by Charlene Rhinehart

July 3, 2021

Over 300,000 People Have Signed Petition to Support Track Star Sha’Carri Richardson; Received Suspension After Positive Marijuana Test

There’s a petition for Sha’Carri Richardson to rejoin the Olympic team and the signature list is growing every minute.

As of Saturday afternoon, the petition has garnered over 300,000 signatures.

Fans of Sha’Carri Richardson were outraged when news broke that the 21-year-old track star would face a 30-day Olympic team suspension after testing positive for marijuana. The U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) formally announced her suspension on Friday, noting that Richardson accepted a one-month suspension that started on June 28.

“The rules are clear, but this is heartbreaking on many levels,” said USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart in a statement released on July 2. “Hopefully, her acceptance of responsibility and apology will be an important example to us all that we can successfully overcome our regrettable decisions, despite the costly consequences of this one to her.”

MoveOn Civic Action,  a 501(c)(4) organization, responded immediately. The organization launched a petition to allow Richardson to compete in the 100-meter dash.

“The world is coming together for a Summer Olympics postponed by a global pandemic, and we deserve to see the best athletes in fair, open competition,” the petition reads. “That includes Sha’Carri Richardson, whose one-month penalty is excessively punitive for an irrational, outdated rule.”

Last month, Sha’Carri Richardson won the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.86 seconds at the U.S Olympic trials. This secured her status as one of the fastest women in America and earned her a spot to represent the country in the 100-meter dash at the Tokyo Olympics.

During this momentous occasion, Richardson also had to digest some unexpected news.

“Last week, finding out my biological mother passed away and still choosing to pursue my dreams,” Richardson told reporters after her victory at the U.S. Olympic trials. “Still coming out here…still here to make the family that I do still have on this earth proud. And the fact [is] nobody knows what I go through. Everybody has struggles and I understand that. But y’all see me on this track. Y’all see the poker face I put on. But nobody but them and my coach know what I go through on a day-to-day basis.”

On Friday morning, Richardson participated in an interview with the “Today” show to talk about her suspension and how her mother’s death impacted her. She told Savannah Guthrie that she used marijuana as a coping mechanism.

“It sent me into a state of emotional panic,” Richardson said. “I didn’t know how to control my emotions or deal with my emotions during that time.”

Richardson also stated that she takes full responsibility for her actions and noted that ‘I am human’. She shares the stress of having to put on a performance to realize her dream while dealing with personal pain.

“Who am I to tell you how to cope when you’re dealing with a pain or you’re dealing with a struggle that you’ve never experienced before, or that you’ve never thought you would have to do it?” she shared. “Like who am I to tell you how to cope? Who am I to tell you that you are wrong for hurting?”

Petition to Support Sha’Carri Richardson

MoveOn Civic Action stands by Sha’Carri Richardson. The organization is speaking out and collecting signatures to help Richardson reclaim her spot in this year’s 100-meter dash competition at the Olympics. They are advocating that the Olympics and USADA review their outdated rules around marijuana and athletes.

“In no world is marijuana a performance-enhancing drug for runners, and in more places in the United States and around the world, marijuana use is legal,” the petition states. “The United States Anti-Doping Agency should drop their penalty and allow Richardson to compete!”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 3, 2021

Award-Winning Music Producer J Rhodes Discusses His Latest Film ‘It’s A Wonderful Plight’

After working with some notable artists in the world of music, Justin L. “J” Rhodes, who has won some coveted awards (Billboard, Stellar, and Dove) and is a platinum-selling music producer from Dallas, Texas, is now making his mark in the film industry with a film titled, “It’s A Wonderful Plight.” BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Rhodes about the transitions he’s encountered, the reason he created his latest film, and what he is working on for the future.

You are an award-winning music producer who has worked with notables such as Dr. Dre, Styles P, Rick Ross, Royce Da 5’9, Talib Kweli, and LeCrae to name a few. With your success in music, what prompted your transition into film and TV?

