• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 22, 2023

Smush Parker Discusses Kobe Bryant Not Speaking To Him While Teammates

"You can't talk to me, you need more accolades under your belt before you come talk to me," Smush recalls Kobe telling him.

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During a recent interview, a former Los Angeles Lakers teammate of Kobe Bryant’s expressed that the legendary player refused to hold conversations with him while playing on the same team with him for two years.

Former NBA point guard William Henry “Smush” Parker was recently on the podcast “Pablo Torre Finds Out.” Their conversation led to the discussion of Kobe not having any respect for Smush while they played together.

Smush and Kobe played for two years, and Smush stated that Kobe never spoke to him, even though he was the team’s starting guard. They even had their lockers side by side, and it still didn’t merit any discussions between the men.

At one point it was widely reported that Kobe referred to Smush as “the worst.” He even lamented that Smush “shouldn’t have been in the NBA” and that the Lakers at the time “were too cheap to pay for a point guard. We let him walk on.”

Torre brought that conversation up to Smush, who replied, “The man never spoke to me. I wasn’t the 12th man on the bench. I wasn’t the call-up from the G League who was just filling a roster spot. I started with this man. I was his co-worker. Like, we shared a cubicle side by side. How do you do that for two seasons and never hold a conversation?”

It was reported in the past that Kobe had no love for Smush, who is now trying to become an NBA referee. He also recalled a time when he tried to stir up a conversation with Kobe and was shut down immediately.

“He looked at me, honestly looked at me and said, ‘You can’t talk to me, you need more accolades under your belt before you come talk to me,'” Smush remembered. “He was dead serious.

“So that set the tone. Never spoke to him again, or tried to, for two years—as the starting point guard.”

Smush Parker explains his side of his feud with Kobe Bryant:

“The man never spoke to me. … I started with this man, I was his co-worker. Like we shared a cubicle side-by-side. How do you do that for two seasons and never hold a conversation? … I’m not even going to get to… pic.twitter.com/3mnazvKPoA

— Pablo Torre Finds Out (@pablofindsout) December 19, 2023

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 22, 2023

NYC Council Passes Bill Banning Solitary Confinement; Police, Mayor Eric Adams Object

Supporters say research proving solitary confinement—even just for a few days—can increase suicidal thoughts and lead to acute anxiety, depression, and psychosis that will limit the inmate's ability to conform to societal norms once released.

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New York City lawmakers passed legislation Dec. 20 that will ban solitary confinement in the city’s jails.

Introduced by New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, the bill puts a 4-hour limit on isolating inmates when there is an immediate threat or a high risk of violence to themselves or others in “de-escalation” units. Only inmates involved in violent acts should be placed in confinement for longer periods of time, but they would need to be out of their cells for 14 hours a day in order to receive the same programming that other inmates have access to.

Williams, along with other supporters of the bill, argued how solitary confinement adds to torture for those subjected to long hours in isolation in small jail cells. “This is about safety at Rikers (Island),” Williams said. “If we want something different, we need to try something different.”

Supporters showed research proving solitary confinement—even just for a few days—can increase suicidal thoughts and lead to acute anxiety, depression, and psychosis that will limit the inmate’s ability to conform to societal norms once released.

The city’s mayor, Eric Adams, is not a fan of the legislation. He believes the move will create more dangers within jails for both inmates and employees.

“I don’t think this is thought through, and anyone who has knowledge of a correctional facility would tell you that you can’t leave dangerous people in a general population,” Adams said, according to Fox News. Adams could utilize his mayoral power, but the bill has enough support—38 supporters, to be exact—that the council could override the veto.

Some of the supporters include House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and newly elected council member Yusef Salaam. The issue is sensitive to Salaam, a member of the controversial Exonerated Central Park Five case, who spoke about his experience in prison.

“You can hear people crying out,” he said. “You can hear people in pain. You can hear people going through a mental breakdown. It’s one of the most horrific things to experience.”

Solitary confinement at Rikers Island has been a hot topic for decades, but received national attention following the death of Kalief Browder, who, at 16, spent the majority of his three years in solitary waiting for a trial that never happened. After his release, he committed suicide at 22.

