by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 22, 2021

Beyoncé Fans Drag Trick Daddy For She ‘Can’t Sing,’ Comment + Jay-Z Diss

Somebody call 911 because Rapper Trick Daddy was stung and dragged for filth by the BeyHive after fixing his lips to say, “Beyonce can’t sing.”

The Miami-based, “Oh You Don’t Know Nann” rapper apparently didn’t know you can’t come for the Queen Bee after her online stans hit back at Trick’s criticism of the music mogul during an interview on the Clubhouse app this week, Newsweek reports.

Trick, whose government name is – Maurice Samuel Young— rubbed folks the wrong way with his unpopular analysis of Bey’s vocal abilities.

“Beyoncé ain’t trying to give back to music, and Beyoncé don’t write music,” he said. Before adding his kiss of death declaration: “Beyoncé can’t sing.”

He continued: “Beyoncé is to R&B what Jay-Z is to New York.”

Trick dug a deeper hole and took a shot at her rap husband Jay-Z by saying, Hova has “never won the greatest rapper alive” title. He went on to assert that New Yorkers were thirsty for a new hip hop star after the death of the Notorious B.I.G. And because of that they latched on to Jay-Z, he said.

“New York lost Biggie and they needed a hero,” Trick Daddy asserted.

Those comments got 46-year-old Trick Daddy immediately canceled by the BeyHive committee who reminded him about his decomposing musical career.


Another commenter attacked his career and his whole existence saying: “I forgot Trick Daddy even existed but did somebody leave him in the microwave to long or sum cause ikyfl. like sir in 15 years no one will barley if even remember you at all worry about that instead of two people leaps and bounds more talented and successful than you.”


Yet another commenter shared receipts to show that even his top artist, Trina, doesn’t think Trick has any relevancy.
“Ik damn well Trick Daddy ain’t talkin shit bout Beyoncé and Jay-Z like his ass relevant still. Let’s run this back…”


Even though Beyonce always keeps it classy and never responds to negativity, her legion of fans went on the defense and unleashed on Trick and littered his Instagram with a barrage of comments in support of the Queen Bee.


Trick’s debut album Based On a True Story, was released in 1997 when Beyonce was only 16. He’s more known for his popular duet “Nann N—,” featuring Trina, and “I’m a Thug.”

Here’s some audio of what Trick had to say.


At this point, he’s gonna need more than a defibrillator to resuscitate his career.

Tennessee State University Explores Idea Of Being First HBCU To Add Ice Hockey Programs
by Derek Major

June 22, 2021

Tennessee State University Explores Idea Of Being First HBCU To Add Ice Hockey Programs

Tennessee State University (TSU), is exploring the idea of being the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to add ice hockey programs for men and women.

In a partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL), the Nashville Predators franchise and College Hockey Inc. TSU is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine how viable it would be to have ice hockey programs. Results are expected sometime in the fall.

If the HBCU chooses to add the programs, it would not only be the first HBCU ice hockey programs, but it would also be the first varsity hockey programs in the state.

“The idea of establishing a collegiate hockey program at TSU is a tremendous opportunity as the nation’s first HBCU to take on this endeavor,” President Glenda Glover said according to CNN. “This allows us to expand the sport, increase diversity, and introduce a new fan base.”

Hockey is growing among both Black and Hispanic Americans. According to the NHL, there are at least 13 Black players on NCAA Division I and III women’s hockey rosters this season. In 2019, there were just four.

However, the NHL has come under increased scrutiny by its Black players for not doing more to protect its Black players and reach out to Black fans. Last summer amid the Black Lives Matter movement a group of former and current Black NHL players created the Hockey Diversity Alliance in an effort to “eradicate systemic racism and intolerance in hockey.”

The group broke from the NHL in October saying the league wasn’t supportive of their cause.

TSU and the Nashville Predators have partnered in the past, collaborating on the GUIDER (Growth, Understanding, Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Representation) initiative, founded with the objective of diminishing the prevalence of social injustice.

Kevin Westgarth, NHL Vice President of Hockey Development and Strategic Collaboration told CNN an HBCU hockey program could help grow the game in an new and exciting way.

