Month: March 2019

Nelson Mandela once wrote that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” With the increasing availability of information—true or otherwise— providing a proper education to the next generation has become even more important.

While American educators continue to be grossly underpaid for the work they do and public schools deal with massive underfunding, many celebrities are using their wealth and social platform in order to change things for the better.

Musician Chance the Rapper has been very involved in improving schools in his hometown of Chicago and giving recognition to the parents and educators that are making a difference. A vocal philanthropist, Chance recently pledged a $2.2 million donation to 20 public schools during the summit held for his charity, SocialWorks.

His mission to shift the public’s focus to education doesn’t stop there. He’s also organizing the Twilight Awards, set to be held in June 2018. According to Chance, the ceremony will celebrate “teachers, parents, principals, and students that convey leadership” to give them the appreciation they deserve for the meaningful work they do.

Chance is definitely using his success to build the opportunities of future generations, but he’s not the only one. Many celebrities focus their monetary philanthropy on education with the understanding that an investment there is a promise for tomorrow. Some even go above and beyond to create an opportunity for education where there was none.

1. Pitbull

Besides being known as Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull took on the title of Mr. Education in 2013 when he opened the Sports Leadership And Management Academy (SLAM) magnet school in Miami.

The school’s goal is to educate children on core subjects with an emphasis on sports and sports management. The unique curriculum gives the students the skills they need while focusing on activities that engage and involve the students.

2. Serena Williams

While the education system in America is flawed, schools in impoverished nations provide even less opportunities for their youth. Knowing this, international tennis champion, Serena Williams opened up The Serena Williams Secondary School in Kenya with funds earned from the Serena Williams Foundation.

In Kenya, students have to pay $1 a week to attend school— a sum that is unaffordable for many families— so the Serena Williams Secondary School allows kids to attend for free. Since the first school opening, Williams has opened more schools across Africa; even pitching in herself during the building process.

3. Magic Johnson

Former NBA star and entrepreneur Magic Johnson understands that inner city kids have a higher risk of dropping out of school and ending up in the prison system, so he has focused on finding a place to help them find their way. To do so, he opened the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academies in Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, North Carolina and Ohio.

The schools’ alternative approach utilizes student-focused programs to provide opportunities to earn a diploma at a pace that works with their schedules, lifestyles, and learning needs.

4. Kevin Johnson

Besides being an NBA star and mayor of Sacramento, Johnson founded a charter school network called the St. HOPE Public Schools. The system is multi-tiered with a center for early childhood education, an elementary school, a middle school, and a high school.

Johnson also has first hand knowledge of the school system as he is married to champion of education reformer Michelle Rhee.

5. Angelina Jolie

Humanitarian and actress Angelina Jolie knows that an investment in women is an investment in the future. In that spirit, she opened an all-girls school in Afghanistan in 2013. The school was funded by proceeds from Jolie’s jewelry collection, Style of Jolie, and in association with The Education Partnership For Children Of Conflict.

She has since continued to expand education in the Middle East, focusing especially on girls and children displaced by local and international conflicts.

The only way we can improve the world is to improve the situation of its citizens, and the most powerful way to do that is by giving them the education they need. These celebrities understand that the future will be shaped by learning, and they’re ensuring that our kids will have all the best chances to make that future a bright one.

Dealing with the occasional crazy day (or few days) is common for many of us, but when stress is ongoing, it can really affect our mental and physical health.

Here are some signs you might be more stressed out than you realize:

– Trouble concentrating
– Sudden bouts of acne
– Thinning hair
– Stomach aches or neck aches
– Sexual dysfunction
– Recurring headache
– Tough time getting over a cold

We all have to face stressful situations sometimes. Knowing that there’s no avoiding them, it’s best to find productive ways to cope.

What can you do when you feel overwhelmed?

Exercise

Daily walks can do you a world of good, and regular exercise can help you keep those stress levels down. Choose an activity you love, but if you don’t have the time (or energy) for something specific, even getting your blood pumping with a 20 minute walk can make you feel better.

Rest

Just as important as moving is resting. Whether your ideal amount of sleep is seven hours or you’re more of a nine-hour sleeper, getting enough sleep is important for your overall health. Instead of trying to cope with stress by drinking—which is a depressant that disrupts your sleep patterns—turn in on time and get yourself some good shuteye.

