Mignon Hemsley, digital marketer and Danuelle Doswell, graphic designer and freelance creative, are the co-creators of the virtual plant shop and subscription service, Grounded. And they are on a mission to spread joy through their newly launched business.

Grounded was created by the Washington D.C. natives to help people disconnect and decompress through the appreciation of plants in the spaces we occupy. Their selection of plants has a plethora of benefits designed to elicit a sense of tranquility and mindfulness.

Because of Them We Can (BOTWC) spoke exclusively to the founders who shared that they decided to go into business with one another because of their shared love for plants. Through Grounded, they hope to promote another form of self-care for people.

They told BOTWC, “Being great friends we bonded through being plant and garden moms. We wanted to take our bond to the next level and help others, which is an innate trait of both of ours. Our business idea naturally came to fruition from our passion and love for plants.”

At a time where non-essential businesses are closed and people are in need of healthful ways to decompress, Hemsley and Doswell thought Grounded could add unique value to the market and people’s lives as they are sheltered in place. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With all of the technological advances and worldly transitions, in order to stay grounded mentally, it’s important for us to take a step back and disconnect from our days. Through the appreciation, dedication and care of plants in our spaces this is attainable. We want to educate the black community and beyond, of the tremendous benefits of plants, not only physically but especially mentally in your spaces,” they told the publication.

Grounded sources their plants from nurseries around the DMV and New York City. Their plants range between $50-$100 and are customizable. The company also offers non-subscription options featuring three indoor plants ranging between $15 or $20 each.

In celebration of their launch, Grounded is offering free shipping nationwide for a limited time.

• News

by Alisa Gumbs

April 22, 2020

McDonald’s Giving $250K to Black Communities Hit by Coronavirus, Free Meals to Healthcare Workers

---

McDonald’s USA is joining BET and the United Way by making a significant donation toward efforts that will directly support black communities hit hardest by COVID-19. BET is announcing the donation during today’s “Saving OurSelves: a BET COVID-19 Relief Effort.”

In addition, McDonald’s is honoring the selfless service of healthcare workers and first responders—police officers, firefighters, and paramedics—by giving them free meals.

“McDonald’s has supported our communities through highs and lows, and remains committed to aiding in COVID-19 relief as we get through this pandemic together,” Vicki Chancellor, an Atlanta-based McDonald’s owner/operator and chair of the Operator’s National Advertising Fund, told Black Enterprise in an emailed statement.

“Inspired by the heroes working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy during this time, McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees are expressing appreciation by offering a free ‘Thank You Meal’ to all healthcare workers and first responders,” Chancellor continued. “Additionally, we’re honored to join BET and United Way by donating $250,000.”

Each Thank You Meal will be available via drive thru or carry out during breakfast, lunch, or dinner at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide from April 22nd through May 5th. It will be served in a McDonald’s Happy Meal box, along with a note of appreciation, “in the hopes of bringing a smile along with delicious food,” a press release notes.

The Thank You Meal will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks, and a side of french fries or a hash brown. Healthcare workers and first responders simply have to show a work badge.

“Our restaurants have always been a place for the community to come together and share everyday feel-good moments with family, friends, and neighbors,” said Chancellor in a press statement.

“And, now during times like this, it’s more important than ever for our restaurants to continue to serve and help the communities that have supported us for so long.”

McDonald’s has contributed to the relief effort in a number of other ways, including donating $3.1 million in food to support local communities, donating 1 million N95 masks to Chicago and the state of Illinois, and donating $1 million to the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund to ensure nonprofits in its home state have the supplies they need during this time.

Food and other household items have been suffering unusual shortages due to the COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus pandemic. Due to the viral outbreak, countries and major cities across the world have issued mandatory lockdowns, shutting down all “non-essential” businesses until the virus is properly contained. Many fresh farms have been seeing a new wave of customers due to the shortage of fresh produce and food items. For one entrepreneur, the public health crisis meant shifting gears and creating new strategies.

