by Sharelle B. McNair

November 24, 2023

Is ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Putting Your Financial Well-Being At Risk? Analysts Chime In

For shoppers dealing with credit card and student loan debt, BNPL may look like a breath of fresh air, but data paints a different picture.

As the 2023 holiday season starts to roll in, American consumers are expected to use the popular “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) payment plans – but at what cost?

Analysts and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York have found some key features of the plans can set consumers up for excessive debt, The Associated Press reported. The short-term loans, such as Klarna, AfterPay, Sezzle, and PayPal’s Pay, often come with appealing interest rates, allowing shoppers to make the first payment during checkout and then pay the rest in installments in the next few weeks or even months. If shoppers are already dealing with credit card and student loan debt, it may look like a breath of fresh air, but data paints a different picture.

According to an Adobe Analytics report on online shopping, the concept brought in $6.4 billion of online spending in October 2023 – a 6% increase year after year. Analysts expect online use to peak in November 2023 with spending of $9.3 billion, including a record of $782 million on Cyber Monday alone. The overall estimation is one in five Americans plan on using BNPL plans for holiday gifts.

Lead analyst for Adobe Digital Insights, Vivek Pandya, points the finger at rising interest rates, food price inflation, and resuming student loan repayments as increasing the costs for consumers. However, he says, “data has shown that the consumer remains resilient heading into the big holiday season and they are embracing every opportunity to manage their budgets in more efficient ways.”

Demishia Alford said she uses the loans for household goods, clothes, and even plane tickets, and says she will continue to do so this holiday season. Alford plans to patronize retailers including Express, Shein, and Walmart for items like a crate for her puppy, electronics, and gifts for family members. The Greensboro, NC, native said her short-term loans average close to $200 or less and are a big help as she’s paying student loans, a car loan, and said both her credit cards are almost maxed out.

“I try to stay on top of it, especially in today’s economy,” Alford said. “Debt creeps up on you.”

BNPL often follow the same model, with the lender running a soft credit check and then asking for a down payment at the time of purchase. While terms may vary, the customer agrees to make between four and six payments at two-week intervals, with zero-interest loans being a common initial offering. But if the customer misses a payment or is late, they can be shut out from using the app, or face fees up to $25 or a calculated percentage of the outstanding loan.

According to Fox Business, two out of five users are holding a BNPL debt, and one-quarter of them missed a payment in October 2023. Twenty-five percent said they paid late fees, 27% saw a drop in their credit score, and 22% interacted with a debt collector. Morning Consult Financial Services Analyst Jaime Toplin said these numbers are troubling and may get worse.

“If their personal debt situation worsens, these figures could rise, creating real problems for these users at a time when interest rates are already high,” Toplin said.

Credit scores for fans of the plans are generally 50 points lower, with the average BNPL borrower scoring between 580-669 and non-users ranging around 670-739.

Teyana Taylor, Essence, Apollo,, Innovator Award

by Lauren Nutall

November 23, 2023

Teyana Taylor Files for Divorce From Iman Shumpert

Teyana makes shocking claims against her estranged husband.

Teyana Taylor has filed for divorce from Iman Shumpert after seven years of marriage, according to TMZ. The news comes just two months after the pair announced their separation in September.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the singer-songwriter filed for divorce in Jan. 2023, eight months before announcing the separation to the public. In the divorce filing, Taylor alleged that Shumpert was extremely “emotionally and mentally abusive” and grew insecure about the actress’s success despite his career as a basketball star.

Taylor claims that Shumpert would initiate arguments with her for no reason, even on her birthday, and then later apologized. She also claimed that she turned down several business opportunities because Shumpert did not want her to work, but after the birth of one of their children, he became upset at her not making money. Taylor alleged that Shumpert was “treating her cruelly and displaying extreme narcissistic behavior throughout the majority of their marriage.”

The lawsuit reveals details of the relationship, citing numerous instances of infidelity and prior arrests on Shumpert’s end. In August 2016, the former Cleveland Cavaliers player was arrested for driving under the influence and other charges. More recently, in late July 2022, Shumpert was arrested on felony marijuana possession charges at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. In the suit, Taylor also states that Shumpert once crashed her vehicle and fled the scene to avoid another DUI arrest.

