Sunny Hostin called out her son’s “manipulative” ex-girlfriend, who read Hostin’s memoir in an effort to get close to her.

The ladies of “The View” were discussing Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s budding romance, which has been the talk of the town after the pop star attended the Kansas City Chiefs game on Sept. 24. Swift was spotted spending time with Kelce’s mom, Donna, which Hostin suggested wasn’t a good move.

It appeared to be a personal issue for Hostin, who recalled dealing with her 21-year-old son Gabriel’s “manipulative” ex-girlfriend, who read the memoir Hostin released in 2020, Daily Mail reports.

“I’m not as concerned about this, I think it’s a move that’s been going on for a long time and, like, you get closer to mom and then like the guy will like you,” Hostin said.

“My son’s girlfriends try to do that with me… I see right through it,” she continued.

“With one girl, I said to my son, ‘Ask her what she reads, because you read The Art of War for fun, so you want to have someone intellectually stimulates you…’ and she’s like, ‘I just read your mother’s memoir.'”

When co-host Joy Behar applauded Gabriel’s ex for being a “smart girl,” Hostin fired back and called the ex “manipulative.” Behar asked if Hostin was slightly impressed by the ex reading her memoir, which prompted a more honest response from the lawyer.

“I didn’t like her. I thought it was manipulative,” Hostin said.

She elaborated: “I can’t say trying to get close to the mom is a great move. Let him introduce you to his mom. Let him fall in love with you and then make the introduction.”

The mother of two says her son is now more aware of just who he can bring home, as she seems to notice everything.

“My son brings them home, and he knows me! I don’t get it!” she added.

Hostin and her husband, Emmanuel Hostin, are parents to Gabriel and their daughter, Paloma. It’s clear from her comments that the Hostin kids can’t bring just anyone home to meet their mom.

RELATED CONTENT: Sunny Hostin Responds to Accusations That her Son Got Into Harvard Because She Bought a Building

“Nobody is spending 3-plus million dollars to fight someone on a nonprofit organization if there’s not more to the story,” Kimberly Bryant cautioned a full room of attendees at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Women of Power TECH Summit.

BE hosted its first-ever in-person tech conference for women, on Sep. 27. The empowering event, presented by Fidelity, MERCK, Salesforce, and Walmart, brought together power professionals and fearless founders for informative panel discussions, candid conversations, and unique networking and recruiting opportunities.

Bryant, founder of Black Innovation Lab and Black Girls Code, opened the first round of panel discussions with her past experiences. She shared some mistakes and lessons learned during her grueling fight with the company she spent more than 10 years building and expanding.

“It is very important to be very cautious and intentional about who you put in your closest circles,” Bryant said firmly. “We’re so ingrained in this white supremacist culture, we [sometimes] use the master’s tools against each other. We need to call that out and then stand up when we see it.”

The Cautionary Tale

Bryant founded BGC in 2011. During the 2020 protests, the ambitious entrepreneur said her organization received millions of dollars in donations, and its staff expanded. But it wasn’t without cultural friction and intergenerational differences at that uncertain time.

In 2022, Bryant found out that her board had suspended her indefinitely and was subsequently removed as CEO and board member. What’s worse? This all occurred without her having a CEO contract in place. The news prompted the former executive to spill the beans on her firing. She broke down the results of her removal, cited the law, and noted that she could be a victim of retaliation.

“The people on your board should be people you trust explicitly,” Bryant said. “You need someone who is going to be ride or die in that room.”

As a result, Bryant filed a lawsuit against them. She told the audience that the battle ended with her and her suit reaching a settlement. But the last two years were learning lessons for her. From a founder’s perspective, she made it clear that it is impossible to avoid the fire. On the other side, she has grown and discovered gems along the way.

“This baby [BGC] was not everything that I am, and I still have more to give,” Bryant declared. She is proud to have been called back home to Memphis, Tennessee, and build an accelerator dedicated to supporting socially and economically disadvantaged founders.

