WSSN Stories

LOS ANGELES, CA–– Award-winning journalist and best-selling author Christal Jordan Jennings announced today that she has accepted the role of Editor-in-Chief of the Los Angeles-based culture and hospitality magazine, Lenox & Parker. Jennings recently resigned after 10 years as a contributing Writer/Host and Director for rolling out magazine. “This was a bittersweet decision,” Jordan admits. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with rolling out and have much respect for publisher Munson Steed. I believe it is so important that we as a community own and share our stories from a firsthand perspective. This opportunity gives me a chance to be a co-owner of a powerful platform which makes all the difference for me at this point in my career. Lenox & Parker is a Black-owned publication and allows me as a writer to celebrate our cultural legacies in a much different way. I feel blessed to have been a part of rolling out’s voice over the last decade and I’m beyond excited to help create and shape and own the voice of Lenox & Parker.”

Jennings lists several highs during her time with rolling out, including last year’s viral moment with Jada Pinkett Smith and the opportunity to highlight Ava Duvernay’s ‘Origin’. “I’ve had numerous career highlights with rolling out, including the interview last year with Jada Pinkett-Smith that went viral, and several others. My most memorable would probably be my interviews with the legendary Cicely Tyson, and living legends Jenifer Lewis and Phylicia Rashad. I have no regrets, only excitement surrounding my next chapter,” Jennings shares.

“One of the things I was most proud of was cover stories that felt like an ode to the ones I grew up savoring as a young girl eagerly opening a copy of Essence in my mailbox. Lenox & Parker gives me the opportunity to create beautiful cover stories that feel like the ones that motivated me to become a writer.”

Lenox & Parker’s mission includes the five tenents, food & tavel, humanity, culture, lifestyle & music. Publisher Victor Flavius says he created the platform to ensure Black history continues to be celebrated in real time. He says adding Jordan was a move in the right direction for the platform. “We are happy to welcome our newest Editor-in-Chief, Christal Jordan Jennings. With her impressive background as an author and publicist, Christal brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our team. We are excited to see her vision and leadership shape the future of our magazine, inspiring our readers and setting new standards of excellence in every edition. Here’s to an exciting new chapter under her exceptional leadership,” Flavius says.

Jordan’s experience and commitment to integrity are reasons he was convinced she was the right candidate for the magazine. “We’re not chasing pop culture, we’re celebrating Black culture in its entirety,” he explains. “Our headlines and features don’t mimic what is seen on gossip blogs. Lenox & Parker was birthed from a time when Black culture was more than a salacious piece of celebrity gossip. We believe our readers want and deserve to see unapologetic Black excellence.”

Flavius says Jennings is a needed addition to the magazine’s future success. “Christal has a love for Black literature and our community as a whole. She has freelanced for us over the last few years and with us moving into a more competitive space, we are happy to have her bring her expertise and passion Lenox & Parker. We believe her authenticity and passion for highlighting Black culture is the voice we need for Editor-in-Chief,” Flavius says.

Jennings officially steps into her new role on Monday, July 22nd. “I’ve been able to work with some great publicists, agencies, specifically entertainment multicultural departments over the last ten years. I look forward to continuing to work with the people I’ve built these relationships with to continue sharing our stories. I believe this role will allow me to share, celebrate, educate and inform at a higher level. The goal is to carve out a place in today’s Black media space that resonates with a Black Renaissance, titled, Lenox & Parker,” Jordan shares.

Her first order of business is creating a new cover integration for the magazine. “Our cover strategy is innovative and includes AI as we are including storytelling along with celebrating talent in a more comprehensive way. Our current hospitality partner allows us to access guests for Hilton hotels across the country,” Jennings explains.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

You know [Luke 16:19-31] tells a parable about a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in hades [Hell], being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.

And he called out, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame. But Abraham said, “Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.”

And he said, “Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them. And he said, “No, Father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” [Luke 16:19 – 31]. Living in Eternity with regrets.

