‘It Is Beyond Words’: Black Physician Who Empowers Students With Disabilities Surprised With $1M
by Atiya Jordan

October 21, 2022

‘It Is Beyond Words’: Black Physician Who Empowers Students With Disabilities Surprised With $1M

After suffering from a spinal cord injury, a former All-American track star turned trailblazing doctor found a loving home in the disability community where he actively uplifts and empowers students.

Dr. Feranmi Okanlami, director of disability services and adaptive sports at the University of Michigan, received a hefty surprise for his inspiring efforts. On behalf of the the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Good Morning America presented Okanlami with a well-earned $1 million, ABC News reported.

“This is not a me thing, this is an us thing,” Okanlami responded, according to the outlet.

Back in 2013, the Stanford graduate, who hails from Nigeria and has an Indiana upbringing, endured a life-changing accident at a pool party.

https://twitter.com/Okanlami/status/1279548882062630915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

“His cervical injury was high enough that most people who have [experience the same injury] are not expected to ever be able to walk or stand,” Okanlami’s mother, Bunmi explained, per ABC News.

Through physical therapy, he turned his pain into triumph and pursued his path to becoming a physician. Okanlami has since devoted himself to “disabusing disability” and advocating for equity and inclusion for people with disabilities. He was instrumental in building the University of Michigan’s disability program to where it is today.

Joined by family, friends, and colleagues, Okanlami continued to express his gratitude.

“The fact that they were able to orchestrate this somehow amidst all of the other things they’ve been doing—through COVID, through family deaths, through injury, through sickness—so the emotion is about every single person here and those that aren’t here, those at Michigan, those at other institutions and in other [countries], those on other continents with and without disabilities that have supported us to get to where we are,” he said.

“It is beyond words.”

The public’s response to Okanlami’s reward has been tremendous.

A Real Hero, Mentor, Role Model. Thank you “Dr. O”. #Inspiration #thursdaymorning

— Dan (@CrosshairDan) October 20, 2022

 

Congrats, Dr. O! 〽️

— Michigan Marching & Athletic Bands (@umichband) October 20, 2022

Shaquille O'Neal
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 21, 2022

Shaquille O’Neal Docuseries To Chronicle NBA Legend’s Rise From Pro Baller to Businessman

If you haven’t had enough of Shaquille O’Neal through his podcast, TNT show, or commercials, then you will be happy to learn that the NBA Hall of Famer will be the focus of an upcoming documentary series.

HBO has announced that the seven-foot, one-inch entrepreneur will be the subject of a docuseries that will focus on his life and career. SHAQ, from director Robert Alexander and Peter Berg’s Film 45 premieres next month.

“We kept this documentary real from the start, and I do feel like it is the most honest look into my life and career up until this point,” O’Neal said. “This process allowed me to reflect publicly in a way I haven’t before, and I’m so proud of the work everyone has done to put it all together.”

The docuseries will debut Wednesday, November 23, 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The remaining episodes will air every Wednesday on HBO and will be available through HBO’s streaming service, HBO Max.

SHAQ will feature interviews with the man himself and tell the story of how he utilized his basketball skills and personality to dominate a sport and turn himself into a cultural icon. It will detail his rise as he became a dominant force while winning four NBA championships, earning league MVP honors, and changing the game in the process.

The series will also cover his life off the court, from his beginnings being raised in a military family, exploring his deepest personal relationships, and looking into his broadcasting career and business ventures.

To give a more detailed insight into O’Neal, there are interviews, including teammates Penny Hardaway, Dwyane Wade, Dennis Scott, Brian Shaw, Derek Fisher, and Rick Fox. There are also conversations with head coaches Phil Jackson and Pat Riley, and former Los Angeles Lakers general manager Jerry West. Members of O’Neal’s immediate family also provide their thoughts.

Washington, D.C. Real Estate Companies Get Record-Breaking $10M Penalty for Housing Discrimination
by Stacy Jackson

October 21, 2022

Washington, D.C. Real Estate Companies Get Record-Breaking $10M Penalty for Housing Discrimination

Three real estate companies in Washington, D.C. face a record-breaking penalty of $10 million for discriminating against tenants who use Section 8 vouchers and other types of housing assistance.

