Whoopi Goldberg, millennials

‘The View’ Addresses Jimmy Kimmel Suspension As FCC Chair Threatens To ‘Look Into’ Show: ‘No One Silences Us’

Goldberg said when the news broke out last week, she and her co-hosts “took a breath” to see if Kimmel would say something first.


The panelists from ABC’s hit daytime show, The View, have broken their silence on the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chair said the agency should also “look into” their talk show next.

The View co-hosts Whoopi Goldberg, Ana Navarro, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, and Alyssa Farah Griffin finally shared their opinions on their parent company’s decision to pull Kimmel’s show indefinitely.

“Now, look. Did y’all really think we weren’t going to talk about Jimmy Kimmel?” Goldberg said Monday as she opened the show. “I mean, have you watched the show over the last 29 seasons? So, you know. No one silences us.”

Goldberg said when the news broke out last week, she and her co-hosts “took a breath” to see if Kimmel would say something first.

“We did the same thing with Stephen Colbert.”

Their silence sparked rumors that the women were afraid to speak up, as a majority of their industry counterparts shared support for Kimmel. Over 400 actors, musicians, and film directors have signed an open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union, in which the organization calls “a dark moment for freedom of speech in our nation.”

“The part that I don’t understand that is so ironic to me is how the horrible, senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk, a man I disagreed with, who stood for debate, who stood for freedom of speech, is being used to silence people and cancel people,” Navarro added.

FCC Under Scrutiny For Free Speech Concerns

On Sept. 15, Kimmel said during his monologue, “We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA Gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them, and doing everything they can to score political points from it.”

Kimmel added, “In between the finger-pointing, there was grieving … you can see how hard the president is taking this.”

Then, after speaking on a conservative podcast, FCC Chair Brendan Carr said that Disney and ABC execs could deal with Kimmel. “The easy or hard way,” alluding to the fact that he wanted the media company to take action or face regulatory issues with the FCC down the line. Hours later, Kimmel’s show on ABC was suspended indefinitely from the air.

Carr, who has been a staunch supporter of freedom of speech and the FCC, has come under scrutiny, with critics saying he’s waging war on free speech by attempting to censor news agencies with which the Trump administration disagrees.

As NPR points out, Trump said on Air Force One Thursday that broadcast networks were “97% against me.”

“They give me only bad press,” said Trump. “They’re getting a license. I think maybe their license should be taken away. It will be up to Brendan Carr. I think Brendan Carr is outstanding. He’s a patriot. He loves our country, and he’s a tough guy. So we’ll see.”

According to NPR, Carr has launched formal investigations of all the major broadcast networks, except Fox, which is owned by Trump ally Rupert Murdoch.

CBS recently announced it was pulling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, who has been a comedic critic of Trump, over a “financial decision.” Shortly after, the FCC approved the sale of the company Paramount to Skydance Media.

To be clear, Carr is credited for writing a section dedicated to the FCC in “Project 2025,” the sweeping blueprint that outlines a plan for gutting the federal workforce and dismantling federal agencies in Trump’s second term. This is the exact blueprint that Trump claimed he knew nothing about while campaigning for a second term in office.

Since the public drawback and firestorm, ABC announced it would bring back Kimmel’s show on Tuesday.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Celebrates International Underground Railroad Month, Honors Harriet Tubman’s Iconic Legacy

SYLVIA RHONE

Longtime Music Exec Sylvia Rhone Preps Exit From Epic Records

'I am moving on from this historic role at Epic and I’m very excited about the future.'


Legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone, after more than a decade of leading Epic Records, has decided to step down from her position as chairwoman and CEO, effective at the end of September.

According to Billboard, Rhone, the first Black woman to become a chair at a major record company, will vacate her position next week as she moves on from the record label. She became the president of Epic Records in 2014. She was then elevated to chairwoman/CEO five years later, in 2019, marking a total of 11 years at the major recording and distribution label.

The media outlet obtained a letter that Rhone addressed to the Epic Records staff announcing her decision to leave the label:

“To My Sony Music Family,

“It’s been an extraordinary journey. Eleven years since my promotion to President of Epic Records and six years since my appointment as chairwoman and CEO. This role at Epic represents the third time in my career that I’ve been the first woman and first Black person to serve as CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company.

“And today, I am moving on from this historic role at Epic, and I’m very excited about the future.”

