SBA, Biden administration, small business, loans, startup, funding

by Kristin McClure

June 28, 2024

An Up Close Look At The Ins And Outs Of Startup Loans

African American business owners have many options for securing startup business loans, such as SBA loan programs and bank loans. Find the best fit for your business.

Originally Published Sep. 13, 2019.

Whether you’re looking for a bank loan or asking for funds on Kickstarter, financing a startup is half the battle of being an entrepreneur. Luckily, there are many options for financing your business, such as startup business loans. There are also financing and loan options geared toward African Americans and other minorities, that cater to a community’s specific needs.

In this guide to startup business loans, you’ll learn what they are, what types of business funding are available, and how to apply.

What is a Startup Business Loan?

A startup business loan is a type of financing for a new or expanding business offered by lenders (e.g., banks, credit unions, and other financing institutions) that follow the guidelines set by the Small Business Administration (SBA). Though loans are available outside of the SBA, SBA loan programs help match entrepreneurs with lenders willing to help new businesses with little financial history and greater risk.

You can find lenders partnered with SBA loan programs through the SBA’s Lender Match referral tool. If you want to secure a startup loan, follow these basic steps.

Use the lender referral tool and answer several survey questions so the tool can match you with appropriate, potential lenders.
In just a few days, you’ll receive an email from interested lenders. You can contact those lenders and set up a time to discuss financing options for your business.
Before submitting a loan application, you will have the opportunity to discuss rates and loan terms with the lender.
Put together the paperwork necessary for your loan application, complete the application, and submit.

Do I Qualify for a Small Business Loan?

The qualifications for a startup business loan aren’t as difficult as you would think. Does your business meet the following criteria?

Businesses must be for-profit, so nonprofit organizations are disqualified.
The startup must do business in the United States.
The individual(s) must prove they have invested their own time and money into the company.
The individual(s) must prove they have not been able to secure loans from other lenders.

Being able to prove this information will make it much easier to apply for a small business loan.

What Documents Will I Need to Apply for a Business Loan?

Once you’re ready to apply for your startup business loan, gather all of the necessary information required by the lender, such as:

Business Plan – A business plan shows potential lenders your company is capable of generating enough revenue to reduce the risk on the financial investment.
Requested Loan Amount – Calculate the amount of money your startup will need and how it will be used to ensure that funds are going to business expenses.
Credit History – Your credit history tells the lender how reliable you are in paying back your debts. Some lenders may be less likely to give a loan to an individual(s) with bad or limited credit history.
Financial Projections – Your financial projections give the lender an idea of how you will pay back your loan. Expect to show projections for the next five years.
Collateral – Often, to ensure that you pay back your loan, a lender will put a lien on a tangible asset, such as a home or car.
Industry Experience – Your industry experience demonstrates you have the appropriate knowledge to run a sound and successful business in your field.

Types of SBA Loan Programs

Depending on the amount of money you need and what the money will be used for, there are different loan programs to meet the needs of entrepreneurs. The SBA offers several loan programs, including:

General Small Business Loans—Also known as 7(a) loans, these loans can be used to start a business, expand or acquire additional businesses, purchase equipment and materials, purchase real estate, and refinance existing debt.
SBA Microloans—The SBA Microloan program offers loans between $5,000 and $50,000 for small businesses and some non-profit childcare centers. The SBA provides funds to intermediary lenders (typically non-profit community organizations) that have experience with lending and management assistance.
Real Estate Loans—These are also called CDC/(504) loans. They can be used for the purchase of buildings and real estate, land, construction and repair of new or existing facilities, and long-term machinery or equipment.
Disaster Loans—These loans are open to businesses of all sizes for the repairs to certain assets that have been damaged or destroyed.

Microloans can be an excellent option for very small companies, especially due to the willingness of these lenders to provide funding to women of color and other minorities.

Small Business Startup Loans for Minorities

Many African Americans turn to family, friends, and their own bank accounts to start a business. Loans are not always easy to secure, and the process can be intimidating. But, there are resources and loan programs available to African American businesses, as well as businesses in underserved communities.

SBA Community Advantage loans and 8(a) loans make funding more accessible to communities that lack the resources necessary to start small businesses, including minorities.

