Black Teen Made History When He Became Youngest Store Owner At A South Carolina Mall
When Jordan Jackson, 19, opened his retail store, Birch & Pen, at Northwoods Mall in North Charleston, South Carolina, he became the youngest store owner in his town.
In 2018, 19-year-old Jordan Jackson opened his retail store, Birch & Pen, at Northwoods Mall in North Charleston, South Carolina, becoming the youngest store owner in his town. Now, he organizes numerous pop-up markets featuring his own brand and other local small businesses.
Ever since he realized his talent in styling and how he could make money from it, Jackson wanted to have his own business and be a “young boss.” Before having his own store in Northwoods Mall, he began by selling clothes via his online store, where his fashion and design skills gained widespread recognition.
With the help of his supportive mother, Keisha, he launched what was initially known as a clothing and accessories boutique that catered to both men’s and women’s high-fashion, trendy apparel.
While at the Northwoods Mall, Jackson garnered awards and recognition for his achievements. However, after just one year, he decided to close the retail store, emphasizing that this closure signifies not an end but a new beginning for a fresh idea.
“I was here to show you guys that it’s possible to follow your dreams,” Jackson told ABC News 4. “So definitely be sure and live your life unapologetically each and every day. This is not the end; this is only the beginning.”
Fast forward to a few years later, Jackson has teamed up with other businesses to open numerous pop-up markets in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. With his passion for design, he organizes inspiring lifestyle marketplaces that feature clothing, home decor, and food from his own brand, as well as other local brands.
Substitute Teacher Arrested After Being Accused Of Sexual Offenses Against High School Students
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33-year-old Jerron Dunn of Lakeland, FL
A high school substitute teacher has been arrested and charged after being accused of sexual offense against two students at a Florida school.
According to a news release by The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 33-year-old Jerron Dunn of Lakeland, a substitute English teacher at New Beginnings High School, which is a charter school in Lakeland, was charged with Sex Offense on a Student by an Authority Figure (F2), and Transmission of Material Harmful to a Minor (F3). He was charged with sex offenses against two female students.
Police officers booked him into the Polk County Jail on Thursday, Nov. 30, and he is being held on no bond until his first hearing.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, “This suspect used his position of authority over students to groom them and attempt to have sex with them; our hope is that there are no other victims. We encourage anyone who has been victimized by Jerron Dunn to please contact law enforcement.”
— Polk County Sheriff 🚔 Grady Judd (@PolkCoSheriff) December 1, 2023
After 17-year-old and 18-year-old students told a guidance counselor that Dunn had allegedly sent videos to both of them of him masturbating via Snapchat, an investigation was started after the counselor told the Sheriff’s Office.
The 17-year-old told detectives that after borrowing Dunn’s charger one day, he added himself to her Snapchat. He allegedly sent her messages, asking the student to visit him at his house. She declined his offer, but he still sent her messages and then sent her a video of himself masturbating.
Meanwhile, the 18-year-old informed the detectives that after she accepted Dunn’s friend request on Snapchat, he allegedly told her via the app that she was pretty and wanted to have a relationship with her. She told him he was too old for her and that it would be “weird” because he was also her teacher. After sending several more messages, he also resorted to sending her videos of him masturbating. He then stated he wanted her to be a “friend with benefits” and to come over to his place to have sex.
After being busted, Dunn admitted to what the girls alleged he did. Detectives will do a forensic analysis of his cell phone as further charges are pending.
Julianna Margulies Issues Apology After Saying Blacks ‘Have Been Brainwashed To Hate Jews’
“I am horrified by the fact that statements I made on a recent podcast offended the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, 'The Morning Show' actress said
The Good Wife Star Julianna Margulies is being chastised after she called out Black and LGBTQ+ people supportive of Palestine against its dispute with Israel. While appearing on the “Back Room” podcast hosted by Andy Ostroy, she commented on the war going on and said that the “entire Black community” has been “brainwashed to hate Jews.” Now, she is backtracking after the outrage over her words.
Deadline reported that the Jewish actress responded to the backlash over her statements, saying her “words” were not meant to “sow further division.”
