Source: Theory Communications / Theory Comm 2 Chainz, Megan Thee Stallion, Gary Vee, & More Celebrate A3C Festival & Conference 15-Year Anniversary This past week A3C Festival & Conference celebrated their 15-year anniversary with a slew of events, panel discussions, concerts and more. Before the festivities commenced, A3C announced their new ownership group – The Gathering Spot, Paul Judge Media Group and Atlanta’s own hip hop icon – 2 Chainz . Source: Theory Communications / Theory Comm The festivities jumped off on Tuesday night with a live performance honoring the 20th Anniversary of iconic rap artist Yasiin Bey ’s,‘ Black on Both Sides’ album. Sprite brought the Fader Fort to Atlanta, Pink Sweat$ and Lion Babe hosting as headliner for R&B night. Because the party never ends, Atlanta United hosted the official A3C Kickoff Party at The Gathering Spot later that night. Wednesday at The Fader Fort, guests gathered at Center Stage for their ‘Women in Hip Hop’ concert headlined by our fave hottie Megan Thee Stallion , CHIKA and Tokyo Jetz.
Source: Win McNamee / Getty New Poll Shows Increased American Support For Trump Impeachment Donald Trump felt that his sycophants would hold him down in under any circumstances as he now infamously quipped that he could “shoot somebody on 5th avenue” and still have the support of his basket of deplorables. However, that appears to be changing somewhat if you listen to the pollsters. According to DailyMail , a new Pew poll shows that 54% of Americans fully approve of the impeachment proceedings against Donald. About 10% of the people who previously opposed impeachment last month are now in favor of Congressional action. The new survey by Pew Research Center polled 3,487 adults and found that most of those who had opposed opening impeachment proceedings and now approve are Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents (61 per cent) and roughly a third (32 per cent) are Republicans. These stats come on the heels of another poll that showed that 52% of Americans are down for his removal from office. Between these new poll numbers and the ongoing geo-political debacle involving Turkey and Syria, it feels like Don’s presidency is going to go down in a ball of flames.
Source: Ubisoft / The Division 2 Ubisoft’s open-world game Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 is still going strong thanks to its solid post-launch content. If you’re still not sure if you want to be a Division Agent yet, this weekend is your perfect chance to take the game for a spin for free 99. “Episode 2 – Pentagon: The Last Castle” now available for Year 1 Pass holders (October 22 for all players), Ubisoft wants players to enlist in The Division for free. Starting today (Oct.17), you can take the game for a test run until Oct.20. If you like what you have experienced and want to buy the game you’re in luck, The Division 2 will be on sale (up to 70% off). Another added bonus is players will be able to keep their progression you earned during the trial and won’t have to start over after your purchase. The sale goes as follows: · PlayStation Store: October 15-28 · Microsoft Store (Xbox): October 17-27 · Uplay Store: October 17-28 · Epic Store: October 17-20 As far as the new episode, players can look forward to two new main missions. First Main Mission – Pentagon: Agents will discover the location of the perfusion bioreactor inside the Pentagon’s underground research facility. The Black Tusk have already infiltrated the lab and are attempting to extract the reactor. Second Main Mission – DARPA Research Labs: Players must make their way through the Pentagon and into the DARPA Labs, as the Black Tusk are in the process of transporting the perfusion bioreactor through an abandoned Cold War tunnel network. Also, there is a new specialization, the “Technician.” Year 1 pass holders and UPLAY+ subscribers will unlock the “Technician” Specialization instantly. If you don’t own either, you can obtain the specialization by completing a series of objectives in the game. You will also earn a signature weapon skin as well. As far as what kind of weapons and skills the Technician will use, don’t worry, you won’t be disappointed. Signature Weapon: P-017 Launcher – a multi-missile launcher. Agents can lock-on and hit up to six enemies (depending on available ammo). With a simple push of a button, six missiles are unleashed to seek out their targets. Sidearm: Maxim 9 Skill Variant: Artificer Hive Grenade Mod: EMP Grenade So check out the overview of episode 2 and take advantage of Tom Clancy’s The Division 2’s free weekend before it’s up. — Photo: Ubisoft / The Division 2
R apper and actress Queen Latifah has cemented herself as a legend in the entertainment industry. She has empowered individuals through her lyricism and the roles she brought to life in film and television projects have left many inspired. The Newark native—whose real name is Dana Owens —will be honored by Harvard University for her contributions to Black culture, CBS News reported. Music artist and actress Queen Latifah is among the honorees being recognized by Harvard University this year for their contributions to black history and culture. https://t.co/XRKfyczsIn — CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) October 13, 2019 The Massachusetts-based Ivy League school will give Owens the W. E. B. Du Bois Medal. The award is bestowed upon influential trailblazers from different industries who have made major contributions towards pushing Black