Black Couple Invents a New Social Media Platform For College Students

PS Remember, a brand-new social media platform that connects students in over 100 countries, was founded by Dwight and Angelique Morrison.

Angelique Morrison earned a degree in biotechnology and is a former researcher at the University of Guelph. She has a track record of assisting fellow scientists in their search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. Dwight Morrison, on the other hand, is a former music producer as well as an executive of a record label.

According to BlackNews.com, through its uniquely designed and powerful search engine, PS Remember gives students who are not only currently or even previously attended high school or college to connect with each other. PS Remember has a database of over 2.5 million high school and university students. Those students are now able to message and video chat with each other and even develop new relationships along the way.

Related: Blackhouse Foundation, Strayer University Offer Screenwriters Opportunity To Apply Now For $10,000 Competition

Another advantage? Members are able to search and find former classmates from decades ago in different countries around the world including Mexico, USA, Brazil, Australia, France, India, Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica, Columbia, South Africa, and many more.

Related: Black Med Students Pose on a Former Slave Plantation in Louisiana

The Morrisons want to connect every student in the world on one single platform similarly to Facebook. They also hope to inspire the next generation of young people, especially black Americans, to work hard to make their dream a reality.

To learn more about PS Remember, check out its website. PS Remember can be accessed in the Google Play store.

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Michael Bloomberg Exploited Prison Labor to Benefit His Presidential Campaign [Opinion]

When it comes to the Michael Bloomberg for president campaign, it’s all hands on deck, including prison labor. According to a report by The Intercept, ProCom—a third-party vendor contracted by the Bloomberg campaign—used incarcerated women in Oklahoma to make campaign calls to voters based in California. But social action shouldn’t be exempted in primaries.

Shortly after Bloomberg announced his candidacy, I wrote an article outlining 4 reasons why Michael Bloomberg isn’t good for black voters. Well, add one more to the list, which is likely to increase during the primary.

If you’re like me, I didn’t know using prison labor was even possible for a federal campaign or any political endeavor for that matter; especially, since most inmates cannot vote. So, why would Bloomberg’s campaign exploit female inmates? Because that’s where cheap labor is which undermines Bloomberg’s claims to support women’s rights and equal pay.

But are you surprised? You shouldn’t be. Bloomberg is spending money like it’s his own and being frugal is not uncommon for the 9th richest man in the world. Also, anyone who understands how Bloomberg operates knows he is adamant about vetting individuals, vendors and representatives that he uses for business or political purposes.

Although the campaign is no longer using ProCom, voters who were considering Bloomberg are now likely pondering an important question. If he is engaging in this type of decision-making, what would it mean if he wins the nomination? Or, even more unsettling, he becomes the 46th president of the United States.

Bloomberg’s blunder occurred at a time when uber-progressive Democrats are exerting political pressure over public pension funds to divest from private prisons and any correctional facility that exploits prison labor. Workers’ rights are a common theme for liberals in the 2020 presidential election.

On the brink of the 2020 election 

Just a couple of weeks ago, all Democratic presidential candidates who qualified for the sixth debate refused to cross the union line amid a labor dispute where employees refused to work any longer without a contract and demanded a fair pay increase and enhanced benefits.

In a competitive race to be the Democratic nominee, the prison labor scandal was a missed opportunity for a self-proclaimed prison-reform guy like Bloomberg. Instead of ending the contract, he could’ve just paid the inmates minimum wage.

My dad always said, “don’t tell me, show me.” I say the same thing to Bloomberg. Don’t tell people what you are going to do, show them by doing it. If he really wanted to help the less fortunate, he could have championed a worthy cause like reentry by providing employment opportunities at prevailing wages from the outset.

One of the toughest things for inmates to overcome is a tainted reputation which precludes them from gainful employment and increases recidivism rates. But if done right and paid fairly, prison labor could be a prudent way to provide employable skills, work experience, confidence, healthy team-building skills, and the transforming attitudes about life.

Bloomberg is challenging Biden’s frontrunner status in the upcoming primaries by spending $125 million on ads, which is a small pittance of his personal wealth. Bloomberg has already outspent all other Democratic candidates on media ads to date. However, the black vote is holding steady for Biden and Bloomberg is not giving them a viable alternative.

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Kwanzaa and the seven principles

Happy Kwanzaa!

Dec. 26 marks the first day of the seven-day non-religious holiday created in 1966 by California State University Pan-African studies professor and Black nationalist, Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa pays homage to African-Americans’ legacy and roots. The holiday is distinguished by seven principals known as the Nguzo Saba, and one principal is celebrated each day by lighting a candle on the kinara.

