Udonis Haslem, UDcares.org, Miami Heat, Miami, Make A Wish Foundation Southern Florida, Push-up Challenge
by Daron Pressley

April 17, 2024

NBA Great Udonis Haslem Empowers Miami Community Through Push-Up Challenge

Haslem teamed up with Anatomy, a premier wellness facility dedicated to holistic health, and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida for the #HourPushUpChallenge

Udonis Haslem, a Miami native who spent his entire 20-year career with the Heat — part of three championship teams and serving as captain in 16 of his seasons — embodies the essence of leadership on and off the hardwood. Recognizing the power of collective action in fostering positive change, Haslem has long been a champion for community engagement and continues his philanthropy work through his push-up challenge. 

On April 13, Haslem teamed up with Anatomy, a premier wellness facility dedicated to holistic health, and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida for the #HourPushUpChallenge. This empowering event invited members and guests to work out for wishes and the future of the Miami community. Participants were called upon to do as many push-ups as they could physically do in a one-hour timeframe, securing monetary pledges donated on a per-push-up basis. 

BLACK ENTERPRISE got a chance to catch up with Haslem, the current vice president of player development for the Miami Heat, to discuss his commitment to uplifting the Miami community, the partnership with Anatomy and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, and what impact he hopes to make to the city of Miami. 

One Push-Up at a Time: The Impact

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, a beacon of hope for children battling critical illnesses, stands at the forefront of fulfilling dreams and igniting joy in young hearts. The partnership forged with Udonis Haslem and Anatomy underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of wish children and their families.

“With every push-up completed during the #HourPushUpChallenge, we’re not just building our muscles; we’re building dreams,” shared Haslem. 

Having collectively raised nearly $400,000 in previous years, two events that benefited Make-A-Wish and the Udonis Haslem Foundation, Haslem continues to push the momentum forward year after year.

“It’s incredible to see the Miami community support my foundation and the Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and ensure that every child facing adversity knows their dreams are within reach.”

Uniting for a Brighter Future

With every push-up completed and pledges tallied, the #HourPushUpChallenge’s resounding success reverberates throughout the Miami community. Through the collaborative efforts of Haslem, Anatomy, and Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, the event raises vital funds and cultivates a spirit of unity and compassion.

“Together, we are stronger. The #HourPushUpChallenge is not just about the physical challenge; it’s about the power of community and the impact we can make when we join forces for a common cause,” remarked Haslem

With 100% of the funds donated to help the people in local unserved communities in South Florida and grant wishes with Make-A-Wish, Haslem is inspired by the generosity and determination of everyone who participates in the push-up challenge.

“I do not doubt we’re creating a brighter future for Miami and beyond.”

About the Udonis Haslem Foundation – The Mission of the Udonis Haslem Foundation is to give hope to children and families in underserved communities by facilitating exposure to opportunities and access to care and resources. To learn more about the foundation and to get involved, visit https://www.udcares.org/

Keith Lee, Pizza Hut, 'FamiLEE Community Pizza', partnership, content, creator
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 17, 2024

Keith Lee Partners With Pizza Hut To Debut The New ‘FamiLEE Community Pizza’

For a limited time, you can try Keith Lee's new FamiLEE Community Pizza at Pizza hut.

Keith Lee has taken his TikTok food critic persona to new heights by debuting his first official food partnership with a major restaurant chain.

On Tuesday, April 16, Lee and Pizza Hut announced their partnership, which includes a new pizza pie crafted by the TikTok star and his family. The pepperoni, bacon, and cheese pizza on a hand-tossed crust is available for a limited time until May 13, Lee shared in an Instagram announcement.

The community-driven social media influencer will also be giving out free boxes of his pizza in the form of two pizza parties at two schools in two different states, including his hometown.

“My family and Pizza Hut are going to the high school that I went to and that my wife went to and we’re having a pizza party for absolutely free with the kids,” Lee shared.

The community initiative is completely on brand for Lee who hosts food tours around the country where he goes and throws events that give free food to local communities. His recent FamiLee event during his return to Atlanta received a huge turnout, and he was forced to move locations.

