Utah Jazz legend Karl Malone recently gained $5 million after auctioning off 24 items collected during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona when he was a member of the famed Dream Team, which featured 11 Hall of Fame players.

Malone credited his wife for getting the basketball jerseys that had the most value at the auction, which were signed by all 12 members—including Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson—of the storied Olympic basketball team.

This was the first that the United States allowed NBA players to participate in the Olympics for the USA basketball team. Previously, only amateur college players represented the country. As expected, the collection of legends dominated the competition on its way to a gold medal.

Ken Goldin posted a video clip showing Malone speaking about how he got the Dream Team jerseys that were auctioned via Goldin.com

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ken Goldin (@kengoldin)

“Well, as much as I would like to take the credit after we opened it up for the families, jerseys were just kind of laying on the floor,” Malone said when he appeared on Netflix’s King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch. “My wife just started going up, picking up the jerseys, and that’s how it happened. So, I can’t take all the credit.”

The highest-paid total for a jersey that belonged to Michael Jordan was sold for $3.03 million, the only one that sold for over $1 million.

BREAKING: the Michael Jordan 1992 Olympic “Dream Team” Game-Used, Photo-Matched, Signed, Inscribed Jersey has sold in our Dream Team Auction.

Final sale price: $3,030,000 🏀🐐 pic.twitter.com/dZY9U2gZDB

— Goldin (@GoldinCo) May 25, 2023

The remaining jerseys were sold as follows with the player associated with them.

Larry Bird ($360,000)

Magic Johnson ($336,000)

Charles Barkley ($230,400)

David Robinson ($116,400)

Clyde Drexler ($91,200)

Scottie Pippen ($80,400)

Malone ($58,800)

John Stockton ($55,200)

Patrick Ewing ($39,600)

Christian Laettner ($39,600) (the only college player on the team)

Chris Mullin ($37,200)

The floodgates have opened for presidential candidate interviews, starting with South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, who appeared on ABC’s The View Monday to discuss his politics and stance in the 2024 presidential race.

Things got real quickly.

Co-host Sunny Hostin started the conversation by asking Scott to address his views on systemic racism. Hostin reminded Scott that he is the first Black senator to be elected to Congress since the reconstruction, 114 years ago, and asked if systemic racism even exists to him.

“One of the reasons I’m on the show is because of the comments made frankly on this show that a young African American kid to be successful in this country is to be the exception and not the rule,” Scott said. “That’s a dangerous, offensive, disgusting message to send to our young people today.”

Co-host Ana Navarro talked to Scott about the ongoing battle between Ron DeSantis and Walt Disney World, opposing the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Before asking her question, Navarro wished the audience a “Happy Pride” before Scott defended his support of DeSantis.

“I think Disney and Ron have been a combat zone for a number of months over what I thought was the right issue as it relates to our young kids and what they’re being indoctrinated with,” Scott said. “I thought he started off on the right foot on that issue.”

His response was met with instant “boos,” which Whoopi Goldberg did not tolerate. “This is The View,” she said. “We accept we don’t have to believe everything people say, but you can’t boo people here, please. You cannot do it.”

Since his campaign launch, the seasoned senator has struggled in the polls. While still incredibly early, The Guardian reports Scott has scored in the single digits right next to fellow minority candidates, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Back in 2009, Venus and Serena Williams purchased a stake in the Miami Dolphins. Fourteen years later, according to Forbes, the NFL franchise is worth $4.6 billion as of 2022.

The tennis superstar sisters are the first female African Americans to hold an ownership stake in an NFL franchise. At the height of the historic transaction, both expressed how important the purchase was for them, having ties to the south Florida city. “Having spent so much of my childhood in the area, being involved with a staple of Miami culture is a huge honor,” Serena said, speaking to People. We look forward to many championships and much success together with the Miami Dolphins.”

Venus said she too was “honored to be a partner in the Miami Dolphins franchise” and thanked owner Stephen Ross.

Being franchise part owners set the duo up for success in their ownership and creative journeys. Venus has numerous businesses including the clothing line Eleven by Venus Williams, a plant-based superfood nutrition company called Happy Viking, and a sunscreen line. She and artist Adam Pendleton co-curated an art auction earlier this year in a successful effort to preserve and restore singer Nina Simone’s North Carolina childhood home.

