by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 1, 2023

Diddy’s Deal To Own Largest Black-Owned Cannabis Company Falls Through

In 2022, it was reported that Cresco Labs, a cannabis wholesaler, and Columbia Care intended to sell their New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts assets to Sean “Diddy” Combs. Once completed, the deal will be worth $185,000,000. Sadly, according to Benzinga, the deal will not take place.

Cresco Labs and Columbia Care announced on July 30, 2023, that the planned merger, agreed upon on March 23, 2022 and amended on Feb. 27, 2023, has been mutually terminated.

“In light of the evolving landscape in the cannabis industry, we believe the decision to terminate the planned transaction is in the long-term interest of Cresco Labs and our shareholders. We want to express our sincere gratitude to Columbia Care for their valuable collaboration and dedication during this transaction,” said Charles Bachtell, CEO and co-founder of Cresco Labs, in a written statement.

This has thwarted Diddy’s intention of becoming the country’s first Black-owned-and-operated, vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator. It was also reported that the agreements signed on Nov. 4, 2022, to divest the New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts assets of Cresco and Columbia Care to an entity that would have been owned and controlled by Combs Enterprises owner were also terminated. That became effective on July 28, 2023.

It was a blow to Diddy, who previously stated he was trying to build a business for Black people in the cannabis industry.

“My mission has always been to create opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in industries where we’ve traditionally been denied access, and this acquisition provides the immediate scale and impact needed to create a more equitable future in cannabis,” said Diddy, chairman and CEO of Combs Enterprises, in a written statement when the deal was announced in November 2022.

This would have been Diddy’s first investment in the industry. Combs Enterprises’ current properties include Sean John, Capital Prep, AQUAhydrate, Combs Wines and Spirits (Ciroc vodka, DeLeón tequila), Empower, and Revolt.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley Uplifts Young Leaders As NAACP’s Juanita Mitchell Gala Keynote Speaker

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 1, 2023

Rep. Ayanna Pressley Uplifts Young Leaders As NAACP’s Juanita Mitchell Gala Keynote Speaker

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) set the house on fire as the keynote speaker for the NAACP Juanita Mitchell Gala, as her website reports.

The Juanita Jackson Mitchell Youth Awards, named after Juanita Jackson Mitchell, a civil rights trailblazer known for encouraging and supporting young leaders, were held during the 114th NAACP National Convention in Boston, and celebrated the achievements of the organization’s young leaders who cater to the mission and vision forward. Rep. Pressley was the perfect leader to speak to the youth with her uplifting and moving words.

During her remarks, she touched on the key role young people have played in the continuation of the civil rights movement, and expressed the importance of being bold and outspoken. “Sent to Washington with a mandate by the people, where I can sit at the policy and decision-making tables, I can take up space in the corridors of power, I can take up space as an unapologetically Black, bald Black woman,” Pressley said. “When Shirley Chisholm was asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said she did not want to be remembered as the first Black woman to serve in the House of Representatives. … She simply wanted to be remembered as a Black woman who dared to be herself.”

This year’s theme was “The Black Met Gala: All Shades of Blackness.” Pressley reminded the youth and others attending why the next generation of leaders needs to continue NAACP’s legacy. “To each of you gathered here tonight, let me say, I don’t know if we will be lauded in the pages of the history books or if we’ll be relegated to a footnote,” Pressley said. “But what matters is our lasting impact. Just like in the early chapters of the civil rights movement, there are many names recorded in history, but many more, millions more, nameless and faceless.”

Several young NAACP leaders traveled to Boston to be honored and gain the knowledge needed to lead the generations to come. Anthony and Errin Davis, co-founders of The Davis System, LLC, a Boston-based social impact firm, were inspired by Rep. Pressley’s words and their peers also in attendance. “You think about the Gen Z generation and how active they are on social media, but also how they turn that into collective power on the ground,” Jackson said, according to WCVB. “I think that we need to all be listening and following the lead of young people right now.”

LIL KIM, memoir, edits are finally done, 30 years, rapper, artists hip hop

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 1, 2023

‘Edits Are Finally Done’: Lil’ Kim Gives Update On Her Memoir

Lil’ Kim is close to releasing her official memoir and wants her fans to know the book is on the way now that the “edits are finally done.”

The rap icon took to Instagram on July 31 to share a photo of the rough draft of her upcoming memoir, The Queen Bee, which had been slated for a November 2021 release but delayed.

“It’s been a long journey beehive, edits are finally done ,” she captioned her post.

