Lizzo Finally Reveals Her ‘Biggest’ Business Venture Yet
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network Earlier this month, Lizzo teased online that she would be releasing the "biggest thing yet," and that it would be "bigger than anything I've ever done." Well, the wait is over. In an interview with The New York Times, the singer revealed that is releasing a shapewear line and that it is sure to shake up the industry.Her shapewear line, Yitty –– her childhood nickname –– will launch this week under Kate Hudson's Fabletics "active life wear brand." The first drop will include 100 pieces divided into three different
Report Confirms the U.S. Tech Ecosystem Is Still Failing Black Communities
The 2022 State of Tech Diversity report by the Kapor Center and the NAACP breaks down disparities across the tech industry, from K-12 and post-secondary academic institutions, to recruiting, hiring, retention, and VC funding. Today, the Kapor Center, a nonprofit addressing racial inequities in STEM education and the tech industry, in partnership with the NAACP, released their 2022 report titled State of Tech Diversity: The Black Tech Ecosystem. The report analyzes and synthesizes the latest data, demonstrating the continual exclusion of Black talent across the tech ecosystem, which represents a
Harvard Law Grad Launches Black Woman-Owned Film and Content Production Company
Raye Mitchell, a Harvard Law School grad turned entertainment lawyer, has partnered with Cindy Brown, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and former WNBA player, to launch Bossology 53 Entertainment, a Black-owned media company that will create film, TV projects, and publishing content. Ultimately, their goal is to advance social justice, racial, and LGBTQ equity and celebrate everyone’s right to the dignity of being the boss of their stories and the right to be heard when telling their truth. The newly formed company comprises Mitchell’s production projects under The Mouthology® podcast
Triller Appoints Steve Pamon as President of Verzuz
Seasoned Entertainment executive to oversee the next stage of development for the iconic cultural phenomenon LOS ANGELES, March 24, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Triller, the AI-powered open garden platform for creators, announced renowned entertainment executive Steve Pamon as the President of Verzuz. Pamon will manage all aspects of the global business, including overseeing go-to-market, production, and logistical operations for Verzuz, including contracts, sponsors, venues, programming, live events, and partnerships. "Steve is the proverbial triple threat. His exceptional track record and reputation across Parkwood Entertainment, the NFL, HBO, and
50% Of Women Of Color In The US Make Less Than $15 An Hour: Report
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network A new report released by Oxfam America on Tuesday (March 22) exposes the alarming pay disparities across race and gender in the United States. The report used data from the Census Bureau's American Community Survey and Current Population Survey and found that more than 50 million workers across the country are making less than $15 an hour –– and a "staggering" amount of those workers are Black women and other women of color. The data shows that 47% of Black workers make less than $15 an hour, compared to 26%
CROWN Act Passes In The House, Banning Race-Based Hair Discrimination
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network In a landmark vote Friday (March 18), lawmakers in the House passed the CROWN Act, which prohibits race-based hair discrimination in the workplace, school, and more. The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act passed in a 235-189 vote, with only 14 Republicans supporting the legislation. The bill failed last month after Democrats put the legislation on a fast-track vote typically used for pieces of legislation not considered controversial. Supporters of the bill have tirelessly argued that banning hair discrimination is necessary for Black people who are far too often
Gospel Singer LaShun Pace Dead At 60
By Peyton Blakemore LaShun Pace has died at the age of 60. Larry Reid Live was the first outlet to report the famed gospel singer's death. "We have lost one of the baddest sopranos to ever walk this earth," read LRL's post on Facebook, which included several photos of Pace, on Monday (March 21). "LaShun Pace one of the lead singers of The Pace Sisters has passed." The statement continued, "The Pace Sisters recently loss [sic] their sister songbird Duranice Pace and Mom Pastor Betty Pace. Pray for them and all of us who will
LISC’s Black Economic Development Fund invests $122 million to support growth of Black-owned banks, businesses
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced today that its Black Economic Development Fund (BEDF) has committed nearly half its capital, having closed on $122 million in investments for Black-owned banks and businesses throughout the country. The $250 million fund includes investments from Netflix, Paypal, Square, HubSpot, Aflac, Costco, Dicks Sporting Goods, ThermoFisher Scientific, Wayfair, McKinsey & Company, and Dupont. It aligns with LISC's larger Project 10X strategy to break down systemic racial barriers, including $1 billion in investments that support small businesses, community nonprofits, mission-driven lenders, anchor institutions and innovative urban and rural initiatives. "Over the last two years,
Shalanda Young Confirmed As First Black Woman To Lead White House Budget
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network Shalanda Young made history Tuesday (March 15), after the Senate confirmed her to lead the White House Budget Office, becoming the first Black woman in US History to serve in this key role. Young received bipartisan support in the 61-36 vote and has served as acting director of the Office of Management and Budget over the last year. The OMB oversees all of the development and execution of the budget, which wields critical influence over the President's agenda."Another glass ceiling shattered by a remarkable member of the
16-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Black Beauty Supply Store Owner
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network Paris Mckenzie, a NYC-based 16-year-old, is making history in the hair and beauty industry, becoming the youngest Black owner of a beauty supply store. And she's just getting started. Mckenzie opened Paris Beauty Supplyz in the summer of 2020 after a space next to her mother's salon opened up. The young entrepreneur used her savings to lease the space and has since launched a salon of her own, La Eiffel Beauty Bar in Brooklyn.According to a news release, Paris is no stranger to hair and beauty, after spending plenty