Will Smith Recalled His Childhood ‘Pain’ in Pre-Oscars Interview
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 23, 2022

Will Smith Recalled His Childhood ‘Pain’ in Pre-Oscars Interview

Will Smith sat down with Dave Letterman for his Netflix show My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.

During the in-depth discussion, Smith opened up about feeling like a “coward” during his childhood after watching his mother get physically abused by his father and not stepping in. The revealing interview, filmed prior to his infamous Oscars slap, sheds light on why Smith possibly reacted so violently to Chris Rock‘s joke on wife Jada Pinkett Smith’s baldness.

Smith was on the show to promote his 2021 memoir, Will, Deadline reported. The Academy Award-winning actor spoke candidly about the “pain” he endured during his childhood, his role in King Richard, and his thoughts on protecting his family.

At the start of the episode, the show made sure to note that “This episode was recorded prior to the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony.”

Smith explained his decision to take time off from acting to write his book.

“Life is so exciting to me right now because I can reach people differently than I’ve ever been able to reach people, largely because of my pain,” Smith said.

“I’m really ready to dive into my heart in a way that I think will be, hopefully, fulfilling for me and helpful for the human family.”

The Men In Black star touched on the intro to his memoir where he admits to having “always thought of myself as a coward” after he witnessed his father “beat up” his mother as a child and didn’t step in to defend her.

Smith’s way of coping with the “trauma” from the experience was to make people laugh and smile.

“When I showed up, I wanted people to feel good and be happy,” he explained. “Because I found that when my household was that way, I felt safe.”

Elsewhere during the interview, Smith shared his thoughts on protecting his family from the outside world.

“Protection and safety is an illusion. You have to learn to live with the reality that any moment, anything can be gone in one second,” he said.

“So, with that reality, how can you be here? And how can you be joyful and be here?”

Smith has accepted his Oscars ban and has remained in seclusion since the slap. Rock has continued doing standup and making small references to the attack. He has said he won’t talk about the incident until he gets “paid.”

Former Dallas Officer Charged With Capital Murder Sues Homicide Detective Who He Says Falsely Accused Him
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 23, 2022

Former Dallas Officer Charged With Capital Murder Sues Homicide Detective Who He Says Falsely Accused Him

A Black man who was ousted from the Dallas Police Department after being charged with capital murder last year is suing the homicide detective he says falsely accused him.

Bryan Riser launched a lawsuit against Detective Esteban Montenegro on May 5 over claims Montenegro wrongfully orchestrated his arrest last year, WFAA reports. The lawsuit accuses the detective of violating Riser’s civil rights by falsely accusing him in a case that was later found to have no probable cause.

Riser has spent the last year in media headlines following his arrest on March 4, 2021, over claims the 12-year veteran paid to have two people killed in 2017. He was fired from his job a few days later and spent one month in jail before a judge dismissed the charges due to lack of evidence.

Montenegro was the lead detective in the two 2017 murders and was the one who pursued a tip on Riser’s alleged involvement, NBC DFW reports. Warrants for Riser’s arrest showed how police based much of their case against the Black officer on the word of Emmanuel Kilpatrick, a convicted killer with links to five murders.

Another officer even pointed out to Montenegro that Kilpatrick was an unreliable source with a habit of deceiving police. Records also show that in 2019, a district attorney’s office told Montenegro that there was no probable cause to arrest Riser.

“More than a year later, not a single piece of additional evidence had been found,” Riser’s lawsuit stares.

“Nonetheless, Montenegro went ahead with the arrest that he had already been told was unsupported by probable cause.”

A major issue with the case came from the original arrest warrant affidavit that falsely stated cell tower analysis placed Riser and his squad car in the same area of the murder at the time they were committed.

During a court hearing last April, Montenegro attributed the false claim to a “cut and paste error.”

“I made a mistake,” Montenegro testified in court.

After the charges were dismissed, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia ordered a criminal investigation into Montenegro’s actions. The detective has been on paid administrative leave since December pending the investigation.

Riser didn’t specify a specific amount in his lawsuit.

The City of Birmingham to Host HBCU SpringComing Festival
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 23, 2022

The City of Birmingham to Host HBCU SpringComing Festival

After seven years of celebrating the legacy and experiences of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the New York-based HBCU SpringComing festival is coming to Birmingham. This annual, weeklong fest celebrates the HBCU experience through events, scholarships, panels, and service activities and will do so for its first time ever in the South May 27-29, 2022.

The Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity is the event’s host.

“I am thrilled to welcome HBCU SpringComing to our city,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin.

“Alabama has the most HBCUs in the country and hosting this amazing event in Birmingham puts the celebration at the center of it all. We will add our southern flair and charm to make this event reminiscent of a true homecoming tailgate experience.”

Founded in 2015 by Lauren Grant Grove and George Peters II, HBCU SpringComing’s mission is to preserve the legacy of the Black college experience while promoting support of HBCUs through alumni involvement. Its community spans the globe with alumni and allies who focus on strengthening the Black community’s economic, health and wellness and civic outcomes. Their goal is to increase financial contributions towards scholarships supporting HBCU students while celebrating the unique atmosphere that HBCU homecomings create.

“HBCU SpringComing is a spirited collective work and responsibility practiced by alumni from all of our beloved institutions,” said co-founder George Peters, II.

“It is our chance to ensure that we protect the sacred spaces that helped us to get to where we are now, well before we knew what we could become. We do that simply by sharing space with each other, reviving our favorite traditions and making new memories as we introduce our families to the celebration of the unique education only possible on Historically Black campuses.”

“As we celebrate eight years of amplifying the HBCU experience, we are elated to expand into the Southern region with the support of the City of Birmingham, Indeed and the United States Tennis Association,” said Lauren Grant Grove, co-founder of HBCU SpringComing and CEO of The Grant Access.

“We look forward to paying it forward with our purpose driven events to highlight our rich history, network with Alumni, and create exposure for future students.”

The Birmingham event is sponsored by Indeed.com and will include an innovation lab, wine and jazz mixer, comedy show, tour of the historic civil rights district and more. The event will take place in concert with the SWAC Baseball Tournament, which is being held at Regions Field, May 25-29. Events will span the city, taking place at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Railroad Park and the EDPA (Parkside District), Boutwell Auditorium, Birmingham Museum of Art and George Ward Park. In addition, 25 $1,000 book scholarships will be given away to Birmingham Promise students attending HBCUs in the fall.

“The mission of the [Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging] team at Indeed is to design equitable solutions and experiences for Indeedians, jobseekers and clients to help ALL people get jobs,” said Misty Gaither, senior director and global head of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Indeed.com.

“We are proud to partner with HBCU SpringComing and the City of Birmingham to provide access to employment opportunities to the best and brightest candidates.”

“Birmingham is ready to host this dynamic event,” said IEO Director Cornell Wesley.

“This celebration will be a time to show off what makes our city — its residents and businesses — great, as well as a time to pay tribute to our beloved HBCUs.”

HBCU SpringComing hosted its New York City event April 15-16. For additional information and to register for the Birmingham festival, visit www.hbcuspringcoming.com.

Rapper J. Cole Signs Second Professional Basketball Contract
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 23, 2022

Rapper J. Cole Signs Second Professional Basketball Contract

Following his professional debut as a basketball player last year, rapper J. Cole is returning to the hardwood. After playing in Africa, the 6′ 3″ guard will take his talents north to Canada.

According to The Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), which claims to be the largest league of any professional sport in Canada, J. Cole has signed with the Scarborough Shooting Stars.

This marks the second time the rapper has signed to play basketball in a professional league. He made his debut in the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League, which has a partnership with the NBA, as a member of Rwanda’s Patriots Basketball Club last season.

The Scarborough Shooting Stars welcomed, perhaps, the league’s most recognizable player on its Instagram account.

According to The Sporting News, J. Cole played in only three basketball games for the Patriots before leaving the team for “family reasons.” He did fulfull his contractual obligations by participating in the three games before leaving, scoring five points, dishing out three assists, and grabbing five rebounds before departing the league.

The Canadian Elite Basketball League was started in 2017 and began competing in games in 2019.

The CEBL has 10 teams from six different provinces. Five are from Ontario; the remaining teams are from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. This makes the CEBL the largest professional sports league based entirely in Canada.

The season will start official league play  May 25. The regular season will consist of each team playing 20 games before the playoffs start. The league runs through to August.

