Yesterday, ESSENCE released the Impact of COVID-19 on Black Women study, which is the first in-depth study on how COVID-19 is impacting black women in America. From April 22 – April 30, 2020, the ESSENCE Insights research team sampled 1,048 black women aged 18+ across the U.S. about their experiences during the pandemic in a 10-minute online survey. As black women lead as heads of their households, in the workplace, and in various capacities—ESSENCE answered a question many people want to know during the pandemic. And that is, how are black women doing?

The report highlighted the many concerns and challenges black women are facing, from job loss to health disparities, education, and relationships.

In a statement released by Richelieu Dennis, founder and chair of Essence Ventures, the parent company of ESSENCE he shared, “Black women comprise just over half of the black population, are one of the most influential and active voting blocs in the U.S., and are heads of household in almost 30% of all black households, which is more than twice the rate for all women.”

“So, it is vital that we understand what they are thinking, feeling and experiencing as a result of the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. ESSENCE’s Impact of COVID-19 on Black Women study underscores the observation that while we are all in the same storm, we are not in the same boat. The insights gleaned from this data should be used to help governments, NGOs, and businesses better understand and develop the emergency and relief efforts, recovery and sustainability initiatives, and product and service offerings that will be most critical for black women as they continue to deliver leadership and impact to their households and communities during this crisis and beyond.”

The Impact is Greater than Many Thought

As COVID-19 disproportionately impacts the black community, black women are at the helm as matriarchs and they are leading in fear of their health. Sixty-seven percent of women reported that they are concerned about contracting the virus themselves and 80% are concerned that their loved ones could contract the virus. One in 4 respondents personally know someone who has died from COVID-19, and 44% of women reported personally knowing someone who has contracted it.

The report also revealed the mental and emotional distress women are facing during the pandemic.

Financially, over half (52%) of black women in the study are currently facing or anticipating a negative financial impact as a result of the pandemic, as compared with only 20% who are not, and half (50%) say that their ability to work effectively has been negatively affected by the pandemic. In addition, 70% of black women business owners reported a negative impact on their businesses, with the majority attributing the impact to no or low sales, supply chain disruptions, and an inability to cover expenses. Most black women (88%) believe that the COVID-19 crisis will lead to an economic recession.

In its entirety, the report explores the social, emotional, and financial impact the new normals are having on black women.

Here are some of the key findings from the survey:

• The CDC is the most trusted source of information (57%) for Black women when it comes to the pandemic (followed by news channels at 42%). However, Black women currently use news channels most (69%) to gather information, followed by news websites (43%), the CDC website (32%) and then state government websites and social media (both 31%). Still, state government websites are trusted by 33%, whereas social media – though used as much – is only trusted by 8%.
• Black women view Dr. Anthony Fauci (66%) as the most trusted leader/expert when it comes to information on the pandemic, followed by state governors (46%) and city mayors (30%), while President Donald Trump is the least trusted (1%).
• The majority of Black women were already planning to vote in the upcoming presidential (63%) and state (62%) elections, and the COVID-19 crisis does not impact their plan to vote. However, almost 30% say they understand the power of their vote more today than ever and are more likely to vote in the upcoming elections (27% in presidential; 29% in state).
• Moving forward, Black women are more likely to patronize small/local businesses and businesses that treated their employees well with increased pay and safety measures during the pandemic, while they are less likely to patronize businesses that did not practice social distancing, participated in price gouging, and defied shelter-in regulations.

To read more findings from the study, click here.

• Travel and Leisure

by Alisa Gumbs

May 16, 2020

Chef Kwame Onwuachi Shares His Ultimate Quarantine Food & Drink Pairing

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James Beard award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi is spending his time in quarantine cooking up some of his go-to comfort foods and helping us all create a perfect food and cocktail pairing while we’re home.

Onwuachi’s restaurant, Washington D.C. hotspot Kith/Kin, which has been closed since March due to the pandemic, offers an eclectic menu that honors his family’s roots in Jamaica, Trinidad, Nigeria, and Louisiana.

