Foxy Brown & Claudia Jordan Trade Jabs About Each Others Careers

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

Foxy Brown & Claudia Jordan Trade Jabs About Each Others Careers

Rapper Foxy Brown ignited a new celebrity feud with a reality star alum all in the name of disliking Lil Kim.

Foxy Brown ignited a new celebrity feud all in the name of disliking Lil Kim.

The Brooklyn rapper exchanged in a war of words with television personality Claudia Jordan after Jordan defended Lil Kim against Foxy’s shade. Foxy seemingly made a mockery of Lil Kim’s recent claims that her memoir would outsell the Holy Bible.

The “Ill Na Na” rapper responded to Kim’s claims by writing the word “Bible” on her Instagram Story along with a laughing emoji. When the shady post was shared by a blog, Jordan offered her opinion on the matter. But Foxy wasn’t feeling Jordan entering the chat and proceeded to DM her to ignite a new war.

The Fox Soul host decided to post their heated exchange on Instagram and let everyone see how bothered Foxy was by Jordan defending Lil Kim, as captured by The Neighborhood Talk.

“All this because I commented on a post that Kim bothers no one and to leave her alone,” Jordan wrote over a screenshot of the DM.

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A post shared by The Neighborhood Talk (@theneighborhoodtalk)

The screenshot revealed the initial message Foxy sent Jordan that seemingly warned “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum not to mess with her.

“Somebody better warn you nobody a** b*tch,” Foxy wrote to Claudia.

“Lol!!!! What you gonna do to me?? Fight me like your career has been fighting success as of late!? No one is scared of an old b*tch, Trust me I am one too! Now fall back and stop embarrassing yourself dummy.”

The shade continued with Foxy taking a jab at Jordan’s feet by calling her “Dorito feet.”

“And you’re a former “rap star” that kept a missing side tooth,” Jordan clapped back. “Girl you fussing with people just cause they love Kim. Do better and floss.”

Meanwhile, Lil Kim is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated memoir “The Queen Bee.”The book is slated for a 2024 release and the “Jump Off” rapper is confident it will perform on biblical levels.

by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Seattle Launches ‘Black Black Friday’ Card To Boost Black-Owned Businesses

Seattle agencies have joined forces to introduce the inaugural ‘Black Black Friday’ card to support Black-owned businesses.

KIRO 7 reports Seattle agencies have joined forces to introduce the inaugural ‘Black Black Friday’ card to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses in the Puget Sound region on Nov. 24.

Spearheaded by Seattle advertising agency DNA, in collaboration with Intentionalist, the Black Friday card is an innovative card that promises shoppers a 20% discount at numerous participating Black-owned businesses.

Among the businesses covered by the ‘Black Black Friday’ card are Foot Print Wine, Queencare, Creamy Cone Café, Jacob Willard Home, and many more across diverse industries. The card, available on their website, provides shoppers with attractive discounts and contributes significantly to supporting local Black-owned enterprises.

The discount the card offers is generously covered by BECU, ensuring that participating businesses receive the full value of each purchase made with the card. The outlet reports that this collaborative effort is not just about providing discounts; it’s a strategic move to uplift and empower Black-owned businesses during the crucial holiday season.

According to a news release, the overarching goal is to generate a minimum of $250,000 in revenue for local Black-owned businesses. This initiative seeks to make a meaningful impact on the economic landscape, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and empowerment within the business community.

In a statement, the organizers expressed their commitment to fostering positive change. “The goal is to generate a minimum of $250,000 in revenue for local Black-owned businesses during the holiday season.” It underscores the community’s collective effort to make a tangible difference in supporting historically disadvantaged businesses.

As the ‘Black Black Friday’ card takes center stage, it symbolizes a move toward a more equitable and inclusive shopping experience. Seattle aims to create a ripple effect beyond the holiday season by encouraging patrons to engage with Black-owned businesses.

As shoppers gear up for the holiday season, this innovative card offers an opportunity to enjoy discounts and contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive business landscape.

by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Prince’s Wardrobe Hits The Auction Block

An online auction is set to showcase the sartorial legacy of the legendary musician Prince, curated by a French collector.

According to Fortune, an online auction will showcase the sartorial legacy of Prince. Curated by a French collector who initially envisioned a museum dedicated to the iconic artist, the collection includes over 200 lots. It provides a glimpse into Prince’s musical journey and fashion evolution.

