New York Trend NYC: May 18 – 24, 2023

NEW YORK TREND

May 18th, 2023 - May 24th, 2023

MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 17

U.S. V.P. KAMALA HARRIS HOSTs MENTAL HEALTH ACTION DAY EVENT

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central Park Five survivors of gross injustice on December 18 from 6:00pm –10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street

MTV Entertainment Studios (MTVE) today announced it will host a mental health event featuring Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) in Carson, California. This is the second event MTVE has hosted in collaboration with the BidenHarris Administration to mark Mental Health Action Day, an open-source global movement spearheaded by MTVE to shift culture from awareness to action. This year, nearly 2,000 nonprofit organizations, brands, government agencies and cultural leaders around the world will participate in amplifying mental health actions in their communities.

struggling, the majority of peers say they don’t feel equipped to respond effectively. Vice President Harris and the celebrity guest will speak directly with young Americans about the importance of recognizing how to help a friend when they are struggling with their mental health, while continuing to shift the culture

“Each honoree chosen for recognition has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her or his respective profession or endeavor and in some significant measure has contributed towards creating a more just society in this country,” says Black Star News founder and publisher Milton Allimadi. “Obviously much work needs to be done here and around the world.”

At the event, Vice President Harris will be joined by a to-be-announced celebrity guest and youth leaders who are experienced in supporting their peers through mental health challenges.

The event, which is part of MTVE’s Mental Health is Health initiative, aims to empower young people to seek out and educate themselves about peer support programs on their campuses and in their communities. It will be primarily targeted to CSUDH students. Invitations will be extended closer to the event date.

The gala starts at 6:00pm with a cocktail hour to be followed by the dinner and awards ceremonies. There will be musical entertainment by opera singer Cassandra Douglas and from harmonica phenomenon William Galison. David Dinkins is honored for Lifetime Achievement — he was New York City’s first African American mayor and also welcomed Nelson Mandela to the city after his release in 1990.

of mental health from awareness to action.

CELEBRATING30 YEARS!

CSUDH to talk about the power of friends supporting friends with their mental health.”

“As a university with nearly 90 percent students of color, CSUDH is honored to welcome Vice President Harris to campus for this historic visit,” said CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham.

Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine was for 26 years executive Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. , honoree, formerly a member, is now council member and a champion of education for

Studio hosted the first-ever Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House together with First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Ambassador Susan Rice, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Selena Gomez. On the day before Mental Health Action Day, the forum showcased youth mental health activists and creators who brought their respective experiences in mental health advocacy and content creation to showcase campaigns they developed to inspire their peers to take action to support both themselves and their friends’ mental health. Since the event, MTV Entertainment partnered with select participants to launch “Hidden Healers,” a first-of-its-kind digital video series that elevates, uplifts and centers culturally grounded healing practices from BIPOC communities.

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system. Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their company Front Row Production, brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” with a multi-ethnic cast to Broadway. In 2016 they bring “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway.

Over the past two decades, mental health struggles have risen dramatically, especially among young adults. While more than 80% of young adults say they will turn to a friend first when they are

Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored for Lifetime Achievement, has served in Congress since 1971. He is a recipient of The Bronze medal for helping save soldiers behind enemy line during the Korean War

Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from New York whose 9th district covers much of central Brooklyn. Before entering Congress in 2007, she

“We are honored to continue working in collaboration with the Biden-Harris Administration in our shared commitment to encourage action around mental health, particularly among young people,” said Brianna Cayo Cotter, SVP of Social Impact, MTV Entertainment Studios and Paramount Media Networks “As we mark the thirdannual Mental Health Action Day, we are delighted to join Vice President Kamala Harris along with the administration and students of

R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is a leading developer and founder of The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest African American-owned real estate firm with $3.5 billion worth of properties under development or management — he was one of the pioneering developerswho helped turn around and revitalize the once-blighted Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C. A champion of African-American economic empowerment Peebles’ is contemplating a possible run for NYC mayor in 2017.

Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil rights lawyer, is a champion of protecting voting rights of ethnic minority groups — the emerging

“As a Black psychologist, I know that mental health is one of the most pressing matters facing our students, and one which must be addressed at the highest levels of government. CSUDH students deserve the opportunity to engage with a trailblazing leader like Vice President Harris on critical issues affecting their education and everyday lives. We are all excited to elevate the conversation around mental health on a national platform, and are thrilled she has chosen CSUDH.”

Imhotep Gary Byrd is a legendary radio talk show host and executive producer, radio DJ, poet, songwriter, music recording artist and producer, rapper, writer and community activist. He began his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s been a talk show host at WBLS and WLIB radio in New York City. He also has a Friday night radio talk show on WBAI

Mental Health Action Day is an open-source movement of more than 1800 brands, organizations, government agencies, and cultural leaders to drive culture from mental health awareness to mental health action.

Honorees, the so-called Central Park 5, are collectively and individually heroes. They are survivors of one of the ugliest miscarriage of justice in New York’s history; having been railroaded and unjustly convicted for a crime they did not commit and for which they served long prison sentences ranging from seven years to 13 years before being exonerated when the actual rapist confessed. They are: Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Kharey Wise. The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if its news scoops, on CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Content magazine.

Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder of World of Money, is a champion of financial literacy for youth-- she teaches knowledge about handling money, budgeting and planning.

In 2022, MTV Entertainment

Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of the nation’s leading educators. He’s president of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New

The third Mental Health Action Day will take place on Thursday, May 18, 2023, with a mission to encourage and empower people to take action on mental health — whether for themselves, for their loved ones, or for their communities, because mental health is health. Learn more at mentalhealthactionday. org and mentalhealthishealth.us.

Past Black Star News honorees have included: Gil Noble (Like It Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna Fountain (Columbia University), Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National Action Network), and many others.

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BUSINESS NATIONAL BLACK AND LATINX BIZ OWNERS TACKLING SOCIAL CHANGE

A recent study revealed that, in the United States, Black and Latinx entrepreneurs receive only 2.6% of venture capital investment.¹ The American Heart Association®, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on longer, healthier lives for all, has opened the application window for submissions to the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator™

The Accelerator program has been established to support local communities, small businesses, social entrepreneurs and innovators who are working to increase health equity and create groundbreaking social change at the zip code level.

Now in its seventh year, the Business Accelerator is designed to provide entrepreneurs whose innovative ideas address health disparities in under-resourced communities with the training and mentorship to build sustainable programs and the opportunity to have their program selected to receive financial grants provided by the American Heart Association. Grants are a crucial part of this support as organizers of community health efforts struggle with fewer resources to address the increased demand for services.

“For years, the American Heart Association Business Accelerator has been an incredible resource for entrepreneurs and organizations addressing the social determinants of health in some of the most underresourced areas of the country,” said Raymond Vara, volunteer chairman

PROFILE

of the board of the American Heart Association and President and CEO of Hawaii Pacific Health in Honolulu,

on Zoom, scheduled for October 19, 2023. At that time, select candidates will have the opportunity to receive one

diverse pool of social and digital health tech entrepreneurs, non-profits and for-profits making a health impact and addressing one or more Social Determinants of Health – the social and economic conditions into which people are born, live, learn, work and play.

Since its inception, the Business Accelerator has trained more than 100 social entrepreneurs and organizations and provided more than $1 million in financial grants. Business Accelerator alumni continue to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association by participating in local volunteer boards and serving as brand ambassadors at special events in their communities. The submission deadline for participation is June 26, 2023.

 ABOUT THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Hawaii. “Through the valuable mentorship, support, and for many, funding, that we provide, these local changes makers are able to take the next steps to improve the health and wellness of their communities in new and innovative ways.”

