by Sharelle Burt

June 12, 2023

Steph Curry Pops Up For A ‘Play Day’ With Oakland Students To Encourage Healthy Habits

Four-time NBA champion Steph Curry is using his off-season downtime to give back to the community.

A group of Elmhurst United Middle School students in Oakland, California, were surprised when Curry spent the day with them for a play day as part of his Eat.Learn.Play. Foundation. In a partnership with Carmax and Oakland Genesis Soccer Club, the Golden State Warriors player pulled up in style on a bus filled with healthy snacks, school supplies, and books.

The nonprofit, founded with Curry’s wife, Ayesha, has worked with the city of Oakland for the past four years to give back where it’s needed. Together, they have refurbished playgrounds, and sponsored programs that provide positive coaching, healthy meals, and reading materials. As “play” is one of the pillars of the foundation, the NBA point guard says healthy, active lifestyles are “huge for kids just to have a solid balance.” “It’s just about self-discovery, I was fortunate enough I didn’t have to worry about where to go to shoot hoops or find kids my age to throw the football around or play baseball,” Curry said, according to KGO ABC 7.

“You realize how much you learn in those environments and every kid deserves that.”

After posing for pictures, Curry and the kids played a soccer game on the field. Curry participated in drills as a referee and played goalie as the kids shot penalty kicks. ELP has a calendar full of events for the community to join in. Curry thanks his team for being open to bringing positive change to the Bay Area, especially Oakland. He says he is proud of the work he and his wife have put in. “We’ve identified what we do and we want to do it extremely well and know it’s going to continue to change lives,” Curry said.

Two-Time Suicide Survivor And Ex-NFL Player Partners With The American Psychiatric Association To Break The Stigma Around Mental Health
by Stacy Jackson

June 12, 2023

Two-Time Suicide Survivor And Ex-NFL Player Partners With The American Psychiatric Association To Break The Stigma Around Mental Health

The oldest medical association in the U.S. is promoting mental health equity for young minorities.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) announced the MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative to  celebrate Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

The initiative includes a 5K: Run, Walk, and Roll, Sneaker Soirée, youth summit, community fair, virtual roundtables, and community grants, according to the APA’s website.

The Community Mental Health Fair will partner with Morgan State University to share information about mental health resources for DMV residents. The fair will happen July 8, 2023. The 5K event can happen anywhere, but will be centralized in Wheaton, MD. Money raised from the 5K will go toward the APA Foundation Moore Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program.

Jay Barnett, marriage and family therapist and former NFL player, will serve as the grand marshal for the 5K run. During BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Black Men Xcel Summit in 2022, he shared his mental health struggles.

“Through my battles with depression, and as I’ve shared publicly, I’m a two-time suicide survivor,” he said. “That led me to really take a journey on the discovery of mental health, and the state of how our quality of life is associated with our mental health.”

Campbell was a journalist, author, teacher, and mental health advocate. She died in 2006 at the of 56.

In 2006, Campbell spoke to BLACK ENTERPRISE about mental health, “We don’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to talk about it, either. I went into denial. I was ashamed. I was very stigmatized by this illness that had no business in my family. But it was. So I had to confront the stigma. And it took me years to come to grips with it and to control the impact it had on my life. And those were years of secrecy and shame.”

The U.S. Congress named July Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in 2006.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 12, 2023

Zeus Network And Money Mayweather Collab Bring In Big Brawls And Big Bucks On Fight Night

Floyd Mayweather returned to the ring for an exhibition match on Sunday but his fight with John Gotti III ended with one of two brawls in and out of the ring.

Fists flew in every direction at the end of Mayweather vs Gotti on Sunday at FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The boxing champion had been exchanging shady jabs with Gotti throughout the fight, to the point referee Kenny Bayless had to intervene, as noted by Bleacher Report.

But Bayless could only do so much when chaos erupted at the start of the sixth round after Gotti started swinging illegal punches after the bell. That’s when members of both entourages jumped into the ring and started fighting each other.

Gotti was allegedly set off after the referee called off the fight,  Sporting News reports. While Gotti is credited with holding his own while fighting the boxing champion, MMA Fighting did score all five rounds in Mayweather’s favor.

Despite the brawl, it was an easy cash grab for Mayweather who reportedly raked in around $25 million in the exhibition match while Gotti earned an estimated $20 million, via Insider Sport.

Meanwhile, complete mayhem was taking place behind the scenes when reality star Joseline Hernandez was seen beating up a former cast member of her Zeus Network show “Joseline’s Cabaret,” TMZ reports. Videos show Joseline and her entourage physically attacking a season 1 cast member by the name of Big Lex.

