At Group of Middle School Students

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A group of middle school students in Miami was subjected to a racist verbal attack from the white parent of another student.

The video seemingly captured the moments an enraged white man hurled racial slurs and foul language at young children outside South Miami Middle School in the 6700 block of Southwest 60th Street, WSVN reports. When confronted by other parents, the man fled the scene.

“[expletive] you better get the [expletive] away from me,” the man said. “You better get away from me. I’ll go to jail, but I’ll knock you on your [expletive].”

One concerned parent expressed outrage at the man’s actions toward her child.

“I was boiling, I was boiling. I was very upset. I was disappointed, this is not the way a person should talk to a child,” she said.

The mother, who chose to remain anonymous, said the altercation started after the enraged man accused the children of hitting his car.

“He started coming at them and talking about he will beat their ass, calling them [expletive] and kept coming at them and coming at them,” the mother said.

Her son was incited by the man’s actions and finally responded.

“He proceeded to continue to antagonize my son, so finally, my son turned around and was like, ‘You’re gonna hit me? Hit me, hit me, hit me,’ and he walked up to him, and the guy just kept going,” the mother said. “And you see from the video, he said he was going to beat his ass; he kept calling them negros.”

“Listen, negro, get the [expletive] out of my face, [expletive] negro mumbling cracker,” the white parent said.

He then used a racial slur about himself while berating the minor.

“I’m proud to be a cracker. I’m happy with what I see in the mirror every day, are you?” the man said. “Are you happy when you see black in the mirror.”

Miami-Dade County Public Schools released a statement saying they’re investigating the situation.

“Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is disappointed by a recent incident that took place between a parent and a student outside of South Miami Middle School before the start of the school day,” the statement said in part.

“Currently, Miami-Dade School Police is conducting a thorough investigation regarding the matter. M-DCPS remains committed to fostering a welcoming learning environment by highlighting the importance of respect and restraint.”

• Technology

by Derek Major

May 6, 2022

Better Business Bureau Warns Of Potential Online Mother’s Day Scams

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While many people have their Mother’s Day gifts bought, wrapped, and shipped, many are still scrambling to find the right gift to honor the mother.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning those still looking to be aware of potential scams. According to a National Retail Federation survey, families plan to spend more money on Mother’s Day gifts than in previous years. 

Hot items for this year have not changed as flowers, gift cards, and family celebrations top the list for Mother’s Day gifts. With most people at home for the past two years, it is almost a certainty that most Americans will shop online to buy presents for their moms.

The Better Business Bureau is cautioning those who shop online to be cautious and avoid suspicious websites and pop-up ads asking to pay for items with a credit card or through PayPal. Additionally, if you are buying online, use a website you can trust even if it costs more money because it will likely be cheaper than getting scammed.

The BBB is also warning Americans to be careful when buying or selling jewelry online and gift cards and certificates that may have been tampered with. If you see a great deal in your email, check the sender because it may also be a scam. And before you buy online, make sure the website you use is secure by checking to see if the proper safety features are in place.

Mother’s Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in the U.S. today as more than 84% of the country will celebrate the day dedicated to Moms worldwide. Also, more calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year, as more than 122 million people call their moms and family. Mother’s Day is also the busiest day of the year for restaurants as more than 87 million people go out to dinner for Mother’s Day or make reservations.

Mother’s Day in America began with peacemaker Ann Jarvis, who made a concerted effort during and after the Civil War to foster community and friendship between mothers on both sides of the war. After her mom died, Jarvis’ daughter Anna Reeves Jarvis sought to honor her mother by making Mother’s Day an official holiday. The first American Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908.

Apple has partnered with Oakland-based fintech company CNote to invest $25 million into underserved communities of color.

On Thursday, Apple and CNote announced their commitment as part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative which aims to expand opportunities for communities and color in efforts to combat systemic racism, Apple Insider reports.

“We’re committed to helping ensure that everyone has access to the opportunity to pursue their dreams and create our shared future,” Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives said.

“By working with CNote to get funds directly to historically under-resourced communities through their local financial institutions, we can support equity, entrepreneurship and access.”

