CAM’RON BET ON HIMSELF, AND IT’S THE REALEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT HE’S SEEN BY FAR
The Harlem-bred native had been running mere minutes behind but was extremely apologetic for the tardy arrival. Before he readied himself to sit in his barber’s chair for a fresh cut and shape-up, he shook hands with the production crew who were patiently waiting and — again — took full accountability for his lack of punctuality, albeit, at the mercy of cross country travel, New York City traffic, and an unexpected ruckus at the entrance of the building that left an individual knocked unconscious and waiting on an ambulance.
(Photo: Stephane Cardinale/Corbis via Getty Images)
Queen Latifah To Host Kennedy Center Honors, Apollo Theater Named Recipient
Black icon Queen Latifah will host award show honoring iconic Black American institution, The Apollo theater.
Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, will host the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors. The legendary femcee will honor a great Black American institution–The Apollo Theater.
As a part of the 2023 Kennedy Center’s 46th recipient class, Latifah is the first female rapper to receive the honor. The Equalizer actress is only the second rapper ever after LL Cool J joined the 2017 class. A short year later, the Queen returns to bestow recognition on a new class of honorees.
The Apollo Theaters’ recognition is a pleasant addition to the lineup. Opening in 1934 on Harlem’s 125th St, The Apollo claims to be America’s largest Black performing arts institute. The nonprofit institute has hosted Black American icons—like James Brown, the Jackson 5, Beyonce, and a host of others—throughout its history.
The Kennedy Center cited the legendary theater’s longevity and commitment to highlighting Black American culture as the reasons for its recognition:
“For nine decades, the legendary Apollo—the soul of American culture—has played a vital role in cultivating emerging artists, launching legends, and serving as a center of innovation for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world. The largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity, The Apollo is a beacon of the Harlem community recognized for celebrating, creating, and presenting performances inspired by Black American culture, which has shaped popular culture globally. “
ONLY ON #CBSMORNINGS: The Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval and the Apollo Theater are this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees. #KCHonors
Latifah hosting the honors as another great Black institution, The Apollo, is recognized as fitting. The U.N.I.T.Y rapper is a foundational figure in the Black artistic community. Her career is robust and varied. Owens broke out of her female MC box and began to excel in other areas. To date, she has been acknowledged by the Grammy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards. The Bessie actress and producer is a true example of what breaking the mold looks like.
It is unclear who will take the stage to honor the iconic American institution. The ceremony will air on CBS on Dec. 22, 2024, from 8:30 to 11:00 pm ET/PT and stream on the Kennedy Center’s official site.
T.I Kicks Off Annual Turkey Drive With Help From Atlanta Mayor And Young Dro
The event was hosted by Jackson Memorial Baptist Church
Ahead of the holiday, T.I, Atlanta’s own hip-hop royalty, kicked off the 19th annual Harris Community Works Turkey Drive in Atlanta on Nov. 26. The yearly event, hosted by Jackson Memorial Baptist Church on 534 Fairburn Road NW in Adamsville, and powered by Tip’s HCW organization along with a number of sponsors, including the Atlanta Hawks, Humana, Maximum Impact, Kaiser Permanente, and Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority to name a few.
Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta city councilmember Andrea L. Boone, and Atlanta notables Young Dro and DC Young Fly showed up for the Westside community and rolled up their sleeves to volunteer alongside T.I., Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and family to help bag groceries and load cars with turkeys, bushels of collard greens, sweet potatoes, and other Thanksgiving Day staples.
BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Young Dro, who recalled a time in his life when food was scarce. The “Shoulder Lean” artist spoke about his contribution and how the turkey drive impacts the community’s residents.
“I’ve been here since the beginning,” Dro told BE. “When [T.I] decided to do it, it was just … heartfelt to me.”
“I remember going to school … not having no food and you know, having to get up in the morning and put my education secondary just for food.”
Dro expressed his pride in the event’s evolution over the years and said that his volunteer efforts, along with those of others who support the Harris Community Works initiative, are a must.
“The partnership is everything,” the Westside Atlanta native affirmed. “If everybody does something, one person don’t have to do a lot.”
