https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/blogs/newsletter BOTWC Weekly Roundup Mon, 21 Jan 2019 13:03:27 GMT https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/botwc-firsts/gen-charles-cq-brown-set-to-be-first-black-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff-since-colin-powell https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/botwc-firsts/gen-charles-cq-brown-set-to-be-first-black-chairman-of-the-joint-chiefs-of-staff-since-colin-powell Fri, 26 May 2023 15:29:03 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com If confirmed, he’ll be the highest-ranking military officer in the nation! President Joe Biden has nominated Air Force General Charles “CQ” Brown to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, USA Today reports. No stranger to high profile appointments, Brown made history in 2020 as the first Black Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.  A decorated fighter pilot with nearly four decades of service... If confirmed, he’ll be the highest-ranking military officer in the nation! President Joe Biden has nominated Air Force General Charles “CQ” Brown to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, USA Today reports. No stranger to high profile appointments, Brown made history in 2020 as the first Black Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force.  A decorated fighter pilot with nearly four decades of service under his belt, Brown has more than 3,000 hours of fighter flight experience and 130 hours in combat. He is the first African American to lead any of the military branches and has served at every level of the Air Force and in joint commands across the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Gen. Brown has also played a critical role in shaping U.S. defenses in the wake of China’s rise while helping the Pentagon provide military aid to Ukraine during Russia’s recent invasion. If confirmed by the Senate, it will be the first time in U.S. history that a Black Joint Chiefs of Staff and a Black Defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, have served at the same time.  Biden announced the nomination during a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden this week. He paid homage to Brown’s long line of family service, noting his father’s time in the Vietnam War and his grandfather’s command of a segregated military unit during World War II.  “General Brown’s a warrior, descended from a long line of warriors. He knows what it means to be in the thick of battle and how to keep your cool when things get hard,” said President Biden.  He continued by praising Brown for being a “proud, butt-kicking American airman,” and his “reputation around the force as an unflappable and highly effective leader.” Biden also joked about the Texas native’s cooking skills, saying Brown “smokes a mean brisket.”  If confirmed, Brown will replace former Army Gen. Mark Milley, who will remain in office until his term’s end in October. He would be the second Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since Army Gen. Colin Powell. Biden called Brown a “deliberative, thoughtful leader,” recalling his video testimony following the tragic murder of George Floyd where he shared his own experience with racism and called on the country to unite. Brown lives by the motto of “accelerate, change or lose,” something Biden says affirms his confidence in the General to perform his duties with the highest standard of excellence.  “With General Brown as chairman, I know I’ll be able to rely on his advice as a military strategist and as a leader of military innovation, dedicated to keeping our military forces the best in the world.” Congratulations General CQ Brown! Cover photo: Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown set to be first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff since Colin Powell/Photo Courtesy of Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/botwc-firsts/lorraine-hansberry-a-writer-activist-who-made-history-as-the-first-black-author-to-have-a-play-on-broadway https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/botwc-firsts/lorraine-hansberry-a-writer-activist-who-made-history-as-the-first-black-author-to-have-a-play-on-broadway Sun, 21 May 2023 23:01:04 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com She opened the door for Black women in theater! Lorraine Hansberry was an extraordinary playwright who pushed boundaries, challenged norms and brought untold stories to the forefront. As the first Black woman author to have a play on Broadway, her groundbreaking achievements have reshaped the landscape of American theater. Today, we celebrate her legacy and honor the impact she has made on stage and in the fight for racial equality.... She opened the door for Black women in theater! Lorraine Hansberry was an extraordinary playwright who pushed boundaries, challenged norms and brought untold stories to the forefront. As the first Black woman author to have a play on Broadway, her groundbreaking achievements have reshaped the landscape of American theater. Today, we celebrate her legacy and honor the impact she has made on stage and in the fight for racial equality. Born on May 19, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, Lorraine Hansberry possessed a remarkable talent for storytelling from a young age, Biography.com reports. Her most notable work, "A Raisin in the Sun," debuted on Broadway in 1959, becoming an instant sensation. The play, which explored the dreams and struggles of a Black family in Chicago's South Side, made history as the first Broadway production written