Quavo Remembers TakeOff At Celebration Of Life In Atlanta
The Celebration of Life for Kirsnick Khari Ball, otherwise known as TakeOff, was held in Atlanta, Ga. on Friday, and several people spoke in honor of the late recording artist, including Ball’s uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo.
The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Jesse Curney III from the New Mercies Christian Church. Drake, Offset and Quavo also reportedly spoke at the service. Quavo also posted a moving tribute to his nephew on Instagram. He talked about the two growing up together and having a love for the WWE. Quavo also noted that Ball never bothered anyone or raised his voice.
“Nothing ever really bothered Take and he didn’t bother anybody. He the most unbothered person in the world. He never got mad, he never raised his voice, and when he did, he silenced the room because what Take said was law and he wasn’t changing his mind.”
“I’m proud to be ya uncle,” Quavo wrote. “I’m proud we saw the world and done things we couldn’t ever imagine together. We laughed way more than we ever argued and when we did I always was in the wrong every time. […] You will continue to send your blessings down from Heaven and I will continue to keep your name alive as long as I live.”
He went on to say how much he loved Ball.
“I love you with all my heart. I’ll never leave you. I guess God jus ain’t need my help. So can you ask Him for me what I gotta do to be with you again!!! In a place where there’s no pain, no demons, no jealousy, no envy, no greed. Whatever we have to do God to be at that place of paradise send us the tools now cuz we wanna be with Take. Love you nephew!”
Quavo, whose real name is Quavious Keyate Marshall, was with Ball when he was killed on Nov. 1 in Houston, Texas following an argument over a dice game. He was 28.
Atlanta Airport Announces Direct Flight To Wakanda In Honor Of Black Panther Sequel
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport announced a direct flight to Wakanda on Thursday ahead of the premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, according to WSBTV. The sequel to Black Panther made its debut on Nov. 11.
“Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) announces a return to international service with direct flights to Wakanda. This non-stop service on Flight CHBZ will depart from the Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal from gate F8 at 7:30 p.m. this evening. Concession locations will serve Wakandan-inspired dishes pre-flight.”
The airport also made the announcement on social media with a message on Twitter with the caption, “Breaking News: Hartsfield-Jackson announces the return of direct flights to Wakanda!”
🗣Breaking News: Hartsfield-Jackson announces the return of direct flights to Wakanda! pic.twitter.com/EEkMPFYsJt
A special screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was hosted by Disney in the city on Wednesday where the studio awarded grants in the amount of $1 million. The grants were awarded to support non-profits and art programs nationwide. The organizations were chosen from underrepresented communities to empower storytellers of future generations.
The Atlanta airport made a similar announcement when Black Panther was released in 2018.
The film about the technologically-advanced fictional African country was filmed in Georgia for the most part, and fans seem to be flocking to the theater to watch the film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film had one of the biggest opening days of all time, earning $84 million in gross sales on Friday. The film is expected to gross between $174 million to $184 million over the weekend. The sequel is also earning rave reviews. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever earned an A from CinemaScore and is expected to open with $325 million in box office sales worldwide.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever stars actress Angela Bassett,Danai Gurira, Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Florence Kasumba, Martin Freeman, Tenoch Huerta and Dominique Thorne.
The Rocket Foundation To Prevent Gun Violence Established In Honor Of TakeOff Amidst Funeral
A foundation created to end gun violence was established amidst the funeral for Kirsnick Khari Ball, the recording artist known as TakeOff. A Celebration of Life was held for Ball in Atlanta at the State Farm Arena on Nov. 11.
The Rocket Foundation was established in honor ofBall to support programs saving lives through community-based solutions proven to prevent gun violence. Ball, the recording artist known as TakeOff was shot to death on Nov. 1 in Houston following a disagreement over a dice game. He was 28.
According to TMZ, Yolanda Adams, Alicia Keys, Chloe Bailey and Justin Bieber performed at Ball’s homegoing celebration. The outlet also reported that fellow Migos members Offsetand Quavo, who are both related to Ball, spoke at the celebration and left the crowd in tears.