“It wouldn’t be possible if it were[n’t] for Tip,” Dro said. “He has to be partnered with Impact and Kaiser Permanente, Fulton County Police Department, Andrea Boone, my cousin Gregory Sutton. When all of us come together, that’s how we can provide for the community because one person just can’t save the whole world; everybody gotta chip in.”
Atlanta Mayor Dickens’ commitment and sentiment for the annual food drive matched Young Dro’s.
“I had to show up once again,” the Fulton County mayor told BE. “Every year, I come out to this great food distribution by T.I and the Harris family, Tip, Tiny, and all of our sponsors, me, the city of Atlanta, councilwoman Andrea Boone, Humana.
“We are out here spreading love,” Dickens said. “It’s hundreds, I mean, hundreds of cars of people that are hungry that need to get fed for Thanksgiving and we out here spreading holiday cheer by giving food away.”
Mayor Dickens plans to spend his holiday “spreading love,” being “thankful,” and being “ in the spirit of gratitude “d among family and close friends.
Harris Community Works is a subsidiary of Us Or Else Corp (501c3), a nonprofit, social justice charity founded by Tip “T.I.” Harris. The community organization has provided meals for the Thanksgiving holiday for almost two decades. Over the last eight years, HCW has also provided a caravan for the community during the Christmas holiday. T.I. traverses the city, donating clothing and toys to individuals through community-based programs.
More Black Men Are Proudly Cooking Dishes This Thanksgiving, Study Shows 57% of Men Will Cook At Least One Dish
Research shows that more men are stepping up to handle Thanksgiving cooking duties.
Black male chefs are highlighting the growing trend of men taking on cooking duties this Thanksgiving. Recent studies show that over 50% of men are preparing at least one dish for the holiday.
A recent Instacart survey found that 64% of women plan to prepare at least one dish for Thanksgiving, while 57% of men are also stepping up to contribute. Additionally, 30% of men and women intend to cook the entire feast.
With more men stepping up to share Thanksgiving cooking responsibilities, Black chefs are celebrating this shift and applauding men for embracing the change in traditional roles.
“I think that cooking is not something that is based on one’s gender. I see it as a form of creative expression,” LA-based traveling chef Jeffrey Smith Jr. toldEssence.
The owner of the Best Kept Secrets International catering company believes cooking is for everyone, not just one group or gender. The study also revealed that Gen Z (63%), millennials (66%), and Gen X (61%) are outpacing boomers (53%) in plans to cook or contribute dishes.
St. Louis-based chef Que Dunn, also known as “Chef Que,” shares this perspective, noting that younger generations are moving away from traditional gender norms, especially regarding who takes on the cooking.
“I do think it’s becoming more of an even split. I believe this generation doesn’t have the same mindset as the previous ones,” he says. “Women find men who can cook attractive. They find that to be an attractive trait.”
Charles Hunter III, a Nashville-based personal chef and owner of The Salted Table, is hosting Thanksgiving this year to give his mother a well-deserved break. He plans to prepare all the traditional dishes himself.
“We stick to the standard of turkey, ham, dressing, mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, collard greens. We shoot down the list and whoever is best at making a particular dish would stick to preparing those,” he says. “We create a plan of execution, and I try to put my spin on things. I just love being in the kitchen. It’s a dream job that I fell into that I didn’t even know I wanted.”
Commenting on the rise of men taking on Thanksgiving cooking duties, Hunter emphasizes that everyone should be comfortable in the kitchen, stating, “Cooking is a life skill.”
“It’s something everybody should know how to do. Even if it’s on a super basic foundational level, everyone should be able to bring ingredients into a pot and make it edible.”
HUD Awards More Than $1 Million To Fight Homelessness For Young Adults
HUD works to prevent homelessness among young adults and youth through its Foster Youth to Independence program.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding over $1 million to nearly two dozen public housing agencies working to fight homelessness for young adults between 18 and 25 transitioning out of foster care.
HUD works to prevent homelessness among young adults and youth through its Foster Youth to Independence program. The funding will be distributed to public housing agencies across more than 15 states.
“Youth transitioning out of foster care need housing stability and access to affordable homes,” said HUD Agency head Adrianne Todman. “With the funding announced today, HUD and local agencies will keep our most vulnerable youth off the streets and in stable environments where they can thrive.”
