by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 26, 2021

Atlantic Coast Conference Student-Athletes Urge Congress to Pass National Name, Image and Likeness Law

With the recent changes that the National Collegiate Athletic Association implemented that allows student-athletes to profit off of their name, image, and likeness (NIL), many players have been able to capitalize as several have signed multi-million dollar deals.

Since there are no set guidelines in place when it comes to what students can be compensated, according to Sports Illustrated, a group of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) athletes recently sent a letter to some U.S. Senators to encourage the lawmakers to create and pass a universal law.

At least one athlete from every one of the schools that are included within the ACC schools has signed the letter that was sent. The letter tells the senators that there should be a federal law and it outlines three aspects that lawmakers should consider when designing a Congressional NIL bill.

In the letter, the students wrote,  “We, the student–athletes of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), call upon Congress to pass federal legislation to regulate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) uniformly across all states. A national bill, we believe, will empower student–athletes to monetize their NIL, protect them from manipulation and exploitation, and maintain the current collegiate athletics model to ensure competitive equity for all student-athletes.”

The student representatives have also recommended that lawmakers consider three principles when designing an NIL bill:

• Allow athletes to enter group licensing deals at the discretion of school and permit them to market themselves while using institution trademarks and logos.

• Require athletes attend annual educational sessions as well as install a national NIL rule-enforcing entity to ensure compliance from athletes, schools and third parties.

• Do not completely change the “collegiate model” that might leave schools no choice but to reduce scholarships and cut programs for budgetary reasons.

The letter sent to the senators has been signed by the student-athlete representative of the 15 schools (two from Syracuse)

Declan McGranahan (Boston College); George Marks (Clemson); Wil Hoyle IV (Duke); Jenna Johnson (Florida State); Nicole Fegans (Georgia Tech); Evan Conley (Louisville); Sydney Knapp (Miami); Jillian Shippee (North Carolina); Leon Krapf (North Carolina State); Max Siegel II (Notre Dame); Olivia Miller (Pittsburgh); Emma Gossman (Syracuse); Eleanor Lawler (Syracuse); Cabrel Happi (Virginia); Kahlil Dover (Virginia Tech); and Lyndon Wood (Wake Forest).

Nick Cannon Says He’s Taking a Break After Having Seven Kids With Four Women
by Charlene Rhinehart

September 26, 2021

Nick Cannon Says He’s Taking a Break After Having Seven Kids With Four Women

Entertainer Nick Cannon has been making headlines this year for his rapid production of kids.
From December 2020 – July 2021, the comedian welcomed four kids to his family. But the father of seven says that he may be slowing down.
Entertainment Tonight recently caught up with the infamously fertile 40-year-old about his personal life. Fans are wondering if there are more kids in the pipeline.

“I’m not sitting out here planning it. My therapist says I should be celibate,” Cannon shared in an interview on Thursday. “I come from a big family, I have several siblings, [and] being raised in an unorthodox family by my grandparents at times, I’ve experienced such a wide range of upbringing that I have such a love and passion for kids and family. I want a big family too. The Lord has blessed me with what I asked. Ask and you shall receive.”

Nick Cannon is Open to Having More Kids

Although Cannon is uncertain about his plans to settle down, he’s made it clear that he is not putting a limit on how many kids he will produce. He’s open to expanding his family in the future. But at the moment, Cannon may listen to the advice of his therapist. That means he may pause his bedroom duties and become celibate.

“Ok, give me a break bus. I’ma take a break from having kids,” Cannon said.

Last month, the Masked Singer host appeared on The Breakfast Club. He stirred up trouble when he talked about his marriage views, sharing that it was a “Eurocentric concept” that doesn’t fit his philosophy.

“The idea that you’re supposed to have this one person for the rest of your life,” Cannon shared. The idea that a man should have one woman….we shouldn’t have anything. I have no ownership over this person.”

Cannon’s polyamorous lifestyle has been attracting a lot of attention. JT, a member of the City Girls rap group, advised the Pied Piper of baby-making to “wrap it up” during an interview on Power 106.

