by Daron Pressley

April 29, 2021

Celebrity DJ Jay Claxton and Casay Vaughn Have Love and Business on Lock

Multitalented on-air radio personality, celebrity DJ, actor, influencer, and media personality, “The Franchise” Jay Claxton, and award-winning entertainment and media executive Dr. Casay Vaughn have partnered together to bring us “Love and Business on Lock.” A part of the Franchise Group of businesses which include Franchise Travel Agency, FRNCHS CLOTHING, Franchise Music, Franchise Radio, and Prosperity Franchise, Claxton, and Vaughn are determined to build their businesses as successfully as they build their relationship. 

Love and Business on lock feature couples who share their journeys of how their professional relationships transitioned to romantic relationships. The series will highlight each couple’s individual and collective experiences that contributed to them moving beyond the original purpose of their connections. 

“There are so many couples out there who are similar to Jay and me,” says Vaughn. “Couples are successfully building a business together and finding ways to do this while growing the love they have for one another.”

“We hear the term power-couple all the time,” adds Claxton. We want to not only highlight couples who are in business together but also provide information on how couples are making business and love work.”

In business and love, there are rules of engagement. This series helps listeners understand and navigate the differences and similarities between the two. 

“We have learned valuable lessons, and our audience has received so many actionable takeaways as they manage business and relationships,” says Vaughn. 

Claxton adds, “we have a range of personalities that we discuss experiences with. Whether it’s a celebrity couple or everyday couples in business together, everyone walks away with something to use in their daily interactions.”

Beginning as business partners Claxton and Vaughn developed a bond as they worked so closely together. Soon this working relationship developed into a romantic one. The ability to mix love and business turned into Love and Business on Lock. Claxton and Vaughn are proof that you can build a business together and build your romantic relationship at the same time. 

For more on Love & Business on Lock, click here.

Angela Simmons Shares Her Growth and Development as a Millennial Businesswoman 
by Andrea Blackstone

April 29, 2021

Angela Simmons Shares Her Growth and Development as a Millennial Businesswoman 

Angela Simmons is the daughter of Run-DMC’s Rev. Run and niece of Russell Simmons. She is accustomed to delving into business pursuits while living her life in the public’s eye. However, nearly any woman can be inspired by a can-do attitude. In an interview with REVOLT Angela discussed her entrepreneurial growth.

Just Angela is Simmons’ lifestyle series which premiered last month. The website mentions that viewers can get to know the real Angela Simmons. She will discuss her love for owning and supporting Black-owned businesses on the show’s May 18 airing on Aspire TV. Thus, the theme of entrepreneurship is being cross-promoted.

The REVOLT interview pointed out that Angela’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2007 with the Pastry shoe line. Angela founded it with her sister, Vanessa Simmons. Last year, Angela launched Simmons Beauty. The website features items such as advanced complexion brightening bamboo masks, toner, facial oil, and skin tonic.

“I just wanted to do something that I love to do and skincare, especially being at home, we had a lot of time to do whatever we needed, right? Facials, masks, a lot of sitting around. I was like, you know what, I’ve always loved it and I just felt like it was time to go forward with it…” Angela said in the REVOLT  interview.

Angela also said that she learned to readjust in business, value changing things, and learning and growing within entrepreneurship. When she was asked to provide business tips, Angela’s advice centered around sticking with an idea, even if a person does not feel supported.

“And to believe in yourself more than anyone else around you. It’s good to have support, but it’s nice to really believe in yourself, so I would say definitely really believe in yourself,” Angela said to REVOLT.

Florida Senate Advances Voting Bill Restricting Votes By Mail, Drop Boxes
by Derek Major

April 28, 2021

Florida Senate Advances Voting Bill Restricting Votes By Mail, Drop Boxes

Florida’s Senate advanced a bill limiting voting by mail and drop boxes as part of a continued assault against American democracy.

The Republican Senate approved the bill in a largely party-line vote as one Republican joined all Democrats in voting against the bill following weeks of contentious debates. The bill would limit where drop boxes can be placed and requires those casting a ballot that way to show identification first.

