• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 19, 2024

President Biden Clowns Elon Musk For His Massive $45M Pledge To Support Trump Super PAC

President Biden is such a jokester....

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Tech billionaire Elon Musk committed to a massive $45 million monthly pledge for former President Donald Trump’s new political action committee (PAC), and President Joe Biden is “sick” about it. 

After Biden announced he tested positive for Covid, he mocked Musk’s support of the GOP candidate. “I’m sick,” Biden said in a post on X on Jul. 17. He then continued to say, “of Elon Musk and his rich buddies trying to buy this election. And if you agree, pitch in here.” 

Established in May 2024 and registered in Texas, the America PAC will target voter outreach and registration efforts with efforts to fight similar Democratic campaigns. Other reputable supporters include tech entrepreneur Joe Lonsdale, former ambassador to Canada and Kentucky Senate candidate Kelly Craft, and coal executive Joe Craft. 

The group already raised $8.75 million in the second quarter and a little under $100,000 in cash towards the end of June. With Musk’s donation, the commitment would likely be labeled as one of the most significant donations of the 2024 presidential campaign and is scheduled to begin pouring in as early as July 2024. 

The move contradicts a previous promise he made to stay out of the 2024 election, however, this is not the first time the tech guru has supported political aspirations. According to CNN, Musk donated $5,000 to President Obama’s campaign in April 2011. Once viewed as a Democratic donor, things have changed in recent years as he feels the Democratic party has moved too far to the left for him to support its candidates. 

However, the relationship between Musk and Trump has not always been sweet. In 2017, Musk quit two White House business councils he once served on after Trump announced America would withdraw from the Paris climate accord. “Climate change is real. Leaving Paris is not good for America or the world,” he tweeted.

The two have grown closer in recent months, having discussed a possible advisory role for Musk in a second Trump administration. Now, he is in full support of Trump, issuing his official endorsement following the assassination attempt of the candidate at a rally. “I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery,” Musk wrote on X.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 19, 2024

Tasha K Catches Another Defamation Lawsuit, This Time From Soulja Boy

The rapper is suing the vlogger and William The Baddest who claimed he had sex with Soulja Boy in an interview with Tasha K

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After having lawsuits filed against her by Cardi B and Kevin Hart due to the salacious and, according to them, untrue content she posts on her YouTube channel, another celebrity has filed a lawsuit against the controversial vlogger.

According to Billboard, hip-hop recording artist Soulja Boy is suing Tasha K for defamation due to a story alleging that the rapper had sexual relations with another man. Also named in the lawsuit is a man who calls himself ‘William The Baddest’ (William Thomas). William claimed he had sex with Soulja Boy, during an interview with Tasha K in May.

Due to the allegations revealed during the interview, Soulja Boy’s attorneys have stated that the conversation has brought “embarrassment and disgrace that can cause fans to abandon and withdraw from supporting him.” They also deny that the encounter took place.

“Plaintiff has suffered actual reputational and professional harm as a result of defendants maliciously targeting plaintiff and seeking to sabotage his careers, redefining his character as a man who is not straight, a fraud and dishonest person in the entertainment industry, as a public figure, which is not true,” it states in the paperwork filed on July 16 in Los Angeles.

The attorneys also stated that after the May 16, 2024 video was posted, a cease and desist letter was sent to Tasha and William. They demanded that the interview be deleted as the duo had “already engaged in tortious acts that entitle Mr. Way to monetary damages” and that if they did not stop, “liability for such monetary damages will increase.” Mr. Way refers to Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way.

TMZ reported that Soulja Boy is suing Tasha and William for defamation, sexual harassment, violation of right to privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and more. He is requesting more than $16 million in total damages.

RELATED CONTENT: Cardi B’s Lawyers Allege Tasha K Hid Offshore Accounts When She Filed For Bankruptcy

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

July 19, 2024

Dosso Beauty Brings Hypoallergenic Braiding Hair Shop To Philly

Dosso Beauty's Philly shop will allow customers to purchase braiding hair and products in-stores, with an option for installs.