The recipe he’s sharing is in keeping with his focus on the flavors of family: a Peel N’ Eat shrimp dish passed down from his mom.

The pairing is part of his ongoing collaboration with Bombay Sapphire’s #FindYourCanvas program, which recently launched Create From Home—an online initiative with Hunker, Society6, Saatchi Art, and Skillshare aimed at inspiring creativity during the quarantine.

If you want to be inspired by Onwuachi’s craft, impress your quarantine bae, or just eat well while you’re staying at home, try his mom’s highly coveted recipe paired with his drink of choice:

Mom Dukes Peel & Eat Shrimp

Created by Chef Kwame Onwuachi

Ingredients

½ cup of divided butter

2 pounds of large shrimp (31/35)

2 heads of garlic, chopped

1 onion, diced

2 tablespoons of canola oil

1 celery stalk, white parts discarded, green parts diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

½ cup of white wine

½ cup of Amber Lager

2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce

Juice of 1 orange

1 teaspoon of cayenne

½ teaspoon of black pepper

1 teaspoon of paprika

½ teaspoon of dried oregano

5 sprigs thyme, broken in half

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Juice of 1 lemon

French bread, torn

1 scallion, sliced on a bias, for garnish

Directions:

Add 1 tablespoon butter to a large sauté pan and place on medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and cook for one minute.

Add onions and another tablespoon of butter, along with salt and canola oil, then celery and bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until soft.

Once the vegetables are cooked all the way through, add the thyme, white wine, lager, Worcestershire, orange juice, and the rest of the seasonings. Let simmer for 10 minutes on medium-high heat until reduced to a paste.

Finally, add the shrimp, season with salt and stir to fully coat. Cook for about 5 minutes.

Finish shrimp with the juice of 1 lemon and the rest of the butter. Serve with torn French bread and sliced scallions.

Elderflower Gin & Tonic

Created by Chef Kwame Onwuachi

1 ½ oz Bombay Sapphire Gin

1 oz lime juice (fresh!)

1 oz of elderflower cordial of St. Germain

1 tablespoon of honey

Directions:

Shake with Ice

Pour Over Ice

Top with Tonic

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 16, 2020

Former Houston Astros Baseball Player and New York Yankees General Manager Bob Watson Dies at 74

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The Houston Astros have announced that former Astros Hall of Famer Bob Watson has passed away at the age of 74.

“Bob Watson was a highly accomplished figure in our National Pastime and a deeply respected colleague for those of us at Major League Baseball,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement Friday morning. “He was an All-Star during his 19-year Major League career and a groundbreaking executive in the front office. Bob rose up to become general manager of the Astros in 1993 and made history as the first African American GM of a World Series champion with the 1996 Yankees. He then oversaw all on-field operations for the Commissioner’s Office and played a pivotal role in USA Baseball’s success internationally, including its Olympic Gold Medal in the 2000 Sydney Games.

“Bob was known for some of the unique moments of his generation, including scoring the millionth run in baseball history and a memorable role in The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training. But I will always remember the outstanding example that Bob set for others, his years of model service to the Baseball Assistance Team, and the courage with which he met his health challenges in recent years. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Carol, their children, and his many friends and admirers across our game.”

Although the Astros didn’t mention how he died, Watson’s son, Keith had revealed how on his Twitter account.

Tonight my dad and hero Bob Watson has passed away after a long fight with kidney disease.. #Astros #Yankees #RedSox #Braves #Athletics #USABAseball #MLB #1stBlackGM pic.twitter.com/obKe1mwJYc

— K Dubb (@TheReal_KDubb) May 15, 2020

“This is a very sad day for the Astros and for all of baseball,” the Astros said in a statement. “Bob Watson enjoyed a unique and remarkable career in Major League Baseball that spanned six decades, reaching success at many different levels, including as a player, coach, general manager, and MLB executive. He was an All-Star on the field and a true pioneer off of it, admired and respected by everyone he played with or worked alongside. Bob will be missed, but not forgotten. We were proud to honor Bob’s legacy with the dedication of the Bob Watson Education Center at the Astros Youth Academy in March. A fitting tribute to what he meant to the Astros organization and to the game of baseball. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Carol, his daughter Kelley, his son, Keith, and to the rest of his family, friends, and many admirers.”

