When it comes down to it, the fans always rally in support of an important cause.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is being supported by donations from fans after he collapsed on the field during Monday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

According to NBC News, Hamlin launched an online fundraiser for a toy drive via GoFundMe back in 2020 when he made the NFL. .

As previously reported in BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Buffalo Bills safety was sent to the hospital under critical condition after suffering cardiac arrest during the first quarter of last night’s game, which was televised nationally on ESPN.

In an effort to show support for the athlete, fans flooded Hamlin’s GoFundMe with loads of donations.

With an initial fundraising goal of $2,500, fans shattered the amount. The current figure stands at $4,437,100.

 

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NBC reported that fans left heartfelt messages along with their donations for Hamlin’s fundraiser, wishing the athlete good health in his recovery.

“Following his injury on the field tonight, fans across the country are showing their support for him and his family by donating to his fundraiser,” GoFundMe said Monday night, sharing a link to Hamlin’s fundraiser.

The Buffalo Bills extended prayers to Hamlin on the organization’s Instagram account.

 

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Years after Yo Gotti rapped about his crush on Angela Simmons, the Memphis native stepped into the New Year with Angela by his side.

The entrepreneur and hip-hop mogul announced their romance in the form of an official photoshoot they debuted on New Year’s Eve.

“You are all I need and more,” Angela captioned the post along with a heart emoji.

The pair looked regal in black tie attire, Angela in a black sequined floor-length gown and black Louboutin shoes, and Gotti in a matching black tailored suit. To top off the lavish relationship announcement, Angela and Gotti posed in front of a black Rolls Royce.

 

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The Growing Up Hip Hop star stood alongside Gotti in one photo, and sat next to him in the back of the Rolls in another. The last photo showed Gotti holding an umbrella as he escorted Angela out of the luxury vehicle.

Fans praised the romantic debut and how Gotti seemingly spoke it into existence on his 2016 hit record  “Down In The DM” when he rapped ” I just followed Angela Simmons/ Boy I got a crush on Angela Simmons/ they like Damn, Gotti, you bold fu*kit I’m a let the world know. Goals.”

“Love this. Bro spoke it,” actor Lance Gross wrote under Angela’s post.

“It’s going down in the DM,” socialite Alonzo Arnold wrote.

“Power in the tongue. I see y’all,” Spectacular of Pretty Ricky said.

Angela shared a second photo alongside her man that showed a close up of her and Gotti inside the Rolls Royce.

“2023 ❤️❤️,” Angela captioned the post.

After making the big relationship announcement, Angela took to her Instagram Story to share that she’s “happier than I ever been.” The socialite included a pink heart emoji to hint at who she was referring to.

Gotti shared videos from the shoot and let his fans know he “ain loss a crush since high school.”

 

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He plugged his CMG record label in the caption of his second post.

 

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Yo Gotti has been fueling dating rumors in recent months. In September, the pair were spotted partying together for Simmons’ 35th birthday, Hip Hop DX reports. The couple appears to have taken their time building a bond before announcing their romance to the world.

Actor LaKeith Stanfield came under fire after announcing his engagement to Kasmere Trice.

The Harder They Fall star’s proposal might’ve set off a woman who accused him of fathering her child.

The Oscar-nominated actor announced his engagement on Friday through a series of black-and-white photos showing the engagement ring. The proposal came on Trice’s birthday, according to social media posts.

“Yea.. i’m having the best birthday my baby made me mrs. Stanfield for my birthday! #lakeithandkasmereforever,” Trice shared on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/HelloKasmere/status/1608995940790329346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1608995940790329346%7Ctwgr%5E07a3b4545786a21aeef50715819e5361180e9387%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmadamenoire.com%2F1332156%2Flakeith-stanfield-child%2F

She shared the same photos on Instagram.

“Happy birthday, mrs. Stanfield ☺️💍🥳#priceyiceyWIFEY 😝😍.”

 

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Stanfield shared the big news by posting a photo of the happy couple standing in front of a Christmas tree. Trice showed off her engagement ring.

“Happy New Year,” he captioned his post.

