2020 U.S. Census Significantly Undercounts Millions Of Blacks, Hispanics, And Native Americans
by Derek Major

March 15, 2022

2020 U.S. Census Significantly Undercounts Millions Of Blacks, Hispanics, And Native Americans

The 2020 census has continued a longstanding trend of undercounting Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans by the millions while overcounting white and Asian Americans.

According to The Hill, the Bureau said it discovered undercounts among minority populations that were more significant than the number of those populations who went uncounted in the 2010 census. The Bureau also made several overcounts.

According to data from a post-enumeration survey, the Black population was undercounted by 3.3%, and the Hispanic population was undercounted by 5%. Both were increases from the 2010 census and the count of Native Americans and Alaska Natives living on reservations. The Bureau also overcounted the number of non-Hispanic white Americans by 1.6%, nearly double the rate of the 2010 census. Asian Americans were also overcounted by 2.6%.

The undercounts are primarily the result of former President Donald Trump’s assault on the census.

In addition to ending the census count early, he also pressured the Bureau to alter plans to protect people’s privacy and produce accurate data. Additionally, the former president also attempted to add a citizenship question to the census despite warnings that doing so would lead to an undercount among Hispanic communities who already avoid taking the census due to fears of deportation.

The COVID-19 pandemic also significantly affected the census count, especially when it came to minority populations.

“The condition of the population during the pandemic was quite profound. We had families of all races and ethnicities, but especially among Latinos, who were really suffering during this period,” Robert Santos, the new director of the Census Bureau, told The Hill.

The Bureau missed counts of other populations, including children under five and working-age men, which it undercounted. The census overcounted college-aged people between 18-24 and people of retirement age.

Despite the issues, the Bureau said it was satisfied by the work of its members, adding there would be no need to recalibrate the numbers to change representation in the U.S. House of Representatives or electoral college votes.

Alumni From These 10 HBCU Schools Earn More Than Black Graduates In Their States
by Derek Major

March 15, 2022

Alumni From These 10 HBCU Schools Earn More Than Black Graduates In Their States

An increasing number of Black Americans are questioning if college benefits them. However, some historically Black college and university (HBCUs) graduates are making more than Black grads from other schools in their state.

Many HBCUs offer lower tuition costs, more financial help, and a rich, vibrant and inclusive culture that makes Black students not only feel at home, but when they leave school, it’s not as damaging to their financial futures.

HBCU graduates also wind up with positions that pay more annually than Black graduates from other schools in the same area earn. CNBC identified 10 HBCUs where the average alumni make more than a Black graduate from another school.

1. Xavier University of Louisiana

The New Orleans HBCU has a median salary of $52,582, which is $15,000 more than other Black grads in the state earn.

2. Spelman College

The Georgia HBCU where Stacey Abrams and Bernice King, Martin Luther King Jr‘s daughter, received their higher education, has a median salary of $49,625, which is just under $10,000 more than the average Black graduate makes in the state.

3. Hampton University

Hampton University, which has just joined the CAA, has a median salary of $47,197, about $4,000 more than the average Black graduate salary of $43,180. The HBCU sports several notable alumni, including former Detroit Piston Rick MaHorn and Martin Luther King’s mother, Alberta Williams King.

4. Morehouse College

The liberal arts college based in Atlanta opened in 1867 and has become one of the country’s most known and recognized HBCU schools. It has an average salary of $44,135, about $3,700 more than Black grads in the state make.

5. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida A&M or FAMU is the first HBCU on the list not in Virginia, Georgia, or Louisiana and Black alumni have an average salary of $39,700. In contrast, other Black grads have an average salary of $36,074.

The other five schools on the list are Tennessee State University, Fisk University in Tennessee, Tuskegee University, Alcorn State University in Mississippi, and Dillard University in Louisiana.

CNBC notes factors including regional differences play a part in the rankings; almost all HBCUs are located in the Southeast, which has the lowest average annual salary of any region in the U.S.

