Mary J. Blige, Community College, Strength Of A Woman Fund

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2024

Mary J. Blige To Receive Entertainment Icon Award At 2024 Urban One Honors

Legendary Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige is set to receive the highest accolade at the 2024 Urban One Honors next month.

The legendary queen of hip-hop soul, Mary J. Blige, is set to receive the highest accolades at the 2024 Urban One Honors next month.

The Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer will receive the prestigious Entertainment Icon Honor at the Urban One Honors: Best in Black event, Variety reported. The two-hour event will premiere Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. on TV One, with a simulcast on Cleo TV.

Often referred to as the “Queen of R&B,” Blige has a decorated career spanning more than three decades. Her accolades include eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (with a staggering 32 nominations), an Emmy, two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination.

“Urban One is thrilled to honor the incomparable Mary J. Blige as our 2024 Entertainment Icon. Mary’s immeasurable talent and award-winning music has shaped our culture and has had a profound impact on artists and music across all genres, but most notably the elevation of female artists in both R&B and Hip Hop across generations. She fully personifies the ‘Best in Black’ theme of this year’s Urban One Honors,” said Michelle L. Rice, president of TV One and CLEO TV.

Inspired by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Gladys Knight, Blige paved her own lane by seamlessly fusing hip-hop, soul, and transparent lyrics on her 1992 debut album, What’s the 411? The multi-platinum album spawned two No. 1 R&B singles, “You Remind Me” and “Real Love.”

As her career continued, Blige played a pivotal role in reshaping the landscape of R&B, carving out a distinctive space for herself with her emotionally charged second album, My Life, released in 1994. Admired for her fervent singles like “Be Without You,” “No More Drama,” and “Family Affair,” she has established herself as a formidable presence in the music industry, with 15 studio albums that showcase her versatility.

Beyond music, Blige has made notable contributions to the film and television realms in projects such as Mudbound, The Umbrella Academy, Respect, and Power Book II: Ghost.

Blige joins the ranks of Dionne Warwick, who will be recognized as the Lifetime Achievement Honoree; Chlöe, who will be celebrated as the Generation Next Honoree; Frankie Beverly, who will be honored as a Living Legend; and Donald Lawrence, for Inspirational Impact.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 9, 2024

Tiger Woods And Nike End Partnership After 27 Years

Tiger Woods announced that his partnership with Nike has ended after 27 years.

All good things come to an end. Hall of Fame golfer Tiger Woods ended the longest business relationship of his career when he parted ways with footwear giant Nike. In a social media post on Jan. 8, the championship golfer announced that his partnership has ended after 27 years.

“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world,” Woods stated in the post. “The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories; if I started naming them, I could go on forever. Phil Knight’s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I want to personally thank him, along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along the way. People will ask if there is another chapter. Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”

pic.twitter.com/at0tSskmRm

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 8, 2024

Woods did not indicate what’s next regarding brand sponsorship, but based on his post, there will be “another chapter.”

The gratitude appears to be mutual, as Nike also released a statement thanking Woods for the “challenge” brought about by their collaboration.

“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking. You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge, we’re grateful.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nike (@nike)

Sports Illustrated reported that Woods inked his first deal with Nike in 1996. It was for clothing, with golf items added to later contracts he signed. He signed new deals with Nike in 2001, 2006, and 2013. The last was a 10-year deal that ended up being the final one.

According to ESPN, Woods will be playing in the Genesis at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California, next month, on Feb. 15-18.

Earl, graves, Sr., Jr. publisher, column, birthday

by Alisa Gumbs

January 9, 2024

50 Years of Wisdom: The Best of Earl G. Graves Sr.’s ‘Publisher’s Page’ Columns

Earl G. Graves Sr.'s "Publisher Pages" was a treasure trove of wisdom for years.

Originally Published Apr. 20, 2020

Today celebrate the legacy of BLACK ENTERPRISE founder Earl G. Graves Sr., as the tributes poured in after his death, and sharing some of the wisdom he imparted over his legendary business career.

Much of that advice was shared by Graves in his own words over the past 50 years in the pages of BE magazine through his award-winning “Publisher’s Page” column.

Here are some of the highlights of his most profound statements from the past five decades.

August 1970

Why Black Enterprise?

The black businessman, and entrepreneurs from other minorities, have for the most part been systematically excluded from any meaningful participation in the economic mainstream. They have been the “missing link” in the chain of benefits which have sprung from the American enterprises that have built our ever-increasing gross national product. Black sweat, black muscles and black brains have contributed greatly to that gross national product, but at the same time black entrepreneurs have not profited—neither fully nor fairly—in its rewards.

