Amy Robach Exits ABC With Bigger Settlement Than T.J. Holmes
T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach have received their exit setlements from ABC following their affair scandal.
Robach is walking away as the breadwinner when it comes to the severance packages, Page Sixreported. Insiders say Robach received a higher settlement than Holmes because of her longer tenure with the network.
“Amy’s been at ABC a lot longer and has a much bigger contract [than T.J.],” sources said.
Robach joined ABC in 2012; Holmes followed two years later. Robach also produced more work for the network by co-hosting GMA3 with Holmes and appearing on 20/20 in a role sources say she “worked really hard to get.”
Insiders speculate Holmes and Robach’s settlements were just the remainder of what they would’ve gotten paid from their contract, but “it’s possible they could have gotten paid slightly more to sign an NDA—and to keep the peace,” a source explained.
Meanwhile, the happy couple is “back in New York, laying low,” after showcasing their budding romance in Los Angeles. Their settlements come after ABC officially cut ties with the former GMA3 anchors last month following a mediation session, TMZ reported.
Despite losing their jobs and marriages over their affair, sources claim Holmes and Robach are “more in love than ever,” according to the Daily Mail.
Holmes was recently spotted in New York buying a $650 David Yurman ring and a Tiffany gold chain for Robach’s 50th birthday.
“It’s kind of proof of how committed they are to each other that they’ve weathered this s**tstorm after their secret love affair was exposed, they were suspended from GMA3 and then waited for agonizing weeks as ABC kept them in limbo about their future,” a source said.
“But don’t forget that T.J. and Amy were friends long before they were lovers. Their relationship began with an awfully strong bond that—to this point—has only become, well, more.”
Super Bowl Bets Range Over $16 Billion Thanks To Legal Sports Gambling
Sports fans are overly excited about one of the biggest games of the year happening on Sunday, one group of fans in particular.
Sports betters. This year’s Super Bowl will feature the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles and KBMC News reports over $16 billion is expected to be wagered on the the big game in Glendale, Arizona, where sports gambling is legal for the first time. Predictions from the American Gaming Association expects 50.4 million Americans to have at least one bet this year.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller made a statement, according to KBMC News, saying he feels the Super Bowl highlights the benefits of the habit. “Every year, the Super Bowl serves to highlight the benefits of legal sports betting,” Miller said. “Bettors are transitioning to the protections of the regulated market, leagues and sports media are seeing increased engagement, and legal operators are driving needed tax revenue to states across the country.”
With this year’s prediction almost doubling last year’s, more states are cashing in on bets. Thirty-three states, including Washington, D.C. have legal betting. According to Axios, Arizona is No. 10 in reported accepted wagers. New Jersey comes in at No. 1 with over $33 billion, and the gambling capital of the world, Nevada, holds the second place title with $29.5 billion. Eagles fans can get in on the fun, too, as Pennsylvania came in third place with $18.9 billion.
The fun stops for Chiefs fans as betting in the Show Me state. Fans will have to travel to the neighboring state of Kansas just to bet on their favorite team. Missouri is one of eight states to submit bills and legislature hoping to make sports gambling legal. Besides Missouri, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and mega sports state, Texas, have yet to jump on the betting bandwagon.
The Premier Black-Owned ETF ‘LETB’ Powered By AI Technology Marks 1 Year Trading Anniversary and Ignites Generational Stock Investing
Let Bob AI Momentum ETF (Ticker: LETB), the only Black-owned and AI Technology powered ETF, marks its 1-Year trading anniversary today, and moves forward into its second year of removing barriers that have discouraged Black potential investors from widespread stock market investing. As one of two industry-changing proprietary offerings of the also Black-owned and operated, Let Bob Technologies company, LETB has the rare distinction of being a black-owned ETF investment vehicle—one of only 4 in the in US—and it is the first to be powered by AI. The AI’s proprietary analysis capabilities results in detailed stock analysis, is a reliable monitor of overall market conditions and can track specific vestment strategies, and more. Let Bob Technologies’ proprietary AI offerings also powers their Robo Advisory App which is an industry leader in removing the guess work and emotion from investment decisions. This allows all of their technologies to assist investors in targeting their best trading selections. Let Bob’s ETF is a historic investment vehicle in that it is Black-led, Black-owned and its AI power that is at the heart of its success, was conceived by the Let Bob Technologies CEO and Founder, a former technology engineer. The company is based in Birmingham, Alabama.