“I am blessed to team up with Pizza Hut for the FamiLEE Community Pizza, and I’m excited to support causes that hit close to home,” Lee told Food & Wine.

“This partnership is all about sharing love through food, bringing communities together, and doing what we truly feel is supposed to be done within our space.”

The partnership was born out of Lee’s visit to Pizza Hut headquarters in Texas, where he met with the staff and made “authentic” connections.

“I talked to and really enjoyed my time with them, so working together on this initiative felt really authentic,” he shared.

The bacon and pepperoni toppings were a must-have for Lee as they’re his personal favorites. With it being part of Pizza Hut’s $12 ANY promotion, customers can personalize the pie with toppings of their choice.

“Bacon and pepperoni are the only toppings I ever get on my pizza — they are my favorite,” Lee said. “So when I was working with Pizza Hut to make this, it only felt right to make a pizza that I would (and do) eat all the time.”

“You can add a ton of toppings to make it your own. If your family likes a mix of toppings, you don’t have to compromise,” he added.

As part of the partnership, Pizza Hut will also donate $50,000 to Southfield ANT and Oak Hills High School where Lee and his wife went.

“Keith Lee is a creator who has really been shaping the food industry and one I have been an avid follower of for a long time,” Lindsay Morgan, the CMO at Pizza Hut, said.

“His TikTok reviews are authentic, and he celebrates community and family. We felt his personal brand was a perfect fit for Pizza Hut, so together, we created the FamiLEE Community Pizza so guests can try Keith’s recipe and be a part of giving back to his community.”

RELATED CONTENT: Are You Ready, Atlanta? TikTok Food Reviewer Keith Lee Announces ‘Redemption’ Return To A-Town

Georgia Pastor, Pastor R. A. Hill, fraud, Identify Theft
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 17, 2024

Georgia Pastor And Car Dealer Arrested For Alleged Fraud, Identify Theft

Reveckeyo “R.A.” Hill faces similar charges in another Georgia county prior to his recent theft allegation.

A Georgia pastor has been arrested for alleged identity theft and fraudulent activity toward customers at his car dealership. Reveckeyo “R.A.” Hill was detained by Athens-Clarke County Police on April 11.

According to WSB-TV, Hill’s scheme unveiled his past criminal record, one that shocked his customers and congregation. He was previously convicted of identify theft in Elbert County, mere miles away from where his newest alleged transgressions took place. Furthermore, the local news outlet investigated his crime spree in May 2023. In the scheme, the crooked pastor stole the identities of those who purchased vehicles, continuing the theft in his new venture.

“He will use people’s real identity, who bought a car with him in the past. He’ll use their identity to register vehicles in their name without their knowledge,” explained Detective Nathaniel Franco during the outlet’s initial investigation.

In Clarke County, Hill allegedly defrauded customers at his car dealership, H and P Auto Broker. One of his accusers, Evette Strickland, claims her deceased husband owed $70,000 toward a truck he never had. The widow expressed her shock that a religious leader would deceive people like this.

“(If) Someone’s a pastor, you would think they were … they would lead you in the right direction and not take money from you,” explained the widow.

Another victim, Stephanie Dowdy, shared that she was paying Hill directly for her car payments. However, the money never made it to the loan company, as she later discovered her car’s repossession.

Hill spoke to investigative reporter Justin Gray to defend himself against the allegations. During the conversation, the defamed pastor claimed that all his business dealings were legitimate and requested a “fair” investigation.

“We just want a fair investigation, be fair,” urged Hill. “I think you guys are used to dealing with people that run from you guys. I’m not intimidated by you guys.”

However, his attorney declined to discuss the accusations in Athens, and also refused to provide the proof to confirm his stance. Although Hill filed an appeal for his charges in Elbert County, he remains detained in Clark County Jail.

Ohio Entrepreneurs, Beauty Supply shop
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 17, 2024

Atlanta Entrepreneurs Claim Beauty Supply Company’s False Promises Left Them Bankrupt

Beauty Supply Institute was supposed to help Atlanta entrepreneurs start their own stores, but has yet to fulfill its contracted obligations.

There are mounting complaints against Beauty Supply Institute (BSI), which claimed to help Black people in entrepreneurship, which has left many Atlanta business owners bankrupt.

