Aaron Wilson, Kelvin ‘PJ Kev’ Mensah, Approved Jets App
by Stacy Jackson

April 3, 2024

Unlock Luxury Experiences With New Approved Jets App

The new Approved Experiences app offers members exclusive access to a world of luxury services like a social club and 24/7 concierge.

Approved Experiences, the latest venture from Approved Jets, a private aviation brokerage and concierge, has launched an innovative mobile application in Apple’s App Store.

The app caters to the next generation of high-net-worth individuals and six-figure earners, providing exclusive access to a world of luxury experiences. “As we’ve learned from our current customer base, largely very high net worth individuals, their family members seek the same access and personal touch that we deliver,” co-founder Aaron Wilson stated in a press release.

The Approved Experiences app offers an exclusive social club, empty-leg private aviation charters, a luxury marketplace, plus real-time concierge services for travel, dining, and more.

Board member and marketing adviser Jeff Kuhlman praised the app’s innovation, stating, “It’s estimated that 30 to 50 percent of private jet charter fleets fly empty. That’s massively wasteful. The app will give members instant access to dead-head flights, in addition to the other benefits that members have come to expect.”

Amid the luxury travel industry’s rebound to pre-pandemic levels, with a forecasted global market value of $2.3 trillion by 2032, Approved Experiences aims to exceed customer expectations by diversifying suite offerings. Its app’s unique features include tech-enabled social clubs embedded in it. The feature “creates unparalleled networking opportunities for like-minded individuals who have an affinity for lifestyle,” according to Wilson.

Another highlighted spec is a 24/7 concierge for Approved Lux members. “Having the luxury of appointing a member of our team to make dinner arrangements for you, buy and send your significant other flowers, and make elaborate dinner or catering orders are all at your fingertips,” Wilson described.

Approved Jets was launched by Wilson and his brother, Kelvin Mensa. According to BLACK ENTERPRISE, the brothers combined their knowledge across different professions to create their private jet company and concierge service. The company, which has served physicians, attorneys, finance professionals, and celebrities, provides private aviation charter services, aircraft acquisition consultation, and luxury concierge services.

shooting, Howard, homecoming
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 3, 2024

Teen Dies In Crossfire As Mom Tries To Kill Her Child’s Abuser

A vigilante mom in Georgia will serve life in prison for attempting to kill her daughter's abuser, which led to a teen's death.

A Georgia mom seeking justice against her daughter’s sexual abuser has been convicted of murder after another man died in the crossfire. Danyale Harris received a sentence of life in prison for her role in 19-year-old Juan Newkirk’s death.

In March 2020, Harris discovered video footage of her daughter allegedly being abused by 22-year-old Antonio Harley. Despite going to the DeKalb County Police Department to report the crime, Harris ultimately decided to deliver justice on her own. According to a press release, an officer urged Harris not to seek revenge, but she did not heed his advice.

“The officer involved the DKPD Special Victims Unit, took the report, and told Defendant Harris that detectives would get in touch with her,” detailed the statement. “He warned her not to let her anger get the best of her and not to try to get revenge.”

The next day, Harris led a mob of people, including Newkirk, to confront Harley at his apartment building. Three of the people who tagged along had firearms with them.

Harris, asked her 12-year-old daughter, who was with her during the confrontation, to direct her to Harley’s apartment. After an unsuccessful chase of the target man, a member of the vigilante group opened fire into his apartment. When a bullet hit Harley, his brother began to fire back. According to the document, their younger siblings were also inside the home.

Newkirk later died from the exchange of gunfire. For unjustly leading the effort that resulted in the teen’s death, Harris was charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, among other crimes. Two others involved in the deadly manhunt faced charges as well.

A jury trial found Harris guilty of the charges. While she will serve life in prison, prosecutors did note that she had the possibility of parole. As for Harley, his charges include statutory rape, child molestation, and sexual exploitation of children. His case remains pending.

Arrested, Gun, Nashville, divorce, celebrate, Jose Vazquez
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 3, 2024

Tennessee Man Arrested After Firing Shots To Celebrate Divorce

Juan Jose Vasquez is facing more than a dozen charges after he admitted he did so because he had just divorced his wife.

