by Sharelle B. McNair

July 25, 2023

TikToker Received Death Threats After Outing Jason Aldean’s ‘Try That in a Small Town”s Racially Charged Music Video

The controversy surrounding Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town” song has reached dangerous levels.

TikToker Destinee Stark told NBC News she had received racist and violent hate mail from Aldean fans since condemning the song. Stark made a video speaking out against the seemingly racist tone of the video’s content, featuring a Tennessee courthouse where a Black teenager was lynched in 1927. She decided to share her disdain to educate people on where Aldean went wrong and, shortly after, received serious backlash. “I get online all the time and I share my, like, opinions online all the time. It’s, you know, something that I do,” Stark said.

@destineenstark I may be petty, but my THOROUGH and petty! 😂 Here is my dissertation debunking Jason Aldean’s claims about his 🎶🎥 propaganda. #jasonaldean #countrymusic #debunked #debunktok #factsoverfeelings #propganda #americanpropaganda ♬ original sound – Destinee Stark

“And that first video that I made, I posted it at like … 11:30 p.m. … I didn’t think it would go anywhere. And I woke up to like thousands of messages about it.”

The content creator with 127,000 followers says she received hate messages after calling Aldean out. Some messages included racist slurs, fatphobic remarks, and death threats—including someone threatening to hang her in their backyard—something she described as the “worst” of them all. She tagged the country music star in the video, hoping he would rebuke the racist comments. “They’re trying to defend and say that the song isn’t racist while using racist rhetoric to tear me down, which literally defeats the purpose of their entire argument,” Stark said.

According to Newsweek, Stark admits to once being a fan of Aldean but with her life being threatened, things have changed. “I’m not surprised that people are angry with my commentary about this song and music video,” she wrote on Instagram. “I expected it, but I did not expect to have my literal life and the lives of my family threatened for pointing out subtle manifestations of racism. This is NOT okay. EVER.”

Aldean has not made any statements condemning his fans for making racist remarks, but did make a statement on July 18 saying that “not a single lyric on the song that references race.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 25, 2023

Dwayne Johnson Makes Massive Donation To The SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief Fund

According to Variety, Dwayne Johnson has made a massive donation to striking SAG-AFTRA members who may need financial assistance if the strike drags on and on.

In July 2023, the members of SAG-AFTRA went on strike for better wages and to fight against A.I., robbing them of making money through their intellectual properties. Once the strike was declared, many actors who are not making superstar money had to face the reality of not working—and losing money for the strike’s duration.

The nonprofit SAG-AFTRA Foundation was created to assist and provide financial relief to those who face a financial shortfall due to a lack of work. Members can access funds via the foundation’s Emergency Financial Assistance Program. Johnson, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, donated an undisclosed amount, but it was a major boost to the emergency fund.

The president of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, esteemed actor Courtney B. Vance, and executive director Cyd Wilson sent a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors stating the need for financial assistance for lesser-known actors who can’t afford to be out of work.

Johnson’s team immediately answered the call.

“It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it,'” Vance told “The Rock” when they spoke about his donation. “This is him saying, ‘In such a time as this, I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere, whatever you need me to do.’ And that sends a huge message to other folks to do the same thing.”

Johnson’s donation was in the seven figures, enabling the foundation to aid more members. SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s grants give members up to $1,500, but in extreme conditions like health issues or other emergencies, a lifetime member can receive up to $6,000. Johnson’s contribution has the potential to help thousands of actors.

Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart, Master P, Black business

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 25, 2023

Snoop Dogg Reveals Secret To Entrepreneurial Success

Snoop Dogg is busy expanding his business portfolio in the food industry with his new ice cream brand, which follows the cookbook and cereal he just released.

The Doggfather’s Dr. Bombay ice cream is a byproduct of when the rap legend had the munchies and would mix different brands of ice cream to craft his own concoction, Hip Hop DX reports. Like the cereal he co-created with rap mogul Master P, the new ice cream is available at Walmart locations nationwide.

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A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)

With a series of brands under his belt, Snoop is taking time to thank two of his peers for helping influence his entrepreneurial success.

“I’ll give two people credit for where I’m at right now,” he told TMZ.

“Master P showed me the business, taught me how to brand, market and do all the things that I’m doing right now. But Martha Stewart showed me how to take it to another level.

Snoop and Martha Stewart are good friends who frequently team up to appear in commercials and even hosted two seasons of Pot Luck Dinner Party on MTV. With all the time they spent filming together, Stewart, who built an empire in the home and hospitality space, was able to show Snoop how to monetize his brand as a rap superstar.

“She was always explaining to me about being in different department stores, having the cookbook, expanding my business, doing different things to diversify my portfolio and veritably integrate all of my businesses,” Snoop shared.

