Wendy Williams, Guardian, Manhattan Penthouse

by Stacy Jackson

May 14, 2024

Court-Appointed Guardian Reportedly Sells Wendy Williams’ Manhattan Penthouse

The talk show icon was assigned a guardian by the court to make the decision to sell her property after she was deemed "incapacitated."

Wendy Williams’ beloved Manhattan penthouse has reportedly been sold by her court-appointed guardian, marking the end of the former talk show host’s ownership of the Financial District property.

According to the New York Post, the transaction was completed May 10. Records stated that the 59-year-old was deemed “incapacitated” and was in need of a guardian to make the decision to offer up the residence.

“Wendy’s dream has always been to live in Manhattan in a dream apartment but never got a chance to do so,” an insider revealed, lamenting the “very unfortunate situation.”

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom penthouse was sold for $3.75 million, a significant $822,000 decrease from its 2021 purchase. Before the sale, Williams bid farewell to the personal effects that once adorned the space, including her iconic purple chair used during her “Hot Topics” segment that garnered massive viewership.

Wendy Williams’ NYC penthouse sold for a loss: See inside the luxe Financial District property https://t.co/hlkJhpXdFJ pic.twitter.com/7T14yGW6vo
— Page Six (@PageSix) May 14, 2024

The 59-year-old TV personality’s medical team delivered a sobering diagnosis in 2023, revealing she was grappling with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Compounding her health woes, reports surfaced earlier this year that Williams was slapped with a hefty tax lien on her New York City condo, owing a staggering $568,451.57 in back taxes spanning 2019 to 2021.

Fans were afforded a candid glimpse into Williams’ personal tribulations during a Lifetime documentary series, Where is Wendy?, where she revealed her financial straits and confessed she has “no money” left.

Daily Beast noted in February that the talk show titan, whose show was cancelled in 2021, shared concerns about her team possibly taking advantage of the financial guardianship appointed by the court.

Lifetime released two other projects documenting Williams’ life, Wendy Williams: The Movie and Wendy Williams: What a Mess. Williams hosted her popular talk show from 2008 to 2021, when it was taken over by guest hosts until its 2022 cancellation.

Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price, California DA

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 14, 2024

California DA Suing Major Insurance Companies For ‘Lowballing’ Owners Of Totaled Cars

Time for everyone to look at their policies...

A California District Attorney is suing major car insurance companies, including Progressive and the United Services Automobile Association (USAA), for allegedly working together to undervalue “totaled” vehicles.

In a lawsuit announced on May 9, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price accused the insurance giants and their affiliated software developers of using valuation software to systematically undervalue “totaled” vehicles and pay car owners less than the actual value owed according to their policies.

Price claims the process violates several state laws and is pressing for civil penalties, restitution for California drivers, injunctive relief, and corresponding fees and costs. “Many residents live paycheck to paycheck and go deeply into debt just to buy a car,” Price said. “When an insurance company underpays its customers for a totaled vehicle…that can lead to job losses and even homelessness.”

The lengthy complaint, filed on April 26, alleges car insurance companies like the Progressive Corporation, USAA and affiliates owe “duties of good faith and fair dealing to hundreds of thousands of California residents and businesses each year.”

According to Patch, the suit points the finger at software developers who worked with the insurance companies to manipulate and lower the “actual cash value” of totaled vehicles. The scheme allowed customers to make “lowball” settlement offers. Then, the DA’s office alleges, the companies would resell the vehicle at auction in order to minimize the losses after the policyholder agreed to the low offer.

The DA office feels the alleged scheme affects all California drivers but specifically targeted senior citizens and veterans. Business owners are also impacted, including car manufacturers and dealers, since insurance companies were “systematically lowering the market value of their vehicles;” gap insurance providers, whose “gap insurance” policies are required to make up the difference between outstanding loan amounts and the undervalued amount paid; and car loan entities, when suffering car owners are no longer able to pay on car loans.