According to Bloomberg, DARO Management Services, DARO Realty, and New York-based parent company Infinity Real Estate entities were sued by the district over discriminatory housing practices.

The fine is reportedly the largest civil penalty ever charged in a housing discrimination case.

“If you follow this playbook, you will face consequences,” District of Columbia’s attorney general Karl Racine said in a message to all landlords about the housing discrimination.

According to the complaint, renters who used federal housing choice vouchers like Section 8 were charged extra fees. The district attained documents that “pointed to purposeful intent to discriminate,” including email instructions from Infinity investment director Jared Engel to DARO Management president Carissa Barry to “find ways to reject” voucher holders.

“Off the record, I am doing everything I can to reduce if not eliminate the Section 8 program from our communities. We have tightened our screening criteria as much as humanly possible,” Barry wrote in an email to Infinity managing partner and founder Steven Kassin.

Bloomberg also provided that the case showed the companies rejection toward housing assistance for tenants facing homelessness. Applicants with subsidies were met with stricter standards that disqualified them for residences.

“This case demonstrates the rampant discrimination that tenants who use vouchers and other assistance face, and that this discrimination is destructive to families and communities,” said Deborah Thrope, deputy director for the nonprofit National Housing Law Project, in an email.

“We hope that the settlement sends a message to landlords in the District that source of income won’t be tolerated, and to states and localities across the country that they can and must do more to enforce their own laws,” she added.

According to the Washington City Paper, DARO has 18 months to pay the $10 million in penalties and formally dissolve its property management business. Ownership of any residential real estate management company in D.C. by the defendants will also be prohibited, according to the settlement.

“When landlords break the law and refuse to accept vouchers, it’s reminiscent of Jim Crow-era housing discrimination policies intended to restrain opportunities for Black residents,” Racine said.

‘Love, Life, Laughter and Lessons’, Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett Talk Starring In Tyler Perry’s ‘Zatima’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 21, 2022

‘Love, Life, Laughter and Lessons’, Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett Talk Starring In Tyler Perry’s ‘Zatima’

Devale Ellis and Crystal Renee Hayslett are the stars in Tyler Perry’s Zatima, the new BET+ series that follows popular Sistas characters Zac (Ellis) and Fatima (Hayslett) as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship.

In Sistas, viewers saw Fatima working as an assistant at a law company when she met Zac, an ex-convict trying to rebuild his life. As they grew closer, Zac and Fatima decided to take their budding romance to the next level.

In Tyler Perry’s Zatima, audiences will be introduced to where the couple’s relationship stands now that they’ve decided to make it official and start a new life together. Speaking exclusively with BLACK ENTERPRISE, Ellis and Hayslett shared the common themes and takeaways from the new spinoff.

I like to say that the theme of Zatima is Love, Life, Laughter and Lessons,” Hayslette said.

“As Zac and Fatima navigate life and love together, we’re also bringing the audience on this ride with us to grow and learn valuable lessons that we all go through. And because life is hard enough, we find a way to laugh through a lot of the growing pains of love.”

Ellis’ explained how Zac and Fatima share a real-life depiction of the struggles many new couples face when learning how to navigate life together.

“I would have to say communication, grace, friendship and change,” are the central theme, Ellis said. “In season 1 we get the chance to watch two people who are madly in love with each other try to infuse this new found love into their already complicated life with longtime friends and family.”

Fans of Sistas are familiar with the start of Zac and Fatima’s love story. But Zatima gives audiences an inside look into Fatima’s upbringing and how it impacted her decisions in life.

“On Zatima you get to see the backstory of Zac and Fatima,” Hayslett said.

“You get an inside look as to why Fatima makes a lot of the choices she makes and it all starts to make sense as to why she is the way she is. You also get to meet Fatima’s family & girlfriends which adds another dynamic that you don’t get to see on Sistas,” she continued.

With Zac being a former convict, Zatima gives fans an update on how he’s progressing in his life and career after his firsthand experience with America’s criminal justice system.

“In Zatima, thankfully Zac has ascended beyond his issues dealing with recidivism,” Ellis explained. “We finally get a chance to see Zac live freely in this new space of financial security.”