According to 11Alive, the company encouraged aspiring Black entrepreneurs to own beauty supply shops. BSI provided books and videos and hosted conferences to aid in this business journey. Participants signed a service contract paying for BSI’s resources, granting them access to help build the business from the ground up.

Contracted owners were supposed to receive guidance from BSI regarding store operations and obtaining products. Instead, they allege they were met with ambiguous and lackluster help. Pauline McLaurin signed her contract with BSI three years ago but finds herself at a loss from the venture.

“I was looking for mentorship, you know, a way to open the doors for me to get products and establish relationships with vendors,” McLaurin told the news outlet. They make it seem like they want you to elevate. But I’m now in a way worse situation than I was when I first met them [BSI].” 

McLaurin claims she did most of the work, including finding a space to rent. While she completed that task 10 months ago, BSI has yet to deliver the products needed to launch the business. In the meantime, McLaurin has had to take on two jobs to cover the outstanding costs.

Many others have similar stories to McLaurin, as some signees in Maryland have a government-mandated refund from BSI. The state also ordered the company to stop conducting business due to the seemingly fraudulent activity.

However, Metro Atlanta entrepreneurs have yet to obtain justice for BSI’s alleged misleading practice. Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General confirmed an investigation into BSI is underway.

BSI’s Founder, Devin Robinson, spoke to reporters about the ongoing allegations. He believes that his company is not all to blame. He said vendor delays and overwhelming demand have stunted its progression.

“We had to implement new technology. We just had to do certain things to be able to handle certain scale. So our schedule also becomes an issue,” explained Robinson.

BSI also issued a statement on the rising concerns. However, it has yet to make amends with many Atlanta customers regarding their lost funds.

“We’ve prided ourselves on 20 years of success as a trailblazer in this business, opening over 200 successful stores. While we’ve recently encountered challenges that we have to overcome that has negatively affected a handful of our hundreds of clients, we’ve been able to implement new technologies, allowing us to navigate our challenges properly and position ourselves for continued success,” wrote the company. “This company was birthed out of a need and desire to mentor people in our own communities to become entrepreneurs in the beauty industry. Our focus has always been to get our clients to their store opening day, even during challenging times.”

According to its website, BSI is still taking appointments for potential clients, indicating that business has not stopped.

Vaccine
by Daniel Johnson

April 17, 2024

Study Suggests Breakthrough ‘Single-Shot’ Vaccine Is Possible

Researchers are pitching the idea that small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) could be used to create a vaccine that teaches the human body to adapt to different diseases and does not rely on the human body to create antibodies for those diseases.

A study from the University of California Riverside has researchers hopeful that a single-shot vaccine method could be on the horizon. After testing a vaccine on baby mice in their lab, researchers discovered that it successfully provided rapid and complete protection against a disease common in mice. The researchers believe the vaccination method projects well for infants, whose immune systems are still developing. 

The researchers are pitching the idea that small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) could be used to create a vaccine that teaches the human body to adapt to different diseases. This would theoretically eliminate the need for the human body to create its own antibodies for those diseases.

The researchers believe that because of this, the vaccines will also be able to be used on babies who do not have full immune system protection. This would also eliminate the need for booster shots because the vaccine is designed to adapt to the virus and not the other way around.

Rong Hai, one of the study’s authors and a virologist at UC-Riverside said in a press release that the vaccine could be the universal vaccine the scientific community has been seeking. “It is broadly applicable to any number of viruses, broadly effective against any variant of a virus and safe for a broad spectrum of people,” Hai said. “This could be the universal vaccine that we have been looking for.”

Shouwei Ding, the lead author of the paper and a distinguished professor of microbiology at UC Riverside, described how the vaccine works.

“A host — a person, a mouse, anyone infected— will produce small interfering RNAs as an immune response to viral infection. These RNAi then knock down the virus,” Ding said. “If we make a mutant virus that cannot produce the protein to suppress our RNAi, we can weaken the virus. It can replicate to some level but then loses the battle to the host RNAi response. A virus weakened in this way can be used as a vaccine for boosting our RNAi immune system.”

