New York City jobs
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 13, 2024

Here Are Some Entry-Level New York City Jobs That Pay $75K And Over

Looking for work in NYC?

There are new job listings in New York City that show entry-level positions with starting salaries of $75,000 and above, according to WPIX.

The media outlet stated the jobs were listed on the JobsNYC website, and some of the available positions do not require a civil service exam: for example, a Value Engineering Project Manager that was listed by the Office of Management and Budget. Job duties include monitoring capital construction plans and providing technical support to OMB and other City agencies.

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position.

The Office of Management and Budget is looking to hire a network analyst based in Manhattan. The job entails administering and maintaining server hardware and software and operating as the agency’s cybersecurity liaison. The listed salary range is $74,893 and $84,257. Again, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is warranted, although no civil service exam is required.

The New York City Department of Transportation has placed an opening for a security analyst for the IT & Telecom division. The salary range is $78,795 to $113,300. Job requirements include performing application and systems vulnerability scans, and also installing, configuring, and updating security software applications. It is an entry-level cybersecurity role that is based in Manhattan. This position may require a civil service exam.

WPIX previously reported that more than 80% of jobs in city government require applicants to take a civil service exam, according to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services. There are typically more than 110,000 candidates who take the exam annually. People interested in taking a test can access the Online Application System website to apply. If you choose to do so in person, you can go to one in any of the five boroughs.

The testing centers are located at:

  • Bronx CTAC: 1932 Arthur Ave., 2nd floor
  • Brooklyn CTAC: 210 Joralemon St., 4th floor
  • Manhattan CTAC: 2 Lafayette St., 17th floor
  • Queens CTAC: 118-35 Queens Blvd., 5th floor
  • Staten Island CTAC: 135 Canal St., 3rd floor

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mental health, Black Men Excel
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 13, 2024

Honour Sithole Came To U.S. With $100, Now He’s An Award-Winning Mental Health Expert Helping Thousands

Honour Sithole's remarkable American story began less than 25 years ago.

Meet Honour Sithole, a renowned Black mental health advocate and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, who immigrated to the United States in 2000 with only $100 in his pocket. Now, he has released a compelling new book entitled Dare to Be, chronicling his remarkable journey as an immigrant from Zimbabwe to becoming one of America’s most influential mental health professionals.

Sithole, founder and CEO of Inside Fitness 360 Professional Counseling and Life Coaching, has had his own practice for more than 10 years and has transformed over 30,000 lives through counseling sessions and established himself as a leading voice in mental health advocacy. His practice was recognized as the Face of Mental Health in 2018 for its innovative approach and exceptional impact, and in 2022, he was a featured guest on the Dear Future Wifey podcast.

Dare to Be weaves together Sithole’s inspiring personal narrative with practical strategies for personal transformation. The book offers readers a comprehensive roadmap for success, focusing on self-discovery, mind-body-spirit harmony, and authentic living.

“My journey from arriving in America with just $100 to building a successful practice and receiving recognition from the Texas State Senate taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and personal growth,” says Sithole. “Through Dare to Be, I’m sharing these insights to help others overcome their own challenges and achieve their dreams.”

Sithole’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including:

• 2023 Professional Excellence Immigrant Award

• Named among the top 100 Black therapists by the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (2022)

• Texas State Senate Proclamation for supporting men’s mental health

• 2020 Richard E. Hopkins “Torch” Award

Corporate Impact and Leadership Development

Dare to Be extends beyond personal development to address crucial workplace wellness strategies. Sithole’s corporate training programs have helped organizations create psychologically safe environments, resulting in:

• Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention

• Improved team communication and collaboration

• Reduced workplace stress and burnout

• Development of emotionally intelligent leadership

As a trusted advisor to government entities, professional athletes, and corporations, Sithole brings over 20 years of executive leadership experience to his work in mental health advocacy. His approach to corporate wellness and leadership development has revolutionized how organizations address employee mental health, creating psychologically safe workplaces where teams can thrive.

The book is available on Amazon.

This story was originally reported by Blacknews.com

RELATED CONTENT: Study Says Burnout Is Affecting Millennial And Gen Z Workers

AI, artificial intelligence, trends, A.I., journey, technology, DryMerge, AI, job interview
by Kandiss Edwards

November 13, 2024

AI Is Now Being Used To Conduct Job Interviews

AI avatars are now conducting job interviews.

Artificial intelligence usage is on the rise. One of AI’s newest applications is interviewing job applicants. Some people are disturbed. 

