History has been made! The University of Missouri named Kerrick Jackson the first Black head coach for the school’s baseball team. With this hire, Jackson also becomes the first Black head coach in baseball in the history of the Southeastern Conference.

The university, also known as Mizzou, made the announcement on the school’s Twitter account.

A new era for @MizzouBaseball begins!

Welcome our Head Coach, Kerrick Jackson.

🔗 https://t.co/tLNngpPFdZ#MIZ 🐯⚾️ pic.twitter.com/xPKCfdagw5

— Mizzou Athletics (@MizzouAthletics) June 4, 2023

According to Yahoo! Sports, Jackson, once an assistant coach (2011-15) at the University of Missouri, was brought on after the school terminated former head coach Steve Bieser after the 2023 season. The baseball team hasn’t advanced to the playoffs in over 10 years. Coincidentally, the last time the team did make the postseason back in 2012, Jackson was an assistant to Bieser.

In a written statement, Jackson said, “It’s a great honor to come back to the University of Missouri and lead the baseball program. I have seen this program at its championship best and understand both what it takes to get there and the importance of baseball to the state, region, and within the Southeastern Conference.”

The hiring of Jackson brings a total of four Black men being named head coaches at Predominantly White Institutions at the top level of college baseball.

“We set out to find a leader of high character with success rejuvenating a program, and we certainly found that in Kerrick Jackson,” said Mizzou Athletic Director Desiree Reed-Francois in a written statement. “He’s a tireless recruiter, fierce competitor, and a coach with deep roots in the Midwest. Coach Jackson knows what success looks like in college baseball, specifically at Mizzou. He has a vision for success and a tremendous amount of experience at all levels of baseball. I look forward to him building on our traditions and returning us to the national stage. We proudly welcome Coach Jackson, Talia, Zion, and Lazarus home to Columbia.”

During the 2022-2023 season as the head coach of the University of Memphis, Jackson led the team to 29 victories. It was the first time the team had a winning season in over six years. He returns to Columbia after serving as a Mizzou assistant from 2011-15. Jackson also coached at Southern University from 2018-20, with the baseball team making the NCAA tournament in 2019.

The house once owned by late-fashion icon Andre Leon Talley is officially on the market!

The New York Post reports the White Plains, New York home is looking for a new owner at the price of $1.25 million. Fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg, owns the company that is selling the 3,600-square-foot property. The four-bedroom and two-and-a-half bathroom home was originally built in 1854 and was purchased for the former Vogue editor in 2004 by Talley’s close friend Manolo Blahnik executive George Malkemus, and his husband, Anthony Yurgaitis, after experiencing issues with mold and credit at his previous home.

 

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Talley, a North Carolina native, wasn’t a huge fan of the city life and opted for the suburban home he called his “sanctuary,” according to a profile written by the New York Times in 2018. Trustee of Talley’s estate, Alexis E. Thomas, said the home was perfect for him.

“His porch became a place where he spent a lot of time, particularly in warmer weather. He conducted interviews from there, and he would Zoom from there,” Thomas said. “I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent with him on that porch.”

According to Mansion Global, the house holds has formal living and dining rooms including a fireplace and large windows, presenting gorgeous natural light from the manicured lawn. The wood-and-brick kitchen would be perfect for any food enthusiast with two ovens and a windowed “breakfast nook” leading to an outside deck. Upstairs, the master-bedroom has a sitting area, another fireplace, office with view of the trees and a walk-in closet.

While most of Talley’s possessions were auctioned off for $3.5 million after his 2022 death, the house still has a little bit of his taste left behind. There is an estimated $10,000 worth of leopard-print carpeting that pave the stairwell and some sections of the second floor. Talley lived there for almost 20 years.

The Apollo, the nation’s largest African-American performing arts organization, announced the appointment of Michelle Ebanks as its next president and CEO.

According to a release by the Apollo, Ebanks has a litany of experience in media and entertainment and her previous experience includes serving as the CEO of Essence Communications including Essence Magazine, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women, Essence.com and the Essence Festival of Culture.

Ebanks said she is excited about the new opportunity and what the future will; bring for The Apollo.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the iconic Apollo at such an important time in its trajectory. The Apollo continues to have such a profound impact on Black culture—and American culture—locally, nationally, and internationally,” Ebanks said in a statement. “It is such an exciting time as it expands its physical footprint, doubles down on supporting artists at every stage in their careers, collaborates with partners across Harlem and the world, and offers a platform for the voices of African American artists across the diaspora.”

