Curated Quarterly Newswire | Events | "Things That Make Us poliTICK" Bulletin
African American Mayors Association, American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America Partner to Award Grants to African American Mayors in Cities throughout the U.S.
More than a half-million dollars will be awarded annually to seven cities with African American mayors to promote nutrition access, affordability and education
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 31, 2024 – As part of an ongoing partnership between the African American Mayors Association (AAMA) and the American Beverage Foundation for a Healthy America (ABFHA), seven cities with African American mayors will receive significant grants to advance essential programs that improve community health and address health disparities. Mayors will be able to apply the funds towards vital resources such as community gardens, mobile veggie and fruit stands and food security programs, and attract additional investments for the nutrition issues their cities are facing.
One-third of America’s biggest cities are led by African American mayors, leaders who seek to improve the health of their respective communities and find opportunities to improve access to high-quality, nutritious food choices.
“For the third year, we are proud to be able to offer these important grants to our member mayors as they work to eradicate health inequities and eliminate health disparities in their cities,” said Phyllis Dickerson, CEO of AAMA. “Our mayors want to give families the information that they need to make educated and informed choices to support their overall health and well-being.”
ABFHA and AAMA will award seven grants totaling $600,000 annually over a three-year period to seven cities. One $175,000 grant will be awarded to a large-sized city with a population of 250,000 or more. Two grants of $125,000 each will be given to mid-sized cities with populations between 100,000 and 250,000. Two grants of $75,000 each will be awarded to small-sized cities, and two grants of $12,500 will be given to cities/towns/villages with a population of 5,000 or less.
Funds from the program will go directly toward:
“When our cities utilize creativity and innovation to come up with solutions to bring about healthier outcomes for the most vulnerable in their cities, we all win,” said AAMA President and Mayor of Montgomery, Ala., Steven Reed. “Our mayors will use these grants to build stronger and more educated communities that make sound nutritional decisions for their families. I look forward to celebrating their successes.”
In addition to the grant program, America’s beverage companies are taking bold actions in support of consumers’ efforts to achieve balance. Through its national School Beverage Guidelines, the industry cut beverage calories in schools by 94% by voluntarily removing full-calorie soft drinks. Beverage companies are leveraging their strength in product innovation to offer more choices with less sugar, shifting consumers toward low- and zero-calorie beverages. Today, nearly 60% of beverages purchased have zero sugar.
“Mayors are the ones who get things done in our cities and towns, stepping up every day to improve the quality of community life from the local economy to education to public health. The hardworking people of the beverage industry have a track record of driving meaningful solutions. We’re proud to support our mayors who never rest in their devotion to getting the job done every day for their people,” said Kevin Keane, President and CEO of American Beverage.
“This grant program is our commitment to backing up the communities where our employees work and live and we look forward to the positive change it will have on peoples’ lives.”
Grant winners will be selected by a panel of judges composed of former mayors chosen by AAMA. The winning cities will be announced at the 2025 AAMA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.
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The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is the only organization dedicated to representing over 500 African American mayors across the United States. AAMA seeks to empower local leaders for the benefit of their citizens. The role of the AAMA includes taking positions on public policies that impact the vitality and sustainability of cities; providing mayors with leadership and management tools; and creating a forum for member mayors to share best practices related to municipal management.
The Nation's Premiere Celebration of HBCU Filmmakers and Hollywood Executives to Feature Projects from Andscape, NBC, Oxygen True Crime and TVOne
Conversations with Actors Including Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Keshia Knight Pulliam, E. Roger Mitchell, LaRoyce Hawkins, Comedians Loni Love, Kym Whitley, Grammy-Award Winner and Politician Shyne Barrow, TV Executive Jawn Murray, Oxygen's Faith Jenkins, Executive Producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Director David E. Talbert
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 29, 2024 – The HBCU First Look Film Festival, dedicated to inspiring diversity within the next generation of film, TV and broadcasting, reveals their second annual screening, speaker and programming slate, taking place November 8-10, 2024, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
As the nation's only film festival honoring HBCU educated filmmakers, executives and content creators, the three-day festivities include celebrities and "I Aspire" honoree changemakers committed to building bridges with HBCU students to Hollywood in support of "A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism."