Kelis’s Husband, Photographer Mike Mora, Dead After Losing Battle With Cancer
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 15, 2022

Kelis’s Husband, Photographer Mike Mora, Dead After Losing Battle With Cancer

Photographer Mike Mora, singer Kelis’s husband who had been battling cancer, has sadly passed away after losing his battle with the deadly disease.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Mora, who has been married to R&B singer since 2014, died after succumbing to stage 4 stomach cancer. He was 37. He was given 18 months to live last September.

Kelis’s management team confirmed the sad news.

“Sadly, it’s true that Mike Mora has passed away. We would ask all to respect Kelis and her family’s privacy as of right now. Thank you,” said Steve Satterthwaite of Red Light Management in a written statement.

Last October, in a series of Instagram posts documenting his battle, Mora revealed that he was battling a stage 4 stomach cancer diagnosis.

The couple shares a son named Shepherd, who was born in 2015, and a daughter named Galilee, who was born last year. Kelis also shares a son named Knight with ex-husband, rapper and entrepreneur Nas, now 12 years old.

Mora unveiled that he had not been feeling well, and he initially thought that the fatigue and pain he was experiencing was due to the physical work he had been doing on a farm he and his family had recently moved to. But he said the worst pain was in his stomach, and it started to affect him in a way he knew wasn’t right.

According to reports, Mora experienced various issues, from loss of appetite to severe stomach pain, and saw three specialists before an endoscopic biopsy. Mora was diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma — stomach cancer stage 4. The cancer had also spread to the lymph nodes in his back.

Last September, in an Instagram post, Mora stated that doctors gave him 18 months to live, and it had already been 12.

He posted a message to inspire those who may take life, things, and family for granted.

“I am posting this…after so much thought. Many hours thinking of what the right thing to do is. Not because of a selfish reason .not because I want people to feel bad or sorry for me and my family. I am posting this because life is full of the most unexpected situations. I never thought this could happen to me. At just 36, with 3 kiddos, and a wife that loves me. I want to be able to help those that might be experiencing something like this- a life altering disease full of questions and doubt- maybe, hopefully. By showing that it’s possible to make it through. You always see people post about how life is too short. How you should reach out to those you love no matter where life has taken you. It is the truth. Don’t take your time here, your time with friends, family, for granted. Sh*t can be over just like that!”

 

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Tap Into True Vinyl Bliss With This Bluetooth Turntable
by Black Enterprise Shop

March 15, 2022

Tap Into True Vinyl Bliss With This Bluetooth Turntable

It’s no secret to anyone who follows the music scene that vinyl has reemerged in a major way. Whether it’s music purists who long for the days of hearing the needle scratch a record, or audiophiles who appreciate hearing sound in its purest form, the recent vinyl boom has shown it doesn’t plan on slowing any time soon.

Experience the true vinyl experience with the mbeat® PT-18K Bluetooth Vinyl Player for just $249. That’s a savings of 31% from its MSRP ($363). It plays 33/45 RPM vinyl.

At its core, the mbeat® PT-18K is a traditional record player. However, it’s been updated to include some technical aspects that really make it stand out. It’s fitted with a metal allow patter that greatly reduces vibrations and signal disturbance. It’s fitted with a moving magnet cartridge, which makes accurate tracking and cleaner sound possible.

“Great value! I have been searching for a good quality turntable at a decent price point & I finally found it! Thank-You!” writes verified 5-star purchaser Anthony C.

While this turntable does all the things a regular turntable can, it enhances the vinyl listening experience through its Bluetooth transmitter, which allows you to listen to your vinyl records on Bluetooth-compatible wireless speakers or headphones. You can also plug the mbeat® PT-18K Bluetooth Vinyl Player into wired (RCA/phono out) speakers.

Watch this video.

Additionally, play and record vinyl directly to your PC to digitize your collection, or take it with you on your laptop, phone, or tablet. This truly is a turntable tailored for true connoisseurs that has evolved to match the technology of the time.