With Zeus Network collaborating with Mayweather to showcase the exhibition match, there were a number of Zeus personalities on hand for the event. That’s ultimately what led to Joseline and Big Lex crossing paths which resulted in complete mayhem.

Viral video clips show Joseline pummeling Lex with punches and kicks before unleashing her rage on anyone who came into her space.

https://twitter.com/SickWittedEnt/status/1668139119220871170?s=20

Her violent actions didn’t go unwarranted by cops who arrested Joseline on Monday on four charges including trespassing and battery. The “Love & Hip Hop” star is no stranger to violence, she is known for getting physical on her shows.

Just last week, Joseline trended after fighting Amber Rose on BET’s “College Hill: Celebrity Edition.” Season 2 of her Zeus Network show was plagued with lawsuits after Joseline physically assaulted members of her cast during the reunion.

Most recently, Joseline was announcing tryouts for season 3 of her show. Zeus Network appears to be sticking beside Joseline despite her behavior on and off the screen.

by Sharelle Burt

June 12, 2023

Serena Williams’ 5-Year-Old Daughter Becomes Youngest Owner of Two Professional Sports Teams

Serena Williams’ daughter is already following in her champion mother’s footsteps by setting impressive records.

Alexis Olympia Ohanian, Jr. is now the youngest owner of not one but two professional sports teams. The 5-year-old is already the owner of the women’s soccer team Angel City FC. Now, proud dad and Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, Jr. announced on Instagram that she has become a part-owner of The Los Angeles Golf Club.

 

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Williams’ first-born child will have some competition as the Ohanians are expanding their family and the new addition will also share team ownership.

The team is the first in a virtual golf league, partnering with TGL, a tech-inspired golf league started by Tiger Woods’ TMRW Sports and the PGA Tour. Ohanian says the format is unlike anything anyone has ever seen before.

“What’s so interesting about this format, is people will be teeing off in the TGL into a sim, a beautiful, giant, massive screen, you can imagine all kinds of interesting sort of data tracking and sort of excitement you can create around that,” the billionaire told KTLA 5. “But the magic of the drama is going to happen in the short game.”

Serena and sister Venus share ownership of the team. Serena posted about the club on Instagram with the caption about how excited she is to work on the project with her family.

“An important part of the spirit and purpose of LA Golf Club is making golf our own, for everybody, and I couldn’t be more excited to shape the future of this sport with my family @alexisohanian @olympiaohanian and @venuswilliams.”

 

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The Los Angeles Golf Club will compete in TGL’s first season in January 2024.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 12, 2023

Sexual Abuse Allegations Lead To Country Singer Jimmie Allen Being Dropped From His Label

The troubles surrounding country singer Jimmie Allen have worsened as his record label has officially dropped the controversial recording artist.

According to Variety, Jimmie Allen is being sued by two women for sexual assault and has been dropped by BBR Music Group, according to a statement by his former label.

“BBR Music Group has dissolved its relationship with Jimmie Allen. He is no longer an active artist on its roster.”

This action comes after the label previously suspended him based on accusations by his former manager of sexual assault and battery. In May 2023, the country music star was named in a lawsuit filed by his former manager, Variety reported. “Jane Doe” alleges that the abuse from Allen lasted 18 months.

One of the accusations alleges that Allen forcefully took Jane Doe’s virginity after he appeared on American Idol in 2021. She claims she woke up inside her hotel room the day after it happened, naked in severe pain, and bleeding vaginally. She had no clue what had taken place the previous night.

He responded to the lawsuit by denying it took place and said it was “not only false but also extremely damaging.” Yet, shortly after that news came out, another woman came forward to accuse him of sexual assault as well. This time, the second woman alleged that Allen secretly filmed her during sex without her realizing it was being recorded or getting her permission. That purportedly took place last year in July 2022.

According to People, when he received the news, Allen had just announced that he and his wife had separated. The couple have two daughters, Zara James, 18 months, and Naomi Bettie, three years old, and a third child on the way. He has a son from a previous relationship, Aadyn, who is now 8.

Allen has also been dismissed by the companies that previously had his back. His talent agency, UTA, and management firm, The Familie, suspended him, while his publicity team, Full Coverage Communications, also terminated its contract with Allen.

