BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® Partners with Culture Genesis to Launch BGR!TV
Beverly Bond, founder and CEO of the award-winning global women’s empowerment brand BLACK GIRLS ROCK!®, today announced a partnership with media tech company Culture Genesis for the newly launched BGR!TV — an omnichannel digital-media network that includes BGR!’s OTT streaming platform, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and other digital media.
The partnership comes on the heels of the 15-year anniversary celebration of BLACK GIRLS ROCK! which live-streamed on Facebook in December and generated over 2 million views and 20 million media impressions. It also follows the announcement of Culture Genesis’ partnership with RapTV, the largest hip-hop community with over 25 million followers, according to a press release.
“BLACK GIRLS ROCK! is a clear industry leader in women’s empowerment, and Beverly Bond is an influential force in the culture whose dedication to empowering Black women and girls of color is unmatched,” said Cedric J. Rogers, co-founder and CEO of Culture Genesis.
“We’re happy to be a partner to help the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! brand expand its digital reach.”
Bond added, “This partnership represents the next step in the evolution of the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! brand. Culture Genesis’ expertise and track record in the digital media space adds tremendous value to our efforts in creating an omnichannel platform to reach more of our community around the globe and to provide high-quality content and turnkey programs that reflect our audience’s interests. We look forward to working with the Culture Genesis team to amplify BGR!’s digital channels.”
The BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® brand has broad appeal that reaches diverse age groups and cultural demographics. The BGR!TV Network will feature exclusive content including the critically acclaimed BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards, BGR!FEST, original content, VR, conferences, signature events and more.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin Apologizes After Mixing Up Two Black Female Senators, Congratulating Wrong One
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin mistook one Black female senator for another and complimented the wrong one during a Black History Month speech last weekend.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin mistook one Black legislator for another when complimenting the wrong one for a speech for Black History Month. (Image: Twitter)
According to a Business Insiderreport, Democratic state senator Louise Lucas revealed on Twitter that Youngkin texted her saying he was moved by her speech discussing Black History Month. However, the speech was given by state Sen. Mamie Locke.
I want to thank @GovernorVA for his text message this week, congratulating me on my excellent speech on Black History Month.
I appreciate the effort, but that speech was actually given by @SenatorLocke.
Lucas replied, “thanks for the compliment about the Black History Month floor speech but, it was given by Senator Locke. You are correct it was a moving speech. I hope to be enlightening when I speak later this week. Louise.”
“Goodness … so sorry about the confusion,” Youngkin said in a quick response. “I will send her a note. Thanks for the note back!”
Lucas tweeted side-by-side photos of her and Locke Friday, directing the governor to “study the photos.” Lucas added she initially chose to keep the incident private but made it public after a dispute over Youngkin’s nominee for Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources, Andrew Wheeler.
The Washington Post reported Virginia Democrats are fighting against Wheeler’s appointment. The former coal lobbyist led a rollback of Obama-era environmental regulations as EPA chief under former President Donald Trump.
In a statement issued Friday, Youngkin explained that he was multitasking while watching the speech remotely, which he blamed for the mix-up.
“I had the floor speeches on while doing too many things at once earlier this week. I made a mistake and I apologized to Senator Lucas right away,” Youngkin said.
Lucas didn’t stop at releasing the exchange, mocking Youngkin on Twitter for his gaffe.
Wheeler is the only cabinet pick by Youngkin that Democrats have opposed. The Democratic-controlled state Senate will take a final vote on Wheeler’s appointment Wednesday before moving to the Republican-led House, which has few options to reverse the situation.
Earlier this month, Youngkin drew headlines and backlash after attacking a teenage boy on Twitter after he retweeted a report that Youngkin was scrapping an effort to highlight enslaved workers who built the governor’s mansion. The Virginia governor also released an ad during his campaign of a mom and conservative activist who led a campaign to ban Toni Morrison’s award-winning novel, Beloved.
Black Twitter Erupts About the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Performance
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Rams for edging out the Cincinnatti Bengals in Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl victory at the SoFi Stadium in California.
Perhaps most of the attention given to this year’s football championship was arguably the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show.
Typically, people are excited to see which commercials would amaze them but the talent for this year’s contest may have been the greatest lineup the Super Bowl has ever seen. The highly anticipated performance was headlined by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. The performances also include appearances by 50 Cent and Anderson.Paak.
Social media took center stage on Sunday as a companion piece to people’s reaction to the performers.
Bruh!! If someone told me back in the day, they would be crip walking during a Super Bowl halftime show, I would say they were crazy!!! Man, this show felt good!!! #SuperBowlpic.twitter.com/bWjM7f92Er
There were more Black people dancing onstage in the #SuperBowl halftime show than the combined number of Black head coaches, GMs and team presidents in NFL history.
