by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 16, 2021

Ahead of Tupac’s Birthday, Jada Pinkett-Smith Posts Song Lyrics He Sent Her While in Prison

One of the most controversial Hip-Hop figures would have celebrated his 50th birthday Wednesday if he were still alive. To commemorate his birth, an actress who knew him when they were both teenagers shared a rare gift that hasn’t been shown to the public before.

Actress and spouse to one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was a childhood friend of slain rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, posted song lyrics he had written and sent to her while he was incarcerated at Rikers Island in 1995. Pinkett-Smith posted the lyrics to what he titled “Lost Soulz” on her Twitter account to celebrate what would have been his 50th birthday.

“Some say nothing gold can last forever / And 2 believe this [I] need no proof / I have witnessed all that was pure in me / And be changed by the evil men can do / The innocence possessed by children / Once lived inside my soul / But surviving years with criminal peers / Has turned my warm heart to cold / I used 2 dream and fantasize / But now I’m scared 2 sleep / Petrified, not to live or die / But to awaken and still be me / It is true that nothing gold can last / We will all one day see death / When the purest hearts are torn apart / LOST SOULS are all that’s left / Down on my knees I beg of God / To save me from this fate / Let me live to see what was gold in me / Before it is all too late.

“Yours, Tupac.”

Kevin Hart Claps Back At Critics Who Say He Isn’t Funny Following His Cancel Culture Comments
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 16, 2021

Kevin Hart Claps Back At Critics Who Say He Isn’t Funny Following His Cancel Culture Comments

Kevin Hart is no stranger to backlash. But after noticing a debate around his recent comments on cancel culture, the “Let Me Explain” comic clapped back at all the critics saying he isn’t funny.

Hart became a topic on Twitter following his recent CNN appearance where he criticized how cancel culture affects comedians. “When did we get to a point where life was supposed to be perfect?” the “Ride Along” star said. “Where people were supposed to operate perfectly all the time? I don’t understand.”

While speaking with The Sunday Times, Hart reiterated his views while explaining how unbothered he is by cancel culture. “I’ve been canceled, what, three or four times? Never bothered,” he said. “If you allow it to have an effect on you, it will,” he said. “Personally? That’s not how I operate. I understand people are human.”

But members of Black Twitter weren’t here for Hart’s thoughts on the topic and blasted him while downplaying his comedic chops. “Kevin Hart not funny enough for the aggravation he be causing,” one person tweeted. “Pls get your Hollywood bag and leave us alone.”

Another person compared Hart’s comments on cancel culture to takes from other regarded Black comedians.

“Eddie Murphy and Katt Williams, two funnier guys than Kevin Hart admitted that comedy could do with some self reflection,” the user said. “Hell, Eddie basically said he could understand where his stand up was considered harmful if I’m not mistaken….. but Kevin Hart is dying on the same hill.”

https://twitter.com/BC28_/status/1404796025823445001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1404796025823445001%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fatlantablackstar.com%2F2021%2F06%2F15%2Fi-got-time-today-kevin-hart-fires-off-multiple-tweets-at-haters-who-blasted-him-for-his-anti-cancel-culture-comments-and-questioned-his-comedic-chops%2F

But instead of ignoring the shade, Hart took to Twitter to let the public know he “had time today.” He tooted his own horn while reminding his haters how they make his job “fun.”

“The “He’s not funny” slander is the best….this is for you,” he said in one tweet. I have 3 stand up comedy specials that fall in the top 10 highest grossing comedy specials of all time….2 of my specials are in the top 3 of all time.”

 

Not one to typically “talk sh*t”, as he put it, Hart told his fans to stop believing the press headlines and read articles in their entirety before passing judgment.

“I felt the need to today. Stop believing these headlines and read the actual articles,” he added. “You guys fall for the banana in the tail pipe trick every damn time.”

It looks like the Kevin Hart shade isn’t falling on deaf ears.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 16, 2021

Jay-Z is Suing Photographer for ‘Exploiting’ his ‘Name and Image Without’ his ‘Consent’

As far as Sean “Jay-Z” Carter is concerned, there’s “reasonable doubt” that a photographer has the right to use his likeness for his personal gain without obtaining permission from the billionaire businessman.

