• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 1, 2021

Young Sister-Duo Launch New Social Justice Platform on the Heels of Blackout Tuesday to Ignite Change

---

Justice and Nia Faith are similar to any other pair of sisters: they’re involved in extracurricular activities, spend time with friends and look for ways to give back to their communities. However, these young entrepreneurs have something extraordinary up their sleeves that will create cultural change on a grand scale.

Today, Révolutionnaire, the Faith sisters’ lifestyle and apparel brand dedicated to diversity, announced a new social justice platform in the hopes of empowering young activists and changemakers. Launching on the heels of the first anniversary of Black Out Tuesday, Révolutionnaire serves as an easy-to-use social network for activists as well as everyday citizens to get involved with a variety of causes.

Révolutionnaire was originally introduced as an inclusive dance apparel brand that empowered all to celebrate the skin they’re in. “Révolutionnaire was inspired by my journey as a Black ballerina where I did not have access to dance apparel that matched my skin tone,” said Nia Faith, CEO & Co-Founder of Révolutionnaire. “I watched my peers purchase tights, shoes and accessories with ease while I spent extra time and money dyeing mine to match my skin tone. I launched Révolutionnaire as an inclusive apparel and accessories brand to celebrate athletes of color.”

After seeing Révolutionnaire’s incredible impact made within the dance community, Nia joined forces with her sister Justice to transform the brand into a larger movement. During a time where it can be difficult to know where to start, Justice and Nia created the networking platform to provide an easy way for anyone to learn, connect and get involved. “After seeing how Nia made the dance world a better place, I asked myself what it would look like if more young people had the tools to make their dreams a reality and drive impact across social causes,” said Justice Faith, Co-Founder of Révolutionnaire. “Today, we’ve built Révolutionnaire into a social network for changemakers and have a collection of apparel and accessories that celebrate diversity.”

Révolutionnaire’s new social justice platform aims to inspire all to fuel their dreams into revolutions by providing key collaborative and educational resources surrounding important cultural topics. The all-encompassing hub aims to propel a generation of changemakers by equipping them with the tools, information, and community they need to accelerate and amplify their impact.

“Révolutionnaire is built to make education and action accessible, engaging, and rewarding,” said Nia. “We have taken a traditionally fragmented and intimidating experience and brought it in under one roof. From learning through our curated content hub with issue briefs and step-by-step guides to take action, we help those wanting to make a change every step of the way.”

Justice Faith (Left) and Nia Faith (Right)

With the new platform, Révolutionnaire will continue to carry out its mission to connect young changemakers with one another and empower them to take a stance. Justice and Nia plan to continue building upon the platform to further ignite impact surrounding today’s important issues. “It is so important to find your people and your community,” said Justice. “Fulfilling the big dreams we have for ourselves and the world requires hard work and dedication, but you are not in this alone. We can move faster and be stronger, when we move forward together.”

• Business

by Derek Major

June 1, 2021

Biden Administration To Drive An Additional $100 Million To Small Disadvantaged Business Owners

---

The Biden-Harris administration is launching a government-wide effort to increase the share of federal contracts going to small minority businesses by 50 percent by 2026.

To accomplish the goal, the administration will expand federal contracting opportunities for underserved small minority businesses across the country. Federal agencies will assess every available tool to lower barriers and increase opportunities for small businesses and traditionally underserved entrepreneurs to compete for federal contracts.

Approximately 10 percent of federal agencies’ total eligible contracting dollars go to Black, Latino, and other minority-owned businesses. Increasing federal spending with these businesses will not only help make another level of the federal government more diverse and inclusive, but it will also give Americans another avenue to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams and narrow racial wealth gaps.

Black, Latino and women-owned businesses were massively affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Last May, 45 percent of Black businesses said in a nationwide survey they anticipated closing within the next six months. Another 41 percent said they were denied federal assistance when they applied.

The Paycheck Protection Program also largely ignored minority communities early in the pandemic. Large banks secured funds for their biggest clients before helping their smaller customers. Large national chains such as Shake Shack and even the Los Angeles Lakers took funds meant for smaller businesses and were shamed into giving the funds back.

