Deion Sanders Demands JSU Football Players Stay In Houston Hotel Following Rapper Takeoff’s Death
Coach Prime had time and prompted his 8-0 Jackson State University football players to stay put when they get to Houston to play.
For good reason, after Migos group member Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston Tuesday morning, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders made an impassioned speech, demanding his players stay safe in the hotel while in Houston.
The team is scheduled to play the Texas Southern Tigers Saturday but Sanders urged them not to leave the hotel while in Houston after the shooting.
According to TMZ, the NFL Hall of Famer referenced the shooting while giving a speech to the team Tuesday in preparation for their next game.
“I’m just sick and tired of the consistency of people that are influential to you are leaving us consistently, that’s our rappers.
“Takeoff was murdered in a dice game in Houston— where we’re going,” Sanders informed his young players. “So, that eliminates all y’all leaving that hotel, ’cause it ain’t happening until I give you further notice.”
The influential coach explained to his players that we’re losing our hip-hop artists to the ignorance of the streets. He also points the finger at our community referencing the sentiment that Black lives matter “but it’s always us” contributing to our destruction.
“I’m sad because it always seems like it’s us, but we wanna say we matter, we wanna say we keep it 100, but it’s always us!”
The former reality TV star also gave advice that he may have had to follow himself as he became an NFL legend.
“Sooner or later, we gotta start changing our addresses, guys. That’s an analogy to say, ‘I know we this, but we ain’t that.’ We gotta leave behind what we once did. You’re not whoever you were a year ago. You’re not even who you’re going to be a year from now, which is a blessing. But you can’t continuously do the things you’ve always done and expect to get the results.”
UCLA’s Freshman Basketball Player Kiki Rice Joins Jordan Brand as First NIL Athlete
Jordan Brand has just announced its first official signing of a student-athlete.
Jordan Brand has welcomed incoming freshman, Kiki Rice as its first NIL (name, image, and likeness) signee. The 5’11” freshman is playing for the UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) women’s basketball team.
“I’m incredibly grateful to announce that I am joining the Jordan Brand as its first NIL athlete! It’s an honor to join a family that is made up of leaders on and off the court… lets get to work!! @jumpman23“
“Being Jordan Brand’s first NIL athlete is an incredible milestone, and I think it’s a testament to the hard work I’ve put in and all the people around me who have helped me get to this point,” says Rice. “Signing with the Jordan Brand is another motivating factor for me to continue to work hard and achieve my goals.”
According to Andscape, Rice was the nation’s top recruit and women’s high school player of the year for 2022. She played for Sidwell Friends High School in Washington, D.C. where she led the basketball team to its first state championship earlier this year.
Sports Illustrated has reported that she was the No. 2 recruit in the class of 2023. Her other accolades included being named a McDonald’s All-American, the Naismith High School Player of the Year, and the MaxPreps National Female High School Athlete of the Year.
During her last year in high school, she averaged 15.8 points, 7 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 2.7 steals, while earning MVP honors. She also led Team USA to a gold medal at the FIBA U18 Americas Championship.
She was welcomed to the Jordan Brand by NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, and New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson and several other Jordan Brand athletes via recorded videos.
Keep Constant Watch On Your Front Door With This Smart Doorbell
Smart technology has evolved over the years as nearly every aspect of your home to your vehicle can be outfitted to take advantage of the technology that has streamlined daily life for many.
Everything from beds to mirrors has smart technology options, so it’s no surprise that the outside of your home can now, too. While technology has assisted in making things easier, it’s also just as important for the many security options it provides.
The Eco4Life Smart Doorbell with WiFi & Security Camera does just that. For a limited time, you can purchase it for just $59.99. That’s a savings of 45% from its MSRP ($109).
This product allows you peace of mind in the form of being able to monitor activity at your front door. Whether you’re inside or away on vacation, you’ll always be able to keep track of what’s going on at the entrance of your home. It’s also helpful for those times you’re expecting a delivery and want to make sure your package or boxes are there. The motion detection range spans up to 20 feet.
