by Stacy Jackson

August 8, 2023

Black Woman Records ‘Karen’ Unleashing Racist Remarks Over Dog Dispute

A Black woman in Raleigh, North Carolina, posted a video of her neighbor being a Karen and calling her out of her name, Revolt reported. The Black woman identified as BreYonna on Twitter posted the video August 6 after her non-Black neighbor’s dog ran into her garage.

BreYonna, a mother of four, said it was not the first time the dog had wandered over to her property, the outlet reported. No one likes to draw the same boundary more than once with a person. BreYonna said in the video recording, “This is like the fourth or fifth time this has happened.”

And this was her reaction. Twitter I promise you ain’t gotta do your thing cause…..

But I also filed charges. https://t.co/rGEavPBVAW pic.twitter.com/l45Kj8HiDb

— wanderlust (@_ItsMissBre) August 6, 2023

The neighbor apologized for the incident at first. How sorry can someone be if they keep letting the same thing happen over and over? Sorry was not enough.

Revolt reported that BreYonna responded, “No, this is not a sorry thing.”

The non-Black woman accused BreYonna of being “rowdy” after she expressed that she was upset about the dog repeatedly being on her property.

The neighbor was captured aggressively walking up to BreYonna in what appeared to be arm’s reach.

BreYonna said, “I have barely even raised my voice at you.”

The non-Black woman proceeded to unleash racial remarks toward the Black mom in a second video:

“What are you Black? You’re Black, so you got rights?” she yelled. The woman also called BreYonna a b***h more than once. At one point the non-Black woman pushed her own mother who appeared to want to calm the situation.

Also recorded is the woman walking on to her property several times.

“You think you’re Black so you’re up in my face right? Oh, she’s Black, you guys. Be scared. Run.”

“Twitter I promise you ain’t gotta do your thing cause…,” BreYonna tweeted. She also wrote that she hads filed charges.

Meet The Best Friends Who Launched First U.S.-Based, Black Women-Owned Citrus-Based Liqueur

by Atiya Jordan

August 8, 2023

Meet The Best Friends Who Launched First U.S.-Based, Black Women-Owned Citrus-Based Liqueur

Best friends may sip and drink together, but they win together, too!

When you marry the creativity of best friends Daphne Carter and Taia Rashid with a premium solution, the first Black women-owned citrus-based liqueur in the United States comes to life. Award-winning Cashid Beverage Ltd Co., named after the girlfriends’ last names, has been making big waves in the spirits industry since its launch.

“We are moms who are experiencing a life centered on fun, faith, fashion, and food! We believe in adding a bit of sparkle to our lives; currently, our sparkle is Limoncello,” Carter and Rashid wrote in a joint statement on their newly launched blog, Limoncello Life.

Rashid had experience working in corporate until she opted to be a stay-at-home mom. Carter was on her way out of the corporate world and equally longed for a transition. Rashid told Click 2 Houston that one trip to Italy began a “wildfire” that resulted in green light conversations with her husband and Carter to start a company. And it took less than two months for the ladies to brainstorm and get products on shelves.

On this new journey, Carter and Rashid are embracing what they call a Limoncello Life, an experience of luxurious and fun moments with friends and great company. They have long canceled the “work-life balance” idea and are unapologetically stepping into harmonious lives.

The duo’s flagship handcrafted spirit, Daphane Limoncello, is inspired by the Italian lemon liqueur originally made with lemon zest, sugar, and vodka. The duo was first introduced to the aperitif during weekly friendly gatherings. The premium spirit aims to fill the gap in a market “filled with sugary spirits or hard liquors and very few in between options,” according to the company website.

“Our products use only the very best ingredients. From our handpicked Meyer Lemons, premium agave syrup, and five times distilled premium grain alcohol, we require only the best. Our product is also gluten-free and low-calorie.”

Additionally, the Cashid team wanted to ensure that their premium spirit could be mixed, sipped, or even taken as a shot. They hoped for a “sippable cocktail for celebrations, parties, or even girlfriends hanging out,” according to the website.

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A post shared by Daphane Limoncello (@daphanelimoncello)

Now available in two luxurious flavor varieties, Daphane puts a twist on the original cocktail to include less sweet and more bold with handcrafted lemons. The traditional Limoncello and refreshing Raspberry Berrycello “transport luxury cocktail connoisseurs to the allure of the Amalfi Coast through every sip, whether it’s the perfect lemon drop martini or chilled on the rocks,” a press release reads.

This pioneering brand Cashid Beverage has witnessed the fruits of its labor with its sippable drinks. They were recently awarded Silver Medals at the 2023 Bartenders Spirit Awards and are now available for purchase at retailers such as Cork & Barrel Club, Total Wine, and Emilio’s.

Congratulations to these empowering Black women.

