by Mitti Hicks

August 21, 2024

USVI Governor Albert Bryan Jr. Is Supporting Kamala Harris

USVI Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. is supporting Kamala Harris for president. He is one of two Black governors in the country.

United States Virgin Islands’ Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr., was in the middle of the excitement at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where some moments from day two have become viral on social media. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s speeches, DJ Cassidy’s set highlighting music from each state during the ceremonial delegate roll call, and the surprise performance from Lil’ Jon to assist Georgia’s performance assisted in the vibes during Georgia’s state roll call are just some of the highlights.

“It was like a party,” Albert Bryan, Jr. tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “There’s so much energy, and it almost feels like she’s unbeatable with the amount of energy in the room.”

Byran was first elected governor of USVI—a U.S. territory where over 90% of the population identifies as Black—in 2018. He is currently only one of two Black governors in the country. The 13 delegates representing the USVI all back Vice President Kamala Harris for the top spot on the party’s ticket as president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as vice president.

As a U.S. territory, this is the only official part of the voting process the USVI will have. Residents of USVI and other U.S. territories are not entitled to electoral votes for president, so they can’t vote in the presidential election but can vote in the primaries.

Bryan spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE about the energy at the DNC, priorities he hopes the next president will consider in the USVI, and what it’s like being one of two Black governors in the U.S.

BLACK ENTERPRISE: Can you describe the excitement at the DNC?

BRYAN: You know how I know people are excited? I passed [notable] people in the hall, like Spike Lee, U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, and Gregory Meeks, and no one was paying attention to them because everyone was there for one single purpose: to support Vice President Harris.

There are a lot of young voters and voters who weren’t engaged before excited about Harris’s run. There are a lot of people of color in the room that had me asking, ‘Did the demographics in America change?’ because [it’s clear] African Americans are coming out to vote for Vice President Harris. It’s inspiring to see.

BE: This is your first DNC. Can you talk more about the excitement you’re noticing in the USVI? Is it similar to 2008 when former President Barack Obama ran?

BRYAN: It matches that energy from 2008. because people are excited that she’s a woman, an African American woman, and just a good person; she’s young, vibrant, and caring, so people are excited about that aspect.

BE: What are the top priorities for the USVI with the next person elected president?

BRYAN: At the top of the list is a continuation of the recovery. We just went through a tropical storm that only had winds of 65 miles an hour, yet we had people without power for a week. We want to finish that recovery and give energy independence to individual homes, so if the power lines go down or the power goes out for any reason, they can get power.

In 2017, we had Hurricanes Irma and Maria. To complete that recovery, we need a $1.5 billion match, and our budget is only $1.2 billion a year. By having people in the administration listen to our cause, we were able to reduce that to a number that we could digest and come up with.

Healthcare is paramount. The baby boomers are getting older and living longer, and being able to take care of that generation will put extreme stress on us. We only have one hospital on each island. We’ve had universal healthcare before anybody. We will take care of you no matter what’s wrong with you. It’s going to be an extreme burden on the general fund budget. Right now, we’re pushing to make people healthier.

Inflation is another significant priority. An affordable home in the USVI is half a million dollars, and it will get worse because we’re doing so much construction. We’re growing so fast that it’s putting much pressure on people. We already have a 33% poverty rate.

BE: What is your reaction to being one of two Black governors nationwide?

BRYAN: It’s lonely. We need more than me and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Moore is a dynamic guy with a bright future […], but we need more.

BE: You are a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. member. Can you talk about the excitement within the Greek community?

BRYAN: We are all excited. We have a nationwide [campaign] to register 1911 voters for each chapter. We’re calling our friends within the states to make sure they register to vote.

by Jeffrey McKinney

August 21, 2024

Will Cyrus Is A Black Real Estate Developer Making His Mark In Dallas

Homes expected to sell for $2 million now part of the pipeline for Purpose Builder & Developments.

Will Cyrus applies hard work and strong faith to help him operate as an accomplished Black entrepreneur with a multi-million dollar business in the luxury homes market.

