White Professor Resigns From University of Wisconsin-Madison After Lying About Being Black
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 21, 2020

White Professor Resigns From University of Wisconsin-Madison After Lying About Being Black

Following the revelation that former George Washington University professor Jessica Krug had been lying for years about being Black, another white academic revealed that she, too, has been posing as a person of color.

In an essay published on Medium.com entitled, “A First Step,” CV Vitolo-Haddad confessed to pretending to be Black and/or Latinx and announced her resignation using the pen name See Vee Vitolo-Haddad. According to reports, she is actually Italian.

“I am so deeply sorry for the ways you are hurting right now because of me. You have expressed confusion, shock, betrayal, anger, and mistrust. All of those things are a consequence of how I have navigated our relationships and the spaces we share,” she writes.

“In trying to sort through parts of who I am, I’ve taken some very wrong turns. I never really owned up to them as they became apparent, nor recognized the trail of damage behind me. The harm I caused is a result of my lack of courage, a preference for being vague and contradictory, uncertain, and insecure. I want to make amends for every ounce of heartbreak and betrayal.

“I have let guesses about my ancestry become answers I wanted but couldn’t prove. I have let people make assumptions when I should have corrected them.

“I know it will take a long time to remedy this damage. I don’t know how to begin repairing things yet, but I want to recognize the hurt. I am taking some time to reflect so I can offer a real apology. I know it will take time for many of you to be willing to redress this.”

Vitolo-Haddad wrote a follow-up titled “A Second Step” to try to take more responsibility and to apologize for her reaction to other people’s reactions:

“First, I am deeply sorry and regretful to the people I deceived by inserting myself into Black organizing spaces I didn’t belong in. That deception was parasitic and harmful. I want to identify those moments and state what I should have done differently:

“#1- When asked if I identify as Black, my answer should have always been “No.” There were three separate instances I said otherwise. I should not have adopted any identity outside of what I know. I should have recognized my commitments to liberation can be based on my experiences without incorporating those experiences into my identity. I should have instead been clear and honest about how I identify and talked through people’s perceptions and ideas of me.

“#2- I should have never entered Black organizing spaces. They are not my place. Once realizing this, it wasn’t sufficient to just leave; I should have explained that directly to the people who invited me and clarified my identity.”

The TAA Executive Board and Racial Justice Committee of UW-Madison issued this statement:

“We condemn CV Vitolo-Haddad’s appropriation of Black and Brown identities in no uncertain terms. They have resigned as co-president, and we have removed their access to our website, social media, and all other internal accounts. We cannot speak for CV, but we as TAA leaders are profoundly sorry for the harm they have caused members of the Madison community by 1) claiming Black and Brown identities, 2) using those identities to silence and alienate activists in organizing spaces, and 3) manipulating and gaslighting Black and Brown community members who tried holding them accountable.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 21, 2020

Rep. Ilhan Omar: ‘Trump is a Racist Tyrant’

Democratic Rep. Ilham Omar harshly criticized President Donald Trump in an exclusive interview with Independent. She also spoke about her battle with the Commander-in-Chief, arguing that “Trump is a racist tyrant — but America is strong enough to survive his presidency.”

Omar, who was born in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1982, made history on Jan. 2, 2019, when she was sworn in as the first Somali-American in Congress. That was an uphill battle, but she states that now, “Our focus right now is defeating Donald Trump.”

She admits that Trump and the rest of racist America use her previous climb of emerging from a refugee camp to being elected to Congress as a way to promote hate when Trump spews his usual ‘Make America Great Again’ mantra by masking that as homegrown pride.

“I happen to embody multiple marginal identities. I’m a woman, I’m black, I’m a refugee, an immigrant, a Muslim and I wear a hijab. And all of those are identities that have been vilified by the right… and weaponized by Donald Trump.

“For me, that understanding allows me to be resolved in the ways in which I unapologetically show up, advocate for policies that make our country a more equitable society.”

