Howard University’s women’s golf team showed up and showed out at this year’s Hornet Classic, resulting in a win at a 3-round tournament, and with three players finishing in the top 5. 

The three-day tournament hosted by Delaware State University was held at Kings Creek Country Club in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. According to Howard University, the Bisons shot 21-over par (873) during the September 17-19 tournament. The Bison victory resulted in a record low for the Howard University Team, who shot five-under-par (283) in round 2. Leading the top 5 finishers of the tournament was Emily Mayne, a freshman from Kingston Jamaica, who shot five-over par (218) at the game. Kendall Jackson, a junior from Pearland, Texas; and sophomore Morgan Horrell finished 4th (219, +6) and 5th (220, +7), respectively. 

In a March interview with WUSA 9, back when Jackson was a freshman at the university, she reflected on why she joined the Bisons. “There weren’t a lot of females playing growing up, let alone black females,” she said. That’s one of the main reasons I came to Howard: to play with other black women. I truly want to inspire not just black people into golf, but because black women make up less than 1% in the golf industry as a whole, so I just invite more people to do it, and that would be amazing for sure.” 

According to Howard University, the reigning Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year and Los Angeles native, Marley Franklin, tied for 11th place, shooting 11-over par (224). In the second round, Franklin shot a 68 (-4), setting a new personal best. Third-year team member and Suwanee Georgia native Jada Richards finished in 16th place (229, +16). 

The team’s win comes shortly after the release of the documentary Why Not Us, which features the university’s golf team. ESPN reported that the documentary, produced by Andscape and Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, highlights the challenges and successes of coaches and student-athletes at the university. Why Not Us debuted on ESPN and ESPN+ on August 21 and is available to stream on Hulu.

RELATED CONTENT: Eastside Golf Collaborates with 2K Games for Special Activation at Morehouse College

• News

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 21, 2023

Arkansas Black-Owned Trucking Academy Partners With HBCU To Recruit Students For Employment

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The WorldLink Truck Driving Academy is the only Black woman-owned trucking institution in Arkansas. And now, owner Gladys Godley and her husband, Gary, are teaming up with a local HBCU in order to diversify the industry and provide employment opportunities to Black students.

In partnership with the Arkansas Baptist College Adult Education program, the Godleys intend to give students an alternative option to traditional career paths.

“I saw after their first year, a lot of them didn’t actually graduate, so we’re picking up that slack for those who thought they wanted to go to a four-year college or wanted to make that commitment,” said Gladys, a former high school teacher.

The most impressive aspect of the program is its affordability. “It’s about $5,000, which includes the actual tuition, the cost for the permit, the books — everything is included within that $5,000,” said Debra Baker, director at Arkansas Baptist College Adult Education.

An accessible road to a lucrative career is one of many selling points of the Godleys’ mission, one that has proved to have stellar results, as the WorldLink Truck Driving Academy boasts a 90 percent graduation rate. The Godleys hope to build on their success in their collaboration with Arkansas Baptist College.

“Now you can get your CDL [commercial driver’s license] and you can start making anywhere from $45- to $80,000 your first year,” Gary Godley said. The Arkansas Trucking Association reports more than 44,000 truck drivers are employed in the Bear State, with approximately 26 percent being non-white.

According to Education Data, first-time undergraduate college freshmen have a 25 percent dropout rate countrywide, with Arkansas’ dropout numbers being 124 percent higher than the number of undergraduate students in that state. Secondary education institutions across the country have started implementing career days for high school students choosing to bypass traditional higher education paths for trade schools and other alternatives to reduce the stigma associated with them.

• Women

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 21, 2023

Cynthia Bailey Launches ‘Refresh & Revive Your Soul’ Wellness Retreat For Women

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Cynthia Bailey is bouncing back with a new experience aimed at helping women “Refresh and Revive” their souls.

The veteran model and reality star was in Los Angeles last month for the launch of “REFRESH & REVIVE YOUR SOUL: A Cynthia Bailey Experience.” The event is a wellness retreat for women where they are encouraged to drop the bags of life off at the door and enter a safe space of sisterhood and relaxation.

For Bailey, the retreat “was born because I feel like as a woman, mother and entrepreneur, I find it difficult to make ‘me time’ for myself,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

Guests at a private location in West Hollywood were welcomed with plush robes and slippers upon entry and enjoyed a fully catered menu and cocktails throughout the day. Bailey took the time to sit with her guests, who engaged in raw, unfiltered conversations that set guards down and connected energies.

