Gossip Site Slammed For Reporting ‘Queen Is Dead’: Owner Refuses to Retract Story
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 23, 2022

Gossip Site Slammed For Reporting ‘Queen Is Dead’: Owner Refuses to Retract Story

The gossip site Hollywood Unlocked is under fire for posting an “exclusive” story on Tuesday claiming that Queen Elizabeth was dead.

“Sources close to the Royal Kingdom notified us exclusively that Queen Elizabeth has passed away,” the site claimed in its article.

According to the outlet, the Queen reportedly was due to attend the wedding of British Vogue editor Edward Enninful but allegedly died a few hours before the ceremony was set to take place. The site’s owner, Jason Lee, has doubled down on his reports saying his outlet does not report lies.

“We don’t post lies and I always stand by my sources. Waiting for an official statement from the palace,” Lee tweeted on Tuesday.

After an apology from an account claiming to be the outlet was posted online, Lee sent out another tweet standing firm in his reports of the Queen being dead.

“Woke up to some fake account posting a retraction,” Lee tweeted on Wednesday. “We do not know that account and we have not retracted our story. There has yet to be an official statement from the Palace. Staying tuned.”

However, many are calling out Lee for seemingly posting the news before the Royal Family confirmed it if it’s true. Many have pointed out that Queen Elizabeth is not known to attend celebrity weddings and is isolated at Windsor Castle after testing positive for COVID-19, Newsweek reports.

British journalists have also said royal protocols have been in place to break the news of the queen’s death, which will come from Buckingham Palace informing the U.K. prime minister, who will then announce the news on the BBC.

Lee has since become a trending topic along with “Queen Is Dead.” Many are calling out the gossip blogger for seemingly wanting to break a story first rather than following official protocols.

“Jason, this is a terrible mistake and I have no idea what you think you’re doing. The Queen is not dead,” screenwriter Emma Kennedy tweeted in response.

“I get this guy is out for clout but try harder, my man,” added someone else.

“Not sure who this dude is but Jason Lee doesn’t understand how the palace operates,” one user wrote. “They announced Prince Philip’s death like 32 seconds after it happened. They announce births as soon as the head hits the air.”

Others online used the moment to create funny memes mocking Lee.

For now, the story remains up on its website, and Jason Lee isn’t backing down.

Meet The Black Inventor Behind Mattel’s Second-Best Selling Card Game
by Jeffrey McKinney

February 23, 2022

Meet The Black Inventor Behind Mattel’s Second-Best Selling Card Game

For years, Black Americans have reportedly created over 100 inventions that influence how we live, even today.

Inventions range from tasty potato chips and peanut butter, necessities like traffic lights that keep us safe, automatic clothes dryers for good hygiene, and lawnmowers to help get chores done.

Yet, one that you might not have heard of is Phase 10, a rummy-type card game created by Black inventor Ken Johnson.

Johnson is partnering with U.S. toy giant Mattel to salute the card game’s 40th anniversary this year. The game is offered in over 20 languages and sold in 30 countries. According to the company, Phase 10 is Mattel’s second-best-selling card game globally behind Uno.

Mattel is launching a special-edition box set of Phase 10 for the anniversary during Black History Month.

Johnson told BLACK ENTERPRISE, “Since inventing the game in 1982, it’s brought me so much joy to see how this game has become a multigenerational family tradition over the years, transcending languages and cultures to bring people together all over the world.”

The card game creator reflected on what it’s like to be a part of Black history.

“I am happy and grateful that my accomplishments serve as an inspiration and an example to other Black people. It is my hope that they will see my example and that of others and use it as fuel to build the confidence and determination they need to reach their goals, knowing that others have led the way.”

According to the New York Daily News, Mattel bought the Phase 10 licensing rights from Fundex in 2010. It’s reported over 2 million decks are sold worldwide annually. Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, shows one pack could sell for around $9.40. This means the game alone can generate roughly $18.8 million in sales.

