• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 4, 2023

Michelle Obama Launches Food Company Giving Kids Healthier Food Options

---

Michelle Obama is still on a mission to tackle child obesity and nutrition in this country. NBC News reports that the first lady is now the co-founder of PLEZi Nutrition, a company that will make and sell healthier food and drinks for kids.

The products are designed to be less detrimental to children’s long-term health due to the low sugar and higher nutrient content. “I’m proud to announce the national launch of a company designed not just to provide better products, but to jump-start what I hope will be a race to the top that will transform the entire food industry,” Obama said.

“I’ve learned that on this issue, if you want to change the game, you can’t just work from the outside,” Obama said. “You’ve got to get inside. You’ve got to find ways to change the food and beverage industry itself.”

Obama’s company is a continuation of the work she started in the White House with the “Let’s Move” campaign, which moved nutritious meals to schools and challenged food companies and restaurant chains to commit to lower sugar, lower salt and lower-calorie options.

PLEZi Nutrition couldn’t come at a better time. According to NPR, close to half of the young children in the United States don’t have fruits and vegetables in their daily diets and consume excessive amounts of sugary drinks. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and a professor of nutrition at Tufts University, said there is a movement in motion to change that.

“A wave of investment is now directed toward more nourishing and authentic foods,” Mozaffarian said. “We are not going to solve today’s nutrition crisis with yesterday’s solutions. It’s terrific to see a leader like first lady Michelle Obama in this innovation movement.”

Based in Washington, D.C., Obama said the company is donating $1 million to an initiative by FoodCorps, a nonprofit organization that is working to assist the 50 million students in the country to receive education about nutrition and free school meals by 2030.

Meet LaRussell, serial entrepreneur, author, and independent recording artist whose unique DIY approach has revolutionized hip-hop and the community.

Born LaRussell Thomas in Vallejo, CA, his attention to detail has become a key identifier in his independently made music. LaRussell’s style of rap, driven by his mission, has empowered fans to invest in his career.

A true trailblazer, LaRussell is one of the first artists of his kind to offer fans the opportunity to purchase shares in his catalog and allow them to receive royalties from his music. Rather than relying solely on streaming revenue, LaRussell urges his supporters to purchase his work directly from him.

Through his independent collective, Good Compenny, LaRussell is pioneering change within the industry. The label supports independent artists without requiring them to give up ownership of their art.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LaRussell (@larussell)

Good Compenny provides artists with resources and opportunities to execute their ideas, with a focus on building a community that is all-inclusive. This strategy proved successful for him when his 21st album, I Hate When Life’s Going Great sold 1,134 album-equivalent units in just 24 hours!

His unique approach continues to grow his fanbase, with his album release show selling out within four hours. It’s all made possible through LaRussell’s “Pay What You Want” approach, a strategy that allowed fans to pay their desired price for his new album.

LaRussell is one of the only artists allowing people to decide what his contributions are worth to them. He allows fans to pay what they want for shows, merch, music, and all other commodities – another bold move by someone who isn’t signed to a record label.

Speaking exclusively with BLACK ENTERPRISE, LaRussell explained his mission of democratizing the music industry.

Did you get into music with the goal of revolutionizing the industry?

Definitely not haha. The revolution was just a by-product of my evolution.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Red Bull Music (@redbullmusic)

What inspired your “Pay What You Want” approach and do you think it’s helped or hindered your financial success as an artist?

The inspiration was derived from Nipsey’s Proud 2 Pay campaign. Pay what you want was all about accessibility. Being that I’m being interviewed about my blueprint, I would say it’s helped my financial success lol. Pay what you want opened doors to rooms that weren’t previously available. I have millions of people who now have the ability to purchase my product. There’s a reason Dollar Tree is successful. The lower the cost, the more customers can experience your product.

What has the response been like to you selling shares of your music catalog to the public?

The response has been absolutely incredible. One of my favorite things to do is scroll down my distro and see the names of all the people who are now benefitting and profiting off my music and the hard work I’ve put in with my team. It’s a beautiful sight to see!

You recorded a live album and shared a percentage of sales with everyone in attendance. What was that experience like and how did you ensure all attendees receive their payouts?

I didn’t share royalties with everyone in attendance, but we did share royalties with the key players that helped make that show happen. This year I will be doing a live experience and album where everyone who attends will receive royalties though. It’s going to be a dope, fresh, innovative experience.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by LaRussell (@larussell)

What can you share about Good Compenny’s “offer-based ticketing platform,” and how well is it working amid complaints about Ticket Master’s high prices?