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Dosso Beauty, a pioneering Black woman-owned brand specializing in hypoallergenic braiding hair, is expanding its reach with the launch of its inaugural brick-and-mortar store and salon in Philadelphia.

This milestone marks a significant step for the company, which has been offering innovative solutions for those with sensitive scalps since 2018. Founder Kadidja Dosso’s personal experience with allergic reactions to braiding hair inspired her to create Dosso Beauty. The new store, situated at 5102 Rochelle Ave, will showcase Dosso Beauty products and provide installation services.

The Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree shared her motivation in an interview with Fox29. I knew that it was the hair itself because I tried to use another brand that said it was clean therapy, and I noticed that it was a different reaction,” she said. “It wasn’t just scalp bumps…My scalp was inflamed, it was purple, and it was unbearable. So I knew that I had to find an option.” She discovered that her experience resonated with many others, stating, “I pulled about 200 women, and…200 plus women told me that they also had the same reaction.”

Dosso Beauty’s mission extends beyond selling organic beauty supplies. According to the company’s website, Dosso aims “to provide a platform for people of color to reinforce the confidence that they have within themselves.”

The brand has already made significant strides. In 2022, Dosso Beauty collaborated with Marsh + Mane, a Black-owned beauty supply retailer in Philadelphia. The previous year, Dosso won Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition HBCU Grand Prize. “It shows that our team’s labor of love for the past three years has truly made a global impact,” Dosso stated on the company’s website. “This opportunity is meant to inspire others to chase their dreams no matter what obstacles they face.”

Participation in Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator program has further propelled Dosso Beauty’s growth. The brand’s products are now available on various platforms, including Amazon and GoPuff, as well as in over 40 independent retail stores across the U.S. As Dosso Beauty continues to evolve, the company focuses on launching new products, improving shipping and delivery options, and enhancing customer engagement and experience.

RELATED CONTENT: Rihanna Shares Desire To Braid Sons’ Hair: ‘It’s Something In Our Blood’

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 19, 2024

Trump Campaign Won’t Commit To VP Debate With Kamala Harris Over ‘Democratic Ticket Uncertainty’ 

We know our Vice President is a master debater!

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The Trump campaign claims they don’t know who will be on the Democratic ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris, so they won’t commit to a vice presidential debate. 

In a statement released on Jul. 17, the campaign senior advisor, Brian Hughes, said committing to a date wouldn’t be fair to whoever Harris selects as a running mate, alluding to speculation that President Joe Biden may drop out of the race. “We don’t know who the Democratic nominee for Vice President is going to be, so we can’t lock in a date before their convention,” Hughes said in a statement. 

“To do so would be unfair to Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, or whoever Kamala Harris picks as her running mate.”

On the same day, the Biden campaign said Harris agreed to debate GOP vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) on either Aug. 12 or Aug. 13. after previously extending an invite for Jul. 23. Campaign spokesperson Brian Fallon said it was Trump’s team that mentioned a debate could happen “anytime, anyplace.” “Donald Trump is the one whose campaign said he would debate ‘anytime, anyplace’ and who picked JD Vance specifically for his debating skills,” Fallon said.

“Now suddenly, right after a damning new leak showing his support for a nationwide abortion ban, Vance is backing off a debate against Vice President Harris, who has spent the last two years prosecuting the case on behalf of reproductive freedom.”

According to The Associated Press, the two candidates have not been able to agree on the network partner and format, but they hope conversations will happen soon. In a recent interview, the first-term senator said that it is important for the public to see him debate Harris. “Obviously, we want to debate Vice President Harris because it’s important for the American people to see the contrast,” Vance said. 

However, a number of Democratic supporters are already claiming that Harris will give Vance a debate he will never forget. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) told reporters that “the V.P. will take it to JD Vance.” “The debate is going to have two parts to it,” she said. “It’s how strong our vice president is and how good her economic issues are. I’m looking forward to this debate.”

