In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, it’s important to highlight the growing mental health needs within Black communities. Studies show that Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, compared to the general population. Despite this, only about 25% of Black individuals seek mental health care, largely due to stigma, cultural barriers, and lack of access to culturally competent providers. In response, several apps and startups are working to close this gap, offering tailored support to meet the mental
Legendary actor James Earl Jones, best known as the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars, died on Monday morning at his home in Dutchess County, New York, at the age of 93. A representative for Jones confirmed his death to the press however his cause of death was not immediately revealed. A Pioneering Career in Entertainment Jones, whos career spanned more than six decades, overcame a childhood stutter to become one of the most revered actors of his generation. He made his Broadway debut in 1958 and went on
TIME has unveiled its second annual TIME100 AI list, recognizing 100 of the most influential figures shaping the future of artificial intelligence. The 2024 edition features leaders across a wide range of industries, from tech and business to entertainment. Among those highlighted are Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, Jensen Huang of NVIDIA, and actor Scarlett Johansson, showcasing how AI is influencing sectors beyond traditional tech. Accompanying the list are exclusive interviews with industry pioneers like Google CEO Sundar Pichai and author Ray Kurzweil, underscoring the far-reaching impact of AI on
Warp, a payroll startup based in New York, has distanced itself from an individual associated with its brand after a series of racist posts on X (formerly Twitter). The controversy began when an account using the name “Vittorio,” who had a Warp affiliate badge, made derogatory comments favoring white superiority. The post, which quickly sparked outrage, read, “I like White people more, they do more… I’ll let Blacks run and play basketball.” The affiliate badge linked to Vittorio’s profile suggested an official connection to Warp, a startup focused on automating
TikTok has announced the formation of its inaugural Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, an initiative aimed at ensuring user safety across the region. This council, the first of its kind for a tech platform in Sub-Saharan Africa, was launched in Nairobi, Kenya. A Regional First for Tech Safety With millions of Africans using the platform for creativity and self-expression, the new council brings together independent experts across various fields, from youth safety to combating hate speech, to help shape policies that maintain TikTok’s reputation as a safe online environment. The
YouTube has announced new AI detection tools designed to protect creators from the unauthorized use of their faces and voices in AI-generated content. Expanding its existing Content ID system, YouTube will introduce tools that can identify when someone’s likeness or voice has been simulated by artificial intelligence, with a particular focus on music and facial simulations. This move comes as AI-generated media continues to rise, posing significant concerns for artists, actors, and musicians who risk their work being used without consent. Tackling Unauthorized Use of AI-Generated Content As AI technology
Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ defensive end, is investing in Johnson Energy Storage (JES), a company founded by former NASA scientist and National Inventors Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Lonnie Johnson. JES focuses on developing energy storage solutions, particularly a solid-state battery designed to outperform traditional lithium-ion technology. Garrett’s unexpected move into the tech world is driven by a shared vision with JES to innovate and make a long-lasting impact on environmental sustainability. “It’s a privilege to partner with Johnson Energy Storage to support their mission of transforming energy storage,”
Eastside Golf, the lifestyle apparel brand founded by two Morehouse College alumni has launched its debut collaboration with Nike. The highly anticipated footwear collection, part of their fall line titled Everyone’s Game, is another major milestone for the Black-owned brand. Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, both of whom are former members of Morehouse’s golf team are on a mission to inspire diversity within the golf community and reimagine how the sport is represented. Breaking Barriers With Nike Partnership At the heart of the Everyone’s Game collection are two new Eastside
Black and Latine enrollment in Yale University and Princeton University’s have remained relatively stable, while the proportion of Asian American students has fallen. This marks the first admissions cycle since the US Supreme Court banned race-based admissions in June 2023. Steady Black and Latine/Hispanic Enrollments According to the first-year class profile released by Yale’s admissions office, Black students account for 14% of the class of 2028 – unchanged from the class of 2027. Yale’s class of 2028 profile also shows that Hispanic/Latine students make up 19% of the freshman class,
Slauson & Co, an early stage venture capital firm rooted in economic inclusion, has announced the close of its $100 million Fund II. The fund is significant increase from its previous $75 million fund and signals continued investor appetite for inclusive venture capital despite economic challenges. Focus on Representation and Inclusion Founded by Ajay Relan and Austin Clements in 2020, Slauson & Co. has always championed diversity, backing early-stage companies across sectors such as SaaS and consumer technology. “We invest in everybody,” Relan told TechCrunch, adding that the firm wants