culture forward. “The W. E. B. Du Bois Medal is Harvard’s highest honor in the field of African and African American studies. It is awarded to individuals in the United States and across the globe in recognition of their contributions to African and African American culture and the life of the mind,” read the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research’s website . Other 2019 medal recipients include artist Kerry James Marshall , philanthropist and entrepreneur Robert F. Smith , BET co-founder Sheila C. Johnson , Andrew W. Mellon Foundation president Elizabeth Alexander , Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Lonnie G. Bunch III and poet Rita Dove . The awarding ceremony will take place on October 22. The group will join a long list of prestigious previous medalists who are the epitome of Black excellence. Amongst those who have received W. E. B. Du Bois Medals are comedian Dave Chappelle , athlete and activist Colin Kaepernick , director Ava DuVernay and poet Maya Angelou . This year is shaping up to be nothing short of epic for Owens. In February she announced that she was creating an affordable housing complex in her hometown in an effort to level the playing field when it comes to housing equity. SEE ALSO: Queen Latifah To Create Affordable Housing Complex In Newark #BlackExcellence: Black Atlanta Teens Continue Championship Reign At Harvard’s Debate Tournament [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3889769″ overlay=”true”]
M organ State University has been dedicated to expanding its STEM program and they will be able to move their plans forward with the help of a newly awarded grant. According to HBCU Buzz , the Maryland-based historically Black university recently received a $499,999 grant from the National Science Foundation. National Science Foundation Continues Its Support Of Morgan State University STEM Research With Nearly $500K Grant Award https://t.co/hGMdFoozOY pic.twitter.com/vgAKCp8IwK — HBCU Buzz (@HBCUBuzz) October 3, 2019 The grant will support the growth of the institution’s chemistry, biology and engineering programs with a particular emphasis on research surrounding biofuel production. The funds will go towards a research project called Excellence in Research: Oxidative Stress Induced Impact of Cell-Penetrating Nanoparticles on Cellular Constituents in a Cyanobacterial Model . The university plans on using the grant to work towards closing the racial and gender gaps in STEM by providing mentorship and training for students at all collegiate levels from underrepresented groups. Project participants will receive training on-campus and at the National MagLab which is the largest and highest-powered magnet lab in the world. The project is being led by Viji Sitther , Ph.D. who serves as a biology professor at Morgan State University and National High Magnetic Field Laboratory staff member Huan Chen , Ph.D. “This project enhances our research and scholarly activities as an R2 high research institution while providing our students with internship and graduate school opportunities,” said Hongtao Yu , Ph.D. who serves as the dean of the university’s School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences. “At a time when sustainable, carbon-neutral energy sources are needed more urgently than ever, Dr. Sitther’s research is a valuable contribution not only to our university but to the world at large.” There has been a major effort to advance STEM programs at HBCUs. In September, Spelman College received funding for the creation of a science, technology, engineering and math center. It was awarded by the Department of Defense. SEE ALSO: Spelman College Receives Grant For New STEM Center Morgan State University Becomes The First-Ever HBCU To Collaborate With Wharton [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3888342″ overlay=”true”]
Source: George Doyle / Getty Brands, professional hairstylists, and students gathered in New Jersey for the 10th Annual Extensions Expo this past weekend! A fabulous show where professionals and students could learn the ins and out of the hair business, network with fellow stylists and take their artistry to the next level, this event was the place to be over the weekend! The annual event kicked off with various hair education presentations ranging from styling wig units to the difference between cutting weaves, natural hair and relaxed hair and the art of advertising. There was also a presentation that highlighted the causes of hair loss and learning how to properly care and treat Black hair. While we all love experimenting with our manes, it’s always important to learn how to properly care for our hair to promote growth and prevent hair loss and “The Causes of Hair Loss” presentation did just that! Source: Tatayana Yomary / Tatayana Yomary “So many elements can impact our hair growth cycle from genetics to our diet,” Doris Mosely, certified trichologist and entrepreneur shares. “In order to promote growth, it’s important to adopt a healthy lifestyle and utilize products that are essential to your hair’s health. With so many products available, it’s easy to find a product line that does the bare minimum for your hair. Always do your research.” Source: Tatayana Yomary / Tatayana Yomary Personally, one of my favorite moments from the even was witnessing the styling contests! One in particular, the weave competition, showcased the talent and versatility of the participants. Stylists were given the task of creating a specific quick