Randy Cox Receives ‘Largest’ Settlement In History, $45M, After Being Paralyzed While In A Police Van
by Stacy Jackson

June 12, 2023

Randy Cox Receives ‘Largest’ Settlement In History, $45M, After Being Paralyzed While In A Police Van

The city of New Haven, Connecticut, is paying for its actions in a historic settlement with the family of a Black man who was paralyzed in a police van.

According to Connecticut Public Radio, Randy Cox, 36, and his family will receive a $45 million settlement from the city in Connecticut to resolve all claims against New Haven. The city’s insurance will pay $30 million, The Hill reported. New Haven will pay $15 million.

U.S. District Judge of Connecticut, Magistrate Judge Maria Garcia, oversaw the settlement conference for all involved parties. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump represented the Cox family. In a statement, Crump said, “This historic settlement reflects the commitment of New Haven leadership to fully value Randy Cox’s life and support him through the difficult journey ahead. The city’s mistakes have been well documented. But today is a moment to look to the future, so New Haven residents can have confidence in their city and their police department.” He noted the settlement was a historic moment. “As the largest settlement in a police misconduct case in our nation’s history, this settlement sends a message to the country that we know we must be better than this.”

The Cox family originally filed a $100 million lawsuit in 2022, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported.

BLACK ENTERPRISE also previously reported five police officers were charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and cruelty, both misdemeanors. The officers were identified as Sgt. Betsy Segui, Officer Oscar Diaz, Officer Ronald Pressley, Officer Jocelyn Lavandier, and Officer Luis Rivera.

Cox was being driven to a New Haven police station for processing on a weapons charge nearly one year ago, on June 19, 2022. He went headfirst into a metal partition in the van when the driver suddenly stopped at an intersection.
Body Camera Footage Released After Fatal Police Shooting of Black 14-Year-Old in Colorado
by Sidnee Michelle Douyon

June 12, 2023

Body Camera Footage Released After Fatal Police Shooting of Black 14-Year-Old in Colorado

Police in Aurora, Colorado, have released body camera footage following the death of a teenager Jor’Dell Richardson who was shot by an officer after an alleged robbery.

Jor’Dell Richardson, who is Black, was shot by an officer who chased him as he ran from a local store where police say he shoplifted vape materials with a group of youths on June 1. He was 14 years old.

Richardson, who was shot in the abdomen, later died at the hospital, police said.

A multi-agency team is investigating the shooting. Reuters could not immediately verify the race of the officers involved.

One of the videos from the body-worn cameras released on Friday showed Richardson running from officers as they shout for him to stop and get on the ground.

One of the two officers involved in the chase, James Snapp, eventually pinned him down on the ground.

“Stop, please. You got me,” Richardson can be heard saying.

A second officer, Roch Gruszeczka, caught up to his partner moments later.

“Gun, gun, let go of the fucking gun,” Gruszeczka said. “I’m going to shoot your ass.” Shortly after, a gunshot can be heard and Richardson wailing in pain.

Officers called for medical assistance and began performing CPR as Richardson appeared to lose consciousness.

“Hang with me bud,” Gruszeczka says. Police said later on he said: “God, please be with that kid.”

Aurora Police Department Chief Art Acevedo told a press conference on Friday that Richardson was carrying a firearm, although it was later determined to be a pellet gun designed to look like a 9mm handgun.

The body camera footage released by police does not show whether Richardson ever pointed the weapon at the officers. Gruszeczka has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Richardson’s family reviewed the footage before its public release, and Acevedo said he has been in contact with family members.

“No matter where this investigation takes us, no matter where we end, it is a tragedy because a young man has lost his life,” Acevedo told reporters at the news conference.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 12, 2023

Marlon Wayans Calls Out United Airlines For Racism After Being Kicked Off Of A Flight

Comedian Marlon Wayans has publicly accused United Airlines of racism after a recent incident.

According to Wayans, racism from a United Airlines ticket agent caused him to miss a flight and garnered him a citation from police officers. Fox News reported that Wayans took to his Instagram to express his disappointment and frustration with the airlines when he missed his scheduled appearances in Kansas City, Missouri, while traveling to his destination from a Denver, Colorado airport.

United Airlines gave Fox News a statement referring to the situation: “In Denver on Friday, a customer who had been told he would have to gate-check his bag instead pushed past a United employee at the jetbridge and attempted to board the aircraft. The customer won’t be flying on United to his destination.”

 

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Following the incident, the Denver Police Department issued Wayans a citation after he wasn’t allowed on the airplane.

