Brehanna Daniels, NASCAR, tire changer, pit, member, Naascar
by Stacy Jackson

April 9, 2024

First Black Woman In NASCAR’s Pit Praises Organization’s Diversity Efforts

Daniels says the diversity among the NASCAR pit members is clear and being the first Black woman was an opportunity much bigger than herself.

Brehanna Daniels, NASCAR’s first Black woman pit crew member, is brimming with pride over the organization’s efforts to foster greater diversity.

Although Daniels acknowledges that NASCAR is comprised of predominantly white men, she is impressed with the progress the sport has made in terms of gender and racial inclusion. “I love to see the growth, and I’m really super, super proud of NASCAR,” the 30-year-old told People. “They’ve definitely come a long way. Still coming a long way from when I first joined.”

According to the NASCAR hire, there’s an obvious shift in diversity within the pit crew.

Daniels’ journey with NASCAR commenced in 2016 when the organization’s Drive for Diversity program recruited at her alma mater, Norfolk University. BLACK ENTERPRISE covered her historic accomplishment when she became the first Black woman over-the-wall tire changer in NASCAR’s annals in 2017 and achieved another milestone by the end of that year, becoming part of the inaugural female duo in a NASCAR pit crew.

Reflecting on her initial lack of NASCAR knowledge with People, the former basketball point guard shared, “I did not even watch it. It was so bad that I didn’t even know a pit crew existed.” Daniels admitted her concern. “Before I got into the sport, I was a little nervous because, obviously, anybody that hears NASCAR or heard NASCAR back then, all you think of is Caucasian males…Then I was thinking, why would I want to join a sport where there’s nobody out there that looks like me?”

However, her skepticism to join an organization she knew nothing about eased after learning she would be making history in the role. “Once I found out that I was going to be the first Black woman, I’m like, wait. At this point, it’s much bigger than me,” she said.

Daniels was driven by a desire to “be that example” for little Black girls and other women who aspire to join the professional world of car racing. She released her e-book, How to Become a NASCAR Pit Crew Member, as part of her efforts to boost representation and encourage others to pursue the sport.

Washington University, Protest
by Daniel Johnson

April 9, 2024

Black Students Protest After Racist Incident At Washington University

The association has also been calling for the organizations the students represented, Alpha Phi and Kappa Sigma to be barred from the university and the students who participated in the incident to be expelled.

Following an incident in March involving a group of students allegedly throwing eggs, standing on tables, and using racial slurs in the presence of a group of Black cafeteria workers, Washington University’s Association of Black Students led a sit-in at the dining hall on April 5. 

As the Associated Press reports, the students met in the university cafeteria to express solidarity with the cafeteria workers who were not present the night of the alleged incident and to write them thank-you notes. 

The group posted a statement to Instagram decrying a culture of racism it says pervades not only the St. Louis private university but other elite universities around the country. 

“It shows how racism is still a part of the culture and has been fostered at Washington University, elite institutions, and historically white organizations for far too long.”

David Cook, the president of a food workers union in St. Louis, told the St. Louis Dispatch that although the eggs and racial epithets were not aimed at the dining room workers, they still felt uncomfortable. 

The President of the Association of Black Students, Taylor Robinson, an anthropology major, told the outlet the students were in disbelief about the incident.

“Myself and other students, we talked to the dining workers,” Robinson said. “They serve us food, they ask us how we are, and we care about what happened to them. We could not believe that it was true.”

The association has also called for the organizations the students represented, Alpha Phi and Kappa Sigma, to be barred from the university and for the students who participated in the incident to be expelled. 

Student Life, the independent student newspaper at Washington University, reported that the two organizations have temporarily been suspended due to their connection to the incident. 

According to a worker who remained anonymous due to fear of retaliation, the incident may have been connected to frat week or rush week based on what they heard others say. 

The Dean of Students, Rob Wild, told the paper that the university has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of its employees and that the Office of Student Affairs has been in contact with Dining Services about the incident. 

“The new member process is very traditional for sororities and fraternities,” Wild explained. “Sometimes things happen that are not on the list that’s submitted to us, and if those are violations, we’ll address them with the groups.” 

Robinson said that the university needs to take decisive action, telling the Dispatch, “The university needs to take action when things like this occur on campus. If they could do it to dining workers, who says they wouldn’t do it to a Black student?”

Beyoncé, Billboard Country Albums Chart, Cowboy Carter
by Stacy Jackson

April 9, 2024

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

The "Cowboy Carter" album has also topped the Billboard 200, Americana/Folk Albums, and Top Album Sales charts.

