sports Illustrated
by Derek Major

November 30, 2023

Sports Illustrated Published Articles Written By Fake, AI-Generated Writers

Sports Illustrated, once the go-to publication for sports news and information, has been accused of using articles published by fake, AI-generated writers.

Sports Illustrated, a go-to publication for sports news and information, has been accused of using articles published by fake, AI-generated writers.

An article published by Futurism accused the longtime sports magazine and website of not only using AI-generated articles but covering them up by creating generic names and profiles, including stock images of writers the sports site claims are staff writers.

Futurism added that when it contacted The Arena Group concerning the issue, all the AI-generated authors disappeared from Sports Illustrated’s site without explanation.

According to the article, Sports Illustrated writer Drew Ortiz, who has written several articles for the site, does not exist outside of Sports Illustrated and has no social media presence or publishing history. Additionally Ortiz’ profile photo on the site is for sale on a website that sells AI-generated headshots, where the photo is described as a “neutral white young-adult male with short brown hair and blue eyes.”

Sports Illustrated is published by The Arena Group.

According to Futurism, Ortiz isn’t the only AI-generated writer that Sports Illustrated was allegedly using. The article cites people involved in creating the AI-generated content whose names were kept secret in order to avoid repercussions from Sports Illustrated.

“The content is absolutely AI-generated,” the second source said, “no matter how much they say that it’s not.”

Additionally, Futurism claimed the writing by the AI-generated authors “often sound like it was written by an alien,” and provided an example of a story that warned that volleyball “can be a little tricky to get into, especially without an actual ball to practice with.”

The revelation has led to significant backlash for Sports Illustrated including toward its human writers. The editorial staff at Sports Illustrated, which has its own union, released a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying they were “horrified” by the news.

“We demand answers and transparency from Arena Group management about what exactly has been published under the Sports Illustrated name. We demand the company commit to adhering to basic journalistic standards, including not publishing computer-written stories by fake people,” the union wrote in a statement.

The Hill reports that a spokesperson for The Arena Group, said the articles in question were licensed from a third-party company, AdVon Commerce, which “has assured us that all of the articles in question were written and edited by humans.”

The spokesperson added, “We strongly condemn these actions and that the group has since ended its partnership with AdVon.” The Arena Group also said it was removing all of the content from AdVon online.

This isn’t the first issue to arise between a large publication and its staff writers. When the New York Times purchased the online sports publication The Athletic in 2022, it was met with skepticism and trepidation by the writers on the Times sports staff.

Their fears were realized when the Times announced this summer that it would disband its sports staff and instead would primarily use stories from The Athletic in its papers and websites.

In addition to Sports Illustrated, The Arena Group also publishes Parade, Surfer Magazine, Men’s Journal, and more.

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Philadelphia Activist Sentenced To One Year In Prison For Flipping Over Police Car During Protest
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 30, 2023

Philadelphia Activist Sentenced To One Year In Prison For Flipping Over Police Car During Protest

Do you feel the punishment fits the crime?

A famous activist from West Philadelphia who admitted to helping to turn over a police car during the 2020 George Floyd protest will have to sit in prison for a year.

Anthony “Ant” Smith was sentenced on Nov. 28 after he entered a guilty plea in June to a federal charge of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder. His charges included aiding and abetting an arson. Smith, a former social studies teacher, acknowledged that he helped flip the vacant Philadelphia police car that was sitting outside of City Hall on May 31, 2020. Prosecutors said someone threw a road flare into the car, and shortly after, Smith threw a piece of paper into the flames. U.S. District Judge Juan Sánchez praised several friends, family and ex-students who supported Smith and even applauded him for his work in the community but said passionate leadership “comes with a heavy price.”

“You failed, in that regard, all of us,” the judge said, responding to the man’s negative influence and impact on public safety.

The activist took accountability for his actions, telling Sánchez they were “immature and emotional” and that he acted as a follower and not a leader that day.

The city of Philadelphia was hit with several violent protests following May 2020. On June 1, 2020, video footage showed dozens of police officers spraying angry protestors with tear gas while demonstrating on I-676. As images went viral, elected officials, including Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, were criticized for not stepping in as the West Philadelphia business corridor is known as a predominantly Black neighborhood.

Since then, lawyers with the Legal Defense Fund and Abolitionist Law Center announced a $9.25 million settlement with 340 residents of Philadelphia who accused police of using excessive force.

