by Wendy Medina

April 10, 2022

Taraji P. Henson and Winnie Harlow Debut New Body Care Lines

The multi-faceted actress Taraji P. Henson adds another venture to her list of accomplishments with the launch of a new skin care line, Body by TPH, a sister line to her Maesa-funded TPH by Taraji hair care products. 

The new body care line will include 13 different products, ranging from body wash, butters, bath products, creams, candles, and oils, exclusively at Walmart from $8.97 to $11.97, reports WWD’s Beauty Inc.

While Henson’s hair care is aimed at more textured hair types, Body by TPH is inclusive to all skin types. This diversification of her portfolio is only fitting as the next step to go below the hairline.

“When we thought about taking care of self, I wanted to go from scalp to toe,” Henson shared with the outlet. “I always had that vision in mind. We wanted to give spotlight to products at an affordable price, luxurious-looking packaging, and spa-like scents to feel like you’re in a spa!”

Tara Brown, Maesa chief marketing officer, said in an email, “We are excited to accelerate the growth of the TPH by Taraji brand with entry into the adjacent category of body care.” 

The Empire actress isn’t the only one dipping her toes into the industry. On Friday, supermodel Winnie Harlow debuted her very own Cay Skin sun care label at Sephora, co-founded by entrepreneur Kim Perell’s 100.co. The difference however, is Harlow’s line brings a new element to the mix: Cay Skin is run by artificial intelligence.

“I wanted to create Cay Skin for all those people who have sensitive skin, who have vitiligo, who are light, dark, any color under the sun, and Kim and the 100.co team have given me an unbelievable platform to develop this line of products,” Harlow, who famously has vitiligo, told WWD. “They were with me every step of the way, from product concept to manufacturing and from fundraising to marketing. Most importantly, their AI platform gave us the data and insights to understand the market gaps not being fulfilled by traditional skin care brands.”

During her journey of fundraising for Cay Skin, Harlow became “one of only 100 Black female founders to have raised more than $1 million in venture capital,” per the outlet.

Body by TPH and Cay Skin are now available at Walmart and Sephora shelves.

Robert F. Smith May Lose Bid For Denver Broncos To Walmart Heir Rob Walton
by Yolanda Baruch

April 10, 2022

Robert F. Smith May Lose Bid For Denver Broncos To Walmart Heir Rob Walton

Walmart heir Rob Walton is thwarting billionaire Robert F. Smith‘s efforts to purchase the Denver Broncos, the New York Post reports. 

Walton, 77, who is worth $70 billion, plans to propose a bid valued at more than $4 billion to buy Broncos, corroborated sources, according to the New York Post. 

Walton, the former chairperson of Walmart Inc. and the oldest of Sam Walton, the founder of the Walmart chain stores, is ranked as the 17th wealthiest individual globally, with a net worth of $69.1 billion, the Bloomberg Billionaires Index reports.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, have earnestly been courting Smith, 59, owner of Vista Equity Partners, a private-equity firm, to become the first African-American to own an NFL team, the New York Post reports. 

Goodell is on a mission to restore the NFL’s tarnished image by reevaluating the league’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices when retaining minority head coaches and reviewing the Rooney Rule, according to the NFL’s official website. 

“What we’re going to do is step back and look at everything we’re doing today, reevaluate that, everything from looking at the Rooney Rule and what changes should be made with that, or should it be removed, as some people have suggested,” Goodell said at a news conference outside SoFi Stadium before Super Bowl LVI. 

“All of those things are part of that. We’re going to talk to other people, have independent people come in and look and help us evaluate, because it’s sometimes hard to evaluate your own policies and procedures and make sure that we’re doing everything we possibly can to create that opportunity for everybody, and make sure we are an inclusive league and make sure we get the outcomes we want, and that our policies truly are effective with outcomes,” reads his statement on the league’s site. 

Brian Flores, ex-Miami Dolphins Coach, filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL in February for racist hiring practices and “sham interviews, incentivizing losses and pressure to improperly recruit players,” according to ESPN. 