Taylor secretly filed for divorce, but the two briefly reconciled at Shumpert’s insistence. However, their reunion was short-lived as Shumpert allegedly continued to be inconsistent and became involved in another extra-marital affair. Though Taylor initially denied infidelity being one of the reasons for their separation, she has since stated that this was done out of grace toward Shumpert, according to TMZ.

Following their split, Shumpert left their shared home in October and has spent minimal time with the couple’s two children since then, according to the suit. Taylor is requesting temporary and permanent primary physical custody, plus joint legal custody and child support.

Taylor found fame as a dancer at 15 years old when she was credited as the choreographer for the music video of Beyoncé’s popular single, “Ring the Alarm.”

She’s continued to make a name for herself in the music world as a singer-songwriter. She has since collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest names, including Pharrell, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, and more. She is also a successful actress and was recently nominated for the Gotham Independent Film Award for Outstanding Lead Performance for her role in the 2023 film A Thousand and One.

Shumpert is a former NBA star who has played for the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers, the latter for which he won an NBA Championship in 2016. He also won season 30 of the competition series Dancing with the Stars with professional dancer Daniella Karagach in 2021.

Tyrese and Joan Pendergrass Lawsuit Has New Development

by Daniel Johnson

November 23, 2023

Tyrese and Joan Pendergrass Lawsuit Has New Development

Pendergrass filed a response, claiming that the rights for the film actually belonged to Warner Brothers and not Voltron Entertainment. Pendergrass argued that Voltron has no say in negotiations.

As Black Enterprise previously reported, Tyrese Gibson’s production company, Voltron Entertainment, is suing the widow of Teddy Pendergrass, Joan Pendergrass, claiming that she agreed to sell the rights to the life story of her late husband in 2011. In its lawsuit, Voltron claims that Pendergrass’s choice to not go through with a renewal in 2022 has cost them approximately $450,000.

A new development in the case has occurred. Joan filed a response, claiming that the rights for the film actually belonged to Warner Brothers and not Voltron Entertainment. According to the motion, Joan argued that Voltron has no say in negotiations, “thereby making Warner Bros. the successor-in-interest to Voltron with respect to the Option Agreement and Voltron no longer a party to the Option Agreement.”

On Nov. 20, Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr. set a mandatory scheduling conference for Dec. 15, 2023. The magistrate also set the deadline for both parties to file a Joint Rule Report by Dec. 5.

What this means, effectively, is that the case is likely heading toward a resolution. According to the Department of Justice, in Southern California, where the case is happening, settlement conferences are used in civil cases to determine how complex a matter is before ultimately arriving at a judgment. Typically, this is done so the parties involved have an opportunity to settle out of court. A trial date will be set if no settlement is agreed to during the conference.

Tyrese has long been vocal about his desire to portray the legendary R&B crooner, releasing a statement upon the announcement that he was set to portray Teddy in a film that Warner Brothers had the rights to. Entertainment Weekly reported that it was to be produced by Donald De Line, Lee Daniels, and Tyrese, with Joan serving as its executive producer.

The multihyphenate’s excitement was palpable through his statement: “I am honored to take this journey…This is the role that I feel I was born to play. Teddy Pendergrass embraced me and before he passed, put the responsibility on my shoulders to tell his story. Being here in this time and in this space and moment with Lee Daniels, Donald De Line, Little Marvin, and Warner Bros. is an answered prayer. Teddy, I just hope we make you, your wife and family proud…Here we go!”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

Sean John Will No Longer Be Sold At Macy’s

A source states that "the Sean John collection has started to phase out" of Macy's since "early fall 2023."

Retailer Macy’s has announced that it will be phasing out Sean “Diddy” Combs’ fashion line, Sean John. A source has told Radar Online that the line won’t be available starting this month.

Although Diddy was accused of sexual assault by his former artist and girlfriend, Cassie, and then settled the suit 24 hours later, the source stated that the decision to stop carrying the brand was already in place before news got out about the lawsuit.

