by Shanique Yates

August 23, 2024

From Girls’ Trips To Global Impact: Nikkia McClain’s Vision Empowers Women Through ‘Support Your Girlfriends’

“I was a young mom. I had two kids by the time I was coming out of high school,” said Support Your Girlfriends founder Nikkia McClain. “I was in a domestic violence relationship. I am not supposed to be here. I’m not supposed to be here having this conversation with you, so I enjoy knowing ‘God has something bigger in store for me.”

This founder isn’t just talking the talk; she’s walking the walk, spearheading a movement designed to empower women who look like her through Support Your Girlfriends.

When Nikkia McClain first launched Support Your Girlfriends six years ago, she was answering the call from close friends Tamika D. Mallory and Lucinda Cross, who were in dire need of a vacation or break from the reality and sometimes weight that comes with their respective lines of work. After the first event, which included 10 women, it wasn’t long before the number doubled to 20 in the program’s second year.

As the unofficial creator of the “girl’s trips” that many women embark on with their squad these days, McClain understood the assignment from the first trip to Jamaica. Now, in the program’s sixth installment, she is excited to have partnered with the island of Barbados to bring another group of like-minded people together to reset, refocus, and recharge.

“We wanted to create some sort of community impact,” McClain told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“So we partnered with I Am A Girl, a Barbados NGO. The first year, the impact with these young girls, we did a workshop again, and all of the programming is through us. So one of our glossy sisters, Nadine Ramos, owns Lasio, a professional haircare company, and Blessed Bananas, and came up with the concept of doing a workshop with these girls. It probably was about 50 girls, and then we did a support circle, and oh my goodness, we were friends and thought these girls needed us. No, we needed them. They gave us so much life.”

She aims to do the same this year after donating $10,000 to the organization to continue making an impact.

Through three mantras, “Support Her,” “Celebrate Her,” and “Power Her,” Support Your Girlfriends is much more than an event where beautiful Black women can gather with an island as their backdrop. McClain says that the overall goal is to never place the focus on them but instead on the people and the impact they’re looking to make.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Support Your Girlfriends (@supportyourgirlfriends)

“’Support Your Girlfriends’ just starts with me,” she explained. “You know how you always have a leader, and they say if the head stinks, the whole body stinks. I think the head is just not stinking. Even so much so that in my own line of business, I’m not telling my team, ‘I’m your boss,’ I’m a team leader. We’re a team together. I always want to lead the people that I hire. I always want them to be better than me.”

Beyond her line of work, McClain has always taken pride in supporting her girlfriends and encouraging those around her to do the same, noting the healing power of sisterhood.

“For me, daily, I’m showing up for my sisters. They’ll tell you I’m probably the most supportive person, and everyone asks, ‘How do you do it? How do you manage your business? Still, at the same time, show up here, hop on a plane, be there for your family?’ It’s just you put the things that matter to you first. People are dealing with so much on their own, like mentally, physically, emotionally, the last thing we need to do as women is to put our issues on anyone we know.”

“I do my best to treat my sisters like my sisters; how are you supposed to treat sisters unconditionally? You get to be you. You get to show up as you, and again, I’m just trying to create as much joy as I can for my people,” said McClain.

Each year includes a standout moment that lets McClain know she is on track with the movement she’s building alongside her sisters, Tamika D. Mallory and Lucinda Cross. Moreover, she revealed that if folks were to go by statistics and the standards of a person’s zip code, McClain would not be able to have this conversation or even push the needle forward to help empower fellow Black women from all walks of life.

“I was a young mom. I had two kids by the time I was coming out of high school,” she shared. “I was in a domestic violence relationship. I am not supposed to be here. I’m not supposed to be here having this conversation with you, so I enjoy knowing ‘God has something bigger in store for me.”

McClain envisions a world where Support Your Girlfriends will be recognized alongside the AKAs, the Deltas, and other notable Black organizations.

