May 2024

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-Keri

I am the architect of my destiny, aligned with divine guidance at every step. No external force can deter me from the path that is divinely ordained for me. I hold the power over my journey, guided by faith and unswayed by doubt.

​Dr. Cheryl P. Williamson​

Sitting outside is non-negotiable when the temperature rises. Enjoy the view from a rooftop or patio, sipping a rosé infused drink like the Colletti Royale.

Colletti Royale

1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce St-Germain
1/2 ounce blood orange juice
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
2 dashes orange bitters
Rosé Champagne, chilled, to top (approximately 3 ounces)
Garnish: blood orange wheel

Add the tequila, Cointreau, St-Germain, blood orange juice, lime juice, and bitters into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a wine glass filled with fresh ice. Top with the rosé Champagne. Garnish with a blood orange wheel.

Tell Us How You Really Feel: Kendrick Lamar had time on a Tuesday! In response to Drake's most recent diss track, Kendrick Lamar released "Euphoria," a six-minute response that clearly states how he feels about the Canadian rapper. Take a listen. Donnell McLachlan, known as Donnell Writes on Tiktok masterfully breaks down the diss track here.

The Caribbean Green Book: Did you know 80% of the money spent at all-inclusive hotels does not enter the Caribbean economy? Guests are given amenities to discourage them from leaving the property. One of the best ways we can pour into Caribbean economies is by supporting local businesses. The Caribbean Green Book was created to help you do that.

The Children Are Our Future: While many of us were watching the total eclipse on April 8th, an all-girls research team was capturing images in real-time for NASA. The team includes middle and high school girls of the Girls STEM Institute (GSI). GSI was selected to capture the images by Einstein’s Incredible Universe, a media project whose goal is to catalyze interest in space science and spark scientific curiosity in lifelong learners, especially young women. Learn more about their experience here.

One Of The Best To Ever Do It: NCAA champion, four-time WNBA champion, and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Maya Moore was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Check out her impressive resume and those she thanked during her speech here.

Back Like She Never Left: The first Black woman to win the Olympic all-around title in 2012, Gabby Douglas, competed at the American Classic last month. It was the first time Douglas competed since the 2016 Rio Olympics. She will compete on May 18th at the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut, and will most likely compete in the Olympic trials in June.

Changing the Face of Aviation: Lookup Flight Academy, a new Black-owned flight school in Gwinnett County, Georgia, aims to create opportunities for aspiring minority pilots. Based on the 2023 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, out of 211,000 commercial pilots working in the United States, only 3.9% are Black. Find out how the academy aims to shift that statistic.

Let's Get Away: It's no secret, America is ghetto. If you've ever thought about moving overseas, check out this list of the top destinations where Black families thrive and prosper by Travel Noire. The list may surprise you.

BROWN GIRL Jane is a fragrance brand featuring science-backed, vegan, and cruelty-free scent collections designed for mood and beauty.

Every fragrance in the collection has a specific purpose - to provide a sensory journey that elicits joy and confidence, sparks imagination and motivation, or induces deep serenity. The signature scents were designed to help you feel energized, focused, uplifted, or tranquil.

On The Run: Olympic champion Michael Johnson has secured over $30M from investors and strategic partners for a track league he plans to launch next year. The league will launch with its name and details in June, with competition to begin next year.

The Block Is Hot: A recent study by the University of Michigan Poverty Solutions showed that Black homeowners in Detroit have gained $2.8 billion in home value. The lowest home values in 2014 made the highest jump with a 300% spike in 2022 and home sales saw an increase of 853%.

Taking Notes From Tyler Perry: 50 Cent expanded his television empire with the launch of G-Unit Studios in Shreveport, Louisiana. Since its inception in 2005, G-Unit Film & Television Inc. has produced various shows, notably for the STARZ network. 50 Cent is also engaging in local real estate to support the community; looking to replicate Tyler Pery's success in Atlanta.

And Another One: Mented Cosmetics is the most recent Black-women-owned beauty brand to be acquired. Known for their nude lipsticks and products that cater to all complexions, recently Mented Cosmetics has struggled with inventory issues and navigating the retail space (Ulta, Target, CVS, and Walgreens). The acquisition by West Lane Capital Partners will help the brand resolve inventory issues and refocus on direct-to-consumer sales.

One Step Closer To Reparations: Evanston, IL Reparations Committee Chair Robin Rue Simmons announced a minimum of $17 million will be transferred to Liberty Bank, one of the largest Black-owned banks in the US, for residents of the Illinois city. The fund was created to support businesses and homeowners. Find out how the city was able to fund this initiative here.

A Change Is Gonna Come: As we know, racial bias in healthcare can be the difference between life and death. Most recently this has played out when it comes to Black kidney transplant candidates. Between January 2023 and mid-March, more than 14,300 Black kidney transplant candidates have had their wait times modified by an average of two years. Jazmin Evans was one of those candidates. Check out her story here.

A Second Chance: The NBA recently joined The Second Chance Business Coalition (SCBC) as a new company member. SCBC, which now consists of 50 large, private-sector employers, is committed to second-chance hiring and career advancement practices. The NBA’s involvement likely means more job opportunities for Americans with a criminal record within a league that wants to bring in folks who may not have been previously considered. Learn more here.

Not So Fast: Less than 24 hours after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule banning employers from using noncompete agreements in the United States, several lawsuits have been filed against the agency in federal court in Texas. Here's how those lawsuits could impact the ban.

It's Time To Pay Up: How many times has your flight been delayed or canceled and you weren't compensated for the inconvenience? Thanks to the Department of Transportation, airlines will now be required to automatically give cash refunds to passengers for canceled and significantly delayed flights. Check out what the new rules define as “significant” delays and how you can receive cash refunds for lost luggage.

READ: Love & Whiskey by Fawn Weaver​
​New York Times bestselling author and owner of Uncle Nearest Distillery, Fawn Weaver unveils the hidden narrative behind one of America’s most iconic whiskey brands. This book is a vibrant exploration set in the present day, delving into the life and legacy of Nearest Green, the African American distilling genius who played a pivotal role in the creation of the whiskey that bears Jack Daniel's name.

WATCH: Unlocked: A Jail Experiment​
​What happens in a detention facility with cells left open and little supervision? This documentary follows an Arkansas detention facility sheriff, and 46 incarcerated men, as he implements a radical social experiment to grant men who are incarcerated more agency.

LISTEN: Ne-Yo Tiny Desk Concert​
​Ne-Yo stopped by NPR last week to perform his Tiny Desk concert. We know he has hits; like any Tiny Desk concert, he couldn't cover them all. After watching, turn on a Ne-Yo playlist while out running errands or at home this weekend.

If you need a reminder of why being part of a community is so important, this clip by Pastor YPJ is it!

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​​BOTANICAL SERENITY JIGSAW PUZZLE​ Spend an afternoon relaxing with a puzzle that reflects your transformation.

Lunchbag Linkup Returns In September!

Our next Lunchbag Linkup event is on Saturday, September 7th. Reserve your spot or consider donating below if you're unable to attend. All participants must register.