Six-Year-Old Aims To Educate With Impersonations, History Lessons, Of Black Pioneers
by Atiya Jordan

February 7, 2022

Six-Year-Old Aims To Educate With Impersonations, History Lessons, Of Black Pioneers

From Tina Turner to Serena Williams, 6-year-old Rosie White has gone viral for her impersonation of Black pioneers. In adorable fashion, Rosie will be honoring famous black women and inventors in educational videos throughout Black History Month.

Rosie, and her mom, Kenya, create videos on Instagram throughout the year with the intention of education. This February, the mother and daughter duo are emphasizing the importance of sharing the achievements of Black pioneers throughout history.

Kenya learned about the agonies often associated in Black History lessons. She told Fox 2 Detroit she wanted her daughter to learn about the pioneers in a more empowering way.

“I didn’t want to teach her the trauma of black history that I was taught as a kid her age,” said Kenya. “I want her to learn about woman and inventors. Something that she can reflect on and say, ‘Hey, I can do that. I can be her. I can just be just like her.'”

In addition to impersonation videos, Rosie will be teaching brief history lessons. During week one of Black History Month, the first grader and her mom posted a video in which she was outfitted in red and black boxing gear to represent and honor the great Laila Ali, revered as the most successful female in the history of women’s boxing. In the video, she can be heard impersonating Ali while presenting a brief introductory biography.

 

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“I am Laila Ali. A ex professional boxer. I competed from 1999-2007,” the caption began. “I’m sure you heard of my dad Mohamed (sic) Ali. He was a boxer too. I am one of the greatest female boxers of all time. Me and this other female boxer became the the first women to headline a boxing pay per view event. I retired with 24 wins, no losses and 21 knockouts!! I can cook, do nails and a TV personality…..Laila Ali!”🥊🥊

The attention to detail of Rosie’s makeup, wigs, and costumes even caught the attention of The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg. Last Black History Month, Rosie impersonated the comedian and actress in short locs and glasses.

 

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Goldberg responded to the young girl’s charming impersonation. “I thought it was fantastic. You look fantastic. You sound like me. You look like me. You got the lipstick. I think maybe you need to be doing a show, but maybe you have to finish going to school first.”

Every Monday and Thursday throughout February, look out for new videos on Rosie’s Instagram, @GoRosieGrow.

Wendy Williams Files Papers Demanding Bank Unfreeze Millions in Her Accounts After Financial Adviser Said She’s of ‘Unsound Mind’
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2022

Wendy Williams Files Papers Demanding Bank Unfreeze Millions in Her Accounts After Financial Adviser Said She’s of ‘Unsound Mind’

Another problem has come up for talk show host Wendy Williams. Already battling several health issues during her hiatus from her self-titled television talk show, Williams finds herself taking on a legal battle against her bank.

Reportedly, an attorney representing Williams has filed papers asking a judge to unfreeze bank accounts belonging to the TV personality.

According to The Sun, the ailing talk show host has asked a judge for an emergency order instructing her bank, Wells Fargo, to unfreeze several accounts.

Her attorney has stated Williams claims that Wells Fargo is in “possession of several million dollars’ worth of funds” that belong to her, and she has been denied access to her money for more than two weeks. The attorney asserts that Williams’ former financial adviser informed the bank that she “was of unsound mind.” Based on that, Wells Fargo has denied her access to the bank accounts and statements associated with it.

Wells Fargo responded by saying that it is justified in keeping Wendy’s accounts frozen. The bank says it is under authority based on various client agreements to “pause or reject instructions for a proposed transaction,’ pending judicial or administrative remedies, should they suspect financial exploitation, dementia, or undue influence,” the lawsuit claimed.

The attorneys feel Wells Fargo is overreaching its authority, in part because Williams has not proposed any transaction which gives the bank that right to pause or reject access to her accounts. Her attorney wants the court to demand the bank allow her “access to her financial accounts, assets, and statements” while the current conflict with Wells Fargo is resolved in arbitration.

They stated that Williams is suffering “imminent and irreparable financial damage,” and Wells Fargo is in breach of its fiduciary duty. They are also demanding the bank give access to Williams and “her agents, members, officers, employees, representatives and anyone else acting on Respondent’s behalf” within 48 hours.

Williams has been absent from her popular show for months due to several health issues. In addition to experiencing complications from Graves disease, she had also combatted COVID-19 and checked herself into the hospital for a psychological evaluation.