Rhone started as a secretary at Buddha Records, launching one of the most successful careers of any music executive, before landing roles at labels ABC Records and Ariola Records. She began rising in the ranks when she was hired to work at Elektra Records in 1981, before moving on to Atlantic Records. After working at the label for five years in several different roles, in 1986, she was promoted to the VP/GM of Black music operations at Atlantic. Two years later, she became senior VP of Atlantic’s Black music division. 

When Atlantic launched EastWest Records America in 1990, Rhone became the chairwoman of the new imprint. Making history once again in 1994, she became the first Black woman to be appointed chairman and CEO of a major record company — Elektra Entertainment Group (EEG). She was brought onto the Universal fold when, in 2004, she was named president of Universal Motown Records, executive VP of Universal Records, and chairman of the Universal Motown Record Group that same year.

After leaving the Universal Music Group umbrella in 2011, Rhone had a boutique label, Vested In Culture, in partnership with Epic Records. She started her 11-year run at Epic Records in 2014.

No details have been released regarding Rhone’s next move.

RELATED CONTENT: Tyler Smith Aims To Be First Gen Z Man Elected To Texas House, Vows To Fight For Families

Target, DEI, essence festival

Outrage As Special Needs Woman Jailed 50 Days For Petty Theft At Target

Social media is outraged over a video of a special needs woman jailed 50 days for petty theft at an Orlando Target.


Social media is sounding off over a recently surfaced video of a special needs woman who was jailed for 50 days on a petty theft charge.

A Sept. 20 video posted on X shows Imarah Aaliyah Bryan, 26, facing a judge after spending nearly two months in jail for allegedly stealing $145 worth of merchandise from a Target in Orlando, Florida, according to arrest records.

“They really locked up a special needs woman for 50 DAYS over $49 at Target… make it make sense,” X user Lashy Bills wrote.

“Even worse, honestly. She served 50 days, owes the court for appointing her a defender, owes the police department 339.70 for “investigation”, and some more sh-t,” another user added, along with a photo of the court document. “All over $145.17 worth of sh-t. And she aint even leave the store wit it.”

The video shows Bryan with a public defender as she accepted a no-contest plea, requiring her to pay $339 to Orlando police, a $500 bond, and accept a ban from the Target where she was arrested.

“I’ve been handed a plea form with your name on it. Is this your signature at the bottom?” the judge asks.

“Yes, it is,” Bryan said. “I signed it on just now.”

The judge asked Bryan if she had been forced, threatened, or coerced into signing the plea form, and she gently assured that she had not.

“Okay. And so you understand by signing this, you’d be giving up your right to go to trial and to contest the charges in this case,” the judge asked.

“Yes, I do,” Bryan said.

When the judge informed Bryan that noncitizens could face deportation, she softly replied, “Oh, but I am.”

After confirming that Bryan was of sound mind, “alert, intelligent, and represented by counsel,” the judge issued her ruling.

“I’ll accept your plea of no contest to the charge of petty theft. I’ll sentence you to credit for time served,” the judge said. “You have one day. I’m sorry, 50. You have 50 days time served. I’ll adjudicate you guilty.”

The judge continued. “You’ll also have to pay a cost of investigation of $339.70 to Orlando Police Department. You’re not to return to the Target at 46 50 Millennia Plaza Way.”

The public defender requested that Bryan’s court costs be reduced to a civil debt, which the judge approved. Bryan appeared relieved to finally leave jail after 50 days, while social media expressed outrage that she was incarcerated so long over a petty theft charge.

“And they are just laughing and giggling. Having a good time while putting this poor lady in jail when she needs to be somewhere she can get the help she needs. Our system is sick as hell,” one X user wrote.

“They know damn well that lady don’t know what’s going on, let alone what she signing. Smh the justice system is sooo evil, cruel, & wrong bruh!” added someone else.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Celebrates International Underground Railroad Month, Honors Harriet Tubman’s Iconic Legacy

project 2025

South African Pastor Causes Social Media Frenzy With End Of The World ‘Rapture’ Prediction

As the clip started to circulate across social media, users, many of the Christian faith started to scurry and prepare for what Mhlakela describes as the second coming of Christ.


A South African pastor has predicted that the end of the world or “rapture” is happening soon, and social media is in a frenzy, ultimately with some not taking it seriously.