404 Media reported on one interviewee’s experience with the technology. Jack Ryan was an unimpressed interviewee when he had to speak to the non-humans.

In a short online clip, Ryan was observed speaking to an AI “woman” avatar on a webcam. 


The red-haired avatar prompts Ryan to answer interview questions in a specific way to aid with the technology’s process. 

“I find it helps when candidates tell me a story in answering the questions.”

The technology continues with standard interview questions,” I’m looking for examples from your work experience.”

 Ryan is seemingly uncomfortable with the interaction. He worries that, as a person with disabilities, he may not get a fair shake without human interaction. Ryan believes that being evaluated on answers only may immediately disqualify some candidates like him. The job-seeker spoke about his apprehension when answering questions about his health.

“As a disabled individual who is reliant on remote work, I am already concerned about openly stating I am disabled in the forms that companies put at the end of their job applications,” he explained to 404. “To add an AI component into this mix, I imagine, would have the opposite effect of [diversity, equity, and inclusion].”

Ryan’s concerns are valid, as the public has little data available on how using AI in this manner affects potential workers. 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, a social media user posted about applicants using AI to answer interview questions. As many places of employment still offer human-to-human interaction, the user warns against using AI for an interview.

The post stresses the importance of intonation and facial features as indicators employers use to decide on a potential new hire. The caption reads as a message to applicants:

Dear Applicants:

“We can tell when you’re reading right from a script that AI created for you during the interview, and it’s weird. We want to hire a real person and hear how you really speak on the fly with words and cadence from your own brain.”

https://twitter.com/worldwideboss_4/status/1856388144066634151?s=46

AI technology appears to be here to stay. The technology is currently being used to summarize college lectures, create notes, write Sports Illustrated articles, and function as personal assistants, among other things. It may be time to stop resisting and hop on board.

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waste
by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

November 12, 2024

Female Founder And CEO Of Waste Logistics Company Launches ‘Wastepreneur Academy’

The Wastepreneur Academy is thrilled to announce the upcoming Dirty Money Intensive, a two-day hands-on training program in Sacramento, California, on Nov. 16 and 17. It will be led by trailblazer Lainika E. Johnson, a dynamic force in the waste industry and one of the few Black women founders thriving in this historically white male-dominated field. This event offers entrepreneurs, business owners, and aspiring professionals a step-by-step blueprint for building a profitable business in the waste industry.

Johnson’s path to success in waste management began with her founding TrashLogic in 2016, which has redefined waste solutions across the region. As a Black woman who has navigated and excelled in an industry often reserved for established players, Johnson brings a unique perspective. She combines business acumen with real-world insights that equip attendees to succeed in an essential, recession-resistant industry.

At the Dirty Money Intensive, Johnson will share the strategies that allowed her to build her own seven-figure business, translating complex industry knowledge into accessible, hands-on learning. Attendees will gain skills in contract negotiation, client acquisition, and scaling operations, each session designed to move participants from concept to actionable business operations.

Johnson shared her mission: “I really want to see more women enter male-dominated fields. Whether they want me here or not, I’m not going anywhere. And come hell or high water, I’m bringing as many women and underserved communities with me as possible.”

Event Highlights

• Insider Knowledge and Strategies: Learn the proven techniques to establish and scale a waste business from an industry expert who’s done it herself.

• Hands-On, Practical Training: Dive into the real details of contracts, operational tools, and client relationships to gain an edge in an essential industry.

• Personal Mentorship: Get direct access to mentorship from a pioneering industry leader with a focus on inclusivity and empowerment.

• Networking and Industry Connections: Connect with motivated entrepreneurs and future business partners in a supportive, interactive environment.

Event Details

• What: Dirty Money Intensive, hosted by Wastepreneur Academy

• When: November 16th and 17th 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Where: TrashLogic Headquarters

• Registration: Limited spots are available. Register now at DirtyMoneyIntensive.com

This story was originally reported by Blacknews.com

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Abortion, Georgia,
by Stacy Jackson

November 12, 2024

Demand For Birth Control, Medical Abortion, Mental Healthcare On The Rise Following 2024 Election

Orders for medical abortion soars to 600% reproductive health platform Wisp, with a 1,000% rise in emergency contraceptive sales.

Following the 2024 presidential election, which landed Donald Trump in the White House for a second term, the demand from Americans for mental healthcare appointments and orders for birth control and medical abortion has increased.