Meditate

You might try mantras or you may prefer silent meditation. Whatever relaxation or mindfulness technique you choose, set aside a few minutes for it every day. The more you practice it, the better you’ll get at it. Because true meditation clears your mind of all thoughts—including stressful ones—the simple act of meditation pushes stress away.

Reach Out

Having a strong support system improves our lives in many ways, including reducing our stress. Reach out to those supportive friends and family when you’re having a hard time; just knowing you have a shoulder to cry on helps a great deal.

Journal It

You can also look inward by jotting down your feelings when going through stressful events. Keeping a journal—whether you’re detailing daily events or only writing about major ones—is a great way to channel your emotions.

Your good health depends on effective stress reduction techniques. You may look inward or focus on outward care. Whatever methods you use, learning how to handle stress in positive, productive ways benefits you mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Sometimes, no one can be tougher on us than us.  

The secret thoughts that live in each of us threaten our peace.  It is one thing to be introspective or to wonder if we could have done things differently,  but it is another to perpetuate a false, negative internal script.

Outwardly we may act as if we have things all together, but inside we level some of our own harshest criticisms.  We must stop beating ourselves up and start giving credit where it’s due!

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that carrying forward a false internal script actually damages our self-esteem and threatens our future success. The words we choose to repeat to ourselves matter.  

They found that “small shifts in the language people use to refer to the self during introspection…influence their ability to regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.”

We often lie to ourselves (about ourselves) saying words and phrases like: “I’m broken”, “too fat”, “scared”, “not smart enough” or “lost”.

These lies we tell ourselves must stop; our words must speak peace into our own hearts.

Oscar award-winning actress Viola Davis once said, “Who you are is good enough.  I believe that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are, truly being who you are.”  

We are so much more than we even know!  

We are whole, complete and worthy of love as is, scars and all.  

Humans were not meant to live alone. We seek each other out and form relationships to better our lives and share our love. But these partnerships can be difficult to maintain.

When different personalities and perspectives are brought together, there is bound to be some friction in the union. Conflict can be healthy but if the fight’s not fair, it allows that friction to grow into a fire that will be hard to extinguish.

In order to disagree effectively in a relationship, we’ve got to learn how to fight fair.

1. Communication is key.

The key to a healthy relationship is communication, but knowing the theory and applying the practice are two different things.

In order to effectively communicate, we must understand that communication flows both ways. Both partners need to have equal opportunity to express their hurt, anger, and frustration in a way that will be heard without judgment.

2. Know when to take a timeout.

Words can be said in the heat of the moment that can never be taken back, so it’s important to know when it’s time to take a break. Agreeing to take a timeout when things get too intense can help with calmer communication and avoiding the impulse to fight dirty.  

3. Don’t be a mind reader.

Mind reading, assuming what a partner is thinking or feeling and acting on that assumption, can sink any productive resolution Inserting our own observations and assumptions onto our partner gives us a false reality. Instead of making assumptions about their feelings, couples must practice the power of silence and actually listen to what their partner is really saying

4. Know what’s off limits and avoid it.

When in a relationship, each partner becomes privy to the other person’s secrets, flaws, insecurities, and embarrassments. That information is not meant to be used as ammo in a fight. Our need to remove personal blame and our instinct to hurt before we are hurt can cause us to dig up painful subjects from the past and turn them into weapons to use against the person we love.

Instead, assess which topics are off limits and respect those restrictions.

5. Stop keeping score.

It’s harmful to stockpile hurt as a reminder of the times we have felt slighted because doing so limits our ability to move past those feeling of distress.

Keeping score in a relationship keeps pain fresh on the surface instead of allowing it to heal. Holding on to negativity as a defense mechanism only creates more negativity. When a partner keeps track of hurt, it only causes the other to do the same

Instead, couples must treat each encounter as if both partners have a clean slate so old wounds from the past can be allowed to heal.  

Once a couple learns to fight fair, conflict can be healthy.

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, built an impressive empire, but he didn’t do alone. While Jobs was a creative genius and an intense perfectionist, he also had the awareness to ask for help when he needed it.

In a 1994 video interview with the Santa Clara Valley Historical Association, the late Apple CEO recounts calling up Bill Hewlett, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, as a 12-year old asking for spare parts to build a frequency counter. Hewlett not only gave Jobs the parts, he also offered him a summer position at his company assembling those very same frequency counters.

