film, Kobe Bryant
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 24, 2023

Nike Preparing To Release The Kobe 4 Protro Gold Medal In Fall 2024

A popular Kobe Bryant sneaker released by Nike almost 20 years ago is slated to return next fall to celebrate the 2024 Olympics.

According to an Instagram post from Zsneakerheadz, a Kobe Bryant sneaker will be released during the autumn months of 2024: the Nike Kobe 4 Protro Gold Medal. Several sneaker publications reported the return of the footwear, which was released in 2009 after the coveted “Redeem Team” brought the gold medal back to the United States in the 2008 Olympics.

 

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According to Sneaker Files, the Nike Kobe 4 Gold Medal was originally released on July 19, 2009, for the retail price of $120. The expected price for the Protro version is $190.

The 2024 Olympics will take place in Paris, and this release is one of several sneakers Nike will debut to celebrate the well-watched event.

The sneaker has been described as being dressed in a white, dark obsidian, varsity red, and metallic gold color combination, much like the original 2009 shoe. The sneaker has Bryant’s Olympic No.10 on the heels, and embedded on the insoles is the date “08.24.08.”

Over the summer, Nike released the Kobe 8 Protro Halo, designed and created by Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, on the Lakers legend’s birthday on Aug. 23.

Bryant was a five-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player. During his career, he made the All-Star team 18 times and was the youngest player to reach 30,000 points. Bryant retired in 2016 and scored an NBA season-high 60 points in his final game.

The 41-year-old basketball legend died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others on Jan. 26, 2020.

RELATED CONTENT: Adidas Set To Relaunch Kobe Bryant’s First Signature Shoe, ‘Crazy 8’

Teen gangs, Long Beach apartment
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 24, 2023

Long Beach Apartment Complex Residents Say They Are Being Terrorized By Teens

Teenagers are reportedly terrorizing a downtown Long Beach apartment complex, and residents are looking for help and extra security.

According to Fox 11 Los Angeles, Camden Harbor View Apartments residents are voicing their concerns about gaining better security because of recent crimes taking place: break-ins, robberies, assaults, and several fires set in the garage last month.

They say teenagers are committing the attacks, but there are also problems with the homeless.

“They jump over the fences, getting into our pools, our hallways, stealing our packages. And we are inundated with homeless,” said resident Ty London. “My car was broken into three times. None of our doors are locked. We don’t have security whatsoever, so we are left with these bad skateboarders that are fighting tenants.”

Police officers from Long Beach acknowledged that more than a dozen teenagers brutally beat a man while he was coming home from the gym on Ocean Boulevard earlier this month.

“In early September, we increased community security and requested additional patrols by the Long Beach Police Department,” the owner of the property, Camden Living, told Fox 11. “We are continuing to work with the Long Beach Police Department closely.”

The skate park near the complex may be the blame for the troubles, resident Javier Diaz said. “They broke our doors practically and get in right there,” pointing to an open gate. “We find homeless inside the building.”

“One day I get off the train and there was probably 10 of them from 6 to 12 years old. They started jumping on me, touching me practically. One of them touched my watch and I got a little scared,” Diaz recalled. “Why don’t they show respect?”

Reportedly, the Long Beach City Council held at least one meeting about the issues last month.

RELATED CONTENT: City Council Member Rex Richardson Becomes First Black Mayor Of Long Beach

Black-Owned Beignet Company, Walmart
by Iman Milner

October 24, 2023

Black-Owned Beignet Company Now In 200 Walmart Stores Thanks To Retailer’s Annual ‘Open Call’

Georgia residents Heidi and Micah Stampley have a big reason to celebrate. Their Orleans Foods Authentic Beignet and Baking Mix is now sold in over 200 Walmart stores across five Southern states thanks to the retailer’s annual “open call” event, WSB-TV reports.

“It’s just exciting to see your dream actually in a bowl,” Heidi says.

The beignet recipe, created by her husband over two weeks, was so perfect that the excited couple pitched it to the superstore’s annual “Open Call,” which allows entrepreneurs from all over the nation to pitch their ready-made products to Walmart.