The political leader still has hope as far as what the United States can be.

“I believe we have here in the United States really good institutions that have withstood four years of Trump and can withstand many things. It’s one of the greatest constitutions in the world.

“America… for so many people living abroad, including myself when I lived in a refugee camp, is a place where people do get an opportunity to fulfill their promise. And the idea that the United States has been seen as a place of refuge, as a place whereas my grandfather used to say ‘eventually everyone becomes an American’, is now being led by a xenophobic, racist tyrant, who doesn’t understand anything that is fundamental to the American identity – that’s a shock to many people.”

Although she has been accused of trying to disrupt the Democratic Party with the progressive policies she believes in, she still has hopes that some of those policies will at least be taken into consideration.

“Our focus right now is defeating Donald Trump – but for us, that’s not the destination, that is an opportunity to get a step closer to the destination,” she says.

Check out the full interview here.

LeBron James, 50 Cent, Viola Davis, and Other Celebs React to Lori Loughlin Choosing Prison of Her Choice
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 21, 2020

LeBron James, 50 Cent, Viola Davis, and Other Celebs React to Lori Loughlin Choosing Prison of Her Choice

Los Angeles Lakers team leader LeBron James posted is speaking out against racial disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system.

After learning that actress Lori Loughlin, who is best known for her role as Aunt Beck on Full House, was given the opportunity to choose a prison closer to where she lives, James took to Instagram to say,  “I’m laughing cause sometimes you have to, just to stop from crying.”

According to The New York Post, James shared a screenshot of a Vanity Fair article that announced that actress Loughlin will get to serve her two-month sentence at the prison of her choice, which angered the basketball superstar.

He took to Instagram, in a since-deleted post going off on a diatribe, stating:

“Of her what!!??? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. I’m laughing cause sometimes you have to just to stop from crying! Don’t make no damn sense to me. We just want the same treatment if committed of same crime that’s all. Is that asking for to much??? Let me guess, it is huh. Yeah I know!! We’ll just keep pushing forward and not expecting the handouts! STRONG, BLACK & POWERFUL! 🙏🏾✊🏾👑,” James had written.

According to TheGrio, after the initial post, several notable people chimed in:

50 Cent wrote “yeah that sounds about white, I have never [heard] of that before. You going to jail but pick anyone you want to go to. LOL this is so f**ked up”


T.I. also stated, “Sounds about white”

Viola Davis gave her input, “Whaaaaat???!!! Uh… is it punishment if you get chose? Is she going to chose her meal program, too??!! “

Motivational speaker Trent Shelton noted, “That’s crazy. The system is operating the way it was intended to operate. Sad man.”

Larenz Tate also commented, “ White priv… never mind. We know what it is… ALWAYS!”

Foot Locker is Turning Stores Into Voter Registration Sites
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 21, 2020

Foot Locker is Turning Stores Into Voter Registration Sites

Foot Locker will “Rock the Vote” at its stores this election year.

In a press release, Foot Locker announced a partnership with Rock the Vote to utilize Foot Locker retail locations as voter registration sites in order to empower today’s youth to exercise their right to vote and take civic action. More than 2,000 store locations will be transformed into registration sites, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Footaction.

“In a year marked with such uncertainty, amid a pandemic and social unrest, our country’s future – and our collective role in shaping it – has never been more important,” said Richard Johnson, chairman  and CEO, Foot Locker, Inc in a written statement. “At Foot Locker, our mission is to inspire and empower youth culture, so partnering with Rock The Vote was a natural fit to help educate and amplify the voices of today’s youth.”

Starting on “National Voter Registration Day” on Sept. 22, anyone who visits any U.S. retail location within the family of brands will have ‘one-click’ access to a digital hub where they can check their voter registration status, register to vote, and/or sign-up for election reminders.

“At Foot Locker, Inc., we believe in the power of our people—more than 30,000 store and corporate team members across the country,” said Frank Bracken, executive vice president & CEO Foot Locker North America. “Now, more than ever, we are committed to uplifting and empowering our team by offering flexible voting hours and resources to encourage them to exercise their right to vote, and together, make a significant impact at the polls.”

