Oprah Winfrey Named 2022 PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion
by Atiya Jordan

April 2, 2022

Oprah Winfrey Named 2022 PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion

Celebrated media mogul and cultural tastemaker, Oprah Winfrey, is getting the recognition she deserves for paying it forward to creatives, authors and the world of literature.

The literary champion has now been selected as the 2022 PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion to commend a “lifetime of devoted literary advocacy and a commitment to inspiring new generations of readers and writers,” according to a press release statement.

“Oprah Winfrey is a literary force field,”  said PEN/Faulkner Board Vice President Mary Haft. “She has been like a lighthouse, standing sentry and shining a beacon of light onto literature and into the lives of writers and readers.”

On Sept.17, 2021, Oprah’s Book Club, founded in 1996, celebrated 25 years. With over 90 selections, the acclaimed book club has committed to uplifting emerging and renowned literary voices to a worldwide audience of readers.

“From the time I was a little girl, books have guided me,” Winfrey wrote on Instagram to mark the 25-year milestone. “They’ve helped me see and understand the world and myself. I owe a debt of gratitude to all the brilliant authors over the decades who have led me to conclude: There is no best life without books.”

Over time, Winfrey’s influence has transcended the selling and buying of books. Her book engagement and opinions generated mega book sales and stock prices for dozens of authors, according to ABC News.

For instance, the talk show host gave the nod to four of Toni Morrison’s books —more than any other writer over the lifetime of the Oprah’s Book Club.

Winfrey’s approval and turns in the spotlight gave Morrison a far bigger sales boost. Morrison’s Nobel Prize win coupled with her reader engagement helped to boost her into mainstream popularity among black and white audiences alike. In recognition of her ongoing work, Winfrey received an honorary National Book Award in 1999.

In addition to the champion award, PEN/Faulkner is otherwise known for the annual fiction prize it has awarded since 1981. Winfrey will accept her award, along with this year’s PEN/Faulkner Award winner and finalists, in a virtual celebration to be held on May 2, 2022.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 2, 2022

Meet The Young Black Bronx Designer Working with Presenters and Performers at The Grammys

Cardi B isn’t the only one paving lanes from the Bronx to Hollywood. Meet Mugzy Mcfly, the designer behind Signed by McFly, a fashion label that was hand-selected by the Recording Academy to participate in the 2022 Grammy Awards.

“I”m so excited to be back, this is my second year doing the GRAMMYS gift bag,” Mugzy told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“Last year was virtual so I did gift cards, this year I’m back with a one size fits all Trucker Hat.”

McFly creates genderless streetwear ranging in everything from sneakers and jackets to swimwear, athleisure, and more. Born and raised in the fashion capital of the world, New York City, Mugzy grew up with a deep appreciation and a keen eye for fashion.

The Bronx native made his inception as a fashion designer at the young age of thirteen when he began hand-making apparel to match his favorite sneakers. After graduating from St. Johns University with a degree in accounting, Mugzy used his knack for numbers to set himself up for success as an emerging entrepreneur and businessman.

In 2013, Signed by McFly was born. What initially began as a graphic T-shirt line evolved into an innovative genderless line for all that’s deeply grounded in Mugzy’s original vision.

Mugzy launched the brand from the ground up, managing all sides of the business himself with no outside investors or financial backing. Running everything from finances, production, and event planning, to graphic and fashion design, the experience inspired the company’s motto, “More Dreams, Less Sleep”.

Signed By McFly

With a naturally dope aesthetic, stars have naturally flocked to Mugzy’s designs giving the young creator free advertising along the way.

“I’ve been blessed to have some very fashionable celebs rock my creations,” Mugzy said. “I’ve had a few like Young Thug, Jim Jones & Bernice Burgos.”

“I like to have authentic relationships, I never pay for anyone to wear my clothing.”

For those looking to stay on trend this Spring season, Mugzy offered some insight.

“Earth tones, LOUD & Bright colors will dominate. Nudes & Greens for the earth tones,” he said, noting that “Yellow and Oranges will add spice to wardrobes this spring.”

As we hopefully come out of the pandemic, casual attire is still in style.

“Keep it COZY. First real summer out of COVID (fingers-crossed) but we will keep some habits,” Mugzy said.

“Number one.. stay comfortable. Easy, functional & fashionable clothing will reign supreme.”

“Texture & fabric fusions. Even if you keep it simple, it’s all in the details,” he added. “Mix the heavy cottons, with the velour & corduroy.”

Spread Your Message With Podomatic
by Black Enterprise Shop

April 2, 2022

Spread Your Message With Podomatic

If you haven’t been paying attention, perhaps no entertainment stream has grown more in the past five years than podcasts. Regardless of the topic, there’s a podcast out there for everything. Sports, politics, finance, pet training, you name it. If you’ve ever thought about it, there’s a good chance there’s a podcast out there that covers it.