Of course, J. Cole is not the only rapper to give pro hoops a shot. Master P chased his own dreams in the 1990s.

The Housing Market Is Pricing Out First-Time Homebuyers, Especially Black Ones
by Derek Major

May 23, 2022

The Housing Market Is Pricing Out First-Time Homebuyers, Especially Black Ones

The U.S. housing market has never been harder for first-time homebuyers of all backgrounds, but Black buyers are facing the biggest challenges.

The housing market is more competitive than ever due to record-high home prices and skyrocketing mortgage rates. These factors are making it harder for Black Americans to achieve the American dream, keeping them out of the most tried and true way of building wealth in America.

CNN reports Black Americans are already behind the 8-ball when it comes to purchasing a home. They’re less likely to come from wealthy families, more likely to carry debt and typically pay higher rents while saving up for a down payment. They’re also denied home loans at much higher rates than other races.

According to Zillow, nearly 20% of Black applicants were denied a mortgage in 2020, double the percentage of White applicants. The most common reason for denying Black applicants given was credit history.

“It was very defeating, very discouraging,” Nicosha Jones told CNN of her experience purchasing a home. “That’s the American dream. Once you buy a home, you feel that you’re accomplished.”

The Biden Administration is trying to help, releasing an action plan to boost affordable housing that includes expanding and improving federal financing and ensuring more government-owned homes and other housing goes to owners who live in them. However, officials say it will take five years to ease the housing supply shortage.

As of right now, investors are making cash offers for homes to rent or flip. Business Insider reports investors spent $50 billion on homes in the fourth quarter of 2021, particularly in the South. Even mobile homes are now in high demand.

Many housing experts believe these issues will only widen the homeownership and wealth gaps. Additionally, skyrocketing rents are displacing more Americans today than ever before including in rural areas.

“The market is definitely speeding up gentrification,” Andre Perry, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution told CNN. “What that really means is that people are going to be pushed out to low-wealth, low-resource suburbs. That people are going to be farther away from their jobs, and families will struggle.”

Harlem Nonprofit The Brotherhood Sister Sol Raises Over $1.75 Million at 17th Annual Voices Gala
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

May 23, 2022

Harlem Nonprofit The Brotherhood Sister Sol Raises Over $1.75 Million at 17th Annual Voices Gala

On May 12th, Harlem-based youth development organization The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis) hosted its 17th annual Voices benefit gala at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.

Hosted by BroSis’ Co-Founders Khary Lazarre-White and Jason Warwin, the Voices Gala raised over $1.75 million at this year’s event to support programs within its new headquarters such as college preparation, community relief and social justice reform.

(Image: Courtesy of Christopher George Photography)

The social justice organization deemed the event the most successful fundraiser The Brotherhood Sister Sol has ever held since the event was last held in 2019 prior to the pandemic. With over 500 guests and supporters in attendance including celebrities such as actress Cassandra Freeman, the local community joined together to celebrate this year’s honorees. New York City Mayor Eric Adams additionally proclaimed May 12th as “BroSis Day” to commemorate the occasion.

(Image: Courtesy of Christopher George Photography)

The funds raised at the annual event counts towards 25 percent of the organization’s funding to continue serving the youth of Harlem. With a focus on Black and Latinx youth, BroSis is where young people own the power of their history to create the future they want to see.

(Image: Courtesy of Christopher George Photography)

BroSis alumni member of 13 years and The New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo received the Frida Kahlo Award alongside The Brotherhood Sister Sol Co-Founders Khary Lazarre-White and Jason Warwin who were honored for their incredible community impacts. Elizabeth is a Dominican-American poet and author of the young adult novels The Poet X, With the Fire on High, and Clap When You Land. Her latest work is an illustrated version of her spoken word poem titled Inheritance that encourages Black women and people to embrace their natural hair textures.

(Image: Courtesy of Eduardo P.)

The Voices gala included spoken word performances and reflections by current members and alumni of BroSis. During the event, powerful short films were premiered titled, Building a Beacon, and Khary & Jason’s Story, along with a surprise message from Oprah Winfrey who shared her support for the organization.