Community Advantage loans typically grant between $20,000 and $250,000 to small businesses. Whether it includes African American communities or not, these loans are provided to small businesses by certified community lenders (no need for a bank loan). The applicant must have:

Reasonable credit history or a cosigner with good credit
Some collateral, though not as much as a typical small business loan
30% invested capital
At least two years of experience in the industry
Proof their business will be able to generate enough revenue to provide for their own living expenses

Outside of SBA programs, there are a number of specific loan funds for minorities and African Americans that small business owners can take advantage of, including:

Union Bank’s Business Diversity Lending Program—Minority and women entrepreneurs who own at least a 51% stake in a company can secure up to $2.5 million. The company must be at least two years old and generate less than $20 million in annual sales.
The Business Center for New Americans—People of color who are immigrants or refugees in New York City can secure up to $50,000. New businesses may apply, and no minimum credit score is required.
The National African American Small Business Loan Fund—African American-owned small businesses in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago can secure loans from $35,000 to $250,000. Financial consulting is also available.
Accion—This is a nonprofit, community organization that offers loans between $300 and $1 million for mature and startup businesses. More than half of its borrowers are from minority communities. Startup business loan interest rates will depend on the applicant’s credit score.

Additional Funding Options:

If you don’t want to rely solely on startup business loans, there are still plenty of other funding options for your business. Let’s take a look at several of those options and why they may be a good or bad idea for your startup.

Bank Loans

It’s easier to get a general bank loan (rather than an SBA loan) if your business has been around for a few years. If you’re looking for a startup business loan, then you will need good credit and enough collateral to nearly match the amount on the loan. This level of collateral, as well as the credit score requirements, can make bank loans much more difficult to secure than SBA loans.

On the other hand, establishing a relationship with a bank can be good for building your business credit and managing your money. Banks often offer important financial assistance and consultation.

Small Business Grants

Grants are a great way to secure funding without having to pay back a debt. Unfortunately, grants tend to be allocated to nonprofits (e.g., educational or arts nonprofits) and federal or government institutions. Therefore, grants should probably not be your first option for financing a for-profit business.

With that said, there are opportunities to secure grants for businesses that operate within specific, niche industries. For example, businesses that improve economic development or push research initiatives may have an advantage in getting federal or local grants.

Grant programs, such as the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR), provide funding to businesses that explore new technologies or use technology for research. Tech startups would be an appropriate type of business to apply for these types of grants.

Credit Cards

Credit cards can be a rather dirty word when it comes to business funding, and that may be due to high-interest rates and late payment fees.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, credit cards should only be used to fund “short-term cash flow problems” while you are waiting on guaranteed income. Abuse of credit cards can damage your business and personal credit, so it’s best to look at other options first.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is a high-tech method for funding your business, but it’s accessible to just about anyone with an Internet connection. If lenders won’t give startup business loans, then it may be time to turn to individual investors and donors on crowdfunding platforms.

Crowdfunding can mean pulling money from anyone interested in your product or service, which is the case for platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe. Meanwhile, equity crowdfunding platforms are open only to accredited investors. These platforms may require a minimum investment amount, which can provide significant capital for your company. These platforms may include CircleUp or SeedInvest, for example.

Sometimes, crowdfunding also refers to the sale of shares or stock in a company. However, this would require the business owner to understand and comply with securities laws, which govern how financial information is reported to the public. If this isn’t your area of expertise, then it’s best to learn more about the online crowdfunding platforms previously mentioned.

(Photo by Stephen Coburn on stock.adobe.com)

Accredited Investors

Venture capital and “angel” investors specialize in funding startup businesses, especially tech startups. Similar to share sales, this method should not be pursued without some knowledge of investor relations and perhaps legal consultation.

Angel investors, which are usually wealthy individuals, and venture capital firms put up large amounts of capital with the expectation of high returns on investment. Unlike a loan, you will not be in debt to these investors, but your business should demonstrate the potential for serious growth and significant returns. You may also have to give up some control of your business to these investors who want to own a stake in the company.

How Do You Secure Money from Investors?

You’ll need to network and woo wealthy investors. This is perhaps one of the disadvantages of relying on investor capital. If you don’t have the connections or the resources, it can be difficult to access investors or know how to pitch to them. However, you can start by researching venture capital firms and investor listings online.