“Thank you to my bestie/soulmate @themarcjacobs for doing my forward ❤️.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lil’ Kim (@lilkimthequeenbee)

The photo confirms that fashion designer Marc Jacobs penned the foreword for Lil’ Kim’s memoir, which she co-wrote with journalist Kathy Iandoli.

“My first big writing check I ever earned,” Iandoli tweeted at the time. “I used to buy my first Marc Jacobs bag because Lil’ Kim was his BFF so I needed to have one.”

“Now I’m here working with Marc Jacobs on the Foreword to Lil’ Kim’s memoir, that I helped her write. Don’t ever deny the power of manifesting.”

“I’m excited to finally get to tell my story after all this time,” Lil’ Kim told People. “Many people have thought they knew the story of Lil’ Kim, but they have no idea.”

The book will follow Lil Kim’s nearly 30-year career and the cultural icon she became following her 1996 debut album, Hard Core.

“Lil’ Kim not only blazed trails for women in hip-hop, but also inspired the careers of those who followed,” the book’s press release states.

“However, life at the top hasn’t been easy, either. Lil’ Kim also talks about the hidden moments of her reign: her complicated high-profile relationships, the misogynistic industry she fought to change through sex positivity, the challenging double standards of self-image and beauty in the spotlight, and the momentous act of loyalty that ultimately landed her in prison.”

The Queen Bee is slated for publication in 2024, and Lil’ Kim has announced plans for a biopic to follow her memoir upon its release.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 1, 2023

Simone Biles Was ‘Petrified’ To Return to The Olympics But Confirms ‘I’m Twisting Again’

Simone Biles is opening up about confronting her fears ahead of her return to the 2024 Olympics.

In June, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist announced her return to the Olympics after dropping out in 2020 due to a bout of the twisties, a condition where gymnasts lose control of their bodies while twisting in the air.

One month after confirming her return, the newly married gymnast hosted a Q&A on her Instagram Stories on July 30, and spoke candidly about handling the twisties this time around.

“What’s your hardest even to come back to?” one user asked.

“It’s always bars…mentally & physically. But this go around…BABY!!! Twisting on any event. Iykyk,” Biles wrote in response.

“Mainly because when the twisties happen, you go right into the gym and work on it,” she continued. “I took over a year off and THEN came back…So I was petrified. But I’m fine. I’m twisting again. No worries. All is good.”

Biles will make her debut on Aug. 5 in the U.S. Classic at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the New York Post reports. It’ll be her first time competing since exiting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The decorated gymnast faced backlash when she withdrew from the Olympics to focus on her health. A year later, she discussed how she was feeling in another Instagram Q&A, noting that her “mind and body are simply not in sync.”

“I don’t think you realize how dangerous this is on hard/competitive surface,” Biles wrote.

“Nor do I have to explain why I put my health first. Physical health is mental health,” the 4-foot-8 Texan added.

She also shared videos of her attempting to dismount on uneven bars.

“For anyone saying I quit. I didn’t quit my mind & body are simply not in sync. As you can see here,” she wrote.

Now Biles is back and ready to reclaim her title at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Serena Williams, Baby No. 2, gender reveal, girl

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 1, 2023

Serena Williams and Family Share Big Gender Reveal For Baby No. 2

Serena Williams and Alex Ohanian are expecting another baby girl!

The tennis champion shared a heartwarming YouTube video on July 31 of her fun-filled gender reveal with family and friends. Williams, her husband, and their 5-year-old daughter, Olympia, were all smiles as they watched a light show that revealed the big news.

“IT’S A GIRL!” read the lights, as Serena smiled in relief.

Early on in the video, a camera followed the retired tennis player as she got ready for the baby shower/gender reveal.

“Obviously I’m team pink,” Serena admitted, noting how “nervous” she was if it turned she was having a boy since “I don’t have any contingency plan.”

The party decor included a rainbow-colored balloon arch with a sign that read “Our Next Great Adventure.” A bouquet of balloons on long white sticks that resembled trees lined the area, along with matching blankets for the guests’ relaxing pleasure.

Attendees danced, played games, and watched the kids dunk Ohanian into a tube of water. The Reddit co-founder spoke with the camera behind the scenes to describe the prank he had planned for his wife and daughter.

Serena was set to cut a cake to reveal the baby’s gender. But little did she and Olympia know, Alexis had the cake made yellow to “troll” them.

“I’m doing this because I want to troll her and Olympia into thinking that this is the reveal of Jelly Bean,” he whispered into the camera.

“She will cut into this cake and probably be disappointed and hopefully appreciate my troll. But, we’ll see. I don’t know if she’s gonna be a professional about it. She might see this cake come out, roll her eyes, and say, ‘This guy had one job and he gave me a goddamn cake gender reveal.’ But we’ll see. There’s a reveal after the reveal.”