After the Stampleys closed their Fayette County restaurant right before the COVID-19 lockdown, they felt betting it all on another big dream would give them the push they needed. So, the Louisiana natives mass-produced the baking mix. Now their products are in stores across Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

“Is this real? Because you’ve been going into Walmart all your life getting Duncan Hines and icing. All these things are there. And then my product is tucked right there in the middle!” Heidi told WSB-TV.

The Walmart annual open call has existed for a decade to offer small businesses a chance of a lifetime. The retailer made a commitment to American workers with an additional $350 billion investment into products “made, grown or assembled in America, supporting creation of over 750,000 U.S. jobs,” according to the company’s website.

During the event, entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to pitch Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants in order to have their products sold by the retailers. The belief is that a vested interest in supporting American manufacturing will give way to more job creation.

Entrepreneurs can apply to be part of the Walmart Marketplace, which allows approved sellers to place their products on Walmart.com.

RELATED CONTENT: WALMART EMPOWERS BLACK ENTREPRENEURS NATIONWIDE

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 24, 2023

A$AP Rocky Takes On Creative Director Role At PUMA

In a move that fuses music, fashion, and motorsport, A$AP Rocky has taken on the role of creative director in the groundbreaking partnership between Puma and Formula 1, as reported on Oct. 23 by USA Today.

The 35-year-old rapper, renowned designer and significant other to global pop and fashion superstar Rihanna will spearhead the creative direction of this F1 collaboration, characterized by its intent to explore the intersection of sport and streetwear, according to a press release from Puma.

Under his new title, A$AP Rocky is poised to shape the trajectory of the F1 partnership, with a primary focus on curating distinctive clothing capsules. 

“Working with brands as iconic as Puma and as innovative as F1 has been truly inspiring,” A$AP Rocky said. “When the world sees what we’re doing, I believe a shift will happen with how brands approach taking risks and working with diverse creatives.”

Puma first announced its groundbreaking partnership with the world of motorsport in May, setting the stage for the announcement of A$AP Rocky as the creative director. In addition to his design responsibilities, Rocky will help produce visuals and video content for the brand, including a campaign that delves into the profound influence of American car culture on streetwear and fashion.

Fans of this exciting collaboration can anticipate the release of an “extremely limited” Puma and F1 apparel and accessory collection later this year. Moreover, future capsule collections are poised to coincide with F1 races, featuring activations at various Grand Prix events, commencing with the event in Miami next year.

The world of partnerships seems to be a shared interest in the household of A$AP Rocky and Rihanna, the latter who previously teamed up with Puma for a Fenty x Puma venture. Rocky’s appointment as creative director for the Puma x F1 partnership should ignite fresh creative sparks.

RELATED CONTENT: Rihanna’s Fenty X Puma Making A Comeback With Collaboration The Whole Family Can Be a Part Of

ENCOURAGE ME I'M YOUNG, EMIY, MOBILE, BUS, MENTOR
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 24, 2023

Black Non-Profit Uses Mobile Mentoring Bus And New Apparel Line To Inspire Black And Brown Youth

*Originally Reported By Blacknews

Nationwide — Calvin T. Mann, President and Founder of Encourage Me I’m Young (EMIY) Inc., a Detroit-based non-profit organization has launched both a mobile mentoring bus and an apparel line to inspire Black youth.

EMIY is all about supporting Black and brown boys, girls, and their families against the negative forces they deal with every day.

“Negative influences have been normalized today, like violent video games and toxic social media–and it’s causing higher suicide rates, more bullying, heightened racism, more violence, and substance abuse,” Mann said. “We’ve created a new line of family-friendly apparel that schools and families can use to create positivity in our communities and help us continue the important work of encouraging others.”

The EMIY mobile mentoring bus (as seen on Fox 2 Detroit) is used to reach young Black youth who are in crisis because of not having a positive figure in their lives. The concept is to pull up at sporting events and community activities and provide immediate encouragement to the young children who are there.