“The Foot Locker, Inc. family of brands reach millions of young people every day, giving them a tremendous platform to empower this generation with the information they need to vote in this election,” said President of Rock the Vote, Carolyn DeWitt. “We, at Rock the Vote, are eager to leverage their longstanding, trusted relationship with America’s youth generation to ensure their voices are heard.”

To learn more or to get involved, visit https://www.footlocker.com/vote.

This Black-Owned Private Jet Company Is Seeing Huge Growth Amid The Pandemic
by Dana Givens

September 21, 2020

This Black-Owned Private Jet Company Is Seeing Huge Growth Amid The Pandemic

The travel industry has been severely impacted by the spread of COVID-19, causing new travel restrictions to go into effect. The airline industry has already reported millions in losses as executives learn to adapt to the new reality and how to keep their customers. In other areas of the sector, many companies have seen a surge in revenue like private jet companies. As wealthier travelers look for ways to travel safely for business and protect loved ones, many are looking at private jet charters. One black-owned company is recording numbers with a 300% increase in revenues as a result of the public health crisis.

Glenn Gonzales is the owner of Jet It, a business jet fractional ownership company, and is betting big on the new future of travel. The Houston-native got his start in aviation after working as a pilot instructor with an interest in learning more about planes and how they function. His experience eventually led him to work for Gulfstream, where his career took shape. “At the time, Gulfstream was the premier business jet company, and I would fly prospective customers on these demonstration flights around the world,” said Gonzales in an email interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE. 

“While at Gulfstream, I completed my master’s in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and subsequently an M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina. In 2016, we relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, where I transitioned into HondaJet as a sales executive. While there, I recognized a void in the marketplace, and after two years there, I left in 2017 to launch Jet It and JetClub (our international company), along with my co-founder, Vishal Hiremath. We started with just the two of us and 2 employees and currently have an extremely diverse group of 58 team members.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Gonzales says he has seen a dramatic increase in new clients interested in private travel allowing him to invest $60 million to expand his company including his private charter company Jet Club amid the growing demand.

“We have seen our business grow 300% in the 2nd and 3rd quarter of this year. And while the private jet travel industry has not increased in total volume, Jet It has seen exponential interest in prospective customers actively seeking a solution to their travel needs,” he said.

“Our value proposition is based on having access to an entire private jet for only $1,600 per hour. Additionally, there are tax incentives of ownership and additional daily hours available for the usage, which creates an unmatched value. We are blessed that business is strong and we believe we will continue to set new records as the year proceeds.”

The innovative business model that allows clients to own a piece of a jet offering them a flexible schedule and lower flight costs has put the company on track to grow its North American fleet to double digits by the end of 2020. “We believe that the consumers will continue to seek additional forms of alternative travel that will allow them to protect them and their families from the potential effects of the virus. As a result, we believe this will heighten awareness around companies such as Jet It, further driving our growth,” says Gonzales.

“Our success metrics have not changed and are based on two primary focus areas: 1) Operate Safely, and 2) Provide outstanding customer experiences in the process. We are intentional about delivering exceptional experiences where Jet It travelers can live their best lives without the barriers of time and cost. Our goal is to help our Jet It family of customers create more meaningful memories while having phenomenal experiences along the way, all for an unprecedented value.”

Jaime Harrison Laughs Off Lindsay Graham’s Political Ploy
by Derek Major

September 21, 2020

Jaime Harrison Laughs Off Lindsay Graham’s Political Ploy

Democratic candidate for Senate Jaime Harrison is giving his opponent Lindsey Graham the toughest fight of his U.S. senatorial career.

Lindsay, a three-term incumbent, is feeling the pressure, as he recently made a spectacle of Harrison not releasing his tax returns. Last week, Graham released 11 years of state and federal tax returns, urging Harrison to do the same. When Harrison didn’t release his returns, Graham attacked him on Twitter.

