The US gymnastics team is already feeling the weight of Simone Biles’ early exit from the Tokyo Olympics after coming in second in the finals.

On Tuesday, the US team’s two-win streak at the Olympics came to an end after Biles announced her departure due to a medical injury, USA Today reports. The USA took home the silver medal for the first time since the 2010 Olympics and Russia took home the gold for the first time since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

After seeing Biles struggle on the vault, there were inklings that the American team was in a rough spot.

“This Olympic Games, I wanted it to be for myself,” Biles said. “I came in and felt like I was still doing it for other people. That just hurts my heart that doing what I love has been kind of taken away from me to please other people.”

Biles admits that her early exit is to protect her mental health and isn’t due to a physical injury to her body.

“I have to do what’s right for me and focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being,” Biles said. “That’s why I decided to take a step back.”

During an appearance on NBC’s Today show on Tuesday, Biles explained how her departure was “more mental, and we’re just dealing with a couple of things internally,” NBC News reports.

“Physically, I feel good. I’m in shape,” Biles said. “Emotionally, it varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn’t an easy feat.”

Despite not taking home the gold like done in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles took to Instagram to applaud her team on their silver medal win.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

“OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALISTS 🤍 I’m SO proud of these girls right here,” Biles captioned the post. “You girls are incredibly brave & talented! I’ll forever be inspired by your determination to not give up and to fight through adversity! They stepped up when I couldn’t. thanks for being there for me and having my back! forever love y’all.”

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 27, 2021

White Woman Caught on Video Shouting Racial Slurs at Hotel Clerk in New Jersey

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A White woman from New Jersey is facing charges of bias intimidation, harassment, and assault after she was caught on video spewing racial slurs against a Black woman at a hotel in Mount Laurel.

According to 6 ABC Action News, police officials say that Elizabeth Trzeciak, 46, of South River was seen on video berating a Black hotel clerk at the Super 8 hotel, yet, she wasn’t even a guest at the hotel.

An employee of Super 8 filmed the encounter and posted it online.

Fox 29 reported that the Mount Laurel Police Department was called to the motel on Fellowship Road to respond to a call of a disorderly woman in the lobby. Officials stated that Trzeciak was intoxicated when police officers spotted her in the parking lot of the hotel. Police found out that she was staying at another hotel nearby and released her to a family member.

Several hours later, the police were shown the incendiary video of Trzeciak from the lobby of the Super 8. Police said Trzeciak also knocked items off the desk and threw some of them at the hotel employee. The Philly Voice also reported that after viewing the video, Trzeciak was charged with bias intimidation, assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. A Burlington County Judge had ordered the charges to be placed on a warrant.

“Based on the evidence from the video and again interviewing the victim, Ms. Trzeciak was charged with bias intimidation, assault, harassment and disorderly conduct after a review by an Assistant Prosecutor from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office,” police said. “A judge ordered charges placed on a warrant.”

Trzeciak appeared in court on Thursday, July 23. She is going to remain in custody until her detention hearing on Wednesday, July 28, in Burlington County Superior Court.

It is unclear why Trzeciak entered the hotel and embarked on her diatribe. “Nobody deserves to be treated like that,” Michelle Banfe, vice president of operations at the Super 8 hotel, told The Philly Voice. “I was appalled.”

• Lifestyle

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 27, 2021

‘Money With Marsai Martin’: A New Finance Series That Aims To Teach Gen-Z About Financial Literacy

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Teen actress and Hollywood’s youngest producer, Marsai Martin, is teaming up with In The Know, Verizon Media’s Gen Z video platform, to launch Money With Marsai Martin, a new finance series premiering today, July 27.

In this six-part series, Marsai hosts candid conversations on financial wellness, from the importance of setting financial goals at an early age to the benefits of maintaining a side hustle, with industry experts across finance, entertainment, and education.

As a young, successful woman of color, Marsai has developed a unique perspective on financial independence and will educate her peers and young fans on how they can achieve financial growth and literacy using the same tools and strategies. Money With Marsai Martin furthers In The Know’s ongoing commitment to highlighting the diverse voices and perspectives of industry changemakers and providing audiences with quality content that increases their ability to thrive.

