• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 28, 2025

National Action Network Launches March On Wall Street For Economic Justice

In conjunction with the march, Friends of the Movement (FotM) will launch two historic platforms—the National Buycott Registry and the Black Wall Street Ticker—to serve as permanent displays promoting conscious spending to the general public.

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Thousands are expected to march in New York City on Aug. 28, from Foley Square to Wall Street, to call for an economy that benefits everyone, not just the wealthy few. Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network is teaming up with labor and community leaders to host the March on Wall Street for Economic Justice.

In conjunction with the march, Friends of the Movement (FotM) will launch two historic platforms — the National Buycott Registry and the Black Wall Street Ticker — to serve as permanent displays promoting conscious spending to the general public.

The march aims to encourage Black Americans and their allies to spend their dollars with trusted merchants rather than corporations that pull back from equity initiatives, such as DEI rollbacks by Disney, Target, Google, Meta, and Amazon. The Black Wall Street Ticker will track and display progress in real time via FotM’s Voter Wallet, ushering in a new era where economic actions are not just symbolic, they are measurable, benchmarked, and visible.

Dr. Charles Walker Jr., Founder, Chairman, and CEO of FotM Global Inc., is one of the leaders driving the movement. His FotM data systems power the National Buycott Registry, the Black Wall Street Ticker, and the Voter Wallet, ensuring that conscious spending is tracked and turned into real impact within the communities being marginalized.

Alongside him is Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor, activist, and spokesperson for TargetFast.org, a national campaign urging corporations to uphold equity and justice. With FotM as its reporting backbone, TargetFast shows how grassroots accountability can be amplified through cutting-edge technology.

Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), will join the National Action Network and other labor and community leaders for the March on Wall Street. AFGE is pushing back against the privatization of government services and the outsourcing of federal jobs, following Donald Trump’s executive orders at the start of his second term that barred federal agencies from contracting with companies supporting DEI practices.

“The Trump administration is implementing these mass cuts to reward his billionaire supporters with government contracts. Putting Wall Street profit over people,” AFGE declared.

“We’re also fighting for fair pay for our work. Rents, groceries, and healthcare cost more while wages stay low. That’s why we’re going to the place where the money moves — Wall Street.”

In addition to taking part in the Aug. 28 march, consumers can register with the National Buycott Registry to see their choices reflected on the Black Wall Street Ticker. Merchants can also join the database and be featured on the Ticker as part of the businesses driving conscious spending.

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• Politics

by Mitti Hicks

August 28, 2025

Jewell Jones, Former Michigan State Rep Charged For Bringing Guns Into Hospital

Bringing a gun into a Michigan hospital is illegal, even with a concealed pistol license (CPL), unless you are a law enforcement officer. Possession of a firearm on hospital premises can result in felony charges, including imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $2,500. 

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Former State Rep. Jewell Jones is in police custody at the Saginaw County Jail in Michigan after police say he brought at least two guns to a local hospital.

Jones, a former state representative who represented Detroit, was booked and processed into jail early Tuesday morning, according to WJRT. According to police, Jones was visiting someone at Covenant Healthcare hospital Monday night when employees saw a gun.

Police say Jones had two guns. One was reportedly in his hoodie pocket, and the other, an MP5 submachine gun, was reportedly in his backpack. Jones told police he was filling in as a bodyguard for a religious leader at the hospital.

In Michigan, concealed weapons are illega a concealed pistol license.

Who Is Jewell Jones?

Jones made headlines in 2016 after becoming the youngest person to serve in the State House. He was elected at 21 after his predecessor, Julie Plawecki, died suddenly. He won after a special election and served for six years before leaving office at the beginning of 2023.

However, throughout his tenure, he faced criticism and a mountain of legal issues. According to reports, some critics say Jones did very little for his 11th District constituents and more for people who followed him from outside the state.

“Jones’ name is only found as a co-sponsor on a number of mundane resolutions and bills that have had little impact on Michiganders, especially those in his home district,” Aaron Foley, former editor of BLAC Detroit, wrote in an op-ed. “He did, however, take time to weigh in on the mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, and the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. 

There’s been no word on George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, or anything that has happened in metro Detroit these last few weeks.”

This isn’t Jones’s first run-in with law enforcement. He was arrested for drunk driving,  resisting arrest, and possession of a weapon in 2021. He was sentenced to two years’ probation but jailed twice for probation violations.

According to White Law, bringing a gun into a Michigan hospital is illegal, even with a concealed pistol license (CPL), unless you are a law enforcement officer. Possession of a firearm on hospital premises can result in felony charges, including imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to $2,500. 