 

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But soon after making the engagement announcement, artist Tylor Hurd posted a since-deleted Instagram reel that unearthed shocking allegations against Stanfield, People reports.

“Decided to leave being someone’s secret family in 2022 ❤️ meet Apollo Stanfield,” Hurd captioned the post captured by Baller Alert.

https://twitter.com/balleralert/status/1609264955458555904?s=20&t=unMHrDKWAUSxeiNo9uCknw

The post included photos and video clips showing Stanfield spending quality time with an infant baby girl. Hurd also included screenshots of a private conversation with the Judas and the Black Messiah star allegedly thanking her for keeping their child a secret.

“Thanks for respecting my not wanting to blast my child out to the internet. Very considerate of you,” Stanfield allegedly wrote.

A comment believed to be from Hurd read, “Value your privacy is why you lied to people saying she wasn’t your baby or that I was just a random? you value your privacy but your gf post everything y’all do lol okay.”

Stanfield allegedly replied, saying he never denied the baby and was possibly aware that she was about to make the news public.

“I never once in my life said she wasn’t my baby,” the message read. “I hope this does whatever it was supposed to do for you.”

A few hours later, Hurd followed up with a lengthy video explaining why she decided to let the world know about her daughter with Stanfield, Page Six reports.

“Just to clear a few things up I’m not jealous that’s [sic] he’s engaged to a woman he’s known for 5 months,” Hurd said.

“I tried to meet the girl and everything and she ignored me when i tried.”

Hurd continued. “What I’m upset about is that he made more time to spend with this woman than he’s spent with Apollo her whole life and has been actively ignoring me when I’m trying to figure things out for our child. Those clips of him and her together are all I have in general cause he barely sees her.”

Stanfield is also the father to a child he welcomed with his ex, Xosha Roquemore, in 2017.

This celebrity couple rang in the New Year with plans to tie the knot.

Good Morning America host Robin Roberts announced plans for a wedding with longtime partner Amber Laign.

“I’m hesitating because I haven’t said it out loud yet… I’m saying ‘yes’ to marriage,” Roberts said. “We’re getting married this year.”

“It was something we had talked about, but we had put it off, she became ill but, it is saying yes to that, and that next chapter,” she added.

Roberts captioned her post.

 

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• News

by Atiya Jordan

January 3, 2023

Al Be Back! Al Roker Returns to ‘Today’ Friday Following Weeks of Hospitalization

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After an extended absence, Today‘s veteran weatherman Al Roker is reuniting with his co-stars.

The 68-year-old television personality, who has been off the air since mid-November, will be back for scheduled programming Friday, Today reported. His highly-anticipated comeback comes weeks after he revealed that he was hospitalized for blood clots in his legs and lungs.

Roker had missed his first Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in 27 years due to his hospitalization, but he made it home just in time to spend the holiday with his family, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.

His homecoming was short-lived: Roker was rushed back to the hospital the day after Thanksgiving.

The second hospital stay caused Roker to miss another tradition last month: the annual lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.

On Dec. 8, the NBC anchor shared a positive update via Instagram: he was out of the hospital once again. According to People, Roker shared that he was doing physical and occupational therapy every day in response to his four-week hospital stay. He also wants to get his knee replaced at some point.

“Listen, it’s been a tough slog. I’m not going to deny this,” Roker revealed in a Dec. 12 video call appearance on Today. 

“It’s been the hardest one yet, and you know I’ve had my share of surgeries. It gives you a profound sense of gratitude for this outpouring of prayers and thanks. I’m a very fortunate person.”

 

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Though he missed out on a New York City Christmas custom, Roker was surprised by members of the Today staff with a serenade of carols at his home. Footage of the heartwarming moment was aired on Today, showing his colleagues singing holiday classics like “Jingle Bells” and a special version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” written as “Al Be Home for Christmas,” BLACK ENTERPRISE reported.

Roker’s recovery has been accompanied by a very festive holiday season thus far with his wife, Deborah Roberts, and daughters Courtney, 35, and Leila, 24, as well as son Nick, 20. On Christmas Day, the longtime journalist posted an adorable photo of him and his family gathered around the table in matching green pajama sets.