As a successful actress and Hollywood’s youngest executive producer, Martin lends a fascinating perspective on navigating financial topics and situations as a teenager. By sharing her own personal financial experiences and interviewing experts on subjects absent from the standard curriculum, Money With Marsai Martin gives Gen Z viewers indispensable insights and advice they can incorporate into their own lives.

Financial literacy is crucial in closing today’s racial wealth gap, and Money With Marsai Martin dives into what can be confusing topics in an engaging and fun way. From the historical concepts of currency, to types of saving accounts and bank loans, the new program fills a gap in financial literacy programming with BIPOC guests who are financial experts in their own right, and candid advice for young viewers to put sound financial habits into practice today–so they can benefit tomorrow.

“Becoming financially independent has been such an important part of my journey both personally and professionally, so I’m excited to partner with In The Know to share what I’ve learned from my experiences with people my own age,” said Martin. “As one of the most successful and entrepreneurial generations in history, it’s important for us to prioritize financial literacy and educate young people on the tools and strategies they need to succeed.”

Money With Marsai Martin guests include: Partner and Global Head of Sustainability and Impact at Goldman Sachs, Margaret Anadu; author, investor and serial entrepreneur, Dawn Dickson-Akpoghene; author and influencer, DJ Envy; Spelman College Professor Suneye Rae Holmes; financial activist Dasha Kennedy, and top Hollywood business manager Humble Lukanga.

“In The Know is focused on creating original series and content that spotlights diverse voices and supports diverse businesses,” said Andrea Wasserman, head of global commerce, Verizon Media. “Building on our successful original content series thus far, Money With Marsai Martin will address an essential topic, not only for diverse audiences, but for younger viewers, too. We’re excited to partner with Marsai Martin, who can share her unique perspective on financial prowess.”

Since its inception, In The Know has been focused on spotlighting essential topics with diverse voices, including Hannah Bronfman, Coi LeRay, Brett Gray, Draya Michele, and Mj Rodriguez. With programs from In The Know x Black Girl Podcast Presents: Enter the Chat to Black Changemakers, the brand’s influencer and partnerships strategy is key to resonating and connecting with young and diverse audiences.

Additionally, last month In The Know announced award-winning journalist Elaine Welteroth as its consulting editor at large, to continue sharing meaningful, culture-shifting stories and amplifying diverse perspectives.

Christian Robinson is a successful Black creative on the move.

The inspirational author, illustrator, and animator landed a deal called The Christian Robinson for Target collection, according to a press release.

It consists of over 70 kid-focused offerings–from home and apparel to books–that cost between $6 and $70. The items, designed to spark “discovery and play,” can be purchased starting August 15 via Target.com or in a majority of Target’s brick and mortar store locations.

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Today, every molecule that I am made of is buzzing with excitement! Y’all… @Target and I have collaborated on a limited edition collection of 70 items across home and apparel for kids and baby! Available in all Target stores and online August 15th!#ChristianRobinsonxTarget pic.twitter.com/0mu25oVv5R

— Christian Robinson (@theartoffunnews) July 26, 2021

Robinson’s success is not a fluke. He devoted  his energy to reach higher career heights. Robinson illustrated Meghan Markle’s first children’s book, The Bench, which was published by Simon & Schuster.

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From Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, comes a debut children’s book about the special bond between father and son as told through a mother’s eyes. It was an honor to illustrate this book! Available wherever books are sold June 8th! https://t.co/o7VLO08RlP pic.twitter.com/jpixXeS00M

— Christian Robinson (@theartoffunnews) May 4, 2021

The New York Times bestseller was not Robinson’s sole accomplishment. Other career stops include studying animation at the California Institute of the Arts, working with the Sesame Workshop and Pixar Animation Studios, then later earning more accolades for illustrating children’s books.

“As a child, drawing became a way to make space for myself and to create the kind of world I wanted to see,” Robinson said in Target’s press release. “Working with Target to bring this collection to life has been a dream come true and I hope it helps all Target guests, big and small, create a space of their own that is timeless, captures their imaginations and sparks their curiosity.”

“We know our guests want their homes to be a reflection of themselves and look to Target for inspiration and new ways to explore their creativity,” Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer for Target said. “Christian Robinson’s curiosity and creativity are unmatched. We’re thrilled to be able to introduce our guests to such a special partner and deliver an inclusive collection that is as inspiring as it is affordable.”

Click here to find the collection.