He transitioned after being a self-described hustler and growing up in South Florida. The shift came after Cyrus started buying land in 2016 in Fair Park, an urban Dallas neighborhood. He shared his remarkable journey with BLACK ENTERPRISE in August during National Black Business Month.

The president and CEO of Purpose Builder & Developments, Cyrus, between 2017 and 2019, focused on building 10 homes a year priced $250,00 to $350,000 to meet his revenue goals.

Shifting Business Model To Luxury-Homes Market

But then COVID-19 struck. The worst pandemic in U.S. history caused home prices in the Dallas area to double around 2021. That major market impact caused Cyrus to change his business model and center on building higher-priced luxury homes.

After restructuring his business, Cyrus elevated to building homes valued at over $500,000. He says the move made him the first Black homebuilder in his locality to do so.

He added it helped create new opportunities for building generational wealth and paving the way for other Black builders in the community to potentially prosper as well.

Strong Faith In God Making A Difference

Tapping into God as his guide, Cyrus says he was shown that he could build around only six to seven luxury homes and still generate his desired revenue. He carved a niche building custom homes with a rising demand from people who can afford them.

In fact, he learned high-end buyers often are not as deterred by such factors as surging mortgage rates as people in the overall housing market are. “It’s not such a big deal for more affluent buyers to come up with a $1 million or $500,000 down payment on a multi-million-dollar house.”

An entrepreneur, investor and author, Cyrus calls his business a Christian-based, design-build development firm. It offers largely single-family homes that typically run from $1.5 million to $3 million that are sold in Dallas suburbs. Cyrus declares his company now has six projects underway, including three homes expected to sell for $2 million or more.

Cyrus got acquainted with construction by watching his grandfather work in the trade.

“It takes a strong Black man to help build character and work ethic, which I learned from my grandfather I want to instill what my grandfather gave me to the next generation of Black homebuilders and developers.”

Background In Insurance And Investing Own Capital Key Factors

He previously worked in life insurance starting in 2015 for highly regarded brands like Fidelity Investments, Northwestern Mutual, and Mass Mutual, among others.

In those roles, Cyrus says he gained invaluable skills in banking, understanding various financial products, and how to effectively communicate with underwriters. “These experiences were crucial in helping me run my own company and dealing with hard money lenders and big box banks.”

Still, launching his own company was no cinch.

“I invested $75,000 of my own funds and utilized $50,000 of personal credit I had at the time to start Purpose Builder & Developments.”

Simultaneously, establishing his company into a stable, thriving business came with some obstacles. Much like other new Black entrepreneurs, gaining initial capital to grow was difficult. But setting up connections helped Cyrus conquer that hurdle. “Financing my business is no longer a battle as I have secured strategic partnerships with banks and lenders.”

Overcoming Challenges And Setting High Ambitions For Revenue Growth

Still, there are some barriers remaining. One of his biggest challenges as a Black entrepreneur is dealing with systemic oppressive processes. For example, he says the city can be biased against people of color. “I’ve had to learn to navigate these challenges by building alliances and gaining support in high places, often with the favor of God.”

Revenue-wise, Cyrus expects his company this year to achieve $12 million to $15 million. He says that range represents a 50% increase over the past two years.

Cyrus says God inspired him to name his firm Purpose Builder and Developments after he prayed on on it. He says he knows that’s true because everything like revenue, brand recognition. and connections have steadily flowed in. “A good idea isn’t a God idea, but every God idea is a good idea.”

To help scale up, he plans by early September to launch the Cyrus Collection, a high-end home brand featuring homes priced from $1.5 million to $3 million. This product line will help take our company to the next level because it will offer products for the high-end consumer.”

And Cyrus has ambitions goals, hoping to see revenues reach $35 million to $40 million within the next five years. He says he hopes to accomplish that by forming strategic alliances and partnerships with high-performing Black developers.

RELATED CONTENT: Celebrating Black Business Month 2024

by Stacy Jackson

August 21, 2024

Cleveland Clinic Research Reveals Potential Dangers Of Erythritol Sugar Substitutes

African Americans are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. The new study advises to entirely avoid erythritol-sweetened drinks.

