NeNe Leakes Boyfriend, Nyonisela Sioh, Files For Divorce From Estranged Wife
The saga continues!
The paramour of reality personality NeNe Leakes has filed for divorce from his soon-to-be former wife. According to TMZ, Nyonisela Sioh, who has been dating the Real Housewives of Atlanta star, recently filed papers to officially end his marriage to Malomine Tehmeh-Sioh.
In paperwork obtained by the media outlet, Leakes’ current boyfriend acknowledges being married to Malomine since 2016. The couple has one child together and has been separated since Sept. 19, 2021. He states that the two of them lived apart and the separation was supposed to be a permanent one.Earlier this year, Tehmeh-Sioh sued Leakes after the romance between her and Sioh was publicly displayed. Sioh’s claims in her lawsuit that she suffered emotional distress, mental anguish, and a loss of affection due to her husband being with the reality star. She also claims that she was still happily married to Sioh when his relationship with Leakes blossomed.Tehme-Sioh claims she faced humiliation when The Real Housewives of Atlanta star posted pics online, showing off her relationship with her husband. She is looking for at least $100,000. Based on the law in North Carolina, Tehmeh-Sioh can sue her spouse’s extramarital partner for alienation of affection.But, based on Sioh’s lawsuit, his relationship with his wife was over before he started his romance with Leakes.
At the time of Tehmeh-Sioh’s lawsuit versus Leakes, the actress responded on her Instagram Live. “I’m already out here a husband stealer and this is too much. And ain’t nobody out here stealing husbands. Are they? I would never,” she remarked. “Nobody wants to steal nobody else’s problems, honey.”Leakes also responded, according to Entertainment Tonight, that she shouldn’t be involved in the issues that Sioh is having with his estranged wife.
“I feel like it’s their business and not mine, right?” Leakes said.
Grammy Award-Winning Singer Roberta Flack Diagnosed With ALS; Singing Is ‘Impossible’
Singer, songwriter, and musician Roberta Flack, the first artist to win the Grammy Award Record of the Year for two consecutive years, can no longer sing.
On Sunday, a representative for the R&B singer announced that she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, CNN reported.
The progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord “has made it impossible” for the star “to sing and not easy to speak,” according to the statement.
“But it will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon.”
According toBillboard, the announcement was released ahead of the world premiere of Roberta, which will screen as part of Doc NYC Nov. 17. The film, directed by Antonino D’Ambrosio, explores the “depth and complexity” of Flack’s “lyrical and thematic choices” as someone who “thoughtfully interrogated her role and identity throughout her life,” per the Doc NYC website.
It will also air on PBS television in the United States on Jan. 24, 2023.
Additionally, the 85-year-old songstress will release a children’s book, The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, in January.
Flack is internationally hailed for her effortless progression from pop to soul to folk to jazz. Her talents were developed from her early classical training on the piano. At age 15, she received a music scholarship to attend Howard University, and the rest is history, including her first record deal with Atlantic Records.
With a string of hits, including “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1973 Grammy), “Where Is the Love” (a duet with former Howard University classmate Donny Hathaway), “Killing Me Softly With His Song” (1974 Grammy), “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “The Closer I Get to You,” “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” and “Set the Night to Music,” the HBCU alumna has inspired countless of people.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of Flack’s landmark fourth album, Killing Me Softly. Rhino Records will unveil a commemorative reissue of the album.
In spite of her diagnosis, “Flack plans to stay active in her musical and creative pursuits,” her manager said in a statement, per the Washington Post. She supports music education with The Roberta Flack Foundation.
Researchers Say Black Veterans Received Less Benefits Than White Veterans Due To Racism
A study released on Veterans Day shows Black veterans receive fewer benefits than their white counterparts due to racism.
The Washington Post reports the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center’s “Discretionary Injustice” study analyzed more than 1 million military releases, finding Black veterans are much more likely to be given a less than honorable discharge.
According to the report, veterans who receive less than honorable discharges can be denied access to housing, education, career training and healthcare assistance programs. The Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledged the racial bias in a statement and promised to make changes.
“We fully understand that there are disparities in discharge status due to racism, which unfairly disadvantage Black Veterans and, sometimes, wrongly leave Black Veterans without access to VA care and benefits,” VA Press Secretary Terrence Hayes told The Post in an emailed statement.
Hayes added the Department of Defense is in the process of reviewing its procedures for dealing with veterans who have wrongfully received other discharges and is working to end institutional racism in the claims process.
The Legal Center’s researchers examined all Defense Department discharges from the 2014 fiscal year through the 2022 fiscal year for the report and discovered Black Veterans receive less than honorable designations 1.5 times more than white veterans. Researchers also noted there was no pronounced gap across other racial and ethnic groups.
