The Color Purple, Taraji P Henson, Fantasia, H.E.R., Danielle Brooks, Oprah

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

‘The Color Purple’ Actresses Pay Homage To Original Movie Cast

The cast of The Color Purple movie musical remake is celebrating the women from the original 1985 Oscar-nominated film.

Fantasia, Oprah Winfrey, Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson, and H.E.R. all appear on the cover of Essence magazine’s November/December 2023 holiday issue, where they speak candidly about the legacy of The Color Purple and themes of sisterhood from the original film and remake.

Essence unveiled the cover shot by Mickalene Thomas in a celebratory Instagram post shared on Tuesday, October 17. The magazine noted the interview was conducted in May before the start of the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

“This is what it looks like when you put sisterhood, talent, and joy in one room!” they captioned the post.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ESSENCE (@essence)

During the shoot, things got real when Oprah, who starred as Sofia in the original and executive produced the musical remake, asked the ladies, “What would you say to the women who played your characters in the original 1985 cast of The Color Purple?”

“I would say thank you, Ms. Whoopi Goldberg, for not being afraid to play Celie. For being honest,” Fantasia said. “Thank you for paving the way for girls like myself.”

Taraji followed up with her personal message to Margaret Avery who played Shug Avery in the 1985 original.

“I would say to Margaret Avery: You taught me how to be sexy and how to see myself as a fully realized sexy woman,” Henson said.

“This industry can do a job on you and give you some insecurities. And when I found Ms. Shug Avery, she just made me feel like a woman. I was the one who always covered up. I didn’t feel right in my body. So to see this beautiful Black woman on the screen made me feel seen.”

H.E.R. shared her ode to Rae Dawn Chong, the Canadian-American actress who introduced the role of Squeak in the original film.

“Ms. Rae Dawn Chong, thank you for giving me an opportunity to show myself,” H.E.R. said.

“A lot of people know me and my music, but they don’t really know me. They’re getting to see me: Who I am, having fun and feeling empowered.”

Danielle Brooks, who received a 2017 Tony Award nomination for her performance of Sofia, had the pleasure of celebrating her predecessor in person.

“I just want to thank you, Ms. Oprah, for surrendering to God and his plan for your life,” Brooks said. “You have shown me how to do that.”

She continued. “Thank you for laying the blueprint for Sofia—because I know that she’s changed your life, and I can feel that mine is about to shift, too. Thank you for leaving space for me but also being there, to hold my hand and answer that phone call when I needed you. You have been such a light, such a beautiful soul.”

The Color Purple remake of the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical hits theaters Christmas Day.

King of Vegas, Usher, key to city of Vegas

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Superstar! Usher Granted Key To The City In Las Vegas

Usher was crowned the ‘King of Las Vegas’ by City Councilman Cedric Crear and Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman during a special ceremony at Las Vegas City Hall, as reported by News 3 Las Vegas.

In recognition of his contributions to the community, his popular three-year residency, and his upcoming performance at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, the iconic singer was presented with the key to the city and had October 17 officially declared as “Usher Raymond Day.”

According to Vibe, Councilman Crear commended Usher’s legendary journey and transformative impact on the entertainment industry. “Usher has been an absolutely incredible brand ambassador for Las Vegas with his extremely popular residency called My Way.”

He also underlined the significance of Usher’s role in the Super Bowl Halftime Show, highlighting that it marked a historic moment for the city. He declared, “And we know you’re gonna do us proud.”

https://twitter.com/CityOfLasVegas/status/1714443457807462773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1714443378908438784%7Ctwgr%5Ec32d6e8e12baa54aa88aa33b18050a5155fc1923%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-4604557791121577882.ampproject.net%2F2310061803000%2Fframe.html

During the ceremony, Usher expressed deep gratitude for the city’s recognition, saying, “Councilman, thank you so much for this momentous moment. I know the efforts that go into doing something like this, and I don’t take it for granted. I wanna thank you for your belief in the future and your ability to be able to recognize those things that actually do grow your city.”

Usher emphasized the significance of his residency, which commenced in July 2021, as it symbolized the resurgence of live entertainment following the pandemic.

“This was the groundswell for the belief that we would get back to the norm that we know we needed,” he shared.