Though the legal battles were mentally and financially taxing, Bryant said, “I was acutely aware that my daughter was looking at me.” As a fearless mother, she was also aware that other young girls and women within and outside the organization were also watching. “I had to navigate the storm to show them that they can make it through.”

“When there is an injustice, it is important that we stand up,” Bryant said.

Lessons Learned

Be intentional about who you bring in your inner circle.

As a startup founder, the people you choose to occupy your board now have control. They have agency that can take things away from you as a founder. You need to build and keep the circle as tight as possible.

Protect your intellectual property and legacy.

Bryant explained that everything doesn’t have to be in your company name. Logos, trademarks, and how you run your business can belong to you.

Invest in a firm legal team.

As you navigate your business, the right legal team can prevent you from mistakes you’ve missed or mechanisms you are unaware of. Bryant said the investment in a legal team may be your biggest expense, but it could cost you the most if you don’t invest in the best.

RELATED CONTENT:  ‘ Sounds Like Retaliation’ Former Black Girl Code CEO Kimberly Bryant Speaks Out Against NonProfit

• Sports

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 28, 2023

Damian Lillard Joins Milwaukee Bucks In Blockbuster Trade

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Damian Lillard is gearing up for a new chapter in his illustrious career as he joins the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that has sent shockwaves through the NBA.

Lillard, an iconic figure in the league, expressed his excitement about the upcoming move to Milwaukee and the opportunity to play alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The trade announcement arrived swiftly, leaving fans and experts buzzing with anticipation. Lillard’s departure from the Portland Trail Blazers marks the end of an era, as he was undoubtedly their best player, and his contributions to the team over the years have been nothing short of exceptional.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, this complex three-team deal involves the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks will gain Lillard, undeniably a game-changer, while the Blazers will receive Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and Milwaukee’s 2029 unprotected first-round pick as part of the trade. The Suns, on the other hand, are set to acquire Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson in this multifaceted exchange.

Lillard’s trade request earlier in 2023 set the stage for this pivotal moment in his career. After dedicating 11 seasons to the Trail Blazers, the 33-year-old All-Star expressed his readiness for a fresh start and a change of scenery. During that time, several NBA teams, including the Miami Heat, the Toronto Raptors, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Chicago Bulls, the Boston Celtics, and the Brooklyn Nets expressed interest in securing Lillard’s talents.

The Milwaukee Bucks, who won the NBA championship in 2021, now add a proven superstar to their roster. Lillard’s impressive career statistics, including an average of 25.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game, highlight his invaluable contribution to any team.

As the high-profile trade unfolds, NBA fans and analysts alike eagerly await the synergy between Lillard and Antetokounmpo. According to ESPN, this pairing could potentially reshape the league’s competitive landscape. The union of the two dynamic players is set to create a formidable duo that’s drawing comparisons to Batman and Robin, where Lillard assumes the role of the latter, ready to complement Antetokounmpo’s powerhouse style of play.

In the coming days, ESPN says Lillard has promised to address his beloved fans and the city of Portland, where he leaves an indelible mark. While this chapter of his career comes to a close, a new one begins in Milwaukee, and the excitement in the NBA community is palpable. The City of Festivals is now poised to welcome a new basketball sensation, and Lillard’s journey with the Milwaukee Bucks promises to be nothing short of thrilling.

This article was written by Black Enterprise Contributor Rafael Pena.

• Health and Wellness

by Stacy Jackson

September 28, 2023

40+ Double Dutch Club: Empowering Women Through Nostalgia And Fitness

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The women of the 40+ Double Dutch Club are keeping the childhood game alive through their 40-years-and- over program.

The club, founded by friends Pamela and Katrina, was established to empower women in their mental health journey through physical fitness, fun, and fellowship. 

“We are a group of women over the age of 40 who get together to take a break from ‘adulting’ by jumping Double Dutch, hula hooping, playing hopscotch and Chinese rope,” the 40+ Double Dutch Club website states. “We envision communities where women can live out their purpose as they walk in mental and physical health, encouraging and empowering themselves and other women over 40 while inspiring generations to come!” As part of its mission, “We believe all women can embrace who they are, can define their future, and can change the world.”

