by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 14, 2023

Diddy Has A Dream Of Teaming Up With Tyler Perry And Byron Allen To Form The Ultimate Media Conglomerate

Sean “Diddy” Combs was on a quest to place Black Entertainment Television back in the hands of Black ownership. When it was announced that Paramount was ready to sell a majority stake in BET, Diddy, Byron Allen, and Tyler Perry, along with other esteemed businessmen, stepped up to the plate. But, after weeks of negotiations and speculation, the company decided to hold on to the brand a little longer.

In an exclusive interview with Billboard, Diddy tells the magazine that he’d like to collaborate with the people he was competing against to obtain BET. He said he really wants Black ownership to have more meaning, and with the power of himself, Perry, and Allen working together, it may set a great example.

“As far as our business strategy, we’re in acquisition mode to really build a Black-owned media conglomerate. That’s why we were looking at BET and at a couple of other businesses. BET is definitely the mecca, the originator of Black media, and still is…. We’re not going to be able to reach our highest level of success in the media world, like a Rupert Murdoch, if we don’t unify. Like me, Tyler Perry, and Byron Allen. We have a responsibility because it’s like 15 of us getting money, but 10 billion people in the world,” he stressed.

Diddy shares a gem that many people involved in the entertainment world have been saying for years: even Black-owned companies have to answer to a white man in some capacity. He also gives his view on diversity—or the lack of it.

“It’s all a bunch of bull**it,” he said. “Diversity isn’t about inclusion; diversity is about sharing power. And nothing has changed. It’s gotten worse. We have some representation … Shout out and all due respect to everybody that’s in power. But [for most people], there’s still somebody over them, a white man that they have to get permission from to do something. And it’s always been the same, no matter what the industry.”

Diddy has been on a good tear lately. Recently honored at the MTV Music Awards, he is gearing up for his Revolt World conference on Sept. 22–24 in Atlanta. He is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of his Revolt TV network, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of Bad Boy Entertainment.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, engagement, girlfriend

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 14, 2023

NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Puts ‘A Ring On It,’ Gets Engaged To Longtime Girlfriend

The “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, has revealed that he and his girlfriend, Mariah Riddlesprigger, will get married. Later this year, they are expecting their third child.

According to People, the engagement announcement came during a press conference on Sept. 11 that the couple attended to promote their work with Milwaukee’s Diaper Mission. While speaking at the podium, the basketball player let the cat out of the bag–Antetokounmpo referred to Riddlesprigger as his fiancée.

“Soon [I’m going] to be married to this beautiful woman next to me,” the Greek-Nigerian NBA player said.

The couple, who already have two sons—Liam Charles, 3, and Maverick Shai, 2—also revealed that their next child will be a girl.

“I know my two boys are gonna be extremely excited to meet their little sister, and protect her and spend time with her and play with her, and you know, grow up with her,” he told the audience.

The news comes as Antetokounmpo said on a recent podcast, 48 Minutes, that he will be working out with NBA Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.

NBA.com reported that he is excited to learn key moves from one of his childhood idols.

“This season for the training camp, I have a trip that I’m going to go down to Houston and try to work out with Hakeem Olajuwon,” Antetokounmpo said. “I love his game, and if I can kind of take a few things from his game or learn anything from the few days I’m going to spend with him, it’s going to be a blessing.”

The “Greek Freak” and Olajuwon, who is Nigerian American, share a distinction that only one other NBA player has done as well. They are two of only three players in NBA history to win the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award and Defensive Player of the Year award in the same season. The other legendary player to share that feat is Michael Jordan.

HBCU Week Kicks Off With Porter-Gaud’s Breakfast Program, Open To All Students

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 14, 2023

HBCU Week Kicks Off With Porter-Gaud’s Breakfast Program, Open To All Students

In honor of HBCU Week, the Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, SC, hosted its second annual breakfast program on Sept. 13.

According to Live 5 WCSC, the program was initiated by a group of students from the school’s Black Excellence Society. HBCU Week celebrates the rich history of HBCUs (historically Black colleges and universities). It was introduced in the 1980s when then-President Jimmy Carter declared the week an official celebration.

According to the school’s website, the Office of Community Engagement and Belonging and the Office of College Counseling at Porter-Gaud School hosted the breakfast program from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Washington Hall on the school’s campus at 300 Albemarle Road.

The program has opened its doors to people of all races after only allowing Black students to participate last year.

“Something new we’re doing this year is last year our breakfast was only open to Black students, but this year we want to expand it,” one of the students, Kendall Givens, said.

“Regardless of if you are a Black, white, Asian, Hispanic, whatever, you can be a part of this group and just be an ally peer.” Tyla Johnson, another Porter-Gaud student, added.