Usher extended his appreciation to Mayor Carolyn Goodman for embracing his Lovers & Friends Festival and hinted at future endeavors aimed at benefiting underserved communities. He revealed plans to “do things and create a groundswell that represents the incredible city that it is.”

Mayor Goodman lauded Usher’s selflessness and dedication to making the world a better place, noting, “This is a man that cares about everybody and he knows the future of our country and around this world, which is a mess. That if you help others and you help our children have another chance, a better chance, what better marriage than the city of Las Vegas and the genius, benevolent, compassionate, talented Usher Raymond?”

Usher then teased that his Halftime Show performance might include some of his collaborators, emphasizing that it would represent his legacy and incredible collaborations.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 18, 2023

Widow Of DJ Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Puts Family Home Up For Sale For $3.8 Million

Nearly a year after her celebrity DJ husband passed away, Allison Holker, the widow of Stephen “tWitch” Boss, has placed the home they shared on the market.

According to Radar Online, Holker placed the house, which is located in Encino, CA, on sale while also purchasing a new house in Studio City for $5 million. The widow of the The Ellen DeGeneres Show DJ and executive producer has placed the 4,600-square-foot property on the market for $3.8 million. The house was purchased for $2.75 million in 2019.

The Robb Report stated that the new home, which was just built this year, is a modern farmhouse-style spread that has six bedrooms and seven baths. The property is bigger than the house Holker and her family previously resided in, with more than 5,800 square feet of living space. The home has been described as having hardwood floors, high ceilings, designer lighting, and glass doors. It also includes a movie theater, fitness room, and an office, with a separate guest house that has a kitchenette and full bath.

tWitch was an on-air DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and also an acclaimed dancer and entertainer, who committed suicide on Dec. 13 at the age of 40.

Prior to him being found in a hotel room, dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, TMZ reported that Holker had gone to a police station in Los Angeles to report her husband missing under strange circumstances. Police stated they received a phone call a short time after about a shooting that happened at a hotel. It was there they located a lifeless tWitch.

The beloved DJ left a suicide note after arriving at the hotel on December 12. He let behind his wife and children Zaia, Maddox, and Weslie.

Nas, Mass appeal, Cooper, meggs, racial discrimination, freaknik, producer, EP, executive producer

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Nas’ Mass Appeal Sued By Ex Employee For Racial Discrimination

A documentary producer who worked for Nas’ Mass Appeal has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the company accusing the firm of “creating a hostile work environment” before terminating her employment.

On Tuesday, Melissa Cooper filed a discrimination lawsuit in New York City claiming she was the victim of “venomous and racist comments about ‘White folk’ and ‘crackers,’” before being fired, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Cooper worked as head of development at Mass Appeal and believes her race played a role in her mistreatment and subsequent termination.

She accuses the company’s chief executive Peter Bittenbender, who is also white, and Jenya Meggs, the senior VP for partnerships & content acquisition, who is Black, of discriminating “against her by removing her from several high-value projects, creating a hostile work environment, and terminating her employment.”

Much of the racially charged allegations stem around Mass Appeal’s involvement in “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” a highly-anticipated documentary coming to Hulu in 2024. According to photos of text messages and other evidence used in the case, Meggs became upset that Cooper is listed as an executive producer on the documentary along with Bittenbender.

In texts between Meggs and Terry Ross, a “Freaknik” executive producer who is Black, Meggs credited Cooper’s EP role on the project to “Usual white folk behavior.’” In separate messages, Meggs complained about Bittenbender failing to hire a candidate she referred to Mass Appeal.

“These white folk something else,” Ross wrote in response.

After Meggs brought on a personal friend to fulfill a human resources role, the new HR manager was asked to serve as “an unbiased mediator” between Meggs and Cooper. Once tensions flared over various projects, Meggs reportedly claimed she refused to work with Cooper.

As a result, “Bittenbender removed Cooper from a number of projects, including Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50 Live concert at Yankee Stadium planned for August 11, 2023,” the lawsuit states.

“Cooper’s removal from this important project, along with others Meggs was staffed on, effectively stripped Cooper of her primary role at Mass Appeal.”

Cooper was fired in June 2023, “while continuing to employ Meggs,” the suit states.

Nas is not named in the lawsuit, he is a partner in Mass Appeal which is named throughout the suit.

