Diddy Calls Out Warner Bros. Studios For Banning His Joker Costume
Diddy allegedly received a letter from Warner Bros. Studios demanding he not dress up as the Joker.
Diddy ate and left no crumbs when he dressed up as the Joker for Halloween 2022. But he performed so well that night that Warner Bros. Studios reportedly banned him from dressing as its iconic character this year.
The Bad Boy founder took to social media on Tuesday, Oct. 31, to reveal the slight disappointment he faced on Halloween when he allegedly received a letter from Warner Bros. Studios preventing him from dressing up as the Joker.
“Breaking Halloween news: last year after I did the Black Joker, I got a bunch of emails from the studio telling me to not be the Joker anymore, that I was breaching the trademark. So I dont know what I’m going to be this year,” Diddy said.
“To the motherfu*ker that took all this time… to tell me not to be the Joker, you win. I’m not going to be the Joker this year because your ass had enough time to fu*k up my motherfu*king Halloween.”
But Brother Love got the last laugh as he stepped out on Halloween night in his Batman costume he dubbed “The Darkest Knight.”
Diddy appeared on Jimmy Kimmel on Monday, where he first revealed his alleged conflict with Warner Bros. Studios.
“Last year I was the Joker, and I actually got a letter from the studio that I can no longer be the Joker because they said it broke their trademark that I did it too good, I swear,” Diddy told Kimmel. “I have this letter from Warner Brothers.”
“Warner Brothers lawyers, can you see me? Put this camera on me right here. Head of legal, tomorrow, watch what I do,” he added.
Diddy bounced back with his Batman costume that seemingly took a jab at Warner Bros.’s alleged formal threat.
The Love Records CEO might’ve switched it up for Halloween 2023. But no one will ever forget how legendary his Joker costume was last year.
Diddy has revealed he received a letter from Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. banning him from dressing up as the Joker again for Halloweenpic.twitter.com/89nJ5n8Csw
Surgeon Becomes First Black Woman To Hold Presidential Position For A Cardiothoracic Surgery Society
Dr. Africa Wallace, director of thoracic surgery at Capital Health, has been appointed as president of the Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society (ECTSS), and is the first Black female to occupy the role.
“The Eastern Cardiothoracic Surgical Society works to advance the highest standards of excellence in patient care through education, research, and surgical training programs,” the board-certified thoracic surgeon said in a press release.
“I’m excited to lead an organization that aligns with my personal commitment to quality, diversity, and inclusion in health care and Capital Health’s mission of improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves.”
Wallace specializes in treating cancer patients at Capital Health Medical Center – Hopewell. As a thoracic surgeon, she also performs procedures for other conditions that involve diseased or injured organs. At the medical center, the doctor incorporates video-assisted or robotic surgery techniques. According to an article published by the Journal for Thoracic Disease, surgeons use the robotic approach to resect lung cancer.
Wallace is part of a team of surgeons who perform the robotic-assisted procedures. The team of medical experts make up the Capital Health Surgical Group and the team with Capital Health’s Robotic Center of Excellence. Capital Health’s Lung Center of Excellence, which is is co-led by Wallace, “provides comprehensive care in the detection, evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of lung disease.”
The new ECTSS president holds several other leadership roles. A press release states that Wallace is part of the Society of Thoracic Surgery’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work Force and a member of the Women in Thoracic Surgery and Association of Women Surgeons. Her research focuses on using minimally invasive approaches in pulmonary and esophageal surgery to treat diseases such as cancer. Her research includes studies on “racial disparities in the surgical management of thoracic cancers.”
Wallace’s new appointment makes her the first Black female president of any cardiothoracic surgery society.
Study Finds Testosterone Replacement Can Help Men With Type 2 Diabetes
In a new medical study, the inclusion of testosterone replacement therapy can be quite beneficial to men dealing with type 2 diabetes. This reveal is considered to be a breakthrough to remedy not only sexual dysfunction but also issues stemming from the disease itself.
The audit, which included 428 diabetic participants from eight countries globally, surveyed patient data to review testosterone levels, as reported by Medscape. With testosterone replacement therapy initiated, 121 of the men found “a significant reduction” of their A1c levels, which measures one’s blood sugar, within 1-2 years.
