by Andrea Blackstone

April 28, 2021

Women-Led CBD Brand Introduces Products Made for Women by Women

Entrepreneurial nurse Carla Joseph is on a mission to help women lead a more harmonious life through the use of premium, hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) oil. According to her company’s website, Zula Essentials was created through her own use of CBD oil, in addition to her desire to help other women enhance the quality of their lives.

Zula Essentials’ founder is a board-certified nurse practitioner. She possesses more than 10 years of experience in the health and wellness space and is an advocate of mental health serving as the foundation of a self care routine.

“Zula Essentials, a Black-owned CBD brand for women by women, understands how this uncertain phenomenon changed the lives of women today. To support women in leading a more harmonious life through the use of CBD, the company introduces its CBD oil, gummies, and soothing cream products,” a press release said.

Joseph’s chance introduction to CBD products was mentioned in the press release. When the nurse felt overwhelmed with patients who experienced tremendous trauma, Joseph accepted a friend’s advice to try a CBD product. She slept better and had reduced anxiety. Joseph realized how CBD could help others, too. Now products offered through Zula Essentials are intended for women to use.

CBD oil may be readily available and face less of a stigma, but the press release pointed out that most consumers are unaware that CBD levels exist. Zula Essential’s hemp plants are grown in pure soil in the United States.

“The company owns a proprietary Nanoemulsion technology that breaks down active CBD ingredients into tiny, nano-sized particles to support better absorption by the body,” the press release added.

Zula Essentials’ Facebook page also stated that Zula Essentials Premium Grade Hemp Extract is THC-free.

Suspended Army Sgt. Jonathan Pentland’s Case Will Be Heard In Civilian Court

by Christian Spencer

April 28, 2021

Suspended Army Sgt. Jonathan Pentland’s Case Will Be Heard In Civilian Court

Suspended Sgt. Jonathan Pentland, the white U.S. Army drill sergeant who yelled and shoved a Black man for being in the wrong neighborhood,” will be tried in a civilian court.

On Friday, sources from the Military Times say that local authorities will handle Pentland’s assault case in South Carolina instead of a military one.

Fort Jackson’s Commander Brig. Gen. Milford Beagle Jr. said this decision was to ensure that the case will be handled on its own merit.

“While I have the authority to take action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice or take other administrative actions, I have the utmost confidence in our civilian criminal system and trust that it will reach a fair and just resolution of this case,” Beagle said in a statement. “I do not want to take any actions now that could interfere with the fair resolution of civilian criminal charges.”

According to the Greenville News, if found guilty, Pentland could serve 30 days in jail and pay a $500 fine for a third-degree assault charge.

There is not much information as to what led up to the incident, but some say the incident was racially charged.

Regardless of how much legal trouble Pentland receives, the backlash he received from his viral video will follow the 42-year-old for a long time.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, outraged BLM supporters came out supporting the Black man, Deandre, who was assaulted by a seemingly drunk Pentland. The protesters crowded in front of the disgraced sergeant’s house, demanding him to meet with them.

A news report from WLTX, a local CBS-affiliated television station shows that three Black women recorded the incident and rescued the young Black man.

New Documentary Shares History of Unmarked Graves and Cemeteries of the Enslaved

by Andrea Blackstone

April 28, 2021

New Documentary Shares History of Unmarked Graves and Cemeteries of the Enslaved

Documenting Black history has been a lifelong calling for Chris Haley. The actor, writer, and filmmaker was motivated to learn about the subject in childhood. He now works as the director of the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland at the Maryland State Archives Research Department and is also the nephew of author Alex Haley. He co-directed a new film called Unmarked with Brad J. Bennett.

Enslaved people should not be forgotten.
Unmarked Courtesy Photo – First Run Features/ Chris Haley and Brad J. Bennett

The trailer illustrates how the film will bring attention to unmarked final resting places, and unmarked cemeteries, of free and formerly enslaved African Americans.

According to CTV, Haley hopes that the film will encourage more people to help preserve a gravesite and visit cemeteries to find out the condition of them, even if they are not related to the deceased.

In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Haley offered insight about individuals who may say that studying slavery is a waste of time, because it happened so long ago. He said that slavery is a part of America’s history.

“The fact that these people lived, and the fact that these people contributed is significant,” he said.

Haley explained that in the absence of gravestones, mounds of earth or resilient periwinkle flowers are commonly found at burial sites. They are used as landmarks. Without this knowledge being shared, many would remain unaware, he shared In an interview with The Guardian.

Bennett told BLACK ENTERPRISE that he knows that what he and Haley are doing to inform is important. Unmarked is bringing attention to the suffering of those from generations who were captured and brought to the U.S. under such terrible circumstances.

