by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2025

Isaac Hayes III’s Social Media App Fanbase CrowdFunds Over $5.2M, Gains Traction As TikTok Ban Nears

The app allows users to gain a profit not only through content but through interactions.

As a TikTok ban looms, Isaac Hayes III’s social media app, Fanbase, has gained traction with over $5.2 million secured through crowdfunding.

Hayes, the son of legendary R&B singer Isaac Hayes, founded the social media platform in 2018. According to its website, creators can directly earn revenue through their content. Furthermore, users can gain money through their interactions on the app. The platform, while free, also has subscription tiers to go further with monetization.

“For people who value content and community, Fanbase is a free-to-download, free-to-use, next-generation social network that allows any user to earn money from day one,” the company website explains.

Although available for years, the app is gaining new popularity as TikTok’s time runs out in the United States. The Atlanta-based platform has risen on the App Store charts as well. Fanbase recently gained the #6 spot on social media rankings and #16 on the overall app store downloads. While doing so, it also crossed the 5 million milestone in crowdfunding.

Hayes wrote about the achievement in a post on LinkedIn.

Hayes not only wants the public to join the app, but take part in its growth as investors. According to Afrotech, users can become investors for a minimum amount of $399 for the Black-owned startup.

He hopes to become the next dominant social media app on the market, one that lets every user have the opportunity to make a profit.

“I’m the only Black-founded start-up social media app that’s currently in existence that was founded for the entire planet, but it’s Black-owned in infrastructure and ownership,” Hayes told the publication’s “Black Tech Green Money” podcast.

“Instead of being customers to our creations, we are turning our innovations into acquisitions, and therefore, that is my pitch to tell people that, ‘Look. Facebook and Instagram are not going to be, and TikTok is not going to be the king of the hill. There’s no business that has existed that has lasted and dominated in perpetuity. Everything goes down.’”

Amazon, CEO, Andy Jassy, middle managers

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 14, 2025

First DEI And Now Amazon Silently Removes Protective Policies For Black And LGBTQ+ Employees

What's next?

Just weeks after Amazon dialed back on DEI policies, the company quietly removed protections for both Black and LGBTQ+ employees, Advocate reports.

Policies, including “solidarity” pledges for Black employees and healthcare benefits for transgender workers, were removed from the company’s public website. As the company once stood in “solidarity” with its African American workers, the retail giant removed a section titled “Equity for Black people” that detailed support of “legislation to combat misconduct and racial bias in policing, efforts to protect and expand voting rights, and initiatives that provide better health and educational outcomes for Black people.”

Amazon also removed an outline of the gender-affirming care benefits provided to employees under its healthcare plan. The policy once said it was “based on the Standards of Care published by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH),” along with a pledge stating the company was “working at the U.S. federal and state level on legislation” to assist with building anti-discrimination protections for transgender people.

Another page, once titled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” now reads “Inclusive Experiences and Technology.” Once promising to “advance DEI through technology,” Amazon replaced the verbiage with a vow to “advance the employee experience.”

The removal dismayed many employees who were concerned about what their healthcare would look like. While the company claims the benefits are still in place, employees are still worried. “I’m a bit worried … if that will impact insurance coverage in the future,” one employee said via text message. Another employee highlighted how Amazon’s changes were “a bit of a backward step” from previously stated supportive actions, according to the Washington Post. Spokesperson Kelly Nantel defended the company’s moves, claiming, “We update this page from time to time to ensure that it reflects updates we’ve made to various programs and positions.”

The company feels employees shouldn’t be too taken aback by the changes, highlighting a memo from December 2024 where Vice President Candi Castleberry announced some DEI initiatives would be pushed back under the leadership of Founder Jeff Bezos.

Following the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling to overturn affirmative action in college admissions, major corporations pushed back or eliminated their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Ford Motor Co., Harley-Davidson, Lowe’s, and Tractor Supply Co. succumbed to the conservative outcry, calling on them to pull back on support for misrepresented demographics, including Black and LGBTQ+ employees.
In early January 2025, McDonald’s, known for avidly supporting Black initiatives and HBCUs, scaled back on its diversity goals. This was followed by Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, Meta, which confirmed that its employee DEI programs were being dismantled.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 14, 2025

Los Angeles Sports Teams Donate $8M To California Wildfire Relief Efforts

There will also be events on Friday, Jan. 17, at three LA stadiums to provide necessities to evacuees.

