NEW YORK TREND
December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015
MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
NEW FUNDING INCREASES LENDING FOR BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP
New American Funding, a national mortgage lender, proudly announces the launch of NAF Black Impact, formerly known as NAF Dream NAF Black Impact empowers and supports the Black community in their pursuit of homeownership.
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
NAF Dream launched in 2016, focusing on loan officer recruitment, education, and efforts to expand Black homeownership. Acknowledging the ongoing success of the program, NAF is renaming the program NAF Black Impact to signify the company's commitment to taking direct, action-oriented steps to address credit accessibility and promote sustainable and equitable homeownership for Black individuals and communities.
“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.”
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.
Additionally, this name change reflects the company's growing dedication to assisting Black borrowers in overcoming systemic barriers that have perpetuated disparities in homeownership for many years, as highlighted in NAF's recently released white paper, Empowering Homeownership in Diverse Communities.
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
"We are thrilled to continue the legacy of NAF Dream and extend our support to more Black families," said Mosi Gatling, NAF Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion. "We are firm in our belief that homeownership should be within everyone's reach, and we are dedicated to transforming this vision into a reality. We want NAF to become the place where all Black families feel comfortable and supported in their homeownership journey. We want them to know that NAF is here for them."
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.
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.
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
"Increasing homeownership rates in the Black community is a critical step toward closing the racial homeownership
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
gap," said Patty Arvielo, New American Funding CoFounder and CEO. "For us, this is much more than a rebrand of the initiative. This was a necessary step to demonstrate our responsibility to the Black community. NAF Black Impact means that we commit to providing access to mortgages and financial resources to help more Black families achieve homeownership. By providing the necessary support, we
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
believe that we can make a difference and create a more equitable society for all."
Through NAF Black Impact, NAF will help to foster opportunities for Black families and break down barriers to homeownership. To this end, NAF has committed to extending $20 billion in new mortgages to Black homebuyers by the year 2028.
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
NAF Black Impact is partnering with real estate agents, lenders, and community organizations to ensure that Black homebuyers have access to fair and affordable housing options. NAF is also providing the Black community with access to educational resources, products, services, partnerships, and in-market support to drive sustainable homebuying and investment purchase goals.
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.
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 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.
By offering resources and advocacy, NAF Black Impact will help individuals and families achieve their dreams of homeownership, and work towards creating a brighter future for generations to come.
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.
NATIONAL
MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY ACQUIRES SLAVE BADGES
The SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE recently acquired what is thought to be the largest and most complete set of historic Charleston Slave Badges. The collection includes 146 rare badges dating as far back as 1804. It also features badges with makers’ marks and two with personalized inscriptions. To share the stories of these objects with a worldwide audience, the museum has launched a Searchable Museum feature at SearchableMuseum.com/SlaveBadges, which tells the historical significance of Charleston Slave Badges and the museum’s recent exciting acquisition. “We are honored to share the story of enslaved African Americans who contributed to building the nation,” said Mary Elliott, NMAAHC museum curator. “It is a story that involves the juxtaposition of profit and power versus the human cost. The story sheds light on human suffering and the power of the human spirit of skilled craftspeople who held onto their humanity and survived the system of slavery, leaving their mark on the landscape in more ways than one.”
Through this digital offering, visitors can engage with the objects and learn about the legislated system of leased enslaved labor in Charleston, South Carolina, those who profited from the system and how enslaved African Americans navigated the landscape of slavery using their abilities, skills and intellect. In addition to providing the history of Charleston Slave Badges, the new Searchable Museum feature will provide insight into collecting, archaeology, the role of vocational training and the meaning of freedom.
The Slave Badge system was initially legally instituted in Charleston in 1783 as a form of control and a source of profit. The badge system required that enslaved African Americans whose labor was leased out by their enslavers wear registered identifying badges. The badges identified the occupation of the enslaved laborer, whether as a skilled craftsperson or a servant. It was a form of control and surveillance over African Americans who had limited autonomy to move about the city conducting work—but
today they are reminders that the enslaved were skilled workers who built much of Charleston.
Enslavers paid a registration fee to the city for each enslaved person whose labor they leased out and, in turn, the city provided the badges that registered leased enslaved laborers were required to wear. Enslavers profited from money earned leasing out the labor of skilled African Americans, while the city received profit and gained the benefit of the skilled work of enslaved African Americans who, essentially, built Charleston’s urban landscape.
Enslaved African Americans, bearers of the slave badges, served in various capacities as indicated by the badge labels, including skilled mechanics, porters, fishers, fruiterers, carpenters, porters and servants. Although the badges served as a form of control, those who wore them had some degree of autonomy to move about the city while conducting work. This provided greater opportunities for communicating with a wider network of enslaved Black people. In some instances, they were also able to keep some of the money earned from their labor, which helped toward purchasing freedom for themselves and loved ones.
The recently acquired historic collection was compiled by renowned collector Harry S. Hutchins Jr., who, along with co-authors Brian E. Hutchins and historian Harlan Greene, wrote and published the book Slave Badges and the Slave Hire System in Charleston, South Carolina, 1783–1865, which is highly regarded among collectors. Hutchins dedicated his life to collecting slave badges, expressing that he felt it was important to tell the story of the skilled craftspeople. When presented with the opportunity to draft the credit line for the collection, Hutchins provided the following text “Partial Gift of Harry S. Hutchins, Jr. DDS, Col. (Ret.) and his Family, dedicated to the individuals these Slave Hire Badges represent and their descendants.”
ABOUT THE MUSEUM ---
Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed 11 million in-person visitors and millions more through its digital
COLLECTION OF THE SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE, PARTIAL GIFT OF HARRY S. HUTCHINS, JR. DDS, COL. (RET.) AND HIS FAMILY, DEDICATED TO THE INDIVIDUALS THESE SLAVE HIRE BADGES REPRESENT AND THEIR DESCENDANTS
presence. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. The museum
has also launched and is continually expanding its reach with the Searchable Museum portal and other efforts to bring African American history into the world’s hands and homes. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on X, Facebook and Instagram or call Smithsonian information at (202) 633-1000.
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO COLLEGE BOUND STUDENTS
On Saturday, June 22, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and parent company NextEra Energy surprised 10 local students with the NextEra Energy Scholarship for Students in Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics and Enrichment (SECME) at Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center in Rivera Beach.
The NextEra Energy Scholarship for Students in SECME is a merit award of up to $20,000 for college-bound high school seniors who plan to enroll in fulltime undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year. This year’s
recipients hail from high schools throughout South Florida.
The scholarship winners are:
Alexis N. Idun-Ogde (American Senior High School, Hialeah)
Daniel Perodin (Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Miami)
Elisha M. Jackson (Palm Beach Gardens High School, Palm Beach Gardens)
Gianna F. Roberts (School for Advanced Studies, Homestead)
Jonathan Perez (Pahokee High School, Pahokee)
Lazaro A. Valdez (Pahokee High School, Pahokee)
Rebeca Jean (Atlantic Community High
School, Delray Beach)
Samuel Jeanpierre (American Senior High School, Hialeah)
Victoria A. Hamilron (School for Advanced Studies, Homestead)
Yonel Mederos Chavez (Pahokee High School, Pahokee)
SECME Scholarship Awards Photo 1: Ten recipients of NextEra Energy Scholarship for Students in SECME proudly hold up their $20,000 college scholarship checks from Florida Power & Light Company at FPL’s Manatee Lagoon in Rivera Beach on June 22, 2024. The scholarship program recognizes students who were part of Science, Engineering, Communication,
Mathematics and Enrichment (SECME) programs at their high school.
