by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 28, 2024

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.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

“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)
— Nerd Nash (@NerdAtCoolTable) February 28, 2024

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.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 22, 2024

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.

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.

by Rafael Pena

February 2, 2024

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

by Derek Major

August 19, 2022

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

by Jeffrey McKinney

October 25, 2021

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.

“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

by Derek Major

July 13, 2021

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.

Here’s your last chance to meet the speakers of this first-time event representing Major League Baseball, Nasdaq, American Express, AT&T, and Black Enterprise.

Meet The Speakers

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

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 Rodriguez

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.

Roland A Williams

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.

Dr. Deforest B Soaries Jr.

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

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

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.

Megan Thee Stallion, Planned Parenthood, Catalyst of Change Award

by Lauren Nutall

April 18, 2024

Megan Thee Stallion Awarded The Catalyst Of Change Award

The H-Town Hottie accepted the award for contributions surrounding women's mental and physical health.

Rapper Megan thee Stallion received the Catalyst of Change Award at the Planned Parenthood of Greater New York’s Spring Into Action Gala, acknowledging her contributions to women’s health.

According to Women’s Wear Daily, the 29-year-old, whose real name is Megan Pete, was all smiles at the event on April 16. She was joined by other women in Hollywood, including actresses Patricia Arquette, Molly Ringwald, and others, to raise money for the nonprofit.

Megan reaffirmed her commitment to advancing women’s healthcare rights during her acceptance speech. “We need to create communities where women can receive sexual and reproductive healthcare with the love, respect, and compassion that they deserve,” she told the audience.

“I promise to continue to do my part and use my platform to break down barriers and empower women all around the world,” the ‘Plan B’ rapper continued.

According to Vibe Magazine, “An outspoken advocate for women’s rights and Planned Parenthood, Megan has used her global platform to draw attention to the organization’s mission and work. She also launched The Pete and Thomas Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on uplifting and assisting women, children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, Texas, and across the world.” Planned Parenthood shared in a statement. Throughout her career, Megan has built a platform advocating for women’s health, demonstrated by her current partnership with Planet Fitness and previous statements supporting women’s bodily autonomy and vulnerability when discussing her mental and physical health, particularly as a Black woman.

“A lot of people didn’t treat me like I was human for a long time,” Megan told Women’s Health when she graced the cover of the magazine in April 2024. “I feel like everybody was always used to me being the fun and happy party girl. I watched people build me up, tear me down, and be confused about their expectations of me.”

“As a Black woman, as a darker Black woman, I also feel like people expect me to take the punches, take the beating, take the lashings, and handle it with grace. But I’m human,” she continued.

In the interview, Megan revealed that she had fallen into a steep bout of depression that she was only able to overcome with professional help. “It took me a while to acknowledge that I was depressed. But once I started talking to a therapist, I was able to be truthful with myself,” she said.

Since embarking on her new health journey, which she says included a social media detox, Pilates workouts, and healthier food choices, the Houston native has pushed for more awareness and less stigma surrounding health among women.

Ye, Kanye West, Bianca Censori, Investigation

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 18, 2024

Ye Under Investigation For Alleged Battery Against Man Who Grabbed His Wife

Ye is accused of a punching a man who allegedly "physically assaulted" his wife Bianca Censori.

Ye is a suspect in a battery case after allegedly assaulting a man he claims “physically assaulted” his wife Bianca Censori.

Police are reportedly investigating the music/fashion mogul after he allegedly punched a man on Tuesday night for grabbing his wife, TMZ reports. Ye and Censori left the scene following the altercation and the victim didn’t require any medical care. However, the police plan on reaching out to Ye to hear his side of what happened and speak with witnesses.

A spokesperson for the “Vutures” rapper says the initial reports are inaccurate as Censori was not just “grabbed” by the man but was “assaulted.”

“‘Grabbed’ is grossly inadequate as a description of what happened. Bianca was physically assaulted,” the representative said.

“The assailant didn’t merely collide into her. He put his hands under her dress, directly on her body, he grabbed her waist, he spun her around, and then he blew her kisses. She was battered and sexually assaulted.”

