State courts to consider blocking Trump from 2024 ballot under the ‘insurrection’ clause

by Daniel Johnson

November 16, 2023

Trump Lashes Out At Leticia James On His Truth Social Platform

Trump called Letitia James "racist" and claimed she was enjoying his trial "a bit too much."

Former President Donald Trump spoke harshly of New York Attorney General Letitia James on Nov. 14, using his Truth Social platform. According to The Hill, Trump wrote, “Racist A.G. Letitia James is smirking all day long from her seat in Court.”

He continued, “You have a (Trump Hating!) Attorney General who’s seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages when not a single penny was lost by these banks, and that’s part of this (Unconstitutional!) Law. You can see from the reaction of A.G. James, every morning from that seat, that she is enjoying this, enjoying it a bit too much.”

As the trial has proceeded, Trump has been vexed by James, and critical over what he has described as a vendetta against him for political purposes for quite a while. While The Trump Organization and its executives were found liable for fraud, an appeals court wants to wait until his case is completed before it strips his business license.

The trial, which is a civil trial, is separate from Trump’s criminal trial in Georgia, which concerns his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election. There are also other trials: over his alleged mishandling of classified documents once he left the White House, as well as alleged efforts from Trump to hide hush money paid out ahead of the 2016 election.

Trump shared posts on his website where user described a fantasy situation in which James and Judge Arthur Engoron, who is overseeing the civil trial, were placed under citizen’s arrest for what the user called “blatant election interference and harassment.”

Ty Cobb, a former White House lawyer in Trump’s administration, said that such attacks could lead to Trump being punished.

According to Newsweek, Cobb told CNN, “He’s specifically asked people to conduct a citizen’s arrest. Detention of either James or Engoron would be a crime if committed by any individual who was so motivated by the president’s remarks. It’s much like what he did on January 6, he continues to be off the rails in terms of the extent to which his invective infects these proceedings and is the potential in them to intimidate witnesses.”

He continued, “Comments like this will result in Trump not only being sanctioned, which will probably be the first order of business, but at some point, these types of comments will result in him being put in jail pending some of these trials.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2023

Terrence Howard Says He Only Made $12K For ‘Hustle & Flow’

The Memphis-based film became a box office hit, earning $22 million in the United States and Canada.

Hustle & Flow garnered an Academy Award for Three Six Mafia. But the film’s Oscar nominated star, Terrence Howard, claims he only made $12,000 for the film.

It’s been 18 years since Howard captivated audiences with his starring role in the 2005 Memphis-based film, which earned $22 million in the United States and Canada. But on WREG’s Live at 9 on Tuesday, Nov. 14, the actor revealed the surprisingly low salary he walked away with.

“I made $12,000 for doing Hustle & Flow,” Howard said.

“What Paramount did, instead of putting my name as ‘Terrence Howard’ performing the songs, they put ‘performed by Djay [his character’s name].’ Well, they owned Djay.”

The studio’s subtle loophole allowed for the performance royalties to go to the media company instead of the song’s actual performer. Now Howard is suing Paramount. “So now, I’ve got to send them a letter to say, ‘Hey, you guys owe me about 20 years worth of residuals and performance royalties,'” he said.

As for why Howard agreed to the low pay, he said he was just trying to pay his rent. In 2020, Howard sued 20th Century Fox for using his likeness from Hustle & Flow to promote the Lee Daniels series he also starred in, Empire.

“SAG [Screen Actors Guild] didn’t do anything to help me,” Howard now says of the lawsuit. “They waited nine months until the statute of limitations went out.”

Howard, who played Lucious Lyon on all six seasons of Empire, filed a lawsuit accusing 20th Century Fox of keeping him in the dark when asked how it came up with the Empire logo. He never sat down for a photoshoot so he wondered how the image was obtained.

In the lawsuit, Howard says he ultimately determined the image was taken from the Hustle & Flow scene where “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” is being recorded in a studio. Now Howard is after two different studios to get what he feels he’s owed.

