Colin Kaepernick Accuses White Adoptive Parents of Racist and Problematic Upbringing in New Memoir
Colin Kaepernick is continuing to reveal intimate secrets about his personal life.
Most recently, the former San Francisco 49er claimed his adoptive white parents, Rick and Teresa Kaepernick, were racist towards him while growing up. TMZ reported his mother allegedly told him his cornrows made him look like “a little thug.”
In his new graphic novel memoir, Change the Game, Kaepernick talks about the rocky relationship he had with his adoptive parents while growing up in California. Wearing cornrows to pay homage to his idol, NBA player, Allen Iverson, the 35-year-old talked about getting into fights over his hair with his mother, in a promotional interview with CBS News. He said those words played a big role on why he continued to sport them.
Now a father himself, Kaepernick wants to bring awareness to the problematic issues that can happen at home. “I know my parents loved me, but there were still very problematic things that I went through,” Kaepernick said. “I think it was important to show, ‘No, this can happen in your own home.’ And how do we move forward collectively while addressing the racism that is being perpetuated.”
The Washington Examinerreported that the memoir gave graphic details of Kaepernick’s glory days on the football field – from high school athletics to the NFL. He included depictions of arguments with his parents over their racism and the ideas they had for him, including his hairstyles.
Rocking an afro or cornrows at times, he noted the experience affected who he is today, saying it’s “why I have my hair long today.”
The former NFL quarterback has never been shy about calling out systemic issues. Having been absent from NFL rosters since 2016, Kaepernick was cut from the 49ers after taking a knee during the national anthem in protest, drawing national headlines and debate.
This week, A&E announced that a new series starring Cedric and Anderson will be coming to the network. The working title of the series is Kings of BBQ and it is slated to air for ten episodes. The two will bring their black-ish ways of barbequing to The Neighborhood, as the duo work hand in hand to start their barbeque brand, AC Barbeque.
“Anthony and I are very excited to take our audience into the savory, smokehouse-filled, finger-licking world of barbeque all across the United States,” Cedric The Entertainer said in a written statement. “In collaboration with A&E, we created the ‘Kings of BBQ’ series as a perfect way to share our new business venture, AC Barbeque, with all of you.”
The two friends will head out on a culinary journey to to perfect their brand, while finding the best techniques, flavors, and traditions for “mouthwatering barbeque across America.”
“I’m thrilled to partner with A&E on this series to honor the traditions and flavors of barbeque that have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Anderson. “The launch of AC Barbeque has been a lifelong dream for Cedric and I and we cannot wait to learn more about the craft and share our journey.”
The episodes of Kings of BBQ will follow the two comedians as they meet with barbeque chefs, pitmasters, and others who are experts in the field as they share their knowledge and secrets of the trade. Along the way, Cedric and Anderson will also be highlighting Black Excellence in the industry.
The pair is also serving as executive producers – Cedric The Entertainer and Eric C. Rhone for A Bird And A Bear Entertainment; and Anthony Anderson and E. Brian Dobbins for their company, Just a Kid From Compton.
KJ Rose Rocks the House Tapping Into the Power of Women at the Women of Power Summit
KJ Rose had Women of Power activated and tapped in with her lyrical power chants, contagious energy, and dance moves that undeniably set the tone for a transformative summit.
On Thursday, Mar 9, BLACK ENTERPRISE kicked off the highly anticipated 2023 Women of Power summit in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Resort & Casino. An array of powerful Black women and supportive Black men filled the room, fully empowered by a “human expresso shot” who understood her assignment.
Thanks to our sponsor Toyota, the summit’s first event Tapping into Your Personal Star Power, enlisted the incomparable Keanna “KJ Rose” Henson to show us exactly what it means to own every stage you walk in.
KJ Rose (Bri Ridley for Black Enterprise)
Per usual, Selena Hill, award-winning, multi-media journalist, and BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Deputy Digital Editor, brought her hosting prowess to the max as she introduced the guest of honor. KJ Rose is an artist development and performance director, and the author of “The Rose Effect: Eight Steps to Delivering The Performance of Your Life.”
