LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MAY 06: Lil' Kim during the Lovers & Friends music festival at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on May 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kaitlyn Morris/FilmMagic)
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 13, 2023

Lil Kim Believes Her Memoir Will Outsell The Bible, Foxy Brown Says Otherwise

Lil Kim is confident in her upcoming memoir and believes the book has the potential to outsell the Holy Bible.

Lil Kim is confident in her upcoming memoir and believes the book has the potential to outsell the Holy Bible.

The Queen Bee’s first-ever autobiography is slated for a 2024 release, and she’s teasing how well the memoir will perform. According to Lil Kim, the presales of her book The Queen Bee will surpass one of the greatest books in the world.

“My book has been done,” Kim said during an Instagram Live session on Thursday, Nov. 9, captured by XXL.

“When we post our presales, we be surpassing the Bible. And that’s crazy,” she continued. “And the thing is, it’s like the Bible, like I don’t take that lightly. I already know that.”

It’s a bold statement for Kim, considering the Guinness Book of World Records cites the Christian Bible as the “Best-Selling Book” of all time. Research shows that over the last 1,500 years, somewhere between 5 and 7 billion copies of the Bible have been sold.

If Kim doesn’t outsell the Bible, she’s already blaming it on the publishing industry and her Blackness.

“But it’s like some crazy s—t going on behind the scenes,” Kim said. “You have to be really careful when you deal with these book companies because they try to, like, literally take advantage of you. You know I’m a little Black woman.”

The “Jump Off” rapper plans to write her fans a letter to tell them everything that’s been happening behind the scenes.

“Y’all really deserve to know what’s going on,” she said.

Kim received strong responses to the bold promotion of her upcoming memoir. Many mocked Kim’s claims to outsell the Bible. Among the critics were her longtime nemesis, Foxy Brown, who took to her Instagram Story to post the word “BIBLE” and a laughing emoji.

https://twitter.com/itsKenBarbie/status/1723390498897887718

Kim and Foxy have a longstanding feud dating back to the ’90s. If there’s one rapper who likely won’t be supporting Kim’s memoir, it’s Foxy Brown…and maybe even Nicki Minaj.

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Kelly Oubre Jr., crash, Lamborghini
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 13, 2023

After Philadelphia 76ers player, Kelly Oubre Jr. Is Injured In Hit-And-Run, Team Wins 8 Straight Games In His Honor

While walking in downtown Philadelphia near his home, 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. was struck by a car and broke a rib on Nov. 11, in Philadelphia’s Center City.

After the Philadelphia 76ers traded James Harden, the expectation for the team dropped as they lost one of their key players. Yet, they were riding on a 7-1 streak but were given extra motivation for their last game when one of their teammates was injured in a hit-and-run car accident.

NBA.com reported that while walking in downtown Philadelphia near his home, 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. was struck by a car and broke a rib on Nov. 11 in Philadelphia’s Center City. The driver fled the scene. Oubre was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, was listed in stable condition, and released a few hours later.

The newly acquired 76ers player was walking near his home at about 7:20 p.m., and as he was heading west on the street, a gray vehicle that was going “at a high rate of speed” struck him “in the upper chest area with the driver-side mirror,” police said on Nov. 12.

The 76ers played the Indiana Pacers Sunday night, and his teammates pulled through for him, winning their eighth straight victory. Tyrese Maxey had a phenomenal career game as he scored 50 points. Last season’s MVP, Joel Embiid, had 37 points as the team won 137-126.

As Maxey closed in on 50, he stated that Embiid was more anxious than he was to get to that 50 mark.

“Joel wanted me to get 50 more than even I did,” Maxey said after the contest. “When he gave me the ball, he said, ‘You are going to shoot this basketball.’ And that’s why I appreciate my teammates, my coaches, and the fans. It was a great night, and we got the win, which is what matters most.”

Maxey joins “The Answer” Allen Iverson to have scored 50 points while under 23.

Embiid, who also pulled down 13 rebounds, mentioned “K.O.” in comments after the 76ers victory.

“The game today, I’m sure Tyrese was thinking about it, and we were all thinking about it,” Embiid said.” We just want him to take his time, recover, and know that we have his back. He’s needed because he’s a big part of us. We missed him tonight, but he should take his time.

In the locker room after the game, the players acknowledge Oubre during a FaceTime session with the injured player.

