C.J. Harris, a former American Idol contestant who came sixth in season 13, died in Alabama Sunday. He was 31.

On Thursday, the Walker County Coroner’s Office confirmed Harris died from a heart attack, People reported. Harris was rushed to Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Alabama, where attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Harris first auditioned for American Idol in 2010 before finally securing a spot on the show in 2014, Variety reported. During his time waiting to get cast on Idol, Harris tried out for other singing competition series like The X-Factor and The Voice.

“I was always on the internet, trying to find a break, looking for which producers I could send my stuff to. I searched for American Idol and I saw they were doing the bus tour and they were going to be 30 minutes down the road from me,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2014. “I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to give it another chance. I’ve gotten so much better, my voice has matured and my playing has gotten so much better.”

When he finally landed on Idol, Harris made a strong impression on judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick, Jr. with his rendition of the Allman Brothers’ “Soulshine” at the Salt Lake City auditions. Harris continued throughout the competition with performances of Tom Petty‘s “Free Fallin'”, “Invisible” by Hunter Hayes, “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band, and “If It Hadn’t Been for Love” by The SteelDrivers.

Harris’ love for music started during childhood when his mother would sing to him over the phone while serving out time in prison.

“Tears would just flow out of my eyes,” he said.

“When I was a little older, my granddad gave me a guitar. He had one in the shed and it had three strings on it. He said I didn’t need to buy a whole new set of strings. So I would tune it in a way that when I strummed it, it sounded like it’s in a key of whatever.”

American Idol released a statement on Twitter in response to Harris’ death: “C.J. Harris was an incredible talent, and the news of his passing deeply saddens us. He will be truly missed.”

C.J. Harris was an incredible talent, and the news of his passing deeply saddens us. He will be truly missed. pic.twitter.com/23s6acSUZp

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) January 16, 2023

Black TikTok creator Leon Ondieki made headlines last year after revealing that the social media platform TikTok helped pay for his entire tuition at the University of Georgia—and buy a car.  

Ondieki achieved these goals through TikTok’s Creator Fund, a program that pays content creators based on the number of “authentic views” they receive on their videos, according to 11 Alive.

Since joining the platform, Ondieki’s vox pop interviews on various college campuses have gained the student 2.1 million followers and over 126 million likes on his account. 

Despite the success Ondieki has obtained on the platform, he and many others who use TikTok to make money may face the possible effects of its recent ban on college campuses.

According to USA Today, numerous colleges are stopping students from using TikTok on campus by blocking it on school devices and WiFi networks. The publication reported that although students cannot use TikTok on specific college campuses, they can operate the app on their device using their internet service.  

For context, the reason why TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, is being banned or restricted overall is that officials are worried that sensitive data from the platform is being shared with the Chinese government.

@leon.ond

Who did you recognize #trivia #college #interview #prize

♬ original sound – Leon Ondieki

During an interview with USA Today on January 19, Ondieki shared that he is adjusting to the ban by posting his content on YouTube Shorts and Snapchat Spotlight. Ondieki explained that although he could pivot, he understands how this can be frustrating for others who have made money “for their schools” by using TikTok.

“For any content creator who’s in school, I can see how this would be frustrating, especially considering that some content creators have made a lot of money for their schools,” he said.

In addition to using other platforms, Ondieki revealed he’s taking a break from his studies to go on tour with Starlink, a satellite internet service. On tour, Ondieki will use a sprinter van and a hotspot device, so he doesn’t have to depend on the college campus’s WiFi.  

The schools currently banning TikTok include The University System of Georgia, Oklahoma State University, The University of Oklahoma, Texas A&M University, and The University of Texas. Immediately following the ban, many people have spoken out against it, including TikTok’s spokesperson, Jamal Brown.

While mentioning how disappointed the company is regarding the bans, Brown said in a statement to USA Today, “We’re disappointed that so many states are jumping on the political bandwagon to enact policies that will do nothing to advance cybersecurity in their states and are based on unfounded falsehoods about TikTok.”

“We’re especially sorry to see the unintended consequences of these rushed policies beginning to impact universities’ ability to share information, recruit students, and build communities around athletic teams, student groups, campus publications, and more,” he added.

Although he is not here physically, he will always be present in spirit.

Actress Regina King took to her Instagram page to post a tribute video in celebration of what would’ve been her late son Ian Alexander Jr.‘s 27th birthday.

According to Page Six, King’s video showed an orange sky lantern floating midair on Friday.

Reportedly, this is the actress’ return to social media following her son’s suicide last year.

