Beyonce, Serena Williams, and Janelle Monáe Among DC Comics’ ‘Wonder Women of History’
Beyoncé Knowles Carter, Serena Williams, and Janelle Monae, are among several women who are being honored by DC Comics in a new comic book featuring highly respected and esteemed women across different spectrums of life.
DC Comics announced that it is releasing Wonder Women of History in December. The highly anticipated young adult graphic novel anthology was curated by New York Times bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson. Wonder Women of History will present tales of the real-world heroes who emblazon Wonder Woman’s iconic mantle and work in the fields of science, social justice activism, politics, and more.
The narrative of the anthology as described on the website.
Not all heroes wear capes.
Wonder Woman has been an inspiration for decades, and while not everyone would choose her star-spangled outfit for themselves, her compassion and fairness are worthy of emulation. We’ll be presenting tales of the real-world heroes who take up Diana’s mantle and work in the fields of science, social justice activism, diplomacy, and more!
Award-winning author Laurie Halse Anderson brings together an all-star cast of authors and illustrators in this anthology of Wonder Women.
The book, which is now available on pre-order, will be released on December 1st with a sales price of $16.99.
Wonder Women of History spotlights the following notable public figures, written and drawn by some of the most talented writers and artists in publishing:
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – written by Lilliam Rivera and drawn by Anastasia Longoria
Ruth Bader Ginsburg – written by Lilah Sturges and drawn by Devaki Neogi
Elizabeth Warren – written and drawn by Renae De Liz
Rashida Tlaib – written and drawn by Marguerite Dabaie
Teara Fraser – written by Traci Sorell and drawn by Natasha Donovan
Beyoncé – written by Mikki Kendall and drawn by A. D’Amico
Edith Windsor – written by Amanda Deibert and drawn by Cat Staggs
Marsha P. Johnson – written by Jadzia Axelrod and drawn by Michaela Washington
Emma Gonzalez – written by Kami Garcia and drawn by Igzell
Judith Heumann – written by Marieke Nijkamp and drawn by Ashanti Fortson
Ellen Ochoa – written by Cecil Castellucci and drawn by Carina Guevara
Shi Zhengli – written by Emily X.R. Pan and drawn by Wendy Xu
Serena Williams – written by Danielle Paige and drawn by Brittney Williams
Tig Notaro – written by Sara Farizan and drawn by Nicole Goux
Keiko Agena – written by Sarah Kuhn and drawn by Lynn Yoshii
Dominique Dawes – written by Danny Lore and drawn by Robyn Smith
Janelle Monae – written by Vita Ayala and drawn by O’Neill Jones
Wonder Women of History also includes portraits by Weshoyot Alvitre, Colleen Doran, Agnes Garbowska, Bex Glendining, Ashley A. Woods, and Safiya Zerrougui.
Africa Business Travel Do’s and Don’ts Amid COVID-19
As COVID-19 wreaks havoc across the globe, business and lifestyle tourism-dependent regions are suffering exponentially. Africa is one glaring example, with South Africa propelled into the global top 10 for coronavirus infections. It reportedly has surpassed the United Kingdom in cases.
For its part, the tourism and industrial sectors in North Africa will likely be hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the African Development Bank’s 2020 edition North Africa Economic Outlook report.
Even as the continent contends with pandemic concerns, there are still throngs of business travelers who need or desire to visit the region in the near future. Many are doing diligence to discern if, when, and how to go about scheduling a business trip to this tourism hotspot.
To help spotlight some top-line issues, I turned to entrepreneur and philanthropist Jay Cameron, executive director of Maximum Impact Travel. Cameron is one of the leading global experts on Africa travel and commerce, so his insights are invaluable as travelers deal with this tumultuous situation and plan smartly in the post-pandemic era.
What are the key do’s and don’ts when traveling to Africa amid COVID-19?