Lastly, the complaint lists auto mechanic shops as being affected as businesses will potentially lose out on repairs after vehicles are “systematically” totaled instead of repaired. “Public safety includes protecting consumers from powerful companies that seek only to maximize profits,” Price said.

“We are seeking to level the playing field for vehicle owners who face what looks like a rigged game when their car or truck is totaled because a loss of a vehicle can destabilize a person’s life.”

Price’s office is seeking anyone who believes they are a victim of an insurer undervaluing their vehicle, and are looking for them to complete a consumer fraud complaint form.

RELATED CONTENT: Auto Insurance Myths and Reality

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 14, 2024

21-Year-Old HBCU Athlete Fatally Shot At Atlanta Nightclub

Mariam Creighton was a volleyball player for Albany State University, an HBCU in Georgia.

Mariam Creighton, 21, a sophomore volleyball player at Albany State University, died May 12 during a shootout in an Atlanta nightclub.

Creighton, from Stockbridge, Georgia, and Nakyris M. Ridley, 20, during the 2:30 a.m. shooting at Elleven45 Lounge. Four others were injured after police said that an unidentified gunman started shooting during a fight inside the club.

“Mari was just an all-around great young lady that will truly be missed,” her coach at Stockbridge High School, John Holladay, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Creighton’s death has shocked the Albany State community. A transfer from fellow HBCU Benedict College, she had 5 digs and one assist during the 7 matches she played for Albany State in 2023.

“We at Elleven 45 are profoundly affected by the recent tragic events,” the club said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to all those impacted, and we extend our deepest sympathies to the individuals and families who have suffered loss and injury. The safety and well-being of our patrons and staff have always been our paramount concern. To ensure a thorough investigation in cooperation with local law enforcement, we will be closing our doors today.”

“We are heartbroken over the loss of Mari,” Dr. Kristene Kelly, Albany State’s director of athletics, wrote on X. “What a beautiful soul. Our Albany State RAMily is devastated by this news. Our thoughts are with Mari’s loved ones.”

Moreover, gun violence remains a critical issue in cities like Atlanta. According to Atlanta Fox 5, gang violence continues to trouble the Fulton County area, where Elleven45 is located.

“We have been aggressively fighting the gangs in Fulton County and the region because they do engage in human trafficking, drug dealing, gun running and robberies throughout the area,” Atlanta Police chief Darin Schierbaum told the outlet.

Stephen K. Benjamin, White House, Morehouse, Biden

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 14, 2024

White House Official Stops By Morehouse To Address Issues Before Biden’s Speech

Benjamin spoke with the small group of Morehouse faculty and students for hours over the potential issues.

A White House official met with students and faculty of Morehouse College ahead of Presdent Joe Biden’s commencement speech. The President is expected to speak at the HBCU’s graduation ceremony on May 19, but the announcement prompted some concerns.

Steve Benjamin, who leads the White House Office of Public Engagement, spoke with the small group to address some polarizing thoughts on his appearance. The biggest issues lie in the Biden administration’s response to the violence taking place in the Gaza Strip, as well as their continued support of Israel.

NBC News reported that Benjamin and the selected cohort from Morehouse’s community engaged in an hours-long conversation on May 10 to discuss the upcoming speech. The names of those present remained secret, but attendees vocalized all potential concerns with Biden’s appearance.

Many fear his presence will overshadow the graduates due to the backlash. Others, on the other hand, worry that the message will focus on Biden’s re-election and not the achievements of the all-men’s HBCU.

However, Benjamin spoke on behalf of the administration’s work toward bettering the Black community and college students. The contributors on both sides of the issue came forward in what the official deemed a “fair conversation.” However, it is unclear whether its impact led to a reversal of the decision for Biden to speak.

Morehouse, among other prominent HBCUs, has not engaged in significant protests against the Israel-Hamas war like other college campuses. Many student protestors, significantly at Columbia University and UCLA, faced violence by law enforcement while demonstrating on school grounds.