“Learning some of stories and contributions of the enslaved community has greatly impacted my view on how largely these individuals have contributed to the wealth of our nation,” Bennett also said.

Beginning on April 27, 2021, viewers can rent or purchase the 40-minute film on iTunes, Amazon, and Apple TV.

Haitian Philanthropist Pierre Toussaint Has Street Named After Him In Brooklyn

by Christian Spencer

April 28, 2021

Haitian Philanthropist Pierre Toussaint Has Street Named After Him In Brooklyn

One of New York City’s former slaves has a street named after him in a Haitian-dominated community in Brooklyn’s Flatbush section.

On Sunday, Freeman Pierre Toussaint had a street named in his honor between the intersection of Flatbush and Church Ave, The Haitian Times reported.

A famous hairdresser and credited as being the “father” of Catholic Charities New York, Toussaint was first brought to New York as a slave from Haiti in 1787.

A bill in 2019 passed by the New York City Council made the renaming possible, with District 40 Council Member Mathieu Eugene, who is Haitian, and Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens leading the Pierre Toussaint Guild ceremony.

“Today, we are here to pay tribute to his [Pierre Toussaint] life, to his contribution, his achievement, to what he have done for people, for the children of God,” Eugene said.

Sen. Chuck Schumer also made an appearance, according to Bklyner, saying Toussaint represents everything an American and a New Yorker should be.

“It’s great to be here with everybody. Today I want to celebrate the beautiful life of Pierre Toussaint and the contributions of the Haitian-American community here in Brooklyn and in New York. He lived his life in service to others, improving his community even in the face of enslavement and discrimination, and bigotry.”

“I am honored to be here on behalf of the mayor as well as a representative of the City of New York,” Maggie Osten, the senior advisor to Mayor Bill de Blasio and “daughter of Haiti,” said. “Pierre Toussaint is such an important figure for Haitians here in New York City as well as back home in Haiti. His philanthropy and accomplishments are nothing short of amazing when you consider that he came here as a slave.”

He was enslaved to Jean Bérard and his mistress, but his kindness grew on them, and as was freed shortly before the widow’s death. Toussaint also earned money as a hairdresser for Madame Bérard and kept most of his earnings, according to the Memoir of Pierre Toussaint, Born a Slave in St. Domingo.

Toussaint and his newly freed sister, Rosalie, lived off his earnings as a successful hairdresser, which attracted many wealthy white people, Columbia University stated. Toussaint would later buy a woman’s freedom and marry her. They raised Rosalie’s child after she died of tuberculosis.

The last name Toussaint originated from the famous Haitian Revolutionary, Toussaint Louverture.

Pierre Toussaint and his wife visited the South to distribute baked goods and services to other slaves and orphanages.

Fun fact, Toussaint also helped fund St. Patrick’s Cathedral, “where he is buried as the only lay person, alongside the former Cardinal-Archbishops of New York City,” according to the Archdiocese of New York.

Being Unemployed Pays More Than Working At A Florida McDonald’s Full Time

by Christian Spencer

April 28, 2021

Being Unemployed Pays More Than Working At A Florida McDonald’s Full Time

A job at a McDonald’s in Tampa Bay, Florida, is less rewarding than receiving government assistance.

Low wages at this specific McDonald’s is driving away applicants who instead collect their weekly certified unemployment checks that pay more with no effort, Bossip reported

Under the Cares Act, those who filed for unemployment will receive a $600 weekly direct deposit. However, this situation has created a scenario where it is more advantageous to do nothing than to work for $8.46 per hour full-time job—Florida’s minimum wage.

Before taxes, basic calculations show that a 40-hour shift at McDonald’s adds up to $338.40 per week. Compared to being unemployed and receiving a $600 benefit, there is about a 56% difference in pay.

According to KTVU Fox 2 News, this McDonald’s location, owned by the Caspers Co., a third-generation family-owned business, is so understaffed, applicants who just show up to the interviews will receive $50 in the process.

The free money reportedly is not helping the restaurant employ more workers, but other perks, such as referral programs, hiring bonuses and allowing people to apply via text message, effectively reel in workers.

“Get hired today $11.50/HR,” is a sign that is displayed outside of the restaurant.

However, before taxes, a full-time job at McDonald’s, 40 hours per week, $11.50 per hour, is still less than receiving $600 per week for doing nothing.

In the current pandemic, jobs that pay less than or equal to $15 per hour are inferior to unemployment checks.

In addition to unemployment being lucrative, stimulus checks that are set to be released in July will also incentivize some to stay at home.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE reported, the next round of stimulus checks slated for summer will enable parents to receive up to $3,600 per child for 2021. The parents with children under 6 years old will receive $300 per month in the summer of 2021, while parents of older children get a monthly installment of $250 per month.

