Erica’s Table of 20 delivers an intimate networking experience

If you take a five-minute scroll through your Instagram feed you will see a countless number of networking events, meet-ups, and conferences that all promise value, but Erica’s Table of 20 is different. Now in its 36th installment, Erica’s Table of 20 provides a different approach to the saturated business and entrepreneurial networking scene. Erica’s Table of 20 is an intimate experience for guests to gather, engage, fellowship, and connect in a genuine manner. Each guest is hand-selected, and there is no level of hierarchy that exists whether you are known on a national scale or simply doing great things within the community you reside in.

BLACK ENTERPRISE had the opportunity to discuss this experience with businesswoman, author, and change agent Erica Dias.

What makes Erica’s Table of 20 unique?

I often reference this experience as my version of “Sunday Dinner” that many of us used to have with family and friends. In my case, this Sunday dinner was hosted by my late grandmother, Helen Dias, who passed away from cancer. Guests would get dressed up, talk about everything under the sun, from worldly topics to their personal journey, paired with good food and laughter. All of my guests at this affair are selected due to their contributions in their respected communities, success within their careers, and value that they bring to everyone else at the dinner.

When did you realize that Erica’s table of 20 was really having an impact?

When men and women from all over the world began to inquire about attending the event I realized that this was bigger than just 20 people convening inside of Neiman Marcus. People have flown in from Nigeria, LA, Atlanta, Miami, and various other locations to take part in this gathering. It is an experience that cannot be duplicated.

You recently hosted your 36th Table of 20 in NYC. What is different about Erica’s Table of 20 in 2020 and moving forward?

2020 is a manifestation year as the Table of 20 travels to various cities. “Manifestation” meaning that each and every attendee will be challenged and inspired to put ideas into actions and actions into successes. As connections are formed throughout the event, each person at the table will be encouraged to connect with at least one person and have periodic “check-ins” to help encourage and push each other to manifest their goals. Marketing guru Ashunna Ayars and associate producer of The Wendy Williams Show, Derrick Warner, provided instrumental advice to the attendees.

Why are Erica’s Table of 20 events important for you?

As a businesswoman, author, and change agent, I am busy. I spend hours and hours helping others to build and grow their brands and visibility, oftentimes at the expense of my own goals. I recently re-released my best-selling book, Faith It Until You Make It, which is full of inspirational quotes that are bound to give you that pick-me-up that you need to get pumped up throughout the year. When I attend my event I am, in turn, getting a pick-me-up from each and every attendee. They may not realize it, but their stories and successes provide me with some of that much-needed inspiration to build my personal and professional brand. People, including myself, need that intimate approach to networking which challenges, inspires, and truly makes you move forward toward your goals.

How can we learn more about Erica’s Table of 20?

Get familiar with this event by visiting @TableOf20 on Instagram or visit the website at www.EricasTableOf20.com.

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College senior was strangled to death, police charge boyfriend with malice murder

Anitra Gunn, a senior agriculture major at Fort Valley University in Georgia, is believed to have been strangled to death by her boyfriend, according to court documents.

Police have charged her boyfriend, DeMarcus Little, 23, with malice murder for the Valentine’s Day killing. Little is a sergeant in the Army stationed at Fort Gordon, reported The Telegraph.

READ MORE: Missing Fort Valley State senior’s body found by police

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that police believe Gunn, 23, was strangled to death in the woods and her body was partially hidden under sticks. No motive has been released.

Sgt. Demarcus Little, Mugshot courtesy of Peach County Sheriff’s Office/Middle Georgia Regional Crimestoppers/MGN Online

Police found Gunn’s car in a neighbor’s yard on Belle Street with a missing bumper. It would prove to be a crucial clue helping police discover her body. Pieces from bushes and sticks were found in the grill of the car, which led investigators to narrow down an area to search.

Police discovered the missing bumper next to Gunn’s body.

A week before she was killed, windows in Gunn’s house were broken and her car tires were slashed. Police charged Little with damaging Gunn’s property but allowed him to post a $10,000 bond on Friday before he was officially charged with malice murder.

Yesterday, the Georgia Bureau of Investigations announced Little had been charged with malice murder. He appeared in court but was denied bond, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Fort Valley State students held a campus vigil for Gunn Monday night. On a chair in an auditorium, a black cloth with a huge black bow covered one seat in the front row in Gunn’s honor. During the vigil, a choir sang “Soon We are Going to See the King.”

READ MORE: Suspects in slaying of Clark Atlanta student Alexis Crawford indicted for murder

Bobby Dickey, chair of the school’s Visual and Performing Arts and Media Studies department, told the AJC that Gunn was musically gifted and is already missed by so many.

“She was one of the sweetest young ladies I ever met since I’ve been at the school,” Dickey said to the newspaper. “We’re gonna miss her, but we’re gonna hold her legacy up high.”

