A$AP Rocky, Rihanna
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 22, 2023

Rihanna Holds Her Baby Bump During Dinner Celebrating 35th Birthday with A$AP Rocky

Rihanna’s maternity fashion is back in full effect as the Bajan superstar steps out in wake of announcing her and A$AP Rocky’s second pregnancy.

The “Diamonds” singer celebrated her 35th birthday on Monday by enjoying an Italian dinner with Rocky at Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica, California, People reports. Rihanna had nothing to hide now that the pregnancy has been announced and wore a form-fitting white dress that showed off her baby bump.

She paired the low-cut dress with a shiny black overcoat, a pair of silver strappy heels, and a white furry purse. Rih also sported an ankle bracelet with a series of the letter “R” dangling around.

Rihanna sweetly cradled her baby bump while photographers snapped photos of her and A$AP Rocky entering the Italian restaurant. The night out was the first time the couple has been spotted in wake of the pop star announcing her pregnancy while performing at the Super Bowl halftime show last Sunday.

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They dined at the same restaurant three nights before with Rihanna going for a more casual look paired with a fur coat.

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The “Umbrella” singer and Rocky, real name Rakim Mayers, welcomed their son last May. They have released photos and a TikTok video of their baby boy, but have yet to reveal his name.

Insiders say Rihanna’s central focus is on raising her son and preparing for the new baby.

“The main focus right now is on her family,” a source said. “She loves spending time with her son.”

“She loves being a mom so this is where her mind is at the moment,” the insider continued. “She is the happiest she has ever been.”

It’s also been said that Rihanna doesn’t plan on stopping after welcoming baby number two.

According to the source, Rihanna “wants several kids and is happy that her son will have a sibling come summer.”

“She loves parenting with Rakim. They are great together,” the insider added.

by Stacy Jackson

February 22, 2023

Diamond White Becomes First Black Teen Superheroine in Marvel’s ‘Moon Girl’

Moon Girl is representing Black girl magic.

The Bold and the Beautiful actress Diamond White has become the first Black teen superheroine in her new role on the Disney+ series Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur.

According to People, the 24-year-old made her debut as Moon Girl, also known as Lunella Lafayette, when the series released earlier this month.

“It’s really cool,” White said. “I think that you have to show representation to younger kids.”

Reportedly, the network described Moon Girl as one of the most brilliant characters in the Marvel universe. “With her superpower of pure intellect and the real-life power of STEM, she uses her smarts combined with determination and confidence to protect her beloved Lower East Side neighborhood from danger,” the network shared.

White’s mission for her role is to amplify the idea of girls embracing both beauty and brains.

 

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“It’s cool to be smart. I wish I had a show like this growing up, because then maybe I would’ve been a little bit smarter,” White said. “It’s really an all inclusive show. It’s really beautiful.”

“It teaches you a lot about quantum physics. You learn about science and stuff, but not only does she do a lot of science-y things, she also is just a 13-year-old Black girl growing up,” she added.

White, a previous contestant on X Factor, said seeing a Black superheroine like her character would have made life a little easier. She recalled the perm episode that focused on the storyline of perms ruining Black girls’ hair, which is their crown.

“The ‘hair today, gone tomorrow.’ I would’ve loved to have seen a Black character getting her first perm, because that’s what I went through growing up. Maybe it would’ve deterred me from getting my first perm,” she said.

“Disney trusts me to make the right choices with her,” White said, adding that she makes sure to bring her authentic self to the Moon Girl character.

White’s character is based on the comic book Moon Girl. Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is streaming now on Disney+ and has already been renewed for season 2.

racial slurs, Atlanta
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 22, 2023

‘To My Favorite Cotton Picker’: California Elementary Student Receives Racist Card During Black History Month

A school district in California is in an uproar after an elementary school class drew highly racist cards for their Black classmates.

KTLA 5 reported a sixth grader at Pepper Tree Elementary School received cards with drawings that raised concerns.

One card read, “You’re my favorite monkey,” while another said, “To my favorite cotton picker.”

