The world’s largest interviewing company, Karat, has announced that five of the world’s leading corporations have joined the Brilliant Black Minds program, which aims to double the number of Black software engineers in the US. Partners of Brilliance Organizations such as Prime Video, Citi, Duolingo, Indeed, and Flatiron Health have joined the movement to commit further to developing Black engineers. In addition to hiring Brilliant Black Minds program participants, these ‘Partners of Brilliance’ have committed to supporting aspiring software engineers from underrepresented backgrounds with workshops and learning opportunities. Brilliant Black Minds Program
National non-profit organization Black Economic Alliance Foundation has partnered with Deloitte to promote financial inclusion. What is financial inclusion? Financial inclusion allows people of color access to financial services and systems that will better enhance their economic status. Financial inclusion is the bridge between economic opportunities and the racial wealth gap. The more access underrepresented families have to financial services, the easier it will be to help close the racial wealth gap. Deloitte’s partnership with the Black Economic Alliance Foundation Deloitte has committed $10 million over the next five years
Soft drink company, Mountain Dew (MTN Dew), has expanded its commitment to Black entrepreneurship by creating a new Esports tournament that will see students compete for a $500,000 prize. Following MTN Dew’s ‘Real Change Opportunity Fund’ initiative in 2020, the soft drink company has joined forces with HBCU Esports League to reinforce their commitment to supporting the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. The tournament, launched last month, will run until October 28 and will be available for any gamers enrolled at an HBCU to register and join. Black representation in gaming The
Two Black business trading groups have teamed up to unveil a new tool to help measure corporations’ support for Black-owned businesses. The National Business League and the National Black Chamber of Commerce, founded in the 1900s, have launched the Black Business Equity and Inclusion Score Card to hold both public and private sectors to account. The score cards aim to hold companies accountable for any past pledges to support Black businesses and underrepresented founders. Black Lives Matter Promises Since the killing of George Floyd in 2020, all eyes have been on the
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Spotify has a white supremacist problem. The music-streaming platform has become an attraction point for racist and discriminatory podcasts that have garnered widespread popularity over recent months. The ADL is a Jewish nonprofit group focusing on civil rights law. In a recent investigation, they found that approximately 40 white supremacist artists are currently on the platform. As a result, the ADL is calling for Spotify to stop the hate speech and harmful content currently circulating on its app. The organization believes they are yet to
IBM has announced the launch of Cybersecurity Leadership Centers across six HBCUs. The move aims to give students and faculty access to IBM training, software, and certifications at no extra cost. Underrepresented students and professors can receive help with coursework, lectures, immersive training experiences, and knowledgeable skills they can always take with them as they grow. According to IBM, the program will be available at 20 HBCUs across 11 states to help co-create Cybersecurity Leadership Centers and create talent opportunities for employers and students combined. “Collaborations between academia and the private
In a historical move, Lakeland Bank has been ordered to pay a $13 million settlement fee to Black and Hispanic residents. According to NJ.com, Lakeland Bank was ordered by the Justice Department to pay Black and Hispanic borrowers back after it was revealed they conducted discriminatory practices to deprive them of purchasing their first home. According to U.S. Attorney Phillip Sellinger, Lakeland Bank accepted almost five times fewer Black and Hispanic applicants than its competitors. “Lakeland avoided serving the credit needs of borrowers in majority Black and Hispanic census tracts in
No one is in their bag like Keke Palmer. From becoming the host of Meta’s new metaverse series to starring in Jordan Peele’s first NOPE VR experience – Keke has entered a league of her own. Palmer’s latest venture is KeyTV Network, a digital space which will “spotlight the next generation of creators.” Palmer announced the launch while reflecting on the many hats she has worn throughout her time in the entertainment industry. “I want to share everything I learned with you because this is my greatest dream of all,” Keke explained.
Twitter has appointed Bukky Ojeifo as its new global head of culture and community following the departure of God-is Rivera, who previously held the position. In her new role, the Nigerian-American marketing expert will continue to carry the company’s mission of serving diverse voices who contribute to the public conversation on the platform. Before her new role, Ojeifo was the firm’s senior manager, global culture, and community. Her main role at the time? She guided how Twitter amplifies and engages with the underrepresented communities that use the service. Speaking to
In response to a racial bias case against electric vehicle-maker Tesla, a countersuit action has been put in place against the agency responsible. The case filed in state court in Alameda County claims the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) took “underground regulations” in its investigations of Tesla’s factory. The most popular vehicle maker said they were not given adequate notice of the claims or time to resolve the dispute, which violates state law. As we previously reported, the CRD sued Tesla earlier this year after workers claimed the organization racially
