Carmelo Anthony Offered To Cover Former Teammate’s Salary When The Knicks Waived Him
The NBA Hall of Famer offered to to pay the "whole salary" of his Knick teammate, Cleanthony Early, when the team cut him
NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony’s generosity and kindness were recently brought up by an NBA reporter when he recalled the former Knicks player offering to pay the “whole salary” of a teammate, Cleanthony Early, when he was on the cusp of being cut by the NBA team.
While appearing in a recent interview, reporter Ian Begley, who was working for ESPN at the time of the witnessed incident, spoke highly about Anthony and the fact that, unprompted, he was willing to take care of Early’s annual salary when it looked like the Knicks were willing to cut him from the team in 2016.
According to Basketball Network, after an incident that took place in front of a New York City strip club in December 2015, Early, while leaving CityScapes Gentleman’s Club with his girlfriend, six men, armed with weapons, surrounded an Uber vehicle that the Knicks player was in. Threatening to shoot him in the midst of robbing him, although he gave up two gold chains, Early was shot in the knee.
Referencing that incident, Begley spoke about Anthony’s gesture to Early when word got out about the Knicks’ intention.
“Remember Cleanthony Early? He got caught up in something, a strip club, I don’t remember the details, but I think the Knicks were going to have to cut him. Carmelo said, ‘I’ll pay your whole salary.’ Like just as a teammate, as an NBA brother,” Begley stated.
He spoke about how that painted a positive picture of Anthony during Early’s time of need. The reporter acknowledged that, despite all the accolades bestowed upon Anthony, this offer stuck in his mind.
“That, to me, told me a lot about him, too, where he puts his energy. You can’t like… You talk about him as a basketball player, flaws, pros and cons, but just as a man and what he stands for, that will always stay with me,” Begley said.
Ex-VP Of Sherwin-Williams Owns IMAGE Studios Franchise
BLACK ENTERPRISE connected with McGowen to learn more about his journey to franchise ownership and what he describes as 'out-of-the-box' business strategies helping drive his success.
Lonnie McGowen is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with a rich background in business and leadership. His career began at Sherwin-Williams, the largest coatings company in the world by revenue, in an entry-level role.
McGowen’s dedication, vision, and leadership saw him rise through nine or 10 promotions to become the company’s first African American male vice president. After decades of corporate success, McGowen and his wife decided to fulfill their shared dream of owning a business.
Together, they decided to pursue ownership in IMAGE Studios, an award-winning franchise brand and the premier leader in modern and luxurious salon suites. BLACK ENTERPRISEconnected with McGowen to learn more about his journey to franchise ownership and what he describes as “out-of-the-box” business strategies helping drive his success.
BLACK ENTERPRISE: What was your decision-making process in making the leap from a successful career to franchise ownership?
Lonnie McGowen: It was a mutual decision on both our parts. At Sherwin-Williams, I was working 70 to 80 hours a week, always on a plane or traveling. I was busy sunup to sundown. One day, my wife said, “I don’t ever see you. You’re always gone.”
That’s when I started thinking about franchising so that I could be my own boss. Then, a new leadership team came in at Sherwin-Williams and started to make a lot of changes. This made it easier to exit, and while I could have become a VP elsewhere, that would just lead to the same challenges I was already having with work-life balance.
When I left Sherwin-Williams in December 2019, my first thought was that we’d flip homes for a living. We started off in February 2020, but then COVID knocked us off that train. I had to rethink things again. The idea of franchising popped into my head again, so we found a franchise broker through a friend. This broker introduced us to IMAGE Studios.
BE:What made you decide to go with the IMAGE Studios franchise?
McGowen: The corporate team was a major deciding factor. They were fantastic— so supportive and experienced. The founding story resonated with me, as the company was born out of the housing crisis in the 2000s. We signed our franchise agreement in August 2020 and opened in November 2021. Signing during the pandemic, it was reassuring knowing that this business could withstand economic downturns. In fact, we learned that Dallas was a major hub for beauty brands, being home to Mary Kay, Ulta, and Sally Beauty Supply. IMAGE was the perfect fit for the Dallas market. We knew we’d be able to fill our spaces with beauty professionals.