However, Harrison released his return a day later, then took a dig at Graham and his friend President Trump, posting on Twitter, “Done. Now do President Trump.”

“It’s a desperate ploy by somebody who understands that he’s in a fight for his life,” Harrison told Essence.

A Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday showed both candidates at 48% and in the two days after, Harrison’s campaign announced two straight fundraising days of $1 million apiece, bringing his total fundraising to over $30 million.

“Senate control hangs in the balance as the GOP confronts a likely nail biter in South Carolina and a possible knockout in Maine, offset by a presumably solid lead in Kentucky,” Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy told the AP.

Graham’s request that Harrison releases his tax returns, highlights the tightening race as the election draws near. President Donald Trump has a long history of using the courts to hide his own returns, even after the Supreme Court ruled against the president in his fight to keep his returns secret.

Graham is still favored to retain his Senate seat, but if he is upset, it could be considered as the beginning of the so-called blue wave of Democratic support in the election.

Additionally, all eyes are on Graham after the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Graham, the chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, would oversee confirmation hearings for a new justice. Graham tweeted Saturday night that he would support President Trump “in any effort to move forward regarding the recent vacancy created by the passing of Justice Ginsburg.”

However, the statement is a stark reversal from his comments in 2016 when Graham pushed his chips into the middle of the table.

“I want you to use my words against me. If there’s a Republican president in 2016 and a vacancy occurs in the last year of the first term, you can say Lindsey Graham said, ‘Let’s let the next president, whoever it might be, make that nomination,’ ” Graham said after Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s death in 2016. “And you could use my words against me and you’d be absolutely right.”

If a Justice is confirmed, much to the public’s dismay, it could cost Graham his seat.

by Dana Givens

September 21, 2020

This 16-Year-Old Is Now The Youngest Black Owner Of A Beauty Supply Store

There have been a lot of conversations within recent years about how Black entrepreneurs have been shut out of the market when it comes to beauty stores and wholesale. However, there have been a few that have managed to bypass traditional roadblocks and secure commercial spaces to open stores in their local neighborhoods. One young teenager living in Brooklyn managed to achieve her goal and make history at the same time.

Paris McKenzie is the owner of Paris Beauty Supplyz, a Brooklyn-based beauty supply store. The teenager became a viral sensation on social media after announcing the opening of her shop with thousands of retweets and comments of support. McKenzie credits her mother, Senica Thompson, for working with her and letting her observe how she ran her own business from childhood.

“I do have a lot of business experience. I’ve been helping my mom run her business since I was very, very young. So I know how to handle finances and how to market products in the store,” McKenzie told CBS2 about the venture. “I had enough money saved to invest in this.”

The young entrepreneur says that she still tries to enjoy moments of being a normal teenager with friends and learning to balance between time with her girlfriends and running a business full-time, hoping to inspire the next generation of young female business owners. “I don’t really have any more free time, but when I do, I try to go out with my friends,” added McKenzie. “Walking in here every morning, it makes me feel awesome.”

 

Tears, Tributes, and Donations Pour In After Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death
by Derek Major

September 21, 2020

Tears, Tributes, and Donations Pour In After Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Death

Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died Friday due to complications of metastatic pancreatic cancer at the age of 87, the court announced.

Former President Bill Clinton appointed Bader Ginsburg to the Supreme Court in 1993. In recent years, she had served as the most senior member of the court’s liberal side, consistently delivering progressive votes on the most divisive social issues of the day, including abortion rights, same-sex marriage, voting rights, immigration, health care, and affirmative action.

Ginsburg died on the eve of the Jewish new year surrounded by her family at her home in Washington, D.C., the court said. A private service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery later this week.

Ginsburg’s death is the second-closest to an election. Ginsburg’s granddaughter said the Supreme Court Justice wanted her replacement to be appointed by the next president, NPR reported. “My most fervent wish is that I will not be replaced until a new president is installed,” she dictated to granddaughter Clara Spera days before her death.