Upon selection, candidates will begin six weeks of intensive, online business training before presenting their proposed business solutions to a panel of expert judges at the EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator finale

RAMONA HOOD CEO | FEDEX CUSTOM

Ramona Hood is President and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical®, a leading North American transportation provider located in Green, Ohio. The company provides multiple transportation capabilities for expedite ground, temperature control shipments and industry-specific solutions. Hood brings more than 30 years of FedEx experience to her role. She started her career at FedEx Custom Critical in 1991 in an entry-level position and worked her way up to hold various executive leadership positions at FedEx Custom Critical and FedEx Supply Chain

Hood has been recognized for her excellence in thought leadership, responsibility and passion-driven results. Hood has been recognized on the Crain’s Cleveland 2020 Power 150 list and by Business Insider as one of the 17 powerful women leading top logistics companies in 2021. This

year, she was appointed to the Brinker International Board of Directors for her deep experience in sales, operations, supply chain, marketing and talent management to promote growth and brand differentiation. Most recently, Ramona was appointed to the Knight Foundation Board of Trustees due to the impact she has made on the Akronarea community as a business leader. Hood has played a critical role in maintaining the strategic vision of the business despite unexpected national and global crises. She led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the nationwide tensions regarding racial injustices, which culminated during her first few months as President and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical. She continues to lead with courage, conviction and purpose to position the organization for future growth. With a genuine interest in understanding her team members, customers and independent

of the three financial grants available to operationalize their programs in their communities.

The Accelerator’s core curriculum offers formal instruction on design thinking, customer discovery, market positioning, brand development, fundraising and other essential business functions to help entrepreneurs enhance their business models and demonstrate the viability of projects.

The organization is looking for a

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart. org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

contractors, Hood has developed culturally significant strategies for ongoing improvement while continuously driving the performance and strategic direction of the company.

¹2020 Crunchbase Diversity Spotlight Report

Hood earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Walsh University and an Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management.

COMCAST AWARDS $ 25M TO DIGITAL ORGANIZATIONS

COMCAST CORPORATION

today announced a total award of more than $25 million to hundreds of community organizations to help provide the resources and support needed for building a stronger, more equitable workforce. Furthering a deep and longstanding commitment to advancing equity and opportunity, Comcast’s funding will help provide skills building, job training and other career development offerings for the full spectrum of learners, from high school students to adults. Today’s announcement is part of Project UP,

while spurring critical job placement and increasing diversity and equity in the workforce.

“We can only successfully change the face of tech – and strengthen the future of our economy – if we successfully find ways to help every worker unlock his or her potential,” said Plinio Ayala, President & CEO of Per Scholas “Comcast recognizes how critical this mission is, and by working together, we can create the opportunities that empower job seekers to become what they envision, to realize their

organizations deeply rooted in local communities across the country, Comcast’s investment will drive change needed to achieve lasting, generational impact. Specifically, funding will go toward the following focus areas and more than 200 organizations, including:

INCREASING COLLEGE AND CAREER-READINESS

 American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) – Comcast is supporting the Next Generation of Indigenous Coders program, which

institutions of higher education.

 Reboot Representation Tech Coalition – Together with other companies, Comcast has set out to double the number of Black, Latina and Native American women receiving computing degrees by 2025 and increase their representation in the tech workforce.

PROVIDING TRAINING AND UPSKILLING TO CLOSE THE SKILLS GAP

 Hispanic Federation – Through a dedicated partnership program, Comcast is supporting a network of 20 Digital Equity Centers at Latinoled and serving nonprofits across the country, which will provide 5,000+ participants with digital skills training and job placement assistance.

 National Urban League –  Comcast’s support of the NUL’s Urban Tech Jobs program will provide unemployed and underemployed individuals with training for in-demand jobs in the tech sector, with a particular focus on middle-skills jobs in the IT sector.

 NPower – Comcast’s support will enable enrollment of 650 trainees in Regional Tech Fundamentals, a tech training and job placement program helping military veterans and underserved young adults move from unemployment to middle income careers.

Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to help advance digital equity and build a future of Unlimited Possibilities.

“When more people across our country are given the full set of tools and opportunity to secure good jobs, we change much more than just one person’s life. We create a butterfly effect that reaches across communities – and our entire economy,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP & Chief Diversity Officer for Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation “By investing in workforce training, skills building and job placement today, our work is helping to build lasting, generational wealth and achieve large-scale economic growth for all.”