Jobs goes on to say, “I’ve never found anyone who’s said no or hung up the phone when I called — I just asked. And when people ask me, I try to be as responsive, to pay that debt of gratitude back. Most people never pick up the phone and call, most people never ask. And that’s what separates, sometimes, the people that do things from the people that just dream about them. You gotta act. And you’ve gotta be willing to fail, you gotta be ready to crash and burn, with people on the phone, with starting a company, with whatever. If you’re afraid of failing, you won’t get very far.”

Asking for help is something that requires both vulnerability and strength, especially in the world of business. No one wants to seem incompetent or unprofessional — but asking for help shows the opposite. It shows you’re willing to learn and work as a team, two skills that are absolutely necessary in the workplace.

If Steve Jobs could ask for help, what’s your excuse?

Follow these 3 tips when asking for help without being embarrassed.

Be Honest and Direct

When asking for help, it’s important to be completely honest and direct. Organize your thoughts and write them down beforehand if needed. Once you ask for help, thoroughly explain what you need and why you need it, but without any excuses. A direct and straightforward approach will be much more well-received than you think.

Assess Your Target and Be Reasonable With Your Request

Before you ask for help, assess your target. Don’t ask the world from someone who may already have their plate full; make your request reasonable. When asking for help in person, study their body language and make any appropriate changes to your request to better suit their needs. Be open to the prospect that you may need to ask for less, ask at another time or ask someone else entirely.

Express Gratitude

Once your request has been granted, express your grateful you are for their help. You can do this in any number of ways: a thank you note, a phone call, a gift or financial compensation. It will be greatly appreciated.

Asking for help not only fulfills your needs, but it also builds a bridge between you and the other person. Who knows, maybe in the future they’ll be the one asking YOU for help.

Do you regularly cringe at work because you knew a meeting could’ve been more efficient, or are you the first to spot red flags behind your team’s missed deadlines? Sounds like you’re ready to step up your game and be a leader.

Good leaders can help foster employee productivity loyalty, commitment, and motivation.

So, how can your desire for leadership drive these kinds of positive results one day? Start with the following two skills, and be relentless about improving them.

1. Really listen.

The best leaders make it a point to listen to their employees, customers, colleagues, advisors, and mentors. They may not always agree, but learning how to listen and be fully engaged is a skill that will benefit you as a leader and a team player.

Listening fully isn’t politely waiting for your turn to speak, or thinking about a clever retort to what you’re hearing. Really listening means you’re focusing on what the other person is saying, then fully understanding it before you respond.

Try practicing this skill — when someone is speaking, don’t immediately respond. Give a moment of pause, take it in, and summarize what they just said to confirm you’re interpreting correctly.

2. Speak concisely and eloquently.

No one is born knowing how to convey their thoughts clearly. Learning how to get better at communicating without constantly pausing, backtracking, losing your train of thought, or turning to filler words like “um” or “like” is crucial to moving up the ladder and being seen as a leader.

Be intentional with your words. If you’re not sure what you’re going to say next, just pause, rather than using filler words. If you’re heading into a team meeting, write a brief outline of what you want to say beforehand.

Try recording yourself on camera, then play it back to see what you sound (and look) like. There are tons of resources online that help you improve your level of comfortability when speaking in front of others, and communicating your thoughts more concisely.

These two skills aren’t easy to master, but you can get there with practice. When you start to improve, apply what you’ve learned in the workplace, and effectively communicate that you’re interested in the manager position, or why you should get that raise.

To own a business and be the master of your fate is the American Dream. Now more than ever, entrepreneurs-in-training are taking steps make a name for themselves in the business world. And out of all these hopeful business owners, it’s African-American women who happen to be the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in America.

These businesswomen are using their know-how, passion, and innovation to positively change the world through their organizations. Here are some of the most prosperous black women who have made their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.

1. Tina Knowles

She isn’t just the mother of the biggest musical act in the world— Tina Knowles has always had a passion for entrepreneurship. Before Beyoncé rose to fame, her mother was already flexing her business skills by opening hair salon Headliners in her home of Houston, Texas. A natural fashion designer, Ms. Knowles designed costumes for Destiny’s Child before launching two successful fashion lines, House of Dereon and Miss Tina. Her efforts have earned her a net worth of approximately $20 Million.

