mike tyson, sue, Cannabis company,
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 19, 2024

Mike Tyson Has Stopped Using Marijuana

The former heavyweight champion is only doing so to remain compliant for his boxing match against Jake Paul on July 20

Former heavyweight Mike Tyson is scheduled to head into the boxing ring with Jake Paul later this year, and although he smokes and sells marijuana, he will not be taking in the pleasures of cannabis until after the boxing match is over.

According to USA Today, the Brooklyn-bred fighter will adhere to the rules set forth by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Marijuana is one of the substances banned by the agency. The TDLR regulates combat sports in the Lone Star State, and if an athlete fails a drug test, not only will they face an automatic 90-day suspension, but they will also be given a fine. If they win the contest, that victory reverts to “No Decision.”

Tyson’s publicist, Joann Mignano, told the media outlet that the boxer does not want to skirt protocol and will follow the rules of the TDLR.

“He only stopped as a means of following all of the rules,’’ Mignano stated by email, “but he is still a strong advocate for the medicinal benefits of cannabis for his well-being and others like him.’’

Tyson has also admitted previously that he has taken “The Toad,” a psychedelic toad venom. According to Addiction Center, toad venom is a mind-altering drug from a rare toad species native to the Sonoran Desert, the Bufo Alvarius. It produces a venom known as 5-MeO-DMT, which is an extremely potent natural psychedelic. It is believed to be about four to six times more powerful than DMT(dimethyltryptamine).

He would not be able to have any kind of pharmacological substance use in Texas either if he wanted an alternative to marijuana.

“Use of any pharmacological substance that is not approved for human therapeutic use is prohibited,” said Tela Mange, communications manager for the TDLR.

Since Tyson launched his cannabis business in 2021, according to MarketWatch, the company is estimated to make about $500,000 monthly.

Tyson is scheduled to fight Paul on July 20 in a match that will stream live on Netflix. The 57-year-old Tyson and the 27-year-old Paul will go toe-to-toe at the Dallas Cowboys’ home stadium, AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, which has a capacity of 80,000.

Sarah Jakes Roberts, intentionality, women evolve, power moves, book
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 19, 2024

Sarah Jakes Roberts Helps Us Tackle Intentionality With Her New Book ‘Power Moves’

Sarah Jakes Roberts is on a mission to move us closer to our next set of "Power Moves."

Sarah Jakes Roberts, the Pastor, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and daughter to Bishop T.D. Jakes and Serita Jakes is taking us inside her newest book Power Moves.

On the heels of receiving a spot on TIME’s 100 Next list, the One Church pastor is releasing an essential guide for women from diverse backgrounds on the search for inspiration, spiritual enlightenment, motivation for both life and business endeavors, profound thought leadership, and beyond.

With themes of not letting your past define you, using compassion to lead toward determination, power moves when taking the first steps in business, and tips for enhancing your spiritual health and wellbeing, Power Moves serves as practical wisdom and spiritual counsel for the dreamers and doers moving past procrastination.

“I wanted to write this book to help people really recognize how powerful of an opponent they have in whatever their fear or anxiety that’s keeping them from stepping out and using their voice,” Jakes Roberts told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Because I really do believe that everything we’re gonna do in the Earth is not just going to be done from a good idea or because we have the right connection. It’s going to take a real intentional power being released in the Earth.”

Jakes Roberts’ goal is to help readers set intentions, achieve goals, and experience business growth, all while enhancing our spiritual health and well-being, Jakes Roberts uses her new book to help others unleash the superpower within themselves.

“I desire to help people remove some of those powerful forces that have kept us from becoming a force and to really begin to trust their voice, trust their ideas in places where they may have once felt shut down,” she explained.

For those looking to take their “Power Moves” to the next level, Jakes Roberts has a bible study series to accompany the book and will embark on a seven-city tour beginning April 25.

Press play below to hear more about the new book, Jakes Roberts’ plans for Woman Evolve and her Hey You Live tour, and why she’s looking forward to her summer with her family in Dallas.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘I Am More Than’ LeBron James’ New Picture Book Inspires Kids To Dream Big

DeRay Mckesson
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 19, 2024

Supreme Court Sides With Police Officer’s Lawsuit, Rejects Black Lives Matter Activist’s First Amendment Appeal

What about protestors' rights?