AARP returns as a supporter of the festival's My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon honoring Keshia Knight Pulliam, Stacy Milner (HBCU in L.A.) and TeeJ Mercer (Move-In Day Mafia) on Saturday, November 9th where three winners from the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge will be announced.
New this year, #HowWeHBCYOU – P&G's national program supporting students attending HBCU's to and through graduation — presents Beyond the Lights Career and Vendor Lounge. The space serves to connect students to mentors and industry experts and is one of the ways P&G is delivering on its commitment to Widen the Screen. A content creation and partnership platform, Widen the Screen supports creators to share the full richness of their experiences in authentic ways. This in turn enables P&G and its brands to reach more people with relevant content that reflects their everyday lives.
The 2nd Annual HBCU First Look Film Festival Highlights include:
Informational sessions celebrating iconic Black films include:
– More programming to be announced –
For film enthusiasts and students, tickets can be purchased via www.hbcufirstlook.com and HBCU First LOOK Festival app. For more information, visit all social platforms @hbcufirstlook #hbcufirstlook #blackfilmmakers #myvoiceviewvote #IAspirechallenge.
Diageo's "Show Your HBCU Spirit" Initiative Announces Homecoming & Classic Activations and Continues its Ongoing Scholarship Distributions
NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2024 – Diageo North America continues to celebrate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with unique and engaging activations at Homecomings and Classics throughout the 2024 fall season. Together with its brands Casamigos, Crown Royal and Guinness, Diageo is honoring HBCU culture and the longstanding traditions of Homecoming at Howard University in Washington, DC, and football Classics in Alabama and Louisiana.
"We are thrilled to continue our support of the HBCU community and its rich Homecomings and Classics traditions across many of our partner institutions," said Stephanie Childs, EVP, Corporate Relations, Diageo North America. "HBCU culture is thriving, with graduates from these esteemed establishments making impactful contributions to society and business. We are proud to celebrate the achievements and traditions again this season."
In addition to celebrating Homecoming and Classic season at HBCUs, Diageo's support via endowments at 29 HBCUs across the country continues to provide financial support to future leaders (unlike grants, endowments provide a permanent stream of interest capital for scholarships). In 2023, interest from these endowments generated over $400,000 in scholarship funds distributed to future leaders, supporting their academic journeys. This cycle will happen annually as interest accrues from the various endowments.
HOMECOMING & CLASSIC ACTIVATIONS
Festivities kick off in Washington, DC on Friday October 18th, where Diageo will salute Howard alumni and next generation changemakers at the black tie Alumni Bison Ball, hosted by the HBCU alumni collective, Homecoming at the Mecca. The celebration of Black excellence continues the following day at the "Off The Yard" tailgate festival, where Diageo will toast each honoree's impact and impressive achievements. More than a party, this is a chance to recognize decades of trailblazers committed to scholarship and service during a reunion that welcomes all Bisons back home.
On Friday October 25th, football fans and alumni will gather in Birmingham, Alabama for one of the largest HBCU classic football games in the country. As Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University prepare to face off, Diageo will proudly serve as an official Spirits Partner of "The Classic - Welcome to Birmingham" celebration.
Finally, on Saturday November 30th, Diageo and its brands will celebrate the rich HBCU traditions and culture of Grambling State University and Southern University in New Orleans, Louisiana at the 51st Annual Bayou Classic with a spirited game day tailgate. Through the "Show Your HBCU Spirit" initiative, HBCU football fans in select states can text "BAYOU" to 24272 to enter for a chance to win tickets to the Bayou Classic as well as the Greek Show & Battle of the Bands.
ADDITIONAL ENDEAVORS
In addition to HBCU Homecoming programming, Diageo North America's "Learning Skills for Life" program has provided employable skills and hospitality training at no cost to nearly 6,000 people over the past 10 years in underemployed communities and across HBCU alumni networks.