Despite this, students and faculty who were against Biden’s speech immediately spoke out following the announcement. Concerned faculty wrote a letter urging Morehouse officials to reconsider. They also argued that their alum, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., would not approve. The students engaged in another forum with the college’s president to share their sentiments.

While the announcement has sparked controversy, attempts to remedy any discontent among the Morehouse campus took place without further issue.

RELATAED CONTENT: Black Men In Georgia Admit To Not Being As Excited About Voting For Biden Ahead Of November 2024 Election

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

May 14, 2024

‘Black People Will Swim’ Initiative Makes Waves In New York City

Lamonier's courses take on students from toddlers to those in their 50s to learn the essential life skill.

Like many dreams, this former college athlete’s journey to help her community learn to swim started with a tweet. Paulana Lamonier’s mission to teach Black people this life skill led to her NYC-based organization, Black People Will Swim.

Her request to find 30 Black people in New York ready to dive into the waters quickly made waves. After her initial post in 2019, Black People Will Swim was born. Its mission is to not only teach the practice but also make the venture more affordable for her community. Breaking down the systemic barriers surrounding swimming was the first step, and a crucial one at that.

“Swimming has claimed so many lives of Black people,” she said to NBC News. “We deserve to have a space to learn without feeling discriminated against, without feeling as if we have to break the bank to learn this life skill. And, most importantly, it’s really a community.”

The majority of Black children cannot swim, with USA Swimming reporting 64% cannot, as opposed to 40% of white children. This statistic also led to an increase in Black children drowning, seven times as much as reported by the CDC. Lamonier’s organization hopes to stop preventable death by teaching students of all ages.

Lamonier now has a dozen all-Black instructors on her team. At the York College campus where she once competed, over 300 people learned to tread water. Black People Will Swim keeps costs low at $30 a session, wanting to eliminate the financial strain that often comes with pool accessibility. Its placement in Queens also helps its majority-minority residents, who have only 12% of access to New York City’s limited public pool options.

Additionally, the founder hopes to expand into its own facility within NYC. She emphasized the need for a Black-owned swim school among other minority-owned establishments.

“It is vital for us to have our own swim school, where people can come get affordable swim lessons for people who look like them and, most importantly, create that pipeline for aquatic professionals,” explained Lamonier.

Lamonier is part of a growing trend of Black people promoting swim lessons to benefit underrepresented communities. Their shared mission to dismantle this disparity in America seeks to build the next generation of diverse swimmers.

Real estate, black millennial, home, buying, market, home, tips

by Jeffrey McKinney

May 14, 2024

Black Millennials Greatly Reduce Debt Yet Struggle With Home Affordability: 5 Tips To Help Trim the Cost Burden

Jaime Seale shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE that more non-Black millennials will continue their home search while prices and interest rates are high.

Originally Published Jan. 26, 2023.

In 2023, 34% of Black millennials had at least $10,000 in non-mortgage debt this year, a staggering 60% drop from 2022.

The finding raises the question of whether those millennials erased their debt. It’s possible, but real estate expert Jaime Seale explained it’s more likely that as inflation pushed up home prices and interest rates, millennials with large amounts of debt dropped out of the home search and postponed their purchase.

Contrarily, 46% of all millennials had a minimum of $10,000 in debt in 2023, down from about 71% last year.

Seale, author of the Millennial Home Buyer Report: 2023 Edition, told BLACK ENTERPRISE that more non-Black millennials will continue their home search while prices and interest rates are high.

Individuals quizzed in Seale’s report were asked about their homebuying plans this year. Black millennials (30%) are more concerned than their non-Black peers (29%) about qualifying for a mortgage. Seale said Black millennials tend to have lower credit scores than their white counterparts and are 2.5 times more likely to be rejected for mortgage loans.

“It’s important for Black millennials to get mortgages to help them afford homes because owning a home is one of the best ways to build generational wealth,” she notes. In 2019, Black homeowners had a median household wealth of $113,130—more than 60 times higher than Black renters.

To help attain homeownership, Black millennials are putting down less of a down payment.

