• HBCU

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 24, 2023

Bayou Classic Celebrating 50th Anniversary In Grand Fashion

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The annual Bayou Classic football game between Southern University and Grambling State University is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with a special roadshow and the pre-game singing of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The game will take place Nov. 25 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Blair Dottin-Haley, the grandson of civil rights activist and Southern University alumnus Oretha Castle-Haley, will sing the anthem.

“I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity,” the New Orleans native said in a news release. “This feels like the ancestors are aligning because ‘Lift Every Voice’ was one of the first songs I ever learned. My grandmother [Oretha] and I used to play a game where I’d check the lyrics on printed programs at
events we’d attend together.”

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was a hymn written as a poem by NAACP leader James Weldon Johnson in 1900.

Singing at the “Super Bowl for the HBCUs” is extremely important for the entertainer, as incorporating the Black national anthem in this moment will ensure that Black cultural heritage is highlighted in all forms during the festivities.

The roadshow started Oct. 22 at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museums. The bus is decorated with the logos of the event and each of the schools as it promotes the upcoming game. Going throughout the state as well as Dallas, the mayors of each city will sign the anniversary game ball that will be featured in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

The weekend event is filled with Greek step shows, job fairs, parades and, famously, the Battle of the Bands competition. The Bayou Classic is set to have a record number of fans in attendance, but don’t worry: The game will be nationally televised.

For more information and to buy tickets, head to mybayouclassic.com.

RELATED CONTENT: Fans at the Bayou Classic Thought Man Was Rolling a Blunt on Live TV’ He was Warming Up a Cold Rib

• Sports

by Iman Milner

October 24, 2023

Kenny Annan-Jonathan Makes History As First-Ever Creative Director For Soccer Club Crystal Palace

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According to Forbes Africa, Kenny Annan-Jonathan was named the first-ever creative director for English Premier League football club, Crystal Palace, in August. 

Annan-Jonathan will oversee the clothing designs and partnerships with players and fashion designers. His first assignment is to facilitate a collection for the 2023-2024 Premier League season.

 

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His historic appointment puts him in the company of other creatives whom major teams have called upon to help build on the ever-growing relationship between sports’ most famous players and the fashion world.

“Before I became the creative director for Crystal Palace, I had emails that were sent to the owner of Crystal Palace saying, I believe there was a space for a creative director here, and this is before anyone started thinking about it,” he explained. “Especially when it comes to fashion, it’s about having your finger on the pulse, and when it comes to a conversation about who the athletes are, naturally fashion comes into that because that is a way of them expressing who they are. So, I just said if these two things are colliding, in the future, you can naturally see a road map to see that fashion is going to be incorporated into sports a lot more.”

The South-London-born creative plans to bring the same insight to the popular football club.

After building a successful clothing line alongside Crystal Palace player Wilfred Zaha, Annan-Jonathan noticed a large market gap for those with fashion experience to help guide athletes into a world that often undervalues their influence.

“I would go with him to his business meetings to leverage the clothing brand that we had. I realized there wasn’t a lot of people around at the time that were helping him within the business space, and he was going in on his own. I advised him during those meetings, and I earned his trust, and he became my first client,” Annan-Jonathan said.

• News

by Daniel Johnson

October 24, 2023

The Rock Wants His Wax Figure Updated Because It’s Missing Melanin

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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has questions about his wax figure, like we all do. The Grévin Museum in Paris, France unveiled the statue on Oct 16 and has been ridiculed mercilessly ever since. According to People,  the action superstar shared a video on Instagram from comedian James Andre Jefferson Jr., which poked fun at the statue’s appearance.

Johnson confirmed in the post that he would be contacting the museum to discuss a number of issues with the wax figure, most notably, its skin color.

Johnson wrote “For the record, I’m going to have my team reach out to our friends at Grévin Museum, in Paris, France so we can work at ‘updating’ my wax figure here with some important details and improvements- starting with my skin color.”

According to Deadline, the museum agreed with Johnson’s sentiments via email, “Dwayne Johnson is right, and we noticed it and will obviously remedy it as quickly as possible and send him new photos once completed.”

The museum added, “We are waiting for him when he will come to Paris and the Grévin Wax Museum to celebrate that with a cup of champagne.”