“As part of our ongoing review of our brand portfolio, the Sean John collection has started to phase out of assortment since early fall 2023,” the source informed the media outlet on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

The same source also said that Macy’s corporate headquarters have been evaluating Sean Jean for some time now. They noticed that the brand hadn’t been selling like it had in the past when it was more popular in the late ’90s and early ’00s. They stated that the hip-hop businessman’s “products are being removed” and “won’t be available on the site,” adding that retail stores are “always evaluating” the products to see “what’s relevant” to their customers and that Sean John is no longer a popular item.

Macy’s has been in business with Sean John since it debuted in 1998, and it had an exclusive agreement with the brand for over 20 years since 2010.

Diddy sold the brand to Global Brands Group in 2016. In 2021, Diddy sued Sean Jean for $25 million; in the lawsuit, he stated that he never endorsed the line nor given Global Brands Group, Sean John, or Missguided authorization to associate his name with the collection. Later that year, according to Women’s Wear Daily, the Bad Boy was able to buy back Sean Jean with a winning bid of $7.551 million.

It was reported that four other parties placed bids on the brand, but Diddy succeeded in obtaining the brand he started. Originally, 45 potential buyers were notified that the brand was up for auction.

by Rafael Pena

November 23, 2023

Southwest Atlanta Nonprofit Faces Eviction, Urgently Seeks $100,000

A long-standing pillar of the community for 21 years, the organization is on the brink of closure.

On Nov. 21, Eric Merriweather, the founder of the nonprofit African American Association of USA in Southwest Atlanta, urgently appealed for financial support to stave off eviction, as reported by WSBTV. Merriweather emphasized the critical timing: “Today was the last day for the landlord to even get it paid before they send it to the attorney for eviction.”

With the organization, a long-standing community pillar for 21 years, on the brink of closure, it grapples with outstanding bills, including overdue electricity expenses.

Dedicated to providing free essentials, such as food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, the nonprofit has been a lifeline for over 21,000 families in Atlanta. This year alone, approximately 7,000 families benefited from its assistance.

Merriweather emphasized the critical role they play for families with limited resources, stating to WSBTV:

“They may have one paycheck coming into the household that goes toward bills per se, and they don’t have the ability to get food or personal hygiene products,” he said.

The nonprofit recently made efforts to distribute turkeys to those in need in Atlanta. However, Merriweather faced the challenge of dwindling supplies. Approximately 100 boxes containing clothing items and food remain, with a noteworthy shift in their clientele.

Merriweather shared, “We’re finding that a lot of middle-class people are coming to get food,” highlighting the widening impact of economic challenges.

The organization’s financial strain intensified post-COVID as sponsors scaled back contributions to conserve funds. Adding to the adversity, Merriweather suffered a stroke in 2022, further impeding its ability to sustain operations. Now, the African American Association of USA urgently seeks support to the tune of $100,000.

Merriweather outlined the allocation of funds, stating, “That would help with the rent. That would help with the transportation to get the food here. That would help with the utilities.”

As the clock ticks, the organization that has supported the community over the last two decades stands at a crossroads, appealing for financial aid to secure its future and continue its vital mission.

Robert O’Hara Brings Black Stories To The Met

by Daniel Johnson

November 23, 2023

Robert O’Hara Brings Black Stories To The Met

Though opera is seen as a very white, very high-brow space and art form, O’Hara is attempting to transfigure it into a temple devoted to Afro-futurism

An opera about the life of Malcolm X, aptly titled X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, debuted at the Metropolitan Opera on Nov. 3.

According to NPR, the show has been running off and on since 1985 and has largely remained a family affair. Anthony Davis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, wrote the music, and his brother, actor/director Christopher Davis, wrote the story. A cousin, scholar, historian, and writer, Thulani Davis, wrote the libretto.

The newcomer to the production is its director, Robert O’Hara. One of the few Black theater directors working, in 2021, O’Hara used his influence to create a showcase for other Black directors and playwrights. In 2022, O’Hara was chosen to revive Lorraine Hansberry’s seminal play A Raisin In The Sun. O’Hara chose to put his spin on the production, re-interpreting the story as a tragedy focused on the female characters in the play.

The music is as much of a character as any of the faces on the stage, something that the play’s lead, baritone Will Liverman, recognized as he discussed how the music dovetails with changes in Malcolm X’s life. Liverman told NPR, “It’s just the energy — it never settles at any point; it’s always kind of in the forefront,” Liverman explained. “And it really represents Malcolm’s story — lots of turmoil and transformations. There is nothing that was just kind of even-keeled throughout. He was always evolving and changing.”