Maylana Douglas, mother of the student in question, said the cards are disturbing. “They said that they were going to give her a drawing that specifically said, ‘You’re my favorite slave,’” Douglas told the outlet.

“And they were going to show her as a slave hanging from a tree.”

Douglas said his child claims to have been offered massages and back rubs from a group of girls at school, as well. “It’s your month, you’re entitled to back rubs,” the girls told the Douglas’ daughter. “And apparently, someone told her, well, maybe only half the month because you’re only half Black.”

Douglas and her husband, Rome Douglas, have since pulled their child from the school due to ongoing harassment. With three children in total attending the school, they are shocked the Upland Unified School District hasn’t done much. The child’s grandparent, Earlie Douglas, posted the images on Facebook in a viral post, to grow awareness.

After the images were made public, The Daily Beast reported the district released an apologetic video featuring district board president, Truman Garnett, to discuss the values of the district.

“Recent racially insensitive, unacceptable incidents have taken place in our schools. We deeply regret the hurt that this behavior has caused our students, families, and our community,” Garnett said. “I want to make it perfectly clear that we have a strict zero-tolerance policy on any type of hate speech; harassment; discriminatory practices, behaviors; racial slurs; and any report of these actions will be investigated thoroughly and immediately.”

With the comments turned off, Lynn Carmen, district superintendent, said she was heartbroken over the incident. “We understand that learning is hindered if students don’t feel safe,” Carmen said. “We must teach students how their actions have the ability to deeply affect those around them.”

Even though Garnett said the district would take “disciplinary action without hesitation” in the video, according to KTLA, when asked if the student who created the racist images would be disciplined, the district claimed privacy laws don’t allow them to make that information public.

 

 

by Stacy Jackson

February 22, 2023

CurlCap Becomes First Black-owned Apparel Company with Authorized Disney Merchandise

Black-owned businesses are dropping their creative magic at Disney.

Disney is collaborating with Black-owned businesses to create new merchandise for fans.

According to WESH, the partnership features new apparel, beauty items, food and beverage products, and toys.

CurlCap Founder, Brittney Sade, is one of the Black businesses partnering with Disney on the merchandise.

 

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According to the CurlCap’s Instagram, Sade made history “as the first black owned apparel company to have their own authorized Disney merchandise.”

“Those who may not have been reflected always in the products or the films and so on, it’s wonderful to have a mirror, have an example to showcase something you can be, something you maybe didn’t even dream of,” Michelle Stepney, a representative from Disney’s consumer products team said.

Stepney said working with brands like Sade’s, which was inspired by an experience with psoriasis causing Sade to start over in her hair journey, can be life-changing. Sade made a sample of her caps that were made with natural hair in mind.

Disney took notice of Sade’s satin-lined, backless CurlCaps, and picked up the product.

“When they reached out, it was like the magic of Disney was all over my life and … a full-circle moment,” Sade said. “This relationship, this collaboration, it’s been beautiful.”

Over 100,000 Disney-themed CurlCaps have been sold.

“Representation is what helps to empower people. This is what encourages children to be brave to step out and say, ‘I might be different, but this is acceptable. I’m still loved.’ Coming on with minimal experience and shining, getting the attention of Disney, has been absolutely magical,” Sade said.

Disney has also partnered with other Black-owned businesses that include sports fashion brand Actively Black, BLK & Bold coffee, and Young King Hair Care. Additionally, a re-designed line of Disney’s classic princess dolls launched in collaboration with CreativeSoul Photography.

Disney fans can expect more partnerships to produce new fan favorites, including merchandise set to release in May, for the new Little Mermaid live-action film, starring singer and actress Halle Bailey.

 

Black bank, Milwaukee, Redemption, West Coast
by Jeffrey McKinney

February 22, 2023

New Black Bank in Ohio Moves Closer to Public Debut After Raising $24.5 Million in Capital

 Marking a major breakthrough, Adelphi Bank intends to soon make its public debut.

It will be the sole Black-owned bank in Columbus, Ohio’s largest city and capital, and the only one of its type statewide. A minority depository institution, the business has gained approvals to open from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp and Ohio Department of Financial Institutions.

