Susan M. Collins Becomes First Woman Of Color To Lead Boston Federal Reserve Bank
by Derek Major

February 10, 2022

Susan M. Collins Becomes First Woman Of Color To Lead Boston Federal Reserve Bank

Susan M. Collins, an M.I.T.- and Harvard-trained economist, is the first women of color to be named the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

According to the Boston Globe, Collins is the first woman of color and the second woman to be selected to lead one of the 12 regional federal branches since the central bank system was created.

Collins will join the Federal Reserve from the University of Michigan, where she served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs after serving for a decade as dean of its Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

The Boston Federal serving committee made it a point to search for a minority candidate. Collins’ appointment means three people of color are currently running regional federal banks. The other two are in Atlanta and Minneapolis.

Lisa Lynch, a Brandeis University professor and former chair of the Boston Fed, praised the selection of Collins.

“This is a brilliant appointment,” Lynch told the Globe. “She is a tested leader.”

Once she takes office, Collins, like other regional Fed presidents, will be on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) where she will vote on interest rates and other policy decisions on a one-year rotating basis this year and again in 2025.

The FMOC’s purpose is to promote full employment and stable consumer prices, which has become difficult since the COVID-19 pandemic has upended the job market while prices on everything from wood to cereal continues has risen due to inflation.

Collins said in an interview that she will focus on traditional Fed issues, such as the labor market as well as community-based initiatives, including banking. Collins is also familiar with Boston. She graduated from Harvard in 1980 and MIT in 1984 before returning to Harvard to teach.

The Harvard alumnus’s academic research focused on economic growth, currency exchange rates,and the globalization of U.S. labor markets. Collins will replace Eric Rosengren, who retired abruptly amid a controversy concerning personal investment trading.

Study: Black and Latino Churchgoers Turning to Pastors for Mental Health Services
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 10, 2022

Study: Black and Latino Churchgoers Turning to Pastors for Mental Health Services

New studies find that Black and Latino churchgoers are going to their pastors for mental health services, so much so they’re starting to overwhelm the clergy.

The newly released study from Rice University, “Where Would You Go? Race, Religion, and the Limits of Pastor Mental Health Care in Black and Latino Congregations,” features interviews with Black and Latino Christians in Houston, Texas, about how they make decisions on where to seek mental health care.

The research showed Black congregants seeking out mental health counsel from pastors over medical professionals because of the stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community. Latinos also seek mental health counsel from their pastors, but more so because of the stigma within their church.

However, the study found that pastors are feeling ill-equipped by the demands due to not having enough time, resources, or sufficient social networks to best serve their churchgoers.

“Regardless of whether they want to be or not, pastors are on the front lines of this mental health crisis,” Dan Bolger, the author of the study, said.

“People in religious communities see clergy as uniquely able to discern and handle these types of issues. The medical community, including the mental health community and other types of providers, can help with these types of issues by creating networks with pastors and working with local religious communities.”

Bolger is encouraging mental health and medical providers to help the church community by working with pastors to create networks for resources, Religion News reported.

“A persistent theme across the clergy members we talked to was that there’s a level of need for mental health care they’re just unable to meet,” Bolger said. “Maybe it was less about the types of issues they were seeing, but more the sheer number of people who needed that type of assistance.

“If pastors feel better equipped to address issues presented by their congregants, our findings indicate it will lead to better outcomes and better care,” he said.

Sydney Carter, Texas A&M Coach, Slammed For Sexy Sideline Outfit
by Atiya Jordan

February 10, 2022

Sydney Carter, Texas A&M Coach, Slammed For Sexy Sideline Outfit

Twitter came to the rescue after Sydney Carter, Texas A&M’s player development coach and assistant recruiting coordinator, caught some heat for her outfit while on the sidelines during a university game.

The former Texas A&M basketball player is well-admired for her fly business attire during games.

However, on Feb 7, Carter posted a photo on Twitter of her in what seems to be pink patent leather pants, a white turtleneck and heels. A pink ribbon, symbolizing breast cancer awareness, was pinned to her top and could’ve been the reason why she decided to rock the pants. In the photos, players can be seen sporting pink socks and sneakers as well. Clearly, the theme was intentional.