With the newfound information, the coordinators of the audit encourage doctors and patients to check for one’s testosterone and to seek treatment if lower than usual.
“If you have a patient with type 2 diabetes, sexual dysfunction, or fatigue, please consider checking their testosterone level,” expressed study lead author Dr. T. Hugh Jones to the medical news outlet. “And if they fulfill criteria for testosterone deficiency and have had their [prostate-specific antigen] checked, consider a trial of treatment and follow them.”
Dr. Jones, an endocrinologist based in the United Kingdom, also emphasized the value of doctors inserting this data into the international audit to gain further insight into the impact of this treatment.
Type 2 diabetes is a medical condition that is particularly common within the Black community. According to the National Health Institute, Black adults in the United States are almost twice as likely to develop the disease than their white counterparts.
While the results are promising, other doctors remain cautious, given the correlation of diabetes-induced weight gain to lower testosterone levels. However, for those who are suffering from the decrease in the primary male sex hormone, treatment can provide a wide range of benefits that can be of help beyond the bedroom.
“It’s important when you give testosterone to replace it to the normal level,” explained Dr. Jones. “Adequate treatment gives the greatest benefit.”
$75K Settlement Reached For Nursing Assistant Tackled By Police For Jaywalking
A $75,000 settlement was reached in connection to a Black nursing assistant who was tackled and arrested by an officer in Snohomish County in Washington State in March 2020 for jaywalking.
The woman, who was 25 at the time of the incident, was identified as Sharon Wilson, according to The Daily Herald. Wilson said Deputy Matt Lease allegedly brought her down to the ground after she attempted to catch a bus to see her grandmother, who was in the hospital.
The outlet noted Lease claimed Wilson jaywalked across Highway 99 at the intersection of 216th Street SW. The officer wrote in his report that he had the green light but had to slow down while driving his car because Wilson was in the crosswalk. The report said the signal to walk across the highway was not on.
The outlet reported that Lease commanded Wilson to wait at the bus bench and told her she could not leave. The Community Transit pulled up to the bench where Lease had stopped his car to speak with Wilson. The officer’s report said the woman pleaded with Lease to let her get on the bus. But he told the nursing assistant, who had just left a shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, that another bus would come and that he needed to identify her. Security camera footage from the bus showed the then 25-year-old attempting to run to the bus. Lease tackled her and held her down with his knee. Wilson reported being in an “agonizing amount of pain” because of hypersensitivity to contact from having sickle cell disease.
She was arrested for resisting arrest and obstructing law enforcement, the outlet noted.
However, the lawsuit filed against the sheriff’s office in federal court in March stated, “Ms. Wilson tried to explain that she had not heard any commands because she was wearing headphones and could not hear over her music.”
The outlet reported a man who had gotten on the bus that Wilson missed gave another account of what happened. He said the nursing assistant had crossed the street “while the light was red” and that Lease was “giving her a hard time.”
The nursing assistant spent one night in jail. Working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson said in the lawsuit that she should not have gone to jail because she was “immunocompromised” and could have exposed others to the virus.
The incident, which occurred the same year George Floyd was murdered, resulted in a $75,000 settlement this month on Oct. 23. Wilson called the officer racist, according to the outlet. Lease denied that he had arrested her on account of her skin color. A prosecutor who reviewed the allegations in Whatcom County, Washington, said a few weeks after police had killed George Floyd in Minnesota that it would be challenging to prove the case to a jury, The Daily Herald reported.
Apps To Help Make Filing Taxes Easier For Self-Filers In The Upcoming Year
It is never too early to start getting information organized and prepared for filing your taxes.
It is never too early to start getting information organized and prepared for filing your taxes.
Though potentially painful and burdensome, that reality is approaching as the deadline for filing federal income tax returns is April 15, 2024.
Taxpayers must be mindful of that date and file their returns by then to evade penalties and interest on unpaid taxes.
There are scores of software products on the market to help make filing taxes easier, and there are some fundamental tips self-filers may do well to consider online and mobile apps to help make the process potentially easier.