President Biden is also releasing the details of his American Jobs Plan proposals, meant to create jobs and help build wealth in communities of color. The proposals include:

· A new $10 billion Community Revitalization Fund to support community-led civic infrastructure projects that create innovative, shared amenities; spark new local economic activity; provide services; build community wealth, and strengthen social cohesion.

· $15 billion for new grants and technical assistance to support the planning, removal, or retrofitting of existing transportation infrastructure that creates a barrier to community connectivity, including barriers to mobility, access, or economic development.

· A new Neighborhood Homes Tax Credit to attract private investment in the development and rehabilitation of affordable homes for low- and moderate-income homebuyers and homeowners.

· $5 billion for the Unlocking Possibilities Program, an innovative new grant program that awards flexible and attractive funding to jurisdictions that take steps to reduce needless barriers to producing affordable housing and expand housing choices for people with low or moderate incomes.

*This story will be updated.

• Career

by Andrea Blackstone

May 31, 2021

Teacher Gives Student the Shoes Off His Feet When Dress Code Threatens Graduation

---

On May 20, an educator named John Butler posted a story on Facebook about the action he took to ensure that a student could walk and received the diploma he earned.  According to the story, the young man told Butler that he was told that he could not graduate,  because the shoes he was wearing did not fit the dress code. Butler took action by solving the problem, after confirming the accuracy of what he was told.

“In total disbelief I go down to confirm. And sure enough she tells me the same thing. So then it becomes a no brainer to me, a no more questions asked scenario. I gave him the shoes on my feet. Here’s the funny part tho… my shoes were 2 sizes bigger than his, so when his name was called, he had to slide his feet like Sleestak across the stage to receive his diploma😂😂😂 we had a good laugh,” Butler said on Facebook.

The quick thinking teacher later posted an image of the shoe style the student was wearing, along with a message.

What would have happened to the student on graduation day, if Butler had not been around to help out?

Sharif El-Mekki, the founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development, wrote an article for Education Post about teaching Black students.

“Educators must also do the work and professional development that hones their skills as liberators, not overseers of the existing system. Without a strong sense of purpose, an educator can easily become a perpetrator of the very injustices they initially sought to dismantle,” El-Mekki said.

Although the student who needed help could have come from any demographic, EdSurge’s report about the reason why American needs more Black male teachers becomes relevant, if a student is left unsupported in a school setting.

“Despite students of color representing more than half the student population, Black males make up only two percent of the teacher workforce. So as it happens, that statistic is very significant as this lack of diversity has negative implications for all students,” EdSurge  aid.

And just maybe, the teacher who saved the day for one African American student once answered a different call to serve. If he did, not all heroes wear capes, but one who helped a young person graduate could have once worn a United States Marine Corps uniform.

• Health and Wellness

by Andrea Blackstone

May 31, 2021

Black-Owned Company Sells Herbal Products for Erectile Dysfunction and Low Libido

---

A Black-owned company is selling herbal-formulated products to help keep bedroom spice alive. Live Natural sells a host of products—from candies to male enhancing capsules and creams for men who suffer from erectile dysfunction. On Live Natural’s website, the company said that customers have achieved success using that product that is free of  medication or side effects.

Women have not been left out of the romance building conversation. Eve’s Alpha 8 is designed to address issues such hormonal changes, vagina dryness and low sex drive. According to the website, Alpha RX Plus contains seven herbs to improve sexual performance and does not force blood to the penis. A Survey about Alpha RX Plus even provided statistics about how the product work out for men who used it.

BlackNews.com reported that JR Scroggins started Live Natural in 2011. His product, Alpha RX Plus sold so well among men in the 40-75 demographic, he eventually sold the company to his manufacturer. In 2018, Mr. Scroggins returned to lead his company, due to the trust and customer service developed, according to the article.

Additionally, BlackNews.com  mentioned one of Scroggins’ happy but anonymous customers happens to be a minister’s wife. Scroggins was extremely happy and proud when she provided feedback about the products.

“You are really doing a good thing. You’re doing God’s work for men,” the customer said, according to BlackNews.com.

