Charles Barkley Threatens To Punch Any Black Person Wearing Trump’s Mugshot Merch
Charles Barkley didn't hold back in expressing his disdain for Trump's recent remarks during a conversation with Gayle King.
Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley didn’t hold back in expressing his disdain for former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks during a conversation with Gayle King, according to Complex. Trump, at the Black Conservative Federation’s annual Honors Gala in South Carolina, insinuated that the Black population embraced him following the release of his mugshot after he was arrested for his involvement in attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential results in Georgia.
"If I see a Black person walking around with a Trump mug shot, I’m gonna punch him in the face." – Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/g8sbf4AEMy
In response, Charles Barkley made a strong statement, saying, “First of all, I’m just gonna say this: if I see a Black person walking around with Trump’s mugshot, I’m [gonna] punch him in the face.”
Barkley’s comments came during a candid conversation with King, who pointed out the legal consequences of such actions. Unfazed, Barkley humorously responded, “I will bail myself out and go celebrate. If I was at that conference, I would have got up and walked out. That was an insult to all Black people.”
Expressing his deep offense at Trump’s comparison, Barkley highlighted the stark disparities in experiences between Trump, a billionaire and former president of the United States, and the historical discrimination faced by Black communities. “To compare Black history, when we’ve been discriminated against, to his plight—first of all, he’s a billionaire, and they’re prosecuting him for stuff he did wrong,” Barkley emphasized.
Acknowledging some truths in the accusations against Trump, Barkley noted, “Well, some of the stuff is true. They did storm the Capitol; they did say that the election was stolen. Those aren’t lies, Gayle.”
Barkley concluded by sharing his deep offense at the comparison and highlighting the importance of respecting the struggles of the Black community. “He’s had a great life. He’s been President of the United States. To insult Black people who have been discriminated against all these years, to put them in the same category… I was just offended.”
When starting a company, figure out how to differentiate yourself from the competition. There are no original ideas. Rather, how you "dress it up" is what makes your idea original.
Originally Published Dec. 3, 2016
OK, so I bought this dress at H&M, and they had a million of them. So, what makes me different than the next woman who buys it, and puts it on? For starters, I paired it with a BCBG confetti bag and some Versace shades, which gave me a completely different look and feel. The same thing happens with business. There are no original ideas. Rather, how you “dress it up” is what makes your idea original.
What makes my company different from Oprah? Both companies deal with purpose-driven content, but I have a different target customer. Oprah.com will target older people—Gen X and baby boomers—and its content is more conservative. My brand caters to a younger demographic and provides edgier content. It doesn’t make either right or wrong; it just makes them different.
When starting a company, determine how to differentiate yourself from the competition. If five pillow companies already do custom embroidery, the world probably doesn’t need another pillow company selling custom embroidered pillows. However, the world may want a pillow company that focuses on pillows showcasing 3D pop-up designs. What is your unique value proposition and competitive advantage?
So, once that question is out of the way, how do you know customers even want your new, edgy product to begin with?
First, you want to create a hypothesis, and based on your hypothesis, you must assume that they do.
Next, you want to find your target customer—your community or tribe that absolutely cannot live without your idea. When I say find them, I mean you literally need to find them. Go out and ask questions to make sure that you are on the right track with your product before you build anything. You, in essence, are using them to validate your product.
Once you have your customers’ feedback, you want to build your concept around it. The big moment comes when you release it. If consumers are excited about it, using it, and paying for it, you have struck gold. This is called finding the product-market fit. This usually takes some time, so don’t fret if things don’t take off immediately. However, if you find that they are not biting, you need to either regroup by changing the idea slightly based on your new feedback or pivot by trying something else.
To recap, you will always find competitors in the market, and if you don’t—BE AFRAID. BE VERY, VERY AFRAID. Normally, that means no one has shown any previous interest in the product or genre of product that you are attempting to put on the market. Once you understand your competitive landscape, figure out what you are doing differently, and run with it—120 %.
Black History Is the Foundation Of American Pop Culture
It’s hard to ignore the impact Black history has had on American pop culture
Written by Michele Y. Smith
It’s hard to ignore the impact Black history has had on American pop culture. There’s even an argument to be made that without Black history, American pop culture simply wouldn’t exist. Black voices, art, music, and culture are woven into every aspect of what we consider pop culture today. It is our job to preserve this lineage and ensure that the contributions of the Black community continue to be recognized and celebrated.