But Cannon isn’t ashamed of his growing family.

“I’m having these kids on purpose,” the comedian responded. “I didn’t have no accident.”

Cannon has seven children with four different women. His family includes 10-year-old twins, son Moroccan and daughter Monroe, with his ex-wife and singer Mariah Carey. Model and former beauty queen, Brittany Bell, gave birth to his daughter Powerful Queen (December 2020) and son Golden (February 2017). This June, Cannon welcomed another set of twins, Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir, with ex-girlfriend and professional DJ, Abby De La Rosa. His latest addition, Zen, was born in July with Wild N’ Out” model Alyssa Scott.

Outkast Reunited: Andre 3000 And Son Seven Spotted With Big Boi At His Son’s Football Game
by Tai Saint-Louis

September 26, 2021

Outkast Reunited: Andre 3000 And Son Seven Spotted With Big Boi At His Son’s Football Game

Could the Outkast song or album fans have been waiting for finally be on the way?

Andre 3000 and Big Boi were photographed together by a fan during a rare sighting in Eugene, Oregon. Captioning the photo, “Coolest Duck game ever,” a University of Oregon fan shared the selfie with on Twitter. The iconic Atlanta duo were in full Daddy-mode, with Dre’s son Seven in tow as they watched Big’s son Cross on the field.

Since being posted on Saturday night, the photo has been liked over 8,000 and re-shared over 1,500 times; and of course drawn plenty of replies alluding to the reunion fans have been wanting for over a decade.

The Outkast Reunion conversation sparked back up three weeks ago, when an Andre 3000-featured Kanye West song was leaked to the internet – allegedly by Drake – after being left off of Ye’s album Donda. 3 Stacks responded with a full statement expressing his disappointment that the song didn’t make the cut and the fact that he had no clue Kanye’s verse would include a Drake diss. Dre, for his part, stayed on topic, addressing his heartfelt verse to his mother Sharon, who passed away in 2013.

In the statement, the illusive rapper also shared a list of artist he would love to collaborate with, including Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Lil’ Baby, but notably did not reference his Dungeon Family brother. The two did recently celebrate the 25th anniversary of their sophomore album, ATLiens, with new merch, a new mobile game and a animated video for “Two Dope Boys (In A Cadillac)”.

Following the Duck’s 41-19 win over the Arizona Wildcats, Big Boi shared a celebratory video with his Instagram followers.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Big Boi (@bigboi)

Patti Labelle Says Gladys Knight is Helping Her Grieve; She Paid Tribute to Sarah Dash at Georgia Concert
by Kia Morgan Smith

September 26, 2021

Patti Labelle Says Gladys Knight is Helping Her Grieve; She Paid Tribute to Sarah Dash at Georgia Concert

On Saturday, the incomparable Grammy-award winning musicians Patti Labelle and Gladys Knight took center stage at the new state-of-the-art Stockbridge Amphitheater in Georgia marking perhaps Labelle’s first concert appearance since the untimely death of her former Labelle group member and close friend Sarah Dash.

Labelle and Knight rocked the night and had fans up on their feet in the 3,200-seat facility, singing along with the legendary divas — from Labelle’s powerful “Over the Rainbow” rendition to Knight’s crooning of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” a cult-classic that is undoubtedly her hometown anthem.

But it was a tender moment from Labelle who spoke candidly about losing Dash so suddenly, that had fans wiping away tears too. Dash who was a former member of the Bluebelles in 1962 which changed later to Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles,  passed away on Sept. 20 at the age of 76 just days after Labelle gave Dash her flowers on stage at a concert after singing together.

Patti Labelle Performs at the new Stockbridge Amphitheater (Image: Black Enterprise)

Labelle said Gladys Knight has been helping her grieve through the loss of Dash and “several other family members,” she’s lost.

