Darnella Frazier, the Teenager Who Filmed George Floyd’s Murder, Gets a 2021 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation
by Andrea Blackstone

June 12, 2021

Darnella Frazier, the Teenager Who Filmed George Floyd’s Murder, Gets a 2021 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation

The Pulitzer Prize Board awarded a 2021 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation to Darnella Frazier—the teenager who exhibited the courage to record a video of George Floyd’s murder on her cellphone. The announcement mentioned that the video spawned worldwide police brutality protests and highlighted the critical role that citizen journalists have in the search for both truth and justice.

 

Now This captured footage of how recording the video led to the next chapter of both protests and trauma for Frazier, after the teenager shared the disturbing footage online. The footage, which included Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck as Floyd kept saying that he could not breathe, was chilling and revealing. Those words continue to shape the course of police officer’s duties, while citizens examine who is seeking to truly serve and protect them when emergencies arise.

ABC News mentioned that Frazier was also tasked with testifying in Chauvin’s trial. The former Minneapolis police officer was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murde, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Floyd.

Derek Chauvin Trial
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin and his defense attorney Eric Nelson attend closing arguments during Chauvin’s trial for second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd with his defense attorney Eric Nelson in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. April 19, 2021 in a still image from video. Pool via REUTERS

“He was in pain,” Frazier said while testifying in April, according to ABC News. “It seemed like, he knew … he knew it was over for him. He was terrified. He was suffering. This was a cry for help.”

Within the bittersweet celebration of why Frazier is being recognized, the teenager is receiving some support as news of her 2021 Pulitzer Prize Special Citation crawls around the internet. Frazier has been both praised and criticized for filming the iconic video that drew attention to social justice. Hopefully, the world will let her indulge in this noteworthy recognition. When many did nothing about injustice, one brave teenager who was walking to the store when she witnessed what happened to Floyd, stood up. She quickly took action as a citizen journalist by using a cell phone. Then, her heroic act helped to ignite a worldwide social justice movement.

Increase Your Daily Productivity With This 12-Course Bundle
by Black Enterprise Shop

June 12, 2021

Increase Your Daily Productivity With This 12-Course Bundle

Staying productive is one of the major keys to success, but it can be pretty hard to keep up with all your tasks sometimes. There are a lot of distractions to keep you from being productive, especially when we’re still trying to get back to our regular, pre-lockdown schedules. But nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment after a productive day, and it’s a feeling worth chasing.

If you’ve been having trouble staying focused and completing your daily tasks, you can discover new ways to stay on top of your game with the 2021 Productivity Master Class Bundle. With 289 lessons in 12 courses, this life-hack guide will show you ways to beat procrastination, build new habits, improve your reading speed, take up meditation and build a more productive life. Plus, you can save an extra 20% when you use Father’s Day coupon code WELOVEDAD at checkout.

There are no complicated tricks to staying productive — adopting simple self-training principles can help you go a long way. This bundle includes a 4-step framework that you can implement immediately, to work harder and meet your goals.

Other courses in the Master Class cover topics like beating self-sabotage, upgrading your thinking and beliefs and learning the art of influencing people. These are practical guides, so you can expect to go beyond the regular self-help tips we’ve all heard before.

Each lesson in the bundle is taught by Insider School founder, Brandon Rakim. You can look forward to reaching the peak of your productivity game by the time you complete your lessons.

For a limited time, you can get The 2021 Productivity Master Class Bundle for $31.99 (reg. $1,188) with code WELOVEDAD

Prices subject to change.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 11, 2021

Snoop Dogg Announces His Wife, Shante Broadus, As His Manager

Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr., also known to the world as Snoop Dogg, has obtained new management.

The multitalented rapper and businessman announced that he officially appointed his wife, Shante Broadus, to his executive team as his official manager. Snoop’s spouse is the owner of and oversees Boss Lady Entertainment (BLE), and she got her initial start when she managed the early part of her husband’s career.

“Shante has been guiding my career behind the scenes from day one,” says Snoop Dogg in a written statement. “She has always been my final gut check with all my decisions, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I am grateful to have her as my official manager, helping to build the Snoop Dogg empire together.”

Shante will bring her vast knowledge of the industry to expand Snoop Dogg’s existing ventures in her new role. She will also cultivate and fortify all upcoming deals across the cannabis, spirits, gaming, music, brand partnerships, touring, licensing, and TV/film space. Shante is also overseeing diGGital doGG, home to exclusive mobile apps, video games, and a proprietary animation pipeline.

