• News

by Booker Jones

February 22, 2023

Washington is the Latest State to Attempt to Ban Toxic Substances in Hair Products

---

Several states have been trying to stop toxic chemicals inside of cosmetics from hitting shelves. Washington is the latest state to join this fight. 

A study, which was funded by the state, showed that toxic cosmetics could be troublesome for women of color, because women of color use cosmetics more than white women.

“Companies are adding preservatives like formaldehyde to cosmetics products,” Iris Deng, a researcher for the Washington State Department, wrote. “Lead and arsenic are different stories. They’re detected as contaminants.”

The authors of the research said, in Europe, products like CoverGirl foundation are banned. The report said that arsenic and lead exposure have been linked to damage of the brain and nervous system.

“When we find these chemicals in products applied directly to our bodies, we know people are being exposed,” Marissa Smith, Washington state’s senior toxicologist, wrote.

States such as Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont are poring over policies that would ban toxic chemicals in cosmetics and other personal care products.

The federal government has limited authority, which is why states are acting on this. “The FDA has had limited resources to pursue ingredient bans,” Melanie Benesh, president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group, said.   

Lynn Bergeson added the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act can regulate chemicals, but the FDA can only regulate color additives and chemicals in sunscreen. 

The state of Minnesota tests for mercury, hydroquinone, and steroids in skin-lightening products. In 2013, the state passed a law that banned formaldehyde in children’s products, such as lotions and bubble baths.

California passed the California Safe Cosmetics Act in 2005, which banned perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS. 

In 2021, Colorado also banned the chemical PFAS in makeup and other products.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 22, 2023

Michael B. Jordan is a Knockout with New Partnership with Ring Doorbell System

---

Michael B. Jordan is bringing his sultry voice to a doorbell near you.

People reported the Creed III star and director has partnered with smart doorbell system, Ring, with pre-recorded greetings as the title character. Customers can download the responses to play when guests ring their bell. Visitors will either be told the host isn’t available, on the way, or to leave a message.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ring (@ring)

Ring announced the partnership via Instagram, with Jordan starring in the video, in character, as Adonis. The doorbell allows homeowners to answer the door directly from their phone, tablet, or computer. It also sends alerts when motion is detected or when someone presses the doorbell, even at night, using infrared night vision. In the video, Jordan is training with future fighters, while being continuously interrupted but guests. As each guest rings the doorbell, a new phrase is heard. “Oh hey, yeah, they’re training with me, Adonis Creed,” Jordan says, “I said jab, jab, then uppercut! Just leave them a message.”

Named the “Sexist Man Alive” by People in 2020, Jordan is showing how open he is to stepping out of his acting comfort zone and tackling other things. Voicing a home monitoring system is a first for the actor.

The aspiring director has been deep in the campaign for the third installment of Creed, being released on Mar. 3, with fellow heartthrob, Jonathan Majors co-starring.

While he starred in the first two, this will be the first one he’s directed, something the 36-year-old said he’s excited about. “Directing has always been an aspiration, but the timing had to be right,” Jordan told The Hollywood Reporter. “This franchise and in particular the themes of Creed III are deeply personal to me.”

Appearing on the cover of Movie Maker Magazine, Jordan shared his excitement about the cameras used for this film. “Outside of IMAX cameras, my team came through with some custom stealth buildouts, like this ‘Fighter Mode’ RED V-Raptor with Panavision VL spherical lenses,” Jordan wrote on Instagram.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michael B. Jordan (@michaelbjordan)

“I know that don’t mean nothing to y’all but I had to geek out for a second.”

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 22, 2023

Serena and Venus Williams Producing Documentary on 1971 Women’s World Cup

---

The Williams sisters are once again teaming up with actor Will Smith.

According to Variety, Serena and her older sister, Venus, are collaborating with Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, and the couple’s Westbrook Studios for a sports documentary. The COPA 71 doc will be about the 1971 Women’s World Cup of soccer.

The Williams sisters are on board as the film’s executive producers, which will fall under Dogwoof and New Black Films production. The documentary will also be executive produced by Westbrook Studios.