According to Reuters, Jay-Z is suing photographer Jonathan Mannion, the photographer who shot the iconic cover of his 1996 debut album “Reasonable Doubt” and other notable pictures of the legendary rapper on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California. The lawsuit was filed in federal court accusing Mannion of misusing his likeness on merchandise which includes photo prints, shirts, and turntable mats, and licensing his image to others without Jay-Z’s permission.

The complaint says that “JAY–Z brings this action to stop Jonathan Mannion from exploiting JAY–Z’s name and image without JAY–Z’s consent. Mannion has developed a highly–profitable business by selling copies of photographs of JAY–Z on Mannion’s website and retail store, and by selling licenses to others to use JAY–Z’s image. Mannion has done so on the arrogant assumption that because he took those photographs, he can do with them as he pleases. But JAY–Z never gave Mannion the right to use his likeness for these or any other purposes. And without that permission, Mannion has no legal right to do so.JAY–Z has asked Mannion to stop, but he refuses to do so.

According to Complex, a legal representative for Mannion supplied them with a statement:

“Mr. Mannion has created iconic images of Mr. Carter over the years, and is proud that these images have helped to define the artist that Jay-Z is today. Mr. Mannion has the utmost respect for Mr. Carter and his body of work, and expects that Mr. Carter would similarly respect the rights of artists and creators who have helped him achieve the heights to which he has ascended.

“We are confident that the First Amendment protects Mr. Mannion’s right to sell fine art prints of his copyrighted works, and will review the complaint and respond in due course.”

Young Black Journalists Interview Black Elders in a New Project From Oprah and Hearst Media
by Andrea Blackstone

June 16, 2021

Young Black Journalists Interview Black Elders in a New Project From Oprah and Hearst Media

Elders carry the wisdom of their years through their words.

So Oprah Winfrey and Hearst Magazines have combined forces to create interviews of various elders from civil rights activists to celebrities to sit down and share wisdom with younger Black journalists, through the  “Lift Every Voice Project,” the Associated Press reports.

The interviews will be showcased on Winfrey’s OprahDaily.com website, and in print magazines such as O Quarterly, Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Esquire, and even in  Runner’s World, the article also mentioned.

“All are essential life stories that might have otherwise slipped into the white noise of history,” Winfrey said on her website.

She also mentioned that some 50 featured elders will be profiled, ranging in ages from the the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 100s. The interviews were penned by 15 young reporters. They mainly hail from historically Black colleges and universities. Winfrey also mentioned that the journalists were paired with 24 up-and-coming Black photographers.

 

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“Together, they tell the stories of our oldest generation of Black Americans so that we may document, learn from, and celebrate our elders’ life experiences,” Winfrey said.

In the video, Oprah also recalled how she once listened to her close friend, Dr. Maya Angelou, share stories from a previous time in the world.  The poet’s indelible talks stuck with her. The acclaimed poet died in 2018. Oprah Daily US also mentioned that Hearst’s ‘Lift Every Voice’ initiative reminded her of Angelou.

Alison Overholt provided additional insight about the project on her Facebook page. On her profile, she is listed as the General Manager of Oprah Daily.

“We launched a remarkable, inspiring storytelling package on Oprah Daily today. Lift Every Voice: Generational Conversations on Being Black in America features more than 50 members of the oldest generation of Black Americans, sharing their life experiences and personal stories with some of the newest generation of Black journalists, along with portrait photography done by up-and-coming Black photographers,” Overholt said. “A civil rights leader, a guidance counselor, a horticulturalist, a Tony Award-winning actor, a professional bull rider, even the youngest-ever president of Planned Parenthood, and many more … . In the works for months at Hearst, with interviews from this package published in every Hearst Magazine brand this month, across Hearst newspapers, and aired on Hearst television stations, we are honored to be the digital home for this full storytelling experience (along with a rich print experience in our forthcoming issue of O Quarterly!). Hope you’ll spend some time with it, immerse in these conversations, pass them along …”

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Please visit this link to learn more about the availability of these featured stories.

 

 

Black Democrats Pushing Party Leaders for Reparations Vote This Month
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 16, 2021

Black Democrats Pushing Party Leaders for Reparations Vote This Month

As we inch closer to making Juneteenth a national federal holiday, a group of Black Democrats are urging lawmakers to vote on a reparations bill this month.

