September 13, 2023
Dictionary.com is expanding its word list to include several new cultural terms, such as those that stem from Black culture.
As newly developed words with a more modern meaning, such as ‘nepo baby’ and ‘NIL,’ are part of the fall 2023 update, other words that have held significance to the Black community will now be officially recognized by the platform. Box braids, for example, will now hold a rightful spot on the website, with two definitions to ensure those who look it up have a cultural and literal understanding of the hairstyle.
According to the online dictionary, a ‘box braid’ is a “triple stranded braid using the hair from a sectioned-off square on the scalp.” Another definition confirms that the hairstyle derived by Black people also includes that the shapes made over the scalp can be more than just a square. In additional detail, the publication lists the origins between 1980 and 1985.
However, one who is part of Black culture could state that with box braids, as the dictionary leaves out, additional hair is typically used and braided into one’s natural tresses to appear as varying lengths.
The definition will be even more expansive when box braids have a subsection of all the different types, including knotless and bohemian.
In another iteration of inclusivity, however, Dictionary.com has also evolved from using gendered phrases in its definitions, opting for the pronoun “they” to help describe its words.
This comes as new updates regarding the official recognition of other words derived from African American Vernacular English (AAVE) have also been established. Black Enterprise confirmed back in June that Oxford University Press is developing an AAVE dictionary, set for a 2025 release date. Henry Louis Gates Jr. will be the editor guiding the publication as it curates its vast list of words that make up the growing language of Black Americans.
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September 13, 2023
Get ready for an extraordinary showcase of Black excellence as the 6th Annual Ujamaa Fest takes center stage on Saturday, September 16, 2023. Hosted at the Delano Stewart Plaza, located at 40 Station Drive in Wyandanch, NY, this year’s Ujamaa Fest promises an unforgettable experience for attendees. And the best part? This event is entirely free to attend.
Ujamaa Fest, renowned for its celebration of Black-owned businesses and organizations, has curated an event that will feature over 50 vendors from Long Island and neighboring states. From youth entrepreneurs and historical Black Greek organizations to mortuary services and local restaurants & food trucks, the festival offers a diverse and vibrant range of offerings that truly embody the spirit of community and entrepreneurship. Among the highlights are captivating performances by some of New York’s finest talents. The soulful tunes of Knappertime, featuring the incomparable Debbie “Funkenstein” Knapper, are set to enrapture the audience. Additionally, the rising Christian rapper, Jawaan Sween, will take the stage with his powerful and uplifting lyrical messages.
Ujamaa Fest is a celebration with a purpose, and its sponsors reflect the commitment to community upliftment. Sponsors include The Wyandanch Plaza Association, The Sands New York, Halo Network of Services, and the Town of Babylon, all of whom share a common goal of supporting local businesses and promoting economic empowerment within the Black community.
Empact Inc., the driving force behind Ujamaa Fest, is a notable nonprofit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to fostering positive change. The event is an extension of Empact Inc.’s Black Long Island initiative, which originated as a Facebook group in 2016. Founded by William and Falischa Moss of Brentwood, New York, the initiative aimed to unite Black communities across Long Island. Over time, it has evolved into the largest directory for Black-owned businesses and a local news outlet, amassing a staggering 45,000 group members.
“The Ujamaa Festival is a testament to the power of unity and entrepreneurship within the Black community,” said William Moss, co-founder of Empact Inc. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our heritage, showcase our businesses, and inspire future generations through this extraordinary event.”
In addition to its vibrant vendor showcase and electrifying performances, Ujamaa Fest will feature enriching panel discussions on topics including Health, as well as a Social Mixer for attendees to connect and network with like-minded individuals.
Attendees can conveniently reach the event by taking the Long Island Rail Road to the newly developed Wyandanch Station, exiting right into the plaza. Alternatively, guests can drive and park in the MTA Parking Garage for $5. A unique feature of the Wyandanch Parking Facility is the colorful painted-glass panels designed by the abstract expressionist Moe Brooker titled “Just Jazz,” which rises five stories high, bathing the interior entrance in bold colors during the day and offering an impressive view when illuminated from within at night.
This news first appeared on blacknews.com
September 12, 2023
Lil’ Kim’s daughter is taking over the fashion industry, starting with New York City.
The 9-year-old made her runway debut at a Fashion Week event on Sept. 6.
