by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 27, 2023

Ahmaud Arbery’s Father Accuses Ex-DA Case Of Being Delayed On Purpose

The case against former District Attorney Jackie Johnson remains at a standstill.

The father of Ahmaud Arbery is making bold claims about the current state of the prosecution against ex-District Attorney Jackie Johnson. Marcus Arbery Sr. has accused the case of being delayed on purpose to not hold Johnson accountable for trying to cover up his son’s murder.

Johnson was indicted in September 2021 on two counts, one felony for violating her oath of office and a misdemeanor of hindering a law enforcement officer, Newsone reported. The official was accused of attempting to protect the two men who killed Arbery while he was running in a subdivision within the Georgia city in February 2020.

On Feb. 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery was murdered during a racially motivated hate crime while jogging in Satilla Shores, a neighborhood near Brunswick in Glynn County, Georgia.

The case against the former Brunswick Judicial District Attorney has been left in a stagnant state, with no substantial progression since the charges. Johnson was accused of colluding with father and son duo Greg and Travis McMichael.

“The evidence shows that Johnson showed favor and affection for McMichael throughout the pendency of the case — including when she was making decisions as the DA over his case,” detailed prosecutors’ legal filing, as reported by NBC News in May 2022.

According to the slain 25-year-old’s father, Johnson sided with the McMichael’s, utilizing her authority to undermine the incident, including trying to ensure the son would not be arrested for the crime. The father was revealed to be a former investigator who worked under Johnson up until 2019.

Her unethical closeness to those under investigation was further solidified as the Associated Press revealed 16 calls between the prosecutor and McMichael patriarch in the shooting’s aftermath. Arbery Sr. also shared, in an interview with Action News Jax, that Johnson “believed” McMicheal and subsequently attempted to “cover it up.”

While relieved of her duties for the city, Johnson is still a legal attorney in the state, with no date currently scheduled for her next hearing. Despite this, the Attorney General’s office in Georgia remains adamant that the case is still ongoing, regardless of the delay.

Mayweather, Boxing, referee, John Gotti III

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 27, 2023

Floyd Mayweather Will Fight John Gotti III In Rematch During Super Bowl Weekend In Las Vegas

The two combatants are meeting up again after first boxing match ended in a brawl

Super Bowl weekend is already lining up to be eventful, especially with the halftime performance that will feature Usher Raymond. Yet, it was just announced that it will be more explosive with a boxing rematch no one anticipated, TMZ reports. Floyd “Money” Mayweather has recently posted an upcoming match that will take place during Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas.

He will go up against John Gotti III, the grandson of mob boss John Gotti. This will be a rematch, as both combatants met earlier this year when a brawl broke out after the referee stopped the fight on June 11. Titled “Unfinished Business,” the undefeated boxer posted a flyer to social media on Nov. 17.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather)

TMZ Sports reported that the match will happen around Feb. 11, the NFL’s Super Bowl slated date.

The boxing contest will be a pay-per-view event broadcast on the Zeus network. Mayweather Promotions and Hidden Empire Films will handle the promotions of the match. As Mayweather is retired, it will be an exhibition match, just like the last contest was.

Mayweather was paid around $25 million in that fight, while Gotti took in an estimated $20 million via Insider Sport. The referee of the last exhibition, Kenny Bayless, kept warning both fighters about how they were boxing, and eventually, he had to intervene and call the fight in the sixth round. That angered Gotti so much that he didn’t stop his attack on Mayweather, as he kept on swinging at the champion after the bell was rung. As he continued to throw blows, both corners came into the ring to help their boxers.

COMPLETE CHAOS at the Floyd Mayweather vs. John Gotti III fight 😳 pic.twitter.com/FML12NOO5e

— Overtime (@overtime) June 12, 2023

It should be an explosive fight, as the Gottis threatened Mayweather and his family after the battle.

customer, hairdresser, word of mouth, survey, complaint, learn, lesson, interact

by Daniel Johnson

November 27, 2023

How Hairdressers Are Becoming Mental Health Allies For Black Women

Afiya Mbilishaka is a hairdresser who also happens to be a clinical psychologist, a role that many hairdressers (and barbers) have informally served.

