• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 30, 2024

Mike Tyson Versus Jake Paul Fight Sanctioned By Texas Department Of Licensing And Regulations

"MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson."

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It’s real! Mike Tyson’s July 20 fight versus Jake Paul in Arlington, Texas, has been sanctioned as a professional fight by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

According to ESPN, the fight will be officially added to both boxers’ professional records. The rules require both fighters to use 14-ounce gloves over eight two-minute rounds.

“Mike Tyson and Jake Paul signed on to fight each other with the desire to do so in a sanctioned professional fight that would have a definitive outcome,” Most Valuable Promotions co-founder Nakisa Bidarian said in a written statement. “Over the past six weeks, MVP has worked with its partners to satisfy the requirements of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TDLR) to sanction Paul vs. Tyson, and we are grateful that we have gotten to this point.”

The boxing match, which is scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys and will stream live on Netflix.

Tyson, who will be 58 when the fight takes place, will be fighting a 27-year-old man. The 31-year age gap between the two men is the largest in pro boxing history. Archie Moore, 49, went up against 25-year-old Mike DiBiase in 1963. Moore won by a third-round TKO.

Tyson, the former heavyweight champion, has a record of 50 wins and 6 losses. He hasn’t fought since an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. Paul, who calls himself “The Problem Child,” has a professional boxing record of 9-1 and became popular through his YouTube channel before he started fighting on a professional level.

“This is a fight. I don’t think he’s faster than me, I’ve seen a YouTube of him at 16, doing weird dances, that’s not the guy I’m going to be fighting,” Tyson said. “This guy’s gonna come, he’s gonna try to hurt me, which I’m accustomed to, and he’s gonna be greatly mistaken.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 30, 2024

JT Keeps ‘Promise’ To Support Black Woman-Owned Muse Brand

JT stayed true to her "promise" to support Black woman-owned Muse Brand.

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JT made one fashion designer’s day by supporting her brand and wearing the tracksuit she was gifted.

The City Girls rapper was in a giving mood during her recent visit to New York City where she hosted her third annual prom giveaway. While there, JT sported a green and white tracksuit she was gifted by the owner of Muse Brand.

When highlighting the charitable event on Instagram, JT made sure to tag the Black woman-owned brand in her post. The rapper posed for photos with fans at the function that gifted free prom dresses to those in need.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JT☆ (@thegirljt)

The Neighborhood Talk reposted a clip from JT’s run-in with the Muse Brand owner when she was gifted the fashionable tracksuit that “eats,” according to the designer.

“I’m a wear it. I promise,” JT said in response.

She stayed true to her promise by not only posting photos in the tracksuit but also a video where she rapped lyrics to her newest solo track, “Okay.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JT☆ (@thegirljt)

Fans applauded JT’s support of the small Black-owned business and how she seamlessly incorporated it into her marketing rollout for her new music.

“Not only did she wear it; she posted a video✔️ & she posted a photo while tagging the creator ✔️ there’s well known “INFLUENCERS” That act like it’s such a task to tag the clothing brand. Jt a real one for sure!!” one fan wrote.

“She’s doing all of this the organic way. She really out here building relationships and making unforgettable memories with her fans,” added someone else.

The Muse Brand celebrated the free celebrity promo by announcing its LeSport Tracksuit would be restocked in the green, red, and black colorways. They also shared additional photos from JT’s NYC stop.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MUSE BRND (@muse.brnd)

It’s smart marketing for JT who released “Okay” on Friday, April 26, and followed up with the music video on Monday, the same day she supported the Muse Brand. The Miami native has been busy promoting her solo rap career in the wake of a messy Twitter war with her City Girls group mate Yung Miami last month.

RELATED CONTENT: City Girls’ JT Launches ‘No Bars Reform’ Initiative For Incarcerated Women

• Women

by Daniel Johnson

April 30, 2024

NFL Coach Jennifer King To Speak About Her Journey At Cornell University’s ‘Breaking Barriers’

King will discuss how diversity and representation are important in the world of sports and how she sees opportunities for growth in the coaching world.