Gunn’s funeral is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Greater Peace Baptist Church in Opelika, Ala.

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Bill Cosby’s publicist issues statement against Harvey Weinstein verdict, slams #MeToo movement

Bill Cosby’s publicist has issued a statement in support of Harvey Weinstein on the day the disgraced movie producer was convicted of rape.

Posting via Bill Cosby’s official Facebook page, Andrew Wyatt questioned whether Weinstein received a fair trial due to widespread media coverage and a persistent judge who wouldn’t let jurors remain deadlocked. According to Page Six, Wyatt says Cosby called him numerous times on Monday because he was so upset at the verdict.

READ MORE: Bill Cosby thanks Snoop Dogg for profanity-laced IG video ripping Gayle King

“This is not shocking because these jurors were not sequestered, which gave them access to media coverage and the sentiments of public opinion. There’s no way you would have anyone believe that Mr. Weinstein was going to receive a fair and impartial trial,” Wyatt wrote on Instagram. “Also, this judge showed that he wanted a conviction by sending the jurors back to deliberate, after they were hung on many of the counts.”

 

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Official Statement From Andrew Wyatt Regarding The Verdict Of Harvey Weinstein: This is not shocking because these jurors were not sequestered, which gave them access to media coverage and the sentiments of public opinion. There’s no way you would have anyone believe that Mr. Weinstein was going to receive a fair and impartial trial. Also, this judge showed that he wanted a conviction by sending the jurors back to deliberate, after they were hung on many of the counts. Here’s the question that should haunt all Americans, especially wealthy and famous men…Where do we go in this country to find fairness and impartiality in the judicial system; and where do we go in this country to find Due Process? Lastly, if the #metoo movement isn’t just about Becky [White women], I would challenge #metoo and ask them to go back 400+ years and tarnish the names of those oppressors that raped slaves. This is a very sad day in the American Judicial System. #FreeBillCosby #FarFromFinished #DueProcess #JusticeReform

A post shared by Bill Cosby (@billcosby) on Feb 24, 2020 at 11:17am PST

In the statement, Wyatt also said the judicial system’s treatment of rich and famous men— including Weinstein and Cosby who collectively have more than 200 women accusing them of sex crimes— is abhorrent.

“Here’s the question that should haunt all Americans, especially wealthy and famous men…Where do we go in this country to find fairness and impartiality in the judicial system; and where do we go in this country to find Due Process?” Wyatt wrote.

Then he challenged the #metoo movement to act as zealously in naming slave masters who raped their slaves.

“Lastly, if the #metoo movement isn’t just about Becky (White women), I would challenge #metoo and ask them to go back 400+ years and tarnish the names of those oppressors that raped slaves,” Wyatt wrote. “This is a very sad day in the American Judicial System.” Wyatt ended the post with several hashtags, including #FreeBillCosby, #FarFromFinished, #DueProcess, #JusticeReform.”

Weinstein was found guilty of third-degree rape against former aspiring actress Jessica Mann and sexual assault against former production assistant Miriam Haley, reported NBC News. He originally faced three additional counts which were more severe— two counts of predatory sexual assault and rape in the first degree, which could have landed him in jail for life— but the jury chose the lesser crimes. He faces 29 years when sentenced.

READ MORE: Bill Cosby spokesperson accuses Eddie Murphy of selling out

In total, more than 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual assault and harassment dating back many decades. The convictions, however, were based on allegations made from Haley and Mann.

In 2018, Cosby was convicted for drugging and molesting Andrea Constand. For that conviction, he’s serving a 3-to-10 year sentence.

The post Bill Cosby’s publicist issues statement against Harvey Weinstein verdict, slams #MeToo movement appeared first on TheGrio.

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What happens when the internet vanishes?

During a troublesome protest or tricky election, some countries just cut the online cord.

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Best iPhone (2020): Which Model Should You Actually Buy?

Picking the right iPhone can be tricky, but this breakdown should help you decide if you want an iPhone 11 or an iPhone XR.

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Will Your Cat Eat Your Corpse?

The short answer is maybe. The long answer won't make you feel any better.

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Let's Have the GIF Pronunciation Debate Forever

Giphy and peanut butter brand Jif are reigniting the argument over the pronunciation of “GIF.” It's exactly what the internet needs right now.

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Study shows HBCU graduates may be charged higher interest rates on loans

Students who graduated from historically Black colleges and universities or Hispanic-serving institutions may be slapped with higher interest rates to borrow or refinance student loans compared to students who graduated from mostly white colleges and universities.

The Student Borrower Protection Center, a nonprofit focused on ending student debt, studied loan rates given to borrowers from very similar backgrounds—including almost identical majors, annual incomes and occupations—but found that online lending sites like Upstart still offered graduates from HBCUs or Hispanic-serving institutions loans with higher interest rates, according to NBC News.

