Styles P Favors Trump Over Biden: ‘I’d Rather Deal With Clear Racism’
Styles P has an interesting reason why he prefers Donald Trump over Joe Biden for president in 2024. He feels Black people still are in “crisis” mode regardless of who is in office. At least with Trump, the racism was more direct.
The LOX rapper appeared on Touré Neblett’s podcast where he was asked if he supported Trump’s 2020 election. Styles says claims of him supporting Trump’s campaign aren’t true, but he did explain why he has no ties to the Republican or Democratic parties.
“That’s funny. I support independent thinkers,” Styles said.
“I’m the guy who says, pardon my French, but fu*k the red side, fu*k the blue side. They’re both different wings on one bird.”
The “Good Times” rapper also shared why he preferred Trump’s presidency over Biden, due to how much more involved the Black community was with politics.
“If you ask me something, I did prefer when Trump was in office over Biden, and I can tell you clearly why: Black people paid more attention to what was going on,” Styles said in a clip shared online.
Touré suggested the Black community cared more because they were “in crisis” throughout Trump’s presidency. But Styles argued the crisis is still continuing today.
“Yeah, we were in crisis now though…I’d rather have you tell me you don’t like me and know you don’t like me and you inform me than me have to guess it or you secretly don’t like me but you telling me you don’t like me,” the rapper said. “I think the government’s been doing that for ages.”
“I’d rather deal with clear racism—just someone being who they are and letting you know where they come from,” he added.
When asked if he thinks the country was doing better under Trump, Styles shut that idea down. “Nah I think the country sucked under both of ’em,” he said.
HBCU Battle Of The Bands Season Officially Kicked Off
One of the greatest traditions at historically Black colleges and universities is the viewing of the marching bands. This year, it kicked off in Houston with a spectacular show that included college bands and hip-hop performers.
According to Sports Illustrated, the PepsiCo National Battle of the Bands took place at NRG Stadium in Houston, where an estimated 40,000 spectators were there to enjoy the festivities over the weekend. This year’s participating marching bands were from Southern University, Florida A&M University, Tennessee State University, Langston University, Norfolk State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Virginia State University, and Texas Southern University.
— National Battle of the Bands (@NationalBOTB) August 28, 2023
Continuing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop were esteemed artists like Harlem, New York’s Doug E. Fresh, Atlanta’s Big Boi (of Outkast), Louisiana’s Choppa, Dallas-bred Houston DJ Mr. Rogers, along with Houston hometown heroes, Slim Thug, Lil Keke, and Z-RO.
A long-time supporter of HBCUs, Doug E. Fresh spoke to the media outlet to let his feelings be known.
“There’s nothing better than supporting HBCUs. That’s what we’re supposed to do. So everybody, do what you know you’re supposed to do. Support yourself.”
— National Battle of the Bands (@NationalBOTB) August 27, 2023
PepsiCo was the event title sponsor, and the company detailed how they distributed funds to the participating schools.
“The fans have been having a great time. We’re able to contribute over $45,000 per band, a total of $360,000 this year. So we’re super excited about what we’ve been able to do to support our HBCUs.”
PepsiCo presented checks of $200,000 and $120,000; each school’s marching band was given $5,000.
According to Local 21 News, not only was it hot in Houston, but the heat also struck Pennsylvania, with two other HBCU marching bands making their season debut at Harrisburg High School.
Cheyney University, Lincoln University from Pennsylvania, and Wilberforce University from Ohio took the instruments and talent to Harrisburg High School. These three schools are the top three oldest HBCUs in the country, with Cheyney being the first to have been established.
HBCU Game Day reported that with Jackson State University’s football season starting, there was a battle between the school’s marching band, Sonic Boom of the South, and the South Carolina State University Marching 101. However, before the game started, due to the exhaustive heat, the Sonic Boom of the South announced that they would not be performing in full gear but would still take the field.
Band season has started in full swing, and we hope to view the many HBCUs showcasing their talented musicians at upcoming games throughout the season.
