Meet the Father and Son Who Graduated Together from the Same College — On the Same Day!
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 18, 2021

Meet the Father and Son Who Graduated Together from the Same College — On the Same Day!

Brandon Gathers and his father, Antonio, shared a very memorable moment when they recently graduated from the same college on the same day. Despite their 26-year age gap, several circumstances brought them to earn their degrees at the same time.

The two graduated from South Carolina State University last week. Antonio, who is 49-years old, earned his master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling or Psychology and Brandon, who is 23-years old, graduated with a bachelor’s in Business Management.

Brandon initially took a different major in another college and if he didn’t decide to transfer to SC State years ago, he would have graduated earlier. Antonio, on the other hand, was shopping at a grocery store when he heard about a special degree program at SC State and entered college two years after his son. While Brandon attended classes on campus, Antonio took his classes online.

The father and son said that they get their inspiration from each other.

“He was an inspiration to me, just seeing his perseverance,” Antonio told ABC News 4 about his son. “Doing other things, and having a full-time career, you kind of put yourself on the back burner. And it was just really important to me to get his degree to pursue another avenue in my life and in my career so that I could help people.”

“He’s like my inspiration,” Brandon described his father. “He’s the perfect model of a black male father figure. He’s a God-fearing man, he’s successful, he’s intelligent, he knows what he’s doing. He is just a great person in general.”

Boost Your Productivity By Mastering Excel With This $39 Course Bundle
by Black Enterprise Shop

July 18, 2021

Boost Your Productivity By Mastering Excel With This $39 Course Bundle

Microsoft Excel has come a long way from just being a mere number crunching and data sorting software. As its functionalities expanded over the years, it has turned into an incredibly powerful spreadsheet and data analysis program that enables people to automate tasks, analyze data, manage budgets, and so much more. In fact, it has become so feature-rich that financial modeling with Excel is now considered an e-sport.

But whatever purpose Excel serves for you, there’s no denying that it is commonplace in most industries. And even if data crunching is not part of your job description, you can still find so many uses for the program. It truly pays to be knowledgeable in Excel, and if you want to learn how to make the most out of the software, the Professional Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle is a great starting point.

With eight expert-led courses, this instructional course collection will help you master one of today’s most essential office skills. It’s taught by the Microsoft Excel Expert Chris Dutton and Microsoft-certified trainer Kyle Pew, meaning you’ll be under the guidance of instructors who know their way around the program. 

It begins with teaching you fundamental functions and formulas and then goes right into filling you in on data visualization tools and techniques and supercharging analytics with data modeling. You’ll also learn how to work with Macros and VBA, which would help you automate tasks within Excel and create a more dynamic experience for yourself and your colleagues.

The best part is you’ll get the chance to dive into a series of hands-on demos instead of just sitting through recorded courses. This way, you’ll learn by doing and absorb the concepts better. 

For a limited time, The Professional Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle is on sale for $39. That’s less than $5 per course.

Prices subject to change.

Remembering Civil Rights Icon John Lewis On The Anniversary of His Death
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 17, 2021

Remembering Civil Rights Icon John Lewis On The Anniversary of His Death

One of the nation’s greatest champions of civil rights for more than a half-century, Congressman John Lewis is being remembered today worldwide on the first anniversary of his death.

Known as the “Conscience of Congress” for his unyielding battles for racial equality, voting rights, and human rights, he remained a powerful political force even after he announced that he had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 80.

From the most prominent politicians to the constituents he touched, mourners have flooded social media with statements of his lasting impact on the nation and mission to uplift the disadvantaged.



Vice President Kamala Harris made a statement about the American statesman and civil rights activist saying:

“Today marks the one-year anniversary of the passing of Congressman John Lewis. As we mourn his loss, we reflect on the legacy of an American hero. Congressman Lewis fought tirelessly for our country’s highest ideals: freedom and justice for all, and for the right of every American to make their voice heard at the ballot box.