So how do Mattel and Phase 10 plan to reimagine the game after the jubilee?

Ray Adler, Mattel vice president and global head of games, told BLACK ENTERPRISE Phase 10 fans love the classic style of play and tradition in the game.

“We’re always looking at ways to innovate the gameplay and create new experiences for fans. For example, the Phase 10 mobile app has been a hit with fans with over 200 million downloads and has served as a testing ground for new ways to play. We’ve also introduced a Phase 10 board game, and the 40th-anniversary commemorative edition is yet another way we are evolving and extending the game to remain accessible and relevant.”

When asked if there are new audiences Phase 10 hopes to target, Adler responded, “Phase 10 is a game for everyone—so we’re being intentional about creative ways to reach new fans, whether that’s reaching digital natives through our mobile app or shining a spotlight on the origin of Phase 10.”

Johnson, who is also an entrepreneur and author, offered some tips for other prospective Black gamers and entrepreneurs considering entering the entertainment industry.

“My advice for gamers and entrepreneurs is to test your prototype thoroughly—test it among friends and family, make sure people really enjoy it,” Johnson says.

“Then, really go for it and don’t hold yourself back or let anyone hold you back. You never know where your idea can go.”

Black Teen Says Cops Bribed Him With McDonald’s to Confess to Crime He Didn’t Commit
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2022

Black Teen Says Cops Bribed Him With McDonald’s to Confess to Crime He Didn’t Commit

A 15-year-old in Illinois is speaking out against the false confession police tried to elicit from him in connection to a murder.

Martell Williams was in class when the dean called him to the office. The student was met by two police officers who took him into custody, ABC 7 Chicago reported.

“As soon as I got in, they didn’t tell me nothing, say nothing to me. They just said, ‘You’re under arrest.'”

Williams was wrongly accused of shooting a local Dollar Store employee in the face February 4. Surveillance photos of the suspect were released by the police immediately after the shooting.

The teen, a freshman on his school’s basketball team, was confirmed to be at a game in Lincolnshire at the time of the shooting. A time-stamped photograph provided by Williams’ family confirmed he was nowhere near where the crime took place.

“The officers said that multiple people…said it was me,” Williams said.

Williams claims officers offered him McDonald’s in exchange for a confession.

“They didn’t even tell him a shooting was involved,” Williams’ attorney, Kevin O’Connor, said. “They just said, ‘Hey, it wasn’t your fault. Just tell us you were defending yourself. Just go ahead and tell us you were there and we will let you go home.'”

The teen has since had his record expunged, but the family wants a public apology.

“This is a continuing and ongoing problem,” O’Connor said. “The Department of Justice has been here, yet this is still going on, where there are false confessions brought in.”

Waukegan Deputy Chief of Administration Joe Florip told Newsweek that Williams is no longer a suspect and the City of Waukegan is “reviewing” the case.

“With regard to the juvenile suspect who was arrested last Wednesday and subsequently released and cleared of any accusations on Friday, the City is reviewing the case, but cannot make further public comment at this time,” the statement said.

NCAA National Champion Derrian Gobourne Launches First NFT Collection for Black Female Gymnasts
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 23, 2022

NCAA National Champion Derrian Gobourne Launches First NFT Collection for Black Female Gymnasts

Derrian Gobourne, NCAA national champion, 1st Team All-American and three-time all-SEC gymnast, has inked a groundbreaking NIL deal with Legacy League to launch her “Black Girl Magic” collection. The special NFT series features black female gymnasts.

“I am excited to launch my ‘Black Girl Magic’ NFT Collection on the Legacy League platform. Not only do their values align with mine, there is no better time to do it,” said Gobourne referencing Black History Month, according to a press release.

“It’s time to celebrate, congratulate and pay honor and tribute to all of my sisters who have given so much to this sport; I want the world to see them.”

Affectionately known as the “Queen of the Floor,” Gobourne continues to perform in front of sell-out crowds at Auburn University, solidifying her royal status in collegiate gymnastics history.

