Foodservice Industry Veteran, Cassie Nelson, Joins A La Carte Menu Services, Inc. as Executive Vice President and CSO to Manage and Grow Iconic ‘Mrs. Winner’s’ Brand
Foodservice industry veteran, Cassie Nelson, who spent more than a decade as a senior executive at McDonald’s Corporation joins Atlanta, Ga.-based A La Carte Menu Services, Inc. as EVP and CSO of Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits.
The St. Louis, Mo. native found her passion for the food industry more than 30 years ago when she began working at her local McDonald’s restaurant as an hourly crew member. Prior to taking on her new role at Mrs. Winner’s, Nelson served as vice president of Operations for a 10,000 plus employee global airport foodservice concessionaire, Paradies Lagardère, according to a release.
“I am excited to work for a dynamic minority female-owned organization. I know the significance of having role models and mentors that look like you in the workplace and I am committed to helping other young women of color see a rewarding path forward in the restaurant industry,” stated Ms. Nelson.
“Mrs. Winner’s has tremendous upside and has every opportunity to be one of America’s best loved QSRs [Quick Service Restaurant].”
Nelson’s hiring is evidentiary of building toward an even brighter future that includes greater influence from women, people of color, and other previously underrepresented leaders as championed by the Women’s Foodservice Forum and other industry organizations.
“As we embark on our next chapter of growth for our Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits brand, we are excited to have someone of Cassie’s background and expertise to lead that charge,” said A La Carte Menu Services, Inc.’s CEO, Valerie Goldston.
“We look to expand the markets and regions in which we operate, and we have a mission to foster significant wealth creation opportunities for franchisees. Cassie’s experience in growing QSRs will be key to our achieving successes in multiple areas,” continued Ms. Goldston.
About Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits
Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits is a regional authentic Southern bone-in chicken and Southern fixins QSR chain which for decades has been a favorite of diners in the Southeastern United States. Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits dine-in and drive-thru offerings include Tantalizingly Tasty Fried Chicken, Sensational Sweet Tea, Super Cinnamon Rolls, and other Southern staples. Mrs. Winner’s Chicken & Biscuits is a fast-growing QSR chain of company owned and franchised restaurants that is establishing new locations in new territories throughout the United States.
Motto Mortgage Named a Top Franchise for Black Entrepreneurs and a Top Recession-Proof Franchise by Franchise Business Review
Motto® Mortgage, the first and only national mortgage brokerage franchise in the U.S., furthers its reputation as a top franchise to own and today announces it has been named to three prestigious top franchise lists from BLACK ENTERPRISE, in partnership with Franchise Business Review (FBR), and Entrepreneur Magazine.
Earlier this year, the Motto Mortgage brand was named a Top 200 Franchise of 2022 by the Franchise Business Review for the fourth consecutive year, ranking #32 of the top 50 large franchises and #1 in the financial and tax category, according to a press release. Now, the brand has also been named a 2022 Top Recession-Proof Franchise based on an assessment of its strong potential to outperform competitors during challenging economic times. BLACK ENTERPRISE, in partnership with FBR, also leveraged the 2022 Top 200 Franchise data to determine the list of the Top 25 Franchises for Black Entrepreneurs, which highlights franchisors with the highest owner satisfaction scores among Black franchise owners.
“We decided to purchase a Motto Mortgage franchise because as first-time entrepreneurs we were attracted to the perks that came with joining the Motto network,” said Kelly Jacksonand Davina Arceneaux, co-owners of Motto Mortgage Home Services.
“When we opened Motto Mortgage Home Services, we received an immense amount of support from other Motto offices to help us navigate the industry and have consistently received ongoing education opportunities from the franchise headquarters’ team to give us the insight and tools to help us grow our business. Plus, Motto Mortgage’s brand credibility and reputation gave us strong credentials to fall back on and allowed us to make a name for ourselves much faster than we would have if we went the independent business route.”
“Since Motto Mortgage’s inception in 2016, the brand continues to create value in the mortgage industry by providing exceptional service, more options, transparency, and convenience for consumers,” said Ward Morrison, president and CEO of Motto Franchising, LLC.
“Now with 200 offices open in almost 40 states, Motto’s unique value proposition and Mortgage Brokerage In-A-Box℠ business model not only creates a secondary business with revenue potential for current real estate brokerage firms, but also offers opportunities for mortgage professionals seeking to open their own businesses and independent investors interested in a financial services franchise.”
Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed.
Jeezy, Wife Jeannie Mai Stun In Icy Blue While Raising Over $200K At His 2nd Annual Sno Ball Gala
A cool, young hustler at heart, Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins has come far from his signature Snowman “white tee” but still knows how to hold his own at a party. Last week, “The Snowman” showed up and showed out with his wife, Jeannie Mai, among star-studded couples from the celebrity world at his second annual Sno Ball Gala on Sept. 29 in Atlanta.
Stunning in matching icy blue, the Jenkins were joined by Tip T.I. Harris, Pinky Cole, Tyrese Gibson, Will Packer, and many more. The overflow of support helped raise more than $200,000 to provide assistance and opportunity to underserved communities worldwide through Jeezy’s non-profit, StreetDreamzFoundation.
According to Jeezy’s Instagram, partnerships that align with his brand and mission also helped bring the event to life, including French liquor brand Naud Spirits. BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported that Jeezy announced his new business venture, saying he was seeking to work with a brand that “possess legacy experience but with a desire to push beyond conventionality for a better business.”
In 2005, the South Carolina rapper and entrepreneur transformed a diamond-encrusted chain and a sketch drawing of a snowman into one of hip-hop’s most controversial fashion statements. Now, he’s revered as an icon who champions dreams in the streets because he’s lived it.
“Snowman is a cool dude,” Jeezy previously told MTV about his infamous snowman shirt. “He’s a gangsta too. There’s a Snowman in every ’hood, several Snowmen in the ’hood. You gotta be that dude to look up to with the car and the girl. Whatever you do, be the best at it, because that’s what the Snowman is going to do.”
And so he did.
Among many philanthropic efforts, Jeezy has strived to support and fund technology-based solutions for public educational institutions, especially in underserved communities. In April 2021, he partnered with The Tony Robbins Foundation to donate over 500 bicycles and accessories at his non-profit’s first bike giveaway to inner city kids from various organizations.
Jeezy isn’t stopping anytime soon. With dreams to help ignite, including that of his new daughter, Monaco, with his wife Mai, stay tuned for what The Snowman has next.
University of Texas Basketball Legend, Former WNBA Player Tiffany Jackson Dies of Breast Cancer at 37
A former WNBA player who was drafted by the New York Liberty recently passed away at the age of 37.
According to The University of Texas Women, Tiffany Jackson, who played at the school from 2003-2007, passed away after losing a battle with breast cancer on Monday.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Tiffany Jackson, one of the greatest players in the history of Texas Women’s Basketball,” Texas Head Coach Vic Schaefer said in a written statement.
“From her days as a player for DFW Elite to her days as a player at The University of Texas, Tiffany has meant so much to so many people in this great state of Texas. I know she was so excited to be the head coach at Wiley College for the upcoming season. She will be sorely missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family.”
Jackson was hired earlier this year to coach the Wiley College women’s basketball team. She was preparing for the upcoming season. According to the school’s website, she was hired as the head coach of the team on April 20, 2022.
“We were extremely saddened at the passing of Coach Jackson, she was an incredible light for our students and an amazing member of the Wiley College family. Her dedication to Wiley College was evident in how she interacted with the students and her community. She will be sorely missed. We are praying for her family and friends,” said President & CEO Herman J. Felton, Jr.
Jackson, who was picked in the 2007 WNBA draft by the New York Liberty as the number 5 pick, was the only player in Texas women’s basketball history to have at least 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals, and 150 blocks. In her first season at the school, she became the Big 12 Freshman of the Year. Jackson was also named the National Freshman of the Year by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association and ESPN.com.
Jackson played nine seasons with the Liberty, Tulsa Shock, and Los Angeles Sparks.
Wiley College has announced that the school will honor Coach Jackson at the first women’s home game of the season.
Vice President Kamala Harris announced several new efforts by the Biden-Harris administration and private sector shareholders to distribute capital and resources to underserved small businesses.
According to a White House release, the Biden-Harris administration will make new federal investments in underserved small businesses. Investments include the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issuing a memorandum to federal agencies setting individualized goals for 12 percent of 2023 government-wide procurement dollars to go to small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs).
Additionally, the Small Business Administration (SBA) will propose a rule to expand its lender base by lifting the moratorium on new small business lending companies (SBLCs). This will allow the SBA to grow the number of lenders that receive its loan guarantee, which will increase small business lending, particularly in smaller-dollar and underserved areas.
