Taraji P. Henson Wants To Provide Free Therapy To Black Communities Impacted By COVID-19
The effect of COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, has caused massive changes to our society that will have lasting physical and mental consequences around the world. Unemployment claims have hit a record high with hundreds of thousands of jobs lost due to the outbreak. Actress Taraji P. Henson is stepping up to help those who need therapy make it through this difficult time.
The actress has launched the COVID-19 Free Virtual Therapy Campaign through her nonprofit organization, the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which focuses on mental health initiatives for the African American community. Her initiative comes when data has surfaced showing how COVID-19 disproportionately affects members of the black community, particular in major cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee.
The campaign will raise money to cover the costs of mental health services delivered by licensed and culturally competent clinicians. The initiative will be exclusive to individuals and families who have been directly impacted by the coronavirus public health crisis.
“It’s our priority to provide care to those in need, who do not have accessibility or the ability to afford culturally competent therapists. We also need to remove the stigma around mental illness. It’s OK not to be OK,” says BLHF executive director Tracie Jade Jenkins.
Henson wishes more people, particularly African American men, talked about their mental health issues. “They are told to be strong and tough it out and told that you’re weak if you have issues,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “We’re all human. We’re all in this thing called life together, and it is tough. We’re not afraid to talk about having a root canal or there’s no shame in having a thyroid issue or even cancer. Why can’t we talk about mental health in the same way?”
Registration will open via the foundation’s website on April 15. Donations can be made by texting NOSTIGMA to 707070.
NBA Players May Have to Pay Back Millions to Team Owners
The novel coronavirus pandemic has contributed to many people and businesses losing income. Due to the NBA season possibly being canceled, players may have to refund money already paid to them, according to CNBC.
On a Tuesday conference call with executives from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), representatives from the players’ union told agents that any compensation deal agreed to by the NBPA and league owners will include refunds on all NBA contracts.
Sources had reported that NBPA executive director Michelle Roberts couldn’t offer a road map as to how owners will want to recover funds but warned agents that returns would be solicited from players should the league cancel the remainder of its games due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
According to the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed between the players and the league, the NBA is already allowed to keep approximately 1% of the players’ paychecks for each canceled game through force majeure, which translates to an unforeseeable event like a natural disaster or pandemic. ESPN reported the NBA and the players had already discussed a plan to withhold remaining salaries and place the funds in a league escrow if the remaining games are canceled.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul, president of the National Basketball Players Association, told CNBC on Tuesday that players “communicate as best we can” to stay abreast of league discussions involving player compensation. “We’re aware,” Paul said. “As long as we have the conversations about it and try to make sure that guys are [as] prepared as possible, I think we’ll be fine.”
Players that are under contracts that run past this current season could actually be spared in part, as owners could decide to recoup the funds over the life of the deals. But upcoming free agents who haven’t completed the last year of their contracts could be forced to write checks to NBA owners if they have gotten advances.
Tyler Perry Paid For Seniors’ Groceries At More Than 70 Stores
Filmmaker and entertainment mogul Tyler Perry surprised an unsuspecting group with another charitable act to help those impacted by COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus. Earlier this week, Perry gave out generous tips at a Atlanta restaurant. Yesterday, the 50-year-old movie mogul purchased the groceries for elderly shoppers at 44 Kroger stores in Atlanta and 29 Winn-Dixie stores in New Orleans.
People over the age of 60 are at high risk for serious complications if they contract the virus. Many grocery stores have designated hours for senior citizens to ensure they can shop for necessary household goods during quarantine.
Perry currently resides in Atlanta, but grew up in New Orleans. The receipts for the purchases were reportedly signed “Atlanta Angel.”
An anonymous donor bought all of the groceries for every single senior citizen shopping during their special hour for elderly folks at the Toco Hills Kroger this morning. Shoppers were stunned and so grateful. When they got their receipts it was signed simply, “Atlanta Angel” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qFN3KsEKEO
— Kaitlyn Ross 11Alive (@kaitlynross1) April 8, 2020
“We would like to join our customers in thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness and generosity during this unprecedented pandemic,” Felix Turner, manager of corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta division, told The Huffington Post in a statement. “It was truly a pleasure to see our customers fill with joy and gratitude as the news spread throughout 44 stores across Metro Atlanta.”
