Ngozi Nwanji

A new day has begun in Detroit, MI, thanks to the leadership of the Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network. For nearly a decade, the Motor City hasn’t had a full-scale Black-owned grocery store, Detroit Metro Times reports. Now, in May 2024, Detroit People’s Food Co-Op, the first Black-led co-op grocery store in Detroit, has opened its doors. As Detroit is one of the major U.S. cities that faces a significant shortage of food access, Detroit People’s Food Co-Op offers fresh, local grocery items, a deli, and a coffee bar. The outlet details that the store’s fruits and vegetables are sourced from four Black-owned farms in Michigan. In addition to providing quality food and health and wellness products, what makes the grocery store special is that anyone age 21 and over can become a member and have ownership in the co-op. On May 1, 2024, it had over 2,700 members and counting. “This is not something you’re invited to. It’s literally yours,” said Lanay Gilbert-Williams,...

A teenager is on his way to making history in Indiana. ABC-7 in Chicago, IL, reports that at age 15, Khaya Njumbe is set to become the youngest college graduate in Indiana. As the first generation of his family born in the U.S., the teen lives in Gary, IN, and attends Indiana University Northwest. He will cross the graduation stage in May 2024 — making him the first to do so in his family. The outlet details that to get a head start on the achievement, Njume took dual-credit courses at 21st Century Charter High School. Theresa Canady, a social worker at the charter school, shared that he initially started taking college courses at age 11. “When I was younger, I had a lot of ambition,” Njumbe told the outlet. “I always just wanted to do more, impress my parents mainly. I was always an overachiever in school.” Jack Bloom, one of Njumbe’s professors at Indiana University Northwest, shared, “It’s pretty amazing. Obviously the stuff he can do is beyond what most people can do.” He added,...

Spelman College students have been reigning undefeated for the Goldman Sachs Market Madness Competition through the HBCU Possibilities Program. In April 2024, Victoria Cain, Makhi Frempong, Olivia Rivera-Spann, and Symone Thompson won the pitch competition and its $1 million top prize, according to a news release. The victory marks the HBCU’s third win in four years. “Emerging victorious in the Goldman Sachs Market Madness competition is a genuine reflection of our unwavering perseverance, meticulousness and the goodness of God,” said Frempong, who is an economics major, according to the news release. “This exceptional contest provided us with a platform to hone our abilities and visualize our forthcoming roles as analysts in the industry. It is a remarkable feat to be part of Spelman’s enduring heritage by virtue of our hard work. This journey has been truly extraordinary, demonstrating our growth as professionals in an astonishing manner.” The win came after Frempong, Cain,...

In recent years, musicians have been pushing for regulations around artificial intelligence (AI) in the music industry. As previously reported by AFROTECH™, in February 2024, artists such as Mary J. Blige, Cardi B, 21 Savage, and more signed an open letter in support of the bipartisan bill No Artificial Intelligence Fake Replicas and Unauthorized Duplications Act (or No AI Fraud Act), which aims to regulate AI deepfakes and AI cloning of both voice and likeness. While the movement against AI deepfakes continues, one artist is using the controversial technology to her advantage. BBC reports that FKA Twigs went before the U.S. Senate Judiciary subcommittee to say that artists should have ownership over how AI uses their voice and overall likeness in addition to how there is music online that she didn’t create yet it emulates her voice. The British singer revealed that she had created her own deepfake, AI twigs, with the purpose of allowing her to focus on her artistry. “These and...

Reading is one of the fundamental skills required for youth to excel academically. However, there has been a rising number of children who struggle with literacy skills. According to The Nation’s Report Card, only 33% of fourth-grade students could read at or above the basic reading level as of 2022. To be a part of keeping students motivated to read, Beanstack, formerly known as Zoobean, stepped in. Founded by husband-and-wife team Felix Brandon Lloyd and Jordan Lloyd Bookey, the edtech startup was created to not only support children’s reading growth but also grow their overall love for reading. The drive to launch the company stems from the founders’ background in education. In addition to Bookey serving as Google’s head of K-12 education outreach, Lloyd had worked in the public school system. He started out as dean of students at the SEED Public Charter School, where he was named Washington, D.C.’s “Teacher of the Year.” Then, in 2007, Lloyd was selected for Echoing Green’s...