Ultimately, as successful as I was, producing for other artists is great… but the waiting game is what killed me. There’s a powerless feeling to creating something and then just hoping that an artist will use it. Once someone of note values your music and wants to use it, there is a euphoric feeling. After the money is paid, and the track dies down a bit though, you are right back to playing the waiting game. With film, there was so much day-to-day freedom and control in the process. Every day is a journey, not just the end result. Film is a place also where ALL of my talents can live. Producing, writing, rapping, film scoring, acting, editing, my comedic timing, my ability to tell a story… they all can live in one place and I LOVE that about it. It was ultimately a natural progression. I still am heavy in the music industry but now the work comes to me instead of me seeking it so there is freedom in that as well.

It’s A Wonderful Plight is gaining a significant following in the film community as it delves into many societal issues such as gentrification, systemic racism, microaggressions, and inequalities that plague our communities daily. What inspired you to make this film?

Just wanting to approach the age-old conversation about the plight of the African American in a unique way. We got accepted into the American Black Film Festival in 2019 for a music visual to a song I created called MakeItTakeIt. It attacked 400 plus years of systemic oppression of black in America. I was at the ABFF awards, and I thought “Hey if they loved this song so much, what if we made a musical with various songs that were similar, Kind of like a WOKE Christmas Carol”. Then the title “It’s a Wonderful Plight” just instantly came into my head. And two years later… here we are.

What tips would you share with those looking to take the entrepreneurial leap into the creative industries?

Make sure that you’re loving what you do. So cliche, but if you love it and feel it and are telling YOUR story in YOUR own unique way… the success and money will come.

Not only are you a seasoned music industry producer and film director, but you are an editor, sound designer, and film scorer. How important is it for someone to be flexible and multi-faceted in business?

I think it is VERY important. The more creative vehicles that you yourself are able to navigate the easier it will be to get your projects moving. I will however suggest MASTERY in something before you make it an official hat. Master at least one thing first and don’t try to learn everything at once. Learn an instrument, then pick up another one in essence.

What is on the horizon for upcoming projects or entrepreneurial endeavors?

I’m still producing music for your favorite artist so stay tuned for some new things on that end. I’m currently creating music for an IAWP sequel. After the music is finished I will start fleshing out the script, but a sequel is in the works. I’m also working on new music for myself and other up-and-coming indie artists that are sounding immaculate right now!

by Keka Araújo

July 3, 2021

Viral Video: A Becky Showed Her Whole A** In A Twerk-Off Against Nicole Bass, She Still Lost

TikToker Nicole Bass ate some unsuspecting Becky’s a** up after she tried to challenge her during a twerk-off in an unknown restaurant. 

The hilarious video posted by the woman known as  Finesse_Badazz on TikTok showed her busting a move in a restaurant during Pride month (June). 

Apparently, the unidentified Becky felt like she could do a better job and proceeded to drop her pants to show her narrow behind– complete with a thong. Lil booty Judy placed her hands upon her knees and dropped it like it was everything but hot. It was something but not a twerk. A lone white woman in the video appeared to hype the rhythmically challenged chick up.

Bass didn’t miss a beat. The twerk aficionado bulldozed over the woman to the delight of the crowd. The restaurant erupted in laughter and praise for Bass. One patron even made it rain cash money on the woman. 

 

@finesse_badazz##♏️😎🤪 ##twerkcontest ##pridemonth2021🥰🏳️‍🌈♬ Thot Shit – Megan Thee Stallion

It was a sight to see. More context is also posted below.

 

Of course, the video went viral, and the responses on social media were hilarious.

 

Needless to say, Bass won!

by Andrea Blackstone

July 3, 2021

Meet Mahogany L. Browne: The Lincoln Center’s First Ever Poet-in-Residence

Mahogany L. Browne is a poet, “author, organizer, and educator” from Brooklyn, N.Y. who knows a thing or two about fostering a sense of community.

Browne serves as the Executive Director of JustMedia, which is a “literacy initiative designed to support the groundwork of criminal justice leaders and community members.” But Browne is also using her talents on another platform. She  became the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts’ first poet-in-residence, per the center’s recent announcement.

“We Are The Work”—the name of the residency— will incorporate in-person and virtual events, “along with new poetry by Browne, commissioned specifically for the residency.”

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This residency “will include all of the intersections that shaped my process as both artist and advocate,” Browne said. “My landscape of being has been impacted by mass incarceration, poetry, social movement work, abolition, immigration, reclamation of joy, youth leadership, literacy, and mental wellness. This grouping of writers, artists, movement workers, experts, performers, and educators is a call to the frontline.”

