by Charlene Rhinehart

August 1, 2021

Simone Biles Withdraws From Floor Competition at Tokyo Olympics As She Battles “The Twisties”

Simone Biles will not participate in the individual floor exercise at the Tokyo Olympics, according to USA Gymnastics. Britain’s Jennifer Gadirova will replace Biles in the floor final on Monday since there are no additional U.S. gymnasts qualified for the floor exercise.

Last week, the six-time Olympic medalist also pulled out of the team final, women’s individual all around, and the individual competitions in vault and uneven bars. American gymnast MyKayla Skinner stepped up in the vault competition, winning a silver medal in the individual gymnastics final. Sunisa “Suni” Lee replaced Biles in the uneven bars, taking home bronze in the individual uneven bars event.

Biles withdrew from the team gymnastics final last Tuesday, citing mental health reasons. She revealed that she was dealing with a phenomenon in gymnastics called “the twisties“. Athletes have shared how “the twisties” can be very dangerous, causing a gymnast to lose their rhythm and not comprehend where their body is in the air in relation to the ground.

USA Gymnastics stated that Biles will be “assessed daily to determine medical clearance for future competitions,” according to a statement released to PEOPLE early last week.  There’s still a chance that Biles will compete in the balance beam event that is scheduled for Tuesday.

“Simone has withdrawn from the event final for floor and will make a decision on beam later this week,” USA Gymnastics announced on Twitter Saturday night. “Either way, we’re all behind you, Simone.”

Simone Biles Withdraws From Floor Competition As She Deals with “The Twisties”

Simone Biles’ withdrawals from the team competition and individual events at the Tokyo Games has stirred up intense debate on social media.

The elite gymnast faced criticism from many who believed that she was letting Team USA down. However, there was also an outpouring of support for Biles’ from those who respected her decision to prioritize mental health.

Former gymnast Sean Melton suffered from severe twisties during his entire career. He stands by Biles’ decision to withdraw, explaining to the Washington Post how unsafe it could be for a gymnast to continue performing when they are experiencing a mental block.

“Simply, your life is in danger when you’re doing gymnastics,” Melton told the Washington Post. “And then, when you add this unknown of not being able to control your body while doing these extremely dangerous skills, it adds an extreme level of stress. And it’s terrifying, honestly, because you have no idea what is going to happen.”

A Rare Performance

Biles performance last Sunday was her sign to slow down. She planned to perform a 2 ½ twisting vault, The Washington Post reported. Instead, she only executed 1 ½ twists and stumbled. She scored 13.766, representing the lowest Olympic vault score of her career.

Biles’ withdrawals were shocking to many, including her teammates. In 2016, the U.S. superstar gymnast won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. She made history by winning four gold medals. Now, Biles is cheering her team on as they vie for medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

 

Learn How To Build Your Own Exciting Games With This Beginner-Friendly Bundle
by Black Enterprise Shop

August 1, 2021

Learn How To Build Your Own Exciting Games With This Beginner-Friendly Bundle

Video game development has never been more advanced and popular than it is now. In the past, we were content playing with computer-controlled opponents, but today’s technology allows us to battle and communicate with digital rivals in real-time. Today’s immersive, thrill-inducing games have sparked a new wave of interest in game development, and with the right guidance, anyone can build games of their own at home.

If you’re a gamer wanting to build your own advanced game or a casual game fan wondering what goes into creating digital universes, stories, and challenges, you can dive into the field with the Unreal & Unity Game Development for Beginners Bundle. For our semi-annual sale, it’s available for an extra 60 percent off.

Comprised of 6 courses and 50 hours of premium content, this bundle features practical instruction on Unity and Unreal, the most popular gaming engines today, as well as #C, the language often used in creating games. 

You’ll go through over 200 lessons put together to help you gain mastery over game development and worldbuilding on both engines, incorporate exciting animations into projects, and building solid structure and UI systems that make or break the games. And unlike other instructional online courses, this package will help you learn by doing. You’ll get the chance to get your hands dirty (virtually) and work on mini-projects, all of which you can add to your burgeoning project portfolio should you decide to pursue game development as a side hustle or full-blown profession.

Don’t just play games—learn how to make them and create your dream game. The Unreal & Unity Game Development for Beginners Bundle is on sale for now for $29.99, but you can take an extra 60% off with code ANNUAL60 and snag it for just $12. 

Prices subject to change.

by Keka Araújo

August 1, 2021

Amanda Seales Accused of Hating Black Men After Criticizing “King Richard” Biopic

Insecure actress and comedian Amanda Seales caught the proverbial fade after a now-deleted Instagram criticized Will Smith’s portrayal of Richard Williams, Serena and Venus’ father. She also questioned why anyone would make a film about the man who is the force behind the greatest tennis players in the world.

