Texas Woman Shot To Death Reportedly Over Beating Man in Basketball
Authorities in Dallas, Texas are investigating the shooting death of a 21-year-old woman after she was allegedly killed over a dispute from a pickup basketball game.
Police say Asia Womack was killed Monday, Oct. 3, after playing basketball that evening at a nearby park up the street from her home.
Womack’s family told Fox 4 she was playing in a pickup game in South Dallas at T.G. Terry Park that she won against the guy who is believed to have shot her.
The alleged shooter reportedly took his kids and brother home and returned to the park, shooting Womack five times, according to the family.
They add there was reportedly trash talk involved during the pickup game.
“This was supposed to be a friend of Womack’s. She’s eaten with the man. She’s fed him, and he turned on her and killed her in a vicious way,” Womack’s mother, Andrea Womack, told Fox 4.
Local Pastor John Delley added during the interview, “This is so senseless. You become embarrassed basically because a female beat you in basketball.”
Authorities say they retrieved video from cameras at a nearby store that possibly captured the car speeding away.
“Detectives are still working the case,” said Kristin Lowman with the Dallas Police Department. “No one is in custody at this time. They’ve been working it since Monday night trying to find justice for Miss Womack.”
Womack was a former basketball player for her high school alma mater, Madison High School.
Authorities are offering $5,000 for information leading to an arrest.
“If you know where he is, where his whereabouts are, please turn him in,” Andrea said during her interview with Fox 4. “Help the family out. We’re hurting.”
BET Founder Bob Johnson To Speak At Black Enterprise’s 2022 Black Men Xcel Summit
BET founder, Bob Johnson, is highly regarded as one of the nation’s top businessmen and has been a longtime leading advocate of closing America’s racial wealth gap.
The founder and chairman of RLJ Companies, Johnson will be one of many prominent speakers at BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2022 Black Men Xcel Summit. The event will take place Oct. 12 through Oct. 14 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, in National Harbor, Md.
The conference will focus on the leadership, fellowship, celebration, and professional development of Black men.
Johnson is slated to speak at 9 a.m. next Friday. He will discuss wealth-building strategies for Black Americans, including 401(k) portability. Retirement Clearinghouse, LLC (RCH), one of the firms owned by RLJ Companies, is teaming up with Fidelity, Vanguard, and Alight Solutions—three of the nation’s largest 401(k) record keepers—to establish a consortium called Portability Services Network (PSN). It aims to accelerate the nationwide adoption of auto portability to help America’s underserved workers enhance their retirement finances.
A top focus for PSN, expected to launch in the first quarter of 2023, will be improving financial security for individuals and helping them avoid cashing out of their 401(k) accounts early. See more on the venture here.
A serial entrepreneur, Johnson is renowned for his business acumen. RLJ Companies is an innovative business network that owns and holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate, private equity, 401(k) fintech services, automobile dealerships, content streaming, gaming, and sports betting.
Before forming RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET), the nation’s first Black-owned cable television network.
Johnson has achieved phenomenal business accomplishments over the years. For instance, in 2001 he sold BET to Viacom for around $3 billion, according to his biography. In July 2007, Johnson was named by USA Today as one of The 25 Most Influential Business Leaders of the Past 25 Years.
Two of his holding companies, RLJ-McLarty-Landers Automotive Holdings, LLC and RLJ Equity Partners, LLC, are ranked among the nation’s top Black-owned companies on BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 100s list.
A frequent CNBC contributor, Johnson’s current board memberships include RLJ Lodging Trust; G-III Apparel Group, Ltd.; The Business Council; and Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.
To get more details about the 2022 Black Men Xcel Summit visit here.
More Than 40 Black Business Leaders In Florida County Release Ad Calling For More ‘Equitable Economic Development’
More than 40 Black business leaders in Miami-Dade County took out an ad in the Miami Herald calling for support in helping minority-owned businesses obtain more government contracts.
The Miami Herald reports the ad, paid by OneUnited Bank, cited a lack of support and resources from the county to help Black businesses have more participation in Miami’s economy.
“The Black community makes up nearly 20% of Miami-Dade county’s population, yet we participate in less than 2% of its governmental economic engine,” the ad said citing a 2015 Miami-Dade disparity study. “Each day that we are left out of the economic engine, our community gets poorer while others prosper.”
The county is currently under a court order requiring contract decisions to be race-neutral, however, the statistics show the court hasn’t held the county to the order. According to the disparity study conducted in 2015, Black owned-firms received 2% of the county’s construction contracts and 10% of contracts for purchasing goods
The group has outlined seven measures that will connect Miami’s Black Businesses to the regional economy. The measures which include going from a race-blind to a race-conscious procurement process, are supported by Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce President Eric Knowles who added there has been a growing concern since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, which has only increased the issues Miami’s Black Business owners are facing.