Currently, 92 percent of all jobs require digital skills but nearly onethird of U.S. workers lack basic digital skills, and overwhelmingly, communities of color and Americans earning lower incomes are most often those lacking the skillsets required to qualify for jobs and to grow careers. Through targeted workforce development, significant strides can be made toward closing the skills gap – and digital divide –

every possibility, and succeed in the workforce of today - and tomorrow.”

Comcast’s grant to frontline, partner organizations will help increase college and career readiness, especially among underserved youth; connect workers to opportunities; provide upskilling for adult learners and those already in the workforce; and close the skills – particularly digital skills – gap. This funding will support programs and partnerships driving impact nationwide in 2023.

“To excel in the tech industry, it is not enough to simply have a degree,” noted Michel Ellison, CEO and Co-Founder of CodePath

“Graduates must navigate a complex, competitive industry, build a background of careerspecific experience, and establish tech excellence. As leaders, it is incumbent on us to help guide our future tech talent through all of this and more. With partners like Comcast, we will successfully establish the connections and tools necessary for our future creators, problem solvers and innovators.”

Through intentional investment in

prepares students for computer science degrees and careers across all industries.

 Genesys Works – Funding will help enable the expansion of a program connecting underserved high school students to paid internships with major companies, reaching 1,900 students and more than 2,100 alumni.

 The Hidden Genius Project – With support from Comcast, Hidden Genius will engage 1,200 youth of color in programming and 200 high school students in an intensive immersion program, 98 percent of whom will graduate high school and 90 percent of whom will enroll in post-secondary education.

BUILDING COLLEGE TO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

 CodePath – Comcast is helping provide the tools and connections college computer science students need to unlock their greatest career potential, enabling CodePath to scale its work to serve 10,000 students per year — 70% of whom identify as Black, Latino/a, Indigenous, first generation, and/or low-income — at

 Per Scholas – Providing tuition-free training and hands-on professional experience to adult learners, Comcast’s funding will enable more than 10,000 adult learners to launch tech careers over the next three years.

ABOUT COMCAST CORPORATION

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver worldclass broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences.

Visit www.comcastcorporation. com for more information.

Source: Comcast Corporation

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BLACK WOMEN TALK TECH is excited to host its 7th Annual Roadmap to Billions in-person conference, taking place May 18-20 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in Brooklyn, New York. The program aims to celebrate Black culture and deal with real topics that impact the everyday lives of the Black community through frank and insightful dialogue with local and national technologists.

Black Women Talk Tech is a collective of Black women tech founders identifying, supporting, and encouraging Black women to build the next billion-dollar business. This is the largest tech gathering for Black women in the World. Over 1,500 founders, funders and technologists will be in attendance for the only annual tech conference created exclusively by Black women tech founders for Black female and non-binary founders and allies.

Conference attendees will gain actionable insight and essential guidance to inspire and lead them on their entrepreneurial and professional journey through the tech landscape. This year, the conference features workshops on Fundraising Strategy, Productivity, Brand Partnerships, and Product Development, with additional curated conversations targeting Founders and aspiring founders, Investors and aspiring investors/ fund managers, and Professionals. The Career Forum will highlight recruiting opportunities with our

corporate partners and include workshops on resume building and how to ace the technical interview. Roadmap to Billions opens with a dynamic Roller Bounce Welcome party and keeps the energy flowing with a curated beauty tech experience from Myavana in the Beauty Lounge, and Self-Care tips in the Wellness corner. Treats from Intuit, Sheamoisture, and special announcements are only a part of the #BlackGirlMagic that’s in store.

Confirmed speakers include none other than Beatrice Dixon, Founder, Honeypot, Andrea Donkor, SVP Regulatory & Customer Compliance, PayPal, Bonin Bough, CEO, Group Black, Brenda Wilkerson, President & CEO, Anita B.org, Phaedra Lamkins-Ellis, Founder, Promise, Arlan Hamilton, Founder & Managing Director, Backstage Capital, Selena Hill, Deputy Editor, Black Enterprise and more to be

announced.