Surprisingly, some African countries have escaped the devastating impacts COVID-19 has caused globally. While other countries around the world have experienced often overwhelming consequences as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, much of Africa appears to have been spared. Even so, the statistics do not suggest the citizens of the countries of Africa have not felt its impact. The fact is, many countries in Africa are seeing regular increases in the numbers of those infected by the novel coronavirus, while much of the world is experiencing a decline in infections.
Around the world, experts warn outbreaks of COVID-19 in Africa may continue, resulting in a higher rate of deaths due to the limited local health services available. With coronavirus worries come fears of potential famine due to the virus threat, in combination with existing drought conditions and ongoing conflicts.
With this in mind, should you intend to travel to the continent now, or post-COVID-19, you should be prepared. Some good preparedness ideas include researching virus statistics in the country you wish to visit that, for one, you can review at AfricaNews.com. It is also advisable to learn if said country has any travel restrictions, which is information that is accessible online at CDC.gov. Of course, maintaining a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity before and during your visit is also key.
Should travelers be ready to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result either before departing or upon arrival?
African countries are now opening for foreign travelers, but this does not indicate the belief that they have won the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Most African countries are still battling with COVID-19 outbreaks, as the number of infected cases continues to rise daily in nearly every African country. To this end, stringent efforts are in place to ensure individuals arriving on the continent and entering various countries are free of the virus.
With this in mind, you should be prepared to present proof of negative COVID-19 status before entering the country to which you are traveling. This measure is being implemented around the globe and the countries of Africa are no exception.
In the same vein, departing any African country will require the same proof of negative COVID-19 status. Both mandates are in place to protect your fellow travelers on the flight as well as the residents of the country to which you are traveling. As things ebb and flow, you can check the status of this mandate online at AfricaTravelInc.com.
What would you suggest about localized regulations?
Travelers must research the localized regulations and requirements with respect to hotel and resorts, airports, ground transportation, public spaces, and such for both their own country and their destination. It is necessary that you understand departure rules from your country of origin, and even more important that you understand your destination country’s prevailing laws for foreign travelers regarding COVID-19. Some African countries like Tanzania and Zambia, for example, have mandated the use of face masks in public places with punishment for the contravention of such laws. Some hotels and resorts also have taken stringent measures and issued their own strict requirements for travelers arriving from foreign countries. For example, at this time, hotel bars in Rwanda are closed but the hotels themselves remain open.
Researching and understanding these laws before traveling enables you to stay safe during your visit and steer clear of legal issues with the local authorities. A helpful resource for staying up-to-date on laws that might affect travel to Africa can be found at Travel.State.gov.
What about the airlines, specifically?
Investigate the requirements for your airline as each carrier has varied responses to COVID-19. As a result of the pandemic, most airlines have adopted measures to keep their passengers and their staff safe. While some airlines like Delta require proof of a negative COVID-19 test before boarding your flight, others provide testing before your flight and attach the result to your ticket. Therefore, to ensure you are able to fly when scheduled, it is your responsibility to know the requirements of your airline before the flight to avoid any issues. A good resource for this is Go2Africa.com.
Should tourists be prepared for temperature screenings and COVID-19 tests upon arrival and departure?
As pointed out earlier, many African countries are still battling the pandemic, so to keep the residents of their countries safe post-COVID-19, airports have been mandated to request test results or test passengers on-site. Therefore, when traveling, you should be prepared for a coronavirus test upon arrival or departure from any African country. If you refuse to allow this, you will not be able to fly.
What about a potential 14-day quarantine upon arrival—is that only for travelers who show signs of COVID-19?
Apart from testing, be prepared for a 14-day quarantine if you show signs of the virus or test positive during a test given at the airport. African countries are determined to ensure the pandemic is eliminated completely from their countries. If you show symptoms of the virus upon your arrival in any country in Africa, you will likely be quarantined for 14 days. This can even entail having to stay in the country instead of returning to the U.S.
Would you say that travel insurance is imperative?
Make sure your travel insurance company offers COVID-19 coverage and arrange for COVID-19 travel insurance requirements from airlines. You will want to be insured by your travel insurance company for COVID-19 coverage before traveling to any African country. Check with your travel insurance company to ensure COVID-19 is covered under their insurance policy, in the event you need to change your travel plans due to the pandemic. Such coverage policy can protect you by covering expenses related to unexpected changes and/or medical care in the event of illness.