The U.S. Supreme Court granted permission for a lawsuit to proceed against Black Lives Matter activist DeRay Mckesson, who led a protest in Louisiana that resulted in a police officer being injured. 

Justices rejected an appeal on April 15 filed by Mckesson regarding the 2016 incident where supporters flooded the streets protesting over the police killing of a Black man, Alton Sterling, in Baton Rouge. A Baton Rouge police officer shot Sterling on July 5, 2016, after a struggle occurred outside a convenience store where he was selling homemade CDs. 

In the lawsuit, Mckesson v. Doe, Baton Rouge police officer John Ford claimed he was hit by a “rock-like” object by an unidentified protestor. Still, he sued Mckesson as the organizer for negligence. According to Reuters, Mckesson was arrested on the same day, but charges were later dropped.

During the early stages of the case, the high court felt the issue had “implications for First Amendment rights.” However, the justices left the issue up to the lower courts. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a brief opinion stating they shouldn’t read too much into it and the court’s “denial today expresses no view about the merits of Mckesson’s claim.” 

In 2017, a federal judge threw the lawsuit out, but the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled 2-1 that the officer should be allowed to argue that Mckesson didn’t use reasonable care in leading the protesters onto a highway, resulting in a police confrontation. The court rejected an argument that the lawsuit mimicked a 1982 Supreme Court ruling involving Black civil rights activists in Mississippi that limited access for protest leaders over how others acted.

In the ruling, Judge Don Willett touched on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Selma in 1965, where peaceful protectors marched over the disenfranchisement of Black voters. Political uprisings, from picketing to riots, have “marked our history from the beginning,” Willett noted. As a dissenting justice, Willett stood in favor of both the officer and Mckesson. “He deserves justice,” Willett wrote. 

“Unquestionably, Officer Doe can sue the rock-thrower. But I disagree that he can sue Mckesson as the protest leader.”

Under that lower court decision, a protest organizer could face financial consequences if a single attendee of the masses commits an illegal act.

Civil rights groups and free speech advocates feel the suit threatens the right to protest. Attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union, representing Mckesson, went before the court arguing that allowing the suit to continue would discourage people from protesting. “Given the prospect that some individual protest participants might engage in law-breaking, only the most intrepid citizens would exercise their rights if doing so risked personal liability for third-party’s wrongdoing,” the ACLU said. 

This isn’t the first time Mckesson’s case has reached the Supreme Court’s desk. In 2020, justices ordered an additional review by lower courts to determine whether Louisiana state law allowed for the officer’s claim.

Magic Johnson, Jackie Robinson, L.A. Dodgers, Baseball
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 19, 2024

Magic Johnson Acknowledges Jackie Robinson Before Major League Baseball Tribute

'I couldn't be an owner of the Dodgers without Jackie breaking the color barrier.'

While celebrating the legacy of Jackie Robinson on April 15, 77 years after he made his Major League Baseball debut, becoming the first Black player to do so, Los Angeles Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson spoke about the significance of Robinson’s contributions to the sport.

According to MLB.com, Johnson, one of the owners of the Los Angeles Dodgers, took the podium to speak on how Robinson paved the way for him and other Black athletes. For the past four years, the team has gone to the Jackie Robinson statue in the center field plaza to gather before the day’s game begins to acknowledge and recognize the MLB Hall of Famer.

“You know Jackie paved the way for me. I just said that between Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali, they opened the door for me to be an owner of the Dodgers, Magic told the crowd. “I mean, Jackie paved the way for that, right? I couldn’t be an owner of the Dodgers without Jackie breaking the color barrier, you know, and playing in Major League Baseball when he did for the Brooklyn Dodgers, so this is, again, a great day for the Robinson family, but for baseball and for the Dodgers.”

According to Sports Illustrated, the league celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on Monday, with every Major League team wearing Robinson’s number 42 on their uniforms.

MLB.com reported that the Washington Nationals, the team the Dodgers faced on April 15, also joined them to honor Robinson and his contributions to Major League Baseball.

Marijuana, Memphis International Airport
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 19, 2024

Woman Arrested After Being Caught With 56 Pounds Of Ganja At Memphis International Airport

Twenty-one-year-old Kierra Carter was arrested after being discovered with the large amount of weed.

A 21-year-old woman was arrested and charged with marijuana possession after allegedly being found with 56 pounds of weed in her luggage at the Memphis International Airport on April 14.

