by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 27, 2024

Robert Glasper, Artist In Residence, Leads Star-Studded Lineup At 2024 Blue Note Jazz Festival, Celebrating Black Culture ‘On The Highest Level’

John Legend, Jill Scott, and André 3000 are just a few of the artists set to perform.

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The 2024 Blue Note Jazz Festival, featuring artist in residence Robert Glasper, boasts an exciting lineup with headlining performances from the Grammy-winning pianist, songwriter, and producer, along with his friends John Legend, Jill Scott, André 3000, and many others.

Organized by Blue Note Entertainment Group and Black Radio Productions, the Blue Note Jazz Festival Presents: The Black Radio Experience offers a captivating journey into the heart of music by going beyond boundaries and celebrating the vibrant tapestry of Black culture. The festival will take place from Aug. 30th to Sept. 1 at the illustrious The Meritage Resort & Spa and include headlining performances from Legend, Scott, and André 3000, along with performances by Andra Day, Common, Nile Rodgers, Ledisi, and many more.

Arranging the festival is a labor of love for Glasper, who inspired the annual festival after his “Robtober” residency at the Blue Note in New York.

“This festival is a direct reflection of my Blue Note residency that I do every October in New York. We call it Robtober and I take over the Blue Note for the entire month,” Glasper tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It’s filled with different bands, different special guests, different pop-up guests, and every night it’s something new and exciting. We decided to try to mirror the residency and turn the experience into a festival in Napa.”

He added, “This year is extra special because we’re all about creating an intimate vibe, something you won’t find at your average festival. The Black Radio Experience is going to feel personal while also being a festival. We’re going to dance between those two things. We’re gonna make sure you’re not just attending a festival, but you’re part of it.”

With the Blue Note Jazz Festival, now in its sixth year, Glasper is finding new ways to celebrate the rich tapestry of Black culture “on the highest level.” As a result, he’s invited many of his musical colleagues to hit the stage. Additional talent includes Tank and The Bangas, Cimafunk, Marcus Miller, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Madlib, Christian McBride, Pete Rock, Joel Ross, Terrace Martin, Jahi Sundance, Kendrick Scott, Derrick Hodge, Marsha Ambrosius, Eric Roberson, RC & The Gritz, DJ Aktive, Bryan Michael-Cox, Musiq Soulchild, and more.

“I’m very excited about this performance lineup because most of these performers are actually friends of mine in real life,” Glasper says. “They are people that I admire musically and that I’ve collaborated with musically so it feels like a family reunion.”

“That’s the cool thing about these festivals in Napa, they always feel honest,” he added. “We don’t just book musicians because they’re hot or because they have a popular song. We truly choose people to be at this festival that represents Black music and Black people on the highest level.”

Attendees will enjoy three days of sensational performances across two stages and a wine cave venue, featuring music icons against the stunning backdrop of California’s Napa Valley.

“The Blue Note Jazz Festival is important for today’s climate because we keep it 100%! It’s about musicality and honesty,” Glasper says of the festival’s significance.

Festival-goers can savor delicious food, explore the wine garden, or attend exclusive events like intimate after-parties and an unmissable pool party, all while staying in luxurious accommodations at The Meritage Resort & Spa.

Attendees can indulge in various food and beverage experiences, including Chef Darryl Bell’s “In the Vineyard” Stateline Road Smokehouse, where he blends his Kansas City roots with Michelin training for an unmatched culinary adventure. Additionally, The Meritage will provide its own breakfast and dinner buffets, along with Napa Valley’s newest premier steakhouse, Ember Steak, for all three days of the event. Additional exclusive food experiences are also in store.

Inspired by the Mission-style architecture of a modern vineyard, the newly redesigned Meritage Resort & Spa offers a plush and convenient festival experience within Napa Valley’s largest resort, spanning 36 beautiful acres.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible celebration of music, culture, and community. Hotel and ticket packages are on sale now with three-day GA passes starting at $499. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit The Black Radio Experience.

RELATED CONTENT: André 3000 Closes Out Atlanta Jazz Festival Performing ‘New Blue Sun’

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 27, 2024

JJ Redick Denies Calling A Black Woman The N-Word While At Duke, ‘It Never Happened’

JJ Redick is denying claims made by a Black woman accusing him of calling her the N-word while he played at Duke University.