Audible Announces Originals from Kevin Hart and Charlamagne Tha God
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 7, 2022

Audible Announces Originals from Kevin Hart and Charlamagne Tha God

Audible Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced a slate of new Originals produced under the previously announced global multi-year, multi-project development, production and audio licensing deal with global superstar, entrepreneur and author Kevin Hart, and multimedia mogul and best-selling author Lenard “CThaGod” Mckelvey.

Under their newly created audio production banner SBH Productions, the two superstar talents will bring five new projects to Audible listeners in 2022, all of which supports the overall vision of the development deal to give rise to Black creatives and create content that speaks to the culture, according to a press release.

Award winning audio producer Nicole Shelton has been named Head of Production for SBH. The inaugural project from the duo, Finding Tamika, is slated for release Mar. 3, 2022. The Audible Original deconstructs the troubling phenomenon that is the media’s lack of significant coverage of cases of missing or murdered Black women. Finding Tamika tells Tamika’s story through the voices of her family, other principal figures and even Tamika beyond the grave in this true crime, neo-noir production hosted, produced and co-written by activist and actor Erika Alexander.

Additional projects include Summer of ’85, an incredible true story of the juxtaposition of two actual events – the Live Aid benefit for Africa which received global attention and the MOVE bombing of a controversial group of African- American citizens attempting to create African-style communal living in the middle of an urban landscape – both taking place in Philadelphia in the summer of 1985 but each event viewed differently by the city and around the world; Short, Black, and Handsome, a scripted Odd Couple style comedy written by Abdul Williams (The Bobby Brown Story, The New Edition Story) and starring Kevin Hart and Charlamagne Tha God about two fathers/husbands who become business partners and find out they have more in common than the title suggests; Un-lesh for Love, a scripted comedy series starring Alesha Renee about an actress looking for love in her 30’s; and Brokedown Prophets, a scripted thriller created and written by acclaimed New York Times Bestselling author, SA Cosby (Blacktop Wasteland, Razorblade Tears). Additional information on these projects to follow.

In addition to new projects, this collaboration will also launch a selection of ongoing audio recommendations personally curated by Kevin Hart and Charlamagne Tha God, celebrating titles from a diverse array of authors that have impacted and inspired them.

“We are excited to introduce our listeners to the dynamic inaugural slate of content from our collaboration with Kevin Hart and Charlamagne Tha God’s SBH Productions,” said Zola Mashariki, Head of Audible Studios.

“Audible is dedicated to telling powerful stories and showcasing established and underrepresented voices in audio, and SBH’s first collection of projects will offer Audible listeners rich, multifaceted narratives.”

“SBH has the opportunity to be a driving force and new creative outlet for our culture,” said Kevin Hart.

“This vertical allows us to bring the voices of our community mases and to share our rich stories that run deep in our souls. I am excited to partner with Charlamagne, Nicole and the whole SBH team to bring these rich stories to the Audible original space.”

“SBH and Audible are at the forefront of the audio renaissance, often times TV and film companies don’t SEE the vision for these great stories by black creatives so they are hard to get made,” said Charlamagne Tha God.

“What Nicole, Kevin and myself along with the rest of team SBH have built is a space for these companies and the whole world to HEAR our vision. We thank GOD for it all!”

These projects join a series of best-in-class Audible Originals including Charlamagne Tha God’s riveting discussion on modern race relations We’ve Got Answers; Billie Was a Black Woman, a four-part podcast series that refracts Black womanhood through the prism of legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday; Force of Beauty, the story of three generations of Black women, one extraordinary friendship, and a not-often recalled history of the city that made them; 7 Years, Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought’s, addition to Audible’s Words  Music franchise in which the prolific rapper examines his life and career in dynamic seven-year increments Kevin Hart’s The Decision: Overcoming Today’s BS for Tomorrow’s Success, and many more.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

February 7, 2022

Twitter Names Dalana Brand Chief People and Diversity Officer

Twitter has named Dalana Brand chief people and diversity officer. She will lead the company’s Global People Team, as well as inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility initiatives while working with executive management and the Board of Directors to support the company’s strategic direction.

“We are on a journey to become the world’s most inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible technology company, which is key to serving the public conversation,” said Dalana Brand.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the company’s global workforce and accelerate the progress we’ve made to create the best, most inclusive people experience for everyone at Twitter.”

Brand joined Twitter in 2018, most recently serving as vice president of People Experience and head of Inclusion & Diversity. She becomes the second Black woman and third Black C-suite executive at Twitter since the company went public in late 2013.

