Code-Switching Expert Travels Across the Nation to Share His Groundbreaking Research Findings
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 20, 2022

Code-Switching Expert Travels Across the Nation to Share His Groundbreaking Research Findings

Have you ever heard of the concept of code-switching? It is the practice of adjusting one’s style of speech, appearance, behavior and expression to a particular context or situation. It is something that we do naturally as human beings. However, for people of color, code-switching can become a burden —  but it does not have to be that way, according to researcher and author George Paasewe, who will speak to college students and staff members at Green River College on Friday, Sept. 16, 2022.

Paasewe’s book, How Black College Students Learn Code-Switching (2020), helps readers examine and evaluate the concept of code-switching, identify why people code-switch, compare the advantages and disadvantages of code-switching and develop strategies of how to advocate for social change, inclusion and acceptance of cultural differences, according to a press release.

Within two years of launching How Black College Students Learn Code-Switching, 32 higher education institutions have adopted Paasewe’s book into their curriculum for instruction or programming. The University of Oregon, Michigan Technical University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham are the latest higher education institutions that have adopted the book.

(Image: George Paasewe Facilitating a Workshop at The University of Wisconsin Whitewater)

Paasewe travels across the nation to speak to different colleges, universities, and corporations on the concept. His research, book, and speaking engagements are diversity, equity and inclusion focused, offering institutions an interesting topic for students and staff to consider, engage and take action with the tangible information provided.

“Code-switching is a tool anyone can use to break the communication barrier and make new connections with people outside of their race, ethnicity and culture,” says Paasewe.

“Language differences between cultures can serve as a roadblock. In these instances, code-switching has value because it allows one to participate in the larger, more diverse community.”

As a professor of sociology at a midwestern technical college that is a predominantly white institution (PWI), Paasewe recognizes that students of color are experiencing some challenges in navigating white spaces due to lack of support, microaggressions and cases of racism.

When planning your next conference, training, professional development, or event on diversity, equity and inclusion, you want your audience to be inspired, engaged and ready to take action with the tangible value from their ultimate experience.

Hire George Paasewe to deliver that experience to your college, university and organization on the concept of code-switching. In this meaningful hands-on experience, attendees will be able to examine and evaluate the concept of code-switching:

– Identify why people code-switch.

– Explain how code-switching is learned.

– Compare the advantages and disadvantages of code-switching.

– Identify the adverse effects of code-switching.

– Identify the root cause of why people of color experience the burden of code-switching.

– Develop strategies for advocating for social change, inclusion, and acceptance of cultural differences.

– Develop one’s self-concept of code-switching to maintain their identity when code-switching.

Federal Judge Allows Georgians to Challenge To Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Reelection Bid
by Derek Major

April 20, 2022

Federal Judge Allows Georgians to Challenge To Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Reelection Bid

A federal judge ruled a group of Georgia voters can proceed with legal efforts to disqualify U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from running for reelection to Congress, citing her role in the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot.

NPR reports the challenge to  Taylor Greene’s reelection bid was filed last month by the group Free Speech for People. The group filed the suit with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, alleging that Taylor Greene helped facilitate the Jan. 6 riot that prevented Congress from certifying Joe Biden‘s presidential election victory. The group believes Greene’s actions violated a rarely cited provision of the 14th amendment making her ineligible to run for reelection.

The provision states no one can serve in Congress “who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress . . . to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same.”

The provision was ratified shortly after the Civil War, in part to keep representatives of the Confederacy from returning to Congress. Greene filed a lawsuit in early April asking a judge to declare the law unconstitutional,  but Judge Amy Totenberg denied Taylor Greene’s request in a 73-page filing saying the representative failed to meet the “burden of persuasion” in her request.

Since Taylor Greene was elected, she has put her foot in her mouth a few times. She questioned whether a plane hit the Pentagon on 9/11, attacked fellow Rep. Ilhan Omar, called Kwanzaa a “fake religion,” and had her Twitter account permanently suspended for “repeated violations” of Twitter’s COVID-19 misinformation policy, and compared COVID to the Holocaust.