“The industry at large is seeing a major shift in more representation of Black women in key executive roles. I am excited to enter this official position, helping to expand Snoop’s wide-ranging empire further,” said Shante Broadus. “I have been by Snoop’s side for over two decades, so together with the rest of the team, our goal is to strengthen Snoop’s legacy as a brand with the loyalty and trust of our guidance that has made Snoop who he is today.”

Shante will be handling the following upcoming projects: Mt. Westmore, Snoopermarket, Snoop Dogg’s Triller Fight partnerships, the Snoop Youth Football League, Snoop’s highly anticipated summer tour, and more. She also is writing her first book, Paid the Cost to be the Boss Lady. This memoir will chronicle her life in the public eye and all the lessons she has learned along the way.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 11, 2021

North Carolina Principal Marcus Gause Performs A Cappella Version Of ‘I Will Always Love You’ At Graduation

A principal in North Carolina left his students stunned by belting out an a cappella rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”

The graduating class from T. Wingate Andrews High School in High Point, NC, had no idea their principal could sing so well. But Marcus Gause left the scholars’ jaws dropped on Sunday with a spot-on performance of Whitney Houston’s age-old classic, Huff Post reported.

Video of Gause’s performance went viral after a clip was shared on Twitter.

While discussing his moving performance, the high school principal said he pushed past his nerves to belt out the now-viral moment.

“Of course, there was a nervousness because nobody sings behind Whitney Houston and the greats like Dolly Parton, but the lyrics were really what I was trying to portray to my students,” Gause told ABC News. “One of the things that the pandemic has really taught us is that we need more love, that students know that we love and care for them.”

The graduating class held a special place in Gause’s heart as he followed them from their entry into the school four years before.

“This class was my first year, they were freshmen my first year in,” he said, as noted by WOWT.

Gause’s students have praised him for the special performance and memory they’ll take into their future endeavors.

“Mr. Gause singing to us something I will never forget,” student Mekhi McRae said. “He is a big part of why I am who I am today.”

The song has become a staple at weddings, graduations, and moments of special significance. It was originally penned by Dolly Parton back in 1974 and was remade by several musicians. The late Whitney Houston recorded the most notable remake of the song with her 1993 release for her smash film, The Bodyguard. Houston’s version spent 14 weeks at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Dove and Others Help Draw Support for The Crown Act Through a Music Video With Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”
by Andrea Blackstone

June 11, 2021

Dove and Others Help Draw Support for The Crown Act Through a Music Video With Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good”

Dove, Verve Records, UMe and the Nina Simone Charitable Trust have partnered to create a music video for the late musician and activist Nina Simone’s song, “Feeling Good,” to help end hair discrimination. 

The Crown Coalition’s website stated it was co-founded by the National Urban League, Color Of Change, and the Center for Western Law and Poverty In early 2019 to ‘”create a respectful and open world for natural hair.” Fighting systematic racism through legislation and reducing systemic bias and discrimination are among the coalition’s steps to accomplish it.

According to the website, Dove, which sells skin and hair care products, also pledged $5 million as a part of driving change to stop systemic racism and discrimination, which impacts the lives of African Americans. The press release also stated that The CROWN Act–is a law in nine states and 24 municipalities—which provides legislative protection based on hair texture and protective styles both in the workplace and in public schools.

“Dove is on a mission to change beauty and redefine narrow beauty standards. It is not acceptable for any of us to change our natural identity to gain employment or access to school. Unfortunately, 80% of Black women reported having to change their hair to fit into workplace norms. This is exactly why Dove will continue to champion to end race-based hair discrimination nationwide with The CROWN Act,” Esi Eggleston Bracey, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Beauty and Personal Care, Unilever North America, said in the press release.

Where does the legendary Simone fit in?

“‘Feeling Good” is one of Nina’s most beloved and listened-to tracks and a testament to the strength of her voice and her artistry. Nina Simone is a true legend, and we’re thrilled to partner with Dove, UMe, and the Nina Simone Charitable Trust, to create an empowering video and to continue to bring her music to her fans, both old and new,” Jamie Krents, head of Verve Records, said in the press release.

Dove and The CROWN Coalition also want supporters to sign The CROWN Act petition to make hair discrimination illegal nationwide. Click here to learn more about the petition. To see the music video featuring “Feeling Good,” please click here. 