“Taking this initial step with Tennessee State University, led by their ambitious and visionary leadership, awakens thought on potential playing opportunities, new facilities, and new avenues to watch live hockey, all driven by an HBCU and NHL club in the heart of Nashville,” Westgarth told CNN. “This could be a game-changer.”

Ronnie Oneal III Found Guilty of Killing Girlfriend and Daughter
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 22, 2021

Ronnie Oneal III Found Guilty of Killing Girlfriend and Daughter

A man who was charged with brutally killing his girlfriend and disabled daughter and decided to represent himself in the trial was found guilty of the murders.

According to The Tampa Bay Times, Ronnie Oneal III was found guilty of the charges leveled against him. It had been reported that Oneal allegedly shot his girlfriend, 33-year-old Kenyatta Barron, and then supposedly beat her to death with the same weapon he fired after he ran out of ammunition.

Oneal was also accused of allegedly using a hatchet to kill his own disabled 9-year-old daughter, Ron’Niveya Oneal. He has also been accused of stabbing and burning his own son, Ronnie Jr., who is now 11. During the case his son also mustered up the courage to testify against his father.

After a week of testimony, the jury of nine men and three women took less than five hours to find Oneal guilty of two counts of first-degree murder of his girlfriend and their 9-year-old daughter, and the attempted murder of their son.

Oneal was also convicted of arson for setting the family’s house on fire, as well as two counts of aggravated child abuse. The case is now entering the penalty phase, which could last the rest of the week. Prosecutors will ask the same jury to recommend a death sentence.

Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco tried to discourage Oneal from continuing to represent himself. Oneal had shouted his way through opening arguments.

“It’s no more serious for any defendant in any criminal courtroom in this country than what you are facing now,” the judge stated. “I respect the fact that you chose to represent yourself. I have to tell you, I think in another lifetime, you would have been an outstanding lawyer. … However, as we move into penalty phase, I really am going to strongly encourage you to allow counsel to now step in and represent you.”

According to WFLA, State Attorney Andrew Warren released a statement:

“These murders are among the most cruel and vicious our community has ever seen. Sitting in the courtroom with the victims’ family, hearing a mother’s screams, seeing the horrific pictures of her daughter —it’s hard to fathom how someone can do something so barbaric.”

“His punishment — his life – now sits with a jury of his peers, as it should,” Warren said.

by Andrea Blackstone

June 22, 2021

Hollywood Stars, Including Kerry Washington, Launch Public Film School for Underserved Youth

A group of A-list celebrities teamed up to lend a hand to students from underserved communities in Los Angeles.

Deadline reported that a magnet school called the Roybal School of Film and Television Production will initially launch in the fall of 2022 for ninth and tenth graders aspiring to be in the entertainment realm.

Additionally, George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Don Cheadle, Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Nicole Avant, Eva Longoria and a host of others are among industry leaders who are involved in the effort to diversify the entertainment industry through the pilot program, according to reports.

They partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to support the creation of a pipeline of diverse talent on a new campus.

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“This effort will help open the doors of opportunity for a diverse group of students from underserved communities,” LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “This groundbreaking program will help prepare students for good-paying jobs in the film and television industry by integrating practical industry experience and internships for students into the curriculum.”

The school, which will be housed inside of the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center, will give teachers access to industry professionals, while providing academic education, practical training, and internships for youth, per Deadline.

MSN added a glimpse of how actors such as Clooney, Washington and Cheadle will work to diversity the American entertainment industry.

“That means starting early. It means creating high school programs that teach young people about cameras, and editing and visual effects and sound and all the career opportunities that this industry has to offer. It means internships that lead to well-paying careers. It means understanding that we’re all in this together,” Clooney said in the interview.

“We are extremely grateful for this new partnership as our students and school community will directly benefit from this great opportunity!” LAUSD  said on Facebook.

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Dwyane Wade’s Son Zaire Praises Him ‘For Being A Good Father’
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 22, 2021

Dwyane Wade’s Son Zaire Praises Him ‘For Being A Good Father’

Former Miami Heat basketball player Dwyane Wade has been catching a lot of “heat” for his defense of his child Zaya Wade, who in 2020, came out as transgender.

