Kerry Washington Opens Up About Her Fears As A Black Mother
The Black Lives Matter protests have caused many to speak about their experiences in dealing with daily microaggressions and the effects of systemic racism. This week, People reports on an upcoming clip of the Jemele Hill Is Unbothered podcast where actress Kerry Washington opens up about her own experiences with racism and how that affects how she raises her children, especially in a politically charged climate.
“I know that might sound crazy and corny, but I try to think about, what do I need to be doing right now to take care of myself so that I am present for them, to be able to answer the questions of, ‘Who is this girl, Breonna Taylor, on my T-shirt?’ And, ‘Why do we want to arrest the cops?”
Washington expresses that she speaks to her kids about racism because of the realities of being Black in the United Staes. “To be having those conversations with young children, it requires a lot of presence and ability to navigate their journey with this information and to be there for them because there’s so much uncertainty in the world,” she said.
“When I speak about this country, I speak as a mother, I speak as a woman, I speak as a Black person,” she continues. “I speak as a kid who grew up in the Bronx, across the street from the projects. I don’t speak as a Hollywood elite. I speak as somebody who’s the mother of Black children, as somebody who had student loans way longer than I thought I would. I speak as somebody who cares about my community and the community that my family lives in, my extended family.”
“I don’t think my job as a mom is to take away all the uncertainty, because dealing with uncertainty is part of the human experience, but can I navigate the uncertainty with them and try to mitigate what is age-appropriate?” Washington asks. “It’s challenging. It’s an ongoing conversation.”
Veteran AT&T Exec Xavier Williams Named CEO of American Virtual Cloud Technologies Inc.
Cloud communications giant American Virtual Cloud Technologies Inc. (AVCT) announced that it has appointed Xavier Williams as its new CEO and member of its board of directors starting next month. After working as an executive for AT&T for over 30 years, Williams brings a history of leadership roles under multiple disciplines to help guide him on this new journey.
“I am delighted to join the AVCT team,” said Williams in a press statement. “Thanks to the efforts of Darrell and the entire team, AVCT is extremely well-positioned to win in the fast-growing cloud communications and IT services industry. I look forward to working with the team to build on the strong foundation that has been laid, continuing to deliver exceptional white-glove service to our enterprise customers and to capture the tremendous market opportunity before us. Together we plan to drive sustainable, industry-leading growth that benefits employees, shareholders, and the communities in which we operate.”
AVCT works in creating IT solutions for cybersecurity and other technologies with other 900 enterprise customers. Williams will be succeeding Darrell J. Mays as CEO but he will continue to serve on the AVCT board of directors as executive vice chairman. “I have known and admired Xavier for over 20 years and have seen first-hand the significant value that he has brought to AT&T and its customers,” said Mays in a statement.
“I am excited that he has agreed to join AVCT as CEO, which is another major achievement in our strategic growth plan. AVCT has the resources, infrastructure, team, and culture needed to capture significant market share. I look forward to seeing the company evolve and grow under Xavier’s leadership.”
“Xavier’s experience and capabilities will be extremely helpful in taking AVCT to the next level,” said Larry Mock, AVCT’s chairman of the Board in a statement. “Xavier’s extensive leadership experience in telecommunications and technology combined with his proven track record of performance should help AVCT solidify our service delivery and strengthen our strategic alliances, particularly our relationship with AT&T.”
Restaurateur Pinky Cole of Slutty Vegan, music producer Jermaine Dupri, and the Pinky Cole Foundation are teaming up with Impossible Foods for a unique voter registration drive.
Beginning Tuesday, the group will host a series of six virtual events culminating with a celebration of participation and action in November’s presidential election. The series titled “Votenik Zoom to the Polls” is a twist on the annually celebrated spring break festival in Atlanta known as Freaknik.
Cole, the entrepreneur behind Slutty Vegan, an Atlanta-area restaurant and food truck phenomenon, said the initiative is designed to encourage voter turnout through conversation and food.