CNote addresses the growing racial wealth gap by supporting corporate and other institutional investors that provide service to underserved communities across the country and generate returns on cash allocations.

“Corporations have an enormous opportunity to help communities across the U.S. thrive by changing the way they manage their cash reserves, and we’re excited to see Apple at the forefront of this emerging trend,” said Catherine Berman, CEO of CNote.

“Through our platform, we have already started moving Apple deposits into low-income communities and communities of color.”

CNote has already started to allocate funds from Apple’s investment to mission-driven financial institutions, including ANECA Federal Credit Union in Louisiana; Bank of Cherokee County in Oklahoma; Carver State Bank in Georgia; Education Credit Union in Texas; First Southwest Bank in Colorado; and Hope Credit Union, which serves Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee, as noted by Globe Newswire.

Other banks that received funds include Kaua’i Federal Credit Union in Hawai’i; Latino Community Credit Union in North Carolina; Legacy Bank in Missouri; Optus Bank in South Carolina; Self-Help Federal Credit Union, with locations in California, Illinois, Washington and Wisconsin; and VCC Bank in Virginia.

“Partnerships like the one we have with CNote and Apple are essential to our efforts to expand access to capital, as well as to financial products and services, in a historically underserved market,” Susannah Plumb Scott, executive vice president at Bank of Cherokee County said.

• Lifestyle

by Black Enterprise Shop

May 6, 2022

Wine Down This Mother’s Day With This Premium Package

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Have you been stressing about what to get the mom in your life on Mother’s Day? If you’re like most people, you have. What can you get someone who already seems to have everything and who has given you and your family so much? Flowers and candy don’t seem like enough anymore. You want a gift that is different yet still special.

Wine Insiders has the perfect solution. With their Mother’s day special, you can treat the mom’s in your life to 15 bottles of mixed wines for only $85. That’s 71% off its MSRP ($300). Your mom and her friends can indulge in an amazing variety of quality wine and even find a new favorite.

Wine Insiders hunts around the globe to find the best and most affordable wines and partners with top wineries to bring this amazing deal right to your doorstep! For less than $6 a bottle or less, you can gift an impressive mix of red and white wines that are sure to please.

Wine Insiders has been featured in BuzzFeed, Business Insider, Forbes, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan, and other leading publications. The company has also won 1,400 awards since 2015.

Wine aficionados have raved about Wine Insiders as more than 45 people have rated it 4.5 stars. “Great wines, Great price. Good selection. Much variety. Foreign and domestic. All aged three years and no waiting and ready to drink and enjoy. Have ordered twice and shall order again,” writes 5-star reviewer Laura B.

To guarantee both top quality and taste, Wine Insiders has assembled a panel of experts to make its selections. Only five out of every 100 bottles sampled are chosen, ensuring that the special women in your life will receive the most recommended wine selections without hassle and stress.

Mother’s everywhere deserve a moment to “wine down” on their special day. Purchase it today.

Shop more Mother’s Day deals and use code SHIP4FREE to get free shipping.

Prices subject to change.

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 5, 2022

Controversial Relationship Guru Kevin Samuels Is Rumored to Be Dead

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Kevin Samuels, 56, the controversial YouTuber who rails on Black women with jaded advice, has reportedly been confirmed dead by Revolt Black News May 5.

The news has hit Black Twitter like a hurricane with several media personalities reportedly confirming that Samuels died by way of a heart attack. These reports are unconfirmed.

Samuels is best known for his misogynist views and for saying that Black women will die alone. Most recently he made comments that angered many, after calling unmarried women past age 35 “leftovers.”

““If you have made it to 35 and you are unmarried, you are a leftover woman,” Samuels said. “You are what is left. Men know that there is likely something wrong with you. Whether you want to hear it or not, I’m going to go there with you. I’m telling you the truth that you don’t want to hear. Men know that there is likely something wrong with you—that you can not be an adjustable six or higher—something is wrong with you. That’s where men automatically come with it. And here’s the thing—when you were between the ages of 22 and 25 and you didn’t want to settle—you were trying to get the CEO, the pilot, the investment banker, you were trying to get flewed out…”

Many on social media were quick to point out Samuels’ problematic past.

