TikTok has initiated significant global layoffs that have now impacted its African team, according to Tech Cabal. This move, part of broader organizational changes, saw several employees in Africa lose their jobs in June 2024, following earlier cuts in March. These layoffs have notably affected teams working in content operations, marketing, and trust and safety. African Team Severely Affected The layoffs in Africa have been particularly harsh, with more than half of the African team based in South Africa and Nigeria, being let go. Although the exact number of employees
Score, a dating app designed for singles with good to excellent credit scores, has officially shut down after six months in operation. Score’s Limited Run Black-owned financial literacy startup Neon Money Club launched Score last February as a 90-day pop-up to start a broader conversation about financial health and dating, However, unexpectedly high user interest led the founders to extend its service. During its brief existence, Score managed to attract approximately 18,000 users and was responsible for about 8,000 matches. Despite these numbers, the app’s creators, Luke Bailey and Jackie
Today, August 12, marks International Youth Day 2024, celebrated under the theme “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” With the expansion of technologies like mobile devices, digital platforms, and AI, young people—often dubbed “digital natives”—are at the forefront of this transformation. Here are some young Black and Brown individuals making waves in their communities and beyond. Taylor Denise Richardson, 20 – STEM Advocate and Future Astronaut Richardson, also known as “Astronaut StarBright,” is from Jacksonville, Florida, and has been advocating for diversity in STEM (Science, Technology,
Medium, an online publishing platform, is broadening its Partner Program to include writers from over 70 new countries, including over 20 African countries. Medium’s Partner Program Expands Medium’s Partner Program allows writers to earn revenue based on the engagement and activity their stories generate from Medium members. The expansion is part of Medium’s ongoing effort to support writers globally, with the program now extending to over 115 countries where Stripe is supported. The newly included African countries are Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar,
Grammy-winning R&B artist Eric Bellinger announced a partnership with Hooky, a music startup known for its “artist-first” Voice AI solutions. Hooky has just launched its online subscription platform, offering creators, artists, and labels an all-in-one tool for music creation, licensing, and distribution. Bellinger Collabs With Hooky Bellinger, known for his innovative approach to music, is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to elevate his creative process and empower fellow musicians. As one of the first artists to collaborate with Hooky, Bellinger is lending his voice to the platform’s AI models, allowing creators
August is National Black Business Month, a time to honor and support the economic contributions of Black entrepreneurs. As we acknowledge the role these businesses play we have highlighted platforms that make it easier for consumers to discover and support Black-owned businesses. Here are some of the top Black business marketplaces and directories you should know about. WeBuyBlack WeBuyBlack is the largest online marketplace for Black-owned businesses, offering a wide range of products from clothing to home essentials. Founded by Sharif Rasheed, this platform is often referred to as the
Shakea Miller made history by becoming the first Black woman to establish a degree-granting technical college in Alabama. The opening of 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College in Phenix City marks a milestone in the pursuit of diversity and inclusion in the educational landscape. A Pioneering Achievement in Education With 1 on 1 Technical & Theological College, Miller joins a prestigious group as the sixth Black woman in the United States to establish a degree-granting institution. “1 on 1 T&T aims to provide biblical and comprehensive educational opportunities with
Myavana, a pioneering Black-led haircare technology company, has successfully raised $5.9 million in a recent funding round, bringing its valuation to $50 million, according to Forbes. The Atlanta-based startup uses AI to offer personalized haircare solutions, focusing primarily on the needs of Black women. Pioneering AI in Haircare Myavana is the brainchild of computer scientist Candace Mitchell. Mitchell founded the company in 2012 with the aim of revolutionizing personal and professional textured hair care through data-driven science and technology. With a deep understanding of the unique hair challenges of women
Idris Elba has been allocated land in Zanzibar, a Tanzanian archipelago, to establish a film studio. The British actor, with roots in Sierra Leone and Ghana, has announced several ambitious projects to highlight Africa’s potential on a global scale. These include a film studio in Ghana and a smart eco-city in Sierra Leone. Expanding the African Film Industry with New Studios Elba’s investments are particularly focused on tourism and entertainment, areas he believes can significantly boost the continent’s economic growth. One of his most significant projects is the development of
The Healey-Driscoll administration marked a step towards wage equity with a ceremonial bill signing on Tuesday, enacting a law requiring employers in Massachusetts to post pay ranges in job listings. The new legislation, applicable to businesses with 25 or more employees, seeks to enhance economic competitiveness and ensure wage equity for job seekers. Aiming for Economic Competitiveness and Equity Governor Maura Healey emphasized the law’s importance at the ceremony, noting that while Massachusetts is lauded as the best state for women, disparities remain. “We know being number one isn’t good