Black Enterprise’s Deputy Digital Editor Selena Hill and powerhouse KJ Rose
“Find a song, a mantra, a chant that makes you feel invincible,” said KJ Rose who had just rocked the stage with an explosive and empowering rendition of Saweetie’s Tap In.
KJ Rose, affectionately known as “The Talent Whisperer,” rocked the house with a purpose. In under an hour, she had guests tapping into their core and unleashing inner powers both onstage and offstage.
Having worked with Clive Davis at J Records, KJ Rose is a change agent who brings a unique perspective to the entertainment industry. When she realized that her energy was part of her purpose, her trajectory has proved boundless. KJ Rose has performed with the likes of Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Janet Jackson. She has also coached an array of artists such as Lil Nas X, Saweetie, the Lumineers, Rubi Rose, Erica Campbell, Polo G, and others.
“My job is to give you a jolt of motivation that allows you to push beyond your perceived capacity,” KJ Rose challenged the crowd Thursday evening.
She added: “You have come to participate in a movement where there are no limits that is boundless. Wherever you occupy the most space, that is your stage. And imagine obliterating that stage.”
At some point, she reminded a hesitant crowd that they are all artists and creators in their own right.
(Bri Ridley for Black Enterprise)
KJ Rose shared a story about working with the Grammy-award winning rap legend Nasir “Nas” Jones for his first ever headlining show at The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden last month.
“My new mission statement is Nas said that I help to push the soul and spirit out of every performer, every artist. And that’s what I am here to do for you.”
In doing so, KJ Rose presented three necessary ways to help tap into your personal power. Her gems of wisdom urges you to stand upright, be fearless and ferocious. She emphasized just how valuable it is be aware that, “somebody’s win is connected to your more.”
Shift your position
“It’s time to shift your position from behind. Get infront of the win!”
Shift your perspectives
“No one’s story will look like yours. But I need you to start telling it in a way that it cannot be hijacked.”
“I need you to tell your story. That means you need to resolve the things that don’t hit really good for you. Resolve it, so by the time you tell it, you are not asking permission to tell it.”
Shift your energy
“When you don’t speak up, someone else loses. When you move tentatively, someone else loses. When you forget how dope and how necessary you are, your gift is, your existence is, someone loses.”
“I don’t want us to compromise our wins anymore.”
In closing, KJ Rose followed up with power mantras for the crowd to repeat:: Adjust your crown, adjust your attitude, adjust your core, adjust your strength, and adjust your heart.
Check out Adjust Your Crown, Activate Your Force (Power Chants) Volume 1 KJ Rose now. Available on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music.
Lincoln Presidential Foundation Announces Jim Reynolds Will Receive the 2023 Lincoln Leadership Prize
The Lincoln Presidential Foundation announced today that it will award its prestigious Lincoln Leadership Prize to Jim Reynolds, founder, chairman and CEO of Loop Capital, for his track record of mentorship, service, and philanthropy.
The Lincoln Leadership Prize, to be presented during a special, in-person dinner on June 14 at the Hilton Chicago (720 S Michigan Ave), is an annual award that recognizes notable individuals for a lifetime of exceptional service in the spirit of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. The award honors individuals who accept the responsibilities imposed by history and demanded by conscience, who show great strength of character and exhibit unwavering commitment to the defining principles of democracy.
A 30-year veteran of the financial services industry, Mr. Reynolds leads the largest minority-owned investment banking firm in the United States. He founded the firm in 1997 with a simple motto as a guide: “To provide client service beyond expectations.” This motto still serves as the driving force of the firm and has empowered Loop Capital to expand into corporate finance, global equity trading, taxable fixed income trading, tax-exempt fixed income trading, mergers and acquisitions, public finance, infrastructure investment and financial consulting. As Chairman and CEO, Mr. Reynolds spearheaded the accelerated growth and diversification of the firm, which, in addition to being the largest minority-owned investment firm is also one of the largest privately held investment banks in the United States. Prior to founding Loop Capital, Mr. Reynolds held senior-level positions at several global Wall Street firms.