“At a time when female student-athletes lag behind their male counterparts in the NIL ecosystem, we are excited to partner with Derrian,” added Kurt Hallead, Legacy League co-founder.

“Our collaboration will extend beyond NFTs as Derrian will serve as Legacy League’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ambassador. In this capacity, she will drive engagement with underrepresented athletes across the country as we continue our mission to help every college athlete cement their legacy in the collegiate sports metaverse.”

Stuart Bush, CEO of Legacy League adds, “With female athletes accounting for more than 30% of our roster, we are excited to partner with a powerhouse like Derrian who is committed to both growing the participation among gymnasts of color at all levels of gymnastics, and to helping remarkable female athletes monetize their success in the sport.”

College athletes can immediately create their own NFTs for free at Legacy League and earn 75% of what they sell.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 23, 2022

Best-Selling Author Crystal Swain-Bates to be Featured in New Shaquille O’Neal Docu-Series

Crystal Swain-Bates, top children’s book author and owner of Goldest Karat Publishing, has announced her exciting upcoming feature on the new TNT docu-series “The Game Plan with Shaquille O’Neal.”

The six-part documentary series follows Atlanta-based entrepreneurs as they receive business advice from Shaq and his highly successful celebrity friends. Viewers will get a front-row seat to Crystal’s story and Shaq’s support of her current pursuits in her upcoming episode of “The Game Plan,” which will air this Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7p.m. ET on TNT.

“Being part of ‘The Game Plan’ was such an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experience to address one of my biggest business challenges: visibility,” shares Crystal.

“Having a business mogul like Shaq take the time to listen to my story, learn all about my business and share his advice was an absolute dream for me!”

In just a few short years, Crystal has written and published 12 children’s books through her company, Goldest Karat Publishing. Her mission to encourage diversity and erase the invisibility of Black children in children’s literature has been game-changing in the publishing industry. Her book “Big Hair, Don’t Care” is one of Amazon’s most highly reviewed Black children’s books on the market. It, along with other titles, has been seen on platforms including Forbes, ESSENCE, CNN and Huffington Post, has been used as props for hit television shows such as BET’s Being Mary Jane and The Game and has been featured in numerous Amazon commercials.

Known for his larger-than-life personality, philanthropic endeavors and legendary basketball career, Shaquille O’Neal will use his business acumen to guide and mentor small business owners through “The Game Plan.”

While fans have seen Shaq in various types of roles, this new docu-series will provide viewers a unique look at him being entrenched in the Atlanta community, pushing entrepreneurs to believe in their instincts as they take their brands to the next level and build confidence — through the ups and downs — to make their mark in the world.

Crystal’s episode debuts in week two of the series and will show how she empowers Black youth by filling diversity gaps in children’s literature.

Clothing Line Support Black Colleges Slammed For Lengthy Shipment Delays
by Atiya Jordan

February 23, 2022

Clothing Line Support Black Colleges Slammed For Lengthy Shipment Delays

For the Atlanta-based clothing line Support Black Colleges, shipping delays have become an ongoing challenge since the Christmas season, causing hundreds of unhappy consumers.

In 2012, two Howard students Corey Arvinger and Justin Phillips founded Support Black Colleges with a mission “to uplift, inspire, and encourage others to Support HBCU’s.” Every year, the SBC team employs over 100 college ambassadors and gives thousands of dollars in scholarships and grants for education at HBCUs and elsewhere.

However, Phillips and Arvinger said they didn’t foresee the brand growing into a business, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. The HBCU-inspired apparel has landed in retail stores like Urban Outfitters and has received support from various celebrities. The company rakes in millions of dollars each year, thanks to the support of its customer base.

But that base is getting fed up. Many are calling out the brand for lengthy shipping delays and a lack of response to customers who have waited months for apparel.