“We’re excited about our ETF’s anniversary and the historic significance of our positive movements forward in the investing world. Being that we are Black-owned and have created a leading technology powered investing tool, that any investor can benefit from, is somewhat unbelievable,” said Anthony Buchanan, Founder and CEO of Let Bob Technologies. “The fact that the efficiency of our technology results in our being able to now lead the way in closing the racial wealth gap, as more Black investors begin to trade, will absolutely move Black communities forward, to improve overall financially, and more quickly,”.
Let Bob Technologies provides a comprehensive investing technology tool, that tracks the most ideal choices for investors and creates a solid path toward financial independence and growth for seasoned and new investors, who are seeking wise investment opportunities. The company wants to normalize generational investing and generational wealth building for Blacks and has demonstrated in its historic first year, how Let Bob Technologies’ AI powered offering has created an environment for more consistent and rapid investing.
“As very few Black-owned companies are presently in the financial investment space, we’re ready to advance the financial investing behaviors of current and future Black stock market investors and to provide technology to all investors in the US and internationally. This is the time to consider tapping into the power of our powerful and rare AI technology trading solution,” CEO Buchanan shared. “The fact that we can share this invitation to take a closer look at us, on our ETF’s 1-year anniversary, is a gift. Just still being here and thriving is a gift we hope to continue giving to the industry, and a gift we want to continue receiving, as the numbers of our investors and overall supporters grow.”
Let Bob Technologies is in a rare position to lead a movement of Black investors who are ready to more intimately explore stock market investing but may be uncertain of where to begin or who are indecisive about with whom to invest. You can learn more about the Let Bob Technologies ETF (LETB) at: https://advisorshares.com/etfs/letb/
Black Love Struck by Cupid: Valentine’s Day Gifts Ideas from 10 Black-Owned Brands
This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re on bended knee or serenading your loved one with a timeless love classic, we’ve got you covered.
This curated list of Valentine’s Day gift ideas is essential to finding the perfect something for that special person in your life this year. From luxurious tuxedo jackets to delicious desserts, these Black-owned brands are doused and empowered by Black love.
Lobos 1707
Lobos 1707 (Reserve Bar)
Founded in 2018, Lobos 1707 was launched in 2020 by founder and Chief Creative Officer Diego Osorio alongside CEO Dia Simms and LeBron James. Last year, BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s 40 Under 40 Gala was lit off this brand of authentic tequila and Mexican culture. There should be no exception this upcoming Valentine’s Day with a gift to your favorite tequila drinker.
Price range: $49–$159 (gift cards available for up to $300)
Check out all of their products at Lobos 1707. Products are shipped through Reserve Bar.
Multi-talented artist and entrepreneur, Rebecca Crews, launched her very own clothing line in 2021. Pamper your loved ones with these black and white Diana jackets, suited for powerful and feminine women everywhere who want to look and feel their best.
Caliente Man Body/Beard Bundle (Pooka Pure and Simple)
Dawn Fitch, author, speaker, and the founder and CEO of Pooka Pure and Simple, built a handmade bath and body company, boasting the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for your partner.
Their Caliente Man Body/Beard Bundle contains a body oil packed with essential oils, body butter that will leave your man feeling powerful and aligned, natural oil perfume with notes of patchouli and black pepper, and beard grooming oil for nourishment.
Boasting mind-blowing chocolate gifts, South-Bronx-based artisan “bean to bar” chocolate manufacturer Sol Cacao crafts single origin chocolate bars sourced from the country it’s name after. Founded by three brothers, Dominic, Nicholas, and Daniel Maloney, the company’s collection — Madagascar, Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia — is based on their familiarity with the cacao trees in their native Trinidad and Tobago.
Gift a chocolate lover honeydew and toffee for Peru and raisins and plums for Madagascar.
