Harlem Globetrotters, LSU, Alexis 'The Show' Morris, For 2024 World Tour

by Stacy Jackson

June 24, 2024

Harlem Globetrotter Alexis Morris Seeks To Empower Women As AND1’s First Female Ambassador

'There is a continuous need for female representation in sports and especially street culture.'

Harlem Globetrotter Alexis Morris is the first female ambassador for basketball apparel and sneaker brand AND1. The 2023 NCAA champion aims to empower women, inspire youth, and break barriers in sports and streetball.

As the brand’s first and only female signee, Morris will participate in community events and support initiatives celebrating women in sports. According to Footwear News, the AND1 team believes Morris’ story aligns with the brand’s DNA and will inspire young women to pursue basketball.

https://twitter.com/and1basketball/status/1801632869279748207

“AND1 is a movement powered by Black people, Black culture, inner cities, and urban basketball,” the guard told Andscape between workouts on June 23 at the brand’s annual Open Run event in New York. “I am all of those things.”

She views this partnership as a homecoming. Morris grew up in Beaumont, Texas, with limited resources and had to fight for her spot on the streetball court full of boys.

The deal allows Morris to design her signature collection while empowering Black athletes and creators.

“There is a continuous need for female representation in sports and especially street culture,” said Morris, who attended Louisiana State University. “People try to push out street culture, but it’s the foundation of what started basketball. It’s the swag.” She also plans to showcase a more androgynous style: “You don’t have to be the girliest of the girls to wear my collection,” she said.

Additionally, Morris is exploring NIL deals under her brand with AND1 and seeking the first female athlete to join her team. She’s also looking forward to join the WNBA. Morris was drafted by the Connecticut Sun but was cut during the 2023 preseason. Instead, she made her pro debut as a Harlem Globetrotter in February as part of the team’s 2024 World Tour.

Playing in the WNBA will give her the opportunity to live out her childhood dream. If she can make the W, she hopes the league will embrace the street culture vibe and all the streetball moves she’s mastered as a Harlem Globetrotter.

Move-In Day Mafia, Foster System, College, HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 24, 2024

Move-In Day Mafia Helps Kids In Foster System Settle Into College

The nonprofit was founded in 2022 to help HBCUs students from foster care backgrounds.

College move-in days can be a mixture of excitement and stress for incoming freshman. Thankfully, Move-in Day Mafia assists teens who aged out of foster care settle into school before class begins.

Teej Mercer started the nonprofit in 2022 with 13 dorm room makeovers at Paul Quinn College in Dallas. Its mission stemmed from her love and care for the youth, especially the many in her community that were accepted into HBCUs. However, Mercer noticed that students that came from foster care lacked the support to fully settle into their dorms.

“Move-in Day Mafia started in 2020 when I met a young college grad from an HBCU that had aged out of foster care,” explained Mercer to WSB-TV. “Her social worker drove her to campus, pulled up to the curb, let her unload what little she had and then bounced basically.”

Graduating from an HBCU herself, Mercer fulfilled a need for teens without the assistance to make each room their own. Focusing on HBCU students, Mercer and her squad of volunteers help supply and decorate each room for its new student. As the newly-established young adults begin their academic careers, the “mafia” seeks to show them that they have supporters along the way.

The Howard alum added, “I just couldn’t imagine someone who’s 18 going through that transition alone. So, I resolved that I was going to do something about it.”

For these students, the room symbolizes more than a typical dorm. One of the dorm designers explained that its a first for many scholars they’ve helped.

“We have a lot of students tell us that they’ve never even had their own room before. So, it’s really important that all the way down to the wallpapers, the headboards, their favorite colors, their inspirational quotes that they may like,” explained volunteer Mina Starks. “Those are just like the little bitty details we try to make sure that we execute in the rooms.”

However, the work does not stop once the dorms are completed. The mafia continues to provide monthly care packages to each student as they matriculate through school. As the mafia seeks to expand their efforts, more funding and volunteers remain crucial to their mission.

