Brittney Griner, Cherelle Griner, maternity, hotshot, shirtless, topless, pregnant, WNBA, player
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2024

Brittney Griner Just Months Away From Welcoming First Child With Wife, Cherelle Griner

Britney Griner and her wife Cherelle Griner are months away from welcoming their first child together.

Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle, are months away from welcoming their first child together.

The happy couple took to Instagram on April 13 to announce the big news over a photo that teased Cherelle’s growing baby bump and a few sonogram shots.

“Can’t believe we’re less than three months away from meeting our favorite human being #BabyGrinerComingSoon #July2024,” they wrote.

It’s a big step for the Griners, who married in June 2019 after meeting a decade prior at Baylor University. Cherelle was an outspoken advocate for Brittney during her detainment in Russia for 10 months on drug charges.

The WNBA player was finally freed on Dec. 8, 2022.

“I had thought about that moment a thousand times, and I thought I would be full of tears,” Cherelle told People at the time. “But I was overwhelmingly happy. It was the first time I was able to finally exhale.”

Brittney has shared her instant love for Cherelle that started while they both attended Baylor from 2009 to 2013.

“I will never forget the day I met you at Baylor in the sub area! You tapped me on my shoulder and told me I took your milkshake (still up for debate lol) and I was immediately blown away at your beauty! You had no idea but I knew you were the one for me baby,” she wrote in an anniversary post in 2020.

The Phoenix Mercury player supported Cherelle from afar when she graduated from North Carolina Central University School of Law with her Juris Doctor degree in May 2022. Brittney wasn’t there in person, due to her detainment, but was there in spirit.

The couple spent months apart during the detainment as Brittney did not want Cherelle to travel to Russia to see her under those conditions.

“[Brittney] wrote me one letter and was like, ‘Babe, I know you wanna go down right now but like, don’t just yet,'” Cherelle told Good Morning America in May 2022. “I won’t go down until she’s back … Every single day matters for me to be sound, for me to be alert, for me to be attentive, to make sure that she comes back.”

Shortly after the interview, she connected with President Joe Biden, who assisted her with Brittney’s release from Russian custody. It took nearly seven months after her initial meeting with Biden for Brittney to regain her freedom.

“So over the last nine months, you all have been so privy to one of the darkest moments of my life, and so today I am just standing here overwhelmed with emotions, but the most important emotion I have right now is just sincere gratitude for President Biden and his entire administration,” Cherelle said during a press conference.

After such a rocky journey, the Griners will soon welcome a bundle of joy.

RELATED CONTENT: Brittney Griner Finally Gets Her Jersey Retired By University Of Baylor

Scam Victim Points Gun At Random Uber Driver Moments Before Allegedly Killing Her
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 16, 2024

Scam Victim Points Gun At Random Uber Driver Moments Before Allegedly Killing Her

Leaked video footage from the Uber's dash camera reveals that William Brock pointed a gun at the driver before she died.

A West Virginia man is facing murder charges after authorities say he shot an Uber driver.

According to the New York Post, the 81-year-old William Brock fell victim to a telephone scam on March 25. The scammer also tricked the driver, 61-year-old Loletha Hall. Both were contacted by Brock’s incarcerated relative or an accomplice, who threatened him for money.

When Hall arrived came to pick up a package from Brock’s West Virginia home, he approached Hall with a gun pointed at her. Hall, who was outside, attempted to get back in her car.

Her car’s dash camera showed the moments leading up to her death. Brock questioned her about who had instructed Hall to come to his home. The camera audio also revealed that he ordered her to give him her phone. Hall warned Brock that she would call 911.

Then, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office said, Brock shot Hall, a Black woman, three times before dialing 911. On the call, he said he shot someone trying to rob him. However, the police saw things differently.

“Hall, suffering from medical conditions and unarmed, made no threats or assaults toward Mr. Brock, and made no demands, other than to ask about the package she was sent to retrieve through the Uber App,” said a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office. “Due to there being no active threat presented by Ms. Hall at any time during the encounter, and Mr. Brock’s failure to contact authorities for assistance while brandishing a firearm, during which he fired at and struck Ms. Hall multiple times, he was arrested and charged with murder.”

Hall died at the hospital during surgery. Brock suffered from head wounds during the skirmish. In the meantime, Uber banned the scam account that ordered the trip as the investigation continued.