“Today, Black entrepreneurs are three times more likely to report they did not apply for a loan for fear of being turned away by a bank,” Harris said at a White House Press Conference Tuesday.
“Often, anecdotally, because they heard about that experience from friends and relatives.”
Harris added Black and Latino homeowners, immigrant business owners, and Native Americans face numerous barriers when it comes to applying for home loans, accessing capital, and other traditional financial services.
As part of the effort, the Minority Business Development Agency (MDBA) will issue a $100 million notice of funding opportunity to provide technical assistance grants for entrepreneurs in need of assistance to help socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDIs) and businesses.
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund will solicit public comment on CDFI certification requirements as well as the designation of a Minority Lending Institution (MLI). The fund is already in the process of updating the requirements and standards for CDFI certification.
“So, when we talk about the work we are doing here together, it is recognizing that and being guided by this principle of what we must do in the spirit and in the interest of equity,” said Harris. “And to do this, one of the aspects of the success we have seen so far is the benefit and the incredible power of public-private partnership—the public and the private sector joining together.”
Harris also announced new private sector investments in underserved communities including a partnership of more than 20 corporations and foundations to catalyze private investments to address disparities and accelerate inclusive economic opportunity.
Amazon to Invest $150 Million to Provide Underrepresented Entrepreneurs with Access to Capital
Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced Amazon Catalytic Capital, a new initiative to invest $150 million in venture capital (VC) funds, accelerators, incubators, and venture studios that provide funding to entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, primarily at the pre-seed/seed stage of venture capital funding.
The company will invest in funds that focus on Black, Latino, Indigenous, women, and LGBTQIA+ founders. Amazon expects to support more than 10 funds and over 200 companies through the next year.
“We’ve seen incredibly innovative ideas from underrepresented entrepreneurs—from companies offering inclusive health services for women, to startups helping companies mitigate climate impact for underserved communities—and we’re convinced that an inclusive investment strategy leads to better returns and innovation. We want to ensure that these companies and their founders have the same access to capital as anyone else,” said Peter Krawiec, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide corporate development.
“We hope that our investment will be catalytic—sparking a force-multiplying effect by inspiring others to invest in these companies, fostering inclusion and innovation, positively impacting communities, and creating generational wealth and financial return.”
In addition to capital, the companies in the funds’ portfolios will receive mentorship from Amazon executives and gain access to resources to support their business and technical strategy. Amazon teams will also work with the startups to identify partnership and product collaboration opportunities that could accelerate their growth.
Historically, underrepresented founders have had less access to startup venture capital and greater difficulties in securing funding to bring ideas to fruition. Studies consistently show that Black, Latino, women, and LGBTQIA+ startup founders are underrepresented across the total number of funded startups. According to PitchBook, women founders received 2% of U.S. venture capital funding in 2021. Similarly, Black-founded and Latino-founded startups attracted only 1% and 2% of U.S. venture capital funding respectively last year as reported by Crunchbase News. Research shows that these inequities create a negative ripple effect for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including reduced access to networks, mentors, and sponsors. Despite these challenges, diverse and inclusive teams are 75% more likely to see ideas become products and 70% more likely to serve new categories.
Through this initiative, Amazon has invested in the following funds:
Collide Capital — Collide Capital is a Black-owned seed and pre-seed venture capital fund led by two founders under the age of 35: Aaron Samuels, who co-founded AfroTech, and Brian Hollins, who is a founding Board Member of BLCK VC. To date, Collide Capital has backed over 40 companies, of which 80%+ are led by Black, Latino, and/or female founders.
Elevate Future Fund — Elevate Future Fund, which is overseen by Energy Impact Partners (EIP), focuses on increasing funding to underrepresented founders working on solutions to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and clean energy future. It will also make investments in companies that are led by underrepresented entrepreneurs, are empowering diverse talent, and/or are creating economic opportunity for distressed or disadvantaged communities. Elevate will also collaborate closely with Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, which invests in emerging climate technology companies.
Share Ventures — Share Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture fund and venture foundry focused on human performance. Share focuses on solving problems by creating and investing in innovative companies that unlock human potential, in categories including health tech, future of work, people tech, fintech, transportation, and purpose tech (companies facilitating impact and change).