In addition, the bus enables Mann’s organization to travel from “block to block” and “community to community” to connect with these young people and provide them with career pathways, access to college or entrepreneurship, and the ability to see their potential.

The EMIY Apparel line is designed to inspire communities to support and encourage Black youth and families. The shirts and hoodies feature the EMIY logo with inspiring phrases such as “Dedicated to Legacy,” “Beautiful is the Only Way to Say Family,” “I’m Possible,” “Good Fathers Only,” and “(Swag) Standing With an Awesome God”.

Mann comments, “I started EMIY Apparel because I saw the need for the world to be more encouraging, black youth aren’t getting the support and encouragement they need, so I decided to bring that to the marketplace.” He adds, “Over the years, I’ve watched many young men turn into strong grown men through the work we do in the community, sports, and schools. I’m planning to keep it going far into the future as we have seen our EMIY Apparel inspire globally as well.”

People can be seen wearing the apparel line on Run’s House season 4, BET, NFL Network, NCAA Basketball, Lebron James Classic, MTV, Paramount, YouTube, and Apple TV.

About the Founder
Calvin Mann is an author, and advocate who has created several initiatives supporting boys, men, and families since 1992, after serving as a basketball coach at Ferndale High School and other AAU teams from 1987 to mentoring still today after 38 years. Mann says that profits from his apparel line will be invested in initiatives such as Conservation of Eagles, suicide prevention, and other activities including enhancing the mobile mentoring bus.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Entrepreneur Who Became a Millionaire After 25 Years at the Post Office Launches Mentorship Program

LeBron James, NBA
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 24, 2023

Lebron James Developing NBA Docuseries With Peyton Manning and The Obamas

LeBron James is set to make his own version of Quarterback with his production business, SpringHill Company, as well as Peyton Manning and the Obamas’ production companies.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show will follow the lives of basketball players, though none have been guaranteed yet to be the series’ stars.

The upcoming docuseries will follow a similar format as the Quarterback series created by Manning’s Omaha Productions. And like the NFL-focused program, which is beginning production on season two, the NBA is set to play a major role in the new series’ development.

Where the show will land has also not been confirmed, but since Obamas’ production house, Higher Ground, has a development deal with Netflix, it is strongly considered to be the leading candidate.

Established by James and Maverick Carter in 2021, SpringHill has raised funding from investors such as RedBird Capital Partners and those aligned with the NBA superstar such as Nike. With its $725 million valuation investment, SpringHill has produced films and television, including Shooting Stars (the feature film based on LeBron’s high school basketball days), House Party, and Space Jam: A New Legacy (which starred LeBron opposite Bugs Bunny).

In building a reputation outside of the traditional sports realm, James’ company has scored first-look deals with Disney and Universal for scripted content. While the new sports docuseries will follow the real journeys within professional basketball, SpringHill is only expanding its portfolio of film and television.

Given the success of other sports unscripted programming, such as the recently released Beckham on Netflix, basketball fans are sure to be delighted once the untitled project hits streaming sites.

In the meantime, LeBron James is still playing basketball, starting his 21st NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Last year, James, who has won four NBA championships, became the league’s all-time leading scorer.

Johnathan majors, trial, accuser
by Sharelle B. McNair

October 24, 2023

Jonathan Majors’ Ex-Girlfriend To Be Charged With Assault 7 Months After His Arrest

The headlining assault case against actor Jonathan Majors is getting spicy.

His accuser and ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari, is now being charged with assault—seven months after Majors’ arrest, the Messenger reports. According to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI) for the New York Police Department, Jabbari will be issued a desk appearance ticket, a document provided by police that requires a suspect to appear in court.

The movement coach is expected to report voluntarily to NYPD’s 10th precinct in the Chelsea neighborhood after the actor filed a counter-complaint against her in June 2023.

Majors’ March 2023 arrest shocked fans after he was accused of hitting his ex “in the face with an open hand, causing substantial pain and a laceration behind her ear.”