Yall ever notice that a lot of wax figures of people of color like The Rock and Beyonce are made to look as white as humanly possible? https://t.co/JEzBIJBwcM

— Drew (@HeyImReallyDrew) October 20, 2023

https://twitter.com/NightBloodKilla/status/1715459060898648397?t=xhjPvvLfg15eedPa1rNtwQ&s=19

Lil Wayne also took offense to his wax figure at the Hollywood Wax Museum, though his response was less cordial than the former WWE star. The rap legend sent out a post on Twitter/X reading, “Sorry wax museum but that s*** ain’t me! You tried tho and I appreciate the effort.”

Lil Wayne reacts to wax figure of him:

“Sorry wax museum but dat shit ain’t me! You tried tho and I appreciate the effort.” pic.twitter.com/mrJ2IvK2PE

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 23, 2023

Wax statues of other highly visible Black people have also been criticized, according to Forbes. In 2010 and 2017, wax figures of Michelle Obama and Beyoncé were widely criticized after their installations at Madame Tussauds, the world-famous wax museum. Similar to complaints about Johnson’s figure, those figures were criticized for inaccurate skin tones and also having hairstyle and smile issues, according to the outlet.

RELATED CONTENT: ‘WELCOME HOME’ UFC FIGHTER THEMBA GORIMBO GETS LIFE-CHANGING GIFT FROM DWAYNE ‘THE ROCK’ JOHNSON

• Celebrity News

by Stacy Jackson

October 24, 2023

La Toya Jackson On Harry Styles Being Deemed ‘New King of Pop’: ‘No One Can Ever Top’ Michael

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Michael Jackson’s older sister, La Toya Jackson, gave her perspective on British singer Harry Styles being labeled the “New King of Pop” by Rolling Stone UK last year.

During the Oct. 23 episode with KIIS FM’s The Kyle and Jackie O Show, following her elimination as Burger Gal on The Masked Singer, the singer made it clear that “no one can ever top” her brother and claim the “King of Pop” title.

“[Harry is] a great entertainer. He’s wonderful. I truly believe that,” she said. “I’m not being biased, but I think that my brother is the greatest of all time. And he always will be.” Michael’s sister said she would love to meet someone who could top her brother, who, according to The Hollywood Reporter, was given the title by the late actress Elizabeth Taylor, as she presented him with the Soul Train Heritage Award in 1989.

La Toya isn’t the only family member who felt some type of way about Rolling Stone’s attempt to slide the title to Styles. On the Aug. 30 episode of Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, Michael’s 26-year-old son, Prince Jackson, weighed in on the “King of Pop” discussion.

“What’s frustrating for me is not necessarily like Harry Styles is a great artist, oh I love them. It’s more so about these media publications that try to take away the title that was really worked hard for and earned in a different time than we are today,” Prince said.

Michael’s nephew, Taj Jackson, tweeted his thoughts about Styles’ cover with Rolling Stone after the magazine announced in August 2022.

“There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did,” he wrote.

There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title. https://t.co/td6SSSVkfX

— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) August 22, 2022

The King of Pop title is not up for grabs. It was bestowed to Michael Jackson through decades of blood, sweat and tears. When Michael Jackson died, the title was cemented with him. King of Pop is synonymous with Michael Jackson, the same way The King is synonymous with Elvis. https://t.co/jkiIeKz7qJ

— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) December 20, 2019

Michael died in 2009 at age 50 due to a high intake of propofol used as a sleep aid. In 2019, Forbes listed the King of Pop as one of the highest-earning dead celebrities.

André Leon Talley’s legacy lives on as pieces from the late fashion journalist’s personal wardrobe are available for the general public to buy.

The 49-item collection on sale at What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) was sourced directly from Talley’s personal estate or acquired at Christie’s Collection of André Leon Talley auction earlier this year, Robb Report reports. The luxury pieces include designer handbags, haute couture, and custom luggage.

“Just as André has shaped the fashion landscape, our collection encapsulates the essence of his style and the timelessness of his taste,” Gerard Maione, cofounder of WGACA, said.

“We are proud to celebrate André Leon Talley, a true icon who has forever changed the way we perceive and appreciate fashion.”

Talley rose to prominence in the fashion world thanks in part to his evolving role at Vogue. He started as fashion news director in 1983, before becoming the publication’s first Black male creative director in 1988. Ten years later, he became Vogue‘s editor-at-large and continued at the publication until 2013.