“January 19th is Ian’s Worthday,” 52-year-old King wrote reminiscing on Alexander Jr., her only son. “As we still process his physical absence, we celebrate his presence. We are all in different places on the planet…so is Ian. His spirit is the thread that connects us. Of course orange is your favorite color…Its the fire and the calm.”

The Oscar winner concluded, “I see you in everything I breath. My absolute favorite thing about myself is being ….Regina the mother of Ian the GodKing. Continue to shine bright, my guiding light. 🧡🧡🧡.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Regina King (@iamreginaking)

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Alexander Jr. committed in January 2022. “Our family is devastated at the deepest level by the loss of Ian,” King said at the time. “He is such a bright light who cared so deeply about the happiness of others.”

King shared her son with Ian Alexander Sr. She gave birth to their son in 1996 before they married, staying committed from 1997 to 2007.

Before passing, Alexander Jr. paid tribute to his mother on Instagram last year in celebration of her 50th birthday.

“Happy birthday to my co, so extremely proud of you and inspired by your love, artistry, and gangsta! To be able to watch you take this lifetime by its neck and make it yours is something i will forever be grateful for,” he wrote.

“But to have you as my mother is the greatest gift I could ask for. To be all that you are while always having the time to be there, love and support me unconditionally is truly remarkable,” he continued. “The whole marvel universe ain’t got s— on you, your the real superhero! Love you mom! This day and everyday YO DAY!!”

There is so much surrealism in being a Black person but there is still so much to learn.

Steve Harvey feels the best way to do that is to visit the motherland, Africa. During a recent appearance on The View, Harvey boasted about the rewarding feeling he felt being in Africa. “To wake up and not have to be conscious that you’re Black, just to be able to wake up, walk outside, and you’re just yourself today, you don’t have to filter that in.” Harvey said.

In classic Harvey fashion, the Family Feud host was in Africa conducting business. According to a source, he was buying the international rights to the game show. Harvey said he “did what they said I can’t do.” “You can’t produce TV in Africa,”  so I did it.” He was successful in his purchase, dropping receipts. The 66-year-old went on to celebrate the fact that he created an African version of the popular game show and it became the No. 1 show in South Africa and Ghana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40PUxAC276I&t=3s

The View co-host, Sunny Hostin, recalled her experience visiting the country of Ghana. After taking her husband and children with her, Hostin said it was “life-changing.” Harvey couldn’t help but agree. “Look, to wake up and not be a minority, you don’t know what that is,” Harvey reflects. “If you’ve never had to deal with that, congratulations! How beautiful is that? But to wake up and not be a minority, I didn’t know what that felt like.” After fellow co-host Joy Behar interjected that it probably feels like “privilege,” the “King of Comedy” couldn’t help but to agree. “Exactly how I felt. I wanna live like that.”

Harvey Gift Giving In South Africa. pic.twitter.com/MNrnu40pqT

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) December 19, 2019

While Hostin’s trip was recent, the comedian went back when the pandemic hit in 2019. He captured video of gifts he was giving to children in South Africa and posted it on Twitter. In previous interviews, he wondered why Africans aspire to live in the states. After visiting the continent, Harvey told The View co-hosts that he realizes how special it is for African Americans to be able to experience it. “It’s the birthplace of mankind, but for African Americans it’s even more special.”

Gabrielle Union is clapping back at those bothered by the unfiltered discussion she had about her past infidelity.

The Bring It On actress appeared on Dax Shepard‘s Armchair Expert podcast earlier this month where she admitted to feeling “entitled” to cheat on her first husband because he also cheated and she was the breadwinner in the relationship.

“In our first marriage, neither one of us felt like the marriage should get in the way of our dating,” Union told Shepard. “A part of it was keeping up with his activities and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s what you’re doing? Oh, you’re gonna feel this one.'”

Union went on to explain why she felt justified in her cheating on her husband.

“I just felt entitled to it, as well. I was paying all the bills, I was working my a– off and I felt like that’s what comes, the spoils of riches.”

The confession ruffled the feathers of the general public. Union decided to respond Thursday while on the red carpet for the season 3 premiere of Apple TV+’s drama series Truth Be Told.

“If your gonna get your panties in a twist about something I’ve been talking about since 2005–in not one but two New York Times best-selling books–at least listen to the whole thing,” Union told Entertainment Tonight while rolling her eyes. “Just so you know where your anger actually is.”

Union described her marriage to former Jacksonville Jaguars player Chris Howard as “dysfunctional from day one” during her sit-down with Shepard. They met in 1999 and tied the knot in 2001 before divorcing four years later.

Now, according to Union, she thinks the public is more bothered by a woman owning up to her past cheating than the responses men typically receive for the same confessions.