Suppose Smith still decides to go forward with his bid. In that case, he will be tasked with raising a $20 billion acquisition, and even with his net worth of $6.7 billion, the league requires owners to pay $1 billion in debt and 33 percent of equity on a team to the New York Post reports. 

Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Dwayne Haskins Killed on Florida Interstate
by Wendy Medina

April 10, 2022

Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Dwayne Haskins Killed on Florida Interstate

Disclosure: This post involves mention of vehicular manslaughter.

 

Twenty-four-year-old Dwayne Haskins, a Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, died on Interstate 595 in Florida Saturday morning.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Haskins was walking on the highway near Fort Lauderdale for unknown reasons and while attempting to cross the westbound lanes of the interstate, was hit by a dump truck and pronounced dead on scene, reports 10 Tampa Bay.

Spokesman for FHP Lt. Indiana Miranda wrote in an emailed statement, “He was attempting to cross the westbound lanes of Interstate 595 when there was oncoming traffic.” The tragic accident caused the highway to be shut down for hours and is being investigated as “an open traffic homicide.” It is speculated Haskins perhaps ran out of gas, prompting him to walk on the limited access facility, though details are unconfirmed.

Haskins was in South Florida to train with fellow Steelers teammates, per ESPN. He would’ve turned 25 on May 3.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin released a statement lamenting the young quarterback’s loss: “I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins. He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Kalabrya, and his entire family during this difficult time.”

Haskins had spent three years with the NFL from 2019-2021, playing for the Commanders and Steelers after being a 2018 Ohio State standout and the 15th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. 

“We are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Dwayne Haskins Jr.,” said Commanders owners Daniel and Tanya Snyder in a statement. “He was a young man with a tremendous amount of potential who had infectious personality. To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. Our hearts and prayers are with the members of Dwayne’s family and all of those who knew him and loved him.”

Many expressed their sympathies, including Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt.

The NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins held a moment of silence for Haskins before their game against the Washington Capitals on Saturday.

Haskins leaves behind wife Kalabrya Gonderzick, a former Ohio State athlete scholar, per the Ohio State Department of Athletics.

Bloody Photos of OnlyFans Model Surface After Deadly Dispute, Family of Christian Obumseli Demands Justice
by Wendy Medina

April 10, 2022

Bloody Photos of OnlyFans Model Surface After Deadly Dispute, Family of Christian Obumseli Demands Justice

Disclosure: This post involves mention of murder, blood.

It has been a week since influencer Courtney Clenney, otherwise known as Courtney Tailor, stabbed her boyfriend Christian Toby Obumseli to death in their Miami condo, and charges have still not been filed. 

New images have emerged from a video of the 25-year-old Instagram model where she is seen being detained at the scene of the crime by officers responding to the 911 call she placed inside the luxury highrise, completely drenched in what can only be Obumseli’s blood. 

Obumseli, 27, was attacked inside his home and died after being transported by Miami Fire Rescue to JMH’s Ryder Trauma Center. Friends and family of Obumseli are now demanding justice in what police are calling a domestic dispute, although the model has yet to be arrested or charged.

Claiming self-defense, Clenney was taken to a psychiatric facility for a 72-hour hold under the Baker Act because she reportedly threatened suicide after the brutal murder.

A video has surfaced of Clenney out and about on Friday night in the hotel bar of Miami’s Grand Beach Hotel, where the woman recording confronted her.

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Frank Prieto, the attorney representing Clenney revealed that she was the victim of “physical, emotional, and mental abuse at the hands of Mr. Obumseli,” vaguely proposing she may have also been a “victim of human trafficking.”

Those close to the couple were left in shock, although police have been called to their residence before.

“We’ve seen her hit him. I’ve never seen him hit her,” friend Ashley Vaughn said to WPLG. “From what we’ve personally experienced between the both of them, we believe that Christian wouldn’t put her in a position where she would need to stab him to protect herself,” she continued. 

Authorities say a struggle ensued before Obumseli was stabbed in the shoulder.

“The family is devastated by the loss of life,” said family attorney Larry Handfield, according to NBC 6 Miami. “At this point, all they’re looking for is justice.”

