George Floyd Memorial Foundation Launches Imitiative To Improve Black Mental Health
The George Floyd Memorial Foundation is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with a new mental health program for Black men and women.
CBS 17 reports the foundation’s program will improve resources and mental health outcomes for Black Americans. Two key factors in the new initiative are removing the stigma associated with treatment and making sure interventions can be delivered in a culturally responsible way.
The program will also decrease barriers to seeking treatment, increase mental and emotional well-being through connection and community, and implement healing justice workshops, webinars, and conversations.
Jacari Harris, the executive director of the foundation, believes Black men and women need to focus on their mental health due to the physical and emotional trauma they face as a result of police shootings and violence directed toward Black people and groups.
One of the leading figures in the foundation’s program is Dr. Calisha Brooks, a psychologist who is known for her groundbreaking work at Vanderbilt University. Harris said in a release that Black health in all forms is underappreciated and statistics show not dealing with these issues can have dire consequences.
Suicide and depression rates have increased among all Americans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and mental health is key to ensuring people aren’t succumbing to their illnesses
“According to research, trauma associated with police killings of Black people causes nearly 50 million days of poor mental health, which results in a host of other problems,” Harris said. “Our hope is that our mental health program will shine a light on the need for mental health treatment among Black people in the U.S.”
Brooks will also be tasked with directing micro-grants to Black men and women seeking therapy. The foundation’s programming will also offer training to health providers so they can better understand the issues that people of color face.
She added that the death of George Floyd by police in 2020 resonated with millions of Black men and women who have been victims of police brutality or know a victim.
Low-Income Black Homeowners in Detroit Can Apply for $20 Million in Home Repair Grants
Mainly targeting low-income Black homeowners in Detroit, three organizations are providing $20 million in funding to help residents with much-needed home repairs.
Described as the only 100 percent grant program of its type in the Midwest, the Detroit Home Repair Fund (DHRF) is funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation, ProMedica, and DTE Energy. That trio, committed to offering the funds over the next three years, announced the program will serve over 1,000 Detroit homeowners.
Offering many options for home repairs
The average amount spent on each home will be about $10,000, organizers say. The DHRF expects repairs will be made in several areas, including for roofs, foundations, stairs, windows, and drywall.
One of the program’s goals is to “holistically address Detroit housing stability by leveraging multiple home repair resources at once.” Accordingly, the first track of DHRF will be used by community partners already working with DTE Energy’s, Energy Efficiency Assistance (EEA) Program. Owner-occupied Detroit homeowners with income at or below the 200 percent federal poverty line who have applied for the 2022 Homeowner Property Exemption (HOPE) will be eligible for the grants.
Nearly 8,500 owner-occupied homes in Detroit are “inadequate or severely inadequate,” a report by the University of Michigan’s Poverty Solutions revealed. It was reported “people living in unsafe, unhealthy homes are at greater risk of developing health conditions like asthma, suffering injuries from trips and falls, and struggling to pay utilities bills.”
Helping make homes safer for residents to live in
Jennifer Gilbert, co-founder of the Gilbert Family Foundation, which is investing $10 million to launch the initiative, said, “Stable housing is about more than a place to live, it is about ensuring residents and their families feel safe and secure in their home[s].” The foundation’s fresh investment is part of its $500 million commitment to building opportunity and equity in Detroit.
A national health and well-being organization, ProMedica is pledging to raise $8 million for the effort through its Impact Fund.
“There is already significant evidence that healthier, safer homes are critical for people to be healthy and to spend more time at school, work, and with loved ones and less time in the hospital,” said Randy Oostra, president and chief executive officer of Promedica.
For its part, DTE Energy is investing $2 million into the DHRF through a philanthropic commitment, along with expanding its Detroit-based EEA efforts and its Health and Safety Pilot. It was disclosed that DTE’s EEA program “allows income-qualified homeowners to make their home more energy efficient by providing them with multiple products to help reduce their monthly bill and make their homes more affordable. The energy-efficiency products include heating system tune-ups or replacements, high efficiency water heaters, energy-efficient refrigerators, energy-efficient lighting, and home weatherization services.'”