The Voices gala comes shortly after the nonprofit held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 8th for their new 20,000-square-foot headquarters in Harlem. Created in partnership with Urban Architecture Initiatives (UAI), a NYC minority-owned, vibrant and diverse group of architecture professionals, and family-owned construction company Gilbane Building Company, this building marked an incredible milestone for the organization. As the only new building in Harlem with 100% community educational use, the facility further supports BroSis’ community impact and justice reform initiatives.

(Image: Courtesy of Christopher George Photography)The Brotherhood Sister Sol advocates for young people to become social change agents through equality, racial and economic justice by providing opportunity and access for all. To learn more about The Brotherhood Sister Sol and their programming please visit https://brotherhood-sistersol.org/.

Lexus Partners With The Notorious B.I.G.’s Son, CJ Wallace, To Commemorate The Icon’s Legacy
by Atiya Jordan

May 23, 2022

Lexus Partners With The Notorious B.I.G.’s Son, CJ Wallace, To Commemorate The Icon’s Legacy

With special tributes and festivities, New York City celebrated the iconic Brooklyn rapper The Notorious B.I.G. on what would have been his 50th birthday on Saturday, May 21. His son, CJ Wallace, also unveiled a special partnership in honor of his father’s legacy.

During Lil Kim‘s second annual B.I.G. Dinner Gala on Friday night, luxury car brand, Lexus joined in on Biggie’s posthumous 50th birthday celebration. On May 21, the brand announced its commitment to further commemorate the music icon’s legacy with a partnership with CJ Wallace and his company Frank White, a purpose-driven, health, wellness and performance company, according to a press release. Frank White takes its name from one of the late artist’s aliases.

“The Lexus and Frank White partnership aims to promote aspirational achievement and wealth-building in the Black community, reaching multi generations.”

The collaboration not only coincides with the great Christopher Wallace‘s birthday but also the 25th anniversary of his diamond-certified, Grammy-nominated sophomore effort Life After Death. 

“To be able to work with Lexus is a real game-changer,” CJ Wallace told One37 PM . Lexus actually came to us. My dad was a real driving force in their career and vice versa. They reached out to us before they even knew about the 25th anniversary and 50th birthday. We’re happy to celebrate the collaboration, and there’s going to be merchandise, NFTs, and more.”

Before his passing, the Notorious B.I.G. was the owner of several Lexus vehicles. He also gave props to the brand in his lyrics, including hits such as, “Hypnotize, “Warning,” and “One More Chance.”

“The Lexus relationship with the Frank White organization solidifies the brand’s name being synonymous with luxury during the hip-hop movement while honoring the legacy of the legendary artist in a way that makes Lexus relevant to a new generation today,” the press release stated.

Additionally, the partnership will also create a mini-documentary that will be filmed in Biggie’s hometown of Brooklyn. It will reflect on his journey and all that he was able to achieve before his life was cut short at 24.

“People are going to learn a lot through this new mini-doc we have coming out with Lexus,” CJ Wallace said. “My dad was more than just a rapper. He was a great artist, and he also wrote a lot. To only have been 24 and still be considered among the greatest is amazing. He was taken too soon obviously, but he was impressive. He inspires me every day to be great and think outside the box.”

A portion of all earnings made in the collaboration will be donated to the Youth Design Center, a youth creative agency and innovation hub that teaches “design thinking, art, multimedia, tech and communication skills to give young people the technical and leadership tools they need to compete in the innovation economy and to be leaders in their community,” per the organization’s website.

CJ Wallace is also anticipating the activation of “The Brook” which will feature a hyperrealistic avatar of Biggie and be realized as an immersive digital space where hip-hop culture, lifestyle, music, and entertainment all coexists. The platform gives users the opportunity to experience and explore virtual worlds, buy tickets to and attend virtual concerts, purchase virtual and physical merchandise, buy virtual real estate, and buy, sell and trade NFTs.

 

 

Wendy Williams is Closer to Gaining Access to Her Funds From Wells Fargo Bank
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 23, 2022

Wendy Williams is Closer to Gaining Access to Her Funds From Wells Fargo Bank

Former talk show Wendy Williams‘ battle with Wells Fargo to unfreeze and grant her access to her funds may soon be over. A judge in New York has appointed a financial guardian to oversee her finances, The U.S. Sun reports.