by a Black woman. "A Raisin in the Sun" received critical acclaim and resonated deeply with audiences of all backgrounds. Hansberry's powerful portrayal of the Younger family's hopes, challenges, and triumphs confronted racial prejudice and societal injustices head-on. The play's success not only shattered racial barriers in the theater industry but also ignited conversations about race, identity, and the African American experience. Hansberry's trailblazing achievements extended beyond the Broadway stage. She became an influential voice in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality and social justice. Her work as a writer and activist merged seamlessly, as she used her platform to shed light on the struggles and aspirations of Black Americans. Hansberry's dedication to social change was evident in her writings and her involvement in organizations like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Although her life was tragically cut short at the age of 34 due to pancreatic cancer, Lorraine Hansberry left an undeniable impact on the world of theater and beyond. After her passing, ex husband Robert Nemiroff kept her legacy alive, acting as literary executor and publishing three of her unfinished plays: Les Blancs, The Drinking Gourd and What Use Are Flowers?, the Chicago Public Library reports.  Nemiroff also collected several of Hansberry’s writings and published them in a montage entitled To Be Young, Gifted and Black, the title a nod to Hansberry’s 1964 United Negro Fund writing competition speech where she addressed the winners saying, “…though it be thrilling and marvelous thing to be merely young and gifted in such times, it is doubly so, doubly dynamic, to be young, gifted and Black!” Hansberry’s works continue to be performed and studied, inspiring future generations of playwrights and actors to tell authentic stories that push us forward. Today, we honor Lorraine Hansberry for her artistic brilliance, her courage to confront societal injustices, and her unwavering commitment to racial equality. Her groundbreaking achievements as the first Black woman author to have a play on Broadway serve as a powerful reminder that Black women's voices and stories matter and deserve to be heard on the grandest stages. As we celebrate the legacy of Lorraine Hansberry, let us continue to uplift and amplify the voices of Black women in the arts. May her pioneering spirit inspire us to challenge barriers, tell our stories authentically, and strive for a more inclusive and equitable world. Cover photo: Lorraine Hansberry: A writer & activist who made history as the first Black author to have a play on broadway/Photo Courtesy of David Attie/Getty Images https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/news/detroit-teen-earns-more-than-1-7-million-in-scholarship-offers Thu, 25 May 2023 22:05:12 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com She was also voted “Most Positive” by her classmates! Tatyana Alves took a risk in 2019, deciding then to sign up for a new Detroit school that required an entrance examination, USA Today reports. Its mission was apparently focused on nurturing “critical thinkers and community-minded citizens who have the skills and knowledge to be makers and leaders in the 21st century.”  “Our school isn’t as well known, given that it... She was also voted “Most Positive” by her classmates! Tatyana Alves took a risk in 2019, deciding then to sign up for a new Detroit school that required an entrance examination, USA Today reports. Its mission was apparently focused on nurturing “critical thinkers and community-minded citizens who have the skills and knowledge to be makers and leaders in the 21st century.”  “Our school isn’t as well known, given that it is new. I wanted to be challenged and I feel that an application school does that. I feel that application high schools are filled with a lot of opportunities,” Tatyana explained.  With that Tatyana and her family took a chance, enrolling with a social justice and engineering track alongside 119 other hopeful students at The School at Marygrove in Detroit. Still she couldn’t have prepared for what was coming, navigating the stress of a global pandemic and the pivot to virtual learning during her sophomore year. The 17-year-old admits, it was extremely difficult.  “It was one of the roughest transitions that I’ve ever been through. I was in a dark space, but I got out of it,” she said.  After returning to campus, she became known for her positivity. Offering “great morning” greetings and making sure to tell everyone to have a “beautiful day.” When asked how she’s doing, her answer is always “amazing.” She used that same positivity to bring up her grades too, her mother Acquanetta Windham promising Tatyana she could get a job if she was able to secure a 4.0 GPA.  So, that’s what she did, pulling her GPA up first from a 2.7 to a 3.3, and turning around again and bringing it all the way to a perfect 4.0. Soon after, she started her job as a sales associate at a local CVS. Proving to herself that she could do it was just the first step, and Tatyana began looking for other goals to accomplish.  “If I was going to be independent, I had to be fully independent. So, I couldn’t get a job and then ask my mom to drive me to work,” she explained.  So after Tatyana got her driver’s license, her mom gave her a car to get back and forth from school and work. It was the first time Tatyana said she started to feel more independent. Now the teen is preparing to graduate, earning more than $1.7 million in scholarship offers. As one of 95 in the first graduating class at Marygrove, it’s a pretty impressive feat and one Tatyana says she’s grateful for.  