“’ Copa 71’ tells the story of one of the most inspirational and significant moments in women’s sports history,” said Serena Williams in a written statement. “It’s an honor to partner with my sisters and Westbrook Studios to help bring this magical story to light, which has been buried for far too long.”

The project is currently in production and will reveal recently discovered archival footage of the 1971 Women’s World Cup. Soccer teams from around the world converged in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium to play against each other in front of more than 100,000 people. The 1971 Women’s World Cup was the last one until the official FIFA event 20 years later.

Venus Williams stated: “When I heard about the 1971 Women’s World Cup, I couldn’t believe this incredible story was erased from our history books. I’m excited to team with my sisters and Westbrook Studios to help elevate and empower fellow female athletes and their accomplishments, and to make sure these women have their voices heard through this inspiring documentary.”

The documentary is being co-directed by James Erskine (“Billie,” “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”) and Rachel Ramsay. Producing the film will be Victoria Gregory (“Maiden,” “Battle of the Sexes”) for New Black Films alongside Westbrook Studios’ Jannat Gargi (“Summer of Soul”) and Dogwoof’s Anna Godas (“Citizen Ashe”). Alex Holme,s on behalf of New Black Film,s is one of the executive producers along with Jon Mone on behalf of Westbrook Studios and Isha Price.

No date has been reported for the debut of the documentary.

Innocent Chukwuma has built a fortune by building West Africa’s biggest car manufacturing plant in Nigeria. 

With only $10 to his name, Chukwuma began to sell spare motorcycle parts, which enabled him to eventually sell motorcycles.  

During an interview with African Resource, Chukwuma said, “Then motorcycle was seen, as luxury because of the exorbitant prices. I was not happy with that because I know that I am not in business to satisfy myself. I want to render service and from the proceeds of my service make a living. So I began to think of a way to make the price of the motorcycle to become affordable for the teeming masses that needed them. It was in the process that I discovered that importers were the major reason why the price of motorcycles was very high.” 

Seeing the success in the motorcycle business, Chukwuma decided to go into the business of manufacturing motorcycles. With this, Chukwuma created a plastic company to make the plastic motorcycle parts. He also sold plastic chairs and tables. 

“The idea was to keep the plant producing at full capacity and today it has paid off because it has helped us to employ a lot of staff and millions of Nigerians are using our products which they are buying at giveaway prices. Even people from neighboring countries come to buy our plastic products,” he said to African Resource. 

He added, “Our vehicles are built with the state of the roads in the country in mind. We know that our roads are not good so we decided to make our vehicles rugged enough to withstand the shocks on the road. So our vehicles are more rugged than the imported ones because we are the ones that are wearing the shoes so we know where it is pinching us. Unlike vehicles that were manufactured for London or New York roads where roads are smooth.” 

There’s no free labor for this Hollywood comedian.

During a morning appearance on The Breakfast Club on Tuesday, actress and comedian Jess Hilarious exposed rapper and producer Master P for allegedly still owing her $15,000 from a previous project.

According to The Breakfast Club interview, she discussed her time working with the No Limit founder on the movie I Got The Hook-Up 2, which she claimed to have been on set for 13 hours, shooting two scenes. The comedian continued to reveal that she was only paid for one scene.

“That man will talk a good game to you, like even with me, I Got The Hook-Up, I’m still owed some bread for that, I’m not gonna lie to you,” she explained. “I did two scenes. He thought you used one scene, you don’t gotta pay for both of them. No, I stayed there 13 hours to do two scenes.”

https://twitter.com/breakfastclubam/status/1628028174662791168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1628028174662791168%7Ctwgr%5Ea02efb932d844655a3d40d5628ede2726ff77a6d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iheart.com%2Fcontent%2F2023-02-22-jess-hilarious-calls-out-master-p-and-says-he-owes-her-15000%2F

Jess Hilarious said the 2019 film was a combination of skits, sharing that she charged $15,000 for each one and only got paid for half of her work.