“I am horrified by the fact that statements I made on a recent podcast offended the Black and LGBTQIA+ communities, communities I truly love and respect,” Margulies said in a written statement. “I want to be 100% clear: racism, homophobia, sexism, or any prejudice against anyone’s personal beliefs or identity are abhorrent to me, full stop. Throughout my career I have worked tirelessly to combat hate of all kind, end antisemitism, speak out against terrorist groups like Hamas, and forge a united front against discrimination. I did not intend for my words to sow further division, for which I am sincerely apologetic.”
In her discussion with Ostroy, Margulies took issue with the Black community for not “embracing” Jews when she said that “in the civil rights movement, the Jews were the ones that walked side by side with the Blacks to fight for their rights.”
She went on to make a statement that infuriated people who heard the podcast or heard about what she said when it went viral, “The fact that the entire Black community isn’t standing with us to me says either they just don’t know, or they’ve been brainwashed to hate Jews.”
Shortly after her comments became controversial, according to EW, a statement was expected to come from The Morning Show actress.
Tyrese Rants Over Lil Nas X Latest ‘Faith-Related’ Single
Lil Nas X received backlash from Tyrese after he released a teaser for his upcoming song centered around his personal struggles and faith.
Lil Nas X has received some harsh backlash from Tyrese after he released a teaser for his upcoming song centered around his personal struggles and faith, according to RadarOnline. The 22-year-old artist, known for his bold visuals and boundary-pushing music, shared a snippet of the track that quickly drew criticism.
The 75-second preview includes lyrics expressing a desire for freedom from worry, envy, and internal struggles. This seemingly introspective turn in Lil Nas X’s music contrasts sharply with his previous devilish visuals in the “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” video.
Amid the polarizing reactions, singer and actor Tyrese took to social media to voice his concerns. Commenting on The Shade Room’s post about Lil Nas X’s new single, Tyrese scolded the artist, cautioning against playing with religious symbols. He expressed discomfort with what he perceived as a mockery of Jesus, referencing previous controversies, including Lil Nas X’s collaboration with “devilish” shoes.
In response, Lil Nas X defended his artistic choices, stating that the song merely explores themes of seeking hope in times of despair. He argued against accusations of mocking religion, highlighting his right to express himself through different artistic phases. The artist particularly emphasized the diversity of his expressions, from being a cowboy to embracing satanic imagery and now exploring Christian themes.
y’all see everything i do as a gimmick. when in reality im just an artist expressing myself in different ways. whether im a cowboy, gay, satanic, or now christian y’all find a problem! y’all don’t police nobody else art like mine. y’all hate me because im fun cute and petite
Taking the debate to Twitter, Lil Nas X confronted the criticism head-on, expressing frustration with how his art is perceived. He questioned why his work, regardless of its theme, faces intense scrutiny compared to other artists. The singer defended his right to artistic expression, rejecting claims that he uses gimmicks.
This isn’t Tyrese’s first time vocalizing his disapproval of Lil Nas X’s performances. In 2021, Tyrese criticized award shows, including the MTV Video Music Awards featuring Lil Nas X, suggesting they prioritize clout-chasing over genuine talent.
As the public discourse unfolds, it remains to be seen how audiences will receive Lil Nas X’s exploration of different themes and whether this artistic evolution will continue to generate controversy.
“The Book of Hov” Draws Crowds During Its Last Days At Brooklyn Public Library
Fans converged at the Brooklyn Public Library to witness the grand finale of "The Book of Hov" exhibit, culminating on the rapper's birthday.
Fans are converging at the Brooklyn Public Library to witness the grand finale of “The Book of Hov” exhibit, culminating on the rapper’s birthday, Dec. 4, according to XXL. The exhibit, which has garnered immense attention for portraying Jay-Z’s influential career, draws crowds that stretch a mile outside the iconic library.
Enthusiasts from various walks of life are seizing the opportunity to delve into the curated collection of memorabilia, artifacts, and immersive installations that trace the journey of one of Brooklyn’s favorite sons. The exhibit, offering a visual and auditory feast, explores Jay-Z’s evolution from his early days in Marcy Projects to becoming a global cultural phenomenon.
With rare photographs, handwritten lyrics, and iconic album covers, “The Book of Hov” encapsulates the essence of Jay-Z’s multifaceted career. Beyond his musical prowess, the exhibit sheds light on his impact as an entrepreneur, advocate for social change, and a pivotal figure in shaping contemporary culture.
