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Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Remember when teachers used to warn us not to let one bad apple spoil the bunch? Now, amplify that idea by millions. Imagine the impact of that spoiled apple hitting some groups harder than others. That’s exactly what Black creators face with the looming TikTok in the United States. Like most things in the United States, when things go south, they disproportionately impact the Black community. And with Black creators having a history of overcoming barrier after barrier to have their content seen and valued, the removal of a major social platform will be catastrophic for some. TikTok: A Stage For The Unseen For Black creators, TikTok has been a platform that provided opportunities for visibility and reach that many creators couldn’t find elsewhere. It’s where viral dances, cultural commentary, and grassroots movements can exist side by side. It’s where creators like Khaby Lame, who broke barriers...
A federal judge is reportedly considering significantly reducing a multimillion-dollar settlement previously awarded to Clifford “T.I.” Harris and Tameka “Tiny” Harris. Multiple reports indicate that the judge is contemplating lowering the $71 million settlement to $17.8 million due to insufficient evidence that MGA acted in bad faith, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Last year, a jury awarded the Atlanta couple $71 million after a lengthy legal battle with MGA concerning the alleged misappropriation of their likeness in its popular ‘L.O.L. (Li’l Outrageous Littles) Surprise Dolls line, as reported by AFROTECH™. “Jurors reportedly agree that ‘L.O.L. Surprise! OMG dolls’ infringed on the trade dress and misappropriated the name, image, and likeness of the all-female group that T.I. and Tiny formed,” AFROTECH™ reported. During the weeks-long trial, lawyers pointed out seven MGA Dolls with appearances uncanny to the singers at “ very specific public events.” Tiny’s oldest daughter, Zonnique...
Pharrell Williams is in his restaurant bag. According to World Red Eye News, the award-winning producer and creative has partnered with Launchpad Hospitality Group to debut Nami Nori and Matsuyoi, two Japanese restaurants he collaborated on, in Miami’s Design District. Nami Nori blends effortlessly with its Miami setting, showcasing beachy vibes, airy interiors, and a menu of standout temaki rolls like X.O. scallops and spicy crab dynamite. Matsuyoi, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and moody dining experience. It features a seasonal multi-course menu focusing on temaki. The restaurants will eventually make their way to Williams’ hometown of Virginia Beach, VA, WRE News reported. In addition to Nami Nori and Matsuyoi, Williams has Swan, an indoor and outdoor restaurant and lounge he opened with David Grutman in 2018, also located in Miami’s Design District . The menu features seafood-centric small plates and locally sourced produce. “Designed around market-driven...
A Michigan-based venture capital fund focused on investing in businesses owned by people of color has joined forces with a renowned investment firm, paving the way for expanded growth and a more significant impact for both organizations. According to Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, the New Community Transformation Fund has partnered with Michigan Capital Network, which will manage fund’s, daily operations, and offer strategic guidance. Discussions between the two Grand Rapids firms began months ago. Paul D’Amato, CEO and managing director of Michigan Capital Network, said it “made sense” for both organizations from the start of the process. “We share their goal of creating access to capital for people of color because we know that business growth, entrepreneurship and capital investment strengthens our economy and makes our state more attractive to other businesses looking to relocate,” D’Amato said, Crain’s Grand Rapids reported. Through the affiliation, which gives the venture...
Beatrice Dixon has a piece of advice following the $380 million acquisition of The Honey Pot Company — It’s OK to take risks and try something new. Dixon captured the audience’s full attention during the Founder’s Summit session “Knowing When to Seize the Moment for Company Growth” at the AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference on Thursday, Nov. 14, where she shared valuable business insights. “That doesn’t mean you have to stop doing your business, but that might mean you need to also have a job, or you may need to do something different,” Dixon shared. “I just think we’re going into a time of have and have-nots, and you don’t want to be on the side of the have-nots.” @afro.tech Honey Pot CEO Beatrice Dixon had everyone hooked as she shared business tips in light of Honey Pot’s $380 million acquisition. Keep your mind open and your notepads on deck📝 More to come AFROTECH Fam 🫶🏾 #blackintech #blacktechtok #TechEmpowerment #AFROTECH24 ♬ original sound – AfroTech In January, AFROTECH™ reported that...
A college student turned entrepreneur recently turned down a $300,000 offer on “Shark Tank,” a decision he credits to trusting his gut. Kobe Harris, then a student at Loyola University Chicago, launched his lip balm company, Kobee’s, from his bedroom in 2019 while researching sustainability and bees for a college project, CNBC reported . With $200 from his mom, he ordered ingredients on Amazon and started experimenting with simple formulas, using beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and mango butter, according to CNBC. Kobee’s offerings now includes lotion, lip scrub, cuticle butter, and hand salve — all packaged in eco-friendly, compostable materials and priced from $5 to $42. The company primarily sells through Amazon and its direct-to-consumer website, and once generated $15,000 in sales in only a day. Appearing on the Nov. 1 episode of “Shark Tank,” Harris sought a $300,000 investment in exchange for 6% equity, looking for mentorship and support in scaling distribution. Kendra...
