N.O.R.E., cryptocurrency, NFT, crypto, investments

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 10, 2023

The Cryptocurrency Conundrum: N.O.R.E’s Lament Highlights Disturbing Trends In NFT Investments

As the digital asset market faces a significant downturn, the renowned host of “Drink Champs,” N.O.R.E., took to social media to express his growing frustration on Oct. 9.

The rap artist aired his grievances with a pointed tweet: “Yo my bitcoin or whatever it’s called ain’t worth…!!!”

Sharing a screenshot of this post on Instagram, he emphasized, “I’m mad at cryptocurrency, y’all lied.”

His discontent resonated with his followers, including fellow celebrities Fat Joe and Slim Thug, who co-signed his post with fire emojis and 100 emojis, as reported by Complex.

Yo my bitcoin or whatever it's called ain't worth shit!!!

— N.O.R.E (@noreaga) October 9, 2023

While the extent of N.O.R.E.’s investments in cryptocurrency remains undisclosed, his public exasperation underscores the broader landscape of the crypto market. The most recognized cryptocurrency currently holds approximately $27,000, a stark contrast to its pinnacle at $68,789 in November 2021. This sharp decline in cryptocurrency’s value has created economic woes for various investors, including celebrities who fervently embraced the digital currency.

Furthermore, the allure of the burgeoning NFT (Non-Fungible Token) market has been irresistible for celebrities and everyday investors. These unique digital assets have been touted as valuable collectibles, often exchanged for substantial sums. However, a recent revelation brings the euphoria surrounding NFTs into question.

A study conducted by dappGambl uncovered startling facts about NFT investments. Researchers examined more than 73,000 NFT collections owned by over 23 million investors. The verdict was alarming: 95% of these digital assets possess a “floor price of zero” Ether, rendering them practically worthless. Out of the 73,257 NFT collections analyzed, a staggering 69,795 revealed a market cap of 0 Ether. This statistic underscores the grim reality that 95% of NFT investors are clutching investments bereft of value. Researchers estimate this accounts for over 23 million individuals facing the distressing realization that their NFT investments have become worthless.

The study also disclosed that less than 1% of the top 8,850 NFT collections retained a value exceeding $6,000. In contrast, 41% of these assets fell within $5 to $100, while 18% had no value

These revelations highlight the challenges investors face within the cryptocurrency and NFT markets. N.O.R.E.’s candid expression of frustration mirrors the broader trend of investments losing value within the digital asset sphere. The study on NFT collections serves as a cautionary tale, revealing that the value of many digital assets has significantly depreciated, leaving investors grappling with losses and uncertainties.

As the world of cryptocurrency and NFTs continues to evolve, these challenges underscore the need for investors to remain vigilant and well-informed about the ever-fluctuating landscape of digital assets.

armed forces, desegregate, integrate, 75 years, White House

by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2023

Religious Exempters Vindicated By Ruling In COVID-19 Mandate Case

Military members who contended that the 2021 policy mandating COVID-19 vaccines violated their religious beliefs scored a legal victory on Oct 3.

According to the Military Times, a Florida judge awarded the firm representing a group of Navy Seals a judgment of $1.8 million to cover the legal fees the group racked up while fighting the policy.

Liberty Counsel’s chairman, Mat Staver, released a statement to the Military Times, “The military COVID shot mandate is dead,” Staver said. “Our heroic service members can no longer be forced to take this experimental jab that conflicts with their religious convictions.”

Religious vaccine exceptions have been rare throughout the history of the armed forces, but following pressure from Republican legislators, the military adopted a new interpretation of religious freedom in 2020, one that opened the door for a service person’s moral principles, not just established religious beliefs. Groups like the Trump-friendly First Liberty met this expansion with glee, calling it a “great victory for America’s brave service members.” In contrast, others, like Military Religious Freedom Foundation founder and president Mikey Weinstein, described it as something that could potentially “obliterate the wall of separation between church and state in our military.”