His unwavering support for Zaya’s identity, even at an early age, has given critics fodder for them to criticize Wade and his actress wife, Gabrielle Union, who fully acknowledge and show support for Zaya.

This past Sunday, on Father’s Day, Wade’s son, Zaire, who is 19, took to his Instagram account to acknowledge his love and appreciation for who his father is and how he shows the type of love that a good parent displays. He posted a message for his father on Instagram Stories that praised him “despite all the hate and negativity” shown toward his father.

“All the hate and backlash that @dwyanewade receives for bein [sic] a good father is crazy 2 me,” he wrote.

He continued: “A lot of you alls [sic] emotions comes out of your own insecurities from your fatherhood.. don’t forecast that on us.

“What more do you want out of your dad than to love and support whatever you do in life?

“Despite all the hate and negativity that comes his way he still continues to be true to his family. Now THATS a father.”

Union also took to Instagram to acknowledge Dwyane on his day.

“Happy Father’s Day @dwyanewade
I thank God everyday that your belief in YOU, is stronger than anyone’s doubts. You continue to lead, to fight and to rejoice in love. #HappyFathersDay2021“

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gabrielle Union-Wade (@gabunion)

Back in March, the NBA champion opened up about life with Zaya and credited the award-winning FX show for helping them bond as he learned what not to do as a parent of a transgender child.

“For the first time, she saw that she doesn’t have to live life like that,” Wade shared on the I Am Athlete podcast. “At that moment I was like, ‘Thank you for allowing me to be her father.’ Because there are lesser people out there who can’t get over themselves.”

by Kia Morgan Smith

June 22, 2021

Lori Harvey Talks Proudly Claiming Michael B. Jordan & He Faces Cultural Appropriation Criticism

Lori Harvey is living her best life and certainly not going back and forth with her ex-boyfriend, rapper Future, despite the fact that he dissed her and her step-daddy Steve Harvey on a recent track.

In a rare interview with Bustle, Harvey reveals that there’s a reason she’s chosen to Act Like a Lady, and take the high road after her bothersome ex who she dated in 2018, took low blows at her on 42 Dugg’s extended cut of “Maybach.”

Future, 37, spit the salty lyrics, “Tell Steve Harvey I don’t want her,” along with other verbal jabs aimed at Harvey, her daddy and her new beau, Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan. Future now is reportedly dating 23-year-old rapper Dess Dior.

In recent years, the 24-year-old model and beauty entrepreneur caught the eye and arm of several high-profile celebrity men. She was romantically linked to Dutch football player Memphis Depay and even the ultimate “Bad Boy” Sean “Diddy” Combs. Her Instagram feed displayed a carousel of pics of her lavish lifestyle and escapades with various suitors. But she’s also caught the ire of entertainers like rapper Lil Boosie who slammed Harvey’s dating history, saying she has a “high body count” – even though he has six baby mamas himself.

Harvey shrugs off the shade, saying, “I just try to stay up here and take the high road in every situation,” she told the outlet.

She opened up about her relationship with Jordan, admitting that it just hits different than her relationships with those other dudes she was previously linked to.

“I think just as I’ve gotten older and interests change, I think this was something that I just decided to be a little bit more public with because it’s a more serious relationship. So I’m just handling it differently.”

She added: “I look for someone who is trustworthy and reliable, somebody that could be a good foundation and just stability for me. Somebody that has to be able to get along with my family. I’m so close to my family, so my family is the deciding factor in if you’re going to stick around or not. If they don’t love you, our time together will probably be short. I knew they were going to love him, which they did. [The introduction] was good. It was easy.”

Well that certainly tells you a lot about how Future’s future with Harvey got cut short!

Jordan Under Fire Over Name Of Rum Brand

Jordan on the other hand has been enjoying having Harvey on his arm at the height of his career. But even on the rise there are some bumps in the road like the recent wave of backlash he received on Sunday after he trademarked his new rum brand, J’Ouvert — a name folks say he has no cultural ties to, Buzzfeed reports.

