Kanye West is reportedly married to Yeezy designer Bianca Censori, and according to reports, her family actually likes the guy.

According to The Daily Mail, a sister of the designer asked for members of the press to respect the privacy of the family. But, she did state that it was “very exciting news” to hear about the nuptials between the new couple.

“It’s very exciting news for both my sister and the family but we choose to have some privacy for the time being,” Angelina Censori told The Herald Sun.

Another member of the Censori family, Alyssia, also gave her blessing and stated that she was “super happy for them both.”

Last week media outlets reported that Ye and Censori were seen dining at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Beverly Hills.

According to sources, the two had recently held a commitment ceremony to celebrate the union. Although it appears that the two may be married due to the exchanging of rings, they have yet to officially sign a marriage certificate.

Although Censori has worked as the architectural designer for Yeezy, it is unclear when the two became an item. But, it is noted that the music producer has written and produced a song titled “Censori Overload.” The work was reportedly released last month.

BLACK ENTERPRISE reported last month that the attorneys for Ye and Kim Kardashian gave documents to the judge in their divorce case with terms of an amicable settlement to end the marriage.

Ye agreed to pay the mother of his four children $200,000 every month to cover child support payments. The two parents will also share custody of the children. Their four children, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm, range in age from three to nine years old.

Good Morning America reported that based on the papers submitted, Kardashian and Ye will “share joint legal custody” of their four children and will “consult with one another on all major decisions relating to the minor children’s health, education and welfare.”

The former couple has also agreed to evenly pay the expenses for the children’s private security, private school, and college education. Neither side will collect no spousal support, and since they had a pre-nuptial agreement, it will be honored.

Make-up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) announced today that actress, director, and executive producer Angela Bassett will be honored with the 2023 Distinguished Artisan Award. She will accept the honor at the Annual MUAHS Awards, celebrating the 10^th Anniversary and presented by Dyson and HASK® Beauty, on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at The Beverly Hilton.

The announcement was made today by Julie Socash, President of IATSE Local 706. Bassett is most recently acclaimed for her creative work on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, for which she has received a Golden Globe Award and a SAG Award nomination, in addition to the hit primetime television drama “9-1-1.”

“Local 706 wishes to show its appreciation to Angela Bassett, who has portrayed amazingly iconic women we can all relate to. She boldly collaborates with her 706 make-up and hair teams to extend their imaginations and develop magical but always relatable characters you will remember forever – from the beloved Queen Ramonda to feisty Tina Turner to Bernadine in Waiting to Exhale. We couldn’t think of a better person to help us celebrate our 10th anniversary,” said Socash.

The Distinguished Artisan Award will celebrate the prolific spectrum of Bassett’s versatile career on screen and television. The award honors talent that has created memorable characters throughout their career, richly enhanced by the consistent collaboration of make-up and hair styling artistry. Previous legendary recipients include Jon Favreau, Eddie Murphy, Johnny Depp, Ryan Murphy, Guillermo del Toro, Sir Patrick Stewart, Melissa McCarthy, Gary Oldman, Christian Bale, and Dick Smith.

Angela Bassett is an actress, director, and executive producer known for captivating, emotionally tinged performances full of dignity in treasured films such as Waiting to Exhale, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, and the Tina Turner biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It, for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She played the beloved Queen Ramonda in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, for which she recently won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. She recently wrapped production on the Netflix Originals feature film, Damsel, opposite Millie Bobby Brown.

Her other notable film roles were in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Malcolm X, Notorious, Green Lantern, Waiting to Exhale, Contact, Music of the Heart, Bumble Bee, Olympus Has Fallen, and London Has Fallen, among many others.

Angela is the recipient of numerous accolades, including two Golden Globe Awards, in addition to nominations for an Academy Award and seven Primetime Emmy Awards, and is the recipient of two SAG Awards, 11 NAACP Image Awards, a coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Black Girls Rock! Icon Award. She was also nominated for a Directors Guild of America Award for her directorial debut of the Whitney Houston biopic Whitney and directed episodes in the popular horror anthology series “American Horror Story.”