“So she showed me how to excel at what I’m doing.”

As for Master P, who signed Snoop to his No Limit Records back when the “Gin and Juice” rapper was leaving Death Row, he educated Snoop on how to intertwine business into his career as an entertainer. Mix that with Stewart’s lessons and Snoop was on a path to entrepreneurial success.

“Master P put me through college, but I believe that Martha gave me that hands-on experience to be able to do things with her that were considered too big for a rapper,” he said.

“But once we got together, you see that people love people, and that’s one thing about me and Martha’s relationship that I love is that it unites people of all walks of life.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 25, 2023

Samuel L. Jackson Speaks On Short-Lived Spike Lee Feud Due To Low-Ball Salary Offer

Samuel L. Jackson has always seemed like someone who will tell you what’s on his mind.

In a recent, long-ranging interview with Vulture, the 74-year-old actor detailed why he stopped working with filmmaker Spike Lee, whose 1991 drama Jungle Fever opened the door for the veteran actor, whose portrayal as drug addict Gator garnered critical acclaim, including an unprecedented supporting actor award at The Cannes Film Festival.

“Jungle Fever got me into Hollywood. The majority of Black people in America at that time, at a certain economic strata, had a Gator in their family.”

Jackson also acted in several of Lee’s earlier films—Do The Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, and School Daze—although a leading role in a “Spike Lee Joint” eluded him.

Yet, the two had a falling out over money. Jackson wasn’t as big as today, but he knew his worth. Jackson read for a role in Malcolm X, but we never saw him in the Denzel Washington-led biopic.

“I actually read with most of the people who auditioned for Malcolm X,” Jackson told Bilge Ebiri. “I was supposed to be the guy that turned Malcolm X on to Islam in prison. I forget who played that role. But it was still down to that Spike Lee scale-plus-10. I was like, “I’m not going to work for no scale-plus-10.”

And yet, 20-plus years after Jackson held his ground, actors are going on strike to get better pay and make sure A.I. doesn’t replace them. In a previous interview with Rolling Stone, Jackson stated he was not a fan of it and spoke about the dangers of A.I. and his experience of working with the technology.

Jackson is currently in the latest Disney + Marvel offering, Secret Invasion, playing Nick Fury, a role he began playing the 2008 blockbuster, Iron Man.

by Iman Milner

July 25, 2023

‘My Safety Is At Risk’: Jackson Mahomes’ Accuser Says Her Life Has Turned Into A Nightmare

Aspen Vaughn has no regrets about going to the police after she was physically accosted by Jackson Mahomes, influencer and younger brother of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But she has endured death threats and significant financial losses due to a decrease in business since the March 2023 incident.

Vaughn, who is the owner of Aspen’s Restaurant and Lounge, accused Mahomes of unwanted sexual advances that were confirmed via security camera footage taken in her office after Mahomes, who was 22 at the time, asked to speak privately. According to The Kansas City Star, Mahomes had been a regular at the restaurant, and his behavior on the night of March 3 was erratic. “He was definitely out of control,” Vaughn said. “I talked to my daughter afterward and she’s like, ‘He doesn’t remember that night. Like, he was so messed up.’ ” When it became known that Vaughn and her staff were less than pleased with his presence, Mahomes approached the 40-year-old CEO. “And out of nowhere, he just grabbed me by the neck and like forcefully kissed me,” she said.

After attempting to kiss her two more times, Mahomes was forcibly removed from the restaurant.

When police arrived on the scene, they seized surveillance footage and gave Vaughn the option to press charges. She declined but believes Mahomes should be held responsible. “Should there be consequences for his actions, yeah, absolutely, what he did was wrong,” she said.

But it has been Vaughn and her Aspen’s staff who have greatly suffered since that night. According to The Kansas City Star, business at the once popular establishment has been down more than 75 percent since March. A fire alarm was pulled which caused significant water damage.

And Vaughn says she fears for her safety. “It’s definitely hard,” she said. “I even told the DA, can you drop the charges [against Mahomes]. I don’t feel safe. I don’t want to be part of this. Like, I’m tired of being followed. Like, I can’t do this. I’m strong. But this is insane. You don’t understand, our day-to-day is insane.”

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 25, 2023

Report: LeBron James’ Son, Bronny, Suffered Cardiac Arrest During USC Practice

The eldest son of four-time NBA champion LeBron James was rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest at USC, TMZ reports.

According to reports, someone called 911 around 9:26 AM on Jul. 24 from USC’s Galen Cente,r stating that LeBron Raymone “Bronny” James Jr. was unconscious and taken to the hospital by ambulance. Allegedly it was a code three call, meaning the ambulance issued lights and sirens, signifying the seriousness of the emergency.

