• Celebrity News

by Derek Major

November 4, 2022

Black Media Mogul Byron Allen Preparing Bid To Buy The Washington Commanders

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Black media mogul Byron Allen is still on his quest to become the NFL’s first Black owner and is preparing a bid to buy the Washington Commanders.

Current Commanders owner Daniel Snyder has hired Bank of America to help facilitate a potential sale, according to numerous reports. Allen, who tried to buy the Denver Broncos earlier this year, now has his sights set on the Capital’s football team.

The sale of the Commanders is expected to surpass $5 billion after the Broncos were sold for $4.65 billion in June. Allen, who owns the Allen Media Group, is worth more than $500 million, according to Wealthy Gorilla, has had numerous talks with those in the sports industry. He has acquired 21 regional sports networks from Disney in a $10 billion deal in 2019.

Earlier this year, Allen said he was approached by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft about buying the Broncos.

“(They) said: ‘We need your help. We want to achieve an important goal, which is to have the first Black owner of an NFL team, which is something we haven’t been able to achieve in 100 years,'” Allen said at the time. “I said, ‘I’m happy to help.”‘

Allen will face some stiff competition for the Commanders franchise, including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Josh Harris.

If the Commanders are sold, it could be the end of the good days for the other teams in the NFL’s NFC East. In the 23 years Snyder has owned the Commanders, the team have never won more than 10 games in a season and have won 10 games just three times.

Additionally, the team was investigated for having a toxic workplace culture rife with sexism and harassment; ex-cheerleaders for the Commanders accused Snyder of sexual abuse. Snyder also spent this summer avoiding a federal subpoena by hiding on his luxury yacht and threatening his fellow NFL owners for trying to push him out. Snyder is also being investigated by the Department of Justice for financial wrongdoing.

If that isn’t bad enough, Snyder has upset so many local politicians in the DMV area that none will support a new stadium being built, which the team apparently needs—badly.

Despite all that Snyder, who originally bought the team for $750 million, is expected to make a huge profit from the sale.

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 4, 2022

J. Prince Breaks Silence on Takeoff’s Death and Advocates to ‘Change the Narrative in our Culture’

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Several days after Migos group member Takeoff was killed in Houston, J. Prince, a legendary hip-hop executive in Houston, breaks his silence.

J. Prince, who started the infamous rap record label, Rap-A-Lot Records, spearheaded the careers of such Houston hip-hop luminaries like Scarface, Z-Ro, and the Geto Boys. He took to Instagram to acknowledge the killing of Takeoff and addressed his hometown of Houston about the incident, which he states “shouldn’t have ever happened in our city.”

Displaying a photo of the deceased rapper, he writes, “The Prince family would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of a beautiful soul @yrntakeoff. To Houstonians and families around the world, this one breaks my heart because Takeoff was a brother, a son, a role model, and a God loving human being. Grief is the price of love; a bill people from across the globe are paying right now as we mourn this loss.”

He acknowledged the length of time he has known the group members of Migos and the mutual love and respect garnered between them. He chastised his city for allowing something like this to happen and even criticized those who recorded the event, sent it to people, and posted it on various social media outlets.

“This shouldn’t have happened. This shouldnt have ever happened in our city. This shouldn’t have been recorded, and this damn sure shouldn’t be circulating across social media for family, friends and fans to see.”

The influential executive spoke about the ills in the Black community regarding Black people having disagreements with each other, and it ends in violence. Prince is advocating that we “change the narrative in our culture.”

 

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A post shared by J Prince (@jprincerespect)

Earlier this week, according to TMZ, the shooting death of Takeoff took place at a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston at approximately 2:40 a.m. Takeoff, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, 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.

According to Houston Police Department Lt. Salazar, 40 to 50 people were at the venue at 1201 San Jacinto around 2:40 a.m. when the shooting took place. Two additional victims were located at nearby hospitals, HPD stated.

by Atiya Jordan

November 4, 2022

Kim Burrell: ‘I Was Shot At’ Following ‘Perverted Homosexual Spirit’ Comments

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Gospel singer Kim Burrell recently shared that she has been the subject of cancellation, hate mail and death threats since her banning from The Ellen Degeneres Show in 2017.