Not that I was counting. I didn’t even watch. I’m just guessing there was more than 24 Black people dancing.
Due to “blacklash,” next year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show will feature Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr, Travis Tritt and Chachi singing the “Happy Days!” theme song.
The halftime production of the #Superbowl was off the scale! The OG rappers reminded us all of the art and style of Hip Hop that can never be forgotten.
‘Silly Love Songs’ Valentine Tribute by Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr.
“Silly Love Songs,” the Paul & Linda McCartneyclassic, has been released by 7-time Grammy Award Winners, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. in a new music video tribute from the couple’s bestselling EE1 BMG album, “Blackbird: Lennon-McCartney Icons,” a “Civil Rights are Human Rights” recording project, honoring Black History Month.
“We lift our voices in honor of those whose voices have been silenced. When people become iconic in death, we fail to appreciate the great loss of happy, loving moments. Their joy and laughter is forgotten,” said Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr., who are named by Clive Davis as the “First Couple of Pop & Soul,” in a joint statement, according to a press release.
“Our project’s theme is that Civil Rights are Human Rights … in this month of history, we share it with all of our brothers and sisters. This music is for the ‘Silly Love Songs’ our ‘blackbirds’ of every color will never be able to sing.”
You can view the new official music video for Silly Love Songs on YouTube.
It’s a time of Renaissance for Marilyn & Billy, who are featured in the Oscar and Grammy-nominated film, “Summer of Soul … Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised,” directed by Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson. The duo returned to the Billboard charts after an absence of over 30 years, appeared in “The Waltons’ Homecoming,” are headlining in Las Vegas and return to the recording studio in March with their Producer, Nic Mendoza.
The couple will receive their second Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame later this year.
Eminem Takes A Knee During 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show, League Claims It Was Aware
During Sunday’s Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show, viewers were blessed by the performance of some of the greatest hip-hop heavyweights — Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige,Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Eminem.
One particular moment that struck a chord was when Eminem took a knee after his rendition of his 2002 hit “Lose Yourself.”
VALERIE MACON, AFP via Getty Images
While Dr. Dre played Tupac’s “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” on a nearby piano, Eminem remained on a knee and held his head in his hand. Speculation credits the gesture as a tribute to former quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protests, in which he used kneeling to protest against police brutality and racial discrimination.
Kaepernick, a former quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, was heavily criticized for this form of protest during the national anthem at a 2016 preseason game. The widespread controversy also rained down on the NFL for its inability to handle player activism. Since then, he has not joined another NFL team.
This wouldn’t be the first time Eminem supported Kaepernick’s efforts. In 2017, during the BET Hip Hop Awards, he embraced Kaepernick’s message on racism and police brutality while performing a freestyle rap. He also name-dropped Kaepernick in the lyrics of his 2017 song “Untouchable,” where he rapped:
“Somebody has to be the sacrificial lamb … So they call it a Kaepernick tantrum …
While headline reports indicate that the NFL was unaware of Eminem’s move, Brian McCarthy, an NFL official, denies them.
“We watched all elements of the show during multiple rehearsals this week, and we were aware that he was going to do that,” he told ESPN.
Additionally, other reports claim that Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg were censored regarding their set. According to Puck, the league was uncomfortable with Dr. Dre’s lyrics and Snoop Dogg’s attire which they thought appeared to be “gang-related.”
LeBron James’ Eldest Son Slammed On Social Media For Allegedly Dating A White Girl
Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA star LeBron James, has been put through the wringer for allegedly dating a white girl.
The rumors about his personal life began circulating after a TikTok video of him and a girl went viral in September 2020.
In the video, they appeared to be comfortable with one another, which sparked immediate interest from social media users. Apparently, the girl in the video is assumed to be Peyton Gelfuso, a TikTok aficionado, who has been seen attending James’ basketball games and on several dates with him.
On Friday, Feb.11, WAGs Unfiltered’s Instagram account posted a series of photos showing Bronny, whose real name is LeBron Raymone James Jr., posing with his alleged girlfriend, Aceshowbiz reports.
Social media was ablaze with criticism for his choice of a companion while other users defended his personal life and wanted him to be left alone.
“Growing up with beаutiful Blаck pаrents аnd Blаck siblings, but letting me go get а white girl… chile,” one user remаrked.
“How could you not wаnt а Blаck womаn аfter being rаised by а womаn аs beаutiful аnd Blаck аs Sаvаnаh?” I cаn’t stаnd it. “I’d be heаrtbroken.”