Addressing Problems For Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care
Transitioning out of foster care can be a stressful time of uncertainty and instability for youth, ultimately increasing the likelihood of homelessness. HUD funding will help communities tackle the gaps in the availability of housing assistance for young Americans. The funding will also support the federal goal of preventing and ending youth homelessness and set young people on a path to self-sufficiency by providing education, counseling, and supportive services.
According to HUD, Housing Choice Voucher assistance will be available to public housing agencies in partnership with public child welfare agencies. This will broaden access to stable housing for youth and young adults who’ve previously lived in foster care.
“Our goal is to expand access to safe and healthy homes where foster youth can transition to independent living,” said Richard Monocchio, principal deputy assistant secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “HUD values its partnerships with Public Housing Agencies and Public Child Welfare Agencies where, through programs like FYI, foster youth can be given the support they need to create bright, stable futures.”
Established by Congress in 2019, the FYI program was created through youth advocacy efforts to allow all PHAs to serve eligible young adults, particularly those who’ve lived in foster care. Over 300 PHAs nationwide administer more than 5,000 Foster Youth to Independence vouchers.
Caving In To Conservative Pressure, Walmart Ditches DEI Initiatives
Walmart's changes come nearly one week after Robby Starbuck, an anti-woke activist and filmmaker, warned the company that he was working on a story about wokeness at the company.
Walmart is the latest company to abandon its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives following mounting pressure from conservative activists.
Despite being the nation’s largest private employer, the retail giant said it would not renew the racial equity center it created following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. The company will also no longer participate in the annual benchmark index from LGBTQ+ advocacy group the Human Rights Campaign, USA Todayreports.
Walmart’s plans to abandon its DEI initiatives come nearly one week after Robby Starbuck, an anti-woke activist and filmmaker, warned on X that the company that he was working on a story about wokeness at the company.
“Removing wokeness from Walmart has both downstream effects on suppliers, and it sets the tone for corporate America,” Starbuck told USA Today.
“Changing the normal operating policy at a nearly $1 trillion company is a gargantuan feat that many have tried to achieve but no one until now has actually been able to get done.”
MASSIVE news: Walmart is ending their woke policies. I can now exclusively tell you what’s changing and how it happened.
Last week I told execs at @Walmart that I was doing a story on wokeness there. Instead we had productive conversations to find solutions.
Starbuck added that the company has committed to monitoring third-party items in its marketplace for “inappropriate sexual and/or transgendered products marketed to children,” will review Pride funding, and will no longer use the term LatinX in official communications.
BLACK ENTERPRISE reached out to Walmart for more insight about what led to its decision to abandon DEI efforts, the company’s response to employees and customers who may feel rejected by its decision, and whether inclusion and equity are still priorities for the company.
A spokesperson said in an email, “Our purpose, to help people save money and live better, has been at our core since our founding 62 years ago and continues to guide us today. We can deliver on it because we are willing to change alongside our associates and customers who represent all of America. We’ve been on a journey and know we aren’t perfect, but every decision comes from a place of wanting to foster a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers and suppliers and to be a Walmart for everyone.”
Other brands, including Ford and Lowe’s, have also halted diversity initiatives following pressures from Starbuck and other conservative groups who claim DEI is an issue.
As the political climate shifts, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to crack down on businesses pushing DEI initiatives that work with the federal government.
‘Shark Tank’ Mogul Daymond John Hosts 5th Annual Black Entrepreneurs Day In Atlanta
The event championing entrepreneurs awarded three $25k grants to Black-owned businesses.
Business mogul and Shark Tank star Daymond John hosted his fifth annual Black Entrepreneurs Day in Atlanta on Nov. 22. In honor of the event’s presence in Atlanta, Mayor Andre Dickens issued a proclamation to John, officially recognizing Black Entrepreneurs Day.
The event championing Black business owners brought out thousands of participants via in-person attendance and virtual streaming. Taking place in Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre, Black Entrepreneurs Day featured special guests and speakers such as Kelly Rowland, Jordan Chiles, and Charlamagne Tha God. Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, co-founders of the business-focused media platform “Earn Your Leisure,” also took part in the educational festivities.
The event also featured a conversation with Flava Flav, who deemed authenticity as a key to his success. In an exclusive conversation with BLACK ENTERPRISE Flav shared some encouraging and thoughtful business advice to entrepreneurs.
