by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 24, 2023

Kenny Lattimore and TV Judge Faith Jenkins Welcome Daughter Skylar

The Lattimore family just got bigger after singer Kenny Lattimore and his TV star judge wife Faith Jenkins announced the birth of their new daughter, Skylar Leigh Lattimore.

The Divorce Court star took to Instagram on Monday night to post the most adorable video clip introducing her baby girl to the world.

“Welcome to the world Skylar Leigh Lattimore!” she shared in her lengthy caption. “Last week our precious baby girl made her debut. And just like that life has taken on a whole new meaning 💕”

The video showed Lattimore’s hands wrapped around Jenkins’ hands as they both opened their hands to show baby Skylar’s little infant hand.

 

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A post shared by Judge Faith (@judgefaithjenkins)

The MSNBC legal analyst went on to celebrate Lattimore for juggling his busy schedule while also prioritizing his wife throughout the pregnancy.

“The last nine months you have supported me in all the ways I needed it most,” she wrote, tagging her husband.

“I watched you juggle a lot with your schedule & you somehow managed to balance it all. If Skylar ever wants to know what true love looks like, she will look no further than you.”

Jenkins, 45, confirmed that the baby is “healthy” while she recovers from giving birth one week ago. Lattimore, 52, shared his own post welcoming their baby girl to the world.

“Welcome to the world Skylar Leigh Lattimore! Our sweet, beautiful baby girl arrived last week and mom and baby are doing well!” he captioned his post.

 

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A post shared by Kenny Lattimore (@kennylattimore)


The “For You” singer also took a moment to celebrate his wife for her “strength” during the pregnancy and delivery.

“Faith, I marvel at your strength and resilience and am so happy our daughter has you as her guiding light in life,” he wrote. “You are going to be the most incredible mother to our Skylar. Just like in this video I think she’ll always instinctly [sic] know you’re just a finger grab away 😊! @judgefaithjenkins.”

Lattimore and Jenkins tied the knot in 2020 after getting engaged in the fall of 2019, Madame Noire reported. In February 2020, ahead of their wedding, Lattimore shared his excitement to get married again after his divorce from singer Chante Moore in 2011.

“When I started out my relationship in my last marriage, I think I wanted everything to be perfect almost too much,” he shared on Fox Soul’s Tammi Mac Show.

“I kind of walked on eggshells in the beginning and I just wanted her to be happy. In a similar manner that I want Faith to be happy, but the difference was, I don’t think I was always up front and honest.”

Lattimore continued. “Maybe the fear was, if I really say what I’m thinking now, this is going to be over. And what I learned was no, bring the truth. Bring the truth and authenticity at every single stage.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 24, 2023

Juan Dixon Set to Marry Robyn Dixon (Again) in ‘RHOP’ Season 7 Finale

Robyn and Juan Dixon have shut down all the haters and critics doubting their love by tying the knot for a second time!

Juan, who is head basketball coach at Coppin State University is at the center of a catfishing controversy for his alleged role in reportedly not helping a player who claimed that an assistant coach sexually assaulted and blackmail him.

However, sources confirm the Dixons eloped in a private wedding ceremony that will air in The Real Housewives of Potomac season 7 finale, People reported. The couple decided to elope after the season wrapped in an intimate wedding without her RHOP co-stars present.

Robyn is set to speak about the wedding at the season seven reunion that was taped last Thursday. The Bravo star has had to deal with questions and doubts from her co-stars and shows fans who have made a mockery of her marital status with Juan.

The couple, high school sweethearts, first married in 2005 before divorcing in 2012 but have continued living together raising their sons Corey, 14, and Carter, 13.

 

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A post shared by Robyn Dixon (@robyndixon10)

Since the first season of RHOP, the Dixons’ relationship status has been a topic of discussion. They opened up about the past cheating and financial issues that put a strain on their marriage. By the time the season five finale rolled around, Juan surprised Robyn by popping the big question in front of the cast and crew. The Dixons initially filed for a marriage license in August 2020 that expired the following February.