Kevin Samuels has made a career off of shamelessly disgracing Black women for profit.

He emboldened the most toxic individuals to project tired and harmful narratives about Black women.

Dead or alive, what a disgraceful life to live.

That’s all I’ve got for that misogynist.

— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) May 5, 2022

Kevin Samuels built a career by catering to a group of folks who share his dislike for Black women. Seriously, pls stop hate sharing his clips. Sharing his content ( even when you’re trashing him) still translates into clicks which =support and helping him monetize his brand. https://t.co/CEQvULfrYN

— Shanita Hubbard (@msshanitarenee) April 27, 2022

This is a developing story.

• Career

by Derek Major

May 5, 2022

Karine Jean-Pierre Is Set To Become The First Black And Openly LGBTQ White House Press Secretary

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Karine Jean-Pierre is set to become the new White House press secretary next week when current press secretary Jen Psaki departs the position. 

CNN reports Jean-Pierre is currently serving in the role of White House principal deputy press secretary and will formally start in the role following Psaki’s last day on May 13. Psaki is leaving the Biden administration to take a role with MSNBC.

“Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,” President Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that “Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room.”

Last May, Jean-Pierre became the second Black woman to hold the White House daily press briefing. She has also served on the White House communications team after Biden took office. Before that, she was an advisor for Biden during his campaign and was chief of staff for Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jean-Pierre is accustomed to the role as she Is often in the room during press briefings and has filled in for Psaki several times since Biden became president. She also replaced Psaki on Biden’s four-day trip to Europe after Psaki tested positive for COVID-19.

Jean-Pierre was one of several names being rumored to replace Psaki including Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby, who has become a well-known face in press briefings and on cable television discussing the war in Ukraine.

Psaki thanked the president Biden and First Lady Jill Biden in a message on Twitter and also congratulated Jean-Pierre on the new role adding “I can’t wait to see her shine as she brings her own style, brilliance and grace to the podium.”

In her new role as press secretary, Jean-Pierre will brief the country on the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19.  pandemic, the economy and the battle over abortion rights in the Supreme Court.

• Education

by Derek Major

May 5, 2022

Wells Fargo Invests In GardHouse, A Charlotte Non-Profit Helping Minority Students Land Jobs

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Wells Fargo Bank has made a $75,000 investment in GardHouse, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that connects minority college students with paid internships at small businesses and nonprofits to build job experience.

BizJournals reports Wells Fargo is investing in GardHouse for the third straight year. The bank has increased its investment in GardHouse yearly since 2020, when it started with $10,000.

The internships at GardHouse typically last four months and run concurrent to a student’s academic semester. GardHouse was founded in 2019 by Jonathan Gardner to address the fact that students of color graduating college are twice as likely to be unemployed as White students. Gardner wanted to help college students in Charlotte begin building their professional networks while gaining work experience.

“The job market is hot for people who have experience,” Gardner told BizJournals. “You don’t have that coming out of college. For a lot of employers, yes, there’s onboarding and training, but there’s additional care that’s needed.”

GardHouse currently has more than 200 interns in its network and is working with more than 120 small businesses and nonprofits in Charlotte. The funding from Wells Fargo and others will help GardHouse pay its working interns $20.83 an hour for 15 hours per week during a semester. GardHouse hopes to add 40 more interns this year.

Small businesses must have revenue under $500,000 to have the intern paid by GardHouse and gain the student’s services for free. Businesses with revenues over $500,000 pay the interns themselves, freeing funding to other small businesses who need it.

Many minority college students leave college without a job, leaving them scrambling to find one before they can begin their professional careers. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has kept people out of offices for most of the last two years, meaning recent college graduates have had limited opportunities to gain work experience before graduating.

However, the pandemic also led to more open positions than ever, a rise in salaries not seen in years, and better pay and benefits for employees in multiple industries.

GardHouse also provides one-on-one coaching throughout the internships, focusing on eight behaviors that every graduating senior should have: critical thinking, teamwork, communication, technology, equity and inclusion, professionalism, and career and self-development.