Business owner overcomes past jail time, now runs thriving business
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Jerry Askin. (WKMG)
Marquis McKenzie, 30, said he’s living proof that anyone can overcome past mistakes and that second chances are real.
The father of three is now a successful business owner and nonprofit founder, who also advocates for returning citizens who once made mistakes like he did.
McKenzie was arrested at 15-years-old and spent two years behind bars for armed robbery. He told News 6 he’s not letting his conviction override his passion. He said he wants his story to be motivation for his own kids, and also for teens and juvenile offenders.
A Sign Urging Voters to Approve Minimum Wage Increase
Amendment two gives everyone making minimum wage in Florida the right to earn $15 an hour by 2026. The voter-approved constitutional amendment to raise the minimum wage in Florida is being crafted into law, in the form of a bill working through the state legislature. But some lawmakers are pushing efforts to exclude some from that pay raise.
Republican State Senator Jeff Brandes drafted a bill excluding felons, and those under 21, from the rise in minimum wage. He says he wants to limit wages for groups that are considered- quote- “hard to hire,” saying he believes employers will need a financial incentive to hire them.
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The inaugural list of grantees includes Howard University, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and REFORM Alliance.
Last June, Warner Music Group and the Blavatnik Family Foundation announced the formation of a joint $100 million Social Justice Fund to support charitable causes related to the music industry, social justice and education, along with campaigns against violence and racism. Now, the Fund has announced its first six grant recipients: Black Cultural Archives, Black Futures Lab, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Howard University, REFORM Alliance and Rhythm & Blues Foundation.
“We have been intentional in structuring the Fund as a separate legal entity to support organizations that are on the front lines of advancing equity and justice for all people,” said
Howard University, REFORM Alliance Among Warner Music / Blavatnik Foundation Grant Recipients
Jem Aswad, provided by
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As part of its mission to invest $100 million in organizations focused on achieving social justice, the Warner Music Group / Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund has announced its initial six grant recipients: Black Cultural Archives, Black Futures Lab, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), Howard University, REFORM Alliance and Rhythm & Blues Foundation.
The WMG/BFF SJF was established in June 2020 in the wake of the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and many other Black people. The Fund is intended to serve as an acknowledgement of the contributions Black culture has made to the profitability of today’s music industry. Over 10 years, the Fund will invest in organizations around the globe that build more equitable communities and create real change in the lives of historically underserved and margi