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JJ Redick is denying claims made by a Black woman accusing him of calling her the N-word while he played at Duke University.

The NBA alum had members of his team shut down public accusations made by author, speaker, and Duke alum Halleemah Nash. The claims were made one day after Redick was introduced as the 29th head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Nash took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to recall her experience with Redick while they were both at Duke.

“I’ve only been called the N-word to my face by a white man once in my life, and it was on the campus of Duke University while I was doing work with the basketball team,” she wrote. “And today, he was named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. What a world.”

The statement received mixed responses from onlookers, with some seemingly supporting Nash’s claims and others accusing her of trying to get Redick canceled ahead of starting his new role with the Lakers organization.

“A lot of people are too young to remember JJ at Duke, but those who can probably aren’t too shocked by this story,” one critic wrote.

“This didn’t come out in his 15-year NBA career. Why,” said one supporter.

“I’ll take “Things That Never Happened” for $500, Alex,” added someone else.

Shortly after Nash’s tweet sparked debate on social media, reps for Reddick attempted damage control by flat-out denying her claims.

“No, it never happened,” a spokesperson told TMZ.

However, according to the spouse of one former Duke student, the incident did happen, and higher-ups allegedly worked together to cover it up.

“I remember this story when it happened. My wife was a student at Duke when JJ was there,” one X user wrote. “Dude, campus STORIES. They just did a really good job of protecting him and not letting his BS get out.”

Redick has been under fire since being named as the Lakers’ new head coach due to his inexperience in the field. While Redick played in the NBA for 15 seasons, from 2006 to 2021, for six different teams, he had little to no coaching experience ahead of securing the top coaching position for a major NBA franchise.

However, Redick is confident that his 15 years playing basketball have prepared him for the coaching gig.

“I have zero coaching experience in the NBA,” Redick said during a press conference. “But I would argue that I’m very experienced. And it started 22 years ago when I went to Duke, and I got to play for Coach K for four years, spent 15 years as a player. Honestly, the last three years have been invaluable in preparing me for this moment.”

“Being able to connect to players, talking to them on the podcast, being in coaching interviews with ESPN, calling games, analyzing the game in three different formats. All of that has helped prepare me to be an NBA head coach,” he added.

Before joining the Lakers, Redick worked as an analyst during the NBA Finals for ESPN and hosted several podcasts, including Mind the Game with LeBron James, who is expected to stay with the Lakers and play for his friend/coach.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 27, 2024

Obama’s Half Sister Tear-Gassed During Kenya Tax Protests

Auma Obama was at the protest in solidarity with the young demonstrators.

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Barack Obama’s half-sister, Auma Obama, was a victim of tear-gassing as she participated in the tax hike protests that erupted in Kenya. The former president’s sibling and activist spoke on the ordeal in a new interview.

Flushed with tears, Obama told CNN of her experience at the demonstration. Obama joined in solidarity with the young protestors against the passing of a tax-raising bill.

She explained that the attendees did not have weapons on them, but violence soon erupted, regardless, as many stormed Parliament. The protest resulted in chaos, with Amnesty International reporting at least five deaths with multiple people also injured.

“I can’t believe that these young people are just trying to demonstrate for their rights,” Obama said in the interview. “And to tell them that we understand they need to use their voices and we are being tear-gassed. We’re being tear-gassed! We have flags and banners, nothing else.”

The primarily young protestors, part of the movement referred to on social media as the #RejectFinanceBill2024, swarmed Parliament while chanting to get rid of President William Ruto. On the scene, demonstrators lit a fire inside the building while others marched with the country’s flag. Many of those present voted for Ruto in 2022, yet now feel remorse, given his current economic stance.

“I fell for his lies,” remarked Oscar Saina, who voted for Ruto during the 2022 election, told the Associated Press. “Now I’m out here regretting why I voted for him.”

Obama remained shocked at the retaliation by Kenyan police and the deaths incurred. She also urged the nation’s leaders to stop inflicting violence on its citizens and to actually listen to their concerns.

“How can you tear-gas your own people?” she asked. “Listen to them. Listen to these children. They’re the future.”

