TikTok, The Danish Deception, Black women
by Jameelah Mullen

February 29, 2024

TikToker ReesaTeesa Addresses Rumors About How Much Money She Made For ‘Who TF Did I Marry?’

"I am not quitting my day job,” The Atlanta based TikToker said.

TikTok creator ReesaTeesa became an overnight social media star after she posted the Who TF Did I Marry? series. The 50-part saga tells the story of her whirlwind romance with a man that she called “Legion.” The captivating video series garnered international media attention and millions of views on TikTok. This soon led to rumors that the viral sensation made big bucks for the real-life soap opera. The content creator, whose real name is Teresa Johnson, took to her TikTok platform to debunk these rumors. 

@reesamteesa Saturday night relaxation Candles by @ERH-Rachele Harlin (she does ship!!) #reesateesa #fyp #fypシ #trending #netflix #thecrown #relax ♬ original sound – ReesaTeesa


“The stories about the amount of money that I’ve made on TikTok with this whole Who TF Did I Marry? series is wildly inaccurate,” she said.

She continued. 

“So, when I started this series, I was not yet in their creator fund. I didn’t get approved for it until like midway into the series, right? So, all the videos I did beforehand weren’t even counted for the creator fund.”

She also shared that soon after being approved for the TikTok Creator fund, she was suspended from monetizing content. 

“But here’s the kicker. Guess who got suspended out of the creator fund. I got suspended because I had multiple violations because I had reuploaded some of the videos in the series, and you can’t do that. For the next thirty days, I am not making any money from the videos. “ 

Johnson addressed the exaggerated claims about her earnings. 

“So to the people who think I’ve made 80,000, 100,000, 300,000, I am so sorry to disappoint you, but the actual number is nowhere near,” she said in the video posted Saturday evening.

According to The Nashville Film Institute, members of the TikTok creator fund earn approximately 2 to 4 cents per 1,000 views. Earning potential depends on several criteria, including engagement levels, the number of views, and the content creator location — the highest earning potential is for users in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy.

Brand partnerships are another way to earn money on social media. Johnson’s Who TF Did I Marry? series also caught the eye of several brands, including Hilton and BMW. However, no official brand partnerships have been announced as of now. 

RELATED CONTENT: Tap In! TikTok & Black Girl Ventures Launch The Innovate Together Grant

CASINOS, Georgia Capital, Georgia Senate, bet, sports, betting, commissioner
by Rafael Pena

February 29, 2024

Double Or Nothing! Georgia Commissioner Advocates For Statewide Casinos And Sports Betting

Henry County Commission Chair, Carlotta Harrell, made a compelling case for legalized sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia.

Henry County Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell made a case for legalized sports betting and casino gambling in Georgia during a public comment session before the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee, according to MHF News. Sponsored by Sen. Carden Summers, R-Cordele, Senate Resolution 538 proposes a referendum for Georgia voters to decide on the legalization of sports betting and casinos throughout the state. If approved by the Legislature, the resolution will appear on the November ballot, with the potential to take effect in July 2025.

Harrell emphasized the significant economic impact such a measure could have on Henry County, citing, “Henry County is the fastest growing county in the state and is proudly home to the Atlanta Motor Speedway,” Harrell said. “With a population of over 250,000 residents, long-term economic sustainment is a critical topic for our county.”

Highlighting the economic success of legalized gambling in neighboring states, Harrell argued that the proposed legislation could bring substantial benefits to Georgia. She noted that surrounding states have experienced economic impacts exceeding $19 million from legalized gambling.

“Approval of this legislation from both the General Assembly and the citizens of Georgia would significantly boost the number of visitors to the region, thus benefiting local business owners and industries across the region,” said Harrell.

Harrell received support from various officials and individuals advocating for the resolution. Senate Resolution 538 successfully passed the Senate Economic Development & Tourism Committee, marking a crucial step forward. The resolution is now set to be considered by the Senate Rules Committee, which will determine scheduling for a floor vote. If passed by voters in November, the resolution could shape Georgia’s approach to sports betting and casino gambling, bringing potential economic benefits to the state and its counties.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Not For The Faint Of Heart’: The Battle For Supremacy In The Booming U.S. Sports Betting Market

tsa, pre check, ID, no longer, id, face scan
by Rafael Pena

February 29, 2024

TSA PreCheck Passengers Flying United Airlines Will No Longer Need ID In Select Airports

United now offers "Touchless ID" technology, allowing TSA PreCheck travelers to navigate security solely by scanning their faces.

