by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 24, 2022

Meet The Two Black Women Reshaping The World Of Menswear With Todd Patrick

It’s become the norm to see male fashion designers dominate the womenswear scene. But not too often do you see women staking a claim in menswear.

Desyree Nicole and Gabriella Elyse are changing the game with their Black-women-owned menswear line, Todd Patrick.

Initially launched in 2016 after Nicole decided to skip out on playing women’s basketball professionally in Italy to pursue her passion for fashion.

Naming the company after her little brother, CEO/Founder Nicole took a family-driven approach to create a menswear brand for the masses.

“Initially, the brand was to inspire him living in Detroit, and in turn, it ended up inspiring me to figure out what life after basketball looked like for me,” Nicole told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“I found my groove and love how it changed how I view things as far as creating.”

Through pure grind, grit, and determination, Nicole went from sleeping on couches in New York City to opening up an official brick-and-mortar store “four doors down from Dior and Hermes.”

Todd Patrick

As the new wave of Black luxury fashion designers carves out their lane within the fashion industry, Todd Patrick is presenting itself as a new trusted leader in the market.

“Many black designers have since the beginning of time been the influence and it’s amazing to see a shift occurring as far as recognition,” Nicole said.

Made “for those that appreciate fashion; design and art,” Nicole says. “Fashion is an investment, and I appreciate those that understand that. You’re essentially paying for wearable art.”

Todd Patrick

As a woman making space within a male-driven industry with products for men, Nicole knows that the odds were stacked against her. But the quality and character of her pieces add to the credibility and longevity of her brand.

Seen on Jeezy, Yahya Abdul-Mateen, Omari Hardwick, and many others, Todd Patrick is only just getting started.

“It’s only a few of us, and I hope I inspire the next little girl that decides she wants to design,” Nicole said. “Show the next kid that comes from where I do that it’s possible.”

Russell Reynolds Associates Names Gaurdie Banister, Jr. Chairman
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 24, 2022

Russell Reynolds Associates Names Gaurdie Banister, Jr. Chairman

Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) announced that Gaurdie Banister, Jr. has been appointed as chairman of the board.

Serving as RRA’s first independent chair, Mr. Banister will lead the board and provide oversight to guide the firm’s strategic goals and objectives, including governance best practices and diversity, equity and inclusion which is a critical focus area for the firm.

Banister joined the board in early 2018 and has served as lead director, according to a LinkedIn post.

“We are honored to name Gaurdie to this pivotal role,” said RRA Chief Executive Officer Constantine Alexandrakis.

“Since our founding as a private company, strong governance has been one of our guiding principles. Appointing Gaurdie as our first independent chair reinforces our commitment to the long-term success of our business, our employees and our clients. Gaurdie has already demonstrated exceptional leadership on our board and on a number of other high-profile boards over the years, and I am confident that we will continue to benefit from his leadership as our business and our industry transform to serve the changing needs of our clients.”

Banister retired in 2015 as CEO of Aera Energy, an oil and gas exploration and production company owned jointly by Shell Oil and ExxonMobil. Prior to Aera Energy, Banister served in executive-level positions at Shell Oil. He currently serves on the board of Dow, Inc. and Enbridge Inc. He has served on the boards of Tyson Foods, where he spent five years as Lead Director, Marathon Oil and the Bristow Group. He has also served on RRA’s Compensation Committee and Audit and Risk Committee.

“I am grateful for the board’s confidence in my taking on this additional responsibility at such an exciting time for Russell Reynolds Associates,” said Banister.

“We have made great strides in this evolving business, and I look forward to maintaining focus on the firm’s strategy and to fostering a dialogue that keeps RRA at the leading edge.”

Mr. Banister holds a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and in 2007 was presented an honorary doctorate degree. Banister also received an honorary doctorate degree in 2002 from Fort Valley State University in Georgia.

Bank of America Strengthens its Commitment to HBCUs
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 24, 2022

Bank of America Strengthens its Commitment to HBCUs

Today, three additional HBCUs join EAB’s “Way Forward Initiative” powered by Bank of America: Tuskegee University, Harris-Stowe State University, and LeMoyne-Owen College.