In collaboration with individuals closely associated with Prince, the collector gathered the items, believing that the musician’s impact extended beyond music, establishing him as a fashion icon. Boston’s RR Auction, overseeing the sale, revealed that the collector had abandoned plans for a museum, leading to this auction.

Among the standout pieces is the white ruffled shirt worn by Prince during his 1985 American Music Awards performance of “Purple Rain.” The auction house estimates its value at $15,000, emphasizing its significance in Prince’s influential career.

Bobby Livingston of RR Auction highlighted the auction’s broader narrative, illustrating Prince’s lasting influence on music and fashion. The items span Prince’s “Purple Rain” era to his untimely demise in 2016, showcasing his ability to reinvent himself with each tour and influencing contemporary artists.

An iconic ensemble from “Under the Cherry Moon,” a 1986 film marking Prince’s directorial debut, is also up for auction with an estimated value of $45,000. Additionally, high-heeled blue boots from the Act I Tour ($20,000), a custom-made gold stage outfit with love symbols ($10,000), and a blue Schecter’ Cloud’ Guitar played by Prince ($4,000) are among the sought-after items. A distinctive chain that adds to the eclectic mix.

Beyond fashion, the auction includes original Polaroid photographs, master tapes of hit albums, and official documentation related to Prince’s films and music videos. The diverse collection provides enthusiasts with a multifaceted view of Prince’s artistic journey.

Bidding for the auction is set to conclude on Thursday, offering fans a chance to own a piece of Prince’s iconic legacy. Earlier this year, Minnesota, Prince’s home state, paid tribute to the artist by renaming a highway after him. The signing ceremony, fittingly, used purple ink, Prince’s signature color, further commemorating the musical maestro’s enduring impact.

Pepsi Dig In Continues Uplifting Black Restauranteurs At Honeyland Festival

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 14, 2023

Pepsi Dig In Continues Uplifting Black Restauranteurs At Honeyland Festival

The platform dedicated to uplifting Black-owned restaurants continues its mission through the Honeyland Festival.

Pepsi Dig In recently continued its mission to support Black Restaurateurs at the Honeyland Festival. The platform, sparked by Pepsi in 2020 to expand accessibility and business growth to Black-owned restaurants, helped bring Honeyland to the greater Houston area to honor community and culture.

Honeyland Festival was developed as a first-of-its-kind experience in Sugarland, TX to showcase music, culinary achievement, and Black creativity in all forms. In its partnership with the inaugural event, Pepsi curated its own park within the space to celebrate Black culture, while also further supporting restaurant vendors to be at Honeyland.

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At Pepsi Park, Honeyland attendees were introduced to the Dig In Reunion House, a hub to congregate by playing games such as spades and dominoes while honoring the journey of Black-owned restaurants. Pepsi Dig In also sponsored one restauranteur by covering the overhead costs to participate at Honeyland, all to increase profits that lead to their business expansion.

The recipient, Sianni Dean of Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls, spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about how Pepsi Dig In and her presence at Honeyland boosted her success. Dean recently won a Vegas Residency at MGM Resorts for her gourmet desserts as a Top Voted Black-owned restaurant.

“They have been giving small Black businesses like mine the opportunity [to] reach a larger audience,” the 24-year-old business owner shared. “Sometimes, we can’t afford to do things like this because of equipment, inventory costs, and labor. To feed 30,000 people is not an easy job, so for Pepsi Dig In to help us on the back end so that we can come out here to Honeyland to do that, it’s life-changing for us.”

Dean continued, speaking on how Dig In’s impact has changed the trajectory of her business so that her vision of success is on the path to fruition.

“I think it is one thing to just throw money at a business, but Pepsi Dig In is actually coming in the back end to show us how to set our infrastructure to really be able to build up…Our long-term goal is to eventually franchise, so when we can have everything on the [foundation] together, everything else going up is going to be fine.”

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To continue this support beyond Honeyland, Pepsi Dig In has also expanded the opportunity for vendors on the grounds to participate in their Black Restaurants Deliver program. The free 8-week program provides expert consulting to digitally optimize these businesses to boost their search presence and online sales as part of its ongoing quest to ensure Black restaurants continue the thrive, even as the food industry evolves.

