by Stacy Jackson

January 15, 2025

New Study Predicts Triple Increase In Dementia Cases Among Black Americans

The risk for Black Americans who will develop dementia is greater, with a 7% risk by age 75 and 28% by 85.

According to a new study published on Jan. 13 in “Nature Medicine,” the risk of developing dementia is increasing in the United States, and the rate of Black people living with the disease is expected to triple.

The new research challenges older studies, which estimated a lower risk of dementia, with about 14% of men and 23% of women developing the disease in their lifetime. “Just the fact that the population is going to get older will mean the number of dementia cases will double overall,” study leader Dr. Josef Coresh told NBC News. The study found that the average 55-year-old’s risk of developing the disease by age 95 was 42%, and overall dementia cases in the U.S. are expected to double by 2060, an increase to approximately 1 million compared to 514,000 in 2020.

For Black Americans, the risk is greater, and the population may see the number of cases triple. Researchers found a 7% risk for Black Americans by age 75, while the average person’s risk of developing the disease was 4% between ages 55 and 75. By age 85, the risk spiked to 28% for Black Americans compared to 20% for the average person.

https://twitter.com/NatureMedicine/status/1879197518371627517

A 2024 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that cases among Black adults are expected to hit 3.1 million in 2060. Higher rates for the group compared to their white counterparts included a higher prevalence of dementia risk factors like heart disease and diabetes, higher rates of poverty, and greater exposure to adversity and discrimination. The agency also revealed contributing factors to disparities like negative social attitudes toward patients from other races and unequal access to quality care and proper diagnosis. Disparities included unequal representation of Black people in clinical trials for the disease. BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered a 2023 study that revealed that, on average, Black patients received MRI imaging tests for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias at around 72 years old, much later than white and Hispanic patients who received imaging in their 60s.

The “Lifetime Risk and Projected Burden of Dementia” cohort study tracked 15,043 people in the U.S. from 1997 to 2020. Black adults made up 26.9% of the study’s participants. It applied lifetime risk estimates to US Census projections to evaluate the annual number of incident dementia cases from 2020 to 2060.

Dementia risk may seem higher than before due to older studies that lacked a diverse group of participants, found challenges with tracking participants who developed dementia, and only examined the most common type, Alzheimer’s disease.

Black Youth, Incarceration, Racial Disparities

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 15, 2025

U.S. Department Of Labor To Allocate $25M For Pre-Release Training, Employment Services For Incarcerated Individuals

$25 million in funding is going to support the future employment of the formerly incarcerated.

The U.S. Department of Labor is allocating $25 million to support the future endeavors of incarcerated citizens before and after their release.

On Jan. 13, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of at least $25 million in grants to provide training and employment services for incarcerated individuals before and after their release from state, county, or local correctional facilities. The grants are dedicated to providing support both during incarceration and after release, focusing on improving employment outcomes during the reentry process and reducing recidivism.

The 12 Pathway Home Grant projects, funded through the department’s Employment and Training Administration, are organized to bridge the gap between a person’s release from incarceration and their enrollment in workforce development reentry programs that lead to skills-based employment.

Support for the participants begins before release, with funding going toward legal assistance, counseling, job search strategies, and other essential skills and services prior to their release. The programs will also support Registered Apprenticeships and occupational training, leading to industry-recognized credentials and supportive services upon release.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act authorized the Pathway Home 6 Grants funding, allowing grantees to form formal, long-term partnerships with employers after release. This is a groundbreaking stride toward reducing recidivism through employment opportunities, a factor long credited with a former inmate’s return to the prison system.

In 2022, the White House released research highlighting the difficulties individuals with criminal records encounter in the labor market. A 2008 study, for example, estimated that the unemployment rate for formerly incarcerated persons (FIPs) was around 27%, compared to just over 5% for the general population.

The deadline to apply for the 12 Pathway Home Grants is March 15, 2025.

by Mitti Hicks

January 15, 2025

Michelle Obama Is Not Attending Trump’s Inauguration

This isn’t the first time Mrs. Obama has skipped out on gatherings where former U.S. presidents and their spouses attended.

