Publisher Seko Varner is making connecting with Black-owned businesses in the Hampton Roads area easier than ever. Varner, a multifaceted leader who serves as president and financial consultant for the entertainment and consulting company Positive Vibes Inc., has introduced The Hampton Roads Greenbook, a directory that spotlights and supports Black-owned businesses in the region. The Hampton Roads Greenbook was inspired by Victor Hugo Green’s Negro Travelers’ Green Book. Green, a postal carrier in Harlem, originally created the guide to help Black travelers navigate safely during segregation. Green’s original guide served as a crucial resource for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era, listing businesses, restaurants , gas stations, and lodging where individuals could safely stop without facing discrimination, the National Park Service reports. It remained widely used until the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed “discrimination on the basis of race, color,...

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been the bedrock of Black communities since the founding of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, which is credited as the nation’s first HBCU. Since then, hundreds more HBCUs have been founded with the intent of serving Black students during times of deep segregation and racism. Although the world has become more progressive since then, the need for these institutions has proven to be vital community pillars — not just for Black students but for the world. With notable alums like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Kamala Harris, Toni Morrison, Stacey Abrams, and Thurgood Marshall from various HBCUs, these institutions produce noteworthy people who impact the world across different industries. Every year, the U.S. News & World Report releases a list of the nation’s top colleges and universities. The publication also ranks HBCUs according to a specific methodology that uses “quantitative and qualitative measures that education experts...

Nike continues to bridge the gap between sports and technology and this time they’re providing a unique way to get involved ahead of Sunday’s big game! Ahead of the Super Bowl, the leading sports apparel brand is teaming up with EA Sports Madden NFL 22 to offer consumers exclusive challenges with rewards for physical movement along with a few fun, in-game performance benefits. The latest initiative allows users to run five miles through the Nike Run Club application for the opportunity to unlock an exclusive Aaron Donald Madden Ultimate Team Player Item within the game of Madden. Users will also get a chance to receive an achievement badge upon completion of the NRC Super Bowl Challenge and they’ll receive a +7 speed enhanced Aaron Donald player item, which just so happens to be the most valuable defensive player within the Madden NFL 22 game. “I enjoy seeing kids get out and live active and healthy lifestyles. As a professional athlete, I think it’s important to reinforce healthy...

Details about the Derrick Rose deal with adidas have been released, and needless to say, he’s making sure that everybody eats. Fadeaway World is reporting that the NBA superstar first signed his deal with the shoe giant back in 2012, and he made sure that there were provisions for both his brother and his best friend — his two closest confidantes — to get paid. “Along with his own deal that brought him $12 million per season between 2012 and 2017, Derrick Rose ensured that his brother would make $250-300,000 for his role as a consultant. And for his best friend, Rose ensured that he would make $50-75,000 a year for his role as a consultant as well,” reports the outlet. Even though Rose hasn’t had the easiest of times making his basketball career jump off, he knew that he had to keep his family and friends paid. That, according to him, was a way toward financial security. Fortunately, he figured out a way to do it with the adidas deal, even as his salary with basketball continued to...

Venus Williams has taken “better” steps to destigmatize mental health. And according to The New York Post, mental health seems to have always been a priority for the tennis great. “My parents were big proponents of mental health — not just self-care, but proactivity,” Venus Williams told the outlet. “It was about realizing that the world is a beautiful place, but it’s also a challenging place, and that you have to prepare mentally to be able to handle the pressures. I was able to succeed in places where others [didn’t] because I had that support from a young age.” Despite all of the advances made in the normalization of mental health, overall, there’s still a stigma attached to it. “While Black Americans experience a wide range of attitudes toward mental health treatment, there’s a stigma surrounding mental illness that prevents some people from getting help,” reports VeryWellMind. “It’s important to consider how the stigma—and the forces that create the stigma—may make it difficult...

Following a successful run as a presenting partner of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Google is making it official with the National Basketball Association (NBA). Through the partnership, Google presented search trends and analytics across digital and social platforms throughout the WNBA season, playoffs and finals. Now, the search engine giant will be expanding their partnership to officially work alongside the league, Boardroom reports. “Expanding our relationship with Google will enable fans to deepen their engagement with the game and their favorite teams during our landmark 75th Anniversary season and beyond,” says Kerry Tatlock, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships and Media of the NBA in a press statement. As a part of the multi-year partnership, Google Pixel will become the official fan phone and first presenting partner of the NBA Playoffs, opening doors for the incorporation into ESPN, TNT and YouTube TV. In addition, the partnership...

We’re going to have to get back to passing the Courvoisier Cognac after this one! According to PR Newswire, today (Sept. 15), Courvoisier® Cognac , the most awarded cognac house, announced the launch of its global philanthropic platform Foundation 1828™. Founded by Felix Courvoisier in 1828, Maison Courvoisier became a house that was not only close-knit but served as a community for artisans in the company’s hometown of Jarnac, France. Now, they’re continuing that mission through its platform, which aims to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive by supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs with the financial and educational resources needed to thrive. “Entrepreneurs come in many different forms, from all walks of life and varying income levels. Courvoisier recognizes the importance of nurturing that drive, passion, and creativity in these individuals around the globe – especially for those who may have the odds stacked against them,” said Jon Potter, Managing Director of...

According to ESPN, Dennis Schröder has agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Celtics after turning down a lucrative contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers. The point guard was the last of the top free agents on the market awaiting a new home after he refused a contract extension worth more than $80 million from Los Angeles. As of Aug. 10, Schröder is headed to Boston for a $5.9 million deal — a significant decrease from what he was hoping to lock in. ESPN reports that, “In Boston, Schroder joins a Celtics team with a hole at point guard in the wake of Kemba Walker being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing him a chance to boost his value when he will hit the market again as a free agent next summer.” And, the 27-year-old seems to be in good spirits about the new move. “I’m proud to announce that for the 2021-22 season I’ll be playing for the Boston Celtics!” said the NBA player via Instagram. “This is one of the best franchises in NBA history and it will be a...