 

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A post shared by Pamela Robinson (@40plus_doubledutchclub)

Official members of the nonprofit organization receive access to perks such as personalized gear, loyalty points, early access to events, discount codes, and acceptance into the 40+ Bday Club. Membership includes financial assistance and support for those who are experiencing emotional, spiritual, and/or financial challenges.

No sisters are left behind according to the club, which spreads its double Dutch movement from state to state through “Subclubs.” Women can use the National Subclub directory to find a meetup near their location.

Join the 40+ Double Dutch Club for its West Coast Big Jump event on Nov. 3-5, 2023, at Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale, Arizona. Club leaders are also invited to register for the 2024 exclusive leadership training that will be hosted in Chicago Aug. 28-30. Training sessions will cover leadership skills and performance, health and wellness, and mission and vision. Attendees can also participate in the club’s National Prayer Walk.

Stay up to date and connect with club members through social media.

RELATED CONTENT: 8 Black-Owned Fitness Brands To Launch Your Goals In 2023

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 28, 2023

Ghost Guns And 3D Printer Found In Unlocked Room at East Harlem Daycare Center

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Three people were arrested after NYPD raided a “ghost gun” operation at a daycare in East Harlem, NBC 4 reported.

On Sept. 27, Karon Coley, 18, was arrested and charged after police seized multiple guns in an unlocked room, including two completed 3D-printed guns and an assault pistol that was almost finished. Police also found the 3D printer, printing tools, plastic filament, and more – not far from where little children ate, slept, and had lessons.

According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Coley was charged with possession of illegal firearms, manufacturing an assault weapon, and acting in a manner injurious to a child. Two other underage teenagers were also arrested for having a connection with the operation. Coley allegedly ran the operation inside the apartment’s bedroom, where his mother operated the daycare.

According to NYC’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the daycare center was inspected in February 2023, finding violations regarding feeding documentation, sleep schedules, family preferences, and doctor verifications. They took corrective action after being cited and were then verified that their paperwork was completed. As of Sept. 27, the daycare was closed.

The  discovery comes after the NYPD Intelligence Bureau issued an investigation, finding the ghost gun part purchases were made online with stolen credit cards.

“Some of the purchases were made through fraudulent means, including the alleged identity theft of multiple victims across the United States,” NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Rebecca Weiner said, according to ABC News.

Snoop Dogg has endorsed several alcoholic brands over the years, including Indoggo Gin and 19 Crimes Wine, and we’ve even seen him in commercials for Corona beer. Although he is well known for the blunts he smokes, he recently revealed that he doesn’t drink the product that he peddles to the masses.

On the latest episode of his podcast, “GGN – Double G News,” the Doggfather spoke to Girls Trip actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish. The conversation was about Snoop being endorsed by three different alcohol brands, and Haddish wanted to know how he was able to obtain the deals and how she could learn from him. Snoop, while smoking a blunt, explained to the comedian that you need to dictate the terms, instead of the other way around. He then confessed that he doesn’t even drink the brands he represents.

“What’s so cold is — they know it, and I can say it publicly — I don’t drink none of that shit. And they know what it is. It’s like, n**ga, you don’t pay me to drink it, you pay me to promote it. So I’m not here to get drunk. I’m here to get money,” he said, like a true sage!

As Snoop is a master of pushing products, earlier this summer he and Bay Area legend E-40 announced a collaborative cookbook, Snoop Dogg Presents Goon with the Spoon. The offering was originally supposed to be released this month, but the release date was pushed back to Nov. 14 by Chronicle Books. It will feature more than 65 recipes from the two businessmen as a follow-up to Snoop’s successful cookbook, From Crook to Cook: Platinum Recipes from Tha Boss Dogg’s Kitchen.

Snoop is also going back to his first love – music. He and Dr. Dre have been in the studio preparing the world for the next project the duo will be releasing soon.

