• Career

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 2, 2022

Bojangles Signs Development Agreement To Expand Atlanta Footprint With Top Music Executives Mel Carter And Kevin ‘Coach K’ Lee

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Bojangles, one of the nation’s leading restaurant franchises famous for its chicken, biscuits, and tea, announced today it has signed a franchise development agreement with Melanbo, a franchise group partly owned by prestigious music executives, Mel Carter and Kevin “Coach K” Lee.

Carter and his ownership group will develop 14 new locations in Greater Atlanta, building upon their acquisition of 18 existing Bojangles restaurants in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The acquisition and size of the multi-unit development agreement makes Melanbo the largest Black-controlled franchisee in Bojangles’ system, according to a release.

“Over the last few years, we have been aggressively seeking opportunities to grow our footprint in Atlanta, and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement with two influential voices in the city’s community,” said Patricia Halpin, Vice President of Franchise Growth, Bojangles.

“Mel and Coach K bring a unique perspective and energy to our network of operators that will be extremely beneficial to the brand’s growth going forward.”

“Their passion for Atlanta and the community is unparalleled, and we look forward to seeing their success, as well as further diversifying our franchisee network with more powerful leaders like Mel and Coach K.”

Immigrating to the United States of America at age 12, Carter grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y., working a variety of jobs to help his family make ends meet. By age 20, he had begun working in the music business and established himself as one of the top executives in the industry. Now residing in both New York and Atlanta, Carter just signed a Joint Venture deal with Warner Music for his record label, Second Estate Records. Prior to that, he served as the SVP of A&R for Republic Records.

“I was blown away with my first experience eating Bojangles. The chicken was seasoned to perfection and the biscuits were genuinely the best I’ve ever had,” said Carter.

“I’m honored to be a part of the Bojangles family. CEO Jose Armario has been supportive throughout our entire journey and sees our vision for Melanbo.”

Bojangles’ agreement with Carter and Lee builds on the brand’s accelerated growth in 2022 with more than 100 new locations in its development pipeline within target markets, which include Dallas-Fort Worth, Cleveland, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., among others.

Franchise opportunities with Bojangles remain in regions across the U.S., including the Southwest, Northeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the Southeast. Candidates should have restaurant and business experience, along with a minimum net worth of $1.0 million and liquid capital of $500,000.

For more information about development opportunities, contact Lead Qualifier Manager of Franchise Development Robin Weiner, at rweiner@bojangles.com or (704) 940-8790, or visit bojangles.com/franchising.

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 2, 2022

Ye Agrees to Divorce Settlement with Kim Kardashian, Will Pay $200,000 Monthly for Child Support

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One aspect of Ye‘s life has some clarity now that there has been a settlement in the divorce proceedings he has been involved with.

According to Fortune, the recording artist formerly known as Kanye West and his former wife, Kim Kardashian has officially reached a settlement in their divorce battle. The trial that was supposed to start later this month has been avoided by both parties.

It’s being reported that the attorneys for Ye and Kardashian have presented documents to the judge for the approval of the terms agreed upon. Ye has agreed to pay the mother of his four children $200,000 monthly for child support payments. The two parents have also arranged to 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 settlement papers, 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.”

Along with the custody arrangement, the former couple will also evenly pay the expenses for the children’s private security and private school, as well as their college education.

No spousal support will be collected by either side and since they had a pre-nuptial agreement, it will be honored.

The New York Post has reported that Kardashian will keep the bulk of the properties that were owned by the couple. That includes the Hidden Hills home that she and the children occupy currently, and she will retain possession of the other four homes next door. She is also keeping a Malibu property, a Riverside lot, and three properties located in Idaho.

The former married couple had their nuptials in 2014. Kardashian filed for divorce last year, citing irreconcilable differences. Earlier this year, a judge granted Kardashian her request to be declared legally single before coming to this settlement arrangement with Ye.

Michael Vick will lead a documentary that will showcase the evolution of Black quarterbacks in the NFL.

SMAC Productions, a division of SMAC Entertainment, and Fubo Studios will co-produce the eight-part documentary series. The docuseries will be led by Vick, the first Black quarterback drafted first overall by the NFL. He is credited with changing the trajectory of the Black quarterback.

“I’m excited to be a part of this project because as a kid, I just wanted to have a shot at playing in the National Football League. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be the first African American quarterback drafted #1. I know that was a big step for us in society,” said Vick in a written statement.

“I was always told that I revolutionized the quarterback position, but I also like to give credit to the ones who I idolized as a kid and who paved the way like Randall Cunningham, Steve McNair, and Donovan McNabb. When you look at the evolution of the Black quarterback, it’s because of the people that came before us. And now, I’m thankful for the dual threat concept that has changed the game for the better.”