The Director of Community Engagement and Belonging at Porter-Gaud, Dr. Yerko Sepúlveda, also expressed the importance of including everyone in this year’s event.

“They’re not only open to African American students, you know, they also want to bring in a little diversity,” Sepúlveda said. “So, what we’re trying to do is to highlight, you know, the existence of these colleges for kids who might be interested but also to allow other people to learn about the contribution of HBCUs throughout history.”

The program aims to explain the pivotal role HBCUs have played in the nation’s history and their contributions as higher education institutions.

“I think opening this up to all people allows Black kids to feel less isolated,” said student Amber Wilson-Debriano.

People who attended the breakfast heard from current and former students of Porter-Gaud tell them how their experience at an HBCU helped or is helping them. This week’s event was open to the community, including schools in the area.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 14, 2023

TSA Agents Caught Allegedly Stealing From Passengers’ Luggage

Video footage of Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents appearing to steal money from passengers has recently been released by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office.

According to Insider, the video appears to reveal two agents at Miami International Airport taking money from the bins of luggage that some passengers placed at an airport security checkpoint.

In July, officials arrested 33-year-old Labarrius Williams and 20-year-old Josue Gonzalez for the alleged misdeeds, along with another agent, 22-year-old Elizabeth Fuster. Although Fuster was originally charged, according to court records, the charges against her have since been dropped.

The three workers were arrested after airport authorities contacted a police detective to investigate the thefts taking place at Checkpoint E at the airport. Surveillance footage revealed several instances in which Williams and Gonzalez appeared to conspire to steal money from the luggage of passengers who came through the checkpoint.

In a June 29 video, one of the agents can be seen looking like he is seemingly taking something out of a luggage tray and then placing it in his pocket. In another video, the same person is seen taking out what seems to be a wallet from a zipped bag. He then sets it aside and later takes it out of the same tray before it passes through screening. It appears to show him placing his hands in his pocket afterward.

CBS News Miami reported that the TSA agents allegedly took $600 from one passenger’s wallet. The footage also revealed that all three were seen “several” times conspiring to commit more thefts.

“We actively and aggressively investigated these allegations of misconduct and presented our findings to the Miami Dade Police Department, and are working closely with them,” a TSA spokesperson said in a written statement. “Any employee who fails to meet our fundamental ethical standards is held accountable.”

Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts records show that the two agents were charged with grand theft in the third degree. Gonzalez has agreed to a deferred prosecution program. The charges against him will be dismissed if he completes the specific requirements of the program.

Williams has opted to go to trial, which is slated to start October 23.

Parents Sue Pathologist Who Allegedly Shared Decapitated Baby’s Autopsy On Instagram

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 14, 2023

Parents Sue Pathologist Who Allegedly Shared Decapitated Baby’s Autopsy On Instagram

The parents of a baby boy who was decapitated during birth are suing an independent pathologist who allegedly posted the autopsy results on Instagram.

Jessica Ross and her boyfriend, Treveon Isaiah Taylor, have launched their second lawsuit related to their late son, HuffPost reports. In August, they filed a suit against the OB-GYN who delivered their baby, accusing her of not following emergency protocols after the baby’s shoulder became stuck and excessive force was applied that severed their son’s head from his body.

One month later, on Sept. 1, attorneys for Ross and Taylor filed a second suit accusing pathologist Dr. Jackson Gates of invasion of privacy and fraud after Gates posted videos of the autopsy the couple asked him to perform to his 11,000 followers on Instagram without their permission.

“After suffering one of the most heartbreaking losses any family could ever endure, Jessica Ross and Treveon Isaiah Taylor, Jr. had salt poured into their unfathomable emotional wounds when they discovered that video of their baby’s very graphic medical examination had been made public by the very doctor they entrusted to conduct the autopsy,” the couple’s attorneys said in a statement.

The couple paid Gates $2,500 to conduct an autopsy after accusing the doctor who delivered their baby, the hospital, and staff of trying to hide the cause of death from them. Gates removed the initial autopsy he shared online, but posted two more videos of the baby’s autopsy on July 21 that graphically depicted the baby’s head, body, brain, and organs, the lawsuit states.

As a result, Ross and Taylor felt “shock, anger, humiliation and outrage” after learning about the videos and sent Gates a cease and desist letter on Aug. 10, demanding he take them down, the lawsuit states. Since the lawsuit was filed, Gates posted a video expressing his pride in using his social media to educate and counsel patients.

“I will never divulge the identity or disclose the identity of any live patient or even deceased patients that come to my care,” Gates said.

Taraji P. Henson Launches Mental Health Initiative For Women At Hampton University

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 14, 2023

Taraji P. Henson Launches Mental Health Initiative For Women At Hampton University

Actress Taraji P. Henson is all about that soft girl life and wants to spread the gift of a healthy mind through a new initiative for women at HBCUs.