But of course, their absentee model was appealing, coming from a role where I was working 70-80 hours a week. Now, I can work on the business 5-10 hours a week if I want. I have so much more free time on my hands and can take more vacations with my family. Plus, IMAGE Studios allows me to be paid about the same as I was at Sherwin-Williams.
BE: IMAGE Studios is a pretty steep investment. How did you go about securing funding?
McGowen: I struggled to get funding at first. $1.2 million is a LOT of money to get a business off the ground. When talking to investors and general contractors, I opened up about my story and appealed to their heartstrings, and fortunately, I got a “yes.” I come from a background where a lot of my friends didn’t make it out of our neighborhood. It’s important to tell your story, go back to your roots, and show people that you can make it out of your circumstances.
My general contractor is still working with me now, doing our second IMAGE Studios location. Always be honest and open about your journey! You’ll find people who truly believe in you and your mission that way.
BE:What are the biggest changes to your lifestyle since becoming a franchise owner?
McGowen: First change is having more freedom. Going from working 70-80 hours a week to 5-10 hours a week has been incredible. It allows me to spend more time building relationships outside of the business.
My health has also improved drastically. I have less stress and more time to go to the gym and focus on personal wellness.
It’s also been rewarding to help other business owners exceed. We have 30 beauty pros within our IMAGE Studios who all get to grow their business. I love being able to foster the entrepreneurial journey of these beauty pros.
However, one of the main challenges is that entrepreneurship is 24/7, even if I’m not physically working in the business. Anything could happen at any time, and the buck stops with you. You have to be a chameleon of sorts and know all aspects of business to be able to solve problems. It’s a huge responsibility!
BE:You’ve implemented four out-of-the-box Business Strategies for your franchise—innovative recruiting practices, community impact & philanthropy, empowering entrepreneurs, and relationship-centered leadership. Of the four, which one have you found to be the most valuable?
McGowen: I would say relationship-centered leadership. I try to relate to my beauty pros the best that I can. Their success is my success. When someone signs a minimum one-year lease with us, we go through every opportunity we can to make sure that their business stays and thrives. People stay with businesses that they feel connected to. I try to show up every day just to walk around and get to know my beauty pros. These pros are more than just a number—invest in them.
As a result, we’ve had a 65% retention rate, meaning 65% of those pros who signed with us in 2021 are still working with us.
I’m also very proud of our philanthropic efforts. It feels good to give back to the communities we serve. One example of that is Hope’s Door, a shelter for battered and abused women. At our IMAGE Studios, we give the women of Hope’s Door free makeovers, including haircuts, makeup, and beyond. These women, who have been through so much, leave our studios feeling like new people with a renewed sense of confidence. It’s not just about vanity—just think about how great you feel after a fresh haircut or blowout. These women need that pick-me-up.
BE: What are the top three pieces of advice you would give to a longtime corporate executive considering leaving their position and investing in a franchise?
McGowen:
Follow your passion. I know that sounds like a cliché. I should note that my passion isn’t beauty—it’s people. I don’t have any hair on my head after all! It’s the relationships in the beauty industry that I really enjoy.
Monetize your passion. Enough said…find what you love and then figure out how to make money doing that.
Count the costs before you go into business. The top reason small businesses fail is that they run out of funds. Have plenty of investors or ways to support your business, especially at first.
Black Middle School Student Expelled After Disarming Gun-Carrying Classmate
A mother is fighting to get her son back in school after he was expelled for disarming a classmate.
A Lansing, Michigan, mother is fighting to have her 11-year-old son reinstated after he was expelled for disarming a classmate who brought a gun to school.
