Bun B
by Daniel Johnson

July 17, 2024

Bun B Helps Houston Recover Post-Beryl

On July 11, the rapper and co-founder of Trill Burgers gave out over 1,500 burgers after setting up a pop-up-shop.

Hurricane Beryl hit Houston on July 8, knocking out power for 2.26 million customers. Now, as many Houstonians continue to wait on Centerpoint Energy and other electricity providers to supply electricity to homes and businesses, one of the Houston-area’s most famous residents, Bun B, is stepping up.

Although his Trill Burgers restaurant has been without power due to the storm, he has been busy trying to meet the needs of his neighbors. 

According to Hot 97, on July 11, the rapper gave out over 1,500 burgers after setting up a pop-up-shop near a Lakewood Church campus. He also gave out food and set up cooling stations and distributed water at a few other locations, including a Kroger’s. 

Bun B called for empathy and concern for others in a video he posted to his Instagram account as the storm’s landfall and impact zone swept across much of southeast Texas. According to ABC 13, the power outages, coupled with sweltering heat in Houston and other areas, combined to deadly effect, killing 13 people in the Houston area so far. 

“With a high temperature of 93 degrees but heat index will go up to 103. Pray for our cities as we fight through this like we’ve done before. Cooling station and water pick up today at Lakewood Church and I’ll post more locations in my stories as I get more info. Check on your friends and family in the greater Houston area, especially the elderly and invalid today.” Bun B said in the video. 

At present, nearly 98,000 electricity customers remain without power as emergency crews work to restore power. According to the Texas Tribune, of those 98,000; at least 88,000 are Centerpoint Energy customers. Centerpoint has received the brunt of the criticism for its reaction to Hurricane Beryl, from both customers and politicians on both sides of the aisle. Gov. Greg Abbott, who was thousands of miles away on a foreign relations trip when the storm made landfall, has been demanding an investigation of Centerpoint’s response to the storm, as has Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who has called for a federal investigation into the energy company. 

According to The New York Times, the latest natural disaster to strike Houston has some residents contemplating whether staying is worth it after two major power outages in two months. Stephanie Fuqua, 52, who moved to Houston in 2015, told the outlet that if it wasn’t for the hurricanes and the electric company, she would stay instead of planning to leave in the fall. “I’m just done. I’m tired of the trauma. I love Houston. If it weren’t for the hurricanes and CenterPoint, I would stay here.” 

Others, like 60-year-old Perry Murry, a Houston native, told The Times that despite the challenges of climate change related weather events for the city, Houston is his home and his heart, and he would never leave the city he calls home. “I’ve got Texans on my hat, Texans on my shirt, Texans on my feet,” before pointing to his apparel, which were all emblazoned with the Houston Texans football logo. “This is my city.”

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Rules Against Bun B’s Trill Burgers Amid Recipe Theft And Financial Misconduct Lawsuit

Political Beef: Kodak Black Calls Outs Plies Over Take On Trump Assassination Attempt
by Daniel Johnson

July 17, 2024

Political Beef: Kodak Black Calls Outs Plies Over Take On Trump Assassination Attempt

Former Kodak Black collaborator, Plies suggested the assassination attempt was staged.

Rapper Kodak Black came to the defense of the presumptive Republican Party nominee Donald Trump after he was criticized by fellow rapper and his former collaborator, Plies. In 2021, Kodak Black received a pardon from then-President Trump in the waning days of his presidency.

According to Hot 97, the two rappers had a disagreement after Plies posted a take on X that seemed to imply that the Trump assassination attempt on July 14 was staged. “Bruh Fakin Being Shot Tryin To Win An Election!!!  This Sh*t Crazy!!! He’s Gone Reality Crazy.” Plies wrote. 

In a video that appears to be part of an Instagram Live, the Florida rapper seemed to take issue with Plies’ thoughts, saying “That’s f*cked up by Plies,” said Kodak in a video. “We ain’t going for any Trump slander.  You gotta get off that sh*t, Plies.  Trump ain’t done nothing to you.”