As for Serena, there is plenty to keep her busy during retired life. The soon-to-be mother of two has Will Perform, her wellness brand, as well as 926 Productions, a multimedia company aimed at amplifying women and diverse storytellers. Announced in March, the company has already scored a first-look TV deal at Amazon Studios. “I look forward to collaborating with her and developing unique projects that inspire audiences across all platforms,” Williams said.

On top of that, Venus and Serena are teaming up with Oscar-winning actor Will Smith once again to produce a sports documentary about the events surrounding the 1971 Women’s World Cup of soccer.

• Career

by Daron Pressley

June 6, 2023

BroccoliCon Career Expo Connects Top Talent with Employers

---

BroccoliCon recently presented an inclusive career expo catering to minority college students from four- and two-year institutions, young professionals, and individuals actively seeking new job prospects. The event provided a platform for exploring fresh and promising career opportunities, all at no cost to attendees.

Throughout history and persisting to this day, the labor market experience for African Americans has consistently been more challenging when compared to their white counterparts. Many Blacks face greater vulnerability in the labor market, encounter higher unemployment rates, and often work in occupations that offer lower wages and fewer benefits. 

Since the disaggregation of employment data by race in 1972, the Black unemployment rate has consistently been twice the rate of white unemployment, according to the Center for American Progress. This 2-to-1 gap, which has endured for decades, is attributed to structural racism within the think tank.

According to a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Black unemployment rate declined to 5 percent last month from 5.7 percent in February. Through its efforts, BroccoliCon is eager to harness and continue this positive momentum. 

BroccoliCon Expo

Since its start as a festival focused on empowering Black communities in the DMV area, Broccoli City has evolved into a renowned national brand committed to fostering upward mobility and social progress for Black and brown communities. Broccoli City co-founder Brandon McEachern explains that “our own shared experiences with career expos and not feeling as if they were for people who looked like us inspired this platform for job seekers.” Diversity across various industry sectors continues to be inadequate, but “we want to continue being problem solvers,” says McEachern. “Our goal is to help drive diversity and inclusion for organizations while allowing job seekers to feel comfortable and confident in their skin and focus on bringing their best selves forward to secure their dream job, sharpen existing skills, grow networks, and acquire the tools necessary to effect both culture and communities.”

Employer Representation

The BroccoliCon expo featured a diverse group of employers representing a range of industries and sectors. Committed to fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities, “we curated a lineup of companies that value diversity and are seeking talented individuals from all backgrounds,” McEachern says. 

Employers represented at BroccoliCon 2023 included:

The Executive Office of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Events D.C., Indeed, D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES), REFORM Alliance, BLK App, Radio One, PR Alliance, the District Department of Transportation/Go D.C. Go, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, U.S. Digital Corps, U.S. House Office of Diversity and Inclusion, City Year D.C., The Gathering Spot, MacArthur High School, Excel Academy, Live Nation (human resources), Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, University of the District of Columbia, Army National Guard, Job Corps, United Negro College Fund. 

The Value of Career Expos in the Modern Career Market

This year’s BroccoliCon featured an array of interactive programs including professional development workshops, hiring sessions, skill-building activities and resources, and exclusive networking receptions. Attendees were given access to panel discussions from industry leaders on topics such as Generation Z within the workforce and workplace, reimagining access to great careers without a college degree, and salary negotiation and promotion. 

In the future, career expos will maintain their crucial role in facilitating the ideal match between individuals and job opportunities, particularly for people of color. BroccoliCon will continue to serve as a vital platform for connecting talented individuals with employers who prioritize diversity and inclusivity. Career expos “still provide an opportunity for candidates and employers to meet and forge relationships,” says McEchearn, noting that BroccoliCon featured positions in tech, finance, and trades. “In the future, I hope to see more targeted efforts and better integrated industry participation.”

Newly surfaced reports reveal the alleged botched procedures performed by the surgeon Jacky Oh visited days before her sudden death.

