Marian Lee To Replace Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John
by Wendy Medina

March 5, 2022

Marian Lee To Replace Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John

A vet at holding senior executive roles in marketing after her time at Uber and Apple, Bozoma Saint John found her way as chief marketing officer (CMO) of Netflix in 2020. The streaming giant is making a change however, after finding its new CMO in Marian Lee, another well-versed marketer.

There’s no hard feelings however, after the 20-year expert Saint John will be stepping down from her role. The split is said to be mutual and amicable.

“I came to Netflix with a surplus of enthusiasm and creative energy, and am immensely proud of the campaigns we inspired that sparked global conversations,” said Saint John in a statement, according to Variety. “It’s been a transformative two-year experience for which I will always be grateful.”

Lee joined Netflix as vice president of marketing in the U.S. and Canada in July 2021. Prior to her role at the streaming service, Lee’s experience spans from Spotify, Condé Nast, Vogue, to J.Crew. 

“Marian is a strategic marketer with deep experience not just in entertainment but also more broadly having worked in fashion and media brands,” co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “When she joined Netflix last year, she had an immediate impact on the marketing team and has demonstrated that she’s an exceptional leader who understands how to drive conversations around brands and popular culture.”

The change comes as there is mounting competition between streaming services, after many other platforms are giving the streaming pioneer a run for its money, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Netflix is an incredible brand with the best content and creative teams in the world,” Lee said. “I am confident our most exciting work is ahead of us and I am honored to lead this best-in-class global marketing team into the future, and continue to connect our incredible series and films with audiences around the globe.”

‘Good Times’ Star Johnny Brown — ‘Bookman’ — Dies At 84
by Wendy Medina

March 5, 2022

‘Good Times’ Star Johnny Brown — ‘Bookman’ — Dies At 84

Comedian, actor, and singer Johnny Brown from the 1970s sitcom Good Times has died at 84. 

His daughter, Broadway actress Sharon Catherine Brown, shared the news on Friday via an Instagram post. She wrote, “Our family is devastated. Devastated. Devastated. Beyond heartbroken. Barely able to breathe. We respectfully ask for privacy at this time because we need a minute to process the unthinkable.”

He passed away on Wednesday, according to the post and there have been no further details as to the cause of his death. 

“He was literally snatched out of our lives. It’s not real for us yet. So there will be more to say but not now,” his daughter shared. “Dad was the absolute best. We love him so very much.”

The actor, additionally known from his regular performances in the comedy sketch TV show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” broke into the business as a nightclub performer, having stints on Broadway, entertaining with saxophonist Sam “The Man” Taylor, and even recording music before landing his first TV gig, per NBCNews.

His portrayal of housing project superintendent Nathan Bookman ran from Good Times’ second season in 1975 until the cancellation of the series in 1979. 

Born in 1937 in St. Petersburg, Florida and raised in Harlem, the talented actor appeared on multiple family sitcoms including The Jeffersons, Family Matters, Sister, Sister, and The Wayans Bros.

His film debut wasn’t until 1996 in his portrayal of a blind jazz musician in the drama A Man Called Adam, and then in 2008 in Man in the Mirror alongside Martin Sheen.

A multi-faceted performer, he also served as a voice actor for many characters in the animated series Alvin & the Chipmunks and Plastic Man.

Brown is survived by his daughter, June, his wife of 61 years, his son John Jr., and two grandchildren.

Oregon State Student Athlete Alex Austin Provides Scholarship Bankrolled By NIL Deal
by Wendy Medina

March 5, 2022

Oregon State Student Athlete Alex Austin Provides Scholarship Bankrolled By NIL Deal

Student athletes have been cashing in on name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals following the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) vote to allow the practice last June. One Oregon State football player however, is taking things to a whole other level. 

In a partnership between student athlete Alex Austin, Access Scholarships, and the Hirect App, Austin is giving back to his community by establishing a scholarship, the Alex Austin Overcoming Adversity Scholarship, according to Los Angeles Sentinel.

The 20-year-old Long Beach native is the first to head a different direction off his NIL deal, providing aid to access higher education for disadvantaged students.