The “CROWN in CROWN Act stands for “creating and respectful and open world for natural hair.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 11, 2021

Digital Underground’s Shock G Died From An Accidental Overdose

The cause of death of an internationally known rapper has just been revealed.

As Black Enterprise previously reported, Digital Underground’s Shock G, whose real name was Gregory Jacobs, was found dead in a Florida hotel in April. The official cause of death: an accidental overdose of fentanyl, alcohol and methamphetamine, according to authorities.

The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office released the results of the initial autopsy on Thursday.  According to the summary report, Shock G had a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

Shock G, also known as Humpty Hump in the very successful single and video, “The Humpty Dance,” was the lead vocalist of the West Coast late ’80s/early ’90s hip-hop collective Digital Underground. The group featured a young Tupac Shakur before launching his own successful solo career before being fatally shot on Sept. 13, 1996.

An Instagram post from Digital Underground’s Jimi C. Dright Jr., who used the stage name Chopmaster J, shared the tragic news.

“34 years ago, almost to the day we had a wild idea we can be a hip hop band and take on the world through it all the dream became a reality and the reality became a nightmare for some. And now he’s awaken from the fame long live shock G Aka Humpty Hump and Rest In Peace my Brotha Greg Jacobs!!! #digitalunderground ”

According to People, Shock G was laid to rest on May 1, in Tampa, Florida. His family and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes at a funeral held at the Allen Temple A.M.E. Church.

“His legacy was how he loved people unconditionally,” Reverend Doctor Alesia Ford-Burse said of the rapper at the service. “He loved to a default.”

Barack, Michelle Obama Pay Tribute to Sasha With Photos and Messages on Her 20th Birthday
by Andrea Blackstone

June 11, 2021

Barack, Michelle Obama Pay Tribute to Sasha With Photos and Messages on Her 20th Birthday

Barack and Michelle Obama shared sweet throwback photos and messages to celebrate Sasha Obama’s 20th birthday on June 10.

“Happy birthday to my darling Sasha! I am so grateful for every laugh we’ve shared — and everything you’ve taught me over the years. You’ll always be my little girl, but I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you are becoming. Love you so much!” Michelle tweeted.

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The former president posted a message of his own while reminding admirers of the former first family that fatherhood was also an important job.

“Happy birthday, Sasha! You’ve grown so much, and it’s been a joy to watch you become the person we always hoped you’d be. Your mom and I can’t wait to see where life takes you next,” Barack said on his Twitter account.

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Both Sasha and her sister, Malia Obama, have grown up in front of the world’s eyes.

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Today mentioned that Sasha and Malia spoke publicly in Michelle Obama’s new Netflix documentary, for the first time in over 10 years, while reflecting on their mother’s achievements. Additionally, the former first lady previously informed Today that she made efforts to give the girls a degree of childhood normalcy.

“You want them to be able to have wonderful experiences privately, and you want them to be able to fail and stumble privately, like any other kids,” she said. “And when they’re not allowed to do that, it’s unfair, and you feel guilty about it, you know because they didn’t choose this life.”

Now that Barack Obama is no longer president of the U.S., the family can embrace more bonding time while making more memories with fewer news cameras. Nevertheless, fans of the former first family still enjoy chiming in online to do things such as wishing Sasha a happy birthday with more photos.

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According to Us Weekly, Malia started at Harvard University in 2017 at the age of 21. Sasha chose to study at the University of Michigan, beginning in 2019. The Obama sisters returned home and took college classes online due to the pandemic. In the US Weekly interview, Michelle also said that their togetherness, gratitude, sharing, and knowing that everyone is healthy is an important lesson for her daughters.

102-Year-Old Annie Mae Belin Says Minding Her Own Business Is The Key to Living A Long Life
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 11, 2021

102-Year-Old Annie Mae Belin Says Minding Her Own Business Is The Key to Living A Long Life

Well, Granny, we’ll let you tell it. A woman who recently celebrated her 102nd birthday shared some keys to living a long happy life.

Annie Mae Belin of Darlington, South Carolina, joined family and friends to celebrate a very special birthday on Tuesday at Truth and Fellowship Ministry in Florence, WPDE reported. After spending more than a centennial on Earth, Belin was asked for her advice on living out a long life.

“Obedience. And trying to tend to my business,” Beline said. “And leave other people’s business alone. Unless I have to get in it. Because I love to talk and I love people.”

She also credited her faith in God for helping her make it this far.