During a June 17 segment of the CentTwinz TV podcast, pastor Joshua Mhlakela claimed that “the rapture is upon us.” “The rapture is so upon us that if you are not ready for it, it is ready for you,” he said. “When the time has been appointed for something, it’s either you are prepared for it or if you’re not, it’s coming anyways.”

Mhlakela even gave specific dates of Sept. 23 and 24 that “Jesus is coming back to take his church.” “On the 23rd and 24th of September 2025, I will come to take my church,” the pastor said, claiming Jesus once told him. 

As the clip started to circulate across social media, users, many of whom are of the Christian faith, began to scramble and prepare for what Mhlakela described as the second coming of Christ. On TikTok, the Rapture is being described as people who have Jesus in their hearts will go to heaven, and those who don’t will be left on Earth. Some users, like @hannahrg33, felt in her heart and her religious teachings that the date was real and did everything in her power to prepare, including requesting Sept. 23 off from work, which she was denied. 

Ultimately, she lost her job. 

However, other content creators weren’t taking it seriously. @heylisahey started a video with a somber tone explaining what the end of the world is supposed to be, but ended up recommending therapy with a focus on religious psychosis to those who believe in the alleged rapture date. 

A past audio clip used from City Girls rapper Yung Miami, when she was curating a twerk contest, was used to jokingly describe how Jesus would select who goes with Him or not. 

https://www.tiktok.com/@abbyleemillersmaxipad/video/7553116256891637023?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7519594494683366926

And, of course, BET+ Churchy star and comedian KevOnStage started a countdown to see if the Rapture would occur or not. 

This isn’t the first time predictions of the end of the world have been made. According to Complex, the Rapture was supposed to take place on May 21, 2011, following a prediction made by Christian radio host Harold Camping in 2005. The same radio host claimed the Rapture would happen Sept. 6, 1994, but that didn’t happen.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Celebrates International Underground Railroad Month, Honors Harriet Tubman’s Iconic Legacy

YUNG MIAMI, Diddy

Yung Miami Told Judge ‘That’s A Good Man’ In Character Statement For Diddy

Yung Miami dated Diddy for years before his indictment.


Yung Miami remains supportive of her former flame, Sean “Diddy” Combs. The former “City Girls” rapper, whose real name is Caresha Brownlee, wrote a character statement on behalf of her ex-boyfriend, Diddy, telling the judge that he is still a “good man.”

The Shade Room received a copy of the written statement Brownlee wrote ahead of the judge’s sentencing of Combs. During his high-profile trial on racketeering and sex trafficking charges, Combs was found guilty of two counts while receiving acquittals on two others.

In her letter, Yung Miami spoke on how she had witnessed a different side of the 55-year-old mogul than the one depicted during his trial. However, before she began her plea to the judge for leniency, she emphasized how she does not condone any wrongdoing he may have committed.

“I want to be clear that I cannot speak on or defend anything that may have happened before I met Sean Combs,” wrote the mother of two. ” I do not condone any wrongdoing…I can only speak from my personal experience and the man I’ve come to know over the past four years.”

Yung Miami spoke about the ways Combs supported her”behind the scenes.” She emphasized how he motivated her to progress her career, stating he was a “loving, genuine, [and] supportive” partner to her for four years.

She then mentioned his dedication to his family, where he also encouraged her to pursue her dreams while still making time for her loved ones, just as she asserts he did. Brownlee claims he made her a better“businesswoman” while also giving her a platform on his own media platform, REVOLT. The 31-year-old rapper had a talk show, Caresha Please, on the netw we’re gork.

“He also gave me a voice, by providing me a platform on his network to speak for the culture and connect with people in a way that was real and authentic,” she wrote. “That opportunity changed the direction of my career and showed me the impact one person can have when they choose to uplift others.”

Yung Miami also mentioned her most meaningful moment with Combs, where she attended the Met Gala with the Bad Boy Records founder. She asserted that her letter was to give a different perspective on the man who had otherwise been deemed a nefarious figure in Hollywood, seemingly referencing his multiple allegations of sexual assault, intimidation, and harassment.

The rapper then detailed the ways he gave back to his community, and also highlighted the internal work he did to fix his issues. Yung Miami emphasized that he did so not for the public’s sympathy, but to grow on his own accord.