Once you find investors, the process is not dissimilar to applying for a loan. You will have to present your business plan, financial statements, business structure, board and governance structure, products/services, and financial projections to those investors. If an investor is interested, you will then decide on terms and conditions in an official term sheet.

Overall, your business will most likely benefit from multiple sources of funding rather than just one. Each funding method should take into account your company’s unique operations and financial position.

Time to Apply for a Startup Business Loan?

Now that you’ve been introduced to startup business loans and how to get them, you can begin the “shopping” process. Always look for low-interest rates, repayment terms, and other fees before agreeing on a lender. And, most importantly, consider all of the different avenues you can choose to fund your business, whether it be an SBA loan program, a bank loan, or even a wealthy investor.

by Stacy Jackson

June 28, 2024

Marble Wines Uncorks A New Era For Women In Wine

Marble Wines' first blend is a red wine inside a bottle designed with a special paper for drinkers to see their own reflections.

Latoya Jordan and Brianna Shelko

There’s a new player in town that’s set to shake up your summer sipping game. Marble Wines, the brainchild of dynamic duo Latoya Jordan and Brianna Shelko, is here to add a splash of diversity and a whole lot of flavor to your favorite poolside beverage.

Launched in February 2023, Marble Wines isn’t just another pretty bottle on the shelf, and Jordan spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about the minority- and women-owned company’s mission to celebrate the brilliance and resilience of women, one glass at a time.

Jordan and Shelko’s vision? “We really felt like it was a great time for women to connect and collaborate,” Jordan said about Marble Wines’ aim to break down barriers and showcase what’s possible when women from different cultures come together.

Behind this innovative brand is a story of passion and purpose. Jordan said as a Marble Wines co-founder, she brings her Black girl magic and experience as a successful business attorney to the table. The Germany-born businesswoman’s journey from disability advocate to entrepreneurial trailblazer led her to this delicious venture, fueled by a desire to lift women’s voices and create a more diverse landscape in the wine industry.

Shelko, a white woman from Rhode Island, is an award-winning singer-songwriter. Both women relocated to Georgia with their families during their early childhoods. and met prior to the wine venture, collaborating on several projects. Jordan approached Shelko about becoming a Marble Wines founding member and the Business and Administration graduate agreed to bring her expertise in digital marketing and advocacy for women, as a Marble Wines co-founder. They started discussing plans for their Marble Wines company back in 2021, eager to build a community of women to come along for the journey.

But why “Marble”? Jordan told BE to picture this: the beauty of interlocking mosaics, each piece unique yet contributing to a stunning whole. Just like no two marble stones are identical, this brand embraces individuality while creating something truly spectacular in the wine industry. According to Jordan, the name is a reflection of the partnership and represents what the co-founders hope to instill in other women. “We have this hope that for each woman who drinks Marble, she’s able to see herself reflected…figuratively in terms of what it is,” she said.

Now, let’s talk about what’s inside the Marble Wines bottle. Marble Red, their debut blend, is a medium-bodied stunner that’s neither too dry nor too sweet. With notes of dark berries, fresh plum, and raspberry compote, this velvety-smooth blend is designed to please both red wine aficionados and those just dipping their toes into the world of reds.

“We really wanted to create something that will slowly transition…and take the intimidation out of trying new things,” Jordan said. “We intentionally created Marble to be a feast for the eyes, the taste buds, and the spirit.” So, if you’ve been hesitant to venture into red wine territory, consider this your gilded invitation.

Speaking of gilded, Jordan dished about the eye-catching bottle design and it’s not just a vessel; it’s a work of art. Jordan shared that she and Shelko went the extra mile, holding focus groups to ensure their label resonated with women.

“What the women said they wanted to see was representation,” she said, and for Jordan and Shelko, it wasn’t enough to just put a woman on the bottle. The result? A stunning bottle adorned with gold elements and – get this – reflective paper that allows you to see your own reflection in the sunglasses on the label. The artwork itself comes from the talented hands of Black illustrator and painter Perryn Ryan Ford, adding another layer of diversity to this already inclusive brand.

Jordan said she can assure women will want to keep this bottle long after the last drop is gone and Marble Wines isn’t stopping at just one blend. With biracial vintner and master blender Chris Christensen (the genius behind America’s first sparkling Sauvignon Blanc) on board, the brand is poised to push even more boundaries in the future.