Plies, meanwhile, seemed unbothered by Kodak Black, as he didn’t even bother to respond to his attempt at a call-out. Instead, Plies focused his attention on President Joe Biden, imploring him to mount an offensive. In the wake of the alleged assassination attempt, Biden had paused his campaign advertisements as he called for a more civil political environment. Plies appears to believe that was a political miscalculation. 

https://twitter.com/FlakkoPoetik/status/1812529938882232714?t=gENH77NnY2vNVcTZK2HEww&s=19

“Dear Joe Biden U’d Be Damn Fool To Slow Down Your Campaign! Use This Moment To Push The Agenda U Been Pushing Banning Assault Rifles & Gun Violence Etc. Chaos Vs A Steady Hand! Can’t Run On Hate & Act Surprise When It Happens! Unify The Country & Show What Leadership Looks Like!” Plies wrote on Twitter/X. 

Kodak Black was part of a group of Black entertainers who received presidential pardons from Trump, which some speculated was a thinly veiled attempt at currying favor with Black voters. According to ABC News, Kodak Black was among a group who received clemency from Trump, whose legal troubles following their pardons was just one more reason the Trump Administration was unprecedented. 

According to Margaret Love, a lawyer representing clients seeking pardons and a former U.S. Pardon Attorney, Kodak Black’s legal troubles and others Trump pardoned were unprecedented, but not unexpected.

“President Trump bypassed the formal and orderly Justice Department process in favor of an informal and fairly chaotic White House operation, relying in some cases on his personal views and in others on recommendations from people he knew or who gained access to him in various ways. So it might have been predicted that some who made it through that lax gauntlet were going to get in trouble again.”

Kodak Black’s charges in a drug case in Florida were later dropped, but he and Plies were not the only rappers to respond to Trump’s assassination attempt. According to Newsweek, 50 Cent posted an edited image of Trump’s face on the cover of his 2003 Get Rich Or Die Tryin album cover on his X account, along with the caption, “Trump gets shot and now I’m trending,” which was bookended by a shrug emoji. The rapper was rumored to be a potential attendee at the Republican National Convention, but a representative for the rapper confirmed to The Hill that he would be in Shreveport preparing for his Humor and Harmony festival scheduled in August. 

RELATED CONTENT: Kodak Black’s Attorney Calls For ‘Instant Mistrial’ After Young Thug’s Lawyer Given Jail Sentence

Sam’s Club
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 17, 2024

Employee Attacked At Sam’s Club By Mother And 2 Daughters

'Once she swings on me, she punches me in my face and then her two daughters come from the front. I was not expecting that at all.'

A video has been circulating online showing customers at a Sam’s Club in Henry County, Georgia attacking an employee of the large retailer.

According to WSB-TV, Cierra Monroe, who works in the cafe at the wholesale supermarket, was approached by a mother and her two daughters. They came to the cafe right before closing time on July 10 and wanted to purchase two whole pizzas. Monroe stated that after she told them it was too late, the mother went into the kitchen and punched her in the face. A video shows the two daughters also attacking the Sam’s Club employee before the mother, Andreana McKnight, was grabbed by other employees and arrested.

McKnight’s daughter, Victoria Wilson, 20, was involved in the fisticuffs but because she was pregnant, she was taken to the hospital. There is now a warrant out for her arrest.

Monroe described the incident that took place.

“The mom, she gets upset and she goes from in front of the register, and she comes back into the kitchen, and when she comes into the kitchen, she swings on me,” Monroe said. “Once she swings on me, she punches me in my face and then her two daughters come from the front. I was not expecting that at all.”

Since the attack, Monroe said she still suffers from headaches and there are still visible bruises, scratches, and a scar on her face. She mentioned that it was not the first time a customer attacked an employee at the location. Earlier in the week, an incident took place where someone tried to pounce on someone else at the Sam’s Club. Monroe is requesting that the store have security from opening to closing to avoid another incident.

“Prior to, we did have an altercation with another customer and he was escorted out,” she said. “But he was escorted out by the employees though. I just feel like we need to have security from the moment we open to the moment we close, every day, seven days a week.

The store commented that safety for the employees is a priority, but stopped short of guaranteeing that they will supply security for the workers.

RELATED CONTENT: 15-Year-Old McDonald’s Employee in St. Louis Suffers Fractured Skull After Customer Attacks Her

Nelly, Ashanti, Married
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 17, 2024

Ashanti And Nelly Ready To Share Their Love Story In New Reality TV Show

Ashanti and Nelly will begin pre-production on the show soon in Nelly's hometown of St. Louis.

Ashanti and Nelly are going from stage to screen. The engaged couple will embark on a new reality show focusing on their growing family.

The lovebirds, who rekindled their relationship in April 2023, will showcase their affection in the new venture. According to TheJasmineBrand, the show will begin pre-production soon in Nelly’s hometown of St. Louis.