“There is no other way to describe this incident than a horrific tragedy,” an Uber representative said. “Our hearts continue to be with Loletha’s loved ones as they grieve her sudden loss. We have been in contact with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting their investigation,”

Brock remains out on bond after pleading not guilty to the charges.

Cowboy Carter, Beyonce, Coachella
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 16, 2024

Beychella Lives On As Cowboy Carter Banner Flies Over Coachella

Beyoncé speaks to Coachella attendees through her latest promotion material, a banner with "Cowboy Carter" flown atop the festival.

Beyoncé ensured her presence was felt at this year’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Despite not performing, a banner for her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” flew across the grounds on April 13.

The Indio, California, event, taking place across two weekends in April (April 12-14 and April 19-21), features multiple artists and thousands of attendees. To highlight her country music-inspired project, Beyoncé had a red, white, and blue banner with the “Cowboy Carter” title flown by a plane across the festival. One TikToker, whose handle is @beysus.christ, showed footage of the promotion.

@beysus.christ April 13th Beyonce News 📰 #beyonce #actii #cowboycarter #greenscreen #coachella ♬ original sound – Liittle Debbie

The banner appeared at the concert on Saturday afternoon, with fans posting videos of the plane flying it around the desert. Her ability to do so signaled that the singer’s eyes stayed on the festival since her last appearance.

In 2018, Beyoncé “stopped the world” at her headlining set at the premier festival. The showcase, which was a tribute to HBCUs, was later released as a musical film entitled “Homecoming.”

Despite Beyoncé’s Coachella days being over, she reminded patrons to stream her new LP. This year’s lineup brought Tyler, The Creator, Lana Del Rey, and Doja Cat to the main stage while hosting Beyoncé’s Parkwood Label signee Chloe Bailey. Her other music peer, fellow stadium performer Taylor Swift, took to the audience to watch Ice Spice’s set.

Nowadays, Beyoncé is busy with her many endeavors. She is still promoting “Cowboy Carter,” currently in its second week atop the Billboard 200. Furthermore, she continues the rollout of her newly released haircare line, Cécred. The brand, which dropped in February, features a wide-ranging product line of shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to protect crowns of all backgrounds.

Although celebrating her new era of music, the chances of Beyoncé returning to Coachella any time soon remain slim. However, many fans still consider the banner her small way of paying homage to the Beychella moment.

RELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Makes Historic No. 1 Appearance On Billboard Country Albums Charts

Former NFL Player Ricardo Lockette Arrested On Gun And Stolen Vehicle Charges
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2024

Former NFL Player Ricardo Lockette Arrested On Gun And Stolen Vehicle Charges

He was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, possession of a vehicle with altered VIN and theft by receiving stolen property. 

A former NFL player was arrested on charges of having a stolen vehicle and possession of a gun, among other charges, on April 10 in Georgia.

According to WSB-TV, former Seattle Seahawks player Ricardo Lockette was arrested and booked into jail in Fulton County, where he was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies, possession of a vehicle with altered VIN, and theft by receiving stolen property.

In court documents, it was revealed that the 37-year-old was caught when the Georgia State Patrol was stationed outside a Chipotle restaurant near Camp Creek Marketplace. They noticed that Lockette drove a 2021 Ram 1500 TRX with a suspicious tag. State troopers and Atlanta police officers then followed him across the street to Target. They stopped him and conducted a traffic stop, where they found out that the vehicle was stolen.

After running Lockette’s vehicle identification number (VIN), officers determined that it was fraudulent. The truck was previously reported stolen on March 24, 2023. Under the fake VIN, he was listed as the registered owner and was driving under a suspended driver’s license.

“The key FOB found in Mr. Lockette’s possession was for a Ram Limited, which was inconsistent with the RAM TRX he was driving,” said a statement in the probable cause affidavit. “Further investigation revealed that the vehicle identification number displayed on the front windshield and the door jam was fraudulent.”

The truck was reported stolen from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport last year.

He was discovered in possession of a Glock 43 9mm pistol.

After Lockette was told that he had been driving a stolen vehicle, he told police officers that he bought the truck during the pandemic in 2020.

“He (told us) he found the vehicle on Facebook Market but couldn’t provide a date,” a responding officer wrote in the affidavit. “He stated that he went to Columbus, GA, to purchase the vehicle from a buy here pay here dealership. Again, he couldn’t provide a date of purchase or how much he paid. He stated that he couldn’t remember if he paid cash or used the bank to purchase it. He stated that the vehicle was paid off at the time of purchase.”

