Alpha Kappa Alpha
by Stacy Jackson

July 11, 2024

Vice President Harris Motivates Alpha Kappa Alpha Sisters To Back Biden Campaign

Vice President Harris addressed her sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Inc., rallying support for the Biden campaign.

On July 9, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed her sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Inc. during a Dallas convention, rallying support for the Biden campaign.

The event, part of the White House’s “Summer of Engagement,” saw Harris emphasizing the administration’s accomplishments and the importance of mobilization. “We know when we organize, mountains move…When we mobilize, nations change. And when we vote, we make history,” Vice President Harris declared to her fellow Alpha Kappa Alpha members, according to The Washington Post. Harris highlighted the Biden administration’s efforts in healthcare, maternal mortality, student loan debt, and medical debt relief. She also stressed the current threats to fundamental rights, stating, “Across our nation, we are witnessing a full-on assault on hard-fought, hard-won freedoms and rights…”

The gathering of 19,000 Black women represents a crucial demographic for the Biden campaign’s reelection hopes. As a Howard University graduate and Alpha Kappa Alpha member, Vice President Harris has consistently engaged with the Divine Nine, the group of historically Black Greek organizations. Her involvement with the sorority has been a significant aspect of her political career and the Biden campaign outreach strategy, especially as the Biden campaign faces challenges, including concerns BE recently noted that escalated from the President’s shaky debate against Donald Trump.

Vice President Harris is working to maintain enthusiasm among Black voters for the 2024 election. In 2020, exit polls showed overwhelming support from Black women for the Biden campaign, though recent surveys suggest a potential decline in support among voters of color.

Her role extends beyond the Alpha Kappa Alpha event. The Biden campaign has been deploying her to engage various key Democratic constituencies, including Latino, AAPI, and younger voters. Her appearances include a recent campaign event in Las Vegas focused on Asian American, Hawaiian Native, and Pacific Islander voters and an upcoming trip to Greensboro, N.C. The Biden campaign’s strategy of utilizing Vice President Harris’s connections to Alpha Kappa Alpha and other Black organizations is evident in her scheduled meeting with Zeta Phi Beta members in Indianapolis later this month. As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, she spent last Saturday at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, speaking to a crowd of mostly Black women.

Drake, rapper, streams, billion
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2024

Drake Becomes 1st Artist To Get 100 Billion Streams On Spotify

No other artist in the world has reached this peak in history

Drake has been taking losses lately in his battle against Kendrick Lamar, but he’s become the first recording artist in history to have 100 billion streams on the Spotify platform.

Aubrey Graham’s latest news was announced by chart data on its X account last month.

It looks like that record will be his for a while, as HipHopDX reported that the closest artist to achieving that feat is Taylor Swift. At the time of the news, Swift was sitting at No.2 with approximately 85 billion streams.

And the dreaded “Drake Curse” strikes again!

After reports that the Canadian superstar placed a $300,000 bet on his home squad, Canada, against Argentina in the Copa America semifinal, the “OVO” label owner was met with a fate like his recent battle with Lamar when Canada lost 2-0. To add insult to injury, the Argentinian team posted a photo of them celebrating and captioned it, “Not like us, not with us,” which signifies Drake’s rival’s hit diss record, “Not Like Us.”

In May, Drake’s (bad) luck took a hit when he reportedly lost $565,000 betting on another sports event, this time, boxing. The “Best I Ever Had” recording artist placed a bet on boxer Tyson Fury in his matchup for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship fight with Oleksandr Usyk. Fury lost the boxing match in a split-decision ruling that gave Usyk the victory.

The infamous “Drake Curse” has followed him for several years. People started referring to Drake’s betting habits as such because anytime Drake places a bet or shows support toward a sports team or meets an athlete, they allegedly suffer a defeat.

Several past victims of the alleged curse include tennis legend Serena Williams, boxer Anthony Joshua, the Toronto Raptors, MMA fighter Connor McGregor, the Kentucky Wildcats, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Golden State Warriors.

Drake reportedly lost $400,000 when he bet that Jake Paul would win by knockout against Tommy Fury, but Paul lost the match by split decision. He also lost $1 million in 2022 when he bet on Argentina winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Although the team did win, the game was decided by penalty kicks.

But… he does have the most streams ever for a recording artist.

The Game, Priscilla Rainey, rapper
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2024

The Game May Have Home Seized Due To Non-Payment Of $7M Judgment

Priscilla Rainey won the judgment after accusing the rapper of sexual battery in 2015.

Recording artist, The Game may be losing his house because of non-payment of a judgment levied against him almost 10 years ago.

According to AllHipHop.com, The Game was sued in 2015 by a contestant, Priscilla Rainey, who appeared on his VH1 reality show, “She’s Got Game.” She initially accused the Compton rapper of sexual battery and won a $7 million judgment against the “Love It or Hate It” rapper. The lawsuit was filed in 2015 and she won the judgment the following year. The Game has not paid anything toward the judgment.