Other recent projects include Disney/Pixar’s Academy Award-winning animated feature Soul, for which she lent her melodious voice for the character, Dorothea Williams; feature films Otherhood and Gunpowder Milkshake from Netflix; and The Flood from National Geographic, for which she received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Narrator. Bassett was also nominated for two Emmys for performances in “The Imagineering Story: The Happiest Place on Earth” and for “A Black Lady Sketch Show.”  Additional stellar credits include “The Rosa Parks Story,” “American Horror Story” and “Master of None.” Bassett began producing and starring as an LAPD patrol sergeant in the drama series “9-1-1.”

Apple Original Films announced the documentary feature, Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Women in Hollywood, to be directed by Shola Lynch with Bassett and Halle Berry on board as executive producers and will debut globally on AppleTV+. She was recently honored by Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards and received a Critics Choice Documentary Award for Best Narration of Good Night Oppy and the Critics’ Choice Celebration of Black Cinema & Television Career Achievement Award.

Angela and her husband, Courtney B. Vance, are the principals of their production company, Bassett Vance Productions, which has a partnership with Paramount’s MTV Entertainment Group’s development program for BIPOC and women filmmakers. Their first project “One Thousand Years of Slavery” aired in February 2022 on the Smithsonian Channel.

The 10^th Anniversary MUAHS Awards will be hosted by Melissa Peterman. As previously announced, Oscar and Emmy-winning make-up artist Steve La Porte (Beetlejuice, Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock) and Emmy-winning hair stylist Josée Normand (Star Trek: Voyager, Die Hard) will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards. Emmy -winning make-up artist Fred C. Blau Jr. (The Illustrated Man, Tattoo) joins Emmy-winning hair stylist Judy Crown (Seinfeld, Murphy Brown) as recipients of the esteemed Vanguard Awards.

The 10th Annual MUAHS Awards are proudly sponsored by Presenting Level: Dyson, HASK® Beauty; Premier Level: Nigel Beauty; Platinum Level: BigMack Trailers, IATSE Local 798, LeMieux Skin Care, Olaplex; Gold Level: QMS Medicosmetics; Silver Level: Cinema Secrets, Date My Make-up, Floral Street, IATSE, Moonplay Cosmetics, Premiere Products, Inc, RCMA Makeup, Skin Illustrator, Skindinavia; Gift Bag Sponsors: Ardell, Beauty Blender, Benefit Cosmetics, Brush Off, Charlotte Tilbury, Cinema Secrets, Date My Make-up, Elemis, HASK® Beauty, Haus Labs, ICONIC London, Kiss New York Professional, Lisa Eldridge, LeMieux Skin Care, Lumify®, Moonplay Cosmetics, Olaplex, OMNIA® Brushes, RCMA Makeup, Red by Kiss, Saint Jane, SeSpring Skin Care, Skindinavia, Wrinkles Schminkles; Media Sponsors: The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, SHOOTonline, Discover Hollywood, The Powder Group.

Returning as producers of this year’s MUAHS Awards (#MUAHSawards) are IngleDodd Media and Erick Weiss of Honeysweet Creative. Further inquiries regarding the MUAHS Awards should be directed to Sue Cabral-Ebert at submissions.muahs@gmail.com.

• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 17, 2023

First Ever HBCU Business-Themed Conference in Washington, DC to Gather Successful Black Entrepreneurs

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Nationwide — The highly anticipated 3rd annual Learn Leverage Launch Live (formally known as the Black Entrepreneur Homecoming Experience) will be held in Washington, DC on September 8-10, 2023.

The event will connect business-minded HBCU grads, supporters and other Black entrepreneurs from all over the country while replicating the traditional homecoming experience that HBCUs plan every year where thousands of affluent alumni return to their college campuses to celebrate their alma maters, their achievements, and the long-lasting personal friendships created while earning their degrees.

This year’s conference is pushing hard for THE CULTURE, with a mantra and challenge to participants to Learn, Leverage and Launch. What is unique is that this conference not only challenges participants with the aforementioned mantra but equips them with skills to apply this mantra and succeed through its steps.

While Forbes reports that Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs in the United States (2021) data shows that 8 out of 10 black-owned businesses fail within the first eighteen months of opening due to lack of information (NBC News 2021).

This business conference is essential for the community to serve as a wealth gap stimulator and statistic buster to help black entrepreneurs thrive in digital spaces. Visit LearnLeverageLaunch.com for registration and sponsorship details.

Last year’s event was held at the Gathering Spot in Atlanta and it was historical.

This story first appeared on Blacknews.com.

