There is no question that Black culture heavily influences American/pop culture. There’s also no question that mainstream American culture steals from the culture mentioned above while attributing credit to something completely separate.  

On Saturday night, a skit performed on the long-running comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live (SNL) didn’t go over well with Black folks on social media. The routine was an ill-attempt at using African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) and ascribing it to Generation Z.

bestie’s gonna be okay, right? pic.twitter.com/fhT7DrQrIz

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) May 9, 2021

Reactions from Twitter ranged from disgust to an all-out lesson on why AAVE existed in the first place. 

To all the people that wrote this damn skit pic.twitter.com/zokkkergRD

— ₩ØⱠ₣ⓋⒾ (@SWOOPDIZZY) May 9, 2021

yeah no, this is unacceptable. AAVE is NOT Gen Z slang, it’s NOT twitter slang, and it’s definitely a form of appropriation when used like this so thanks for mocking Black culture.

if a bunch of millennials can do the research, i know SNL can too ⬇️ https://t.co/Vm6hJvRWfU

— chyenne tatum ‎‎‎‎⍟ (@chyandblack) May 9, 2021

This feels very antiblack pic.twitter.com/819ed2SJ3y

— Bri The Best (@So_like_no) May 9, 2021

I’d consider this a form of Blackface. You can call it Gen Z all you want but y’all are only fooling these yt folks

— FREDDIE (@eastbayvicious) May 9, 2021

This is why black people (AA) want to gatekeep aave. Aave isn’t some funny internet language created by some teens on TikTok nor is it slang, it’s a whole dialect with its own rules. Black people have been literally speaking like this during slavery of course-

— My @ makes no sense (@MTimmitjr) May 9, 2021

So y’all wrote a script, acted out, rehearsed, and recorded this sketch, and still saw nothing wrong with it? pic.twitter.com/a6eYxePjlD

— Jammie ;; {} (@jammiemulti) May 9, 2021

AAVE is a creolized version of American English created by enslaved Africans brought to the Western Hemisphere. 

“Creolization is a common process that results from lots of people who speak different languages needing a common means to communicate and mixing their languages together to make one,” The Messenger reported.

Although academia criticizes AAVE, it is a viable and flowing language that continues to expand even after its inception over 500 years ago. 

In 2018, The Atlantic reported that “most speakers of African-American English do learn to code-switch naturally.”

Ultimately, the preservation of AAVE revolves around gatekeeping Blackness. And skits like those portrayed on SNL should be dragged.

Chicago-based entrepreneur Jeff Badu, a former gang member, became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a millionaire by 26. Now, he’s giving back to inner-city youth through his summer financial literacy program.

“I didn’t have someone to teach me about money and finances and prepare me to live the best abundant life possible,” Badu told the Chicago Sun-Times. “With all of the violence going on in Chicago with our youth, I guarantee you that if they had more financial education and empowerment, they would be able to stay out of trouble. They just want to sustain themselves and get out of poverty.”

Former Gang Member Becomes Millionaire Accountant

Born in Ghana, Badu came to Chicago’s Uptown community when he was 8 years old. He fell into Chicago’s gang life, seeking protection and guidance from the streets. After visiting family in Ghana, he was determined to get his life back on track.

“Between 8 to 16, those were the toughest times of my life. I was surrounded by so much negativity,” Badu shared with WGN TV during an interview. “I was literally trapped, I couldn’t walk certain places.”

Badu’s comeback was nothing short of impressive. In 2014, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accountancy from the University of Illinois. In 2015, he went on to earn his Master of Accounting Science degree. Then, he started his career at Big Four accounting firm, PwC.

After a year of work experience, Badu obtained his CPA license and started Badu Enterprises. He reached a million-dollar net worth at age 26. Now, he leads a successful multinational tax practice and is a real estate investor. He owns a portfolio of 118 housing units on Chicago’s south side, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. 

From Gang Member to Millionaire Financial Literacy Advocate

Darren E. Bryant takes office after an election victory against Mayor Tyrone Ward in April, becoming the youngest Black mayor in Illinois history. After receiving 52% of the votes, the 29-year-old will take the seat as the Mayor of the Village of Robbins in Illinois.

“I would like to thank God for this moment,” Bryant told the Chicago Defender, one of the oldest Black newspapers in existence. “It feels good, but it’s a part of me and my DNA being from Robbins. Robbins has a history of African American pioneers, and once being a center of black culture in Illinois is astonishing. This is the people’s victory more so than mine, and it feels amazing to get it done for the people.”

