Dr. Dre Slated To Receive Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Congratulations!
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that music producer Andre Young, better known as Dr. Dre, will be receiving a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On March 19, the former N.W.A. group member will be bestowed with the 2,775th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony and dedication will occur at 6840 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Jimmy Kimmel Studios. It will kick off at 11:30 a.m. PT. The Beats By Dre executive will have his star next to his long-time collaborator, Snoop Dogg.
“Dr. Dre’s contributions to the music industry are undeniable and have left an indelible mark on popular culture. As a producer, rapper, and entrepreneur, Dr. Dre has continuously pushed boundaries and set new standards for excellence. It is with great pride that we honor his incredible career and extraordinary impact by awarding him a star on the Walk of Fame. “Dr. Dre’s star will serve as a lasting symbol of his immense talent and enduring legacy in the world of music, “stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “What is special regarding the location chosen for Dr. Dre’s star is that it will be next to the star of his long-time friend Snoop Dogg!” added Martinez.
Slated to speak at the ceremony are Snoop Dogg and Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of Beats By Dre. Radio personality Big Boy, host of Big Boy’s Neighborhood on Real 92.3 in Los Angeles, will be the emcee for the event. Big Boy, who also has a star on the Walk of Fame, had Dr. Dre as a guest speaker for his dedication on September 8, 2021.
Dr. Dre has been extremely busy lately. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Snoop’s debut album, Doggystyle, which was produced by Dr. Dre, the duo recently launched Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop. The cocktail is named after the second single, “Gin and Juice,” from the legendary album. The product was launched at a Super Bowl afterparty that Dr. Dre and Snoop hosted in Las Vegas last month.
‘DEI Thursdays’: Rev. Al Sharpton Announces Tenth Protest Outside Office of Anti-DEI Leader Bill Ackman
The reverend is actively pursuing justice!
Rev. Al Sharpton is setting the stage for protests outside the offices of billionaire hedge fund founder Bill Ackman in the fight against anti-diversity, equity and inclusion tactics.
In a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Sharpton announced he will lead the 10th protest outside Ackman’s NYC offices on March 14. Every Thursday since the resignation of Harvard’s first Black president, Claudine Gay, Sharpton and supporters have shown up to Ackman’s offices to be seen and heard about the growing pressures of canceling DEI measures.
The civil rights leader pointed Ackman out as one of the far-right-wing activists — including Elon Musk and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — intensifying workplace diversity opposition. Starting with the reversal of affirmative action in 2023, Sharpton said Gay’s resignation was just the start of getting rid of Black and brown professionals. “First they went after affirmative action to make it harder for Black and brown students to gain admission to universities, and now they’re trying to root out Black and brown professionals from university leadership, just as they did to Claudine Gay,” he said.
“This is why NAN has been rallying and will continue to rally outside the office of Bill Ackman each Thursday.”
The billionaire investor made headlines following his criticism of how his alma mater handled antisemitic rhetoric on campus. He then turned his attention to DEI, calling it “the root cause of antisemitism,” Gay’s resignation. His sentiments matched those of Twitter CEO Elon Musk, who criticized DEI efforts by United Airlines and Boeing to hire pilots and factory workers of color. He made false claims that diversifying workspaces will make air travel less safe.
In more than 30 states during their legislative session, Republican lawmakers have introduced or passed over 100 bills to restrict or regulate DEI initiatives, according to NBC News. With most stemming from 2020 protests pushing for schools and companies to become more racially and socially inclusive, the efforts saw a pushback from executives and politicians to counter DEI efforts in many industries, including higher education.
In Utah, GOP governor Spencer Cox signed HB261 into law, requiring public schools to remove all references to diversity posted in offices and open programming to everyone. It’s similar to the University of Florida, which on March 4 eliminated DEI positions following a state rule banning the use of state funds for DEI or “political or social activism.”
Sharpton continues to stand tall as a leader through a continuous fight. “We will keep up the drumbeat for the defense of the DEI so long as their shameless attacks against diversity persist,” he said.
Georgia’s ‘Fairy Godmother’ Merle Skipwith Brings All The Magic To Prom Season
Professional seamstress Merle Skipwith has opened her prom showroom every year since 2012 for girls to get dresses and shoes for free.
In a heartwarming display of generosity, Merle Skipwith, fondly known as “Mz. Skippy [sic],” plays the role of a modern-day fairy godmother, making prom dresses and dreams come true for hundreds of high-school-aged teens living in South Fulton County, Georgia, who can’t afford fancy gowns.
