Kanye, Trevian C. Kutti
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 15, 2023

‘RICO Woes’ For Ye’s Former Publicist Charged In Latest Trump Indictment

Close to 20 additional names have been listed in the fourth indictment of former President Donald Trump. One of those names is Ye’s, formerly known as Kanye West, former publicist Trevian C. Kutti, Deadline reports.

Kutti was seen in a video trying to convince Ruby Freeman, a Georgia election worker publicly attacked by Trump, to implicate herself in election fraud regarding the 2020 presidential election.

On counts 30 and 31 of 41, Kutti faces charges of conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings and influencing witnesses. Count 30 claims the former publicist, along with Stephen Cliffguard Lee and Harrison William Prescott Floyd, “unlawfully conspired to solicit, request, and importune Freeman by knowingly and willfully making a false statement and representation concerning events at State Farm Arena in November 3, 2020.”

Specifically listing Kutti, the charges continue, saying she traveled to Fulton County to visit Freeman at her home, which is labeled as “acts to effect the object of the conspiracy, contrary to the laws of said State, the good order, peace and dignity thereof.”

When Kutti got to Freeman’s home, the election worker was frightened and called the police, according to The Independent. Kutti identified herself as a “crisis manager” and went with Freeman to the police station after an officer suggested it. Bodycam footage captured Kutti allegedly cornering Freeman and threatening her with jail time.

Additional charges for count 31 allege Kutti, Lee, and Floyd “knowingly and unlawfully engaged in misleading conduct toward Freeman, by stating that she needed protection and by purporting to offer her help, with intent to influence her testimony in an official proceeding.” The indictment claims all the alleged actions occurred on or around Jan. 4, 2021—almost two months after West ended his own presidential bid.

Kutti’s name has been associated with some of hip-hop and R&B’s bad boys, including R. Kelly. An online profile listed her as Kanye West’s Director of Operations; however, according to a 2021 story in Reuters, a spokesperson for West said that “Trevian Kutti was not associated with Kanye West or any of his enterprises at the times of the facts that are reported in these articles or since these facts occurred.”

Massachusetts Millionaire Tax Helps Provide Free Lunch For Public School Students
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 15, 2023

Massachusetts Millionaire Tax Helps Provide Free Lunch For Public School Students

Massachusetts voted for a constitutional amendment for a new 4% tax on people’s earnings above $1 million in 2022 and now, public school students will receive free lunch, Business Insider reports.

The legislature went into effect at the beginning of 2023, and the next tax will fund $1 billion of the state’s $56.2 billion fiscal budget for 2024. Gov. Maura Healey signed the budget on Aug. 9, making Massachusetts the No. 8 state to adopt a free school lunch plan since the federal free school lunch program expired during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A portion of that $1 billion will serve both breakfast and lunch to students during the new school year if they want it. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) said this move will change lives. “Free universal school meals will change lives, full stop,” McGovern said, according to CBS News. “No child in Massachusetts will ever have to wonder how to get through the school day on an empty stomach.”

Guaranteeing free lunch for public school students puts a mark on the issue of food insecurity on the rise as inflation is affecting less fortunate families. A study from the Greater Boston Food Bank found that 33% of households in Massachusetts suffered from a lack of food in 2022. After the free lunch program expired, anti-hunger advocates pleaded with lawmakers to expand on school meal programs as data shows hunger is a key factor in a child’s academic performance.

The new tax benefits more than just public school kids. The governor’s office has agreed to pass out $524 million of expected revenue from the new tax on education, including the expansion of childcare accessibility and financial aid for college students, and the rest—approximately $477 million—will be used for transportation, including work on bridges and tunnels.

The new wealth tax argues that some of America’s wealthiest have grown their fortune thanks to tax breaks that generally aren’t available to low- and middle-class families, adding that more taxes on the rich are needed.