According to the outlet, attendees are treated to a multimedia experience, navigating through the various chapters of the rapper’s illustrious career via video installations, audio clips, and interactive displays.
As the line snaked around the Brooklyn Public Library, fans expressed gratitude for the chance to witness a tribute to Jay-Z’s enduring influence, recognizing the exhibit as a cultural pilgrimage and celebration of a living legend.
“The Book of Hov” has transformed the library into a cultural hub, weaving Jay-Z’s narrative into Brooklyn’s vibrant tapestry. With his birthday serving as the exhibit’s grand finale, fans understand the significance of being part of this celebration, acknowledging Jay-Z’s impact far beyond music.
Bitcoin, the world’s first decentralized cryptocurrency, reached as high as $42,162, which marked its highest since April 2022.
As bitcoin surpasses new heights, executives in the cryptocurrency industry are hopeful for the upcoming new year.
Reuters reported that on Nov. 4, the world’s first decentralized cryptocurrency reached as high as $42,162, which marked its highest price since April 2022. As a result, cryptocurrency-related stocks and shares listed in the United States also witnessed a surge.
In early 2022, the cryptocurrency market lost $500 billion in value in 24 hours, BLACK ENTERPRISEpreviously reported. This led to cryptocurrency exchanges, including Coinbase and Crypto.com, to lay off hundreds of employees. For Black investors attracted to Bitcoin’s low transaction fees and ease of use, investing in cryptocurrency was risky, especially when the values were high.
“Most African Americans got into cryptocurrency as the values were high so that means people are losing money,” Algernon Austin, the director of Race and Economic Justice for the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told CNN in 2022.
“And we are talking about a low wealth population losing wealth, that is not a good thing. It is the most risky investment that you can make.”
According to the news outlet, Coinbase (COIN.O) increased to 7.5% after skyrocketing by nearly 62% in November. Last month, bitcoin investor Microstrategy (MSTR.O) purchased the currency worth $593 million and gained 8.2%.
Additionally, the ProShares Short Bitcoin Strategy ETF, which allows traders to profit when the daily price of bitcoin declines, fell to an all-time low of 7.7%. However, according to the outlet, the ETF that tracks bitcoin futures rose 7.7%.
Rallying more than 120% this year, bitcoin is calling the start of a “new bull run,” according to market participants and executives. The industry is not only looking forward to the surge continuing into 2024 but also focusing on positive developments, like the anticipated approval of the bitcoin exchange-traded fund, or ETF. “That could cause a massive upward run in the price,” Vijay Ayyar, vice president of international markets at cryptocurrency exchange CoinDCX, told CNBC.
“The impact of an (ETF) approval is going to be big in terms of investment appetite because it’s going to be more easily regulated, more attractive, and easier to invest,” Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior market analyst at Swissquote Bank, told Reuters.
“What we have right now is a risk rally, and bitcoin is also benefiting big time from falling yields. There is also this positive bullish sentiment into next year because it is going to be the year of halving.”
Every four years, halving slows the release of bitcoin by reducing the amount of bitcoin awarded to miners by half. Miners receive such awards for completing “blocks” of verified transactions, which are added to the bitcoin network. The maximum supply of circulating bitcoins is capped at 21 million, and 19 million have already been mined.
Typically, bitcoin prices have increased following the halving process. Bitcoin last halved in early 2020, when the reward amount was 6.25 BTC. The next halving is expected to occur in early-to-mid 2024, dropping to 3.125 BTC. At this current rate, the mining of each block has a profit of $231,250.
With the approvals of numerous ETFs, bitcoin is predicted to hit $100,000 by the end of 2024, according to Standard Chartered, an international cross-border bank. Similarly, crypto financial services firm Matrixposo estimated that bitcoin would reach $63,140 by April 2024 and $125,000 by the end of next year. These projections are based on the declining state of inflation, “prompting the Federal Reserve to likely initiate interest rate cuts,” Matrixport reported.
According to Charlene Fadirepo, a Bitcoin adviser, digital currency is an opportunity for Black Americans to “level the playing field for Black Americans who have historically been shut out of the banking and finance industry due to decades of racism,” BE reported.
