by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 12, 2024

Memphis May Be Getting A Hip-Hop Museum

Memphis recording artist Al Kapone said, “Listen, we need that hip-hop museum in Memphis because the history runs deep."

Memphis, Tennessee, has a rich history in soul music, but over the past couple of decades, hip-hop has also made an indelible mark. So much so that the city is proposing a permanent museum that will celebrate the music and the culture behind the genre that has come from Bluff City.

According to WREG, at a Shelby County Commission meeting that took place on Dec. 11, the topic was brought up for discussion. Former Greater Memphis Chamber president and former executive director of the Civil Rights Museum, Beverly Robertson of Trust Marketing, spoke to the city commissioners to discuss the proposal for a Memphis hip-hop museum.

“We’ve had a thriving music culture for years, but it’s revving back up after Stax closed down,” she said.

With a hip-hop museum in place, it could potentially be visited by more than 43,000 people each year. They are also projecting that it will have yearly operating expenses of $1.8 million, with an anticipated revenue of $1.14 million. However, it could require more funding, to the tune of more than $700,000.

“Once we get anchored, we will figure out how to generate the revenue to be able to sustain and grow the museum long-term,” Robertson added.

Memphis recording artist Al Kapone, who was responsible for a song on the Hustle and Flow soundtrack, “Whoop That Trick,” likes the idea of a museum.

“The Memphis music scene, especially the hip-hop scene, has been dominating for a long time. We’ve been just as unique as the soul music era.”

The commissioners wanted to know if artists, musicians, and historians from Memphis could be involved in the project if given the ok. They also questioned if there could be an educational component for children, with a possible job-training program in music for young adults. The organizers stated that it could be and there can also be master and production classes, as well as performance and wellness spaces.

Al Kapone added his thoughts and believes that a hip-hop museum can drive more tourists to the city.

“Listen, we need that hip-hop museum in Memphis because the history runs deep,” he said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 12, 2024

Travis Hunter Becomes First College Athlete To Win Back-To-Back Paul Hornung Awards

The Paul Hornung Award is given to the football player who is the most versatile player at the college level.

Colorado’s two-way football player (meaning he plays both offense and defense), Travis Hunter, who is sure to be a lock to be in the NFL, made history when he was named the winner of the 2024 Paul Hornung Award. He is the only player in the award’s history to win it twice and in consecutive seasons.

The Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) says the Paul Hornung Award is given to the football player who is the most versatile player at the college level.

The JR CB/WR, Travis Hunter, perhaps the most prolific two-way player at the FBS level, has been named the first collegiate back-to-back winner of the Paul Hornung Award, given to the nation’s most versatile player in major college football. @CUBuffsFootball @TravisHunterJr pic.twitter.com/3L1pjPaDhn

— Paul Hornung Award (@hornungaward) December 11, 2024

“I’d like to thank all of my teammates and believe the awards I’m winning are team awards,” said Hunter in a written statement. “Especially the Paul Hornung Award for the most versatile player. I couldn’t do it without each of my teammates. I want to thank the Louisville Sports Commission and the Paul Hornung Award voters for blessing me with this award twice. I’d also like to thank Coach Prime for allowing me to do what I do and all the coaches and staff surrounding the CU football team. This is for all of us.”

Hunter had an incredible historic season as he was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, was given an honorable mention for Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and first-team All-Big 12 receiver and defensive back. He made conference history by becoming the first player to earn first-team honors on both offense and defense.

“Travis is HIM. A one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime player,” said Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders. “Thank you to the selection committee because they saw how special he was last year. This year, he took it to another level, and the rest of the nation is taking notice, but the Hornung Award and its selectors will be remembered for recognizing it before others. God bless you all.”

Other players who have won the Paul Hornung Award and went on to play in the NFL are DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, Odell Beckham Jr., and Jabrill Peppers.

Brian Thompson, UNITED HEALTHCARE, UnitedHealthcare, CEO, CEO

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 12, 2024

Healthcare Stocks Plummet Amid CEO Assassination And Targeted Legislation From Lawmakers

Think there is more behind the stock drop?

Stocks from UnitedHealth Group, Cigna, and CVS Health dropped 5% following the assassination of CEO Brian Thompson and a new bill that seeks to eliminate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), CNBC reported.

The three companies operate as the nation’s largest private health insurers and drug supply chain middlemen. They also own pharmacy businesses. The stock drop is being labeled as a response to a new bipartisan bill targeting the break up of PBMs after facing decades-long backlash from lawmakers and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) due to allegations they cause an increase of drug costs for patients to boost their profits.