It appears that when people go low, the former first lady Michelle Obama is deciding to step aside. Mrs. Obama is not attending the second inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

The Associated Press reported that while Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, Mrs. Obama will not.

“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies,” a statement from the Office of Barck and Michelle Obama reads. “Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”

Michelle Obama Doesn’t Give Reason For Absence

This isn’t the first time Mrs. Obama has skipped out on gatherings where former U.S. presidents and their spouses attended.

Michelle Obama did not attend the funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral on Jan. 9.

She was notably absent as pictures of her husband and Trump sitting next to each other and sharing laughs made their rounds on social media. Mrs. Obama has been vocal about her dislike for Trump, which she expressed in her memoir Becoming.

“Sitting on the inaugural stage in front of the U.S. Capitol for the third time, I worked to contain my emotions,” she said, adding, “I stopped even trying to smile.”

In her campaign speech at the Democratic National Convention, she accused Trump of doing “everything in his power to make people fear.”

The end of her speech is what got everyone talking. “Who’s going to tell him that the job he’s currently seeking might just be one of those ‘Black jobs?’” This is an apparent jab from the President-elect’s claims that immigrants are taking “Black jobs” while on the campaign trail.

The reason for Mrs. Obama’s absence is unclear. It’s important to note that the Trumps did not attend President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, as CNN reported

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 15, 2025

Washington Commanders’ Bobby Wagner Pursues Business Degree From Howard University

'I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?'

An NFL player has taken steps toward obtaining his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree by enrolling at Howard University. According to HBCU Gameday, NFL All-Pro defense player Bobby Wagner is pursuing his degree at one of the most prominent HBCUs in the nation, Howard University.

Wagner, who plays for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, enrolled in the 18-month MBA program in January 2023. Thinking about life after football motivated the linebacker to take the course, as most NFL players don’t play more than five years in the league, and many go bankrupt within years after their playing days are over.

Out of all the schools to attend, he chose Howard because of the school’s reputation and history.

“I just looked at Howard as a great school to learn business from. It’s one of the best in the country, and why wouldn’t I choose them?” he asked.

The 34-year-old player is already a businessman, acting as his own agent when he negotiated his recent contract with the Commanders. Without employing an agent, he received a one-year, $8.5 million deal, with $6 million guaranteed, and didn’t have to give a percentage to anyone.

His drive to a successful post-NFL career has brought him to Howard, where he will grow into a businessman after completing the school’s business program.

“Similarly, with football, you always want to try to find ways to perfect your craft, so I felt like this was an opportunity for me to do that off the field,” he said.

Wagner, who has played in the NFL for 13 seasons, also gives back to the community. For his dedication to community activities and education, he was recently nominated for the NFL’s 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. This award recognizes players for their contributions on and off the field.

Jack and Jill, Martin Luther King, Martin Luther King Day

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Natural Grocers® And Jack And Jill Of America Foundation Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2025 With Annual Fundraiser

Natural Grocers® and the Jack and Jill of America Foundation launched a new annual fundraiser on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Natural Grocers® has teamed up with the Jack and Jill of America Foundation to launch an annual fundraiser to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On Jan. 13, Natural Grocers® announced an in-store fundraising campaign to support the Jack and Jill of America Foundation (JJOAF), scheduled for Jan. 20, 2025, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During the campaign, customers can make additional donations at the register in increments of $1, $5, or $10. The company will also donate a portion of sales from all its stores nationwide to raise $45,000 or more for the Jack and Jill Foundation College Graduation Assistance Program (GAP) Fund.

In addition, Natural Grocers has committed to donating 1% of sales from its 167 stores to support HBCU students in achieving their academic goals. The GAP Fund, which provides scholarships to cover tuition expenses for students attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), plays a key role in this initiative. Taking place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the fundraiser honors the civil rights leader’s legacy of social justice, education, and his connection as an HBCU alum.

“I am proud of our investment of $125,768 in 113 students that graduated in May 2024 — across five HBCUs, empowering the next generation of leaders,” Executive Director of Jack and Jill Foundation Pier Blake said in a statement.