It does more than just provide a window into your home’s entrance.
The two-way audio function allows you to talk to visitors from your phone, as well as the option to listen to them through your cell phone or computer. The video is provided by a 1080p HD camera. You can switch to the night vision function according to the ambient light level.
The security camera connects to your WiFi network. You can watch the live stream videos on your phone or your computer for those times you need to monitor activity at the front of your house.
Not all smart technology caters only to convenience. This smart doorbell and security camera provide unparalleled protection along with the peace of mind that affords. Purchase it today.
Sustainability May Get Axed Amid Recession Worries, Potentially Imperiling Corporate Pledges To Black Community
Many of the nation’s largest corporations vowed tens of billions of dollars two years ago to support economic growth and new opportunities for Black businesses and individuals.
The pledges in 2020 by a broad mix of large corporations became a part of a sweeping movement to combat uneasiness about racial injustice after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent national protests tied to systemic racism. New sustainability research raises concerns about whether companies will use an impending economic downturn as an excuse not to fulfill their commitments.
As part of the KPMG 2022 U.S. CEO Outlook, rethinking environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts is the leading action U.S. companies are looking at applying to counter a recession.
Almost 60% of 400 CEOs in America reported if such a slump occurs, they plan to pause or reconsider their ESG efforts in the next six months. Some 33% disclosed that they have already done that, and 9% have plans. The findings come even though 70% of those quizzed reported that they observed ESG programs advance the financial performance of their companies.
To boot, the 70% was roughly twice as large as the percentage from the survey last year, Politico reported. The U.S. portion of the survey included firms with at least $500 million in revenues, with 36% depicting companies with a minimum of $10 billion in revenue. The businesses operate in 11 industries, including asset management, automotive, banking, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology.
On the corporate equity pledges front, reports have estimated the post-George Floyd commitments have ranged from as low as $50 billion to as high as $200 billion, based on research by BLACK ENTERPRISE. Many of those pledges reportedly come from financial institutions, including giant banks.
However, some observers have contested how much in pledges have been made as multiple companies that gained fanfare from making such vows have not publicly reported updates on their commitments. The announced pledges ranged from helping Black companies grow to assisting Black individuals in making big-ticket purchases like buying homes.
The sweeping survey, taken this summer and just released, included questions to CEOs on several issues, including how sustainability impacts profitability, environmental activity, and business prospects.
“It’s a moment of balancing short-term and long-term returns, and it’s really testing CEOs’ commitments to their ESG strategies,” stated Rob Fisher, a KPMG partner and the head of its ESG advisory group in the United States, as reported by Politico.
“It’s a critical moment for them and any reduction of those investments could lead to some pretty big long-term financial risks.”
Advocates for Black entrepreneurship had mixed reactions when asked how CEOs’ sustainability responses might impact the corporate pledges.
William Michael Cunningham, an economist and owner of Creative Investment Research in Washington, D.C., says the findings suggest that the slowdown in ESG activity will reduce Black Lives Matter commitments. “Our firm believes there was never an authentic desire on the part of most corporations to make racial equity pledges because of the negative pushback that they anticipated, or thought they would get, from the white consumer base.”
Cunningham says one of the ways to confirm it is by looking at the swiftness with which the pledges moved away from a focus on the Black community to centering on white women and other minority groups two years after the initial commitments were made.
He expects companies to cut back on expenditures tied to racial equity activity that specifically benefits the Black community but to continue spending efforts related to broader environmental issues like climate change. He says that’s because environmental issues are less focused on Black people.
“The reconsideration will focus on the S part of ESG, which is social,” he says.
“Within the social part, activities related to BLM pledges or other programs directed to Black people will be the first to go.”
“I believe that corporate CEOs who see supplier diversity as an economic development engine aimed at creating wealth for the new emerging majority and growing their customer base will not cut back on efforts to increase their spending with minority-owned businesses when faced with a possible recession.”
She added, “However, there may be some CEOs that approach supplier diversity from a compliance angle, and we will continue to work with them to show the value our certified MBEs bring to our economy and their shareholders, so they do not cut back on their spending goals.”