Not skipping a beat, every March since 2012, the great-great-grandmother opens her prom showroom in Old National Market and Mall in College Park, Georgia, offering a magical experience for girls who want to attend the popular high school event, according to WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta.
Skipwith told the news outlet about her showroom’s visitors, painting a vivid picture of the wide-reaching impact her efforts have on those in need: “I’ve had dads bring their daughters here, and they came on a bus. I had students who lived underneath a bridge and wanted to go to prom for the first time.”
She also told WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta, “It’s the time of the year when our young ladies can look their very, very best. And that’s prom time.”
The dresses, both brand-new and gently worn, are completely free, along with shoes and alterations provided by Skipwith, a professional seamstress.
“These dresses cost a lot of money. You add the shoes on top of that,” she said about the financial burden that prom can impose.
Skipwith’s generosity has inspired others to pay it forward. Michele Telfair, whose daughter donated her prom dress from the previous year, shared: “I told her [my daughter] to donate it. She was like, ‘I can sell this dress.’ No. Give it to Mz. Skippy, and you’ll be blessed with more.”
Skipwith told WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta, “This is something that is everlasting. You’ll never forget your first prom.”
After their magical nights spent adorned from head to toe thanks to their fairy godmother, some of the girls even send pictures to Skipwith, cementing the everlasting memories she helps create.
Don Lemon Calls Out Elon Musk For Canceling X Partnership
Don Lemon has announced his canceled partnership with Elon Musk's X platform following a taped interview that left the tech magnate "mad" at the reporter.
Don Lemon announced his canceled partnership with Elon Musk’s X platformafter a taped interview that left the tech magnate “mad” at the reporter.
The former CNN anchor took to social media on Wednesday, March 13, to reveal Musk’s decision to cancel their partnership just hours after filming an interview set to air on Monday.
“We had a good conversation. Clearly, he felt differently,” Lemon wrote in a statement. “His commitment to a global town square where all questions can be asked and all ideas can be shared seems not to include questions of him from people like me.”
“There were no restrictions on the interview that he willingly agreed to, and my questions were respectful and wide-ranging, covering everything from SpaceX to the presidential election,” Lemon continued.
However, shortly after wrapping the interview, Musk abruptly canceled Lemon’s partnership to air the show on his X platform. Lemon shared a video claiming the X CEO was “mad” at him following the interview.
The social platform followed up with a statement acknowledging the axed partnership but welcoming Lemon’s show “to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work and connect with new communities.”
X is a platform that champions free speech, and we’re proud to provide an open environment for diverse voices and perspectives. The Don Lemon Show is welcome to publish its content on X, without censorship, as we believe in providing a platform for creators to scale their work…
Lemon spoke with CNN later that day to share excerpts from the interview where he asked Musk about the rise in hate speech on X since he took over the social media platform last year, as well as the company’s responsibility to moderate hateful content.
“I don’t have to answer questions from reporters, Don,” Musk replied. “The only reason I’m doing this interview is because you’re on the X platform and you asked for it. Otherwise, I would not do this interview.”
In January, X announced it would air Lemon’s new news show following his termination from CNN last year for making sexist comments. Lemon’s interview with Musk is set to air on Monday, March 18, on his YouTube channel and podcast.
Trump, GOP Dumps Minority Outreach Program For MAGA Takeover
The Republican National Convention has shut down a new program designed to boost minority engagement to cater to “Make America Great Again” tyrants.
The Republican National Convention has shut down a new program designed to boost minority engagement to cater to “Make America Great Again” voters.
During the 2020 campaign season, the GOP invested millions in the program that would assist in helping them communicate with nonwhite voters – specifically Hispanic voters – in swing states such as Georgia and Arizona. Through the program, RNC field staff was set to engage with voters through events and gatherings at community centers in heavily minority-populated areas, which according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, one of the moves may have worked. “One of those strategic spending moves may have had a profound effect on a successful minority outreach program,” the press release reads.
Now, those plans, which one source described as “self-defeating,” have been eliminated.
Trump says moderate Republicans are no longer welcome in the GOP: We are 100 percent MAGA now pic.twitter.com/Q2mvgGAR0x
Initially, dozens of centers were already set up, but all were shut down in January except for five in California, Texas, and New York. “At the time … the RNC chalked the closures up as a temporary byproduct of its budget cycle,” the source said.