She credits her friends, peers and teachers for helping her get here, Tatyana listing everyone who supported her on a certificate she keeps in a folder next to all of her scholarship awards. Her class voted her “Most Positive,” a title she wears with pride.  “I just want other people to thrive. Being positive helped me to find my purpose, and I think I’ve made an influence on a lot of people,” said Tatyana.  She is the first of Windham’s children to attend college and her mom said she’s very impressed with Tatyana and all she was able to accomplish.  “I’m so proud of her. When she first went to high school, it was kind of rough. But she exceeded all expectations. Even during the loss of my dad and different challenges, she just continued to prosper. I tell her ‘Don’t let yesterday be your today.’ And I also tell her ‘Don’t let the unnecessary stress overwhelm you.’ Keep your vibe and stay exactly as you are,” said Windham. It seems as though Tatyana took her advice. After graduation, she’s headed to Eastern Michigan University to pursue a degree in business administration. She wants to encourage other students looking to secure scholarships to do four things; stay connected to teachers and adults who care about your future, let everyone know you’re applying for scholarships including the people at your extracurricular activities, use your time scrolling on your phone to look for scholarships and start as early as you can, and make sure you always stay present and positive.  Congratulations Tatyana! Cover photo: Detroit teen earns more than $1.7 million in scholarship offers/Photo Courtesy of Tatyana Alves/USA Today https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/news/texas-teen-earns-full-ride-to-stanford-is-graduating-with-high-school-college-degree Tue, 23 May 2023 17:57:35 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com She’s ready to take on the world! Sarah Olufemi-Dada is a senior from Cypress, Texas whose future is already shaping up to be extremely bright, KHOU 11 news reports. Excelling academically in high school, Olufemi-Dada took on the additional responsibility of dual-enrollment at LoneStar College CyFair through a program called College Academy.  “Students really gain benefit from being able to have this nurturing support of college while still in this... She’s ready to take on the world! Sarah Olufemi-Dada is a senior from Cypress, Texas whose future is already shaping up to be extremely bright, KHOU 11 news reports. Excelling academically in high school, Olufemi-Dada took on the additional responsibility of dual-enrollment at LoneStar College CyFair through a program called College Academy.  “Students really gain benefit from being able to have this nurturing support of college while still in this high school environment before they go off truly on their own,” explained LSC-CyFair president Dr. Valerie Jones.  Seeing a boost in dual-enrollment in recent years, Olufemi-Dada became one of hundreds of high school students who did well in the program, graduating just last week with an associate’s degree in science. Timing couldn’t have been more perfect either as the senior also prepares for her high school graduation this coming week. And as if her two degree flex wasn’t enough, Olufemi-Dada also just learned that she received a full ride scholarship to Stanford University.  “I was screaming and I read Stanford. I was like, no way, this is my first choice,” the teen recalled.  Olufemi-Dada said it’s been a dream to see all of her hard work pay off. During her time in school, she really worked hard to balance everything. While she had to cut back on some of her extracurricular activities to make room for dual enrollment and the multiple jobs she works to support her family, the senior says she feels really good to have made it through.  “I wanted to be great and though I couldn’t be great in my instrument or my sport, I knew at least with academics, I could do something,” she said.  Olufemi-Dada graduated from LSC-CyFair alongside 3,000 other students, 500 of them fellow high school scholars who are members of the College Academy. Dr. Jones said the program is not only bolstering their college resumes, it’s saving them money in the long run by eliminating some of that financial burden of extra college classes.  The teen said she hopes others like her look at her story and are inspired, knowing that if they work hard, they can achieve whatever they desire. She credits her family, specifically her siblings, as her motivation and plans to attend Stanford as a computer science and biocomputational engineering major. It is Olufemi-Dada’s goal to work in medicine.  “There are spots where, you know, people like me who put in the effort or wanted to aim towards these schools but never thought they could pay for them…I kind of just stop and think sometimes like I really did it. Oh my goodness.” she said.  Congratulations Sarah! Cover photo: Texas teen earns full ride to Stanford and is graduating with high school and college degree/Photo Courtesy of KHOU 11 news https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/the-feels/high-point-university-security-guard-shares-loving-moment-with-graduating-students Fri, 26 May 2023 07:28:26 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com 63-year-old Valerie Baxter, better known on campus as Ms. Val, is a college security guard at High Point University who shared emotional goodbyes with the Class of 2023 graduates.  