“I’m passionate about voting rights, social justice, and delicious food—and this is an incredible opportunity to combine all three things,” Cole, a former television producer who helped foment the burgeoning Black vegan movement, said. “In every election cycle, there’s a lot of attention on who voted and why, but a more critical question is, ‘Who is not voting — and what impact does that have?’ VoteNik is designed to encourage voter turnout and propel larger digital conversation about the voting process.”
Each Votenik Zoom to the Polls virtual event will feature a noteworthy host from a community group or civic and social organization. The first event will feature Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, a transformational leader, speaker, and founder of the Village Market ATL.
The hosts will lead the event and discussion topics related to the election and what issues are important to those committed to rocking the vote.
The virtual events scheduled for Oct. 6 and 13 will feature Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Randall L. Woodfin and Chaka Zulu, Co-CEO of Disturbing Tha Peace Records and Ebony Son Entertainment Inc., who helped launched music careers for artists including T.I., Ludacris, 2 Chainz, Travis Scott, and Iggy Azalea.
Slutty Vegan and Impossible Foods partnered earlier this year to serve Impossible Burgers to frontline workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the Votenik Zoom to the Polls virtual events, Impossible Foods will also sponsor additional physical events related to voter registration.
Louisville Police Chief Declares State Of Emergency In Anticipation Of Breonna Taylor Case Ruling
In anticipation of a ruling in the police shooting death of Breonna Taylor, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has ordered a state of emergency ahead of the announcement, according to Fox News.
Police in Louisville, Kentucky, are starting to restrict access to the downtown area in preparation for the state attorney general’s announcement about whether he will charge officers in Breonna Taylor’s shooting death.
Police have said they would place barricades around Jefferson Square Park, where there have been many protests, and also the perimeter of the downtown area. They will allow only pedestrians in the blocks immediately surrounding Jefferson Square Park, restrict vehicle traffic in other areas of downtown, and limit access to parking garages.
“While we do not know when the Attorney General will make his announcement, LMPD is taking the following actions now to ensure the area is as safe as possible for those coming downtown to express their First Amendment Rights, as well as those who live and work in the area,” the Louisville Metro Police Department said Tuesday in a statement.
The Mayor of Louisville Greg Fischer also posted this to his Twitter account.
We do not know when the @kyoag will make an announcement, or what it will be. Our goal with these steps is ensuring space and opportunity for potential protesters to gather and express their First Amendment rights, & to prepare for any eventuality to keep everyone safe. https://t.co/S2LlFWgL0A
Also effective immediately, the police department also canceled all off days and all vacation requests not already approved and submitted until further notice, according to a separate memo issued by LMPD Sgt. Lamont Washington to all personnel.
Earlier today, the LMPD issued this Tweet.
REGARDING VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
For legitimate business notify an officer at any of these locations:
INTO downtown
2nd and Jefferson
9th and Chestnut
8th and Market
7th and Broadway
OUT of downtown, go to:
9th and Jefferson
2nd and Chestnut
3rd and Market
4th and Broadway pic.twitter.com/kZgeV3Htok
Mississippi Senate Candidate Mike Espy Sets Record With Donations Following RBG’s Death
The campaign to elect Democrat Mike Espy to the Senate broke the record for the amount of money raised in one day for a Mississippi candidate this weekend.
According to Espy’s Communications Director, Kendall Witmer, Espy’s campaign raised more than $302,000 Saturday. By Sunday, the total reached more than $500,000, with the average donation being $28.
Many are donating to Espy‘s campaign in hopes he will defeat GOP incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. If Hyde-Smith wins, she will eventually vote on whether to replace recently deceased Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg with a conservative justice that likely will be dedicated to dismantling Obamacare, LGBTQ rights, and more.
Espy challenged Hyde-Smith in a 2018 special election after former Gov. Phil Bryant appointed Hyde-Smith to fill a vacant Senate seat, but lost.
Additionally, the high court is set to hear a case that could overturn the Affordable Care Act, which could strip the health benefits of more than 100,000 residents in the state.
“These contributions will go toward continuing to build our historic organizing and (get-out-the-vote) effort that will impact Democrats and Democratic organizing up and down the ballot for years to come,” Witmer told theMississippi Free Press.