Afiya Mbilishaka is a hairdresser who also happens to be a clinical psychologist, a role that many hairdressers (and barbers) have informally served, particularly in the Black community. Mbilishaka told Well And Good that what sparked her interest in exploring the connection was a bout of indecisiveness before she left for college. Her aunt encouraged her to do both, referring to Mbilishaka’s conflict between studying hair and psychology, and the result was her own company, PsychoHairapy.

Mbilishaka says that Black women’s mental health can be assisted through conversations with hairdressers, telling Well And Good, “To engage Black women on a cultural level, mental health providers must acknowledge the significance of hair and make use of the existing social support of hairstylists, the natural helpers in the community.”

She earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and was a full-time therapist at Columbia University. Then, she was a professor at the University of the District of Columbia. Mbilishaka is a natural hairstylist and partners with N Natural Hair Studio in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Mbilishaka also explained the purpose of her company, saying, “The purpose (of) PsychoHairapy is to direct attention to treatment modalities that culturally and spiritually fit within the lives of Black women. To reach large numbers of this population, PsychoHairapy is centered on addressing the psychological needs of people who are often neglected by offering accessible options in the safe space of the hair salon.”

https://twitter.com/allaboutafya/status/1497406545839239176?t=g1M_jTc5sLnnJ4kqmNPlfw&s=19

Mbilishaka offers her students a 12-hour, skills-based training program that goes over the history of Black hair, how to see, understand, and empathize with mental illness signs, and how to respond to client concerns of the mental health variety. Mbilishaka says that the program is unique, often leading to breakthroughs once hairstylists realize how vital they are to their communities.

“Hairstylists who have taken the course have become emotional over realizing their work could have such a far-reaching impact,” Mbilishaka said. “There is no mental health training in cosmetology school. Therefore, hairstylists appreciate getting the language to process the emotions that come up in their chair. Hairstylists [also] love learning about the history of our hair in particular, and enjoy practicing techniques of…reframing some of the concerns coming up in their clients’ lives.”

Dr. Afiya Mangum Mbilishaka is a #BlackPsychologist & professor. She developed PsychoHairapy, a therapeutic approach based on over 10 yrs of research w/African diasporic women. Her work focuses on the relationship between hair care & self-care. #BlackHistoryMonth #citeblackwomen pic.twitter.com/gwK4ixWBPK
— Jonathan Mathias Lassiter (@lassiterhealth) February 9, 2020

This type of mental healthcare is not only growing in the U.S. but also in parts of Africa. Though not associated with Mbilishaka’s practice, Tele da Silveira is one of 150 women trained in mental healthcare in West and Central African cities. Hairdressers like da Silveira, who has a salon in Lomé, Togo’s capital, are being trained to ask open-ended questions to their clients during hairdressing sessions, identify signs of distress, and offer emotional support in areas where mental health counseling is scarce and expensive.

“People need attention in this world,” da Silveira told The New York Times. “They need to talk.”

This initiative aims to address the mental health gap in developing countries and has been particularly effective in West and Central Africa, where hair salons serve as community hubs.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 27, 2023

12-Year-Old Black CEO Who Started A Lemonade Beverage Company At Age 9 Releases New Inspirational Book

Tre Glasper, the 12-year-old founder of Tre’s Squeeze, is now celebrating the release of his book ' Squeeze into Your Dreams.'

Originally Reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — Tre Glasper, the 12-year-old founder of Tre’s Squeeze, an all-natural lemonade beverage company he created at the age of nine, is now celebrating the release of his new inspirational book. In the book Squeeze into Your Dreams, he reveals how he built his company at such a young age and was able to get his lemonade beverage into local grocery stores, restaurants, and food trucks.

Young Tre brings an inspiring gift to readers with the release of his debut book, published by LaunchCrate Publishing, a Black-woman-owned publisher based in Kansas.