“This is about responsible and smart investing,” Fadirepo previously told CNN. “If you are not in a position to invest, if you have significant debt, if you have credit challenges, maybe your first step is to focus on that.”
New Report: Black Chicago Residents Believe Future Is Bright Despite Public Safety Issues
Chicago residents are trying to keep a positive outlook.
According to a new report released by the Black Public Defender Association (BFDA), BlackRoots Alliance, Cook County Public Defender, and Northwestern University, Blackness exacerbates feelings of public safety in Chicago.
The 60-page report, titled Reimagining Public Safety: Community Listening Sessions with Black Communities and Public Defenders, asked more than 100 Black Chicago residents to define what public safety meant to them.
The project, which started in July 2022, sought to hear directly from the community about what they need to feel safe and thrive. Its secondary goal was strengthening relationships between Black public defenders and Black Chicago residents. Although many conveyed a negative opinion concerning public defenders’ work and role in the criminal legal system, those with personal experience with an assigned public defender reported positive experiences.
“This report is important because it uplifts and centers the voices of those most impacted by violence by asking what they need to feel safe in their communities,” Joyce Foundation Program Officer Quintin Williams said. “It also outlines how public defenders can better serve their clients and communities.”
Responses and solutions to unsafety in Chicago among residents in areas of community engagement, social investment, and police engagement include:
Promoting more positive interactions and creating more space for unity amongst neighbors.
Investing in the well-being of residents in the areas of safe and affordable housing, food security, healthcare, education, and the labor market.
Reforming the current policing that the Black community receives with less aggression, better-trained officers, and a more fair system.
Public defenders must understand and get to know the people in the communities they serve by actively engaging with the community through events and service.
“This report has been a groundbreaking collaboration between the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Northwestern University, and the Black Roots Alliance. As civil servants, we often do things in the name of safety without consulting with those who are directly impacted,” Emmanuel Andre, Deputy of Policy and Strategic Litigation at the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, said in a statement.
“The Community has spoken. This report provides a blueprint to public safety and healing in Chicago’s Black community. It is incumbent upon us to ensure the changes are made in line with the report so we can have [a] genuine and lasting impact.”
Simone Biles Center Of Attention While Supporting NFL Player Hubbie
Simone Biles and Taylor Swift were both in attendance, but some Packers fans decided to troll Swift by rooting for Biles instead.
Love was in the air at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin Sunday night as the Green Bay Packers faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs.
With all-world gymnast Simone Biles being married to Green Bay safety Jonathan Owens, she was front and center to cheer her husband on. But so was Taylor Swift, who was in town to support her high-profile boyfriend, Chiefs’ star tight end Travis Kelce.
But Packers fans were unfazed by Swift’s billionaire pop star status, and trolled the “Bad Blood” singer by holding up signs in support of Biles. Some of the signs placed X’s on Swift face and praised the seven-time Olympic medalist.
“We’re not here to see Taylor, we wanna see Simone!” one sign read.
“Shake it off Green Bay we have Simone Biles,” read another.
Biles stayed warm in the freezing Wisconsin weather by wearing a personalized Green Bay jacket which carried Owens’ name and number. She and Owens tied the knot in Houston in April. The pair have been inseparable since announcing their relationship in 2020. Fans have gotten peeks into their decision to move in together, get engaged, and eventually married.
Meanwhile, Swift and Kelce have all eyes on them as they enjoy the early stages of their budding romance that started in October. The pop star has received mixed reviews from NFL fans when she attends games. But she and Kelce are still going strong.
One things for sure, if it ends up being a Packers vs Chiefs showdown for the Super Bowl, Biles might give Swift some competition with her growing fan club.
NY Knicks Center Mitchell Robinson Moves High School Coach In With Him After Wife Dies
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is living with his high school basketball coach in the Big Apple in an effort to help his coach cope with the death of his wife.
CBS News reports that during the Knicks’ 118-112 win over the Detroit Pistons, Butch Stockton, Robinson’s high school basketball coach at Chalmette High School in Louisiana, shared how the Knicks big man visited his wife, Dawn, every day while she had metastatic cancer. After she passed in September, Robinson invited his old coach to live with him.