He became MLB’s second African American general manager when the Astros hired him in 1993 after The Atlanta Braves mention Bill Lucas the first in Major League Baseball history.

Watson was hired as the Yankees’ General Manager in 1995 and made the then-highly criticized decision to hire Joe Torre as New York’s manager. Watson, with Torre leading the team on the field, helped put together the World Series-winning squad in 1996.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 16, 2020

Indianapolis Police Officer Who Made ‘Closed Casket Homie’ Remark Suspended and Reassigned

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Last week, a black man, Dreasjon Sean Reed, was killed by Indianapolis police after being shot while evading officers after a car chase. One of the officers, not realizing that the scene was being recorded on Facebook Live, was heard saying “Looks like it’s going to be a closed casket, homie,” has been suspended and reassigned because of the comment he made according to The Associated Press.

The victim, Dreasjon Sean Reed, was live-streaming himself on Facebook when he was shot. Unknown to the police, Reed was recording as he was gunned down and the officers had no clue that after shooting him, they could be heard sharing a laugh over his dead body.

Chief Randal Taylor, who stated at a press conference last week that the comments were “unacceptable,” said earlier this week that the police officer received a suspension of numerous days and has been reassigned to another unit. 

Indianapolis police said in a statement that they cannot release the identities of the officer involved in the shooting, and the detective who made the inappropriate comment for safety reasons, but that the officer who fatally shot Reed is also African-American, The Indianapolis Star has reported. Taylor said earlier this week that detectives are investigating at least 26 threats made against officers following the fatal shootings of Reed and another police shooting victim, 19-year-old McHale Rose.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department released a statement last week stating that gunfire was exchanged between the officers and the victim. “There was an exchange of gunfire between the driver and the officer. The driver was struck by the gunfire.”

“IMPD closely scrutinizes all uses of force, as we hold every officer to our high standards. While we are withholding judgment on the actions of the involved officer at this time, the officer has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation. The shooting is being investigated by IMPD’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). A separate and independent internal investigation will be conducted by IMPD’s Internal Affairs Unit to ensure compliance with departmental policy, as is standard procedure in an officer-involved shooting. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is involved and will be consulted throughout the investigative process, which includes up to or including the Grand Jury, with civilian oversight. In addition, the IMPD Firearms Review Board will determine whether the departmental use of force was reasonable.”

Students have worked hard all year and leaders are making sure that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed just because people can’t physically walk across the stage during the pandemic. One of those leaders is  TIAA. As a part of the effort to uplift the community, TIAA celebrated individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on society and on the lives of others who they consider to be next generation of difference-makers last week during their virtual commencement.

During the ceremony, over 540 students receiving high school diplomas, college degrees, and postgraduate degrees were recognized for their accomplishments.

To recognize the graduates and their efforts to give back, TIAA awarded four individuals $1,000 book scholarships or to a charity of their choice, along with six honorable mentions and $500 book scholarships or contributions to a charity of the student’s choice. Additionally, 90 individuals received a $100 book scholarship or contribution of that amount to a charity of their choice.

TIAA also partnered with Snapchat to create a virtual graduation ceremony lens Snapchatter so they could experience hearing the crowd roar as they stand on the graduation stage in front of their fellow graduates with personalized Congrats signs. All 2020 graduates can try it out by clicking here on their mobile device. Through a partnership with Facebook, TIAA is creating a photo story for graduates or proud parents. Facebook users will be able to leverage existing photos or upload new photos/videos into a collection that can be sent to their friends or posted and commented on.