Professional sports teams in Los Angeles have provide some economic relief for the victims of the wildfires that have engulfed and ravaged the area.

The WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks announced that all area professional sports teams—have pledged to donate more than $8 million to support victims in need and people still fighting the fires.

Together for LA. 🫶

📝 https://t.co/7p4vCnvW0o pic.twitter.com/mN2rOGYXgO

— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) January 13, 2025

The Lakers and LA’s sports teams join together to donate more than $8 million to assist local relief efforts. pic.twitter.com/tfnfTVTkJB

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 13, 2025

The 12 teams have joined with Fanatics, the athletics apparel giant, and the Fanatics Foundation to give out $3 million worth of Fanatics merchandise to evacuated Los Angeles residents. Thousands more items will be given out at three upcoming events in Los Angeles. Along with the merchandise, each team’s community partners will be at the events to distribute personal hygiene kits, school supplies, sneakers, and more.

These events will be held at Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, and BMO Stadium on Friday, Jan. 17, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Residents must bring proof of residency in evacuated zip codes to attend. Bus transportation will be offered to help individuals temporarily living in area evacuation shelters. Lunch will be available for those who attend the stadium events.

Organizations who will receive part of the teams’ donations include the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, California Fire Foundation, Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund, World Central Kitchen, Team Rubicon, and several local animal rescue organizations.

Thus far, 24 people have died from the California wildfires. The damage could amount is expected to be between $135 and $150 billion.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 14, 2025

Haitians In The U.S. Fear New Trump Reign Will Jeopardize Their Temporary Protections

'I don't have the answers, but I have faith that God will work it out,' Warrens Dolcine, a Haitian living in New York City, tells NBC News.

Thousands of Haitians who fled the tumultuous country due to temporary protections given by the Biden administration now fear they will be sent back since President-elect Donald Trump has promised mass deportations on “day one” of his new term, NBC News reports.

President Joe Biden and his team has allowed eligible individuals to stay in the country for up to two years with a temporary protected status (TPS), also allowing them to work. Given certain criteria, applicants must pass security screenings and are required to have a U.S.-based sponsor.

As the program’s goal is to address the growing refugee crisis in Haiti, a number of Haitians are fearful of the future as a new administration—including a Vice President with not-so-pleasant ties to Haitians—is set to take over on Jan. 20.

Warrens Dolcine, a student at the Université d’État d’Haïti, and her mother fled the country as gang violence took over the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Both entered the U.S. legally in December 2023. She works as a full-time assistant at her church in New York City while caring for her disabled mother.

But as Trump claims to have plans to end programs like TPS, set to expire in 2026, Dolcine is concerned about what will happen next.

“If my mom has a problem, I have a problem,” she said. “She asks, ‘What will happen to us?’ I don’t have the answers, but I have faith that God will work it out.”

Data from the National Foundation for American Policy found that close to half a million people from four foreign countries entered the country under Humanitarian Parole. Out of that number, 210,000 were Haitian as of August 2024.

While U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services highlight hopeful beneficiaries of the program go through strenuous background checks to guarantee no possible security threat to U.S. soil; there have been some issues with TPS programs in the past.

In 2024, the Humanitarian Parole Program took a brief pause after close to 101,000 applications were filed by so-called serial sponsors using the same contact information and Social Security numbers on a repeated basis.

Orilas Jean Francois, who owned construction and finance business in Haiti, was forced to flee as violence became too much to bear. But his trip was pushed back several times even after being authorized to enter the U.S. under the Humanitarian Parole Program.

The delay resulted in his initial authorization expiring, so he was forced to petition the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension.

“The stress was unbearable,” he said.

Despite the fear of being sent back, refugees like Dolcine aren’t letting Trump’s threats get to her. “He talks a lot,” she said. “I’m just going to live in the moment and let things be.”

The violence in Haiti doesn’t seem to be getting better. According to the Associated Press, data from the International Organization for Migration claims the “relentless gang violence” is heightening displacement there and threatening the collapse of healthcare and other humanitarian services. Food scarcity is increasing as the country is labeled as one of the poorest in the world.

