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VOL. 52, NO. 28 • APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2017
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ISSUE 4
Exclusive: Bill Cosby Finally Breaks Silence
Bowser Connects Entrepreneurs with Innovators
First Inclusive Innovation Incubator [In3] Opens its Doors By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir In a unique partnership with the District and Howard University, Mayor Muriel Bowser welcomed close to 200 entrepreneurs, educators, government leaders and innovators to the grand opening of the Inclusive Innovative Incubator [In3], the nation’s first affordable co-working incubator. Located on the edge of Howard University’s campus, and with a focus on diversity and inclusion, In3 will support entrepreneurs and businesses from underrepresented communities that provide products and services benefitting underserved communities. “As we set out to make Washington, D.C. the capital of inclusive innovation, we are thrilled to witness In3 come to life,” Bowser said. “This initiative supports my Administration’s vision to make D.C. a more diverse and inclusive city as we expand our tech economy in ways that benefit every D.C. resident. To address the lack of diversity in the tech industry and create inclusive prosperity in every Ward, we will continue to identify more opportunities like In3.” Bowser and Howard chose Luma Lab to operate the new incubator and to manage the hub’s programming. It will provide local entrepre-
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5 Bill Cosby /Courtesy photo 5
(L-R) Mayor Bowser, Howard University’s Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Anthony Wutoh and Aaron Saunders CEO of Clearly Innovative/Luma Lab enjoy a group photo during the inauguration of In3, the District’s first affordable community space focused on inclusion, innovation and incubation in Northwest on April 20. /Photo by Lateef Mangum
#BankBlack Challenge Gains Momentum Demonstrates Black America’s Economic Power By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir
5Teri Williams, OneUnited Bank President/ COO. /Courtesy photo
As the National #BankBlack Challenge marks its first anniversary, one thing has become crystal clear: this ongoing demonstration of Black economic power should not be viewed as a single moment in time but rather as an ongoing movement. One African-American bank executive from South Florida says that as the country undergoes significant upheaval following the election of Donald Trump, that it’s even more essential for the Black community to figure out how to help ourselves and how to use our dollars more purposefully. “The world is very different now and Blacks across the country realize that we must employ different strategies for
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By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer It's been more than two years since Bill Cosby has spoken out publicly. The legendary comedian has patiently — and quietly — awaited trial on sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania while seeing those who defend him face libel lawsuits — many of which have been tossed out of court. Now he's decided: It's time to talk. Cosby and spokesman Andrew Wyatt of the Purpose PR Firm in Birmingham, Alabama, said they grew comfortable that the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) would be more interested in "facts over sensationalism." Persistence by the Black Press — NNPA reporters had repeatedly requested interviews — also proved a factor in Cosby's decision to speak out in a two-part exclusive interview, Wyatt said. While the superstar declined to address his legal case, his youngest daughter, Evin did. In a statement, Evin, 40, proclaimed
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Celebrating 52 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area