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

December 22, 2023

Young Girl Empowers Herself By Embracing Her Natural Hair And Standing Up To Classmate’s Remark

Leila Danai used the lessons her mother taught her at home to stand up to a classmate who said he did not like her hair.

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A little Black girl has made her mom proud after standing up to a peer in class who remarked about her natural hair. 

After a classmate commented on her hair, Preschooler Leila Danai proved that she had been listening to what her mom, Mildred Munjanganja, had been teaching her. Munjanganja spoke to Today about her daughter, who went viral on TikTok after she pleasantly schooled a classmate about her hair earlier this year. Danai is one of the few Black students who attend her preschool, and her mother shared with the outlet how teaching self-confidence at home prepared her daughter for the encounter about her hair. 

In the viral TikTok video posted on July 17, Danai, three years old at the time, can be seen telling her mother what she said to her classmate who did not like her hair. 

Leila, who appeared to have her hair done up in a high ponytail with an orange bow, said she responded to her classmate by saying, “I like it.” 

She told her mother, “He said, ‘I don’t like that hair. It’s crazy. And I said, ‘My mommy made it. If you don’t like it, I’ll keep it for myself.’”

Munjanganja responded, “I’m so proud of you, baby. You stood up for yourself.”

“I love hearing about Leila’s day!” Munjanganja wrote in the video’s caption. “Today she shared how her classmate didn’t like her hair, and she replied, ‘Well, I like it!’ – I have never been more proud!” 

Danai’s mother also included in the caption how happy she was after seeing her daughter not seeking the validation of anyone else, being able to express how she felt, and maintaining her confidence. She concluded with an empowering message for women: “Strong women, may we be them, may we know them, may we raise them!”

Munjanganja’s goal is to prepare her daughter to be able to navigate the world around her and protect herself. She practices real-life scenarios with Danai, like asking her for an opinion about an outfit. She tells her preschooler, “…I love it, and I think it looks great on me.” This teaches the child not to internalize the opinions of others.

RELATED CONTENT: Maryland Mother Says 7-Year-Old Daughter Was Cut From Cheer Team Over Natural Hairstyle

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 22, 2023

Jonica Booth Speaks On Chastity Being Redeemed In Issa Rae’s ‘Rap Sh!t’

Jonica Booth is the breakout star in Issa Rae's critically acclaimed comedy series ‘Rap Sh*t.’

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Jonica Booth is the breakout star on Issa Rae’s critically acclaimed comedy series Rap Sh!t.

Loosely based off the real-life rise to fame story of Miami’s female rap duo the City Girls, Rap Sh!t follows two estranged high school friends, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (Kamillion), from Miami, who get back together to form a rap group. Booth plays Chastity, a “sex work manager” who refers to herself as the “Duke of Miami” and takes on the role of managing Shawna and Mia’s rising hip-hop group.

Season 2 of the HBO Max comedy, which wrapped on Dec. 21, saw the rap duo cut ties with Chastity to embark on new management from Shawna’s shady, on-and-off friend Francoise Boom (Jaboukie Young White). Seasons 1 and 2 saw Chastity’s unwavering loyalty to aid in the success of Shawna and Mia despite being a newcomer to the entertainment industry herself.

Torn between her job as a sex work manager and artist manager, Chastity works to defeat all the odds against her while working to help Shawna and Mia rise to the top of the hip-hop game.

It was a huge leap for Booth to secure the role of Chastity, after getting her start in reality television before relocating to Los Angeles, where she became an acclaimed comedian and actor.

“For me, it’s reality to reality,” Booth told BLACK ENTERPRISE of her career journey.

Having gone from starring on season 12 of Bad Girls Club to starring on Rae’s second HBO series, Booth is seeing a whole new side of the entertainment industry and has no plans to go back to reality TV. While it helped her “understand how TV works,” she said, “I don’t have to go back.”