Housewives like Robyn Dixon’s BFF, Gizelle Bryant, and her enemy, Karen Huger, continued to question her about her wedding plans. Robyn Dixon was always honest about wanting a small ceremony that would only be attended by their two children.

“I don’t even know if I want a wedding. I don’t know if I need one—like, a traditional wedding,” she told the group.

“I’m going to keep it super simple….It’ll just the four of us. We’re not telling anyone.”

Well, she stayed true to her word. She is officially a married woman once again and the naysayers will have to find something new to talk about.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2023

Bethune-Cookman Students Protest Campus Conditions and Demand Ed Reed Return as Football Coach

The decision to ditch NFL Hall-of-Famer Ed Reed as the next football coach at Bethune-Cookman University has caused an uproar that has morphed into more chaos at the HBCU.

Now, students are protesting the conditions of the campus after Reed brought them to light in a viral rant he posted on his social media account before getting his job offer rescinded.

According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, students at Bethune-Cookman University are upset that administrators cut off contract negotiations with Reed, so they took to the streets to protest campus living conditions.

One student, freshman Keddler David, commented on the protest for better ground conditions.

“It was a push for students to use their voices,” he said according to the outlet.

Another freshman, James Rocker, didn’t like how Reed initially handled the situation, but also felt it was needed so the outside world would know what was needed on campus.

“He was wrong for going on Live and saying what he said (in the manner he said it). But at the same time, he was right because the stuff he said was going on needed to be shown — what’s really going on at the school,” The News-Journal reported.

On Monday, the students marched from noon and until approximately 2 p.m. Students were shouting, “The Board of Trustees got to go.”

Students also mentioned that there is mold in their dorm rooms, and some have no hot water or air conditioning as well. They stated that the school’s administration ignores the issues afflicting them. The school is also still cleaning up the damage from two hurricanes that took place last fall.

Players from the football team were also out in force to show support and to make it known that they want Reed back at the helm.

Reed initially brought the conditions to light when he posted a telling video – which later he apologized for posting – that showed how disheveled the campus was.

WARNING: Adult language

Days after posting the apology video, the school decided not to hire Reed.

The HBCU released a statement saying that Reed will not be hired as the team’s coach.

“Bethune-Cookman University has announced that it has decided not to proceed with contract negotiations with Ed Reed to become the next head football coach at B-CU [Bethune-Cookman].”

That decision inspired students to start a petition to urge the school to go back to the negotiating table with the former Baltimore Ravens player.

Georgia Woman Found Dead in Car Dealership Reportedly Killed by Hitman Hired By Ex-Boyfriend
by Stacy Jackson

January 24, 2023

Georgia Woman Found Dead in Car Dealership Reportedly Killed by Hitman Hired By Ex-Boyfriend

A Georgia woman was allegedly killed at the order of an ex who is reportedly still on the loose.

Courtney Owens, a 34-year-old woman who was found dead on December 9 inside the Snellville car dealership where she was employed, was shot by a man who was allegedly hired as a hitman by her ex-boyfriend and former business partner.

According to a press release from the Gwinnett County Police Department, the fatal shooting happened at around 2:30 p.m., before responders found her body inside the business.

A witness alleged that a masked man was spotted with a firearm as he fled the scene on foot.

“The Crime Scene Unit is currently processing the scene. Homicide detectives are speaking with any possible witnesses and canvasing the area for additional security video,” the Gwinnett department stated.

WSB-TV reported the alleged gunman, 23-year-old Wesley Vickers, who was arrested about a month into the investigation, was hired by 41-year-old Stoney Williams, to kill Owens.

Williams, who has not yet been detained by authorities, is being charged with malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault.

Vickers, who is reportedly in custody at the Gwinnett Detention Center, was arrested earlier this month and charged with felony murder, malice murder, and aggravated assault.

Investigators said the victim’s ex goes by several aliases, including, Sherrod Eric Henry, Jaheim Lamar, Lawrence Tyrell Robinson, X Superman and others.

The release from the GCPD stated that the motive for the shooting currently remains unknown.