In an interview on the We Sound Crazy podcast, Burrell broke her silence about her experiences with cancel culture. She also cleared the air about getting shot at following her controversial remark on “the perverted homosexual spirit” during a sermon at the Love & Liberty Fellowship church in Houston.

Back in 2017, the disgraced pastor had been gearing up to sing with Pharrell Williams on Ellen Degeneres’ daytime talk show. However, a tape had surfaced of her referring to the LGBT community as perverted and she made no “excuses or apologies” at the time, BBC reported.

“I never said all gays were going to hell. I never said ‘LGBT’… I said ‘SIN’,” Burrell said in a video published after the sermon, per the news outlet.

Despite pledging to donate $500,000 to the Anti-Defamation League,  after an outcry from NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, the Brooklyn Nets have suspended point guard Kyrie Irving for a minimum of five games.

The team released a statement after saying it would match Irving’s $500,000 pledge to the ADL.

“We were dismayed today, when given an opportunity in a media session, that Kyrie refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film. This was not the first time he had the opportunity—but failed—to clarify.”

“Such failure to disavow antisemitism when given a clear opportunity to do so is deeply disturbing, is against the values of our organization, and constitutes conduct detrimental to the team. Accordingly, we are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets.”

Statement from the Brooklyn Nets pic.twitter.com/699px8XYpx

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 4, 2022

The announcement was made after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver criticized Irving for not offering “an unqualified apology.”

“Kyrie Irving made a reckless decision to post a link to a film containing deeply offensive antisemitic material.,” Silver said i a statement. “While we appreciate the fact that he agreed to work with the Brooklyn Nets and the Anti-Defamation League to combat antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, I am disappointed that he has not offered an unqualified apology and more specifically denounced the vile and harmful content contained in the film he chose to publicize.  I will be meeting with Kyrie in person in the next week to discuss this situation.”

After being notified of the suspension, Irving took to his Instagram and offered the apology the higher-ups on the team and at the league office were seeking from him.

“To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary. I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti- semticism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with. I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am.

KYRIE
Hélà 🤞🏾♾”

 

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Previously, the 30-year-old NBA champion tweeted a link to Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America!, the 2018 film is based on the 2015 book. The book states that it “uncovers the true identity of the Children of Israel.” The Anti-Defamation League, along with several Jewish rights organizations like the American Jewish Congress, has stated the content of the movie is antisemitic.

After a self-imposed exile from public view, it seems as if former rapper and actor Will Smith is back on his grind and slowly making his return to the spotlight.

The Men in Black star was seen making a surprise appearance at his old high school back in Philadelphia on Thursday.

In an Instagram post from @philly_schools, a beaming Smith is seen walking through the halls of the high school he attended in his youth, Overbrook High School.

As cameras follow him to a classroom, he exclaims, “Wow, wow” as he shakes his head and makes his way to one of the rooms. He exchanges pleasantries with several people in the hallway. When he enters the classroom, the students immediately recognize and acknowledge him with screams like a hometown hero was coming back from a war.

The hip-hop and movie superstar is greeted like an old friend by the students as they approach him and quickly whip out their cellphones to take snaps and capture the moment. Several students slap their hands with Smith’s and some get a warm embrace from one of Philly’s success stories.

As cameras flash and mobile phones are held extended in the air, you can see the pride in the eyes of the pupils as well as the appreciation from Smith as he makes sure he interacts with everyone in the room.

“What an amazing surprise! Today, @willsmith made a surprise visit back to Overbrook High School. More pics and news to come! #phled”

 

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A post shared by School District Philadelphia (@philly_schools)

The West Philly native is making his rounds as he also posted a visit he made to HBCUs Morehouse and Spelman the previous day on his Instagram account. Smith, along with Hollywood heavyweight, Tyler Perry were at the schools to screen his upcoming movie, Emancipation, which is being released in theaters on Dec. 2, then on streaming service Apple+ on Dec.9.