The colleges join five other HBCUs already working with EAB and Bank of America to advance student and institutional success

Education firm EAB announced today that Tuskegee University, Harris-Stowe State University, and LeMoyne-Owen College have joined the Way Forward Initiative, a multi-year collaboration between EAB and Bank of America to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The work is made possible through funding provided by Bank of America as part of the bank’s $1.25 billion, five-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity, according to a press release.

“Despite their vital role in creating opportunities for students and communities of color, many HBCUs face daunting financial pressures caused in large part by a historical lack of support from federal and state governments,” said EAB Chief Partner Officer, Sally Amoruso.

“EAB is proud to partner with Bank of America to provide data, insight, and advice to help propel HBCUs and their students into a brighter future.”

EAB and Bank of America established the Way Forward Initiative in 2021 in partnership with an initial cohort of five HBCUs working together to advance their institutional goals. Schools in the program have a dedicated EAB support team and access to EAB’s Global Research Partnership. They receive leadership training, on-demand market research, and opportunities to collaborate with peer institutions. EAB’s support team guides them through opportunity assessments and tactical changes designed to improve student retention and graduation rates, financial stability, and operational efficiency.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools available to address economic and social inequality,” said Ebony Thomas, Racial Equality and Economic Opportunity Initiatives executive for Bank of America.

“The Way Forward Initiative is focused on advancing student and institutional success by providing advisory services to help schools set strategic priorities, establish goals for long-term financial sustainability, and accelerate their progress toward those goals.”

Tuskegee University, Ala.; Harris-Stowe State University, Mo.; and LeMoyne-Owen College, Tenn. join the 2021 inaugural cohort of five HBCUs, which includes Central State University, Ohio; Huston-Tillotson University, Texas; Claflin University, S.C.; Savannah State University, Ga.; and Virginia Union University, Va.

“Our work with EAB and Bank of America has already been extremely beneficial in the preparations for our upcoming accreditation review,” said Harris-Stowe State University Interim Provost Edward Hill.

“The services and support provided through the Way Forward Initiative have also helped us to better inform and engage all critical stakeholders.”

Through the Way Forward Initiative, EAB has also recently begun to provide research, insights, and advisory services to all 37 Tribal Colleges in the United States in cooperation with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.

Colin Kaepernick Launches Initiative To Provide Secondary Autopsies To Families Of Those Who Died In ‘Police-Related’ Matters
by Derek Major

February 24, 2022

Colin Kaepernick Launches Initiative To Provide Secondary Autopsies To Families Of Those Who Died In ‘Police-Related’ Matters

Colin Kaepernick is launching an initiative through his Know Your Rights Campaign that will provide free, secondary autopsies to the families of any death that is “police-related.”

According to a Know Your Rights release, the initiative will collaborate with a panel of board-certified medical examiners and pathologists who perform autopsies, disclose preliminary findings, and issue final reports to families.

The initiative is an effort to eliminate concerns regarding initial autopsies, potential police and local government interference, manipulation of evidence, and potential bias on behalf of the medical examiner.

“We know that the prison industrial complex, which includes police and policing, strives to protect and serve its interests at all costs,” Kaepernick said in a statement.

“The Autopsy Initiative is one important step toward ensuring that family members have access to accurate and forensically verifiable information about the cause of death of their loved one in their time of need.”

According to the release, police-related deaths are not solely limited to acts by police officers but by various law enforcement agents including sheriffs, correctional officers, state troopers, highway patrol officers, ICE, border patrol, and other law enforcement agents.

Additionally, the release states that a request for an autopsy can be made by anyone with a close relationship with the victim including a spouse, partner, close friend, relative, or lawyer, but only the legal representative of the victim can legally authorize an autopsy.

The group of board-certified pathologists for the Know Your Rights Campaign includes Cyril Wecht, a forensic pathologist, author, and lecturer who worked in Allegheny County as its elected coroner for 20 years. Wecht has performed more than 20,000 autopsies and has consulted on 40,000 additional post-mortem examinations.

The former signal-caller has also teamed up with screenwriter, director, and filmmaker Spike Lee for a documentary on his anthem protest and the backlash he received from the NFL and white America.

According to the Washington Post, police officers across the country shot and killed more than 1,000 people last year despite the defund the police movement cutting police budgets across the country and cops dying at an unprecedented rate due to officers’ reluctance to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 24, 2022

Dominican-American Influencer Lands Deal To Get Her Natural Hair Products in Sephora

Dominican-American influencer Carolina Contreras has been building a solid following through her blog Miss Rizos and her series of natural hair salons, and now she’s secured a partnership that will take her brand to the next level.