weave hairstyle in only an hour. With only a bag of tools ranging from extensions, styling products, tools and a picture of the hairstyle they needed to emulate, professional stylists and students raced to complete their chic looks. From blonde bob slays, cropped cuts, fluffy fros and everything in between, I would have never thought you could create hair magic in only 60 minutes! No hair expo is complete without training and the Extensions Expo delivered! With an array of hair weaving classes and hair extensions training, stylists were able to brush up on their skills and learn new tips and tricks to further their careers. Best of all, guests were also able to enjoy hair demos while asking questions to professional stylists. If that’s not enough, there were over 50 makeup brands, hair vendors and networking on hand for guests to enjoy. DON’T MISS: Are You A Stylist Living In The NYC Metro Area? Then You Need To Be At The 2019 Extensions Expo Tomeka James Started The Extensions Expo 10 Years Ago To Fill Void In the Haircare Education Community Here Are 5 LGBTQ Makeup Artists And Hairstylists You Should Know And Support [ione_media_gallery src=”https://hellobeautiful.com” id=”3060078″ overlay=”true”]
W hen it comes to supporting the youth, it takes a village. After the story of a St. Louis woman who makes 100 lunches for children in her local community every day made headlines, several donors have stepped up to contribute to her initiative, St. Louis Public Radio reported. For five years, Champale Anderson has used her own money to make free snack bags for kids in her St. Louis neighborhood who would otherwise go hungry. She started a GoFundMe with a goal of $1,500. It's raised more than $60,000. (via @stlpublicradio ) https://t.co/jIHeHeR1wx — NPR (@NPR) September 19, 2019 Champale Anderson —a mother of six—has been providing youngsters in her neighborhood with breakfast, lunch, and snacks for the past five years. After noticing that many of the children in her community were living in poverty and would often go without food, the health care provider decided to take action and launch a project designed to combat hunger. Through her Champ’s Teardrops initiative, she provides students with nutritious bagged lunches and snacks. She has an open-door policy where kids in the community can stop by her home to pick up food. “I noticed the kids they are always hungry. They get off the bus and they take off running and they never know what I will have in the bag. I switch up and have special treats for my special babies,” she told Fox 2 News . “It makes me proud. My goal is to go to different neighborhoods and give out bags.” Since launching a GoFundMe page for her project, Anderson has gone far beyond her $1,500 goal and raised over $65,000. She plans on using the funds to grow her project and continue to make an impact in the lives of children in her community and beyond. Initiatives like Champ’s Tearsdrops are needed as childhood hunger remains an issue in the U.S. According to the nonprofit No Kid Hungry , more than 12 million children in America live in food-insecure households. Further research revealed that 17.9 percent of children under the age of 18 live in homes where there are scarce amounts of food or there is a lack of safe and nutritious food options. SEE ALSO: LeBron James Aims To Combat Hunger In Underserved Communities Jaden Smith Launches Company To Provide Free Vegan Meals For The Homeless [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3039818″ overlay=”true”]
Source: #ScoopStyle x Walmart / Courtesy of Walmart Fashionistas everywhere were devastated when New York brand ‘Scoop’ closed it’s doors. The iconic brand was beloved by celebrities and their boutiques were known for housing up and coming brands. Well, Scoop is back and re-entering the market in an interesting way. The brand is partnering with Walmart for their relaunch and will now be able to reach a larger audience with their affordable prices. The boutique turned brand has launched a 100-piece private label collection with Walmart where everything is affordable. A graphic t-shirt will run you about $15.00 while the collection tops out at a teddy bear coat running you $65.00. Via press release, Walmart’s Head of Fashion, Denise Incandela, stated, “I’m thrilled to announce we’re helping customers build ‘The Ultimate Closet’ with the exclusive relaunch of Scoop as Walmart’s private brand for fashion-forward customers.” Walmart worked closely with Scoop founder Stefani Greenfield and the collection is forward thinking. There are elements like being animal friendly by incorporating certified vegan leather and faux fur. There are on trend elements like animal print and camouflage and they even knocked off the Jacquemus Le Chiquiti Bag, creating affordable and acccessible fashion. The collection has clothing that will be great to add to your work wardrobe as well as your after 5 wardrobe but the accessories are personally what stood out to me. I attended the launch event for the brand and had the opportunity to see an array of influencers wearing the brand. Unfortunately, there were not any plus size women wearing the clothes, which to me was a major miss. I’d love to see how these clothes look on plus size women, especially since according to Plunkett Research , 68% percent of American women wear a size 14 or above. With over a 100 pieces of clothing being a lot to sift through, I’ve rounded up my top picks from the collection. Keep clicking to check them out!
