Richelieu Dennis, Essence Magazine
by Jameelah Mullen

February 29, 2024

Protect Black Media! Essence Magazine’s Parent Company In Talks To Acquire Refinery29

Essence Ventures LLC, the parent company to Essence Magazine, is in negotiations  to acquire Refinery29.

Essence Ventures LLC, the parent company to Essence Magazine, is in negotiations  to acquire Refinery29, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

Essence Ventures is owned by Richelieu Dennis, the co-founder and chair of Group Black, a media group that strives  to increase ad spending with Black-owned media. Acquisition of Refinery29 could mean that Essence would widely expand its reach in the female-oriented digital space, especially by appealing to a younger audience. This may result in an uptick in advertising revenue for Essence as well as save Refinery29 from financial distress.

The women-centered lifestyle magazine was purchased by Vice Media Group in 2019 for $400 million. Sources told The Wall Street Journal that Essence will likely pay a fraction of that price if the deal is reached.

Since launching in 2005, Refinery29 has been a media giant amongst millennial women readers. But in 2022, the popular platform saw a  decrease of $20 million in profits from the previous year. This is likely due to waning website traffic and a decrease in advertising revenue. 

In 2020, Refinery29 faced controversy when a group of Black and Brown employees and freelancers took to social media to share stories of racial discrimination, including pay disparities between people of color and white employees. 

The news of this possible acquisition comes  a week after Refinery29’s parent company, Vice Media Group, announced that they will be conducting massive layoffs as well as discontinuing the publication of content on its website. Once a lucrative media entity, Vice has been facing financial woes in recent years. The media conglomerate filed for bankruptcy in May of 2023 and was acquired by Fortress Investment Group, one of its lenders, the following month. With online publication discontinued, Fortress is redirecting its attention to Vice’s other companies, including a TV network, production studio, and their ad agency, Virtue. 

RELATED CONTENT: Michelle Ebanks Steps Down As CEO of ESSENCE

Lil Meech, Ne-Yo, LaLa, And Da’Vinchi On The Evolution Of “BMF” Season 3
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 29, 2024

Lil Meech, Ne-Yo, LaLa, And Da’Vinchi On The Evolution Of “BMF” Season 3

Starz "BMF" is back with new cast members and a transition from the 1980s into the 1990s is not to be missed!

Starz “BMF” is back with new cast members and a transition from the 1980s into the 1990s is not to be missed!

Season 3 of “BMF” continues the story of the inspiring true legends, brothers Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory (Demetrius Flenory, Jr.) and Terry “Southwest T” Flenory (Da’Vinchi), who founded one of the most influential crime families in the country, the Black Mafia Family. Viewers are taken from the late 1980s into the early 90s where Meech’s relocation to Atlanta to expand the BMF empire brings new challenges.

All the while, Terry is holding down the fort in the “D,” managing business affairs, while oblivious to the impending dangers. He also remains in a tricky love triangle with his baby mama Lawanda (Sydney Mitchell) and Markisha (La La). Season 2 ended on a cliffhanger with Markisha getting caught in the crossfire of Terry. Season 3 kicks off with the single mother battling a life-threatening injury and questioning if her relationship with the BMF gangster is even worth it.

“I think that the theme for her on season three is, is it worth it? Like, is this love, is this relationship worth it? Now my life is in danger,” she tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The tumultuous marriage of Charles Flenory (Russell Hornsby) and Lucille Flenory (Michole Briana White) continues to face challenges. However, White is hopeful her story will inspire viewers to see the value in themselves.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IEomrNTY8A

“Lucille is really trying to find herself at this time so she you know dips and dabbles in a few things from time to time and she’s learning to empower herself,” White says.

Detective Bryant (Steve Harris), is on probation while on opposing sides with Detective Jin (Kelly Hu). But they may find some common ground in their shared determination to bring down BMF.

The new season introduces special guest stars including Grammy Award winner Dominique “Lil Baby” Jones who makes his acting debut as “Payne,” Singer/actor NE-YO who makes his debut as “Rodney ‘Greeny’ Green,” rapper 2 Chainz who takes on the role of “Stacks,” Grammy-nominated artist and actress Saweetie who plays “Keeya,” and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Cynthia Bailey who plays the role of “Gloria.”

Overall, Flenory is proud of his work on the show playing his father on screen in a scripted series that works to humanize the real-life story of his family.

“I was born in 2000, so this is all new to me. It’s all a learning experience. I got to learn a lot about my family that I didn’t know about,” he explained.