There’s never been a better time to get into vinyl – or back into it if you’ve been away. Reissues of old classics are also a good excuse to spend on a turntable that doesn’t lack quality or features. Purchase this high-quality turntable today and experience the joy of pure vinyl.

Prices subject to change.

Record-Breaking Olympian Allyson Felix Teams Up With Pure Leaf To Help Women Say ‘No’ At Work
by Atiya Jordan

March 14, 2022

Record-Breaking Olympian Allyson Felix Teams Up With Pure Leaf To Help Women Say ‘No’ At Work

Record-breaking Olympian Allyson Felix, who famously walked away from a contract with a major sponsor while standing up for maternity and post-partum rights, is now teaming up with Pure Leaf Iced Tea to support women saying “no” in the workplace.

The partnership was announced in honor of Women’s History Month, along with the launch of the premium ice tea brand’s Say “No” grants. In addition to Felix, the SeekHer Foundation, a women’s empowerment and mental health nonprofit, has also joined in on the initiative, according to a press release.

In addition, Pure Leaf is committing $1 million over the next three years to fund opportunities that will “support women who want to say “no” at work so that they can say “yes” to other personal, social, familial, and cultural things in their lives.”

“Since its launch in 2020, Pure Leaf’s ‘No is Beautiful’ campaign has encouraged people everywhere to say ‘no’ to the things that don’t matter, so they can say ‘yes’ to things that do,” Julie Raheja-Perera, general manager, North America, Pepsi Lipton Partnership, shared in a press statement.

She continued: “Both Allyson and SeekHer founder Dr. Monica Mo personally understand just how high the ‘Cost of No’ can be for women. We recognize that the inability to say ‘no’ to asks in the workplace has real consequences for women, including burnout and financial impacts. While we at Pure Leaf push for ‘no’ to be more widely accepted in society, the ‘No’ Grants are our first step toward helping women say ‘no’ in the workplace so they can say yes to the things that matter.”

Notably, the most decorated American Track and Field athlete in history, Felix understands firsthand the significance of saying “no” to contracts that no longer serve her.

As previously reported by Insider, she left her Nike deal due to the blatant lack of support and maternity protections she requested in negotiating a new deal with the brand.

Felix told the outlet they offered her a 70% pay cut in the new contract. Instead, the Olympic sprinter ultimately signed with Athleta, a women-focused apparel company. Now, she’s advocating for other women to spread the beauty of saying no, echoing the efforts of Pure Leaf.

“Too often, the ‘Cost of No’ is too high for women, particularly those in minority communities,” said Felix.

“Each time a Hispanic or Black woman says ‘no’ in the workplace, she loses over $1,400 in future earning potential. I’m partnering with Pure Leaf because we must help women say ‘no’ at work without the worry of financial repercussions.”

by Atiya Jordan

March 14, 2022

Tyrese Praises R. Kelly After The Singer Sends Condolences After His Mother’s Death

Following the recent death of his beloved mother, actor and award-winning artist Tyrese Gibson shared that he received some well wishes from an incarcerated R. Kelly. 

According to an Instagram post, the Fast & Furious star posted the message on his Instagram. The post featured a text message screenshot in which the menaced R&B singer offered his condolences over Gibson’s loss.

“[…] Hey Lil Bro,” the message began. “My Condolences To You About Mom… She Is In A Better Place With My Mom & They Both Smiling Down On Us.. I Pray For You & Keep It Going On Love. I know it a lot having to deal with this in the limelight but keep ya head up ~Rob~.”

 

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In the caption, Gibson expressed his gratitude for the message, especially because R. Kelly is behind bars. He shared that he “broke down” in his trailer for 45 minutes upon receiving the message. Despite Kelly serving time for several sexual assault crimes, Tyrese went on to praise the “Ignition” singer and called him the “King of R&B.”

“Selfishly I wish they could sneak a protools rig and a mic in your jail cell so that you can unload all of those ideas,” he wrote in his IG caption, “’cause I know you don’t write, all of your hits have been freestyled off the top…… But that’s just me.”