So, what’s next for Marble Wines?

The sky’s the limit! With plans for future collaborations with like-minded entrepreneurs and brands, this is just the beginning of a wine revolution. Next time you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a girls’ night, or simply unwinding after a long day, why not reach for a bottle of Marble Red? It’s more than just a wine – it’s a celebration of beauty, individuality, and connection, according to Jordan. Every sip of Marble Wines is a toast to diversity, empowerment, and the joy of trying something new.

The owners of Marble Wines envision wine drinkers pouring themselves a glass, admiring their reflections in that unique bottle, and raising a toast to the future of wine.

Segregated, Supreme Court Affirmative Action, debt, debt-free, degree, loans, scholarships

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Expert Reveals How To Graduate College Without Becoming A Slave To Student Loans

Financial expert Anthony O'Neal, author of Debt-Free Degree, discusses ways financial education can help you avoid student loan debt.

Originally Published Oct. 24, 2019.

Student loan debt may seem like a way of life these days. But it doesn’t have to be, and Anthony O’Neal can tell you how. O’Neal has helped thousands of students make the right decisions with their money as the author of Graduate Survival Guide: 5 Mistakes You Can’t Afford to Make in College and his new book, Debt-Free Degree: The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Kid Through College Without Student Loans.

After being in debt and experiencing homelessness—he lost both his college scholarship and his apartment—he overcame his financial issues to become debt-free. He now travels the country spreading his encouraging message to help teens and young adults transition into the real world. O’Neal took the time to discuss why financial education is key to being debt-free.

What made you decide to enter the world of finance?

The lack of wisdom and knowledge I received growing up around finances directly impacted the decisions I made in my early adulthood. I had $35,000 in debt and was homeless at age 19. When I hit that low point, I decided to not only never be in that situation again but knew I wanted to help young people avoid the mistakes I made.

Finance is very important in our lives, yet it’s not taught in schools. What can be done to ensure children can make better financial decisions as they enter adulthood?

There are only 25 states in the U.S. that require a personal finance course in high school. Other states are trying to make it happen. But, up to this point, educators have not seen it as a priority for teens. At Ramsey Solutions, we’re working hard to change that. Our curriculum, Foundations in Personal Finance, has impacted millions of lives and has been taught in 1 out of 3 high schools in the country. And I travel the country speaking to high school and college students helping them understand the impact their financial decisions can have on their futures. It’s so important for teens to learn these principles young so they’re set up for success when they leave home.

Why did you write the Graduate Survival Guide, and what should we anticipate from your latest offering, Debt-Free Degree?

In Graduate Survival Guide, I was able to really lay out the mistakes I made in college and work with my friend, Rachel Cruze, who was lucky enough to avoid those mistakes. We were able to use both of our experiences to not only educate readers on what to avoid but also how to win while in college.

Right now, in America, we’re in the middle of a student loan crisis. While everyone is talking about student loan forgiveness, I want to help people avoid the student loan trap altogether. My hope for Debt-Free Degree is to change people’s perspective on how to pay for college—it is possible to go to school without student loans. You just need a plan, and Debt-Free Degree is that plan.

Why are we, as a country, so rooted in a student debt crisis?

Student loans are normal. It’s easier to sign up for a student loan than it is to work hard, save money, and find scholarships and grants. People are uneducated on the effects these loans are going to have on the rest of their lives. We’re seeing it all play out now. Millennials are postponing buying homes, getting married, and even having kids because of student loans. That’s why the first thing I’m telling people to do is take debt off the table. When student loans aren’t an option, you find other ways to pay—whether that’s choosing a cheaper college, a trade school, or spending time finding money.

Student loans are robbing young people of opportunities—not creating them. So, right now, I’m just focused on changing the way that our culture thinks about their future.

Why is it so important to you to help young people deal with finance successfully?

This message matters so much to me because I have been there. I was in a situation that felt hopeless because of the debt that I was in, and it kept me from starting my adult life out on the right foot. I know kids and parents feel overwhelmed by the cost of college. I get why they feel tempted to take out student loans. It seems like the easy way upfront, but it is taking people an average of over 20 years to pay it off. That is not the easy way! Imagine what that monthly payment would do if you invested it for 20 years instead. The average student loan payment is $393 a month. That would be around $4.1 million by retirement. Student loans are literally costing young people millions of dollars!