A Senate bill, sponsored by Massachusetts’ Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, forces companies that own PBMs to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. In a statement, Warren said the legislation would “untangle” certain conflicts of interest, such as UnitedHealth Group’s OptumRx, CVS Health’s Caremark, and Cigna’s Express Scripts, which are either owned by or connected to health insurers. “PBMs have manipulated the market to enrich themselves—hiking up drug costs, cheating employers, and driving small pharmacies out of business,” the Senator said.

“My new bipartisan bill will untangle these conflicts of interest by reining in these middlemen.”

Another stock drop reason seemingly falls behind the assassination of United Health’s CEO Brian Thompson. Thompson was allegedly murdered by 26-year-old Luigi Mangione in early December 2024 in what is believed to be a targeted attack in New York City. On the day the shooting took place, according to The Independent, United Healthcare’s stock opened at $610.79. One week to the day of the incident, the stock took close to a 13% decline to $537.82.

Fellow insurers like Humana and Centene also took hits in their stock, and had a 3% decline. Healthcare equity strategist for Mizuho Financial Group, Jared Holz, thinks the drop is a response to “renewed rhetoric” surrounding insurance companies. “I think the response investors have had is, ‘Do we want to own this category of stocks if there’s going to be this now renewed negative focus on the industry?’” Holz said.

The FTC has been investigating PBMs since 2022 and found they collectively sent out approximately 80% of the nation’s prescriptions, sitting in the middle of the center of the drug supply chain in the U.S. It was found the groups negotiated rebates with drug manufacturers on the insurer’s behalf in addition to large employers and federal health plans. They also create lists of medications covered by insurance and reimburse pharmacies for prescriptions.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 12, 2024

Maryland’s Black Leaders Announce Plans To Rejuvenate The Failing Preakness Stakes

Think this will work?

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott are planning a week-long festival to rejuvenate the Preakness Stakes races as Baltimore plans to host the second jewel of the Triple Crown horse race, Fox Baltimore reported.

The creation of the 2025 Preakness Festival was announced on Dec. 11 during a press conference at Camden Yards in collaboration with Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (Sport Corp). The 150th Preakness Stakes, taking place at the Pimlico Race Course, will be featured during the inaugural festival including “free and ticketed cultural events, arts activities, and other programming at prominent locations across the state.” Moore says the festival will help curate a legacy in addition to boosting growth in the tourism and hospitality industries. “Preakness 150 will be more than a celebration—it will help us build a legacy in this city and this state,” Moore said.

“A legacy of progress, a legacy of opportunity, a legacy of growth, and a legacy of leaving no one behind.”

He continued to say “Preakness is a chance for Baltimore to show off,” according to the Baltimore Sun.

Scott celebrated the festival announcement on X with photos revealing the logo and the festival’s leader, Maryland’s First Lady, Dawn Moore. “Baltimore, there’s one more festival I couldn’t wait to share with you all – 2025 Preakness Stakes!” he said.

“Come this May, thanks to the leadership and vision of Dawn Moore, @GovWesMoore, we’re bringing Preakness back bigger and better than ever – kicking off the 150th celebration in true Baltimore fashion with a Preakness Festival.”

Baltimore, there’s one more festival I couldn’t wait to share with you all – 2025 Preakness Stakes! pic.twitter.com/2cvUCML2ri
— Brandon M. Scott (@MayorBMScott) December 12, 2024

Dawn said the idea came to her after she and the governor attended the Kentucky Derby in 2022 and noticed the parties and community events were a result of the first jewel of the Triple Crown taking over Louisville. She remembered telling her husband, “We could do it better.”

The dilapidated facility is scheduled to be torn down shortly after the races will take place in correlation to a $400 million rebuild project for a new Pimlico ready to host the Preakness by 2027. The refurbished track is expected to become the headquarters for Maryland thoroughbred racing by the end of that year.

The festival will be co-chaired by Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein, Stronach Group CEO Belinda Stronach, and Stella May Contracting chief financial officer Christian Johansson. Rubenstein remembered being taken aback by the idea while dining with the first family and was excited to get on board. “How come nobody else thought of that before?” he recalled thinking.

Growing up a mile from Pimlico, the MLB owner said he never visited the track because he wasn’t old enough, but promised to be there to celebrate the winner in 2025.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 12, 2024

Harlem Apartment Building’s Disabled Residents Still Waiting For Elevator Repair

'I've opened about five reports with 311. Nothing has happened.'