RELATED CONTENT: Nia Long Started College Fund Before Motherhood

by Stacy Jackson

June 24, 2024

6 Black-Owned LGBTQ+ Brands To Elevate Your Summer Style

Originally Published June 26, 2023.

It’s summertime, and the guys and gworls are ready to head outside! With a bit of help from these Black-owned LGBTQ+ brands, everyone will surely be stepping into the sun in style.

Brandon Blackwood

Brandon Blackwood is helping the summer babes check the perfect swimsuit off their summer shopping list with his BB Swim collection. Blackwood’s swimsuits feature one- and two-piece designs in colors including black, red, pink, orange, and brown. The New York fashion brand is a one-stop shop to complete your summer look.

https://twitter.com/BBlackwoodNYC/status/1656749947839021056

K.NGLSEY

Head to the beach in one of K.ngsley Gbadegesin’s K.ngsley swim briefs, a collection made in Italy and designed with ribbed ECONYL, an Italian-sourced regenerated nylon. The collection features a selection of summer colors: black, green, light blue, orange, and more. Choose your favorite or grab them all. These partially lined briefs were made for the summer.

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The first-generation Nigerian-American designer says his brand aims “to reclaim and redefine the Black, Queer, Femme body and to create the tangible, direct support communities need today.”

Coco and Breezy

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with a pair of sunnies from Coco and Breezy, a Black- and queer-owned eyewear company founded by twin sisters Corianna and Brianna Dotson. Choose from frame shapes such as aviator, cat-eye, rectangle, round, and square. Shop its new STUDS collection for an iconic look.

https://twitter.com/Teva/status/1656660549651005442

Telfar

Queens-born designer Telfar Clemens has a bag fit for your lineup of colorful summer outfits. Telfar continues to take fashion by storm with his collection of vegan leather bags in different shapes, colors, and sizes. The Telfar bag collection includes the popular Shopping Bags, Circle Bags, Duffle Bags, Patent Shoppers, and Puff Shoppers.

Clemens told the Gay Times that his brand is an ode to black culture, New York City, and queerness. “Growing up, I wasn’t allowed by my parents to wear or buy womenswear, so I started to make my own clothes,” Clemens told the outlet. “I wanted to make a line that was genderless and spoke to people like me.”

https://twitter.com/TELFARGLOBAL/status/1668294615898767360

If you haven’t found the perfect wardrobe yet to go with one of the famous bags, the Telfar brand also has you covered, with clothing and accessories that challenge the norms of the “male” and “female” closet.

Stuzo Clothing

Tees and tanks are staples of every summer wardrobe, and Stuzo Clothing is helping you celebrate Pride all summer long with their collection of tops. Founded by African-Panamanian designer Stoney Michelli Love, the trendy, gender-free tops are stamped various words and phrases that represent the LGBTQ+ community. Parade around in tees that read “Yup, Still Gay,” “Gender Free,” “FemBoi,” and a “Gays of the Week” design.

Per its website, Stuzo is “inspired by love, people, and life. Whatever shape or form you choose to exist in, we celebrate that!”

Bowtie Behavior

More formal plans call for one of Robin Williams’ handmade bow ties. The Black queer-owned brand has a very cool collection of colorfully designed neck accessories made with high-quality fabrics. “Bowtie Behavior was founded to create bold and flavorful pieces that outfits are built around,” the brand’s website says.

by Stacy Jackson

June 24, 2024

These Elite Black-Owned Swimwear Brands Are Serving Summertime Fine

Originally Published Aug. 1, 2023.

The summer heat is blazing, and the ladies are still outside. Step into some Black-owned swimwear and feel your absolute best as we keep the summer festivities rolling. Are you still trying to decide what brands to try out? Here’s a list of brands that will make you look elegant and feel comfortable in the water or sand.

Nakimuli

Join the Nakimuli tribe this summer with one of owner and designer Tennille McMillan’s fashion-forward swimsuit designs. Nakimuli swimwear is all about colors, shapes, and prints representing sisterhood, individuality, and comfort. Find your favorite swimsuit style, from a one-piece to a variety of bikinis.