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A post shared by Jonica Booth (@jonicablubooth)

Elsewhere, Booth improves her improv skills as a stand-up comedian who has opened for the likes of Gary Owen, one of her comedy inspirations. She had to put those skills to work on Rap Sh!t in scenes where she was tasked with acting out scenarios she’d never encountered in real life.

Much like her current work with Rae, another one of her inspirations in film, Booth is in her element being surrounded by like-minded creatives in television.

As for who she hopes to have on as a guest on future episodes of Rap Sh!t, she wants to see City Girls, of course, and Teyana Taylor.

“If we get the City Girls and Teyana, that’ll be a good start for some new stuff for us,” she said.

Booth is just off the heels of signing with ColorCreative management and has high hopes for her career in 2022.

“I’m excited to be with a new team just to see what they can do for me,” she says of joining ColorCreative.

“I’m glad the strike is over because I expect some great auditions. I’m going to keep studying and prepping myself so when I get the call, I don’t have to get ready — I’ll just be ready.”

In addition to starring on Rap Sh!t, Booth performs regularly at The Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store, The Improv, and Flappers. Press play below for BE‘s full interview with the actress, and watch the season 2 finale of Rap Sh!t on MAX.

• Events

by Lauren Nutall

December 22, 2023

The Harris Community Works Program Hosts Its Annual Holiday Caravan

The Harris Community Works program held its annual Holiday Caravan this past week, providing clothes and gifts to Atlanta children.

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The Harris Community Works program hosted its annual Holiday Caravan on Dec. 13. Established by recording artist and actor T.I. Harris as part of his non-profit Us or Else, this is the caravan’s eighth year in action.    

This year, the event took place at the DTLR at Camp Creek Marketplace, where members of the Next Level Boys Academy were given new clothes, according to Metro Atlanta. Gary Davis, founder of the leadership academy, spoke about the giveaway.

“For many, this is their Christmas,” he said. “T.I. and Harris Community Works have been a long-time supporters of us, and we appreciate all they have done and continue to do for us. As I tell the mentees, ‘It’s not where you are in life, it’s who you have by your side that matters.’” Mentees were also gifted Hawks drawstring bags along with tickets to a Skyhawks game. 

Later that week, the caravan paid a visit to My Sister’s House, the Atlanta Mission’s shelter for homeless women and families, which offers critical assistance to those in need. “Many of our clients come in dealing with very heavy things that children should not have to deal with,” said Katrina Dantism, Director of Program Support Services at the Atlanta Mission.  

“When we have community partners like Harris Community Works come in and give Christmas gifts, it allows our children to feel safe and dream child-size dreams.” The shelter held a toy giveaway as well as group breakout sessions with T.I. and Tameka Harris.

Several community members were in attendance this year, including Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who joined in the festivities and helped distribute Visa gift cards to mothers at My Sister’s House so that they can provide for their families this Christmas.

The caravan rounded out its seasonal trip at the Project Pinnacle Diversion Program, an initiative dedicated to helping first-time, non-violent juvenile felons get back on their feet and access opportunities through anger management and skills workshops. 

DeKalb County Judge Asha Jackson founded Project Pinnacle in 2011. She explained the significance of the program, which has helped successfully rehabilitate more than 230 participants.

“Project Pinnacle, Inc. is once again honored to partner with Harris Community Works as we celebrate the graduation of Cohort 12. These amazing young men and women are ready to embrace all their life goals, while leaving the criminal justice system behind,” she said.

The program was holding its graduation ceremony when the caravan dropped by, and T.I. Harris assisted in handing out diplomas.

RELATED CONTENT: Atlanta Rapper T.I. Appears With Mayor Andre Dickens At Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony For Affordable Housing Development

• Arts and Culture

by Coco Whitehead

December 22, 2023

Great Buys To Help Your Family Celebrate Kwanzaa

Amazon has plenty of items to help your family embrace or continue celebrating Kwanzaa this holiday season!

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Originally published Dec. 26, 2021

Since 1966, Kwanzaa has been an annual celebration of African American culture from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, based on traditions from various parts of Africa.