“Gladys has been in the back with me praying. I was with her when she lost members of the Pips,” she said through tears and her voice trembling. “So now we’ve lost a Labelle. God bless Sarah Dash.”

She admitted that Gladys Knight has given her a shoulder to lean on through the tears and said she’s been there and even prayed with her before she hit the stage.

Patti Labelle
Patti Labelle Performs at the new Stockbridge Amphitheater. Pays Tribute to Sarah Dash (Image: Black Enterprise)

Labelle then sang a tribute to Dash as a video tribute played in the background, flashing across the screen years of photo memories of the singers decked out in elaborate costumes and exotic looks that became the hallmark of the group.

The critically-acclaimed Godmother of Soul who hails from Philadelphia, and Knight, the Empress of Soul who hails from Atlanta, have been fast friends for decades. The two recently made headlines teaming up for a Verzuz battle that was less battle and more of a sisterhood and lovefest because, “we don’t fight,” Labelle said on stage Saturday about the  IG Live event. “We’re sisters,” she quipped.

Following the news of Dash’s death last week, Labelle said in a statement on Instagram, “We were just on stage together on Saturday and it was such a powerful and special moment. Sarah Dash was an awesomely talented, beautiful, and loving soul who blessed my life and the lives of so many others in more ways than I can say. And I could always count on her to have my back! That’s who Sarah was…a loyal friend and a voice for those who didn’t have one.”

Patti Labelle
Patti Labelle Performs at the new Stockbridge Amphitheater (Image: Black Enterprise)
Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight Performs at the new Stockbridge Amphitheater (Image: Stockbridge Amphitheater)

 

Patti Labelle Performs at the new Stockbridge Amphitheater. Pays Tribute to Sarah Dash (Image: Black Enterprise)
Gladys Knight Performs at the new Stockbridge Amphitheater (Image: Stockbridge Amphitheater)
Stockbridge Mayor & Council pictured with Musician Patti LaBelle (Image: City of Stockbridge)
Gladys Knight
Stockbridge Mayor & Council pictured with Musician Gladys Knight
(Image: City of Stockbridge)
Michael Jordan’s Son Jeffrey Arrested in Arizona for Allegedly Assaulting Hospital Employee
by Charlene Rhinehart

September 26, 2021

Michael Jordan’s Son Jeffrey Arrested in Arizona for Allegedly Assaulting Hospital Employee

Michael Jordan’s 32-year-old son, Jeffrey Jordan, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a hospital employee on Friday night. The incident occurred after Scottsdale police rushed Jeffrey to the hospital for a head injury.

According to Scottsdale police officers, the former college basketball player was at Casa Amigos cocktail bar and Mexican restaurant on September 24. While at the restaurant, he “fell and hit his head,” TMZ Sports reported. Security summoned police officers who were already at the restaurant for a different call to assist Jeffrey.

The cops interrogated bar personnel to determine what happened. Sources say that Jeffrey slipped and hit the back of his head on one of the tables at the restaurant. His head started bleeding. Officers classified the event as “medical in nature” instead of criminal. The paramedics were sent to the scene to evaluate the injuries.

Reports suggest that Jeffrey was “combative” as he was escorted out of the restaurant. He was transported in an ambulance to receive medical treatment.

Jeffrey Jordan Arrested for Reportedly Assaulting Hospital Staff

ll of Famer Michael Jordan experienced a turn of events the next day.

While receiving medical treatment at the hospital, police said that Jeffrey struck a hospital employee. He was sent to jail on Saturday after being released from the hospital. The former basketball player was booked on one count of aggravated assault against a healthcare professional. Police shared that Jordan was not charged with a crime. He was released from the Scottsdale City Jail around 2:14 p.m. on Saturday.
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s office will review the case. Scottsdale police have not released further details about what triggered Jordan’s alleged assault case.

NBA legend Michael Jordan has not publicly reacted to his son’s arrest yet. He was at the 2021 Ryder Cup in Wisconsin on Friday.