WHATSTBA! It’s black-owned and artist-owned! I built a solution to the issue I was facing and an issue that fans across the globe are facing. We shouldn’t be charged fees on top of fees after already paying an arm & a leg to see our favorite artists. Offer-based allows fans to possibly see their favorite artist at a price that works for them but also allows the artist to determine what their show is worth and what they’re willing to accept.

Tell us about your work with Momo’s Cafe and what inspires you to give back in such big ways.

Momo’s Café is something I take deep pride in. I’ve never seen it done before. We made history at home and will continue to do so each year. I’m just inspired by the people and community around me. I’m always going to help if I can. We can’t rely on people outside our communities to heal our communities. It’s our responsibility and we take it on with a smile.

What can you say about the legacy you’re building and your goals for the near future?

I have nothing to say about the legacy I’m building. I’m just building lol. I’m ok with whatever comes from me waking up each day and going after the things that make me smile and feel good in my spirit. I no longer really set goals. I believe if you dig every day then you’ll get a hole that’s representative of your effort. I’m just putting my shovel in the dirt day after day until we strike gold.

RELATED CONTENT: Usher And Roberta Flack Slated To Receive Honorary Doctorate Degrees From Berklee College Of Music

No price tag is too high with a friend like this.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas may have had over $150,000 worth of private school expenses for his nephew, Mark Martin, covered by the company of billionaire real estate magnate and dear friend Harlan Crow.

ProPublica reported Thomas had taken legal custody of Martin at six years old and moved the boy in with him and his wife in Washington, D.C., to raise him as a son. As a teen, Thomas enrolled the child in Hidden Lake Academy, a private boarding school in northern Georgia.

A bank statement from Hidden Lake filed in 2009 showed a wire payment to the school for “Mark Martin,” paid by Crow Holdings LLC, for the exact tuition amount of $6,200. According to Christopher Grimwood, a former administrator at the school, who had access to school financial information, “Harlan picked up the tab” for Thomas.

The payments extended beyond the month reflected on the bank statement.

“Harlan said he was paying for the tuition at Randolph-Macon Academy as well,” Grimwood stated, referring to a second boarding school Martin attended in Virginia, Crow’s alma mater, which has an estimated annual price tag between $25,000 to $30,000.

Although Thomas reported a gift of $5,000 for Martin’s education from another source, the tuition payments from Crow were never indicated on his annual financial disclosures.

“You can’t be having secret financial arrangements,” said Mark W. Bennett, a former federal judge appointed by President Bill Clinton.

Martin, who is now in his 30s, said he was unaware of Crow’s tuition payments. “I think his intentions behind everything is just a friend and just a good person,” Martin said. Crow’s office confirmed that Thomas never requested support for either of Martin’s schools.

The Crows “are among our dearest friends,” Thomas said regarding previous gifts of luxury trips that he understood were unnecessary to disclose. In addition to decades of expensive travel, Crow allegedly paid money in an undisclosed real estate deal, footed renovation bills for the property that is reportedly the home where Thomas’ mother lives, and was a major donor to Thomas’ wife’s political group, where she collected a $120,000 salary.

“This is way outside the norm,” said Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush. Ethics law experts told ProPublica Thomas may have been required by law to report the tuition.

• Politics

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 4, 2023

Emails Reveal Herschel Walker Possibly Used Campaign Donations For Personal Company

---

Just when you thought the world was done with Herschel Walker, think again.

New scandalous emails reveal the disgraced former Georgia senator candidate may have used donations for his own personal gain. The Daily Beast reported emails were uncovered showing Walker soliciting hundreds of thousands of dollars for his personal company that was never disclosed on his financial statements. Walker asked Dennis Washington, billionaire industrialist, to wire $535,200 directly to a company named HR Talent, LLC in March 2022.

Like any other donor during campaign season, Washington assumed his donation would be looked at as a political contribution, but he was wrong. Legal experts claim the transaction may be looked at as a violation of federal fundraising rules or worse – an indication of wire fraud. Federal law doesn’t allow candidates to convert campaign donations to personal use, also limiting how much money individuals can contribute to a campaign and how much candidates can solicit from donors.

Candidates can’t solicit, accept, or facilitate contributions in the name of another person.

According to Business Insider, filings from the Federal Election Commission show Walker never transferred the money to a super PAC supporting his campaign, however, that doesn’t mean he used it for the HR firm. He could have very well returned the money to Washington, but emails can tell a different story.