Fast Company reported data from Zocdoc, an online booking service for medical appointments, which showed a 22% increase in mental health appointments the day after the election. Calls for mental healthcare more than doubled for Lyra Health, the leading global provider of workforce mental healthcare. The company identified nearly half of its 24/7 helpline patients as first-time callers.

Orders for medical abortion skyrocketed to 600% on Nov. 5, according to sexual and reproductive health platform Wisp. The company saw a nearly 1,000% increase in emergency contraceptive sales the day after the election. “The appointment of Trump as president-elect has caused a further sense of uncertainty for women’s reproductive rights,” said Monica Cepak, CEO of Wisp. The company reported a 1,650% increase in emergency contraceptive sales from new customers. “These stats are showing that women are stockpiling these offerings in anticipation of further restrictions being introduced,” Cepak added.

As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in 2022, amendments related to abortion rights were among the more prevalent concerns for Americans leading up to the 2024 presidential election. According to NBC News exit polls, November election ballots across 10 states, including Florida, Montana, Colorado, and Nebraska, included abortion initiatives. Voters showed strong support for abortion in states like Arizona, Maryland, New York, and Nevada as they sought to protect reproductive rights.

Reproductive advocates told Word In Black what a Trump win could mean for Black women in America, who reportedly have higher rates of maternal mortality compared to their white counterparts. Kelly Blanchard, president of the global nonprofit research organization for sexual and reproductive health, IBIS Reproductive Health, believes Kamala Harris was “a real champion for sexual and reproductive health rights and justice.” Under the incoming Trump administration, Power to Decide Senior Policy Manager Monica Edwards fears “this Project 2025 document will now be the playbook used to ban contraception, ban abortion, and ban reproductive health rights and justice broadly.” 

BE noted a report released in May from the National Partnership for Women & Families (NPWF) and In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, which revealed that out of the 11.8 million Black women of childbearing age across the nation, seven million reside in states with enacted or planned abortion restrictions.

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JuJu Watkins, NCAA Women’s Basketball, USC, highest scoring, 920 points
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 12, 2024

NBC Sports To Debut ‘On the Rise: JuJu Watkins’ Docuseries Later This Month

The six-episode docuseries starts on Saturday, Nov. 23.

College basketball phenom JuJu Watkins will be featured in a six-episode docuseries to debut on NBC and the Peacock network, NBC Sports announced.

The first two episodes of On the Rise: JuJu Watkins will air Saturday, Nov. 23, at 3:00 p.m. ET/Noon PT on NBC and Peacock. Watkins became the all-time leading scoring freshman in Division I history with 920 points.

Also, in her rookie season at the University of Southern California, she took the Trojans to the Elite Eight for the first time in 30 years.

The series is being done with UNINTERRUPTED, 4.4. Forty Media, and State Farm. The docuseries will focus on the basketball player’s life on and off the court and feature her family and friends.

“JuJu can set the standard for excellence on and off the court, and it’s amazing to see her begin to maximize the opportunities in front of her with strategy and expertise, even at this young age,” said founder and CEO of KLUTCH Sports Group Rich Paul in a written statement. “This documentary series captures her incredible journey to this point, showcasing her extraordinary talent, unwavering work ethic, and the vital role of community in her success.”

The series will debut before No. 3 USC plays No. 6 Notre Dame at 4 p.m. on Nov. 23.  The docuseries and games will be seen on NBC and Peacock.

The other episodes will be released exclusively on Peacock for the remainder of the season and can be viewed on the NBC Sports FAST Channel, which is available on Peacock and all major FAST channel distributors.

Recently, Watkins reportedly signed the “richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball.”

RELATED CONTENT: USC’s JuJu Watkins Reportedly Extends Contract With Nike

Kamala Harris, security clearance, Trump, Joe Biden
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 12, 2024

Black Voters Matter Co-Founder Puts Democrats Blaming VP Harris ‘On Notice’ After Election Loss

Political consultant LaTosha Brown warns Democrats to 'keep VP Harris' name out of your mouth.'

Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown took to social media on Monday with a fiery message directed at Democrats who have outwardly placed blame on Vice President Kamala Harris for her loss to President-elect Donald Trump.

“If Dems want to maintain Black women’s support you better keep VP Harris’ name out of your mouth other than saying to her, ”Thank you!” Brown tweeted. “She understood the assignment and ran an excellent campaign. She was outstanding.”

Harris should not be made to “bear the burden or take the blame” for the nation’s entrenched racism, Brown said, which played a substantial role in her election loss to Trump. As a biracial woman of Black and Indian descent, Harris faced steep challenges in winning over red and swing states to become America’s first female president.

