Sarah Michelle Washington, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance

by Lauren Nutall

September 13, 2023

Philanthropist And Entrepreneur Sarah Michelle Washington Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Dr. Sarah Michelle Washington, who co-founded The IMPACT Experience, has poured herself into her community and is now seeking support following a recent diagnosis of breast cancer.

She announced the news on Facebook.

“At 1:15 pm on Wednesday, August 25th, 2021, I received the call that no woman wants to get and the results of The Prior Week’s Biopsy, the doctor said the words that NO WOMAN wants to hear. We have found – Cancer,” Washington wrote to her 10,000 followers.

After her post, Washington received an outpouring of love, and her comment section flooded with words of support. She has launched a GoFundMe page with a goal of $115,000. As of now, she has successfully earned $26,229.

Washington is a philanthropist, global speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Though multiskilled, she’s largely channeled her passion for helping others into her work with the IMPACT Experience and as director of her real estate company, RealityULike.

The IMPACT Experience is a mobile boutique offering full-scale styling services and vintage-inspired handbags that can be accessorized with any outfit. Washington has traveled across the country, helping several women through the nonprofit organization. The IMPACT Experience aims to help women who have experienced or suffered from teen pregnancy, human trafficking, sexual trauma, HIV/AIDS, drug addiction, homelessness, mental illness, and life-threatening diseases, including cancer.

RealityULike is unlike any other real estate company you’ve heard of. Since the business’s inception, Washington has aimed to create affordable housing and make the market accessible. According to Black News, her newest project involves flipping one property in Washington, DC, into housing for veterans. Washington also offers digital courses promoting all things personal finance, such as investment, borrowing, setting financial goals, and building generational wealth.

As Washington’s battle with breast cancer continues, she is calling on her supporters for assistance. You can donate to her GoFundMe here.

by Jaimee Ratliff

September 13, 2023

Former Division I Basketball Recruit Jailed For Fatal Car Crash Will Play In Upcoming Season

Former star basketball recruit Zaon Collins has been released from a Las Vegas jail after serving 90 days for his involvement in a high-speed car crash that claimed the life of 52-year-old Eric Echevarria.

According to 8 News Now, Collins entered into a guilty plea deal in 2020 on a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter to receive a lightened sentence of 72 months probation for his felony reckless driving count. The presiding Judge Tara Clark Newberry issued Collins a $3,500 fine along with community service for the incident.

“I would like to start off by sending my sincerest apologies to the family that was involved and impacted from this accident,” Collins said at his trial. “I understand I hurt many people with the role of my accident by recklessly driving, and I’m truly sorry. It’s something I have to live with the rest of my life.”

According to the Review-Journal, Collins was released on August 15, which was 56 days after he initially turned himself into authorities to serve his three-month jail sentence. Due to time served as well as “good behavior”, the now 21-year-old walked out of Clark County Detention Center a free man. Collins’ defense lawyer Frank Kocka addressed his client’s shortened jail time; arguing that he was still held longer than his original plea deal outlined.

“He got good time, but he was not released ‘early’,” he said. “He was actually held a couple days later than he should have been released.”

Collins was a Division I recruit for the top-rated University of Nevada, Las Vegas at the time of the fatal crash.

On Tuesday, September 12, the athlete’s name was listed on the roster for the Salt Lake Community College Bruins as a red- shirt freshman. Collins will remain on court-ordered alcohol monitoring until the end of his probation and will also undergo mental health and substance abuse counseling.

by Stacy Jackson

September 13, 2023

‘The Little Mermaid’ Breaks Big Record With 16M Views On Disney+

The live-action remake of The Little Mermaid has fans running to their Disney+ accounts.

The film, directed by Rob Marshall, has broken Disney+ records since it debuted on the streaming service on Sept. 6. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the reimagining of the 1989 Golden Globe-winning animated film has been viewed over 16 million times worldwide.