The team stated that Oubre would be re-evaluated in about one week.

university of South Carolina, booing, LSU
by Derek Major

November 13, 2023

Gamecocks Coach Dawn Staley Calls Out NCAA Review Of Officiating In National Championship

South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley does not want the NCAA Review of Officiating of the National Championship game last season to keep those officials from other prominent assignments in the future.

South Carolina Gamecocks Head Coach Dawn Staley does not want the NCAA Review of Officiating of the National Championship game last season to keep those officials from other prominent assignments in the future.

The Grio reports the NCAA review of officiating in LSU’s 102-85 win over Iowa in April that gave the Tigers their first national championship was below expectations. Staley, whose Gamecocks lost to Iowa in the Final Four semifinal, said she hoped the review wouldn’t keep the officials from prominent games in the future.

The NCAA did not release its officiating report from the game. Instead, it shared general conclusions from the game and did not publicly release the names of the officials who worked the game, according to the outlet.

This wasn’t the first time the three-time Olympic gold medalist commented on officiating in the National Championship game. In May, Staley was on The Pivot podcast hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Channing Crowder, and Fred Taylor and said she wasn’t sure if the narrative behind the game was “two Black officials or just because it was bad officiating, but I know what’s going to happen to those two officials … I’ve got to look out for them too because that’s the way it is.”

Staley, who has won two national titles in South Carolina and coached numerous players in the WNBA, is an unabashed supporter of Black women. Before the Gamecocks opened their season in Paris earlier this month against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Staley asked organizers to seek a Black female coach to be the opponent, leading to the selection of Notre Dame, coached by a Black woman, Niele Ivey.

After the Gamecocks 100-71 win. Staley ensured her team looked respectful during the photo commemorating the victory.

auto theft ring, cadillac, 1999, tow truck, grandmother
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 13, 2023

Video Reveals Tow Truck Driver Repossessing Dying Man’s Vehicle Right After Cops Allegedly Shoot Him

Stephen Perkin's neighbor disclosed that police didn't have good lighting when they assumed he had a gun.

A neighbor’s video surveillance footage of an interaction between an Alabama father, police, and a repo man emerged on Nov. 4.

In an incident that occurred on Sept. 29, 39-year-old Stephen Perkins was allegedly shot and killed by police officers in Decatur, Alabama, outside his home. As he lay dying, the repo man— who had gone to the house earlier—confiscated his truck.

According to the New York Post, recently released surveillance footage captured the tow truck driver taking the dead man’s vehicle immediately after officers allegedly shot Perkins. Police claimed the family man brandished a firearm before a cop fired 18 shots at the 39-year-old patriarch. Seven bullets hit him. Perkins’ family disputed the claim that he was so far behind in payments that the truck was being repossessed.

After the shooting, police officers claimed that Perkins pointed a gun at the officer who shot him. Video footage revealed that Perkins had a flashlight in his hand when they approached, but the officers allege that he had a gun mounted to the flashlight. There was no mention of a weapon being recovered.

In the initial report of the shooting, Decatur police spokeswoman Irene Cardenas-Martinez claimed that the officers gave Perkins first aid before the ambulance arrived.

“Officers on scene provided Mr. Perkins with medical aid before he was transported to the hospital,” she stated. “An officer retrieved a medical pack and began assessing his injuries while other officers applied pressure to the wounds and applied a tourniquet to one of his legs before medics arrived.”

Yet, the video does not show any of that taking place. The family disputes that, and a neighbor also stated that she did not witness those alleged actions. The Perkins family said that he was ambushed by the police officers who never gave him a chance to comply with instructions to get on the ground, as they fired at him almost immediately upon confronting him.

Family spokesperson Brenton Lipscomb told NBC News, “From the immediate footage that we’re seeing, it looked like an ambush of him not even knowing who was in his yard. They were in uniform, but it’s a very dark neighborhood. No police cars were in front of the house. They were parked down the street, hiding in neighborhoods’ yards, hiding around the house.”

Susan Capps, who lives across the street, told a different story concerning the event. It was the footage from her security camera that was recently released.

“I stood outside the whole time, and I saw them pat him down. I did not see them render any first aid. All I kept hearing was, ‘Put the gun down. Put the gun down.’ I saw him move one arm slightly and heard him say, ‘Help.’ I saw his arm move like up toward his head, and then I didn’t see him move again,” the neighbor said.