Williams may have access to her money as early as this summer, according to a close source. She now has a guardian who will decide how to handle financial circumstances going forward. A source explained, “The guardianship process is complete, which means the court [officially] appointed a financial guardian. Now it’s up to the guardian, Wendy, and the court as to how she will be accessing her money.”

For the first time since she went down with health issues, Williams will have a say in how her finances are used. Wells Fargo is no longer involved in the court proceedings and will be acting at the recommendation of the newly appointed guardian and the 57-year-old herself.

Williams has had a temporary guardian since March. A source has also told The Sun: “The court can eventually decide to give Wendy back full control over her accounts and end the guardianship—but that is up to the court.”

Until then, she still has “a voice and she still has a say” in terms of her finances, and while “she doesn’t have 100 percent control right now, that could all change soon depending on what the court decides.”

Less than two weeks ago, Williams claimed to only have two dollars to her name after having her bank accounts frozen.

In February, Williams filed a legal letter saying Wells Fargo has “several million dollars” belonging to her in its possession, as noted by People. The bank claimed the assets were frozen because “[Williams] is the victim of undue influence and financial exploitation.”

Williams was talk show royalty until she suffered an array of health issues, causing her to miss a swath of shows. Then in February, according to People, the decision to end The Wendy Williams Show was made, with producers announcing a daytime series hosted by Sherri Shepherd, Williams’s former guest host, taking its place.

Deion Sanders Responds to Nick Saban’s Accusations of Jackson State Paying Star Player
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 23, 2022

Deion Sanders Responds to Nick Saban’s Accusations of Jackson State Paying Star Player

The haters in the college football community have come for Deion Sanders ever since he started making things happen at Jackson State University.

According to CBS News, University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban, accused Coach Prime and Jackson State University of using the name, image, and likeness (NIL) protocols to pay the number one recruit $1 million to play at the HBCU.

Travis Hunter Jr.. initially committed to Florida State University before heading to Jackson State, starting rumors of him being paid $1 million to attend Jackson State University.

“Jackson State paid a guy $1 million last year who was a really good Division I player to come to their school,” Saban said. “It was in the paper, and they bragged about it. No one did anything about it.”

This definitely got a reaction from Sanders, who made it clear that Black people didn’t have to be paid by Black people to play with Black people.

Hunter also responded.

As Coach Prime said, he doesn’t even make a million!

The New York Post reported that Saban has gone on record saying he has reached out to Sanders who refuses to take his call.

Sanders admitted this during an interview with Andscape: “I haven’t talked to Coach Saban. I’m sure he’s tried to call. We need to talk publicly—not privately. What you said was public. That doesn’t require a conversation. Let’s talk publicly and let everybody hear the conversation.

“You can’t do that publicly and call privately. No, no, no. I still love him. I admire him. I respect him. He’s the magna cum laude of college football and that’s what it’s going to be because he’s earned that. But he took a left when he should’ve stayed right. I’m sure he’ll get back on course. I ain’t tripping.”

The Audacity! Twitter Reacts to Walmart’s Great Value Brand, Juneteenth Flavored Ice Cream
by Atiya Jordan

May 23, 2022

The Audacity! Twitter Reacts to Walmart’s Great Value Brand, Juneteenth Flavored Ice Cream

As Juneteenth approaches, social media is spiraling regarding rumors about Walmart’s release of a “celebration edition” ice cream to highlight the federal holiday. Folks are outraged deeming this move racist and exploitative.

The Juneteenth ice cream features a swirled red velvet and cheesecake flavor. The carton shows an image of two Black hands with a yellow, green, red, and black background. The major retailer left consumers with a message on the container that reads, “share and celebrate African-American culture, emancipation, and enduring hope.”

Twitter users are displeased with Walmart’s audacity to even trademark the national independence day that commemorates the end of slavery for all Black people. One user called it “gentrification.”

Other Twitter users continue to object Walmart’s ice cream calling it an exploitation of Black culture and an intentional way to profit. The solution for all of us, according to most of them, is to ‘BUY BLACK.’

 

Walmart is no stranger to celebratory campaigns as they featured a white chocolate flavored ice cream for pride month for their ‘Celebration Edition’. One Twitter user demanded that the company should “leave the commemorative flavor to Ben & Jerry’s” because “there would at least be some call to action” and “focused grouped flavor.”

Walmart has not released an official statement about the rumored product.

 

 

 

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