Browne’s residency will kick off on July 10 with a “multipart roving artistic experience” showcasing visual and literary artists –such as Russell Craig, Rico Frederick, Eboni Hogan, and others. The selected artists will explore oppression. Live music will be provided. Youth will also perform poetry. Brown will host the inaugural event which will be followed by free curated events which include a book fair, film screenings, concerts, readings, spoke word events, a baby movement class and more which will be open to the public, according to the press release.

The residency is being presented with Restart Stages, which is described as  “a program of the SNF-LC Agora Initiative with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which activates outdoor space through artistic and community initiatives that speak to our current moment, and reimagines cultural engagement in public space for a new era,” per Broadway World.

“As we do our part to champion the cultural and economic comeback of our city, it’s incumbent upon us to ensure we’re supporting the voices, stories, and lived experiences of those whose artistry holds up a mirror to our world—even when those stories and experiences may be difficult to see,” Jordana Leigh, Senior Director of Programming at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts said in the announcement. “Poetry is a uniquely powerful art form. We are so fortunate to be working with Mahogany and the phenomenal group of artists she is convening.”

Please click here to learn more information about the event on July 10 or Browne’s forthcoming in-person and virtual events in which will be a part of the Lincoln Center’s for the Performing Arts’ residency.

A Black, Male Doula Steps Up to Advocate for Women During Childbirth
by Andrea Blackstone

July 3, 2021

A Black, Male Doula Steps Up to Advocate for Women During Childbirth

Dustin Young, 37, proves that men can also be doulas who help to empower and protect women during the birthing experience.

Youngs is a male doula from Carson, Ca. who became certified in 2020 because he wanted to be an advocate and coach for women during the birthing process.

If you are unfamiliar with the world of doulas, according to the American Pregnancy Association,  a doula “is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.”

Young does not fit the stereotype as a typical doula, but he does not have to be anyone other than who he is. The advocate is a Black, childless, single male who was inquisitive “about birthing process, since he was little, ”according to Spectrum News1.

Young’s unique journey took shape after he helped Alexis Pitts, who is Young’s sister, to give birth in 2019, Good Morning America reported. Additionally, the “family worked hard on a birthing plan” for his sister, but the staff did not acknowledge specific requests and empathy was missing.

“It was just like, ‘Sit here. Do this. Push,'” Young told Good Morning America. “It was just so quick and fast. We didn’t really get to cherish the moment.

Young has assisted three women with births, after becoming “a certified doula at Kindred Space LA,” which is a birth center. A birth advocate’s presence may also help reinforce the need for safer birth experiences. Spectrum News1 noted that Black mother “die at four times the rate as white moms ”in Los Angeles County.

Educating more men about the birthing process is a step that Young believes can increase men’s’ confidence to support pregnant women who are their partners. He stated that “the pregnancy process involves two people,”  according to Spectrum News 1.

But Young also strives to not only contribute to the wellbeing of pregnant women, he also gives back to the community through a nonprofit that he founded called Our Own.

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“We are dismantling systemic barriers in nutrition, education, entrepreneurship, mental health and physical fitness to further ensure racial equity and social justice,” information on the website read.

Young’s proactive leadership and advocacy as a Black male in various sectors is refreshing and needed.

“I just really want to change things,” Young in the Spectrum News 1 interview. “I like solving problems. I don’t want to put Band-Aids on anything, I actually want to solve and heal.”

 

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 3, 2021

Washington Football Team Fined $10 Million Due to Inappropriate Workplace Culture

The National Football League (NFL) announced on Thursday that it fined the Washington Football Team $10 million after an independent investigation revealed the outcome of a review about the team’s workplace culture.

The Washington Football Team had been under review by the NFL, which was led by independent counsel Beth Wilkinson, and it was discovered that the club’s workplace had been deemed improper for many years, according to the report.

She was brought on to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into allegations of hostile workplace culture at the franchise. The organization had been accused of bullying and harassment, and Wilkinson had been tasked to make recommendations regarding any remedial measures the club should take based on her findings.

