Many Black adults believe that key systems in the United States are designed to hinder Black people’s progress, a Pew Research Center survey has found. This sentiment was more common among those who had experienced racial discrimination. Widespread Belief In Systemic Discrimination The survey, conducted in September 2023, found that Black adults believe the prison (74%) and political systems (67%) are designed to hold them back. For example, 3 in 4 of Black adults believed the prison system is intentionally structured to profit from incarcerating Black individuals. Almost 2 in
In an initiative to empower Black creatives, Apple has partnered with the Propel Center to launch an arts and entertainment industry accelerator program. This program provides 50 students from 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) opportunities to enhance their creative skills and explore new career pathways. Program Overview: Empowering Future Creatives The accelerator program, which is part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI), commenced on June 10 at Tennessee State University and will conclude at Clark Atlanta University. “Creativity is central to everything we do at Apple,
Black Radiance has launched its first augmented reality app, Beyond Radiant, to offer an immersive diverse experience for women of color. Established in 1993, Black Radiance is a brand that amplifies Black voices and celebrates heritage and perspective worldwide and in the community. They are on trend with the latest technology and offer a diverse range of colors and tones that uplift unique ethnic shades. Beyond Radiant Beyond Radiant, now available in all app stores, stands at the intersection of augmented reality technology, beauty, and empowerment. Unlike traditional beauty apps
Global stock media platform pocstock has joined forces with Canva to bring diverse and inclusive visual content to the visual communication platform. pocstock pocstock is a global stock media platform that focuses on people of color. It is on a mission to change the way the world sees Black, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and differently-abled people of color. Founded by Steve Jones and DeSean Brown, pocstock aims to help people of color change how they see themselves by ensuring everyone everywhere has access to positive, beautiful and authentic images of
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) has received a $5 million gift from Autodesk Inc., the global leader in software for the Design and Make industries. According to their press release, this marks the largest unrestricted philanthropic donation in the college’s history. A $5M Gift From Autodesk The new funding will support the College of Engineering and Architecture Design and Make Lab, which will provide software, state-of-the-art equipment, and educators who will empower future engineers. “We are immensely grateful for Autodesk’s gift to Howard’s College of Engineering and
Pinterest has announced the Hidden Healing Fund, an initiative with diverse cultural healing practices to empower young people’s mental health. The Hidden Healing Fund Led by Pinterest and supported by SHOWTIME/MTV, the Hidden Healing Fund will pilot an initial investment of $1 million in community organizations that employ culturally led approaches to addressing youth mental health challenges. Brands committed to improving mental health have been invited to combine their resources to help bridge gaps in accessibility and aid solutions beyond traditional models of care. The initiative was inspired by an
Black-owned Creative Theory Agency has launched a new campaign that uses AI to make technology more inclusive. Creative Theory Agency, founded in 2015, is a full-service creative agency that is mission-driven to bring creative equity and cultural impact to marketing moments. “What Prompted You” “What Prompted You” is a campaign-driven conversation designed to investigate AI tools’ impact and inclusivity’s role in fostering innovation. The campaign is a call to action to showcase how first-person, organic human perspectives can enhance and uplevel creativity. The agency will put up large-scale out-of-home (OOH)
VC firm Fearless Fund has faced another setback in its plans to issue grants to Black women business owners as the court has ruled against them. On Monday, an appeals court for the 11th Circuit ruled against Fearless, upholding a preliminary injunction against their Strivers Grant program. The court ruling said that the grant likely violates the Civil Rights Act of 1886, which bans the use of race in contracts. What Has Happened So Far? The American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), founded by Edward Blum, attacked the Fearless Fund
AiDigiTales has launched its newest initiative, the “AI for Kids” podcast, to introduce the world of AI to children. AI for Kids is a series of fun, informative, and interactive episodes aimed at children from pre-K to middle grade. This initiative represents AiDigiTales’ ongoing commitment to making AI education accessible and engaging for young minds everywhere. Engaging And Educational Content For Young Minds “AI for Kids” will be released biweekly on Tuesdays, each episode designed to simplify complex AI concepts for a young audience. The podcast aims to make AI
Pinterest has announced that it is expanding its Creator Inclusion Fund to the Pinterest Inclusion Fund, allowing founders to join. Pinterest Inclusion Fund The now-called Pinterest Inclusion Fund began in 2021 to help give more opportunities to underrepresented content creators. It has now expanded as they have teamed up with Shopify’s Build Black and Build Native programs to allow small business owners who are from or who serve underrepresented backgrounds to apply for the Creator Inclusion Fund. Previously, only traditional content creators applied. “The Pinterest Inclusion Fund is focused on