Jeffrey Jordan is the oldest of Michael Jordan’s five kids. He played college basketball from 2007-2012. Jeffrey made a name for himself at the University of Illinois and the University of Central Florida.

The son of Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan has transitioned to corporate and community leadership. He leads the digital innovation department at Nike for the Jordan Brand. He’s also the co-founder of the Heir Jordan foundation alongside his brother Marcus Jordan. Last year, he co-founded the Jordan Akavian Group.  The company is an early-stage investing and advising firm that works with the world’s top entrepreneurs and companies.

Learn Python Programming With This Expert-Led Training For Only $30
by Black Enterprise Shop

September 26, 2021

Learn Python Programming With This Expert-Led Training For Only $30

Acquiring technical education is a must in today’s workplace. Programming is a skill that is increasingly in demand, and learning a programming language or two can get you far. But if you’re gunning for a career in data science, insurance, retail banking, finance, and healthcare, it would be best to get acquainted with Python.

Python is well on its way to becoming one of the world’s most-used coding languages. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it’s also easy to learn. Its syntax is not intimidating to beginner programmers since it’s simple to read and understand. If you’re a coding newbie, kickstarting your foray into programming with Python would make the most sense. You can begin your journey with the Premium Python Programming Certification Bundle, which is currently on sale for $29.99.

With 10 courses and 91 hours of expert instruction, this course collection is put together to strengthen your programming career and increase your earning potential. Under the guidance of seasoned programmers and instructors like Juan Galvan, Joe Rahl, Boris Paskhaver, and Andreu Marques, you can expect to learn how Python works, its core language fundamentals, and all its basics and advanced functions.

But the main draw of this bundle is it gives you the training you need to not only create software programs and scape websites, but also let you explore data science and visualization. Apart from building cool projects like card games, you will also get the chance to explore machine learning, natural language processing, and more, so you can become a well-rounded Python programmer.

The Premium Python Programming Certification Bundle is valued at $2,000, but for a limited time, you can grab it on sale for just $29.99. That comes out to less than $3 per course.

Prices subject to change.

U.S. Agency to Probe Amtrak Derailment That Killed 3 in Montana
by Kia Morgan Smith

September 26, 2021

U.S. Agency to Probe Amtrak Derailment That Killed 3 in Montana

(Reuters) -At least three people died on Saturday and some passengers were injured after seven cars of an Amtrak train went off the rails in north-central Montana, an official at a local sheriff’s office said.

The National Transportation Safety Board said late on Saturday it will investigate the incident.

People trapped aboard soon after the derailment have all been taken off the train, said the official of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

There were multiple injuries but no final count, the official added. A social media user posted photos of train cars on their side after the incident and other damaged train cars.

The cause of the incident was not immediately clear.

The Seattle-bound Empire Builder train had about 146 passengers and 16 crew aboard when seven cars derailed near Joplin, Amtrak said.

The 10-car train with two locomotives had departed from Chicago.

Amtrak said Empire Builder trains originating Saturday are canceled between Minot, North Dakota and Shelby, Montana, while on Sunday the westbound Empire Builder train will terminate in Minneapolis and an eastbound Empire Builder train will originate in Minneapolis.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner and David Shepardson; Editing by Nick Zieminski, Clarence Fernandez and William Mallard)

 

Obamas Will Head to Chicago to Celebrate Groundbreaking for Obama Presidential Center
by Charlene Rhinehart

September 25, 2021

Obamas Will Head to Chicago to Celebrate Groundbreaking for Obama Presidential Center

The Obamas are returning to Chicago to kick off the groundbreaking for the Obama Presidential Center.

The center, built in partnership with the University of Chicago, will be located in the Jackson Park neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. The new landmark will house a public library, children’s center, museum, and community space.

“When it came time to plan the Obama Presidential Center, we wanted to give something back to the place that gave us so much,” Michelle Obama shared in a video. “This project has reminded us why the South Side and the people who live here are so special. It’s reaffirmed what Barack and I have always believed –that the future here is as bright as it is anywhere else.”

