Martell and Janelle Monáe Soar Beyond Expected with Cocktail and Film
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 28, 2022

Martell and Janelle Monáe Soar Beyond Expected with Cocktail and Film

Martell, the oldest of the great Cognac houses, is proud to debut the next chapter of its “Soar Beyond the Expected” campaign with world-renowned artist Janelle Monáe and Cognac Educator Ms. Franky Marshall. This latest visual installment of Martell’s campaign, titled “The Unexpected Effect,” is directed by award-winning filmmaker Ewurakua Dawson-Amoah.

(Image: Ms. Franky Marshall for Martell’s “Soar Beyond the Expected” Campaign)

The film sets out to showcase the unexpected and individual paths that many have taken and shed light on what it means to feel joy: in overcoming, in free expression and in paving paths for those that follow, according to a press release.

“As a director and poet, my mission is to tell authentic stories of my community, and my partnership with Martell was another opportunity to pay tribute to the impact Black creatives have on society and one another,” said Ewurakua Dawson-Amoah.

“My hope is that ‘The Unexpected Effect’ will inspire people to follow their passion and reimagine their future.”

As a brand committed to driving positive change, Martell celebrates those who boldly redefine convention to benefit the many instead of conforming to codes that favor the few. Drawing inspiration from this ethos and Janelle Monae’s Afrofuturistic optimism, Martell is looking to the past as a launchpad for the future to bring the campaign to life with a “Cocktail of the Future.”

Developed in partnership with Ms. Franky Marshall, who is also featured in the film, the new experience shines a necessary light on the impact of Black culture on the American hospitality zeitgeist and features Martell Blue Swift, the first spirit drink made of V.S.O.P Cognac and finished in Kentucky bourbon casks.

“Throughout history, whether it’s been on the stage or behind the bar, Black creatives have laid the groundwork for culture, and this collaboration is a testament to that legacy,” said Janelle Monáe.

“Afrofuturism is a principle that is redefining culture as we know it, awakening us to the world’s ever-changing possibilities. Now, we have a new cocktail we can enjoy as we celebrate our work and create our future.”

The limited-edition “Cocktail of the Future” kit pays homage to the unsung heroes of hospitality and those who pioneered many popular cocktails enjoyed today. Included is a Martell Blue Swift recipe that creatively evokes Ms. Franky Marshall’s vision of the future – an eclectic mix of diverse cultures and perspectives coming together – alongside a copy of “The Ideal Bartender” by Tom Bullock, the first cocktail book published in 1917 by an African American bartender.

“Janelle Monáe leads with her retro-futuristic flare and unapologetic individuality, and I think we’re alike in that way,” said Ms. Franky Marshall.

“The drink is an eclectic fusion of my Caribbean heritage and the stylish French influence that Martell brings to the bar. We hope that people enjoy the cocktail at home just as much as I did while creating it.”

“Martell’s legacy is shaped by audacity. Our new campaign celebrates Black creative expression and showcases what it means to redefine convention,” said Devaunshi Mahadevia, U.S. brand director for Martell Cognac.

“In partnership with those at the forefront of the industry, we are working alongside the community we serve to help reimagine the future.”

Martell further solidifies its support for BIPOC communities during Black History Month, Women’s History Month and beyond with a $200,000 donation to the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation, which will be used to fund projects that advance opportunities and education for BIPOC women in the restaurant industry.

“At Pernod Ricard, we’re working towards an inclusive future that provides a level-playing field for all and honors the full range of people and stories that shape our diverse culture,” said Pamela Forbus, CMO of Pernod Ricard North America.

“This campaign is a testament to the journey we’re on and commitment to mirror the diversity of our society in all we do.”

Awkward! Laverne Cox References Jada Pinkett Smith’s ‘Entanglement’ In Front of Will Smith
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 28, 2022

Awkward! Laverne Cox References Jada Pinkett Smith’s ‘Entanglement’ In Front of Will Smith

Actress Laverne Cox had an awkward encounter while on the red carpet for the Screen Actors Guild Awards after referring to the infamous “entanglement” in front of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Cox was wrapping up an interview with the famous couple when she started applauding Pinkett Smith for her success with “Red Table Talk.” But with one of the most-watched moments on the talk show coming at the expense of Will and Jada, Cox couldn’t hold back from bringing it up.

“Thank you for all the years of joy you’ve brought us, thank you, we can’t wait for more ‘Red Table Talk’ and more entanglements,” Cox told the Smiths on the red carpet.

“No more of those,” Pinkett Smith jokingly replied while laughing it off with her husband.

“No more entanglements, no more entanglements,” Cox said.

During a July 2020 episode, Will and Jada sat down at the Red Table to respond to singer August Alsina’s confession of engaging in an intimate relationship with Pinkett Smith four years ago, NBC News reports.