A new study conducted by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic has linked the ingestion of erythritol, a sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener, to a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.

Erythritol, often used as a sugar-free or reduced sugar additive, is one of the fastest growing Food and Drug Administration–approved and European Food Safety Authority-approved non-nutritive sweeteners, and according to the study published in the American Heart Association’s Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Journal, the US and European Union regulatory agencies have typically found artificial and non-nutritive sweeteners to be safe. However, recent research has flagged the consumption of drinks with the sugar alternative, erythritol, as a potential enhancer of blood clotting.

Researchers examined 10 healthy volunteers using a prospective interventional study design. The study states, “We tested the impact of erythritol or glucose consumption on multiple indices of stimulus-dependent platelet responsiveness in healthy volunteers.”

The Toronto Star reported that according to Dr. Stanley Hazen, Cleveland Clinic director for the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention, the risk of blood clotting doubled in the volunteers after consuming a typical portion size, detecting a clear difference in their bodies before and after downing erythritol-sweetened drinks. According to a March report by the American Heart Association, more than any other racial group, African Americans are at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke due to adverse social determinants of health, including lack of access to healthcare and healthy foods and other historical and systemic factors. The report advised to regularly check blood pressure, noting the normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Hazen advised individuals with an increased risk of heart disease or blood clotting to consume moderate amounts of glucose, sugar, honey, or fruit and steer clear of sweeteners erythritol and xylitol, another sugar alternative researchers previously linked to an increase in heart attack and cardiovascular disease. “I’m trying to sound the alarm,” Hazen said. “We need to look at the safety of this because I’m concerned that, long-term, we’re seeing, unfortunately, adverse consequences for the very people who are trying to reach for a healthy option or healthy alternative.”

Although erythritol has been used for people with diabetes and those on a Keto diet, Cleveland Clinic researchers suggest reevaluating its safety as a food additive.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

August 21, 2024

Diddy Emerges Victorious In Recent Lawsuit Filed By Colorado Inmate

Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain dismissed the lawsuit stating the case was frivolous and lacking legal standing

A Colorado inmate filed a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs, stating that the entertainment mogul wanted him to “arrange sex trafficking of underage children.” When he refused to do so, he alleges Diddy defamed him, and it hurt his drug business. The suit was quickly dismissed.

According to News Nation, Alfredo P. Gonzalez, who says he is a member of the Sinaloa drug cartel, filed the suit, saying his reputation was ruined in New York’s criminal underworld due to Combs and his associates. In the lawsuit, Gonzalez was seeking damages of $666,000. The incarcerated inmate filed the suit in the Southern District of New York. On Aug. 12, Chief U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain dismissed the lawsuit, stating the case was frivolous and lacking legal standing.

Gonzalez claimed in the paperwork that after declining to help Diddy with the sex trafficking, he was informed that his life would be made “hell” due to the “power [Combs] has in the streets.” Gonzalez also states he lost business with New York-based drug business contacts.

AllHipHop reported that Judge Swain wrote in her decision, “Plaintiff, without any legal bases, appears to assert claims of defamation against the defendants, seeking damages arising from injury incurred to his illegal drug smuggling and sales business caused by the defendant’s alleged defamation of plaintiff because he refused to arrange sex trafficking of underage children for the defendants, including what appears to be international sex trafficking. Since there are no apparent legal bases for any of these claims, the court additionally dismisses plaintiff’s claims as frivolous.”

Gonzalez is currently incarcerated at the Centennial Correctional Facility in Canon City, Colorado.

This was just the latest lawsuit filed against Diddy after numerous claims of sexual abuse and trafficking, among other accusations, were levied against him after former girlfriend and recording artist Cassie hit him with a lawsuit in November 2023. That lawsuit was settled in under 24 hours.

by Shanique Yates

August 21, 2024

Howard University Faces Housing Challenges Amid Record-Breaking Enrollment

On Aug. 9, the renowned HBCU welcomed the largest incoming class in the school’s history. More than 2,700 first-year college students arrived on campus, prepared to begin their HU journey.

