LA Beauty Company Supports Black Beauty, Wellness Founders with ‘Build in Tulsa’ Partnership
by Stacy Jackson

January 19, 2023

LA Beauty Company Supports Black Beauty, Wellness Founders with ‘Build in Tulsa’ Partnership

This Black woman is working to provide education, mentorship, community, and capital through her platform.

BrainTrust Founders Studio, a membership-based platform for Black founders of beauty and wellness companies, announced its partnership with the nonprofit Build in Tulsa to amplify multi-generational wealth through technology and entrepreneurship.

According to Tulsa World, the initiative has been named “Build Black Beauty in Tulsa,” or “B3.”

“B3 will deliver what Black founders need: Direct pathways to capital and strategic resources to help grow our businesses; We are honored to partner with Build in Tulsa to bring the beauty and wellness industry to Tulsa,” Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, founder and CEO of BrainTrust Founders Studio, said in a statement.

“Rooted in the legacy of Black Wall Street, the programs being developed in Tulsa to empower Black founders is a blueprint for other cities to create ecosystems for winning. Increasing awareness of Build in Tulsa’s infrastructure supporting Black entrepreneurs is important work,” she added.

“Build in Tulsa is thrilled to partner with BrainTrust Founders Studio to grow Black beauty businesses in Tulsa,” said Ashli Sims, managing director for Build in Tulsa.

“Our community has long ties to the beauty industry going back to historic Greenwood where Madame C.J. Walker had a beauty school in the 1920s. We’re proud to help carry forward that legacy and create more pathways to wealth for Black beauty founders,” Sims continued.

This week, Build in Tulsa and BrainTrust Founders Studio hosted a “Still We Rise” panel at the For(bes) The Culture Journey to Wealth event, to launch the partnership.

B3 will be showcased during the Founders House 2023 pop-ups in Austin, New Orleans, Las Vegas, Martha’s Vineyard, Los Angeles, and New York.

Ferguson will join eight early-stage startups led by Black women for the Goldman Sachs sponsored W.E. (women entrepreneurs) Build Accelerator by Build in Tulsa, which is set for April 26 through August 10. The initiative has committed to providing non-dilutive grants, business education, and wraparound services such as childcare.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 19, 2023

Fans Concerned After Rapper Nelly’s Eyes Roll to Back of His Head in Bizarre Performance

Rapper Nelly had the internet running wild with theories about why he was rolling his eyes in the back of his head during a recent live performance.

Nelly hit the stage in Melbourne, Australia to perform a few of his hits for a crowd of fans at Juicy Fest. One fan was recording and zoomed in during Nelly’s performance of his county hit Over and Over.

The St. Louis native could be seen rolling his eyes in the back of his head while crooning out the tune. After posting the video on TikTok, one observer reposted the strange clip on Twitter and accused Nelly of being “high as hell.”

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“What drug is Nelly on? Percs do this? I’m asking,” asked someone else.

https://twitter.com/NWTSNaomi/status/1615017964037705730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1615017964037705730%7Ctwgr%5E9915c82e29d9a38d761cbacca2392dfd9151e1d0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Fmusic%2Fmusic-festivals%2Ffans-worried-by-rapper-nellys-behaviour-onstage-in-melbourne%2Fnews-story%2Fcae5ce2bede916212c44dc84e3fbcecc

Others shared their theories about Nelly’s behavior, with most suspecting the rapper might be using drugs.

“Could be ex, percs or meth,” one user tweeted in response to the video.

“Obviously MDMA,” added someone else.

Fans of the rapper expressed their disappointment at the possibility that the drug use rumors might be true.

“NOOOOO Nelly I love you so much please come and clear this up, you are to amazing for drugs,” one fan wrote.

“Omg I hope he gets okay 👍🏽 What is going on with him?” added someone else.

One fan said the rapper should’ve kept his sunglasses on since his eyes were “fighting for their life.”

The viral moment ended up getting spoofed by comedian Spice Adams. Once Nelly caught wind of the comedic reenactment, he reposted Spice’s video with a series of laughing emojis, TMZ reported.

