by Atiya Jordan

March 14, 2022

New York Woman Sues For $30 Million After Police Put Her Photo On ‘Wanted’ Poster For Prostitution

---

After the New York Police Department wrongfully smeared the photo of a Queens woman on a “wanted” poster, labeling her as a thieving hooker, she is now suing for $30 million.

According to the New York Post, Eva Lopez, 31, first discovered she was wanted by police after a friend of her boyfriend’s informed the couple through text message. They were stepping off a flight from Florida at the time, per court documents.

“I thought it was something fake. I really couldn’t believe the police would put me on a wanted poster,” she recalled.

After some convincing from a friend, Lopez immediately contacted Detective Kevin Dwyer, whose name was listed on the poster. But he “knew it was an issue before she called,” according to the legal filing.

In fact, Dwyer told Lopez the poster had already been removed from the department’s Facebook page and other websites. It was then revealed to her that the actual “wanted” person had a tattoo sleeve. Lopez doesn’t.

Lopez, a fashion influencer and bartender at a club in Queens, knew the damage had already been done when the poster began to circulate.

“It was already spread around on social media. … It was still being passed around, still being talked about, still making me look like a thief and a prostitute,” Lopez told The Post, adding that her reputation was tainted.

According to the poster,  the police were looking for a suspect associated with an Aug. 3 theft at an East Village apartment where a man had booked an escort online. His $13,000 Rolex was stolen by the escort, as well as his roommates’ Chase credit card, police officials said.

However, Lopez said she wasn’t in Manhattan on Aug. 3. She was in Queens.

The detective also informed Lopez that the victims filed complaints with the police and presented her photographs to them.

“The NYPD should commit to more thorough investigations before haphazardly accusing and identifying innocent people of fantastic lies and brazen crimes,” said her lawyer Mark Shirian, who argues that the escort may have been intentionally using Lopez’s social media pictures.

“I just really want people to know that’s not me, in any way, shape or form. The girl has nothing to do with me,” she said.

As reported by The Post, Lopez’s lawsuit against the police department is currently under review by the City Law Department.

• Career

by Derek Major

March 14, 2022

Los Angeles Department Of Water And Power Commissioners Approve $5 Million HBCU Partnership

---

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) approved an agreement with HBCU schools to boost engineering diversity.

The LA Sentinel reports LADWP reached an agreement with Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering (AMIE), a nonprofit that develops industry, government, and university partnerships, will coordinate technical and scientific research on behalf of the LADWP with 15 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) schools of engineering.

The LADWP will partner with HBCUs on research projects to meet required city and state mandates in a five-year, $5 million partnership. LADWP President Cynthia McClain-Hill said the LADWP is working to be more inclusive, and the HBCU partnership is part of that effort.

“LADWP has incredibly challenging goals ahead of us, and guaranteeing that we have consistent access to high-quality scientific research is an essential part of staying on target,” LADWP McClain-Hill told The Sentinel.

“I am thrilled that the Department has chosen to align with AMIE and these nationally recognized research institutions that also have a strong tradition of empowering African Americans who were historically excluded from higher education opportunities. As LADWP looks to become a more inclusive organization, this is a significant partnership.”

The HBCU schools involved in the partnership include Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of the District of Columbia and Virginia State University.

The LADWP and HBCUs could work together on research and technical projects that may include commercial stormwater capture potential analysis, microgrid, and energy storage system assessment. The findings from the research partnership could help the LADWP with water conservation and recycling, climate adaptation planning, and green energy efficiency programs, including solar and wind.

California is currently dealing with one of its longest droughts, and climate change is already profoundly impacting the state. In addition to research, the LADWP will work with HBCUs on training in the fields required to manage the city’s water and power systems.

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 14, 2022

Andis Company Debuts its First Collaboration with Compton Cowboys

---

Andis® Company, the leading barbering, styling and animal grooming tools brand dedicated to empowering users to create their way, is excited to announce the launch of its Creator Series.