Lately, the company has faced criticism from customers for not delivering on its promises of shipments. For the thousands of orders that came in during Christmas 2021, the SBC team could not complete shipments before the holiday. Customers were receiving the packages between “January 5 and 30th” and then “Valentine’s Day,” according to Fox 5.

The two business owners are now addressing the issues behind the major delays, including COVID-19 slowdowns in overseas shipping and the decision to sell products they don’t have ready to ship. They say they’re reevaluating the company’s no-refund policy, which currently allows store credit in lieu of refunds.

“We don’t want the customers to feel as if we’re taking advantage of them, and we also understand that we have done certain things wrong,” admitted Phillips, 27.

He continued, “If I have to be the scapegoat for other entrepreneurs to see that when you grow, you grow fast, there are things you have to go through, and we’re willing to take responsibility for that.”

While learning from these challenges, the pair has opened an additional warehouse in Atlanta to prevent shipment delays by reducing their dependence on overseas operations.

Work Hard, Play Harder? Singer Monica Captures Security Video of Worker Taking a Dip In Her Pool
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 23, 2022

Work Hard, Play Harder? Singer Monica Captures Security Video of Worker Taking a Dip In Her Pool

R&B singer Monica had to let her 11 million Instagram followers know that someone is ALWAYS watching in this world we live in—especially if you are hired help working on someone’s property.

The singer posted security footage from her property showing a young man jumping into a spacious pool. He is not in the water very long as he swims to the opposite end of the pool and then walks out.

Another man is filming the incident as it appears that a young lady (presumably Monica) is seen in the lower bottom left of the screen, seemingly approaching the man as he leaves the pool area.

According to what she wrote on the post, the young man was only supposed to work on a yard leak. He may have taken a break and taken advantage of the pool.

“LISTEN People been testing my gangsta ALL MONTH! He supposed to be working on the leak in the yard & dived in my sh*t like I can claim him on my taxes! LOL people better stop playing in my face before the original gremlin come out #WordToYak“

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Monica 🖤 (@monicadenise)

Monica appears to stay working as she has upcoming shows she is promoting on her Twitter account. She is slated to perform in Maryland this weekend, with her first show being a solo affair and the second night joining other performers. She is scheduled to headline the next night’s show with B Simone and Kleon the Comedian.

Gabrielle Union Gets Real On New Upcoming LinkedIn Content Series
by Atiya Jordan

February 23, 2022

Gabrielle Union Gets Real On New Upcoming LinkedIn Content Series

In a new Linkedin content series, Gabrielle Union, actress and co-founder of the haircare line Flawless, is serving realness on her terms.

Union is launching a three-month series, called Getting Real With Gabrielle Union, to talk candidly about various topics, including mental health, business, fears, and gender equity in the industry.

The 49-year-old will be participating in LinkedIn’s ongoing #IAmProfessional campaign, which aims to spark conversations about building a “better future of work for all—one that celebrates us for who we are, and for what we bring to the evolving table,” according to the campaign’s video.

“We’re all here in the same space on LinkedIn. Fifty-seven million companies are represented on LinkedIn, and there’s over 8 million C-level executives alone on the platform,” Union tells the Hollywood Reporter.

“Those gatekeepers, the people who are in charge of hiring and firing, they’re on here too, so they’re going to be getting this message loud and clear.”

All videos and posts will live on Union’s LinkedIn profile. The first introductory post will release on Tuesday, and the first video will officially debut in early March, the news outlet reports.

The new partnership comes after reports that Union and her husband, Dwyane Wade, are collaborating to launch their daughter Kaavia James Union Wade’s first collection in her clothing line for kids. It has also been announced that she became an investor in Angel City Football Club alongside her daughter Kaavia James Union Wade.

The Being Mary Jane star intends to use her LinkedIn platform from a new positive standpoint that has helped her discover the confidence to make business decisions.

“If it does not positively impact my peace, my joy, and my grace, I don’t wanna have anything to do with it. When I look at investments, businesses, I look at who else is involved? Are these people that I would trust with my child or trust with my life? No. OK. Well, that’s OK. That’s not for me,” Union said in an interview with LinkedIn News Editor-in-Chief Dan Roth.

