by Derek Major

February 6, 2024

Mississippi Auditor Continues Push To Make Former NFL Quarterback Brett Favre Repay Welfare Money

The Mississippi state auditor filed court papers Monday renewing his effort to force former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre to repay more than $700,000 that was improperly spent on projects backed by the retired NFL quarterback.

The Huffington Post reports Mississippi auditor Shad White’s request that Favre pay back $730,000 is another chapter in a long-running legal battle over state funds allocated to assist residents in one of the poorest states in the nation.

According to White, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback improperly received $1.1 million in speaking fees from a nonprofit organization that allegedly spent welfare funds with the approval of the state Department of Human Services.

The money from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program went toward a volleyball arena at the University of Southern Mississippi, where Favre’s daughter started playing on the volleyball team in 2017.

“Brett Favre had no legal right to the possession or control of this $1.1 million,” White’s attorneys wrote in the court filing Monday.

According to NerdWallet, Mississippi has the lowest household median income at $48,610.

Favre, who threw an NFL career-high 336 interceptions during his 20-year career, repaid $500,000 to Mississippi in 2020 and $600,000 in 2021. However, according to White, Favre still owes the state $729,790 due to interest on the original amount he owed.

“It boggles the mind that Mr. Brett Favre could imagine he is entitled to the equivalent of an interest-free loan of $1.1 million in taxpayer money, especially money intended for the benefit of the poor,” White said in a release Monday.

White’s lawsuit is a counterclaim to Favre’s defamation suit against White, which is still pending. Favre has tried to fight back against the claims by filing defamation suits against former NFL players and current podcast hosts Shannon Sharpe and Pat McAfee, but both suits were dismissed.

A lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Department of Human Services in 2022 said TANF money was improperly spent, including $5 million for the volleyball arena and another $1.7 million for the development of a concussion treatment drug.

Favre has not been criminally charged. However, a former human services department director of the state’s welfare agency and a mother and son who ran a nonprofit group and an education company in Mississippi pleaded guilty to state charges of misusing public money.

by Kandia Johnson

February 6, 2024

Increasing Female Representation In The C-Suite

She's responsible for multiple leadership development programs, designed to grow future C-suite executives with a specific focus on women and minorities.

Originally Published Oct. 15, 2017

Women are qualified and ready to lead in the workplace. However, there’s a staggering lack of women in corporate leadership positions worldwide. But it’s not enough to talk about the problem.

What steps should employers take to increase the number of women leaders? How can aspiring female corporate executives get ahead in the workplace? We asked human resources executive Joan G. Wilmer for actionable advice on increasing female representation in the C-suite.

Wilmer is a human resources executive and entrepreneur responsible for guiding the cultural transformation spanning multiple divisions and functions within the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Wilmer led Caesars Entertainment’s new casino construction development in Baltimore, the largest and most successful strategic recruitment effort in a continuously evolving employment market, which resulted in over 40,000 applicants and over 2,000 hires.

She created Citigroup’s Employment of Choice strategy to bridge the talent gap after the end of apartheid in South Africa. She’s responsible for multiple leadership development programs designed to grow future C-suite executives with a specific focus on women and minorities—across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Corporate Blueprint for Women in Leadership

Start training women at an early age

Too often, we find leadership development programs and talent management agendas centered around mid- to senior-level career individuals, which can lead to smaller talent pools of applicants. Early cultivation of business acumen and professional experiences helps women “join the race” much sooner and empowers them to build powerful résumés.

Increase boardroom representation

Not only will women have greater access to role models and mentors in that coveted space, but they also will be encouraged to pursue more executive positions. This facilitates the necessary cultural changes in the environment to support these advancements.

Promote workplace sponsorship

It’s not enough for an organization to give complex roles and assignments to women. Workplace sponsorship should be driven by the decision-makers who represent the C-suite “table” and could be male or female.