“I’m extremely blessed & fortunate to be able to launch my Overcoming Adversity Scholarship, created in partnership with Access Scholarships and @HirectApp The scholarship is open to all high school and college students in the US. Head over to the link in my bio to apply now!” read one of his recent tweets.

Such a move is no surprise for the college defensive back, considering giving back is part of his family’s DNA. With a city councilman for a father and an assembly member district director for a mother, the Austins are no stranger to community service.

“It really just came from me wanting to give back to my community. I’ve always been a hand in the community, starting with turkey giveaways and back-to-school giveaways at a young age,” Austin shared in a recent interview with ABC7.

The scholarship offers one $1,000 award and two $500 awards to high school or college students in the United States. Applicants must submit a maximum 500 word essay about an obstacle or challenge encountered and what lesson the experience brought them. The deadline is Sept. 1. Special priority for the awards will be given to first-generation college students and minorities.

“Even if I could just help to pay for somebody’s books for the year, just being able to do a good deed is all I really wanted to do,” Austin said.

A Group Of Black Entrepreneurs Are Turning What Was Once Black Wall Street Into A Tech Hub
by Derek Major

March 5, 2022

A Group Of Black Entrepreneurs Are Turning What Was Once Black Wall Street Into A Tech Hub

A group of Black entrepreneurs is turning Tulsa, Oklahoma, the site of the Tulsa Race Massacre into a technology hub for digital creators and developers.

According to ABC News, digital founders based in Tulsa have a pipeline of fresh and diverse technology talent, a quality support system, and a cost-of-living that is a fraction of what it costs to live in New York City to the Bay Area in California.

Those involved in the effort were not alive when the original Black Wall Street was burned to the ground, but they feel a sense of duty in rebuilding it.

“The Tulsa Race Massacre isn’t a footnote in a history book for us. We live with it every day and the thought of what Greenwood was and what it could have been,” massacre survivor and World War II veteran Hughes Van Ellis told lawmakers last year.

Here are some of the tech entrepreneurs that are changing the narrative about Black Wall Street.

Chandler Malone, CEO, Bootup

Chandler Malone is the CEO of Bootup (Image: Jordan McNear, creative producer of ACT House)

Malone, who has lived in Tulsa since 2019 launched Bootup late last year. The website and app help companies fill their talent pipeline gaps with non-traditionally trained talent. Malone told ABC he has placed more than 320 people in their first tech jobs since starting Bootup.

“The racial wealth gap has not gotten any better,” Malone said. “And there’s really no industry where someone can start a company, and have a multi-billion dollar business in just a couple years outside of tech.”

Edna Martinson, Co-Founder, Boddle

Edna Martinson is the co-founder of Boddle (Image: Jordan McNear, creative producer of ACT House)

It’s no secret the COVID-19 pandemic affected the education of millions of Black children across the country. Martinson is trying to get Black students back on track with Boddle, an educational gaming platform that addresses educational gaps in elementary classrooms.

Martinson moved to Tulsa in August 2020 saying she was inspired by the people she met during visits to the city and was fascinated by not only Tulsa’s history but the rebuild that is currently happening.

Chantelle Lott, CEO, Bounceless

Chantelle Lott is the CEO of Bounceless (Image: Jordan McNear, creative producer of ACT House)

Lott has lived in Tulsa for two decades and her company created patented activewear and sports bras for fuller busted women, who she believes are often ignored by the activewear community.

The activewear founder added that rebuilding the Greenwood Community in Tulsa was a passion of her’s since she moved to the city. She also feels Black representation in tech is crucial for young black boys and girls.

Chris Davis, founder and CEO, Fansub

Chris Davis is the founder and CEO of FanSub (Image: Jordan McNear, creative producer of ACT House)

Davis played football at Duke University for four years before co-founding FanSub, a platform allowing fans to interact with creators, entertainers, and athletes with fans through live streams, marketing campaigns, and other high-tech avenues.

The former football player and his partner Cameron Williams and Michael Lombardi were looking for a network to help them grow the business when they found out about the Tulsa Accelerator Startup Program.

Other successful startups in the Tulsa area Include Bodify CEO Carlanda McKinney; Fresh Fabrics Founder Ambrose Midget and Cadenzo founders  Marc LaManque, Troy Smith, Andres Gonzalez.

