• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2022

Rapper Gunna Under Fire, Accused of Pushing A Crypto Scam On the Public

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Rapper Gunna is under fire on social media from users who think he’s caught promoting a crypto scam online.

The allegations started after Gunna posted a tweet on Jan. 31 announcing his new cryptocurrency, Pushing Peth, that he planned to launch in the metaverse, XXL reports.

“Ay @pushinpeth making a crypto metaverse for us!” Gunna wrote in a since-deleted tweet. “@shanemooncharts backing the project, I know this is gonna fly. IM TAKING THIS TO THE MOON JOIN THE TELEGRAM HERE.”

Since sending the tweet, the message and the account for the crypto have been deleted. No one has verified the name “Shane Moon Charts” and who is behind the account.

However, on the Pushing Peth website, the digital product is described as “a cryptocurrency that works for you, helps you increase your holdings over time. We offer complete transparency and the latest security to all our holders. Additionally, the liquidity is locked on unicrypt, and the ownership of the contract is renounced.

However, since announcing the new crypto, the financial world is accusing Gunna of being involved in a “rug pull,” Tech Times reports.

Rug pulls are known in the investment world as shady moves where an initial price of an asset is driven up once it’s announced, giving the creators a chance to pull the investments out quickly. Ultimately, the price of the crypto tanks, making it worthless to investors.

Once Twitter users caught on to Gunna’s ploy, he was called out.

“Nice scam @1GunnaGunna didn’t even last 8 hrs,” one person tweeted.

Nice scam @1GunnaGunna didn’t even last 8 hrs. pic.twitter.com/x3w6pxhS6x

— ZachXBT (@zachxbt) February 2, 2022

The tweet included a screenshot showing that the cryptocurrency’s value drastically dropped, pointing to the crypto being a possible rug pull scam. Once word got out, Gunna was at the center of backlash.

https://twitter.com/ArdZenn/status/1489183792631799812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1489183792631799812%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.techtimes.com%2Farticles%2F271420%2F20220204%2Fcrypto-scam-rapper-gunna-accused-over-alleged-rug-pull-now.htm

With the new crypto referencing Gunna’s new song “Pushin P,” one Twitter user told the Atlanta rapper that promoting crypto scams “ain’t P.”

https://twitter.com/Tr4pzzz/status/1489011242731806726?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1489011242731806726%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.techtimes.com%2Farticles%2F271420%2F20220204%2Fcrypto-scam-rapper-gunna-accused-over-alleged-rug-pull-now.htm

• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 7, 2022

NOEMIS Ventures Launches With $25 Million Debut Fund

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Coming off the success of their pilot fund that included pre-seed and seed stage bets in Petalcard (now at Series D), Squire (Series D), Burrow (Series C), Mai (Series A), Trigger (Acquired by Circle) and Gitlinks (Acquired by Infor), New York-based NOEMIS Ventures just closed its debut fund with $25 million in total commitments.

NOEMIS Ventures was founded by Simeon Iheagwam, who built the pilot fund with his own life savings after a 10-year career spanning tech, corporate finance and investment banking from top financial services firms J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo. NOEMIS Ventures aims to invest in and support founders in the fintech, marketplaces, artificial intelligence and machine learning industries, who are looking to impact change in the world. The firm deploys its investment framework for assessing companies at the pre-seed or seed stage, regardless of revenue, according to a press release.

“We wanted to build a firm that stays disciplined in our strategy and is not afraid to roll up our sleeves to support the needs of our founders,” says Simeon, Founder and Managing Partner at NOEMIS Ventures.

“We are excited to continue backing founders who are implementing technology to change lives and improve efficiency. The NOEMIS team is just getting started.”

With the new fund, NOEMIS Ventures plans to invest in 25 to 30 companies, with investments of up to $500K at the pre-seed or seed stage. The team has already made 12 investments in the new fund across the three industries, including three award companies in the portfolio.

“Simeon saw my vision before anyone else did, and then he joined to help us go from 0 to 1,” explains Carmelle Cadet, Founder and CEO of EMTECH.

“Now more than ever, he is a true partner to us, and we are looking forward to our collaboration for the years to come.”