SECME Scholarship Awards Photo 2: Yonel Mederos Chavez, recipient of the NextEra Energy Scholarship for Students in SECME, is presented with a scholarship check from McKenley Romeo, Director of Customer Solutions and Melanie Roger, Manager of Cybersecurity Strategy for FPL on June 22, 2024. Yonel is one of ten South Florida students to receive this year’s scholarship, a merit award of up to $20,000 for college-bound students who have at least one year of experience in a Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics and Enrichment (SECME) club.
SECME Scholarship Awards Photo 3: Rebeca Jean, recipient of the NextEra Energy Scholarship for Students in SECME, proudly holds her big check beside her family at Manatee Lagoon on June 22, 2024. Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) awarded a total of $200,000 in scholarships to college-bound students who were active in the Science, Engineering, Communication, Mathematics and Enrichment (SECME) club in high school.
Photo Source: Black PR Wire
PHILANTHROPIST LAUNCHES MULTIFAMILY OFFICE
Recently, BEATRICE
ADVISORS (“Beatrice”) an independent, woman-and minority-owned multi-family office, announced its official launch.
Founded by Christina Lewis, Vice Chair of the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation and founder of private investment family office BFO21, Beatrice is the first and only Black woman-owned multi-family office. The firm provides high-quality financial services to a new generation of wealthy individuals and families with the goal of making wealth management more accessible.
“With a mission-oriented approach and unique technology, we are focused on empowering the next era of high-net-worth individuals who have different needs than their predecessors,” said Christina Lewis “Beatrice builds on the legacy of my father, Reginald Lewis, the first African American to build a billion-dollar company, as well as the work of my mother, Filipino-born American business woman and philanthropist Loida Lewis, as we aim to close the wealth gap by modernizing the wealth management industry.”
Offering a single-family office experience to clients at scale, Beatrice strives to provide solutions to those who are historically unadvised or under-advised to expand the demographics of wealth. The firm currently offers three key services: (1) Investment
Management, (2) Client Advisory and Financial Planning, and (3) Proprietary Investments. Beatrice plans to expand its offerings over time.
The firm’s innovative and tech-enabled approach empowers clients by tailoring investments around their individual goals. Clients have access to a personalized dashboard that provides a single, unified view of their entire investment portfolio and assets. With Beatrice’s research technology fully integrated within its client portfolio technology, the office can leverage its capabilities to customize and scale investment research across portfolios.
Meredith Bowen will serve as Beatrice’s President and Chief Investment Officer (CIO), and brings extensive experience in managing client allocations, investment portfolios, analyzing investments and building leading technology solutions.
Meredith previously served as a Partner at Seven Bridges Advisors, where she worked with many families to address the investment complexities that come from inherited, generational and institutional wealth. As part of her role as President and CIO, Meredith will oversee Beatrice’s investment strategies, asset allocation, client engagement, and the expansion of its suite of investment opportunities and partners.
“Meeting clients where they are now, and
where they will be tomorrow, while providing them with a new level of autonomy is what makes Beatrice’s offering exciting,” said Meredith Bowen, Beatrice’s President and CIO. “Christina has demonstrated a unique ability to ignite meaningful change and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her and the team on building a truly differentiated set of solutions for our clients.”
In addition to Meredith Bowen, Michael Hymes has joined Beatrice’s executive team as Managing Director and Head of Client Advisory. As a wealth advisor, Michael brings extensive experience working with highly sophisticated families, and will lead Beatrice’s Client Advisory and Financial Planning practices. Michael previously
served as a Vice President and Financial Advisor at Shufro, Rose & Co. At Beatrice, Michael will oversee client engagements to understand, protect, and develop client wealth through strategic planning approaches and techniques.
Beatrice is a modern, inclusive, and innovative multi-family office (MFO), with a strategic focus on next-generation and under-advised wealth (entrepreneurs, women, diverse individuals and families, heirs). Beatrice provides integrated wealth management in a welcoming environment, helping clients and families prosper in line with their values for generations. To learn more about Beatrice, visit beatriceadvisors. com.
DIVERSITY SUMMIT CALLS FOR DEI AND DIVERSITY OFFICERS IN CORPOrATIONS
BLACK ENTERPRISE hosted its second annual Chief Diversity Officer Summit and Honors, presented in partnership with Fidelity Investments, Merck, and The Executive Leadership Council, the preeminent organization representing senior Black executives in corporate America and corporations throughout the globe.
The event's purpose is to highlight the contributions of great champions of corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including impactful industry leaders such as trailblazer James Lowry, former Dell EMC CDO Jacqueline Glenn, and the dynamic duo that designed and drove the inclusive culture at PepsiCo, Ronald Parker, and Maurice Cox. Perhaps more critically, the summit serves as a platform for conversation about the status and future of DEI as it faces withering attacks on all fronts. Indeed, DEI needs its champions now more than ever.
It was just four years ago when the murder of George Floyd and the galvanizing global protests that followed seemed to inspire a racial reckoning focused on the systemic discrimination of African Americans, and corporate America was very much a part of it. Corporations across industries declared their renewed commitment to DEI goals with grand pledges of support for equity and fairness. We seemed to be on the precipice of great change.
We were, but it was not the change we'd hoped for or anticipated.
The landscape has shifted dramatically in recent months. The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions has opened the floodgates for legal challenges to DEI policies in the workplace. A federal appeals court's recent ruling to end Fearless Fund's grant program for Black women entrepreneurs could potentially set a chilling precedent that undermines measured and
effective efforts to level the economic playing field.
And in March, another federal ruling similarly gutted the Minority Business Development Agency, a potentially devastating blow to minority businesses that have long struggled to overcome systemic barriers to advancement.
As political pressure on companies to
boy's club. Most significantly, the rise of the CDO helped countless corporations establish profitable relationships with diverse suppliers, identifying growth opportunities that allow companies to capitalize on emerging trends. This kind of collaboration leads to new and wider access to unexplored markets and untapped talent.
On another front, the CDO role provides governance and practices that underscore
abandon DEI has intensified, the chief diversity officer role in the corporate hierarchy is being increasingly marginalized or eliminated altogether. And those lofty statements of commitment to DEI that beamed so proudly from company websites in the wake of the Floyd protests have quietly vanished.
Is this how DEI ends? Are we about to lose the chief diversity officer permanently? Or will corporate America come to its senses and acknowledge the value of equity and inclusion in its growth and profitability? To answer that question, it's important to remember that the business case for DEI has been made and reaffirmed in study after study, contrary to the hyperbole of its critics. Chief diversity officers have redefined how companies recruit and develop talent. They have elevated the profile of HBCUs as a rich, viable, and long-underutilized recruitment resource and demonstrated the importance of mentorship in opening the leadership pipeline beyond the traditional white male
the necessity of DEI in the workplace.