Similar thoughts have been expressed on social media. Biden-Harris spokesperson Quentin Fulks can be seen in a video calling Vance “boring and full of empty air” following his primetime speech on day two of the Republican National Convention. He said after “last night’s lackluster performance,” he wouldn’t want to debate Harris, either. “He might not have inspired a single American to vote for him, but he did provide a picture-perfect contrast,” Fulks said.

“He is a spineless backbencher desperate for Trump’s approval, while Vice President Harris is a powerful leader and a terrific partner to President Biden.”

Harris called Vance to congratulate him on his selection. While Vance said the vice president was “very gracious, very cordial” on the call, she pushed him to accept the terms of the debate. Virginia State University has been named as a potential host place for the debate, making it the first time a historically Black college or university (HBCU) hosted one.

RELATED CONTENT: Rep. Clyburn Says He’ll Back Kamala Harris If Biden ‘Ain’t There’

• Arts and Culture

by Jameelah Mullen

July 19, 2024

New Orleans Council Moves Forward With An Ordinance That Will Pay Musicians $200 An Hour

Some New Orleans-based musicians may soon get a pay raise.

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Members of the New Orleans City Council voted in favor of a musician pay ordinance which will now go to the full council for consideration. If passed, musicians hired by the city will be paid at least $200 per hour. If a band is hired, each member makes the same hourly rate. This is good news for some local musicians who say they are underpaid. 

Danovon Calhoun-Bettis is the Director of Engagement for The Music & Culture Coalition of New Orleans and a musician. Calhoun-Bettis. In an interview with WWLTV, the musician said many of his counterparts struggle to meet their basic expenses, including rent, food and health insurance. 

“There’s no way you can have the lifeline of the city providing you everything you need while not providing the basis of what you need,” Calhoun told the outlet.

 Morgan Clevenger has been active on the New Orleans music scene since the 1980s. The musician said that the city should look at the “whole picture” when it comes to compensation. 

“Performance is one thing, but they have to rehearse. They have to load in; they have to load out. They have pre-performance time, and all of that needs to be considered when we’re talking about rate of pay.” Clevenger told WVUE News. 

New Orleans City Council President Helena Moreno said that musicians are essential components to the city’s cultural makeup. 

“They’re our culture bearers. They are so much of what the city is about. So, they should be paid appropriately. We hear about musicians who just can’t make ends meet, so it’s hard to continue on with their craft,” Moreno told WGNO News. 

According to Moreno, artists who perform at the airport are currently paid $175 for three hours of work. 

The full council will vote on the ordinance July 25. If approved, council members said they hope the $200 rate will be a new standard for hiring bands in the private sector.

RELATED CONTENT: New Orleans Mayor Declares Official Back That A** Day In The City

• Health and Wellness

by Shanique Yates

July 18, 2024

Healthcare Startups Can Secure $25K Ahead Of 2024 Invest Fest Thanks To HealthyMD

HealthyMD announces its second annual Healthcare Startup Grant, reveals that winner will be selected during the 2024 Invest Fest.

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Healthcare startups attending the 2024 Invest Fest will have the chance to walk away with $25,000 to help them thrive while supporting the masses, thanks to HealthyMD.

In a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, the healthcare provider, known for helping to revolutionize healthcare accessibility, announced its second annual Healthcare Startup Grant. The program is curated to support early-stage healthcare entrepreneurs in their quest to provide accessibility and quality healthcare products and services to the public.

Geared toward early-stage startups, the winner of the grant program will be announced during the fourth annual Invest Fest, to be held in Atlanta from Aug. 23rd to Aug. 25th. The first-of-its-kind, in-person festival was launched by childhood friends Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings through their educational platform, Earn Your Leisure.

At one point during the three-day event, HealthyMD will present its Healthcare Startup grant to an early-stage company whose work within healthcare is centered around serving underserved communities. The winner will not only be presented with the grant award on-stage during Invest Fest, but they will also receive two general admission tickets and two round-trip airline tickets to attend this year’s Invest Fest. Additionally, the winner will have the chance to conduct two exclusive mentoring meetings with HealthyMD co-founders Clifford W. Knights II and Steve Vixamar. 

