New York Trend NYC: April 30 - May 6, 2020

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NEWMAYOR YORK TREND DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

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C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 30

AFRICAN AMERICAN BUSINESSES The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Fa c e C R I S I S Due To C o v i d - 1 9 Awards Dinner will honor Mayor

Dinkins, Rep. Charles

By PhilDavid Andrews

YEARS!

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system.

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Business in New York State.

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INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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NE WS

H B C U ’s A m o n g s t R e c i p i e n t s After quickly making available more than $6 billion for colleges and universities to provide direct emergency cash grants to students, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today an additional $6.2 billion is now available to higher education institutions to ensure learning continues. The funding is available through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump less than one month ago.

“This pandemic has made clear every single education institution should make important investments to ensure learning continues when unexpected circumstances arise,” said Secretary DeVos. “Accordingly, the additional funds made available today can be used to expand remote learning programs, build IT capacity, and train faculty and staff to operate in a remote learning environment so that at any moment institutions can pivot quickly. I hope that institutions that already have robust remote learning capacity will consider using this funding to support additional emergency cash grants for students.”

to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus. The funding for these “Recipient Institutional Costs” is separate from the funding previously made available for “Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.” In order to access the funds, higher education institutions must submit a Certification and Agreement for Recipient Institutional Costs. Institutions must also have executed the Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students before submitting the second certification and agreement.

So far, about 50% of eligible postsecondary institutions have applied to receive the Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

School allocations are set by a formula prescribed in the CARES Act, which is weighted significantly by the number of full-time students who are Pell-eligible but also takes into consideration the total population of the school and the number of students who were not enrolled full-time online before the coronavirus outbreak.

The Department is utilizing the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and Federal Student Aid (FSA) for this calculation.

The CARES Act allows institutions to use up to one half of the total funds received to cover any costs associated with significant changes

The funding allocations announced today are part of the nearly $31 billion Congress allocated to the Department to distribute to students, K-12 schools, and higher

Of

GRANT FUNDING

education institutions under the CARES Act. The Department, at the Secretary's urging, is working to make funds available as quickly as possible.

The Department has taken quick action to support higher education

payments for 60 days without interest. The CARES Act extends those benefits to six months. The Department also stopped all federal wage garnishments and collections actions for borrowers with federally held loans in default. And, within 13 days of President Trump

students from the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Colleges and universities were given immediate regulatory flexibility so students' educations could continue online.

Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department also provided student loan relief to tens of millions of borrowers by setting all federally held student loan interest rates to zero percent and allowing borrowers to defer

signing the CARES Act into law, the Department made $6.2 billion available for emergency cash grants for higher education students. The Department has also disbursed $7 million to Gallaudet University and $13 million to Howard University in accordance with the CARES Act, which allocated this funding to help these unique institutions address the challenges associated with coronavirus.

NAACP CONDEMNS TREASURY DEPARTMENT The NAACP issued the following statement regarding the Treasury Department’s announcement that Donald Trump’s name would be printed on stimulus checks sent to millions of Americans impacted by the coronavirus.

three weeks, over half a million confirmed cases of the virus have

reached our nation’s soil, and twenty-five thousand people have

“The NAACP condemns this unprecedented and brazenly political action of the Treasury Department. It will delay millions of people from receiving the initial economic relief that is needed during this national crisis. Any postponement of the distribution of funds is shameful; to do so, for this reason, it is appalling.

Nearly 17 million people have filed for unemployment in the last

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April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

lost their fight with this virus.

This is only the latest example of this administration’s neglect and incompetence when it comes to appropriate preparation for this pandemic and ensuring that Americans have the testing, treatment, and economic relief they need. This man-made disaster has cost thousands of lives and has set our country back economically to the 2008 recession. While this administration has attributed blame to international medical organizations, governors, political parties, and media outlets, at no point has it accepted real accountability for its historic failures in leadership and execution.”

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NEWS FOU N D ER On April 6, 2020 America lost an icon Earl Grave s, Sr ., founder of Black Enterprise Magazine. Black Enterprise Magazine has been a staple to Black America across states, counties, towns and villages. I fondly remember reading Black Enterprise during my young adult years and the impact that this leading publication in Black America had on my views, actions, and commitment to Black Economic Empowerment.

The publication also reminds us the importance of media publications and news outlets such as the Amsterdam News, Street Hype Newspaper, The Village Press, New York Trend Newspaper, Black News Scoop, Southeast Queens Scoop, Hempstead Uniondale Times, BlackPRWire, and a host other news channels across America.

One lesson we can extract from Mr. Graves’ life his journey was not easy, but if we persist and persevere we can achieve at the highest levels in America.

As the New York District Office of the United States 2019 Small Business Champion for 14 counties in Downstate, New York I believe being exposed to Black Enterprise Magazine left an indelible imprint on many areas of my life.