“I want us to be that organization 100 years from now,” she concluded. “I want my great-great-grandchildren to be like, ‘My great-great grandmother, Nikkia McClain, alongside Tamika D. Mallory and Lucinda Cross…we just had a phone call, they called me and said, ‘We need to go away. We need a vacation. We’re working too hard.’ We flipped it and turned it into this amazing organization with over 100,000 members.”

With a membership fee of $97 per year, “Support Your Girlfriends” has since expanded to New York City, with an Atlanta chapter coming in October. Support Your Girlfriends is open to like-minded women who want to advance the conversation.

by Jameelah Mullen

August 23, 2024

Rumor Had It That Beyonce Was To Perform At The DNC; She Did Not

The “Freedom” Singer’s reps says rumors were untrue.

Day four of the Democratic National Convention was a star-studded event, but one of the most eagerly awaited guests, Beyoncé, was a no-show.

Rumors that the megastar would make an appearance on the fourth night of the convention began circulating the afternoon of Aug. 22. According to the singer’s reps, the rumors were untrue.

“Beyoncé was never scheduled to be there,” the Grammy-winning star’s rep told The Hollywood Reporter.

“The report of a performance is untrue.”

The Hill cited two sources when they reported that the “Diva” singer would be at the event.

At around 7 p.m. Central Time, an X account called Beyoncepress fueled the rumor by posting a video of a black SUV driving through Chicago escorted by a motorcade.

“SHE’S THERE, “ The post read.

🚨🚨 SHE’S THERE!!!!!!

pic.twitter.com/OIuwS1Qctg

— Beyoncé Press. (@beyoncepress) August 23, 2024

TMZ reported that Beyoncé would appear at the Thursday evening event. The outlet has since retracted its statement.

X users responded to the false report with humor.

“TMZ just committed an impeachable offense toward millions of prepped canva drafts,” an X user wrote.

TMZ just committed an impeachable offense toward millions of prepped canva drafts

— angel (@angelmendoza___) August 23, 2024

TMZ owned up to the faux pas on X.

“To quote the great Beyonce: We gotta lay our cards down, down, down … we got this one wrong,” the outlet wrote.

To quote the great Beyonce: We gotta lay our cards down, down, down … we got this one wrong.

— TMZ (@TMZ) August 23, 2024

Although Beyoncé was not in attendance, the four-day event was loaded with star power. The Chicks performed a three-part harmony rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Pop star Pink sang “What about Us” with her 13-year-old daughter, Willow Sage.

Other performers included Lil Jon, who represented Georgia in the state roll call on Aug.20. Tuesday night’s performers also included Chicago native Common and Patti Labelle. John Legend graced the stage on night three along with Stevie Wonder, who offered a speech followed by a rendition of “Higher Ground.”

Vice President Kamala Harris closed out the event with an acceptance speech in which she made a vow to the American people.

“You can always trust me to put country above party and self, to hold sacred America’s fundamental principles, from the rule of law to free and fair elections, to the peaceful transfer of power,” VP Harris said.

Per Scholas, Tech, diversity in tech, tech careers, career development

by Daron Pressley

August 23, 2024

Per Scholas Provides No-Cost Professional Tech Training

During a candid conversation with Black Enterprise, Per Scholas National Capital Region's Senior Managing Director, Jessica Diaz Council, and Site Director, Monique Singleton, shared insights into the organization’s impact and growth.

Per Scholas, a nonprofit organization that provides no-cost professional tech training, is trying to bridge the gap between underserved communities and thriving careers in technology. With a presence in over 22 cities, including recent expansions to Buffalo, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri, Per Scholas is making waves in the tech education landscape.

According to an analysis by the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility, Black households could miss out on over $350 billion in tech job wages by 2030, equivalent to one-tenth of the total wealth held by these households.

Blacks represent approximately 14% of the U.S. private workforce overall but only 7.4% of the U.S. tech workforce.

