Black-Owned Social Platform Is Coming For Twitter’s Spot, Plans To Protect Minority Groups Against Cyber Bullying
by Stacy Jackson

June 21, 2023

Black-Owned Social Platform Is Coming For Twitter’s Spot, Plans To Protect Minority Groups Against Cyber Bullying

A new social platform launched by Alphonzo “Phonz” Terrell and DeVaris Brown, Spill, uses artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to fish out hatred and abuse toward Blacks and other minority communities.

The app was recently added to Apple’s App Store, according AfroTech.

Terrell said in an interview, “Our thesis was if we could build a platform from the ground up that caters to these groups, these culture drivers, and then solve the core problems that they’re facing, that our community is facing more specifically, that would make for a better experience for everyone.”

The founders used AI and blockchain technology to build a system that detects unwelcome activity on the platform.

Terrell told AfroTech that a better user experience requires “all to get into the rooms to take the reins of these new systems, whether blockchain or AI. We know by now it’s a misnomer that these technologies are objective.”

He continued, “They get coded in with either human behaviors from the people designing them or the data they get trained. It’s really important to have different perspectives building these platforms now.”

Black women face the most hate online, according to Terrell. He stated, “Everybody who’s in Black Twitter or any of these other communities knows that it’s powered by Black women. Setting all the trends and all of that is part of that, but also getting way more hate than any other group.”

Spill is also a safe haven for LGBTQ+ users.

“If you’re queer, you’re in certain, historically targeted groups overseas, it’s awful to be online and be on social,” Terrell added.

Spill recognizes that Black social media app users are often not credited for starting trends and viral moments online. The social platform aims to pay users for viral moments. Although Terrell said it may not be an easy task, “On the compensation part, it’s definitely not an easy thing to solve from jump.”

BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered the former Twitter employees’ new launch and their primary focus in ensuring it serves as a safe space for Black Twitter users.

Right now, the app is accessible by invite only.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 21, 2023

Michel Jordan’s $275M Investment Could Land Him A $2.7B Payday In Charlotte Hornets Sale

Previously it was reported that NBA legend Michael Jordan had sold his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets after purchasing the franchise for a reported $275 million in 2010 (when the team was known as the Bobcats), with the sale purportedly being for $3 billion, the former Chicago Bulls all-star stands to pocket an estimated $2.7 billion.

According to Sports Pro Media, Jordan was rumored to sell the franchise as early as March 2023. He has been the majority owner of the Hornets since 2010 and was the only majority Black owner of a team in the National Basketball Association. 

As great a player and inspiration Jordan has been for the sports world, he failed to bring the franchise to prominence as a team owner. In a league of 30 teams, according to Sportico, the Hornets were valued at $1.77 billion, which placed the franchise at 26th out of the NBA’s 30 teams. 

According to NBA.com, the Hornets only won 423 games versus losing 600 during Jordan’s tenure as owner. They also were never able to win a playoff series and have the longest time away from the playoffs after not making it the past seven straight seasons. They had a losing record of 27-55 this past season.

Jordan will retain a minority stake in the team, although it has not been reported how much. He reportedly sold the team to a group led by Gabe Plotkin, who currently has a minority stake in the Hornets, and Rick Schnall. Hip-hop recording artist and avid basketball fan/player J. Cole is also reportedly involved in ownership. According to Yahoo Sports, Jordan will oversee operations during the upcoming 2023 NBA Draft.

RELATED CONTENT: Michael Jordan’s Signed ‘Flu-Game’ Jordans From 1997 NBA Finals Auction for $1.38 Million

White House Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Opens Holistic Healing Center In The Heart Of Brooklyn
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 21, 2023

White House Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Opens Holistic Healing Center In The Heart Of Brooklyn

Harlem native Jeffrey Vincent Noble was among the 2022 recipients of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given from The Office of President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden.

Jeffrey Vincent Noble, born and raised in Harlem, received the award due to his many years of service to bring holistic healing practices to the Black community. Nurtured in that deeply urban environment, he first built a successful career in the private sector before beginning his work as an energy healer and mental health professional. It was a spiritual trip to India that led him to immerse himself in the world of energy healing. Now on a healer’s path, he founded The Noble Touch in 2010 to offer an array of holistic healing services to individuals and families. He has also trained over 300 individuals in the art and science of energy healing and other modalities.