Many years ago Black Enterprise Magazine had a campaign to encourage blacks to buy homes by the age of 25, and I was fortunate to reach that goal of purchasing a home at that age in the Village of Hempstead, New York.

In addition, I went on to become one of the Co-founders of the Haircut Hut Barbershop Franchise which is also a

E a r l G r av e s , S r .

of

B LACK E NT E RPRIS E M A G A Z I N E Passe s

testament to staying up on the latest trends, concepts, strategies and ideas which we readily looked forward to in BE Magazine. Many years later I was proud to be featured in Black Enterprise Magazine as a BE Modern Man. As an active member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc.’s local chapter 100 Black Men of Long Island, Inc. I understood the importance of the Power Base of the Black Community standing in the gap for those less fortunate in our community. Thank you Mr. Graves for standing in the gap for so many years by being a trailblazer for Black America.

 Ab out E a r l G r av e s , S r .

Black Enterprise Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves, Sr., the quintessential entrepreneur who created a vehicle of information and advocacy that has inspired four generations of African Americans to build wealth through entrepreneurship, career advancement and money management, has died.

According to his son, Black Enterprise CEO Earl “Butch” Graves Jr., he passed away quietly at 9:22 p.m. on April 6, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Graves was 85.

Graves was widely considered to be the ultimate champion of black business, launching Black Enterprise in 1970 to not only chronicle the rise of African American entrepreneurs, but also provide the tools for African Americans to succeed in the business mainstream and “achieve their measure of the American dream.”

In his award-winning, now classic, business best-seller, How To Succeed In Business Without Being White, Graves stated his life-defining purpose

for founding Black Enterprise in simple, direct terms: “The time was ripe for a magazine devoted to economic development in the African American community. The publication was committed to the task of educating, inspiring and uplifting its readers.

My goal was to show them how to thrive professionally, economically and as proactive, empowered citizens.”

the publication’s annual rankings of the nation’s largest black-owned businesses—each of its 47 years.

At one point, Graves would operate two companies on the list, including PepsiCola of Washington, DC, one of the nation’s largest soft-drink distributors owned by African Americans. Graves’ influence and reach also extended into the mainstream of corporate America.

Driven by that mission, Graves became a trailblazing entrepreneur in his own right, building Black Enterprise from a single-magazine publishing company 50 years ago, to a diversified multimedia business spreading the message of financial empowerment to more than 6 million African Americans through print, digital, broadcast and live-event platforms. As such, Black Enterprise was one of two companies that would appear on the BE 100s—

One of the few African Americans to serve on the boards of major corporations such as American Airlines, Daimler Chrysler, Rohm & Hass and Federated Department Stores (Macy’s), he was a staunch advocate for African American inclusion in the C-Suite and corporate governance. Graves was also a tireless champion of major corporations doing business with blackowned companies.

REV DR. JOSEPH ECHOLS LOWERY P a s s e s A w a y, A g e 9 8 JOSEPH AND EVELYN LOWERY INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE & HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT ON PEACEFUL TRANSITION OF REVEREND DOCTOR JOSEPH ECHOLS LOWERY, AGE 98 O C TO B E R 6, 1921 – M A R C H 27, 2020



Our beloved, Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery, made his transition peacefully at home at 10 p.m., Friday, March 27, at the age of 98. He was surrounded by his daughters. Hailed as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement” upon his receipt of the NAACP’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Lowery had assumed and executed a broad and diverse series of roles over the span of his nine decades: leader, pastor, servant, father, husband, freedom fighter and advocate.

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Born in Huntsville, Ala., on October 6, 1921, his legacy of service and struggle was long and rich. His genesis as a civil rights advocate dates to the early 1950s, when he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association, which led the movement to desegregate buses and public accommodations. In 1957, with friend and colleague Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was a co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He served as Vice President (1957-1967), Chairman of the Board (1967-1977), and as President and Chief Executive Officer (1977-1998). To continue his legacy and promote non-violent advocacy among future generations, The Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights was founded in 2002 at Clark Atlanta University.

April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

The Institute was later renamed to include and honor Dr. Evelyn Lowery, his beloved partner in marriage and the movement for 67 years. Calling on his over 40 years as ‘pastor’ and in his inimitable style, Dr. Lowery delivered the benediction on the occasion of President Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th President of the United States in 2009. Later that year, President Obama awarded him the nation’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the nonviolent struggle for the causes of justice, human rights, economic equality, voting rights, peace and human dignity. Please pray and respect the privacy of the entire Lowery family during this difficult time. The family will not be conducting interviews during this grieving period.

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C O M M E N TA R Y Working Remotely Can Be Successful

By J im Whit e , P hD After a month of quarantine under the pall of COVID-19, corporate leaders can take an objective look at how their companies are faring remotely.

What makes working remotely

successful? Companies that invested in the ability for teams to work remotely prior to this pandemic have an edge. Perhaps they already had in place a designated, ongoing channel of communication from leadership to the workforce, via email at least but preferably on audio or video platforms.

