by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 20, 2024

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Unveils Bench Dedication For Memphis Trailblazer Velma Lois Jones

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is honoring a Memphia trailblazer for her decades of history-making service.

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A Memphis trailblazer is being honored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in response to her decades of history-making service.

On Aug. 17, Ms. Velma Lois Jones was honored by Phi Lambda Omega Chapter members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. with a bench dedication and unveiling at LeMoyne-Owen College, WMC reports. The community pioneer was celebrated for her years of leadership, including serving as the former Alpha Kappa Alpha International Parliamentarian, the 13th South Eastern Regional Director of the organization, and the first woman elected President of the NAACP Memphis Branch.

While on the LeMoyne-Owen Board of Trustees, Jones was named parliamentarian after becoming the longest-serving national alumni president in the organization’s history. As an educator with Memphis City Schools, Jones served on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. She was the first African American teacher elected president of the Tennessee Education Association.

Phi Lambda Omega Chapter members stressed the importance of honoring trailblazers like Jones for their groundbreaking contributions to the local community.

“This event is so important because it’s important that we understand the work that has gone before us,” a Phi Lambda Omega Chapter member told Local Memphis. “We wouldn’t be able to do the things that we do or stand where we stand had it not been for people like Soror Velma Lois Jones.”

“So it is important that we not only recognize their contributions but also make a permanent mark of their contributions. And we’ve done that at LeMoyn-Owens College today,” she added.

The bench dedication comes one month ahead of Jones’s 90th birthday.

Bench dedications symbolize that Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has celebrated great service leaders by giving them their flowers for their respected contributions. Last August, the Psi Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. hosted a commemorative marker and bench dedication ceremony to honor Cynthia J. Finch, the 22nd South Eastern Regional Director. Sorors celebrated Finch’s outstanding work in the local Tennessee community and within the sorority.

• News

by Daniel Johnson

August 20, 2024

Haitian Migrants, $2M In Marijuana Seized In Turks And Caicos

According to Royal Turks and Caicos Police Commissioner Edvin Martin, 'The trafficking of illicit contraband, such as cannabis, into the Turks and Caicos Islands is an offense with serious penalties,'

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After several boats carrying migrants landed in Turks and Caicos between Aug.16-20, authorities discovered more than $2 million worth of marijuana as they detained 217 undocumented migrants that sailed from the northern coast of Haiti to the island.

According to the Miami Herald, typically, marijuana comes from the opposite coast due to its proximity to Jamaica. This has caused some questions to arise about the origin of the marijuana and how it got into the boats that transported the migrants. 

On Aug. 16, 15 migrants and $131,660 worth of marijuana were seized, then the next day, two more boats carrying 41 migrants were discovered along with more marijuana, which totaled approximately $2,704,932.

On Aug. 18, yet another boat was caught near West Caicos. The vessel in question contained 144 migrants who were turned over to the Border Force to be processed and eventually repatriated to Haiti. Later, on Monday morning, at approximately 4:50 am, 17 more migrants were apprehended. 

According to Royal Turks and Caicos Police Commissioner Edvin Martin, “The trafficking of illicit contraband, such as cannabis, into the Turks and Caicos Islands is an offense with serious penalties,” Martin continued, saying that the police and other authorities “are resolute in finding the people involved in the smuggling of people and trafficking of illegal drugs and will pursue all leads to bring them to justice.”

According to The Hill, the mission undertaken by Kenyan police and backed by the United States has, so far, been struggling to complete its mission of restoring order to Haiti following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse.

Georges Fauriol, a senior advisor with the Latin America program at the U.S. Institute of Peace, told the outlet that the project is moving slower than most expected.

“This is not moving at the speed that I think everyone expected,” said Fauriol. “The Multinational Security Support (MSS) itself is sort of a three-legged vehicle that is missing a wheel, and everyone’s trying to figure out whether to rebuild the whole vehicle or whether to stop and actually add another wheel.” 

According to Robert Fatton, an expert on Haiti and a professor at the University of Virginia, acting Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille needs to take action and make fewer promises.

“Adding 1,500 more troops, that might help. It might prevent further advances from the gangs, but the more you wait, the less legitimate is the government,” Fatton told The Hill. “The prime minister has promised all kinds of things, [but] his promises [have] not materialized at all.  

“He runs the risk of overpromising and to generate disenchantment, which probably will eventually occur again in greater instability..So I’m not that optimistic unless there is rightful change.” 