CBS, Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews
by Stacy Jackson

August 15, 2023

‘Madam President’ Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews Named Newest President of CBS News

The former executive vice president for CBS News has made her way to a higher role.

CBS News recently appointed Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews as its newest president to oversee all CBS News programs, bureaus, global newsgathering, streaming, and digital editorial. According to the station, the announcement was made by the company’s President and CEO, Wendy McMahon, on Aug. 14.

“There is no one with a stronger background to continue CBS News‘ great journalistic legacy than Ingrid,” said McMahon. “Ingrid’s editorial expertise, her depth of knowledge and sensitivity to the nuance of the subjects we cover around the globe, and her impeccable news judgment make her an incredible leader. She is unwavering in her commitment to our journalism and to the people and culture of CBS News. I’m so pleased that she has agreed to partner with me at this important time.”

The Emmy Award-winning journalist is no stranger to the tasks around the station. Ciprian-Matthews has been affiliated with the network for nearly 30 years. She joined CBS News in 1993 as a senior producer for live segments for the morning news. Since then, she has led global newsgathering, served as an executive vice president, worked with strategic professional development and recruiting, served as a foreign editor and senior broadcast producer, coordinated daily news coverage, and guided coverage of major news events.

“The history and DNA of this organization will inform our vision for the future,” said Ciprian-Matthews. “We are a community of journalists driven by a conviction to serve the public and pursue the truth, with intentional, impartial reporting and distinctive storytelling. It is a true privilege to make sure we continue our mission long into the future — with integrity in our reporting and a firm commitment to the values, the culture, and the wonderful people of CBS News.”

Ciprian-Matthews’ new role will also require overseeing standards and practices, special events, politics, elections and surveys, social, the race and culture unit, and CBS News Radio. 

Ciprian-Matthews was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and studied journalism at New York University.

Alex Collins
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 15, 2023

NFL Mourns The Loss Of Former Running Back Alex Collins, Who Died By Motorcycle Crash

A 28-year-old former NFL player who recently played a season in the USFL was killed in a motorcycle accident in South Florida. 

According to NFL.com, Alex Collins, a running back in the NFL for the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens before playing for the USFL for the Memphis Showboats, died on Aug. 13, 2023, just two weeks before his 29th birthday on Aug. 28.

The fatality occurred in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, when the motorcycle he was operating crashed into an SUV.

Both the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks acknowledged his death via social media.

The Ravens issued the following statement: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Alex Collins. Always quick to greet everyone with a smile, he was a genuinely kind person who carried a special joy and passion wherever he went. May Alex always be remembered for the light and love he brought to so many people in his life.”

The Seahawks shared sentiments as well. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alex Collins this morning. Alex was cherished by his family and friends, as well as supporters from all around the world. All who truly know him can attest to his drive, determination, and larger-than-life personality. We kindly request your thoughts and prayers for our family during this difficult time. We ask for privacy as we navigate through our grief. We will provide updates regarding funeral arrangements as they become available.”

Detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit released a statement detailing the incident that led to Collins’ death.

The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 p.m. near the 3300 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard. Collins was riding eastbound on his 2004 Suzuki GSX-R600K motorcycle, going toward Northwest 33rd Avenue. A woman was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban SUV on West Oakland Park Boulevard and traveling westbound. As she turned left onto Northwest 33rd Avenue, Collins hit the rear passenger side of the SUV. The collision caused Collins to enter her vehicle’s rear passenger side window, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The young woman stayed at the site of the accident and spoke to investigators.

Before playing this past season in the USFL, Collins split his five seasons in the NFL between the Ravens and the Seahawks. During his NFL career, he carried the ball 483 times for 1,997 yards while scoring 18 touchdowns. He also received another 467 yards through passing. Through 50 career games, he started 29 times.

In 2017, Collins ran for a career-high 973 yards and scored six touchdowns to lead the Ravens’ rushing attack.