“My daughter was an entrepreneur, she earned it, she worked hard, and she was a good girl,” the victim’s mother, Andrea Owens, told Atlanta News First.

She has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with memorial costs for her daughter, who left behind a 12-year-old son.

Investigators ask that anyone with information on Owens’ case, contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.

For those who prefer to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.

by Diamond Jeune

January 24, 2023

LGBTQ Activist Group Reacts to Backlash After Demanding the Removal of Aretha Franklin’s Song

LGBTQ activist group Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance is apparently singing a different tune after receiving massive backlash for requesting the removal of Aretha Franklin’s hit song “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” on various music platforms, including Apple and Spotify. 

“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” which was released in 1968, was written by Carol King and her ex-husband Gerry Goffin. Following its debut, it became one of Franklin’s most iconic tracks.

The LGBTQ activist group reportedly demanded that the song be removed because they claimed it could “inspire” violent acts towards transgender women. 

Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance’s controversial Twitter post, which was shared on January 20, read, “Aretha Franklin’s 1968 song ‘Natural Woman’ perpetuates multiple harmful anti-trans stereotypes. There is no such thing as a ‘natural’ woman. This song has helped inspire acts of harm against transgender women. TCMA is requesting it is removed from Spotify & Apple Music.”

https://twitter.com/TransMindful/status/1616510029091471360?s=20&t=xukM0woFsnJva54aUnlPRw

 

Immediately after the viral tweet, many social media users disagreed with Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance’s opinion toward Franklin’s single. The comments ranged from a handful of individuals bashing the organization, to others expressed their interpretations of Franklin’s song. 

“As a queer individual myself, this is so not it. I Intent of the songwriters and performer, context and how every individual who appreciates the song interprets it needs to be considered. This seems like such a reach, and I’m trying not to be insensitive but I disagree.”

“No, that song has nothing to do with transgender people. Stop trying to erase our history! That song was not intended to be offensive back then, so why now ? Ms. Areatha [sic] Franklin was then and will always be remembered as the, ‘Queen of Soul!'”

https://twitter.com/Deborah29887172/status/1617392348392218624?s=20&t=eK2XIOeKtJPW6prfHrDBfQ

 

 

“The best part is Aretha singing about feeling like a “natural woman” had nothing to do with biology. It was a cultural feeling that he made her feel. So this tweet is a genius level parody.”

 

“I’m a natural woman! Natural woman been here since the beginning of time we can coexist. My representation matters too!!! And my culture and our music was made to inspire all, stop speaking on black people history loosely fr.”

https://twitter.com/YoungggMel/status/1617579801069355018?s=20&t=xukM0woFsnJva54aUnlPRw

However, on January 23, following the public scrutiny and media coverage, Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance responded to the backlash in another tweet by blaming news outlets that published the story for not attempting to contact the organization for a comment regarding their post. 

https://twitter.com/TransMindful/status/1617651989311295489

“I am STUNNED that not a single media outlet who reported on the Aretha Franklin tweet even ATTEMPTED to contact this account for comment. Based on the sheer ridiculousness of the content on this page, how could JOURNALISTS not comprehend that this is parody/satire,” Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance wrote.

Also, because of the backlash, Trans Cultural Mindfulness Alliance has changed its Twitter bio to showcase that the organization’s account is a parody page. 

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 24, 2023

LGBTQ Advocates Heated with Beyoncé’s Performance In Dubai

Beyoncé brings the entertainment but she also brings the backlash.

After a breathtaking performance in Dubai last weekend, advocates for the LGBTQ community are trying to break her soul.

Queen Bey was the main event at the grand opening of Dubai’s newest luxury hotel, Atlantis. Her first live performance in five years, Beyonce was reportedly paid $24 million for the show. However, members of her BeyHive weren’t cozy with the fact she accepted the offer in a country that’s anti-LGBTQ.

Bev Johnson, co-founder of LGB Alliance, says her group is “disappointed” by the concert, Fox News reported

Released in July of last year, the superstar’s most recent album, Renaissance, pays homage to the LGBTQ community. Journalist Abigail Firth told BBC she felt the performance by the superstar was “misguided.”