When it comes to why Zatima is important and what the stars of the new series hope viewers will take away, there’s one key component the actors centered on when filming.

“We made a conscious effort to portray love in a way that gives the audience hope,” Hayslett said.

“Leaving every week with something that makes them hold on to their significant other a little tighter.”

Courtesy of BET+

For those who are single and just enjoy good content, Zatima has something for you too.

“For our singles, like myself, you’ll feel a little more hope that you’ll find your “perfect” fit one day — if that’s even what you want,” Hayslett said. “Ultimately we just want to bring some light into everyone’s homes.

Catch Tyler Perry’s Zatima on BET+.

Five U.S. States Will Vote On Prison Labor, Which Many Consider Slavery, In November’s Midterm Elections
by Derek Major

October 21, 2022

Five U.S. States Will Vote On Prison Labor, Which Many Consider Slavery, In November’s Midterm Elections

Voters in five states will vote on whether to close loopholes related to forced prison labor.

The Associated Press reports while none of the proposals would lead to immediate changes in Alabama, Louisiana, Oregon, Tennessee and Vermont’s prisons, they could lead to legal challenges to how the states use prison labor, which according to many is another form of slavery.

The effort is part of an increasing national movement to amend the 13th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which banned enslavement or involuntary servitude except when it comes to criminal punishment, something criminal justice advocates find long overdue.

“The idea that you could ever finish the sentence ‘slavery’s OK when … ’ has to rip out your soul, and I think it’s what makes this a fight that ignores political lines and brings us together, because it feels so clear,” Bianca Tylek, executive director of the criminal justice advocacy group Worth Rises, told the AP.

Using prison labor is common in the United States.

According to the AP, 20 states have language in their constitutions that allow slavery and involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment. States that use prison labor range from Mississippi, where prisoners are regularly used as a source of cheap labor, to New York, where inmates made hand sanitizer during the pandemic.

Colorado was the first state to remove the language from its constitution in 2018. Utah and Nebraska have since followed suit.

The issue is playing out in each state’s races. Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-TN) told the Associated Press he was astounded when she was told about the slavery exemption in the state’s constitution and has been trying to get rid of the language since 2019.

“When I found out that this exception existed, I thought, ‘We have got to fix this and we’ve got to fix this right away,’” Akbari said. “Our constitution should reflect the values and the beliefs of our state.”

Alabama is asking voters to eliminate all racist language from its constitution and replace a section on convict labor. In Vermont, the proposed change voters will decide on will replace the current exception clause with language stating that “slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited in this State.”

Oregon’s proposed changes will repeal the exception clause and add language allowing a court, probation, or parole agency to seek alternatives to incarceration in sentencing.

Louisiana’s proposed changes have drawn widespread criticism in the state due to concerns that the replacement language may make matters worse. According to the nonprofit the Council For A Better Louisiana, the wording could technically allow slavery again as well as indentured servitude.

“This amendment is an example of why it is so important to get the language right when presenting constitutional amendments to voters,” the nonprofit group said in a statement to the AP, urging voters to choose “No” and lawmakers to try again.

Kimantni Rawlins,‘The Driving Force’ , HBCU
by Stacy Jackson

October 21, 2022

Automotive Group Agrees to $3.38M Settlement For Discriminating Against Black and Latino Customers

Ever wonder why some dealers never greet customers with the same prices advertised on their vehicles?

Passport Automotive Group has settled with the Federal Trade Commission for $3.38 million after a lawsuit claimed the dealer group charged illegal fees and discriminated against Black and Latino customers.

According to Jalopnik, Passport Automotive consists of nine dealerships located in the Washington, D.C metro area. The company was accused of tacking on major fees that were made up by the dealers. Passport misled their customers into believing all of the fees were required to pay.

The complaint includes that many of the fees reflected discriminatory practices where Black and Latino customers were charged higher interest rates as a markup as opposed to the lower numbers white customers were receiving. The suit reported that within a three-year span, Black customers were charged about $291 in more in interest; Latino customers were charged about $235 more.

“The Commission is continuing its crackdown on junk fees and discriminatory practices that harm Black and Latino consumers,” FTC’s director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection said in a statement.