The Jasmine Brand posted a screenshot of Seales’ tweet.

“Will Smith is playing Richard Williams????????????????????? Also, why is this film about Richard Williams????????????????????,” she wrote.

 

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A post shared by the Jasmine BRAND (@thejasminebrand)

Seales’ commentary didn’t go over well on social media. The 40-year-old comedian was dragged for allegedly hating Black men.

Seales maintained her stance even after receiving smoke from the internet.

“There is ZERO issue here other than the one y’all are making over someone having a contrasting POV about A MOVIE,” she responded on Instagram.

Ironically, the biopic starring Smith is being produced by Venus and Serena. The two are perfectly fine with honoring their dad. The film, titled King Richard, is slated for release in November next year.

by Keka Araújo

August 1, 2021

Jamaica Celebrates Elaine Thompson-Herah’s Historic Olympic Record and Gold Medal

On Saturday, Jamaican track star, Elaine Thompson-Herah, did the unthinkable at the Tokyo Olympics. The 29-year-old athlete won a gold medal and broke a 33-year-old Olympic record– all at the same damn time. 

According to ESPN, Thompson-Herah ran her fastest 100 meters ever in an astounding 10.61 seconds. She beat the late, great Florence Griffith-Joyner’s Olympic record set at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul by .01 seconds. 

Thompson-Herah also defeated her biggest rival, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, by .13 seconds. 

The irony of her victory is she was unsure if she had broken the three-decades-long record– but she knew she had won the race.

“I knew that I won,” she said.

“The pointing, I don’t know what it means. To show that I was clear,” Thompson-Herah expressed to ESPN.

Her win, along with her two teammates Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jenkins’ wins, cemented Jamaica’s gold, silver and bronze medals for the race.

ESPN reported Jamaican’s last medal sweep was the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The champion also posted a tweet celebrating her victory.

“Just a lil girl from BANANA GROUND who liked to run. Believe In your dreams work hard and have faith in God…ETH,” she wrote.

 

Jamaicans, on the internet, went up for Thompson-Herah’s historic win, as well as her fellow countrywomen.

 

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Congratulations to the ladies of Jamaica!

by Charlene Rhinehart

July 31, 2021

Jamaican Track Star Elaine Thompson-Herah Makes History; Breaks Florence Griffith-Joyner’s Olympic Record

Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah is making headlines for her record breaking Olympic victory in the women’s 100 meters.

On Saturday, Thompson-Herah captured gold at the Tokyo Summer Games. The 29-year-old track star clocked in at 10.61 seconds, breaking Florence Griffith-Joyner’s mark of 10.62 from the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

“Behind this 10.6 was a lot of nerves, and I said: ‘You can do this, you’ve been here before, just execute,'” said Thompson-Herah, The Athletic reported.

Thompson-Herah is the defending champion. She led Jamaica’s victory by outsprinting second place finisher Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce who ran 10.74 seconds. Shericka Jackson came in third, taking home the bronze medal with 10.76 seconds.

Teahna Daniels was the only American sprinter to make the finals. She finished seventh with a time of 11.02.

Many fans believed that U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson would have been a top competitor at the Tokyo Olympics. Last month, the 21-year-old was suspended after she tested positive for marijuana. Her absence from the Olympic Games provided an opportunity for Jamaica to sweep the 100 meter race.

Elaine Thompson-Herah Is Making History at the Olympic Games

Thompson-Herah claimed her victory by pointing before she reached the finish line.

“I think I could have gone faster if I wasn’t pointing and celebrating, really,” Thompson-Herah said. “But to show you that there’s more in store. Hopefully one day I can unleash that time.”

Thompson Hera’s final time of 10.61 seconds was the second fastest time in history. Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo-Jo, set the world record of 10.49 in July 1988.

“Two months ago, probably a month and a half, I didn’t think I’d be here today,” said Thompson-Herah. “I held my composure. I believed in myself.”

Thompson-Herah sprinted to the finish line even with an Achilles injury. She worked through her previous pain to land a spot at the Tokyo Olympics. Thompson-Herah trained for the moment and wasn’t going to allow anything to slow her down. Now, Thompson Herah is gearing up for her next historic race.

 

 

 

by Keka Araújo

July 31, 2021

Biz Markie’s Funeral Set For August 2 in Long Island

Funeral services for rapper Biz Markie are set for August 2 at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

According to Greater Long Island News, the funeral will begin at 11 a.m. and go on until 3:30 p.m. The homegoing celebration includes a roster of the beloved emcee’s celebrity friends, including LL Cool J, Papoose, Fat Joe, the Juice Crew, Leland Robinson, Big Daddy Kane and Al B. Sure!  

The Rev. Al Sharpton will eulogize Biz Markie, according to publication. 

