Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts Brings Christmas Early With Louis Vuitton Travel Bags For Entire Offensive Linemen
by Atiya Jordan

December 19, 2022

Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts Brings Christmas Early With Louis Vuitton Travel Bags For Entire Offensive Linemen

From private airplanes to charter flights,  players in the NFL are always on the go.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts understood the assignment when he gifted his entire offensive line Louis Vuitton travel bags for the holidays.

According to Sports Illustrated, the 24-year-old Texas native brought Christmas early to the locker room on Friday. His focus this year is not only on the true engineer of success for any team’s offense but the line that protects him just ahead of Sunday’s triumphant game against the Chicago Bears.

The Eagles’ latest win, which marks the team as the No. 1 offensive line in football heading into week 15, is its fifth straight victory. Hurts has led the squad to a 13-1 record after conquering three rushing touchdowns against the Bears, thanks to his offensive line clearing his path.

In the spirit of the holidays, Hurts’ generosity gave the offensive lineman on the team, not just the starters, a feel-good incentive on the field.

However, Hurts’ wide receivers didn’t feel the same incentive. Player A.J. Brown seemingly joked on Twitter that the wide receivers were still awaiting their gifts.

The Bleacher’s Report reported that Hurts, a 2020 second-round pick, is still in his rookie contract, which falls behind each of the five starting offensive linemen Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, Jordan Mailata, Isaac Seumalo, and Landon Dickerson.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Hurts also leans on his trailblazing all-women five-member management team to have his back.

“I have a team of straight hustlers. And that’s how I am on the field and off the field,” Hurts said, per Front Office Sports via Twitter.

 

Kentucky Mother Reveals Tip By Psychic Led Her to Daughter’s Remains
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 19, 2022

Kentucky Mother Reveals Tip By Psychic Led Her to Daughter’s Remains

A woman in Kentucky says she discovered the body of her missing daughter through a psychic.

According to Fox 19 Now, in September Tonia Litman found the remains of her 28-year-old daughter, Kadidra Roberts in Elsmere, KY after consulting with several psychics. She said frustration with a stalled official police investigation led to her feeling the need to seek their help.

Litman said she spoke to her daughter daily on the phone and it created a strong bond between the two. After not getting her daily phone calls from Roberts, she grew concerned. On August 25, she contacted Cincinnati police officers and reported her daughter, a mother of two, missing.

She said that although her daughter was missing and she wasn’t receiving phone calls, she stated Roberts called out to her daily.

“My daughter called out to me every day until I found her,” she told the media outlet last week.

As the investigation stalled and her frustration grew, one of the psychics gave information that took her to the house where her Roberts was discovered, located in Elsmere at 28 Spring Street. She then arranged a search party

Litman later informed police that she had acted on a tip regarding a man that she remembered seeing with Roberts on a video call that took place on August 17. That was the last time she talked with her daughter.

The criminal complaint mentions that Litman stated that she had gotten information from a third party that this individual was inside that home.

She expressed to the media outlet that the tip from the psychic only mentioned that the body of Roberts was located in a wooded area behind the home. When she went to the location, she noticed a shallow grave.

“I went deeper into the woods, and I seen a shallow grave. I knew at that point that was her. A mother knows. I knew,” Litman said.

The tip from the psychic led her directly to the spot where Roberts’ body was found. “Everything that she said was around my daughter was around her.”

Litman then left the site and notified the police.

After two days, investigators from Kenton County executed a search warrant at the home and found the remains. On September 7, a fingerprint match was confirmed that identified the remains as Roberts’.

One day later, the Kenton County Police Department and Elsmere police arrested the man suspected of killing her, 53-year-old Theodore Lamont Myers, who resides in the home at 28 Spring Street. Myers is facing charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with records. He is currently imprisoned at the Boone County Detention Center on unrelated charges.

“Now I’m out of a best friend because she was my best friend, and [her children] are out of their mother, and it’s just too much,” Litman said. “So, it’s going to be hard, and I don’t know if I can ever have peace.”

Africa House Hosts Successful High-Level Event During President Biden’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 19, 2022

Africa House Hosts Successful High-Level Event During President Biden’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022

Africa House, a project that convenes the best and brightest entrepreneurs, initiatives, and opportunities from Africa to leaders across industry and government, is excited to announce the successful completion of a high-level event held in Washington D.C. last week. Nikkole-Charlene Wilkerson, in collaboration with Africa House, brought together U.S. Black Mayors, top American business leaders, and investors in a private gathering with African ministers, organization heads, and executives.

