Cardi B not only turned out her onstage performance with The Migos, but the “WAP” rapper also revealed her growing baby bump during the 2021 BET Awards on Sunday night.
The glowing mom-to-be also posted a provocative image of herself on Twitter.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhcongratulations, I love you so much, you are incredible, I love you, I want to be like you, I love you, you are a super woman, I love you, you are wonderful, I love you, congratulations, did I say that I love you?
It’s her second child with her husband and Migos member, Offset. The couple’s first child, Kulture, was born in 2018.
Cardi was also nominated for five BET awards including, Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, Best Collaboration (“WAP” with Megan Thee Stallion), Viewer’s Choice Award and Video Of The Year–for two singles (“WAP” and “Up”).
Simone Biles Dominates First Night of U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials with Signature Moves
Simone Biles is making headlines for her dazzling performance during the first night of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials.
On Friday, Biles led the women’s competition with an all-around score of of 60.565. She received top scores in the vault, floor, and beam routines, placing her ahead of second place gymnast Sunisa Lee.
“Going into this, I know exactly what to expect,” Biles told NBC during an interview. “And I’m a lot more emotional this time around, which is so crazy. Even walking out, I was like tearing up and crying and the girls were like, Are you OK?”
Biles Takes Lead at U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials
Simone Biles is on a mission to secure her spot on Team USA for the Olympics. The event will kick off on July 23 in Tokyo, Japan.
Biles, 24, is currently the most decorated World Championship gymnast in the country, NPR reported. She’s claimed 25 championship medals and four gold medals. She is considered to be the greatest gymnast of all time.
Despite her success, she still puts in the work to improve her performance every day. Last month, Biles became the first woman to land Yurchenko double pike vault performance. Named after Russian gymnast Natalia Yurchenko, it involves a stunt with a single flip. Biles added a twist to the move by incorporating an additional flip and making it a double pike.
“[I knew] it was going to be fine because in training I had done it so many times,” Biles told PEOPLE. “I do it every other day. And for the last couple of months, shoot, I would say like four months we’ve done on competition surface. So I felt pretty confident.”
Although Biles had success with the move at the U.S. Classic, she didn’t add the Yurchenko double pike to her routine on Friday. Instead, she started on uneven bars, recording the third-highest score of the evening. Then, she proceeded with a balance beam routine which featured the double-double dismount. This routine, famously named after her, was a fan favorite. She topped it off with a floor routine which included a triple double.
Biles’ performance put her nearly three points ahead of her closest competitor, Sunisa Lee. She received scores over 15 on beam, vault and floor, earning her highest floor exercise score with 15.366 points, Today reported. Her uneven bars performance earned her 14.6 points.
Team USA Will Be Announced Soon
Biles top competitors include Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, MyKala Skinner, Grace McCallum and Kayla DiCello. Six female gymnasts will be selected to represent Team USA in Tokyo. A four-person team and two individual competitors will be announced on Sunday night.
Jade Carey has already earned one of the individual spots due to her performance in the World Cup Series over the past three years.
Mo’Nique Sparked Another Debate Over Bonnets After She Posted Pic Of Woman At Airport On Her IG
Comedienne and actress, Mo’Nique, sparked another online debate about bonnets and respectability on Sunday.
The Oscar-winning entertainer, who took to social media earlier last month to weigh in on the appropriateness of bonnets and pajamas in public, posted a photo of a Black woman in attire that looked like she was at home versus an airport.
Auntie Mo’ captioned the Instagram image with a message for her “babies.”
“Hey BEAUTIFUL QUEENS. 🥰 NO SHAMING. If this is the BEST YOU CAN DO– NO JUDGMENT. DO YOU. This was sent to me as an example of what we’re talking about that goes on in our community. However, if this is not your BEST, then do BETTER! Being that ultimately the decision, either way, is yours. I LOVE US 4REAL❤️,” she wrote.
User Nicki Allure suggested that folks don’t know what’s going on in the lives of others, saying, “We don’t know her story. Plus she’s minding her business like 🤷🏽♀️ what’s so hard about people are entitled.”