While Nelly responded to the spoof, he has yet to respond to all the drug speculation from fans. He did release a statement thanking “all of Australia” for “showing out,” Daily Mail reported. He noted how “amazing” the tour had been and expressed his excitement to “finish out strong.”

Twitter Goes in on Biden Looking Lost at Black Church During MLK Day Service in Atlanta
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 19, 2023

Twitter Goes in on Biden Looking Lost at Black Church During MLK Day Service in Atlanta

Twitter had a time roasting President Biden for looking stiff and lost during the praise and worship service at Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday.

Biden shared a sermon at the historical Atlanta church on Sunday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. day. Biden became the first sitting President to give a sermon at the church where Martin Luther King Jr. once served as lead pastor, NPR reported.

Although going to church is nothing new, the President felt a little out of place when the stomping and praising got underway.

“I’ve spoken before Parliament, kings, queens, leaders of the world — I’ve been doing this for a long time,” Biden said. “But this is intimidating.”

The President was supported by Sen. Raphael Warnock, the current pastor at Ebenezer who personally invited Biden to the church in celebration of what would’ve been MLK’s 94th birthday. During Biden’s sermon, he shared his history of attending “Black church” while in college.

“I may be a practicing Catholic, but I used to go to 7:30 mass every morning in high school and then in college, before I went to the black church. Not a joke,” Biden quipped.

The remark received an onslaught of strong responses on social media. But not nearly as many as the reactions to Biden’s lack of movement during the Baptist church’s praise and worship performance.

“Biden did not grow up going to a Black Church. NO. WAY,” one user wrote.

https://twitter.com/alx/status/1616084172266958849?s=20&t=5YR-Bf6ci6Mw7HYd98Ub0A

Others claimed the President appeared “uncomfortable” during the praise and worship, which seeming to go against his claims of attending “Black church” during his youth.

“Look how very uncomfortable and out of place Joe Biden looks, YET he bragged about ‘growing up in the black church’. Oh, really?🤔,” one onlooker wrote.

“Biden clearly grew up in the Black church,” another user sarcastically added.

Now Biden’s claims of going to a Black church are up for debate on social media.

“If Biden went to a black church so many times, why can’t he clap?” one user asked.

https://twitter.com/DrAndrewJackson/status/1615887718659289091?s=20&t=5YR-Bf6ci6Mw7HYd98Ub0A

by Stacy Jackson

January 19, 2023

Family Drama: Social Media’s Favorite Grandma Dies at 97, Family Reportedly Fights Over Money

Everything was fine until social media’s favorite grandmother became monetized.

The famous grandma, Helen Davis, best known as Queen Holla of “Lottery Frappe and Laughs” on social media, passed away over the weekend at 97 years old, and as family members should be preparing home-going arrangements, there instead seems to be fighting going on over money.

According to Ms. Holla’s granddaughter, Michelle Williams, the fighting started after a male family member took to Instagram to talk negatively about Williams and how she took care of her grandmother, accusing her of letting people steal from Ms. Holla.

She shared that she did the best she could with minimal help from the rest of the family, revealing that Ms. Holla still has living children.

Williams explained that assumptions were being wrongfully made about her and her “circle” possibly taking money that Ms. Holla made from her social media fame.

“If you feel like I was so wrong, and the job I did was so poor, then why didn’t you step in and intervene,” she questioned family who she felt should have been involved in taking care of Ms. Holla.

Williams clarified that her “circle,” which includes her husband, step-daughter, and kids, saw that she needed help taking care of Ms. Holla because no one else in the family did.

Williams made it clear that she had no regrets in her decision to make her grandmother a star.

“I knew my grandmother was talented. I knew she missed her calling. [She’s] been like that all my life,” Williams said.

“Nobody had [anything] to say, until she became popular,” Williams said.

“It feels like they’re entitled. At the end of the day, I don’t owe nobody nothing and Holla don’t owe nobody nothing. This is something we did,” she continued.

