• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 16, 2021

Man Goes On Shooting Spree To Kill White Men Who Had ‘Taken From Him All His Life’

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A 39-year-old man with an ax to grind against white folks, went on a shooting spree in Georgia and Alabama on a quest to reportedly kill only white men.

Justin Tyran Roberts, a Black man, allegedly admitted to Columbus police that his weekend shooting binge was racially motivated. Roberts said his motive was to “target white men” who had “taken from him all his life,” a detective testified Monday, according to The Ledger-Enquirer.

During the two-day crime spree, Roberts reportedly shot five people across the two states on Friday and Saturday in Columbus and Phenix City. There were reported six victims in four shootings, On Saturday, he attended a court hearing in Columbus Recorder’s Court to answer to one of those incidents. Roberts reportedly shot a man in the back around 2 p.m. Saturday in a parking area under the Oglethorpe Bridge at Broadway and Fourth Street, as the man was exiting his car, Detective Brandon Lockhart, told the outlet. The man survived.

Roberts allegedly told the police of his desire to murder, saying, “I had to have him.” He reportedly shot five people, WRBL reported.

“Basically, he explained throughout his life, specifically white males had taken from him, and also what he described as ‘military-looking white males’ had taken from him,” the investigator Lockhart said Roberts revealed during a police interrogation.

Roberts also asserted that white men were “shooting at him in a wooded area with a slingshot,” and the wounds caused a skin infection, but police saw no evidence to substantiate those claims, Lockhard said.

About two hours after the shooting, Roberts was found casually sitting on steps outside of a building in Columbus, armed with a stolen Taurus 9-millimeter pistol, the detective said. Roberts faced his first set of charges in Columbus.

Roberts’ public defender, Robin King, asked the judge to order the suspect to undergo a mental health evaluation. “The officer’s testimony has demonstrated that Mr. Roberts is having delusions and a disconnect from reality,” she said.

King’s request was granted and Roberts’ case was sent to Muscogee Superior Court.

Roberts is facing aggravated assault charges, as well as charges for using a gun to commit a crime and for being a convicted felon with a firearm. He is being held without bond.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 16, 2021

Google for Startups Launches $5 Million Black Founders Fund for Black-Owned Startups

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Google for Startups announced its second Black Founders Fund where $5 million will be allocated to aiding Black startup companies around the U.S.

Last October, Google for Startups teamed up with Goodie Nation, a nonprofit aimed at serving diverse founders, to unveil the Black Founders Fund. The fund came as part of a series of inclusion commitments Google made in June amid heightened racial tension following the killing of George Floyd.

The $5 million initiative awards up to $100,000 in cash rewards to Black-led startups in the U.S. with no strings attached. The company announced that 76 recipients were selected last October and would each receive between $50,000 and $100,000 in capital along with hands-on support to help their startup grow.

“Since unveiling the initiative, the selected founders had received ongoing support from Goodie Nation through weekly “Accountability Checks” and one-on-ones with portfolio managers. Recipients also enjoy monthly themed therapy sessions and can schedule time with experts across Google for technical mentoring.

“Our Google for Startups team is solely focused on helping underrepresented founders grow their businesses and succeed in a space where the odds are often stacked against them,” Jewel Burks, Head of Google for Startups, U.S. told Black Enterprise.

“The Black Founders Fund embodies that mission. We’re sharing network connections, business mentorship, technical expertise, and funding to Black founders who traditionally are disproportionately locked out of access to capital. We’ve heard time and again from the 2020 Black Founders Fund recipients how the money combined with the community that they’ve built with each other, Google, and Goodie Nation has been essential to their success. They’ve been able to pivot business models during COVID, connect with new investors and lean on each other during an incredibly tough year.”

Last year’s recipients took part in a virtual reunion last month where they shared testimonials from how the Black Founders Fund has aided in their business growth and strategy.

“As a Black founder myself, I know the pain and frustration when, despite evidence your startup is promising, seed funding and coaching is difficult to come by,” Joey Womack, CEO of Goodie Nation said in a statement.