After joining President Biden during his visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma late last month, members of the Congressional Black Caucus are pushing for reparations legislation to get voted on this month, The Hill reports.

The group is citing the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre for why Congress should perform a study into whether or not the American government owes Black Americans restitution for slavery.

The Caucus members had already been pushing for a floor vote on the legislation. But after visiting the Tulsa site, the group was inspired to get the bill voted on by this summer.

“For those of us who went to Tulsa, it became even more apparent to us how important it is to pass H.R. 40 and to do so certainly before we leave for the August recess,” said Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.)

The Tulsa Race Massacre occurred in 1921 in an area referred to as Black Wall Street. After a Black man was accused of assaulting a white woman, a charge that was never proven, an angry white mob set out on the town of Greenwood to loot, murder, and burn down the community, as noted by History.

During President Biden’s visit to Tulsa last month, he became the first sitting president to visit Tulsa and mark the anniversary of the massacre, People reports.

If the new legislation gets passed, a commission would be created to study America’s scarred history of slavery and the racial discrimination that followed the Civil War, up to today, and recommend forms of compensating the living descendants. The bill would not release any direct payments to anyone and doesn’t specify any specific compensation policies.

“Tulsa is ground zero, I believe, in terms of raising the level of awareness, and the whys, and the importance of reparations and getting H.R. 40 passed,” Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., said. “We’re pushing hard. I don’t know of a date yet, but … I’m encouraging and urging and we’re hoping that this is seen as a priority and will be brought to the floor.”

Bank Of America Announces $4.2 Million Commitment To Expand Tech Career Opportunities For Students Of Color
by Derek Major

June 16, 2021

Bank Of America Announces $4.2 Million Commitment To Expand Tech Career Opportunities For Students Of Color

Bank of America (BoA) has announced a partnership between NPower and Urban Alliance that will be powered by a $4.2 million BoA grant split between the organizations.

NPower and Urban Alliance will connect students of color to technical skills and jobs that align with BoA’s commitment to racial and economic equity. The alliance will ensure high school students get the technology skills to access entry-level jobs in tech or tech-adjacent fields.

The alliance will also support employers by developing diverse talent that can enter and succeed in entry-level pipelines that will lead to managerial positions.

“We recognize that early employment is critical to help young people build the skills, networks, and experience needed to break out of cycles of poverty and achieve long-term success,” Kerry Sullivan, President Bank of America Charitable Foundation said in a statement. “Bringing the collective expertise of Urban Alliance and NPower together further demonstrates our ability to be a catalyst for jobs in the communities we serve by preparing young people of color for upwardly mobile jobs in tech and tech-proximate career fields.”

According to Forbes, Black and Latinx students Black and Latinx students are often denied access to advanced STEM courses, particularly in racially diverse schools where they are not the majority. Additionally, more than half of U.S. school districts, and more than 90 percent of districts serving Black and Latinx students, reported difficulties recruiting and retaining certified STEM teachers.

NPower, a nonprofit committed to advancing race and gender in the tech industry through skills training, real world experience and mentorships, will provide 1,500+ Urban Alliance students with digital-literacy training and deeper technology certification over the next three years.

Urban Alliance will continue to build a diverse next-generation workforce by providing professional skills training, mentoring and 9-month paid internships of which 99% of students are from communities of color in their senior year of high school. Through the collaboration, Urban Alliance will expand its internship track for students entering college and its high school-to-career track for students preparing to enter the workforce straight out of high school.

“This kind of collaboration between nonprofits in the workforce development space is rare and much-needed if we are going to make real progress toward removing systemic barriers to economic opportunity for youth of color,” Elizabeth Lindsey, CEO of Urban Alliance said in a statement. “We’re grateful for Bank of America’s investment enabling Urban Alliance and NPower to advance digital equity and connect more diverse young talent to high-growth careers in tech.”

Last year, BoA allocated $300 million towards Black banks and Black small businesses. The multinational bank also collaborated with the Black Economic Alliance, and HBCUs Spelman College and Morehouse College to create the Center for Black Entrepreneurship.

by Andrea Blackstone

June 16, 2021

A Tik Tok Teen Becomes A Viral Sensation For Her Hair Bonnets With Pockets Creation

Mo’Nique,  the comedian and recent critic of wearing bonnets outside, might not approve of this, but a creative teen named Ariel Williams is making waves on social media for her head bonnets featuring a side pocket for stashing.

