Two basketball players have signed a lifetime deal with sneaker giant Nike: Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Now we can add a third—Phoenix Suns superstar and two-time NBA champ Kevin Durant has joined the club, according to NBA.com.

Durant, 34, who was traded from the Brooklyn Nets during the regular season, has been with the sporting apparel giant for over 16 years, inking an endorsement deal in 2007, his rookie. Durant entered the league in 2006 after one sensational year at the University of Texas.

Nike has released 15 different sets of shoes for Durant and a 16th release should be available soon.

“A true honor to be in the game for life with @Nike.”

“When I first signed with Nike, I couldn’t have dreamed of how far we’d go in this partnership,” Durant said, according to Boardroom. “We’ve done amazing work creatively and philanthropically. We’ve traveled the world together and built a business that will now last forever. I’m excited for the future and honored to be in rare company with this deal”

Nike’s executive vice president of Global Sports Marketing John Slusher added. “As one of the best basketball players in the world, Kevin Durant has been an important part of the Nike family for the past 16 years. We look forward to continuing to serve the next generation of athletes together.”

Included with the lifetime collaboration, Nike will continue supporting organizations led by Durant, such as Durant Family Foundation and Durant’s EYBL (Nike Elite Youth Basketball League) program, Team Durant. As the apparel company has in the past, it will assist Durant with his involvement in grassroots basketball, collaborating on court refurbishments in at-need communities worldwide.

Durant won the 2013-14 NBA Most Valuable Award with the Oklahoma City Thunder and won two more Finals MVPs with the Golden State Warriors.

RELATED CONTENT: 12-Year-Old New York Boy Uses Allowance to Buy Nike’s for Friend Bullied Over ‘Dirty’ Shoes

Deion Sanders’ docuseries, Coach Prime, will return for its sophomore season on Prime Video. Sanders announced the renewal of his Emmy-nominated series last week during a visit to The Pat McAfee Show.

As the former NFL defensive back prepares for his first season as the head football coach at the University of Colorado, the docuseries will follow Sanders as he attempts to guide the University of Colorado to success after years of failure.

“The customer reception of Season 1 of Coach Prime far exceeded expectations. Our customers loved getting an inside look as Deion Sanders established a culture of teamwork, belief, and winning at JSU,” Matt Newson, head of Prime Video, said in a press release.

“Deion has brought that same leadership to Colorado and has had an instant impact on recruiting and expectations. We can’t wait to witness this season unfold through the lives of players and coaches at Colorado, and we are excited to deliver more must-watch football content to the Prime Video schedule this fall.”

In 2020, Sanders brought a sense of urgency and renewed energy to Jackson State University’s football program, and to the city of Jackson, Mississippi, after he was hired as the head coach of the JSU Tigers.

During Sanders impressive three-year tenure at JSU, he led the Tigers to a 27-6 record, winning two Southwest Atlantic Conference championships. However, Sanders faced criticism last year when he announced that he was headed to the University of Colorado.

The forthcoming season of Coach Prime is currently in production. The docu-series is executive-produced by Michael Strahan, Fred Anthony Smith, and Constance Schwartz-Morini.

“We are thrilled to begin production with Prime Video on the second season of Coach Prime,” Schwartz-Morini said in a press release.

“Viewers can expect an exclusive, inside look at historic Power Five football program, as Coach Prime embarks on a new journey to enact change, inspire and build a winning team at Colorado.”

We are going to show you everything,” Sanders said on McAfee’s show.  “This is what I mean when I say I keep receipts. It’s a camera everywhere, so we going to show it.”

RELATED CONTENT: Deion Sanders Faces Backlash From University of Colorado Players in Transfer Portal

• Women

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 1, 2023

Black Entrepreneur Wins Patent for Disposable Underwear Made From Bamboo

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This news first appeared on blackbusiness.com

• News

by Atiya Jordan

May 1, 2023

To The Derby! Joy Taylor Crowned Minority Owner of Jace’s Road

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The only Black woman to lead on a sports opinion show is making groundbreaking moves in the field of horse racing.

National sports media powerhouse Joy Taylor, the cohost of FS1’s Speak, has stepped into the coveted position of minority owner of the 3-year-old colt Jace’s Road, which will head to Churchill Commons May 6 for the annual Kentucky Derby.