Actress Taraji P. Henson is kicking off the New Year on a solo spiritual journey in Bali, Indonesia.

The Oscar-winning actress appeared on Angie Martinez’ In Real Life podcast, where she opened up about her need for a solo trip to find herself. Martinez shared a clip to Facebook on Tuesday where Henson described her reasoning for the extended trip to find her “happiness” again.

“I’m about to go to Bali for a month by myself. It’s my own spiritual journey,” Henson said.

“I gotta find my happiness. And it’s not in my friends. It’s not in my mama…It’s me.”

When Martinez noted how Henson, 52, is known for making people happy with her presence and bubbly personality, Henson addressed the internal battles she’s been dealing with.

“I thought I was happy but the things that I thought — I’m gonna get emotional I don’t want to—the things that I thought was making me happy they don’t they don’t cut it anymore,” she said.

“So I’m in a place where what does that look like? And I’m kind of spinning because I don’t know…To be quite honest with you, Angie, I haven’t been happy, like purely happy, in a long time.”

Martinez shared her fondness for solo travel and how she takes a solo trip once a year to focus on herself without any distractions. The radio personality also apologized after Henson explained why she hadn’t been completely happy in life.

But, Henson explained why the solo trip is an attempt to reset after pouring so much of herself into others for so long.

“I’m not because it’s just a wake-up call,” she continued. “I’m still here. I’m still living. So that means I still have time to find it. And it’s work. And it’s OK because it’s for the benefit of me.”

What a way to end the year, celebrating another birthday.

CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King closed out the year celebrating her 68th birthday, partying around the world.

According to People, King enjoyed three celebrations in three different locations around the world.

“2022 ended not one but THREE birthday celebrations! New York! California & Hawaii … with all of my favorite peeps,” King wrote in an Instagram post on Monday.

The television personality shared multiple images of her birthday celebration with her CBS Mornings colleagues and loved ones that included best friend Oprah Winfrey and longtime boyfriend Steadman Graham.

One of the most surprising moments during her celebration, which she shared with her followers, was a performance by The Temptations. The vocal group wished King a happy birthday while flaunting matching yellow outfits and singing its 1964 hit, “My Girl.”

Master P and his son Romeo have resolved their differences in the new year after the two publicly went toe-to-toe and aired their dirty laundry of family discontent all over social media.

According to dual Instagram posts, No Limit Soldier Master P (Percy Miller) and his son, have reconciled over recent comments that created a temporary divide between the two.

After referencing several figures from the bible, Noah and Jairus, and even mentioning David from David and Goliath folklore, the younger Miller states “In order to be used, you have to be willing to be misunderstood and humiliated sometimes.”

On the last day of 2022, the two talked, albeit in the rain, and seemingly settled whatever differences they had. In recent weeks, Romeo had accused his father of several misdeeds. At issue, Romeo seemingly got fed up with his dad and was triggered by Master P’s heartfelt post after DJ Twitch’s death.

Last month, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that Romeo, after viewing a post by his father sending condolences to Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, responded via social media that his own family did not receive the same support toward his late daughter, Tytyana Miller.

The post was likely the catalyst that prompted Romeo to lash out at Master P given that the family recently buried the rapper’s daughter Tytyana, who died after an accidental overdose last year. Romeo noted that his father didn’t give the same energy he gave to Twitch to his own daughter’s underlying issues that led to her untimely death.

She died from a fentanyl overdose in May 2022 following a battle with substance abuse and mental health.

While that’s a loaded concept to unpack, what followed was a series of damning posts by Romeo detailing problems he’s had with his dad from failed promises to pay him from deals and said he was broke because he had to pay his father’s taxes.

Since the online outing, Romeo and Master P mended broken fences.

Romeo stated, “It was never about parent vs child, or this false narrative or that, it was about doing whatever had to be done for the growth of my family. Today, December 31st, me and my father @masterp had very hard conversations; ironically outside in the rain, but in order for any generation to grow, that communication has to be had and reciprocated on both sides. The good, the bad, and the ugly. No matter the journey ahead, our family can truly begin to heal and I believe many others will use our story as an example to learn from. What a way to close the year! Vivre (live) l’amour (love) et pardonner (forgive). #ForTyty 🤍🕊”

 

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In response, Master P held himself accountable and states that seeking God first will lead to whatever must take place.