Studies show that 41% of Black employees say they have experienced discrimination at work, from the hiring process to being passed over for promotions to disproportionate compensation. For CEOs, these numbers represent a genuine threat to a company's health and stability, leaving the firm open to damaging and expensive lawsuits. The CDO's role ensures compliance and mitigates risk.
Bottom line: CDOs make companies more agile and responsive to marketplace trends and, yes, better places to work.
Corporate America cannot—must not— sacrifice progress to short-sighted political pressures. It's simply a bad business strategy.
Rather than running from controversy, our leading corporations should proudly own DEI's successes within their organizations and the contributions of their CDOs.
Moving forward, it's essential for corporate leaders to recommit to DEI and the CDO
role substantively, not in name only. If not properly championed and supported by leadership from the top down, DEI will continue to prove vulnerable to the kind of coordinated, negative attacks we're witnessing.
BLACK ENTERPRISE was launched 55 years ago to ensure that African Americans become full participants within the economic mainstream and gain unfettered access to equal opportunity in corporate America with the ability to rise as high as their talents can take them—including the C-suite, boardroom, and the CEO's chair. The Executive Leadership Council was founded 38 years ago to develop Black executives for the highest business echelons and simultaneously eliminate institutional barriers or excuses that denied them power positions as corporate decision-makers.
So, it falls upon Black senior executives and corporate directors to use their positions to be proactive and ferocious voices in protecting and advancing CDOs, DEI policies and practices, and the elevation of current and future generations of Black professionals. BE Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr. continuously asserted that we can ill afford high-ranking Black executives willing to accept the role of "window dressing" for their respective companies but need Black men and women of position and influence to "stand in harm's way" to ensure that all Black professionals gain opportunities across the board in corporate America.
Black C-suite executives must stand firm and uphold DEI, challenging corporate leadership to be accountable to their diversity statements and create a more equitable organization where all employees can thrive. When C-suite executives champion the CDO role, they encourage other leaders to do the same, fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. The benefits are on the balance sheet.
EVENTS
STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM ANNOUNCES SUMMER AND FALL EXHIBITIONS
The STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM today announced its dynamic roster of summer and fall exhibitions and programs, including the launch of New Additions, the institution’s first podcast; the presentation of Something in the Water: Expanding the Walls 2024; and the annual exhibition for the Museum’s cornerstone Artist-inResidence program.
examines photographs in the James Van Der Zee Archive, which was established at The Met in 2021 through a landmark collaboration between The Met, the Studio Museum, and Donna Van Der Zee
The presentation of works by the Studio Museum’s current artists in residence will be on view from September 26, 2024, through February 2025. Shown
On June 18, the Museum’s summer programming kicked off with the launch of New Additions, a podcast series that forefronts the Studio Museum’s permanent collection. Highlighting the Studio Museum’s enduring support of the rich artistic heritage of artists of African descent, the podcast featured exclusive conversations with artists whose works have been newly acquired into the Studio Museum’s growing permanent collection: Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Vladimir Cybil Charlier, Jadé Fadojutimi, Nikita Gale, Zora J Murff, and Brandon Ndife, with more artists to come.
The latest iteration of the Studio Museum’s longstanding and beloved teen photography program Expanding the Walls: Making Connections Between Photography, History, and Community culminates on July 31, 2024, with Something in the Water: Expanding the Walls 2024, an exhibition of the 2024 participants’ work. As an entry point for teens to explore and define their artistic practices while building community, the program, now in its twenty-fourth year,
at MoMA PS1 as part of a multiyear collaboration with The Museum of Modern Art and MoMA PS1, Pass Carry Hold: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2023–24 will feature the work of sonia louise davis, Malcolm Peacock, and Zoë Pulley, the 2023–24 cohort of the Museum’s Artist-in-Residence program. Also presented in collaboration with MoMA, and continuing through October 14, 2024, at MoMA’s street-level galleries is Projects: Tadáskía. This exhibition features a largescale, site-responsive wall drawing and sculptures by the multidisciplinary, Brazilbased artist Tadáskía, who articulates themes of transformation and joy in her work.
NEW ADDITIONS PODCAST
Launched June 18, 2024, on all major podcast platforms
Grown out of an online interview series and print feature in the Studio Museum’s biannual magazine Studio, the new podcast New Additions features intimate conversations with artists whose work has been recently added to the Studio
Museum’s permanent collection. Hosted by Studio Museum Senior Curatorial Assistant Habiba Hopson, the podcast series spotlights artists at pivotal moments in their careers. In the hourlong discussions, artists share their path to artmaking, their process in the studio, their dreams and aspirations, and more. Above all, New Additions showcases how artists in the Studio Museum’s permanent collection have shaped the broader cultural landscape through their diverse artistic practices.
The podcast, made in collaboration with Sound Made Public, debuted with six episodes and include conversations with artists Tunji Adeniyi-Jones, Vladimir Cybil Charlier, Jadé Fadojutimi, Nikita Gale, Zora J Murff, and Brandon Ndife. More artists will be featured in six additional episodes, with each to be released on the second Tuesday of the month. All episodes can be accessed for free on the Studio Museum’s website and on demand across all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts.
SOMETHING IN THE WATER: EXPANDING THE WALLS 2024
Online July 31, 2024–July 30, 2025
Something in the Water: Expanding the Walls 2024 features work from the 2024 participants of the Studio Museum’s teen photography program Expanding the Walls: Making Connections Between Photography, History, and Community With a camera in hand, the program’s sixteen young photographers move through their city in ways they haven’t before, bringing viewers into the transient nature of their day-to-day lives as they traverse— and consider—the vastness of New York City. The photographs in the online exhibition gesture toward the participants’ relationship with adolescence and place, and how they find themselves in the quiet moments of the city and its outskirts—along the water and on the streets.
Something in the Water: Expanding the Walls 2024 is organized by Jayson Overby, Assistant Curator, Studio Museum in Harlem; with Ally Caple, Expanding the Walls Coordinator, Studio Museum
in Harlem; and the Expanding the Walls 2024 participants.
--- ABOUT EXPANDING THE WALLS Founded in 2001, Expanding the Walls supports the photographic practices of teenage artists based in New York City through workshops, gallery visits, and discussions led by contemporary artists. For over twenty years, the archive of renowned Harlem photographer James Van Der Zee (1886–1983) has been the program’s central inspiration. Over the course of the free eight-month program, the young artists also engage with the work of photographers such as Dawoud Bey, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Texas Isaiah, Ming Smith, and Carrie Mae Weems. These artists, alongside Van Der Zee, provide a rich intergenerational dialogue in which the teens can situate their work and practices.