Pras Michel, tour, conviction, FBI, Fugees, rapper

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Pras Michel Demands Retrial, Claims Attorney Used AI-Generated Closing Argument

Convicted Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel is seeking a new trial due to the AI-generated closing statement his former lawyer made in his high-profile federal case.

A newly filed brief accuses Michel’s previous lawyer, David Kenner, of using an AI program to draft his closing argument in the rapper’s criminal trial last spring, Reuters reports. Now under the counsel of ArentFox Schiff, Michel is demanding a retrial on the grounds his conviction was the result of Kenner’s flop closing statement.

“Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” the brief states.

By using the failed AI-generated statement, Kenner is accused of ruining “the single most important portion” of Michel’s jury trial. The new filing comes after Michel’s conviction in April on federal charges of conspiring with fugitive Malaysian businessman Jho Low in three alleged lobbying attempts to influence two different U.S. presidential administrations.

The high-profile politically charged case included testimony from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Michel’s new legal defense believes the “Ready Or Not” rapper received inadequate representation from Kenner in part due to his closing arguments generated by the AI program EyeLevel.AI.

“The AI program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed Michel,” the brief said. “The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”

It’s also believed that Kenner and his co-counsel Alon Israely might “appear to have had” an undisclosed financial interest in the company CaseFile Connect, which served as a “technology partner” to EyeLevel.AI. Kenner and Israely are accused of possibly using the trial to advance their own financial interests.

In addition to testimony from Michel’s publicist who claims Kenner revealed his use of AI in drafting the closing statement, ArentFox also found a May 10 press release issued by EyeLevel.AI that hailed Michel’s case as “the first use of generative AI in a federal trial.”

The press release included a quote from Kenner, who praised the AI program for how it “turned hours or days of legal work into seconds.” Kenner also said the program serves as “a look into the future of how cases will be conducted.”

by Stacy Jackson

October 18, 2023

Scholastic Allegedly Allows Schools To Exclude Diverse Books At Book Fairs

Scholastic Books, one of the largest book companies in the world, has been putting on book fairs for years but is now under scrutiny by librarians who allege they allow schools to decide if they want to have diverse books included in their book fairs.

The organization has created a category called “diverse books” for publications that feature BIPOC characters, LGBTQ+ topics, immigration issues, and racism.

Author Kelly Jensen deemed the decision as “insidious” and one that librarians should “raise hell about” after the decision was discussed at The Association of Illinois School Library Educators meeting. The decision reflects conservative political efforts to censor books discussing race and LGBTQ+ themes. Florida, Mississippi, and Iowa are among the states that have enacted laws that require schools to remove books that talk about these themes.

Librarians have taken to social media to express their disdain for Scholastic’s possible censorship of diverse books. One Reddit user posted, “Scholastic offers’ bigotry button’ for school book fairs.” The user said their school librarian was enraged when Scholastic asked if they wanted “diverse books” included in the book fair.

A similar post was uploaded on TikTok by user Tegan B. The user was asked the same question about including diverse books. However, after confirming that the book fair would use these books, they were not received until three days after the book fair started. The user said some books included BIPOC characters in the non-diverse section, but it was mostly filled with books about animals and white characters.

@teganbeese

#Scholastic is allowing librarians to opt in or out of having #diversebooks in their Book Fairs this year. First, diverse books should be in all collections automatically, our WORLD IS DIVERSE. Second, I opted in to have the diverse books, but did not receive them. They’re on their way, but I’m already on day three of my Fair, and many students have already purchased, and will miss out on a book where they could see themselves, versus an animal or someone they can’t relate to. C‘mom folx, we gotta do better for these kids. #weneeddiversebooks #booktok

♬ original sound – Tegan B

An organization, BRAVE Book Fairs, is known to support the removal of diverse books from book fairs. The organization alleges that Scholastic sneaks books into schools to “expose kids to the LGBTQIA+ agenda and promote dangerous and anti-biblical ideas.”

According to the outlet, Scholastic’s decision raises concerns for librarians and administrators who may be forced to exclude particular books from their book fairs to save their jobs.

by Derek Major

October 18, 2023

Man Spends 11 Hours Filling Out Job Applications And Has Sound Advice For Job Seekers

Software engineer Shikhar Sachdev, who writes a career blog, knows firsthand that job hunting, which most Americans have done in recent years, can be time-consuming and frustrating.