Additionally, the bill makes changes including requiring voters to apply for mail-in ballots more frequently, restricting who can drop off a voter’s ballot at a drop box, and preventing anyone except official election workers from handing out food and water to those waiting in line to vote.

The push to change state election laws comes in the aftermath of former President Donald Trump’s election loss and his wildly debunked claims of election fraud.

Florida Democrats swiftly attacked their state counterparts for voting in favor of the bill.

“This bill is just a vindictive way of trying to punish people for an election that some people just didn’t like at the national level,” Democratic state Sen. Audrey Gibson said according to Yahoo News. “Not one indication of fraud, just a lot of folks decided that they were fed up and they wanted to vote.”

Gibson and other Black lawmakers in the state called the voting bill an extension of the Jim Crow South and discussed the hardships Black Americans faced and fought for so they could not only vote, but run for office.

“Just because you’re paranoid don’t mean they aren’t out to get you. When I look at this bill, I have to do it with an eye toward the history of Florida,” state Sen. Perry Thurston Jr. said according to NBC News, calling the measure “the modern-day version of voter suppression” in the state.

More than 70 Black business executives in America have called on large, national companies to push back against the voting bills being advanced by Republicans in at least 43 states. The campaign appears to be the first time a large number of powerful Black executives have organized to directly call out their peers for failing to stand up for racial justice.

Marielle Bobo Named EBONY New Editor-in-Chief & Senior Vice President, Programming
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 28, 2021

Marielle Bobo Named EBONY New Editor-in-Chief & Senior Vice President, Programming

Ebony magazine, which has been brought back to life by former NBA basketball player Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman’s company, Bridgeman Sports and Media, has announced that it has hired an editor in chief.

“I am honored to now lead the charge in reimagining this beloved brand. For 75 years, EBONY has chronicled the Black American experience, amplifying our culture, our joys, and our struggles with grace, tenacity, and beauty,” said Bobo in a written statement. “As the assault on Black bodies continues and a global pandemic ravages our communities, making sure the breadth of our stories is told is as important now as it was then. I pick up this mantle with a reinforced commitment to continuing that legacy of excellence—providing a safe space for talented Black creators and ushering in a new generation of readers through bold storytelling and impactful experiences that educate, engage, and inspire.”

Ebony has announced that Marielle Bobo has been hired to become the new Editor-in-Chief & Senior Vice President, Programming, effective immediately. Bobo will be reporting to EBONY CEO Michele Ghee as she oversees the development of editorial tone, video content, and the brand’s social media cadence across all platforms.

“We are thrilled to have a visionary like Marielle in this role and leading EBONY through this pivotal time in its history. As both a seasoned editor and an experienced leader, she stood out to us as a multifaceted dynamo who not only possesses a wealth of proven editorial experience but who also understands the brand and has a definitive vision for its future,” said Ghee in a written statement. “We are confident that she will utilize EBONY’s most valued assets—our archives and our legacy—to forge a new path forward with strong, vibrant editorial voices, world-class creatives, and fresh content for a new generation!”

Bobo will launch her first digital cover for EBONY in May.

Jay-Z Invests In Fitness Company That Promotes At-Home Workouts
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 28, 2021

Jay-Z Invests In Fitness Company That Promotes At-Home Workouts

Jay-Z made an addition to his extensive wealth portfolio by investing in the fitness company Lit Method.

The rap mogul’s venture capitalist firm Marcy Venture Partners invested in the Los Angeles-based fitness company for an undisclosed amount, People reports. Lit Method, founded by Justin and Taylor Norris, specializes in low-impact, high-intensity training using their signature Strength Machine.

The machine works to give buyers a well-rounded at-home workout with its all-in-one water rower, Pilates reformer, and resistance band training system. The Strength Machine offers over 500 low-impact exercise methods including rowing, strength training, physical therapy, and Pilates.

Jay-Z’s MVP business partner Larry Marcus spoke on behalf of the firm in expressing their excitement to assist in Lit Method’s growth.