Airbnb is already known for helping millions of people across the world travel in style. However, now, it’s taking its rentals to even more of an iconic level. On May 1, 2024, for its 2024 Summer Release , Airbnb unveiled “Icons,” a new category that transports travelers to exclusive experiences across the world that they haven’t had access to before, according to a press release shared with AFROTECH™. During the Summer Release presentation in Los Angeles, CA, Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO Brian Chesky shared that the offering has been about a decade in the making from the inception of the innovative idea to its release. Previously, Airbnb has been behind experiences such as allowing guests to lodge in the last Blockbuster store, located in Bend, OR — the only Blockbuster still open in the world — in 2020. Chesky and his team have expanded on such an inventive idea to create even more adventures and inspire people to dream. Composed of first-of-its-kind experiences that feature some of...

Beyoncé’s Cécred is looking to make an impact outside of just the haircare industry. As previously shared by AFROTECH™, the technology-backed company launched in February 2024. Testing was a big proponent in bringing the haircare line that’s “validated by science” to life. “Every hair texture deserves testing, research and development,” Beyoncé told Essence for its March/April 2024 cover story. “Black women in general are the last to be included in testing. We are often prescribed things based on studies we were not included in. It’s bigger than me, or hair. Now we have created something that celebrates healthy hair for all women, including us. I’m always honored to invest in us.” Within the same month of Cécred’s launch, BeyGood, Beyoncé’s public charity foundation, announced its Cécred x BeyGood Fund. According to its website, the annual $500,000 fund was created to give back to professional hairstylists for the impactful work they bring to their respective communities. “Fostering...

Propel and Southern Company have teamed up once again for a new initiative. The two have joined forces to launch the Propel HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium (HCC), according to a news release. The inaugural consortium was created to further support HBCUs’ cybersecurity curriculums. What’s more, it aims to connect academia, industry, and government. “The dynamic and ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape has generated a myriad of leading career opportunities that have become critical across virtually every business sector – with a mere nine percent of those individuals being Black professionals,” Propel President Dr. Lisa Herring shared in a statement. “In partnership and collaboration with our co-founder, Southern Company, we’re cracking the code in a sector that is grossly underrepresented by diverse talent and an industry in need of a greatly expanded workforce.” The news release notes that the HCC is made up of a resource hub, professional development, accelerated learning, and...

Jalen Hurts is helping to tackle an issue that greatly affects the majority of schools in Philadelphia, PA. According to ABC News, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback donated $200,000 to provide air conditioner units to Philadelphia schools. The donation is set to cover rewiring and changing the infrastructure of the buildings — alleviating overheated classrooms during warm seasons. “I think back to my time as a student not being able to imagine some of the things that you guys have to go through,” Hurts expressed at a school in Philadelphia, per ABC News. “I just want to serve you guys and help in any way I can.” According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 41% of schools in the U.S. schools need HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) upgrades, which equates to 36,000 public schools. Combatting the alarming statistics specifically in Philadelphia, Hurts’ $200,000 donation will bring 300 AC units to 10 schools, which will support over 5,000 students along with...

Tiger Woods’ reported payout from the PGA Tour has been revealed. As previously shared by AFROTECH™, the PGA Tour announced its $1.5 billion investment from Strategic Sports Group (SSG), which was launched to allow almost 200 PGA Tour members to become “equity holders” in PGA Tour Enterprises. The grants from the new enterprise hinge on career accomplishments, future participation and services, and PGA Tour membership status. “It was incredibly important for us to create opportunities for the players of today and in the future to be more invested in their organization, both financially and strategically,” Woods and fellow board members Patrick Cantlay, Peter Malnati, Adam Scott, Webb Simpson, and Jordan Spieth shared in a joint statement. “ This not only further strengthens the Tour from a business perspective, but it also encourages the players to be fully invested in continuing to deliver–and further enhance–the best in golf to our fans.” Moreover, d uring a conference call with...