2. Janice Bryant Howroyd

Back in 1978, Janice Bryant Howroyd took a modest sum of $1,500, a small office, and a single telephone and founded staffing firm ACT-1. Now, after nearly 35 years, ACT-1 has grown to over 70 branches across the nation and into the largest American staffing company to be owned by a woman of color. Ms. Bryant Howroyd’s $1,500 investment has grown into a total net worth of $420 Million.

3. Lisa Price

Lisa Price’s start as an entrepreneur took place in the kitchen sink of her home in Brooklyn back in 1993. With just a $100 investment, she began mixing her own hair care products and selling the concoctions at churches, flea markets, and street fairs. Today, her company, Carol’s Daughter, is a highly successful line of home made natural beauty products and has netted the business woman a total worth of $12 Million.

4. Tyra Banks

Former Victoria Secret’s model Tyra Banks wasn’t content with just being in front of the camera. Ms. Banks started her own independent production company, Bankable Productions, and launched the incredibly popular model search reality show America’s Next Top Model. She also launched a cosmetic line, Tyra Beauty, and just graduated from Harvard Business school. All of her endeavours have led to a $90 Million net worth.

5. Sheila Johnson

Sheila Johnson had a dream to start an entertainment network that would essentially be the “Ebony Magazine of TV.” Partnering with her husband, she made her fortune by co-founding the BET cable network. She is also the first African-American woman to be an owner of three professional sports franchises— the Washington Capitals, the Washington Wizards, and the Washington Mystics— and started her own hotel company, Salamander Hospitality. Her savvy business sense has created a wealth of $710 Million.

6. Mara Brock Akil

Innovative writer and producer Mara Brok Akil is the brains behind hit TV shows such as Girlfriends, The Game, Cougar Town, and Being Mary Jane. Ms. Brock Akil also co-founded Akil Productions with her husband Salim Akil. Her creative storytelling and vision has earned her a net worth of $8 Million.

7. Kimora Lee Simmons

Kimora Lee Simmons seamlessly made the transition from fashion model to entrepreneur. For 10 years, Ms. Lee Simmons ran the show at mega successful fashion brand Baby Phat before deciding to launch the KLS Collection and KLS Design Group. Author, philanthropist, and head of her own perfume line, Ms. Lee Simmons is worth a net $50 Million.

8. Angela Benton

The creator of web-based startups Cued, BlackWeb 2.0 and NewMe Accelerator, Angela Benton is an internet entrepreneur who is changing the tech industry and acting as a facilitator for other minority-owned tech startups to launch their ideas. Her work in tech has made over a million dollars and created opportunities for so many others.

9. Oprah Winfrey

This list wouldn’t be complete without Oprah Winfrey, the third richest African American woman in the world. In the 80s she started Harpo Productions and later became the second-ever Black woman to start her own television network, OWN. She is also a philanthropist who started a school for girls in Africa and produces award-winning movies and television shows. Her net worth is an incredible $3.1 Billion.

These women have completely redefined the face of entrepreneurial success in America. If you ever need the inspiration to follow your dreams, look to these extraordinary women who’ve triumphantly made a place for themselves in the world of business.

Most professional athletes have it made.

They play the sport they love and have the potential to earn millions of dollars. That said, some players believe the truest measure of their success is not determined by how much money they’ve made but by how much they’ve contributed to the global community.

Get to know more about these four athletes who’ve created nonprofit organizations dedicated to social justice, education and community empowerment.

1. Billy Jean King And The Women’s Sports Foundation

From being honored by President Obama with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, to becoming one of Life Magazine’s “100 Most Important Americans,” legendary tennis champion, Billy Jean King has received some of our nation’s highest honors. In the tennis world, many recognize her as one of the greatest, but outside of the game, few may know that she is a champion for social change.

King is a highly influential women’s rights advocate and in 1973 spearheaded the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Utilizing the WTA’s platform, she threatened a boycott of the 1973 U.S. Open if pay inequality wasn’t addressed. Once her demands were met, the U.S. Open became the first major tournament to offer equal prize money to women and men.

King founded The Women’s Sports Foundation to advance the lives of women and girls through sports and physical activity in 1974. Today, the foundation provides scholarships and grants to aspiring athletes, funds groundbreaking research and public awareness campaigns and provides educational opportunities for students.