Veteran Raquel Riley Thomas Becomes Media And Entertainment Mogul, Pioneering Positive Change

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 16, 2023

Veteran Raquel Riley Thomas Becomes Media And Entertainment Mogul, Pioneering Positive Change

Raquel Riley Thomas, a distinguished U.S. Army Captain veteran, entrepreneur, pageant queen, and humanitarian, has evolved into a media and entertainment mogul

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Raquel Riley Thomas, a distinguished U.S. Army Captain Veteran, Entrepreneur, Pageant Queen, and Humanitarian, has evolved into a media and entertainment mogul, reshaping industries and inspiring positive change. With over 30 years of combined military and private sector experience, she has seamlessly transitioned from the battlefield to the boardroom, leaving an indelible mark on the Beauty, Fashion, Celebrity, Lifestyle, and Music industries.

Raquel is the founder of An Officer and Gentlewoman, LLC (AOAGWLLC), a Veteran-owned media and entertainment company headquartered in Washington, DC, with satellites in GA, NY, LA. Since its inception in 2011, AOAGWLLC has earned acclaim, winning over 75 awards. Raquel, as a Publicist and owner of AOAGWLLC, has led her team to support clients in achieving over 700 appearances in print media, television, in-person, and radio/podcast appearances.

Military Service and Entrepreneurial Journey

Raquel’s journey began in 1990 as a decorated military Veteran, serving nine years in the U.S. Army as an Enlisted photojournalist and later as an Ordnance Officer. In 2002, she started her first business, Photography By Raquel, LLC, capturing actors, celebrities, and Jet magazine swimsuit centerfolds. Transitioning into the world of modeling, Raquel signed with Elite Model Management and later Ford Model NYC, showcasing her versatility in the industry.

The pivotal shift occurred in 2011 when Raquel founded AOAGWLLC, making history with over 75 awards and producing pageants at renowned venues such as the Kennedy Center. In 2020, she expanded her entrepreneurial footprint with the launch of Raquel Riley Thomas Beauty Line (RRTBeauty), a performance-based makeup brand.

Education and Community Involvement

Raquel’s commitment to excellence is reflected in her educational achievements, including a degree in Psychology from Hampton University and a certification from Harvard Business School in Mastery of Negotiations. Actively engaged in the community, she serves as an Advisory Board member of Operation Renewed Hope, Public Relations Chair on the Executive Board of Fashion Group International Atlanta (FGIATL), and is a member of Veterans of Foreign War and Veteran’s In Media.

Raquel’s accolades include induction into the Library of Congress, Army Commendation Medal (2x), Army Achievement Medal (3x), “Veteran of the Year” 2011 by Women Veteran’s Rock, and recognition as a “Leader of the Future” by Ebony Magazine, among many others.

Personal Life and Advocacy

A native of Maryland, Raquel, alongside her husband, West Point graduate Ron Thomas, Esq, and their entrepreneurial daughters, Maria Raquel and Sophia J, exemplifies a commitment to family and community. In remembrance of her late mother, who took her own life by suicide, Raquel supports the American Federation of Suicide and initiated Queen V Day, pampering deserving Veterans.

She attributes her success to the skills honed during her military service, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, leadership, and adaptability. These attributes, cultivated on the battlefield, seamlessly transferred to the world of business, guiding AOAGWLLC towards success.

Recognizing the challenges Veterans face during transition, Raquel offers valuable advice for a seamless shift from the military to entrepreneurship. Leverage military skills, seek mentorship, understand cultural differences, translate military experience, invest in continuous learning, and proudly embrace military background.

Raquel stands as a pioneer in creating positive change, proving that even small steps can lead to meaningful impact. Her journey, marked by a profound shift in roles and responsibilities, serves as an inspiration for fellow Veterans seeking a new mission beyond the uniform.

RELATED CONTENT: 6 Black Celebrities Who Are Military Veterans

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 16, 2023

Obamas Appear At ‘Rustin’ Screening For HBCU First Look Film Festival

The Former First couple executively produced the biopic centering on the openly gay activist.

Barack and Michelle Obama made a rare appearance in support of their new film’s latest screening. The former first couple joined the opening night of Rustin at the HBCU First Look Film Festival on Nov. 10.