“You are gently guided to leave all your worries, anxieties, and preconceived notions at the door,” Bailey said of the experience.

“This retreat is a sanctuary, a space of genuine self-care and transformation.”

Many have been wondering what’s next for Bailey after her second divorce and exit from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” She made a guest appearance in season 15 of “RHOA,” where she lightly addressed her divorce from Mike Hill after two years of marriage.

Bailey, 56, also competed on “Celebrity Big Brother 3” and appeared alongside Kenya Moore for “Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip” in 2022. Known for being the exact opposite of a mean girl on cutthroat reality shows, Bailey has paved the perfect lane to pour into others the way she’s done so naturally onscreen for years.

“I’ve always struggled to create a healthy balance between my personal and my professional life,” she explained. “I have an incredible network of women that I work with and I want a deeper and more meaningful connection to them outside of business.”

“I wanted to create a safe space where we can come together to nurture, uplift, and love on each other spiritually, mentally emotionally and physically.”

Working in partnership with publicist and Glam Body founder Danika Berry, Bailey sought to create an event where “boss women” can come together and “enjoy true fellowship and connection.” Sponsors included Soul Purge, Seagram’s Escapes, US Fibroids Centers, CurlDaze Hair Care, Brown Sugar Babe, The Health Lounge, Rose Bud Investments, and Moms Mental Health Matters.

 

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After hosting her inaugural group, which included model-actress and fellow “Real Housewives” star Garcelle Beauvais, comedian Luenell, and Loni Love, Bailey is ready to take the well-received event on the road, the next stops being Lake Bailey in Atlanta and a special-edition retreat in the Caribbean.

“The Atlanta edition will cater to our home crowd and aims to involve local communities of women, enabling more convenient access for those who may not be able to travel far,” she said.

“We also have plans for other markets such as Houston, Birmingham, Mississippi, and North Carolina as well.”

The goal is to create a new movement for powerhouse women to enjoy more safe spaces for love, support, and upliftment.

REFRESH & REVIVE YOUR SOUL: A Cynthia Bailey Experience is “more than just a retreat — it’s a movement towards authenticity, self-love, and collective empowerment,” she said.

“It stands as a testament to the fact that every woman deserves a space where she can be free from judgment, where she can truly refresh and revive her soul.”

RELATED CONTENT: Cynthia Bailey Announces Her Mother is Cancer-Free

The “Hair Love” universe is expanding.

Matthew A. Cherry, creator of the beloved animated short that celebrates Black hair, has created a new animated television series, “Young Love,” that picks up where the family-friendly short ended.

The series trailer was released on Sept.13, 2023, revealing the characters’ debut on the small screen. Its first season will consist of 12 episodes, with the first four debuting Sept. 21, 2023.

“Hair Love” received much acclaim upon its release in 2019; its depiction of a Black father doing his daughter’s hair before visiting her mother in the hospital won the hearts of viewers. It went on to earn an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film.

“Young Love,” premiering on streaming platform Max, presents the same family from the Oscar-winning short as they go about their everyday lives in Chicago, Cherry’s hometown. Issa Rae and Kid Cudi lend their voices as the parents of Zuri, the protagonist, NBC News reported.

This new story takes place two months after the short film leaves off, with “Insecure” star and creator Rae playing Angela Young, a natural hair stylist and vlogger. Cudi plays music producer Stephen Love, Zuri’s father and Young’s partner. The starring role of Zuri is voiced by Brooke Monroe Conaway, a young actress from Baltimore.

Cherry spoke to news outlets about the purpose of his new project and how it highlights modern-day Black families.

“The thing I think is really unique about our show is that it’s centered around Black millennial parents,” he said. “Typically, in animated shows, the parents are more boomer, more established in their careers, and the idea of exploring millennial parents was cool because they haven’t really achieved their dreams yet. They’re still working toward their goals, but they want to be present in their kid’s life.”

Additional cast members include Loretta Devine and Harry Lennix as the parents of Angela Young, bringing an intergenerational conversation to viewers.

RELATED CONTENT: Director Matthew Cherry Leverages Twitter to Fundraise ‘Hair Love’ Film

• Legal

by Derek Major

September 21, 2023

NBA’s Koby Altman Struggled To Pass Sobriety Tests Before DUI Arrest

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Cleveland Cavaliers President and General Manager Koby Altman struggled with his balance while taking field sobriety tests during a police stop last week.