Savitra McClurkin says her son, Sakir, a seventh grader at Dwight Rich School of the Arts, is being punished after disarming and dismantling a classmate’s gun back in May. He removed the bullets and only informed an adult afterward. However, instead of being recognized for his heroic actions, Sakir was expelled for the next school year and barred from all school events.
“I’m frustrated. I’m at my wits’ end. I don’t know what to do,” McClurkin told WILX.
The distraught mother has struggled to reach anyone at the Lansing School District. Seeking answers, she attended a Lansing School Board meeting on Sept. 18, where she further expressed her frustration.
“He’s 11 years old. Seventh grade. Never been in trouble before,” McClurkin said.
McClurkin explained that her son was able to disarm and dismantle the gun thanks to his hunting experience. She said he was scared at the time and believed he was protecting other students. However, because he didn’t immediately inform a teacher, Sakir was expelled and accused of possession of a weapon.
“He didn’t want to implicate himself in it, nor did he want to tell on the person that actually brought the firearm,” his mother said. “Because he knows firearms aren’t supposed to be in school.”
Sakir, an A/B student active in school sports at the public magnet school, is now enrolled in a non-accredited online program to stay on track academically while his educational future is being determined.
“It’s devastating because he’s a bright kid and all he wants to do is be a kid,” McClurkin said. “They kicked him out of school for the whole year.”
“Expulsion is never a decision the district takes lightly. It is always considered a last resort,” the Lansing School District said in a written statement to WLIX. “However, Michigan law provides very clear direction in cases involving dangerous weapons. The investigation—which included statements and video evidence—left no ambiguity and required this outcome.”
“They are setting my son up for failure,” she added. “They’re setting him up to being a statistic, and I’ve been doing everything in my will and my power to keep him from that.”
A GoFundMe was launched to garner support for continuing Sakir’s education and has exceeded its $5,000 goal, raising over $11,000 by Sept. 22.
“Because of this sudden expulsion, Sakir’s mother has had to take on the enormous challenge of educating him at home. This has forced her to cut back on work, creating serious financial strain on their household,” the GoFundMe says.
“Sakir acted out of bravery and love for his classmates. Let’s show him that same love now.”
Atlanta Hawks, State Farm Arena Prep For Annual Million Meal Pack Initiative To Combat Food Insecurity
The event will take place Sept. 27 and Sept. 28, the first-ever Atlanta Hawks Forkside Seats will occur as well
In an effort to combat food insecurity in Atlanta, the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena have announced that the Annual State Farm Million Meal Pack is returning Sept. 27 and introducing the first-ever Atlanta Hawks Forkside Seats Sept. 28.
Along with 5,000 volunteers and more than 100 groups, the NBA team and State Farm Arena will host both events at the stadium this upcoming weekend.
This year’s Million Meal Pack, the fifth one held at the stadium, will assemble one million meals that will benefit Atlanta metro area communities, which will be distributed by U.S. Hunger, a leading hunger relief organization designed to help feed people struggling with food insecurity. The next day, the Hawks and Giving Kitchen are collaborating for the Atlanta Hawks Forkside Seats, fueled by Georgia Natural Gas. Eighteen Atlanta restaurants and their chefs will unite for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience served “Forkside” on the State Farm Arena floor.
For every ticket sold for Forkside Seats, the proceeds will go toward Giving Kitchen’s mission to provide emergency assistance and community resources to food service workers in crisis.
“Food and the dining experience are essential for life, relationships, and a healthy community. It is a privilege and great responsibility to use our platform and our world-class venue to bring the community together to fight food insecurity locally as well as provide for the urgent needs of food service workers,” said Steve Koonin, president and chief executive officer of the Hawks and State Farm Arena, in a written statement. “Our Million Meal Pack is a day full of energy, music, and camaraderie, while our first Forkside Seats event will bring some of the best restaurants in Atlanta to one spot for a unique dining experience on the floor of the arena. Whether you come to pack or come to eat, there is an opportunity for everyone to support those in need.”