Offset, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, spoke on Ball’s unique sound.
“You changed the culture of music forever. You did that, Take. You changed that flow. That flow came from Take, the originator,” said the 30-tear-old. “It changed the music business.”
Thirty-one-year-old Quavo, whose real name is Quavious Keyate Marshall, reportedly spoke about growing up with Ball and their love of the WWE. Ball’s mother, brother and sister also reportedly spoke at the service.
Tickets were complimentary and ran out almost immediately. Ushers also collected cell phones from guests and they were locked up until after the service. Shawntae Harris-Dupart, the rapper known as Da Brat, shared a video outside of the arena on Instagram with a caption.
“#RIPTAKEOFF We #SALUTE YOU. Thank you for contributing to the culture. Yawl changed the game. Your flow was da illest. You WILL be MISSED. 🙏🏽.”
Cardi B was also in attendance and honored the late rapper on Nov. 1 when she retweeted a video in which Takeoff spoke on the importance of family.
“My dudes gave me this ring right here,” said Ball on the video of a ring he wore with a picture of himself and him mother. “It’s always going to stay with me, too. I ain’t never going to take it off.”
Rapper Drake was also in attendance and spoke at the service.
President Joe Biden Calls on Americans to Honor Veterans on Nation’s 68th Veterans Day Anniversary
Each year on Nov. 11, Americans honor the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to serve in the U.S. armed forces.
A 2021 “Employment Situation of Veterans” report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that there are 18.5 million Veterans, with 1.3 million being on Active Duty, according to the U.S. Department of Defense’s Federal Register per Fox News. Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families provided that there are more than 2.3 million Black and African American Veterans in the U.S. and over 350,000 active Black and African American Active Duty and Selected Reserve members.
This year marks the 68th anniversary of Veterans Day. On Monday President Joe Biden issued an annual proclamation on Veterans Day, acknowledging his administration’s accomplishments on Veterans assistance and benefits. The president proclaimed the following, according to a White House press release:
“Today, we honor generations of patriots who have earned the title of ‘American veteran’ — a badge of courage that unites the finest group of former service members the world has ever known.”
“With their selfless sacrifice, our Armed Forces have forged and defended the very idea of America — a promise of freedom and equality, democracy and justice, possibility and hope. We owe them an incredible debt that can never be fully repaid.”
“Veterans Day is personal to the Biden family. We have felt the pride that comes with seeing your child wear the uniform of the United States and the pain of long deployments far from home.”
“We know what it is like to pray every day for the safe return of someone you love. And we have stood in awe of our veterans who carry the lasting wounds of war. We pledge to continue the work to return our prisoners of war and those still missing in action and commit to remember the sacrifice of the families of those who have served.”
“As both a father and Commander in Chief, I firmly believe that our one truly sacred obligation as a Nation is to properly prepare and equip the brave women and men we send into harm’s way and to care for them and their loved ones when they return home.”
“That is why I was so proud to sign the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, or PACT Act — the most significant expansion of benefits and services for our veterans in more than 30 years.”
“As the name suggests, the PACT Act fulfills a promise to our veteran community.”
“By funding new facilities, enabling better research, and expanding care and compensation for veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service — as well as helping their survivors access life insurance, home loan assistance, tuition benefits, and monthly stipends — we are giving back to those who have given so much for all of us.”
“This law bolsters other bills I have signed this year to improve health care for veterans — from providing mammograms and screenings for service members exposed to toxins to compensating veterans who developed cancer and other medical conditions from our World War II nuclear program.”
“And to ensure we continue to meet our sacred obligation to our veteran families, caregivers, and survivors, the First Lady’s Joining Forces initiative is helping military spouses find jobs, supporting children of service members in classrooms, and extending physical, mental, and emotional services to families.”
“The Department of Veterans Affairs and other federal agencies are also working around the clock to end veteran suicide and veteran homelessness.”