RELATED CONTENT: Snoop Dogg Says New Skechers Collaboration Has ‘Shoes For Everyone’

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 28, 2023

Florida Man Sues Jack in the Box Employee Over Drive-Thru Shooting

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A video of a restaurant worker shooting at a customer through a drive-thru window in Texas was recently been released by law enforcement more than two years after the incident occurred. The customer filed a lawsuit against the employee and the Jack in the Box restaurant where it happened.

According to Law & Crime, Jack in the Box, A3H Foods, and the employee, Alonniea Fantasia Ford, are being sued by the customer, Anthony Ramos, after the March 3, 2021, incident.

The shooting happened after Ramos stopped by the restaurant near Bush Intercontinental Airport at 11:30 p.m. He had just picked up his wife, Jeraldin Ospina, and her 6-year-old daughter from the airport. After getting his food, he noticed the curly fries he ordered were not in the bag, so he notified Ford that the item was missing. According to the suit, she refused to give Ramos and his family the fries, and they requested to speak to a manager. The situation escalated from there.

“Defendant Alonniea Fantasia Ford refused to fulfill the order that plaintiffs had paid for already,” the complaint read. “Defendant Alonniea Fantasia Ford began cursing at plaintiffs and yelling at them to ‘get the f— outta here!!'”

An argument ensued between Ramos and Ford, and the employee reportedly threw condiments and ice into the man’s vehicle. The Jack in the Box employee allegedly brandished a gun and proceeded to bust shots at Ramos’ car as he sped away.

The complaint also stated that Ospina’s daughter, identified with the initials “AH,” was in the back seat and that Ospina was pregnant. The incident was so troubling for Ramos that he quit his job in Houston and returned to Florida.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages and alleges negligence on the part of Jack in the Box. It states that the restaurant should have “conducted background checks and proper investigations of its employees so that they only employ individuals that can provide a safe environment to customers.”

Ford was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She pleaded guilty to a single charge of deadly conduct, a misdemeanor, and was given a year of deferred adjudication. Her case was dismissed in June.

• Legal

by Stacy Jackson

September 28, 2023

Fulton County DA Fani Willis Hits Back At Ohio State Rep. Jim Jordan, Labels Document Demand A ‘Threat’

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Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis said Ohio State Rep. Jim Jordan’s demand for documents concerning the criminal indictment of Donald Trump was a “threat.”

“In this job, and as a woman in general standing in this position, to threaten me is a waste of time,” Willis said during Atlanta’s Revolt World Festival on Sept. 24. “It’s not going to get anyone results, and I don’t care if it’s a member of Congress, I don’t care if it’s a local someone in the community, one thing that people learn about me is that I’m an equal opportunity prosecutor.”

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Willis’ remarks came following a letter Jordan sent out in August asking her to provide documentation related to her prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

The letter also mentioned the 18 others being tried on charges related to election interference.

“There is no justification in the Constitution for Congress to interfere with a state criminal matter, as you attempt to do,” she said.

According to The Hill, the district attorney called the House Judiciary Chairman’s “attempt to interfere” with the office’s prosecution “an “unjustified and illegal intrusion.” Willis was prompted to send a nine-page letter to Jordan after he sent his hours before Trump was scheduled to report to a Fulton County jail.

During Sunday’s festival, Georgia’s DA made it clear that “if you come into this community and you violate the law, you’re going to be held accountable.” Willis is standing firm on her duty to her community.

“What they don’t do is sit in my seat. I am the one there with the crying mama, which usually looks like me, and they’re telling me stories like ‘My baby was going to graduate so we buried him in his cap and gown,’” she said. “It is not until you’ve had that kind of burden on your shoulders that you understand why it’s so important, that people have value.”

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia DA Fani Willis Responds To Rep. Jim Jordan Inquiry Of Trump Indictment

• News

by Iman Milner

September 28, 2023

‘Take That, Rewind It Back!’ Usher’s Streaming Numbers Rise Following Super Bowl Announcement

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Following Apple Music’s announcement that consummate showman Usher would be headlining the 2024 Super Bowl halftime slot at February’s big game, the R&B icon’s streaming numbers have gone through the roof.