NOEMIS Ventures is now backed by a strong investor base that includes large corporates, top financial institutions, domestic and international family offices, and high net worth individuals. Investors include Alphabet, Bain Capital Ventures, Bank of America, Carta, The Equity Alliance, Insight Partners, Motley Fool Ventures and PayPal.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

February 7, 2022

12-Year-Old Swimmer Competes In ‘Black Lives Matter’ Swimsuit After Duluth YMCA Overturns Official’s Ruling

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Twelve-year-old swimmer Leidy Gallona rocked a Black Lives Matter swimsuit she designed for a swim competition in solidarity with 22-year-old Amir Locke, who was shot and killed by Minneapolis police serving a no-knock warrant.

An independent volunteer official nearly disqualified the swimmer, claiming that her swimsuit went against USA Swimming’s policy of no political language, according to WDIO News.

The YMCA-sponsored competition occurred on Sunday at Superior High School in Minneapolis.

According to Gallona’s mother, Sarah Lyons, the official claimed they had the authority to decide what’s “political” or not after demanding that the young swimmer remove the swimsuit, according to Fox 21.

Gallona chose to continue to wear her swimsuit with intention following Locke’s death.

“The easy thing to do would’ve been to take the suit off, and she chose not to do that,” Lyons said. “She chose to stand up for what she thinks is right. It’s a proud mama moment for sure.”

“Black people that are getting killed, their lives matter because they were, their lives were taken from them. So I think it’s respectful to show that I matter; everyone that’s Black matters too,” Gallona explained.

Lyons contacted the head of the Duluth NAACP, who stood firmly in their support of her that day. They immediately called for the removal of the meet official. After a discussion with YMCA leadership, the. official’s decision was overruled, and Gallona was allowed to continue competing in Sunday’s events.

In a statement issued Sunday, the YMCA confirmed removing the official and banning them from any future Duluth YMCA-sponsored events.

They said in part, “The Duluth YMCA is saddened that the student, their family, and teammates had to endure this unacceptable behavior. The Duluth YMCA will continue our ongoing commitment to train all staff and volunteers on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Duluth Area Family YMCA is committed to being an anti-racist organization and stands with BIPOC communities throughout the Northland and throughout our country. We know that Black Lives Matter and we will continue to work to educate ourselves, to stand against inequality, and to strive to be active allies in the ongoing fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

• Health and Wellness

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 7, 2022

Black Dentist Launches Mobile Dental Services For Children in the Underserved Mississippi Delta

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Children who live in the Mississippi Delta can now experience state-of-the-art mobile dentistry provided by Dr. LaMonica Davis Taylor, a pediatric dentist with a private practice called Smiles on Broadway Dental Care located in the city of Jackson. She has been providing dental services to children in the Delta since 2015 and currently has students in Boyle, Shelby, Mound Bayou, Cleveland and Shaw.

Dr. Taylor and her team at Smiles on Broadway Dental Care travel to schools where they provide preventive and emergency dental care to children. All of the schools are in a health care shortage area.

Prior to purchasing the mobile clinic, she and her team would carry portable equipment to each school. The mobile clinic will allow them to treat more students in a safe environment. The students have enjoyed having Dr. Taylor and her team visit their school. Many of the parents have followed through with the recommendations and have taken their children to local dentist where more comprehensive treatment can be performed.

The goal of the clinic is to serve the most vulnerable children in that area. There is a great need. Many of the students have either never been to a dentist or have been for emergency treatment only, causing heightened anxiety and long-term fear of the dentist.

“My mission is to provide quality oral health to children who would otherwise not see a dentist,” said Dr. Taylor.

“It is fulfilling when our annual visits result in fewer referrals for restorative care. It means that our mission is being accomplished.”

The clinic features a waiting area, two dental chairs and digital x-rays, which lower the patient’s risk of being exposed to radiation. All COVID protocols required and recommended by the Mississippi Board of Dental Examiners are followed.

“Our staff treats an average of 75-100 students per school. We provide screenings, exams, cleanings, radiographs, prophylaxis and fluoride treatments. Emergency extractions are performed if needed. In addition to that, we provide oral health products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouth rinse) to every student we see. These are things that we take for granted and it amazes us that many of the children do not have access to get these products or services,” said Dr. Taylor.

Dr. Taylor is a 2003 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. She attended Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s School of Dentistry and Bronx Lebanon Hospital in Bronx, New York for her general practice and pediatric dental residencies. Dr. Taylor also received her board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She currently practices full-time at her private practice, Smiles on Broadway Dental Care, in Jackson and has hospital privileges at Merit Health Madison, Merit Health Central, Merit Health Rankin and North Sunflower Medical Center. She specializes in providing comprehensive dental care to children ages 1-21 and special needs adults. Dr. Taylor is the youngest owner of a mobile dental facility in the country.