Mr. Reynolds is also a passionate advocate of giving back to the community and has an impressive track record of corporate leadership and philanthropy. In particular, he is committed to addressing systemic inequality, advancing civil rights, and helping African Americans achieve success by disrupting the cycle of disparities in health, gun violence and education. Mr. Reynolds currently serves as Chairman of Boards for the Chicago Community Trust and Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). Additionally, he holds a Master’s of Management in Finance from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. Mr. Reynolds also serves as a Board Member of Kellogg Global Advisory Board, Hope Chicago Executive Leadership Advisory Board, World Business Chicago, Intersect Illinois, National Parks Conservation Association and the Chicago Urban League, as well as a member of the CFA Institute.
“Jim’s dedication to removing barriers and creating more opportunities for African Americans to achieve success exemplifies the same ideals President Lincoln championed,” said Foundation Board Chair Sergio ‘Satch’ Pecori. “His outstanding leadership and selfless dedication to supporting and inspiring future generations to ‘give back’ makes him an excellent recipient for this award.”
“I believe if you’re on this earth you’re supposed to help others, especially if you are fortunate to have some level of success,” said Jim Reynolds. “Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency embody that ideal, and it is an honor to join the illustrious group of Lincoln Leadership Prize recipients, each of whom strove to help mankind in their own way.”
“Recognizing compassionate leaders like Jim Reynolds with the Lincoln Leadership Prize is both an opportunity to celebrate his great work and a call to action for us all to continue what Lincoln referred to as the ‘unfinished work’ of freedom and democracy,” said Erin Carlson Mast, Lincoln Presidential Foundation’s CEO.
The Foundation has awarded the Lincoln Leadership Prize annually since 2006. Previous recipients include: 43rd President of the United States George W. Bush; Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair; Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson; Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin; Civil Rights Activists The Little Rock Nine; Filmmaker Steven Spielberg; 42nd President of the United States Bill Clinton; former Polish President Lech Walesa; Journalist Tim Russert; Astronaut James Lovell, Jr; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor; philanthropist David Rubenstein; award-winning actor and philanthropist Gary Sinise; and corporate leader Mellody Hobson.
The Lincoln Leadership Prize event is the primary fundraiser for the Lincoln Presidential Foundation. For more information about the Lincoln Leadership Prize, please visit www.lincolnpresidential.org
Ruff Ryders Planning DMX Tribute in New York City on Anniversary f his Death
April 9, will be the two-year anniversary of Mount Vernon, NY-bred DMX‘s passing. To celebrate his life, his management company, Ruff Ryders, has announced a tribute to the rapper.
An Instagram post from Ruff Ryders revealed plans for the rapper in his hometown. Information for the event will be posted at a later date. The event has been titled, “Fallen Soldier NYC 5 Borough Rideout” and it seemingly will take place throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
“Save the date!
“On April 9th please join the Ruff Ryders Family as we celebrate and remember our brother DMX and all our fallen Soilders [sic] with our NYC Ryde Out!
“Please bring all your family and friends for a day full of food, fun, games and music
More detailed information to come 🤞🏽🤞🏽”
DMX was hospitalized on April 2, 2021, following a reported heart attack and passed away less than a week later. After being admitted to the hospital, the rapper never regained consciousness and was reportedly on life support in a “vegetative state.” As confirmed by his family at the time, the rapper, who was 50, died at White Plains Hospital in New York.
The family made a statement that confirmed that DMX, real name Earl Simmons, had passed away.
“We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50 years old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days.”
DMX had an extensive battle with drug addiction, and the Yonkers emcee was open about his struggles. His drug use began at 14 when a supposed mentor introduced a young Simmons to crack cocaine.
“He passed the blunt around and… I hit the blunt,” DMX recounted in an interview with Complex. “I never felt like this before it f*cked me up. I later found out that he laced the blunt with crack… Why would you do that to a child? He was like 30 and he knew I looked up to him. Why would you do that to someone who looks up to you?”
Jasmine Crowe-Houston Puts Her Startup Goodr on the Road to Help Families in Need of Food
Jasmine Crowe-Houston’s startup is officially on the move.