Georgia Man Arrested For Receiving 5 Pounds Of Weed By Mail
A Georgia man was arrested after attempting to get five pounds of marijuana delivered to his local Walgreens. The man ordered a large amount of weed from an unknown source and anticipated its arrival until law enforcement discovered the illegal shipment.
The Thomasville resident was expecting to receive his special package but was met by deputies from the Sheriff’s Office instead. According to WSB-TV, the delivery was compromised after the weed was detected in transit at a FedEx Shipping Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Drug agents then set up surveillance at the drop-box where the delivery was initially supposed to be completed.
The recipient, listed as Sebastian Juwon Courtney, never got to retrieve his mail, as officials immediately confiscated the controversial drug. However, while the man who went to pick up the package was arrested, his original plan for the copious amount of weed has not been undisclosed.
As legislation regarding weed consumption and sales constantly evolves, one can make the mistake of buying the drug from another state.
In Georgia, marijuana remains illegal for use, growth, and sales. Although many states allow the utilization of the drug for medicinal purposes, the Peach State maintains a more conservative outlook.
However, in Atlanta, the state’s most populous city as well as its capital, regulations regarding weed usage bend slightly. Although illegal statewide, the decriminalization of smoking the plant in small doses is recognized within city limits.
While Courtney was booked, the charges he faces for his misstep in obtaining the drug remain unknown to the public. However, staying up to date with all local, state, and national laws will ensure that one remains out of legal trouble regarding weed usage.
King Family Reaffirms Dr. King’s Message After Jacksonville Hate Crime
The 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 March on Washington and legendary “I Have a Dream” speech was marred by the recent racist mass shooting against Black people in Jacksonville, Florida.
The family of the slain civil rights leader commemorated the March on Washington by decrying the continued racial hatred in the United States. King’s son Martin Luther King III called out the “unconscionable” and “unacceptable” hate crimes against minorities as well as the overturning of Roe v Wade.
Standing alongside his 15-year-old daughter Yolanda Renee King, the son of the civil rights legend said she has fewer rights today than when she was born.
“The Voting Rights Act was struck down in 2013, women’s reproductive rights were struck down in 2022, affirmative action was struck down in 2023–so she has fewer rights,” he TOLD CNN.
Yolanda shared the apology she would have for her late grandfather if he were still alive today.
“I would say I’m sorry we still have to be here to rededicate ourselves to finishing your work and ultimately realizing your dream,” she said.
“Today, racism is still with us. Poverty is still with us. And now, gun violence has come for places of worship, our schools, and our shopping centers.”
Their speech came a day after a massive commemorative event at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. where about 250,000 people celebrated the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington. President Joe Biden also invited all of King’s children and surviving organizers of the original march to a commemorative reception in the Oval Office on Monday, August 28.
But as celebrations commemorating the historic march took place, a white man fatally shot three Black people in Jacksonville, Florida, in a conscious racist attack that’s being investigated as a hate crime, CNN reports.
“We must be clear, it was not just racially motivated, it was racist violence that has been perpetuated by rhetoric and policies designed to attack Black people, period,” Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon said.
The shooter, identified as Ryan Palmeter, 21, gunned down three Black people while wearing a mask and firing at least one weapon emblazoned with a swastika, the Associated Press reports. The shooting took place at a Dollar General store in New Town, a predominantly Black neighborhood of Jacksonville.
Palmeter visited a nearby HBCU prior to the shooting to change his clothes. Authorities say it does not appear that he intended to attack the school.
The loss of the victims, Angela Michelle Carr, 52, A.J. Laguerre, 19, and Jerrald Gallion, 29, echo exactly what MLK was fighting for when he led the March on Washington 60 years ago.
“Yesterday we saw the hate. It unfortunately demonstrated where we are compared with 1963, and the answer is–not far at all,” MLK III’s wife, Arndrea Waters King, said.
