‘Who Am I?’ Beenie Man Does Impromptu Performance For Grounded Airplane Passengers
Who got the keys to the airplane? He may not have had the keys, but he had the attention of fellow passengers on a flight. Dancehall recording artist Beenie Man led a group of passengers in song when he interacted with them while on a stop-over flight in the Bahamas.
A video captured the moment some lucky fans witnessed and joined in on the fun. As the artist stands in the aisle, he talks with the passengers. In a display of his performing prowess, he starts to sing the intro to one of his most popular songs, “Romie.”
“Oh nah nah nah…” he sings as the passengers answer back by singing along. He then transitions to another favorite hit song, “Who Am I? (Sim Simma).”
“Sim Simma, who’s got the keys to my bimma?” As the crowd joins him in song, he asks, “Who am I? as he struts off and heads back to what we can assume is first class.
The song “Romie” was released in 1996 and featured on the album “Maestro.”Radio Jamaica News also reported that his next project had the song “Who Am I? (Sim Simma).” That was released on his eighth studio album, Many Moods of Moses, on Dec. 9, 1997. The album was nominated for a Grammy and ended up as a top 10 song on the US Billboard Hot Rap Singles Chart when it reached No. 6. It also hit No. 15 on the Hot R&B Singles Chart.
Beenie Man has an upcoming album named “Simma” being released later this month on Aug. 31. This will be his first release in over seven years. The last project he dropped was “Unstoppable,” which was released to the masses in 2016.
Son of Former NFL Player Antonio Armstrong Found Guilty Of Killing Parents
The son of a former NFL player was found guilty of capital murder earlier this week for killing both of his parents in 2016.
According to KHOU 11, Antonio “AJ” Armstrong Jr., son of former Miami Dolphins player Antonio Armstrong Sr., was found guilty on Aug. 16 of capital murder for the death of his father and his mother, Dawn Armstrong. Both were killed in their sleep in their Houston home.
The 23-year-old, who was 16 when the crime was committed, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after he serves 40 years.
The jury arrived at the verdict after two days of deliberations. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg made a statement at a news conference after the verdict was announced.
“In trying to speak for those who no longer had a voice to defend themselves or say what happened, our job was to find justice for them,” Ogg said. “Antonio Sr. and Dawn Armstrong died because they were trying to be good parents because they wanted their children to do right — not to lie, to work to be law-abiding, contributing adults.”
This was the third time Armstrong Jr. was tried; the first two ended in hung juries.
After the first trial in 2019, jurors were deadlocked and couldn’t reach a unanimous decision, so a mistrial was declared. The second trial, which took place in October 2022, found that jury also deadlocked, with eight votes to acquit Armstrong Jr. and four to convict. The judge in that case declared a mistrial.
Before his death, Armstrong Sr. worked as a motivational speaker, and he and his wife owned 1st Class Training in Bellaire. He’d played collegiate football at Texas A&M, then went to the NFL and played for the Miami Dolphins. He coached both of his sons when they were younger. Armstrong Sr. was also an associate pastor, according to police. Dawn Armstrong’s Facebook page said they “serve in ministry together.”
10 Business Grants & Programs For Black Content Creators
Whether creating content as a hobby, a side hustle, or a business booster, you’re not alone in this phenomenon. In fact, there are millions of you taking space and changing the game when it comes to consuming and engaging with content. Digital creatives, we see you.
The meteoric rise of the creator economy has opened boundless doors for many solopreneurs to utilize digital platforms to earn money, find their niche audience, and even help brands tap in with their own target audiences. But social commerce and content creation is no easy feat within the ever-changing media landscape.
Many digital platforms contribute to this economy via their creator funds and programs, including:
#YouTubeBlackVoices Grant Program
In 2020, YouTube announced the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund to amplify unique Black perspectives and experiences to emphasize Black economic equity and well-being, as well as the intellectual power and passion of the YouTube community. This program is for Black creators, artists, songwriters, and producers to be equipped with the resources to reach their full potential on YouTube. Keep an eye on their official website for information on 2024 applications.
LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Program
The LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Program is lending resources to support creators on LinkedIn. This includes a six-week incubator-style program, where participants receive coaching on brainstorming new ideas, growing their audience, and engaging the LinkedIn community. Program participants will also receive a financial award and early access to LinkedIn tools to get started. Watch out for more updates on the program website.
Pinterest Creator Fund
Do you love making pins on Pinterest without the pressure to be perfect? The platform’s creator fund is a special $500,000 initiative that could provide content creators like you with up to $25,000 in cash and advertising credits. As a fund member, you can immerse yourself in a four-week workshop and get hands-on training on making idea pins, taking advantage of Pinterest trends, and measuring campaign success. What’s more? There is personalized consulting to boost Pinterest’s creative strategies.
#BlackTikTok Creator Program
Get on it! Announced in June, this four-month program fosters connection,education, entertainment, and inspiration between Black creators and the TikTok team. You’ll be able to meet with other Black creators and gain access to “free game” about content strategy and securing financial gains. From exclusive events and perks to elevate your craft, don’t feel discouraged to apply and get your name out there.
Twitch Partner Program
Are you committed to streaming and ready to level up from Affiliate status? The Twitch Partnership Program invites creators who stream various content, from games, music, talk shows, art, and auto become potential partners who have large viewerships and have built up a strong sub-community of their own. Twitch wants to hear from you if you love engaging with your audience, producing amazing content, and finding unique ways to stand out. Apply here.
Coalition to Back Black Businesses
Since its inception, the Coalition has distributed $8.5 million in cash grants to more than 1,400 Black small business owners while offering mentoring and additional resources to help small businesses scale and thrive. The $5,000 rewards go to businesses of all types, from artists to restaurants and more. Stay updated for more information about the 2024 applications on its website.
AnnuityFreedom.net’s BIPOC Small Business Marketing Grant
Are you a startup company seeking marketing help, like driving organic traffic from search engines? This program supports Black-owned and minority-owned businesses by providing free SEO evaluations, advice, and planning. There is currently no cap on the number of possible marketing grant recipients per month. Grantees will be selected on a rolling basis. There is no application deadline. These are awarded to businesses on a rolling basis, with winners announced on the last day of each month. Find more details and information on the website.
Comcast RISE
Comcast RISE has provided over $110 million in monetary, marketing, and technology service grants to tens of thousands of entrepreneurs. Comcast is continuing its efforts to positively impact small businesses in 2023. Its offerings include complimentary marketing, technology, financial grants, business consulting, entrepreneurship training, and other services. Applications for the 2023 program are now closed. Check back for further details about future applications here.
NASE Grants for Small Businesses
Self-employment is not for the faint of heart. So the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) has dedicated itself to supporting “micro-business owners” with grants worth up to $4,000 each. To be considered, you must join NASE and remain in good standing for at least three months before applying. More details and application here.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
On an annual basis, FedEx runs an initiative that awards U.S.-based small businesses grants between $15,000 to $50,000. Applications typically open early in the year. Learn about past winners here, and subscribe to the FedEx newsletter to stay on top of the next entry period dates.
‘A Man Who Is Thankful’: Jamie Foxx Updates Fans On His Health
Jamie Foxx appears to be on the mend after suffering an undisclosed “medical complication” in April 2023.
The They Cloned Tyrone star took to Instagram to update his fans, posting a photo of himself standing in the doorway of what appeared to be a straw-roofed hut, holding a pair of red Crocs.
“You’re lookin’ at a man who is thankful… finally startin to feel like myself…” the actor said in the caption.
He went on to thank his supporters for their well wishes.
