Sacramento Kings,Shaquille O’Neal, Shareef

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 19, 2024

Sacramento Kings Sign Shaquille O’Neal’s Son Shareef For Upcoming Season

Shareef, who previously played with G League Ignite, is slated to play for the G League Stockton Kings.

The Sacramento Kings have announced the signing of the son of an NBA Hall of Famer after waiving four other players.

The NBA team has signed Shaquille O’Neal’s son, Shareef, who previously played with G League Ignite. Along with O’Neal, they also brought on Antoine Davis and Drew Timme. All three players are slated to play for the G League Stockton Kings. The Kings also stated that it had waived Boogie Ellis, Skal Labissière, Terry Taylor, and Brodric Thomas.

The Kings just lost their last preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-91, as they prepared for the start of the NBA season on Oct. 24.

O’Neal was on the G League Ignite for the 2022-23 season, averaging 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Davis was on the roster for the Kings’ 2024 Summer League team this past summer. He played the 2023-24 season with the Rip City Remix. He averaged 17.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 28.7 minutes per game in the 29 games he played with the Remix.

Timme played for the Wisconsin Herd during the 2023-24 season, averaging 9.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 21.8 minutes per game in 27 regular-season games.

In August, while speaking on a podcast, O’Neal mentioned he was working at Reebok with his father after Shaq convinced him to forgo his basketball dreams (He was heading to Australia to resume his career). He brought Shareef on to help with the brand’s rebranding efforts.

“I was getting ready to go to Australia in about late December or January.” He stated that Shaq invited him to Thanksgiving dinner. While they were on a plane ride, Shareef said, “We’re sitting. He’s like, ‘Australia’s far. You know you don’t have to go to Australia.’ And I’m kinda like, ‘Yeah.’ I kind of just wanted to move. I don’t know why, but I was like, ‘Let me just go try something new.’”

Now, he doesn’t have to leave the country to play basketball.

Trump, Lincoln, The South, Slavery, Civil War

by Mary Spiller

October 19, 2024

Trump Says Lincoln Would Have Been A Better President Had He ‘Settled’ With The South Over Slavery

Trump claimed Abraham Lincoln could have been "better" had he avoided the Civil War by allowing the South to keep slavery as an institution.

Former President Donald Trump sat down with Fox News on Oct. 18 and delivered some rather concerning remarks in response to a 10-year-old boy’s question about who his favorite president is. During the interview, Trump suggested that 16th President Abraham Lincoln could have avoided the Civil War by cutting a deal with the South, which would have allowed slavery to remain legal in some form.

During a segment of the Fox News broadcast, the young boy asked Trump who his favorite president was when he was little.

Trump began by saying he liked Ronald Reagan when he was younger. Trump was 34 when Reagan took office.

“I liked Ronald Reagan. Look, I didn’t love his trade policy…I’ve made some great trade deals for us, the US. That wasn’t his strength, but he had a great dignity about him. You could say ‘There’s our president’ more than any other,” Trump began. He continued by saying that he believed Lincoln was a great president who could have been better had he “settled” with the South before the Civil War.

“Great presidents?” Trump began, “Lincoln was probably a great president, although I’ve always said, why wasn’t that settled? You know, I’m a guy that—it doesn’t make sense we had a Civil War…. You’d almost say, like, why wasn’t that [settled]? As an example, Ukraine would have never happened, and Russia, if I were president. Israel would have never happened; October 7 would have never happened, as you know.”

Trump didn’t continue to explain exactly what he believed Lincoln should have done to assuage the South, which wanted to keep the institution of slavery in place, but he affirmed that Lincoln should have “settled” the dispute.

The Civil War began after the Southern states seceded from the Union, largely due to tensions over slavery.

OMG — Trump questions why the Civil War wasn't settled before it started, saying "Lincoln was probably a great president although I've always said, why wasn't that settled?" pic.twitter.com/l3Kj0OQdxZ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 18, 2024

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 19, 2024

Queen Latifah Encourages People To Vote For Kamala Harris

'We don’t need a dictator. We need unity, and we need the strength of our community.'

