by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 12, 2023

Cedric The Entertainer Cancels $25K Family Fund Due To ‘Greedy Relatives’

Comedian and actor Cedric the Entertainer, known offstage as Cedric Kyles, shared insights into his role as the family’s financial support system during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club on Sept. 14.

According to Essence, while promoting his new book, Flipping Boxcars, the 59-year-old entertainer revealed that he had once established a $25,000 fund to assist his family in emergencies like mortgage payments or school expenses.

On The Breakfast Club, he explained his approach to lending money to family members.

“I definitely know how to say ‘no’…I say ‘nay,’ I’m past ‘no.’” Cedric described the fund as an annual financial safety net, managed by his sister to provide financial help to family members for valid needs, not frivolous requests. However, he clarified that the fund had its limitations, with recipients receiving only a portion of the $25,000.

Unfortunately, the generosity had to end as some family members started requesting larger sums, leading Cedric to discontinue the fund. He expressed his reasoning.

“Some people wanted bigger and bigger checks,” highlighting the challenges and complexities of supporting loved ones financially.

Cedric the Entertainer’s career has seen remarkable success since he began hosting BET’s Comicview in 1993, marking the start of his rise to fame. He quickly ventured into acting, securing his first significant role as the Cowardly Lion in the 1995 Apollo Theater revival of The Wiz.

Over the years, he has appeared in several hit films, including Barbershop, Madagascar, and Ice Age. He has also starred in popular sitcoms such as The Steve Harvey Show and The Proud Family, and currently stars in CBS’s The Neighborhood and A&E’s Kings of BBQ with Anthony Anderson.

Cedric’s new book, Flipping Boxcars, is a crime thriller with a deeply personal connection to the entertainer, as the lead character is based on his grandfather.

Minor League Hockey Tea ,Myles Jack of UCLA and his mother La Sonjia Fisher

by Sharelle B. McNair

October 12, 2023

Retired NFL Player Myles Jack And Mother Become Majority Owners of Minor League Hockey Team

Former NFL player Myles Jack is using his time wisely as a retiree by becoming a majority owner of the minor hockey league team, the Allen Americans Journal Gazette reports.

The ECHL’s Board of Governors approved the transfer of controlling interest of the Texas-based team to Jack and his mother, LaSonjia in early October 2023, making them the first Black majority owners of an ECHL team. In a statement, Jack said this partnership caves into his passion for leadership.

“From the football field to the business world, I have always brought passion and leadership to my teams,” Jack said.

“The opportunity to lead this franchise and serve our great fans is an incredible responsibility. I’m excited to bring a first-class, family- friendly entertainment option to this community alongside our great partners.”

We are excited to welcome Myles Jack as our new owner and as the first African- American majority owner of a professional hockey team! pic.twitter.com/DTroYC3T1n

— Americans Professional Hockey Club (@AllenAmericans) October 4, 2023

Black leadership in minor league hockey teams may be rare but they do exist. Former pro-MLB player Herb Washington once owned the Central Hockey League’s Youngstown SteelHounds.

According to Flo Hockey, The Jacks are taking over the team from past leader, Jack Gulati, who owned the team for six years. LaSonjia discussed why she’s excited for the future as a new leader.

“It’s such an honor to lead such a great hockey team in Texas – which is a great place for families and businesses,” the proud mother said. “The Allen Americans are a pillar in this community, and we will continue that tradition. We believe in bringing people together and sharing memories, and what better way to do that than to attend an ECHL hockey game.”

Jack, 27, was recently preparing for his eighth season with the NFL as a Philadelphia Eagle when he abruptly announced his retirement. During an interview at the Eagles training camp, he admitted to having other goals of being a plumber or electrician before putting on the cleats and said he was bored. “I like to work, I just couldn’t sit at home,” Jack said.

“But I’m too bored. My mind is too much. So I just want to be innovative. I don’t know, if a zombie apocalypse happens, I want to be able to build something or fix something.”

WNBA, Jackie Young, collective bargaining

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 12, 2023

WNBA Finals Game 1 Between Las Vegas Aces And New York Liberty Sets ESPN Viewership Record

You can’t get better than this in sports. The two best teams in the league are fighting it out to win the championship AND record-setting ratings.

