Is Fat Joe An Opp For Copping Trump Sneakers? The Internet Weighs In
Fat Joe speaks on social media defending his choice to collect Trump's new sneakers despite claims he's a sell out.
The internet has mixed feelings on Fat Joe’s latest shoe purchase. The rapper defended himself for copping Trump’s controversial new sneaker amid a sea of naysayers thinking he’s an Opp.
The rapper posted on social media to speak his truth about why he bought the shoe, suggesting that his avid shoe collection may trump his politics. The Neighborhood Talk shared the footage on its Instagram.
“I had to get my hand on the Trumps,” explained the entertainer. “Get me the Trumps please…They think I’m fronting. But listen, I have thousands and thousands and thousands of pairs of sneakers. When everyone flipped on Kanye, I bought the two most exclusive Kanyes ever. I had to get my hands on them.”
An unknown member of Fat Joe’s entourage showed the shoe box with the detail “Family and Friends” on it while noting that only 50 of the coveted items were made.
“Once again, I’m not a Trumper. I dislike Trump. I’m not voting for him, not now, not ever,” shared the 53-year-old. But I’m a sneaker collector into the art so I had to find these….I collect sneakers; the rarer, the better. No I didn’t pay for these sneakers, sorry…they knew I had to have them, because I’m the biggest in the game.”
Instagram users were shocked at Fat Joe’s stance on keeping the gold metallic shoes despite being from Trump. One commenter noted when Trump threw paper towels toward a crowd in Puerto Rico, where Fat Joe is ethnically from, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
“Chile, he threw your people paper towels when they were in dire need, and you do this,” questioned the naysayer.
Another user noted how Fat Joe’s claims that he does not support him, yet promoting his shoes still endorses his character.
“So you just endorsed him and his wack a** shoes that he made specifically for the black community…,” wrote a commenter while also typing the clown emoji.
I wake up and see that Fat Joe has been stripped of his Hip Hop legend status due to him having a pair of Trump sneakers (January 6’s)
However, some are calling it a lucrative purchase, claiming that the shoe’s value will be worth hundreds of thousands in a few years.
“Y’all do realize in [a]bout 5-10 years they [are] going [to be] worth 200k [plus],” explained another.
Many are considering Fat Joe a sell-out for receiving the shoes, even if he did not pay for them, because of Trump’s politics, which he claims don’t align with his own. Despite the notion that keeping the sneakers means he does not stand on business, it’s evident that Fat Joe won’t make a return anytime soon.
André LeRoy Davis Hosts Art Exhibit With City Winery NYC
City Winery NYC is celebrating Black History Month with "The Last Word," an art exhibit by André LeRoy Davis, known for his satirical illustrations on the "The Source" magazine's end page.
Fans of the famed satirical illustrator André LeRoy Davis now have a chance to view his works in a new gallery. The acclaimed artist will have his pieces on display at City Winery NYC throughout Black History Month.
Source: Photo by City Winery
The exhibit is called “The Last Word” to pay tribute to the thought-provoking, often political, and always satirical illustrations at the end of The Source that made Davis, who worked for the magazine from 1990 to 2007, a household name. The exhibit will showcase some of his famed works for the publication.
On City Winery’s website, Davis spoke about his unorthodox visual humor and what the viewer should gain from the experience.
“If you’ve never been introduced to my artistry before, my humor may be outside of the box, but I tell a story within a box,” explained the visionary. “Jocularity, politics, captivating likeness, well thought out ideas, detail, hidden jokes, in-your-face statements and a parody that works in totality to elevate the complete package that seemingly draws you in.”
Over 30 prints of Davis’ famed works will be on display, all available for purchase. His themes of hip-hop, politics, and Black America have captivated audiences for decades, making him a critical voice in visual and written media for his provocative pieces that often call out injustice via his imagery of Black public figures.
Davis offered details about his mission to remain true to his artistry by sparking conversation.
“My mission with my art is to inform, ‘make ‘em laugh, make ‘em think, enlighten ‘em, make ‘em double think about what they first thought and most importantly… I strive to say something with my art.”
Davis spoke to BET.com in 2021 about why he believed his work had gained in popularity.
“In the beginning, I illustrated whatever was happening in the news that was poignant,” he shared with the site. “After that, my illustrations would sum up the whole issue with one drawing. It evolved into whoever was on the cover. I really didn’t think anything of it. I was just trying to make sure my drawings were on point.”
City Winery is also unveiling a bottle of cabernet sauvignon to further celebrate the exhibit, with the keepsake featuring one of Davis’ signature pieces on the label. Tickets are free throughout February, with Davis to attend the venue for a meet-and-greet on Feb. 23 to speak more about the artwork that has aided in Black political consciousness.
Tony Snell’s Urgency: Signing With NBA Team Crucial For Benefits Supporting Sons With Autism
Tony Snell must sign to an NBA team by Feb. 2 to mark 10 years in the league to secure the NBA's retiree benefits program.
According to Yahoo Sports, NBA veteran Tony Snell opened up about his journey with autism, shedding light on his eponymously named foundation’s mission and the importance of mentorship. However, Snell’s commitment to making a positive impact faces a pressing deadline, highlighting the financial challenges of advocating for autism awareness. Snell has until Feb. 2 to sign with an NBA team to be eligible for a 10th year of service in the NBA for the retiree benefits program.