A key reason: Debt is a major hurdle to saving for a down payment, and saving such is one of the top three barriers to buying a home for Black millennials. Some 42% report interest rates are too high and 38% cite both homes being too expensive and saving for a down payment as obstacles.

Around 73% of Black millennials plan to put down less than 20% for a down payment, versus 62% of all millennials. Seale says it is possible that saving for a down payment is more difficult because Black millennials typically earn less than their white counterparts and have more debt.

She made clear Black millennials who don’t put down a full 20% may have a higher interest rate because banks assume more risk. And with less money spent on a home purchase, Black millennials are more likely to buy less costly homes. Seale says nearly 23% of millennials plan on buying a home that costs more than the national median of $455,000, but only 8% of Black millennials plan to do the same.

More specifically, she says, 18% of Black millennials (versus 13% of all millennials) plan to buy a home in the $100,000 to $149,999 range this year. Some 16% of Black millennials (compared to 9% of all millennials) plan to buy a home in the $200,000 to $249,999 range.

Black millennials also are less inclined to risk their money given inflation and high-interest rates make home-buying even more unaffordable. For instance, Seale added 65% of all millennials would buy a fixer-upper, but only 58% of Black millennials would take that gamble. Some 40% of Black millennials fear having to make major repairs, and 39% worry about the hidden costs of homeownership.

Here are some tips Seale offered for buying a home:

“Expand your search: To stay within budget, Black millennials may need to look at smaller properties or in rural areas or less [in-]demand neighborhoods.”
“Improve your credit score: In a high-cost environment, qualifying for the lowest possible interest rate will lower your monthly mortgage payment. To improve your credit score, pay down debts and avoid any late payments.”
Choose a shorter loan term: If you can afford a higher monthly payment, a 15-year loan usually has lower interest rates than a 30-year loan, meaning you’ll pay less in interest over time.
“Shop around: Talk with several different lenders to make sure you’re getting the best deal and the lowest rate. As interest rates rise, the number of home buyers who need a mortgage has dropped, so lenders will be eager for your business.”
“Alter your timing: Interest rates fluctuate, if you postpone your search, they may be lower in the future. However, that’s not without risks. Interest rates may continue to rise, as well as inflation. If inflation continues to increase, you’ll save more money by buying now than in the future, when money may hold less value.”

The Invisible Ache, Courtney B. Vance And Dr. Robin L. Smith, Black Men’s Mental Health

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 14, 2024

Courtney B. Vance And Dr. Robin L. Smith Put Black Men’s Mental Health At Forefront In ‘The Invisible Ache’

Courtney B. Vance has written a new guidebook aimed at helping Black men heal.

Actor Courtney B. Vance and psychologist Dr. Robin L. Smith have written a guidebook aimed at helping Black men heal.

Released in November 2023, The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power sees Vance and Smith combine memoirs, psychology, and practical tools to offer Black men guidance and support for reclaiming their mental health and wellness. The duo are on a promotional tour during Mental Health Awareness Month to amplify the book’s message and, they hope, save lives.

“There is an African proverb we use in the book that says ‘The lion’s story will never be known as long as the hunter is the one to tell it.’ So what we are doing in The Invisible Ache is making sure that the lions—Black men and boys–are narrating and reclaiming their own stories,” Smith told Essence. “We want to get to a point where it is normalized to not only ask, do you hurt or whether you hurt, but where does it hurt? The Invisible Ache is a personal invitation to every Black boy and man to heal, declare, and proclaim their divine birthright to be fully human, whole, and free.”

Vance and Smith sat down for “The Couch Conversations” with Give Black Alliance last week where The Preacher’s Wife star opened up about the real-life tragedy he faced.

“My father took his life back in 1990. He shot himself…and my father was not at peace,” he said.

Vance was starring in Six Degrees of Separation on Broadway at the time and had to take time off to go home and be with his family. While there, his mother encouraged him to seek therapy to cope with the sudden death.