Beyoncé, Texas Hold ‘Em, tickets, resellers

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2025

Beyoncé Delays Jan. 14 Announcement, Donates $2.5M To Families Displaced By Los Angeles Wildfires

'I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss,' the superstar said on social media.

Fans of Beyoncé will have to be patient. The megastar has delayed her Jan. 14 announcement due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

“I continue to pray for healing and rebuilding for the families suffering from trauma and loss,” Beyoncé, who lives in Los Angeles, said via social media. “We are so blessed to have brave first responders who continue to work tirelessly to protect the Los Angeles community.”

The star let the date slip to fans shortly after her NFL Christmas Day Halftime show performance on Netflix. Speculation on what the megastar’s annoucement would be ranged from a tour to a new Netflix special or Act iii.

For now, her charitable organization, BeyGOOD, has launched a fire relief fund and has donate $2.5 million to families who have lost their homes, the superstar entertainer added in an Instagram comment.

Beyoncé’s family was also impacted by the fires that have so far destroyed more than 12,000 structures, according to USA Today. Her mother, Tina Knowles, revealed that she lost her Malibu abode in the Pacific Palisades wildfire.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinaknowles)

“This is what I was looking at on my birthday this past weekend from my tiny little bungalow on the water in Malibu! It was my favorite place, my sanctuary, my sacred Happy Place. Now it is gone !!’ she wrote in her caption.

The elder Knowles joined her daughter in spreading awareness, using her platform to share resources as well. As of Jan. 14, the wildfires continue as the Santa Ana winds threaten to keep the flames going.

In regards to Beyoncé, she did not give fans a new date for her reveal, but she asked those who want to offer support to visit BeyGOOD’s social media.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 14, 2025

Saweetie, Vernon Davis, And Nigel Xavier Rock Affordable Luxuries With ‘Extraordinary Selects’

The campaign will allow fans to purchase ultra-limited items curated by these celebs for the low.

Smirnoff, know for its premium vodka, has launched “Smirnoffstraordinary Drops” to delight fans with quality yet affordable goods hand-picked by celebs like Saweetie and Vernon Davis.

The company has also teamed up with three tastemakers to bring this campaign to life. Rapper Saweetie, Vernon Davis, the former NFL star, and fashion designer Nigel Xavier. The trio will offer their curated collections of priceless items fans can cop for the low.

Each celeb selected seven items for their assortment, each designated for their signature brand. For Saweetie lovers wanting a replica of her famous gold-plated Icy pendant or a “University Blue” sneaker signed by the rapper, these collectibles will go on sale for fans who can secure the affordable bag.

“’Smirnoffstraordinary Drops’ brings together Saweetie’s bold glamour, Vernon’s fun and relatable energy, and Nigel’s innovative style and craftsmanship, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that Smirnoff stands for,” the brand shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Representing music, sports, and fashion, this trio embodies Smirnoff’s commitment to celebrating individuality and extraordinary talent from all walks of life.”

The campaign, the release explained, is “a celebration of how high-quality experiences and products can be enjoyed by everyone, everywhere.”

Fans can purchase these pieces for $12.99. However, these one-of-one pieces, ranging from signed memorabilia to jewelry and custom sneakers, aren’t destined to last long, so Smirnoff is encouraging customers to be on the lookout for when the link goes live.

Fans can visit smirnoffdrops.com to learn more.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Renowned Designer Launches 3 Gender-Neutral Fragrances In Native St. Croix After Losing Eyesight

St. Croix native Wayne James unveiled a new line of gender-neutral fragrances.

St. Croix-native fashion designer Wayne James introduced three gender-neutral fragrances last month at the historic Bougainvillea Perfumery in his homeland.

On Dec. 30, James launched three gender-neutral eau de toilettes—“Rebellion,” “Freedom,” and “Celebration”—adding to his impressive portfolio of creations that began in his youth, St Thomas Source reports. The fragrances feature notes of lime, sandalwood, ginger, nutmeg, passion fruit, grapefruit, sugar plums, wood, and other aromatic oils.