NCAA Will Provide Post-Eligibility Injury Insurance Coverage For Student-Athletes

by Derek Major

August 8, 2023

NCAA Will Provide Post-Eligibility Injury Insurance Coverage For Student-Athletes

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) will offer member schools post-eligibility insurance coverage for student-athletes.

According to an NCAA release, the coverage will last for two years after student-athletes complete their college athletic experience. The insurance will cover injuries sustained while playing for their school.

The insurance will kick in August 1, 2024. In the coming months, the NCAA will provide schools with educational and informational materials and updates on the program’s implementation.

“Student-athletes deserve the coverage offered in this plan, no matter their division,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement. “Thanks to the many voices who have supported this idea since the Division I Transformation Committee formalized it in their final recommendations earlier this year. It’s another occasion where the NCAA can show its unwavering commitment to and support for student-athletes.”

The announcement is a response to recommendations from the Division 1 Transformational Committee to create a “holistic student-athlete benefits model” that guarantees student-athletes increased medical coverage for sports-related injuries for a minimum of two years after graduation or the completion of their athletic experience.

Ninety-nine percent of student-athletes will not play professional sports and the injuries they sustain could affect them later in life years after they’re done playing sports. Torn ligaments, broken bones, and even sprained ankles and knees turn memories at the height of college athletics into decades-long tolls and pain.

The policy’s annual premium is projected to be $26 million, according to the release. The insurance plan will have a $90,000 excess limit per injury, with no deductible. Mental health coverage related to injuries sustained will also be provided. The policy will be secondary to other insurance policies and cover students who played sports for the NCAA’s Division I, II, and III schools.

The NCAA includes more than 350 schools, including 23 HBCUs. Division 1 schools alone field nearly 6,700 athletic teams and provide opportunities for 192,000 student-athletes to compete in NCAA sports each year.

Gulah Geechee, South Carolina, gentrifier

by Iman Milner

August 7, 2023

The Gullah-Geechee Community Is Fighting To Protect Their Land From Gentrifiers In South Carolina

The historic Gullah-Geechee people have been one of the most successful Black communities at preserving the cultural connection to their homeland of Central and West Africa post-slavery. Although boasting a total population of approximately 1 million and their own dialect and distinctive foods, the Gullah-Geechee people have found themselves at the center of a battle for the land they’ve called home in South Carolina for centuries.

According to Blavity, St. Helena Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina, has been safe under the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO), which has protected the Gullah-Geechee community by limiting the ability of commercial developers to encroach since the 1990s.

An investor is determined to overturn the law to build a golf course and a gated community, putting thousands of acres of land in jeopardy and opening the door for next-level gentrification. This fight would be the latest in a decadeslong battle for Gullah-Geechee land, much of which has been repurposed throughout several coastal islands in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

Community members have been holding public hearings to convince Beaufort County Council to reject the developer’s changes.

One resident, 93-year-old Josephine Wright, has gained the national spotlight over the fight to retain her family’s land and stave off greedy real estate companies. For her cause, $300,000 has been raised to help toward lawsuits, with notable figures like Kyrie Irving and Snoop Dogg donating in support. In one of the more stunning cases of the ongoing gentrification of Gullah-Geechee land, Hilton Head—the South Carolina island where hundreds of the community’s people had lived since the Civil War—was converted into a popular resort and golf destination. Legal complaints filed by developers continue to make it a saddening possibility that a vast majority of Gullah-Geechee land can and will be repurposed before the fight ends.

by Stacy Jackson

August 7, 2023

Teen Tennis Star CoCo Gauff Makes History At D.C. Open Tournament

Go off, Guaff!

Professional tennis player Coco Gauff celebrated an astonishing victory at the DC Open, winning an esteemed title at a WTA 500-level tournament. Competing for 84 minutes in smoldering hot weather, the 19-year-old collected her first win at this level.

Honored with three wins at the 250 level and her recent win at the 500 level, Gauff made history by becoming the first teenager to hold four titles since 2009, according to the Washington Post. She also received runner-up at the French Open in 2022.

Gauff defeated Maria Sakkari, 6-2,6-3, at the tournament. However, winning was not the only goal she had in sight. Gauff wanted to show her personality and have fun on the court. She showed this with her celebratory dance and twirl at the end of the tournament.

Awarded a heavy, black-and-silver trophy named after Donal Dell, one of the founders of the tennis tournament, Gauff joked, “I [don’t] go to the gym for nothing.”

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A post shared by Coco Gauff (@cocogauff)

“I think the caliber of players I have beat this week was probably the strongest out of all of the tournaments I’ve played,” she said when reflecting on her competition.

Gauff returned with a stellar performance after a shocking loss against Sofia Kenin at Wimbledon last month. With a new coaching team and a more relaxed aura, Guaff won four straight sets. Three of these wins were against top-20 opponents, including Sakkari.