Royal Reign Jones worked the runway during the 13th annual Rookie USA Fashion show, appearing in a streetwear set, as reported by Blavity. The grade-schooler wore a Michael Jordan jersey with matching shorts, along with purple Air Jordan 1 mid sneakers.
The show was for a good cause, benefiting local nonprofit Mom for Moms NYC, which helps single mothers with the necessary resources for postpartum care.
Lil’ Kim shared the milestone on Instagram, expressing how she was “so proud” of her only child.
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“She is coming down the runway like Jordan with her tongue out,” shared the rapper on her daughter’s facial expression while doing the show. ” She has no idea how iconic this is and I don’t even think she ever seen him do that. I am so proud of her!!!!”
The “Queen Bee” continued, “I am such a proud stage mom [right now]. So happy for my baby.”
Fellow female rappers expressed their support of Royal Reign in the comments. Kash Doll said Royal Reign is “so beautiful” and “iconic just like her momma.” An OG in the rap game, Remy Ma, also shared in the joy, calling the adorable kid her “niecy poo.”
Royal Reign was not the only celebrity child who participated in the high-profile show. She was joined by Ice-T and Coco’s daughter Chanel, as well as Chanel Iman’s daughters, Cali and Cassie, who strutted down the runway with their dad, NFL player Sterling Shepard.
As for the mother-daughter duo that is Lil Kim and Royal Reign, the “Lady Marmalade” rapper continues to celebrate her daughter, having given her an LOL Dolls-themed party back in June.
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With all that love and support, this young Black girl is sure to have a successful career ahead.
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Nearly a year after filing a $28 million lawsuit and winning against Triller, the company they were in business with for Verzuz, Timbaland is gearing up for the return of the popular battle series.
In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, the producer spoke about what’s ahead for the hip-hop audience as they have plans to bring back Verzuz.
After delighting fans with their initial Verzuz battle that pitted Timbaland’s work against his partner, Swizz Beatz, during the pandemic in 2020, the pair started a series that captured the hearts of music fans. After a dispute with Triller that resulted in a settlement that increased both producers’ share of the platform, there hasn’t been a Verzuz, and the public is clamoring for another. They may get their wish soon.
“Verzuz is still a baby,” Timbaland tells the media outlet. “It was something that was built in the pandemic that’s now a household name. Look how you saying it. Now we back open. To make it have the longevity that we need it to have, we have to reorganize the ship. We have to know how are we scaling up. We have to do things not how people used to us doing things.”
“With everything going on in the world, we have to convert back and really make this a real serious business model and a real serious thing, because I feel like Verzuz changes people’s lives. What me and Swizz have created, we have changed the lives of a lot of things and built up catalogs, so we have to really structure who we are and when we come back, what we stand for.”
One thing is certain, there WILL be another Verzuz before the end of 2023.
“Once you reintroduce a business that you built in front of people, it has to be somewhat nostalgic of what it was, but as it builds into what the future is going to be, you have to organize—and that’s what we’ve been doing,” he adds. “I believe that we’re gonna drop some good ones before the end of the year. We’re trying to get at least one good one before the end of the year to recalibrate what Verzuz is going to be in the future.”
In the meantime, Timbaland will be busy as he and his collaborator, Justin Timberlake, have been hired by ESPN to curate music for select Monday Night Football games during the 2023-24 NFL season. Timbaland and Timberlake’s songs will run in promotional spots, live telecasts, and pre-game shows for seven weeks this season.
September 12, 2023
Coco Gauff, who defeated Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday, received a warm congratulatory post from tennis legend– Venus Williams. According to Today, Williams dropped a quick celebratory message for the 19-year-old tennis sensation in the comments under a YouTube interview with the program’s co-anchors, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.
Venus commented, “Congrats, Coco <3.”
“It’s so crazy, I don’t think I’ve gotten to digest. Even last night, I was telling myself, ‘You’re a Grand Slam champion,'” Gauff said. “It doesn’t feel real at all. I was just saying, ‘Thank you,’ and ‘I understood all the tough times were just to make that moment even sweeter. I think if it came easy…I wouldn’t feel as appreciative as I did in that moment, clearly.”
The teen champ’s history with Venus dates back to 2019 when the tennis star defeated the senior player at Wimbledon and became the youngest player to qualify for the main draw.
As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Gauff candidly spoke about being compared to another tennis legend, Serena Williams, since becoming the first teenager to reach the final four, a goal accomplished by the mother of two over 2″ years ago.