As Howard University celebrates an enrollment milestone, students are concerned about what this means for their on-campus housing.

On Aug. 9, the renowned HBCU welcomed the largest incoming class in the school’s history. More than 2,700 first-year college students arrived on campus, prepared to begin their HU journey. As the number of incoming students increases, the institution is working to ensure that all first- and second-year students can live on campus in their preferred housing, The Hilltop reports.

“As always, we have looked for innovative ways to open the Howard experience to a diverse array of students who can contribute to our university community in unique ways,” said Howard Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Lydia Sermons in an interview with The Hilltop. “As a result, Howard is experiencing growth in enrollment, which is a positive development fueled in large part by higher upperclassman retention rates.”

The sizeable incoming class follows news that Howard received a record-breaking 37,000 applicants last year ahead of this year’s first-year class. According to the university’s undergraduate admissions department, the class of 2028 applicant pool increased by 12%, or 4,000 applicants, from the previous year.

Moreover, Sermons revealed that the number of first-year students entering Howard this year is “in line with the goals set by the university’s administration.” She also noted that HU has added new faculty and classes to support the incoming students, dining services have also been “enhanced,” and more than 300 beds have been added to housing availability.

Despite some accommodations, returning students have voiced concerns about being placed into triple dorm rooms, although they requested something different.

For example, the outlet also reported that a sophomore biology major, Makayla Lumpkin, requested a single dorm in Howard Plaza West Towers but was devastated when she learned of her assignment in a triple.

“I cried, and I was very upset,” said Lumpkin. “All of my friends got singles, and I was the only one placed in a triple.”

Per Sermons, triples only account for 1% of the beds, or 22 rooms, available to students during the aforementioned interview.

“The unprecedented interest in enrolling at Howard has required ingenuity in housing to meet the needs of each student,” said Sermons. “As we have in the past, we have leveraged a group of larger rooms which can comfortably accommodate triples to ensure that as many students have housing as possible, especially freshmen.”

Along with the space constraints, students have voiced concerns about the pricing of the triples, noting that they are the same amount it would be for a small double dorm that includes a shared bathroom. The Howard University student housing website currently lists the small double and triple dorms at $4,158 per semester.

Wendell Pierce, Kamala. Harris, Actor, racists, bigots, New York, Harlem, death of a salesman, fearless fund

by Daniel Johnson

August 21, 2024

Wendell Pierce Calls For Black Men To Support Kamala Harris At DNC

Although Pierce acknowledged that voters should ask about her record, he also admonished those who don't think the Democrats have done anything for Black people.

Wendell Pierce Jr, an actor known for his roles in The Wire, Suits, and Waiting To Exhale spoke to MSNBC’s Joy Reid at the Democratic National Convention and used his time to implore Black men to cast their votes for Vice President Kamala Harris come November.

"There's blood on that ballot box. For them. Do them the honor and vote." Famed actor @WendellPierce spoke to Joy Reid at #DNC2024CHICAGO about the historic nature of Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination with a special message for Black men.

MORE: https://t.co/uCwlEYUPmx pic.twitter.com/9KYlkuYi8B
— The ReidOut (@thereidout) August 20, 2024

According to The Hill, Pierce told Reid, “There’s blood on that ballot box. Remember those who died in the rivers of Alabama and Mississippi. For them, do the honor and vote. Any Black man that has an issue with a Black woman rising, they have to look at their own inadequacy,” Pierce said.

Pierce then turned his attention even more directly to Black men, urging them to get behind Harris. “What would make you so fearful of someone who was so beloved of you, who was so loving to you, like your mother and your grandmother and your aunts and your sisters, that you cannot be proud and embolden yourself when you see someone from your community rise up?”

Although Pierce acknowledged that voters should ask about her record, he also admonished those who don’t think the Democrats have done anything for Black people, pointing to student loan forgiveness, investments in HBCUs, and the $2 billion in funding provided to Black farmers after years of discrimination from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“If that’s not enough for you to vote for this campaign, why don’t you go to the other and hold up a sign behind him at a rally and tap dance? That’s what they want.” Pierce said.