“Once you start a business, all you have to do is really believe in it,” the rapper and television personality told BE. “[As] long as you believe in it, it will become yours and grow beyond whatever you thought it would be.”
“…being able to be a [professional] athlete and a college athlete at the same time… I think it is a blessing in disguise because there [are] a lot of things you do have to learn, but also understand that your name is something that is your brand as well.
She continued, “Navigating that, whether it’s a Nike contract, a leotard contract, [or] whatever it is, it definitely was hard. But I do have the right people around me, being able to help me be[come] financially stable in that process…”
As for Chiles, she engaged in a wealth management discussion presented by JP Morgan Chase. The Olympian talked about her own “Balancing Act” of making smart financial decisions as her career takes new heights.
The occasion awarded three $25k grants to Black businesses. The grants were bestowed in partnership with the NAACP and event sponsors, such as Hilton and T-Mobile for Business. A Salt Lake City-based dessert shop named Parfé Diem took home one grant, with Black mother and daughter-owned fashion accessory line Gabby Bows awarded another. Vontelle, a Brooklyn-based eyewear company, earned the final grant of the day.
John founded Black Entrepreneurs Day in 2020 in response to the height of the Black Lives Matter protests. Wanting to uplift his community from within, the event took off to inspire Black entrepreneurs with resources and financial opportunities.
Ahead of its 2024 rendition, John spoke toAtlanta Daily World of his evolving intentions with the program.
“This is our fifth year, and it’s going to be special. We’re going to surpass $1 million in grants this year,” John said to the local news outlet. “That’s free money to Black businesses. We’ve already given money to 40 Black businesses. And you’ll meet great entrepreneurs and other people you may want to work with. We’re going to have a good time.”
He added, “The whole reason why it was created was that in 2020, when we saw people who were burning businesses instead of building them, I said, the reason they’re doing this [is] that they have no hope. But if you can see me there, and you can see the things I’ve learned the way that I failed, and the way that I’m bringing the resources, you can do exactly what I did… Black Entrepreneurs Day is about seeing people that look like you who are succeeding.”
The evening was filled with activations and game-changing conversations, from AI to reducing the wealth gap. As Black Entrepreneurs Day continues, John hopes to further his impact as he propels these businesses forward.
Leading Human Hair Supplier For Black Women Announces Black Friday Sale 2024
Nadula Hair, one of the leading human hair wigs and bundle suppliers in the world, is pleased to announce the launch of its Black Friday promotion for its loyal customers and fans, offering wig sales, hair weave, and bundle deals at deep discounts.
Nadula Hair, one of the leading human hair wigs and bundle suppliers in the world, is pleased to announce the launch of its Black Friday promotion for its loyal customers and fans. The promotion offers deep discounts on wig sales, hair weaves, and bundle deals.
Starting Nov. 20th, shoppers can take advantage of a wealth of discounts. The sale offers hair products at the lowest prices of the year, including glueless wigs, HD lace wigs, v/u part wigs, bob wigs, pre-everything wigs, wear-and-go wigs, headband wigs, new magic lace wigs, double wear wigs, and pull-and-go wigs. They all are the best quality human hair wigs and enhance one’s unique beauty and natural look.
In addition, shoppers will receive special offers like free gifts (e.g., a robe or a hair dryer), the chance to win a free wig, the chance to buy a second weave for $1, and many other surprises.
The Wig Sale Strategy
The specific discount rate and time arrangement of Nadula Black Friday 2024 are as follows: Black Friday Pre-Sale (11/25 to 11/28) and Black Friday Big Sale (11/29 only). During this time, you can get the biggest discount of the year, free wigs, and free gifts. For more details, visit Nadula.com/activity/promotion-sale.html.
Nadula Black Friday Free Draw-How it Works:
11/11 – 11/28: Customers can participate in the event by leaving their email and phone information on the page from Nov. 11th to 28th.
11/29: On Nov. 29th, the system randomly draws from participating customers and displays the winning information on the page. A round of draws will automatically be conducted every four hours. One person will be drawn from the first, second, and third prizes. Customers who have already won will not participate in the next draw. A total of six people will be drawn for each of the first, second, and third prizes.