The Miss Rizos founder and CEO is set to debut her new line of products designed for curly and Afro-textured hair as part of Sephora’s 2022 Accelerate brand incubator program.

“I knew, I knew, that what we had was special. And I knew there was an empty sort of shelf both online and in stores kind of waiting for this product to happen,” Contreras told NBC News.

She launched the blog in 2011 to highlight the beauty of curls, coils, and Afro-Latina culture.

Her inspiration came when she moved back to the Dominican Republic, where she was born, to research her roots within the Dominican diaspora and how that relates to her Blackness. Not an openly embraced topic within Dominican culture, Contreras knew she was treading into rough terrain by highlighting African history and influence within Afro-Latina culture.

Her two-month trip to DR turned into a 10-year adventure of her confronting issues of colorism within her own culture. One day while she was at the beach sunbathing, two professors approached her and told her not to tan so much or else she’d get too dark.

When she told them that she didn’t mind tanning her brown skin, Contreras says she was told, “You talk about embracing Blackness, but you relax your hair,” she recalls.

The encounter, among others, inspired Contreras to launch the Miss Rizos brand that has grown into an official line of natural haircare products she hopes will represent her Dominican pride.

“I want people to be able to glide their hands through their hair with our products and to feel sort of this ease and joy around their curls,” Contreras said.

‘Bel-Air’s’ Carlton Character Hits Back at Online Trolls Who Call Him ‘Ugly’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 24, 2022

‘Bel-Air’s’ Carlton Character Hits Back at Online Trolls Who Call Him ‘Ugly’

The new Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot has easily become one of the most well-received new scripted series on the market.

Bel-Air has risen up the popularity ranks with its more serious adaption of the iconic ’90s sitcom. The new show introduces a lineup of new star talent including Jabari Banks as Will Smith, Coco Jones as Hilary Banks, and Adrian Holmes as the beloved Uncle Phil.

But considering how every scripted drama comes with a villain, actor Olly Sholotan’s role as Carlton Banks has presented him with new challenges on and off-screen. The sinister characteristics the new Carlton possesses on the reboot reimagines the old character in a new light that is resonating with a modern audience.

Sholotan’s version of Carlton shows the sole Banks brother as one dealing with self-hate and additional issues all while giving his Philadelphia-born cousin a hard time adjusting to life in Los Angeles. With social media at the forefront of popular culture, Sholotan has been subjected to online ridicule and trolling from die-hard Bel-Air fans who aren’t afraid to make their voices heard on social media.

“Carlton so mf ugly on Bel-Air,” one viewer wrote on Twitter. “His physical definitely match the persona of the character.”

“This new Carlton ugly af and his hairline pushed back too far,” another user wrote.

https://twitter.com/Pxs3/status/1495813112028663809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1495813112028663809%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hotnewhiphop.com%2Fbel-airs-olly-sholotan-playfully-addresses-social-media-calling-the-actor-ugly-news.148182.html

But after receiving one too many ugly comments, Sholotan decided to respond to all of the petty jabs while making light of his character’s substance abuse issues.

“Enough is ENOUGH. I’m TIRED. If you’re gonna hate on Carlton at least use a pic with more than 7 pixels,” he tweeted. “This one is HD and you can see the detail in my sweater and a lil powder on my nose.”

“Like @peacockTV spent a lot of money on those cameras let’s honor their creative vision pls,” he jokingly added.

Good thing Sholotan has tough skin and a sense of humor because he will need it as Bel-Air continues to grow in viewership.

Indeed, Lena Waithe and Hillman Grad Productions Announce 10 Filmmakers for ‘Rising Voices’ Season Two Initiative Celebrating BIPOC Filmmakers 
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 24, 2022

Indeed, Lena Waithe and Hillman Grad Productions Announce 10 Filmmakers for ‘Rising Voices’ Season Two Initiative Celebrating BIPOC Filmmakers 

AUSTIN — Indeed, the world’s number one job site, today announced the 10 filmmaker teams selected for season two of Indeed: Rising Voices.