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• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 27, 2025

WTHelly? White Woman Charged With Calling Autistic Black Child A Racial Slur, Earns Almost $1M In Donations

NAACP Rochester chapter president Walé Elegbede celebrated the decision of city attorney's office, labeling it as the "first step" to pursue "justice and accountability.”

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The white woman heard in a viral video referring to a Black child as the n-word is being charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct after raising close to $1 million in her fundraising efforts to relocate, NBC News reported. 

In a criminal complaint filed by Minnesota prosecutors, Shiloh Hendricks was accused of “wrongfully and unlawfully engaged in offensive, obscene, abusive, boisterous, or noisy conduct, or in offensive, obscene, or abusive language that would reasonably tend to arouse alarm, anger or resentment in others.” Hendricks went viral in April 2025 after a man confronted her for calling a Black child the n-word at a public park located in Rochester, Minnesota, accusing the minor of taking her son’s belongings.

She can be heard on camera repeating the derogatory slur several times. 

Hendricks is now eating those words, as they have been charged with three counts of disorderly conduct, each carrying a maximum potential penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Her arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 29. 

Shortly after her viral success, Hendricks launched fundraising efforts online via the Christian fundraising platform GiveSendGo, raising over $800,000. She claimed her personal information, including her address and Social Security number, was leaked.

“Big things are happening regarding our future,” she wrote on the platform. 

“Life-changing events are at play, and we have all of YOU to thank for that! I won’t go into specifics, but know that all is well on our end. … Keep standing up for yourselves, and keep fighting for the First Amendment!”

According to The Detroit News, the minor subjected to the harsh language was first identified as a five-year-old, but the complaint lists him as being eight. The child’s father said his son is autistic and has trouble comprehending social boundaries, resulting in needing intensive parental supervision. The complaint does admit that at some point, while the children were playing, the autistic child took an applesauce packet from an unidentified diaper bag. 

Despite the child’s disability, civil rights advocates like the NAACP Rochester chapter supported the family with its own GoFundMe toward legal endeavors, openly calling for charges to be filed against Hendricks shortly after the video circulated on social media. 

Once hearing about the charges, chapter president Walé Elegbede celebrated the city attorney’s office, labeling it as the “first step” to pursue “justice and accountability.” “If you have a child and you’re going to the park, you want to enjoy the park,” he said in a statement. 

“And if the child does something, a responsible adult will talk to the child with empathy, not with hate and vitriol. And that’s where she chose to take it. And when she had opportunities, there was no remorse whatsoever.”

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• Entrepreneurship

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 27, 2025

Stephen Curry Prepares To Open First Bar, ‘The Eighth Rule,’ In San Francisco

The venue will debut in October at The Westin St. Francis in Union Square

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Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is partnering with Michael Mina to open a bourbon-driven bar in San Francisco, “The Eighth Rule,” as Mina is spearheading a restaurant alongside the new venue.

The Eighth Rule, the first bar that the sharpshooter will be opening, will debut in October at The Westin St. Francis in Union Square. Mina will also be unveiling his restaurant, Bourbon Steak San Francisco, the latest in a string of other successful eateries. Curry will be working with Mina in his latest venture.

“To me, there’s nothing better than getting together with those you love over a glass of bourbon. That’s where the magic happens,” said Curry. “Creating my own bourbon brand paired with my friendship with Michael is like a master class in hospitality! I’ve always dreamt of creating my own little haven to bring people together, and now we have the perfect location. I cannot wait for people to come and see what we have in store.”

The Eighth Rule marks the NBA champion’s first foray into hospitality. The bar is named for the seven official rules governing the production of bourbon. The Eighth Rule invites people to define their own “rule” for how and why they drink. The MINA Group will work with Curry to bring his vision to life, running the day-to-day operations.

Curry’s closeness with Mina started over a decade ago when the chef initially partnered with his wife, Ayesha Curry. Being friends all these years has created a trust between the parties that will be extended to this partnership.

Mina is excited about the prospect of opening another restaurant in San Francisco. 

“I’ll never forget the first time I came to San Francisco as a child,” said Mina. “It was the first time I saw diversity and numerous cultures coming together in one vibrant setting. I dreamt of living here one day, and I am beyond blessed to have defined my career as a chef and launched my company in the city that means so much to me. The Westin St. Francis especially holds significance as my first restaurant to receive Michelin Stars.”

“Opening alongside Stephen is the icing on the cake. We believe in San Francisco, and we are committed to continuing to provide spaces where people can come and eat, drink, celebrate, and feel welcome in one of the best cities in the world.”

There will be further announcements regarding the opening of The Eighth Rule and Bourbon Steak San Francisco at theminagroup.com.