Master P entered the hot seat with Jess after his name was brought up in conversation regarding his podcast comment on his efforts to push a law preventing artists from negatively criticizing him and his business decisions.

In I Got The Hook-Up 2, which was released 20 years after the original, Jess Hilarious acts alongside celebrities that include Master P, the late A.J. Johnson, D.C. Young Fly, and others.

The comedian isn’t the only one who had unresolved differences with the producer.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Master P and his son Romeo Miller recently reconciled after publicly airing their family issues in a back-and-forth battle on social media last year. After sending condolences out for the death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, Miller was triggered because of his father’s lack of support towards his late daughter, Tytyana Miller.

NBA legend, George Gervin, told Ralph Lauren they are on thin ice for using things that don’t belong to them.

Sports Business Journal reported the fashion brand is being sued by Gervin for allegedly using his likeness without permission.

Filed in the Southern District of New York, the lawsuit stated the brand profited off his name with a sneaker named “Gervin Mid.” It also claimed the Ralph Lauren product has “violated Gervin’s right of publicity and the Lanham Act, federal legislation that bars false advertisement and trademark infringement.”

The 70-year-old, known as “The Iceman,” said he isn’t going to let any brand, big or small, tarnish his name. “I have worked hard throughout my career to build my name and reputation, and I will not allow any company to exploit it without my permission,” Gervin said, according to SBJ.

“I am taking legal action to protect my rights and ensure that consumers are not misled.”

This legal battle stems back to 2022, when a shoe, striking a close resemblance to the 1970s-era Blazers worn by Gervin, appeared on the brand’s website.

The suit claimed that Ralph Lauren released the sneaker without Gervin’s consent or an offer for compensation. According to another source, Lauren changed the shoe’s name to the “Ralph Lauren Mid,” but shoes were still being sold under the original name, despite cease and desist letters sent by Gervin’s attorney.

Spokespersons from Lauren claim the shoe name was simply a coincidence, claiming it was named by a French designer because it “sounded good.”

Gervin’s attorney, Michael Clohisy, said the lawsuit is about taking back control of the basketball player’s name. “George Gervin is suing Ralph Lauren to regain and control the commercial use of his name and likeness, as well as protect the next generation of athletes.” The San Antonio legend launched “I Own Me,” a startup company, for these reasons alone.

The company’s website states “IOWNME has created a new paradigm for individuals to manage digital assets, privacy, identity, and brand underpinned by digital identity and data rights ownership.” 

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 22, 2023

Jonathan Majors Responds to Criticism Over His ‘Beautiful Blackness’ Ebony Cover: ‘It’s Always Good to Make a Ruckus’

---

Jonathan Majors is unbothered by the criticism he received in response to his anime-inspired cover shoot for Ebony‘s February issue.

Majors was styled by Alexander-Julian Gibbson for the cover shoot, who drew inspiration from his favorite anime character, Donquixote Doflamingo from One Piece. The stylist showed some behind-the-scenes images from the photoshoot on Instagram to share how he came up with the stylish look.

“#BLACKWEEBS for the win! took inspiration for this look on #JonathanMajors from one of the flyest characters in #OnePiece,” Gibbson captioned his post. “He chewed 🤧”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alexander of Ọ̀nị̀chà (@alexanderjulian)

While the majority of the responses to the cover were positive, there was a small group of critics who found the cover to be emasculating, according to Hot New Hip Hop.

Majors recently hit the red carpet for the Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania premiere where he was asked about the cover shoot and the negative comments it received. The Harder They Fall star recalled being in another photo shoot when he started receiving an onslaught of notifications in response to the cover.

“I look [at my phone] and I go, ‘Oh no…oh yes!’” he said. “I think about the photo shoot and the folks that were there…all the wonderful folks and the culture.”

“It’s great, beautiful Blackness, art, cultural creativity, that’s what we’re about…It’s always good to make a ruckus. When it’s a positive ruckus, make the positive ruckus.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

Fans applauded Majors’ response to the critics and demanded to know what issue they had with the sex cover.

