New York Amsterdam News's Legacy, Black Female Entrepreneurs, and Bear Burgers' Community Impact

Preserving the New York Amsterdam News Legacy

• 📰 The iconic New York Amsterdam News, founded 115 years ago, is transforming its newsroom into an educational and community space.
• 💡 This initiative aims to preserve the legacy of one of the country's largest Black-owned media businesses, which has been a voice for the Black community since 1909.
• 🏛️ The space will harken back to the 1940s and 50s, showcasing historical newsroom elements alongside modern technology, and will include gathering and podcasting studios.
• 💰 The project has received a planning grant from the Melon Foundation and is seeking approximately $10 million for full fruition.

Highlighting Black Female Entrepreneurs

• 🚀 The documentary "She Did That" celebrates inspiring stories of Black female business owners, who represent the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.
• 🤝 In partnership with the New York Liberty, "She Did That" is hosting the "Power Plays" event series to highlight Black women in sports and business, including those behind the scenes.
• 🛍️ An event on August 28th will feature a curated Caribbean marketplace at the Barclay Center, showcasing 10 local Caribbean women-owned businesses.
• 🎯 The goal is to inspire young people, especially from underserved communities, by showing them the diverse career paths and possibilities within sports and entrepreneurship.

Bear Burgers and Community Impact

• 🍔 Gilbert Bear Labardi, founder of Bear Burgers, is dedicated to making a difference beyond his successful restaurant ventures.
• 🎶 Labardi pivoted from managing music artist Pop Smoke to the food industry, aiming to create community-focused businesses and show diverse paths to success.
• ⚖️ After serving two years in prison for a firearm offense, Labardi reflected on his experiences and committed to helping incarcerated young men.
• 🤝 He is actively involved with the 360 program under La La Land Foundation, working with incarcerated youth at Rikers Island, providing job training and mentorship.
• ⚾ A celebrity influencer charity softball game is planned for August 16th to raise funds for the 360 program, Children of Light Food Pantry, and the Canarsau basketball team, with DoorDash as a sponsor.