“Big energy last night in the ATL!! Dropped by @morehouse1867 @spelman_college @cau1988 to show #Emancipation to our next generation of filmmakers. Thanx @tylerperry for all the Love!”

 

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• Travel and Leisure

by Atiya Jordan

November 4, 2022

5 Black-Owned Vacation Rentals That Could Be Your Home for The Holidays

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The holidays are approaching and the getaways are calling!

Thanks to Journey Black Home, BLACK ENTERPRISE curated a list of some of the Black-owned vacation rentals emerging on the map. Yet, it only scratches the surface of Black-owned hot spots that can be your home for the holidays.

The Black Pearl Vacation Home

Super host Derrick invites guests to Atlantic Beach in South Carolina to celebrate the holidays or any occasion at his Black Pearl Vacation Home. The space features five bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms, and 5000sq.ft. of living area.

Amenities

• Sea view
• Beach access – Beachfront
• Dedicated workspace
• and more…

Guest Review

“My family of 12 spend five amazing nights at The Black Pearl celebrating our parents 25th wedding Anniversary. This house was PERFECT for allowing us PLENTY of room to be together for our sit down family dinners.”

Book the home on Airbnb by clicking here.

The Modern Minimalist A-Frame

Centrally located in the heart of the Catskills in New York, The Pine Hill A-Frame boasts a 1.6 acre modern retreat where your family can rest, hike, ski, and relax under the Belleayre Ski resort that is just 20 minutes to Plattekill.

The cabin features three bedrooms, six beds, and one-and-a-half baths.

Amenities

• • Mountain view
  • Free parking on premises
  • 55″ HDTV with Fire TV, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix
  • and more…

Guest review

“Jennifer and her husband were very accommodating and helpful by checking in on us regularly to make sure we had everything we needed. This LUXURY cabin is a must-visit. Would definitely stay here again—and again.”

Book this entire cabin on Airbnb by clicking here.

The Place To Be; With A Hot Tub

Located in Clackamas, Ore., this entire stylish home is hosted by a Black married couple with two kids. Eight guests can have access to the oldest city west of the Mississippi River, situated at the “End of the Oregon Trail,” with museums, historic homes, and buildings.

The home features three bedrooms and a beautiful backyard oasis.

Amenities

• • Private hot tub – available all year, open 24 hours
  • Indoor fireplace: wood-burning
  • Private patio or balcony
  • and more…

Guest Review

“Agatha‘s place has been one of the best Airbnb’s I have stayed out so far in the states! It was super relaxing and clean and made me feel at home. It’s a perfect location in between Portland, Ore. city and some great hikes!”

Book this place to be on Airbnb here.

Luxe Upscale Bungalow

Hosted by Nikola, this luxury, Black-owned airbnb is located in downtown Decatur, Ga., featuring two bedrooms and two baths. The renovated duplex and earth craft certified greenhouse is just 10 mins away from Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, Botanical Gardens, Beltline, MLK Historical Park, and Little Five Points.

Amenities

• Pack’n play/Travel crib
• 65″ HDTV with Chromecast, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix
• and more…

Guest Review

“What a great place to stay!! Beautiful neighborhood and home! Nikola was super communicative. Checking in and out was a breeze and I felt like I was at home.”

Book this home on Airbnb by clicking here.

 

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Red Gate Villas

The Red Gate Villas, proudly woman-owned, Black-owned, and family-owned, is located in the heart of the downtown historical district of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Jennifer Foster, and her daughters Jendahye and Sa’Fire welcome visitors with open arms into the peaceful ambiance of rooms: The Red Door Deluxe Loft, The Mosaic Room, and The Serenity Suite!