On Karenga’s Kwanzaa website, he explains what each day’s principal means and the importance of that principle to the greater good. Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which is defined as “first fruits.”

Today’s principle is Umoja, which stands for unity in Swahili. On the Kwanzaa site, Karenga says we should all “strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.”

READ MORE 50 years later, black people should give Kwanzaa a second look

Tomorrow’s principle is Kujichagulia, which means self-determination. This principle pushes our own boundaries and encourages us to define, create and speak for ourselves.

The third day’s principle is Ujima, which is translated to mean collective work and responsibility. Karenga meant this principal to remind us of our collective responsibility to uplift our neighborhoods and to build community.

“To build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problems our problems and to solve them together,” Karenga explains on his Web site, according to CNN.

On the fourth day, Ujamaa is reflected. This word means cooperative economics and focuses on financial ways we can uplift our community. “To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together,” Karenga said.

READ MORE Founders of Kwanzaa Crawl on creating a fun way to support black-owned businesses and Kwanzaa

The fifth day is Nia which stands for purpose. According to Karenga, Nia reminds us to “make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.”

Kuumba, which means creativity, represents the sixth day. Karenga said through a spirit of Kuumba, we should always do “as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.”

Jan. 1 is the last day of Kwanzaa. The holiday wraps up with the principle of Imani, which means faith.

Karenga said it is important to always show each other, as brothers and sisters, that we believe “with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.”

Happy Kwanzaa!

The post Kwanzaa and the seven principles appeared first on theGrio.

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80-year-old HBCU Graduate Proves that It’s Never too Late to Pursue Education

It’s true that it’s never too late to learn! An 80-year old woman received her college degree and in doing so, she became the oldest person to obtain a degree in social work reports The New York Amsterdam News.

Donzella Washington fulfilled her late husband’s dreams of her obtaining her college degree. She and her husband fostered 30 children and many of them grew up to become professionals including an attorney, a radiation technologist, and a professor. After her husband died, Washington moved to a metro Birmingham, Alabama, suburb to live with her daughter and started to take a few classes at HBCU Lawson State Community College campus in downtown Birmingham. The college has a satellite program that Alabama A&M University (AAMU) operates. After six years, she earned a degree in social work and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.69 GPA.

“When I began this journey it was just because I wanted to go back to school, it was something I wanted to accomplish,” Washington told Rocket City Now. “So at this moment it’s just overwhelming you know, the attention.”

She went on to say, “I want to inspire young people and even adults, to let them know that age [is just a number], because I’m 80, but I don’t know what 80 really feels like,” said Washington. “It’s never too late. You have a dream, please finish that dream. You can do it. You just have to believe in yourself.”

“She is such a great example of commitment and strength and perseverance and dedication and compassion and passion, she exhibits all that,” said Washington’s daughter Kimberly Washington. “That’s what I learned most is to really show love and appreciation and have fun with those that you love the most. So I’m just glad that she’s reached her goal and has let me experience this time with her.”

Washington says she might not be done yet and her age isn’t stopping her. She’s considering continuing her education and obtaining her master’s degree. “I feel like with the help of God who has brought me this far, that I will be able to accomplish and obtain my master’s degree.”

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Black Girls With Braids Banned From Harlem Production of Black Nutcracker

According to PIX11, two Harlem girls were banned from wearing their braids in the annual Christmas ‘Nutcracker’ production.

Lisa Skinner says her two daughters, 9-year old April and 10-year old Brooke, were banned from the school’s production of “Black Nutcracker” because they chose to wear their hair in braids, although they were instructed not to.

The Uptown Dance Academy does a yearly performance of the Black Nutcracker for its annual fundraiser and the Academy students are the featured performers of the play. ”I feel bad I can’t participate just because of my hair,” April tells PIX11. The girls have been going to the academy for three years, under the tutelage of teacher and founder of the school, Robin Williams.

Related: Dove Joins Effort to Ban Discrimination Against Natural Black Hairstyles

It’s always been the rule that the dancers must secure their hair in a bun for their own safety, Skinner says this year, her daughters were told ‘no braids’, even if it’s tied up in a bun. “She said to me if they show up in braids to the ‘Black Nutcracker,’ they will not be permitted to participate,” said Skinner. ”They were expelled from the school because I would not adhere to this ludicrous policy and she said to me then I will send you a refund of your ticket purchase money.”

On the Uptown Dance Academy website was a statement from Uptown Dance Academy Founder Robin Williams

I, Robin Williams have never ever during my 50+ years in dance told Black girls their braids are not beautiful.