After the decision allowing the suit to move forward, Taylor Greene said she “never encouraged political violence and never will,” and her team has denied that she participated in the planning of the Capitol Riot.

However, MSNBC reports Free Speech for People has provided examples of Greene criticizing the peaceful transfer of power after former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, saying the Jan. 6 attack was justified by the Declaration of Independence, and claiming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), will “suffer death or she’ll be in prison” for treason.

Taylor Greene may have to walk back the wild claims she’s made that got her elected by far-right supporters or risk being replaced on this year’s ballot.

Wells Fargo Introduces Small Businesses to Alternative Options for Financing and Technical Assistance
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 20, 2022

Wells Fargo Introduces Small Businesses to Alternative Options for Financing and Technical Assistance

Wells Fargo announces the Small Business Resource Navigator, an online portal helping connect small business owners to potential financing options and technical assistance through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the country.

The portal was launched in collaboration with the non-profit Community Reinvestment Fund, USA, and was made possible by the Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund. By visiting www.bizresourcenavigator.com and completing a short questionnaire, small businesses may be connected to CDFIs or business advisory resources in their area, according to a press release.

“As the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic persist, small businesses continue to need our help,” said Derek Ellington, head of Small Business at Wells Fargo.

“We see a lot of value in supporting a resource like this to help small businesses connect to as many options as possible. The Small Business Resource Navigator connects small business owners to potential capital assistance provided by a CDFI who could help meet their needs, and serves as a major time saver for busy entrepreneurs allowing them to stay focused on their business.”

Since 2015, Wells Fargo has provided more than $500 million in philanthropic grants and investments to CDFIs that help underserved small businesses.

Ellington added, “We’ve long understood the impact of CDFIs. They are an important part of our financial ecosystem embedded in communities across America providing small businesses in need with capital and other assistance they may not otherwise qualify for through traditional financing. We are proud to expand our support of the work CDFIs do by helping route small businesses to these vital organizations for lending, technical assistance and support.”

“Wells Fargo has been dedicated to helping small businesses for many years, but in particular, getting them through the current environment,” says Patrick Davis, SVP of Strategy with Community Reinvestment Fund, USA.

“This support is extremely timely as it helps connect small businesses with CDFIs who can potentially provide them access to funding and resources that will help owners get back on their feet. CDFIs are an important part of the financial ecosystem and play a critical role in deploying capital to small businesses with a history of underrepresentation, and it’s great to see that Wells Fargo is so committed to the success of small business across the U.S.”

In 2020, Wells Fargo announced the Open for Business Fund, a roughly $420 million small business relief effort focused on small businesses hardest hit by COVID-19, including Black, African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, women and many others. Grants were awarded to more than 235 CDFIs and nonprofits serving small businesses across the U.S. The Open for Business Fund is estimated to serve more than 152,000 small businesses and preserve or create more than 255,000 jobs. Roughly 85% of small businesses served by Open for Business Fund grantees are projected to reach racially and ethnically diverse entrepreneurs.

Ann Finnegan, president of NDC Community Impact Loan Fund, an Open for Business Fund grant recipient and participating CDFI on the Small Business Resource Navigator network says, “We are excited for the opportunity to connect with more small businesses in need. This platform is an important tool to support our lending mission to minority and women-owned small businesses and non-profits.”

For more information about Wells Fargo’s work with small businesses, visit www.wellsfargo.com/impact.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 20, 2022

The Saga Continues: Tasha K Purportedly Defies Court Order To Remove Defamatory Videos of Cardi B

The battle between blogger Tasha K and hip-hop artist Cardi B has taken another turn that may lead them back to court.

Earlier this month, a federal judge ordered YouTube personality Tasha K to remove 21 defamatory videos about Cardi B, Billboard reports. Taska K was also banned from ever posting content referring to the Bodak Yellow rapper on specific subjects.