A broken elevator has given grief to some residents in Harlem who complain that it has been out of service for nearly a month now.

Residents at 236 West 126th Street told ABC 7 News that they have had to take the stairs in the seven-story building since Nov. 15, and it has presented problems for the people who live in the building.

Shana Best carries her daughter, 6-year-old Khepra, up six flights of stairs to get to her apartment. Her daughter has cerebral palsy and weighs 52 pounds, and the toll of carrying her up the stairs is weighing on her.

“I have to brace her for her over my shoulder. Oh. And just try to safely walk with her up the steps,” Best said. “Yes, she’s going to fight me because she wants to go.”

Residents say that the building is fairly new, but the elevator has not been repaired.

Toni Griffin, 66, who recently had surgery on her knee, yet, has to drag her groceries home and then deal with the issue of climbing the stairs.

“I have to rest every landing,” Griffin said. “It’s like am I going to make it? I have to stop every landing. I can’t do more than one landing at a time.”.

Best said she has placed calls to the city and nothing has happened, although they have promised to come fix it. In the meantime, Best said she leaves her daughter’s expensive wheelchair and medical equipment downstairs in the lobby.

Eyewitness News reached out to the building’s management and after speaking to the super, it said that the elevator parts have been ordered, but that’s a long process. No timetable has been given for the repair to be completed.

by Kandiss Edwards

December 12, 2024

Young Thug’s Ban From Metro Atlanta Is Modified By Fulton County Judge

Young Thug motion to amend plea deal is granted.

After seeking a modification in his YSL RICO plea deal, Jeffrey “Young Thug” Williams prevailed, partially.

Williams will now be allowed to return to his Atlanta home for short periods of time. Initially, the “Lifestyle” rapper was banned from the Metro Atlanta area for the next 15 years, unless he was hosting anti-drug, gang, or violence summits with the community’s youth.

The probation modification, posted on X by Thuggerdaily, specifies the conditions of his return after completing three years of probation without violation:

“Mr. Williams can thereafter visit his home at the address located in the city that has been provided, under seal, and the specific address given to probation, for up to two weeks at a time, up to four times per year, non-consecutive. Mr. Williams must notify probation at least five days prior to coming to this address.”

Young Thug’s Probation Modification Motion Partially Granted:

Judge has ruled that after Thug successfully completes 3 years of probation, he will be allowed to spend up to 8 weeks a year (2 weeks at a time) at his home on the edge of Metro Atlanta. #ysltrial https://t.co/Ccw7fBaIJn pic.twitter.com/e5e7AbXhll
— THUGGERDAILY ひ (@ThuggerDaily) December 11, 2024

In a non-negotiated plea, the Atlanta rapper pled guilty to multiple charges in a Fulton County court on Oct. 31. The charges included firearm possession and participation in criminal street gang activity. He also pleaded no contest to racketeering and leading a criminal street gang, as previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE.

The non-negotiated plea allowed Fulton County Judge Paige Reese Whitaker to impose sentencing as opposed to negotiating the plea with Fulton County Prosecutors.

Judge Whitaker’s ruling allowed Williams to be freed from jail with what some would call extreme conditions. The rapper was to be subjected to a 4-decade-long probation. If Thug adhered to the conditions of his probation for the first 15 years, without violation, the remaining 25 years would be suspended.

“The total sentence is 40 years, to serve the first five years in prison but commuted to the time you’ve already served,” Whitaker stated.

Judge Whitaker expressed hope in Williams’ ability to successfully navigate his probation and give back to the Atlanta community. She also warned the rapper about the consequences of failure.

“I want you to be more of the solution and less of the problem.” Whitaker continued. “Good luck to you. There better be no violations, but if there are any, you’re coming back to see me.”

Hopefully, with the probation modification ruling young Thug will have a better chance at success.

Nationwide Is The Sponsor For BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2025 Women Of Power Summit

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 12, 2024

Nationwide Is The Sponsor For BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 2025 Women Of Power Summit

BLACK ENTERPRISE'S Women of Power Summit returns to Las Vegas as Nationwide commits to a three-year lead sponsorship.

Nationwide has been announced as the sponsor of BLACK ENTERPRISE’S 2025 Women of Power Summit.

The 19th annual premier event, hosted by the No. 1 Black-owned digital media brand dedicated to wealth building and business, or some similar qualifier, will take place in Las Vegas at the luxurious Bellagio Hotel & Casino on March 5-8, 2025. With the expectation of more than 1,800 professional women of color attending, BE’s CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr. says Nationwide’s partnership is a true testament to the insurer’s commitment to uplifting Black women.