AFROTECH™ Conference is coming back bigger and better! From Nov. 13-16, thousands of Black techies will be coming together once again for the largest annual Black tech conference. This time around, the networking and knowledge sharing is set to take place in Houston, TX. AFROTECH™ Conference 2023 was held in Austin, TX. The experience included a stellar lineup of speakers such as Issa Rae, Timbaland, Marsai Martin, and more discussing topics ranging from fintech disruption to generative artificial intelligence. “I think just coming here [AFROTECH™] to fellowship could be the timing for your next step,” Timbaland told AFROTECH™ following his panel on the Innovation Stage in 2023. “I’m just meeting these great-minded people and gathering all the information. You can never stop getting information. And that’s why I think just being in a room is not about your business flourishing. It is about connecting with like-minded people to get your business to flourish. And I think this is a...

Amazon has introduced a new delivery service that caters to low-income families to help cut costs and time for grocery shopping. According to a press release, the retail giant unveiled its grocery delivery subscription, which is provided at a lower cost to individuals receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Available in over 3,500 U.S. cities, the subscription provides unlimited grocery delivery on orders more than $35 from Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and other local grocery retail stores on Amazon.com. Customers who use a registered EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card to purchase groceries aren’t required to have a Prime membership to access the subscription’s benefits, the press release details. The cost for this group of customers is $4.99 per month, and Prime members pay $9.99 per month. Under the new Amazon subscription, both SNAP recipients and Prime members are offered convenience through one-hour delivery windows and 30-minute pickup...

Angela Bassett is set to be honored in Atlanta, GA. In May 2024, the legendary actress will receive an honorary degree from Spelman College, according to WSB-TV 2 in Atlanta. What’s more, it was announced that Bassett is set to give the commencement speech to the HBCU’s class of 2024. “Spelman College is honored to have acclaimed actress and director Angela Bassett to bring words of inspiration to our graduating Class of 2024,” Spelman College President Dr. Helene D. Gayle said, according to the outlet. She continued, “Her work has had a tremendous impact both on and off the screen and serves as an example for our students to lead in their own spaces.” In addition to Bassett, Spelman College will honor Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, award-winning journalist Rose Scott, and Reverend Dr. Yvette Flunder. Gayle says she looks forward to the honorees being a source of inspiration for not only the class of 2024 but also their families and the overall Spelman College...

A long-time factor for a medical test for kidney transplant evaluations has been rectified, which has lessened a massive barrier for Black patients in need of a new kidney. Previously, the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) test that is used for kidney transplant waitlist evaluations included race and outdated studies that inaccurately showed that Black patients’ kidney function was different than other racial groups and underestimated the extent of their illness, according to ABC News. Today, race is no longer taken into consideration. This came after reassessment from the National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology in 2020, which determined race had no connection to kidney function. As a resulted, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network enacted the update in 2023. “That really was problematic, but it was very widely accepted,” said Martha Pavlakis, former chair of the kidney committee with the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network,...

You can’t place Anifa Mvuemba’s creativity in a box. Back in 2020, the Hanifa founder and fashion designer shook up the fashion world with a virtual 3D show on Instagram for her collection, Pink Label Congo, inspired by her home country of the Congo. From then on, Mvuemba continued to implement her self-taught tech skills into her work, as previously reported by AFROTECH™. Now, Mvuemba has taken her fashion expertise into new territory — the spirits industry. In February 2024, it was announced that she and Sergio Hudson are partnering with premium bourbon brand Woodford Reserve. During a New York Fashion Week (NYFW) dinner, Mvuemba spoke about previously feeling like she was approached by brands for their own gain and image, per WWD. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anifa M (@anifam) In an email interview with AFROTECH™, Mvuemba shared , “As a Black designer, navigating the barriers that come with being shortlisted for collaborations merely to fulfill a diversity...