Snell’s connection to autism unfolded through his son, Karter, whose diagnosis became a catalyst for the basketball player’s self-discovery. Reflecting on this process, Snell expressed relief, acknowledging that he always sensed his uniqueness compared to others.
“I honestly felt relief. I always knew I was different from everybody else. Just observing other kids, just observing everyone around me. How they were interested in each other, and they just clicked. I couldn’t find a way to click or relate. Basketball was honestly the only reason I had friends,” he shared with Yahoo Sports.
Driven by his personal experiences, the basketball player established his foundation to facilitate interaction between children on the autism spectrum and those who are not. The foundation aims to create an inclusive environment where all kids can play and interact seamlessly.
Discussing Karter’s progress, Snell proudly mentioned improvements in his son’s development. Karter can now count up to 20 and demonstrates a solid understanding of shapes and colors, a testament to the positive impact of early intervention and support.
Beyond his advocacy for autism awareness, Snell has been using his time in Portland, Maine, to mentor young players, including Boston’s second-round pick, Jordan Walsh. Sharing his knowledge and experience, Snell expressed joy in helping the next generation of basketball players.
“I want to share my knowledge with the young guys. I have enjoyment from helping them out and showing them what I see. I’m at the stage where I want to inspire people and help as many people as I possibly can,” he affirmed.
However, a looming deadline adds a layer of urgency to Snell’s commitment to making a difference. The NBA veteran needs to secure a contract with an NBA team to ensure he can afford essential treatments for his autistic children.
The National Black McDonald’s Operators Association Celebrates 50 Years Of Black Franchise Owners During National Black Business Month
The National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA) celebrates 50 years of Black franchise owners during National Black Business Month.
Created in 1972, the NBMOA helps Black McDonald’s franchise owners navigate McDonald’s franchise system and create a support network to assist each other, 2 Urban Girls reports.
McDonald’s, one of the biggest fast food chains in America and abroad, had more than 300 Black franchise owners as recently as 2008. According to its site, the NBMOA’s goal is to integrate its members, Black Mcdonald’s employees, and vendors into the fast food giant’s system.
Corwin Johnson, who owns several McDonald’s franchises in Southern California and is on the board of Ronald McDonald Charities, said becoming a McDonald’s franchise owner allowed him to earn a living doing something he loves while paying it forward by providing jobs and opportunities to others.
“Several of the managers I worked for set a great learning environment, something I try to emulate daily and also did throughout my college and professional career,” Johnson told 2 Urban Girls.
“Prior to becoming a franchisee, I worked as a certified public accountant and had the opportunity to see many businesses in many industries. I compared the processes, internal controls, and overall operations to my jobs dating back to my McDonald’s days. At the end of the day, I truly loved learning, people, processes, and business.”
The number of Black McDonald’s franchise owners has decreased in recent years. CNBC reported in 2008 that there were 304 Black franchise owners; however, in 2017, there were less than 250 Black franchise owners.
Despite the dwindling numbers, many McDonald’s franchise owners still speak positively about their experience. That includes the father-son duo of Larry and Dale Thornton, who both own a McDonald’s franchise in Alabama.
Larry Thornton, who purchased his first franchise in 1992, told BLACK ENTERPRISE in June how proud he was to see his son Dale become a franchise owner.
“I cannot tell you how proud I am that he chose this and I hope that he would because it gets back to this statement. I never wanted anyone to ask whatever happened to that Black man who used to own the McDonald’s?” Larry Thornton said.
The Sneaker Industry Raked in $70 Billion in Sales, But Black Retailers Did Not Gain Much
Fixated with gym shoes, Black Americans contributed heavily to making buying sneakers a $70 billion business. Yet, not many Black merchants are profiting from the windfall profits, raising big-time questions as to why not.
The circumstance is perhaps more perplexing with the global sneaker market revenue expected to hit $102 billion by 2025, up from $70 billion last year, based on data from market researcher Statista.
Nike, along with Adidas, and Puma were the most popular choices. Nike alone pulled in $24 billion in U.S. footwear sales in 2020—which is more than Adidas and Puma combined.
“Our brand would not be what it is today without the powerful contributions of Black athletes and Black culture,” Nike President and CEO John Donahue said, according to NBC News. But many industry participants are bothered that roughly only 5% of sneaker retailers in America are Black.
James Whitner (Image: NBC News)
“It’s a white boys’ club, like most things,” said James Whitner, a successful Black entrepreneur with boutique apparel and sneakers stores in several cities. “There are people aware of it, but their privilege doesn’t force them to have to change it.”
Whitner’s business has risen from an apparel and sneaker shop in Charlotte, NC, to several boutiques throughout the East Coast for his company, The Whitney Group, NBC News reported.
“My saving grace was I had a good ecosystem of a few Black people who taught me the ropes,” he said. “But on the other side are white gatekeepers who are keeping us out.”
While there are no official records for the number of Black-owned independent sneaker retail stores, Whitner said he knew them all and counted 18—including three in Europe. “That’s it.”