“While this is a strong step forward, we are committed to doing even more with the generous partnership of Natural Grocers during their Martin Luther King Day campaign, as we aim to expand our impact and uplift even more deserving students. Together, we can continue to make dreams a reality.”

The campaign supports the Jack and Jill of America Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated (JJOA, Inc.), and its mission to address social issues impacting African American communities, families, and children. Families within Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated—the largest and most prominent African American family organization—play a crucial role in charitable giving and fundraising, raising over $2 million annually for the foundation and other causes.

“Financial challenges of pursuing a higher education can often feel overwhelming, and your support has made an immeasurable difference in my life,” said Annissa D. Owens, a May 2024 graduate from Southern University, whose student balance was paid by the Jack and Jill Foundation.

“Thanks to your generosity, I can now focus fully on navigating life after college without the constant worry of student debt. I cannot thank you enough for your dedication to supporting students like me and your incredible generosity. It is organizations like the Jack and Jill Foundation that help make education more accessible and inspire hope in students striving for their dreams. Your contribution has made a lasting impact on my life. We are forever grateful.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 14, 2025

Grammy Events Cancelled By Major Record Labels Amid LA Wildfires

Major record labels have canceled their Grammy Week events, choosing to redirect funds to support relief efforts for the LA wildfires.

Despite the ongoing wildfires raging through Southern California, the 67th annual Grammy Awards are still set to take place on Feb. 2. But Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Group have announced they will not be hosting any events to celebrate the occasion.

On Jan. 14, Sony Music Group joined Universal Music Group (UMG) and Warner Music Group in canceling its Grammy Week party, opting instead to redirect the funds to support local relief efforts, Billboard reported. It came one day after the Recording Academy confirmed that this year’s Grammy Awards would proceed as planned, despite the wildfires affecting countless Los Angeles residents, including stars and industry professionals across music, film, and television.

Shortly after the Recording Academy’s announcement, UMG released its own statement canceling all Grammy-related events, including its artist showcase and after-party. The company announced it would instead “redirect the resources that would have been used for those events to assist those affected by the wildfires.”

“Our deepest gratitude goes to the first responders and emergency personnel, who continue to perform heroically,” Universal said in a statement.

“L.A. is home to so many of us. We are committed to helping and supporting the music community, our artists, our teams and the people of Los Angeles get through this horrific episode.”

Within 24 hours of UMG’s announcement, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Group also announced the cancellation of their planned Grammy events. Along with UMG’s relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires, Warner Music Group announced its canceled Grammy Week party to instead redirect funds to wildfire relief efforts and aid those affected by the devastation.

It follows Warner Music Group’s previous pledge of $1 million to support fire relief and rebuilding efforts in the Los Angeles area through its Warner Music Group/Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund.

“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles,” Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and Tammy Hurt, chair of the board of trustees, said in a statement. “This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.”

“In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned,” they continued. “This year’s show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.”

by Stacy Jackson

January 14, 2025

California Wildfires Leave Several Black Families To Mourn Deaths Of Loved Ones

At least 24 deaths have been reported in the aftermath of the California wildfires. An exact death toll has not been revealed.

Residents of Southern California faced extreme wildfires that began last Tuesday, and the aftermath has left several Black families to mourn the deaths of loved ones who did not make it out of their homes.

NBC News reported that at least 24 victims died across the Los Angeles area, due to the wildfires that destroyed thousands of structures and forced around 180,000 residents to evacuate their homes. The exact death toll from the incident has not been revealed; however, for Anthony Mitchell, two family members, his father Anthony, 67, and younger brother Justin, are dead after they stayed behind in their Altadena home. The 67-year-old, who was also a great-grandfather of 10, stayed behind with Justin, who had cerebral palsy and was unable to walk. They were waiting for an ambulance to come for them to be evacuated, The Minnesota Star Tribune noted. “He probably could have gotten himself out, but he wasn’t going to leave my brother,” Mitchell said about his dad, who had an amputated leg and used a wheelchair to get around. ”He was not going to leave his son behind. No matter what,” said daughter Hajime White.