The study comes on the heels of a report by the Brandeis Institute for Economic and Racial Equity released earlier this year asserting the GI Bill, which was once celebrated for helping World War II veterans, actually contributed to America’s racial wealth gap and hurt Black veterans financially.
According to the Brandeis study, Black veterans received 40% of the benefits white veterans received due to local discriminatory policies as well as segregation and systemic racism.
“Black people could not use their money to buy education in White-only schools or real estate in White-only neighborhoods,” it read, according to The Post. “Money is only valuable because it can be used to buy things, and Black veterans could use their money to buy fewer things.”
Democratic lawmakers are trying to correct the situation with The Sgt. Isaac Woodard, Jr. and Sgt. Joseph H. Maddox GI Bill Restoration Act, which would grant African American veterans and their families additional benefits if they could demonstrate how racism influenced those benefits.
Chris Rock Prepares for Netflix’s First-Ever Live Stand-Up Special
Brooklyn comedian Chris Rock is about to do something that has never been done before. His next scheduled Netflix special will be recorded and shown live.
The legendary writer, director, and actor will be the first artist to perform live for Netflix’s with the global streaming event. The live special is tentatively scheduled to take place in early 2023.
“Chris Rock is one of the most iconic and important comedic voices of our generation,” said Robbie Praw, Netflix Vice President of Stand-up and Comedy Formats, in a written statement. “We’re thrilled the entire world will be able to experience a live Chris Rock comedy event and be a part of Netflix history. This will be an unforgettable moment and we’re so honored that Chris is carrying this torch.”
The special will take place five years after Rock’s first Netflix comedy special, Chris Rock: Tamborine, which was released in February 2018.
Rock’s year began with perhaps the biggest controversy in Academy Awards history, when he was assaulted on stage in front of a live audience.
While presenting, Rock jokingly referred to Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was sporting a bald head, as G.I. Jane (Demi Moore, who starred in the movie and shaved her head for the role). As Rock looked directly at Jada, seated with her husband, Will Smith, he said, “Jada, I love ya. G.I. Jane 2, can’t wait to see it. Alright?”
Apparently, that hit a sore spot, as there were some gasps in the audience and the camera showed Jada looking unamused by the comment. Reacting to the crowd, Rock then stated, “That was a nice one!” and quickly tried to get back to the presentation.
Initially, it looked as if Will was okay with the joke, but he got up from his seat and approached Rock on stage. As Will got closer, he smacked Rock in the face, stunning the comedian, as well as the world.
Following the controversy, and being suspended by the Academy for 10 years, Smith released an apology to Rock.
Founded by Nikole Hannah-Jones, the inaugural Knight Chair in Race and Journalism, the Center is the first-of-its-kind academic center committed to strengthening historically-informed, pro-democracy journalism.
“More than a year ago, I came to Howard University with a vision to create a space for veteran and budding journalists to hone their craft and respond to our increasingly threatened democracy. Today, we officially launch the Center for Journalism & Democracy, and hold our inaugural Democracy Summit to showcase our philosophy that democracy not only guarantees a free press — it requires one,” said Nikole Hannah-Jones, founder of the Center for Journalism & Democracy.
“The Center aims to be a key resource and national player for investigative journalism. We are an open learning community with a mission to prod the profession to rise to the urgency of the moment.”
Today’s Democracy Summit is a day-long convening of historians, democracy experts and journalists to collectively unpack present and specific threats to American democracy, examine how American media is covering this moment, and come away with a new vision for protecting our democracy now. Today’s programming includes a special message from President Barack Obama and also features Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Anthea Butler, Greg Carr, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Avery Davis-Roberts, Astead Herndon, Maria Hinojosa, Sherrilyn Ifill, Cassandra Jaramillo, Steven Levitsky, Wesley Lowery, Rachel Orey, Jodi Rave Spotted Bear, Kathy Roberts Forde, Jay Rosen, Jason Stanley, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, and more. To watch the Democracy Summit live, please click here.
“Howard University has a time-honored tradition of protecting and preserving our nation’s democracy by shedding a light on the Black experience. We are home to the nation’s oldest Black collegiate newspaper, as well as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for archival material documenting the Black experience, and we are honored to be the home of the Center for Journalism & Democracy,” said Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University.
“It is an incredible gift to have Professor Hannah-Jones’ expertise and leadership be a part of our longstanding tradition of Black intellectual thought.”
“We are proud to see her vision of creating an academic center that honors and disseminates the traditions of the Black press come to life. The curriculum, programming, and resources the Center provides will strengthen our commitment to educating the next generation of diverse journalists.”