Expanding the Walls and youth programs are made possible with support from the Keith Haring Foundation Education Fund; Joy of Giving Something; Phillip and Edith Leonian Foundation; Conscious Kids; Hearst Endowment Fund; and by the Jacob and Gwendolyn Lawrence Trust. The Studio Museum in Harlem’s Learning and Engagement programs are supported by the Thompson Foundation Education Fund; William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust; Con Edison; Harlem Community Development Corporation; May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation; and Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts. Additional support provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts. The Studio Museum in Harlem is deeply grateful for Donna Van Der Zee’s continued support of Expanding the Walls
--- PASS CARRY HOLD: STUDIO MUSEUM ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 2023–24
September 26, 2024–February 2025 MoMA PS1, 22–25 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, NY
Pass Carry Hold: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2023–24 features the work of 2023–24 artists in residence sonia louise davis, Malcolm Peacock, and Zoë Pulley
Owner/Publisher
Executive Editor
Editor-In-Chief
Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams
Assistant to Publisher, Administrative
Zoie Williams
International Correspondent
Ann Brown
Travel Editor
Jim Weaver
Contributing Editor
Justin Williams
Circulation Manager
Robert L. Taylor
Art Director
Jessica R. Doughty
Emeritus Office & Subscription Manager Sophie Taylor
Zoie A. Williams
Writers
Ezra Mechaber
Anastasia Williams
Justin Williams
Teresa Williams
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: MALCOLM PEACOCK, ZOË PULLEY, AND SONIA LOUISE DAVIS.
Photo: Courtney Sofiah Yates
Is it Alzheimer’s? Or just signs of aging? Get screened and find out.
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.
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.
ENTERTAINMENT
FESTIVAL OF CULTURE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
The 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by CocaCola®, is proud to celebrate a three decade legacy of boundless Black joy, rich cultural heritage, and “loving us.” From July 4-7, 2024, in New Orleans, this four-day event promises to be an unparalleled experience blending legacy and evolution. Presenting sponsor Coca-Cola® and major sponsors AT&T®, L’Oréal Groupe, McDonald’s USA, and Target Corporation will continue the festival’s commitment to uplifting the Black community, as returning partners to the festival in its 30th year.
To commemorate the festival’s milestone birthday, ESSENCE unveils a new brand campaign titled, “We Love Us,” as a testament to the festival’s enduring commitment to enriching our cultural and social fabric. In 1995, ESSENCE planted a seed in the rich cultural soil of New Orleans to serve as a one-time celebration to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the magazine that would blossom into the present-day ESSENCE Festival of Culture™, the go-to destination for Black people year-after-year. The festival does not just celebrate three decades of heritage, but elevates the joy of being Black, solidifying the festival as a beacon of hope and unity amid today’s cultural challenges. As the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ has evolved and expanded from its origin as solely a music festival, so have the ways that Black people, culture & heritage are showcased there, by highlighting music & entertainment, health & wellness, entrepreneurship & empowerment, diversity, beauty, and the community that we love and serve. All of the elements that we love about us will be front and center at this year’s festival, which promises to be a celebration where the music we grew up on, the education we need, and the affirmation we seek – all come together in a space that feels like home.
“Marking three decades of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®, alongside our valued partners and sponsors is key to building meaningful experiences that prioritize capital, capacity and community, hence our new tagline 'We Love Us',” said Caroline Wanga, President and CEO of Essence Ventures. “The revolution must be financed at the right value in order for equitable community commerce to manifest. At the intersection of joy and justice, we generate revised narratives that affirm Black culture as the driver of all culture. We proclaim true equity for our global presence in the key determinants of wealth, and we unapologetically celebrate global diasporic accomplishments big and small with audacity and intentionality. The full spectrum of
our tapestry will once again be the center of attention as we employ 'Black Birthday Behavior' in our forever home, New Orleans. Our trust currency and brokerage is the price of entry for any organization that chooses to engage us on behalf of the community. Therefore, we don’t have sponsors, we have partners. That partnership is fueled by an understanding of our impact prerequisite combined with their impressions and expectations, as the algorithm for sustainable growth and prosperity. So we here at Essence Ventures offer both gratitude and fortitude to the partners that align to our values and intent.”
The 2024 sponsors of this year’s
McDonald’s USAMajor Sponsor
McDonald’s USA remains dedicated to uplifting Black culture by sponsoring EFOC for over two decades. The brand is honored to unite communities through culture, fashion, activations, and more to commemorate this historic moment.
Target CorporationMajor Sponsor
For all the “Black women who love Target,” (#IYKYK). Thank you for making us part of YOUR circle just as much as you bring joy and style to OURS.
Attendees can look forward to a diverse
Money Millionaires along with a full star-studded line-up.
Tickets for the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ are now available at ESSENCEFestival. com. Virtual attendees can join in on the celebration at ESSENCE. com and ESSENCEFestival.com, as well as join the conversation on social media at @ESSENCEFest on X, Facebook, and Instagram.
ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. ESSENCE Communications is the number one—and only 100% Blackowned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With
festival will present strategic activations that stand as a testament to the enduring love for Black culture over the past 30 years including:
The Coca-Cola® CompanyPresenting Sponsor
The Coca-Cola® Company is honored to continue its support of Black women’s culture, community, and legacy as the presenting sponsor of the Essence Festival of Culture™, in its 30th year.
AT&T® - Major Sponsor
Through panels, performances, interactive programming and themed giveaways, AT&T® will connect festival goers to a rich celebration across 30 years of the culture that fosters community and inspires greater possibility.
L’Oréal Groupe - Major Sponsor
L'Oréal Groupe is proud to honor 30 years of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ and the celebration of Black Joy in the shared mission to promote a more inclusive vision of beauty.
array of daytime experiences at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. From returning fan-favorites ESSENCE Food & Wine Festival™, BEAUTYCON™: @ESSENCEFEST Edition, AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™, ESSENCE Film Festival® by ESSENCE STUDIOS™, ESSENCE Stage™, SOKO MRKT™ by ESSENCE®, ESSENCE Authors™, ESSENCE® GU® CREATORS HOUSE, GBEF® HQ, to the newly introduced ESSENCE Hollywood House™ and the Suede: Men’s Experience™ (formerly known as In His Zone), there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The evening concert series at the Caesar's Superdome will pay homage to the festival’s rich history while looking towards the future, featuring headlining performances from some of the biggest names in entertainment including R&B superstar USHER, global icon Janet Jackson, the legendary Charlie Wilson, 3x GrammyAward winner Victoria Monét, and a special performance of Birdman & Friends Presents 30 Years of Cash
a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™
ABOUT ESSENCE VENTURES A multi-faceted ecosystem that uplifts the Global Black experience through frictionless, borderless economic advancements at the intersection of community and culture, ESSENCE Ventures is a member of the Sundial Group of Companies and is the parent company for ESSENCE Communications, Inc., AFROPUNK, Beautycon and Essence Studios
MOREHOUSE COLLEGE HUMAN RIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED
Morehouse College has announced the official dates, early selection films, and advisory council for the Sixth Annual Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival (MCHRFF), scheduled for September 17-21, 2024, on the Morehouse campus. The five-day event will also be accessible virtually from September 17 to September 27, 2024. Badges are now on sale at a 50 percent discount.
"The early selections for the sixth annual festival exemplify our mission to educate, spark dialogue, and inspire. These films will challenge us to confront complex histories and social issues while highlighting the urgent need for social justice today," said Kara Walker, executive director of the MCHRFF "Each film offers a unique perspective, fostering conversations crucial for driving meaningful change."