“And then I heard an officer call and say he ‘needed an ambulance ASAP,’ and then a little later I heard him say ‘he’s out.’”

Capps also stated that she asked one of the officers about Perkins, and the person allegedly lied and told her that he was fine.

News 19 reported that the Decatur Police Department said an investigation of the incident was completed. Chief Todd Pinion will review the findings and determine if disciplinary actions will be taken. Pinion then said he would give his recommendation to Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling.

The police officer who shot Perkins has been placed on leave while the incident is under investigation by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Tim scott, GOP, Black Jobs, Trump, Black republicans, Black voters
by Sharelle B. McNair

November 13, 2023

Republican Tim Scott Drops Out 2024 Presidential Race On Live Television

After the last debate, Tim Scott called it quits.

As of Nov. 12, Republican South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott is done with his presidential bid.

Scott sat down virtually with Fox News’ Trey Gowdy for an interview while fighting the flu. During the conversation, Scott dropped a bombshell that caught Gowdy entirely off guard, announcing that it won’t be as a presidential candidate the next time he visits Iowa.

“When I return to Iowa, it will not be as a presidential candidate,” Scott said. “I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they’re telling me: not now.”

Not only was Gowdy, a former GOP representative, surprised, but so was Scott’s staff. Several staff members said they learned about the campaign suspension at the same time the world did. Before his announcement, the senator’s campaign sent out another fundraising email.

“We want to give you ONE LAST CHANCE to donate this weekend and help Tim reach his campaign goal,” the email read. “Can you chip in to help Tim win?”

Scott’s withdrawal from the presidential race comes a few days after the third Republican debate on Nov. 8 in Miami. During his campaign, launched in May 2023, Scott had been trying to catch up to the 2024 frontrunner, former President Donald Trump, who is still leading by large margins in primary polls in key states like Iowa. According to a poll from NBC News, Des Moines, and Mediacom, Scott garnered 7% support, which put him in fourth place.

Scott’s campaign took a lot of hits over the past few months. His campaign and super PAC spent nearly $25 million on ads in Iowa and other early states to highlight him as an optimistic conservative. However, money grew tight, and his poll numbers began to dip.

Former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who just jumped to second place in early-state primary polls, celebrated Scott’s efforts on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Tim Scott is a good man of faith and an inspiration to so many,” she wrote. “The Republican primary was made better by his participation in it. South Carolina is blessed to continue to have him as our senator.”

Scott is the second candidate to drop out of the race, behind former Vice President Mike Pence, according to the Associated Press. Pence announced his withdrawal in October 2023 during an appearance at a Republican Jewish Coalition gathering in Las Vegas, saying, “This is not my time.” When asked who he will support moving forward, Scott said he’s not prepared to endorse any of his remaining Republican rivals.

Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Drawings On Sale For $195,000
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 13, 2023

Jimi Hendrix Psychedelic Drawings On Sale For $195,000

Rare drawings from the late great rock and roll icon Jimi Hendrix are up for grabs. But it'll cost buyers a pretty penny to obtain them.

Rare psychedelic drawings from the late great rock and roll icon Jimi Hendrix are up for grabs. But it’ll cost buyers a pretty penny to obtain them.

Ten of Hendrix’s color pen-created drawings are currently on sale on Momentsintime.com for the hefty price tag of $195,000, TMZ reports. They were originally a part of the Bob & Kathy Levine Collection, two of Hendrix’s friends and music collaborators.

The Levines obtained the drawings quickly after Hendrix’s death in September 1970. The pair rushed over to the rock star’s home shortly after learning about his death by overdose to change the locks. They knew many people had keys to Hendrix’s homes and wanted to ensure the safety of his belongings.

The Levines gave most of the stuff to Hendrix’s family and kept a few items for themselves, including the drawings that are up for sale. Ownership of the drawings has changed over the years, and last hit the market in 2008.

Copyrights of 18 pieces of art Hendrix created sold in 2004 for $75,270—a highlight of the drawings’ high earning potential.

Hendrix died in London on Sept. 18, 1970, at 27. His official cause of death was listed as asphyxia due to aspiration of vomit, meaning he choked on his own vomit. It was likely caused by the excess of barbiturates, or sleeping pills, in his system, American Songwriter reports.

He’s regarded as one of the most influential guitarists and rock stars of his day and all time. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described the late rock icon as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.”

