New Orleans saints, Malcolm Jenkins, NFL, small, business, owner, disrupt foods
by Iman Milner

December 15, 2023

Former NFL Player Malcolm Jenkins Bet On Himself And Plans To Help Others Do The Same

The New Jersey native boasts an impressive portfolio which includes companies in media, tech, apparel, real estate, and food industries.

Former Philadelphia Eagles safety and two-time Super Bowl champion Malcolm Jenkins walked away from a potential $6 million deal from the NFL in 2022 and decided to bet on his diverse list of business interests. Today, the New Jersey native boasts an impressive portfolio which includes companies in media, tech, apparel, real estate, and food industries, WHYY reported.

Through his multi-unit franchise developer and operator, Disrupt Foods, that houses 20 quick-service restaurants including Wingstop and Papa John’s, Jenkins hopes to empower minority business owners.

“If there’s a mission for me and how I’m moving now, what I want to have an impact on is really educating people on the power of group economics,” he said. “People when they have success, most of the time they do it as a collective family, as a community. Owning businesses in their own communities. When you look at [Black communities] we don’t own the majority of the businesses in it. We don’t own homes most of the time. It just continues to push us into pockets of poverty that are harder and harder to climb out of as an individual.”

For Jenkins, it’s about helping others to expand their vision of what’s possible, AfroTech reported. The 35-year-old, who also found a football home with the New Orleans Saints, believes that people don’t “take a lot of time to evaluate what we have at our disposal and how to make the best out of that,” he said. “I had to do that with myself, my own career, and it really re-energized and turned my entire trajectory as an athlete around.” Though Jenkins’ journey in the NFL was successful, the self-described “winner” wants others to understand that victory does not come without pitfalls. “I think what winners won’t tell you is that there’s a lot of failures on the way to success,” he said.

Now, he wants to help other athletes circumvent losses when trying to start their businesses. “It makes no sense for every guy in the [NFL] league who wants to get into franchising to find an operator, go buy their own store, do all of those things when most people just want the exposure in their portfolio,” he explained. “Like, I’m not making any pizzas. But I’ve got a team around me that can execute these things.”

RELATED CONTENT: [Passion to Purpose] NFL Baller Malcolm Jenkins

Lupita Nyong'o, Oscar, Berlin, international, film festival,
by Stacy Jackson

December 15, 2023

Oscar-Winning Lupita Nyong’o To Lead Jury At 74th Berlin International Film Festival

The Kenyan-Mexican actress is the second consecutive female lead of the prestigious panel after 2022’s president Kristen Stewart.

Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker Lupita Nyong’o has been selected to preside as jury president over the upcoming 74th Berlin International Film Festival, becoming the second consecutive female lead of the prestigious panel after 2022’s president, Kristen Stewart.

Festival directors Mariëtte Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian praised Nyong’o’s “versatility in embracing different projects” and her “consistency to one idea” across her diverse roles, Variety reported.

Nyong’o said she feels “deeply honored to serve as the President of the International Jury” and looks forward “to celebrating and [recognizing] the outstanding work of filmmakers from around the world.”

The Kenyan-Mexican actor first garnered acclaim for her supporting performance in 12 Years a Slave, winning the Oscar, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics’ Choice Award, Independent Spirit Award and NAACP Image Award. She went on to star as the warrior Nakia in Black Panther and its hit sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her other major credits include the psychological horror Us, zombie comedy Little Monsters, biopic Queen of Katwe, and sci-fi epic Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Upcoming projects feature the spin-off series A Quiet Place: Day One.

Beyond acting, Nyong’o is involved behind the camera as an executive producer on films like the Sudanese drama Goodbye Julia, selected by Sudan to compete for the International Feature Oscar.

An outspoken activist, she is also preparing a podcast on African diaspora stories and adapting Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel Americanah into a series. Nyong’o made her writing debut in 2020 with the New York Times bestselling children’s book Sulwe.

The 2023 Berlin Film Festival will mark the end of Rissenbeek and Chatrian’s leadership, with a new director set to be announced during the festival’s press conference in Berlin, Variety noted.

RELATED CONTENT: Public PDA Sparks New Romance Rumors For Lupita Nyong’o And Joshua Jackson

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 15, 2023

White Author Allegedly Made One-Star Reviews Of Black Authors’ Books To Hype Own Work

A white woman author has been caught for making fake profiles on Goodreads to harass Black novelists and others of color to ensure her own work's success.