Some prominent individuals from the sports, entertainment, government, and business worlds will participate, including Hawks Legend Dominique Wilkins, current Hawks players Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson, Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman, and celebrities such as Mariah the Scientist and Young Dro.
The following restaurants will be participating: Avize Bar ANA BOSK Café Momentum Atlanta Capolinea at Signia by Hilton Ela Mezze & Spirits Elektra at Forth Hotel Fawn Wine and Amaro Bar LowCountry Steak Lucky Star Midtown Social Restaurant & Bar Mothers Best Pizza Verdura Sincera Pure Quill Superette Smiley’s Burger Club Storyteller Goods The Ramspeck Tiger Sun
Camp Yoshi Is The Black-Owned Outdoor Travel Group Where ‘Luxury Meets the Land’
Founded by HBCU graduates, Camp Yoshi is redefining the outdoor experience with its elevated trips to nowhere.
“Trips to Nowhere” are a speciality of Camp Yoshi. The Black-owned outdoors group has a mission to not only diversify America’s outdoors movement, but provide elevated eco-adventures that tie community with sustainability.
Founded in 2020 by HBCU grads and siblings, Rashad and Ron Frazier, alongside Rashad’s wife, Shequeita, the idea sparked during the beginning stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. As former New York-based chef with an affinity for nature, Frazier’s southern upbringing inspired him to take his talents and community outside.
“I think the evolution of how I see [Camp Yoshi]’s legacy is just how we want to show for our people,” Frazier told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “How do we create something that really is built for our communities at the same level of legacy, experience, and aspiration that a lot of our peers have had, but we haven’t had access to. If you can have the right operator, like us, doing it, you’ll find yourself as a first time camper thriving and not just surviving.”
From there, Camp Yoshi was born, taking the anxiety and hassle away for first-time and diverse campers. Frazier and his team set up homebase before campers arrive at the unique campgrounds. However, they still follow the “Leave No Trace” principles upheld by outdoors advocates.
The itinerary varies from trip to trip, ranging from true camping elements to more luxurious accommodations. However, the heart of each experience remains. These eco-adventures allow “campers” to recharge and immerse themselves in the wanderlust of somewhere new. Some of these off-grid experiences are as thrilling as they are peaceful. One can take treks through the Mars-like atmosphere of Moab, Utah or trail through the vast landscapes of Big Sky, Montana and Bend, Oregon.
Partnering with eco-focused brands such as Rivian and Snowpeak, Camp Yoshi is a standout as a Black-owned business in the blooming wellness industry. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness economy also reached a new peak of 6.8 trillion in 2024.
This industry, while seeing tremendous growth, has leaned traditionally white in its businesses and patrons. Emphasizing the importance of wellness for all, especially those it has historically excluded, is essential to the Camp Yoshi difference.
“I think in the space that we sit in today and all the things that we’re seeing happening around us, in our country, in our environment, yeah, I just really, really hope that as people come into the camp Yoshi ecosystem, and they adventure with us, and they meet others from different walks of life that don’t look like them, that we can sit down, we can foster conversation, and we can walk away as friends, even if we don’t agree,” shared Shequita.
Black people in the camping community are growing, but still amount to a tiny fraction of those venturing outside. Kampgrounds of America (KOA) says Black campers accounted for only 11% of those who camped in 2024. While Camp Yoshi provides a more luxurious outdoors experience, it still does its part to change the narrative surrounding who belongs in nature.
“Keep in mind, too, we’re not a monolith,” added Frazier. “We’re not locked in on just camping, obviously, our trips can incorporate a hotel if you need to. But the ecological wonder, discovery, fellowship, community that comes with our trips, I think that can show up anywhere, whether in camping or in the Four Seasons.”
Another Camp Yoshi difference lies in its taste for adventure and chef-inspired eats. The outdoors does not stop Frazier from providing the same meals you’d try in fine dining establishments. Inspired by their dozens of eco-adventures, Frazier has developed a cookbook, aptly titled Cookout, for a 2026 release. Its recipes encourage by-the-fire cooking and eating, allowing people to share a meal under the stars.