Squeeze into Your Dreams narrates the spirited journey of Tre, who, with a sparkle of vision and determination, established Tre’s Squeeze amid the pandemic. Recognizing an untapped opportunity at his local farmer’s market, Tre unveiled a brand of lemonade that is more than just a delightful beverage. It’s the embodiment of dreams, aspiration, and the unyielding spirit of entrepreneurship, spotlighted by his motto: “Squeeze into your Dreams.”

While the book is deeply rooted in Tre’s adventure into the business realm with his lemonade stand, it extends an open arm to dreamers worldwide, irrespective of age. Through the captivating tale of Tre’s entrepreneurial endeavor, readers are gracefully led into a universe where dreams are boundless, and age is no barrier to realizing one’s ambitions.

The vibrancy of Tre’s story is further brought to life with the stunning illustrations by Xavier Gayden, the renowned artist celebrated for his work on the historic Brown v Board of Education Mural in Topeka, Kansas. Each page is a canvas where words and images dance in harmony, weaving a tapestry that is as inspiring as Tre’s journey itself.

This debut work has not only allowed Tre to share his uplifting narrative but has garnered recognition, celebrating him as a beacon of young entrepreneurship. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly acknowledged Tre’s contribution by awarding him the title of Kansas Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2023. Tre has won statewide and regional pitch competitions, including the Network Kansas Empower Minority Pitch Competition and the HyVee OpportUNITY Pitch Competition. He’s been featured on NPR, WIBW, and Black Enterprise. Tre has accomplished all of this while maintaining all A’s in school.

His book Squeeze into Your Dreams is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Also, learn more about Tre’s beverage company called Tre’s Squeeze at TresSqueeze.com.

Mid-section of woman holding mortarboard

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 27, 2023

Tennessee HBCU Partnership Holds Historic Graduation Inside Prison

Six men incarcerated at the Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) marched across the stage to receive their Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Lane College.

Originally Reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — On Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023, six men incarcerated at the Northwest Correctional Complex (NWCX) marched across the stage to receive their Bachelor of Science in Business degree from Lane College. Their educational trajectory is a continuation of historical and momentous strides made by the Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) to help educate men and women behind the wall.

The graduates were the first to receive a bachelor’s degree in the facility’s history. To add to the list of firsts, the students were also the first in Tennessee to receive degrees from a historically Black college and university (HBCU) while incarcerated.

THEI, along with educational partners Lane College and the Tennessee Department of Correction, celebrated the fortitude and commitment of the six men who have shifted the course of history in Tennessee by forging a path for others to follow. Each student is a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience our brothers behind the wall possess when given opportunities to excel and engage with the transformative and liberating power of education that was paved with sacrifice.

“They are coming home,” stated Dr. Laura Ferguson-Mimms, executive director of THEI. “We are breaking the cycle of recidivism that tells us that 47% will return to incarceration if we continue to do exactly what we have always done.”

Dr. Ferguson-Mimms continued, “When we introduce post-secondary educational options while the individual is incarcerated, we reduce the risk of recidivism by nearly half. I will always remember the first day of classes at NWCX. The lecture was supposed to be online, but the president came to speak to the students in person. He talked about the history of Lane College and the legacy of HBCUs as a tool for Black liberation. The students were absolutely mesmerized.”

Lane’s President, Dr. Logan Hampton, shared after the graduation ceremony, “Lane College and THEI have been a natural fit. Lane is deeply committed to the transformative liberal arts education, and Lane College has a history of helping students excel despite challenging environments and backgrounds. The Lane faculty were confident they could ensure the full integrity of college access for incarcerated students, and they have. The Lane/THEI partnership has been an overwhelming success!”

Senior Advisor Richard Donnell, Sr. to the President, shared, “Lane College has an academic focus on tomorrow, not yesterday, and helping students to realize the power of their potential has been a hallmark of Lane College since 1882. We continue to be excited about the partnership with THEI, and we are confident in Lane’s ability to help students of diverse backgrounds earn their college degrees.”