ComingSoon reported that Disney announced the film’s achievement in a press release and noted the film swam its way to the top of the ranking as the “most viewed Disney movie premiere” on the platform. The Hollywood Reporter said the film’s stellar performance on the platform holds the newest record since Disney+ released Hocus Pocus 2 last October.

Fans just couldn’t get enough of Princess Ariel and headed to watch The Little Mermaid anywhere, from home theaters to their favorite mobile devices. Along with Bailey, who the world fell in love with as the new Princess Ariel, the live-action movie features Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, Javier Bardem as King Triton, Awkwafina as Scuttle, Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Jacob Tremblay as Flounder and Noma Dumezweni as Queen Selina.

“Like other live-action remakes, The Little Mermaid is a neatly packaged story ribboned with representational awareness,” movie critic Lovia Gyarkye wrote in a review. “There’s enough in it to fill an evening, but it doesn’t inspire much more than a passing sense of déjà vu.”

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, The Little Mermaid exclusively hit theaters nationwide on May 26, 2023. Opening weekend saw sold-out theaters after #WinWithBlackWomen and Black women leaders launched an initiative in support of the film starring Bailey as Disney’s first Black live-action princess. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film’s trailer reached over 108 million views within 24 hours after Disney released it in March.

Billboard reported that The Little Mermaid is scheduled to be released on Blu-ray/DVD on Sept. 19 for $24.99.

by Derek Major

September 13, 2023

Running Back Kareem Hunt Mulls Over Offers Waiting For The ‘Right’ Deal

Veteran running back Kareem Hunt is generating significant interest from NFL teams as the 2023 season gets underway, but he continues to “wait for the right offer.”

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweeted that Hunt has received contract offers from four NFL teams. The 2017 Pro Football Writers Association Offensive Rookie of The Year spent the past four seasons with the Cleveland Browns after starting his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hunt’s best season came in 2020, his first season with the Browns, where he had 1,145 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. Last season, Hunt played backup to starting running back Nick Chubb and finished with 468 yards, three touchdowns, and 35 catches.

The University of Toledo product burst onto the NFL scene in 2017 with the Chiefs, earning his only Pro Bowl appearance. In 2018, Hunt was on pace for another Pro Bowl season with 1,202 total yards and 14 touchdowns in just 11 games, but a video surfaced of Hunt assaulting a woman in a Cleveland hotel, which led to the Chiefs releasing him.

Running backs, in general have had a tough time getting paid this off-season. Free agent RBs Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliot were forced to take offers for less money than they wanted. Dallas Cowboys RB Tony Pollard wasn’t offered a long-term contract and instead signed the one-year fully guaranteed franchise contract worth $10.9 million.

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley held out of the team’s off-season training activities and a portion of training camp looking for a long-term deal before signing a 1-year $11 million contract.

The lack of long-term deals led RBs across the league to meet via Zoom to discuss the depressed market for players in their position. The meeting was organized by Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler, who has been outspoken about NFL running backs not being paid their true worth.

by Stacy Jackson

September 13, 2023

‘Creed’ Actor Jonathan Majors’ Domestic Violence Trial Has Been Postponed

Jonathan Majors, the 33-year-old Creed III actor, is awaiting trial for domestic violence charges in a case his defense team refers to as a “witch hunt,” according to Deadline. Majors’ defense team says the actor is “completely innocent.”

On September 6, Majors presented himself virtually before Judge Rachel S. Pauley for his most recent hearing. Major’s lawyers, Priya Chaudhry and Seth Zuckerman attended the Lower Manhattan hearing.

The in-person trial was initially set to commence on September 6. Still, it was decided that an additional hearing, where Majors will be allowed to appear virtually, would be held on September 15 before setting an official trial date. “And of course, once a firm trial date is set, he will need to appear in person,” Judge Pauley told the actor’s lawyers.

Prosecutors told Judge Pauley they are ready for trial. According to the outlet, the defense team stated there were “deficiencies” in the evidence.

However, the defense said, “We have written to the prosecutor regarding deficiencies in the evidence presented by the District Attorney’s office, which supposedly included all necessary discoveries pertaining to the case.”

