One Chip Challenge, Cardiac Arrest, Massachusetts Teen

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 20, 2024

Autopsy Revealed Massachusetts Teen Died Of Cardiac Arrest From Hot Chip Challenge

The autopsy also revealed the teen had a congenital defect.

A teen from Massachusetts died shortly after allegedly participating in a hot chip challenge, with an autopsy recently revealing the cause of death as a cardiopulmonary arrest.

Harris Wolobah was 14 years old when he died in September 2023, as reported by NBC Boston. A high dose of capsaicin, a chile pepper extract found in the Hershey-Owned Paqui chips, prompted his untimely death. The company marketed the chip for its extremely high spice level. However, the individually packaged item is listed as ‘consumption for adults only.’

Despite this, the hot chip challenge went viral among teens, with Wolobah participating in how long one can eat the chip without consuming food or water. The results led to other injuries across the U.S., including California high schoolers taken to the hospital.

The increased ingestion of capsaicin did lead to Wolobah’s death. However, his autopsy also revealed the high school sophomore had an enlarged heart. Wolobah also had a congenital defect impacting the placement of his myocardial bridge, as his major artery ran inside his heart muscle, as opposed to its surface.

“It is possible that with significant stimulation of the heart, the muscle beyond the bridge suddenly had abnormal blood flow (‘ischemia’) and could have been a cause of a severe arrhythmia,” explained Tufts University’s Chief of Cardiology, Dr. James Udelson, to The Associated Press. “There have been reports of acute toxicity with capsaicin causing ischemia of the heart muscle.”

Those with underlying heart defects like Wolobah may be at higher risk when injecting hot foods. The chance of severe health issues, and even death, has become a greater issue with higher stakes, meaning spicier items. Despite these looming concerns, many young and old still partake in the challenge for viral internet fame.

Wolobah’s full autopsy report remains private. Paqui has also removed the chips from stores after his death.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 20, 2024

Therapists Making More Money Through TikTok Therapy

With the dominance of TikTok growing every day, therapists are finding new traditional ways of growing their client base and making money.

With the dominance of TikTok growing every day, therapists are finding new non-traditional ways of growing their client base and making money.

Full-time therapists once needed to make a weekly quota of 20 to 25 clients (dictated by insurance companies) to make around $100,000 a year. But now, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, a therapist can become a full- or part-time content creator and make quadruple that amount pushing out short 60-second listicles about dating and mental health, Vox reported.

Therapists like Jeff Guenther, an individual and couples therapist in Portland, Oregon, have resorted to seeing just eight to 10 clients two days a week and filming TikTok content that generates nine to ten times more than $100,000 a year. What once required sitting in the office or seeing clients virtually throughout the week, has transitioned into brand deals, merch, and direct subscriptions with his 2.8 million TikTok followers.

“It’s been an especially good year,” Guenther said when asked if he’s hit the million-dollar mark.

Guenther is making a killing by applying his relationship therapy background to TikTok, where he crafts spoken-word listicles like “5 signs your relationship is going great,” “7 signs to look for when you’re ready for a relationship,” and “3 first date questions that will tell you everything you need to know.”

The social media era of therapists is seeing more licensed professionals perform dances next to eye-catching graphics about having both ADHD and PMDD or lip sync trending songs in a captioned video about identifying a depressed suicidal client. The most successful TikTok therapists sell products that establish themselves as mental health experts, offer digital courses, or promote their books and merchandise.

Dr. Kojo Sarfo has taken his online persona further with his comedy tour, where he asks the audience about their mental health diagnoses. British psychologist and author Dr. Julie Smith has amassed 4.7 million TikTok followers by turning her mental health therapy into 60-second spoken-word listicles where she uses colorful gimmicks to attract viewers who will watch her break down “3 Ways Past Trauma Can Show Up in Your Present” or “5 Signs of a Highly Sensitive Person.”

As easy as TikTok is making it for therapists to make money curating visual content, it does come with its own set of challenges. With anything revolving around social media, public perception is your judge and the comment section can be your best friend or worst enemy.

“It’s exhausting. There’s burnout. It’s a gross place to be,” Guenther says about the algorithm demands, hate comments, and followers who feel like they have direct access to him.

“I want to get out of here because Daddy Algorithm is my boss and I get a performance review every single day based on an algorithm that’s mysterious and doesn’t make any sense.”