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Arrow + Phoenix

Feel like the ocean is touching you in Arrow + Phoenix swimwear, an eco-friendly brand founded and designed by New Orleans native Kayla Bell. With colorways inspired by the sea and surrounding landscapes, A+P offers silky soft, resilient fabrics and shape retention technology that creates sleek, luxurious silhouettes that provide a comfortable and supportive fit. Bikini lovers can shop sustainable swimwear tops, bottoms, and sets in a full range of inclusive sizes.

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Melissa Simone

A celeb favorite, Melissa Simone, is a swim and resort wear brand about high quality and luxury. The detailed line created by Melissa Simone Gardner is a blend of classic and modern elements inspired by the nineties. The designs range from high-cut thongs to one-pieces and string-back bikinis. Melissa Simone’s designs are also available at Revolve, Kith, and FWRD.

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LemLem

Celebrate women and nature by sorting through a range of swimwear styles created by Ethiopian fashion model Liya Kebede. Whether you’re searching for solid colors or shopping from the brand’s Pink Summer Edit or Essentials Collection, every purchase becomes a part of a greater mission to preserve the local art of weaving in Ethiopia and inspire economic growth in Africa. LemLem offers one-pieces, bikini tops, bottoms, coverups, and sarongs.

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Asherah Swimwear

Narrow down your search for elegant swimwear to pieces from Asherah Swimwear. Creative Director and Designer Cheryl “Cejae” Jones will have you wrapped up in the feels of summer with collections featuring one-of-a-kind prints created for the confident woman. Asherah Swimwear includes bikinis, one-pieces, and coverups that appeal to the natural curve and shape of the female figure.

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Ego Swim

If you are searching for swimwear for your perfect summer getaway, these besties have you covered. Shakiera T., Tisa F., Sherika H., and Shanae C. founded Ego Swim after traveling the world together and racking up on the sexiest and most comfortable swimwear. The group of friends launched Ego Swim to offer other women the trendiest designs, the best quality fabrics, and diverse sizes.

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Matte Collection

A celeb hotspot for bikini favorites is the Matte Collection. The popular brand, founded by Justina McKee, is an affordable luxury lifestyle swim brand founded by women for women. Matte Collection focuses on designs that offer women simple, clean, and minimalist looks to add to their swimwear collections. Matte swimwear features one-pieces, separates, bikinis, three-pieces, and coverups with every size and shape in mind. So, whether you’re already a Matte Babe or desire to be one, the brand’s collections are made so every woman feels her best.

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RELATED CONTENT: This Detroit Spa Offers A Softer Summer Life

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 24, 2024

Taye Diggs Introduces A Whole New World In Diverse Animated Series ‘Disney Jr.’s Ariel’

'Disney Jr.’s Ariel' is an animated musical series that draws inspiration from 'The Little Mermaid.'

Taye Diggs and Amber Riley are among the voices bringing the enchanting underwater world of Atlantica to life for Disney Jr. viewers.

Disney Jr.’s Ariel is an animated musical series inspired by The Little Mermaid. It will premiere on June 27 on Disney Jr. and on Disney+ the next day. The new show is a delightful animated musical experience tailored for young viewers.

For the first time, kids get to see a child version of the young mermaid princess Ariel (played by Mykal-Michelle Harris) as she navigates her underwater life with her friends in the vibrant, Caribbean-inspired kingdom of Atlantica. Aimed at preschoolers and families, each episode presents two 11-minute stories that explore themes of community, self-expression, curiosity, and resourcefulness.

Following Halle Bailey’s portrayal of the popular Disney princess in 2023’s reimagined live-action film The Little Mermaid, the series celebrates Caribbean culture through its music, cuisine, festivals, fashion, language, and folklore.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with some of the cast, including Diggs, who takes on the role of King Triton; Harris, who plays the youngest version of Ariel fans have ever seen; and the show’s executive producer, Lynne Southerland. Riley, who was unable to join our discussion, will debut a new, friendlier version of the sea witch Ursula.

Harris, 12, is thrilled to be part of the Disney princess team voicing a unique version of Ariel.