“Serena. She’s Serena. She’s the GOAT,” she said in an interview with ESPN. “I’d hope to do half of what I’m did. But I’m not going to compare my style to her to her. She’s someone that “I look up to.”
Gauff said she is proud to be a part of Serena’s legacy.
“Being in the same stat line as her means”a lot to me.”
“She’s my idol, and I think they’ll regret I’ll have for the rest of my life is not being able to play her. There were so many tournaments where if we won and didn’t, I would’ve played her.”
Gauff defeated Sabalenka 6-2 in the final set at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York City.
September 12, 2023
Byron Allen and the Allen Media Group have recently announced that three new court shows have premiered this week.
The shows that have premiered all have familiar faces. Two of the new shows are courtroom staples, while the third is a newcomer. Judge Mathis will star in Mathis Court With Judge Mathis; Judge Milian, formerly of The People’s Court, will be the featured judge for Justice for the People with Judge Milan, and The Real Housewives of New York City cast member Eboni K. Williams has debuted Equal Justice with Judge Eboni K. Williams.”
“We at Allen Media Group are proud to launch these 3 new court series,” said Byron Allen, founder, chairman, and CEO of Allen Media Group, in a written statement. “Judge Greg Mathis, Judge Marilyn Milian, and Judge Eboni K. Williams are all outstanding, charismatic, and iconic television hosts. We are extremely confident that these 3 brand-new court series—in addition to our current 6 court series—will be very successful for years to come. Our 3 new court judges further bolster the strongest all-star roster of court talent in the world.”
All three shows are produced and distributed globally by Allen Media Group.
Earlier this year, Warner Bros. announced they canceled Judge Mathis after 24 seasons, as well as The People’s Court. At the time of the announcement, Judge Mathis let the cat out of the bag that his show was coming back under a Black-owned company.
In February, Variety reported the judge was moving his new show to Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group.
“Byron and I are both from Detroit and it’s exciting to see him build the Motown of court programming by bringing together all of my fellow judges from his 8 court shows – who are the best of the best,” Mathis said at the time.
The court shows are now on the air as of Monday, Sept. 11, 2023.
September 12, 2023
The excitement is through the roof as the Madison, Wisconsin community prepares to celebrate Black girls and soccer.
Black Girl Magic Educational Services (BGMES) and USL League One’s Forward Madison are collaborating to host their first fundraiser on September 14.
According to Madison 365, BGMES founder and executive director Rosa Thompson said the organization is very excited for the event. “We hope it’s a very successful fundraiser,” she added.
The Black women-led nonprofit organization is a community where Black girls are set up for success through empowerment and educational and professional support.
The event will expose BGMES participants and their families to soccer in Madison, Wisconsin. “We’re just excited to have a group of people out on Thursday night, enjoying soccer and learning about soccer if they don’t know about it, and having a great time,” Thompson said.
Forward Madison FC, which is currently the No. 5 team in the USL League One division, will fight for a spot in the playoffs as they host the Richmond Kickers in Thursday’s game. “It’s just gonna be fun,” said Thompson. “We get a whole section that’s just for people who buy their tickets through Black Girl Magic.” Thompson noted that the new partnership recognizes BGMES as “the nonprofit of the game.”
The soccer match, which is open to the public, will be held at Breese Stevens Field from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. BGMES youth employees will be on hand during the game to share more information about the organization’s services and programming.
Thompson said that all supporters interested in sponsoring those who are not able to afford tickets for the event should reach out to her beforehand. BGMES supporters can also make regular donations to the organization to go toward any of its programs, which include Black Girl Magic Saturdays, Enrichment Events, the Black Girl Magic Conference, and the Youth Advisory Board.
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September 12, 2023
A new animated series on YouTube raises awareness about Black children and mental health.
Super CJ: The Animated Series, a new children’s show featuring a Black superhero, launched on YouTube to shed light on the issue of children’s mental health. According to Black News, the series is the first animated series for Black children to address mental health.
“We are proud to introduce Super CJ and his mission to promote children’s mental health,” series creator Yaba Baker said. The show follows Super CJ as he and his sidekick, Rex the super dog, explore their superpowers. Throughout the series, the hero experiences the loss of his superpowers when he gets angry, and then learns to handle situations calmly. Baker’s experiences with mental health issues and anger management inspired the storyline.