More information on Pepsi Dig In and their latest endeavors to support Black restauranteurs can be found on their website.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

NFL Player Zay Jones Arrested On Misdemeanor Domestic Battery Charge

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones was reportedly arrested on Nov. 11 on a charge of domestic battery causing bodily harm.

Another current NFL player has been arrested on accusations of domestic violence. The Associated Press has reported that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones was reportedly arrested on Nov. 11 on a charge of domestic battery causing bodily harm, according to Duval County Jail records.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office police officers detained Jones and booked him into jail at around 6:30 p.m. It is considered to be a first-degree misdemeanor. No details were revealed about the incident nor who was involved.

The 28-year-old Jones will appear in court on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 9:00 a.m.

The Jaguars released a statement acknowledging the arrest.

“We are aware of the situation and are in the midst of gathering information. We will have no further comment at this time.”

If Jones is convicted of the first-degree misdemeanor, he will face a sentence of up to 180 days in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. He may also have to pay court costs and restitution and be given probation, treatment, and/or community service.

Jones, whose full name is Isaiah Avery Jones, is currently nursing a knee injury and has not played in the last four games. For the current season, the lingering knee soreness has caused him to miss six out of the previous seven games. He has caught eight passes for 78 yards while scoring two touchdowns. He’s been in the NFL for seven years, playing for the Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Oakland, and Las Vegas Raiders. Over those years, he had 261 catches for 2,785 yards and 59 touchdowns.

According to Fox Sports Radio, Jones had a phenomenal season last year when he recorded career totals with 82 receptions, leading to a total of 823 yards. The five touchdowns he scored made it his second-highest touchdown total while tying a career-best 15 games as a starter in 2022.

Jones inked a three-year, $24 million contract with the Jaguars in March 2022.

The wide receiver played his collegiate career at East Carolina, where he still holds NCAA Division I records for career receptions (399) and single-season receptions (158).

Keke Palmer & Darius Jackson’s Mamas Have Words Around Alleged Abuse

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 14, 2023

Keke Palmer & Darius Jackson’s Mamas Have Words Around Alleged Abuse

Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson's mothers have gotten involved in their children's ongoing domestic violence case.

Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson’s mothers have gotten involved in their children’s ongoing domestic violence case.

Jackson is denying Palmer’s claims of physical abuse and responded with receipts of his own. In his response, Jackson included a video recording and a text message after Palmer’s mother Sharon threatened to put a “bullet” in his head, TMZ reports.

A shocking video shows the moments during a heated exchange between Jackson and Palmer over the custody of their son. Jackson claims he requested their son Leodis last Sunday to watch a football game together. But when he arrived, the baby wasn’t there. An argument ensued with Palmer calling her mom on the phone while arguing with Jackson.

That might’ve been the point when Palmer’s mother can be heard threatening Jackson with a bullet to his head. Jackson then tried wrestling Palmer’s phone out of her hand while she was seated on the couch, which can be seen in surveillance stills Palmer provided authorities.

https://twitter.com/NikkiThaGodB1/status/1724114678836592745

https://twitter.com/BoujeeNBanjee/status/1722834843216851412

Jackson denies abusing Palmer and says cops came over to the home and found no probable cause to arrest him or file a police report. A screenshot from a text message exchange between Palmer and Jackson’s mother shows Yhinyer reaching out to Sharon after she learned about the threat of the bullet to the head.

“I have tried not to get involve in my son’s personal business, but I heard that you are going to put a bullet in my son’s head???” Yhinyer wrote. “Well then now we have to involve the authorities because you don’t respect or value yourself and I can no my son’s life.”

"You should be very ashamed to have raised a man who fights women"

– Keke Palmer's mother engages in a heated exchange with Darius Jackson's mother after issuing a threat to shoot Darius over alleged abuse against her daughter.pic.twitter.com/oM767ax05H
— GistReel.Com (@GistReel) November 14, 2023

But that was only half of the conversation. Once Jackson revealed the text his mother sent, Sharon responded with the remaining half of the text where she surfaced claims of Jackson allegedly choking his own sister and having “anger issues.”

“If he attacks my daughter in her own home where she pays the bills he is trespassing and anything can happen so he should stay away,” Sharon wrote. “You should be ashamed to have raised a man who fights women.”