Hip-hop artist and television royalty Queen Latifah recently appeared at Essex County College in New Jersey to give a speech and remind people that their vote counts. She also made sure to inform the crowd that she was throwing her support behind who could become the first woman president of the United States, Kamala Harris.

According to AllHipHop, the New Jersey-bred entertainer and founder of Flavor Unit Records appeared at the college event with other notable personalities. Latifah was on hand to encourage people to register to vote and also gave reasons to ensure they pulled the lever for Harris. She was joined at the event by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, activist Tamika Mallory, Congressman Andy Kim, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, singer Honey Bxby, and rapper Vinnie “Vin Rock” Brown of Naughty By Nature.

The 54-year-old Latifah repeated a phrase that Harris and her supporters have been using since she was chosen to run for the presidency. She warned people that we can’t “go back” to former President Donald Trump gaining the role of president again.

“I don’t want to go back to that,” Latifah said to the crowd of about 1,000 attendees. “I don’t need anyone telling me what to do and who to be. We don’t need a dictator. We need unity, and we need the strength of our community.”

She said she wanted to make history by making Harris the first woman president of the United States.

“I’m going to have the first woman president of these United States,” Latifah announced. She also stressed to the crowd that if they think their vote didn’t count, they should think again.

“Your vote is your power,” Latifah reiterated. “If it didn’t matter, they wouldn’t try so hard to take it away from you.”

RELATED CONTENT: A Queen Latifah Biopic Is On The Way!

Video, Black, Florida, Teenager, Racially Profiled, White Neighbors

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 19, 2024

Video Of Black Florida Teenager Racially Profiled By White Neighbors Goes Viral, Police Now Investigating

Four white men followed and harassed teen as he went for a walk in his own neighborhood.

A Black Florida teenager posted a video on social media being racially harassed by several white men while walking in a Sarasota community. The video clip generated millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. It also drew disgust from residents. Police have now stated they have started an investigation into the matter.

The teenager, who wasn’t identified but uses the handle @kuttup_4pick on Instagram, filmed himself walking along the neighborhood while four white men harassed him for walking in the area. Because his house had no power due to Hurricane Helene, the teen decided to take a walk while speaking to his girlfriend on the phone.

The men are seen following him and questioning whether he lives in the neighborhood (he reportedly does) or if he is visiting someone who lives there. As the young boy minds his business and continues walking, you hear the white men trying to agitate him, one even saying that he walked by one house four times and was looking at his wife. This went on for 10 minutes. At one point in time, one of the men goes to grab what appears to be a weapon, but as it looks like he is about to attack the boy, he is stopped by another man on the scene.

The boy’s mother reposted the video clip on her social media account as well to bring attention to the incident and to complain about her son being harassed by these white men.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WhitneyDiana T-Portela (@qweenie1111)

Another Instagram user, @thatdaneshguy, also reposted the video along with information, offering one of the men’s Instagram handles. At the time of the post, the user wrote that the Sarasota Police Department had determined that “No crime occurred.” However, after the video clips went viral, the police department issued a statement saying that they are now investigating the issue.

The statement reads, “The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is aware of a video circulating on various social media platforms of an incident that occurred in the Skye Ranch neighborhood on Thursday, October 10. Detectives have been assigned and are actively locating and interviewing witnesses in what appears to be an altercation involving neighbors and a male subject who was recording himself as he was walking.”

RELATED CONTENT: How Long Before We Forget About Trayvon Martin?

by Mary Spiller

October 19, 2024

Dr. Helene Gayle, President of Spelman, Taking Leave Of Absence

Dr. Gayle's position will be filled by interim president Roz Brewer.

According to a public statement released by Atlanta’s Spelman College, the current President, Dr. Helene Gayle, is taking a personal leave of absence. It will begin immediately.

According to WSBTV, the HBCU released a statement assuring the public that everything will continue to run smoothly following the change. It read, “On Friday, October 18, the Spelman College Board of Trustees announced that President Helene Gayle, M.D., MPH, will be taking a personal leave of absence effective immediately. In her absence, Roz Brewer, C’84, and Chair Emerita at Spelman College, has assumed day-to-day duties as Interim President, supported by our executive team.”