“We have no cause to believe that this was a case of self defense,” said Obumseli’s cousin Karen Egbuna at a press conference. “He is one of the youngest in the family, he is loved, he is kind, he is caring, he is soft spoken… the idea that this was somehow warranted, is unthinkable.”

Victor Agbafe Is On The Path To Become A Doctor And A Lawyer
by Yolanda Baruch

April 10, 2022

Victor Agbafe Is On The Path To Become A Doctor And A Lawyer

Victor Agbafe is an academic anomaly; he gained acceptance to all eight Ivy League universities and is enrolled in both medical and law school, WBTV reports.

After he made public of his admissions to the most prestigious schools, many took notice of the Wilmington, North Caroline native, a straight-A student, and an athlete from the Cape Fear Academy.

Agbafe went on to complete undergraduate studies at Harvard University and, two years later, enrolled in medical school at the University of Michigan and law school at Yale University, according to WBTV.

“What happens is it’s like a staggered structure for me. Last year during my M1 year in med school, I applied to law school. I was lucky to have some options and chose Yale, and I decided to defer the beginning of it for two years. So, after my third year of med school, I’ll head over to New Haven — do those three years — and then I’ll come back for my last year of med school,” he explained, Because Of Them We Can reports.

While in medical school, Agbafe developed a keen interest in surgeries that serve colon or pancreatic cancers. However, he observed a great chasm between physicians and policymakers in the healthcare industry. He reasoned if he attended law school, he could assist in bringing the two parties together.

“There seems to be a gap between them (physicians) and sometimes I think people who create the policy, or you know who even run our hospital systems where it takes a lot more like a legal framework, right, when you’re thinking about how you’re going to pay or care. What does the pipeline process look like for developing a lot of the drugs that people have? So, my theory is if I can understand the language of medicine and how it works and I can understand the language of law, I hope that I can sort of work at that intersection,” said Agbafe, according to WBTV.

by Wendy Medina

April 10, 2022

Chris Rock Is Keeping His Mouth Shut About the Oscars Slap Until He Secures the Bag

That fateful night at the 94th Academy Awards ceremony sent the world into a frenzy, birthing discourse from every conceivable angle, SNL sketches, the banishment of Will Smith from the Oscars, and everything in between. 

The one person who has yet to speak on the issue is Chris Rock himself, who’s been holding out, “not until I get paid,” said the star comedian, per the Palm Springs Desert Sun. 

Rock performed at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, on Friday in the first leg of his worldwide Ego Death Tour, reassuring fans that he was fine but would not speak on his reaction until he secured the bag.

“I’m OK, I have a whole show and I’m not talking about that until I get paid. Life is good. I got my hearing back,” Rock joked onstage. 

Instead, he shifted his focus on celebrities and politicians, mocking Hillary Clinton’s two attempts at the presidency, how the Kardashians “love Black people so much they take anyone in,” and the British royal family’s alleged racism towards Meghan Markle.

No one was getting past recording the show, given that no cell phones were allowed inside and showgoers were provided locking pouches for said devices.

The veteran comic went on to talk about raising his daughters as a single parent again, his fear of offending people for any reason at all, and jeered at corporations’ sudden embrace of diversity.

The slap couldn’t have come at a better time for Rock, selling out Ego Death shows and sending tickets skyrocketing in price. TickPick, ticket reseller, saw a 641% increase. 

During the April 30 show at The Wilbur in Boston, Rock briefly touched on the slap while onstage, sharing he was “still kind of processing what happened.”

After the money started rolling in, he also saw an opportunity to cash in on the most anticipated reaction of all. 

Dressed in a white ensemble, Rock received a standing ovation at the close of his set, joking about his divorce and referring his friends to his ex-wife’s attorney. 

For his next show, he heads to Hollywood, Florida, set to perform at the Hard Rock Live on April 14.