After receiving the summons, Wayans took to his Instagram account to acknowledge he did get a citation but said the ticket agent lied to the police officers and told them that Wayans assaulted him. The act was caught on video, so he was exonerated in that aspect.

Wayans also posted a picture showing three bags that a white man brought into the plane to support his claim of the racism he has accused the airline of displaying. He then posted a video saying that a corporate employee from the airline contacted him defending the agent. He initially stated the agent was correct; there is a two-bag limit.

 

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Then when Wayans said he explained that he consolidated it into two bags, he was still told to check it in. The person on the phone then said that the agent received a text that there was no more room on the plane for luggage. He then spoke into the camera that there were people before and after him getting on the plane with two bags as well.

The comedian eventually booked another flight with American Airlines although he did miss his scheduled shows, he is requesting that United Airlines reimburse him for the shows he will not be getting paid for and is demanding an apology.

Eunique Jones Gibson Is Using Culture Brands To Ignite Social Change In The Marketing Industry
by Iman Milner

June 12, 2023

Eunique Jones Gibson Is Using Culture Brands To Ignite Social Change In The Marketing Industry

Eunique Jones Gibson has been proudly disrupting the marketing industry since 2017 through her agency Culture Brands.

As major companies have started to lean more heavily on Black culture to help bring the cool factor to their messaging, Jones Gibson, also the founder of Because Of Them We Can, and her team have positioned themselves at the intersection of cultural appropriation and cultural relevance to help build genuine campaigns. In an interview with DIGIDAY, Jones Gibson talked about Culture Brands’ commitment to doing away with trendy Blackness and ensuring the community comes first. “What’s important to us is a real commitment to [the] community,” she said. “There are a lot of people who can say, ‘We want something culturally relevant because culturally relevant means that is cool and that is hip, it’s at the top of mind and it’s going to resonate,’ but that’s not enough for us.”

Boasting clients like Hyundai, BET, Nickelodeon, and more, Culture Brands has reported a 50% growth over the last few years, according to DIGIDAY.

For this Black-owned marketing agency, it always comes back to what they call a “two-way conversation with the African American community” when deciding who to partner with and what approach to take to move the needle forward. “It’s a very young company, but we’ve got some really dope people in the mix that bring that institutional knowledge from the legacy agencies or experiences that really help ground us because we’re really big risk takers over here,” Jones Gibson said. “And sometimes you just need experienced people to tell you what’s good and what’s not sometimes so that you can listen.”

Jones Gibson understands the unusual space that both she and Culture Brands fill in an industry with a history of using Blackness to sell products while ignoring the people altogether. In an interview with Forbes, she embraced the agency’s mission as its reach expands. “As CEO of Culture Brands, I aim to refute stereotypes while humanizing and celebrating Black people,” she said.

by Melanie Yvette

June 12, 2023

Saxophonist Alleges Wakanda Forever Star Tenoch Huerta Assaulted Her

People across social media are clutching their pearls at the recent allegations against Black Panther: Wakanda Forever movie star Tenoch Huerta. The Wakanda Forever actor, who starred as Namor, has been labeled a “sexual predator” by saxophonist Maria Elena Ríos online. The musician poured out her experience in a Twitter post.

While lashing out at the Poder Prieto collective, a Mexico-based group of creatives working to combat racism in the entertainment industry, Ríos accused the organization of protecting Huerta, a “violent sexual predator” Comic Book Movie reported. 

“It is very difficult to talk about the emotional abuse and abuse of power of a sexual predator who is loved in the world for playing a character in a movie like @TenochHuerta,” Ríos said. 

She also attacked Huerta’s character, saying he was “Charming in appearance, the great hallmark of a narcissist + a good helping of victimization.”

Her series of Tweets began as she denounced the infrastructure of the Poder Prieto collective, citing racism and monetary disputes. Ríos and Huerta are associated with the collective, relating to why she’d say that the collective “protected” the Black Panther actor. 

RELATED CONTENT: Black Moviegoers Showed Up And Showed Out! ‘Wakanda Forever’ Opening Scores $180M

Her statements were met with support and backlash, with some users asking why she didn’t come forward when the incident happened.

Huerta was announced as part of the cast for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever last year. Huerta’s star quality was immediately met with awe by diverse audiences. Known for his work in films such as Sin Nombre and Narcos: Mexico, Huerta’s good looks and humble energy has been well received.

Huerta’s representation has yet to make a statement on his behalf, and the actor has not personally spoken about the allegations.

RELATED CONTENT: Cuba Gooding Jr. Skips Trial After Settling Sexual Assault Lawsuit In Private

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