The statement continued, “We can assure you that Spelman will continue to operate seamlessly moving forward in the spirit of our core values of care, commitment, integrity, reliability, and trust. Our utmost priority remains the well-being of everyone in our community, as we strive to cultivate confident, responsible, and accountable students committed to personal development and success.”

Roz Brewer has been involved with Spelman for 17 years and served much of her time with the HBCU as the Chair of the Board of Trustees. She has worked with three Spelman presidents as acting chair during two of the college’s most successful fundraising campaigns.

A letter to the school’s Board explained, “Roz played a significant role in the oversight of the College for seventeen years, including twelve as Chair of the Board of Trustees, before retiring in May 2023. During her tenure on the Board, she worked with three presidents and chaired the two most successful fundraising campaigns in the College’s history.”

Dr. Gayle was appointed president of Spelman College after her predecessor, Mary Schmidt Campbell, retired in 2022, but before taking up the position, Gayle was still serving the community. Before her move to Spelman, Gayle was the president of one of the United States’ largest community foundations, the Chicago Community Trust. Outside of her leadership roles, Gayle is an epidemiologist, and she spent most of her academic years leading an anti-poverty group on an international level and fighting against AIDS and HIV.

by Mary Spiller

October 19, 2024

Black Republican Florida Sheriff Targeted With ‘Racist’ Banner Flown Over Downtown Jacksonville

A small plane flew over Jacksonville trailing a sign behind it calling the sheriff a 'repugnant-con' who 'Turned white.'

Just one day after Jacksonville, Florida, Sheriff T.K. Waters responded to Mayor Donna Deegan‘s controversial comments about former President Donald Trump’s proposed immigration policy, a single-engine Piper aircraft flew over downtown Jacksonville trailing a derogatory sign directed at the sheriff.

On the afternoon of Oct. 17, a sign reading, “REPUGNANT-CON COWARD TK WATERS TURNED WHITE,” was flown over the city.

Waters, a Black man, responded the next day in a statement to News4Jax.

Waters began, “Today’s banner is a clear reminder that ignorance and hate will always breed more ignorance and hate. Jacksonville is a great city full of good people who care about one another. Let’s focus on putting that on the world’s stage.”

“This abhorrently and outright racist attack on Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters is yet another byproduct of the divisive rhetoric that continues to plague our city,” said Jacksonville Councilman Ken Amaro.

The offensive banner follows another controversy in the media this week. Tensions rose after Mayor Deegan, a Democrat, condemned Trump’s immigration policies.

She described his process of wanting to deport migrants without exception as being akin to a “concentration camp-type situation,” earlier this week.

“As the Sheriff of Jacksonville, it is disappointing to see our Mayor equate a commonsense immigration policy with one of the most horrific atrocities of the 20th century,” Waters told Florida’s Voice. Waters went on to blame Vice President Kamala Harris for the migrant crisis, saying she “has allowed a wide-open border and millions of illegal crossings.“ He praised Trump, “Only President Donald J. Trump can secure our border and restore safety, security, and economic prosperity to the American people.”

He added, “The people of Jacksonville expect more from our Mayor than knee-jerk responses about President Trump’s policies. It is downright shameful.”

Many politicians came out in the next few days to express their discontent with Deegan’s choice of words, and Waters was among the first to speak on it.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 19, 2024

Jamal Crawford Signs With MSG Network For Upcoming Knicks Season

The former New York Knicks player will fill in for 10 games for long-time Knick legend Walt 'Clyde' Frazier

Former New York Knicks player Jamal Crawford is reportedly heading to the MSG Network to join the broadcast team to fill in for several games for the legendary Walt “Clyde” Frazier.

According to The Athletic, Crawford, who recently did two years of play-by-play commentary with TNT Sports, will be a game analyst for the upcoming NBA season with the MSG (Madison Square Garden—home of the Knicks and New York Rangers) Network. He will fill in for 10 games for long-time Knick legend Frazier. Crawford will be alongside regular MSG Network analyst Mike Breen when he takes over the duties.

