by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2023

Black Excellence Shined At The Met Gala 2023, But Where Were The Black Designers?

The Met Gala flooded timelines on the evening of May 1 as some of entertainment’s biggest stars graced the red carpet for the annual fashion-forward event. There was plenty of Black star power in the room, but not so much when it came to the Black designers.

The 2023 theme was “in honor of Karl,” an exhibition that celebrated the work of the late German fashion designer, Karl Lagerfeld (1933–2019), Vogue reports. He worked at prominent fashion houses during his lifetime, including Balmain, Chloé, Fendi, and Chanel, along with his namesake brand.

When considering this year’s theme, it might be why, despite the diversity in attendees, inclusion was scarce when it came to the fashion designers who were represented. First, let’s start with the small list of Black talent who wore Black designers at the show.

First up, we have Keke Palmer who has been slaying and not playing since giving birth to her son in February. The Nope star looked stunning in a gown designed by Sergio Hudson, whom she attended the Met Gala with.

Usher was also at the Met Gala wearing Bianca Saunders, who accompanied him at the Gala.

The hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs had the fashion on display in custom head-to-toe Sean John put together by creative director and costume designer June Ambrose, as noted by Vogue.

The Bad Boy founder brought Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee as his date to the event who slayed in Marni Senofonte.

While Caresha opted out of wearing a Black designer, others helped represent Black fashion designers. La La Anthony also wore Sergio Hudson and hosted the red carpet where she interviewed stars like rapper Ice Spice who wore Balmain designed by Olivier Rousteing.

Actor Jeremy Pope attended the Met Gala with Rousteing as the pair showed off two custom designs made by the French fashion designer.

https://twitter.com/chaoswintour/status/1653197949281681409?s=20

That makes seven Black stars who attended the Met Gala wearing Black designers with one being the designer himself. But the Black Excellence was in full display at the fashionable event.

Stars in attendance who sported pieces made by luxury fashion houses include Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, with the pregnant superstar stealing the show in a hooded Valentino white gown, adorned in 3D camellia flowers she boasted took 30 hours each to make.

Veteran supermodel Naomi Campbell wore Chanel Couture.

Thom Browne was deemed the “stylist of the night” by one critic who cited the looks worn by A-list talent including Jenny Ortega, Teyana Taylor, Pusha T,  and Janelle Monet.

https://twitter.com/thatotherrai/status/1653287487349968896?s=20

Actress Michaela Coel, who co-chaired this year’s Met Gala, slayed in Schiaparelli Couture.

Serena Williams debuted her second pregnancy in a Gucci dress.

https://twitter.com/RakiyaG_/status/1653186586903822336?s=20

Other Black talent who attended this year’s Met Gala included Quinta Brunson, Yara Shahidi, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade.

https://twitter.com/itskenbarbie/status/1653207952608620547?s=46&t=qmzb_I2N1DzN_GymACe90A

https://twitter.com/grlbehindscrn/status/1653207256861745154?s=46&t=qmzb_I2N1DzN_GymACe90A

https://twitter.com/itskenbarbie/status/1653207952608620547?s=46&t=qmzb_I2N1DzN_GymACe90A

https://twitter.com/mtv/status/1653214933042049025?s=46&t=qmzb_I2N1DzN_GymACe90A

https://twitter.com/mefeater/status/1653219015949443073?s=20

While everyone looked stunning serving their Met Gala looks, it would’ve just as nice to see more representation from Black fashion designers.

RELATED CONTENT: Brittney Griner is All Smiles at the Met Gala Alongside Wife, Cherelle Griner

by Stacy Jackson

May 2, 2023

Former Minneapolis Officer Convicted of Aiding and Abetting Manslaughter in Death of George Floyd

As the prosecution of George Floyd’s murder concluded, accountability for law enforcement amplified.

Former Minneapolis officer Tou Thao, who allegedly kept bystanders back while officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on George Floyd’s neck, was found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter.

Reportedly, Thao rejected a plea agreement, and Hennepin County Judge Peter Cahill decided the verdict instead of going to trial. Judge Cahill finalized the decision based on written filings from each side and evidence from previous cases.

A 177-page ruling filed on Monday night was released Tuesday. “There is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Thao’s actions were objectively unreasonable from the perspective of a reasonable police officer when viewed under the totality of the circumstances,” Cahill stated in the ruling.