In a complaint, Jabbari claimed the Creed III star allegedly grabbed her hand “causing swelling, bruising, and substantial pain to her finger” and put his hand on her neck, giving her bruises and pain. Majors’ lawyer, Priya Chaudhry, denies all allegations against her client and says Majors met with NYPD that night to give an account of what happened. “From the beginning, we have said Jonathan Majors is innocent and provably the victim here,” Chaudhry said.

“Mr. Majors met with the NYPD to present them with evidence of what really happened on that night.”

Since the incident, Majors has been dropped from his management and PR firm. According to the Daily Mail, via text message, Jabbari admitted that she was the aggressor toward the actor.

The defense attorney presented screenshots of this conversation with Jabbari allegedly saying, “Please let me know when you got this. They assured me that you won’t be charged,” she reportedly wrote.

“They said they had to arrest you as protocol when they saw the injuries on me and they knew we had a fight.”

Shortly after the alleged attack, Jabbari was seen allegedly partying and drinking with friends at a nightclub.

Majors’ next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 25.

 

RELATED CONTENT: JONATHAN MAJORS AND MEAGAN GOOD HOLD HANDS AT COURT APPEARANCE FOR HIS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE

The price we pay, Zenneta Henchman
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 24, 2023

The Price We Pay: Black Teen’s Story Underscores Systemic Impact Of Racial Prejudice

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

“The Price We Pay isn’t just a book. It’s a movement to get hard conversations started,” Anthony said. “When difficult conversations become productive, they improve relationships.”

The story centers on Zenetta Henchman, a teenage girl with a rebellious streak navigating strained relationships with her parents, difficult interactions with her teachers, and complicated feelings about her faith. In the backdrop is a community facing a growing racial divide due to unresolved and unaddressed past injustices.

All of this compounds to give Zenetta a “one life to live and a nothing else to lose” attitude. She speaks more than she listens and refuses to take orders quietly. But when she witnesses a fatal incident that rocks and divides her community, Zenetta falls silent, and she and those closest to her suffer the consequences of her inaction.

What follows is a string of deliberate attacks against Zenetta and the people she cares about, especially Tootsie, the free-spirited, colorful personality that paints a different picture of the world in Zenetta’s eyes. Tribal tensions flare, sparking an all-out explosion after Zenetta’s father, the only Black officer on the force, chooses the wrong side of the law when the community, but more importantly when Zenetta, needs him most. It’s not long after her father’s betrayal that Zenetta discovers there is always a price to be paid when those who could speak up choose to remain silent.

The Price We Pay weaves real-world issues surrounding racial prejudice with the emotional drama, trauma, and tension that conflicts — and often torments — Zenetta,

giving rise to a story that Anthony hopes will leave readers asking themselves what price they are willing to pay for silence … or for speaking up.

“When people can’t talk to one another, they talk about each other. That’s when misunderstandings grow as trust diminishes and suspicions increase,” Anthony added. “We want to open the door to mature discussion by allowing people from all walks of life to use The Price We Pay as a starting point for healthy conversations around racial issues that can produce real change.”

Advance Praise:

“The To Kill a Mockingbird of the 21st Century — but from a Black perspective.” — Ned Barnett, CEO of Barnett Marketing Communications

“I haven’t read a book that intertwined history, fact, and fiction so prolifically since BeBe Moore Campbell’s What You Owe Me, or a main character so young but beyond her years in enthralling experiences since Sister Souljah’s The Coldest Winter Ever.” — National Bestselling Author E. N. Joy

“This book not only told a personal story, but it also told a realistic one that we as African Americans are living through today.” — BETA Reviewer

The book is available for purchase on Amazon

About the Author
Nikki T. Anthony is a multi-faceted author and serial entrepreneur who transformed from corporate technical writer, to highly sought-after ghostwriter, literary consultant, and content developer. Her writings are best known for epic plot twists, enthralling language, and richly detailed African-American characters.