They reflect his resilience as a designer, overcoming the challenges he faced after losing his eyesight due to mistreatment during a 30-month prison sentence. James was elected to the Virgin Islands Legislature in 2008, serving for two years. However, in 2018, he was found guilty of wire fraud and the theft of federal program funds totaling almost $90,000 while in the Senate.

He was sentenced to 30 months in prison, which he served. However, while incarcerated in Pensacola, Florida, prison officials neglected to provide the glaucoma medication James had requested, and by 2020, he had lost his sight. After a lifetime of relying on his vision for his work, he now depends on his sense of smell, which played a crucial role in inspiring his new fragrances.

In 2010, while a senator, James met Patrick Bodifee, a renowned “nose” in the perfume industry, at the Cannes Film Festival. This encounter is credited with inspiring his three new fragrances. Design has come easily to James, who comes from a long line of seamstresses.

He honed his craft at St. Joseph’s School in high school and further developed his skills while studying at Bradley University. By his final year at Georgetown Law Center, he had already begun building his business, Wayne James Ltd.

“I showed my first collection on March 30, 1987, at the Anita Shapolsky Gallery at 99 Spring Street in SoHo,” he recalled of his New York debut, which led to selling his first collection to Bergdorf Goodman. Over the years, his designs have been featured in prestigious stores worldwide, including Nordstrom, Victoire in Paris, and Saks Jandel in Washington, D.C.

After working in politics and serving his time in prison, James is back to creating and plans to launch his fragrances globally. Next month, on Feb. 15, James will launch www.WayneJamesLtd.com, where shoppers can purchase a leather carry-on, a luxurious bathrobe, a leather scarf, Manley Man (three volumes), the History of St. Croix Cuisine, and other upscale items developed over the last 20 years. He is also finishing up a reality series for YouTube.

AI, Bias, Black People, African American English

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

5 Steps To Plan Your Corporate Exit Strategy As Remote Work Recedes

More workers are opting out of the traditional corporate ladder. Here are 5 steps on how to join this growing trend.

With more corporate workers being forced back to the office, a growing number of employees are preparing their exit from the traditional career ladder.

What used to be the desire to remain at a company and climb the ladder to a C-Suite corner office has shifted toward pursuing portfolio careers, independent consulting, freelance work, and fractional executive roles. The increase in return-to-office policies are seeing more workers rework their corporate journey into careers that work for them and not the other way around.

Making the shift from a traditional work model can be both rewarding and challenging, especially when your livelihood is on the line. For those contemplating a career change that involves leaving or scaling back their 9-to-5 role, Fast Company offers five tips to help guide your transition.

Step 1: Delve Into the Concept

The first step in transitioning from the traditional corporate ladder is to delve into the concept you have in mind. Share your idea with trusted confidants to gather feedback. If you have a coach or advisor, collaborate with them to identify the major obstacles holding you back and strategize potential solutions to overcome them.

Step 2: Analyze the Financials

Coins are key to deciding on your next career move. With income often being the biggest hurdle, analyzing the finances behind a career transition is essential. Key questions to address include: How much income do you need each month to meet your basic needs? How much would make you feel secure and comfortable? Keep in mind that this initial amount won’t define your revenue forever—it’s simply a starting point that feels manageable and achievable.

Step 3: Identify Your Unique Value

Identifying your value proposition is a critical step in making a career transition. Take time to reflect on what you have to offer and who would benefit from it. The aim is to separate external factors from your skills and understand who you’re best equipped—or most passionate—to serve. No matter what kind of transition you’re making, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your strengths and target audience. Write it down in the simplest, most direct way possible and incorporate it into your outreach. This will become both your guide and business plan as you move forward.

Step 4: Reach Out to Your Network

See who can support you in your career transition. You can’t expect help unless you ask, and people won’t know how to assist you unless you’re clear and direct about what you’re seeking. As mentioned earlier, trusted confidants can offer support, along with mentors, former colleagues, and old classmates. Keeping your value proposition in mind, be clear about your goals and needs. Your champions will appreciate hearing from you and will value knowing how they can best help.