 

We have performed the Black Nutcracker in Harlem and the Bronx for 25 years at the Apollo, Aaron Davis Hall, Oberia Dempsey Theater and other venues. As a Ballet Academy, our policy has always been that students wear their hair in a bun for classes whether it’s braided or not. However, for a Traditional Classical Ballet Production, our policy has always been for all the dancers to wear their hair in an unbraided classical ballet bun.

 

For our Photo Day, June, and Summer Recitals students are allowed to wear their hair in any style they want as long as it isn’t dangerous for acrobatic stunts. Extremely long or thick braids and beaded hairstyles are definitely dangerous for young trainees while turning and flipping.

 

Uptown Dance Academy has trained students to be adaptive to all professional training programs. Most professional dance schools require you to wear buns for training and especially for performances. In classical ballet, the hairstyle is expected to be the same for each female.

 

Parents were not told they couldn’t perform if they wore braids, they were told they cannot perform if they don’t follow policies.

 

As luck would have it, Alvin Ailey invited the girls to watch a show on Christmas Eve!

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Nick Young gets engaged to girlfriend Keonna Green on Christmas

NBA shooting guard Nick Young is officially off the market.

On Christmas Day, Young asked his longtime girlfriend, Keonna Green, to marry him, surrounded by their three children, Nick Jr., Navi and Nyce, who was born this summer, according to CNN. The family all wore matching PJs.

“Know it’s been way overdue, baby,” Young tells Green as he gets down on one knee. “I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

READ MORE Iggy Azalea and Nick Young finally break up

After she said yes, Nick can be heard cheering as he put the enormous rock on her finger. Young then told Nick, Jr. “We did it, son!!”

View this post on Instagram

Merry Christmas…. @keonnanecole Said Yes 💍!!!!! Aye Christmas to remember for the young family @lilswaggy1 @navibaby_ and Nyce’s it’s ova for Swaggy 😂😂😂😂

A post shared by Nick Young (@swaggyp1) on Dec 25, 2019 at 9:58am PST

 

He posted the moment, captured by his son, on Instagram. Young also included in the video footage of their children unwrapping their presents.

“Merry Christmas…. @keonnanecole Said Yes 💍!!!!!Aye Christmas to remember for the young family @lilswaggy1 @navibaby_ and Nyce’s.”

Young, who is also known as “Swaggy P,” added: “It’s ova for Swaggy 😂😂😂😂”

Shabazz Muhammad responded to the post: “Yessir fam that’s lit. #day1s”

And Gilbert Arenas added that he was throwing the bachelor party.

Green and Young have dated since high school and have had an on-again, off-again relationship for years. In 2016, Young was previously engaged to Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, but she ended the relationship after Young reportedly cheated with Green. Months after Young and Azalea broke up, Green delivered the couple’s second child.

READ MORE Iggy Azalea: Nick Young ‘will have half a penis’ if another video surfaces

Azalea tweeted at the time that she was blindsided by the news.

“I have never even been told by Nick that his baby mother is pregnant. This is just like a second shot to the chest. And I feel like I don’t even know who the hell it is I’ve been loving all this time.”

Young hasn’t played in the NBA in over a year. He last played for the Denver Nuggets, before he was waived. According to Complex, Young is considering retiring.

 

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Kanye West drops ‘Jesus Is Born’ album on Christmas

Kanye West and his Sunday Service Choir dropped a new album on Christmas Day entitled Jesus Is Born.

Two months after West released the studio album Jesus Is King, he has kept true to his promise that a new gospel-rap work would be released before the end of the year, according to CNN. The new album features 19 songs that are a mix of original covers and traditional gospel songs, from West’s “Ultralight Beam” to “Balm in Gilead.” Jesus Is Born also features the band’s version of Soul II Soul’s hit “Back To Life.”

https://t.co/S6LFIK5KDv pic.twitter.com/siQxZHOXSs

— ye (@kanyewest) December 25, 2019

During an interview with Zane Lowe for Beats 1 in October, West said a new album was forthcoming before the end of the year. Jesus Is Born is credited to the Sunday Service Choir, not Kanye’s Def Jam label, reported Hip Hop Wired.

READ MORE Kanye West wanted to stop his rap career because it’s “the devil’s music”

Jesus Is Born continues the gospel music path that West has been on since early this year. The rapper told media outlets that he will no longer perform secular music. He also reportedly encouraged singers and other musicians who collaborated on his “Jesus Is King” album to refrain from premarital sex while they put together the album.

Recently, according to Hip Hop Wired, West and his Sunday Service Choir has been performing operas, even at Lincoln Center in New York City. The group is also reportedly in talks with Joel Osteen about accompanying him on a national tour.