Judge Pauley adjourned the September 6 hearing, which lasted under five minutes, stating, “Between now and the next court date, no contact whatsoever with the complainant in this case, and stay in touch with your attorneys.” “Good luck,” Pauley added.

The defense has centered the case around Majors’ character and the motives of his 30-year-old ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. A New York Police Department report stated that the woman had “minor injuries to her head and neck” after an altercation. Leaked video footage shows the woman clubbing that same weekend. She has not been arrested.

Majors’ career has taken a hit since the incident. Managers released the actor at 360 Entertainment and his PR team, the Lede Company. However, he will return to his role as Kang in season 2 of Marvel’s Loki on Disney+. There has been little discussion regarding an Oscar nomination for Majors’ role in Magazine Dream, set to release on December 8, according to Rotten Tomatoes.

Majors’ original trial date has been postponed more than once. Harlem actress Megan Good accompanied Majors in the courtroom at 100 Centre Street at a previous hearing on August 3.

It has been six months since he was arrested for misdemeanor charges after he placed a 911 call last spring. The incident took place around Majors’ Chelsea apartment on March 25.

If found guilty, Majors can face up to one year behind bars.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 13, 2023

Is Legendary Rapper Slick Rick Planning To Release First Album In Nearly 25 Years?

It’s been nearly 25 years since Ricky Walters, professionally known as Slick Rick, released a new album. According to an Instagram post from legendary celebrity photographer Jonathan Mannion, an upcoming album may come from “The Ruler.”

With his multiple appearances celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, Slick Rick has performed the hits that have made him a household name with hip-hop fans.

The 58-year-old rapper was well-received in 1986 when he debuted his masterful storytelling in nursery rhyme form. His earliest music was collabs with Doug E. Fresh and the Get Fresh Crew. Their debut single, “The Show,” with the B-Side cut, “La Di Da Di,” were hits in hip-hop circles. His solo project, The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, on Def Jam Records in 1988, the album solidified Slick Rick’s place as one of the greatest storytellers in hip-hop history.

His last album, The Art of Storytelling, was released in 1999.

Mannion, who has photographed countless hip-hop albums (including Nas, Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross), revealed a photo of himself and Rick drinking champagne. In his caption, he stated that he had taken new pictures of the revered rapper for his latest music collection.

“REASONING. This man has lived a helluva life to reach this current calm. Blessed to have received the call that the new album was on the way… a fresh new approach to tunes, now with newly created legendary photos to match,” the post read.

Mannion continued, “We collaborate well. As I did the first time that I ever photographed the incomparable @therulernyc in 1998, I brought champagne to toast him. @moetchandon always flowing. I was also “knighted” again… a renewal of vows, of sorts… with nearly every piece of his legendary gold, platinum, diamond-encrusted heavy metal available weighing down my neck. Beyond honored! 📷 @directedbysam.”

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Racially motivated, drowning, released, jail, 14

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 13, 2023

14-Year-Old White Boy Accused Of Trying To Drown A Black Boy Released From Jail

A white 14-year-old accused of trying to drown a Black boy in Cape Cod has been identified upon his release from jail.

John Sheeran, 14, was released to the custody of his father on Monday, September 11, after he was indicted on charges of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, NBC News reports. The charges by way of a grand jury come from a July 19, 2023, incident at Goose Pond in Chatham, Massachusetts, where a Black teen claims he was the victim of a racially motivated attack.

Sheeran is accused of repeatedly dunking the Black teen under the water while another white teen laughed and called him “George Floyd.” The Black teen says he told Sheeran and his friend that he could not swim and needed to wear a life jacket but Sheeran proceeded to try and pull him underwater four or five times

The Black youth also says “racial slurs like ‘boy,'” were used in an incident that escalated over stone throwing. Other youths present at the pond claim to have seen Sheeran atop the Black child in the water and did hear someone say “George Floyd,” according to police.