Ms. Val, who has been working at the school for twelve years, refers to these students as her “babies.” and was there to witness their collegiate accomplishment and extend them warm hugs and salutations as they headed to their seats on... 63-year-old Valerie Baxter, better known on campus as Ms. Val, is a college security guard at High Point University who shared emotional goodbyes with the Class of 2023 graduates.  Ms. Val, who has been working at the school for twelve years, refers to these students as her “babies.” and was there to witness their collegiate accomplishment and extend them warm hugs and salutations as they headed to their seats on graduation day. College graduates share emotional goodbyes with their beloved university security officer. ❤️ https://bit.ly/3MO8Y1Q Posted by Good Morning America on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 She said the ceremony was amazing and the student who captured the moment, Lucas Verdeur, stated "I edited the video down to a minute-and-a-half, but I had over five minutes of footage of students just hugging her and telling her they loved her.” Verdeur added, “It was ‘Ms. Val’ in her truest form. That's not her on graduation day, that's her every day.” This story has certainly warmed our hearts. Thank you, Ms. Val!  Photo: High Point University https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/the-feels/group-of-teen-moms-beat-the-odds-to-graduate-from-high-school Fri, 26 May 2023 17:10:05 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com And we are so proud of them! The Georgia Chaffee TAPP School in Louisville, Kentucky runs a teenage parent program specifically designed to reduce school dropouts as a result of teen pregnancy and parenting, WLKY news reports. The school caters to young parents, offering them an educational opportunity to excel while offering wrap-around services like childcare, medical support and family resources. The goal is to address all of the external... And we are so proud of them! The Georgia Chaffee TAPP School in Louisville, Kentucky runs a teenage parent program specifically designed to reduce school dropouts as a result of teen pregnancy and parenting, WLKY news reports. The school caters to young parents, offering them an educational opportunity to excel while offering wrap-around services like childcare, medical support and family resources. The goal is to address all of the external obstacles that may prevent the young moms from continuing their education.  Last week, 17 of the mothers gathered together, majority of them African American, for a special graduation ceremony to receive their high school diplomas, Blacknews.com reports. Surrounded by family and friends, they took the stage in their pink cap and gowns to celebrate their achievements at Northeast Christian Church.  Many of the moms said they were grateful to have earned their diploma in spite of the odds, noting that while the program was challenging, the reward was worth it.  “It’s been very challenging. Especially waking up at 5 o'clock in the morning every morning. I have to get myself ready and then my baby and get on the bus by a certain time but I made it work…I feel nervous but I’m also ready to get started with my life, with my adult life,” said 18-year-old Ronyale Wilson.  At the ceremony, TAPP school principal, Dr. Delena Alexander had all of the moms repeat an affirmation, reminding them of what’s possible when they put the work in and stick to their goals.  “I am beautiful, I am seen, I am a mommy striving for my dream,” repeated the graduates.  The moms credited the school and its abundance of resources with helping them make it to the finish line. Now that they’ve graduated, some are headed to college, with others looking to pursue careers in nursing. Wilson called the moment “emotional,” as she reflected on how far she’s come.  “It’s just emotional because we’re done, we did it. We got through it with babies. People doubted us, but we did it and got through all the stuff,” she explained. Congratulations to all of the graduates! Cover photo: Group of teen moms beat the odds to graduate from high school/Photo Courtesy of WAVE/Blacknews.com https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/culture/hbcu-athleisure-brand-lands-300k-investment-deal-on-shark-tank Wed, 24 May 2023 15:41:31 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com She’s putting on for HBCUs! Ashley Jones is the founder of Tones of Melanin, an athleisure brand aimed at shining a light on historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black Enterprise reports. They offer apparel, accessories, Divine 9 paraphernalia and an empowerment line, Jones holding more than 40 HBCU licenses and getting her apparel in major retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Belk Stores. Recently, Jones appeared on an episode... She’s putting on for HBCUs! Ashley Jones is the founder of Tones of Melanin, an athleisure brand aimed at shining a light on historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Black Enterprise reports. They offer apparel, accessories, Divine 9 paraphernalia and an empowerment line, Jones holding more than 40 HBCU licenses and getting her apparel in major retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods and Belk Stores. Recently, Jones appeared on an episode of “Shark Tank,” landing an impressive investment deal from billionaire Mark Cuban.  The Norfolk State University alum pitched her company to the sharks, explaining the business breakdown, the aim of diverse representation in the collegiate fashion market, and her pay structure, most of the money made from sales going back into business costs like production and marketing. Cuban was sold, negotiating a deal that granted him 5% equity in Tones of Melanin in exchange for $300,000 in funding.  