“The vigilance, critical analysis and clarity of purpose that is required of journalism today grounds our aspirations for the Center. We want to remind people of the power and necessity of courageous journalism. Now is the time,” said Dr. Kali-Ahset Amen, executive director of the Center for Journalism & Democracy.
The Center will create investigative reporting courses and journalism programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), support their campus news organizations, provide financial and career support for student journalists, host symposia, train faculty and launch a visiting professorships program to bring practitioners of investigative reporting into the classrooms of HBCUs. It will work in partnership with the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center on the Black Press Archives Project, which seeks to digitize Howard’s extensive Black newspaper archives, and will fund reparations reporting projects as well. All of the Center’s activities are designed to engage conversation about and commitment to the field of investigative journalism, and to strengthen it in service of democracy. With the center, Howard University will become one of the few journalism programs nationwide to offer a slate of courses with an investigative focus.
Additionally, the Center will work with multiple historically HBCUs that offer journalism degrees and concentrations. This includes Morehouse College, Florida A&M University, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central University, Savannah State University, and Texas Southern University.
Beyoncé Writes Foreword for Celebrity Stylist Ty Hunter’s New Book ‘Makeover From Within’
Celebrity stylist Ty Hunter has made his mark yet again.
This time, though, it isn’t through perfectly draping threads on a red carpet. Rather he’s shining through on the pages of his new book, Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery.
The Austin native, with the assistance of his friend Eila Mell, has penned a transparent look at the moments that have shaped him, with the promise to “give us all the tools we need to reach our full potentials and be our best selves.”
And after reading, I have to agree that it delivers on that promise, and then some.
Makeover from Within
Ty Hunter holds nothing back in Makeover from Within as he shares the moments that have brought him to where he is today. From his chance encounters with Tina (Knowles) Lawson which led him to work with Destiny’s Child (and later Beyoncé) for almost two decades, to his life-changing exchanges with President Barack Obama.
But Hunter also addresses his life’s somber moments: dealing with depression, sexual assault from a loved one, getting shot due to mistaken identity, racism, and navigating life when both of his parents were diagnosed with cancer.
Makeover from Within is an easy read, with great lessons along the way. The photos throughout and “Ty’s Takeaways” at the end of each chapter are great touches that bring the book together wonderfully. At the end of Ty’s Takeaways, I found myself pausing to reflect on how each lesson could be used in my day-to-day life.
Following a tough moment in the book, Hunter shared, “Even though I was down, I never just lied there. I got up – and I keep getting up.” This sentiment is echoed throughout, and you cannot help but marvel at, and be inspired by, his bravery, growth, and tenacity to keep pushing.
Star-Studded
As sweet and grounded as Hunter is, you’re quickly reminded that he is, indeed, a star. And as such, Makeover from Within is star-studded. It boasts a foreword from Beyoncé and an afterward by Billy Porter, both of whom he has worked with and built personal relationships with, and each gush over how much he means to them.
In fact, Beyoncé writes, “Readers of this book are about to go on a beautiful journey with my friend, my confidant, my brother, Ty Hunter.”
It doesn’t stop there, though, Tina Knowles, Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Hudson, Tichina Arnold and even Naomi Campbell have quotes about Hunter and his new book on the back cover.
Ty Hunter’s “Big Why” Behind the Book
Hunter shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, “If you follow me on social media you may not even know I’m a stylist, because I’m all about uplifting and making people laugh. It’s quotes and funny stuff, and that’s what moves me. That’s what gets me going.”
He noted that it would be easy for him to throw up a bunch of fashion images and selfies, but to really impact people is what matters most to him. He has received many messages over the years from his social media followers sharing that his posts have helped them overcome low moments in their life, aiding them through their divorce, suicidal days, and more. “Things like that really touch me and I’m glad I have this platform to impact people for better.”
Hunter wanted to go deeper than social media posts would allow, and that is how the book was born.
Ty Hunter is in a new phase in his life and career, where he is expressing and stretching himself creatively through new ventures, like writing Makeover from Within, designing handbags with his friend Manuel, and trying his hand at script writing (Netflix, call him, ne-ow). Despite his busy schedule, Hunter still finds the time for the things that matter most – making memories with family and friends.
You can follow Hunter’s journey on Instagram @tytryone and grab Makeover from Within anywhere books are sold. You won’t regret it.
Black Woman Goes Viral for TikTok Video Twerking in Mississippi Cotton Field
A video of a Black woman twerking in a cotton field in Mississippi has gone viral on TikTok, and many are in stitches over it.
The video appears to be for a TikTok twerk challenge, and the caption under the footage reads, “If TikTok existed in 1860.”