Keke Palmer, Usher
by Sharelle B. McNair

August 15, 2023

Usher Is ‘Shaking the Table’ With New Video For ‘Boyfriend’ Starring Keke Palmer

The troll of the year award goes to … Usher Raymond IV!?

The Grammy-winning singer just dropped a teaser on Instagram for a spicy new single titled “Boyfriend,” starring Keke Palmer.

 

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A post shared by Usher (@usher)

The collaboration comes one month after the pair made headlines with an interaction at Usher’s Las Vegas residency show. The father of four went viral as he serenaded the new mom with a song, upsetting Palmer’s boyfriend, Darius Jackson. Usher seems to be making light of the incident with lyrics in the new song. “Somebody said that your boyfriend’s looking for me,” he sings in the video teaser.

The rising media mogul was seen wearing a “risqué” outfit — a black bodysuit under a sheer dress — at the show, seemingly getting under Jackson’s skin. When the video of the two reached social media, Jackson commented, “It’s the outfit tho .. you a mom.”

While Twitter jumped to the Nope actress’ defense, Palmer spoke out in her very own way, posting pictures of herself in the outfit on Instagram with the caption, “I wish I had taken more pictures but we were running late! I am telling y’all right now if you haven’t seen @usher YOU MUST GO!! HE WAS SO FABULOUS!!”

The shady lyrics of Usher’s new single don’t stop with the opening line. “Just look for me wherever he sees you, I go wherever you go, oh go wherever you go, oh Turn the lights on,” the crooner sings. “It seems natural for me to wander off to where you are.”

Usher recently spoke about the viral moment to People magazine, calling it “a pop moment” and “worth talking about.” “I think everybody’s vision or a version of what they felt happened there just leads you back to just really having a good time in Las Vegas,” Usher said. “And that’s what I hope came out of it. Rather, it was a conversation of what was going on with us having fun in front of the audience or conversation about that song.”

The video is slated to drop on August 17.

Riaz Capital, Danielle Allen, Racist, fired
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 15, 2023

New Housing Keeps Black Teachers In The Bay Area

Riaz Capital and Urban Ed Academy are proud to announce a partnership to provide beautiful new-construction apartments to Black teachers in the Bay Area. The partnership will initially house 10 teachers in Oakland, with additional housing placements to come.

Riaz Capital is a pioneer in providing affordable high-quality middle-income housing in the Bay Area. Urban Ed Academy is a leading non-profit organization that supports Black men pursuing careers in Education. The initial 10 teachers will be housed at Artthaus Six, Riaz Capital’s latest new-construction development in Oakland.

Urban Ed Academy is a trailblazing educational organization that champions educational equity and works tirelessly to empower students and educators alike. The partnership with Riaz Capital aligns perfectly with their mission, as it addresses the unique housing challenges faced by Black teachers in the Bay Area and promotes Black representation within the teaching workforce.

According to the National Education Association, only 2% of teachers in America are Black men. A recent John Hopkins University study found that if Black students even have one Black teacher by third grade, they are 13% more likely to attend college. By offering housing solutions specifically tailored to Black male teachers, Riaz Capital and Urban Ed Academy are taking proactive steps to address this issue and promote greater diversity in the education system.

The partnership between Riaz Capital and Urban Ed Academy represents their joint commitment to community empowerment, educational excellence, and equitable opportunities. By removing the housing burden, Riaz Capital and Urban Ed Academy aim to retain Black male educators and support their professional growth and overall well-being.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Urban Ed Academy on this transformative initiative,” said Riaz Taplin, CEO of Riaz Capital. “Our goal is to empower Black teachers by providing exceptional housing opportunities. By supporting their well-being, we contribute to their ability to positively impact the lives of students.” By addressing the housing needs of Black teachers, this collaboration creates a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the educators themselves, benefitting the students they teach and the broader community.

“Our teachers deserve the opportunity to live near the schools they serve and this partnership helps us make that happen. Riaz Capital has been an amazing partner throughout this process and their commitment to innovative racial equity strategies was clear to us from the start. Black teachers have a real champion in Riaz Capital.” said Randal Seriguchi Jr., Executive Director of Urban Ed Academy.

