U.S. Department of Commerce and Goldman Sachs Launch New Small Business Export Partnership at Morgan State University
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 11, 2022

U.S. Department of Commerce and Goldman Sachs Launch New Small Business Export Partnership at Morgan State University

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and Executive Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Chairman of the Goldman Sachs Foundation John F. W. Rogers will hold a roundtable discussion with small business owners from across the country.

According to a release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE, today it was announced that a new partnership between Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) will partner to equip small businesses with the resources they need to sell their products and services in international markets.

Today’s launch will be followed by an educational series, “New Year, New Growth, New Global Sales,” during which small business owners will learn from U.S. Government trade specialists and fellow small business owners and 10,000 Small Businesses graduates who are successfully exporting their products and services, according to a press release.

The three-part virtual sessions on Feb.15, Feb. 22 and Mar. 1 will include advice about entering new markets, tips for developing digital strategies and global websites and guidance on financing an export strategy. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with trade experts. Small businesses can register online.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and Executive Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Chairman of the Goldman Sachs Foundation John F. W. Rogers will announce the new small business export partnership at Morgan State University. Small business owners and guests include:

— Gina M. Raimondo, United States Secretary of Commerce

— John F. W. Rogers, Executive Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Chairman of Goldman Sachs Foundation

— Dr. David Wilson, President of Morgan State University

— Funlayo Alabi, Shea Radiance (Maryland Small Business Owner)

— Kwabena Osei-Sarpong, Rife International (Maryland Small Business Owner)

— Talha Faruqi, Aventure Aviation (Georgia Small Business Owner)

— Gwen Jimmere, Naturalicious (Michigan Small Business Owner)

— Natalie Kaddas, Kaddas Enterprises (Utah Small Business Owner)

— Cathy Koch, K-Tec Systems (Michigan Small Business Owner)

— Susan Mocarski, Cleverhood (Rhode Island Small Business Owner)

— Courtney Radloff, Purveyors of Fragrance (Texas Small Business Owner)

— David Simnick, Soapbox Soaps (Virginia Small Business Owner)

Something a Momma Would Do: Texas Reporter Goes Viral For Her Realness In Reporting the Weather
by Atiya Jordan

February 11, 2022

Something a Momma Would Do: Texas Reporter Goes Viral For Her Realness In Reporting the Weather

With snowstorms brewing up and down the East Coast and even a corner here and there in the South, one Texas reporter got real with her viewers to caution them to navigate the icy conditions carefully.

Tashara Parker, a news reporter for WFAA in Texas, pulled her “inner momma” out with her approach to having a stern on-camera talking to with her viewers—which many compared to how down-to-earth many mommas get when they have to convey the seriousness of a situation.

“Look, let me tell you something,” Parker told viewers during her weather report, according to her tweet. “If you don’t have good tires this morning, you do not wanna be out there this morning. I don’t want you out there, period. But if your tires aren’t good, you are going to run into some not-so-good situations.”

Twitter users resonated specifically with the way Parker began her honest advice.

Overall, Parker continues to receive praise and encouragement.

Parker’s weather report brings attention to the freezing conditions that swept through Texas. According to Independent, hundreds of people were left stranded in miles-long traffic jams for up to 12 hours near San Antonio.

As the storm battered the South with heavy snow on Friday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said it is “one of the most significant icing events that we’ve had in the State of Texas in at least several decades,” as per the news outlet.

Report: Sherri Shepherd ‘Does Not Have Wendy’s Blessing’ to Take Over Talk Show
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 11, 2022

Report: Sherri Shepherd ‘Does Not Have Wendy’s Blessing’ to Take Over Talk Show

According to reports, the announcement that Sherri Shepherd is in talks to become a “permanent” guest host of The Wendy Williams Show has not been met with enthusiasm from Wendy Williams herself.

In fact, The Sun is reporting that an inside source states that “Sherri does not have Wendy’s blessing and all of this is all being done without her involvement.”