RELATED CONTENT: TikTok Sues U.S. Government On Grounds Of Violating First Amendment Rights

retirement, Nickson, wealth, welfare, savings, life insurance

by Charlene Rhinehart

May 20, 2024

This Man Went From Welfare To Wealth, Here’s How

Alfred Nickson shares three easy wealth-building tips.

Originally Published May 8, 2021.

After going from welfare to millionaire by age 25, Alfred Nickson dedicated his career to educating thousands of African Americans about building wealth.

Now, the 28-year-old financial expert has mentored over 100 six-figure earners and retired his mom.

“Wherever you are at, be willing to swing the bat,” Nickson tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “You can’t hit a home run if you don’t swing. For me, I put myself in a position to not only swing the bat, but I wanted to put people in a position to win as well. So, I put people on base. When I swing the bat, it’s not just me hitting a home run. I’m hitting a grand slam. That means that everybody that was on base and in position was able to come home and get a taste of the success.”

Nickson started exploring home-based businesses shortly after high school. The young entrepreneur made a total of $1,500 in his first three years of entrepreneurship. Despite his lack of funds and people telling him to consider getting a “real job” and go to school, he kept going.

During his fourth year of business, Nickson earned his first six figures by leveraging his passion for financial literacy. A couple of years later, Nickson hit the million-dollar mark.

For anyone seeking to put themselves in a better financial position this year, Nickson encourages people to step outside the box and do these three things.

Move From Welfare to Wealth By Starting With Assets

Knowledge is power. When you know where you stand financially, you can pinpoint exactly how much money you need to get where you want to go.

Nickson suggests creating a list of everything you own. This list represents your assets.

“This can be tangible items like a vehicle or jewelry to stocks, bonds, or life insurance policies,” says Nickson in an email. “Even one pair of gold earrings can be added to your assets and is better than no assets at all.”

Every month, Nickson meets with his team to get a better picture of his net worth. This number represents how much you own (assets) minus how much you owe (liabilities). It’s the magic number that wealthy individuals use to assess their financial health. Nickson also suggests having a good tax strategy so that you can keep more of the money you make.

Sign up for Life Insurance

After seeing so many people in his community rely on GoFundMe, Nickson decided to educate more people about life insurance.

“Who needs a life insurance policy? Everyone.”

Life insurance shouldn’t be limited to death benefits. It can also be used as a wealth-building strategy.

“Choose between whole life or term life insurance,” says Nickson. “Term life has more value and generally costs less monthly. Both will give your loved ones up to millions of dollars when you die.”

In addition to life insurance, Nickson says that wills and trusts should also be part of your financial plan.

Earn Extra Money To Go From Welfare to Wealth

Nickson recommends starting a home-based business because the infrastructure is already there. He says barriers to entry are low and anyone can get started with as little as a few hundred dollars. The best part is that you can start making money right away.

How do you get started on your path to a home-based business? Identify what you are passionate about.

“When you are passionate about something, you put your all into it,” says Nickson.

It’s been nearly three years since Memphis rapper Young Dolph was shot and killed in his hometown, yet the recent postponement of the trial of the man accused of being involved in his killing has frustrated the fiancé of Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. (Young Dolph).

According to WREG, Mia Jaye has taken to social media to respond to the lack of answers for pushing the trial of Justin Johnson back again. The defendant is one of the men accused of being involved in the late rapper’s death.

In Joye’s Instagram post, she blasted Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy after he stated during his 2022 election that he wanted justice for Young Dolph. She posted a video he released at the time where he stated that there needs to be change and reform.

“DID YOU REALLY STAND FOR THESE WORDS OR JUST NEEDED AN ENDORSEMENT & VOTES DURING THE 2022 ELECTION? THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I DIDN’T ENDORSE ANY MEMPHIS POLITICIANS OUT OF RELUCTANCE THAT MY VOICE & CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD BE USED AS A PAWN, RATHER THAN BEING HEARD FOR TRUE CHANGE… CONGRATULATIONS ON WINNING, BUT CHANGE HASNT TAKEN PLACE… PEOPLE ARE STILL BEING LET OUT ON BOND…SO REMIND THE COMMUNITY WHAT YOUR OFFICE IS DOING TO BRING FORTH CHANGE?!