Ms. Holla rose to internet fame on TikTok after viewers tuned in to her videos where she broke the fourth wall during live conversations with people and celebrities on Instagram and YouTube. Her vulgar dialect, paired with her sweet demeanor, attracted viewers from all over the world, who became consistent fans.

Family members revealed on social media that Ms. Holla passed away on January 14 in her sleep, after battling breast cancer.

A GoFundMe has been set up to raise funds for Ms. Holla, who Williams wrote did not have life insurance.

VIDEO: Man Attempted to Snatch, Abduct Barista at Drive-Thru Window
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 19, 2023

VIDEO: Man Attempted to Snatch, Abduct Barista at Drive-Thru Window

A man in Auburn, WA has been taken into police custody after surveillance footage showed him trying to snatch and abduct a barista through a drive-thru window.

The suspect, whose name hasn’t been released, was arrested at his home on Tuesday, CBS News reported. His arrest came after “overwhelming support from the community,” in response to surveillance footage police released showing the man attempting to abduct the barista just after 5 a.m. on Monday.

The video showed a man in a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck grabbing an employee’s wrist and trying to use a looped zip-tie device as the barista handed him back the money. The video shows the barista was able to break free as the man dropped the money and sped off.

Police released the footage on Tuesday and noted the driver had a tattoo that appeared to read “CHEVROLET.”

Police were able to locate the suspect by Tuesday, following help from the community. He was arrested about 14 hours after police released the surveillance footage, as noted by KCRA.

Authorities linked the suspect to the crime after finding evidence inside his vehicle.

“Multiple people called in saying they knew the person and were able to give a name,” Auburn police spokesperson Kolby Crossley told ABC News.

“Obviously we had such great evidence,” he added, noting the “Chevrolet” tattoo and side profile of the suspect that were captured in the surveillance footage.

The barista was working alone at the time of the attack, KIRO-TV reports.

“They are in vulnerable positions because they’re usually controlling those spots by themselves at early hours in the morning when it’s dark outside,” Crossley said. “But this barista did an awesome job of protecting herself and fighting this person off.”

An investigation is underway to determine if the suspect and victim had any prior history.

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 19, 2023

Malcolm-Jamal Warner Gets Real About How Bill Cosby’s Sexual Assault Allegations Affected Him

Malcolm-Jamal Warner has been relatively quiet regarding the sexual assault allegations against his TV dad, Bill Cosby. But now, he’s opening up.

During a recent interview with journalist, Jemele Hill, she asked Warner how he felt about Cosby’s crimes affecting his residuals and if he is resentful. “No. I get how this business works. For one, and just that whole situation is so layered, man,” Warner said. “I can’t defend him or his actions at all. But I also can’t throw him under the bus completely.”

Many layers are correct. Cosby made shocking headlines back in 2014 and 2015 when more than 50 women came forward with allegations that the 85-year-old gave them drugs to incapacitate and sexually assault them. CNN reported he was found guilty of three counts of criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison in 2018. The allegations tarnished the comedian’s loving reputation, ending reruns of The Cosby Show. Warner is best known for playing Cosby’s son, Theo.

Warner has stayed busy in the entertainment industry for years, starring in shows like Malcolm & Eddie and more recently, The Resident. With his experience, the 52-year-old says he understands the complexities of cases such as Cosby’s. “Like, it’s so complex and it’s so many shades of gray, that most people will never get.”

However, Cosby seems to be coming out on top, regardless of his legal troubles. In an interview last month, he said he will hopefully get back to comedy and go on tour. “When I come out of this, I feel that I will be able to perform and be the Bill Cosby that my audience knows me to be,” Cosby said. “There is so much fun to be had in this storytelling that I do.” Although he was released from prison in 2021 after a conviction was overturned by the Pennsylvania State Supreme Court, five more women have recently come forward with allegations.

All five women, included two who acted on The Cosby Show, filed a lawsuit against Cosby in New York, accusing him of sexual assault, dating back decades.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 19, 2023

Rapper Flo Rida Sips Celsius Drink After Being Awarded $82M in Lawsuit Against Company

According to The Associated Press, Tramar Dillard, known to the world as Flo Rida, has been awarded $82.6 million in a lawsuit he filed against the producers of Celsius Energy Drinks.