Another unnamed source is also saying that the on-hiatus talk show host “is extremely jealous and can’t stand people filling in for her as it is. It has really hurt her seeing her own fans give Sherri glowing reviews in her absence.”

If, indeed, it is the end of Williams hosting her show due to health reasons, producers and staff are overly cautious not to disrupt Williams’ loyal fan base. This is partly why they are labeling Shepherd’s role as a permanent guest host instead of outright stating that she is taking over the show. An insider also says that production will not be removing any logos and/or signage until September, maybe even not until October.

The intended plan for next season is to incorporate Shepherd into the fans’ lives. She will be working toward winning them over by participating in fan events, Facetiming with them, and focusing on bringing them along with her in this next chapter.

As Williams works to get back to good health, there has been a revolving set of hosts for her show. Producers of the show will continue to monitor Williams’ status and decide closer to September if her health is not in order.

Last year, the show’s official Instagram account revealed Williams had tested positive for COVID-19. TMZ also reported that Williams voluntarily admitted herself into a New York City hospital for a psych evaluation. The hospitalization came after the talk show host’s COVID diagnosis was confirmed.
Snoop Dogg Accused of Sexual Assault and Battery in Lawsuit
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 11, 2022

Snoop Dogg Accused of Sexual Assault and Battery in Lawsuit

After several good news reports coming out of the Snoop Dogg camp, he was struck with a bad one on Wednesday.

According to NBC News, a lawsuit was filed on Wednesday against the new owner of Death Row Records, accusing him of sexually assaulting a young woman nearly 10 years ago. The woman, who is only identified as Jane Doe, has claimed that the alleged act occurred after she went to a Snoop Dogg show in May 2013. The papers were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

According to the lawsuit, the woman, along with a friend of hers, went back to Snoop’s studio with him and Donald Campbell, also known as Bishop Don Magic Juan.

This past Tuesday, the plaintiff made a final attempt to settle the issue in private mediation, but the dialogue was “unsuccessful.”

The accuser’s attorney, Matt Finkelberg, said in a written statement on Thursday that the woman “refuses to be silenced and intimidated any longer.”

“Our client’s hope is to inspire other victims of sexual harassment, assault, and battery to understand that they have rights, will be protected, and although they are victims, they will not have to be silenced forever,” Finkelberg stated.

The Hill reported that the woman “worked as a professional dancer, model, actress, host, and a spokesmodel for Muse Ink Festival, Comedy Central, and CNN in the lawsuit.” Snoop and Juan also employed her as a dancer for concerts.

The woman alleges that she asked Juan to take her home after her friend left the studio, but he brought her back to his house. Juan supposedly convinced her to go with him to Snoop’s studio despite her not wanting to. She stated that she did not feel well, and after getting to the studio, she went to the bathroom. She then alleges Snoop came in the bathroom where he told her to place his genitals in her mouth and later masturbated on her before leaving the bathroom.

“Defendant Snoop Dogg’s actions were sexually predatorial. Plaintiff found herself thinking about her job security if she displeased Defendant Snoop Dogg. Plaintiff felt pressured by Defendant Snoop Dogg due to his dominance, and his position of power over her, including his ability to hire and fire her and ensure that she would never be hired in his industry again.”

Snoop hasn’t released an official statement but did post a not-so-cryptic message on his Instagram account.

 

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Not Slowing Down: Pregnant Rihanna Spends Hours Donating Clothing, Supplies To Homeless Vets In L.A.
by Atiya Jordan

February 11, 2022

Not Slowing Down: Pregnant Rihanna Spends Hours Donating Clothing, Supplies To Homeless Vets In L.A.

Yes, Rihanna is pregnant. And she is still showing up as the queen of philanthropy. The superstar recently visited the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs campus to lend her listening ears and support to homeless vets.

Activist Sennett Devermont expressed his gratitude to Rihanna in an Instagram post. “Thank you @badgalriri for pulling up with all the love and support and most importantly your ears to listen to Veterans,” Devermont captioned a slide of photos with him and the singer.