The meeting sought to bolster economic relationships and access to capital, aligning with the Biden and Harris Administration’s focus on economic growth and development in Africa, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, and development financing and grants throughout the continent, according to a release.

“This meeting represents a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties between Africa and the U.S., specifically the African Diaspora,” said Wilkerson, who organized and hosted the event.

“The African Union considers the Diaspora to be the sixth region of Africa, and we look forward to working with the Biden/Harris Administration and other partners to support the growth and development of the continent.”

The meeting was held during the Biden and Harris Administration’s weeklong U.S. Africa Summit and was attended by senior leaders such as Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston, Texas; Dr. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the African Export–Import Bank; Mayor Brandon Scott of Baltimore, Maryland; Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang; Mrs. Kanayo Awano, Vice President of Intra-African Trade Bank; Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Harris County; Mayor Stephen K. Benjamin of the United States Conference of Mayors; Federal Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria, Niyi Adebayo; Arnold W. Donald; Rodney J. Boyd of NEXUS and Stephanie Nellons Paige of Nellons Paige Group Inc., amongst others.

“We are thrilled with the outcome of this historic gathering,” said Nima Elmi, CEO and Co-Founder of Africa House. “Not only did it benefit the United States and African diplomatic relationships, but leaders will also leave with tangible business and economic outputs.”

Africa House will hold various events throughout the year, with the next one scheduled to take place in Davos, Switzerland next month as part of the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting.

About Africa House

Africa House is a platform to spearhead Africa’s rising by bringing the best and brightest entrepreneurs, initiatives, and opportunities to leaders across industry and government attending Davos. Africa House is a non-profit project supported by a team of experts that bring together a combined 30+ years of experience on the continent and leading African initiatives.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 19, 2022

Deion Sanders Consoles Distraught Jackson State Player Who Dropped Potential Game-Tying Touchdown Pass

The undefeated season for Jackson State University came to a bitter end this weekend as the Tigers lost the Celebration Bowl over the weekend against North Carolina Central, 41-34.

The nailbiter came down to the wire. In overtime, quarterback Shedeur Sanders had an opportunity to tie the game. With just minutes on the clock, Sanders threw a pass to Hayden Hagler in the end zone. Hagler caught the football, and then lost control, dropping the pass that could have potentially helped JSU tie the game.

Aside from dashing Deion Sanders‘ hopes of leaving the school with a win before heading to a coaching job at the University of Colorado, the loss left Hagler dejected and facing a barrage of criticism and hate mail, including death threats.

 “Coach Prime” took time to console Hagler in a video clip that emerged and gone viral.

According to Sports Illustrated, the viral video took place after Sanders was seen speaking to Hagler, who was sitting in front of a locker with his head down, crying.

Jackson State University was losing in overtime. It was third down with the Tigers positioned at the 1-yard line. Shedeur Sanders threw a pass to Hagler and he couldn’t hold on to the ball, which would have placed them in position to kick a game-tying extra point. Although the team had another final chance to score, another incomplete pass sealed the defeat for Coach Prime’s final game with Jackson State University.

“We go through adversity in everything. OK? That ain’t on you, that’s on us,” Sanders told the young man. “We, we lost together, do you understand that? Alright, man, come one, come on. I need you to fight through it. Adversity is gonna prepare you for life, alright? Let’s fight through it … you’ve got to believe that. That moment is gonna make you who you want to be for the rest of your life. You feel me? Let’s do it. Come on, baby. Love you, man.”

Pastor Dewey E. Smith posted a message from Hagler’s family asking for prayers after the death threats intensified.

Reminder: we’ve all dropped the ball a time or two in our lives.

Milwaukee Father of 3 Makes Half Court Shot at NBA Game, Wins $10K
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 19, 2022

Milwaukee Father of 3 Makes Half Court Shot at NBA Game, Wins $10K

Germelle Scott Sr., a father of 3 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin has brought home $10,000 for his family after making a half-court shot during a Milwaukee Bucks game.

On November 21, Scott was at the Bucks’ Fiserv Forum to watch the game with his family, celebrating his 7-year-old son Germelle Scott Jr. who has sickle cell anemia. He was the star of the year of the Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer Fund at the game.

“It was a night for him,” Scott told WISN. “I said, ‘Sure, why not? Sign me up.’”

While at the game, Scott was asked if he wanted to participate in the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino Jackpot Shot. He agreed even though the last time he recalled picking up a ball was in 2015.

Scott, who played basketball in high school, said he felt like he got the beat again when he went on the court. So after a few couple practice dribbles and close shots, he went for the jackpot shot and successfully made it.