Automotive News reported that Passport denied all allegations. However, the dealer agreed to pay the fine requested by FTC.

“The charging of fees was an isolated incident that only involved a group of three employees, and those employees are no longer part of the organization,’” the dealer told the outlet in a prepared statement.

The complaint reads in part, “Passport Nissan of Marlow Heights advertised a Certified PreOwned 2018 Nissan Rogue for $24,050. However, it subsequently charged the buyer $2,390 in fees, purportedly required for reconditioning and certification. As a result, the buyer ended up paying at least $2,390 more than the advertised price to purchase the vehicle. In another instance, Passport Mazda advertised a Certified Pre-Owned 2016 CX-5 for $19,900, but then charged the buyer a $695 fee, purportedly required for certification.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 21, 2022

‘Effortlessly Iconic’ Lori Harvey Launches Campaigns With Gymshark and Cadillac

Lori Harvey continues to lend her good looks, toned physique, and passion for fitness and the good life to get behind campaigns that resonate with her.

On the heels of being announced as the new face of GymShark, the pilates enthusiast is helping unveil GymShark’s new Elevate collection. The versatile and stylish pieces include everything from sports bras, leggings, and cycling shorts to flared leggings, all-in-one bodysuits, and sleek zip-up jackets.

The collection was crafted from Gymshark’s new soft RLSE made with 75% recycled nylon. Other pieces include patterned pullovers, asymmetric tank tops, and studio accessories.

It was just two weeks ago when Harvey took to Instagram to announce partnership with GymShark and tease the Elevate collection.

“I’m so excited to share that I’m the face of the new Gymshark Elevate campaign shot by the talented Sasha Samsonova,” Harvey shared in the caption.

“Can’t wait to see you all in the collection.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@loriharvey)

The Elevate collection has pieces ranging in price from $38 to $70.

Harvey’s work with GymShark came just ahead of her inclusion in Cadillac’s new Celestiq campaign launch. The SKN By LH founder sported a black mini dress while posing alongside the new luxury vehicle.

“Effortlessly Iconic ✨ @cadillac #CELESTIQ #ad,” she captioned the post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lori Harvey (@loriharvey)

Harvey, the daughter of comedian and TV personality Steve Harvey, paired the black dress with a pair of open-toe black heels that showed off her clean white mani-pedi. She wore a side part on her new chopped look and topped the look with nude lipstick and a sleek cat eye.

Her followers didn’t hold back their praise for the 25-year-old socialite.

“She fine fine,” one fan wrote.

“Gorgeous as usual,” added another.

Black Woman’s Detroit Home Was Foreclosed and Awarded To a White Woman For Free
by Atiya Jordan

October 21, 2022

Black Woman’s Detroit Home Was Foreclosed and Awarded To a White Woman For Free

A 47-year-old Black woman, Tomeka Langford, lost her home due to missing payments and a lack of notification. Her starter Detroit home was sold to a white woman for free, and the grueling story was recounted in The Guardian.

Langford, a renter, finally purchased her starter Banglatown home for $700 in 2010.

Her goal was to trade in monthly rent for home ownership, and lucky for her, Detroit listings were incredibly cheap. As low as they were, the homes required repairs and had hefty property tax bills.

In 2010 and 2011, Langford said she spent about $6,000 or $7,000 in repairs.

Foreclosure mishap

While repairs were underway, the family stayed in a rental and made periodic visits to the new home. But when they were forced to spend weeks away from the home, as a result of the flu, the family discovered the house in shambles.

“When we did get back there, somebody had broken in and stolen all our furniture. Literally cleaned the place out. I was like, ‘What the hell! They done clinked us out!,’ Langford recalled.

In spring 2012, Langford discovered her home for sale on the Wayne County tax foreclosure auction website. County records show that foreclosure notifications were sent but they were marked “Delivery Information Pending.”

House sale horror

By 2015, writer Anne Elizabeth Moore said she was awarded the house “under the condition that I upkeep the property, pay taxes, be a good neighbor, and write” through the Write A House organization.

“After a two-year period, the house was supposed to go in my name. The deed did–the document that gives me the right to own the property,” Moore wrote. “The title didn’t change hands.”