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Jennifer King, the first full-time Black woman coach in the NFL, will be the keynote speaker at a Cornell University event titled “Breaking Barriers: The First Black Woman to Coach in the NFL.”

King became a barrier breaker in 2021 when the NFL’s Washington Commanders hired her to coach the team’s running backs. She has since become a running game coordinator with the Chicago Bears, becoming the first female coach in team history; the Bears also have multiple Black men in their front office.

King will speak at the university on May 3, 2024, followed by a one-hour question and answer session, which will be followed by an opportunity to give autographs and photos.

“I am excited to welcome Coach Jennifer King to Cornell,” said Sharifa Wip, Cornell’s associate dean of students & director of Black student empowerment, in a press release. “As the first Black woman to be a full-time NFL coach, Coach King is a barrier breaker. Her resume and record of excellence in professional sports are an inspiration. We invite our students and the local community to join us for an empowering conversation.”

Ericka Rogan, the assistant director of strength and conditioning, added that King’s visit offers “an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes, coaches, and the Ithaca community to connect with a groundbreaking NFL coach.”

The conversation with King will discuss how diversity and representation are important in the world of sports and how she sees opportunities for growth in the coaching world. King is one of 12 female coaches who coach full-time in the NFL. She began as a coaching intern with the Carolina Panthers in 2018 after meeting then-head coach Ron Rivera at the NFL’s Women’s Forum. When Rivera left to coach the Commanders in 2020, King followed. 

In 2021, King reflected on what representation has meant to her, crediting San Francisco 49ers assistant Katie Sowers for showing her it was possible for women to coach in the NFL. She told NFL.com that she wanted to pay that forward to other coaches who follow in her footsteps.

“Representation means so much,” King told ESPN. “It’s really important right now to be a good representative, what I didn’t have growing up. I didn’t have anyone that looked anything like me working. To be able to see that, I think, is big. It’s super cool to be a part of this.”

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 30, 2024

Plastic Surgery Office That Caters To Black Women Sued For Alleged Sexual Exploitation

A popular plastic surgery office that appeals to minority women is accused of sexually exploiting its patients.

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A New Jersey-based plastic surgery office known for marketing to minority women is facing a malpractice lawsuit on allegations of sexual exploitation.

Goals Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery doctors Sergey Voskin, Peter Driscoll, and others are named in a lawsuit that accuses them of medical malpractice in New Jersey brought on by non-consensual sexual contact by Driscoll, Law.com reported. The plaintiff, referred to as P.C. in the lawsuit, cites a June 2022 visit to the medical facility where Driscoll “committed medical malpractice and willfully and maliciously sexually harassed, sought, and solicited sexual contact with Plaintiff, and engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with plaintiff.”

The woman says during her scheduled Brazilian Butt Lift procedure she was heavily sedated and had her body uncovered beyond what was necessary during a videotaped marking procedure. She also accuses Dr. Driscoll of engaging in non-consensual sexual contact with her during the surgery after she was left unchaperoned with him.

The complaint, filed in New York Southern District Court, says the plastic surgery office and its practitioners were required by New Jersey law to “maintain a sexual-harassment-free workplace and medical service location.” However, that failed to happen due to alleged understaffing issues.

“Under New Jersey law Defendants were also required to provide chaperones for women during unclothed procedures, but the clinic was understaffed and failed to do so,” Stamford attorney Eric Chaffin, who represents the victim, said.

“This is a clear case of women being betrayed, and Goals and Voskin putting profits over safety.”

Elsewhere, the lawsuit cites Dr. Driscoll’s “extensive history of malpractice allegations, licensing suspensions and discipline in other states,” including his ban from treating patients without supervision in the state of California. The plaintiff says she nor other patients were made aware of his licensing suspensions.

