Former NBA Player Matt Barnes Ordered to Pay Ex-Wife Gloria Govan More Than $133K for Back Child Support
It looks like former NBA player, Matt Barnes, wants All The Smoke. According to TMZ, the podcaster is substantially behind on child support payments to ex-wife, Gloria Govan.The media outlet obtained legal paperwork stating that Barnes owed the mother of his children $133,976.54 in past-due child support payments. A judge recently ordered him to pay the arrears to his former wife. The former couple have two children together, teenage twins, Carter and Isaiah.The former Los Angeles Laker and the Basketball Wives alum were married from 2013-2016. In 2018, after paying $20,000 per month in child support, he was ordered to only shell out $7,500 monthly.Govan REALLY needs that money so she can satisfy a judgment recently issued to her. Coincidentally, the lawyers who helped her in her divorce case against Barnes have sued Govan. They allege that she owes them a whopping $197,774.62. Radar Online reported that her divorce attorneys took her to court for refusing to pay for their services. Court documents reveal a Los Angeles Superior Court judge awarded a default judgment against Govan after she ignored the lawsuit filed by the law firm Brot, Gross & Fishbein.
In the legal papers initially filed by her former attorneys, they demanded Govan be ordered to pay $250,000. That amount would cover the debt she owed them plus additional legal fees. After they hired a process server to find Govan, they tracked her to an address in Las Vegas. The law firm stated that she failed to respond to the case.
Earlier this year, Barnes was hit with a lawsuit from his fiancee Anansa Sims‘ former husband, David Patterson Jr. The lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleged that Barnes committed battery, assault, and emotional distress during an incident that transpired at a San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys football game, according to TMZ.
Cheer Mom Saves Daughter After She Goes Into Cardiac Arrest At Competition
This cheer mom was sitting on ready.
Andrea Joe, mother of high school cheerleader, Keianna Joe, helped save her daughter when she became unresponsive during a warmup for a cheerleading competition at a North Carolina high school on March 5.
According to Good Morning America, the mother immediately jumped in with her knowledge of CPR.
“I immediately ran to her side and I felt for a pulse and I didn’t feel a pulse,” Andrea said. “I am CPR-certified…I’ve been trained on an AED device and I knew kind of at that moment that she needs this…and I know how to do it.”
Teammates of the high school senior noticed something was wrong as they were letting her down from the air during a stunt.
“I gripped onto my base and I didn’t let her go and that’s when they knew something was wrong and they slowly let me down to the ground,” Keianna said, thankful that her teammates knew not to panic and to get her down safely.
A good samaritan handed Andrea an automated external defibrillator, or AED, that was stored in the high school’s gym. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the portable medical device uses technology to analyze the heart rhythm before delivering an electrical shock appropriate for restoring the heart to its normal rate.
“I grabbed the pads and I just kind of ripped her uniform up over her head and threw the pads on her and hit the button,” Joe said. “It said, ‘shock advised,’ and that was alarming because you train on these devices all the time and every time you train on them, they never deliver a shock because it’s not a live patient.”
Keianna is currently home and recovering after being transferred to Duke University Hospital, where doctors noted she had gone into cardiac arrest. The cheerleader remained in the hospital for weeks in critical condition, where she underwent surgery on Monday to insert an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
“Her mom delivering high-quality CPR to her for the few minutes it took to get the AED there basically allowed her to escape with no brain damage,” said Dr. Zebulon Zachary Spector, the pediatric cardiologist who performed Keianna’s surgery. “And she’s probably alive because there was an AED on-site and her mom knew how to use it.”
Lizzo Gets Emotional as Megafan Steals the Show and Dances Full Choreography of ‘About Damn Time’
A megafan showed up and showed out during Lizzo‘s recent performance.
The award-winning artist saw herself in Shyanne Barnes, a fan who danced the entire “About Damn Time” live routine during a show at London’s O2 Arena on Wednesday.
According to Billboard, when Barnes was let over the barricades to dance in the pit, Lizzo made eye-contact and acknowledged the young fan multiple times as she mirrored the movements to a tee. At the end of the song Lizzo told the crowd to “make some noise for this beautiful dancer.”
Lizzo posted the video of the moment to her Instagram page on Thursday morning, with a message reflecting on her days when she did the same thing at a Beyoncé concert.
“Rewind to the summer of 07, I learned the entire Beyoncé ‘get me bodied’ choreography… it literally saved me at a time I was dealing with depression & loss,” Lizzo wrote alongside the video.