However, as of last week, Tasha K has not followed the judge’s instruction to remove the specified content from her site.

Dennis Byron, the editor-in-chief of Hip-Hop Enquirer, posted on his Twitter account that Tasha K has defied the order given to her by the judge.

XXL reported that Bryon went on Instagram Live to further discuss the matter.

“This is a federal judge’s order, and it is very specific, and it was a consenting order by mutual parties,” he stated during the IG Live session. “So…at this point, when you violate a judge’s order, there are one or two things that could happen. They could throw you in jail. They could fine you. Being thrown in jail is one thing, but then the fine is up to $50,000 and up to a year in jail. What was she (Tasha K) thinking?”

This so-called permanent injunction by Judge William M. Ray II comes after Cardi B was awarded a $4 million defamation verdict against Tasha K.

Cardi B requested the arrangement last month, stating that Tasha K posed a “constant ongoing threat” to repost her “disgusting lies.” Initially, Tasha opposed the order. A hearing was going to take place Friday before she agreed to the restrictions imposed on Monday.

Cardi B filed a lawsuit against Tasha K in 2019 due to a “malicious campaign” to harm Cardi’s reputation.

Earlier this year, the jury overwhelmingly sided with the rapper, holding Tasha liable for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. They awarded more than $2.5 million in damages and another $1.3 million in legal fees incurred by the rapper.

Tasha K is appealing the decision.

Education Department Says Change To Student Loan Programs Could Get Millions Out Of Debt
by Derek Major

April 20, 2022

Education Department Says Change To Student Loan Programs Could Get Millions Out Of Debt

The Education Department announced changes to multiple student loan programs, immediately relieving thousands from student loan debt and bringing millions closer to having their debt forgiven.

CBS News reports the changes are being made to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs and the income-driven repayment plans. The changes will give 40,000 students immediate forgiveness and bring more than 3 million borrowers closer to relief by at least three years through income-driven repayments.

An NPR investigation revealed income-driven repayment plans were badly mismanaged by the Education Department and the loan servicing companies it employs.

“Student loans were never meant to be a life sentence, but it’s certainly felt that way for borrowers locked out of debt relief they’re eligible for,” said Education Secretary Miguel Cardona in a statement. He said the move begins to “remedy years of administrative failures” and the actions demonstrate the administration’s commitment to delivering “meaningful debt relief and ensuring federal student loan programs are administered fairly and effectively.”

Student loan debt is the second-highest debt Americans carry as more than 43 million borrowers collectively owe more than $1.6 trillion. In the run-up to the 2020 Presidential Election, President Joe Biden committed to broad student loan forgiveness. However, since taking office in the White House, he has been quiet when it comes to that pledge.

Biden has extended the COVID-19-related student loan payment pause several times, including earlier this month when he extended the pause through Aug. 31. He also has given relief to disabled students and victims of for-profit colleges. Since stepping into office, the Biden administration has canceled $17 billion in debt for more than 725,000 borrowers.

The Education Department will also conduct a one-time account adjustment to count long-term forbearances toward income-driven and public service-related forgiveness. The changes will be automatically applied to the borrower’s accounts. Borrowers that were pushed into short-term forbearances will also be able to seek account reviews. The Biden administration will also increase oversight of student loan servicers’ ability to enroll borrowers in forbearance.

 

National Battle of the Bands Announces Partnership with JPMorgan Chase to Further Efforts for Economic Inclusion
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 20, 2022

National Battle of the Bands Announces Partnership with JPMorgan Chase to Further Efforts for Economic Inclusion

National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) today announced a key partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPMC) as an official sponsor of the celebrated event. This connection enables JPMorgan Chase to leverage its presence to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Through the National Battle of the Bands, JPMorgan Chase will create unique engagement opportunities within the HBCU community, including creating awareness of the career opportunities within the finance industry and promote financial health education., according to a press release.

“This official sponsorship from JPMorgan Chase will help thousands of HBCU students and families by providing more opportunities for homeownership, access to affordable housing, entrepreneurship assistance, and bolstering financial health in the brown and Black communities,” says Derek Webber, creator of the National Battle of the Bands.