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Along with the series, September celebrates the launch of Baker’s Super CJ Children’s Mental Health 365 campaign to amplify the need to address the critical mental health crisis Black children face. In 2019, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration published a study that monitored suicide trends in African-American children. The administration labeled it an urgent issue after finding rates for Black children twice as high as their white counterparts. Black News noted that, overall, teen rates have increased by 78%.
Baker designed various initiatives through the Super CJ campaign to address the issue and support the mental wellness of children. The campaign will feature a monthly newsletter with educational resources, online forums, social media campaigns, and collaborations with mental health professionals, educators, and child advocates.
“With the animated series and the Children’s Mental Health 365 campaign, we aim to encourage open conversations about mental health, provide support to children and families, and ultimately make a positive impact on the lives of children around the world.”
The outlet reported that the series has garnered over 450,000 views on YouTube from viewers around the world. Everyone is encouraged to join the movement and become supporters of the Super CJ animated series and the campaign. Show your support by completing a survey or shopping Super CJ merch online. A portion of all sales will be donated to support non-profits with a similar mission to provide mental health resources to children.
September 12, 2023
Everlene Davis has taught in Tabor City, North Carolina, for 67 years. Throughout her career, she has become a beloved pillar of the community, and though she is slowly approaching seven decades in the industry, Davis has no plans to slow down.
The dedicated educator spoke to WWAY 3 News about this achievement.
“I am so happy to know that I taught something in my class. You learned something in my class that has contributed to the success of your job. That means a lot to me. Very much so, very much so,” Davis expressed.
Throughout her lengthy career, Davis has always called Tabor City home. She started her career as a school teacher in 1956 at Douglass High School, which, at the time, was still segregated. Following the integration of schools, the young educator soon relocated to Tabor City High School. Now, she works at South Columbus High School.
Davis’ love for teaching drives her, and this also has made her remember the names and faces of not only her students but also their parents and grandparents and, in some cases, great-grandparents. A teacher as passionate and caring as her is hard to come by, and given her numerous accolades, it seems her state also recognizes that. “Those grades got to get up in this classroom here if you plan to pass this course. So, they work – I work them hard. I was trained hard, I guess,” Davis said.
Her work in the community doesn’t end when she steps out of the classroom. Davis currently sits as a member of the Brunswick Town Council and ran for reelection in 2019, where she won the general election. She is also a member of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT), with whom she spoke about adapting to the times.
“When I’m talking to younger teachers, I always tell them to belong to professional organizations and attend meetings to learn as much as you can. I’ve always been that way. It is why I came here (NCCAT). I didn’t come through the technology age. I came through the typewriter age. So I wanted to come here and learn as much as I could to take it back to the classroom and help my students be the best they can be,” she said in a 2014 interview with the organization. Davis won the Sandhills/South Central Region Teacher of the Year award earlier that same year.
“I have touched the lives of many, many students,” she told WWAY 3 News. Davis hopes to continue her work as a teacher as long as her health permits it.
In 2013, she was in her 70s when she was honored as Teacher Of The Year in Columbus County. So Davis is roughly in her 80s to early 90s.
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September 12, 2023
Earlier this year, Brooklyn-bred rapper Desiigner was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor after he was allegedly caught exposing himself. He was recently expected to make a plea deal that would prevent him from serving any jail time, according to TMZ Hip Hop.
According to legal documents obtained by the outlet, Desiigner was expected to enter a guilty plea that would give him two years of probation and 120 hours of community service. Along with a fine of $5,000, and offer a public apology to the flight attendants.
In April, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota charged the “Panda” recording artist with a misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure on an aircraft, CBS News reported. He was flying in first class when he was reportedly seen exposing himself several times while allegedly masturbating in his seat.
Prosecutors claim that he told the flight attendants he was “brick hard during his act.”
The troubled rap artist also allegedly dropped a jar of lubricating Vaseline in the aisle and eventually had to be monitored by the airline staff for the flight’s duration. After the incident, he apologized for the indecent exposure and revealed that he had previously gone to 19 court-appointed counseling/therapy sessions since that took place. He also says he submits to voluntary drug testing and has been reported clean.
— DESIIGNER (@LifeOfDesiigner) April 21, 2023
Desiigner’s attorney says that with the sentence he has allegedly agreed to, he is asking the judge not to impose any travel restrictions because doing so will restrict him from making money, as he is supposed to perform all over the world in 2023-24.
His management team says he has been pouring his “heart and soul” into his next project as part of his personal growth.
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