The vaccine mandate was repealed in January via a memo from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stating, “The Department will continue to promote and encourage COVID-19 vaccination for all service members.” Austin added, “The Department has made COVID-19 vaccination as easy and convenient as possible, resulting in vaccines administered to over two million service members and 96 percent of the force ― Active and Reserve ― being fully vaccinated.”

Seventeen thousand service people refused the vaccine, resulting in 8,000 being discharged and 1,000 religious exemptions given out, according to the Military Times. These numbers predate the end of the vaccine mandate policy. Those troops formerly discharged because of their refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can now file for a correction of records with their branch of service, and they can rejoin the armed forces if they desire.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 10, 2023

Travis Kelce’s Ex Kayla Nicole Shares Powerful Video To Black Women Amid Taylor Swift ‘Backlash’

Kayla Nicole can stand on her own. The ex-girlfriend of NFL player Travis Kelce, who is making headlines for his new public romance with Taylor Swift, penned a powerful letter in a new video dedicated to uplifting Black women.

The touching letter, shared to Nicole’s Instagram on Oct. 9, addressed the backlash she had received following the reveal of her former partner’s new relationship with the pop star.

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A post shared by Kayla Nicole (@iamkaylanicole)

“They may call you a traitor for falling in love,” began Nicole, making nod to the comments surrounding her interracial relationship with Kelce. “You’ll hope the ones closest will protect you but quickly realize people don’t protect what they don’t value.”

Nicole and the Kansas City Chiefs tight end allegedly broke up in 2022 after dating for approximately five years, as the on-air correspondent built a career working for ESPN and entertainment outlets, as reported by People. Swift’s attendance at Kelce’s NFL games in recent weeks has become a pop cultural moment and instigatedt harassment toward Nicole, where the journalist has maintained her silence on the widespread attention given toward the romance up until this point.

In an effort to speak up for herself, and all Black women who have been in similar predicaments, Nicole is using her platform to encourage her followers that they are “more than enough” even when being told otherwise.

“I know I’m not alone,” she said in the vulnerable post. “On days I feel most inadequate, I have to remind myself that I am, have been and will always be more than enough.”

Despite all the drama, Nicole has maintained focus on her own health and wellness, documenting her gym therapy while comments surrounding Taylor Swift comparisons still flood her account.

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A post shared by Kayla Nicole (@iamkaylanicole)

The 31-year-old, who celebrates a birthday in November, is leaning on her community and prayer as she stays committed to “elevate and unite” others like herself.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 10, 2023

Marshawn Lynch Admits He ‘Walked Around’ With $3M Signing Bonus Check As a Rookie

Former NFL great Marshawn Lynch recently admitted to ESPN sportscaster Shannon Sharpe that he was so oblivious to money he walked around with his $3 million signing bonus check for almost three weeks as a rookie.

The admission was made on the Oct. 4 episode of Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay, where the host and Super Bowl champion talked finances with Lynch, who had zero financial savvy when he entered the NFL in 2007 as a 21-year-old high first round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills.

“Realistically I walked around with my signing bonus on me for at least, like three weeks. I had my signing bonus on me. Because I ain’t know nothing about no banks and all that kind of s**t like that,” Lynch, now 39, said.

He explained that he talked with a financial advisor about what to do with his money and developed a technique that worked for him.

“So, he like, Marshawn it’ll probably be good, uh you know if you have somebody help you about your money this, that and a third. Well, I know another financial advisor that I talked to that I pretty I’m like shit, well I’ma just have one over here and I’ll give all of my money that I make off the field, I just put it over here and the money that I make on the field I’ll put it over here.”

If he had any questions about his money, he had two sources who were taking care of it for him: his off-the-field accountant and his on-the-field money advisor.

The Sports Rush reported that Lynch, who retired in 2019 after rushing for more than 10,000 yards, still makes $5 million a year in endorsements. He also recently appeared in the comedy, Bottoms.

Justin combs, dui, mísa Hilton, Diddy, drinking, limit, jail

by Iman Milner

October 10, 2023

Bad Boy Heir Justin Combs Strikes Plea Deal In DUI Case

Yahoo News reports that Justin Combs, the first-born son of Sean “Diddy” Combs and heir to the Bad Boy throne, has avoided jail time for his DUI arrest after striking a plea deal.