In a written statement Commissioner Roger Goodell said: “I want to thank Beth Wilkinson and her team for conducting a thorough and independent review of the Washington club’s workplace culture and conduct and providing both the club and me with a series of thoughtful recommendations based on her findings. Beth and her team performed their work in a highly professional and ethical manner. Most importantly, I want to thank the current and former employees who spoke to Beth and her team; they provided vital information that will help ensure that the workplace environment at the club continues to improve. It is incredibly difficult to relive painful memories. I am grateful to everyone who courageously came forward.”

Based on the findings, Washington owner Daniel Snyder has released the following statement.

“I have learned a lot in the past few months about how my club operated, and the kind of workplace that we had. It is now clear that the culture was not what it should be, but I did not realize the extent of the problems, or my role in allowing that culture to develop and continue. I know that as the owner, I am ultimately responsible for the workplace. I have said that and I say it again. I feel great remorse for the people who had difficult, even traumatic, experiences while working here. I’m truly sorry for that. I can’t turn back the clock, but I promise that nobody who works here will ever have that kind of experience again, at least not as long as Tanya and I are the owners of this team.

“Over the last 18 months we have made a lot of changes. We have a new and diverse leadership team, a comprehensive program of training, culture surveys, and employee support, and a commitment to ensuring that every employee of the Washington Football Club comes to a professional and respectful workplace every day. And while there has been real progress, we are not finished, and will continue to improve in every way that we can. I appreciate the people who came forward and intend fully to implement all of the recommendations coming out of the investigation. Going forward, my focus will be on making the Washington Football Team a source of pride to all of its employees, fans and partners, including my partners in the NFL.”

The NFL has also announced that the $10 million fine will be used charitably as it will be applied “to support organizations committed to character education, anti-bullying, healthy relationships and related topics. They will also fund programs directed more broadly at improving the workplace, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups, and training and development programs throughout the league, with recipients identified with the assistance of respected third-party advisors. We will solicit recommendations from the club, particularly for organizations based in the Washington metropolitan area.”

by Keka Araújo

July 3, 2021

Bobby Brown and Keith Sweat’s Verzuz Proved Why They Are The Kangs Of R&B

Thursday night’s Verzuz from the Essence Festival was everything Gen-Xers needed it to be. And social media went nuts. 

Keith Sweat and Bobby Brown showed Black folks why they will forever be the Kings of R&B. Sweat gave sexy, drunk uncle while Brown served corner boy realness. 

DJ Cassidy played songs from the two veteran entertainers. The two artists went head to head with their best tracks, including “I Want Her” and “Every Little Step.” 

Uncle Keith blew minds by playing tracks many had no idea he penned like, the late Johnny Kemp’s jam “Just Got Paid” and Guy’s slow jam supreme, “Let’s Chill.”

Here are some of the best tweets to commemorate the night. 

Uncle Keith didn’t want the smooth taste to fool us. He let DJ Cassidy know he was a goon back in the day.

 

They even sang each other’s songs which prompted this hilarious tweet.

 

Sweat hyped up the crowd with his nod to Drake and transition into his classic hit “Make It Last Forever.”

 

Although Brown’s voice is a shell of what it once was, he still had moves. 

 

Brown had everybody shook when he went into “Roni.”

 

It was no secret that Sweat was gone off the Ciroc. He even serenaded the alcoholic beverage. 

 

 

All in all–fun was had by all. You can’t outdo Black people. 

Build Your Dream Team With The Help Of This HR And Administrative Management Bundle
by Black Enterprise Shop

July 3, 2021

Build Your Dream Team With The Help Of This HR And Administrative Management Bundle

Human resources is essential to any growing organization. Even if you’re a business owner claiming to be hands-on and a jack of all trades, you can’t expect to make your venture flourish without having a team that will support you every step of the way. You need people that will contribute to your bottom line, so it’s important that you learn how to hire, onboard, and cultivate professionals that can help work towards your goals.

Hiring people is one thing, and getting them to stay and helping them grow professionally is a whole other challenge. But with the Professional HR & Administrative Management Bundle, you’ll get an overview of how HR works, with lessons on management, administration, crisis communication, virtual interviews, and more. Right now, you can get it on sale for only $10.

