Takeoff
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 16, 2022

Offset Leaves Touching Words For Takeoff: ‘I Love You Forever’

Migos co-founder and group member Offset breaks his social media silence since his rhyming partner,  Takeoff, was killed in Houston two weeks ago.

Offset, who recently separated from the group, posted an endearing message to Takeoff less than a week after Takeoff’s funeral in Atlanta. Eluding to not knowing what to say, the hurt he has in his heart for his fallen family member is evident in the Instagram post.

“Dear Take, doesn’t feel real posting you like this….
This still doesn’t feel like reality. I’ve been searching for the right words to say, but there aren’t any that will suffice.
Until we meet again, Rest In Power.
I love you 🙏🏾 🕊️ 🚀”

The post has various photographs and video clips of the group and solo pictures of Takeoff. He then writes words directed to the late rapper, stating he hoped the tragedy was a dream but acknowledging that it’s actually a nightmare.

“The pain you have left me with is unbearable. My heart is shattered and I have so many things to say, but I can’t find the words. I’ve been going to sleep and waking up hoping that all of this is a dream, but it’s reality, and reality feels like a nightmare.”

Offset, born Kiari Kendrell Cephus, reminisced about times when they would greet each other with a hug and how he wished he could get one last one, along with other moments they shared.

“Everytime you would see me, you didn’t give me a dap, you gave me a hug. I wish I could hug you one last time. Laugh one last time. Smoke one last time. Perform one last time. I know someone with a soul like yours is in heaven now. I hope you can see how much we love you and miss you. You have left a hole in my heart that will never be filled. Give me strength, give your brothers strength, give your family strength. Even though I know you will always be with us, throw me a lil sign or a beautiful dream. I love you forever. 4L and after.”

 

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A post shared by OFFSET (@offsetyrn)

Last week, the funeral for Takeoff, born Kirshnik Ball, took place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

According to TMZ, the shooting death of Takeoff took place at the 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston bowling alley. Takeoff was there with his uncle, Quavo, nee Quavious Keyate Marshall. They were in Houston celebrating the birthday of Jas Prince on the night of the tragedy.

No one has been arrested for the senseless killing.

DC’s Famous Centenarian, Virginia McLaurin, Who Danced With the Obamas, Dies at 113
by Atiya Jordan

November 16, 2022

DC’s Famous Centenarian, Virginia McLaurin, Who Danced With the Obamas, Dies at 113

Virginia McLaurin, the world-famous centenarian who joyfully danced with President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama during a 2016 White House visit, has died, WJLA reports. She was 113.

The longtime Washington, D.C. resident had been under hospice care for a few days, her family announced on her Facebook page. McLaurin died at home on the morning of Monday, Nov. 14.

“She lived an incredibly full life and appreciated all the love she received from people on this FB page and everywhere she went. (Before the pandemic that is—for the past few years she largely stayed inside.),” the post shared.

On Feb. 28, 2016, the South Carolina native got to fulfill her dream of visiting the White House and meeting the Obamas. The trio danced together in the Blue Room prior to a reception celebrating Black History Month. The video clip garnered international attention and the rest is history.

“I thought I would never live to get in the White House,” McLaurin once said, according to a White House blog. “And I tell you, I am so happy. A black president! A black wife! And I’m here to celebrate black history. Yeah, that’s what I’m here for.”

The White House discovered McLaurin after she started recording short oral history interviews about her life growing up as a sharecropper in the early 1900s and coming to D.C. during the Great Migration. She also volunteered 40 hours a week at schools following her retirement.

Following the visit to the White House, she volunteered as a UPO foster grandparent and collaborated with other tenants in the fight for quality living conditions. She was also honored by the D.C. Council in the Council Chamber with a Ceremonial Resolution on her 107th birthday, per WJLA.

A GoFundMe was created on behalf of McLaurin’s son Felipe Cardoso to assist with memorial services.  Out of the $40,000 goal, nearly $6,000 has been collected.

A Big Rih-Veal: Rihanna Wants Beyoncé To Slay in Her Next Savage X Fenty Fashion Show
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 16, 2022

A Big Rih-Veal: Rihanna Wants Beyoncé To Slay in Her Next Savage X Fenty Fashion Show

Rihanna is fresh off the heels of her Fenty x Savage Vol 4 fashion show and is already teasing who’d she like to model in the next star-studded event.

According to Rihanna, she would love it if Beyoncé would agree to model her fashion line. During the red carpet for her recent fashion show that premiered on Amazon Prime last week, Rih was asked who’d she like to have model her next collection.

“Beyoncé,” she told E! News. “I mean, Beyoncé got body. That would just trump everything for me.”