Keisha Lance Bottoms Describes ‘Circus Atmosphere’ At Fulton County Jail Ahead Of Trump Arrest
Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was shocked at what she saw outside Fulton County Jail ahead of former US President Donald Trump’s surrender.
“It really was surreal,” Lance Bottoms said during an interview on MSNBC’s Inside with Jen Psaki. Lance Bottoms, who used to work inside the Fulton County Jail signing warrants and presiding over first appearance hearings, described the sight outside the jail as a “circus atmosphere.” She added that it “was something we don’t normally see outside of Fulton County Jail.”
Let's go!
Huge show of support for President Trump outside Fulton County Jail.
“There was a lot of anger, a lot of hatred in the air,” Lance Bottoms said. “When I pulled up, many of those outside the jail thought that I was the [Fulton County] District Attorney Fani Willis. They began to angrily … chant, ‘Lock her up, lock her up’… And so, it was something that I’ve never seen before outside of the jail.”
When asked about Willis, Lance Bottoms described the attorney as fearless. “You have to remember, Fani is not new to this. Fani began her career working in a small law firm.” Lance Bottoms listed Willis’ years of credentials working as a solicitor, judge, and prosecutor, leading some of what Lance Bottoms called some of the most notorious cases in Fulton County. “Fani knows what she’s doing,” Lance Bottoms added.
In the interview, Lance Bottoms shouted out Sheriff Patrick Labat and the coordination of agencies across the metro area for their efforts to keep things safe and secure.
According to The Hill, dozens of Trump supporters were urged to gather outside the Fulton County Jail after Trump announced his surrender, which followed prior accusations that he spearheaded a scheme to overturn 2020 election results in the state.
As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Trump was booked at the Atlanta jail on Thursday evening after being indicted in Georgia on more than a dozen felony charges. A mugshot of the 45th US president was released along with his inmate number, No. P01135809.
Lengthy Court Battle Ahead For The Isley Brothers To Maintain Group Name
Ronald and Rudolph Isley are set to embark on a lengthy court battle over the rights of The Isley Brothers’ group name.
A federal judge has ruled against Ronald’s request to toss out Rudolph’s lawsuit that accuses him of trying to trademark the group name despite it being jointly owned, Billboardreports. U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin ruled on Wednesday, Aug. 23, over a suit Rudolph initially filed in March.
“Defendant’s motion is denied,” Judge Durkin said of Ronald’s request to toss the suit.
The Isley Brothers formed in the 1950s after brothers O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald Isley started performing gospel music with their mother in and around their native Cincinnati. The trio gained pop recognition in 1959 with their smash hit “Shout.”
Rudolph claims that he and Ronald have been the equal co-owners of the group’s intellectual property since the 1986 death of their third brother, O’Kelly Isley. However, Ronald disagrees, claiming the “Isley Brothers” trademarks are the property of those who have been actively using the name – and Rudolph forfeited his rights when he stopped performing with the band in 1986.
In March, Rudolph filed a lawsuit asking a judge to declare the trademark rights to the group name are “jointly owned by plaintiff and defendant equally.” He also wants Ronald to explain how he has “exploited” the trademark and share any revenue he’s earned from using the group name.
Ronald’s legal team wants the case tossed out, claiming Rudolph surrendered any control over the name when he left the band over 35 years ago. However, Judge Durkin noted the “unique circumstances” of band-name disputes and said the case could advance toward trial.
“Plaintiff’s contention is that when he ceased performing, he did not leave the group, but instead took on the sort of continuing managerial role that creates a continuing ownership right in the mark,” the judge wrote.
Now, with the new ruling, the case will head to discovery, where both sides will gather evidence to support their claims before heading to a jury trial. Rudolph’s lawyer, Brian D. Caplan, says his client is “happy that the court denied his brother’s motion to dismiss his complaint.”
Rudolph “looks forward to the recognition of his rights as a 50% owner in the name ‘The Isley Brothers,’ the iconic name of the band that he formed in 1954 with his two brothers.”