Observers declare it’s crucial for self-filers to identify each tax deduction and credit they can possibly gain. For instance, some tax apps purportedly offer an option that digitally adds data to forms automatically and offers live assistance to expedite the process. Others can supposedly help you secure an advance refund, while others might even provide monitoring for expenses and mileage.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average taxpayer spends 13 hours to complete a return. While that can make the process burdensome, some tax-prep software could make filing returns for federal and state taxes less difficult. The encouraging news is that many Americans can qualify to file for free, particularly if they have a basic 1040 Form that includes a W-2. Based on the Wall Street Journal, some of them are included here.
When it comes to the marketplace, it is another story. Considering key factors such as costs, accessibility, functionality, and whether the service is free or comes with a price, Black Enterprise did some research to spot some tax apps or software in various categories for possible users to consider to help simplify filing in the upcoming tax season. Check out some options here:
Getting overall help
Turbo Tax by Intuit or TaxAct Express:
Widely known and with high brand recognition, Turbo Tax reportedly provides services for numerous filers who need help, people who like doing taxes themselves, and individuals seeking support from a tax expert who can help on many fronts. A purported pitfall is all your fees are not made clear until you finish the process. Another hurdle is Turbo Tax has no physical sites, meaning it might not be a great option if you’re looking for personalized service.
TaxAct Express scores high largely because of its supposedly moderate pricing. It also reportedly allows the most robust free option among providers and lets you pay for tax filing with your tax refund. The downside includes no expense tracking, and there is a charge for state filing, even with the free service.
Tapping into free tax software
Cash App Taxes
This app offers a quick, easy, and entirely free way to help you file both federal and state taxes, according to Vice. The website states, “No hidden fees, no matter your tax situation. Plus, we include free audit defense with every return.”
Some of the reported cons of the app are Cash App Taxes do not work for some tax situations, no expert is offered, and the financial service platform must be downloaded to use the service.
Accessing personalized support
H&R Block
This tax preparer offers several options for people who prefer to do their own taxes and seek face-to-face expert advice. Users can gain access to many choices, ranging from downloading software to a home computer to filling your return through the web or mobile app. It has a large network of offices across the country, helping simplify the process of getting help from a live pro if filing the return becomes too difficult. A downside is the package can be costly unless you qualify for the free option.
Using an app for business tax purposes
QuickBooks Online
This app can help various types of businesses and independent contractors gain help after starting up and growing. For instance, its website claims it can help users “get every tax deduction to help calculate, file, and pay your payroll taxes for you.” Some cons may include a learning curve to getting started, which can be costly compared to other providers.
DJ Kool’s Iconic Hip-Hop Single ‘Let Me Clear My Throat’ Finally Goes Platinum
In a report by WTOP on Oct. 30, DJ Kool’s iconic 1996 live club recording of “Let Me Clear My Throat” has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, a long-overdue recognition for the D.C. native.
He said, “Who would have thunk that DJ Kool would’ve ever been on WTOP? I grew up listening to WTOP, so this is big for me!” He shared that a friend informed him of the platinum certification, and he discovered it on the RIAA website. The achievement comes as a source of pride for DJ Kool, a DJ and artist deeply rooted in the District.
Born as John W. Bowman Jr. in 1958, DJ Kool spent his formative years in D.C., attending local schools and being actively involved in sports. He was a four-sport athlete, participating in baseball, basketball, football, and track. His unique DJ name, “Kool,” was inspired by his basketball prowess and the compliments he received from teammates during games.
Throughout the years, DJ Kool consistently released singles on the Billboard chart and recorded albums like “The Music Ain’t Loud Enuff” and “20-Minute Workout.” However, his breakthrough came with the 1996 album “Let Me Clear My Throat,” featuring the title track with its memorable samples. It became an anthem in parties and urban nightlife worldwide. The song’s distinctive call-and-response style is deeply rooted in go-go music, with DJ Kool delivering a lively performance.
The unexpected success of “Let Me Clear My Throat” led DJ Kool to various collaborations and opportunities, including a collaboration with WWF superstar “Macho Man” Randy Savage on the song “Hit the Floor” in 2003.
Today, DJ Kool proudly represents his hometown by wearing a curly “W” at D.C. sports arenas. The “W” symbolizes his deep connection to the city and its influence on his life and career.
Annual Closing Equity Gap Conference Connects Minority Businesses To Suppliers
There are over 33 Million small businesses in the U.S., employing over 46% of private sector employees
By Alecia Taylor
The annual Closing Equity Gap Conference took over downtown Baltimore for four days, bringing together thousands of people to connect and diversify their businesses.
