• News

by Iman Milner

April 17, 2023

Morgan Freeman Calls Black History Month and Term “African American” Insults

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Morgan Freeman, better known as the narrator in our heads, has a few choice words about being Black in this country.

On his recent press tour for the Zach Braff film, A Good Person, the Academy-Award winning actor set the record straight on a few race-related topics during a conversation with The Sunday Times.

“Two things I can say publicly that I do not like,” Freeman said. “Black History Month is an insult. You’re going to relegate my history to a month?” He’s not alone in his stance as moves continue to be made to eradicate what little Black history is taught in schools.

The 85-year-old doesn’t do many interviews; therefore, this rare moment is one that has caused quite a stir.

“Also, ‘African American’ is an insult,” he added. “I don’t subscribe to that title. Black people have had different titles all the way back to the n-word and I do not know how these things get such a grip, but everyone uses ‘African American.’ What does it really mean? Most Black people in this part of the world are mongrels. And you say Africa as if it’s a country when it’s a continent, like Europe.”

Freeman’s thoughts seemed to echo the sentiments of another Oscar winner, Denzel Washington, who famously said, “I’m very proud to be Black, but Black is not all I am.” When The Sunday Times reporter brought up the quote to Freeman, he agreed with Washington’s feelings: “You can’t define me that way,” he said.

The conversation around whether or not to be defined by your race—in good ways or bad—is one that comes down to the autonomy of choice. Black as a descriptor in front of a title, be it “Black actor,” “Black athlete,” or “Black-owned business,” can either feel reductive or merely reflective of what is. It all depends on the subject.

• Celebrity News

by Stacy Jackson

April 17, 2023

Oprah Winfrey To Deliver Keynote Speech for Tennessee State University’s 2023 Commencement

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The graduating class at this Nashville HBCU is in for a treat.

Television producer, actress, and author Oprah Winfrey will deliver the 2023 undergraduate commencement speech at her alma mater, Tennessee State University.

“Commencement is always a special time for our students and their families, as it marks a major milestone in our student’s lives and a sign of success for them,” said TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover.

Following the completion of her high school years at East Nashville High School, the global media leader received a full scholarship to attend TSU, where she majored in speech communications and performing arts.

“To have Ms. Winfrey as our speaker will be a life-changing moment for graduates and the university. She is someone who has walked the TSU campus as a student, sat in some of the same classroom, and knows first-hand the value of a TSU education,” Glover added.

According to WBLS, while Winfrey attended the HBCU she became the youngest and first Black woman to land a job as news anchor at Nashville’s WLAC-TV, now WTVF-TV. The media mogul was only one credit shy of her degree when she decided to leave school to pursue her broadcast journalism career.

Winfrey returned to TSU to complete the final paper for her studies and graduated in 1986. In addition to a visit from the philanthropist, TSU will have United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (Miss.) address graduate students at an indoor ceremony.

“Ms. Winfrey and Congressman Thompson are trailblazers, history makers, and HBCU graduates, adding to the excitement and anticipation for both commencement ceremonies,” Glover said.

 

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A post shared by Tennessee State University (@tennstateu)

TSU’s undergraduate commencement will be held on Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m. CDT, in Hale Stadium. The graduate session with Thompson will be May 5. Over the course of both days, more than 800 students will receive degrees in various disciplines.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 17, 2023

Whoomp, There It Is! Black Professionals Reportedly Filing Lawsuit to Stop Release of “Freaknik” Documentary

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Hulu has a documentary coming out about Freaknik that has our aunties, uncles, and parents expressing their concerns—in the form of a lawsuit.

Earlier this month, Hulu teased the upcoming documentary Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told, Variety reported. The documentary highlights the infamous Spring break festival that swept the ’90s and had many in a chokehold.

Taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, each year, swarms of people, primarily students from HBCUs, would flock to the city to turn up Uncle Luke style up until the festival ended in 1999.

Now the new generation will get a chance to see what exactly went down and led to Freaknik’s demise when Hulu releases the documentary, which was executive produced by Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell himself.

Hulu Sets 'Freaknik,' Gerald Blanchard and Park Avenue Peerage Docs – Variety executive producer, Luther Campbell. https://t.co/Gys4G4zy8S

— Luther Luke Campbell (@unclelukereal1) April 6, 2023

But not everyone is on board with the documentary’s release. A group of Black women professionals, comprised of one politician, three high-level corporate executives, and one judge, have lawyered up and are threatening to sue Hulu in hopes of stopping the documentary’s release, News One reports.

One woman, a married mother of three who makes over $1 million annually, believes the documentary shows her in an “unflattering light” and there are already videos circulating online she doesn’t want her children to see.

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show discussed the possible lawsuit and thinks the debate of fair use could come into play about the Freaknik footage that is over 25 years old. Some who attended Freaknik have taken to social media to express their concern about the documentary’s release.

One woman posted a TikTok that went viral on Twitter with one person claiming that “All the Freaknik aunties scared.”

https://twitter.com/TrainLikeDime/status/1644942141049786369?s=20

“I’ve been to several Freakniks. 94′ was one that I attended. I’m just praying that Jesus be a fence,” the woman said in the video.