 

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“I met Rihanna, the greatest singer on earth,” said a vet in a video shared by the AFTP Foundation. “She donated clothes, food, and she cares about the veterans. … United States Army veterans. U.S. Marine veterans. Air Force veterans. She cares about all the veterans. She cares about us, and she showed us. And she’s going to take care of business.”

According to Page Six, a source confirmed that Rihanna was at the Veterans Affairs campus for hours “to truly listen to veterans living on the property.” She took interest in the “concerns” and “issues” that the veterans were experiencing on the streets.

According to the news outlet, Rihanna distributed a plethora of supplies, including sleeping bags, blankets, thermals, flashlights, toilet paper, water, bike locks, and mini safes.

“She actually cared. She listened to everyone and distributed everything. She took photos with anyone who asked,” the source said, who mentioned there were no PR cameras present.

Los Angeles officials have been working diligently to connect homeless vets living in Veterans Row to shelters since the encampment first appeared in 2015. For more than a year, U.S.VETS–the largest nonprofit working to end veteran homelessness in America–has “doubled its outreach efforts to help Veterans not only secure housing but provide the resources needed to ensure veterans get back on track.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 11, 2022

Soccer Player Kurt Zouma Fined and Loses Endorsement Deal After Caught on Video Kicking A Cat

A soccer player has been fined and lost an endorsement deal after he was seen kicking a cat in a video that went viral.

A video posted earlier this week shows soccer player Kurt Zouma, who plays in the Premier League with West Ham United, is seen kicking and abusing a cat in his home.

According to NBC News, Zouma was reportedly fined two weeks’ salary by West Ham, and he has also lost his sponsorship deal with Adidas due to the incident captured on video. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), London’s equivalent to the United States’ ASPCA, is investigating the incident.

West Ham issued a written statement regarding Zouma:

“West Ham United can confirm that the Club is supporting an RSPCA investigation into the actions of Kurt Zouma in the video circulated online this week. Kurt and the Club are co-operating fully with the investigation and the player has willingly complied with the steps taken in the initial stage of the process, including delivering his family’s two cats to the RSPCA for assessment. Kurt is extremely remorseful and, like everyone at the Club, fully understands the depth of feeling surrounding the incident and the need for action to be taken.”

West Ham has also stated that “Zouma has been fined the maximum amount possible following his actions in the video that circulated.” The club mentioned that Zouma and the club agreed to donate that money to animal welfare charities.

The RSPCA confirmed it has custody of the cats.

“The two cats are now in RSPCA care. Our priority is and has always been the well-being of these cats,” the organization said in a statement. “They’ve been taken for a check-up at a vet’s and then will remain in our care while the investigation continues.”

CBS received a statement from Zouma apologizing for the incident captured on video.

Zouma said Tuesday: “I want to apologize for my actions. There are no excuses for my behavior, which I sincerely regret. I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.

“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behavior was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”

Adidas has stated that “Zouma is no longer an adidas contracted athlete.”

Civil Rights Leader Rosa Parks Honored on Houston METRO Buses and Trains
by Atiya Jordan

February 11, 2022

Civil Rights Leader Rosa Parks Honored on Houston METRO Buses and Trains

METRO Houston, The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, has placed commemorative seat covers displaying Rosa Park’s name at the front of buses and trains.

The seats pay tribute to the civil rights leader’s legacy. They have a bright yellow cover that reads, “Dedicated to the Memory of Rosa Parks,” according to KHOU 11.

METRO’s homage kicked off on Feb 4., Transit Equity Day, “a collaborative effort of several organizations and unions to promote public transit as a civil right and a strategy to combat climate change,” as per the Labor Network for Sustainability. It would have also been Parks’ 109th birthday.

An iconic figure among many of the civil rights era, Parks was an activist before her famed arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, bus in 1955. She was a long-time member of the Montgomery chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which she joined in 1943. At the time of her arrest, she served as a secretary of the local NAACP chapter and continued political activism throughout her life.

