Vogue Releases Statement Supporting Its Black Fashion Editor-at-Large That Kanye West Bullied
by Kia Morgan Smith

October 6, 2022

Vogue Releases Statement Supporting Its Black Fashion Editor-at-Large That Kanye West Bullied

Kanye West pulled a stunt that stirred controversy about his mental health and his malignant alignment with extremists with the public proclamation of “White Lives Matter” embedded on a tee shirt at Paris Fashion Week.

Many celebs and supporters of Black Lives Matter, which West mocked, were repulsed by the attention-seeking attempt that caused Jaden Smith to walk out of Ye’s YZY Season 9 presentation in protest.

Vogue’s global contributing fashion editor-at-large, a Black woman, named Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, outright called him out.

Karefa-Johnson said it was “indefensible behavior” in light of today’s turbulent racial climate in America, post-Trump presidency. She added that it was a “Duchampian” provocation in his attempt to elevate the narrative, which many concluded was a failed attempt.

“It didn’t land, and it was deeply offensive, violent and dangerous,” Karefa-Johnson contends.

And a New York Times review of the show said, “there is no excuse” for the shirt.

British Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful even chimed in, calling the shirt “insensitive, given the state of the world.”

In response, West, a Black man, went after Karefa-Johnson, a Black woman, with a nasty and unnecessary retort attacking her looks.

West posted a photo of the fashion editor wearing brown boots, a striped knit skirt, a yellow graphic T-shirt, and a corduroy trench coat. In an accompanying caption, Ye wrote, “This is not a fashion person. You speak on Ye Ima speak on you Ask Trevor Noah.”

As with his usual antics, he deleted the post later that day.

But that was enough for the fashion magazine to release a statement via social media backing Karefa-Johnson after Ye’s disparaging commentary.

“Vogue stands with Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, our global fashion editor at large and longtime contributor. She was personally targeted and bullied. It is unacceptable. Now more than ever, voices like hers are needed and in a private meeting with Ye today she once again spoke her truth in a way she felt best, on her terms.”

 

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In response, Ye took to Instagram to let everyone know he met with Karefa-Johnson. Although the attack was seen by many as more than chipped beef, West said that he hashed out whatever “beef” they had and that he and the fashion editor mutually apologized.

 

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The original controversy came when Ye and conservative commentator Candace Owens wore “WHITE LIVES MATTER” shirts to Paris Fashion Week, and Karefa-Johnson critiqued Ye’s YZY Season 9 presentation as “offensive.”

Ye is famously known for posting something outrageous on his Instagram account and deleting it. The rapper made a post on Tuesday stating, “EVERYONE KNOWS BLACK LIVES MATTER WAS A SCAM. NOW ITS OVER. YOU’RE WELCOME.” Per usual, Ye deleted the post first shown on his Instagram Live, but various media outlets had already taken a screenshot.

Karefa-Johnson also thanked her followers on her Instagram account following the dust-up.

Karefa-Johnson Instagram post

 

Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother Says Kanye West’s ‘White Lives Matter’ Shirt ‘Legitimizes’ Extremist Behavior
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2022

Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother Says Kanye West’s ‘White Lives Matter’ Shirt ‘Legitimizes’ Extremist Behavior

The family of Ahmaud Arbery is speaking out against the “White Lives Matter” T-shirt Kanye West sported alongside political pundit Candace Owens at his YZY SZN 9 presentation.

West has been at the center of backlash for wearing the shirt with the Republican rabble-rouser while displaying designs for his latest Yeezy collection on Tuesday. The rap/fashion mogul faced criticism from attendees who left the show after seeing the shirts, like Jaden Smith, and outcry from the fashion world after Kanye mocked the Black Vogue fashion editor who blasted his antics.

In response to the backlash, Kanye took to his Instagram Story to double down on the shirt and call the Black Lives Matter movement a “scam.”

Among those the rapper has upset is Wanda Cooper-Jones,  the mother of Ahmaud Arbery, whom the rapper privately supported after her son was murdered in a racially-motivated attack in 2020.

Speaking with Rolling Stone, Cooper-Jones expressed her “extreme disappointment” in Kanye and explained how his “White Lives Matter” t-shirt “flies directly in the face” of what he privately expressed to her family after her son was killed after three white neighbors chased him down and shot him in February 2020.