“I have a lot of people to thank… u just don’t know how much it meant… I will be thanking all of you personally… and if you didn’t know… GOD IS GOOD… all day, every day…”
Fans grew increasingly concerned when his daughter Corinne informed the public about her father’s health via a now-deleted Instagram post. The younger Foxx didn’t offer details about her dad’s condition, other than stating he experienced a “medical complication.”
Rumors began to swirl when the actor’s family was seen visiting a Chicago rehabilitation facility that specializes in strokes and traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
Other than shutting down inaccurate claims about Foxx’s condition, his camp remained tight-lipped about the details of Foxx’s recovery. Fans were left in the dark for three months, until the actor was spotted sitting on a yacht in Chicago on July 9. Foxx appeared to be in good health as he waved to cheering fans.
On July 22, Foxx addressed fans in an Instagram video. He thanked everyone for their support and explained why he had remained silent for months, stating:
“I know a lot of people were waiting or wanting to hear updates but to be honest with you, I just didn’t want you to see me like that, man. I want you to see me laughing, having a good time partying, cracking a joke, doing a movie, television show. I didn’t want you to see me with tubes running out of me and trying to figure out if I was gonna make it through.”
In the three-minute video, he thanked his medical team, friends, and family for their role in his recovery.
“I’m here on Earth because of some great people. I’m here on Earth because of God, man. I’m on my way back.”
Shannon Sharpe Joins Stephen A. Smith On ESPN’s ‘First Take’
Starting this fall, two of the most explosive sports analysts will go toe to toe starting this fall. According to the New York Post, coming to ESPN this football season, Shannon Sharpe will be a First Take co-host with Stephen A. Smith on the popular sports show.
Sharpe, the fiery former host of FS1’sUndisputed, will team with Smith on Mondays and Tuesdays for the NFL season, presumably to discuss the weekend and Monday night football games.
This marks a return to the program for Sharpe. Before partnering with Skip Bayless over at FS1, Sharpe was a regular guest (in 2016) on First Take, which helped land him the spot opposite Bayless, who himself was a regular host on First Take before going to FS1.
There is also a rumored landing spot for Sharpe’s wildly popular “Club Shay Shay” podcast.
Sharpe left Undisputed after this year’s NBA Finals in June 2023. No reason was given as to why he left, but fans of the show knew the former NFL champion and Bayless had been at odds in recent months.
On the last show he co-hosted, Sharpe thanked the controversial Bayless for allowing him to share the spotlight in their daily debate.
“You fought for me, brother. I’m here because of you. You allowed me to share the stage with you. You allowed me to share the platform. I’m going to cry in the car, but I’m not going to cry now,” Sharpe told Bayless. “The opportunity that you gave me to become what I became, I’m very indebted to you. I’ll never forget what you did for me. You’ve helped me grow more than you’ll ever know. All I ask is when you lay your head on that pillow at night, know I gave everything I had.”
Sharpe did cry on the show.
Sports fans are excited to watch the two occasionally contentious sportscasters for and against each other in what will no doubt be a lively and quotable show.
‘Blind Side’ Tuohy Family Devastated By Accusations, Ready To End Conservatorship
The drama surrounding former football player Michael Oher and his “adoptive” parents continues.
Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy are ready to end a conservatorship that Oher is challenging in court, the Associated Press reports. According to their lawyer, Randall Fishman, the Tuohys plan to enter a consent order to end the conservatorship.
The ex-NFL player dropped a bomb on Aug. 14, saying he was suing the family for misrepresenting the terms of a conservatorship he signed while in high school. As the inspiration behind the 2009 Oscar-winning movie The Blind Side, the family is accused of using Oher’s story to enrich themselves and their two birth children while locking him out of any benefits from his own life story. In the movie, Sean and Leigh Anne adopted Oher, which he says is false.
Instead of adopting him, Oher claims, the Tuohys established a conservatorship, profiting from his name, image, and likeness. The Tuohys’ lawyer says that’s not the case.