According to METRO, the initiative began after a customer saw a similar tribute of Parks on a San Antonio VIA bus. They asked if the Transit Authority would consider honoring Parks in the same way.

“We honor her act of defiance and demand to be treated with dignity which changed the course of history in the fight for civil rights. The commemorative seat being installed at the front of our vehicles is symbolic… It’s a symbol of courage, equity, and justice,” METRO said, according to a tweet.

Although the effort is appreciated, it has also sparked viral and heated conversations on social media, per the Houston Chronicle. Many people are honoring Parks in celebration of Black History Month while also discussing the continued systemic issues at length today.

METRO responded in a statement provided to the Houston Chronicle: “We respect the fact that this gesture has sparked an important conversation on social media about social and economic opportunities for all.”

‘Friday’ Star Anthony ‘AJ’ Johnson’s Cause of Death Revealed As Chronic Ethanol Use
by Atiya Jordan

February 11, 2022

‘Friday’ Star Anthony ‘AJ’ Johnson’s Cause of Death Revealed As Chronic Ethanol Use

Comedian Anthony “AJ” Johnson’s cause of death has been revealed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, PEOPLE reports.

A report indicated that Johnson, the actor and comedian who appeared in the movies Friday and House Party, died from “chronic ethanol use” while at the hospital with no other significant causes. The manner of death was identified as “natural” in the report.

According to TMZ, a toxicology test confirmed that no alcohol or drugs were found in his system.

Ethanol is the primary ingredient in alcoholic drinks, causing intoxication. Chronic ethanol use, in other words, alcohol abuse, can cause increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other infections.

Johnson’s nephew told TMZ that the Friday star was found unresponsive in a Los Angeles store in early September. He was rushed to an L.A. hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Sept. 6, at 55.

As previously reported, Johnson’s rep LyNea Bell confirmed the comedian’s death back in September.

“The world of comedy has truly been shaken, again. Our BH Talent family is heartbroken about the loss of the iconic legend of stage and screen Mr. Anthony ‘AJ’ Johnson,” the publicist told Variety at the time. “He has left us with amazing memories of his laughter, dynamic acting skills, but most of all his enormous personality and heart of gold.”

Since then, Johnson’s widow, Lexis Jones Mason, decided to make her late husband’s cause of death public knowledge to warn others about the lethal effects of alcohol.

She told TMZ she wants her late husband’s legacy to “inspire others to put the bottle down.” Jones Mason is now on a mission to teach youth about the dangers of alcohol abuse with her newly established foundation. Her efforts include volunteering at churches to speak to teens.

At the time of Johnson’s passing, a GoFundMe was organized by Jones Mason to help the family with funeral costs and to support his children and grandchildren. The page titled “Home Going Celebration for AJ Johnson” garnered over $55,000 and is no longer accepting donations.

 

 

 

 

Mary J. Blige Calls Upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Performance an ‘Opportunity of a Lifetime’
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 11, 2022

Mary J. Blige Calls Upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Performance an ‘Opportunity of a Lifetime’

In what is perhaps the biggest audience she has ever faced, songstress Mary J. Blige will showcase her talents at the upcoming Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 13, for a performance that will be viewed worldwide.

In a recent interview, the hip-hop diva called this show with hip-hop heavyweights Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar an “opportunity of a lifetime.”

Blige appeared on The Cruz Show and repeated what is generally known. The halftime performance at the NFL Super Bowl is not a paid gig, but the benefits show up once the game has ended.

After being asked about not being paid for the Super Bowl halftime show, Blige responds by saying, “I mean, listen, you’re going to be paid for the rest of your life off of this. People are going to be knocking at your door. Man, listen, they don’t have to pay me, but if they were paying, it’d be a lot of money.

“Yeah, but, I’m good. This is major! This is the opportunity of a lifetime.”

