Make ‘Em Say Yum? Master P Launches Healthy Food Company
'African Americans want healthier food alternatives. I heard them loud and clear. And that’s why Miller Family Foods was created. We feed happiness. Eat well. Feel good.'
Hip-hop entrepreneur Percy Miller, better known as Master P, has started a company that will offer healthier food choices for the betterment of the Black community.
On his Instagram account, Master P announced on Juneteenth that he launched Miller Family. He said he started the healthy food company to build economic freedom while adding diversity in grocery stores with Black-owned healthy food that tastes good.
“We are evolving as a culture; we are no longer just consumers. We spend trillions of dollars annually with no real ownership, but that’s changing. African Americans want healthier food alternatives. I heard them loud and clear. And that’s why Miller Family Foods was created. We feed happiness. Eat well. Feel good,” Master P wrote.
Products in the new line include cereal, oatmeal, breakfast bars, pancakes, and waffles. The New Orleans businessman ensures that the items are made with the highest quality and use natural ingredients.
Miller said the company is giving back to the community and supporting charitable organizations.
Miller Family Foods’ motto is “FEEDING HAPPINESS, making a difference, serving healthy happiness, one bite at a time. We stand for integrity, hard work, and giving back. We are honored to support charitable organizations such as Door of Hope.”
The products sold under the Miller Family Foods label have no artificial preservatives, GMO, and BHA/BHT; no partially hydrogenated oils nor high-fructose corn syrup; no artificial sweeteners and colors.
This news comes several months after Master P and Snoop Dogg sued Walmart after accusing the store of sabotaging the Snoop Cereal (which was launched in July 2023) brand and intending to “take a stand against the defendants for their diabolical actions.”
According to MarketWatch, Broadus Foods, the company ownedby Snoop and Master P, has filed a lawsuit in Minnesota court, accusing Walmart and Post Consumer Brands (Raisin Bran, Shredded Wheat, Honeycomb) of stifling their product and jeopardizing sales of Snoop Cereal by keeping the items off the floor and leaving them in the stockroom.
Deborah’s Place Opens New Facility To Serve The Community With Positive Change
Deborah's Place Serves The Community By Opening A New Facility For Women of Domestic Violence in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 2024.
Dr. Jessica Braidden, founder of Deborah’s Place for Battered Women in Indianapolis, has transformed her trauma into a mission to support and uplift others. Her openness about her experiences is a powerful testament to her resilience and dedication. She frequently references her history of abuse when speaking publicly, using her story to inspire and connect with others who may be suffering in silence.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have endured some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. These acts can range from pushing and shoving to more severe forms of assault. The statistics are even more alarming when considering that 1 in 7 women and 1 in 25 men have been injured by an intimate partner. “These statistics are staggering and very scary to me,” says Braidden.
Braidden has committed herself to helping women reclaim their lives in response to these grim realities. Her work at Deborah’s Place is multifaceted, addressing not only the immediate safety needs of domestic violence survivors but also their long-term well-being. “The goal is to not only heal them but to make them whole!” she emphasizes. This holistic approach is evident in her organization’s wide range of services.
“The goal is to not only heal them but to make them whole!” –Dr. Jessica Braidden
One of Deborah’s Place’s key components is its donation center, which serves both the public and other nonprofit organizations that support underprivileged and vulnerable communities. For absolutely free, people receive brand-new clothing, shoes, toiletries, bedding, and furniture—almost 99% of everything is brand-new. This center ensures that essential items and resources are distributed to those in need, helping to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by survivors of domestic violence.
Deborah’s Place
In addition to the donation center, Deborah’s Place recently opened a transitional housing facility fully furnished by IKEA. This facility represents a significant step forward in Braidden’s mission to empower women. The transitional housing provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors and offers various programs to foster independence and self-sufficiency.
Women at the facility have access to financial literacy training and credit repair services, which are crucial for rebuilding their lives after leaving an abusive relationship. The economic aspect of recovery is often overlooked, but Braidden understands that financial stability is key to long-term independence. By providing these services, she helps women gain the skills and knowledge necessary to manage their finances effectively and avoid future dependency on abusive partners.
Furthermore, Deborah’s Place offers vocational training programs, enabling women to pursue careers in fields such as healthcare. Participants can train to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), phlebotomists, medical assistants, and more. These career opportunities provide financial security, boost self-esteem, and offer a sense of purpose.
Mental health support is another cornerstone of the services provided at Deborah’s Place. Survivors of domestic violence often grapple with a range of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Access to mental health therapy helps these women process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and work toward emotional healing.
Dr. Braidden’s comprehensive approach to service ensures that women receive the support they need on multiple fronts—financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Her relentless dedication to making a difference in the lives of domestic violence survivors has not only provided immediate relief but has also paved the way for lasting change.