While many social media users praised the coach for her fit, Wayne Walker, a Facebook user, posed the question, “Is her outfit appropriate as a basketball coach?”

One Twitter user posted Walker’s question, and asked in response, “What’s wrong with it???”

With over 200,000 likes and 17,000 retweets, the Twitter post received a lot of buzz in defense of Walker’s fit.

Another Twitter user defended Carter’s outfit. In fact, she noted that “every time a [B]lack woman does something, people need to judge her for that.”

Kayla Grey, a Canadian television sportscaster, stood in solidarity with Walker by posting a “range” of Carter’s sideline swag.

Someone else commented that the topic of appropriate or inappropriate work attire has been discussed many times before on the internet.

In what seems to be a clap back, Carter posted a single photo of her during game 22, quoting Nicki Minaj’s lyrics in “Do We Have A Problem”, featuring Lil Baby.

 

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Following her playing time with A&M from 2008-12, Carter was drafted in the third round of the 2012 WNBA Draft as the 27th overall pick. She went on to play for four years, as well as six years overseas.

TIME and Nickelodeon Reveal the Second Annual Kid of the Year
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 10, 2022

TIME and Nickelodeon Reveal the Second Annual Kid of the Year

TIME, TIME for Kids and Nickelodeon announced 11-year-old ambassador for kindness Orion Jean from Texas as the 2021 Kid of the Year, the multi-platform initiative recognizing extraordinary young leaders who are making a positive impact in their communities.

Selected from thousands of submissions, 2021 Kid of the Year Orion Jean is featured on the cover of the Feb. 28/Mar. 7 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, Feb. 18, according to a press release.

(Image: Orion Jean, TIME)

In an interview with Angelina Jolie for TIME, humanitarian Orion Jean speaks about his work to start a kindness initiative: “Well, to me, it can be a number of things. And the one that I started was the race to kindness. The race to kindness is not just a series of events, but also a call to action. It’s a way to get people involved in the community, you know, and when they see something happening now they can go out and do something about it…kindness is a choice, and while we can’t force others to be kind, we can be kind ourselves and hope to inspire other people. So many people have great ideas but never act on them. I think it’s all about really caring about the issues that you’re seeing. Someone told me that you have to find something that breaks your heart for you to really get out there and make a difference in that area. And I want others to know that they can start today. If there’s an issue or problem or something that they see that they want to solve, all it takes is really just knowing deep down inside that it’s something you care about, and you can go out and get started.”

Kid of the Year Orion Jean, alongside the other top five finalists and honorees, is recognized during the second-annual “Kid of the Year” TV special, hosted and executive produced by Trevor Noah. The special was simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons on Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Beginning Thursday, Feb. 10, the special will also be available to watch on Nick.com, Nick App and Nick On Demand.

The “Kid of the Year” TV special featured guest stars from entertainment, sports and pop culture to help surprise the top five Kid of the Year finalists and celebrate their work. Celebrity guests making appearances throughout the special included Jabari Banks, Charli D’Amelio, Dude Perfect, Rob Gronkowski, Scarlett Johansson, Let It Happen, Charles Melton, 2020 Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao, and Meghan Trainor, among others. The special also featured a kid committee comprised of Nickelodeon stars Alaya “That Girl Lay Lay” High, Dylan “Young Dylan” Gilmer and Wolfgang Schaeffer.

Each of the five Kid of the Year honorees will receive a cash prize and have the opportunity to serve as a Kid Reporter for TIME for Kids with exclusive access to a Nickelodeon event. Stories about the finalists rolling out leading up to the second annual Kid of the Year reveal are on NickKidoftheYear.com and TIME.com.

Kid of the Year is sponsored by Greenlight® and OshKosh B’gosh®.

The “Kid of the Year” TV special is a co-production of TIME Studios, Day Zero Productions, Mainstay Entertainment and Nickelodeon. Executive Producers include Ian Orefice, Mike Beck, Maria Perez-Brown, Rebecca Gitlitz, and Jeff Smith (TIME Studios), Andrea Delbanco (TIME For Kids), Trevor Noah, Sanaz Yamin, and Ashley Dizon (Day Zero Productions), Norman Aladjem, Derek Van Pelt (Mainstay Entertainment) and Ashley Kaplan, Paul J Medford and Luke Wahl (Nickelodeon).