While both are still growing their music careers, their family is expanding as well. Ashanti recently celebrated her pregnancy with a baby shower. Nelly has two children, Chanelle (30) and Cornell Haynes III (25), from a previous relationship with Channetta Valentine.

Viewers are sure to gain more insight into their dynamic, as well as the blending of their families and details of their reunion. Their long-winded love affair first started in 2003, initially splitting in 2013. However, the duo later reunited, and are now taking their relationship to the next level of parenthood.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ashanti got real about their initial split.

“After our breakup, I didn’t think we’d ever have a conversation again,” the 43-year-old explained.

However, fate had other plans, leading to them starting their own family, while also planning a wedding.

“It was such a beautiful, intimate moment…I cried, and I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever,” she revealed of her engagement to the 49-year-old.

The duo shocked Hollywood by getting secretly married in December 2023, as confirmed by ET. While fans await an actual wedding ceremony, Ashanti gave a few hints of what to expect.

She added, “I think its going to be a combination of fashion, glam, [and] Caribbean vibes.”

However, supporters will most likely have to wait until after the baby is born to see Ashanti walk down the aisle. As for their reality show, no further details were revealed on what network it will air on. In the meantime, the couple appears to be basking in their renewed love and baby on the way.

RELATED CONTENT: Congratulations! Nelly And Ashanti Secretly Wed In December, Records Show

Tamron Hall, Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.
by Stacy Jackson

July 17, 2024

Tamron Hall Joins Sisterhood Of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

Tamron Hall joined Alpha Kappa Alpha as an honorary member, celebrating her induction at the sorority's 71st Boule in Dallas.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has embraced television personality Tamron Hall as an honorary member, welcoming her into their esteemed sisterhood.

According to WBLS, the prestigious organization, which boasts more than 355,000 initiated members worldwide, celebrated Hall’s induction at its 71st Boule in Dallas, Texas. Expressing her gratitude, Hall shared on social media, “Thank you [Sorors] for this honor…I am now a proud AKA.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@tamronhall/video/7389058586283953451

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously highlighted Hall’s impressive career, which includes hosting MSNBC Live and making history as the first Black woman to host the Today show on NBC. After departing NBC in 2017, she launched the Tamron Hall Show, a milestone Alpha Kappa Alpha noted in her member bio is now the second-longest-running ABC Disney-produced syndicated talk show.

As an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Hall’s advocacy work aligns with the sorority’s mission of service and empowerment. In 2018, Hall addressed Alpha Kappa Alpha members at their 65th SARC Public Meeting, stating on X that she was “Inspired to serve and volunteer even more.” Her commitment to community service and empowerment reflects the core values of Alpha Kappa Alpha.

She has been a vocal advocate for domestic abuse awareness, partnering with Purina’s Purple Leash Project. As BE previously reported, Hall articulated an ambitious vision for 2025 to transform a quarter of domestic violence sanctuaries into pet-friendly havens, enabling survivors to seek refuge without abandoning their beloved animal companions. Her involvement with the Black Women’s Health Imperative further demonstrates her commitment to issues affecting Black women.

Alpha Kappa Alpha recognized Hall’s contributions to media and social advocacy, viewing her as the “outspoken advocate for shedding light on domestic abuse,” an embodiment of their mission to improve the social stature of women and girls. As an honorary member, Hall joins a distinguished group of women dedicated to “Service to All Mankind,” including fellow 2024 honorary members Attica Locke and Tembi Locke, both accomplished authors and producers.

https://twitter.com/tamronhall/status/1810064645190791359
Bronny James, Call of Duty Tournament
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 17, 2024

Bronny James Wins Championship For ‘Call Of Duty’ Tournament

The Lakers rookie won the 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III' Tournament and took home a $10,000 prize and a Call of Duty prize belt.

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James has been making headlines for his lackluster play during the NBA Summer League, but he did end up winning a championship to place on his mantle.

According to Sports Illustrated, James may not have been scoring points on the hardwood, but he was slaying his enemies via video games when he won the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” Tournament. The tournament was held during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. The NBA’s 55th draft pick beat Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams to win himself a $10,000 prize. He also got to take home a Call of Duty prize belt with his cash prize.

While James has been the talk of the NBA Draft and Summer League, he has been playing under an intense spotlight through four summer league games. He has only shot 7-for-31 from the field and is 0-for-15 from three-point range. He missed one game due to some trace of swelling in his left knee.