The rich fool made plans he thought would give him security for the rest of his life. He planned for whatever could possibly occur, but according to [Luke 12:20], he did not plan for what was certainly going to happen. Ponder the brevity of life from the Book of Psalms and remember how short your time is. [Psalm 39:5; Psalm 78:39; Psalm 89:47; Psalm 90:10; Psalm 102:3; Psalm 144:4]. For as David said in [1 Samuel 20:3], “Truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between you and death.” And to not be 100 percent ready for something that is100 percent certain is 100 percent foolish. The rich man’s experiences set before us some terrifying realizations. Hell is real! A place of conscious anguish and a place of profound regret. Don’t ignore Hell’s reality! Seek Salvation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is imminent. [Matthew 24:44].

By Chris ‘Baba C’ Chatmon

As we embrace the warmth of summer, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significant milestones we’ve celebrated recently. This season, we honored the remarkable figures in our lives on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, recognizing the invaluable support and love our elders provide. I was humbled when friend, mentor and venerable elder, Ron Walker, took note of my musings about A.I., or what I refer to as Ancestral Intelligence, in a letter related to his endeavor, A Legacy of Leading. Ron is an extraordinary man and leader whose thinking I encourage you to discover here.

Continuing in our own legacy building, we held Crowning Ceremonies in both San Francisco and Seattle.  These celebrations remind us of the strength and dedication within our community, especially as we conclude another school year.  As we are half way through our second year in our West Oakland space, KOO Labs Design Center and Production House and June 7th Street Thrives hosted an inaugural community cleanup with neighborhood businesses.   The love that we focused on during our annual Spring Symposium in April is what we aim to foster at our local hub serving and preserving the community in this way.

Spring Symposium is also when we shared voices from the community with the new edition release of Griots of Oakland which features interviews of another 80 local Black youth in the acclaimed book series.  A screening of the powerful documentary,  Black Boys, hosted by Wu Yee Children’s Services at UC Hastings followed the book launch in June. I have been a part of these important events for the past year which provide a deeper understanding of lived experience of our young Kings.

Summer offers a unique opportunity for reflection, planning, and growth. As students, teachers, and administrators, it is a time to practice being lifelong learners.  We ended the school year with an unprecedented achievement: establishing a Black Educators’ Coalition to dismantle barriers hindering high-quality educators of color from becoming credentialed classroom teachers.  The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) offered its rising juniors a growth opportunity as well when TFI Oakland and TFI Los Angeles joined forces in a tour of eight universities across Northern California.

Finally, I’ll be heading to a university myself at the end of July when I travel to Louisiana for Xavier’s Magnificent Male Weekend designed to empower and inspire Black male students who are rising juniors in high school, providing a platform for growth and connection, much like our own TFI program.

As we look ahead, let’s carry the spirit of continuous learning and growth into the upcoming year. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community, one that thrives on curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

Wishing you a summer filled with joy, discovery, and rejuvenation.

By Antonio? ?Ray? ?Harvey? ?|? ?California? ?Black? ?Media?

After an emotional hearing on July 2, the Assembly Public Safety Committee voted to advance Senate Bill (SB) 1414 with an 8-0 vote. The legislation is an anti-sex-trafficking measure designed to increase penalties for those who purchase sex from children,

SB 1414, co- authored by Senators Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), Anna Caballero (D-Merced) and Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), will be reviewed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee after the legislature break ends on Aug. 5.

The legislation has received bipartisan support. However, “critical amendments” were removed, Grove said. She is not satisfied with the language currently in the bill and is pressing members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee to allow key provisions to be restored.

“I am disappointed that they didn’t accept the amendments for all minors to be protected under felony convictions,” Grove said after the committee’s vote.

“I am not going to give up fighting for those 16 and 17-year-olds – and all minors,” Grove stated.  “Now, the district attorneys would have to prove two crimes: that they were bought and sold in order to go back to the perpetrator (trafficker) who initiated the whole process.”

SB 1414 made it off the Senate floor with a 36-0 bipartisan vote on May 23. Before the floor vote in the Senate, the Senate Public Safety Committee amended SB 1414, weakening protections for children ages 16 and 17, Grove said.