Anthony wants to spark candid, transformative conversations centered on race relations
— particularly among young adults. Her powerful new book, The Price We Pay, weaves the trauma of reality-based racial injustices with the story of a Black teenager who witnesses a fatal incident and must choose between speaking up and remaining silent.

RELATED CONTENT: African Countries Accuse Western Investors of High Interest Costs Due To Prejudice

Dell Curry, Steph, Nicki Smith, Steven Johnson, relationship, life
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 24, 2023

Dell Curry Finds Love And Happiness After Divorce: ‘Life Is Fantastic’

According to the New York Post, Dell Curry, former NBA shooting guard and father to NBA stars Steph and Seth Curry, relishes his new lease on love and life.

In an extensive interview with The Charlotte Observer on Oct. 18, but which originally ran on Sports Legends of the Carolinas podcast, the patriarch opened up about his post-divorce experiences, his newfound love, and the current state of his family.

Curry reflected on his initial uncertainty but revealed that friends introduced him to his now-wife, Nicki, leading to a flourishing relationship.

“I’d met her a couple of times. We talked on the phone for a month before I laid eyes on her. I’m like: ‘Oh, I like this girl, man. What’s going on here?'” he confessed.

Dell, 59, has been married Nicki for “almost a year” and is thoroughly content with his current life.

“I wasn’t going to get married again. But life is great right now. It couldn’t be better. For me, I’m at a great place in my life. My home situation is sound. My kids and their families are doing great. They’re happy for me. I’m happy for them. So life’s good.”

Dell’s life took a turn with his highly publicized divorce from Sonya Curry, which included allegations of infidelity from both sides. The couple, who tied the knot in 1988, are the parents of Steph, 35, Seth, 33, and daughter Syde, 29.

Sonya filed for divorce from Dell in June 2021. In court documents obtained by TMZ in August 2021, Dell accused Sonya of having an extramarital affair with former NFL player Steven Johnson. Sonya, in turn, accused Dell of infidelity during their marriage.

Despite the divorce, the former couple came together to support Steph, during the Golden State Warriors’ championship run in June 2022. They were seen at TD Garden for Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, attending the game with their new partners: Sonya with Jackson and Dell with Nicki.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 24, 2023

Giannis Antetokounmpo Signs 3-Year, $186M Extension With Milwaukee Bucks

The “Greek Freak” will stay in Milwaukee for an additional three years as Giannis Antetokounmpo has reportedly re-upped with the Bucks for a three-year, $186 million contract extension.

ESPN’s NBA Insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, was the first to report the news.

During the offseason, Antetokounmpo eluded to not being sure that he would resign with the Bucks when his current contract ended, but the team trading for disgruntled Portland Trailblazer Damian Lillard may have changed his mind.

The Milwaukee Buck player took to Instagram to announce his longer stay in Wisconsin.

He could have waited until after next season to be rewarded with a max contract that would have netted him over $250 million for a four-year agreement, according to NBA.com.

The extension will begin after the 2024-25 season. Antetokounmpo will make approximately $94.4 million with the current contract over the next two seasons. When the latest extension kicks in for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons, he will pocket $120 million for the two years. The last year, which will be at his option, will place about $66 million more in his bank account for the 2027-28 season.

On the Bucks’ Media Day earlier this month, he explained why he didn’t plan on signing an extension this year but reassured fans and media alike that he wants to end his career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

“I said that it did not make sense to sign the contract right now because money’s not important — a lot of money is important. So I’m going to sign it next year. But, no, at the end of the day, again, it doesn’t make sense. It does not make sense for me to sign it right now. I’ve got to always look at what’s best for me and my family, for my situation.

“But at the end of the day, I want to be a Milwaukee Buck for the rest of my career, as long as we are winning. It’s as simple as that.”

Antetokounmpo is a seven-time All-Star who led the Bucks to the NBA title in 2021. Last season, he had a career year averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists over 63 games.

 

RELATED CONTENT: GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO AND BROTHERS BECOME OWNERS IN TGL’S LOS ANGELES GOLF CLUB ALONGSIDE SERENA AND VENUS WILLIAMS

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