Dwyane Wade, WNBA
(Photo: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for GQ; Inset: Luke Hales/Getty Images, David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 24, 2024

Dwyane Wade Sees More Scrutiny On WNBA With Increased Exposure

'It's a good thing because everybody is talking about the W[NBA]," Wade said. "It's a bad thing because you're getting a chance to be exposed.'

Three-time NBA Champion Dwyane Wade gave his thoughts recently regarding the reemergence of interest in the WNBA this season with the additions of rookies like Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) and Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever). He did warn that with the increased exposure there will be more scrutiny as more eyes are watching the league.

According to Sports Illustrated‘s “Inside the Heat,” on a recent episode of Wade’s podcast, The Wine Down, the Miami Heat legend had a chance to discuss the impact of this season’s rookies who have made some noise for the WNBA. Wade, who was born in Chicago and is a minority owner of the Chicago Sky, commented on what he feels the league will experience with the newfound attention, which hit the league suddenly with rivals Reese and Clark, barely out of college, entering the WNBA.

“This league now is up there on a pedestal,” Wade said. “It’s a lot of darts coming at you…It’s tough. A lot of them just wanna hoop and make good money and take care of their family.”

With Clark coming into the mostly Black players league, the Fever rookie has been babied by the media, some say, based on what they perceive as the other players bullying her. Although it’s common in most sports leagues for the rookies to have a reality check when they get to the pros, the complaints about Clark being treated with kid gloves has brought up the issue of race. Yet, Wade doesn’t think the extra attention to Clark is an issue, but cautions that other aspects concerning the league will be revealed since everyone is now watching.

“It’s a good thing because everybody is talking about the W[NBA],” Wade said. “It’s a bad thing because you’re getting a chance to be exposed and a little bit more, the people in the W to the world and how nasty it is.”

The two aforementioned players went up against each other on June 23 with Reese and the Sky getting the victory over Clark and the Fever, 88-87. Athlon Sports reported Reese, who is in line to win the coveted Rookie of the Year award, put in a solid performance by scoring 25 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. Wade showed his support for Reese when he posted on X a photo of her with the crown and fire emoji.

Jonathan Majors, Merciless
Photo by Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 24, 2024

Jonathan Majors Will Lead Supernatural Revenge Thriller, First Role Since Conviction

Jonathan Majors landed his first starring role since his conviction for third-degree assault and harassment.

Jonathan Majors appears to be in his comeback era following his conviction for third-degree assault and harassment.

The axed Marvel star has been tapped to lead a supernatural revenge thriller set to begin filming later this year, Deadline reported. Majors will star in Merciless as a top CIA interrogator who must embrace his darkest instincts to confront an evil spirit that has possessed the woman he loves.

The thriller is based on an original screenplay by Frank Hannah and will be directed by Martin Villeneuve.

“Merciless intertwines themes of possession, revenge and personal justice within a haunting narrative. It explores the psychological descent of John, played by Majors, and the supernatural forces challenging his sanity,” Villeneuve says.

Christopher Tuffin will produce the film as part of his new global media venture which works to disrupt the status quo by refusing “to let the court of public opinion and selective prosecution undermine great art and artists.”

“In graduate school, I had the good fortune to study screenwriting under Blacklist scribe Millard Lampell and learned from him the dangers of letting politics undermine due process and deprive artists of their careers,” Tuffin says.

“I consider it an honor and a privilege to be working with Jonathan who is such a great talent now that this matter has been adjudicated.”

It’s a big step for Majors in the wake of his fall from grace following his domestic dispute with his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari in New York City last year. The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star was arrested in March 2023 on allegations he choked, assaulted, and harassed Jabbari following a physical altercation.

Following a two-week trial that ended in December 2023, Major was found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment in a split verdict. He was sentenced to probation and ordered to complete a year-long counseling program while avoiding any jail time.

Last week, Majors broke down in tears while being presented with the Perseverance Award at Hollywood Unlocked’s annual Impact Awards. Iyanla Vanzant, who presented him with his award, held his head as he cried in her arms.

“I’m imperfect. I have shortcomings — I acknowledge them,” Majors said during his acceptance speech.

Merciless will be the first film Majors has booked to lead in since his high-profile assault case.




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Deion Sanders Colorado Buffaloes, Jackson state football, new book, Atlanta falcons
(Photo by Steve Jennings/Getty Images for Pepsi)
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 24, 2024

Deion Sanders Named As One Of Atlanta Falcons’ Mount Rushmore Players

He was drafted by the NFL team out of college and played with them from 1989–1993.

Colorado coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders has been recognized again for his play throughout his NFL Hall of Fame career. A video released by NFL Throwback, titled Every Team’s Mount Rushmore, acknowledged his greatness when he played for the Atlanta Falcons.