Barack adds, “With your help, we can make this center a catalyst for economic opportunity, a new world-class destination on the South Side, and a platform for young people to drive change.”

The virtual festivities will take place on Monday, September 27 and Tuesday, September 28, the Obama Foundation announced on Twitter. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker will participate in the momentous occasion. The virtual event is open to the public via Obama.org.

“Upon completion, the Obama Presidential Center will serve as an economic and cultural nucleus for our city’s historic South Side,” said Mayor Lightfoot in a statement, “In addition to attracting visitors from all over our city and around the world, the OPC will also bring in new businesses and create new jobs – providing residents in the surrounding communities with the resources they need to lead happy, fulfilled and stable lives.”

Obamas Return to Chicago to Celebrate Groundbreaking for Obama Presidential Center

Five years ago, the Obama Foundation announced Jackson Park as the home for the Obama Presidential Center. In August 2016, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel presented the Obama Foundation with approximately 20 acres of land, according to the Chicago Reader.

After delays due to federal review, construction is underway.

Valerie President, President of the Obama Foundation and Former Senior Advisor to President Obama, looks forward to the impact that the landmark will have on Chicago’s South Side.

“Having grown up on the South Side while seeing historic investment on the North Side and disinvestment on the South Side, we have an opportunity to weave the city together both physically and symbolically,” says Valerie Jarrett, according to Politico.

Michelle and Barack Obama Impact Chicago

This project is symbolic to the Obamas for several reasons. First, it’s a way for the Obama’s to give back to the communities that groomed them. Michelle was born and raised in the South Shore community. She met Barack in Chicago and they built a family together in the Hyde Park community.

Chicago’s South Side is where Obama got a taste of community organizing in the late 1980s. He helped create an employment training and development program for residents seeking jobs. He also assisted in the creation of a tenants’ rights organization in the Altgeld Gardens housing projects. In 2008, his historic Presidential election brought residents together from all over the city to celebrate.

Now the couple is returning to their city to celebrate the future of Chicago.

“The South Side of Chicago is where I was born and raised,” Michelle Obama wrote on Twitter. “And it’s where Barack Obama and I started our family. We’re thrilled to head back home next week to celebrate the virtual groundbreaking for the Obama Presidential Center!”

Transforming Chicago’s South Side

The Obama Presidential Center has the potential to bring more than $3 billion to the city each year, the Obama Foundation estimated. The center can create up to 5,000 jobs and become a popular tourist attraction.

“I spent my entire childhood and adulthood seeing the South Side overlooked,” Valerie Jarrett told the Chicago Tribune. “For generations now, the South Side of Chicago hasn’t seen the kind of investment and attention that I think it deserves. So, long overdue, and I couldn’t be more proud that it is President and Mrs. Obama who decided to make this major investment in the South Side of Chicago.”

HBCU Graduate Ayo Davis Named President of Disney Branded Television
by Charlene Rhinehart

September 25, 2021

HBCU Graduate Ayo Davis Named President of Disney Branded Television

Ayo Davis has been promoted to president of Disney Branded Television.

Davis, a graduate of Dillard University, succeeds Gary Marsh. For the past year, Marsh has served as president and chief creative officer of Disney Branded Television. Now, Marsh is stepping down to launch his own production company. He secured a multi-year deal with Disney General Entertainment to create content for the company’s streaming platforms. Marsh will end his 33-year tenure at the end of 2021.

Disney announced Davis’ promotion on September 23rd. Davis will report to the Chairman of Disney General Entertainment (DGE), Peter Rice.

“Ayo is a focused leader with impeccable creative instincts who’s excelled in every role she’s held at Disney,” Rice shared in a statement. “Her creative eye for talent has made a meaningful impact in front of and behind the camera, from iconic shows across our networks that were defined by their casting choices to building a roster of creative talent that will redefine family programming at Disney Branded Television. She’s the absolute perfect person to lead the team at a time they are broadening their remit to develop more family programming across streaming and cable distribution. I’m excited to watch all she will accomplish.”