But lack of capital could be among the barriers for the shortage of Black sneakers retailers, observers say,
“Resources are required to be successful,” Whitner said. “And not many of us have the resources or the business savvy, or the understanding of what it takes to actually win in this industry. Starting when you’re disadvantaged is hard.”
Black entrepreneur Isom Lowman, who reportedly once owned 22 Athlete’s Foot stores, has since bought and sold several of them, bringing his total to nine. Lowman said acquiring a retail space now, however, is more difficult for Black people than it was two decades ago. Nike plays a huge role because of its universal popularity, he said. It alone can determine a store’s profitability and existence.
“Back in the day, if you had a Nike account, you could open up a store pretty much anywhere,” Lowman said. “But now, it’s hard to get a Nike account. So that makes it a whole lot harder for people in the business to expand, and it definitely has made it a whole lot harder for people to get into the business.”
(Nike did not respond to requests from NBC News for comment.)
Darius Billings, a senior director of product and marketing for the Athletes’ Foot, said he was inspired by a talk with family and friends during the Black Lives Matter-led social justice movement last year to consider how his company could be a factor in bridging racial inequities.
This past spring, he launched the Strategic African American Retail Track or StAART. The program is geared to address Lowman’s and Whitner’s points about helping create pathways for Black entrepreneurs to become retail store owners. Among its efforts, StAART recruits and supports Black entrepreneurs in the sneaker business by helping them clear the traditional barriers Black potential business owners face.
Meet The Speakers Of The Inaugural Black Enterprise DEI Corporate Boards/C-Suite Summit
Black Enterprise — the No. 1 Black digital media brand, with more than 8 million monthly unique visitors — will present its inaugural Corporate Boards/C-Suite Summit, as a groundbreaking virtual event on July 14.
Attendees of this unique, first-ever virtual event will receive exclusive information and insights on how the expansion of Black corporate leadership will transform corporations, increase shareholder value, and advance opportunities for all corporations.
Corey Anthony, SVP and Chief Diversity Officer, AT&T
Anthony started his career at AT&T in 1995, working as a manager in the Special Services Center in Wichita, Kan. Anthony has worked for AT&T for more than 25 years, holding several leadership roles across AT&T in its Wireless, Marketing, Finance, Network Operations, Human Resources, and Global Customer Service organizations. A Texas A&M graduate, Anthony also co-founded a chapter of AT&T’s African American employee resource group. He will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Racial Equity Imperative discussion.
Michele Meyer-Shipp, Chief People and Culture Officer, Major League Baseball
Meyer-Shipp joined Major League Baseball in October 2020 as its first Chief People & Culture Officer. She reports directly to Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. and sits on both MLB’s Executive Committee and the League-wide Owner’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. In her role, Michele leads human resources; diversity, inclusion and culture; and off-field office operations globally for the League supporting the Central League Office, all 30 Major League Clubs, and 120 Minor League Clubs. Meyer-Shipp will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Racial Equity Imperative discussion.
Byron Loflin, Global Head of Board Engagement, Nasdaq
Loflin leads board assessments and boardroom training for Nasdaq Governance Solutions and is the founder and former CEO of the Center for Board Excellence (CBE) – acquired by Nasdaq in 2019. Loflin’s experience and expertise are in the design and administration of assessments and advising board chairs, boards, committees, directors, and executive management in a full range of corporate governance matters, including strategic alignment, best practices, board refreshment, diversity, structures, and corporate planning. He will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Diversifying Corporate Boards discussion.
Shellye Archambeau, Fortune 500 Board Member, Former CEO Of MetricStream
Shellye Archambeau is an experienced CEO and Board Director with a track record of accomplishments building brands, high-performance teams, and organizations. She currently serves on the boards of Verizon, Nordstrom, Roper Technologies, and Okta. Archambeau has over 30 years of experience in technology including as the former CEO of MetricStream, a Silicon Valley-based, governance, risk, and compliance software company. She is also a Forbes contributor and a published author. Archambeau will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Smashing The Concrete Ceiling discussion.
Kristi Martin Rodriguez, Senior Vice President, Nationwide Retirement Institute
Kristi Martin Rodriguez currently serves as Senior Vice President of the Nationwide Retirement Institute® for Nationwide Financial. Kristi oversees an extensive network of knowledgeable professionals who provide hands-on consultation to develop client strategies and address the major concerns America’s workers face when planning for retirement. Rodriguez has over 20 years of extensive experience in business-to-business and direct-to-consumer strategies and building high-performing teams. She joined Nationwide in 2015 as the Vice President of Marketing for Nationwide’s retirement plans business. Rodriguez will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Changing The Face Of Corporate Leadership discussion.
Ronald A. Williams Board of Directors, American Express
Ronald A. Williams is Chairman and CEO of RW2 Enterprises, LLC and the former CEO of health insurance giant Aetna Inc. Williams also serves as the Lead Director of American Express and Director of The Boeing Co. and Johnson & Johnson. Under Williams’ leadership, Aetna was named FORTUNE’s most admired company in the Health Care: Insurance and Managed Care category for three consecutive years. In 2011, the year he retired, Aetna had full-year operating earnings of $5.17 per share. The Market capitalization grew from $4.7 billion in 2001 to $15.3 billion in 2011 and the company ranked 77th on the Fortune 100 list. Williams will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Changing The Face Of Corporate Leadership discussion.
Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries. Jr., Founder dfree® Financial Freedom Movement
The Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. has served as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) in Somerset, New Jersey since November 1990. His pastoral ministry focuses on spiritual growth, educational excellence, and economic empowerment. In 2005, Dr. Soaries launched the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement. The dfree® strategy teaches people how to break free from debt as a first step toward financial freedom. Soaries served as New Jersey’s Secretary of State, making him the first African-American male to do so. Soaries will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Diversifying Corporate Boards discussion.
Guy Primus, CEO and Board Member, Valence Enterprises
Guy Primus is a technology executive with over 20 years of experience operating at the intersection of media and innovation. Throughout his career, Primus has demonstrated the ability to combine technology and popular culture to create aggressive organic growth for companies ranging from growth-stage startups to the Fortune 100. Primus currently serves as CEO and board member at Valence Enterprises, a venture-backed company whose mission is to create new paths to success for Black professionals. His vision for Valence helped secure investors including GGV Capital, Silicon Valley Bank, and Softbank. Primus will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Diversifying Corporate Boards discussion.
Kahina Van Dyke, Global Head, Digital Channels & Data Analytics, Standard Chartered Bank
Kahina Van Dyke has more than 20 years of experience in banking and technology with an impressive track record in leading, innovating, and delivering. Her past roles include senior management at Facebook, MasterCard, and Citibank. Van Dyke’s most recent role was SVP of Business and Corporate Development at blockchain company Ripple, where she focused on driving new strategic partnerships across the global financial services industry. Van Dyke will be a speaker during Black Enterprise’s Smashing The Concrete Ceiling discussion.
The DEI Summit will also include Black Enterprise’s President and CEO Earl ‘Butch’ Graves Jr. Senior V.P. and Editor-at-Large Alfred Edmond Jr.; EVP/Chief Content Officer Derek Dingle and Executive Managing Editor Alisa Gumbs.
26-Year-Old Man Miraculously Recovers After Being Pushed Into Lake And Left Underwater By Friends
After being hospitalized for more than two weeks, Christopher Gilbert is now off life support.
A Louisiana man who was left underwater for almost 10 minutes after allegedly being pushed into a lake by his friends was hospitalized for more than two weeks. He is now officially off life support.
According to WSFA, 26-year-old Christopher Gilbert will be released from the hospital soon after doctors said that him surviving the ordeal is a “miracle.” He has been taken off life support and should be released soon, according to his family. He ended up in a lake after being with friends at a lakefront restaurant. After the incident, he suffered significant brain damage and was placed on life support.
Claudia Payne, an attorney for Gilbert’s family, said that the group of friends told police officers that the 26-year-old had fallen into the lake. But, an investigation revealed that Gilbert was allegedly pushed into the lake by a girl who was with the group. Although this determination was made, no one has been arrested.
According to KSLA, a report from the Farmerville Police Department revealed that a bystander, along with police officers, helped administer CPR to Gilbert before medical personnel arrived on the scene. He was in about 15 feet of water when they pulled him out; the bystander informed the police. He was taken to Ochsner LSU Health in Shreveport, where he remains.
“Right now, he’s not out of the red or in the clear, but he has made a lot of progress,” Yolanda George, Gilbert’s mother, said.
Community activist Terrance Winn reiterated the need to seek justice for Gilbert while seeking answers about the actions that happened that day.
“We want the same justice that white people would get. That Black kid deserves it. He didn’t do anything wrong to be pushed into the water. And that’s a sad thing that we in 2024, and we still arguing the politics of race instead of justice,” Winn said.
New Survey Indicates Many Voters Undecided On Trump vs. Biden
The poll carries an error percentage of 3% in either direction but revealed that while Trump has lost support among various demographics, Biden has gained support.
As USA Today reported, the poll, jointly conducted by USA Today and Suffolk University, carries an error percentage of 3% in either direction but revealed that while Trump has lost support among various demographics, Biden has gained support. This has resulted in the two being virtually tied just four months away from the election, which David Paleologos, the director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, described as the doorstep of the election.
“When we think about the race tied with just 26 weeks to go, we have to consider that people tune out politics and the party conventions in July and August,” Paleologos told USA Today. “That leaves just 17 weeks for candidates to actively campaign, and it’s actually 13 or 14 weeks when you consider states where early voting starts weeks before Election Day. We’re basically at the doorstep of the election, and the outcome is a coin flip.”
Among those who indicated a preference for third-party candidates like Princeton professor Cornel West, who is running as an Independent, Green Party candidate Jill Stein, and Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., voters are malleable; 80% of those supporting Kennedy, 88% of those supporting West, 56% of those supporting Stein, and 65% of respondents who planned to support the eventual Libertarian candidate indicated that they remain open to changing their vote. Third-party votes typically receive more attention in close contests, where their impact is most acutely felt.
Among young voters, TheNew York Times indicates that though they are more likely than others to support Palestine, most young voters cite other concerns. Devon Schwartz, a University of Texas at Austin student, told the outlet that their stances on Gaza are too similar to be of concern regarding his vote.