The video, which debuted on YouTube on June 19, features every NFL team’s four greatest players. Sanders was celebrated alongside quarterback Michael Vick, a four-time Pro Bowler, wide receiver Julio Jones, who made the Pro Bowl seven times, and quarterback Matt Ryan, who won the league’s MVP Award in 2016.

Sanders was a very explosive and flamboyant cornerback who played for the Falcons after the team selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft. He also took turns playing as a wide receiver and return specialist while playing with the team. Essentially Sports reported that the college football coach was a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time first-team All-Pro selection. Although Sanders won two Super Bowls during his career, it was after he left the Falcons. He won his first championship while playing for the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX in 1994 and then again the next season after signing with the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX.

Now, as a successful college coach, people are still watching the former cornerback, who, during his playing days, was known as “Prime Time” for his ability to bring attention to himself. He recently appeared on The Joel Klatt Show to address his future with Colorado after his two sons, Shedeur and Shilo, who play for Colorado, leave the school with a hopeful place in the NFL.

“I’m a leader of men, not a follower of men,” Sanders said. “I’m a father, not a baby daddy. I lead my sons. I don’t follow my sons. My sons, Travis (Hunter) included, are getting ready to migrate to the NFL. I’m not following them to the NFL. So, I plan on being here and being dominant here.”

RELATED CONTENT: Deion Sanders’ New Book Unveils Insights Into Jackson State Football Journey

Stephen A. Smith, ESPN, Stephen A. Smith
(Photo: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 24, 2024

ESPN Reportedly Offers Stephen A. Smith $90M Deal To Stay At Network

Smith is looking for a hefty pay raise after his contract expires next year.

ESPN’s push to keep Stephen A. Smith on its channel continues. The network has offered the First Take cohost a five-year, $90 million deal to stay, according to Puck.

Smith’s contract with the sports cable company expires in 2025, but ESPN plans to make Smith one of the highest-paid personalities if he extends his reign on the network. According to the New York Post, ESPN pitched a lucrative deal to Smith’s agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME), that would make his salary comparable to that of athletes.

Despite the hefty pay raise, Smith has higher aspirations for his next paycheck. Puck reports Smith wants $25 million a year, and is willing to talk to other networks that may cough up that amount.

Sports media reporter James Andrew Miller, the co-author of the ESPN oral history, Those Guys Have All the Fun, appeared on the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast and confirmed that Smith expects to cash in on his next contract.

“Stephen A.’s deal is coming up,” Miller said on the show’s June 13 episode. “In fact, I think there have been preliminary talks already that have started. He’s looking for a big, big number. And I also feel, given the content world, he doesn’t even have to have another offer from one entity for that big number.”

He added, “I think what ESPN is up against is the possibility that WME could go out and create an architecture where Stephen A. has a podcast, a this, a deal with this, a deal with that, whatever, and at the end of the day, it’s $20 million a year.”

Right now, The Stephen A. Smith Show also covers the 56-year-old’s opinions in and beyond sports. However, a new opportunity could allow Smith more flexibility while expanding the topics he discusses as a media personality.

Smith originally stared with ESPN in 2003, but was fired after several years. His second stint with the worldwide leader has seen him become a superstar at the network.

It remains unclear if the 56-year-old will agree to ESPN’s deal.

RELATED CONTENT: Monica McNutt ‘Respectfully’ Calls Out Stephen A. Smith On His WNBA Coverage

Harlem Globetrotters, LSU, Alexis 'The Show' Morris, For 2024 World Tour
(Photo: David Livingston/FilmMagic)
by Stacy Jackson

June 24, 2024

Harlem Globetrotter Alexis Morris Seeks To Empower Women As AND1’s First Female Ambassador

'There is a continuous need for female representation in sports and especially street culture.'

Harlem Globetrotter Alexis Morris is the first female ambassador for basketball apparel and sneaker brand AND1. The 2023 NCAA champion aims to empower women, inspire youth, and break barriers in sports and streetball.

As the brand’s first and only female signee, Morris will participate in community events and support initiatives celebrating women in sports. According to Footwear News, the AND1 team believes Morris’ story aligns with the brand’s DNA and will inspire young women to pursue basketball.

https://twitter.com/and1basketball/status/1801632869279748207

“AND1 is a movement powered by Black people, Black culture, inner cities, and urban basketball,” the guard told Andscape between workouts on June 23 at the brand’s annual Open Run event in New York. “I am all of those things.”

She views this partnership as a homecoming. Morris grew up in Beaumont, Texas, with limited resources and had to fight for her spot on the streetball court full of boys.

The deal allows Morris to design her signature collection while empowering Black athletes and creators.