Snoop Dogg is Back on Death Row! Acquires Legendary Record Label
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 10, 2022

Snoop Dogg is Back on Death Row! Acquires Legendary Record Label

Snoop Dogg began his career under the guidance and tutelage of N.W.A. member and producer Dr. Dre. The label Death Row, originally co-owned by Dr. Dre and music executive Suge Knight, is now officially owned by the legendary rapper.

Global investment firm Blackstone announced that the iconic Gin & Juice rapper acquired the Death Row Records brand and name from MNRK Music Group. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Snoop’s latest project, “B.O.D.R. (Bacc on Death Row),” is being released on Feb. 11, 2022.  Fans will also be able to purchase his new album on the blockchain as a Stash Box of NFTs through the new Gala Music store thanks to his partnership with Gala Games, a successful blockchain gaming platform.

“I am thrilled and appreciative of the opportunity to acquire the iconic and culturally significant Death Row Records brand, which has immense untapped future value. It feels good to have ownership of the label I was part of at the beginning of my career and as one of the founding members. This is an extremely meaningful moment for me. I would like to personally thank the teams at Blackstone, MNRK and especially David Kestnbaum, who worked collaboratively with me over several months to make this exciting homecoming a reality. I’m looking forward to building the next chapter of Death Row Records,” Snoop says in a written statement.

This comes on the heels of the announcement of the iconic entrepreneur partnering with Master P to create a new rap snack—Snoop Dogg Icon Chips—as the latest release from the Rap Snacks brand, as per BET. Rap Snacks co-founder Master P also brought on the iconic West Coast rapper as a brand ambassador.

This news also comes right before this year’s Super Bowl game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams, where Snoop is scheduled to perform at halftime. Pepsi, the NFL, and Roc Nation have put together a musical lineup for Super Bowl LVI on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. The Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show lineup will include Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. The game and performance are happening at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, and will be airing on NBC, Telemundo, and streaming live on Peacock.

City Council Votes No After Dave Chappelle Speaks Out Against Affordable Housing Plan
by Atiya Jordan

February 10, 2022

City Council Votes No After Dave Chappelle Speaks Out Against Affordable Housing Plan

The small village of Yellow Springs, Ohio, had plans toward advancing affordable housing; however, those plans were scrapped after its residents—including comedian Dave Chappelle—expressed concerns at a Monday night council meeting, Dayton Daily News reported.

The Yellow Springs City Council initially voted 2-2 on the proposed development of 64 single-family homes, 52 duplexes, and 24 townhomes. Oberer Homes, a Miamisburg-based new home construction, was set to move forward with the development.

Chappelle, who has an office in the area, threatened to pull millions of dollars in business investments from the village if the proposal passed.

“I don’t know why the village council would be afraid of litigation from a $24 million a year company, while it kicks out a $65 million a year company,” Chappelle vocalized at the meeting.

In December, Chappelle’s company, Iron Table Holdings L.L.C., acquired the former Miami Township Fire Station in the village. His business ventures include a plan for a restaurant called “Firehouse Eatery” and a comedy club called “Live from YS.”

Before abruptly returning to his seat, he continued: “I cannot believe you would make me audition for you. You look like clowns. I am not bluffing. I will take it all off the table. That’s all, thank you.”

Other villagers lobbied against the affordable housing plan for various reasons, including traffic flow and water management. Some even felt shut out from the development process with Oberer.

After hearing the said concerns, the council ultimately voted no.

While the affordable homes plan was scrapped, Oberer Homes can still move forward with the development of 143 single-family homes with a starting price of $300,000, according to The New York Post.

Chappelle also objected to the original plan at a December council meeting.

“I just want to say I am adamantly opposed to it,” Chappelle told city council members over video chat. “I have invested millions of dollars in town. If you push this thing through, what I’m investing in is no longer applicable.”

Yellow Springs Village Manager Josue Salmeron previously responded to Chappelle’s concerns.