“We are proud and excited to have our longtime friends and partner Nationwide to serve as sponsor for our premier event celebrating the achievement and advancement of Black women professionals,” Graves said.

“Nationwide’s sponsorship confirms its ongoing commitment to the professional development and elevation of Black women professionals in corporate America.”

With the theme “Momentum: Our Future, Our Promise, Our Power!” the 2025 Summit will offer robust programming for executive and personal development. The range of topics includes career advancement, leadership, corporate boards, crisis management, workplace trauma, gender bias, pay equity, and wealth building. As a new addition to the agenda, the Summit will present opportunities for Mentor Matching, A.I. boot camps, professional branding, and programming on the fourth day surrounding holistic wellness with a chance for a power walk, workout, and vision boarding.

Attendees can round out the day with a relaxing day at the spa and a nice round of golf.

Programming like that gave Nationwide an easy decision to sponsor — fulfilling the lead sponsor role for 2025, 2026, and 2027. Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ramon Jones says the team is excited to expand on the budding partnership. “For more than a decade, Nationwide has proudly served as the presenting sponsor of many Black Enterprise signature events,” Jones said.

“As our partnership continues to evolve, we’re excited to expand our support to include the Women of Power Summit. We look forward to participating in this important event, which has been empowering and elevating executive women for nearly 20 years.”

The 2024 summit welcomed a range of business power forces, including sessions with The Cut’s Editor-in-Chief, Lindsay Peoples, and Tidal’s Global Head of Marketing, Shar Caesar Douglass. During the 18th Annual Legacy Awards Gala, Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments; Judy Smith, Founder and President of Smith & Company; and Thasunda Duckett, CEO of TIAA, were honored as trailblazers pushing through barriers in numerous industries.

In 2025, honorees include Barack Obama Foundation Chief Executive Office Valerie Jarrett, American Express’ Chief Partner Officer Glenda McNeal, and Melba Moore, Tony Award-winning actress and singer as distinguished award recipients.

Randy, Moss, Chick A Boom, South Carolina, partnership

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 12, 2024

Randy Moss’ Son Blasts Reports Of Father Having Liver Cancer

Thaddeus Moss has blasted Larry Fitzgerald Sr. for his "disgusting" revelation on social media.

Thaddeus Moss, son of former NFL player Randy Moss, has blasted Larry Fitzgerald Sr. for his “disgusting” revelation that his father has liver cancer after reports surfaced that he is taking time off to “focus on a personal health challenge.”

After ESPN released a statement last week about the NFL Hall of Famer taking time off from hosting Sunday NFL Countdown, there has been speculation about why. Since the reason wasn’t revealed, rumors started that he may have cancer,r which has infuriated his son, specifically after Fitzgerald stated on social media that his Ross had liver cancer.

Update on @RandyMoss pic.twitter.com/E9fGJUhK5U

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) December 6, 2024

However, journalist Larry Fitzgerald Sr. posted that he heard Randy had liver cancer in a since-deleted post, asking for prayers for the former player.

Once Thaddeus got wind of the post, he posted a message of his own to social media, blasting the report.

“This is disgusting,” Moss wrote. “You have no right to try to make private matters public for the sake of engagement. I do not believe my father talks to you, so check your f**king sources.”

That post was also deleted.

Former NFL player Brett Favre also sent prayers and repeated the rumor, but Thaddeus responded to the Hall of Famer that what was reported “is not true” and thanked him for the support.

Brett , the support is appreciated, truly. This is not true. My father will address the world when he is ready to

— Thaddeus Moss (@Thaddeusmoss) December 11, 2024

Fitzgerald did repost another journalist’s report of Randy having liver cancer.

JUST IN: Randy Moss has announced that he has liver cancer.

The NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver recently stepped away from his ESPN job.

Prayers up. America is hoping he can “Moss” the Big C. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nU3LFtbLJJ

— Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) December 11, 2024

Randy just announced that he is opening a new restaurant, Crisppi’s Chicken, next year in Miami on Jan. 17, 2025.

Randy played for five NFL teams during his career, which spanned from 1998 to 2012. After playing his collegiate career at Marshall University, he entered the 1998 NFL Draft, where the Minnesota Vikings selected him as the 21st overall pick. He played the bulk of his career with the Vikings and also suited up for the Oakland Raiders, the New England Patriots, and the Tennessee Titans. He retired after joining the San Francisco 49ers.

