Essence Festival of Culture is suing Spotify for using its branding without permission, according to The Guardian. The festival’s lawyers say they are taking a stand against the “intentional exploitation of Black culture.”. Essence Festival of Culture Essence Festival of Culture is held over the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans with music performances, inspirational speakers, and proactive conversations about gender, race, culture, and art. It was started in 1994 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence – a magazine aimed at African American women. Since
New York has become the first city to pass legislation that regulates AI-driven hiring practices. Based on the New York City Local Law 144, also known as the anti-bias law, the new legislation requires all NYC businesses to use AI tools in their hiring processes to prove their selections are free from sexism and racism. Local Law 144 New York employers using AI algorithms in their hiring processes must submit used algorithms for an independent audit while publicizing the results. The companies also have to share an ‘average score’ of candidates
Kenya-based MyDawa, a technology-based service enabling consumers to purchase authentic, high-quality medicine, health, and wellness products, has raised $20 million in funding. They raised money from private equity investor Alta Semper Capital to expand its regional reach and product offerings to become an all-in-one health platform for users. The growth plans will be steered by MyDawa’s new CEO Priscilla Muhiu. “Alta Semper’s ambition matches that of MyDawa, and it brings the drive, connections, and clout to succeed,” co-founder Neil O’Leary told TechCrunch. MyDawa’s Story MyDawa aims to ensure that every
seeCOLe (see Clinical Data On Lens) is a wearable augmented reality health app revolutionizing how clinicians interact with electronic health records in real time. Using the app, healthcare professionals can interact with patient data using voice commands, removing the need to navigate patient records manually. CEO, founder, and lead developer Carl Osborne told POCIT about the pioneering spirit behind the app’s creation and how he hopes to make a lasting impact on the healthcare system. Inspired by Mary Seacole Jamaican-British nurse Mary Seacole inspires the company’s name. During the 19th-century Crimean War, Seacole
A recent study by Lendio has highlighted the extent to which location can impact the success of Black and Latine-owned businesses, ranking the best and worst states for minority-owned companies to succeed. The POC-owned business boom U.S. entrepreneurship is more diverse than ever, with people of color owning 1 in 5, or 1.2 million, of the nation’s businesses in 2020. Black and Latine Americans are also the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs but continue to face challenges such as limited access to venture capital funding and a lack of networks and mentorship programs, all while facing discrimination
Unshackled Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm for immigrant founders, has closed its third fund with $35 million. This adds to the $35 million the firm, founded by Manan Mehta and Nitin Pachisia, has already deployed to 80 companies. Unshackled Ventures has also provided over 200 founders with visa sponsorship, immigration support, and a community of resources. Unshackled Ventures The first and only early-stage venture capital fund focused on retaining foreign talent in the U.S., Unshackled Ventures invests in visionary immigrants and has built a place for them to successfully launch a
“AI… Meets… AI: An Exciting Tale of Connection and Adventure” is the #1 New Release in Children’s Computer Hardware and Robotics Books on Amazon following its publication last month. The enchanting children’s book features Addy, a curious and imaginative young Black girl, and Jaz, a learning AI, exploring the bustling city of Baltimore together. Author Amber Ivey, also known as “AI,” told POCIT that she created these characters to pave the way for a future where technology education is inclusive and every child feels empowered to shape the digital world,
We all know the importance of connecting with like-minded folks, and conferences are a key way to do just that with professionals in your industry. In particular, conferences for people of color in tech provide a safe space for professionals to network, grow in their careers, and learn from industry leaders and executives who understand their unique challenges and opportunities. It also allows Black and Latine professionals to build their professional brand and increase visibility within their chosen industry. Getting past the cost barrier People often cite cost as one
James DuBose, former General Manager of Fox Soul, is launching In The Black Network, an Advertising-Based Video on Demand (AVOD) platform dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Black culture. The platform will launch on October 2 of this year. “I love everything about our culture: our faith, our resilience, our rhythm, our minds, our love. These pillars are the focus of our curated content which honors and elevates black culture and cultivates pride within our community,” James DuBose told Deadline. In The Black Network The platform will be a streaming service highlighting Black voices
Founder and CEO of market investment firm Vista Equity Partners Robert Smith has announced plans to sell Apptio – a company that helps connect technology investments to business outcomes – to IBM for $4.6 billion. Having bought the software maker for $1.9 billion in 2019, the firm has now doubled its initial investment with a return of 142% on the initial payment to acquire the company. In a separate statement, IBM revealed that it would use cash on hand to fund the deal, which should be complete in the second half of 2023.