The latest show received positive reviews for its celebrity appearances from Sheryl Lee Ralph, Taraji P. Henson, Damson Idris, Winston Duke, Marsai Martin, RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorite Kornbread “The Snack” Jete, and more.

Rihanna received criticism for including actor Johnny Depp in the show in the wake of his high-profile defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard. Fans felt Rihanna shouldn’t have Depp in the show considering Heard’s abuse claims against the Pirates of the Caribbean star.

But instead of removing his scene, Rihanna kept him as part of her star-studded lineup. Depp thanked Rihanna in an Instagram post promoting the show.

“Thank you @badgalriri #SAVAGEFENTYSHOW Vol.4 Out Now @primevideo,” he captioned the video post.

 

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A post shared by Johnny Depp (@johnnydepp)

The show included performances by Anitta, Don Toliver, Maxwell, and Burna Boy, who all modeled Fenty x Savage pieces while showcasing their music.

The new show comes ahead of Rihanna headlining the 2023 Super Bowl. Fans have been anticipating her return to the big stage. But Rih says just because she’s performing doesn’t necessarily mean an album is on the way.

“No, no, no. That’s not true,” Rihanna told the Associated Press, as noted by Metro Weekly. “Super Bowl is one thing. New music is another thing.”

by Stacy Jackson

November 16, 2022

Meet the Black Owners Providing a Platform to Locate and Support Other Black-Owned Businesses

After having difficulty finding Black-owned businesses through the filters of existing apps, these Black men decided to create their own platform.

University of Washington (UW) classmates Andrew McDonald and Giovanni Iriarte-Young teamed up with fellow UW grad and veteran, Tema Woods, to launch The Ebba (Essential Black Business App) to help users find Black-owned businesses across the U.S.

According to GeekWire, the 8,000 businesses listed on the Seattle startup’s website were added by individual business owners and handpicked by The Ebba team. Businesses are filtered into categories that include food, cosmetics, fitness, travel, hospitality, and more.

“Our overall goal is to get people to explore their communities, learn along the way and support the businesses within them,” McDonald said.

The app is part of a mission to push Black-owned businesses to major platforms like Yelp and the Official Black Wall Street. “Our main competitors would be Google and Yelp, as well as Seamless, powered by Grubhub. They serve a huge audience but they’re not really focused on the Black community to the same degree as we are, because we come from the Black community.”

The company profits from commission charges that are determined based on what businesses earn through the platform. Figuring out the context of the industry is an important aspect when sorting through businesses and evaluating companies.

“How Black does the business need to be? How do we make it more equitable depending on the industry of the Black-owned company?” Iriarte-Young said.

“The best position is for companies to gain exposure and grow so that the Black community has more representation business-wise across all industries.”

Recently, The Ebba launched an updated version of its app, which allowed users to purchase products while exploring community and history. Future plans for the app include incorporating augmented reality, getting into the supply chain industry, developing a kid-friendly version to teach financial literacy, and expanding into the food and delivery space.

Never Be Too Far From Your Computer With Screens 4 Mac
by Black Enterprise Shop

November 16, 2022

Never Be Too Far From Your Computer With Screens 4 Mac

Remote connectivity has enhanced the computer experience for users.

Not only has it given people the chance to tap into their computers from a different location, but it’s also useful when seeking assistance to fix computer issues and when collaborating with friends, classmates or colleagues on projects.

Screens 4 for macOS is one of the best when it comes to remote connectivity. For a limited time, you can purchase this software for $19.99. That’s a savings of 33% from its MSRP ($29.99).

With Screens 4 Mac, you can control your computer from virtually any location in the world from your Mac, including PCs, iPhones and iPads. It offers support for multiple displays on the same physical computer along with the capability to display in multiple locations at once.

The Groups function gives you the option of organizing your saved screens as groups to keep everything in place and in order. You can also synchronize your content via iCloud or Dropbox. Session selections allow you to share with an existing user or start a new session.

Additional features include a one-click user password, full-screen mode, and revamped URL schemes support, among others.

Screens 4 Mac is rated 4.6 stars on Apple, and it’s received a 4.2-star rating on MacUpdate.

Cult of Mac, in its review, writes: “Screens, arguably the finest and most attractive VNC client for Mac and iOS, is now even greater.”

This software can run on devices with macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later. It can be installed on up to three devices, and updates to keep your product fresh are included.

If you’re someone who is always on the go, then this is just the product you need to keep you close to your computer. Purchase it today at this limited-time price to enjoy all Screens 4 macOS has to offer.

Prices subject to change.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 15, 2022

The Marathon Continues: Lauren London and Friends to Honor Nipsey Hussle’s Life In Docuseries

The late Nipsey Hussle is set to have his story told in a docuseries produced by Hussle’s Marathon Films and LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill studio, People reports.