Others recalled officer Thaddeus Lloyd, who was suspended with pay in 2012 after a graphic throwback photo of his behavior at the ’91 Freaknik surfaced online, Daily Mail reported.

The new documentary is slated for a mid-April 2024 release, which would mark the 30th anniversary of the famed 1994 Freaknik celebration.

Chris Tucker has never played about his love for Michael Jackson. Tucker rose to prominence as a comedian with his portrayal of the “King of Pop” in his standup shows and movie roles.

So it’s no big surprise of the drastic measures Tucker took to meet Jackson in person. In a recent interview with GQ, the Friday star recalled meeting the music icon after his celebrity status grew thanks to the Rush Hour franchise.

“I was in New York for two days waiting to meet MJ,” Tucker said. “I took a private jet there.”

After the 48-hour wait, Tucker gave up hope and was headed back to LA when he got the message in the middle of his trip that MJ was in NYC ready to meet him.

“I said, ‘Well, I ain’t heard from him, I got to go.’ Took a private jet back to LA and as soon as I landed, I had a message: ‘Michael Jackson wants to meet you tomorrow morning.’ I was still on the plane,” Tucker explained.

“I went up to the captain and said, ‘I’ll pay you whatever you want to take me back to New York.'”

From there Tucker became good friends with Jackson who would often encourage the rising film star to keep up the hard work.

“He used to always say, ‘Let’s make history,'” Tucker said of the late King of Pop. “‘We want to see more of you, Chris! What are you doing?'”

Tucker would go on to star in MJ’s 2001 video for “Rock My World” and perform his signature impersonation of the “Thriller” singer throughout.

Currently, Tucker has returned to the big screen alongside Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Viola Davis in the new film, Air, about the start of Michael Jordan’s life- and culture-changing endorsement deal with Nike that was hatched in 1984.

• News

by Sharelle B. McNair

April 17, 2023

Black Homeowners Used “Whitewashing” Method To Sell House, Received $92K More Than Original Appraisal

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A Black family from Ohio was looking to get the best value for their home during an appraisal process. CNN reports when their original appraisal came back $60,000 short, the Parkers knew something was off.

Erica Parker and her husband took a different approach to get the desired value of their house. “Whitewashing” is defined as “altering something in a way that favors, features, or caters to white people.” So they removed all items from the home that could result as they identifying as Black, like artwork and family photos, and replaced them with photos and memorabilia borrowed from a White neighbor.

“It was a weird feeling but we felt vindicated,” Parker said. “We were like, ‘Oh my God, we really were discriminated against.’” Clearly, they stood corrected in their efforts, receiving an appraisal for close to $92,000 more than the first.

While this family came out victorious, unfortunately, this approach is normal for Black homeowners nationwide. Laster year a couple from Baltimore experienced similar discrimination. Their home appraisal went from $472,000 to $750,000 after they allowed a white male colleague to stand in for them as a second appraisal was conducted.

Data from the Brookings Institute show that homes in Black neighborhoods are valued 23% less than homes located in non-Black neighborhoods, regardless of any differences in quality and amenities. Many advocates claim this problem is a wealth gap issue but others profess it’s more than that.

“Our concern is that there aren’t enough Black appraisers in the business,” president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, Lydia Pope, said. “We just want to make a stand that we have to change the culture of appraising.”

Pope has called whitewashing “appalling,” but this issue has received national attention from President Joe Biden himself.

In March, the Biden administration launched the Action Plan to Advance Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity, or PAVE, to promote equity in the home appraisal process. Their efforts are set to assist Federal Housing Administration borrowers in understanding the right way to request a “Reconsideration of Value” if they suspect bias in their appraisal.

• News

by Booker Jones

April 17, 2023

UCLA Quarterback Chase Griffin Uses His NIL Deal To Donate To Charity

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UCLA quarterback Chase Griffin has inked a NIL deal with Linkedin, the star quarterback said during an interview with AfroTech, now that student-athletes can shape their stories and change the narrative. 

“There are athletes everywhere, whether it be speaking out about initiatives that are near and dear to them or portraying their personality in ways that are authentic to them, in ways that aren’t really shaped or guided by the administration or coaches,” Griffin said to AfroTech. 

One of the ways Griffin is speaking out and shaping his story is with the launch of his organization, NIL For Good. With every NIL deal Griffin secures, he gives a percentage to his organization. 

“So, when you look at NIL — I think the overarching effect of it is one that promotes equity and inclusion,” Griffin said. “The athletes who are taking full advantage of this, not only are we able to earn some money and build brand relationships, but for the first time, are able to freely convey ourselves to the public and realize our own value while we are still in college.”

According to a post on his Instagram account, Griffin has already donated $22,000 to the likes of  LA Regional Food Bank, Move United, and Hutto Education Foundation, according to AfroTech.