During a candid conversation with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Per Scholas National Capital Region’s Senior Managing Director, Jessica Diaz Council, and Site Director, Monique Singleton, shared insights into the organization’s impact and growth.

From Humble Beginnings to National Impact

Per Scholas began as a tech recycling initiative in The Bronx, New York, refurbishing and redistributing old technology within the community. This humble start laid the groundwork for the organization’s broader mission. “We realized that not only can we do this work, but we can also train people for jobs in this space,” Diaz Council explained. “After proving the efficacy of our curriculum in New York, we expanded to cities like Columbus, and now we’re in over 22 cities, targeting areas with a high volume of tech careers but low representation from those communities.”

This strategic expansion has been driven by a commitment to providing access to quality education and creating pathways to well-paying tech careers, particularly in underserved communities. Diaz Council emphasized, “Per Scholas continues to evolve, incorporating AI and other technologies into our training to keep it relevant.”

Comprehensive Support for Holistic Success

Per Scholas’s approach goes beyond technical training. Recognizing the challenges many of its learners face, often juggling multiple responsibilities, the organization has developed robust support systems. “Per Scholas learners come here not only for the training but also for the mental health component, financial coaching, and other support services,” Singleton noted. “These elements are fundamental in helping them succeed during our 15-week program, which is full-time and demanding.”

This holistic approach ensures learners gain technical skills and develop the resilience and confidence to thrive in their new careers. “Professional development, along with learning support, has been key in helping our learners transition into their first tech roles,” Singleton added.

Expanding Opportunities with Cybersecurity Apprenticeships

One of Per Scholas’s most recent initiatives is launching a cybersecurity apprenticeship program, a response to the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. This program is already making strides, with the Maryland Higher Education Commission licensing the organization to offer its vetted cybersecurity curriculum. “We are actively engaged with the Maryland Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force, aiming to be a part of the solution to the cybersecurity gap,” Diaz Council shared.

The apprenticeship program is part of Per Scholas’s broader strategy to ensure its training tracks align with industry needs. “Every decision we make is in conversation with an employer. If it’s irrelevant, there’s no need to continue offering it,” Diaz Council stated. This close collaboration with employer partners, ranging from Fortune 500 companies like Accenture to smaller consulting firms, ensures that Per Scholas graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the job market.

Building Trust and Overcoming Challenges

While Per Scholas has made significant strides, the journey has been challenging. One of the biggest hurdles is overcoming skepticism from potential learners wary of predatory boot camp programs. “When we tell them it’s tuition-free, they often ask, ‘What’s the catch?’ It takes time to build that trust,” Diaz Council acknowledged.

To address this, Per Scholas has implemented rolling admissions, allowing prospective students to join when they are ready, both mentally and in terms of life circumstances. “Keeping learners engaged throughout the 15 weeks is crucial,” Diaz Council emphasized. “We do this by creating a strong sense of community, encouraging cross-mingling between cohorts, and bringing in past graduates to share their experiences.”

Sustaining the Mission Through Philanthropy

Per Scholas’s ability to offer tuition-free programs is made possible through a diversified funding pool, including grants and philanthropic support. “This program will stay tuition-free for as long as I’m here,” Diaz Council promised. “But this is only possible through constant fundraising and the generous support of our community partners.”

As Per Scholas continues to expand its reach and impact, the organization remains steadfast in democratizing access to quality education for diverse communities. By providing comprehensive support, aligning training with industry needs, and building trust within the communities they serve, Per Scholas is not just changing lives; it’s changing the face of the tech industry.

North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, NC, HBCU,

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 23, 2024

How A.I. Has Helped North Carolina A&T State Becoming A Driving Force In The Agriculture Industry

Way to go, Aggies!

WUNC reports that using artificial intelligence — or A.I. — has made North Carolina A&T State University, an HBCU in Greensboro, a leader in the agricultural studies industry.