“While we have now reached the end of the prosecution of Floyd’s murder, it is not behind us,” Minnesota Attorney General and lead prosecutor Keith Ellison said. “There is much more that prosecutors, law-enforcement leaders, rank-and-file officers, elected officials, and community can do to bring about true justice in law enforcement and true trust and safety in all communities.”

According to the judge, under Minneapolis Police Department policies, “it was objectively unreasonable to (among other things): encourage fellow officers to engage in a dangerous, prone restraint for 9 minutes and 24 seconds; encourage those officers not to use a hobble; actively assist their restraint by acting as a ‘human traffic cone’; and prevent bystanders from rendering medical aid.”

The judge also stated Thao’s actions were “even more unreasonable in light of the fact that he was under a duty to intervene to stop the other officers’ excessive use of force and was trained to render medical aid.”

Thao was convicted on federal civil rights charges along with Alexander Keung and Thomas Lane; other officers reportedly involved in the incident. Chauvin was sentenced to 21 years in prison.

Floyd died in May 2020 after being pinned to the ground. The tragic incident sparked multiple rounds of worldwide protests against police brutality. 

This year, Vice President Kamala Harris and others have joined to reintroduce the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to increase accountability for law enforcement misconduct, ban chokeholds, and end “qualified immunity.”

Halle Bailey’s Little Mermaid Doll Makes A Splash As Amazon Bestseller
by Iman Milner

May 2, 2023

Halle Bailey’s Little Mermaid Doll Makes A Splash As Amazon Bestseller

Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, featuring Halle Bailey as Ariel, is one of the year’s most anticipated films. Now, the doll, made in Bailey’s likeness, is the most popular on Amazon.

The doll, officially released on April 23, had an extensive waitlist after preorders closed due to a high volume of shoppers vying for the limited-edition collectible. Bailey previewed the doll for fans in early March with a video posted to her Instagram. “The little girl in me is pinching herself right now ..i have my own Little Mermaid Ariel doll,” she said while announcing the toy’s release.

“I can’t believe how much she captures my version of this iconic character. I am literally choking up because this means so much to me. To have one that looks like me that’s my favorite Disney character is very surreal.” The “Do It” singer also remarked on how the doll’s makers captured her likeness in detail, including the signature mole she has over her eyebrow.

The full trailer for the film premiered at this year’s 95th Academy Awards and features the singer and actress singing several of the movie’s classic songs, including “Part of Your World,” which has now been released to streaming services. Praise for Halle Bailey’s performance in both the film and on the soundtrack, which Academy Award nominee Lin Manuel Miranda has reworked, has come from not only her costars but also the film’s director, Rob Marshall.

“We just were looking for the best actor for the role, period. The end,” he said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “We saw everybody and every ethnicity.” Marshall explained that the “goal” was to find “someone who can be incredibly strong, passionate, beautiful, smart, clever,” and with “a great deal of fire and joy.” All of which he says Bailey embodies.

The Little Mermaid hits theaters on May 26.

Killer Mike’s Tech Firm Purchases Neobanking Startup to Build Financial Wealth In Minority Communities
by Stacy Jackson

May 2, 2023

Killer Mike’s Tech Firm Purchases Neobanking Startup to Build Financial Wealth In Minority Communities

Heightening the financial wealth within Black and Brown communities is a central focus for many Black-led companies.

The Atlanta-based digital banking platform Greenwood, the mobile banking app founded by Andrew Young and Killer Mike, has acquired Kinly, a mobile banking platform. Together, the large fintechs are working to build generational wealth for minorities.

“Kinly has always shared in our commitment to building a more transparent banking experience for Black Americans,” Ryan Glover, CEO and co-founder of Greenwood, said, according to a news release.

The partnership will grant over 300,000 Kinly users access to Greenwood’s fintech products.

“The acquisition of Kinly represents a massive milestone for Greenwood as we continue in our shared effort to elevate financial tools available for our community. In partnership with the Kinly team, we plan to grow our footprint and expand our services to provide best-in-class experiences for Black and brown families and businesses,” Glover added.

Greenwood’s executive management team will welcome Donald Hawkins, founder and CEO of Kinly, as its vice president to assist with financial service initiatives, goals for consumer-driven innovation, economic empowerment, and local business within Atlanta.

“Kinly’s mission of financial empowerment and wealth-building stems from lessons learned from Black America’s history,” Hawkins stated in the news release. “The needs of our communities are many, and I couldn’t be more excited to combine efforts with Greenwood to create lasting generational change.”