Durkin believes the case mimics that of the doo-wop group Vito & the Salutations, where one former member continued to hold rights to the name because he maintained a “behind-the-scenes role” after leaving the band. Rudolph claims to have taken on a similar “active” role in the Isley Brothers despite leaving the group in 1986.
Some of his most recent alleged contributions include playing a key role in securing a multimillion-dollar publishing deal in 2018 and helping to negotiate the use of the band’s iconic song “Shout” for a Super Bowl commercial in February.
“Plaintiff’s allegations regarding his activities on behalf of the group are more like those in [the Vito & the Salutations case] than [other musicians] who left their musical groups entirely and did not allege any continuing role,” Judge Durkin wrote.
Marjorie Harvey Addresses ‘Foolishness and Lies’ That She Cheated On Steve Harvey
Marjorie Harvey is addressing the “foolishness and lies” spreading across social media that accuse her of cheating on Steve Harvey.
The wife of the famous comedian took to Instagram late Aug. 27 to share a Bible verse about “how to handle being lied about.” In her lengthy caption, Marjorie explained why she found it necessary to address divorce rumors about her and Steve.
“My husband and I don’t usually stop to address all the foolishness and lies that have been spread about us,” she wrote.
“However to whom much is given much is required. I understand that with my platform comes some sort of responsibility to those that may not be as strong as we are.”
The social media response came amid Twitter speculation over the weekend accusing Marjorie of cheating on Steve with their bodyguard and demanding a $200 million divorce settlement, as noted by Marca.
If a bodyguard can chew Marjorie,Steve Harvey's wife despite Harvey's riches and social status, then it is impossible to satisfy a woman on this earth. pic.twitter.com/fCBMU7TjNS
The rumors surfaced at the same time Steve shared a video post calling out his former social media manager, who posted a tweet asking fans to name a comedian they don’t find funny.
“I was doing it for engagement, well you gone need some employment,” Steve said of his axed employee.
Steve Harvey has fired one of his social media managers for a bad joke they posted on his Twitter. “Asking his followers to name a comedian they don’t find funny at all. “I was doing it for engagement, well you gone need some employment.” pic.twitter.com/G1Eg2SvNFO
As soon as the video made its rounds, the cheating rumors surfaced online, making Steve a trending topic over the weekend. But his friend Ned Nwoko, a Nigerian businessman, shared a post dispelling the rumors.
“Fake news has been taken to new heights all over the world and this is so unfortunate,” Nwoko wrote in his caption.
“We experience this practically everyday and so when we read about our friend Steve Harvey and his lovely wife having issues, we had to contact Him and He confirmed that he and his wife are very much okay and it’s all fake news and should be disregarded. The family is happy together and we wish them all the best.”
Steve has yet to issue a public statement about the cheating rumors. But between his wife and friend speaking up to shut down the claims, the “Original Kings of Comedy” star is likely choosing peace and ignoring the hearsay.
Jackson State Dominates South Carolina State 37-7 In First Game Without ‘Coach Prime’
The Jackson State Tigers showed Deion Sanders departure as head coach hasn’t affected them by dismantling the South Carolina State Bulldogs 37-7 in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta Saturday night.
South Carolina transfer Jason Brown went 25-for-29 for 356 yards and three touchdowns, completing 10 straight passes to close out the first half of the game. Running back Irv Mulligan ran for 90 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, including a 46-yard touchdown run on the Tigers’ first drive of the game.
Jackson State never trailed in the first game for head coach T.C. Taylor.
Andre Hunt, Jency Riley, and Dwayne Stevens each had a receiving touchdown for the Tigers as Brown completed at least one pass to eight different receivers. Jackson State also got revenge as the Bulldogs defeated the Tigers in their last meeting, the 2021 Celebration Bowl.
“I think it was very important going against a great coach like Coach Pough,” Taylor said in his postgame conference, according to Sports Illustrated.