The Washington, D.C. affair filled with esteemed professionals in the film industry, as well as public figures in the social impact sphere. Rustin tells the story of Bayard Rustin, played by Euphoria actor Coleman Domingo, an openly gay man and social justice advocate who helped create the March on Washington. According to Blavity, the film is executively produced by the Obamas, as part of their production company Higher Ground.

At the showing, both political figures spoke about the importance of telling Rustin’s inspiring, yet relatively lesser-known, story.

“I know how easy it is to doubt who you are, to wonder if the way you look or where you’re from or who you love will leave you on the margins of the broader American story,” Mrs. Obama explained.

“But as you watch this movie, I want you to let Bayard Rustin’s example give you the strength to silence those doubts. Let his story remind you that no matter the complication, no matter the hardship, you can make history.”

Her husband shared similar sentiments, stating that although Rustin is lauded for his work in present day, the hardship felt during the civil rights movement and ongoing fight for gay rights is still one to recognize.

“No medal can change what happened to Bayard, and no film can ease the pain of generations of Americans who have faced discrimination because of who they are and who they love,” shared Obama, referring to Rustin’s posthumously awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.

“But Michelle’s and my hope is that, by telling Bayard’s story, more people will appreciate leaders like him who brought America closer to its highest ideals – even though they weren’t in the limelight.”

The film is set to open in a limited theater release on Nov. 3, with its Netflix debut on Nov. 17. The trailer for the upcoming biopic, released in October, can be viewed below.

Destiny Drake West Is In Position To Be First Black Woman To Represent Maryland In Congress

by Stacy Jackson

November 16, 2023

Destiny Drake West Is In Position To Be First Black Woman To Represent Maryland In Congress

Black history in Congress is in the making.

Destiny Drake West might make history.

West, a congressional candidate, recently announced she is pregnant with her fourth child. She also declared she will continue to strive to represent the citizens of Maryland’s 6th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

According to a press release emailed to BLACK ENTERPRISE, if West is elected for this position she will be the first Black woman in this role and the first Black representative to serve Maryland’s 6^th Congressional district. This would also make her the first woman to serve in Congress from the state of Maryland since 2016.

The politician stepped into the realm of public service after being motivated by her personal experience. Her background of being born into an impoverished family has led to her, she said, understanding of the various challenges faced by marginalized members of the community such as women and working families. According to West, this has provided her with a unique perspective and understanding of gender pay disparities, affordable childcare, paid maternity and paternity leave, and reproductive rights.

The soon-to-be mom of four uses her story of success as motivation when helping families in her district obtain access to opportunities that will set them up for economic growth and security.

“After years of trying to conceive and two failed pregnancies, my husband and I are thrilled to be expecting a child. However, I’m equally thrilled to continue my campaign for the people of Maryland’s 6th District. I entered this race because I believe, more than anything else, our district needs a working mother in Congress who understands that poverty is not a Democrat or Republican issue. Poverty is a failure of leadership–an inability to rise above petty political disagreements and recognize that our community is only as strong as our most vulnerable people,” West said.

“Right now, one-third of our families are struggling to make ends meet and the only thing standing in the way of finding common-sense solutions to these economic challenges is a lack of political will in Washington. This pregnancy will not deter me from my mission. If anything, it strengthens my resolve to run this race to the end,” she continued.

West has been praised for her excellence in politics by Dr. Don Trahan, Jr., a certified diversity executive.

“Destiny has the ability to navigate the complex landscape of running for Congress as a woman of color, where gender biases and inequalities still persist,” Trahan said.

Donna Edwards was the first African American woman in Congress from the state of Maryland, BE covered in 2008. She was elected to represent Maryland’s 4th Congressional District.

West is four months pregnant and will be running the race for the duration of her pregnancy, with a due date in April 2024.

by Daniel Johnson

November 16, 2023

Ice Cube Gets Award Named After Him By Naismith Basketball Hall Of Fame

The honor is due in part to what Ice Cube has been able to accomplish through his BIG3 basketball league

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced an award named after rapper turned actor/director Ice Cube on Nov. 13, due in part to what he has been able to accomplish through his BIG3 three-on-three basketball league. According to The Source, the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award will be awarded to its namesake on Jan. 15, 2024. The award will recognize Ice Cube’s journey and impact on the basketball community.