West’s Sunday Service Choir performs each week during the rapper’s pop up Sunday Service shows.

READ MORE It’s here, for real this time: Kanye West drops long-awaited ‘Jesus is King’ album 

Since January, when West started Sunday Service, the group has traveled across the country to stage gospel performances that are typically held on Sunday but also have occurred other nights. The choir, along with guest artists, performs an array of gospel songs to throngs of supporters.

When “Jesus Is King” dropped in October, it landed at number 1 on Billboard’s 200 Chart becoming West’s ninth consecutive album to do so, Hypebeast reported.

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35 Black Podcasts You Need To Tune Into and Download

The podcasting market has boomed over the last couple of years for black podcasters. Companies like Spotify and Google are often on the lookout to help people find and establish their voice through podcasting. And, with platforms like Anchor.fm, you can record, edit, and distribute your podcast from your smartphone.

Yes, it can be that simple.

Related: 3 Things to Expect and 3 Hacks for Launching Your Own Podcast

Podcasts have become a popular way for people to slow down, listen attentively, and learn new things. For some, they’re even therapeutic.

If you’re looking to explore mind, body, soul, money and more—take a look at these 35 podcasts produced by black podcasters.

1. Your Money, Your Life

your money your life

Your money, Your Life covers money topics ranging from how to control your debt to your psychological relationship with your finances.

#EVERYDAYMONEYMOVES

2. Reid This Reid That

Reid This Reid That is a podcast hosted by play cousins Jacque Reid and Joy-Ann Reid who happen to be professional journalists that you may have heard of… or not. Anywho, we cover pop culture, politics and black girl magic all while having fun.

3. Hey Jason

 Jason Rosario, founder of The Lives of Men and Host of the Yahoo! News original series, Dear Men invites you to an open forum discussing masculinity and manhood.

 4. Affirm 

This biweekly mental health podcast is for women of color who seek wholeness through affirming their worth and placing value on their mental health.

5. Let Your Voice Be Heard!

Let Your Voice Be Heard! is an energetic, award-winning weekly show founded, executive produced, and co-hosted by Black Enterprise’s digital editor, Selena Hill. LYVBH is committed to informing, educating, and empowering millennials on political and social issues via discussion and in-depth interviews with influential leaders

 6. Balanced Black Girl

This self-care podcast hosted by Lestraundra Alfred is known for providing a dose of real-life wellness for women of color. She often has guests on who have candid discussions surrounding healthy lifestyle and happiness.

7. The Get My Life Tour 

The Get My Life Tour is a ‘how through’ podcast. Every stop on this tour (podcast) is designed to help you take center stage in your life. Join BE‘s Lydia T. Blanco and a host of exceptional experts as they share how you can live the life you were created live by showing up for yourself. Admission is Free.

8. Confessions of a Werkaholic 

Confessions of a Werkaholic is a weekly podcast show that shares the untold secrets of fearless female entrepreneurs.

9. Black Girl Podcast

Having met at radio station Hot 97, hosts Scottie Beam, Gia Peppers, Sapphira, Bex, and Alysha P come together for giggle-worthy conversation on the topics of sisterhood, pop culture, love, dreams, and growth.

10. Black Women About Business

This entrepreneurial podcast, hosted by Demarra Gardner, MA, LPC, CAC, is fairly new to the scene, beginning in November of 2018. All episodes are under 20 minutes in length and deliver information to support black females to “intersect business, leadership, and wellness.”

11. Clever Girls Know

Hosted by Bola Sokunbi, this podcast is a platform for financial education that assists women to get out of debt, save, and build their wealth. If you’re looking to improve, maintain or build upon your wealth, this one is for you.

12. Girl CEO Podcast

The Girl CEO Podcast is the playground for entrepreneurs. A podcast for women to learn, grow, be honest about their shortfalls, and most importantly, play. This podcast is an extension of Ronne Browns Girl CEO community and an opportunity for you to hear from her and her amazing guests each week.

13. Courtney Sanders Show 

On The Courtney Sanders Show (formally known as The Think and Grow Chick Podcast), host Courtney dives into entrepreneurship, finances, spirituality, and personal growth topics that are sure to kick you in the butt to chase your goals.

14. The Nod 

The Nod tells the stories of black life that don’t get told anywhere else. Our show ranges from an explanation of purple drink’s association with black culture to the story of an interracial drag troupe that traveled the nation in the 1940s. We celebrate the genius, the innovation, and the resilience that is so particular to being black — in America, and around the world.

15. Gettin’ Grown

Hosts Keia and Jade are two happy and whole 30-somethings figuring their adult lives out. On a weekly basis, they discuss all things regarding black women self-care and pet peeves sure to give the listening audience a chuckle.