He was a staple at Fashion Weeks around the world with his standout fashion choices that highlighted his natural passion and skill-set in the art form. Talley died last year at the age of 73.

The WGACA collection includes high-priced luxury items like the couture leather jacket Talley wore to a Chanel runway show in 2007 that retails for $25,000. A vintage Hermès Haut à Courroies Birkin from the ‘90s that’s worth $75,000 is up for grabs, along with a one-of-one trunk from the Stephen Sprouse x Louis Vuitton collaboration valued at $150,000. A variety of Louis Vuitton luggage pieces are on sale, including pieces Marc Jacobs personally designed and gifted to Talley.

In February, the Christie’s Collection of André Leon Talley took place at Rockefeller Center in New York City and garnered $1.38 million in sales.

RELATED CONTENT: Andre Leon Talley’s Lavish New York Home Listed For $1.25 Million

On October 23, the Georgetown women’s basketball organization was saddened by the news of losing head coach Tasha Butts to breast cancer.

According to The Associated Press, Butts, 41, battled with the disease for two years after being diagnosed with advanced-stage metastatic breast cancer in 2021.

“I am heartbroken for Tasha’s family, friends, players, teammates and colleagues,” Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed, said. “When I met Tasha, I knew she was a winner on the court, and an incredible person whose drive, passion and determination was second to none. She exhibited these qualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown community, and we will come together to honor her memory.”

The Georgetown coach stepped away from her position last month to undergo treatment. Interim coach Darnell Haney said, in an attempt to keep Butts’ mind off of her situation, they kept her up to date with the program. Haney said they did things to make her smile, like sending over practice film. Other teams across the U.S. showed their support on social media.

https://twitter.com/LadyVol_Hoops/status/1714347556103229463?s=20

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the former WNBA star joined the Georgetown team this past April after coaching at Georgie Tech. She announced her diagnosis in 2021 while working as associate head coach, AP News reported. The news of Butts’ death came as a shock to former colleagues and Georgia Tech coach Nell Fortner.

“Tasha was so instrumental to the success of this program. What she did as a member of this coaching staff cannot be undervalued,” he said. “Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordinary,” Georgetown president John J. DeGioia said. “Tasha was a person of character, determination, vision, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by our community and by so many people around the country who have been inspired by her life.”

Coach Butts launched her “Tasha Tough” campaign to raise money for women battling breast cancer. She encouraged the Georgia Tech community to donate throughout the 2022-23 season with a $100,000 goal.

RELATED CONTENT: LEGENDARY GEORGETOWN COACH JOHN THOMPSON JR. DIES AT 78

• Technology

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 24, 2023

Virginia 14-Year-Old Named ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ For Cancer-Fighting Soap Invention

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Heman Bekele, 14, was named America’s Top Young Scientist for his cancer-fighting soap invention, according to a press release from 3M.

The ninth grader from Annandale, Virginia, received the 3M and Discovery Education award for invebnting a compound-based bar of soap called M.T.S. to treat melanoma, a form of skin cancer, that costs about 50 cents to make.

In his submission video posted on YouTube, Bekele provided an educational breakdown of the need for the soap and how it’s made: a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and tretinoin.

“They’re all keratolytic agents that slowly reactivate dendritic cells,” the young scientist explained.

Over the next five years, the young scientist hopes to create a non-profit organization to distribute the soap to needy communities.

“I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas,” Bekele said on his award submission form, according to USA Today. “I believe that young minds can make a positive impact on the world.”

The competition was created for students between the fifth and eighth grades to develop innovative ideas that can change the world. Held at 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Oct. 9 and 10, the winner received a $25,000 cash prize.

The manufacturing company posted a video of the touching moment Bekele won the award on Instagram with the caption, “We’re very proud of Heman and all the finalists who will continue to bring science to life through curiosity and passion for innovation!”

 

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“This year’s Young Scientist Challenge finalists have demonstrated the skills required to reimagine what’s possible—intelligence, curiosity, collaboration, and resilience,” said John Banovetz, 3M’s executive vice president, chief technology officer and environmental responsibility. “The magnitude and complexity of the issues these young minds are working to solve is inspiring. Congratulations to this year’s finalists—we can’t wait to see what you do next!”