Florida Man Sentenced to Death for Murdering Female Police Lieutenant in 2017
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 5, 2022

Florida Man Sentenced to Death for Murdering Female Police Lieutenant in 2017

Markeith Loyd was sentenced to death Thursday for the 2017 murder of Police Lt. Debra Clayton.

The convicted killer’s sentencing comes after a jury recommended the death penalty in December, Fox 5 Orlando reported. Loyd had an emotional outburst after the sentence was read out loud and was escorted out of the courtroom.

Clayton’s family was present for the sentencing, with one cousin speaking out following the ruling telling Loyd that “playtime is over.”

“I know the insights of what happens on death row and thank you so much for rendering the sentence that you did,” Clayton’s cousin said.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina spoke of the closure he and others received from the sentencing.

“It does give me some sense of closure but I’m more happy for the family of Lt. Debra Clayton,” Sheriff Mina said. “It’s been a hard five years now.”

Ninth Circuit Judge Leticia Marques issued the ruling after a jury found Loyd guilty last November, CNN reported. Clayton was part of a manhunt after Loyd shot and killed his ex-girlfriend and her unborn child in December 2016.

Loyd was on the run from police in January 2017 when he shot and killed Clayton as she approached him outside a Walmart. He was arrested a few days later.

In October 2019, Loyd was convicted of multiple charges in the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon. In that case, a jury recommended a life sentence instead of the death penalty.

But when it came to Loyd killing Clayton, he was convicted on five charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, carjacking with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Clayton was 42 at the time of her death and a master sergeant in the police department. She was posthumously promoted to lieutenant.

“Though this decision may bring a sense of closure, we will never forget Debra’s sacrifice to the Orlando Police Department and the City of Orlando,” Orlando police Chief Orlando Rolón said. “We are committed to serving in Lieutenant Debra Clayton’s honor, always.”

U.S. Black Chambers Endorses Ketanji Brown Jackson For Supreme Court
by Derek Major

March 5, 2022

U.S. Black Chambers Endorses Ketanji Brown Jackson For Supreme Court

The U.S. Black Chambers Inc., has endorsed the nomination of Federal Appeals Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.

In a letter to Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), the U.S. Black Chambers, which consists of 145 chambers of commerce and affiliated business associations in 42 states, called Jackson’s nomination a step toward realizing the concept of equitable representation within governing bodies.

“The history-making qualities of this nomination are overshadowed only by Judge Jackson’s breadth of experience in our legal system, making her an exceptionally qualified choice for the role of Supreme Court Justice,” the letter, which BLACK ENTERPRISE received via email, stated. “Prior to serving as Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Judge Jackson was confirmed with bipartisan support to the U.S. Sentencing Commission in 2010 and was a public defender, helping uphold the core American value of the right to legal representation–regardless of one’s socioeconomic status; it is notable that, if confirmed, Judge Jackson would be the first former federal public defender to serve on the Supreme Court.”

According to the New York Times, Grassley met with Jackson on Wednesday afternoon, and said his goal was to “have a fair process, a dignified process.”

Jackson was nominated for the High Court last week by President Joe Biden fulfilling a pledge he made during his presidential campaign and to House Majority Whip Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC).

The Harvard undergraduate and law school alum has served as a federal public defender and clerked for the justice she would be replacing, Stephen Breyer. Jackson also served as a district court judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia during the Obama administration. Last year, President Biden promoted Jackson to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

If confirmed, Jackson would be the first Black female Supreme Court Justice in U.S. history, something the Black Chambers believes has been overdue for quite some time.

“It is long overdue for a Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, and it is rare to find such a brilliant, thoughtful, and uniquely qualified legal mind such as Judge Jackson’s to address the 21st century’s most pressing domestic legal questions,” the Black Chambers added.

“Your committee has the once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only make history but in so doing, to also elevate an exceptional candidate to the highest court in the land. It is because of this that the USBC is proud to support Judge Jackson’s nomination and again urges her swift confirmation.”

The Black Chambers also urge for Jackson’s swift confirmation.