“Certainly none of what we’re doing is in any way or to hurt Dave in any way…I have a responsibility to look out for the interest of the entire community,” he said.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 10, 2022

Black Enterprise Presents Town Hall, a Call for Criminal Justice Reform

BLACK ENTERPRISE, the No. 1 multimedia resource for African American entrepreneurs and business leaders, will present the latest installment of the BLACK ENTERPRISE Economic Equity & Racial Justice Town Hall Series: “Criminal Justice Reform – Developing A Fair and Equitable System for All” on Thursday, Feb. 10, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EST. The virtual town hall series is produced in partnership with The Executive Leadership Council, with CNN Political Commentator Bakari Sellers serving as moderator for the series. Prudential and Walmart are presenting sponsors of the Criminal Justice Reform Town Hall.

Panelists for the Criminal Justice Reform Town Hall session include Mission Launch Founder Teresa Hodge, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition Executive Director Desmond Meade, Mastercard Vice President of Public Policy, U.S. Federal Affairs Kendra Brown, and Prudential Vice President of Inclusive Solutions Sarah Keh. Remarks will also be delivered by The Executive Leadership Council President & CEO Michael Hyter and BLACK ENTERPRISE CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr.

Police misconduct. Unfair sentencing. Mass incarceration. Inequality for the formerly incarcerated. These injustices — and more — demonstrate that the criminal justice system is broken. More than any other group in this nation, African Americans have been brutalized, disenfranchised, and impoverished by different aspects of this system — from law enforcement to penal institutions. As a result, Black Americans continue to face harsh economic, financial, and political realities that include lack of career and entrepreneurial opportunities, disruption to financial security and wealth-building, and above all else, loss of life.

“Directly and indirectly, America’s criminal justice system serves to disenfranchise Black lives from the cradle to the grave,” says Graves.

“The system diminishes employment and financial opportunities, strips us of voting rights and political representation, and escalates health disparities that claim lives. The system is broken, but our town hall on criminal justice reform will show how we can—and why we must — fix it.”

Criminal Justice Reform Town Hall panelists will examine the current state of the criminal justice system and its decades-long mistreatment of African Americans. In addition to taking an in-depth look at our institutions, this session will focus on the reintegration of ex-offenders into society and how to remove barriers and stigmas so that they can truly become productive, empowered citizens upon their release. In an environment in which talent is at a premium, providing the formerly incarcerated access to tools, jobs, and capital for a new start is necessary for our nation’s economic health and public safety, for Black communities, in particular.

“Criminal Justice Reform – Developing A Fair and Equitable System for All” is the latest of an ongoing series of virtual roundtable sessions featuring top corporate executives, entrepreneurs, financial experts, and thought leaders. The roundtable discussions will examine a range of challenges confronting communities of color, with the goal of yielding strategic plans to galvanize Black Americans to act. The sessions seek to advance the state of the Black community, help position Black professionals to gain more C-suite and board positions, increase capital and procurement opportunities for Black-owned businesses, and ensure corporate America’s accountability to their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

For complimentary entry to the “Criminal Justice Reform – Developing A Fair and Equitable System for All” Town Hall, go to blackenterprise.com/townhall/.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 10, 2022

Nike/Louis Vuitton Sneakers by Abloh Beats Auction Estimates

Bids for 200 pairs of Nike/Louis Vuitton “Air Force 1” sneakers designed by Virgil Abloh are running well beyond Sotheby’s initial estimates in an auction with a week to go.

The sale, which the Louis Vuitton creative designer helped to plan before his death from cancer at age 41 in November, will benefit The Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund for Black, African-American and students of African descent in the fashion industry.

“We’re currently at around $6.1 million in hammer price,” said Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectibles, Brahm Wachter, on Tuesday, when bids ran as high as $80,000, according to a press release.

The original total estimate was $1 million to $3 million for the Jan. 26 to Feb. 8 auction. On opening day, the number of bids broke Sotheby’s record for online sales.

The leather sneaker features Abloh’s signature quotation marks and Louis Vuitton’s emblematic patterns. Each comes with a limited-edition orange pilot case.

“On a size 5, there’s just one pair and a size 18, again, there’s just one pair. When you get to a size 10 or a size 8, there are more,” Wachter said.

The sneakers were the first official collaboration between Nike and Louis Vuitton.