Earlier this month, Bronny signed a four-year contract with the Lakers for $7.9 million to join his father, LeBron who signed an extension with the team for two years at $104 million. Their pairing makes them the first father-and-son to play on the same NBA team. James’s contract breakdown is as follows: $1,157,143 in his rookie season, $1,955,377 in his second season, $2,296,271 in his third season, and in his fourth season, a player option, James is set to make $2,486,955.

Although rookies drafted in the second round rarely get guaranteed contracts, being the son of arguably one of the greatest players in NBA history and having the same agent, Rich Paul, works to the advantage of someone like Bronny. Paul initially told teams Bronny would not go to the G League, but, in recent interviews, Bronny seems open to the idea.

RELATED CONTENT: Bronny James Misses Summer League Game Due To Knee Injury

Trump, LGBTQ+
by Sharelle B. McNair

July 17, 2024

Opinion: Why Trump’s ‘Agenda 47’ Is A Danger To The Black And LGBTQ+ Community

Check it out for yourself on his campaign website.

The world has been introduced to right-wing group Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025,” which presents a sweeping overhaul of government and governance. But now it’s time to present the “Agenda 47” playbook that many are saying is just as dangerous, especially for Black people and members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

“Agenda 47” is a strategy created by former President Donald Trump that can be found on his reelection website. With corresponding videos, each section outlines treacherous policy changes and additions if he returns to office. A number of the policies threaten the lifestyle and culture of civil and LGBTQ+ rights, ripping through education, health care, the military and so much more.  

Plan To Protect Children From Left-Wing Gender Insanity

The 45th President describes this plan as a way to “stop the chemical, physical, and emotional mutilation of our youth.”

“No serious country should be telling its children that they were born with the wrong gender,” the site reads. 

If elected back into office, Trump plans on signing an executive order that will instruct every federal agency to end all programs that “promote the concept of sex and gender transition” at any age. The U.S. government will also only recognize male and female genders. 

In addition to labeling gender-affirming care as “mutilation,” the agenda will declare any hospital or healthcare provider as ineligible to meet federal health and safety standards for Medicaid and Medicare if they participate in the act. The healthcare establishments also risk being terminated from the program.

Trump’s Plan For The Suburbs That Pushes The American Dream Further From Reach

Trump claims that “Joe Biden’s radical left” is attacking the “suburban lifestyle.” The former president plans to immediately repeal Biden’s “radical regulatory push” by repealing President Barack Obama’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule (AFFH), which he feels stripped local communities of making decisions and erodes the suburban lifestyle. 

Under his leadership, Trump wants to hold a competition for states to build “Freedom Cities” to give Americans a chance at homeownership.

This could cause a major shift of redistricting for Black Americans, who are already suffering from state legislation that strips their district of voting power. 

Plan To ‘Restore Law & Order‘

Under Agenda 47, Trump wants to invest in the increase of law enforcement presence and will force all agencies that receive DOJ grants to return to what he calls “proven policing measures” including stop-and-frisk. 

The racist notion has been ruled unconstitutional in states like New York however, he continues to dangle the narrative in front of Black voters as a way to relate to them. The measure was once used to keep illegal guns off the streets but then used as a target for Black and brown people. 

A federal monitor report shows the controversial “stop-and-frisk” teams made unlawful stops targeting the demographics and 24% of the stops were unconstitutional. In 34 areas that account for 80% of the city’s violent crime rate, largely in communities of color, 97% of the people stopped were Black or Hispanic.

RELATED CONTENT: Judge Mathis Slams ‘Dishonest’ Trump’s Treatment of Black Voters

Big Dave Cheesesteaks
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 17, 2024

Downtown Atlanta Loses Popular Restaurant Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks After Water Main Break

The owner claims the restaurant was 'ruined' after damage from Atlanta's major water main break.

Downtown Atlanta is losing one of its notable restaurants. The owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks said its “landmark” location will not reopen after closing due to the city’s June water main break.

Derrick Hayes Sr. posted the not-so-delicious news to social media on July 14.

“Everybody keeps asking me about Forsyth Street location. This is the landmark location, so I’m going to break the news to y’all. This location is not opening back up,” explained the restaurateur. “The water really killed [it], its not worth reopening. We’ve been through a lot trying [too]…It’s just not coming together. So were going to walk away from this location.”

However, Hayes Sr. proclaimed that this does not mean he’s leaving Atlanta for good.