Offered virtually and in person, The Noble Touch has performed outreach at health fairs, hospitals, prisons, and other community venues. Since beginning their services. The Noble Touch has performed healings on thousands of individuals and has trained hundreds of practitioners. During the height of the Covid 19 crises Jeff and his team volunteered over 5,643 hours of free healing sessions with over 80% success.

“I am honored to receive the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, which I share with the healers of The Noble Touch and the community of individuals whom we have served,” said Jeffrey Vincent Noble. “Foremost in my work is the ability to expand the awareness of holistic healing as a potential option for those dealing with chronic and severe illness.”

A New Chapter: Expanding His Vision

Jeffrey Vincent Noble has led The Noble Touch to an important point of growth, with the opening of a new Center for Healing and Transformation in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, which will root his healing practices in the heart of one of Black America’s most vibrant communities.

Recognition of The Noble Touch has come from the media, including the weekly, Black led program Here and Now (WABC, NY), where Jeffrey Vincent Noble was interviewed about Pranic Healing and Neuro-Linguistic Programming, two modalities he employs in healing and teaching others. He has taught those methods to students on six continents, including in Senegal, West Africa.

He continues to advance his practice by going on pilgrimages around the world, including the journey of El Camino de Santiago, a 100-mile journey walking from Portugal to Spain in silence.

This news first appeared on prnewswire.com.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 21, 2023

21 Savage Taps Flau’jae Johnson And NBA Players For Father’s Day Event With Youth Basketball Camp

21 Savage spent Father’s Day giving back with a youth basketball clinic alongside NCAA champ Flau’jae Johnson and a few NBA players.

The Atlanta rapper surprised dozens of kids at his basketball camp with personal coaching lessons from professional players like Nassir Little of the Portland Trail Blazers, Jay Scrubb and Kevon Harris of the Orlando Magic, London Johnson from the NBA G League Team Ignite, and Flau’jae Johnson who rose in popularity following LSU’s big win in the NCAA women’s tournament earlier this year.

21 Savage’s Leading By Example Foundation camp partnered with the nonprofit Freedom Is a Choice Inc. to launch the camp in his hometown in Dekalb County, Georgia, TMZ reports. He started the program to help mentor kids between the ages of 10-13 who grew up like him, with an incarcerated father.

The foundation highlighted the event on Instagram and said it was put together to teach young athletes “the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship” in basketball.

“The event was held in partnership with Freedom is a Choice Inc, a 501c3 non-profit organization with the mission of restoring, reuniting, and redirecting youth to build character and create positive self-image,” the caption shared.

“Freedom is a Choice focuses on making positive differences in the lives of troubled and at-risk males and females by helping them to focus on their standards of living while reinforcing the positive morals and values needed for the future.”

 

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21 Savage launched the nonprofit organization in 2021 to teach kids how to save and invest, according to the company website. Programs offered by the nonprofit include the Bank Account Campaign and a free online financial literacy education platform sponsored by Chime and EVERFI.

Leading By Example is focused on providing “financial literacy education to underserved youth and provides scholarships, access to bank accounts and job placement for teens and students alike.”

RELATED CONTENT: Condé Nast Files $4M Lawsuit Against Drake and 21 Savage for Fake Promotional Vogue Cover Promoting Album

85-Year-Old Black Restaurant Owner Inducted Into Barbecue Hall Of Fame
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

June 21, 2023

85-Year-Old Black Restaurant Owner Inducted Into Barbecue Hall Of Fame

Desiree Robinson, an 85-year-old African American entrepreneur from Memphis, Tennessee, has made history as the first woman to be inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. Robinson is the proud owner and pitmaster of Cozy Corner, a renowned barbecue restaurant that has been serving amazing smoked meat for over 45 years.

In 1977, Robinson and her late husband, Raymond, teamed up to establish Cozy Corner. Together they built a legacy that Robinson continued after her husband’s passing in 2001. Even today, she never fails to acknowledge her husband’s talent and efforts that led to the success of the business.

“My husband was an awesome cook, and I’m good, but not nearly as good as he was. I’m telling you, it blew my mind. It started with him. He built it for us,” Robinson told Fox 13 Memphis, adding that her husband’s warm personality and ability to connect with customers contributed a significant part to their restaurant’s success.

Robinson’s commitment to upholding the restaurant’s high culinary standards earned her a well-deserved place in the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2020. Notably, Robinson not only became the first Black woman honoree but also the first living Black honoree, as three other Black men were inducted posthumously.

“I wish I could describe it to you,” she said. “You just can’t imagine how good it makes me feel. I’m blessed because I know it’s all about how it got started and maintained.”