Harmandeep Sharma, a crop science researcher and professor in the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Design at the HBCU, is helping students put the past images of what farm life is supposed to look like to rest.

While most picture a farm as a farmer working in soil and in a field of crops all day, that’s not the case, especially in her agricultural lab. Students and visitors will see rows of crops embedded with sensors and drones flying overhead to monitor the fields. Sharma’s hands are also not dirty with soil, but she holds her laptop while she inserts daily data on the crop’s health. “There has been a very rapid advancement of agriculture over the past couple of years,” Sharma said.

“With this technological advancement, we have sensors, we have drones. We are in the era of Agriculture 5.0.”

She thanks A.I. for the latest venture in an era of data-driven agriculture. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) invested $20 million into a climate-based A.I. project under the leadership of the University of Minnesota, one of several A.I. agriculture projects funded by the federal government. In the Tar Heel state, the North Carolina General Assembly invested $1 million in an A.I. partnership between A&T, North Carolina State University, and analytics firm SAS.

The firm deployed an A.I. platform for the agriculture departments of both schools in March 2024. SAS’ principal advisor, John Gottula, says the platform, used by 14 HBCU programs, has helped researchers make more precise and faster conclusions. “It breaks down that silo between people who know the subject matter and people who know the data science,” he said.

“Subject-matter experts are now able to query that data and crunch those numbers in a meaningful way, where they can quickly recognize what’s realistic and what’s not.”

Sharma conducts research on fresh market tomatoes, industrial hemp, and hot peppers at an environment-controlled greenhouse and outdoor field, which has natural changing conditions on a farm just a few miles away from A&T’s campus. With attached sensors, students under the professor’s leadership measure air temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and water uptake.

The data is then fed into the SAS platform, which assists Sharma with making crucial predictions and gives her the capacity to “generate hundreds of models at one time.” Before the technology was introduced, Sharma said she and other researchers were forced to do “blind average applications,” having to decide on one nitrogen or water level rate to apply on the entire field. Now, with the use of A.I., she is able to map her field out and give distinctive amounts of water, nitrogen, or fertilizer to plants in need, something that will also help many local farmers. “It’s not just environmentally sustainable because we are not polluting our waters, but it is also helping farmers with the money,” Sharma said.

“They are not overspending on fertilizers that are not helping their crops in any way.”

According to HBCUBuzz, the USDA has invested in other HBCUs nationwide to advance their agriculture programs. In May 2024, the agency announced a $30.8 million investment as part of a commitment to all 19 land-grant HBCUs. As a collaborative effort with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s 1890 Institution Teaching, the Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants Program will support scientific research to address some of the country’s growing agricultural challenges.

by Black Enterprise

August 23, 2024

Toby Oniyitan Speaks On The Rise Of Stomp Down And Building An Independent Legacy

In the competitive music industry landscape, where major labels dominate the scene, few independent ventures stand out. One such venture is Stomp Down, a music label that’s creating ripples in the Texas music space that Toby Oniyitan co-founded alongside Ezra Averill. Oniyitan, a first-generation Nigerian entrepreneur, went from aspiring lawyer to music mogul, showcasing the vision that drives Stomp Down’s success.

The story of Stomp Down’s co-founder begins with a familiar narrative for many first-generation immigrants: the pressure to pursue a stable, traditional career. “I always assumed I would be a lawyer,” he recalls. “But by my senior year of high school, I realized that whatever I wanted to do needed to be in a creative world. The thought of law school made my head hurt.” This epiphany led him to embrace his passion for music, starting with managing his college friends who were budding rappers. “I was terrible at first,” he admits, “but I was passionate, and I wanted to get better so I could help my friends.”

This passion evolved into something greater when he recognized the potential of partnering with artists rather than just managing them. Thus, Stomp Down was born—a brand embodying the seriousness and commitment required to succeed in the music industry.

“Stomp Down comes from a Houston term that means being serious or willing to go hard for whatever it is you’re passionate about, and that meant the world to me,” he explains.