Parting Words to the Class of 2020

Roger W. Ferguson, president & CEO of TIAA, along with Lori Dickerson Fouché, CEO of TIAA Financial Solutions; Chancellor Felix Matos Rodríguez of CUNY, the nation’s largest urban public university system; Jose Mineya, CEO of Nuveen Asset Management; Sean Woodroffe, Chief Human Resources Office of TIAA; and Corie Pauling, Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer of TIAA and head of Corporate Social Responsibility gave remarks.

During Ferguson’s speech, he encouraged students to be optimistic about their futures; be continuous learners; see their career as more of a climbing wall than a ladder, and to set themselves up for success by building their financial knowledge.

“You’re entering a world and a future that you have every reason to be optimistic about—even in the midst of this pandemic. Being optimistic isn’t about sweeping our anxieties under the rug. It’s about being hopeful about the future, even during a crisis. In fact, it’s during times such as these that optimism is most important,” said Ferguson.

“When we approach challenges with confidence and hope, we do better and often gain important insights in the process. This pandemic may help you gain a greater sense of purpose, for example. You see, there is nothing—not even a pandemic—that can diminish the collective power of the human spirit to achieve and persevere,” he added.

In the midst of the pandemic, Ferguson wants to encourage graduates all over to see challenges as they present themselves as opportunities.

“Change is not something to be afraid of. It’s simply the natural order of things, and it has been that way since the beginning of time. Out of change comes improvement…that’s how we evolve and make things better. You’re entering a world and a future that you have every reason to be optimistic about—even in the midst of this pandemic,” he said.

“Being optimistic isn’t about sweeping our anxieties under the rug. It’s about being hopeful about the future, even during a crisis. In fact, it’s during times such as these that optimism is most important. When we approach challenges with confidence and hope, we do better and often gain important insights in the process,” Ferguson exclaimed.

• Lifestyle

by Dana Givens

May 16, 2020

This Black Coffee Retailer Saw A 350% Spike in Sales After Being Forced to Close Its Doors

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It is difficult to start a business but it is arguably even harder to maintain an existing business. With the arrival of the COVID-19, or novel coronavirus, pandemic, small business owners have had to face even more hurdles to keep their doors open with mandatory stay-at-home orders in effect in addition to massive job losses. For one coffee retailer, the pandemic has brought the opposite effect and increased sales tremendously.

Keba Konte, the founder and CEO of Red Bay Coffee, is no stranger to business challenges. He opened his coffee shop as a way to combine his love for photojournalism to be displayed. When COVID-19 came to San Francisco, the news of the shop’s temporary shutdown brought a huge drop in sales. Forbes reported that the coffee retailer has seen an 85% decline in overall sales forcing Konte to drastically reduce his workforce.

As of right now, the coffee retailer has reopened some of its retail locations with a 40% decline in customer traffic. However, their flagship location in Oakland has seen a huge spike in sales since its reopening with an astonishing 350% increase in e-commerce sales due to stay-at-home restrictions forcing loyal customers to stay indoors.

“Then there’s another group who were drinking our coffee at our cafés, and we had to close most of them. They too have turned to having their coffee beans shipped,” Konte told Forbes. “We did 250 events last year, all have been forced to close because of social distancing rules due to the pandemic crisis,” Konte said.

Due to the new restrictions brought on by the public health crisis, Konte has begun work on a mobile van for customers to order and stay connected to the brand. “It’s been a lifeline and great brand exposure, we sold it through six-foot distances and cashless transactions on the van,” Konte said. The mobile van sells the brand’s coffee, tea, and oat milk cartons.

• News

by Derek Major

May 16, 2020

‘Trump Death Clock’ In Times Square Grim Reminder Of Preventable Coronavirus Deaths

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A digital billboard in Times Square showing the number of deaths related to President Donald Trump’s slow coronavirus response, reached a grave milestone on Wednesday, as it ticked over to an estimated 50,000 preventable deaths.