Crawford, a three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award winner, played 20 seasons in the NBA. After starting his career with the Chicago Bulls in 2000, he also played with the Knicks, the Golden State Warriors, the Atlanta Hawks, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Phoenix Suns before ending his career with the Brooklyn Nets in 2020.

The New York Post reported that Crawford appeared for two seasons broadcasting on the NBA on the TNT program and in the booth for TNT Sports. Although he was a mainstay at TNT, the former NBA player reportedly turned down an offer to stay with the network for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The network will be broadcasting its last season (barring they win a current lawsuit against the NBA) as the NBA announced global media agreements with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, leaving TNT Sports’ parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, out as the home of NBA after being in business with the sports league for 40 years.

That may have played into Crawford’s decision to walk away from TNT, as he is “a candidate to join either Amazon, NBC or ESPN,” according to The Athletic‘s Andrew Marchand.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 19, 2024

Police Search For Suspect In Alleged Revenge Killing Of Woman Over Brother’s Death

Dawayland Hurst is suspected of allegedly killing Mary Jayne Collins to avenge brother's killing done by her ex-boyfriend.

A 22-year-old man is accused of allegedly killing a young mother to avenge the murder of his half-brother, according to police.

A press release from the Seabrook Police Department in Texas states that on Oct. 4, Mary Jayne Collins was discovered dead inside her apartment after emergency personnel and police officers responded to reports of a gunshot at the Teakwood Apartment Complex. There were also two young children, unharmed, in the apartment when she was found. The first responders arrived at the scene around 11:30 a.m. that morning.

The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office did an autopsy on Collins and determined that she died by blunt force trauma and a single stab wound. It was originally thought that she died from a gunshot wound.

Investigators also determined that Dawayland Hurst was present at the apartment when the killing took place. Police suspect that he assaulted one of the children before first responders arrived at the apartment.

Law & Crime reported that detectives feel that Hurst killed Collins in connection to a murder that took place on July 31, 2020. The man killed that day in Texas City was Diajwan Triplett. Police officers arrested and convicted 25-year-old Michael King for the murder. Triplett is Hurst’s half-brother, according to ABC 13.

Detectives state that in June, Hurst started a relationship with Collins, who was the former girlfriend of King, as well as the mother of their child. Police officers are uncertain if she knew Hurst was related to Triplett. They said that right away, Hurst was abusive toward Collins. She told family members that Hurst had bitten her on her face and showed friends photos of other injuries she allegedly suffered at the hands of Hurst.

“I believe the defendant was motivated to revenge the death of his brother Diajwan Triplett,” a detective theorized. “Thus he befriended, abused and then murdered the victim who was the mother of Michael King’s children.”

Detectives ask anyone with information to contact Seabrook police at (281) 291-5610.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 19, 2024

Former BMF Founder And Drug Kingpin Demetrius ‘Big Meech’ Flenory Sees Early Prison Release, Transferred To Halfway House

Demetrius "Big Meech" is closer to regaining his freedom after nearly 20 years in prison.

The notorious drug kingpin Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory has plenty of reason to celebrate amid his early prison release.

Detroit’s notorious former organized crime leader, founder of the Black Mafia Family (BMF) drug trafficking syndicate, will complete the remainder of his prison sentence in a residential reentry program in Miami, the Federal Bureau of Prisons revealed on Thursday. Flenory, 56, was granted early release nearly 20 years after receiving a 30-year sentence in 2008 for drug trafficking and money laundering, as reported by AP News.

Brittany K. Barnett, Flenory’s attorney and co-founder of the Buried Alive Project, celebrated his release, stating she is “overjoyed” that he is finally free after spending nearly 20 years in prison.

“He used his time in prison to focus on personal growth and transformation, and now he has the opportunity to begin a new chapter,” she said in a statement. He’s out, but millions more remain trapped inside — there’s still so much work to be done. We need to push for real change, for a justice system that recognizes the dignity and potential for redemption in every individual.”