“Then I remember doing the ‘single ladies’ choreo at the Mrs. Carter tour and she looked at me! It was a brief moment but absolutely world changing for me,” Lizzo added. “Fast forward to last night when this young girl danced ‘About Damn Time’ (LIVE VERSION) with me & the big grrrls what she doesn’t know is I cried backstage to know I mean to her what my favorite artist meant to me is so deeply touching. I LOVE YALL SO MUCH.”
“Lizzo I LOVE YOU sorry I made you cry,” Barnes wrote in her Instagram Story where she reposted Lizzo’s video.
Barnes stood out at the show in her custom outfit that featured a t-shirt with five images of Lizzo. Reportedly, her colorful sign that read, “I learnt the choreo if you need me 2 dance 4 you,” is what got her noticed and pulled into the pit.
DJ Khaled Makes His Showstopping Runway Debut with Supermodel Naomi Campbell
Grammy-winning producer DJ Khaled made an appearance at the Hugo Boss spring-summer 2023 fashion show in Miami earlier this week. But, instead of being in the audience, the producer stepped on the runway, making his fashion show debut as a walking model.
According to Complex, his runway debut took place on Wednesday night outside One Herald Plaza in the hot city. Dressed in a black Hugo Boss suit, he strutted with supermodel Naomi Campbell by his side as the two walked arm in arm.
The All We Do Is Win artist posted several photos of himself looking stylish on his Instagram account.
According to HipHopDX, several other high-profile figures appeared on the runway for the Hugo Boss show, including Pamela Anderson, Amber Valletta, Candice Swanepoel, and celebrity stylist Law Roach.
BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported that DJ Khaled recently signed with Def Jam to release new music on his We The Best recording label. Khaled spoke to HipHopDX about his career evolution since releasing his debut album in 2005.
“Looking back at my career, and thinking about when I first came out with my first album I think it was like 2005, and looking where I’m at in 2023 and I still see the same faces and the people I’m working together with is the biggest blessing in the world,” he said.
The father of two also made sure to acknowledge Bronx-bred hip-hop recording artist and close friend, Fat Joe, who has been instrumental in his career.
“My journey, I started off at Koch Records and shout out to brother Joey Crack,” he stated. “He brought me into Koch Records and we did a deal at Koch Records and he told them, ‘Look you gotta mess with this kid Khaled,’ and we ended up making history over there.”
Colorado Selects the State’s First Black Male Teacher of the Year
Jimmy Lee Day II, a teacher atEast Middle School in Aurora, CO, was recently recognized as the state’s first Black male Teacher of the Year, according to CBS Colorado.
“From classroom management to how I rehearse my students to how I want my expectations – it’s consistent, it doesn’t change, it’s unbending and then my connection – me making myself human just like you and we make connections,” Day said.
Day is the band director and instrumental music teacher at East Middle School, where has taught since 2017, CBS reported. Day has been an educator for more than a decade. He rebuilt three band programs that went on to be award-winning bands.
Day, a former Detroit teacher, recently spoke to Chalkbeat.
“When I was studying music as an undergraduate at Tennessee State University, I took some courses that required practicums — we would go to a school and observe a teacher teach their class. These really ignited my passion for teaching instrumental music to middle school and high school students.”
Day added, “There were two incidents that made it clear that I was destined for teaching. One time, there was a middle school trombone student who was struggling with his music. The band director brought it to my attention, and I asked if I could assist the student since I was a low brass instrumentalist. I worked with the student one-on-one. It was clear that he was not identifying the correct positions on the instrument to play the notes correctly. Once I pointed that out to him, he instantly experienced success and was grateful for it.’
He continued, “Another time, I was allowed to run the class. I rehearsed with the students to get them prepared for their winter concert. The director mentioned to a coworker that the band sounded better after my time with them.”
McDonald’s, Gen.G, and the Black Collegiate Gaming Association Come Together to Host the HBCU+ College NetWORK, A Summit for HBCU Students Interested in the Gaming and Esports Industries
McDonald’s tapped global esports organization Gen.G and the Black Collegiate Gaming Association (BCGA) to present the HBCU+ College netWORK Summit. This event will facilitate conversations and connections by introducing Black college students to professionals and entrepreneurs in the gaming and esports industries. In addition, 16 of the student participants will participate in an NBA 2Ktournament with a $1,000 prize pool. Games will be streamed on the Gen.G Twitch channel: Twitch.tv/Gengesports, further expanding the student experience and exposure.