Combs reportedly pled no contest to driving over the legal limit and had an additional charge dismissed; however, the 29-year-old social life entrepreneur and TV host was sentenced to three years of summary probation. He must also complete “a 3-month licensed first-offender alcohol and other drug education and counseling program.”

The charges stem from June 4, when the Los Angeles Police Department reportedly pulled over Combs for a minor traffic violation, and it was later discovered that he was driving while under the influence of alcohol. His bail was set at $5,000.

After his swift release from jail, Combs’ mother, Misa Hylton, took to social media to point the finger at her son’s famous father, music icon Diddy. “Act BAD. BAD boy. I used to want to be a BAD Girl who chose to be a QUEEN. They are tried and true. I’m not perfect, but I am intentional,” Hilton wrote at the time.

Referring to the summertime hit song “Act Bad,” released by the 53-year-old father of seven, Hylton added that Combs was with his father at the time of his arrest. “The truth shall set you free. I should have kept my child with me … Everybody can get it.”

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Hylton’s remarks were met with mixed feelings as some felt the responsibility should no longer fall on the adult Combs’ father to keep him on the straight and narrow. While others believed Diddy’s actions over the years had improperly influenced the younger Combs’ behavior. “How is Diddy at fault? Justin is almost 30!” one user said. “Yes diddy is his father, but isn’t she his mother as well??? She is equally responsible,” another commented.

Michael Jackson, Pepsi generation, auction

by Iman Milner

October 10, 2023

Michael Jackson’s 1984 ‘Pepsi Generation’ Jacket Might Auction For More Than $400K

Michael Jackson continues to have the Midas touch nearly two decades after his untimely passing. Now, a wealthy collector mayPep be the new owner of the King of Pop’s iconic jacket from his first “Pepsi Generation” ad for the hefty price of $400,000 or more, TMZ reports.

The white and black leather jacket will reportedly go to auction on Nov. 10 through Propstore and is expected to sell for anywhere between $230,000 to $460,000. The garment’s former owner, Wendell Thompson, is allegedly the son of Jackson’s former cosmetologist, who received the jacket directly from Jackson in 1983 prior to the commercial’s airing.

When the gift was given, the beauty professional was reportedly on hand for the opening of the music superstar’s personal suite at Disney World’s Hotel Royal Plaza in Orlando. Thompson has held onto the cultural gem for decades but is now ready to use the jacket as collateral for the money he plans to leave in his will for his children and other family members.

Thompson alleges that he has “great memories” with the jacket and hopes that it’s new owner will be able to say the same.

This will not be the first time Michael Jackson memorabilia has sold at a high price. In 2011, the red jacket Jackson wore in his “Thriller” video sold for $1.8 million. The socks worn by the pop icon in 1983 when he debuted the moonwalk sold for $2 million at auction in 2018. And his signature white glove worn during the 1984 Victory Tour sold for a whopping $350,000 shortly after he died in 2009.

For those who can’t afford to get into the pricey game of owning a piece of Michael Jackson memorabilia, a trip to The Michael Jackson Museum in Gary, Indiana, or the singer’s former California family home can be an alternative. The former is full of artifacts donated by the singer as well as his famous brothers, while the latter has much of the same.

Locked Up: Atlanta Cop Allegedly Withheld Medical Care To Sexually Assault 16-Year-Old Teen Accident Victim

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 10, 2023

Locked Up: Atlanta Cop Allegedly Withheld Medical Care To Sexually Assault 16-Year-Old Teen Accident Victim

An Atlanta police officer has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old teen girl in early August after responding to a car accident where she was injured.

Officer Anthony Anderson is facing four felony charges, including second-degree cruelty to children, after he was detained on Oct. 5. It has been reported that in the early morning hours of Aug. 2, the officer arrived at the scene of a single-car accident, reportedly withheld medical attention from the teen after realizing she was injured and forced her to perform inappropriate sex acts.