RELATED CONTENT: Female Computer Scientist Inspiring Black Kids, Creates Interactive Coding Toy Robot And Book Series

• News

by Iman Milner

October 24, 2023

Black Trucker Attacked By Police Dog Evokes Grim Memories For Black Ohio Residents

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Black trucker Jadarrius Rose was apprehended on July 4, while driving his 18-wheeler through rural Ohio, by six highway patrol officers who cited a missing mudflap as cause for concern. While on his knees, with hands outstretched, Rose was attacked by a police dog in a scene resembling infamous Civil Rights moments in which law enforcement used K-9s to attack innocent Black civilians.

Now, residents of Circleville are grappling with the history of inequality in their otherwise-picturesque rural town that stands just 25 miles south of Columbus, OH, The Associated Press reported.

“Everyone doesn’t have the same experience, even though they’re all in the same town,” said Rev. Derrick Holmes, a Circleville resident and leader of the Second Baptist Church. “And I think those divisions exist around the realities of bigotry, the realities of racism.”

Though outrage about Rose’s attack spread through the small town, the circumstances felt all too familiar. “People were horrified by it,” Holmes said. “Angered by it. Frustrated by it. And also there was a feeling of, ‘Well, here we go again.’”

The concerns also stretch to the state as a whole, as the outlet reported 28% of Ohio State Highway Patrol’s 2013 to 2017 traffic stops involving Black motorists included the use of drug dogs. Almost two decades ago, Officer David Haynes, an alleged founder of the Circleville police K-9 unit, was fired for his public opposition to the department’s decision to cut back on training hours for dogs and their handlers on the force, according to the outlet.

He warned that “words like ‘deliberate indifference,’ ‘negligence’ and ‘failure to train’ will someday be brought up.” Currently, Circleville’s K-9s are required to train for 16 hours per month, or 192 hours per year as reported by The Associated Press.

Rose’s compliance, as well as his body position at the time of the incident, seemed to point to him being a non-threat to law enforcement; therefore, the decision to employ the use of a police dog is one many feel is an example of using excessive force.

”If it were a white man and a dog was unleashed on that individual, what would that community be saying? I bet they would be up in arms,” said Nana Jones, president of the Columbus Chapter of the NAACP.

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK MAN MAULED BY POLICE DOG IN OHIO AFTER TRAFFIC STOP

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 24, 2023

‘I Don’t Think He Can Win’ Sen. Tim Scott Says Trump Isn’t Electable This Time Around

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Sen. Tim Scott is saying how he really feels about former President Donald Trump.

During a stop on the presidential campaign trail, Scott responded to a question from a former Trump supporter about why she shouldn’t support him any longer. Scott’s response was simple, “I don’t think he can win,” NBC News reports.

Scott continued to break down what candidates need to win and pointed out where he thinks Trump’s weak spots are. “You have to be able to win in Georgia. I don’t think he can win in Georgia,” he said.

“I think you’ll have to be able to win in Pennsylvania.”

In a recent interview, Scott pushed for the Republican Party to move on from Trump, promoting himself as the better, more favorable alternative.

“We’ve lost three of the last national elections because negativity hasn’t worked,” he said while appearing on ABC’s Good Morning America on Oct. 19. “We need a candidate who brings optimism, forged through the fire of hard times to the American people. I’m your candidate.”

Scott is one of several GOP representatives who blame Trump for Georgia’s 2021 runoff election victory to Democrats Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, costing the loss of GOP control of the Senate. Because Trump raised doubt about the validity of the electoral system, many Republicans were confused about whether they should even vote.

“Everybody remembers Jan. 6, 2020. But what we forget sometimes is Jan. 5,” Scott said. “We had two Republican seats on the ballot in Georgia. And the party told northern Georgians to stay home.”

Since Scott’s remarks, the Trump campaign decided to take their own jabs at the presidential hopeful. “We don’t respond to people polling at 1%,” Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said.

The South Carolina senator isn’t doing too well in the polls. Politic says Scott has fallen below 2% in the national polls. His supporters, like Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), say they are disappointed in his campaign.

“I’m disappointed because he’s such a terrific guy and has got a great message,” Cornyn said. On Oct. 21, a newspaper from Scott’s hometown called for the Republican Party to rally around his opponent, former SC Gov. Nikki Haley, to go against Trump in the election.

RELATED CONTENT: TIM SCOTT SLAMS FLORIDA GOV. RON DESANTIS’ NEW BLACK HISTORY CURRICULUM