“It’s not enough to just open the doors to gaming and esports to a new generation. There has to be a way to retain those who come into the space, and that’s what we’re hoping to accomplish with HBCU+ College netWORK,” said Keshia Walkerwith BCGA. “We want to equip these students with the knowledge and grit to pursue their passion long term, together.”
Gaming and esports executives will educate and mentor students through a series of panels and networking mixers. The panel will facilitate candid talks with successful Black leaders and executives within gaming and esports. Discussion topics will include how to address toxicity in the workplace, along with emerging trends such as NFTs, crypto, blockchain and lottery. Notable speakers and organizations such as Jessica Murrey, member of the Game Awards Future Class and CEO of Wicked Saints Studios, Jabari Alii, game designer at Skydance Interactive, and creator HipHopGamer will be coming to the summit to provide insights and impart knowledge gained through their experiences. Students will also have the opportunity to utilize the dedicated time slots for networking to speak to the panelists one on one.
“McDonald’s has an ongoing commitment to providing access to educational opportunities and resources that will help students succeed,” said Craig B. Welburn, President of McDonald’s Capital Business Unit and McDonald’s Owner Operator. “Partnering with BCGA and Gen.G, helps prepare students to transition their dreams into reality and it’s an honor to invest in the next generation of leaders in gaming and esports.”
“HBCU+ College NetWORK” is the in-person evolution of the first HBCU NetWORK Conference in 2022, held in the Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Eastern Shore area. Alongside BCGA, Gen.G and McDonald’s is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gaps in gaming and esports. “HBCU+ College NetWORK” is designed to present attendees with the opportunity to interact with professionals from all areas of competitive gaming, ranging from content creation to venue management.
The Vonage Foundation Partners with Girls Who Code to Expand Opportunities in Tech
Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation, announced that the company has partnered with Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in tech. The Vonage Foundation will support Girls Who Code through sponsorship of its Summer Immersion Program 2023, which is focused on building tomorrow’s diverse tech workforce through education.
The two-week Summer Immersion Program provides free, virtual opportunities for students in 9th through 12th grade and is a vital part of Girls Who Code’s continuous efforts to make coding education accessible and flexible for students of all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups in Black, Latinx, and low-income communities. The program provides opportunities for young people to expand their technical knowledge and learn more about the computer science field through curriculum tracks that include Game Design, Web Development and Data Science.
The Vonage Foundation is focused on the power of communications and connectivity to bridge the digital divide.
“Our flagship Summer Programs have historically been a huge stepping stone for our students and have turned their early interest in computer science into lifelong curiosity and even careers. Last year, we served over 7,000 students across our summer programs alone,” said Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code. “We’re grateful for the support from our partners, like Vonage, as we continue to expand our reach. Our curriculum must reflect the immense possibilities that exist within a tech career, so students know that there is room for their passions in tech and that they have the resources to discover new ones.”
The Vonage Foundation supports global initiatives dedicated to bringing technology access to communities through partnerships, charitable contributions and donations of services for nonprofits. The core of this mission focuses on the advancement of global connectivity – bringing people and technology together for the greater good.
By partnering with organizations like Girls Who Code, Vonage is working to bridge the digital divide by using technology to unlock creative minds and open doors to pathways into a STEM career.
“We are excited to stand alongside Girls Who Code in this mission to ensure young girls today have the opportunities to chart a course for the future through a career in tech,” said Joy Corso, Chief Marketing Officer for Vonage. “Women are vital to the sustainable future of our industry. Through the work of The Vonage Foundation, and partnerships like this, we at Vonage are channeling our passion for education, innovation and the power of communications to provide greater access to technology resources for all.”
ThriveDX Partners with OneTen to Drive Economic Prosperity for Black Talent in Cybersecurity
ThriveDX, the global leader in cybersecurity and digital skills training, today announced that they have joined forces with OneTen, a coalition designed to close the opportunity gap for Black talent in the United States by working with America’s leading executives, companies and talent developers to hire and advance one million Black individuals without four-year degrees into sustainable roles over ten years.
As an endorsed talent accelerator, ThriveDX joins OneTen’s growing portfolio of leading educators, upskillers and career training providers committed to providing in-demand skills for sought-after jobs at the country’s top employers. This collaboration will open up many potential opportunities to place Black talent into technology and cybersecurity B2B training programs.