RELATED CONTENT: Biden Administration Extends Protected Status For Up To 309,000 Haitian Migrants

• Food

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 20, 2024

Usher’s Mom, Jonnetta Patton, Is Her Own Culinary Superstar With New Food Business

The momager has now embarked on the food industry with her new businesses.

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Jonnetta Patton is known for her managerial prowess, especially in how it has elevated her son, R&B legend Usher’s career. However, the former “momager” is now going from stages to smokehouses with her new food truck.

Her new claim-to-fame, J’s Smokehouse, opened in metro Atlanta on Aug. 2. According to WSB-TV, the entrepreneur’s current passion is the food industry.

“I enjoyed 17 years of creating one of the biggest artists in the world,” explained Patton. “I’m doing the same thing with my [cooking] incubator and now J’s Smokehouse.”

However, Patton has revitalized the traditional barbecue menu for a more inclusive selection.

She added, “What makes the menu different are our options, are vegan options. We have a pulled pork sandwich, and we have a vegan hot dog in the smokehouse. And they are amazing.”

To support his mom’s new venture, Usher stopped by its grand opening to get some good food. Patton shared that Usher was immensely proud of her.

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While Patton’s success is well underway, her son has faced some setbacks as he begins his latest world tour. Off the heels of a successful Las Vegas residency, the 45-year-old had to postpone his first slew of concerts in Atlanta.

“He always wants to give you the best, and it was just very stressful,” Patton said. “It was very, very stressful, but he’s OK. And his doctors have advised him to just rest. He needs to rest because he’s a hard worker coming off a Super Bowl and then all that in between. It was too much.”

Despite the delayed start, Usher is preparing for the rest of his world tour to commence. In the meantime, Patton not only has her own food truck but also a culinary incubator to indulge all chefs in a shared kitchen experience.

RELATED CONTENT: Usher Postpones Tour To Rest And Heal, ‘I Can’t Physically Give You My Best’

• Women

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 20, 2024

Sisters Adamma And Adanne Ebo Sign Overall Deal With Sony Pictures TV To Create Drama, Comedy, Animation Series

The American-Nigerian identical twin sisters Adamma and Adanne Ebo inked an overall deal with Sony Pictures Television.

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The American-Nigerian identical twin sisters behind the “Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul” feature film have inked an overall deal with Sony Pictures Television.

As part of the deal, Adamma and Adanne Ebo will develop, create, and produce drama, comedy, and animation series for all platforms, Deadline reports. It’s a job that’s completely up their alley as the sisters boast writing credits on Amazon Prime’s Emmy-nominated series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” and “Batman: Caped Crusader.”

Adamma Ebo has worked heavily alongside Donald Glover in director roles for scripted series like “Atlanta” and “Swarm.” Her next directing project includes Peacock’s mystery-drama series “Poker Face” Season 2. The two Spelman College graduates are elated to bring their talents to Sony Pictures Television.

“Sony is incredibly creator-forward, and for writers like us who have a ‘variety is the spice of life’ attitude for what we love to create and consume as avid TV lovers, partnering with the type of studio that truly supports creator-driven ideas is refreshing, creatively stimulating, and freeing,” the sisters said in a statement. “We can’t wait to make some really dope television with them.”

Sony executives expressed their excitement about welcoming Adamma Ebo, a UCLA Film School graduate, and Adanne Ebo, a Northwestern Law School graduate.

“Adamma and Adanne are dynamic and talented creators, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the Sony family,” Lauren Stein, Head of Creative, Sony Pictures Television Studios, said. “We are excited to support and explore their unique creative vision and storytelling in drama, comedy, and animation.”

The Ebo sisters’ new overall deal with Sony Pictures Television comes exactly two years after they signed a multiyear overall deal with studios’ 20th Television and 20th Television Animation to develop, create, and produce live-action and animated series for all platforms. Under the deal, the sisters created “Supashawty Girls” and “Funkamatic Bangbang” in development with 20th Television Animation for Freeform, where they served as writers and executive producers alongside Tiffany Haddish and Melanie Clarik.

RELATED CONTENT: Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright Charles Fuller Dies at 83

• HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 20, 2024

Record Enrollment May Not Be Enough For North Carolina HBCU, Donations Needed For Scholarships

The school has launched an emergency aid campaign to financially clear all its incoming students.