“RESPECTFULLY, Mia”

Jaye told the media outlet that she hasn’t witnessed any change since Mulroy took office. She is not only fighting for the trial of Young Dolph’s accused killer, but she stated that there are suspects who are released on bond who still commit crimes while their cases are pending.

D.A. Mulroy released a statement after Jaye’s social media post:

“Several factors have contributed to the trial delay, including the defendants’ changing attorneys and the litigation over court division and venue changes. While the frustration is understandable, these complexities in the criminal justice process must be addressed to ensure the integrity of the case.

We want to be sure nothing compromises the trial and prevents us from our primary objective of delivering justice for Adolph Thornton.”

According to Fox 13, Young Dolph was shot to death as he was buying cookies at Makeda’s Butter Cookies around 1 p.m. on Nov. 17, 2021.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 20, 2024

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Is Allegedly Thinking About Revoking Diddy’s Key To The City

The mayor said his team is examining the possibility of rescinding the honor, which the Bad Boy Records founder received in 2023.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is considering revoking Sean “Diddy” Combs’ key to the city following the release of footage of the assault of singer Cassie.

“I think all of us were deeply disturbed by watching that chilling video of the young lady being assaulted by him,” Adams told PIX11 News. “The committee and the team have never rescinded a key before, but we are now sitting down to see what the next steps forward are going to be.”

Combs was given the key to the city in 2023.

https://twitter.com/artofdialogue_/status/1792551053084299621?s=46&t=v0SNRYUQEuA0RgNp85WsUw

Adams gave Diddy the key to the city on Sept. 15, 2023, the same day his first studio album was released 17 years prior, according to The Associated Press.

At the ceremony, Adams described the honor as “a representation of all Diddy had done for New York City, through millions of dollars in donations and support for Black entrepreneurs.”

Added Adams, “Sean Combs is the embodiment of the New York City attitude. A son of Harlem, Combs worked his way to the top, becoming a successful musical talent both in front of and behind the mic. Despite all of his successes, Sean has never forgotten where he came from.”

Footage released on May 17 showed Diddy brutally assaulting his ex-girlfriend in a hotel in 2016. The record producer is also under federal investigation and facing a number of abuse and sexual assault allegations, including a lawsuit from producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who accused Diddy of drugging and threatening him for over a year.

Diddy has since issued an apology for his behavior in the video, saying he is “committed to be a better man.”

Hazel Sanchez started her interview with Adams by pointing out him being outspoken about “breaking the cycle of domestic violence in New York City.” His passion prompted the launch of a pilot program that helps domestic violence survivors living in shelters find permanent housing.

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 20, 2024

North Carolina Senate Revives 1950s Anti-Mask Law, Bans Masks In Public Despite Health Concerns

Will this ban leave people at risk?

North Carolina’s Senate issued a measure to ban anyone wearing masks in public, regardless of health issues.

House Bill 237, voted on May 15, brings back a law from the 1950s that targeted hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan, Newsweek reports. The measure would assist police to identify protesters that law enforcement claims is expected to use “common sense” and not issue the law to arrest “Granny in the Walmart,” according to bill sponsor, Sen. Buck Newton.

Newton says protesters are using pandemic norms and wearing masks to hide their identities. “It’s about time that the craziness is at least slowed down, if not literally stopped,” he said, according to WRAL.

During the 1950s, a number of anti-mask laws were implemented across state lines, including the Tar Heel state, in response to hate groups. Some laws are still on record today. However, in Louisiana and Minnesota, exceptions were made for religious face coverings. In Florida and California, it is an offense to wear a mask if the person commits or is intending to commit a crime.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more extensions were made to include people wearing masks for health reasons.

But in North Carolina, with a 30-15 vote, the bill doesn’t just affect protesters. All persons will be banned from wearing masks in public—even if medical issues are pressing—if it becomes a law. While every GOP lawmaker praised the bill, every Democrat opposed it.

The measure will now have to receive approval by the state House before being sent to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who can sign or veto the bill.

Democratic lawmakers, alongside community activists and advocates for people with health issues, are concerned about the underlying consequences of the proposal. They also feel as if safety issues aren’t the real issue behind the bill.

“This bill is clearly in response to the recent protests on college campuses against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza,” Melissa Price Kromm, executive director of the grassroots group NC for the People Action, said. “Thus, it is another anti-protest bill.”