The last thing a company wants is for its off-site staff to feel disengaged, or worse, ignored. Employees should feel that the company cares about them, especially at this time of heightened uncertainty.

Data sharing is essential, as is goal setting and a regular, structured method of communication.

In my own companies, I am finding that productivity from the C suite to mid-level

management has improved since early March, when we first implemented steps to work remotely. It took time to find the rhythm of working from home. Now, I see my employees working longer hours and being more productive.

As part of our remote structure, I implemented a twice-daily stand-up,

time that employers must make difficult decisions about layoffs.

and encourage employees to start with a morning agenda and update each other throughout the day, which I find dramatically increases productivity. We end the week with a wrap up and go over the following week’s priorities.

During client meetings, employees should turn on video so that clients can see that they are engaged throughout the meeting. Looking presentable, even a little polished, for video meetings is crucial – employees should dress as if they are at the office.

As an aside, I advise employees to make themselves invaluable. Showing initiative, asking for extra work or projects, and of course submitting high-quality work in a timely manner will reflect well should there come a

should include set hours, fresh air and exercise, and plenty of sleep… along with regular breaks to avoid eyestrain by staring at a screen too long, and to maintain a clear head. A work-life balance to reduce stress is essential.

Still, we as a society should be wary of the downside of working from home: its negative psychological effect. We are social beings, and working remotely, if we aren’t used to it – especially for those of us who live alone – can be difficult and detrimental emotionally.

There are other, unexpected negative consequences of this crisis; one is that many businesses will discover that, in reality, they can succeed through working remotely. This success is a double edged sword, meaning that if

Working successfully from home requires discipline. Employees should create a quiet space where they can work each day, as opposed to moving from room to room which can be distracting and disruptive. Their routine

a business can thrive with employees working offsite then commercial real estate suffers. When companies no longer require brick-and-mortar locations, a local domino effect ensues; ancillary businesses, from cafés to gyms to print shops around the commercial office environment, will subsequently close. The ripples will be felt through many other industries, including construction, transportation, energy, and retail.

Many families already are under great financial strain. In my own companies I have implemented a policy to address financial security and am providing a benefit to my employees who are ill from the virus…something I urge other corporations to consider.

Most importantly, leadership should take social isolation seriously and not attempt to circumvent state mandates by requiring that nonessential workers leave home, or by having employees return to work too early. Our employees are our most important asset, and we must protect them, along with our local emergency responders and health practitioners, to the best of our ability.

Jim White, PhD, is Chairman and CEO of Post Harvest Technologies, Inc. and Growers Ice Company, Inc., Founder and CEO of PHT Opportunity Fund LP, and Founder and President of JL White International, LLC. His newest book is a rallying cry to investors: Opportunity Investing: How to Revitalize Urban and Rural Communities with Opportunity Funds, launched March 31, 2020.

Dr. White holds a BS in civil engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate in psychology and organizational behavior.

He acquires struggling businesses to revive and develop them into profitable enterprises using my business turnaround strategy. To date, he has generated more than $1.8 billion in revenue.

Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-In-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams

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If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work.

If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services. Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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ENTER TAINMENT

NEW UNSCRIPTED SERIES

While the nation is staying safer at home together, OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK announced today that beginning May 16, Saturday nights become "Sisterhood Saturday Nights" with the launch of two new limited unscripted series joining the network's popular lineup, each filmed virtually.

internet star B. Simone, actress and television personality Tami Roman, and celebrity hair stylist Robbi Rogers. More names to be announced.

"Now more than ever before we

TO

PREMIER

Vanzant" Premieres Saturday, May 16 (9 p.m. ET/PT) Executive Produced and hosted by popular inspirational life coach and star of OWN's hit series "Iyanla: Fix My Life," Iyanla

"Fear Not with Iyanla Vanzant" (9 p.m. ET/PT) features Iyanla Vanzant, the star of OWN's hit show "Iyanla: Fix My Life," offering her trusted guidance during the pandemic with special guests including Oprah Winfrey, Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Bebe Winans, and financial educator Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, with more to be announced.

"Girlfriends Check In" (10 p.m.

ET/PT) brings different groups of female celebrity friends together each week for virtual get togethers where they share laughter, support, love, and gossip. Episodes of "Girlfriends Check In" will feature actress, author, producer and director Meagan Good with her sister La'Myia Good Bellinger, and actresses Tasha Smith and Grace Byers from "Empire." The fun will continue with "The Real" host Loni Love along with comedian and

want to provide our audience with programming that unites and uplifts us," said Tina Perry, president, OWN. "We are excited to bring together sisterhood on Saturday nights, and we are grateful to Iyanla and all of the girlfriends for sharing hope and a little bit of light during this time."