“She’s obviously a multimillionaire anyway, she didn’t really need to do this, she didn’t really need the money,” she said.

Dubai is part of one of the seven regions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following strict laws and rules against homosexuality.

Qatar, who hosted the World Cup in 2022, has similar rules. Other popular members of the LGBTQ community took to social media to talk about the contradictions of one celebrity being celebrated for doing the same thing another was criticized for.

“Hi I have a question.. can someone explain why everyone was cancelling David Beckham the other month but now celebrating Beyoncé for performing in Dubai?,” Kitty Scott-Claus, star of RuPaul’s Drag Race tweeted.

Soccer legend, David Beckham, was in hot water for signing a deal with the Qatari government to advertise the World Cup.

Beckham had been praised in the past for his acceptance of the community, posing in several LGBTQ-friendly magazines.

Beyoncé has been considered an ally of the community for years, but Firth says that doesn’t give her a pass. “People feel a little bit reluctant to give Beyoncé any kind of backlash because of how appreciated she is by the LGBT community,” Firth said.

Her recent, Grammy-nominated album was dedicatied to her husband, children, and late Uncle Johnny, whom she called her “godmother” and credited him for introducing her to the Black queer and ballroom community. “Thank you to all the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long,” the 41-year-old wrote before the album release.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 24, 2023

NFL Great Michael Strahan Honored With Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On Monday, former New York Giants player Michael Strahan was honored with the 2,744th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Strahan makes history as the very first person to receive a star dedicated to the Sports Entertainment category. His star is located at 6918 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the Line Store.

The entrepreneur posted his thanks to his Twitter account after the ceremony.

“I am honored and humbled to receive a star on the @hwdwalkoffame! Many people have been there with me along the way, and I am tremendously grateful to you all. I’m just having fun, and when you have fun and work hard… Anything is possible. @SMAC @mstrahanbrand“

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced that Strahan, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, two-time Super Bowl champion, and Peabody-winning broadcaster, was being honored with a star .

According to ABC News, the retired defensive player stated that he was “less nervous going to space,” than he was being honored. He was referencing a space trip he took in December 2021.

“You kind of wake up and you’re here. But I’m happy I’m here, because I never thought I’d make it here. I was just living, I was just enjoying life, I was just working. I was just trying to enjoy everything that came my way.

“But you look and you wonder what’s your purpose. And I found out my purpose is pretty much people. My purpose is pretty much to enjoy life and to spread joy and spread happiness and to enjoy everything that comes your way and to make sure everyone in your life feels important.”

Strahan attended the ceremony with his mother Louise Strahan, and three of his four children.

The ceremony was hosted by fellow former NFL player and actor, Terry Crews, and Strahan’s business partner, Constance Schwartz-Morini.

by Diamond Jeune

January 24, 2023

Lenny Kravitz Shares How His Daughter Zoë Kravitz Reminds Him of His Late Mother Roxie Roker

Like grandmother, like granddaughter.

Singer and actor Lenny Kravitz opened up during an interview with NBC News reporter Harry Smith about the similar traits his daughter Zoë Kravitz shares with his late mother, Roxie Roker, best known for her role as Helen Willis on The Jeffersons.

On Monday, Kravitz revealed that he sees his mother’s spirit within Zoë in all aspects.

“Just the essence. Yeah, it’s beautiful to watch,” he said while promoting his new project, Shotgun Wedding. “She was a very beautiful human being,” Lenny added when talking about his mother. 

 

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A post shared by Lenny Kravitz (@lennykravitz)

 

This isn’t the first time Lenny has talked about his mother regarding Zoë. Last year, after Zoë hosted Saturday Night Live, the 58-year-old wrote the caption, “To see you shine in the same building where your grandparents met and worked was surreal. You were perfection. I love you endlessly.”