“Thank God I got the mandate from her,” he told People. While finding a therapist can be “fraught with so many reasons to say, ‘Ah, it’s too much work.’ When you’re on the outside of it, looking in, it’s overwhelming. It’s too much work for the potential payoff.”

However, “the payoff is you,” Vance says. “Thankfully I had a mother who encouraged me to seek counseling, and I had people like Laura Linney and the masseuse, Gunilla, who led me to Dr. K.”

Now, Vance is on a mission to remind Black men of their value and right to exist wholly and happily.

“The Invisible Ache grew out of my desire to provide a resource and safe s pace for Black men of all ages to explore, discuss, restore, and heal when it comes to our mental health,” Vance said. “I want the book to always serve as a reminder that we are worthy of happiness, of peace, of love, and of support.”

Terri Burns, Venture Capital Firm, Type Capital

by Stacy Jackson

May 14, 2024

Trailblazing Investor Terri Burns Launches Own VC Firm, Type Capital

The former GV partner plans to cut checks for pre-seed and seed-stage investments through her early-stage venture capital firm.

Terri Burns, formerly a partner at Google Ventures, has launched Type Capital, her very own early-stage venture capital firm.

As stated on its official website, Type Capital aims to invest in trailblazing founders pushing the boundaries of social and technological innovation. According to Tech Crunch‘s report, Burns has etched her name among the select few Black women who have established their own venture firms, with her company planning to cut checks for pre-seed and seed-stage investments.

Burns has set her sights on Gen Z founders, digital consumer companies, developer tools, and artificial intelligence, aspiring to be the first investor on board, contrary to other other investors that she said wait to see if a company is worth an investment. Her goal is to identify promising founders and leverage her vast network to facilitate subsequent investment opportunities.

Burns’ trajectory in the venture industry commenced in 2017 when she joined GV. At the age of 26, she marked a historic moment in her career when she became GV’s youngest and first Black woman partner, according to BLACK ENTERPRISE. The New York University computer science graduate initially kickstarted her career as an associate product manager at Twitter. “When I started my career as a computer scientist and product manager, I was hyper-focused: there was always one project, one feature, and one team I was focused on,” she said at the time. “…As a VC, I have the unique opportunity to really go broad and understand the greater entrepreneurial and technological market. As a person with many different interests, it’s the perfect balance for me.”

Tech Crunch highlighted that Burns played an instrumental role in several of the firm’s successful investments during her tenure at GV. She spearheaded the investment into the social app HAGS, which was later acquired by Snapchat. She was involved in Partiful, which further cemented her reputation. The angel investor also co-founded an angel investment collective that has invested in nearly a dozen companies.

Burns, named on the 2021 Forbes “30 Under 30” list, also served on the board of the nonprofit Brave Initiatives, imparting coding skills to girls from underserved communities.

Alabama Driver, Police Officer, Traffic Stop, Jail

by Sharelle B. McNair

May 14, 2024

Alabama Driver Must Apologize To Officer For Saying ‘Get Your Ass Out of The Way’ Or Go To Jail

Legal experts think jail time doesn't fit the crime regardless of the drivers' previous traffic offenses.

Court officials in Ozark, Alabama, are ordering a Black man to apologize to an officer who he told “get your ass out of the way,” or face jail time.

Ozark Municipal Court Judge Nicholas Bull is ordering Reginald Burks, 39, to write the officer an apology letter or sit in jail for 10 to 30 days if he decides otherwise. The aircraft mechanic says he will go to jail. “What am I going to do? I’m going to jail,” Burks said.

“I ain’t writing no letter. I can’t do it. I don’t see where it’s legal for him to do that.”

Burks was pulled over for speeding by a police officer on December 13, 2023, while taking his kids to school. The unidentified officer told the father that his radar gun was broken, so he estimated the speed by using cruise control. Not falling for it, Burks said the officer was “full of crap because there’s no way that he clocked my speed by cruise control.” That’s when things went left.