Officers found a temporary tag when they searched the vehicle. They stated it had been issued on May 3, 2023, more than a month after it was reported stolen.

Lockette, a Georgia native, won a Super Bowl championship with the Seahawks in 2014 when the team beat the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLIX. He also played with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears. He retired in 2016 after suffering a career-ending neck injury in 2015.

financial literacy, oneunited, bank, kids, bank, money, stock, brokerage, savings, bills, pay
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 16, 2024

OneUnited Bank Announces Annual Youth Contest ‘I Got Bank’ To Celebrate Financial Literacy Month

OneUnited Bank is holding a national financial literacy contest where 10 children will win a $1,000 savings account.

Originally Posted Apr. 7, 2022 Updated: Apr. 12, 2024

In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month, OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank, is proud to announce its annual “I Got Bank!” national financial literacy contest, where 10 children will win a $1,000 savings account. The bank is offering a free “I Got Bank” E-Book to make financial literacy a core value of the Black community.

Students from across the country between the ages of eight and 12 are encouraged to read a financial literacy book of their choosing and either write a 250-word essay or create an art project showing how they would apply what they learned from the book to their daily lives. Submissions must be emailed or postmarked by June 28, 2024. The bank will choose 10 winners and award each winner a $1,000 savings account at OneUnited.

“When an online submission is made before June 28, 2024, you will have access to a one-of-a-kind custom digital edition Black Panther Comic Book that was created by Marvel Comics and Visa, Inc. and includes financial literacy exercises developed by OneUnited Bank,” according to OneUnited

Teri Williams, OneUnited Bank’s president and author of “I Got Bank! What My Granddad Taught Me About Money,” wrote the book after finding that there weren’t enough books geared toward educating urban youth about finances.

“In 2022, we launched the OneTransaction Podcast to encourage our community to focus on one transaction to close the wealth gap for their family,” states Williams.

“Our contest and free e-book encourage families to teach their children how to build wealth and make financial literacy a core value in the Black community!”

“I Got Bank! What My Granddad Taught Me About Money” is published by The Beckham Publications Group, Inc. (Beckhamhouse).

For more information about the official contest rules, please visit www.oneunited.com/book.

RELATED CONTENT: A Third Of Black Americans Keep Money Secrets From Partners, Coming As Overspending Grows

RELATED CONTENT: Shark Tank’s Daymond John Grants Disney Dreamer A Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity

Stuart Scott, ESPN, documentary
by Daniel Johnson

April 16, 2024

Stuart Scott Will Be The Focus Of A New ESPN Documentary

Scott passed away in 2015 at the age of 49 following a long battle with cancer, six months after being awarded the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2014 ESPY Awards.

ESPN Films announced on April 12 that it had approved a 30 For 30 documentary honoring Stuart Scott’s life and legacy. Scott, best known for his iconic voice and catchphrases like “boo-yah” and “cooler than the other side of the pillow,” interjected Black culture into SportsCenter, ESPN’s flagship program. 

As Deadline reports, the film will be directed by Andre Gaines. Gaines told the outlet about the profound impact that Scott had on ESPN. “Stuart Scott transcended broadcasting, journalism, sports, and culture in ways that we’re only beginning to really understand and appreciate now,” Gaines said. “He made his mark on so many people, especially young Black men, and his legend has only grown since his passing. The opportunity I’ve had now to examine his life, visit his home, get to know his daughters, Taelor and Sydni, and understand how incredibly vast and rich a life Stuart lived, I can only hope that audiences find the same catharsis I’ve already experienced in making this film.”

Scott passed away in 2015 at the age of 49 following a long battle with cancer, six months after being awarded the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2014 ESPY Awards.

As Deadline reports, the documentary will chronicle his impact on culture, his rise at ESPN, his struggle with divorce, and his fight with cancer. The film, which is currently in production, was described by Marsha Cooke, the vice president and executive producer of ESPN Films, as a perfect tribute to Stuart Scott. 

“We pride ourselves on telling the stories of true originals who changed the world, and Stuart epitomized that in so many ways,” Cooke told Deadline. “This film is the perfect tribute to a man who touched lives in front of and behind the camera. Andre Gaines has begun crafting a film that will shine a new light on who Stuart really was–-from his relationship with Taelor and Sydni to the many people who saw the world differently just from spending time with him. The film will be Stuart through and through–-funny, smart, edgy, touching, and transformational.”