“However, the organization also announced that it was preparing to double down on these efforts for 2024, opening 40 new centers in Latino, Black, Asian American, Native American, Jewish, and veteran communities across the country.”
Since February 2024, the presumptive Republican nominee has used his criminal indictment as a way to “connect” with Black Americans. During a convention in South Carolina, Trump claimed he was discriminated against “so badly,” referring to his pending criminal charges. “I got indicted for nothing, for something that is nothing,” he said.
“And a lot of people said that’s why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as I’m being discriminated against. It’s been pretty amazing, but possibly, maybe, there’s something there.”
According to Fox News, a poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College shows 46% of Hispanic participants said they would vote for Trump. However, Trump is consistently warning of the dangers illegal immigration would bring to the U.S. On top of accusing Mexico of sending “rapists,” “drugs,” and “crime,” he now claims they bring languages that no one can interpret. “We have languages coming into our country. We don’t have one instructor in our entire nation that can speak that language,” Trump said in February 2024.
“These are languages — it’s the craziest thing — they have languages that nobody in this country has ever heard of. It’s a very horrible thing,” he added.
A little less than two years ago, the RNC claimed they “do not take minority communities for granted” and promoted the millions of dollars invested. Now, the Trump team allegedly is putting their funds towards opening more offices close to Mar-a-Lago in Florida.
In response to the report, Biden-Harris 2024 Spokespeople Maca Casado and Jasmine Harris released a statement pointing out how the RNC is continuing to fail people of color. “Donald Trump is officially building the RNC in his own image, and gutting the party’s outreach to voters of color is just the tip of the spear…” they said.
“There is no question that voters of color have always seen right through Trump’s hollow outreach efforts for what they truly are: cheap distractions from the poster boy for modern racism who is running to undermine the progress and success of our communities. President Biden knows he has to earn – not ask – or every American’s support, and that’s exactly what this campaign will do.”
NAACP Cites Crown Act After ShopRite Allegedly Sent Employee Home For Having Red Braids
The NAACP is calling out a ShopRite in Connecticut for allegedly sending a girl home for having colored braids.
The NAACP is supporting a former NFL player who is calling out a ShopRite in Connecticut for allegedly sending a girl home for having colored braids.
Andrew Pinnock, who played for the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos, believes his daughter was discriminated against at a ShopRite in Enfield, Connecticut when she was told she could not have red hair. He has since joined with the Connecticut and Greater Hartford branches of the NAACP at a press conference on Wednesday, March 13, to accuse the store of violating the Crown Act, the WFSB reports.
“It has come to our attention that a Black employee was asked to leave work because she had red coloring in her hair,” a statement said. “This discriminatory action by the management at ShopRite is unacceptable and goes against the Crown Act recently signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont.”
Pinnock said his daughter was just two months into her first job and was excited about the different ways she could wear her red-colored braids. He cried tears while recalling the embarrassment she felt after being told she could not wear the hairstyle.
“She starts twirling her hair like ‘maybe I can just pull my hair out like this or take it out,’ but she doesn’t know,” he shared.
State lawmakers joined the press conference to cite the Crown Act, which prohibits discrimination against hairstyles typically worn by people of color.
“And to know this young lady came to work to do a job and was sent home because of her hair. It just doesn’t make sense,” Rep. Robyn Porter, a Democrat who represents the state’s 94th District. said.
The NAACP is calling on the local community and advocates to protest the “unjust treatment” Pinnock’s daughter was subjected to. The store has since released a statement that didn’t address the incident directly but acknowledged the passage of the Crown Act.
“ShopRite of Enfield has always been committed to creating a culture of inclusion and belonging for the associates we employ, the customers we serve, and the suppliers with whom we do business. All are to be treated with dignity and respect,” the statement said.
Keke Palmer Interested In Real Estate After Becoming A Mother
Keke Palmer is sharing how she's reevaluated her financial management after birthing her 1-year-old son Leodis.
Keke Palmer has developed an interest in real estate since welcoming her son last year. Speaking with Pop Sugar about her Cash App partnership, the Nope star explained how she’s had to reevaluate her financial management after giving birth to her one-year-old son, Leodis.
“For me, all of it is some form of a gamble, but I’m constantly thinking about things that either can make me money back or that I can leave for my son,” she says. “When you have a child, you start thinking about wills, so I’ve been much more into real estate.”
The multifaceted TV/movie/music star and producer has since moved in with her sister and her three children to cut costs while looking into ways to invest her money.
