Black Woman Veteran, Confidence Coach Unveils “Inner Strength Journal” To Help Women Uncover Their Inner Warriors

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 11, 2023

Black Woman Veteran, Confidence Coach Unveils “Inner Strength Journal” To Help Women Uncover Their Inner Warriors

*Originally Published By Blacknews.com

Blending Military Resilience with Confidence Coaching, this Revolutionary Journaling Approach is Designed to Empower Women of All Ages and Backgrounds

Nationwide — Moniek “Mo” James, a Black woman veteran and Confidence Coach, has launched a groundbreaking journal called The Inner Strength Journal. With years of experience in creating safe spaces for women to explore their inner wisdom, she aims to help women discover and nourish their inner strength and trust their gut.

Self-help tools and resources are widely available, but few can claim to combine the resilience and discipline of military training with the nurturing and empowering approach of Confidence Coaching. Mo’s unique background allows her to fill this gap, focusing on the specific challenges faced by women and underrepresented communities.

Mo comments, “Creating and publishing this journal wasn’t something I planned to do. In summer 2022, my family left Arizona and moved back to the East Coast and this move proved to be the most adventurous transition we’d faced as a family. I had to tap into a new depth of resilience and courage.”

She continues, “Once we were settled, I started thinking about how I could offer something to the women in my community to support them as they navigated their own seasons of disruption. Self-trust is essential for building confidence, but for the woman who doesn’t know who she is and hasn’t had to stretch her fortitude, that’s harder to learn how to do. I created The Inner Strength Journal to serve this phase of that woman’s journey.”

What people are saying:

“I bought this journal and wanted to be sure I didn’t just define or answer the prompts with short answers. If you’re ready to expand your mind and really dig deep to find your inner strength this is the journal you’ve never seen before. Add this journal to your collection without worry of disappointment.” — Girosalee H.

It is more than just a diary — it’s a carefully curated self-coaching tool filled with prompts, activities, and self-assessments. These are designed to instill confidence, promote emotional intelligence, and foster courage, empowering women to take charge of their lives.

Mo utilizes her rich experience in Confidence Coaching to bring emotional depth to this transformative journal. “The journal is like a DIY Confidence Coach, guiding you through your fears and insecurities, and offering a pathway to trust your own wisdom,” she says

The Inner Strength Journal is available on Amazon via its official website at InnerStrengthJournal.com

For more details about Mo James’ coaching services, visit TheConfettiCollective.com

Also, be sure to follow her company on TikTok and Instagram.

For press inquiries, contact info@theconfetticollective.com

Will SMith, Summer Time, BET Hip Hop Awards, Fat Joe, Bronx

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 11, 2023

Fat Joe Tried To Get Will Smith To Perform At The BET Hip-Hop Awards

Fat Joe, the executive producer of BET Hip-Hop Awards, revealed to People that he attempted to convince Will Smith to perform at the Oct. 10 show.

The “Lean Back” rapper wasn’t sure how Willy from Philly would have been received given his 2022 Oscar debacle, where he slapped presenter Chris Rock and was banned from the Oscars for 10 years. Smith, 55, has kept public appearances to a bare minimum since attacking Rock.

Fat Joe, 53, was hyped about the Oscar-winning actor potentially performing his 1991 mega-hit “Summertime.” Although it would have been a surprise if he had pulled it off, Smith turned it down as his schedule didn’t allow the time necessary to perform.

“He’s filming Bad Boys,” Fat Joe said.

“But we tried. We try to pull off a miracle if we can. We try to pull a cloud out of the sky.”

Before the show aired on BET, Fat Joe promised to pull out all the stops in his return as the award show host.

“It’s going to be sick. Overall, it’s a dream come true for me. It’s the second year I’m doing the Hip-Hop Awards, but I always think back to being in junior high and doing the talent shows and then Apollo Theater Amateur Night and it all leads to this. And so it’s an honor for me.”

Fat Joe recently returned to his hometown borough of the Bronx to donate over $100,000 in clothing to kids for the current school year, including sweatsuits, tracksuits, t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers on Sept. 2 as he hosted a back-to-school clothing drive at The Eagle Academy for Young Men.

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A post shared by FAT JOE (@fatjoe)

He made the same gesture at I.S. 219 New Venture School and at the elementary school he attended as a youngster, P.S. 146 Edward Collins.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 11, 2023

Jermaine Dupri Celebrates So So Def Anniversary On ATL MARTA Bus

A significant moment in the world of hip hop and Atlanta’s rich cultural history unfolded Friday, Oct. 6, as Jermaine Dupri, the legendary producer, rapper and founder of So So Def Recordings, teamed up with MARTA to unveil a custom-wrapped bus to mark the 30th anniversary of his iconic record label, as reported by Atlanta Daily World.