"Fear Not with Iyanla

Vanzant offers guidance on how to live beyond fear, one step at a time. This weekly series includes heart-to-heart conversations with experts and notable guests that explore the basis of human fear, offering guidance and tools that will support guests and viewers in living beyond the stress and anxieties they are now attributing to the

ON

OW N

Coronavirus pandemic. Guests will include Oprah Winfrey, Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Bebe Winans, and financial educator Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche. The series is produced by Bunim/Murray.

"Girlfriends Check In" Premieres Saturday, May 16 (10 p.m. ET/PT) Good girlfriends can get you through anything in life - especially during quarantine. With the help of a little tech and a lot of sisterhood, each week different female celebrity friends will hold a virtual chat room "check in" - spilling the tea about their relationships, their families, sharing new recipes, and reminding us that we are truly all in this together. Episodes of "Girlfriends Check In" will feature actress, author, producer and director Meagan Good with her sister La'Myia Good Bellinger, and actresses Tasha Smith and Grace Byers from "Empire." The fun will continue with "The Real" host Loni Love along with comedian and internet star B. Simone, actress and television personality Tami Roman, and celebrity hair stylist Robbi Rogers. More names to be announced. The six-episode series is produced by Critical Content.

MICHELLE OBAMA DOCUMENTARY Dropping On NETFLIX Next Week

BECOMING is tied to Obama's best-selling book of the same name, which was published in 2018. The film, directed by Nadia Hallgren, follows Obama across 34 cities for her book tour. It features the former First Lady as she speaks to everyday Americans and shares what she learned during her husband's two terms as president.

"Those months I spent traveling meeting and connecting with people in cities across the globe - drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can't be messed with. In groups large and small, young and old, unique and united, we came together and shared stories, filling those spaces with our joys, worries, and dreams," she wrote in a press release. "We processed the past and imagined a better future. In talking about the idea of 'becoming,' many of us dared to say our hopes out loud."

The former President and First Lady signed a deal with Netflix and began their own production company, Higher Ground, in 2018. Prior to Becoming, the pair released their

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first film American Factory, which won the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. They were also involved in Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht's documentary about camp teens with disabilities, Crimp Camp.

together to weather this pandemic, as we care for our loved ones, tend to our communities, and try to keep up with work and school while coping with huge amounts of loss, confusion, and uncertainty," she said.

our new reality: Things that once felt simple - going to see a friend, sitting with someone who is hurting, embracing someone new - are now not simple at all."

Obama talked about what she hoped the release of her documentary would do for everyone self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I treasure the memories and that sense of connection now more than ever, as we struggle

"As many of you know, I'm a hugger.

My whole life, I've seen it as the most natural and equalizing gesture one human can make toward another - the easiest way of saying, 'I'm here for you," she wrote. "And this is one of the toughest parts of

"Even in hard times, maybe especially in hard times, our stories help cement our values and strengthen our connections. Sharing the shows us the way forward. I love you and miss you all."

April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

She concluded her announcement in a way that gives us a good sense of what the tone of her documentary will be - inspiring and optimistic.

"But I'm here for you. And I know you are here for one another. Even as we can no longer safely gather or feed off the energy of groups, even as many of us are living with grief, loneliness, and fear, we need to stay open and able to put ourselves in other people's shoes. Empathy is our lifeline here. It's what will get us to the other side. Let's use it to redirect our attention toward what matters most, reconsider our priorities, and find ways to better remake the world in the image of our hopes," she said.

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ENTER TAINMENT

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds I S

B A B Y F A C E , the award-winning

music producer behind some of the biggest artists, songs and record label, LaFace Records, revealed that he too had been stricken with COVID-19.

“I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate another birthday,” confessed the Grammy-award winning producer in an Instagram post. “I tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, as did my family,” he wrote.

“It’s an incredibly scary thing to go through, my friends,” the 62-year-old singer and songwriter shared.

“I’m happy to report we have now tested negative and are on our way back to full health,” he said.

Once a person is exposed to the coronavirus, the body starts producing proteins called antibodies to fight the infection. As these antibodies start to successfully contain the virus and keep it from replicating in the body, symptoms usually begin to lessen and you start to feel better. Eventually, if all goes well, your immune system will completely destroy all of the virus in your system.

A person who was infected with and survived a virus with no long-term health effects or disabilities has “recovered.”

Doctors say that, in general, once you have recovered from a viral infection, your body will keep cells called lymphocytes in your system. These cells now “know” the viruses they’ve previously seen and can react quickly to fight them off again. So hopefully, someone like Babyface, his antibodies

FEELING

“SO BLESSED”

will likely stop the virus before it starts causing symptoms. Hopefully effectively becoming immune.

But unfortunately, immunity isn’t perfect. For many viruses, like mumps, immunity can weaken over time, leaving you susceptible to the virus in the future. This is what some are seeing in a few cases in China. Some who have gone through it and “recovered” are not testing positive again. Even though it’s a very small number, it’s something to be aware of.