“I’ve also witnessed him doing real inner work,” stated the artist. “He made the choice to check himself into anger management, start therapy, and commit to physical healing through therapy. That takes strength, humility, and self-awareness. He didn’t do it for show — he did it because he wanted to grow and become a better person. “

The rapper then asserted that Combs is a “man of God” who has helped those around him in multiple facets. Furthermore, she reminded the judge that he was a father whose children needed him in their lives. Yung Miami ended the letter with one last reminder to the judge about Diddy’s goodness.

“Judge, that’s a good man.”

Yung Miami remained relatively silent during Comb’s trial, as it made waves on social media. However, the reveal of this letter suggests her support behind closed doors.

RELATED CONTENT: New York Celebrates International Underground Railroad Month, Honors Harriet Tubman’s Iconic Legacy

Jen Lee Hayes, Author, The Golden Hoops

The Golden Hoops: A Daughter’s Tribute Book Conveys Empowering Message For Black Children

The Golden Hoops is her way of reaffirming identity for readers, especially Black children


Jen Lee Hayes was fortunate enough to have a kind mother who instilled confidence in her at a very young age. That confidence gave her a sense of freedom and a belief system that nothing was off limits when it came to her dreams.  She’s now sharing her mother’s special formula in her new children’s book, The Golden Hoops, which she says readers of all ages can enjoy.

“As I got older, I realized that was not something that everybody had,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It was a superpower that she helped me develop, which made me ambitious and made me believe in myself.”

Unfortunately, Hayes was only 21 years old when her mother died. Despite unimaginable loss as a young adult trying to navigate the world, she walked into rooms still dressed in that confidence her mother nurtured in her at a young age, along with a pair of golden hoops. Golden hoops are not only a signature and extension of her personal style, they’re also a connection to her mother. 

One of Hayes’s first core memories was getting her first pair of golden hoops from her mother, Janey, when she was around four years old.

Honoring her mother, Janey is the main character in Hayes’s book who has some similarities to a young Jen.  Like Jen, Janey receives her first pair of golden hoops, which are a rite of passage.  The golden hoops for the curious young Janey represent belonging and self-expression. But then, she loses a hoop and embarks on a joyful journey of determination that reminds readers they already have everything they need to shine brightly in the world.  

A Book That Sends A Strong Message Following Chaos in 2020

The inspiration for a children’s book came to Hayes in 2020. It was an arduous time for the world as we navigated a pandemic. It was an even more challenging time for Black Americans, who were dying at a disproportionate rate from COVID-19 and navigating their self-worth after Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd were killed within the first five months of the year.

“I took [these deaths] very personally, as so many of us did. I am raising three sons, and everything hit me like a freight train,” Hayes recalled. “For me, I said, ‘Wow. I need to be a part of adding positive messaging to reinforce how important we are, and reinforce that we have a purpose to be here.’”

The Golden Hoops is her way of reaffirming identity for readers, especially Black children.

Through her research for the book, Hayes discovered that hoops hold cultural significance for Black people. The tradition of wearing hoop earrings originated around 2500 B.C.E. in Nubia, an African civilization located in what is now Sudan. Different members of tribes would wear different hoops to identify themselves as members of their respective tribes.

“I thought this was so fascinating because hoops also have a modern application for me,” she said. “When I wear hoops in a board room or in spaces where I might be the only one, hoops are a way to say I am not going to dim my light, my personal style, or who I am.”

She added, “The same hoops I wear on the street with my friends are the same hoops that I wear in the world because this is a part of who I am.”

Using Gold Hoops As A Full Circle Moment To Give Back

When she’s not a full-time mom, storyteller, and author, Hayes leads marketing and content at The Bump and redefines everyday luxury with the modern lifestyle company she founded, Bestow Collection.

Even as she wears so many hats, she doesn’t think twice about prioritizing giving back. That’s why she is partnering with the Zora House for The Golden Hoops Book Drive to deliver thousands of copies of her debut children’s book to young readers, especially in underserved communities.

Throughout the drive, she is inviting parents, educators, corporations, nonprofits, and others to donate to the cause. She is also asking people who want to get involved to nominate a teacher, classroom, library, youth program, or bookstore to receive an author visit and copies of her debut children’s book.

“I really want to create a movement and more opportunities that are propelling literacy for young audiences,” said Hayes.

The book officially hit shelves on Sept. 2. You can order a copy online or find it in a bookstore in your community.