“When you have two presidents that have the same stance on one issue, that automatically puts that issue — I hate to say lower down the list, because it’s obviously an important issue, but it doesn’t make it an issue where I’m going to choose Donald Trump over Joe Biden.” Schwartz still plans on voting for Biden but notes that Biden needs to adjust his policies. “I want to see policy changes from Joe Biden,” he said. “I don’t want to vote for Donald Trump and then just see the same exact policies.”
Cameron Driggers, a 19-year-old University of Florida student and member of the youth council of Florida’s Democratic Party, told the outlet that although he recognizes that Trump is likely to be worse across the board than Biden, Driggers worries that Biden is close to crossing the hard lines of some.
“You hear from a lot of people who are just increasingly apathetic about voting for Joe Biden. He continues to basically spit in the face of youth organizers around the country,” he said. “He’s especially enraging the people who turn out votes. I do recognize that Trump is almost certainly going to be worse than Biden on all of these issues,” Driggers said. “But at a certain point, you know, there has to be a line” for Biden. “And I believe he’s close to crossing that.”
How Lady Unchained Uses Her Radio Show To Give Voice And Community To Inmates In The UK
How the UK's "Free Flow" radio allows inmates countrywide to connect through creative expression.
Meet Lady Unchained, the host behind the United Kingdom’s “Free Flow” radio show, which allows inmates nationwide to practice and show off their rapping and poetry skills.
The award-winning poet, author, and broadcaster helmed the show for London’s National Prison Radio (NPR), a station only available to His Majesty’s inmates, The Guardian reports. Each week, “Free Flow” entertains thousands of listeners who tune in to hear Lady Unchained play a series of hip-hop instrumentals to which they get the chance to write music and spoken word pieces.
For the last six years, listeners have been able to dial in and freestyle into an answering machine that Lady Unchained replays later and offers her feedback. In addition to the music and talent showcase, Lady Unchained, a former inmate herself, shares advice and tips on how to build a crime-free future through creative expression and positive living.
“It’s a community of listeners who are going through personal journeys,” Lady Unchained says. “Sometimes people aren’t even rapping. They’re just calling in to say: ‘Big up the guy who called in last because I felt what he was saying.’ That for me is everything.”
The show puts the UK’s nearly 90,000 inmates in connection with each other through music and exemplifies how technology and music advancements are paving lanes for sustainable, therapeutic, and rehabilitative activities for the prison community. The callers, mostly male inmates, share their rhymes about their personal experiences including drug addiction, parental relationships, and childhood traumas, along with promises of bettering themselves and encouraging others going through similarly challenging situations.
Lady Unchained is planning to release a live spoken word album of the 20-minute master track the show generated from inmates calling in during the UK’s Black History Month in October to share their verses to Tupac Shakur’s “Changes.” The groundbreaking results of “Free Flow” have garnered the show silver in the best commercial partnership category at last year’s Audio and Radio Industry awards, bronze for best music entertainment show in 2021, and 11 nominations at this year’s awards.
“I get messages all the time saying: ‘I’m out – thanks for playing my voice.’ We recognize that there is a massive community of people returning to society who had the show as their lifeline,” Lady Unchained says.
“My dream is that the people who are coming out are able to build a new narrative for what ex-offenders look like and sound like. It’s the importance of showing a different style of rapping, of telling your story without adding that glorification of what you’ve done on the roads, which could lead to you being connected to an offense because you’ve rapped about it in your bars. It’s about trying to change the narrative. Saying: ‘You don’t have to continue doing road when you get out. Now you’ve got a new community in Free Flow: come spit some bars and be creative.’”
American Cancer Society’s New Study, ‘VOICES of Black Women’ Slated To Be Largest In U.S.
Enrollment for VOICES of Black Women is open for participants to actively provide insight to cancer researchers for at least 30 years.
The American Cancer Society has embarked on a new study called VOICES of Black Women, which will cover 20 states in the U.S.
VOICES of Black Women is the largest study of its kind ever conducted in the country with a commitment to better understanding cancer and other health conditions impacting Black women. A May 7 press release stated the organization aims to enroll over 100,000 Black women aged 25 to 55 in this study, which will span a minimum of 30 years.
Introducing VOICES of Black Women- a bold step in our mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. VOICES isn't just a study; it's a commitment to understanding & improving the health of Black women. More: https://t.co/JuxIRLTe6u Announcement: https://t.co/IEaWnwIcGkpic.twitter.com/4X7VbCkAHZ
— American Cancer Society (@AmericanCancer) May 7, 2024
“The VOICES team recognizes that there is a history of Black women’s bodies being exploited to advance medical knowledge, yet Black women have received the fewest benefits compared to their male and White counterparts,” the VOICES of Black Women official webpage states. To address this, the organization has assembled a culturally sensitive and diverse research team, actively seeking input from those who understand and respect the unique concerns of the Black community.
Study participants will actively engage with the research team, providing insights into their behaviors, surroundings, and personal experiences by completing surveys at least twice a year. The study’s findings will inform strategies to improve the health of Black women for generations to come.
As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, researchers at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center found Black women with cancer face increased barriers to genetic testing, stating Black women aren’t getting screened at the same rate and showing up with more advanced cancers but not having the same access to treatment.