Since the company’s launch in 2017, Jones has already made $3.3 million in revenue. With the new investment, she’s hoping to expand the brand’s imprint, focusing more on their philanthropy arm and finally being able to bring in an income from her company.  “I want to expand my company without using a third party by working more directly with HBCUs. In addition, I want to expand our empowerment line so that we can engage with more members of our community. As we start to learn more toward philanthropic efforts, we are working on partnerships and collaborating with companies and individuals who are interested in supporting HBCU students,” explained Jones.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashley Jones (@brandedbycash) She’s also hoping that her appearance on the hit show amplifies the work of HBCUs and inspires other students or graduates of HBCUs to do their part to promote the institutions and the amazing work they do in education for Black students.  The founder took to social media to promote the Shark Tank episode, writing, “My biggest flex is that I get to put on for all 100+ HBCUs on national television for over 3,000,000 viewers!! I pray that this brings the next wave of Black boys and girls to attend an HBCU and to follow their dreams. If this little Black girl from the 757 can do it, you can too!” To grab your Tones of Melanin gear, click here. Congratulations Ashley! Cover photo: HBCU athleisure brand lands $300k investment deal on “Shark Tank”/Photo Courtesy of @TonesOfMelanin/Instagram  https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com//blogs/culture/musical-icon-tina-tuner-has-joined-the-ancestors-at-83 Wed, 24 May 2023 15:30:36 GMT newsletter@becauseofthemwecan.com She changed music forever! Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939 near Nutbush Tennessee, CNN reports. Growing up in humble beginnings, she eventually found her passion in music. By the age of 17, she was living in St. Louis when musician Ike Turner asked her to join his band.  “Ike had to come to the house and ask Ma if it was OK for me to... She changed music forever! Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939 near Nutbush Tennessee, CNN reports. Growing up in humble beginnings, she eventually found her passion in music. By the age of 17, she was living in St. Louis when musician Ike Turner asked her to join his band.  “Ike had to come to the house and ask Ma if it was OK for me to sing with him. He knew I had the potential to be a star. We were close, like brother and sister,” Turner previously recalled.  But what began as a budding friendship, eventually turned into something more. In 1960, they began performing as the Ike & Tina Turner Revue and their son Ronnie, who passed away in 2022, was born that same year. The two married in 1962, raising four children together including Ike’s two children and Tina’s son Craig, all from previous relationships. Unfortunately, the relationship soured, plagued by abuse and hardships.    View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina Turner (@tinaturner) But Turner continued to thrive, earning a string of hits in the ‘60s and ‘70s before fleeing her abusive marriage from Turner and branching out on her own. She struggled to get her footing as a solo artist before making a triumphant comeback in 1984, releasing “Private Dancer,” which went to be multi-platinum and her first solo No. 1 hit, “What’s Love Got to Do With It.”  The album skyrocketed Turner into fame and she earned her place among the greats as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Her electrifying performances and heartwarming story of triumph in the face of so many challenges resonated with women anywhere. Her 1986 autobiography was eventually turned into a blockbuster hit starring actress Angela Bassett. Named after her first number one single, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” has become a cult classic and one of the greatest biographical films ever made.     View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tina Turner (@tinaturner) Her musical career lasted more than five decades with Turner selling over 200 million records worldwide. Even after retiring from music in 2009, she has continued to be a beacon of light, sanctioning a hit Broadway show about her life and a documentary film released on HBO in 2021. Turner also released her second book, Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good, in 2018. The book serves as a guiding light for overcoming struggles, inspired by Turner’s own experiences as a Buddhist. In 2021, she was inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame, making history as only the second woman to have ever been inducted twice. While she didn’t attend in person, Bassett presented her with the award and Turner sent in a video speech from her home in Switzerland. "If they're still giving me awards at 81, I must have done something right," said Turner. Now the legend has joined the ancestors, representatives for the icon taking to her official Facebook page to announce her passing, ABC news reports.  "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner…With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly," the statement reads.  There is no word yet on her cause of death but she will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Ms. Tina Turner. Well done.  Cover photo: Musical icon Tina Turner has joined the ancestors at 83/Photo Courtesy of Dave Hogan/Getty Images/HBO