Beyoncé continues to make history with her new Cowboy Carter album as the trailblazing artist became the inaugural Black woman to reign supreme atop Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart.

The multitalented visionary’s eighth solo studio offering, unveiled on March 29, not only conquered the Country Albums arena but also secured the coveted number one positions on the Billboard 200, Americana/Folk Albums, and Top Album Sales charts. Thanks to the album’s success, the Grammy-winning artist was also recognized for surpassing 100 Career Hot 100 Hits, increasing her career total from 85 entries to 106.

Lending her voice in support of Beyoncé’s ventures into the country music realm, Carlene Carter, daughter of the legendary country artist June Carter Cash, issued a poignant statement, according to Entertainment Weekly. “I’ve caught wind of some negativity over the release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, her new country album,” she said, compelled to question “why anyone would treat a Carter this way?” Carlene added, “She is an incredibly talented and creative woman who obviously wanted to do this because she likes country music; in my book, she’s one of us Carter women, and we have always pushed the boundaries by trying whatever music we felt in our hearts and taking spirit-driven risks.”

“Texas Hold ‘Em,” held its own as the album’s lead single, which etched another pioneering accomplishment, becoming the first offering from a Black woman to secure the coveted number-one spot on Billboard‘s Country Songs chart.

Bey’s entrance into the country genre hasn’t been a smooth ride. BLACK ENTERPRISE recently mentioned that representatives from New York City’s esteemed Guggenheim Museum denied giving Beyoncé permission to project a promotional visual for Cowboy Carter onto the museum’s exterior, which contradicted the expectations of eager fans who anticipated witnessing such a spectacle.

In an Instagram post, Beyoncé shed light on the album’s genesis, revealing that it stemmed from a past encounter where she “did not feel welcomed.” Her explanation to fans stated, “Because of that experience, I delved deeply into the annals of Country music, meticulously studying our rich musical heritage.”

The multi-talented artist enlisted the talents of revered collaborators whom she profoundly respects, including the iconic country singer Dolly Parton.

Charlotte Hornets, Lindsey Harding, Head Coach
by Stacy Jackson

April 9, 2024

Charlotte Hornets Cleared To Interview Lindsey Harding For Head Coach Position

The former WNBA st aris vying for a historic position as the team's head coach, following her recognition as NBA G League Coach of the Year.

The Charlotte Hornets have obtained clearance to conduct an interview with former WNBA star Lindsey Harding for their vacant head coaching position.

Should Harding secure this coveted role, she would etch her name in basketball history as the first woman to assume the mantle of head coach for an NBA franchise, The Athletic reported.

The former Duke standout, who coached the Stockton Kings to success in the NBA G League, etched a remarkable achievement last week by becoming the inaugural woman to be bestowed with the NBA G League Coach of the Year accolade, a testament to her adept guidance of the Stockton Kings to an impressive 24-10 regular-season record.

As the current season draws to a close, Steve Clifford is poised to relinquish his duties as the Charlotte Hornets’ head coach, with the expectation of transitioning into a front-office role within the organization, according to ESPN. Jeff Peterson, the newly appointed executive vice president of basketball operations for the Hornets, underscored the team’s commitment to conducting an extensive search process, stating, “We will look to hire someone that shares our values and vision in developing our young core and creating a culture and identity based on teamwork, accountability, and competitiveness.”

In a 2022 NCAA podcast interview with Bonnie Bernstein, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the need for greater female representation in professional basketball. “In jobs that aren’t about how high you can jump, or how strong you are, or how tall you are, things should be completely equal,” Silver said. “I think you’re going to see that over time in the coaching ranks.” While Silver commended the increasing presence of female officials in NBA games, he conceded that coaching staffs had lagged behind, attributing it to “a bias in the system” and the ongoing development of a new pool of candidates. “I would be hugely disappointed, if certainly, in five years, we haven’t seen our first female head coach in the NBA.”

The Athletic noted that Becky Hammon made history in December 2020 when when she became the pioneering woman to assume the role of head coach in an NBA game after Gregg Popovich’s ejection from the San Antonio Spurs’ face-off against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Joel Embiid, sketchers
by Rafael Pena

April 9, 2024

NBA Superstar Joel Embiid Partners With Skechers

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, has set the basketball world abuzz once again – in a surprising move, donning his new pair of Skechers.

Andscape reports that following his triumphant return to the court, Joel Embiid, the towering force behind the Philadelphia 76ers, has set the basketball world abuzz once again. In a surprising move, Embiid stepped onto the court on April 2, donning the Skechers SKX Float, signaling a potential shake-up in basketball sneakers.