Ebanks will step into the role in July, succeeding Jonelle Procope, who served in the role for the last two decades, transforming The Apollo into a nationally recognized cultural institution. The Apollo Theatre is near the end of its first full-scale renovation and the completion of its $80M Apollo Rising 2.0 capital campaign.

Apollo Board Chair Charles E. Phillips said in a statement Ebanks’ knowledge and experience will be paramount for The Apollo.

“Michelle brings to The Apollo a deep understanding in creating exciting cultural experiences for a diverse range of communities, including overseeing some of the most popular live events in the nation. At a time when performing arts organizations are looking at how best to provide opportunities for audiences who are both hungry for in-person experiences and ways to participate with programming digitally, Michelle’s depth of knowledge will lead The Apollo to its next level of engagement with artists, audiences, and partners throughout New York, nationally and internationally,” said Phillips. “Michelle joins The Apollo at a time of strength, forged by Jonelle and her team over the last two decades into one of the nation’s greatest cultural institutions.”

The Apollo Theater first opened its doors on Jan. 26, 1934, and since has been a place for Black artists in dance, theater, spoken word, and comedy. Notable Black artists who performed at the Harlem institution,  setting off their careers include Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill and many more.

• News

by Lauren Nutall

June 9, 2023

“Central Park Karen” Amy Cooper Loses Lawsuit Against Former Employer

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On June 8, a U.S. appeals court ruled against Amy Cooper, a white woman who called the police on a Black man bird-watching at the park in May 2020, Yahoo News, reported. Labeled as “Central Park Karen,” Cooper was fired from her employment following the incident, which went viral accumulating millions of views and backlash. 

In the video, Cooper is heard saying, “There’s an African-American man threatening my life.” Her comments came after Christian Cooper requested that Amy Cooper leash her dogs, a rule within the park. 

According to Yahoo, Cooper had previously been employed at Franklin Templeton as an insurance portfolio manager. However, she was fired one day after the video’s release following an internal review, in which Templeton stated that “we do not tolerate racism of any kind.”

Amy Cooper brought forth a lawsuit against her former employer in the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan, citing wrongful termination. However, her suit was tossed out in a 3-0 decision for her failure to prove that her employer illegally dismissed her on the basis of race or defamed her by branding her as a racist.

The Court maintained that Franklin Templeton’s statements did not mention Cooper’s race and that if reasonable readers thought that it was accusing her of racism, it would be considered an “expression of opinion” based on the video. 

Additionally, the court reasoned that the video had been shared “in the midst of an ongoing national reckoning about systemic racism,” as the incident central to the lawsuit occurred on the same day that a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, killed George Floyd, a Black man. 

Franklin Templeton shared their satisfaction with the decision, saying, “We continue to believe the company responded appropriately.”

This ruling upheld the lower court judge’s decision to dismiss Amy Cooper’s case last September.

This is another installment in Amy Cooper’s three-year attempt to rehabilitate her image, as in August 2021, the former insurance portfolio manager appeared on a podcast, “Honestly With Bari Weiss,” in which she defended her actions on May 20.

“Good Times” actor John Amos is denying claims his daughter made saying he suffers from “elder abuse and financial exploitation.”

In a statement made on his behalf by his representative Belinda Foster, Amos, 83, is doing just fine, Parade reports.

“I wish to make a statement for the record that I am doing well. I appreciate everyone’s concerns but again, please understand that this GoFundMe campaign is not one that is accurate or authorized by me,” Amos said. “Thank you, John Amos.”

A GoFundMe page was created by Amos’ daughter, Shannon Amos, on June 7, seeking assistance claiming her famous father was in ICU fighting for his life. The goals is $500,000 and to date has raised over $9,000.

“In November of last year, my dad and I created a video together—a cherished moment forever etched in my heart. Little did I know that our lives would soon take a devastating turn,” Amos said. “On May 14th of this year, I received a distressing call from my dad, who was hospitalized far away in Memphis, Tennessee.”

 

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After the Coming To America actor refuted the claims, his daughter jumped on Instagram live to defend  actions.

“All due respect to my father’s response, I understand that this is embarrassing and upsetting, and probably not what he would have wanted me to do, but it is in his best interest,” Shannon said, in the video, posted by the Neighborhood Atl.

 

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The caregivers she is accusing have not yet been named, as Amos says she doesn’t want to be listed in any defamation of character lawsuits. However, according to TMZ, she claims the family is working with Colorado Bureau of Investigations to get “justice.”

RELATED CONTENT: Kenya Barris to Write Film Adaptation of 1970s Sitcom ‘Good Times‘

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 9, 2023

High School Star Football Player Graduates With 4.1 GPA, Chooses HBCU Over Princeton and Duke

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Joshua Jones, a high school student-athlete from Fayetteville, North Carolina, has been awarded over $3 million in scholarships while maintaining a 4.1 GPA and playing as a quarterback in the school’s football team, showing remarkable success both on and off the field.