“As a result of his display ‘White Lives Matter’ started trending in the U.S., which would direct support and legitimize extremist behavior, [much] like the behavior that took the life of her son,” Cooper-Jones said through her attorney Lee Merritt. “That is the thing that Wanda and families like hers continue to fight against.”

“This mockery of the Black Lives Matter movement and his now denunciation of the movement as some sort of hoax flies directly in the face [of what he’s said,]” the statement added.

“It’s confusing for her, it’s confusing for the families to receive his support privately, but publicly to set us all back.”

Black Female Excellence Takes Center Stage at St. Jude Spirit of the Dream
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 6, 2022

Black Female Excellence Takes Center Stage at St. Jude Spirit of the Dream

For the first time in its history, the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream event selected women for each of its highest accolades: the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream Award and the Legacy Award.

The event, held Thursday, Sept. 29 celebrates the achievements of African Americans who embody the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and its founder, Danny Thomas, who believed that no child, regardless of race should die in the dawn of life.

Dr. Patricia Adams-Graves, professor in the hematology/oncology division at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a provider at Regional One Health is one of few hematologists in Memphis to serve and care for adults living with Sickle Cell Disease, and Dr. Sian Proctor, an accomplished civilian astronaut, pilot, advocate for women of color in the space industry, entrepreneur, and professor of American geology, were both presented with the Spirit of the Dream award. Emily Greer, a 30-year executive leader, most recently as chief administrative officer for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude, received the St. Jude Legacy Award for her tireless service to St. Jude as a trusted advisor to CEO, Rick Shadyac. Though Greer retired in 2021, she remains committed to the mission of St. Jude.

Each honoree has made a significant impact far beyond their local communities. Together, their multiple accomplishments reflect the foundational pillars of St. Jude: research, treatment, and philanthropy.

“I didn’t come to ALSAC almost 30 years ago with the idea of sitting here today,” said Greer.

“I came with the idea of serving these children and these families who get the worst news of all: that your child has cancer.”

“And I just tried to do my small part in making a difference in their lives. It’s an honor to be recognized in this way to do work that was my privilege to do.”

The event also comes on the heels of the first anniversary of Inspiration4, the first all-civilian spaceflight to orbit the Earth, which landed safely back on Earth thanks to Dr. Proctor’s skillful navigation as the mission pilot. Inspiration4 captivated space fans the world over and raised nearly $250 million for the lifesaving mission of St. Jude.

“When I won the prosperity seat on the Inspiration4 mission, my entire life shifted,” said Dr. Proctor.

“Becoming connected to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the mission of ending childhood cancer resonated with me to my core and allowed me to unleash the very best version of myself.”

During the St. Jude Spirit of the Dream event, guests heard about the strides made by St. Jude on racial equity since its founding in 1962 as the South’s first fully integrated children’s hospital. As part of this commitment to racial equity, St. Jude launched a sickle cell program in 1968 to study this disease, which disproportionately affects African American people. That program has grown to become one of the largest in the U.S.

As a physician in Memphis, Dr. Adams-Graves continues to extend quality care to sickle cell patients in the greater Midsouth region.

“Receiving this award is an honor, pleasure and validation of the service that I have been walking in my life to improve the quality of life for individuals, both children and adults, living with sickle cell disease,” said Dr. Adams-Graves.

Past honorees include Dr. Rudolph Jackson, one of the first Black doctors at St. Jude, Penny Hardaway, University of Memphis Tigers head men’s basketball coach, and the city of Memphis.

To learn more and donate, visit stjude.org/spiritofthedream.

About St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Join the St. Jude mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.

Tennessee Rushes to Hire Forensic Workers After Murder Reveals Backlog of Over 12,000 Rape Kits
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 6, 2022

Tennessee Rushes to Hire Forensic Workers After Murder Reveals Backlog of Over 12,000 Rape Kits

Might want to find another lead photo as this one is rape kits in Los Angeles. Maybe lab shot from iStock?

The state of Tennessee is fast-tracking the hire of forensic lab workers after a high-profile killing revealed a backlog of over 12,000 rape kits.

Last week, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and top legislative leaders announced the need for more money to hire 25 additional forensic lab workers to improve the state’s turnaround times for sexual assault kits, the Associated Press reported.