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Gibson’s mother, Priscilla Murray, passed away last month after a battle with pneumonia and COVID-19, as well as other health complications. He shared the heartbreaking news with his over 15 million follower base.

“My sweet Valentine just passed away,” Gibson captioned a separate Instagram post in part. “May the lord Jesus Christ and his angels open the doors of heavens and embrace her.”

 

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California Man On The Run and His Girlfriend Arrested After Her Missing Daughter’s Body Found Inside Boyfriend’s Home
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 14, 2022

California Man On The Run and His Girlfriend Arrested After Her Missing Daughter’s Body Found Inside Boyfriend’s Home

Police want a California man after authorities located the body of his girlfriend’s missing 8-year-old daughter inside his home.

Dhante Jackson, 34, has been on the run from police after police found the body of 8-year-old Sophia Mason inside of his Central Valley home on Thursday, NBC News reports.

Sophia was the daughter of Jackson’s girlfriend, Samantha Johnson, 30, and reported missing last Tuesday.

Police searched Jackson’s home twice before after a family member contacted police sharing their worries about Johnson and Mason. However, each time they visited, the mother and daughter were nowhere in sight.

Following Johnson’s arrest on Thursday, police said she “re-confirmed” suspicions of Mason being at Jackson’s house. When authorities searched Jackson’s home for the third time, they located Mason’s body.

“So hard to believe,” Melonie Verlatti, a family friend told NBC Bay Area, noting that the disturbing case has many feeling “just complete and total shock.”

Family members told police they had no contact with Mason since December, KOLO-TV reports. Johnson had a warrant for her arrest in connection with a 2021 child abuse case in Alameda County.

Investigators believe Jackson fled the scene after learning of the police search. There is a murder warrant for his arrest.

“Soon after news spread about Jackson’s home being searched, he went on the run,” police wrote in a statement, as reported by Law and Crime. “A warrant has been issued for Jackson’s arrest for the charge of murder. He is known to frequent the Bay Area of California.”

Johnson is facing a murder charge in connection to her daughter’s death, Merced police said. She is also charged with obstruction of an officer’s investigation and corporal injury to a child, Santa Rita jail records show.

“We also want to thank the community for their support and concern for Sophia’s welfare,” Hayward police said. “This is a difficult and emotional time for Sophia’s family, and we cannot begin to fathom their grief.”

Will Smith Insists ‘There’s Never Been Infidelity’ In Marriage With Jada Pinkett Smith
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 14, 2022

Will Smith Insists ‘There’s Never Been Infidelity’ In Marriage With Jada Pinkett Smith

Despite Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s “entanglement” scandal, the King Richard star is adamant he and his wife have never actually cheated on each other.

While speaking with Gayle King on CBS Sunday Morning, Smith shut down the rumors surrounding his 24-year marriage to Pinkett-Smith following the media spectacle she ignited in 2020.

“There’s never been infidelity in our marriage,” Will declared. “Jada and I talk about everything, and we have never surprised one another with anything ever.”

The Golden Globe winner explained why he embraces all of the speculations that surround his marriage to the Red Table Talk host.

“I have decided that chatter about my life can be of a benefit to people,” Smith said. “I think that chatter is the first stage to having a real conversation and being able to truly explore if some of the things in your heart are loving or poisonous.”

Will and Jada became a trending topic in June 2020 when singer August Alsina admitted to having an intimate relationship with Pinkett-Smith three years earlier, Us Weekly reports. One month later, the celebrity couple decided to sit down at the Red Table and come clean about the dynamics of their marriage and the separation that occurred ahead of Jada’s “entanglement” with Alsina.

“From there, you know, as time went on I got into a different kind of entanglement with August,” Jada revealed at the time.

When Will asked her to elaborate on what she meant by “entanglement,” Jada confirmed it was a romantic relationship.

“Yes, it was a relationship, absolutely. I was in a lot of pain, and I was very broken,” Jada explained. “Now, in the process of that relationship, I definitely realized that you can’t find happiness outside of yourself.”

