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Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Significant layoffs have been a consistent theme throughout the world of work for over three years. Whether you work in tech, media, or finance you have seen the news or know of those who have been impacted. Gone is the employment heyday of the pandemic, when firms across the board ramped up their hiring efforts in 2020 and 2021. This led to people embracing new opportunities and getting bumps in compensation that were not previously available. Unfortunately, when the boosts to businesses and balance sheets went away, firms started laying off their workforces in droves. Initially, the reasons behind the cuts were due to overhiring, and companies were looking to streamline their workforces and management in order to move the organizations more nimbly. The media started to refer to it as a “White-Collar Recession” because while other sectors like hospitality and health services saw employment...
Issa Rae proudly represents her home state as a powerhouse actress, producer, and entrepreneur. The Los Angeles, CA, native, well known for her rise from “ Awkward Black Girl” to “Insecure” continues to stretch herself in new ways. “ One of Them Days,” featuring SZA and Keke Palme r, made its way to the big screen in 2025, marking Rae’s first feature film released under her production company, Hoorae. According to Variety and Collider, the film made $22.2 million after its first two weekends, including the extended Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Issa Rae (@issarae) Just a few months earlier, Rae made a new dent in the hospitality space, opening Somerville in South Los Angeles, a restaurant offering a “progressive American dining experience.” This marked her second food and drinks venture, as she had expanded Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen to the city in 2023, per Forbes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Issa Rae (@issarae) Rae has...
As the rollback and termination of diversity and inclusion initiatives continue, the fourth annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala successfully raised $3 million on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, to support black-owned businesses. According to Women’s Wear Daily, the event at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, CA, attracted many notable figures from culture and business, including Keke Palmer , Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Teyana Taylor, and Jesse Williams. Prominent artists such as Amy Sherald and Mickalene Thomas were also in attendance, along with CFDA Womenswear Designer of the Year Rachel Scott from Diotima; Tatcha founder Vicky Tsai; model Amber Valletta; and celebrity stylists Law Roach, Wayman Bannerman, and Micah McDonald. “This is exactly the time we need to show up and continue to speak out,” Fifteen Percent Pledge Founder Aurora James said at the gala, per WWD. “Each and every one of us, our stories, our pasts, our cultures and identities, are part of the fabric that makes America great....
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Over the past week, Los Angeles County has been battling wildfires that have devastated the city. Although some of the fires can be attributed to worsening climate conditions, some politicians blame artificial intelligence. While AI has proven to be a useful tool for wildfire prediction, the substantial amount of energy and water it amasses for its use raises concerns for a state already facing water scarcity. Wildfires aren’t a rare occurrence in California. The state has always experienced either naturally occurring wildfires or arson-related ignitions. But over the past few years, worsening climate conditions have led to more frequent and increasingly destructive fires. As of the most recent occurrence, neighborhoods in Altadena, Malibu, and the coastal Pacific Palisades have sustained the most significant damage. Reports confirm that over 20,000 acres have been burned, and more than 120,000...
For Los Angeles Lakers fans, one of this season’s highlights has been reveling in the groundbreaking father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James this past season, as the pair have made history playing beside one another. Now, LeBron’s youngest son Bryce may be on pace to join them, as he has officially announced his intention to play for the University of Arizona ‘s Wildcats this coming fall. Bryce James was voraciously pursued by several appealing Pac-12 schools over the last few weeks, with the Tucson-based school apparently offering the most compelling welcome package. The rising star’s choice was commended with comments from numerous NBA legends, including Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford, Rachel Nichols and of course, LeBron himself. Bryce’s older brother famously played just one season with his college of choice before declaring for the NBA draft , meaning we could potentially see a triumvirate of players from the prolific James family as early as 2027. So, let’s take a moment to...