“As part of a comprehensive public health strategy that we released last year, the VA is funding community-led suicide prevention programs that meet veterans where they are, increasing public awareness about the importance of firearm storage in preventing suicides, and requesting billions more from the Congress to improve mental health care services for patients across the country.”
“At the same time, with funding from my American Rescue Plan, the VA is on track to permanently house 38,000 homeless veterans this year alone.”
“Fulfilling our nation’s promise to our veterans and military families also means ensuring that everyone who serves — no matter their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religious background — feels safe and valued in the ranks.”
“Since coming into office, I have made historic reforms to the military justice system that enhance safety and protections for service members and veterans who have experienced sexual assault or harassment. Secretary McDonough issued a zero-tolerance policy and announced that harassment and sexual assault, including sexual harassment and gender-based harassment, will not be tolerated within the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
“This is also a priority for Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, who has made preventing sexual assault and restoring the trust in the military justice processes a constant focus. Additionally, we reversed the discriminatory ban on transgender service and directed a review of all policies and practices to ensure greater inclusivity of LGBTQ+ veterans.”
“In every generation, America’s veterans have been willing to give all for that which we hold sacred — freedom, justice, and democracy.”
“They have served selflessly, sacrificed greatly, and shouldered the burden of freedom quietly, asking no glory for themselves.”
“Today, let us honor them by living up to their example — putting service before self, caring for our neighbors, and working passionately to build a more perfect union worthy of all those who protect our lives and liberty.”
Louisiana Mayor Velma Hendrix Killed In Car Crash On Election Day
An 84-year-old mayor running for reelection in Melville, La. was killed on election day, according to CBS News.
Velma Hendrix died on Tuesday after being involved in a car accident. Hendrix was riding in the backseat of a 2008 Acura with three others when it was hit by a 2015 Ram 2500 pickup truck on the passenger’s side, according to the Louisiana State Police. The accident happened on U.S. Highway 190 near Louisiana Highway 741 at approximately 11 a.m. on Nov. 8. The driver of the pickup truck reportedly failed to yield at an intersection.
The mayor was not wearing a seatbelt and was taken to the emergency room in critical condition. However, she ultimately passed away due to her injuries. Three other passengers were also taken to the hospital with “moderate to critical injuries.”
The driver of the pickup truck was given a sobriety test but was not found to be under the influence at the time of the accident. He was cited for not wearing a seat belt and for failure to yield to a stop sign.
The mayor had recently celebrated 75 years as a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church where she was baptized in 1946. A surprise parade was held in her honor back in 2021, and the mayor thanked the town for her surprise.
“It’s just wonderful, I’m blessed,” said Hendrix. “I thank god for being here 75 years, and I have been well taught and I’m trying to teach the young ones now. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And God bless each and every one of you.”
According to the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court, qualifying for the mayoral race will be reopened until Nov. 14. The election for mayor will be held on Dec. 10 and if no one else qualifies before Nov. 14, Sheila Londerno, who won 52 percent of the votes, will be declared the new mayor.
Alabama Residents Overwhelmingly Vote To Rid State Constitution of Racist Language
Alabama residents overwhelmingly voted to strike racist language from its constitution on Tuesday and reorganize the governing document.
The Montgomery Advertiserreported Alabama’s recompilation proposal received more than 880,000 votes (76.5%) according to unofficial results provided by the Alabama Secretary of State’s office. Less than 25% of residents voted against the proposal.
“I believe we’re sending a message,” said Sen. Merika Coleman (D) the sponsor of the measure who said she was “overjoyed” at the passage.
“We do have our challenges, but we are doing all we can. We are a diverse society. We support diversity, and we are open for business.”
The successful vote was the third attempt by Alabama to rid the constitution of racist language in the last two decades. According to the Montgomery Advertiser, an attempt in 2004 narrowly lost after former Chief Justice Roy Moore and his allies fought against it.
The recompilation will strike down a clause allowing slavery “for the punishment of crime, of which the party shall have been duly convicted,” which has been the legal basis for the state’s infamous prison labor system in which inmates are not paid for their labor.