Earl Graves Said It: Success Principles From The Founder of Black Enterprise
Earl Graves said it. For five decades and counting, that was all millions of people needed to hear to harness the courage to start a business, raise their career ambitions, commit to multigenerational wealth creation, and make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Whether people received his words via his uplifting public speeches, his award-winning Publisher’s Page magazine column, or his national bestselling, now classic business book How To Succeed in Business Without Being White: Straight Talk On Making It In America, the founder of Black Enterprise earned a level of trust comparable to—and often far greater than—that enjoyed by American presidents. The consensus is all but unanimous: If Earl Graves said it, you not only can believe it—you can count on it.
Although Graves passed away on April 6, 2020, he leaves a rich, living legacy, including advice and success principles that will continue to enlighten, inspire and empower generations to come. Here is just a small sample of memorable Earl Graves quotes shared during the course of his extraordinary life.
EARL GRAVES SAID IT: ON MINDSET
“In order to overcome, we must tie our identities not to failure and obstacles, but to our achievements, goals and limitless potential, and challenge the world to do so as well.”
“The glass is never half empty. It’s either full, or ready for a refill.”
“To have a successful career, you have to approach it as an entrepreneur, even if you are working for someone else. Your career is your own private business. You have to market yourself and your abilities and knowledge just as you would a product or service.”
“I have no patience with people who want to tell me what’s wrong. I only want to hear from the person who first tells me the solution and then fills me in on the problem. I don’t want to hear that your basement is flooded. I want to hear that you’ve found the number to the cleanup company. Then tell me why you’re calling them.”
ON OVERCOMING RACISM
“The white-dominated business world needs to understand that we don’t want charity. We want to do business. We don’t want guaranteed success. We want the opportunity to earn it.”
“I am not an assimilationist; I am an equal opportunist. I want smart black people who work hard to have the same opportunities as smart white people who work hard.”
“Business first. You won’t make it if you go into every sales presentation or job interview feeling you have to convince people that African Americans are wonderful people. This is about business, not race, unless one side or the other forces race into the picture.”
“Though African Americans have come a mighty long way, we have not overcome. But deep in my heart, with the ideas, ideals and energy of a new generation, I believe we will.”
ON FAMILY
“Family is a priority in my business. It always has been. It always will be.”
“Success can sometimes be nearly as lethal to black families as struggle. I know many African American men and women whose professional accomplishments have been offset and even undermined by family turmoil.”
“Far too many people in business see their personal lives and their careers as competing aspects of their lives. I don’t. They are each parts of the whole, with family being the most important.”
“If you are to succeed in the dog-eat-dog business world, particularly if your skin color is always going to set you apart, then you are going to need a deep reservoir of strength and determination. You are going to need principles and values, those guidelines that determine how you lead your life. Most important, you are going to need the lasting and unconditional love of family.”
ON NETWORKING
“To network effectively, find a common interest—and don’t assume it is you.”
“What makes networking work is that it sets up win-win situations in which all parties involved get to take something home. Networking is a sharing process. Until you understand that, you won’t have much of a network.”
“Never forget that business is personal. The businessperson who builds the strongest relationships wins.”
ON ENTREPRENEURSHIP
“I believe that entrepreneurship is the ultimate smart money move and the surest path toward wealth for African Americans. Far fewer blacks than whites benefit from inherited wealth or assets. Entrepreneurship is the primary way to create the sort of wealth that can be passed on and built upon by succeeding generations.”
“Economic power is the key to success in a capitalistic society. Business is the means to that power. African Americans can play this game and we can win at it. You can succeed in business without being white.”
“Sell to their needs—not from yours.”
“If you are selling the black consumer market, sell its buying power, not your social consciousness.”
ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE
“Selfishness doesn’t last. Uncle Toms don’t last. Fearful people don’t last. It is rare for the individual who only cares about himself or herself to get very far in business.”
“If you love yourself, you will stand in harm’s way for other African Americans. If you do not love and respect yourself, then you will probably not feel any need to work for the greater good.”
“No matter where you are in your career or business, there is always something you can do and someone you can help in order to strengthen the entire black community. None of us can afford to say, ‘I’ve got mine, You get your own.’ Anyone with that attitude—and we all know people who have it—should be aware that the day will come when he or she will need help and there will be no one there.”