Vick spoke to various former and current players as well as coaches, cultural figures, celebrities, and journalists for this project. According to the press release, the docuseries will “examine how on-field commanders changed the game and led off-field movements.” The story is being told through the eyes and experiences of the various Black quarterbacks who left their mark on the game.

The series will speak about and to several experts, including Fritz Pollard, Patrick Mahomes, Cam Newton, Tony Dungy, Andy Reid, Doug Williams, and Colin Kaepernick.

“At SMAC, we tell stories that go beyond the headlines and dig deep into our culture; this project is no different,” said FredAnthony Smith, vice president of nonscripted at SMAC Entertainment, who will serve as an executive producer and director of the docuseries.

“The story of the evolution of the Black quarterback is the story of how a group of men fought for the chance to play a position, revolutionized the game, and impacted and shaped culture off the field,” he added. “I couldn’t think of a better guide to take us on this journey than Michael Vick, someone who grew up watching so many of the groundbreakers of the ’80s and ’90s, and who himself has inspired so many of today’s greatest players.”

No release date was mentioned.

The recent reveal of a romance between Good Morning America co-hosts T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, who are both legally married, has people talking.

According to TMZ, due to the circumstances surrounding the start of the union, the two will not be facing any discipline.

BLACK ENTERPRISE recently reported that the hosts of GMA3: What You Need To Know were engaging in a romantic relationship, according to The Daily Mail. Holmes is legally married to attorney Marilee Fiebig, while Robach is still married to Melrose Place actor Andrew Shue. Amid reports that both hosts have been separated from their respective spouses since August, no discipline is warranted since the affair started after both left their partners.

The pair appeared on a recent show as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

TMZ reported that sources “with direct knowledge” on the show stated that Robach had to reassure executives at ABC several years ago that she and Holmes were not a romantic item, although she said they were best friends.

Grammy Award-winning recording artist Megan Thee Stallion made history after she became the first Black woman on the cover of Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30. Stallion graces the cover of the issue published on Nov. 28.

Forbes estimates that the 27-year-old rapper, whose real name is Megan Pete, earned at least $13 million this year. Pete also has lucrative deals with several companies, including Cash App, Revlon, Nike, Frito-Lay, and Popeyes. Time Studios and Roc Nation are reportedly paying Pete $3 million for a documentary about her life. Frito-Lay marketing executive Stacy Taffet said that Pete’s cultural influence is unmatched.

“The cultural influence that hip-hop and artists like Megan now have is unmatched,” she said.

“Our Super Bowl campaign with her outperformed a lot of what we’ve done in the past and exceeded all our expectations,” said Taffet.

Pete’s star is sure to keep rising. The Her rapper told Forbes that she has no plans to slow down anytime soon. “I’ve been running hard since 2019,” said Pete.

“I’ll take a break when I’m dead. I’m trying to really build something. When I start sitting, I feel like I’m not doing enough or I’m giving somebody else the opportunity to pass me.”

Pete shared the Forbes cover on Instagram on Nov. 29 with the caption, “First BLACK WOMAN on thee cover of @forbes 30 under 30 🔥 real hotgirl s— 💵💵 see you soon hotties love yall.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Megan Thee Stallion (@theestallion)

Pete also spoke about her music and said the lyrics on her most recent album, released in August, Traumazine, made her nervous because they were so personal to her experience.

“This album was really personal to me. This is like the first time I ever talked about things that I’m feeling, or talked about things that I’m going through, so it kind of made me nervous to write a lot of these songs.”

“It makes me nervous to perform some of these songs. And I kind of just was like, ‘OK, I’m gonna write this stuff and I’mma just put it out. Hm, Hotties, what you got to say about this?’”

Next year looks like it will also be lucrative for the Cognac Queen rapper. Pete is working on another album, has a 2023 world tour planned, and a deal with Netflix to produce a comedy based on her childhood.

Grammy-award-winning singer, rapper, songwriter and producer Missy Elliott will deliver the keynote address to approximately 400 graduating students at Norfolk State University’s Commencement Ceremony.

The 109th Commencement will take place at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 10, at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, located on the campus of Norfolk State University, according to a release.

Elliott burst on the music scene in 1997 and has broken the world record as her six studio albums have been certified [RIAA] Platinum or higher in the U.S. The Portsmouth, Va., native has gone on to receive 22 Grammy Award nominations, eight MTV video music awards, and amass sales exceeding 30 million in the U.S. Additionally, she has collaborated with numerous A-List artists and worked with former First Lady Michelle Obama on her project, This is for my Girls, an anthem to female empowerment. Elliott is also the recipient of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Music Pioneer Award received at the United Nations.