Once Serena cut into the cake, her husband played along for a bit before introducing the grandiose light show that would make the big gender reveal.

The gender reveal comes after Serena announced her second pregnancy in May in an Instagram post that came amid her baby bump reveal at the Met Gala.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

“Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the 3 of us to the Met Gala,” she captioned her post.

by Sharelle B. McNair

August 1, 2023

Henrietta Lacks’ Family Celebrates Her 103rd Birthday With Historic Settlement Against Biotech Company That Stole Her Cells

As the world celebrates Henrietta Lacks’ 103rd birthday on Aug. 1, her family is celebrating a historic victory.

The family of Henrietta Lacks reached a settlement on July 31 in their lawsuit Monday against a biotech company for using Lacks’ immortal cells, also known as “HeLa cells,” CBS News reports. Filed in 2021, the suit sought compensation from Thermo Fisher Scientific for using the cells taken from Lacks without permission over 70 years ago.

They are still being used for medical research today.

While the settlement terms remain confidential, both parties are “pleased” with the resolution without involving the courts. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said during a press conference that the settlement is the best birthday gift as Lacks’ only living son and some of her grandchildren released balloons in her memory. “I can think of no better present… than to give her family some measure of respect for Henrietta Lacks, some measure of dignity for Henrietta Lacks, and most of all some measure of justice for Henrietta Lacks,” Crump said.

Happy birthday Henrietta Lacks! Henrietta died of cancer in 1951, but cells taken from her are still being used today for medical research! Her breakthrough contributions to modern medicine have changed and saved many lives. Today, we thank her for her gift! pic.twitter.com/9GFy7y3IQO

— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) August 1, 2023

To undergo treatment for cervical cancer, the Baltimore native went to Johns Hopkins in 1951, where doctors realized her biopsied cancer cells were doubling every 20 to 24 hours instead of dying. Nicknamed the “HeLa cells,” the cells were taken and have been used to play a serious role in medical advancements and developments, including the polio vaccine and treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease.

Unfortunately, the cancer treatment didn’t work, as Lacks’ died the same year.

According to the Baltimore Banner, officials from Thermo Fisher Scientific told the family they waited too long to take legal action against them—even arguing that they shouldn’t be the only ones blamed for using the cells. They claim other companies around the world do the same thing. It wasn’t until decades later that the family found out about the cells.

franklin, childhood home, Memphis, Tennessee

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 1, 2023

Aretha Franklin’s Childhood Home Sells For $355K

New homeowners just got a sweet deal on a legendary house in Detroit after snagging late music legend Aretha Franklin‘s childhood home for $355,000.

Records show the sale closed Wednesday, July 26, 2023, to buyers who purchased the home for less than the initial asking price, TMZ reports, of $379,000.

The three-story home in Detroit’s historic La Salle Gardens comes with six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and 6,000 square feet of living space. A spacious front yard and backyard surround the brick-covered foundation of the home. There are fireplaces and hardwood floors throughout as well as space to fit another bedroom.

The late “Queen of Soul” lived in the home from ages 5 to 18 and had fond memories from her time in the dwelling. In 2011, Franklin revisited the home and recalled her days growing up in Detroit. Franklin shared a special bond with the home and owned it despite not living in it for years.

The “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” singer was actually born in a tiny wooden home in Memphis in 1942, but left the city when she was just two years old. In 2017, the Memphis Mayor’s office made a bid to preserve the home and turn it into a landmark, according to Architectural Digest.

Franklin’s family moved to New York from Memphis. In 1947, her father, Reverend Clarence Franklin, became pastor of the New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit and moved his family of five to Michigan.

In 1952, eight days before Aretha’s 10th birthday, her mother died. At age 12, she started singing in her father’s church and would join him on the road, singing gospel in his caravan shows. By the time she turned 18 in 1960, Franklin was ready to pursue a singing career and the rest is history. Franklin died in 2018.

ludacris, Rock the country, MAGA, Kid Rock

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 1, 2023

Ludacris Loves The Kids: Donates $50K To Children’s Theatre Of Cincinnati

Ludacris is all about giving back and is staying true to his philanthropic efforts by donating $50,000 to the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

The rapper/actor was in Cincy earlier this month, where he performed alongside Ashanti at the Hard Rock Casino. While there, the “Stand Up” rapper made a pledge to donate $50,000 to the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati to support its restoration campaign for the Emery Theater building, Cincy’s Local 12 reports.