“It is the responsibility of all African Americans to help our young people understand the opportunities that entrepreneurship and business offer.”
“Excelling in business goes hand in hand with excelling at creating opportunities for others. Any entrepreneur can make money. The very best make a difference.”
If You’re Snacking Too Much While You Stay at Home, Nutritionist JJ Smith Has the Solution
With the coronavirus pandemic spreading across the country, the majority of Americans are under state orders to stay at home.
Our normal routines have been upended, gyms are closed, and we’re spending more time than ever inside—and it’s affecting not only our mental well-being but our physical health as well.
“The truth of the matter is people are sitting on their ass eating a lot of food gaining a lot of weight,” says JJ Smith, nutritionist, certified weight loss expert, and bestselling author of 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse.
“So they’re actually trying to get back on track, because they’re developing some bad eating habits during this pandemic.”
Smith’s assessment may sound harsh but it comes without judgment, as she admits that she’s also struggled to eat healthy during these unprecedented times.
“I got to get it together too, because I’ve been snacking a lot more. I have pretty good eating habits, pretty disciplined, but I am so far off track.
“I’m eating cereal and bologna and bacon and hot dogs. And that’s it,” she continues. “Everything I don’t eat [normally] was the only thing I was eating and it was just really crazy stuff.”
The stress and the lack of movement have been like a double whammy that compounds the constant snacking while we stay at home.
“I’m telling you the snacks are really problematic,” she says. “And it’s like, snacking out of boredom, and not being able to do things socially with family and friends, or just sitting in the house feeling the anxiety around the pandemic.”
Smith realized that she probably wasn’t the only one worried about staying slim and healthy during self-quarantine. And she decided to do something about it.
“I wondered if anybody else was struggling with their eating habits right now. And I reached out, and so many people were. So I created this ConFINEment Body Challenge with my followers.”
The Challenge is a free, monthlong program and 49-page e-book that teaches participants how they can detox at home, how to eat clean, and how to make sure they keep their bodies moving—even if it’s just around the house.
“It’s probably the most free information I ever gave,” Smith says. “People are already under enough anxiety and stress and it’s not about making money at this time, it’s about coming together and trying to provide support and whatever expertise you have. That’s what I’ve provided my expertise on, on weight loss and health.”
That expertise is clearly needed, with 80,000 people signed up to do the ConFINEment Body Challenge in its first week alone.
“It’s something to do every day for the next 30 days, so that we don’t lose all the progress we’ve been making over the years,” Smith says. “We are not going to fall off track during the quarantine time.”
Black Party Supply Business to Gift Families with Decorations to Celebrate Birthdays During COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed life as many people know it. Nevertheless, life goes on. While large social gatherings have been prohibited across the nation, people are finding unique ways to celebrate special moments like anniversary’s, tying the knot, baby showers, and birthdays. Yet for some, funding celebratory moments can be a challenge due to the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.In response, Tabitha Salomon, founder and CEO of Party Dash, created the “Spread Joy” relief program to allow parents to donate party supplies to families in need.
According toSlackline, the events and party supplies industry is down 55% and is in the top 15 fastest-declining categories due to the pandemic.
Salomon launched Party Dash at the beginning of 2020—and she is already giving back so that parents can host fun virtual or household parties and bring their children joy. One hundred percent of profits from the program will go to the COVID-19 relief effort.
We spoke with Salomon about her journey into entrepreneurship and her mission to spread joy during these uncertain times.
Meet Tabitha Salomon
What led you to create Party Dash?
I’m that friend who constantly brings communities of people together. I believe that events and parties are a pathway to connection. About two years ago, I was working at Google and I thought perhaps there’s a fun opportunity to add value in the space by doing something novel or to do something that perhaps hadn’t been done well before. I started to talk to other people like myself who love to get people together for milestone events like your kids’ birthday parties, your friend’s baby shower, etc. I kept hearing over and over again that busy parents would find it frustrating because they’re visiting three to five stores on average to piecemeal party supplies together when they walk to a store or a party store, it was usually chaotic and overwhelming.