In the new role, Dalana will focus on initiatives such as expanding Twitter’s decentralized work strategy, creating an inclusive environment for employees around the world regardless of where they work, as well as prioritizing transparency and accountability throughout the company through initiatives like pay transparency. Dalana will also continue to focus on the company’s 2025 Vision — a set of ambitious representation goals for a more diverse and inclusive future. Most recently, Twitter has been praised for prioritizing flexibility and choice in how the company works while also increasing the number of women, Black and Latinx employees in 2021.

Prior to her time at Twitter, Dalana was vice president of Total Rewards for Electronic Arts, Inc. and spent nine years in various senior leadership positions at Whirlpool Corporation. Throughout her career, she has focused on designing and developing global people programs that create a fair and inclusive culture while helping to advance business strategy. Currently, Dalana also serves as a board member of ColorComm, Compass Family Services, and Enterprise for Youth. She earned a Master of Business Administration with a dual degree in finance and human resources, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in finance from Michigan State University.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2022

Dennis Rodman’s Daughter Trinity Becomes Highest-Paid Player in National Women’s Soccer League History

The daughter of an NBA Hall of Famer has achieved a record in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Trinity Rodman, who is the daughter of former Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls Dennis Rodman, has signed the richest player deal in the history of the NWSL.

According to ESPN, Rodman, the youngest player to ever be drafted into the NWSL, has extended the initial deal she signed as a rookie last year through the 2024 season with an option for 2025. This contract makes her the highest-paid athlete in the history of the NWSL. She plays for the Washington Spirit, current NWSL champions.

Reportedly, Rodman has signed with the Spirit for four years. The deal is worth more than $1.1 million.


The Wahington Post reported that the 19-year-old forward was named the league’s Rookie of the Year after helping the Spirit win the league championship. She was also given the U.S. Soccer’s Young Player of the Year award and was invited to play on the national team.

“We’re incredibly excited to have Trin as a part of the Spirit family for at least the next three seasons,” Spirit coach Kris Ward said. “She has a truly special career ahead of her and makes us a better club on all fronts.”

Last year, according to People, Rodman was drafted second overall. When the then-18-year-old made her professional debut with the Spirit last April, she immediately placed her name in the record books by becoming the youngest American goalscorer in league history, minutes after entering the game.

When drafted, she was also part of another historical feat—she was one of the six Black women selected in the first round of the NWSL draft last January.

“People are always going to — especially people who don’t know me and are new to the soccer world — see Dennis Rodman’s daughter. It comes with the name, but I definitely achieved what I wanted and [put out] the message I wanted, being so young, being a woman, being in the soccer world,” Rodman told The Washington Post.

Messiah Jacobs Pushes For Diversity and Ownership of Intellectual Property in Hollywood
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 7, 2022

Messiah Jacobs Pushes For Diversity and Ownership of Intellectual Property in Hollywood

With a résumé that spans more than 20 years, Black-owned and operated Four Screens has worked with many successful names in Hollywood.

That growing list includes Robert Townsend, Vivica A. Fox, Tiffany Haddish, Billy Dee Williams, Monica Calhoun, and most recently, the Estate of Joe Frazier. With an upcoming project featuring a legendary artist to be revealed shortly, Four Screens is a management, development, and production company that keeps itself relevant and fresh as it produces new content celebrating under-represented voices.

Successful Los Angeles-based producer Messiah Jacobs leads Four Screens, and outside of his creative vision, he is also interested in social change. Four Screens is associated with companies supporting the same cause, including Black House, Color of Change, RespectAbility, Array, Colour Entertainment, and GLAAD.

Having partnerships with Hollywood heavyweights such as Amazon, Hulu, Roku, Comedy Central, and PBS, the company has affiliations with well-known brands like Supreme, Walmart, Forever 21, Nordstrom, and Barneys. Four Screens has generated $1.2M in revenue in the last three years.

BLACK ENTERPRISE was able to speak to Jacobs about the importance of intellectual property, the mission Four Screens is on going forward, and how the pandemic has affected the company.

What motivated you to operate Four Screens in the way you do, and what is the underlying mission for your company?

Four Screens is a mission-first media company. Our mission is to amplify diversity in the entertainment industry by celebrating under-represented groups, including people of color and women. We are changing the way deals are financed, greenlit, and constructed and how under-represented talent is managed. We work to facilitate opportunities for creators who have been structurally sidelined for decades and maximize their brand so that the people we represent have as much intellectual property as possible.

One of the primary sources of revenue for Four Screens is intellectual property. Why do you think it’s important to have intellectual property, especially as a Black entrepreneur?