RELATED CONTENT: Elevating Your Excellence: Denene Millner Is A GOAT In The Literary Game

Carmelo Anthony, soccer trial, Puerto Rico, invstment

Carmelo Anthony Offered To Cover Former Teammate’s Salary When The Knicks Waived Him

The NBA Hall of Famer offered to to pay the "whole salary" of his Knick teammate, Cleanthony Early, when the team cut him


NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony’s generosity and kindness were recently brought up by an NBA reporter when he recalled the former Knicks player offering to pay the “whole salary” of a teammate, Cleanthony Early, when he was on the cusp of being cut by the NBA team.

While appearing in a recent interview, reporter Ian Begley, who was working for ESPN at the time of the witnessed incident, spoke highly about Anthony and the fact that, unprompted, he was willing to take care of Early’s annual salary when it looked like the Knicks were willing to cut him from the team in 2016.

According to Basketball Network, after an incident that took place in front of a New York City strip club in December 2015, Early, while leaving CityScapes Gentleman’s Club with his girlfriend, six men, armed with weapons, surrounded an Uber vehicle that the Knicks player was in. Threatening to shoot him in the midst of robbing him, although he gave up two gold chains, Early was shot in the knee.

Referencing that incident, Begley spoke about Anthony’s gesture to Early when word got out about the Knicks’ intention.

“Remember Cleanthony Early? He got caught up in something, a strip club, I don’t remember the details, but I think the Knicks were going to have to cut him. Carmelo said, ‘I’ll pay your whole salary.’ Like just as a teammate, as an NBA brother,” Begley stated.

He spoke about how that painted a positive picture of Anthony during Early’s time of need. The reporter acknowledged that, despite all the accolades bestowed upon Anthony, this offer stuck in his mind.

“That, to me, told me a lot about him, too, where he puts his energy. You can’t like… You talk about him as a basketball player, flaws, pros and cons, but just as a man and what he stands for, that will always stay with me,” Begley said.

https://twitter.com/KnicksFanTv/status/1968331346344104029

After Early’s injuries, the baller has played in Europe and the Middle East.

Anthony was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

RELATED CONTENT: For ‘Lavish The Band’ Founder Ebony Telesford, Grenada’s Spicemas Is More Than Profit – It’s Culture

Lonnie McGowen Profile Pic

Ex-VP Of Sherwin-Williams Owns IMAGE Studios Franchise

BLACK ENTERPRISE connected with McGowen to learn more about his journey to franchise ownership and what he describes as 'out-of-the-box' business strategies helping drive his success.


Lonnie McGowen is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a rich background in business and leadership. His career began at Sherwin-Williams, the largest coatings company in the world by revenue, in an entry-level role. 

McGowen’s dedication, vision, and leadership saw him rise through nine or 10 promotions to become the company’s first African American male vice president. After decades of corporate success, McGowen and his wife decided to fulfill their shared dream of owning a business.  

Together, they decided to pursue ownership in IMAGE Studios, an award-winning franchise brand and the premier leader in modern and luxurious salon suites.  BLACK ENTERPRISE connected with McGowen to learn more about his journey to franchise ownership and what he describes as “out-of-the-box” business strategies helping drive his success.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: What was your decision-making process in making the leap from a successful career to franchise ownership?

Lonnie McGowen: It was a mutual decision on both our parts. At Sherwin-Williams, I was working 70 to 80 hours a week, always on a plane or traveling. I was busy sunup to sundown. One day, my wife said, “I don’t ever see you. You’re always gone.”

That’s when I started thinking about franchising so that I could be my own boss. Then, a new leadership team came in at Sherwin-Williams and started to make a lot of changes. This made it easier to exit, and while I could have become a VP elsewhere, that would just lead to the same challenges I was already having with work-life balance.

When I left Sherwin-Williams in December 2019, my first thought was that we’d flip homes for a living. We started off in February 2020, but then COVID knocked us off that train. I had to rethink things again. The idea of franchising popped into my head again, so we found a franchise broker through a friend. This broker introduced us to IMAGE Studios.

BE: What made you decide to go with the IMAGE Studios franchise?

McGowen: The corporate team was a major deciding factor. They were fantastic— so supportive and experienced. The founding story resonated with me, as the company was born out of the housing crisis in the 2000s. We signed our franchise agreement in August 2020 and opened in November 2021. Signing during the pandemic, it was reassuring knowing that this business could withstand economic downturns. In fact, we learned that Dallas was a major hub for beauty brands, being home to Mary Kay, Ulta, and Sally Beauty Supply. IMAGE was the perfect fit for the Dallas market. We knew we’d be able to fill our spaces with beauty professionals.