He is accused of other malpractice incidents while working at Goals in New Jersey, including sexual harassment and not providing the proper standard of care to patients. Nearly a year after the plaintiff’s encounter with Driscoll, the State Board of Medical Examiners temporarily suspended his medical license in February 2023 due to allegations similar to the ones in P.C.’s lawsuit.

Other allegations accuse Driscoll of watching pornography in the bathroom that could be heard on Bluetooth speakers, and sexually harassing a female employee. In all instances, the doctor was disciplined or terminated. Goals is facing a rise of malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, and Georgia on allegations of “skirting past regulations” to offer cosmetic procedures at a lower price.

“They really target women who have less financial ability to get the surgery,” Chaffin said. “They use their Instagram following to make it seem really acceptable and safe and very accessible.”

He continued. “Goals has done a really good job of playing to body-conscious issues for minority women. They’re offering what they claim to be a cost-effective way to achieve a [Brazilian butt lift], but it’s really unsafe.”

RELATED CONTENT:D.C.’s First Black-Owned Plastic Surgery Center Opens With Women In Charge

• Health and Wellness

by Daniel Johnson

April 30, 2024

Biden Administration Postpones Ban On Menthol Cigarettes, Again

One study found Black voters overwhelmingly supported the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes.

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The Biden administration was expected to ban menthol cigarettes in March 2024 but has instead decided to indefinitely postpone the decision, sparking outrage and lawsuits from groups that have advocated for the ban on behalf of Black Americans. 

As NPR reports, the Biden administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, has attempted to explain its decision as one prompted by feedback from civil rights and criminal justice groups, but this explanation, meanwhile, has been blasted by anti-smoking groups as one born of political expediency and not public health policy. 

“This rule has garnered historic attention, and the public comment period has yielded an immense amount of feedback, including from various elements of the civil rights and criminal justice movement,” Becerra said in a statement. “It’s clear that there are still more conversations to have, and that will take significantly more time.”

Illinois Democratic Rep. Robin Kelly, the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, responded to the Biden administration’s delay in ruling on menthol cigarettes with a statement to Roll Call. “I am deeply disappointed that the FDA has chosen to abandon its established plan to ban menthol cigarettes,” Kelly said. “The FDA’s experts have been clear that menthol cigarettes are harmful to public health. This is a commonsense plan which could have saved hundreds of thousands of lives.”

Due in large part to the efforts of Big Tobacco and the advertising industry, menthol cigarettes have been a fixture in advertisements targeting the Black community, which has led to Black people comprising the majority of menthol cigarette smokers. That has also been connected to the fact that lung cancer, a type of cancer that has been linked to cigarette smoke, is the most common cancer for Black men to contract. 

In February, the NAACP renewed its calls for the ban of menthol cigarettes after the release of a study that indicated that Black voters overwhelmingly supported the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. In a press release, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson called on the Biden administration to put people over politics.

“This new data proves what we already know to be true –- Black voters want to see a menthol ban. Now, it’s time for the Biden Administration to put people over profits and swiftly enact a rule that will save countless Black lives. We’re done waiting. The NAACP will continue to do everything in its power to hold this Administration accountable for its promises to our community. Enough is enough. Our lives are at stake.”

Also in February, the American Heart Association issued a press release featuring a call from two former United States Surgeons General for the Biden administration to accept the FDA’s proposed ban on menthol cigarettes. Regina Benjamin and Jerome Adams wrote a joint column for STAT News and called attention to the efforts of the tobacco industry to target certain demographics. “As surgeons general during both Republican and Democratic administrations, we have consistently pointed out the enormous toll of tobacco use, highlighted the stark health disparities that continue to ravage Black and minority communities, and emphasized evidence-based measures to reduce smoking rates and save lives,” Benjamin and Adams wrote. 