“That’s why seeing the impact of this initiative over the past year has been so great. We know that the social capital gap is a solvable problem, and one that can get smaller on a daily basis when large, influential companies like Google stand behind these startups and are intentional about extending their expertise, connections, and resources. This is tech done right.”

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 16, 2021

Black Woman Cashier Shot And Killed After Asking Customer To Wear Face Mask

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A Black woman who was a cashier at an Atlanta area supermarket was shot and killed for asking a customer to put on a face mask.

LaQuitta Willis, 41, died on Monday in a triple shooting at the Big Bear Supermarket in Decatur, GA., according to DeKalb County police. The suspected shooter, 30-year-old Victor Lee Tucker Jr. of Palmetto, has been arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault, according to ABC News.

A community is reeling after the fatal turn of events and people have gathered outside of the store in the suburban community to offer their condolences and show support.

According to reports, Willis and Tucker got into a heated exchange after she asked him to cover up his face with a mask – a protocol to avoid COVID-19 contamination.

Tucker argued with Willis, then reportedly left the store without buying anything, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. But the irate offender soon returned, headed straight for Willis, pulled out his gun and commenced to shooting her, reports the GBI.

A security guard, DeKalb County Reserves Deputy Danny Jordan, 54, sprang into action, and fired back at Tucker who fired off several shots and was also shot and injured. Jordan was wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot twice. Jordan was off-duty but working that particular day, according to the GBI. The sheriff’s office said in a release that Jordan was in stable condition and is hospitalized.

Tucker was also injured and remains in a hospital but was expected to survive, police said.

Another cashier was grazed by a bullet.

In a show of support, members of the community showed up at the supermarket, still in disbelief over the latest wave of supermarket shooting violence.

“I always felt safe coming here, so that had to (have) been a very angry person,” said Helene Mapp, who knew Willis, according to WSBTV.

“I am devastated as to what happened in this community,” Mapp said.

“Every one of these ladies up here real sweet. Real sweet ladies, man, and it really don’t make no sense, you know what I mean? Senseless,” Mapp said.

A GoFundMe has been set up for Willis to help pay for funeral costs.

• Business

by Black Enterprise Shop

June 16, 2021

This Beginner’s Course Will Teach You The Best Techniques In Data Visualization

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Data visualization is important in any industry as it makes it easier to identify patterns, trends and outliers in large sets of data. Whether you’re a teacher, a computer scientist or a businessperson, translating data to visual form is a great way to size down chunks of information into small bits.

If you’re looking to become a data artist, then the Qlik Sense for Beginners Course is a good way to learn great visualization skills. Stream Skill, a software training instructor platform that has taught over 600,000 students, has put together a comprehensive course that shows you how to become a data visualization expert. Qlik Sense is a one-of-a-kind data analytics tool, and the techniques involved can put you several steps ahead in the world of data art.

In this course, you’ll start by learning all you need to know about loading data into Qlik Sense, creating cool apps on the platform, creating and editing your first visualization, and using the various charts, graphs, and tools available.

After you master the basics, you’ll advance to lessons about more advanced techniques.You will use scripting in Qlik Sense, numeric functions, string functions, date and time, and Geo Analytics. By the time you’re done with the course, you’ll be familiar with the tricks of this analytics and Business Intelligence platform.

A subscription to the Qlik Sense beginner’s course comes with lifetime access. We also believe it’s never too late to learn a new skill. And anyone can become a Qlik Sense designer, dads included. So, for Father’s Day, you’ll receive 20% off the already discounted sale price to purchase get this beginner’s course for $31.99 (originally $99), with the code WELOVEDAD.

Prices subject to change.

The successful team of legendary hip-hop music producer Andre Young, also known as Dr. Dre, and former Interscope Records’ honcho Jimmy Iovine, are on the next episode of doing big things and recently  launched an innovative arts and technology school.

The “Beats By Dre” duo, who have successfully launched an innovative arts and technology school, The USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy, and now will be adding an additional educational high school to help students advance in life.