One of the allures of podcasts isn’t just the information value they possess, it’s that just about anyone with the proper setup can launch one. With advertising options, some podcasters have also benefitted financially.

The absence of a proper podcast hosting platform prevents many from venturing into the space, but Podomatic PRO Plus hopes to change that. For a limited time, a one-year subscription to the service costs just $9.99. That’s a savings of 91% from its MSRP ($119).

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Podcasts have shown their immense staying power, and they can be accessed virtually anywhere. If you have something to say but haven’t been able to find a way to say it, look no further. Purchase this deal today and share your voice and podcast with millions.

Prices subject to change.

Will Smith Resigns His Membership from the Academy After Slapping Chris Rock
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

April 1, 2022

Will Smith Resigns His Membership from the Academy After Slapping Chris Rock

Will Smith is making amends and on Friday announced that he will resign from the academy following his shocking act of violence slapping Chris Rock at the 94th annual Academy Awards, CNN reports.

His statement read in full:
“I have directly responded to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice, and I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable. The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy.
“I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work. I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. So, I am resigning from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and will accept any further consequences the Board deems appropriate. Change takes time and I am committed to doing the work to ensure that I never again allow violence to overtake reason.”

Backstory

Oscar-winner Will Smith smacked presenter Chris Rock in the face with an open hand and shouted a vulgarity at the comedian for making a joke about his wife’s appearance at the Oscars ceremony on Sunday.

Minutes later, when accepting the Oscar for best actor for his role in “King Richard,” Smith apologized to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and his fellow nominees but not to Rock.

A day later Smith apologized to Rock and to the Academy, Will Packer and other nominees for spoiling the historic moment.

Rock was roasting some of the nominees and, after mentioning Smith, said of his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, “Jada, I love you. G.I. Jane II, can’t wait to see it.”

Moments later, Smith walked on stage toward Rock, who had his hands behind his back when Smith threw an open hand at his face that produced an audible smack.

“Oh, wow! Wow! Will Smith just smacked the shit out of me,” Rock said as the audience laughed, thinking it was a skit. “Wow, dude. It was a G.I. Jane joke,” referencing the 1997 film “G.I. Jane” in which actress Demi Moore shaved her head.

Smith then made what may become one of the most repeated phrases of Oscar history when he said, “Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth.”

The Academy said Wednesday they asked Smith to leave the event after the incident but he refused.

However, TMZ reports that after Smith slapped comedian Rock, three sources who said they witnessed conversations between the Academy and Smith’s representatives got heated and during a commercial break about half an hour after the incident, producer Will Packer walked up to Smith and told him, “We do not want you to leave.”

The Academy also apologized to Rock, who has benefitted from the situation as tickets for his comedy tour have skyrocketed. Additionally, several celebrities and comedians including Oscar hosts Wanda Sykes and Amy Schumer have come to his defense.

“Mr. Smith’s actions at the 94th Oscars were a deeply shocking, traumatic event to witness in-person and on television. Mr. Rock, we apologize to you for what you experienced on our stage and thank you for your resilience in that moment,” the Academy added. “We also apologize to our nominees, guests and viewers for what transpired during what should have been a celebratory event.”

The Academy still may level some form of punishment against Smith at their next Board of Governors meeting April 18.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Veteran Journalist Craig Melvin Delivers Emotional Farewell to His MSNBC Audience
by Atiya Jordan

April 1, 2022

Veteran Journalist Craig Melvin Delivers Emotional Farewell to His MSNBC Audience

During an emotional Thursday broadcast, seasoned journalist and MSNBC anchor Craig Melvin, announced his farewell from the Craig Melvin Report and the cable network.

Melvin officially signed off of his late-morning show on Thursday. A rotating lineup of anchors will lead the hour until a permanent replacement has been hired.

“This nearly decadelong stretch of hosting a cable news program has been a tremendous honor, and I’m so very thankful for the opportunity to really have had a front-row seat to so much history,” Melvin said, USA Today reported. “Tumultuous campaigns, elections, natural disasters, far too many mass shootings, and of course, a global pandemic.”

He continued: “So many of the stories I’ve covered here, and the people I’ve met on assignments, have moved me in myriad of ways. Some days sad, angry, confused, but always hopeful.”

The Columbia, South Carolina, native joined MSNBC as a dayside anchor and NBC News as a correspondent in 2011. He has served as anchor and co-host for MSNBC’s 11 a.m. hour, NBC’s Saturday Today and Today’s Third Hour between 2016 and 2019.

Amid his farewell, the veteran host choked up while expressing his gratitude for the support he’s received from his family over the years.

“My mom cultivated the curiosity that landed me here, and my dad, who taught me hard work pays off: It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” said a nearly teary-eyed Melvin. “And my wife Lindsay, who’s endured long days and short nights and last-minute travel – the glue that really keeps it all together.”