According to Rookie Wire, the WNBA Finals basketball game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces was the most-viewed WNBA Finals Game 1 ever on an ESPN network. The Aces pulled out a victory with a 99-82 score over the New York team.

ESPN has reported that the matchup, pitting the two teams with the best records in the WNBA, had an average viewership of 729,000 while spiking at 885,000 people watching the contest. The game was played at Las Vegas’ Michelob ULTRA Arena on Oct. 8. The next will be played on Oct. 11 at the same arena.

Sunday’s Game 1 of the 2023 #WNBAFinals scored strong viewership across ESPN platforms pic.twitter.com/NRHaFzovNt

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) October 10, 2023

ESPN and its networks have broadcasted 83 WNBA Finals games since 1998.

The network also reported that the countdown aired before the game was the highest thus far. That program had an average of 371,000 viewers since the show was introduced in 2022.

Sports Media Watch reported that the contest averaged a 0.45 rating on ABC. The average viewership of 729,000 was the largest on an ESPN network, but the highest viewed WNBA Finals Game 1 took place in 2000, when the New York Liberty took on the Houston Comets. That game, which aired on the Lifetime Network, averaged 872,000. The previous high (on an ESPN network) before Game 1 was back in 2016, when the Los Angeles Sparks played the Minnesota Lynx and the average viewership was 594,000.

This year’s Game 1 surpassed last year’s numbers with an increase of 41% in ratings and 31% in viewership. The average viewership was 555,000 in 2022, when the Aces beat the Connecticut Sun.

The Aces’ Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young each scored 26 points, which were personal playoff highs for the two. Breanna Stewart scored a team-high 21 points for the Liberty, while Jonquel Jones put up 16 points.

Defense Moves to Dismiss Case Against Former Marine Accused In New York City Subway Killing

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 12, 2023

Defense Moves to Dismiss Case Against Former Marine Accused In New York City Subway Killing

On Oct. 6, The legal team representing Daniel Penny, a former Marine accused of the subway killing of a homeless street artist in New York City, took a significant step by filing a motion to dismiss the charges based on eyewitness testimonies, as reported by CNN.

The incident unfolded in May 2023 when Penny, a former Marine, restrained Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old man, in a chokehold after Neely entered a subway car and began berating other passengers. Tragically, Neely died soon afterward, and the medical examiner’s office classified his death as a homicide.

According to CNN, Penny’s defense team leaned heavily on eyewitness accounts during the subway altercation. One of the witnesses, who chose to remain anonymous, described the scene as “absolutely traumatizing” and claimed they believed they were in imminent danger of losing their life. This witness, who had been riding the New York subway for six years, recounted their harrowing experience, which became a focal point in the court documents.

Another witness, a mother traveling with her child, testified to her fear for her son’s safety. She detailed how she shielded herself and her child behind a stroller as they attempted to distance themselves from Neely, who was displaying aggressive behavior with “half-lunge movements” and coming dangerously close to other passengers. The outlet reports these witness statements were submitted as compelling evidence in the defense’s bid to drop the charges against Penny.

It’s worth noting that despite the testimonies presented to the grand jury, an indictment was handed down in June charging Penny with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Throughout the legal proceedings, Penny consistently maintained that he had been compelled to use the chokehold on Neely because Neely displayed irate behavior that needed to be restrained.

The incident between Neely, a Black man, and Penny, who is white, gained significant public attention, due in part to a video recording of the confrontation. It led to widespread protests and demonstrations across New York City, sparking conversations about excessive use of force in the subway killing and issues related to racial disparity.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office refrained from commenting on the defense’s recent motion to dismiss the case. Nevertheless, CNN reports they have confirmed their intention to file a response to the motion in court papers soon. Penny’s upcoming court appearance is scheduled for early December.

LeBron James, Bronny, George Paul, basketball, NBA, athlete

by Daniel Johnson

October 12, 2023

LeBron Says Bronny Is Just As Athletic As He Was At 19

LeBron James has heard enough from casual fans who debate whether or not his son, LeBron “Bronny” Raymone James Jr., is athletically on the same scale as the 19-time NBA All-Star.