Much like he did with Hansberry’s play, O’Hara has transformed the source material into something that subverts the arena in which it will be seen. Though opera is seen as a very white, very high-brow space and art form, O’Hara is attempting to transfigure it into a temple devoted to Afro-futurism, as he told NPR, “A spaceship has crashed into the Met,” O’Hara said, “and a future race of people are telling the story of this icon.”

At one point, the spaceship will display names of Black victims of police violence, and Thulani Davis says that particular moment is one that emotionally stuck with her. Davis told NPR about her recollection of the first time she saw O’Hara’s version of the play, saying, “The reason I cried so long after the first scene was that the spaceship started showing names, and it was a stab in the heart — all these names from all different generations,” Davis explained. “It’s as if somewhere somebody saved those names. You know, we historians try to keep those names alive, but it was as though society wants to forget.”

O’Hara knows what this means for him and the history of Black people in the operatic space, and he is both proud and staunchly critical, telling NPR that the achievement is bittersweet for him, “It’s significant. But you also have to acknowledge the fact that something hasn’t been going great in this situation. No one gets a hero cookie for doing this, right? It should have been done much sooner. I should not be the second. I should be the 200th Black director.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

Jamie Foxx Sued for Sexual Assault

The incident reportedly occurred in 2015.

After the bombshell lawsuit filed by former Bad Boy artist Cassie against Sean “Diddy” Combs comes another sexual accusation against another prominent entertainer.

Multihyphenate Jamie Foxx has just been sued by a woman who claims the actor sexually assaulted her in August 2015 at a NYC rooftop bar. The unidentified woman filed the lawsuit on Wednesday, Nov. 22, in the New York Supreme Court. She alleges that Foxx fondled her and then violated her when he stuck his hand down her pants. She also named the rooftop bar, Catch NYC & Roof (Catch NYC Inc.,) Catch Hospitality Group, and the owner of the venue, Mark Birnbaum, in the paperwork.

The woman alleged she was with a friend when they were sitting near Foxx. After asking to take a picture with him as he sat with Birnbaum, an “intoxicated” Foxx “roughly” took her phone and took more pictures while making suggestive comments. After doing so, he allegedly grabbed her by the arm to take her to the back of the rooftop, and that is where he slid his hand under her shirt and started rubbing on her breasts, according to the suit.

She also claimed that when she tried to get away from him, the Any Given Sunday actor slid his hands down into her pants and placed his fingers in her vagina and anus. A security guard allegedly witnessed the act, but the guard walked away. She also stated that when her friend came over, the comedian stopped the sexual assault and then headed over to the security guard.

The alleged victim states that she is suing the venue because the owner and the staff did nothing to stop it and were “negligent” in protecting their clientele. She stated that they “had knowledge of Foxx’s propensities for aggressive behavior toward females, the potential for unwanted sexual touching, and his bad disposition when consuming excessive alcohol.”

She required medical treatment due to what took place, experienced “pain and suffering,” and still feels the effects of the assault. She added that it caused “severe emotional distress and anxiety, humiliation, embarrassment, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other physical and emotional damages.”

She is asking for unspecified damages.

Suspected Burglar Thwarted By Fayette County Deputies In Pre-Dawn Incident In Georgia

by Rafael Pena

November 23, 2023

Suspected Burglar Thwarted By Fayette County Deputies In Pre-Dawn Incident In Georgia

Fayette County deputies successfully thwarted a potential break-in from a suspected burglar after responding to a vigilant citizen's call.

In the pre-dawn hours of Nov. 14th, Fayette County deputies effectively prevented a possible break-in after responding to a concerned citizen’s report of a suspected burglar in the vicinity of Kenwood Road, as reported by WSBTV. This incident transpired at approximately 2:15 a.m.

A concerned 911 caller reported seeing an individual donning a ski mask, suspiciously peering into the windows of a closed business. Promptly responding to the call, deputies arrived at the scene and spotted a man matching the caller’s description.

The arrested individual has been identified as Desjuan Toliver, a 29-year-old resident of LaGrange. Upon closer inspection, deputies discovered that Toliver was equipped with pieces of concrete. A subsequent search revealed car keys clandestinely stashed in his sock, raising further concerns about his motives.