“So I’m always like, what can I leave behind? What can I share? How can I keep things in our name? How can we have things for a long time that are going to increase in value as opposed to decrease?” Palmer explained.
Growing up a child star, Palmer learned about financial management early on but didn’t realize how unhealthy her attachment to money was until she was 18 and her Nickelodeon sitcom True Jackson, VP, ended.
“I felt like a 60-year-old white man that no longer is the CEO of a major company,” she recalled. “I felt like my identity was shattered. I was always really successful and money was never an issue for me, and then here it was that money was an issue.”
Palmer advocates for multiple revenue streams and remains committed to educating others on the importance of financial literacy.
“I want to see us continue to grow economically as a country and for us to maintain ourselves,” she said. “So we gotta start thinking about how to give more financial literacy and economic understanding, so people can know how money works, where it’s coming from, how we’re doing it.”
The Biggest Boss: Female Rapper BO$$ Has Died At 54
Female rapper Lichelle Laws, who was known in the hip-hop world as BO$$, died on March 11.
Female rapper Lichelle Laws, known in the hip-hop world as BO$$ died on March 11. The 54-year-old was the first female rapper signed to Def Jam West (DJ West).
According to Billboard, although she was born in Detroit and lived in New York for a short time, her move to Los Angeles solidified a record deal for her after she met producer DJ Quik. Although her vocals and lyrical prowess held her down as BO$$, the acronym (Bi**hes On Some Sh**) was the name of a two-woman group, which included her DJ, Irene “Dee” Moore. They were signed to Def Jam West and released their most popular, and to some, the only song most people know, “Deeper.” They later debuted their only album, “Born Gangstaz,” in May 1993 and sold close to 400,000 copies.
The song “Deeper” reached the top of the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart at No. 1 and No. 65 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to Hot 97, “Born Gangstaz” went up to No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and made it to No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
TMZ reported that Laws had been battling renal disease since it was diagnosed more than 10 years ago in 2011. After suffering a stroke and seizure in 2017, a GoFundMe account was set up in 2021 to raise funds to try to offset the “costly” care she needed, which also included a possible kidney transplant. Billboard reported that it raised $18,000 to help with her medical bills.
Houston rapper and businessman Bun B was one of the first to acknowledge her death in an Instagram post.
“Rest in peace to my big sis Lichelle Laws, AKA Boss. One of the best female MCs and a dear friend. Give Rick Royal a hug for me. Long Live The Org!”
DJ Premier also posted about the news and gave flowers. He stated he did a remix of her hit single, but the label never released it; asking if anyone could find it.
Gym-Timidation: How Gym Owner Jaliyla Tillman Is Empowering Women Through It
As the owner of this female-led establishment, Tillman is creating a unique space for women, especially minority women, to embrace their fitness journey and build their gym confidence.
Jaliyla Tillman is breaking barriers and empowering women through fitness at Mission Slimpossible, a 24-hour gym she founded in 2022. As the owner of this female-led establishment, Tillman is creating a unique space for women, especially minority women, to embrace their fitness journey and build their gym confidence.
According to a recent article published by the American Cancer Society, Black or African American women exhibit a higher likelihood of being less physically active compared to white women. Approximately 38% of non-Hispanic Black women reported little to no engagement in leisure-time physical activity, in contrast to 23% of non-Hispanic white women.
Tillman, a Hampton University alumna, experienced metabolic changes combined with hormonal changes due to birth control, which resulted in significant weight gain post-college in her mid-20s. Determined not to become a statistic, Tillman dedicated herself to the gym and became a certified fitness instructor in 2020. Three years later, she opened the doors to the first Black female-owned fitness facility in the Glover Park section of Washington, D.C.
For Women’s History Month, Tillman shares her insights with Black Enterprise on overcoming gym-timidation, fostering a fitness community, and celebrating small fitness goal wins.
Gym-timidation
“Gym-timidation,” a feeling of anxiety related to joining or going to the gym, is more common than you might think. A recent study conducted in the UK revealed that almost half of women experience feelings of judgment when exercising, while 37% express concerns that others may perceive them as inadequate for gym workouts.
Tillman’s journey into fitness entrepreneurship was born out of personal struggles and triumphs. Reflecting on her experience, she notes, “I wasn’t a fitness or gym person originally. It wasn’t until my metabolism changed after college that I realized I needed to be more physically active.”