“Put policy in place, but make sure those that enforce and move those policies understand that it is not just something written on a piece of paper, but something that they must do,” he said. “We’ve been in this cesspool of a lot of rhetoric and no action.”
In addition to the pandemic, Black business owners in Miami and the state of Florida are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian which hit other areas in the state harder but still did significant damage to the area as a tornado also hit the area during the storm.
OneUnited Bank PresidentTeri Williams the group wants to see the county assist with job creation beyond minimum wage positions, housing and assistance in creating generational wealth, something that Black men and women have been kept from for decades.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the ad highlights the issues and challenges when it comes to racial equity that her administration is trying to improve. The mayor created the Office of Equity and Inclusion in 2021, but Black business leaders say more needs to be done.
Black Woman Blames Gentrification After Lowball Solicitation On Her Inherited Home
Preparing for the responsibilities of the inheritance from a loved one can certainly be challenging.
That was the case for 32-year-old entrepreneur Keisha Credit, who was faced with difficulty when it came to her inherited multi-million dollar home in Seattle, WA.
Credit was awarded the Central District property in 2020 after the death of her grandfather Daniel Duncan who purchased it in 1953.
But for Credit, she says she was faced with instant solicitation to purchase her home just one day after her grandfather’s passing.
In an interview with BuzzFeed, Credit said, “My home was solicited not just by ‘big corps’ and ‘real estate companies looking to lowball by mailers, this [handwritten letter] was from a neighbor in my community…the day after my grandfather’s body was carried across his threshold for the last time.”
Credit says she started receiving offers as low as $800,000 and even various letters that masked themselves as IRS workers, falsely claiming the property was behind on its taxes.
“It’s disrespectful and assumes I don’t know the value of my home,” she told BuzzFeed.
Her grandfather, who was a trained architect and plumber, underwent a massive renovation on the home in 1976. That included framework that added additional bedrooms (6) and bathrooms (4).
As Credit explained her now-viral TikTok video, the closes property comparison is being listed for more than $1.9 million.
Credit believes the lowballed intentions is a direct correlation to gentrification: “A slow but steady revamp of the neighborhood that prioritizes new buildings, new families, and new clientele instead of investments in existing homes and residents,” she said.
Receiving up to three letters per week, Credit recognized the actions as an attempt to take ownership of the family legacy her grandfather built.
According to the Seattle Times, this issue has arose for residents in the Central District, where many minorities who sought homeownership were redlined and inevitably forced to settle in specific neighborhood sections.
As a result, the number of Black families in the district declined by over 50 percent by 2015, the Seattle Times reported.
Credit says she thanks her family for educating her on the importance of homeownership and preserving family assets after close friends of the family encountered similar circumstances.
Pepsi® Dig In Launches First-Ever Culinary Residency Program Featuring Exclusive Dishes from Top Black-Owned Restaurants
Pepsi Dig In, a purpose-driven platform designed to drive access, business acceleration and awareness for Black-owned restaurants, announces its first-ever Restaurant Royalty Residency program bringing signature dishes from Black-owned restaurants across the United States to one of the country’s largest culinary destinations: Las Vegas.
The program aims to celebrate Black-owned restaurants and drive national awareness to the next generation of Black restaurant industry leaders, according to a press release.
Following the launch of the Pepsi Dig In Restaurant Royalty initiative in May, which encouraged consumers to share and nominate their favorite Black-owned restaurants, chefs from some of the most-beloved restaurants will each preside over a four-week residency at Luxor’s Public House and Mandalay Bay’s Libertine Social to curate limited-edition menu items. The collaboration between Pepsi Dig In and MGM Resorts International was fostered by a shared commitment to build an inclusive and diverse culture for employees, guests, community partners and stakeholders.
To kickoff, Pepsi Dig In ambassador and James Beard Award-winning Chef JJ Johnson of New York City’s FIELDTRIP will bring his signature Braised Oxtails with jollof rice to Vegas, inspired by his popular made-to-order rice bowl concept informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. Available starting Oct. 9, fans have until Nov. 5 to try Chef JJ’s custom creation along with specialty cocktails by MGM Resorts. On Nov. 6, Chef JJ will turn the kitchen over to renowned rapper and entrepreneur, Bun B of Houston-based restaurant Trill Burgers, followed by Slim & Husky‘s, FoodChasers’ Kitchen, and Trap Kitchen.