According to Yahoo Finance, the “Trump Death Clock” projects the number of deaths that could have been prevented had social distancing measures been implemented earlier.

Eugene Jarecki, the sign’s creator, said the counter was created with the same “symbolic spirit” as the National Debt Clock, which already hangs in New York City. The Death Clock measures “the cost in human lives of President Trump and his team’s reckless handling of the coronavirus pandemic,” Jarecki told Yahoo.

Science and health experts began warning the Trump Administration of the coronavirus pandemic in January. The warnings fell on deaf ears, however, as Trump called the coronavirus a Democratic hoax.

Trump continued to downplay the coronavirus at the end of February, and even into March he compared it to “the common flu.”

As U.S. coronavirus deaths reached 85,00 Wednesday, the death clock showed more than 57,000 deaths could’ve been prevented. Jarecki said instead of saving lives, the president played politics and the counter reflects that.

“Reports show that as early as January, the president was advised by both his own experts and the intelligence services of the need for urgent measures against the spread of the virus,” Jarecki wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post. “Instead, he engaged in pretty political feuds and pollyannish predictions minimizing its significance. Finally, on March 16, he reversed his previously dismissive stance and announced ‘new guidelines for every American to follow.'”

By March 16, the U.S. was leading the world in the infection rate, major sports had been cancelled for almost a week and the stock market was falling fast.

Jarecki told Yahoo, he hopes “the lives already unnecessarily lost demand we seek more responsible crisis leadership.

“Just as the names of fallen soldiers are etched on memorials to remind us of the cost of war, quantifying the lives lost to the president’s delayed coronavirus response would serve a vital public function,” he added.

In addition to almost 100,000 deaths, the coronavirus pandemic has killed ten years of job growth in one month and put many minorities and low-income Americans at risk of losing their lives.

• News

by Derek Major

May 16, 2020

Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Says Reopening State Would Treat Black and Brown People Like Guinea Pigs

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The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus has sent a letter to Gov. Ralph Northam saying the move to reopen Virginia would be treating black and brown people like “guinea pigs for our economy.”

According to NewsOne, Virginia is slowly reopening the state with the first phase occurring on Friday. However, the black caucus believes the state doesn’t have the necessary testing capacity and infrastructure to safely reopen without putting minorities at an unfair risk.

“Throughout our country’s history, Black and Brown people have been experimented on and used as unwilling test subjects before — we cannot allow that to be repeated here,” the letter states.

In many states across the country including Virginia, African Americans and minorities are dying at a faster rate than white Americans.

Minorities are at a higher risk of being infected and dying of coronavirus due to low-wage jobs that don’t allow them to telecommute. Additionally, low-wage workers have to interact with strangers as part of their job.

Northam said his decision to open the state is based on positive trends in key metrics related to the virus’ spread, like testing capacity and hospital readiness. At a press conference on Wednesday, Northam downplayed the state’s reopening saying, “Phase one represents a small step forward.”

After two weeks of debate by state lawmakers, Northam’s plan will reopen retail businesses with limited capacity. Barbershops and hair salons will be by appointment only and both customers and employees have to wear face masks. Restaurants will continue to allow delivery orders and bowling alleys, theme parks, gyms, and beaches in the state will remain closed.

Northam’s spokesperson, Alena Yarmosky, told reporters the governor is “absolutely committed to moving forward in a gradual manner that protects all Virginians, particularly low-income individuals, essential workers, and communities of color.”

However, Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax has asked Northam to create a task force to track racial disparities in coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Some African American business owners have decided to stay closed, even as their states begin to open. Rapper Killer Mike, who owns several barbershops in Atlanta, said in April that even though Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said Atlanta businesses could reopen, he would keep his shops closed.

“As a citizen in the community where people look like me, I’m choosing to stay closed because I don’t want to endanger [anybody],” he said in April. “And a lot of times, politicians have different views of things. I think governors and mayors should all get on the phone together because as your constituents, we need you to do that.”