“And thank you for letting me into your homes, your businesses, and your vehicles for an hour every day,” Melvin continued, per the Washington Examiner. “I appreciate you seeing the value in journalism, showcasing the plight of the least among us, simply asking questions, and waiting for answers. We need it now perhaps more than we ever have.”

According to the news outlet, the host will spend the last year of his contract with NBC, while remaining the news anchor for NBC’s Today and co-hosting Today’s Third Hour (9 a.m.) on weekday mornings.

Video Shows 22-Year-Old Brutally Beaten in Anti-Gay Attack on Subway
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2022

Video Shows 22-Year-Old Brutally Beaten in Anti-Gay Attack on Subway

The NYPD is searching for a violent suspect who brutally attacked a 22-year-old during what’s being investigated as a hate crime.

Police recently released a video of the March 19 attack that shows the victim sitting on the train when a man sat across from him began making threatening remarks. The subway was approaching the 190th Street station at around 2:22 p.m. when the suspect started to verbally and physically attack the young man, ABC News reports.

“I wish I had my pepper spray,” the suspect can be heard saying before spitting on the victim. The suspect then said, “I have to start carrying my pepper spray” before spitting at the victim again, police said.

Once the victim stood up, that’s when the suspect charged at him. The suspect grabbed the victim’s hair and punched him repeatedly in the face.

After ripping the victim’s hair, the suspect made a homophobic remark saying “I’m sick of all you (expletive).”

https://twitter.com/NYPDTips/status/1509350526361776128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1509350526361776128%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fabcnews.go.com%2FUS%2Fpolice-seeking-assailant-allegedly-anti-gay-slur-nyc%2Fstory%3Fid%3D83791512

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital with cuts to his head and a loss of hair from the attack. He was listed in stable condition, the NYPD said.

The NYPD’s Hate Crime Task Force is investigating the incident and is still on the search for the suspect, ABC 7 reports. The attack comes as the city heightens police presence in the subways amid an increase in violent attacks.

“While we are by no means out of the woods, and there is a lot of progress that needs to be made on subway safety, I just want to acknowledge that the work has begun,” MTA chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said at an MTA board meeting Wednesday. “Serious effort is underway.”

Anyone with information or who recognizes the suspect in the video is asked to contact the police. Call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 1, 2022

NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens Is Coming Out of Retirement

NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens is returning to the gridiron.

According to Reuters, the Hall of Fame football player has come out of retirement to resume his playing career in a new professional league. Owens, who retired officially from the NFL in 2010, states he is still in great shape and wants to prove he can still compete at a high level. An official announcement is expected next week.

The 48-year-old Owens is returning to the football field with a newly formed football league. Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league made its debut last year. It’s speculated that he will be joining the Zappers who already have a former NFL first-round draft pick in Johnny Manziel.

The FCF has eight teams that play in the league. Instead of the 11 players that the NFL incorporates, it has a 7-on-7 player setup. The FCF website states, “FCF is the first and only IRL professional sports league where fans call the shots – everything from deciding the team name and logo to drafting the players and calling all the plays in real-time. It’s a real-life video game with fans in control of the action!”

Owens will allegedly be wearing a microphone and a helmet camera during the games. This will allow him to provide content for streaming provider fuboTV as he will also be interviewing team owners and players during games when he is not playing.

The league, which started with four teams last year, will be doubling in size to eight teams for the second season.

The regular upcoming season is seven weeks long followed by playoffs. The league starts in two weeks on Apr. 16 and all games will be played at a single Atlanta venue.

Owens’ career lasted from 1996 to 2010 as the wide receiver played for five different teams in the NFL.

When he retired from the NFL, Owens’ 15,934 receiving yards was ranked second on the league’s all-time list while his 153 touchdown receptions were listed as third most.

Bessie Coleman, World’s Bravest Aviator, To Be Honored on US Quarter
by Atiya Jordan

April 1, 2022

Bessie Coleman, World’s Bravest Aviator, To Be Honored on US Quarter

In the triumphant times of Bessie Coleman, Black people were inspired to reach their dreams just as she did soaring through the high skies as the first African American and first Native American woman pilot.

Today, the United States Mint announced the depiction of the brave pilot, advocate and pioneer is set to appear on the reverse (tails side) of 2023 quarters. Coleman will be honored as a new addition of the American Women Quarters™ Program.

Born in Atlanta, Texas, Coleman studied at the Caudron Brothers’ School of Aviation in Le Crotoy, France, and received her international pilot’s license on June 15, 1921 from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, per the National Women’s History Museum. She became a monumental figure in the aviation industry when she not only emerged as a pilot, but also the first African American to earn an international pilot’s license.

Throughout her journey, the fully-fledged aviator dedicated her time to empowering Black women to learn how to fly.