“In the end when all was counted up. I was shocked myself,” Jones said about the numerous offers he received, according to ABC11.

Jones said he made it his goal to get as many scholarships as possible. Ultimately, he has been offered academic and athletic full-ride scholarships to prestigious institutions like Duke, Princeton, Dartmouth, North Carolina A&T, Navy Air Force and Army.

Aware of the significance of his accomplishments, Josh remains grounded and appreciative of his humble beginnings. He credits his success to the support and guidance he received from his father, Redrick Jones, who is not only his football coach but also his counselor.

“The process of being a father, being a coach is always hard because there’s always two hats you’re wearing,” his father said. “But you got to keep everything in perspective.”

Moreover, his achievements extend beyond his athletic and academic skills. Jones has also been praised for being an exceptional leader. Their head coach Ernest King said, “He’s probably been our best leader.”

As he prepares for his next step, Jones hopes to make an impact on his juniors.

“Stay on the grind, keep your grades up, and know what you want in life,” he said.

Moreover, Jones decided to attend North Carolina Central University, an HBCU, and join its football team.

RELATED CONTENT: Texas Southern Cheer Team Claims First HBCU NCA National Championship Title

This news first appeared on blacknews.com.

Mary J. Blige is all about the “Strength of a Woman” and is not here for ex-wives being forced to pay their ex-husband alimony. According to the singer, paying alimony to men is “wack”!

The Grammy award-winning singer sat down with Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings of Earn Your Leisure for a live interview where she tackled everything from tax issues to the downside of divorce.

At one point during the discussion, Mary got candid when it came to her divorce from Kendu Issacs in 2016. The pair reached a divorce settlement in 2018 after the singer had already been ordered to pay Isaacs $30,000 per month in spousal support, People reports.

Mary recalled the experience when Bilal asked the singer to give advice to any wealthy woman looking to get married.

“Get a prenup,” Mary quipped in a clip captured by Black Millionaires. “Because I didn’t have one, and that’s why I ended up having to just give everything away.”

She continued bashing the idea of ex-wives who might have to pay money to an ex-husband who cheated on them.

“It’s so wack right now that men can come at you and get alimony,” she continued. “When I was getting a divorce, I was like, ‘you mean to tell me I gotta pay him?! And he cheated and he lied.'”

Mary J Blige says “It’s Wack” that wealthy women have to pay alimony after a divorce. Encourages women to get a prenup. In 2018 Mary J was forced to pay $30K/M in Alimony to her ex husband even though he cheated & stole from her. pic.twitter.com/uuXjf9zWaE

— Black Millionaires ® (@Blackmillions_) June 7, 2023

Mary’s latest remarks about her divorce mirror what she revealed during an interview with Angie Martinez in February 2022. At the time, Mary was promoting her  Good Morning Gorgeous album, which includes “Rent Money,” a song that tackles her divorce.

“‘Rent Money” is [about] when I first got divorced. I had to give up all this alimony, and I didn’t have no more money to give because he had spent it all,” she explained. “So, I had to go, you know, I had to go on tour, and make all the money back to pay the alimony.”

Basketball culture has the power to move the world forward. For Jordan Brand, no one has embodied the potential of the game quite like Howard “H” White – the inimitable legend and mentor who has helped Air Jordan (and countless others around the world) take flight. He’s now Vice President of Jordan Brand Affairs, as well as a co-creator of Jordan Brand Wings. To honor H’s impact on the brand and the global community of basketball, Jordan Brand is releasing the limited-edition Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings inspired by his storied career.

The Air Jordan 2 — H’s favorite Air Jordan silhouette — has been crafted to the original 1987 design specs, including the shoe’s shape and fit. Inspired by H’s time at Virginia’s Kecoughtan High School, the shoe’s coloring features white, green and black, commemorating the team where “H” first picked up a basketball (later becoming an All-American and an NBA draft pick). The shoe’s upper quarter panel includes a hand-sketched wings graphic designed by Israel Mateo, Jordan Brand Special Projects Footwear Designer. The lower quarter panel and upper are made with premium leather. The heel counter is constructed with a translucent finish featuring a gold foil “H” logo, a nod to H’s iconic college jersey and setting a gold standard for oneself. The lace tips contain “Power” and “Belief” on each respective tip, both directly inspired by what “H” has brought to Jordan Brand.