This Valentine’s collection comes from America’s #1 Black-owned gourmet vegan cookie company and it is sure to be the perfect gift. Founded in 2015 by Maya Madsen, this collection offers the sweetest treats to share with your partner, send to a friend, or bring to the Galentine’s party! Don’t fret, Mayas Cookies delivers nation-wide!
Each collection contains 6 cookies, 2 of each of the following: Heart-shaped Sugar Cookie, Double Chocolate Sweetheart, and Classic Chocolate Chip.
Planning a Valentine’s night in? Create an ambiance with this soy wax Love Jones Candle made with notes of apple, peach, grapefruit, vanilla, cream, and mandarin by Freres Branchiaux. This home fragrance company based in the Washington, DC Metro area was created and managed by three brothers Ryan,Collin, and Austin Gill.
In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie (Amazon)
As the founder and editor in Chief of The Lingerie Addict, Cora Harrington is instrumental in leading the world’s largest digital magazine dedicated to lingerie. Perfect for Valentine’s Day,In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie is the definitive guide to all things intimate apparel. This hardcover book has a place on any coffee table, bookshelf, or nightstand.
(left to right) Mens Cotton Boxer Trunk (Pack of 2) – Berry / Rafat Wired Bra – Berry (Nubian Skin) / Jaiye Basque – Berry
Empowering women to to embrace their color since 2014, UK-based and Black-owned Nubian Skin invites customers to shop their unique edit for Valentine’s Day, including their Pink Lace Rafat, delectably embroidered Jaiye, sensual essential Mesh, or nude Cotton.
Illustrator Chalay Chandler runs this L.A.-based woman-owned small business, inspired by her vastly diverse interests. From home decor to drink ware she creates cards that fit every person and every holiday that comes our way, including the holiday for lovers.
Created by a mother to inspire her kids’ self-love journey, Orijin Bees’ Baby Bees Collection are multi-cultural dolls honoring the beauty of diversity through an assortment of dolls representing Black, African American, Latino, Biracial, Caribbean, and all other Black and Brown children. Gift your little one a Fro Puffy Bee Baby Doll who’s donning a long 3c curly pigtails hairstyle and Ankara tulle dress.
50 Cent Returns to Music with New Collaboration With Nas for Upcoming ‘King’s Disease 4’
Two kings from Queens, 50 Cent and Nas, are set to collaborate on a future project.
In an exclusive interview with Billboard magazine, Power executive producer and hip-hop recording artist, 50 Cent, acknowledged that he will be teaming up with God’s Son, the Stillmatic rapper, Nas. The two, who both hail from the borough of Queens in New York City, engaged in beef many years ago and the hip-hop world would welcome a collaboration between the two entrepreneurs.
In the interview, 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, also discussed the success that has propelled him in Hollywood after producing the Starz’ Power television drama that has spawned three spinoffs, Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force. The television show also solidified Omari Hardwick as a successful actor, as he played the leading character on the show, James St. Patrick.
While 50 Cent has been building a conglomerate of television projects, including the BMF series, and one of his latest, the investigative series Hip-Hop Homicides, he has been absent from the recording studio. The witty rapper has not released a studio album in almost 10 years, since 2014’s Animal Ambition.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and he is back in the studio preparing for another album, working with the likes of Dr. Dre and the person who signed him, Eminem. Is it possible that the man who never runs from any beef misses his first love, music?
“I get the attention that I want from music when I want it. I just went out and toured 45 countries, and everywhere was sold out. That made me want to offer new music that I could integrate into everything now. I’ve done what I wanted to do in the [sales] capacity. I’ve sold over 35 million records. Not singles — albums.”
With him reconnecting with the folks that helped start his career and hooking up with his Queens, NY brethren for the fourth installation of Nas’ King’s Disease, the excitement for a new 50 Cent album will probably reach unexpected levels for someone who hasn’t released an album in 9 years.
Rihanna Salutes Barbados Hometown in New Super Bowl Trailer
Rihanna just might run this town after she performs at the Super Bowl this Sunday.
The Barbadian singer and Apple Music released a new trailer on Thursday, just days ahead of this year’s Super Bowl LVII, honoring the halftime performer’s Barbados hometown.