Enhance Your Career As A Project Manager With This 10-Course Bundle
by Black Enterprise Shop

March 5, 2022

Enhance Your Career As A Project Manager With This 10-Course Bundle

Owning a business can be a financially lucrative endeavor, but the benefits come at a price as business owners are well too familiar with just how time-consuming their ventures can possibly be. There’s a reason project managers are handsomely compensated for their expertise.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to be currently employed as a full-time project manager. For those who fall into this category, get a jump-start on your project management career with the 2022 Deeply Practical Project & Quality Management Exam Prep Bundle.

For a limited time, you can purchase this project management masterclass for just $34.99. That’s a savings of 98% from its MSRP ($1,990). Ten courses that span more than 1,300 lessons are included in this bundle. By the end of these courses, students can confidently take any project management course offered in this battery of courses.

The “Deeply Practical Project Management” course teaches effective ways to efficiently plan, schedule, budget and assess risks of projects you undertake. More than 200 videos teach how to understand roles and key skills in project management, how to influence stakeholders and management to support proposals, and so much more.

The Process Mapping Masterclass course shows how to create process flowcharts and Swimline diagrams with real-life examples. Students will also learn how to draw process maps on PowerPoint and other online software. This course currently has a 4.2-star rating.

For those who want a crash course on project management, the “Project Management in One Hour” course fits that bill. This course delves into just exactly what a project manager does, as well as teaches definitions, key concepts, and the PMI process.

Additional courses include, “Time Management & Productivity for Effective Time Management”, “PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) Exam Prep”, among others.

With this 10-course bundle, all of your questions about the field or ways to be more efficient or successful in it will undoubtedly be answered. Purchase the 2022 Deeply Practical Project & Quality Management Exam Prep Bundle for $34.99 and enhance your project management career.

Prices subject to change.

Tucker Carlson Slammed For Questioning Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Credentials
by Derek Major

March 4, 2022

Tucker Carlson Slammed For Questioning Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Credentials

It appears Fox News Host Tucker Carlson cannot believe Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson is qualified for the high court.

Since Jackson was nominated to become the first Black female Supreme Court Justice, Carlson’s racist colors have come out. In the week following the announcement, Carlson has said Jackson was “not much of a jurist,” was “simply ignorant of the law,” and even requested the federal district judge’s LSAT scores.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrURon-GdcE

Carlson also called her nomination an effort by President Biden to “humiliate and degrade” our nation, turning it into Rwanda.

Jackson’s qualifications for the nation’s highest court stand out on their own. In addition to the fact that Jackson clerked for the Supreme Court Justice she was nominated to succeed, she sports an undergrad and a law school degree from Harvard University.

In her professional career, she previously served as an assistant federal public defender in Washington, D.C., where she worked on appellate cases and served as vice-chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. During her time as a federal public defender, she represented Guantanamo Bay detainees. Jackson became a district court judge in D.C. near the end of Barack Obama‘s first term as president and was promoted by President Biden to the U.S. Court of Appeals last year.

The list of Jackson’s accomplishments goes on and on, but Jennifer Rubin, a conservative Washington Post columnist clearly explained Carlson’s motivations when she tweeted his comments are “the perfect distillation of white supremacy.”

Carlson was blasted for his racist comments across social media by political pundits, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, healthcare advocates, Howard University professor Nikole Hanna Jones, and many others. In addition to Carlson’s overt racism in his comments, many pointed out the fact that of the 114 justices appointed to the Supreme Court in U.S. history, just 49 have law degrees.

Questioning a Black person’s credentials is a well-known tactic in the Republican playbook. Former President Donald Trump did the same, constantly questioning Obama’s birth certificate and claiming that he wasn’t born in America.

In 2016, the one-term president admitted that Obama was in fact born in the U.S.

Naomi Osaka First Female Athlete To Join Fortnite’s Icon Series Of Skins
by Atiya Jordan

March 4, 2022

Naomi Osaka First Female Athlete To Join Fortnite’s Icon Series Of Skins

Tennis champion Naomi Osaka is the first female athlete to join Fortnite’s Icon series of skins.

This new partnership debuts the activist, fashion designer, and entrepreneur’s new skin, along with an array of outfits and accessories, representative of her Japanese and Haitian heritage.