The Los Angeles Unified School District is collaborating with music producer and entrepreneur Iovine and artist, producer, and entrepreneur “Dr. Dre” to launch a new high school in South L.A. focused on developing young leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs.

“This new partnership with Jimmy, Dr. Dre, and the USC Iovine and Young Academy will help open the doors of opportunity for students, in particular, Black and Latino children, from communities which have been historically underserved,” said Austin Beutner, L.A. Unified’s superintendent in a written statement. “Much like the work of the academy, this effort will help develop the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.”

The school, which is tentatively known as Regional High School No. 1, will be co-located on the Audubon Middle School campus. It is scheduled to open in fall 2022 and will house about 125 ninth- and 10th-graders and then expand to 250 students over time.

“We want to influence education and help people from underserved communities,” Iovine said. “We are going for what could be the most difficult path, but it could also have the most impact.”

“We’re here for the kids, strictly for the kids,” Dr. Dre said.

The new high school will be similar to USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy’s unique educational model. It is nationally recognized for its exceptional student outcomes. The school’s curriculum focuses on multidisciplinary, hands-on learning, with a strong emphasis on real-world projects with top companies and nonprofits.

• Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

by Derek Major

June 15, 2021

Reps. Gregory Meeks, Nikema Williams Introduce Bill To Remove Barriers To Homeownership For Student Loan Borrowers

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Democratic Reps. Gregory Meeks (N.Y.) and Nikema Williams (Ga.) want student loan borrowers to be able to purchase a home and have introduced the Making FHA Work for Borrowers with Student Debt Act of 2021.

The bill requires the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to more fairly treat student borrowers seeking an affordable mortgage through the FHA’s insurance program. The bill does that by reforming FHA’s guidelines so student borrowers, particularly those enrolled in student loan repayment programs that lower their monthly obligations, are judged by their ability to repay a mortgage based on what they pay in monthly loans.

The FHA currently does not consider a potential homeowner’s participation in an income-driven student loan repayment plan when determining their debt for underwriting purposes. This cuts access to an FHA loan for low-to-moderate-income individuals who are paying off their loans.

Rep. Meeks said in a statement the FHA treats many Americans unfairly considering they are going to college to improve their lives and own a home in the future.

“This student debt penalty disqualifies home-ready borrowers from a program that generally promotes homeownership,” Meeks said. “Under the current system, many young people, especially those young people of color, miss out on one of the greatest wealth building opportunities because they pursued higher education. We should do all that we can to promote wealth building and homeownership among young people and communities of color and removing this student debt penalty is a critical step in that direction.”

Many Americans take out student loans to pay for college but if they don’t finish, or finish but can’t find a job to pay the loan back, they typically default on the loans which will follow them around for the rest of their lives and effectively cut them off from homeownership, which is one of the most tried and true ways to build wealth in the U.S.

“To close the wealth gap in the Fifth District and our country, young adults need to have the chance to buy a home and make other investments in their future. Unfortunately, crushing student loan debt puts this out of reach for too many. We have to do all we can to break down barriers to homeownership for individuals with student debt,” Williams said in a statement. “I am proud to join Congressman Meeks in introducing this commonsense bill to ensure student loan borrowers get a fair assessment of their student debt obligations when applying for a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration. I’m proud to help lead this legislation to ensure the next generation of homebuyers has a fair shot at mortgage approval and ultimately homeownership.”

Student debt is the third-highest debt Americans carry at more than $1.5 trillion. President Joe Biden has suspended student loan payments through October due to the coronavirus pandemic, but he still hasn’t released his plans to deal with student debt.

Progressive Democrats including Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) want Biden to cancel $50,000 in student loan debt. Biden has discussed forgiving $10,000 in student loan forgiveness. However, Biden left student loan forgiveness out of his budget, instead, he asked White House lawyers to look into the possibility of using an executive order to cancel student debt and directing the Department of Education to seek alternative options to dealing with student loan forgiveness.