April 27th. The Election has now been officially certified with the County of Cook and the State of Illinois….
Mayor of the Village of Robbins
The youngest African American Mayor ever seated in the State of Illinois
Darren E. Bryant pic.twitter.com/f13GG6KmQX

— Darren E. Bryant (@mayorbryant_) April 27, 2021

How Bryant Became the Youngest Black Mayor in Illinois

Bryant has been actively involved in public service since he was a child. He says that both of his parents were elected officials, giving him exposure to local elections at an early age.

Bryant kicked off his political ambitions while at Kentucky State University. He served as Junior Class President for the Student Government Association. After graduation, Bryant returned to Robbins to serve as Commissioner and Vice President at Robbins Park District. At the age of 25, he was elected as Village Trustee of Robbins.

Now, Bryant will be the youngest Black mayor in Illinois. Incorporated in 1917, Robbins is one of the oldest Black communities in the United States.

Mayor-Elect Bryant Unveils Plans for Robbins

Although Robbins has a rich history, the village has suffered from economic disparities that have crippled community advancement. According to Chicago Magazine, the city has seen unemployment rates around 30% and median household incomes less than $25,000.

Bryant has devised an economic development plan to address these challenges. He plans to focus on the following five areas:

• Commercial/Industrial Development
• Residential Development
• Financial Development
• Educational Development
• Job Training and Creation

“We must build our citizens,” Bryant told the Chicago Defender. “I call it the Big 3. We have a 38% poverty rate, 41% non-homeownership, and 15% higher education rate, and that is a problem. What I plan to do is move the municipality as an investment machine that will empower people through residential development, job training, and creation. We don’t have a business district in our community to offer amenities to our taxpayers.  We have to keep the dollar within the community to regurgitate and build a strong community.”

• News

by Keka Araújo

May 8, 2021

“Spicy Karen” Calls NYPD on Alana Lambert and Friend After Stealing Their Phone Charger

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What started as a typical day of vlogging and strolling through Central Park for two young Black women turned into an “ethnic Karen” calling the police and telling a gang of lies. 

Alana Lambert and her unidentified amiga were filming for Lambert’s vlog when her phone charger fell as they continued navigating through the park.

The unidentified “spicy Karen” grabbed the phone charger and audaciously refused to return the accessory after the young women asked for it.

Related Story: TEEN CLOWNS MOM ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER VIDEO CAPTURES PUNCH IN THE FACE

The ridiculous woman demanded proof of ownership from Lambert and her comrade, called the police and then said the women threatened her.

“They’re treating me like they’re going to beat me or something,” the unidentified woman told police in a video Lambert captured of the interaction.

“Are you racist or something?” Lambert and her friend asked the woman.

“Yes, I am,” she quipped back.

As the woman continued spewing lies and foolishness, Lambert and the other sister were shocked by what Spicy Karen said next.

The woman told police, “They’re getting close to me, and they’re already touching me.”

Video footage confirmed that the woman was a whole liar.

Rather than snatching her wig back, Lambert and her homie kept calm and followed her as she approached a  group of New York police officers riding horseback through Central Park– with the same nonsense.

 “These two people are coming and threatening me and beating me that this is theirs. I’m not going to give it to them unless they can prove it is theirs,” she boldly stated.

Lambert responded to an officer, “It’s a portable charger. I was riding my bike and my portable charger fell, and I turned around, and she grabbed it and ran away with it.

“She said we were trying to beat her and called 911.”

The women say later in the video that police officers gave her phone charger back.

No charges were filed but in New York City, making a false police report of a nonexistent crime is a Class A misdemeanor. The punishment could be up to a year in jail, a fine and three years probation. 

Twin sisters Jordyn and Morgan Jackson have just earned their Bachelor’s degree from Xavier University of Lousiana.

In 2018, the Jackson sisters graduated from North Houston Early College
with a high school diploma and Associate degree at the age of 17. Now, at 20-years-old, the twins are ready to start the next phase of their career. On May 8th, Jordyn obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Morgan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications.

“It’s never too early to start working on your craft and you’re never too young to make an impact,” says Jordyn. “One of the things my sister and I took advantage of when we got to Xavier was the Office of Career Service. That office is vital to your college career. I was able to have three internships with PwC just by always being in the Office of Career Services, working on my craft, and working on my interview.”

She adds, “It’s never too early to start working on you. While you are sleeping and procrastinating, there is someone that is always working 50 times harder. They are on their grind and working to be the best they can be.”