The decision comes weeks after authorities confirmed that the man charged with abducting and killing a Tennessee schoolteacher had not been charged in the 2021 rape of another woman, Alicia Franklin, due to the delay in processing the sexual assault kit.

Franklin filed a lawsuit against the Memphis Police Department on September 20.  

She said Henderson raped her at gunpoint on September 21, 2021, after meeting him on a dating app. Franklin filed a police report and completed a rape kit at a local hospital. She also provided the MPD with her assailant’s first name, social media information, a description of this car, and his phone number.  

The state of Tennessee has also faced backlash after the high-profile killing of Eliza Fletcher, a mother of two, and a kindergarten teacher killed by Cleotha Henderson, News Channel 5 reported. An autopsy report released Thursday showed Fletcher died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Following Fletcher’s murder, many have wondered if it could have been prevented if the other rape kit tied to Henderson was reviewed. Just last week, Henderson was finally charged in the Franklin rape case that happened last September. The rape kit in that case,had been sitting on the shelf—waiting to be tested—since 2021.

“It is an escalating thing, and it happens more than once, which is why it is so important that these kits are run because it increases the chances of getting them off the streets, which in this case would have saved Eliza Fletcher’s life,” Lorraine McGuire, vice president of development and marketing at the Sexual Assault Center, said.

Now the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is scrambling to fill more positions to ramp up the turnaround time on hundreds of rape kits in its three crime labs.

“We have victim-survivors who reach out to us and say, ‘What about mine? I was raped a year ago and I still have not heard back.,'” McGuire said. “And so hopefully this just shows the urgency that these need to be done.”

Laila Ali Hit With Trademark Battle Over Company That Owns Her Father’s Likeness
by Eric Moody

October 6, 2022

Laila Ali Hit With Trademark Battle Over Company That Owns Her Father’s Likeness

Retired undefeated professional boxer and daughter of the late great Muhammad Ali, Laila Ali, has entered into a legal matter with the company that owns her father’s trademark and likeness.

Authentic Brands Group filed a Notice of Opposition to stop Ali from registering her name.

ABG argues the pending trademark filed by Laila Ali is too similar and can cause confusion since she and her father share the same last name.

The issue stems back to 2006, when Muhammad Ali sold rights to his trademarks and likeness to ABG for $50 million, according to attorney Josh Gerben.

 

Gerben says ABG filing focuses on “Likelihood of Confusion, False Connection, and Dilution by Tarnishment (harm reputation of ABG and tarnish its rights in the Muhammad Ali trademark.)”

If the Notice of Opposition against the trademark goes through full litigation, it could take up to two years for a resolution.

Founded in 2010, the New York City-based company owns the likeness rights or estates of other well-known public figures such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe.

On July 15, ABG filed a similar Notice of Opposition against NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal‘s son Shaqir O’Neal to stop him from trademarking his name and likeness.

The complaint essentially blocked Shaqir’s trademark registration because their names are so similar that it would cause confusion.

According to sources, Laila has owned her business name for more than a decade and has built a multi-million dollar business from ventures outside of the ring.

From houseware, apparel, and media speaking engagements, the boxing Hall of Famer has expanded and made her own imprint on her lifestyle brand.

Black Enterprise reached out to Laila’s team for comment but has not received a statement on the matter.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 6, 2022

Jay-Z Invests $16.5 Million In Robotic Pizza Delivery Company Stellar Pizza

Brooklyn’s Finest is making an investment into the pizza game.

According to Billboard, the venture capital firm owned by Shawn ‘Jay-Z‘ Carter, Marcy Venture Partners, has invested $16.5 million into the latest fundraising round for Stellar Pizza. The company, which is a mobile pizza restaurant is reportedly run by robots and will open this fall at the University of Southern California (USC). After launching at USC, the company intends to open up on more college campuses.

Stellar Pizza raised $9 million in previous rounds of funding from Root Venters, Crosslink Capital, and Collaborative Fund.

Food Beast has reported that Jay-Z‘s Marcy Venture Partners has invested in several major consumer brands like Savage x Fenty and Therabody. Stella Pizza is a robotic pizza truck that takes the product directly to the customers. Their purpose is to be mobile to save on rental property prices while lowering the cost of labor. The truck has the ability to make 420 pizzas while one would take less than five minutes to make.