Fani Willis is a prominent American attorney, best known for her role as the District Attorney of Fulton County, Georgia. She has gained national recognition for her involvement in high-profile cases, including the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s alleged interference in the 2020 election. With her legal career spanning decades, many wonder what Fani Willis’s net worth is and how she has accumulated that amount over the years. In this article, we will break down Fani Willis’s net worth, how she made her money, and the career path that led her to become one of the most influential prosecutors in the country. Fani Willis’s Career And Background Willis was born on October 27, 1971, in Los Angeles, California . She is the daughter of retired judge, Denise Lockwood Willis, and has had a strong connection to the legal field from a young age. She graduated from Howard University in Washington, D.C., with a degree in political science before going on to earn her law degree...
Kevin Hart’s vegan restaurant chain has quickly closed. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the comedian launched Hart House in 2022 — with the promise of opening more — alongside what he called a premiere lineup of associates and industry pioneers. Its first location opened in Westchester, CA, near the Los Angeles International Airport, Eater reports. “I am THRILLED to announce that I have collaborated with an All-Star team of partners and industry leaders to create an industry-changing restaurant called ‘Hart House,’” Hart wrote on Instagram at the time. “This thing is going to be HUGE! We’re going to serve delicious, sustainable food, that delivers ‘Can’t-Believe-It’ Flavor in every bite!!! We’ll be opening our first few locations in the LA area, but we will be expanding quickly.” Hart House did deliver on its word to grow the business. By 2024, Hart House had extended its portfolio with three additional California locations: Monrovia, University Park, and Hollywood. The draw has...
Emmitt Smith first-ever restaurant venture has received an award within its first six months of business. The former NFL player is the owner of Emmitt’s Vegas, which opened on Feb. 26, 2024, according to The Dallas Morning News. The restaurant includes a main dining room, chef’s table, private dining room, bar, and terrace. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sweta kathuria (@swetta24) According to information shared with AFROTECH™, Emmitt’s Vegas menu items are spearheaded by Consulting Chef Steve Mannino and Executive Chef Antwan Ellis. Featured menu items include cedar plank salmon, roasted red bird chicken breast, main lobster tempura, steaks, sushi and rice bowls, and desserts including carrot cake, Emmitt’s butter cake, and parisian chocolate cake, among others. Based on its website, customers can also look forward to daily specials between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. which includes $11 Dry-Aged Burger, $22 Steak Frite, $22 Sushi Boat, and half-priced cocktails, draft beers,...
Husband-and-wife duo Greg and Subrina Collier prevailed after losing their first business in a fire. The couple’s journey began in Memphis, TN, when they met at a wing restaurant, according to CBS Mornings. They then moved to Phoenix, AZ, as Greg was looking for a fresh start. He also believed investing in his culinary skills was the best way, and Subrina joined him in his pursuit. “I said if I go to Atlanta, I’m just going to be a more country me, or if I go to Chicago, it’s going to be cold me. If I go to New Orleans, it’s going to be a swamp me. S o, I knew that in order for me to figure out who I was, I needed to go a place where I didn’t think I existed,” he told the outlet. The pair then spent five years in Arizona and married in 2010. By then, Greg was looking to move back to the Southern U.S. with his eyes on Charlotte, NC. They were unable to afford the cost of rent in the area, which brought them to Rock Hill, SC. “It was a little rundown shopping center and they were...
A trip to Japan led TJ Johnson into a unique business. ESSENCE reports the Atlanta, GA, native is now the proud owner of Wax on Hi-Fi. It was while in Tokyo, Japan, that she was able to immerse herself in the country’s vinyl bars. So much so that when she moved to Los Angeles, CA, her interests beyond DJing and software engineering broadened to include entreprenuership inspired by this concept. “It’s a very calming and peaceful experience, Tokyo record bars,” Johnson told ESSENCE. “The people there are very disciplined, and the employees are very exact. They wear gloves and aprons, and when they put the record on, they put on a flashlight to make sure it’s in the right groove. It’s a very technical experience. And I guess when I’m thinking about bringing it back here, I’m kind of trying to fit it for the American palate a little bit because I know that when we go out to listen to music, we go out to have fun and socialize.” Wax on Hi-Fi now functions as a restaurant that creatively...