In October 2020, during an interview with People before the release of his memoir, Let Love Rule, the “Fly Away” vocalist explained why he felt that Roxie would be immensely proud of her granddaughter. Lenny disclosed Roxie’s joy would have stemmed from Zoë’s ability to be unapologetically herself

″She’s her own person with her own identity, and it’s a wonderful thing to see,″ Lenny said. ″I know that my mother is very proud of her — not just her accomplishments but her behavior, her attitudes, the way she has done what she’s done and the kind of human being that she is.″

Roker, who was an actress, passed away from breast cancer in 1995 at the age of 66.

Roxie made history on The Jeffersons as the first character to have an interracial relationship on a popular series. 

by Atiya Jordan

January 24, 2023

Howard University Makes HBCU, Air Force History With $90M Research Deal

Howard University has been charged to be part of the solution to improve America’s new-age technology and to strengthen and protect America’s military.

According to ABC 7 News, the Washington D.C.-based institution is the first in HBCU ((Historically Black Colleges and Universities) history to lead one of the Pentagon’s 15 university-affiliated research centers (UARC) sponsored by the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Department of Defense. This move also makes Air Force history.

“It brings to culmination, our mission and the work we have been doing to get here as well,” said Howard University president, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick. Since the establishment of an ROTC detachment in 1918, Howard University has had a proud military tradition of organized training.

In addition, Howard inked a $90 million contract for military research with a focus on tactical autonomy and human-machine teams. The university will receive increments of $12 million per year for five years to fund research, faculty and students.

Leveraging tactical autonomy, the Department of Defense can use automated technology to carry out short-term missions in the land, sky and air. This technological edge also aims to meet long-term national security goals, including preventing U.S. troops from entering dangerous territory.

“Today as we work to build enduring advantages for our brave men and women in uniform, we must seek the latest innovations in science and engineering,” Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III told students and faculty at Howard University, per a news release.

“That means building more bridges to America’s outstanding STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] community. You see, we need your ideas; we need your creativity and we need to draw on the skills of all of our people.”

As a UARC, Howard has also been enlisted to lead nine other historically Black colleges and universities in the research and development of tactical autonomy. Those universities include Jackson State University, Mississippi; Tuskegee University, Alabama; Hampton University, Virginia; Bowie State University, Maryland; Norfolk State University, Virginia; Delaware State University, Delaware; Florida Memorial University, Florida; and Tougaloo College, Mississippi.

Report: ‘Diamond’ of Diamond and Silk Reportedly Died of Heart Disease
by Stacy Jackson

January 24, 2023

Report: ‘Diamond’ of Diamond and Silk Reportedly Died of Heart Disease

Conservative political commentator Lynette Hardaway, also known as “Diamond” of Diamond and Silk, passed away earlier this January, stirring up curiosity surrounding her cause of death.

But a death certificate,, recently obtained by the Associated Press, confirmed the cause was linked to a heart condition, caused by chronic high blood pressure.

The unexpected passing of the tv personality raised speculations from the public, who expressed on social media that Covid-19 was the cause. Reportedly, the broad assumptions were formed after an unsourced, and since-deleted, online report was released in November alleging Hardaway had been hospitalized as a result of Covid-19.

However, both Hardaway and her sister Rochelle “Silk” Richardson, denied that Covid-19 was the cause of the hospitalization.

During a memorial service held for Hardaway in Lafayette, NC, Richardson sparked speculation again after she mentioned Covid-19 was a possible factor in her sister’s death. She predicted poisoning from another vaccinated individual.

NBC News reported that the Covid virus was not listed on Hardaway’s death certificate as a cause of contributing factor.

The Hoke County Register of Deeds provided the death certificate that was signed by a local doctor. Reportedly, no autopsy has been performed for Hardaway.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the controversial Trump supporter unexpectedly passed away at her home on January 8, at the age of 51. The news was announced on the sister duo’s pro-Trump Twitter account.

According to the GiveSendGo fundraiser set up for Hardaway, The Diamond and Silk Chit Chat Live Show is set to resume on February 1.

“I will NOT stand idly by and let all that she worked hard to achieve, be in vain, Richardson said on the fundraiser’s page. “This is a spiritual warfare and as I continue to fight here on earth, she will begin to fight in spirit because WE HAVE A COUNTRY TO SAVE.”

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