Man, Conviction, Racist Threats, Pregnant Black Woman

by Kandiss Edwards

December 12, 2024

Black British Teen Gets 1-Year Jail Sentence For Having Relations With Another Teen In Dubai

A British teen feels abandoned by his government after 1-year prison sentence in Dubai.

Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old British teen, was sentenced to one year of jail time for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old British girl in Dubai, according to the BBC.

While on vacation with his family in the UAE, Fakana spent time and allegedly had sex with the unnamed girl who was also on holiday with her family.

The girl’s mother did not discover the relationship until her family returned home to London. The mother alerted Dubai Police after f inding text messages and photos documenting the teens’ time together.

The UAE government has detained Fakana since September, as it is illegal to have sex with any person under the age of 18. Fakana believes he has been “abandoned by the British government,” according to Detained In Dubai.

Detained in Dubai is a campaign organization dedicated to helping foreigners arrested and detained due to the country’s strict laws. Radha Stirling, the founder and chief executive of Detained in Dubai, believes the punishment is excessive and does not fit the crime.

“A custodial sentence for consensual sex with two people — tourists who were only supposed to be there for a short time — does not warrant a year in jail, doesn’t warrant tearing this family apart and ruining this young 18-year-old’s life.”

The campaign organization, which includes experts in foreign law, believes Fakana’s counsel was ineffective and mishandled the initial aspects of the case. Lawyers for Fakana are seeking an appeal. They hope the young man can be charged with a lesser offense.

“[Marcus] was desperately hoping to come home this week, but prosecutorial mishandling in the first stages of the case meant it wasn’t heard as a misdemeanor when it should have been,” Stirling said.

Earlier this year, a Black couple was subject to harsh consequences after violating UAE law. A Gambian woman and a Nigerian man were convicted of smuggling marijuana into the country and sentenced to life in prison, according to KhaleejTimes.

On Jan. 2, the couple was detained at the Dubai International Airport, where 4,290.86 grams of marijuana was uncovered during a customs screening. After a thorough investigation, where authorities examined phone records and forensics and conducted drug screening, the courts ruled against the couple. Both claimed to have no knowledge of the drugs in their luggage, but the courts found the argument “implausible.” The defendants were sentenced on Nov. 28. If the couple is released, they will be deported to their country of origin.

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 12, 2024

Joe Biden Pardons Close To 40 People In Largest Single-Day Clemency Act and Black Women Feel A Way

Shouldn't this be a good thing?

In the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history, President Joe Biden announced commuted sentences of roughly 1,500 people and 39 pardons of nonviolent crimes, and Black women aren’t too happy about it, The Hill reports.

“Today, I’m pardoning 39 people with nonviolent crimes who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, and I’m commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others – many of whom would have received lower sentences today,” Biden wrote on Dec. 12 on Twitter.

“America was built on second chances. That’s what these pardons and commutations represent.”

Today, I’m pardoning 39 people with non-violent crimes who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, and I’m commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 others – many of whom would have received lower sentences today.

America was built on second chances. That's what these… pic.twitter.com/OigPcN8qkJ
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 12, 2024

In early December 2024, Biden also pardoned his son, Hunter, who was facing federal gun charges. As criticism poured in, civil rights activists like Angela Rye attacked Biden for his moves, claiming that his loyalty should be to Black Americans who helped him secure the White House in 2020.

“When you consider the many ways in which Black women—Black people—carried him across the finish line, risked their very lives with the pandemic and after George Floyd’s horrible, tragic murder on camera for nine minutes and 30 seconds, he owes Black people their freedom because people trusted that he would deliver,” Rye said.

Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) followed suit and called Biden out for failing to keep campaign promises in order to reduce the number of incarcerated Americans.

“Despite pledges by the president to reduce the federal prison population, it has only grown in recent years. President Biden has an opportunity and an obligation to reduce the federal prison population and make good on his campaign promise to address the systemic injustices of mass incarceration before leaving office,” Bush said in a statement.

“With the stroke of a pen, the president can offer these individuals the dignity and redemption they deserve. We urge him to act now.”

White House lawyers claim the issued pardons are for those convicted of nonviolent crimes such as drug offenses who have turned their lives around, including a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters, the deacon of a church who has since worked as an addiction and youth counselor, a decorated military veteran, and a molecular bioscience doctoral student, according to Associated Press.

Bush and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) are pushing for Biden to pardon environmental and human rights lawyer Steven Donziger, who was imprisoned for three years due to a contempt of court charge in correlation to representing Indigenous farmers in a lawsuit against oil and gas giant Chevron.