After her death, tributes and kind words poured in from both sides of the political spectrum, and beyond.

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden praised the Supreme Court Justice as a “giant in the legal profession” and a “beloved figure,” saying in a brief on-camera spot Friday evening that people “should focus on the loss of the justice and her enduring legacy.”

 

President Barack Obama also had nothing but respect for Bader Ginsburg.

 

“Over a long career on both sides of the bench–as a relentless litigator and an incisive jurist–Justice Ginsburg helped us see that discrimination on the basis of sex isn’t about an abstract ideal of equality; that it doesn’t only harm women; that it has real consequences for all of us. It’s about who we are–and who we can be,” Obama said in a statement.

 

Obama also called Senate Republicans to uphold the standard they set in 2016 when they blocked his Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland.

 

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg fought to the end, through her cancer, with unwavering faith in our democracy and its ideals. That’s how we remember her. But she also left instructions for how she wanted her legacy to be honored. Four and a half years ago, when Republicans refused to hold a hearing or an up-or-down vote on Merrick Garland, they invented the principle that the Senate shouldn’t fill an open seat on the Supreme Court before a new president was sworn in

 

“A basic principle of the law–and of everyday fairness–is that we apply rules with consistency, and not based on what’s convenient or advantageous in the moment.”

 

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund also released a statement on Bader Ginsburg’s legacy.

 

“Ruth Bader Ginsburg is one of the most consequential figures in American law and democracy,” said LDF President and Director-Counsel Sherrilyn Ifill. “We must, first and foremost, lift up the extraordinary contributions of Justice Ginsburg as a lawyer and a justice. Every woman in this country owes her an enormous debt, and every American has benefitted from her work to clarify the meaning of equality in our country. She was a powerful member of that exemplary group of lawyers who helped give real meaning to the words etched onto the exterior of the Supreme Court: ‘equal justice under law.’

“One of the things I love about Justice Ginsburg is that when she was lauded and described as a courageous pioneer, she was always careful to say that she regarded Thurgood Marshall as the lawyer who exhibited true courage because he litigated cases where he had to fear for his own life and safety,” Ifill added. 

Tributes from citizens also poured in. The Supreme Court was littered with flowers, letters and signs expressing sadness and thanks.

Fans of Bader Ginsburg also changed New York City’s C train 50th street subway station into “Ruth Street” to honor the late Supreme Court Justice.

“Our Nation has lost a jurist of historic stature,” Chief Justice John Roberts said. “We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn, but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her–a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”

Donations Pour In After Ginsburg’s Death

The fight for abortion rights is now a real battle. President Donald Trump and Republicans are already making plans to appoint a new justice before November’s election. That has led to record breaking donations pouring in to the left.

According to USA Today, the liberal-backed ActBlue–a donation-processing site that helps Democratic candidates, committees, and organizations raise money–reported more than $95 million raised from the time Ginsburg’s death was announced on Friday until Sunday morning.

ActBlue raised $6.3 million in the first hour after Ginsburg’s death, the most it has raised in an hour since ActBlue launched in 2004.

https://twitter.com/TVietor08/status/1307371339267805184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1307371339267805184%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Felections%2F2020%2F09%2F19%2Fdemocratic-campaign-donations-spike-after-ruth-bader-ginsburgs-death%2F5839031002%2F

“Amid the devastating loss of Justice Ginsburg, it is inspiring to see people taking action to honor her legacy,” ActBlue Executive Director Erin Hill said in a statement. “The record-breaking response we’ve seen from small-dollar donors shows that the left is eager to fulfill her final wish and ready to fight back against Trump and McConnell’s vow to push through a Supreme Court nominee.