According to WEB MD, erectile dysfunction can be indicative of heart problems, diabetes, nerve disorders, mood problems, smoking, hormone problems and other health concerns.

“Although ED is more common in men over 75, guys of any age can have it,” WEB MD also said.

Saint John’s Cancer Institute’s blog pointed out that as men grow older, their physical health needs to be looked after to screen for issues.

“The prostate changes over time, as well as urinary and sexual function. It’s important to find a urologist you like and trust so you can begin to build a relationship. Starting around age 40, you should visit a urologist and make sure you continue with yearly checkups and screenings to keep you healthy,” the blog content informed.

• Entrepreneurship

by Andrea Blackstone

May 31, 2021

Black Grower Turns Front Yards Into Urban Farms and Offers Produce Subscriptions for Neighbors

---

Learning about Crop Swap LA offers a crash course in urban farming, but with a twist. Founded by Jamiah Hargins, Crop Swap LA believes that 80% of our food sales should be derived within the zip codes where foods are grown, according to the social enterprise which grows foods in unused spaces, such as front yards. The Counter reported that Hargins founded Crop Swap LA in 2018 to redistribute excess homegrown fruits and vegetables to neighbors.

“The idea is to have homeowners “share” their yards with the Crop Swap LA team, which will plant an edible plot. The goal is to create a system that will have both ecological benefits and financial ones, with the resulting produce being sold primarily within lower-income communities and part of the profit going back to the landowners,” The Counter also said.

The interview also explained that Hargins’ model includes a ‘local nutrient transfer.’

“Crop Swap LA will install gardens on a sliding scale, putting a price on them for those who can afford it while using grant funds or donations to build them for homeowners without the means to pay. When the crops are harvested, they’ll be sold primarily in low-income zip codes, including to local chefs and restaurants in those areas,” The Counter explained.

The interview also said that 10% will be donated back to the neighborhood where the produce was grown. An additional percentage will be sold in higher-income areas. However, a portion of the funds will be returned to the landowner. Hargins expected the amount to total about $5,000 annually, according to the interview which was conducted in 2020.

Producing quality food is also an important aspect of Crop Swap LA. According to the website, regenerative organic soil is life.

“ Nutritious food is a right, not a luxury,” Crop Swap LA also stated online.

Crop Swap LA said that food should be grown in enriched and tested soil for perfect mineral and nutrient composition. It should also be free of pesticides or any GMO seed usage.

Fast Company explained also that Crop Swap LA uses your front lawn to grow vegetables for a produce-subscription program. Additionally, the microfarms, which are also known as community gardens, are installed and managed by Crop Swap LA. Neighbors pay for monthly subscriptions to the ultra-local food.  Also, homeowners get both a share of the produce and a cut of the proceeds, according to the interview.

“We maintain it, but they get part of the income every month,” Hargins also said to Fast Company.

The interview also stated that View Park, the neighborhood where the first microfarm was planted, is considered a food desert. Crop Swap LA also provides access to fresh vegetables when access may be limited.

“Through Crop Swap LA, residents can subscribe to a 3-pound mix of fresh, organic greens and vegetables for $36 a month, or $43 with delivery,” Fast Company said.

• Women

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 31, 2021

Misee Harris, First Black Bachelorette, Launching Rehab & Med Center in Memphis

---

Years before Rachel Lindsay became the first Black Bachelorette, Misee Harris launched a trailblazing campaign for the title.

It was back in 2012 when Harris was given the chance to compete against other women on her then-favorite reality TV show, The Bachelor, NY Post reports. But with her being in dental school at the time, Harris didn’t think it would be worth putting her real-life career on hold to compete on a show where she knew she would be one of the first to go home.

“Once they did finally call me, it’s just realization that number one, I was going to have to take time off from residency that was going to prolong my time before I could go into private practice,” she explained while speaking to BLACK ENTERPRISE. “And then number two, was it going to be something advantageous? Like was it going to do anything for me? If history repeats itself, the Black female always got kicked off by episode three. So did I want to give all of those things up just for maybe two or three seconds of fame on television and the answer then was no.”