The Halftime show of a Super Bowl is one of the most sought-after gigs for any musician. The sporting event is typically one of the most-watched, if not the most-watched live television events numbers-wise. Usually, streams, record sales, video views, anything associated with the artists performing sees a jump in numbers.

“# MaryJBlige’s thoughts on not getting paid to perform at the Super Bowl halftime show.”

 

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Last year, Variety reported that the Super Bowl performance from 2021’s Super Bowl halftime performer, The Weeknd saw a significant increase in the number of streams and sales. Almost every song he performed had landed in the Rolling Stone Top 100 Songs chart.

Amid the higher numbers, the Weeknd became No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Monthly Listeners with 71 million after the performance. He also saw nearly 1.5 million new followers across his social media accounts on Instagram and Twitter.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 11, 2022

Lionel Richie to Receive 2022 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize

Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced that pop music icon Lionel Richie will be the next recipient of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. Richie will be honored with an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., that will be broadcast nationally on PBS stations May 17 at 9 p.m. ET.

A songwriting superstar of the first order, Richie is known for his mega-hits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Penny Lover,” “Stuck on You,” “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and he co-wrote one of the most important pop songs in history, “We Are the World,” for USA for Africa. His song catalog also includes his early work with The Commodores, where he developed a groundbreaking style that defied genre categories, penning smashes such as “Three Times a Lady,” “Still” and “Easy.” Richie achieved the incredible distinction of writing No. 1 songs for 11 consecutive years.

Beyond his own impressive music career, Richie has mentored young artists as a judge on ABC’s “American Idol” for the past four seasons and is set to return for season 20.

“In so many ways, this national honor was made for Lionel Richie whose music has entertained and inspired us — and helped strengthen our global connections,” Hayden said, , according to a press release.

“Lionel Richie’s unforgettable work has shown us that music can bring us together. Even when we face problems and disagree on issues, songs can show us what we have in common.”

Richie’s songs are part of the fabric of pop music and American culture. The Tuskegee, Alabama, native has sold more than 125 million albums worldwide. He has won an Oscar®, a Golden Globe®, four Grammy Awards®*, the distinction of MusicCares Person of the Year in 2016 and was a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2017.

“This is truly an honor of a lifetime, and I am so grateful to be receiving the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song,” Richie said.

“I am proud to be joining all the other previous artists, who I also admire and am a fan of their music.”

Bestowed in recognition of the legendary songwriting team of George and Ira Gershwin, the Gershwin Prize recognizes a living musical artist’s lifetime achievement in promoting the genre of song as a vehicle of entertainment, information, inspiration and cultural understanding. The honoree is selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with a board of scholars, producers, performers, songwriters and other music specialists. Previous recipients are Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Sir Paul McCartney, songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and the late Hal David, Carole King, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett, Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Garth Brooks.

Richie will receive the Gershwin Prize at an all-star tribute concert in Washington, D.C., on Mar. 9. PBS stations will broadcast the concert — “Lionel Richie: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” — at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May 17, (check local listings) and on PBS.org and the PBS Video App as part of the co-produced Emmy Award-winning music series. It will also be broadcast to U.S. Department of Defense locations around the world via the American Forces Network.

“Lionel Richie: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song” is a co-production of WETA Washington, D.C.; Bounce, a division of Concord Music Group; and the Library of Congress.

“As producer of the vibrant series since its inception, we are excited to bring this new concert honoring Lionel Richie to the American people in collaboration with the Library of Congress,” said Sharon Percy Rockefeller, president and CEO of WETA.

“This special production exemplifies WETA’s ongoing commitment to showcasing arts and culture in the nation’s capital and honoring leading artists who have made extraordinary contributions to popular music.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Library of Congress, WETA and our member stations to celebrate Lionel Richie and his extraordinary artistic contributions,” said Paula Kerger, president and CEO of PBS.

“As America’s largest stage for the arts, PBS remains committed to bringing the best of music, theatre and dance to our audiences.”

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