“There is a continuous need for female representation in sports and especially street culture,” said Morris, who attended Louisiana State University. “People try to push out street culture, but it’s the foundation of what started basketball. It’s the swag.” She also plans to showcase a more androgynous style: “You don’t have to be the girliest of the girls to wear my collection,” she said.

Additionally, Morris is exploring NIL deals under her brand with AND1 and seeking the first female athlete to join her team. She’s also looking forward to join the WNBA. Morris was drafted by the Connecticut Sun but was cut during the 2023 preseason. Instead, she made her pro debut as a Harlem Globetrotter in February as part of the team’s 2024 World Tour.

Playing in the WNBA will give her the opportunity to live out her childhood dream. If she can make the W, she hopes the league will embrace the street culture vibe and all the streetball moves she’s mastered as a Harlem Globetrotter.

RELATED CONTENT: WNBA Sees Highest Attendance Record In 26 Years Within First Month Of Season

Move-In Day Mafia, Foster System, College, HBCU
(Photo: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 24, 2024

Move-In Day Mafia Helps Kids In Foster System Settle Into College

The nonprofit was founded in 2022 to help HBCUs students from foster care backgrounds.

College move-in days can be a mixture of excitement and stress for incoming freshman. Thankfully, Move-in Day Mafia assists teens who aged out of foster care settle into school before class begins.

Teej Mercer started the nonprofit in 2022 with 13 dorm room makeovers at Paul Quinn College in Dallas. Its mission stemmed from her love and care for the youth, especially the many in her community that were accepted into HBCUs. However, Mercer noticed that students that came from foster care lacked the support to fully settle into their dorms.

“Move-in Day Mafia started in 2020 when I met a young college grad from an HBCU that had aged out of foster care,” explained Mercer to WSB-TV. “Her social worker drove her to campus, pulled up to the curb, let her unload what little she had and then bounced basically.”

Graduating from an HBCU herself, Mercer fulfilled a need for teens without the assistance to make each room their own. Focusing on HBCU students, Mercer and her squad of volunteers help supply and decorate each room for its new student. As the newly-established young adults begin their academic careers, the “mafia” seeks to show them that they have supporters along the way.

The Howard alum added, “I just couldn’t imagine someone who’s 18 going through that transition alone. So, I resolved that I was going to do something about it.”

For these students, the room symbolizes more than a typical dorm. One of the dorm designers explained that its a first for many scholars they’ve helped.

“We have a lot of students tell us that they’ve never even had their own room before. So, it’s really important that all the way down to the wallpapers, the headboards, their favorite colors, their inspirational quotes that they may like,” explained volunteer Mina Starks. “Those are just like the little bitty details we try to make sure that we execute in the rooms.”

However, the work does not stop once the dorms are completed. The mafia continues to provide monthly care packages to each student as they matriculate through school. As the mafia seeks to expand their efforts, more funding and volunteers remain crucial to their mission.

RELATED CONTENT: Nia Long Started College Fund Before Motherhood

black-owned brands, swimwear
Shot of two happy young women having fun together at the beach
by Stacy Jackson

June 24, 2024

These Elite Black-Owned Swimwear Brands Are Serving Summertime Fine

Originally Published Aug. 1, 2023.

The summer heat is blazing, and the ladies are still outside. Step into some Black-owned swimwear and feel your absolute best as we keep the summer festivities rolling. Are you still trying to decide what brands to try out? Here’s a list of brands that will make you look elegant and feel comfortable in the water or sand.

Nakimuli

Join the Nakimuli tribe this summer with one of owner and designer Tennille McMillan’s fashion-forward swimsuit designs. Nakimuli swimwear is all about colors, shapes, and prints representing sisterhood, individuality, and comfort. Find your favorite swimsuit style, from a one-piece to a variety of bikinis.

Arrow + Phoenix

Feel like the ocean is touching you in Arrow + Phoenix swimwear, an eco-friendly brand founded and designed by New Orleans native Kayla Bell. With colorways inspired by the sea and surrounding landscapes, A+P offers silky soft, resilient fabrics and shape retention technology that creates sleek, luxurious silhouettes that provide a comfortable and supportive fit. Bikini lovers can shop sustainable swimwear tops, bottoms, and sets in a full range of inclusive sizes.

Melissa Simone

A celeb favorite, Melissa Simone, is a swim and resort wear brand about high quality and luxury. The detailed line created by Melissa Simone Gardner is a blend of classic and modern elements inspired by the nineties. The designs range from high-cut thongs to one-pieces and string-back bikinis. Melissa Simone’s designs are also available at Revolve, Kith, and FWRD.

LemLem

Celebrate women and nature by sorting through a range of swimwear styles created by Ethiopian fashion model Liya Kebede. Whether you’re searching for solid colors or shopping from the brand’s Pink Summer Edit or Essentials Collection, every purchase becomes a part of a greater mission to preserve the local art of weaving in Ethiopia and inspire economic growth in Africa. LemLem offers one-pieces, bikini tops, bottoms, coverups, and sarongs.