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• Business

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 27, 2025

Sahel Capital On Track To Grow Africa’s Next Agricultural SMEs With $10M Investment From Mastercard Foundation 

The funds will go toward the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), supporting efforts that will create 10,000 jobs across 13 sub-Saharan African countries.

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Sahel Capital, a food and agriculture private equity firm, will be able to harvest Africa’s farmers and next agricultural subject matter experts (SMEs) after receiving a hefty investment worth $10 million from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, AfroTech reported. 

The funds will go toward the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), managed by the Nigeria-based firm, supporting efforts that will create 10,000 jobs across 13 sub-Saharan African countries, such as Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda. Offered to small and medium-sized “agribusinesses,” the funds will give the firm an opportunity to empower smaller farmers and generate income for women and youth, as they are often overlooked for traditional funding. “Since the inception of the fund in 2021, we have processed 33 facilities to 18 companies in seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa,” Mezuo Nwuneli, Sahel’s managing partner, said in a statement. 

“This $10 million commitment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, through MEDA Mauritius, is a testament to our team’s hard work and the impactful work we are doing. It will be instrumental in accelerating our efforts to improve the income opportunity for SHFs by enabling the agri-SMEs that engage with them, further strengthening our position as a leading fund in the food and agriculture sector in Africa.”

Managed by MEDA, according to Tech Africa News, the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is a $200 million initiative that opens up capital for African business owners by investing in diverse fund managers and providing support for businesses to reach their operational capacity and improve governance. “We are proud to partner with SEFAA and Sahel Capital, whose strategic vision aligns with MEDA’s commitment to advancing economic opportunity through inclusive finance,” Dorothy Nyambi, MEDA’s president and CEO, said. 

“With the support of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, this collaboration strengthens our shared mission to catalyse job creation for women and youth by financing SMEs and MSMEs, while also helping to build the enabling ecosystems they need to thrive sustainably.”

Since its inception in 2021, with capital assistance from KfW Development Bank, SEFAA has been able to give flexible financing, focusing on debt with optional equity, to early-stage and growth-oriented agricultural businesses, with technical assistance for long-term sustainability.

Several companies across Africa — and the United States — are seeking to increase opportunities and visibility of Black farmers. Companies like The Black Farmer’s Index uplift the Black farming community in an effort to address food insecurity and reduce disparities in the agricultural sector in 11 different U.S. regions. 

UfarmX helps farmers in Africa gain access to funding with the use of AI, proprietary software, and field-level insights.

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• Leadership

by Black Enterprise

August 27, 2025

Andia Ravariere Takes Her Place As CEO Of The Nevis Tourism Authority

Andia Ravariere is a passionate leader

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The Nevis Tourism Authority (NTA) has appointed Andia Ravariere as its new chief executive officer, a role she will assume on Sept. 1. With more than a decade of experience in sustainable tourism development and destination marketing across the Caribbean, Ravariere is uniquely qualified to lead Nevis into its next chapter of growth.

“We are delighted to welcome Andia Ravariere as the new CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority,” said Premier of Nevis, the Hon. Mark Brantley. “Her proven track record in sustainable tourism and her deep understanding of Caribbean destination marketing make her uniquely qualified to guide Nevis into its next chapter. As we continue to position Nevis as a beacon of barefoot luxury and authentic Caribbean culture, I am confident that her leadership will help us expand our reach, strengthen our community, and deliver a world-class tourism product that reflects the very best of who we are.”

Ravariere has spent seven years working with the Ministry of Tourism in Anguilla, where she was instrumental in the island’s tourism rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, as Destination Marketing Manager for Discover Dominica Authority, Ravariere spearheaded initiatives that boosted visitor arrivals and expanded the country’s reach into niche markets.

“Andia’s experience in guiding destinations through both growth and recovery, along with her passion for community-driven tourism, perfectly aligns with our vision for Nevis,” said Pamela Martin, chairperson of the Board of the NTA. “We look forward to working closely with her to build on our momentum, strengthen relationships with global partners, and ensure that Nevis continues to stand out as one of the Caribbean’s most unique and sustainable destinations.”

A key focus throughout Ravariere career has been sustainable, community-driven tourism. In 2013, Ravariere founded the Colihaut Community Tourism Development group in Dominica, creating the Colihaut Fish Lime event. The initiative not only strengthened local industries but also empowered women entrepreneurs, leaving a significant economic impact on the community.

“My vision is to position Nevis at the forefront of Caribbean tourism by strategically redefining luxury through nature, culture, sustainability, and innovation,” said Andia Ravariere. “With the goal of delivering world-class experiences to discerning travelers, empowering our people, and safeguarding the island’s heritage. Nevis is committed to tourism that protects our environment, celebrates our culture, and empowers our people, ensuring that growth today secures a thriving island for generations to come.”

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