See How This Dynamic Trio Of Women Makes Their Burgeoning Business A Family Affair - Athleisure

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Discover The Dynamic Mother-Daughter Trio Behind the Successful Jolie Noire Athleisure Wear Brand:

Meet Kimberly and Keyondra Lockett and Their Mother Ronda Gray

In 2018, Kimberly and Keyondra Lockett and their mother, Ronda Gray decided to invest in themselves and start a family business. Due to their love of fashion, they chose to start Jolie Noire, an elevated women’s athleisure wear brand.   

Jolie Noire stands for Pretty Black in French.  Sisters Kimberly, (a celebrity stylist) and Keyondra, (an award-winning gospel artist) Lockett searched high and low to find cute and comfortable gear that displayed black women as the art they are.

They saw a need for clothing with faces that look like theirs, so they created graphics tees that really represent them. After sharing their business model with their mother, Ronda Gray, a cardiovascular intensive care nurse, she decided to join her daughters as a business partner behind the scenes and the rest is history. It’s been a family affair ever since.

We spoke to Kimberly, Keyondra and Ronda about their growing empire...

Checkout How Dr. Cameka Smith Helps Raise $1.5M in Funding for Black Woman-Owned Businesses

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DR. CAMEKA SMITH MAKES HISTORY, RAISES $1.5 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR BLACK WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESSES

Dr. Cameka Smith, CEO and Founder of The BOSS Network, an online community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through digital content, programs, and event-based networking, continues to support the success of Black women entrepreneurs as it celebrates its 14th anniversary.

In addition, she has partnered with Sage, the global market leader for technology that provides small and medium businesses with the visibility, flexibility, and efficiency to manage finances, operations, and people, for the launch of the Sage “Invest in Progress” Grant Program, a $1.5 million dollar commitment to Black woman-owned businesses for over three years.

As Black business ownership continues to grow in the U.S., Black women entrepreneurs are experiencing an increasing rise despite a challenging economic forecast.

Smith launched the organization to promote and encourage the small business spirit and career development of women of color. Under Smith’s leadership, The BOSS Network (which stands for “Bringing Out Successful Sisters”) has become one of the fastest-growing women’s communities.

Learn How This Young Black Lawyers Organization Is Mobilizing To Defeat Black Voter Suppression.

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Abdul Dosunmu, Founder of Young Black Lawyers’ Organizing Coalition, is Mobilizing One of Black America’s Largest Efforts to Resist Voter Suppression for the Midterm Elections

Over 300 Lawyers and Law Students will lead the Massive Seven-State "Black Ballots, Black Futures 2022"

Voter Protection Organizing Campaign

Abdul Dosunmu, the founder, and chief strategist of the Young Black Lawyers' Organizing Coalition

As Black voters prepare to cast their ballots in the critical 2022 midterm elections amid sweeping new voter suppression laws across the country, the Young Black Lawyers' Organizing Coalition (YBLOC) today launched its "Black Ballots, Black Futures 2022" voter protection organizing campaign.

Over 300 young Black lawyers and law students will span across Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Texas to host voter protection education sessions in partnership with the community institutions Black Voters know and trust.

The seven-state push will be among the largest Black-led voter education efforts to train Black voters to identify and resist voter suppression tactics to ensure that their ballots are counted.

These sessions aim to equip an estimated 60,000 Black voters with the information they need to protect their vote and help amplify this message in their communities.

"YBLOC is mobilizing one of the most ambitious voter protection organizing campaigns in history because inclusive democracy hangs in the balance in November," said Abdul Dosunmu, YBLOC's founder and chief strategist. "Our intention is to proactively ready Black voters to do what we have always done: fight the barriers of voter suppression and insist on our right to be heard."

Acclaimed Gospel Star Keyondra Lockett Pays Homage To Living Legend Anita Baker

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Billboard Gospel Artist Keyondra Lockett

Shows Love to Anita Baker

in Her New "You Your Love" 

Live Session Performance Video!

Gospel singer and songwriter Keyondra Lockett shows love in her new You Your Love (Live Session) performance to Anita Baker with a special music run snippet of "Caught up in the Rapture" from the iconic singer's song at the end of her live music video.

The Billboard award-winning gospel singer said, "Anita Baker is a phenomenal artist, songwriter, arranger, and producer.  She is also a woman of faith and one of my favorite artists." 