Trevor Lauer, president and chief operating officer of DTE Electric, added, “We are committed to powering homes and powering brighter futures for Detroit residents through the Energy Efficiency Assistance Program, and now through the Detroit Home Repair Fund. Together, these programs will provide a greater reach and greater impact to families across our hometown of Detroit.”
Contractors in the Motor City Contractor Fund (MCCF) will be prioritized to make repairs in the DHRF project, organizers say.
The program is expected to benefit longtime Detroit residents like Loretta Powell. She has lived in Detroit’s Good Stock Community since 1967, and at her current home since 1997. Last year, she took part in DTE’s EEA program, receiving a new water heater and furnace for her home. Yet, she has more repair needs that she hopes to gain through the DHRF.
“I need new windows, I have a deck that needs to be repaired and there are other issues that need to be addressed,” Powell said.
“While canvassing in my neighborhood, I’ve visited homes with stairs that were unsafe, and seen first-hand how desperately needed home repair is in Detroit. I’m grateful to the Gilbert Family Foundation, DTE Energy and ProMedica for this investment in me, my neighbors and my community.”
For more details about DHRF, Detr—oit residents can call (313) 306-2082.
Whoopi Goldberg Defends Abortion Rights While Discussing Roe v. Wade, ‘This Is My Body!’
Whoopi Goldberg didn’t hold back while tackling the current debate around abortion rights amid a recent leak that revealed the Supreme Court’s draft ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
While speaking on The View on Tuesday, Goldberg, who has shared her experience of having an illegal abortion as a teenager, was incensed while discussing the women’s rights issue.
“You got people telling me I gotta wear a mask, or don’t wear a mask, or do this,” Goldberg said in rage. “Everybody wants to tell me what to do! This is my body!”
.@WhoopiGoldberg: "Getting an abortion is not easy. Making that decision is not easy. It's not something people do lightly."
"If you don't have the wherewithal to understand that … then you're not looking out for me as a human being … and that is not okay." pic.twitter.com/u1DPPSp0Zm
“Women, when they decide something is not right for them, they’re going to take it into their own hands,” Goldberg continued.
“We got tired of tripping over [other] women in public bathrooms who were giving themselves abortions because there was nowhere safe, nowhere clean, nowhere to go.”
While directly addressing the Roe v. Wade decision, Goldberg explained why the law was passed and why it’s a “human issue,” not a religious one.
“It came about because people wanted people to have somewhere safe and somewhere clean,” she exclaimed.
“It has nothing to do about your religion. This is not a religious issue, this is a human issue.”
The EGOT recipient spoke passionately, describing why “getting an abortion is not easy.”
“It is a hard, awful decision that people make,” Goldberg said. “If you don’t have the wherewithal to understand that, to start the conversation with, ‘I know how hard this must be for you,’ if you’re starting it by telling me I’m going to burn in hell, then you’re not looking out for me as a human being, whether I subscribe to your religion or not, and that is not OK.”
Co-host Joy Behar shared her worry about what the draft ruling could mean for civil and gay rights.
“My worry is that this is just the beginning,” Behar said. “Next they’ll go after gay marriage and maybe … Brown v. Board of Education. They already eroded our voting rights a little bit. So I see fascism down the line here.”
The court’s holding on the Roe v. Wade draft ruling will not be final until it is published, Politico reports. The final ruling will likely come in the next two months.
Quavo Donates $150,000 To Single Moms In Atlanta Ahead Of Mother’s Day
Migos rapper Quavo is celebrating Mother’s Day by giving back to single mothers in his hometown of Atlanta.
On Saturday, Quavo teamed up with the apparel brand Legends to host his annual Huncho Day celebrity charity football games. As part of the games, Quavo donated $150,000 to the Tender Foundation in support of single moms, The Source reports.
“This is my favorite day of the year,” Quavo said of his charity event. “There’s nothing better than getting together with friends and family and playing a little ball for the community.”
The games were held at FCF Campus at Pullman Yards and streamed live with play-by-play commentary courtesy of Greg Mescall and Ryan Shazier.