Embiid showcased his prowess on the court, tallying 24 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Amid the spotlight of his stellar play, the reigning NBA MVP seized the moment to unveil his latest endeavor with Skechers, according to Sports Illustrated. The towering 7-footer donned his new Skechers in a striking “white/black/orange” colorway, marking a significant shift in his footwear choices. These hoop shoes are available for $140 in adult sizes on the Skechers website and represent a new chapter in Embiid’s athletic journey.

Moreover, Skechers’ burgeoning presence underscores a paradigm shift in athlete endorsement deals. Gone are the days when athletes exclusively vied for contracts with industry behemoths like Nike and Adidas. With Skechers’ meteoric rise in sales, surpassing $8 billion in 2023, and its recent collaborations with luminaries like Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg, the brand emerges as a formidable contender in the competitive footwear landscape.

The reported partnership between Embiid and Skechers underscores a broader trend in the endorsement market, where athletes increasingly prioritize factors beyond traditional shoe deals. From part ownership to long-term brand-building opportunities, players seek partnerships that align with their values and aspirations for sustained success.

Last year, Embiid announced a partnership in movie production with LeBron James’s Springhill Company. Embiid’s production studio is called Miniature Géant; among its initial endeavors, the company is embarking on a documentary project tracing Embiid’s remarkable journey from the streets of Yaoundé, Cameroon, to his current stature as a six-time NBA All-Star crowned most valuable player of the league in recent times.

Drones, Insurance, Homes, aerial, graphics, insurance companies, claims, denied
by Daniel Johnson

April 9, 2024

Insurance Companies Reportedly Using Drones To Deny Insurance Claims

Insurance companies are increasingly pulling images from a network of drones, planes, and high-altitude balloons which cover a majority of the United States in order to review and deny homeowners coverage for policyholders.

A new report from The Wall Street Journal revealed that some insurance companies have been using footage captured by drones to deny homeowners insurance coverage. Some homeowners say that the images used to justify the cancellation of their coverage are inaccurate. 

Cindy Pecos, a California resident, told Business Insider that although she conducted an independent investigation that refuted the company’s cancellation, her insurer still dropped her based on the images they had on file. 

Despite the inaccuracy of the images captured by the drones, including outdated images, insurance companies are increasingly pulling from a network of drones, planes, and high-altitude balloons that cover a majority of the United States. The companies then use the images captured from these sources to review and deny homeowners coverage for policyholders. 

In 2023, CJ Sveen told ABC 7 that his insurance company informed him that he had lost his insurance based on aerial photos that depicted hazards in his yard. Similar to Pecos, he was denied access to photos of his property. After receiving a letter informing him that his insurer was canceling his policy because there was “debris, hazardous conditions, tires or a dilapidated car” on his property, he gave them a call because no one had come to his home to physically inspect it.

“And they said, ‘Oh, we sent over a drone.’” Sven recalled. “And, like, they have a drone that they sent over my property. Just flew into my yard. So, very shocked, yeah. I guess the old-school way would be to knock on your door; I guess they don’t do that anymore, they send a drone.”

California State Automobile Association (CSAA) Insurance Group told ABC 7 that they don’t have a drone, but they rely on “proprietary aerial imagery” and said those images may be captured by “fixed-wing airplane or satellite.”

They also informed the outlet that people can use services like Google Earth 3D if they want to get an idea of what insurance companies are looking at in order to make their decisions on homeowner policies. 

According to an investigation by WHEC, Rhett VanScoter, an insurance agent who runs VanScoter Insurance Agency, said that insurance companies are using the images to avoid any risk of having to pay out claims. As a result, they are purchasing the aerial images captured by third parties.

VanScoter also informed the outlet that he believes the insurance companies who use the images are justified, even though homeowners are not notified of any review of their policies until they receive a letter of denial from an insurer. 

“I think it is (justified). The insurance companies, unfortunately, they have lost money on homeowner’s insurance for five of the past six years. So they have to do whatever they can to get back to profitability.”

RELATED CONTENT: Police: Atlanta HOA Didn’t Pay Insurance Money to 18 Families Displaced by Fire

FINANCE, GOALS, WANTS IT ALL, TIPS, WORK LIFE , financial literacy, camp, kids, millionaire, webinar, BALANCE, FINANCIAL, job, day job, career
by Kandiss Edwards

April 9, 2024

Use Financial Literacy Month To Get Those Finances In Order

April 1 marked the first day of Financial Literacy Month. During this month, we'll be sharing tips on how to improve your financial literacy and how to pass along your knowledge to others.

Originally Published Apr. 2, 2014.

April 1 marked the first day of Financial Literacy Month. During this month, we’ll be sharing tips on how to improve your financial literacy and how to pass along your knowledge to others.