Roadmap to Billions is Sponsored by Walmart Connect (the Pitch Competition Presenting Sponsor) along with SheaMoisture (participating pitch competition sponsor), Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, PayPal, Zendesk, Balsamiq, Intuit, PepsiCo, Live Nation, Justworks, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, American Family Insurance, MyAvana, Dell for Startups, Audible, NY Ventures, Lubrizol, First Round Capital, Lowenstein Sandler, and Netflix

Tickets for this year’s Roadmap to Billions conference are available at the following link: www. roadmaptobillions.co/ticketing To learn more about Black Women Talk Tech, visit www. blackwomentalktech.com

The organization is also expanding globally, and taking the Roadmap to Billions experience to Toronto Canada (August 2023) and London, UK (October 2023)!

Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT) is a collective of black women tech founders with a unique understanding of the challenges black women startup owners face and their innovative contributions. The organization seeks to identify, support, and encourage black women to build the next billiondollar business. To learn more, visit www.blackwomentalktech.com. Follow BWTT on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

Source: Black Women Talk Tech

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Early screening of your cognitive health allows for earlier detection and diagnosis of potential Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Early diagnosis means more time to plan for the future, express your preferences for care, adapt your home environment and seek support. We can help you learn about available resources.

Early diagnosis also provides opportunities to try new treatments. For those who are experiencing possible early cognitive decline, we offer the opportunity to participate in ongoing research studies/clinical trials that may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s symptoms. Our Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease — one of 10 centers in New York State — is funded in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

If you have trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating or making decisions that affect everyday life, the sooner you can find out what’s going on, the better.

LI MUSIC HALL OF FAME CELEBRATES HIP-HOP

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with a special concert and panel discussion event on Sunday, June 11th at 2 p.m. at the venue’s home base in Stony Brook Village (97 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY). The event will feature legendary stars Son of Bazerk, Kool Rock-Ski (of The Fat Boys), A.J. Rock (of J.V.C. F.O.R.C.E.), DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice (of Public Enemy), Dinco D and Milo in de Dance (both of Leaders of the New School), and special guest Ralph McDaniels (of Video Music Box), as well as other surprise hip-hop guest artists.

DJ Jazzy Jay, DJ Johnny Juice, Kool RockSki, and Son of Bazerk will be performing LIVE music. There will also be a panel discussion moderated by Tom Needham, LIMEHOF Vice Chairman and longtime host of the “Sounds of Film Radio Show,” who will be joined by members of JVC Force, Leaders of the New School, DJ Johnny Juice and Ralph McDaniels

“We are honored to pay tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop with a live concert performed by some of hip hop’s most influential artists, all from Long Island,” said Ernie Canadeo, LIMEHOF Chairman “It is a testament to Long Island’s prominent and continuing role in hip-hop’s legacy.”

Although the Bronx often receives the most credit for the origins of hip-hop, Long Island was very influential in its development. Most Long Island hiphop performers went to the city to perform. Through the years, LIMEHOF has paid tribute to the hip-hop community by inducting artists from Long Island including LL COOL J, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kurtis Blow, Whodini, Salt-N-Pepa, and EPMD

Founded in 2004, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall Of Fame (LIMEHOF) is a 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the idea that Long Island’s musical and entertainment heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. The organization, which encompasses New York State’s Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Kings (Brooklyn) Counties, was created as a place of community that inspires and explores Long Island music and entertainment in all its forms. In 2022, LIMEHOF opened its first Hall of Fame building location in Stony Brook Village. To date, the organization has inducted more than 120 musicians and music industry executives, and also offers education programs and scholarships, and awards to Long Island students and educators.

THE ARTS

‘ ALEMANJI’ DEBUTS AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Elijah Washington will attend Cannes Film Festival May 19 to screen "Alemanji," a film he executive produced with his brother Robert "Zay" Washington. The film is set to screen during the fourth edition of Pavillon Afriques. It is a coming-of-age comedy about firstgeneration African youth, Alemanji Fouka, and his journey to assimilate to American culture amid the warring cultural norms of his strict African parents.

“Alemanji is a beautiful film that not only will have you laughing hysterically but will provide insight on the cultural disconnect between Africans who migrated to America and African Americans who are members of the diaspora. The film is set in the DMV area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) and you will feel the east coast energy and swag throughout the project," Elijah says.