A source says Sharon only made the threat to Jackson to protect Keke. The “Scream Queens” star was granted a temporary restraining order against Jackson and temporary sole custody of their son. A hearing is scheduled for December 5 where Jackson will be able to plead his side on the custody case.

by Daniel Johnson

November 14, 2023

Black Palm Springs Residents Fight The City For Reparations

The Section 14 Survivors Group is fighting to receive reparations as a result of what was done to their ancestors by the city of Palm Springs.

A California Attorney General report described what happened to Black residents of the city of Palm Springs in the 1960s as “a city-engineered Holocaust.”

According to ABC News, Pearl Devers claimed the city erased all evidence that her family home existed, telling them, “The home that my father built — it was burned, bulldozed over by the city fire department.”

Devers continued, “There’s no hint or a trace that we ever existed here. Not an ounce. That’s the painful part.”

Devers founded the Section 14 Survivors Group, a group that represents the interests of families of people whose homes were taken and destroyed. The group is fighting for reparations due to what was done to their ancestors by the city of Palm Springs.

Areva Martin, who is an attorney representing some of the families who lived in the area referred to as Section 14, told ABC News, “They were the only community willing to allow Black and brown families to live on their land.”

Martin continued, “The irony was, for a lot of these families, they were escaping the Jim Crow South only to find that some of the same Jim Crow laws and policies were very much prevalent in Palm Springs.”

According to city documents, Section 14 was an area Palm Springs officials wanted to renovate, citing “substandard housing conditions.”

In 1959, a law expanded the length of a lease in tribal land to 99 years, which made that property infinitely more attractive to developers.

“In 1956, the city of Palm Springs approached the conservator with a plan to raze Section 14…the city would then clear the land, using city funds,” documents from the city cited.

Devers says that what the city did by taking her family’s home destroyed her father.

“My mother became a single mom. And my father succumbed to alcohol; [he] could not handle it. The strong-willed man began to drink until he died.”

Palm Springs issued a formal apology in 2021 and took down the statue it had constructed of Frank Bogart, who led the city as its mayor during the 1960s. Though the city began initial discussions of reparations in 2021, no tangible benefit has been given to the descendants of those residents the city forced out of their homes.

The city issued a statement in lieu of accepting an interview request from ABC News, writing, “The City of Palm Springs has apologized for the action taken toward those affected by the Section 14 displacement. The City has an obligation, not only to those who were displaced, but also to its residents, businesses and taxpayers, to thoroughly investigate the history as it develops remedial programs that are fair to everyone.”

Martin filed a tort grievance against the city on behalf of the Section 14 families, estimating the value of the harm done to the families she represents at $2 billion.

Dieter Crawford, one of the group’s members whose family moved to Palm Springs from Texas and Mississippi, said he felt like the group is owed that sum because of the trauma the city passed to them.

“The generational trauma that was passed down to us, as well as the generational wealth that we lost.”

Martin, for her part, believes that her negotiations with the city will result in something tangible for the residents she represents, saying, “When this is done, and I have every reason to believe it will be done, it will be history-making.”

by Rafael Pena

November 14, 2023

Middle School Violence: Student Arrested for Aggravated Battery

In a shocking incident at a Florida middle school, Jah’yel Carter was arrested for aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a fellow student

In an incident on Nov. 9 at L.A. Ainger Middle School in Florida, Jah’yel Carter was arrested for aggravated battery after allegedly assaulting a fellow student, as reported by NBC 2 Charlotte. According to the arrest report, Carter lifted another student, identified by parents as Patley, by the waist and recklessly dropped him on his head.

The victim, who recently moved from Haiti, was known for his friendly gestures at the middle school, often touching people non-threateningly, according to the outlet. Unfortunately, these actions had reportedly subjected him to bullying by fellow students.

The incident occurred in the school’s lunchroom when Patley approached a group of students to shake hands. In what appears to be an unprovoked attack, Carter, reportedly significantly larger than the victim, lifted him from behind and slammed him onto the ground, causing the victim to lose consciousness and convulse, the outlet reports.

The report alleges that Carter callously kicked the victim’s head and showed no remorse for his actions. School administrators promptly provided aid to the unconscious victim.

“We have adequate security, SROs, security guards. There were administrators in the cafeteria at the time this happened. It happened in mere seconds,” school district spokeswoman Claudette Smith said to NBC 2. “Administration immediately escorted students out of the cafeteria.”