A white woman author has been caught posting one-star reviews of novels written by Black authors and others of color on Goodreads in an effort to boost her own sales. Cait Corrain, whose own book was set to be released, has had her work dropped by its publisher.

Corrain was discovered making fake accounts to criticize novels by authors of color, giving them one-star reviews while using the profiles to also share stellar five-star reviews for her book. According to Essence, the pattern was detected by users and the authors, as the books all happened to be set for release at the same time as Corrain’s fantasy novel in early 2024. After being caught by another novelist who displayed evidence tracing back to Corrain in a Google document, the disgraced writer issued an apology that detailed her reasoning behind the racist incident to mental health issues.

The Black novelists impacted, Bethany Baptiste and Kamilah Cole, were mentioned in the lengthy apology. Corrain explained how they “just happened” to be writers she attacked through her Goodreads profile. However, the writers were not empathetic toward Corrain’s excuses, noting that mental health struggles do not make one racist.

“Wrong time, wrong list. No, we were exactly where we were supposed to be,” shared Baptiste. “I have PTSD, depression, & anxiety. I understand the wrong meds or dose can make your mind feel like it’s snapping in half. Meds don’t make you racist. Racism is in you. You hid it by lurking and plotting.”

In the incident’s aftermath, Corrain’s publisher, Del Ray Books, an entity under Penguin Random House, has since dropped Corrain and her upcoming novel, Crown of Starlight, from its release schedule.

“We are aware of the ongoing discussion around author Cait Corrain,” shared the company. “CROWN OF STARLIGHT is no longer on our 2024 publishing schedule.

Oprah Winfrey’s Painted Portrait Makes Its Way To The Smithsonian Gallery
by Stacy Jackson

December 15, 2023

Oprah Winfrey’s Painted Portrait Makes Its Way To The Smithsonian Gallery

The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery honors cultural icon Oprah Winfrey by adding her portrait to their permanent collection.

On December 13, media mogul Oprah Winfrey attended the big reveal of her official portrait at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C.

According to a press release announcing the unveiling of the portrait, Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren was commissioned to create the over 6-foot tall painting, which depicts Winfrey with a radiant smile across her face as she poses outside her California home in a full-length purple dress.

According to gallery director Kim Sajet, “Oprah demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with people and inspire them…” through her rise to fame as host and producer of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her “vision and spirit deserve recognition…and we are delighted to celebrate her with this commissioned portrait,” she continued.

The portrait aimed to capture Winfrey’s “warmth and compassion.”

The talk show host is known to have impacted multiple industries. The Smithsonian regarded Winfrey as a “…global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actor, author and entrepreneur” who “has made significant contributions to American popular culture, which earned her a place in the National Portrait Gallery.”

People reported that the actress said she credits her iconic role as Sofia in Steven Spielberg’s 1985 film The Color Purple, for helping her career blossom and serving as a “spiritual opening for [her] to see … life in a different way.”

As she promotes the new musical adaptation of The Color Purple as an executive producer, she told that outlet that, even nearing 70, uplifting others remains her purpose. 

“I still continue to rise, and I’m in a space now where my offering is to help other people to rise,” she said. “The principle that is the underbelly, the cornerstone for how I operate in the world. … Life is better when you share it,” she said. 

Mark your calendars! The new rendition of The Color Purple will be in theaters on Christmas.

RELATED CONTENT: Oprah Shares Inspiring Words About Life As She Nears 70

drivers,, text no-hands
by Atiya Jordan

December 15, 2023

5 Essential Safety Tips Every Rideshare Driver Should Know

Women drivers are also at risk of unsafe environments and unwanted contact.

Over the past decade, ride-sharing apps have seen a tremendous increase in drivers. Unfortunately, reports of rideshare sexual and physical assault have also surged, leading to piling lawsuits. With safety initiatives underway, many women are still behind the ride-sharing wheel and moving toward their financial goals.

According to Business Insider, the women drivers at Lyft make up about 23%, while approximately 20% of Uber drivers were women in 2020. But this disparity shines a light on the history of reported assault incidents — with allegations ranging from groping to rape to kidnapping — and backlash against inadequate safeguards.

