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The NAACP and Abode have launched the NAACP Creative Fellowship. The 14-week paid program provides emerging creatives with with video editing, motion graphics, sound design, and content creation skills. buff.ly/iaAbudp

MoviePass has secured a $100 million investment from Global Emerging Markets to expand Mogul, a fantasy gaming platform where users predict box office results and manage virtual studios. 🔗 buff.ly/q2YF6Si

Brazil's AI-powered social security app is denying welfare to those most in need. The app, meant to speed up claims, often rejects valid requests due to minor errors, particularly harming rural workers with limited digital literacy. buff.ly/3LHTnSx

Black and Latine entrepreneurs saw significant growth in 2024, with increased business ownership rates despite ongoing financial challenges. buff.ly/MeNT4Hj

DC-based Zeal Capital Partners has closed its $82M Fund II, tripling its AUM to $186M in just five years. Backed by investors like Citi, MassMutual Spelman, the fund will invest in early-stage startups across fintech, health, and the future of learning & work. buff.ly/CKVRxwZ

Twitch megastar Kai Cenat said he turned away interest from major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi to keep Streamer University independent. 150 content creators were selected for the all-expenses-paid bootcamp. buff.ly/Z5wNKc2

Black Tech Saturdays gets $1M grant to expand tech workshops in Detroit. The funding will support micro workshops and pitch competitions for founders, boosting entrepreneurship and innovation in the community. buff.ly/aNs8ttM

Nigerian lending platform Carrot Credit has raised $4.2M in a seed funding round led by MaC Venture Capital. Instead of relying on credit scores, Carrot’s platform lets you use your investments (including crypto, bonds, and ETFs) as collateral. buff.ly/RnPdPBB

Husband-wife duo Thibault and Simi Launay have raised $1.58m pre-seed funding for Litehaus. The startup delivers eco-friendly, affordable, and customizable construction solutions, including 3D-printed modular homes and sustainable building tech. buff.ly/exRk4mi

Melissa Butler, founder and CEO of TLB says sales at Target have declined by 30% since the boycott began earlier this year. She's calling on consumers to support Black-owned businesses through other channels - including buying from them directly. buff.ly/rYr1w48

.Zeal Capital Partners has closed its $82M Fund II, tripling its assets under management to $186M Backed by investors like MassMutual and Spelman College, the fund will invest in early-stage startups across fintech, health, and the future of learning & work buff.ly/CKVRxwZ

The Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) has launched BOF Capital, a $150 million initiative to support Black business owners and aspiring homeowners in Canada. buff.ly/kyMKILq

A new report by Stackwell and the Michigan Black Business Alliance highlights how investing in tools and education can boost financial resilience for Black small business owners. buff.ly/pBHzf28

ICASA is investigating Starlink for allegedly operating illegally in South Africa. The launch of Starlink has been blocked as its founder, Elon Musk, does not want to comply with the country’s (BEE) laws. buff.ly/wk0tarn

The NAACP has called for Elon Musk’s supercomputer project in South Memphis to cease operations immediately, as it is not in compliance with environmental regulations. buff.ly/rZ4oIah

Michael Feldstein developed an AI Learning Design Assistant (ALDA) to help educators create initial drafts of courses, syllabi, and lesson plans. buff.ly/yo4bN5q

Hailey Bieber’s skincare brand, Rhode, has been acquired by e.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion. Someone essential to Rhode’s success is longtime cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson. buff.ly/CudCxfV

Pastor Jamal Bryant, after a successful 40-day boycott against Target, is now urging consumers to boycott Dollar General for rolling back DEI initiatives and failing to invest in Black and low-income communities. buff.ly/zgPQfZA

NBA stars Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony's non-profit, Social Change Fund United, is awarding $5,000 scholarships to eight HBCU business students committed to economic empowerment and social change. buff.ly/kJ938Qf

South Africa's communications regulator, ICASA, has started seizing Starlink equipment from local resellers, intensifying a crackdown on unlicensed use of Elon Musk's satellite internet service. buff.ly/OM8o9HL