The film stars Stamaur Mitchell (“The Devil You Know”),

Abdulazeem Dulo Harris (“Tales

From the Big Apple”) and Nnenna Ngwu. The film is directed by Chuckwunonso Angel Dureke

Executive Producers are Elijah Washington, Robert “Zay'' Washington, Lisa Osinloye, Simone White, Anu Fomengia and Nikkia Brown.

Elijah Washington is a multi-faceted creative from Maryland who now resides in Los Angeles, California. Elijah has been immersed in the arts since he was a child and is a classically trained singer. This creative upbringing led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Music Business at Anderson University. Within his first year of moving to Los Angeles, he was selected to write music for a BET original movie “Angrily Ever After” and guest-star in Daytime Emmy-nominated show "A House Divided." Through his company, Fire Rock Productions, Elijah has written and executive produced projects which included

talents from the likes of Aaron Dominguez ("Only Murders in the Building"), Terayle Hill ("Judas & the Black Messiah") and Courtney Nichole ("Tyler Perry’s Assisted Living"). Last year, Elijah screened his film “Diminished” on FOX SOUL Most recently, he released his new single “Live Your Life” which is available on all platforms.

Since 2019, Pavillon Afriques has had over 2,000 participants from five continents at Cannes Film Festival. The ultimate objective is to increase representation of filmmakers, talent and producers who identify with African heritage, create networking opportunities and to continue to grow the film industry in Africa. This year, Pavillon Afriques is also set to screen Tina KnowlesLawson and Richard Lawson’s new film “Black Terror'' along with a screening of Joe Morton’s (“Scandal”) new TV Series “Inside the Black Box.”

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5 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOU GET YOUR FIRST PAYCHECK

Getting your first paycheck is an exciting experience and an opportunity to kickstart your financial journey. Mapping out your short and long-term financial goals early on will allow you to build a strong foundation for your future.

Here are five things to help you make the most of that first paycheck:

Open a Bank Account: Checking accounts allow you to deposit money, make transfers, withdraw cash, pay bills and take care of other banking transactions either in person, online or through your bank's mobile app. Most accounts come with a debit card that can be used anywhere cards are accepted. What’s important is that you’re fitted with the account that best suits your needs. Learn more about the documents you need to open an account.

Set up Direct Deposit: For quick access to the money you earn, set up direct deposit. It will make your funds available in your account on pay day, making it easier to pay your bills, send money and meet financial obligations on time, and without needing a trip to the bank or ATM.

Set Up Automatic Savings: Autosave helps you reach your savings goals with automatic transfers from your Chase checking account

to your Chase savings account – just set it, forget it and watch your savings grow! For instance, every time you get paid, pay yourself first or set up an automatic transfer of even $1 per day. Autosave allows you to adjust your goals or pause at any time. Savings goals are personal and setting money aside to build an emergency fund for unexpected life events is a great habit to start.

Tackle Your Debt: Assess your current debt—like student loans or credit cards—then tackle the most critical ones first with a high interest rate. A local Chase banker can help you create a plan so it doesn’t feel like an overwhelming task. Having a plan often comes with assurance and peace of mind.

Plan for the future: If you have access to a retirement account through your work, sign up for it – your employer will automatically deduct the money from your paycheck and many companies even offer a match. It is never too early to start saving for your future. The more proactive you are in planning for these life events, the less of a burden they become when the time comes.

For more information, visit your local Chase branch and speak to a banker or visit chase.com/communityteam to schedule a visit.

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co

FINANCE FINANCIAL LITERACY INTITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY experian

A high dollar contract isn’t a slam dunk to a rich life. More than 60% of professional athletes end up broke within five years of their retirement. Financial and credit education, and equitable access to financial tools are the drivers behind the new B.A.L.L. for Life program, a partnership with the National Urban League and Experian, the leading global information services company.

B.A.L.L. for Life (Be A Legacy Leader) was announced at the recent Iverson Roundball Classic, for which Experian returns as the exclusive financial literacy partner. The program serves as a catalyst for engaging with Black communities and low-income youth through live events and digital financial education. Subject matter experts, former sports professionals, celebrities and influencers share their experiences and expertise covering topics such as banking, credit, financial management and investing.