Contrary to traditional vaccines, this one is being developed as a nasal spray, which the researchers believe is a more effective delivery system than traditional vaccinations, and the CDC has already validated this belief. Research teams are already working to create nasal COVID-19 vaccines, and research in India and China resulted in those countries approving booster vaccines delivered via nasal spray.

“Respiratory infections move through the nose so that a spray might be an easier delivery system.” Hai continued, saying viruses would likely have a difficult time avoiding the vaccines. “Viruses may mutate in regions not targeted by traditional vaccines. However, we are targeting their whole genome with thousands of small RNAs. They cannot escape this.”

Howard University Student, car crash
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 17, 2024

Howard University Student Dies In On-Campus Car Crash, Faculty Member Involved

The student, Mohamed Samura, was crossing the sidewalk when he was allegedly struck by the speeding faculty member.

A Howard University student has died from his injuries following a car crash on campus. The incident occurred on April 11 and allegedly involved a university faculty member.

Mohamed Samura, a freshman at the university studying Computer Information Systems, was struck by a car in front of the Cook Hall dormitory on Thursday afternoon. According to WJLA, Howard University Hospital treated him for non-life-threatening injuries, but he later succumbed to them on April 14.

The university’s President, Dr. Ben Vinson III, issued a statement on the promising honors student from Fredericksburg, Virginia.

“A bright and accomplished member of the Howard University community, Mr. Samura earned selection to the School of Business Dean’s List and demonstrated great skills as a member of the University’s award-winning ESports Team,” said Vinson. “The University extends our profound condolences and prayers to his family, friends, classmates, and instructors during this difficult time. May they find solace in the cherished moments shared with him. Further, I ask that the privacy of the family be respected and that we keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”

Howard hosted a vigil at its flagpole, with the president also stating that plans are in motion to further honor his time at the HBCU. Students spoke to reporters about Samura’s impact on campus.

“It really shows his impact on our community, you know,” explained his classmate Yasmine Ogbe. ” Even people like me who just were in one class with him for a semester… They got close to him. He was always helping the teacher out. She would ask us questions, and he would come up and solve them on the board. He was just a very motivated student, so it’s really sad to see him go.”

The driver, confirmed as a member of the faculty, had non-life-threatening injuries as well from the crash. The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., detailed that the educator was speeding and failed to properly conduct a left turn when he hit Samura crossing the sidewalk. There is no word thus far on any charges against him.

O.J. Simpson, Brain Study, cancer, dead, o.j. simpson, oj
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 17, 2024

O.J. Simpson Executor: ‘Hard No’ To Brain Study For CTE; Body Will Be Cremated

LaVergne shared that no uncovering of a possible CTE diagnosis in Simpson will occur as the long-retired football star's body will be cremated.

O.J. Simpson’s executor, Malcolm LaVergne, confirmed that the controversial football great’s body will be cremated and his brain will not be studied for a chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

LaVergne said no parts of Simpson will be donated for scientific research, NBC News reports, even though there have invitations. “On at least one occasion, someone has called saying he’s a CTE guy who studies the brain,” said LaVergne,

According to the National Health Service, CTE is degenerative brain disease often caused by repeated injuries to the head and can lead to behavioral issues. In past years, CTE has been linked to some former football players. LaVerge emphasized that such a study will not happen.

“That’s a hard no,” he shared. “His entire body, including his brain, will be cremated.”

LaVergne anticipates contesting claims made by Ron Goldman’s family, which is owed $33.5 million from a 1997 wrongful death judgment. A jury found Simpson liable for Goldman’s death in the civil trial despite his acquittal of the criminal charges.

LaVergne originally wanted the Goldmans gaining nothing from Simpson’s estate, but the lawyer has since retracted that statement.

“In hindsight, in response to that statement that ‘It’s my hope they get zero, nothing,’ I think that was pretty harsh,” he said. “Now that I understand my role as the executor and the personal representative, it’s time to tone down the rhetoric and really get down to what my role is as a personal representative…We can get this thing resolved in a calm and dispassionate manner.”

In the meantime, Simpson’s estate will set aside funds for a “suitable monument” at a gravesite despite his cremation. An exclusive service for friends and family is also in the works.