Fishman says Oher always knew he had not been adopted. The lawyer claims Oher mentioned the Tuohys being conservators for him three times in his 2011 book: I Beat The Odds: From Homeless to The Blind Side. Tuohy representatives say their clients and the former tackle have been estranged for nearly a decade. Meanwhile, Tuohy family attorney Steve Farese says Oher has become “more and more vocal and more and more threatening” over the years, and this is “devastating for the family.”
Oher is looking for the Tuohys to pay back any money they received through the conservatorship, including the life rights agreement and contract for The Blind Side movie starring Sandra Bullock, according to USA Today. Fishman said Oher received compensation for the film: “Michael got every dime, every dime he had coming.”
Farese claims the Tuohys don’t need Oher’s money, with their wealth outside Oher’s NFL career being more than enough. “They don’t need his money,” Farese said. “They’ve never needed his money. Mr. Tuohy sold his company for $220 million.”
A New Private Airport Terminal Is Coming To ATL Complete With A Personal TSA Lane
Atlanta, known to hold the world’s busiest airport, is now letting exclusive flyers arrive in luxury. A new private terminal is set to open September 6, 2023, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
According to CNN, PS, the operator behind this growing franchise of luxury terminals, is debuting its latest location in the Peach State. It will be the second one in the U.S. by the brand, after the one in Los Angeles International Airport.
VIP terminals are not a new development. International cities already have them, but their expansion into the continental U.S. is spearheaded by PS. The company has plans to place them in Dallas and in Miami, Florida within the next two years.
“Opening our second PS location in America’s busiest airport will bring the countless travelers that fly to and through Atlanta the convenience and luxury that has become synonymous with the PS brand,” Amina Porter, the CEO of PS, said in a written statement.
What do potential customers get upon entering the luxury airport oasis? Beyond a private TSA screening, a host at the venue also handles the luggage. When it is time to board one’s flight, a private driver escorts elite passengers to the designated aircraft.
PS terminals also include a salon lounge and other amenities, including a private suite with an entertainment center and a fully stocked bar. To add to the luxurious experience, massages and manicurists are available. For those that want to skip the middleman altogether, PS will transport frequent flyers directly to their plane without any of the standard airport hassles.
For those willing to let the price fly, memberships start at $4,850 for all access to its privileges for the year. However, PS also offers one-time deals to indulge in its lifestyle for $1,095.
Global Black Economic Forum And StarNews Mobile Partner To Empower Black Entrepreneurs
The Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) and StarNews Mobile (SNM) have announced a strategic partnership to empower Black entrepreneurs and promote collaboration among Black businesses globally. The alliance will leverage StarNews Mobile’s position as a leading media platform in Africa to expand GBEF’s presence on the continent and create a lasting impact on the African business landscape.
“This partnership demonstrates our commitment to driving positive change and economic empowerment for Black entrepreneurs worldwide,” said Alphonso David, president and CEO of the GBEF. “With our network and unique positioning, we can make a significant impact on the African business landscape and drive sustainable economic growth globally.”
Guy Kamgaing, CEO of SNM, said, “At StarNews Mobile, we believe in the transformative power of entrepreneurship for individuals and communities. By helping African creators earn a sustainable income, we create opportunities for many. Through our partnership with the GBEF, we can facilitate a global dialogue among Black entrepreneurs and connect them with U.S. Black businesses.”
The GBEF is renowned for its work in promoting economic empowerment for Black communities worldwide and creating an environment where Black entrepreneurs can thrive. This partnership will strengthen the GBEF’s presence in Africa, unlocking transformative opportunities for the African Black business community.
With millions of users across multiple countries, SNM is at the forefront of developing the creator economy in Africa. In 2022, it surpassed the $1 million mark in payouts to African creators.
With a shared vision, this partnership recognizes the potential of connecting African and Black American talent and business infrastructure, leveraging their global cultural impact and market size. The GBEF and SNM are collaborating to facilitate genuine economic empowerment while promoting the growth of Black entrepreneurs across Africa.