“Derived from the Antellian Creole French term meaning ‘daybreak,’ J’OUVERT originated in the pre-dawn streets of Trinidad, as celebration of emancipation combined with Carnival season to serve as the festival informal commencements. Crafted on those same islands, J’OUVERT Rum is a tribute to the party start.”

The internet let him have it, accusing the Black Panther star of cultural appropriation.

Another person pointed out how much Jordan’s brand is off-base with the culture.

Another commenter straight called Jordan out.


See, pretending you’re from Wakanda can have real life consequences and have you believing you can conquer anything.

by Chris Atwell

June 22, 2021

Black Enterprise DEI Summit 2: Find Out How Corporate Leaders ‘Lean In’ To Create Jobs, Opportunities For Black Americans

“We need corporate America to lean into this issue, making [America] a just place where all folks can thrive.”

So says Maurice Jones, CEO of OneTen, an ambitious and unprecedented initiative that has brought together more than 50 major corporations – “and counting” – to collectively create 1 million new jobs for Black Americans over the next decade. Jones discusses OneTen and other corporate efforts to drive change at the BLACK ENTERPRISE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Virtual Summit, going online Wednesday, June 23.

Participating in the Summit panel discussion “Using DEI to Drive Social Change,” Jones details the specifics of the OneTen effort and its targeted criteria. “The jobs that count for this journey,” he says, “must pay a living wage, do not require a four-year degree for (candidates) to be competitive, are at low risk of automation so they’re going to be around for a while, and require less than five-years’ experience  Any job of any occupation, any industry, located in any part of the country that meet these criteria are jobs we want employers to put into this game.”

Derek T. Dingle, BE Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, moderates the session, which focuses on business leaders who are walking the walk, striving to move the needle on Black employment and entrepreneurship at the corporate level. Dingle challenges Jones and co-panelist Sean Suggs, Group Vice President & Chief Social Innovation Officer at Toyota, on the substance corporate America’s commitment to combat systemic racism within organizations and beyond them.

Speaking to Toyota’s initiatives, Suggs shared examples of the company attacking racial disparities at the community level, from closing the Wi-Fi gap in underserved communities to supporting local education: “We’re launching our 360 School program in West Dallas that will provide services not just for kids that come to school but also the wraparound services needed for that student – health care, child care for the parent, food if needed.” Suggs continues that Toyota will launch 14 360 Schools across North America. “This is a five-year plan, not a one-month plan.”

Suggs highlights education as the core of Toyota’s long-term commitment Black talent development. Jones talks of OneTen’s success in aggregating corporate partners behind talent development, as well as engagement outside partners – “HBCUs, non-profits, community colleges … We are endorsing organizations whose track records show us they can produce the talent at the quality level that companies are looking for to fill these jobs.”

For more, join BE’s DEI Virtual Summit on Wednesday, June 23. The “Using DEI to Drive Social Change” panel discussion will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Rapper Rick Ross Launches Thighstop, To Stay Competitive Amid Chicken Wing Shortage
by Andrea Blackstone

June 22, 2021

Rapper Rick Ross Launches Thighstop, To Stay Competitive Amid Chicken Wing Shortage

There is a chicken wing shortage in our midst, so prices are up, according to Business Insider.

So instead of panicking over sales, Wingstop, a popular chicken wing franchise, is now addressing the wing shortage by pushing more chicken lovers to eat juicy thighs, too. The root of the scarcity is tied to challenges keeping and recruiting employees who must process the birds at a faster rate, according to Greg Duell, who is co-owner of Duff’s Famous Wings.

But CNN reported that Wingstop’s new virtual brand called Thighstop is the Wingstop’s answer to the pandemic-related shortage. Rapper and entrepreneur— Rick Ross— is officially helping to promote the message. Ross is known to be about his business, so it is not surprising to see him pushing an idea to possibly influence fans to give the thighs a try.

Thighstop is a  digital brand which allows customers to order from the newly launched menu through a website where the thighs can be picked up or delivered through DoorDash. Eleven Thigh stop flavors which are handcrafted with sides and dips can be selected with or without the bones, according to the website.