“I am so honored to be a part of this historical moment. It is so very meaningful to have ownership and equity in a horse, particularly a horse that’s going to run in the iconic Kentucky Derby,” Taylor said in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

 

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A post shared by Joy Taylor (@joytaylortalks)

Jace’s Road, who has a record of two wins, two- thirds and career earnings of $238,050, is among the 369 3-year-olds made eligible to compete in this year’s highly competitive Triple Crown series.

After traveling along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky-born horse racer successfully beat the 5.4% odds of making the list of 20 that earn a spot at the starting gate at the Kentucky Derby, the $3 million first leg of the Triple Crown for U.S. horse racing.

The accomplished Fox Sports’ SPEAK talk show host is no stranger to horseracing. Through America’s Best Racing, Taylor was connected to West Point Thoroughbreds’ Season 2 of A Stake in Stardom, where she gained access to an elite community of throughbred racing.

“I’ve been learning so much about horseracing and it was simply breathtaking to learn how very rare  it is to have a horse race in the Kentucky Derby, I am honored! I’m really looking forward to learning more about the business,” Taylor said in the release.

For Taylor, her presence in the field stands for something far greater. She is proud to represent for women of color in the horse racing space.

“Representation on the ownership side for a sport that is very exclusive is important for me, as visibility and taking up space is areas that may have not always been inclusive, is something that’s always been an important part of my career and my brand,” said the newly minted Thoroughbred owner,” Taylor said.

The 2023 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on NBC as part of a 7 ½-hour program and will also be live streamed on Peacock. Post time is set for 6:57 p.m. ET.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 30, 2023

New Study Shows ChatGPT Provides Better Answers Than Human Doctors

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Doctors, watch out! Artificial intelligence aka AI may be coming for your white coats.

A new study published by JAMA Internal Medicine found that ChatGPT gave better answers than human doctors four out of five times.

Gizmodo reported that after JAMA examined questions from patients, researchers found 79% of cases preferred responses from AI’s responses. Not only were their answers more thorough, a panel of medical professionals found AI to be more empathetic as well.

Experts say this could cause “major implications” in healthcare but there are spaces within the industry where this could be helpful for medical advice.

“Doctor’s inboxes are filled to the brim after this transition to virtual care because of COVID-19,” John W. Ayers, PhD, MA and vice chief of innovation at UC San Diego School of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, said. “Patient emails go unanswered or get poor responses, and providers get burnout and leave their jobs. With that in mind, I thought ‘How can I help in this scenario?’”

Artificial intelligence is slowly but surely making a name for itself in the medical industry.

According to Forbes, numerous articles have stated that “medicine stands out as one field in which there is tremendous potential.” The New England Journal of Medicine said AI is playing a high role in health insurance coverage, assisting caregivers in making claims and payers in adjudicating them. Studies have also shown  that AI has been used to interpret images in radiographs and histology.

Ayers and other experts claim medical professionals should be aware of AI as it is progressing at an alarming rate. But more studies are needed before human doctors can be completely counted out.

“The results are fascinating, if not all that surprising, and will certainly spur further much-needed research,” Steven Lin, MD, said. He said the results can also be skewed due to the methodology for judging quality.

Fans will be getting a lot more from Insecure’s Molly Carter.

Deadline reports Yvonne Orji just signed a two-year first-look deal with Sony Pictures Television. Under the agreement, the Emmy-nominated comedian is set to develop scripted drama and comedy series for cable and streaming platforms. While her talents will be present behind the camera, there’s a possibility that she will star in some of the projects she will develop. EVP of Drama Development for the studio, Lauren Stein, says they are ready for the stories Orji wants to tell. “Yvonne is incredibly talented, vibrant, and authentic, and we are thrilled to announce this new deal with her,” Stein said.

“She has this gravitational pull and unique perspective, and we are excited to start exploring the types of stories she wants to tell.”

 

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A post shared by Yvonne Orji (@yvonneorji)

The Insecure alum celebrated the deal on Instagram, saying she’s “quietly cookin’… but always eating.” “They got my vision immediately and were genuinely enthusiastic about the stories I wanted to tell that bridge the diaspora,” Orji, 39, said. After her announcement, other Black Hollywood elite supported the post, including everyone’s favorite Best Buy employee, Jay Ellis, who said, “Let’s goooooo,” and Insecure showrunner Prentice Penny, who shared the same sentiments.