Following the tournament, Gauff thanked her new coaches, Pere Riba and Brad Gilbert. She gave a shout-out to her little brothers, who were unable to attend because of a family birthday party in New Orleans.

“I’m at press right now, bro. I’ve got to call you later,” she said after receiving the call from her brother at her news conference.

“That’s the first time he’s called me in, like, two months. I’m not even kidding. I’m usually the one calling him.”

Although Gauff played well, she believes she can still work on her game and improve.

At the end of the tournament, Gauff signed several autographs for her fans, including many children. She expressed how significant it is to hold a position where she can be a role model.

by Stacy Jackson

August 7, 2023

Simone Biles Owes Zoe Miller $200 After ‘Dance Celebration’ Bet At U.S. Classic

Gymnasts Simone Biles and Zoe Miller are bringing some fun to the competition floor.

Biles had to pay up after losing a $200 bet to Miller, including a little twerking moment at the Core Hydration Classic on Sunday.

According to People, Biles was screaming after 17-year-old Miller successfully completed her uneven bars routine at the Illinois event on Saturday and sealed the deal with a short twerking celebration on the mat.

“I just lost $200 to @_.zoemiller for doing that dance celebration,” Biles wrote in a previous Instagram story. “OMG OKAY GIRL.”

Miller posted a photo of herself on Instagram, mid-twerk. The slideshow included a video of the brief dance celebration that scored her a $200 reward from Biles.

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A post shared by zoe miller (@_.zoemiller)

Even though Biles took an “L” over the $200 dance bet with Miller, she still came out a first-place winner this past weekend.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the four-time Olympic champion gathered an all-around score of 59.100 at the U.S. Classic hosted at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The score was higher than her previous total in 2018. Biles has only been training for three months since exchanging vows with Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens in April.

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A post shared by USA Gymnastics (@usagym)

People reported that Miller finished sixth in Saturday’s final results but ranked the highest in the uneven bars, scoring 14.75. Biles scored 14 on her uneven bars routine, followed by a 14.9 for her floor routine, in which she nailed her Yurchenko double pike, which has been noted as the most difficult women’s vault in the world. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that the 26-year-old gymnast prepared before attempting the pike in Tokyo before she pulled out of the event two years ago.

The Core Hydration Classic marked the final qualifying event for the 2023 U.S. Gymnastics Championships. The event is scheduled for Aug. 24–27 in San Jose, California.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 7, 2023

Judge’s Racist Comment Gets Black Man’s 10-Year Prison Sentence Vacated

A Black man is claiming victory after he was granted a new trial due to a judge’s racist comments.

Leron Liggins’ conviction on two drug charges was tossed in early August after a panel of three judges from the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously agreed in an opinion that U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy III’s comment violated Liggins’ right to due process, NBC News reported.

During the January 2020 hearing, Murphy expressed frustration after Liggins changed his attorney a second time, admitting he was “tired of the case.”

“What do you want me to do? This guy looks like a criminal to me,” Murphy said on the record.

“This is what criminals do. This isn’t what innocent people who want a fair trial do.”

After the comment, Liggins filed a motion for Murphy to be recused the day before his trial. Murphy even apologized for his remarks, claiming he “lost his head” but that it wouldn’t stop him from being fair in his ruling. However, the panel of judges disagreed and said Murphy should have recused himself. In his defense, prosecutors said the remarks were about the case and had nothing to do with Liggins’ race, but the judges also ruled against that.

“Even if one were to assume a lack of racial bias on the part of the district judge, the remark nevertheless raises the specter of such bias. …,” the opinion read.

“Beyond this remark, the district judge’s other remarks could be understood to demonstrate clear prejudgment of Liggins’ guilt.”

The Southfield, Michigan, native was sentenced to 10 years behind bars for one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, according to FOX 2 Detroit. While his charges were vacated, they were never dropped. For now, his case will start over with a new trial and a new judge.

by Iman Milner

August 7, 2023

Terry Crews Made $150 Per Week In The NFL: ‘I Would Have Made More Money At McDonald’s’

Actor and America’s Got Talent host Terry Crews is opening up about his humble beginnings as an NFL player. While he reached heights very few other athletes ever do, the 55-year-old says the world of professional sports was not as lucrative as people may think.

According to AfroTech, Crews played for several teams over three seasons, including the San Diego Chargers, the then-Washington Redskins, and Philadelphia Eagles. However, his time in the league did not produce significant dividends.

“My NFL career was not glamorous at all,” Crews said. “It was kind of like being a roadie in a band that was kinda never going anywhere.”

In 1993, while practicing with the Green Bay Packers, the Everybody Hates Chris actor reportedly made only $150 per week. “I would have made more money at McDonald’s,” he said.