• News

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

July 27, 2021

U.S. CDC Set To Fully Recommend Vaccinated Americans Wear Masks Indoors In Some Cases

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By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is set on Tuesday to recommend fully vaccinated Americans wear masks indoors in at least some instances, as the more highly transmissible Delta variant of the coronavirus has led to a surge in infections, sources said.

The CDC is also expected to recommend all students and teachers at kindergarten through 12th grade schools wear masks regardless of vaccination status, the sources said.

The changes mark a reversal of the CDC’s announcement in May that prompted millions of vaccinated Americans to shed their face coverings.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki confirmed the CDC would be revising its guidance on masks based on evolving data and a changing virus.

“Our goal is to save their lives, and our responsibility and the responsibility of public health officials is to continue to provide updated guidance … from an evolving virus,” Psaki said.

The United States leads the world in the daily average number of new infections https://graphics.reuters.com/world-coronavirus-tracker-and-maps, accounting for one in every nine cases reported worldwide each day. The seven-day average for new cases has been rising sharply and stands at 57,126, still about a quarter of the pandemic peak.

The CDC will announce revised mask guidance but the specifics of when and where the agency will recommend fully vaccinated Americans wear masks indoors are not clear, the sources said. The recommendations to wear masks in some indoor settings will apply in areas with surging COVID-19 cases, they said.

The CDC, which declined to comment, said it plans a 3 p.m. (1900 GMT) COVID-19 update media briefing.

In May, the agency advised that fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks outdoors and can avoid wearing them indoors in most places, guidance the agency said would allow life to begin to return to normal.

The CDC also said in May that fully immunized people would not need to physically distance in most places.

The school advice is a change from earlier this month, when the CDC recommended for U.S. schools reopening in the fall the use of masks indoors for everyone not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and three feet (1 meter) of distance within classrooms.

When a reporter noted that at least eight states bar schools from requiring masks, Psaki said: “I am happy not to live in a state where that is the guidance.”

‘A NECESSARY PRECAUTION’

The CDC said earlier that school administrators can require indoor mask use even for students and educators who are vaccinated, depending on the needs of the community.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten praised the expected new CDC mask guidance in a statement, saying it was needed “to deal with the changing realities of virus transmission.”

She called it “a necessary precaution until children under 12 can receive a COVID vaccine and more Americans over 12 get vaccinated.”

The new CDC recommendations are not binding and many Americans, especially in Republican leaning states, may choose not to follow them.

On Monday, the Biden administration confirmed it will not lift any existing international travel restrictions, citing the rising number of CVOID-19 cases and the expectation that they will continue to rise in the weeks ahead.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said in May that the relaxed guidance was based on a sharp reduction in cases, expansion of vaccines to younger people, and vaccine efficacy against coronavirus variants.

At the time, it still recommended vaccinated people wear masks on planes and trains, and at airports, transit hubs, mass transit and places like hospitals and doctor’s offices.

Top U.S. infectious disease official Anthony Fauci said on Sunday on CNN that health officials were considering whether to revise mask guidance for vaccinated Americans, saying it was “under active consideration.”

Masks became a political issue in the United States with then-President Donald Trump resisting mandating face coverings while President Joe Biden embraced masks and mandated them for transit hubs days after taking office.

Some U.S. states issued aggressive mask mandates while others declined to do so or dropped them months ago.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Nandita Bose; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien and Bill Berkrot)

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 27, 2021

Legendary Cross Colours Brand Unveils Customer Experience at Nordstrom NYC Flagship

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The legendary Black-owned fashion brand Cross Colours is celebrating the decade that made them a household name in fashion through a new customer experience in New York City.

On Monday, Cross Colours unveiled a two-week pop-up exhibition at the Nordstrom Flagship in NYC. The installation lasts from July 26 to August 8 and highlights the brand’s past and present in a way that celebrates the 1990s.

It includes pieces worn by celebrities and consumers over the years since Cross Colours 1989 inception and works to tell their story of success. Images and original pieces worn by the likes of Tupac Shakur, Magic Johnson and Will Smith will take fans of the brand on an immersive journey while walking through the exhibit.

The pop-up shop is part of Nordstrom’s revolving Center Stage platform where a rotating pop-up shop features the world’s greatest brands. The new installation will remind Cross Colours fans that the brand is still here to stay while introducing new supporters to the brand’s rich and iconic history.