71% of Black Americans Convinced Finding Jobs Will Be Tougher Than Before COVID

by Jeffrey McKinney

April 28, 2021

71% of Black Americans Convinced Finding Jobs Will Be Tougher Than Before COVID

For years, Black joblessness has consistently been greater than the national average. Now, 7 out of 10 Black American workers see a dire outlook for finding work, the 2021 Job Seeker Nation Report from recruiting software provider Jobvite reveals. The data includes feedback from over 1,500 adults reflecting on the new concerns for workers navigating the job-seeking process amid COVID. Some 181 Black Americans—or about 12%—were among the respondents.

Jobvite CEO Aman Brar told Black Enterprise via email the report found that 71% of Black American workers believe finding a job this year will be harder than before the pandemic started. “This finding aligns with other reports revealing that minority groups have been facing more challenges in the job market throughout the pandemic, highlighting its unequal impact on people of color,” he says.

Another finding from the 2021 report revealed that 53% of all workers surveyed have or plan to have a second income source, with 60% of Black Americans in that position. Compared to last year’s report, Brar says that is a significant uptick in U.S. workers desiring extra income.

He says the pandemic has caused massive layoffs, furloughs, and a decrease in working hours, which other reports have revealed to be increasingly affecting Black Americans. Brar says these findings underscore disparities in the pandemic’s day-to-day impact by race and gender and demonstrate that people of color may be in a more precarious financial position as a result.

Why should Black Americans be concerned with these findings?

Brar says many companies are beginning to rebuild and re-staff. He added among ways job seekers can boost their employment opportunities is by connecting with recruiters, staying in touch with them regularly, and leveraging their own networks for job referrals.

He says being flexible, adaptive to change, and hyper-organized are key skills that recruiters are looking for now. It’s also important that recruiters acknowledge and work to mitigate the challenges workers of color face in the job-seeking process due to unconscious bias. Brar says this can manifest itself in several ways, including how a job description is written, how a job opening is marketed, and what schools an organization recruits candidates from.

“Organizations need to do more to eliminate systemic roadblocks that keep so many people from great employment opportunities—including the Black American community.”

The report confirmed what has been a growing trend since the pandemic began: Workplace diversity is becoming increasingly more important to job seekers. Brar pointed out 42% of all surveyed workers reported they would reject a job offer if the company lacked diversity or clear goals for improving diversity in hiring. He says that means companies need to build diverse and inclusive workspaces to drive top talent and then deliver on the initiatives they put into place.

“It is up to leaders at organizations to drive that change—leading by example and ensuring the employees they hire reflect the community around them.”

Work Towards Becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst With This Certification Prep Training

by Black Enterprise Shop

April 28, 2021

Work Towards Becoming a Chartered Financial Analyst With This Certification Prep Training

If you want a career in the finance industry, there are multiple ways to go about it. You can go into investment banking, where you handle the new issuance of corporate securities and bring them to market. You can try your hand at private equity, where you help businesses find capital for both growth and expansion. Or you can be a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), a well-rounded finance professional who helps corporations and individuals make informed decisions about pretty much anything that has to do with money. It’s a tough job, and you need to pass certain exams to become one, but it pays handsomely.

If you want to begin your foray into becoming a CFA, you need to treat your prep process seriously. The All-In-One CFA Level 1 Exam Certification Prep Bundle can help you on that front. It consists of over 20 hours of content on economics, corporate finance, equity, and so much more. For a limited time, you can get it on sale for 97% off.

Lectures are taught by James Forjan, Ph.D., CFA, an experienced educator who has trained aspiring CFAs for decades. The package features nine courses that tackle different aspects of finance. It begins with a discussion on the high ethical standards in the investment industry. Then, it jumps right into quantitative concepts and techniques used in financial analysis and investment decision making. You’ll also learn the fundamentals of macroeconomics and microeconomics. In addition, the material goes over the process of understanding, analyzing, and interpreting financial statements. Furthermore, you’ll also receive practice questions from AnalystPrep’s mock exams, to better prepare you for the challenging tests.

There’s no doubt that you will learn everything to work towards certification. Get the All-In-One CFA Level 1 Exam Certification Prep Bundle for $39.99—97 percent off the usual $1791. You can even save an extra 20% when you use the code WELOVEMOM at checkout for a limited time.

Prices subject to change.

Mother of 7 Makes History, First African American to Earn Ph.D. in Survey Methodology

by Andrea Blackstone

April 28, 2021

Mother of 7 Makes History, First African American to Earn Ph.D. in Survey Methodology

Alena Maze is an ambitious, married mother of seven children who are being raised in a multicultural blended family. POPSUGAR mentioned that her husband is Korean. Lee is African American. Raising children is a great feat within itself, but Lee recently became the first African American person in history to receive a Ph.D. in the field of Survey Methodology.