In 2023, his daughters, Sydni and Taelor, appeared on an episode of the Rich Eisen Show, and they talked about how much it meant to them that people had a lot of personal impact stories for them about how their father would make the time to speak to them whenever they approached him in public. His daughters mentioned that Scott did not perform an act for the camera but gave people himself.

Following his death six months after the ESPY speech, the V Foundation honored Scott’s legacy by establishing a cancer research fund. The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund is dedicated to eliminating cancer disparities among Black Americans, inspired by his ESPY speech and dedication to cancer research. The foundation has given nearly $16 million in grant money to support cancer research. The Scott sisters started a campaign, Scoops for Stu, that raises money for cancer research and the V Foundation each year. 

As Jeff Friday, assistant director of Brand Communications for the V Foundation told ABC 11, one of the biggest impacts the foundation has had since its inception has been funding the work of underrepresented cancer researchers. “I think a lot of the ways that we really see disparities in cancer research, one of the main focuses of the Stuart Scott fund, is funding underrepresented researchers. And we hear stories all the time of researchers saying, ‘I couldn’t find funding; I couldn’t get funding for this idea.’ And we’re really proud to invest in communities and invest in researchers that we know will do great things in the future.”

RELATED CONTENT: A Tribute to ESPN Sportscaster Stuart Scott

Quitclaim Deed Scam, Mississippi Homeowner
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 16, 2024

Mississippi Homeowner Labeled A Squatter After Falling Victim To Quitclaim Deed Scam 

This is what the government should be focused on....

A Mississippi homeowner is living a nightmare after falling victim to a scam that caused her to be kicked out of her home and labeled a squatter. 

Marcia Naylor of Olive Branch trusted a local company, introduced to her by a family member, to borrow against her home to assist with her finances after she found herself struggling after her husband passed away.

“He (said he) would borrow money against my house to give me wiggle room,” Naylor said. “I didn’t sign anything. He asked me to share a copy of the deed of trust to my home.”

Shortly after, Naylor was added to a list of victims who signed over their deeds for quick cash from the property’s value. The scammers then file a “quitclaim deed,” leaving it up to a judge to remove her from her home, stating she was squatting. “He upholds that document and tells me I have to be out of my home and that I’ve been squatting in my home for I don’t know how long,” the grandmother of two said. 

Now, she has a $19,000 debt and rents an apartment with her grandkids. 

In a statement, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) defined quitclaim deeds as “an easy way to legally transfer homeownership to someone else.”

However, they mentioned that “scammers are using them to steal property from the rightful owner.” 

The organization highlighted how homeowners are targeted and how to avoid the situation. A scammer will contact homeowners by offering to modify their mortgage and lower payments, but legal documents must be signed first. BBB warns that those signed documents may be paperwork that transfers the title of your home over to the scammer.

Quitclaim deed scams are quietly making rounds across the country. In Dayton, Ohio, a judge ruled that a woman’s property was stolen from her through a similar scam; however, according to the Dayton Daily News, she won’t be getting the property back as the people who purchased it are also victims of the alleged fraudsters, 

Another woman still has her home listed under the names of people to whom she claims she never sold it, although a judge ruled to invalidate the quitclaim deed. Since 2023, the Montgomery County Recorder’s office has received 91 complaints regarding questionable deeds. 

According to the BBB, the best way to avoid the situation is to check your property records, keep an eye on your credit, and never transfer ownership of your property to any mortgage assistance company. Cases such as these are rarely prosecuted criminally due to the length of time that passes before the alleged fraud is found. In the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, fewer than 10 cases are being investigated.

Tape on mouth, Elementary School
by Sharelle B. McNair

April 16, 2024

Elementary School Teacher’s Aide Accused Of Taping Students’ Mouths Shut

What happened to regular spelling bees?

Parents of students at Woodson Elementary School in Illinois are accusing a teacher’s aide of taping students’ mouths shut.

The angry parents said they were alerted that what was supposed to be a fun assignment at the school in Bronzeville was anything but. One parent said she received a phone call from the accused aide saying a game would be played in her 5-year-old son’s kindergarten class but never giving details. Moments later, the school’s principal called with a more detailed account.

“Never, not once, she said what the game was. She never said anything about tape,” the parent, who goes by Jil, said. “Stating that an incident has taken place with a tape. They never said what kind of tape. All I knew was my son was taped,” she said.

Another parent said the T.A. initially told the principal, “They were having a spelling bee, and they didn’t want all the smart kids to blurt out the answers, so they duct-taped their mouths.”

Jil said her son told her that his mouth was taped as well.