Every day, in my role as CEO of the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and as a Black woman, I am given a front row seat to the impact the Black community has had and remain dedicated to preserving that impact in everything we do at the museum. It’s a role I take very seriously because as one of the few Black women at the helm of such an institution, my journey has been heavily influenced by the Black leaders who came before me. My mother was my first mentor, instilling in me a deep appreciation for arts and culture from a young age. She was a trailblazer in her own right, one of the first Black ballerinas to dance professionally in Philadelphia, and the woman to whom I owe much of my success.
It’s legacies such as these that shape the pop culture we know today. At MoPOP, we make it a point to honor and celebrate the trailblazers of Black culture, showcasing their immense talent and vibrant contributions to the zeitgeist. Take Bo Diddley, for example, whose bold and innovative music inspired generations of artists, including icons like Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix. Fast forward to today and Beyoncé’s career has spanned over three decades, positioning her as one of the most influential figures in contemporary pop culture, known for her empowering music, activism, and entrepreneurship. Their impact on pop culture cannot be overstated.
Showcasing the power Black art has in history
Along with recognizing the influence the Black community has had on pop culture, I also strive to dispel the misconception that classical or fine art are better than or even different from pop culture. It’s worth arguing that pop culture has had an even more profound impact on American history than some of its fine art counterparts. This is especially true when considering the counterculture movements and civil rights struggles from the 1960s, which gradually led to a broader acceptance of diversity in cultural expression. Music from that era, like Richie Havens’ “Freedom,” which he soulfully performed at the Woodstock Festival in ’69, had empowering lyrics that called for solidarity and liberation. Nina Simone’s iconic song, Mississippi Goddam,was a response to the assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers and the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, which killed four young Black girls. The song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and a powerful expression of frustration and anger at the systemic racism and violence prevalent in the United States at the time. It’s these moments that have reshaped the framework of American culture.
To understand its impact, we must preserve Black pop culture. It’s imperative we conserve the diverse cultural expressions of different communities and protect their heritage and identity. By doing so, we can continue to provide a platform for marginalized communities to share their stories, fostering inclusivity and greater acceptance.
One of our most successful exhibitions featured the work of Ruth E. Carter, who developed the costumes and styling for films, Black Panther, Malcom X, Selma, and Do the Right Thing. Her vibrancy and attention to detail in costuming is integral to translating stories of race, politics, and culture to the big screen. Ruth Carter has been helping style the Afrofuturism movement for almost 40 years. Afrofuturism is an incredibly important movement in pop culture, as it provides a platform for Black artists, writers, and creators to reimagine history and envision futures where Black people play central roles as heroes, innovators, and leaders. By centering Black experiences, Afrofuturism challenges dominant cultural narratives that marginalize or erase Black contributions to society.
Understanding hip-hop and its impact
We can’t discuss the impact of the Black community on pop culture without acknowledging the powerhouse that is hip-hop. I’m proud to lead an institution that was at the forefront of recognizing hip-hop as a cultural art form. MoPOP has been collecting hip-hop artifacts since before the museum officially opened in 2000, and we were among the first museums to host an exhibit on hip-hop. Fast forward 24 years later, and we boast one of the largest collections of hip-hop artifacts in our permanent collection, showcasing the genre’s profound influence on music writ large. Our past exhibit, “Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop,” curated four decades of iconic photography, highlighting shifts across music, politics, racial relationships, fashion, and broader societal culture.
Hip-hop has undeniably reshaped the landscape of American music, transcending its origins as a marginalized urban art form to become a dominant force in global culture. Its influence extends far beyond the confines of the music industry, permeating into various aspects of society and inspiring countless artists across genres. From its roots in the Bronx in the 1970s to its current status as a billion-dollar industry, hip-hop has continually pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and amplified the voices of marginalized communities. Its sampling techniques, rhythmic patterns, and lyrical storytelling can be found in mainstream music, shaping the sound of pop, R&B, rock, and even country. Hip-hop’s impact on American music as a whole is undeniable, as it has revolutionized how we create, consume, and understand music in the modern era.
While Black History Month often pays tribute to the challenges and accomplishments of the past, it’s essential to apply these lessons to the future. Pop culture bridges the gap between timelines, serving as an influential and widespread channel for propelling the visibility of Black contributions across society. It is my mission and life’s work to make sure we continue to acknowledge the importance of preserving, teaching, and celebrating Black culture.
Michele Y. Smith is Chief Executive Officer at MoPOP. Smith is a mission-focused leader with extensive experience in business development, operations, and finance in the nonprofit industry. She has a people-centered leadership style and approach to help drive an aligned vision and mission.
Jeezy Wants Divorce Documents With Jeannie Mai Sealed To Protect Daughter From ‘Contentious’ Split
Rapper Jeezy is attempting to keep his 'contentious' divorce battle with Jeannie Mai out of the public eye.