The committee’s amendments included charging violators who purchase children 15 and under for sex as wobblers (crimes that can be punished as a felony or misdemeanor). According to the current language of the bill, solicitation of a 16 and 17-year-old child is only punishable as a misdemeanor. The second amendment to the bill calls for the felony charge to only carry possible jail time — not time in prison.

Grove and her supporters’ other concern is that a third amendment to SB 1414 states that only perpetrators with a previous conviction of buying sex from a child 15 or under, on the second offense and with over a 10-year age gap of the victim, must register as a tier one sex offender.

Dr. Stephany Powell, a retired Los Angeles Police Department sergeant who has over 30 years of sexual exploitation and trafficking experience gained through law enforcement, testified in front of the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

“First of all, there’s no way in the world that (these amendments) are protecting a 16 or 17-year-old,” said Powell, who now assists victims of human trafficking. “Just by the age alone, they are considered to be a victim of human trafficking. That’s your proof right there.”

Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), chair of the Public Safety Committee and a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), told Grove that he supports SB 1414 and commended her efforts to bring “more accountability to the sex trade.”

McCarty said he is willing to make SB 1414 “stronger,” but he is not willing to allow Grove to buck the rules of the Legislature to push her amendments through.

“That’s not on the table. As the rules, you know, we can’t go change that,” McCarty said of Grove’s amendments request.

On June 2, Anne Irwin, the founder and director of Smart Justice California, emailed California Black Media (CBM) a statement responding to SB 1414. Smart Justice sides with the amendments made by the Democrats in the Senate and the Assembly.

“California Democrats have once again demonstrated their commitment to protecting vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation,” Irwin stated. “With the recently adopted amendments, SB 1414 now represents a smart policy solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all minors. By allowing felony prosecutions for solicitation of 16 and 17-year-olds when there is evidence of human trafficking, lawmakers have further improved the bill – which was originally overly broad and would have had harmful unintended consequences.”

In its original form, SB 1414 criminalized soliciting or engaging in any act of commercial sex with a child aged 17 and under a felony. Grove also wanted the removal of the 10-year age gap requirement for the sex offender registry.

Grove blames the Democrats in the Senate Public Safety Committee for watering down the bill’s language.

The Assembly Public Safety Committee added amendments requiring proof that 16 and 17-year-olds are victims of human trafficking for a buyer to be held accountable and charged with a stronger penalty.

“It shouldn’t be difficult to get a bill out of this building that protects children from those that want to purchase them and buy them for sex,” Grove said. “It should be simple. It’s completely bipartisan. I have co-authors who are Democrats. I have several Democrats and principal co-authors, but there are a few people in the building who make it sound like we are doing the wrong thing.

Victims of human trafficking, Odessa Perkins and Brianna Moseley were two of many sex trafficking survivors who visited the State Capitol last week to show their support for SB 1414. Some of the survivors were in tears sharing their experiences.

Perkins is the founder of emPOWERment, based in Kern County. The nonprofit services vulnerable youth and human trafficking survivors.

If the Assembly Appropriations Committee votes to advance SB 1414, it will move to the Assembly floor for a vote. In the interim, Grove said she will continue to fight for the amendments she believes will strengthen the bill.

“Don’t be fooled by the Public Safety Chairs’ announcement that they restored a felony for purchasing children in SB 1414,” Grove said. “All children in California, across the nation, girls and boys, deserve to be protected equally.”

By McKenzie Jackson | California Black Media

It was more than a simple walk in the park for exercisers pacing and jogging around Warner Center Park in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles around midday on July 4.

The weather was “sweltering,” according to one of the parkgoers, an African American man in his 40s who asked to remain anonymous.

“Working out around this time is a way hotter experience than a few weeks ago,” the man continued, adding that this summer continues to get progressively hotter.

According to weather experts, Californians should not expect a break in the extreme heat any time soon, which will force people in most areas of the state to find ways to cope and manage it.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologist David Lawrence said most of the Golden State is experiencing a heat wave, which began at the beginning of the month, and could get worse in mid-July.