Diageo is committed to educating consumers in every community about safe alcohol consumption. In 2022, the company established the Multicultural Consortium for Responsible Drinking (MCRD), a partnership with influential leaders from diverse community organizations, to increase awareness on the risks of alcohol-related harm and provide educational resources about moderation. Over the past two years, we've reached over 5 million people with messages of responsible consumption.
About Diageo North America
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.drinkiq.com/, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices. Follow on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.
* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Must be 21+. Ends 11/03/2024 @ 11:59:59 p.m. ET. TO ENTER W/O TEXT (& Official Rules), send an e-mail with first name, phone, date of birth, state/zip to promotionalsweepstakes@avidinc.com with DIA7044802W MULTIBRAND COLLEGE FOOTBALL SWEEPSTAKES in subject line. See Official Rules for participating states, prize description/restrictions & other details. By texting BAYOU to 24272, you agree you are of legal age to purchase beverage alcohol in U.S., legal U.S. resident, and to receive recurring marketing SMS and MMS messages, including text messages, using an automatic telephone dialing system from Diageo Americas, Inc. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP in reply to stop our messages. You may also text HELP to 24272 for more info. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Sponsor: Diageo Americas, Inc., New York, NY. Please Drink Responsibly. Diageo, New York, NY
Donation comes after this year's launch of mobile sports betting in the state and marks the fourth $1 million FanDuel donation to UNCF
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 – FanDuel, the premier online gaming company in North America, today announced a fourth $1 million donation supporting the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) whose mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. The donation will financially support students at 11 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across North Carolina.
FanDuel is an Official Sports Betting Partner of the Carolina Panthers and made the donation to the UNCF on September 29 in the form of a check presentation at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, with UNCF and FanDuel executives taking part in the ceremony.
Through the donation, UNCF will provide direct support through its Emergency Student Aid program and help students at each of the institutions in a variety of areas, including technology, housing, food security, tuition and other education-related expenses.
"We are thrilled to extend our work with the UNCF to support the HBCU community across North Carolina," said Alison Kutler, Vice President, Responsible Gaming and Community Impact at FanDuel. "FanDuel is steadfast in its commitment to making a positive impact in the communities in which we operate our sportsbook, and we look forward to supporting hard-working students at institutions throughout the state."
"As a steadfast supporter of UNCF and HBCU students, FanDuel is setting an exemplary standard for other private entities to emulate in making investments in deserving students who need a helping hand to fulfill their goal of completing their college education. We commend FanDuel for its ongoing commitment and support as together we will continue empowering HBCUs and their students to flourish and to remain focused on their crucial mission in higher education," said Larry A. Griffith, executive vice president for programs and student services, UNCF.
The 11 institutions in North Carolina impacted by the donation include Barber-Scotia College, Bennett College, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine's University, Shaw University and Winston-Salem State University.
About FanDuel Group
FanDuel Group is the premier mobile gaming company in the United States. FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across mobile wagering including, America's #1 Sportsbook FanDuel Sportsbook, its leading iGaming platform FanDuel Casino, the industry's unquestioned leader in horse racing and advance-deposit wagering, FanDuel Racing and its daily fantasy sports product. In addition, FanDuel Group operates FanDuel TV, its broadly distributed linear cable television network and FanDuel TV+, its leading direct-to-consumer OTT platform. FanDuel Group has a presence across all 50 states with approximately 17 million customers and 25 retail locations. The company is based in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Atlanta and Jersey City, as well as in Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, Romania and Australia. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment plc, the world's largest sports betting and gaming operator with a portfolio of globally recognized brands and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: FLUT).
About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. During its 80-year existence, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion and helped more than 500,000 students not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor's degrees, 5% of master's degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste."® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.
Speedo Partners With Howard University Swim and Dive Program, Embracing 'Go Full Speedo' Spirit and Championing Diversity and Access
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 – Speedo USA proudly announces its new partnership with Howard University's Swim and Diving Program, uniting the iconic brand's "Go Full Speedo" approach with the drive and ambition of the nation's only historically Black college or university (HBCU) with a swim program. As a trailblazer in collegiate swimming, Howard's team has been at the forefront of fostering achievement and breaking barriers in the sport, making this collaboration a celebration of both excellence and diversity in the water.