This is the second incident this year where Ye has been accused of assaulting someone to defend his wife following an encounter caught on video in January that showed the Yeezy founder grab a woman’s phone after she asked if his wife had “free will.”

Ye was on his way to attend Charlie Wilson’s Walk of Fame ceremony on Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles when a female paparazzi walked up to him with her phone and asked the bold question.

“People wanna know if Bianca has her free will,” she said. “Some people are saying that you’re controlling.”

However, she was unable to finish her sentence as Ye snatched her phone and began to berate her for the invasive commentary.

“Are you crazy?” he asked. “You think because you’re a white woman, you can walk up on me like that and ask me some dumbass s–t like that asking me about my wife, if she has free will? Are you crazy?”

Ye’s wife Bianca Censori looks like a hostage. pic.twitter.com/Wbkal7RTHL
— Mrs. S. (@hshLauraJ) April 17, 2024

Ye and Censori continue to make media headlines for her barely there fashion choices when out in public. Most recently, Censori has worn completely sheer tops and bottoms as the rapper faces murmurings of engaging in an exhibitionist type of romance with the 29-year-old architect.

NBA, Jontay Porter, Gambling, Basketball

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 18, 2024

NBA Bans Jontay Porter For Gambling On Games

The league discovered he violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has banned Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter from the league for gambling on games and feigning illness to influence a wager.

The NBA-led investigation revealed Porter violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his playing time in one or more games to influence a wager. He was also discovered to have placed bets on NBA games.

“There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a written statement. “While legal sports betting creates transparency that helps identify suspicious or abnormal activity, this matter also raises important issues about the sufficiency of the regulatory framework currently in place, including the types of bets offered on our games and players. Working closely with all relevant stakeholders across the industry, we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our league and game.”

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/h2TIkaE7xs

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 17, 2024

After getting tips from licensed sports betting operators and an organization that monitors legal betting markets, the NBA started investigating after Raptors’ March 20 game. The league was tipped off because of Porter’s performance during the contest. It was discovered before the game, that he had given confidential information about his playing status to an NBA bettor. Someone Porter knew placed an “$80,000 parlay proposition bet” with an online sportsbook, to win $1.1 million. The bet was placed that Porter would underperform in the March 20 game.

The investigation also concluded that Porter limited his playing time by claiming he did not feel well. He only ended up playing three minutes. Due to the unusual betting activity and Porter’s limited time, the $80,000 proposition bet was frozen and was not paid out.

The league also found that Porter placed at least 13 bets on NBA games using someone else’s online betting account between January and March while traveling with the Raptors or their NBA G League affiliate, the Raptors 905. He set wagers of $15 to $22,000, for $54,094. He won $76,059, making a profit of $21,965.

None of the bets were on games he played. Three bets he placed were multi-game parlay bets that included one Raptors game. He placed bets that the Raptors would lose but lost on the wagers.

The league says the investigation remains open and “may result in further findings.” The NBA has also shared its information with federal prosecutors.

Black Migrants, New York Shelter, Discrimination

by Daniel Johnson

April 18, 2024

New York Shelter System Criticized Over Discrimination Of Black Migrants

Jumaane D. Williams, the New York City Public Advocate, believes the hearing is a good first step toward potentially addressing some of the inequities present in the city’s migrant assistance system.

On April 16, thousands of Black immigrants rallied in City Hall Park outside a hearing about racial inequities in New York’s shelter and immigrant support systems.

The council deliberated minor proposals such as collecting better data on migrants and eliminating or reimbursing application fees.

As ABC News reported, council members are asking for better data because some evidence shows Black migrants are disproportionately turned away from shelters, denied access to assistance using their native languages, and are less likely to be able to access accommodations for their religious practices.

As USA Today reported, Alexa Avilés, the chair of the city council’s immigration committee, said at the hearing that Black immigrants have been facing barriers to receiving assistance from the city’s shelters. “Over the past two years, Black immigrant newcomers have faced especially stark barriers in accessing city services.”

Thank you to everyone sharing their stories today, in the face of increased scrutiny, xenophobia, and racism just by nature of being a Black immigrant.