“The longevity of this particular event is what I’m most concerned with,” he explained. “We will see daytime high temperatures for many interior areas reaching to 100 to 115 degrees each afternoon. Overnight low temperatures won’t provide much relief — only dipping into the 70s and holding into the lower 80s for some locations.”

Lawrence was speaking during a July 2 news briefing focused on the current weather conditions, their dangers, and what Californians need to know to stay safe in the blistering weather this summer.

The online briefing was organized by Listos California, the state’s disaster readiness program, and hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media. State emergency preparedness officials and a frontline responder spoke during the news conference.

California Black Media Executive Director Regina Wilson said heat waves can create dangerous fire conditions and catapult temperatures in inland areas of the state into the triple digits.

“This level of heat could pose a danger to the entire population if proper heat safety is not followed,” she said. “As we move into the summer season, hotter and drier conditions mean California will likely face higher risk of wildfires — wildfire smoke, heat, power outages and dangerous water conditions.”

The same day as the press conference, the Thompson Fire began blazing in Northern California’s Butte County. At press time, the wildfire had destroyed 25 structures and injured two firefighters. It has been 55% contained.

The French Fire, which sparked up on July 4 in the town of Mariposa in the Sierra Nevada foothills, covered over 1.3 square miles before firefighters tamed the blaze. That same day, yet another fire, the Sharp fire in Los Angeles’s Simi Valley, broke out. It has been 60% contained.

Listos California, the state office in charge of emergency preparedness, has partnered with community groups and offers a resource hub built around an educational campaign to help Californians get ready for disasters related to extreme heat.

Dr. Rita Nguyen, assistant health officer for California and director of population health at the California Department of Public Health, said people underestimate how dangerous heat waves can be.

“Heat waves kills more people directly than any other weather-related hazard,” she said. A 69-year-old homeless man in San Jose died on July 3 due the extreme heat.

Nguyen added that the state doesn’t have precise data on the number of health emergencies or deaths caused by heatwaves.

She said the people at most risk of experiencing heat-caused health issues include children and infants, senior citizens, pregnant people, people working outdoors or indoors without air conditioning, disabled individuals, unhoused persons, and lower-income people.

“Anyone can be a victim of life-threatening heatstroke because a lot of it doesn’t have to do with absolute temperature,” she explained. “Sometimes, it can be if folks are not acclimated to hot temperatures and there is a fast rise. When the temperature doesn’t cool at night and when it is hot for a long period of time, all these things increase the risk of folks having health-related injuries and potentially death from heat.”

The warning signs of heat illness include confusion, vomiting, passing out, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea, vomiting, paleness, tiredness, irritability, and dizziness.

Staying hydrated, cool, and informed about the weather forecasts are ways to prevent heat health problems. Nguyen recommended to not drink sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks, which can dehydrate a person.

California Division of Occupational Safety and Health Program Senior Safety Engineer Charlene Gloriani said, under state law, businesses with employees who work outdoors — such as agricultural workers — are required to give plenty of access to free and clean water and shade to prevent heat-related illnesses.

“Shaded areas must not cause exposure to another health or safety hazard,” she explained. “When temperatures exceed 95 degrees a buddy system should be in place and employees must be monitored for signs of heat illness. They must also be encouraged to drink water. Cool down rest periods are required every two hours.”

Sacramento Fire Department Captain Andrew Ramos noted that people must remember to stay safe while doing activities in waterways such as rivers and lakes when cooling off on hot days.

“We need each and every one of you to be your own safety monitor,” Ramos said while suggesting people wear life jackets. “Look and make sure your family members are wearing their life jackets even if they’re able to swim.”

To get more information on extreme heat and to access resources to help you stay healthy and cool.

MIAMI, FL – Charise A. Morgan was sworn in as the first Black woman president of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association at the organization’s annual gala held at The Mana Wynwood Convention Center on Saturday, June 15.

“Shirley Chisholm once said, ‘Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth,’ and it certainly is a privilege to live and work in the Miami legal community,” said Morgan.