As for the police’s response, dozens went missing after attending the protests. The Kenyan Human Commission has alleged the police abducted many of the activists who partook in the event.

• Entrepreneurship

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 27, 2024

NBA Hall Of Famer Dominique Wilkins Partners With Atlanta Company To Create Wealth For Renters

'I love Atlanta, and as long as the wealth gap keeps widening, generations of people are getting left behind.'

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NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, known as the “Human Highlight Film” for his explosive play, has slam-dunked an opportunity to partner with a real estate fund that creates wealth for investors and renters.

The company Roots has announced that Wilkins has joined them as an investor, spokesperson, and partner. The Atlanta Hawks legend is collaborating with Roots to get the word out that people in Atlanta who rent their properties can invest in the fund by paying their rent on time and taking good care of the property they are renting. This gives people who are not usually involved in investing the chance to do so.

“Roots is providing the opportunity for anyone to invest in real estate,” said Wilkins. “I love Atlanta, and as long as the wealth gap keeps widening, generations of people are getting left behind. We can change that at Roots, and I feel like this might be the best team I’ve ever played on.”

Wilkins will promote the opportunity to potential investors by appearing in videos and participating in public gatherings. He will introduce people to the proprietary program Roots has started called “Live in it, Like You Own it.”

It allows renters to take care of their properties and pay rent on time to earn rental rebates. With the investments in their properties, they can grow their wealth by an average of $3,600 in two years and up to $10,000 in five.

“Dominique is exactly the person we wanted to join us on this mission. He’s an Atlanta legend and cares deeply about this city and its people. I grew up watching Dominique lead the Hawks to victory, and his endorsement means that we can reach more people on and off the court,” said co-founder and CEO of Roots, Daniel Dorfman.

Information about the program can be seen at www.investwithroots.com.

• Sports

by Stacy Jackson

June 27, 2024

New Promotion For Former WNBA Star Swin Cash Makes Her Highest-Ranking Woman In NBA Front Office

Cash has been with the Pelicans since 2019 and assisted with scouting and player development in her former role.

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The New Orleans Pelicans have elevated former WNBA star Swin Cash to Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations, making her the highest-ranking woman in an NBA front office.

This advancement, first reported by NBA insider Shams Charania on X, marks a significant milestone in Cash’s already impressive career.

In her previous role as Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Development for the Pelicans, Cash, who has been with the team since 2019, was instrumental in scouting and player development. The athlete’s official website states that during her 15-year WNBA career, she amassed an impressive list of accolades, including three WNBA championships, All-Star selections in 2003, 2005, 2009, and 2011, plus two Olympic gold medals. Her impact on the court was so profound that she was named one of the WNBA’s Top 20 Best and Most Influential players. After retiring from play in 2016, Cash transitioned seamlessly into front-office roles and media coverage. Her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 further cemented her legacy in the sport.

Off the court, Cash has been a tireless advocate for social responsibility and civil rights. She founded Cash Building Blocks, an urban development initiative for low-income families, and the Cash for Kids Foundation, which focuses on youth development through various programs like physical fitness, nutrition, education, cultural trips, and sports camps.

In a previous interview on BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Beyond the Hype, Cash emphasized the importance of using her platform to uplift women in sports. “The advocacy has always been attached to our game,” she stated, adding, “When you are a female [or] minority, you understand what it means to be suppressed in different [ways].” She discussed the sacrifices that women have made that has allowed her to have a platform in the WNBA, and she believes that progress has been made over the years.

Sports Illustrated reported that Cash’s promotion coincides with the Pelicans’ announcement of Bryson Graham as their new General Manager. An official announcement from the team has not yet been made regarding Cash’s new position.

RELATED CONTENT: Monica McNutt ‘Respectfully’ Calls Out Stephen A. Smith On His WNBA Coverage

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 27, 2024

White Couple Accused Of Keeping Black Adopted Children As Slaves Has Bond Revoked

A wealthy White couple was sent back to jail for their alleged forced labor of their Black adopted children.

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A wealthy White couple out of Charleston, West Virginia was sent back to jail on charges related to their alleged forced labor of their Black adopted children.