“It’s past time to retire the narrative of the pro athlete who wins the contract and loses the fortune, and it starts with empowering our young people and the broader community with financial tools to build and maintain wealth. The committed involvement of many of today’s most successful and influential athletes makes the B.A.L.L. for Life initiative a potential game changer. The National Urban League is grateful to Experian for its innovative partnership in creating equitable access to financial education,” Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League

“These young guys are the future. They say it’s an honor being selected to the Iverson Classic But it’s still an honor to me that they choose to be part of my game. We are part of each other’s legacies now. Thank you, Experian and the National Urban League for helping us do something so incredible for them,” said Allen Iverson, NBA Hall of Famer.

In addition to a B.A.L.L. for Life portal, a gamified app enables users to learn about credit and financial tools by shooting hoops

using gesture controls and have a chance to earn a virtual jersey. Experian research shows 28% of Black consumers and 26% of Hispanic consumers are invisible to the credit market, compared to 16% of Asian and White consumers.

“We’re excited to join forces with the National Urban League in creating this new program. In the game of life, we can set-up young adults for long term financial success by exposing them early to financial literacy. Modernizing and normalizing conversations about banking, credit and investing through the B.A.L.L. for Life initiative will empower them and their families to build generational wealth and a secure future,” said Wil Lewis, Experian’s global chief diversity, equity, inclusion and talent acquisition officer.

B.A.L.L. for Life is an expansion of Experian’s partnership with the National Urban League and a continuation of its popular Building

Wealth in the Black Community Initiative. Previously, Experian’s United for Financial Health Home Preservation Grant helped consumers at risk of losing their homes because of a COVID-19related hardship through local National Urban League chapters. To learn more about Experian’s work in diverse communities, visit: www.experian.com/diversity

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 90 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul. org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram:

@NatUrbanLeague

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers –we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

We have 21,700 people operating across 30 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. With corporate headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, we are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

MGM+ GREENLIGHTS ‘HOLLYWOOD BLACK’

MGM+, a premium linear channel and streaming service, today announced a greenlight for the docuseries Hollywood Black, from Justin Simien’s Culture Machine, Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi’s Significant Productions, and the Academy Award-winning creative production company RadicalMedia. Based on the book by historian Donald Bogle, this four-part docuseries—directed by Justin Simien (Dear White People), whose upcoming Disney film Haunted Mansion will be released this summer—tells the epic story of the actors, writers, directors, and producers who fought for their place on the page, behind the camera, on the screen, and in the credits. It is a definitive chronicle of a century of the Black experience in Hollywood, and a powerful reexamination of a quintessentially American story—in brilliant color.

“We are thrilled to work with Justin Simien, Jeffrey Schwarz, RadicalMedia, and to expand our prolific creative partnership with Forest and Nina,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “Hollywood Black, like other recent MGM+ docuseries, is an entertaining and thoughtful look at a vital part of American culture, examining the evolution of Black cinema and the talented artists who built it. It is a timely and relevant look at the Black experience in Hollywood.”

“Hollywood, like many American industries, was built on Black culture and Black talent, even though it excluded Black people from many of its origin stories,” said Justin Simien “This series seeks to illuminate present-day controversies, from #OscarSoWhite to the almost regular ‘blackface reveal’ of prominent white celebrities, told through the lens of Black individuals throughout Hollywood history. It’s the most important story I’ve been able to tell to date, on such a large scale, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to tell it with this team.”

“We love collaborating with visionary filmmakers, so it’s an honor to team up with Justin Simien/Culture Machine and Radical Media on Hollywood Black, especially alongside such immense support from Michael Wright and MGM+,” said Forest Whitaker “Through this meaningful exploration of Black history in cinema, we’re excited to celebrate its future.”