On her show, Pinkett Smith referred to their relationship as an “entanglement” that occurred while she and Will were separated.

“It all started with him just needing some help. Me wanting to help his health, his mental state,” she explained at the time.

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

Will pushed Jada to clarify what she meant by “entanglement,” and she admitted that she was involved in an actual “relationship” with August.

“It was a relationship, absolutely,” she said.

The moment became an internet sensation and a trending topic for weeks. Cox’s reference to it during the SAG Awards only reminded the Smiths that the world hasn’t forgotten about it and probably never will.

Good thing Will took home a win and can entangle himself into his award for outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role for his lead role in King Richard.

Professional American Basketball Player Maurice ‘Mo’ Creek Was Stranded in Ukraine — Now Headed to Border
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 28, 2022

Professional American Basketball Player Maurice ‘Mo’ Creek Was Stranded in Ukraine — Now Headed to Border

With the threat of Russia invading nearby Ukraine, Americans were encouraged to flee the country and head out of the potential war zone. Two professional basketball players, Toure’ Murry and Maurice ‘Mo’ Creek, are caught up in the war zone. When the invasion started last week, one escaped while another was stranded.

According to WJLA, the 31-year-old Creek, unfortunately, has not been able to leave the area while Murry made it safely out. The two players are members of MBC MYKOLAIV of the Ukrainian Basketball SuperLeague. Creek is currently stuck in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, a city located in the southern part of the country.

Creek has been in touch with his agent and family in Maryland but is fearful due to the realness of the situation. The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is closed and currently unoccupied, but people are trying to get him to a safe border crossing to leave Ukraine.

The Maryland native stated that he wanted to escape before the actual war started, but the team did not pay him, and he couldn’t find travel out of the country. “I’m terrified, I’m terrified,” Creek said. “I’m not just that because I’m in it, I’m saying it because it’s real. I’m not gonna lie, I’m terrified right now. It’s a terrible time, so I can use all the comfort and need all the love and support I can get.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up byCreek’ss family, “Bring home Maurice Mo Creek “Buddy.”

“Hi my name is Bj Dupree my nephew is a US professional basketball player stuck in the Ukraine in the middle of this war.. we need to get him to the closest boarder to get him home to America.. please help if you can help in any way we would greatly appreciate it.”

Creek once played at Oxon Hill High School before playing at Hargrave Military Academy. The 6-foot-5 guard played collegiately at George Washington University in 2013–2014. In 2019, he started playing professionally in Ukraine with MBC MYKOLAIV.

A recent Twitter post revealed that Creek has found a ride and could be heading to the border after all.

Senate Begins Work To Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson To Supreme Court As Several Republicans Signal Openness
by Derek Major

February 28, 2022

Senate Begins Work To Confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson To Supreme Court As Several Republicans Signal Openness

As President Joe Biden‘s Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson prepares for what could be a contentious confirmation process, several Republicans have signaled they could back her.

The confirmation process will first move to the U.S. Senate which has a 50-50 spilt between parties. Democrats will try to keep their members together for the former public defender. That would be enough for Jackson to be confirmed to the High Court since Republicans abolished the 60-vote filibuster rule for Supreme Court nominations in 2017.

However, according to NBC News, White House and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin, (D-IL) said they will try to lobby Republican votes for Jackson. One Republican that has already indicated he will support Jackson’s nomination is Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, who called her nomination “historic.”

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is an experienced jurist, and I know her historic nomination will inspire many,” Romney said in a statement Friday. “I look forward to meeting in person with Judge Jackson, thoroughly reviewing her record and testimony, and evaluating her qualifications during this process.”

Durbin added he hopes to complete the confirmation process by April 9 and has sent the White House the traditional questionnaire for Supreme Court nominees. Once it is completed and sent back to the committee, Jackson will begin meeting with Senators.

Durbin also said that Jackson has a distinct advantage when it comes to her confirmation. Last year, she sat before the committee when Biden promoted her to replace Attorney General Merrick Garland on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The appeals court is considered a stepping stone to the high court with three current justices having served on it in the past.

If Jackson is confirmed, she will replace Justice Stephen Breyer, who was pressured by many to retire from the bench so Biden could install a younger justice who could serve decades in the role. Former President Barack Obama pushed Ruth Bader Ginsburg to give up her seat, but she refused and died when former President Donald Trump was in office. Trump nominated Amy Coney Barrett.

by Atiya Jordan

February 28, 2022

Will Smith Tearfully Accepts His First SAG Award For His Lead Role In ‘King Richard’

At the 2022 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Will Smith tearfully and gratefully accepted one of the night’s coveted trophies for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a leading role.

Smith took home the win for his role as Richard Williams in the biopic, King Richard, which he also produced. Based on the true story of Serena and Venus Williams’ childhood, the movie explores Richard’s experience with fatherhood and his singular vision to secure his daughters’ futures in the sports world.