Seattle native Ras Peynado was inspired by his mother’s dream to open her own urban farm. While his parents were never able to realize their dreams, their son Ras would make sure that he fulfilled their wish since his father’s death in their home country of Jamaica. “I later took part of his humble lifestyle (farming) and turned it into a profitable lifestyle,” said Peynado to Shoppe Black in an interview. “I’m also inspired by my own passion for growing medical marijuana.” His company, Herbenfarm, opened in 2012 and has a stall in the popular Pike Place Market that attracts both locals and tourists alike. He specializes in tasty seasonings, organic honey, and savory sauces.

Since the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S., Peynado’s farm has taken a serious hit financially due to the dramatic decrease in foot traffic through the market. “We primarily depend on tourism,” he explained. “Tourists that come into the city and even more on cruise ship tourism from April-October. Tourism accounts for 85%-90% of my sales and since March have not been able to set up at market due to the statewide lockdown in Washington.”

Despite the setbacks, Peynado remains optimistic while implementing new strategies to get through the shutdown. [I’ve been] working with local partners like Savor Seattle and the Atrium Kitchen At Pike Place to come up with creative ways to reach the locals,” he said. “This is the time when people are spending more time in the kitchen and needing to stay satisfied; avoiding the same old stale flavors from the grocery store. My partners have been able to gather other fresh local producers to create weekly boxes/bags that can be curbside picked up or delivered throughout the city, servicing hundreds of customers so far.”

• News

by Derek Major

April 22, 2020

FDA Warns Smokers May Have Higher Risk Of Catching Coronavirus

---

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration made another revision on the risks of the coronavirus and nicotine, saying smokers have an increased risk of catching the virus.

“People who smoke cigarettes may be at increased risk of infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, and may have worse outcomes from COVID-19,” the agency said in an emailed response to a question from Bloomberg News.

The FDA said earlier this month that smokers may have worse outcomes from coronavirus, but weren’t definitive on whether the chances of catching the virus were increased due to smoking. There are currently more than 1 billion smokers around the world and 41 million people who vape. Since the outbreak started late last year, there have been varying guidance on the virus’s potential threat from public health agencies.

Cigarette manufacturers believe smokers should look to governmental health authorities and medical professionals for advice.

“Nicotine and tobacco products are not risk-free, and the best thing anyone can do is to quit altogether. Those who do not quit smoking should consider switching to regulated smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products,” Philip Morris spokesman Corey Henry said in a statement.

Because the virus is young and relatively unknown, regulators and researchers have been pouring through old data on how smoking affects those with the flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Scientists are also tracking data on how vapers are affected by the coronavirus.

The FDA noted in its April 14 statement that cigarette smoking “causes heart and lung diseases, suppresses the immune system, and increases the risk of respiratory infections.”

In early March, the FDA said vaping and smoking only posed a higher risk for the coronavirus in people who had underlying conditions.

For African American smokers, the news only adds to the issues they’ve faced since the outbreak began. African Americans are already more likely to contract and succumb to the coronavirus at a faster rate than other races. Additionally, the economic turmoil the virus created is also affecting African Americans more than other races.

Cannabis has become a lucrative business within the U.S. since individual states began legalizing the drug for recreational use. While many legalized states have deemed dispensaries as “essential” businesses that should remain open during the COVID-19, some businesses have reported a slight slump in sales. In addition to dealing with the limited hours brought about by the shutdown, they also have to pay federal taxes while being shut out of small business relief loans.

Dispensaries offering delivery services have seen an increase in sales, however, stores in areas relying on tourist foot traffic have been experiencing a slump in sales. “Some businesses are running into choppy waters,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer to CNBC News. Sales in Colorado reportedly fell 21% in the second half of March, compared to a year earlier. In Nevada, sales fell 15%.