March 1987

How to Deal With Corporate Downsizing

It is up to black Americans to gain a foothold in mainstream society. We can do this by leveraging our dollars, using them to patronize companies that actively hire and promote black Americans. We can do this by starting our own businesses, thereby creating jobs for others blacks and stimulating economic growth in our communities. We can do this by flexing our political muscle, registering and organizing to have a massive impact on the … presidential and congressional elections, as well as local races.

If we are to achieve parity, we must strive for excellence in the classroom and the workplace as a means of forcing open the doors of opportunity.

January 1995

Contract on America

We thought we could concentrate on strengthening our own nation—repairing our economy, battling unemployment, improving education—now that America is a superpower without enemies. However, we forgot about the enemy within—virulent intolerance.

The authors of an insidious new book, The Bell Curve, say that black people are, for the most part, intellectually inferior and, therefore, equal access to employment and educational opportunities is wasted on them and their children.

As long as the denial of opportunity can be justified by charges that those being denied are inherently inferior, the American dream can never be fully realized, and the freedom and security of all Americans are at risk.

January 2000

Let Wealth Be Our Legacy

We take wealth-building pretty seriously. But what do we mean by financial empowerment? How about freedom from the shame of being not unwilling, but unable to tithe to your church, despite being blessed with more income in one year than your parents (who have always tithed) earned in their working lifetimes? Or the ability to abandon an unrewarding career to make your entrepreneurial dreams come true? Or the peace of knowing that your children, as well as your children’s children, are guaranteed a college education? Or the security of being able to afford the best medical care available for an ailing parent? Or the sense of fulfillment that results from your writing a personal check to keep the doors open to the community center that provides a safe haven for your kids until you get home from work?

By choosing to build lasting personal wealth, you’ll be providing a greater measure of financial empowerment for us all.

March-April 2017

Our History Is a Source of Wealth We Can’t Afford to Lose

It saddens and alarms me that so many people—and especially young people—seemingly embrace ignorance of history as a badge of honor. They tragically, mistakenly believe that if it didn’t happen in their lifetimes, it’s not worth knowing. It’s a confounding paradox: In an age where we have easy access, thanks to innovations such as Google and Wikipedia, to near limitless amounts of information, we are increasingly disinclined to acquire knowledge and wisdom.

Our lack of appreciation for history not only threatens to undermine the gains and progress of the very events and people we deem worthy of our attention, but places in jeopardy the very survival of our people. As a result, we too often forfeit the inspirational examples that can drive us forward to greater success, while dismissing the harsh lessons of adversity that previous generations learned so that we could be spared the suffering they endured to acquire that knowledge.

Cardi B, Offset, sandy springs, Georgia, atlanta, swat, swatting, hoax, raid, cephus

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2024

Cardi B And Offset Victims Of Swatting Hoax At Georgia Home

New reports reveal the swatting incident that took place at Cardi and Offset’s home in Sandy Springs, Georgia last year.

Apparently, if Nicki Minaj’s home can get swatted then so can Cardi B’s.

New reports reveal the swatting incident that took place at Cardi and Offset’s home in Sandy Springs, Georgia last year, TMZ reports. It was during the early morning hours of August 10, 2023, when officers responded to a call claiming someone had been shot at the residence.

Police were responding to a call from a party who reported that someone had opened fire at a “famous rapper’s house,” according to the police report. Officers responded with sirens and weapons drawn after the reporting party “suggested Cardi herself may have been hit with a bullet.”

However, upon arrival, police were able to determine that the call was a hoax. Offset’s uncle Derrick Cephus was housesitting for the couple at the time the call was made and confirmed that no one else had been on the premises.

Cephus called his nephew on the phone and placed him on speaker as the Migos rapper told the police “That’s a f***ing fake call, we’re in LA … that’s fake.”

Police said they had a phone number for the person who reported the call and would launch an investigation. The famous couple joined a group of celebrities who have fallen victim to fake swatting calls in recent years.

Along with Nicki Minaj, other public figures who have been swatted include Pharrell, Paris Hilton, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, as well as the Playboy Mansion, Daily Mail reports. Ironically enough, around the time Cardi and Offset were swatted, Nicki Minaj took to Twitter to call out her swatter following a series of swatting attacks in early 2023.

“To the woman who made those swatting calls to my home… #WasItWorthItDumbo,” she tweeted out.

“Stephanie Bell. A warrant is in the system. Great detective work. So grateful. The DA filed one count for the swatting call and one for the false report to DCFS. To God be the glory.”

