branny James, lebron James
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 29, 2024

There Is One Name Bronny James Can’t Call LeBron While On The Basketball Court

'We cannot be running down the court and he'd be like, Dad, I'm open! Dad, come on! No, you cannot do that,' LeBron James said.

Now that we may be closer to witnessing the first father and son playing basketball on the same NBA team at the same time, Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has specific instructions for his son, Bronny.

During the latest episode of The Shop, when questioned on how the two will refer to one another while on the court, LeBron made it known that Bronny will NOT be allowed to call him the only thing he may have called him his whole life: Dad.

“We already laid that down; he cannot call me ‘Dad’ in the workplace,” LeBron emphasized. “Once we leave out the private facility and the gates close, I could be ‘Dad’ again in the car if we ride together; at home, I could be ‘Dad.'”

But he did lay the groundwork on some names he may be allowed to say if they are coming down the court together.

“No, he got to call me like ‘2-3’ or ‘Bron’ or, you know, ‘GOAT’ if he wants to. That’s up to him.”

He did say that it’s easy for him since he’s been calling his namesake Bronny since he was a child. So, since he’s been referring to LeBron James Jr. as Bronny, he needs no adjustment.

“We cannot be running down the court and he’d be like, ‘Dad, I’m open! Dad, come on!’ No, you cannot do that.”

Time will tell when that moment will take place as Bronny will start the season in the NBA’s developmental league, the G League. 

The Lakers drafted Bronny in the second round of the NBA Draft with the 55th pick, a move that has elicited controversy based on his low-scoring and tepid numbers during his only season at the University of Southern California.

RELATED CONTENT: LeBron James Congratulates First College Grad From His I Promise School

Jamal Crawford,MSG Network , Knicks Season
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 29, 2024

Alvin Attles, HBCU Athlete Turned NBA Legend, Dies At 87

The NBA Hall of Famer and HBCU alumnus was a storied figure for the Warriors.

Alvin Attles, an HBCU alumnus and NBA Hall of Famer, has died. The family of the longtime Golden State Warriors player and head coach confirmed the news on Aug. 21, a day after his death.

Attles was 87. A cause of death was not released.

Surrounded by his loved ones, Attles died in the San Francisco Bay area, a region that became his home following after the Warriors moved there from Philadelphia in 1962.

“The NBA family mourns the passing of Golden State Warriors legend and Basketball Hall of Famer Alvin Attles,” the NBA said in a statement. “As a player, coach, executive and team ambassador, Alvin made a lasting impact on the Warriors and the league during his more than 60-year career. Alvin was admired throughout the NBA not only for what he accomplished in the game but also for his kind spirit, loyalty, and sense of community that he helped build.”

Born in 1936 in Newark, New Jersey, Attles attended North Carolina A&T University, receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the school.

Attles, who stood only 6-feet tall and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1960 NBA Draft, made the most of his basketball career. “The Destroyer,” a nod to his intense defense, played 11 seasons for the Warriors before becoming coach. During the 1969-70 season, Attles was appointed as player-coach of the team, becoming one of the first African American coaches in the league.

In 1975, Attles became the second Black head coach to win an NBA championship. He coached the Warriors until 1983. He still holds the record as the franchise’s longest-serving coach and its winningest.

Attles received the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement award in 2014 for his significant impact in the sport. In 2019, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him as a member. He remained an integral part of the Warriors franchise, serving as a community relations representative until his death.

“Alvin leaves behind a profound legacy within the game of basketball and the Bay Area community, but especially as a family man and humanitarian,” the team wrote on social media. “We mourn his loss alongside his wife, Wilhelmina, son Alvin, and all who knew and loved him.”

RELATED CONTENT: Chicago Bulls Legend Chet Walker Dead At 84

Tortoise
by Stacy Jackson

August 28, 2024

Woman Allegedly Threatens HR Manager With Tortoise Over Unpaid Wages

Sithembiso Budzirikawa was arrested after her HR manager called the police and she failed to present a permit for the tortoise.

Sithembiso Budzirikawa wasn’t playing about her money when she allegedly confronted her Human Resources (HR) manager and reportedly threatened to use black magic with a live tortoise she brought to work.

The confrontation at a company in Goromonzi, Zimbabwe, comes after Budzirikawa demanded unpaid wages from her employer. According to the Zambian Observer, court documents revealed the 58-year-old woman allegedly acquired the reptile on Aug. 21 from Chabwino Farm. Budzirikawa whipped out the tortoise at her workplace after the HR manager refused the demand regarding her salary. The employee reportedly had the animal covered in a red floor polish and wrapped in a red cloth with needles attached.