The city, among the existing and future resources it provides and distributes, must ensure that at minimum, there is equity. pic.twitter.com/s6Qti3HQxW
— Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams (@nycpa) April 16, 2024

The incredible, unprecedented turnout for today's @NYCCouncil hearing on the experiences of Black migrants is inspiring.

For far too long, your stories have fallen on deaf ears, and today, you are being seen and heard.

Your voices ensure the need for action cannot be ignored. pic.twitter.com/hjZx2Ww9y7
— Office of the Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams (@nycpa) April 16, 2024

Jumaane D. Williams, the New York City Public Advocate, said in a press release that he believes the hearing was a good first step toward potentially addressing some of the inequities in the city’s migrant assistance system.

“Black migrants have shared their experiences facing racism and anti-Blackness within a system that historically deports, detains, and confines Black migrants at a higher rate than any other racial or ethnic group,” Williams said. “These are realities the city has to grapple with, and to make any progress, we must hear directly from those living these realities. From the local to the federal level, my office and I have been calling for greater resource allocation for Black migrants, and this hearing is a great starting point.”

Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, continued, “Language accessibility is a lifeline for immigrants and opens doors to legal services, housing, economic empowerment, and other opportunities…Many of these migrants are navigating an entirely new city, culture, language, and system after what may have been a long and harrowing journey just to get here. On top of all that, they may face increased scrutiny, xenophobia, and racism just by nature of being a Black immigrant. The city, among the existing and future resources it provides and distributes, must ensure that, at minimum, there is equity of resources above all else.”

Williams also criticized the efforts of state leaders like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and pushed for more federal assistance during his comments at the hearing.

“I want to remind folks that applying for asylum is a legal way to be in this city—and also push the White House to do more, and Governor Hochul to do more, they are not,” Williams said. “New York City cannot do this by itself. I do know there is a gargantuan effort, and with some of those efforts, I just want to thank the city for trying, but we do know that even as we await more resources, we have to make sure those resources are applied equitably and humanely and we have some work to do in those two categories.”

Marley Brothers, The One Love Tour, North American, Bob Marley, Ziggy Marley, Damian Marley, Stephen Marley and Ky-Mani Marley

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 18, 2024

Marley Brothers To Celebrate Bob Marley In 2024 ‘Legacy Tour’

The Marley brothers are coming together for a North American tour that will honor the legacy of their late father, Bob Marley.

On Monday, April 15, five of Marley’s sons announced the “The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour,” the family’s first joint tour in nearly 20 years, Billboard reports. Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani, and Damian will unite on stage for the first time since 2007 to perform a string of their individual hits combined with classics from Bob Marley’s timeless catalog.

The Live Nation-promoted tour includes 22 dates across North America, beginning September 5 at the Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park in Vancouver before hitting Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, Cincinnati and more. The last show is scheduled for October 5 at Miami’s FPL Solar Amphitheatre.

The tour announcement comes ahead of extended showings of the Bob Marley: One Love biopic beginning April 20 and one month before the 40th anniversary of Marley’s 1984 greatest-hits compilation, Legend. The biopic was a box office smash, making $146 million in profit, one of the top-earning musical biopics in the nation’s history.

Tickets for the tour dropped April 16, including a Citi presale option at 10 a.m. local time through Thursday (April 18) at 10 p.m. General tickets go on sale Friday (April 19) at 10 a.m. local time.

Check out all dates for “The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour” below:

Sept. 5 — Vancouver, BC @ Festival Lawn at Deer Lake Park
Sept 6 — Ridgefield, WA @ RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Sept. 8 — Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
Sept. 10 — Concord, CA @ Toyota Pavilion at Concord
Sept. 11 — Chula Vista, CA @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sept. 12 — Phoenix, AZ @ Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Sept. 13 — Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
Sept. 15 — Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater
Sept. 16 — Dallas, TX @ Dos Equis Pavilion
Sept. 18 — Cincinnati, OH @ Riverbend Music Center
Sept. 19 — Clarkston, MI @ Pine Knob Music Theatre
Sept. 22 — Queens, NY @ Forest Hills Stadium
Sept. 23 — Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
Sept. 25 — Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
Sept. 26 — Mansfield, MA @ Xfinity Center
Sept. 27 — Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
Sept. 29 — Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
Sept. 30 — Laval, QC @ Place Bell
Oct. 2 — Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion
Oct. 3 — Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
Oct. 4 — Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amp
Oct. 5 — Miami, FL @ FPL Solar Amphitheatre