The arrest unfolded as Fayette County deputies identified a GMC Yukon and a trailer that belonged to the suspected burglar parked several businesses away from the scene. The trailer contained additional pieces of concrete, along with ratchet straps and moving blankets—tools that suggested a premeditated attempt at burglary.

Toliver has been booked into the Fayette County Jail, facing charges that include loitering, prowling, and criminal intent to commit burglary.

As reported by Fox 5 Atlanta, Sheriff Babb says, “They usually see in uptick in crime during the holidays.”

In Fayette County, Georgia, violent crime is low, boasting a rate of 12, notably below the national average of 22.7. However, a twist in the plot unfolds with property crime taking center stage at 30.4, a tad higher than the broader U.S. average of 35.4. It paints a picture where the county, though enjoying relative safety from violent incidents, leans a bit more toward property crimes like burglary and theft, based on a report from Bestplaces.net.

Second Suspect Arrested In Connection To Morgan State University Homecoming Shooting

by Lauren Nutall

November 23, 2023

Second Suspect Arrested In Connection To Morgan State University Homecoming Shooting

He has since been charged with attempted first-degree murder.

A second suspect has been arrested following the mass shooting at Morgan State University’s homecoming on Oct. 3, according to CBS News Baltimore.

On Nov. 20, the D.C. Metropolitan Police reported that Jovan Terrell “Chewy” Williams, 18, had been taken into custody in connection with the shooting, which left five people injured. He has since been charged with attempted first-degree murder and other charges stemming from the incident. His alleged accomplice, 17, was arrested on Oct. 12.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott spoke to CBS News Baltimore about the arrests.

“The Morgan State community has been forced to grapple with the violent, reckless decision of a few individuals who had no regard for the lives around them,” he said. “I want to thank the U.S. Marshals, BPD, and Morgan State Police for diligently working this case until these suspects were apprehended. I hope that this will be a sign to everyone that if you come into Baltimore City, endanger lives, and injure people, we will not rest until you are held accountable.”

The shooting took place near the school’s Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center after the Mister and Miss Morgan State Coronation event. According to ESPN, an argument broke out between two groups, and the two gunmen opened fire, injuring four men and one woman between the ages of 18 and 22. However, their injuries were not life-threatening.

In response to the ordeal, Morgan State University’s homecoming festivities were canceled for the remainder of the week. University President David K. Wilson released a statement after the attack, saying, “What happened on our campus was such a senseless act of violence perpetrated on our community. It was so disappointing to learn of what took place, especially after what was a family-filled and fun evening of celebrating the pageantry and beauty of our students. But rest assured, our Morgan family is strong, and we will march on with determination to keep moving on.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 23, 2023

LeBron James Becomes First NBA Player To Score 39,000 Career Points

King James keeps adding to his legacy in his 21st NBA season

His place in the NBA Hall of Fame is already solidified, and he is making sure that entry is unanimous in the first year he is eligible. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James became the first NBA player to score 39,000 points in the league.

According to NBA.com, the feat occurred in the first quarter of the Lakers 131-99 victory over the Utah Jazz on Nov. 21. James connected on a 3-point shot to make history again. He was christened King James long before becoming an NBA legend, and it certainly fits now.

With LeBron James becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 39,000 points, look back at his journey to becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer! 👑 pic.twitter.com/t3YTnJIccF

— NBA (@NBA) November 22, 2023

With the Lakers’ victory, they have won every game played in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament. James was only on the floor for 24 minutes and finished with 17 points.

“I got congratulated by my teammates and coaches, (but) I haven’t had an opportunity to really wrap my head around what that means,” James said after doing what was perceived as impossible many years ago. “There’s been so many great players that came across this league since the beginning of time, and so many great scorers. To be able to accomplish something that’s the first of anything, I think that’s always pretty cool. It’s a wild moment, that’s for sure.”

James is playing at a level not shown for someone who has played for over 20 years. He has stated in the past that he wants to compete in the NBA long enough to play on the same team as his oldest son, Bronny James, who is currently a freshman at USC (University of Southern California). If this level of play continues, he might be around when his second son, Bryce, a high school senior, is eligible for the NBA.