“However, it’s obviously not perfect. We who labor here owe that service and giving back should be our commitment to making this city, this Bar, and this practice better.”

“The Miami-Dade County Bar has a rich history of aiding greater community, but there are more areas and industries where our lawyers are needed. Lawyers should be the conduit of progress; I want to facilitate that via the Bar,” Morgan added.

Morgan, a graduate of Mercer University School of Law, brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her new role. An accomplished trial attorney, she currently serves as Staff Legal Counsel for Zurich North America and previously served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Georgia Department of Labor.

Her roles as liaison on the Florida Bar Board of Governors, Vice Chair of the Florida Bar Rules of Civil Procedure Committee, and Vice Chair of the Florida Bar Standing Committee on Professionalism highlight her commitment to legal ethics and professionalism.

Morgan’s accolades include the Miami-Dade Bar Circle of Excellence for Insurance Litigation, Miami- Dade Bar Top 40 Under 40 Award, Broward County Women Lawyers Community “Trial-Blazers” Award, and the Black Professionals Network Women of Excellence Award. Her leadership was recognized with the 2022 President’s Award from the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division.

Beyond her legal practice, Morgan is deeply involved in community initiatives. She serves as an Ambassador for Black Art at the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and is a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel. In 2018, she became the President of the Caribbean Bar Association.

“Charise Morgan embodies the spirit of resilience and integrity. Her presidency marks a new era of innovation, advocacy, and progress for the Miami-Dade Bar and the broader legal community,” said Miami-Dade County Bar Association Executive Director, Bret Berlin.

Founded in the early 1900s, the Miami-Dade Bar is one of the largest lawyer networks in Florida, serving more than 19,000 attorneys in the county, and continues its mission to support and inform the county’s lawyers and the community at large.

By Lou K. Coleman | WSS News Contributor

Woe unto you! For the Bible makes a difference between our plans and God’s purposes. We are told not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. [Proverbs 27:1]. Besides, what is your life? But a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes [James 4:13-17]. Our days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children. [Psalm 103:15-17]. Besides what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? [Mark 8:36]. Here today, gone tomorrow, but you want to procrastinate and delay repentance. Woe unto you!

You know, someone has called the fifth chapter of Genesis ”A desert of death.” You can almost see the pine boxes and the graves. You can almost hear the weeping widows. You can almost smell the stench of death that arises from this chapter. Over and over, we read these words, ”and he died.” The last words of verse 5 read, ”and he died.” We read in verse 8 ”and he died.” We read in verse 11 ”and he died.” We read in verse 14 ”and he died.” We read in verse17 ”and he died.” We read in verse 20 ”and he died. Tell me what you are waiting for. Tomorrow is not promised. We are still at the mercy of God’s grace, and we must take grace seriously. Don’t be like deluded Lot, we do not deserve mercy. We must never take advantage of God’s grace and patience. We must never presume that we will get another chance or another day to make it right. Our personal day of Judgment could come at any moment. Let’s remember Lot and take God up on His offer to rescue us. And let’s remember Lot’s wife and never look back. Procrastination can cost us our souls in the end [2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2]. Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) condemned the United States Supreme Court Justices 6-3 decision last week granting former President Donald Trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution in his federal election subversion case.

The recent court ruling makes Trump less likely to face trial before this year’s presidential election. The Supreme Court Justices’ decision delays the trial proceedings challenging the legal viability of the case overall. In the court decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that a president’s motive is irrelevant to the assessment nor is the fact that an action would have allegedly violated a generally applicable law.

Padilla denounced the court ruling accusing former President Trump of using handpicked justices to abuse the power of the executive and judicial offices for personal and political gain.

“Before today, America’s judicial system was rooted in the simple but fundamental principle that no one is above the law. Not Congress, not the courts, and not even the President of the United States. Today’s decision turns that most fundamental principle on its head,” said Padilla.

Law experts warned that the court ruling alters the possibility of consequences, allowing presidential powers to go unchecked except in the case of a possible impeachment.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a dissenting opinion arguing that the ruling reshapes the presidency and makes the president above the law. The court’s decision is a blow to the foundation of the U.S. Constitution and government system establishing that, no man is above the law.