Thanks to Henson’s partnership with American retailer Kate Spade New York, women at the HBCU Hampton University in Virginia can take part in the “She Care Wellness Pods” program. The program expansion follows a successful April launch at Alabama State University.

The Wellness Pods are newly installed structures on campuses that offer a range of services, including free therapy sessions, hangout spaces for students to connect with peers or avoid isolation during the school year and vacation periods, as well as yoga, meditation, art, and drama therapy.

Other resources include entertaining African dance and nutrition provided by certified practitioners, workshops for those who suffer from anxiety, sleep deprivation, and insomnia, and quiet spaces for breaks from daily stresses.

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A post shared by Boris L. Henson Foundation (@blhensonfoundation)

“When we first had the idea to create the Boris L. Henson Foundation Self-Care Wellness Pods, I knew we had to start with women, and specifically women on HBCU campuses,” Henson said.

“I can remember through my own experiences with stress and anxiety, not having the adequate support to deal with my issues or the education to name what I was experiencing.”

The Hidden Figures star started the mental health-focused initiative for Black women through The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF), the foundation she created in 2018 to eradicate the stigma around mental health in the Black community.

“Black women, from a very young age, are taught to be strong and dismiss their own suffering, tending to the needs of family and community often at the expense of their own well-being,” BLHF Executive Director Tracie Jade said. “The She Care Wellness pods seek to change this narrative.”

“Our shared vision and partnership with Kate Spade New York has been vital in promoting conversations and offering support to students to take care of their mental health, starting with our successful launch of She Care Wellness pods at Alabama State University,” Henson added. “We are proud to open our second installment at Hampton University this fall.”

For the design of the pods, students were selected to create a design that stimulates joy, peace, and serenity through intentional design and color selection. Each mural was painted on the outside of the containers to reflect the diversity of women and connection in the local study body.

by Stacy Jackson

September 14, 2023

11-Year-Old Chef Feeds The Neighborhood With Pop-Up Drive-Thru

Raquelle Boyd, aka “Chef Kisses,” is only 11 years old, and she’s whipping up success in the kitchen.

She had customers lined up outside her parents’ home on Saturday, Sept. 9, as she cooked up a delicious menu during her second pop-up drive-thru. The young chef cranked up the heat in the kitchen at 6 a.m. to start her weekend menu, including fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and more.

According to TMJ4 News, Boyd was inspired to cook her dishes after the success of her first pop-up drive-thru gathered an unexpected turnout of a few dozen customers who waited in line to try her food.

“It made me feel happy…that people really enjoy my food,” Boyd said.

Chef Kisses’ mother, Sarhena Boyd, supports her daughter’s passion for cooking, an art she said she fell in love with as early as five years old, working in her play kitchen.

“This is something she has a passion about; she don’t just talk about it, she’ll actually put the effort in,” Raquelle’s father, Robert Boyd, said. “We sponsored the first one, and she took literally— the second one everything that came from her menu to her balloons, her flyers, she paid for all of it herself.”

The tween chef is working hard, with the help of her family, to open her own restaurant eventually.

“She’s been talking about Chef Kisses’ Place for a very long time,” Sarhena said. Raquelle’s parents gave her a kickstart and stepped in as investors to get her started with capital and move her closer to owning her own restaurant.

The young cook believes that the most important thing is being able to cook and showing people how she does it. The Boyds continue to support their daughter by teaching her about running a business and lending a helping hand during the pop-up drive-thrus.

Rhode Island Wedding Party Rumbles With Police, Shows Racial Double Standard

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 14, 2023

Rhode Island Wedding Party Rumbles With Police, Shows Racial Double Standard

A Rhode Island wedding went from a love fest to an all-out melee after the wedding party got into a brawl with the police, and the entire altercation was caught on video.

On Sept. 9, the post-wedding festivities were in full swing right up until members of the ceremony allegedly confronted police officers, causing law enforcement agents to become hands-on. What initially started as a tense conversation seems to have developed into full-on violence between the wedding party, who appeared to be mostly white, and the law enforcement officials.

While the footage appears to reveal that both sides of the issue were aggressive with one another, a woman was also shown to have kicked a cop in the groin area. Another woman also allegedly tried to grab one officer’s handgun, to which he punched her and caused her to fall out, as detailed in the police report obtained by TMZ.

The entire ordeal was prompted when a male member of the wedding group was denied entrance into a bar. After allegedly physically harming the staff, the police were called in, and the situation escalated. Allegedly, the man’s wife drunkenly tried to intervene, but her efforts only resulted in more violence.