SHRM reports that more than 90% of people abandon online job applications before they are completed. Sachdev wanted to find an easier way, so he challenged himself to fill out 500 software engineering job applications to find out what makes applying for a job so frustrating and how the process can be made easier.

Sachdev found 500 applications to be too much and changed his goal to 250, tracking how long it took to fill out each application in a bevy of industries and company sizes, including companies he noticed while on the street and one where his friends work. Sachdev filled out online applications but stopped short of submitting them except for the jobs he was interested in.

According to Bankrate, 56% of workers plan to look for a new job this year. Additionally, Zippia reports it takes filling out between 21 and 80 job applications to get one job offer, meaning most Americans will fill out dozens of job applications this year. While Black unemployment hit an all-time low of 6% earlier this year, Black workers are well aware of the struggles of applying online.

Sachdev told Wired the shortest application, which was for hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, took less than 20 seconds, and the longest one was for the United States Postal Service, which took more than 10 minutes. Applying for jobs using Workday took 128% longer than applications for similar-sized companies.

Sachdev determined that there were three factors that affect how long it takes to fill out a job application: the size of the company, the industry the company is in, and the software it uses for applicants. Applicant software appeared to be the biggest issue. Many systems, including Workday, typically redirect users from the application page and force them to create an account within that system. Sachdev said that by the end of his experiment he’d created more than 80 separate accounts.

Another issue he found was that in many instances he was forced to retype information after uploading his résumé because the application software misread it.

“Sometimes it’s not even the time,” he told Wired.

“It’s the mental fatigue of having to do it every single time.”

To make applications easier for employees, Sachdev advises prioritizing companies that use similar software or where you can simply submit a résumé. He also suggests making a connection on Linkedin with companies’ hiring manager.

Funny Marco, G Herbo, Southside, interview, rappers, Open Thoughts

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Funny Marco’s Interview With G Herbo & Southside Was Not So Funny

The Oct. 16 episode of Funny Marco’s Open Thoughts took an unexpected turn, leaving some viewers conflicted about the treatment the comedian received during an interview with Southside and G Herbo.

To clarify, Marco invited Southside as a guest on the show, and G Herbo tagged along. What initially appeared to be a smooth banter between the host and guests devolved into an “uncomfortable” and “disrespectful” interview, with Funny Marco enduring insults and ridicule from both men.

Southside & G Herbo trolled Funny Marco the whole interview. pic.twitter.com/8YwtB9K78z

— Episodes (@episodesent) October 15, 2023

During the episode, Marco received sharp jabs aimed at his skin condition and was repeatedly told to “shut the f**k up.” The banter that may have appeared light-hearted to the Chicago and Atlanta natives but did not sit well with Marco or numerous viewers who tuned in.

Addressing the agonizing interview, Funny Marco, whose real name is Marco Summers, took to his Marco Mindset Facebook account on Oct.16. He acknowledged his dissatisfaction with the interview, writing, “I understand a lot of y’all mad about the interview. I was upset while it was going on. But I understand I got a job to do, and one thing about me, I respect people on my show.”

He continued, “I didn’t want to match their energy. It’s so many L’s I took on my journey [that] I wish I could show I don’t hide anything. So, I feel it was only right to put the episode out myself. And just learn from that episode & move on. Thank those who support me; it’s a mindset thing.”

Funny Marco has built his reputation through his viral skits, which date back to the Vine era and parody-style interviews. He’s engaged with several music artists, including Boosie Badazz, Queen Naija, DaBaby, Sexyy Red. He is also infamous for pranking guests and having deadpan interviews.

The host appeared visibly disengaged with G Herbo and Southside while the two guests taunted him. After the interview gained notoriety, Southside took to Instagram Live to address the situation. He asserted, “That ni**a wasn’t scared. If you were scared, I can’t help how your mama raised you.”

He explained his hesitation about discussing the issue publicly, stating, “This is why I stay off this sh*t because no matter what it is, ni**as make me the bad guy.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

During the interview, Southside addressed the destruction of Marco’s alleged watch, saying, “Marco, I got a watch right now you can come get. I got a new watch for you, bro. Call me. I got something for you right now. And it’s real ’cause that sh*t I threw wasn’t real. That watch was fake. It wasn’t a real watch. That sh*t was fake as f**k.”