Stomp Down’s success lies in its ability to identify and nurture talent. The founder’s approach is rooted in a deep appreciation for self-awareness. “I care about how talented an artist is and how knowledgeable they are about their talent,” he says. For him, an artist who understands and can articulate their strengths is one who truly loves their craft. This self-awareness, he believes, is the foundation for an artist’s growth, influencing everything from their image to their efficiency.

Texas, known for its rich cultural music scene, has played a crucial role in shaping Stomp Down’s identity. “Historically, we have one of the most cultural music scenes in rap, and it was all done by independent labels,” he notes. The independent grind, once seen as less glamorous, is something he deeply values. “I love the freedom being independent brings an artist. The rewards are greater because you see everything through from end to end.”

Supporting Black artists and voices is also central to Stomp Down’s mission. The founder dreams of building a roster of Black artists whose wealth rivals that of rock stars from past eras. “I want kids 20 years from now to look up their net worth and see nine figures,” he says passionately. He believes the best way for the music industry to support Black artists is through education—teaching them about money and smart investments to secure generational wealth.

At Stomp Down, creativity is king. The label prides itself on being deeply involved in the creative process while allowing artists the freedom to lead. “We love everything about the creative process,” he says. “We offer ways to improve, but we never try to force things in a direction that’s not natural to the artist.”

This collaborative approach is evident in their work with artists like Monaleo, who has recently seen significant success. “Leo is extremely hands-on with her music and her business. She trusts our opinions, and we spend a lot of time ideating together,” he shares. Their creative exchanges are filled with inspiration, often drawing from a wide range of influences—from Destiny’s Child performances to gospel music.

As with any independent label, challenges are part of the journey. The founder acknowledges the pressure of being solely responsible for the label’s success. “There’s no scapegoat; it’s all on me as the CEO,” he says. This responsibility demands a high level of attention to detail and a strategic approach to hiring. “I have to make good decisions in who I hire because my employees wear several hats—we’re doing the heavy lifting behind the scenes.”

The music industry has evolved since he first started, particularly for independent labels. “When I started, the independent grind wasn’t glamorous, but it was a grind,” he reflects. Despite the challenges, he chose to remain independent, valuing the freedom it afforded him. Now, with the rise of artist-friendly deals and the proliferation of independent labels, his decision seems prescient. He offers advice to others looking to start their own labels, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency and striking a balance between independence and partnership with major companies.

Looking ahead, Stomp Down is expanding its footprint with new ventures, including a distribution arm and a recording studio in Houston. “We want artists to have the best quality experience right here in Houston,” he says. This new space will allow artists to record, create content, and distribute their music—all under one roof.

The journey of Stomp Down is a testament to the power of passion, self-awareness, and perseverance. From his early days as a college student managing friends to leading an independent label and making waves in the Texas music scene, his story is one of resilience and vision. As Stomp Down continues to grow, its commitment to supporting Black artists and creating a lasting legacy remains unwavering. For aspiring label owners, his journey offers valuable insights: know your strengths, embrace the grind, and never lose sight of your creative vision.

by Jameelah Mullen

August 23, 2024

‘I Will Always Love You’: Whitney Houston Reaches A New Musical Milestone

Whitney Houston’s music continues to wow audiences worldwide.

Over a decade after her death, Whitney Houston’s music remains in constant rotation and continues to top charts worldwide. However, one album has caused the Grammy Award winner to reach a new milestone.

Released in 2012, I Will Always Love You: The Best of Whitney Houston is a posthumous album featuring 29 of the singer’s biggest hits. Now, more than a decade later, Houston’s music has stood the test of time. According to Forbes, the album has been on the Billboard 200 for 208 weeks—or four years.

The album includes all of Houston’s 11 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles and 21 of her 23 top 10 singles, including “Saving All My Love For You,” “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” and “All The Man I Need.” The singer’s estate and RCA Records released the compilation album less than a year after her death while interest in her music was high. After its initial release, the album spent 22 weeks on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, peaking at No. 14.