“Justin and Taylor are tenacious and adaptive entrepreneurs with so much drive and passion,” Marcus said in a statement. “Their engaging content, motivating style, and innovative equipment are a winning combination.”

Jay-Z’s fitness investment appears to be a rival against his superstar wife’s partnership with at-home fitness company Peloton. Beyoncé signed a multiyear deal with the company last fall to create a “series of themed workout experiences” for Peloton’s treadmill and exercise bike workouts including yoga and meditation classes.

The 4:44 rapper’s fitness investment comes just two months after he made media headlines for selling 50% of his ownership in Ace of Spades to Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. In addition to Jay-Z’s MVP investment, Lit Method received financial backing from former Los Angeles Dodger and five-time MLB All-Star Adrian Gonzalez. As a former pro athlete, Gonzalez credited the Strength Machine for helping to prevent injuries during training.

“Baseball, at times, has taken a tremendous toll on my body. We know that low-impact training prevents injuries—and we know that prehab is a necessity for pro athletes,” he said. “For me, it’s a natural fit to invest in something that is genuinely helping me and that I believe is the future of fitness.”

Federal Law Enforcement Agents Raid Rudy Giuliani’s Home, Office
by Derek Major

April 28, 2021

Federal Law Enforcement Agents Raid Rudy Giuliani’s Home, Office

Reuters – Federal investigators on Wednesday executed a search warrant at the Manhattan apartment of Rudolph Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and personal lawyer to former U.S. President Donald Trump, as they probe his business dealings with Ukraine.

A lawyer for Giuliani, Bob Costello, confirmed that a search warrant had been executed. Electronic devices were among the items seized, according to the New York Times. Giuliani, 76, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have been investigating Giuliani’s dealings in Ukraine, which included an investigation before the 2020 election into now-President Joe Biden and his son Hunter’s dealings in that country. The Bidens have denied wrongdoing.

Giuliani began representing Trump, a fellow Republican, in April 2018 in connection with former Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

While the search warrant does not mean Giuliani committed a crime, it signals that investigators persuaded a judge they believed criminal conduct occurred and that executing the warrant might uncover relevant evidence.

“This is a seismic moment in the investigation,” said Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles.

“It’s a big deal to execute a search warrant concerning an attorney because of issues of attorney-client privilege,” she added. “It’s a bigger deal to execute a search warrant of an attorney who worked for the former president.”

Michael Cohen, a former personal lawyer to Trump who has become a critic of his former boss, tweeted: “Here we go folks!!!”


In Washington, Giuliani’s role was complex, with the former mayor frequently proclaiming himself a business consultant and lawyer in the private sector even as he enjoyed extraordinary access to the halls of power.

Two former Giuliani associates, Lev Parnas and Igor Fruman, have been charged with campaign finance violations and other crimes.

Parnas’ and Fruman’s work included efforts to help Giuliani dig up damaging information about the Bidens, and what prosecutors called an effort to remove then-U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch.

In December, Giuliani tweeted, “I’m proud to be number one on Biden Vindictive government list. Sounds like the DOJ anti-Trumpers can’t wait for Biden to make DOJ the GOVERNMENT Secret Police like they were under Obama.”

Giuliani gained early renown in the 1980s as the top federal prosecutor attorney in Manhattan, where he put leaders of five New York Mafia families in prison and successfully prosecuted Wall Street’s “junk bond king,” Michael Milken.

He later won wide acclaim and national fame as “America’s Mayor” for his efforts in helping New York City deal with and recover from the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. In 2008, Giuliani ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination.

(Reporting by Karen Freifeld in New York, and Jan Wolfe and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis)

Shark Tank’s Daymond John Apologizes for Praising Minister Louis Farrakhan
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 28, 2021

Shark Tank’s Daymond John Apologizes for Praising Minister Louis Farrakhan

Shark Tank mogul, FUBU’s Daymond John, had to apologize after facing backlash for posting a Tweet praising the words that controversial religious figure Minister Louis Farrakhan spoke at Earl Simmons AKA DMX’s recent funeral.