MARTA officially revealed the striking custom-wrapped bus at Atlanta’s 50th Hip Hop, a fitting location for the tribute, and it was parked at 65 Upper Alabama St SW. This transit bus, operating along Route 89 – Old National Highway, serves Dupri’s old neighborhood, College Park. Its route stretches from College Park to alternating termini in Union City and the City of Riverdale, taking passengers through Best Rd., Sullivan Rd. and Old National Hwy.

The areas along this route are essential, including Old National Village, Atlanta Metro Studios, Riverdale Town Center and Riverdale City Hall, all adding meaning to the celebration.

Dupri shared his thoughts and feelings during an interview about this particular moment. He expressed the deep personal connection this project holds for him.

“It’s an amazing moment in my life,” Dupri said, emphasizing that he once had to walk to Old National HWY to catch this same bus.

He continued, “It’s amazing to know that people who live in that neighborhood can get an opportunity to see this. It should be inspiring to the kids who live there. I feel like this is one of the most Atlanta things that I can do. This is something that belongs to the city.”

The So So Def Recordings label has played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop and R&B scenes over the past three decades. Dupri’s contributions to the music industry are immense, and the custom-wrapped bus is a tribute to his accomplishments and the community that nurtured his talent.

The unveiling of the bus signifies a cultural milestone and a celebration of the power of music and its ability to inspire generations. Dupri and MARTA have created a unique blend of art, history and transportation in the heart of Atlanta, allowing passengers to embark on a journey that pays homage to the city’s musical legacy.

RELATED CONTENT: Jermaine Dupri Says He Created ‘Make It Rain’

Black residents , Alabama, water, water issues

by Iman Milner

October 11, 2023

Black Residents Of Small Alabama Town Search For Answers As Mounting Water Bills And Issues Put Their Homes At Risk

Black residents in Alabama Village, a small town in the “cotton state” that 19,000 people call home, are calling for the dissolution of a local water and sewage board amid growing concerns over outstanding bills, old pipes, low-system pressure, and outdated water meters.

Capital B News reports the Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board has threatened to use eminent domain to force Alabama Village dwellers out of the neighborhood to recoup losses and drive down debt. However, the area’s longtime residents say they’ve already paid the exorbitant costs associated with years of neglect.

“When you open your water bill, it’s fear because you don’t know what to expect,” Alabama Village resident Severia Campbell Morris said. “Your bill isn’t going to be under $58. It may be $5,000. It’s unbelievable. This city is run by us, and we don’t take care of each other.”

According to the outlet, the residents are requesting a move of their services to the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System, where Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board’s water supply stems. A judge is slated to decide the fate of the town’s utility services and the board on Oct. 10.

Water is not the only infrastructure issue Alabama Village faces. The area, often used as a trash dump for nearby cities, has become a hotbed for crime due to abandoned homes and overgrown weeds and bushes.

“They bring everything over here,” resident Angela Robinson Adams said. “You want to get rid of something, throw it in the Village.” Alabama Village residents like Adams have allegedly hired their own professionals to help get to the bottom of issues in the area, including water pipes long ignored by the neighboring city of Chickasaw that are often directly connected to individual properties.

Ongoing issues in the area have led to bills as high as $7,500 for some residents.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 11, 2023

50 Cent Tells Diddy ‘Time To Lawyer Up’ After Keefe D Is Arrested For Tupac’s Murder

The mystery surrounding the killing of hip-hop recording artist Tupac Shakur may be ending, yet questions are still being asked. Queens rapper 50 Cent posted a message on Instagram that alludes to Diddy being involved in the alleged commission of the murder.

An alleged suspect in Tupac’s killing, Duane “Keefe D” Davis, has been charged with the murder of the beloved entertainer. Over the years, Keefe D has stated in various interviews that a hit on Tupac was allegedly ordered by Sean’ Diddy’ Combs.

Vulture recently reported that Keefe D said that the Combs Global CEO allegedly told him, “Man, I want to get rid of them dudes,” about the rapper/actor and Suge Knight, the owner of Death Row Records. Diddy has denied having anything to do with the murder and has told L.A. Weekly that the suspect’s recollection was “pure fiction and completely ridiculous.”