While many businesses can apply for relief loans and grants through the government stimulus package, cannabis businesses are shut out of eligibility for the programs. Rep. Blumenauer and three of his colleagues from both parties are pushing for the next round of Small Business Administration loans to include the cannabis industry.

“There are a quarter of a million people working in state legal cannabis businesses, they pay almost $2 billion in taxes,” Blumenauer continued and added that the industry actually pays a disproportionate amount in taxes “because the crazy federal government rules don’t allow them to deduct all their business expenses.” Despite the fact these companies pay federal taxes, American cannabis companies still may not be able to seek federal bankruptcy protection.

Blumenauer says there are four pieces of legislation that have made their way out of committee in Congress dealing with access to banking institutions, scientific research, assistance for veterans, and full legalization. He said that even though every business sector in the country is suffering right now and needs aid, it’s not fair to cut off an industry recognized as legal in 33 states. “They have employees that have needs, they contribute to the economy, they pay taxes, they provide essential services,” Blumenauer said. For now, businesses will have to improvise and hope for the best until new legislation comes.

• News

by Derek Major

April 22, 2020

Senate Passes $484 Billion Coronavirus Relief Package

---

The Senate passed a $484 billion package Tuesday to assist businesses, individuals, and the medical industry to deal with the economic and health-related issues brought by the coronavirus.

According to Politico, the agreement, which took two weeks to work out, will provide $310 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, $60 billion of which will be used for minority businesses and small banks. Of that, $75 billion will go to hospitals and $25 billion is designated for coronavirus testing.

Also, $10 billion will be allocated for grants under the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and $50 billion will go to disaster recovery loans. Additionally, $2.1 billion will be used for additional salaries and expenses for the Small Business Administration.

Senate Democrats blocked the Senate GOP’s initial deal of $250 billion for small businesses, demanding a broader package of aid that included millions of dollars for hospitals and states. Democrats fought for the guarantees after a few big businesses received bailout funds meant for small independent businesses, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Shake Shack.

• Lifestyle

by Dana Givens

April 22, 2020

ASOS Unveils Its Made In Kenya Collection Collaboration With Soko Kenya

---

ASOS MADE IN KENYA is the newest limited-edition unisex collection created in partnership with SOKO Kenya, an ethical clothing manufacturer in Nairobi that actively works against environmental issues within the country. The company works alongside the organization Fashion Revolution to help empower local female artisans to build revenue and independence using their talents.

SOKO Kenya’s partnership with ASOS began in 2010 with different seasonal collections and has featured the work of local artist Wini Awuondo. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Like many others in the fashion industry, we have taken the decision to shift our focus with a team in the factory and the Community Trust to manufacturing masks. Our washable sanitary pad team are using a mixture of up cycled fabric and offcuts from our factory and the factory team are using our t shirt offcuts, which may not be medical standard but are better than nothing, particularly when there is a shortage due to the current crisis. We hope to keep producing these as long as there is a need, maintaining a steady income for all of the team that are involved, which unfortunately many people in Kenya can not currently count on. Please get in contact if you would like to find out more. . . . #sokostories #covid19 #covid19kenya #ethicalfashion #sokokenyastories #supportingwomen #femaleempowerment #clothingmanufacturer #communitytrust #supportingcommunities

A post shared by SOKO Kenya (@sokokenya) on Mar 26, 2020 at 11:24am PDT

• Lifestyle

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 22, 2020

Rihanna, Google, and the Schusterman Family Donate $100 Million To Consumers Impacted By Coronavirus

---

Rihanna is the queen of coronavirus relief efforts! Once again, the singer has pooled her resources to join another cause to help people who have been hardest hit by the coronavirus outbreak. She joins forces with internet giant Google and the Schusterman Family Foundation to donate $100 million in another charitable effort according to Forbes.