In one of those conversations, I had a mom say to me, ‘I feel like someone’s thrown up on me when I walk into a party store. I will never forget that. That is such a visual description of how bad the experience is. Oftentimes, products are outdated and poor quality. So, when I was thinking about how we’re going to bring ‘party back to life’, our vision was to essentially make curated boxes that are conveniently shipped to that busy parent’s door. And we took it a step further by saying let’s also think about being a conscious brand. Today, our products are sustainably sourced. Over 80% of the products on our platform are biodegradable. And, we’re always looking for a mission to give back to our community.
Spreading Joy During Uncertain Times
Party Dash’s space party decorations (Image: Courtesy of Party Dash)
People are hosting virtual parties on Zoom and social media platforms like Instagram Live. Even though we’re living in this moment of uncertainty, tell us more about your decision to help families get in the spirit of celebrating during these times.
Most party suppliers are essentially like, ‘Hey, we’re just gonna like not sell for the next couple of months because people aren’t having parties.’ And we thought, No! If anything, it’s when people are living with fear, anxiety, and doubt is when we should be the light. We should give people a reason to get together and celebrate. And we should be the conduits of those celebrations. So, it’s not that people stop celebrating, it’s how they celebrate that looks different.
To your point, we’re seeing a huge spike in virtual parties that are being done. I was on a call yesterday with a group of five moms who had just finished planning or about to start planning kids’ birthday parties. And they were telling me that they love the fact that they can still make it feel festive.
Knowing that we’re a part of that makes me and my team feel really good about what we’re doing. Essentially, we’re just trying to spread joy and a time that’s full of anxiety and fear.
Spread the Good News
Party Dash’s unicorn decoration set (Image: Courtesy: Party Dash)
How can families apply to be selected as beneficiaries of the Spread Joy campaign?
For the next two months, applications will be open. We’re seeing a lot of nonprofits, like the Boys and Girls who are a partner of ours, are getting involved. Essentially what they’re doing is they’re emailing everyone in their communities because they know those parents are usually a bit more low-income. And when income is cut in their household even more—things like this [parties] are the first things to go.
If you have to choose between celebrating and putting a smile on your kid’s face for that one special day or putting food on the table, that’s a really terrible decision and options to choose from as a parent. So, we’re saying to that particular parent, ‘You don’t have to choose anymore, we got your back. We’re going to support you and help you to turn this into a festive and memorable experience for your kid’s birthday.’
We’re also thinking a lot about the folks that are on the front lines. The nurses and the health techs who are working around the clock fighting COVID-19. When people get home, the last thing they want to do is go online and shop or go on Pinterest and put the boards together. Or, go on Amazon and piecemeal their event together.
Now, all they have to do is spend two minutes applying for this. And then we’ll ship out the box that fits that particular theme or occasion that their kid loves. We’re really thinking about these two communities and others who’ve been negatively affected. And again, with this mission of helping to spread joy.
Apply
If you’d like to donate to the cause and spread joy or benefit from the program, click here to get involved and or apply.
Bank of America and Uber Are Giving Back To Communities Impacted By COVID-19
In response to COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, many private companies and financial institutions are doing what they can to provide relief for those impacted by the viral outbreak. The global pandemic has caused massive economic fallout and political tensions amid the race for more effective treatments, and ultimately a vaccine.
The virus has triggered state governments in the U.S. to issue mandatory stay-at-home orders, closing all non-essential businesses until the disease can be contained. Over 700,000 jobs have been lost since the pandemic started with another 3 million filing for unemployment in the first weeks, the largest number claims ever recorded in a single week.
Bank of America is one of the major companies looking to help individuals impacted by COVID-19 by committing $100 million to support local communities in need. The funds will be used to help improve medical response capacity, food insecurity, increase access to remote learning amid school closures, and provide financial support to the country’s most vulnerable populations. In addition to the pledge, the banking institution will also be offering deferrals on credit cards along with home and auto loans to current customers.
“Bank of America is deferring mortgage payments for up to 90 days or until the crisis is over,” Bank of America representative Bill Halden told Business Insider. The company will also increase funding to several national and global organizations that are on the front lines, tackling the most pressing issues in local communities.
Uber is also stepping up, providing support by teaming up with healthcare union 1199SEIU, which represents over 450,000 first responders in the country, to deliver free meals and discounted rides to healthcare professionals.