50 Cent, not one to miss an opportunity to be petty and witty, posted a photo of Tupac and Suge on the night of the deadly shooting to his Instagram account. The caption alludes to the statements Keefe D has mentioned over the years, trying to pin the crime on the “No Way Out” artist, calling him “Brother Love” in the post.

“Damn so pac got lined by brother love. LOL Time to Lawyer up, sh*t might get sticky. #lecheminduroi #bransoncognac”

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A post shared by 50 Cent (@50cent)

VIBE has also reported that Keefe D claimed that Diddy paid $1 million to the South Side Crips. He also alleges that the street gang never got the down payment for the hit.

Tupac died after being shot multiple times in Las Vegas after a Mike Tyson boxing match on Sept. 7, 1996. The prolific entertainer died in the hospital six days later at 25.

by Stacy Jackson

October 11, 2023

McDonald’s Launches Mambo Sauce Nationwide With ‘Love Of Mambo’ Documentary

Mambo sauce has made its debut on McDonald’s menus nationwide.

According to a press release, Mambo Sauce, which will be offered for a limited time, is a tomato-based, sweet, spicy, and vinegary blend with rich cultural ties to the Washington D.C. and Chicago communities.

“We get inspiration for the food our fans love by exploring the incredible tastes and flavors found in communities across the country,” said Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald’s USA.

The launch of the tomato-based sauce was announced along with another addition to McDonald’s dipping sauce options. The fast-food chain praised its Sweet & Spicy Jam as the first-ever breakfast-inspired dipping sauce introduced to U.S. restaurants. A hint of Szechuan peppercorn and cayenne pepper are combined in the “jammy” red pepper blend.

“Sweet & Spicy Jam and Mambo Sauce live at the intersection of flavor and culture—pulling from decades of rich food history and tradition in local restaurants and home kitchens and bringing the delicious spice, sweetness, and kick of heat we know today’s customers are craving,” Hassan added.

McDonald’s released a documentary surrounding the culture of the Mambo sauce. The four-minute short film titled The Love of Mambo shares the stories of the Black sauce makers, restaurant owners, and foodies who have embraced the Mambo sauce and made it a staple in their Washington D.C. and Chicago communities. It’s “Mambo Sauce” versus “Mild Sauce” between the two areas.

“They call it the war of the sauces. Mild sauce versus Mambo sauce, “said chef Cliff Rome, owner of Rome Joy Enterprises in Chicago. “Legend has it, Mambo sauce actually started in Chicago. Somehow, D.C. tends to take all the credit.”

To celebrate the arrival of both sauces to its menu, McDonald’s also reached out to foodie influencers @sharidyonne, @santanakeish, and @blackgirlsexploredc to extend their tastebuds and creative minds and hype up the sauce with their authentic reactions.

https://www.tiktok.com/@sharidyonne/video/7286525698968341802?lang=en

@santanakeish

#adinross #mcdonalds Try the new sweet & spicy jam on your McDonald’s hash brown, thank me later! #eatwithkeish #dmveatswithkeish #foodinfluencer #foodcontentcreator #hashbrown

♬ original sound – BIG KEISH

@blackgirlsexploredc

#Ad #McDonalds McDonald’s just added two brand new sauces to the menu – Mambo Sauce and Sweet & Spicy Jam. Their take on the DC classic, Mambo Sauce, is my personal favorite. Available 10/9 for a limited time. #MamboSauce #Breakfast #WashingtonDC #McDonalds #DCFoodie #DMVFoodie

♬ original sound – Cornelia – Explore DMV’s best

Ts Madison, fear, trans, transgender, woman

by Stacy Jackson

October 11, 2023

TS Madison Talks About Her Commitment To Black And Trans Communities With Tamron Hall

Actress and LGBTQIA+ advocate Madison Hinton opened up about her roles in the entertainment industry. Following her recent rise to fame, the television personality, widely known as TS Madison, recently discussed on the Tamron Hall Show why she fears for her life as a Black trans woman in today’s society.

On the Oct. 9 episode, the RuPaul’s Drag Race judge expressed her commitment to advocating for the trans and Black communities. “It is important that we wake up because we are on the same side,” Madison said.

Her recent appearance on Hall’s daytime talk show comes amid her statement in Rolling Stone after comedian Jess Hilarious compared trans people to mental patients. Hall rehashed a few statements from Madison’s interview with the magazine.

One particular statement was a plea from the media personality to the Black community. “I would hope that the Black community would actually sit down and have a willing openness to learn.”

