Hundreds of Activists Travel to Cleveland for Black Lives Matter Convention

More than 1,000 civil rights activists from across the country are expected to gather in Cleveland this weekend for the first ever Movement for Black Lives Convening.

The conference, which takes place from Friday to Sunday at Cleveland State University, will bring together leaders from Million Hoodies Movement for Justice, Ferguson Action and Cleveland Action to discuss next steps in the Black Lives Matter movement.

Read more: Hundreds of Activists Travel to Cleveland for Black Lives Matter Convention

Mark Henry Issues Statement Regarding Hulk Hogan's Racist Comments

WWE Superstar Mark Henry has issued a statement regarding the racist comments made by Hulk Hogan that were posted online on Friday morning:

"Unfortunately, I'm getting hounded today by media regarding my thoughts and experiences with Hulk Hogan. I'd prefer not to be thrust into this, but as the requests have been significant I feel I have a responsibility to make a statement of some sort. At a minimum to ease my personal burden regarding this topic.

We all know that we have history as it relates to the company, me and this unfortunate subject matter of racial slurs and prejudices. I don't want to and will not re-hash that, but I do want people to know that I do not condone racist behavior or speech of any manner. Again, I do not plan to speak on what happened in the past, but I would like to offer this statement about the current situation and events that hit the news today.

I'm disappointed in the comments made by Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan). I've known Terry a very long time as both a work colleague and as someone I consider a friend. I'm hurt and offended that he expressed his feelings in the manner and tone that was presented on the tape. I am however, pleased that WWE took swift action in response to his comments and I support the position the organization is taking on this matter: a no tolerance approach to racism."

Ferguson hires black interim police chief

Andre Anderson says his main task will be to restore trust between Ferguson's predominantly black populace and the Missouri city's mostly white police force.

Anderson, the city's first African-American head of police, believes he's the right man for the job.

Ferguson officials on Wednesday introduced Anderson as the city's latest interim police chief. He will take at least a six-month leave of absence from his commander post with police in Glendale, Arizona, to tackle a department put in the national spotlight by last August's shooting of teenager Michael Brown.

Anderson told reporters his first priority would be "simply to build trust" and enhance the city's recent efforts to get officers to develop positive relationships with people in the areas they patrol.

Read more: Ferguson hires black interim police chief

Sandra Bland speaking on Black Lives Matter

Before her death in a Texas jail under mysterious circumstances, Sandra Bland made a video discussing Black Lives Matter. Check out her thoughts on Black Lives Matter below.

Racism stings at black-owned businesses

When Paulette Still left a career in banking to open Posy Flower Design and Event Decor, she expected to sacrifice a steady and hefty paycheck for the chance to be her own boss. She didn't expect the number of people who would challenge her entrepreneurship based strictly on her race.

After the doors of her storefront opened in 2010, a doctor buying flowers for his wife informed her that she couldn't be the owner because black people in Pittsburgh “owned wig stores and cleaning businesses.” When she switched to appointment-only hours, customers would book appointments based on the strength of her work featured online only to “turn on their heels” after seeing her in person.

“I had someone say, ‘You should have your picture on the website,'” she said. “I showed you my flowers and my work and you were excited but you met me and you weren't excited anymore.”

According to 2006 Census figures, black-owned businesses nationally have average annual sales of $74,018, compared to $439,579 in sales for white-owned firms. Black-owned businesses received 1.7 percent of $23.09 billion in Small Business Administration loans in the 2013 fiscal year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Read more; Racism stings at black-owned businesses