Alabama will also remove language directing poll tax revenues to counties for educational purposes. The poll tax was reported one of the main ways the state disenfranchised voters, forcing residents to pay back poll taxes before they could fill out a voting ballot.
Additionally, Alabama will strike down a 1956 amendment, passed due to the Brown v. Board of Ed. decision that authorized the state to allow children to attend “schools provided for their own race” and a provision allowing the state to intervene in schools in the name of “peace and order,” an old term meaning violence or disorder by segregationists.
Voters in Alabama have amended the state’s constitution more than 975 times, as efforts to amend the constitution go back as far as 1915.
Dr. Mutulu Shakur Finally Granted Parole, But Not Until December
Dr. Mutulu Shakur has finally been granted parole, according to The Intercept. Shakur was diagnosed with terminal bone marrow cancer in May by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, but he was repeatedly denied a compassionate release despite being given only six months to live.
The decision was announced on Nov. 10. Jomo Muhammad is an organizer with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement said he is excited for Shakur to be reunited with his family.
“There are a lot of tears of joy,” said Muhammad. “There’s still disbelief because we were steadying ourselves for another denial. Now folks are excited about being able to reunite Mutulu with his family. We were crying together. It’s a long time overdue.”
Shakur helped to create the first acupuncture detoxification program in the country and is also known as the stepfather of the late rapper Tupac Shakur. Shakur was convicted of racketeering and conspiracy for his involvement in a 1981 armored truck robbery where two police officers died. He was also convicted for aiding in Assata Shakur‘s escape from prison in 1979. He was a model prisoner during his 36 years behind bars and was a positive influence on other prisoners.
The family applied for an emergency compassionate release on June 19 after learning Shakur only weighed 125 pounds and could not get out of bed. He was described by the prison staff at the hospital inside FMC Lexington as “confused” and “unintelligible.”
According to The Intercept, the federal parole commission is finally following its own parole guidelines and is not releasing Shakur due to compassion. The outlet claims that it wasn’t until Shakur’s decline that he was deemed eligible for parole, despite the fact that has been eligible for parole for years.
“We now find your medical condition renders you so infirm of mind and body that you are no longer physically capable of committing any Federal, State or local crime,” said the parole commission.
One of his attorneys, Brad Thomson, said that it was tragic that the 72-year-old’s release has taken so long.
“It is tragic that it took until he was on the verge of death for that truth to finally be realized,” he said. “Mutulu will now be able to live out his final days, surrounded by the love and care of his family and close friends.”
Put a Title on It: Brooklyn Nets Drop Interim Title To Make Jacque Vaughn Official Head Coach
The turmoil surrounding the Brooklyn Nets has been turbulent for the past year.
With the latest announcement, the team may be headed towards some much-needed stability for the borough of Brooklyn. The NBA team recently announced that Jacque Vaughn will take over the reins as head coach for the Brooklyn Nets.
According to NBA.com, Vaughn has been hired to replace the just-fired coach Steve Nash. Vaughn initially took over on an interim basis immediately after Nash’s termination and has now officially been handed the title of head coach.
The development took place after the team flirted with the idea of bringing on suspended Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka. Before the Celtics, Udoka was an assistant coach on Nash’s staff in Brooklyn.
“We’re ecstatic that he’s going to remain our head coach,” said general manager Sean Marks in a written statement.
“There’s a number of factors why JV [Jacque Vaugh] was the right choice. Obviously, I’ve known JV for a long time, and all of us have. He’s been a part of this culture. He’s been a part of what we’ve been building here over the years. When we look at the person he is, we look at his connection with players. I obviously look at what’s happened over the last four games, but it’s not entirely that’s what we’re looking at.”
“We’re looking at the big picture and having a relationship with him for seven years and his connection to players.”
“His competitive spirit, a lot of that goes a long way and we’ve seen how this team, to be quite frank, has responded to him lately.”
Vaughn has been a part of the Brooklyn Nets coaching staff for seven years, once stepping up to the head coaching role during the 2019-20 season when the Nets parted ways with Kenny Atkinson. He took over when the pandemic cut the season short and when it picked back up again; he led the team to a five-three record and into the playoffs.