On Facebook, Maze celebrated her victory by announcing that she successfully passed her Ph.D. dissertation defense. She added that her history-making accomplishment is specifically tied to her achievement to becoming the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in the field, in the entire world.

“That also means I’m currently the only Black person to hold a Ph.D. in this degree. My dream was to inspire other Black girls and women to achieve the highest education they could in their field. To reach higher. Never did I think my love of Math and Health would lead me to being a “first” in Black History,” Maze explained in a post. “After 5-6 years of hard research, I spent the last 3 months shut up in my office space, focused only on two things: finishing my variance derivations and estimations. During this time I encountered God’s love, through a divine meeting with His Holy Spirit in a way I cannot wait to share. His Love has been enough for me to manifest anything I desire to do, be or become. It’s Dr. Maze now !!!”

Maze further explained that her job entails researching the math behind surveys. Nevertheless, Lee somehow finds time to participate in another venture with her children and spouse. According to the family’s website, Maze and her husband, Joe Lee, also bring high-quality family-oriented multicultural media to YouTube through cinematic vlogs. The parents document their journey as a manner of finding their purpose in the will of God.

Levar Burton Schools Meghan McCain on Cancel Culture

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 28, 2021

Levar Burton Schools Meghan McCain on Cancel Culture

Leave it up to Reading Rainbow star Levar Burton to educate Meghan McCain on how ‘cancel culture’ should really be considered “consequence culture.”

Burton virtually appeared on The View Monday where McCain tried to bait him into a question on “cancel culture” as it relates to six Dr. Seuss books that were pulled from shelves earlier this year due to racist and insensitive imagery.

“What do you think of that decision and about the cancel culture surrounding works of art or artists that are controversial?” McCain asked.

But the television star who became a household name in the 80s and 90s by reading books to children on his beloved PBS show responded to McCain’s question by turning it into a teachable moment.

“Dr. Seuss is more than simply a company that’s decided to put a couple of books on the shelf, to take them out of rotation,” Burton explained. “That man, Theodore Geisel, is responsible for generations of wholesome, healthy, wonderful, creative content for children of all ages. So, I think we need to put things in perspective.”

The Star Trek: Next Generation star provided context into ‘cancel culture’ being a misnamed approach at accountability.

“I think it’s misnamed,” Burton said. “That’s a misnomer. I think we have a consequence culture, and that consequences are finally encompassing everybody in this society, whereas they haven’t been ever in this country.”

The Roots star offered his support for the buzzword saying it’s “good signs that are happening in the culture right now.” He continued. “And I think it has everything to do with a new awareness by people who were simply unaware of the real nature of life in this country for people who have been othered since this nation began.”

His response left McCain speechless and further proved how prepared Burton is for his upcoming guest-hosting position on Jeopardy!

D-Nice: ‘Music Introduced Me to Being Creative, but Technology Saved My Life’

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 28, 2021

D-Nice: ‘Music Introduced Me to Being Creative, but Technology Saved My Life’

Derrick Jones, known to the world as D-Nice, started his career as an emcee in the burgeoning hip-hop collective, Boogie Down Productions, which was fronted by Lawrence “Kris” Parker, also known as the legendary KRS-One. As he transitioned to the turntables, D-Nice started gaining notoriety for his parties. Then the pandemic took over the world and opened up an opportunity for the Bronx, NY-born artist, who started Club Quarantine on the Instagram platform.

The talented crowd motivator told AfroTech that “Music introduced me to being creative, but technology saved my life.”

Between the time that his career had him controlling the mic and then him controlling the turntables, D-Nice worked with a digital company, Boom Digital, that built websites for artists like the late Aaliyah and R&B superstar, Tank. From there, he started his own digital company United Camps, and started creating custom websites for other artists, like Alicia Keys, as well.

“Building The Diary of Alicia Keys was an important one for me because at the time she was managed by her mom and it was almost like we were creating Twitter before Twitter was around,” D-Nice said. “We just didn’t think of doing it for the masses because the site was based on her diary.”

As D-Nice continued to build his brand, his love for music and technology played a role.

“I started to become more in love with music and understanding how to bridge the gap between music and tech because of experiences like that and this is what made the whole thing happen with CQ,” D-Nice said. “If you fast forward to 2020, I was already embracing the technology anyway and trying to figure out how to do things in a virtual way, and the moment that I started playing music on social media it was almost like I had already envisioned this before quarantine, which is why I jumped on it so early.”