Black activist Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 in the aftermath of the Watts, California, riots as a specifically African American holiday. Karenga said his goal was to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday of Christmas and allow Blacks to celebrate themselves and their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.”

Today, thousands of families embrace Kwanzaa and its seven principles: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Imani (Faith).

Amazon has plenty of cool items to help your family embrace or continue celebrating this holiday steeped in Black pride!

Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Kwanzaa 

Celebrate Kwanzaa continues the spectacular Holidays Around the World book series by focusing on this African American holiday, which falls during the festive, gift-giving season and is celebrated by families, communities, and schools throughout America. With succinct, lively text and beautiful photographs, the book celebrates African American culture and helps us to understand and appreciate this special holiday.

Kwanzaa – Seven Principles T-Shirt 

Show your pride in the culture with this cotton T-shirt. It comes in three different fits for men, women, and children in assorted colors! Grab one for every member of your family this year.

Kwanzaa Sankofa Candleholder & Celebration Set

Once you learn the meaning of Kwanzaa’s principles, you’ll be compelled to light a candle to celebrate each day! This set comes with all seven candles, plus a kinara (candle holder), a cup, a mat, and an instruction sheet.

Happy Kwanzaa Banner 

Boldly spread some holiday cheer in your neighborhood or your local business with this outdoor Kwanzaa banner. With durable polyester fabric, it is fade-resistant and stretches over 73 inches. It can also be used indoors to decorate the family room.

Kwanzaa Table Runner 

Decorate your kitchen and set the tone at the dinner table with this runner. Perfect for formal meals with the family, this sturdy 100% linen runner is easy to clean and is certain to bring grace and smiles to every gathering!

Which of these holiday items will you purchase to teach your family the African American tradition?

RELATED CONTENT: VP Kamala Harris Recalls Growing Up Celebrating Kwanzaa In Holiday Message From White House

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 21, 2023

Man Imprisoned For Nearly 50 Years Ruled Innocent by Oklahoma Judge

71-year-old Glynn Simmons was exonerated for a murder he was convicted of in 1975

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After Glynn Simmons spent nearly 50 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, an Oklahoma judge ruled that the former prisoner is innocent. He is now officially a free man!

According to The Associated Press, 71-year-old Simmons was exonerated by Oklahoma County District Judge Amy Palumbo for a murder he was convicted of in 1975. He was released in July when prosecutors admitted that key evidence in his case was never given to his defense lawyers.

“This court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the offense for which Mr. Simmons was convicted, sentenced and imprisoned… was not committed by Mr. Simmons,” Palumbo said.

Simmons was in prison for a total of 48 years, one month, and 18 days. That sum makes him the longest-imprisoned U.S. inmate to be exonerated, based on data from The National Registry of Exonerations.

After the announcement of the judge’s ruling, Simmons spoke to the press.

“It’s a lesson in resilience, and tenacity. Don’t let nobody tell you that it [exoneration] can’t happen because it really can.”

“Justice was done today.”
-Glynn Simmons pic.twitter.com/merHScM6dM

— Ali Meyer (@amanchor) December 19, 2023

In 1975, Simmons was convicted along with a co-defendant, Don Roberts, for the murder of Carolyn Sue Rogers, who was killed inside an Edmond liquor store in 1974. He always proclaimed his innocence, insisting he was in Louisiana at the time of the murder. He and Roberts, who was freed in 2008 when he was granted parole, were initially sentenced to death. Due to a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1977, their sentences were reduced to life in prison.

Palumbo ordered a new trial after District Attorney Vicki Behenna stated that prosecutors had not turned over evidence in the case, which included a police report that revealed that a witness may have pointed to other suspects. So in September, citing the fact that there was no physical evidence against Simmons, Behenna announced that he would not be retried, though she was against declaring him innocent.

Simmons started a GoFundMe to help with his financial needs and has collected nearly four times ($175,699) his original goal of $50,000.

RELATED CONTENT: Betty Tyson, Exonerated After 25 Years In Prison, Dies at 75

by Jeffrey McKinney

December 21, 2023

Black And Latino Business Leaders Acquire $100 Million Open Opportunity Fund For Tech Entrepreneurs Of Color

In 2022, Black and Latino founders reportedly captured under 3% of venture capital funding.