Another person agreed.
“You are dead wrong for posting a pic asking for public scrutiny. One thing she is doing that we ALL should be doing is minding our business. She did not authorize this pic,” someone wrote on the post.
Another person suggested Mo’Nique should have had grace because Patti Labelle exhibited the same for her.
“You literally created a space for Black folks to judge this woman, we don’t know her circumstance. We should normalize minding our business. Cause Patti LaBelle didn’t do this to you when she pulled you to the side.”
There were followers who agreed with Mo’Nique.
“Not gonna lie, this looks a mess but I would hate to be posted on a celebrities Instagram page as an example.”
One follower referenced the affordability of travel and looking decent.
“EXACTLY!! Like I said earlier if you have money to travel you should have money to look appropriate NO EXCUSES!!”
One woman suggested that the subject of the photo should have done better.
“If folks would hate to be an example such as this they should think twice before going in public like this.”
24-Year-Old Gabby Thomas Becomes Second Fastest 200 Meter Runner of All Time
Gabby Thomas is making headlines for winning the women’s 200 meter dash during Saturday’s U.S. Olympic trials. She clocked in at 21.61 seconds, making her the second fastest runner of all-time, NBC Sports reported. The 24-year-old athlete ranks right behind world-record holder Florence Griffith-Joyner. Her record run of 21.34 seconds remains untouched since her 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul victory.
“21.61 seconds – best to ever do it behind Flo Jo,” Gabby wrote on Instagram. “And I’m an Olympian!!!!! So so so grateful to everybody – especially my coach. Sending love to everyone who has supported me up to this point and to my new supporters. We’re just getting started.”
Gabby Thomas Sets New 200 Meter Record at U.S. Olympic Trials
Gabby Thomas has captured a spot in the Tokyo Olympics next month. The event begins on July 23, 2021.
Thomas beat her best records in all three rounds of the women’s 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. After her victory, she reflected on her journey and the power of this moment.
“I remember sitting in my granny’s house, and my mom told me to turn on Olympic Trials because she saw someone who reminded her of me,” Thomas says as she recalls watching Allyson Felix in action.
She adds, “Her humility and grace, and how good she is at what she does. She’s really the one that has been inspiring. To be on the team with her, it makes me want to cry.”
Olympic medalist Allyson Felix participated in Saturday’s race and placed fifth in 22.11. She did not qualify to represent the USA in the event in Tokyo. However, Jenna Prandini (second place in 21.89) and Anavia Battle (third place in 21.95) will be heading to Tokyo this summer to represent Team USA.
Gabby Thomas Could Make History
The record-breaking Florence, Massachusetts native has a background that positions her well for placement in the history books.
Thomas is currently pursuing a master’s degree in epidemiology and health care management. In 2019, she earned a bachelor’s degree in neurobiology and global policy from Harvard. She was recruited by the Ivy League School to compete in the 100 meter, 200 meter, long jump, and triple jump. Thomas enjoyed a standout career at Harvard, becoming the first women’s sprinter in Ivy League history to win the 200-meter event at the NCAA championships, according to the Boston Herald. She also took home 22 conference titles in six different events.
Now, the decorated Harvard grad is taking her career to new heights. From watching the Olympic Trials on television to becoming the newly crowned 200 meter champion in the country, Thomas leaves us with some words of inspiration.
“I remember when I was a little girl watching [Olympic Trials], it just felt so far out for me,” Thomas said. “Do what you want. Dream big and take what is yours… If I can do it, you can do it.”
In Hopes of Leniency–Derek Chauvin’s Mother, Carolyn Pawlenty, Paints Delusional Picture of Her Son
Video footage of Derek Chauvin’s mother portraying her son as a saint didn’t sit well with many people on social media.
In an attempt to appeal to the magistrate, Carolyn Pawlenty read a statement during Chauvin’s pre-sentencing hearing. The incredulous assessment of her murderous son appalled social media users.