In early May 2024, demonstrations were seen during commencement ceremonies at both UNC Chapel Hill, where pro-Palestinian protesters removed an American flag, and Duke University, who walked out on speaker, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, due to his support of Israel. Several protests on college campuses across the country have seen the mistreatment of protestors and police officers deliberately unmasking them.

https://twitter.com/ProudElephantUS/status/1786082685791690952

Sen. Lisa Grafstein (D-Wake) called the bill “unconscionable.” Cancer survivor Sen. Sydney Batch said people that wear masks around her were vital during her medical treatment as her immune system was highly compromised. “Someone walking around with tuberculosis, wants to wear a mask to protect everybody else is no longer able to do that based on this bill,” she said.

GOP Sen. Danny Britt thinks there’s a way to interpret the legislation, arguing it would still be legal to wear a mask for legitimate health reasons. Sen. Natasha Marcus, representing Mecklenburg county, home to Charlotte, isn’t convinced.

“Is it really that you find masked chemo patients that threatening? Something about them makes you really angry?” Marcus asked. “Or is this, more likely, a desire to score some political points with the anti-mask crowd during an election year, at the expense of vulnerable people?”

beer, craft beef, Black Woman-owned Brewery, Minnesota, brewer

by Stacy Jackson

May 20, 2024

First Black Woman-Owned Brewery, Bubble Line, Coming To Minnesota In 2025

Brittney Mikell's vision for her brewery extends beyond beer, offering a kid-friendly space and apprenticeships for brewers of color.

A trailblazing venture is on the horizon as Brittney Mikell prepares to unveil Minnesota’s inaugural Black woman-owned brewery.

Slated to open in St. Paul’s historically Black Rondo neighborhood in early 2025, Bubble Line Brewing Company aims to diversify an industry lacking representation. Among the state’s over 200 breweries, CBS News noted that only a handful are owned by women or people of color.

“The brewing industry isn’t very diverse in our state and in general as it stands,” said Mikell, acknowledging the significance of her endeavor. “We tend to get a lot of innovation and a lot of new thoughts when there’s diversity involved in the picture. I think that as the brewing world matures because it’s been around for a little bit, that innovation piece is going to be really important.”

The brewery’s vision extends beyond just beer. Mikell envisions a warm, plant-filled oasis offering respite from Minnesota’s harsh winters, complete with kid-friendly spaces and apprenticeship programs for brewers of color. In addition to beer, the menu will feature non-alcoholic options like lemonade and lattes. As Mikell said, according to Eater Twin Cities, “We’re really focused on innovation — you have to make a damn good beer.” She is particularly excited for patrons to sample its Honeycrisp apple blonde ale.

Bubble Line aims to be a model for inclusivity and sustainability. Mikell plans to pay staff a living wage, implement eco-friendly brewing practices, and host several community events. A library nook stocked with home-brewing books will further foster education and engagement.

The brewery’s name, derived from a chemistry term Mikell learned in college, pays homage to her scientific background, which ignited her passion for brewing. An initial crowdfunding campaign raised over $20,000 in under a week, and according to CBS News, Mikell will soon announce another effort seeking $500,000 in donations to bring this pioneering vision to life.

Shyne Barrow, P Diddy, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Bad Boy

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 20, 2024

Former Bad Boy Artist Shyne Denounces Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs‘ ‘Repugnant Behavior’

"I vehemently denounce the repugnant behavior of Sean Diddy Combs captured on the video in which he is seen physically assaulting Mrs(.) Cassie Ventura-Fine," Shyne wrote on social media.

Two days after a video of Sean “Diddy” Combs showed him beating former Bad Boy artist and girlfriend, Cassie was revealed May 17, former rapper Shyne Barrow publicly denounced the “repugnant behavior” of his former co-defendant.

The rapper formerly known as Shyne was with Diddy at Club New York in New York City when both men were accused of firing weapons in the venue, striking three partygoers in 1999. Although Diddy was acquitted, Barrow was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

After he was released from prison in 2009, he was deported to his native country Belize, where he entered politics.

The Belize Opposition Leader took to his Instagram account to make a statement about the released video.

“I vehemently denounce the repugnant behavior of Sean Diddy Combs captured on the video in which he is seen physically assaulting Mrs Cassie Ventura-Fine.

“There is no place for Violence against Women anywhere on the planet. As a father of a precious daughter, a global citizen and the next Prime Minister of Belize I want absolutely nothing to do with people who engage in this pattern of diabolical behavior.