Daryll Coleman, vice president for Academic Affairs, added, “The Lane College faculty have aggressively researched the best behind-the-wall academic programs in the nation and developed a rigorous program that maintains the full integrity of college access while preparing incarcerated students with a career-ready and transformative liberal arts education. Lane is grateful for our amazing faculty and their insistence that we develop a best-in-class program to reach incarcerated scholars.”

About THEI
Tennessee Higher Education in Prison Initiative (THEI) is a non-profit organization working to disrupt systems of harm and create opportunities for autonomy and success by providing college access to people inside Tennessee prisons, preparing students for skillful re-entry, and reducing barriers to continued education and achievement.

About Lane College
Lane College was established in 1882 in Jackson, Tennessee. The residential campus has thirty-six buildings sprawling across 55 acres and is one of America’s oldest HBCUs. The College provides a deeply transformative undergraduate education – intellectually, spiritually, and socially – and has award-winning programs and career credentials in dozens of majors and minors.

Lane is consistently ranked as one of America’s most affordable private colleges. In addition to affordability, Lane has no application fee, no standardized test requirement, and has an outstanding record of creating accessibility to higher education for first-generation college students. Lane College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees.

by Daniel Johnson

November 27, 2023

Black Friday Sees A Record Number Of Shoppers Despite Inflation

According to the National Retail Federation, 182 million people will shop between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday.

Despite some shoppers feeling like the Black Friday deals are not quite what they used to be, consumers were expected to spend an average of $567 between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

According to CBS News, a Deloitte report indicates the amount is 13% more than last year.

Retailers have offered better sales and deeper discounts to attract customers, hoping to offset higher inflation and credit card rates. According to Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, “Cyber Week is off to a strong start, with Thanksgiving driving a record $5.6 billion in online spend as consumers took advantage of strong discounts and continued their shopping plans, virtually.”

Despite the spending, many Americans are worried about the cost of rent and groceries outstripping their income.

Neil Saunders, retail analyst at GlobalData Retail, told CBS News those worries made consumers wary of spending. Consumers are “a lot more cautious about spending” as well as “more receptive to bargains.” To him, that meant they would spend money on Black Friday.

Black Friday set a record in the US with $9.8 billion in online sales, up 7.5% from a year ago.

• $5.3 billion was spent by mobile shoppers
• $79 million was from consumers who used a "buy now, pay later" method, up 47% from last year pic.twitter.com/dWSgbzf8gv
— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) November 26, 2023

According to Reuters, Black Friday deals on toys, games, and hobby gear saw their best deals since 2020. Men’s suits, outerwear, and sport coats were 8-14% cheaper than they were pre-pandemic; women’s dresses and audio equipment saw a similar discount.

At least half of shoppers will take advantage of the sales, planning to complete their holiday shopping during the four-day sales window. Additionally, according to the National Retail Federation, 182 million people will shop between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday, the most since 2017. Shoppers are also planning to avoid the crowds, spending more ($169) on online shopping than in stores ($138) on Black Friday.

On Twitter/X, many also took time to highlight the various demonstrations against Black Friday shopping as Israel and Hamas declared a temporary cessation in fighting which was urged by the United States. Many users noted that it coincided with Thanksgiving and the Black Friday consumer holiday.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 26, 2023

Legacy Of Tina Turner To Be Highlighted In New Comic Book

The comic book was created to keep her memory and artistry alive for the next generation.

Tina Turner is getting recognition for her legacy and story through an unconventional format. The late music icon is being highlighted through a new comic book.

The book, produced by TidalWave Comics, will detail the Queen of Rock and Roll’s story as part of its “Tribute” series. The book, released on Nov. 24, hopes to expand upon her audience to commemorate the artist further.

“The Tribute comic book series is dedicated to preserving the legacies of beloved entertainers who have left us,” Darren Davis, TidalWave’s publisher, told theGrio. “It serves as a heartfelt tribute to those individuals who have left an indelible mark on our world.”