“When I came to set, it was like a clash. Like, I was going to tell everything about my roots and about my family that I didn’t know. And with that, I get to play my father and still live up to his name.”

Catch STARZ “BMF” Season 3 when it premieres on Friday, March 1 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the STARZ app, all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms. Press play below for the full interview.

RELATED CONTENT: BMF Actor Lil Meech Arrested on Gun Charge at Florida Airport

Ja Rule, UK, tour
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 29, 2024

DENIED: Ja Rule Will Not Be ‘Livin’ It Up’ On Tour In The UK

Sorry to this man!

Ja Rule discovered that having a criminal record can get him banned in certain countries as he embarked on his latest world tour.

According to The New York Daily News, Jeffrey Atkins, better known as Ja Rule, was denied entry to the United Kingdom just days before he was about to tour in Wales. The Queens-bred lyricist and entrepreneur informed his followers when he posted a message on his X account, formerly known as Twitter.

He goes on to explain why he wasn’t allowed into the country.

The “Holla Holla” rapper, who is celebrating his birthday on Thursday, Feb. 29, was sentenced to two years in jail in 2010 for gun possession. He was also hit with a two-year prison term in 2011 for tax evasion.

In December 2023, Ja Rule announced “The Sunrise Tour” on his Instagram account, which would have started on Friday, Mar. 1.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JaRule (@jarule)

Ja Rule’s sworn enemy, 50 Cent, chimed in to reignite the more-than-20-year beef between the two. According to HipHopDx, in a since-deleted post, the infamous troller laughed at the recent misfortune of the “Can I Get A” rapper. Alongside a screenshot of the news, 50 wrote, “Hahahahahaha, I did not have nothing to do with this b**ch not getting in. LOL.”

In another Instagram post, he seemingly tries to take credit for his denied entry by saying, “LMAO. I got juice all over the place, sucker!”

Ja Rule did respond to the “How To Rob” rapper on X with the caption, “N**ga, you p**sy shut up…”

In January, Ja Rule announced that he just signed a new record deal that could be worth $100 million. He didn’t disclose any details on this deal, but he told his followers he would build a school in Ghana.

The National Business League, NBL, United States Patent and Trademark Office, USPTO
by Jeffrey McKinney

February 29, 2024

Groundbreaking Partnership Aimed To Bolster Black Entrepreneurship And Protect Intellectual Property Rights

The National Business League and the United States Patent and Trademark Office unite in an historic move to empower Black-owned businesses. 

The National Business League (NBL) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are uniting in a historic move to advance and empower Black businesses. 

The partnership stems from a memorandum of understanding that both sides just signed, to help Black-owned enterprises gain access to vital resources, programs, and initiatives facilitating patent and trademark registration.

The Tuskegee, Alabama-based NBL calls itself the first and largest trade association for Black businesses in the United States. It reports a membership of over 120,000 nationwide and globally.  The USPTO is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks and is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, per its website.

NBL President and CEO Dr. Ken L. Harris stated, “This collaboration underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering Black entrepreneurship and safeguarding intellectual property rights. Its significance is profound, considering the historical barriers that have deprived many Black innovators of access, opportunity, and resources to trademark or patent their groundbreaking contributions in this nation.”

On February 1, 2024, the NBL and USPTO launched the inaugural Black Innovators series for Black History Month, highlighting significant inventors past, present, and the next generation. The daily series showcased innovators like Dr. George Washington Carver, Madam CJ Walker, Elijah McCoy, Patricia E. Bath, and Dr. Charles Drew, among others.

Derrick Brent, Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO emphasized, “This groundbreaking collaboration launching the Black Innovators Series and our Memorandum of Understanding with the NBL exemplifies our unyielding dedication to advancing equity and empowerment within the realm of innovation.”

He added, “By celebrating the limitless ingenuity of Black inventors, we not only pay homage to their enduring legacy but also forge pathways for future generations of trailblazers to thrive and inspire.”

The press release states “Further, this collaboration underscores our unwavering dedication to fostering Black entrepreneurship and safeguarding intellectual property rights, marking a milestone in its 124-year history. This trademark registration solidifies the NBL’s national presence and safeguards its brand integrity, offering a host of protections and advantages, including legal protection, enhanced brand recognition, market expansion, and licensing opportunities nationwide.”

RELATED CONTENT: National Business League Pushing to Digitize One Million Black Businesses

Jada Pinkett Smith, Will Smith, Pay Disparity
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 29, 2024

Being Married To Will Smith Put Jada Pinkett In The Throes Of Pay Disparity

Jada Pinkett Smith is applauding Taraji P. Henson and citing the lowball offers she's received for being married to Will Smith.