With any trip, but especially now, there can be unforeseen circumstances. Any insights on that front?
DO NOT travel without extra funds and the ability to extend your trip in the event of a quarantine. With the points mentioned above, there is a great likelihood you will be required to spend more time and money in the country to which you are traveling if your COVID-19 test is positive. As a result, it is advisable to travel only if you are prepared with time and financial contingency plans. However, African countries are not barring U.S. travelers at the same rate as other countries, meaning you can potentially realize your dream safari vacation or other adventure across the continent’s beaches, jungles, and deserts.
As the world contends with COVID-19 issues, African countries will endeavor to stay open for tourism, business, and much more. Preparing for, and abiding by, the region’s travel requirements will make your journey and overall stay in the country more enjoyable and safer for all.
Forbes Business Council Member Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand analyst, strategist, and futurist who reports on noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations, and events. Merilee is founder, executive editor and producer of “The Luxe List” as well as host of the nationally-syndicated “Savvy Living” TV show. As a prolific consumer and business trends, lifestyle and leisure industry voice of authority, and tastemaker, she keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications.
Colorado School Calls Police and Suspends Black Student for Having a Toy Gun in His Home
A Black 12-year-old boy in Colorado was suspended for five days and had police officers sent to his home after a teacher said that he was “waving” a toy gun in his home during a virtual class, according to BuzzFeed News.
The young boy, Isaiah Elliott, who is a seventh-grader at Grand Mountain School in Colorado Springs, was attending a virtual art class last month on Aug. 27, his third day of remote school learning. Dani Elliot, his mother, told BuzzFeed News that during the lesson, her son picked up a toy gun and moved it from one side of his computer screen to the other. The toy seen in the video was a neon green and black handgun with an orange tip and the words “Zombie Hunter” printed on the side. The teacher notified the school’s principal who then suspended Isaiah for five days and called the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office without notifying his parents.
“It was really frightening and upsetting for me as a parent, especially as the parent of an African American young man, especially given what’s going on in our country right now,” said Isaiah’s father, Curtis Elliott, in an interview with FOX31.
“For them to go as extreme as suspending him for five days, sending the police out, having the police threaten to press charges against him because they want to compare the virtual environment to the actual in-school environment is insane,” said Dani Elliott.
In a statement that was posted on its Facebook page last week, Grand Mountain School said there were “several inaccuracies being spread on social media” about “an incident that took place during distance learning” but declined to provide details, citing privacy laws.
“We never have or ever will condone any form of racism or discrimination,” the statement said. “Safety will always be number one for our students and staff.”
Isaiah’s suspension ended last Friday, but Dani Elliott said she “has no intention of him going back” and will withdraw him from the school. She said he is currently on the waiting list for a charter school.
“Having toys in my house is something I thought I never had to think of,” she said. “It never crossed my mind that toys could be seen as a threat.”
Trump Says Kamala Harris Becoming President ‘Would Be An Insult to Our Country’
President Donald Trump attacked Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Kamala Harris during a recent campaign stop in North Carolina, stating that Harris becoming the first woman president “would be an insult to our country,” according to The Hill.
“People don’t like her. Nobody likes her. She could never be the first woman president. She could never be. That would be an insult to our country,” Trump remarked to a crowd of supporters in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
President Trump trashes Sen. Kamala Harris: “People don’t like her. Nobody likes her. She could never be the first woman President. That would be an insult to our country.” pic.twitter.com/VUyr3uAmVK
“I have been watching her for a long time and I was a little surprised. She was extraordinarily nasty to Judge Kavanaugh, now Justice Kavanaugh,” Trump said. “She was nasty to a level that was just a horrible thing, the way she was, the way she treated now Justice Kavanaugh. And I won’t forget that soon,’ he continued. “I thought she was the meanest, the most horrible, most disrespectful of anybody in the U.S. Senate,” he added.