In recent years, a number of passengers have sued Lyft and Uber for not properly vetting hires, negligence in ensuring safety, and slow or no responses to incident reports. Women drivers have also been at risk of unsafe environments and unwanted contact. In 2022, Lyft faced 17 new lawsuits from users across the United States for failing to protect drivers and passengers from sexual and physical assault. Of the 17 lawsuits, 14 were filed by victims of sexual assault. That same year, Uber released a U.S. safety report that cited more than 3,000 sexual harassment and assault incidents from 2019 to 2020, compared to the 5,981 incidents that occurred between 2017 and 2018.

Lyft and Uber both took measures to address the massive sexual assault problem. The former launched a “Women Connect” option in September 2023 in 55 U.S. cities to connect women drivers and riders. Similarly, Uber launched a “Women Rider Preference” feature that allows women drivers across 30 countries to express a preference for picking up women riders. This feature has not launched in the United States, however.

Here are five safety tips to make the ride a smoother one.

Safety Tips For Drivers

  • Check the customer’s rating and pickup area. Start each ride by confirming your rider’s name. Remember to confirm your rider’s name before unlocking your vehicle and inviting them in. Declining rides can reduce risks.
  • Avoid certain conversations. Sometimes, de-escalating a potentially risky situation is knowing when to say something or not.
  • Follow your instincts. Your personal safety always comes first. That’s why it’s important to trust your gut. Don’t hesitate to take emergency measures if you’re in an uncomfortable or unsafe place or situation. 
  • Stay aware and alert. If you notice suspicious behavior or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, discreetly connect with emergency services or 911.
  • Report the incident. Don’t hesitate.

Follow Black-Owned Ride-sharing Apps 

If you want to leave Uber or Lyft behind, here are four ambitious Black-owned ride-sharing companies that are committed to safety.

  • HERide: Available for service in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia, this Black-owned, female-friendly ride-sharing platform is putting safety first. It boasts better pay for drivers and peace of mind for everyone. 
  • Black Wolf: A Black-owned private security company, Black Wolf takes pride in providing a high level of protection and ride experience for the whole family. What’s more, drivers are armed, licensed gun carriers in case of a dangerous event. Black Wolf company invites you to join its “personal protection ride-hail app.”
  • Moovn: Join the Moovnment, where the transformation of urban mobility takes in several cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The platform offers not only rides but options to buy and sell products online. You can even opt to have packages delivered right to your doorstep.
  • Go Girl Ride: This Black-owned, womxn, femme, and non-binary ride service is based in Portland, Oregon. The company strives to keep its diverse community safe by connecting riders and drivers. 

RELATED CONTENT: 55-Year-Old Lyft Driver Sexually Assaulted In Georgia

These Student Loan Borrowers Are Qualified For Refunds, But Only For A Limited Time
by Atiya Jordan

December 15, 2023

These Student Loan Borrowers Are Qualified For Refunds, But Only For A Limited Time

Loan service companies announced that qualified student loan borrowers have three months to reclaim payments during an administrative forbearance.

Student loan borrowers who made payments while on administrative forbearance and want a refund may have a limited time to address the issue, according to a Forbes report.

In October, a Federal Student Aid internal memo outlined remediation efforts to ensure that borrowers are not negatively affected by return-to-repayment servicing errors. The notice requested approval to “grant credit toward Income-Driven Repayment Loan (IDR) and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for borrowers who were taken out of a repayment status and placed in an administrative forbearance.”

The U.S. Department of Education’s COVID-19 relief for student loans paused collections and set interest rates to 0%. This payment pause, from March 2020 until September 2023, is also known as administrative forbearance. Borrowers did not have to make payments during this time. By Sept. 1, millions of borrowers saw balances accrue interest and were required to make student loan payments by Oct. 1. 

“Returning to repayment after the payment pause is one of the most significant management challenges on FSA’s history,” the memo read. It was anticipated that many borrowers would face challenges when issues arise, while FSA and call centers have struggled to handle the volume of callers seeking information and repayment arrangements. Forbes reported that the Biden administration had recently instructed loan servicers to place many borrowers into administrative forbearance to address and correct past administrative servicing errors.

As a result of communication issues, from service account transfers to lack of clarity and billing irregularities, some borrowers continued to make payments. Now, loan service companies such as Aidvantage have announced that qualified student loan borrowers have three months to reclaim payments during an administrative forbearance. Other federal servicers may be offering similar opportunities.