Ice Cube’s BIG3 league has provided a place for Hall of Famers, former world champions, and former All-Stars, among others, to play and coach. These developments have helped to revitalize the careers of players and coaches, providing a spark to their playing or coaching prospects. Lisa Leslie, a WNBA Hall of Famer who otherwise might not have gotten a chance to coach elsewhere has not only won titles in the BIG3, but has also been awarded its Coach of the Year award.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, in Springfield, Massachusetts, is both an American history museum and a hall of fame. Its primary mission is to serve as basketball’s premier library of the sport while also championing the preservation and promotion of basketball’s rich history.

“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering,” Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s President and CEO John L. Doleva said in a statement, “His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award. We are delighted to join hands with Ice Cube as he leverages his love of the game to inspire others. The Ice Cube Impact Award will stand as a testament to the power of basketball and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide.

Ice Cube, who is a lifelong Lakers fan, shared comments regarding his honor, “The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization. Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2023

Bill Cosby In ‘Financial Turmoil’ From Sexual Assault Lawsuits

Bill and Camille Cosby are reportedly in "financial turmoil" due to all the civil lawsuits the disgraced comedian faces.

Bill and Camille Cosby are reportedly in “financial turmoil” and liquidating their assets to deal with all the civil lawsuits the disgraced comedian is still facing.

Cosby was released from prison in 2021 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his 2018 conviction for sexual assault. But his legal troubles are far from over, considering the long list of women who have accused him of sexual assault.

As a result, Cosby, 86, is living in ‘financial ruin’ with his wife, who has remained by his side through it all. Insiders say the Cosbys are “taking out second mortgages” and “selling off their artwork” due to their money woes, Radar Online reports.

The Cosbys are in a “bad situation financially” due to all of the civil lawsuits “The Cosby Show” star keeps getting hit with. The money woes are causing “major issues” for the couple, with Camille reportedly being unwilling to make lifestyle changes to help their situation.

“It’s never going to end,” one source says of Cosby’s multiple lawsuits in various states.

In addition to the lawsuits, Cosby reportedly owes back taxes totaling $650K for the 2019 and 2020 tax years. The “I Spy” star has been hit with two tax liens, one for $88,566.88 and the other for $559,573.77, according to the outlet.

Last year, Cosby was ordered to pay $500K in damages to Judy Huth after a California civil jury found him guilty of assaulting her at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 when she was just 16. In June, Cosby was sued by nine more women in the state of Nevada who all accused him of sexual assault, NBC News reports.

The suit accuses Cosby of using his “enormous power, fame, and prestige” to isolate and sexually assault the nine women named in the suit. Among the plaintiffs include veteran model Janice Dickinson, Lise-Lotte Lublin, Janice Baker Kinney, Lili Bernard, Heidi Thomas, Linda Kirkpatrick, Rebecca Cooper, Pam Joy Abeyta, and Angela Leslie.

The disgraced comedian has been publicly accused of sexual assault and misconduct by more than 60 women. Many of the allegations are decades old but have been revived as states change statutes around sexual misconduct cases.

13-Year-Old Black Teen Solves 34 Math Problems In 172 Seconds, Earns Full Scholarship

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 16, 2023

13-Year-Old Black Teen Solves 34 Math Problems In 172 Seconds, Earns Full Scholarship

Nasara James Dabo, a 13-year-old girl from Nigeria who has caught attention with her incredible feat.

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — Meet Nasara James Dabo, a 13-year-old girl from Nigeria who has caught attention with her incredible feat. At the International Mathematical Olympiad, she solved 34 math problems in just 172 seconds, winning a gold medal in the junior category.

Nasara, who is a student at Ideal College International in Kaduna, outshone 150 competitors worldwide, securing a total score of 145. Along with the gold medal, Nasara earned the Olympiad champion title in the prestigious competition that gathers participants from over 100 countries.