Smith’s lawyer, Paul Hetznecker, said that putting his client behind bars doesn’t serve justice and pointed out that Smith has already served three years on house arrest. His felony conviction has even banned him from teaching for the next 10 years. Hetznecker described his client’s actions as “a bad moment in his life against a lifetime of altruism.” On top of his year and one day sentence, Smith will serve two years of probation, which is less than the recommended 30 months from prosecutors.

liability, llc, leap, assets, protect your assets, entrepreneur
by Stacy Jackson

November 30, 2023

Southern Georgia Black Chambers’ First-Ever Black Business Gala Promises A Night Of Glamour, Awards, And Networking

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers will celebrate its inaugural year and honor Black businesses at its year-end gala.

Celebrate The Southern Georgia Black Chambers, who will host its inaugural Black Business Gala on Dec. 9 in Valdosta, Georgia.

The nonprofit organization promises a night of elegance and celebration for attendees at its year-end event. According to SGBC, the night will be filled with networking, recognition, and opportunities for businesses to gain exposure.

“It’s the event of the season, bringing together the best and brightest in our chamber’s business community,” the event’s web page read. “This gala is not just an event; it’s a celebration of excellence!”

A red-carpet entry will kick off the night for gala attendees as they head in to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders.

Julian Bailey, the Supplier Diversity and Inclusion manager at the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, will serve as the keynote speaker for the night, which includes a lineup of special guests from across the state. SGBC will honor outstanding individuals and businesses for their contributions and accomplishments. Awards include “Business of the Year,” “Non-Profit of the Year,” and “Chamber Partner of the Year Award,” according to Valdosta Today.

“This event is a testament to the resilience and brilliance of our Black business community,” said SGBC President H. DeWayne Johnson. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the unity, empowerment, and collaboration of regional Black business owners and supporters.”

Guests can look forward to gourmet dining as they enjoy cuisine from a chef-catered menu prepared by Chef Charlie Walden. The night will include live entertainment by The 4 Real Band, dance performances, and a special appearance by the Valdosta High Marching Cats, the marching band from the local high school.

The Saturday-night event is to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Patterson Ballroom in Downtown Valdosta. Tickets for the gala are available for purchase until Dec. 2.

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GOP, Black Conservative Federation, Trump, black men, freedom ball
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 30, 2023

Black Lives Matter Leader Endorses Trump As Biden Continues To Lose Support of Black Voters

Black Lives Matter For Trump? Chile.....

President Joe Biden is losing the support of Black voters.

A co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island chapter joined Fox & Friends to announce his support of former President Donald Trump while accusing Democrats of issuing racist policies against the Black community.

Mark Fisher spoke with the show’s host, Lawrence Jones, to discuss why some Black voters are slowly crossing the political aisle or are still confused about who they will vote for in the 2024 presidential election. Fisher called Democratic leaders hypocrites who think Black people are “stupid.”

“The brothers are not stupid. We understand when someone’s for us and when someone is not, and it’s obvious that the Democratic Party is not for us,” Fisher said. “The policies actually strike at the heart of the Black family and the nuclear family.”

This isn’t the first time Fisher has sung Trump’s praises. During an interview with The Kim Iversen Show in early November 2023, the Rhode Island native argued that Democrats didn’t “value” the Black vote and highlighted Trump’s advocacy for “uplifting the community.”

“We’ve been used and abused for so long by that party (the Democrats), they don’t value our vote,” Fisher said. “Their policies are basically racist policies. I believe it’s a racist party. Donald Trump is just the opposite. Trump has done more for the Black community than I can any president I can think of in my lifetime.”

Biden’s numbers are dropping at staggering rates in the polls.

In early November, Biden led in four of six swing states, but support dropped in only two states. Though four times indicted, Donald Trump is gaining some traction. Numbers from state-level polls show Trump up by eight points in Arizona and five in Michigan.

Black Lives Matter Rhode Island founder Gary Dantzler said he was disgusted by Fisher’s comments. “You have good, you have bad, and you have evil,” Dantzler told WPRI. “Mark Fisher says he represents Black Lives Matter, but he does not represent Black Lives Matter.”

Joe Powers, chairman of the Republican Party of Rhode Island, thinks Fisher’s sentiments are a “major win.”

“It’s good to hear that we have compatriots who are looking to the Republicans as an answer,” Powers said. “It’s refreshing to hear that you have people who would not normally go that way actually come to the realization that it’s the smart move — it makes sense to be a Republican in Rhode Island.”

Tina Knowles Checks Haters After Claims Of Beyoncé Bleaching Skin
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 30, 2023

Tina Knowles Checks Haters After Claims Of Beyoncé Bleaching Skin

Tina Knowles took to Instagram to defend her daughter Beyoncé against claims that she bleached her skin for the "Renaissance" concert film premiere in Los Angeles.