Robinson’s family has played a vital role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for customers. The restaurant has become a second home for her children, who would take their naps in the back in their early years and grew up contributing to the business, from wiping tables to waiting on customers, according to their age.

“I’m blessed. I’ve got a wonderful family, I really do,” said Robinson. “Four generations of family. We work together in harmony, and I just thank God for that.”

This news first appeared on blackbusiness.com.

The End Of An Era: Inside The Reverse BBL Trend In Black Hollywood
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 21, 2023

The End Of An Era: Inside The Reverse BBL Trend In Black Hollywood

After about a decade of Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL) being at the top of beauty standards, a growing trend of reverse BBLs is on the rise.

Stars like Blac Chyna and K. Michelle were transparent about their BBL reversals, while fans can only speculate if celebrities like Kim Kardashian reversed the BBL she never admitted to having. Blac Chyna made media headlines in March when she posted an Instagram video of her “life-changing journey” to reduce her breast and butt augmentation.

 

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A post shared by Blac Chyna 💋 (@blacchyna)

The reality star explained how she never underwent a BBL procedure and instead received silicone injections which she urged her followers not to do.

“I just want all the ladies out there to know, do not get silicone shots because you can get sick, you can die, have complications and all this other crazy stuff,” she said in her video post.

Chyna’s reverse augmentation reveal came two years after K. Michelle addressed her reversal journey following a video that appeared to show her butt deflating on Instagram Live.

The Love & Hip Hop star responded to the viral moment, saying she was trying to “help” other women by remaining transparent with her silicone removal journey.

“So the video of me dancing is sad that I even have 2explain,” she tweeted.

“I walked y’all through how difficult this process of removing silicone from my body for 3YEARS/16 surgeries Did we not forget I almost died due 2this?????? Now i’m in the process of 3 reconstruction steps.”

Later that year, eagle-eyed fans took notice of Kim and Khloe Kardashian’s seemingly slimmer figures after years of denying enhancements many believed were the results of a BBL. One TikToker sparked the debate with a video claiming “reverse bbls are going to be the next trend.”

@tianamarion #greenscreen i feel like reverse bbls are going to be the next trend #DealGuesser #MyAncestryStory #kimkardashian #foryou #fyp ♬ All Falls Down – Kanye West

Kim’s “reverse BBL” continued to gain traction on social media, with spectators marking “the end of the BBL era,” as noted by Insider. When Blac Chyna announced her augmentation reduction months later, she might’ve been getting ahead of the curve on the new trend.

Board-certified plastic surgeons have noticed increased butt augmentation reversals in the last year.

“We’re seeing a similar shift to what we saw in the ’90s, with breasts. Huge breasts fell out of style in favor of a more natural hourglass shape, and now that’s happening with the butt,” Dr. Matthew Nykiel, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, told Real Self.

“People are coming in wanting it to be balanced, not huge and dramatic.”

But doctors warn of the dangers that come with reversals. According to Dr. Johnny Franco, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, Texas, a BBL reversal “can often be more challenging than the original procedures.”

Concern around the dangers of plastic surgery mounted after the May 31 death of Wild’ N Out star Jacky Oh. The longtime partner of comedian DC Young Fly passed away in Miami days after announcing her plans for a “mommy makeover.”

One TikToker resurfaced Botched surgeon Terry Dubrow’s May 2021 appearance on TMZ Live, where he warned about the dangers of BBL procedures.

@thelifeofnae This is actually so scary 😳 LLJackyOh 🕊#bbljourney #research #terrydubrow #botched #fyp #viralvideo #JackyOh #plasticsurgery #themoreyouknow ♬ original sound – Shop Chantì Collection

“It’s not only the most dangerous plastic surgery procedure, it’s the most dangerous operation there is with the highest fatality rate,” Dubrow said.

The Orange County-based plastic surgeon explained how with BBLs, fat from one part of your body is taken out and “processed” and injected into the buttocks. While Dubrow noted how “easy” the procedure may sound, there are small veins that lead to a major blood vessel and things could get deadly if fat gets inside one of the veins.

“It’s the most fatal operation there is, and I would advise there are other ways to get a full buttock,” Dubrow said.

Dubrow also warned about how many surgeons are ignoring the warnings and not informing their patients of the risks involved. With concerns around the procedure growing, the reverse BBL trend might continue to gain steam.

