by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 5, 2023

NeNe Leakes Would Return To ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ Just ‘For The Fans’

NeNe Leakes knows her presence on The Real Housewives of Atlanta is missed and would be willing to return to the show just “for the fans.”

On July 4, Leakes was out shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills when she was approached by a TMZ photographer. As Leakes was an OG on RHOA alongside Kim Zolciak-Biermann, the photog asked about the latter’s messy divorce from Kroy Biermann.

Leakes and Zolciak-Biermann helped make RHOA a staple within the Real Housewives universe with their years of feuding on the show. The two have been on-and-off friends in the years since they both exited the show.

Leakes did reach out to Kim amid her high-profile divorce. “I don’t know how she’s doing overall,” she told TMZ. “I just reached out to her because she reached out to me during a time when I was really going through something.”

leakes continued, “I would have to think that she’s taking it hard. It’s a divorce, it’s not easy.”

As to whether or not Leakes would be willing to return to RHOA, she expressed openness to the idea, considering how much the fans continue to demand it.

“I would come back for the fans,” LEAKES said. “Because the fans are the ones that love me.”

The Swagg Boutique owner noted how much fans loved her “position” on RHOA as the head queen in charge, and said she “would do anything” for them.

The photographer mentioned a recent episode of RHOA where a photo of the show’s original trailer was shown but she was missing from it. When asked about how “upset” fans were to see her purposely edited out of the show’s first trailer, Leakes said it was a decision made by higher-ups and not the show’s producers.

“I thought that was funny and I thought that was kind of crazy to do,” said LEAKES.

RELATED CONTENT: Healthy Eating: Trick Daddy Gets Candid With NeNe Leakes About His Bedroom Pleasures

rich paul, free agent
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 5, 2023

Rich Paul Brags Different After Closing Several Landmark NBA Free Agent Deals

The circle of friends you keep usually indicates who you are. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has surrounded himself with a successful circle, with him being the nucleus. After a day of free agent signings, his good friend and business partner Rich Paul has made several players richer while adding to his business portfolio. James took notice and made the world remember.

In a recent social media post, “King James” reminded the world of the success of his friend and business partner.

According to Sports Illustrated, the super agent negotiated at least $100 million in deals for three of his NBA clients. On the first day of official signings, Paul helped Golden State Warriors mainstay Draymond Green get a new four-year, $100 million deal. He got the Houston Rockets to offer a max contract to Fred VanVleet for three years and $130 million while ensuring that Jerami Grant stays with the Portland Trail Blazers for a reported five-year, $160 million contract.

In May 2023, the president of Klutch Sports Group celebrated the 10th anniversary of the agency. Within that decade, Klutch has negotiated over $2 billion in contracts for its clients, which is not bad for someone many doubted in the beginning stages of Klutch Sports Group.

Paul began his career working under sports agent Leon Rose (currently president of the New York Knicks), who represented James at the time. He left to start Klutch Sports Agency and brought his friend along. The agency now represents over 120 clients, including NBA stars Draymond Green, Anthony Davis, and Trae Young, to name a few.

Footwear News just reported that Paul has re-upped with sneaker company New Balance. They have collaborated again to release its latest Rich Paul x New Balance 550 “Forever Yours” project. This will be available in July 2023. At the beginning of 2023, New Balance released a previous pairing titled Klutch Athletics.

“Forever Yours” will be released on July 14, 2023, and retail at $130.

business, invest, investment, pillars, 4, look for, quality product, quality systems
by Stacy Jackson

July 5, 2023

Canadian Employees Experience A Widened Wage Gap In Comparison To Their White Counterparts

A Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report found Black workers benefitted the least from wage increases after the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to The Star, the wage gap between Black workers and their white counterparts in Canada grew after the pandemic. The report noted that Black men made 77 cents, and Black women made 68 cents for every dollar a white man made in 2022. Sheila Block, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and co-author of the report, told The Star, “The pandemic recovery has been uneven, and while wages are up, racialized men and women and Black men and women still don’t make their fair share.” The report’s authors identified racialized workers as “non-Caucasian in race or non‑white in colour [sic],” according to The Star.

Moreover, Black workers are mostly concentrated in low-paying industries like food service, retail, etc. The study reports 60% of Black workers are employed in low-wage positions versus 48% of whites. Racialized workers make up 52% of lower-wage jobs.

The rate of unemployment in Canada by racial groups was also highlighted in the report. Blacks also fared worse in this category. The Star reported percentage points for unemployed Blacks decreased by 1.6, whereas white and racialized groups saw more significant improvements. The unemployment rate for racialized groups dropped by 2.9 and 2.1 for whites. Grace-Edward Galabuzi, a professor and co-author of the report, acknowledged the structural barriers impacting Black workers. Galabuzi told The Star, “There’s a structural problem here that starts with our education system.”