Tina Knowles, the mother of Beyoncé, is checking the haters after accusations that her eldest daughter bleached her skin for the Renaissance concert film premiere on Nov. 25.

After Beyoncé unveiled her chromatic look for the Los Angeles premiere for Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, some social media users quickly stated that her silvery attire, with matching platinum hair, washed out her skin tone. Some even claimed the 42-year-old was bleaching her skin to make it appear whiter.

The accusations frustrated Ms. Knowles to the point of her condemning the claim. On Nov. 28, the 69-year-old shared her thoughts on the matter on Instagram. She wrote a lengthy caption defending her daughter from the “self-hating, racist” statements, alongside a video playing Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl.”

“Came across this today and decided to post it after seeing all of the stupid, ignorant self, hating racist statements about her, lightening her skin, and wearing platinum hair wanting to be white,” Knowles began her message. “She does a film called The Renaissance, where the whole theme is silver with silver hair, a silver carpet, and suggested silver attire, and you bozos decide that she’s trying to be a white woman and is bleaching her skin?”

The grandmother of six continued, “How sad is it that some of her own people continue the stupid narrative with hate and jealousy? Duh, she wore silver hair to match her silver dress as a fashion statement clown. I am sick and tired of people attacking her. Every time she does something that she works her ass off for, and is a statement of her work ethic, talent and resilience. Here, you sad little haters, come out the woodwork. Jealousy and racism, sexism, double standards, you perpetuate those things.”

While addressing that a white female reporter from TMZ asked Beyonce’s hairstylist to comment on the matter, in addition to noting that Black singers in the past, such as Etta James, have also worn platinum hair, Knowles emphasized that Beyoncé “lifts up and promotes” Black women in her work.

“Instead of celebrating a sister or just ignoring if you don’t like her… I am sick of you losers,” Knowles wrote. “I know that she is going to be pissed at me for doing this, but I am fed up! This girl minds her own business. She helps people whenever she can. She lifts up and promotes black women and underdogs at all times.”

Tired of her daughter’s frequent criticism by the public, the video also detailed that Beyonce is a brown-skinned girl and a “[brown-skinned] girl’s voice” in her artistry.

Dapper Dan Drops ‘DAP’ Collection For The GAP
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 30, 2023

Dapper Dan Drops ‘DAP’ Collection For The GAP

Dapper Dan is releasing another collection with The GAP as part of their "DAP GAP" collaboration.

Dapper Dan is back for a new release with mega clothing retailer The GAP.

The reunion between the fashion visionary and the American clothing brand comes at the heels of last year’s successful release of its “DAP GAP” hoodies, as reported by Hypebeast. However, this year’s collection will bring back the classic sweatshirts and expand into Harlem-inspired wearables—a nod to Dapper Dan’s upbringing—with items also for children.

The 18-piece assortment will feature sweatpants and accessories such as baseball hats, totes and socks; prices range from $25 to $128. The hoodies are emblazoned with the New York City neighborhood listed underneath the iconic “DAP” logo. As for how Harlem will be represented in this collection, Dapper Dan expressed the idea of a “visual bridge” connecting the clothes to the famed area known for its artistry.

“A breakthrough is when people finally find their space in areas they have never been before, but a breakout is when you take the culture and the people who created it and bring it around the world. When Gap came to me, this partnership signified a breakout for the culture,” Dapper Dan said. “This DAP GAP campaign is my love letter to Harlem and my way of continuing to propel our culture and community forward. Gap gave us the global presence that allowed us to have the breakout, and I can’t wait for the next generation to be a part of this movement.”

To amplify the collection, a “DAP GAP” campaign was shot by a Ghanaian-American photographer, Joshua Kissi. The campaign shoot further uplifts Harlem by featuring diverse community members, such as restauranteur Melba Wilson, poet Felipe Luciano, and model Giannina Oteto.

Right in time for the holiday season, the collection will debut at GAP’s Harlem location Dec. 4, with online purchases beginning the next day.

AI, Shopping
by Atiya Jordan

November 30, 2023

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals Below 40% Aren’t Cutting It

Retailers were being outted left and right over lack of deals.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals have been stretched into an entire week, yet experts found that discounts below 40% aren’t cutting it.

The National Retail Federation predicted 182 million people would shop between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, the highest estimate since 2017. Throughout those shopping days, consumers were met with early sales and deeper discounts for popular holiday purchases, which continued over a more extended period.  

By this time, Americans’ spending records with sales totaled $9.8 billion on Black Friday and $12.4 billion on Cyber Monday, Business Insider reported. The average discount this year on Cyber Monday was 38.4%, which increased from 37.6% on the same day in 2022.