Hall read the actress’ words to her regarding An Epidemic of Violence 2022 report. The findings published by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation showed that in 2013, over 85% of transgender and gender non-conforming victims who faced violence were people of color.

“I’m still afraid for my life,” Madison told the Tam Fam during the show. “Even with me being a star and going out on Beyoncé’s album, my own show, I’m still afraid for my life because especially, with me being so vocal about it, you know, trans issues and trans rights and the unification of Black people, I’m afraid sometimes that I could be hurt.”

The Zola actress thanked Hall on Instagram for taking the time to “listen to understand.”

She wrote, “There is a huge misconception that Trans 🏳️‍⚧️ people, particularly Trans Women, are out to ERASE Bio Women, and that’s not True. We simply want to exist just like everyone else!”

Along with Hall, other celebrities, including singer Kandi Burruss and actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, supported Madison’s message.

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A post shared by Ts Madison™️©️ (@tsmadison)

The LGBTQIA+ advocate, who has also been featured on Beyoncé’s hit song, “COZY,” has been on a forward-moving journey as a representative of the Black trans community. As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Madison sat down with Hip-Hop & Enterprise in 2022 to discuss her Fox Soul talk show, Turnt Out With TS Madison. The venture named her the first transgender to have their own reality show. The show garnered several supporters after it debuted in January 2022.

JPMorgan Chase Partners With Roc Nation School Of Music At LIU For First-Ever Financial Health Course

by Jeffrey McKinney

October 10, 2023

JPMorgan Chase Partners With Roc Nation School Of Music At LIU For First-Ever Financial Health Course

Aiming to help students, including Black Americans, with career and entrepreneurial pursuits, JPMorgan Chase is providing $350,000 in resources to help make that happen. The nation’s largest bank has formed a new partnership with Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment at Long Island University (LIU).

Called the school’s first-ever financial health course for the 2023-24 academic year, the alliance aims to aid nearly 150 students by helping them build strong money management skills and a solid financial future.

According to Capital Extra, rapper and business mogul Jay-Z opened the Roc Nation school in 2020. Jay Z’s entertainment company reportedly united with Brooklyn’s Long Island University to launch the school. Degree programs at the school prepare students for careers in performance, entrepreneurship, music, sports business, and management, per its website.

The partnership means JPMorgan Chase will invest $115,000 for scholarships and the rest for technical assistance to the school and financial coaching for the students. The funding will pay a one-year tuition of $7,500 per student, with about 15 students expected to get scholarships.

Based on a news release, the bank’s investment will contribute to the School’s Hope Scholarship program, which annually provides a tuition-free education for 25% of incoming students.

The three-credit, 16-week course at LIU’s Brooklyn campus will include workshops on credit building, homebuying, and fraud/scam prevention. It will feature celebrity guest speakers, including UCLA football standout Chase Griffin, New York Giants legend Victor Cruz, and JPMorgan Chase executives. They will share their insights and advice for academic, career, and personal success.

“At JPMorgan Chase, we’re proud to partner with LIU’s Roc Nation School, breaking down financial barriers for college students in Brooklyn, stated Diedra Porché, managing director, and head of Community Banking and Development at Chase.

“Together, we’re providing the essential resources and support our future leaders need to shape their career and financial futures.”

With the grant, the Roc Nation School will get technical aid from the National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) to ensure a sustainable program built to help students establish healthy financial behaviors.

Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez added it’s absolutely vital that we equip our students with a versatile array of tools and resources to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

She shared, “With the addition of JPMorgan Chase’s financial health course, students will be poised to make stronger and more informed financial decisions in a way that can profoundly shape the trajectory of their lives and careers.”

To gain more details, check out this site.

Rhyne Howard, WNBA, Atlanta Dream, coach, Florida, Gators

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2023

Florida Women’s Basketball Team Hires Atlanta Dream’s Rhyne Howard as Assistant Coach and Director of Player Personnel

A second-year WNBA player has recently joined the ranks of a college coaching staff during the league’s offseason.

According to the Florida women’s basketball team, Atlanta Dream player Rhyne Howard will join the Gators’ coaching staff as an assistant coach and director of player personnel. Howard has familial ties to Florida as her mother, Rhvonja (R.J.) Avery played for the university from 1987-91.

“When you really think about it, everything is full circle. My mom was a Gator herself, and I have been on this campus multiple times, but to actually be able to wear the orange and blue, I know it’s making her proud, I know it’s making everyone who thought I was originally going to be a Florida Gator proud,” Howard said in a written statement. “I always knew at some point that I would have the connection back with this school and just to be here and to be loved and to feel how much of a family it is already just confirmed all that.”