In the video, released across multiple social media platforms, viewers are met with the technique of a Barbados mother slicking down the edges of a Black girl’s hair, before the powerhouse vocals of the Grammy-winning artist come in, singing the opening line to her hit song “Run This Town.”
A school bus drops a young girl off in front of her home, where she sneaks up behind her mother and snatches her sunglasses off of her head. “Run This Town” amplifies as the young girl places her mother’s shades on her face and goes about a fierce strut down the Barbados streets.
Embracing nods of respect from her neighbors, the young girl is accompanied by two neighborhood friends that join her strut until they reach a street, focusing their sights on a sign that reads “Rihanna Drive.”
According to CNN, Rihanna has been immersed in the preparations for her halftime performance.
“I’ve been so focused on the Super Bowl that I totally forgot that my birthday is coming up,” she said. “I totally forgot about Valentine’s Day, I’m just like Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl. It’s a lot of preparation. It’s a lot of moving parts and this week, this is the week that it is really being tested.”
As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Rihanna is scheduled to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show on Feb. 12, at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. After releasing teasers, fashion collections, and news heading up to the big event, she prepares to touch the live stage on Sunday after her hiatus in music.
Opal Lee Receives Her Flowers with Portrait Hung in Texas Senate Chambers
This week has been filled with greatness. Beyoncé made history in music and Lebron James in sport. Now historical figures are getting the spotlight they deserve.
CNN reported Opal Lee, the “grandmother of Juneteenth,” is finally having her portrait hung up in Texas. Lee’s image can be seen in the state Senate chamber and is the first in over 40 years. Several lawmakers and dignitaries were present during the unveiling ceremony, including Republican Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “This is a historic day,” Patrick said, according to CNN. “This does not happen often, it’s a great honor.”
The 96-year-old Texas resident was a key element in President Joe Biden signing a bill making Juneteenth a national holiday in June 2021. Juneteenth is the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved people in in Galveston, TX. Since then, Black Enterprise has reported on states which had to vote to make the holiday an “official” state holiday, like Oregon and Virginia.
Ms. Lee has continued her fight for the equality of Black people in this country. Her work was recognized as she was a nominee for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, as reported by BE. Texas Senator Borris Miles called Lee a “living legend” and told CNN the portrait celebration is an example of giving legends their flowers while they’re still alive to receive them. The icon still seems to have a great sense of humor. While the picture was presented, Lee jokingly told CNN she “didn’t know how to act” about having her image hanging next to Barbara Jordan, the first African-American to be elected to Texas Senate. “I was humbled. I wanted to do a happy dance, but the kids say I’m twerking when I do that,” Lee said.
And she deserves to dance. The Hillreported this accomplishment started when Lee walked from her home in Texas all the way to Washington, D.C., to gain support for making Juneteenth a federal holiday.
Black-Owned Company Signed $334 Million Deal With Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport
Houston has no shortage of Black-owned businesses. Now, a Black-owned management company will beshedding more light onBlack-owned companies, thanks to a lucrative deal with the Houston City Council.
According toAfroTech, Aviation Pros entered into a 10-year contract worth $334 million with Latrelle’s Galley and the city of Houston. This lucrative deal will add 10 restaurants to the William P. Hobby Airport.
AfroTech reports that the company has been selling baked goods at the Houston airport for a decade.
“In 1985, my father’s first airport location was a 350-square-foot bakery in Hobby Airport. With today’s decision by this City Council, we will now operate over 17,000 square feet of Hobby Airport’s food and beverage locations. What an opportunity,” said Kenneth James, the chief financial officer of Latrelle’s Management. “We are a local, family-owned and operated business. This is proof that given the access to compete on equal footing, small companies can execute large responsibilities. This is a privilege and an honor. We are humbled and grateful.”
Latrelle’s Management will focus on collaborating with Hobby on its dining, which is projected to bring in $73 million in total sales and an $8 million profit for the family-owned company.
“We are bringing ourselves to this project, and we are Houston,” said Cameron James, LaTrelle’s operations Director. “Including national brands alongside a curated list of top local brands in our new plans for Hobby Airport was a natural choice for us, rooted in trust and relationships. We put together a proposal that aims to do right by our restaurant operators and the airport alike—everyone wins. When a local, family-owned and operated business like us is given the opportunity to spearhead a venture like this, it also sends an important message to other entrepreneurs: This is something that can happen in this city.”