“WHAT BACKLASH?? Who TF has anything to say about that beautiful body on the cover of a magazine,” one fan wrote. “Ppl just be saying anything smh 😂😂😂”

• Celebrity News

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 22, 2023

‘Stereotypical’: Grocery Store Customers Outraged By Black History Display Promoting Snoop Dogg’s Wine

---

The Black History Month display at a supermarket in Georgia was called “stereotypical” by community leaders.

WSB-TV reports the display at a Kroger in Peachtree City, featuring Snoop Dogg’s popular 19 Crimes wine, was taken down after several customer complaints. The display was in full view upon entrance near the produce section. Johnnie Jones, customer and former NAACP chapter president, called this display “offensive” and has nothing to do with Black History. “Proud of drinking wine? No,” Jones said. “We’re proud of the Tuskegee Airmen whose shoulders I stand on.”

Allegedly, a life-size cut out of the west coast rapper was seen with a table hosting his wine label as well as Black Girl Magic wine.

Some customers say selling wine has nothing to do with celebrating Black History Month. https://t.co/fdC3KNnqw0

— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) February 17, 2023

Next to the display was a board reading, “Celebrating Black History Month, ” with a clenched fist accompanied with phrases like “Dream Like Martin” and “Say it loud, ‘I’m Black and I’m proud.” Jones said.

Others said trailblazers who could have been highlighted, include Atlanta’s first Black Mayor, Maynard Jackson, or Ed Johnson, the first Black Mayor of Fayetteville.

“We need to be thirsty for knowledge,” Jones said.”I just felt it was offensive.”

Other customers disagree, feeling it’s not that serious. Pam Lewis told WSB-TV there is nothing wrong with it.

“I didn’t think there was anything wrong with showing a display of Snoop,” Lewis explained. “I mean, if you want to drink wine whether it’s Black History Month or not it shouldn’t really make any difference.”

Twitter users added to the conversation saying it’s not that deep.

A black man having his own wine brand in a nationwide supermarket chain is offensive? 🤔 60 years ago if a black man had his own wine brand he’d probably get spit on trying to put it in stores

— BasedWolf (@RichFontaineATL) February 21, 2023

The grocery giant did make a statement, apologizing if the display caused any harm. “Kroger is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in all we do,” the statement read. “Our intentions are never meant to be offensive.”

Season 3 of “Beat Loves Judy” has been announced just on the heels of Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart announcing their pregnancy.

While the happy married couple is expecting their first child together, the new season follows their emotional fertility journey to welcome a child into their already busy lives, ET reports. Viewers will get an inside look into Brat and Judy preparing to expand their blended family while juggling their demanding careers, combining their business empires, and dealing with family matters.

A sneak peek shows Da Brat’s emotional reaction to Judy’s health scare after her wife underwent an egg retrieval as part of their journey to conceive a child. It was after successfully retrieving 19 eggs, that Judy started to experience shortness of breath and saw her stomach swell in size “as if she was pregnant,” Brat said.

“They said it might be a hyperstimulation of the ovaries,” Judy said from the hospital bed.

Judy learned she had blood clots in her lungs which resulted in her heartbeat speeding up on one side and an enlarged heart. Judy was hospitalized for some time as she saw a series of doctors including a cardiologist, a hematologist, and an oncologist.

“I’m fine now,” Judy said. But Brat still broke down in tears over the emotional toll the health scare took on her.

“But you…,” Da Brat said before more tears started to fall. Judy also started to tear up.

“Don’t do that,” Judy said while trying to maintain her composure.

Brat opened up about the rocky road she and Judy traveled to conceive their child.

“It’s been quite a journey,” Da Brat told People. “there’s a lot of stuff we learned about women over the age of 40.”

The couple also experienced a miscarriage before successfully conceiving the child Brat is currently carrying.

“I had never been so excited about something that I didn’t even know I wanted,” Da Brat said. “I fell in love with the idea and then it was all snatched away from me.”

“Brat Loves Judy” premieres on WeTV Thursday, April 27 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.