“It’s an honor to usher in Pepsi Dig In’s Restaurant Royalty Residency and continue to support a platform that’s dedicated to increasing visibility of the Black culinary community,” said Chef JJ Johnson.
“Black restaurateurs and chefs often don’t have access to opportunities to help grow their businesses and move the needle forward. That’s why I’m passionate about supporting Pepsi Dig In and programs like this MGM residency.”
The Restaurant Royalty Residency featured at Mandalay Bay’s Libertine Social and Luxor’s Public House will showcase culinary gems from across the country including:
FIELDTRIP (New York, N.Y.), Chef and Founder JJ Johnson – Oct. 9 to Nov.5, 2022
A fast-casual dining experience that celebrates culture through the shared experience of rice, bringing hand cut braised oxtails in a cinnamon scented broth with jollof rice, five-hour cooked black beans, “Not Your Mama’s” collard greens, and more
Trill Burgers (Houston, Texas), Founder Bun B – Nov. 6 to Dec. 3, 2022
This pop-up concept received national acclaim, and even longer lines, for one of the “Best Burgers in the United States.” Now Vegas fans can try the Trill House Burger, inspired by the creators of the OG Trill Burger, a special ground blend made from high-quality steak cuts fans can only get at MGM
Slim and Husky’s (Nashville, Tenn.), Co-Founders Clint Gray,Derrick Moore, and EJ Reed – Dec. 4 to Dec. 31, 2022
A fast casual, artisan pizza shop with a love for hip hop, R&B and art – and a memorable dessert – serving the Cinnamon Roll Duo: Sticky Fingaz with a whiskey sauce and Cookie Monster with peanut butter, white chocolate chips and cookie pieces
FoodChasers’ Kitchen (Elkins Park, Penn.), Owners and Chefs, Maya and Kala Johnstone – Jan. 1 to Jan. 28, 2023
A modern twist on traditional, homemade Southern cuisine, serving some of the best Shrimp and Grits around with their own secret spin on the classic dish that was created following their travels across the South
Trap Kitchen (Los Angeles, Calif.), Owners and Chefs Malachi “Spank” Jenkins, Roberto “News” Smith and Eddie “Mikey” Bynum– Jan. 29 to Feb. 25, 2023
The ultimate underground soul food experience, bringing their one-of-a-kind Trap Kitchen Pineapple Bowl served in half of a pineapple filled with steak, shrimp, jasmine rice, and unique house made sauces for added flavor
The residency ladders back to the larger Pepsi Dig In program, now in its sophomore year. The program is designed to cast a spotlight on the unique barriers Black restaurateurs face and help them scale their businesses by providing access to a variety of resources, mentorship and training made possible by PepsiCo.
“The intense consumer passion in response to our Restaurant Royalty nomination program is the type of groundswell action that Pepsi Dig In was created to ignite for Black-owned businesses,” said Scott Finlow, CMO of PepsiCo Global Foodservice.
“Bringing in partners, like the world-renowned MGM Resorts, is how we leverage our platform to amplify these fan-favorite establishments.”
“Las Vegas is a city for revelers and foodies alike and serves as the perfect stage to spotlight talented Black restaurateurs and chefs, highlight their food, and grow their audiences.”
Fans are encouraged to visit Mandalay Bay and Luxor hotels in Las Vegas through February to take part in Pepsi Dig In’s exclusive dining experience. Individuals can continue to nominate their favorite Black-owned restaurants for a chance to win $1,000.
“MGM Resorts is committed to creating pathways that amplify the voices of African Americans and other diverse groups in our community and around the world,” said MGM Resorts Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Tony Gladney.
“The Pepsi Dig In initiative combined with our company’s renowned culinary program provides the ideal platform to continue leading with a purpose.”
“By creating exceptional guest experiences with this initiative we also provide opportunity for talented Black-owned restaurants to shine on a worldwide stage.
“We can’t wait to welcome the chef teams to our MGM family and for Las Vegas fans and foodies to get a taste of their creativity and passion.”
To continue celebrating Black-owned restaurants across the country, Pepsi Dig In Day will return on Saturday, Nov. 5 as a call-to-action encouraging consumers to patronize and show their support for Black-owned restaurants. Fans can also continue to nominate Black-owned restaurants for the Restaurant Royalty program to unlock access to visibility and awareness driving opportunities throughout the year.
For further information on Pepsi Dig In, please visit the website at PepsiDigIn.com and follow @PepsiDigIn on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Announces Continued Commitment to Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Academy Sports + Outdoors (“Academy”) (Nasdaq: ASO) announced the renewal of its partnerships with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
As part of this renewal, Academy will continue its commitment to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout its footprint. This is Academy’s third consecutive year as the Official Sporting Goods and Outdoor Retailer of the SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC, according to a press release.