I had the privilege of joining Congressman Lewis in Selma, Alabama for what would be his final walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where, 55 years earlier, he and many others were beaten bloody by state troopers as they marched for the right to vote.

Today, the fight is not over. The right to vote remains under attack in states across our nation. And the best way to honor Congressman Lewis’s legacy is to carry on the fight – by passing the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act as well as the For the People Act, and by helping eligible voters no matter where they live get registered and vote, and have their vote counted.

As the Congressman knew well, our democracy is stronger when everyone participates—and it is weaker when people are left out.”

Rihanna is Renting Out Beverly Hills Mansion for $80,000 a Month
by Charlene Rhinehart

July 17, 2021

Rihanna is Renting Out Beverly Hills Mansion for $80,000 a Month

Robyn Rihanna Fenty is a music and fashion powerhouse, and she’s racked up enough receipts to prove it.

In 2019, the Grammy winning “Umbrella” singer was recognized by Forbes as the wealthiest female musician in the world. Rihanna reportedly accumulated a $600 million fortune. Although she’s known for her successful singing career, most of her earnings came from her partnership with French luxury goods company LVMH. They launched the makeup brand Fenty Beauty in 2017, earning $100 million shortly after products hit the market.

Now, the multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur is expanding her portfolio and conquering the real estate market. Rihanna listed her Beverly Hills mansion for $80,000 per month, according to Realtor.com.

Rihanna Lists Beverly Hills Mansion

Last December, Rihanna purchased her 5,900-square-foot Beverly Hills home for $13.75 million, New York Post reported.

Rihanna home
(Image Credit: Realtor.com)

Renters can live life like Riri by enjoying the renovated farmhouse-style compound for $80,000 per month.

The epic mansion spans 7,628 square on half an acre of land. It features five-bedrooms, seven-bathrooms, and a foyer with staircase.

Rihanna bathroom
(Image Credit: Realtor.com)

 

The gourmet  kitchen highlights golden-colored fixtures, two islands and two bathrooms.

Rihanna kitchen
(Image Credit: Realtor.com)

When you step outside, you’ll notice a four-car garage, gated entrance, and a backyard courtyard with a fire pit. Photos also show a swimming pool, covered porch, and a Juliet balcony.

Built in 1938, the sprawling pad is located in the exclusive Beverly Hills Post Office district. The gated community attracts many celebrities and even royalty. It’s reported that her home lies on the same street as Beatles legend Paul McCartney.

Expanding Her Real Estate Portfolio

A few months after buying her $13.75 million Beverly Hills Mansion, Rihanna purchased the house next door.

According to New York Post, the singer scooped up the house for $10 million in a private sale. It was reported that the home was never on the market. It was last sold to a couple for $5.1 million in 2015, Dirt.com noted.  The gated property comes with four bedrooms, four full baths, and spans over 3,500 square feet.

Rihanna has dominated the music and beauty scene and now she’s using her money to expand her real estate portfolio. Sources report that she owns several luxury properties, including a mansion in Barbados and a $6.8 million villa in the Hollywood Hills.

 

 

by Keka Araújo

July 17, 2021

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Announced It’s Newest Honorary Members, Social Media Was On Fire Over One New Inductee

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.’s announcement of its 2021 honorary inductees on July 15 has some folks scratching their heads over one of its newest members. The 113-year-old first Black Greek-lettered organization for Black American women shared the news on its official Twitter account.

“We are thrilled to welcome 8 phenomenal women into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority as honorary members: #UrsulaMBurns #RuthECarter @DebraMChase #CynthiaErivo, @LisaLeslie @RobinRoberts @TraceeEllisRoss and #AliceWalker,” the tweet read.

 

The news of the sorority’s newest initiates went over fairly well, except for one problematic inductee. Social media fired shots at Nigerian-descent, London-born actress Cynthia Erivo. 