This story first appeared on Blacknews.com. 

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 7, 2022

Cheslie Kryst’s Father Credits ‘Family Dysfunction’ For Her Suicide

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The family of former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst is heartbroken over her recent suicide and opening up about how the loss affects them.

Cheslie’s father, Rodney Kryst, broke his silence a few days after the former Extra correspondent leaped to her death from a Manhattan high-rise last Sunday. Speaking with the NY Post, Rodney said his daughter was a “pure” soul who refrained from drug and alcohol use and credited her suicide to depression and mental health issues.

“She was pure as can be; she didn’t take any kind of drugs or prescription medication,” Rodney said. “She never had any kind of substance abuse problem.”

He went on to admit to the “family dysfunction” he feels played a part in the state of Cheslie’s mental state.

“I think it had a lot to do with family dysfunction, but it will be a while before we can talk more,” Rodney said before noting that, “She was sad.”

Police found Cheslie’s body on the morning of Jan. 30 outside the Orion condominium building, where she lived on the ninth floor. The pageant queen was reportedly alone when she jumped from an open terrace on the 29th floor.

Since her death, Cheslie’s family has shared how hard they’re taking the loss. Cheslie’s mother, April Simpkins, released a statement last week mourning her daughter’s death, ABC 11 reports.

“I have never known a pain as deep as this. I am forever changed,” Simpkins said.

“Today, what our family and friends privately knew was the cause of death of my sweet baby girl, Cheslie, was officially confirmed. While it may be hard to believe, it’s true. Cheslie led both a public and a private life. In her private life, she was dealing with high-functioning depression which she hid from everyone—including me, her closest confidant—until very shortly before her death.”

The day after her death, Cheslie’s grandfather, Gary Simpkins, shared how hard it was for the family to receive the devastating news.

“To be extinguished so fast is just devastating,” Simpkins said. “So hard to imagine one minute they’re here and one minute they’re not. And you know that the only [way] you’ll ever see them again is when you yourself pass away.”

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2022

New Orleans Saints Player Alvin Kamara Arrested on Charges of Assaulting Someone in Las Vegas Nightclub

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An NFL player who played in Sunday’s Pro Bowl game was arrested after allegedly assaulting someone the night before at a Las Vegas nightclub.

According to NFL.com, New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara was arrested and accused of beating someone up the night before the Pro Bowl in a Las Vegas nightclub. Kamara was arrested and charged with battery resulting in substantial bodily harm on Sunday, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The LVMPD said in a written statement on Saturday evening at around 5:50 p.m. on Feb. 5, police officers were called to a local hospital where the victim was reporting an assault. The victim stated it took place at a nightclub located in the 3500 block of South Las Vegas Boulevard.

An investigation into the matter by LVMPD detectives determined he was battered by the Saints running back Kamara. He was taken into custody without incident following his play at the Pro Bowl the next day on Feb. 6. Kamara was hauled to the Clark County Detention Center and booked for battery resulting in substantial bodily harm.

Please click on the document below for more information on the arrest of Alvin Kamara. This investigation is still ongoing, anyone with any information about this incident is urged to call 702-828-3204 or contact @CrimeStoppersNV pic.twitter.com/QoUY9tEQT1

— LVMPD (@LVMPD) February 7, 2022

The Associated Press reported that Kamara caught four passes for 23 yards for the NFC in Sunday’s Pro Bowl game. After being booked, he remained in jail Sunday night. A court hearing was scheduled for Monday afternoon at 1:30 p.m and his bail was set at $5,000.

The Pro Bowl, which takes place a week before the Super Bowl, took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the organization co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., issued the following statement today calling for Americans to support NFL Coach Brian Flores and other victims of racism and discrimination in all arenas.

“The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the legendary civil rights organization co-founded and first led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stands with Miami Dolphins’ Coach Brian Flores who has exposed racism and discrimination in the National Football League.

We are calling for our leaders in all industries and the American people to stand with Coach Flores and other former coaches and leaders in the NFL, who have not only called for an end to racism and discrimination in the NFL but in America, because as Coach Flores has clearly stated, this is bigger than football.

And the SCLC agrees. Since the SCLC was established in 1957, the organization remains on the frontlines fighting to end racism, discrimination and other injustices every day in all arenas.

Racism is embedded in the American fabric. It has been with us since the beginning of America. It is a disease. It is in the American DNA, and it spreads just like Covid-19. Unless we take the same measures to weed out racism as we are taking to eradicate our nation from the deadly coronavirus, America will never reach its ultimate greatest.