Stellar Pizza, which was founded in 2019, was created by former SpaceX engineers, which includes the company’s former CEO Benson Tsai.

The “robot” is able to make up to 420 pizzas before having to restock the supplies. To prepare the pizzas, it takes an employee to slice and place the pizza pie in the box and give it to a driver to deliver the pizza. Customers can order the pizza through the mobile app while the pizza can be made and cooked in vehicles that can also be used to deliver the pizzas. Robots will be used as they utilize a specialized rail system for them to enter and exit the vehicle.

Restaurant Business Online reported that the company may potentially venture into other food categories. possibly fried chicken or fries.

Regain Control Of Your Sleep Health with Restflix
by Black Enterprise Shop

October 6, 2022

Regain Control Of Your Sleep Health with Restflix

Fewer things can be as frustrating as the inability to fall asleep. While effects such as sluggish behavior, the inability to concentrate and debilitating headaches are felt at the surface level, the impacts can be even more detrimental internally.

Lack of sleep has been attributed to high blood pressure, diabetes, a repressed immune, and other life-altering conditions. Those who struggle with proper sleep know it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. The more pressure they put on themselves to sleep, the more difficult it becomes.

Restflix is here to help you get a better night’s sleep. For a limited time, you can snag a lifetime subscription to Restflix: Restful Sleep Streaming for $69.99 as part of Deal Days, our alternative to Prime Day. Save 83.32% from the MSRP.

Deal Days ends at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 12. Check out these awesome low-priced Deal Days products.

Restflix is a revolutionary streaming service aimed at helping people fall asleep and get the most out of their rest. Featured on Rachael, Entrepreneur, and Mashable!, this program comes with more than 10 channels featuring soothing sounds, bedtime stories, sleep meditations, and other tools to aid with proper sleep.

LiveStrong named Restflix its “Best App to Drift Off to” while CNN in its review writes “Whether you’re looking for nature sounds as white noise, relaxing music paired with dimly lit videos, or a soothing voice that reads you stories and meditations, Restflix has you covered.”

As long as you have an internet connection, you can watch Restflix directly on your mobile device. Additionally, it can be viewed on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. It can be installed on up to three devices.

Restflix is updated weekly. While it’s optimal for better sleep, you can use it for relaxation and mental healing.

Fatigue from a lack of sleep can be one of the most debilitating things one can encounter. Restflix can help end those sleepless nights. Join the number of successful users and purchase it today to regain control of your sleep.

Prices subject to change.

‘Black Panther’ Filmmaker Ryan Coogler Considered Quitting After Chadwick Boseman’s Untimely Death
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 5, 2022

‘Black Panther’ Filmmaker Ryan Coogler Considered Quitting After Chadwick Boseman’s Untimely Death

Chadwick Boseman’s untimely death took a heavy toll on the Black Panther cast and crew. So much so that the film’s director almost quit directing entirely.

Filmmaker Ryan Coogler is opening up about how hard Boseman’s unexpected death impacted him after having his dreams come true by directing the late actor in one of his most significant roles.

“I was at a point when I was like, I’m walking away from this business,” Coogler told Entertainment Weekly.

“I didn’t know if I could make another movie period, [let alone] another Black Panther movie, because it hurt a lot. I was like, Man, how could I open myself up to feeling like this again?”

Coogler was excited to get back to work on the Black Panther sequel following the massive success of the first film. But when the unthinkable happened, and Boseman passed away after a silent battle with colon cancer in August 2020, Coogler suddenly found himself grieving the loss of the film’s heroic star and a close friend who helped shape the Marvel hit from the start.

Looking back at the memories they shared and Boseman’s past interviews where he advocated for the film and the character of T’Challa, Coogler was empowered to get back to work.

“I was poring over a lot of our conversations that we had, towards what I realized was the end of his life,” Coogler explained.

“I decided that it made more sense to keep going.”

Fans will get to see the finished product when Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on Nov. 11th. The sequel serves as a bittersweet return that honors Boseman’s legacy while expanding the world of Wakanda.

Coogler returns as director and co-writer along with original co-writer Joe Robert Cole. The film catches up with Wakanda in the wake of King T’Challa’s death, as the fictional African country mourns the loss of its beloved leader.