“But I ain’t never lost nothing, so I know something bigger and better is coming my way,” he said. “So, stick with me. I’m working on something to put back in the city, so I can support everybody and make everybody happy. Y’all just stick with me, and stick with us.”

The water main break left many business and homes without water for days, with residents criticizing the mayor and City of Atlanta for their lack of communication on its resolve. Prior to its permanent closure, Hayes Sr. shared how the water damage “ruined” his restaurant.

While no further details were shared on his next steps in Atlanta, the eatery will launch locations in the Carolinas and Florida, the latter made possible through a partnership with Former Pepsi Co. executive Derrick Lewis.

Despite the loss of its flagship restaurant, Atlanta residents can still travel outside the city limits to grab the famed cheesesteaks. Big Dave’s other locations in Metro Atlanta remain in operation.

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Expands To Multiple States

Laundry, Washing clothes, Mobile Showers And Laundry Services
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 17, 2024

Retired Atlanta Resident Provides City’s Unhoused With Free Showers And Laundry Services

Nicky Crawford is able to accomplish this through his nonprofit, Flowing With Blessings.

A retired Atlanta resident is helping the city’s unhoused by providing free showers, and now laundry services, to those without shelter.

With his big yellow school bus tugging along a tiny trailer, Clarenton “Nicky” Crawford provides unhoused people with laundry facilities and mobile showers to clean themselves and their belongings. Inside the bus are rows of washing and dryer machines, making him a laundromat on wheels for this vulnerable population.

Accompanied by a slew of volunteers, Crawford travels to Grady Memorial Hospital twice a week to supply these vital services, through his Flowing with Blessings nonprofit, which he co-founded in February 2022. With the newly-added laundry bus, unhoused people can freely clean their clothes without any stipulations. While Crawford did not intend to run a laundromat, he considers it an honor to help those using the service.

“When they come here, I consider them my guests,” Crawford told Channel 2. “There’s no coins and no credit cards. Just put it in, punch start and let it go.”

The city also continues to tackle a growing homelessness crisis. The unhoused population has grown by 33% since 2022, according to the Atlanta Mission. While new, innovative shelters opened to combat the issue, more resources are needed to help Atlanta’s portion of the state’s more than 10,000 unhoused people.

However, Crawford intends to make up the difference in his small, yet crucial way. The Alabama State University alumnus added, “I don’t know them. I learn their names over time because they come back. But it doesn’t matter. They’re still human.”

While benefiting from the service herself, Myron Jackson calls its a divine intervention.

“That’s what I’m talking about. It’s God’s work. Got to be God.”

Further information on how to get involved with Flowing with Blessings can be found on its website.

RELATED CONTENT: The City Of Atlanta Officially Opens New Homeless Housing Project

Anesthesiologist, Doctor, Syringe, Hospital
by Daniel Johnson

July 17, 2024

Anesthesiologist Suspended After Allegedly Exposing Patients To Diseases

More than 2,000 patients are at risk.

An Oregon anesthesiologist has been suspended following concerns that he may have exposed over 2,000 patients to HIV and hepatitis at two Portland-area hospitals—Providence Portland Willamette Falls Medical Center and Legacy Mount Hood Medical Center.

The doctor had been providing services at the hospitals through the Oregon Anesthesiology Group for approximately six months. 

According to KGW 8, patients who came into contact with the anesthesiologist are being notified of an “infection control breach.” In a statement, Legacy Health, the group that manages hospital operations for Legacy Mount Hood Mount, said it has “suspended the provider and launched a comprehensive investigation in accordance with regulations and with our policies and procedures.”

Providence, the group which does the same service for Providence Portland Wiliamette Falls Medical Center, canceled the doctor’s contract and barred the group that referred him to them from contracting out work for the hospital. The latter movie led to the delay of hundreds of surgeries. 

Although Providence did release a statement saying that there was a “low-risk of exposure,” it urged patients who came into contact with the doctor to get tested for HIV and Hepatitis B and C.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we are encouraging these patients to get a blood test to screen for the aforementioned infections, at no cost. If a patient tests positive, Providence will reach out to discuss their test results and next steps,” Providence said in a statement. “Patient safety is our number one priority, and our patients have our full commitment to a thorough review of this issue and appropriate action. ”

In a statement, The Oregon Anesthesiology Group said it fired the physician after an investigation. In addition, “new protocols and procedures have been put in place to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

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