Those on the left are already planning on launching a vigorous campaign to block any nominee from Trump to replace Ginsburg, who was one of the court’s liberal justices. On Saturday, Trump called on Republicans to move on a replacement “without delay.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 21, 2020

Without a College Education, Mel Carter Used Life Lessons and People Skills to Become a Successful Music Exec

Growing up in another country, poor, and without a college education may lead some to stay in poverty or look to illegal means to make ends meet. But having aspirations to be a businessman like Roc-A-Fella’s Damon Dash and Jay-Z, industry executive Mel Carter knew what direction he wanted to take in life and pursued it.

Carter, who is now the senior vice president of A&R at Republic Records, is also an investor in Chef John Seymour and hip-hop artist and entrepreneur, Nasir “Nas” Jones’ restaurant Sweet Chick and owner of the Hikari-Ultra record label that is in a  joint venture with Republic. With the skills and knowledge he has acquired over the years, he managed to generate $3 million in artist merchandise and apparel sales in the last year alone.

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke to Carter about how his ambition led to his entrepreneurial success.

How has working in the entertainment industry prepared you for entrepreneurship as an investor in Sweet Chick?

My position requires me to not only manage my artists but their schedules, including recordings, budgets, and just about any issue that may arise during artist development. I’ll be honest, when I got promoted to SVP, a part of me felt like I should take on more formal training. I laugh at that thought because my day to day is so unpredictable. I’m ready to tackle whatever; it’s allowed me to think on my feet and find quick solutions. I’ve acquired many fundamental skill sets, including leadership development, through my position that I’ve carried on to entrepreneurship. Most importantly, I follow my instincts. I take chances on artists the same way I take chances on my investments.

My good friends, Nav & Sunaina introduced me to the owner John Seymour. He explained to me that Sweet Chick is a music company. I didn’t understand what he meant until I dined there. Sweet Chick is culture. The vibes are there, good music, amazing food, great crowd. The employees are so hospitable it feels good coming in. Both John & Nas have made Sweet Chick a staple of hip-hop culture. I’m happy I get to be a part of it.

As the SVP of A&R at Republic Records, what type of skills do you have that helped you rise through the ranks to your position and how do you stay motivated?

Wendy Goldstein (president of A&R) recently told me I have a very unique skill set in that I’m able to speak to both sides of the business. I’m able to connect with artists generally because they come from similar backgrounds like mine. Ultimately, this is a business, and corporate environments can make an emerging artist feel uncomfortable. I’m there to merge both worlds. Not for any tactical reason, I’m really just a people person. I put that skill to use but to the max.

When times get tough, I’m motivated by my daughter. I want to level the playing field for her as much as I can. I get a rush from watching my labor through my artists. Witnessing their growth and success is very fulfilling. In this business when you plant the seeds, it can take months or even years to grow; I have to remind both my team and myself of the end goal. Most importantly, I love helping people. I set personal goals yearly to be able to follow through. I know the more successful I become, the more I’m able to give back.

What are some of the business ventures that you are involved with and/or going to be doing in the future?

Like most businesses, understanding different parts that drive it helps you better understand the game as a whole. I have a joint venture with Republic, Hikari-Ultra. Having my own label allowed me to understand marketing, sales, what goes into record-making, publicity, and more. I do want to add that it’s just as important to try to perfect the skill sets you do have because it will set you apart.

Aside from my joint venture Hikari-Ultra, I’ve had success venturing into selling artist merchandise. More recently, I’ve unintentionally found myself venturing into the restaurant business. I have my hands in a few places and I’m looking forward to seeing how they pan out.

Having no formal business education, how were you able to maintain a career that mirrors that of your peers? What helped you become a businessman?

“They’ve read a bunch of words, I’ve lived a bunch of life.” That’s a quote by Jay-Z. I’m very confident in my decisions despite not having a formal education because I’ve been able to educate myself throughout life’s lessons. The opportunities I did have, my failures, poverty, and hardship shaped me to be the businessman I am today. Honestly, I’m thankful for that. I hustle that much harder because of it, there’s no way I’m ending up there again. In the same breath, I do want to mention the importance of education. If you have the opportunity to go then you should, even if it means enrolling in a few key courses. Master your craft.