On Sunday night, the Philly-born-and-raised actor accepted the honor while at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, over Andrew Garfield, Benedict Cumberbatch, Javier Bardem, and Denzel Washington. It was a particularly special moment for him as it is not only his first SAG award, but he is honored to have received it in front of one of the iconic sisters, Venus.

He began his speech, “Thank you. That may have been one of the greatest moments of my career just now. Because my name was called for King Richard sitting next to Venus Williams.”

As tears filled his eyes, Smith went on to rave about the real-life legacy of Richard Williams.

“Richard Williams is a dreamer, like no one you’ve ever known,” he said. “He has a power of belief that borders on insanity and sometimes, tips over the border which is absolutely necessary to take something from impossible to possible,” an emotional Smith further added.

Smith then took a moment to applaud his castmates, including Aunjanue Ellis, who played the role of the Williams sisters’ mother, Oracene Price, in the film. “You demanded authenticity, and you did it in such a beautiful and quiet, powerful way. You did Oracene justice,” he said joyfully.
He went on to also praise his on-screen daughters, Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton.
“You guys are actors, so you know how sometimes your on-screen characters kind of bleed into real life,” he said, while the two young actors got emotional. “To walk you around this room tonight, to parent you on this film, to deliver you into this business has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life.”
In the closing of his speech, Smith gave a special shout-out to the entire Williams family. Venus was also tearing up hearing the sentiments.
“You entrusted me and our group with your story. It was my deepest pleasure to honor your family and to tell your story to the world,” the teary-eyed producer concluded in his speech.
For Smith, the wins for King Richard continue to come in. He also accepted the 2022 NAACP Image Award and the 2022 Golden Globe Awards.
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 28, 2022

Wheels Up Announces Dwight James to Join Board of Directors

Wheels Up (NYSE: UP), the leading brand in private aviation, today announced that Delta Air Lines Senior Vice President Dwight James has joined its Board of Directors, effective Feb. 24.

He fills the unexpired term of fellow Delta Executive Eric Phillips, who is stepping down to focus on other commitments. James is expected to stand for election to a full term on the Board at the company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders later this year. He will also fill Phillips’s role on the Board’s Safety and Security Committee, according to a press release.

“We are delighted to add someone with Dwight’s extensive global aviation background to our Board of Directors,” said Wheels Up Chairman and CEO Kenneth Dichter.

“Dwight brings a unique perspective, strategic orientation and a clear view of the opportunity in private aviation. I’d also like to thank Eric for his time, energy and service to the Board and Wheels Up. His contributions over the past two years have been invaluable as we’ve become the first publicly traded private aviation company in the United States. We wish him all the best and know he will remain very close to the Wheels Up family.”

James currently serves as Delta’s senior vice president — Customer Engagement and Loyalty, as well as the CEO of Delta Vacations. During his nearly 13-year career at Delta, James has served in several senior roles, including SVP — Pricing and Revenue Management and SVP — International Pricing & Revenue Management. Prior to Delta, he held roles in corporate strategy, business development and M&A functions at The Home Depot and Deloitte Consulting.

“With a growing business and iconic brand, Wheels Up is well positioned for success,” said James.

“I’m excited to join a deep and experienced Board and work with a strong management team on this unique opportunity to shape the next chapter for the company and the future of private travel.”

James also serves on the Board of Directors of Floor and Décor (NYSE: FND), a leading multi-channel specialty retailer of hard surface flooring and related accessories. He has a B.A. in Business Administration from Morehouse College and an MBA from Duke University – The Fuqua School of Business.

Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. Calls For Frederick Douglass’ Face On US Currency Bill
by Atiya Jordan

February 28, 2022

Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. Calls For Frederick Douglass’ Face On US Currency Bill

Harvard historian and prodigious cultural entrepreneur Henry Louis Gates Jr. is pressing to keep the timeless essence of abolitionist and Black writer Frederick Douglass alive. He is calling for Douglass’ face to be on a U.S. currency bill.

According to Axios, the famed literary critic argues that Douglass’ legacy, which began during the 1800s, remains relevant to the nation today.

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/GETTY IMAGES

“Frederick Douglass has assumed his place not only as one of America’s great orators, but also as one of the writers of the nineteenth century,” Gates told the outlet. “Was Douglass sometimes conservative, by today’s political standards Absolutely! Was he sometimes radical? Of course, that goes without saying.”

In 2017, Douglass appeared on a commemorative U.S. quarter. He was depicted seated at a writing desk with his home in Southeast Washington, D.C., in the background. However, the process for his placement on a bill would typically take a lot longer than a commission for coins. In fact, as per Axios, it could take several years, if not decades, “to study it, design it, and introduce new anti-counterfeit measures for banking systems.”