On August 19th to the surprise of her fans, Keyondra dropped her second single, You Your Love, ahead of her highly anticipated album, "Cornerstone." Click the video below and listen to the You Your Love Live Session Video by Keyondra Lockett

Returning from the success of Made A Way Remix from Bella Dawn Music and MNRK Music - Nashville indie distribution division, Indie Blu Digital Distribution, Billboard award-winning gospel artist and songwriter releases yet another gem, You Your Love, now available across all digital outlets.

Largest Black-Owned Law Firm in California Led by Father-Daughter Duo Recognized

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LARGEST BLACK-OWNED LAW FIRM IN CALIFORNIA LED BY FATHER-DAUGHTER DUO RECOGNIZED BY AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF TRIAL LAWYERS

Led by attorney Zulu Ali and his daughter, attorney Whitney Ali, the Law Offices of Zulu Ali & Associates, LLP, the largest Black-owned law firm in California’s Inland Empire, has been named Best Law Firm by The American Institute of Trial Lawyers.

The American Institute of Trial Lawyers is an invitation-only professional organization composed of premier law firms and trial attorneys from each state. These law firms and attorneys exemplify the very best qualities and qualifications. Each law firm must meet stringent qualifications. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase process that includes peer nominations and third-party research. Membership is extended to only a select few in each state and/or region.

Inspired by the legacy of civil rights attorneys Charles Hamilton Houston, Thurgood Marshall, and Avon Williams, Jr., the Law Offices of Zulu Ali & Associates, LLP was founded in 2007 by Attorney Zulu Ali with a focus on representing persons accused of crimes, immigrants, and persons seeking civil justice in state and federal courts.

Founder and Principal Attorney, Zulu Ali, is a former police officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He earned a juris doctorate in law (J.D.) from Trinity International University; a masters in Administration of Justice (M.S.) and business (M.B.A.) from the University of Phoenix; a degree with a focus on African studies from Regents College through a consortium with Tennessee State University; and is a doctoral scholar researching pan-African business and trade at California Southern University.

82-Year And 77-Year Old Black Female Swimmers Makes History

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82 AND 77-YEAR OLD BLACK FEMALE SWIMMERS MAKE HISTORY AFTER COMPETING IN NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES

Ann Smith (age 82) and Madeline Murphy Rabb (age 77) are two African American swimmers who competed in the 2022 National Senior Games and were the only Black women to compete in their age group.

A documentary short called Team Dream from award-winning filmmaker Luchina Fisher follows their story and will debut at Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in August (and then on BET in the fall) thanks to Procter & Gamble’s initiative Widen the Screen and Queen Collective.

Despite being omitted from the history books, Africans and African Americans have a long history of swimming. Team Dream sheds light on the lack of access to pools for Blacks during segregation that resulted in fewer Blacks learning how to swim.

Gospel Music Royalty Keyondra Lockett To Give Special Tribute To Iconic Entertainer Jody Watley

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 Billboard Chart Topping

Gospel Singer/Songwriter

Keyondra Lockett to Perform a Musical Tribute
Honoring Iconic Superstar Jody Watley at

Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala in
Washington, D.C. 

Award-winning gospel singer/songwriter Keyondra Lockett

2022 Women Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee, iconic singer/songwriter Jody Watley.

Music royalty gospel singer Keyondra Lockett is confirmed to perform a special musical tribute honoring iconic superstar/singer/songwriter Jody Watley, a Grammy winning pioneer in music, video, fashion and style at the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame (WSHOF) Induction Gala on August 27th in Washington, D.C.

"I am excited to have been selected to perform a special tribute to the one and only Ms. Jody Watley. She is beautiful, classy, and a legend known all around the world," says Lockett. "This will be one of those incredible and memorable moments for me to cherish a lifetime."

WSHOF honors women whose body of work represents the best of the heritage and legacy of modern American music and pay homage to noteworthy female songwriters. This year's 2022 inductee class include: Jody Watley, Loretta Lynn, Gloria Estefan, Siedah Garrett, Indigo Girls, Doe, Junko Yagami, Rose Marie McCoy and Marilyn Bergman (Posthumously).

"I'm thrilled to be included as an honoree with my other esteemed songwriter peers at the event," says Watley. "I would also like to thank Janice McLean DeLoatch and the WSHOF committee members for selecting me to be inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. It is truly an honor."