In partnership with Emmy Award-winning writer, creator and actor Lena Waithe and her company Hillman Grad Productions, Indeed: Rising Voices was created to uncover, invest in and share stories created by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) filmmakers across the US to tell diverse stories around the meaning of work, and the idea that jobs create opportunities and better lives for all. This season, each filmmaker will present their films at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2022. “Indeed’s Rising Voices not only levels the playing field for BIPOC creators in Hollywood by creating opportunities for individuals to be seen, heard and represented, but also empowers the next generation of storytellers, providing access to funding, on-site skill, career development and mentorship,” said Lena Waithe. “Our continued mission at Hillman Grad Productions is to ensure that program mentees are truly set up for success as they continue to grow within their individual careers.”

The 10 selected filmmaker teams are:

  • Cara Lawson
  • Gbenga Komolafe
  • Georgia Fu
  • Jalmer Caceres
  • Justin Floyd
  • Leon Cheo
  • Shanrica Evans
  • Tara Motamedi
  • Travis Wood
  • Urvashi Pathania

“Indeed’s mission is to help people get jobs. Season One of Rising Voices proved our belief that talent is universal but opportunity is not,” said Indeed CEO Chris Hyams. “With Season Two, we are thrilled to bring 10 brilliant new voices to the story of the power of jobs to change lives.”

This season, Indeed invested $3 million, tripling its initial investment from season one. This increased investment by Indeed will include the two below programs:

  • Rising Voices Season 2: Executives from Hillman Grad Productions, Indeed, and Ventureland selected 10 screenplays from 900 applicants. Each filmmaker was awarded a $10,000 writing and direction fee to create a short film (under 15 minutes), a $100,000 production budget, a dedicated line production crew through Hillman Grad and 271 Films, and granted access to an additional COVID budget to ensure the safety of the cast and crew. Mentors from Hillman Grad Productions will include: Calmatic (Grammy-Award winning Director, PRETTYBIRD), Destin Daniel Cretton (Film Writer), Justin Chon (American Writer, Director, Actor and Filmmaker), Melina Matsoukas (Filmmaker, de la Revolución Films), and Rayka Zehtabchi (Academy Award winning Iranian-American Film Director).
  • Production and Development Lab: Indeed and Hillman Grad have launched a new Production and Development Lab (“The Lab”), a 12 month non-exclusive residency program featuring three of the Rising Voices 1 filmmakers: Chinese-American filmmaker Johnson Cheng,  Haitian filmmaker Stacy Pascal Gaspard and Dominican-born filmmaker Gabriela Ortega. Modeled after Indeed’s incubator program, which funds new product ideas internally, Hillman Grad will work with the filmmakers to develop ideas and create content for Indeed.  A $2 million production budget from Indeed has been allocated to The Lab, and Hillman Grad will provide production support. Each filmmaker is awarded $100,000 for their role as filmmaker in residence.

“We are excited about the selection of 10 more BIPOC filmmakers who will have the opportunity to share their stories through Indeed’s Rising Voices S2,” said LaFawn Davis, SVP, Environmental, Social & Governance. “Partnering with Hillman Grad, 271 Films and Tribeca to showcase their talent will give these filmmakers a leg up in a very competitive industry where opportunities like these are hard to come by.”

For more information on Indeed: Rising Voices, please click here: Rising Voices (jobschangeus.com). 

Black-Owned Toy Company Strikes Deal to Create Proud Family Dolls, Figurines for Disney and Marvel
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 24, 2022

Black-Owned Toy Company Strikes Deal to Create Proud Family Dolls, Figurines for Disney and Marvel

World of EPI (Entertainment, Publishing and Inspiration), the leading multicultural toy manufacturer, announced a collaboration with Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing to create fashion dolls, collectible figurines, and accessories for the new Disney+ series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” and the upcoming Marvel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” series on Disney Channel.

World of EPI will create a series of 10” fashion dolls with rooted hair, collectible figurines, poseable plush, role-play accessories, and more based on the ethnically diverse characters. Each doll and figurine will exemplify the distinct characteristics of each character, and celebrate diversity, self-love, and empowerment.

“It speaks volumes that Disney has collaborated with us on these high-profile projects,” said Dr. Lisa Williams, founder of World of EPI, said according to a release provided to BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Our mission is to create dolls so children of all ethnicities and colors can grow up seeing a true representation of their beauty. What a dream to create licensed dolls and toys for these powerhouses Disney and Marvel properties. Together we’re changing how Black and brown children everywhere embrace their own beauty and build their confidence.”