TMZ reported Altman, who joined the Cavs in 2012, had trouble making it through field sobriety tests before he was arrested, as seen in a police video obtained by TMZ Sports. The Cavs GM was pulled over in Cleveland on Friday night by Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) troopers who said they witnessed his white Lexus make a traffic violation.

“Troopers initiated a traffic stop and during their interaction with the driver indicators of impairment were observed,” the OSHP said, according to ESPN. “The driver was subsequently placed under arrest for OVI and soon after offered a breath test, which he refused.”

At the stop, troopers told Altman he was close to causing an accident and showed signs of being impaired. Video of the traffic stop showed Altman, 41, attempting to walk and turn, standing on one leg, and taking an eye test. In the video, Altman told the troopers they were messing up his performance.

Altman later explained to the troopers that he was a Cavs executive and was tired after returning from an overseas trip and a lengthy dinner where he had a few drinks. The Cavs’ GM also refused a field sobriety test during the traffic stop leading to his arrest.

Altman was charged with committing a marked lane violation and operating a vehicle while impaired. His attorney submitted a not-guilty plea on his behalf in court on Tuesday. Altman was director of pro personnel with the Cavs, including when they won the NBA Championship in 2016, before taking over as the team’s GM one year later. He was promoted to president of basketball operations in 2022.

The Cavaliers released an updated statement Tuesday.

“We hold our team members to a high standard of conduct and expect leaders at every level of our organization to represent the Cavaliers with integrity, professionalism and accountability,” the statement read. “We will continue to closely monitor the facts and circumstances of this matter and await resolution of the legal process.”

Altman was instrumental in the Cavs drafting stars Evan Mobley and Darius Garland. Last season, the Cavs finished with a 51-31 record, which was good enough for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. However, they lost to the New York Knicks in the first round.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 21, 2023

Run It Back! Free COVID-19 Tests Will Be Available For Home Delivery Again

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The Biden administration is doing its part to continue the fight against rising cases of COVID-19. NBC News reported that starting Sept. 25, 2023, people can have COVID-19 tests mailed to their homes.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will reopen its website for households to order up to four free tests delivered to their homes. As COVID cases increase, people realize the tests secured during the height of the pandemic may be outdated.

The free test program includes a $600 million investment in domestic manufacturers of COVID-19 tests. Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell says the investment also creates jobs. “Manufacturing COVID-19 tests in the United States strengthens our preparedness for the upcoming fall and winter seasons, reduces our reliance on other countries, and provides good jobs to hardworking Americans,” she said.

Per The Washington Post, officials said the funding would improve domestic manufacturing capacity along with leaving the federal government with 200 million over-the-counter tests to use, if needed, in the future.

“These critical investments will strengthen our nation’s production levels of domestic at-home COVID-19 rapid tests and help mitigate the spread of the virus,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said.

The first round of free tests ended in June. To learn if the expiration dates have been extended, check on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. The new distributed tests will include instructions on how to look up extended expiration dates.

Officials have found that free home testing is an effective way for people to check their status before engaging in large crowds or spending time with vulnerable patients such as the elderly. If a person tests positive, at-home testing allows them to start treatments early to prevent a more serious disease.

New tests will be able to detect the new EG.5 variant, which has peaked in the past few weeks. Since July 2023, hospital admissions have been on the rise, surpassing 20,000 as of Sept. 9. However, there has been a slight decline in emergency room visits.

RELATED CONTENT: Biden Administration Advises Americans To Get Additional Boosters Against New Covid Strains

Nicki Minaj‘s husband, Kenneth Petty, has landed himself back in hot water after taking to the internet to issue a threat to Cardi B‘s husband, rapper Offset.

The drama ignited at MTV’s Video Music Awards on September 11, 2023, which Minaj hosted and where Cardi B performed her new single “Bongos” with Megan Thee Stallion. While the ladies were shining on stage, their husbands were busy handling their dirty work behind the scenes.

Days after the award show, a video surfaced showing Petty standing outside in New York City with a group of friends issuing verbal threats to Offset.

“Plan that vacation, you gonna be planning your funeral p***y! We out here to talk, right? Let’s talk, but you know we ain’t talking, though,” Petty could be seen saying. “P***y a** n****, I don’t know who y’all think y’all playing with.”