“The President of the United States is the most powerful person in the country, and possibly the world. When he uses his official powers in any way, under the majority’s reasoning, he now will be insulated from criminal prosecution,” Sotomayor in her statement of dissent.

LOS ANGELES, CA— Kyrie Irving took over Fan Fest during the BET Experience Presented by Walmart with the multifaceted “MORE THAN A RUN” powered by ANTA Day of curated basketball events on Friday, June 28, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Housed in the “Where Black Culture Plays” BETX village, the event featured a full day of basketball-intensive activities curated by Kyrie Irving, ANTA, More Than A Run, and A11Even Sports, creating a unique blend of sports, culture, and entertainment.

Event Highlights:

Youth Empowerment and Engagement:

Young athletes from community organizations participated in the Tribe Hélà basketball clinic, engaging in dynamic drills, games, and workouts with top coaches. This exclusive clinic provided invaluable mentorship and training to the youth, representing organizations such as Helping Hands Foundation, Brotherhood Crusade, Venice Beach Basketball, and Peace Players. Noteworthy, the USC women’s basketball team graced the event with their presence.

1v1 Tournament Excitement:

Fans were thrilled by an intense 1v1 tournament featuring their favorite YouTube sports influencers. The competition showcased high-energy performances from players like Daviohn Scarborough aka Scar, Ty Glover, Kevin Kuteyi, Javon Brazile, Josh Treadwell, Michael Harden Jr., Rob Colon, and Devante Carter, captivating the audience with their skills and charisma.

All-Star Invitational Game:

The day culminated with the More Than A Run All-Star Invitational game, where Kyrie Irving and his star-studded friends, including Jaden Hardy (Dallas Mavericks), Lonnie Walker (Brooklyn Nets), Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves), Dennis Smith Jr. (Brooklyn Nets), and GG Jackson (Memphis Grizzlies), coached a spectacular 5-on-5 pick-up game. The players’ exceptional talent and camaraderie made for an unforgettable experience, kicking off culture’s biggest weekend in grand style.

Exclusive Merchandise and Cultural Significance:

As a Fan Fest exclusive, over 100 youth participants received gear from Kyrie Irving’s collaboration with global sports icon ANTA. Attendees also got a first look at the latest shoe from his collection, the “KAI 1 Garden State.” Inspired by the lush green natural landscape of New Jersey, this fresh and vibrant colorway infused natural energy into the court, adding a personal touch that tied back to Irving’s roots.

Kyrie Irving remarked: “This event was about more than just basketball. It was about leveraging my partnerships with Anta, A11Even Sports and More Than A Run to give back to the community. It is important to me that the next generation is inspired and that we are always celebrating culture. I’m grateful to everyone who came out and those who worked tirelessly to make this day possible. Tribe Hélà is dedicated to empowering our youth, and this clinic was a perfect example of how we can make a real impact. To our fans, your support and enthusiasm fuel me and I am excited to continue this journey together.”

EVENT IMAGES HERE– photo credit, Border Boys Media.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA— Google announced the 20 recipients of its 2024 Google for Startups Founders Funds for Black and Latino entrepreneurs. This year marks the first cohort exclusively comprised of AI-focused startups, advancing Google’s commitments to inclusion in AI and to helping diverse founders access capital. Each founder will receive $150,000 in non-dilutive cash awards and $100,000 in Google Cloud credits to help grow their businesses. In addition to capital, the founders will also gain access to mental health resources and mentorship from Google experts in AI and sales. Five California-based founders, including one Los Angeles-based founder, are among the recipients, amounting to 1,250,000 invested in California startups.

The 2024 Black and Latino Founders Fund recipients are using AI to help solve important business and societal challenges—from using AI to prevent wildfires to diverting fast fashion from landfills to helping millions of community college learners more successfully transfer and acquire four-year degrees.

