• Health and Wellness

by Andrea Blackstone

May 3, 2021

Research Reveals Need for More Targeted HIV/STI Interventions for Black Women

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While most of world is focused on COVID-19, another public health issue needs attention. A study published in JAMA Network reported that culturally targeted HIV/STI interventions for Black women in community supervision programs are effective. Research found that recognizing the urgent health need is a part of reversing the concentration of HIV/STI and SUD (substance use disorder) epidemics among the noted population.

Louisa Gilbert, Ph.D., Dawn Goddard-Eckrich, Ed.D., and Mingway Chang, Ph.D. were listed among the many authors who conducted a randomized clinical trial to address this gap in culturally tailored interventions–since a dearth of HIV interventions designed for Black women in CSPs remains. They wanted to know if  E-WORTH—culturally tailored HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention intervention—would be  effective in reducing STIs and condomless sex among Black women in community supervision programs (CSPs). Most participants were enrolled from New York City probation sites.

“In this randomized clinical trial of 352 women, participants assigned to the E-WORTH condition, compared with those in an HIV testing–only control condition, had 54% lower odds of testing positive for any STI at the 12-month follow-up and reported 38% fewer acts of condomless vaginal or anal intercourse during the 12-month period,” the researchers reported. “The findings suggest that implementing a culturally tailored HIV/STI intervention designed for Black women in CSPs is feasible and effective and holds promise for reducing the disproportionate burden of HIV/STIs in this population.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that HIV remains a disproportionate risk to African Americans. Statistics for Black women remain alarming.

“Young African American gay and bisexual men account for more new HIV infections than any other group, and HIV affects African American heterosexual women more than women of any other race or ethnicity. More than 290,000 African Americans with stage 3 HIV (AIDS) have died since the start of the epidemic,” the CDC stated.

To put everything in context, a new CDC report found that cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continued to grow in the country in 2019. STD rates are up, even without considering the impact of the pandemic, gender, or attributing data to Black women exclusively.

“Preliminary 2020 data suggest we likely will see continued concerning trends which demand immediate attention, even in the current environment. We must continue to meet the challenges by finding new solutions; adapting quickly to meet the ever-changing landscape of the healthcare system; and collaborating to share information, strategies, and science,” Dr. Raul Romaguera,  acting director for the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, said.

• Health and Wellness

by Andrea Blackstone

May 3, 2021

DC-based Nonprofit for Black Girls Gets $100K From NIKE

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A Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit called The Black Girl Tribe announced that it has received a $100,000 grant from Nike’s Black Community Commitment Portfolio. According to an Instagram post, the grant from the sneaker giant will be used to expand the Black Girl Tribe’s programming, in addition to launching a “Black Girls Just Do” Initiative. Forthcoming activities will integrate sports and physical activity.

“Black Girls Just Do It will be dedicated to providing opportunities for Black Girls to explore the wide world of sports, enhancing their life skills and sisterhood. With pop up events planned for Summer 2021 (with COVID restrictions), Black Girls ages 6-18 will be invited to explore a plethora of activities including yoga, mixed martial arts, soccer, and golf to name a few,” the Instagram post explained.

Black Girl Tribe also stated that all activities will be free of charge and provided first-come, first-served.

Who founded Black Girl Tribe?

According to WUSA 9,  Gabrielle Martinez, a Washington, D.C., native, wanted to change the narrative centered around young Black girls. Through the nonprofit, participants are empowered to embrace their individuality, value self-love, and have a supportive tribe.

“There was nobody being unapologetic about their service to a Black girl. So, that’s what we wanted to do; we wanted to be the change we want to see in the world,” Martinez said in the WUSA 9 interview.

On The Black Girl Tribe’s website, Martinez mentioned that she was told that initiatives dedicated solely to Black Girls have “insufficient and immeasurable outcomes,” before she started the nonprofit. Despite the initial feedback, Martinez’s proactive approach was successful. Now, young girls can benefit from Martinez’s insight and leadership.

“Tribe is my response to that. Black Girls are anything but insufficient, and the only thing immeasurable about us is our potential,” Martinez said on Black Girl Tribe’s website.