The pair concluded, “We believe strongly that to protect public health, menthol cigarettes, and flavored cigars should no longer be sold. We urge the Biden administration not to be distracted by the tobacco industry and its apologists. The administration should act instead in the interests of children, families, and communities.”

RELATED CONTENT: Menthol Cigarettes Could Finally Be Banned In March

by Stacy Jackson

April 30, 2024

Silhouette Sneakers & Art Founder, Venita Cooper Uses AI To Find Best Sneaker Prices

Arbit will provide pricing insights, trend analysis and allow sneakerheads to shop the best prices all from one platform.

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Venita Cooper, the founder of Silhouette Sneakers & Art, has seamlessly transitioned her passion for sneakers into the tech realm with the creation of Arbit, a pioneering startup that harnesses artificial intelligence to predict fair prices in the resale market for sneaker enthusiasts.

On March 11, Cooper announced her decision to sell her brick-and-mortar sneaker store, located in the historic Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, known as “Black Wall Street,” to third-generation Tulsan Kellen James. According to Marketplace, Cooper stated, “There’s a certain type of person that it was important to me that they would take over Silhouette…And to me, it’s someone from Tulsa, from North Tulsa, who has roots here.”

According to a 2023 press release, Cooper’s inspiration for Arbit stemmed from her personal experiences navigating price uncertainties in the sneaker market as a business owner and collector. “Arbit’s algorithm will change the landscape of resell markets like sneakers by empowering smarter transactions and a more efficient marketplace. Our users are saving money and making money,” she said.

Arbit is the first pricing algorithm application to utilize an unbiased predictive valuation tool specifically for sneakers. Its goal is to support sellers by aggregating data that significantly impacts pricing for users to search a range of sneakers with the most accurate fair-market and predicted valuations. On October 10, 2023, the tech startup announced a $1 million pre-seed funding round led by Lightship Capital, with additional funding from Atento Capital.

In 2019, Cooper launched Silhouette Sneakers & Art with the goal of offering a meticulously curated retail destination that would bring exclusive and verified sneakers, as well as streetwear apparel, to the city of Tulsa. The boutique features brands like Adidas, Nike, Jordan, New Balance, and Yeezy, among others. Cooper told Marketplace that she was hopeful to build something that really resonated with the community. The entrepreneur said she plans on sticking around Tulsa.

Arbit is dropping a test version for a small first circle of users. Sign up for early access to Arbit’s beta now.

by Daniel Johnson

April 30, 2024

Ralph Yarl’s Family Files Civil Lawsuit Against Andrew Lester & Local Home Owners Association

The complaint, filed by Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, claims that 84-year-old Andrew Lester was negligent when he shot Yarl without a warning.

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The family of Ralph Yarl is suing the homeowner who allegedly shot him in April 2023, a move the family’s attorney, Lee Merritt, described as designed to put pressure on the criminal trial scheduled for October. The complaint, filed by Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, claims that 84-year-old Andrew Lester was negligent when he shot Yarl without warning. It also describes the pain and suffering of Yarl and the permanent injuries he sustained as a result of the shooting. 

As Fox 59 reported, Merritt believes the civil lawsuit will “give the family a chance to be in the driver’s seat in pursuing justice for Ralph.” In a statement to The Associated Press, Merritt further detailed the specifics of the suit. “The suit is based on what he has said,” Merritt said. “If he’s saying, ‘I mistakenly thought this person was a robber,’ we’re saying that’s negligence. You weren’t paying close enough attention. Everybody who rings your doorbell can’t be a robber.”

Merritt also described Yarl’s growing frustration with being identified as the person who was shot in 2023, telling Fox 59 that despite being “uniquely resilient” after the shooting, “his resiliency has kind of grown into some impatience with being the person who was shot a year ago. He doesn’t want to be that person,” Merritt continued. “He wants to be an amazing band player, a good friend, a student, a rising college student.”