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In a major new development, two highly regarded Black and Latino businessmen have acquired a $100 million fund intended to offer new financing to tech entrepreneurs of color.

The Open Opportunity Fund (OOF) has been purchased for an undisclosed amount by Atlanta-based investor and entrepreneur Paul Judge and Marcelo Claure, a Bolivian entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Claure Group, from the Japanese conglomerate, SoftBank Group.  The transaction means the fund will now be 100% Black-and Latino-owned.

In an exclusive report for BLACK ENTERPRISE, Judge and Claure provided email commentary on the acquisition.

Judge stated, “Open Opportunity Fund becoming Black- and Latino-owned is a significant milestone. It reflects our commitment to diversity and inclusion, not just in our investments but also in our own structure. The most important part is that the ownership and leadership now fully reflect the diversity of the companies that we are investing in.”

Judge explained Open Opportunity Fund 1 was a $100 million fund.  The new fund, Fund 2,  aims to raise $200 million. Twice the size of Fund 1, the fresh fund will allow 50 new investments in Black- and Latino-founded tech companies. It will support more Black- and Latino-led startups, helping bridge the existing funding gap in the communities.

Judge specified Fund 1 is fully deployed. It invested $100 million in 75 Black- and Latino-founded firms. It was reported that seven of those companies exited the fund after being acquired by other companies or investors, as well as going public.

Claure said some 80% of the companies that have been invested in are building B2B software solutions. Their areas of interest include fintech, health tech, EdTech, sales/marketing tech, enterprise IT. He said the portfolio companies have raised a combined total of over $4 billion.

The fund will be led by Claure as the vice chairman and general partner, and Judge as the chairman and managing partner. Their combined leadership and expertise will drive the fund’s vision and strategy forward.

Claure Group is a multi-billion-dollar global investment firm. Marcelo Claure was previously CEO of Sprint and SoftBank Group International. Judge wears several hats, including being known as an CEO, investor, business tycoon, and technology entrepreneur helping Black Americans emerge and grow in that industry.

The new fund will be open to limited partners and investors. Claure stated, “We invite corporations, endowments, institutional investors, and other qualified individuals like executives and celebrities to join forces with us. We value partners who understand the importance of supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and who are committed to fostering inclusive growth in the technology ecosystem.”

Judge described Claure, who initially conceptualized and launched Fund 1 in 2020, returning to help oversee the new fund as a major development. “His return brings his extensive experience and network for capital raising. Also, Marcelo brings a wealth of experience and a vast network that can help our portfolio companies. Marcelo’s extensive network of Latino entrepreneurs significantly enriches our deal flow within this vibrant community.”

The backing comes as Black and Latino founders in 2022 captured under 3% of venture capital funding, in spite of making up over 30% of the U.S. population. Research has regularly shown that diverse companies yield greater results, like producing higher profits and exit multiples.

According to Claure, OOF will help those founders grow.

“As a Bolivian immigrant and a Black American, we see these opportunities from a distinct perspective based on firsthand experience with the difficulty Black and Latino founders face when raising capital. Our combined experience has revealed the dire need for tangible change in the investment world and we are committed to continuing to deliver top returns by investing in diverse tech companies,” Claure said.

Judge also stressed the OOF extends its support to companies beyond mere capital infusion, by offering a comprehensive suite of resources crucial for startup growth. This includes personalized mentorship and strategic guidance from experienced industry leaders, access to an extensive network of industry professionals and potential partners, and invaluable market insights for effective strategy development.

He added the fund aids in crucial aspects like talent acquisition, team building, operational support, and scaling strategies. “Through this holistic approach, the fund not only invests financially in startups, but also invests in their overall success and long-term viability, with a particular focus on uplifting underrepresented entrepreneurs in the tech industry.”