Issa Rae transformed her online presence from an “awkward Black girl” to a media mogul with several hit series. Now, she’s channeling her success into empowering the next generation of creators, helping them forge their own paths in the industry. As shared in a press release, the award-winning actress, writer, and producer’s management firm, ColorCreative, which promotes women and minority talent, has partnered with Tubi to launch Stubios. The program will help five creative teams develop debut projects that will premiere on the streaming platform. ColorCreative will provide mentorship, while Tubi will fund the productions, according to TubeFilter. “I am deeply passionate about creating pathways to sustainable careers into Hollywood for creatives of diverse backgrounds,” Issa Rae previously said in a statement. “We at ColorCreative are thrilled to see Tubi taking this important and bold step, and we’re excited to support and guide Stubios creatives on their first long-form...
Flau’jae Johnson is putting down roots in more ways than one. On Friday, the Louisiana State University (LSU) basketball guard and rapper shared that she has purchased 20 acres of land, a significant step toward turning her dreams into reality. In a celebratory Instagram post , Johnson said, “GOD IS AMAZING! I Done Got Addicted To The Acres. 20 Years Old With a total of 20 Acres !! Generational Wealth Fr @HomeDepot, what’s up?? Help me make some dreams a reality!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Big 4️⃣ (@flaujae) For Johnson, her dreams reach far beyond her talents of music and basketball. “This land represents more than just an investment for me—it’s about building something bigger than basketball or music. I want to create opportunities for my community and leave a legacy that shows young women, especially young Black women, that we can do it all. Owning 20 acres at my age is proof that with vision and hard work, we can break boundaries and build the future we...
The Gathering Spot, a members-only co-work space and networking hub, has tapped Houston, TX, as the location for its next club. Founded in 2016, The Gathering Spot (TGS) opened its doors in Atlanta, GA, before adding locations in Washington, D.C., in 2021, and Los Angeles, CA, in 2022. Per its website, Houston is one of TGS’s “connected cities” along with Chicago, IL; New York, NY; Detroit, MI; and Charlotte, NC. These cities are “curated communities that serve as hubs for collaboration” where the company anticipates potentially building future clubs . According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Co-founder and CEO Ryan Wilson spent significant time in each of these connected cities before he and his team singled out Houston as “the next best opportunity for us as a community.” Through his visits, the city drew parallels to Atlanta’s blend of big and small businesses. Regarding the investment, Wilson discussed his confidence in Houston’s potential for company growth. “We’re...
Teenage twins Taylan and Tylan Walker have united their individual interests to become entrepreneurs. WAVE 3 News in Louisville, KY, reports the pair was looking to open a brick-and-mortar store to start selling shoes when they completed high school. At the age of 13, Tylan had already started buying and reselling shoes on the market, while Taylan was watering his interest in cameras and videography. As the business of selling shoes grew, it became clear to them it was time to scale the venture. ”When I was in my house I was getting a bunch of shoes, and I was getting more and more shoes until like I was getting to the point where I needed to change locations because I had too many shoes in the house basically,” Tylan told the outlet. This led to the storefront Finest Kicks opening its doors in Louisville. The venture was supported through the brothers’ earnings from restoring and cleaning shoes as well as sales from buying and reselling shoes on the market. View this post on...
In the evolving business and technology landscape, innovation is a major marker of progress. However, ideas are often obstructed by hurdles that challenge the expansion of creativity. As organizations strive to pioneer new horizons, they frequently grapple with a phenomenon known as the “innovation stall.” Innovation stalls occur when the regular flow of creative ideas within an organization temporarily slows down or halts. This can result from factors like resistance to change, cultural issues, or resource constraints. Amidst these challenges , navigating the delicate balance between tradition and transformation becomes a crucial endeavor for organizations aiming to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible. What Is The Biggest Blocker To Innovation? Understanding the obstacles to innovation is pivotal for crafting effective strategies . Among the blockers, a prevalent one is resistance to change entrenched within organizational culture. Embracing innovation requires a fundamental...
Gabrielle Union is creating a table and Black-owned businesses are the centerpiece. As a part of a new partnership with LinkedIn, which includes an exclusive new content series, “Getting Real with Gabrielle Union,” the star opens up about being a Black woman in the industry, business, and how fear drove her decisions, plus more. Now Gabrielle Union has adopted a new mindset to land the right opportunities and she has since racked in many wins. As AfroTech previously reported, Gabrielle Union recently became an investor in Angel City Football Club alongside her daughter Kaavia James Union Wade. “If it does not positively impact my peace, my joy and my grace, I don’t wanna have anything to do with it. When I look at investments, businesses, I look at who else is involved? Are these people that I would trust with my child or trust with my life? No. Okay. Well that’s okay. That’s not for me,” Gabrielle Union said in an interview with LinkedIn News Editor in Chief Dan Roth. Gabrielle...