Budzirikawa was arrested after the HR manager reported her workplace stunt to police, but she failed to provide a permit for the tortoise. She was charged with “unlawful possession of a live tortoise under the Parks and Wildlife Act.” The woman has been ordered by the Harare Magistrates’ Court to pay $300 or face a 30-day prison sentence.

In an Instagram post from Onsite! Africa, Budzirikawa startled her HR manager with her demanding gesture. Instagram users chimed in about the incident and stated that the woman was rightfully due her money.

According to Zimbabwe’s The Herald, women workers in the country often face workplace discrimination and suffer from “being taken for granted.” Women make up more than 50% of the population in the country, which is situated in southern Africa. However, most positions of leadership and influence are held by men. The Herald’s report stated that Zimbabwe’s Labour Act defines the fundamental rights of employees. The Act, in addition to the country’s Constitution, “regulates employer-to-employee relations” within the workplace, which grants every worker the right to fair and safe labor practices and standards, including fair pay and reasonable wages.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Workers Claim Racists Ran General Mills Plant In Lawsuit

Meghan Markle, Rwanda, purses
by Stacy Jackson

August 28, 2024

Meghan Markle’s American Riviera Orchid Brand Delayed In Difficult Search For CEO

The Duchess of Sussex struggles to find a CEO for her American Riviera Orchid brand. A source says Markle is "difficult to work with."

Meghan Markle’s passion project, American Riviera Orchid, seems delayed. The Duchess of Sussex has reportedly faced difficulty finding a CEO to lead her lifestyle brand.

The lack of forward movement for the brand comes after more than a dozen staff members quit working for Markle, a source told Closer. “The numbers don’t lie, and to have almost 20 members of staff quitting on them tells its own story. It’s unprecedented, even for a startup,” the source said. “The brutal reality is that Harry and Meghan are the toughest of taskmasters; they’re very demanding and difficult to work for, and that puts a lot of people’s backs up.”

It’s been several months since Markle’s initial announcement of the brand in March, and consumers still have no clue about a release date for American Riviera Orchid products. According to People, the “Suits” actress unveiled the news about her brand with a new website and Instagram page. In a now-expired Instagram Story, she appeared arranging flowers and cooking in a kitchen. A source told the outlet that American Riviera Orchid is a business venture she has desired for a while, and the brand “will reflect everything that she loves — family, cooking, entertaining and home décor.” American Riviera Orchid is a nod to Markle’s Santa Barbara town, where she resides with Prince Harry and their children.

A source told US Weekly in July that the brand seemed to be off to a great start. Fan’s early interest in the brand was very pleasing for Markle, whose website saw over 100,000 sign-ups at the time.

A trademark application filed in February reveals a list of “goods and services” Markle plans to sell through American Riviera Orchid. The application included tableware, table cutlery, downloadable and printed cookbooks, servingware, decanters, dinnerware, chargers, napkin rings, table place card holders, and more. The list included jellies, jams, marmalades, fruit preserves, edible oils, fats, spreads, and butters. The trademark also asks for “retail store services” and online e-books.

American Riviera Orchid’s website and Instagram page remain unclear about product releases and only feature the brand’s aesthetic logo. However, future customers can join the waitlist through the website by providing an email address. The New York Post reported that Markle sent jars of strawberry jam to celebs in April. Within a year of launching, the brand was expected to roll in a seven-figure total.

RELATED CONTENT: Meghan Markle Makes Onscreen Comeback As An Extra In Ad For Latte Brand She’s Invested In

Delta, Airline, Airport, Plane
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 28, 2024

2 People Killed Near Hartsfield Atlanta Airport After Delta Air Lines Tire Explodes

Thoughts and prayers to all those affected.....

A typical day at a Delta Air Lines facility turned tragic after two people were killed following a tire explosion near Atlanta’s Hartffield-Jackson International Airport, NBC News reports. 

The explosion happened on Aug. 27, taking the life of two staff members and injuring another. The Clayton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as Mirko F. Marweg, 58, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Luis Aldarondo, 37, of Newnan. Delta spokesperson Anthony L. Black released a statement saying, “We are not releasing any details on our Delta employees at this time.”

The airline confirmed the incident at Delta’s TechOps facility in Atlanta involving “a wheel component” shortly after 5 a.m. According to Delta’s website, the TechOps division is North America’s largest maintenance, repair, and aircraft overhauling provider. According to The Associated Press, the explosion happened while wheel components were being disassembled for maintenance at a wheel and brake shop. Delta said the parts weren’t attached to any aircraft at the time of the accident. 

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said an investigation is being opened, and Delta announced it is working diligently with local authorities. 