Harris, who became the first Black woman to serve as attorney general in California and the second Black woman to be elected as a U.S. Senator, made history as the first Black woman to be chosen on either the Democratic or Republican Party’s presidential ticket. If elected, Harris would become the first woman, first Black, and first Asian American vice president of the United States.
African Countries Accuse Western Investors of High Interest Costs Due To Prejudice
According to a 2019 study from the Brookings Institution, the United States was among one of the largest investors in various countries across Africa in addition to France, China, and the United Kingdom. Individually, the report showed that the U.S. has over $30 million in capital investments across the continent involved in over 450 projects and creating over 60,000 jobs in the process. However, many government officials and public figures argue that Western investors are the reason why borrowing costs are so high.
At a press conference back in December, Senegalese president Macky Sall complained to the head of the International Monetary Fund and others in attendance of the impact of the unfair bias.
“This negative-risk perception is not in tune with the reality of our continent,” Sall told the gathering, according to Yahoo Finance. “People think that this is a problematic continent and demand a rate of return that is unparalleled elsewhere in the world.”
For many African countries, they can expect to be charged 5% to 10% on their borrowing by creditors, which is above average in comparison to other emerging markets. Many critics say the prejudice comes from the stigma placed by many in Western countries on its portrayal of African countries in media.
“Some investors really think that Africa is the jungle and there is a lot of chaos; that is the underlying perspective with which they establish their own required return,” said Misheck Mutize to Yahoo Finance, who leads the African Union project to help governments improve credit ratings. These higher rates also contribute to countries spending more to lower their large debt rather than invest in their local governments and healthcare. According to the Jubilee Debt Campaign, countries like Angola and Cameroon spend over five times more than other developing countries to service their debts.
Travel Expert Creates Customized Road Trip Itineraries Supporting Black Businesses
Due to the spread of COVID-19, many Americans were forced to put their vacation plans on hold. With travel derailed—flights to many international destinations have restrictions—many have opted for small road trips instead of a remote getaway. One Black woman entrepreneur used her travel company to create a new series of road trip itineraries complete with Black-owned businesses to stop by along the way.
Kristin Braswell is the owner of CrushGlobal, a travel company specializing in guides to help travelers plan their dream trips around the world in addition to group trips. Her destinations have ranged from Paris to Tokyo, with different themes to guide you on how to craft your trip. Her new Southern,Northeast, and themed California road trip series focused on regional excursions you can take by car for a short getaway.
“The itineraries are designed with various themes, but all include major points of interest along each route, restaurants, and hotel accommodations. I am an extremely detail-oriented person when it comes to planning, so my biggest aim was to make sure someone gets their road trip guide, opens it, and feels like they are equipped with everything they need to have an incredible travel experience,” says Braswell in an email interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“I designed the road trip guides in an easy-to-read format by day and time. I wanted to make sure that the reader can easily navigate the routes in the guide from point A to point B,” she continued. “People can pick and choose which stops they’d like to make along the way, based on their interests and schedule. There is also information on each stop, like what services they offer, price points, contact information, and Instagram handles. Lastly, which I think is a major plus—the guides note any safety protocols in light of COVID in each location for visitors to keep in mind.”
Braswell’s road trip itineraries also highlight Black-owned businesses in various sectors for travelers to visit on their journeys.
“What I’m most proud of is that every guide includes Black-owned businesses wherever possible, from chefs to wine experts and hiking tour guides,” said Braswell.” For our personalized guides, meaning, we create a road trip based on your interests and budget, travelers will be connected directly to VIP experiences that include activities like private drivers, curated chef, and wine tastings, and so much more.”
Democrats Introduce Bill Declaring Racism A Public Health Crisis
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) and Reps. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif) have introduced legislation to declare racism a national public health crisis.
The three women collaborated to draft the bill and announced The Anti-Racism in Public Health Act of 2020 late last week. The group cited the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests occurring across the country as reasons to consider approving the motion.
