by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 8, 2023

Former Bad Boy Rappers Shyne And Loon Reconnect At Invest Fest

Two former “Bad Boys” reunited recently in Atlanta.

Both men have faced public challenges, but now, according to reports, Shyne and Loon, are both on the upswing.

According to HipHopDX, the former Bad Boy labelmates were seen at InvestFest last month in Atlanta. The two may have been there to support their former label head, Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was a keynote speaker at the financial empowerment festival.

Both artists were prominent rappers for Bad Boy Records, but ran into legal problems and spent time in prison. While incarcerated, they were seemingly able to turn their lives around.

Loon posted photos from his time at InvestFest, which included a photo and video of him and Shyne reconnecting and getting a chance to talk.

“Everybody knows I don’t get out much as far as hanging out in crowds, clubs, etc. but I really enjoyed bumping into a lot of my old friends from a business that helped shape the man that I am today at @investfestival”

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Shyne, whose real name is Moses Michael Levi Barrow, comes from a political family in Belize. He was involved in a shooting in New York on December 27, 1999. After hanging out with Diddy and his then-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, Shyne was accused of shooting three times at the club. He was convicted on two counts of assault and reckless endangerment and criminal possession of an illegal weapon.

Given a prison sentence of 10 years in 2001, Shyne was released in 2009 and moved back to Belize, where his political career took off.

In 2020, Shyne was elected to Belize’s House of Representatives. Less than a year later, he was appointed leader of Belize’s conservative opposition party.

Loon (Amir Junaid Muhadith) was given a 14-year prison sentence for his role in drug trafficking in 2012. Due to COVID-19, the former rapper was released in 2020 and became involved in a legitimate business and philanthropy. He recently started a podcast, The Perspective Podcast.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 8, 2023

Rihanna’s Fenty X Puma Making A Comeback With Collaboration The ‘Whole Family Can Be a Part Of’

After welcoming two baby boys, Rihanna is ready for a new Fenty X Puma collaboration that “the whole family can be a part of.”

On Thursday, Sept. 7, the 35-year-old billionaire unveiled the first-look campaign of the next Fenty X Puma collab, including her spin on the Puma Avanti sneaker. The Barbados native drew inspiration from the popular sport of football (or soccer, as Americans call it) when designing the shoe.

“Football is a universal language that brings people together from all over the world, all walks of life, and I wanted to pay homage to that,” Rihanna told Footwear News.

Just on the heels of welcoming her second son with rapper A$AP Rocky, the new collaboration is the first since Rihanna’s hiatus as the creative director of Fenty X Puma, People reports. She joined the brand back in 2015 before going on to launch her Fenty Beauty in 2017 and Savage X Fenty in 2018.

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The sneaker will be released on Sept. 15 in all sizes, including for children. It was only natural for Rihanna’s comeback after birthing two boys since taking her Puma hiatus.

“It’s a bit of a family reunion,” Rihanna told Vogue. “Coming back to Puma as a mom, in a new space, allowed for new perspectives and ideas.”

After welcoming her second son (rumored to be named Riot Rose Mayers) in early August, Rihanna’s first fashion collaboration had to be one her whole family could enjoy.

“This time around, we expanded our creations to kids ’cause I selfishly want my boys in everything their dad and I wear or design,” Rihanna said of the children’s sizes.

“We had to extend the line to kids so the whole family can be a part of this,” she told FN.

For the Avanti sneaker, Rihanna took a fashionable approach to the classic sports sneaker with two pairs boasting black and chrome colorways. “A fashion take on a sports classic. Meet the #FENTYxPUMA Avanti. T-8 days,” Puma wrote in an Instagram announcement.

On Friday, Puma followed up with a video campaign of Rihanna modeling the new sneakers in fashion-forward sets that matched the shoes’ black and chrome colorway.

“Redefining sports fashion,” Puma said of Rihanna. “Iconic from the field to the streets, meet the Avanti. Dropping September 15 at PUMA.com and select retailers worldwide.”

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In March, Puma teased Rihanna’s return through a cryptic Instagram post telling fans, “She’s back.” On Tuesday, Puma followed up with a behind-the-scenes look at Rihanna’s photoshoot for the new campaign.

“Where are you going next, @badgalriri? 👀 #FENTYxPUMA,” they captioned the post.

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Rihanna’s Fenty X Puma Avanti sneaker releases on Sept. 15 and retails for $160.

by Mary Spiller

September 8, 2023

German Museum Faces Right Wing Backlash After Implementing A ‘Safer Space’ For BIPOC Visitors

The Zeche Zollern Museum in Dortmund, Germany, has dedicated a 4-hour time slot every Saturday for BIPOC visitors to view the museum’s exhibit about German colonialism. Unfortunately, hostile responses from white right-wing visitors have forced the Zeche Zollern to require protective law enforcement presence on the premises.