Twin Spirits: Plies and Kirk Franklin Vow to Help Florida Residents After Hurricane Ian
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 5, 2022

Twin Spirits: Plies and Kirk Franklin Vow to Help Florida Residents After Hurricane Ian

Gospel star Kirk Franklin and rapper Plies are well aware of how much people think they resemble each other. In response, the duo has teamed up to help the people of Florida.

Franklin recently explained how he and Plies are teaming up to help Florida victims of Hurricane Ian while addressing the “rumors” claiming the two might be related. During a sit-down with Angela Yee, Franklin jokingly addressed the hilarious claims by calling Plies on FaceTime.

“I am not he, and he is not I,” Franklin said while on FaceTime with Plies.

He panned the phone toward the camera to show a smiling Plies who asked, “What’s up?”

“Time to clear the rumors,” Franklin captioned the video clip.

 

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A post shared by Kirk Franklin (@kirkfranklin)

Franklin also revealed that the two lookalikes are teaming up to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.

“I’ve been trying to reach out to you for the longest,” Franklin told Plies during their call. “Listen, man, we’re going to do something for Florida, right?”

Once Plies agreed, Franklin informed the public about the upcoming good deeds they’ll be bringing to Plies’ home state.

“So me and my twin, we’re coming to Florida and we gon’ help the people,” Franklin said.

“Help’s coming from the Franklin boys,” Franklin said with a laugh.

Hurricane Ian ripped through Florida’s Gulf Coast last week, causing major damage and leaving many families and homeowners with nothing. The death toll continues to rise as rescue crews going door to door in search of survivors report more deaths, CNN reports.

As of Tuesday, at least 109 people in the United States were reported killed by the hurricane, with 105 of those deaths in Florida and 55 of them in Lee County. Hurricane Ian also claimed the lives of four people in North Carolina.

As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, Black residents in Fort Myers Florida feel forgotten about saying authorities have failed to help them. Residents say authorities are dragging their feet to aid a historically African American neighborhood.

Nonprofit Occupies Old Victoria’s Secret Storefront in Indianapolis Mall to Create Space for Black Businesses
by Stacy Jackson

October 5, 2022

Nonprofit Occupies Old Victoria’s Secret Storefront in Indianapolis Mall to Create Space for Black Businesses

Dollars are being circulated back into the Black community as Black businesses unite under one storefront.

On the second floor of Circle Centre Mall in downtown Indianapolis, the SHE.Xperience occupies the old Victoria’s Secret storefront. It has become a space to display 12 Black-owned businesses that offer accessories, beauty products, home décor, candles, clothing, and more.

According to Fox 59, the nonprofit, created by Katina Washington, runs off partnerships, donations, and grants. In addition, tools like business coaching, capital, and mental health support are offered to participating vendors.

Opening up the opportunity for Black businesses to have visible access to more shoppers supports the SHE.Xperience brand’s mission to provide venues for businesses to increase their customer reach and revenue. Black business owners connected to the platform learn strong business practices, build relationships, and, most importantly, circulate their dollars within the Black community.

The company’s vision is “to connect every Black, female-owned small business owner with the people and tools needed to create, grow, and sustain thriving businesses,” the website states.

“SHE.Xperience is cooperative economics in action,” said Washington.

Koqóvel Cosmetics & Skincare, is one of the Black-owned business that resides in the storefront. Shoppers are greeted inside by owner Angel Fant‘s display of quality beauty enhancement products for women.

“My brand is around motivating and developing women through confidence. We want women to feel beautiful inside and out,” Fant said, according to Fox 59. The cosmetics professional shared that her business is thriving thanks to Washington’s support and connections.

Fox 59 reported  the concept is a spinoff of Washington’s SHE. Event Indy, an annual expo held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Black businesses in attendance were provided resources, exposure, and a space to run their sales.

“Businesses are able to come in for three, six, nine months, or however long they feel that they need to get their business in a position to thrive,” said Washington.

“Every business that is here, and especially some of the businesses who have been here from the beginning, I’ve seen all of them scale.”

Although businesses are offered to stay as long as they need, the goal is to build them to stand strongly on their own outside of the SHE.Xperience.

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