Simpson, who post-football career was marked by his role in arguably the nation’s biggest murder trial of the twentieth century, died from cancer last week. He was 76.

Amira Rasool, The Folklore , International, Global, brands, membership
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 17, 2024

The Folklore Announces Platform And Membership Expansion For Global Brands

Its introduction as "The Folklore 2.0" will offer even more resources for global brands to grow.

The Folklore, which provides diverse businesses with the resources and community to expand their audience, has new programs and membership offerings. The company announced “The Folklore 2.0” on April 17 after raising $3.4 million in its seed round.

Its platform will now include The Folklore Source, Capital, and Hub, complete with an innovative line-up of in-person and virtual events to educate and inspire the community.

This year, The Folklore will host mixers, fireside chats, and panels in cities like New York, Atlanta, as well as Accra and Nairobi. These additions will complement The Folklore’s mission to expand its reach and to connect with diverse brands eager to grow.

Its multimillion seed funding round, spearheaded by Benchstrength, helped realize these initiatives. With the inclusion of new and established investors, such as Slauson & Co and Black Tech Nation Ventures, has led to a total of $6.2 million raised thus far.

The Folklore’s Founder and CEO, Amira Rasool, already made history in 2022 as one of the youngest Black women to raise over $1 million in a pre-seed round. With this funding, she hopes racially diverse home, apparel, and beauty business owners can thrive.

Regarding her company’s continued elevation of small brands, Rasool shared her hopes for these new opportunities.

“At The Folklore, we have been at the forefront of revolutionizing the wholesale experience for global brands and retailers alike by creating opportunities that drive equity, access, and inclusion,” said Rasool. “Expanding our platform and community resources is a testament to our commitment to address more of the challenges our brands face and nurture a larger community of brands that can connect, bond, and support one another during the journey. It’s hard for small businesses to build alone, and now, with The Folklore, brands won’t have to.”

Furthermore, its memberships will allow access to a variety of Folklore’s resources, such as wholesale management software and a B2B marketplace. While its Source application will connect brands to vetted service providers, its Capital program will match businesses with loans best suited to their needs.

Its affordable monthly price of $39 will ensure brands of all scales are empowered through The Folklore’s assistance. Moreover, it continues to address issues limiting business growth to promote equity across multiple industries.

For intrigued business owners, learn more about The Folklore’s website here.

Carvana, Jason Scott, Lindsberg Pettway, North Carolina, Maserati, Michigan, stolen, vehicle, car,
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 17, 2024

Detroit Car Salesman Highlights Resurfaced News Report Of Stolen Maserati Purchased From Carvana

Buyer beware! Over the past three years, Carvana has amassed more than 5,500 complaints.

A news story of a scandalous car sale from a Carvana in North Carolina resurfaced online, and one Detroit car salesman wants to inform the public about a potential problem.

On April 12, Lindsberg Pettway, an auto advisor at Feldman Chevrolet in Livonia, Michigan, posted an alarming news report to his Instagram account about Jason Scott, a North Carolina man who paid $68,000 for a Maserati SUV at a local Carvana. In November 2022, the army veteran purchased the vehicle as a gift for his wife and he later discovered that the Maserati was stolen.

“Can you believe this actually happened before?!!! 🤯 It’s been reported that a man bought a stolen Maserati from Carvana for 68k!! I’ve heard this isn’t the first time this has happened,” Lindsberg captioned the post.

Scott discovered the SUV was stolen after taking it to the Maserati dealer to be serviced in February 2023. The paperwork for the Maserati SUV stated that the model year was 2021, but after an investigation and parts being removed with serial numbers, it was discovered the car was produced in 2017. The service department technicians also noted that the VIN had been altered.

“When they check the VIN number on the chassis, that’s when they saw that it was a stolen vehicle. VIN on the car, on the window and the car door was different,” the duped man explained.

The dealership notified the police, and officers questioned Scott about the shady Maserati. He explained that he purchased the car from Carvana and even provided paperwork for the transaction. He was released.

But to Scott’s chagrin, police confiscated the stolen Maserati. He immediately contacted the nationwide online auto dealership. Jason’s conversation with Carvana didn’t go as planned. He was expecting an immediate solution after showing proof of police seizure, and he was still without a vehicle. 