Many condolences have since poured in, including from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, a union representing airline industry staff members across North America. “As a union dedicated to the well-being and safety of our members and the broader community, we will offer our resources to all those impacted by this tragic event,” the union wrote in a statement. 

“We stand in unity with Delta workers during this difficult time, and we call on Delta and the relevant authorities to quickly launch a thorough investigation into how this happened.”

On X, Atlanta’s Mayor Andre Dickens issued sentiments, saying his thoughts are with all those affected. “I offer my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased Delta employees. My thoughts are also with those who were injured, and I hope for their swift and full recovery,” Dickens wrote. 

“AFRD, APD, and HJAIA teams are on the scene, working diligently to address the situation.”

While the airport said the explosion didn’t cause any pause in flights, TechOps President and Delta Executive Vice President John Laughter released a note saying the airline will make counselors available to any employees in need. “We’re all in this together, and we’ll get through this by supporting each other,” he said. 

RELATED CONTENT: Delta Air Lines CEO Says Airline Went ‘Too Far’ With SkyMiles Crackdown, Vows Revisions

Keith Lee, Atlanta, food truck, event, redemption, Baltimore
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 28, 2024

Keith Lee’s Baltimore Trip Benefits The Rooted Rotisserie Restaurant, Rated 10/10 For Customer Service

After a glowing review, the restaurant was almost practically booked for the entire week.

A mention from TikTok food critic Keith Lee can do wonders for some of the restaurants that may get a visit from him. When Lee posted that he was heading to Baltimore, several of the businesses were clamoring for that visit, and the Rooted Rotisserie was the latest to get a cosign from the popular critic.

According to The Baltimore Sun, the Burtons got a surprise visit August 24. What some people don’t realize is that Lee doesn’t actually go into the place to taste the food. Typically, he sends others in, without notification, to place the order and bring the food to him. He then eats the meals in his car without interruption or distractions.

As with all other venues, the Burtons did not even know their place was picked to be critiqued. Lee did have some great things to say about the Rooted Rotisserie. He did give an almost perfect score for the “fantastic” duck confit gumbo with duck meat “cooked to perfection” and “crispy and seasoned” potatoes.

“This whole thing has flavor throughout, from the beginning to the end. In my opinion, they balance extremely well,” he said, giving the plate a rating of 9.6 out of 10. After rating several other items from the menu, most receiving the lower end of an eight, he also gave the venue a perfect 10 of 10 rating for customer service.

Amanda Burton, who co-owns the Rooted Rotiserrie with Joseph Burton, said that Lee came back inside the restaurant after eating his meal. Shocked by his presence, Amanda Burton said he introduced himself to the couple and took photos with the staff. But, before leaving, he left a tip of $4,000 and also took care of the checks for the guests who were in the restaurant at the time, leaving an additional $2,000.

His reviews have already worked in the favor of the restaurant. Amanda Burton said that as of August 26, the Rooted Rotisserie was just about completely booked through the end of the week.

So, it’s “all hands on deck as far as staffing,” Joseph Burton said. “Our prep schedule has increased tremendously to make sure we’re fresh, and we’re ordering much more food—much more.”

RELATED CONTENT: Keith Lee Sheds Light On Bay Area Homelessness Crisis, Joined by JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon

temu, bankruptcy
by Daniel Johnson

August 28, 2024

Temu Faces Uncertain Future After Parent Company Loses $50B Rapidly

Donald Tang, Shien’s executive chairman, has previously called for equitable reforms to “de minimis."

Temu, the Chinese retailer that has exploded over the last few years, is now facing an uncertain future after its parent company lost $50 billion essentially overnight. It faces more regulatory scrutiny from several governments as well as competition from other Chinese fast-fashion retailers.

According to Fortune, PPD Holdings dropped 30% of its value on Aug. 26 after a worrisome report indicated that its flash-fire growth may soon come to an end. 

“Looking ahead, revenue growth will inevitably face pressure due to intensified competition and external challenges,” Jun Liu, PDD Holdings’ financial chief, said in a press release. “Profitability will also likely…be impacted as we continue to invest resolutely.”

The intensified competition Liu referred to will come in the form of Tik-Tok Shop and its competitor Shien as well as a planned low-cost Amazon storefront. As for the external challenges, Temu is facing scrutiny over its use of import trade loopholes, questions over the quality and origin of its products, adherence to product safety, and questions about whether it sells products made by forced laborers from several governments.

To that end, bi-partisan legislation aimed at closing the “de minimis” trade loophole was proposed earlier in August, which Temu uses to bypass customs investigation and import taxes because its customer packages are generally under $800 due to its low-priced items.