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 18, 2024

O.J. Simpson’s Attorney Changes Mind On Goldman Family Civil Judgment Payout

After saying "that the Goldmans get zero, nothing," Malcolm LaVergne now says otherwise

After initially shooting down the possibility of paying the Goldman family millions owed to them by the recently departed, O.J. Simpson, the executor of his will, has changed course.

Simpson’s attorney, Malcolm LaVergne, told the media outlet that the estate of O.J. will accept whatever claim the Goldman family makes to try to retrieve the civil judgment they were awarded back in 1998.

O.J., the former Buffalo Bills player, died after a brief battle with prostate cancer on April 10. Fred Goldman is the father of murder victim Ron Goldman, who was with O.J.’s former wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, when the two of them were killed on June 12, 1994. O.J. was accused of killing both of them but was found not guilty in what was billed as the trial of the century. In a civil suit, the Goldman family sued the “It Is What It Is” featured guest and won a judgment of $33.5 million, which O.J. never satisfied.

“I can tell you in advance, Fred Goldman’s claim will be accepted. And his claim will be handled in accordance with Nevada law,” LaVergne told the media outlet.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that LaVergne initially said, “It’s my hope that the Goldmans get zero, nothing. Them specifically. And I will do everything in my capacity as the executor or personal representative to try and ensure that they get nothing.”

He then explained why he responded the way he did to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Within an hour of knowing that O.J. died, he started talking sh**. My advocate instinct was, ‘Oh, you’re gonna keep sh**ting on him even after he’s dead?’” he said. “’ Fine, you know? You get nothing.’ And so, those were my remarks then. But I backtracked, and they were pretty harsh remarks. And now, I’m going in the other direction.”

On April 11, O.J.’s family announced that he died of cancer at the age of 76.

Paris, 2024, sport, breaking, breakdancing, Olympics, Jeffrey Louis, U.S.A., U.S., competition

by Daniel Johnson

April 18, 2024

Breaking Set To Have Its Olympic Moment In Paris

The International Olympic Committee has been actively courting younger viewers and it believes that the additions of breaking, surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing will help them achieve that goal.

Breakdancing, or Breaking as the Olympics defines it, debuted in an Olympic international competition during the 2018 Summer Youth Games in Buenos Aires. It was so well received that in 2020, it was added to the Olympic program for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

As the Houston Chronicle reports, the Olympics will use a comparative judging system that takes into account six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality. Breakers will battle one-on-one in a round-robin style competition. Battle rounds will last for 35-45 seconds and can be deducted points for unoriginality or unsportsmanlike conduct. The five judges can also change their scores throughout the round, and the contestant with the most points in a round wins.

As NBC News reports, the International Olympic Committee has been actively courting younger viewers and it believes that the additions of breaking, surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing will help them achieve that goal. The Paris Olympics notes that “all four are easy to take up, and participants form communities that are very active on social media.”

I keep forgetting breakdancing is a sport at this Olympics 😭 pic.twitter.com/CmbPC8aW6P
— Shane Wiskthem (@ShaneWiskthem) April 17, 2024

Introducing the Nike Jam, a sneaker designed specifically for the first year that breakdancing is an official Olympic event. Designed in partnership with the Nike Sports Research Lab and elite breakdancers, its blends innovation around both the wearer's foot and underfoot.

For… pic.twitter.com/QXZ6Jf3to5
— Complex Sneakers (@ComplexSneakers) April 11, 2024

The breakers themselves know this represents a tremendous opportunity and also a challenge for the sport, as Jeffery Louis, also known as B-Boy Jeffro, told the outlet. “This is a chance for us to grow and educate people on breaking. If we get it right, we can create something unstoppable,” Louis said. “We can’t let it pass us up again, because the first time breaking blew up, it fizzled out.” Louis, the fifth-ranked breaker in the world, is a favorite to take one of the men’s team’s final available slots.