“Derek has played over and over in his head the events of that day,” Pawlenty said during the five-minute-long speech. “I’ve seen the toll it has taken on him.
“I believe a lengthy sentence will not serve Derek well. When you sentence my son, you will also be sentencing me,” she continued. “I will not be able to see Derek; talk to him on the phone or give him our special hug.”
Pawlenty never mentioned George Floyd during the pandering speech or the devastation his family endured over his death.
She also described the man who knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes as “thoughtful and honorable.”
Twitter users sounded off on the callous plea for leniency.
And now we know why Chauvin had the audacity to murder George Floyd in broad daylight in front of witnesses. There is no shame or self awareness in that family.
Parents who shield their sons from the consequences of their actions, who say “boys will be boys” – end up pleading, like #ChauvinMother for the world to participate in their delusions of having a good son.
We stand in reality where a man’s actions show his character. #LockHimUp
— E-Diplomacy 🌍#DemVoice1 (@ShirlAAdams) June 25, 2021
Da Brat Sets Wendy Williams Straight On The Rapper’s Alleged Interest
Media personality Wendy Williams got a taste of her own shady medicine during a recent interview with a notable female rapper.
On Friday, Da Brat appeared on The Wendy Williams Show to promote her new reality show with her fiancée Jessica Dupart. The segment started ok, but it took an embarrassing turn when Williams implied that the “Funktified” rapper, whose real name is Shawntae Harris, tried to push up on her.
Williams alluded to her popular “Hot Topics” segment of her show where she assumed that Da Brat’s concern was some unrequited love interest.
The openly gay rapper asked the hostess to recap the segment.
“I came in on you saying something a little bizarre. Can you rephrase and rewind and tell me what you said, girl?”
Williams happily obliged.
“You got a strong pickup game – unless that’s how you always speak to attractive women,” she purred.
Da Brat asked, “So do you think I tried to pick you up?”
The talk show host was obviously feeling herself, replied, “Yep! Yep!”
The rapper, unaware of the situation Williams referenced, asked for clarification.
“I’ve got receipts in my phone,” the brazen talk show host responded.
Wendy Williams claimed DaBrat tried hitting on her.
Da Brat elucidated the incident, explaining, “The last time we talked, and I texted you, it was after I saw your documentary, and I felt like you ain’t got no real friends, and I wanted to be your friend, so I called to check on you.”
Evidently, Da Brat’s response wasn’t good enough for Williams’ ego. The newly-divorced media personality doubled down and asked the Dish Nation personality the ballsiest question– ever.
“If I was gay, would you like me?”
“Nope. You fly, but not for me. I already have my baby too. I have my forever already. I would never disrespect or do that – at all, ever,” Da Brat said.
Williams continued testing the nonexistent waters. She asked if Da Brat was single would she have a shot.
The “That’s What I’m Looking For” rapper stuck to her guns.
“No. I love you, but I wouldn’t want to get with you like that. I just wanted to be your friend ’cause I felt like you showed your vulnerable side. You’re human like the rest of us.”
Twitter users reacted to Williams’ assumption.
🤣This is why y’all need to stop stereotyping gay women. We don’t like every women we interact with. Some of us are picky AF.
— i wasnt made to fall in line (@JesseRikart) June 25, 2021
I have mad respect for DaBrat reaching out to Wendy after her documentary. That was nothing but love. It’s a shame Wendy tried to sexualize it. I hope she learns something today and listens to what DaBrat is saying to her.
Here’s The Average Income of Black Millennials Ages 25-29
Black millennials are facing a double whammy, shuffling the impact of high student loan debt payments and lower income after graduation.
Although the financial inequities are not a secret, the numbers reveal an enlightening story that could lead to a different set of actions.
Student Loan Hero, an online platform committed to helping borrowers manage and eliminate debt, examined the racial earnings gap. This month, the company released a nationwide analysis that focused on Black millennials aged 25 to 29. Researchers analyzed the earnings of Black college graduates by state to unravel possible demographic disparities around the country.