Jordan Brand Wings exists thanks to H’s vision. It was his commitment to inspiring the next generation that laid some of the earliest foundations for the brand’s community programming, including Jordan Brand Wings. In 2015, alongside a small group of teammates, “H” co-created the Jordan Brand Wings initiative to help youth define greatness on their own terms through higher education, and access to guidance, mentorship and opportunity. A Wings shoe is released annually to help recognize the achievements of the students in the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program.

Coinciding with the launch of the Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings this year is the welcome of the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Class of 2027, which celebrates 38 driven, committed students across LA, NYC, Portland, Chicago, Philadelphia and Charlotte, making up the largest cohort of North America Wings Scholars to date.

The Air Jordan 2 “H” Wings releases June 10 on the SNKRS App.

This news first appeared on blackprwire.com.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

June 9, 2023

C.H. Robinson Appoints Industry Veteran David Bozeman As It’s CEO

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Chicago-born leader Dave Bozeman is planning his big move to the Twin Cities for the opportunity to lead the next chapter of the global logistics company C.H. Robinson.

The Star Tribune reported that Bozeman will lead the charge as the company’s next CEO and a member of the Board of Directors. After a comprehensive and thoughtful search process, his appointment will begin on June 26, 2023, to succeed interim CEO and board member Scott Anderson.

With $30 billion in freight under management and 20 million shipments annually, C.H. Robinson has previously ranked as the No. 1 large company in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 15th annual Best Places to Work list. It is devoted to solving logistics problems and continually giving back to the various communities contributing to the company’s achievement.

As he charters new territory, Bozeman is making it his business to bring the best out of C.H. Robinson while prioritizing customer service and efficiency. He is committed to being a sounding board and is honored to meet the team.

“I have long admired C.H. Robinson as an industry-leading asset-light logistics provider and for its customer focus. C.H. Robinson has superior global services and capabilities, and I couldn’t be more excited about working with the incredible Robinson team as we embark on this next chapter of growth and success together,” Bozeman wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing the big news.

According to The STAT Trade Times., Jodee Kozlak, chair of the Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson, said in a statement the company is thrilled to welcome Bozeman to the team.

“Dave is a seasoned executive who has a strong track record of reinventing complex operating models with industry-wide impact, proven expertise in global supply chain and logistics management through various economic cycles and extensive experience leading high-performing teams and cultures to drive results,” Kozlak continued in a news release, per STAT.

Bozeman brings a plethora of experience in the auto manufacturing and logistics industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing design from Bradley University and a master’s in engineering management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Throughout his 30-year career, the Chicago native has built and transformed global transportation businesses and teams while striving to drive long-term results. Most recently, the Michigan-based executive served as vice president of the Ford Customer Service Division and vice president of Enthusiast Vehicles for Ford Blue of Ford Motor Co., where he ensured smooth business operations for some of Ford’s most notable vehicle brands.

Before joining Ford, Bozeman departed Amazon as its VP of Transportation Services in 2022. He was one of two top Black Amazon executives who exited then.

This NBA wife is investing in her husband’s tequila business, proving that she is still THAT GIRL.

Savannah James is always in the spotlight, thanks to her NBA All-Star husband, LeBron James, whose social activism is as impressive as his basketball skills. But she is an accomplished businesswoman on top of being a mother to their three children: LeBron Jr. (“Bronny”), Bryce, and Zhuri.

In a recent feature for The Cut, James detailed a few of her businesses pursuits, including Lobos Tequila. The independent spirits company, Lobos 1707, launched in 2020 with LeBron James as an early backer. Savannah James further shared that she invested in “a web 3 start-up called Lockerverse, and a natural deodorant company called NEZ.”

James’ ventures did not start there.

Her first business was The Juice Spot, according to AfroTech. The juice shop in Miami served cold-pressed juices, açaí bowls, and oatmeal bowls among other healthy bites. Miami New Times reported the store’s plans to close in 2016 over a year after her husband left the Miami Heat.

When asked about her future endeavors she told The Cut, “Definitely have some passion projects I’m working on, one of which is with a partner, one of which is on my own. And I’m super-excited about them.”

Without offering too much, she said, “I think they’re going to be amazing. They’re going to be well received.”

It is no secret that James keeps her business private, but every now and then she pops out, including her appearance at Milan Fashion Week.

Savannah James caught the attention of onlookers and her husband while wearing an all-black Dolce & Gabanna set. Her superstar husband commented, “OK NOW YOU JUST SHOWING OUT!! . GET YOUR A** HOME NOW AND GET WHAT YOU CAN’T GET IN EUROPE! .”

We love to see Savannah James making boss moves on her own.