Welcome to Gainesville, Rhyne!

Excited to announce the newest addition to our Gator family🐊

🔗 https://t.co/jSEUSFyMI5 | #GoGators pic.twitter.com/SbWnN2Grma

— Kelly Rae Finley (@kraefin) October 9, 2023

Howard is barely out of college herself, having attended the University of Kentucky and graduated in 2022. She became the first and only Kentucky player in program history to be drafted first overall by a WNBA team.

While at Kentucky, she became the basketball program’s top three-point shooter of all time and earned the SEC (Southeastern Conference) Player of the Year two times (2020 and 2021). She was also selected as the SEC Tournament MVP in 2022 and made the All-SEC First Team in all four of her years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022).

Kelly Rae Finley, head coach of the Florida Gators, said, “It has always been important to me that we surround our student-athletes with people who can help equip them with the skills necessary to succeed as professionals on and off the court … Rhyne is humble, competitive, thoughtful, and driven … She is living many of our student-athletes dreams. Her knowledge of the game, combined with her ability to teach and connect with them on and off the court, will elevate our program.”

She had a successful second year in the WNBA. Although the Dream lost in the first round of the playoffs, she averaged 17.5 a game.

Last year, she was the first rookie in league history to record four blocks and four three-pointers in their debut. As an All-Star player, she also won the WNBA Kia Rookie of the Year and Associated Press Rookie of the Year in her first year in the league.

LeBron James' Show 'The Shop Uninterrupted

by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2023

LeBron James’ Show ‘The Shop Uninterrupted’ Is Going On An HBCU Homecoming Tour

LeBron James, Maverick Carter, and company are taking The Shop UNINTERRUPTED on the road for a homecoming tour of HBCUs. The show will head out to Tennessee State University, Hampton University, and North Carolina A&T University during the fall. As co-creator Paul Rivera told Andscape, those universities were chosen for a specific reason to host the show’s live tour.

“We selected these three schools for various reasons, including their impact and how they empower their students,” Rivera explained.

“From Tennessee State being the first HBCU to launch a hockey program, North Carolina A&T being the largest HBCU that graduates the most Black engineers in America, and Hampton’s rich history with housing the oldest museum of the African diaspora in the U.S., these schools are trailblazers in their own right.”

https://twitter.com/TheShopUN/status/1711426812251955381?t=C-p_-nVk735Sj43daPwUIw&s=19

The first stop on the tour will be Tennessee State on Oct 13, where Rivera will host and be joined by actor/comedian Kevin Fredericks, better known as KevOnStage. The taping will also feature music producer/songwriter Key Wane and actress/television producer Crystal Renee. The other stops at this point have only confirmed Rivera as a host; the guests he will share the stage with are to be announced. Tennessee State is proud to partner with the show. Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover described her excitement to Andscape, saying,

“We are pleased to be a part of The Shop’s HBCU tour and to kick off the initiative that will bring awareness to our institutions,” Glover said. “TSU has an amazing history, outstanding students and distinguished alumni, and we are excited to share this with the world, especially during our homecoming celebration.”

In addition to the taping, The Shop is partnering with AT&T to bring its Dream In Black Rising Future Makers Showcase to campus, along with Twix giveaways and a showroom model of the Toyota Grand Highlander that students can interact with.

Like Glover, North Carolina A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr. believes that the homecoming season is the perfect time and a perfect vehicle to showcase not just his university but all HBCUs, as he told Andscape:

“We’re excited about this project and all the great work that UNINTERRUPTED and LeBron James are doing to share HBCU excellence more significantly on a national stage,” Martin explained. “Having them here during the Greatest Homecoming on Earth will give America a chance to see what makes this celebration and our university so special.”

Rivera believes that the common thread uniting barbershops and HBCUs in the Black imagination will be evident when the show and its crew make their way to the chosen campuses. He hopes that the show will illuminate to the students who attend the live tapings that no one is truly an overnight success and that it takes work and some good fortune for people to arrive at their eventual destinations. Rivera believes in the power of HBCUs to shape brilliant minds, saying,

“HBCUs are increasingly becoming the first choice for some of the nation’s most sought-after talents,” Rivera explained. “Barbershops and HBCUs hold important roles within Black and Brown communities. Both are cornerstones in cultivating and educating the next generation of Black and Brown thought leaders.”