Dalyce Kelley believes her grandmother was unaware of the evacuation orders and may not have received the alerts. Kelley was the last family member to see her grandmother, Dalyce “Mama Dee” Curry, after she dropped her off at home on the same day the Eaton wildfire erupted in the Altadena community. Mama Dee, 95, was not able to evacuate her California home and died in the Eaton fire. Mama Dee was an extra in multiple classic movies of old Black Hollywood in the early 1900s. She appeared in movies like the Ten Commandments and The Blues Brothers and was mentored by Madame-Sul-Te-Wan, the first Black woman to secure a film contract in Hollywood, per the Golden Globes. Kelley said her grandmother loved Altadena and the aftermath of the wildfires would have deeply hurt her.

https://twitter.com/DrMamaKai/status/1878855903312802199

For Brianna Navarro, nearly everyone in their Altadena neighborhood knew her 83-year-old grandmother, Erliene Louise Kelley. On Thursday, Police confirmed Kelley’s death after the wildfire reached the home she tended to for over four decades. The woman lived with Navarro, her husband, and two daughters. The red glare the family saw outside did not look like anything major, but Navarro’s husband wanted to evacuate. “My husband, he’s not from out here, so he kind of was looking at it a little different than we were,” Navarro said. “We asked [her grandmother] … and she’s like: ‘No, no, I’m fine. You guys go ahead.'” Kelley lived through a wildfire before and was “at peace,” staying behind in the home.

Third victim from California wildfires identified as 83-year-old Erliene Louise Kelley.

She had been through a major wildfire in the past and assumed everything would be fine.

Kelley died when the fire engulfed the home, police confirmed to her granddaughter on Thursday. – NBC pic.twitter.com/pzXv1YJsCT
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) January 11, 2025

Other deaths that have been reported in the aftermath of the California wildfires include Rodney Kent Nickerson, 83, who AZ Intel stated on X, was found in his bed at home, and Victor Shaw, 66, who was found dead on the side of the road with a garden hose.

Victims killed in the California wildfires identified
Anthony and Justin Mitchell #AnthonyMitchell
Erliene Louise Kelley #ErlieneKelley
Victor Shaw
Rodney Kent Nickerson #RodneyNickerson
Rory Sykes#EatonFire #palisades #palisadesfire #losangeles https://t.co/5xdKdXzS4O pic.twitter.com/RLnMspN1Kr
— News Channel3 Now (@newschannel3now) January 11, 2025

The Associated Press reported that as the Los Angeles area faces fierce winds and critical weather, additional firefighters from around the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico, arrived on Monday. Mayor Karen Bass and other officials are confident first responders are prepared for any new threats.

Stephen A. Smith, Trump, YouTube, apologize, Stephen A. Smith

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 14, 2025

Stephen A. Smith Admits Being Glad President-Elect Trump Won Election

'I did not vote for Donald Trump, but I'm glad he won.'

Sports analyst Stephen A. Smith recently stated that although he did not vote for President-elect Donald Trump, he admits he is glad Trump emerged victorious in the election.

In a conversation with Dave Rubin posted on Rubin’s Instagram account, Smith seemed disappointed that he voted for Vice President Kamala Harris based on the Democratic Party’s talking points.

The video clip starts with Smith acknowledging Trump’s and the Republicans’ victory but clarifying that he did not vote for the president-elect.

“I did not vote for Donald Trump, but I’m glad he won.”

“Because when I see, especially in the aftermath of the election, some of the things that transpired with the Democratic Party, you know, in an effort to manipulate the election in the vote, it really ticked me off.”

He admitted that, based on what he heard from the Democrats, he felt guilted into voting for the vice president, and this “bothered” him.

“When you hear people talking about practical, practical things, and then I saw folks on the left, basically trying to guilt me into voting for you. It bothered me. I might have ended up voting for Kamala Harris because I didn’t like how Trump acts, but what I didn’t do was call him a racist.”