“We’re honored to partner with JPMorgan Chase given its longstanding reputation in the financial world and its power to buttress HBCU students through the National Battle of the Bands.”

“Chase is inspired by the excellence of these young musicians, the committed support of their teachers and families — and by the deep soulfulness of this historic event. You make us very proud,” says Kisha Porch, managing director, head of Retail Banking, Small Business and Online Products Service for JP Morgan Chase.

JPMorgan Chase joins an impressive roster of notable National Battle of the Bands sponsors, including Pepsi and Toyota.

The National Battle of the Bands was created to be the nation’s best kick-off to the fall marching band season by showcasing the talent of the country’s top marching bands. The event offers unmatched exposure to HBCUs and brings together broad appeal among varying age groups and socio-economic demographic groups.

For more information about the National Battle of the Bands and its full list of sponsors visit https://www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/, and stay updated on social media at @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).

Tennessee Woman Charged With Vehicular Homicide After Causing Death of Former Pro Basketball Player Galen Young
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 20, 2022

Tennessee Woman Charged With Vehicular Homicide After Causing Death of Former Pro Basketball Player Galen Young

A woman has been charged with the death of a former professional basketball player who died when she recklessly drove her vehicle into the house where he was sleeping last June.

According to The Associated Press, Miracle Renee Ruthford, who is 19 years of age, was indicted in the death of ex-Seattle Supersonics NBA player, Galen Young. The young woman who had crashed her car into a Memphis house was charged with vehicular homicide. The charges were announced on Tuesday by Memphis prosecutors.

The tragic incident took place last spring on June 5 according to the Shelby County district attorney’s office. The 19-year-old teenager was speeding at around 2:45 a.m. on that night. She reportedly lost control of her vehicle as the car went airborne and crashed directly into the home of Young.

Initially, there were no injuries reported. Police officials stated that a woman inside the residence informed police officers that she lived there with her adult son, but that he was not at home when the accident occurred. However, several hours later, other members of the family came to help with the removal of items from the crash site. This is when the body of the ex-NBA player was discovered and identified as the 45-year-old Young, 45.

The former Supersonics player (The team relocated to Oklahoma and now goes by the Oklahoma City Thunder) played high school basketball in Memphis and attended Northwest Mississippi Community College where he started his collegiate career. He then played two years at UNC-Charlotte, where he helped lead the basketball team, the 49ers to two NCAA Tournament appearances. While playing there, he earned All Conference-USA honors.

He was initially drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1999. He ended up playing 13 seasons of pro basketball in the Continental Basketball Association. He also had stints overseas where he also played in Japan and Australia.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 20, 2022

SheaMoisture Launches The Dream Fund to Champion Black Female Entrepreneurs in Canada

In an effort to support the community it serves, SheaMoisture Canada continues its dedicated support to Black female entrepreneurs and salon businesses for the second year in a row.

Last year, SheaMoisture launched the Salon Relief Fund to help female business owners survive the challenging tides brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic through a $10,000 grant, generous salon gift baskets and educational workshops, according to a press release.

This year, the global beauty leader and award-winning brand launches The Dream Fund, the second edition of its grant program which will offer financial support to a community that has been disproportionately affected globally. The Dream Fund continues the brand’s commitment to serving those who have been underserved and comes during a time when salons, especially those owned, led and operated by the Black community in Canada, face some of the most challenging times in recent years.

The Dream Fund aims to provide financial grants to black-owned businesses who demonstrate how their services and offerings support their community; how they have positively adapted their business models in recent times and how the funds will support their staff and elevate their future business goals.

“We are a brand with a deep commitment to overserve the underserved black community. Our community commerce model not only invests in, but helps build, transform, and regenerate communities locally and globally by directly impacting equitable systemic change”, said George Umoh, associate brand manager, Unilever Canada.