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Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) has started the school year with a record-breaking enrollment. However, the North Carolina HBCU needs to secure funding for its prospective students to keep them there.

The university’s president, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, assures WSOC-TV that they intend to welcome this latest cohort of students. This year’s allotment also greatly surpasses 2023, with 1,378 students entering the Charlotte-based school. Of this historic number, 604 identify as freshmen.

“I think what people would say to me is that it’s a new era of excellence,” stated Kinloch. “It’s important for us to understand how to attract students to this institution, how to create the energy, how to make sure that they are seen, they are welcome.”

This year also marks the school’s highest enrollment since before the pandemic. While the campus celebrates this milestone, some students cannot fully participate in the festivities.

Although many hope to begin classes this fall, financial concerns still loom over their academic futures at JCSU. The university has launched an emergency aid campaign to ensure the campus adequately serves this number of students.

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It seeks to raise $250,000 in 10 days to financially clear all prospective students as the fall semester begins. Moreover, 300 students need this funding by Aug. 30.

Thus far, the school has asked its extended community to give back and support these upcoming HBCU scholars. Many in need have exhausted all other options, such as federal aid and additional scholarships, yet a gap remains for them to pursue their studies.

“When we talk about an average gap for students, you’re looking at anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000,” said Davida Haywood, JCSU vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. “After whatever federal financial aid they receive or merit-based scholarships they may receive, what’s left is the responsibility of students and their families. We’re trying to help our students with that gap.”

The effort to support these students continues, while donations can be made on JSCU’s website.

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 20, 2024

Anthony Edwards Reveals Being Drug-Tested After Winning Gold Medal At Olympics

The Minnesota Timberwolves player was tested along with Phoenix Suns player, Kevin Durant and Golden State Warriors player, Stephen Curry

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A conversation during the Fanatics Fest over the weekend (Aug. 17) in New York City revealed that three of Team USA’s basketball team members were tested for drugs after the United States won the gold medal game 98-87 over France.

During the discussion, led by former NBA player Jalen Rose at the “Boardroom Talks” segment of the weekend, Minnesota Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards, who was on stage with Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant, they told Rose and the audience that the celebration with the team was shortlived when he, Durant, and Golden State Warriors player, Stephen Curry were pulled aside to take a drug test.

“After the gold medal—I’m not going to lie—me and him [gestures to Durant] had a—what do they call it?—a drug test,” Edwards said. “We couldn’t even celebrate in the locker room because me, him, and Steph had to take like a drug test or something.”

Rose commented that Curry should have been given a drug test after his shooting performance against Serbia during the competition.

“He supposed to have got one after the first Serbia game,” Edwards said after Rose made the statement.

Anthony Edwards says Steph Curry got drug tested after the gold medal game in Paris. He also mentioned that he and KD were also tested.

(via @boardroom)
pic.twitter.com/a4D9QWpTxG

— TheWarriorsTalk (@TheWarriorsTalk) August 20, 2024

In the game before the gold medal contest, Curry, who had exhibited lackluster play since Team USA stepped foot in Paris, had a breakout, typical Curry game when the United States team played against Serbia. He ended up shooting in the fashion we have come to know, scoring 36 points when Team USA sent Serbia to the bronze medal game with a 95-91 victory. Curry then scored 24 points in the gold medal game, earning the highest score in the basketball contest.

Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, with his consistent play through the tournament, won the MVP award for his work during the Olympic competition.

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

August 20, 2024

Beyoncé Pays Homage To Great-Grandfather With New SirDavis Whisky

Beyoncé sought out Moët Hennessy to bring her whisky ideals to life with the SirDavis creation, honoring four generations of a family legacy.

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In a first-of-its-kind joint venture, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) have unveiled SirDavis, a new take on American whisky.

The award-winning spirit, finished, blended, and bottled in Texas, pays homage to the Grammy Award-winning singer’s great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, and her Southern heritage. The backbone of SirDavis is composed of a rare American offering of 51% rye and 49% malted barley, combining the robust and deep flavors of classic American rye with Japanese and Scotch-inspired textures. “I’ve always been drawn to the power and confidence I feel when drinking quality whisky and wanted to invite more people to experience that feeling,” said Knowles-Carter, founder of SirDavis, in a press release. “In partnering with Moët Hennessy, we have crafted a delicious American whisky that respects tradition but also empowers people to experience something new and unique in the category.”