This Andis Creator Series highlights brand partnerships with creators that use Andis tools as a vehicle to help drive, inspire and create new opportunities for a more purposeful tomorrow. The series debut focuses on the Compton Cowboys — a collective of lifelong friends on a mission to both uplift their community through mentoring youth in the Los Angeles area city of Compton, Calif. and highlight the rich legacy of African Americans in equine and western culture.

• Men

by Derek Major

March 14, 2022

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas Blasts Court Packing, Cancel Culture

---

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said he’s concerned about efforts to politicize the High Court and adding justices will erode its credibility.

Thomas made the comment at an event in Utah last Friday hosted by Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch‘s foundation, adding that he often worries about “cancel culture” and a lack of civil debate, NPR reports.

“You can cavalierly talk about packing or stacking the court. You can cavalierly talk about doing this or doing that. At some point the institution is going to be compromised,” Thomas said at the event.

“By doing this, you continue to chip away at the respect of the institutions that the next generation is going to need if they’re going to have civil society.”

Thomas, raised in Georgia during segregation, said he learned to respect institutions and debate civilly with those who disagreed with him during school. Something he said he doesn’t believe is happening today because colleges aren’t welcoming places for productive debate.

The High Court, which is expected to rule on cases involving abortion, guns, and voting rights this year, has leaned increasingly conservative as former President Donald Trump seated three justices.

In turn, progressive Democrats introduced a bill last year to add four justices to the bench, and President Joe Biden has also convened a commission to study the expansion of the Supreme Court.

In his speech, the conservative justice also attacked the media for inaccurate impressions of prominent public figures, including himself and the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

With the confirmation hearings for Biden Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson nearing, Thomas brought up his 1991 confirmation hearings calling it a humiliating and embarrassing experience and “high-tech lynching,” ignoring how the situation affected Anita Hill, who accused Thomas of sexual harassment.

If Jackson is confirmed, she will become the first Black woman to sit on the bench and would join Thomas as the second Black person currently on the court.

Thomas’ wife, Virginia ‘Ginni’ Thomas, has also been in headlines recently after it was revealed she had ties to the Jan 6 Capitol Riot organizers.

• Entrepreneurship

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

March 14, 2022

16-Year-Old Makes History as Youngest Black Owner of Beauty Supply Store

---

Not many 16-year-olds can say that they have a successful business under their belts, let alone two. Yet, that’s exactly what Paris Mckenzie is doing. This young lady is currently juggling a beauty supply store and a salon while tackling her education. What’s even better is that this is far from the end of her journey.

Paris’ early years

It might not seem strange for Paris to open a beauty supply store when you know her history. According to her interviews, her mother opened a salon a few months after giving birth to her. As a result, Paris grew up helping around the store. From as early as the age of 10, she’d mastered cleaning the barber tools, wiping down the salon chairs, and shampooing the clients’ hair. Within a couple of years, her mother was asking her to color and install wigs, according to a press release.

This start at the salon led to her working with clients when she wasn’t in school. Paris notes that she saved all the money she earned because she had no responsibilities to take care of. Since this money would be integral to the next step in her life, it’s a good thing that she did.

The inspiration behind her business

Even as a child, Paris noted certain issues for the Black women in her community. When they were searching for the hair products they needed, they often had to travel far from home to find them. Additionally, shopping wasn’t usually a pleasant experience because African American women tend to be under higher surveillance in beauty supply stores. Since they felt rushed, it was unlikely that they’d spend the time necessary for finding exactly what suited them.

When the space beside her mother’s salon became available, it offered an opportunity for Paris to make a difference in her community. Though the store was originally offered to her mother, the entrepreneurial young woman used her savings to lease the space. That’s how Paris Beauty Supplyz was born in the summer of 2020.

Expanding her business

Paris is the first to admit that running a business wasn’t in her original plans. As she grew in her role as a business owner, however, another opportunity opened up.

The building that her mother occupied had three stories but only two of them were being used. Since her mother had no plans for the top floor, Paris decided to open her own salon – La Eiffel Beauty Bar. While she loves her supply store, she calls the salon her “baby” because of how much work she put into it to add a personal touch.