Rapper Jeezy is attempting to keep his “contentious” divorce battle with Jeannie Mai private and out of the public eye.
Radar Online reports that the rapper/entrepreneur recently filed a motion asking the judge to seal “sensitive personal and financial information” and anything related to their daughter Monaco as the divorce case heats up. Jeezy, real name Jay Wayne Jenkins, cites his and Mai’s celebrity status as “public figures” and claims the press has harassed the former couple since his initial divorce filing last September.
Jeezy filed in Fulton County Court in Georgia on Feb. 21, ahead of his court date with Mai this month.
“Since the filing of this action, they and, most importantly, their Child, have become the subject of intense media scrutiny and publications in connection with their divorce action that are directly contrary to the best interests of the Child,” Jeezy’s filing states.
The “Put On” rapper filed for divorce from Mai last year, claiming the two-year marriage was “irretrievably broken.” Since then, Jeezy says the relationship with the former talk show host has only worsened.
“In addition, this litigation, tragically, is becoming increasingly more contentious and, as a result, it is inevitable that sensitive personal and financial information, and information related to the Child, will necessarily be discussed and disclosed as the parties explore the issues incident to their divorce,” the filing states.
Jeezy and Mai had a court hearing scheduled in Fulton County Superior Court on March 1, where both parties were to bring their lawyers to hash out issues like custody and their prenup. Mai has asked a judge to deny Jeezy’s request to enforce the prenup due to her “legitimate concerns” about the accuracy of his financial disclosure and the “quick nature” in which she was forced to sign the agreement.
Jeezy has accused Mai of “gatekeeping” their daughter since the split, something Mai denies and cites her concerns for Monaco’s safety when in Jeezy’s care due to his firearms.
“It is essential to clarify that Ms. Jenkins’ insistence on reasonable safety measures being put in place, such as safely securing and locking away all firearms that have been unsecure in the past, as well as having familiarity and properly trained caregivers is absolutely not gatekeeping, but rather a responsible effort to prioritize their daughter’s well-being,” a document Mai filed in December states.
Yee-Haw! Beyoncé’s ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ Outselling Competition More Than Three Times Over
Beyoncé's "Texas Hold 'Em" is dominating the Billboard 100 for a second week in a row with no signs of slowing down.
Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” is dominating the Billboard 100 for a second week in a row with no signs of slowing down.
Not only is Bey’s country hit holding down the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart, but the competition is nowhere near beating her out. This week, “Texas Hold ‘Em” sold another 28,920 copies, with the No. 2 song Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control” only selling 7,801 copies, Forbes reported.
Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” came in at No. 3 with 7,076 copies sold, Jung Kook’s “Standing Next to You” took the No. 4 spot with 6,535 copies, and Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And?” holds the No. 5 spot with 6,534 copies. The numbers reflect Beyoncé’s dominance with her twelfth No. 1 on the Digital Song Sales chart and thirteenth No. 1 song debut on Billboard’s Hot 100.
The song was released following Bey’s Super Bowl commercial with Verizon where she ended the 60-second spot with a tease to “Drop the new music.” What followed was two country songs consisting of “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages.”
The musical releases come as part of Beyoncé announcing her new album Renaissance: Act II coming March 29. The country songs confirmed fan speculation that after dedicating “Act I” to the house music genre, Queen Bey would be taking a country route for her second of the three-part installment.
Her new country songs helped her make history as the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Texas Hold ‘Em” debuting at No. 1 and “16 Carriages” coming in at No. 9. Before the success of “Texas Hold ‘Em,” no Black woman, or female known to be biracial, ever topped the Hot Country Songs chart.
The success of the song follows Tracy Chapman becoming the first Black woman to solely write a Country Airplay No. 1, with Luke Combs’ 2023 cover of her 1988 classic “Fast Car” that reached the top spot last July. Beyoncé also makes history as the first woman to top both Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs since the song charts’ inception in October 1958. Bey joins Morgan Wallen, Justin Bieber, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Ray Charles as the only musical acts to have led both charts.
Dad Defense: Matthew Knowles Checks Critics On Beyonce’s ‘Cecred’ Haircare Line
Some fans have questioned Beyoncé's affinity for haircare, given she typically rocks hairstyles like wigs and extensions, not her natural crown.
Matthew Knowles is setting the record straight on Beyoncé’s rightful place in the haircare industry. The protective dad is coming to his daughter’s defense regarding her new line, Cécred.