Amenities

• Air Conditioning
• Free Wifi
• Kitchen
• and more…

Guest Review

“My favorite place to stay when I’m in the VI [Virgin Islands]! I’ve stayed in two different units and both are immaculate and beautiful. The attention to details is really what makes the place feel like a vacation home.”

Book the cozy villas here.

• Lifestyle

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 4, 2022

Actor Tyrese Gibson Gets Candid About Mass Incarceration in New Film ‘The System’

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Actor Tyrese Gibson got real with BLACK ENTERPRISE about his new film, The System, and how it highlights the broken criminal justice system and issues of mass incarceration in America.

Tyrese plays a young soldier who returns from war and gets caught up in a drug bust. Once arrested, his character is recruited by authorities to go undercover in a notoriously dangerous prison to investigate what is going on behind the scenes. When he discovers an underground prisoner fighting ring, the warden forces him to compete. He must fight to stay alive to win his freedom and take down the warden’s corrupt system.

The role is unlike any other fans have seen Tyrese in before. While he’s no stranger to action films, the grime and grit in the intense fighting scenes might surprise some viewers.

 

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Tyrese said that he dug deep to prepare for the role. He said that shooting the film inside an active prison in Mississippi opened his eyes to the harsh, real-life conditions that inmates face.

“We shot it in an active prison [with] real inmates in Mississippi,” Tyrese told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“They were literally moving inmates out of prisons, sorry, out of their jail cells, they were cleaning them up, then we would go in there and use that same jail cell.”

“The smells, the energy, the kind of suppression depressive energy of just knowing that, yeah, we’re there to act, and we get to go home every night,” he continued.

“And they were in there sleeping in there. It was just crazy.”

With most of the inmates being Black and Brown, shooting the movie made Tyrese feel compelled to take action to combat America’s issue with mass incarceration.

“If I win the lottery, $700 million right now, I’m going to take 20 and put 500 different men and women, Black and Brown people, through law school,” he shared. “To become lawyers to become the judge or judges to get in certain positions politically.

“Because it’s really hard for us to change anything if we don’t have a seat at the table.”

Watch the full discussion below, and check out Tyrese’s new film The System with Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, and Lil Yachty.

• Technology

by Black Enterprise Shop

November 4, 2022

Charge Your Devices In Style With INNODUDE

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Few people will argue with the fact that smart devices such as phones, watches, tablets and the like have made life undoubtedly easier. According to TechJury, “The number of connected devices by 2030 will be 29.4 billion.” That’s a staggering number when juxtaposed with the number of people living in the world.

While these devices have made life easier, they’re only as good as their batteries. Not much is more debilitating and frustrating than losing power when you need it most. While there is no such thing yet as a battery-free device, the power options available today have come a long way.

For a limited time, you can purchase the INNODUDE 4-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Station for $56.99. That’s a savings of 4% from its MSRP ($59.90).

This device is a power station titan for Apple users. It’s compatible with Apple’s iPhone, the Apple Watch and AirPods. INNODUDE’s U-shaped design makes it versatile. It fits easily in your office or living room. Its space-saving element also eliminates the clutter of cables or bulky chargers.

The horizontal and vertical tilt feature allows you to use your phone to watch videos or play music while it’s charging. The top panel rotates 45 degrees, allowing you to check your messages, and watch media, in portrait or landscape mode, without having to unplug your devices from the charger.

Although it’s tailored for Apple devices, it works with Galaxy Buds earphones and the Samsung Fold 4.

This portable power station comes with protection from overcharging, overheating, over-current and discharges. At only 7.2 ounces, it isn’t cumbersome during those times you need to take it on trips or to the office.

Technology is only as good as its battery life. With INNODUDE, you don’t have to worry about being caught short in the power department. Purchase this multi-faceted charging station today at its low price.

Prices subject to change.

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 3, 2022

Autopsy Reveals Migos Rapper Takeoff Died From Gunshot Wounds to Head and Torso

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In wake of rapper Takeoff‘s fatal shooting early Tuesday morning, a coroner’s report has revealed the Migos members’ exact cause of death.