Many familiar faces joined Quavo at the charity event, including NFL players Cam Newton, Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Richie LeCounte, Quavo’s Migos groupmate Offset, and rapper 2 Chainz.
Quavo also took to Twitter to share highlights of his good deed.
“Giving Back Feels Better Than Receiving! 150k To The #tenderfoundation To Help All Single Moms Across Atlanta Ga,” he tweeted.
Jaycina Almond, the founder of Tender Foundation, released a statement applauding Quavo’s donation and explaining how it will continue to help the organization serve its mission.
“At Tender, we’re bridging the financial gap and providing a safety net for single moms living on the margins here in Atlanta,” Almond said. “Our core programming consists of emergency bill pay assistance with rent, utilities, and childcare; providing grocery store gift cards and operating a diaper bank.”
“Now, with Quavo’s help, we’re able to pilot a new initiative called The Bridge.”
The new initiative serves as a guaranteed income program founded on the premise of securing every mother an opportunity to care for their children without the stress of survival. The Bridge aims to disrupt the disparities that plague many single-parent households and force generational poverty on Black women and their families.
‘Bel-Air’ Reigns As Peacock’s Most-Streamed Original Series
Peacock’s third-biggest title, Bel-Air, has claimed the crown as the network’s most-streamed original series.
According to Deadline, Bel-Air has reached eight million accounts courtesy of its heavy promotion, especially during NBC’s Feb. 13 broadcast of the Super Bowl. The series, which is a re-imagining of the beloved ’90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, kicked off with three episodes on Super Bowl Sunday.
“We’re elated at the positive response to Bel-Air and that this passionate audience quickly solidified the series into the cultural zeitgeist,” said Susan Rovner, chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. “Week after week, Bel-Air captivated audiences with buzzy cliffhangers and stunning ensemble performances, led by the unmatched Jabari Banks. We can’t wait for what’s in store for season two.”
While staying true to the classic sitcom, Bel-Air’s first season explores Will’s coming-of-age story while also unveiling the emotional evolution of the Black family. The reboot carries a more serious undertone than the original show by touching on topics such as sexuality, politics, mental health, drug use, and more.
The cast includes TV novice Jabari Banks as “Will,” Adrian Holmes as “Phillip Banks,” Cassandra Freeman as “Vivian Banks,” Olly Sholotan as “Carlton Banks,” Coco Jones as “Hilary Banks,” Akira Akbar as “Ashley Banks,” Jimmy Akingbola as “Geoffrey,” Jordan L. Jones as “Jazz” and Simone Joy Jones as “Lisa.”
Bel-Air is produced by Will Smith (executive producer) through Westbrook Studios and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group. The new series has already been confirmed for a second season.
“The incredible performance of Bel-Air really demonstrates the power of culture-defining content,” Campbell said. “Bel-Air is our most-streamed Peacock Original series and the third biggest title on the platform, breaking records for customer acquisition, viewership, and upgrades. We strategically launched the series in February amid two of the biggest sporting events, the Olympics and Super Bowl, making Bel-Air a cornerstone of our most-streamed month in Peacock history. We couldn’t be more excited to dive deeper into this story next season.”
All episodes of Bel-Air‘s first season are available for streaming on Peacock.
Joe Dumars Named Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations for the NBA
Former Bad Boy Detroit Piston player and long-time executive Joe Dumars has recently been named executive vice president, head of Basketball Operations of the National Basketball League (NBA).
The NBA announced that the NBA Hall of Fame player and champion would begin his latest duties with the league on May 9 and report to Byron Spruell, president of League Operations.
The NBA announced today that Joe Dumars, a Hall of Fame player, distinguished team executive and NBA champion with more than 30 years of experience in the league, has been appointed Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
“My life has centered on the NBA for nearly 40 years, which makes the opportunity to serve the entire league incredibly exciting and rewarding,” said Dumars in a written statement. “I’m looking forward to using my skills and experience to collaborate with all 30 teams on ways to shape the future direction of the league and help the game continue to evolve.”