The twerking woman is seen in the field picking cotton while another woman throws cotton on her as if she is throwing cash in a strip club. The woman twerks to the song “No Clappin” by Spiffy The Goat in the video. The song, released in 2022 by the rap artist, is featured on over 50,000 TikTok videos.
Another caption for the video said, “I just know I get this a** shaking from my great great great grandma 🤔.”
The video was posted by Kam Tunechi on Oct. 4 and has been liked more than 2 million times on the social media platform. Several TikTok users commented on how funny they found the video. Others wondered if a green screen was used to make the video and were amused to learn that the women shot the video in an actual cotton field.
“IT’S NOT A GREEN SCREEN!???? 😂😂😳.”
One fan joked, “MAAAAASTA she on the field actin up again.” Another fan posted, “I’m weak 😂😳😅.” Another replied, “Swing low in real life 😂.”
“It’s the laundry basket repurposed as the cotton basket for me! LMAO,” wrote another fan. “Now, you must be in MISSISSIPPI down deep in da DeLTA? 😭🤣😭🤣 I think I saw y’all when I passed through.”
While the video amused many, others were not as impressed. One commenter thought the video set the community back by three centuries. Another said, “I need Harriet 😮💨.” Although, the majority of commenters seemed to have been entertained by the video and appreciated the ladies’ comedic efforts. “Not making it rain with cotton 😂😭.”
In May, the couple revealed that Leilani gave birth to a son, but as she held him in her arms, he passed away. On Mother’s Day, Brian posted a tribute to his wife and mentioned the loss of Kekoa Matteo.
“Happy Mothers Day to my beautiful wife ❤️❤️❤️. I treasure this picture it was our last family picture before the birth of our son Kekoa Matteo. Baby, you are the greatest example of being a mother I’ve ever witnessed. Today was supposed to be Kekoa’s due date, and I know how hard him not being here in the flesh with us is weighing incredibly heavy on us, but I know he is with us just like Julia and Jack are , as shining examples of your exceptional motherhood. The strength I saw in you through the loss of our son and the courage to deal with the hardest loss we’ve ever dealt with in our lives has been truly remarkable. I am in awe.”
The R&B singer wrote about seeing an “ultrasound for the first time,” and feeling their son move when his wife pregnant. Seeing their son take his last breath while in the arms of his wife, after his umbilical cord was cut, was an emotional memory that McKnight shared with the world on Mother’s Day.
Former Virginia Football Player Arrested For Fatally Shooting Three Active Players
The University of Virginia student accused of fatally shooting three football players and injuring two others on campus Sunday night has been arrested, CBS Sports reported.
Christopher Darnell Jones Jr., 22, an active student and former Virginia walk-on football player, is facing charges with three counts of second degree murder and three counts of using a handgun in commission of a felony, per the outlet. The arrest came after Jones spent more than 12 hours on the run.
A shelter in place order on campus was lifted late Monday morning.
The shooting occurred on a bus at the Culbreth Garage parking deck on UVA Central Grounds after 10pm on Sunday in Charlottesville, Virginia, BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported.
Three members of the 2022 Cavaliers football team, identified as Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry were all fatally shot, according to UVA president Jim Ryan. Two other students were hospitalized for gunshot wounds.
Update: Police have the suspect in custody. I’m grateful to law enforcement for their extraordinary work in this search. Here is a link to today’s press conference: https://t.co/m5gpm4rm3s We will be working with student leaders today to plan for a community vigil. pic.twitter.com/iwwUHGEIl1
“I cannot find the words to express the devastation and heartache that our team is feeling today after the tragic events last night that resulted in the deaths of Lavel, D’Sean and Devin, and the others who were injured,” said coach Tony Elliott in a statement.
“These were incredible young men with huge aspirations and extremely bright futures. Our hearts ache for their families, their classmates and their friends. These precious young men were called away too soon. We are all fortunate to have them be a part of our lives. They touched us, inspired us and worked incredibly hard as representatives of our program, university and community. Rest in peace, young men.”
Jones’ father, Christopher Darnell Jones Sr., told NBC 12 that he spoke to his son a month ago and still can’t believe what his son has allegedly done.
“I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry on his behalf, and I apologize. He’s not a bad kid. He really isn’t,” Jones Sr. said. “I just don’t know what happened. I wasn’t there. I don’t know what happened to cause all of this.”
In a Monday interview, Jones Sr. shared the details of his last conversation with his son.
“He had some problems the last time I talked to him. He said some people were picking on him or whatever, he didn’t know how to handle it and I told him just go to school, don’t pay it any mind,” Jones Sr. recalled.
“He was really paranoid when I talked to him about something, but he wouldn’t tell me everything. He was a very sensitive young man.”