Will admitted to being “done” with their marriage at the time.

“I was done with your ass. I was done with you,” Will jokingly said about their 2015 separation. “Marriages have that, though,” Will continued. We decided that we were going to separate for a period of time, and you go figure out how to make yourself happy, and I’ll try to figure out how to make myself happy. I really felt like we could be over.”

The Men In Black star’s latest comments on his marriage confirm that Will and Jada are solid as a rock, entanglements and all.

Jane Campion Apologizes For ‘Thoughtless’ Criticism Of Venus and Serena Williams At Critics Choice Awards
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 14, 2022

Jane Campion Apologizes For ‘Thoughtless’ Criticism Of Venus and Serena Williams At Critics Choice Awards

Director Jane Campion is apologizing after seemingly downplaying two women while accepting her Critics Choice Award for best director.

Campion gave her speech on Sunday night when she called out tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams, NBC News reports.

“Venus and Serena, you’re such marvels,” Campion said during the speech. “However, you don’t play against the guys, like I have to.”

While her questionable shout-out to the sisters and decorated pro athletes received cheers from the audience, The Power of the Dog director became a villain on social media for her “cringey” and “arrogant and ignorant” statement.

She started her speech praising the “incredible women” she had the pleasure of sharing the room with.

“Halle Berry, you have already done my speech … and really killed it. I loved it. You’re absolutely brilliant,” Campion said before turning her attention to Venus and Serena.

“What an honor to be in the room with you,” Campion said. “I’ve taken up tennis — I truly have — and Will [Smith], if you want to come over and give me lessons, I would truly love it.”

However, after realizing how offensive many found her reference to Venus and Serena not having to “play against the guys,” Campion released a statement offering her apology.

“I made a thoughtless comment equating what I do in the film world with all that Serena Williams and Venus Williams have achieved,” Campion told Variety.

“I did not intend to devalue these two legendary Black women and world-class athletes.”

“The fact is the Williams sisters have, actually, squared off against men on the court (and off), and they have both raised the bar and opened doors for what is possible for women in this world,” she continued. “The last thing I would ever want to do is minimize remarkable women.”

She made sure to express her respect and admiration for the Williams sisters.

“I love Serena and Venus. Their accomplishments are titanic and inspiring,” she said. “Serena and Venus, I apologize and completely celebrate you.”

‘Abbott Elementary’ Will Return For Classes This Fall for Season 2
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 14, 2022

‘Abbott Elementary’ Will Return For Classes This Fall for Season 2

School will be back in session next fall!

Breakout television comedy Abbott Elementary will be returning next semester as ABC has renewed the popular show for a second season.

According to Deadline, the first year of the comedy has drawn very favorable ratings. The series stars Quinta Brunson, Janelle James, Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.

The half-hour television show was created, written, and stars Brunson. It is ABC’s No. 1 new comedy in two years among adults aged 18–49 and is also the season’s No. 1 comedy in adults 18-49. This places the series in a tie with CBS’ first-year series, Ghosts, which also received an early Season 2 renewal.

ABC found a creative way to announce the show’s renewal for a second season when Principal Ava Coleman released a memo.

“The camera crew I hired to showcase all that I’ve made happen at our beautiful school thinks I’m a star. I mean, are we surprised? No, we’re not. With that said, it is with great pleasure that I share they’ll be returning for the 2022-2023 school year! That’s right — Abbott Elementary Season 2 is coming to a screen near you.”

Abbott Elementary is about a dedicated group of passionate teachers and a slightly tone-deaf principal from a Philadelphia public school. Despite what is thrown their way, this group is determined to help their students succeed in life. They enjoy what they do, although they may be outnumbered and underfunded.

The series makes a return next week on March 22 with new episodes. It will begin with an episode titled “Open House.” The Hollywood Reporter has reported that Abbott Elementary is ABC’s first comedy renewed for the 2022-23 broadcast cycle. It joins Grey’s Anatomy and spinoff Station 19 as scripted series that will be making a return for the upcoming fall season.

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