The World of EPI is committed to authentic representation to help children see their true beauty and brilliance. The company creates unique sculpts that are true pieces of art, created to empower all kids. The characters have beautiful full lips, custom-blended skin tones and more representative articulated bodies. The collections feature hair textures and styles ranging from afro, afro puffs, wavy, braids and straight.

Everything is mindfully and intentionally done to represent the beauty in multicultural children. 

“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” the highly-anticipated revival of the groundbreaking Disney Channel series, The Proud Family, is set to debut Feb. 23 on Disney+. The upcoming series will pick up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and include her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!).

Cast members reprising their roles are: Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama and Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby. From Disney Television Animation, the series is executive-produced by Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, both of whom led the original series. 

Marvel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” based on Marvel’s hit comic books, follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White) and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur (voiced by Fred Tatasciore). After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City via a time vortex, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger. From Disney Television Animation, the series is executive produced by Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland’s Cinema Gypsy Productions and Emmy® Award-winner Steve Loter. Marvel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” premieres Summer 2022 on Disney Channel. 

In addition to Marvel’s “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” more Marvel products are in development from World of EPI.

BET Network’s Kimberly Evans Paige Discusses Backing NKSFB Sports Wealth Summit
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 24, 2022

BET Network’s Kimberly Evans Paige Discusses Backing NKSFB Sports Wealth Summit

Last summer’s inaugural NKSFB Sports Wealth Summit in Aspen, Colorado, was so successful that the second iteration is taking place this week (Feb. 23– Feb. 25) in Miami.

Kimberly Evans Paige, EVP & chief marketing officer for BET Networks, was so impressed with what the summit could become, she sponsored the summit, and is doing so again.

Not only is she behind the inner workings of the conference, but she is also heading a special Women’s Empowerment Forum. The purpose of this newly-added session is for the equally influential wives and mothers of the world-class athletes who will be in attendance.

BLACK ENTERPRISE got an opportunity to speak to Evans Paige to discuss her participation in the summit, her thoughts behind why it is needed, and her thoughts on athletes being financially solvent.

You attended last year’s Wealth Summit in Aspen, Colorado, and sponsored it. What factored into the decision to participate in this essential summit for athletes?

Like Craig Brown, I am personally and professionally committed to changing outcomes for the Black community. Within three minutes of hearing his vision for the Wealth Summit, I knew it was something that was meaningful and deserving of my time and resources.

How important was it to have BET involved, and where do you see the success of the summit headed?

At BET, we have always had a dual mission:

– To provide compelling content and experiences that represent the fullness of the Black experience, and

– Change outcomes for the Black community. Bob Johnson created BET 42 years ago as a space and agency where we could be seen, celebrated and empowered to create our own narratives. This mission still holds true today and we are even more committed to our brand purpose which is to advance Black love, joy, pride and power. Economic security, independence, and wealth need to be talked about early and often. We are committed to leveraging our scale as the No. 1 Black Media brand in the world to start, participate, and fuel these much-needed discussions and provide support/programs.

What would you like to see in the span of five to 10 years?

I’d like to see financial acumen as a norm among our community and we no longer have the staggering statistics that we have today as it relates to economic insecurity. I’d also like to see Black athlete statistics take a sharp upside turn and they see their entry/exit from the league as a launching pad for true generational wealth.

NKSFB Sports has added a Women’s Retreat to the upcoming Miami Wealth Summit, in which you are participating. What is the purpose of this retreat and what do you anticipate happening?

Financial discussions are even fewer among Black women, so I am excited about this group of amazing women coming together to talk about wealth, wellness, and the power of investing early and starting businesses. Who knows, maybe we’ll have some of the attendees decide to go into business together!

Black women have made strides in the entertainment and sports worlds but still lag behind in comparison to everyone else. What do you think it will take in order for more Black women to be in better positions of power?

Black women clearly are smart, natural leaders and generally more successful entrepreneurs. Opportunities, access to capital and expertise and more invitations to rooms like “She Got Next” are needed.

For people who look up to you and what you have accomplished, what advice would you give to help them pursue their passion on the way to becoming successful in their field?

Be confident in your skills and the value you bring to the business. As a Black woman, if you are in the room, you are probably beyond qualified.

Additionally, be a lifelong student, have an insatiable curiosity, be viewed as a high performer with integrity and build meaningful, not transactional relationships.

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