Smith acknowledges knowing Trump and having a casual relationship with him and knew that what the “left” was saying about him wasn’t true in terms of Trump being a racist and other perceived references to the incoming president.

“I didn’t call him a Nazi. I knew Trump before he ran for president. We talked on the phone; we talked at basketball games or boxing events. I knew this man there, so some of the things that were being said about him, I knew were not true.  And I was saying, come on, y’all, that you got to do better than that.”

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A post shared by Dave Rubin (@rubinreport)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 14, 2025

Did Def Jam Really Do A $13M Deal With LiAngelo Ball?

There's life after basketball for G3.

Former NBA prospect LiAngelo Ball, the middle brother of NBA players Lonzo (Chicago Bulls) and LaMelo (Charlotte Hornets), has reportedly signed a recording contract with Def Jam.

According to ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania, after releasing his viral single, “Tweaker,” Ball inked a deal with the legendary hip-hop label. The deal, worth as much as $13 million with $8 million guaranteed, gives him full ownership of his music.

He released the song on the Born2Ball Music Group label and signed the deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group.

LiAngelo Ball has signed a deal with Def Jam and Universal Music Group, a representative from his label Born2Ball Music Group says. Sources said the deal is worth as much as $13 million, with $8 million guaranteed, and gives Ball full ownership of music and his own record label.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 13, 2025

USA Today reported that Ball’s song has gained a following on social media. The video for “Tweaker” has over 8 million YouTube views.

Chart Data reported that the song sold 94,000 units in the first week it was released in the United States. It entered the top 10 streaming chart on Spotify on Jan. 8.

Though Ball’s hoop dreams have apparently gone away, his career as recording artist G3 looks to be in full bloom.

After not being selected in the 2018 NBA Draft after playing college ball at UCLA, Ball had several opportunities to make the league. He signed training camp deals with the Detroit Pistons (2020), and the Hornets (2021 and 2022), but he never played play in the regular season.

Ball did play in the NBA G League for the Greensboro Swarm, averaging a pedestrian 4.4 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 13.1 minutes in 31 games from 2021-23.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 14, 2025

Rashida Jones To Step Down As President Of MSNBC In Days Ahead Of Trump Inauguration

Jones made history as the first Black executive to lead a major U.S. cable news network.

Rashida Jones has announced her decision to step down as president of MSNBC in the days ahead of Trump’s inauguration.

Jones, a Black woman, had served in the role with the NBCUniversal network for four years. With her appointment to the position in 2021, she made history as the first Black executive to lead a major U.S. television news network. She told the company on Jan. 14 that she intends to pursue other opportunities for the new year.

“I came to this decision over the holidays while reflecting on our remarkable journey and the many successes we’ve achieved together as a team. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my professional career, and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished, which has been made possible only by you,” Jones said in a memo to staff obtained by NBC News.

Rebecca Kutler will take on the role of interim president. Prior to this, she served as the senior vice president of content strategy. Jones will stay on in an advisory role until March.

Through her tenure, which started a month after the Jan. 6 insurrection, she signed long-term deals to retain prime-time anchors such as Rachel Maddow. MSNBC also saw the relaunch of a mobile app and a premium subscription series under her leadership.

However, Jones’ decision comes at a time when MSNBC must juggle covering Trump’s incoming administration for its liberal audience. Moreover, alongside her transition of power comes a deal announced in November by Comcast.

The company will spin off most of its networks into a separate entity deemed SpinCo. MSNBC will join CNBC, USA Network, and other channels in this deal.

SpinCo.’s incoming chief executive, Mark Lazarus, spoke on Jones’ impact in the news media sphere. He noted how her triumphs have positively positioned MSNBC as it embarks on this era.

“Rashida has expertly navigated MSNBC through a years-long, unrelenting, and unprecedented news cycle, all while driving the network to record viewership and making investments in nonlinear businesses. MSNBC is well-positioned for the future,” shared Lazarus in a memo to staff.

While Jones’ tenure has been applauded, MSNBC will undergo its own considerations to raise viewership as ratings remain on the decline.