Adelphi Bank Chairman and CEO Jordan Miller told BLACK ENTERPRISE that the total capital raised was $24.5 million from individuals and companies in Central Ohio. He added that the bank will be located on the Near East side of Columbus in a historic Black neighborhood called Bronzeville.

Banks generally must gain $10 million to $30 million in starting capital to launch, research shows.

The funding can be raised through several means, including seeking backing from investors. New banks are required to show they have enough funds to cover risks like unforeseen losses and support growth.

Miller said the bank is aiming to open to the public by mid-April. Adelphia Bank’s arrival will counter an extended trend of Black banks closing in the past several years. FDIC data showed 20 Black banks in America as of the third quarter of 2022. That is down from a sizable 48 in 2001. Among its functions, the FDIC monitors the insured minority depository institutions it oversees.

Miller said the bank will offer a full plate of consumer and commercial products. More on the bank’s products, leadership, and other details can be found here. Miller is coming out of retirement to run the bank, after previously serving as a regional president at Fifth Third Bank.

Adelphi Bank’s board includes Miller; former Columbus mayor Michael Coleman; and Kevin Boyce, a Franklin County Commissioner, former Ohio Treasurer, and an investment banker.

Black-owned banks have typically opened in their communities to target individuals and small businesses that have not been pinpointed by larger mainstream banks. Black banks have also pursued Blacks who have historically not been inclined to open accounts or borrow from traditional larger banks.

Moreover, banking services are crucial, including in the Black community. This report revealed roughly 40% of Black adults are underbanked or underbanked. That is by far the highest percentage among racial groups analyzed for those categories.

Miller reflected on a lot of challenges in starting up the bank. They included putting together a team of experienced bankers and board members. Others were completing the application process with the FDIC, Ohio Department of Financial Institutions, and raising the capital.  Another hurdle was working with numerous vendors and getting the bank’s technology and systems installed.

“Patience was critical. Nothing moves fast. The focus was on doing it right versus just getting it done.”

So, how does Adelphi Bank hope to build wealth for Black individuals and entrepreneurs? Miller says the bank will use a pre-application process to work with the community.

“This pre-application support and help is missing in most of the larger banking systems when it comes to understanding and supporting black businesses and black families,” he said. “Taking the time to get to know the business and individual is the first step in helping them gain access to capital and begin the road to building wealth. Our goal is to get to yes. The answer is not ‘no’ but ‘how.'”

by Booker Jones

February 22, 2023

Florida Teacher Placed on Administrative Leave After White Students Act as Servants to Black Students

An Orange County, Florida, teacher has been placed on administrative leave after TikTok videos revealed him confiscating books from students and showing white students acting as servants to Black students.

According to WESH 2, Ethan Hooper, a sixth-grade language arts teacher at Howard Middle School, decided to mock Florida’s book ban.

One video shows Hooper confiscating a Harry Potter book and other books such as Crossover, Class Act, and The Hate You Give. Hooper goes a step further. After confiscating dictionaries from the students, he has them repeat that reading is bad.

Another video shows Hooper’s white students acting as servants to his Black students. However, none of this sat well with school officials. 

Orange County school district accused Hooper of using students as political pawns, WESH reports.

“We all agreed to do it,” said Jaida Jackson, one of the students in the video, to WESH. “He really didn’t do anything wrong.”

Jackson added that neither she nor her classmates support Hooper’s administrative leave.

“He’s one of my favorite teachers. He’s probably the best,” Jackson said.

Jackson’s mother, Shauna Thompson, doesn’t support the school district’s decision. Thompson liked that the students were in discourse about a current issue.

“The fact that students really devised the content specifically means that it’s something that matters to them. And to say that they were used as pawns is false,” Thompson said.

Thompson, who is a former educator, added: “A lot of [the students] are feeling guilt because when you love somebody, you want to protect them, and they’re so young, they don’t understand what’s happening. Why are adults coming for our favorite teacher?”

Hooper is drawing support from one mother who sent a statement saying Hooper did nothing wrong, adding that her daughter was in tears because her favorite teacher was being disciplined.