Brooklyn Nets Fire Steve Nash; Suspended Celtics Coach Ime Udoka Considered Frontrunner For Job
The Brooklyn Nets parted ways with Head Coach Steve Nash Tuesday and suspended Boston Celtics Head Coach Ime Udoka as the frontrunner to replace him.
According to Bleacher Report, Udoka, who was suspended for this NBA season by the Celtics after it was revealed that he was having an affair with a female team employee, is considered the top candidate for the job. Sports Illustrated reporter Chris Mannix is also reporting that the Nets and Celtics are in “advanced discussions” about a contract for him to take over as the Nets head coach.
Nash, who had no coaching experience at any level, and the Nets agreed to part ways Tuesday after two plus rocky seasons in Brooklyn that saw point guard Kyrie Irving miss numerous games due to his refusal to get vaccinated for the COVID-19 pandemic among other issues.
Nets assistant Jacque Vaughn will coach the team beginning tonight against the Chicago Bulls on an interim basis until a new coach is found. Udoka is still part of the Celtics organization meaning the team would have to grant permission for Udoka to interview with the Nets. However, according to multiple sources, the Celtics are willing to let Udoka leave.
Udoka, 45, guided the Celtics to a 51-31 record last season and an appearance in the NBA Finals. It was Udoka’s first season coaching the team, making him one of the most notable figures on the team. The Nets are currently off to a 2-5 start including Monday night’s loss to the Indiana Pacers.
The Nets are also dealing with issues outside of their lackluster play. Irving is dealing with the social media backlash to anti-Semitic statements he posted on social media. Forward Ben Simmonds is still terrified of shooting the basketball and now even celebrities are questioning his commitment to the game.
Additionally, the team also was dead last in ticket sales last season. In comparison, the Knicks, who didn’t make the playoffs last season and haven’t been a legitimate NBA title contender since Patrick Ewing was still on the team, finished sixth in attendance last season according to ESPN. Another candidated for the Nets head coaching position is former Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder
Tracee Ellis Ross and Gabrielle Union Celebrate Their 50th Birthdays in Style
Two of Black Hollywood’s most beloved actresses both celebrated milestone birthdays over the weekend. Tracee Ellis Ross and Gabrielle Union turned 50 on October 29 and avoided combining Halloween into their festivities.
Ross kicked off her birthday by posting a video in her birthday suit that showed off her toned 50-year-old body.
“50 // grateful SOUND ON 🗣️🔊,” she captioned the post.
Ross hosted an intimate birthday dinner Saturday night that wasn’t a costume party but turned into one when Kim Kardashian showed up dressed like Mystique from X-Men, Entertainment Tonightreported. Kardashian posted a selfie to her Instagram Story, posing alongside Ross who looked stunning in her cherry red gown paired with a matching off-the-shoulder jacket and jewels.
“That time I showed up to a birthday dinner in full costume when it wasn’t a costume party!” Kardashian captioned her post. “Happy Birthday to the most beautiful kind soul @traceeellisross.”
Kim Kardashian showed up to Tracee Ellis Ross' 50th birthday in full costume as Mystique, just to find out it was not a costume party. pic.twitter.com/imO0Oao8T3
The photos garnered praise from the likes of Chloe Bailey, Yvonne Orji, and Lori Harvey. In her next post, Ross showed off the red number she sported for her intimate birthday dinner.
Meanwhile, her good friend Gabrielle Union was busy celebrating her 50th birthday in Tanzania. The Being Mary Jane star posted an Instagram Reel with a heartfelt caption recounting her birthday celebration.
“I’m still processing the level of effort and planning that went into pulling off such an unbelievable 50th birthday party in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and keep the details a surprise from my nosy self,” Union wrote.
“I’m beyond grateful for all of my loved ones who flew around the world to celebrate with me.”
Alabama Sees Highest Education Gains in U.S. for Black, Hispanic Students During COVID-19 Pandemic
A national analysis of state test results from 29 states and Washington D.C. shows school districts in Alabama made some of the highest gains in math and reading between 2019 and 2022.