Through Deborah’s Place, Dr. Jessica Braidden has created a sanctuary where women can heal, grow, and ultimately thrive. Her work exemplifies the power of turning personal pain into a passion for helping others, and her impact on the community is profound and far-reaching. As she continues to expand her services and reach, Dr. Braidden remains a beacon of hope and a champion of change for all those affected by domestic violence.
Grand opening of Deborah’s Place
Dr. Braidden is a respected and highly efficient multifaceted entrepreneur, seven-time bestselling Amazon author, a national journalist for some of the country’s biggest media brands, an international motivational speaker, and a philanthropist. Her content focuses on empowerment, personal growth, faith, and entrepreneurship/stewardship. She is also a recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Carl Jones Teams With Walmart To Celebrate Black Fathers With Animated Short Film
The short film was created by Carl Jones in conjunction with Martian Blueberry Studios.
Walmart has partnered with renowned producer Carl Jones to create The League of Black & Unlimited Dads. The animated short film tells the story of a team of Black fathers as they display their parenting superpowers. The film strives to elevate the portrayal of Black dads and their roles in their children’s lives while debunking negative stigmas about Black fatherhood.
Jones is the co-founder of Martian Blueberry Studios, the award-winning agency behind hit animated shows such as The Boondocks, Black Dynamite, and Becoming Molly.
Jones took to his Instagram page to announce the project by sharing a clip from the film.
“We are proud to present an animated short film inspired by real stories, celebrating the heroics of a team of Black Dads. Tag the superheroes in your life,” he wrote.
Walmart and ABFF will also feature the second annual Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project content creators’ competition designed to support independent filmmaking and provide a platform to center stories about Black fatherhood.
The three winners will receive a $10,000 cash award. Their films will be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s online platform, and Walmart’s Black and Unlimited YouTube page from June 17-24.
“We’re honored to continue our partnership with the American Black Film Festival. Our collaboration in 2023 was a resounding success, and we are thrilled to spotlight the importance of Black fatherhood and the role of Black men in their families and communities. We look forward to another year of empowering emerging directors and highlighting stories about Black fatherhood to mainstream audiences, “D.J. Vaughn, multicultural media & content lead at Walmart, said in a press release.
You can watch The League of Black & Unlimited Dads at Walmart.com.
Harris defeated Clarence Blalock, securing 71.5% of the vote with 34% of ballots counted. Blalock initially defeated Harris during the state’s primary election in May 2024 by only 124 votes. The election was pushed into a runoff election, held June 18, after both candidates failed to receive over 50% of the vote.
I'm Shawn Harris. I defended our nation and its democracy for 40 years and retired as a Brigadier General.
I'm taking on that mission again: I'm now the official Democratic candidate facing MTG.
I'm going to fight like hell to end the toxic career of Marjorie Taylor Greene.
— Shawn Harris for Congress (@ShawnForGeorgia) June 19, 2024
Harris, a retired Brigadier General posted a video on Twitter, saying he is ready to end Greene’s “toxic career.” He encouraged those dissatisfied with her performance on Capitol Hill to fight back and put him in office.
“I’m thankful to the voters for electing me as the Democratic nominee to face MTG,” he said. “Tonight is not about me. It’s about thanking Clarence, whose work will be vital in bringing us all together. This fight is not done; it actually just began, and it’s with Marjorie Taylor Greene.”
I'm thankful to the voters for electing me as the Democratic nominee to face MTG.
Tonight is not about me. It's about thanking Clarence, whose work will be vital in bringing us all together.
This fight is not done; it actually just begun, and it's with Marjorie Taylor Greene. pic.twitter.com/XIpaSoOYUm
— Shawn Harris for Congress (@ShawnForGeorgia) June 19, 2024
Thanking Blalock for his work, Harris said he wants to “bring all the Democrats back together” and social media fans seem to be on board.
“Congrats on a hard earned Democratic nomination!”,@ac_californian wrote. “I encourage all my followers to follow you at @ShawnForGeorgia and support you however they can to give Moscow Marge a real run for her money in November!”
“Listen up Georgia 14th District! Is MTG really who you want representing you?,” @LiberalGenXVet said. “MTG isn’t worthy of your vote! Choose someone who truly cares about your community and its values!”
Study Reveals Higher Risk Of Malignant Lymphoma In People With Tattoos
Initially, researchers speculated that tattoo size might influence lymphoma risk.
A recent study by a Swedish university suggests a possible link between malignant lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system, and individuals with tattoos.
However, health experts emphasize the need for further research to confirm this association.
Lund University’s Christel Nielsen, Ph.D., the lead researcher, organized a team that analyzed data from 11,905 individuals in Sweden and released the results. The subjects were individuals diagnosed with lymphoma between 2007 and 2017 to folks of the same age and gender who were cancer-free.