If you could do one thing over again, what would it be and why?

I would listen to my mom. I would not have taken out student loans and cut up my first credit card when she told me to cut it up. Debt led me down a rough path where I was depressed, homeless, and alone. I am thankful to God for helping me to come to my senses and turning my life back around. I know those experiences shaped me into who I am, and now because I’ve lived it I can help young people to avoid the same mistakes. But if I had just listened to my mom.

by Shanique Yates

June 28, 2024

NFL Tackles Racial Disparity In Medicine With Year Three Of Diversity In Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative

The NFL aims to combat racial disparity in medicine with the third year of its Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.

The National Football League is on a mission to dispel racial disparity in medicine by providing Black medical students across the nation with the opportunity to gain real-time experience in sports medicine.

In its third year partnering alongside the NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative has matched students across 21 medical schools, including four programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with NFL club medical staffs to participate in clinical rotations centered around sports medicine and/or orthopedic surgery for one month.

“The Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society is once again immensely proud to be a part of such an impactful program,” said PFATS President and Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Green Bay Packers Bryan “Flea” Engel. “Now entering its third year overall and its second as a league-wide expansion, the Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative speaks to the commitment that the NFL has in growing the opportunities in the areas of health and safety.”

He added, “The program creates unique experiences for medical students with diverse backgrounds within the NFL clubs’ medical staffs. This program is invaluable, not only to the students but to the NFL medical staff as well. It gives our staffs the opportunity to mentor these impressive students and recruit them towards a field providing the very best in medical care.”

A 2024 report shared by International Medical Aid revealed that out of the 107 HBCUs across the nation, only four of them have accredited medical school programs, showcasing racial disparity in medicine. Those institutions include Meharry Medical College (MMC), Howard University College of Medicine (HUCOM), Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, which will all participate in the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.

Of HBCUs, only HUCOM is among the 15 medical schools in the U.S. with the highest enrollment rate of Black students.

In 2023, U.S. News data revealed that an average of 18.3% of the students enrolled in the schools are Black. The NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative, which was launched in 2022, is on a mission to dispel that narrative by offering a league-wide program that “aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine.”

In turn, they also look to develop a more diverse club of medical staff across the NFL.

“The NFL and clubs across the league are excited to welcome this year’s class of medical students and offer them the unique opportunity to complete clinical rotations with NFL club medical staffs,” said Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer. “We have an impressive group of participants joining us from a growing roster of medical schools this season as we continue our efforts to bring interested diverse and underrepresented medical students into the sports medicine professional pipeline.”

The Kansas City Chiefs, this year’s Super Bowl VIII champions, are among the teams participating in the program, as well as the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and a host of other NFL teams that will open the doors of its NFL club medical staffs to aspiring Black physicians selected to attend the program.

Currently, 32 teams make up the NFL, and a total of 28 students across the 21 participating medical schools have been assigned to their respective NFL club medical staff. The program will kickoff next month alongside the start of training camps for the 2024 NFL season.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Jazz Musician Max Roach Gets Brooklyn Street Renamed In His Honor

"Max Roach Way" was introduced in the Brooklyn Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood where he grew up.

A Brooklyn neighborhood has honored the late jazz musician Max Roach by renaming a corner after him. If you visit Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), you’ll now see a street named “Max Roach Way.”

According to Brooklyn Magazine, the iconic musician, composer, and Civil Rights activist’s name appears at the corner of Greene and Marcy Avenues. In 1940, Roach lived at 541 Greene Ave. with his family. The name change occurred on June 19 in the neighborhood the drummer grew up in. Although he was born in North Carolina, he was raised in Brooklyn during the Great Depression. After honing his musical skills and attending Boys High School, he got his first gig with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, which started his legendary career. Roach, who died in 2007, would have been 100 this year. He was born on Jan. 10, 1924.

According to a Facebook post by his son, Raoul Roach, the renaming ceremony is one of several events commemorating Roach’s birthday.

“MAX ROACH WAY” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Roach’s contributions to music and culture. This street co-naming honors not only his extraordinary talent and achievements but also his deep roots in the Brooklyn community. The City of New York and the Max Roach Family invite residents and jazz enthusiasts alike to join in commemorating the legacy of Max Roach, whose innovative spirit and dedication to his craft continue to inspire generations.”