Most recently, Elliott’s hometown of Portsmouth honored her with a street in her name, “Missy Elliott Blvd.,” and the Commonwealth of Virginia declared Oct. 17 Missy Elliott Day.

• Legal

by Stacy Jackson

December 2, 2022

Breaking: Georgia Teen Campaigning for Senator Raphael Warnock Shot Through Door By Homeowner

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Another gunman has released fire on a young teen.

A man was recently arrested in Savannah, Georgia after allegedly shooting a 15-year-old who was reportedly campaigning for the upcoming run-off election Thursday night.

According to WSBTV, police said the teen, who was campaigning for Senator Raphael Warnock, was at a residence on Hartridge Street, when 42-year-old Jimmy Paiz shot the teen in the leg through the front door.

Authorities immediately located Paiz at home, after arriving to the scene.

As the investigation remains ongoing, Paiz has reportedly been sent to the Chatham County Jail and charged with aggravated assault and aggravated battery.

The unidentified teenager has been taken to Memorial Medical Center for treatment. However, authorities are unclear on the reason behind the shooting, saying there is not an indication that the event was politically-motivated.

“I am saddened to learn about this incident,” Sen. Raphael Warnock said, who is in a contentious battle against Herschel Walker in the senate runoff. “I am praying for the victim and their family and wish them a full recovery.”

Senator Warnock grew up in Kayton Homes public housing in Savannah.

According to the United States Senate, the Baptist pastor was elected as a Democrat to the U.S. Senate in the January 5, 2021, special election runoff for the term ending January 3, 2023. Warnock took the oath of office on January 20, 2021.

As previously reported in BLACK ENTERPRISE, former U.S. president Barack Obama campaigned with Warnock Thursday night in an effort to bank as many early votes as possible heading into next Tuesday.

Earlier this year, sources reported that Senator Warnock voted in favor of bipartisan legislation to help keep Georgians safe from gun violence. The vote succeeded at 65-33.

“I’m proud we finally came together and took action to pass common-sense policies supported by a majority of Georgians and Americans,” Warnock said in a statement. “Our work continues to ensure our schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, grocery stores, houses of worship and communities are safe for all Georgians, in every corner of our state.”

Authorities encourage anyone with information on this case to contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 912-525-3124.

Two Good Morning America co-anchors deactivated their Instagram accounts after being spotted spending a romantic getaway together.

Moments following the news of the romance between T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, an old post resurfaced from two years ago that Holmes created about his estranged wife, Roc Nation attorney Marilee Fiebig.

Holmes participated in a Facebook challenge in May 2020 called the ‘10-year challenge,’ where users posted about who they were a decade ago versus who they were at that present moment.

Holmes wrote a message about being married to Fiebig in his post.

“Despite my best efforts, she remained married to me the past 10 years,” Holmes wrote in the 2020 message.

“That’s not hyperbole. I’m not being dramatic. I gave her plenty of reasons, excuses, and opportunities to walk her fine ass out the doooooooor. But instead, with her built-in black woman superpower, she showed a grace and patience that’s incomprehensible,” he added.

“This is MARILEE FIEBIG HOLMES, y’all. And I, T.J. Holmes, do solemnly swear … that I … was HER #decadechallenge,” he concluded the message.

https://twitter.com/flacita__48/status/1598072600118571008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1598072600118571008%7Ctwgr%5Ec10b71acbb6ff23daeb2a214414b1e410e110d8f%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etonline.com%2Ftj-holmes-anniversary-post-to-wife-goes-viral-following-amy-robach-romance-reveal-195250

Holmes tied the knot with Fiebig in 2010 but reportedly split before his romance with Robach was publicized. In 2012, Holmes, a BET correspondent at the time, discussed his marriage with Fiebig during an interview with MsDramaTV, advising married couples to “do the right thing, treat each other well and respect each other.”

The then-couple welcomed a daughter, Sabine, in January 2013, an addition to Holmes’ other children, Brianna and Jaiden, from a previous marriage to Amy Ferson that ended in 2007.

Holmes and Robach’s relationship has been “going on in secret for quite some time, but how long is truly unknown,” a source said, adding that the anchors “did their best to keep things professional and private.”

Romantic photos of the newly revealed couple surfaced in the Daily Mail, including some that were snapped on Nov. 10 of the two sitting next to each other inside a New York City bar while having drinks. Another was captured of Holmes and Robach holding hands.

When economic downturns occur, Black Americans often are hit more severely financially and face a tougher time rebounding than others.