• Business

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 17, 2023

Founder of Largest Group of Black Female Investors in California Celebrates 25 Years of Trading and Investing

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Meet Sonya Weaver-Johnson, a private investment arena groundbreaker and the founder of Sage Investment Club, California’s largest all-female African American investment group.

Sonya is also a Tech Industry Executive at Microsoft where she’s been working for almost ten years and is proof that Black women are making their presence known in many spaces across America, from the boardroom to the hallowed halls of the highest court.

While working as a proprietary day trader, Sonya says that she was surprised to learn that women were less likely to invest in the stock market than their male peers. This startling fact inspired her to form a community of women she would personally equip with the knowledge to become skilled investors. From the outset, she began educating women about capital markets, offering a proven investment strategy and a simple platform for trading.

Today, Sage Investment Club is ringing the proverbial bell to celebrate its 25th anniversary, and members continue to profit substantially from this unique venture.

According to a 2021 survey conducted by NerdWallet, “Forty-eight percent of women currently invest in the stock market compared to 66% of men. What’s more alarming is women are less likely than men to have learned about investments.”

Sage Investment Club has been on a mission to bridge this gap for over two decades.

Early in the club’s history, Sonya claimed, “With a little education and engagement, virtually anyone can become a successful investor.” Unsurprisingly, her bold statement has rung true for dozens of women trained by the club over the years.

The members of Sage Investment Club use a cloud-based application to manage club operations, and its internal systems are secure and automated. Also, these highly educated women have diverse professional backgrounds and are leaders in healthcare, technology, law, entertainment, and education. The club reached its silver anniversary by leveraging technology, applying industry-specific thought leadership, committing to sound investment principles, and fostering a sisterhood – something few other investment groups can claim. Since its inception, the club’s portfolio has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 and NASDAQ indexes.

Although investment management is the club’s core function, it has a long-standing culture of giving back. Club members are highly active in their communities and support charitable organizations through board service, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

Looking forward, Sage Investment Club plans to further diversify its portfolio by investing in modern vehicles like socially responsible exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and the metaverse. Additionally, the club aims to provide a unique space where women can learn and earn together for years to come.

Sage Investment Club is an all-female, African American investment group founded in 1997. Based in California, it is one of the longest-running investment clubs in the United States. Members cooperatively manage a high-value portfolio of equity securities and cash equivalents using a proprietary investment strategy. The club’s motto is “Learning and Earning Together.”

For more details, visit the official website at SageInvestmentClub.com.

This story first appeared n BlackBusiness.com.

• Health and Wellness

by Black Enterprise Shop

January 17, 2023

Protect Your Mental Health With The Help Of Calmind

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Millions of people begin the new year with one or many resolutions they intend to keep. But unfortunately, many will only make it through the first few weeks before abandoning those goals they set for themselves for the calendar year.

Promoting and nourishing positive mental health has become a popular resolution over the past few years. And unlike harmless ones, such as cutting back on the chocolate intake or finally taking that long-planned island vacation, giving up on maintaining a positive mental mindset can be more consequential.

If you’re among the many people who are focused on bettering their mental health, the Calmind Mental Fitness App can help you achieve those goals. For a limed time, you can purchase a lifetime subscription to Calmind for $59.99. That’s a savings of more than 90% from its original MSPR ($699).

This app offers a multifunctional approach to self-care. It combines natural techniques for improved focus, productivity, sleep, stress relief and more. Calmind does so by allowing you to focus on what’s important and getting rid of distractions.

This app has been featured on Forbes, Entrepreneur, TechCrunch, and Healthline, and it’s currently the No. 4 Product of the Day on Product Hunt. Nine verified buyers have rated it 4.5 stars.

“Very useful app filled with lots of different meditations, sleep content and other content that is very helpful for those who want a lot of different mental fitness content all in one place. Very good value!” writes verified purchaser Michael Sarcone.

The app includes soothing and sensory stories that help reduce stress and allow you to fall asleep faster, along with ASMR triggers and calming tones to increase positive hormones. Its features also include assistance to stop procrastination and insomnia, and there’s emotion tracking.

Fewer things are as important as mental health. With the help of Calmind, you can protect yours and find ways to deal with the daily stressors you face. Purchase it today.

Prices subject to change.  

Save the drama for your mama!