Secure a Career Team

I tell every woman leader I mentor that she should secure a “Career Team” at the beginning stages of her C-suite development. This team should include a mentor, a sponsor, and a champion. A mentor is someone who trains you and gives you the tools to build upon your work ethic. A sponsor is someone who can vouch for your work ethic. A champion is someone who can aid you in getting noticed for your work ethic.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2024

Drake Expands On Candle Line With Body Oils That Smell Just Like Him

Drake is expanding on his Better World Fragrance House with the launch of the 10 ML Carby Musk fragrance oil that smells just like him.

You can smell like the 6 God Drizzy Drake for the retail price of $195.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper is expanding on his Better World Fragrance House with the launch of the 10 ML Carby Musk fragrance oil that smells just like him, Billboard reports. An extension of the Carby Musk candles Drake released in 2020 that bear his scent, the new oil aims to satisfy the “overwhelming demand” fans had for the “infectious fragrance,” the website states.

“Crafted by world-renowned perfumer Michael Carby and adopted by Drake as his personal scent, Carby Musk was just too good to keep to themselves,” the description reads.

On Wednesday, Jan. 31, Drake and Better World Fragrance shared a commercial for the oil on his Instagram page. Soundtracked by his “For All The Dogs” track “BBL Love,” the ad shows various women becoming smitten by the Carby Musk scent on their clothes.

A separate shot shows Drake walking into his closet, looking for a Carby Musk-sprayed shirt he can’t find. He walks out of his walk-in closet only to see his housekeeper sniffing the clothing.

“What are you doing?” he asks.

“It smells so good,” she says.

“A scent for any setting, Carby Musk. Whenever, however, make it yours,” the caption read.

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A post shared by Better World Fragrance House (@betterworldfragrancehouse)

Officially launched in 2021, Drake’s Better World Fragrance started as a line of luxury candles developed out of the Toronto native’s “passion” for lovely scents.

“A true passion project and the start of something special @betterworldfragrancehouse is LIVE NOW!” he wrote on Instagram.

The inaugural scents include Carby Musk, Williamsburg Sleepover⁠, Sweeter Tings⁠, Good Thoughts,⁠ and Muskoka. They’re all available in his shop, along with in-depth descriptions of how they were made.

“This luminous fragrance captures the essence of an urban garden under shaded lights,” the Williamsburg Sleepover description reads. “The red roses, succulent blonde woods, and warm luminous ambers combine for a story of freedom and sensuality. Patchouli groves and Ylang Ylang emanate confidence and intimacy for seduction in a candle.”

If Drake knows one thing, it’s quality soft life essentials.

Dee Barnes, Dr. Dre, award, grammy, abuse, victim, speak out, Jay-z

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 6, 2024

Dee Barnes Speaks Out After Jay-Z Takes Home Grammy Named After Her Abuser Dr. Dre

Dee Barnes is continuing to criticize the Recording Academy for honoring Dr. Dre in the wake of his known physical abuse against her and his ex-girlfriend, singer Michel'le.

While Jay-Z was taking home the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the Grammys on Sunday night, the moment only reminded journalist Dee Barnes about the physical assault she suffered at the hands of the LA-born hip-hop mogul 30 years ago.

Barnes is continuing to criticize the Recording Academy for honoring Dr. Dre in the wake of his known physical abuse against her and his ex-girlfriend, singer Michel’le. Last year, Barnes spoke with Rolling Stone after Dre became the first recipient of the award named in his honor.

“The Grammys Call Dr. Dre an Icon. Dee Barnes Calls Him an Abuser,” the article was titled.

It saw Barnes reflect on the physical assault she suffered at the hands of the Aftermath and Beats Electronics CEO back in 1991 when his rap group NWA was knee-deep in a rap rivalry with former member Ice Cube. Barnes was doing her job as a journalist when she hosted an episode of “Pump It Up!” that focused on the feud. However, Dr. Dre responded by assaulting her at a record release party in Hollywood.

“Everybody wants to separate the art from the artist, and sometimes that’s just not possible. Most people without a knowledge of [Dr. Dre’s] history are going to say, ‘Oh, he must deserve that. He must be such a great person for them to put an award in his name.’ But they named this award after an abuser,” she told the magazine last year.