The study used information from the Swedish National Cancer Register to focus on participants aged 20 to 60. Among the participants, 2,938 individuals were diagnosed with lymphoma.
In 2021, the researchers surveyed 1,398 lymphoma patients and 4,193 cancer-free participants to understand lifestyle factors that might influence lymphoma risk, such as smoking, age, and tattoo history.
The study found that 21% of lymphoma patients and 18% of cancer-free individuals had tattoos. Notably, the risk of developing lymphoma was 21% higher among those with tattoos, especially within two years of getting their first tattoo.
Initially, researchers speculated that tattoo size might influence lymphoma risk, considering those with extensive tattoos might face higher risks. However, they found no correlation between tattoo size and lymphoma risk.
“We do not yet know why this was the case. [We] can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer. The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought,” Nielsen said.
Nielsen further emphasized the need for research to fully comprehend the long-term health implications of tattoos. The team plans to conduct a comprehensive assessment to explore potential correlations between tattoos, various cancers, and inflammatory diseases.
“People will likely continue to express their identity through tattoos, so it is vital that we, as a society, ensure that it is safe. For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health and that you should consult your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms that could be related to your tattoo,” Nielsen said.
Street artist Vincent Ballentine shares his vision for the mural,
which will honor the contributions of the Greensboro Six to the Civil Rights movement in golf. (Photo: Wyndham Rewards)
Gillespie Golf Course Honors Legacy of the Greensboro Six
The Greensboro Six, led by Dr. George Simkins, made history in 1955 by playing at the then whites-only Gillespie Golf Course in North Carolina.
While golf might be a delightful way for some to enjoy sunny days, it represents a substantial industry in the United States. In 2022, the value of the U.S. golf course industry alone exceeded $26 billion, and the overall golf industry was worth an impressive $84 billion.
Of the U.S.’s approximately 24 million recreational golfers, less than 3 percent are Black. Yet research reveals that this analysis, as is its history, is equally deceptive and incomplete.
The game’s history is inseparable from the tactics and appeal of white supremacy. The crown jewel of golf, Augusta National, where every year crowds ascend upon the Masters Tournament, is rooted in segregation and supremacy. “As long as I’m alive,” Clifford Roberts once said of his course (Augusta National), “all the golfers will be white, and all the caddies will be Black.”
In a powerful fusion of art and history, Wyndham Rewards, in collaboration with the City of Greensboro and First Tee–Central Carolina, has commissioned artist Vincent Ballentine to create a commemorative mural honoring the Greensboro Six at the historic Gillespie Golf Course.
Ballentine, a multi-disciplined visual artist based in Brooklyn, New York, earned a degree in film and education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and continued study in film at Cleveland Institute of Art.
This project commemorates the bravery and impact of these civil rights pioneers and highlights Gillespie’s ongoing significance to the community.
BLACK ENTERPRISE sat down with Ballentine, Chris Simkins, the son of Dr. George Simkins Jr., leader of the Greensboro Six; and Ryan Wilson, president of First Tee Carolina, to discuss the significance of the Greensboro Six on golf and the impact Ballentine’s commemorative mural will have on the city of Greensboro and around the world.
Historical Significance
The Greensboro Six made history in 1955 by playing at the then whites-only Gillespie Golf Course, challenging segregation and enduring arrest and jail time. Their actions set the stage for desegregation and paved the way for the Greater Greensboro Open to welcome its first Black player, Charlie Sifford.
“My father and the other five men took a courageous stand that went beyond golf,” Chris Simkins says. “They challenged the status quo and fought for equality, paving the way for future generations.”
USGA tournaments often excluded Black golfers, and the PGA had a specific rule prohibiting Black players from participating. The PGA’s white-only clause remained in place until 1961, 10 years beyond the integration of most other major American sports leagues.
“This mural honors their bravery and educates and inspires us all to continue the fight for justice,” shares Simkins.
Inspiration and Activity
Ballentine’s mural is more than a historical recount. “I wanted to include moments of movement because the act of golf is doing things, moving your body, which is equally important,” he explains.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, free and enslaved Black Americans played a pivotal role in designing and maintaining golf courses across the United States. Despite their invaluable contributions, they were primarily barred from playing on these courses. Dr. George Grant, an African American inventor of the golf tee, faced racial discrimination that prevented him from playing at courses in Boston.
“We must continue to move towards progress and equality. We are still living in a current moment where things will continue to happen, so take time and appreciate our present, but be aware of where we are,” Ballentine says.
Community Impact and Future Generations
First Tee–Central Carolina, headquartered in Gillespie, continues to honor the legacy of the Greensboro Six by providing life-changing opportunities through golf to local youth. The course also hosts PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), which serves veterans and offers programs for players with disabilities.
“I’ve already enjoyed walking around the grounds, seeing mixed groups of people enjoying the game together. In a world where things are equal, they should feel more natural,” Ballentine says.