On Sunday, Jan. 15 Niecy Nash-Betts received an award for best supporting actress in a limited series or movie made for television at the 2023 Critics Choice Awards. The actress, 52, was recognized for her role in the fictionalized biopic Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story about one of America’s most notorious serial killers.

While accepting the award onstage at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Nash-Betts joked about a time when her mother straight up told her that she didn’t think her daughter was a “good dramatic actress.” Nash-Betts said, “When I decided to become an actor, I saw myself doing drama. And the industry was kind, but they said, ‘Stay in your comedy lane.'” She added, “And I told my mother and I said, ‘Momma, don’t you think I’m a good dramatic actress?'” to which her mother replied, “Girl, I don’t,” according to People. Fortunately, the story didn’t end there. Nash-Betts added, “She [her mother] said, ‘But you can be! You find the best class in this town and I will work overtime to pay for it.’ Thank you, momma. All you need is one!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i18n_g9PfQ4

Nash-Betts’ character in Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Glenda Cleveland, was inspired by the real-life neighbor of Dahmer who tried to report him to the police on numerous occasions. While some may have shied away from watching a storyline about a serial killer, Nash-Betts said the movie spotlights the victims, in response to good reviews about her role, according to Deadline. She said, “I feel like it’s shining more of a light on the victims than it is on the killer.” According to Deadline, Nash-Betts said, “Normally, you view it from the lead character’s point of view, but you actually get to enter the story through the eyes of his neighbor.” She continued, “Normally, you view it from the lead character’s point of view, but you actually get to enter the story through the eyes of his neighbor.”

In 2010, the actress, comedian, and television host won a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting the Style Network show Clean House from 2003 to 2010.

Coaching has had a great deal of influence over J Hackett‘s mindset. He wonders if he had a savvy business advisor years ago, maybe he could have taken a different path in life.

An easier path. A route that didn’t take a detour to prison. Since finalizing his sentence and probation in 2018 Hackett has made it a priority to put a focus on helping people like himself learn how to re-enter life outside prison with a purpose bigger than themselves.

He carries the lessons he learned with him in all of his business ventures, helping people from coast to coast be better leaders of their own non-profit organizations.

Hackett has turned his life around these days and is what some people call a serial entrepreneur. He co-founded an award-winning coffee shop in Asheville, North Carolina, called GRIND.

GRIND was recently recognized as the fastest-growing startup in Asheville for 2022.

Additionally, Hackett is the founder of Black Wall Street AVL, which he describes as “a black business incubator that helps start, grow and expand Black Businesses.” While those two business ventures continue to thrive, Hackett still felt he could do more for his community and communities around the country. His knowledge and love for grant writing led him to a passion for helping others learn to write grants for their outreach programs and non-profit organizations.

Hackett’s grant writing company, 6 Figure Grants, exists as an organization that offers online classes on grant writing and funding. Their website provides an array of grant writing tools and tips, including coaching on writing grants, strategy sessions for your business ideas, and a free e-book available for download. You can even hire a dedicated grant writer to help you seek funding for your organization.

Since opening this business, he has secured millions of dollars in funding for his clients, with a large portion going to minority-owned businesses. To broaden his reach even further Hackett created a software that will change the face of grant writing for beginners. Grant Suite is a brain child of Hackett that will pre-write grants for clients, helping them to gain access to the funds their non-profits need to make a difference.

Statistics suggest that minorities have far fewer funding opportunities than others and are likely to obtain less money on average when approved. The purpose driving Hackett’s work in the grant writing space is essential. He explains, “I started this business to help BIPOC leaders have more access to community-based funding that helps them fund their missions and vision without having to use their own money. I felt there were opportunities for everybody, but not necessarily accessible by marginalized groups.”

J Hackett has become a leader in grant writing and non-profit startup coaching. His clients are helping people in need worldwide with the funds they are securing through grant opportunities. There is no doubt that his influence and impact are changing many lives.

• Health and Wellness

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 16, 2023

Celebrity Connection: ‘Boris and Nicole’ Encourage Health and Wellness Through COVID-19 Campaign

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Celebrity couple Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker are reaching out to Inland Empire’s African American residents through a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that encourage navigating family health matters, including COVID-19 vaccines.

Actors/entrepreneurs Kodjoe and Parker, currently starring on ABC’s “Station 19” and HBO Max’s “And Just Like That,” respectively, have been supporting health and wellness initiatives for years through their Kodjoe Family Foundation.

Today they continue to help share fact-based health information with their community.