“My relationship with God. He’s my all. My everything thing. I just want to keep on loving God,” she added. “And treating people like I want to be treated. Because we need more love in the world for one thing. Obedience is the best of all. And trust in God.”

Her pastor, Dr. Johnathon Briggs, praised Beline for being a loving and supportive person to the church members, according to Yahoo.

“I’m humbled. For God to trust me with one of his prized possessions is a testament that his hand is upon me,” said Briggs. “And he believes that I will obey him in doing what I need to do. So, to have the opportunity to be her pastor is a humbling experience. Because it says a lot about how God thinks of me.”

As for Belin, she loves life and enjoys her time at church and her bi-weekly visits to the hair salon. The only thing she misses most is getting up and going to work.

“I feel really good. Ain’t but one thing, they won’t let me work,” she said. “I have made cigarettes. Because my first job was in RJ Reynolds tobacco company. My cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff. All that stuff in Fairmont, NC,.”

by Derek Major

June 11, 2021

Black-Owned Banks Are Receiving Millions In Capital Due To The Black Lives Matter Movement

Since the death of George Floyd, Black-owned banks have received an estimated $150 million in equity capital and are pouring the funds back into Black communities.

According to the National Bankers Association‘s (NBA) chairman Robert E James, the influx of the funds has put the country’s Black banking community in a stronger position today than they were a year ago. Black-owned banks have received significant support amid the Black Lives Matter movement last summer. Large banks, pro sports franchises and entertainers have all supported Black banks in the past year.

“Our banks can now leverage that into $1.5 billion to serve minority communities,” James told CNN Business.

CNN Notes FDIC records show 142 minority depository institutions (MDIs) increased their combined assets by 15 percent to a total of more than $287 billion. Now, Black-owned banks are putting that money back into Black communities, teaching financial literacy and closing the racial wealth gap.

Black-owned banks aren’t wasting this moment to help themselves, their customers and future clients.

One United bank, which has added more than 100,000 new customers in the last year, has opened new customer service facilities in Los Angeles and Miami. Additionally, the Black-owned bank is hosting a virtual conference later this month to promote and teach financial literacy as part of the bank’s One Transaction program.

One United is also helping its clients who own a business boost their online presence due to the disproportionate amount of brick-and-mortar stores for Black-owned businesses. Having an online presence is paramount to being successful today, especially after the coronavirus pandemic closed stores for more than a year.

Wells Fargo has invested $50 million in Carver Bank and as part of the collaboration, Carver customers can also access any Wells Fargo ATM with no additional fees. Carver has also partnered with the Society For Financial Education & Professional Development to teach financial literacy to HBCU students.

The National Banking Association is also assisting in the effort to close the racial wealth gap. The group holds multiple calls per week to help Black businesses access additional capital. The association is also helping member banks leverage financial technology, bringing fintech services to its customers and clients and recruiting larger banks to assist underserved minority communities.

 

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 11, 2021

Bernie Mac Biopic Being Developed by John Legend’s Production Company

Another biopic is being developed that may draw the interest of the Black community.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, songwriter and entrepreneur John Legend’s production company will produce a biopic on one of the “original kings of comedy,” Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, also known as Bernie Mac.

The project will be done in partnership with Legend’s production company, Get Lifted, and the Bernie Mac estate. The news was revealed at a panel discussion at the 2021 Tribeca Festival by Legend’s production partner in Get Lifted– Mike Jackson.

“We just partnered with Bernie Mac’s estate to cover Bernie Mac’s story,” Jackson told the audience. Apparently, the announcement caught Legend off guard. Jackson said the info was “something that John doesn’t know about yet” and that he was “very excited about” the deal, which “just happened today.”

“Look at you breaking news over here,” Legend responded.

Legend and Jackson went on to reflect on Bernie Mac’s legacy, including The Bernie Mac Show, “It was beautifully done,” Legend said of the sitcom, which ran from 2001 to 2006. “His humor was always edgy, but it always had so much heart to it at the same time. You could tell he was a family man. You could tell that he loved the people he was talking about.”

According to theGrio, Get Lifted was launched back in 2012 by Legend, Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius. The newly formed company had produced the TV series Underground for WGN, and they also produced the Academy Award-winning La La Land. It also produced a 2017 revival of August Wilson’s Jitney, which received a Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Bernie Mac, whose career launched into high gear as one of four “Original Kings of Comedy,” died in August 2008 at the age of 50 in a Chicago-area hospital from complications of pneumonia.

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