According to Action News 5, police officers arrested and booked Kierra Carter after finding a large amount of marijuana in her belongings at the airport. The airline passenger was charged with a felony, marijuana possession with the intent to sell. She was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

Police officers say that Carter’s luggage was seen “busted open” on a bag cart just before noon on April 14. After Carter gave officers the consent to search her bags, they found that there were 56 pounds of marijuana in the suitcase. After discovering the cannabis, she was arrested and charged. She is scheduled to return to court on April 23.

Carter is the most recent person caught trying to get away with traveling with marijuana through an airport.

According to ABC 8 News, two men traveling through a Virginia airport were busted in February trying to get nearly 73 pounds of marijuana onto a flight heading to Paris. The two men, 33-year-old Kaliq Talib McCallister and 28-year-old Christian Tyler Knight from Las Vegas, face felony drug charges after they were reportedly caught trying to sneak more than 70 pounds of marijuana on an airplane that was flying to Paris via entry to Keflavik, Iceland.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, on Thursday, Feb. 22, customs officers at Dulles International Airport in Loudoun County, while checking luggage from the pair, found 68 vacuum-sealed bags of “a green, leafy substance” that was field tested and the results came up positive for marijuana. The marijuana was a combined 72 pounds, 15 ounces, and has a street value of $350,000 in the United States and potentially two to three times that in Paris.

McCallister and Knight were both detained and turned over, as well as the marijuana, to Virginia State Police.

President Biden
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 19, 2024

Financial Woes Are Pushing Black Voters Away From Re-Electing President Biden 

Have you decided who you're voting for in November?

The lack of economic growth for Black voters is pushing their support away from President Joe Biden ahead of the November 2024 presidential election. 

As some are forced to work two or more jobs just to make ends meet, Black voters are threatening to shift their support toward other alternatives, like independent candidates. “I have to work two jobs overtime just to even try to cover my rent, which means I have no time to be able to enjoy life, period,” Cleveland, Ohio, voter Jennifer Garner said. 

“The only way things are going to get better is if people start talking and just let them know the economy sucks. We need better jobs and more money.”

Garner voted for Biden in 2020 but she’s not so sure he will receive her vote in 2024. However, the 46-year-old has ruled Republican nominee Donald Trump out. The overwhelming support from Black voters helped Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris secure the White House, but things have changed since. A poll from January 2024 revealed 75% of Black voters said they would vote for Biden in the upcoming general election, compared to 92% four years ago, according to a report from the Pew Research Center. 

In May 2023, a report from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies found that 30% of Black people attest to their financial situation declining in comparison to 44% who claim it had stayed the same. While analysts continue to push a narrative of a stable labor market, decreasing inflation, and wages on the rise, the Black community feels pressure from high prices of expenses like groceries, housing, and student loan payments. 

President Biden announced new plans for a student debt forgiveness proposal in early April 2024. If finalized, the plan will provide a one-time cancellation of all accrued interest for 23 million borrowers as well as the full amount of student loan debt for 4 million borrowers being canceled, according to News From The States. 

More than 10 million borrowers with a minimum of $5,000 in student debt will receive relief.

Staggering financial woes aren’t the only issues causing a lack of support. Amongst a focus group of 14 participants, one pointed out being disappointed in Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shaleeya L. from Gastonia, North Carolina, said she was excited to back Biden in prior elections but isn’t sure this time. 

Out of four participants who admitted thinking of voting for a third-party or independent candidate, Shaleeya picked Dr. Cornel West, who recently selected BLM advocate Dr. Melina Abdullah, as his running mate.  But for now, things are up in the air. “For a fact, I’m not voting for Trump. So if I don’t want to vote for Biden either — then my choice is to not vote,” she said. 

“As of now, I have no preference. If we voted today, I probably wouldn’t vote.”

Abortion is another core issue that still confuses voters, as three out of the focus group mentioned they were unfamiliar with the President’s stance on abortion. All participants said that Trump was partially to blame for the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 by appointing three of the five justices who supported the measure.

Pink Friday 2 World Tour, lawsuit, Kenneth Petty, Nocki Minaj, international
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 19, 2024

FLEWED OUT: Kenneth Petty Granted Permission To Go Tour With Nicki Minaj

Kenneth Petty wasn't about to be left behind...

Kenneth Petty petitioned a Los Angeles court to accompany his wife, rapper Nicki Minaj, on her international Pink Friday 2 World Tour and won. 