She’s not sure if she’ll expand further but there’s still a lot of time to find out the other ways, she can help the Black people in her community and abroad.

Her plans for the future

Though she’s doing well as a businesswoman, her first love has always been medicine. Originally, her aim was to work in orthopedic pediatric surgery. Even while working at her mother’s salon, she was taking her high school classes as well as a few college courses. When she graduated early, she immediately jumped into choosing the right college to continue on her path in medicine.

Before she went to college, however, she made sure to put systems in place that allowed the stores to run well in her absence.

Once she established her businesses, Paris changed her major to focus on nursing as she realized that this occupation was a better fit for her. She’s looking forward to serving others in multiple ways.

More than anything, Paris would like other Black girls and women to know that they can achieve their goals too. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication on her part to get to where she is so she hasn’t shied away from showing that too. She wants people to look at her story and realize what’s possible.

• Lifestyle

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 14, 2022

Jocqui Smollett Says Brother Jussie Was Placed In Psych Ward At Cook County Jail

---

In a scene that could have been part of the Empire television series, actor Jussie Smollett blurts out, “I am not suicidal,” after being sentenced to 150 days in jail.

Smollett’s brother, Jocqui, has stated via Instagram that his brother has been placed in a psych ward but denies that he has suicidal ideations.

“So Jussie is currently in a psych ward at Cook County Jail. What’s very concerning is there was a note attached to his paperwork today and put on the front of his jail cell saying that he’s at risk of self-harm,” Jocqui Smollett said in the video clip.

“I just want to make it clear to folks that he is in no way, shape, or form at risk of self-harm. And he wants to let folks know that, that he is very stable, he is very strong, he is very healthy and ready to take on the challenge that ultimately has been put up against him.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @jussiesmollett

Daily Mail has reported that the Cook County Sheriff’s Office in Chicago has stated that Smollett is not being held in solitary confinement. They put out a statement saying that the use of “solitary confinement was abolished” at the Cook County Jail in 2016. Any claims that he is being held in that manner are not true.

‘Mr. Smollett is being housed in his own cell, which is monitored by security cameras in the cell and by an officer wearing a body-worn camera who is stationed at the entrance of the cell to ensure that Mr. Smollett is under direct observation at all times.”

The statement also clarifies that Smollett is “entitled to have substantial time” out of his cell. He has the ability to use the phone, watch TV as well as interact with staff. No other detainees will be in the common areas when he is there. The protocols the jail has are often used for people who are in protective custody who may “potentially be at risk of harm due to the nature of their charges, their profession, or their noteworthy status.”

Last week, he was sentenced to five months in jail, 30 months of felony probation, and ordered to pay restitution of more than $120,000 and a $25,000 fine for lying on police reports in a hate crime hoax in January 2019.

• Entrepreneurship

by Atiya Jordan

March 14, 2022

Meet Jamaican CEO Cori Gordon One of Amazon’s Youngest Delivery Service Partners

---

Raised by Jamaican parents, Cori Gordon learned the importance of education and self-empowerment from a young age. At 29 years old, she leads a delivery services business that is flourishing in its partnership with the multitrillion-dollar e-commerce giant Amazon.

In 2013, Gordon embarked on her migration journey to the United States, unaware that she would make trailblazing moves when she settled in. Her professional career spanned the fields of sales management, auto technology, and people development. But she was committed to looking for business opportunities that offered a customer base and the key to success.

“I experienced burnout working 80 plus hours for someone else,” said Gordon, according to Afro Tech. “After a bit of soul searching, I realized it was important for me to direct all those hours of energy into something I owned.”

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, Gordon is committed to continual personal development and creating opportunities for all people. Today, she is the CEO of Cortoyou, an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP), striving to fulfill demands for professional, reliable package delivery service out of Staten Island. The DSP delivers to customers in Gordon’s home borough of Brooklyn.

In 2018, Amazon launched its Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs to reap the benefits of low startup costs, built-in demand, and access to its technology and logistics experience.