In Bronny’s defense, someone wrote, “People hаve to reаlize thаt people dаte within their environment.” It wаs expected becаuse he’s surrounded by а lot of white girls.”
Another supporter fan wrote: “Be with whoever makes you happy young man. If anyone has a problem with that let them argue with themselves,” another user said.
“It’s sad to see Black women under here upset about a child’s decision on who he dates. Lmaoo y’all are giving the girls pressed and it’s absolutely embarrassing,” one wrote, slamming the critics.
Meanwhile, another offered their understanding to the 17-year-old athlete, writing, “He’s still young! Have fun, sir.”
Maria Taylor and Lorne Michaels Collaborating on Documentary Series ‘The History Of The Black Quarterback’
Maria Taylor, who once worked at ESPN, has signed on as an executive producer for an NBC Sports documentary series, The History of the Black Quarterback, that will air during next year’s Super Bowl week.
According to Deadline, Taylor, who hosted Sunday’s NFL Super Bowl for NBC, will be the executive producer for the docuseries The History of the Black Quarterback. Broadway Video, owned by longtime Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels, will serve as a co-producer.
“This history and these stories are something I’ve wanted to do for some time, as they are reflective of our much larger national conversation,” said Taylor in a written statement. “And almost as soon as I started at NBC, Broadway Video and I began discussing it with Pete [Bevacqua]. To see it being done on this level is thrilling.”
The planned docuseries will span over eight episodes that will be an hour-long and broadcast on the Peacock platform during the 2023 Super Bowl week. The documentary will explore trailblazing Black quarterbacks who faced bigotry and prejudice throughout their careers as they advanced.
“The NBC Sports team is very much looking forward to telling the story of the difficult, too slow and ultimately courageous journey of the Black quarterback throughout the course of NFL history,” said Pete Bevacqua, chairman, NBC Sports. “It is an important story, one that needs to be told and one that can serve as an inspiration for all.”
After working at ESPN for nine years, Taylor left the network to join NBC. During contract negotiations with her old network, Taylor was thrown into an ugly diversity debate when a recording of white ESPN host Rachel Nichols leaked. Nichols claimed Taylor received an NBA Finals assignment because she is Black in the recording.
The recording set off a tidal wave of issues at ESPN. Taylor eventually left and joined NBC just in time to cover the Olympics. Meanwhile, Nichols’ NBA show The Jump was canceled, and the network removed her from all programming with a year left on her contract.
Meet the Black Neuroscientist Who is on a Mission to Change the World
Shonté Jovan-Taylor is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and success strategist who is on a mission to change the world through the power of neuroscience so that more people can unleash their human potential.
As a TEDx speaker and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, she firmly believes that there is nothing more important than stretching your skill and knowledge towards the innovation you have inside – not only inside your heart but your brain as well.
She comments, “The human brain has granted us intelligence far beyond any living species on earth. As one of the busiest organs in the human body, our brains run with an astonishing efficacy nearly every second of our lives. While we have some control over what we do and how we think, our brains are more than capable of changing the world in a truly profound way.”
In her mission of empowering 100 million minds for change and prosperity, Shonté is expanding her gifts for humanity.
After graduating from UCLA and achieving over 15 years of brain research and industrial-organizational training, Shonté has accelerated herself as both a neuroscientist and a success trainer. However, the road didn’t start off on such a successful trajectory.
As a teenage mom, the cards were stacked against her, but Shonté prevailed, beginning college at just 16 years old. Her mission to spark human potential was something that didn’t just come naturally, it first sparked within herself. With her ability to change her circumstances through the power of neuroscience, she knew it was something everyone could take part in and become the person they admire.
Launching The OptiMind Institute
So after conducting several multi-million dollar research studies for both the government and pharmaceutical industries, she launched her own training and research institute, The OptiMind Institute, to fulfill her mission. She focuses on all aspects of amplifying human potential, whether that is training organizations to elevate their leaders and workforce, or empowering entrepreneurs to manage their mental empires while they build their financial empires.
Her current work is intended to guide ambitious individuals towards an elevation of human potential and expanded compassion. Grounded in her knowledge of neuroscience and human behavior, her work offers an opportunity for exploration into the mind for professional and personal success. Her influence focuses on understanding the brain, making it possible for people to make a shift toward innovative thinking that amplifies brilliance, determination, and empathy in others. It’s a specific path that takes her audience to the next level of innovation, engagement in revenue.
From her previous focus of identifying what was wrong with someone’s brain, Shonté has cultivated the unique opportunity to enhance what is right. Through her intentional work, she uses the artistry of the human brain to challenge how we treat others, ultimately transforming the world. From her keynote speaking engagements, individual coaching, and training seminars, Shonté has committed her knowledge to helping people across the country unveil their greatest asset, their brain.