Techstars Rising Stars Fund — With its first investments in 2022, the Rising Stars Fund is a pre-seed venture capital fund investing in underrepresented founders of color in the U.S. The fund is part of the Techstars investment business that provides access to capital, one-on-one mentorship, and customized programming for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Investors from the VC funds supported by Amazon have supported hundreds of underrepresented startup founders. With Amazon’s investments, these VC funds expect to back hundreds more companies and, in turn, help create more jobs and unlock economic growth in historically underserved communities.
“We are focused on addressing financial inclusion across the globe, and Collide Capital has been an investor in us from the early days. Collide has helped us to shape our vision and opened up access to future rounds of funding,” said the founder and CEO of fintech startup EMTECH, Carmelle Cadet. “EMTECH discovered a unique value proposition in rebuilding central banking infrastructure for the Web3 era. As a Black woman-founded tech company, having Collide getting excited about our vision was critical to our journey. We are better with them as partners, and I am excited to see how Amazon is supporting them to help even more entrepreneurs like me.”
“Our collaboration with the team at Amazon was born out of our shared passion for innovation in key areas that improve the human experience at scale. We are aligned with Amazon’s customer obsession and grateful to be learning and collaborating with them to build a portfolio of game changing companies,” said Hamet Watt, managing partner at Share Ventures.
Amazon Catalytic Capital is the latest in a series of Amazon-sponsored initiatives to boost and support early stage, underrepresented entrepreneurs. Amazon Web Services recently launched the AWS Impact Accelerator, investing $30 million in a series of programs designed to help high-potential, pre-seed startups led by underrepresented founders succeed. Amazon chose North American startups to be part of its 2022 Black Founders Build with Alexa cohort, each receiving a $100,000 Alexa Fund investment, as well as technology support. Additionally, in 2021, Amazon committed $150 million to its Black Business Accelerator, an initiative to help Black business owners succeed as sellers in Amazon’s stores.
Learn more about Amazon Catalytic Capital at amazoncatalyticcapital.com. Funds interested in receiving investment from Amazon can contact Amazon here.
About Amazon
Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.
‘This Was the Hardest Movie I’ve Ever Made’: Will Smith Returns to the Big Screen in ‘Emancipation’
Don’t call it a comeback.Will Smith‘s been here for years and was once Hollywood royalty before the infamous Oscar’s slap sidelined his career.
But now the Fresh Prince is hoping his career gets a fresh start and a jump start with the drop of his new film Emancipation, the first film released after he faced a wave of condemnation for slapping comedian Chris Rock. The Academy Awards banned Smith for 10 years.
Now less than a year after the fallout, Apple Original Films announced its next project that stars Smith is being released just weeks before the end of the calendar year. The movie, which was shelved in the aftermath of the Oscars debacle, will premiere in theaters on Friday, December 2. It will make its global debut online on the Apple TV+ platform the following week on Friday, December 9.
Directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua, (Training Day and The Equalizer), it stars the Wild, Wild West actor and captures the story of Pete, a Black man who was able to escape from slavery.
Smith said it was the “hardest movie I ever made,” CBS News reports.
The role played by Smith, follows Peter’s journey to freedom, utilizing his wits and holding fast to his faith, meshed with a strong love for his family. It allows Pete to manage the hardships and navigate the swamps of Louisiana while trying to avoid being captured by hunters.
The movie was inspired by the 1863 photos of Whipped Peter that were recorded during a Union Army medical examination. Those pictures first appeared in Harper’s Weekly.
Smith has been in self-imposed isolation ever since the backlash the incident caused him.
Comedian Chris Rock, while on stage at the Oscar presentation, had jokingly referred to Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was sporting a bald head as G.I. Jane (Demi Moore starred in the movie and wore her head bald for the role). Late last year, the actress took to Instagram to speak about having alopecia and how she is not going to let the balding condition stop her.
Amazon to Invest $150 Million in Funds That Provide Underrepresented Entrepreneurs With Access to Capital
Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) today announced Amazon Catalytic Capital, a new initiative to invest $150 million in venture capital (VC) funds, accelerators, incubators, and venture studios that provide funding to entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds, primarily at the pre-seed/seed stage of venture capital funding.
The company will invest in funds that focus on Black, Latino, Indigenous, women, and LGBTQIA+ founders. Amazon expects to support more than 10 funds and over 200 companies through the next year.
“We’ve seen incredibly innovative ideas from underrepresented entrepreneurs—from companies offering inclusive health services for women, to startups helping companies mitigate climate impact for underserved communities—and we’re convinced that an inclusive investment strategy leads to better returns and innovation. We want to ensure that these companies and their founders have the same access to capital as anyone else,” said Peter Krawiec, Amazon’s senior vice president of worldwide corporate development.