“It is time we start treating structural racism like we would treat any other public health problem or disease: investing in research into its symptoms and causes and finding ways to mitigate its effects,” Warren said according to Blavity. “My bill with Representatives Lee and Pressley is a first step to create anti-racist federal health policy that studies and addresses disparities in health outcomes at their roots.”
Last month, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared racism a public health issue in Michigan and announced a state advisory committee to address issues affecting the Black community. Eighteen other states in the U.S. have at least one county that has made a similar declaration.
King County in Washington has committed to an Anti-Racism Crisis Response Bill of Rights that supports communities of color and aims to end the legacy of racism. In Burlington, Vermont, a public health equity manager has been consulted to help the city in its fight against the issue.
The three women believe the pandemic has only heightened the racial disparities that need to be addressed. COVID-19 has affected Black Americans more than other races in terms of health, business ownership, and evictions.
“COVID-19 has exposed the injustices in health outcomes for Black and Brown people, and it’s no coincidence,” Lee told The Root. “In addition to addressing the lasting impacts of systemic racism in criminal justice, economic inequality, and the like, we must also commit resources to understanding racially unjust health outcomes.”
Pressley said a motivating factor in drafting the bill was the Trump administration’s inefficiency in collecting racial data related to the pandemic.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic unveiling and exacerbating racial disparities in health outcomes, it is time we recognize and treat structural racism and police brutality as the public health crises that they are,” Pressley said in a statement.
If the bill becomes law, which is highly unlikely under the Trump administration, it would declare racism a public health concern while leading research on the issue. A priority of the national centers created through the bill would be educating the public on the “health impacts of structural racism and anti-racist public health interventions.”
A Law Enforcement Violence Prevention Program would also be created within the CDC to combat police brutality and institutional racism with law enforcement agencies. It would work to eliminate “deaths, injury, trauma, and negative mental health effects from police presence and interactions.”
“We must have a coordinated public health response to structural racism, and this bill would do just that,” Pressley said.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was one of many places affected by a devastating storm that tore through the Midwest. Now, local business owners are pulling their resources together to give back to the community.
Iowa-based food entrepreneur Willie Fairley of Wille Ray’s Q Shack is giving back after they were impacted by powerful derecho with winds over 100 miles per hour. The business owner announced he would be providing at least 400 free meals to residents in the area to give back.
“It’s terrible right now. You got a lot of people still without power,” Fairley said in an interview with CNN. “We’re just trying to do what we can as a company to make sure we did our part…because if it was me home with nothing. I would want someone to at least be able to provide something for me.”
“Money will come but people are in need right now,” Fairley added. “The main reason we’re doing it free is because there’s been a lot of people donate to us to help us keep feeding people. So, we figure we’ll just do it to make sure everybody gets something.”
The city has suffered a great deal of damage as a result of the windstorm with more than 800 residential and commercial buildings suffering full or partial damage with roughly 50 people hospitalized due to injuries. As a result of his kindness, several have nominated the local food restaurant owner for the Discover Eat It Forward program, awarding $25,000 to Black-owned restaurants across the country.
“Giving out food, doing whatever we can. Help the neighbors move trees. I brought the grill home and cooked for everybody and somehow we’re here,” Fairley shared with CBS2 Iowa. “I wish I could put my shoes on and everybody know how I feel on the inside. People keep donating, so we’re going to be giving out food for a long time. Even when the storm is over and cleaned up.”
The National Business League Aims to Empower 1 Million Black Businesses By 2025
Calling itself America’s oldest and largest trade group for Black businesses, the National Business League has aggressive growth plans for the future.
The Washington, D.C.-based business advocacy group aims to boost its current membership from 120,000 to over one million black business owners and professionals in the next five years. It aims to achieve that by launching a national membership drive through its 365 local league chapters starting in January 2021.
Dr. Kenneth Harris, the NBL’s president and CEO, said the organization plans to use its robust digital platform, growing social media apparatus, and significant strategic partnerships throughout the country within the public and private sectors to help reach the national goal.