“If you were recently notified that your student loan account was placed into an administrative forbearance for the months of October through January 2024, and you would like to have any payment(s) you made during these months refunded to you, you have 90 calendar days from the date shown on your notification to contact us to request a refund,” stated the website of Aidvantage, one of the Education Department’s main student loan servicing companies. But the company cautioned that borrowers should expect “longer than normal wait times” to speak to a representative.

Ahead of the news, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on the Biden administration’s latest round of debt cancellations by approving an additional $5 billion. This was made possible through existing programs such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, which erases remaining student loan debt after a decade of qualifying monthly payments.

RELATED CONTENT: Skipping Student Loan Payments Can Have Serious Consequences, Here’s Why

Black Friday, shopping, Cyber Monday
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 15, 2023

Make It Make Sense: Thieves’ Attorneys Ask For Lighter Charge Since Stolen Items Were ‘On Sale’

The jury didn't buy it and the men were given jail sentences for stealing

Two Colorado thieves who were caught stealing from a Kohl’s department store were convicted of their crime, but their attorneys asked the court to consider reducing the charges because the items they lifted were “on sale.”

The District Attorney’s Office 18 Judicial District in Colorado announced the conviction on Dec. 12. The two men, Michael Green, 50, and Byron Bolden, 37, were formally sentenced after they were convicted of retail theft at a Kohl’s department store in Parker. Surveillance video captured the pair when police officers and loss prevention personnel identified the men.

After an investigation, it was discovered that the two men allegedly took part in other robberies at the store. Since they stole many brand-name items as well as high-end KitchenAid appliances, they were dubbed the “KitchenAid Mixer Crew.”

The two men pled not guilty, and during the trial their defense attorneys suggested to the jury that they face a lesser misdemeanor charge due to some of the stolen items being “on sale.” Colorado law states that stolen items listed under $2,000 classifies as a misdemeanor offense. Theft amounting to between $2,000 and $5,000 comes in as a Class 6 felony. The total of Green and Bolden’s stolen items, at face value, was $2,094.98. Hence, the attorneys asked for a lighter charge.

The jury didn’t buy it.

“Just because an item is ‘on sale’ doesn’t mean it’s free to steal, and these defendants now get to think about this lesson in jail and prison,” District Attorney John Kellner said in a written statement. “Retailers in our community are fed up with theft, and my office will actively prosecute these offenders.”

Green was given a sentence of 15 months in prison. He is currently in the Department of Corrections on a separate conviction. Bolden was sentenced to three months in jail with credit for time served as a condition of 18 months of probation.

RELATED CONTENT: How A Serial Thief Almost Stole Christmas: Busted Trying To Rob Robert De Niro’s Townhouse in NY

Stephen Curry, NBA, Olympics
by Iman Milner

December 15, 2023

Arrest Warrant Issued For Student Accused Of Trespassing At Steph Curry’s Home

When asked why he was on the premises, the student said he intended to get the two-time MVP's "signature."

An arrest warrant has been issued for a Chinese international exchange student who trespassed at the house of NBA star Stephen Curry. Neither the Golden State Warriors guard or his wife, Ayesha, were home at the time; however, the couple’s children were present when 18-year-old Sheng Gao walked into the unlocked California estate, Kron 4 News reports.

The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office issued a bench warrant for Gao’s arrest after he failed to appear in court on Dec. 7. Gao’s bail has been set at $500.

The 18-year-old student took a bus from Cupertino to Atherton in search of the four-time NBA champion’s home. Upon arriving in the area, Gao was able to find Curry’s home, which was identified by a woman, and was given access to the grounds via the call box. The Curry residence was allegedly unlocked when Gao entered.

The student was accosted by the nanny of the children; when asked why he was on the premises, he explained that he intended to get the two-time MVP’s “signature,” according to CBS News. When ordered to leave, Gao complied and did not remove any items from the property. The police were called to the residence, and the student was apprehended by police in El Camino a short while later.

Gao was issued a citation by law enforcement on the scene.

That was back in October; Gao’s arrest warrant, issued by the district attorney’s office, was only recently made public.

The Currys moved to their Atherton house after selling another $30 million property, but they have already run into potential intrusion issues. According to the Palo Alto Daily Post, the couple wrote a letter to officials of the town objecting to the building of a townhouse they believed would put their family’s privacy at risk.