“It is another proud moment to again have two Black-owned companies on both sides of an M&A transaction,” said Greenwood board member Paul Judge. “This shows the power of collaboration within the community. It is often said that if you want to go far go together; this collaboration is a stellar example of that belief. We welcome Donald and Kinly to the Greenwood family.”

According to Crunchbase, Kinly previously raised $20 million in funding with investments from Forerunner Ventures, Point72 Ventures, Anthemis, Kapor Capital, Gabrielle Union, Kevin Durant, and Marshawn Lynch.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Greenwood kicked off the “Bank Black” movement in 2020. The company announced in 2022 that it raised $45 million in venture capital funding to expand its digital banking services.

First Known Black Man To Attend Yale University Honored With Posthumous Degree After 200 Years
by Iman Milner

May 2, 2023

First Known Black Man To Attend Yale University Honored With Posthumous Degree After 200 Years

Yale University has agreed to award a posthumous degree to two Black men who attended the institution nearly 200 years ago.

Rev. James W.C. Pennington, born enslaved and escaped from Maryland in 1828, was the first known Black man to attend Yale. He studied from 1834 to 1837. Rev. Alexander Crummell attended the institution for one year in 1840. During their times as students at the Ivy League institution where they studied theology, neither man was allowed to formally register for classes, participate in classroom discussions, or access library resources because they were Black.

“Although we cannot return to Pennington and Crummell the access and privileges they were denied when they studied at Yale, we recognize their work and honor their legacies by conferring on them these M.A. Privatim degrees,” Yale President Peter Salovey said, according to the New Haven Register.

Salovey continued, “With these honorary degrees, we aim to extend the remembrance of Pennington; to broaden the understanding and commemoration of Crummell; and to inscribe, for perpetuity, their names in the official records of the university.”

The decision follows years of ignored petitions and open letters from the institution; however, Pennington Legacy Group, a student group dedicated to seeing the degrees come to fruition, is to be praised. The group’s founder, Noah Humphrey,  says the move from the university is long overdue.

“We are still not done, but this means that we have set a foundation that is forever,” he said, according to the report. “I mean, the fact that we have some of the brightest scholars in the world, but we couldn’t come to an agreement on giving the first Black student their rightful degree is insane.” Humphrey, and the Pennington Legacy Group, aim to continue their efforts of having Yale correct their injustices.

Yale will hold a ceremony to honor Pennington and Crummell this fall.

No. 1 NFL Draft Pick Bryce Young Reached $3.5M In NIL Valuation Before Turning Pro
by Iman Milner

May 2, 2023

No. 1 NFL Draft Pick Bryce Young Reached $3.5M In NIL Valuation Before Turning Pro

NIL deals have revolutionized the world of sports for many young athletes.

For the NFL’s latest No.1 draft pick, Bryce Young, proof of his earning potential existed well before last week’s big night. The new Carolina Panthers quarterback had already raked in $3.5 million in advertising incentives from several companies, including Jordan Brand, according to Sports Illustrated.

The 21-year-old Philadelphia native signed a multi-year deal for both footwear and apparel.

At Jordan Brand, Young joins a host of other professional and collegiate athletes who rock the famous logo of NBA legend Michael Jordan –who holds the title of the first player to sign a lifetime deal with Nike. The brand’s excitement around signing the former Alabama Crimson Tide player was made evident in its announcement via Instagram. “National champion. Player of the Year. Top draft pick. @bryceyoung believed it and became it. Welcome to the Jordan Brand family. What’s next?” the brand’s post said alongside photos of the young star dressed in head-to-toe Jumpman apparel.

Young is one of many players who have found themselves the recipients of lucrative NIL deals. Athletes like LSU’s Angel Reese, Sierra Canyon High School’s Bronny James and Texas’ Arch Manning are all seeing a return on their investment into being the best at what they do to the tune of millions. For his part, Young’s take-home from his deal with the Jordan Brand has not been disclosed; however, they’re not the only company betting on his success.

KANSAS CITY, MO – APRIL 27: Alabama quarterback Bryce Young shakes hands with commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected first overall in the NFL Draft on April 27, 2023 at Union Station in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Both SNICKERS and BodyArmor are all in on the 2021 Heisman Trophy Winner. “I will always be a Lakers fan and definitely a huge Kobe fan,” Young told Sportico about the partnership. “To have that connection with BodyArmor which he was so involved in means the world to me.” The SNICKERS Bryce Cream Bar also made its debut ahead of the draft. “It’s a dream come true to see a SNICKERS Ice Cream bar with my name on it,” Young said, via a press release. “I am beyond excited to be part of the 2023 NFL Draft alongside SNICKERS Ice Cream and can’t wait to share our SNICKERS Bryce Cream Bars with fans.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2023

Isaiah Washington: Some Of The ‘Best Elementary School Teachers’ And ‘Neighbors’ Were KKK Members

Isaiah Washington is back at it with the bizarre commentary. The actor’s latest controversial comments come in the form of seemingly praising members of the Ku Klux Klan.