Her leadership and success trainings have allowed her to train thousands of coaches and leaders worldwide and to continue her passion for igniting High Performance, Productivity, and Focus Techniques that are based on neuroscience. Her recent accomplishments include writing a book to empower Generation X, hosting a globally rated podcast called Coffee With a Neuroscientist, and becoming an official member of the Forbes Coaches Council.
While she continues to conduct insightful talks, Shonté hopes to keep inspiring people to change their brains for a mindful future of compassion, empathy, and innovation. “In everything that I’ve studied about the human brain, uncovering the roadblocks that plague the mind is one of my favorite discoveries. I’m choosing to dedicate my education to giving people the necessary skills essential for growth and sustainability that yield high-level results, both personally and professionally,” says Shonté.
Through various topics and strategic techniques, it’s possible for people of all walks of life to connect with one another while achieving common goals. Shonté believes that by leaning on neuroscience, we simultaneously co-create the developmental process that will withstand the test of time.
For more information about Shonté Jovan-Taylor and/or to inquire about a session or speaking engagement, visit ShonteJTaylor.com
Say It Ain’t So! Rosario Dawson and Sen. Cory Booker No Longer a Couple But Remain ‘Good Friends’
After announcing a relationship with actress Rosario Dawson as he made a run for the presidency of the United States, Senator Cory Booker and the actress are no longer a romantic couple.
According to People, the New Jersey senator and the Sin City actor were dating for more than two years as a source close to Booker confirmed that the pair were no longer dating. They do however plan to remain good friends.
The two initially met at a political fundraiser for a mutual friend in the summer of 2018. It took the couple several months to actually start dating.
(Image: Instagram)
In 2019, in an interview with The Washington Post, the passionate New Jersey lawmaker who was also a BLACK ENTERPRISE Modern Man revealed that he had a difficult time asking her for her phone number.
“I mean, gosh, that night we talked for hours and hours,” the 52-year-old Booker said, “I had trouble asking for her phone number … I think I said something really stupid like, ‘Uh, how would I get in touch with you?’ And she mercifully said something like, ‘Oh, you want my phone number?’ And my insides were like, ‘Hell, yeah!’ ”
The next year in May, Dawson, who is from New York City, moved into the Newark, NJ residence of Booker as he was campaigning to become the presidential nominee for the Democratic party. The New York Post reported that Dawson sold her multi-million dollar house on the West Coast and moved to live with him after the two hadn’t been in each other’s company following the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m going to New Jersey. I’m moving to Newark,” Dawson told Kevin Smith at the Mooby’s Pop-Up in Los Angeles. “It’s time. We were thinking about moving in together anyway, but especially during all of this, it’s been really intense.”
Although the news of their relationship ending is officially being reported now, a source initially informed Marie Claire that the two had already broken up. The “exclusive” source who was allegedly close to the couple stated that Dawson and Booker broke up last summer but remained friends. They were together for approximately three years but “the distance made it difficult” for the two to make it work.
Commentary: The Digital Stairway to Heaven, Black Churches and the Pandemic
The role of the church in African American life is fundamental and long-standing.
In early times, once gatherings could be negotiated, the first Black churches served as anchors for the enslaved African American community. Initially, these gatherings took place in what were called Praise Houses. These houses of worship operated covertly and served as a place of spiritual healing, community building, inspiration and upliftment.
Praise Houses evolved into what we now know as the Black Church, a communal institution that continues to serve as a religious anchor for the African American community. It remains a resource for, and spiritual connection between, black people through fellowship, organization, community building, health, civil activism, education, political guidance and spiritual/mental relief. It is as well a symbol of collective strength.
According to the Pew Research Center1, African Americans are more religious than whites and Latinos by many measures of religious commitment. For instance, three-quarters of Black Americans say religion is very important in their lives, compared with smaller shares of whites (49%) and Hispanics (59%); African Americans also are more likely to attend services at least once a week and to pray regularly. Black Americans (83%) are more likely to say they believe in God with absolute certainty than whites (61%) and Latinos (59%). Consequently, anything affecting Black ministries directly impacts African American lives.
What about the Pandemic?
The COVID-19 Pandemic has been difficult for all people and organizations, and Black churches were not excluded. This article provides research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted several African American ministries – surveying consequences and response. On the one hand, the Black Church has coped with the consequences as we all have – masks, social distancing and cancelled operations. But African American houses of worship also had some unique problems; consequently, some clerics applied creative solutions. After all, said one pastor, “We are supposed to provide hope and counsel to our congregation. How can we do God’s bidding if we are closed?”