In his new position at the league office, Dumars will oversee all basketball operations for the NBA. This will include the development of playing rules and interpretations, conduct and discipline, and policies and procedures relating to the operation of the basketball games. He will speak with and to the players, coaches, team executives, officials, and other key stakeholders to maintain the highest level of play and competition. Dumars will also be responsible for the overall talent strategy for Basketball Operations and reinforce a culture of inclusivity and innovation.
“Joe’s extensive track record of accomplishment as an NBA player and team executive and the leadership and expertise that he has demonstrated in various roles make him a natural fit to drive efforts to further enhance the game,” said Spruell.
“As a respected longtime member of the NBA family, Joe has developed strong relationships across the league that will set the foundation for success in his new position.”
Dumars was so respected as a player that the NBA Sportsmanship Award was renamed the Joe Dumars Trophy.
This award is presented each year to the NBA player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. Dumars was the first winner of the NBA Sportsmanship Award during the 1995-96 season. He also received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award as a player for his outstanding service and dedication to the community.
After three seasons, Dumars just left the Sacramento Kings, where he developed and implemented strategy across the team’s portfolio of activities, including business, basketball, new ventures, entertainment, and real estate.
The plaintiff in a sexual assault case against CNN host Don Lemon has recanted. According to The Advocate, Dustin Hice—a Hampton’s bartender dropped the suit saying that he misremembered the night’s events.
Hice dropped the charges just weeks after he was ordered to pay Lemon $77,000 in attorney fees and days before the civil trial in the case was set to begin.
The incident in question allegedly occurred in July 2018 when Hice was bartending and recognized the media figure. He offered Lemon a drink which was declined and he says that later Lemon fondled himself in front of him and crassly asked about his sexual preference.
Hice claimed in a 2019 lawsuit that the interaction left him with debilitating mental health problems.
In the span of the incident and its subsequent lawsuit, a global pandemic has occurred and the suit lost steam with several witnesses recanting or contradicting Hice’s claims, according to The Advocate.
Hice’s attorney, Robert Barnes, sent The Advocate the following statement on behalf of his client:
“After a lot of inner reflection and a deep dive into my memory, I have come to realize that my recollection of the events that occurred on the night in question when I first met CNN anchor Don Lemon were not what I thought they were when I filed this lawsuit. As a result, I am dropping the case.”
Lemon’s attorney, Caroline Polisi, also released a statement writing, “Thankfully, Mr. Hice was finally able to access his memory and recollect the correct version of events on the night when he approached Don Lemon,” Polisi tells The Advocate. “The court’s ruling fully vindicates Mr. Lemon and brings an end to this abusive lawsuit. This case was a crass money grab from its inception. Mr. Lemon has never paid the plaintiff a dime over the course of this unfortunate spectacle, and he is looking forward to moving on with his life.”
Black Churches Are Closing Across The Country And Public Health Officials Should Be Worried
Black churches have served as the pillar of the Black community for generations, but in recent years, many Black churches have closed, and it could create a public health crisis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black churches became a trusted resource for disseminating information on where and when to get tested, vaccinated, and dispelling inaccurate information on the virus. However, Black churches have been closing for myriad reasons, including aging congregations that younger members aren’t replacing.
Additionally, the gentrification of urban areas across the country is leading to the end of low-income minority neighborhoods, where the local church acts as everything from a day-care center to a food pantry.
In Washington D.C., the Black population has dropped 19% since 2000 due to gentrification, and the city’s Black churches are losing their congregations as a result. Metropolitan AME Church Rev. William H. Lamar IV is trying to keep his congregation and the congregations of the city’s other historic Black churches in the area with the Black Equity Through Homeownership Program.
The Brookings Institute analyzed church closures in New York City between 2013 and 2019 and found the highest rates of church closures were in areas with the highest percentage of Black people. Many of these areas included churches that participated in the state COVID-19 testing program.
Brookings’ analysis also revealed that a greater rate of church closings happened in areas with higher COVID-19 positivity test rates. Church closings affect the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, immigrants, low income, and the unstably housed, forcing them to travel long distances to obtain the health and community services they need.