Many were first introduced to Flenory’s story when hip-hop mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson released the eight-episode series “BMF” in 2021. The hit show was renewed for two more seasons and continues to air on Starz. It follows Flenory and his brother, Terry Flenory’s rise in success as drug traffickers and the formation of the BMF organization in Michigan.

Flenory is portrayed by his son, Demetrius “Lil Meech” Flenory Jr., 24. He has shared how the show helped him get to know his father, who has been incarcerated for most of his life.

“I was born in 2000, so this is all new to me. It’s all a learning experience. I got to learn a lot about my family that I didn’t know about,” Lil Meech told Black Enterprise in February. “When I came to set, it was like a clash. Like, I was going to tell everything about my roots and about my family that I didn’t know. And with that, I get to play my father and still live up to his name.”

Amid Flenory’s prison release news, NBA star LeBron James faced backlash after tweeting a welcome home message to the BMF leader.

https://twitter.com/KingJames/status/1846949695492415832

“You want to fit in so bad, wanna be hip and cool so bad that you just follow whatever is deemed cool at the moment. Shame on you. Grow tf up,” one person wrote.

Demetrius Flenory was arrested in 2005, and his sentence is set to conclude on Jan. 27, 2026. But amid his early release, he will be under supervision at a residential reentry center in Miami, which provides community-based services to help federal offenders transition back into society.

His brother, Terry Flenory, 54, is completing his sentence on similar charges at a residential reentry center in Detroit. He is scheduled to be released on Aug. 17, 2025.

Keke Palmer, Real Estate, Mother, Nope, Wills, financial planning, finances, Tru Jackson VP,birthday, pregnant, Creme of Nature

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 19, 2024

Keke Palmer Scores New Business Role As Chief Brand Officer At Creme Of Nature

Keke Palmer is the first-ever Chief Brand Officer at Creme of Nature.

Keke “Keep A Bag” Palmer has expanded her impressive business portfolio by taking on the role of chief brand officer at Creme of Nature.

On Tuesday, the KeyTV founder was announced as the Black-founded brand’s first-ever chief brand officer. In the premiere role, Palmer will do what she does in front of the camera and extend her business prowess behind the scenes.

The Emmy Award-winning actress and television star will take on a multifaceted role, serving as an on-camera model and spokesperson and collaborating with the Creme of Nature team to influence product lines, consult on product innovation, advise on packaging updates, and showcase product demonstrations.

Additionally, the Nope star will play a key role in shaping the brand’s direction, marketing, and storytelling by helping to craft campaigns that authentically connect with the multicultural community while revitalizing the Creme of Nature brand ethos.

“What really stood out to me about Creme of Nature is their commitment to celebrating Black beauty. From the start, they’ve been crafting effective, high-quality products that really cater to our unique hair textures and needs,” Palmer said.

“This partnership means so much more than just being an ambassador or face of the brand, but more importantly, I get to have a voice in shaping the future of a company that truly cares about the same things I do -– authenticity, representation, and natural beauty. I am equally passionate about ensuring that we continue to create products that resonate with our community and celebrate the diversity of textured hair.”

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A post shared by Creme of Nature®️ (@cremeofnature)

As part of the partnership, Palmer will become a mainstay on Creme of Nature’s social and digital media campaigns, in-store displays, and national advertising, with live appearances on behalf of the brand beginning later this year. The company has expressed excitement about securing the partnership with the Hollywood star.

“As a Black-founded brand, it was important for us to collaborate with someone who truly understands and embraces her natural hair and embodies the values we stand for. Creme of Nature was founded in Chicago, so Keke, a Chicago native, brings a genuine and relatable perspective -– her deep connection to her roots, along with her insights and expertise, will help us better meet the needs of our customers,” said Chandra Coleman, head of Marketing for Creme of Nature.

“Throughout Keke’s remarkable professional career and personal life, she’s demonstrated her authentic self in line with our brand ethos. We believe that with Keke on board, we can continue to grow and make a meaningful difference in the hair care industry.”