And she’s displayed it in a video while standing outside.

The young entrepreneur went viral, after social media users got wind of it and the retweets and likes started pouring in. BuzzFeed News reported that Williams is a 19-year-old from Indianapolis who crafted the idea of including a storage pouch for housing small items, like lip gloss, because she could not find any bonnets like it.

“I loved the thought of me keeping my hair ties and bobby pins inside of my bonnet,” Williams told Buzz Feed News.

 

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The story mentioned that Williams had been selling her creation under her Barbiana Collections brand. It can be worn inside or outside of the house, for two years. A video featuring her special bonnet caught on after a business friend posted and shared Williams’ video on Twitter.

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Supporters responded favorably. Now, Williams is urging potential customers to give the trendy bonnets a try.

“What made us start the Pocket Bonnets 💞 Make sure you grab yours!! Pocket bonnets are LIT!! Not only can they carry Bobby pins, Hair ties & lip gloss!! You can put your phone in there & other Important things!!” she said on her Instagram account. Williams’ creativity was especially evident in 2020, when Instagram users can see a dog wearing a matching bonnet. Additionally, she has sold bonnets for little babies, too.

 

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The recent bonnet craze has garnered some criticism, because some Black women choose to wear them in public. The comedian, Mo’Nique turned to Instagram to have a heart-to-heart talk with her followers who may wear bonnets publicly. The ‘Internet Auntie’ gave wearing bonnets in public a thumbs down.

In a video, the comedian remarked that she has seen “young sisters” wearing in head bonnets, scarves, slippers, and pajamas  while walking through the airport. However, Mo’Nique is sticking to her opinion that this kind of look is not way to leaving the house, despite some backlash that followed her firm comments.

“I’ve been seeing it not just at the airport. I’ve been seeing it at the store. At the mall. I’ve been seeing sisters showing up with these bonnets and headscarves and their slippers. And the question that I’ve having to you my sweet babies: When did we lose pride in representing ourselves?” @therealmoniqueworldwide asked on Instagram.

“Represent Yourself With Pride  Hey my sweet babies! Show YOURSELF that you deserve the best for YOURSELF! I LOVE US 4 REAL!” the comedian also said.

But for Williams, she continues to make entrepreneurial moves. Click this link to learn more about  Barbiana Collections.

 

 

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by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 16, 2021

After Kodak Black Received Shocking Honor, Broward Commission Changes Rules

A man named Bill Kahan Kapri, who we collectively know as Kodak Black, was honored in Florida last week and it was as shocking to Broward County commissioners as it was to the rest of the world.

According to Local 10, Broward County commissioners say they were caught by surprise when the pardoned by President Trump rapper received a proclamation last week that was issued by Commissioner Dale Holness. The problem is, Kodak Black, who has been involved in his share of legal issues, was recently sentenced to probation this past April for assaulting a teenage girl in a South Carolina hotel room in 2016.

The controversial rapper was also sentenced to 46 months in prison on federal weapons charges back in 2019 after he had admitted that he falsified information on federal forms to buy four firearms. He had his sentence commuted by former President Trump just before he left the White House in January.

Due to Kodak Black being honored at Tuesday’s county commission meeting, the rules for issuing proclamations were changed to make sure certain protocols are followed moving forward.

“I think that if we were to allow individual commissioners to present proclamations to anybody, to whom they desired,” said Commissioner Nan H. Rich, “I think that it really diminishes the impact and the importance of the proclamation.”

Holness said the proclamation was in support of Black’s philanthropic efforts. He also stated that he believes in redemption and that Kodak Black’s criminal troubles shouldn’t outweigh the good.

“I believe in redemption,” Holness said. “I believe every human being has the ability to redeem themselves from whatever wrong they’ve done. It (the proclamation) wasn’t about naming a day for him either, if anyone took the time to read it.”

Kodak Black took to Instagram to thank Holness for the proclamation.