The exclusive time slot is only in place for Zollern’s “This is Colonial” exhibit. According to the director of local industrial museums, Kirsten Baumann, the “safer space” is for Black, Indigenous and other people of color to visit and experience the exhibition peacefully without being met with “further (even unconscious) discrimination [and to be] to be considerate of people who are more affected by the topic of colonialism than others.”

As reported by The Washington Post, the new time slot has caused a backlash. Last month, a TikTok video went viral showing two white men angrily confronting the museum staff, accusing the time slot of being discriminatory against white people. A prominent German parliament member, formally a part of the Alternative for Germany party, shared the clip on her social media. Due to the video going viral, museum staff members have been met with threats of violence and vitriol online.

Barbara Rüschoff-Parzinger, the head of the Regional Association of Westphalia-Lippe’s cultural department, later clarified that as per the Zollern’s website guidelines, that white visitors are not “banned” from the museum during the 10 AM to 2 PM time slot. Reportedly, admission into the exhibit during that time slot is not monitored and is based on “trust” and a request for white patrons to respect the allotted time slot’s intended purpose.

Rüschoff-Parzinger disclosed in a telephone interview on September 6 that museum employees feel “threatened” and the employees featured in the TikTok video were being recorded without their knowledge and are taking legal action for “defamation.”

Rüschoff-Parzinger explained that police officers were dispatched to be present at the museum for the remainder of this month during the ongoing colonialism exhibit to prevent “politically motivated crimes.”

The “This is Colonial” exhibition features interactive performances, workshops, and display pieces discussing the history of German colonialism locally and abroad, and the “safer space” time slot is described as “an opportunity for BIPOC to be able to withdraw and exchange openly without being observed, judged or criticized by white people. For BIPOC, such safe spaces are rarely available in everyday life or in museum spaces.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 8, 2023

Judge Rules 11-Year-Old Boy Accused of Killing Mother Over VR Game Fit To Stand Trial

ABC News reports that a judge in Wisconsin ruled an 11-year-old accused of killing his mother is fit to stand trial.

The district attorney’s office seeks to try the boy, who is being charged with first-degree intentional homicide, as an adult. However, authorities have not released his name as he may still be tried as a child.

Court records show the murder happened in November 2022 when he was 10. Milwaukee Detective Timothy Keller testified in court on Sept. 5 about what the boy told him about his mother’s death. “Originally, he informed me that he wasn’t sure what had occurred. That he had just found his mother in the basement, believed she was deceased,” Keller said.

The next day, during questioning, the boy admitted to shooting his mother, identified as Quiana Mann, but it was an accident. “The boy stated that he took up a shooting stance and was pointing the gun at her as she was walking towards him and asking him to put it down,” Keller testified. “And that’s when he indicated that he fired the gun with his intent to scare her by shooting the wall behind her.”

Police found the 44-year-old’s body with a gunshot wound to the head, and according to WISN 12, family members believe they know the motive.

A criminal complaint claims the boy and his mother argued over purchasing a virtual reality game. “He had made a purchase on his mother’s Amazon account for some virtual reality goggles the morning after this homicide occurred,” Keller said in court as the child played with a toy and colored. “They were concerned because he had had an argument with her about whether he could have these prior to the homicide.”

The child remains in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center on $50,000 bail.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 8, 2023

Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Jason Terry Sued For Allegedly Keeping $25K Rented Rolex

Former NBA player and current Utah Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry is being sued for allegedly not paying for a rented Rolex he wanted to buy outright.

Terry is being sued by New York jeweler Eric Mavachev, who filed a lawsuit at Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.

Mavachev, also known as “Eric Da Jeweler” said Terry is refusing to pay for a $25,000 diamond-encrusted Rolex that he rented for an event in Las Vegas at Drai’s nightclub during NBA Summer League.

The Rolex was a 23.5-carat stainless steel customized timepiece.

Mavachev’s attorney, Mark Shirian, told The New York Post that Terry wanted to wear the flashy watch while at the venue. Afterward, instead of returning the timepiece, he decided to purchase it, according to the suit.

The jeweler told him it would cost $25,000 to keep it. Terry agreed to the price, yet hasn’t completed the purchase or returned the watch.

On July 10, Terry, known as “The Jet” during his NBA days, texted Mavachev for his bank account information. Mavachev complied. Terry told him he’d wire the money on July 13.

In the suit, Mavachev claimed that Terry then “ghosted” him after telling “The Jet” that he never received the funds.