It’s been noted that Blacks in the U.S. experience similar struggles as their Canadian brothers and sisters. Black Enterprise recently reported Black women in the U.S. suffered the most from recent increases in unemployment.

In 2022, Black Enterprise reported that Black women’s wages in the restaurant industry were insufficient to meet their respective state minimum wages. The amount accounted for tips and gratuities.

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio In An Open Relationship With His Wife, But Will Separate
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 5, 2023

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio In An Open Relationship With His Wife, But Will Separate

After nearly 30 years of marriage, former NYC mayor Bill de Blasio and his wife Chirlane McCray have decided to separate, but not divorce.

The couple announced their separation on Wednesday, July 4 in an interview and photoshoot with the New York Times. According to de Blasio, he and McCray will remain living together in their Park Slope home and not end their 29-year marriage.NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio In An Open Relationship With His Wife, But Will Separate

The pair, who married in 1994 and share two children, agreed to separate about two months ago while at home watching television when de Blasio asked his wife why she hadn’t been “lovey-dovey anymore.” The question prompted a deep discussion about their relationship and led to their seemingly amicable split.

“I can look back now and say, ‘Here were these inflection points where we should have been saying something to each other,’” De Blasio said.

“And I think one of the things I should have said more is: ‘Are you happy? What will make you happy? What’s missing in your life?’”

McCray believes she got to the point in her marriage where she could no longer “fake” how she was really feeling.

“You can’t fake it,” McCray said.

“You can feel when things are off,” de Blasio added, “and you don’t want to live that way.”

de Blasio, who served as mayor of NYC from 2014 to 2021 believes his political career took a toll on his marriage.

“Everything was this overwhelming schedule, this sort of series of tasks,” de Blasio said. “And that kind of took away a little bit of our soul.”

The couple will remain living together “for the time being,” McCray noted. As for de Blasio, he’s noting the “chance” he took in marrying a woman who publicly identified as a lesbian.

“For the guy who took the chance on a woman who was an out lesbian and wrote an article called ‘I Am a Lesbian,’” de Blasio said,

“there was a part of me that would at times say, ‘Hmmm, is this like a time bomb ticking? Is this something that you’re going to regret later on?’ So I always lived with that stuff.”

Now McCray is looking forward to her newfound freedom and living in her truth.

“I just want to have fun,” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: NYC Mayoral Candidate Eric Adams Slams Bill de Blasio Plan to End Gifted And Talented Program

Cardi B, Tasha K, lawsuit
by Iman Milner

July 5, 2023

Charlamagne Tha God Praises Cardi B For ‘Shifting The Culture’, Compares Her To Jay-Z

Media personality Charlamagne Tha God has some major praise for rapper Cardi B. In a recent episode of the podcast It’s Up There, the famed radio host credited the Bronx-born femcee for using her popularity to help boost the careers of new artists.

“Salute to Cardi. Cardi shifted that in the culture,” he explained. “Because Cardi made it where you’re the OG, you’re the person that’s made all the money, you sold all the records, but you have no problem putting your arm around that next person.” Using the rapper’s recent guest verses on songs like Latto’s summer hit “Put It On Da Floor” and last summer’s “Tomorrow 2” by Memphis newcomer GloRilla, Charlamagne made the case that Cardi B has done for female rappers what legends like Jay-Z and Drake have accomplished for others by simply sharing their spotlights.

“Drake did the same thing. Drake did it with lesser-known artists. What Drake did was make the record big. I think what Jay did with those co-signs was he made the artist big,” explained the longtime The Breakfast Club host. He added, “I think Cardi’s doing both. I think Cardi’s helping to make the artist big, and she’s helping to make the music big.” Last year, Cardi B became the first female rapper to have two singles be certified 11-times platinum, according to Vibe. Her collaboration with Megan Thee Stallion, ‘WAP, achieved platinum status seven times, and the aforementioned “Tomorrow 2” entered the top-10 list of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, becoming GloRilla’s highest charting single to date.

Cardi’s Midas touch is expected to produce similar results for Chicago rapper FendiDa Rappa whose remix “Point Me 2” will feature the GRAMMY winner.

In a recent Instagram Live, the 30-year-old mother of two detailed the thought process behind why she chooses to collaborate on lesser-known singles with newer talent. “I’m not gonna be collabing with everybody that’s big. I’m gonna be collabing with people that make my f**king ears jump and make me happy,” Cardi said. “If I like it, I’m gonna get on it. Even if it doesn’t make sense”.
12-Year-Old Launches Natural Skincare Line For Black and Brown Kids
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 5, 2023

12-Year-Old Launches Natural Skincare Line For Black and Brown Kids

After a lay off from her job as an IT Federal Contractor, Patrice Chappelle, a wife, and mother of one, turned a challenging situation into a new opportunity. Together with her 12-year-old son Bron and husband Don, she launched MelanBrand Skin, a Black-owned kid’s skincare line that provides natural and safe products for melanated skin in May 2023.