Hyde-Smith has already committed to nominating a new Supreme Court Justice, saying that Ginsburg “devoted her life to the law, becoming one of the most respected and influential women in our time. I appreciate her dedication and service to the nation. President Trump and the Senate now have the solemn duty to fill that vacancy, a process that should not be delayed.”
“I take this responsibility seriously,” she continued, “and I support the president’s intention to name a nominee as soon as possible.”
According to Yahoo News, the state’s other senator, Republican Roger Wicker has already committed to filling the vacant Su[preme Court seat saying the Senate should fulfill their “constitutional duty” to fill “all vacancies as long as we are in office.”
Black Luxury Haircare Brand Receives Seed Investment With Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Ignite Venture Studio
Black haircare is a billion-dollar industry with more and more Black businesses creating products that nourish our hair types. After noticing the lack of options Black women who are active in the gym had for haircare products, serial entrepreneur Keenan Beasley decided to create Sunday II Sunday, a line of products made from clean ingredients explicitly designed for active women. Now, the luxury hair brand is announcing its seed financing round with the help of Johnson & Johnson Innovation Studio and Ignite Venture Studio.
Beasley said he got the idea for the brand after looking at information about active Black women and their choices for haircare products. “I saw a stat that 40% of Black women weren’t working out because of their hair, and that changed everything for me,” said Beasley in an email interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“The fact that a huge population of women was compromising on both their health and enjoyment because of their hair was simply something I had to help solve. Growing up, the women in my life were so active and truly inspired me each and every day—my mom and niece are swimmers, and my sister was a track and cheerleading athlete. I truly feel that nothing should hold anyone back from living their life to the fullest. We believe life is an adventure, and she shouldn’t have to compromise because of her hair.”
Beasley went on to say that the new investment will go on to expand Sunday II Sunday‘s product collection and overall operations.” These contributions have helped us develop best-in-class products and establish an amazing team,” he said. “From the quality of our ingredients to ensuring we have proper inventory to consistently meet the demands of our consumer base. Moving forward, I will continue to invest in innovation and marketing.”
The bar owner, Jake Gardner, who was expected to turn himself in to authorities last week, was found dead from an apparent suicide in Oregon, according to CNN. Gardner shot himself outside a medical clinic in suburban Portland on Sunday, law enforcement officials stated.
In a statement, the Hillsboro Police Department said the 38-year-old bar owner died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound about 12:20 p.m. “The cause of death is under investigation, but officers are not seeking any suspects and there is no danger to the community,” it reads. “Gardner was indicted by a Douglas County, Nebraska grand jury last week on charges stemming from the May 30 shooting death of James Scurlock in Omaha.”
Gardner’s attorneys, Stu Dornan and Tom Monaghan, said Gardner shot himself on the day he planned to surrender to answer the charge of manslaughter and three other felony charges based on the May 30 incident that led to the death of a 22-year-old Scurlock.
“The family of Jake Gardner has asked Tom Monaghan and myself to share the news of his death today, at his own hand,” Dornan said.
Scurlock was fatally shot outside of a bar in Omaha by Gardner during a protest against police brutality. Local station KETV reported that police officers responded after they heard gunshots and found Scurlock suffering from a gunshot wound on the scene. He was taken to Nebraska Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Last week, special prosecutor Frederick Franklin announced that the grand jury had reached a decision and charged Gardner with four counts: manslaughter, attempted first-degree assault, terroristic threats, and use of a firearm in connection with a felony.
Small Businesses Rank the Economy as the No. 1 Election Issue in Chamber of Commerce Report
A survey by Metlife and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows businesses remain concerned about the economy and it’s their top election issue.
The survey, known as the Small Business Index, found business owners are still hurting from the economic ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic. Seventy-eight percent of respondents consider the economy as “average,” “somewhat poor,” or “very poor,” in August. That’s a 7% increase from July.
The report also showed business owners’ positivity varied significantly by industry sectors. According to the survey, just over 1 in 3 retailers feel their business is in good health. However, companies in the service industry are more optimistic about the future.