On April 15, trusted Los Angeles County court reporter Meghann Cunniff posted the case to her X account. Petty needed to request permission because he’s listed as a sex offender and is on probation and currently under house arrest. On April 16, Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald granted the rapper’s husband’s request. 

“New tonight: Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty, is asking a federal judge for permission to travel internationally for the Pink Friday 2 World tour. He’s currently on probation out of Los Angeles federal court for failing to register as a sex offender,” Cunniff penned on the X app before posting the actual case document. 

“Good news for Nicki Minaj: Her husband is now legally authorized to accompany her on her Pink Friday 2 world tour. Judge Michael Fitzgerald in Los Angeles signed the travel order today for Kenneth Petty, who is on federal probation for failing to register as a sex offender.”

Minaj’s husband’s filing read, “Defendant Kenneth Petty (‘Mr. Petty’), by and through counsel, hereby applies to the Court for an Order allowing him to travel out of the country with his family for his wife’s tour and her professional purposes. Mr. Petty and Mrs. Petty believe Mr. Petty is necessary to accompany the family on the tour for various purposes, including childcare.”

Additionally, the prosecution didn’t have a position either way on Petty’s international travel plans, but his probation officer didn’t object to the proposed trip. The embattled registered sex offender will be required to check in with his probation officer, forward travel plans, and maintain contact with law enforcement throughout the duration of the international leg of Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour.

“The Government has been notified about this application and takes no position. Mr. Petty’s probation officer has been notified of this application and has no objection to the travel request,” the motion read. 

The filing lists the countries the Petty family will visit during the Pink Friday 2 Tour: Denmark, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Romania, Austria and Sweden.

Minaj’s international leg of the tour began on April 12. The “Monster” rapper posted pictures from her Montreal stop on April 17.

The Queens-bred femcee also posted adorable pics of her son, affectionately called Papa Bear, herself, and her husband. 

It is also important to note that Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour is the highest-grossing tour by a female rap artist in history. 

Sade Robinson, Homicide, Crime, Maxwell Anderson
by Stacy Jackson

April 19, 2024

Justice For Sade Robinson: 33-Year-Old White Milwaukee Man Charged With Intentional Homicide

Maxwell Anderson has been charged in the intentional murder and dismemberment of 19-year-old college student Sade Robinson.

A case has unfolded in Milwaukee, where a 33-year-old white man, Maxwell Anderson, stands accused of crimes leading to the death of 19-year-old Sade Carleena Robinson.

In a joint announcement by Milwaukee County Sheriff Denita Ball and Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman, Anderson faces grave charges, which, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s office, include first-degree intentional homicide and “upon conviction, would result in a sentence of life imprisonment.” He is also charged with mutilating a corpse, carrying potential penalties of substantial fines and over a decade in prison, and arson of property other than building, which could result in fines of up to $10,000 and three-and-a-half years of incarceration.

The criminal complaint alleges that Anderson intentionally killed Robinson, mutilated the teen’s remains, and set fire to her vehicle in a deliberate attempt to cover up any evidence. Preliminary DNA analysis strongly suggests that partial human remains discovered in Warnimont Park, Cudahy, on April 2 belonged to the victim.

BLACK ENTERPRISE covered news of the missing college student from Wisconsin who had been reported missing earlier this month after failing to show up for her shift at a local pizza restaurant, raising concerns among her co-workers. The circumstances surrounding her death unfolded following a first date between Robinson and Anderson.

In the course of the investigation, authorities recovered Robinson’s clothing and presumed phone from the burned vehicle, while a human leg washed ashore in a Milwaukee suburb, confirmed through DNA evidence to belong to the victim. Further searches yielded additional remains, including her foot, and location data from her phone revealed Anderson’s movements with Robinson, ultimately leading to the site where authorities discovered her body parts.

In the aftermath of her death, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to cover funeral expenses for Robinson, described as a promising young daughter, sister, and friend who “was on the brink of graduating from MATC and had a promising future ahead in criminal justice.”

The campaign has already garnered support from over 1,000 donors toward the $30,000 goal.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Female Officer Sues Pasadena Police Department For Discrimination

taxes, Black people, taxes, refund, bill, owe
by Marquita Miller

April 19, 2024

Tax Time: Understanding Pros And Cons Of A Refund And Bill

Consider these three quick guides for taxes, to assist you in the process of deciphering what's best for your business.