Alabama has the second-highest reading score gains at the state level for Hispanic students. Like the rest of the U.S., the state didn’t see an increase in math scores, but Alabama had the least amount of learning loss in math, equivalent to a few weeks.
Among Black students, Alabama had the second-lowest learning loss in reading, about a month’s worth, and the fourth-lowest learning loss in math, equal to four months.
However, the study also noted that Black students in some districts lost more than a year of learning due to the pandemic. Additionally, the state’s overall rankings in terms of education compared to other states are relatively low.
Seven of the top 10 school districts in the U.S. for reading are in Alabama, including Butler County, where students showed nearly a year’s worth of gains. In math, eight of the top 10 highest learning gains for Black students were in Alabama school districts, including Demopolis City, Pike Road, Ozark, Henry County, and Thomasville.
The COVID-19 pandemic upended school districts across the country as students were forced to shuffle between virtual learning and in-class instruction. Teachers in some states went on strike due to a lack of COVID-19 safety measures which led to a war of words between teachers unions and city governments.
“This has been a hard season. And it’s exciting to see that their efforts are paying off,” Hoover County resident Chris Robbins told AL.com.
“Our students have worked hard, our families have worked hard,” Robbins continued. “And they deserve a pat on the back.”
The gains by Alabama should be viewed as a success considering U.S. News & World Reportranked the state 41st in internet access. Reliable internet access was paramount for students during the pandemic. However, Black and Hispanic students across the country were hindered by the pandemic, which exposed a widening racial technology gap between minority and white students.
‘Enough is Enough’, Clip of Takeoff Demanding His Flowers In Hip Hop Trends After His Death
Amid tragic news surrounding the death of Migos’ rapper Takeoff, a clip from the rap group’s recent Drink Champs interview has started trending.
On Tuesday morning, the hip-hop community was shocked when word of Takeoff’s passing hit the press. The rapper, born Kirshnik Khari Ball, 28, was fatally shot during a private party at a bowling alley in downtown Houston, Click 2 Houstonreports.
Celebrities and fans alike have expressed their mourning over the rapper’s death. Takeoff recently appeared on an episode of N.O.R.E’s “Drink Champs” alongside his groupmate and uncle Quavo. The now-rap duo was there to promote their new album, Only Built for Infinity Links, which was released earlier this month.
It was the first album Quavo and Takeoff released without Migos’ member Offset, who exited the group to pursue solo endeavors. During Takeoff and Quavo’s appearance on Drink Champs, N.O.R.E. asked the Georgia rapper about his performance on the new album and praised him for “shining” throughout the project.
“Enough is enough. I’m chill, I’m laid back, but it’s time to pop it, you know what I mean?” Takeoff told N.O.R.E.
“I mean it’s time to give me my flowers. I don’t want them later on when I ain’t here. I want ’em right now.”
Takeoff’s strong sentiments appeared to be in response to many hip-hop fans who felt he was one of the best lyricists in Migos but was often overlooked by his two group members Quavo and Offset. It’s something that is standing out to Migos fans who are mourning the rapper’s death.
“It’s crazy fr cause On the interview on Drink Champs you can tell Takeoff was starting to come out his shell and was ready to show ppl a different side of him he even said that’s why he went so hard on the album cause he wanted his flowers while he was here smh RIP,” one fan tweeted.
Another fan noted another recent interview where he touched on the issue of violence in hip-hop.
“Takeoff was just on Drink Champs talking about wanting his flowers and answering if being a rapper was the most dangerous profession and then sh*t happens,” they tweeted.
Takeoff was just on Drink Champs talking about wanting his flowers and answering if being a rapper was the most dangerous profession and then shit happens
The Great Restoration: The Knowledge House Launches Its 2022–23 Fellowship Campaign To Increase Tech Workforce Nationwide
The Knowledge House (TKH) will continue its eight-year journey with its 2022-23 Fellowship Campaign.