In a clip posted to Twitter/X by Famous Los, Bronny is seen doing his version of the one-handed Tomahawk slam, a dunk his father made synonymous with his name. Famous Los says in his post that the younger James is as athletic as his old man, saying, “Too say Bronny just as athletic or if not more than Bron was at his age isn’t wild! He’s doing this at 6’2, not 6’8.”

He ends his analysis with a shrug emoji.

Not long after, King James responded by quoting Famous Los’ post, saying, “Exactly!!! He’s definitely just as if not right there at his age. The casuals just like to argue about [doo doo emoji] they literally don’t know about.”

Exactly!!! He’s definitely just as if not right there at his age. The casuals just like to argue about 💩 they literally don’t know about https://t.co/DO0AyW8b4k

— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 10, 2023

In a June podcast episode of “Podcast P With Paul George,” NBA players and Los Angeles natives Paul George and DeMar DeRozan discussed the prospects of Bronny becoming an NBA player.

George, a perennial in the defensive player of the year conversation, said, “I got to watch him play in Vegas, he was playing right before my team played, and um, they was losing the game, but I just saw, I saw he got it, bro. He got it, he got all the s*** Bron got. High IQ, athletic, he make the right plays, he can shoot that s***. I was amazed.”

George also said that USC got a miniature version of LeBron and that he saw Bronny as elite, noting that he is a fan of the young James’ game.

In that same podcast, the pair discussed LeBron’s comments that his son was better than some NBA players. DeRozan, who also attended USC, where Bronny will be playing this fall, agreed with LeBron, saying, “We do got a lot of sorry MFs in this league, I’ma be honest.”

George chimed in, “No cap,” before DeRozan continued, “I’ma be completely honest with you, I’m the type of dude I keep my opinions to myself, I chill, I play the backseat. But being in the league so long, you realize how many MFs don’t love the game of basketball, who take it for granted, who feel so entitled, who just want everything that [comes] with it but don’t wanna put the work in. It’s so frustrating.”

marley marl, LL Cool J, BET hip hop awards

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 12, 2023

LL Cool J And Rakim Deliver Showstopping Tribute To DJ Marley Marl At BET Hip-Hop Awards

At the 2023 BET Hip-Hop Awards, which aired Oct. 10, legendary artists LL Cool J and Rakim took center stage for an electrifying performance paying tribute to the iconic hip-hop producer and pioneer DJ Marley Marl, who was honored with this year’s I Am Hip-Hop Award.

The performance, introduced by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland, featured a montage showcasing Marley Marl’s profound contributions to the genre, as reported by Vibe.

Speaking to the audience at the BET Hip-Hop Awards and viewers tuning in from home, Marley Marl, 61, recounted the origins of his journey. It all began in New York on Vernon Blvd., Long Island City, Queensbridge. He dedicated the award to his late radio partner and fellow hip-hop luminary Mr. Magic.

The tribute performance was awe-inspiring. Accompanied by a live band featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff and Technician The DJ skillfully handling the turntables, Rakim and LL Cool J electrified the audience with a blend of their greatest hits crafted by Marley Marl. Rakim, with his iconic charisma, initiated the show with tracks such as “Eric B. Is President” and “Paid in Full.”

LL Cool J’s entrance, emerging from beneath the stage, elevated the show. The Queens-born rapper treated the audience to a set of classics that included songs like “Jingling Baby,” “Mr. Good Bar,” “Around the Way Girl,” “Mama Said Knock You Out,” and “Rock the Bells.” LL’s performance had the crowd on their feet, and even Marley Marl, seated in the audience, couldn’t resist dancing to the timeless beats of own his creations.

Hailing from the Queensbridge Projects in New York City, DJ Marley Marl is considered one of the architects of hip-hop’s sound in the late ’80s, crafting hits for some of the most significant artists of the decade, including LL Cool J and Rakim. Notably, he contributed to Rakim and Eric B’s iconic 1987 debut album, Paid in Full, and produced LL Cool J’s 1990 “comeback” album, Mama Said Knock You Out.