Lawsuit Filed Against Radcliff Police Officer For Running Over An Unarmed Black Man
by Yolanda Baruch

April 10, 2022

Lawsuit Filed Against Radcliff Police Officer For Running Over An Unarmed Black Man

Last September, Radcliff, Kentucky police were notified that a man was trespassing on the Gold Vault Inn property and refused to leave. When the man tried to flee, the officers purposely ran him over with their vehicle causing serious injuries, according to the Courier Journal. 

Anthony Gray‘s attorney, Aaron Bentley, said his client left the hotel after the staff was rude to him when the police later confronted him, according to WDRB. 

When officers tried to place Gray under arrest, he ran away, evading authorities when a Radcliffe police officer used “his vehicle to run over Anthony Gray, an unarmed Black man, who was suspected only of a violation punishable by a simple fine,” read the federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court, WDRB reports.

Gray, 32, suffered a shattered left tibia and other injuries, and his lawyer accused the officers of using excessive force against his client. 

“No reason, no justification, no warning, Officer [Robert] Stephens went to grab Anthony by the arm. Anthony was scared, and ran away,” explained Bentley in an interview with the news station. 

The lawsuit states that Officer Justin Skaggs not only used undue force but also violated Gray’s civil rights; according to the Courier Journal, 

“Gray had committed, at most, a minor, non-violent offense … and there was no reason to believe that Gray posed a risk of danger to anyone,” said official court documents filed by Louisville attorneys Aaron Bentley and Gregory Belzley, the Courier Journal reports. 

“I was shocked to see a police officer run over a man who was unarmed and suspected only of trespassing,” wrote Bentley in an email, according to the Courier Journal.

The suit implicates Radcliff Police Chief Jeffrey Cross and two supervisors of providing insufficient training and supervision of Skaggs and the other officers. The department never reprimanded Skaggs. The federal case lists the city of Radcliff and Officer Robert Stephens as defendants. 

Skaggs performed a PIT maneuver, a precision intervention technique used to stop a bolting vehicle; it is not customarily used against human beings, the Courier Journal reports. 

Gray still faces third-degree trespassing, alcohol intoxication, and eluding police charges. He entered a not guilty plea and was let go from jail on a $250 unsecured bond.

Gray’s attorney is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for his client, according to the Courier Journal. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo Put His Money In 50 Banks Until His Team Owner Taught Him Investing
by Yolanda Baruch

April 10, 2022

Giannis Antetokounmpo Put His Money In 50 Banks Until His Team Owner Taught Him Investing

Milwaukee Bucks champion Giannis Antetokounmpo, 27, is extremely careful about preserving his hard-earned coins and has accounts at 50 different banks containing $250,000, revealed his team’s co-owner Marc Lasry to Bloomberg News. 

The two-time NBA MVP is utilizing the total standard deposit insurance coverage limit of $250,000 at each Federal Deposit Insurance Corp, or the FDIC-insured bank, according to the New York Post. 

Hedge fund manager and billionaire Lasry, who is the founder of Avenue Capital Group, a private equity firm, advised Antetokounmpo and his teammates on better investment practices, the New York Post reports. 

“I spend a lot of time with them explaining where they should invest,” Lasry said at the Bloomberg Wealth Summit in New York, according to Bloomberg News. 

“I’m like, ‘Giannis, you can’t be having accounts at 50 different banks. Let me tell you something, if JPMorgan goes under, your little dinky banks are going to go under too. Let me explain what you should buy, you should buy U.S. Treasuries, you should buy this’.”

Born in Greece, Antetokounmpo, 27, is understandably concerned about maintaining his solvency, considering he witnessed his country endure one of the most severe debt catastrophes during the 2010s. As a result, banks closed down and reduced account holders from withdrawing cash, BBC reports.  

 Antetokounmpo has accrued a sizeable fortune of $146,344,879 from playing basketball and cleared $47 million from endorsements in 2021, Forbes reports. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Screenshot) Image Credit: Giannis Antetokounpo Twitter

He recently made his first brand investment with Ready Nutrition, a sports nutrition company that created a line of products that include sports drinks, protein water, and plant-based snacks and powders, Team Ready reports. 