“It wasn’t just a one or two-time thing; these are choices. The first time, it’s maybe a mistake. The second time, okay. The third time, it’s a choice. I’m not saying he is the same person now, though. I don’t know. I’m not around him anymore. I haven’t talked to him. But to name an award after someone with that type of history in the music industry, you might as well call it the ‘Ike Turner Award.'”

Now, one year later, Jay-Z went viral for his scathing read against the Recording Academy while becoming the second recipient of the Grammy named after Barnes’ abuser. As a result, Barnes took to Twitter to resurface her 2023 Rolling Stones interview and continue her tirade against the Dr. Dre Global Impact Award.

“JayZ received an award named after an #abuser and defended his wife in his speech while his daughter stood by his side. #GRAMMYs 2024,” she wrote in one tweet.

https://twitter.com/sistadbarnes/status/1754355800963981703

Barnes also made it clear that she took no issue with Jay-Z attending the Grammys to accept the award. She supports his win. Instead, she takes issue with the award being named after a man who physically abused women in the past.

“It wasn’t a slamming it was a call out! They gave him the mic and he rightfully called them out. You can’t do that from home on the couch. FORGIVE HIS BROOKLYN! #GRAMMYs,” she wrote in another tweet.

On Monday, Feb., 5, Barnes followed up with a final message that reshared her 2023 Rolling Stones interview and accused the Recording Academy of turning a blind eye to “Violence Against Women.”

“The @RecordingAcad does not care about #ViolenceAgainstWomen,” she tweeted.

https://twitter.com/sistadbarnes/status/1754427023886549471

Black Woman Won Largest Reparations Award At Time From U.S. Courts In 1878

by Stacy Jackson

February 6, 2024

Black Woman Won Largest Reparations Award At Time From U.S. Courts In 1878

In 1878, an all-white jury awarded Henrietta Wood $2,500, which would be more than $75,000 today, in reparations.

In 1878, Henrietta Wood, a formerly “illegally” enslaved Black woman, was awarded $2,500 in reparations by an all-white jury — the most significant sum of its kind that a U.S. court had granted.

Wood initially sought $20,000 for being kidnapped and illegally enslaved in an 1870 lawsuit, Business Insider reported. But was awarded a smaller amount. While it may not seem like a lot, the $2,500 total would equate to more than $75,000 today, the outlet noted.

Wood used her settlement to move with her son, aiding his education. The outlet noted that he became one of the first Black law graduates from what is now Northwestern University’s School of Law.

Born into slavery between 1818 and 1820 in Kentucky, Wood was sold multiple times before finally gaining freedom in 1848 from her owner’s wife, Jane Cirode, who wanted to avoid debt collectors. According to Business Insider, the wife of William Cirode — a French immigrant who had abandoned his family due to legal reasons — had rented Wood out as a domestic servant.

Wood was illegally recaptured just five years later by a deputy sheriff in Kentucky named Zebulon Ward, whom Cirode’s daughter and son-in-law hired. Following the Civil War, Wood sued Ward for damages and won the most significant reparations case the U.S. courts had awarded.

The battle Wood began sadly continues with reparations still being denied to most African Americans. Now, more than a century later, federal reparations remain a question despite unprecedented Congressional apologies for slavery. In 2008-2009. Rep. Steve Cohen wrote in a resolution that the nation must seek “reconciliation, justice, and harmony.”

While state efforts have emerged, national progress stalls. Rep. Cori Bush said in May 2023: “Black people … cannot wait any longer for our government to … address the harm it has caused,” Business Insider reported.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2024

Orlando Magic Latest NBA Team To Partner With 50 Cent And Sire Spirits

“I’m thrilled to bring Sire Spirits to the Orlando Magic team,” said 50 Cent. “I’m excited to spend more time in the Orlando market along with my G-Unity Foundation. We will do great things for the community.”

Hip-hop recording artist and television executive Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has grown his empire within the spirits industry with another partnership with a sports team.