A Tennessee man who was celebrating his divorce from his now ex-wife fired his gun in a celebratory fashion and was arrested.

According to WSMV, 26-year-old Juan Jose Vasquez, who is also known as Craig Jose Miller, is facing more than a dozen charges after he admittedly fired gunshots in downtown Nashville on April 1. He was detained and charged with several crimes, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, theft of property, drug possession, and assaulting officers.

Metro Nashville police officers were called to the scene after receiving a call regarding shots fired at a crowded intersection. When police arrived at the scene, they discovered Miller sitting at the corner of the intersection with a friend. He initially denied firing the gun but later admitted he did so because he had just divorced his wife. He let off eight shots “as a celebration for regaining my freedom,” according to the police affidavit.

WKRN reported that the police officers spoke to a delivery driver who told them that he heard some gunshots and saw Miller “waving a firearm around and shooting off two rounds in different directions.”

The officers reportedly found the gun in a parking lot next to the intersection. They also recovered eight bullet shells and spoke to other people on the scene who identified Miller and said they were placed in danger after he started shooting his gun.

He was brought in for reckless endangerment after a witness told officers that the gunman was Miller.

Police officers stated that they found a THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) pen in the suspect’s pocket and reported he had slurred speech and was not able to take care of himself.

Miller’s friend informed officers that there was “bomb-making material” in a black backpack. They closed the roadway, and when they found the backpack, they discovered reported stolen property from a vehicle break-in that took place earlier that night. The MNPD also confirmed the gun was also stolen from the vehicle.

He reportedly kicked a police officer in the stomach while being arrested and allegedly told law enforcement “he was going to kill all of them regardless if he was in handcuffs or not.”

Coco Gauff, top earning
by Stacy Jackson

April 3, 2024

Carol’s Daughter Is Coco Gauff’s Official Hair Sponsor

The tennis champ has been using Carol's Daughter for years, sporting her natural hair and protective styles on the court.

Tennis star Coco Gauff has landed a groundbreaking multiyear partnership with natural haircare brand Carol’s Daughter.

According to a press release, this collaboration marks the first beauty brand to join Gauff’s portfolio, signifying a powerful move to uplift Black beauty for a new generation. “I’m delighted to announce my partnership with Carol’s Daughter,” Gauff stated. “Their knowledge of natural haircare is unmatched, and I couldn’t be prouder to align with a brand that shares my values.

Spectators have witnessed the 2023 US Open champion sporting her natural curls or protective styles during matches, inspiring others to celebrate their hair.

Lisa Price, Carol’s Daughter’s founder, expressed the profound impact of Gauff’s representation. “The power of seeing someone like Coco in the world of tennis, for me, is a testament to the work that has been done before her,” Price said. “This is what makes this collaboration so special to me.”

In a new PopSugar editorial, the tennis prodigy discussed her commitment to showcasing Black hairstyles on the court. “When I play, I like to wear protective hairstyles because I need low-manipulation looks,” she revealed. “When I was young, I committed myself to showcasing Black hairstyles when I play, and that’s something that I take pride in. Whether it’s box braids, twists, or my natural hair, it’s a form of self-expression that I’m really proud of, especially because you still don’t see it very often in our sport.”

The beauty enthusiast used products by Carol’s Daughter for years before the new sponsorship. “As I’ve matured, I’ve started learning to embrace my hair more, and working with this brand felt like perfect alignment,” she said, acknowledging Price’s emphasis on family. “Given how close I am to mine, this partnership just felt authentic to me.”

Gauff shared her go-to product, the Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner, which she rakes into her hair before a match.

Women In Hip-Hop, NYC Lincoln Center
by Stacy Jackson

April 3, 2024

NYC Lincoln Center Hosts Tribute To Women In Hip-Hop

"Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium" is a tribute to the trailblazing women who helped shape hip-hop culture over the years.

The Lincoln Center, in collaboration with the Hip-Hop Education Center, will host the inaugural “Fresh, Bold & So Def Symposium,” a tribute to women in Hip-Hop, this Friday, April 5, in New York City.