An 18-year-old scholar from New Orleans named Jada Brown may have broken a remarkable record for racking up scholarship offers this year, after being accepted into more than 141 colleges and universities from across the U.S. Brown was also offered over $5 million in scholarships, according to WSDU.

Sen. Bill Cassidy from Louisiana even took some time to chat with her and acknowledge the scholar’s outstanding academic achievement.

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Great to visit the International High School of New Orleans and chat with Jada Jerrelle Brown, who received over 141 college offers. She is a future leader for her community and has made Louisiana proud! pic.twitter.com/IhCKF6NWXG

— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) June 1, 2021

Brown is motivated to be the change she wants to see in the world. She offered encouraging words to others about pursuing their dreams and pushing past negativity.

“Never give up. Never let anybody’s opinions on you dictate your life. So don’t let anyone’s opinions control what you do in life, just do it for you. This is your life. Live it and don’t give up,” Brown said in the news video.

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WGNO referred to Brown as the ‘$5 million-dollar girl. According to the station, Brown racked up more money than any high school student in the U.S. this year. Brown said she did not even know there were 141 colleges and universities. Locations of some of them were unfamiliar to her as she tried to piece together more details while opening folders with acceptance letters and details enclosed.

“I’m very happy, blessed, thankful. I was a little overwhelmed but now I’m good,” Brown said, during the interview.

Brown can exhale now. She’s picked a college. The International High School of New Orleans graduate decided to stick close to home and attend Louisiana State University when the next phase of her academic journey begins. Brown also aspires to become a dentist, according to WGNO.

It looks like Katt Williams isn’t the only comedian who has an issue with cancel culture!

According to CNN, in a recent interview, Kevin Hart had some strong words to say toward the cancel culture that has been taking over lately, specifically when it comes to anything or anyone who has anything to do with sports, entertainment, and politics.

And frankly, the comedian and movie star is fed up.

• Arts and Culture

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 15, 2021

Lin-Manuel Miranda Apologizes for ‘In The Heights’ Lack of Dark-Skinned Latinx Actors

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The acclaimed Hamilton actor and playwright, Lin-Manuel Miranda, has issued a public apology after his latest film was called out for its lack of Afro-Latinx representation.

In The Heights was one of Miranda’s breakout musicals prior to his Hamilton success. Fans were excited to see the film adaption based on life in New York City’s Washington Heights neighborhood. However, many were surprised when the film released on Friday and saw that the cast didn’t look like The Heights that many New Yorkers have known it to be.

Social media users blasted the film for having a cast consisting of primarily light-skinned actors and none that resembled a mixture of people who actually live in the culture-filled community.

During an interview with The Root’s Felice León, director Jon M. Chu was asked why the film had little to no dark-skinned Latinx actors in it. He appeared apologetic about the lack of representation and he mentioned how they tried to incorporate a mixture of dancers that represent what people in The Heights are actually known to look like. But they fell short.

After catching wind of the public scrutiny, the musical’s creator took to Twitter to apologize for the casting snafu.

“I hear that, without sufficient dark-skinned Afro-Latino representation, the world feels extractive of the community we wanted so much to represent with pride and joy,” Miranda said in a statement shared on Twitter. “In trying to paint a mosaic of this community, we fell short. I’m truly sorry.”

He touched on how he created the hit musical in his early days as a playwright due to not feeling represented.

-LMM pic.twitter.com/CHfdLgFUz3

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 14, 2021

“I started writing In The Heights because I didn’t feel seen. And over the past 20 years all I wanted was for us – ALL of us – to feel seen,” he said. “I’m seeing the discussion around Afro-Latino representation in our film this weekend, and it is clear that many in our dark-skinned Afro-Latino community don’t feel sufficiently represented within it, particularly among the leading roles. I can hear the hurt and frustration over colorism, of feeling unseen in the feedback. I hear that, without sufficient dark-skinned Afro-Latino representation, the world feels extractive of the community we wanted so much to represent with pride and joy.”

A lot has changed for Miranda in the last 20 years. He might’ve needed this little wake-up call to be reminded about the importance of representation for all people of color.