This year’s theme is the “Great Restoration” to answer the call to corporations in need of Black and Brown technologists through its successful nationwide programming at its satellite locations in New York City, Newark, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
The Fellowship Campaign allows TKH to mobilize resources, volunteers, mentors, and funders to provide support to the incoming class of 2022-23 fellows. Last year TKH raised $1.2 million, with over half raised with support from our corporate partners at JP Morgan Chase, Citi, and Goldman Sachs. Notable headliners included Asahi Pompey, Global Head of Corporate Engagement and President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, and Maurice Jones, Chief Executive Officer at OneTen.
Accenture is hosting a reception to help TKH reach its fundraising goal of $2.5 million to support up to 250 future technologists — TKH is currently just half a million away from reaching its goal this year.
Despite the growth of America’s tech sector, less than 10% of tech positions are held by people of color — a distribution that does not reflect our nation. While the vast majority of DEI-conscious corporate sector leaders have exhausted all traditional avenues to hire more individuals from historically underestimated communities — it has proven extremely difficult.
The Knowledge House provides direct access for corporations to find suitable candidates — a diverse pool of historically underrepresented talent with experience ranging from college stop-out, trade schools, career pivoters, CUNY grads, and more, to entry-level talent who have received holistic training and support, including cash stipends, career development, technical upskilling, and on-the-job training.
“Candidates are attracted to our program because we provide (1) an inclusive, high-quality, and part-time program that allows Fellows to still work during the day while pursuing their new path, and (2) a stipend to help students make ends meet, instead of charging $20,000 for a traditional coding boot camp. We partner with community-based organizations in our site cities to identify underestimated talent looking to transition into the tech industry,” says Daniel Adeyanju, Director of Programs at The Knowledge House.
“Throughout the Fellowship, we provide industry-relevant career navigation instruction to prepare Fellows to position themselves for strong first tech jobs.”
The Fellowship Campaign will kick off with The Knowledge House’s Corporate Partners Reception presented by Accenture in New York City on Nov. 15.”
Join The Knowledge House and corporate partners for an innovative reception at Accenture as leaders convene for a solutions-focused panel on finding, retaining, and advancing diverse talent and a fireside chat on the future of technology in NYC! Opening Remarks by Priscila de Pinho (Accenture) and Jerelyn Rodriguez (The Knowledge House). Main Panel moderated by Selena Hill (On-Air Talent/Black Enterprise); with Marcus Felder (Blackstone), Gary Johnson (Cashapp), and Neela Pal (Goldman Sachs), plus Fireside Chat moderated by Rah Thomas (Accenture) and Abby Jo Sigal (Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development).
For tickets and more information please visit here.
Bronny James Rushed Off Basketball Court After Gun Scare Over the Weekend
A weapon scare forced the son of LeBron James and others in a basketball gym to flee a venue in Washington, D.C.
According to TMZ, over the weekend, during a high school basketball tournament, Bronny James had to be rushed off the court when there was a purported weapon in the stands. The incident took place on Saturday in D.C. at a high school gym.
James was playing for Sierra Canyon against DeMatha Catholic in a preseason event, the “DMV Showcase,” held at Wise High School. DeMatha was up by a score of 52-51 with less than two minutes remaining in the contest. A fight allegedly broke out in the stands, and someone yelled out that someone had a gun, which caused panic among people in the gym. Video footage showing the two teams rushing out of the gym to avoid whatever chaos was going to take place went viral.
Weird scene in D.C. at Wise High against DeMatha. The game was stopped early.
Sierra Canyon (playing as CBC) ran off the court. Sources are saying a fight broke out in the stands and “gun” was yelled, which prompted the frantic ending.pic.twitter.com/DAQ45v0A7x
Police officials told TMZ Sports that although there was a rush from the stands and a little chaos, they did a “thorough search” and “did not locate a firearm.”A police spokesperson also said, “There were no injuries.”Although no weapons were found and no one was injured, the team did not come out to complete the rest of the game “out of an abundance of caution,” said DeMatha Head Coach Mike G. Jones III.Bronny posted something on his social media page after the game, saying, “high schoolers can’t even hoop in peace now a days.”