The officer gave Burks the ticket and then stood in front of his car, prompting him to back up and go around the officer. “I said, ‘Get your ass out of the way so I can take my kids to school,’” Burks said.

“My daughter’s like, ‘Daddy, you cursed.’ And I said, ‘I’m sorry boo.’”

Initially, Burks was just given a speeding ticket and did not face any other charges, such as disorderly conduct. He said thanks to advice from friends and family who serve as police officers telling him not to challenge the ticket, he went to court prepared to plead guilty and pay the fine of $183, according to WBRC. But when he found out the judge wanted him to write an apology, it didn’t sit well with him. “The judge told me the way I spoke to the officer is the reason he is doing the things he is doing,” Burks said.

The driver is planning on suing but admits finding a lawyer is difficult due to some having existing cases going before Judge Bull.

Legal experts feel the case raises questions about judicial power. Professor of criminal law Jenny Carroll says judges have done things like tell defendants not to contact victims or visit businesses. Others have gone further, including one Texas judge who controversially ordered sex offenders to post signs in their front yards regarding their convictions.

However, in Burks’ case, Carroll thinks jail time doesn’t fit the crime, regardless of the previous traffic offenses, according to a court document review. “I think it is one of those judicial orders that is sufficiently questionable that we ought to say, is it really proportional to give a 30-day sentence if he won’t say he’s sorry?” Carroll said.

“That’s a long time for what he allegedly said. And my guess is, we could stop most adults on the street, and they would admit that in a moment of frustration, he said something that may be regrettable but doesn’t deserve a 30-day sentence.”

Burks, who admitted to using an expletive towards the officer, doesn’t believe he did anything wrong. While Alabama law prohibits cursing in public, Carroll thinks that’s the charge he should have been charged with, if Bull intended to punish him for his speech. “If I did something to offend him or bodily harm him in any way, I would apologize,” Burks said.

“But I didn’t do anything to this officer besides curse. And there’s no law saying that I can’t curse or speak my mind.”

He is scheduled to go back to court to learn his fate on June 4 for a hearing.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

May 14, 2024

How Def Jam Chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun Plans To Turn Iconic Label Into The Destination For ‘Global Black Music’

Def Jam Chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun plans to turn the iconic label into the premiere destination for "global Black music."

Def Jam Chairman/CEO Tunji Balogun is laying out his big plans for the future of the iconic record label and how he will turn it into the premiere destination for “global Black music.”

Balogun is on a mission to continue Def Jam’s legacy by revising its image and reshaping its future. Since taking on the role of Chairman/CEO in January 2022, Balogun has been behind the reworking of the label’s roster, signing notable acts like Coco Jones, Muni Long, and Armani White, Billboard reported.

However, it was no easy feat as Balogun joined the label at a time when there were “a lot of question marks” around its future. Def Jam had faced five years of nonstop disruption that started with the label’s founder Russell Simmons stepping down in 2017 after he was publicly accused of sexual assault by multiple women; allegations he denies.

When Balogun came on board, he knew his main focus had to be on bringing balance to the legendary label known for its role in the growth of hip-hop and for breaking big acts like LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and many more. Balogun came with a reputable résumé, having worked with significant acts like Kendrick Lamar, Khalid, Normani, and H.E.R. but joined a label that was on the decline.

At the close of 2023, Def Jam’s market share was at 0.65%. It followed a three-year decline in market share prior to Balogun’s arrival. Now with the Nigerian American steering the ship, he has his eye on global expansion, with a roster of talent that represents the world. Along with Muni Long, Coco Jones, and Armani White, Balogun has also signed Dancehall hitmaker Masicka and Afrobeats stars Adekunle Gold and Odumodublvck (in partnership with Native Records).

With a focus on truly nurturing Def Jam artists while continuing to usher in the next generation of talent, Balogun is putting artist development back at the forefront of breaking new music acts. With Def Jam celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Balogun is confident that his ambitious plans for the label will solidify its respect and prestige in a constantly evolving music industry.