“Unless you are getting a 40% discount, you are just getting an everyday discount that you can get any other time of the year,” said Jharonne Martis, London Stock Exchange Group’s director of consumer research, during a recent appearance on CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange.

Adobe, which tracks online sales, released a report in October expecting to witness record-high discounts for many familiar categories of gifts, especially during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These included a 35% price drop for toys, electronics, apparel, sporting goods, TVs, appliances, and furniture.

Predictions also revealed that shoppers were planning to avoid the crowds, spending more time shopping online than in stores on Black Friday. According to Martis, the 40% deals are mostly displayed at department stores, apparel shops, and your local mall.

The Wall Street reported on several factors behind the falling prices. The demand for goods has declined as consumers spend more on experiences like travel and concerts. Retailers also hope to offset high inflation prices and credit card rates. At the same time, many American consumers are more cost-conscious and worried about the cost of rent and groceries exceeding their income.

To manage inflation, the Federal Reserve drove interest rates to their highest level in 22 years, with credit card rates above 20%.

“Shoppers know what they want and know what they want to buy and were waiting for the best possible deal as they are trying to be really conscious with their money,” Kraig Foreman, shipping company DHL supply chain e-commerce president, told CNBC’s Worldwide Exchange.

Though deals have spread, inflation is still a looming conversation. 

17-Year-Old CEO Is Now A Doctor After Successfully Defending Her Dissertation
by Atiya Jordan

November 30, 2023

17-Year-Old CEO Is Now A Doctor After Successfully Defending Her Dissertation

At only 17, Dr. Dorothy Tillman is out here breaking glass ceilings!

Dorothy “Jeanius” Tillman, the nationally recognized founder and CEO from Chicago’s South Side, is reintroducing herself as a doctor—at age 17.

The teen dynamo successfully defended her dissertation to obtain a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) at Arizona State University’s ASU College of Health Solutions. She is now Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman and will participate in commencement next May in Phoenix.

In her research, Tillman “focused on the impact of implementing an outreach and education program aimed at reducing the stigma associated with using campus mental health services among college-aged students,” according to a press release.

Tillman is investing in the next generation of leaders through her Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute. She plans to utilize her environmental and sustainable science expertise to bring more attention to mental and behavioral health services within educational institutions and community-based organizations.

In doing so, the team of STEAM-ulators is creating pathways for more underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in STEAM-related fields despite the education landscape. (STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math.)

 

“Counselors in a lot of schools aren’t really up to par with what those students need or even if the counselors are very competent, there’s way too many students to help each one,” Tillman previously told BLACK ENTERPRISE. 

Over the years, schools have been facing a surge in demand for care that far outpaces capacity, which presents a challenge to taking a multifaceted approach to supporting students. Experts have called out the lack of school funding. Counseling centers are also overwhelmed as the majority of college students today “meet the criteria for at least one mental health problem.”

Students of color, who experience the same rates of mental health issues across all races, are less likely to get treatment.

On the other hand, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found nearly 3 in 5 teen girls experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2021. This rate doubles the boys’ experiences and is an almost 60% increase over the highest level recorded in the past decade. In response, the CDC called on schools to take action to prevent and reduce the negative impact of violence and other trauma on teens. The data determined that school-based activities “can make a profound difference in the lives of teens with a relatively small infusion of support to schools.”

Tillman, who earned her master’s degree at 14, has had her success empowered by her number one “champion,” her mother, Jimalita Tillman, and a foundation of “good leaders and people.”

Tillman’s higher education journey began at age 10 when she enrolled at the College of Lake County in Grayes Lake, Illinois, majoring in psychology. In 2016, she completed her associate’s degree and earned a bachelor of science in humanities from Excelsior College in 2018. At 14 years old, she attained a master of science degree from Unity College in Unity, Maine, becoming the country’s youngest environmental and sustainable scientist. 

The award-winning teen prodigy was honored on the 2021 BLACK ENTERPRISE 40 Under 40-Tech list and was a panelist at the 40 Under 40 Virtual Summit.

“Having leaders who want to lead you, who want to teach you is extremely important. There are a lot of teachers who are getting treated unfairly, are resenting their jobs, and they’re resenting their students. That’s not OK because that creates resentment from the students and then its just an endless cycle,” Tillman explained. 

Perfect, email, emailing, correspondence, write, IFA
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 29, 2023

Founder’s New App Aims To Showcase 1 Million Local Black-Owned Brands and Businesses

Meet Vincent Johnson, Founder and CEO of XCLUSIT, a unique app that provides a unique space designed to showcase the remarkable diversity within the Black-owned business community.