On Friday, Germany announced plans to return hundreds of stolen artifacts– it and other European nations pillaged from Benin during the early times of Europe’s colonization era. The collections were distributed and sold among the white nations during the late 19th century.

According to Al-Jazeera, Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called the deal to return the priceless treasures to Nigerian authorities a “turning point in dealing with our colonial history.”

That’s colonizer-speak for, “It’s about time we give the people of Benin what rightfully belongs to them after we murdered folks and plundered the town.”

Related Story: BRITISH UNIVERSITY RETURNS STOLEN BENIN SCULPTURE TO NIGERIA, AS IT SHOULD

Monika Gruetters, the country’s minister for culture, added that the Benin Bronze artifacts were a pivotal talking point for reconciling Germany’s xenophobic and treacherous past.

“We are confronting our historic and moral responsibility,” she said.

The bronze artifacts are slated to be returned to the West African nation next year.

One German historian is skeptical about the plan. 

“Sadly, there is neither a precise time plan nor an unconditional commitment to restitute all looted artifacts,” said Juergen Zimmerer, professor of global history at the University of Hamburg.

Zimmerer also explained that there are hundreds of bronze treasures, and some are not in German hands.

Al-Jazeera reported that Great Britain’s thieving a** doesn’t have plans to return any of the stolen goods. 

Zimmerer believes that international pressure may make the nation change its shady mind.

“The devastation and plunder wreaked upon Benin City during the British military expedition in 1897 is fully acknowledged,” the British Museum told Al-Jazeera. It maintained that the public was informed of the nation’s thievery on the website and displays.

“We believe the strength of the British Museum collection resides in its breadth and depth, allowing millions of visitors an understanding of the cultures of the world and how they interconnect over time – whether through trade, migration, conquest or peaceful exchange,” it said continued.

In colonizer-speak, “Yeah, we stole it, and we ain’t giving it back.”

Colonizers will colonize. 

The Mambacita apparel line honoring Vanessa and Kobe Bryant’s late daughter Gianna went on sale on Saturday, May 1st. CNN Business reports that the clothing sold out within a few hours.

“Gianna was kind, energetic, a leader, and had so much MAMBACITA swag,” Vanessa Bryant shared on her Instagram page. “When I thought about who would help me capture her laid back yet girly-edge, I thought of female-owned @DANNIJO.  Two fun-loving sisters running a successful clothing line, they jumped on the opportunity to celebrate Gigi’s birthday with us, completely pro-bono.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant)

Mambacita Apparel Line Honoring Gianna

May 1st would have been Gianna’s 15th birthday.

The teen basketball star and NBA Champion Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Seven other people were also killed.

Vanesa Bryant wanted to pay tribute to her daughter through the launch of a clothing line. On Friday, she released a preview of the line.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mambacita was the name given to Gianna when she was on the basketball court. It’s derived from her father Kobe Bryant’s nickname “Black Mamba.”

The limited-edition Mambacita tie-dye clothing line came in adult and children’s sizes. Adult sweat sets were priced at $332 and children’s sizes were available for $224. Hoodies were sold for $224 (adults) and $124 (kids). Face masks were sold for $24.

By early afternoon on Saturday, all clothing line items were sold out. Fans of all ages were online trying to grab their items in memory of Gianna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation

Vanessa Bryant shared that all proceeds from the sale of the Mamabacita line will go to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation. The organization is dedicated to providing opportunities for underserved athletes and young women in sports.

This year, the nonprofit charity announced its first executive director to expand the legacy of Gianna and Kobe Bryant.

Vanessa Bryant shared the impact of this fundraiser and clothing line in her Instagram post. “Gigi was especially motivated to change the way everyone viewed women in sports, and it’s fitting that this capsule represents her values.”

• News

by Keka Araújo

May 2, 2021

Howard Zlotkin Lost His Job After Cursing Out Black Students At Dickinson High School in Jersey City

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At Dickinson High School in Jersey City, New Jersey, a racist science teacher is catching heat after video footage of him targeting Black students with a bigoted rant went viral.