Gates’ comments follow after the recently released documentary, Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches, streaming on HBO Max. He serves as executive producer on the film, which explores the life of the fiery orator through his speeches aimed to hold the nation accountable for perpetuating slavery.

The documentary was inspired by Yale historian David Blight’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom. Directed by Julia Marchesi, the film features Nicole Behari, Colman Domingo, Jonathan Majors, Jeffrey Wright, and Denzel Whitaker performing Douglass’ famed speeches such as “What, To The Slave, Is The Fourth Of July?”

Meanwhile, 19th-century abolitionist Harriet Tubman is scheduled to appear on a redesigned $20 bill planned for release in 2030.

Black Nurse Turned Entrepreneur Creates Vitamin Gummies with Walmart
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 28, 2022

Black Nurse Turned Entrepreneur Creates Vitamin Gummies with Walmart

Meet Crystal Grant, an advanced practice registered nurse turned entrepreneur who is now the founder of SuperScript Wellness, which produces a line of affordable gummy supplements packed with nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and elderberry. Based in Winston Salem, N.C., her company has been so successful that her products are now being sold online at Walmart.com.

Crystal, a dedicated health care professional whose passion is to provide affordable health and wellness for all, comments, “Teaming up with Walmart is such a big deal to me because we share many of the same values for our customers. This is truly a dream come true.”

How it all started

Crystal, who is originally from Springfield, Mass., says that it all started when she was placed on an 11-week furlough by her employer in 2020 because of the pandemic. During her time at home, she began brainstorming ideas on how to stay active and healthy, leading to the birth of SuperScript Wellness.

However, on the verge of launching the new business, Crystal herself contracted COVID-19, and during her healing journey, she says that she went back to the drawing board, activated her advanced knowledge of the sciences, and teamed up with a manufacturer to create a nutritious gummy that would help to get her and others back on their feet. In April 2021, the gummies were put on the market and immediately sold out.

Growing the business

To help keep up with the demand, Crystal decided to partner with Kyeesha Clayborne of Leveling Up Fulfillment and Shipping to handle all of her company’s packaging and shipping needs, and now her company offers four different products: Supa Awesome Glow Up Gummies, Supa Splendid Immune Gummy, Supa Cool Kids Vita-Gummies (which includes a free downloadable activity book), and Magnificent Mane Vita-Gummies for hair, skin, and nails.

Crystal has worked hard to build her company has a reputable and respected health and wellness brand that is dedicated to helping customers heal from the inside out. Her product offerings are hand-selected and made with the best ingredients, and her company continues to encourage all individuals to be proactive about their wellness so that they can be healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

Her products are available for purchase online at SuperScriptWellness.com and Walmart.com.

This article first appeared on Blackbusiness.com. 

Jussie Smollett Wants Felony Conviction Dismissed, Says Constitutional Rights Were Violated
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 28, 2022

Jussie Smollett Wants Felony Conviction Dismissed, Says Constitutional Rights Were Violated

Former Empire actor Jussie Smollett wants his guilty verdict thrown out, according to the New York Post.

Two months after being found guilty on five of six felony disorderly conduct counts, Smollett’s attorneys filed a petition to throw out the guilty verdict for staging a hate crime or to give him a new trial. The lawyers claim his constitutional rights were violated during the jury selection process by the court.

The charges stem from a 2019 incident in which Smollet claimed he was attacked by two men who hurled racist and homophobic slurs at him before pouring bleach on him and wrapping a noose around his neck. Investigators determined Smollett made false statements to Chicago police.  Authorities revealed Smollett paid two Nigerian brothers he knew from Empire to stage the incident to gain publicity for himself.

Last Friday, Smollett’s lawyers asked a Chicago judge Friday to throw out the conviction he received for staging a hate crime. They are saying that the court made a litany of errors during the actor’s trial. Smollett is scheduled to be sentenced March 10. He faces up to three years in jail on each of the five guilty counts.

Smollett’s attorney Mark Lewis asserted that his right to a public trial was violated due to the number of spectators and members of the press being limited due to COVID-19 protocols. They also argued that the judge did not allow the defense to directly question potential jurors, which “was particularly prejudicial,” due to the high-profile nature of the case.

“Even before the verdict was out, most Americans who had not seen the evidence in the courtroom, were convinced that Jussie had committed the crime,” Lewis wrote. “In fact, prior to and during the trial, Mr. Smollett had become a lightning rod for the political divisions plaguing the country currently.”

According to the petition, the judge supported “procedures and tactics” that allowed prosecutors to exclude Black and gay potential panelists from the jury pool. The judge did not inform the jury to “cautiously scrutinize” the testimony of the Osundairo brothers, who say Smollett paid them to attack him. The men, who were never charged, received preferential treatment that prejudiced the jury.

 

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