Here are a few things you can do in honor of this month:

Enroll in a webinar

There are plenty of free financial literacy tools you can take advantage of. For example, Money Management International has a web series on personal financial management. Topics include goal setting, credit reporting, managing credit, debt repayment, and budgeting.

Sign up for a money camp

If you have children or know children who could benefit from a financial literacy course, look into enrolling them in a money camp. One such camp is Camp Millionaire, which has money camps both nationally (such as Atlanta, California, and Virginia) and internationally (such as Australia, Brazil, and Canada). For more information on money camps, read Take Your Kids to Money School!

Pick up a book

There are many personal finance books that will assist you with building your financial literacy. For a beginner’s guide to money, try checking out Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson (Wiley Publishing Inc.; $21.99) and The Random Walk Guide to Investing: Ten Rules for Financial Success by Burton G. Malkiel (W. W. Norton & Co. Inc.; $15.95).

RELATED CONTENT: How To Manage Finances For Senior Family Members

Elderly, tax breaks, parents, children, elderly, deduction, file, taxes, sandwich generation, sandwich
by John Simons

April 9, 2024

If You’re Caring For An Elder You Qualify For These Tax Benefits

Uncle Sam has a few tax breaks this season to ease pressure on the so-called Sandwich Generation.

Originally Published Apr. 6, 2011.

Uncle Sam has a few tax breaks this season to ease pressure on the so-called Sandwich Generation.

Demographic trends and the sour economy are forcing families to come together to provide for older relatives. The number of young adults “sandwiched” between raising young children and aiding elderly parents is 23%, according to a recent Pew Research Center study. Another 7 to 10 million adults are caring for aging parents long-distance. Caregivers are spending thousands yearly to care for elderly family members. The same survey found that more than a third of caregivers were forced to quit jobs, take early retirement, reduce hours, or take a leave-of-absence to provide elder care themselves.

Unfortunately, many taxpayers remain unaware that tax laws allow them to write off some of the expense of elder care. “Whether you’re providing that care yourself, or you’ve hired a caregiver, you should take advantage of the tax breaks that are a true gift in these troubled economic times,” says Peter Ross, CEO of Senior Helpers, a leading provider of in-home senior care.

If you’re caring for elderly parents, here are two things you can do this season to reduce your tax burden, according to Perspective Accounting Services, a Raleigh, North Carolina tax preparation consultancy:

Claim your parent as a dependent

Your parent’s income, excluding Social Security, must be less than the amount of the personal exemption. For 2023, the personal exemption was $4,700. For 2024 tax year, it’s $5,050. In addition, you must provide more than 50% of a parent’s financial support to claim them as a dependent. You can claim more than one parent as a dependent if both meet the income and support guidelines. If a parent lives with you, you can include a percentage of your mortgage and utilities.

Deduct your parent’s medical expenses

If you contribute to a parent’s health care expenses and pay the health care provider yourself (versus giving your parent the money to pay), you may qualify to deduct costs – even if you can’t claim the parent as a dependent. To claim this deduction, you must provide at least 50% of your parent’s financial support. You don’t have to meet the income threshold. This deduction is limited to medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Nursing home costs, in-home health care, dental care, and prescription drugs are some of the expenses that qualify. Also, you can include your own unreimbursed medical expenses when calculating these total costs.

Before making any deductions on your taxes, be sure to consult a trained tax consultant.

RELATED CONTENT: Two-Thirds Of Americans Believe They Pay Too Much In Taxes

Terrence Howard, Diddy, Sean Combs
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 9, 2024

Terrence Howard (and His Hair) Emerges from Retirement, Confusing the Internet

Terrence Howard got attention with his latest interview after wearing a feathered wig while discussing his legal woes and industry gripes.

Terrence Howard got the attention he was seeking with his latest interview after wearing a Farrah Fawcett-esque wig while discussing his legal woes and industry gripes.

The Oscar-nominated actor got candid about why he was forced out of retirement to pay millions in a criminal tax evasion lawsuit and his complaints against Creative Arts Agency (CAA), Disney, and Fox. In a nearly two-hour interview on Straight Talk with host Daphne Joy, Howard explained his legal pursuit against the media giants due to his complaints of pay disparity and having his Hustle & Flow persona used without his permission during his time starring on the hit scripted series Empire.

“I had an issue at Fox and Disney because…the image that you see of us in Empire, profile, that came from a still shot from Hustle & Flow, they took that, flipped that, and put it on everything,” Howard claimed.

“They took the trademark of it, sold it around the world, didn’t ask my permission…That image is worth $100 million at least for how much money that they made from it. We got a forensic photographer to find the actual frame.”