“As a self-funded business, we understand the acute challenges entrepreneurs face when growing their businesses, particularly in the healthcare industry,” the co-founders said in an official statement. “We see this grant as an opportunity to uplift fellow entrepreneurs aiming to make a true difference in their communities and provide financial support to every entrepreneur news to scale their mission.”

Since its inception, HealthyMD has been on a mission to “provide comprehensive, end-to-end sexual healthcare for underserved communities and populations across the United States.” Operating on a hybrid care model, which includes virtual care options as well as mobile and brick-and-mortar clinics, the company, alongside its network of providers, offers equitable access to high-quality care, diagnostics as well as wraparound services. Moreover, the offerings are available to patients regardless of if they’re able to pay. In addition to that, HealthyMD provides pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) treatments to prevent HIV, which disproportionately affects Black and brown people.

From now until Aug. 3rd, qualifying healthcare startups can apply for a chance to win the HealthyMD Healthcare Startup grant during the 2024 Invest Fest.

RELATED CONTENT: POC-Owned Businesses In Baltimore Can Seek $20K Grants From Baltimore Gas And Electric

• Events

by Stacy Jackson

July 18, 2024

Jack And Jill To Celebrate Leadership And Legacy At 46th National Convention

Jack and Jill's 46th National Convention will celebrate organization president Kornisha McGill Brown as she concludes her tenure.

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The Jack and Jill National Convention, a landmark event for America’s preeminent African American family organization, is set to unfold in Minneapolis from July 23-28.

This gathering, themed “Celebrating A Masterpiece of Life, Love, Leadership, & Legacy,” marks the 46th iteration of the organization’s convention. According to a press release, the Jack and Jill National Convention will showcase an array of signature events, pay tribute to distinguished alumni, and foster engagement with organizational partners. Highlights include a teen leadership summit, community health fair, and legislative luncheon.

“This convention promises to be a memorable gathering,” National President Kornisha McGill Brown said, emphasizing the opportunity to connect and learn from fellow members.

A notable pre-convention event is the memorial luncheon titled “Advocating For Justice, Inspiring Change: Remembering the Legacy of George Floyd,” with a keynote address by civil rights advocate Benjamin Crump. Jack and Jill has organized its “Your Health, Your Legacy – A Health Fair Empowering You To Make A Difference” on July 23, an opportunity for attendees, particularly within the African American community, to be empowered to make change. On July 9, the organization confirmed over 20 vendors to be featured at this year’s health fair.

Invited guests will experience an exclusive welcome reception at Paisley Park, Prince’s creative sanctuary. The organization has introduced an Alumni Track for young adults aged 19-25, offering professional development and networking opportunities. Additionally, the convention will unveil the new Pink and Blue Pages Business Directory, underscoring Jack and Jill’s commitment to economic development and Black-owned enterprises.

This gathering marks the conclusion of Brown’s tenure as National President. “As my final term of leading the organization as National President comes to an end, I look forward to gathering once again to perform the business of Jack and Jill,” she said. The convention will see Jack and Jill members from across the nation convene to ensure the organization’s continued success after 86 years.

Jack and Jill’s 46th National Convention will feature performances by renowned artists, including Shelia E., Kim Whitley, Bell Biv DeVoe, and Lady Tramaine Hawkins.

• Entrepreneurship

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 18, 2024

Ice Cube’s Production Company Cube Vision Extends Partnership With Paramount

'We are excited to expand on our successful partnership with Paramount through this unique television deal.'

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N.W.A. founding member Ice Cube is expanding his entertainment umbrella, Cube Vision, with an extended partnership with Paramount Global.

According to Deadline, Ice Cube, real name, O’Shea Jackson, and his partner, Jeff Kwatinetz, COO of Cube Vision, have locked down a first-look television deal that will allow the duo to develop and executive produce projects for broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms across the Paramount network.