“The truth is, our community is still being hit hardest by this virus and vaccines lower our risk of getting sick or even dying of COVID-19,” said Parker in one of the campaign segments, which were funded in partnership with San Bernardino County’s COVID Equity Grant.

Nearly three years after the start of COVID-19 pandemic, the Inland Empire continues to report low vaccine rates, especially among Black residents, resulting in increased hospitalizations and deaths.

“We understand the concerns our Black and minority residents have in regards to the vaccine,” said Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Takashi Wada. “It isn’t enough to just tell community members to get vaccinated and that the vaccines work, we’re inviting them to empower themselves through awareness and gathering information from trusted sources.”

Like the celebrity couple of Boris and Nicole, Dr. Wada further encourages all Inland Empire residents to get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines and boosters directly from reliable sources such as official websites and licensed medical experts.

“The best thing you can really do to support the health and wellness of your family is to read the data and ask your doctors questions, so you CAN make sound decisions regarding the health and wellness of your family,” Dr. Wada added.

Topics of the “Boris and Nicole” PSAs include various messages about protecting the Inland Empire community and family health as well as encouraging residents who have doubts to visit IEHP’s COVID-19 website to gather accurate and timely information.

The announcements began running on KMIR Palm Springs stations and IE Spectrum stations and will continue through summer 2023.

With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid plan in the country. In its 26th year, IEHP is supporting more than 1.6 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in Medicaid or Cal MediConnect Plans and has a growing network of more than 7,400 providers and nearly 2,800 Team Members. Through dynamic partnerships with Providers and Community Organizations, paired with award-winning service and a tradition of quality care, IEHP is fully committed to their vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health.  For more information, visit iehp.org.

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

January 16, 2023

Foley’s Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition Announces 2023 Winners

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Elementary school students celebrated their diverse communities and honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the final rounds of Foley & Lardner LLP’s Annual MLK Jr.

Oratory Competitions in Dallas, Houston, and Chicago on January 13. The fourth- and fifth-graders, who advanced from preliminary and semifinal rounds, delivered original speeches addressing the topic: “What would Dr. King say to us today about hope for tomorrow?”

Presented, hosted, and sponsored by Foley, the annual oratory competition is held in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day to encourage people to remember and pay tribute to the late civil rights leader’s legacy and to help cultivate the writing and speaking skills of elementary school students.

Winners of each of the competitions are Zihair Douglas, a fifth-grader at Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary STEAM Academy in Dallas, Kadence Smith, a fifth-grader at James H. Law Elementary in Houston, and Harper Williams, a fifth-grader at Robert A. Black Elementary in Chicago, according to a press release.

Dallas student believes everything we do as individuals makes a difference

Zihair Douglas, the first-place winner in Dallas, thinks Dr. King would be disappointed at the reversals of laws and policies protecting individual rights, but that he would be proud of the educational, political, and entrepreneurial leaders stepping up and advocating for social justice.

Douglas said, “I believe in order for us to improve our nation, we need to make intelligent decisions that will positively improve the lives of people from all cultures and backgrounds … I charge each of you and myself to fulfill Dr. King’s legacy and create a better world for ourselves and our future generations.”

“Every year, our student participants are tasked with writing a speech in response to a thought-provoking prompt. This year has been no different, and I’m extraordinarily proud of our eight finalists for their hard work and enthusiasm. I’m simply awestruck by their poise, talent, and passion for sharing what Dr. King’s legacy means to them,” said Michael Newman, managing partner of Foley’s Dallas office. “These children are our future leaders, and I’m confident they will make a profound impact on our community. Our firm is honored to play a role in providing a platform for them to express their dreams and aspirations for building a brighter tomorrow.”

Mohamad Mohamad, a fifth-grader at Elisha M. Pease Elementary, placed second in the Dallas competition, and Bria Hider, a fifth-grader at J.P. Starks Math, Science and Technology Vanguard, placed third.

Houston student thinks we can do better

Houston’s first-place winner, Kadence Smith, discussed the importance of communicating and modeling expectations daily, as Dr. King did with his desire for harmony, opportunity, peace, and equality.

“Dr. King would say the lines that divide us are not nearly as strong as the ties that bind us,” Smith said. “His hope for tomorrow is for the world to lift every voice and sing in the key of unity, and live out the spirit of the Pledge, ‘one nation under God, indivisible.'” He would say, “America, you have studied me for over 50 years. We know better; now let’s do better!”