This groundbreaking event aims to highlight the women pioneers who have played a pivotal role in hip-hop culture. According to the event details, the all-day symposium will celebrate the rich tapestry of talent and innovation women contributed to the industry “as a means of empowering future and seasoned artistic leaders.”

Event coordinators have curated panel discussions, keynote speeches, performances, and networking opportunities for attendees.

Friday’s conference schedule will cover discussions on mentorship, negotiation, staying grounded, and challenging the culture. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from trailblazing women who had the audacity to pick up the mic in an all-male-dominated culture in the 1970s, including hip-hop pioneers like MC Sha-Rock, Pebblee Poo, Dr. MC Debbie D, and Lisa Lee. Speaker Dr. Joan Morgan, who coined the term “hip-hop feminism” in 1995, will discuss the evolution, shortfall, and promise of hip-hop feminism. Plus, speaker Wendy Day will provide tips and strategies for negotiating contracts, intellectual property, positions, royalties, and more.

The event will feature captivating dance performances from Full Circle Productions and Ladies of Hip-Hop Dance Collective, adding to the vibrant celebration of women’s contributions to hip-hop.

“Fresh, Bold & So Def” will occur from 2 pm until 11 pm at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall at 1941 Broadway. Entry is $35.00 with a donation-based option at a minimum of $5 to make it accessible to everyone.

In 2023, BLACK ENTERPRISE covered the Lincoln Center’s commemoration of 50 years of hip-hop. The famed performing arts establishment hosted “Hip Hop Week,” a four-day-long event featuring music, dancing, workshops, art installations, and interactive events. Hip-hop moguls across the industry also commemorated this special anniversary with their own announcements, releases, partnerships, appearances, and events, underscoring hip-hop culture’s enduring impact and significance.

Jermaine Dupri, Uncle Luke, Strip Clubs, culture
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 3, 2024

Jermaine Dupri Says Uncle Luke ‘Invented’ Black People Going To Strip Clubs

Jermaine Dupri believes Uncle Luke is the one who sparked the Black community's interest in going to the strip club.

Jermaine Dupri credits Uncle Luke with sparking the Black community’s interest in the strip club scene.

The hip-hop stars are both executive producers on Hulu’s new documentary Freaknik: The Greatest Story Never Told, in which they recall hip-hop’s transition into X-rated territory and how it impacted Black culture, particularly in Atlanta. According to Dupri, Uncle Luke is the one who first brought strip club-inspired activity into his music, igniting a movement.

“The story goes so deep that in Atlanta, all I know is strip clubs, right? And I don’t know Atlanta to not be a place where we don’t have a strip club,” Dupri told Ebro Darden on Apple I.

“[Uncle Luke] was going to strip clubs before Black people. He actually invented Black people going to the strip club, and I don’t think in hip-hop we ever talked about this, ever. He invented Black people going to the strip club in Miami.”

The former 2 Live Crew frontman agreed and recalled a time when the only strip clubs one could attend were predominantly white.

“No [Black] strip clubs in the ’80s. It was only white strip clubs,” Luke said. “Tootsies is the biggest strip club in the world right now. It was a little spot right next to the skating rink that I used to throw the parties at, and the bouncers took me over there and they were like, ‘Yo, you got to check this sh*t out.’”

JD added, “And he was like, ‘I ain’t going to no strip club, white bikers be over there.’ He said, ‘Nobody Black went to the strip clubs in Miami.’”

The Freaknik documentary highlights how Uncle Luke changed the Freaknik street party scene from the predominantly college-geared crowd who dominated the picnic in the ’80s to the wild, “anything goes” type of crowd that took over in the ’90s.

“Atlanta had one club, 112. That was the only club that stayed open until late, and they eventually closed that down when Freaknik got big,” Luke said. “So, we just really brought the party there, our way of partying, and then it became something.”

The Miami native was happy to bring his city’s style of partying to Atlanta and help turn ATL into the strip club oasis it continues to be today.

“Miami is the party capital of the world. We don’t go to sleep,” he added. “We go all night long to the next day.”