“Nutrition is a really big part of being an athlete. You’ve got to be really careful what you put in your body…I liked that it’s all-natural and doesn’t have much sugar like other products. Through the years, I got better, faster and stronger, so it was a no-brainer to join Ready,” said Antetokounmpo, according to Entrepreneur.

 

Viola Davis Sits Down With Oprah In A Netflix Special Event On April 22
by Yolanda Baruch

April 10, 2022

Viola Davis Sits Down With Oprah In A Netflix Special Event On April 22

In one of this year’s most anticipated interviews, Oscar-winner Viola Davis will speak with Oprah Winfrey for a new Netflix program, Oprah + Viola: A Netflix Special Event, on April 22, according to Black Film.  

As one of the most esteemed actresses of her generation, the special invites viewers to pull up a chair as Davis discusses her personal life in a conversation with the media mogul. She will open up about her new memoir Finding Me, her childhood, and her unique experiences. 

Viewers can anticipate that the discussion between these two titans will likely tug at the heartstrings, enhanced with wisdom, raw honesty, and motivation.

 

 

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“For the first time, Viola shares memories of her childhood marked with unimaginable poverty, disturbing abuse and ‘all the things that cause you pain.’ Viola reveals how ‘giving up hope that the past could be different’ has brought her peace, forgiveness and a sense of self,” read Netflix’s press release. “Viola also explains how she manifested the loves in her life and what it took to become one of the most celebrated and talented actresses of our time,” said the special’s official description, according to Popsugar. 

Davis, a resident of St. Matthews, South Carolina, launched the pursuit of her acting career in Central Falls, Rhode Island, making her rounds in small theater productions. In 1993, she graduated from Julliard and garnered the Obie Award in 1999 for her role as Ruby McCollum in Everybody’s Ruby. She earned the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress playing Tonya in August Wilson’s King Hedley II Broadway play in 2001. Davis landed her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 2008 drama Doubt, Black Film reports.

In 2015, she brought home a Primetime Emmy Award for Lead Actress for the ABC drama hit How To Get Away With Murder. Two years later, she would walk away with the Oscar® for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rose Maxson in the film Fences, based on the play by August Wilson. 

In 2020, The New York Times listed Davis as one of the greatest actors of the 21st century.

In addition to creating a formidable acting career, she has also ventured into executive producing. She stars in Showtime’s new series The First Lady, playing our Forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama, created through her company JuVee Productions; the show airs April 17, Popsugar reports.

Finding Me is available for purchase starting April 26. To pre-order the book, visit here.

Conquer Graphic Design With This Four-Week Course
by Black Enterprise Shop

April 10, 2022

Conquer Graphic Design With This Four-Week Course

A good and competent graphic designer will always be in high demand. Virtually every business uses a graphic designer. Everyone from authors to newspaper companies to social media influencers implement graphic design into their line of work. There is no shortage of graphic design opportunities, and there is no shortage of graphic design programs from which to choose.

If you’re looking to bolster your knowledge of graphic design or tap into the field, then look no further than the Learn the Basics of Graphic Design 4-Week Course. For a limited time, access this program for free. Its usual MSRP is $200.

Eight lectures spanning eight hours are including this package. By courses’ end users will be able to make use of the holy trinity of design applications: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.

Lessons include ways to get an overview of the graphic design space, get acquainted with developing a ‘designer’s eye’, Differentiate between the different types of images graphic designers deal with daily, the art of typography, among other tools and tips.

“This course is fantastic! I learned so much so far, all topics are well explained,” writes a 4.5-star reviewer.

Each course is taught by Upskillist, “a global online education institution that provides interactive classes, designed to allow students to learn at their own pace.”

“The team does a great job at cramming so much information into each hourly session. It never feels like cramming though and stays in the memory easily,” writes another 4.5-star reviewer. Courses can be accessed via desktop and mobile devices. Robust customer service is also offered throughout the length of the courses.

The software available today has taken graphic design farther than many would have imagined, both professionally and personally. Take advantage of this free offering today to learn how to make the most out of the tools available to graphic designers.

Prices subject to change.

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