Howard Zlotkin of North Bergen lost his rabid mind via  Zoom as a discussion on climate change lead to an all-out attack on George Floyd and Black Lives Matter.

“If you think I’m privileged, then f— you, because my daughter thinks I’m privileged, and I don’t speak to her,” he screamed during the online class session. “I hear people whining and crying about Black Lives Matter, but George Floyd was a f—–g criminal, and he got arrested, and he got killed because he wouldn’t comply, and the bottom line is we make him a f—–g hero.”

Before long, Zlotkin focused his profanity-laden diatribe on senior Timmia Williams, NBC New York reported.  The 17-year-old teen told the news outlet that the Zlotkin ordered her and three other Black female students to write essays.

Williams and her mother weren’t having any of Zlotkin’s shenanigans. Margie Nieves, Timmia’s mom, contacted school administrators and the district’s board. Both were unresponsive until NBC New York reporters contacted them.

Related Story: WHITE WOMAN FIRED FOR BEING RACIST; CALLED NEIGHBOR THE N-WORD, CALLED THE POLICE ON HER

“Who does that? Who would curse? I don’t even curse at my own daughter,” said Nieves.

Apparently, Dickinson High School officials saw no wrongdoing by Zlotkin. The asinine educator was back the next day with more foolishness.

Zlotkin attempted to chastise Timmia for refusing to write the essay–even cursing her out.

“I don’t think you can make a case. You know what, Timmia? You’re full of s–t too,” he told the student.

The district finally removed the asinine educator from his position, on Thursday, after subjecting Black students to unnecessary, racist vitriol.

When questioned about the slow response, the school to NBC New York, “The school was in the process of taking statements from students today before proceeding with disciplinary actions, and then the second video surfaced. The teacher will not have access to students or the school as we proceed. We are appalled by the statements, profanity, disrespect and treatment of students.”

Calls to Zlotkin went unanswered.

PopCom founder and serial entrepreneur Dawn Dickson- Akpoghene has raised over $3.5 million for her startup business ideas using equity crowdfunding. Thanks to the 2012 JOBS (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) Act signed into law by President Obama, Dickson has been able to leverage community support to reach her funding goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by PopCom (@popcomtech)

“I want to be able to create wealth in my community,” Dickson-Akpoghene shared during a 2019 Interview with The Breakfast Club. “That’s what I’m passionate about. I know that the real way to create wealth is through investments. One thing that we don’t know as a people, in general, is that we are kept out of deals because you have to be an accredited investor to invest in early-stage deals.” She adds, “Now there is a way for Black people to get in on early-stage deals and to start creating real wealth. I want to give the people in my community a chance to invest in a tech company and get money. When I exit, I want to make some Black millionaires. I want those checks to go to my people.

PopCom Founder Disrupts Retail Industry

Dickson-Akpoghene is the founder of PopCom. Founded in 2017, PopCom is a software company. It provides smart technology for vending machines by bringing data and innovation to the vending space.

“We make the software that makes the vending machines smart. We partner with vending manufacturers to integrate our software to be able to collect customer data at the point of sale,” Dickson-Akpoghene shared with Black Enterprise on the SistersInc. podcast. That data can be anything from foot traffic to customer demographics to conversion rates, achieved using technology such as AI, computer vision, and robotics.”

PopCom was not Dickson-Akpoghene’s first venture. The four-time founder started her entrepreneurial endeavors in 2001 with a media-tech company that generated revenues from ads and email blasts. Then she founded Flat Out of Heel’s rollable flats. She wanted to address a pain point she experienced while standing in heels at clubs for promotional events. She sold Flat Out of Heels in vending machines but lacked the customer data needed to make better sales decisions. Again, she solved her own problem by creating software for vending machines.

“Just imagine all the tools available on Google Analytics and Shopify and e-commerce, bringing those tools to the real world,” she continues. “Vending is so antiquated and there’s such a lack of data and innovation in the vending space. We really want to bring that innovation to allow retailers to sell direct to customer using vending machines.”