 

 

The Original Emancipation Proclamation Will Be On Permanent Display at the National Archives
by Sharelle Burt

June 21, 2023

The Original Emancipation Proclamation Will Be On Permanent Display at the National Archives

The original Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, will be on permanent display at the National Archives in Washington, and Black people lined up to get a glance, ABC News reports.

For the second year in a row, Black people from all over the country spent their Juneteenth in the nation’s capital to view in person the Emancipation Proclamation and General Order No. 3 documents that set slaves in the South free after the Civil War. Two years later, a union general informed slaves in Galveston, Texas, that they were free—on a day now celebrated as Juneteenth. After President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law in 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday.

The fragile documents are normally kept in a climate-controlled vault with limited light exposure in order to preserve them. Now the National Archives is looking to make the rare public display a permanent feature. The plan is to place it alongside the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Colleen Shogan, archivist of the United States, said, “Together, they tell a more comprehensive story of the history of all Americans and document progress in our nation’s continuous growth toward a more perfect union.”

Parents in particular took the time to describe the document’s significance and why seeing it on Juneteenth was so important. “There have been struggles of equality and continued struggles that are present, and it’s connected. If we don’t have those conversations, we’re just going to repeat them,” visitor Beth Short said. Others, like Garrett Osumah, who is raising three Black boys, told The Washington Post he chooses to educate his sons about racism in American rather than shield them from it. “We have three young Black men,” said Osumah. “They need to understand that these things happened in the world and it’s not just back in the 1800s. These types of things are happening now.”

Black Farmers Pressure Federal Government as They Wait for Promised Financial Assistance
by Lauren Nutall

June 21, 2023

Black Farmers Pressure Federal Government as They Wait for Promised Financial Assistance

In 2022, Congress revoked funding for the federal government that would eliminate outstanding debt for minority farmers. Now those farmers are fighting back in a class action lawsuit.

On August 22, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA). According to the USDA, this action reversed Section 1005 of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which guaranteed funding and authorization for the federal government to pay up to 120% of direct and guaranteed loan outstanding balances for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. 

In October of the same year, NewsOne reported that farmers and ranchers filed a lawsuit against the United States government, alleging that the federal government had reneged on its contract. This plan would have aided 15,000 Black, Native American, Alaskan Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic and Latino farmers. Represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, the National Black Farmers Association is pursuing legal action in an effort to receive proper compensation.

John Wesley Boyd, Jr., founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, spoke with NewsOne that October, expressing his dismay at the unexpected change. “I’m very, very disappointed in this legislative action. I’m prepared to fight for debt relief for Black, Native American, and other farmers of color all the way to the Supreme Court. I’m not going to stop fighting this,” Boyd told the news outlet. 

In an official statement published on his website, Attorney Crump claims the government also breached contracts under section 1006 of the ARPA. Those contracts would have granted financial compensation to minority farmers who had experienced past discrimination from the USDA. 

However, the USDA remained adamant that its failure to disburse the funds was due to an ongoing legal battle. Its official statement, emailed to NewsOne, read, “USDA strongly supported the ARPA Section 1005 program and was ready to make payments to direct loan borrowers. However, the $5 billion that was intended to help farmers was frozen by three nationwide injunctions that prevented USDA from getting payments out the door.”

The USDA says the Inflation Reduction Act offers a new way to provide relief to indebted farmers, stating, “Congress provided $3.1 billion that will allow USDA to be able to work with distressed borrowers to provide help with their farm debts in new and more effective ways to help keep borrowers as much as possible stay on the land, stay in agriculture, and maintain eligibility for future assistance.” The organization also shared that farmers who’d experienced past discrimination would be awarded $2.2 billion for additional financial aid.

As months have passed with no movement, farmers have grown restless and frustrated with what they believe is inequality. 

“Something is terribly, terribly wrong with this picture, and we have to look at what’s really going on. The American farmer is suffering right here, with the highest input costs we’ve had in our nation’s history for America’s farms. We are here struggling, and we’re managing to help countries like China and Russia, America’s two biggest adversaries,” said Boyd on June 2 in an interview with Fox and Friends First.

Farmers and ranchers remain steadfast in their mission to receive compensation despite the setbacks. Having played an essential role in the country’s food production, they feel it is time they reap the benefits of their hard work.

 

RELATED CONTENT: FAMU STUDENTS FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST FLORIDA STATE FOR SEVERE UNDERFUNDING COMPARED TO PRIVATE WHITE INSTITUTIONS

 



by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 21, 2023

Beyoncé Wore Only Black Designers For Renaissance Tour Juneteenth Performance

Beyoncé, whose Renaissance tour is taking her all over the world, went all Black everything for the Juneteenth holiday and wore only Black fashion designers.