Celebrating what would have been Turner’s 84th birthday on Nov. 26, her story delves beyond her musical achievements to highlight her personal victories. In the form of a comic book titled “Tribute: Tina Turner,” crafted by author Michael Frizell, the narrative explores her artistic journey, her tumultuous marriage with Ike Turner, and her resilient post-divorce career.

“It’s bittersweet to write about the loss of Tina Turner because I grew up admiring her and listening to her music,” expressed the author. “Her ability to engage concertgoers and listeners is unmatched.”

The Tennessee native died in May at 83 in her new home in Switzerland. In 2013, she married Erwin Bach after 27 years of dating, also gaining citizenship in the European country.

As for the special edition book, Turner’s story will be detailed within its 22 pages of dialogue and illustrations. However, the comic book is not the only content focused on the complexity of Turner’s life. The notable 1993 film What’s Love Got To Do With It, starring Angela Bassett in the main role, and a Broadway musical, “Tina” all seek to showcase her story.

The comic is available now for purchase, in addition to others’ inclusion in the “Tribute series,” such as Prince and Whitney Houston.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 26, 2023

Beyoncé Debuts Star-Studded Renaissance Concert Film Premiere

The singer dodged the chrome carpet, but unveiled a special new look inside the theater.

Queen Bey is ready for the world to experience the “Renaissance World Tour” on screen. Beyoncé held her star-studded premiere for her concert film, Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, at the Goldwyn Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 27.

The highly-anticipated event was filled with Hollywood A-listers, including a wide range of actresses, singers, and filmmakers to join in unveiling the project. According to Variety, Lizzo, Janelle Monae, and Issa Rae joined the chrome carpet, in addition to Gabrielle Union, Tyler Perry, and Ava DuVernay. In a special shoutout to Beyoncé’s former girl group Destiny’s Child, past members such as Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams worked the carpet, with Letoya Luckett and LaTavia Roberson also in attendance.

Lizzo poses for photos at the premiere of Beyoncé's #Renaissance film. pic.twitter.com/xD0xCNUwpk
— Variety (@Variety) November 26, 2023

As for the star herself, Beyoncé chose to forego the silver display to meet her guests inside the screening but did share pictures debuting a platinum blonde hairstyle with her chrome attire, all befitting the “cozy opulence” dress code. The exclusive event had invited attendees unaware of its true location until a day prior, in typical fashion for the notoriously private and elusive singer.

The premiere is the first of two world debuts of the already historic film, with another premiere set for Nov. 30 in London. Beyoncé’s exclusive streaming deal with AMC theaters was solidified during the multiple strikes impacting the entertainment industry, as the groundbreaking deal has Beyoncé bypassing studios to work directly with AMC, ensuring she also gets a significant portion of the box office sales. The film’s pre-sale numbers are jumping its revenue for the first weekend, as Deadline reported on Oct. 3 that between $6-$7 million in pre-sold tickets have already been bought.

The final trailer for the movie was released by NBC on Nov. 23 during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, giving more glimpses into its content for her massive fanbase. Keeping in line with her “Homecoming” film released to Netflix in 2019, “Renaissance” will share deeper insight into the process of creating the world tour, including how Beyoncé’s first daughter, Blue Ivy, came to join her mother on stage.

Fans have to wait until Dec. 1, the film’s official release date, to experience “Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé.

”ELATED CONTENT: Beyoncé Makes Appearance During MaMacy’shanksgiving Day Parade

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 26, 2023

Venus And Serena Williams Serve Up Fun And Nostalgia In New TikTok Tennis Match

The sisters shared the snippet of them playing their famed game to Serena's TikTok account.

The legendary sister tennis duo Venus and Serena Williams have returned to the sport in a new TikTok. The sisters shared a snippet of their practice match to the younger William’s account on the social media platform.

The video garnered rightful attention on the internet as it was released on Nov. 20, as the two legends showcased themselves stretching and laughing with one another as they partook in a game.

“Having a blast hitting with [Venus Williams],” captioned the 23-time Grand Slam winner.