United Airlines has introduced a game-changer for TSA PreCheck members traveling through Chicago’s O’Hare and Los Angeles International Airports, according to NBC News. The airline now offers “Touchless ID” technology, allowing travelers to navigate security solely by scanning their faces, eliminating the need for physical IDs or boarding passes. This innovation aims to enhance the passenger experience by streamlining security procedures.

United’s Touchless ID requires passengers to enroll by scanning their passports and adding Known Traveler Numbers through the airline’s app. Opting in during mobile check-in grants permission for facial scans to serve as identification at Touchless ID kiosks in the airport. Presently, this feature is available for individual passengers aged 18 and above with single-passenger reservations. While the bag-drop function at O’Hare is still in the testing phase, United plans to extend Touchless ID to additional counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.

Delta Air Lines has already implemented similar technology at key hubs like Atlanta, Detroit, and New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports, offering dedicated check-in lanes for touchless experiences. Clint Henderson, managing editor of The Points Guy, praised the efficiency, stating, “There was no wait.”

Looking ahead, the Department of Homeland Security envisions a broader “self-service” screening option, bypassing TSA agents entirely. The experimental program, currently being tested at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, combines facial screening and baggage scanning within innovative “pods.” TSA emphasizes that any facial recognition images captured are not stored for an extended period, maintaining a focus on privacy and security.

As travel evolves toward seamless and contactless processes, these technological advancements represent a significant step forward in enhancing efficiency and convenience for air travelers.

RELATED CONTENT: Last Year, A Record Number Of Firearms Were Discovered At Airport Security Checkpoints

Black In Power: Black Women Mayors Make History For 3 North Carolina Towns
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 29, 2024

Black In Power: Black Women Mayors Make History For 3 North Carolina Towns

Three Black women made history as the first Black women mayors of their respective North Carolina towns.

Three towns in North Carolina are making history with Black women newly elected as their mayors. The new leaders of Butner, Carrboro, and Henderson, North Carolina are delighted to be part of a shift for diversity in the state.

The newly elected officials spoke to ABC11 on becoming the first Black women mayors in their towns. Henderson’s mayor, Melissa Elliot, won after an intense race but emphasized that being a voice for her more vulnerable constituents is of utmost importance.

“You have to understand. Fourteen decades, 142 years of just men, and so now here I’m on the scene,” explained Elliot. “Not only am I a woman, but I’m a Black woman. That’s double history. It’s also a double threat if you look at it and when you deal with people that have been maximizing off of poor folk. I have a voice, and I’m going to use it, and so I’m an advocate, a strong advocate.”

Her fellow Black women mayors share similar thoughts, with Dr. Linda Jordon of Butner wanting to encourage others to put their name into the running for public office.

“Let’s not wait around for someone else to get the job done. Let’s get out there and do it ourselves. And I’ve seen more women be entrepreneurs as well as stepping up to the plate to be in public service,” shared Dr. Jordon. “I want my legacy to be that there’s a leader in the community who is inclusive, who wants to allow people to have their voices heard.”

Carrboro’s mayor, Barbara Foushee, is also a force within her industry and her newest role in politics. Foushee is a scientist in a molecular oncology lab, which showcases that one can give back while still pursuing their varied career goals. According to the African American Mayors Association, they are joined by eight other Black mayors within the state, including two that are women, as they promote diverse local leadership.

All three women are contributing to the rise of Black mayors around the country and are a step in representation for voters of color.

RELATED CONTENT: Rita Frealing Sworn In As Gettysburg First Black And First Female Mayor

Michael Steele, Trump, Black voters, conservatives, black tie, event
by Daniel Johnson

February 29, 2024

Michael Steele Criticizes Trump Over Comments About Black Voters

Steele told the show’s hosts that he was doubtful that the former President’s comments about Black people came from a healthy place.

Michael Steele, the first Black chair of the Republican National Committee, responded forcefully to Donald Trump’s comments at a black-tie event for Black conservatives. As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, several Democratic and civil rights leaders already responded to Trump’s comments.

As Huffington Post reported, during a Feb. 27 appearance on MSNBC’s “The Morning Joe” program, Steele told the show’s hosts that he was doubtful that the former President’s comments about Black people came from a healthy place. 

“With Trump, there is nothing there substantively because of his own history that would tell me that I would have something to gain with him,” Steele said. “That’s been proven time and time again as you listen to him talk to Black people as if they’re not there.”

