February 16, 2021
To help you navigate these uncertain times, we’ve compiled timely news and resources related to small business, education and connectivity. We hope this provides both information and comfort as we continue to weather these challenges.
T.D. Jakes Foundation in Action
Last week, T.D. Jakes Foundation President & CEO Hattie Hill was featured on MarieTV with Marie Forleo. Check out Hattie’s interview where she discusses her 30+ years supporting women and people of color in business.
Despite all the challenges of 2020, the T.D. Jakes Foundation reached some major milestones toward accomplishing our goals. Take a look at our year in review!
Today, in the United States, there are approximately 2.6 million Black-owned businesses—a number has risen by more than 30 percent in the past decade. Click here to visit the T.D. Jakes Foundation’s helpful resource guide to help those looking for ways to support Black-owned businesses.
Breaking Barriers
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former two-time Nigerian finance minister, was appointed this week to the be the next director-general of the World Trade Organization. She is the first African and the first woman to lead the body, which governs trade rules between nations. Okonjo-Iweala officially takes over the WTO’s top post on March 1, and her term is set to go through August 2025. Read the full story in NPR.
More Black and Hispanic Americans have been hospitalized and died from Covid-19, and they often face greater barriers to getting the vaccine. But a new federal program is designed close those gaps, providing CVS Health and Walgreens with additional doses throughout key neighborhoods. The vaccination program will test CVS and Walgreens’ commitment to expanding health-care access in Black and Hispanic communities. As Walgreens gets more supply, it will expand its hours and offer shots on weekends for people who can’t skip a day of work and will also open clinics at community centers. Read more on the story via CNBC.
Basketball legend Michael Jordan is donating $10 million to launch two medical clinics in underserved communities in North Carolina. The Novant Health clinics are set to open in early 2022 in New Hanover County along North Carolina’s southeastern coast, according to a statement from the system. The new clinics would bring services to “more rural and rural-adjacent communities” and to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Read more via Associated Press.
Science News
On Monday, February 15, The World Health Organization (WHO) listed the AstraZeneca and Oxford University’s COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. The AstraZeneca/Oxford shot is less costly and more easily distributed compared to some already available vaccines. Read more on the developments in U.S. News & World Report.
This Thursday, February 18, NASA’s latest Mars rover will begin its journey, kicking off a new era in red planet exploration. Only about 40% of the missions ever sent to Mars – by any space agency – have been successful. CNET has compiled a list of everything you need to know and how you can watch the excited endeavor.
Local News 
Following severe winter weather conditions in Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott is sending additional resources to aid the millions of Texans who have been impacted by the storm. Abbott has deployed officials from across the state, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, Military Department, Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas A&M Forest Service, Department of Transportation and the Emergency Medical Task Force. After Monday’s power outage, Abbott is prioritizing the restoration of power across the state. Find out more via CW33.
Several North Texas counties have opened warming shelters for residents without power due to the severe winter weather. The Dallas Morning News has compiled a list of shelters by county including their addresses and hours of operation.
The Dallas Independent School District recently announced its partnership with Apple to assist in growing digital literacy among young students. As a part of this partnership, Dallas ISD will redesign its libraries and media centers to include a R.E.A.D Lab, featuring refreshed spaces, modular furniture and aligned technology for students. Read more via Dallas ISD
Together, we can and will get through this.
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