According to Capital B News, Black men in Georgia are more enthusiastic about voting for Vice President Harris than they were President Joe Biden as indicated by a focus group of Black men organized by political strategist Leo Smith to gauge Black men’s feelings about Harris.

James Jackson, a 74-year-old Black man, told the outlet that he was concerned about Trump either attempting to become a dictator or implementing Project 2025 upon his election.

“I don’t really have a choice. I’m voting for a person I believe is going to lead this country and at least give us an opportunity to readjust and move this democracy forward.” Jackson said.

John Taylor, the co-founder of the Black Male Initiative Georgia, a non-profit that does work around voter engagement specializing in Black men, told the outlet that Harris has brought a spark to the race.

“She’s not boring,” Taylor said. “It brings the entire debate around the election cycle a little bit more energy, a little bit more life.”

He also said that the Democratic Party as a whole needed to reach out to Black men in the same way they do Black women.

“If you don’t spend the resources to target our population with a message that actually matters to us, then we’re probably not going to turn out to vote.”

Asante, meanwhile, an IT professional and a naturalized citizen from Ghana, told Capital B that he believes that now is the time for America’s first Black woman president.

“I definitely want America to be able to get over that barrier. We’ve gone past the Black part,” Asante added, referring to the election of Barack Obama. “Let’s get the woman part out of the way.”

Terry Rice, 60 Day Hustle, Entrepreneurship, business development, reality tv, amazon prime, small business

by Daron Pressley

August 21, 2024

’60 Day Hustle’ Offers $100K Prize To Competing Entrepreneurs

60 Day Hustle judge and business development consultant Terry Rice understands firsthand the complexities of business startup and funding challenges. Working for large tech companies, including Adobe and Meta, Rice entered the consulting space in 2015. The New York native received his first yes from a local t-shirt company but knew he had to scale fast. In just two years, Rice developed a reliable method for attracting clients, appeared on Good Morning America, and spoke at events like AdWeek and SXSW.

In the world of entrepreneurship, time is often the most valuable currency. For 12 ambitious entrepreneurs, 60 days is all they have to prove their business acumen and secure a life-changing $100,000 prize. The stakes couldn’t be higher in 60 Day Hustle, a new Amazon Prime series launched on Aug. 8, where emerging business talents compete in a high-intensity accelerator program.

New businesses are launched daily across America, but starting a business doesn’t guarantee success. Around 35% of companies still operate after 10 years, with nearly 18.4% failing in the first year and almost 50% closing by the fifth year. Furthermore, according to a SCORE survey of roughly 1,000 small business startups nationwide, 78% of respondents relied on personal funds and income from another job to get their startup up and running.

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Rice about the vision behind 60 Day Hustle, the importance of sustainability, and mentorship.

The Vision Behind 60-Day Hustle

Rice describes the show’s genesis as rooted in a passion for empowering the next generation of business leaders. “Rudy Mawer, the show’s creator, saw an opportunity to provide the kind of support he wished he had when he started,” Rice explains. Mawer, coming from a family with a legacy in sports rather than business, realized the critical need for guidance and resources that young entrepreneurs often need more.

“The 60 Day Hustle is about bridging that gap,” says Rice, “offering both financial support and mentorship from seasoned experts.”

Created and executive produced by Chris Hayman and Michelle Delamor, with production led by Adam Horner of Sonic Gods Studios, the show promises to be more than just entertainment. It’s a platform where dreams are either realized or reshaped. “This show is not just about the competition,” Rice adds. “It’s about giving viewers practical lessons in entrepreneurship.”

A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Walking into the $30 million studio where 60 Day Hustle was filmed, Rice was struck by the scale and sophistication of the production. “From the green screens to the LED volume, everything was designed to create an immersive experience,” he recalls. But what stood out most was the energy on set. “There was a palpable sense of hope and excitement,” Rice notes. “These entrepreneurs weren’t just there to compete; they were there to transform their lives.”