Some of his most notable musical contributions include his 1969 Woodstock performance and his legendary music catalog consisting of songs like “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” “Highway Chile,” and “The Wind Cries Mary.” Hendrix was an all-around artist who made music and artwork that fans can still enjoy today.

RELATED CONTENT: Exploring Black Men’s Mental Health Through The Arts

Black Health Matters, Editorial Director, Corynne Corbett
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 13, 2023

‘Black Health Matters’ Names New Editorial Director

Ms. Corbett comes to BHM with more than twenty-five years of experience in communications, including roles as executive editor, strategist, editor-in-chief, and senior manager across various platforms and publications.

Black Health Matters (BHM) announced Corynne L. Corbett has been named editorial director for the nation’s leading provider of digital health and wellness solutions for African American consumers and patients. BHM’s various online and experiential events are dedicated to educating and empowering African Americans with information rooted in medical expertise and providing the tools necessary to optimize their health.

Ms. Corbett comes to BHM with more than twenty-five years of experience in communications, including roles as executive editor, strategist, editor-in-chief, and senior manager across various platforms and publications. Her past positions include Beauty Director of ESSENCE Communications, Executive Editor of Real Simple Magazine, Editor in Chief of Heart & Soul Magazine, and senior editorial and leadership positions with Mode and ELLE magazines.

“BHM is delighted to find the intellect that will connect us to the health and wellness interests of women of color. Corynne’s professional background illustrates her ability to influence and enlighten women of color at every life stage,” said Roslyn Young Daniels, founder and president of Black Health Matters.

“We are excited to see how she’ll utilize her decades of editorial experience to engage with our audience to help improve health outcomes.”

Ms. Corbett will be responsible for guiding Black Health Matters’ editorial vision as the company moves into its second decade of raising awareness about chronic conditions and disease states that disproportionately affect African Americans. In her new role at BHM, she will lead in developing the editorial voice for all aspects of the company’s online and offline presence, managing and creating content, editorial planning, writing, and conducting interviews about medical topics and advances.

“I am excited about joining Black Health Matters because our work not only enlightens and empowers our audience but can also save their lives,” Ms. Corbett said.

Corynne L. Corbett holds a Master of Professional Studies in Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Merchandising and Management from Pratt Institute.

About Black Health Matters. Founded in 2012 by Roslyn Young Daniels, Black Health Matters’ mission is to continue to be the leading evidence-based, chronic disease management and wellness resource for African Americans. We exist to radically redefine health and wellness for Black Americans by empowering them to demand the best in healthcare utilizing our multi-platform approach. We reach over one million African Americans interested in health monthly across our ecosystem that includes digital, social, and experiential. We create a culture of health where Black Americans can achieve their best quality of life possible and work with the top pharmaceutical companies across the country.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Doctor Left Healthcare To Bake Some Of Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Cookies

Trump, ape post, Barack Obama,
by Atiya Jordan

November 13, 2023

‘Big Problems’:The Obama Foundation, Tech Experts Discuss AI Coded Bias At Annual Forum

The annual Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum weighed in on the challenges of AI and how its tools are encoded with biases.

During the annual Obama Foundation’s Democracy Forum, tech experts reportedly weighed in on the challenges of AI and how its tools are encoded with biases like racism, misogyny and ableism.

On Nov. 3, former President Barack Obama invited activists, thought leaders and changemakers to cultivate a healthy discourse about building a more inclusive and equitable economy. This year’s discussion was dedicated to shedding light on the challenges that innovations like AI pose to economic and social inclusion. The Obama Foundation aims to do something about it.

At a panel, titled “Weighing AI and Human Progress,” Alondra Nelson, a professor of social science at the Institute for Advanced Study, emphasized just how much AI and technology can exacerbate racial and other inequities. She challenges society to do the work.

“There’s already evidence that the tools sometimes discriminate and sort of amplify and exacerbate bias in life — big problems that we’re already trying to grapple with in society,” Nelson said.

“Even if you’re not an expert in mathematics, you can have an opinion about this very powerful tool that’s going to accomplish a quite significant social transformation,” Nelson said. “We have choices to make as a society about what we want our future to look like, and how we want these tools to be used in that future — and it really is going to fall to all of us and all of you to do that work.”