“It’s really bringing together two of the great Goliaths of industry. And of course, the genius of Virgil Abloh, who so many people love and respect and miss,” Wachter said.

“Bringing all three of these worlds together is really an incredible thing, which I think is driving global interest.”

Abloh, one of the highest profile Black designers, had been the creative mind behind Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection since 2018. In July 2021, LVMH mandated him to launch new brands and partner with existing ones in non-fashion sectors such as furniture and luggage.

Reginae Carter Talks New Fashion Lines Tom Girl & I FIT IN, Joining ‘Social Society’ + Acting Career
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 10, 2022

Reginae Carter Talks New Fashion Lines Tom Girl & I FIT IN, Joining ‘Social Society’ + Acting Career

Actress, TV personality, influencer, and entrepreneur Reginae Carter appeared on BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s “Hip Hop and Enterprise” to introduce her new fashion line Tom Girl and fitness line I FIT IN.

After growing up in the spotlight, Carter has carved out her own lane in entertainment and business. Being the daughter of Grammy Award-winning rapper Lil Wayne and TV personality Toya Johnson has its perks. Still, Carter is also securing her bag outside of the paid advertisements by building an empire of her own.

She opened up about the launch of her fashion entities and how she wants to promote health, wellness, and style while engaging with her following in new ways. Working with her aunt on Tom Girl, Carter details how the family duo came together to release a fashion line that will take the ladies from comfortably running errands to socializing with friends.

 

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Reginae’s entrepreneurial endeavors come at the same time as her addition to season 2 of All BLK’s Social Society with Kendall Kyndall, Angela Simmons, and Kendra G. The quartet comes together weekly to discuss the trending topics, highlight some amazing Black-owned businesses, and tackle insightful discussions for viewers.

In addition to her new TV hosting gig, Carter continues to rise up the ranks as an actress and is set to appear in her first lead role in the upcoming film, Boxed In. Her deep passion for acting leads her to watch shows and movies in her free time, take acting classes, and dedicate herself to perfecting her craft.

At 23 years old, she knows exactly what she wants in life, and nothing will get in her way. She made sure to note that she’s happily single and enjoying dating while focusing on her business, career, and personal growth.

Press play below to learn the latest on Reginae Carter and find out more about her new fashion lines Tom Girl and I FIT IN.

Jeezy Switches First-Class Seat on Flight With 11-Year-Old Cancer Patient
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 10, 2022

Jeezy Switches First-Class Seat on Flight With 11-Year-Old Cancer Patient

Rapper Jeezy’s generosity shined through when he made a nice gesture to a young boy with cancer on a recent flight.

The entrepreneurial artist, who recently welcomed a baby with his wife, Jeannie Mai, took to his Instagram account to speak of the bravery a young 11-year-old boy is demonstrating.

“The Snowman” speaks of meeting a young boy named Andre, who is 11 years old, on a flight heading to Memphis. The pre-teen is fighting stage 3 cancer and was going to Memphis to get treatment. The former Boyz n da Hood group member offered the young boy his first-class seat on the plane and occupied the seat next to his mother. After conversing with Andre’s mother throughout the flight, Yeezy invited the young boy and his mother to his show. As Yeezy states in his post, Andre showed up to his show “like a boss.”

“Meet Andre, he’s 11 and one of the bravest young Kings I know. I met Andre on my flight to Memphis. Overheard he was battling stage 3 cancer and was on his way to Memphis for treatment. Offered him my first class seat so he can go to treatment like the boss he is. In taking his seat, I spoke with his amazing and strong mother. She told me about how mighty of a fighter her son has been. I invited Andre and his mother to my show. And like a boss he pulled up. Let’s show Andre some love 💯”

 

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The businessman just celebrated the birth of his fourth child and first with his wife Mai, a panel member on the daily talk show The Real.

Last spring, Vogue reported that after the rapper and talk show host tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at their Atlanta home, the charitable pair chose to give back to the community. People reported that Jeezy’s Street Dreamz Foundation teamed up with The Tony Robbins Foundation to give out 1,000 bikes to inner-city youth in Atlanta.

Wheels of Dreamz hosted the event at HBCU Clark Atlanta University ahead of a rally where Jeezy and then-Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms gave speeches.

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