“AI can enable startups to build transformative products and solve complex challenges, but founders need access to capital to realize this potential,” said Maya Kulycky, Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Google Research. “Through the Google for Startups Founders Funds, we are proud to invest in promising Black and Latino founders who are leveraging AI technology to help address some of today’s most pressing issues. We are inspired by the groundbreaking work of these founders and their potential to shape the future of AI.”

EdVisorly (Los Angeles)

Founder: Manny Smith

About: EdVisorly is a platform empowering community college students and four-year university enrollment teams to connect to increase transfer admissions success and bachelor’s degree completion.

Bountiful (San Francisco)

Founder: Megan Nunes

About: Bountiful is an operating system for agriculture, modernizing how farmers, buyers, and sellers work smarter.

InOrbit (Mountain View)

Founder: Florian Pestoni 

About: InOrbit is a leader in robot operations, helping robot developers and end users maximize the value of every robot through a data and AI platform.

Maverick (San Francisco)

Founder: Eitan Winer

About: Maverick enables ecommerce brands to send personalized videos to their customers at scale using AI.

Waterplan (San Francisco)

Founder: Matias Comercio

About: Waterplan is the water sustainability platform to measure, respond, and report water risk.

Google believes that racial equity is inextricably linked to economic opportunity. The company created the Founders Funds to help level the playing field for Black and Latino entrepreneurs who are consistently locked out of access to early capital. Today’s announcement builds on the program’s success to date—since 2020, Google has deployed more than $50M to Black and Latino founders around the world. These founders have raised over $590 million in follow-on funding.

To learn more, visit Google for Startups.

Supporting Quotes

EdVisorly (Los Angeles)

Quote: “Our team at EdVisorly is beyond grateful to be able to partner with Google as part of the Black and Latino Founders Fund to advance our vision for community college to university transfer across the United States” says Manny Smith, founder of EdVisorly. “Our partnership with Google has elevated EdVisorly’s capacity to deliver industry-leading AI, designed with and for our higher education institutional partners. I’ve had the opportunity to serve the country throughout my time as an officer in the Air Force, and I truly believe that the progress we are making by building bridges for talented and motivated students is foundational for the long term success of our nation.”

Bountiful (San Francisco)

Quote: “The Google for Startups Latino Founders Fund means that Google is giving us the resources to help us scale Bountiful’s Operating System for agriculture,” says Megan Nunes, founder of Bountiful. “The support will be used to grow our team and crop types we cover, allowing Bountiful to further our work in modernizing how farmers, buyers and sellers work smarter.”

InOrbit (Mountain View)

Quote: “We’re thrilled to have been selected for the 2024 Google for Startups Founders Fund cohort of AI-focused companies,” says InOrbit CEO and co-founder Florian Pestoni. “This program underscores Google’s commitment to helping startups at the cutting-edge of AI. The support will be instrumental in advancing our mission as a catalyst for the adoption of smart robots at scale across industries. With this funding, we’re excited to continue our work shaping the future of robotics and AI, empowering people and organizations to reach new heights.”

Maverick (San Francisco)

Quote: “The Google for Startups Latino Founders Fund is an excellent catalyzer to leverage one of the best networks of expert advice and alumni that will allow us to advance our AI-driven innovation,” says Founder Eitan Winer. “This will enable us to further drive the value we are already adding our customers around the assessment and management of water-related risks at a global scale.”

Waterplan (San Francisco)

Quote: “The Latino Founders Fund is an amazing opportunity to connect with likeminded founders and tap into the incredibly valuable resources and support provided by the Google for Startups team,”  says Matias Comercio, co-founder and CPO of Waterplan. “The various forms of support will be used to continue building out the Maverick platform so we can reach more customers and deliver even more value to them.”

ABOUT GOOGLE FOR STARTUPS

Google for Startups works to level the playing field for startup founders and communities to succeed by bringing the best of Google’s products, connections, and best practices to startups. Paired with a deep commitment to create diverse startup communities, many of our offerings are designed specifically to provide underrepresented founders with access to resources and opportunities. We support startups everywhere to build something better. Because when startups succeed, we all succeed.