Louis, a Houston native, credited the origins of the sport and art form, telling NBC News, “A legendary DJ named Kool Herc debuted a new technique that centered around percussive ‘breaks’ in songs. During these breaks, the crowd would start dancing, which became known as breaking or breakdancing.”

Breaking maintained its popularity into the 1980s and received a boost through the 1983 film Flashdance, which featured the popular group The Rock Steady Crew. However, by the end of that decade, the popularity it enjoyed had died down. In the 1990s, International Battle of the Year, the first international and formally-judged breaking competition, helped to revitalize the sport. Since then, according to USA Dance, “breaking has evolved into a global cultural art form with many elements of sport.”

Sunny Choi, one of the American B-girls, underscored the origins of breaking and that she considers it both a sport and an art form. In March, Choi, who has sponsorship deals with Nike and Samsung, said, “There’s no doubt in my mind this is a sport. Dance, art, sport, all together. These things aren’t mutually exclusive. It’s one of those things, like politics. When somebody is so far in one direction, you can’t help them see the other. I don’t feel like it’s my place to change everybody’s mind.”

Choi continued, “Breaking comes from Black and brown communities in the Bronx, and when it goes to the Olympics, we know these aren’t the ones who are going to get all the money. I think it’s our responsibility, as the first breakers who go, to be mindful of this.”

Imani Kai Johnson, an associate dance professor at the University of California Riverside, disagrees with Choi’s point. Johnson told Time that she cannot endorse divorcing breaking from its cultural connection. “I’m not particularly excited about breaking in the Olympics. My investment is in hip-hop as a culture with Africanist aesthetic foundations and not as a sport that is increasingly detached from any cultural context.”

Others, like DJ Renegade, who was brought in by the World DanceSport Federation to help devise a proper judging system, see a problem with the lack of elevation of either the sport or culture, telling Time, “The WDSF has dropped the ball here. They’ve done nothing, man. No promotion. Breaking is in the f-cking Olympics, man. Are you insane? This should be plastered everywhere.”

WDSF President Shawn Tay responded, telling the outlet, “Such statements are not terribly productive, but with any project of this size and stature, you can expect a certain amount of criticism, warranted or not.” Tay said, “We have worked tirelessly over the years together with Paris 2024 and the IOC to prepare for the Olympic Games.”

Regardless of the infighting and disagreements, USA Dance expects Choi and the rest of the American team to not only set the standard but also bring home the gold in Olympic Breaking.

Tyquan Hodac, USA Dance’s breaking communications director, told NBC News, “Now, the USA is a front-runner at the Olympics. We’re the powerhouse. Every other country is looking up to us.”

Interactive Timeline, invest, stock, 5, maintenance, retirement, goals, investments, beginners, begin, basics

by Derek T. Dingle

April 18, 2024

6 Strategies To Profit In Any Market

Investors who don't participate in sound, long-term equity investing are missing out on a wealth-building opportunity.

Originally Published Nov. 23, 2016

So how should you respond to a market milestone?

No one can predict the performance of the stock market. There are some immutable facts, though. The markets will continue to be driven by uncertainty and volatility. Having said that, investors who don’t participate in sound, long-term equity investing are missing out on a wealth-building opportunity. If you check historical records, you’ll find that the average annual return for the S&P 500 has been about 10% since its inception in 1928.

At BLACK ENTERPRISE, we have always advocated in investing for the long haul. Here is some down-to-earth investment advice regardless of market activity. Based on our interviews with countless investment experts over the years, we share these basic but powerful strategies for investing in any market:

1. Don’t Time the Market

In other words, you shouldn’t become too exuberant during huge market advances or panic during market dips.

Our rule-of-thumb: engage in disciplined, long-term investing. It’s true the past can never fully predict future outcomes, but it serves as a valuable reference. Gain professional advice on how to build a long-term portfolio, based on your risk tolerance level and financial goals.