This sense of natural integration and unity is a testament to the progress initiated by the Greensboro Six. “Seeing diverse groups of people coming together at Gillespie is a realization of my father’s vision for equality,” Chris Simkins says. “This mural will remind everyone of our strides and the work ahead.”
A Lasting Tribute
The mural, to be unveiled August 5 ahead of the 85th Annual Wyndham Championship, is poised to be a lasting tribute to the Greensboro Six.
“What set him [Ballentine] apart was that we only had one picture of the Greensboro Six,” Wilson says. “And that was outside of a courtroom. Here, he shows up and gives us this image that portrays these six men in a way that nothing’s ever been done before. This will last for lifetimes and remind us that many have endured similar circumstances at golf courses worldwide.”
Ballentine’s mural at Gillespie Golf Course is a powerful homage to the Greensboro Six, celebrating their courageous stand against segregation and enduring legacy in the fight for equality. Ballentine captures a story of resilience and progress, which will inspire current and future generations to appreciate and continue the journey toward inclusivity and unity.
“This mural is not just a piece of art,” Chris Simkins says. “It’s a beacon of hope and a reminder of the progress we’ve made thanks to heroes like my father and the Greensboro Six.”
An Atlanta-based photographer, designer, and creative director, Akachè St. Marcino IV produced an original series to celebrate Black women who graduated in 2024. Dubbed “The Grand Miliarium,” the series combines high fashion with the monumental milestone of graduating.
Marcino used two female graduates from Georgia State University to model his original designs inspired by the traditional graduation cap. The Grand Miliarium Volume I highlights model Siearra Shakiena in a unique pair of pants embroidered with graduation cap tassels and the 2024 graduation year.
The pants were “personally crafted to symbolize the significant steps of the journey to graduation,” Marcino wrote.
The second part of the original series features model Keria Laura wearing “an exquisitely designed gown, meticulously crafted from graduation caps, symbolizing the pinnacle of educational accomplishment,” Marcino explained. He got the help of his seamstress sister, Elizabeth Oluokun, for the dress design, which took him almost a year to finalize.
Drawing inspiration from 69 Views, Chad Lawson, and Book Be Creative, Marcino conceptualized the look consisting of a gown full of black graduation caps. Marcino wanted to “break the internet” with his original grad cap dress that Keria Laura helped bring to life. A video shows Marcino’s journey to design and craft the dress and direct the photoshoot.
In addition to the fashion designs, Marcino also shared photos he took of other Black women who recently graduated from GSU and Spelman College. Last month, he collaborated in Instagram posts with a series of 2024 graduates, including Black males who sported “Black Grads Matter” sashes.
His original designs and photo series amplifying Black graduates might help the rising photographer build a lane for himself. The 2024 class is applauding his work and its celebration of Black excellence.
Megan Thee Stallion Says Her Show Is ‘Over’ If Fans Keep Smoking In The Audience: ‘I Don’t Want To Be High’
Megan Thee Stallion isn't for her concert attendees blowing smoke near the stage.
Megan Thee Stallion might love to drink her D’usse straight out of the bottle, but that doesn’t mean she shares the same sentiments about smoking marijuana.
The Grammy award-winning rapper recently visited her hometown of Houston as part of her Hot Girl Summer Tour for two sold-out shows with guest appearances from H-Town legends Bun B, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug.
But the portion of one of her shows that went viral had more to do with the audience than the music. At one point, Megan stopped the show to issue a request.
“I said don’t blow that weed by me. I don’t want to be high. If I get high, the show is over,” she playfully said in footage shared online. “I’m going to the hospital. Call the police.”
Megan THREATENS TO CALL the police on one of her seat guest smoking a blunt??? Oh yeah she definitely weird asf pic.twitter.com/guvmiHFpxv
After some critics misinterpreted Megan’s request and assumed she threatened to call the cops on her fans, many came to her defense to explain her sentiment.
“She never said she was gonna call the police on them; she said if she got high, then she would need the ambulance, then the police,” one fan wrote.
“How is it weird if she saying it affects her in a way where she can’t function? No, you’re weird for twisting the context of her words,” added someone else.
Others believed Megan was overreacting, considering how normalized weed smoking at concerts has become in recent years. There were also trolls who referenced her shooting case with Tory Lanez and accused her of “always snitching.”
The “Savage” rapper has faced mixed reactions to the shooting case that sent Tory Lanez to prison for 10 years. While many support Megan, a large number continue to publicly criticize her and accuse her of fabricating her injury to get the Toronto rapper jailed.
In 2020, Megan penned a New York Times op-ed where she used her experience to stress the importance of protecting Black women.
“I’m not afraid of criticism, and ‘Protect Black women’ should not be controversial,” she wrote.