In a few days, more than one hundred million people of all races, ethnicities and religions will tune in for the NFL’s Super Bowl, which is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and a week later, the National Basketball League’s All-Star Game. This is the opportune moment for good-hearted people in America and around the globe to support men and women in all industries who are facing racism and discrimination, because as Dr. King said those who accept evil without protesting it are really cooperating with it.

We cannot go backward America. Our greatest moments for this nation lie ahead of us. It is time for all of us to have a seat at the table. Business as usual is dead. We are in a new normal. It is time to share in America’s prosperity and redistribute wealth, so let us embrace it.”

Dr. Mautra Jones makes history as the first Black woman to become president of Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). She is also the first woman ever to lead the institution.

Her appointment as the President of OCCC makes her the first Black woman to lead any higher education institution in Oklahoma that is not an HBCU.

With a BA in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate of education from Vanderbilt University, Jones has years of experience under her belt.

Jones currently serves as vice president of Institutional Advancement and External Affairs at Langston University, which is the only HBCU in Oklahoma. She is the site administrator for the University’s Oklahoma City campus and a member of the Board of Directors for BancFirst.

Jones, who was awarded the 2021 National Mother of the Year by American Mothers Inc., also holds leadership positions in several philanthropic organizations across Oklahoma.

Jones was recently chosen by the Board of Regents of OCCC and is set to start her tenure on Mar. 1.

“I am grateful for, and humbled by, the confidence the Board of Regents has instilled in me,” said Dr. Mautra Jones, according to The Edmond Way.

“For the last half-century, Oklahoma City Community College has played an essential and transformative role in educating our citizens, developing Oklahoma’s workforce, and serving our community. I look forward to joining this tradition, and building a new era of growth, opportunity, and exceptionalism.”

This story first appeared on Blacknews.com. 

• Career

by Jeffrey McKinney

February 7, 2022

Meet Victor Branch, First Black President of Bank of America In Richmond Virginia

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Whether forming business partnerships or serving on nonprofit boards, Victor Branch is known for stepping up to help make a difference for Black Americans in Richmond, Virginia.

He is the first African American president of the Bank of America Richmond region.

As such, Branch oversees nearly 2,000 employees at 25 branches in Richmond and several surrounding counties and cities along with a technology and operations center in Henrico County.

He is a banker with a passion to help others. He has worked for Bank of America for 38 years, having evolved from its entry-level management training program to serving in multiple executive roles. His duties now include managing over $4 million in marketing sponsorships and grants statewide.

Amid February being celebrated as Black History Month, Branch is all about helping Black Americans. For instance, he played an influential role in Bank of America’s decision in March 2021 to expand its five-year commitment to $1.25 billion to advance racial equality and economic opportunity in communities across the country where the nation’s second-largest bank operates.

Branch says the initiative focuses on creating opportunities in the areas of healthcare, jobs and re-skilling, small businesses, and affordable housing. He says the bank is focusing on these areas because they are where persistent, systemic barriers to opportunity exist. He tells BLACK ENTERPRISE he bank has already invested over $450 million across 93 U.S. and global markets. He says most of the funds being delivered are at the local level in communities such as Richmond.

For example, the bank recently committed $1 million in support of Virginia Union University in Richmond to help students at the HBCU prepare for jobs in the financial-services industry after graduation.

“We believe it is also where significant change is required for progress to occur and to be sustained,” he says. “We’re working with community partners, business leaders, experts, and academics to drive progress.”

In Richmond, Branch says the bank has invested in the local Black community through partnerships. He said they include investing to help fund education programs in under-served local communities starting in kindergarten that provide a path for students to earn STEM degrees.

He says the bank’s investment with health partners is bringing mobile health care to historically Black neighborhoods having a hard time finding needed care and treatment.

Individually,  Branch has served on boards, committees, and other non-profits around Richmond that promote and support the Black community. He says those include working with Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), a fair housing non-profit geared to erase housing discrimination and offer housing education programs to first-time homebuyers.

He has been off and on the board for over 15 years, serving as the board chair for two terms. He is also the immediate past chair of the Virginia Gateway Region, an economic development organization that attracts companies to the region to bring job opportunities.

Branch says his benevolence is largely driven by the philosophy his parents instilled in him that to whom much is given much is required.

“I’ve been given many gifts and now have the opportunity to help those less fortunate.”