She was legendary for her daredevil flying tricks, including the “loop-the-loops” and making the shape of an “8” in an airplane. Her audiences numbered in the thousands. To continue making a living, Coleman delivered speeches and presented films of her air performances in churches, theaters and schools.

Nicknamed “Brave Bessie,” Coleman was also well-known to stand up for her beliefs during the segregation era in Texas. After her death, her life continued to be celebrated in honor of all of her accomplishments including the 1995 issued “Bessie Coleman Stamp.”

“The range of accomplishments and experiences of these extraordinary women speak to the contributions women have always made in the history of our country,” said Mint deputy director Ventris C. Gibson, according to a press release.

“I am proud that the Mint continues to connect America through coins by honoring these pioneering women and their groundbreaking contributions to our society.”

The American Women Quarters™ Program will also feature other prominent women of color: Jovita Idár, Mexican-American journalist, activist, teacher and suffragist; Edith Kanakaʻole, indigenous Hawaiian composer, chanter, dancer, teacher and entertainer; Maria Tallchief, the first Native American (Osage Tribe) woman to become America’s first prima ballerina.

University of Houston Volleyball Players Post Video Laughing at Lynchings
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2022

University of Houston Volleyball Players Post Video Laughing at Lynchings

Two volleyball players at the University of Houston sparked outrage after posting a video of them laughing at the 1935 lynching of two Black teenagers.

An anonymous Twitter account reposted a video showing volleyball players Isabel Theut and Abbie Jackson laughing while driving past a tree where the 1935 lynching took place, the Daily Cougar reports. The original video was filmed by freshman volleyball player Ryleigh Whitekettle, who posted it to Snapchat along with a racist caption.

“‘This is the hanging tree where we used to hang people,’” the caption read.

One of the two players is from Columbus, Texas, and drove by a large oak tree where two teenage boys, 15-year-old Ernest Collins and 16-year-old Benny Mitchell, were publicly lynched on Nov. 12, 1935, reports the Equal Justice Initiative. Since the video was reposted on Twitter, it has sparked outrage at the school with one student saying they’re not surprised.

“The way I am treated here at this university is not the best, and I think it does have something to do with skin tone,” the student who asked to remain anonymous said.

“So when I hear about little things like the volleyball (video) and I’m not surprised, but it is disappointing.”

A spokesperson for the school released a statement condemning the racist behavior seen in the video.

“The University is aware of the video, which does not represent our values and is inconsistent with our efforts to foster a diverse, inclusive and respectful environment,” the statement said.

“As the second most diverse public research institution in the country, we encourage constructive and respectful dialogue, cultural awareness, and a spirit of unity.”

“We understand the concerns this has caused. UH follows internal policies as well as all applicable local, state and federal laws when assessing any situation. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), UH cannot comment on any situation involving specific students.”

Black ‘Hero’ Shot By San Jose Police After Tussling Gun Away From Attacker
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 1, 2022

Black ‘Hero’ Shot By San Jose Police After Tussling Gun Away From Attacker

K’aun Green, 20, was shot by San Jose, California, police after he tried to defend himself from a gunman. Police arrived on the scene and mistook him for the attacker.

Green was shot several times after cops saw him back out of a local taqueria holding a ghost gun, KTVU reports. However, the officers arriving at the scene were unaware that Green was actually the “hero” who defended himself and saved other patrons from the gunman.

The high school graduate and football star who had dreams of turning pro was at the La Victoria Taqueria eating with a group of friends when a man came in and started threatening the group, according to Green’s attorney Adante Pointer.

The man left the eatery but returned with two other people who started to threaten and verbally assault Green and his friends.

“Then one of those gentlemen pulled out a gun,” Pointer said.

“Video shows he was punched first, then the gun was drawn,” the attorney continued. “He defended himself then disarmed the guy who was threatening to shoot him and then the other people in the restaurant.”

By the time police arrived at the scene, Green had wrestled the gun away from his unknown assailants and backed out of the restaurant to de-escalate the situation.

“He put the clip back in the gun and never pointed it at anyone in the restaurant. And he was pleading with the guy telling him, ‘Look man I don’t want to do anything like this. I’m an athlete. We don’t want any problems,'” Pointer said.

Cops said they told Green to drop the weapon before opening fire, NBC News reports.

“The police never gave any orders until he got to the door. No one knew police were outside. He was a peacemaker,” Pointer said.

“He was backing out the door and at the time the police said drop the gun and not even two seconds later, he was shot. He was never given the time to recognize the police.”

“He was never given the time to drop the gun. And he was the hero.”

Now, Green is on the mend and has a long path to recovery.

“He was shot multiple times, a couple times in the abdomen, in the leg and once in the arm,” Pointer said.

Green’s family plans to file a civil lawsuit against the San Jose Police Department for what Pointer believes was mistreatment.

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