“With few exceptions, Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancer, aggressive tumor types and have higher cancer-specific mortality rates than other women. It’s within this context that the American Cancer Society is launching VOICES of Black Women,” Dr. Lauren McCullough, a co-principal investigator and visiting scientific director, stated during a briefing, according to NBC News.
Dr. Alpa Patel, a co-principal investigator and senior vice president of population science, acknowledged the historic mistrust within the Black community, saying, “It’s been really front and center for us to ensure that we’ve partnered with Black women to understand how to build this study in a way that is respectful.”
Enrollment for VOICES of Black Women opened on May 6 in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Daisy Bates Statue Replaces Unpopular Arkansas Figure At U.S. Capitol
Arkansas officials prefer a statue of Daisy Bates to represent the state over a lesser-known white man.
Arkansas is commemorating civil rights icon Daisy Gatson Bates this week by installing her statue, replacing an existing one of a lesser-known historical figure in the state.
Bates, a prominent Arkansas figure who led the state NAACP and mentored the Little Rock Nine during the integration of Central High School in 1957, is being honored with a nearly 8-foot bronze statue. According to NBC News, the sculpture depicts Bates, who co-published the Arkansas State Press with her husband, walking with a folded newspaper in one hand, holding a notebook and pen in the other, and donning an NAACP pin and rose on her lapel.
Artist Benjamin Victor was commissioned for the project. “I hope it really first and foremost inspires them to study Daisy Bates’ life and legacy,” Victor said, sharing that his extensive research process included studying the civil rights leader, reading her 1962 autobiography, and visiting Central High and her Little Rock home. “A big part of it is to capture that spirit of hers and inspire others to do the same and stand up for what’s right,” said the sculptor, whom the public was invited to see work on the sculpture at the Windgate Center for Art+Design in 2022.
Fascinating to see the future #DaisyBates U.S. Capitol statue up close in Arkansas! Artist Benjamin Victor is in residence @UALR Windgate Center for Art+Design this week. Great hearing from #JohnnyCash statue artist Kevin Kresse too. Thank you, @shanebroadway. #PAC#PresleyLifepic.twitter.com/TCnlOt4nOz
Bates’ legacy is already celebrated in Little Rock, with a street named in her honor and Daisy Bates Day observed on Presidents Day annually.
Joining Bates’ statue later this year is one of musician Johnny Cash. The two sculptures will replace those of 18th-century governor and U.S. senator James P. Clarke and 19th-century attorney Uriah Rose. Clarke’s statue drew scrutiny over his racist remarks urging the Democratic Party to preserve “white standards.” There was little opposition to removing the existing sculptures when Arkansas lawmakers proposed replacing the statues. Republican Sen. Bart Hester signed the 2019 legislation to install the new statues. Sen. David Wallace, who sponsored the legislation, said Bates and Cash represent the common people of Arkansas.
A press release from the Arkansas Secretary of State announced Bates will become the 13th woman to be represented in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. Capitol. The statue will be unveiled in Washington, D.C., on May 8, 2024.
A free local viewing is open to the public at Second Baptist Church, 1709 John Barrow Road, starting at 1:00 pm CST. Local leaders will reflect on Bates’ remarkable legacy, immediately followed by a live viewing of her statue. The ceremony will air on C-SPAN and the Speaker of the House’s website for those unable to join in person.
Updated from the originally published post on May 12, 2023.
There’s never a bad day to celebrate the mothers and mother figures in our lives; however, this weekend we’ll be trying to pull out all the stops to make sure they know how truly special they are.
Though Mother’s Day comes every year, it always seems to sneak up on the calendar; leaving many people scrambling for creative ways to show their love. So, we’ve compiled a few out-of-the-ordinary experiences that just may help, even if it’s last-minute. From star-gazing to rocking with the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, there won’t be a dull moment for this special occasion.
Strength of a Woman Festival
If your mom loves a good concert lineup and also loves to support local Black woman-owned businesses, the Strength of a Woman Festival is calling her name. Featuring an all-star lineup of performances from greats like Lauryn Hill and, the hostess of the event, Mary J. Blige, this weekend is sure to be a TIME! Alongside the live performances will also be summits covering a plethora of topics with guests like Mara Brock Akil, Angela Yee, and Ciara.
Black Girl Art Show
Looking for something creative? If you’re in the Philadelphia area, making a stop at the Black Girl Art Show may be right up your alley. The national exhibition experience celebrates Black women artists using various forms of media. It could be a great pre- or post-dinner stop and a great addition to a special night fit for a queen.
The Museum for Black Girls
Does your mom love a selfie moment? Well, here’s a great way for her to get a new Facebook profile picture. If you’re in Denver., grab your favorite lady and take her to The Museum For Black Girls’ where she’ll enjoy immersive exhibits, including the floral room and relive nostalgic memories. A great way to make a new memory.
Mother’s Day: An Evening with Atlantic Starr
Who doesn’t love Soul music. If you’re in Atlanta, you can treat your mother to a night with the incomparable Atlantic Starr with special guests Confunkshun. This is sure to be a good ole “oo-wee” time.