The statistics are alarming, especially when it comes to the financial burden Black students take on before having a chance at a decent wage. The report shows education has not been the great equalizer for Black students. Upon entering the workforce, Black graduates are already at a disadvantage. First, they are overwhelmed with higher amounts of student loan debt. In 2016, Black families contributed an average of $5,545 towards college funding, Student Loan Hero reported. In contrast, non-Black families contribute over $14,000. When Black graduates enter the workforce, they have to allocate a greater percentage of their income to student loan debt (assuming an equal pay off period).
Black Millennials Face Income Disparities After Graduation
Then, Black graduates are still at odds with the system when it comes to compensation. Despite the growing number of Black students pursuing a higher education, the wage gap still persists in the workplace. Data shows that Black degree-holding millennials in 2019 earned 22% less than their peers. Black workers earned an average of $44,498 compared to $56,731 for non-Black workers. This income gap widens overtime as more Black graduates are overlooked for promotions and fail to receive adequate salary negotiations.
There were only three states where Black millennials out-earned other workers: Oregon, Maine, and Alaska. The difference is minimal, averaging $1,200 more for Black millennial graduates.
The widest wage gap for Black millennial workers is seen in Montana. In this state, graduates earn about 50% less on average than non-Black peers. Black workers earn an average of $22,166 compared to $44,632 for all other degree holders.
The table below shows the top eight states with the highest earnings gap.
(Image Credit: Student Loan Hero)
Delaware, New York, Illinois, and Georgia are next on the list for Black degree holders. Graduates in Delaware earn an average of $40,886. New York millennials earn $51,163. In Illinois, Black graduates earn $44,333. Data for Georgia shows that Black millennials earn $42,006 compared to $56,169 for other degree holders.
From 2014 to 2019, the earnings gap for recent graduates increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia. The largest gap was seen in Vermont, representing an increase of more than 29 percentage points.
Student Loan Crisis Remains a Top Issue
Even if the wage gap disappeared, Black college grads would still be burdened by student loan debt. This is the number one factor contributing to the negative net worth of Black professionals. Data shows that Black students at public four-year institutions still owed almost $10,000 during the 2015-2016 school year after adding in scholarships, financial aid, and family contributions.
“Black students are hearing the message that higher education is accessible to them,” says says Mustaffa Bishop, vice-provost postdoctoral scholar and Penn Graduate School of Education lecturer, in a statement. [They believe] that loans are the way to get there. [The narrative states] that job opportunities and economic progress for you and your family will follow from there. Black students are chasing the promise.”
He adds, “But our research shows that every step of that journey is riddled with inequality in a way that undercuts that promise.”
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Black Borrowers Take on More Student Loan Debt and Earn Less, According to Reports
The country’s student loan debt continues to rise and Black borrowers are hit the hardest.
According to the latest data from the Federal Reserve, student loan debt is about $1.7 trillion. There are approximately 45 million borrowers who collectively owe more than the current market capitalization of Alphabet (Nasdaq: Goog). Student loan debt is now ranked as the second highest consumer debt category. It’s stands right behind mortgage debt and exceeds both credit card and auto loans.
President Joe Biden extended the federal student loan payment pause through September 30, 2021. However, student loan debt continues to be a top concern for Black borrowers. Although white students have higher college enrollment rates, Black students at four year public schools take on more student loan debt.
“When you look at the data and focus on Black borrowers, you see that student loans actually sit at the intersection of a few issues,” says Mustaffa Bishop, vice-provost postdoctoral scholar and Penn Graduate School of Education lecturer, in a statement. “They reflect historical patterns of racial debt traps, current issues in higher education systems, unequal opportunities in the labor market, and ongoing issues of race and racism.”
Black Borrowers Incur More Student Loan Debt
A Black Millennials Study released by Student Loan Hero shows that Black families contribute an average of less than $6,000 toward their student’s education in 2016. On the other hand, non-Black families contribute over $14,000, allowing those students to borrow 35% less in student loans than Black students.