“I think people really felt anger that a woman would dare be just as dysfunctional as a man,” Union joked.

“Because that’s what I called it. And stupid!”

According to The Daily Mail, T.J. Holmes is being linked to another “romantic affair” that took place in his office some 10 years ago.

The paper reported that the suspended GMA3 co-host reportedly had an affair in 2015 with an intern, then 24-year-old Jasmin Pettaway, who connected with him for the possibility of gaining him as a mentor.

Holmes had been married to his future former wife, Marilee Fiebig for five years. Pettaway, a script coordinator, was 13 years younger than Holmes. She reportedly felt uncomfortable and used after the two became intimate.

The person, who knew Pettaway well at the time, told The Daily Mail that Holmes “was a predator who took full advantage of his position, and he was reckless.

“It was Jasmin’s first real job in television, and it was a big deal for her. She was looking for a mentor and she reached out to several people. T.J. was someone who was responsive, but he absolutely abused the position of trust,” the source said.

“I don’t know how long that had been going on before it got sexual, but I do know the first time it did was in his office, and he was about to go on air in a couple of hours.”

The source mentioned that Pettaway said to them that the first time they became intimate, Holmes called her into his office and was drinking liquor. She stated that it felt like something was gonna happen and it did.

Their sexual relationship went on for several months and he even went to visit her at her apartment before the affair “fizzled out.”

Last year, The New York Post reported that the GMA3 host officially filed for a divorce from his wife of almost 13 years. He has been off the air since the discovery of a romance between him and his GMA3 co-host Amy Robach.

No wonder it’s called the “happiest place on earth.” There’s literally something for everyone to enjoy.

Black stories and experiences are taking the stage at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts as “Celebrate Gospel” returns to the park in observance of Black History Month.

According to the Disney Parks Blog, the resort’s tribute to gospel music will showcase performances by award-winning Gospel music stars, recording artists, and community choirs from across Southern California.

Troubadour Tavern will expand its African-inspired menu with a limited-time honey-glazed fried chicken bowl and red velvet bundt cake during the celebration.

Visitors during the month of February will be greeted with Black culture. They can dance along to live music in genres such as R&B, reggae, funk, Motown, jazz, doo-wop, and gospel.

They can also head to the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage to groove to tunes from nightly live bands like LALA Brass, Forward Motion Band, and The Rhythm & Blues Brothas.

The Downtown Disney District has prepared a month full of family crafts, live music, and special offerings in celebration of Black History Month. Children and families can partake in creative activities inspired by Black heritage.

Disney has collaborated with National Geographic to produce a new video that will debut in the Main Street Opera House lobby at Disneyland park. The video, set to circulate outside of “Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln” starting January 27, will highlight the life story behind the historic relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.

Gospel lovers can expect to hear recording artist Jekalyn Carr, guest singer-songwriter Melvin Crispell III, and a cappella group, Sacred Grove on Saturday, February 18. On February 25, the park will feature Grammy-winning singer and radio host Erica Campbell with special guest DOE and The Singers of Soul vocal ensemble.

✨ @Disneyland is honoring Black History Month in February with Celebrate Soulfully experiences, including the return of “Celebrate Gospel” on Feb. 18 and 25! Read about the special offerings inspired by Black heritage and culture: https://t.co/rwHwhbFZ89 pic.twitter.com/t8pms6arpV

— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) January 19, 2023

“Celebrate Gospel” has been a tradition at Disneyland for over a decade, and visitors are welcome to come take part in the magical tribute to Black History at the Fantasyland Theatre on February 18 and February 25 from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m. PT.

Somebody was just casually minding their social media business when they clicked on Keke Palmer‘s Instagram Live and got the gag of their life.

The Nope actress went on the social media platform to share her adventure on the online game The Sims. Palmer named her male companion Hakeem and was completely taken aback when her virtual spouse climbed into her bed before asking for a tryst.

“Yea, guess where we going? And you can sit there!” Palmer says to the screen while showing her Sims characters.

When Hakeem went and climbed his little virtual self into Palmer’s virtual bed, she was completely floored.

“Oh no! Oh no! Oh no!” she shouts before busting out laughing.

“Are y’all ready to see what happened? Are y’all ready to see what was said?” Palmer asks her viewers on Instagram Live. “Y’all ain’t ready to see what was said because this is ridiculous.”

https://twitter.com/mightibe_/status/1615516078758846466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1615516078758846466%7Ctwgr%5E476bcddbe29bce1190ff17848784d184626a99a6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bet.com%2Farticle%2Fc6nbxo%2Fkeke-palmer-sims-video-twitter

She then pans her phone back to her computer screen to show what virtual Hakeem had the audacity to ask her.