NEW: John Sheeran, 14, will be released from jail after he was charged with attempted murder for trying to drown a black child in Chatham. Judge says he’ll be on home confinement with GPS monitor. Prosecutors say he shouted racial slurs at victim while pulling him under water pic.twitter.com/Nk3iqKboyy

— Litsa Pappas (@LitsaPappas) September 11, 2023

Last month, Sheeran was indicted by a Barnstable County grand jury and ordered to be held without bail. He remained in the custody of the Department of Youth Services up until his release on Monday.

As part of his release pending trial, a judge ordered Sheeran to be subjected to GPS monitoring, stay with his father, report to probation regularly, and stay away from potential witnesses in the case. Sheeran’s lawyer believes the charges are “over the top” for the mere “horseplaying” between the youth that “got out of control,” The Boston Globe reports.

Everyone involved in the case is a youth who has had their names redacted. Sheeran is the exception since he is being tried as a youthful offender. Prosecutors in this scenario have the discretion to seek an adult sentence for children between 14 and 17 years old who are charged with a felony or meet other criteria, including a charge involving the infliction or threat of serious bodily harm.

Chatham’s select board and the Monomoy Regional School District released a statement denouncing the incident and reinforcing their stand for diversity and inclusion.

“We are disturbed and saddened to learn of the event that occurred earlier this summer between juveniles,” the select board said.

“We do not believe that it reflects the true nature of our community, which is diverse and inclusive. We condemn all acts of violence, particularly those directed at children.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 13, 2023

National Black Beauty Founders Day Launched; Equity Is A Key Goal

There’s a national day aimed at amplifying Black beauty entrepreneurs, and it’s all thanks to a fellow Black beauty founder.

On August 30, National Black Beauty Founders Day was introduced to tackle industry imbalances impacting Black entrepreneurs’s growth in the space. With a focus on greater diversity, inclusion, and equitable funding, the new initiative aims to confront and resolve inequalities by championing fair representation and opportunities throughout the beauty world.

The day was brought to life by Danika Berry and Glam Body, her upcycled body care and wellness line. With over two decades of representing Black beauty entrepreneurs and brands as a publicist, Berry was happy to lead the fight toward inclusivity for all beauty founders.

“Our core mission is to break down the barriers that have historically held back Black beauty entrepreneurs,” Berry tells BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“We aim to illuminate the economic disparities in the industry and drive forward initiatives that foster diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to funding.”

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With over two decades of lending her passion for beauty to brands like Mielle Organics, Curls, Camille Rose, Cota Skin, Kaleidoscope, Curl Daze, and J’Organics Hair Solutions, Berry was inspired to launch the venture and pave a lane for the next generation of Black beauty empires.

“I launched this initiative to directly tackle urgent and overlooked inequalities,” she said.

A recent McKinsey & Company study found that despite Black consumers representing 11.1% of total spending in the beauty sector, Black-owned brands generate only 2.5% of the industry’s overall revenue. Now with National Black Beauty Founders Day, there’s a day dedicated to championing fair representation and opportunities throughout the industry.

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“We are committed to a sustained, multi-pronged approach that includes active support for Black-owned beauty enterprises, spotlighting entrepreneurs through dynamic social media campaigns, and catalyzing industry-wide discussions to dispel stereotypes and promote inclusion,” Berry says of her plans to raise awareness.

“We’re not merely spotlighting the success stories and challenges of Black beauty entrepreneurs; we’re pushing the industry toward a new era of recognition and empowerment.”

It’s also not just talk. Berry is taking action through three initiatives to spearhead the drive, including “Support for Black-Owned Beauty Businesses,” which invites the public to discover and financially back Black-owned beauty enterprises and aid in their long-term viability.

“Social Media Advocacy” serves as a social media campaign that spotlights the success stories of Black beauty entrepreneurs. “Promoting Industry-Wide Diversity and Inclusion” is an advocacy campaign that tackles stereotypes against Black beauty entrepreneurs through open discussion.

“Our initiative is more than inspirational; it’s a blueprint for revolutionary change in the beauty sector,” Berry says.