“We started our brand because of the lack of products on the market for kids with melanated skin, and not just any skincare line, but one that does not contain ingredients with unnecessary chemicals and toxins. Our products naturally contain antioxidants, hydrates, and balances skin, soothes skin irritation, can reduce skin redness, and may be used by just about any/most skin types. We also have products for eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. The products are also gluten free, paraben free, formaldehyde free, phthalate free, and cruelty free. Our packaging is BPA free and made in the USA,” said Patrice.

When Bron was eleven, his mom knew it was more than time for him to begin focusing more on his skincare regimen outside of using regular soap, water, and lotion. The lotion never worked very well for moisturizing Bron’s face, and the soap would dry out his skin. Patrice struggled to find effective skincare products for his skin, and she knew she had to be the solution, so she created a skincare line that is both effective and affordable. It’s a family affair, and all hands are on deck as Patrice’s husband Don is the COO.

“We believe that every child deserves to have healthy and nourished skin, and that’s what we aim to provide with our products. Our mission is to empower parents to take care of their children’s skin in a natural and safe way, help the parents empower their kids to do the same, every day, and to empower Black and brown kids to feel confident in their skin,” said Patrice. “When we discuss hygiene with our kids, we never emphasize proper skin care for a daily and nightly routine. It is always brushing your teeth in the morning and at night, putting your deodorant on, taking showers, but never here is how we take care of the first thing that people see; your face! Or it is always washing your face, but with what? Now, there is a line for kids with melanated skin,” said Patrice.

The products offered by MelanBrand Skin are suitable for just about any/most skin types, making them ideal for families looking for safe and gentle skincare options for their children. “We are proud to offer a line of products that parents can feel good about using on their children,” said Patrice. “We know how important it is to take care of our children’s skin, and we are dedicated to providing natural and safe options that families can trust.”

This news first appeared on blacknews.com.

fast car, Tracy Chapman
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 5, 2023

35 Years Later, Tracy Chapman Makes History As The First Black Woman Songwriter To Hit No. 1 On The Country Charts

That “Fast Car” that Tracy Chapman has been driving has made her the first Black woman to have the top song on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart.

In July 2023, Chapman’s song, “Fast Car,” redone by country artist Luke Combs, landed at the top of the country charts making Chapman, who wrote and recorded the song, the first Black woman to top the country charts as the sole songwriter.

According to Billboard, the song, initially released in 1988, didn’t even reach the top 5 for Chapman. Her highest position for that song was No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The remake is the first to reach No. 1 on the chart in 15 years. It was also the first time in almost 25 years that a song that first appeared in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 appeared as a remake on the Country Airplay chart.

Although she is the first Black woman, she is the second Black person to achieve this feat. The first time a Black songwriter reached the top slot on the country chart as a sole writer was on Aug. 4, 1990. Dan Seals’ remake of “Good Times,” written by legendary soul musician Sam Cooke gave Cooke the distinction of having a No.1 country song. Initially released in 1964, Cooke’s version peaked at No.11 on the Billboard Hot 100 that year.

Rolling Stone pointed out that other Black female writers have co-written songs that have reached the top of the Country Airplay chart.

As Rolling Stone noted, three Black women have reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart as co-writers. Allison Randall was co-writer on Trisha Yearwood’s hit record, “XXX’s & OOO’s (An American Girl),” which came in at No.1 on the chart on Sept. 10, 1994. Seven years later, in 2021, Ester Dean co-wrote Lady A’s “Champagne Night,” and later the same year, Dan + Shay’s “Glad You Exist” was co-written by Tayla Parx.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 5, 2023

India Arie Is Critical Of Megan Thee Stallion’s Twerk Camp At Essence Festival Performance

Megan Thee Stallion helped close out Essence Festival on Sunday night and brought some Hotties on stage for a twerktastic Hot Girl Bootcamp session.

However, when Essence posted a video of the twerking session, veteran R&B soul singer India Arie left a comment expressing her disapproval.

“Hot girl BootCamp was in full effect last night,” Essence captioned the post captured by The Neighborhood Talk. “It’s Janelle Monae with the encouragement for us.”

“The issue is what is CONTEXT,” Arie quipped. “Humanity does EVERYTHING. But does EVERYTHING BELONG IN A STAGE.”