The internet wouldn’t let the organization or the actress forget her problematic statements toward Black Americans.

 

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, tensions between Black Americans and Black diasporans have been gaining momentum. As Black Americans become more conscious of what other groups say regarding their culture and icons, some are gatekeeping to protect a seemingly disrespected culture by other Black folks. 

Erivo has not responded.

Train To Be A Better Leader Under The Guidance Of The World’s Best CEO’s With These Courses
by Black Enterprise Shop

July 17, 2021

Train To Be A Better Leader Under The Guidance Of The World’s Best CEO’s With These Courses

Only a lucky few are born with innate leadership skills, but this doesn’t mean that they can’t be learned. The truth is that the world’s greatest leaders make it a point to work at themselves and improve the way they lead instead of simply acting on intuition. Some had to experience failure in order to reach eventual success.

Luckily, that doesn’t mean you have to experience failure alone. It helps if you can find a mentor that can steer you in the right direction, but if you don’t access to one, a subscription to Methods of Leadership Online Learning is an excellent alternative.

Founded by Marshall Goldsmith, a renowned leadership coach and author of over 40 books on the subject, Methods is an online learning platform that delivers accessible and practical leadership guidance for continuous improvement. You can beef up your leadership skills through a variety of methods, either through immersive and interactive online courses, actionable bite-sized insight segments, or a comprehensive collection of straightforward business advice.

Instead of following a linear teaching framework, Methods offers customized learning paths and engaging learning experiences that adapt to the user. It’s like a “choose your own adventure” teaching style, allowing you to go through the lessons at your own pace, at your own time, and your own learn preference. Every course also contains supplementary tools and materials to increase learning absorption and application.

With Methods, you are able to uncover sharp edges, become self-aware, increase your personal effectiveness, and build your leadership presence, thanks to the instruction of top leaders. Aside from Goldsmith, you’ll also get the opportunity to learn from the likes of Eric Schurenberg, CEO of Mansueto Ventures, home of Inc. and Fast Company, Chester Elton, co-founder of Culture Works, and Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, world champion in Project Management, so you know you’re learning from the best of the best.

Rather than paying a recurring subscription fee, you can score a lifetime Methods membership for only $79.99.

Prices subject to change.

WE tv Set to Debut ‘The Mysterious Death Of Eazy-E’ Docuseries
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 16, 2021

WE tv Set to Debut ‘The Mysterious Death Of Eazy-E’ Docuseries

The family of Eazy-E, who was known as one of the founders of the seminal hardcore Hip-Hop group, N.W.A. (Ni**as With Attitude), still have questions surrounding the late rapper’s untimely death.

Pressing questions like, “Did Eazy-E truly die from AIDS? and if so, how did he contract it? Are there people who wanted this pioneer and father dead?” sill linger on.

WE tv has just announced that it will debut a groundbreaking original investigative docuseries titled, “The Mysterious Death of Eazy-E” next month on Thursday, August 12th at 10 pm.  This docuseries will feature never-before-seen footage and interviews, in four hour-long installments. It will explore the impact Eazy-E had on the music industry and his daughters’ quest for answers to the circumstances that surround his death with took place in 1995.

The investigative series will uncover all the questions posed and more. “The Mysterious Death of Eazy-E” follows Eazy-E’s daughter, Ebie, as she takes on a personal journey to examine the unexplained circumstances surrounding the death of the “Ruthless Records” founder and N.W.A. member’s death 26 years ago.

The series will show Ebie and her mother, Eazy E’s ex, Tracy, turn to and work with hip-hop journalist, Jasmine Simpkins, to find the unknown answers as they seek the truth. “The Mysterious Death of Eazy-E”  will unravel this intricate story by tracking down several eyewitnesses who were around during Eazy-E’s last days, as they reveal unseen footage and testing long-held theories around his untimely death. The investigation attempts to give the family, and his fans, clarity and the closure that they all crave…what really happened to Eazy-E?