Because of Babyface’s newfound health, he listed the news that his muchanticipated music debate against New Jack Swing music producer, Teddy Riley, is back on.

Many folks on social media were tripping when they heard the news that the online music competition didn’t happen last week…especially when they didn’t know why.

But now the reason is clear.

“With that being said, I’d like to officially accept the invitation by the legendary Swizz Beatz and Timbaland to participate with my little brother Teddy Riley in what I’d like to call a Celebration of Black Music Excellence, Teddy Riley vs. Babyface,” the singer posted on his Instagram.

The new date is April 18, 2020 and fans are elated.

No matter who wins the competition, we’re just happy that Babyface won the fight against coronavirus.

Much Love.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN DATING APP OFFERS LIVE VIDEO DATING

Tyler Perry Pays Grocery Bills For Seniors Filmmaker, actor, and playwright Tyler Perry is once again making headlines for helping those who are largely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Under the name “Atlanta Angel,” he reportedly paid for the groceries of all elderly shoppers at over 70 supermarkets in Atlanta and New Orleans.

The 50-year old entertainment tycoon, who grew up in New Orleans and now currently lives in Atlanta, purchased the groceries for seniors at 44 Kroger stores in Atlanta and 29 Winn-Dixie stores in New Orleans. The receipts for those groceries showed that it was paid for by “Atlanta Angel.”

The Meet Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MEET), a leading provider of interactive livestreaming solutions, has created two new features designed to help users connect while maintaining proper dating distance on its popular mobile application, Tagged -- the

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country’s largest dating app primarily focused on African Americans.

The elderly shoppers who benefitted from Perry’s generosity are those who were shopping during the reserved hour for them. Grocery stores have been advised to block off the first one or two hours of their business day so the elderly and immunocompromised people can shop with lesser risk to contract the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Kroger’s Atlanta division expressed their gratitude to Perry. “We would like to join our customers in thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness and generosity during this unprecedented pandemic. It was truly a pleasure to see our customers fill with joy and gratitude as the news spread throughout 44 stores across Metro Atlanta,” its manager of corporate affairs Felix Turner said in a statement.

Winn-Dixie also thanked Perry for “paying it forward by purchasing groceries for elderly and high-risk [Winn-Dixie] customers shopping at Louisiana stores this morning.

Winn-Dixie applauds your love for community and sincere generosity,” the company said in a tweet.

It was not the first time Perry discreetly helped other people during the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, Perry gave a $500 tip to each of the 42 workers who were laid off at his favorite restaurant – a grand total of $21,000.

The two features, Blind Date and 1:1 Video Chat, are designed to provide socially distant users with options to engage and build new relationships.

April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

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BUSINE S S

‘Most Influential Black Execs in Corporate America’ Sallie Mae® Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Donna Vieira, has been named to Savoy Magazine’s list of the “2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America.”

Savoy’s “Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America” is the definitive listing of African American achievers in corporate America.

Selections are based on executives’ exemplary record of accomplishments, as well as their commitment to bettering their community and inspiring others.

An industry veteran, Vieira joined Sallie Mae in 2019 and oversees private student loans, retail banking, and credit cards as well as product development, sales, marketing, government relations, communications and community relations. She continues to advance Sallie Mae as the premier brand in helping students and families access college and continuous education, plan successful outcomes, and responsibly fund their future. Vieira is bringing that customercentric vision to life through a brand

executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations,” said L.P. Green, II, Publisher of Savoy magazine. “These innovative trailblazers have led efforts to foster growth for some of the country’s highest-performing companies throughout and beyond the US market.”

and digital transformation that will meet customers where they are and make experiences simple, intuitive, personalized, and mobile first.

“Savoy is proud to present the 2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. In this issue, we assembled an elite representation of African American men and women who have been recognized for their

Vieira is also active in the community, supporting individuals and families with disabilities through her work with the Special Olympics Delaware. In addition, she was appointed by Delaware Governor John Carney to Chair the Office of the Treasurer’s Plans Management Board to help families plan and save for post-secondary education. Vieira is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, an organization committed to increasing the number of black executives globally. “Being named to Savoy’s list of ‘Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America’ is an honor that wouldn’t be possible if not for those who came before me,” said Vieira. “I am surrounded and reminded of a community of trailblazers who

Honored

have paved the path forward, and I’m grateful to be in a position to help the next generation of leaders prepare for their own journey through the power of higher education.”

Prior to joining Sallie Mae, Vieira served as chief marketing officer for consumer banking and wealth management at JPMorgan Chase.

She has also held executive leadership roles at Dun & Bradstreet, Merrill Lynch, and American Express.

Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) believes education and life-long learning, in all forms, help people achieve great things. As the leader in private student lending, we provide financing and know-how to support access to college and offer products and resources to help customers make new goals and experiences, beyond college, happen.