“I am so, so excited to take on the role of Ariel. Of course, it does come with a little bit of pressure as Ariel has been voiced by so many other incredible people that I have to be up there with them,” the “mixed-ish” alum tells BE.

“But I also like to put my own spin on things. Because this is not the Ariel that we all know. This is an eight-year-old version of Ariel. And we have never seen her this young before. So I really had a fun time kind of researching the character and understanding what she would do if she were eight years old and how she would sound.”

Diggs is no stranger to voice acting, as he’s voiced roles in animated kids shows and movies like My Little Pony: The Movie, Doc McStuffins, and the Black Panther T’Challa in The Super Hero Squad Show. But being a part of a diverse cast like Disney Jr.’s Ariel reminds the veteran actor how far we’ve come with inclusion in mainstream arts and entertainment.

“I feel like these days are very quick to say that these are really hard times. But when I took this gig, it lifted me up on so many levels and it proved to me that regardless of what it feels like, as a unit we are moving forward,” Diggs shared.

“If you would have told me 10 years ago that I’d be a part of a project that took a stable fairy tale, completely switched up the casting, and then made it into a TV show, switched up the casting again, and made it even more relatable to human beings, I would have been like, ‘Uh-uh, that will never happen.’ And here I am right now doing it, so it’s a great gig. I feel honored. But on a larger scale, it proves to me that we are moving in the right direction.”

Catch Disney Jr.’s Ariel when it premieres June 27, 2024, on Disney Jr. and June 28, 2024, on Disney+. Press play below for full interviews with the cast and crew.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 24, 2024

Beyoncé Celebrates Breaking Barriers And Elevating Black Country Artists With ‘Cowboy Carter’: ‘Thrilled My Fans Trusted Me’

'When you are breaking down barriers, not everyone is ready and open for a shift.'

Beyoncé shocked the world in a way that not even her fans anticipated when she dropped a full country album, “Cowboy Carter.” Although country radio tried to block her entry into the genre, the backlash from fans and the strength of the music forced their hand and catapulted “Queen Bey” to become the very first Black woman to hit the top spot (with “Texas Hold ‘Em”) on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart, according to The Hollywood Reporter. She gave a statement acknowledging the barriers broken and achievements achieved by other country artists of color after she released her album.

When Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” was dethroned, a song released by an artist she featured on her “Cowboy Carter” project, Shaboozey had the distinction of taking that spot away from her. Her song went to No. 2 due to Shaboozey’s song, “A Bar Song (Typsy),” knocking her from the pinnacle. That feat was the first time in Billboard history that two Black artists held consecutive No. 1 hits.

“When you are breaking down barriers, not everyone is ready and open for a shift. But when I see Shaboozey tearing the charts up and all the beautiful female country singers flying to new heights, inspiring the world, that is exactly what motivates me,” Beyoncé told the media outlet.

She went on to say that after the rise on the charts and sales from her albums motivated her, challenging herself pushed her to reach the success she is now facing.

“There was a time in my life when charts and sales excited and motivated me. Once you have challenged yourself and poured every ounce of your life, your pain, your growth and your dreams into your art, it’s impossible to go backward. I’m very grateful and humbled for the extraordinary success of the new album.”

With the success she has had in the past with her accession in her music, especially with her last album, “Renaissance,” released in 2022, blending multiple genres like dance, house, disco, R&B, and hip-hop, Beyoncé said she understands the barriers she has broken through her art.

“I’m honored to introduce so many people to the roots of so many genres. I’m so thrilled that my fans trusted me. The music industry gatekeepers are not happy about the idea of bending genres, especially coming from a Black artist and definitely not a woman,” Beyoncé said.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 24, 2024

‘Black Barbie’: A New Documentary Showcases Doll’s Creation And Impact On Diversity

The documentary was released on Netflix and produced by Shonda Rhimes' Shondaland.

The creation and impact of Black Barbie is now on display in a new documentary. Black Barbie details the doll’s representation and influence on diversity.