Speculation has mounted after Jacky Oh’s untimely passing in Miami last week at 32. The shocking news came days after the former “Wild ‘N” Out” girl shared a since-deleted Instagram photo posing alongside Zachary “Dr. Zach” Okhah of PH-1 Miami announcing her “mommy makeover,” Page Six reports.

Now details are surfacing into the past defamation lawsuits Dr. Zach filed against patients who accused him of leaving them “mutilated,” among other complaints.

In July 2021, Okhah sued Leila Penn for more than $30,000 for leaving a RealSelf review accusing him of mutilating her body. He also claims she defamed him by engaging with other reviews to persuade prospective patients to seek services elsewhere.

In August of that same year, Okhah filed another $30,000 defamation lawsuit against Kyla Neirenburg after leaving a Google review claiming “happy patients” of Dr. Zach “don’t exist.” She also encouraged prospective patients to read his RealSelf reviews because his positive Google reviews were likely “fake” and “written by their own staff or friends.”

The surgeon dismissed both lawsuits without prejudice in December 2021. Now with Jacky Oh passing away just days after promoting the doctor, his dark past is coming to light.

An investigation into Jacky Oh’s death remains ongoing. She leaves behind her three young children shared with “Wild ‘N Out” star DC Young Fly, daughters Nova and Nala, and son Prince.

On Saturday, DC Young Fly, real name is John Whitfield, and his family released a statement asking for privacy during this difficult time, People reports.

“We thank everyone for their well wishes and ask for privacy during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Baltimore Ravens star Odell Beckham Jr. also shared a statement from Jacky Oh’s family on his Instagram Story. The NFL wide receiver reportedly met Jacky Oh through his partner Lauren Wood.

“It is with [sad] hearts we share with you that Jacklyn aka MsJackyOh has passed away on Wednesday, May 31st 2023,” the statement read. “Our family is still processing this very tragic and unexpected loss; we ask that you please give us privacy during this time.”

RELATED CONTENT: Jacky Oh, ‘Wild ‘N Out’ Star Who Shares 3 Children With DC Young Fly, Dies At 32

On June 1, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a new rule developed by the Biden administration to cease racial and ethnic bias in home valuations for Black and brown homeowners.

According to The White House, the rule will ensure fair algorithms from financial institutions and increase transparency to improve enforcement against appraisal bias. Taking such measures would allow for Black and brown families to have access to the financial returns associated with homeownership and improve the racial wealth gap through homeownership.

“We are also releasing the guidance to make it easier for consumers to appeal what they suspect to be unbiased valuation,” Harris told reporters, according to NBC News. “Millions rely on the equity in their homes to put their children through college, to fund a startup, to retire with dignity, to create intergenerational prosperity and wealth. We also know for generations many people of color have been prevented from taking full advantage of the benefits of homeownership.”

Harris said people of color only account for around 5% of home appraisers. The rule has also been implemented to focus on areas such as giving underrepresented groups a chance to enter the appraisal profession.

“Today’s announcement builds on ongoing efforts by the PAVE (Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity Task) Force to create a more representative and well-trained appraiser workforce,” Harris said. “Earlier this year, the PAVE Task Force issued a letter to the Appraisal Foundation (TAF) urging it to find meaningful solutions to the experience, education, and examination requirements that exceed most industry standards and are not linked to evidence showing how they produce better, more accurate appraisals.”

In the wake of vlogger Tasha K filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month, courts are ordering Cardi B to halt efforts of receiving the $3 million she’s owed.

Cardi B is among a group of 30 debtors who were notified of Tasha’s bankruptcy filing on Friday, June 2, and told to hold off efforts of pursuing repayment as the disgraced YouTuber gets her finances sorted out, Hip Hop DX reports.

“The filing of the case imposed an automatic stay against most collection activities. This means that creditors generally may not take action to collect debts from the debtors or the debtors’ property,” the order reads.

“For example, while the stay is in effect, creditors cannot sue, garnish wages, assert a deficiency, repossess property, or otherwise try to collect from the debtors.”

Additionally, the order tells creditors they cannot demand repayment in any form, and if they do, they might be “required to pay actual and punitive damages and attorney’s fees.”

“Under certain circumstances, the stay may be limited to 30 days or not exist at all, although debtors can ask the court to extend or impose a stay,” the order states.