“As a parent, I’m growing, taking self-accountability and educating my family and the next generation. Love takes growth and forgiveness. Seek God first, and everything else will fall into place.”

 

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• News

by Atiya Jordan

January 3, 2023

’12 Years a Slave’ Actor Benedict Cumberbatch’s Family May Be Facing Reparations in Barbados

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12 Years a Slave actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who is reportedly a descendant of a slave-owner and plantation holder, is the subject of a financial battle as Barbados government officials begin their pursuit for reparations.

According to The Daily Beast, the family of the Oscar-nominated actor is among former plantation-owning families under close watch since the republic of Barbados broke away from British monarchy’s control in 2021.

The outlet reported that Cumberbatch’s seventh great-grandfather purchased Barbados’ Cleland plantation in 1728 and maintained ownership until slavery was abolished in the country in 1834. It is believed that the Cumberbatch family earned its fortune from the 250 enslaved people who worked on the land. Though the plantation is no longer owned by the family, they were paid around $1 million in British pounds when enslaved workers became free in Barbados.

“Any descendants of white plantation owners who have benefitted from the slave trade should be asked to pay reparations, including the Cumberbatch family,” general secretary of the Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration, David Denny, told The Telegraph.

In the past, the British Sherlock star has  acknowledged his ancestors’ slave ownership. He revealed that his mother once pushed him to avoid using his real name for fear of reparations claims by the descendants of slaves.

Additionally, Cumberbatch wanted to atone for his family’s link to slavery by accepting a supporting role in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, per The Daily Beast. He was portrayed as a plantation owner.

Last month, Barbados declared it would seek compensation from British Parliament member Richard Drax, who inherited the island’s largest sugar plantation, Drax Hall – the only plantation that still remains within the family of its original owners. Barbados will take the matter to an international arbitration court should Drax protest.

“The money should be used to turn the local clinic into a hospital, support local schools, and improve infrastructure and housing,” said Denny.

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 3, 2023

Family of Pastor Killed in Fatal Crash Questions Why Suspect Was Only Given Speeding Ticket

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A family is asking a valid question in Illinois.

After a driver killed a family member on the Lincoln Highway back in May, the suspect has only been charged with speeding and has not been implicated in his death.

According to NBC Chicago, Pastor Neely Dotson, 87 years old at the time of his death, was killed in a car crash last year in May, but no one was ever arrested or charged in the incident.

The accident took place on Lincoln Highway near Interstate 57.

According to police reports from the pastor’s family, the vehicle that hit Dotson’s car was a Toyota, speeding at more than 70 miles per hour.

The driver also reportedly did not provide a blood and urine sample at the hospital after indications that he reeked of alcohol and marijuana. Yet, the family learned that the driver had only been charged with speeding and not the death of Dotson.

The Matteson Police Department released a statement to NBC Chicago:

“Once the investigation was completed, the lead detective contacted the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for a review of potential charges. After reviewing the case, the State’s Attorney’s Office indicated that the appropriate charge should be Aggravated Speeding; speed alone cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for the offense of Reckless Homicide.”

This leaves the question of why the driver has not been charged with reckless homicide.

“I have never heard of anyone who has been able to not take a breathalyzer if a police officer smelled the alcohol,” Dotson’s daughter, Neeketta Reed, stated. “That is grounds for arrest right there. I am hurt, mad… all these feelings. I want the facts.”

The family is baffled that he was only charged with speeding.

“How can (one) kill someone and get off with a speeding ticket?” Reed said. “It just does not make sense.”

Although the family was told about the charges, NBC Chicago contacted the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, which stated that they were not directed to review reckless homicide charges, just the traffic violations associated with the incident.

“The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office was not contacted by police for a review of felony charges — the police direct filed misdemeanor and traffic offenses that are pending in court at this time.”