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Asherah Swimwear

Narrow down your search for elegant swimwear to pieces from Asherah Swimwear. Creative Director and Designer Cheryl “Cejae” Jones will have you wrapped up in the feels of summer with collections featuring one-of-a-kind prints created for the confident woman. Asherah Swimwear includes bikinis, one-pieces, and coverups that appeal to the natural curve and shape of the female figure.

Ego Swim

If you are searching for swimwear for your perfect summer getaway, these besties have you covered. Shakiera T., Tisa F., Sherika H., and Shanae C. founded Ego Swim after traveling the world together and racking up on the sexiest and most comfortable swimwear. The group of friends launched Ego Swim to offer other women the trendiest designs, the best quality fabrics, and diverse sizes.

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Matte Collection

A celeb hotspot for bikini favorites is the Matte Collection. The popular brand, founded by Justina McKee, is an affordable luxury lifestyle swim brand founded by women for women. Matte Collection focuses on designs that offer women simple, clean, and minimalist looks to add to their swimwear collections. Matte swimwear features one-pieces, separates, bikinis, three-pieces, and coverups with every size and shape in mind. So, whether you’re already a Matte Babe or desire to be one, the brand’s collections are made so every woman feels her best.

RELATED CONTENT: This Detroit Spa Offers A Softer Summer Life

Taye Diggs, Disney Jr.
(Photos from left: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; Organicshawty, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 24, 2024

Taye Diggs Introduces A Whole New World In Diverse Animated Series ‘Disney Jr.’s Ariel’

'Disney Jr.’s Ariel' is an animated musical series that draws inspiration from 'The Little Mermaid.'

Taye Diggs and Amber Riley are among the voices bringing the enchanting underwater world of Atlantica to life for Disney Jr. viewers.

Disney Jr.’s Ariel is an animated musical series inspired by The Little Mermaid. It will premiere on June 27 on Disney Jr. and on Disney+ the next day. The new show is a delightful animated musical experience tailored for young viewers.

For the first time, kids get to see a child version of the young mermaid princess Ariel (played by Mykal-Michelle Harris) as she navigates her underwater life with her friends in the vibrant, Caribbean-inspired kingdom of Atlantica. Aimed at preschoolers and families, each episode presents two 11-minute stories that explore themes of community, self-expression, curiosity, and resourcefulness.

Following Halle Bailey’s portrayal of the popular Disney princess in 2023’s reimagined live-action film The Little Mermaid, the series celebrates Caribbean culture through its music, cuisine, festivals, fashion, language, and folklore.

BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with some of the cast, including Diggs, who takes on the role of King Triton; Harris, who plays the youngest version of Ariel fans have ever seen; and the show’s executive producer, Lynne Southerland. Riley, who was unable to join our discussion, will debut a new, friendlier version of the sea witch Ursula.

Harris, 12, is thrilled to be part of the Disney princess team voicing a unique version of Ariel.

“I am so, so excited to take on the role of Ariel. Of course, it does come with a little bit of pressure as Ariel has been voiced by so many other incredible people that I have to be up there with them,” the “mixed-ish” alum tells BE.

“But I also like to put my own spin on things. Because this is not the Ariel that we all know. This is an eight-year-old version of Ariel. And we have never seen her this young before. So I really had a fun time kind of researching the character and understanding what she would do if she were eight years old and how she would sound.”

Diggs is no stranger to voice acting, as he’s voiced roles in animated kids shows and movies like My Little Pony: The Movie, Doc McStuffins, and the Black Panther T’Challa in The Super Hero Squad Show. But being a part of a diverse cast like Disney Jr.’s Ariel reminds the veteran actor how far we’ve come with inclusion in mainstream arts and entertainment.

“I feel like these days are very quick to say that these are really hard times. But when I took this gig, it lifted me up on so many levels and it proved to me that regardless of what it feels like, as a unit we are moving forward,” Diggs shared.

“If you would have told me 10 years ago that I’d be a part of a project that took a stable fairy tale, completely switched up the casting, and then made it into a TV show, switched up the casting again, and made it even more relatable to human beings, I would have been like, ‘Uh-uh, that will never happen.’ And here I am right now doing it, so it’s a great gig. I feel honored. But on a larger scale, it proves to me that we are moving in the right direction.”

Catch Disney Jr.’s Ariel when it premieres June 27, 2024, on Disney Jr. and June 28, 2024, on Disney+. Press play below for full interviews with the cast and crew.

RELATED CONTENT: New ‘Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’ Ride Officially Replaces Disney’s Splash Mountain; Opening This Month

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