Black Winemaker

An excerpt from TravelNoire - 

Theopolis Vineyards: California’s 18-Year-Old Black Woman-Owned Winery

By Malik Peay

Located in Yorkville, north of San Francisco, in the scenic rolling hills of vineyards and architectural beauty, there is a magnificent Black woman-owned winery. Theopolis Vineyards is an 18-year-old wine producer that was founded by Theodora R. Lee in 2003.

The Texas native turned San Francisco attorney had her first grape harvest to produce high-quality wines in 2006 and has been a notable Black vintner in California ever since.

Situated at 32674 Highway 128, Theopolis Vineyards spans 20 acres of land boasting different variations of grapes for Petite Sirah, Pinot Noire, and Rosé wines. Wine Enthusiast nominated the winery for a Wine Star Award, and today, Lee is looking to broaden the community of viticulture.

With an established fund, Lee set up at the University of California, she is using her platform to introduce more Black people to vineyard management. The Theopolis Vineyards Diversity Fund is expanding the narrative of Black vintners who operate wineries across the United States, creating more space for them to feel seen.

https://travelnoire.com/theopolis-vineyards-black-woman-owned-winery

You Do Not Speak Ill Will Against Denzel: Roland Dings Ellen In 'Sermon'...

https://youtu.be/jFXt7xpQ7tA

She's Exposing Students to the HBCU Experience

An excerpt from Essence - 

Meet The Woman Who's Exposing High School Students To The Value of the HBCU Experience

FOUR YEARS SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE HBCU WEEK FOUNDATION HAS CONSISTENTLY OFFERED ASPIRING COLLEGE STUDENTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

BY JASMINE BROWLEY

CREDIT: ASHLEY CHRISTOPHER

“There’s nothing like walking onto a campus of an HBCU as a freshman, especially as someone who’s always been the other. There, you’re the norm.” 

Ashley Christopher, founder of HBCU Week and the HBCU Week Foundation says she wants every student of color to feel the way she did while in college. The double HBCU grad said her time at Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia instilled a sense of confidence in her that was necessary for future success. 

This year, ‘HBCU Week’ will take place in Wilmington, Delaware and virtually, Sept. 26 – Oct 3, giving students of color and their families the opportunity to participate in events such as Battle of the Bands, an R&B concert featuring Wale and Queen Naija, and a comedy show hosted by celebrated comedian and HBCU Alum Wanda Sykes.

“The academic and familial experience offered by HBCUs go beyond the classroom,” Christopher said. “The cultural benefits that make HBCUs unique, from mentorships to celebrating traditions can only be found on HBCU campuses.” 

Her life-changing time as a student drove her to found the HBCU Week Foundation years later in 2017, which began as a job fair for local students in Wilmington, Delaware. After the initial list of 200 quickly grew to 700 high schoolers, Christopher knew she had something special on her hands. 

“Beyond the career fair, I wanted to give students a glimpse into the fun and excitement that comes with attending an HBCU,” said Christopher. 

Now, four years later the HBCU Week Foundation has consistently offered aspiring college students from across the country the chance to gain insight into the value of attending a historically Black or university during a week-long series of events, mirroring the legendary HBCU Homecoming experience. 

https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/ashley-christopher-hbcu-week-foundation/

Getting to Know Your Pharmacists

From Black Enterprise - 

THESE 3 BLACK WOMEN DOCTORS CREATED A PODCAST DEDICATED TO GETTING TO KNOW YOUR PHARMACIST

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors 

3 Friends Talk

Dr. Leah Jeanelle Miller, Dr. Courtney V. Jones, and Dr. Sylvia Perry met in college and all lived on the same floor of the freshman dorm at Xavier University of Louisiana.

There they formed a bond and decided to start broadcasting a podcast called 3 Friends TALK in 2019.

Created by three southern women forever bonded through their HBCU education,  3 Friends TALK is grounded in sisterhood, a bond made stronger through each doctors’ individual commitment to her respective sorority; Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., Delta Sigma Theta, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta, Inc. 

As three Black pharmacists, they understand the history and mistrust of the medical system due to healthcare disparities that directly affect our communities. The podcast breaks down  tough medical conversations in a fun way and equips you to hold your own at your next doctor’s visit!