This year’s early selections include the following films:
MOSES – 13 STEPS | Directed by Michael Wech
MOSES – 13 Steps is a powerful exploration of the life and legacy of Edwin Moses, an unparalleled athlete and visionary, whose triumphs on and off the track catalyzed significant social and scientific change, inspiring generations to hurdle over barriers of all kinds.
BATTLEGROUND GEORGIA | Directed by Daresha Kyi
Passionate voter engagement, followed by the fury of those who spread and believed “the big lie” were dominant narratives of the U.S. elections of 2020. Ahead of the
2024 election cycle, in this installment of the Turning Point series, Battleground Georgia becomes the lens through which to view the history of racist voter suppression, the power of grass roots organizing and the tension between old institutions and new ways of thinking about what a vibrant democracy could be.
FARMING WHILE BLACK | Directed by Mark Decena
Farming While Black is a feature-length documentary film which examines the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States and the rising generation reclaiming their rightful ownership to land and reconnecting with their ancestral roots.
SAVING THE CHATTAHOOCHEE |
Directed by Hal Jacobs
The story of three generations of women who defended the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta.
THE PICTURE TAKER | Directed by Phil Bertelsen
From his Memphis studio, Ernest Withers’ nearly 2 million images were a treasured record of Black history, but his legacy was complicated by decades of secret FBI service revealed only after his death. Was he a friend of the civil rights community, or enemy—or both?
HARLEM FRAGMENTS | Directed by Cameron Tyler Carr
An Afro-futurist scrapbook storytelling of a Harlem Black family's beautiful destruction during the 2008 recession. A natural disaster so mesmerizing you can't look away from the tragedy. Based on true events.
IT'S OUR TIME | Ssuuna Kakumba McKitty
Follows the life of a young Black man in Atlanta exposing the truth untold. Through the characters’ own personal dilemmas, the story touches upon various social issues such as the destruction and dehumanization of black bodies, microaggressions, toxic masculinity, and sexism.
ELI’S LIQUOR STORE | Directed by Alonzo Jones
Eli’s Liquor Store is set in Koreatown circa 1999. It’s the story of Elijah Gooden, a 43-year-old African American man from Atlanta, Georgia. With a degree from Georgia Tech University, he worked in corporate America before moving his family to Los Angeles to start his own business.
SUPER HIGH: A PERIOD PIECE |
Directed by Bianca Lambert
In the semi-autobiographical short film
Super High: A Period Piece, Amanda battles excruciating period pain caused by fibroids. Desperate for relief, she experiments with a celebrity cannabis brand's edibles. A dosage mishap catapults her into a surreal, anxietyfilled journey until she awakens.
UNDER FALSE COLORS | Directed by Mickaela Bradford
In Reconstruction Era Memphis, two Black women redefine the words freedom and community by holding and healing one another in the aftermath of a historic massacre
This year, the Morehouse College Human Rights Film Festival Advisory Council will provide leadership for the continuous
growth and sustainability of the festival. The distinguished members include:
Kiah Clingman, Film Producer, Writer/ Director, KiahCan Productions
Angela Harmon, Founder, Angela’s Harmony Productions
Robert Harrell, Director, Strategic Marketing & Partnerships, Kenneth Roberts Agency
Adell Henderson, Publisher, AcknowledgeMINT
Brooke Sonenreich, Events and Education Director, Moonshine Post; Founder, ATLFilmParty
Bronwyn Stallcup, Production Manager, DeKalb Entertainment Commission; Membership Chair, Georgia Production Partnership
Elisee Junior St. Preux, Film Producer, Writer/Director, A La Mode Films
Korstiaan Vandiver, Film Producer, Writer/ Director, Blue Angel Entertainment
ALPHA PHI ALPHA PARTNERS FOR ALZHEIMER’S EDUCATION
ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC. announced a two-year partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote brain health as well as support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias through awareness and education.
The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
“The Alzheimer’s Association is proud to partner with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. to address health disparities and health inequities, particularly as it relates to Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” said Dr. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has been a trusted, valuable supporter of our mission for several years. This new partnership will enable us to reach even more Black /African American families with disease information and our care and support resources to help families affected by Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., with
its rich history of service and leadership in the African American community, has long recognized, and fought for, the importance of nurturing partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for community engagement.
“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to promote brain health as well as to offer education and awareness about those suffering from this disease,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Willis L. Lonzer, III, Ph.D. “This partnership not only aligns with our overall mission, but specifically our Brother’s Keeper Fraternity-Wide Program, which aims to advocate and improve the quality of life for our senior Brothers, their spouses, and widows as well as other vulnerable community members.”
Under the partnership, the Fraternity will:
Connect local chapters of each organization for education, engagement, and volunteer opportunities.
Deliver two or more education programs to the Fraternity’s networks each year.
Provide culturally appropriate materials to members directly or through its website, including promotion of the Association’s 24/7 Helpline.
Leverage opportunities at Fraternity’s regional and general conventions and in its Sphinx magazine.
Share latest Alzheimer’s and dementia research and data and its impact on our communities as well as introduce members to Association’s signature events, including Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greekletter fraternity established for African American men, was founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY and is headquartered in Baltimore, MD.
The Fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African American community’s fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; late former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell; late former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall; legendary activist, actor and performer, Paul Robeson, former Ambassador Andrew Young; late former Senator Edward Brooke; scholar, Cornel West; Senator Raphael Warnock; Congressman Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus; General CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; six other members of the U.S. Congress, numerous
state, and local lawmakers across the United States, as well as President of Liberia Joseph Boakai, Sr. The fraternity, through its more than 720 college and alumni chapters and general-organization members, serves communities in the United States, and other parts of North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
BLACK STUDENT FUND HOSTS SOLUTIONS SUMMIT
The BLACK STUDENT FUND and Forbright Bank will host the secondannual Sustainable Solutions Summit for D.C.-area high school students from June 24-28. The week-long event gives entrepreneurial high school students the opportunity to collaborate with leading sustainability experts to develop and present business plans to help solve local environmental issues. Students with winning ideas will receive scholarship funding and connections to help them throughout their career.
“We’re excited to partner with the Black Student Fund to encourage a new generation of entrepreneurs and leaders to tackle one the most meaningful challenges of our lifetimes,” said Forbright Bank Director of Community Impact, Natalie Chapman “We look forward to building on the success of last year’s Summit with more great speakers and students excited to learn.”
The event gives students an opportunity to hear from and network with leading environmental experts, business leaders, and academics. Presenter expertise ranges from ocean conservation to plant-based food production to energy efficient construction. The event will culminate in students developing and presenting their own sustainable business ideas to a panel of judges who will award scholarship funding to the winning
team.
WHAT : Sustainable Solutions Summit – a weeklong event focused on empowering high school students to build business ideas to address local environmental issues.
