Gene Wade named CEO of the Propel Center, a new HBCU technology and learning hub dedicated to preparing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs
The Propel Center, the global HBCU technology and learning hub intended to level the playing field and open greater doors of opportunity for their students, has announced the naming of respected social entrepreneur and education advocate Gene Wade as chief executive officer. Wade most recently served as Founder and CEO of Honors Pathway in Oakland, California, a social venture that enabled low-income students to attend their first year of college at no cost while receiving over 500 hours of in-person coaching and mentoring. He also serves on several non-profit boards, including
IN MEMORIAM: Legendary Actor, Sidney Poitier, 94, Has Died
By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent@StacyBrownMedia Legendary actor Sidney Poitier, who broke barriers and stood for justice and Black lives during the most tumultuous times of the civil rights movement, has died. Poitier, whose iconic 71-year career, included starring roles in “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “Uptown Saturday Night,” was 94. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed. In an exclusive phone call with the Black Press of America, Bill Cosby said he will miss his long-time friend and
What Rising Prices & Inflation Means For Black Americans
From gas to groceries, American households are seeing rising prices as the US economy attempts to recover from last year’s pandemic lockdown. In the last months, American consumers have seen a 13-year high in prices with little indication when things might get better. Before the start of the pandemic, studies showed that Black Americans were financially vulnerable and still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis. Pair that with higher unemployment rates and increased risk of experiencing homelessness, and the economic toll on our communities is dire. So what does higher inflation
300, AN INDEPENDENT ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, CO-FOUNDED BY LYOR COHEN, KEVIN LILES, AND ROGER GOLD SELLS TO WARNER MUSIC GROUP
Warner Music Group (WMG) announced the acquisition of 300 Entertainment, one of the world's most successful and influential independent music companies. 300's artists include top-charting, multi-platinum stars such as Megan Thee Stallion – who won Best New Artist at this year's Grammy Awards, Young Thug and his label Young Stoner Life, Gunna, Fetty Wap, Highly Suspect, the newly signed "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" Mary J. Blige, and many others. Since its launch nearly a decade ago, 300 has been distributed by Atlantic Records, and the acquisition represents the expansion of an
African American Entrepreneurs Head SPAC in $126.5 Million IPO to Acquire Black-owned Firms
Shawn Rochester, who authored the spellbinding book “The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America,” and Robin Watkins, a highly regarded financial and operations accountant, have made Wall Street history. And the two are poised to break through more barriers in the financial world. Their latest venture, Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisitions Inc. (MEOA), has raised $126.5 million they’ve earmarked to help minority businesses and enterprises grow and prosper through mergers and acquisitions. “It’s amazing to be a part of this,” Watkins, a Drexel University graduate, stated. While Rochester serves
Statue Of Mary McLeod Bethune To Replace Confederate General At US Capitol
By Cherranda Smith, Black Information Network Mary McLeod Bethune was the daughter of formerly enslaved African people, a dedicated educator and advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and her legacy will now live on at the nation's capitol. According to NBC News, a statue of Bethune will be replacing a Confederate general to represent the state of Florida at the nation's capitol. This replacement is historic, marking the first time an African American represents a state at the National Statuary Hall located within the US Capitol building. Bethune's trailblazing legacy will be eternalized in an 11-foot, 6,000 pound
Make it a Green Christmas: Spend less, achieve more over the holidays
By Sherri Kolade The adage, “less is more” applies perfectly to this holiday shopping season for those ready to risk it all and overspend during this time that shouldn’t be taxing on your finances. Granted, during the holiday season, it’s easy to overspend on family, friends and other loved ones who made our nice list this Christmastime — especially when you see their eyes light up as they open their gifts from you. But this Christmas might be even trickier to navigate financially as prices increase and product shortages
Scripps Networks Appoints Cheryle Harrison Head of Bounce
CINCINNATI (December 2, 2021) – Cheryle Harrison has been appointed the head of Bounce, the nation’s popular entertainment television network serving African Americans. Harrison has served in various roles at Bounce since it was launched in 2011 as the first Katz network. She will now be responsible for the overall strategic vision for Bounce, including brand strategy, programing, marketing, social media, digital and community relations. She is based in Atlanta and reports to Lisa Knutson, president of Scripps Networks. “Cheryle has been a driving force in Bounce’s development, growth and success since
Can Cryptocurrency Be A Game Changer For Black Americans?
Courtesy of Black Information Network More Americans are jumping in on the cryptocurrency train, including Black Americans and other people of color, according to a recent report from The Washington Post. Cryptocurrencies, commonly referred to as crypto, is offering opportunities for minorities usually disadvantaged through traditional financial systems. Struggles in the traditional finance landscape include bias from banks, venture capitalists, and other institutions that make it difficult for Black people to acquire or build wealth. For those not acquainted with what crypto is, here’s how reporters described it: “Cryptocurrencies operate on blockchain technology, a
IN MEMORIAM: Pioneering Black Golf Champ Lee Elder Dies at 87
By Stacy M. Brown Lee Elder, a golfing pioneer, and the first Black player to compete in the Masters has died at 87. “It’s remarkable to look back on Lee’s life and career and realize the hardships he endured and the sacrifices he made to reach golf’s highest level,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “To have the success he had while paving the way for others to dream big and achieve is a testament to the type of man he was and how much talent he possessed. The TOUR