This partnership, which extends through 2027, underscores Speedo's commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion in swimming by supporting Howard's Swim and Dive Program with 100% of their in-water needs, from Fastskin technology — swimwear engineered for the highest levels of performance, to practice suits and equipment. The relationship between Speedo and Howard will extend beyond gear, incorporating training support and mentorship to enhance athletes' performance and backing Howard's learn-to-swim programs, which provide free swim lessons to faculty and help undergraduate students meet a required swim test for graduation as well as supporting Howard's large-scale learn-to-swim initiatives in surrounding D.C. communities.
"'Go Full Speedo' is all about going all in—no holding back, no limits—and that's exactly what Howard University's Swim and Dive Program represents," said Simon Brecken, global senior vice president of Speedo. "Our partnership with Howard goes beyond providing performance gear. It's about creating opportunities, enhancing access, and fostering the next generation of champions from diverse backgrounds. Together, we're not only focused on winning in the pool but also on breaking down barriers to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the water."
Howard University's swim team, led by head coach Nic Askew, has consistently pushed boundaries, challenging norms as the only HBCU swim program at the Division I level. The team has become a symbol of both athletic and social excellence, showing what is possible when athletes have access to the best training and equipment, as well as the support they need to succeed.
"Speedo's partnership with the Howard University Swim and Dive Program is a game-changer for our athletes and the broader mission of the program," said Askew. "This collaboration allows us to enhance our swimmers' training and competition experiences, but more importantly, it emphasizes the critical need for diversity and representation in swimming. Speedo's support helps break down historical barriers, ensuring that our athletes—and future generations—see themselves in spaces where diversity has been underrepresented."
The announcement of this partnership comes just ahead of the 3rd Annual Battle at the Burr, a competitive dual meet between Howard and Georgetown University, scheduled for October 5th. The event, which sold out in minutes, is expected to draw over 1,000 spectators and will feature appearances by Speedo athletes Cullen Jones and Josh Liendo.
"Go Full Speedo" is not just about performance but about fully embracing and pushing the boundaries of what's possible, both in the pool and in life. By partnering with Howard University, Speedo is reaffirming its dedication to promoting inclusion and ensuring that swimming is a sport accessible to all, regardless of background.
About Speedo®:
The world's leading swimwear brand, Speedo® is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations, and supports swimming from grassroots through to the elite level. In the 1920s Speedo® made history with the Racerback: the world's first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo® redefined swimwear again with Fastskin® LZR RACER® - the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. 2011 saw Speedo unveil another world first with the Fastskin Racing System – a cap, goggle and suit designed to work together as one. Speedo is distributed in over 170 countries around the world. Speedo's registered trade marks are owned by Speedo Holdings B.V. To find out more visit: www.speedo.com
420 Expo: New Jersey’s Largest Consumer Cannabis Convention Ends the Summer Season with 3-Days of Industry “Edutainment”; Announces Winners of the First-Ever Legal Statewide Cannabis Cup
Receive Early Alerts For The 420 Expo in 2025 at https://420expo.com
EDISON, N.J. – October 1, 2024 – The 420 Expo (https://www.420expo.com/) recently concluded its third annual three-day event series with over 14,000 cannabis enthusiasts making their way to the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center, in Edison, September 13-15, 2024.
Presented by Wakit Grinders (https://wakitgrinders.com), the B.Y.O.C. (bring your own cannabis) public event featured access to a large variety of cannabis-friendly vendors and dispensaries, cultivators, CBD businesses, accessories, and beverages, clothing and apparel, jewelry, art, food trucks, celebrity guests, glass blowers and lots of other brands and products. Guests had the opportunity to attend a variety of seminars and engage with canna-focused nonprofits and advocacy groups, as well as learn more about expungements, cannabis industry employment opportunities, and much more. Attendees were also able to experience a massive outdoor consumption area, music, and numerous curated food trucks.
The event also featured the inaugural 420 Expo Cannabis Cup, produced by High End Events. The 420 Expo Cannabis Cup was the first statewide compliant cannabis competition. Some of the state’s premier cultivators entered their favorite strains and products in six different categories. The judge’s kits were available for a limited time at both HoneyGrove Dispensary and NJ Leaf in Freehold to consumers to purchase and then vote on their favorites. The results were revealed on the main stage at an awards ceremony Saturday.