“He said, ‘Coach, there’s no reason to stay down here in Louisiana. You come to New York with me and enjoy yourself and get your mind back straight because you know how much you loved your wife,’” Stockton said. “It’s just been a great situation.”
"[Mitch Robinson] said come to New York with me, and enjoy yourself and get your mind back straight."
– Butch Stockton, Robinson’s high school coach, on staying with Mitch in New York after the passing of his wife. pic.twitter.com/qtY3hfnGLk
Robinson, who had six points and nine rebounds in the Knicks overtime win over the Pistons, told reporters after the game that Stockton helped him “go to where I’m at.”
“It works out for the best,” Robinson said. “I helped him out; he helped me.” His former coach will be living with him for the rest of the year.
In a 2018 MSG interview, Stockton said he heard about “a tall kid walking in the neighborhood” after Robinson moved to St. Bernard Parish. Stockton quickly tried to recruit Robinson to join his junior high school basketball team, telling Robinson’s mother, Lakesha Robinson, that he would have a chance to make it to the next level of basketball.
“One thing I tell everyone, Mitchell Robinson was always the first one in the gym, every day, and the last one to leave the gym every day,” Stockton told MSG Networks.
As a senior at Chalmette High, Robinson averaged 25.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and six blocked shots per game, earning a Naismith Trophy All-America honorable mention and a MaxPreps All-America honorable mention.
Robinson was invited to the 2017 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, where he racked up 14 points, three rebounds, and two blocked shots. The seven-footer also participated in the 2017 Jordan Brand Classic, scoring 15 points in 17 minutes of play.
The Knicks center originally committed to playing college basketball at Texas A&M but de-committed in order to follow coach Rick Stansbury to Western Kentucky. However, things didn’t work out, as he was suspended indefinitely for violating the team rules. Robinson eventually elected to forgo his college career and prepare for the NBA draft. The Knicks took Robinson with the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NBA draft, and he has since developed into one of the league’s best rebounders and paint defenders.
Will Smith Discusses The Power Of Films In Saudi Arabia
Will Smith revealed a sequel to his I Am Legend film and what he looks forward to tackling next in the future.
During his appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Dec. 2, Will Smith announced a sequel to his I Am Legend film and revealed what he looks forward to tackling next. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Smith joked about his propensity to create and solve problems for himself, telling the room, “I love puzzles, I love problems. Yeah, so I started making my own problems. Life is going too well.”
According to the reporting, those in the room took Smith’s statement as a commentary on his night at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony. Smith infamously won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, before returning to slap host Chris Rock for comments toward his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, that he felt were offensive.
Smith would later apologize and express remorse for his actions that night, while other comedians wrung their hands on social media over fears that they could be smacked like Smith slapped Rock.
At the festival, Smith said he counted legendary music producer Quincy Jones as a mentor.
“Quincy has always made himself available,” Smith told the crowd. “He wants me to win as a human. He is devoted to me as a human, not just as an artist.” Smith continued, “Fame is a unique monster…I have to be clear about who I am and what I am attempting to do in the world. And I can’t need others to applaud for me to stay focused on my mission…I want you to feel good. And at the same time, I am deeply human. And I am in the process of perfecting my virtue.”
His comments appeared to connect with the way he views movies, as he later told the crowd during an appearance at the Vox Cinemas complex at Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall that films exploring the “existential tragedy” of humanity appeal to him far more than the “cool stuff” that might happen in those films. Smith also said that love is “the central human theme” before explaining that he sees two basic plots in most films.
According to Smith, films are either about a character going for something they want against all odds or someone falling into a hole and trying their best to get out of it. Smith said that depending on whether the character is successful or not in their aim results in a happy or a dramatic ending.
The actor also revealed that there is a version of I Am Legend in which his character lives, and that “we are going with the mythology of the DVD version where my character lived.” He provided no other details.
Smith also discussed his desire to teach and use his reach and platform, saying he was “excited to travel the world and collaborate and be able to build a global storytelling community.” He expressed doubts that political parties or systems would be enough to bring people together sufficiently, telling the crowd, “I just don’t feel politics will necessarily create the change. So I am putting the burden on myself and global artists.”