A study spearheaded by the Stanford School of Medicine found that chatbots may perpetuate racial biases and outdated medical concepts, potentially exacerbating health disparities among Black people. Findings revealed that chatbots appeared to reinforce long-held false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white people.

Furthermore, multiple Black people and other people of color have complained about using facial detection, leading to false arrests and unfair termination. Randal Quran Reid, for example, filed a lawsuit in Louisiana after law enforcement used facial recognition technology to identify Reid as a suspect and subsequently issued warrants for his arrest in 2022.

In February, a pregnant woman named Porcha Woodruff was falsely arrested after Detroit police accused her of carjacking and robbery. Facial recognition technology was used to investigate the case. The detective in the case reportedly knew that the suspect wasn’t a pregnant woman. The case was later dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

More recently, reports revealed that Obama was instrumental in drafting the new White House artificial intelligence policy that President Joe Biden rolled out on Oct. 30. The Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence is a landmark initiative to prioritize safety, privacy and advance civil rights.

An aide told ABC News that Obama met with AI industry leaders to address national security concerns and biased systems. Congressional leaders were also tapped into efforts to regulate AI.

“Former President Obama’s advice has been critical to our aggressive strategy to harness the benefits of AI while minimizing the risks,” White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients told the news outlet.

According to studies, Black workers have a greater anxiety and fear about being replaced by AI. Researchers predicted that Black workers, including those in the fast-food, retail, and customer service industries, will lose a total of 132,000 jobs by 2030.

For his part, Obama also urges those who “are interested in helping to shape all these amazing questions that are going to be coming up [about AI technology]” to apply for Joe Biden’s artificial intelligence team “for the common good.”

sales
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 13, 2023

Black Woman President of DC-Based Marketing Agency To Lead Social Impact Practice Using AI Solutions

Marketing agency Boathouse Group has launched a new social impact practice that will be led Boathouse DC president, Karen Baker.

*Originally Reported by Blacknews 

Nationwide — Marketing agency Boathouse Group has launched a new social impact practice that will be led Boathouse DC president, Karen Baker. The firm’s portfolio of services also includes advertising, communications, digital acquisition and organic social.

“We see this offer as a critical component of our overall portfolio as client organizations of all sizes seek to ensure they are reflecting the values of their stakeholder bases in an era when social good is a critical yardstick,” said Boathouse Founder and CEO, John Connors.

Baker added, “Measurable societal impact in action requires online and offline efforts. We understand how to deliver this…Whether the focus is equity and inclusion, specific social issues, corporate social responsibilities, philanthropy, employee trust, or all of these, being purpose-driven in our narrative and how we define and identify the impact is our focus.”

The agency said that by leveraging synergy across initiatives and campaigns, it is seeking to “inspire the scale of social good.”

Boathouse said it would leverage AI solutions to understand the social landscape of social issues within a client’s industry and globally and use insights learned as part of a broader marketing and communications strategy.

The agency is headquartered in Boston and has offices in Washington, DC and Silicon Valley.

For press inquiries, contact Xina Eiland at xina@xinapr.com or 703-785-4358

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bookmobile, North Carolina
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

November 13, 2023

10-Year-Old Black Girl Breaks World Record, Writes Longest Novel With 58,000 Words

Meet Hephzibah Akinwale, a 10-year-old Black girl who just broke the world record for the longest fiction book for children.

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Nationwide — Meet Hephzibah Akinwale, a 10-year-old Black girl from the United Kingdom who just broke the world record for the longest fiction book for children. Her book, Chronicles of The Time Keepers: Whisked Away, boasts a whopping 58,000 words.

In this middle-grade fiction adventure novel, Hephzibah serves as the main character, diving into mysterious dreams that feel as real as her everyday life, according to Shine My Crown.

Hephzibah, a student at Little Thetford C of E Primary School in East Cambridgeshire, England, surpassed the previous record holder, 11-year-old Manikya Sanghi, who wrote the award-winning Wizard of Sansanadia with 44,000 words.

However, Hephzibah isn’t just breaking records. Her mother, Chika, believes that her achievements will light a creative spark in other children worldwide.

What’s more, her talents have already earned her a spot among the top 20 young people chosen to help East Cambridgeshire District Council celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

RELATED CONTENT: LeBron James To Release ‘I Am More Than,’ An Inspiring Children’s Book In 2024, To Encourage Kids To Dream Big And Overcome Barriers

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