“I think since we have a specific focus on new users in the outdoor space, the food can help alleviate [concerns]… Trips are meant to kind of help bring strangers together quickly. For the solo travelers, nothing just disarms a person like a good meal with a group of people,” emphasized Frazier.
Shequita adds, “The culinary perspective of everything is centered around Rashad and his background and experiences. But, we all know that food is the cornerstone of building community. At the onset of Camp Yoshi, the whole premise was to get people outside and understand how healing nature can be.”
Camp Yoshi can take your travels even further, with field day trips and week-long expeditions fitting wide price points. Crossing oceans to destinations like Puerto Rico and Japan are also now on their horizon.
With around 35 trips annually, Camp Yoshi has already sold out its 2025 season. It expects to drop new excursions for the upcoming year this fall, with new and returning campers excited to take on the wild beauty again.
Mayor Paul Young Hopes National Guard Helps With Memphis Cleanup, Homeless Efforts
While he didn't ask for the agency’s assistance, Young looks at their arrival as an opportunity to give the city the strength that it needs.
After President Donald Trump labeled Memphis, Tennessee, the next destination for the National Guard to tackle “crime concerns,” Mayor Paul Young said he hopes it can assist with beautification and homelessness services like what happened in Washington, D.C., Action News 5reports.
Young highlighted his desire for the National Guard to help community members continue the work of the Blight Zero teams and the Community Enhancement Division, who assist with community beautification.
He said he was encouraged following his meeting with D.C. Deputy Mayor Lindsey Appiah and Police Chief Pamela Smith Young, inspiring him to map out core areas that need assistance, including law enforcement. While he didn’t ask for he assistance, Young sees an upside.
“For Memphis, I choose to view this as an opportunity,” the mayor wrote in his weekly newsletter. “My commitment is to make sure every resource we receive strengthens our city, not just for today, but for the long term.”
The National Guard deployment tour started after Trump sent the soldiers into D.C.’s streets to tackle alleged concerns of an increase in violence.
While met with some backlash from the Black community, there seems to be some good that came out of it.
CBS News Justice Correspondent Scott MacFarlane shared an update from the troops in D.C., announcing “guardsmen have cleared 1,022 bags of trash, spread 744 cubic yards of mulch, removed 35 truckloads of plant waste, cleared 6.7 miles of roadway, and painted 270 feet of fencing.”
Update from National Guard in DC:
"Guardsmen have cleared 1,022 bags of trash, spread 744 cubic yards of mulch, removed 35 truckloads of plant waste, cleared 6.7 miles of roadway, and painted 270 feet of fencing"
Young is hoping guardsmen will join in efforts—not interrupt them—already started in the Memphis streets through an initiative called the “Own Your Block” cleanup, according to ABC 24.
In communities across the city, including Frayser, neighbors, city leaders, and over 60 churches have pitched in to help, as Young wants the city to get back to winning “the city beautiful award many years in a row” like in the 1940s.
Pursuit of God pastor Sheila Floyd participated in the cleanup.
“I hope to see Memphis being a choice place to live. We get a bad rep, we’re known for crime, and at one point, Memphis was known for being beautiful,” she said. “I would love to have that identity returned.”
Young admits Trump’s plans have pushed him to work with Republican lawmakers to improve the community. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said the National Guard’s presence will give Memphis Police the chance to focus on keeping the community safe.
Local leaders and hometown heroes were present to welcome the National Guard, including former television Judge Joe Brown.
Of course, Trump couldn’t help but make things about him, saying at the American Cornerstone Institute Founder’s dinner that Memphis residents were “cheering the soldiers” and thanking him for sending troops.
“We are getting calls over the internet, we are getting statements: ‘Sir, thank you so much. I live in Memphis, it is so beautiful,” he claimed.
Russell Wilson, Ciara’s 3BRAND Kids’ Line Grows After $100M In 2024 Sales
The brand surpassed $70 million during the first half of 2025.