Construction for the new restaurants will be done within the next two years. Restaurants include Common Bond, The Rustic, Velvet Taco, Dish Society, Pinks Pizza, Jersey Mike’s, and others.
Former Super Bowl Champion Ryan Mundy Creates Mental Health Platform for Black People
Ryan Mundy began his career playing for his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won a Super Bowl. Playing eight seasons in the NFL, he also played for the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears. Despite a successful career in the NFL, Mundy battled mental health issues, and decided to create a mental health platform for Blacks.
“I saw a trend in the marketplace as it relates to verticalized care,” Mundy explained. “I was seeing platforms for men, platforms for women, platforms for the LGBTQ community, et cetera. But I didn’t see a platform that was explicitly focused on folks who looked like me,” Mundy said during an interview with Entrepreneur.
In 2020, Mundy launched Alkeme Health, which provides resources for suicide prevention, or for people who simply need someone to speak with, as well as other resources.
“There’s a lot ofinequity in healthcare,” Mundy said. “Our community is at an outsized risk for every chronic disease and illness in the book. So how do you take the first swing at that?”
Alkeme Health also offersmental health videos and courses from Black psychologists and therapists, along with meditation tools and exercises. Additionally, Alkeme hosts regular live-streamed events led by clinical professionals when something traumatizing, like another police shooting, happens to the Black community.
“I’m always reminding myself and the team that this is a marathon,” Mundy said, “particularly doing what we’re doing. There are not many companies out there that have the aspirations that we have. Sometimes we jokingly say we’re going where no company has gone before — because nobody out there is doing what we’re doing, quite like we’re doing it.”
During an interview with Essence, shortly after his 2016 retirement, Mundy said, “I was physically hurt, and I was emotionally hurt, and so I left the game wounded. I’ve always been a football player. It’s done so much for me. It has been my life. I left the game so, so hurt, and I was mad and upset, and jaded. That initial transition out was not good for me on multiple levels, and it really kind of set the course for how I got here today.”
Recently,Mundy’s company partnered with McDonald’s to provide a mental health course for HBCU students. Students who receive the 2023 McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Scholars scholarship will also get a free subscription to Alkeme Gold for one year.
Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment Appoints Justina Omokhua as Senior Vice President
What an honor it is to be appointed to the top of Queen Bey’s entertainment empire.
In a recent announcement, Grammy-winning artist BeyoncéKnowles-Carter appointed Justina Omokhua as Senior Vice President of Parkwood Entertainment to run daily operations for the film and production company, which also operates as a record label and management firm.
Omokhua had already been with Parkwood Entertainment for almost six months, leading a successful team and contributing to the creative, editorial, public relations, and technology departments.
“Justina brings a wealth of marketing knowledge and experience to Parkwood Entertainment,” said Beyoncé, Founder and Chairwoman of Parkwood Entertainment. “I am pleased to officially welcome her to the team and excited to have her expertise as we continue to grow.”
Omokhua moves into her new position as Parkwood’s Senior Vice President with years of leadership experience in marketing positions for major companies. The businesswoman has worked as Senior Vice President for Endeavor, extending her work in Brand Marketing for WME and IMG. She has also worked as the Global Head of Content and Lifestyle Strategy at Apple, a role that required her to build the brand across its Apple Services suite of businesses. Prior to her official transition into her tech and entertainment career, Omokhua served on the marketing teams at Pepsi, Nokia, L’Oréal, and Verizon.
The Toronto native is the daughter to Nigerian parents, and is set to extend her global perspectives in her new position at the Parkwood Entertainment empire.
“Parkwood is the epitome of excellence and to serve in this role is an opportunity of a lifetime,” Omokhua said. “We will continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.”
Beyoncé founded Parkwood Entertainment in 2010, following its original name, Parkwood Pictures, where the company released projects such as Cadillac Records in 2008, and Obsessed in 2009. After becoming Parkwood Entertainment, the company released new projects including Lemonade in 2017 and Homecoming: A Film By Beyoncé in 2019.