Steele continued, “When I hear him say ‘the Black people,’ it reminds me of some 1950s redneck who is referring to them, ‘other,’ even though they’re in the room.”

Steele then turned his attention toward the offensive nature of Trump’s low-brow pandering, calling attention to the racist nature of Trump’s low estimation of Black people. 

“He thinks so little of the Black community that he [believes he] can get our vote with giving us greater access to menthol cigarettes and a nice pair of gold lamé sneakers.”

Steele explained his frustration with Trump’s lack of policy recommendations, saying, “Nothing about health disparities in Black neighborhoods. Nothing about the education disparities in Black neighborhoods,” Steele said. “Nothing about the mortality rate among Black women and babies. Nothing about fair housing.”

In addition to his appearance on “The Morning Joe,” Steele discussed Trump’s appeals to Black voters using racism and stereotypes with Clay Cane during a later appearance the same day on MSNBC ‘s “The Reid Out.”

Cane, like Steele, believes Black voters are more intelligent than to fall for the pandering of Trump, as he told Steele, “I don’t think it works for Black voters, I think Black voters are much smarter than this, than what the polls may say and so on.”

Cane continued, “If anybody in my hometown of West Philadelphia did what Trump did, they’d be behind bars. That’s a clear distinction that Trump, the GOP, Byron Donalds, and Black Republicans don’t seem to make. I don’t think any of us can relate, with all due respect, to a rich white guy from Queens who has more felony counts than I can possibly imagine anybody in my neighborhood having.”

RELATED CONTENT: Al Sharpton Slams Donald Trump For Aligning Himself With African American Struggle

Chicago Police, CPD, Mohammad Yusuf, Black
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 29, 2024

Chicago Police Officer Sues City In Fight To Officially Change Race To Match Identity

Think this should be allowed?

A member of the Chicago Police Department has filed a lawsuit against the city to officially change his race on record following the department’s decision to allow officers to change their gender.

In a federal civil rights lawsuit filed in February 2024, Mohammad Yusuf claims CPD isn’t allowing him to change his race from “Caucasian” to “Egyptian and African American,” which he currently identifies as. 

When the officer joined the force in 2004, he remembers choosing “Caucasian” as his race on his official record. Back then, there were only three options, including Black and Hispanic, but now, the department offers “over nine” different racial backgrounds for incoming officers. However, the suit lists a “blanket prohibition” against changing an officer’s race. 

Following numerous rejections, Yusuf claims he was told he would have to produce a DNA test to have his race changed, prompting him to provide results of a “23 and Me” genetic test, showing his heritage and ethnicity. Yet still, the department decided it was “not possible” to change his official record.

After the department allowed an officer’s “gender identity to be corrected to match their lived experience,” the lawsuit alleges that not permitting Yusuf to do the same has impacted his professional advancement. 

The 43-year-old man claims he was often overlooked for promotions due to his “Caucasian” race. He alleges other minority applicants received the promotions and only a few Caucasian applicants. Serving on the force for 20 years, the veteran points out in the suit that CPD’s promotion system benefits “minority candidates” regardless of their scores on promotional exams.

Yusuf claimed he “scored in the first promotional tier” on the sergeant’s exam but was never promoted and still hadn’t moved up the ranks. 

In his complaint, he accuses the department of issuing “over 75 merit promotions to sergeant,” with a little under five going to white candidates.

“Despite Yusuf’s exemplary qualifications and the purported race-neutral policy of the merit system, Yusuf has been repeatedly bypassed for promotion in favor of less qualified candidates, based on their race, specifically African-American officers, some of whom had disciplinary issues and were not suitable for the responsibilities of a sergeant,” he said. 

The lawsuit also accuses the city of violating Title V of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

“The Racial Identity Policy Ban facially and intentionally discriminates against certain individuals based on personally identifiable characteristics like race.”

Family, Debt free
by Jeffrey McKinney

February 29, 2024

Black Americans Rate Success By Happiness, Homeownership, And The Ability To Provide And Be Debt-Free

Some marks of success Blacks specify for triumph can contribute to financial pressure for them.

While being armed with stacks of money is often regarded as a measure of financial prosperity, other means help bring a well-balanced life.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, most Black Americans cite providing for family, happiness, and being debt-free as top factors defining personal and financial success. The think tank surmised that 52% of the adults quizzed report owning a home and 50% using their talents and resources to help others are essential to their personal definition of success.

Though homeownership can be a wealth builder, it can lead to financial strain if a mortgage payment and other housing-related costs result in little left to pay other expenses or achieve your savings target.