The conference was hosted by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and took place at the Baltimore Convention Center from Oct. 21-25. While the location changes every year, the mission remains consistent. Every year, thousands of people attend the conference to help close the equity gap between the majority and minority communities within the business industry. This year’s conference featured the Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, workshops for entrepreneurs, and the highly anticipated exhibition, “The Exchange.”
“If you look at our society, more than 40% of the U.S. population are minority,” said Ying McGuire, the current CEO and president of NMSDC.
“If 40% of the population is standing sideline, that’s not going to help our economy. The global competitiveness of this country relies on all hands on deck.”
Although minorities make up a generous amount of businesses, there are still equity gaps between minority-owned businesses and white businesses. McGuire said to boost the economy and support these businesses, these businesses must have support.
There are over 33 million small businesses in the U.S., employing over 46% of private sector employees, according to the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy. Around 3 million businesses are Black-owned, according to the U.S. Census.
Black-owned businesses have poured into the economy by generating around $206 billion for the U.S. economy. This includes mom-and-pop shops and businesses like Ericka Koumare’s, a home care agency, which are interwoven within our society and pour their hearts, their souls, and sometimes–all of their money–into these businesses.
However, equity issues such as funding, capital, and business relationships stand in the way of businesses flourishing to their full potential.
The conference allowed large and small businesses to connect and mingle in a professional setting to bridge those gaps.
One of the main focuses of the conference was connecting to diverse suppliers–a business strategy that incorporates a diverse selection of minority-owned businesses as suppliers and vendors.
Minority-business owners like Koumare, the owner and CEO of Serene Home Care Agency LLC based in Philadelphia, traveled to make connections with one another. Serene Home Care focuses on connecting families with home care providers for seniors. While at the conference, she met with healthcare suppliers to help grow her business.
“This is an awesome opportunity,” said Koumare. “I’m glad they have a showcase that aims to close the gap. These connections will help [entrepreneurs] make valuable connections on their journeys to help others.”
“The Exchange” exhibition was one of the highlights for many conference-goers. The exhibition, open for a day and a half, gathered hundreds of suppliers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target to connect with businesses to grow their diverse supply chains.
Although there were big names with booths at the exhibition, there were a few businesses with booths to advertise themselves to suppliers.
Nia McAdoo, the curator for the Homage Exhibit, a collection of private Black artifacts, was among those advertising their businesses for suppliers. The Homage Exhibit is run by McAdoo and her husband, Morris McAdoo.
“You’ll see a lot of larger companies looking to connect with smaller suppliers, but we’re the flip side,” said McAdoo. “It’s our goal to meet corporations who are looking to work with diverse businesses.”
The McAdoos’ collection features artifacts signed by historical figures like Coretta Scott King, Frederick Douglass, and politicians. By connecting with businesses, the couple hopes to engage communities with Black history in a new and engaging setting.
While the conference brings together all working parts of the business industry, McGuire hopes everyone is looking at the conference as more than that.
“It’s not just a celebration to call for action for communities to come together and to elevate minority businesses in the topic of the proper supply chain,” she said. “But also federal, state, local government procurement practice.”
Prescriptions Might Be Delayed As CVS And Walgreens Employees Walk Out
In a protest for workers’ rights, pharmacy employees at CVS and Walgreens have initiated a three-day walkout for more staffing and better working conditions.
Confirmed by Reuters on Oct. 30, the “Pharmageddon” protests hope to force the big-name franchises to approve and enforce new policies that ensure employees are not overworked while being understaffed. The mass involvement in the walkout, which was organized via social media platforms such as Facebook, led to the closing of several stores in New York City.
Nearly 5,000 employees were expected to participate, with technicians and pharmacists working together to advocate for their working conditions. However, according to organizer Shane Jerominski, who previously worked as a pharmacist for Walgreens, it is hard to measure the scope of the walkout with no union established.
While the number of stores impacted remains unknown, Jerominski described the issues that led to the push for a walkout. Jerominski referred to understaffing prompted by the pandemic, which led to stressful and hectic shifts at the pharmacies.