Learn more at SallieMae.com.

Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

View source version on businesswire. com: https://www.businesswire.com/ news/home/20200402005711/en/

A BLACK MAN DID THIS

Mark Dean developed the first industry standard PC interface.

This Black History Month, we celebrate unknown and unsung Black innovators, inventors and contributors who have helped shape, change and improve our world.

Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity

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April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

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BUSINE S S

U S D A I n c r e a s e s M o n t h ly S N A P B e n e f i t s

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced emergency benefit increases have reached $2.0 billion per month for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households across all 50 states and 3 territories to increase food security during the coronavirus national emergency. These emergency benefits represent a 40% increase in overall monthly SNAP benefits, significantly increasing food purchasing power for American families.

“These are unprecedented times for American families who are facing joblessness and hunger. USDA is providing a 40% increase in SNAP benefits to ensure that low-income individuals have enough food to feed themselves and their families during this national emergency,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump is taking care of America’s workingclass families who have been hit hard with economic distress due to the coronavirus. Ensuring all households receive the maximum allowable SNAP benefit is an important part of President Trump’s whole of America response to the coronavirus.”

Currently, a household with two adults, 3 children, and no income can receive the maximum benefit of $768.

However, due to reportable income and other factors, the average 5-person household receives significantly less, $528. These emergency benefits would provide the average 5-person household an additional $240 monthly in food purchasing power, bringing the average household up to the same benefit level as households already receiving the maximum.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed into law by President Trump, provided for

by

40%

the issuance of emergency allotments in response to COVID-19. Across the United States, emergency allotments total nearly $2 billion per month, which is in addition to approximately $4.5 billion in benefits already provided to SNAP households each month.

All SNAP households that are eligible to receive less than the maximum benefit will receive the emergency

of Columbia. States could request to provide an emergency allotment for current SNAP households beginning in March. USDA is continuing to work closely with states so that supplements are provided in subsequent months as this public health emergency warrants, as outlined in FFCRA. Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of actions that USDA’s Food and

specific needs when traditional channels of food are unavailable, to 16 States and territories, and 29 tribes;  Providing more than one million meals a week to rural children through public-private partnership Meals to You;  Allowing states to serve free meals to children in all areas across more than 35,000 feeding sites nation-wide;  Maximizing flexibilities, such as parent-pickup and meal times requirements, for the free meals provided through schools and other providers;  Increasing access to online purchasing by expanding the online purchasing pilot to cover half of all SNAP households;  Debuting “Meals for Kids” interactive site finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed; and  Providing administrative flexibilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow for social distancing and for State to more quickly process new applications.

allotment supplement to bring them up to the maximum. By law, SNAP households are not permitted to receive more than the maximum allotment.

SNAP emergency allotments allow states to raise benefits to the maximum amount for the household’s size for up to two months, and USDA is providing additional guidance today to states that want to further extend these emergency allotments month by month as prescribed by the law.

Nutrition Service has taken to uphold the USDA’s commitment to “Do Right and Feed Everyone” during this national emergency. Other actions include:  Providing more than 227 million pounds of food – valued at $243 million through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), with another $850 million available from the FFCRA and Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act.  Launching Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) to provide the value of school breakfast and lunch to families eligible for free and reduce-price lunch;  Issuing Disaster Household Distributions, food targeted to meet

These actions and more are part of USDA’s focus on service during the COVID-19 outbreak. For additional information on the many actions FNS has taken to respond to COVID-19, visit www.fns.usda.gov/coronavirus or follow us @USDANutrition.

Hawaii - approved last Friday - was the final state agency authorized to provide the emergency allotments, which are now authorized in all 50 states, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District

FNS administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide sciencebased nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.

Wendy Muhammad Launches COVID-19 Entrepreneur Challenge LETS UNITE TO SAVE OUR COMMUNIT Y

Entrepreneurs are the historical Change Makers of the African American Community. We are the leaders, developers, strategists, money makers, thinkers and thought leaders. We solve problems and introduce much needed goods and services into our communities.

African Americans make up to 70% of all COVID-19 related deaths. We must step up and do something for ourselves. Let's unite to help save our community from this COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Developer, Wendy Muhammad, is challenging all Conscious Entrepreneurs to STEP UP and TAKE CHARGE of their communities.

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"I am asking all Conscious Entrepreneurs to identify a problem in their community and work to fix it. Let's perform wellness checks on the people in our community who are most vulnerable. Let's support a fellow entrepreneur by patronizing them, spreading the word about their services. We can form alliances. Let's take charge and save our community from this pandemic.

There is no problem that we can't solve if we put our minds together.

We can change the narrative. Doing for self needs to go viral."  Wendy Muhammad

To accept the MOETODAY Conscious Entrepreneur Challenge, post a photo or a video along with a short explanation of how you are helping a fellow entrepreneur or members of your

community during this tragic pandemic.