However, Marley Marl’s most enduring legacy lies in being a founding member of the legendary Juice Crew collective, which included Roxanne Shanté, MC Shan, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Masta Ace, Craig G, and others.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 12, 2023

Halle Bailey Pours Into Female Students With Angel Scholarship

Halle Bailey is letting it be known there are angels out there. In celebration of her first solo single, the songstress announced her Angel Scholarship, which seeks to help Black women students in the performing arts.

The four recipients, announced on Oct. 2, are all pursuing their artistic passions through education either in conservatories or traditional colleges, as two scholars attend HBCUs. Ranging from classically trained pianists to theater majors, this quartet is composed of a dynamic group of young women striving to become future leaders in their respective professions.

The unveiling of the inaugural cohort for the Angel Scholars Fund comes after Bailey first announced the scholarship, as confirmed by Blavity.

In a video to her Instagram on Sept. 27, The Little Mermaid star expressed her excitement at being able to support young women in achieving their creative dreams.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Halle Bailey (@hallebailey)

“I’m so excited to announce that I am launching the ‘Angel Scholarship,’ which will support amazing young Black women in the performing arts,” shared the 23-year-old. “Thank you for supporting ‘Angel’ and helping to make these incredible young ladies’ dreams come true. Stay tuned.”

Sharing how the chosen women “truly inspire” her, Bailey is giving back to the community she has represented in mainstream media in a ground-breaking way. Originally known as one half of the musical sister duo Chloe x Halle, the talented vocalist rose to her own fame after landing the coveted role of Ariel in the live-action The Little Mermaid. Her first solo song, “Angel,” is described as an ode to empower Black women by celebrating their beauty and strength.

Her careers in both music and film are soaring, as Bailey is among the cast in the 2023 adaption of The Color Purple, playing a young Nettie in the movie. While the younger Bailey’s star is on the rise, her mission to be an “angel” back to young Black women continues to be a priority.

Meet the Family of Five Nigerian Sisters Who All Became Medical Doctors

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 12, 2023

Meet the Family of Five Nigerian Sisters Who All Became Medical Doctors

Five siblings from Nigeria — Salamat, Halima, Khadijah, Raliat, and Medinah Aliu — are all medical doctors. These women, each specializing in different fields, truly proved Black excellence and have become an inspiration to many.

The Aliu family was blessed with five outstanding daughters, all of whom pursued careers in medicine, according to The Cable.

Salamat, the oldest sibling, specializes in neurosurgery, making her the first female neurosurgeon in West Africa. Halima pursued a career in plastic surgery, Khadijah chose the path of family medicine, Raliat works as an obstetrician and gynecologist, and Medinah serves as a community health physician.

The sisters managed to break through the barriers and excel in a male-dominated profession. In a society where gender equality and access to education remain pressing challenges, these sisters have defied the odds.

They have not only broken barriers but also serve as an inspiration to other women, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms, especially within the Black community.

*Originally published by Blacknews.com.

by Daron Pressley

October 12, 2023

Daymond John Takes Black Entrepreneurs Day To The Apollo

Black Entrepreneurs Day, organized by Daymond John, the renowned founder and CEO of FUBU and co-star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” is set to take center stage at the Apollo Theater on Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. EST.

Black Entrepreneurs Day has become a beacon of hope and empowerment worldwide through uplifting, inspiring, and supporting the dreams of Black business leaders across the globe.

Ahead of Black Entrepreneurs Day, BLACK ENTERPRISE spent time with John to discuss why game-changer conversations are important, what distinguishes pitch contestants, and who has the best chance of receiving a grant.

The NAACP Grant

One of the highlights of Black Entrepreneurs Day is the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grants program, generously awarding over $200,000 in grants to deserving Black businesses. Since its inception, this program has provided more than $800,000 to entrepreneurs, impacting their journeys.

Thirty-five years ago, John was turned down by 27 banks as he tried to secure funding for his startup.

“They were right to turn me down,” John told BE. “I didn’t know how to articulate in a way that created a structure for the bank to feel comfortable lending to me.”

The grant application process is competitive, and John provided some tangible advice for grant applicants.