According to the Orlando Magic, 50 Cent and his company, Sire Spirits, have agreed to a multiyear partnership with the NBA team to make 50’s brand the Official Spirit of the Orlando Magic. This deal will include Sire Spirits’ award-winning Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne brands.

“I’m thrilled to bring Sire Spirits to the Orlando Magic team,” said 50 Cent in a written statement. “I’m excited to spend more time in the Orlando market along with my G-Unity Foundation. We will do great things for the community.”

With the latest collaboration, the spirits will be branded with the Branson Bar on the Terrace Level and the Sire Spirits SKYLOUNGE, both located at the Magic’s home, the Kia Center. Throughout the arena, branded promotions will be integrated into all in-arena digital signage during the team’s home basketball games throughout the regular season.

“The Magic are thrilled to team up with Sire Spirits, and we welcome them to our partnership family,” said Magic Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters in a written statement. “As two companies that are committed to excellence, we look forward to growing this partnership and connecting both of our brands in support of our local community.”

The contractual obligation also includes 50’s nonprofit foundation, G-Unity. The Magic will help the organization with community initiatives starting this month in February. This will include an upcoming initiative supporting the Magic’s Black Business Summit. Another initiative will have G-Unity participating in the team’s Share the Magic program. That program helps by giving tickets to Magic games to disadvantaged groups in the community.

50’s Sire Spirits also has partnerships with the Houston Rockets, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Indiana Pacers, and the Sacramento Kings, among other professional teams in various leagues.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2024

Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty Partner with CBD Drink Company

The NBA's Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA's New York Liberty have become the first teams in their respective leagues to partner with a CBD beverage company.

CBD (Cannabidiol) beverage company Mynd Drinks has become partners with two major New York sports teams, the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA’s New York Liberty.

According to Marijuana Moment, the Nets and Liberty are the first teams in their respective leagues to partner with a CBD beverage company.

Mynd Drinks touts itself as a 100% plant-based hemp-infused wellness and recovery drink. This partnership takes place several months after the NBA (National Basketball Association) relaxed its rules prohibiting players from using marijuana. Mynd Drinks inked a deal last year with Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs.

In a written statement reported by BNN Bloomberg, Mynd Drinks CEO Simon Allen said, “This gives us an anchor for the East Coast in terms of exposure, marketing, and expansion. We’ve had tons of opportunities to work with different teams but what we really liked about both of the teams was they shared a lot of what our vision was.”

Mynd Drinks will be available for purchase at Nets and Liberty games as well as other events at the home of both teams, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Going forward, the brand will also be a presenting sponsor for the Liberty’s theme night during the WNBA regular season.

The NBA has removed marijuana from the league’s anti-drug testing program. The league agreed to a collective bargaining agreement with the NBAPA (National Basketball Players Association) allowing players to strike deals with companies in the CBD field. This means that players can now invest or own passive, non-controlling stakes in CBD companies that produce oils, creams, drinks, pills, and powders.

Yet, the agreement doesn’t allow the players to promote marijuana—unless they get permission from the NBA and NBAPA to promote a CBD product that is produced by a marijuana company.

Black businesswomen, Black History Month, boss, imposter syndrome, career, work

by Atiya Jordan

February 6, 2024

Recognizing Excellence: 5 Black Businesswomen Who Are Shaping Industries And Inspiring Future Generations

During Black History Month, BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes and celebrates five Black businesswomen who have and still "stand on business."

Throughout history, Black businesswomen of all calibers have transformed the business landscape. From inventors and movement leaders to entrepreneurs and C-suite trailblazers, BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes and celebrates five Black businesswomen who “stand on business” to pave the way for future generations.