Tag us on Instagram @MOEToday or on Facebook @MindoftheEntrepreneur.

Be sure to say, "I accept the Conscious Entrepreneur Challenge" in your post.

Use the hashtags

April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

#ConsciousEntrepreneurChallenge and #MindofanEntrepreneur Together we can pool our resources, form alliances and address all the needs in our community. Love is the super power that will get us there.

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HE ALTH

ASSOCIATION

of

BLACK CARDIOLOGISTS

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) issued frequently asked questions (FAQ Watch) for healthcare providers related to COVID-19. The novel coronavirus outbreak has caused significant disruption to global health, especially for vulnerable populations in the U.S. The ABC created FAQ Watch to provide a succinct update on the science and clinical challenges posed by the disease and potential cardiac implications. FAQ Watch will be updated as needed or at least weekly by its editors Kevin M. Alexander, MD (Chair), Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH (ABC President), Peter Chin-Hong, MD, MPH, and Norrisa Haynes, MD, MPH. In addition to informing health care providers about the science and clinical aspects of the coronavirus infection, the ABC is undertaking efforts to raise awareness in diverse populations. The organization is particularly concerned about the pandemic's effect on the AfricanAmerican diaspora and other underserved groups.

"ABC has been at the forefront of addressing cardiovascular disparities in our communities," said Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, ABC Board Chair. "The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed severe inequities in access to healthcare and preventive services. As a

nation, we have an unprecedented opportunity to address these issues, by working with affected communities, and the healthcare providers who serve them."

Releases

COVID-19 FAQ WATCH

incorporated. FAQ Watch answers other critical questions, including how communities of color can diminish the spread of COVID-19 and decrease their risk of fatal outcomes.

ABC is inspired by how different communities are pulling together

Albert introduces ABC COVID-19 Information & Resource Hub and highlights the Council on Black Health's brief, "What Coronavirus Means for Black Communities."  ABC and other health Care Groups Issue Urgent Call for Federal Action to Address Medical Equipment Shortages  ABC hosts a webinar, "At the Heart of the Matter: Unmasking the Invisibility of COVID-19 in Diverse Populations." Now available for viewing.  ABC President Dr. Michelle Albert joins KDKA Radio host Lynne Hayes-Freeland to discuss COVID-19, health care disparities, and African Americans.

Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH

(PRNewsfoto/Association of Black Cardiology)

FAQ Watch covers the clinical stages of COVID-19, associated cardiovascular complications and treatments currently advised for COVID-19 management.

Recommended changes in practice for interventional cardiologists and catheterization laboratories as well as new guidance for transthoracic echo and transesophageal echo procedures have also been

Michelle Albert, MD, MPH

(PRNewsfoto/Association of Black Cardiology)

at individual, leadership, medical, scientific and public health levels to mitigate the impact of this pandemic. This downloadable FAQ is a new component of earlier actions ABC initiated in response to the virus:  ABC President Dr. Michelle

Founded in 1974, the ABC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease and achieving health equity such that all people can live long healthy lives.

Membership is open to all interested in the care of people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease, including health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate and institutional members. For more information, visit www.abcardio. org and connect with ABC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

‘ Black is Human ’ To A d d r e s s C OV I D - 1 9 In AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY In response to the devastating impact COVID-19 continues to have on the African American community, Burrell Communications Group has released a video PSA entitled “For Jason” as part of its “Black is Human” initiative. The goal is to raise awareness of the severity of COVID-19 within the African American community, and provide streamlined access to critical and relevant information, via the Black is Human webpage.

The PSA pays tribute to Detroit Transit Authority veteran, Jason Hargrove, who died in late March from COVID-19 complications after posting an impassioned plea for public safety via Facebook. The

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video quickly went viral, garnering more than 805,000 views and 23,000 reshares as it brought national attention to the dire need for all essential workers to be armed with personal protective equipment.

According to the McKinsey & Company report, COVID-19: Investing in Black Lives and Livelihoods, 39% of jobs held by black workers (seven million jobs in all) are vulnerable as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, compared with 34% for white workers. The majority of black workers, by the very nature of their jobs, are putting their lives and health on the line to provide necessary goods and services to our society.

Jason Hargrove

April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

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END NO TE S

B L O O M I N G D A L E S C H O O L o f M U S I C F e at u r e d O n ‘ G E O R G E T O T H E R E S C U E ’ In the fall of 2019, the Bloomingdale School of Music was nominated and selected to receive a TV make-over of its David Greer Recital Hall and backyard by the hit NBC reality show George to the Rescue, hosted by George Oliphant. Led by SilverLining, Inc., the project completely transformed the school, renovating the Hall and the backyard space. The company gathered one of the city’s best architects, and top acousticians, landscape designers and muralists for the project, all of whom donated their time and resources to provide a world-class concert hall for the community-focused non-profit.