About Global Black Economic Forum:
The Global Black Economic Forum is an international enterprise focused on advancing the economic interests of the Black Diaspora and marginalized groups through global summits, training, advocacy, and thought leadership.
About StarNews Mobile:
StarNews Mobile is a media-tech platform that allows African content creators to monetize their fanbase. Through partnerships with telecom companies, StarNews Mobile delivers exclusive video content directly to mobile users. The company aims to empower African creators, contribute to Africa’s economic development, and foster entrepreneurship.
The Healthy Churches 2030 Conference Equips Faith Communities To Respond To Racial Health Disparities
In response to the alarming health disparities affecting Black Americans, the Healthy Churches 2030 Conference equips Black faith communities and families to become community hubs for health awareness, education, and support. The four-day virtual conference, running Nov. 13-16, will provide dozens of expert presentations and educational sessions for faith and community members, pastors, deacons, missionaries, elders, public health and medical professionals, caregivers, advocates, and more. Registration is available at www.HC2030.org.
The conference is presented by The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a 35-year-old organization that mobilizes faith communities to respond to health crises in Black communities. “Faith communities are the oldest, most important, and most ubiquitous institutions that Black people own, lead, and fund,” says Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, the founder and CEO of the organization. “Their potential and influence to lessen the impact of systemic disparities and improve the health status of African Americans is unmatched.”
The conference provides a unique setting for faith and public health representatives to work together toward solutions aimed at reversing and eliminating health disparities. The Healthy Churches 2030 Conference will focus on many conditions documented as having worse impact on African Americans as a result of systemic racism, including higher rates, and inadequate treatment for, infant and maternal morbidity, cardiovascular disease, mental health challenges, Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
Healthy Churches 2030 is founded in the principles of Healthy People 2030, an initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services. The focus of Healthy People 2030 is the elimination of health disparities and creating equitable opportunities for people to live healthy lives.
Registration for Healthy Churches 2030 is required and costs $50 per person, covering all four days of the conference. Special rates of $35 per person are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information, visit www.healthychurches2030.org.
Connecticut’s Annual Black Wall Street Festival Makes Its Return On The New Haven Green
The second annual Black Wall Street festival will occur on August 19, 2023, from noon to 8 p.m. at the historic New Haven Green. According to their website, the event is designed to celebrate Black entrepreneurship by highlighting minority businesses.
“New Haven’s Black Wall Street Festival, produced by the Department of Arts, Culture, and Tourism in partnership with The Breed Entertainment, is a festival highlighting Black and brown business owners and creatives. It is a catalyst for action toward dismantling systemic racism in New Haven and a strategy to revitalize Black and brown economic wealth across the city.”
The family-friendly event will feature live music and performances from local youth groups such as the Elite Drill Team, Wolfpack Drum Squad, the Monk Youth Jazz Ensemble, and STEAM Collective.
Aspiring entrepreneurs can visit the “empowerment tent” for inspiration. There will also be a designated space for members of the Divine Nine to network with one another. During a recent press conference, New Haven Director of Cultural Affairs, Adriane Jefferson, highlighted the multiple purposes for the festival.
“It’s a celebration. It’s a time for us to come together as a community. But it’s also cultural preservation. It is cultural equity. It is being able to tell our stories our way, through our mouths, and to celebrate together. ”
Following the inaugural event’s success in 2022, the second annual Black Wall Street Festival is expected to be almost four times larger.
The term Black Wall Street honors the legacy of the Black Business districts that appeared throughout America in the 19th and early 20th centuries, like the Greenwood district of Tulsa, OK. The community predominantly consisted of Black-owned homes and businesses.
The once-bustling community was destroyed by an angry mob of racists in 1921. Other Black Wall Streets included the Jackson War district in Richmond, VA, Sweet Auburn in Atlanta, Harlem, NY, and Farish Street in Jackson, MS. These communities were dissolved through covert tactics like redlining and gentrification.