The Grey’s Anatomy alumnus, who announced his retirement from acting in March, took to Instagram Sunday to reminisce on his childhood in Texas where he claims to have shared some type of camaraderie with members of his community who were proud KKK members.

Washington started by announcing he had to repost the black-and-white photo showing three generations of KKK members after his initial posting was removed by Instagram.

“I had some of the best elementary school teachers and even some neighbors that I knew were Klan Members back in Texas while growing up,” he wrote.

“I knew where They stood with me and They also knew where I stood with Them. The boundaries were very, very clear and I still played with Their kids, I just couldn’t drink from Their outside water hose or come inside Their house to eat.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @therealisaiahwashington

The Romeo Must Die star then took  a subtle jab at the types of homes his racist neighbors lived in while recalling his mother’s hospitality toward them.

“Their houses were usually much smaller than what I grew up in,” he continued. “My mother never refused to let Their kids into her house to eat a summer lunch and drink from our vintage JFK water glasses.”

Washington concluded his rant by noting the odd sense of community he shared with his KKK neighbors and how it might’ve changed a little of the hate they harbored for people who look like him.

“I can’t help but wonder today, if Their kids are vigorously supporting me as an actor today, simply because I showed Them love and respect as a true Texan and a true American,” he wrote.

“Even when Their parents and grandparents forbid Them to reciprocate love and respect for me publicly to me back then, but I’m infamous now. I wonder…”

The 100 star has a long history of controversy and speaking his mind. He was fired from Grey’s Anatomy after calling then-co-star T. R. Knight an anti-gay slur and getting into a physical altercation with Patrick Dempsey, the long-running series’ star.

While announcing his retirement in March, Washington claimed “the haters, provocateurs and the Useful Idiots have won.”

“I’m no longer interested in the back and forth regarding a ‘color construct’ that keeps us human beings divided nor am I interested in politics or anything vitriolic,” said in part.

“I will be traveling this great country before it falls into Socialism and then Communism.”

https://twitter.com/IWashington/status/1630696635587231744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1630696635587231744%7Ctwgr%5Ee00579a051171e38e711fc306da4d05ead0adbe9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Few.com%2Ftv%2Fisaiah-washington-retires-from-acting%2F

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 2, 2023

We Love to See It! Brittney Griner is All Smiles at the Met Gala Alongside Wife, Cherelle Griner

Last year, WNBA player Brittney Griner spent 10 months in a Russian penal colony after being convicted of possessing vape canisters with cannabis oil. She was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in February 2022 as Russia began its war with Ukraine.

According to TMZ, the 32-year-old newly re-signed Phoenix Mercury player appeared at the annual Met Gala on Monday evening and walked the red carpet with her wife, Cherelle Griner. After being released from a Russian penal colony five months ago, she mentioned she is steering clear of traveling overseas to play basketball, unless it was to play with the U.S. national team.
“I’m never going overseas to play again unless it’s to represent my country,” Griner said. “The whole reason a lot of us go over is the pay gap … to support our families, to support ourselves. So I don’t knock any player that wants to go overseas.”
While attending this year’s Met Gala, she was seen wearing a custom Calvin Klein suit. Vogue did a brief interview with the couple to see how they feel now that Brittney is free. Her wife, Cherelle, spoke of the ordeal of Griner fighting for her freedom just one year ago. 
“It’s surreal still,” Cherelle said. “This time last year, I was missing my wife. So to have her right here, to be in this moment — breathtaking.”The world will see more of Griner on the court in a few weeks when the WNBA season starts on Sunday, May 21, in Chicago. Earlier this year, the Phoenix Mercury announced that Griner, who missed last season, had signed a one-year deal with the team.In the last full season she played, she led the league in efficiency rating (26.0), while coming in second place in the scoring category by averaging 20.5 points per game. She was No. 1 in blocks with an average of 1.9 per game, second in field-goal percentage (57.5), and averaged a franchise-record and career-high 9.5 rebounds, which landed her in sixth place during the 2021 season. She also had a single-season franchise-record 16 double-doubles, which increased her franchise record to 57 career double-doubles.We’re excited to see the WNBA star back in action on the court, on the red carpet, and advocating for pay equity in the league. 