Disney Taps Ayo Davis as President of Disney Branded Television

Last year, Davis was appointed to the role of executive vice president of creative development and strategy under Gary Marsh. In her newly-created role, she oversaw programming for Disney Branded Television platforms such as Disney Plus and Disney Channel.

As the President of Disney Branded Television, Davis will oversee content programming for families, kids, teens, and tweens. She will be responsible for the strategy, development, and production of Disney XD, Disney Junior, and Disney Channel.

“I am beyond grateful to Peter Rice and Gary Marsh for their extraordinary leadership, support and mentorship,” added Davis. “It’s a tremendous honor to continue Gary’s legacy of delighting kids and families through Disney Branded TV’s unparalleled storytelling, and it’s an amazing time for kids and family programming.

Many people are thrilled to work with Davis in this new leadership role. While at Disney, she’s been able to create meaningful partnerships and attract high-caliber projects. She’s brought more diverse stories to the table and has strengthened the brand’s reputation. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ayo has been making an impact at Disney for nearly two decades.

“We have been working with Ayo over the past year on scripted and unscripted series, and she’s second to none as a partner and collaborator,” says Chris McCumber, Blumhouse TV President. “She has impeccable taste, great creative instincts, and she’s a generous human being. Her new appointment is well deserved.”

Meghan and Harry Donate $25,000 to Melba’s Black-Owned Restaurant After Tasting Chicken and Waffles
by Charlene Rhinehart

September 25, 2021

Meghan and Harry Donate $25,000 to Melba’s Black-Owned Restaurant After Tasting Chicken and Waffles

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stopped in Harlem to try Melba’s chicken and waffles on Friday (September 24), according to Page Six. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also left a generous tip. Before leaving, they pledged to donate $25,000 towards the company’s COVID-19 Employee Relief Fund.

Melba’s Restaurant, named after founder Melba Wilson, is a premier soul food destination in New York City. This black-owned restaurant was opened in 2005. The restaurant serves an array of comfort foods such as Melba’s Spring Rolls, Southern Crab Cakes, and Fried Catfish Strips. You can also order creative entrees, including Southern Fried Chicken Wings & Eggnog Waffles and BBQ Turkey Meatloaf.

Page Six reports that this was the first time Prince Harry had a taste of chicken and waffles. Diners at the restaurant were shocked to spot Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. One person noted that Prince Harry was served Southern fried chicken and eggnog waffles, catfish, spring rolls, and yams. The couple also added in a family favorite, collard greens, which Meghan’s mother often prepares for the couple.

Melba was excited to give The Duke and Duchess of Sussex a taste of her restaurant’s famous foods. She shared the news about her special guests on Instagram.

“It was such an honor to officially welcome Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Melba’s! I am so thankful for their commitment to donate $25k and hope to welcome them back soon. Thank you for dining with us! 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Support Melba’s Restaurant

The 114th Street Harlem restaurant is giving the community more than food. Melba’s is providing job opportunities to people who may have been impacted by COVID-19.

Melba’s COVID-19 Employee Relief Fund was founded to provide financial support to hourly workers at the restaurant. Since many families have struggled during the pandemic, the fund is designed to give a helping hand. This fund was created through a partnership with Team Unity Incorporated — a nonprofit organization that supports diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives.

The fund’s goal is to raise a minimum of $250,000. Thanks to the generosity of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the organization will obtain 10% of its base fundraising goal.

The royal couple has been full of surprises during the pandemic. While in Harlem, Meghan Markle visited PS 123 Mahalia Jackson School. She read her first children’s book, The Bench, to second-grade students, People reported.

The elementary school students aren’t the only ones excited to be in the presence of royalty. Melba’s conversation with The Duke and Duchess was a moment to remember. Melba shared her excitement on her page earlier today.

“This was truly a dream come true for this girl who was Born, Bred and Buttered in Harlem!,” Melba posted. “I am forever grateful!”

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