READ MORE: Black borrowers are struggling to repay student loan debt, here’s why

What SBPC researchers found in their “Educational Redlining” report was that when they plugged in background information on hypothetical graduates of HBCUs like Howard University or Spelman College, students could be charged $3,500 in additional monies for a $30,000 five-year loan and students who’ve attended Hispanic-serving institutions such as New Mexico State University at Las Cruces could be charged even more, compared with similar information for hypothetical students attending non-minority institutions, such as New York University.

“It seems apparent when you do the side-by-side comparisons that where this hypothetical borrower went to school mattered in terms of how Upstart measured their creditworthiness, and that to Upstart there’s a penalty for attending an HBCU or HSI,” Kat Welbeck, civil rights counsel at SBPC, told NBC News.

Welbeck said the research was “alarming,” particularly when one considers the important mission HBCUs and HSIs fill in opening up access to higher education to Black people, Latinos, women, and older adults.

The study also found some disparities in the loan rates that Wells Fargo charges depending on where a graduate went to school, NBC News found.

“Basing a person’s creditworthiness on how ostensibly elite the institution they attended will perpetuate inequality and socioeconomic barriers,” Welbeck said to NBC News. “We talk about using educational data as innovative, but this is redlining education.”

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) shared the report on her Twitter page, writing “It makes no sense to charge students of color *more* for their loans simply for attending HBCU’s and Hispanic-serving institutions. These are students who already face enormous barriers to succeed. I’m looking for answers.”

It makes no sense to charge students of color *more* for their loans simply for attending HBCU’s and Hispanic-serving institutions. These are students who already face enormous barriers to succeed. I’m looking for answers. https://t.co/yrloLPdqRF

— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) February 23, 2020

Harris joined Sherrod Brown, D-OH, Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, Bob Menendez, D-NJ and Cory Booker, D-NJ, in sending a letter to Upstart urging the company to stop using educational data to determine loan rates, saying it could end in bias against minority students.

“The (Consumer Financial Protection) Bureau found that the use of (cohort default rate) to determine loan eligibility, underwriting, and pricing may have a disparate impact on minority students by reducing their access to credit and requiring those minority students . . . to pay higher rates than are otherwise available to similarly creditworthy non-Hispanic White students at schools with lower CDRs,” the senators said in the letter, according to NBC News.

READ MORE: OPINION: Congress has the power to ‘fix’ the lack of access to loan options, but their decision could leave Blacks permanently in the poor house

However, Upstart and Wells Fargo say they are not discriminating and they disagree with the SBPC report.

“The study’s characterizations … do not reflect our lending practices and its conclusions are exaggerated,” Vickee Adams, senior vice president of corporate communications at Wells Fargo, told NBC News in an emailed statement.

 

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Karen Civil Opens Up on Achieving Balance While Building Multiple Businesses

Karen Civil has made a name for herself as a social media and digital media marketing strategist. For over a decade, she has built her personal and professional brand into prominent roles at Beats by Dre and Universal Music Group early into her career.

In 2008, Civil launched KarenCivil.com, an industry insider look into hip-hop. Two years later, she founded Always Civil Enterprise, a full-service branding and marketing powerhouse that specializes in the imaging of brands and creating a foundation of endless success and visibility.

Now, as a leading lady on the digital side of marketing, Civil’s work spans from the entertainment industry to politics. Her clients range from rapper and entrepreneur YG to Hillary Clinton. And she is known for being a cultural architect in the corporate space. In 2018, she helped open the first smart-store, the Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles with the late, great Nipsey Hussle as her business partner.

Civil is also an author, philanthropist, and STEM advocate for children. As a businesswoman, she is known for being ambitious and unapologetic. We caught up with Civil at Fueled by Culture and spoke with her about what it takes to make it as an entrepreneur in the digital space. During our conversation, Civil kept it real about the sacrifices that come with success.

What goes into the business side of building a brand?

People tell me that I make it look easy and that they want to do what [I] do. Or they say, “I just want to hang out.”

Before the “hangout” or getting paid to do things that you love, [you have to understand that] there’s a lot of sacrifices that come with that. The time and dedication that you put into your career and craft is something that I don’t necessarily apologize for.

Everybody is not built to be a CEO. Everybody is not built to be an entrepreneur.

I always ask people, “Do you hate your job?” They say, “Yes.” Then I ask them, “Do you hate working 40 hours a week?” They say, “Yeah.” And then I tell them, “You probably wouldn’t be cut out to be an entrepreneur. Because it requires more than 40 hours a week.” I’m sending emails at one in the morning and at 3 p.m. because I work across different time zones. I put in 120%.