“We hope that our investment will be catalytic—sparking a force-multiplying effect by inspiring others to invest in these companies, fostering inclusion and innovation, positively impacting communities, and creating generational wealth and financial return.”
In addition to capital, the companies in the funds’ portfolios will receive mentorship from Amazon executives and gain access to resources to support their business and technical strategy. Amazon teams will also work with the startups to identify partnership and product collaboration opportunities that could accelerate their growth.
Historically, underrepresented founders have had less access to startup venture capital and greater difficulties in securing funding to bring ideas to fruition. Studies consistently show that Black, Latino, women, and LGBTQIA+ startup founders are underrepresented across the total number of funded startups. According to PitchBook, women founders received 2% of U.S. venture capital funding in 2021. Similarly, Black-founded and Latino-founded startups attracted only 1% and 2% of U.S. venture capital funding respectively last year as reported by Crunchbase News. Research shows that these inequities create a negative ripple effect for underrepresented entrepreneurs, including reduced access to networks, mentors, and sponsors. Despite these challenges, diverse and inclusive teams are 75% more likely to see ideas become products and 70% more likely to serve new categories.
Through this initiative, Amazon has invested in the following funds:
Collide Capital — Collide Capital is a Black-owned seed and pre-seed venture capital fund led by two founders under the age of 35: Aaron Samuels, who co-founded AfroTech, and Brian Hollins, who is a founding Board Member of BLCK VC. To date, Collide Capital has backed over 40 companies, of which 80%+ are led by Black, Latino, and/or female founders.
Elevate Future Fund — Elevate Future Fund, which is overseen by Energy Impact Partners (EIP) focuses on increasing funding to underrepresented founders working on solutions to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable and clean energy future. It will also make investments in companies that are led by underrepresented entrepreneurs, are empowering diverse talent, and/or are creating economic opportunity for distressed or disadvantaged communities. Elevate will also collaborate closely with Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, which invests in emerging climate technology companies.
Share Ventures — Share Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture fund and venture foundry focused on human performance. Share focuses on solving problems by creating and investing in innovative companies that unlock human potential, in categories including health tech, future of work, people tech, fintech, transportation, and purpose tech (companies facilitating impact and change).
Techstars Rising Stars Fund — With its first investments in 2022, the Rising Stars Fund is a pre-seed venture capital fund investing in underrepresented founders of color in the U.S. The fund is part of the Techstars investment business that provides access to capital, one-on-one mentorship, and customized programming for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Investors from the VC funds supported by Amazon have supported hundreds of underrepresented startup founders. With Amazon’s investments, these VC funds expect to support hundreds of more companies and, in turn, help create more jobs and unlock economic growth in historically underserved communities.
“We are focused on addressing financial inclusion across the globe, and Collide Capital has been an investor in us from the early days. Collide has helped us to shape our vision and opened up access to future rounds of funding,” said the founder and CEO of fintech startup EMTECH, Carmelle Cadet.
“EMTECH discovered a unique value proposition in rebuilding central banking infrastructure for the Web3 era. As a Black woman-founded tech company, having Collide getting excited about our vision was critical to our journey. We are better with them as partners, and I am excited to see how Amazon is supporting them to help even more entrepreneurs like me.”
“Our collaboration with the team at Amazon was born out of our shared passion for innovation in key areas that improve the human experience at scale. We are aligned with Amazon’s customer obsession and grateful to be learning and collaborating with them to build a portfolio of game changing companies,” said Hamet Watt, managing partner at Share Ventures.
Amazon Catalytic Capital is the latest in a series of Amazon-sponsored initiatives to boost and support early stage, underrepresented entrepreneurs. Amazon Web Services recently launched the AWS Impact Accelerator, investing $30 million in a series of programs designed to help high-potential, pre-seed startups led by underrepresented founders succeed. Amazon chose North American startups to be part of its 2022 Black Founders Build with Alexa cohort, each receiving a $100,000 Alexa Fund investment, as well as technology support. Additionally, in 2021, Amazon committed $150 million to its Black Business Accelerator, an initiative to help Black business owners succeed as sellers in Amazon’s stores.
Learn more about Amazon Catalytic Capital at amazoncatalyticcapital.com. Funds interested in receiving investment from Amazon can contact Amazon here.