2. Mariano Rivera And The Mariano Rivera Foundation

Mariano was a pitcher the New York Yankees from 1995-2013. The All-Star is regarded as one of the most dominant relievers in major league history; he was named the 1999 World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the 2003 AL Championship Series MVP.

The champ gave it his all in baseball and continues to do so with his philanthropic endeavors. Through the Mariano Rivera Foundation (MRF), he provides aid to impoverished communities through medical assistance, education, social and economic development. In addition to purchasing hospital ambulances and rescue vehicles for poverty-stricken communities, the organization has provided health clinics for children in cities where they were previously non-existent.

MRF also provides scholarships for financially underprivileged students and founded the Incentive Scholarship Program in New Rochelle, New York. This program provides four-year tuition, room, and board, for financially challenged students who show dedication and promise.

3. Russell Wilson And The Why Not You Foundation

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has achieved a great deal during his football career. While his performance on the field has received plenty of attention, he wants to focus on you. His Why Not You Foundation addresses health and social issues including cancer, diabetes, domestic violence and world hunger. Since founding the organization in 2014, Wilson has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars, alongside his partners, to various charitable organizations. Last year the organization partnered with NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne’s foundation to donate $400,000 to the Seattle Children’s Hospital’s Strong Against Cancer Initiative.

Wilson also volunteers his time with the hospital every Tuesday and most recently partnered with Amazon to provide electronics, toys, and gift cards for patients.

In an effort to put a stop to domestic violence, Russell’s foundation launched the “Pass the Peace” social media campaign. This initiative was created to increase awareness of and raise money for the National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH). This organization provides support and resources to victims who have been abused. To date, Wilson’s foundation has raised just over $100,000 dollars for NDVH.

4. LeBron James And The LeBron James Family Foundation

LeBron “King” James is one of the NBA’s most valuable and versatile player and his on-court achievements are many. He is 2-time NBA World Champion, 4-time league MVP, and an Olympic gold medalist, to start. While these are all amazing accomplishments, his dedication to children and education is equally noteworthy.

Brown and his mother founded The LeBron James Family Foundation in 2004, not long before he entered the NBA draft. The organization strives to help children and single-parent families in need, through a variety of educational and health programs.

The mission of his organization has been to address and quell the national school drop-out rate. According to the foundation, a child drops out of school every 26 seconds. Using LJFF as a launching pad, James’ foundation has created several other specialized ancillary organizations that further his mission.

Wheels for Education: The organization provides mentorship opportunities and bikes for underprivileged students.

Akron I Promise Network: Upon graduating from the Wheels for Education program, 6th graders enter AIPN and remain with the organization until they graduate. The program provides educational and mentorship opportunities for students. It also orchestrates community events like the I Promise Family Reunion, a community luncheon for Akron residents.

Most recently, the foundation partnered with the University of Akron and pledged $41.5 million dollars to provide full-ride scholarships. The scholarships will be allocated to students who are both eligible for the university and are members of Lebron’s Akron I Promise organization. James says that he plans to provide scholarships for 1,100 students.

Each of these athletes recognizes that their success provides the opportunity to become catalysts for change in the world.  We applaud their phenomenal dedication to community service and advocacy.

Kevin Hart returns to No. 1 on The Hollywood Reporter’s Top Actors chart for the first time in nearly a year, pushing 2-1 on the Jan. 16-dated ranking.

The Top Actors chart is a ranking of the most popular actors on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Google Plus, with global data provided by social media analytics company MVPindex. The chart’s methodology blends social engagement on the platforms along with weekly additions of followers/subscribers. The latest tracking week ended Jan. 8.

Hart leads Priyanka Chopra, who falls to No. 2 after ruling the list for five consecutive weeks.

Kristen Bell re-enters the tally to reach a new peak of No. 3, and Will Smith and Jason Momoa round out the top five.

See the top 10 below (and for the full 25-position list, pick up the THR issue dated Jan. 16), and for more charts on The Hollywood Reporter, check out the Top Comedians and Top TV Personalities charts.

• 10. Gabrielle Union 9. Jada Pinkett Smith 8. Lin-Manuel Miranda 7. Debby Ryan 6. George Takei 5. Jason Momoa 4. Will Smith 3. Kristen Bell 2. Priyanka Chopra 1. Kevin Hart