How This Twin Pursued a Degree in Accounting

Jordyn had her eyes set on pursuing the lawyer track. Growing up in the black community, she felt that there were three main career options that were highlighted: doctor, entertainer, lawyer.

“If you didn’t fit into those categories, what are your other options?” says Jordyn.

But after doing her research, Jordyn was no longer sold on the lawyer lifestyle. She felt that business would be a better fit. After talking to her school’s division head, she set her target on pursuing a career in accounting and started attending the AICPA and National Association of Black Accountants conferences to get acquainted with the profession.

“College is the time when you learn and challenge yourself,” says Jordyn. “I took my first accounting class, enjoyed it, and stuck with it. I want to continue to increase the pipeline of Black CPAs because it’s less than 3%. That’s my why and my drive for doing what I do. I want to show young Black girls and boys that there are other career options out there. Accounting is a great profession.”

Exploring the World of Mass Communications

Jordyn shared her interest in business with Morgan and recommended that she consider that path as well. But Morgan wanted to leverage her skills in a different way. After hearing her mother discuss her experience as a mass communications major at Grambling State University, Morgan decided to go in that direction.

“I love speaking, says Morgan. “I did poetry a lot in high school so I wanted to learn more. When I got on campus, I fell in love with mass communications. We are the only department on Xavier’s campus that was all Black. That was amazing to me. Being mentored by Black women and men who were in the industry opened my horizons to what a career in mass communications [could look like].

Morgan is already thinking about ways that she can use her degree to bridge the gap between corporate and community communications.

“I chose the strategic communication route. In the future, I want to work with companies and brands to help them design and execute community engagement strategies that really enhance their brand appeal and make them resonate with marginalized audiences.”

Twin Sisters Pave the Way for Success During Degree Program

At 20-years-old, Jordan and Morgan have already built impressive resumes that will lead to more opportunities.

They are both members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Jordyn was a Resident Assistant, INROADS scholar, and Executive Leadership Council scholar. She’s also had three internships with Big Four accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and is a student member of the AICPA.

Morgan is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and National Millennial & Generation Z Community. She is a published writer and has worked as Marketing & Communication Specialist for the Center for Minority Health & Health Disparities Research & Education within Xavier‘s College of Pharmacy.

Twin Sisters Earn Their Degree While Capitalizing on Opportunities

On top of their extracurricular and leadership activities, both twins have exuded academic excellence through their recognition on the Dean’s list and honor societies. Their exemplary performance has been a magnet for opportunities on campus and beyond.

“Seize every opportunity and always present your best self,” says Morgan. “I can remember times when there was a small event on campus or someone was coming to speak. I made sure I was presenting my best self.  You never know who you are going to meet or see. When you walk around, you are your own brand.”

Now, Jordan and Morgan are preparing for the next opportunity that awaits them.

“All of our lives we have been together,” Jordyn posted on LinkedIn. “Now we will be entering separate educational pathways to make our impact on the world.”

Morgan will be attending The University of Missouri-Columbia to pursue her Master’s degree in Journalism. Jordyn will start her Master’s degree program in Accounting this Fall.

• News

by Keka Araújo

May 8, 2021

Travis Stackhouse Convicted Of Murdering 5-Year-Old Son Over Cheesecake In Milwaukee

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A Milwaukee man faces up to 37 years in prison after being convicted of murdering his 5-year-old son over a slice of cheesecake.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Travis Stackhouse, 30, became enraged when his son, Sir Amer Stackhouse, and his other children ate a cheesecake that was a Father’s Day Gift in June 2019. 

The news outlet reported that he admitted to police that he had only eaten one piece of the dessert. During his rage, Travis pummeled his young son repeatedly in the face with the back of his hand. The blows were even more devastating to young Sir because the man’s hand had metal parts in it from previous surgery.

A coroner’s report detailed that the baby suffered from a ruptured abdomen, bruised kidneys and a torn adrenal gland. Sir’s cause of death was a blunt force to the stomach.

Initially, witnesses told police that Sir’s massive injuries came from falling down the stairs. Authorities didn’t buy the claim.

“This baby was little, tiny, close to 20 pounds or so, and you doing all that? It’s ridiculous,” Macshaunya Wright, the child’s aunt, told WMC 5 in June 2019.

“I can’t even process a kid going through that,” Wright said.

Travis’ other son’s testimony against his father was videotaped and played to a jury. The boy is six years old.