One email from Tim McHugh, executive vice president for the Washington Corporations, acknowledged that the funds “sent to the HR Talent account cannot legally be used for political purposes.” “Political contributions must go to either the Team Herschel or 34N22 accounts,” McHugh said. Walker was not allowed to solicit donations for the super PAC in excess of federal limits, and this amount of money surpassed that limit. However, McHugh seemed more concerned about the money his boss had wired to HR Talent.

After losing his senatorial bid to Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock, Walker closed out his campaign with more than $5 million in funds. He took in $15 million and spent $19.8 million between Nov. 17 and Dec. 28 last year.

Former Migos member Quavo hosted his most recent Huncho Day celebrity football game that honored the late rapper and fellow group member Takeoff, who was killed in Houston last year. The $2 million from the game will go toward Quavo’s charity, The Rocket Foundation, which Migos founded following Takeoff’s death. 

In an Instagram post, the “Bad and Boujee” rapper thanked all who participated in the April football game.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by QuavoHuncho (@quavohuncho)

According to AllHipHop, notable celebrities included rapper J.I.D and athletes Jalen Ramsey, Jameis Winston, and D’andre Swift, attended the game at Berkmar High School in Lilburn, Georgia. 

“I look forward to Huncho Day every year because I get together with some of my close friends and come back to the place where it all started for me,” Quavo said. 

The Georgia native continued, “This year was extra special as we launched The Rocket Foundation in memory of Takeoff. It was a day where we got to play some football, raise money for the community, and remember Take.”

Takeoff was killed after being shot at a bowling alley during a private event in Houston on November 1, 2022. The popular hip-hop artist was with his uncle and group member, Quavo, to celebrate the birthday of Jas Prince. 

WSB-TV reported that an autopsy revealed Takeoff died from gunshot wounds to his head and torso. The Houston County Coroner’s office also found bullets in his arm and ruled Takeoff’s death as a homicide.

Shortly after Takeoff’s death, The Rocket Foundation was established. The organization supports programs in hopes of saving lives through community-based solutions proven to prevent gun violence.

According to Hypebeast, a limited-edition hoodie is being sold to benefit The Rocket Foundation. The Legends x Quavo, Forever Takeoff hoodie can be purchased on the Legends website for $140. All proceeds going to the foundation. 

• Politics

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 4, 2023

Look Out, Ted Cruz! Former NFL Player Colin Allred Launches Campaign For Republican Senator’s Seat

---

Football players are looking to tackle more than quarterbacks these days, and Colin Allred is a prime example.

The former NFL linebacker and current U.S. House representative for Texas launched his 2024 senatorial campaign via Twitter reminding voters of the horrific Jan. 6 attacks where his opponent Ted Cruz called them “peaceful protesters.”

“When I left the NFL, I thought my days of putting people on the ground were over,” Allred said. “Then, January 6th happened.”

I’m running for U.S. Senate because Texans deserve a Senator whose team is Texas. Ted Cruz only cares about himself.

Join our campaign today: https://t.co/2dROrrQrPV pic.twitter.com/9iz9yu1rFb

— Colin Allred (@ColinAllredTX) May 3, 2023

Allred entered the political field in 2019 after playing for the Tennessee Titans between 2007 and 2010, according to The Guardian. As a rare Democrat in a majority red state, he’s had no problem letting his Republican counterparts know that change is coming.

Newsweek reported Allred defeated Republican incumbent Pete Sessions by close to seven points in 2018 and almost 18,000 votes in a victory that put Allred on the steps of Capitol Hill. Allred managed to keep his seat for the next two elections by beating Republican Genevieve Collins by 6 points in 2020 and again in 2022 by tackling Republican challenger Antonio Swad.

Now, Cruz is next on his list.

On that January day in 2021, Cruz attacked Congress in an attempt to block the certification of President Biden’s election win, supported by former President Trump who called the results “electoral fraud.” Allred’s campaign video claimed that the terrorist attacks have been linked to numerous deaths – including law enforcement suicides. He proceeded to remind  voters of the differences between the two candidates.

“I remember hearing the glass breaking and the shouts coming closer. I texted my wife: ‘Whatever happens, I love you.’ Then I took off my jacket and got ready to take on anyone who came through that door,” Allred remembered. “And Ted Cruz? He cheered on the mob. Then hid in a supply closet when they stormed the Capitol.”

“I’ve taken down a lot tougher guys than Ted Cruz, but I can’t do this without your help.”