To the woman who made those swatting calls to my home…#WasItWorthItDumbo ?
— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) August 23, 2023

by Rafael Pena

January 9, 2024

Georgia Rep. Advocates For HOPE Scholarship To Include Students With Minor Drug Offenses

Rep. Eric Bell is advocating for an amendment to Georgia's law governing HOPE Scholarships to broaden eligibility for students with drug offenses.

Georgia State Rep. Eric Bell is advocating for an amendment to the state’s law governing HOPE Scholarships, aiming to broaden eligibility for students with minor drug offenses. The existing law prohibits students with any criminal convictions from accessing the scholarship, creating barriers for those seeking higher education due to financial constraints, according to News4Jax.

The proposed amendment comes in response to stories like Erica Bell’s, who, after a minor drug offense, lost her college scholarship. According to Rep. Bell, the current restrictions hinder students from accessing in-state loans and grants and continuing their education. He emphasized the socioeconomic factors that can lead individuals to the drug trade as a means of survival, making the case for a more compassionate approach to education.

Rep. Bell underscores the harsh consequences faced by students who make a single mistake, limiting their opportunities to attend prestigious institutions like the University of Georgia or Georgia State. He emphasized the need for a second chance and his belief that denying students educational opportunities such as the Georgia Hope Scholarship perpetuates a cycle of missed possibilities.

“The world is made of should have, would have, could haves, but we’re talking about where the rubber meets the road. It’s not about being tough on crime; it’s not about being lax on crime; it’s about being a more compassionate state,” said Rep. Bell.

The proposed amendment aligns with a broader national issue, where an estimated 20,000 students lose out on Pell Grants annually due to drug offenses, and an additional 30,000 to 40,000 are denied student loans. Rep. Bell argues that such restrictions rob students of the chance to succeed and contribute to society positively.

News4JAX has contacted several Republican Georgia lawmakers for their perspectives on the proposed amendment, but responses were pending at the time of publication.

by Derek Major

January 9, 2024

Allen Iverson Tells Shannon Sharpe Michael Jordan Hasn’t Forgotten The Double-Crossover

Allen Iverson said on the Club Shay Shay podcast that Micahel Jordan hasn't forgotten the double crossover Iverson gave him in 1997

Former Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets point guard Allen Iverson is part of one of the most iconic moments in NBA history, and according to him, Michael Jordan is still bitter about it.

Iverson, a guest on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast during the summer of 2021, discussed his first matchup with Jordan when he was a rookie in March 1997.

“If I got the opportunity, I was gonna try my move against the best player that I’ve ever seen play the game, and I’ll never forget the moment, obviously. Phil Jackson said: ‘Michael on the switch!’ And he stepped out,” Iverson said of that fateful sequence. “When I tried the little one, and he bit on the little one, that’s when I said,’ Oh, he in trouble.’”

When Jordan, who played for the Chicago Bulls at the time, made the defensive switch, Iverson attempted a crossover that Jordan bit on, giving Iverson the confidence to pull off another crossover that got Jordan again, before nailing a jumper just above the free throw line.

The Georgetown alum, who currently lives in Charlotte, attended a Hornets game, met Jordan, who owned the team at the time, and discovered that the six-time NBA champion has not let go of the moment.

“I went to a Charlotte Hornets game. He had me come in. We in the back, me and him; I’m sitting back, drinking, and reminiscing. I was like, ‘Man, I love you!’ And he was like, ‘You don’t love me, you little b***h. You wouldn’t have fu**ing did me like that.’ And everybody in the room burst out laughing,” Iverson said.

The two NBA stars played in 13 NBA games against each other during their careers, with Jordan’s team winning seven times and Iverson’s team winning six. Although Jordan won more games, Iverson averaged 29.8 points per game in those matchups, while Jordan averaged 23.5.

Despite not reaching the highs Jordan saw in his illustrious career, Iverson’s accolades are still significant. In his 14-year career, Iverson was an eleven-time All-Star, seven-time All-NBA team member, four-time scoring champion, 3-time steals champion, and was voted the 1996-97 Rookie of the Year and the 2000-01 Most Valuable Player. Iverson was also named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

by Atiya Jordan

January 9, 2024

6 Powerful Business Quotes From Business Titan Earl G. Graves Sr.

These powerful words from the business titan Earl G. Graves Sr. will resonate for decades to come.

Originally published Apr. 6, 2022

Earl G. Graves Sr., the visionary founder and publisher of BLACK ENTERPRISE, died at 85, but his insights will live on for ages.

In celebration of his legacy, we are reminded that the iconic entrepreneur, corporate board pioneer, activist, and philanthropist continues to pave the way for generations of Black business leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives.