PopCom Went From Traditional Investment Opportunities to Equity CrowdFunding

Dickson-Akpoghene raised her first million for PopCom in a traditional way. She turned to institutional investors, venture capitalists, accredited angels, and accelerator programs to expand her vision. Eventually, she grew weary of the traditional pitch and capital-raising process.

“I didn’t like it,” Dickson-Akpoghene shared as she broke down the challenges associated with traditional investment options. “I didn’t think that the venture capital system as it stands today was set up for early-stage founders to win. Then, I had to understand the psychology of what venture capital is for. They are there to make money. They are there to produce a return for their LPs. [Venture capitalists] have to make investments at aggressive terms to get high returns so that their LPs are happy…they are not social impact.”

Equity CrowdFunding Helped PopCom Raise Over $3.5 Million

Dickson wanted to bring her community along on the investment journey. Equity crowdfunding eliminated the traditional barriers to entry. Dickson shared that she is the first female founder to receive over $1 million through equity crowdfunding.

“I want to create wealth for people who look like me, support me, and believe in me,” Dickson-Akpoghene shared. She explained how she wanted to move away from predatory investing opportunities and move towards community impact.

“That’s why I decided to do equity crowdfunding to open up my company to the public. [I wanted to] remove the barrier to entry for Black people to be able to make investments in early-stage companies. I wanted to demonstrate how we could use group economics as a community to invest in Black businesses. [We can] create Black wealth and generational wealth that we’ve been deprived of for centuries.”

Check out Episode 11 of the SistersInc. podcast. Dickson-Akpoghene shares her journey as a female tech founder and how she’s disrupting the retail industry.

• News

by Keka Araújo

May 2, 2021

Sanaa Amenhotep, Daughter of Newark Activist, Murdered By Three Acquaintances in South Carolina

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A Newark anti-violence activist has confirmed the news that no parent wants to hear. His 15-year-old daughter, Sanaa Amenhotep’s body, was found after a three-week search in South Carolina. 

According to the Lexington Sheriff’s Department, the teen’s body was discovered in a wooded area on Thursday. An investigation into her murder is underway. 

“#DEVELOPING: A death investigation related to an @RCSD kidnapping case is underway in Lexington County. No arrests have been made, although we have interviewed some persons of interest. #MORE: We’re sharing information with Richland County deputies and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office as part of our continuing work on the case,” the department shared on Twitter on April 29.

#DEVELOPING: A death investigation related to an @RCSD kidnapping case is underway in Lexington County. No arrests have been made, although we have interviewed some persons of interest. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/OcXmfOL3tb

— Lexington Sheriff (@LCSD_News) April 29, 2021

Sanaa’s father is Sharif Malik Amenhotep, a prominent member of the Brick City Peace Collective in Newark, New Jersey. A  $10,000 reward had been offered for the girl’s safe return. 

Related Story:  NEWARK, NJ TO COVERT SHIPPING CONTAINERS INTO HOUSING FOR HOMELESS, AT-RISK RESIDENTS

Sanaa was last seen leaving her Columbia, South Carolina home on April 5, with a teenaged girl and two males, News 10 reported. Police believe the activist’s daughter was held against her will and subsequently murdered around the same time she went missing. They alleged her body had been on the scene for an extended time. 

Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher expressed to News 10 the difficulties of working the tragic case and discovering Sanaa’s body.

“I can’t imagine what the family is going through,” she said as she fought back tears. “It was a very difficult scene for our office. We stayed most of the night processing and taking care of the family. Taking care of Sanaa.”

According to NJ.com, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka extended his condolences to the Amenhotep family as well. 

“On behalf of the people of Newark, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Sharif Malik Amenhotep on the tragic loss of his beautiful and intelligent Black daughter, Sanaa Amenhotep, who was kidnapped and murdered in South Carolina,” he expressed.

“Mr. Amenhotep works tirelessly to increase justice and reduce violence in our neighborhoods through our Brick City Peace Collective, helping us to reimagine public safety and prevent tragedies such as this from taking place in our very own community,” Baraka continued. “No parent should ever have to bury their child. It is an inexplicable loss that defies imagination.