Moët Hennessy selected Master Distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden to oversee the creation of SirDavis, which honors the legacy of the Texas native’s paternal great-grandfather, who was known to stash whisky bottles in cedar trees for friends and family during his years as a farmer and moonshiner in the American South during Prohibition. SirDavis challenges the category norms in the whisky space, according to Lumsden. “The distinctive grain selection and unusual secondary maturation in sherry casks helped us achieve a signature profile completely unique to SirDavis, one of bold sophistication,” the award-winning distiller said. Knowles-Carter had hands in the creation of the tall, luxurious bottle that features ribbed glass and a black medallion with a regal bronzed horse, which salutes the singer’s Texas roots.

The partnership speaks to Knowles-Carter’s fascination with Japanese whisky and Moët Hennessy’s mission to expand in the American market. LVMH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bernard Arnault said the collab between the Grammy Award-winning artist and the world-leading luxury goods company is “a testament of the unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, heritage and innovation.”

The “Texas Hold ‘Em” artist shared the arrival of SirDavis on Aug. 20 in a series of Instagram photos, posing in a white lace ensemble.

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Before its launch, SirDavis has been awarded Best In Class for American Whiskey from the 2023 SIP Awards, a Gold Medal from the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition, and a 93-point rating from the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

SirDavis is headquartered in Houston, Texas. The new whisky is available for pre-order via the SirDavis website for $89. The product will make its September 2024 debut in stores and select airports across the U.S. ((LAX/JFK/SFO) and retailers in London, Paris, and Tokyo.

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Is Queen Bey Approved! VP Granted Access To Use ‘Freedom’ Song In Campaign

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 20, 2024

More Kobe Bryant Memorabilia Sells For Over A Million Dollars At Auction

A 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature Kobe Bryant Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card was sold for $1,584,643

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More Kobe Bryant memorabilia was sold for over a million dollars over the weekend on Aug. 18.

According to a social media post by Goldin Auctions, an Upper Deck trading card of Kobe Bryant, signed by the late Los Angeles Lakers legend, was sold for $1,584,643. The item was a 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature Kobe Bryant Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card.

Final Sale Price on this 2003-04 Upper Deck Ultimate Collection Ultimate Logos Signature Kobe Bryant Signed Game-Used Logoman Patch Card: $1,584,643

Email us at Sell@Goldin.co to consign your Kobe or Basketball Collectibles! pic.twitter.com/8STv5sC3zx

— Goldin (@GoldinCo) August 18, 2024

The demand for Kobe gear is still high, even years after his untimely death in 2020. In April, a championship ring was auctioned off for a record-breaking $927,200. That is the highest price anyone has ever paid for an NBA championship ring. The amount surpassed the $705,000 made at an auction in 2021 for Bill Russell’s first championship ring from 1957.

Earlier this month, Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, unveiled her design for the LA 2028 Olympics, inspired by her late husband. In a social media video, Vanessa spoke about her husband and his contributions to the Olympics.

“Kobe was the ultimate athlete, and he took his role as an Olympian very seriously,” she stated. “He was so proud to represent our country. He considered his two gold medals part of his proudest professional accomplishments. His dedication to sport transcended basketball. As a spectator, he especially loved to show up for his fellow athletes and take in the competition at the world’s highest level.”

 

 

 

 

 

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RELATED CONTENT: Kobe Bryant’s 2000 NBA Championship Ring Sold For $927K At Recent Auction

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 20, 2024

Chaos Erupts As Protesters Break Through Security Fence Outside Democratic National Convention 

Close to 100 people breached the fence outside of the DNC as protesters where heard chanting, "Whose streets? Our streets!"

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A peaceful protest allegedly turned violent after pro-Palestian protesters pushed through a security fence and made it into the security perimeter for the Democratic National Convention (DNC), causing a standoff between demonstrators and police officers, CBS News reports. 

An official protest was moved away on Aug. 19 shortly after 4:30 p.m., but a number of protesters stayed and broke through the first designated fence, which was approximately two blocks from the United Center, where day one of the DNC was taking place. As the group attempted to make it through the second fence, giving access to the arena, the group was heard chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!”

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling was overheard alerting officers of the situation. “They breached a fence. They got into the outer perimeter,” Snelling said. “They were trying to get into the perimeter. They were shaking the fence on the other side.” 