The aptly-included song “Beast Mode” by Rokka was heard in the video. The video is being heralded as the most recent footage of Serena playing on the court that made her a household name. Before this, the mother of two was last seen playing professionally at the U.S. Open in September 2022, WTA Tennis reported.

Venus and Serena back on the court 😍 pic.twitter.com/04VajRfgwu
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) November 21, 2023

As for Venus, the acclaimed player last played in 2023’s final Grand Slam, with the 43-year-old playing part-time. However, an injury in the first round of the Wimbledon tournament forced her to rest. Despite this, her career is not over, and she anticipates returning in March next year.

On the other hand, Serena has stayed off the courts for the past few years, focusing her recent efforts on expanding her family and entrepreneurial pursuits. Not only did she welcome her second child, daughter Adira River Ohanian, this past August with her husband Alexis, but she also became the first-ever athlete to win the Fashion Icon award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2023. She and her husband have another daughter, 6-year-old Olympia.

Serena has curated her own brands, including S by Serena, and ventured into fashion on and off the court, frequently with Nike and the Virgil Abloh-founded brand Off White.

Venus is also a businesswoman of the court, juggling various ventures, including the most recent partnership with BlendJet. Earlier this month, she released the Venus Williams’ Happy Viking Collection.

Kahleah Copper , Angel Reese , 3X3 League, basketball

by Daniel Johnson

November 26, 2023

Darryn Peterson Becomes First Adidas High School Signee

Peterson, a 6’5 combo guard at Canton, Ohio’s Huntington Prep is the first high school basketball player to ever sign with Adidas.

Adidas Basketball is betting big on the future basketball prospects of Darryn Peterson, the top-ranked guard in the class of 2025 at Canton, Ohio’s Huntington Prep. A 6’5 combo guard, Peterson is the first high school basketball player to ever sign with Adidas.

According to Boardroom, Peterson also carries around 30 D-1 scholarship offers into his junior year. Peterson sees this as a massive opportunity for him as he told Boardroom, “The deal gives me the opportunity to take my brand to the next level and spread it around the world.”

In 2003, along with Nike and Reebok, Adidas Basketball attempted to court another Ohio player, LeBron James. James, of course, rather famously chose Nike’s $87 million fully guaranteed contract over the other two, who, according to Andscape, offered contracts above $100 million. Like Peterson, James also received offers from over 30 college teams but ultimately decided to go straight to the NBA from high school, an option that Peterson currently does not have. Peterson could, however, choose to go the path that Houston Rockets star Jalen Green took and play for the G-League Ignite after he graduates instead of likely playing a year in college and declaring for the draft.

https://twitter.com/LeagueRDY/status/1728126517102932216

NIL deals have significantly transformed the prospects of select high school players from a money standpoint, an idea that Peterson seems to grasp–at only 16 years old, he’s already referring to himself as a brand. Though most of the NIL attention has gone to college players like Angel Reese, Shedeur Sanders, and even gymnast Olivia Dunne, a few high school players with massive upsides have been inked to deals.

Juju Watkins, the USC freshman phenom who recently tied Lisa Leslie’s mark for 30-point games as a freshman with three, signed her Nike deal as a senior last year, as did fellow USC commit Bronny James and Kentucky commit D.J. Wagner. There is precedent for senior year deals, but this is the first major NIL deal from a shoe company for a player before their senior year of basketball. Peterson, like the other players, is an elite basketball player, the kind of basketball player who will see big NIL deals even though some states are slow to catch up.

Peterson is grateful for the opportunity, as he told Boardroom, “It means a lot. For Adidas to choose me out of all the high school basketball players in the world? For them to take a chance on me is a big deal. It’s an honor and a blessing.”

He also understands that what got him here is continually delivering big nights, as he averaged 31 points and nine rebounds in his sophomore season.

Peterson’s advice for the next crop of up-and-coming basketball players is simple.

“Keep the main thing the main thing,” Peterson said. “Focus on whatever that dream is, and the business part will come with it. Don’t let that drive you. Stay humble and be self-motivated.”