At the renaming ceremony, Mayor Eric Adams spoke about the musician and said, “Max was basically a physician because music can heal, and there’s so much hate out there that can divide us, he had the power to reconnect us.”

Roach co-founded Brooklyn-based Debut Records, making it the first musician-owned record label that “played a pivotal role in the advancement of jazz.”

Roach worked with many esteemed artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and many others.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Primary Re-Election Bid

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 28, 2024

There Are Mixed Reactions To Jamaal Bowman Becoming The First ‘Squad’ Member To Lose Primary Re-Election Bid

We still love you, Rep. Bowman!

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) became the first member of the group of House legislators known as “The Squad” to lose a primary re-election bid, and there are mixed feelings.

Bowman, 48, lost the high-profile election to Westchester County Executive George Latimer, 70, on June 25 to represent the Bronx-area district. As Bowman has been labeled as a “progressive,” Latimer has been deemed more a moderate Democrat with 35 years of political experience, said he’s “got a record of showing you what I do and how I do it.”

Squad members have issued support for Bowman following the results of the race. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) released a statement, calling out the pro-Israel lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), $20 million spent to unseat Bowman.

“That was the staggering price tag on unseating Jamaal Bowman – a Black former middle school principal and transformative, effective progressive legislator unafraid to challenge the status quo and stand up for regular, everyday people,” she wrote.

“…AIPAC and their allies – backed by far-right Donald Trump mega-donors – poured a tidal wave of cash into this primary race, showing us just how desperate these billionaire extremists are in their attempts to buy our democracy, promote their own gain and silence the voices of progress and justice.”

My statement on AIPAC’s threat to Democracy.

Their far-right SuperPac and allies spent $20M to unseat my brother @JamaalBowmanNY.

Read more here: pic.twitter.com/NHKNyqJU1z
— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) June 26, 2024

Bowman himself called the group out during his concession speech, saying, “We should be outraged when a super PAC of dark money can spend (millions of) dollars to brainwash people into believing something that isn’t true.”

The AIPAC supported Latimer’s campaign with more than $1.5 million in donations. Just days before the election, Bowman spoke at a rally and said his supporters would show the group who has “the power” of the South Bronx. However, those supporters he felt would re-elect him jumped on social media to claim the opposite.

“Jamaal Bowman did this to himself. Now, he gotta take this big L.,” @iamchanteezy wrote on X.

“As for Latimer, I hope his campaign continues to campaign in Westchester County as well as make rounds in the Northeast Section of The Bronx (including Wakefield, Co-Op city, etc). #Elections2024”

https://twitter.com/iamchanteezy/status/1805792187054956729

Comments such as, ”Yes, he did do it to himself,” flooded under the video. Another comment accused Bowman of being anti-semitic and pushing anti-Semitism to take over if he would.

“Let’s see if Bowman will campaign to keep the seat with the Democrats… That we know the answer to that tells much of why he lost f’n big tonight for an incumbent,” @yoclockface said.

“I tell ya, if JB won, it would have really told me that vile Anti-semitism would not be a dealbreaker for too many.”

Others are calling on Latimer, who received heavy endorsements from former First Lady and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, to spend time in the Bronx over the summer months if he really wants the residents’ support.

While GOP legislators like Marjorie Taylor Greene took the time to ridicule Bowman in his defeat, Democratic and fellow New York leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued support but stood with the voters on their decision.

“The results speak for themselves. The voters have spoken,” Jeffries said, according to Politico. “And we accept those results across the board, across the country.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Tupac Murder Suspect Keefe D Denied Bail After ‘Source Hearing’

Judge Carli Kierny believes hip-hop manager Wack100 provided the funds to obtain the rights to Keefe D's story.

After learning that Keefe D, suspected of involvement in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, had the necessary funds to post a $750,000 bond for house arrest, a judge denied the request, ruling that the suspect will remain in custody until his trial in November.