Jada Pinkett Smith is applauding Taraji P. Henson for addressing the pay disparities in Hollywood and citing the lowball offers she’s received for being married to Will Smith.

The “Red Table Talk” host appeared on NPR’s “It’s Been A Minute” podcast where she explained why she “absolutely” agrees with Henson’s emotional reveal about the inequality Black women face in Hollywood.

“My heart broke for Taraji, and I was also happy [to see] how courageous she was to speak about it in the way that she did,” Jada said.

She acknowledged the families that stars like Henson have to support and many others who depend on Black breadwinners to “carry” them financially as a result of their success. Pinkett Smith also faces pay disparities in Hollywood and has even been offered less because of her mega-superstar husband.

“Yes, people would literally say, ‘Well, you don’t need it. You’re married to Will [Smith],'” she revealed.

It’s partially why Pinkett Smith has started to transition to roles behind the camera and not act as much as she used to.

“That has a lot to do with it and also wanting to get on the other side to help remedy that as a producer,” she shared.

While Pinkett Smith hasn’t given up on her acting career entirely, she does enjoy the control she has a producer over being an actress.

“It’s not to say that I won’t get in front of the camera, but what it takes for me to get in front of the camera, it’s more,” she explained. “Just in regards to the kind of roles that I want to play or that interest me. And I’m thinking about directing.”

Henson went viral during her press run for “The Color Purple” in December when she broke down in tears while discussing the struggles she’s faced as a Black woman in Hollywood.

“I’ve been getting paid and I’ve been fighting tooth and nail every project to get that same freaking [fee] quote,” she said with tears in her eyes. “And it’s a slap in the face when people go, ‘Oh girl, you work all the time. You always working.’ Well, goddammit, I have to. It’s not because I wish I could do two movies a year and that’s that. I have to work because the math ain’t mathing. And I have bills.”

RELATED CONTENT: Taraji P. Henson And Terrence Howard Reunite In New Series ‘The Million Dollar Heist‘

Black Owned Business, Oakland, Atlantic city
by Rafael Pena

February 29, 2024

Atlantic City Community Pushes For More Black-Owned Businesses Amidst Historic Decline

Atlantic City, once a hub for Black-owned businesses, now sees a mere fraction of what it used to have historically.

Press Of Atlantic City reported that Atlantic City, once a hub for Black-owned businesses, now sees a mere fraction of what it used to. Historically, over 300 Black-owned businesses thrived in the Northside. Today, only a handful remains, surviving integration in sectors like barbershops, beauty parlors, churches, and funeral services, according to Ralph Hunter, president of the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey.

Despite the decline, a new wave of entrepreneurs is determined to reverse the trend. Carson Days, co-owner of Swapz AC in Tanger Outlets, sees promise in the diversification of businesses, providing opportunities for smaller establishments to compete with major corporations. The push for revitalization has garnered support from residents and the local community.

Discrepancies arise in counting Black-owned businesses, with Visit Atlantic City listing 15 and Yelp reporting only six. Nationally, Black-owned firms have seen a notable increase, reaching 161,031, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Gross revenue for these businesses has surged by 43%, demonstrating growth from $127.9 billion in 2017 to $183.3 billion in 2021.

Determined entrepreneurs like Dominic Francis, owner of Heady2Go smoke shop, feel the positive impact of increased Black-owned businesses. “From the responses I get when people hear that I’m the owner, it’s always positive. It’s like a light to them that there’s more Black-owned business opening in Atlantic City,’’ said Francis. “We always get customers that want to support and show love, and they express how we need more Black-owned businesses in A.C.”

However, Days and Francis emphasize the need for additional resources such as grants, incentives, and increased awareness to foster sustainable growth.

Technological advancements and educational initiatives, such as the Small Business Academy, are seen as catalysts for success. Despite the challenges, there’s optimism that, with the right support and awareness, Atlantic City can witness a resurgence of Black-owned businesses, reclaiming its historical legacy.

RELATED CONTENT: MISS BLACK AMERICA PAGEANT GOES BACK TO  ATLANTIC CITY WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Terry Crews, Training Day
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 29, 2024

Terry Crews Understood The Assignment When It Came To Low To No Paying Roles

Terry Crews isn't ashamed of his early roles where he received low to no pay since he agreed to the projects.

Terry Crews isn’t ashamed of his early roles where he received low to no pay since he agreed to the projects.