Brown, who mobilized her Black Voters Matter organization to impact Alabama’s 2017 U.S. Senate special election and the 2020–21 Georgia state elections, redirected her focus to former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, addressing recent public criticisms Pelosi made regarding the election turnout.

“While Nancy Pelosi talking about candidate scenarios, perhaps she should figure out how to use her influence as a white woman to organize other white women and better understand how to end racism,” Brown said. “I suggest that she starts with her own internalized thinking and actions first.”

Brown reposted a screenshot of her tweet on Instagram and provided additional context.

“We tired, but this ain’t hardly over! Putting everyone on notice. We are tired,” she wrote in her caption. “What we have now is……CLARITY! Thank you, Kamala Harris. We see you, appreciate you, and love you.”

Last week, Pelosi seemingly placed blame on President Joe Biden for the election loss. “Had the president gotten out sooner, there may have been other candidates in the race,” Pelosi told the New York Times on Thursday. “Kamala, I think, still would have won, but she may have been stronger, having taken her case to the public sooner.”

“The anticipation was that, if the president were to step aside, that there would be an open primary,” Pelosi continued.

RELATED CONTENT: New Poll Shows Donald Trump’s Support Among Black Voters Dropped Significantly

Cryptocurrency
by Daniel Johnson

November 12, 2024

Cryptocurrency Is Surging In The Wake Of Trump’s Election

With Elon Musk in his ear, the cryptocurrency industry is likely to receive favorable policy proposals in the next iteration of the Trump Administration

Cryptocurrency is surging following Donald Trump’s election to the office of President of the United States of America; although it was already on an upswing, its momentum has been bullish due to the market’s interpretation of Trump’s promises around cryptocurrency.

According to Fast Company, although neither political party fully trusts cryptocurrency, Trump has positioned himself as the cryptocurrency president.

The Republican Party has fallen in line with Trump as he has fully embraced the digital currencies.

In a video he posted to social media in August, Trump promised that the United States would be the crypto capital of the world.

“This afternoon, I’m laying out my plan to ensure that the United States will be the crypto capital of the planet. They want to choke you. They want to choke you out of business. We’re not going to let that happen,” Trump said in the video.

The “they” is unclear, but with Elon Musk in his ear, the cryptocurrency industry is likely to receive favorable policy proposals in the next iteration of the Trump administration.

The market seems to suggest that an incoming president and one of his key advisors’ strong backing for crypto are good developments for cryptocurrency investors.

Indeed, according to Susannah Streeter, the head of money and markets at investment analysis company Hargreaves Lansdown, the market is experiencing “euphoria” post-election.

“His (Trump’s) pledge to go all in on crypto has sent Bitcoin to fresh heady heights,” Streeter said in a research note released on Nov. 11.

Streeter continued, “He’s made an about-turn on supporting the industry and is now vowing to turn the U.S. into the crypto capital of the world. Bitcoin speculators are betting on a more clement regulatory environment and have expectations that the authorities may build up a reserve crypto fund, helping lift ongoing demand.”

In a previous research note, Streeter also noted that “Investors should only dabble in crypto with money that they can be prepared to lose. Because we’ve seen these wild swings in the past.”

According to The Associated Press, Trump has also promised to remove Gary Gensler, the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Gensler has been critical of cryptocurrency in his role, leading the government to crack down on cryptocurrency and calling for more oversight of the incredibly volatile digital currencies.

In October, Gensler criticized the cryptocurrency field in general during a discussion at the New York University School of Law.

“We’re trying to enforce the laws at hand…This is a field with a lot of fraudsters, a lot of grifters, a lot of scams,” Gensler said.

Mauvis Ledford, the CEO of Sogni AI, a Singapore-based tech startup, told Al-Jazeera that the Trump administration could adopt cryptocurrency to stimulate economic growth.

“It’s plausible that Trump’s administration might explore leveraging blockchain technology to enhance transparency and efficiency in government operations, especially with Elon Musk as an adviser,” Ledford said. “There could also be initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption of cryptocurrencies to stimulate economic growth and attract tech-driven investments.”

However, Ledford also has reservations about how far Trump will go in favor of digital currencies.

“I don’t personally believe anything Trump says, however, and blockchains do allow the creation of rules that everyone must follow, which I don’t think Trump would specifically like in a government he runs.”