Knowles spoke to TMZ reporters on Feb. 27 about the criticism his firstborn has received about her latest business venture. Some fans have questioned Beyoncé’s affinity for haircare, given that the superstar typically rocks hairstyles like wigs and extensions, not her natural crown.
“We had a hair salon for 17 years, and it was the top hair salon in Houston,” stated the singer’s former manager. “Must have some credibility, right?”
Knowles let everyone know that Beyoncé comes from a lineage of esteemed hair stylists due to her mother Tina’s experience in the business.
“[Seventeen] years and the best hair salon…I’ll let you guys figure that one,” he continued.
Knowles was then asked about former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland and the drama surrounding her walking off set at the Today Show due to a dressing room issue. Like Beyoncé, the 72-year-old also defended Rowland, whom he considers to be another daughter.
“Kelly is a sweetheart,” shared Knowles. “Kelly lived with us; I look at Kelly as my daughter. I don’t know what happened, but I can tell you one thing I do know. She’s not a diva.”
This is not the first time Beyoncé’s dad has spoken publicly on his eldest daughter’s behalf. Back in February, Knowles also stated that record labels are also to blame for her recurring Album Of The Year snubs at the Grammys. He expressed that Columbia Records has not done enough to campaign for her to receive the coveted award but that she is more than deserving.
It is clear that Papa Knowles is ready to dispel any negative rumors about his girls and is letting naysayers know that Cécred is the real deal.
Sza Reveals ‘Sesame Street’ Dreams Came True, To Fans’ Delight
Sza is completing a lifelong goal to appear on 'Sesame Street,' as the singer shared pics of her time on set to her social media.
Sza is going from the main stage to the streets – Sesame Street, that is. The singer revealed that her lifelong dream to be featured of the children’s program was finally fulfilled.
Sza shared the sweet news to her social media on March 1, posting a picture of her on set with the cast of famous puppets, including Elmo and Big Bird.
The full-circle moment was realized as Sza quoted her on prior post, made in 2017, of her asking the internet how one can get on the show. Its evident that Sza never gave up on her goals, as it was all “God’s timing” for the 34-year-old to make her dreams a reality.
“God’s timing! Follow your dreams and say them out loud! Never give up! Anything is possible! I believe in you,” exclaimed the Grammy winner in the affirming caption.
Fans were also inspired by her accomplishing this goal, with many noting how Sza taking part in the wholesome kids show is worthy of joy and praise, per UpRoxx.
SZA on Sesame Street is bound to bring some joy and excitement.
The moment is just one of plenty for Sza’s incredible year thus far. The singer was the most nominated artist at this year’s Grammy awards, winning three of the nine categories she was included in. Her sophomore album, S.O.S. was met with critical acclaim. She continues the international leg of its accompanying tour this year.
Her walk down Sesame Street is now among her growing highlights for 2024, with Sza expressing her gratitude for being part of the historic show.
More states have pivoted toward anti-DEI initiatives, sparking concern among progressive groups.
According to a new analysis report from NBC News, conservative efforts to limit or dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion measures across the country have amplified.
“The University of Florida is – and will always be – unwavering in our commitment to universal human dignity,” it read. “As we educate students by thoughtfully engaging a wide range of ideas and views, we will continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation. The University of Florida is an elite institution because of our incredible faculty, committed to teaching, discovering, and serving.”
The university is only one of several institutions in the nation that the recent wave of anti-DEI legislation has impacted.
NBC News reported that A1 states have proposed legislation challenging DEI initiatives, and three have successfully enacted such bills – Tennessee, Texas, and Utah. Following the death of George Floyd in 2020 and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, schools and companies nationwide implemented policies in a bid to become more inclusive. However, these attempts have been met with outcry from right-leaning groups, who allege racial discrimination.
President of Students for Fair Admissions, Edward Blum, has spearheaded several lawsuits against numerous universities and companies. He spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about his motivation.
“I have spearheaded lawsuits challenging racial classification and preferences in college admissions,” said Blum. He stated that the majority of Americans do not favor using race and ethnicity as a factor in college admission.
“Students should be judged on many factors but not their race or ethnicity,” he continued.
As progressives have grown increasingly concerned regarding the anti-DEI movement, several organizations, such as the National Urban League and the Congressional Black Caucus, have sought to preserve diversity and inclusion in schools and companies in response, forming an unofficial coalition.
“We don’t need to persuade most businesspeople on diversity,” Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League, told NBC News. “We just have to encourage them to be courageous and not be intimidated by politicians, mainly a bunch of politicians, billionaires and right-wing actors.”