According to Barron’s, although representatives for Shien and Temu did not respond to their request for comment about the legislation, Donald Tang, Shien’s executive chairman, called for equitable reforms to “de minimis” via a 2023 letter to the American Apparel and Footwear Association.

“Shein believes the de minimis framework should be reformed to create a more level, transparent playing field—one where all retailers play by the same rules and where the rules are applied evenly and equally, regardless of where a company is based or ships from.” Tang wrote.

In February, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) called on President Joe Biden to use his executive power to close that particular trade loophole in the name of assisting American manufacturers. 

According to the press release from the office of Brown, the senators wrote, “[T]he Chinese Communist Party (CCP)—one of the worst trade and human rights abusers—directly benefits from duty-free access to the U.S. market for shipments valued under $800. This generous gift comes with no rule of origin requirements, reciprocal market access, or labor or environmental standards. Simply put, the CCP and others utilizing de minimis can get rich while getting away with a host of trade infractions that undermine U.S. manufacturing, harm American workers, and expedite the flow of fentanyl and other harmful goods into our communities.”

The senators continued, “The existence of this U.S. policy loophole also unfairly benefits foreign companies and overseas e-commerce platforms such as Temu, SHEIN, and AliExpress, allowing them to evade tariffs, duties, taxes, and compliance with other U.S. customs laws and regulations that U.S. companies and brick and mortar stores must comply with. There are no consequences for these actions because they are currently legal under the outdated and convoluted ‘de minimis’ loophole.”

However, much like the panic from lawmakers around China and Tik-Tok regarding data usage, some of these concerns gloss over how American companies also use the loophole for the furtherance of their own ends, just as American companies like Google often play fast and loose with consumer data for their benefits. 

As Jason Goldberger, the chief commerce strategy officer at Publicis Groupe, told Fortune, “There’s no white hats and black hats in any of this. It’s all shades of gray.”

RELATED CONTENT: Biden Signs Bill To Force TikTok To Part Ways From Chinese Parent Company Or Face National Ban

Black MAGA, Trump, Michigan
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 28, 2024

Black Trump Supporter Sues Right-Wing Org For Allegedly Calling Him A ‘Slave’

Carl Baxter is suing for discrimination and unpaid wages, claiming AFP also withheld some pay for his 12-day employment.

A Black Trump supporter has sued Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a right-wing organization, for alleged discrimination, including calling the man an enslaved person.

The accuser, Carl Baxter, claims that the politically conservative group allegedly withheld wages and miles reimbursement that he earned during his 12-day employment as a canvasser. According to The Independent, Baxter was hired in June 2023 before being terminated after complaining about the wages.

Established by conservative businessman Charles and David Koch in 2024, the AFP supported efforts to thwart Trump’s presidential campaign, such as previously backing former GOP candidate hopeful Nikki Haley. Baxter, a diehard fan of Donald Trump, first ran into trouble with his former employer for refusing a bribe to find dirt that could derail Trump’s reelection.

“Early in Plaintiff’s tenure, AFP’s Deputy Director [of] Grassroots… met Plaintiff at the Oasis restaurant in downtown Ft. Myers and offered Plaintiff $500 in bribe money to provide ‘dirt’ on Cape Coral council member Patty Cummings,” claimed the legal filing. “Plaintiff declined. AFP’s goal was to stop President Donald J. Trump from winning the Republican nomination in the 2024 presidential primaries and, locally, to oppose politicians who support President Trump.”

Another issue regarding inaccurate wages led to a phone call with AFP Grassroots Engagement Director Roxanne Buckels. In the conversation, Buckels allegedly called Baxter a slave.

The lawsuit detailed, “then proceeded to call [him] a ‘slave’ and demanded that he confirm he is a ‘slave,’ stating as follows: ‘I know you are doing the work, and I can see the doors that you are hitting on my iPad on my side. At least you are working as a slave (sarcastically), but at least you are getting paid; many slaves today do get paid, many used to never get paid. Are you a slave?’”

However, after Baxter relayed his concerns about the statement, a supervisor swiftly terminated him. Both Buckels and the supervisor identify as white.

The AFP responded to the news outlet after it revealed the lawsuit.

“While we do not comment on current litigation, we take all allegations of violations of the law extremely seriously and will fully investigate those made in this complaint,” explained an AFP spokesperson.

According to the filing, Baxter has yet to receive the overdue wages. However, he declared his white colleagues never faced any payment issues. While accusing AFP of retaliation and wage theft, he also seeks exemplary, punitive, and compensatory damages for the experience he endured.