I n May Black philanthropist Robert F. Smith made a monumental announcement during Morehouse College’s commencement ceremony where he pledged to eliminate the student loan debt of the 2019 graduating class. According to the Philadelphia Tribune , the HBCU is taking his efforts a step further by launching a new fund to help students tackle their loans. Morehouse Launches New Fund to Help Eliminate Student Loan Debt https://t.co/ZrflTPVS78 — Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) August 9, 2019 The initiative—dubbed the Morehouse College Student Success Program—was created to help alumni significantly decrease their student loan debt so they can launch their careers, further their education and ultimately cultivate wealth. Through the program, organizers will also conduct research on the financial barriers derived from the cost of education and how to overcome them. “The Morehouse College Student Success Program will provide students with a liberating gift that will wipe away or greatly reduce their student loans, allowing them to pursue their dreams and lead lives of leadership and service immediately after graduation,” said Morehouse President David A. Thomas in a statement, according to the news outlet. The college’s Board of Trustees hopes that the program will serve as a blueprint for other historically Black colleges and universities. There is a huge need for programs like the one launched by the HBCU at colleges and universities across the nation. The student loan debt crisis has grown to $1.5 trillion. HBCU students are impacted the most by student loan debt. Research conducted by the United Negro College Fund revealed that 80 percent of HBCU students rely on federal loans to pay for their education. On average Morehouse graduates owe up to $40,000 in student loans. SEE ALSO: Billionaire Robert F. Smith Pledges To Eliminate Student Loan Debt For Morehouse’s Class Of 2019 Morehouse Grad Getting Student Loans Paid Off Says His Mother’s Sacrifice ‘Was Not In Vain’ [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3883684″ overlay=”true”]
B owie State University is on a mission to increase the representation of Black male teachers in Maryland classrooms. According to the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education , the HBCU is launching a center that will focus on empowering and supporting Black male teachers and students. Bowie State to Launch the Center for Research and Mentoring of Black Male Students and Teachers https://t.co/w7bjNsOrrS pic.twitter.com/ysdQsFxY3l — Good Black News (@goodblacknews) August 9, 2019 The new addition to the campus—which will be dubbed the Center for Research and Mentoring of Black Male Students and Teachers—is being funded through a grant provided by the University System of Maryland. The center will provide resources for Black men who are educators within Maryland’s school system. There will be forums, trips, and mentoring programs for participants. For its inaugural year, the center seeks to recruit up to 50 locally-based students to join the program. The center’s leadership team aims to engage teachers who will focus on STEM education. The initiative is being led by associate professor Julius Davis . “It feels great to know that the University System of Maryland thought that it was worth the investment to create a center for research and mentoring of Black male students and teachers at a historically Black university,” Dr. Davis said in a statement, according to the news outlet. “I’m excited to start working with the young men. I do research, but I really want to impact what’s going on in the community, where the work matters most. I hope that it will create a national reputation for Bowie State to be a center for excellence for looking at black male students and black male teachers.” News about the creation of the center comes at a time where teachers of color are underrepresented. According to Teach for America , only 2 percent of teachers in American public schools are Black men. SEE ALSO: Simmons College Launches Initiative To Recruit, Retain More Black Teachers Program Aims To Increase Representation Of Black Male Teachers In Chicago Public Schools [ione_media_gallery src=”https://newsone.com” id=”3883759″ overlay=”true”]