Culture Machine’s Justin Simien (Dear White People, Bad Hair) and Kyle Laursen, Significant Productions’ Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi (Godfather of Harlem), and RadicalMedia’s Dave Sirulnick, Stacey Reiss, Jon Kamen (Summer of Soul) and Jeffrey Swartz will all serve as executive producers. Amy Goodman Kass is showrunner, and Simien is set to direct. The docuseries will be internationally distributed by MGM. Hollywood Black is the latest addition to MGM+’s library of acclaimed

docuseries, including Amityville: An Origin Story, Murf the Surf, Emmynominated Laurel Canyon, Helter Skelter, Slow Burn, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons, and Blumhouse’s Compendium of Horror.

Culture Machine is a production company dedicated to inclusive content from marginalized voices poised to disrupt, activate and electrify popular culture. Culture Machine produced all four seasons of Justin Simien’s GLAADand Gotham Independent Film awardnominated series Dear White People on Netflix, adapted from Simien’s own Sundance Jury Prize-winning feature film. Culture Machine is currently producing the Flashdance series reboot for Paramount+ with Simien set to direct a contemporary take on the classic Paramount Pictures film. Culture Machine is also producing the series adaptation of Image Comics’ best-selling comic Geiger created by Geoff Johns & Gary Frank for Paramount. Their slate also includes Plan A from writer Steven J. Kung for Starz and with Lionsgate

Television

Co-founded by producing partners Forest Whitaker & Nina Yang

Bongiovi, Significant Productions is committed to creating opportunities for underrepresented narratives and storytellers by championing films and television shows starring people of color, alongside diversified representation behind the camera.

Significant Productions has produced critically acclaimed, culturally significant motion pictures by auteur filmmakers, including Fruitvale Station (2013) by Ryan Coogler, Dope (2015) by Rick Famuyiwa, Songs My Brothers Taught Me (2015) by Chloe Zhao, Roxanne Roxanne (2018) by Michael Larnell, Sorry to Bother You (2018) by Boots Riley, and A Kid from Coney Island (2020) by Coodie & Chike. Passing, Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut (based on Nella Larsen’s novel of the same name) was released globally on Netflix in the fall of 2021, yielding four BAFTA nominations in 2022. Earlier this year, Significant launched Fancy Dance by Erica Tremblay and To Live and Die by Qasim Basir at Sundance, which both debuted to rave reviews. Notably, all eight narrative features produced by Nina & Forest premiered at Sundance Film Festival, and went on to garner over 90 wins and over 300 nominations throughout awards circuits. Forest and Nina also serve as executive producers on the premium TV series “Godfather of Harlem,” which just aired its third season on MGM+, and the pair continues to support inclusive storytelling within the television realm through its first-look deal at Amazon Studios

RadicalMedia is one of the world’s leading producers of premium content. The company develops, creates &

produces film, television, advertising, design, digital and immersive experiences. RadicalMedia is celebrating its fourth overall Academy Award nomination and second win with Summer of Soul on Disney+ & Hulu, which has been recognized as one of the most awarded documentaries in history. The company’s other Academy Award for Fog of War and their two other nominations for Paradise Lost on HBO and What Happened, Miss Simone? on Netflix are amongst some of their most celebrated films to date. Fluent in every discipline of storytelling across all media platforms, RadicalMedia has attained industrywide recognition beyond the Academy Awards and Emmy® wins with multiple Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Independent Spirit Awards, Peabodys, Grammys®, The Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Communication Design, Cannes Lion Palme D’ore and just about every accolade associated with the advertising, marketing, and entertainment industry.

MGM+, an Amazon company, is

a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of quality original series and docuseries, the latest movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, ondemand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for original premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM; Emmy-winning series Godfather of Harlem; the Western adventure Billy the Kid; and cinematic dramatic series War of the Worlds, Rogue Heroes, and Belgravia. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including Murf the Surf, Emmynominated Laurel Canyon, Helter Skelter, Slow Burn, My Life as a Rolling Stone, NFL Icons. Premium movies are also available, including No Time to Die, House of Gucci, Cyrano, and Licorice Pizza MGM+ will continue to be available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, and emerging digital distribution channels, as well as through its MGM+ app, providing more movies than any other network with thousands of titles available for streaming.

Photo Credit: Rick Proctor

8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE.

FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home.

ENDFAMILYFIRE.org