Matthew Torbenson, the state’s deputy district attorney, told the publication that the man requested to speak with his mother before confessing to the gruesome crime and copping a plea to a lesser charge. 

The father is due back in court next month for sentencing.

• News

by Keka Araújo

May 8, 2021

Two Communities Join To Bid Sanaa Amenhotep A Final Farewell

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Two communities gathered to bid 15-year-old Sanaa Amenhotep a final farewell.

Residents from Newark, New Jersey, and Lexington, South Carolina came together to celebrate and honor the life of the young high schooler who was taken too soon.

According to NJ.com, a memorial service for Sanaa was held after her private funeral service on Thursday. Hundreds of supporters showed up for the teen as her casket was taken to the high school she once attended in New Jersey. Members of the Weequahic High School track team escorted Sanaa to the field in a solemn tribute. 

Her parents, Sharif Amenhotep and Saleemah Graham-Fleming, along with Sanaa’s sisters accompanied the casket.

During the memorial, Graham-Fleming gave a poignant eulogy that referenced her daughter’s strength and the foundation of her family.

“This environment. This community gave Sanaa a strength that was very intimidating,” the grieving mother told the crowd. “Me and Sharif gave her a love that was ungripping. We were intentional on doing that.”

“We wanted to give our children something different than what we had,” she added.

Black Enterprise previously reported that Sanaa went missing on April 5. Her body was discovered three weeks later in a wooded area in Lexington. Police and the community were devastated by Sanaa’s tragic murder.

Her alleged killers were acquaintances identified as Trevon Nelson, 18, and two juveniles– one male, one female. They were charged with murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and weapon possession during a violent crime.

After going from welfare to millionaire by age 25, Alfred Nickson dedicated his career to educating thousands of African Americans about building wealth. 

Now, the 28-year-old financial expert has mentored over 100 six-figure earners and retired his mom. 

“Wherever you are at, be willing to swing the bat,” says Nickson during an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. “You can’t hit a home run if you don’t swing. For me, I put myself in a position to not only swing the bat, but I wanted to put people in a position to win as well. So, I put people on base.”

He continued, “When I swing the bat, it’s not just me hitting a home run. I’m hitting a grand slam. That means that everybody that was on base and in position was able to come home and get a taste of the success. I encourage everyone to swing the bat so that you can hit your home run, too.”

Nickson started exploring home-based businesses shortly after high school. The young entrepreneur made a total of $1500 in his first three years of entrepreneurship. Despite his lack of funds and people telling him to consider getting a “real job” and go to school, he kept going.

During his fourth year of business, Nickson earned his first six figures by leveraging his passion for financial literacy. A couple of years later, Nickson hit the million-dollar mark. 

For anyone seeking to put themselves in a better financial position this year, Nickson encourages people to step outside the box and do these three things.

1. Move From Welfare to Wealth By Starting With Assets 

Knowledge is power. When you know where you stand financially, you can pinpoint exactly how much money you need to get where you want to go.

Nickson suggests creating a list of everything you own. This list represents your assets. 

“This can be tangible items like a vehicle or jewelry to stocks, bonds, or life insurance policies,” says Nickson in an email. “Even one pair of gold earrings can be added to your assets and is better than no assets at all.”

Every month, Nickson meets with his team to get a better picture of his net worth. This number represents how much you own (assets) minus how much you owe (liabilities). It’s the magic number that wealthy individuals use to assess their financial health. Nickson also suggests having a good tax strategy so that you can keep more of the money you make. 

2. Sign up for Life Insurance

After seeing so many people in his community rely on GoFundMe, Nickson decided to educate more people about life insurance.

“Who needs a life insurance policy? Everyone.”

Life insurance shouldn’t be limited to death benefits. It can also be used as a wealth-building strategy.

“Choose between whole life or term life insurance,” says Nickson. “Term life has more value and generally costs less monthly. Both will give your loved ones up to millions of dollars when you die.” 

In addition to life insurance, Nickson says that wills and trusts should also be part of your financial plan. 

3. Earn Extra Money To Go From Welfare to Wealth 

Nickson recommends starting a home-based business because the infrastructure is already there. He says that the barriers to entry are low and anyone can get started with as little as a few hundred dollars. The best part is that you can start making money right away. Your stimulus check could help you get started. 

In his first year, Nickson reached the six-figure mark. In the second year, he reached over half a million dollars. In his third year in the financial field, he made his first million dollars.

How do you get started on your path to a home-based business? Identify what you are passionate about.

“When you are passionate about something, you put your all into it,” says Nickson.