According to Forbes, gamers had an opportunity to unlock her skins through an in-game tournament that occurred on March 2, before it hit the stores March 3.

Offered in two different color schemes, the “Naomi Osaka Outfit” is comprised of the “Royale Racket Pickaxe/Back Bling” and “Dark Priestess Naomi Outfit” comes with the “Portalforger Paddle Pickaxe/Back Bling,” according to Hypebae.

The package includes a tennis racket as a mining tool, as well as “The Queen’s Cloudcarriage Glider,” “Cursed Hazeboard Glider,” and the new “Serve Stance Emote,” according to the outlet.

“The Icon Series is the ultimate celebration of the most dynamic figures in culture for Fortnite’s audience of millions, and there’s no one more perfect than Naomi Osaka to join the series as the first female athlete,” Nate Nanzer, global vice president of partnerships at Epic Games, said in a statement.

In the history of the series, other female creators have been featured such as Zendaya, with two skins immortalizing her characters from Spider-Man and Dune. Osaka will also join fellow athlete LeBron James, whom she says inspired her to get in on the adventure.

“I’ve been playing Fortnite for a long time—when I saw LeBron had joined the Icon series, it made me want to join the Fortnite family, too. It’s really amazing to be able to connect with so many people around the world,” she shared.

 

In an Instagram post, Osaka announced her partnership with the video game series, thanking Fortnight for giving her the opportunity to “tell my story in my own words.”

Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon Blasted For Saying James Harden Has ‘Fried Chicken Grease, Watermelon’ In His Beard
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 4, 2022

Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon Blasted For Saying James Harden Has ‘Fried Chicken Grease, Watermelon’ In His Beard

The Real Housewives of Potomac’s “Green-Eyed Bandits” are under fire on social media for comparing James Harden’s beard to every Black stereotype in the book.

RHOP stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon are real-life best friends who share their friendship on the hit reality show and their podcast “Reasonably Shady.” They’re known for stirring the pot on Bravo, but their latest “shady” banter on NBA player James Harden didn’t fly too well among listeners.

During a recent episode, Bryant sounded off on Harden’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers and made the discussion all about Harden’s signature beard. While ranting about Harden’s beard being “the most disgusting thing she’s ever seen,” she accused the NBA All-Star of having “fried chicken and fried chicken grease” in his beard.

“Do the Sixers really know that’s James Harden? Because no one can see his face,” Bryant said while Dixon laughed. “Because that beard is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen.”

Bryant went on to say Harden’s beard is “like down to his knees. There’s fried chicken in the beard.”

Dixon interjected, saying Harden “clearly loves his beard.” But Bryant continued to bash his facial hair saying the beard trend was “done.”

“I just hope that it’s sanitary, Dixon said. But Bryant took her criticism across racial lines by saying,

“Anytime I see them I automatically know in my gut that there’s fried chicken in there,” Gizelle quipped. “Fried chicken, grease.”

Dixon cut in and added, “watermelon,” while laughing.

“Colt 45 in there,” Gizelle continued. “Not watermelon, OK, now I’m being a real racist let me stop.”

But after one fan made a TikTok of the racially insensitive soundbite, Twitter picked it up and went off on the “Green-Eyed Bandits.”

“@GizelleBryant &@RobynDixonRHOP really owe #JamesHarden an apology for their distasteful, prejudicial comments. An absolute disgrace,” one fan tweeted.

Fellow RHOP star and political news commentator Wendy Osefo also sent out a tweet asking, “What was said?”

https://twitter.com/WendyOsefo/status/1499459328583114761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1499459328583114761%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Frickeysmileymorningshow.com%2Fplaylist%2Fgizelle-bryant-robyn-dixon-podcast-james-harden%2F

Considering Bravo’s recent decision to fire The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Jennie Nguyen for her resurfaced racially insensitive social media posts, Housewives fans are calling out the double standard when it comes to Gizelle and Robyn.

“Gizelle and Robyn are really birds brains. @BravoTV probably gone let this slide,” another user tweeted. “This is just as disgusting as Jennie’s post. These heifers are colorist and are perpetuating stereotypes.”

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