Arie went on to note how everything does not belong on stage, nor is everything for kids or big audiences.

“So when we as a culture make something like this mainstream, it shows a lack of discretion and discernment,” she explained.

While she said anyone who supports Meg’s twerk session at Essence Fest has “the right” to support it, she also said there are just as many people who want our “mainstream” representation to “show us in a respectful light.”

The “Brown Skin” singer went “on the record” in expressing her issue that Meg’s Hot Girl Bootcamp performance “won’t age well.” Arie also shared her love for both Megan and Janell Monae, which is why she didn’t “like this moment.”

Fans shared their take on India Arie’s rant, with one explaining the history of Essence Festival performances and why Arie wasn’t too far off in her sentiments.

“Ok before y’all get mad at India Essence Fest is not known for having these kinds of “performances”. The sets are more classy and showcasing elegance , soul and black excellence,” they wrote.

“She isn’t denouncing this as a whole she just doesn’t feel that Essence Fest was the place for the hot girl twerkalator boot camp.”

Another fan agreed.

“She is right. Essence magazine, EssenceFest etc was for the classy, sophisticated Black woman. This is not the EBT awards, it’s not MTV,” they wrote.

Others debated saying there is a new generation of adult Black women who much like Megan and Janell, are fine with feeling liberated in their bodies and sexuality. Plus, it’s Hot Girl Summer!

RELATED CONTENT: India Arie Pulls Music From Spotify Over Joe Rogan’s Racially Insensitive Remarks About Black People

Ben and Jerry's
by Sharelle B. McNair

July 5, 2023

Ben & Jerry’s Wants America To Pay What It Owes By Returning ‘Stolen Indigenous Land’

Ben & Jerry’s used the Fourth of July holiday to send a message to America—return “stolen indigenous land.”

The ice cream giant posted a message on its website calling for the United States to commit to returning what doesn’t belong to them. “Ah, the Fourth of July. Who doesn’t love a good parade, some tasty barbecue, and a stirring fireworks display?” the post read. “The only problem with all that, though, is that it can distract from an essential truth about this nation’s birth: The US was founded on stolen Indigenous land. This year, let’s commit to returning it.”

The post breaks down which land should be returned, starting with Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Ben & Jerry’s claim the landscape with the likenesses of presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln used to be the Tunkasila Sakpe for the Lakota Sioux tribe. According to The Hill, the Supreme Court ruled that the land was stolen and awarded the Sioux more than $100 million in 1980. However, the tribes have refused to accept the payment, just wanting their land back.

A petition was also posted on the website that allows customers and those passionate about the subject to sign in hopes the land is one day returned.

The post was met with some pushback and generated calls for a potential boycott of the company as the brand’s fans called for them to start and “relinquish their headquarters,” Newsweek reports. “Shut down and donate all of your land, facilities, and assets to indigenous people,” one Twitter user wrote with an American flag in the background.

Another user referenced the recent boycott of Bud Light. “Make @benndjerrys Bud Light again,” John Rich of the country music duo Big & Rich wrote. Fans boycotted the beer brand recently after it worked out a sponsorship deal with trans influencer and activist Dylan Mulvaney.

Viola Ford Fetcher, Tulsa
by Iman Milner

July 5, 2023

‘History Personified’ Oldest Living Tulsa Massacre Survivor Publishes Memoir

109-year-old Viola Ford Fletcher is the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race massacre. After testifying before Congress to help make a case for reparations and call for accountability for the brutal attack on “Black Wall Street” in 1921, Fletcher has published a memoir about her life.

Don’t Let Them Bury My Story, published on Tuesday, July 4, is an inside look at the life of a woman who carried the brutality of America in her most intimate memories since the age of seven, according to the Associated Press. In graphic detail, Fletcher shares the events of the massacre in hopes of preserving the narrative that was nearly lost due to the refusal of historians to acknowledge the brutal violence that took place right here in the land of the free. “The questions I had then remain to this day,” Fletcher writes in the book. “How could you just give a mob of violent, crazed, racist people a bunch of deadly weapons and allow them — no, encourage them — to go out and kill innocent Black folks and demolish a whole community?”

Fletcher and her family were one of the families who managed to make it out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, alive.

“We passed piles of dead bodies heaped in the streets,” she writes in the book. “Some of them had their eyes open, as though they were still alive, but they weren’t.” Like many survivors of the massacre, Fletcher believed that recognizing what happened would open the door for proper reparations for those affected; however, the city of Tulsa has never sought to compensate its Black community. As a centenarian, Fletcher has lived through some of this country’s brightest and darkest days, but now she has lived to see her own historical account light up billboards in New York’s Times Square. It is her own way of assuring Black Wall Street is never forgotten.

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