“In partnership with the Houston Independent School District, we have been able to foster the writing and public speaking skills of young Houstonians for nearly three decades through this competition,” said Claude Treece, Foley’s chief administrative partner and longtime event chair of the Houston competition. “Each of our twelve finalists gave a compelling speech that inspired hope for tomorrow while honoring Dr. King’s legacy. We are proud to continue to be part of this incredible experience for all involved and grateful to those who help us make it happen every year.”

Journey Sensley, a fifth-grader at Young Elementary, placed second in the Houston competition, and Xavier Holmes, Jr., a fifth-grader at Windsor Village Elementary, placed third.

Chicago student Harper Williams sees hope as fuel for change

The first-place winner in Chicago, Harper Williams, adopted the persona of Dr. King himself to address divisions in the African American community, saying, “While I am proud to see that certain advancements have been made, we still have a lot of work to do. This is why we can’t sit around and allow hope to die. We have to come together, and we must rise.”

Williams called for a renewed focus on the Black community’s “culture of excellence” and concluded by saying, “Let [hope] serve as the energy necessary to move us into a stronger, more positive direction of unity and respect for one another, regardless of our skin tone. Let’s allow hope to spark action and change mindsets.”

“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to host the Chicago competition in person this year after two years of being held virtually,” said Frank Pasquesi, managing partner of Foley’s Chicago office. “The ten Chicago Public School finalists took the stage with poise, courage, and compassion, speaking to a vision that proudly reflects Dr. King’s messages. We are honored to celebrate both Dr. King and the students he continues to inspire, with each year proving an important reminder to live out their words of empathy and equality for a better tomorrow.”

Issa Soumare, a fourth-grader from Arthur L. Dixon Elementary, placed second in the Chicago competition, while Kylelle Campbell, a fifth-grade student from Warren Elementary, placed third.

Each local competition began with either virtual or in-school qualifying rounds, followed by semifinals. At every level of the competition, students were evaluated on delivery, stage presence and decorum, content interpretation, and memorization. The final rounds were judged by panels of prominent community and local business leaders.

The competition was created in Dallas in 1993. The event’s success led to the establishment of the Houston competition in 1997 and the Chicago competition in 2020. To learn more about Foley’s MLK Jr. Oratory Competition, click here.

Hours after winning the national college football championship, an offensive player from the University of Georgia died along with another person in a car accident early Sunday morning, accoridng to reports.

UGA offensive lineman, Devin Willock and a member of the football staff, Chandler LeCroy were both killed in a car accident several hours after the team held a celebration for winning the national championship. Two other people were also injured in the accident.

A statement about the tragedy was released by the University of Georgia:

“The entire Georgia family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Devin Willock and football staff member Chandler LeCroy. Two other members of the football program were injured in the accident. They are both in stable condition, and we will continue to monitor their status with medical personnel.

“Devin and Chandler were two special people who meant so much to the University of Georgia, our football program and our athletic department. We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this very difficult time.

“The UGA Athletic Association will work with our medical team as well as our mental health and performance personnel to make sure we are providing the best support possible for our staff and student-athletes who are processing this grief. We can provide no further comment at this time but ask that everyone continue to keep those involved in your prayers.”

We are heartbroken over the passing of Devin and Chandler.

Our prayers are with their families during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/BYLH8Xipwa

— Georgia Bulldogs (@UGAAthletics) January 15, 2023

Early last week, on Jan. 9, the University of Georgia Bulldogs beat the Texas Christian University Horned Frogs with a score of 65-7.

According to CBS News, the 20-year-old Willock was pronounced dead at the scene. LeCroy, who was driving the vehicle died later after being taken to the hospital. She was a football recruiting analyst for the Georgia Bulldogs.

The accident took place in Athens, Georgia.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department stated that the initial investigation discovered that a Ford Expedition “left the roadway, striking two power poles and several trees.”

The Bulldogs’ head coach Kirby Smart also released a statement:

“We are all heartbroken and devastated with the loss of Devin Willock and Chandler LeCroy. Devin was an outstanding young man in every way and was always smiling. He was a great teammate and a joy to coach. Chandler was a valuable member of our football staff and brought an incredible attitude and energy every single day. We grieve with their families for this tragic loss and will support them in every way possible.”