Graves, a successful business titan, exuded power in his business and advice for business success. Here are six powerful Earl Graves business quotes that empower Black people to win.

“You can forget who you are as an African American. I mean, unfortunately, we have people who have succeeded and done well in business, and they don’t identify with any of the issues or problems we have at all as a people. I think that is unfortunate, and it’s their problem to our demise as a people if we have people who are successful not realizing who they are.”

“Economic power is the key to success in a capitalistic society. Business is the means to that power. African Americans can play this game, and we can win at it. You can succeed in business without being white.”

“I believe that entrepreneurship is the ultimate smart money move and the surest path toward wealth for African Americans. Far fewer Blacks than whites benefit from inherited wealth or assets. Entrepreneurship is the primary way to create the sort of wealth that can be passed on and built upon by succeeding generations.”

“Excelling in business goes hand in hand with excelling at creating opportunities for others. Any entrepreneur can make money. The very best make a difference.”

“It is the responsibility of all African Americans to help our young people understand the opportunities that entrepreneurship and business offer.”

“We keep going back, stronger, not weaker, because we will not allow rejection to beat us down. It will only strengthen our resolve. To be successful, there is no other way.”

Hollywood Walk Of Fame, star, actor, singer Prince, stage play, film, 40 year,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2024

Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ To Become A Stage Play

Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today. To announce that Prince's Oscar-winning "Purple Rain" musical is coming to a stage near you!

Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today. To announce that Prince’s Oscar-winning Purple Rain musical is coming to a stage near you!

Just in time for the 40th anniversary, it’s been announced that Prince’s iconic film and soundtrack album “Purple Rain” is being adapted into a stage play that might even make its way to Broadway, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The adaptation is in development, while the world premiere remains in the works.

The upcoming play will feature a score by Prince and a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. Lileana Blain-Cruz will direct it. The book is based on the original screenplay of Purple Rain, written by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn.

The announcement comes ahead of the “Purple Rain” film’s 40th anniversary on July 27. Originally released in 1984 by Warner Bros., the musical followed The Kid (Prince), an emerging rock musician in Prince’s native Minneapolis who remains focused on his music career despite the difficult environment he endures at home with his parents. His drive aids him as he performs against a rival band (Morris Day and The Time) and forms a new romance with the film’s leading lady (Apollonia).

The 1984 film scored major success at the box office, grossing $70.3 million worldwide, against its $7.2 million budget. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and Best Original Musical and is regarded as one of the greatest musical films ever.

The album of the same name was released as the soundtrack to the film and sold over 25 million units worldwide with classic hits like “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “I Would Die 4 U.”

“It’s been almost 40 years since Prince’s legendary film, Purple Rain, took the world by storm,m and we can’t think of a more fitting tribute than to honor Prince and the Purple Rain legacy with this stage adaptation of the beloved story,” L. Londell McMillan, chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music said.

“We are thrilled with our Broadway partners and creative team, who are bringing a theatricality to the film’s original fictional story. We can’t wait for a new generation to discover Purple Rain and for lovers of the original film and album to experience its power once again, this time live.”

Oprah Winfrey, Taraji P. Henson, The Color Purple, Pay Gap, the greatest champion

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 9, 2024

Oprah Doesn’t Have Beef With Taraji P. Henson: ‘I’ve Been The Greatest Champion Of This Film’

Oprah Winfrey is shutting down rumors by confirming that all is well between her and "The Color Purple" star Taraji P. Henson.

Oprah Winfrey knows about the rumors surrounding her alleged feud with Taraji P. Henson. According to the billionaire media mogul, all is well between her and The Color Purple star.

Henson hasn’t been holding back during the press tour for The Color Purple musical and recently opened up about her advocacy for the cast to make sure they received food, trailers, and safe transportation during filming. While Henson, who played Shug Avery in the film, acknowledged the help and support she received from Winfrey when voicing her concerns, many are still convinced that there might be a feud brewing between the two.

However, the OWN creator, who served as a producer on the film and starred as Sofia in the 1985 original, is shutting down any speculation surrounding her relationship with Henson.

“People are saying that I was not supporting Taraji,” Oprah told Entertainment Tonight. “Taraji will tell you herself that I’ve been the greatest champion of this film.”

“Championing not only the behind-the-scenes projection but also everything that everybody needed,” she added. “So whenever I heard that there was something that someone needed … I’m not in charge of the budget because that’s Warner Bros. That’s the way the studio system works.”

Winfrey says the cast had her full support with any concerns brought to her attention and is adamant that Henson would attest to her claims.