This impact of lower out of pocket educational contribution rates compared to student loans add up. On average, Black college students owe almost twice as much as white college students at graduation. The Brookings Institution estimates that Black graduates owe an average of $25,000 more in student loan debt. While Black students owe $52,726 worth of student loan debt. It’s estimated that White students are right under $30,000 after graduation.
The wealth gap expands in the workplace. According to Student Loan Hero, Black millennials with a bachelor’s degree earned 22% less on average than their peers in 2019. The earnings gap from Black graduates ages 25-29 increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia from 2014 to 2019.
“Black students are hearing the message that higher education is accessible to them,” says Mustaffa Bishop. [They believe] that loans are the way to get there. [The narrative states] that job opportunities and economic progress for you and your family will follow from there. Black students are chasing the promise.”
He adds, “But our research shows that every step of that journey is riddled with inequality in a way that undercuts that promise.”
How Black Borrowers Can Overcome Student Loan Debt Statistics
Student loan debt has had a depressing impact on the net worth potential for Black families. A new McKinsey & Company study revealed that an estimated 3.5 million Black families (19%) have a negative net worth. An additional 4.3 million Black families have a net worth below $10,000. Debt remains the culprit behind the disturbing net worth statistics.
One way to combat the student loan crisis is through scholarships. Dr. Roshawnna Novellus, Founder of EnrichHER, raised over $600,000 to fund her college education. She earned four degrees — bachelor’s degrees to Ph.D. — by garnering scholarship support. The key to Dr. Novellus’ success was starting early. At 15-years-old, she reached out to over 200 companies to acquire funding. “
Be specific about what you want and why you want it,” Dr. Novellus shares with Business Insider. “Always follow up with those who grant you funding. [Also] reach out to big and small companies and organizations.”
Jason Whitlock Pens Dumb A** Op-Ed Dishonoring George Floyd’s Legacy
This week, conservative journalist Jason Whitlock stepped and fetched all over the memory of George Floyd– belittling the deceased man’s name and memory after statues were erected in his honor.
In a disrespectful op-ed Whitlock penned on June 22 for The Blaze, he claimed that the “deification of George Floyd harms black people and America.”
So not the brutality and death that white supremacy has masterfully built into the fabric of this nation? Got it.
The self-hating dotard went on to demonize Floyd’s memory, yet barely mentioned the man’s behavior who murdered him.
“George Floyd was a victim — of his drug addiction, self-destructive behavior, and Derek Chauvin’s misconduct,” Whitlock detailed.
“Floyd is not Jesus. He’s not Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, or Medgar Evers, black men who died tragically in service of promoting racial fairness,” he continued. “Floyd isn’t Crispus Attucks, the first man killed in America’s Revolutionary War. Floyd isn’t Emmett Till, an innocent victim of anti-black bigotry.”
Whitlock also lambasted Democrats and liberal politicians and corporations, saying that their interests were rooted in self-gain at the expense of Black people’s pain and suffering.
“George Floyd is a prop corporate media uses for attention, a pawn liberal politicians use to push policy, and a punching bag social activists use as a symbol to explain black people and promote themselves.”
The conservative pundit also called Black men to task, saying, “The orchestrated destruction of the American Black man is an orchestrated attack on America’s moral conscience.”
“The retelling of the Black American journey as a narrative of victimhood rather than victory is the central strategy in painting the American experiment as a failure in need of a Marxist overhaul.”
Like his white counterparts, Whitlock assumes telling the truth about the terroristic nature of white supremacy promotes a victim mentality vs. accountability.
His ill-thought-out op-ed was written on the heels of two East Coast cities erecting the monuments to honor the last nine minutes of Floyd’s life.
A statue honoring Floyd was erected outside of Newark City Hall over a week ago, according to WSYX. The incredible bronze figure was gifted by artist Stanley Watts and will remain at the municipal building for at least one year.
In Brooklyn, a traveling statue of Floyd was unveiled on Juneteenth. The figure was designed by Chris Carnabuci and is located at the corner of Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues in Brooklyn. It will remain there for three weeks before moving to Union Square.