Meet Vincent Johnson, Founder and CEO of XCLUSIT, a unique app that provides a unique space designed to showcase the remarkable diversity within the Black-owned business community. The platform allows entrepreneurs to showcase their entire store and even post Instagram-style videos but with less clutter and more shopping. It has everything from trendy streetwear and stylish kicks to sophisticated boutiques, grooming essentials, and accessories. And that’s not all – it will also expand into food and services in 2024.

Vincent comments, “At XCLUSIT, we’re dedicated to equipping Black businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in this new era. Not only do we cater to entrepreneurs, but the app is also a cultural haven for Black consumers.” He adds, “We curate a diverse range of premier brands, stores, and up-and-coming Black entrepreneurs, presenting the vibrant tapestry of Black-owned business culture.”Johnson’s inspiring journey from Divinity studies at Vanderbilt University to being part of acclaimed accelerators brings a unique perspective to XCLUSIT. His vision is to equip Black businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in this new era while providing a cultural haven for Black consumers.

“What I like about the app is the access to new product releases and offers from brands and stores I support, as well as finding new businesses not only in my city but other cities,” says Jontae Hall, a customer who uses the platform.

With its exclusive features, XCLUSIT allows Black consumers to enjoy a personalized shopping experience. They can effortlessly follow their favorite Black-owned businesses, discover new ones to support, and access promotions and offers tailored just for them. Through the platform, Black business owners can build their profiles, advertise their stores on followers’ timelines, and engage with potential customers through video reels and product galleries. A new chat feature is arriving in 2024.

Take it from Candice Hebron, owner of Nail Candi, who shared her excitement about how the app boosted her company sales and expanded her customer base to include patrons who would have never discovered her kiosk in Columbia Mall, Maryland. She comments, “While each initiative of my business is new and exciting, XCLUSIT has been the most rewarding in boosting sales for my small business. My demographic range has expanded to include patrons who would’ve never found my kiosk.”

So whether you’re seeking quality products, looking to support the incredible talent within the Black community, or want a personalized shopping experience, XCLUSIT is the perfect platform.

The app is available for download via the iOS App Store at:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xclusit/id1603494882

This story was first reported by Blacknews.com

Outfielder Andre ‘The Hawk’ Dawson Wants Cap On Hall Of Fame Plaque Changed
by Derek Major

November 29, 2023

Outfielder Andre ‘The Hawk’ Dawson Wants Cap On Hall Of Fame Plaque Changed

Hall of Fame outfielder Andre "The Hawk" Dawson wants to change the logo on the cap of his Baseball Hall of Fame plaque from the Montreal Expos to the Chicago Cubs.

Outfielder Andre “The Hawk” Dawson, who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball, wants to change the logo on the cap of his Hall of Fame plaque from the Montreal Expos to the Chicago Cubs.

Fox News via The New York Post reports the Baseball Hall of Fame, located in Cooperstown, NY, selects the team logo that goes on the hat of each player’s plaque. Therefore, the Hall put the Expos logo on Dawson’s plaque when he was inducted in 2010, making him the second Expo in the Hall of Fame along with Gary Carter.

Dawson expressed his disappointment when the decision was initially made and recently brought the issue back up, saying he had always thought of himself as a Cub rather than an Expo.

“I just felt my preference all along was as a Cub, despite playing (11) years in Montreal,” he told The Chicago Tribune. “I had my reasons, and I think that should’ve been something we sat down and discussed.”

Dawson added that although he was one of the more popular players in Montreal, he doesn’t consider himself an organizational icon. When Dawson became a free agent, he was basically forced out of Montreal. According to Dawson, landing in Chicago rejuvenated his career.

The 1987 National League MVP and eight-time Gold Glove Award winner played the first 11 years of his career with the Montreal Expos, now known as the Washington Nationals, before signing with the Chicago Cubs after the 1986 season

In addition to winning the MVP as a Cub, five of Dawson’s eight All-Star appearances came in Chicago. However, Dawson won six of his eight Gold Glove awards with the Expos, as did his only postseason victory. Dawson’s No. 10 was also retired by the Expos, although seven players have worn it since the team moved to Washington.

Dawson had a lifetime batting average of .287, collecting 438 home runs, 1,591 RBI, and stealing 314 bases. He was also a four-time Silver Slugger award winner and was voted the 1977 National League Rookie of the Year.

RELATED CONTENT: Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson is Experiencing Coronavirus Crisis As a Mortician

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