In 2019, Moore believed Langford was untraceable so she filed a lawsuit to secure the title.

Wayne County documents reveal Langford made only one payment of $689 out of her remaining balance of over $5,000. However, she said she made “multiple payments” from her tax refund.

Langford is unlikely to sue, but would rather be repaid with another house.

“That would make me whole. Replace what you took. They got plenty houses. They can spare one or two,” she said, per The Guardian.

Kerry Washington
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 21, 2022

Kerry Washington Gushes About Her Husband and Celebrates Their Netflix Films Releasing On Same Day

Kerry Washington and Nnamdi Asomugha have plenty of reasons to celebrate: they’re nearing their 10-year wedding anniversary and share Netflix release dates.

Washington recently gushed about her husband and his new film, which shares the same release date as her new Netflix flick, The School for Good and Evil.

“I’m really proud of him, I think he’s doing amazing work,” Washington told Entertainment tonight. “I’m really excited for his film, ‘The Good Nurse.'”

Asomugha stars alongside Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne in the movie version of the 2013 book of the same name. The movie follows the life of an overwhelmed ICU nurse who gets support from her selfless new colleague at work and at home until a patient’s unexpected death puts her colleague in suspicious circumstances.

The film was released on Netflix October 19, the same day Washington and Charlize Theron’s The School for Good and Evil was released on the streaming giant.

“It’s really exciting to both have really important films at Netflix right now, we feel really blessed,” Washington said.

The couple has continued to rise in their careers while supporting each other and their two children, daughter Isabelle, 8, and son Caleb, 6. They pride themselves in how private they’ve kept their marriage despite Washington’s high-profile celebrity.

The Scandal star and the former NFL star wed in 2013 in a private ceremony attended by family and friends. June makes 10 years of marriage for Washington and Asomugha. The Save the Last Dance star teased their plans for a low-key anniversary celebration.

“To keep it real we kick on the Netflix whether it’s [just us] or with the whole family,” Washington shared.

Now in her latest role, Washington is giving a nod to her infamous role as Olivia Pope on Scandal for prepping her to wear the elaborate costumes her character sports in The School for Good and Evil.

“Thank God I had seven seasons of training me to walk in the shoes so that I could add the corset, the petticoats, the seven layers, the big fan thing and the crown and the jewelry, and still walk,” she explained.

“So I’m grateful to Olivia Pope for teaching me how to basically wear anything!”

Music Legends Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson Announced as 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year
by Stacy Jackson

October 21, 2022

Music Legends Berry Gordy and Smokey Robinson Announced as 2023 MusiCares Persons of the Year

Creating music brought these two legends together, and now the best friends will experience a prestigious honor together as well.

The Recording Academy’s philanthropic partner announced on Thursday, October 20, that Motown Records founder Berry Gordy and legendary musician Smokey Robinson will be honored as the 2023 MusiCares persons of the year.

“Wow! How honored I am to be named the MusiCares Persons of the Year, and together with my best friend of over 65 years, the great Smokey Robinson. How special is that!” Gordy said in a press statement. “I am grateful to be included in MusiCares’ remarkable history of music icons. The work they do is so critical to the well-being of our music community, and I look forward to a most exciting evening.”

According to Billboard, the Person of the Year gala, which is set to take place two nights prior to the the 65th annual Grammy Awards, is one of the most prestigious events held during Grammy Week.

“I am honored that they have chosen me and my best friend and Motown founder Berry Gordy to share this beautiful honor and celebrate with you all together,” Robinson said, while acknowledging the work MusiCares has done for the creative community.

Robinson shared that he has been a supporter of the organization and their mission for years, as they provided funding and mental health services to artists.

People reported that the MusiCares organization is “thrilled” to honor Gordy and Robinson, as this will be the first time recognizing two legends together.

“With Mr. Gordy as the creator of the Motown Sound, and Mr. Robinson as his first writer and artist, their music, along with the many others who joined Motown, reached out across a racially divided country to transform popular music, creating a musical legacy like no other,” said Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares.

Robinson received a Grammy Legend Award in 1990 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 from the Recording Academy. The Grammy Salute to Industry Icons’ President’s Merit Award was presented to Gordy in 2008.

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