The sheriff’s office emphasized the unprovoked nature of the attack and highlighted Carter’s extensive disciplinary history at the school. The victim, now in a medically induced coma after life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to a local hospital for emergency surgery.

Smith assured that the aggressor, Carter, would face disciplinary action in accordance with the student code of conduct. However, Sheriff Bill Prummell revealed that Carter had a history of disciplinary issues.

Amid growing misinformation on social media, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) released a statement to clarify the victim’s condition. Sheriff Prummell stated that the victim underwent emergency surgery and, while unable to speak, showed signs of responsiveness. The community was urged to support the victim’s recovery with thoughts and prayers.

New Orleans, mayor , Latoya Cantrell, first-class

by Sharelle B. McNair

November 14, 2023

New Orleans Mayor Hit With Ethics Charges After 15 First-Class Flight Upgrades Were Made On Taxpayers’ Dime

The mayor maintains her upgrades were for safety reasons, not luxury.

The Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell, is being charged with state ethics charges for upgrading her airline tickets for first-class seats.

The Louisiana Board of Ethics found upgrades were made for 13 domestic and two international flights, totaling close to $30,000 at taxpayers’ expense for two years. According to the mayor, she made the changes for “safety, not luxury,” citing first-class accommodations were needed to limit COVID-19 exposure.

“Anyone who wants to question how I protect myself just doesn’t understand the world Black women walk in,” Cantrell previously said in a statement.

After the New Orleans City Council pressured her to have her pay docked, Cantrell reimbursed the city in full in 2022, even though she originally refused to do so.

“All expenses incurred doing business on behalf of the City of New Orleans will not be reimbursed to the City of New Orleans,” Cantrell said in September last year. “I do my job, and I will continue to do it with distinction and integrity every step of the way.”

The ethics board will set a date to hear the charges against Cantrell, which include an official censure and a possible fine of $10,000.

The mayor’s office said the mayor and the administration have addressed the travel issue appropriately and will respond to the ethics complaint in due time. Currently, Cantrell is overseas in Africa with the United Nations for a meeting highlighting plastic pollution.

Louisiana elected officials tend to follow the same pattern. Attorney General Jeff Landry faced similar accusations after the Board of Ethics required him to pay a penalty after failing to disclose roundtrip flights he took to and from Hawaii in 2021. The flights were taken on a private jet owned by retired oil and gas businessman Greg Mosing to attend the Attorney General Alliance conference at the Grand Wailea Maui, a luxury beachfront resort.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 14, 2023

Controversy Ensues As North Carolina Orthodontist Offers Free Glock 19 For Invisalign Patients

A North Carolina orthodontist is offering a Glock 19 for patients getting an Invisalign.

If you want to get Invisalign aligner treatment go to an orthodontist in North Carolina—you my get a gun with your new grin.

According to WFAB 9, “Grins and Glocks” by Dr. Jason Gladwell of Gladwell Orthodontics is causing controversy. He is offering potential customers a free Glock 19 handgun for those who get Invisalign treatment in his office. They can also receive a paid membership at Youngsville Gun Club & Range located in Youngsville.

“Anytime you talk about firearms, it can be a polarizing subject,” Gladwell said. “Instead of them paying for it, I’m paying for it.”

According to the outlet, local residents are not really feeling the combination promotion and question the decision of the dentist to partner with the gun club.

“It’s mind-blowing to me that an organization that I think of as trying to provide health care to the people in the community is partnering their health care with gun death,” said Jennifer Copeland, the executive director of the NC Council of Churches.

The company that makes the Invisalign product, Align Technology, does not want to have anything to do with the promotion.

“Invisalign-trained doctors are independent practices and Align was not involved in the development or approval of this promotion by the dental practice, and only learned of it after the fact,” the company said in a statement. “For more than 25 years, Align has been helping doctors transform smiles and change lives through healthy, beautiful smiles using Invisalign aligners, and this promotion does not reflect our brand purpose.”

Attorney Ron Shook stated that the promotion is perfectly legal. He adds that the most important thing is making sure the patient receiving the oral care can legally own a gun.

According to Kurt Lieberman, the gun club’s owner, patients will need to visit the club in order to actually receive the gun. “You have to be 21 and older, and then, we do a background check here on site,” he told WFAB. It’s also recommended they take a training class.

He adds that he will be recommending that the recipients of the free gun take a training class, but it won’t be required.