For the month of October, the doctors are implementing the “Know Your Pharmacist Movement” to mobilize Black people to build a rapport with their local pharmacist.  With nearly 9 in 10 Americans living within 5 miles of a community pharmacy, the pharmacist may be the health professional you see most and can speak with about your health regularly.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/these-3-black-women-doctors-created-a-podcast-dedicated-to-getting-to-know-your-pharmacist/?test=prebid

First 2 Black Women Inducted Into the Inventors Hall of Fame

From NPR - 

Meet The First 2 Black Women To Be Inducted Into The National Inventors Hall Of Fame

By RACHEL TREISMAN 

                                                        Engineer Marian Croak (left) and ophthalmologist Patricia Bath
                                                        are the first Black women to be inducted into the
                                                        National Inventors Hall of Fame in its nearly 50-year history.

National Inventors Hall of Fame

The National Inventors Hall of Fame has been around for nearly five decades but hasn't included any Black women in its ranks — until now.

Engineer Marian Croak and the late ophthalmologist Patricia Bath will make history as part of the next cohort of inductees, the nonprofit announced this past week. They are the first Black female inventors to receive this honor, which has been bestowed on some 600 other innovators both living and dead.

A spokesperson told NPR over email that there are 48 female inductees and 30 Black inductees in the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF).

"Innovation drives the worldwide economy forward and improves our quality of life. This is especially apparent given what we have experienced over the past 18 months," Michael Oister, the NIHF's CEO, said in a statement. "It's why at the National Inventors Hall of Fame we are privileged to honor our country's most significant inventors, who are giving the next generation the inspiration to innovate, create, and solve current and future problems."

Croak and Bath are among the seven honorees announced this month and will join the 22 others announced last year as the hall of fame's Class of 2022. All 29 will be celebrated and inducted at back-to-back ceremonies in Alexandria, Va., and Washington, D.C., in early May.

npr.org/2021/09/27/1040795026/patricia-bath-marian-croak-national-inventors-hall-of-fame-first-black-women

Checkout These Podcasts

An excerpt from Essence - 

21 Black Podcasts We're Listening To This Fall

BLACK PEOPLE ARE CREATING AUDIO CONTENT THAT CELEBRATES OUR GENIUS, GATHERS OUR COINS, HELPS BUILD OUR VILLAGES, REVIEWS OUR CONTRIBUTIONS, AND AMPLIFIES OUR HISTORY.

BY KEYAIRA BOONE · UPDATED SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

Black podcasts offer a place for kindred spirits, idea collectors, and nonsense lovers to come together virtually. 

From movies to murder, if you’re interested in it there’s a podcast about it hosted by your that new best friend you’ve been waiting to appear in your head. Black people are creating audio content that celebrates our genius, gathers our coins, helps build our villages, reviews our contributions, and amplifies our history. 

Independent and corporate podcasts featuring Black voices telling the stories of our sports champions, single moms, prolific scammers, broadway babies, tinder conquests, and music icons are increasing in numbers.

Today, OWN is launching “The SonRise Project.” Hosted by Emmy Award-winning creative Kelli Richardson Lawson, who founded the organization of the same name, the weekly podcast will serve as a resource for Black parents with children struggling with mental health and addiction issues. The new offering is just one of the many we’re plugging into this season. Check out 20 more Black podcasts that should be on your radar below.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/black-podcasts-were-plugged-in-to-this-fall/#1100096

Young Black Women Entrepreneurs

An excerpt from Black Enterprise - 

MEET 3 BLACK WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS WHO BECAME MILLIONAIRES IN THEIR 20S

by Charlene Rhinehart 

                         Image Credit: Instagram)

Black women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States, Fortune Magazine reported.

However, Black females typically report average revenues that are less than their White, Latina, and Asian American counterparts. According to the 2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report, commissioned by American Express, Black women entrepreneurs earn average revenue of $24,000 per firm.

Although those revenue figures are devastating, it’s not the story of every Black woman-owned business. Many Black women are surpassing revenue barriers, building wealth, and teaching others how to do it.

Here are three Black women who are growing successful businesses and normalizing Black wealth as millionaires in their 20s.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/meet-3-black-women-entrepreneurs-who-became-millionaires-in-their-20s/?test=prebid

Get on the Good Foot!