According to the New York Post, in the since-deleted social media message on Twitter, John had written: “What a powerful speech from Minister Louis Farrakhan for the #dmxfuneral. His deep understanding of the Bible and respect for other people’s religions was truly inspiring. #RIPDMX.”

Immediately after posting on his Twitter account, the FUBU owner started to receive backlash from other users who brought up the controversial past sayings of Farrakhan. John posted another message stating: “In regards to my tweet regarding DMXs funeral, my comments on Minister Farrakhan were only related to what I just witnessed tonight, unbeknownst to his prior stances.” He added, “As someone who was fortunate enough to have a step dad of the Jewish faith, I do not condone and never would condone any anti Semitic, prejudice or any remarks of hatred. The prior tweet will be removed to avoid further pain and confusion to anyone who has felt hurt in the past by any negative comments of his.”

Nick Cannon faced a bigger backlash after controversial statements he made last year while interviewing former Public Enemy member Richard “Professor Griff” Griffin on his podcast, Cannon’s show had been put on the back burner.

Back in July 2020, Cannon had been heavily criticized for statements he made during the June 30 episode of his podcast, Cannon’s Class.

The discussion between Cannon and Professor Griff was immersed in what had been described as “anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and anti-Jewish rhetoric.” Professor Griff was kicked out of Public Enemy in 1989, because he was accused of making anti-Semitic comments during an interview with the Washington Post.

Cannon said in the interview that “it’s never hate speech; you can’t be anti-Semitic when we are the Semitic people. When we are the same people who they want to be. That’s our birthright.” He also stated that “we are the true Hebrews.”

At that point, ViacomCBS chose to terminate Cannon after the entertainer was blasted for those comments, but after apologizing and making amends, he has revived his relationship with ViacomCBS.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 28, 2021

A Pair of Kanye West Yeezy Sneakers Break World Record With $1.8 Million in Private Sale

Kanye West wasn’t lying when he rapped that his Yeezy “jumped over the Jumpman.” The rap/fashion mogul just made history after receiving the highest publicly recorded price for a sneaker sale.

A pair of Nike Air Yeezy 1’s that the billionaire rapper wore during his performance at the 2008 Grammys sold for $1.8 million at a private auction, NBC News reports. The “Grammy Worn” sneakers broke the record for the highest paying price for a pair of kicks and the first pair to go for over $1 million.

The history-making Yeezys were prototypes from a line West developed with Mark Smith for Nike. They were purchased by investment marketplace RARES and brokered by Sotheby’s.

“We are thrilled with the result, which has nearly tripled the highest price on record,” said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s head of streetwear and modern collectables, said in a statement. “The sale speaks volumes of Kanye’s legacy as one of the most influential clothing and sneaker designers of our time, and of the Yeezy franchise he has built which has become an industry titan.”

The sale skyrocketed the $560,000 that Sotheby’s received in May 2020 for a pair of 1985 Air Jordan 1’s that were designed for and worn by basketball legend Michael Jordan. As for the prototype Yeezys, Kanye wore them while performing “Hey Mama” and “Stronger” at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Sneakerheads were awestruck by the kicks that went on to become leaders in the footwear industry.

West ended his partnership with Nike in 2013 and went on to secure his ongoing partnership with Adidas. Forbes listed West’s net worth at $1.8 billion thanks in large part to his Yeezy brand. Their claims came after Bloomberg listed Kanye’s net worth at $6.6 billion.

Corrections Officer Criminal Charged for Negligent Homicide for Ignoring Inmates Suicide
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

April 28, 2021

Corrections Officer Criminal Charged for Negligent Homicide for Ignoring Inmates Suicide

After she allegedly allowed an inmate to commit suicide in a New York City jail, a corrections officer will be facing criminal charges for her lack of action when he performed the deadly act.

According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the city has announced the indictment of Department of Corrections Captain Rebecca Hillman as she issued orders that prevented other correction officers from saving the life of Ryan Wilson, who was in custody at Manhattan Detention Complex. She is also accused of making false statements in her written account of the incident.

She has been charged in a New York State Supreme Court with criminally negligent homicide and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree.