Since the incident, the James family has released a statement on Twitter regarding the status of the 18-year-old protege. James was initially in ICU but is now resting in stable condition. “Yesterday while practicing, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest,” the statement read. “Medical staff was able to treat Bronny and take him to the hospital. He is now in stable condition and no longer in ICU. We ask for respect and privacy for the James family and we will update the media when there is more information.”

USC All-American Bronny James collapsed on the court Monday and had a cardiac arrest. He was taken to the hospital and is now in stable condition and no longer in the ICU. Statement: pic.twitter.com/5z9F2qAWP0

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2023

The statement continued by saying LeBron and his wife, Savannah, publicly thanked the USC staff for jumping in and not only working on saving their son but their dedication to other athletes. “LeBron and Savannah wish to publicly send their deepest thanks and appreciation to the USC medical and athletic staff for their incredible work and dedication to the safety of their athletes.”

USC is on top of the safety and care of all its players. According to the LA Times, this is the second time a player has suffered from this condition in the past year while at practice.

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LeBron Jr. is a rising star in the basketball world, having recently committed to playing for the USC Trojans in the 2023-24 season. Graduating from Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angles earlier this year, the McDonald’s All-American averaged 14 points,five5 rebounds, andthree3 assists during his senior year.

Prayers up for Bronny!

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 25, 2023

Jazmine Sullivan Mourns The Loss Of Her Mother After Long Battle With Breast Cancer

Singer Jazmine Sullivan‘s mother died earlier this month. Pamela Joi Sullivan was 64.

The Grammy award-winning singer took to Instagram on Monday, July 24, 2023 to announce the heartbreaking news to her fans and followers.

“I don’t have the words yet mommy. So for now I’ll say thank you thank you thank you. Rest now butterfly 🦋 10/26/58- 07/22/23 💔,” she captioned a throwback photo of her mother.

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A post shared by Jazmine Sullivan (@jazminesullivan)

While the cause of death has yet to be revealed, Sullivan’s announcement comes four years after her mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer, People reports. She first shared the diagnosis with her fans in a candid Instagram post in May 2020.

“Late October 2019 our world was flipped upside down when U were diagnosed w IBC (inflammatory breast cancer),” she wrote. “our days were no longer filled w convos of u telling me to hurry up and finish my project, but of chemo treatments and hospital visits.”

The post included a video clip showing Sullivan shaving her hair in solidarity with her mom who was going through chemotherapy treatment.

“You mommy, are the prettiest picture, the best lyrics and sweetest melody I’ve ever heard. And I’m so proud of u and proud to be ur daughter,” she added.

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A post shared by Jazmine Sullivan (@jazminesullivan)

The “Bust Your Windows” singer has shared a close bond with her mother throughout her career and even had the matriarch join her on stage while accepting her 2021 BET Award.

“My mom was my biggest supporter since I was a child,” she told Shondaland at the time. “She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, so this was a full-circle moment of finally getting the payoff that we worked hard for.”

“Not only that, but her being in a healthy state and being able to experience it with me, it was really beautiful and let her know that I love her and appreciate her. I wouldn’t even have been here without her.”

Giovonnie Samuels, Nickelodeon, actor, child star, residuals, residual income, I don't own no home

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 25, 2023

Former Nickelodeon Star Says She ‘Never’ Received Residuals: ‘I Don’t Own No Home’

A former child star is opening up about the frugal life she lives due to the residuals she was denied despite starring on major networks like Nickelodeon and Disney.

Giovonnie Samuels is the latest actor to speak out during the current actors and writers strike, to speak on the low or non-existent residuals many actors receive for their work. Samuels is best known for her roles in Bring It On: All or Nothing, her portrayal of Nia Moseby in Disney’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and for being a series regular on Nickelodeon’s All That.

Howeer, Samuels has little to show for it financially since she was denied residuals. In a transparent TikTok posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 the Freedom Writers star responded to one fan who wondered if she would receive any residuals if “All That” was added to the streaming giant Netflix.

“Fun fact No. 3, I never got paid for any residuals for doing All That. Goodnight!” Samuels said.

@only1giovonnie Replying to @Pretty Tony Jr. #giovonniesamuels #nostalgia #sutielifeofzackandcody #disney #foryou #2000s #nickelodeon #sagstrike #wagstrike #unionstrong ♬ original sound – Giovonnie Samuels

In a separate TikTok, Samuels explained why she is one of the few “lucky actresses that was able to live off my residuals and able to afford health insurance through SAG” thanks to the 2007 writers’ strike that lasted from November 2007 to February 2008, as noted by Us Weekly.