With Luda’s lawyer Darrell D. Miller serving as a board member on both the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and the Emery Theater, the Fast & Furious star needed little convincing to get involved in the $48 million campaign to reimagine and restore the landmark Emery Theater as its permanent home.

“I’m drawn to the Children’s Theatre’s project in Cincinnati because of the plans to develop new works that hit on the topics that matter to kids today,” Ludacris said.

“The Emery project signals an incredible opportunity for more children to access the arts and see themselves in what happens on stage. As a father of four daughters and a philanthropist who’s constantly investing in the next generation, I’m honored to be a part of this.”

Ludacris’s donation added to the $1.5 million boost Cincinnati Children’s Theatre received for its Emery campaign. The other money came from an anonymous donor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (@tctcincinnati)

“Exciting News! TCT has received an anonymous $1.5 million gift, in addition to a $50,000 donation from the @ludacrisfdtn,” the theater captioned a post. “This pushes our “A Crown for the Queen City” campaign over the $30 million mark!”

Locals praised the “Number One Spot” rapper’s donation toward restoring the venue.

“Shout-out to @ludacris for rolling out some money to keep the theater alive!” one fan wrote.

“This is awesome,” added another.

by Iman Milner

August 1, 2023

Students At Lebron James’ ‘I Promise School’ Score Low In Math, School Vows to Remain Committed

LeBron James has done incredible work in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, including the I Promise School he opened to help children in the area have the proper resources they need for academic excellence. However, with such a large undertaking, it seems some important milestones have slipped through the cracks.

The Akron Public Schools system has expressed concern over the 0 percent in math proficiency the school’s eighth-grade students received on the institution’s district report card. According to NBC WKYC Studios, APS data shows the same class of students has not had a passing score for Ohio’s math test since they were in third-grade five years ago. On Monday, July 24, members of Akron’s school board spoke on the ‘discouraging’ numbers reflected by the school, which operates on support from the LeBron James Family Foundation as a safe haven for at-risk children who are considered one to two grade levels behind their peers due to systemic and socioeconomic factors. “For me as a board member, I just think about all the resources that we’re providing,” school board President Derrick Hall said. “And I just, I’m just disappointed that I don’t think, it doesn’t appear like we’re seeing the kind of change that we would expect to see.”

The I Promise School released an official statement alongside news of hiring a new principal to start the fall semester in which they promised to stay committed to their goal of making their scholars academically competitive.

“When we started this work to wraparound students through education, we entered this partnership with Akron Public School for the long haul. Because this work requires a long-term commitment, hard work, and a lot of love and care,” the statement read. “And that’s what we bring each and every day because the I Promise School is more than a school. We’re here for the ups and downs, and will continue to wrap around our students and their entire families so they can be successful in school and in life, no matter the challenges and obstacles that come their way.” The school’s new principal, Stephanie Davis, also shared words about the renewed dedication I Promise has to its students. “One of the things I’m most excited about coming into the I Promise School is the optimism and energy around getting our students to a level of achievement we know they’re capable of,” she said.

by Stacy Jackson

August 1, 2023

Black-Owned Health Insurance Agency Writes Over 16K Affordable Healthcare Plans In Just One Year

A Black and woman-owned agency is making sure everyone is covered when it comes to health insurance.

According to WJTV, Shaughnna Blackmon is the CEO of the Houston agency that writes the most Obamacare health insurance policies in the United States. The agency called the “REAL” Insurance Lady helps 95% of people applying to secure a plan that costs $0 monthly.

The “REAL” Insurance Lady is estimated to write more than 16,000 plans annually. The CEO of the agency does not take her job responsibility lightly. Blackmon said, “With every day that passes, we are helping make healthcare universally available to everyone. Because of what we do, people are living long, healthier lives.”

Obamacare changed the game for many minorities who could not afford healthcare. Still, policies are always changing. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported in April 2023 the U.S. Justice Department appealed a Texas judge’s decision about preventative care coverage and Obamacare. BE reported Judge Reed O’Connor blocked a mandate that Obamacare plans cover preventive care at no cost to patients.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said then, “The president is glad to see the Department of Justice is appealing the judge’s decision.” Jean-Pierre added, “Preventive care saves lives, saves families money, and protects and improves our health,” BE reported.

Many people go without healthcare because of the high cost. The “REAL” Insurance Lady is helping more individuals and families afford health insurance. According to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), the number of uninsured people in Texas dropped by 6.6% from 2010 to 2015. In 2010, 23.7% of people in Texas were uninsured, and 17.1% were in 2015. The data reflects that over the five years, 1,781,000 people gained coverage.