Interestingly, a common thread among those interviewed was that though God’s will is always first and foremost in their decision-making, a collaboration between church and science has been necessary. It continues to be so as they consider how to be a safe space for worship and a community resource. As one interviewee related, “A combination of spiritual knowledge and scientific understanding has been helpful in how we have moved forward. Because they actually do align with each other.”
Navigating through the pandemic, Black Americans are rediscovering the importance of the Black Church to the community as a spiritual and informational hub.
Approach
This article describes how the pandemic has impacted several African American ministries and lessons learned. We interviewed the pastors from several African American houses of worship during summer 2021. The churches are in Michigan, New York, Texas, Washington DC and Florida; the number of individual church congregants range from dozens to hundreds. Pastors were male and female.
There were many individual reactions but also much in common in their responses, despite their diverse locations across the U.S. All pastors were forthcoming and appreciative of our efforts to listen to them. Each hoped their story would help others.
Findings
In our survey, we found some common reactions such as “Our Elders joined the virtual services; they figured it out!” We also learned that responses could vary widely: some churches never physically closed; other churches shut down the sanctuary and remain closed. But no one, not even the two ministers who caught COVID-19, ever lost faith in God or humanity.
We present our results in the words of the Pastors themselves. Direct extracts from our interviews are in quotation marks.
How is the Church different since the pandemic?
Most if not all the churches surveyed reported the “usual” adjustments, including closings, partial openings, halting/rescheduling events, online/virtual services and pastoral care, shifting to social media to communicate and accommodate membership, services outside and in tents, mask policy and requirements, social distancing, sanitization, family clustering, as you would expect.
Some interesting results:
– One ministry immediately adopted an outdoor concept where church people would drive up and stay in their cars. It was basically a Drive-In Church (“Say ‘Amen’ with a Beep”).
– There was more than usual communication and coordination within and among church leadership, “We actually had to learn how to talk TO each other, not AT each other.”
– Recommendations to “stay at home” if possible and especially for those who know themselves to be “high risk” or “immuno-compromised.” Of course, they had to discourage hugging, kissing, and touching each other during this new normal.
– “We really had to maintain transparency and share information via social media outlets on our plans to reopen the doors of the Church.”
The Digital Stairway to Heaven
All ministries developed new perspectives on the importance of digital communications for their members and congregants. They had to become creative and imaginative, especially to reinforce the idea that their congregants were not abandoned.
“We needed to shift into doing things differently.”
Many responders stated that they had to learn how to preach and teach through the lens of a camera.
“Preaching to a camera is not the same as preaching to a congregation. I call it a ‘Psychological Booster’ – for me, to preach as if the sanctuary is jam-packed. I share with those joining in that ‘I can’t see you, but I can feel you.”
Said another, “We increased our social media platform to enhance our website, set up Zoom capability, live streaming, expanded our presence on Facebook to include the church profiles, and my personal profile.” Some set up an adult Zoom and a children’s Zoom to accommodate different aspects of their congregation.
Interestingly, in some domains church attendance has actually improved since the advent of online services and social media outreach. Congregants in locations that were previously too far away from a physical location were now able to engage from the comfort of their homes.
“This was actually a good thing as far as reaching potential new members. Our numbers are better than ever.”
Curiously, clothing became an issue.
“I have to think about being camera-ready, making sure that my wardrobe allows for the type of presentation that is intended. So, I now have to be mindful of what I wear; I have to present as a representation of Jesus Christ.”
He chuckled and said, “I am currently working on my new wardrobe!” Another minister pointed out that congregants got too casual with getting dressed for church. The Zoom attendees didn’t wear ties or suit jackets and often just had on sweatsuits. “I am looking forward to dressing for church again!”
Conclusion
One might argue that the pandemic is God’s Will. But these representatives of the Black Church took the events as God’s challenge. And each proved they were up to the challenge.
Editor’s note: This article has been edited for brevity.
Authors
(Courtesy of Asha Rivers)
Ms. Asha Rivers has over 20 years business experience in retail and health care administration. The former vice president of government affairs for Macy’s Inc., she is currently a business strategy consultant in Washington, D.C. Ms. Rivers may be contacted at asha@asharivers.com.
Courtesy of Dr. Goldman
Dr. Steven B. Goldman is senior lecturer with MIT Professional Education and the director of the “Crisis Management & Business Resiliency” Courses at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He has 35 plus years’ experience in all aspects of crisis management, crisis communications, and crisis leadership. Dr. Steve may be contacted at Goldmans@MIT.edu.