RELATED CONTENT: 5 Ways To Help Black Founders Gain More Venture Capital Dollars Amid Funding Decline

• Entrepreneurship

by Jeffrey McKinney

December 21, 2023

Black-Owned Lifestyle Brand Crowdfunds $75K With Jrue And Lauren Holiday Fund Support

BrownMill's products include ethically conscious and environmentally friendly clothing for men and women.

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BrownMill co-founder and CFO Kwaku Agyemang added, “And we’re not stopping there – we’re going international with our first Pop-Up tour in cities like Toronto, London, Amsterdam, and Accra, marking a pivotal moment in BrownMill’s global journey and history.”

In terms of community engagement, the BrownMill brand is proactive. For instance, the brand hosts stand-alone events and event series, including monthly game nights, seasonal festivals and markets, and school supply drives. It also co-sponsors a garden in Newark called “Giving 1/10th” that provides fresh and organic vegetables to residents.

“We are immensely grateful for the support the Newark community, JLH and Newark Alliance have shown towards BrownMill’s growth over the last few years,” said Justis Pitt-Goodson, co-founder and CEO of BrownMill Company. “We are excited for this crowdfunding campaign to continue our momentum and strengthen the impact our sustainable legacy will have on Halsey Street, Newark and beyond.”

Boston Celtics guard and 2021 NBA champion Jrue Holiday and his wife, Lauren, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, launched their social impact fund in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic and protests over the murder of George Floyd. BLACK ENTERPRISE has previously reported on some of their efforts.

Fund co-founder Lauren said, “JLH was formed with the mindset of paying it forward, and the community effort that has gone into this crowdfunding campaign has perfectly exemplified what we aim to do.”

Ashley Mays, chief of Place and Real Estate for the Newark Alliance, commented on Hasley Street and BrownMill and their positive community impact. “We are excited to be part of what’s to come for its continued growth and standing as a leading clothing brand in Newark and beyond.”

RELATED CONTENT: That’s Foul Play: Jrue Holiday And Other NBA Players Scammed Out Of $13 Million

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 21, 2023

Chris Brown Allegedly Refuses Ex-Housekeeper’s Deposition In $71M Lawsuit Over Dog Attack

The housekeeper claims she had no idea that Brown had large "vicious, killer attack dogs” on his property

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Chris Brown is allegedly dodging demands to appear for a deposition in a $71 million lawsuit filed by his former housekeeper over a dog attack.

Brown’s former housekeeper, Jane Doe, filed court documents serving Brown’s Black Pyramid company with a notice for a deposition that was scheduled on Nov. 9, Radar Online reported. However, days before the scheduled deposition, Brown’s lawyers objected to the notice on claims it was untimely served.

They also referenced a default on the case filed in 2022 that Brown responded to after the default was entered. Meanwhile, they claim, the default hasn’t been finalized, due to the former housekeeper refusing to work with the singer on the matter.

As a result, the “Run It” singer is refusing to appear for the videotaped deposition until the housekeeper responds to the default. The legal battle has been three years in the making, after the housekeeper filed the suit in July 2021 over an incident that occurred at Brown’s home in Tarzana, CA in December 2020.

The housekeeper claims she had no idea that Brown had large “vicious, killer attack dogs” on his property. While working at his home on the date in question, Doe said a Caucasian Orvchake/Caucasian Shepherd named Hades attacked her while she was taking out the trash.

Doe claims to have been “savagely” attacked by the dog, and parts of her face, arms, and body were ripped off. She claims she laid on the floor, bleeding, while attempting to protect her face and body during the attack

The housekeeper claims Brown came outside to instruct his security to remove the dog from the home. She followed up with a $71 million lawsuit for damages relating to her emotional and mental distress and medical expenses for her injuries.

Brown has denied Doe’s claims and instead says she provoked the attack by mistreating Hades. According to the singer, Doe “voluntarily teased, abused, and mistreated the dog and thereby provoked the attack.”

A judge has yet to rule on the legal matter.

RELATED CONTENT: Chris Brown and Kanye West Cause An Uproar As Video Of The Pair Dancing To ‘Antisemitic’ Song Surfaces