2. Engage in Dollar Cost Averaging

By investing equal dollar amounts at regular intervals, it enables you to purchase more shares of quality companies when the stock price drops, which is a likely event in today’s capricious market. In fact, most mutual funds can be set up as automatic investment accounts.

We also can’t stress enough the value of contributing to employer-sponsored 401(k) and 401(b) plans. It’s a systematic way to build your retirement nest egg. As many of you know, funds are deducted from your paycheck, and you get to invest in an array of investment offerings with tax-free dollars. An added bonus is that, in many cases, your employer will match a portion of your contribution — the maximum is currently $18,000 per year. Since these tax-deferred vehicles are designed for retirement, you’ll face stiff penalties and tax liabilities if you withdraw funds early.

3. Look for Dividend Stocks

With the increasingly unpredictable environment, consider purchasing shares of companies that make cash distributions to shareholders on a quarterly basis. These stocks tend to be high-quality blue chips that can provide you with additional cash flow from a yield of 2% to 3%. Moreover, a regular dividend may provide downside protection.

4. Invest in What You Know

It’s the tried and true process of spotting opportunities by targeting familiar companies, industries, and products. They tend to be market leaders with powerful brands, top-shelf management, and best of all, you will already understand their products and business models.

5. Protect Your Portfolio by Getting Defensive

As the economy continues its excruciatingly slow mend, look for stocks that perform in any market. Pharmaceuticals, personal care, household products, food and consumer staples — products consumers purchase in economies weak or strong — will buoy your holdings.

6. Develop an Asset Allocation Strategy

Diversifying your investments among two or more asset classes can help you stay in for the long haul. One approach, if you don’t want to manage your own asset allocation, is to invest in so-called target date funds. If you’re about 20 years from retirement, for example, you might pick a fund with a 2035 target date. These funds can provide investors with an appropriate asset allocation for their time horizon, and they automatically change the mix to become more conservative as the target date approaches.

Moreover, regularly monitor your equity portfolio and make adjustments across sectors. For instance, gain some foreign exposure; a good rule-of-thumb is to place between 20% and 30% of your equity holdings in international stocks.

Mayor Marty Small, Sr, Atlantic City, Abuse, Teenage Daughter

by Sharelle Burt

April 18, 2024

Atlantic City Mayor And Superintendent Wife Accused Of Physically and Emotionally Abusing Teenage Daughter

Be sure to speak up if you don't feel safe.....

The mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey and his wife are facing accusations of physically and emotionally abusing their teen daughter.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Apr. 15 that Marty Small Sr. and his wife La’Quetta are being charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Small has additional charges of third-degree terroristic threats, third-degree aggravated assault, and disorderly persons simple assault. La’Quetta, the superintendent of Atlantic City Public Schools, also faces charges of disorderly person’s simple assault.

Investigators alleged the minor sustained physical and emotional abuse from her parents on several occasions between December 2023 and January 2024 at just 15 and 16 years old. On one account, the mayor allegedly struck his daughter in the head several times with a broom, resulting in her losing consciousness.

There was another alleged incident where, during an argument, Small threatened to hurt his daughter by “earth-slamming” her down the stairs and grabbing her head, pulling the weave out of her head. He’s also being accused of punching his daughter in her legs repeatedly, causing bruising.

During another alleged incident, the mother dragged her daughter by her hair and hit her with a belt on her shoulders, leaving gruesome marks. While arguing, she allegedly punched her daughter in the mouth.

Speculations of abuse started following a mental health training for students at Atlantic City High School in January 2024, according to NBC 10. Students were given “exit tickets” with three faces representing “happy,” “neutral,” and “sad,” and each student was instructed to circle one face representing their feelings. Small’s daughter circled the neutral face and wrote “abuse” and expressed her desire to speak to a counselor on the back.

A school employee then gave the ticket to one of the mental health trainers, prompting the police to get involved. When the teen told detectives about the broom incident, she described her father as a “big guy” and said she wanted to continue with her life, investigators reported.

The teen mentioned she had already spoken with the principal, Constance Days-Chapman. After officers approached the administrator, she said the teen never mentioned the alleged abuse; otherwise, she would have reported it to the Department of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P).