But not everyone agrees with Hooper’s teaching methods. 

One Twitter user said this was racist and pathetic.

Another user added: Not to mention, these teachers are putting other people’s children online for anyone to see. I doubt these teachers sent permission slips home asking the parents if they can put their children’s faces on their personal TikTok page.” 

Orange County Public Schools sent a statement to WESH: “Orange County Public Schools will not tolerate the use of our children as political pawns by anyone, including a classroom teacher. Any employee who creates videos or other content with students in an effort to exploit them for political purposes will be immediately removed from the classroom, placed on administrative leave, and swift action will be taken to terminate employment.”

“I am appalled at the behavior and judgment of the teacher who posted the inappropriate videos using his students as political props,” superintendent Maria Vazquez said in a statement. “This is not free speech — it is the exploitation of our students for political purposes, and it will not be tolerated in our school district.”

The uproar comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis rejected AP African American Studies courses and his signing of the Stop WOKE Act, which limits how race and gender can be taught in classrooms. 

 

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 22, 2023

Watch Al Roker and Craig Melvin’s Hilarious Response to ‘Today Show’ Co-Hosts’ Laundry Habits

A hilarious debate sparked over laundry during an early morning segment of NBC’s The Today Show.

Hosts Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer were discussing appropriate laundry habits on Feb. 20 when Roker asked “How often do you wear your clothes before washing?” and things took off from there.

With a facial expression liable to make viewers spit their coffee out, Melvin was the first to respond with, “What do you mean how often?”

It was time for the ladies to interject, as Jones alluded to the fact that she wears jeans multiple times. Melvin continued by mentioning that wearing jeans multiple times is a little different than what Roker was referring to. When Roker moved on to pajamas, Dreyer claimed she wears her pjs three times in a row because she showers at night. Once again, Melvin reacted in the most comical fashion.

“Three nights?!,” Melvin shouted. Roker, agreeing with disgust, made a face. Melvin questioned Dreyer’s methods of being clean and putting on dirty clothes afterwards. “There’s dead skin cells…”

Roker put on his medical hat, stating that the average person perspires a cup of sweat every night. Healthline.com says it’s not uncommon to sweat at night. Your environment, like room temperature and the number of blankets you sleep under, can determine the amount of sweat produced.

The debate went further after Jones confessed to being so tired at times that she falls asleep in her clothes. “You know that’s nasty?” Melvin joked. Being the news icon that he is, Roker decided to wrap the conversation up before things got out of hand. “The rule is anything that comes in contact with your skin, remove them,” Roker suggested. “Man, you think you know people and you start talking to them about stuff,” Melvin shockingly responded. “Y’all are just…ugh.”

He wasn’t alone in his thoughts. Several fans of the show agreed with the 43-year-old’s hilarious concerns for his coworkers. One Twitter user responded to the fact it’s normal to be “grossed out” by coworkers.

Another fan tweeted simply, “I’m with Craig.”

Will Smith, Jada Smith, Charity
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 22, 2023

Will Smith Makes Light of Oscar Incident with TikTok Video

We are closing in on the one-year anniversary of Will Smith winning his first Oscar. However, before that moment took place, the most infamous, publicly-televised face slap occurred.

In a light-hearted TikTok video, Smith actually brings that fateful incident up, but not in a way that you would expect.

In the video, that has now gone viral, Smith is in the frame beside a young woman who had previously posted a video of an exercise that she says “sounds insane” but would change your life. Her video is captioned, “An absolutely UNHINGED exercise.”

As she expressed what the exercise will do, Smith looked intently into the camera.

She said, “It sounds insane, but it will change your life. And by change your life, I mean it will make your life so much more interesting and fun.” She then said, “Did you know that you can pick any object, look at it, and ask it what it thinks of you?

“So, for example, you can pick up a pen and ask it how it sees you or what it thinks of you, and you will get an answer in your mind from your intuition.”

The next frame showed only Smith as he reached for an object that was not in the camera’s view. As he brought his arm back, it’s revealed to be the Oscar he won at last year’s Academy Awards. As he brought it into view, he showed a perplexed look as he seemingly thinks of actually asking the trophy what it thinks of him.