WHEN : June 24-28, 2024 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily
WHERE : Marriott Courtyard Bethesda 5520 Wisconsin Avenue
Chevy Chase, M.D., 20815
Walking Distance from Friendship Heights Metro Station
FEATURED SPEAKERS:
• Alfred Carr, D.C. Department of Energy & Environment
• Daron Coates, Co-Founder, ThinkBox Group
• John Delaney, Founder and Chairman, Forbright Bank
• Seth Goldman, Co-Founder of Just Ice Tea, PLNT Burger, Honest Tea, Eat the
Change
• Lina Gomez, National Geographic Society
• Mark Haver, Sustainable Ocean Alliance; BlueGreen Generation
• Larissa Johnson, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
• Ashley McEvoy, National Park Foundation
• Leroy Nesbit, Black Student Fund
• Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Founder and CEO, RIFE International
• Liz Perera, U.S Department of Energy
• Elijah Perry, Formerly GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic
• Rebecca Ballard, Rebecca Ballard Advisory; Rooted Communities Forbright Bank (www.forbrightbank. com), Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, is a bank and lender taking action to decarbonize the economy. Headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Forbright is committed to accelerating the transition to a sustainable, clean energy economy by financing the companies, investors, and innovators driving that change
The Black Student Fund (BSF) provides essential advocacy, academic and retention support to academically motivated African American and other underserved students to facilitate their access, admission and successful matriculation and graduation from member schools. For more information, visit www.blackstudentfund.org
Photo Credit: Black Student Fund
VEGANSOULFOOD.ORG TO LAUNCH NEW WEBSITE
Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.), a vegan food justice organization, is excited to announce its new website, VeganSoulFood. org, just in time to celebrate Juneteenth, a national holiday in the United States that commemorates the end of slavery.
Vegan Soul Food is more than a recipe website; it's also a tool to help us understand the power of our food choices. By launching on Juneteenth, we're celebrating the power of the Black community and their resilience in preserving traditions from generation to
generation.
Inspired by Black collective members jaz Boler and Kennedy Little and board member Elise Ferguson, F.E.P. launched Vegan Soul Food to highlight the wide variety of flavor-filled foods from the African diaspora that do not include animal ingredients and showcase that it is possible to eat vegan and still incorporate our traditional favorites.
"Vegan Soul Food has incredible traditional dishes that don't involve the exploitation or suffering of animals," says F.E.P.'s vegan programs collective member, jaz Boler "It supports a healthier, happier lifestyle that we all deserve!"
Vegan Soul Food features more than a dozen delicious dishes from African and Afro-Caribbean to Afro-Latinx and Jamaican culture! Indulge in delicious eats like "Lobster" Macaroni and Cheese, Bahamian "Conch" Fritters, and Soul Food Chick'n Salad!
Todd Anderson of Turnip Vegan, who donated a tasty Black-Eyed Peas and Greens with Chipotle Mushroom Sausages recipe, says, "Vegan soul food brings back cherished memories with a new twist that's not only delicious but also better for our health."
Youth Advocacy Collective Member
Kennedy shares, "No matter your background or ZIP code, everyone should have access to a platform that uplifts your culture and shares the importance of community and compassion. To me, that's what VeganSoulFood.org is, and I can't wait to see how it broadens perspectives on vegan dishes and the lifestyle. I'm excited for my family, friends, and community to be a part of this resource!"
Food Empowerment Project (http://www. foodispower.org), founded in 2007, seeks to create a more just and sustainable world by recognizing the power of one's food choices. In all of its work, Food Empowerment Project seeks specifically to empower those with the fewest resources. Its advocacy areas include fair conditions for farm workers; the availability of healthy foods in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities; and the protection of animals. A vegan food justice organization, Food Empowerment Project also works to expose negligent corporations, such as those that push unhealthy foods into low-income areas, those that perpetuate food deserts (or food apartheid areas), and those that sell chocolate derived from the worst forms of child labor. Food Empowerment Project is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
PROSTATE SCREENING MAY LEAD TO MORE CELEBRATIONS
For all men, particularly Black men, sharing and bringing awareness to their prostate cancer risk and health history may mean celebrating more Father's Days with their loved ones. According to the American Cancer Society, talking to your family members about their medical history is one way to know if you are at higher risk of prostate cancer and if screening may be right for you.
Studies show that prostate cancer seems to run in some families, and in those cases, there may be an inherited or genetic factor that contributes to prostate cancer risk. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease during their lifetime. The risk is much higher for men with several affected relatives, particularly if those relatives were young when the cancer was found.
In the US, Black men have the highest prostate cancer incidence rate and tend to develop the disease at a younger age than other men. They are over twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to White men. Considering the higher incidence and mortality rates among Black men, increasing screening rates may be the key to catching more prostate cancers early and saving more lives.
"It's clear that Black men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer and more needs to be done to get the word out to the community about screening and early detection," said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, ACS board member and President of Howard University "Bringing access and awareness to the Black community about medical treatments and opportunities to join clinical trials may make a big difference in curbing these statistics."
Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing for prostate-specific antigen levels in a man's blood. When prostate cancer is
found early, it may be easier to treat, which is why screening tests are so crucial.
It's said that self-reported screening rates with prostate-specific antigen testing among Black men are slightly lower (31%) than in White men (38%). ACS recommends that men at high risk, including Black men, begin talking to their health care providers about screening for prostate cancer at age 45. To find a screening location near you, go to https://getscreened.cancer.org/
To curb the rise in prostate cancer for all men, especially for Black men, ACS recently launched IMPACT, an initiative geared toward
health. It's important to know that early prostate cancer normally doesn't cause symptoms; however, in some cases men may have symptoms though it is less common. These symptoms include problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night, and blood in the urine or semen.
More advanced prostate cancer symptoms include those listed above and can sometimes present as trouble getting an erection, bone pain in the hips, spine, chest, or other areas. Other symptoms include weakness or numbness in the legs or feet,
Improving Mortality from Prostate Cancer Together
"We are sounding the alarm and taking on this crucial challenge to improve outcomes for all men, as well as reverse disparities for Black men through IMPACT," said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and ACS Cancer Action Network
"This is a bold move that will save lives by funding new cancer research programs that connect the laboratory, the clinic, and the community."
Aside from screening, knowing the symptoms and risk factors for prostate cancer is another way Black men can prioritize their
or even loss of bladder or bowel control, from cancer in the spine pressing on the spinal cord, weight loss, and feeling very tired. While most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than prostate cancer, it is important to be aware and tell your health care provider if you are experiencing these symptoms. While not all men are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer, there are some factors that may play a key role in increasing a person's chance of contracting it. Understanding these factors may be critical when deciding to get screened for prostate cancer.
One of the factors researchers have found to be linked to prostate cancer is older age. The chances of having prostate cancer increases quickly after age 50. It is reported that about 6 in 10 prostate cancers are found in men older than 65.
Race, ethnicity and family history also play a role in a person's likelihood for developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer occurs more often in Black men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry than in men of other races. Men with a family history are also at an increased risk as described above. Additionally, a family history may indicate an inherited or genetic factor that increases risk. Yet, most prostate cancers occur in men without a family history.