Concurrent Financial Planning CEO Preston Cherry told CNBC that homeownership comes with more expenses than renting, and those costs should be considered. He stated those outlays include taxes, insurance, and down payment.

“Being ‘house poor’ doesn’t do much for you.”

Simultaneously, the Pew analysis surmised some activities Blacks use to achieve success also contribute to them realizing ample stress, particularly with personal finances. Some 71% say they face much tension to have adequate cash to do what they want, while 68% face the same on being able to care for their family.

Further, the survey revealed that Black adults with lower family incomes are more inclined than those with middle incomes or upper incomes to rate their personal financial situation negatively.

Blacks under age 50 are more likely than those 50 and older to assess their financial situation that way, while 64% of Blacks overall concur with that sentiment.

The survey showed Black Americans are pessimistic about their finances even as conditions like the nation’s economy improved and inflation reduced. The report indicated too that many Black households are not equipped to rebound quickly if their primary income source is abruptly cut.

A majority of Black adults endure at least 1 of 8 financial fears roughly daily. For example, around 31% worry about paying bills, 29% worry about the amount of debt they have, and 28% worry about being able to save enough for retirement. Still, earlier Pew research disclosed that Black adults remain upbeat about their future finances.

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK ENTERPRISE’s ‘Health Is Wealth’ Summit Brought Knowledge And Action To Atlanta

fani Willis, Nathan Wade, Fulton county, superior court, judge, affair, wade, Bryant-Yeartie, Georgia DA Fani Willis
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

February 29, 2024

Trump Defense Team Unravels In Disqualifying Fani Willis

The evidentiary hearing for Fani Willis and her misconduct allegations has left Trump’s defense team needing more to get her disqualified.

In the latest news surrounding the misconduct allegations against Fani Willis, the Trump defense team’s quest to disqualify the Fulton County District Attorney has seemed to unravel in the evidentiary hearing.

MSNBC reports that in light of new testimony by Nathan Wade’s former divorce attorney, Terrence Bradley, the hearing prompted by Trump’s defense amassed virtually no evidence to disqualify Willis. Upon learning of her past relationship with Wade, one of the special prosecutors she appointed to the Trump indictment, the ex-president’s legal team questioned Willis’ ethics.

Katie Phang shared with viewers that the judge presiding over the case, Judge Scott McAfee, could not find further evidence on when Wade’s relationship with Willis started through the hours of questioning Bradley.

“Terrence Bradley has zero, and I want to emphasize zero, personal knowledge as to when any personal relationship between Nathan Wade and Fani Willis began,” shared Phang, a correspondent for the news outlet. “Why is that important? Well, this is a continuation of an evidentiary hearing…He [Bradley] is a gossip. He is a busybody. But gossip and innuendo do not make evidence despite what the defense wants to happen in this case. This is just a highlight of how far afield we’ve gone from the purpose of this hearing.”

Bradley was considered a star witness in the hearing, whose testimony was supposed to not only deliver Willis’ disqualification but also prompt the derailment of Trump’s case overall.

However, he failed to provide concrete knowledge of Willis and Wade’s relationship timeline. Bradley took the stand for the third time to note that his words were speculative.

Fellow commentator Andrew Weissmann, a former U.S. Department of Justice prosecutor, also referred to the hearing as a “sideshow” that could have been handled by an Ethics Office. He argues that the allegations never warranted disqualification but have become a distraction from the case’s original and weightier claims of election interference.

“The hearing then became a bit of a ‘hot mess,'” explained Weissmann. “You realize that this has sort of gone down this rabbit hole from an incredibly historic, important indictment. Even if this all ends up going well for the Georgia prosecutor, there’s this taint that I think was needlessly inflicted.”

While Willis’ removal from the prosecution due to the hearing’s findings seems unlikely, the spectacle still has taken a significant turn away from the more prominent issue. Trump’s alleged election interference in Georgia is expected to have a trial date once the hearing concludes.

Tyreek Hill, NFL, handcuffed, Miami-Dade police
by Rafael Pena

February 28, 2024

NFL Star Tyreek Hill Faces Lawsuit Over Tackling Instagram Model In His Backyard

NFL wide receiver Tyreek Hill stands accused of breaking a woman's leg during a backyard football lesson back in May 2023.

NFL wide receiver Tyreek Hill, known as the “Cheetah” for his prowess on the field, is facing legal trouble as he stands accused of breaking a woman’s leg during a backyard football lesson back in late May of 2023, according to TMZ Sports.