“Each and every day 1199SEIU members put aside their own fears and go to work on the front lines, helping to save lives in the face of a global pandemic,” says George Gresham, president of 1199SEIU to USA Today. The $2 million partnership will serve healthcare workers in New York, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Dr. Joynicole Martinez Debunks Dangerous Myths, Shares Uncommon Insights on COVID-19
Dr. Joynicole Martinez is an internationally esteemed epidemiologist and the founder and CEO of the Alchemist Agency. Through her work, she studies chronic and infectious diseases to understand how they spread and how to control them. “I also work to identify societal characteristics that affect the pattern of disease and health distribution,” she told Black Enterprise.
In addition, as a community advancement and population health expert, she has developed initiatives that reach across disciplines to strengthen health and wellness, including the development of mixed-income, mixed-finance housing communities.
Black Enterprise sat down with Dr. Martinez to discuss her work as an epidemiologist, COVID-19, and infectious disease intervention in communities of color.
Black Enterprise:Let’s discuss the current pandemic, COVID-19. What is it and how is it spread?
Dr. Martinez: Coronaviruses are common circulating viruses that usually cause upper respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose. COVID-19 illness is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2 and is the seventh coronavirus identified that infects humans.
The progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection symptoms is broad. It ranges from asymptomatic infection, mild upper respiratory tract illness, and severe viral pneumonia with respiratory failure to death. Although not highlighted in the initial reports, smell and taste disorders have also been reported as symptoms in patients.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is thought to occur mainly through respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets can be generated by sneezing (40,000 droplets), coughing (3,000 droplets), or talking (about 600 droplets per minute). It can be transmitted through fomites, or objects that can carry the virus on their surface. Finally, viral shedding is possible via asymptomatic people.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus appears to mutate more slowly than the seasonal flu, which should allow an opportunity to develop a vaccine before the next seasonal cycle. Influenza mutates constantly. That’s why it’s necessary to vaccinate against different strains of the flu each year. The virus causing COVID-19 is mutating at a rate that could allow a single vaccine rather than one that needs to be updated each year.
The rapid spread and large number of people in a community who have recovered will offer a level of natural immunity through antibodies combined with the introduction of a vaccine, that develops community or ‘herd immunity.’ In most cases, 80% to 95% of the population must be immune to the disease to stop its spread. The sooner we vaccinate the less likely we are to have another cycle.
Can you distinguish research models from tracking data?
Tracking is used to identify exposures and isolate individuals who are infected or exposed in an effort to “flatten the curve.” Governments across the world are relying on research models (i.e., mathematical projections) to help guide decisions in this pandemic. These models are not meant to serve as a crystal ball. They always describe a range of possibilities—and those possibilities are highly sensitive to our actions. Because models forecast based on these varying populations and sets of conditions, there is a natural level of uncertainty.
In the early phases of the viral spread, no COVID-19 tests were performed in the USA. As testing began to occur, limited data began to arrive. The data from testing and tracking is changing rapidly, so the forecasts and models change daily. The more data we get, the better our forecasts and the faster we recover as a population.
(Dr. Martinez speaking before an international audience of experts on her research at the P50 Summer Peace Summit in Brussels, Belgium)
Are there certain systemic problems associated with the spread of COVID-19?
Unfortunately, we have as much erroneous and misleading information circulating as that which is factual and helpful. A few weeks ago, we heard rumors of blacks being immune to the virus, that ingesting strange and very dangerous treatments (such as drinking bleach) could prevent infection, and that donning the N95, procedure masks, and gloves could prevent you from becoming sick.
Wearing a face mask is not a guarantee that you won’t get sick – viruses can penetrate the highest-rated masks. However, masks are effective at capturing droplets you expel from your mouth. So, the new recommendation is based on some protection being used so you don’t put others at risk. It also suggests that wearing a face mask may provide some protection against the respiratory droplets transmitted by others.
Tight-fitting N95 respirators filter out at least 95% of particles. By comparison, a typical surgical or procedure mask has a range of 60 to 80%. This N95 rating is only achieved when fitted and worn correctly—which is not easy to do. N95 masks are difficult to put on for people who aren’t trained medical professionals. If you’ve put the mask on right, it is hot and stuffy, so a lot of people take it off before it can be effective.