He claimed in court papers that Celsius Holdings Inc. violated the conditions of a contract the parties signed back in 2014.

The rapper, who hails from Florida, and his production company, Strong Arm Productions, sued the Boca Raton, FL-based company alleging that they hid money from him and did not honor the initial endorsement he signed. The lawsuit was filed in Broward County court in May 2021.

“Basically, I helped birth this company, and all we was looking for was some trustworthy people who acted as if they were family,” Dillard told the media outlet. “And then when it comes down to the success of today, they just forgot about me.”

According to the paperwork filed, Flo Rida was signed on as a brand ambassador for Celsius from 2014 to 2018. While under contract, the rapper stated that he played a pivotal role in launching a new era for the company’s brand development, growth, and expansion. He introduced the energy drink to millions of consumers around the world. Based on his involvement with Celsius, his attorneys asserted that the partnership helped the company grow its product portfolio. After introducing a new powder and product line named Celsius Heat, in conjunction with Flo Rida’s partnership, the company has sold and collected revenues for its powder form products since the collaboration.

Yet, the attorneys for Celsius stated that the company achieved its greatest success after the Flo Rida endorsement deal ended. They alleged that other business decisions were the reason that sales and stock value increased.

An attorney for the performer, John Uustal, said Flo Rida wanted the 1% ownership he was promised and would be willing to forgo the award and accept the stock instead.

“He (Dillard) loved the product, and it’s been a very successful four-year relationship,” Uustal said. “There were some benchmarks. He was supposed to get stock when certain things happened. And there became a dispute about whether those benchmarks had been reached. So that’s what this was about.”

The rapper took a sip from a Celsius can after receiving news of the award. He still wants to work with the company and even owns some stock.

“I’m still a owner in the company,” Flo Rida said. “And when you basically planted the seed for something that is successful, you can’t help but have unconditional love.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 19, 2023

Still That Girl! Lauren London Stuns in Hot Pink Dress at ‘You People’ Premiere

Lauren London is back outside to promote her new Netflix film You People, and social media is celebrating her return.

The actress stepped out wearing an electrifying hot pink mini dress for the Los Angeles premiere of her new film at the Regency Village Theatre, Page Six reported. London paired the long sleeve Alex Perry dress with strappy sandals from Femme La.

The ATL star stood out in all the right ways alongside her co-stars Eddie Murphy and Nia Long. Social media wasted no time praising London’s red carpet appearance and sultry look.

“I’m not gonna lie. Lauren London’s a baddie 😍,” one fan tweeted.

https://twitter.com/branisdope0/status/1615869402343264256?s=20&t=IEo8f9IGo9EJDRLUyMp9aQ

“Lauren London looks so amazing! I hope she’s back in her acting bag. I’m happy to see her out like she my friend 😭,” one excited fan tweeted.

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“Lauren London ladies & gentleman 😍🔥,” another fan gushed.

https://twitter.com/anthonyjlang/status/1615560578780602372?s=20&t=IEo8f9IGo9EJDRLUyMp9aQ

The film marks London’s return to the screen since appearing in 2021’s Without Remorse. Other stars in attendance include the film’s director Kenya Barris, and stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and David Duchovny.

The Barris film was co-written with the film’s male lead, Jonah Hill. The culture clash rom-com follows a romance between a white Jewish man (Hill) and a black Muslim woman (London)—and the friction between their families (Murphy and Long and Louis-Dreyfus and Duchovny).

Noticeably absent from the premiere was Jonah Hill. The Superbad star had already expressed his decision to avoid doing press around the film as it takes a toll on his mental health, Variety reported.

“Life is tough for all of us,” Lauren London said at the premiere. “For us to pretend that we’re stronger than others and we can handle more, that’s unfair.”

“I hold space for Jonah Hill. That’s my homeboy. I love him and whatever he needs to do for his soul, I am there for it.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 19, 2023

Stephen A. Smith Backtracks and Apologizes After Saying Rihanna ‘Ain’t Beyoncé’

Less than a day after appearing on comedian Sherri Shepherd’s daytime talk show, Sherri, on Wednesday, ESPN‘s Stephen A. Smith has apologized for slighting upcoming Super Bowl halftime performer Rihanna.