If you’ve been paying attention, Orji hasn’t slowed down since the popular series ended in 2021. She recently made us laugh with her second HBO stand-up special, A Whole Me and published a memoir titled, Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me into the Life of My Dreams. She also signed on to reprise her role as Emily in the sequel, Vacation Friends 2. The first movie was Hulu’s most-watched original film in its opening weekend.

But before that, she will be seen in Lionsgate horror-comedy, The Blackening, co-starring Jay Pharaoh, Grace Byers, and Sinqua Walls.

BLACK ENTERPRISE is thrilled to announce that Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, co-founders of financial literacy platform,  Earn Your Leisure (EYL), grace its second-ever digital motion cover.

Ahead of the inaugural BLACK ENTERPRISE Disruptor Summit, headliners Bilal and Millings spoke on building their revolutionary network and franchise with BE Deputy Digital Editor Selena Hill. The exclusive April cover story, titled “Earn Your Leisure: Leaders of a Financial Revolution,” is out now!

Since its launch, Earn Your Leisure has continued to give rise to emerging and established content creators from the world of business, finance, and entrepreneurship. And championing for financial literacy for historically underserved communities is the spark to the revolution.

From conceptualizing EYL to bringing in $100,000 to eight figures within four years, Hill pens an in-depth narrative about the co-founders’ humble business lessons and passionate efforts for giving disenfranchised populations access to information to acquire wealth.

“It was an honor for me to chronicle how Rashad Bilal and Troy Milling emerged as the new leaders in the Black economic empowerment movement. Not only are they educating our communities on finance, business, and entrepreneurship, but they are also emancipating Black households from generational poverty and financial bondage,” Hill said in a statement.

BLACK ENTERPRISE holds a special place for Millings and Bilal, who acknowledge BE‘s historical and current significance.

“Being on the cover of BLACK ENTERPRISE is a tremendous honor,” Millings told BE.

“For decades, it has been the staple of inspiration and aspiration for our community. They have always celebrated, highlighted, and championed the amazing contributions from the diaspora. To join the list of distinguished cover subjects is something I will always be grateful for.”

“My dad used to have all of the BLACK ENTERPRISE magazines on the coffee table,” said Bilal.

“I remember reading BLACK ENTERPRISE when I was 10 and 12 years old. It’s a full circle moment for us to be on the cover of BLACK ENTERPRISE now, and I think it represents a new wave of leadership when it comes to financial literacy, business, empowerment, and investing.”

Today, these financial powerhouses are part of our latest digital motion cover launch, which aims to provide readers with exclusive content and insights into the lives and achievements of some of the most successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and thought influencers in the Black community. 

Following the first digital motion release of the February story featuring Slutty Vegan Founder Aisha “Pinky” Cole, each cover will be available exclusively on BE’s homepage, with additional content available across social media channels. 

“Through our digital covers, we will showcase our featured stories in a dynamic and immersive way, providing our audience with an experience that is both engaging and informative,” said Justin Barton, BLACK ENTERPRISE Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy & Partnership, per a statement.

To read the full April story, please visit www.BlackEnterprise.com/EarnYourLeisure. 

RELATED CONTENT: Issa Rae Lands On Inaugural Digital Cover Series Of Morning Show

Alabama A&M University has seen a significant increase in applications as well as admittance for first-time freshman. 

According to the university’s website, it has accepted nearly 10,000 students for the fall 2023 semester, breaking a school record. In 2019, Alabama A&M admitted 9,039 students. This year, the university received over 15,000 undergraduate applications, which accounts for a 30 percent increase, while admitting 9,757 first-time freshman. 

“This growth is not accidental,” Dr. Braque Talley, vice president for student affairs, said. “A&M appeals to students from all backgrounds and provides a rich living, learning experience. I’m proud that we’re driving home that message to more students and families.”  

The university follows a long line of Black educational resistance. The 1862 Morrill Act—named after Vermont Senator Justin S. Morrill—enabled educators to establish spaces of learning through land grants for agricultural and mechanical education. Despite providing monetary resources, it is widely believed many progressive white people wanted Blacks to work with their hands. This is why most historically Black colleges in the South are A&M colleges. 