• Health and Wellness

by Selena Hill

May 15, 2020

Octavia Spencer: ‘It’s Okay to be Anxious’ During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Octavia Spencer is one of many Hollywood stars stepping up to help those in need amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

Last month, she announced a partnership with Mikucare, a baby monitor manufacturer, to donate monitors to COVID-19 patients at nursing and medical facilities in Alabama and New York. Now the Oscar-winning actress is helping people struggling with anxiety in wake of the public health pandemic.

The Help star teamed up with the Child Mind Institute to participate in their #WeThriveInside campaign. In a video, Spencer shares advice on how she takes care of her mental health during the pandemic.

“It’s okay to be anxious,” she says. “This is a very traumatic thing that we’re all experiencing and we’re doing that together. It’s also very good to go on walks, remaining socially physically distant, but getting a little exercise and vitamin D will also release endorphins and you feel a lot better.”

Launched on May 1, the Child Mind Institute’s #WeThriveInside has enlisted a number of stars to share coping strategies and mental and emotional health resources in homemade videos in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month. Participants include Child Mind Institute board member Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Misty Copeland, Jameela Jamil, Julia Michaels, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Many of the celebrities shared personal experiences and offered words of inspiration to help those dealing with isolation, fear, and anxiety.

“In these uncertain and uniquely stressful times, it is critical for families – and especially children – to know that they are not alone,” said Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, president of the Child Mind Institute, in a statement. “#WeThriveInside not only offers support and encouragement, it points parents to critical, evidence-based resources that can help millions of families better navigate unprecedented challenges. Most of us are struggling, but we can help each other discover new ways not just to persevere, but to thrive and grow from this experience.”

Watch Spencer’s video below.

• Entrepreneurship

by Selena Hill

May 15, 2020

Twitter CEO Backs Mayvenn’s #SaveTheSalon Campaign to Give $500 to Struggling Hair Stylists

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The global COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down, hitting black communities across the country the hardest. As a result, hair salons and barbershops, which are staples in the African American community, are suffering in unprecedented ways. According to Mayvenn.com, black consumers spend over $10 billion each year for haircare products and salon services. However, many of these small businesses are facing economic hardships due to mandatory closures and state-ordered stay-at-home measures.

To help struggling stylists, Mayvenn, a black-owned tech company that empowers hairstylists in the African American community, launched the #SaveTheSalon campaign via GoFundMe. The goal is to raise $2 million and distributed $500 each to 4,000 Mayvenn stylists.

“We recognize the overall cracks in our economic systems often put black stylists into vulnerable positions, with or without COVID-19,” said Diishan Imira, the founder and CEO of Mayvenn, in a statement. “Mayvenn is exploring not only how to support stylists in this difficult moment, but to be a better partner in the long term.”

A number of philanthropists are backing the #SaveTheSalon campaign, including Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall initiative, donors Ben and Felicia Horowitz, Libra/the Pritzker Family, and The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. Each has pledged to donate $10 for every $1 raised by the community up to $1 million. Mayvenn, itself, has committed to donating $100,000.

“Helping stylists is at the core of who we are and what our mission has been since day one. I take it as a personal responsibility to do what I can for the stylist community during this crisis,” said Imira. “This money is coming to them at a critical moment, and we’re asking for the support of the community to raise the rest so we can continue to provide this much-needed assistance.”

Founded in 2012, Mayvenn uses technology to help generate revenue for stylists by connecting them with new clients and helping them sell products. According to the statement, Mayvenn has paid out over $20 million in commissions and booking income to stylists over the past five years.

“These are difficult times for all of us. But in difficult times, we find opportunities to come together, support each other, and make it through,” said Imira, adding, “Hairstylists make us look and feel good so that we can tackle the world with confidence—now, it’s our turn to give them that same energy.”

Mayvenn, which is valued at $111 million, raised $36 million as of 2019 from a number of investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Essence Ventures, Serena Williams, Steve Stoute, Andre Iguodala, Jimmy Irvine, Cross Culture Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Impact America, and Core VC.