RELATED CONTENT: Pastor Lorenzo Sewell Says He’s ‘Humbled’ Donald Trump Visited ‘The Hood’ For Blacks For Trump Rally 

Lizzo
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 28, 2024

Lizzo Announces ‘Gap Year’ To Protect Peace Of Mind

Lizzo is taking a "gap year" to prioritize her mental health.

Grammy award-winning singer Lizzo took to Instagram on Monday to share a candid video with her followers that announced the “gap year” she’s taking to focus on herself.

“I’m taking a gap year & protecting my peace🙏🏾,” she captioned the video that showed her stepping outside in a bathing suit and letting the rain fall all over her body.

Fans applauded the “Truth Hurts” singer for prioritizing her mental health and being bold enough to share her journey with the outside world.

“It’s nice to see a celebrity actually putting themselves first and admitting they need it before they break down. I wish you well!” one fan wrote.

“Take all the time you need. We will be here,” added someone else.

Lizzo’s break follows her messy legal battle with three former dancers who sued her last year, claiming they were harassed and forced into a hostile work environment while touring with the singer, who denied all of the claims. The suit is ongoing.

“These last few days have been gut-wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she said in a statement at the time. “My work ethic, morals, and respectfulness have been questioned. Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations, but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed.”

In March, the singer claimed she was quitting music due to all the hate she had received online. In April, she followed up with a video saying that she was not leaving the music business and instead was quitting “giving any negative energy attention.”

“What I’m not going to quit is the joy of my life, which is making music, which is connecting to people, cause I know I’m not alone,” she said.

On Tuesday, Lizzo followed up with another video post to reflect on her growth over the last three years and tease the album she plans to record about her journey.

“I wasn’t gonna post this on IG, but 2021 me would be soooo proud of 2024 me,” she captioned the post. “And I’m NOT only talking about my body if yall only KNEWWWW what I’ve done for my mental & emotional health in the last year… wheeeew don’t worry imma write an album about it 🤭”

RELATED CONTENT: Lizzo Wants To ‘Bring Back Gatekeeping’ To Stop White People ‘Talking Like Black People’

Mariah Carey, Hot 100
by Stacy Jackson

August 28, 2024

Friend Of Mariah Carey’s Late Sister Claims Singer ‘Never Tried To Contact Alison’

Baker claimed to be one of Alison's only friends and alleged Mariah's rejection toward her sister caused her "more pain."

A friend of Mariah Carey’s late sister, Alison Carey, has alleged the “We Belong Together” singer never reached out to her older sibling despite being informed that her health condition was leading to her final days.

David Baker, who claimed to be a longtime friend of Alison’s, told The U.S. Sun that she was “unhappy that her ‘baby sister’ had cut off contact with her.” According to Baker, Alison had frequently addressed the abandonment she felt from her celebrity sister. “Mariah has never tried to contact Alison, even after she was told a month ago that Alison was dying,” Baker said, adding that it was unknown if Mariah would attend her funeral.

“A phone call or, better still, a video call would have meant so much to Alison. But it never came,” Baker shared. “That callous rejection added more hurt to Alison’s pain.”

As one of Alison’s only friends, Baker said he supported Mariah’s “ex” sister through drug addiction, homelessness, and other health issues. She spent the past few weeks under home hospice care due to issues with her internal organs. As a child, Alison was allegedly taken to “Satanic” ceremonies and sexually abused. “I have so many memories I wish I never had,” Mariah’s older sister said in a previous interview. She recalled, “A close family member used to wake me up just before 2 am and take me to an old hall that looked like a castle, which was a short walk from the church we used to attend in Huntington, New York.” During the interview, Alison got candid about her traumatic experiences.

The Grammy Award-winning artist shared a close relationship with her older sister before a 1994 fall-out when Alison pleaded for help from Mariah after their late mother, Patricia, allegedly kidnapped her son, Michael. The singer and her sister never restored their relationship after Mariah allegedly refused to defend her. Alison reached out again for help from her sister after she faced charges of prostitution, and according to a representative, Mariah spent “hundreds of thousands of dollars supporting Alison and her children.”

Alison, who was HIV-positive, said money wasn’t what she was after from her sister but a chance to reconcile their relationship.

As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the “All I Want for Christmas” artist announced on Aug. 26 that Alison and her mother Patricia died over the weekend, on the same day. Mariah shared that she remained distant from her siblings, including her brother Morgan, because it was “emotionally and physically safer for me not to have any contact.”

In the Hollywood A-lister’s 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” she alleged her siblings sold “lies” to the press and that she was drugged by her older sister. The claims prompted lawsuits from both of Mariah’s siblings. Morgan’s case is still active.

RELATED CONTENT: Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, A Tribe Called Quest, And More Among 2024 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Nominees


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