As CBS correspondent Tara Molina started to wrap up a live shot of the action, protesters attempted to block cameras with their signs as a signal of not wanting things to be captured on video. Shortly after, bottles were allegedly thrown at police, resulting in officers gearing up with gas masks and riot gear. Some officers, including U.S. Capitol Police, were seen with pepper balls, primarily used to disperse crowds. Close to 100 people breached the fence, with at least four arrested. 

According to Fox 32 Chicago, a man allegedly used a sledgehammer to dismantle the secure fence. Officers stayed on the scene until 5:15 p.m. By 6 p.m., officers were seen fixing the security fences and standing guard, waiting for the last few protesters to leave.

State representatives and the DNC released a statement on the chaotic protests. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.) condemned the happenings, saying that violent eruptions should not have happened with all the security in place. “We were briefed on the security at the convention multiple times by homeland security, CPD, FBI, and so forth,” Quigley said. 

“This was what we were told was unscalable, unbreachable fencing. This isn’t supposed to be happening.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also spoke about the protests, and while he understands their frustration, he says the violence won’t be tolerated, “There was a breach of one of the fences—but it was brief that breach, and the police stepped in and did a great job,” Pritzker said. 

“We’ve got people who are concerned about war in the Middle East. They’re expressing themselves. We’re going to protect their right to express themselves. But we’re not going to stand for any mayhem.”

The Coalition to March on the DNC, comprised of over 200 organizations, hosted one of the largest scheduled protests. The group is calling for several things, including the U.S. to end Israeli aid, immigrant rights, the right to unionize and strike, and community control of police. 
One protester, Tariq Rimawi, says threats of arrest won’t stop him or his colleagues from voicing their demands. “I will go every single day. This is my right to protest. So I have nothing to hide,” Rimawi said. “This is legal, and what I’m doing is legal, and my arrest was illegal.”

RELATED CONTENT: Meet The Black-Owned Event Companies Helping Organize The Democratic National Convention

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 20, 2024

Oprah Winfrey Employees Who Were Fans Would Be Rejected, Staffer Claims

Oprah Winfrey is not into hiring fans to work at her media empire.

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Being an Oprah Winfrey fan did not help you if you happened to work for the media mogul. Insiders say any sign of admiring the OWN founder served as a first-class ticket out the door!

Fortune reports that a former staffer is opening up about the treatment potential employees would receive if they let slip how much they loved the billionaire magnate. According to Jeff Boodie, who worked for Winfrey from 2007 to 2010, anyone who inquired about meeting Winfrey would earn a spot among the rejects.

During Boodie’s time working as a business coordinator for Oprah Magazine (now Oprah Daily), he noticed the types of people who made it to the final rounds of hiring and those who didn’t last long.

“We were excited to be part of Oprah’s team, but we weren’t fans,” Boodie revealed in a personal essay for Business Insider. “I knew right away that there was intentionality on who was being hired.”

“I saw firsthand how anyone more concerned about how often she was in the office or when they’d get to meet her would not make it to the final rounds of hiring,” he recalled.

The experience taught Boodie how important it was not to worship celebrities because they were still regular people. He also found it “crazy” how many people would ask to meet Winfrey while still interviewing with the company.

“I learned from Oprah that to work for someone like her, be great, but don’t be a fan,” Boodie wrote.

“Be aware that you were a part of the team inspiring the world with life-changing messaging, but it wasn’t your position to get so swept up in working for an influential person that you couldn’t do your job.”

Having worked with other celebrities and even royals, Boodie saw firsthand how rare it was for an influential figure to amplify anyone who wasn’t themselves. However, that wasn’t the case with Winfrey. Her reputation for turning her friends into reputable public figures is well deserved.

“Oprah had and still can uplift experts and allow them to be stand-alone stars,” Boodie wrote about Winfrey’s friends and frequent show quests, Suze Orman, Dr. Phil, and Gayle King, among others.

“She pushed experts up front and celebrated their findings on various topics for her and the audience,” he added. “To me, that was genius. Let experts be experts. No one knows everything, and witnessing her curiosity and ability to let others shine made me realize how special it was to work for her.”

It’s an experience Boodie took with him as he became an entrepreneur himself and launched his own media agency, ConnectUp Media Agency.

“I carry this lesson with me still: lifting others up and not worrying about their stardom,” he concluded.