“The Mysterious Death of Eazy-E” is executive produced by Ebie, Tracy Jernagin, DJ Skee, Thao Dipolito, and John Halterman. Tom Forman, Jon Beyer and Jeff Dawson for Critical Content. And Lauren P. Gellert, David Stefanou and Lauren Lazin for WE tv.

Black Girl Banned From Michigan Skating Rink Because Facial Recognition Software Misidentified Her
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 16, 2021

Black Girl Banned From Michigan Skating Rink Because Facial Recognition Software Misidentified Her

A young Black girl was kicked out of and banned from a skating rink in Michigan through no fault of her own. The girl was been banned due to facial recognition software that misidentified her as someone else.

According to Fox 2 Detroit, a Black teenager, Lamya Robinson, was asked to leave and was banned from a Livonia, Mich. skating rink because the business’ facial recognition software mistook her for a different Black girl who had gotten into a fight at the venue before. According to the Robinson family, Lamya had never even been to that skating rink before.

“To me, it’s basically racial profiling,” the girl’s mother Juliea Robinson tells Fox 2 Detroit. “You’re just saying every young Black, brown girl with glasses fits the profile and that’s not right.”

Lamya’s mother had dropped her off at Riverside Arena skating rink last Saturday so Lamya could hang out with her friends. But, upon her entering, she was refused entry by members of Riverside Arena staff who said that she was banned after her face was scanned by the facial recognition software. They said that Lamya had been previously involved in a fight there back in March of this year.

Lamya says she had never been there. “I just don’t think it’s right, that my picture was used in some type of lineup, and I never been in trouble,” she said.

Riverside Arena released a statement regarding the incident:

“One of our managers asked Ms. Robinson (Lamya’s mother) to call back sometime during the week. He explained to her, this is our usual process, as sometimes the line is quite long and it’s a hard look into things when the system is running.

“The software had her daughter at a 97 percent match. This is what we looked at, not the thumbnail photos Ms. Robinson took a picture of, if there was a mistake, we apologize for that.”

50 Cent Blasts Gun Company For Seemingly Marketing Lego Covered Glocks To Kids
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 16, 2021

50 Cent Blasts Gun Company For Seemingly Marketing Lego Covered Glocks To Kids

50 Cent is one rapper who is speaking out against guns being promoted to the youth.

The “Get Rich or Die Tryin” hitmaker recently called out Culper Precision, a Utah-based gun company that crafted a Glock 19 that comes with a case that can be built out of Lego blocks.

Dubbed the “Block 19”, the gun is customized to feature red, yellow, and blue Lego-like pieces on the barrel and the grip to make the firearm resemble a toy, the company’s president, Brandon Scott said, as noted by The Firearm Blog.

But 50 Cent is not here for it and blasted the new Glock 19 for seemingly targeting children.

“This looks like they are trying to market guns to the kids,” the “Power” creator wrote in a since-deleted July 14 Instagram post. “This is not ok cops will start shooting little kids playing in the park.”

The company behind the gun unveiled the new firearm last month, Revolt reports. The Block19 serves as a customization available to people who already own the “Gen 3 or 4 Glock 19.” Prior to releasing the toy-looking gun to the general public, only people who owned the Gen 3 or 4 or Glock 19 could trade those guns in for Block19 for “around $600.”

“Here’s one of those childhood dreams coming to life, the Block 19 prototype, yes you can actually build Legos onto it,” the company said while unveiling the toy-looking gun on Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Culper Precision (@culperprecision)


In response to the Block 19, Lego sent Culper Precision a cease-and-desist letter, Washington Post reports. Since issuing out the legal warning, the gun-making company has noticeably removed the Block 19 from their website.

“They had a similar reaction to you,” Scott explained about Lego’s response to the gun. “Where it was like: ‘Is it wise to make a gun look like a toy?’”

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