“We hope that the South Carolina authorities can bring the suspects in this case to justice. Our entire city is joining with the Amenhotep family in their grief and pain.” 

Sanaa’s father used social media to appeal to the public for her safe return.

 

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On May 1, News 10 reported that an autopsy report concluded that Sanaa’s cause of death was a gunshot to the back of the head. Three people, including two juveniles, are now in police custody. 

Treveon Nelson and the two minors have been charged with murder, kidnapping, criminal conspiracy, and weapon possession during a violent crime. The trio were alleged friends of the young teen.

Apparently, the Department of Justice ain’t nothing to “mess” with. A man who had claimed to be a part of the Staten Island hip-hop supergroup, Wu-Tang Clan, has been sentenced to over 8 years in federal prison after participating in scamming hotels, limos, and other companies.

Hawaii could become the 49th state in the union to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday. On Tuesday, the House and Senate approved Bill SB3506 that would honor “the abolition of slavery in Texas, and more generally, the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate states.”

According to the legislation, the youngest state in the nation, which became a part of the United States in 1959, is also one of four that did not recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.

Gov. David Ige (D- Hawaii), who is of Japanese descent, would have the final word on the island’s observation of Juneteenth as a holiday. He hasn’t indicated if he will approve the measure, the Associated Press reported.

If Ige acknowledges Juneteeth as a national holiday, South Dakota would be the only state that doesn’t observe the commemorative day for Black Americans. According to AP, North Dakota designated Juneteeth as a holiday on April 12.

Although Hawaii’s rich Black history is often disregarded, the state’s current Black population is relatively small. The U.S. Census reported that only 2.2% of the island’s inhabitants were of African descent in 2019. 

For over 2000 years,  Black Hawaiians reigned supreme on the combination of smaller islands. Noir Guides reported. Many scientists acknowledge that the human race began in Africa and that those ancient peoples made their way across the world.

Blacks explorers and then-settlers also lived in places like New Guinea, Fiji and other Pacific Islands. In fact, the first people to reach present-day Hawaii were Black Polynesians. They navigated the terrain in large canoes.

The founder and executive director of the Popolo Project, Akiemi Glenn, maintained that the bill is long overdue and would be Hawaii’s way of honoring the island’s Black ancestry.

“There’s a recognition that we’re here and that we’re part of Hawaii,” Glenn said.

The director explained to AP that The Popolo Project is an organization dedicated to connecting Black community members and “redefining” what it means to be Black in Hawaii.

“There’s been tremendous momentum building around recognizing the humanity of Black people around the world, and certainly here in Hawaii, and listening to our voices,” Glenn said.

Popolo is the Hawaiian word for a plant with dark purple or blackberries. The term also has become a reference for Black people.

Shaqir O’Neal is joining a list of celebrity athletes across the country who have committed to the HBCU legacy. On Friday, the youngest son of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal announced that he will be heading to Texas Southern University.

“I just wanted to change the narrative of culture and do something new. A lot of people are going to follow me,” O’Neal said during an interview with Overtime. “You can expect a lot of buckets,” he said in the interview. “I’m trying to get to the league.”

Shaqir O’Neal Announces Decision to Attend HBCU

The 18-year old shooting guard posted a photo in a Texas Southern University jersey to share the news with fans on his Instagram page.

 

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Texas Southern University is located in Houston, Texas. It’s one of the largest HBCUs in the nation, enrolling over 10,000 students and offering over 100 academic programs. Founded in 1947, the school became the first state-supported institution in Houston. Notable alumni include Michael Strahan and Yolanda Adams.

Celebrity athletes have been drawing a lot of attention to HBCUs lately. In March, Master P’s son Hercy Miller announced his decision to play basketball at HBCU Tennessee State University after turning down offers from division one schools.

Shariq will not be the only O’Neal playing ball at an HBCU. His older brother, Shareef O’Neal, currently plays for the Louisianna State University (LSU) Tigers basketball team.

Tigers Welcome Shaq’s Son

The Texas Southern Tigers men’s basketball team gave Shaqir O’Neal a special welcome on Instagram.

 

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