The school sent out a letter to parents with a statement about what occurred on Mar. 18 to approximately seven kids. “There have been allegations that one of our staff members engaged improperly with students,” the letter read, according to Local 12.

“An investigation has been initiated by the Office of Student Protections and Title IX (OSP), and this individual has been removed during the investigation.”

The staff member has yet to be named or has charges filed against them; however, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) confirmed they have been made aware of the issue and “the investigation is currently open at this point in time.”

Woodson administrators continued in the letter that they “are taking this situation seriously” and “remain committed to providing your children with a safe, positive learning environment where they can reach their full potential.” School leaders announced they would determine whether the teacher’s aide could return to the school at a later date, but this would be contingent on the results of the investigation.

Bobrisky, Nigerian, Transgender, International, Global
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 16, 2024

Transgender Star Bobrisky Gets 6 Months In Jail For Throwing Nigerian Money

A popular transgender woman in Nigeria has been sentenced to six months in jail for throwing money during a film premiere.

A famous transgender woman in Nigeria has been sentenced to six months in jail for throwing money during a film premiere.

Bobrisky was arrested last month after she allegedly “sprayed” or threw money during the premiere of “Ajakaju” at Film One Circle Mall in the upmarket Lagos district of Lekki, BBC reports. Known as “spraying,” the practice is common in Nigeria at weddings and celebrations, where people throw banknotes as a sign of appreciation.

However, it is still illegal to do as the naira falls onto the ground and can be stepped on, which is deemed disrespectful in the West African country. The conviction holds a maximum sentence of six months in jail.

Authorities swiftly arrested and charged Bobrisky after she threw the money in celebration of the highly awaited film by actress and producer Eniola Ajao. Videos were shared across social media, showing the influencer, who has over five million followers, “spraying” for the banknotes during the public event.

@hiptv__ Throwback video of Bobrisky spraying naira notes. #bobrisky #bobrisky222 #bobriskyoncesaid #throwback #throwbackthursday #throwbackvideo #hiptv #fyp #viral ♬ original sound – HipTv

Bobrisky claims she was unaware that the practice was illegal.

“I am a social media influencer with 5 million followers … I wish I can be given a second chance to use my platform to educate my followers against the abuse of the naira,” she told the judge, via The Star.

Many are criticizing the conviction and calling out the conservative country for its history of harsh treatment against the LGBTQ+ community, including the banning of same-sex relations. Human rights lawyer Festus Ogon has questioned why Bobrisky was “singled out” by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency for the offense and not the others throwing naira.

“Selective enforcement of the law is a problem in Nigeria,” Ogun said.

Presiding Judge Abimbola Awogboro believes Brobrisky’s conviction will deter others from participating in the illegal practice.

“Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop,” Awogboro said.

Vanessa Bryant, Los Angeles Dodgers
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 16, 2024

Vanessa Bryant Gives Los Angeles Dodgers New Kobes

The Major League Baseball team was given the Nike Kobe 6 LA Dodgers PE shoes on Mamba Day, April 13, the eighth anniversary of Kobe Bryant's last game.

On April 13, “Mamba Day,” the anniversary of the late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s last NBA game, his widow, Vanessa, gifted the Los Angeles Dodgers exclusive Kobe footwear.

According to Sports Illustrated, the Major League Baseball team was given the Nike Kobe 6 LA Dodgers PE shoes on April 13, the eighth anniversary of Mamba Day.

Every member of the Dodgers received a pair of custom Kobes. “These are ridiculous,” said Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ manager. “I’m going to rock these with Mamba pride.”

It was an exciting day for Kobe Bryant fans.

According to SportsNation, Nike celebrated Mamba Day when it released three past versions of Kobe sneakers: the Kobe 8 Protro Venice Beach, the Kobe 6 Protro Italian Camo, and the Kobe 4 Protro Philly. Fans and customers could purchase them on the SNKRS app or the Nike site.

All three sneakers cost $190 each. The Kobe 8 Protro Venice Beach was also available for $120 for grade school sizes and $90 for little kids’ sizes.

As a bonus, Nike’s competitor, Adidas, released a Kobe-branded sneaker on Mamba Day. The Adidas Crazy 98 cost $150 and was sold on the Adidas website.

Bryant, who spent his entire career with the Lakers, won the NBA championship five times, was a two-time Finals MVP, and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player.

During his career, he was an 18-time All-Star and the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. Bryant retired in 2016 and scored an NBA season-high 60 points in his final game. The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

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