The stellar event will take place at George Washington University, 2121 I Street NW, Washington, DC and celebrate some of music’s finest songwriters and composers in a magnificent moment to mark their careers and their classics. For more information and to purchase tickets to the event, visit womensongwritershalloffame.org

Chicago’s First Ever Black-Owned Portable LaserTag Company

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FATHER AND SON LAUNCH CHICAGO’S FIRST EVER BLACK-OWNED PORTABLE LASERTAG COMPANY

Meet Jermaine Young and his son, Terriquee, the founders of MKETag, the first Black-owned renowned portable laser tag event production company based in Chicago, IL. The company has been approved by The Chicago Park District to launch the LaserTag in the Park AfterDark series across local community parks in June 2022.

MKETag is thrilled to announce the company’s expansion into Chicago this summer with the launch of the LaserTag in the Park AfterDark series coming this June. The series’ first pop-up event will be held at Humboldt Park and will continue into Millennium Park, Grant (Ulysses) Park, Lincoln Park, and Garfield Park throughout the summer. These public events are approved by The Chicago Park District and will include our 1,500 square-foot enclosed laser tag arena equipped with LED lights, neon fog, air-conditioning, a vortex of wind tunnels, and a 360-degree sound system that the community is sure to enjoy all summer long.

See How Top African Artists Thrill Fans as Laurie Fonhoue Wins African Most Beautiful USA Pageant 2022

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Fameye, Akwaboah, Others Thrill Fans as Cameroon’s Laurie Fonhoue Wins African Most Beautiful USA 2022 Crown

The Second edition of the much anticipated African Most Beautiful USA pageant www.ambusa.org sponsored by the Abofem Area Foundation, Inc. www.abofremareafoundation.org came off July 23rd in New York City, USA.

The event happened on the plush Cornucopia Majesty Yacht with beautiful display of rich African culture among contestants and exciting performances from top Artistes.

Musicians Fameye, Akwaboah, Taylor Jaye, Jay Hover and more took center stage to thrill audience with back to back hit songs with DJ RBNice on the turntables throughout the night as the contestants battled it out for the ultimate crown.

This year’s edition of African Most Beautiful USA pageant saw contestants from several African countries including Ghana, Kenya, Gambia, Cameroon, Nigeria, among others competing for the ultimate crown, car and cash.

Learn About The History Of The 2.5 Billion Dollar Black Hair Industry

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The Family Journal, USA and Overseas African American Cosmetology of Barbers, Hairdressers, Beauticians and Hairstylists Hall of Fame First-Ballot Inductees 2022

Since 1863 and Anthony Overton (1865-1946), Black entrepreneur hygienic success, the African American black hair industry has blossomed into a 2.5 billion dollars-plus business of loyal customers, accessories, various hair care services, products, and many more hall of famers. By HBCU ECSU Author Dr. Charles L. Singleton

Rodrick Samuels, Red Road, South Carolina and Wife Lauren Moser’s success is historically connected to cosmetology legends dating back to his early upbringing in his hometown of Summerville, South Carolina.

Detroit, Michigan via Summerville, South Carolina

“Rodrick Samuels (2022) is a leading industry educator, barber and activist. Read his story to learn more about how he overcame hurdles to build his career. His wife, Lauren Moser’s enthusiasm and incomparable abilities are responsible for her successful rise as one of the most well recognized curly hair care specialists and freelance educators.” --- A writer’s comment

Rodrick Samuels, Director of Education at Hair Lab Detroit Barber School, Detroit, MI

Meet leading educator, Rodrick Samuels (probeauty.org)   

Checkout How Porter + Craig Film and Media Distribution Is Changing The Game In The Entertainment Industry

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Veteran Hollywood Executives

Jeff Porter and Keith L. Craig Join Forces

to Form Powerhouse

Porter + Craig Film and Media Distribution

Left to Right: Jeff Porter and Keith L. Craig, founders of Porter + Craig Film and Media

Hollywood’s newest and most exciting domestic and international film distribution agency, Porter + Craig Film and Media (pcfilmandmedia) is going full throttle, third quarter, in 2022; forming out of the merger of two energetic industry veterans, Sgt. Major, KEITH L. CRAIG (Ret.) and JEFF PORTER, who have made a monumental impact on both indie and studio film releasing over the past decade.

 

The agile, multi-industry Leader, and Executive, KEITH L. CRAIG is a

32-year veteran of the US Army who retired as a highly decorated Sergeant Major (Ret.), former Professional Athlete, is also and International Best Selling Author and Award Winning Entertainment Executive. 

Hailing from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures as the former Manager of Central Division theatrical sales and distribution, CRAIG contributed to the development and distribution strategies of the multi-billion ($3B) dollar portfolio which encapsulates the STAR WARS and AVENGERS franchises, the iconic Black Panther film, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards—winning three, and the Oscar-winning movie, COCO.