Bobby Wagner is planning for life after the league. Sportico reports that the Washington Commanders linebacker is currently signed to a one-year deal with the team reportedly worth $8.5 million. He negotiated the contract without an agent, winning the praise of Magic Johnson, who is a limited partner of the Washington Commanders. The 34-year-old joined the league in 2012 and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks. He remained with the team for his first 10 seasons and went to eight straight Pro Bowls, ESPN reports. He then played for the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 and returned to the Seattle Seahawks in 2023 before landing with the Washington Commanders in 2024. Throughout his time in the league, Wagner has taken full advantage of opportunities off the court. Inspired by his mother who worked in the finance industry, he majored in business entrepreneurship and is working on his MBA at Howard University, per Sportico. He has made calculated investing moves, such as purchasing stakes in...
A new Black-owned restaurant has opened in Los Angeles. MTV “Ridiculousness” co-host Sterling “Steelo” Brim, Alahna Jade, and business partners Vincent Bryant and Scott Williams are the masterminds behind Linden. Located on the historic Sunset Boulevard, Linden is on a mission to bring delicious dishes from the Big Apple to Hollywood. “I’ve always had a passion for hosting and creating memorable experiences for others and found a lot of joy in curating vibes and bringing people together,” Jade told Blavity when asked about the inspiration behind the restaurant. “When Sterling and I came together as a couple, we realized that our shared love for hospitality was something we could turn into a fulfilling venture.” Brim’s introduction to the restaurant business started in New York with Las’ Lap, alongside Bryant and Williams, who are part of the team behind Linden. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LINDEN (@lindenlosangeles) “The L.A. crowd was waiting on something like...
South Carolina State University (SC State) has received funding to support research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). According to WCIV-4 News, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has received $8 million, which will go toward education and research within its College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) workforce development. “I thank Gov. Henry McMaster and the General Assembly for supporting this visionary milestone in the development of SC State and our partners in this critical endeavor,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said, per WCIV-4 News. Elbert R. Malone, SC State associate provost for research and sponsored programs, added: “These funds will be transformational to the STEM-T College because it will provide an opportunity to build a robust research infrastructure that will allow the university to compete in the research arena on...
A Black-owned pharmacy is opening in St. Louis, MO. According to a news release, GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness has opened in St. Louis to serve 45,000 residents who had been without a pharmacy in their area. St. Louis native Dr. Marcus Howard founded GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness, the first Black-owned pharmacy in Missouri. He had left the St. Louis area to pursue a degree in higher learning, obtaining a bachelor’s degree and a Ph.D. “I went to North Carolina to pursue my undergrad degree and my Ph.D., and I returned home to really take all the things that I learned out in the community in other places and bring them back home because I know St. Louis is a great place. It’s my home. I just wanted to just bring something back and make a difference,” he said in an interview with Nine PBS. Dr. Howard wanted to become a doctor because he recognized the disparities in the local area, especially in healthcare. He aimed to eliminate those disparities. “Growing up in North City, you...
Shaquille O’Neal once invested in Ray J’s music career. During an interview on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast “Club Shay Shay,” the R&B singer-turned-entrepreneur reveals he received $1.5 million from the former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player to support “Sexy Can I,” the first single from his 2008 studio album “All I Feel.” The single featuring Yung Berg would go on to become a top 10 hit on Billboard. O’Neal saw a big return on that investment , Ray J says on the podcast. “He gave us $1.5 [million] for the ‘Sexy Can I’ project, which was the ‘All I Feel’ project, and ‘Sexy Can I’ was the record to lead off. It sold 8 million copies,” Ray J told Sharpe. “We recouped the number back for Shaq, and I don’t know five months, six months, and everything else has been profitable ever since, so shout out to Shaq.” He added, “If you look at the ‘Sexy Can I’ video, you see Shaq in the video. He’s the one with the camera.” Photo Credit: YouTube/ MNRK Music Group O’Neal has distinguished...