New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson and R&B diva Ciara’s children’s workout clothing line, 3BRAND, has seen $100 million in sales in 2024, and already has surpassed the $70 million mark during the first half of 2025.
According to Forbes, the married couple created3BRAND over five years ago, right before Ciara gave birth to their son, Win.
The day before she gave birth, Wilson wanted to create something for children as he watched their son, Future, holding a football under his arm, going across the room. At that moment, he drew the brand’s logo, and the couple decided on the name 3BRAND.
“A lot of the things that Ciara and I accomplished, we wrote them out as kids and had people who believed in us,” Wilson told Forbes. “But as a young kid, you ultimately have to believe in you. It’s about motivating the next generation.”
In June 2021, a 40-piece collection debuted. Presently, 3BRAND sports more than 100 items. With prices ranging from $20 to $65, people can purchase items like t-shirts, hoodies, and athletic shorts in sizes ranging from 4T (for toddlers) to children’s extra large. The brand has partnered with Haddad Brands and Nike to also sell accessories like backpacks, duffel bags, and hats.
Next for 3BRAND is expansion into international markets, specifically Europe and Latin America, after the brand found success in Japan and South Korea. Wilson also has his eyes set on expanding the product line to adults. He likens the company’s growth to football.
“I think about how I play—a lot of it is organized, but if the receiver isn’t there, you have to create that space,” Wilson said. “It was established early on that when life is hard, you create.”
Anyone interested in purchasing items from the clothing line can do so online as well as in brick-and-mortar stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nordstrom Rack.
Scotland Evicts Ghanian Man And His Followers After Declaring ‘Kingdom Of Kubala’
The self-styled 'African tribe' known as the 'Kingdom of Kubala' faces a second deportation from privately owned land in Scotland.
A Ghanaian man and his followers face deportation from Scotland after setting up the so-called “Kingdom of Kubala” in the European country.
The Scottish Borders Council is pursuing a second eviction against 36-year-old Kofi Offeh, known as “King Atehehe,” following his recent removal from private woodland in Jedburgh,Business Insider Africa reports. He was joined by his partner Jean Gasho, 43, a Zimbabwean called “Queen Nandi,” and American follower Kaura Taylor, described as their “handmaiden Asnat.”
Offeh, a former opera singer, claims the Kingdom of Kubala is a spiritual reclamation of Scottish land he says was taken from African ancestors 400 years ago. The group, which has amassed over 100,000 followers on TikTok and Facebook, believes its mission is indestructible despite repeated evictions.
“The Kingdom of Kubala can never be destroyed,” the group wrote on Facebook, according to the BBC.
After their initial eviction from private woodland in Jedburgh earlier this month, the group moved their tents just meters away onto land owned by the Scottish Borders Council, prompting new legal action. Deputy Council Leader Scott Hamilton says the move is illegal and comes despite offers to help the group receive services from local authorities.
“We can help them, but we won’t sit back and let them break the law,” Hamilton said. “Nobody is above the law, and no matter how long this takes, you can be guaranteed we will not cease.”
The group’s activities have sparked concern among locals, with authorities offering housing and support services. Reports have also surfaced suggesting that Taylor was previously listed as missing in the state of Texas.
Despite the second eviction, by Monday afternoon, the self-styled “African tribe” remained at their campfire, singing and showing no sign of leaving. The council is expected to seek an order from a sheriff to remove the trio from the privately owned land.
“The legal process to remove the occupants from the council’s land has commenced, and officers will proceed through the next steps as quickly as possible.”
Candace Owens Feels A Way About Being Excluded From Bestie Charlie Kirk’s Memorial
'They are working on a narrative, like they always do. They are squeezing, and they are trying to pretend that Charlie and I didn't speak for years.'
Candace Owens addressed the rumors on why she was a no-show at her friend Charlie Kirk’s memorial after it was alleged by a Turning Point USA board member that she and Kirk had a falling out.