Located on 108th Street, the school services more than 80 students and was selected for the show because of its strong commitment to the community, scholarship, and financial aid.

“The work they did was beyond what we could have imagined,” said Erika S. Floreska, Executive Director, Bloomingdale School of Music. “We are so excited to be able to provide a world class space for our students, faculty, and community to come together for hundreds of rehearsals, classes, and performances throughout the year.”

“While we can’t currently be in our new space due to COVID-19, the school has quickly transferred to the online format. Private lessons, group classes, and ensembles all continue. That’s a testament to

hall is going to bring joy, beauty, and inspiration to many for years to come – from beginners giving their first performances to the professional faculty who offer free concerts throughout the year. I’m proud to support Bloomingdale School of Music.”

the power of music to be uniting and healing force as we navigate these unprecedented times,” said Ken Michaels, Board President, Bloomingdale School of Music.

“Many life-enriching community centers are facing the effects of COVID-19,” said George Oliphant. “I am comforted by knowing that when Bloomingdale can open their doors again, students and faculty will have more beautiful, comfortable, and functional spaces to return to. Music has a unique ability to spark vital human connection, which is more important than ever.”

“Having grown up on the Upper West Side and being friends with Ken Michaels for years, it felt great to be able to come together to do something for the community that I live in and grew up in,” said Josh Wiener, President, SilverLining, Inc. “I hadn’t been in touch with the

I N H A R L E M : A C h at Harlem Haberdashery is the retail expression of 5001 Flavors, a custom-made apparel company, which has been creating looks for celebrities, music artists, and sports stars for more than 20 years.

Located in uptown in a new boutique, Harlem Haberdashery draws inspiration from the rich cultural history and distinctive style of the Harlem Renaissance with a fashion-forward edge.

Every year, Harlem Haberdashery hosts a Masquerade Ball during which they honor people for community work. Former honorees have included Alison Desir, Audrey Smaltz, Michael J. Garner, Tamika Mallory, Margarette Purvis, Marcus Samuelsson, Bevy Smith, Khary Lazarre-White, Terrence Stevens, President & CEO, In Arms Reach; and Topeka K. Sam, Founder & Director, The Ladies of Hope Ministries; as well as other

NewYorkTrendnyc

With

Bloomingdale School since I was 14 and to be reintroduced to be able to provide this performance space has been amazing. None of this could have been possible without Rogers Partners Architects and all the other vendor partners who so quickly and graciously jumped on board.”

This episode also features the delivery of a new Steinway piano made possible by a grant from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, who joined Bloomingdale School of Music for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in November 2019: https://youtu.be/ aiZPMwVjKOY. “Bloomingdale has been an anchor on the Upper West Side for more than 50 years,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “It’s a hidden gem, and the new Steinway in their concert

Home renovation series with host and contractor George Oliphant, George to the Rescue features top interior designers and contractors teaming up to help deserving families and communities with much needed home renovations. Through inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, this uplifting series highlights the best of the human spirit. “George to the Rescue” is produced by LXTV part of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal. www.nbc.com/ george-to-the-rescue Founded in 1964, Bloomingdale School of Music is dedicated to the belief that music changes lives and everyone should have access to high-quality music education regardless of economic status, race, religion, ability level, or gender.

Bloomingdale is a music-driven community center where all are welcome to join and learn about music from top faculty. We are dedicated to our mission – to make music education accessible to all who want to learn – and remain focused on supporting this mission through our values. www.bsmny.org/

Harlem Haberdashery’s Sharene Wood

esteemed members of the Harlem/ Upper Manhattan community.

community members who’ve paved the way for us. We salute presentday individuals and organizations that amplify our community. And we look forward to helping future generations who will continue to make Harlem great.”

Past sponsors of the Ball have included Beam Sumtroy (parent company of Effen Vodka, Maker’s Mark, and others) and Sugar Hill Creamery.

“Our Annual Masquerade Ball aims to celebrate family, fashion, community, and philanthropy.

We love to party with a purpose and use our brand platform to party while honoring local community leaders and highlight great organizations striving to make our community better,” said Sharene Wood, President & CEO of 5001 FLAVORS and Harlem Haberdashery.

Wood, who is also the president and CEO of the company’s latest venture, HH Bespoke Spirit.

Wood, who was born and raised in

Harlem, added: “The past, present, and future is always Harlem for us. We honor our family and

April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

Harlem Haberdashery and 5001 Flavors is all about community, says Wood. “Our family is committed to showing support and respect to individuals that overcame obstacles.

We need to acknowledge the growth, evolution, good deeds and commitment to excellence of all of our community members.”

According to Wood, there will be major happenings at the business.

“Harlem Haberdashery is expanding into a full-fledged lifestyle brand with soon to be announced curated collections. We are gearing up for our 10 anniversary in two years and happy to continue success with our HH Bespoke Spirits,” she shared.

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April 30, 2020 - May 6, 2020

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