With your background, what advice would you give anyone who wants to become a successful business person?

Just know that it might feel like everything is against you. There’s very few people that beat the odds and that’s because they bet on themselves through success and failure. Aim high, and when you fall short you still land above most. It might feel like you’re crossing the finish line with a sprained ankle but you have to keep going. I say this all the time and I probably will never stop but fear is the No. 1 killer of dreams. Fear will scare you out of a successful position that was intended for you.

Meet The Civil Rights Attorney Creating A Mental Health App For Underserved Communities
by Dana Givens

September 21, 2020

Meet The Civil Rights Attorney Creating A Mental Health App For Underserved Communities

The rise of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive economic fallout and job layoffs, especially in marginalized communities. According to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 41% of respondents said that they have experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression or having some adverse mental health condition as a result of the public health crisis. Now, one civil-rights-attorney-turned-advocate is creating a new app to service those in underserved communities dealing with mental health issues.

Areva Martin is the founder of the Butterflly App. This consumer-based app allows users to connect with others that may be experiencing similar symptoms and provide resources for them to seek treatment. In an interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Martin talks about creating a platform like this and the importance of discussing mental health within the Black community.

BE: What motivated you to create the Butterflly app?

Martin: I created Butterflly Health because I am the population the platform seeks to serve. [The Butterflly App] is a first-of-its-kind digital therapeutic platform that focuses on underserved and underrepresented Medicaid populations. Butterflly delivers high quality, evidence-based, culturally sensitive digital behavioral health therapies in a more scalable, destigmatized way than traditional in-person therapy.

I am a former Medicaid recipient until I was an adult. My godmother and grandmother raised my brothers and me in a housing project in North St. Louis. We survived on her government disability check, food stamps, and our healthcare was provided by Medicaid. I know firsthand how difficult it was to get medical appointments, to have access to specialists, and to feel like my health mattered. When I felt anxiety or sadness, I kept it to myself. Talking about feelings was taboo. And I didn’t know that some professionals or interventions could help. And anyone in my community who did talk about their emotions was told not to or was labeled “crazy.” It just wasn’t cool to talk about mental health or emotional issues in my community.

Fast-forward to today, not much has changed. African Americans still struggle with acknowledging mental health issues, seeking support, and openly working on their mental and emotional health. Despite the needs, only one in three African Americans who need mental healthcare seeks it out. I created Butterflly to change this reality. I wanted to create a digital solution that is personal, private, destigmatized, and culturally sensitive and available 24/7 to help people, particularly people of color, improve their mental and physical health. We want everyone in America to have access to emotional and mental health intervention without ever stepping foot in a doctor’s office and being as easy as a click of a phone button.

Why was it important for you to create a service like this aimed for the Black community?

This was important to me because I was taught that to whom much is given, much is expected. Growing up in a housing project in poverty, you experience tremendous trauma. For some, the psychological toll leads to substance abuse, incarceration, mental and physical illness. I was one of the lucky ones. I was able to navigate the many obstacles I experienced and was fortunate to earn a scholarship to the University of Chicago, go on to Harvard Law School. I have been able to build successful businesses and have a successful legal and media career.

Using my platform, connections, and expertise to give back is not unique, but hopefully, what anyone who has similar opportunities would do. Also, the health tech industry has an abysmal record when it comes to African American founders. Black female founders receive less than .0006 percentage of venture capital for tech startups. I am hoping to change this with Butterflly.

How can users benefit from your app?

Users benefit from the app by having access to private, destigmatized 24/7 mental health and wellness tools, peer group forums, certified coaching, and licensed therapists. Also, as individuals use the platform and engage with our standardized health assessments, they create personalized health records that they control. Controlling one’s own health data and records is power!

What has the reception been like from users?

The reception has been outstanding. We have been in conversations with major health plans, and they have expressed tremendous enthusiasm. Also, the response from our initial test users has been incredibly positive.

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