TMZ reported that legendary fashion designer Dapper Dan would dress the “Just A Friend” rapper in a custom-made outfit. 

Black Enterprise previously reported that Biz Markie died on July 16 from complications of Type II diabetes after suffering a stroke.  

Jenni Izumi spoke with Greater Island about the Biz Markie’s (born Marcel Theo Hall) legacy.

“Biz created a legacy of artistry that will forever be celebrated by his industry peers and his beloved fans whose lives he was able to touch through music, spanning over 35 years,” Izumi said. “He leaves behind a wife, many family members and close friends who will miss his vibrant personality, constant jokes and frequent banter.”

The 57-year-old emcee was born in Harlem but was raised on Long Island. He was also an accomplished DJ– spinning at iconic clubs like the Roxy and the Fun House.

Biz Markie felt at home behind the turntables, but it was his mentor, super-producer Marley Marl, that gave the rapper his confidence on the mic. He dropped his first album in the early 80s, but his 1988 breakout hit “Vapors” put him on the map.

The multi-faceted entertainer will truly be missed. 

by Charlene Rhinehart

July 31, 2021

Meet the Clubhouse Master Moderator Who Earned Over $100,000 in Less than 6 Months

Clubhouse has been the hottest social sensation in the last year and master moderator Isis Djata has taken full advantage.

Since joining the social audio app in December 2020, Djata has built a following of over 60,000 people. She quickly scaled her Clubhouse following from zero to 40,000 in 8 weeks by joining rooms and contributing to conversations. She also grew her Instagram following by 11,000 in 10 weeks by participating on Clubhouse.

“When I first started going into rooms, I sat in the audience and listened,” Djata told Entrepreneur magazine. “Then, I slowly started getting on the stage and becoming active in conversations.”

Djata’s contributions paid off while she was in a room with real estate mogul Grant Cardone. He immediately started following her on Clubhouse and her fanbase exploded after that. That’s when Djata decided to take her Clubhouse participation to the next level by hosting her own rooms. She founded one of the largest investing groups on Clubhouse, Investing While Black. This room has attracted over 30,000 followers and sponsorship from The Motley Fool.

“If you don’t have relationship equity, no one will bring you onto their big stages,” said Djata. “Without relationships, how can you really soar?”

Driving Revenue Through Relationships

Relationships have been key to helping Djata boost her revenue and expand her impact. Before hitting the Clubhouse stage, she left her senior-level role in healthcare to pursue a career as a filmmaker. Although many people thought the transition was a huge risk, there were others who were willing to invest in her vision. She obtained funding from an Angel donor who gifted her $350,000 to direct her first film, Mob Mentality.

Since funding is one of the top pain points for indie filmmakers, Djata took her tips to clubhouse. She started monetizing on Clubhouse by hosting rooms focused on free funding for indie projects. Her captivating bio drew more people into her rooms on Clubhouse, leading to Instagram messages from listeners who wanted to hire her for consulting services.

“That’s when I realized that Clubhouse was a powerful social media app that could be used to monetize your talents and skills,” Djata shared during a Black Enterprise email interview.

Becoming a Master Moderator

Djata tapped into her palette of skills and realized that her moderation expertise could be valuable on Clubhouse. She networked her way to moderator success and now she helps others do the same.

“I spent 15 hours a day over the next 10 weeks on the app learning how to become a great moderator by moderating for free,” said Djata. “I knew this was a skill and talent I could monetize as I had always been a good orator.”

In February, Djata launched her Master Moderator service and the five-figure revenue numbers started flowing in. A couple of months later, she added on business consulting services. Then, she unleashed her Master Moderator University in May where she teaches others how to monetize on Clubhouse in a live 5-day class. That’s when Djata doubled her earnings on Clubhouse, going from $30,000 to $60,000 per month on Clubhouse.
To date, Djata has earned over $200,000 on Clubhouse. She focuses on offering her clients three core services: master moderating, business consulting, and training. Djata has moderated for high-profile clients such as Daymond John, Hill Harper, Randi Zuckerberg, and Grant and Elena Cardone. She’s also a paid master moderator for The Motley Fool.
What’s next for the Clubhouse Master Moderator? Well, Djata’s showing no signs of slowing down. She received a feature spotlight in The Clubhouse Creator book that will be released this year. She was also invited to speak live at Les Brown’s Hungry for Greatness event that will be taking place in New York on August 14th. Djata proves that there’s always a way to monetize your message and impact millions when you commit to taking action.
Prepare For Essential IT Certifications With These $18 Study Courses
by Black Enterprise Shop

July 31, 2021

Prepare For Essential IT Certifications With These $18 Study Courses

One of the best things about exploring a career in IT is that there’s almost no barrier to entry. You don’t need a degree to land a lucrative job, but you do need to prove your worth by way of earning some certifications. In the industry, it’s all about the skills, but you need something to show for it. Certification helps validate the skills you claim to have and serves as tangible proof that you have mastered the knowledge and skill requirement the job you want needs from you. 