Ledford noted that cryptocurrency is becoming more mainstream, which should help legitimize it as more technology guardrails are erected.

“Major companies are integrating crypto payments, and advancements in blockchain technology are making transactions more secure and efficient. Additionally, regulatory frameworks are evolving, which could provide more stability and legitimacy to the crypto market.”

RELATED CONTENT: Could Bitcoin Reach $100K Per Share Next Year?

Utah Black Chamber Of Commerce, Conference, entrepreneur
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 12, 2024

Fuze Fund To Uplift Underrepresented Entrepreneurs With $30M Venture Capital Fund

This is what advocacy looks like!

Fuze Fund, a Black-owned venture capital firm, has launched a $30 million fund called Fuze Venture Growth Fund I, LP, in hopes of bridging the equity gap among starting entrepreneurs, according to a press release.  

The platform is dedicated to providing capital, strategic support, and resources to heighten minority-, veteran-, and women-led startups, following the approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. At the start of entering a subscription journey, the company has opened the door for accredited investors to join in, not just with financial contributions but to add to a growing system that uplifts founders with mentorship in hopes of obtaining long-term success.

“At Fuze Fund, we’re driven by the belief that innovation knows no boundaries. Yet, we’ve seen far too many talented founders from underrepresented communities being sidelined due to a lack of access to funding,” Fuze Fund’s founder and managing partner, Dr. T.J. Breeden, said. “Our goal is simple: to ignite potential. We’re not just backing startups—we’re investing in people, in communities, and in the next generation of game-changing ideas.”

Breeden worked as the leader of Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc., a non-profit that provides startup training in underrepresented communities with veteran and minority populations.

“While leading Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc., I saw firsthand how difficult it was for underrepresented founders to access the funding and support they needed to succeed,” Breeden explained of his time at Syracuse University. “Though a few years passed, and I went on to complete my doctoral studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the hope of one day launching a fund never left me. Less than four months after defending my dissertation, in the fall of 2021 and in the midst of the pandemic, Fuze Fund and its flagship venture fund were formed.”

Studies show that minority founders received only 1.1% of venture capital funding in 2022. That percentage dropped to just 1% in 2023.

For the founder, providing capital is just the first step, as there is a whole ecosystem to transform. “Our focus is to create a comprehensive ecosystem where diverse founders have the guidance, resources, and partnerships they need to navigate and scale growth with confidence,” Breeden said.

Now part of the “U.S. Speaker Program,” sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Breeden hopes to extend his program to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. The goal would be to work with leaders, officials, and subject matter experts in hopes of starting the conversation on topics concerning business owners.

RELATED CONTENT: Jay-Z’s Venture Capital Firm Close To Finalizing $1B Merger With Investment Arm of Pendulum Holdings

Bernice Burgos
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 12, 2024

Bernice Burgos Claims She Made $70K A Night While Working As Bartender

Burgos revealed her strategy of undercharging for liquor bottles up front, enticing a heavier tip at the end of the night.

Bernice Burgos claims she made big bucks as a bartender in New York. She went on the Joe Budden podcast to explain how she made up to $70K a night in the profession.

The influencer and reality star appeared on a recent episode of the podcast. During the conversation, Burgos discussed how much income she made while bartending. She stated that she only bartended for three years and used the lofty checks to start her own business and buy a home. X user Victor Baez reposted footage of the episode.

“I only bartended for three years. I only said three years I was gonna be in here, start my clothing line, and I was out—buy my house and do what I gotta do, and that’s what I did,” Burgos said on the podcast.

According to Burgos, she made heavy profits even on slower nights. The “The Impact: New York” star earned $30K on a below-average evening. However, her highest nightly earnings reached $70K.

Burgos revealed she did it by undercharging for liquor bottles up front, enticing a heavier tip at the end of the night.


“I make sure I give you the bottles for $250. The bottles cost $350. So I’m gonna hustle,” she explained. “You don’t gotta tip me. You don’t gotta give me the tip right there…You tip me later down the line, like throwing money. So I was smart, you know? I just built a relationship with the people in there.”

However, Burgos assured viewers that it was not the sex appeal she was selling. “I don’t do too much,” she asserted. “I used to be covered with a whole body suit on.”

While Burgos’ strategy yielded positive results, the show’s host said her drinks left much to be desired.

“I ain’t gonna hold you. Respectfully, Bernice made the worst drinks,” said Budden. “N****s was just at that bar because look at Bernice.”

Viewers can see more of the special episode on Joe Budden’s Patreon.

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