Renters of color pay higher security deposits, more application fees
Results from Zillow's Consumer Housing Trends Report show renters of color typically submit more applications — and pay more in application fees — before they secure a place to live than white renters do. Renters of color also typically pay a higher security deposit when they move in.i The U.S. rental market is as competitive as it's been in decades, with the national vacancy rate lower than at any time since 1984.ii Rent prices have skyrocketed, up a record 17% in just the past year, prompting some priced-out renters to look for a more
Bessie Coleman, First Black Woman Pilot, To Appear On 2023 Quarter
The US Mint announced the next five women to be featured on the nation's quarters on Tuesday (April 5), among them is one Black and Native American woman who took flight and changed history forever. Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman pilot, will be featured on US quarters in 2023 as part of the American Women Quarters Program. Alongside Coleman are journalist–activist Jovita Idár, former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, ballerina Maria Tallchief, and hula teacher Edith Kanaka'ole. Coleman blazed trails in the early 1900s, after she was rejected from American aviation schools on the
Financial Literacy Meets Technology
In the age of technology, users are used to gaining assistance at the click of a button. Apps are ever-evolving and provide the ability to access information in an instant. Merging money management with technology, developers are building apps to provide financial assistance without the hassle of in-person meetings. Access to financial assistance is a major stumbling block for African Americans. With implicit biases in banking and barriers created by systemic racism and discrimination, the ability to receive financial assistance and opportunities dwindles for Black consumers. However, African
Coach Dawn Staley Makes History With Second NCAA Championship Title
Photo Getty Images By Cherranda Smith, Black Information News University of South Carolina Women's Basketball Coach Dawn Staley not only led the Gamecocks to victory over the weekend, she made history in the process.Staley is now the first Black coach –– male or female –– to earn multiple NCAA Championship titles.The historic victory came Sunday (April 3) when the Gamecocks suited up to play No. 2 seed University of Connecticut, and ended up beating them 64-49. The win ended UConn's undefeated streak in the championship title games. "We played every possession like it
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