RELATED CONTENT: Whoomp, There It Is! Freaknik Documentary Officially Drops On Hulu

Sean Combs, ‘Reckoning’ Doc, Abuse Claims, Slap Story, Janice Combs,
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 3, 2024

Diddy Reportedly Stripped Of Met Gala Invite Amid Federal Investigation

Diddy may have been uninvited to the Met Gala due to a federal investigation and multiple lawsuits.

Sean “Diddy” Combs will not be walking the red carpet at the Met anytime soon. The Met Gala reportedly removed the beleaguered media mogul from its guest list.

The news comes after the FBI raided Diddy’s houses in both Miami and Los Angeles on March 25. He has emerged as a focal point of an alleged sex trafficking investigation, leading to the search warrants on his multiple residences. RadarOnline reports that fashion’s biggest night suspended Diddy’s attendance in light of the investigations.

Prior to the raids, multiple bombshell lawsuits against the former Revolt chairman eroded his reputation. Once a welcomed face in the media, Diddy’s troubles began when his former partner, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, sued him, accusing him of rape and abuse. The December 2023 lawsuit led to others coming forward with their own accusations against the entertainer, ranging from sexual harassment and assault.

Since the settlement he reached with Cassie within 24 hours of her filing, Diddy has maintained a low profile. While he has denied all allegations thus far, the negative attention has led to the removal of some of his invites to public events. Diddy has also stepped away from his various business ventures, including Revolt.

Diddy attended the A-list Met Gala in past years. He and rapper Yung Miami walked the steps in 2023. These days, his current standing in the fashion world remains in jeopardy.

“Now he finds himself grappling not only with the preservation of his reputation but also with the loss of his standing within an industry that has unequivocally distanced itself from him,” explained a source to the National Enquirer.

Diddy was once celebrated for his strides in the industry via his Sean John clothing line. The brand won him the Menswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2004. However, his legacy in all respects is troubled as his legal issues mount.

L.A. Times, LSU
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

April 3, 2024

L.A. Times Writer Apologizes For Racist Language Toward LSU Players

Los Angeles Times writer Ben Bolch apologizes for the racist and sexist language used toward the LSU women's basketball players in a recent article.

A writer for the Los Angeles Times is backtracking after a recent article used sexist and racist descriptions of the LSU women’s basketball team. The team comprises prominent Black female players such as Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese.

In an article written on March 30, ahead of LSU’s game against the UCLA Bruins, Ben Bolch described the highly-anticipated match as “good versus evil.” The evil referred to the Kim Mulkey-led Tigers and her predominately Black squad.

The piece was originally meant to respond to a controversial Washington Post profile on Mulkey. However, it directed numerous insults toward the collegiate girls. While the Bruin athletes were described as classy, LSU were the “villains” of the match. Instead of “America’s sweethearts” on UCLA’s team, LSU had “dirty debutantes” intending to ruin the good nature of the game.

The piece quickly made its rounds on social media to criticism. With the hyper-sexualization and vilification of Black women on full display, Bolch released a “long overdue” apology on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“It has taken me two days to write this apology because I wanted to be as thoughtful as possible in my response to the situation I have created…Words matter. As a journalist, no one should know this more than me. Yet I have failed miserably in my words,” stated Bolch in the April 1 post.

He then acknowledged the misogyny and racism at play in his article and society in general. However, he emphasized his intention to not further fuel these hateful issues through his writing.

“Our society has had to deal with so many layers of misogyny, racism, and negativity that I can now see why the words I used were wrong,” he wrote. “It was not my intent to be hurtful, but I now understand that I terribly missed the mark.”

Those most impacted by his words, LSU’s Black players, have yet to directly comment on the article.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre,Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31
by Stacy Jackson

April 3, 2024

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Says Transgender Day Of Visibility Always Falls On March 31

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed President Joe Biden’s proclamation of Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV) during the White House press briefing on Monday, April 1.

Jean-Pierre stated that TDOV, which landed on Easter Sunday this year, always falls on March 31 and clarified that Easter Sunday varies each year.