According to KTNV Las Vegas, when notified of Keefe D’s release request, prosecutors requested a “source hearing” to determine how he was able to secure the bond legally. Judge Carli Kierny held the hearing on June 25. Cash “Wack100” Jones, manager of artists such as Ray J and The Game, was revealed as the benefactor who provided the bond money. Despite his testimony, Judge Kierny denied the request to place Keefe D on house arrest with electronic monitoring.

Kierny stated she wasn’t convinced that Keffe D did not make arrangements to sell the rights to his story to Wack. In Nevada, convicted killers are not allowed to profit from the crimes they commit.

Wack appeared via an online link and informed the judge that he paid 15% of the bail amount, which comes out to $112,500. He insisted that it was a “gift” from his business accounts. He claimed there was no arrangement or financial agreement in place for the money he put up. Yet, prosecutors showed a recent video that revealed Wack talking to DJ Vlad stating he would post bond for Keefe D to get the rights to do a television series about him.

“It’s only $75,000,” Wack said in the interview. “I’ve been thinking about going to get him with the stipulations that I’ll do the series on it.”

After the revelation, Wack claims that he only said that to help the interview gain more views.

“That’s what I said to Vlad but Keefe D is already involved with somebody. I have no contracts with him. Before you go on Vlad, you have a discussion about what you’re going to talk about and what needs to be said to draw up views. There’s nothing about Vlad and nothing about YouTube that says that we’re being truthful about what we’re saying for entertainment.”

Prosecutors also played an audio tape of a phone call between Wack and Keefe D talking about the arrangement.

“You got to remember, this s**t can set you up for the rest of your life. I will get you out and then we’ll sit down and talk about all that,” Wack tells Keefe D.

In the judge’s ruling, he stated, “While Mr. Jones testified he was bonding out Mr. Davis because Mr. Davis was fighting cancer and had been a pillar of the community, his previous interviews with VladTV suggested another motive.”

The former gang member has been in jail at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas since he was arrested last Sept. 29. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Ghostface Killah Recalls Jay-Z Reminding RZA And GZA About Owing Him $500

The billionaire asked the Wu-Tang Clan members if they 'remember that time you ain’t really pay me?'

On a recent episode of “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” starring Gillie Da Kid and Wallace Peeples, Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah recalled a time when Jay-Z approached group members about the group owing him $500.

The Staten Island recording artist told the co-hosts that this conversation took place several years ago, before his billionaire status. He didn’t give the context of where or how the conversation came up, but he did remind folks that that’s part of the Brooklyn rapper’s rep.

“I remember one time, I think, RZA and Genius were telling me that Hov was on the list with us to do a show or whatever. But we gave him some time. Long story short, n**gas ain’t pay him the money, right? So, you know how Hov is. He wait. A few years down the line, and bring it up to one of the n**gas. Like, ‘Yeah, remember that time you ain’t really pay me?’”

He goes on to say that, at the time, he didn’t know about the situation until RZA and the Genius informed him of what went down. But they all commented that Jay-Z wasn’t a billionaire back then. Ghostface then stated that the “Hard Knock Life” lyricist was just “getting his feet wet at that time.”

Meanwhile, the “Ironman” emcee got his feet wet earlier this year when he released his tome, “Rise of a Killah: My Life in the Wu-Tang.”

The book is described as an autobiography that takes us back to his childhood in the Shaolin, as the popular supergroup calls their Staten Island hometown.

He talked about the trials and tribulations he faced growing up on the island as he and his fellow emcees took the world by storm at a time when hip-hop was making its metaphoric rise to the top of American culture.

by Stacy Jackson

June 28, 2024

From Shame To Self-Acceptance: Oprah Winfrey Dives Deeper Into Her Weight Journey

Oprah reads the full letter she wrote to her younger self, acknowledging past struggles in her journey with self-esteem and people-pleasing.

Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul who has long been in the public eye, recently opened up about her weight journey on “The Jamie Kern Lima” podcast.

Despite hosting numerous shows on weight loss, Winfrey admitted, “I can’t even tell you how many conversations about it, but still carry my own shame.”

The conversation touched on pivotal moments in the billionaire’s life, including the famous 1988 episode of her show where she dramatically illustrated her weight loss with a wagon full of fat. However, it was in 2023 that Oprah had her “big Revelation” about weight management.

“There’s something in the brain that allows people like myself to metabolize fat differently than other people,” the OWN founder explained, shedding light on the biological aspects of weight control that had eluded her for decades.