“The pandemic just caused so much additional work and stress that the turnover rates [of staff], which were already very high, just became extremely epidemic,” he shared with the news outlet.
Without a union to help with negotiations, striking employees are taking a chance, despite the risk of retribution; but the trend is expanding to many industries, as workers everywhere begin to advocate for themselves.
In response to the walkouts, CVS and Walgreens stated that they were working with their employees to address the issues and promote a productive environment.
Walgreens assured that it was communicating with staff in the midst of the strife, stating, “Our ongoing efforts are focused on how we recruit, retain, and reward our pharmacy staff.”
The business is expanding its micro fulfillment center to fill prescriptions, allowing pharmacy staff to focus more on patient care and decrease their workload. As the walkout is set to end after Nov. 1, protesting employees are waiting to see if any changes will come from it.
Atlanta Entrepreneurs Can Shoot Their Shot With Hawks’ ‘Pull Up and Pitch’ Event
The Atlanta Hawks are giving back to their local community through its entrepreneurial sector. During the NBA team’s “Pull Up and Pitch” event, entrepreneurs within the city can pitch their business ideas to access grants that will bring them to fruition.
On Nov. 11, the Hawks will host a wide range of business owners at the State Farm Arena, where they will have the opportunity to speak about their latest ventures. In partnership with the Black Girl Ventures Foundation (BGV) and The NBA Foundation, the program seeks to elevate Black and brown founders and small business owners within the United States. Hawks Vice President of Marketing Narcis Alikhani shared the team’s excitement to “inspire and support” those with business aspirations within the Atlanta area.
“We are excited to continue using our platform to support Atlanta’s minority-owned businesses and allow them to ‘shoot their shot’ to grow their business immediately,” stated Alikhani. “We feel that teaming up with The Black Girl Ventures Foundation and the NBA Foundation for this one-day competition will be a fun way to inspire and support the next generation of entrepreneurs and founders.”
With over 100 business-savvy guests expected to attend, the opportunity will grant the entrepreneurs a chance to advertise their ideas through the classic elevator pitch in 60 seconds. Described by The Atlanta Voice as the “fast-paced, question-and-answer competition,” those judging the competition will be Hawks executives such as BGV CEO Omi Bell and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer Camye Mackey. Bell explained the event’s “authentic” purpose, with the grand prizes ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
“The purpose of ‘Pull Up & Pitch’ is to normalize business pitching for all entrepreneurs/business owners/creatives by lowering the barrier for feedback and access to capital,” shared the executive.
Registration is open to all businesses with less than $1 million in revenue, especially those founded by people of color, for the inaugural initiative.
Sean Paul’s Shooketh Reaction To Jamaican Earthquake Caught On Live Stream
After Jamaica experienced an earthquake on Oct. 30, reggae recording artist Sean Paul was seen scrambling out of his chair on a live Twitch stream as the tremors were taking place.
During a live interview on the social media platform, the artist was talking to artist Tofu Jack and director of Vice Documentaries Dan Zabludovsky. In the footage, Paul panicked and informed the hosts that Jamaica was experiencing an earthquake.
As he jumped from his seat, he said, “Oh s**t, we’re having an earthquake,” and disappeared from the screen. As the two interviewers looked worried, Tofu Jack said, “Oh my God, what?” After a few seconds of silence, Zabludovsky repeated the phrase, “Oh my God!”
A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Jamaica while we were live on Twitch with Sean Paul.
Thankfully @duttypaul was not hurt during the quake and there are no immediate reports of casualties or serious damage. pic.twitter.com/AHtMxZnzzc
As Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported after the earthquake calmed down, no deaths, injuries, or severe damage were reported, so it’s safe to assume that Paul isn’t in any danger.
Holness stated that the “Damage has been minor, but nevertheless, we are taking all precautions. I want to say to all Jamaicans, remain calm.”
The Associated Press reported that an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale struck the island. The tremor’s epicenter was about 2 miles (4 kilometers) west-northwest of Hope Bay in northeastern Jamaica, based on a report by the U.S. Geological Survey. It occurred at a shallow depth of 6 miles (10 kilometers).
This was the second earthquake to hit the island in two months. The Jamaican Gleaner reported in September that the island had been hit with a 5.0 magnitude earthquake. The effects were reportedly felt in Cuba and parts of the United States.