Google, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, and the Schusterman Family Foundation (a charity started by the late oil magnate Charles Schusterman and his wife Lynn) are giving cash to the consumers who have been hit the hardest from the coronavirus. The three organizations are putting their funds behind GiveDirectly‘s Project 100. GiveDirectly is the “first and largest nonprofit that lets donors send money directly to the world’s poorest.” GiveDirectly started a drive that started last month to send $1,000 to 100,000 Americans.

GiveDirectly, a New York nonprofit was started by 39-year-old entrepreneur Michael Faye. Faye learned that giving cash directly to people, is the best way to help the extreme poor. “Cash recognizes that one size doesn’t fit all,” he says. “The extreme poor have excruciatingly difficult choices to make. Do I send my daughter to secondary school or feed my newborn?” Donors do not know anything about the recipients’ lives, so cash helps them most, he says. 

“We’re glad we’ve been able to operationalize so quickly,” Faye tells Forbes. “This week we’ll move more than $10 million, which is essentially the money we raised last week.” Recipients can receive their money through direct deposit into a bank account, paper check, PayPal, Venmo, or pick up at a MoneyGram location. 

Aside from GiveDirectly’s Project 100 rive, the organization is sending millions of dollars to many consumers in countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Morocco. Countries and regions that have been financially affected by the coronavirus. Every dollar goes a lot further in these countries, so in Kenya, GiveDirectly is giving people in Nairobi slums $28 a month for 3 months. It aims to reach up to 200,000 people. GiveDirectly is trying to raise an additional $100 million for its Africa relief effort as the coronavirus spreads there.

• News

by Derek Major

April 22, 2020

Sens. Kamala Harris, Cory Booker Call for Police Bias Training Over Concerns of Blacks Wearing Face Masks

---

Senators Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are leaning on the FBI and the Justice Department to address concerns of African Americans on how cops are dealing with the CDC, urging people to wear face coverings when they go outside.

The CDC recommended April 3 that individuals “wear face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” Less than a week later, incidents of racial profiling began popping up across the country and abroad. The incidents prompted Harris and Booker to send a letter Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray.

“With the ongoing public health emergency, it is more important than ever for law enforcement to build trust with communities of color. Accordingly, we urge your agencies to immediately provide training and guidance on bias, policing, and disproportionate or selective enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also urge your agencies to encourage the use of federal guidance to create model recommendations at the state and local level.” Harris and Booker wrote.

African American men and women have been posting incidents on social media of racial bias due to wearing facemasks. Several incidents have occurred between the police and African Americans, including two incidents in Philadelphia. Harris and Booker believe federal law enforcement officials should instruct local departments on how to avoid these incidents.

“The Justice Department should send instructions to state and local law enforcement, consistent with this existing guidance. But recent cases also highlight the need for additional guidance on bias and enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Harris and Booker’s letter states.

The letter was also signed by Sens. Dick Durbin, (D-IL), Ed Markey, (D-MA), Mazie Hirono, (D-HI), and Ben Cardin (D-MD).

Incidents like these are even occurring outside the U.S. A post on Twitter showed cops in the U.K. telling an African American man to leave a park while a white man does handstands a few feet away.

Police officials have pushed back on the letter.  According to Jim Pasco, executive director of the National Fraternal Order of Police, police departments across the country are overwhelmed due to the virus and have previously received bias training.

“In the circumstances we currently find ourselves in, I find it troubling that anyone is asking the nation’s already overworked officers to take time out of their work for training, based on a few allegations of improper conduct. This seems like political opportunism, at the least opportunistic time for the country,” Pasco told the Associated Press in a phone interview.

The coronavirus has been harder on African Americans, as they are forced to deal with a lack of healthcare while dealing with the economic turmoil the virus has created.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

This just makes us so happy to see the doctors and nurses that are working in the front lines to save lives in their custom LaviebyCK masks.#laviebyck @cedarssinai

A post shared by Claude Lavie Kameni (@laviebyck) on Apr 8, 2020 at 12:37pm PDT