On Tuesday, the documentary was announced. It will focus on Hussle’s rise in hip hop ahead of his tragic murder in 2019 at the age of 33.

Hussle’s girlfriend Lauren London will appear in the documentary as well as more than 50 collaborators including Sean “Diddy” Combs and Snoop Dogg. The series will share never-before-seen footage of the Grammy award-winning rapper’s upbringing in the Crenshaw neighborhood of Los Angeles including his experience with gangs and riots that plagued the LA area in the early 90s.

His career highlights will include Hussle’s inception into hip hop by way of his 2005 mixtape Slauson Boy and how he grew his brand to include his All Money In record label, Marathon Clothing store, Marathon Agency brand, and co-working company Vector 90.

“It’s an incredible honor for SpringHill to have a part in sharing Nipsey’s story and legacy with the world,” James said about the docuseries.

“He used his gift to give back to his community and lived what it means to inspire, empower, and uplift others along the way. His words, his ambition, and his actions stick with me to this day as he continues to inspire myself, our company, and people everywhere.”

Hussle’s brother Samiel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom, who serves as the head over his estate, will also appear in the docuseries to speak to his late brother’s legacy.

“Nipsey was a man of the people,” Samiel said of his late brother.

“He often said his purpose in life was to inspire. Nipsey’s light shone across the world. His life is a testament that his purpose was fulfilled.”

Samiel continued, “The family has taken the proper time and care needed to ensure that Nipsey’s life story be detailed and presented correctly and accurately,” he said.

“We are honored to be able to cement Nipsey’s legacy with this epic docu-series of his life. Nipsey said, ‘If they made a story about my life, it better be a classic.'”

Ava DuVernay, Venus and Serena Williams Among Honorees at Portrait Of A Nation Gala
by Eric Moody

November 15, 2022

Ava DuVernay, Venus and Serena Williams Among Honorees at Portrait Of A Nation Gala

More than 750 entertainers and influencers were welcomed to Washington D.C. Saturday for the 2022 Portrait of a Nation Gala.

The event, directed by art curator Kim Sajet, was held at the Smithsonian‘s National Portrait Gallery.

“This year’s Portrait of a Nation Gala strengthens our commitment to contemporary portraiture,” Sajet said in an issued press release. “We collaborate with contemporary artists to illuminate the history unfolding around us while also looking back at the changemakers who came before.”

Seven honorees received this year’s Portrait of a Nation Award, including award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay, 23-time Grand Slam champion and entrepreneur Serena Williams, and her sister, fellow tennis champion and pay equity activist Venus Williams.

The award, established in 2015, recognizes individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States and its people.

The awardees were also featured in portraits displayed in the National Portrait Gallery, honoring the extraordinary contributions these individuals have brought forth in their respective industries during a special red-carpet gathering.

“Portraiture is both the past and present, contemplative and motivating, traditional and avant-garde, and we encourage everyone looking at the portraits of this year’s honorees to reflect on how they might see history and want themselves to be seen,” Sajet added in her statement.

Other honorees included humanitarian José Andrés, Grammy award-winning music executive, and philanthropist Clive Davis, attorney and children’s rights activist Marian Wright Edelman, and leading public health expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.

The special gathering was curated by Rhea L. Combs, director of curatorial affairs, in collaboration with Taína Caragol, curator of painting, sculpture, and Latinx art and history, and Leslie Ureña, curator of photographs.

The event featured six newly commissioned portraits and one never-before-seen photograph by contemporary artists Ruven Afanador (Edelman), Hugo Crosthwaite (Fauci), Kenturah Davis (DuVernay), David Hockney (Davis), Kadir Nelson (Andrés), Toyin Ojih Odutola (S. Williams) and Robert Pruitt (V. Williams). 

Attendees also enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and a performance by acclaimed Jazz musician Wynton Marsalis.

Odell Beckham
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 15, 2022

Odell Beckham Jr. Files Lawsuit Against Nike, Claims They Owe Him More Than $20 Million

Super Bowl champion Odell Beckham Jr. is suing sneaker giant, Nike claiming that the sportswear company owes him more than $20 million.

According to TMZ Sports, the free agent wide receiver states that Nike jerked him out at a deal that was supposed to be similar to an adidas arrangement that was offered to him.

Daniel Davillier, Beckham’s attorney, filed the lawsuit for the former New York Giants player. Beckham insists that when the original Nike deal expired five years ago in 2017, he contemplated leaving the swoosh brand to go to one of their competitors, adidas. The rival company offered him a large contract that Nike decided to match so they wouldn’t lose him. He now claims that the fine print on that extension contract didn’t match what adidas offered him to sign with them.