Shortly after her IMO victory, Nasara took the Mensa IQ test and aced it under strict supervision. Her IQ score of 150 puts her in the top 1% globally among Mensa applicants.

What’s more, Nasara recently bagged a LIMCA Award for memorizing a whopping 673 binary numbers in less than 9 minutes at the Memory Championship by Mind Sports Olympiad.

After bringing great honor to her community, Nasara, who dreams of becoming a doctor, has been offered a scholarship by the Kaduna State government to cover her secondary and university education expenses.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 16, 2023

Kevin Hart Announced As The 25th Recipient Of The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize

He is the sixth Black comedian to receive the award; gala takes place on March 24, 2024.

Comedian and entrepreneur Kevin Hart has just been announced as the 25th recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will honor the Philadelphia comedian at a gala that will take place on March 24, 2024.

“To be honored in this commemorative year feels surreal,” Hart said in a written statement. “Comedy is my outlet for social commentary and observations on life—I am grateful to the Kennedy Center for recognizing my voice and impact on culture. I can’t wait to celebrate!”

The honor is given to artists who have impacted American society, like the 19th-century novelist Mark Twain.

“For over three decades, Kevin Hart has been a source of laughter across America and throughout the world with his iconic characters, inimitable physical comedy, and relatable narratives. An accomplished writer, producer, actor, and comedian, he has made lasting contributions to the comedic landscape and represents our celebration of American humor at the Kennedy Center,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “We express our gratitude to Kevin for enriching American culture and look forward to celebrating his exceptional career.”

Hart will add his name to other esteemed performers who have been recognized by the Kennedy Center. Those include Richard Pryor (1998), Whoopi Goldberg (2001), Bill Cosby (2009; rescinded in 2018), Eddie Murphy (2015), and Dave Chappelle (2019) among many others.

Hart’s business endeavors have been doing well as of late. In September, Gran Coramino Tequila was named the official luxury tequila of the Philadelphia Eagles. It was also announced last month that the brand secured a similar deal with the Atlanta Hawks.

Gran Coramino Tequila supports Black and Latinx businesses as well. The teaquila brand partnered with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Global Brand Equities, to launch The Coramino Fund. The fund is an initiative to help uplift and support small, Black- and Latinx-owned businesses; specifically, those who have been marginalized and prevented from gaining access to necessary capital and resources to help with their business growth.

The Coramino Fund gave Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and businesses a $10,000 grant to facilitate in providing the tools to help bolster their businesses. This year, the Coramino Fund has already awarded half a million dollars to 50 entrepreneurs across the country.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 15, 2023

Award-Winning Group Take 6 and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partner to Impact Children and Families

St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital announced the addition of 10-time Grammy-winning group TAKE 6 to its "Music Gives to St. Jude's Kids" program.

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital announced the addition of 10x Grammy-winning group TAKE 6 to its ‘Music Gives to St. Jude‘s Kids,’ program. This initiative provides a platform for music lovers to connect their passion for music to the mission of St. Jude’s to continue to lead the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The partnership between TAKE 6 (Claude McKnight, Mark Kibble, Joel Kibble, Dave Thomas, Alvin Chea, and Khristian Dentley) and St. Jude’s includes the incorporation of St. Jude and its mission in their shows and events and encouraging their fans and supporters to contribute to the life-changing and life-saving work of St. Jude’s, with a percentage of the proceeds of their tour dates donated to St. Jude’s. TAKE 6 will be featured on radio-thon events and participate in the St. Jude Celebration of Hope in January 2024, an inspiring and educational seminar.

Content creators, corporate partners, religious leaders, and members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council also enjoy the weekend, which culminates with an unforgettable dinner and concert. As parents themselves, TAKE 6 greatly appreciates and admires the work of St. Jude’s. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food so they can focus on their children’s fight to live. Treatments developed through research at St. Jude’s have helped to push the childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since its founding.

The partnership officially kicks off on November 4 with TAKE 6’s performance at the Duncan-Williams Performance Hall of the Germantown Performing Arts Center in Germantown, TN. For tickets, visit www.gpacweb.com or call 901-751-7500.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures.

This news was first reported by blacknews.com.