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https://www.blackenterprise.com/blaque-community-cares-hosts-cash-mob-earnest-foods/
QNS reports that a nonprofit based in Queens, New York, BlaQue Community Cares, is stepping up to help boost awareness for Earnest Foods, an organic grocery store, with a cash mob initiative.
The BlaQue Cash Mob program is a community-driven event designed to support local businesses like Jamaica-based grocers by encouraging shoppers to visit the store and spend a set amount of money, roughly around $20. BlaQue Founder Aleeia Abraham says cash mobs occur throughout the New York City borough to boost support for local businesses. “I think it’s important to really encourage local shopping habits and strengthen the connection between residents and businesses and Black businesses, particularly in Queens,” she said, after hosting six events since 2021.
“And we’ve been doing this for a while now, and we found that it really helps the community discover new businesses that they might not know exist.”
As a result, the mobs increase sales and heighten community ties for independently owned businesses.
Earnest Foods opened in 2021 after a noted need for fresh produce in the area. As fresh food options were difficult for residents to find, Abraham defines the store as an “invaluable part of the southeast Queens community.” “There’s really nowhere to go in Queens, especially Black-owned businesses in Queens to find something healthier to eat. We have to keep those businesses open,” she said.
“So someone has to just make everyone aware that these businesses exist and how to keep dollars in our community. Organizing this cash mob not only encourages people to shop, but it also shows our collective dollars, how it helps sustain business and directly serves and uplifts our community.”
The event will take place on Nov. 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 123-01 Merrick Blvd in the St. Albans community. According to Queens Chronicle, the store’s co-owner, Earnest Flowers, has partnered with several other Black-owned brands in the area to sell their products in the store. Flowers is happy that his neighbors can come to his supermarket to get organic food along with goods from local area vendors such as Celeste Sassine, owner of Sassy Sweet Vegan Treats.
During the grand opening three years ago, which saw more than 350 patrons, Sassine said the partnership was “super, super, super exciting,” so much that most of the products vanished from the shelves within hours.
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Oh Neko. This convention was truly the last bit of calm before the electoral storm.
Nekocon 2024 was held in Hampton Roads, Virginia with around 6,000 attendees, this annual convention celebrates Japanese culture with a wide variety of entertainment. With panels, workshops, masquerade, AMV contest, a video game room, and so much more, it’s no wonder many consider this a cozy anime getaway.
It’s been close to ten years since I last had the opportunity to attend Nekocon, so I was beyond grateful to witness glory at this small, but mighty convention.
This was Nekocon’s 26th year, so it was no stranger to the tricks and pitfalls of con-going. Weebs flocked to Hampton Roads Convention Center. Strolling through the sunlight-dappled hallways, there was plenty of space to pursue all the goods and treats in the Artist’s Alley and Dealer’s Room.
Artist’s Alley was my favorite part of the convention. My wallet hated it, but that’s the story for every con I attend. Artist’s Alleys are almost always a hit for me personally, and they didn’t disappoint at Nekocon this year.
This year’s Nekocon was a lovely dip back into the convention scene.
It was not overcrowded. There was plenty of room to scope out the merchandise without feeling rushed. There was also lots of room to stop and ask to take pictures of cosplayers without creating a traffic jam. *Side Note* I do wish more people were wearing masks. It is flu and cold season, so that was a bit of a bummer to see. (The con’s public health policy “encouraged and permitted attendees and staff to wear masks if they choose”, but did not require them.)
It was pretty awesome to see Nekocon choose to implement an author’s alley section of the artist alley. This was the inaugural year where they had newbie authors present their works. They had their table set up. It was pretty awesome being able to talk to each of the authors down a line one right after the other. It was interesting to hear about the work that they had published, and I even went ahead and purchased a volume for myself.
I picked up a copy of Strange Taste: Volume One created by Kaela Peters. Originally launched on Kickstarter, it is a full colored dystopian comic about a future where cannibalism is legal and profitable. The first volume in an ongoing series. The comic first found an audience thanks to Webtoons. The creator Kaela, is a comic creator and illustrator based in Richmond, VA! They graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a BFA in Communication Arts, and they currently work at VCU and post bi-weekly updates of Strange Taste online. It was so great to not only see the locals creatives but also support them–I am super excited to read their work!
I was only able to attend Nekocon the Saturday of the weekend, but it was clear how beloved this convention is. The staff were helpful and eager to keep the machine well-oiled and running. I was so happy to witness it again. There was so much joy in those hallways, and I am so grateful. I hope to attend again next year. Until then, stay safe weebs!
NekoCon: Annual 3-Day Anime Convention in Hampton, Virginia! Virginia’s Longest Running Anime Convention!
See more on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.
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The post NekoCon 2024: Mewths & Legends Con Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
A currently untitled J.J. Abrams feature film with Warner Bros. continues to grow its cast, which includes Jenna Ortega, Glen Powell, and Emma Mackey. This trio is expected to lead this film, which is rumored to involve time travel. The latest person to potentially join this Abrams project is Samuel L. Jackson, who is currently in talks for a key role. We don’t know what it could be, but we are sure that he will rock it no matter what.
Right now, all details are closely under wraps. But The Hollywood Reporter says that filming will commence in the UK in spring 2025. That means we probably won’t know much about this film until next summer or even fall but an Abrams and Samuel L. Jackson movie sounds like a good time. And, this doesn’t seem to be related to whatever project Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson hinted at on his IG page a while back. Hmmm. We are curious for sure.
The post Samuel L. Jackson in Talks to Star in J.J. Abrams Mystery Film appeared first on Nerdist.