RELATED CONTENT: Stephen Curry’s New Signature Shoe, The Curry 11, Unveiled With Cutting-Edge Technology

Critics Call Dr. Claudine Gay’s Menorah Lighting ‘Performative’ Amid Anti-Semitism Backlash
by Sharelle B. McNair

December 15, 2023

Critics Call Dr. Claudine Gay’s Menorah Lighting ‘Performative’ Amid Anti-Semitism Backlash

Dr. Claudine Gay attended Harvard University’s menorah lighting ceremony on Dec. 13, and critics weren’t too happy about it, Fox News reports.

The ceremony, celebrating the Hanukkah holiday, was organized by the Harvard Chabad organization, with close to 100 students present. After the group announced Gay would be present at the daily lighting ceremony on Instagram, harsh comments flooded the post, labeling her appearance as “performative” and “disgraceful.” “Why is Dr Gay Hamas joining the candle lighting? What tf!??” a comment read. “Disgraceful.”

Another comment called Gay a “Jew hater” and said her being at the menorah lighting is “embarrassing.”

Gay has been at the center of controversy amid the antisemitism backlash she received for her remarks on Capital Hill. However, the Ivy League school’s first Black President is standing tall through the calls for her to resign. The ceremony took place just one day after the University’s highest governing body announced Gay would be staying in her post and has their full support. “Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” Harvard Corporation wrote in a statement.

“In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously support President Gay. At Harvard, we champion open discourse and academic freedom, and we are united in our strong belief that calls for violence against our students and disruptions of the classroom experience will not be tolerated.”

Some students, who say they still feel uncomfortable on campus, are still not sold on Gay’s leadership and prompting for her to be removed. One student wants to see what actions Gay will take to make them feel safe. “If she’s willing to take action actually to protect us, that’s fine. If not, she needs to go,” the anonymous student said. Another student, identified as Olivia, says the school should take the same measures put in place for other groups of minority students.

“If any other minority group says they don’t feel safe, the administration would take steps to make sure they have a safe space,” Olivia said.

“Now Jewish students are saying they don’t feel safe. I don’t want to be coddled, but if you’re going to protect some minority groups but not other minority groups, that’s underlying antisemitism.”

Boston Mayor’s ‘Elected of Color’ Holiday Party Draws Criticism From City Officials
by Sharelle B. McNair

December 15, 2023

Boston Mayor’s ‘Elected of Color’ Holiday Party Draws Criticism From City Officials

Was the invite problematic?

Boston’s first Asian-American Mayor is facing some criticism after her “Elected of Color” holiday party invitation went viral.

A city employee sent the invitation out via email on Michelle Wu’s behalf on Dec. 12 to all elected officials for an “Electeds of Color Holiday Party” scheduled for Dec. 13. Shortly after, the same staff member sent out an apology email.

However, Mayor Wu said the party was intended for minority elected officials. 

“I think we all have been in a position at one point where an email went out, and there was a mistake in the recipients, so there was truly just an honest mistake that happened in issuing the invitation,” Wu said before the party.

“There are many, many events that are private events for all different sorts of groups, so we’ve clarified that and look forward to seeing everyone at one of the dozens of other opportunities to celebrate the holidays together.”

She says the party takes place every year without issues, but some elected officials don’t think it’s right. Five-term member Michael McCormack called the party “not typical” and hoped the email was a simple mistake.

“The problem is that Boston and race, unfortunately, are synonymous,” McCormack said, according to Fox News. “I’m just hoping it was a mistake. It’s not something that anyone in the mayor’s office should be proud of.”

Outgoing City Councilor Frank Baker, who is white, thinks the party sends the wrong message as the council already has a reputation for being divided. “I don’t get offended. You don’t want me at a party, I am not going to come to the party,” Baker said. “I think the holidays is a time for people, everybody, to get together, so we will see what happens. I do find it divisive, but what are you going to do about it?”

But another council member, Brian Worrell, who is Black, sees no problem with the party. Worrell said Boston makes room for all types of specific groups, and the party is no different.

“We make space and spaces for all kinds of specific groups in the city and city government,” Worrell said in a statement. “This is no different, and the Elected Officials of Color has been around for more than a decade.”

The city’s first Asian-American mayor is scheduled to host a holiday party for all cabinet members, city councilors and the legislature the week before Christmas.

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