Forbes reports that the album sold another 8,400 units in the past tracking week. That number includes 700 physical copies, while streams of the hit album make up the rest of the units.

The title single, “ I Will Always Love You,” was the singer’s biggest hit. Penned by Dolly Parton in 1973, the ballad spent 14 weeks at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. “I Will Always Love You” also topped the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts for five weeks in a row in 1992. The song sold over 24 million copies worldwide. To this day, the song holds the record as the best-selling single of all time by a female solo artist.

Houston’s 1997 single, “ I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” also reached No. 10 on the Top 300 Most Streamed Songs Of All Time chart, according to Official Charts.

Plea Deal Saved Marcellus Williams From Execution, Missouri Supreme Court Dials It Back

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 23, 2024

Plea Deal Saved Marcellus Williams From Execution, Missouri Supreme Court Dials It Back

Williams, who claims he is innocent, is set to be executed on Sept. 24.

Trump, Black History Month, Tiger Woods, grants, whitney Plantation,

by Jameelah Mullen

August 22, 2024

Donald Trump Gets Testy After Being Told Not To Personally Attack The Obamas

The republican presidential candidate stood behind a bullet-proof vest as he took shots at the Obamas

Donald Trump responded to the Obamas’ speeches at the Democratic National Convention. The former two-term President and First Lady delivered back-to-back speeches where they endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. The couple also took shots at her opponent which garnered cheers and laughter from the crowd. Trump responded to Obama’s speeches at a North Carolina campaign rally Wednesday.

“Did you see Barack Hussein Obama last night taking little shots? He was taking shots at your president and so was Michelle,” the convicted felon said.

The failed 2020 presidential candidate later made a reference to his advisors who encouraged him to “stick to policy” and refrain from making personal attacks.

“You know, they always say, ‘Sir, please stick to policy, don’t get personal,’” Trump continued.

“And yet they’re getting personal all night long, these people. Do I still have to stick to policy?”

Michelle Obama skillfully lambasted the republican hopeful by calling out his personal attacks against his democratic adversaries.

“Going small is petty, it’s unhealthy, and, quite frankly, it’s unpresidential,” Michelle Obama said.

“It’s his same old con: doubling down on ugly, misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better.”

She also referenced Trump’s anti-immigration rant where he suggested that immigrants were taking “Black jobs.”

“Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs, ” Michelle Obama asked.

Her question garnered cheers both at the convention and on social media.

Barack Obama also took a jab at the republican presidential nominee.

“This is a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago,” Obama said, referencing the disgraced former president.

“The childish nicknames and crazy conspiracy theories and weird obsession with crowd size,” he said, as he made a hand gesture that may have implied that ‘crowd size’ meant something else. The crowd erupted in laughter.

During his speech Donald Trump promised to “get critical race theory and transgender insanity the hell out of our armed forces” which drew a roar of applause from his supporters, Politico reports.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 22, 2024

Here’s An Inside Look At The Expensive IVF Journey

That's a hefty bill...

Fox 4 News reports that in vitro fertilization, known as IVF, can be an expensive journey depending on where a person lives.

The process allows a human egg to be fertilized outside a person’s body until it develops into an embryo. Once that happens, the embryo can be transferred into the uterus. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 1 in 5, or 19% of married women between the ages of 15 and 49, who have never been pregnant, are unable to conceive after one year of trying. The number of attempts can get expensive.

In the U.S., the average cost of IVF can range close to $20,000 or more, regardless of whether the process is successful or not. Since IVF has become a political hot topic following the controversial ruling of the Alabama Supreme Court, which decided frozen embryos are legally considered children in the state, people undergoing treatment are sharing the financial frustrations behind it. Since health insurance companies are not required to cover IVF treatments in the state of Georgia, Jinsol Madak Hwang said she ended up paying $40,000 for a treatment package.