“We talked about playing a physical brand, but going forward, this is the one we wanted to come out and set the tone.”
The Tigers gained 494 total yards on offense while the defense held the Bulldogs to just 201 yards of offense and 14 first downs. Bulldogs quarterback Corey Fields Jr. struggled, going 7-for-20 for 60 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Jawam Howell led the Bulldogs in rushing with 48 yards on 13 carries.
For the Tigers, the win was a sign the HBCU program has moved on from its headline-grabbing former coach Sanders, who left the HBCU last year to coach at Colorado University and taking his son, former Tigers quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and cornerback Travis Hunter with him. Sanders will coach in his first game with the Power 5 school on Sept. 3 against 17th-ranked Texas Christian University.
Jackson State will next face Florida A&M on Saturday, Sept. 3.
Ocielia Gibson-Sprowl, the winner of the 2012 Miss Black USA pageant, has partnered with the National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals (NAUEP) to launch a Pageant Coach Certification program for women entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their consulting business. With almost 300,000 contestants participating annually in local and international pageants, the $5 billion-a-year industry has over 3,000 pageant coaches, but less than 100 of them are Black and brown.
“The role of the pageant coach is integral to helping pageant hopefuls win a crown and all that goes with it,” explains Gibson-Sprowl.
“With most coaches earning a minimum of $50 per hour, pageantry will not only allow coaches to empower young women, but it will also help them start, maintain, or expand an in-demand coaching business,” she continued.
“As a former Miss Black USA and pageant coach who is credited with 26 national placements, Ocielia is uniquely positioned to teach aspiring pageant coaches to launch a successful business that can help expand their brand and increase their income-earning potential. With an industry that increases its market share each year, it’s our honor to provide a certification for individuals with diverse backgrounds that will grant them increased access to sustainable income,” explained the NAUEP founder, Trenette Wilson and award-winning author of Royal, Black and Elite.
Certification workshops include How to Launch Your Pageant Coaching Business, Selecting Pageant Platforms, Financing Beauty Pageants, and much more.
About the Founder
Ocielia Gibson-Sprowl is more than just the winner of the 2012 Miss Black USA pageant. She is also the founder of Slay Your Pageant, which helps contestants unlock their standout brand and confidence to captivate the judges and win the crown. Her partnership with the National Association of Urban Etiquette Professionals (NAUEP), the nation’s leading etiquette association that provides workshops in underserved communities, is truly one-of-a-kind.
LONDON, Aug 23 (Reuters) – British photographer Normski says he took pictures of some of the greatest exponents of hip hop music, which this month celebrated its 50th anniversary, at least in part because he couldn’t breakdance.
Born in 1966 in northwest London into a Jamaican family, Normski is seven years older than hip hop, which dates from a party in New York’s Bronx on Aug. 11, 1973.
He says it is impossible to sum up the music’s power in a few words, but it established his identity and has done the same for billions of people across the world.
“To me, hip hop is a voice for those who never had a voice. It’s a way for the rest of the world to find out about those people that are not getting a fair ride in life,” he said.
Together with its dancing, rapping and deejaying, hip hop has moved from the margins to become part of mainstream global culture and is now, says Normski: “The biggest global genre, I believe, that we’ve ever had in our lifetimes”.
To coincide with the anniversary year, Normski’s book of photographs and anecdotes “Normski: Man with the Golden Shutter” will be published in collaboration with Britain’s Museum of Youth Culture on Sept. 18.
He described himself as “a little innocent Black guy with a camera” whose approach was to be as spontaneous as hip hop music often is.
“Having the camera ready, grabbing the shot anyway and then thinking about stuff afterwards. That’s kind of how I’ve always worked,” he said.
Among those he captured were New York-based rappers Public Enemy, whose 1988 album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” is considered one of the genre’s most influential.
Normski, who photographed Public Enemy on stage in Manchester, northern England, in 1990, described the group, known for delivering a strong political message, as anarchic.
“They came out with a message to fight power,” he said.