“As alleged in the indictment, the death of Ryan Wilson wasn’t just a tragedy — it was a crime,” said District Attorney Vance in a written statement. “Our investigation shows that Captain Hillman ordered her subordinates not to take potentially life-saving measures to help Mr. Wilson, and failed to call for medical assistance expediently. This callous disregard for Mr. Wilson’s safety resulted in an irreversible loss to his family and friends and must be held criminally accountable. I thank the Department of Investigation for its close partnership with our Office and collaboration in this matter.”

According to court documents, on Nov. 22, 2020, Hillman moved Wison to another housing unit after an argument with another inmate. Wilson proceeded to make a noose from his bedsheet and attached it to a light fixture. After calling an officer over, Wilson had climbed on a stool, put the noose around his neck, and threatened to hang himself if Hillman didn’t come and let him out of his cell.

As another corrections officer tried to calm Wilson down, Hillman had gone into the control room. After waiting for approximately 10 minutes, Wilson started to countdown, while placing the noose around his neck and jumped ended up jumping off the bed. After the other officer called for the cell to be opened so he could cut him down, a few moments later, Hillman came to the cell and informed other inmates that Wilson was fine and was “playing.”

After not allowing the cell door to be opened, after 15 minutes, Hillman called for the medical team and within minutes, Wilson was dead.

Hillman falsely stated Wilson had asked to be moved to another unit, and she had the cell door re-opened and had Wilson cut down “immediately” after the cell door was closed.

DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said, “The City’s policy is clear on what Correction staff must do when an inmate is found in a life-threatening position: Immediate action must be taken to try and save the inmate’s life. The charges resulting from this investigation reveal a stunning disregard for life and Correction Department regulations, made more egregious by the fact that the defendant is a supervisor with the rank of Captain. Despite Captain Hillman’s alleged efforts to cover up the circumstances of inmate Ryan Wilson’s death, the investigation by DOI and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office uncovered the truth and held this defendant accountable.”

NYC Mayoral Candidate Scott Stringer Accused of Sexual Harassment By Unpaid Intern
by Derek Major

April 28, 2021

NYC Mayoral Candidate Scott Stringer Accused of Sexual Harassment By Unpaid Intern

New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Scott Stringer has been accused of sexual harassment by an unpaid intern during his 2001 run for city advocate.

Stringer, who was a state assembly member at the time, allegedly groped Jean Kim, touched her several times without her consent, and made multiple sexual advances, according to Patricia Pastor, an attorney representing Kim. Pastor also accused Stringer of telling Kim not to disclose what happened about the incidents and offering to help her get elected as a Democratic District Leader.

“During this campaign, I traveled back-and-forth to campaign events with him. Scott Stringer repeatedly groped me, put his hands on my thighs and between my legs, and demanded to know why I wouldn’t have sex with him,” Kim said in a press conference Wednesday according to CBS NY.

Stringer denied the allegations in a Twitter post according to MSN.com adding that he supports the right for victims of harassment to come forward.

“I will reserve further comment until this person has had the opportunity to share their story,” he said. “For now, let me say without equivocation: these allegations are untrue and do not reflect my interactions with anyone, including any woman or member of my staff.”

Stringer is running third in polling for NYC mayor behind entrepreneur Andrew Yang and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. Female mayoral candidates Maya Wiley, Dianne Morales, and Kathryn Garcia all put out statements concerning the accusations.

“Scott Stringer must immediately account for this abuse of a campaign intern, including the unwanted advances and the dangling of jobs,” Wiley wrote on Twitter. “According to reports, Stringer had admitted to sexual contact claiming it was consensual.”


Dianne Morales wrote in a statement on Twitter that she and her whole team stand behind Kim.

“I’m a survivor surrounded by strong femme leadership on my campaign, many of whom are survivors themselves,” Morales wrote. “‘To be honest, I’m still processing the news myself and spent most of the night checking in on them and holding space for our collective grief and pain.”

Kathryn Garcia wrote on Twitter “It takes tremendous courage for anyone to come forward. I support Jean Kim, believe Jean Kim, and commend her bravery for speaking truth to power.”

 

 

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