Anderson also faces additional charges for aggravated sodomy and aggravated sexual battery, with a minimum sentencing of 25 years if convicted in Georgia.

He was also charged with negligence of his duty as a law enforcement officer.

“[Anderson] knowingly with criminal negligence did cause a child under the age of 18 cruel or excessive physical or mental pain by not having medical personnel check the victim for injuries after a car accident despite medical personnel arriving on the scene.”

The 16-year-old teen reported the assault to Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department, who informed the Atlanta Police Department (APD) as a formal investigation into the matter began the following week. The officer, who had been a member of the APD since 2016, was shortly removed from the field.

In response to his arrest, APD Chief Darin Schierbaum condemned the “despicable” action committed by a member of the city’s police force.

“Not only am I disturbed and disappointed by these allegations, but it also angers me,” stated Schierbaum. “We ask the public to trust us to do the right thing, to keep them safe. So, when one of our own is accused of despicable acts with a minor, it erodes that trust that sometimes takes years to build. You can be assured I will act swiftly to investigate any time allegations of misconduct are brought to my attention. I want to thank the Atlanta Police Department’s criminal investigation division for their prompt action in dealing with this matter.”

As the criminal justice system within the city and State of Georgia continues to face another set of issues, particularly regarding its jails, this new instance propels distrust with law enforcement even further.

Anderson’s history has not been spotless, as he garnered over four citizen complaints within the last five years. The investigation is ongoing, and he is being detained at Fulton County Jail.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 10, 2023

Pharrell Williams And Cam Kirk Studios Open ‘Billionaire Boys Club Creator’s Lab’ In Atlanta

Pharrell Williams‘ Billionaire Boys Club has teamed up with an Atlanta-based studio to help elevate creative expression in the bustling city, according to a press release.

Just last week Billionaire Boys Club announced its partnership with Cam Kirk Studios, the creative hub founded by notable Atlanta-based photographer and entrepreneur Cam Kirk, where photographers and creatives can go to sharpen their skills.

Together, the duo has unveiled the “Billionaire Boys Club Creator’s Lab,” a dedicated and permanent hub where creators can create and elevate their community. Housed within Cam Kirk Studios, the new space will serve as a hive for innovation and learning with state-of-the-art Microsoft Surface devices, cutting-edge Adobe design suites, 3D machinery, gaming and streaming rooms, and more.

It was a partnership built over time. Kirk first worked alongside BBC for years through numerous brand content ventures. Seeing Kirk’s talent and vision firsthand allowed Williams to confidently align his luxury streetwear brand with the 6-year-old studio.

“To see my relationship with Billionaire Boys Club materialize into a Creators Lab at my studio is a dream come true,” Cam Kirk said.

“Cam Kirk Studios has always been a place to support creators and build community in Atlanta, and this partnership bolsters our commitment to fulfill that mission.”

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The Billionaire Boys Club Creator’s Lab will also serve as an event space for immersive experiences. They will also host Club Talks highlighting Atlanta-based creatives, monthly night school weekend classes from beginner to advanced courses, E-Sports and gaming competitions, and networking mixers.

“Our main purpose of the lab is to continue to break down barriers that keep creators from being able to create,” Kirk told ‘The Atlanta Voice.’

“I know a lot of creators may not have the money to afford certain resources or have access to certain resources they need to continue to do what they do.”

The first on their list of immersive experiences will be the Pinterest Creator Residency from October 11 to October 13. The creative hub will officially open its doors to the public on October 14.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, National Book Award, Percival Everett, James

by Daniel Johnson

October 10, 2023

Indiana School Embroiled In Controversy Over Use Of N-Word During History Lesson

Mark Twain’s 1884 book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been banned or challenged for using the N-word since it was first published. Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Indiana is in the same position as Mark Twain’s literary landmine.

After a decision to include the N-word in a lesson about plantation owners and enslaved people, parents and students protested. Some people described the lesson as unnecessary. The school, meanwhile, maintained that the historical context was the only one in which it found the use of the word justified. In an email sent to The Daily Beast, Principal Molly Arroyo said, “The incident underscores the importance of sensitive and responsible handling of historical materials in an educational setting, with a commitment to fostering an insightful and respectful learning environment.”