After three years, the CEO finally cut the ribbon, opening Goodr, a new mobile truck with the mission to combat food insecurity in Georgia and elsewhere. Houston posted the touching ceremony on Twitter, rocking a vibrant green power suit to match her company’s logo.
Particularly rural ones, across the state of Georgia. Fully kitted with refrigerators, freezers, and shelving, families will enjoy an experience much like shopping for goods at a local grocery store. pic.twitter.com/pxHIeTgPHN
— Jasmine Crowe-Houston (@jasminecrowe) March 9, 2023
The 26-foot- long truck is fully equipped with refrigerators, freezers, and shelving. Houston tweeted that families will “enjoy an experience much like shopping for goods at a local grocery store” – all for free. Startups are nothing without support and the business owner isn’t afraid of the big name corporates who have her back and believe in the mission. “Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Amazon, Mailchimp, MARTA, Verizon, and Wellstar, Goodr will be able to target areas of Georgia where the need is greatest, from large metropolitan areas to smaller rural communities!,” Houston tweeted. “May we soon have a mobile unit in every state!”
— Jasmine Crowe-Houston (@jasminecrowe) March 8, 2023
Outside of partnership, Houston raised some serious capital to make her dream a reality. Atlanta Business Chroniclereported Goodr raised $8 million, possibly the largest investment for the company. They also received debt financing from Atlanta Emerging Markets, Inc., a community development entity, for $300,000.
Her initiatives have caught the eyes of Atlanta’s biggest and brightest stars. Rappers Lil’Baby and Gunna have partnered with Goodr for community events to show support.
No More Open Marriage? Mo’Nique Admits She ‘Grew Out of’ Open Marriage With Husband
Things are looking extremely good for the once “blacklisted” comedian, Mo’Nique.
Mo’Nique has been busy making movies and making moves – and in the process, she’s growing in more ways than one. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she admitted that she “grew out of” her open relationship with her husband and manager, Sidney Hicks.
It’s no secret that Mo’Nique and her husband had an open relationship. They even had a podcast specifically on the topic, Mo’Nique & Sidney’s Open Relationship, that was a weekly production. Just like the podcast, there’s no longer an open relationship. Just the two of them.
The couple stated that the open relationship was initially Mo’Nique’s idea. But that mindset on marriage has shifted to one of monogamy for the pair.
“Life began to happen,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
“I began to see a strength I had never seen before. He loved me at my worst. I didn’t want to sacrifice that just for a lay. So I grew out of that.”
Less than two weeks ago, the trailer was released for her next project, My Name Is Mo’Nique, a stand-up special set to premiere on Netflix on April 4. She also spoke about how her previous issue with the streaming giant was resolved.
“We sat down with our attorneys, they had their attorneys, you go to mediation, and we were able to come up with something that everybody was good with. I think when adults come together in the room and sit down and have a reasonable conversation and a logical conversation, you work things out.”
Mo’Nique’s problem with Netflix was well-documented. In 2017, Netflix offered her $500,000 to do a stand-up special. She was offended and felt that because she was a Black woman, she wasn’t offered the same amount as other comedians. She included Amy Schumer, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle as her examples.
Feeling that they did not try to negotiate in good faith, she sued Netflix in 2019. A federal judge agreed with her and the lawsuit was settled out of court in June 2022.
Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Finds a Home at Long Island’s Roosevelt Field Mall
Move over, Victoria’s Secret! Savage X Fenty is coming to town…well, to Long Island at least.
Newsdayreported the lingerie brand is setting up shop in Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY. Opening at the Simon Property Group this spring, the store will be 3,093 sq. ft., designed with a “dollhouse-like layout” that will draw customers with colorful lights and upbeat music, perfect for the vibrant brand. Fenty’s co-president, Christine Pendarvis, said it will be “hard for a customer to walk by without wanting to peek their heads in.”
Pendarvis said the store location is all about the customer. “While we sell product primarily online, we know that some customers prefer a tangible experience where they can touch and try on the product before purchase,” Pendarvis said.
“We want every customer that goes through the doors to feel represented.”
The brand became popular due to their inclusive sizes for all, ranging from sizes XXS-4X in all product categories. They’re even diverse in their selection – ranging from lingerie and sleepwear to menswear.