As part of OneTen’s network of talent development partners, ThriveDX will join a robust network of leading local, regional, and national education and skill-building organizations that help diverse talent identify, develop, and build the skills needed to land lucrative careers that do not require college degrees. Through this partnership, ThriveDX will be able to connect OneTen employer members with talented, job-ready African American students in ThriveDX-powered programs.
“At ThriveDX, not only is our purpose is to create generational impact, but also to change the face of the global workforce to close the digital skills gap and protect society against the biggest threat the world is seeing – the cybersecurity threat,” said Desiree Young, executive vice president of global partnership & strategic innovation at ThriveDX. “Through collaboration with prestigious organizations like OneTen, we’ll develop more equitable access to opportunity and advancement for the students in ThriveDX-powered programs and help create more sustainable talent pipelines that will allow employees and employers to create a more digitally-safe economy.”
This partnership is more important than ever. The racial wealth gap in America remains vast, largely due to the lack of access to quality, well-paying jobs that do not require college degrees: 79% of jobs paying more than $50,000 require a four-year college degree, which automatically excludes the 76% of Black talent over age 25 with relevant experience who don’t have baccalaureate degrees. In an economy where Black people only own 1.5% of America’s wealth, the alarming racial wealth gap still exists.
“We recognize that an individual with a four-year degree unrelated to technology is no more qualified for a cybersecurity role than another candidate who does not have a bachelor’s degree, but who has done an intensive program in preparation for that exact position,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of OneTen. “In partnering with ThriveDX to upskill more candidates in this burgeoning field, we are enabling Black talent to earn success and enjoy economic opportunity and mobility.”
ThriveDX and OneTen plan to empower and support the need for a diverse workforce through placement of Black talent into jobs that companies sorely need. By addressing unmet business needs, helping candidates find fulfilling employment and allowing more individuals to transition into careers with family-sustaining wages, an inclusive workforce is within reach. For more information about the ThriveDX and OneTen partnership, visit https://thrivedx.com/one-ten.
Ways to Help Make Your Business March Madness Friendly During NCAA Tournament
With the first round of the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s basketball tournament kicking off, some 68 million people are expected to bet over $15.5 billion on March Madness in the next few weeks.
And though it could be cool chatting about who might win the title in one of the sporting world’s most-watched events, the competition could be a massive financial expense for businesses.
Corporate losses this year tied to unproductive workers during March Madness could reach $16.3 billion, according to the personal finance website WalletHub. To add, gambling in the workplace could be another issue employers need to be mindful of as the tournament unfolds over the next three weeks.
According to a new American Gaming Association survey, around 18 million more people will place wagers on March Madness versus the latest Super Bowl. And with gambling popularity rising, observers say that potential activity at work is another issue employers need to be mindful of as the games unfold.
However, the encouraging news is that March Madness does not necessarily have to be a pitfall for your business. Some observers stated that it could be good for employee engagement, help boost employee morale as camaraderie increases, and could actually help elevate productivity.
According to Shawe Rosenthal L.L.P., an employment and labor law firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, March Madness can be enjoyable for companies. It stated employers can take clear-cut actions to “ensure the office has safe, legal, and fun activities.” The firm offers extensive commentary on the March Madness topic, including limiting personal device usage during work.
Another business, payroll software firm Patriot, even offers several ways to engage employees during the tournament. See suggestions from the firm here to potentially make the tourney alluring.
To help avoid any possible legal issues, experts suggest office pools do not include entrance fees or cash prizes. They also recommend setting up a designated area for employees to watch the games. They added doing that could help prevent Internet bandwidth or overload, with everyone watching the games at the office.
Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and president of Employco USA, provided some tips to help employers minimize lost productivity during the tourney.
He suggested employers send out a companywide reminder about in-office betting. Wilson advises that companies should have a no-gambling policy, including office pools.
Another suggestion from him is if you know employees will want to attend a game or watch it from their homes or favorite bars, now is a good time to issue a reminder about asking for personal days off. Remind employees that they must request such days in advance and that late call-ins could result in a penalty.
For workers with potential gambling issues, find aid to help combat that here, here, and here.
Get To The Bag! 5 Black Luxury Handbag Designers You Need In Your Closet This Spring
Spring has officially sprung forward and it’s time to put away the cozy winter fashions and pull out the pastels, colors, and patterns. As we shop to organize our spring closet, what better way to accessorize our looks than with a luxury handbag?