With the Iron Man star being represented by CAA while starring on Empire, he’s going after the mega-agency for allegedly taking part in the shady business dealings that garnered a lowball payout when compared to his white counterparts on the Big Bang Theory.

“They were getting $2 million, damn near $3 million an episode. Those white kids…that had no name recognition, no Oscar nominations, none of that. We have 28 million viewers, and these jokers are paying me $325,000 an episode.”

The Best Man star is convinced that his agents at CAA were profiting from the pay disparity he faced at Fox and is going after them for over $100 million in what he feels he’s owed.

“Every year, I’m asking my agents what’s going on…I didn’t know that the packaging deal…my agents were incentivized to keep my pay low. They owe me over $120 million based on what would’ve been paid to white counterparts, so now I’m in the process of suing them,” he shared.

He also calls out a $666 paycheck he allegedly received after demanding his back-owed funds from CAA.

“When I asked about my money, they sent me a check for $666 dollars….666 exactly…So I was like, y’all trying to threaten me. This is a threat right here. And y’all think I’m scared? Y’all think I’m going to be quiet? Because I wonder what you’re doing to every other Black artist,” Howard said.

Elsewhere, Howard opened up about his tax evasion case that resulted in a federal judge in Philadelphia ordering him to pay a $1 million penalty in back taxes last month. The actor is accused of trying to dodge his tax payments due to his belief that it is “immoral” to tax the descendants of slaves.

As serious as the talking points in Howard’s interview were, his choice of wearing a feathered wig during the tell-all has the internet in shambles. After a clip of the interview surfaced online, many clowned Howard’s hairpiece instead of supporting his gripes against the entertainment industry.

“What’s up with the pimp hair cut,” one user wrote.

“Charlie’s angels hair is crazy 😂,” added someone else.

Howard might’ve wanted to attract buzz around his latest interview and opted to pull out the feathery look to garner attention.

RELATED CONTENT: Terrence Howard Claims He Reinvented Physics With ‘New Hydrogen Technology’ He Wants To Gift to Uganda

partial solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, sun, moon, watchers, solar, celestial
by Rafael Pena

April 9, 2024

Skywatchers Unite: The Solar Eclipse Captured America’s Attention For 4.5 Minutes

Celestial enthusiasts geared up for Monday's solar eclipse with excitement among those eager to witness the dance between the moon and the sun.

As celestial enthusiasts geared up for the April 8 solar eclipse, excitement brewed among those eager to witness the cosmic dance between the moon and the sun. While some lucky individuals basked in the full glory of totality, others could still marvel at the celestial spectacle, albeit through a partial view, according to WSBTV.

According to NASA, a significant portion of the contiguous U.S. was able to experience varying degrees of the eclipse, with certain states falling within the path of totality, including Texas, New York, Maine, and others. Viewers saw a breathtaking display in these regions as the moon completely obscured the sun, revealing the elusive solar corona.

NASA offered a user-friendly tool that provides insights based on zip code. Univision also provided an interactive simulation, allowing users to visualize the eclipse’s progression across the sun.

However, clear skies were essential for optimal viewing, and predicting favorable conditions was challenging. The Wall Street Journal developed a tool harnessing weather data to help enthusiasts identify cloud-free areas, crucial for an unobstructed view of the eclipse. While long-range forecasts may be unreliable, experts advised monitoring local forecasts daily, particularly in the days leading up to the event.

According to The Wall Street Journal, seasoned eclipse chaser Jay Anderson emphasized the importance of consistent forecast patterns, suggesting that reliable predictions typically emerge three to five days before the eclipse.

“Everything is going to plug up as people get into the eclipse track. So you pretty much have to plan early and don’t plan massive amounts of driving on the day of,” stated Anderson to The Wall Street Journal.

 Brian Brettschneider of the National Weather Service highlights the significance of the 48-hour mark, signaling a dependable forecast for eclipse gazers to finalize their travel plans.

Die-hard eclipse chasers like Anderson meticulously analyzed cloud cover to secure prime viewing spots with clear skies. Understanding cloud dynamics is crucial, as these atmospheric phenomena could obscure the eclipse’s brilliance. With approximately 70% of the Earth shrouded in clouds at any given time, strategic planning was essential to maximize viewing opportunities.

While millions across North America witnessed a partial eclipse, those who sought an unparalleled experience positioned themselves within the path of totality, stretching from central Mexico to northeastern Newfoundland; the path offered a front-row seat to the celestial spectacle, with the moon enveloping the sun for up to 4 ½ minutes.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Inmates Allowed To See The Upcoming Eclipse Following Lawsuit Win

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