As a DSP partner, Gordon is especially fulfilled when creating jobs and inspiring others. “The most fulfilling thing about being a DSP owner is being a job provider,” Gordon said. “It’s such an honor for me, and I get so excited when an employee gets a new car or a new phone because I know their employment with my company is helping them reach their goals.”

As the eldest of nine, Gordon is grateful to have been entrusted the freedom to evolve into her authentic self. She decided early on to excel in every opportunity she could. Before leaving her home country, she mustered up enough confidence to be a student leader and debater, which in turn transformed her into a “powerful, unapologetic leader.”

“All the best parts of who I am were a consequence of my Jamaican upbringing,” Gordon told Black Economics. There are skill sets and talents I have that was cultivated through my professional exposure and creative endeavors in the United States; however, my industrious nature, indomitable spirit, and abhorrence for excuses were nurtured through my Jamaican education and parental guidance.”

Gordon calls her DSP journey “amazing” and hopes to inspire other people of color to look into the program and potentially reap the benefits of a customer-obsessed environment.

• Business

by John Burnett

March 14, 2022

Black-Owned Vodka Company Has the Right Spirits and Growth Outlook

---

The black-to-white racial wealth gap currently stands at $11 trillion and increases by $300 billion annually.

To close the vast financial divide, a new era of Black entrepreneurs should evolve by entering various industries and sectors to sell multiple products and services in domestic and international markets.

One example of a  Black minority-owned business venture into a product market uncommon to traditional urban enterprises is Plush Vodka — a multi-distilled premium vodka company.

The company CEO and master distiller is Malcolm R. Hale, who founded the wholly minority-owned company in April 2015. Hale and his partners operate a vodka line that includes the only premium plum-flavored infused vodka on the market. Its distillery and business operations are based in Florida and currently sell its products in 15 states.

The company promotes its vodka in unique ways, including co-branding traditional signature cocktail recipes like Plush Old-Fashioned, Plush Cosmo, and Plushjito—a plum-flavored mojito.

Its vodka is made from gluten-free, non-GMO corn grains, with one of its products containing an all-natural plum flavor. But quality raw ingredients are not the only things that set its vodka apart from other brands.

But while its products are extraordinary, the Black entrepreneurial beginner’s struggle is real and not uncommon.

Taking Flight in the Premium Vodka Space

Hale’s first challenges were raising capital and sourcing the right management team to assist him. Then, locate a strategic distribution partner to complement the company’s anticipated growth. All while balancing a home life comprised of being a supportive husband and active father of two young children.

As if these hurdles were not enough, many family members and friends told him that his dream was beyond reach and that he was assuming too much risk for his family—essentially saying that the vodka tasted great, but the business venture wouldn’t work.

However, Hale found a good use for the steady stream of doubt and negativity by leveraging it as energy to fuel his unrelenting drive to make things happen. But funding the business coupled with building a management team while fulfilling family responsibilities remained challenging.

In search of work-life balance, flexibility, and startup capital, Hale became an Uber driver. As an independent driver, he earned ~$100,000 to help fund the business while being a family provider. Hence, while some people in your network can drive a person to drink, Hale became a driver to help him make a premium libation for many to enjoy.

Hale’s hard work, persistence, and sacrifice made a dream come true. Plush Vodka has a global presence in the Bahamas, Bermuda, and Jamaica with plans to launch into more international markets, including Africa, China, India, Philippines, and Singapore, as the management team seeks to expand its footprint in America.

Another key to success is a continuum of product innovation. In early 2021, the company introduced the only plum-flavored vodka-infused cigars that are hand-rolled in Nicaragua. Additionally, other growth areas include the launch of 50-milliliter (e.g., 1.7 ounces) bottles for airlines and hotel minibars.

Hale’s business acumen is matched only by his desire to maintain a company culture that treats employees like family. Some of the senior level employees are members of several Black-Greek-lettered fraternities working together under a common goal to build a dynamic company.

“we pride ourselves on treating our employees as a family, so we focus on training, frequent communication, and team building,” Hale said.