“We as producers; everybody gets their salary, and everybody is negotiated by your team,” she continued. “And so, whenever I heard there was an issue or there was a problem; there was a problem with cars or the problem with their food, I would step in and do whatever I could to make it right. And I believe that [Taraji] would even vouch for that and say that is true.”

Winfrey’s response comes after Henson’s recent Q&A with The New York Times, where she said that she and “The Color Purple” cast only got “a lot of stuff on set” after she spoke up to advocate for them.

“They gave us rental cars, and I was like, ‘I can’t drive myself to set in Atlanta.’ This is insurance liability, it’s dangerous,” Henson said.

“What do I look like, taking myself to work by myself in a rental car? So I was like, ‘Can I get a driver or security to take me?’ I’m not asking for the moon. They’re like, ‘Well, if we do it for you, we got to do it for everybody.’ Well, do it for everybody! It’s stuff like that, stuff I shouldn’t have to fight for.”

James Clyburn, MAGA, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris

by Daniel Johnson

January 9, 2024

Rep. James Clyburn ‘Very Concerned’ About Black Support Of Joe Biden

Former President Barack Obama has also privately discussed his concerns with Biden's reelection campaign. A source told Politico that Obama's concerns revolved around a lack of clearly delineated authority inside the White House and Biden's campaign headquarters.

Rep. James Clyburn is worried about the prospect of President Joe Biden’s support from Black voters. Politico reported that Clyburn told the president of his fears, which revolved around a communication failure from the White House to the Black community concerning the Biden administration’s accomplishments on behalf of Black people.

Clyburn told CNN host Jake Tapper when asked what worries him about the 2024 cycle and the tapering Black support for Biden, “Well, I’m not worried, I’m very concerned, and I have sat down with President Biden and let him know that I saw those reports. I’ve also seen at least one report indicating that I have sat down with President Biden, and I did, with him, and I’ve told him what my concerns are.”

Clyburn focused on the accomplishments of the Biden administration later in the interview, telling Tapper, “He (Biden) stood right across from Emmanuel Church and said if given the opportunity, he would put an African American woman on the Supreme Court, he has done that. And he went even further, putting a South Carolinian African American woman on the second highest court in the land. He has appointed more African American women to the courts of appeal than all previous presidents combined, and that is a fact.”

Former President Barack Obama has also privately discussed his concerns with Biden’s reelection campaign. A source told Politico that Obama’s concerns revolved around a lack of clearly delineated authority between the White House and Biden’s campaign headquarters. Other Democrats have made similar points, which prompted deputy campaign manager Quentin Fulks to defend the campaign infrastructure in an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press.

Fulks told NBC, “We’ve put innovative organizing programs in place to begin to communicate with voters on the ground, which is why we’ve made investments into constituency media — the largest investments to voters of color, Hispanic voters, young voters — than any other presidential campaign in history. And now we’re in the phase where more Americans are paying attention to what’s going on, and that is why we’re making the choice.”

I hope Biden and Democrats know Biden and anyone campaigning on his behalf will receive these types of protests and statements all 2024. From Bernie to AOC to Pelosi. Y’all decided to align yourselves with a genocidal president and/or be part of a genocidal political party. https://t.co/PFiCAND2bX
— AshleyStevens (@The_Acumen) January 8, 2024

I see a lot of Black folks are offended by activists interrupting Biden’s speech at Mother Emanuel AME Church with calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

My opinion: it was the perfect place, albeit a very complicated one. Let me explain. https://t.co/21p8KagXcL
— Terrell Jermaine Starr (@terrelljstarr) January 8, 2024

Speaking as an AME whose mother was ordained in Mother Emanuel: If it was hallowed ground then Joe Biden, who lends financial and moral support to the genocide of Palestinians, should never have been speaking there to begin with. His presence was the desecration. https://t.co/iQ4yaZWXfj
— Ari C. (@lit_ari_ture) January 8, 2024

Echoing the concerns around Biden’s reelection campaign was a row on social media created during his stop at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Biden was interrupted during his Jan. 8 campaign stop by a group of protestors who called on Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. On X, formerly known as Twitter, users noted that the response from Black members of the church, chanting “four more years” in response to the protestors, seemed at odds with the historical role of the Black church as a safe space for dissent from an immoral American government, and the apartheid it tacitly supported until landmark civil rights legislation was passed in the 1960s. As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, many have drawn parallels between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and America’s treatment of Black citizens during the civil rights movement. Biden’s support of Israel’s bombing of Palestinians has been a contentious issue for many, and the event underscores the division between Black voters who are willing to overlook that foreign policy decision and those who will not.