But once streaming platforms started to “really kick off,” Samuels recalls having her SAG health insurance snatched and only receiving $1,000 per year in residuals for Bring It On: All or Nothing streaming on Netflix. She also earned $6.56 in streaming residuals for a movie she did in 2020.

“Bottom line, if you getting paid off of my work, I need to be still getting paid off of that work,” she said.

@only1giovonnie #giovonniesamuels #nostalgia #sutielifeofzackandcody #disney #foryou #2000s #nickelodeon #sagstrike #wagstrike #unionstrong ♬ original sound – Giovonnie Samuels

On Monday, July 24, Samuels followed up with a tearful video explaining why she is “broke” and how “not all child stars are rich.”

“The leads of the cast, they get the big money checks,” Samuels says through tears. “The supporting cast like myself, we don’t get that.”

“That’s why we’re striking,” she continued. “I’m asking for a livable wage. I’m asking for health insurance. Y’all have no idea how hard it is.”

@only1giovonnie #sagstrike #sagstrong #giovonniesamuels #nostalgia #sutielifeofzackandcody #disney #nickelodeon #wagstrike #broke ♬ original sound – Giovonnie Samuels

She noted how stressful the current circumstances in the aftermath of the global pandemic. After using her savings to survive COVID-19, Samuels admitted to being in a financial bind.

“I don’t know what money y’all think I have,” she declared.

Samuels joins Abbott Elementary star William Stanford Davis, This Is Us star Mandy Moore, and many others who have publicly spoken against the low residuals actors receive for work that’s streaming on major platforms.

U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Discuss The State Of Black Businesses With President Biden

by Iman Milner

July 25, 2023

U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. Discuss The State Of Black Businesses With President Biden

On Friday, July 21, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. members met with President Joe Biden and other senior administrative officials to discuss the state of Black-owned businesses in America.

According to Wish TV, DuJuan A. McCoy, owner, president & CEO of Circle City Broadcasting, was one of the core members who took part in the inspiring conversation in which the Commander in Chief said, “There is still work to be done to ensure equitable growth and wealth creation for communities of color” and thanked the USBC for keeping his administration informed. “I am very proud to be a Board of Directors Member of the U.S. Black Chambers since our missions are so closely aligned,” McCoy said. “This is a great opportunity to work directly with Washington, DC officials, and policymakers for the betterment of historically disadvantaged Black business all across America.”

The event, hosted by the White House Office of Public Engagement and National Economic Council, centered around “Bidenomics,” the President’s plan to grow the economy from the middle out and the bottom up, including expanding economic access and opportunity for Black communities, according to an official release from The White House. Over 80 members were able to voice concerns about raising capital and sustaining long-term growth for Black businesses. The Biden-Harris administration showed proof of its commitment by pointing out the Black unemployment rate’s record low and the highest Black labor force participation rate since former President Barack Obama held office. There was also a focus on increasing government contracting for Black entrepreneurs.

While in Washington, D.C., USBC members also met with Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, Joelle Gamble, as well as Counselor for Racial Equity, Department of the Treasury, Janis Bowdler and Senior Advisor to the Administrator, Small Business Administration, Deidra Henry-Spires.

by Sharelle B. McNair

July 25, 2023

Jaylen Brown Balls Hard With $304M Boston Celtics Contract, Richest Deal In NBA History

The Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown is cashing out after signing the richest deal in NBA history!

The Associated Press reports that the two-time All-Star agreed to a five-year supermax contract extension that will pay him up to $304 million. The agreement, passing the $264 million deal signed by Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic last summer, has put the rumors of Brown’s future with the franchise to rest.

BREAKING: Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has agreed to a five-year, $304 million supermax contract extension with the franchise, per sources. This is the richest deal in NBA history, negotiated by agent Jason Glushon.

Fully guaranteed, with a trade kicker. No player option. pic.twitter.com/MQ6NKILY8Q

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2023

Brown has been putting in the work since the Celtics drafted him in 2016. Last season, he averaged career highs of 26.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He led the team to the Eastern Conference finals but lost to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat, struggling with just 19 points and only making one of nine 3-point attempts. However, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, has been a max contract advocate for Brown. “He’s a big part of us. We believe in him and I’m thankful for him,” Stevens said. “I’m really thankful that when those guys have success they come back to work.”

Negotiated by agent Jason Glushon, CBS Sports reports the deal is also one of the most expensive for the league. Based on the assumption of a 10% growth in the salary cap, Brown will be paid a total of $303,734,891, averaging $60,746,978.20 per year. Given lingering new television deals, there is a chance that the cap will jump 10% annually in the future.

Fellow Celtics star Jayson Tatum called Brown “one of the best players in this league” and said, “He plays both ends of the ball and still is relatively young. And he’s accomplished a lot so far in his career. So I think it’s extremely important.”