You’re surrounded by so many influential people and have deep, long-lasting relationships. How important is being relational and authentic?

Being authentic and having great relationships are two things that I live by. I’m not a character. I’m not a gimmick. I’m just authentically myself. And I tell people to do the same thing.

I don’t necessarily look at titles. I don’t walk into a situation and treat the CEO better than the janitor. To me, you should give more respect to the janitor because at the end of the day, you’re gonna lose them keys and need to get into that office. I’m grateful for all people in different places from different walks of life.

How do you practice being healthy and whole as you do the work?

Right now I’m going through a fasting phase for 90 days. And I’m not doing it for any religious reasons or anything like that; I’m doing it for my own sanity. But I am somebody who is spiritual. I light my candles; I have sage in my home; I talk to God; and I follow the Muslim prayer.

I live off inspiration. The first thing and last thing I see are quotes on my walls on my doors, it’s not the TV. That’s what keeps me going and inspires me.

What is next for you as you build and inspire?

My Live Civil imprint is something that I care about deeply. It’s my foundation. I have a school in Haiti and I also have a computer lab. My goal is to put my second computer lab, because it’s important to me, for kids in Haiti to have the same opportunity I did to get to know the world around them. Them being able to log on to the computer, do their homework, learn different languages, and see what’s happening outside of their community to broaden their horizons, is exciting to me.

 

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Egyptian top-flight derby abandoned after Zamalek fail to show up

Top-flight Egyptian side Zamalek face punishment after failing to turn up to the Cairo derby against rivals Al Ahly on Monday.

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Liverpool 3-2 West Ham: Mane scores winner as Reds forced to come from behind

League leaders Liverpool are forced to come from behind to beat relegation-battling West Ham in a nervy encounter at Anfield.

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Can a Single Text Really Be Defamatory? (Yup)

As the recent lawsuit between Kesha and Dr. Luke proves, your texts can get you in trouble.

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Best of Toy Fair (2020): Baby Yoda, ASMR for Kids, and More

We played with tons of gizmos at the annual trade show (for, uh, work reasons of course).

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Nintendo Cracks Down After High-Profile Leaks

With the highly anticipated *Animal Crossing: New Horizons* and E3 on the horizon, Nintendo has become “increasingly aggressive” combating leaks over the last couple of months.

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Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners Raises $85 Million Fund

While the business of hip-hop continues to grow, hip-hop’s first billionaire continues his climb into the thermosphere of business. Marcy Venture Partners (MVP), the venture capital company co-founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, has raised $85 million, according to Crunchbase.

According to an SEC filing, the San Francisco-based entity raised the money from 54 different investors. The company has already invested in six other companies, according to Crunchbase, including electric mobility startup Wheels last October. The biggest round MVP has led so far was the $70 million round for singer and businesswoman Rihanna’s lingerie line, Savage X Fenty. Its first investment was made in March 2019 with Hungry Marketplace’s $8 million Series A in April 2019.

The firm was co-founded by Roc Nation rapper/owner Jay-Z, former Roc Nation CEO Jay Brown, and longtime venture investor Larry Marcus. Brown has also invested in Bay Area brands like RightRice. Marcus is a venture capitalist and the director of Walden Venture Capital, which has invested in companies like Pandora. Marcus also backed companies like Netflix as an angel investor; Jay-Z has backed Bay Area companies like Uber and Impossible Foods.

According to MVP’s Crunchbase page, “the firm has a passion for building game-changing consumer businesses and mass-market brands that resonate with culture across products and services, media and technology. We combine unique access, instincts, deep networks, operating and venture capital expertise to be long term partners in growth.

“MVP’s portfolio companies embrace positive values including sustainability, empowerment, inclusivity, accessibility, convenience, health & wellness and personal expression. Our companies are led by top-tier management teams with clear vision, purpose and executional excellence. We lead or co-invest in companies that have meaningful brand values, high customer joy driven by an outstanding product, demonstrated growth and clear catalysts for the next level of scale.”

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North Korea Is Recycling Mac Malware. That's Not the Worst Part

Lazarus Group hackers have long plagued the internet—using at least one tool they picked up just by looking around online.

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Parenting After the Singularity in Ken Liu’s 'The Hidden Girl'

The author’s collection of speculative short fiction skips across worlds both real and ethereal, often coming back to the parent-child dyad.

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How to Use Airtable, Trello, and Other Apps to Fix Your Life

WIRED staffers on using Airtable for wedding planning, hacking Google Sheets to make playlists, and furthering their career goals on a dating app. 

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Former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak dies

Former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak – ousted by the military in 2011 – has died in hospital in Cairo aged 91.

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Libya conflict: Two Turkish troops killed

These are the first deaths confirmed by the president since he sent troops to Tripoli last month.

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