Put together by Skill UP, an online learning establishment that seeks to promote the learning experience related to knowledge in the latest and proficient fields, this package is designed to help you create a pool of excellent employees that will stay and grow with you. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance on employee recruitment and selection procedures, learn how to write a performance appraisal, get to grips with the best practices for managing communications effectively, and discover deeper insights on subjects like business etiquette, organizing meetings and conferences, and more.

Since a distributed workforce is now the norm, you’ll also learn how to effectively handle virtual interviews. Plus, you can expect to explore things like managing employee termination, promoting diversity and equality in the workplace, developing a solid crisis communication plan, implementing an efficient compliance management system, and office ethics.

Build your dream team and snag The Professional HR & Administrative Management Bundle, which is currently on sale. With 9 courses for only $10, that clocks in at less than $2 per course.

Prices subject to change.

Black Man Received A Bike After Bikers Found Out He Walks Nearly 17 Miles Between Two Jobs
by Christian Spencer

July 2, 2021

Black Man Received A Bike After Bikers Found Out He Walks Nearly 17 Miles Between Two Jobs

A Black employee at Buffalo Wild Wings used to commute 17 miles between two jobs every day until a white man bought him a bike.

Twenty-year-old Donte Franklin is an Oklahoma cook at the popular sports eatery. Even as the nation faces a record breaking heat wave this summer, Franklin was determined to walk 8-9 miles to work, People Magazine reported.

Related stories: BLACK GIRLS DO BIKE CREATES COMMUNITY FOR BLACK WOMEN THROUGH CYCLING 

His 8 mile walks takes him about two-and-a-half hours and he has to leaves three hours before his shift starts, he told Fox affiliate KOKH.

“I really don’t care if it gets tiring, I just have to keep pushing,” Franklin, who said life has been “hard” since his mother died when he was 16, told the outlet. “I walk just to make my family proud.”

It was fate that good samaritan Michael Lynn was driving in the same direction as Franklin, and he could not believe that Franklin was willing to travel such as a distance.

“I was going down 12th Street and I saw him,” Lynn told ABC affiliate KOCO. “I was thinking, ‘Boy it’s a hot day.’ One thing led to another, and I’m finding out he’s [walking to work]… I just couldn’t believe it.”

That day, Franklin accepted a ride from Lynn after explaining his situation. Lynn then took to Facebook to post about his incredible story, which got the attention of biking enthusiast Kerri Collins who operates bike-themed charities with her husband.

“Anytime I see something posted concerning anybody anywhere in Oklahoma, I immediately jump in and we do whatever we can do as a group,” Collins said. “It just touched me that this man is only 20 years old and is walking to two different jobs with nothing in the heat.”

Before long, the group had secured a brand-new bike for Franklin to ride to work, and presented it to him together.

The group managed to secure a mountain bike for Franklin, which will cut down the estimated time of arrival to one job by 30 minutes.

Things are also getting better for Franklin as one of Lynn’s associates, Antonio Jaramillo, set up a GoFundMe page campaign that reached its original goal of $2000 and has surpassed $50,000 for a new car.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 2, 2021

Master P’s College-Bound Son, Hercy Miller, Signs Groundbreaking $2 Million Brand Deal

Earlier this year Master P said he had a $2.5 million dollar deal on the table for son Hercy Miller if the NCAA changes the payment rules for college athletes. Well the rules have changed and now college athletes can profit off their names, image and likeness.

The incoming Tennessee State University freshman will immediately capitalize off the newly changed NCAA rules by becoming a brand ambassador for Web Apps America Knox News reported.

Back in April, Master P gave the world notice saying that a deal was waiting in the wings once a ruling came down in favor of athletes profiting from their own image. It happened and now his college-bound son will benefit.

“I told Hercy he’ll probably be the highest-paid college player in college basketball history if he do this deal,” says Master P during an interview with TMZ Sports. “Guys that are going to the G League, they’re not even getting that type of money.”

“I made $400 a month and that’s what the players are making right now. This kid get a chance to make $2.5 million right out the gate and be at an HBCU.”

The No Limit businessman made a recent Instagram post regarding his son.

“My son is the future! He’s an A student with a big heart. He’s all about giving back to the community. He’s a beast on the court because he works hard @hercymiller It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish “Fearless Dreamer” @tennstateu #TheBigBlue #Godisgood 2021-22 basketball season get your tickets NOW #nashville“

 

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