“National Black Beauty Founders isn’t just about celebrating a single day; it’s an ongoing organization devoted to elevating and promoting Black women in the beauty industry.”

Antonio McBroom Used To Scoop Ice Cream At Ben & Jerry’s, Now He Owns 15 Locations

by Daniel Johnson

September 13, 2023

Antonio McBroom Used To Scoop Ice Cream At Ben & Jerry’s, Now He Owns 15 Locations

Antonio McBroom has achieved a historic milestone as the first CEO of the sole Black-owned and Black-led multi-unit franchise group for Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Spectrum News reports that McBroom holds ownership of 15 Ben & Jerry’s establishments spanning the southeastern United States, in addition to a Starbucks location. McBroom’s mission extends beyond his entrepreneurial accomplishments; he is dedicated to inspiring others to believe they can attain similar success, as he passionately shared with Spectrum News.

“The responsibility of being a Black entrepreneur is just showing others what’s possible,” McBroom said. “I know that a lot of folks growing up don’t see cases of Black excellence, and so for me to be a model, an example for folks in my community of just what’s possible.”

McBroom currently allocates an annual portion of his revenue to support other Black-owned businesses, but his journey began from modest origins. His first job at Ben & Jerry’s was as a scooper during his freshman year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and it led to him being able to purchase his first franchise in Chapel Hill shortly before his college graduation. He became the youngest franchisee in Ben & Jerry’s history with his purchase. In addition to his Ben & Jerry’s franchises, he is a lead curator and developer with the Vickers Bennett Group.

McBroom has won multiple awards during his career; Black Enterprise, in fact, awarded him the Franchisee of The Year in 2018. The University of North Carolina Black Alumni Group awarded him the Harvey E. Beech Outstanding Alumni Award, and Ben & Jerry’s awarded him The Big O Operator of the Year in 2021, and the MVP Multi-Unit Franchise Award and the Ben & Jerry’s Global Impact Award in 2023.

McBroom isn’t alone in his success. He and his friends, Eric Taylor and Phillip Scotton, formed a limited liability company called Primo Partners, which they used to develop a mini-empire of Ben & Jerry’s locations across the South.

McBroom also doesn’t like to gatekeep the lessons he has learned in his successful journey. In an interview with Entrepreneur Magazine, he offered advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps.

“Be deliberate in selecting a brand that’s a good fit,” he suggested. “Think about the values you have as an entrepreneur and as a person and look for brands that align with those values. The biggest rubs I’ve seen are when there’s kind of franchisee and franchisor misalignment on values. That’s really hard to overcome.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

September 13, 2023

VMA’s Inaugural ‘Best Afrobeats’ Award Won By African Artist Rema

Nigerian artist Rema made history this week as the first recipient of the “Best Afrobeats” Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards and the first African artist to reach over a billion streams on Spotify.

At the VMAs Rema’s “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez won the inaugural Best Afrobeats song, a sign of music genre’s continued presence across America’s mainstream music scene.

Ahead of his big win, Rema shared how “blessed” he was to be present for the VMAs as a nominee.

“It’s a big honor. Big shout out to the VMAs,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Rema and Selena Gomez accept the #VMA for Best Afrobeats pic.twitter.com/GD5SRFVH6E

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 13, 2023

He credited Gomez for the “huge” opportunity to collaborate on his song which was already well-received. But it reached a wider audiences when the pop star/Only Murders in the Building actress hopped on his track.

“It’s been a big one for the culture and I’m really glad about the doors that that afrobeats song has broken,” Rema said.

“Calm Down” peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June and has spent over 50 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats songs chart in total.

Rema’s win at the VMAs came just days after Spotify announced “Calm Down” as the first song from an African artist to join Spotify’s Billions Club—that is reaching over a billion streams.

“It’s a blessing. It’s not just a big win for me, my team, and family; it’s also a big one for the culture,” he said.

“I feel really happy, and I’m really proud of the fans as well for going back to the song and putting people onto the song. Shout-out to the DJs and everyone who made this possible.”

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