Step 5: Make Your Voice Heard

Visibility matters when you’re trying to get noticed for new opportunities. Utilize social media to share your latest projects and achievements, attend industry events, and leave comments online to increase your digital footprint. Stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging beyond your usual circle will help you feel more connected to others, who may eventually become partners, advocates, or clients. Creating original content and showcasing your expertise can be challenging and uncomfortable for some. But it’s a powerful way to signal to both familiar and unfamiliar audiences that you’re available, experienced, and ready for business.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Influencers Sue Capital One On Claims Company Stole Affiliate Marketing Sales

Capital One is being accused of stealing affiliate marketing sales from content creators.

A group of influencers has filed a lawsuit against Capital One, alleging that its shopping browser extension misappropriated affiliate marketing commissions.

Two content creators, Jesika Brodiski and Peter Hayward, filed a class-action lawsuit in a Virginia court on Jan. 6. They claim that Capital One’s Shopping browser extension harmed their affiliate marketing commissions by taking credit for driving sales, Business Insider reports. The influencers, who promote products on social media, allege that Capital One’s Shopping browser extension is designed to “systematically appropriate commissions that belong to influencers.”

However, Capital One denies the claims and looks forward to pleading its case in court.

“We disagree with the premise of the complaint and look forward to defending ourselves in court,” a Capital One spokesperson said.

The Capital One Shopping browser extension is a free tool that finds discount codes and compares prices at approximately 30,000 online retailers. Users are able to earn rewards redeemable for gift cards when they make purchases through its merchant partners.

The influencers’ lawsuit claims that Capital One Shopping “stole credit” by replacing creators’ affiliate marketing browser cookies with its own. Cookies are small data files stored on a user’s device that enable companies to track browsing activity. Brodiski and Hayward accuse Capital One Shopping of taking credit for sales and conversions they believe were originally derived from affiliate-marketing links they shared to social media.

Brodiski alleges that Capital One removed her affiliate marketing cookie and replaced it with its own when she shared product links for Walmart.com on social media. According to the lawsuit, Brodiski earned approximately $20,000 through affiliate marketing in 2024, but her income was negatively impacted by Capital One Shopping’s actions.

The lawsuit claims Brodiski and Hayward “face future harm in the form of stolen referral fees and sales commissions because the Capital One Shopping browser extension continues to steal affiliate marketing commissions with each passing day.”

The plaintiffs are requesting a jury trial. If the case is certified as a class action, other influencers may be able to join the lawsuit.

Trump, Obamacare, insurance, replace, election

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 14, 2025

Supreme Court Agrees To Possibly Reinstate Obamacare Preventative Care Requirements

Let's see how this goes.

The Supreme Court has agreed to look into reinstating some preventative care coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, the Associated Press reports.

Such requirements were struck down by the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which agreed with employers that claimed they shouldn’t be forced to give full insurance coverage for preventative measures like cancer and heart disease screenings.

While not all care was threatened—thanks to an analysis finding some screenings, such as mammograms and cervical cancer screenings, would still be covered—the ruling ate away at the program as challengers pushed religious and procedural objections. Four individuals and two small-owned businesses took a particular issue with preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV-prevention drug, prompting a lawsuit.

According to The Hill, PrEP, which has a 99% chance of reducing the risk of contracting HIV, has been available in the United States since 2012, and has grown in popularity over the past 10 years. The analysis found a number of services and medications that might not be covered as a result of the Obamacare ruling, including lung cancer screening and medications to lower the risk of breast cancer for high-risk women.

For now, the requirements remain in place except for the companies who issued litigation.

The lower-level court ruled that the coverage requirements were unconstitutionally adopted since they were handed down by the United States Preventive Services Task, which consists of members not nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

The Department of Justice stepped in, asking the high court to do something about a measure that blocks preventative care. “The court’s holding jeopardizes healthcare protections that have been in place for 14 years and that millions of Americans currently enjoy,” the Justice Department wrote.

Challengers, represented by the America First Legal Foundation and conservative attorney Jonathan Mitchell, agreed with the DOJ’s statements that the case should be taken up by the Supreme Court.

“The respondents disagree with the Solicitor General’s criticisms of the court of appeals’ opinion, as well as her dire predictions of what might happen if the court of appeals’ ruling is allowed to stand,” Mitchell wrote in response. “But none of those disagreements affect the trustworthiness of this case. The petition satisfies this Court’s criteria for certiorari and presents an issue of exceptional importance.”

The case is expected to be presented to the high court in spring 2025.