But of course, their absentee model was appealing, coming from a role where I was working 70-80 hours a week. Now, I can work on the business 5-10 hours a week if I want. I have so much more free time on my hands and can take more vacations with my family. Plus, IMAGE Studios allows me to be paid about the same as I was at Sherwin-Williams.

BE: IMAGE Studios is a pretty steep investment. How did you go about securing funding?

McGowen: I struggled to get funding at first. $1.2 million is a LOT of money to get a business off the ground. When talking to investors and general contractors, I opened up about my story and appealed to their heartstrings, and fortunately, I got a “yes.” I come from a background where a lot of my friends didn’t make it out of our neighborhood. It’s important to tell your story, go back to your roots, and show people that you can make it out of your circumstances.

My general contractor is still working with me now, doing our second IMAGE Studios location. Always be honest and open about your journey! You’ll find people who truly believe in you and your mission that way.

BE: What are the biggest changes to your lifestyle since becoming a franchise owner?

McGowen: First change is having more freedom. Going from working 70-80 hours a week to 5-10 hours a week has been incredible. It allows me to spend more time building relationships outside of the business.

My health has also improved drastically. I have less stress and more time to go to the gym and focus on personal wellness.

It’s also been rewarding to help other business owners exceed. We have 30 beauty pros within our IMAGE Studios who all get to grow their business. I love being able to foster the entrepreneurial journey of these beauty pros.

However, one of the main challenges is that entrepreneurship is 24/7, even if I’m not physically working in the business. Anything could happen at any time, and the buck stops with you. You have to be a chameleon of sorts and know all aspects of business to be able to solve problems. It’s a huge responsibility!

BE: You’ve implemented four out-of-the-box Business Strategies for your franchise—innovative recruiting practices, community impact & philanthropy, empowering entrepreneurs, and relationship-centered leadership. Of the four, which one have you found to be the most valuable?

McGowen: I would say relationship-centered leadership. I try to relate to my beauty pros the best that I can. Their success is my success. When someone signs a minimum one-year lease with us, we go through every opportunity we can to make sure that their business stays and thrives. People stay with businesses that they feel connected to. I try to show up every day just to walk around and get to know my beauty pros. These pros are more than just a number—invest in them.

As a result, we’ve had a 65% retention rate, meaning 65% of those pros who signed with us in 2021 are still working with us.

I’m also very proud of our philanthropic efforts. It feels good to give back to the communities we serve. One example of that is Hope’s Door, a shelter for battered and abused women. At our IMAGE Studios, we give the women of Hope’s Door free makeovers, including haircuts, makeup, and beyond. These women, who have been through so much, leave our studios feeling like new people with a renewed sense of confidence. It’s not just about vanity—just think about how great you feel after a fresh haircut or blowout. These women need that pick-me-up.

BE: What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to a longtime corporate executive considering leaving their position and investing in a franchise?

McGowen

  • Follow your passion. I know that sounds like a cliché. I should note that my passion isn’t beauty—it’s people. I don’t have any hair on my head after all! It’s the relationships in the beauty industry that I really enjoy.
  • Monetize your passion. Enough said…find what you love and then figure out how to make money doing that.
  • Count the costs before you go into business. The top reason small businesses fail is that they run out of funds. Have plenty of investors or ways to support your business, especially at first.

RELATED CONTENT: 2 Black Google Execs Create Pathway to Access Capital for Black Entrepreneurs

Tennessee House, Bill, Teachers Carry Guns

Black Middle School Student Expelled After Disarming Gun-Carrying Classmate

A mother is fighting to get her son back in school after he was expelled for disarming a classmate.


A Lansing, Michigan, mother is fighting to have her 11-year-old son reinstated after he was expelled for disarming a classmate who brought a gun to school.

Savitra McClurkin says her son, Sakir, a seventh grader at Dwight Rich School of the Arts, is being punished after disarming and dismantling a classmate’s gun back in May. He removed the bullets and only informed an adult afterward. However, instead of being recognized for his heroic actions, Sakir was expelled for the next school year and barred from all school events.

“I’m frustrated. I’m at my wits’ end. I don’t know what to do,” McClurkin told WILX.

The distraught mother has struggled to reach anyone at the Lansing School District. Seeking answers, she attended a Lansing School Board meeting on Sept. 18, where she further expressed her frustration.