“Thanks To Dale Holness @lawronin @iamfranckypierrepaul This Means More To Me Than Going Gold Or Platinum 💙❤️ Every Year June 11th We Gone Have A Good Time And Do Something Special Within Our Community 🦅🦅🦅”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kutthroat Bill (@kodakblack)

The Florida rapper also thanked the man who released him from incarceration via his Twitter account.

Who’s next to get an honor? R. Kelly?

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 16, 2021

Kanye West’s Sunday Service Has Been Registered as a Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Amid $50M In Lawsuits

Despite the fact that Kanye West is being sued for upwards of $50 million by his former Sunday Service employees and executives at MyChannel Inc. who claimed that they helped the rapper maximize the revenue made from his Sunday Service, he recently got his church approved for a tax exempt status.

The Sun has obtained documents showing that Kanye hired San Francisco-based attorney Karl F. Mill, who specializes in non-profits. Sunday Service church has now been granted 501c3 tax-exempt status.

The newspaper recently discovered documents dated March 23 showing details of the corporation, including West’s $2.2 million home that is located in Calabasas. The documents also indicated that the corporation is not allowed to “participate in, or intervene in [including the publication or distribution of statements], any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.”

So, fingers crossed, that means no more West for President political stunts.

Churches are typically exempt from federal, state, and local income and property taxes as they are considered to be public charities.

This comes on the heels of a lawsuit filed in August 2020 by MyChannel Inc. in California District Court claiming that its employees were stiffed for six months of work on technology. The company is suing for $20 million in damage for helping Kanye “maximize revenues for his Yeezy merchandise.”

Coupled with that, West is facing a $30 million lawsuit, according to The Sun, by former employees of his live Nebuchadnezzar Opera. Workers claim that West owes “unpaid wages” and that he failed “…to pay minimum wage and overtime.”

“Defendants oversaw, controlled and ran the production, and the aggrieved employees worked many hours on the production and were not timely paid for their work, or paid at all,” the court documents state, according to The Sun.

Kanye West has been busy with attorneys as of late. West’s latest suit stems from executives from MyChannel Inc. claiming that they not only helped Kanye maximize the revenue made from his Sunday Service but also helped with his Yeezy merchandise. They claim West failed to follow through on an agreement to invest in their business. During deposition, Kanye reportedly went “H-A-M” put on a “full-face hood and head covering adorned with Jesus Christ’s image which obscured his face and muffled his voice.”

MyChannel Inc. reportedly invested $7 million into a Yeezy project. Not only did Kanye cut ties, but MyChannel also claim he stole its technology for his Sunday Service. The company had also moved its headquarters from Pennsylvania to California and then to Chicago after Kanye promised to invest $10 million and reneged on that as well.

According to AllHipHop, the mercurial entertainer is currently recording new material at a recording studio in Honolulu, HI.

U.S. Senate Passes Bill Making Juneteenth A Nationally Recognized Holiday
by Derek Major

June 16, 2021

U.S. Senate Passes Bill Making Juneteenth A Nationally Recognized Holiday

The U.S. Senate has passed legislation making Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery, a nationally recognized holiday.

On June 19, 1965, two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, union ships docked in Galveston, Tx and Major General Gordon Granger told enslaved African Americans they were free.

The measure is expected to pass easily in the House of Representatives and President Joe Biden is sure to sign it. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement, recognizing Juneteenth is a major first step but changing the wrongs of the past will take more work.

“Making Juneteenth a federal holiday is a major step forward to recognize the wrongs of the past,” Schumer said in a statement. “But we must continue to work to ensure equal justice and fulfill the promise of the Emancipation Proclamation and our Constitution.”

The legislation gained traction last summer during the Black Lives Matter protests and racial equity movement. However, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) blocked the legislation because he felt another day off for federal employees would cost US taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

Johnson dropped his objection this year, but he hasn’t changed his mind.

“Although I strongly support celebrating Emancipation, I objected to the cost and lack of debate,” Johnson in a statement according to CNN. “While it still seems strange that having taxpayers provide federal employees paid time off is now required to celebrate the end of slavery, it is clear that there is no appetite in Congress to further discuss the matter.”

Juneteenth became a state holiday in Texas in 1980 in the years since it became recognized by every state except South Dakota. While many see this is a historic moment, others see it as an empty gesture, considering the Senate hasn’t taken up the anti-lynching bill, the For the People Act or the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.

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