“We are excited to expand on our successful partnership with Paramount through this unique television deal,” said Cube and Kwatinetz in a joint written statement. “This deal provides us with everything we need to bring amazing and authentic stories to television, working with the best writers, showrunners, and television innovators in the entire business. We are thrilled to collaborate with Nina, Chris, and the rest of the All-Star Paramount Global team to build upon the great work we’ve done together.”

The first project is already being developed at Showtime Studios. It’s an unscripted project that will explore the cutthroat world of Hollywood through the eyes and experience of Black creators.

“Ice Cube is a bona fide powerhouse whose enduring impact on music, film, TV, and sports resonates with generations of fans,” said Nina L. Diaz, President of Content and CCO, Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios. “It’s a privilege to build on our relationship with Cube Vision and continue to bring his trailblazing storytelling to audiences around the world.”

This comes on the heels of Cube telling Flavor Flav that a fourth Friday movie is closer to fruition. There have been barriers over the past 20 years that have prevented another Friday from being produced, but it looks like with new blood at Warner Bros., the world may be closer to seeing what Craig Jones (The character Cube played in the original movie and sequels) and crew have been up to over the years.

The original Friday was released in theaters back in 1995. The sequel, Next Friday, came out in 2000, and two years later, in 2002, the last movie in this series, Friday After Next, was released in theaters.

RELATED CONTENT: Ice Cube Says He Will Sue Anyone Who Uses His A.I. Generated Voice Without Permission

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 18, 2024

BREAKING: Illinois Sheriff’s Deputy Charged In The Murder Of Sonya Massey 

Justice for Sonya!

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An Illinois sheriff deputy has been charged in the murder case of a Black woman, Sonya Massey, after she was shot and killed after calling the police. 

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office announced one of their own, Sean Grayson, has been indicted and charged with three counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. Illinois State Police (ISP) completed an investigation into Massey’s death and found enough evidence to charge Grayson. “It is clear that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards,” the office said.

Massey, 36, was shot and killed on Jul. 6 after Sangamon County deputies in Springfield responded to a call of a prowler. According to The Illinois Times, the victim sustained a single gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at HSHS St. John’s Hospital’s emergency department. 

Little information was shared about what took place between the time deputies arrived at Massey’s home, shortly before 1 a.m., and when shots were fired, around 1:21 a.m. However, Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser said body-cam footage is expected to be released to the public at 10 a.m. on Jul. 22. “Nothing has been redacted except for the blurring of certain images, which was done out of respect for Ms. Massey and her family,” Milhiser said in a statement. 

The victim’s death sparked outrage from the Black community and civil rights leaders across the country, accusing Grayson of discharging his firearm, striking the mother of two, and killing her. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the family, called for justice and accountability prior to the charges being announced. 

Now, he and his team praise the decision, saying it’s a “step forward.”

“This news is a step toward justice for Sonya’s loved ones, especially her children, who have endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy,” Crump said. “We remain committed to uncovering the truth of what happened and identifying the failures that allowed this tragic death to occur.”

A member of Crump’s law firm, Paul Grinke, thanked Milhiser and ISP officials for moving swiftly in the matter, as many state officials seemingly support the charges. Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell released a statement saying his “heart breaks for the family and friends of Sonya Massey” and Grayson’s alleged actions “do not reflect the values and training of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office or law enforcement as a whole.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also made remarks about Massey’s tragic death, saying he is “enraged that another innocent Black woman had her life taken from her at the hands of a police officer.”

“Sonya Massey was concerned for her safety and called law enforcement to her home for protection,” he said. “Like all Illinoisans, she deserved that protection. Instead, innocent and unharmed, she was gunned down by an officer of the law.”

Grayson, who has been terminated from the sheriff’s department, is being represented by lawyer Dan Fultz. Fultz has not announced where his client is being held, but Milhiser said he plans to file a court petition to detain Grayson while he awaits trial under provisions of the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act.

Funeral services for Massey are scheduled for Jul. 19 at Ruby’s Funeral Services & Crematories in Springfield.

RELATED CONTENT: Family Of Ricky Cobb II Files Lawsuit Against Minnesota State Troopers Over Fatal Traffic Stop