To protect vulnerable populations and their faith-based centers, politicians, public health officials, and racial equity organizations must work together to install public policies that prioritize cultural institutions paramount to people of color. Churches are central to public health efforts and outreach. Everyone needs to pay attention to the loss of Black and minority churches and work together to ensure churches stay open and continue serving the community.
Two and a half years into the pandemic, more than 82 million people have been infected, and more than 1 million people have died. Cases are also rising again across the country, including New York, California, and even the White House.
Questlove Will Receive An Honorary Degree From The University of the Arts
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the multi-hyphenate creative and longtime drummer for the hip-hop group The Roots is set to receive an honorary degree from the University of the Arts during the Class of 2022 commencement on May 19.
According to the university’s press release, the graduation will kick off the school’s first in-person commencement ceremony since 2019, and it will take place at Philadelphia’s Academy of Music.
The prestigious honor comes after Questlove’s partnership with the Balvenie Distillery to launch a pioneering scholarship program with the University of the Arts, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported. The Balvenie Fellowship is a Ph.D. creativity program that aims to support creative pursuits in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
“Being creative is a mix of unfocusing your eyes in the right way, while still remaining focused on the picture.”
Raised in West Philadelphia, Questlove graduated from Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts in 1989. After graduating, he took classes in jazz and composition at the Settlement Music School. According to Black Past, he currently serves as an adjunct professor at Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University.
To date, Questlove is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, drummer, DJ, producer, director, culinary entrepreneur, and New York Times best-selling author. He serves as the musical director of The TonightShow Starring Jimmy Fallon, where his Roots band has served as the house band since 2014.
In 2021, Questlove made his directorial debut in the Academy Award-winning feature documentary Summer of Soul, which broke the record for Sundance’s highest-selling documentary. He has also written multiple books, including the New York Times’ bestsellers Mo’ Meta Blues and Creative Quest; the Grammy-nominated audiobook Creative Quest; Soul Train: The Music, Dance and Style of a Generation; the James Beard-nominated somethingtofoodabout; Mixtape Potluck; and the newly released Music Is History.
Throughout his musical career, the six-time Grammy Award-winning musician has landed directing and producing roles such as executive producer for D’Angelo’s album, Voodoo, Slum Village’s album Fantasia, Vol. 2, and Common’s album Like Water for Chocolate. In the early 2000s, he served as the musical director for Chappelle’s Show and executive music producer for projects like the 2014 Chris Rock film Top Five.
Atlanta Based Platform EnrichHER Helps Women And Minority-Owned Businesses
The Atlanta-based lending platform EnrichHER is helping to connect minority women entrepreneurs and small business owners with the funding they need.
EnrichHER founder and CEO Dr. Roshawnna Novellus knows the Black Lives Matter movement and focus on social equity helped, but Black women are still struggling to get seed funding, loans, and access to credit. However, she is working to change that.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the government was giving money away to help keep businesses afloat, Black-owned businesses were still left behind as just 9% received funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
“I believe that all women need to have access to their own economic power,” Novellus told 11 Alive. “I have a huge track record of financial knowledge, but oftentimes when I go to make a financial transaction myself, people just assume that I don’t know what I’m doing. Even though I have a doctorate in finance.”
Novellus added that EnrichHER receives about $15 million in loan requests per month from companies seeking to stabilize their business. To date, EnrichHER has given out $14 million in capital to diverse-owned businesses in 47 states.
One of those recipients is Barbara Jones, founder of Lillii RNB Inc. According to Jones, there were times when she couldn’t pay herself and keep her business running. Jones added that the funding she received from EnrichHER not only saved her business but allowed her to receive additional investment from Venus and Serena Williams.
“They gave me the funding, and I was able to hire two people, get them trained, get them on projects,” Jones told 11Alive. “That saved our business because we were able to meet our demand.”
Black businesses, both small and large, are now getting the increased funding and support they need from other Black people in positions of power. Beyoncé, rapper Jay-Z, and many others have started impact funds to help other Black men and women in various disciplines, including cannabis and even banking.