@willsmith #duet with @missmoneyworking ♬ original sound – Will Smith

At last year’s Academy Awards presentation, comedian Chris Rock, while on stage at the Oscar presentation, had jokingly referred to Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was sporting a bald head, as G.I. Jane (Demi Moore starred in the movie and shaved her head for the role).

Initially, it looked as if Smith was ok with the joke, but, it affected him so much that he got up from his seat and approached Rock on stage. As Smith got closer, he smacked Rock in the face, stunning the comedian.

For that action, Smith earned himself a 10-year ban from the Academy Awards.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 22, 2023

Former NBA Player, Trevor Ariza Turns In Guns After Wife Was Granted Temporary Restraining Order

Former NBA player Trevor Ariza, who last played for the Los Angeles Lakers, has been accused of abusing his estranged wife. Due to the accusation, Ariza had to turn over his guns to the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to Radar Online, the former basketball player was required to turn his weapons over to the LAPD pending the outcome of the restraining order his wife, Bree Anderson, filed against him. The media outlet obtained court papers documenting that the 37-year-old surrendered four guns: two Glocks and two AR-15s.

Earlier this month, Anderson went to court after accusing Ariza of being abusive toward her during their marriage and shared pictures of the alleged abuse. She asked the court for protection, stating that she feared for her safety after filing paperwork asking for a divorce.

She said that the former NBA journeyman “engaged in acts of extreme physical abuse towards me.”

She also stated that, during their marriage, “He was verbally and emotionally abusive to me. Some of the abuse occurred in the presence of our children.”

Anderson mentioned that she is financially dependent on Ariza.

After filing for divorce, Anderson had hoped that it would have calmed Ariza down, but it seems that things have gotten worse. Anderson claims that Ariza often appears at the house without announcing himself and by letting himself in.

The couple has been married for four years.

Last September, Anderson filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The paperwork was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. She’s asking for primary physical and legal custody of the couple’s two children while asking that Ariza receive visitation.

In her petition, she is also requesting $250,000 to go toward paying for her divorce lawyers. She also seeks temporary child and spousal support.

The judge granted Anderson’s request for a temporary restraining order, which prohibits Ariza from coming within 100 yards. The court set a March 8 hearing to determine if a permanent restraining order will be granted, according to Radar Online.

by Stacy Jackson

February 22, 2023

‘Bernie Mac Show’ Former Child Stars Receive Backlash for Joining OnlyFans

Social media users are minding grown women’s business again.

The social media trolls are coming after former child stars Camille Winbush and Dee Dee Davis of The Bernie Mac Show after learning of their participation on the adult platform OnlyFans.

According to the Neighborhood Talk, photos of Winbush and Davis were leaked on social media of the the two showing a little more skin than their fans were used to seeing from them, causing mixed reactions.

“NOT BABY GIRL!!!!!,” one user commented about Davis using the platform.

“Can’t be mad that people expected more of y’all … but whenever I guess it just shows that celebrities aren’t so different than the average chick around the corner,” another wrote.

Other fans understood the separation between their child roles and present stage as grown women.

“I think people get their characters confused with the fact that they are grown. It’s their lives,” a user commented.

“Leave them grown women alone !!! The only way you know they are on there is if you on there too 🤣🤣🤣,” another chimed in.

Winbush took to her Twitter to clap back at the haters minding her business.

“The trolls are hungry again so here’s some food for thought- I’ve never been arrested, never been on drugs, don’t have any baby daddies,” she tweeted. “I pay all my taxes, I drink water and mind the business that pays me.”

“If the most scandalous thing strangers can say about me is that I took some sexy pics as an adult and made a couple mil in less than 2yrs, I think I’m doing alright as a human in today’s society,” she wrote.

While the show aired, Winbush, who is now 33 years old, played the role of Vanessa, Mac’s elder niece, while Davis, who is 26, played Bryana “Baby Girl” Thomkins, Mac’s younger niece and youngest child who was a half-sister to Vanessa.

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