After fans rallied for the singer to take on sports’ biggest stage, the NFL, in partnership with Roc Nation, made it official, sending people into a frenzy of nostalgia to “pregame” for his performance. The 44-year-old’s old and new music saw a significant bump in streams since Sunday, Sept. 24.

According to Billboard, Usher’s music received a 16% increase in overall listens, with certain tracks dominating replays. His latest single, “Good Good,” features Summer Walker and 21 Savage, reportedly gained 1.1 million streams in the two days following the Super Bowl announcement.

Earlier Usher tracks also benefited from the momentous announcement. Tidal reported that “You Make Me Wanna,” the lead single from the singer’s My Way album, saw a 55% streaming boost, while “Superstar” from Usher’s diamond-certified Confessions album was the most popular track after the announcement. “Yeah!”, “My Boo” and “DJ Got Us Fallin in Love” are other Usher songs that music lovers have streamed back into popularity, bringing in an additional 2.4 million listens. Usher’s massive hit “Yeah!” also brought users to Amazon’s music streaming service, with a reported 140% increase in listens since Sunday’s big news.

Usher has completely cemented his icon status, starting with an appearance on NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” in June 2022, the most watched in the series history, which led to his newfound reign as the King of Las Vegas due to his My Way: Residency popularity. From festival appearances to making headlines for being as talented, charming, and drool-worthy as ever, the dimpled superstar has claimed his rightful place on the Mount Rushmore of the world’s greatest entertainers, and it seems his next chapters will be even better than those of his past.

Whether in success or in adversity, Black entrepreneurs keep fighting to flourish, despite facing a challenging business climate. A new study shows some encouraging signs, as almost 70% of Black business owners recently surveyed reported they are either breaking even or making a profit with their enterprise.

Yet the owners are vulnerable to economic challenges and emergencies, as 80% have less than three months’ worth of cash reserves, and fewer than one in three possess just a few weeks worth of those resources.

The latest findings were shared exclusively with BLACK ENTERPRISE by the Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF). For its “Empowering Excellence: Building Ecosystems for Black Entrepreneurs” report, AOF received 660 responses from Black entrepreneurs. Examining areas such as entrepreneurs’ business, support, and financial health, the study exposed how owners keep facing barriers impacting their ability to pursue and achieve long-term growth.

Calling itself one of the nation’s top nonprofit small business lenders, AOF reported it originated $113 million loans to 2,421 borrowers in 2022. Over 90% of its clients are women or people of color.

Another top disclosure in the report was that 76% of respondents said access to capital was a challenge. Based on those who have never received money for their business, about 80% reported they either could not find the right support or were unable to pay for services connecting them to the capital.

According to Joshua Miller, AOF’s VP of research and policy, the report shows women respondents were more likely than men to face significant disparities. For instance, they have lower average revenues and less than one month of cash on hand.

The study also revealed that many Black entrepreneurs are looking to start businesses that not only generate a profit but also will have a positive impact in their communities.

“We would all benefit from the boost in jobs, business activity, and economic output they would create,” Miller noted.

To help Black business owners boost access to capital, Miller suggested they seek lenders, including AOF, that have an explicit mission to provide responsible, accessible financing to under-invested entrepreneurs.

He said that many of the lenders provide free coaching services to help business owners improve their financial management and position themselves for successful loan applications. He also suggested researching specific loans or grant programs for minority-owned businesses.

Shanayla Sweat, founder of A Few Wood Men, reflected on how AOF has helped her watch and accessories business.

“I struggled to understand my options in terms of growth and equity and felt excluded from traditional financial institutions,” she shared via email. “I was so glad to have found AOF this year because not only did they provide funding options, but they also provided business advising support that has helped me form strategic and lasting relationships, taking my business to the next level.”

An AOF webinar will take place Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. PDT and 2 p.m. EDT; register here. 

RELATED CONTENT: ACCION OPPORTUNITY FUND IS CHANGING THE GAME