From Black Enterprise - 

GET ON THE GOOD FOOT AND MEET THE TALENTED TRIO OF SISTERS TAKING OVER TIKTOK

by Jeroslyn Johnson

Instagram

Norah, Yarah, and Rosa Mukanga have become viral sensations through their dope fashion style, trendy choreography, and amazing dance skills.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/get-on-the-good-foot-and-meet-the-talented-trio-of-sisters-taking-over-tiktok/?test=prebid

Black Animators & So Much More

An excerpt from Black Enterprise - 

This Couple Spent 60 Years Developing Animated Content For Black Children Around the World 

By Black Enterprise Editors

Leo Sullivan and Ethelyn O. Stewart Sullivan (BlackNews)

Meet legendary Hollywood producer, director, and animator Leo Sullivan and his wife Ethelyn O. Stewart Sullivan who have been working together for 60 years to uplift and inform Black families through animated interactive content.

Their brand is called Afrokids® and pairs many digital properties including AfroKids.com and AfroKids.TV. Recently, they were honored by the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s “Operation Push” with a “Legacy Award” for their outstanding lifetime achievements.

The couple realized early on that in this fast-paced world families need a place that is both educational and entertaining with positive images and role models where Black children can see themselves in a positive way. “Our message is just as relevant today, as it was in the ’60s,” says Leo.

To get their message across, the couple developed the Afrokids® brand with the mission of building Black children’s self-esteem and cultural awareness so that they can better learn from life lessons; respect others and themselves, and take responsibility for their own actions.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/this-couple-spent-60-years-developing-animated-content-for-black-children-around-the-world/amp/

How to Respond to "All Lives Matter"

An excerpt from Readers' Digest - 

How to Respond When Someone Says “All Lives Matter”

By Lorna Grisby

DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/GETTY IMAGES

There is actually a productive, positive way to counter this statement that can help promote understanding and combat racism.

Conversations about race are difficult even in the best of times. But over this past contentious year, Americans—both White and BIPOC—have argued over different perspectives on race relations, including whether Critical Race Theory should be taught in schools, how prevalent institutional racism actually is, whether there can be voting-rights restrictions, and the idea of police reform. But few issues are more polarizing than the language people use in their conversations about how to stop racism or whether racism even exists. That’s why you’ve probably heard the slogan “Black Lives Matter” countered with the phrase “All Lives Matter.”

But that response is not only insensitive—it is also completely off-point and lacks historical context, explains David W. Campt, PhD, an expert in cultural competence and the founder of The Dialogue Company. “Of course all lives matter,” he explains. “The reason that I say Black Lives Matter is because, historically, the sad fact is that all lives haven’t mattered equally. That is why I and others are pointing out that Black lives matter also.”

For further context, look at the founding of this country, says Matthew Harper, PhD, an associate professor of History and Africana Studies at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. The Declaration of Independence may have had some lofty ideals of all men being created equal, he notes, but it was written by a man who enslaved 200 Black people. And many constitutional amendments applied only to White people for a very long time. That’s why Harper suggests affirming the statement that all lives do matter and then following up with: “I’m OK with you saying that if it’s not being used to avoid saying Black Lives Matter. Let’s say All Lives Matter and Black Lives Matter.'”

That’s just one of the many comments you may hear and want to respond to in an appropriate and productive way. Here’s how to have calm, productive exchanges, according to our experts. You might also want to listen to these podcasts about race for more tips and a greater understanding of the impact of Black Lives Matter.

https://www.rd.com/article/response-all-lives-matter/

Handle With Care

An excerpt from LoveWhatMatters - 

This Teacher’s 3-Word System To Help Students Through ‘Bad Days’ Is Empathy At It’s Finest

Edited By Sophia San Filippo

Facebook

The world becomes a better place when we not only recognize that everyone has bad days, but when we also care enough to act accordingly.

No matter how big or small, there are just some moments where we could use a little grace. Fourth-grade teacher Rachel Harder recognizes this, and she found an amazing way to help out both her students and their families.

A few years ago, the Kansas teacher attended a trauma conference. She learned that some police stations partner with schools so they can let teachers know when one of their students has a police encounter, something that could cause them to need extra care or attention.

“We loved this idea and figured there had to be a way to make this work within our own classroom community,” Rachel said.