In addition to the sponsorships, Academy will continue to champion HBCUs and provide support to HBCU students, student-athletes, bands, and faculty. Academy also carries licensed fan gear of select member schools online and in local stores.
“Academy Sports + Outdoors is excited to celebrate the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities and help showcase HBCU traditions that are steeped in culture, community, and history,” said Lawrence Lobpries, Academy’s senior vice president of marketing.
“We have enjoyed serving fans of these three conferences who have a passion for fun, and we look forward to continuing our engagement with these communities for years to come.”
To mark the 2022 Homecoming Season, Academy will partner with select SWAC, CIAA, and SIAC schools to celebrate with customers ahead of member institutions‘ big games. In states such as Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas and Virginia, Academy will host fun Homecoming events including performances by HBCU drumlines, cheerleaders, dance teams, and more. New agency partner, PMM Agency, has been chosen to support Academy’s HBCU initiatives and help reach fans more directly.
“We’re excited to join Academy Sports + Outdoors as we partner in its commitment that salutes the values, legacy and traditions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Kimberly A. Blackwell, founder and CEO of PMM Agency.
“Celebrating all things that honor the heritage and uniqueness of HBCUs, we look forward to showcasing its rich narratives of pride and promise.”
“Taking its many cultural forms through fans and fun, Academy looks forward to continuing its engagement across campuses, classics, content, customers and communities.”
To show off school pride, help make gameday even more fun for all, and celebrate the legacy and traditions of HBCU Homecomings, Academy will also offer current students, faculty, and staff of HBCU institutions 10% off purchases, with a valid school ID in-stores and online at academy.com/HBCUDiscount. The discount will be available through Nov. 5, 2022.
Customers are invited to shop for HBCU fan gear in-store, online at academy.com/HBCU, or through Academy’s mobile app. To receive up-to-date information and deals, text HBCU to 22369 and watch out for information on upcoming events and activations on Academy’s social media accounts (@academy).
(Image: PR Newswire) Academy Sports + Outdoors announced the renewal of its partnerships with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). As part of this renewal, Academy will continue its commitment to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout its footprint.
From Prison to Neiman Marcus: Philadelphia-based Designer Transforms His Life to Become Luxury Brand CEO
Philadelphia-based entrepreneur Darrell Alston is a success story that highlights it is never too late to turn your life around for the better.
Alston, who once pursued a career in music as a rapper, was arrested three times, serving more than 11 years in prison. The last time he was arrested, he served six years on drug-related charges. But that is where his vision was eventually born.
During his time in prison, Alston, who always dreamed of owning his own fashion brand, sketched hundreds of shoe designs and made a business plan from books his mother sent him while in prison.
After being released and working multiple jobs for two years, Alston eventually saved up to get a sample shoe made in 2014.
That sample shoe, inspired by those sketches in prison, eventually led to the creation of Bungee Oblečení, a brand of luxury sneakers and upscale athleisure wear based on sketches he created while incarcerated.
(Image: Fashion model / Bungee Oblečení)
The name Bungee Oblečení was inspired by Alston viewing his life as a ‘bungee cord’ and finding a unique way to stand out by spelling apparel in Czechoslovakian (oblečení.)
After establishing his storefront in Philadelphia, the CEO of Foot Locker, Richard A. Johnson, reached out to Alston in the summer of 2021. Soon after, his sneaker collection was added to Foot Locker’s website and retail stores for sale.
“Just launching my brand was a dream. Being recognized and making my first sales was really special,” Alston told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “When Mr. Johnson of Foot Locker called, that changed everything.”
(Image: Hall of Fame boxer Bernard Hopkins / Bungee Oblečení)
Alston has reached even bigger heights as he is set to unveil his fall 2022 Bungee Oblečení collection of sneakers and apparel to the public on October 15 at Neiman Marcus at King of Prussia in Pa.
“To have one of the foremost luxury retailers in the world reach out to not only sell my products but to dedicate an entire window to me — that leaves me absolutely speechless,” he said.
Alston says he is excited to share this moment with his family and community of supporters.
“This accomplishment is proof that, with hard work, people can change their lives and achieve their goals, no matter how lofty those goals are,” he added.
Never Ending—Another Bus of Migrants Dropped Off Near VP Kamala Harris’ DC Residence
On Thursday, a bus of about 50 migrants from Texas arrived outside Vice President Kamala Harris’ D.C. residence near the Naval Observatory in Washington D.C.