Marian Rogers Croak: Tech Inventor

National Hall of Inventors inductee Marian Rogers Croak is the mastermind and engineer behind today’s audio and video conferencing capabilities vital for remote work and communications. She began her career at Bell Labs (AT&T) in 1982 and pioneered advancing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies. She discovered a way to convert voice data into digital signals that can be easily transmitted over the internet rather than using traditional phone lines. Croak has more than 200 patents to her name throughout her career, having created a text-to-donate system for charitable organizations and led a team bringing broadband to developing countries in Asia and Africa. Croak is vice president of engineering at Google and leads the Research Center for Responsible AI and Human Centered Technology. She is also passionate about her work on racial justice efforts at Google and continues her goal of encouraging women and young girls in engineering.

We just released our newest inventor card! Join Dr. Marian Croak and Director Iancu for a Speaker Series event at on Oct. 21 as they chat about Dr. Croak's inventor journey and how to increase diversity in innovation: https://t.co/XF88vXmldR #ExpandingAmericanInnovation pic.twitter.com/5JEq9aUkba
— USPTO (@uspto) October 5, 2020

Shelley V. Worrell: Caribbean Community Champion

Shelley V. Worrell is full of vibes. She is the founder and CEO of caribBEING, where “art + culture + lifestyle meet Caribbean + LatinX heritage.” This cultural venture illuminates the Caribbean and West Indian experience and communities in Greater New York City. In 2017, the Flatbush native and Brooklyn 100 Influencer led the movement behind the Brooklyn, NY’s Little Caribbean neighborhood designation. It is home to people, restaurants, and small businesses that thrive together by sharing social and cultural histories and futures. Since then, the Flatbush native and Brooklyn 100 Influencer has advocated for the Caribbean’s sociocultural and political impact in Brooklyn. She has also designed neighborhood “Little Caribbean Food + Culture” walking tours attracting domestic and international visitors to stimulate economic and community development. The work continues as Worrell leads Community Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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A post shared by Shelley Vidia Worrell (@shelleyworrell)

RJ White: Sports Business Trailblazer

RJ White, a CEO and president of three sports teams, is a history-maker whose goal is to become the first Black woman to own an NBA team. White is the first Black woman to purchase a men’s division team in the UK and the youngest woman owner of a professional men’s basketball team in American Basketball Association (ABA) history. Since 2003, White has led the Connecticut Copperheads and the Nassau Salamanders of the Bahamas. In 2014, she established Vipers Pro Basketball in Lake County, IL. The team has exposure in 12 countries and has reached over 3 million in analytics. When she is not coaching Nike sports camps, White is setting her sights on revolutionizing the fashion and technology landscapes. The author of She Believed She Could So She Did recently introduced the world’s first signed posh multiverse model.

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A post shared by RJ White (@its_rjwhite)

Gwendolyn Butler: Real Estate Model

Gwendolyn Butler is revered for her many trailblazing accolades and for being a model for Black businesswomen in finance, investment, and real estate. Among BLACK ENTERPRISE’s “75 Most Powerful Women in Business,” Butler was the first African American female to be appointed vice president of commercial lending at Continental Illinois National Bank and Trust Co. in 1977. She is also the first African American female president and COO in the commercial real estate management industry. Throughout her career, Butler has made a name for herself as a nonprofit real estate developer who applied her skill set to her presidential and chief operating officer role at Capri Investment Group and various financial services companies. Under her leadership, Butler completed more than $13 billion in commercial real estate investments at Capri. She serves as an Independent Director at Goldman Sachs Real Estate Income Trust in Chicago.

Esi Eggleston Bracey: Groundbreaker In Retail Sales

A native of Chicago, Esi Eggleston Bracey’s motto is “passion power.” She proudly lives out her purpose, breaking barriers and inspiring collective greatness. In 1991, she made history when she became one of the youngest employees to become general manager at Procter & Gamble. She later became senior vice president of Procter & Gamble’s Global Cosmetics, leading a portfolio of flagship international make-up brands, including Covergirl, Max Factor, Sally Hansen, Rimmel London, and more. Bracey now leads the multibillion-dollar Beauty & Personal Care portfolio for Unilever North America, where she is responsible for the hair, skin cleansing, skincare, and deodorant businesses with iconic brands such as Dove, TRESemmé, Suave, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, and Shea Moisture.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 6, 2024

Black Entrepreneur And Business Owner Launches Free Webinar To Help 1,000 Black-Owned Startups

Kevin D. Williams, accomplished author, speaker, entrepreneur, and business owner is committed to sharing the secrets of networking success with Black startups.