Meanwhile, Scott works 2 jobs to help provide for his family and he was grateful for the prize money he received. He said he will use it to buy his children some gifts and maybe start his own business.

This story first appeared on Blacknews.com.
Singer-Actress Coco Jones Partners with Experian to Launch Financial Wellness Video Series
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 19, 2022

Singer-Actress Coco Jones Partners with Experian to Launch Financial Wellness Video Series

Singer-actress Coco Jones, star of Peacock’s “Bel-Air” has launched “In My Bag,” a video series in partnership with Experian addressing the basics to financial literacy.

Jones’ collaboration with the leading U.S. credit bureau is an opportunity to have an on-going, open dialogue with young adults about practical and effective tools for financial wellness.

Jones is joined by content creator Freddie Ransome, and gives viewers a peek into moments of their lives as they chat about the financial strategies and resources that have worked for them. The videos will be distributed across their social media channels.

“We need to have real conversations about money. Not just spending it, but other aspects that can help anyone create a healthy financial path. I’m excited to partner with Experian to help my generation and more to expand their financial education,” Jones said.

The first episode of “In My Bag“ debuted today on Jones’ TikTok and Instagram, and Ransome’s TikTok, Instagram and Twitter. Jones and Ransome share how they manage their holiday spending. Jones previously shared part of her own financial empowerment journey during an episode of Protect The Bag, a web series created by Grammy-award winning artist, Lecrae, in partnership with Experian.

Both partnerships are part of Experian’s United for Financial Health initiative, which aims to empower and protect consumers to improve their financial health through education and action.

“At Experian, we want to normalize talking about money and financial health. Coco is relatable, and her transparency about her own journey gets others excited about theirs. Together, we aim to help people thrive and achieve their life’s goals,” said Abigail Lovell, Chief Sustainability Officer for Experian.

As part of the three-part video series, future “In My Bag” episodes will address budgeting, saving and investing, and how to start one’s financial journey. They can be seen on Jones’ TikTok and Instagram, and Ransome’s TikTok and Instagram. #IMBExperian

For more information about Experian’s commitment to financial inclusion, click here.

Brighten Up The Holiday Mood With This Moving Sandscapes Led Table Lamp
by Black Enterprise Shop

December 19, 2022

Brighten Up The Holiday Mood With This Moving Sandscapes Led Table Lamp

This time of the year, many people find themselves at home seeking refuge from the inclement weather that has already started bearing down on so many regions. Sprinkle in an uptick in home holiday gatherings, and many homeowners want the best presentation possible, whether just for themselves or for others this holiday season.

Lighting is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance the home space. An eye-catching light fixture can set the right room temperature and offer calm emotional benefits. It can also be a popular conversation piece for those visiting your home.

This Moving Sand Sandscapes LED Table Lamp does both. And for a limited time, you can purchase this opulent table lamp for just $87.99.

The Moving Sand Sandscapes LED Table Lamp is made of durable, high-quality glass and a frame. You don’t have to worry about it accidentally sliding off surfaces, as it’s fitted with a sponge anti-skid pad to keep it securely in place. The lead-free high transparency glass is clear as crystal. It’s the perfect blend of craftsmanship, design and function.

While the chassis is eye-catching, the moving sandscape steals the show. Not only will it capture and keep your attention, it will do the same to a houseguest who happens to see it. Sand art flows from top to bottom in a 360-degree rotating glass that can be adjusted to your liking. The color of the sand can be changed with the included remote control.

The light – which is 24 lumens – and sandscape rests inside a half-circle black frame to pop for a relaxing and peaceful aura. While it will stand out as a centerpiece on living room tables, it fits well in any office.

This LED table lamp instantly brings class and elegance to any room it’s placed. Purchase it this holiday season to enjoy it, or give it as a gift to friends and family.

Prices subject to change.

Chris Paul Graduates From Winston-Salem State University Years After Leaving College To Play In NBA
by Niko Mann

December 18, 2022

Chris Paul Graduates From Winston-Salem State University Years After Leaving College To Play In NBA

Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul graduated from Winston-Salem State University on Friday. The 37-year-old finished his bachelor’s degree in mass communications at the HBCU. The new graduate first attended college at Wake Forest University in 2003 before being drafted by the NBA in 2005.

Paul brought 75 family members to the graduation including his aunts, uncles and grandparents.

“When I was about to walk across the stage, there were nerves, there was an excitement, there was a feeling of completion,” he said.

“But knowing my family was there … I played many high school games in that annex. And it was so dope to look over and see my aunts and uncles, my grandparents, my parents who had been there that whole time. And then to see my wife, my kids, it just felt normal.”