The membership strategy comes as the NBL just celebrated its 120th anniversary. The group was founded on August 23, 1900, by the iconic Booker T. Washington.
With the special occasion come and gone, the NBL reports it is poised to streamline the integration of the nation’s 2.6 million Black businesses into the global marketplace using technology. It proclaims Black-owned businesses generate $150 billion in annual revenue in the United States while supporting 3.56 million jobs here. This advanced shift into the digital age will be absolutely critical in the post-COVID-19 era, Harris said in a news release.
“Booker T. Washington’s vision is more relevant today than it was 120 years ago, as a new generation of unapologetic Black leadership takes the helm,” he said. “The revolution won’t be televised; it shall be digitized.”
National Business League (file)
In line with its mission, here are some collaborative programs that the NBL is hosting or taking part in to advance Black businesses:
The NBL is backing Med Week 2020, a virtual event led by the National Minority Business Development Agency that runs from Sept. 13-19. Get more details about the event here.
As part of its newly formed partnership with Comerica Bank, the NBL will host a Black Capital Access Program Monthly COVID-19 Economic Recovery Webinar Series. The event will help entrepreneurs gain tips and resources on how to become bankable and investable from financial services experts. The first virtual seminar will occur Sept. 17. For more information, visit here.
The NBL begins its annual National Black Supplier Conference on Wednesday, November 18, 2020. This year will mark the NBL’s first virtual national conference. It will include panel discussions, workshops, and matchmaking with over 100 corporations looking to provide contracting and procurement opportunities for Black businesses in America and globally. The event is free to all Black businesses affected by COVID-19. The event will be presented by American Express, General Motors, Comerica Bank, Fiat Chrysler, DTE Energy, Ford, MPS Group, and Toyota.
Mitch McConnell: Senate Could Vote On Coronavirus Stimulus Package This Week
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Tuesday the Senate will vote on a second coronavirus relief package as soon as this week.
McConnell said the Senate will take a “targeted approach, focused on some of the very most urgent healthcare, education, and economic issues.” However, he did not get into specifics on what the legislation would include.
CNBC reported last month Republicans were considering a $500 billion relief package addressing enhanced unemployment insurance, new small business loans, school funding, and money for Coronavirus testing, treatment, and vaccines.
The Senate bill is unlikely to get the 60 votes to pass the Senate due to infighting over spending too much and is all but guaranteed to fail in the House due to a lack of spending.
In a joint statement Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, (D-CA), and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-NY) said, “Senate Republicans appear dead-set on another bill which doesn’t come close to addressing the problems and is headed nowhere.”
“Democrats want to work on bipartisan legislation that will meet the urgent needs of the American people but Republicans continue to move in the wrong direction,” they added later in the statement.
Republicans, the Trump Administration, and Democrats have been at an impasse over the amount of the next coronavirus relief package. Democrats have been willing to come down by $1 billion on their $3 trillion relief package, which the House passed in May. Republicans, however, have not agreed to go higher than $1.3 trillion on their relief package.
Meanwhile Americans continue to wait around unemployed, poor, sick, and dying. Congress has watched the $600 per week extra jobless benefit, a federal moratorium on evictions, and the window to apply for Paycheck Protection Program small business loans all lapse over the summer.
Republicans did consider reinstating the federal unemployment benefit at a reduced rate of $300 to $400 per week as part of their proposal. Pelosi and Schumer criticized the legislation for not including any relief for state and local governments, money for rental and mortgage assistance, emergency funding for the U.S. Postal Service, or additional food aid.
Democrats have been fighting for more than $900 billion in new aid for states and municipalities, some of which will have to cut services if they don’t receive more assistance. The White House has offered no more than $150 billion in new money believing cities and states run by Democrats are using the funds to cover for financial mismanagement before the pandemic.
The bipartisan National Governors Association has asked for at least $500 billion in relief.
One of the biggest issues toward another relief package have been Republicans. While most GOP senators now acknowledge the need for another relief bill, some have argued against spending any more federal money at all to combat the pandemic.