As reported by Fox 4, the lawsuit also includes the Highland Acres Homes Association, the HOA in the neighborhood where Yarl was allegedly shot. The lawsuit argues that although the association already had a policy in place that should have prevented the event from happening, they “should have been aware” of Lester’s “access to dangerous weapons and racial animus.”

Yarl’s shooting prompted outrage and a national discussion about gun control, eliciting responses from celebrities, politicians, and activists. On April 29, Yarl’s mother released the following statement: “Today, on behalf of my son Ralph Yarl, we stand before you to announce a significant step towards justice and accountability. The attorney, Lee Merritt, representing Ralph, has taken the necessary action by filing a civil case in Clay County Court. This incident not only shattered our family but also exposed a critical gap in our societal fabric, where the safety of our children is jeopardized by reckless actions.”

The statement continued, “Including the homeowner’s association (HOA) in this lawsuit underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding our communities. Their knowledge of a potentially dangerous individual in the neighborhood without taking adequate precautions is unacceptable. This case is not just about seeking justice for Ralph but about advocating for systemic changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of all children.”

The statement concludes, “We refuse to let Ralph’s suffering be in vain. His ordeal must serve as a wake-up call for our nation to prioritize child safety and enact meaningful reforms to protect our youth from gun violence. We hope this civil suit will ignite a nationwide movement toward creating safer environments for our children to thrive without fear.”

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 30, 2024

Kamala Harris Is Nobody’s ‘Mamala,’ She’s The VP Of The United States

Drew Berrymore called out for "cringe" moment asking Kamala Harris to be the nation's "Momala."

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Drew Barrymore has social media up in arms over her recent sitdown with Vice President Kamala Harris, where she asked the VP to be the nation’s “Momala.”

The Vice President appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show on Monday, April 29, where Barrymore made an emotional plea for Harris to become the mother to the country.

“I’ve been thinking that we really all need a tremendous hug in the world right now,” Barrymore said. “but in our country, we need you to be Mamala of the country.”

“Yeah,” Harris responded with a laugh.

Barrymore went on to do her signature grab of the hands with her show guest which only made viewers “cringe” even more.

“CRINGE. STRAIGHT INTO MY VEINS,” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Did you see Kamala’s face 🤣🤣🤣,” added someone else.

A different conversation was being held on Black Twitter where many expressed their offense with Barrymore’s request to Harris and took it as her asking for the VP to be the “Mammy” to the United States.

“She really sat up there and asked the Vice President of the United States to be everyone’s Black Mammy,” one person wrote.

“People really still want black women to be the “mammy” of the country. It’s unbelievable,” another user added.

The term’s origins date back to slavery when Black women were made to care for white children. The American Dictionary of Regional English traces the etymological roots of the word to a blending of “ma’am” and “mamma.”

Considering the history of Black women serving motherly roles to white children, Barrymore’s request to the first Black woman Vice President could be taken out of context.

Elsewhere in the interview, Harris addressed criticism she’s received over her laugh, due to the instances where she reportedly laughed in response to questions about the border crisis and the importance of female leadership.

“You were asking me earlier about what it means to be like the first woman,” Harris said. “And you know, it’s funny because people still gotta get used to this, right?”

Barrymore responded by telling Harris how much she loves her laugh.

RELATED CONTENT: Drew Barrymore Draws Criticism For Touchy Interview With Oprah

by Karima Mariama-Arthur, Esq.

April 30, 2024

Is Your Money Mindset Strong Enough To Secure The Bag?

Mindset is a key factor in establishing standards for economic success. It impacts expectations and ultimately, the bottom line.

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Originally Published Jul. 15, 2015.

Certified Financial Planner Michael F. Kay advises that “Determining your money mindset is important.” It is a key component of understanding — leading you to knowing that you’re heading in the right direction or that you might need to do some work to re-think your beliefs and your habits. Have you determined your money mindset? If you haven’t ever considered it — I mean really considered it, now might be a good time to do so.