“She said, ‘Well, we can’t trade the vehicle back in until you bring the vehicle back.’ I said, ‘I can’t bring the vehicle back.’ I said, ‘The police have the vehicle,’” the customer expressed. “They (weren’t_ responding back to anything at all.”

Scott wants Carvana to pay him $1 million, his down payment, and the two monthly payments that were made. 

Carvana finally responded with a statement, including a denial that the Maserati was a stolen vehicle. Although the company received Scott’s letter, it only offered $1000 for the inconvenience. 

“When Carvana acquired this vehicle, someone had taken sophisticated criminal steps to steal and alter the vehicle, and we’re taking all the necessary steps to make it right for our customer in this rare instance.”

“I know they say they have 150-point inspections. I want them to have 151. Check to see if the vehicle is stolen. The last thing I want anybody to do is to get caught late at night on some strange road in the backcountry, and they can’t verify it, and they look at that person as a criminal,” he said about Carvana’s alleged verification system.

The North Carolina Attorney General is actively investigating 130 grievances against the company. 

The Arizona-based company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Over the past three years, Carvana has amassed over 5,500 complaints. In 2022, the State of Michigan revoked the company’s business license. It’s the third state to do so Illinois and North Carolina susp,ended Carvana’s license for six months. 

Wayne Brady, Financial Literacy Month, pay progress forward, host, let's make a deal, Chime
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 17, 2024

Wayne Brady Celebrates Financial Literacy Month With Spirit Of Generosity

Wayne Brady is celebrating Financial Literacy Month by teaming up with Chime for its "Pay Progress Forward" campaign.

Actor, singer, and entertainer Wayne Brady is celebrating Financial Literacy Month by teaming up with Chime for its “Pay Progress Forward” campaign where he explores the relationship between financial well-being and the spirit of generosity.

The new video series shows the Emmy Award-winning Let’s Make A Deal host sitting down with five people who are tested to either double their money or pay it forward. The individuals then meet with a financial educator who helps them determine how much they need to unlock financial progress in their life.

@chime Real talk: are you choosing the cash or paying it forward? 👀 Watch how our bet on generosity turned out. Learn more about paying progress forward at link in bio 💚 . . . Paycheck-to-paycheck statistic source: PYMTS New Reality Check: The Paycheck-To-Paycheck Report @Wayne Brady #chime #payprogressforward #progress #financialprogress ♬ original sound – Chime Financial

Speaking with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Brady got candid about his personal finance journey and how his grandmother inspired him to always be rooted in gratitude. Brady was able to learn financial lessons early in life as an aspiring entertainer and later as an accomplished entrepreneur.

“My grandmother taught me all about generosity. Even when you feel that you may not have, there’s always someone who is not as well off as you,” Brady explains. “You may only have 15 cents, somebody may only have three cents, and if you’ve got three cents, that there’s somebody with nothing, that there’s always a way to help.

“I think I got that from her,” he adds. “And in terms of my journey to being money literate, that’s a journey. When you don’t grow up with it, you may not understand the value. I think sometimes it takes a journey of not having it, knowing that you need to work hard for it, you save it, you know where it comes from.”

It was one act of generosity from his grandmother, giving him a $200 suit, which unlocked a future of financial freedom for the Who’s Line Is It, Anyway? star. Brady was in the early stages of his career in Los Angeles and received an opportunity to sing in Japan. But Brady had just gotten his car repossessed and was in the process of being evicted from his apartment.

“In the six months that I would be there, I would come back with enough money to be able to make a down payment on a place, to get a new car, to help my grandmother out,” he said. “All I needed was I needed a tux and money to make copies of my sheet music. And when I say that I had nothing, I had nothing. My grandmother took her last $200 and invested in me. She made an investment.”

Brady was able to pay his grandmother and then some.

Press play below for the full interview on Wayne Brady’s work with Chime’s “Pay Progress Forward,” where Brady share tips for someone looking to strike a balance between generosity and financial progress in their own life and teases a few of his upcoming projects.

RELATED CONTENT: Use Financial Literacy Month To Get Those Finances In Order

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