“Never take a cookie-cutter or copy-and-paste approach when crafting your grant responses,” John said. “Remember that a grant is somebody giving you free money, and they will know if you are cookie-cutting it.”

The $25,000 NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant application window is open at BEDGrant.com until Oct. 11.

Game-Changer Conversations

A major attraction of Black Entrepreneurs Day is the insightful and inspiring “Game Changer Conversations,” presented by The General Insurance. This segment will feature intimate one-on-one discussions with influential Black business leaders and cultural icons, including Whoopi Goldberg, Shaquille O’Neal, Cedric the Entertainer, Anthony Anderson, and Rick Ross.

“These discussions are the foundation of why we do this,” said John enthusiastically.

The conversations, moderated by John, promise to offer invaluable insights and wisdom to aspiring entrepreneurs.

John stated, “You never know how or when the message will hit someone. When you see these massive icons in business provide information, and someone is ready, it can change the trajectory of their life.”

Shopify Pitch Competition

Black Entrepreneurs Day partners with Shopify for the Shopify Pitch Competition, a thrilling live event where three new Shopify merchants will have the chance to win $25,000 and receive mentorship from John.

“It is always the person pitching where you say to yourself, they are not going away, and it does not matter what product they have,” he remarked. “In that time when they’re pitching, you see them move quickly and adjust to the questions asked.”

This pitch competition is about financial support, nurturing talent, and fostering the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.

John says, “When someone pitches their product, those who talk about what their product will do, how many lives it will change, and how much joy it will bring stand out. It is infectious how it comes through a person.”

Empowering Dreams, Celebrating Diversity

At the heart of Black Entrepreneurs Day is a profound mission: to empower and celebrate entrepreneurs everywhere. This groundbreaking event has earned its reputation as one of the largest and most prestigious diversity and inclusion events in America. It’s not just an event; it’s a testament to the power of diversity and innovation in the entrepreneurial landscape. You can catch the action on the Black Entrepreneurs Day website, YouTube, Facebook, and other streaming platforms..

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 12, 2023

Contract Talks Break Down Between Hollywood Actors, Studios

Negotiations between Hollywood studios and the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union were suspended on Wednesday as the two sides clashed over streaming revenue, the use of artificial intelligence and other issues at the core of a three-month work stoppage.

The breakdown in talks interrupted attempts to end labor tensions that have put most U.S.-based film and television production on hold, cost the California economy billions and left thousands of crew members without work.

SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July. The union resumed negotiations with studios last week after the Writers Guild of America (WGA) ended its work stoppage.

The WGA deal had raised hopes for a quick resolution with actors until the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), late on Wednesday, said talks were suspended once it reviewed the most recent union proposal.

“After meaningful conversations, it is clear that the gap between the AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA is too great, and conversations are no longer moving us in a productive direction,” said the AMPTP, which represents Netflix (NFLX.O), Walt Disney (DIS.N) and other media companies

SAG-AFTRA, in a letter to members issued early Thursday, said it had negotiated “in good faith” with studios “despite the fact that last week they presented an offer that was, shockingly, worth less than they proposed before the strike began.”

“It is with profound disappointment that we report the industry CEOs have walked away from the bargaining table after refusing to counter our latest offer,” union negotiators said.

One issue of contention is a SAG-AFTRA demand for a share of streaming revenue delivered as a bonus to cast members. The AMPTP said the proposal “would cost more than $800 million per year, which would create an untenable economic burden.”

SAG-AFTRA countered that the AMPTP had overstated the cost by 60% and accused the studios of “bully tactics.”

The union also said studios “refuse to protect performers from being replaced by AI,” while the AMPTP said it had promised to obtain actors’ consent before using any digital replicas of their likenesses.

On issues such as general wage increases and residuals for high-budget streaming shows, the AMPTP said it had offered the same terms that were ratified by the WGA and the Directors Guild of America, but that SAG-AFTRA rejected them.

Members of the WGA approved a new three-year contract with major studios this week, five months after the union called a strike. The new contract provides pay raises, some protections around AI use and other gains.

*Originally published on Reuters.com.