Model, actress, and influencer Sophie Hall claims that Hill retaliated with “crushing force” after she successfully held her ground during practice drills at his Florida mansion. The alleged incident left Hall in need of reconstructive surgery and months of physiotherapy.

The lawsuit, filed in Broward County, accuses Hill of battery, assault, and negligence. Hall contends that the NFL superstar became “enraged” and forcefully shoved her, resulting in severe fractures to her leg. The complaint states, “Unfortunately, after getting ‘humiliated’ in front of friends and family when he was knocked backward during a friendly football lesson by his friend Sophie Hall, Tyreek became enraged.”

Hill, who had an exceptional 2023 NFL season, finishing with leading receiving yards and touchdowns, now faces legal challenges off the field. The complaint details Hill’s alleged flirtatious messages to Hall following her enrollment of her 10-year-old son in the Tyreek Hill Football Camp.

Hall asserts that Hill, refusing to believe her height, flew her to Florida and invited her to his luxurious mansion. The suit claims that Hill invited Hall to participate in offensive drills in an attempt to showcase his skills. The situation reportedly escalated when Hill, allegedly embarrassed by the encounter, became angry.

The lawsuit contends that Hill’s aggressive behavior resulted in significant injuries to Hall, who sustained a right leg fracture requiring surgery. Despite Hill downplaying the severity of the injury initially, Hall was diagnosed with a fracture that necessitated ongoing medical treatment.

The complaint also alludes to Hill’s history of “violent and aggressive behavior towards women” without providing specific details.

According to Daily Mail, this adds to a series of controversies surrounding Hill, including being kicked off the Oklahoma State team in 2015 for alleged domestic violence. In 2019, he faced suspension over child abuse allegations. Paternity suits followed, and Hill signed a record-breaking deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Off-field incidents include an alleged assault caught on CCTV in June 2023 and paternity claims from former flames. Hill’s tumultuous personal life includes a brief marriage and a house fire in January 2023.

Despite Hill’s history of legal issues, the Dolphins have not commented on the recent allegations. Hill, without legal representation listed, has not responded, and Hall and her attorneys remain silent on the matter. The unfolding legal proceedings shed light on the NFL star’s off-field challenges.

RELATED CONTENT: Reporting Live: Rick Ross Gave Live Updates While Tyreek Hill’s House Was On Fire

Donna Summer’s Estate Files Lawsuit Against Ye For Unauthorized Use Of ‘I Feel Love’
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 28, 2024

Donna Summer’s Estate Files Lawsuit Against Ye For Unauthorized Use Of ‘I Feel Love’

The lawsuit was filed in a Los Angeles federal court Feb. 27 by Summer's husband

A copyright infringement lawsuit has been filed against Ye and Ty Dolla $ign by Donna Summer’s estate, which accuses the music artists of using her song “I Feel Love” without permission.

The lawsuit was filed in a Los Angeles federal court on Feb. 27 by Summer’s husband, Bruce Sudano, the executor of her estate.

According to CBS News, Ye’s latest album, “Vultures 1,” released on Feb. 10, included an illegal use of Summer’s song that was incorporated into the song “Good (Don’t Die).”

The suit claims that Ye’s song “shamelessly” includes re-recorded parts of “I Feel Love’ that are “instantly recognizable.” Ye’s representatives asked for permission to use the song for the project but were rejected because the Summer estate “wanted no association with West’s controversial history.”

Yet, even after being denied, Ye placed the recording on the album.

Reuters reported that the Summer estate rejected the request on Feb. 3.

“In the face of this rejection,” the lawsuit states, “defendants arrogantly and unilaterally decided they would simply steal ‘I Feel Love’ and use it without permission.”

“The Summer Estate not only considered the immense commercial value of the ‘I Feel Love’ composition, but also the potential degradation to Summer’s legacy,” the complaint said.

“West is known as a controversial public figure whose conduct has led numerous brands and business partners to disassociate from him.”

The estate placed a post on X stating that Ye was denied use of the song and that another voice or possibly A.I. recorded the vocals for their song.

The estate was not the only entity to call out Ye for unauthorized use of a recording. Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne also posted his gripe on social media platform X, calling out Ye for using a sample of the 1970 track “Iron Man” despite being “refused permission because he is an antisemite.”

RELATED CONTENT: Ye  And Ty Dolla $ign’s ‘Vultures’ Takes Top Spot Of Billboard 200

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