Beckham stated his standing with Nike began to deteriorate earlier this year in March when he was supposed to receive a payment amount of approximately $2.6 million. Yet, without telling him anything, Nike reportedly withheld more than $2 million of the payment.

He found out later that Nike didn’t give him the money because they claim he committed violations that were detrimental to his agreement. They stated he had footwear and glove violations when he changed them towards the end of the football season. Yet, Beckham stated that wasn’t the case. He said he was essentially forced to personally customize his cleats due to Nike not giving him cleats that matched the colors of his new team.

Beckham released a statement:

“Being a Nike Athlete and Brand Icon was a dream I’ve had since being a young boy. I wanted to be the next Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant in the Nike Family.”

“When Nike exercised its right of first refusal to match the Adidas offer and not only kept me as a Nike Athlete, but also made me one of their Brand Icons – my dream had been fulfilled.”

“Unfortunately, Nike did not honor its commitments. Throughout our partnership, I have kept my promise and fulfilled my obligations to the brand. I am extremely disappointed that I’ve had to take these measures to ensure Nike fulfills their obligations and promises.”

Chicago Approves $13.5M Subsidy for Black-Owned Company to Revamp 6 Grocery Stores
by Eric Moody

November 15, 2022

Chicago Approves $13.5M Subsidy for Black-Owned Company to Revamp 6 Grocery Stores

A Black-owned company was granted a $13.5 million subsidy to buy and revamp six grocery stores in Chicago.

The approval was granted by the City Council’s Finance Committee to give Yellow Banana the green light, according to The Chicago Times. The project will focus on run-down Save A Lot grocery stores that will operate under the Yellow Banana umbrella. But The Chicago Times reported that the company has been informed that Save A Lot requires some serious rebranding efforts.

The need for rebranding came after several buildings were reportedly damaged by grocery store closings on the South and West sides of the city. Some, like Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), chairman of the City Council’s Black Caucus, understand that the name Save A Lot has an important connection. But he told the outlet that he would like for the store, particularly in the area of 420 S. Pulaski Road, to be renamed to connect better with residents who felt betrayed by the company.

“The city is putting a significant investment out here, but at the same time, we want to make sure that people will actually utilize this. And that may be something that may hold people up from doing it,” Ervin told The Chicago Times.

“There will be some challenges just based on the name and based on what happened in the community in the past.”

Ervin believes a fresher perspective for the community would give a better sense of a restart.

The area locations are listed as:

  • 7908 S. Halsted St. in Auburn Gresham 
  • 420 S. Pulaski Road in West Garfield Park 
  • 10700 S. Halsted St. in Morgan Park 
  • 2858 E. 83rd St. in South Chicago 
  • 7240 S. Stony Island Ave. in South Shore 
  • 4439 W. 63rd St. in West Lawn

As part of the subsidy agreement with the city, all six stores must stay open for no less than 10 years, Yellow Banana partner Michael Nance told The Chicago Times.

FBI Identifies Suspect Following String of Bomb Threats at HBCU Schools
by Derek Major

November 15, 2022

FBI Identifies Suspect Following String of Bomb Threats at HBCU Schools

FBI Director Christopher Wray said Tuesday that the agency has zeroed in on a suspect, following a litany of bomb threats at HBCU schools.

The Hill reported that Wray said the agency has a suspect in one of the calls and is still investigating other threats made to HBCU schools. “We’ve recently — with respect to the first big tranche of the threats — the investigation has identified an underage, a juvenile subject. And because of the federal limitations on charging juveniles with federal crimes, we have worked with state prosecutors to ensure that that individual is charged under various other state offenses, which will ensure some level of restrictions and monitoring and disruption of his criminal behavior,” Wray told lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Committee, according to The Hill.

“Since that big tranche that we believe that individual was responsible for, there have been two other tranches.”

“And we’re very actively investigating those, but there’s not much I can say on those ongoing active investigations, those other investigations, at this time.”

The surge in HBCU bomb threats began in January when Howard University and six other schools received threats. Within a month, 17 other HBCUs received bomb threats. Earlier this year, the FBI said it had six tech-savvy juveniles identified as persons of interest in the bomb threats, but has provided little information since.

The FBI investigation involves at least 31 field offices, as the individuals involved in the bomb threats used complex methods to conceal the origin of the threats. In addition to Howard, other HBCU schools that have received threats include Florida Memorial University, The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University, Prairie View A&M, Xavier University of Louisiana, Southern University, and Delaware State University.

In addition to receiving bomb threats at the beginning of the year, Howard University also received threats in August, during the beginning of the fall semester. None of the threats came to fruition, however multiple schools were forced to evacuate buildings and cancel classes as a result of the threats.

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