According to NBC News, it is the second bus of migrants to pull up to Harris’ residence. The migrants, which included men, women, and children, told NBC they were from Venezuela and carried white plastic bags of their possessions.
Many of the migrants added that they were planning to travel elsewhere after arriving in D.C. One man named Victor told NBC that he was given food on the bus and was treated “very well.” Volunteers and representatives of several nonprofits, including SAMU First Response, were on hand to greet the migrants.
The migrants were sent to Washington D.C. by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who began transporting migrants to Washington D.C., New York City, and Chicago earlier this year. As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, the move was part of a growing trend by the leaders of Republican-led states to send migrants to Democratic-led states that support immigration.
While the move was intended to expose issues at the Southern border by Abbott and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, it is actually helping migrants get to family members and to states that can provide better humanitarian services like healthcare and shelter.
“Abbott is one of the only state actors that is giving immigrants a free benefit, a free ride,” Abel Nuñez, executive director of the Central American Resource Center, told the Texas Tribune.
“You’re actually creating a free program that if a Democrat would have said it, he would have gone against it.”
Nuñez added immigration nonprofits typically try to provide transportation to an immigrant’s preferred destination but lack the funds to serve everyone.
Democratic mayors, including New York Mayor Eric Adams and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, have blasted Abbott and DeSantis for transporting the migrants without notifying the cities and states first so they can coordinate a response.
Adams is reportedly building a 1,000-bed heated facility to help house the immigrants temporarily and is in talks with Norwegian Cruise Lines to rent a cruise ship to house more migrants before they enter the city’s shelter system.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued an emergency declaration last month to help the city of Chicago serve the more than 500 people who arrived in the Windy City from Texas.
Black Schizophrenic Man Shot 38 Times By Detroit Police, Family Planning to File Lawsuit
A Black Detroit man with schizophrenia was experiencing an episodic crisis when he was reportedly shot 38 times and killed by police on Sunday.
Footage from a crisis intervention officer’s body camera shows 20-year-old Porter Burks, who was allegedly holding an 8 inch folding knife with the 3.5 inch blade, roaming in the street near Snowden and Lyndon at approximately 5 a.m, Detroit Free Press reported. His brother, Damondo Anderson, called the police for help and can be heard in the video reporting that Burks slashed his tires.
Later, the crisis intervention officer can be heard repeatedly negotiating Burks to put the knife down.
“I just want to help you, man, OK? Can you do me a favor and drop the knife? Can you drop the knife for me? Please? Please, whatever you’re going through, I can help you. Porter, you’re not in any trouble, man,” the officer said.
However, the video appears to show Burks running towards the officers before he was fatally shot, according to Detroit Police Chief James White. He claimed at a Tuesday news conference that Burks was about six feet away from officers after the last shot was fired.
While numerous officers responded to the scene, only five fired their weapons, according to Detroit Police executive team director Christopher Graveline, ABC News reported. He also confirmed that the department had previous knowledge about Burks’ mental health.
“In March of 2020, he stabbed two family members, a sister…he stabbed her in both her neck and her hand,” Graveline said at a Tuesday news conference, per the news outlet. “As well as a brother in the top of his head as the brother came to defend the sister.”
“What we have found unfortunately is a system that has failed Mr. Burks on several different occasions,” Graveline said. “That schizophrenia manifested itself into violent behavior. We have seen a pattern of him being brought to psychological services and being released and not being followed up with taking his medication.”
Attorneys for the family of Burks are reportedly planning to file a lawsuit against the police department and the officers involved in the tragic shooting. The names of the officers have not been released.
“We have what I consider to be an intolerable situation that occurred in the city of Detroit, in which a clearly mentally ill young man was executed by a Detroit Police Department firing squad of five officers,” attorney Geoffrey Fieger said during a Thursday press conference.
Former Air Force Staff Sergeant Launches Organization, Helps Cancer Patients Find Wigs
The American Wig Association was founded in 2022 by business owner Marquetta Breslin.
After learning about wig making while helping her mother through cancer and the effects of chemotherapy, Marquetta realized there was no organization tasked with helping those looking for wigs to easily find capable wig makers. The American Wig Association helps wig makers easily connect with clients across the United States who are looking for high-quality wigs, according to a press release.
“The Association was birthed from an idea of helping connect people who need wigs with people who make them,” explains Breslin.
“As a side effect of her chemotherapy, my mom lost all of her hair and did not have the resources to have a wig made that she was comfortable with,” she said.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in cancer centers and seeing and talking with people who suffer from permanent hair loss…those individuals have a special place in my heart. It’s always been a dream of mine to create a platform to connect people who need wigs with people who make them.”