With the community of Black luxury fashion designers growing and taking up space in the market, it’s resulting in a growing number of Black-owned handbag companies. Meet five Black luxury handbag designers who are staking a claim in the industry with high-quality clutches, totes, and purses that will make every handbag connoisseur “Buy Black!”
MAYA WINSTON
Courtesy of Maya Winston
Originally from Jamaica,Maya Winston relocated to the Bronx, New York, at 11 years old where he was raised in the mecca of fashion by his mother, a seamstress, and his older sister, a designer in her own right.
With over a decade of experience under his belt, Maya Winston has spent extended time learning the nuances of quality and product, making stops in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East to craft and curate his luxury pieces.
Maya Winston bags are made with a specific type of consumer in mind, the ones who represent or appreciate the beauty and magic of Black women.
“MW is specifically curated for those who appreciate authenticity, inclusive luxury, and world-class experiences,” he told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“With that being said, my focus is serving the needs and preferences of culture-conscious Black women. I design to celebrate inclusivity, Black culture, and Black girl luxury.
SOUS SUS
Courtesy of SOUS SUS Official
Founded by Sharlena Bernard in 2004, SOUS SUS was designed after her foundation and background in dance. In the ballet world, “sous-sus” is used when a dancer has to rise up on the points of their toes while placing one foot in front of the other.
“With this same spirit, I want people to feel elevated when wearing my brand,” Bernard told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“I want them to understand that life is truly about moving in an upward direction while placing one foot in front of the other.”
Drawing a bulk of her inspiration from the sun where she resides in sunny California, Bernard enjoys incorporating high-quality leathers and colorful prints into her designs in ways that “breed life and happiness,” she said.
“SOUS SUS is made for those that dare to be different. She is a trailblazer. She is a Boss in her own right. She doesn’t need to be validated……she validates herself.”
Handbag enthusiasts can gear up to shop SOUS SUS’ “Clutch It” collection, consisting of clutch handbags featuring an array of leather, denim, floral, and funky prints designed to take the wearer from the movies to the red carpet.
CISE
CISE Store Instagram Reel
CISEhas been heating up the luxury handbag scene with stylish and daring tote and crossbody bags declaring “PROTECT BLACK WOMEN.” The bold statement represents CISE’s mission to create “stronger threads for a stronger community.”
The LA-based brand, founded by Blake Van Putten, was launched to give voice to those often overlooked. Through their first initiative, “Protect Black People,” CISE released a collection of handbags proclaiming one poignant message, “PROTECT US!”
Van Putten madeForbes’ “30 Under 30” in 2022, having surpassed $4 million in sales last year alone. He uses his brand to help give back to the Black community by donating a portion of the company’s profits to charitable organizations like BEAM and the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective.
SILVER & RILEY
Courtesy of Silver & Riley
Founded by Lola Banjo after the “global citizen” noticed the lack of functional luxury travel bags, Silver & Riley prides itself on being a pioneering Black woman-owned luxury handbag company with multi-use and unisex travel accessories for all. Made in Italy, Banjo travels overseas every month to ensure the quality and construction of her pieces.
“Just as I am a global citizen, my goal is to make Silver & Riley a global brand,” Banjo told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“I am already receiving orders from South Africa, Dubai, and all over Canada. Those customers are paying hefty fees in customs, if they are valuing my bags that much, I know there is space in the market for Silver & Riley to have a presence everywhere.”
Handbag savants can shopSilver & Riley’s New Yorker bag, made to serve as an ode to America’s fashion capital. Available in Astoria Noir or SoHo Red.
Of course, Brandon Blackwood made the list! The Brooklyn native of Chinese and Jamaican descent has been heating up red carpets with pieces worn by the likes of Serena Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tessa Thompson, and more.
Blackwood spent most of his upbringing between New York City and Tokyo, where he developed an affinity for fashion and design at a young age. He started making hand-sewn bags as gifts for his friends in middle and high school before launching his own fashion company in 2015 and going mainstream by 2020.
Among the current leaders of Black luxury fashion, Blackwood can recall the days when luxury and Black weren’t included in the same sentence and he’s happy to be a part of the evolution.
“I think it’s really cool to see this movement of just Black people in luxury, making things happen, making things relevant,” Blackwood told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“That’s what normalizing Black luxury to me is. It’s just taking up space within that market.”
With his massive success, Blackwood has grown his collection to include outerwear and shoes, along with his constantly evolving collection of bags.