Zadie Smith Sparks Controversy Due To New Yorker Essay
In her criticism of Smith's novel, Chu traces the writer’s practice of negative capability, or the practice of articulating the virtue of seeing something from both sides.
After British author Zadie Smith wrote a 3,000-word essay for The New Yorker, the backlash on social media was nearly immediate and thunderous. The essay, equal parts linguistic exercise and philosophy, attempted to argue that a central problem of the campus protests currently engulfing many institutions of higher education across the country boils down to an imprecise employment of language and rhetoric.
Not long after Smith’s piece was published, on X, formerly known as Twitter, Vulture reposted a 2023 review of Smith’s latest book by Andrea Long Chu, a Pulitzer Prize-winning critic. In that piece, Chu traces the writer’s practice of negative capability, or the practice of articulating the virtue of seeing something from both sides. Chu argued in her piece that Smith’s practice of publicly engaging in negative capability throughout her career as a public intellectual tends to land her in hot water, and the response from the wider literary and academic community to her essay titled “Shibboleth” is emblematic of this criticism.
Whole essay was like "WORDS MEAN THINGS!! or do they? Maybe not. Who can tell? What if words that mean things make people uncomfortable? Who is disempowered now? Words might mean things! Call me names if you must! A good day! You're welcome!" *Vanishes like Tuxedo Mask* https://t.co/HAkylF7h6S
Who among the students and faculty protesting and who among those with families being genocided invited Zadie Smith into the conversation. The young peoples language is far beyond this dislocated, moonwalking, looking from a real safe distance rhetoric.
Honestly it has become exhausting having to listen to liberal writers yap about “its complicated” and “both sides”. Just say that you are a coward and move on. https://t.co/O0sa9NkSKB
— Arnesa Buljušmić-Kustura (@Rrrrnessa) May 6, 2024
I’m just gonna put up the sign reminding everyone that ZS called her kids quadroons in an art review and AFAIK has never expressed regret about the choice to do sohttps://t.co/8ood5kJTg3https://t.co/8ZfJ2DeqJx
— Chanda Prescod-Weinstein (@IBJIYONGI) May 5, 2024
Note Smith's accusations, unmoored from supporting evidence. When considering a literary approach, it's tempting to make excuses (and later, Smith addresses her status as a writer) but claims require facts. This is the irresponsible imprecision I'm referring to /2 pic.twitter.com/uwnvSIp6u6
— Dwayne Monroe / @dwaynemonroe@mastodon.online (@cloudquistador) May 6, 2024
In a 2017 piece for Longreads, writer Danielle Jackson carries the same criticism of Smith as Chu regarding Smith’s lack of engagement. In a piece for Harper‘s Bazaar, Smith argued that a letter calling for a white woman’s abstraction of Emmett Till lying in a casket to be removed was absurd, which Jackson found to be disappointing. Jackson writes, “I wished she had engaged this subject matter with her heart. I needed her to think of the logic of [Hannah] Black’s letter from a place of shared pain, shared experiences, and shared anger. I needed her to really listen to it before dismantling it.” Black’s letter, reprinted in its entirety by ARTNews, is primarily concerned with white artists mining Black pain in the name of art.
“Although [Dena] Schutz’s intention may be to present white shame, this shame is not correctly represented as a painting of a dead Black boy by a white artist — those non-Black artists who sincerely wish to highlight the shameful nature of white violence should first of all stop treating Black pain as raw material. The subject matter is not Schutz’s; white free speech and white creative freedom have been founded on the constraint of others and are not natural rights. The painting must go.”
Smith’s piece and the reactions to it underscore the responsibility of a nuanced discussion to have a point, especially when one side of the debate involves genocide or charges of genocide. The criticism that Smith’s use of language is an attempt to sanitize that genocide is a fair one, and it exemplifies Desmond Tutu’s often-quoted admonishment of neutrality during injustice is a correct analysis.
Despite the reactions from writers and academics, Smith’s place as a literary darling will likely be unaffected by this piece, as it was not affected by her hand wringing over Schultz’s Open Casket and connecting that to the perceived Blackness or lack thereof of her own children. Black writers and academics who are concerned about the plight of the oppressed will likely continue to doubt Smith’s ability to meet the moment, particularly where oppressed people are concerned, because, as The New Yorker piece makes clear, it is more important to her to seem to be an objective philosophical authority than it is to adequately react to objectionable things.
will.i.am Talks Life Changing Investments In Tesla And Beats By Dre
will.i.am shares his early investment in Tesla and co-creating Beats By Dre which "changed" his life for the better.
will.i.am has always been one foot ahead of the game when it comes to engineering and technology. The Grammy award-winning artist even showed belief in Tesla before Elon Musk took over.
The Black Eyes Peas frontman brought his wealth of knowledge across music, business, and technology to N.O.R.E’s “Drink Champs” recently. While there, will.i.am spoke on the early investments he made in two companies that “changed” his life for the better.
According to the “Let’s Get Started” hitmaker, he received a stake in Tesla two years before Musk joined the company as CEO in 2008. By the time Musk took ownership of the automobile and clean energy company, will.i.am was already on to his next venture co-creating Beats By Dre years before Apple’s acquisition of the brand.