According to NBC 5, the history teacher referred to Twain’s book during her lesson, as the teacher explained in an email they sent to parents.

“I was also talking about why the idea of slavery was so important to plantation owners. I was telling them how the n-word was used as a surname like Mr. or Mrs. as used in Mark Twain’s “Huck Finn,” the email read. “I did use the word in class only to show the difference between Bob Smith, the plantation owner, versus Bob Smith, the slave.”

Trinity Lutheran appears to agree with the teacher’s reasoning as they sent a statement to NBC 5, “It’s crucial to note that this choice was made solely for educational purposes, aimed at fostering a comprehensive understanding of the historical realities associated with the term. The school administration emphasizes that such language is and will continue to be strictly confined to historical teachings and does not endorse or tolerate its use in any other context, particularly when intended to demean or offend.”

Parents contend that the school is not thinking about the potential repercussions on a child’s psyche, one parent told NBC 5. “They’re making it seem like it’s not that big of a deal, and it hurts.”

The parent continued, “I want an apology, I want some kind of action taken, and I want something done about the way that she teaches.”

However, curriculum expert Keturah Proctor said, “Teaching about enslavement means being honest about anti-Blackness and how Black people have been clawing for any chance of true humanity in this experiment known as America. With that, you must be able to openly say that without the forced labor of Black people, there would be no America.”

florida, orlando, Orlando, police department, black woman, hanging, Lubrin, victim, Naomi, Yolna

by Lauren Nutall

October 10, 2023

Orlando Family Fights For Justice After Woman Found Hanging From Tree; Cops Rule Her Death A Suicide

An Orlando woman was found hanging from a tree in a residential backyard. A month later, her family is still left with unanswered questions.

On Sept. 28, Yolna Lubrin, 31, was found dead in an unidentified person’s backyard, according to The Chicago Defender. Though the Orlando County medical examiner is still investigating her cause of death, the Orlando Police Department has officially ruled her death a suicide. However, Lubrin’s family is questioning the mysterious circumstances surrounding their loved one’s death, calling for a deeper investigation into the events leading to her demise and into the person whose property she was found on.

The Orlando Police Department released a statement regarding the situation, saying, “While all death investigations are predicated upon the existence of trauma to the body to determine a criminal act, our investigation has thus far not revealed any physical injuries other than the ligature marks on the neck caused by the hanging.”

However, the victim’s sister, Naomi Yubrin, alleged this was false.

“My sister, Yolna Ruth Lubrin, did not commit suicide,” she said at a press conference on Oct. 4. “No one has been able to stand and say, ‘Hey, let’s have a conversation with the family to get a different narrative.’ No one has been empathetic of our needs.”

According to USA Today, Naomi listed several reasons she believed her sister was killed.

The woman’s family also believes that her body was positioned in a manner that did not indicate suicide.

“She’s able to push her hand up and touch the house, literally. So she can stand up,” her sister expressed. A second video by the same man who recorded Yolna’s body showed her car had been vandalized.

Naomi claimed that the two men who released the videos lived in a unit behind where her sibling’s corpse was discovered, yet both men failed to notify police or emergency services. Witnesses in the nearby area reported hearing a woman’s voice before Lubrin was found hanging.

Pastor Carl Soto, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter Restoration Inc., also spoke at the press conference. “She didn’t put herself there. Someone had to have put her there,” he said. “Investigate all individuals who lived or occupied the home where Ms. Lubrin’s body was found.”

Three years earlier, in Oct. 2020, a Black man named Nevan Baker was found hanging from a tree by the same police department, according to USA Today. His death was also classified as a suicide. Baker’s death sparked nationwide outrage, with civil rights activist and attorney Ben Crump pressing for further investigation.

Baker’s mother, Sharonda James, also disagreed with the police department’s ruling and noted injuries on her son’s face, inconsistent with suicide.

“We’re not going to let this go; the community is not going to let this go,” she told the newspaper.