“He’s 11 years old. Seventh grade. Never been in trouble before,” McClurkin said.

McClurkin explained that her son was able to disarm and dismantle the gun thanks to his hunting experience. She said he was scared at the time and believed he was protecting other students. However, because he didn’t immediately inform a teacher, Sakir was expelled and accused of possession of a weapon.

“He didn’t want to implicate himself in it, nor did he want to tell on the person that actually brought the firearm,” his mother said. “Because he knows firearms aren’t supposed to be in school.”

Sakir, an A/B student active in school sports at the public magnet school, is now enrolled in a non-accredited online program to stay on track academically while his educational future is being determined.

“It’s devastating because he’s a bright kid and all he wants to do is be a kid,” McClurkin said. “They kicked him out of school for the whole year.”

“Expulsion is never a decision the district takes lightly. It is always considered a last resort,” the Lansing School District said in a written statement to WLIX. “However, Michigan law provides very clear direction in cases involving dangerous weapons. The investigation—which included statements and video evidence—left no ambiguity and required this outcome.”

“They are setting my son up for failure,” she added. “They’re setting him up to being a statistic, and I’ve been doing everything in my will and my power to keep him from that.”

A GoFundMe was launched to garner support for continuing Sakir’s education and has exceeded its $5,000 goal, raising over $11,000 by Sept. 22.

“Because of this sudden expulsion, Sakir’s mother has had to take on the enormous challenge of educating him at home. This has forced her to cut back on work, creating serious financial strain on their household,” the GoFundMe says.

“Sakir acted out of bravery and love for his classmates. Let’s show him that same love now.”

RELATED CONTENT: Georgia Lawmaker Wants To Pay Teachers $10,000 To Carry Guns

State Farm Arena, cultural fest, atlanta hawks

Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena Prep For Annual Million Meal Pack Initiative To Combat Food Insecurity

The event will take place Sept. 27 and Sept. 28, the first-ever Atlanta Hawks Forkside Seats will occur as well


In an effort to combat food insecurity in Atlanta, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena have announced that the Annual State Farm Million Meal Pack is returning Sept. 27 and introducing the first-ever Atlanta Hawks Forkside Seats Sept. 28.

Along with 5,000 volunteers and more than 100 groups, the NBA team and State Farm Arena will host both events at the stadium this upcoming weekend.

This year’s Million Meal Pack, the fifth one held at the stadium, will assemble one million meals that will benefit Atlanta metro area communities, which will be distributed by U.S. Hunger, a leading hunger relief organization designed to help feed people struggling with food insecurity. The next day, the Hawks and Giving Kitchen are collaborating for the Atlanta Hawks Forkside Seats, fueled by Georgia Natural Gas. Eighteen Atlanta restaurants and their chefs will unite for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience served “Forkside” on the State Farm Arena floor.

For every ticket sold for Forkside Seats, the proceeds will go toward Giving Kitchen’s mission to provide emergency assistance and community resources to food service workers in crisis.

“Food and the dining experience are essential for life, relationships, and a healthy community. It is a privilege and great responsibility to use our platform and our world-class venue to bring the community together to fight food insecurity locally as well as provide for the urgent needs of food service workers,” said Steve Koonin, president and chief executive officer of the Hawks and State Farm Arena, in a written statement. “Our Million Meal Pack is a day full of energy, music, and camaraderie, while our first Forkside Seats event will bring some of the best restaurants in Atlanta to one spot for a unique dining experience on the floor of the arena. Whether you come to pack or come to eat, there is an opportunity for everyone to support those in need.”

Some prominent individuals from the sports, entertainment, government, and business worlds will participate, including Hawks Legend Dominique Wilkins, current Hawks players Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman, and celebrities such as Mariah the Scientist and Young Dro.

The following restaurants will be participating:
Avize
Bar ANA
BOSK
Café Momentum Atlanta 
Capolinea at Signia by Hilton 
Ela Mezze & Spirits
Elektra at Forth Hotel
Fawn Wine and Amaro Bar
LowCountry Steak
Lucky Star
Midtown Social Restaurant & Bar
Mothers Best
Pizza Verdura Sincera
Pure Quill Superette
Smiley’s Burger Club
Storyteller Goods
The Ramspeck
Tiger Sun

https://twitter.com/StateFarmArena/status/1970231764422389901

Tickets for Sunday’s event start at $250 and can be purchased here.

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