Ross owns multiple Wingstop locations, so it makes sense why he also joined the Thighstop promotional bandwagon.

 

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In 2019, Wingsider confirmed that Ross owns 28 Wingstop restaurants. The latest of Ross’ food adventures,  may continue to evolve, depending on profitability. Can he influence more fans to love chicken thighs? Future food reviews will probably hold answers to this finger-licking question.

“We back outside, and it’s time to take it to the next level,” Ross said in a yahoo sports! interview. “We know how Wingstop perfected wings. Now, just imagine that juiciest part of the meat, and we boss it up, baby.”

 

Traffic Deaths Skyrocketed During Pandemic For Black Americans Forced To Travel To Work
by Derek Major

June 22, 2021

Traffic Deaths Skyrocketed During Pandemic For Black Americans Forced To Travel To Work

Traffic deaths soared last year despite millions of Americans staying home during the coronavirus pandemic and according to a new report, Black Americans suffered the most.

According to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) more that 38,600 people died in car accidents last year, the highest projected number since 2007, despite an almost 15% decline in miles traveled.

However, when broken down by race, the agency found a 23% increase in traffic deaths among Black Americans. Traffic safety advocates say the rise is concerning, but not surprising. With less traffic on the road, people tend to drive faster making roads and streets less safe for everyone including other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists and mopeds/motorcycles. Advocates added location was less of a factor in the rise.

“Same story, different day. That’s unfortunate,” Charles Brown, the head of urban planning and policy for Equitable Cities.

It’s no secret that the pandemic exposed stark inequities between races and incomes in the U.S. One of the biggest differences in race and income during the pandemic is how Americans work.

According to a study from the Economic Policy Group, fewer than one in five black workers and roughly one in six Hispanic workers can work from home. At the same time, 30% of white workers, 37% of Asian workers, and 31% of non-Hispanic or Latino workers can telecommute. Additionally, the study showed Only 9.2% of low-wage workers can work from home. More than 60% of higher-wage workers can telecommute.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, said the numbers are unacceptable and added President Joe Biden’s American Jobs Plan has allocated $10 billion toward efforts to reduce traffic accidents.

Even before the number were released, Buttigieg commented on the racial disparities in traffic deaths highlighting research from Smart Growth America, a transportation organization, showing between 2010 and 2019, Black Americans were killed by drivers at an 82% higher rate than White, non-Hispanic Americans,

One of the biggest reasons for the disparity is due to systemic racism, Black Americans have been displaced over the course of decades  to build the Interstate Highway System which has led to worse traffic conditions and more traffic in minorities in Black neighborhoods.

Become An Expert Email Marketer With These $30 Courses
by Black Enterprise Shop

June 22, 2021

Become An Expert Email Marketer With These $30 Courses

When running a business, sending emails is one of the best ways to communicate with customers and attract more people to your brand. There are about 4 billion email users around the world, and since 99% of them check their inbox every day, you have a pretty good chance of reaching your target audience through email marketing.

If you’re looking to reach potential clients with a few messages, then the Complete Email Marketing Bootcamp will show you how to get started. The bundle includes 7 courses that cover a wide range of topics, including email etiquette, sending cold emails, email copywriting and more — and it’s all available now for just $29.99.

This bundle isn’t just for beginners — if you’ve already gotten into email marketing, but your messages aren’t having the impact you’d like, there’s a course in here to train you on writing punchy, powerful and persuasive emails. You’ll also learn to build an email list of customers, triple your sales through email marketing, interact with customers in a way that builds trust and confidence, and other strategies to keep your messages from going into your audience’s spam folder.

The Complete Email Marketing Bootcamp was created by Skill Success, a leading e-learning company with over 1,000 carefully curated and organized online video courses on different categories, including business and lifestyle. With an on-hand support team and a live chat option, you’ll have full access to experts that will guide you on each lesson.

This online bootcamp is on sale for just $29.99, which is under $5 for each course. When you go through these courses and apply the lessons to your business, all you have to do is sit back and watch your clicks go through the roof.

Prices subject to change.

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