In a bizarre video with solo cups in hand, registered sex offender Kenneth Petty and his associates stand outside on an empty street waiting for Grammy nominee Offset to come outside. It appears this was an attempt to attack him. pic.twitter.com/G7XBCA10WG

— Mr. Pop (@MrPopOfficial) September 16, 2023

But with Petty being a convicted felon on probation with a lengthy rap sheet that also has him registered as a sex offender, it didn’t take too long for the social media threats to land Nicki’s husband in trouble with the law.

On September 20, 2023, a court order was filed in the Central District of California ordering Petty to 120 days of home confinement after he “was recorded on video making threatening remarks to a specific individual while in the company of someone with a criminal record,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The “specific individual” is Offset, and the order is a response to the videos that surfaced online on September 16.

Legal affairs reporter Meghann Cunniff was the first to unveil the documents on Twitter.

An LA federal judge has ordered Nicki Minaj's husband, Kenneth Petty, to serve "up to" 120 days on home detention for "making threatening remarks toward a specific individual while in the company of someone with a criminal record."

The individual is Offset, Cardi B's husband. pic.twitter.com/5sWU3JLtyw

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) September 21, 2023

Petty was sentenced to three years probation in July 2022 after pleading guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in the state of California after relocating there in 2020. His sex offender record stems from a 1995 conviction for first-degree attempted rape of a 16-year-old girl that sent him to prison for four years.

He was also convicted of manslaughter for shooting a man three times in 2002. Petty pleaded guilty to the manslaughter charge in March 2006 and served seven years in prison after being sentenced to 10, People reports.

Meanwhile, when Petty was busy standing outside a deserted NYC with his goons threatening Offset online, the Migos rapper was busy jet-setting to Atlanta to appear on a 24-hour livestream with popular vlogger Kai Cenat and stopping in Colorado to hang out with Deion Sanders at his star-studded football game.

https://twitter.com/wankstababy/status/1702736201562611800

Offset gave the Colorado players his Denim Tears collab merch after their win against Colorado State pic.twitter.com/WTHc4zS2w9

— The Culture Vault (@DaCultureVault) September 17, 2023

RELATED CONTENT: Nicki Minaj Stands by Husband Kenneth Petty Who Was Denied Request to Get Off Sex Offender List

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 21, 2023

Mo’Nique Calls Out CBS For Claiming ‘The Parkers’ Is $1 Billion in Debt: ‘Don’t Pay Us Any Less’

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Mo’Nique isn’t backing down from her ongoing lawsuit against CBS and Paramount for unpaid royalties from her sitcom “The Parkers.”

In a video posted to Instagram on September 19, 2023 Mo’Nique and her husband, Sidney Hicks, called out CBS‘ alleged claims that “The Parkers” is more than $1 billion in debt. In a move of solidarity with the actors and writers that remain on strike against streaming providers for fair residual pay, among other demands, Mo’Nique outlined how things have been going for the 24 years “The Parkers” has been on the air (including reruns).

“We’re coming to y’all today to let you know we’re standing with all the unions that are striking right now,” Mo’Nique says in the video. “And we have a story that we must share of our own with the community.”

 

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Mo’Nique went on to address CBS’ “baffling” claim that “The Parkers” has made “absolutely no money,” despite the show only costing $70 million to produce in its five-year run.

“What we’re asking you, CBS, is can you please treat these two Black women fairly?” Mo’Nique says. “Don’t pay us any more, but don’t pay us any less.”

“The reason why we’re having this conversation out loud for the community to hear is this: We see the numbers, and they still don’t want to pay,” Hicks added. “What will happen to you when you don’t even know the numbers exist?”

In April, Mo’Nique filed a breach of contract lawsuit against CBS and Paramount for unpaid royalties for “The Parkers.” The suit accuses the networks of artificially depressing the show’s profitability to “retain millions that would otherwise be contractually due” to Mo’Nique’s production company.

“While the Series has proven to be a major financial success for its producers and distributors, the series’ talent have not been permitted to share in the fruits of that success,” the suit says.

Mo’Nique is among thousands of striking actors fighting for residuals on their shows that are replayed on TV and streaming platforms. “The Parkers,” a spin-off to the series “Moesha,” originally aired on UPN for five seasons. Reruns of the show have been available to stream on Netflix since 2020.

RELATED CONTENT: Mo’Nique Recalls Being Called Difficult For Protest Against The Same Issues In Current Hollywood Strike

The death of Tristan Thompson‘s mother in January 2023 left the NBA player responsible for caring for his 17-year-old brother, Amari.