As a result, Harris skipped out on competing on the Bachelor and set her sights on making history as the first Black Bachelorette. She was one of the first to bring awareness around the lack of diversity on the popular reality show.

“Right now, the media and just everyone’s attention, it’s so popular right now to be for black people,” she said. “It wasn’t popular to be for black people and to advocate for black people back in 2012 when I was saying that we need to have black leads on the show.”

While she applauds Lindsay and Tayshia Adams for being diversity pioneers on the show, Harris notes that it “was just a little bit too late.”

Now, the pediatric dentist is gearing up to serve her local community in Jonesborough, Arkansas, through two separate centers for those without insurance. Named after her late grandmother, the Louise Hage Medical Center is a multidisciplinary medical center offering more affordable healthcare for those in low-income households.

“This medical center is going to kind of bridge the gap and provide access to care to people who normally wouldn’t be able to seek these things,” the pediatric dentist and orthodontist explained. “Having straight teeth and having a nice smile, that shouldn’t be just for the upper class, or for those who can… we all deserve that.”

But the Tennessee native isn’t stopping there. She’s also set to open her men’s rehab center, Apartment 444 Wellness and Rehabilitation. Inspired by her brother and his struggle with substance abuse, Harris saw firsthand how the lack of diversity in many rehab centers affected her brother’s treatment.

“I never could find him a safe place to go because I would send him to rehab and nobody looked like him,” she recalled. “The director didn’t look like him. None of the other men in the rehab looked like him. And I realized that black men weren’t being represented even in the rehabs.”

She noted the recent passing of rapper DMX and how most Black people struggling with addiction don’t seek out rehab treatment the same way white people do.

“It makes it even harder to seek out rehab when you don’t feel like those resources are available to you, or if you can’t approach someone that looks like you to talk about it or to go somewhere and you don’t feel automatically judged or feel like the only one because when you’re in a situation like rehab you need to be comforted and you need to feel safe there,” she said.

Her first center will open in Jonesboro before expanding to Memphis where her boyfriend, former pro basketball player Willie Kemp, serves as the graduate assistant coach at the University of Memphis. Harris is clearly continuing her legacy without ever dealing with elimination on The Bachelor.

“I think a lot of the female contestants on the show that have been diverse are also wonderful women,” she said. “It’s simply that when the show takes over 10 years to show that they want us to be included, I’m not sure going backwards is going to help them too much, but hey, A for effort right?

NBA legend Michael Jordan announced a $1 million donation to enhance journalism and sports-related studies at Morehouse College.

In the past, the billionaire was criticized for his lack of activism in the Black community. But now he’s stepping up to the plate and changing the narrative for Black students. Jordan’s contributions will support scholarship, technology, and educational programming initiatives for students attending the Atlanta-based HBCU.

“Education is crucial for understanding the Black experience today,” said Michael Jordan in a Morehouse news release. “We want to help people understand the truth of our past, and help tell the stories that will shape our future.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Morehouse College (@morehouse1867)

Jordan Supports the Mission of Morehouse College

In 2014, Jordan became the first billionaire NBA player in history. He’s putting his fortune to work through initiatives that support the Black Community Commitment. In 2020, Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand committed to providing more social, economic, and educational justice in the Black Community. The donation to Morehouse College is one way that Jordan hopes to expand opportunities for Black men.

“Morehouse is grateful to Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand for an investment in the education of talented men of color who will ensure there is equity, balance, and truth in the way sports stories are framed and the way the Black experience is contextualized within American history,” said Monique Dozier, vice president for institutional advancement at Morehouse.

Founded in 1867, Morehouse is the only private historically Black college or university dedicated to the enrichment of Black men. The school has been at the forefront of addressing a lack of Black leadership in athletics and sports journalism. Spike Lee, a 1979 Morehouse graduated, launched the Journalism and Sports Program. His goal was to open doors for more Black men in media. Now, the program has graduated over 600 students who are transforming the narrative.

“There’s going to be a rich legacy of storytellers who will be supported by these programs,” Spike Lee shared in a news release. “Many people are influenced to think a certain way about Black folks based on what they see on television and in Hollywood. We’ve got to tell our story.”