A year after the conference, Rachel had a student with autism who frequently had tough days. To support her, Rachel told the student’s mom to simply text her “handle with care” to let her know when it was going to be one of those days.

https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/teachers-3-word-system-to-help-students-through-bad-days-is-empathy-at-its-finest-kindness/

 

Introducing This Black Woman Master Captain

An excerpt from Essence - 

This Black Woman Master Captain Created A Paint, Sip and Sail Boating Experience

IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT A BLACK WOMAN FILLING A NICHE IN AN OVERWHELMINGLY WHITE LEISURE BOATING MARKET IS MAKING WAVES — LITERALLY.

BY KIMBERLY WILSON

CREDIT: NASHAWN TAYLOR

If there’s one thing Black women will do, it’s excel on land, in the air, and of course, by sea. That’s why it’s no surprise that a Black woman filling a niche in an overwhelmingly white leisure boating market is making waves — literally.

Captain Nashawn Taylor is the genius behind the country’s premiere paint, sip, and sail boating experience, Be You!. But her journey to the company’s current success was not met without its challenges.

Taylor, also a trained police officer, was stunned to find that there were so few Master Captains chartering yachts were Black women. She used her job on the force to find a way to merge her love of water and boating with her every-day work. She realized this would be a stepping stone to getting into the yacht industry.

“I said, what if I just join the marine division [of the U.S. Coast Guard]? The marine division is a special operations division. It’s one of the most elite in the police industry and it’s male dominated,” she says. “In order to get into that unit you had to do obstacle courses, you had to be physically fit. Most women hardly ever try out, but for the most part I was an athlete growing up, and the love of the water was a passion for me.

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/nashawn-taylor-paint-sip-sail-boating-experience/

Prime Real Estate Returned to Rightful Black Owners

From the LA Times - 

Bruce’s Beach can return to descendants of Black family in landmark move signed by Newsom 

BY ROSANNA XIA

From left, Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, Sen. Steven Bradford, Gov. Gavin Newsom,
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Anthony Bruce, great-great grandson
of Charles and Willa Bruce, during Newsom’s signing of SB 796,
authorizing the return of ocean-front land to the Bruce family.
(Jay L. Clendenin/Los Angeles Times)

In a history-making move celebrated by reparations advocates and social justice leaders across California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has authorized the return of property known as Bruce’s Beach to the descendants of a Black couple that had been run out of Manhattan Beach almost a century ago.

Senate Bill 796, signed into law Thursday by Newsom before an excited crowd that had gathered on the property, confirms that the city’s taking of this shorefront land — on which the Bruces ran a thriving resort for Black beachgoers — was racially motivated and done under false and unlawful pretenses.

“The land in the City of Manhattan Beach, which was wrongfully taken from Willa and Charles Bruce, should be returned to their living descendants,” the legislation declares, “and it is in the public interest of the State of California, the County of Los Angeles, the City of Manhattan Beach, and the People of the State of California to do so.”

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-09-30/newsom-signs-law-to-return-bruces-beach-black-family

First Black Admitted to Auburn University

An excerpt from the Montgomery Advertiser -

Harold Franklin broke through racist barriers as Auburn University's first Black student

By Derryn Moten

Dr. Harold Franklin, photographed in 2014 for an Auburn Univerity
alumni publication became the university's first Black student
when he registered for classes in 1964 under a federal court integration
order. Jeff Etheridge / Auburn University