As usual, during the Nadula Black Friday sale, considering the financial pressure on customers, the company has partnered with various installment platforms, allowing customers to view the new wig and then buy the cool wig in four installments free of interest. In addition, customers can enjoy fast, free shipping, 7/24 online customer service, and a 30-day return policy.
Aaron Jordan Jr. Partners With Vision Films To Distribute ‘Dating My Past’ Movie Globally
This collaboration marks a major milestone for Jordan and his business partner on the film, paving the way for the global distribution of Dating My Past.
American TV personality and relationship expert Aaron Jordan Jr. announced his signing of a distribution deal with Vision Films Inc. to help bring his long-anticipated movie, Dating My Past, to global audiences.
This collaboration marks a major milestone for Jordan and his business partner on the film, paving the way for the global distribution of Dating My Past, a contemporary Black love story that sheds light on the complexities and personal battles of dating in today’s world, emphasizing self-reflection, love, and the journey of self-discovery.
“I am deeply grateful for this wonderful opportunity to partner with Vision Films Inc. to bring my new movie, Dating My Past, to a wider audience,” Jordan said. “This opportunity creates a pathway for audiences worldwide to be immersed in a film that speaks to real human experiences. Our stories of love, self-reflection, and the lessons we learn along the way are stories worth telling.”
Lise Romanoff, CEO and managing director of Vision Films, adds, “We’re thrilled to be distributing Dating My Past, a movie about the lessons learned from loves and losses that will take audiences on an emotional ride along with its characters.”
Vision Films Inc., an established independent film distributor, is expected to distribute the new movie on Feb. 11, 2025, across Transactional Video on Demand [TVOD] platforms, making its heartfelt narrative accessible to millions across North America and, thus, expanding Jordan and his Know Your Worth LLC’s reach and influence within the realm of independent filmmaking.
Dating My Past is a deeply personal narrative that examines the complexities of relationships and personal growth. Its exploration of the past as a path to understanding oneself is expected to connect strongly with its viewers, especially female viewers in the 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55+ age demographics.
As the film delves into the protagonist’s emotional journey through former relationships and her quest for clarity and healing, it brings to life the book’s powerful message on love, loss, and the universal experience of self-discovery.
For more information about Dating My Past, please contact Aaron Jordan Jr., Know Your Worth LLC, at knowyourworthradioshow@gmail.com or Anissa King at the information below.
Action Fund Continues Quest To Preserve Historical Black Cemeteries
The action fund has bestowed grants to two historical Black cemeteries.
The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund continues its fight to restore and preserve historically Black cemeteries nationwide.
Many Black cemeteries were the sole places Black people could be buried with honor and dignity. However, systemic injustice and racism have left many of these burial grounds in deteriorating shape or abandoned. While many communities have come together to maintain these resting places, national organizations are joining the mission.
According to Capital B News, the action fund granted $50,000 to the Woodlawns cemetery in July. The Bronx-based, 400-acre grounds hold over 300,000 burial sites, including figures integral to the Harlem Renaissance. The cultural site remains the final resting place of Black legends such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, and Cicely Tyson.
Accompanying the grant is an initiative to discover and promote the lives of those buried at Woodlawns. The “Where Harlem Rests” series honors these Black pioneers and icons. It will shed light on their stories from beyond the grave through tours and events starting in 2025.
“We’ve got this really substantial African American and Afro-Caribbean population here at Woodlawn, and that’s why we decided to go for this grant money. It’s time to really get the community to think beyond the Gilded Age at Woodlawn and beyond the jazz greats [to] the folks that made it happen in Harlem during the Renaissance,” said Susan Olsen, the cemetery’s director of historical services.
Launched by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2017, the fund has allocated over $3 million to historical and cultural Black sites this year. The grants, ranging from $50,000 to $155,000, aim to sustain these establishments for future generations.
“History is crucial to our nation’s understanding of where we’ve come from, who we are today, and how we envision our future,” expressed Brent Leggs, executive director of the fund, on its website. “These grants will support critical preservation efforts to revitalize and sustain tangible links to our shared past that we hope will inspire future generations.”
Two cemeteries, including Woodlawns, received the crucial funding. The other, Pierce Chapel African Cemetery in Midland, Georgia, has faced even more deterioration. Although it started around 1827 as a burial ground for enslaved people, tiny flags remain to signal where a grave lies.