Fifty-eight percent of respondents in the service industry said their business health is good. That’s higher when compared to retail (37%) and manufacturing (47%). These results give more validity to the thought of a K-shaped economic recovery to the pandemic where some industries rebound quickly while others continue to suffer.
The survey also found most owners are optimistic about 2021. Fifty-two percent of respondents predict an increase in their revenue next year. In fact, only 16% of respondents expect to see a decrease in next year’s revenue. Twenty-five percent of business owners expect their revenue to stay around the same.
“The pandemic has had an uneven economic impact on industries and workers, many of whom are small
business owners. It’s no wonder their driving issue for the upcoming election is the economy,” Neil
Bradley, chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said. “We are now in a K-shaped recovery, where many small businesses face severe long-term challenges. We need our elected leaders to come together and provide targeted relief to the industries and small businesses who have been the most deeply impacted. Inaction is simply unacceptable.”
After the economy, owners cite taxes (27%), the coronavirus pandemic (25%), and healthcare (25%) as the most concerning 2020 election issues.
Michael Jordan Purchases NASCAR Cup Series Team With Bubba Wallace as Driver
NBA legend Michael Jordan announced the purchase of a NASCAR Cup Series Charter with Bubba Wallace as the driver when the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season begins. The news comes after Wallace revealed on Sept. 10 that he will no longer be racing for Richard Petty Motorsports.
Jordan, who is the current owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, will be the majority owner of a NASCAR Cup Series team while Denny Hamlin is a minority owner of the single-car team.
Tonight, I’m excited to announce MJ and I are starting a new, single car @NASCAR Cup Series team for 2021. Deciding on a driver was easy – it had to be @BubbaWallace. pic.twitter.com/nIJv0X6ZOX
“Growing up in North Carolina, my parents would take my brothers, sisters and me to races, and I’ve been a NASCAR fan my whole life,” Jordan said in a news release. “The opportunity to own my own racing team in partnership with my friend, Denny Hamlin, and to have Bubba Wallace driving for us, is very exciting for me. Historically, NASCAR has struggled with diversity and there have been few Black owners. The timing seemed perfect as NASCAR is evolving and embracing social change more and more.
“In addition to the recent commitment and donations I have made to combat systemic racism, I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing.”
Hamlin will remain a driver of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, where his Cup Series career began in 2005. He has six wins this year and is one of the favorites to win the 2020 championship.
“Bubba has shown tremendous improvement since joining the Cup Series and we believe he’s ready to take his career to a higher level,” Hamlin stated. “He deserves the opportunity to compete for race wins and our team will make sure he has the resources to do just that. Off the track, Bubba has been a loud voice for change in our sport and our country. MJ and I support him fully in those efforts and stand beside him.”
Wallace said: “This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career. Both Michael and Denny are great competitors and are focused on building the best team they possibly can to go out and compete for race wins. I’m grateful and humbled that Michael and Denny believe in me and I’m super pumped to begin this adventure with them.”
DeSantis called the legislation the “boldest and most comprehensive” piece of legislation on the issues of civil disobedience and protest in the country. The governor also tweeted the new legislation was aimed at “those who target law enforcement and participate in violent or disorderly assemblies.”
The act also contains a measure allowing motorists to be waived of liability should they happen to kill or injure a protester with their vehicles while “fleeing for safety from a mob.”
“This is a very robust package. I think what it’s saying is we are not going to let Florida go down the road that some of these other places have gone,” DeSantis told reporters Monday.
The proposed legislation represents President Donald Trump’s calls for “law and order,” amid a summer filled with protests and actions supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and calls to defund the police.
“You see videos of these innocent people eating dinner and you have these crazed lunatics just screaming at them and intimidating them on a public accommodation,” DeSantis said. “You aren’t going to do that in the state of Florida.”
Micah Kubic, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, called the proposed legislation “undemocratic and hostile to Americans’ shared values.”
“This effort has one goal: silence, criminalize, and penalize Floridians who want to see justice for Black lives lost to racialized violence and brutality at the hands of law enforcement,” Kubic told CNN.
The next legislative session in the state isn’t until next March, but DeSantis said committees will begin meeting later this year to begin the process of crafting the language of the bill and finding sponsors.