Netflix released it on Juneteenth. The documentary began with its director, Lagueria Davis, and her familial ties to Black Barbie. While lacking an affinity for the toy, Davis noticed her Aunt Beulah’s appreciation for the dolls. Beulah Mitchell’s untold story of her role in creating the first-ever Black Barbie doll led the writer-director to uncover its history.

Mitchell started on the assembly line at Mattel, the company behind Barbie, in 1955. At the beginning of the ’60s, Mitchell proposed the idea of a Black doll to Barbie’s creator, Ruth Handler. While Handler responded, “We’ll see,” the dream came to fruition for Mitchell—albeit two decades later.

The film features the stories of fellow Black Mattel employees and includes diversity pioneers such as Shonda Rhimes, whose Shondaland produced the documentary, Misty Copeland, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

The first Black Barbie, which debuted in 1980, featured a doll fully immersed in her identity. Designed by Kitty Black Perkins, the doll had an Afro to complement her red dress and gold jewelry. Moreover, her facial features, such as a wide nose and larger lips, further signified her Blackness.

“When I designed this doll, there was a need for the little Black girl to have something she could play with that looked like her,” explained Black Perkins in the documentary. “I wanted her to reflect the total look of a Black woman.”

To doll-lovers around the world, Black Barbie had arrived.

“Barbie is such a ubiquitous and iconic brand. It’s important to know that (the) Barbie brand could be attached to a non-white doll,” shared producer Aaliyah Williams to CNN. “Having Black Barbie (dolls) just reinforces the fact that being Black is fly and amazing—and that Black women are gorgeous.”

The Barbie marked a new era of diversity for the toy brand. Its impact spread amongst consumers, typically young girls, while boosting their self-esteem. For young Black girls, seeing a doll that looked like them was an acknowledgment of their existence. Furthermore, it also emphasized their own beauty.

The initial success of Black Barbie also led to more dolls in its line. Its present-day celebration through the documentary uplifts diversity in all forms.

“It’s a beautiful legacy story. It shows how representation can work — and we’re talking about a time when there weren’t any DEI initiatives,” stated Davis to the news outlet. “Black Barbie is validation for my aunt and Kitty and Stacy, being seen and heard at a company where they were oftentimes silenced. Black Barbie is also validation for us filmmakers, everybody who worked on it, being seen and heard in this industry.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 24, 2024

California Assemblyman Tearfully Defends Reparations Bill

The bill advanced despite the criticisms of one Republican lawmaker.

A Democratic assemblyman in California went viral after tearfully defending a proposed reparations bill. A Republican lawmaker argued that nonwhite residents should not have to pay for reparations.

The bill, titled SB 1331, followed recommendations by the state’s reparations task force, per the New York Post.

Despite its advancement from a vote by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, the potential legislation still faces pushback, specifically from Assemblywoman Kate Sanchez.

Sanchez argued that minorities make up more than half of California’s population, specifically Latino and Asian. Sanchez identifies as Hispanic.

She stated they “had nothing to do with slavery, discrimination, Jim Crow laws” and did not need to pay toward reparations. According to economists, the cost of reparations for Black Californians could total over $800 billion.

“To pay for that, you’d need a major tax hike unlike anything this state has ever seen before,” explained Sanchez. “I recognize and acknowledge the painful part of our history, [but] the pains of our past should not be paid by the people of today.”

However, Assemblyman Ash Kalra teared up as he explained the necessity of reparations, especially in monetary form. Kalra made history in 2016 as the first Indian-American elected to California’s state legislature.

“I understand that it’s hard to ask those of us currently sitting in the legislature to make those commitments, but no one asked Black families over generations, if it was OK to take their wealth, if it was OK to enslave them, it was OK to ….” he began to say as tears filled his eyes.

After regaining his composure, he added, “If it was OK to put their children in generations of poverty. This country became a superpower based upon free labor of African descendants over hundreds of years. We need to recognize it.”

According to its author, State Sen. Steven Bradford, the bill could extend reparations beyond monetary payments. Free healthcare and college tuition have emerged as potential measures.