Her package included just about everything except medications. It also excluded other genetic testing that some parents opt for to determine if the child is at risk for certain diseases or hereditary genetic mutations.

Michigan resident Hana Schoenherr found a less expensive option offered by a clinic in New York for a little under $14,000 after shopping around; however, she said. ”Because I reside in Michigan, this was not an option for me.” Overall, Schoenherr paid $42,000 out of pocket for her treatment, which included medications, egg retrieval, and embryo transfers.

There is one important element of IVF treatment that isn’t included in any package: the cost to keep additional embryos frozen for future pregnancies. The addition costs Hwang nearly $800 a year, while Schoenherr pays $500 annually.

During the 2024 Democratic National Convention, IVF has been at the forefront of announced policies surrounding reproductive health rights. According to The Hill, the DNC released plans that would change the U.S. healthcare system, and it hopes it will entice voters to put Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz in the White House. Democratic lawmakers claim they want to protect access to IVF, strengthen access to contraception, and repeal the Hyde Amendment, which bans abortions from being federally funded.

The process can be a little more complex than meets the eye. Walz, who has made his family’s fertility struggle a core part of his campaign’s narrative, issued a statement with his wife, Gwen, detailing their experience with intrauterine insemination, or IUI. The Walz family disclosed the process as being a little different than those of other people. Under certain circumstances, IUI is often attempted before IVF but isn’t under the same level of political scrutiny since there are limited risks of destroying unused embryos that anti-abortion advocates equate to unborn children. “Like so many who have experienced these challenges, we kept it largely to ourselves at the time – not even sharing the details with our wonderful and close family,” Gwen Walz said in the statement.

“She was a nurse and helped me with the shots I needed as part of the IUI process.”

WNBA, Angel Reese, reese's puffs, cereal

by Stacy Jackson

August 22, 2024

Angel Reese Releases First Collection Of Fan-Requested Reese’s Pieces Partnership

The WNBA star and Reese's Pieces finally joined forces to give fans what they've been begging for with three exclusive collections.

In a collaboration she’s been trying to land for several years, WNBA star player Angel Reese has officially locked in an endorsement deal with The Hershey Company’s Reese’s brand. Fans now have access to a new collection of limited-edition Reese’s-branded apparel.

On Aug. 21, the Chicago Sky player and the candy brand released the Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection, the first drop of three waves of merchandise. A press release by The Hershey Company stated that the partnership celebrates the fans with nods to the WNBA rookie and the brand. “This collection is for my Reese’s Pieces — who’ve been with me every step of the way, and the design elements bring together things that I love –basketball, style, and of course, Reese’s!” the 22-year-old athlete said.

The Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection features eight pieces of custom merchandise, including a cropped tee, t-shirt, hoodie, and hat offered in white and cream. The custom designs embrace the American candy’s aesthetic and capture the unique style of the LSU alum who’s made back-to-back fashion statements in the league.

https://twitter.com/Reese10Angel/status/1826273749869772802

It’s not only the thousands of comments from fans that the WNBA star credits for the partnership. Reese also shouted out her manager, Jeanine Juliano, on X for making the deal happen after four years of trying without an agency. “I appreciate the fan support, but @JeanineJuliano DID THIS,” she wrote.

For fans who can’t get their hands on a piece of merchandise from the first collection, stay tuned for the release of two more: the Angel Reese x Reese’s Basketball Jersey and the Angel Reese x Reese’s Cup Logo Collection. Designed in collaboration with the IP and commerce platform Athlete Studio, the custom-made jersey will give fans a fashionable way to represent the athlete and the treat. An additional eight designs will be released in the Cup Logo Collection featuring a custom logo the company says will give fans the ultimate way to “crown” their queen and celebrate the popular peanut butter-filled chocolate.

The Angel Reese x Reese’s Pieces Logo Collection is now available exclusively on the WNBA star’s website.