Vaugh played with the San Antonio Spurs in 2007. He also had stints playing for the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, and the New Jersey Nets before his move to Brooklyn, N.Y.
Black Tech Entrepreneur Honored at United Nations Maps Road to Success Before 30
At 29 years old, David Bullock, also known by the nickname “Alaska,” is an American technology entrepreneur and media executive who has been honored at the United Nations and deemed one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30.
Appearing on BLACK ENTERPRISE‘s Hip Hop & Enterprise, Bullock opened up about his early success in business which started while he was still a student at Howard University throwing parties. His older brother, an upperclassman, was the first to give Bullock an encouraging push toward entrepreneurship while he was in school.
Growing up Black in Alaska came with its own unique experiences that served as early shaping for Bullock’s global approach to marketing and tech.
“When I travel, I actually travel and I like to really explore and take in other people’s cultures,” Bullock told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“So I can really understand how I can help companies to best communicate with the people from all these different areas, and what different commonalities are between people.”
After launching his digital marketing and tech company 907 Agency in 2017, Bullock went on to release the mobile gaming app World Famous and produce events for the likes of Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kanye West.
The Alaska native (hence the nickname) has secured major brand deals that have garnered him praise back at home and worldwide. In 2018, he was awarded Anchorage, Alaska’s highest honor, equivalent to the key of the city, due to his work in the music industry.
That same year, GQ referred to him as a “prominent Black entrepreneur.” By 2020, Bullock had earned a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2021. This year, Bullock visited the United Nations where he was honored by MIPAD organization as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under the age of 40.
Currently, his work includes marketing for the LA Kings hockey team to aid in increasing diverse representation among attendees.
“Our agency is just super locked in with [the LA Kings],” Bullock said. “And that’s probably one of the most fun projects that we have going on right now.”
“We’re making sure to expose hockey and the team to new audiences.”
Not even 30 years old, and Bullock has a resume and professional roster worth celebrating. Press play below to hear more about his rise in marketing and technology.
PhD Project Celebrates ‘Hometown Hero’ Dr. Melvin Stith On Veterans Day
The PhD Project is celebrating this Veterans Day by honoring “hometown hero” Dr. Melvin Stith.
Dr. Stith is a founding member of the PhD Project, a national program with the goal of diversifying the business world. Dr. Stith has also spent his career helping other veterans make the difficult transition from military service to civilian life.
Following his graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Norfolk State University in 1968, Dr. Stith served as a commissioned officer in the US Army’s Military Intelligence Corps in Vietnam. After returning home from the war, Stith earned his MBA and PhD from Syracuse University.
Dr. Stith went on to serve as the university’s Dean of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, and this year, he was awarded the Military and Veteran Award from Syracuse University. The award is the highest honor given to alumni who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The university shared the announcement on social media on Oct. 1.
“Congratulations to Melvin Stith, U S. Army veteran and Dean Emeritus of @WhitmanatSU on being Hometown Hero! @SyracuseU wouldn’t be the #bestplaceforveterans without you!”
Syracuse University, with the help of Dr. Stith, became a leader in helping veterans transition to civilian life with its Office of Veterans and Military Affairs. The PhD Project was founded in 1994 and has increased the number of Black, Latinx and Native Americans earning business PhDs from 294 to 1,517. The program also has nearly 300 underrepresented minorities currently enrolled in doctoral programs.
“The idea was to remove all the barriers,” said Dr. Stith.
Prior to working at Syracuse University, Dr. Stith was an Assistant Professor of Business and an Associate Dean at the University of South Florida’s College of Business. Dr. Stith was also a visiting professor at the Florida A&M University School of Business and Industry and an Associate Professor of Marketing at Florida State University before being named Dean of the Business School and Jim Moran Professor of Business Administration. Dr. Stith retired in 2013 before returning as the interim president at Norfolk State University in 2017 until 2019.
Thank you for your service, Dr. Stith and Happy Veterans Day!