Donald Ray Lantz, 63, and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather, 62, returned to jail after their bond more than doubled to $500,000 each on claims they locked Black children up in a barn and forced them to work their farmland, WV Metro News reported. The couple appeared in Kanawha County court on Tuesday, June 25, where they pleaded not guilty to over a dozen new charges, including human trafficking of a minor child, use of a minor child in forced labor, and child neglect creating a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death.

Details of the disturbing case came to light after authorities conducted a wellness check in October 2023 and discovered the couple’s five adopted children, aged 16, 14, 11, 9, and 6, were living in deplorable conditions. The two eldest, who happen to be Black, were found locked in a filthy shed with no basic amenities, no running water, and only a bucket to use as a bathroom.

Another Black child was located in a loft within the main house. Eyewitness reports claim the children were used as laborers on the couple’s farmland and were prohibited from entering the main house.

Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers expressed her belief that the couple’s previous bond of $200,000 was not enough.

“Along with human trafficking and neglect was serious risk of bodily injuries or death, I don’t find the bond to be sufficient,” Akers said.

Lanz and Whitefeather claim the shed was a “teenage clubhouse” and that the children enjoyed staying there. However, evidence and witness accounts don’t coincide with the assertions.

Authorities believe the couple came up with the money for the initial bond by selling the shed where the children were located and another 80-acre property in Tonasket, Washington. Prosecutors say the sales and bond payment may be linked to human trafficking.

The couple’s next court appearance is scheduled for September 9. Akers has since expressed her shock at the nature of the case.

“It alleges human trafficking, human rights violations, the use of forced labor,” she said. “Human rights violations specific to the fact that these children were targeted because of their race and they were used basically as slaves from what the indictment alleges.”

RELATED CONTENT: Woman Left Newborn Child In Kentucky IHOP Bathroom Toilet, Police Say

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

June 27, 2024

Fearless Fund Co-Founder, Ayana Parsons, Steps Down As COO; Says Decision Has Nothing To Do With Ongoing Legal Battle

Although she has stepped away from operations for the firm, she remains a co-founder and investor at Fearless Fund.

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Atlanta-based venture capital firm Fearless Fund has undergone a significant change as co-founder Ayana Parsons stepped down from her role as Chief Operating Officer in April.

This development comes amid an ongoing legal battle with conservative group, American Alliance for Equal Rights, alleging racial discrimination in the fund’s grant programs. Parsons helped establish Fearless Fund in 2019 alongside Arian Simone and Keisha Knight Pulliam, a fund that was created to support Black women entrepreneurs, having raised over $26.5 million to assist in launching and growing businesses.

In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Parsons clarified her current status, stating, “I have stepped back from the operations of the fund… But what I can tell you… is I’m a problem solver. I’m a changemaker.” She emphasized that her departure was unrelated to the lawsuit filed by the American Alliance for Equal Rights in August 2023. As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the conservative group’s legal action challenges Fearless Fund’s Fearless Strivers Grant Contest, which awards $20,000 in grants and digital tools to Black women small business owners. The conservative group argues this constitutes illegal racial discrimination.

Despite the controversy, Fearless Fund remains steadfast in its mission. BE noted the organization affirmed in a 2023 statement: “Built by women of color for women of color, we are proud of the work we have done at the Fearless Fund and Fearless Foundation with the consistent and invaluable support from our corporate partners, investors, mentors, and advisors.”

Parsons, who also co-founded and recently sold Yardstick Management, a consulting firm, plans to leverage her three decades of corporate experience to mentor the next generation of Black executives. She remains committed to “pushing back against efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in corporate America.”

While no longer involved in day-to-day operations, Parsons continues as a co-founder and investor in Fearless Fund.

RELATED CONTENT: Fearless Fund CEO Arian Simone Pushes President Biden To Ignite Executive Action On DEI Following Appeals Court Decision

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 27, 2024

CeeLo Green Receives One Of DeKalb County’s Highest Civilian Honors

'It feels somewhat like an out-of-body experience. I can’t believe, I’m talking about my actual accomplishments. It’s awesome.'

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Former Goodie Mob member and Atlanta native CeeLo Green received one of DeKalb County’s highest civilian honors, the W.W. King Bridge Builder Award, on June 25.