“My prayers are with Cassie and all the other victims who have come forward with horrendous allegations against Mr Combs.

“Hon. Dr. Shyne Barrow
Opposition Leader
BELIZE”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shyne Barrow (@shyne_bz)

Diddy has since apologized for his actions in the video. “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” Combs said on Instagram. “I was f*cked up—I hit rock bottom—but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable.”

According to AllHipHop, Shyne felt vindicated after one of the Club New York shooting victims, Natania Reid, said Diddy shot her and not Shyne, who testified in court that he fired his gun in the air.

“I’ve been saying this all along,” Shyne said in an interview with Channel 5 Belize. “Everyone knew all along that I was the fall guy. I maintained my innocence all this time. I said I was defending myself. I didn’t get into who did what.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 20, 2024

From Queen Bey Herself: Beyonce Gifted Kamala Harris Tickets To Renaissance World Tour

The gift, valued at over $1,600, was listed in a financial disclosure report released by the vice president.

Beyoncé made sure to have a presidential presence at her concert. The singer gifted Vice President Kamala Harris tickets to her Renaissance World Tour.

NBC News revealed the pricey gift, valued at over $1,600, as part of financial disclosure reports released on May 15. The president and vice president release the reports annually.

However, this gift was directly from Queen Bey herself, allowing the first Black vice president to see the star on stage. Harris basked in the moment with her husband, Doug Emhoff. The couple attended the show at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kamala Harris (@kamalaharris)

“Thanks for a fun date night, @Beyonce,” captioned the elected official on social media.

Harris also dressed according to the theme at the August event, per Beyoncé’s request for glittery disco fashion. Harris followed suit with a gold glitter top and shoes to match. Harris has also explained her love of the singer’s music in October.

“I just love that song,” Harris shared with People about “Break My Soul,” a lead single from Beyoncé’s Renaissance album. “I play it all the time…it’s one of the anthems for women . . . when [Beyoncé says] ‘you,’ you could be life, you could be a person, you could be a situation. You will not break my soul. I can endure.”

However, a fun night watching Beyoncé is not the only ticket Harris has received. ESPN also sponsored Harris to watch her alma mater, Howard University, play at the HBCU Celebration Bowl in Atlanta. The event took place in December 2023, as Harris was granted tickets valued at $1,890.

Harris has been a visible presence across the Black community as she campaigns for re-election alongside President Joe Biden. While Beyoncé is no longer on tour, the VP may be seen next at whatever shows she does for her latest project, “Cowboy Carter.”

Drake, Sport betting, Boxing Match, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

May 20, 2024

Drake Loses $565K In Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk Boxing Match Bet

The 'Drake Curse' has reappeared after rapper bets on Fury.

After being knocked out by Kendrick Lamar in a lyrical battle, Drake took the financial loss at the sports betting table.

Drake’s (bad) luck is back on track after the Canadian superstar lost yet another large wager when he reportedly lost $565,000 betting on another sports event.

According to The New York Post, the “Drake Curse” has been reinstated as the “Best I Ever Had” recording artist placed a bet on boxer Tyson Fury in his matchup for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleksandr Usyk. That proved the wrong move as Fury lost the boxing match in a split-decision ruling that gave Usyk the victory.

The loss was the first for Fury (34-1-1) as he received a score of 114-113 from one judge, while the two others scored 114-113 and 115-112 for Usyk (22-0).

The infamous “Drake Curse” has followed the “Thank Me Later” recording artist for several years. People started referring to Drake’s betting habits as such because anytime Drake places a bet or shows support toward a sports team or meets an athlete, they allegedly suffer a defeat. Over the years, various media outlets have reported on this so-called curse, and fans have watched in either glee or despair when they found out that Drake was a supporter of a team or athlete.

Several victims of the alleged curse include tennis legend Serena Williams, boxer Anthony Joshua, the Toronto Raptors, MMA fighter Connor McGregor, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Golden State Warriors.

Drake reportedly lost $400,000 when he bet that Jake Paul would win by knockout against Tommy Fury, but Paul lost the match by split decision. He also lost $1 million in 2022 when he bet on Argentina winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although the team did win, the game was decided by penalty kicks.

He also lost 2 million Canadian dollars in November 2022 when UFC competitor Alex Pereira knocked out Israel Adesanya.