 

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A post shared by Chase Griffin (@chaseqb11)

“As a Christian, I feel compelled by my faith to give and to be in a position where I’m on scholarship and earning money,” Griffin stated. “I consider it a blessing to be able to be generous and to give a piece of all of my NIL deals to various initiatives. My main partner is the LA Food Bank. I grew up with friends with some growing up with food insecurity, and to be able to help children in the LA area who deal with some of those same issues that some of the people around me dealt with growing up, it’s a huge blessing.”

Now hold up!

Don’t sign that check just yet, Magic Johnson and Josh Harris. According to WUSA, that record-breaking $6.05 billion purchase may not be enough to become owners of the Washington Commanders. A last-minute offer has been put on the table to purchase the NFL club.

Someone is willing to pay $1 billion more for the team owners Dan and Tanya Snyder are selling. The owners of the Washington Commanders have an agreement to sell the NFL franchise once known as the Washington Redskins. If the league approves the sale, the new owners will be the group headed by Harris, including NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

WUSA reported that Bank of America, which is handling sale offers for the Snyders, was talking with at least one of the other bidders as recently as last Thursday, the day it was leaked that the sale was basically a done deal.

• News

by Iman Milner

April 17, 2023

Money Moves: NBA Player Terance Mann Invest In Slate Milk’s $10.5M Series A Round

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The days of professional athletes squandering the millions they earn seem to be a thing of the past. Today’s players have emerged as consummate businessmen who use their money in various ways, ensuring they’ll continue to earn top dollar long after their playing days. 

Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Terance Mann is making quite a name for himself in the world of investments. In an interview with “Black Tech Green Money’, hosted by Will Lucas, Mann opened up about what guides his interests outside of basketball and what he’s learned from other players. “When you’re walking around, moving around with agents, or within facilities, you can hear people talking about what [players] are doing off the court,” Mann said. “People are investing in different things, [and] people, you know, take life in through their social media.”

Recently, Mann joined the list of investors who’ve gotten behind the rapidly growing Slate Milk, an all-natural and lactose-free milk substitute that is planet-friendly. Earlier this year, he announced he joined the brand’s $10.5 million Series A fundraising round alongside former NBA player Duncan Robinson and W3 Sports founder Julian Aiken. Aiken has been particularly tapped into getting athletes involved with the metaverse; he and Mann are also partners at W3.

“Growing up, playing video games as much as I did, [the metaverse] really gave me that that type of feel, that almost Grand Theft Auto feel where people are creating their own stuff, having their own type of vibe on there, playing different sorts of games, winning tokens,” said Mann in an interview. “Exchanging real, you know, crypto money on there. Just the whole vibe really attracted me just from me being a gamer growing up.”

Mann is not alone in bridging the gap between reality and meta in the sports world, as players like Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tiger Woods have all started leveraging their expertise to tap into the Web3 market.

• News

by Iman Milner

April 17, 2023

Get Paid, Young Man!: Jalen Hurts Signs $255M Contract Extension, Becomes Highest-Paid NFL Player

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The Philadelphia Eagles just dropped major money to keep their star quarterback Jalen Hurts.

After leading his team to the Super Bowl last year, where the Kansas City Chiefs bested them, Hurts became one of the most coveted and celebrated NFL quarterbacks. Now, his team has made it clear they recognize his worth by giving him a $255M five-year contract extension, of which $179.3 million will be guaranteed.

Get paid!

With an average salary of $51 million, Hurts is now the highest-paid NFL player…ever. He also enters uncharted territory for the Eagles, as his deal marks the first time the team has had a no-trade clause with a player. This offseason was the first time the Texas native had the opportunity to sign an extension since the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2020 as the No.53 pick in the NFL draft. It’s hard to believe that Hurts, who has become a bonafide superstar in the league, was seen as a passing liability as recently as the start of the 2022 season. After Eagles GM traded for wide receiver A.J. Brown to join the offensive line with DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, Hurts shined just as expected, passing for 3,701 yards, 22 touchdowns with a 66.5 completion percentage.

And what’s more? Hurts is one of the few athletes in all of sports whose deals are done by a Black woman. Nicole Lynn, the president of Football Operations at Klutch Sports Group, made history last year when she became the first Black sports agent to represent a quarterback in the Super Bowl. Lynn’s now infamous tale of sliding into the DMs of Hurts to inquire about being his rep has been well-documented, and this latest move will, no doubt, result in her being one of the most sought-after agents in the game. “History everywhere. I feel like regardless of the perception of what it may seem to be with an African-American woman agent, I really saw something in her, and I feel like she’s a grinder — she’s going to go get it,” Hurts told Boardroom back in February from Super Bowl LVII’s official Opening Night event.

Well, if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go with a Black woman.

• Arts and Culture

by Iman Milner

April 17, 2023

Universal Music Group Is Requesting Streaming Services To Block Access To AI Companies

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Honestly, it was bound to happen.

Universal Music Group, one of the three largest music companies in the world, is calling in favors from streaming services to block access to AI companies as social media explodes with songs that emulate known artists. The request would cover all copyrighted content as concerns grow around the possibility of bots being trained to make music.