According to 11 Alive, the ceremony took place as part of DeKalb’s African American Music Appreciation Month celebration where the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners honored the recording artist at its meeting. He also received the African American Music Appreciation Month Trailblazer Award.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 26, 2024

Former North Dakota Lawmaker Admits To Traveling To Europe For Sex With Minor

A former lawmaker in North Dakota is set to plead guilty to traveling to Europe to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor.

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A former lawmaker in North Dakota is set to plead guilty to traveling to the Czech Republic to engage in illicit sexual activity with a minor.

Former Republican state Sen. Ray Holmberg, of Grand Forks, signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors that was filed on Monday, June 24, the Associated Press reports.

As part of the plea deal, Holmberg, 80, would register as a sex offender along with prosecutors recommending a sentencing guideline range to dismiss his other charge of attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material.

While the maximum sentencing for the charges is 30 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervised release, prosecutors will likely recommend a three to four-year prison sentence, according to Holmberg’s attorney Mark Friese.

Sentencing is scheduled for the fall.

The charges stem from Holmberg’s trips to Prague in the Czech Republic from June 2011 to November 2016 with the intent to pay for sex with a minor. News of the case comes after his indictment was unsealed in October 2023.

Holmberg was one of the most powerful members of the legislature when he served from 1976 until mid-2022. He resigned ahead of turning down re-election after a report from The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead found that he sent text messages to Nicholas Morgan-Derosier, who was in jail for child pornography material.

Records show that Holmberg took dozens of trips throughout the U.S. and other countries, including Norway and Canada, since 1999. His chair position with the Legislative Management panel, which handles the state legislature’s business between biennial sessions, allowed Holmberg to approve his own travel.

Earlier this year, the North Dakota School Boards Association returned approximately $142,000 to the state and withdrew from the Global Bridges teacher exchange program due to Holmberg’s indictment, which revealed that he used state funds to travel to Prague and other European cities in 2011, 2018, and 2019.

RELATED CONTENT: White Man, 42, Accused of Assaulting 11-Year-Old Black Child In Washington State

• Politics

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 26, 2024

Sen. Warnock Emphasizes Importance Of Black Voters In 2024 Election

Warnock believes the Biden-Harris administration has proven that Black voters matter to them.

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Sen. Raphael Warnock warns his colleagues not to take Black voters “for granted.” The Democratic lawmaker from Georgia emphasized that Black voters must be a high priority in this presidential election.

Warnock appeared on MSNBC’s The Katie Phang Show, with Charles Coleman filling in for its main host, to discuss the importance of the Black electorate at the polls. The senator shared his belief that the Biden-Harris campaign is aware of Black voters’ power.

“Our job between now and November is to tell the good news of what the Biden-Harris administration has accomplished, particularly for African Americans,” explained Warnock. “Here’s the good news: Black wealth is up, some 60% since before the pandemic…[But] I know there’s work to be done. The question is, who is going to stand up for Black America? Joe Biden has receipts.”

However, Coleman noted that the concerns regarding this messaging hit Black voters. Black men, specifically, are potentially leaning toward Trump. Republicans could potentially capitalize on Black male voters feeling unheard.

“The concern from Democrats should not be if Trump will win the Black vote in November. In 2020, he took less than 10% of it,” shared Coleman. “The real concern is if he can chip away enough at Biden’s lead to turn an already-tight race in his favor.”

However, Warnock emphasized that the Biden-Harris ticket has done more to prove Black voters matter.

“Black voters cannot be taken for granted,” explained Warnock. “And I believe that Joe Biden understands that. [Vice President Harris] certainly understands it. Which is why, as we move forward into this campaign, you will see the ways in which they have already invested, far more than [former President Trump], in reaching out to Black communities even as they work to lift them up.”

According to statistics released in May by the Pew Research Center, Black voters (83%) mostly align with the Democratic Party. Moreover, nearly half (49%) would replace both Biden and Trump if able to decide.

As the election heats up, Black voters remain a critical demographic to engage with by both parties.

RELATED CONTENT: Meet The Tulsa Organizer Who Helped Sen. Raphael Warnock Win Reelection Against Herschel Walker