Union speaks about her entrepreneurial journey as the co-founder of her majority Black-owned and Black-operated haircare business in the interview. She supports Black-owned businesses through the brand’s “Lift As We Climb” initiative.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re Apple or you’re a mom-and-pop shop, there are opportunities to lift as you climb,” Union said.

pharmacists, Howard University, School of Pharmacy
by Derek Major

February 23, 2022

Gilead Launches Pharmaceutical Education Program To Increase Workplace Diversity

Gilead has launched a first-of-its-kind educational partnership with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).

According to a Gilead release, the program will be a two-semester course that will allow underrepresented students to learn drug development and manufacturing work in the private sector to support and enhance student engagement and consider internship and future employment opportunities at Gilead upon graduation.

Dr. Joseph Graves, a biological science professor at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, an HBCU school, said scientific research happens in the private sector, where BIPOC are few and far between.

The program is part of Gilead’s overall strategy to increase the diversity within its ranks and develop career pathways for entry-level Gilead employees. Richard Polniaszek, vice president, Process Development at Gilead, praised the program and believes it will create deeper connections with potential new employees and increase the number of scientists with BIPOC backgrounds.

“Typically, when corporations go to universities, they tell students they can come and work and learn during a summer internship,” Polniaszek said.

“We came up with this idea to go beyond that, where we offer a course over the period of a year in order to create an ongoing relationship between students, the university, faculty, and our organization—with the emphasis on a relationship rather than just a one-off internship.”

Gilead designed the course with the help of HBCU and HSI partners to ensure it’s designed and presented in a relatable way to their students. More than a dozen Gilead employees will serve as virtual professors, and the curriculum will focus on process and analytical chemistry, commercial manufacturing, and supply chain and distribution.

“This program opens a pathway to increase the numbers of underrepresented students who will pursue a career in private research, at a time when pharmaceutical research may be one of the most important enterprises in the world,” Graves added. “Doing it right and having new voices at the table to help it become better is an absolutely crucial thing.”

MC Lyte Reveals How ‘Distraught’ Her Divorce Made Her, ‘It Doesn’t Mean You’re a Failure’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 23, 2022

MC Lyte Reveals How ‘Distraught’ Her Divorce Made Her, ‘It Doesn’t Mean You’re a Failure’

Rapper MC Lyte opened up about her ongoing divorce and how “distraught” she initially was over her split from John Wyche.

MC Lyte was a guest host on The Real when the ladies started to discuss the realities of going through a divorce. Lyte shocked many when she filed for divorce from Wyche in 2020 after three years of marriage.

Now, over a year and a half later, the rap veteran is still in the middle of her divorce and admitted it is an emotional process.

“I’m actually still going through it,” MC Lyte told the ladies on The Real. “When the press got a hold of it, I think people thought we were [divorced]. I had just filed, and so we’re still going through it right now.”

“I think in the very beginning, I was very distraught,” she continued. “I feel like there are phases whenever a relationship is ending, whether you’re married or not. It’s that first phase of, Oh my God, I’ve got to make this work for us. Then it’s like, Oh my God, I’ve got to make this work for everybody else involved.”

Lyte cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, People reports. The former couple met on Match.com, and she fell for the Marine Corp veteran and entrepreneur.

Lyte and Wyche were engaged in May 2017 and married three months later in a romantic ceremony in Montego Bay, Jamaica. While Lyte hoped to honor their vows to make it until death do them part, she realized they weren’t meant to last.

“You get to a point where you’re like, this isn’t working. It doesn’t matter. What really matters is that we end up in a happy place,” Lyte said.

“It’s hard in the beginning, but you realize to have happiness doesn’t mean you have to remain together, and it doesn’t mean that you are a failure because the marriage failed. It’s all ego. You just have to be able to let go.”

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