On Wednesday, an autopsy revealed Takeoff, whose real name was Kirsnick Ball, died from gunshot wounds to his head and torso, WSB-TV reported. The Houston County Coroner’s office also found bullets in his arm.

The rapper’s official cause of death has been ruled a homicide. According to the outlet, Takeoff was with his group member, and uncle, Quavo, attending a private party at 810 Billiards & Bowling in Downtown Houston when a disagreement escalated outside.

Videos showed Quavo kneeling over his nephew after he was shot during a fight that police believe broke out after the party. Police don’t believe Takeoff was directly involved in the altercation.

Houston Police Department Chief Troy Finner said his department “will find who is responsible,” and is asking for help from the community in identifying the gunman, Fox News reported. Two other people were reported shot during the gunfire.

Over 40 people are believed to have witnessed the incident that occurred just after 2 a.m. on Nov. 1.

“Anyone who has information on the shooter, let us bring justice to this family,” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said.

“We will solve this case. We will find the shooter.”

Finner also noted the belief that Takeoff wasn’t involved in any criminal activity leading up to the shooting.

“We have no reason to believe he was involved in anything criminal at the time,” Finner said.

Takeoff, 28, was the youngest member of the Migos alongside his uncle Quavo, 31, (Quavious Keyate Marshall,) and Offset, 30, (Kiari Cephus), Quavo’s cousin. It was reported that the group of family members grew up in the same household in Lawrenceville, Ga.

Takeoff is credited with motivating Quavo to start rapping and form a rap group. The trio went on to become rap superstars who were nominated for two Grammy awards and topped the charts with hits like Bad and Boujee and Hannah Montana.

In wake of Takeoff’s death, Migos‘ record label Quality Control released a statement condemning the violence.

 

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A post shared by Quality Control Music (@qualitycontrolmusic)

“Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated,” the statement said.

“Please respect his family and friends as we all continue to process this monumental loss.”

• News

by Derek Major

November 3, 2022

Georgia Judge Allows Defamation Lawsuit by Black Mother-Daughter Duo Against Former Trump Attorney To Proceed

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A Georgia judge allowed a Black mother and daughter to continue their defamation lawsuit against Rudy Giuliani, a former President Donald Trump’s lawyer.

MSNBC reported the defamation suit was filed by Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss, who served as election workers in the Peach State during the 2020 Presidential Election.

Giuliani and the Trump campaign helped spread lies that the two women were involved in a plot to defraud the former president out of winning Georgia and the presidential election. Freeman and Moss testified before the House Jan. 6 Committee that they received numerous death threats after Trump, Giuliani, and other Republicans falsely blamed them for the former president’s election loss.

Judge Beryl Howell called Trump and Giuliani’s disinformation effort targeting Freeman and Moss a  “desperate and illiberal ploy.”

“Put simply, the legal mechanisms in place to challenge and review the election process in Georgia were vigorously invoked, diligently performed and plainly worked to assure the accuracy of the vote counting and validity of the results,” Howell wrote, according to MSNBC.

Despite that, Judge Howell added that Giuliani helped lead the Trump administration’s “media offensive” against the two women labeling them vote riggers. Giuliani argued his statements were opinions and constitutionally protected, but the judge disagreed.

“Defendant Rudolph Giuliani—a current media personality and former politician once dubbed ‘America’s mayor’—propagated and pushed that false narrative,” wrote Howell, who added that Freeman and Moss were “caught in the crossfire of Giuliani’s campaign to undermine the legitimacy of the 2020 election.”

The women initially filed the suit in December 2021 and named several defendants, including the One America News Network, but later amended it, naming Giuliani as the sole defendant.

Promoting Trump’s election lies has led to a host of issues for the former New York City mayor. His bar license in New York was suspended, and he’s also being sued by Dominion Voting Systems and the NAACP.

Trump has refused to compensate Giuliani for this workon his behalf.