Originally Published March 2, 2015

At my bustling firm in Kansas City, Missouri, and all across the country, we’re deep into tax season. For my team and me, this typically means long days and longer nights. The looming question that every client wants to know is: “Do I have a refund coming, or will I owe Uncle Sam?

Many think the objective is to get a refund. However, if you talk to any respected financial planning expert, they will tell you that lending out money for a year without earning any interest is a poor investment strategy.

Essentially, this is what taxpayers do when they receive a refund. It’s shocking to some but nonetheless true, and here’s why. You could have an instant pay increase by changing your withholdings to get more of your own money during the year. Save your own money and gain your own interest, or pay off some debt and accrue interest, which is still money in the bank.

Typically the next question is, “How much is my refund? The larger the refund, the more your pay increase could be. Hold up! Can we conclude that it is better to owe the IRS than to receive a refund? Well, it depends on your ability to pay at the end. If you owe, you are expected to pay on or before April 15. Failure to do so by the deadline could result in penalties and interest.

So which is more beneficial to you? It’s based on your financial discipline and objective. If you can be financially balanced, then your goal should be to break even or have a small balance due. If you tend to lack financial discipline, then a refund may work in your favor.

Consider these three quick guides to assist you in the process:

  1.  Determine if you desire a refund or if it is your objective to break even.
  2. Talk with your tax professional to determine the necessary steps to help you achieve your desired bottom line. For instance, this could be W-4 adjustments, a new business structure, or timing of income and expense.
  3. If you are due a refund, determine the best plan to use it wisely. If you are going to break even and get more during the year, then make sure you use “your surplus to benefit your financial position.

Whatever you decide, be committed to your plan, execute your plan, and understand that this is your money. Keep in mind that a refund isn’t always a free pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, so make sure you’re not colorblind this tax season and make wise financial decisions. The advice that a good uncle would always tell you!

Marquita Miller is the founder and CEO of Five Star Tax and Business Solutions

RELATED CONTENT: Chaos Erupts At Houston IRS Office, Forcing Early Closure Ahead Of Tax Deadline

Mateus Chipa, Black-Owned, Rocket Company
by Rafael Pena

April 19, 2024

The Rise Of The First Black-Owned Private Rocket Company

Mateus Chipa has emerged as the visionary founder behind Theby Space Services (TSS), the first Black-owned private rocket company.

In a groundbreaking move aimed at fostering greater diversity and inclusion in space exploration, Mateus Chipa has emerged as the visionary founder behind Theby Space Services (TSS), the first Black-owned private rocket company, according to AfroTech. Chipa’s bold initiative seeks to address the glaring lack of representation of Black individuals in space exploration, a disparity underscored by recent data revealing that only 18 out of 360 astronauts enlisted with NASA are Black.

https://twitter.com/tss_space/status/1778623563999678523

Chipa’s journey in founding TSS was driven by a deep-seated desire to see the Black community play a more prominent role in space exploration. Frustrated by the absence of significant Black leadership in the field, Chipa embarked on a mission to break down barriers and create opportunities for empowerment. “For the last 10 years, I’ve been frustrated because I haven’t seen any Black nation or individual talking about going into space,” Chipa shared in a video posted on YouTube. “I’ve been asking myself, why? Why ain’t nobody thinking about this?”

Motivated by a sense of accountability and responsibility, Chipa took matters into his own hands and established TSS with a clear vision for its mission. At the core of TSS’s objectives is to democratize space exploration by offering universal space transportation for all of humanity. In addition to providing cost-effective access to space, TSS is committed to extending its services to African nations, facilitating satellite deployment, cargo transport, and manned missions to the moon and beyond.

Chipa’s ambition extends even further, with plans to assemble a crew composed entirely of Black astronauts for missions to the moon and eventually Mars. This aspirational goal reflects Chipa’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and empowerment within space exploration.

To support his mission, Chipa has launched a GoFundMe campaign for his Black-owned rocket company to raise funds for developing two rockets: Big Hussle 33 and Nipsey Sky, named in honor of the late Nipsey Hussle. These rockets are poised to revolutionize space transportation, capable of carrying both cargo and passengers into space.

“TSS is more than a space exploration company; it’s a call to action for the Black community and a statement to the world that we are ready to take our rightful place among the stars,” Chipa expressed on his company website. “It’s a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and empowerment, ensuring that future space missions reflect the true diversity of humanity.”

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