 16. Halfway Bougie

In this podcast, hosts Perri Furbert and Courtney Roberts promise to keep it “halfway bougie and all the way real.” Touching on all things pop culture, the two millennials mix personal stories with real-world problems, sparking reflection, and lots of head nods.

17. Jemele Hill Is Unbothered 

Award-winning journalist and culture critic Jemele Hill interviews the most compelling figures in news, pop culture, politics, and sports. Expect unbothered and unfiltered conversations.

18. Happy Black Woman Podcast

If you’re an ambitious black woman who wants to have her cake and eat it too, this is the podcast for you. Host Rosetta Thurman empowers women to have it all in this personal development podcast through interviews with powerful black women who’ve created lives of happiness and freedom for themselves.

19. The Minority Trailblazer 

This podcast is dedicated to minorities who are blazing a trail in a variety of industries such as education, business, comedy, entrepreneurship, etc.

20. H.E.R. Space: Uplifting Conversations for The Black Woman

The H.E.R. in H.E.R space stands for healing, empowerment, and resilience. In this podcast, hosts Terri Lomax and Dr. Dominique Broussard are the catalysts for meaningful conversations, discussing everything from “fibroids to fake friends.”

21. Therapy for Black Girls

As a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D., provides a weekly share session on all things mental health and personal development. Dr. Bradford touches on the latest mental health news and trends, as well as provides practical tips and answering listener questions.

22. Introverted Black Girl Podcast

This podcast touches on society’s biases and pop culture in a relatable way. The host of the Introverted Black Girl Podcast, who is set to reveal her identity this spring, shares stories of her day-to-day experiences as a black introverted girl in a world that seems to be rigged for extroverts.

23. Jesus & Jollof

Hosted by Luvvie Ajayi and Yvonne Oriji, this lifestyle podcast is a random mix of talk on life happenings, success, food, and all things the hosts love. In a nutshell, it’s two Nigerian goddesses chatting it up for listener entertainment.

24. Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations

This inspirational podcast’s aim is to assist listeners to “awaken, discover, and connect” to the world around them. Oprah has personally chosen the audio of interviews she has conducted with some of the world’s top movers and shakers in an effort to guide all who listen to be the best version of themselves.

25. Woman Evolve

Join Sarah Jakes Roberts as she shares her take on the week’s top stories in news and entertainment

26. Everyday Black Men

Join Riker, R. Reed, and Armstead as they discuss topics from the viewpoints of three everyday black men. From the latest in pop culture to black thoughts and relationship problems, there is no topic too controversial.

27. Rants & Randomness

Luvvie Ajayi is known for being a NYT best-selling author and blogger at AwesomelyLuvvie.com, but she prefers to call herself a side-eye sorceress and professional troublemaker. In this hilarious podcast, Luvvie rants about society and all things pop culture. Her Jan. 7 episode entitled “Do Better: Social Media Etiquette” is a must-listen for all.

28. She’s Got Drive

This podcast, hosted by Shirley McAlpine (business consultant and executive coach) asks black women what empowers them. McAlpine strives to dive deeply into the source of guests’ success, finding how they overcame obstacles and pulling out tools and strategies that listeners can apply.

29. The Glow Up Podcast

This podcast hosted by Lené Hypolite is the success antidote for women. The Glow Up Podcast shares stories and takeaways to assist listeners to glow up in their career, finances, and personal life.

30. Side Hustle Pro

This entrepreneurship podcast hosted by Nicaila Matthews Okome shines the spotlight on black females who have scaled their side hustles to profitable, established businesses in an effort to assist listeners to learn actionable strategies they can apply in the infancy stages of their business.

31. Spiritpreneur School: Spiritual Business for Entrepreneurs

The host of this podcast, Abiola Abrams, is an empowerment superstar and author whose mission is to assist heart-based entrepreneurs to succeed. She touches on all things law-of-attraction and healing to build soul-fulfilled, thriving businesses.

33. The Broomstick Podcast

The Broomstick Podcast hosted by Natalie Edwards shares all things weddings and marriages for women of color. If you’re getting married soon, or feel the time is near, this is a great listen to get you prepped for your walk down the aisle.

34. Hella Black Podcast

Hella Black the podcast is brought to you by Delency Parham and Blake Simons. With each episode, they hope to educate and inform their listeners on all things related to Blackness.

35. The Culture Soup Podcast

The Culture Soup Podcast is where tech, culture, and business collide. Each episode, L. Michelle Smith interviews foremost and emerging thought leaders in the space, with topics driven by hot conversations on social media.

 

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