The fiery sports announcer went on his personal Instagram page to clarify his comments when he seemingly dissed Rihanna while talking to Shepherd. When he was asked if he was “excited” about this year’s NFL Super Bowl halftime performance, he responded by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, she’s a lot of things. She’s spectacular, actually. And congratulations on new-momma-hood. There’s one thing she’s not. She ain’t Beyoncé.”

After seeing that he made headlines with that statement, Smith felt the need to respond to what he said earlier that day.

“I just got off of First Take and I saw some headline that’s circulating all over the place about my quote that Rihanna ain’t Beyoncé. See, you know I’m gonna own it. I know what y’all trying to do. But I’m going to own it because I get paid to speak for a living, so I need to be more careful. I want Rihanna to know: You’re a superstar. You’re sensational. You’re spectacular. You’re no joke and you are a worthy person to be doing the Super Bowl halftime show.”

He did state that he is a Beyoncé fan. He went on to give the former Destiny Child‘s lead singer major props for her past Super Bowl halftime performances. He called her “the phenomenal performer.” He reasons that he witnessed her solo performance at the 2013 Super Bowl and her guest appearance (Headliners for that year were Bruno Mars and Coldplay) in 2016. He says that he thought that “those were two of the greatest shows that I’ve ever seen.”

He then continues to plead his case and stated, “I meant it as no disrespect to Rihanna. I know she is phenomenal and she is my sister. Nothing but love for her, but Beyoncé is my sister too. I got love for the both of them. I just think that Beyoncé is the greatest performer out there today. That’s me, that doesn’t mean I’m hating on anybody else and that doesn’t mean I’m damn well wishing for Rihanna to fail. I think she’s going to be great.”

He then apologizes directly to her.

“Rihanna, go do your thing. I apologize for creating whatever brouhaha comes of this. I gotta be more careful, where people twist it and turn it into something it ain’t. My bad on that.”

Check out the full video clip:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Stephen A. Smith (@stephenasmith)

by Sharelle B. McNair

January 19, 2023

Leslie Jones Addresses Boston MLK Statue on ‘The Daily Show,’ Tells White People ‘Sit at Back of Bus’

Comedian Leslie Jones has made her mark, filling in as host on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show.

Former host Trevor Noah left the show last month, but before leaving, he gave some manifesting advice. “If you want to truly learn about America, talk to Black women.”

America is definitely listening. Jones is making her mark and came out swinging as soon as she sat down. Vanity Fair calls her hosting style “a signature brand of chaos.” Those are some fitting words, as the 55-year-old comedian had no problem expressing her mind. She started by giving her NSFW thoughts about the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King statue in Boston. “Listen, I know Dr. King went down in history, but this is not how you should,” she joked, as told by The New York Post.

She also alluded to the fact that white people need to sit this one out, when it comes to the statue’s criticism. “White people, you don’t need to be saying s*** about this statue. You understand?” Jones said. “Black kids only. You need to sit your a** in the back of the bus for this one, OK? You need to honor this statue.”

Her raunchy and witty humor held no bars regarding the recent news of President Joe Biden being accused of having classified documents in his little red Corvette. “This is a national security emergency, OK? A man this old with access to a Corvette?” Jones quipped. She even gave her interpretation of the woman in charge of giving Biden the documents. Vanity Fair said she joked that she had just “smoked the biggest spliff I have ever rolled in my life” and for Biden to “be cool with documents.” Needing a break from the analytical comedy tactics, Vanity Fair called the jokes “fun and sharp.”

Hopefully, the Saturday Night Live alum will return to her hosting gigs soon as she is only scheduled to host through Jan. 20. Those scheduled for the next coming weeks, like Wanda Sykes, Marlon Wayans, and D.L. Hughley, have some big shoes to fill.

Watch a few clips of Jones in her comedic element on The Daily Show’s YouTube page.

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