The Hon. Scott M. Grossman will oversee a status conference on July 19 where Tasha K (real name Latasha Kebe) her attorney, and the Chapter 11 trustee assigned to monitor the case must all be present. But the bankruptcy filing doesn’t put Tasha K completely in the clear.

The YouTuber has until Aug. 23 to file a repayment plan under her bankruptcy filing or else the bankruptcy may be discharged and collection efforts from her creditors will resume. The latest filing comes after Cardi B, real name Belcalis Almanzar)  was awarded $4 million in her defamation lawsuit against Tasha K in March, Billboard reports.

In April, the gossip vlogger was ordered to delete all of her past videos that made salacious claims against Cardi B.

RELATED CONTENT: Tasha K Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy After Defaming Cardi B

• Health and Wellness

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 6, 2023

Founder of First Black Wellness Magazine Created By Black Nurses Goes on Tour

---

Meet Michelle Greene Rhodes, the founder and CEO of The Color of Wellness, an African American-focused health, wellness, and lifestyle education platform used by nurses of color to increase health equity in Black and brown communities. She has also launched the Digital Media Nurse Tour, a one-day workshop for healthcare professionals that teaches the power of digital media.

The event is designed to help healthcare professionals learn how to monetize digital media, tell important stories, disseminate health education to their communities, and amplify the health voice as an ally.

The workshop is open to a variety of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses, mental health professionals, and anyone looking to impact their community in a positive way. Attendees will learn about podcasting, live streaming, writing for online publications, and more. They will also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded professionals and gain access to a curriculum filled with helpful tips on leveraging skills and knowledge.

The tour will take place in four cities across the United States in 2023:
• Tampa, Florida – June 2nd
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – June 28th
• Orlando, Florida – October 7th
• Baltimore, MD – December 9th

“We’re excited to offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to learn about the power of digital media and how it can help them impact their communities,” said the organizers of The Digital Media Nurse Tour. “It has been a game changer for us at The Color of Wellness from sponsorships, to advertisements, and collaborations that have boosted our bottom line. We have been spotlighted on Sirius XM, Fox News Radio, Fox News and our goal is to help healthcare professionals create a personal brand that they love and that promotes their expertise and knowledge.”

Early bird seating is available now for all four events. For more information and to register, visit MediaNurses.com/tour. Sponsorships are available, please email for more information.

This news first appeared on blacknews.com.

Writer and MacArthur “Genius Grant” winner Kiese Laymon has launched an initiative to help Mississippi high schoolers explore their love for writing while learning about the state’s rich history. Mississippi native Laymon has created the Catherine Coleman Literary Arts, Food, and Social Justice Summer Program. And this program, which Laymon named in his grandmother’s honor, has a unique twist. 

From June 4-9, selected Mississippi high schoolers will participate in a six-day residential program on Jackson State University’s campus. They will be able to choose from three different workshops: poetry, fiction, and film and theater screenwriting. But that is not all that the students will be learning.

Laymon’s love of the South and of writing has never faltered, and he wants young people to join in this passion. He hopes to change how young people look at creativity. As part of the program, participants will also engage in southern food traditions, exploring how Mississippi food goes from the ground to their dinner plates, and learn more about the social justice movements in their communities.

“Our hope is to ritualize workshops and incredible food for young folks in our community who might not get a lot of time to write and read ‘creatively,’” says Laymon.

The program allows young writers to exercise their abilities while working with some of the most acclaimed writing instructors. Participants will also get to speak with special invited guests. Students who complete the program will receive a $300 stipend. 

The Catherine Colman summer program was founded at the University of Mississippi when Laymon was a faculty member there, and has a new home at Jackson State University, one of the largest HBCUs in the United States.  

The author of Heavy: An American Memoir and How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America, Laymon is renowned for his honest portrayal of racism, addiction, and the general trials of life in his work. Laymon wants to ensure that high schoolers are equipped with the knowledge, freedom, and help to craft their own stories and hone their storytelling skills.

RELATED CONTENT: Award-Winning Author Kiese Laymon Celebrates The Culture Of Jackson State University As 2023 Commencement Speaker