Alabama A&M opened in 1875, as Huntsville Normal School. The school began with two teachers, and 61 students, with ex-slave William Hooper Councill serving as the school’s principal. The university went through two additional name changes before becoming Alabama A&M University in 1969. 

In addition to record-breaking first-time freshman, the university has also seen an increase in transfer students.

“These numbers are indicative of the strength of our programs and the value students see in earning an education here on the Hill,” Dwayne Green, director of admissions, said. 

In other Historically Black Colleges and Universities news, there has been a shortage of men at HBCUs. The Washington Post reported that only 1 in 3 undergraduate scholars are men. Since 2016, Howard University has gained more than 3,000 students, however, only 1 in 6 have been men, according to The Post.

RELATED CONTENT: Fisk University Has Record Enrollment For New School Year

Black-owned public relations company 98Forward has been partnering with major universities and corporations for over two decades. As the Detroit-raised business looks forward, it is celebrating by—yes, you guessed it—giving back. 

The 25-year-old company decided to celebrate its quarter-century birthday by sharing 25 acts of kindness. To start, last week, 98Forward gave 10 students from Wayne State University $25 gift cards. 

“It’s directly related to why we were founded and our connection to the city,” 98Forward’s co-founder and CEO, Georgella Muirhead said to the Detroit Free Press. “We have always really prided ourselves on not just having an office in the city of Detroit, but actually being a part of the community. So we anticipate that you will find us doing volunteer work for some of those legacy organizations that we have throughout the city or lending our support to the public schools.”

In the coming weeks, 98Foward will surprise some employees with a day off, or days off, for a day at a museum, a Detroit Tigers baseball game, or simply to have lunch. 

Since the company’s launch in 1998, 98Forward has provided resources and services to several businesses, non-profit organizations, as well as residents of Detroit.

98Forward is the brainchild of Bob Berg and Muirhead. Clients include the City of Birmingham, Detroit’s Strategic Neighborhood Fund, Affordable Housing Leverage Fund, GS3 Global, and Detroit Institute of Arts.

“I think back to my partner, Bob Berg and I, when we started the firm, we had one very simple goal: We wanted to make enough money to pay our bills,” Muirhead said. “So to have an organization that surpassed that goal, and has, in fact, lasted and been very, very vibrant for 25 years, was something that I think neither one of us, quite frankly, thought about when we started it. But it is an accomplishment that we both would be very, very proud of.”

RELATED CONTENT: Meet LaToya Evans, the Woman Who Built a 7-Figure Black-owned Public Relations Firm In Less Than 4 Years

Questlove is celebrating the release of another book, The Rhyme of Time.

The host of Questlove Supreme stopped by The View to discuss his teen new novel, a book that he says was written for a 9-year-old Questlove.

“I want Black nerds to see themselves as well,” the director of Summer of Soul shared.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDTtq_br5_w

According to Penguin Random House, the book’s publisher, The Rhyme of Time follows the life of Rahim Reynolds, a 7th-grader who enjoys experimenting with gadgets made by his friend, Kasia. When Kasia makes a cellphone that Rahim falls in love with, neither Rahim nor Kasia knows the phone has a special battery that interacts with a government satellite. 

Questlove and S.A. Crosby, the co-author of Questlove’s book, spoke with NPR about their collaboration. 

“In my mind, I’m so obsessed with time travel, but I’m one of those nerds that—yeah, I’m sorry. It took me till the pandemic to watch Star Wars, the complete series, and things that nerds are supposed to know already—like, nerd 101 stuff. I just thought that I can’t write a book about time travel and stuff. Like, I don’t even know what the terms to use…” 

Crosby added, “There aren’t really any rules about time travel. It’s how far you want to go with it as a creative person, you know? It’s like—you know, to quote Star Wars, nobody knows how lightsabers work. They just know they’re cool. You know, it’s not a Stephen Hawking dissertation. You just got to make it make sense.”

Rhyme of Time is also in conversation with Black Nerd Problems, a collection of essays penned by William Evans and Omar Holmon. Questlove’s 2021 effort, Music is History, finds the drummer linking blaxploitation films to the reshaping of Black identity. 

The Rhyme of Time can be purchased here.

RELATED CONTENT: It’s All Love: Questlove Launches Publishing Company,