Terry “has not paid plaintiff the total amount of $25,000.00, which is the agreed upon value of the Rolex Watch, and has not returned the Rolex Watch to Plaintiff,” the suit states. Shirian also claims he and his client gave Terry 30 days to remit payment. His lack of action prompted the breach of contract lawsuit.

“Despite earning over one hundred million dollars in the NBA, Mr. Terry has failed to fulfill his financial obligations and has not made the necessary payments for the valuable timepiece,” Shirian said. “We are prepared to use all available legal avenues to recover the outstanding payment for the watch.”

The New York Post reported that Terry didn’t immediately return requests for comment.

by Derek Major

September 8, 2023

Colorado Football Players Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter See Significant NIL Valuation Jump

University of Colorado football players Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter both put up gaudy stats in the Buffaloes’ win against Texas Christian University last weekend. As a result, the pair saw their NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuations jump.

According to On3.com, Sanders, the quarterback for Colorado and son of head coach Deion Sanders, had a record day going 38-for-47 for 510 yards and four touchdowns. Sanders’ performance not only put him on -the map for NFL scouts, many of whom now see him as a potential first-round draft pick, but it resulted in his On3 NIL Valuation jumping from $2.5 million to $3.5 million, giving him the highest-ranked valuation in college football.

Hunter, who plays both cornerback and wide receiver for the Buffaloes, played 129 snaps in the game, recording 11 catches for 119 yards and coming up with a crucial, game-clinching interception of TCU quarterback Chandler Morris. His On3 NIL Valuation is now $1.8 million, a $362,000 increase from last week.

Hunter and Sanders are now both in the top 10 of the On3 NIL 100, a first-of-its-kind ranking of the top 100 college athletes based on their NIL Valuation.

Both men have already signed endorsement deals with big brands, including Celsius Energy Drink, the Michael Strahan Brand, Gatorade, Mercedes Benz, and Beats.

The two men will continue to see their NIL Valuations rise if they keep winning. Their next chance is this Saturday when Colorado, which won just one game last season, plays its former conference rival, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

In addition to the rivalry, the game is stoked by statements made by Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule concerning the college football transfer portal and how Sanders used it to improve his team. Rhule, who previously coached the Carolina Panthers in the NFL as well as at Temple and Baylor, is also in his first season with Nebraska, another program that has fallen on hard times.

by Sharelle B. McNair

September 8, 2023

Juicy J’s GMA Appearance Censored For Wearing Straightjacket and Hannibal Lecter Mask To Promote Mental Health

Rapper and producer Juicy J is taking mental health advocacy to the next level.

The Three 6 Mafia member was temporarily banned from the set of Good Morning America after his straight jacket upset the staff, TMZ reports. Juicy was set to appear on the morning show on Sept. 5 to promote his new book, Chronicles of the Juice Man. When he arrived on set wearing a straightjacket—accompanied by a Hannibal Lecter mask—someone on set told him his attire was inappropriate and that he would have to change.

“Good Morning America, they didn’t want me to wear the jacket,” the rapper explains in a YouTube video. “But it’s all good. Wasn’t no problems, I wasn’t trippin’. That’s why I brought other outfits.”

Cardi B didn’t seem to mind his appearance as the two posed for a photo together.

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Mental health has been a main focus for the Memphis-born artist all year. He dedicated his latest project, Mental Trillness, to the cause and targeted substance abuse after his friend and fellow rapper, Gangsta Boo, died from an accidental overdose. According to Juicy J, the point of the straight jacket was to let fans know they don’t have to do anything crazy to ask for help. He is promoting the helpline, 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline, for people who need assistance. “Get some help, call 9-8-8, call a friend, call your mom, call somebody. Just don’t hurt yourself, you know what I’m sayin’?” the rapper said, according to XXL.

The rapper says his book, an autobiography co-written by Soren Baker, focuses on helping others who have dealt with the same issues he’s faced in life. “I’m talking about mental health,” Juicy said. “I’m talking about just getting through life, God, family, drug abuse. All kinds of stuff.”

by Stacy Jackson

September 8, 2023

Google’s Chief Diversity Officer Melonie D. Parker Appointed To Kanarys, Inc. Board

A leading diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) technology company have named a Black woman to its Board of Directors.

The company, Kanarys, Inc., appointed Google Inc.’s chief diversity officer, Melonie D. Parker, a press release noted.

Parker has fostered diversity in the workplace for more than 30 years and she does not have plans of slowing down anytime soon.

“As someone who has dedicated my career to fostering inclusion and empowering workplaces, I look forward to working with Kanarys to drive DEIB impact across industries on a global scale,” the C-suite executive said, according to the press release.