Historically, we have not owned our intellectual property. In music, there have been a lot of artists that haven’t owned their masters, and in film, a lot of creators haven’t owned their movie rights. Owning Intellectual property is important to create generational wealth. It creates residuals, royalties, and passive income down the line, so it’s important to have management that will advocate that ownership for you.

With the mission Four Screens has embarked on, what direction is the company heading in, and how do you anticipate disrupting the industry?

Four Screens is a disruptive force because we’re looking to make lasting change: Not just one project, one movie, or one TV show but lasting inclusion for the culture. A recent example of this is an exclusive documentary we are executive producing with a major network. It was important for us to have a Black voice, and in order to do that, we advocated for a Black director. In doing this, the production team had to come up with a list of old and new Black directors who are now on the network’s radar. Our whole approach is disruptive because we’re changing an industry that has unfortunately not adapted to what audiences are demanding, which is more authentic diversity.

How has the pandemic affected business for you, and what steps have you taken to stay relevant?

Though there have been a lot of negative consequences of the pandemic, I believe it gave everyone an opportunity to ask why are we doing business this way and does business need to be done this way? We’ve adopted this important question into our business strategy to make Four Screens’ business model better, stronger, and more profitable.

What advice or suggestions would you give to people who want to start their own company?

The best advice I would give is to have a plan. It’s important to understand the needs of the market and then to try to service the market. It’s also crucial to do the things necessary in preparation so your business can succeed and grow. You must understand that every business idea you have is not worth pursuing and approach business with strategy instead of urgency. Focus on the riches in niches. Find your niche, fill that niche and find the riches in that.

Take Your Hobby To New Heights With This Drone
by Black Enterprise Shop

February 7, 2022

Take Your Hobby To New Heights With This Drone

Drones have become increasingly popular over time, as they not only take fun to new heights, but they’ve been beneficial in the professional world to photographers and artists alike. For the recreation seeker, drone-flying is the hobby you didn’t know you needed.

The Vivitar VTI Phoenix Foldable Drone is perfect for those seasoned in the hobby to newcomers alike. For a limited time, you can purchase a refurbished drone for $159. That’s a savings of 36% from its MSRP ($249).

The Vivitar VTI Phoenix Foldable Drone is the perfect way to capture a bird’s-eye view from different angles above. And with its 2048 x 1152p video resolution, 180-degree camera, you’ll be able to do so in stunning clarity.

This device is equipped with Follow-Me technology along with GPS location locking, so you won’t have to worry about losing it or having it get away from you. The Follow Me feature is available through the accompanying app.

The Vivitar VTI Phoenix Foldable Drone has a 2,000-feet flight range, giving you a wide range to fly and take photos or video. To make the drone-flying experience even better is one-button auto take-offs and landings, an auto-return feature, and altitude hover. When used together, you won’t even have to think of anything other than the pure enjoyment of operating your drone.

This drone is also outfitted with Wi-Fi transmission capability.

Choose from three different speeds from which to fly. Speaking of flying, the Vivitar VTI Phoenix Foldable Drone is powered by two included batteries that give you 32 minutes of flight time. You’ll want to keep this fun-filled device protected at all times, and the included carrying case will do just that.

It’d be difficult to find a drone that packs all the features of the Vivitar VTI Phoenix at such a low price. Purchase it today for $159 and dive into the world of drone flying.

Prices subject to change.

by Keka Araújo

February 6, 2022

NAW SIS! Awkwafina Takes To Twitter To Give Non-Apology For Building Career Of Cultural Appropriation, Black Twitter Rightfully Dragged Her

Black Twitter clowned professional cultural appropriator Awkwafina after she addressed criticisms regarding her incessant use of a “Blaccent” to further her career.

On Feb. 5, the Crazy Rich Asians star attempted to finally speak about accusations of using stereotypical tropes of Black folks to gain clout. Awkwafina built her entire brand on caricatures of Black life and culture, including the ‘sassy Black girl” and Blaccent, for years but remained relatively silent whenever she was called to the carpet. 

Awkwafina, born Nora Lum, took to Twitter to explain herself and offer what many deemed a sorry not sorry attitude about her past work. She also announced that she would no longer use the social media platform.

“There is a sociopolitical context to everything, especially the historical context of the African-American community in this country,” she wrote. “It is a group that is disproportionately affected by institutionalized policies and law enforcement policies — all while having historically and routinely seen their culture stolen, exploited, and appropriated by the *dominant* culture for monetary gain without any acknowledgment nor respect for where those roots come from, the pioneers of its beginnings, and the artists that perfected and mastered the craft.”