In an effort to spread the word to the Black community about the importance of early detection for prostate cancer, Pfizer has provided funding to ACS in support of the launch of "Change the Odds: Uniting to Improve Cancer Outcomes™," a new initiative to start creating change where it is most urgently needed: in communities disproportionately impacted by breast and prostate cancer. The initiative will raise awareness of no- and low-cost screening, enhance access to support and navigation services and provide general information about clinical trial opportunities, including culturally and linguistically diverse resources.
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram
DOCTOR DISCUSSING PROSTATE CANCER SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION
Photo Source: PR Newswire
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ENTREPRENEURS NETWORK
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) is calling all trailblazing Black and Hispanic/ Latino entrepreneurs to join the 2025 cohort of the EY Entrepreneurs Access Network (EAN). This accelerator program is now accepting applications until the August 30, 2024, deadline.
THE NEED
Black- and Hispanic/Latino-owned businesses are economic powerhouses, generating over $183 billion1 and a staggering $800 billion,2 respectively. Yet, they're just scratching the surface of their potential. EAN helps bridge the disparity in access and resources, and supports these businesses in scaling.
THE BENEFIT
With personalized coaching, a tailored curriculum, a community of visionary entrepreneurs and access to the EY entrepreneurial ecosystem, including Entrepreneur Of The Year® program and EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women™ community members, participants benefit from surroundsound support as well as connections to investors and industry giants.
THE IMPACT
Since its inception, EAN has empowered nearly 300 CEOs and founders, aligning them with $51 million in capital and supporting over $600 million in new contracts and services. Last year alone, participants soaked up 2,298 mentor
hours and engaged in 1,000 businessbuilding encounters.
PROGRAM SNAPSHOT
Duration: 12-month tailored program for the unstoppable executive
Offerings: One-on-one coaching, custom learning, extensive networking and visibility to an array of audiences
Criteria: Black or Hispanic/Latino business owners, founding CEOs or majority owners of US-based, privately held, for-profit companies over two years old and 51% owned by Black or Hispanic/ Latino individuals.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants can now apply at ey.com/ean It's a free program with no application fee. Applications are accepted through August 30, 2024, with rolling acceptances starting December 2024.
REAL SUPPORT AND SUCCESS
"Black and Hispanic/Latino entrepreneurs are among the unsung heroes of our economy. With EAN, we're not just imagining a world where barriers don't exist — we're creating it. If you're ready to scale and ignite your business's impact, let's make it happen together," says Nit Reeder, EY EAN Program Director.
Monica Hernandez of MAS Global Consulting: "EAN is a huge support for me. I met a network of likeminded entrepreneurs and experts that continue to be a support system."
Audley Wilson of RoboBurger: "We received essential guidance from EY's
top executives as we navigated capital funding."
Cicely Peace-Edouard of The Simple VUE: "The relationships we fostered through EAN were instrumental in helping us find access to funding and opportunities."
ABOUT EY
EY exists to build a better working world, helping create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.
Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.
Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY
teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/ privacy EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com
NBCUNIVERSAL EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH GROUP BLACK
NBCUNIVERSAL has announced it has expanded its partnership with the inclusive mission-driven media company, GROUP BLACK , and will launch a new content collection on Peacock. This destination, E!+, will focus on programming that resonates with multicultural audiences and will officially launch later this year.
In collaboration with NBCUniversal, Group Black will develop original content alongside the leading media and entertainment company's acclaimed programming and the Black Excellence 365 initiative.
This builds upon NBCUniversal and Group Black's existing partnership, which originated from Peacock's Black Excellence 365 program in 2023.
Through this initiative, NBCUniversal curated a collection of Black-led and diverse content marketed and sold by Group Black, fostering year-round advertising opportunities and investments in the Black-owned ecosystem. More than 30 brands signed on in the first year, which saw an average reach lift of +19% on top of NBCUniversal's direct deals.
"With this expanded partnership, NBCUniversal is leveraging the E! brand and its deep connection to pop culture to deliver a new destination on Peacock for cross-cultural audiences and marketers," said Peter Blacker, EVP, Streaming & Data Products and Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Advertising and Partnerships, NBCUniversal "The
E!+ collection provides brands of all sizes new opportunities to connect with engaged multicultural viewers and enhance visibility in Peacock's pristine ad environment."
"At Group Black, we're committed to reshaping media ownership and investment. Partnering with NBCUniversal marks a significant milestone in realizing this vision," said Cavel Khan, Group Black's Chief Growth Officer. "Through E!+ with Peacock and NBCUniversal, we're offering a home for multicultural content to shine and facilitating meaningful connections between the marketplace and diverse audiences."
NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast
Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal. com for more information.
Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service providing audiences with a singular, unmatched content destination. As one of the most complete streaming products on the market, Peacock offers exclusive breakout original series; more than 8,000 hours of live sports and entertainment programming; hit movies right after theaters from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation and Illumination; next-day access to all new shows from NBC and Bravo; fan-favorite library content; daily live news; as well as live channels from brands including Hallmark and WWE Built on the foundation of NBCUniversal with a spirit that is all Peacock, the platform delivers for its audiences with innovative technology, creative partnerships, and entertainment that is truly entertaining.
Group Black is an MBE-certified media company dedicated to connecting brands with diverse audiences. Committed to fostering an inclusive media ecosystem, Group Black amplifies diverse storytelling and deepens the investment pipeline for diverse-owned businesses. Informed by marketing and creative expertise, Group Black crafts contextually relevant strategies that resonate with a multicultural generation. Group Black is where culture calls home.
END NOTES
BIG BROTHERS ANNOUNCES 2024 HALL OF FAME
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF AMERICA (BBBSA), the preeminent oneto-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced its newest class of inductees to the BBBSA Alumni Hall of Fame. The BBBSA Alumni Hall of Fame honors former mentors (“Bigs”) and mentees (“Littles”), who embody the transformative power of human connection and continue to champion the lifelong impact of mentorship. The ceremony was held during BBBSA’s annual ‘Bigger Together’ National Conference in Dallas, Texas. Nearly 2,000+ in-person and virtual attendees, representing over 200+ BBBS agencies nationwide, joined emcee and Media Maven, Sybil Wilkes, and Violinist, Richmond Punch, to commemorate the achievements of the inductees as they shared their inspiring personal stories, illustrating the enduring impact of mentorship and the critical role it plays in shaping futures.
Featuring remarkable leaders and volunteers representing diverse backgrounds from sports to entertainment, philanthropy, and business, the influential inductees have all made a significant difference in their communities and exemplified BBBS’ mission to empower all young people to reach their full potential.
The esteemed members of the third Alumni
Hall of Fame class include (in alphabetical order):
DALE LONG, 50-Year BBBS Volunteer, Former Big DENNIS BROWN, CEO Emeritus, BBBS Hawaii, Former Little ERIN SCANLON, Deloitte & Touche LLP Partner, Deloitte Foundation President, Former Big HILL HARPER, New York Times BestSelling Author, Award-Winning Actor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, Former Big MARISSA SOLIS, Senior Vice President, Global Brand and Consumer Marketing, NFL, Former Big and Little OSA ODIGHIZUWA, Defensive Tackle, Dallas Cowboys, Former Little
“It is with great pride that we honor and celebrate the 2024 inductees of the BBBSA Alumni Hall of Fame. Each honoree has championed the power of mentorship as individuals and leaders in their commitment to empowering future generations,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America “Each year, we are thrilled to celebrate a group of our estimated 20 million alumni Bigs and Littles, who are change-makers in their communities and embody our ‘It Takes Little to be Big’ mentality at BBBS.” ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF
STUDIO MUSEUM IN HARLEM
The upcoming exhibition at MoMA PS1 is the sixth year in a multiyear partnership between the Studio Museum in Harlem, The Museum of Modern Art, and MoMA PS1. Working across sound, textile, and installation, the artists in this exhibition engage methodologies of endurance and wonder to explore themes related to ancestral and intuitive knowledge. Through this work, davis, Peacock, and Pulley activate what it means to pass through, carry forward, and hold onto.