Undoubtedly, the corporate culture and executive team’s bond helped the company navigate the pandemic that adversely impacted production and shipping costs.

The chief of events marketing, distribution, and partnerships, Kevin Bracey, stated, “we weren’t able to conduct in-store tastings or in-person events, which are essential marketing tools. But we were able to re-focus on creating more visibility in stores and via online strategies to sustain growth amid the pandemic.”

• Women

by Derek Major

March 14, 2022

Wells Fargo Report Shows Black Americans Have Made Real Economic Progress In Recent Years

---

A Wells Fargo Economic Group report shows Black Americans have made significant economic progress in recent years, taking control of their financial futures.

According to Wells Fargo, 35% of Black women in the U.S. owned a business in 2019, 15% higher than the share of female-owned businesses in the overall U.S. economy.

Additionally, Black women have made gains in corporate board seats and even though just 4% of Black women are on corporate seats today, that is an increase of 25% from 2019, double the rate of women overall.

Black women have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic, using their skills to start businesses in numerous disciplines including lingerie, beauty, and even feminine products. Additionally, a number of brands have made pledges to help Black women-owned businesses including Sephora, Target, Walmart, and other retail brands.

The Wells Fargo report also shows a growth in the Black population overall as Black Americans account for more than 25% of the population of Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. At the same time, the Black population in South Dakota and Maine have risen by 75% and 64%, respectively, as the study pointed out their low cost of living and employment opportunities.

The study, released in February, examined how Black Americans in the U.S. have faced significant structural obstacles that have kept them from full economic participation. Despite the obstacles, Black Americans have made real economic progress.

“The historical structural exclusion of the community from full engagement with the country’s economic, political and educational institutions likely have played a major role in shaping this current employment distribution,” the report states.

The Wells Fargo report also showed an increase in Black Americans pursuing higher education. According to the report, the number of Black Americans who have completed four years of college has grown 41% over the past decade, compared to just 25% for the total population.

Tech companies are taking notice too. Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Apple have all created partnerships with HBCU schools to train students and create diverse college to career tech pipelines.

With no signs of retiring anytime soon, Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James has set another record as he adds to his future Hall of Fame standing.

According to NBA.com, James has become the only player in the National Basketball Association (NBA) history to have scored at least 10,000 points, some 10,000 rebounds, and racked up 10,000 assists.

He currently has 36,824 points, 10,150 rebounds and 10,004 assists.

“The King” achieved the milestone over the weekend against the Phoenix Suns when he passed the ball to his fellow “Banana Boat Crew” comrade, Carmelo Anthony, as he pulled up to connect on a three-pointer. Once the ball went through the basket, James created another record for himself and the NBA.

It was the 10,000^th time he passed it to a teammate, and they scored off his pass with that assist.

Assist number 10,000 for LeBron!

He’s the first player ever with 10K assists and 10K rebounds. pic.twitter.com/G4Gwqpbm3I

— NBA (@NBA) March 14, 2022

According to ESPN, James, who finished the game scoring 31 points, pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out six assists, stated, “To now sit alone at a statistical category in this league that I’ve really modeled my game after, being able to score, rebound and assist. I sit alone at a stat is pretty like — I’d say ‘cool,’ but it doesn’t quite make sense to me.

“I get lost for words anytime things like this are happening to me because of where I come from,” he said.

“I automatically start thinking to my hometown of Akron [Ohio] and my upbringing and where I come from and the dreams that I had of being in this league and playing at the highest level.”

James is one of only two active NBA players who have a minimum of 10,000 assists. The other player is fellow “Banana Boat Crew” Phoenix Suns’ point guard, Chris Paul.

The future Hall of Famer is currently No. 2 in scoring this season. With a scoring average of 29.7, he is right behind Philadelphia 76ers player Joel Embiid, who is on top averaging 29.8 points per game. If he overtakes Embiid and wins the scoring title, he will go on the record books as the oldest player to win the scoring title as his idol Michael Jordan has the record at 35 years of age. James is 37 years old.