The “America’s Got Talent” host recently appeared on “Club Shay Shay” where he revealed the free work he did in 2001’s “Training Day” and the $4,000 payout he received for 2002’s “Friday After Next.” For Crews, the pay might’ve been “nothing” for some roles, but it never changed his love for a project he signed on for.

“I have never ever, ever looked at whatever money I got as a horror story,” Crews said. “If I did it, I loved it. This keeps my heart always full of gratitude.”

He acknowledged how his roles in “Training Day” and “Next Friday” helped to put his acting career on the map.

“I didn’t get zero [for Training Day], but it changed my life forever,” Crews said. “You wouldn’t know who I was if it weren’t for a no-paying job.”

He recalls thanking Ice Cube for the opportunity after wrapping “Friday After Next,” knowing the role would help catapult his career.

“I got my shot,” Crews said. “That was the start. Now, I make money.”

Considering his NFL background that paid him $150 a week, Crews likened a start in Hollywood to that of a professional athlete who might sign on to a team for free or little pay.

“Name somebody who played football for money when they started. When they start, they get no money. They play football for free. They play basketball for free,” he explained.

“Then, you get all the way to the pros, and you get the millions. There’s no other way. There’s no way to hop, skip and jump this thing.”

Crews’ NFL background includes playing as a defensive end and linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Washington Redskins. He played college football at Western Michigan University and played in the World League of American Football (WLAF) for the Rhein Fire.

The “White Chicks” star moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting after retiring from the NFL in 1997. He landed his first acting role playing the warrior “T-Money” in the syndicated game show “Battle Dome” from 1999 until its cancellation in 2001.

After that came “Training Day,” “Friday After Next,” and “White Chicks” in 2004. Crews is now a household name serving as host on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

Gloria Govan, Matt Barnes, Basketball Wives, amex, credit card, Gloria Govan, child support
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 29, 2024

Gloria Govan Denies Stealing $22K From Matt Barnes

Gloria Govan and Matt Barnes have ignited a new legal warfare over back owed child support and theft allegations.

Gloria Govan and Matt Barnes have ignited a new legal battle over back-owed child support and allegations of theft.

The Basketball Wives alum made a recent filing denying Barnes’ claims of having an oral agreement for reduced child support, Radar Online reported. Govan also denied spending tens of thousands in travel on Barnes’ American Express card.

“[Barnes] accused [Govan] of charging $22,635 on his Amex card, again claiming fraud, only to have [Govan] remind him in less than sensitive terms, that it was he who had charged that for ‘their sons,'” the filing states.

Govan has also “welcomed an investigation as she completely and utterly denies using” Barnes’ AmEx card. According to the cannabis entrepreneur, Barnes “has attempted to extort” her in writing by threatening to “expose some dirty personal secret if she pursued her claim,” of back owed child support.

Last year, Govan accused Barnes of owing $267k in back child support. She cited a court order of $10k a month in child support for their twin sons, Isaiah and Carter, that Barnes decided to reduce to $4k in 2020 without a formal agreement.

Govan claimed that Barnes told her he “didn’t want to” pay the full child support because he was “having a tough time with his girlfriend and her kids living with him, along with a new child coming.” Despite his verbal plea, Govan says “There is no agreement to reduce support.”

In an alleged attempt to get Govan to agree to the reduced child support, Govan claimed that’s when Barnes started threatening her with accusations of using his AmEx card for her travel expenses. According to Govan, Barnes “attempted to claim that he was instituting a police investigation over [Govan’s] allegedly unauthorized use of his Amex card, which he would drop if she dropped her claims.”

However, Barnes is doubling down on his claims against his ex-wife in his filing.

“Each time she booked travel for herself on my AmEx, it appears she logged into my account and surreptitiously changed the email address to hers, then booked travel and received the confirmation at her email address, only to immediately change the email address on the account back to mine once she received her travel confirmation so that I would be none the wiser,” his filing states.

The NBA champion estimates that Govan has stolen “thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars” through his AmEx card. But Govan is encouraging an investigation to shut down Barnes’ claims.

Barnes and Govan married in 2013 and separated in 2015 before finalizing their divorce one year later. She went on to marry his former teammate Derek Fisher in July 2021. Barnes revealed plans to have Fisher testify in an upcoming hearing.

RELATED CONTENT: Matt Barnes And Anansa Sims Land WeTV Reality Series & ‘Barnes Bunch

Baltimore City’s Fire Department, baltimore city
by Stacy Jackson

February 29, 2024

2 Black Women Create Sisterhood In Baltimore City’s Fire Department

These two Black women firefighters are representing as they work to create sisterhood and boost diversity in Baltimore's Fire Department.