“That’s the reality.”

To make ends meet, Crews painted portraits of his teammates, selling them for $5,000 each,

“When I got cut [from a team, I’d] go back in the locker room and ask the players if they wanted their portraits painted,” he said.

Crews finally decided to leave the NFL to follow his dream of being in the entertainment industry. At one point, he swept factory floors for $8 an hour.

“I had $64 at the end of the day. I went, ‘Oh my God, I actually made this money on my own.’ I was never broke again. I never stopped working,” he said.

His big break in the film industry would come through a chance encounter while doing security on movie sets.

Two decades and a reported $25 million net worth later, Crews attributes the longevity of his lucrative career to his values.

“I have more money now than I ever had in my entire life … because people understand equity and honor,” he said. “People make money, but if they don’t have any equity or honor, it all falls away—and that sounds real existential or spiritual, but it’s for real.”

Fani Willis, Fulton County, death threats, trump

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 7, 2023

Prosecutor Fani Willis Receives Racist Threats Following Trump Indictment

Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis, who is overseeing another indictment of former President Donald Trump, revealed she had received racist threats following the legal action. Trump is expected to be formally charged by Willis in September on charges that he interfered with the election process in Georgia.

As detailed by NBC News, the district attorney for Fulton County received multiple emails and voicemails using slurs and other offensive language. One email read “Fani Willis = Corrupt N*****” in the subject line, with the actual message referring to her as a “Jim Crow Democrat w****.”

The prosecutor promptly forwarded the email to authorities within the Georgia district.

However, the racist messaging is not a one-off occurrence, as Willis is frequently bombarded with this type of harassment, even in calls to her offices. Despite this, she refuses to let the threats undermine her in her duties and the yearslong investigation against Trump.

“I took an oath. No one other than the citizens of Fulton County put me in this seat. I have every intention of doing my job. Please make decisions that keep your staff safe.”

Willis has been under a major spotlight recently as she remains dedicated to moving forward with the charges. The lawyer understands the hatred fueled by Trump’s supporters stems from her insistence that he go to trial for his alleged misdeeds.

“Some people may not be happy with the decisions that I’m making,” she said. “And sometimes when people are unhappy, they act in a way that could create harm.”

In early August, a federal grand jury indicted Trump for attempting to overthrow the 2020 election. The infamous elected official faces multiple charges, including conspiring to defraud the United States. The pending case in Georgia spells only more trouble for the former U.S. leader as he campaigns for re-election in 2024.

by Stacy Jackson

August 7, 2023

Costco Employee Accuses Manager Of Body-Shaming

One Costco employee in New Jersey was giving “bawdy,” and allegedly management was unhappy about it.

Aisha Mason, a Black woman who works at a Costco store in the Garden State, took to social media to reveal how her manager recently treated her after she was called into the office. According to Mason’s explanation in a TikTok video, her manager allegedly body-shamed her for her work attire.

Mason posed in front of a full-body mirror to give her viewers a glimpse of what she chose to wear to work: a red polo and a pair of fitted gray rib-knit pants.

“I’m borderline pissed,” Mason said.

“I’m following dress code, but my body shape is too much for my job.”

She turned around to show viewers her curves.

“I was called into the office and told that ALTHOUGH I have on the right attire, I have the wrong body shape to wear it. I AM IN DRESS CODE … but because the men keep looking at me, I have to come to work in bigger clothes … that’s #bodyshaming, #harrasment, and it’s just plain wrong!! #Costco needs to focus on much more important things than my body shape I am #embarrassed. This is #embarrassing,” Mason wrote in the video’s caption.

Mason clarified several times in the video that she was following the company’s guidelines on work attire.

@binti_ya

I was called into the office, and told that ALTHOUGH I have on the right attire, I have the wrong body shape to wear it @ I AM IN DRESS CODE… but because the men keep looking at me, I have to come to work in bigger clothes… that’s bodyshaming harrasment and it’s just plain wrong!! costco needs to focus on much more important things than my body shape I am embarrassed this is embarrassing bodyshamingiswrong happytuesday sad

♬ original sound – Binti_ya_oshun

The video, which has accumulated nearly 2 million views, had TikTok users riled up over the situation.

“That happened to me at a job once too and I wish I would’ve fought back. I was too embarrassed to realize it was low-key discrimination,” a user commented.

Some users chimed in with some advice about proper dress code attire.

“Its the pants….I work in corporate, I’m 100% sure thats the real reason,” a user commented.

“I work for Costco and those are not dress pants due to the material. Just don’t wear those pants anymore,” another advised.

According to a copy of Costco’s dress code provided to The U.S. Sun, the policy states:

“We ask your assistance by arriving to work in a neat, clean, and professional manner.” The policy read that attire and accessories must be “free of any advocacy messaging.”