Battling weight fluctuations, Tillman found solace in a kickboxing gym and eventually lost 35 pounds. However, setbacks with her weight and acceptance of her body composition still lingered. “I was never obese, but I did have to learn to appreciate my body composition and find the right fitness path for me,” shares Tillman.
Among the top 10 reasons women avoid working out are feeling too intimidated (25%), worrying about looking unfit (21%), and worrying about what other people think (19%).
“Once I accepted myself, I began to build more and more confidence every time I walked into any gym,” remarked Tillman with enthusiasm.
This newfound confidence and mindset led Tillman to rediscover her passion for fitness and pursue certification as a trainer, which she completed in 2020 and soon after opened her gym.
Creating a Welcoming Gym Environment
Studies have shown that several barriers, including individual, interpersonal, social, and environmental influences, limit women’s participation in physical activity. Body image perception, haircare concerns, adherence to gender norms, fear of sexual stereotypes, and family responsibilities are specific considerations for Black or African American women.
Central to Mission Slimpossible’s ethos is creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where women feel comfortable and supported. Tillman emphasizes the importance of her presence in the space, stating, “I make sure there’s a kind, female-friendly face at the door when you come in.”
At the core of Mission Slimpossible’s mission is creating a gym environment that boosts spirits rather than triggers anxiety. “The fear of judgment from others is real and often causes “gymtimidation” and hesitation,” mentions Tillman. “Our values revolve around the idea that exercise is about self-perception rather than external appearance. Regardless of your physique, fitness level, or size, you are welcome at Mission Slimpossible.
Fostering Community and Celebrating Small Wins
Beyond physical transformations, Tillman emphasizes the significance of celebrating small wins and fostering a sense of community within a gym. “It’s not just about weight loss anymore,” she explains. “It’s about celebrating every achievement, whether dropping a dress size or increasing water intake.”
Through initiatives like the Small Wins Wall, where members share their accomplishments, Mission Slimpossible cultivates a supportive environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and encouraged.
“Acknowledging and celebrating each milestone empowers women to embrace their progress and stay motivated on their fitness journey,” mentions Tillman.
Reframing the Value of Fitness
Tillman challenges the notion that Black or African American women will continue to exhibit a likelihood of being less physically active than their white counterparts. “We must embrace our being and know that physical activity is the highest form of self-care and an investment in one’s self for everyone on the planet,” she asserts.
Recognizing the barriers Black or African American women have, Tillman emphasizes the intrinsic value of prioritizing wellness. “I want you to pay yourself through great health and vitality,” she emphasizes. Through her approach to fitness, Tillman reframes the narrative, highlighting the transformative impact of prioritizing health and well-being.
As Women’s History Month unfolds, Jaliyla Tillman’s commitment to empowering women through fitness is a testament to the resilience and determination of female entrepreneurs.
“Through Mission Slimpossible, I want to help women reshape their mindset around barriers to fitness and inspire women to embrace their inner strength and confidence, one small win at a time.”
New York Hospital Debuts 3D Mammogram Machine That May Help Aid In Early Breast Cancer Detection
3-D mammography captures images of the breast from various angles, which can aid in a more accurate image of breast tissue.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health has launched a state-of-the-art 3-D mammogram machine at its facility in Brooklyn, New York, which will help to provide top-notch care to women living in underserved communities.
“We do serve an underserved patient population, and we do have a big proportion of our population as Black women, so this really assists with detecting disease in them,” said Dr. Purnima Popli, medical director of Gotham Health, Cumberland, told New York Amsterdam News.
The mammogram machine provides a three-dimensional view of the breast, which will make it easier for physicians to detect abnormalities and smaller lesions. According to Popli, this will be especially beneficial to Black women who tend to have higher density breast tissue than white women. This technology will help doctors detect cancers earlier making them more treatable.
The five-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is 99 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. The five-year survival rate decreases to 31 percent once the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society, Black women’s breast cancer death rates are 40% higher than their white counterparts. Black women also have the lowest five-year survival rates among all racial groups.
Gotham Health, Cumberland aims to help bridge these gaps with this new technology. According to Popli, the hospital takes a holistic approach to treating their patients, including providing on-the-spot mammogram screenings for patients who visit the hospital for other services.
“Our principle is that health care is a necessity. There should be no disparities in health care. It is something that should be easily (accessible) to everyone,” Popli said.
Women living in the New York area can schedule an appointment with Gotham Health, Cumberland, by visiting their website or calling (844) 692-4692.