The selection process for the show was intense. “We conducted a nationwide casting call, reviewed countless business plans, and interviewed many candidates to ensure we had the best of the best,” Rice explains. The final 12, Avijah Scarbrough of Viju Beauty and Marcus Thomas of Marcus Alexander Footwear were chosen for their business ideas and growth potential. “Diversity was a key factor,” Rice says. “Each contestant brought their unique worldview and experiences to the table.”

The Entrepreneurial Challenges Ahead

The entrepreneurs face rigorous challenges throughout the two-month program to simulate real-world business obstacles. “The goal is to condense two years of business development into just 60 days,” Rice explains. With the guidance of mentors like Fabletics Co-Founder Ginger Ressler and Fab Fit Fun Co-Founder Daniel Broukhim, contestants will have to think fast, adapt, and execute. “This isn’t just about who has the best idea,” says Rice. “It’s about who can implement, scale, and sustain their business under pressure.”

The show’s format also allows viewers to learn alongside the contestants. “Every 60 Day Hustle episode is packed with actionable insights,” Rice shares. “If you’re an entrepreneur watching from home, take notes. The lessons here are invaluable.”

Mentorship That Matters

One of the most unique aspects of 60 Day Hustle is the mentorship provided to the contestants. “The mentors are not just there to critique; they’re there to coach,” Rice emphasizes. “We have people like Peter Pham, Science co-founder, who built billion-dollar brands. Their advice is gold.”

For Rice, being a judge on the show was more than just evaluating performances. “I couldn’t help but pass on some guidance as well,” he admits. “You see their potential and want them to succeed, not just in the show, but in their future endeavors.”

What a Judge Looks For

As a judge, Rice emphasizes that several key factors are crucial when determining who should win a competition like 60 Day Hustle. “It’s not just about having a great idea,” he says. “We look for adaptable, resourceful entrepreneurs who can pivot when faced with challenges.”

Execution is another critical factor. “A brilliant idea is only as good as its execution,” Rice explains. “We pay close attention to how well contestants can bring their ideas to life, whether they can deliver on their promises and meet their business demands.”

Sustainability also plays a significant role. “We want to see businesses that don’t just flash in the pan,” Rice says. “They need a plan for long-term growth and a vision beyond the initial excitement.”

Lastly, passion and leadership are indispensable qualities. “An entrepreneur’s passion can be the difference between success and failure,” Rice notes. “Their ability to inspire others and lead their team through tough times is what sets apart the good from the great.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

August 21, 2024

Atlanta Turned Up During Roll Call At Democratic National Convention: ‘The South Got Something To Say’

Lil Jon got the crowd hype during the roll call at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Atlanta stole the show in true ATL fashion during the roll call at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

It was a party for night two of the DNC as DJ Cassidy played tunes from hometown heroes for states featured in the ceremonial roll call to nominate Kamala Harris. State anthems included Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” for Michigan, Dropkick Murphys’ “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” for Massachusetts, and Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” for California. But Atlanta set the stage with a live performance from native Lil Jon, who got the crowd hype with his DJ Snake hit “Turn Down For What.”

Lil Jon quickly transitioned into his chart-topping classic “Get Low.” The rapper and producer stood next to Georgia political leaders while belting out the tune, with the entire audience singing in unison. Lil Jon clapped hands with Georgia Sen. Ralph Warnock as U.S. Rep. and Georgia Democratic Party Chair Nikema Williams issued the state’s official backing for VP Harris as the next president of the United States.

“Mr. Chairman, the South got something to say,” Williams said after Lil Jon’s handoff.

“Georgia: the home of President Jimmy Carter, the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement where we fight for our freedom. Extremists in Georgia are trying to silence our voices by kicking Georgians off of the rolls and making it harder to vote, but y’all, when we send Kamala Harris to the White House, she’ll fight for our freedom to vote, our reproductive freedom, and our freedom to thrive.”

“In the spirit of good trouble, Georgia casts 123 votes for the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris,” she concluded.

Positive vibes encompassed state officials’ serious pleas in support of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Celebrities supported state politicians to motivate viewers to vote blue this November. Spike Lee stood with New York officials, while “The Goonies” star Sean Astin stood with the Indiana delegation.