Here’s the thing. Mindset is a key factor in establishing standards for economic success. It impacts expectations and ultimately, the bottom line.

If you’re thinking about increasing your earning potential, here are three strategies to help you transform your mindset and increase your economic success:

Vanquish the impoverished mentality.

Are you dead-set on getting ahead financially? If so, it will be very difficult to accomplish if your mental filter is polluted with doubt and limiting beliefs. Jettison toxic thoughts that hold you hostage to mediocrity, loss, and stagnation. It doesn’t matter where or why they originated —simply discard them. Begin to see yourself as someone who can deliver greater value, (which has a pecuniary value attached to it) and thus, by definition, someone who has the power to earn more. This alone will help you to see, attract, and capitalize on prime economic opportunities.

Raise your economic standards.

Another component of increasing your economic success is resolving to raise your standards. Set the bar a few notches higher and focus on making your ability to deliver at the next level your first priority. Remember that your earning potential is in direct correlation with your ability to deliver greater value. As you lessen the gap between these two variables, you will also begin to raise your expectations and stop settling for “good enough to get by accepting less than you are worth. This will help you to strengthen your risk-taking muscle, drawing even greater opportunities from your sphere of influence, as well as without.

Take decisive action.

While changing the way you think about money and your ability to earn it at higher levels is critical, taking action is what seals the deal. Before you begin to take random action, first determine what will make the biggest impact on your earning potential right now. It could be applying for a critical certification, taking additional coursework, or applying for a new position. It may also mean getting an additional degree or changing careers altogether. Whatever the case, please do not hesitate to take strong, consistent action — chunking tasks when and where necessary. Over time you will begin to gain momentum, which will inspire increased activity and greater results overall.

Use these strategies to develop a stronger money mindset. Then, watch your results take flight.

To your success.

Written by Karima Mariama-Arthur

RELATED CONTENT: Get Your Mind Right: Tips For Increasing Your Net Worth

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 30, 2024

OutKast Acknowledges Music Producer Rico Wade In Instagram Tribute

'Without Rico Wade… there would be no OutKast.'

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After the death of Atlanta producer Rico Wade, who died on April 13, many Georgia artists paid tribute to him and the music he created over the years. One of the biggest hip-hop acts from the Peach State paid tribute to him in a recent Instagram post.

Reminiscing about the first time they met the producer, the members of OutKast, Andre 3000 and Big Boi, gave credit to Wade being the reason they were successful in the music industry. They both left messages on the OutKast Instagram account.

Andre spoke about meeting Wade for the first time when he and Big Boi rhymed over A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” instrumental. He stated they were in the back of the Goodie Mob’s Big Gipp’s truck when they basically auditioned for them as they rapped over the beat.

“That day, after we rhymed, Rico saw something in us. At that time we’d both shaven off all our hair. We’d dyed our hair blonde one time: We were young and in high school, we were outcasts, you know?” André wrote. “Rico saw that, and he said, ‘These guys can really rhyme. They don’t really rhyme like people from the South.’ So he told us to come over to his house, and that’s where the dungeon is, in the basement.”

Big Boi stated that there would be no OutKast without the creative mind of Rico Wade, who was part of the production team, Organized Noise.

“From the beginning, Organized Noize signed us. They were our big brothers, and they did a production deal with LaFace Records. They were the ones that gave us our first shot and we been doing music with them since the beginning. Without Rico Wade… there would be no OutKast.”

The post ended with a previous quote from Wade acknowledging OutKast coming around as young artists.

“We got with [OutKast] when they were young. They were like 16 or 17, and they were ready for some direction… I think timing is everything. It was time for a revolution.”

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A post shared by Outkast (@outkast)

Wade died at the age of 52 on April 13. No details were released regarding his cause of death.

RELATED CONTENT: CeeLo Green Acquires Rico Wade’s Old Home To Create Dungeon Family Museum