If you want to make it big in IT, you can start by nabbing certifications with the help of the All-Access CompTIA A+ & Network Certification Prep Bundle. It boasts over 160 hours of premium instruction on CompTIA A+, PenTest+, Security+, Network+, and more. Right now, it’s available for an extra 60 percent off the sale price as a part of our Semi-Annual Sale. 

Spearheaded by leading e-learning platforms like Oak Academy, Total Seminars, and Integrity Training, this package will fill you in on the fundamentals of cloud computing, networking technology, cybersecurity, and more. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of information security and how to maintain it. By the end of these courses, you’ll understand which solutions to implement when a network is at risk. In short, you’ll receive training that will make you an indispensable part of any organization’s IT department, with prep training to pass CompTIA’s certification exams to boot. 

Gaining the necessary certifications is needed to make a name for yourself in the IT field. You can start your foray into getting them with the All-Access CompTIA A+ & Network Certification Prep Bundle. It’s on sale now for $45, but with the code ANNUAL60, you can get it on sale for just $18. 

Prices subject to change.

Black Gaming Couple Creates a Family-Friendly App With Melanin-Rich Characters
by Andrea Blackstone

July 30, 2021

Black Gaming Couple Creates a Family-Friendly App With Melanin-Rich Characters

Brown-colored dolls in apps do exist.

Clara and Dejon Turner –a couple who hails from Colo.— threw their hat in the ring to develop The Doll House Family™ app which features melanin-rich characters that flaunt an Afrocentric flair, according to BlackBusiness.com.

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The pair wanted to present positive images of “Black and brown people” in a game for families to enjoy, so they took action to make their idea happen in a pretend world. Players can pick from figures they want to navigate in a make believe land of driving vehicles, belting out tunes, or taking it easy to soak up the good life during poolside fun.

“Welcome to the Doll House , where your wildest dreams come true. where the Dolls are Brown Skin just like you,” according to information provided on the app’s site.

Dreams are becoming a reality for creatives who rarely saw themselves in dolls or games growing up. Apps made by Black developers are offered for adults, too. There is a growing interest in relatable apps which can interest people of color of all ages. Networking, reading, productivity and emojis are listed on one resource to point users in the direction of supporting apps like these, according to iMore.

Another app called Color Noir: Coloring Art Games offers pictures for users who are interested in “rediscovering the soothing bliss of coloring through the world’s best coloring book mobile app,” according to the developer’s page. The melanin-rich characters pop with beautiful color, reminding the world that people come in cocoa shades in real life, too. Many users who left app reviews gave it the thumbs up.

But if you are toting little ones around in a car, or on a shopping trip while seeking a little family fun on the go, add The Doll House Family’s app to your review list. Click here to find it.

 

Allen Iverson Joins Al Harrington’s Cannabis Company ‘To Change The Game’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 30, 2021

Allen Iverson Joins Al Harrington’s Cannabis Company ‘To Change The Game’

Allen Iverson has teamed up with fellow former NBA player Al Harrington “to change the game” within the cannabis industry.

On Thursday, word got out on Iverson’s addition to Voila, a purpose-driven cannabis brand co-founded by Harrington. The NBA Hall of Famer will serve as a talent partner and build on the company’s business initiatives, Forbes reports.

First on Iverson’s list is taking the lead ahead of Voila’s The Iverson Collection coming in October.

“I’ve had a lot of people approach me with business opportunities, but this one with Al was different,” Iverson said of the new venture.

“After seeing how devoted he is to this business, and him educating me on how beneficial the plant is, it just felt right. I’m excited to be a part of it; together, we’re about to change the game.”

In addition to having his own cannabis strain, Iverson will work to break the stigma around athletes and cannabis use. He will work to educate the NBA and others on the benefits of marijuana, CBS News reports.

“In the same way Allen impacted the culture, we’re going to continue to impact the cannabis industry,” Harrington said. “We’re going to keep pushing boundaries. I’m honored to have Allen on board. We want to continue to inspire others and encourage people of color to participate in the cannabis space.”

Harrington has been working to educate the NBA and others on the healing power of cannabis and how it can be of more benefit than prescription drugs in some cases. The two NBA alums recently sat down for The Players’ Tribune to discuss the stigmas they faced during their professional careers with drug use and their public image.

Back in March, Voila made history as the first Black-owned multinational cannabis brand after cannabinoid-centered biopharmaceutical company Avicanna agreed to license the brand to consumer markets in Canada, Forbes reports.

As part of the deal, Viola receives a royalty fee for the use of its name, while Avicanna has permission to develop products that will be sold in the US’ neighboring border.

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