Earlier this month, the former Los Angeles Lakers player filed papers to gain legal guardianship of his brother and was recently notified that he has temporary control, according to People magazine. The media outlet obtained court documents that granted Tristan “all powers a parent having legal custody of a child would have.”

The baller initially filed the paperwork on Sept. 8, 2023. A magistrate ruled on Sept. 20 at the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.

Amari has epilepsy and several other conditions which require around-the-clock care.

Thompson was also granted the authority to “manage ward’s finances and assets, travel with the ward within the United States of America and internationally, enroll ward in social and other extracurricular activities, decide living arrangements of the ward [and] obtain legal counsel on behalf of the ward,” according to official court documents.

“Amari is a minor and has medical conditions that render him unable to take care of himself or seek gainful employment. Appointing a guardian for Amari would be in his best interest because it would ensure that someone would be responsible for providing and fulfilling his basic needs,” the claim continued.

The NBA player said that their father, Trevor Thompson, has not been in his younger brother’s life since 2014. Tristan is Amari’s closest living family member.

The Thompsons were born and raised in Canada, but Tristan plans to apply for U.S. citizenship for his brother. Amari has been living with Tristan at his Hidden Hills, California, home since their mother died of a heart attack at her Toronto home.

• Health and Wellness

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 21, 2023

Oprah Winfrey Questions If Ozempic Is A ‘Miracle’ For Combating Obesity, Aims To Begin The ‘Un-Shaming’

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As someone who has had her weight struggles turned into a public forum for over three decades, Oprah Winfrey is leading an open discussion about obesity and the medications that might serve as a “miracle” to the disease.

The billionaire media mogul got candid for her “State of Weight” conversation on September 20, 2023, where she and a panel of obesity specialists addressed the new weight-loss drugs that are reducing appetite and changing people’s relationship with food.

Known as Ozempic and Mounjaro, the type 2 diabetes medications are prescribed by doctors to help patients lose weight. Another, Wegovy, also helps patients shed unwanted pounds.

With more than 2 billion adults being overweight or obese, and obesity taking more lives than malnutrition, conversations around weight loss medications are crucial. Winfrey, who has battled with her weight in the public eye for decades, was more than comfortable with leading the conversation and getting answers to questions that many obese and overweight patients might have.

“You all know I’ve been on this journey for most of my life. My highest weight was 237 pounds,” Winfrey shared.

“I don’t know if there is another public person whose weight struggle has been exploited as much as mine over the yearS. So I am ready for this conversation.”

Winfrey’s panelists — obesity specialists Doctors Fatima Cody Stanford and Melanie Jay, along with Sima Sistani, CEO of WeightWatchers, and psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman — explained why obesity is a disease due to the dysfunction it causes the brain in its view on how the body regulates weight.

“It’s going on in our brains,” Stanford said. “It’s about how much we take in and how much we store.”

Winfrey agreed, recalling how many times she has dieted only for her weight to barely drop.

“You all have watched me diet and diet and diet and diet. It’s a recurring thing because my body always seems to want to go back to a certain weight.”

The new weight-loss medications are helping people cut their cravings and feel fuller faster, Today reports. Ozempic and Wegovy contain the synthetic GLP-1 hormone called semaglutide, which the body releases into the intestine when a person eats food. As a result, these medications reduce appetite and make people feel full sooner.

The weight-loss medication Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which mimics the GIP hormone and may improve how the body breaks down sugar and fat in addition to reducing appetite, NBC News reports. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and constipation, along with more serious conditions such as pancreatitis and kidney problems.

When looking at the results, Winfrey asked the specialists if the weight-loss medications could be considered a “miracle moment” for obesity patients.

“I would be very hesitant to say that anything with obesity is a miracle,” said Jay, who is co-director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Program.

“I’m so excited that we finally have effective treatments for obesity.”

After leading the discussion, Winfrey expressed her hope for breaking stigmas around obesity and weight-loss medications.

“It should be yours to own and not to be shamed about it. As a person who’s been shamed for so many years, I’m just sick of it. I’m just sick of it. I’m just sick of it,” she said.

“And I hope this conversation begins the un-shaming.”

RELATED CONTENT: Yvette Nicole Brown Gets Candid About Obesity With ‘ITs Bigger Than Me’ Movement