Through its support of Black male teachers, the Riaz Capital and Urban Ed Academy partnership has set a powerful precedent for the advancement of educational equity. By offering dedicated housing, this initiative seeks to attract, retain, and uplift Black male educators, positively impacting educational experiences and outcomes for students in the Bay Area.

This news first appeared on prnewswire.com.

Beyoncé
by Stacy Jackson

August 15, 2023

Beyoncé Sends Love To Lizzo During ATL Show Amid Sexual Harassment Claims

Hold on. The fans are confused.

Beyoncé recently showed singer Lizzo some love with a special shoutout during her Renaissance show in Atlanta. According to a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), during her performance of a remix to “Break My Soul,” Beyoncé yelled, “Lizzo! I love you, Lizzo!” as she shouted out names of iconic Black female music artists.

https://twitter.com/BeyLegion/status/1691271461267197954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1691271461267197954%7Ctwgr%5Ecd6c30a9b3d6fb51be76eec78dbfc4992732c285%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rollingstone.com%2Fmusic%2Fmusic-news%2Fbeyonce-lizzo-shout-out-atlanta-renaissance-concert-lawsuit-1234806828%2F

Some fans could not believe their ears, since “The About Damn Time” singer has been facing allegations of sexual harassment and fat-shaming after three of her dancers slapped the pop star with a lawsuit.

“BEYHIVE…DEFENSE POSITIONS,” one user wrote. “Someone should stop her omg…we need her miles away from this case and Lizzo till its over,” another chimed in. Other X users commented in support of Beyoncé’s onstage declaration. “Beyoncé is not an unfair person. I’m sure what Beyoncé has personally witnessed, Lizzo has come across as a very kind person. Without automatically assuming Lizzo to be guilty like so many people have over allegations, Beyoncé wants to hear both sides,” a third user commented.

The shoutout came amid what fans thought was a shady moment from Beyoncé during a previous tour stop. As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Queen Bey failed to say Lizzo’s name in the lyrics to the tribute anthem during her Boston show. 

The Beyhive thought the assumed shade was in response to the lawsuit against Lizzo, which also accused the pop star of publicly disclosing a dancer’s virginity and pressuring a woman to touch a nude cabaret dancer at an afterparty.

According to NBC, lawyers for the former Lizzo dancers are reviewing all complaints since the lawsuit was filed in August 2023. Lizzo described the accusations as “sensationalized stories” that were “false” and “unbelievable” in an earlier response to the lawsuit.

Guava Launches Huddle, A New Community Platform for Black Entrepreneurs
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

August 15, 2023

Guava Launches Huddle, A New Community Platform for Black Entrepreneurs

Guava, a digital banking platform designed for and by Black entrepreneurs, small business owners, and creators, announced the launch of a new community hub called Huddle. The platform was created to empower members by fostering engagement, collaboration, and support to grow and scale their businesses via collaboration and contributing to a collective pool of knowledge.

Huddle’s membership features include:

  • Member discounts
  • Access to live events
  • Curated content from industry experts
  • Access to funding vehicles

Guava CEO Kelly Ifill, who founded the company in 2021, said, “Small business owners have faced unprecedented challenges over the last three years, from business closures, to supply chain issues, to inflation. Black business owners have faced the same challenges while also fighting an uphill battle against unconscious bias, structural challenges, and institutionalized racism. We built Huddle so these entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other, while also celebrating and supporting our collective achievements.”

To learn more about the community platform, visit Huddle. Meanwhile, Guava will host a live webinar for the public on August 9 on how to build your online retail business. Participants can sign up via this link.

Guava is a financial technology company, not a bank. (Banking services are provided by Piermont Bank.) It offers digital banking services and a community platform built to address the specific needs of Black entrepreneurs. The company announced a funding round of $2.4 million in July 2022 to continue building and scaling the platform. For more information, visit joinguava.com.