In conclusion, Southside said, “If he was uncomfortable, it’s like, alright, damn, Marco. We’re sorry. [Me and G Herbo] didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, but you’re a bih a ni**a. Just stay away from me, bro.”

The episode has undoubtedly stirred debate, with viewers divided over the boundary between humor and discomfort in comedy. Funny Marco’s response suggests that he aims to learn from the experience and continue his comedic journey.

Black woman, robbery, Chicago, crime, I'm a lot traumatized, victim, Jameson, attack, miami

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Black Women In Chicago Share Their Fear Of Being A Victim of Violence

Black women in Chicago make up only 16% of the city’s population yet account for 25% of crime victims. Now, victims are speaking out on a problem they say the city has overlooked for far too long.

Statistics show that Black women are disproportionately targeted by violent crimes and have been for decades, CBS News reports. Of the 269,423 crimes reported in Chicago in 2022, Black women were the victims of 67,094..

“I don’t know if today’s the day they want to carjack me. I don’t know if today’s the day they want to rob me,” one woman told cbs news.

Sierra Jamison, 29, was among the 2022 victims after she was forced to fight off a man who tried to steal her 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The single mother, who has a 6-year-old son with autism, was filling her car with gas when a man with a knife approached her.

“He just said, ‘Bi*ch, give me your keys,'” Jamison recalled. “What made me say no? Because I observed him. I can tell that he wasn’t ready because he was flinching. He was nervous.”

Jamison’s response highlights the defenses she’s acquired in the city. Thankfully, there were two other women present who aided her. One pulled out a bat she had inside the trunk of her car.

“I said, ‘Give me your bat, give me your bat,” Jamison said.

Other eyewitnesses recalled the attacker camping out at the gas station for hours to find a victim. Jamison believes she was the intended target since she is a young Black woman.

“I guess he was feeling like I was gonna be vulnerable, be like get the key. But he got the wrong female,” she said.

Tragically, Jamison was found murdered in her garage next to her Jeep Wrangler in September 2023, one month after she shared her story.

Laura Irvine was riding the CTA Red Line train home with her daughter in August 2022 when she was attacked by a mob of robbers. Irvine was punched in the face and feared she might die during the attack.

“I have to take this train and honestly, I don’t feel comfortable getting back on that train,” she said. “I don’t feel safe.”

Niya Williams recalled being shot in the face by a man while inside her car after being verbally attacked by a group of men inside a Bronzeville restaurant.

“It was the biggest burn I ever felt. My teeth were blown out. I have no teeth on this side. I was spitting out bullets and teeth at the same time,” she said.

Williams, like many other Black women in Chicago, remains in constant fear for their life.

“I’m a lot traumatized now, because when night falls, it gets scary just out here in the world. Getting out to your car. Walking your dog,” she said.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Diddy Recorded A Song To Get Kim Porter To Visit Him In His Dreams: ‘Music Is Magical’

Diddy is opening up about how his new album helped bring him closer to his late ex, Kim Porter, who he says has been been visiting him in his dreams.

The Bad Boy founder recently released The Love Album: Off the Grid on his new R&B-focused label Love Records. There are 23 tracks on the new album and one is named after Porter.

It features EGOT recipient John Legend and was Diddy’s way of reaching out to Porter from the other side. Diddy, who raised four children with Porter, was looking for a way to connect with her and knew music was the perfect outlet to connect them in spirit.

“One of the things when dealing with grief is there has to be a moment that you understand it is what it is, but you still yearn for that person,” Diddy told Hola! Magazine.

“And I wanted her to come visit me in my dreams.”

“It was like me just trying to find another option that maybe God could bless me with to still feel her presence,” he continued before noting the “magic” that lies in music.

“So when I made the record, I believe that music is magical. It has magical powers,” Diddy said. “So I wanted to use my magic to get her to visit me in my dreams, and she has come and visited me in my dreams. It makes me want her to visit me more, but making the record, she got the message.”

Porter died in November 2018 from pneumonia. She was found unresponsive in her bed. Investigators later determined no foul play was involved, according to NBC News.

She shared a long romantic history with Diddy that included the births of their three children, Christian, and twins Jesse and D’Lila Combs. Diddy also raised Porter’s eldest son Quincy Brown as his own.