Six people were arrested in the aftermath. No lives were lost, a fear Black people often have in similar interactions with the police or for much less.

This incident also comes on the heels of the Alabama brawl in which a fight occurred at a boat dock, as white attendees jumped a Black security officer after he tried to enforce the rules.

The Rhode Island brawl highlights disparities in how different groups are treated. Seemingly, police interactions with white offenders rarely result in their death, such as 18-year-old white mass murderer Payton Gendron, who killed 10 people in a racist attack in Buffalo, New York. He was arrested without any harm coming to him.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 14, 2023

Deion Sanders Ranks His 5 Children From Favorite To Not-So Favorite In Viral Post

Deion Sanders, who has played professional sports most of his life, is showing how he takes the competition beyond the football field by ranking his own children!

The football legend went viral over the week with a since-deleted post celebrating his “Favorite Son” Deion Sanders Jr. for his birthday.

“Happy Birthday to My Favorite Son @deionsandersjr ! I’m so proud of you!” he wrote in the caption captured by ESPN.

After noting how his son asks for money “from time to time,” he praised his son’s “productivity” and his excellence in building social media audiences for himself, his siblings, and even the teams his father coaches.

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A post shared by SportsCenter (@sportscenter)

“You have blown up my social, JSU’s social, your siblings’ social, and you’re excellent at what you do,” Sanders continued. “Keep on striving for your dreams and to understand your purpose in life.”

While the post appeared wholesome in tone, Sanders closed his caption by noting Jr.’s number-one spot on his ranking for his five children,

“Your the #1 son and #1 on the kids rankings currently.”

The University of Colorado Boulder head coach proceeded to share his rankings for his children with Deion Jr. in first, his daughter Shelomi ranking second, his son Shedeur ranking third ahead of his other daughter Deiondra in fourth, and his son Shilo in last place.

Many blasted Sanders for seemingly ranking his children on a public forum. But there were some who accused Deion Jr. of posting the rankings since he runs his dad’s social media.

“So no one can figure out that the son that handles his socials [sic] probably did this as a prank to his dad? Ranking himself as #1 kid? Really people,” one user wrote.

But it’s not the first time Sanders has labeled one of his sons as his “favorite.” In April, he shared a celebratory post about Shilo’s graduation, calling him the “favorite son.”

“So proud of my favorite son for graduating today! The best is yet to come son. I’m so so so Proud of you! Now u know what time it is,” Sanders wrote.

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A post shared by @COACHPRIME (@deionsanders)

Sanders has five children from his first two marriages, including Deiondra and Deion Jr. with his first wife Carolyn Chambers, and Shilo, Shedeur, and Shelomi from his second marriage to Pilar Sanders. Sanders is currently married to producer Tracy Edmonds.

Black American Music Awards, Alicia Keys, ICE Medal of Honor, Jimmy Jam, Terry Louis

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 14, 2023

Black American Music Association To Honor Alicia Keys, Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis In Morehouse Ceremony

The musical contributions of Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash, and renowned producer/songwriters Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will be celebrated at the inaugural ICE Medal of Honor next month.

Organized by The Black American Music Association, the black-tie event will take place at the Ray Charles Performing Arts Center inside Atlanta’s Morehouse College on Sunday, Oct. 15, Billboard reports. Keys will receive the Ella Fitzgerald Gold Standard Award; Grandmaster Flash will take home the Transformative Award; and Jam and Lewis will receive the Creative Impact Award.

Other honorees include the philanthropist and founder of the technology software private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, Robert F. Smith, who will receive the Ray Charles/Harry Belafonte Patron of Arts Award;
businesswoman and producer Suzanne de Passe, who will receive the trailblazer award that’s named in her honor; and Jeff Harleston, general counsel, executive vice president of business and legal affairs of Universal Music Group, who will receive the Pace/Harrell Executive Leadership Award.

Additionally, the late Michael Jackson will receive the Michael Jackson ICON Award.

“We are thrilled to launch the ICE Medal of Honor and to recognize these outstanding individuals who have made an enduring mark on the world through their art and creativity,” Michael Mauldin, The Black American Music Association’s founder, said.

“This celebration is a testament to the power of Black American music in shaping culture and inspiring generations.”

The Black American Music Association is a n-profit 501(c)(6) trade association founded in 2017 by Mauldin and Demmette Guidry to preserve, protect, and promote the legacy and future of Black American music.

Between Alicia Keys’ 15 Grammys, Jam and Lewis’ five, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s history-making success in hip-hop, the honorees are more than deserving of the accolades. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was the first hip-hop group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2021.

de Passe’s work with Motown Productions includes discovering The Jackson 5 and Commodores and winning Emmys for her production of Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever (1983) and Motown Returns to the Apollo (1985).