She candidly discussed the public scrutiny she faced, saying, “For five years, every single week…there was a tabloid story or some exploitation of my weight.” She recalled hurtful experiences, including a skit on “In Living Color” that mocked her size.

“One of the most hurtful things was [when] ‘In Living Color’ had done a skit where the woman…just kept eating and getting fatter and fatter and fatter,” the television host shared. “The comedy bit was that eventually she just exploded, and you know the whole audience fell out, and the woman…was one of the sisters portraying me, but that was just accepted.”

Despite the challenges, Winfrey has reached a turning point. “I’m not carrying it into the next decade. I’m done with it,” she declared, emphasizing her decision to shed the emotional burden of weight shame, expressing concern about how weight issues impact women’s lives, stating, “We believe the lie that our weight is our worth.” She advocated for faster dissemination of information to help people heal and stop tying their self-worth to their weight.

In her journey toward self-acceptance, the television producer has set new goals for herself, focusing on overall health rather than just numbers on a scale. She shared her experience of gradually building her physical endurance, starting with walking a mile. “It took me like an hour and a half to do it,” she recalled, but she persevered and improved steadily.

While Winfrey confirmed using medication as a maintenance tool for weight management, she emphasized the importance of making informed decisions about one’s health.

As Winfrey has already reached her 70th birthday, she reflected on her journey with a letter to her 20-year-old self, who she calls a “beautiful brown skin girl.” In the letter, she acknowledges past struggles with self-esteem and pleasing others. Despite the trauma, her faith in God remained her greatest strength. Inspired by Philippians 3:14, a pivotal moment came when she answered Chris Clark’s call.

Winfrey emphasizes the importance of self-love, seeing oneself through one’s eyes, and understanding that success is a process. She concludes by affirming her journey with few regrets.

by Stacy Jackson

June 28, 2024

A’ja Wilson Sets These Women Straight After Mocking Her Logo

A group of women representing Just Women's Sports posted a video online reacting to Wilson's new logo, implying it was 'A*s.'

WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson became the center of controversy after Just Women’s Sports, a platform ostensibly supporting female athletes, ridiculed her newly unveiled Nike logo in a social media post.

The platform shared a video on X featuring several women mocking Wilson’s emblem. Upon discovering the clip, Wilson swiftly responded, expressing her disappointment: “…this is lame asf coming from a site that is [supposed] to be for ‘us’…”

She acknowledged that opinions are part of the game but found the site’s approach particularly disheartening. The now-deleted video showed the group reacting to a description of Wilson’s logo, which blends the letter A with a star. One participant displayed a meme transforming the design into the word “A*s,” implying its poor quality.

Since they are wanna act scary lol here’s the video she is qt #wnba pic.twitter.com/3skOQLZvJE
— HBIC (@drea_quartz) June 26, 2024

Wilson’s supporters rallied behind her, praising the logo’s creativity and personal significance. One fan declared, “…It’s innovative and creative…it’s A’ONE!” while another emphasized its representation of Wilson’s personality. A third X user said they are ready to get Wilson’s logo on their shoes and shorts. Another fan wrote, “Why would you try to downplay it? If you can’t be positive about it, KEEP YOUR OPINION TO YOURSELF. WE SOUTH CAROLINA DON’T PLAY ABOUT A’JA WILSON.”

This incident follows a previous controversy in which Wilson faced accusations of jealousy after Nike announced a deal with Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. Wilson dismissed these claims, stating, “No one is jealous… I have no reason to be… I truly wish all 143 the best…”

lol no one is jealous bookie! I have no reason to be lol I truly Wish all 143 the best fr ! Our league is hard as hell so to thrive and to stay in it consistently.. is huge! So pls stop with this jealousy stuff https://t.co/ERRCCyqCO5
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) April 18, 2024

On May 11, Nike welcomed Wilson to their signature athlete family. The brand highlighted her year-long collaboration in creating a collection that reflects her unique style and unapologetic authenticity. Nike lauded Wilson as “one of her generation’s most iconic basketball players.”

Wilson joins an elite group of female athletes with Nike signature lines, including tennis legend Serena Williams and soccer star Megan Rapinoe. This partnership underscores Nike’s commitment to elevating women’s sports and creating products with deeper meaning.