“Nordstrom is giving the brand one of the greatest platforms in the history of Cross Colours,” said Carl Jones, Co-founder of Cross Colours. “This launch will be the first time we have the opportunity to showcase our full collection in one place – the fleece, the denim – and in the way that we would like to present it to our customers. We have an opportunity to create a true Cross Colours experience for our customers. For us, that’s everything.”

Pieces available for sale at the exhibit and online include hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts, rugbys, hats and footwear ranging from $20-$88.

“This collaboration with Nordstrom is monumental for Cross Colours. To us, this collaboration reinforces the fact that the brand is important to the community and to the culture. Ultimately, Nordstrom has provided us with an opportunity for sustainability; we’re excited for the chance to continue impacting new generations with our message,” said TJ Walker, Co-founder of Cross Colours.

• News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

July 27, 2021

White Woman Harasses Black Woman Selling Hair Products, Asks If She’s Dealing Drugs

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At this point, we’re all aware that Karens are going to Karen. In the latest case of “Karens Doing Karen Things,” a white woman in Sacramento was caught on video harassing a Black business owner and asking if she was selling drugs.

Ronnie Marie Paiva, the owner of Marie’s Luxury Hair Extensions, was just making a delivery to a client on her bicycle, Yahoo News reports. A TikTok user under the name @prettii_tb captured the moment Paiva came to deliver her haircare products but was almost stopped by a white woman who just couldn’t mind her business.

The video shows Paiva approaching the customer, but a white woman comes and says she’s giving her a “head’s up” that it looks like she’s doing “a drug deal.” Paiva tells the woman to call the police if she’s doing anything wrong and informs her that she is a homeowner in the area who pays $50,000 in taxes.

However, the white woman asks Paiva why she won’t just operate her business at home and not at the public park she rode her bike to.

@prettii_tbHair Transaction with marieshairextensions.com 😍 ##fypシ ##fy ##Karen ##karensoftiktok ##NoDrugs ##JustHair ##Natomas ##Sacramento♬ original sound – Prettii B

“Because I can. It’s a public park,” Paiva exclaimed.

After showing the white woman the haircare products inside of her bike’s basket, the woman can be heard telling Paiva that others in the neighborhood have complained about “the girl on the bike selling drugs.”

Paiva has since received swarms of support from those who watched the video and felt sympathy for the Black business owner. She has been in business for seven years and shared an update thanking everyone for their support.

“Jesus turned into a moment for His Glory,” Paiva told The Grio. “Because when you know who you are, where you came from, and where you’re headed … you don’t let anymore take you out of your character.”

• News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 27, 2021

Two Atlanta Police Officers Suspended After Video Kicking Black Woman Goes Viral

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A police officer in Atlanta has been suspended and another one placed on administrative leave after a video clip surfaced of a police sergeant kicking a Black woman in the head after she spat at his feet.

A video clip of the incident was placed on social media and went viral. According to the Instagram post that captured the incident:

“APD were called to a Summerhill apartment for a domestic incident between a woman and another resident. The woman who was detained on the concrete face down was kicked in the face by an officer after she spat on his boots and pants. Do you think excessive force was used in this situation?”

 

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A post shared by Atlanta News & Media (@atluncensored)

According to Atlanta In Town, an Atlanta Police officer was seen in an Instagram post kicking a woman in the face as she laid on the ground with her wrists in handcuffs. Based on that video, the attacking police officer was suspended while the other was placed on administrative leave because she failed to intervene.

The Atlanta Police Department released a statement late on Monday that both police officers who are seen in the video had been relieved from duty.

“Upon reviewing the video, the actions of the sergeant appear to be unacceptable and we are also concerned with the apparent lack of reaction from another officer present during the incident. The decision was made to relieve both employees from duty, with the sergeant placed on unpaid suspension and the officer placed on administrative assignment. The Atlanta Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards (OPS) was directed to open an investigation into the actions of all employees on-scene and their investigation is to be expedited.”

Gerald Griggs, vice president of the Atlanta NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) talked with Fox 5 Atlanta.

“Shocked and angered,” said Griggs, “You know we’ve been talking about community-police relations for a long time in Atlanta. And to see something like that, a handcuffed individual kicked in the face, nothing justifies that. So, you know, the NAACP got involved, started investigating, reached out to the police chief, made contact with the family, and ultimately we’re trying to get to the bottom of what happened.”