The C-suite leader’s experience will be valued as a Kanarys, Inc. board member. Mandy Price, co-founder and chief executive officer of the leading DEIB technology company, said about Parker, “With her expertise in leveraging data to propel Google’s employee engagement strategy within DEIB, Melonie Parker brings invaluable experience and knowledge to our team. Under her expert guidance, we will further Kanarys’ innovative data-driven platform and provide the framework that companies need to deliver comprehensive DEIB strategies that truly cultivate inclusive workplaces,” AfroTech reported.

Parker was the first Black woman Vice President of Human Resources and Communications at Sandia National Laboratories, according to the press release. AfroTech reported Parker previously held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin over the course of 17 years.

Kanarys, Inc. has the record to prove its commitment to DEIB. The company has partnerships with INROADS, Prospanica, and the National Urban League. Moreover, the company has raised over $10.5 million in venture capital funding to help companies improve DEIB. According to the press release, “With their Series A round closing in February 2023, she [Price] joined less than 20 Black female founders who have raised more than $10 million.”

Around the time of George Floyd’s murder several companies announced initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Some political leaders recently asked for receipts of DEI efforts to make sure it was not all talk with nothing to show for.

business, growth, new, year, strategies, 2024, customer service, technology

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 8, 2023

Millionaire Mastermind Academy Invests $30K Into Arizona Black-Owned Businesses

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy, a nonprofit organization that seeks to address the barriers to economic mobility for systemically underserved Black entrepreneurs, announced that it will give $30,000 in grants to small minority-owned businesses in Arizona.

According to Benzinga, Millionaire Mastermind Academy will partner with Elevate Together(R) powered by Round It Up America(R) to invest in the upward mobility of Black-owned businesses and the eradication of the ever-present racial wealth gap. “We are thrilled to partner with Elevate Together to offer grants to business owners within the Impact AZ Program, which is working to close the racial wealth gap through supplier diversity readiness technical assistance,” said Founder and CEO Dr. Velma Trayham. Through the partnership, Elevate Together continues its mission to help accelerate the creation, growth, and prosperity of Black- and Hispanic-owned small businesses through education, access, and aid.

The organization has been a longtime collaborator with the National Urban League‘s Entrepreneurship Centers and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Millionaire Mastermind Academy and Elevate Together will also have the corporate backing of The ODP Corporation—the parent company of Office Depot, ODP Business Solutions, Veyer, and Varis—which made an initial investment to help kickstart the initiative. “We’re excited to collaborate with the Millionaire Mastermind Academy to provide cash grants and certified small business mentors to help them elevate their business,” said Sharu Goodwyn, Community Investment Manager for The ODP Corporation. “With support from our associates, customers, community partners, and other like-minded businesses, we look forward to fostering additional opportunities for Black- and Hispanic-owned small business owners to innovate, grow, and prosper.”

To date, the Millionaire Mastermind Academy has supported 8,000 women through technical assistance and economic empowerment programs; while also having a committed focus on empowering minority entrepreneurs with professional networks and tools for sustained growth.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

September 8, 2023

Black Non-Profit Organization Alleges Systemic Financial Discrimination by PNC Bank

In a shocking turn of events, questions arise about potential systemic financial discrimination within the banking sector as Prodigal Sons and Daughters (PSD), a longstanding black non-profit organization, alleges that PNC Bank has denied them crucial funding. The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of fairness and equity in financial services.

Prodigal Sons and Daughters (PSD), a community-focused non-profit with a track record of over 25 years of service to minority communities, is facing an unexpected hurdle. After an eight-month wait, PSD finally received an Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) refund of $488,000. This funding was earmarked for supporting community initiatives such as food banks and youth programs in New Jersey, Florida, and Georgia. However, PNC Bank has put the funds on hold, citing the need to investigate PSD’s legal status.

The delay and potential freeze of funds have caused significant disruptions to PSD’s operations, affecting numerous individuals who rely on their services. The timing and nature of PNC Bank’s actions have raised eyebrows, prompting concerns about whether this incident is an isolated procedural matter or indicative of a larger pattern of systemic bias against minority entities.

“PSD’s commitment to our communities has been unwavering for decades,” said Dennis Porter, Founder of Prodigal Sons and Daughters. “We find it deeply disheartening that our access to funds vital to our mission has been impeded in such a manner. This incident raises serious questions about the treatment of Black and minority organizations in the financial landscape.”

While PNC Bank has not officially commented on the incident, advocates and supporters of PSD are rallying to shed light on the situation. Historically, financial discrimination against black and minority entities has left a lasting impact, and incidents like these fuel concerns that such biases may still be prevalent in the modern financial sector.

In response, the public is being urged to engage with the issue and demand transparency and fairness from financial institutions. The Prodigal Sons and Daughters case serves as a stark reminder that non-profit organizations working to uplift communities deserve equitable treatment, free from unnecessary obstacles.

This article first appeared on blacknews.com