This news was first reported by Blacknews.com.

Kevin D. Williams, a distinguished Black author, business owner, accomplished entrepreneur, and the visionary behind the bestselling book Unlocking Opportunities: The Ultimate Guide to Excelling at Networking Events and Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch, is committed to sharing the secrets of networking success.

Networking, often overshadowed by technical skills, is a critical but underrated aspect of professional success. While expertise in a specific field is essential, the ability to build and maintain a strong network can open doors, foster collaboration, and create opportunities. It goes beyond mere socializing; it involves cultivating meaningful relationships that can lead to mentorship, job referrals, and valuable insights.

Embarking on an inspiring journey, Kevin D. Williams navigated the intricacies of networking events and personally generated a six-ﬁgure income for his business through chambers and gatherings. His book provides readers with invaluable tools and strategies to replicate his success, making it an indispensable read for aspiring entrepreneurs.

As a seasoned workshop facilitator, Kevin has conducted signature workshops for prestigious banking institutions, corporations, and chambers of commerce, with a special focus on empowering Black chambers of commerce. His expertise lies in equipping individuals with practical skills to excel in professional environments.

Looking ahead to the next 48 months, Kevin sets forth an ambitious yet impactful mission—to distribute 50,000 copies of his book and provide coaching to 1,000 startups, small business owners, and college students. As part of this mission, Kevin invites you to a Free Webinar on “How to Master the Art of Networking Events & Perfect Your Elevator Pitch”.

Register here for the free webinar:

Networking Webinar

In addition to the wealth of knowledge in his book, Kevin encourages enthusiasts to order an autographed copy for an even more personalized experience. Each autographed copy is a testament to Kevin’s dedication and commitment to the success of every reader.

RELATED CONTENT: 7 Ways To Fund Your Startup

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 6, 2024

Collection Of Nikes Worn By Michael Jordan Sold For $8M At Auction

The six sneakers were dubbed the “Dynasty Collection” and included a pair that were worn for the last games of the 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998 NBA finals.

It seems that anything Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan has worn throughout his basketball career sets records when it is presented at auctions.

According to Footwear News, a set of sneakers worn by who some consider the greatest basketball player to grace the NBA, has sold for a record $8 million at a recent auction presented by Sotheby’s. The collection consisted of the six Nike Air Jordans that were worn in the games that clinched the championships that Jordan and the Chicago Bulls captured.

The six sneakers were dubbed the “Dynasty Collection” and included a pair that was played in for the last games of the 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998 NBA finals. Jordan only played in six and was undefeated in the NBA Finals.

#AuctionUpdate The complete set of Michael Jordan’s 6 championship sneakers sold for $8 million today at #SothebysNewYork, setting a new global auction record for game worn sneakers. pic.twitter.com/l1jgFea4c0
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) February 2, 2024

“Today’s record-breaking price is a testament to the GOAT [greatest of all time]. The Dynasty Collection undeniably ranks among the most significant compilations of sports memorabilia in history. Serving as both a reminder of Michael Jordan’s lasting impact on the world and a tangible expression of his recognized legendary status, its significance is further validated by this monumental result. A truly unparalleled moment and a milestone in auction history, the sale of these six championship-clinching sneakers will likely never be replicated,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of modern collectibles, in a written statement.

Footwear News stated that this collection was the second-highest price paid for memorabilia owned by Jordan. In September 2022, Sotheby’s held an auction for Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 1 jersey, and that item was sold for $10.1 million.

The Air Jordans were sold to Sotheby’s by someone who bought them from Tim Hallam, who was a public relations director for the Bulls when Jordan was playing. Jordan supposedly had given Hallam the shoes.

All of the sneakers, which were either a size 13 or size 13.5, were also signed by Jordan.

The auction house did not identify the person who bought the collection.