Awkwafina then let her Twitter fingers justify her egregious behavior. The 33-year-old Queens, New York native even claimed to be an “immigrant” while attributing her cultural appropriation to loving hip-hop – despite having an almost ten-year-old video stating she was born and raised in New York.

“As a non-Black POC, I stand by the fact that I will always listen and work tirelessly to understand the history and context of AAVE, what is deemed appropriate or backwards toward the progress of ANY and EVERY marginalized group.”

The American-born woman of Chinese and Korean descent also wrote that she never meant to “mock, belittle, or to be unkind in any way possible at the expense of others is.”

 

“My immigrant background allowed me to carve an American identity off the movies and tv shows I watched, the children I went to public school with, and my undying love and respect for hip hop,” she continued. “I think, as a group, Asian Americans are still trying to figure out what that journey means for them — what is correct and where they don’t belong.”

Awkwafina also vowed that she would “spend the rest” of her career “uplifting our communities.”

Black Twitter dragged Awkawfina over the patronizing tweets and made it clear that there would be no redemption. 

 

Even Asians weren’t trying to be associated with her nonsense.

To date, the only “uplifting” or charitable work she’s done has been in the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. In 2020, she raised money for Chinatown businesses in New York. In 2019, she was honored for her outstanding work in the AAPI community. Her work in the community she used as a come-up remains to be seen. However, she was nominated for an NAACP award to the chagrin of Black folks.

by Keka Araújo

February 6, 2022

GONE TOO SOON: Lifetime Network’s 19-Year-Old “Bring It!” Star Killed In Tragic Shooting In Jackson, Mississippi

The Dancing Dolls For Life (DD4L) dance troupe is reeling over the tragic loss of one of its members in Jackson, Mississippi.

On Feb. 2, Shakira Gatlin, 19, was fatally wounded by gunfire at a home on the 100 block of Barnes Street. Jackson police disclosed that Gatlin had been shot in the head while an underaged male was “mishandling a gun.”

Authorities questioned the young man, and he expressed that the shooting was accidental. 

Gatlin’s mother, Erica Robinson, shared the news of her daughter’s death on Facebook. 

“WHY!!!! WHY!!!!! I just can’t catch a break!!!! Just buried my husband NOW I HAVE TO BURIED, MY BABY!!! They deserved to LIVE…PLEASE PUT THEM DAM GUNS DOWN!!! She didn’t [deserve] his!!! Shakira Gatlin momma [loves] you so much!!”

Gatlin’s passing is especially difficult for Robinson because the grieving mom had lost her husband to gun violence. Forty-year-old Derrick Robinson was shot to death in Jackson on Sept. 14, 2021. 

The dancing beauty had just celebrated her 19th birthday on Jan. 19. Robinson honored her baby girl with a touching Facebook post wishing her blessings.  

“Happy 19th Birthday to my fat fat Shakira Gatlin! I hope your day be full of blessing!”

Gatlin’s untimely death also rocked her DD4L family. The troupe’s founder Dianna Williams posted a poignant tribute that highlighted Gatlin’s outstanding talent as a dancer and performer. The video has garnered almost 100,000 likes. 

“We turning up for you baby! All month long!!! We love you, Kira!!! DD4L!!!”

 

 

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Williams also asked the community to help Gatlin’s mother in whatever way they could due to the unexpected loss.

“This morning, our voices sound off for Shakira! As we pick up the pieces and attempt to take steps forward, So many want to help and here is how,” she wrote on Instagram. “Unexpected deaths come with unexpected costs and we want to help Erica Robinson manage as much as possible. We appreciate any love offering given……. Much love to everyone! Click the link in my bio.”

 

 

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DD4L was founded in 2010 by Williams. The dance company specializes in hip hop, tap, ballet, jazz, pom pom, majorettes, and other forms of dance. The organization was originally based in Jackson but has since branched out to Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta. 

In 2014, the famed dancers and Head Coach Williams’ talents were so incredibly talented the troupe had its own series on Lifetime Networks Bring It! for five seasons. DD4L’s mission, per its website, stated the organization “promotes high self-esteem, determination, persistence, high academic achievement, community involvement and the importance of health in young women through the art of dance.”  

Dancing Dolls For Life, DD4L, Dianna Williams, Shakira Gatlin,Jackson, Mississippi,Erica Robinson,
Photo Courtesy DD4L/ Instagram

Gatlin joined DD4L in 2015 and was the head co-captain and drillmaster at the time of her death. Shainelle Richardson has launched a GoFundMe on behalf of Gatlin’s family to help with funeral expenses. They were seeking $10,000 and have received over $11,000 so far. 

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the 19-year-old’s family, friends and   DD4L. 

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