Other notable hits on DJ Cassidy’s roll call playlist include “1999” by Minnesota native son Prince, “Carry on Wayward Son” by Kansas for the state of Kansas, and “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen for his hometown, New Jersey. Check out the full playlist HERE.

Gabby Williams, Seattle, WNBA, basketall

by Stacy Jackson

August 21, 2024

Free Agent Gabby Williams To Finish 2024 WNBA Season With Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm has locked in the free agent forward for the second half of the season as they fight for a spot in the WNBA playoffs.

WNBA free agent Gabby Williams is ready to return to “The Emerald City” and don her No. 5 jersey after signing a rest-of-the-season contract with the Seattle Storm.

Tuesday’s announcement comes after the American-French power forward contributed to France’s silver medal win in the All-Star Five at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a performance that earned her the title of Best Defensive Player. According to a press release, the 26-year-old will rejoin the team for her third season with the Storm after a trade with Los Angeles in 2022 and an injury in 2023, which caused her to miss the first half of the season.

“I’m so excited to be joining the Storm for the rest of the season,” said Williams. “I feel more than ready to finally return to Seattle.”

Williams plans to finish this season strong when she joins the team next week. “I’ve missed the organization, my teammates and the fans so much,” she said. Head Coach Noelle Quinn said the team is thrilled to have the versatile and “dynamic player” back as the team pushes for a spot in the WNBA playoffs. “She’s a two-way player that can guard multiple positions and has a strong offensive game; given her familiarity with our system, we know she can have an immediate impact,” said Quinn.

⛈️ GUESS WHO'S BACK ⛈️

Welcome home, @gabbywilliams15! 💚💛

📰 https://t.co/AexknHfEZI pic.twitter.com/CJrlm8bqnb
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 20, 2024

Across six games with France in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Williams averaged 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals. She banked 19 points for her team with a stellar performance in the final five seconds of the match-up against the United States in the Gold Medal game. According to the Storm, in 2022, the WNBA player earned WNBA all-defensive team honors, ranking eighth in steals, 11th in defensive win shares, 13th in defensive rating, and fifth among qualifiers in steal percentage.

The Seattle Storm will tip off against the Washington Mystics at the Climate Pledge Arena on Monday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

August 21, 2024

Tennis Champ Coco Gauff Serves On Her First Wheaties Box

Gauff will take over the coveted Wheaties box from tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Coco Gauff has landed on her own Wheaties box. The 2023 U.S. Open champion will take over the cover from tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Gauff’s new accolade comes amid her entry into the 2024 competition, which began on Aug. 19. Gauff spoke of the “honor” to secede King on the “Breakfast of Champions.”

“It is an honor to be on the next Wheaties box, especially as the legendary Billie Jean King passes the historic ‘Wheaties Champion’ title onto me,” said Gauff, as reported by NBC 4. “I’ve had so many role models in this sport help guide my professional and personal journey, and I hope to keep empowering the next generation to also work hard and dream big.”

The multigenerational Tennis duo shared a photo opportunity with their respective boxes.

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A post shared by US Open (@usopen)

Of the newest “Wheaties Champion,” the cereal brand noted how Gauff is already an accomplished tennis player at such a young age.

“At the age of 20, Coco Gauff is already showing the world that anything is possible when you dare to dream — the definition of a Wheaties Champion,” said KC Glaser, senior brand experience manager for Wheaties, per the news outlet. “We are thrilled to recognize Coco as our newest Wheaties champion amid her incredible season on the court and her ongoing activism work off the court.”

However, this latest endorsement is one of many for the tennis star. The 20-year-old recently unveiled the Coco CG2. The New Balance sneaker is her second one with the brand. It incorporates light blue colors with “tennis ball” yellow to highlight her knack for the sport.

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A post shared by New Balance (@newbalance)

Moreover, Gauff made headlines at the 2024 Paris Olympics as well. As the games began, Gauff received the honor of the U.S. flag bearer alongside LeBron James. While she did not earn any medals, Gauff aims to reclaim her victory at the U.S. tournament.

As for her Wheaties box, retailers nationwide will begin selling the collector’s item in August.