African American women remain underrepresented in firefighting, comprising just 8% of uniformed firefighters nationwide.

With only 7% of Black female firefighters in the Baltimore City Fire Department, Captain Shanntel Wilkins and EMT Tiffany Randolph are trailblazers, confronting challenges as they develop a sisterhood in the workforce.

Out of over 1,600 employees, there are only 29 African American women in the suppression unit and eight in EMS, according to CBS News who, noted the city’s 2023 Equity Statistics. Creating a sisterhood for support and recruitment is an important mission for the Black female firefighters. Wilkins and Randolph believe their culture and perspective save lives in Baltimore’s predominantly Black communities. “You don’t get that feeling of ridicule or shame when you go to a fellow Black woman who has endured the same type of struggle,” Randolph shared. “We like to think first, especially since it’s such a dangerous job,” Randolph said about women’s approach.

Wilkins, who became a captain in September 2023, said she never saw female firefighters, growing up. “I did not think about a woman being a firefighter, she shared. “I never saw any.” Now a role model for her daughter, Wilkins has endured skepticism, jumping into the male-dominated profession. “I just woke up one day and decided I wanted to get into something my little girl could see and be proud of me,” Wilkins recalled about becoming a firefighter.

Randolph transitioned from social work seven years ago to fulfill her passion for helping people on the frontlines, but being part of the minority takes a toll. “To come into a white male-dominated career is a second task,” she said. “It’s just task full, but not impossible.”

Wilkins shared that she has faced sly comments questioning her abilities. Her response to critics: “You walk past that.”

The latest census recorded Baltimore’s population is predominantly African American, with Blacks comprising roughly 63%. The Fire Department aims to boost diversity through high school training programs and Camp Spark, engaging girls’ interest in firefighting from a young age. Earlier this month, over 300 Baltimore City residents learned “Hands-Only CPR” with the fire department.

In January, the department spotlighted Lt. Jenell A. Taylor, who received the Firefighter of the Year Award from “Cure Operation Pulse” at Zion Baptist Church in Northeast Baltimore.

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK FIREFIGHTERS IN CHICAGO CALL FOR JUSTICE ON MLK DAY

Adrienne Edwards, Engell Speyer Family, Whitney Museum of American Art
by Stacy Jackson

February 29, 2024

Whitney Museum Promotes Adrienne Edwards To Senior Curator, Associate Director

Adrienne Edwards has spearheaded several groundbreaking shows like the debut museum exhibition of composer Jason Moran.

The Whitney Museum of American Art has promoted Adrienne Edwards to Engell Speyer Family Senior Curator and Associate Director of Curatorial Programs.

In her new role, effective on Feb. 26, Edwards will help guide the artistic vision of the museum under Director Scott Rothkopf, according to Culture Type.

“I am thrilled that Adrienne’s scholarship and instincts for new talent will help define our artistic program,” Rothkopf said, according to Culture Type, also citing her partnership with Gregg Bordowitz to shape the museum’s Independent Study Program (ISP) to expand interdisciplinary inquiry in research. Edwards said she looks forward to partnering with the artist to lead The vWhitney’s ISP “at this singular juncture in its history” through the program nurturing emerging artists across disciplines.

Edwards has spearheaded several groundbreaking shows, like the debut museum exhibition of composer Jason Moran. She also co-curated the prestigious 2022 Whitney Biennial.

During her tenure, she has organized innovative exhibitions, including the upcoming “Edges of Ailey,” spotlighting choreographer Alvin Ailey’s enduring legacy, to open in September of this year.

Rothkopf praised her as “one of the most visionary curators and thinkers of our time,” saying, “Each of her shows forges an innovative new model of what an exhibition can be,” Culture Type reported.

In her elevated role, Edwards will be instrumental in setting the museum’s artistic vision and strategic direction moving forward. “I am exhilarated by the possibilities this expanded role offers,” Edwards said, citing The Whitney’s consistent support of her boundary-pushing curatorial work.

Edwards joined the museum in 2018 to lead performance programming as a performance curator. Three years later, the scholar, curator, and writer was named director of curatorial affairs.

Before The Whitney, Edwards curated performance art at several major institutions and taught art history at New York University. She holds a Ph.D. in performance studies from NYU.

RELATED CONTENT: NYC Tenement Museum’s Black Migration Exhibit Premieres In February

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