The Georgia State University student and Albany, Georgia, native has growing concerns about his hometown. By continuously dealing with poverty, low employment rates, and growing crime, Anthony believes Albany and Southwest Georgia suffer from being neglected.
“We’ve had a few past leaders who have brought great ideas to Albany, but overall, most people in our city are still struggling, and it has been for years,” the young politician said.
“There are other cities outside Albany’s District 153 that are progressing at unprecedented levels. Now is the time to get involved and create change with a real plan to reverse the continuous cycles of poverty and struggles for Albany’s residents.”
Joshua Anthony, a 21-year-old student at Georgia State University, will run for a seat in the Georgia Legislature. He says his platform focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and workforce training programs. Will he shake things up? #GaPolhttps://t.co/cWp8Cf0fvEpic.twitter.com/qB2LnBqGJY
— The Atlanta Voice (@theatlantavoice) March 4, 2024
The goals of his campaign include increasing economic development, fostering rural interconnectivity, and empowering education in the area. According to Longview News-Journal, Anthony’s love for politics blossomed at 14 while working his first political campaign by knocking on doors and canvassing. Two years later, he secured an internship at the mayor’s office in McDonough.
Then, at 19, he wrote his first bill. Working with the Legislative Black Caucus, the bill worked to reduce gun violence while continuing to honor the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. Supported by Georgia Rep. Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek), Anthony says the bill-writing process gave him first-hand experience in pushing legislation forward.
Currently, David Sampson (D-Albany) holds the seat Anthony is eyeing. Since January 2023, the district has included parts of Albany, including Audubon, Lakeside, and Oakdale. By being out in the community, Anthony says Albany residents are over words with no actions behind them. All his college courses are taken online to show his dedication to action.
In his spare time, he can be seen in local barbershops hosting town halls called “Talk & Trim,” where his neighbors ask questions and learn about his platforms. He also organizes with local churches on ideas to develop action-filled steps toward his town’s revitalization.
“We’re supposed to be the centerpiece of the South,” he said. “We can’t afford to have somebody who says they’re going to represent our district, and yet, we don’t ever see the person.”
Revamping Albany can be seen differently through the young candidate’s eyes. By focusing on expanding Medicare and Medicaid, Anthony wants to educate seniors on his plan and modernize infrastructure to increase access to broadband internet. He also supports workforce training programs that target rural-specific skills and increasing the salaries of educators as a way to attract and retain teachers for state public schools.
As an overall goal, Anthony wants to implement the fundamental structures needed to create a sense of self-sustainability in his city. He realizes given the opportunity, everything will thrive. “I am inspired to lead,” he said. “I will never forget the encouraging words of my grandfather: Yes, there will be a struggle and tough times, but that doesn’t have to be Albany’s story.”
Scottie Pippen Sued By Former Lover For Stalking; Larsa Pippen Accused of Causing ‘Suffering’
The woman claims to have engaged in an on-and-off relationship with Scottie Pippen from 1987 to 1993.
A former lover is suing Scottie Pippen for stalking and has pulled his ex-wife, Larsa Pippen, and brother into the case.
On Feb. 28, Chyvette Valentine sued the NBA star and Larsa Pippen in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, for alleged harassment and stalking, Page Six reports. Valentine, who claims to be the ex-girlfriend of Scottie Pippen, accuses him, the Chicago Bulls, his brother, Carl T. Pippen, and Larsa Pippen of causing her suffering.
She claims to have engaged in an on-and-off relationship with Scottie from 1987 to 1993 that ended after she was allegedly raped by Scottie and Carl, which led to the birth of her son, Devonte Pippen, who was killed in 2011.
Valentine alleges that since the romance ended, Scottie “used his celebrity as a Chicago Bulls player” to “stalk, harass and torment” her in ways that caused her “severe mental and emotional issues.” She also claims to have lost several jobs as a result.
Scottie Pippen is accused of influencing law enforcement to cancel a police report Valentine filed against him. The NBA champion is also accused of falsifying documents to get Valentine diagnosed as “mentally ill.”
Valentine is suing Scottie Pippen, the Bulls, and his family members for $250 million. It’s the second time Valentine has sued the retired NBA great, following her 2019 small claims court case that went after him for $9,999, the maximum allowed in small claims court.
She claims to have spent thousands of dollars on travel expenses during her relationship with Scottie Pippen, which he promised to repay. Valentine claims Scottie never told her about his first marriage to Karen McCollum, which lasted from 1988 to 1990. He married Larsa in 1997 before The Real Housewives of Miami star filed for divorce in 2018. Larsa is currently dating Marcus Jordan, the son of Scottie’s former teammate Michael Jordan.