Later in the day, during a virtual session with her therapist, the teen confessed that her parents were physically and emotionally abusing her.

“I was really stressed, I was crying a lot, I wasn’t mentally stable, I wasn’t comfortable around them, I just didn’t feel safe.”

Mayor Small’s home was searched on Mar. 28 due to the allegations, but during a news conference on Apr. 1, attended by Smalls and their daughter, the mayor said he had “nothing to hide.”

The couple refused to comment on the charges; however, the family attorney, Ed Jacobs, released a statement stating that the charges do not correlate with position misconduct.

“The charges filed by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office today make no claims of public corruption or misconduct in office or any failure by Mayor Small to properly discharge his responsibilities as the mayor of Atlantic City,” Jacobs said.

“On the contrary, they focus only on personal, private family matters.”

Ghana, Granted Asylum, Global, International

by Sharelle Burt

April 18, 2024

Gay Man Who Fled Ghana To The U.S. Finally Granted Asylum

Thank goodness for freedom!

A man who fled Ghana after a brutal attack has finally been granted asylum.

The man, identified as Mr. B, first left Ghana in 2019 after, despite carefully hiding his sexuality from his loved ones, he was brutally assaulted by a gang that same year.

The truck driver decided to take the dangerous journey to North America for the opportunity of freedom. He passed through 10 different countries and finally reached the U.S. border in May 2020, where he was detained for three months until he was transferred to the Stewart Detention Facility in Lumpkin, Georgia.

He stayed in a dormitory with over 60 men without proper COVID-19 protections until, thanks to a family friend of a friend, Claire Thomas, lead professor of the Asylum Clinic at New York Law School, received his case.

Through a collaborative effort between the clinic, the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR), and the Envision Freedom Fund, Mr. B’s $15,000 bond was paid, and volunteers with the Southern Poverty Law Project helped him travel by bus from Atlanta to New York.

Thomas and Mr. B met in late August 2020 in a park close to NYU Law’s campus to have documents signed. Due to COVID restrictions and Immigration Court closures, Mr. B finally had his hearing date in court three and a half years later and was officially granted asylum in early 2024.

The law professor hopes his story prompts sponsorship for B’s commercial driver’s license so he can get back to work.

“We’re hoping to get the word out and to have him sponsored by a company to pay for that, which will lead to a job,” Thomas said.

“In Ghana, he had a two-year apprenticeship to learn also how to do repairs for his own truck because if it broke down, there’s no self-service.”

Ghana’s parliament has voted to pass a controversial bill in March 2024 that will make it a criminal act to be openly gay. Bill provisions state people who engage in LGBTQ sexual acts could face six months to three years behind bars. Citizens who participate in “wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities” also face penalties of three to five years in prison.

The bill was first presented in 2021, receiving support from several religious and traditional leaders. It was sponsored by several lawmakers, who passed it on Feb. 28.

In April 2020, then-law students Paige Beddow and Scott A. Cain of the Immigration Law Clinic at West Virginia University College of Law argued a case similar to Mr. B’s. After a gay man fled the West African nation after he was beaten, doused with kerosene, and threatened with being beheaded, immigration judges rejected the case since it only involved one attack. One judge suggested prosecution could be avoided if he kept his sexuality a secret.

U.S. Circuit Judge L. Felipe Restrepo sided with the law students and asked the immigration court to reconsider.

“He was threatened with death by fire or decapitation while being assaulted, doused with fuel and exposed to a cutlass,” Restrepo said. “All that was left for the mob to do was to cut off his head or set him on fire.”

Now that Mr. B is free, he says he’s “so relieved” and looks forward to dating and working. He wants his story to help Americans realize what the LGBTQ+ community endures in Ghana.

“What I really want the world to know is that queer Ghanaians have no life. They have no voice,” he said of the dangerous conditions faced by Ghanaians in the LGBTQ+ community. “They live and survive by a miracle, meaning that if you, as a queer person, make even the slightest mistake, you will be gone.”

After celebrating his sexuality by attending his first-ever Pride celebration, Mr. B said, “The atmosphere was great” and “noticed that everyone can do anything they want here because they are free.”