Paul also had a gift for his fellow graduates and announced he’d gifted each graduate $100 in an account at the Black and Latino-owned online bank Greenwood. He also paid the membership fees for each student’s account and Elevate membership for one year, a value of $2,500 per graduate.

“As someone with a deep passion for HBCUs, I am proud to be graduating from Winston-Salem State and also excited to partner with Greenwood to provide a graduation gift to each of my classmates,” he said.

“Career development and financial planning are key next steps in the future for these graduates. This Greenwood Elevate membership will help them grow in the right direction.”

 

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The generous 12-time All-Star was honored earlier this year for his contributions to the advancement of girls’ and women’s basketball by the WNBA as the first recipient of the Kobe and Gigi Bryant Advocacy Award.

 

Tiger Woods And Son Charlie Compete In PNC Championship Together
by Niko Mann

December 18, 2022

Tiger Woods And Son Charlie Compete In PNC Championship Together

Professional golfer Tiger Woods and his son Charlie Woods competed together in the PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, according to ESPN. The golf event was held at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.

Woods and his 13-year-old son were both limping during the competition on Saturday. Charlie sprained his ankle and his father is still recovering from a foot injury from his car accident in 2021. The proud father said it was worth risking his long-term recovery to play with his son in the championship.

“You know, I don’t really care about that,” he said. “I think being there with and alongside my son is far more important, and to have a chance to have this experience with him is far better than my foot being a little creaky.”

“Any time I get a chance to spend time with my son, it’s always special. And to do it in a competitive forum, the last couple of years have been magical, and to be able to do it again, we’re looking forward to it.”

The father and son played in the first round against Justin Thomas and his father, Mike Thomas, good family friends of the Woods family. Charlie also said he enjoyed the experience.

“It was super fun,” said Charlie. “Just being out there with the Thomases and the Singhs… It was a great time. And the atmosphere was amazing.”

The weekend event marks the third time the father and son have played in the PNA championship together. The duo finished in second place in 2021. The 46-year-old and his son first entered the competition back in 2020 and came in seventh place. Woods and his son finished in eighth place on Sunday. Vijay Singh and son, Qass Singh were the champions.

Due to his injury, Woods hasn’t committed to a schedule for 2023 and said he sleeps with a protective boot on his foot as he heals.

“I’m doing everything. It’s frustrating because each and every day I have to do it, and then on top of that it’s trying to sleep in the d— boot, it’s no fun,” he said. “My left leg is bleeding sometimes because the boot hits it. It’s just annoying. It’s one of those things that, hey, I’m grateful to have this limb and it’s mine. It’s not some fake limb; it’s mine. And, yes, there are some issues with it, but I still have it.”

Woods said he will continue healing his foot beginning on Monday and doesn’t plan to play again until the Masters next April.

Maryland Man Charged With Murdering Wife After Requesting Welfare Check
by Niko Mann

December 18, 2022

Maryland Man Charged With Murdering Wife After Requesting Welfare Check

A man was arrested and charged with murdering his wife in Waldorf, Maryland on Dec. 9 after requesting a welfare check at his home, according to ABC7 News.

Travis Wood, 33, was arrested after officers from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the home on the 2300 block of Tawny Drive around 1 p.m. and found his 32-year-old wife, Shawnda Wood, shot to death.

Wood was identified as a suspect and charged with both first and second-degree murder. He was also charged with a firearms violation and two counts of assault. Wood is being held at the Charles County Detention Center without bond.

A GoFundMe set up by Shawnda’s family noted that the couple has three children; 11-year-old Autumn, nine-year-old McKenzie and eight-year-old Melrose. “We are the family of Shawnda, a beloved Daughter, Mother, Sister, and Friend. On Friday, December 9th 2022, Shawnda lost her life due to domestic violence.”

“We are devastated that her precious life was taken away from us and her three beautiful daughters. #EndDomesticViolence”

The family also thanked the public for their support and asked for continued prayers as the family deals with the tragedy.

“We are reaching out in hopes that you will contribute to us providing Shawnda with a proper homegoing celebration. In addition, we are seeking support to help raise her daughters, Autumn (11), McKenzie (9), and Melrose (8). We thank you for your condolences and prayers. We ask that you keep our family in your thoughts as we navigate through this tragedy.”

The GoFundMe page has raised more than $20,000 to help with funeral expenses. Any additional funds will be used to help support Wood’s three daughters.

Detective Eric Weaver from the Charles County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that anyone with pertinent information about the case contact CCSO at (301) 609-6571. Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS.

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