Harold Franklin graduated from Alabama State College, now University, in the spring of 1962.  In the fall of 1963, he made history becoming the first Black student ordered admitted to Auburn University by a federal court.  Franklin is to Alabama State University and Auburn University what Autherine Lucy is to Miles College and the University of Alabama.

~~~~~

U.S. Assistant Attorney General Burke Marshall and the U.S. Justice Department joined the complaint against Auburn on behalf of Franklin. This was the administration of U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy.

Middle District Court of Alabama Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr. handed down his opinion on November 5, 1963, three days after Harold Franklin’s thirtieth birthday.  Judge Johnson wrote, “. . . the State of Alabama is as much to blame for the plaintiff’s inability to satisfy Auburn’s requirement for admission to its Graduate School as if it had deliberately set out to bar the plaintiff from Auburn because he is a Negro.”

On November 6, 1963, a headline in The Burlington Free Press read, “Wallace Calls Admitting Negro to Auburn ‘A Tragic Decision.’”  Governor George Wallace made those remarks at Dartmouth College.

https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/opinion/2021/09/30/harold-franklin-made-history-black-student-auburn-university/5931487001/

Mike Tyson Explains His Biggest Career Fight

https://youtu.be/hi9Hb408Smk

Pastor Speaks the Truth

An excerpt from Comicsands - 

Pastor Gives Christians Who Claim 'Religious Exemption' From Masks And Vaccines An Epic Bible Lesson

By Mike Walsh 

https://www.comicsands.com/pastor-marshall-christian-religious-exemption-2655075172.html

From Housekeeper to Owner of 5-Star Luxury Hotel

An excerpt from Black Enterprise - 

MEET THE FORMER HOUSEKEEPER WHO IS NOW THE OWNER OF A 5-STAR LUXURY HOTEL

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

Souadou Niang (BlackBusiness.com)

Meet Souadou Niang, a serial entrepreneur and the owner of Palms Luxury Boutique Hotel in Dakar, Senegal, who used to work as a housekeeper at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the United States.

“I started out cleaning toilets. Today, I am the manager of my own five-star boutique hotel with 60 employees,” Niang told BBC Africa.

Born and raised in Dakar, Niang moved to the U.S. at the age of 18. She went from New York to Washington, DC, where she applied for work at the Ritz-Carlton to help pay for her education.

For 10 years, Niang worked cleaning rooms at the hotel while also studying. Throughout those years, she always kept in mind that she would someday become more successful in the field. Sure enough, she eventually got a job with the management team at the same hotel she started working as a housekeeper.

“I rose through the ranks and that’s where I got the passion. I said one day I will go back to my country and show that luxury and quality of service can be achieved there,” Niang said.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/meet-the-former-housekeeper-who-is-now-the-owner-of-a-5-star-luxury-hotel/?test=prebid

Amazon's Only Black Board Member

An excerpt from Black Enterprise - 

Former Goldman Sachs Executive Edith Cooper Elected As Amazon’s Only Black Board Member

By Jeroslyn Johnson

Edith Cooper (Amazon)

After making history with her executive role at Goldman Sachs, Edith Cooper has been elected to Amazon’s board.

The Slack director is the only Black person on Amazon’s board following Roz Brewer’s exit earlier this year, Seattle Times reports. Cooper has an extensive resume that includes board positions with Etsy, Slack, PepsiCo, and the investment groups MSD Acquisition and EQT AB Group.

https://www.blackenterprise.com/former-goldman-sachs-executive-edith-cooper-elected-as-amazons-only-black-board-member/amp/

Military Recruitment Hurting

An excerpt from Defense One - 

Racial Division, Troops’ Role in Protests Has Hurt Minority Recruiting, Air Force Says

Black interest in military service plummeted after the George Floyd protests. Can the Pentagon undo the damage? 

By Tara Copp

                                            U.S. Air Force basic military graduation Apr. 16, 2020, at the                                                                             320th Training Squadron’s Airman Training Complex on                                                             Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.
                                    U.S. AIR FORCE / JOHNNY SALDIVAR

                                                

Years of racial tension, and the use of National Guard troops last June after the death of George Floyd, have hurt the military’s ability to recruit minorities, the head of Air Force recruiting said Wednesday. 

That drop is part of a worrisome long-term trend that the military is fighting against: that fewer recruitment-age youth show an interest to serve. 

According to the Defense Department’s latest twice-a-year Futures Survey, released in August, the share of eligible youth who reported they have an interest in military service has dropped about two percent overall in the last couple of years, said Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service. 

Most concerning, Thomas said, was that “the biggest drop in propensity to serve is from Black males, Hispanic males, and females.” 

The percentage of Black respondents who reported an interest in military service dropped from 20 percent in summer 2019 to 11 percent in summer 2020, according to the data. By fall 2020, the percentage of Black respondents interested in military service had dropped to 8 percent. 

The percentage of Hispanics reporting an interest in military service dropped from 18 percent to 14 percent over the same time. Interest from recruitment-eligible whites remained steady, from 8 percent in summer 2019 to 9 percent in summer 2020. 

“The last couple of years has done damage, there’s no doubt,” Thomas said. “The data shows us that the racial division in our nation has done damage to our recruiting efforts.”

https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2021/09/racial-division-troops-role-protests-has-hurt-minority-recruiting-air-force-says/185540/

Mack Wilds On Fatherhood and Mental Health | They Call Me Dad | OWN

https://youtu.be/5VHniUSk04w

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/mack-wilds-own-spotlight-fatherhood-tristyn/