This year’s grant program offers $10,000 to five winners for a full grant offering of $50,000 in total and isn’t exclusive to just Black owned salon establishments; instead SheaMoisture Canada has opened its program applications to Black Female entrepreneurs across the following categories:

– Beauty: Encapsulating the entire beauty industry encouraging hairdressers and barbers who are significant contributors to the black business community in Canada.

– Professional Services: This category includes “Solopreneurs” who are doing incredible work and deserve an opportunity to apply for funding for support and expansion. This category is open to event planners, doctors and wellness professionals, artists, musicians and more.

Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed applications for eligibility including video submissions, which will then be followed up by an expert and community driven deliberation and reviewal process with a panel of well-established Black professionals curated by The Diversity Agency.

SheaMoisture is thrilled to partner with The Diversity Agency, who for the second time will be bringing a group of top talents to the judging table from Canada’s diverse professional Black community. The Diversity Agency is a Speaker’s Bureau representing Black speakers and business professionals from diverse backgrounds, skilled in many industries, on many topics. The agency’s speakers include business leaders, thought leaders, artists, and successful entrepreneurs.

“Women of colour are among the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in Canada. There are very few funding programs for women-owned businesses and even less for Black women-owned businesses. I’m proud to partner with SheaMoisture’s Dream Fund as a judge; we need more programs like this that support Black female entrepreneurs” said Andria Barrett, founder of The Diversity Agency and co-founder of Black Female Funders.

The Diversity Agency panel will also host a series of monthly informative workshops along with SheaMoisture to educate and inform black female entrepreneurs and the diverse Canadian Black community at large on a series of topics, including: Rethinking Your Business Model, Future Proofing Your Business and more.

The Dream Fund is just another addition to SheaMoisture’s list of global community givebacks. As part of their Community Commerce business model, SheaMoisture partners with women-led co-ops in Northern Ghana on an on-going basis to source its namesake shea butter. With the core belief that commerce can bring true economic independence and empower women to break cycles of poverty as the brand further reinvests into both the co-ops and the communities it serves globally. Now, SheaMoisture continues to create economic opportunities for women and other minority entrepreneurs in Canada within its ecosystem with The Dream Fund.

Please visit: https://unileverpromos-ca.wyng.com/SheaMoistureDreamFund2022 for application details. Please Note: Official grant rules will apply.

Multicultural Marketing Agency, LIQUID SOUL Announces New LIQUID SOUL POLITICO Division
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 20, 2022

Multicultural Marketing Agency, LIQUID SOUL Announces New LIQUID SOUL POLITICO Division

LIQUID SOUL continues to lead the charge in multicultural marketing, as they announce their new LIQUID SOUL POLITICO division, focusing on the political landscape and critical issues that affect underrepresented communities.

For over two decades, the company has been known as leaders in ethnic inclusiveness in the workspace.

LIQUID SOUL POLITICO, will spearhead culturally impactful campaigns that will disrupt the political outreach and engagement space. This new division will support not only the general market but will have hyper-focus on promoting the power to vote and activate overall civic engagement in the Black and Brown communities, nationwide, according to a press release. Kicking off, LIQUID SOUL is proud to announce Oscar Joyner, trusted partner, political strategist and marketing maven, as the new managing partner — Dallas Office, and head of LIQUID SOUL POLITICO.

“Coming off a recent celebration of 20 years of business success at LIQUID SOUL, we are thrilled to welcome an engagement and media leader such as Oscar Joyner, to our diverse and impactful leadership team. With expansion in various markets such as biopharmaceuticals, healthcare, politics, enterprise technology and more, LIQUID SOUL couldn’t be more excited to dive into this next level of growth, and look forward to what lies ahead,” Tirrell D. Whittley, CEO and founder of LIQUID SOUL.