“I invested in Tesla in 2006 before Elon took over [the company] — around the same time,” he told N.O.R.E. “And then, I was a part of Beats. And then, Apple bought Beats from us. So you’re talking about two companies that changed my life. So, I say both.”
will.i.am was playing “Drink Champs” signature game of “This or That” when he answered whether he prefers Elon Musk or Steve Jobs in the tech innovation category. His interest in the industry is natural for the Los Angeles native who attended a high school that specialized in science, engineering, and mathematics.
He has been earning big bucks from his natural passion in tech and business. His role in a private investment group has aligned him with a stake in companies with billion-dollar valuations like OpenAI, Anthropic, Runaway, and Hugging Face.
The “Scream and Shout” rapper/producer doesn’t just invest but also invents his own tech products. will.i.am became an early entrepreneur in Viv Labs which Google acquired for around $500 million. By 2015, he invested in OpenAI when it was funded by billionaires Reid Hoffman, Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Amazon Web Services, and other tech magnates.
Most recently, will.i.am got behind FYI, an AI-powered productivity app that allows creatives to collaborate and communicate on digital asset management projects.
“Everything’s about to change, and we’re going to witness a societal redefining that will balance inequities,” he says about the evolution of AI.
“Folks that have been underserved will be able to use these new tools and technologies to solve their problems and create new industries, and yesterday’s industries will topple with the wave of transformation.”
The jury praised Tate’s journalistic ability, which it described as “cribbed from literature, academia, popular culture, and hip-hop and as influential as the content of his ideas.”
“His aesthetic, innovations and intellectual originality, particularly in his pioneering hip-hip criticism, continue to influence subsequent generations, especially writers and critics of color,” the jury added.
Tate gained recognition for his pieces that explored the intersectionality of race, culture, and music and appeared in publications like The Village Voice, The New York Times, and Rolling Stone. His focus on Black musicians likely stemmed from his music career as a guitar and bass player in various bands, including the Black Rock Coalition.
The Pulitzer Prize board celebrated Tate’s work, which “broke new ground in music criticism, exploring the connections between race, culture, and music in a way that had never been done before.” They also commended his ability to “capture the essence of an artist’s work and its impact on society.”
His family members have expressed gratitude for Tate’s posthumous receiving of the prestigious accolade.
“Greg was a true pioneer in music journalism, and this award is a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft,” his sister, Constance Tate-Duncan, said.
“Greg’s writing was always ahead of its time, and it’s wonderful to see him receive this recognition,” musician and friend Vernon Reid said.
Tate’s Pulitzer Prize joins his list of honors, including a Grammy nomination for his liner notes on the album “Burnt Sugar the Arkestra Chamber’s Making Love to the Dark Ages” and his books “Flyboy in the Buttermilk: Essays on Contemporary America” and “Everything But the Burden: What White People are Taking from Black Culture.”
Jennifer King Talks To Cornell Students About Breaking Barriers As A Woman NFL Coach
Jennifer King says she's thriving as an NFL coach by being herself everyday.
Jennifer King, the trailblazing coach who became the first Black woman to coach full-time in the NFL, reflected on her groundbreaking journey in sports during Cornell University’s “Breaking Barriers: The First Black Woman to Coach in the NFL” event on May 3.
Throughout the conversation sponsored by Black Student Empowerment, which King previously prepared to discuss diverse topics, she delved into the importance of diversity and representation and the growing opportunities for women in athletics. Cornell’s Student and Campus Life stated that the coach acknowledged the “tremendous growth that women” have witnessed in the NFL, recounting her attendance at the 2018 NFL Women’s Forum, where she met over 40 women holding outside jobs, in stark contrast to the number already working in football at this year’s forum.
“That’s something that the other women coaches in the league, and I take very seriously…just to be great [role] models and be the representation that we didn’t have, for the people coming behind us,” the former Guilford College athlete said.
King’s journey spanned 13 years playing in the semi-pro, full-contact Women’s Football Alliance league. She embarked on her coaching career in college basketball, often juggling additional jobs to supplement her income. King’s relentless pursuit led her to Johnson & Wales University, Charlotte, where she guided the team to a remarkable 22-4 record and its first United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II championship in 2018.
The coach resigned from coaching basketball to chase her dream of working in football. “Don’t be afraid to make that leap into the unknown,” she advised attendees.
King, who is a staunch advocate for expanding opportunities for women in sports, stands as one of only 12 women holding full-time coaching positions in the NFL. Her breakthrough came as an assistant coach at Dartmouth College and with the now-defunct Arizona Hotshots of the Alliance of American Football. She coached as an intern for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers prior to her transition to the Washington Commanders with coach Ron Rivera. She made history after she was promoted to assistant running backs coach in Washington. King made history again in a recent assistant coaching position with the Chicago Bears. She became the franchise’s inaugural female coach in its 104-year history.
“I think we’re entering a new era in sport, where for a lot of these guys now in control, it’s not new for them to have women in these positions anymore,” she said. “We have a lot of work to do, but I haven’t experienced a lot of the [negative] things you probably think I would have because people are so much better, and we’re moving into a new generation.”
She has dedicated her platform to closing the gap in sports and building community programs for kids through her involvement with the NFL’s Women’s Forum, Women’s Sports Foundation, and her own King Group organization.