The masks, gowns, gloves, hoods, and other PPE are also expensive. So, when people seek out testing and they aren’t critically symptomatic, they further strain our already taxed medical infrastructure. The test is not treatment, and there is no magic cure.
Have communities of color been desperately impacted by this situation?
The research shows that individuals with comorbidities are more likely to be hospitalized. Comorbidities or pre-existing conditions that seem to make COVID-19 illness more dangerous and more likely to require hospitalization include hypertension (most common), followed by diabetes and coronary artery disease, COPD, chronic liver disease, asthma, and obesity. People who have immune systems that are compromised have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases. This may be caused by certain diseases or conditions, such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, malnutrition, and certain genetic disorders.
According to the most recent data available from Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, when compared with non-Hispanic white citizens in the U.S., blacks are 60% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, 20% more likely to die from heart disease, have the highest rate of any racial and ethnic group for all cancers combined and for most major cancers, and represent 44% of the HIV positive population.
In the US, blacks and minority groups dealing with systemic obstacles to food, housing, employment, healthcare, and education will more frequently suffer preexisting conditions and become more ill if infected.
The rate of infection is not biological. The virus can’t see your race and it will infect you without regard to your skin color.
Don’t buy into the hype, understand the underlying issues. Racism, segregation, and inequality contribute to health outcomes and drive health disparities across the life course and this pandemic just highlights what we already knew.
What is your best advice, framed as a holistic approach, in addressing the outbreak going forward?
People are our best offense and defense. Individuals must altruistically follow social distancing regulations—that’s their front line. Next is to carefully share information from qualified sources. Finally, adhering to the thresholds for testing, which ensure that professionals treat the most ill and staying safe by sheltering-in-place and practicing strict hygiene protocol are smart things we can all do.
If you’re a middle-aged, reasonably healthy person and you develop mild, flu-like symptoms and think you may be infected, the new guidance is to call your doctor. Your doctor will likely tell you to assume you’re infected and self-quarantine until you’ve been fever-free for three days (unless your condition worsens, in which case call your doctor again).
Social distancing is our only real, scalable strategy at this point. It’s the only lever big enough that, if we pull it really hard, will actually flatten the curve and keep our hospitals from being overwhelmed, as we see in New York City. Plan A was to stop it from escalating. We’re on to Plan B, and there is no Plan C. So, we have to make this work, period.
Baby Phat Partners With Footlocker to Release The Courtside Capsule
Don’t call it a comeback! Kimora Lee Simmons recently relaunched the iconic Baby Phat clothing line and has struck a partnership with Foot Locker, according to Essence.
In addition to the working relationship with Foot Locker, the former supermodel and Baby Phat founder and her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee, officially launched a new line named “The Courtside Capsule.”
The prices for The Courtside Capsule are listed between $53 and $114 and features a red, black, and white color scheme. Pieces range from a Full Zip Jogger and Hoodie to a form-fitting dress like the Lace Tank.
The family has also struck an alliance with the Freedom Shield Foundation. Last week, the iconic fashion brand announced a food distribution initiative that will ensure thousands of meals for families affected by the recent coronavirus pandemic. Baby Phat founder Simmons and her daughters, Ming Lee and Aoki Lee have donated approximately 150,000 meals through the Freedom Shield Foundation and have plans to deliver an additional 160,000 meals scheduled for this week.
Baby Phat has teamed up with the foundation in anticipation of helping support other nonprofits in carrying out food distribution within their communities. The initiative is taking place because people have lost work due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Schools have been closed and many children in poorer neighborhoods relied on the meals they received in school and no longer have access to them. The initiative will also benefit families that are struggling to feed their kids due to COVID-19-related layoffs and furloughs from jobs.
“This is a real girl power story,” Kimora said in a press release. “Ming Lee and Aoki Lee inspire me constantly, because they’re so connected to the way girls and women are dressing today; and cute dresses with cool kicks reign supreme. Baby Phat has always been designed by and for women, and we’ve always bridged ‘feminine’ and ‘sporty.’ That’s what makes Foot Locker such a perfect partner, they have their finger on the pulse of how women dress today because they’ve always cared about women! They understand that this is about lifestyle.”