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 2, 2023

Angel Reese Gets The Bag And The Whip After Signing NIL Deal With Mercedes-Benz Dealership On Her 21st Birthday

College basketball star Angel Reese will be riding around campus in style after signing a major endorsement deal with a Baton Rouge Mercedes Benz dealership shortly before her 21st birthday!

The Louisiana State University hooper took to social media on Monday to show off the new Mercedes Benz she purchased just ahead of her birthday Saturday.

“BIG BODY BENZ BARBIE! 👀💖Why not get a new car when it’s your 21st birthday week???” Reese captioned her post.

“🥳Thank you @mercedesbenzbatonrouge for helping me purchase my NEW CAR!! I wouldn’t be the BAYOU BARBIE without @bayou_traditions & @matchpoint_connection ! Appreciate you guys so much!! BIG EQS580😘 #BAYOUBARBIETURNS21 #GODDID.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ANGEL REESE (@angelreese10)

The new car comes courtesy of Reese’s latest NIL deal, which she signed after winning a national title last month. She signed the new endorsement deal with Mercedes-Benz of Baton Rouge with the help of the LSU-focused Bayou Collective and MatchPoint Connection marketplace, On 3 reported.

The details of the deal remain under wraps, but the EQS580 was purchased in part by the NIL deal and Reese.

The Maryland native shared the same announcement on Twitter to express her excitement for her new lavish whip.

https://twitter.com/Reese10Angel/status/1653178431549341697

Reese has secured a number of NIL endorsement deals after her national title, but she had already had deals with TurboTax, McDonald’s and Bose.

Other deals include endorsements with JanSport, Xfinity, and Outback Steakhouse. Reese is reportedly raking in around $392,000 a year from endorsements and has an estimated net worth of around $1 million, as noted by Sports Keeda.

Fans have been celebrating Reese’s latest NIL deal after many former college athletes were prevented from accepting such lofty endorsements.

“oh yea the best thing ncaa did was let y’all have deals ! ITS LITTTTTY,” one person wrote.

“Congrats! A lot of us older NCAA athletes punching the air right now wondering what life could’ve been like with NIL deals. We’re living through you 😂😂 live it up!”  added someone else.

 

RELATED CONTENT: Keep That Same Energy: LSU’s Angel Reese Repeats Iowa’s Caitlin Clark’s Taunt, Causes Controversy

The End of An Era: Biden Set To Lift Most Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates
by Sharelle B. McNair

May 2, 2023

The End of An Era: Biden Set To Lift Most Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

With the national public health emergency for the coronavirus ending next week, rumor has it a certain group will no longer have to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

CNBC reports the Biden administration will be ending COVID-19 vaccine mandates for federal employees, contractors, and international air travelers on May 11. While this may be the end of a traumatic time and hospitalizations declining drastically, the virus still kills more than 1,000 people weekly.

The White House released a statement highlighting the importance of vaccines but noted the country is in a different phase. “While vaccination remains one of the most important tools in advancing the health and safety of employees and promoting the efficiency of workplaces, we are now in a different phase of our response when these measures are no longer necessary,” the statement read.

Next will be Head Start educators, healthcare workers, and noncitizens located at U.S. land borders, according to the Associated Press. The Health and Human Services Department is beginning the process of lifting shot requirements. “While I believe that these vaccine mandates had a tremendously beneficial impact, we are now at a point where we think that it makes a lot of sense to pull these requirements down,” White House COVID-19 Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha said.

Biden Mask, Vaccine Mandates
A sign against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine mandates is seen in the grass during a protest against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine mandates at Summa Health Hospital in Akron, Ohio, U.S., August 16, 2021. REUTERS/Stephen Zenner

Some federal institutes like the National Institutes of Health, Indian Health Service, and Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to leave their vaccine mandates in place. Those agencies implemented their requirements for healthcare staff and others independent of the White House.

Many will praise the Biden administration for loosening vaccine mandates as they faced opposition and lawsuits claiming the requirement was a “reach,” including athletes like Kyrie Irving. It was reported that Irving protested against receiving the shot after the NBA mandated it for players. However, the White House stressed how the vaccine has been essential for saving lives and protecting public health.

Over 81% of the American population have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

×