It remains one of four reparations bills passed by the committee thus far.

Grand Rapids, Settlement, Girl, 11, Handcuffed, police

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 24, 2024

Brewery Fires Black Employee For Whistle-Blowing About Discriminatory Treatment, Has To Pay $115K In Wrongful Termination Settlement

The brewery must pay its former employee for firing him after complaining about discriminatory behavior.

A brewery in Atlanta must pay $115K in a settlement for a wrongful termination lawsuit. The federal case also details racial discrimination and retaliation made by Iron Hill Brewery.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a federal lawsuit against the restaurant, located in the affluent Atlanta suburb of Buckhead. According to the EEOC, Iron Hill Brewery racially discriminated against and retaliated against a Black employee after he reported discriminatory behavior toward women, Black, and Hispanic employees. In the legal filing, the EEOC stated that Iron Hill Brewery fired Jerrell McGirt after he complained about the discriminatory treatment.

After alerting management of the problem, the company fired the sous chef-in-training, as reported by WSB-TV. The legal documents also claimed that McGirt overheard racial slurs used frequently at the establishment.

“He received an unwarranted disciplinary action and was then fired, the EEOC said. Such alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits retaliation for engaging in protected activity and discrimination based on race,” the EEOC said in a release.

Despite attempts to settle out of court, the case proceeded to a trial and subsequent settlement. Now, Iron Hill Brewery must pay McGirt the over $100,000 relief payment. It also will provide a positive employer reference for McGirt as he pursues other opportunities.

“The EEOC brought this lawsuit to defend an employee’s right to speak up about workplace discrimination,” explained Atlanta District Office Regional Attorney Marcus G. Keegan in a statement. “This settlement sends a strong message that the EEOC will continue to vindicate the rights of individuals with the courage to come forward to report discrimination against themselves or others in the workplace.”

Moreover, Iron Hill Brewery must train its employees on a racial discrimination and retaliation ban. For the next three years, it must provide examples of illegal retaliation in the workplace and establish an anti-retaliation policy.

The brewery, a nationwide chain, has yet to comment publicly.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 24, 2024

Lonnie Phelps Released By Cleveland Browns After Being Arrested For DUI

The defensive end was charged with DUI and damaging property when he was arrested.

After being arrested for driving under the influence in Florida, defensive end Lonnie Phelps is without a team as the Cleveland Browns released him.

According to NFL.com, the NFL team announced that it waived Phelps but made no mention of his arrest in its press release.

We’ve waived DE Lonnie Phelps

📰 » https://t.co/ydEYkQM3y7 pic.twitter.com/1OlM22tpg5

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 20, 2024

Phelps was charged with DUI and damaging property when he was detained and arrested on June 19. Police officials said he drove into an outdoor lounge area at Red Shoe Island Bistro in Key West. He refused to take a breath test and reportedly refused to cooperate with police officers on the scene.

NBC News reported that the 23-year-old football player was with his 21-year-old girlfriend when officers arrived on the scene.

In the police report, police said Phelps was slurring his words and had a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his mouth, bloodshot eyes, and droopy eyelids.

Phelps appeared to be “very agitated,” the report states, and “kept throwing his hands in the air and rushing us to ‘do what we have to do.'”

The former Browns player was arrested and booked at the Monroe County Detention Center on a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence and causing property damage.

Red Shoe Island posted a statement on its Facebook page letting patrons know that no one was hurt and “Thankfully, we were closed” when the accident occurred.

“UPDATE: Thank you, Key West for a fast & fantastic opening!

“No one was hurt by the car that drove into our restaurant tonight. Thankfully, we were closed. It could’ve been really bad…Angels were looking out for us all.

“We will reopen as soon as possible. Thanks for your support and patience,” the post read.

The 23-year-old Phelps played his collegiate career at Miami (Ohio) before playing at Kansas. The Cleveland Browns stated that he was an undrafted free agent when he joined the team in May 2023 and spent the season on the practice squad. He was then signed to a reserve/future contract in January 2024.

Phelps is scheduled to appear in court on July 2.