Cardi B Tries to Collect On Tasha K’s $4M Judgement — Finds Only $1,083 In YouTuber’s Bank Account
If recent reports that YouTuber Tasha K left the country to avoid paying Cardi B the $4 million owed, then the $1083 left in her banking account is telling.
According to Radar Online, Cardi B has started the collection process of garnishing the bank account of Tasha K. According to court documents, JP Morgan Chase Bank has notified the Bronx rapper that the blogger’s company, Kebe Studios has a total of $1,083.02 in her accounts, the outlet reports.
After the W.A.P. rapper won a defamation lawsuit against Latasha Kebe, aka Tasha K, it was reported that the social media maven has reportedly been on the run as she has moved to Africa. She has not made a payment to Cardi B as she is making an attempt to seize Tasha K’s assets.
Meanwhile, last month, Tasha K was seen flossing on her social media account in the backseat of a Mercedes-Benz, while boasting that she just deposited 600 million CFA, or approximately $882,277.20, in an African bank.
Earlier this year, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that Cardi B was awarded nearly $3 million in punitive damages and attorneys’ fees after a jury found Tasha K liable on counts of defamation, invasion of privacy, and infliction of emotional distress. Variety reports that the $3 million comes on top of the $1.25 million she was awarded.
Last week, after hearing that Cardi B was in the process of garnishing wages from Tasha K, she went to court, according to Radar Online, reportedly asking a federal court to stop the rapper from doing so until the appeal process is played out. The Bronx, NY, recording artist, whose real name is Belcalis Almánzar, went to court to garnish Tasha K’s bank accounts at J.P. Morgan Chase to collect on the $3.3 million she is owed from the controversial YouTube content creator.
Back in July, Tasha K filed an appeal and lost against the multi-million dollar lawsuit. The court ruled in favor of Cardi B, and dismissed the appeal without jurisdiction, allowing the Bodak Yellow rapper to instruct her lawyers and the sheriff’s office to authorize the garnishment of Tasha’s wages and personal assets to fulfill the debt.
Sixers Coach Doc Rivers Gives Players Some Black History Pointers During Training Camp
Coaches set examples for their players, and this NBA coach is encouraging his players to brush up on their American history.
Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers is using his platform to fight against racial injustice. In an effort to advocate for social change, the NBA coach took his players on a road trip to Charleston, South Carolina, during training camp not only to practice and run plays, but to educate the athletes on American history.
“Teaching American history is under assault right now. And it’s not Black history or teaching about slavery, it’s American history,” Rivers said. “And so I was amazed. The first thing that I was taught the other day was, how many players, and not only players, coaches, came up to me and said, ‘Wow, I never was taught that in my history class.’”
Although the team normally hosts training camp in New Jersey, Rivers schedule for the Sixers to practice at The Citadel, according to the NBA. The professional athletes had the chance to experience the college’s campus full of tanks, jets, and plaques dedicated to prisoners of war.
In addition to team practices, Rivers and the Sixers reportedly organized educational field trips to the Old Slave Mart Museum, where many of the staff are known to be ancestors of the enslaved people of Charleston. The field trips also included a visit to the Avery Institute of Afro-American History and Culture. The team also had the honor of hearing insightful words from Citadel President Gen. Glenn Walters and Bernard Powers, a retired professor and historian.
This week transcended basketball. Dr. Bernard Powers led the team through Charleston’s landmarks, including The Old Slave Mart Museum, the soon-to-open International African American Museum (@iaamuseum), & the Avery Research Center. Many thanks to all our hosts and educators. pic.twitter.com/0vmYxxxSsp
“My people, my African people coming here, the people that gave up their lives for us to be able to be in this position, it was good to learn about all of that,” said center Joel Embiid, Cameroon-native who recently became a U.S. citizen.
According to NBA, after the team finished up practice at The Citadel, Rivers addressed the shooting of the 14-year-old near a northwest Philadelphia high school athletic field before answering questions for reporters.
“I’ve always been aware of politics, I’ve always been involved. But what got me involved is, we have this separation of race now, of pitting races against each other.”
The NBA Social Justice Coalition board member informed that this generation of NBA players are reportedly more politically aware and involved in societal change than when he played in the 1980s and ’90s. However, he hopes that the players with a larger social media reach would speak on current events. The NBA says there will be no scheduled games this season on Nov. 8, which is Election Day.