For those curious about what size they really are, the store will host a unique way to check. The company partnered with Fit:Match to launch Fit Xperience, a body scanning app powered by LiDAR that, according to Pendarvis, within seconds, can match customers with “the best-fitting Savage X styles based on their exact body shapes.”
This won’t be the first flagship store opening by the brand.
Last year, Vogueannounced five Savage Fenty stores will be opening across the country – located in Houston, Las Vegas, L.A., Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. A social media influencer’s dream, the stores use hangers made from compostable wheat byproducts and the entire store design, including the mannequin wall, is modular. “The entire store is highly Instagramable,” a Savage rep said. “We are so happy with the outcome and now I can’t wait for people to see it.”
Ex-NBA Star Shawn Kemp Arrested for Alleged Drive-By Shooting
Ex- NBA star Shawn Kempwas arrested for an alleged drive-by shooting.
According to ESPN, the former Seattle Supersonics forward got into an altercation with people in two vehicles parked near Tacoma Mall before shots were fired. No injuries were reported, according to the outlet.
The Associated Press reported that, as of Thursday, no charges had been filed, although Kemp was scheduled to appear in court that day.
In 2020, Kemp opened Seattle’s first Black-owned cannabis dispensary.
“My name is on this company and I have worked hard to bring Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis to fruition,” said Kemp. “I want to provide nothing short of the best selection, customer experience, and prices in Seattle. I have incredible partners in Matt Schoenlein and Ramsey Hamide to make sure we deliver on that promise to our customers, who are our top priority.
“I hope that Shawn Kemp’s Cannabis will be an inspiration for people to get involved with the legal cannabis industry, especially people of color.”
During an interview with The Washington Post, Kemp shared people’s perceptions of him.
“The perception of a guy on the basketball court dunking and yelling and screaming and having fun is that he’s probably a pretty mean guy,” he said. “But it’s just the opposite.”
“That sh*t made me grow up,” Kemp said to The Post. “It always amazes me how some people can look at something as being so bad when it could change a person’s life around and make life so much better for them. If it wasn’t for my kids, man, I’d have probably been reckless as hell. I would’ve really been one reckless-ass dude.”
Kemp garnered six NBA All-Star appearances and played 14 seasons in the league. He played eight with the Seattle SuperSonics, the team who selected him out of high school as the 17th overall pick in the 1989 draft. He also played in Cleveland, Portland, and Orlando.
Jonathan Majors Says Listening to Nipsey Hussle Was ‘Helpful’ When Preparing for ‘Creed III’ Role
Jonathan Majors is crediting the late rapper Nipsey Hussle as the main person he drew inspiration from when preparing for his role in Creed III.
Majors recently opened up about his preparation for portraying Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson in the latest installment of the Rocky franchise. With his character being an L.A. native, Majors decided to dig deep into Hussle’s and Tupac Shakur’s discographies for creative references.
“I listened to a lot of Tupac, Nipsey Hussle,” Majors toldSlashFilm. “All of Nipsey’s stuff was really helpful.”
“They’re from the same area, Dame and him, so that’s cool. There’s also dialect work, and so he’s rapping in his LA sound,’ he continued.
The Harder They Fall star noted the similarities between his Creed III character and Hussle’s real-life persona prior to his death in March 2019.
“The things [Hussle] is talking about are things that resonate with the world that Dame comes from, so that was very helpful,” Majors said.
The trained actor shared his method for using music as a reference for preparing for certain roles. When it came to Creed III, Majors curated playlists based on certain scenes he was filming.
“There’s other songs that come from your subconscious that touch you in a way that can align you,” he explained. “You write that song next to the top of the page or whatever, and there’s playlist upon playlist upon playlist. Those can curate it into ‘This is that scene’ or ‘This is that moment.’”
Creed III exceeded expectations with its opening weekend numbers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film that serves as Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut earned $58.5 domestically with $22 million made on its opening night.
The film is also doing well overseas, raking in $41.8 million from 75 cities with a total of $100.4 million globally. MGM boasts the third installment to the Creed franchise as the biggest sports film opening in history.