Pass Carry Hold: Studio Museum Artists in Residence 2023–24 is organized by Yelena Keller, Assistant Curator, Studio Museum in Harlem, and Jody Graf, Assistant Curator, MoMA PS1, with Adria Gunter, Curatorial Assistant, Studio Museum in Harlem sonia louise davis (b.1988) is a visual artist, writer, and performer born and raised in New York City. Her work is deeply invested in improvisation as embodied research. Davis has presented her work at the Whitney Museum of American Art; the Queens Museum; ACRE; Sadie Halie Projects; Ortega y Gasset; and Artists Space; among other venues. Residencies and fellowships include the Laundromat Project’s Create Change Fellowship; Civitella Ranieri; New York Community Trust Van Lier Fellowship at the International Studio & Curatorial Program; Culture Push Fellowship for Utopian Practice; Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Workspace Artist in Residence Program; Studio Immersion Project Fellowship at the Robert Blackburn Printmaking Workshop; Right Now Artist Publication Grant from Women’s Studio Workshop; and Stoneleaf Retreat. She is an honors graduate of Wesleyan University (BA, African American studies) and an alumna of the Whitney Independent Study Program. Davis lives and works in Harlem.
Malcolm Peacock (b.1994) is an artist
AMERICA
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to
ANNOUNCES
and athlete whose art often utilizes and alternates common physical actions— talking, gazing, braiding, singing, running— to emphasize the stakes and feelings that accompany being present in proximity to others and to one’s self. His art looks closely at ways that intimacy creates emotional spaces occupied by Black folks. He has participated in residencies at the University of Pennsylvania; St. Roch Community Church; the Joan Mitchell Center; Denniston Hill; and the Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture Peacock has exhibited at Artists Space; Terrault Gallery; the Institute of Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University; the Prospect Triennial; and the Carnegie Museum of Art Peacock is the recipient of the 58th Carnegie International Fine Prize and the Foundation for Contemporary Arts Roy Lichtenstein Award. He earned a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016 and an MFA from the Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University in 2019.
Zoë Pulley (b.1993) is a designer and maker who utilizes stuff to surface the seemingly ordinary stories of Black folks through mixed media, typography, and audio. She defines “stuff” as artifacts both physical and nonphysical that may be relegated as unimportant to some—as merely stuff. Most recently, Pulley has shown work in a group exhibition, Dress Code, at the Newport Art Museum and in a performance at RISD Museum. Her practice includes ongoing collaborations such as a wearable line inspired by her grandmother called GRAN SANS and a collectively authored publication titled Black Joy Archive. In 2021 she designed a zine for Combahee’s Radical Call: Black Feminisms (re)Awaken Boston at the Boston Center for the Arts Her work is held in the collections of the Valentine Museum; the Harvard Radcliffe Institute; and Printed Matter Pulley is
SUMMER AND FALL
create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters has over 230 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit: www.bbbs.org
EXHIBITIONS (con't
an inaugural recipient of the Rhode Island School of Design Society of Presidential Fellows and was awarded the Graduate Graphic Designer to Watch by GDUSA in 2023. She earned a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015 and an MFA in graphic design from Rhode Island School of Design in 2023.
--- ABOUT THE ARTIST-INRESIDENCE PROGRAM
The Studio Museum’s foundational Artistin-Residence program gives emerging artists of African and Afro-Latinx descent an unparalleled opportunity to develop their practice in an eleven-month residency and offers audiences the chance to view this work in an annual culminating exhibition. Alumni of the program, who now number nearly 150, include some of today’s most significant and innovative artists, including Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Jordan Casteel, Lauren Halsey, David Hammons, Maren Hassinger, Titus Kaphar, Simone Leigh, Kerry James Marshall, Julie Mehretu, Wangechi Mutu, and Mickalene Thomas
The Studio Museum in Harlem’s Artistin-Residence program is funded by the Glenstone Foundation. Additional support for the Artist-in-Residence program provided by The American Express Kenneth and Kathryn Chenault Sponsorship Fund; National Endowment for the Arts; Joy of Giving Something; Doris Duke Charitable Foundation; Jerome Foundation; Anonymous; Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation; and by endowments established by the Andrea Frank Foundation; the Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Trust; and Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Additional funding is generously provided by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts
PROJECTS: TADÁSKÍA
On view through October 14
The Museum of Modern Art Projects: Tadáskía is on view through October 14, 2024, in The Museum
of Modern Art’s street-level galleries. Tadáskía is a multidisciplinary artist based in Brazil who uses drawing, sculpture, and mixed media to articulate themes of transformation and joy influenced by her lived experience. The exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Studio Museum in Harlem, is the artist’s first solo presentation in the United States, and features MoMA’s recently acquired work, ave preta mística mystical black bird (2022), alongside a monumental wall drawing and sculptures made in response to the site at MoMA Projects: Tadáskía is organized by Thelma Golden, Director and Chief Curator, Studio Museum in Harlem; and Ana Torok, the Sue and Eugene Mercy, Jr. Assistant Curator, Department of Drawings and Prints, MoMA; with the assistance of Kiki Teshome, Curatorial Assistant, Studio Museum in Harlem Founded in 1968 by a diverse group of artists, community activists, and philanthropists, the Studio Museum in Harlem is internationally known for its catalytic role in promoting the work of artists of African descent. The Studio Museum is now constructing a new home at its longtime location on Manhattan’s West 125th Street. The building—the first created expressly for the institution’s program—will enable the Studio Museum to better serve a growing and diverse audience, provide additional educational opportunities for people of all ages, expand its program of world-renowned exhibitions, effectively display its singular collection, and strengthen its trailblazing Artist-inResidence program.
While the Museum is closed for construction, its ground-breaking exhibitions, thought-provoking conversations, and engaging art-making workshops continue at a variety of partner and satellite locations in Harlem and beyond. For more information, visit studiomuseum.org
If you are anywhere in your journey with substance use disorder,
I want you to stop, look around and open your heart.
Revel in the abundance of your existence. See how small substance use disorder can be when sat next to all that you are or ever could be.
Fill your existence with beauty, purpose and a life of service.
And your substance use disorder— your history of addiction, the things you may have done that you are not proud of—will one day be small enough to deal with while allowing you space to live this life of joy.
Hold on.
We are not the sum of our scars but rather a beautiful mosaic of the life they hold together.
—Joseph Washington, DC In recovery from substance use disorder Learn how substance use recovery can