During the Sept. 18 episode of The Candace Owens Show, Owens rambled about supposed lies being spouted about her relationship with the slain podcaster coming from former Turning Point board member Eric Bolling, a Fox News and Newsmax host.
Owens admitted that she wasn’t invited to speak at the memorial service, but for a specific reason. After alleging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had something to do with Kirk’s death, she believes there is an attempt to silence her.
“Like I said, the reason that they are doing this is because they want us to stop investigating the death of Charlie Kirk. I am convinced that this is a full-blown fed operation,” she said.
Owens said she heard rumors of “pressure” that came down from planning the Sept. 21 memorial while being questioned on if she attended any vigils for him or if she has a relationship with Kirk’s widow, Erika.
“No, actually, I didn’t attend a vigil and nope, you’re right, you got me. I was not invited to speak alongside President Trump and JD Vance on the stage with Tucker Carlson at a memorial event…what does this have to do with anything?,” the host questioned. “The answer is nothing. They are working on a narrative, like they always do. They are squeezing, and they are trying to pretend that Charlie and I didn’t speak for years. It could not be further from the truth, OK? Charlie and I never for a single second stopped being friends.”
She expressed concern that Turning Point donors need to be investigated, claiming what she is hearing from sources is “not good.”
For days, rumors sparked that Owens and Kirk had a falling out after Bolling appeared on Patrick Bet-David’s PBD Podcast, alleging Owens’ “theories got just a little bit too down the rabbit holes.” It was too extreme for [TPUSA’s] taste,” Bolling said, according to The New York Post.
“Charlie, to his credit, kept a cordial friendship with her for years, but it hasn’t been a communication pipeline between the two for many years,” Bolling said.
One PBD commentator said that Owens was on track to lose credibility because she fails to come with receipts of her claims.
The credibility rumors seem to be lurking in the circles of Black community members .
“Candace Owens is rage bait and always has been. She’s pandering to the left for attention, not because she’s trustworthy or because her views have actively changed,” DeRay Mckesson said on X.
Persia White Says Mara Brock Akil Is ‘Into The Idea’ Of A ‘Girlfriends’ Movie
'But now it looks like the stars might align if they can get the funding, which, I think, it's completely possible because—money, there are people with a lot of money.'
Persia White, known for her role as Lynn Ann Searcy on the hit 2000–2008 sitcom, spoke about the recent cast reunion celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary. An Instagram post by Reggie Hayes, who played William, showed him dining with co-stars Tracee Ellis Ross (Joan Clayton), Jill Marie Jones (Toni Childs-Garrett), Golden Brooks (Maya Wilkes), and creator Mara Brock Akil.
Seeing the cast together got fans excited and calling for a film adaptation, something White says could happen, with everyone, including Akil, on board.
“She’s into the idea. She said she would love to do a movie,” White told People. “And I know that the cast, most of us have said at different times to the press, we would love to.”
White said getting everyone to agree to the project is just half the battle.
“It’s not just us. It takes a whole village,” she added. The film needs the “proper funding” to be officially greenlit.
But she said it is the first time she’s seen everyone show so much interest in turning the classic sitcom into a film.
“I know there were times where people were busy, people were in different places and doing different things,” White explained. “But now it looks like the stars might align if they can get the funding, which, I think, it’s completely possible because—money, there are people with a lot of money.”
In addition to having Akil on board with the film, the cast also has the support of the show’s executive producer, actor Kelsey Grammer.
“He’s been talking on the red carpet about, ‘Oh, I would do Girlfriends.’ And I was like, ‘Is he serious?’ I need to know. I literally need to know for my own mind and my own sanity. Like, are you serious?” White shared.
Girlfriends chronicled the lives of four friends navigating life’s challenges and joys together. From dating and divorce to friendships, family, and relationships, the show highlighted the power of support across different backgrounds. Its themes continue to resonate as viewers stream the series on Netflix.