“Can I join in on the fun?” Hakeem asked.

Palmer had the choice to deny Hakeem, let him, or deny his advance but let him “watch.”

The X-rated aspect of the exchange sent Twitter for a loop and intrigued many who inquired what version of The Sims Palmer was playing.

“Wicked whims yall said? Anything else?” one user asked.

“Wait I have a Mac like her that doesn’t have a CD drive how tf do you get the sims nowadays?!?! 😭” added someone else. “I haven’t had it for years I’m so confused but wanna play.”

Palmer has been busy enjoying her pregnancy while keeping up with media appearances. She recently graced the red carpet for the New York Film Critics Circle Awards.

The appearance came after Palmer’s baby moon vacation with boyfriend Darius Jackson as the happy couple awaits the arrival of their bundle of joy. It’s nice to see Palmer keeping herself at ease with a little game of “Wicked Whims.”

• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 20, 2023

Disney Unveils Collaboration with Black-Owned CreativeSoul Photography Through Re-Imagined Diverse Dolls Inspired by Disney Princesses

---

Disney announced today a brand-new collaboration with Black-owned business, CreativeSoul Photography, featuring a special-edition artist series collection of dolls across the African diaspora, inspired by Disney Princesses.

The CreativeSoul Doll Collection, based on the work of CreativeSoul Photography founders Regis and Kahran Bethencourt, reimagines what a classic Disney Princess would look like through a diverse lens. The dolls contain natural hairstyles and intricate Afrocentric fabrics and adornments while paying tribute to four Disney Princesses – Tiana, Snow White, Rapunzel, and Cinderella.

The dolls will be featured at Walt Disney World Resort’s EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T where the CreativeSoul Photography founders, Regis and Kahran, will be present for book and doll signings Feb. 3-5.

In addition to the dolls, there will be a series of five photographic prints of the models which inspired the dolls. Including, one bonus print – paying tribute to Elsa – which will be available beginning Feb. 3 for a limited time in large-format wall art sizes and smaller deluxe prints. The festival, which runs through Feb. 20, will also showcase the natural-styled wigs and life-size dresses of the models on display from Feb. 3-5.

For over a decade, Regis and Kahran have pursued initiatives aligning with their mission of celebrating youth of color in artistic new ways through adding Afrocentric design elements to their visuals to showcase the beauty and strength of diversity.

“Our mission has always been to bring bold inspiring images of people of color to life,” said Kahran. “We are both excited and proud of this project and hope that through the lens of photography, it will help further empower young girls of color and show they can be a princess too,” added Regis.

The CreativeSoul Doll Collection retails for $59.99 each, and will be available at shopDisney, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disneyland Resort starting Feb. 3. The CreativeSoul Doll Collection is another way that Disney continues to Celebrate Soulfully, which is an initiative that invites families and friends to gather for experiences that honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more.

Singer Tory Lanez opted out of testifying in his shooting trial of Megan Thee Stallion. Now as he sits in jail following his conviction last month, the Toronto native reportedly regrets his decision not to testify.

As Lanez, real name Daystar Peterson, awaits his sentencing for assaulting Thee Stallion with a semiautomatic firearm, it’s said that the “Say It” singer feels like he was misled by his trial lawyer into not testifying in his own defense, Rolling Stone reported.

Sources say Lanez wanted to take the witness stand to plead his case but his lawyer George Mgdesyan talked him out of it. Now as Lanez awaits his sentencing after being found guilty in the shooting, he apparently wishes he had taken the stand to testify.

The LUV singer was convicted on all three assault charges December 23. Lanez is facing up to 22 years in prison ahead of his sentencing set for next month.

While he didn’t take the stand, Thee Stallion gave an emotional testimony during the two-week trial, recalling the night Lanez shot at her after allegedly telling the “Savage” rapper, “dance b****h.” The singer’s decision not to testify came after prosecutors told the court of their plans to bring in impeachment evidence if Lanez took the stand.

Among the evidence included Peterson’s alleged assault of fellow musician August Alsina in September 2022 and a music video in which Lanez acts as a butcher while carving up a horse leg in what many took as a reference to the shooting incident with Thee Stallion.

Lanez’s new defense lawyer, David Kenner, won’t address the alleged “mistakes” that they plan to use in the defense motion for a new trial. But he did confirm that Casey Anthony’s lawyer Jose Baez has joined him and co-counsel Matthew Barhoma to form Lanez’s new defense team.

“I welcome the addition of Jose Baez to the defense team,” Kenner said. “It is our collective view that, based upon a motion for a new trial, and if necessary an appeal, we will ultimately be successful in freeing Tory Lanez.”