This news first appeared on prnewswire.com.

Tracy Morgan, Mark Landesman, comedian. career
by Iman Milner

August 15, 2023

Tracy Morgan Is Among Many Who Use Ozempic For Weight Loss Transformation

Comedian Tracy Morgan’s weight loss has been significant, and now he’s opening up about the key to keeping off the pounds. According to People, the 54-year-old funnyman has the prescription drug Ozempic to thank.

Alongside a regular gym routine, Morgan says a regular dose of the controversial drug has helped him maintain a more slender figure. “That’s how this weight got lost,” he said while visiting the Today show. “I went and got a prescription, and I got Ozempic. And I ain’t letting it go!”

Though originally intended to help those with type 2 diabetes, the FDA-approved medication has quickly become a popular way for many to stave off hunger and curb cravings, leading to rapid weight loss and easier maintenance.

Though the prescription drug has safely entered the market, concerns over abuse and misuse have been numerous, with some medical professionals openly criticizing the medication as a gateway to eating disorders. However, for those using it under a doctor’s care, the effects have been positive, with many turning to it after years of struggling to manage fluctuating weight.

“I take Ozempic every Thursday,” Morgan said. “It cuts my appetite in half. Now I only eat half a bag of Doritos.”

Other famous figures who’ve turned to the drug as a weight loss aid are NBA veteran Charles Barkley, billionaire tech founder Elon Musk, and reality TV star Khloe Kardashian.

After regularly using Ozempic for a month, many users saw an average weight loss of four to six pounds. Medical professionals have even started using it as a replacement for bariatric surgery in obese patients, according to UC Davis Health.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 15, 2023

First Network For Athletes By Athletes Secures Distribution Deal With Amazon Prime

The first-ever athlete-owned TV network that just secured distribution through Amazon Prime.

Last month, PlayersTV, announced its free ad-supported 24/7 channel coming to Amazon Freevee, Fire TV Channels, and Prime Video in fall 2023. Now with distribution in place, the Black-owned network will share compelling sports content with Amazon customers across the U.S. and put control in the hands of athletes like never before.

“By partnering with industry leaders like Amazon, we are taking a major step towards solving the long-standing issue of athlete distribution,” PlayersTV co-founder Deron Guidrey tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“We believe that collaboration is key, and by joining forces with like-minded companies, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone. The potential for impact and positive change is immense, and we are thrilled to be at the forefront of this movement.”

 

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A post shared by Deron Guidrey (@deronguidrey)

PlayersTV is aimed at giving sports fans unparalleled access to the lives of professional athletes. With content that goes beyond the game, the network offers a look into the lives and stories of athletes in an attempt to connect with viewers on a personal and inspirational level.

“Our ultimate goal is to revolutionize the way athletes’ content is shared with the world,” GuidrEy says.

“We aim to showcase athletes in a relatable way, in contrast to the traditional approach taken by sports networks. By humanizing athletes, we enable fans to connect with them beyond the competitive arena. We are committed to presenting athletes as they truly are, providing them with a platform to express their opinions and voices freely.”

Many current and former pro athletes serve as investors for PlayersTV. Over 50 athletes have gotten involved including Chris Paul, Travis Kelce, Vernon Davis, Kyrie Irving, Dwyane Wade, and Ken Griffey Jr.

“Our vision is to create a global community where everyone can access our content,” Guidry shared. “We strive to reach every corner of the world and will continue pushing toward this goal.”

 

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Among the lineup of inaugural content coming this fall and in 2024 includes Vino Talk, a sit-down talk show featuring NBA champion Deandre Jordan and softball star AJ Andrews talking with some of the world’s most successful athletes and entertainers.

RELATED CONTENT: Fearless Foundation and Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Award $1 Million Dollars for their Black Women Entrepreneurs Grant Program

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