Oscar Joyner is the former president and COO, of REACH Media Inc. (an Urban One Company), known for producing nationally syndicated programs such as the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, and the DL Hughley Show. A decorated tactician and marketing expert with over 20 years of experience in the political and entertainment space, Oscar has become one of the industry’s most sought-after outreach and awareness specialists with strong connections across communities. Utilizing his expertise and natural ability to activate the Black radio space, Oscar has used his knowledge in campaigns such as Raphael Warnock for U.S. Senate, the 1-866-MYVOTE1 vote registration hotline that registered over 100,000 new voters, and Defeat by Tweet, a microdonation campaign that contributed over $3.7 million to black-led organizations in swing states during the 2020 election.

“I’m excited to extend my expertise in African American outreach and use my experience to help political parties and their candidates reach the subsets they need, including Black men and women, veterans and HBCUs,” said Oscar Joyner.

As the Agency of Culture, LIQUID SOUL has established a platform for LIQUID SOUL POLITICO to engage political issue-based initiatives, candidate campaigns and with political organizations to streamline efforts around multicultural strategy, crisis management, creative design, production, strategy consulting, media planning and buying, digital radio, paid social media integrations, GOTV activations, call-to-action campaigns, voter address file targeting and so much more.

The new division will heavily target grassroot engagement with minority groups including Faith Based, HBCUs, Urban Professionals, First-Time Voters, Black Women and Men, HipHop/Music Industry and Acculturated Latinos.

LIQUID SOUL POLITICO has already broken ground with top-tier clients including Raphael Warnock for U.S. Senate 2020, Walmart, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), and is currently engaged with The DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) and Val Demings for U.S. Senate campaign.

With recent accolades for the division including a 2022 Anthem Awards “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community Outreach” Silver award, and highlights by top media partners including CNN and Huffington Post, LIQUID SOUL Politico is destined to rise in the political space.

Michelle Obama’s Brother Craig Robinson and His Wife Sues Milwaukee School Over Kids’ Expulsion
by Atiya Jordan

April 20, 2022

Michelle Obama’s Brother Craig Robinson and His Wife Sues Milwaukee School Over Kids’ Expulsion

Craig Robinson, the brother of former first lady Michelle Obama, and his wife, Kelly Robinson, are taking legal action against a private university in Milwaukee that expelled their two young sons.

The couple is suing the University School of Milwaukee (USM), alleging that the dismissals were in retaliation for expressing concerns about racial and socio-economic bias at the school, the New York Post reported.

“As a lot of parents, we heard what was going on in the classroom because of COVID, and there were repeated use of racial and ethnic stereotypes that were in actual assignments,” Robinson, executive director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, told Good Morning America.

He added: “The use of the word plantation and things of that nature. In addition to the racial and ethnic stereotypes, there was an insensitivity to socioeconomic status and as well as a disregard for the children who weren’t physically in the classroom.”

The Robinsons enrolled their two children, an 11-year-old and a 9-year-old, at the pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade school. USM expelled the older son in April 2021 and the younger son in June 2021.

According to the lawsuit, “the Robinsons communicated directly with USM faculty and staff about the inclusion of language in various worksheets and projects that was offensive to persons of color, persons with disabilities, indigenous Americans and other underrepresented students.”

However, Robinson said that their concerns were “summarily dismissed,” including his wife’s bias incident reports she submitted in January and March 2021, GMA reported. The suit claims that the school took no action to respond to the reports and instead terminated their sons’ enrollment.

“Just as recently as 10 years ago, the University School of Milwaukee had in their fourth-grade curriculum that students reenacted the Underground Railroad. And students dressed up as slaves and ran through the school in the dark and the teachers were actually the slave masters who captured these students,” Kelly Robinson said.

In response to the dismissals, the school claimed in a letter sent to the couple that they had “not fulfilled the foregoing commitments as a partner to USM and its Middle School teachers and administrators.”

“We want to hold University School of Milwaukee accountable not just to our two children who they retaliated against, but more importantly, there’s a whole community of people who are out there that we wouldn’t feel right if this happened moving forward,” Craig Robinson said.

“The third reason is, this needs to stop and change and this will help all students at the University School of Milwaukee.”

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