Queen Bey was closing the British leg of her Renaissance World Tour in Amsterdam on June 18 and used the performance to amplify the Black fashion designers who crafted her looks that night. She highlighted one of them in a celebratory Instagram post on June 19.

“In honor of Juneteenth, everything I wore for RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR tonight was created exclusively by Black designers,” Beyoncé captioned her post.

 

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Fans praised Bey’s Juneteenth looks in the comments section, with some requesting that the singer tag the designers in her post.

“CULTURED MOTHER,” one fan wrote.

“I know that’s right,” added another.

The designers Beyoncé championed included London-based Feben, Maximilian Davis for Ferragamo, Olivier Rousteing for Balmain, Ibrahim Kamara for Off-White, and LaQuan Smith, along with a few of her own Ivy Park designs, Elle reports. Some of the disco-inspired pieces the “Halo” singer has been wearing for her Renaissance tour were designed by KJ Moody, Shiona Turini, and Karen Langley.

Beyoncé has been using her tour fashion to celebrate local designers from the cities in which she performs. In Amsterdam, the Grammy-winning singer wore a lavish “Heliosphere” outfit by Iris van Herpen that required the work of 12 people from the designer’s atelier and took more than 700 hours to create. The piece included Swarovski crystals and a glass-organza cape.

In London, the “Single Ladies” singer wore Alexander McQueen and Roksanda designs. Her maroon dress with thigh-high boots is from McQueen’s AW23 collection.

Beyoncé has been highlighting her variety of Renaissance tour looks on Instagram. The “Cuff It” singer was very hands-on in the designing process and shared her fashion inspiration in a separate Instagram post on Juneteenth.

“I started designing this collection over a year ago,” she wrote. “I was so engulfed in all things RENAISSANCE and was inspired by Studio 54, Bob Mackie and the disco era.”

 

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A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce)

Beyoncé has been evolving her tour with each stop. In addition to changing outfits, the singer also tweaks her setlist and the songs she performs from her extensive library of solo singles.

Celebrate Juneteenth 2023 with BLACK ENTERPRISE with monthlong content detailing the history of Black prosperity and banking, and the future of investing and financial literacy for Black communities.

RELATED CONTENT: Did Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour Boost Swedish Inflation? Economists Think So

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 21, 2023

Jonathan Majors And Meagan Good Hold Hands At Court Appearance For His Domestic Violence Case

Jonathan Majors appeared in court for the first time amid his assault charges and had the support of his girlfriend, Meagan Good. The Creed III actor held hands with Good as he entered Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City for a hearing on June 20, 2023, People reports.

During the hearing, Majors’ defense withdrew a motion they’d previously entered during last month’s hearing, and Judge Rachel S. Pauley set an August 3 trial date.

Majors attended the previous trial virtually and the most recent in person. He only spoke to say “good morning” to Judge Pauley and agree to her order that he appear in person for the start of the trial and adhere to the protection order the alleged victim has against him.

The Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania star had the full support of his girlfriend, who remained by his side throughout the hearing.

“While they waited for his name to be called, she tickled the back of his neck and stroked his head,” an eyewitness told Entertainment Tonight.

“She was being very affectionate and protective. At one point she traced her fingers along the back of his neck to his ear.”

The outlet captured video footage of the couple entering the court with Majors’ legal team.

Majors was arrested on March 25, 2023, following an alleged domestic violence encounter with an unidentified woman he was dating. The Harder They Fall star is accused of physically attacking his ex-girlfriend and charged with three counts of assault in the third degree, one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, three counts of attempted assault in the third degree, and one count of harassment in the second degree.

Following Tuesday’s hearing, Majors’ attorney released a statement about the “irrefutable evidence” her team has that will prove the alleged victim “is lying” about the facts of the case.

“Within a few weeks of these false allegations, we provided the District Attorney with evidence of Mr. Majors’ innocence,” Majors’ attorney Priya Chaudhry said.

“Last week, we delivered additional compelling evidence to the District Attorney.”

Chaudry continued: “Following this, we strongly requested the District Attorney dismiss all charges against Mr. Majors immediately. … While we are hopeful that the District Attorney is reviewing these materials in good faith and will do the right thing soon, to accelerate our case, we’ve requested a trial date ASAP.”

RELATED CONTENT: Jonathan Majors Attorney Believes Actor Is Target of Racist Witch Hunt, Claims DA is Helping White Victim

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