When asked about the criticism from conservatives, Jean-Pierre expressed surprise at the misinformation that has circulated. “Every year, for the past several years, on March 31, Transgender Day of Visibility is marked…Easter falls on different Sundays…every year. And this year, it happened to coincide with Transgender Visibility Day. And so, that is the simple fact,” she said.

Jean-Pierre emphasized that “as a Christian who celebrates Easter with family, President Biden stands for bringing people together and upholding the dignity and freedoms of every American.” She referenced a 2021 tweet from Fox, which celebrated Trans Day of Visibility and expressed gratitude for the network’s harmony with President Biden’s recognition of TDOV.

Furthermore, Jean-Pierre firmly stated, “President Biden will never abuse his faith or — for political purposes or for profit…“That is not what this administration is about. That is not what being a leader is about. And this misinformation out there … it’s bad. And it is dividing — it is caused to divide us.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously mentioned that Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock also weighed in on the controversy, blasting Republicans like Speaker Mike Johnson for seemingly trying to “divide” the country over the issue. Warnock, a Baptist pastor, noted the importance of dedicating a day to amplify the transgender community and the varying dates of Easter each year.

His reaction on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday followed a tweet from Johnson, who claimed the Biden White House has “betrayed the central tenet of Easter – which is the resurrection of Jesus Christ” by celebrating the new Trans holiday on Easter Sunday.

International Transgender Day of Visibility was first introduced in 2009.

Kevin Hart, lawsuit, assistant, Tasha K
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 3, 2024

Kevin Hart Believes Ex-Assistant Was Listening To His Private Conversations ‘Through Walls’ In Tasha K Lawsuit

Kevin Hart is going after Tasha K following her messy tell-all with an ex-assistant he believes eavesdropped on his private conversations.

Kevin Hart is the latest celebrity going after gossip vlogger Tasha K following her messy tell-all with his former assistant whom he believes eavesdropped on his private conversations by listening “through walls.”

The comedian/entrepreneur is going full steam ahead with his civil extortion lawsuit against Tasha K, her company Yellen Entertainment, and his former staffer Miesha Shakes. According to the “Night School” star, Shakes’ interview with Tasha K went live on December 22, 2023, after he allegedly refused to pay $250,000 to prevent the video from going up, Radar Online reports.

Hart claims that Shakes, who worked for him from August 2017 to October 2020, made “false and defamatory” statements throughout her explosive sit-down with Tasha K (real name Latasha Kebe). She allegedly lied that the box-office star “made a secret video recording of a romantic encounter I had in Las Vegas 2017 and that I faced criminal charges regarding that surreptitious recording,” according to the suit.

“I did not record any such video, and I have never been criminally charged with doing so,” Hart declared in the filing.

The father of four went on to accuse Shakes of disclosing his “private information” that was not made public including information regarding his infamous 2017 cheating scandal against his wife Eniko Hart.

“For example, she spoke about my interactions with my wife during the time period after revelations regarding the Las Vegas incident had come to light,” the filing states.

According to the docs, Shakes eavesdropped on a private conversation Hart was having with his security guard about the cheating scandal and relayed this information to Tasha K during her interview.

“I understand from speaking with my security personnel, and Shakes admitted during the interview, that Shakes obtained some of the information she discussed in the interview by covertly listening through the walls, with her ear to the wall, to private interactions occurring behind closed doors at our offices,” Hart’s lawsuit states.

Hart is calling out Shakes for her messy tell-all he says caused “damage to my reputation, and thus to my present and future business and financial prospects.”

Tasha K and Shakes have both asked the courts to dismiss the lawsuit. Tasha K cites no wrongdoing or malice in her interview and Shakes claims the non-disclosure agreement she signed was invalid and she didn’t make any derogatory statements in her interview.

Hart is the second high-profile celebrity to take legal action against Tasha K following Cardi B’s victory against the vlogger in a defamation suit that ended last year. Tasha K has been trying to get off the hook from the more than $3.4 million she owes the “Bodak Yellow” rapper. But not even her bankruptcy filing could stop the federal courts from upholding the judgment.

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