Your inaugural 420 Expo Cannabis Cup winners are:
Indica
· 1st, Full Tilt Frost – Donkey
· 2nd, Garden Greens – Blueberry Cruffin
Hybrid
· 1st, Garden Greens – Grape Junky
· 2nd, Brighterside Farms – Free Mac
Sativa
· 1st, Clade 9 – J1
· 2nd, Garden Greens Super – Lemon Haze
Non-Infused Pre-Roll
· 1st, Hillview Farms – White Truffle
· 2nd, Hamilton Farms – Night Charmer
Infused Pre-Roll
· 1st, Mudd Bros – Melon Bomb x KW #11
· 2nd, Acreage/Superflux – Red Carpet Runtz
Vapes
· 1st, Timeless – Jungle Punch
· 2nd, MPX – Marmalade Ro
“As a community effort, our vision became a reality through the tireless efforts of the area’s cannabis industry thought-leaders and influencers,” says J. Handy, Director of Three Expo Events and co-creator of the 420 Expo. “Our team appreciates all of the hard work done by the High End Events team of Bobby and Bailey Nuggz of High End Events, along with 420 Expo Cup participating dispensaries NJ Leaf and HoneyGrove. We made lots of new friends over the weekend and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
“Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy a special weekend filled with music, munchies, and Mary Jane,” says Dan Davis, Director of Operations for Three Expo Events and co-creator of the 420 Expo. “The feedback and love from both attendees and exhibitors is overwhelming, to say the least. We’re proud to produce this event for the Jersey market and we will continue to do our part to remove the stigma against marijuana by promoting information and legal products that advance this growing industry.”
Notable guest appearances included stars from “The Sopranos,” Vincent Pastore (“Big Pussy”), Federico Castelluccio (“Furio”) and director and reality tv guest Danny Provenzano at the Bada Bloom booth, as well as Clerksstar Brian O’Halloran; former WWE champion and UFC fighter, the “Super King of Bros,” Matt Riddle; and “Real Housewives of Jersey” personality, Frank Catania, Sr. at the Dispensaries of New Jersey booth.
Attendees were also able to take advantage of a full schedule of seminars featuring top educators and speakers from around the country, a slate of entertainment featuring stellar musicians on the main stage, daily “Paint & Puff” and “Craft & Chill” sessions from NJ Garden State of Mind, Anja Dispensary and Meesh’s Goods, silent disco, “Joint Rolling” competitions, stoner karaoke and nightly after parties featuring top DJ’s such as Drewski (Hot97 and “Love & Hip Hop New York”).
The 420 Expo is scheduled to return to New Jersey, September 12-14, 2025.
Brands, products, and services targeting medicinal and recreational cannabis users can inquire early about exhibitor/vendor opportunities and secure coveted placements in front of thousands, by requesting a sales kit at https://420expo.com/exhibit. For additional information visit https://420expo.com.
Follow “420 Expo” on Instagram, X/Twitter and Facebook @the420expos.
ABOUT 420 EXPO:
420 Expo is the largest consumer-based cannabis event in New Jersey. Presented by Wakit Grinders, the third annual event series took place on September 13-15, 2024, and featured over 100 cannabis-related vendors, food trucks, celebrity appearances, live music, seminars, B.Y.O.C. (bring your own cannabis), interactive and immersive experiences, and more. The 420 Expo, the “Ultimate Smoke Sesh,” will return to New Jersey in 2025, September 12-14.
On-site sales of any sort of marijuana or THC is not permitted. In accordance with New Jersey state and local laws, attendees are able to legally consume their own stash in a dedicated outdoor consumption area.
Cannabis industry brands and services, as well as vendors with appealing and ancillary products can inquire about exhibitor/sponsorship opportunities and placement in front of thousands by requesting a sales kit at sales@3xevents.com.
Follow “420 Expo” on Instagram, X/Twitter, and Facebook @the420expos.
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