Court papers by the media outlet reveal that Rainey served The Game and his manager, Wack 100 in hopes of seizing the rapper’s property. Rainey suspects that the home is in the name of Wack 100 to prevent the seizure of the house from being taken from the rapper. A process server sent a notice of levy, writ of execution, and more to The Game and Wack 100 in June. Rainey states both men are listed at the address.

Earlier this month, AllHipHop reported that Rainey subpoenaed his children’s school district for proof of residence, attendance records, and more on July 1.

After losing the case initially, The Game (Jayceon Taylor) requested a new trial, but an appeals court denied him in 2019.

“Taylor did not take the litigation seriously,” Judge TK Sykes wrote in the decision. “He evaded the process, trolled Rainey on social media, dodged a settlement conference, and did not bother to show up at trial. His attorney asked for a continuance, but the judge denied that request, dismissing Taylor’s proffered excuse as an elaborate ruse.”

Rainey took him back to court because he never remitted payment and she claimed he was hiding his assets. She won that case in 2023.

She reportedly has already seized his publishing rights and recording label.

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NYC, New York City, small bottle ban
by Shanique Yates

July 11, 2024

New York City Small Bottle Ban Will Halt Hotels From Supplying Guests With Personal Care Products

New York City guests will no longer receive personal care products like shampoo and lotion during their stays thanks to a small bottle ban set to go into effect January 2025.

A new small bottle ban will prevent New York City hotels from supplying guests with shampoo and lotion.

Thanks to a new state law set to go into effect in January 2025, hotels in New York City with 50 or more guests will no longer be required to supply guests with small bottles of personal care products like shampoo and lotion. The move is an effort to reduce waste.

Per the bill, a “hospitality personal care product” refers to materials provided by the hotel intended to be used on a human’s body. It includes, but is not limited to, “shampoo, conditioner, lotion, as well as liquid soap.” In this case, a small bottle is no larger than 12 ounces.

“I think there’s a lot of reasons for it on the environmental side,” said the President of the Niagra Falls Hotel and Motel Association, Frank Strangio. “It’s a lot of bottles that get thrown into the garbage, and they do pile up.”

As the owner of two hotels in the city’s south end, Strangio says that he and other hotel owners have already started to implement dispensers installed in the guest rooms to prevent excessive waste when it comes to the distribution of small bottles. While he admits that the installation of the dispensers was costly, it will save them money in the long run.

“The thing that happens with the small bottles is that in hotel rooms, they get used once, and they’re about half full,” Strangio explained. “There’s a lot of wasted product when you are using the smaller bottles.”

Although one would might think that companies would have been able to refill small bottles to be reused by future hotel guests, Strangio says this is not the case. Instead, he says this is avoided to ensure peace of mind that their products have not been tampered with.

“You want them to be properly sealed so that guests know that what they are using is the product that is supposed to be in there,” he said. Strangio also confirmed that the current dispensers in place in the guest rooms have locks to prevent product tampering. He also noted that the process not only saves the environment but makes cleaning the rooms for housekeeping attendants a much more seamless process.

“Even for the housekeeping staff, it’s one less things you have to replenish on a daily basis, especially during the busy season. So I think in that way there’s all kinds of efficiencies as well,” said Strangio.

By 2026, all hotels operating in New York will be required to adhere to the small bottle ban.

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Church's Chicken, crime, fast food
by Stacy Jackson

July 11, 2024

Customer Pulls Up To Church’s Chicken, Kills Employee

The female Church's Chicken employee argued with a customer in the drive-thru before the shooting took place.

A shooting at a Church’s Chicken drive-thru in Memphis, Tennessee, on Monday, resulted in the death of employee Anita West, following an altercation with a customer.

The shooting occurred just before 9:10 p.m., approximately six miles from downtown Memphis. USA Today reported that law enforcement arrived at the scene shortly after, discovering the female Church’s Chicken employee with a gunshot wound. Despite being rushed to a hospital, she succumbed to her injuries.

Initial police investigations revealed that the Church’s Chicken employee had been involved in a dispute with a woman driving an SUV through the drive-thru. The exact nature of their argument remains unclear. “The teal-colored SUV drove off the lot, and the victim walked outside of the business to get some air,” police reported. Moments later, gunshots were heard, and surveillance footage captured the SUV speeding away. As of Tuesday, authorities were still searching for the suspect, described as a woman with purple hair driving a teal compact SUV.

The Church’s Chicken drive-thru shooting location will remain closed for several days as the company addresses the needs of West’s family and other employees. According to WREG Memphis, a company spokesperson extended condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our team members…Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family during this difficult time.” West’s family is grappling with the loss of their loved one. Her father-in-law, Loranzo West Sr., shared heartfelt words: “She was a good girl. I’ll miss her. You always miss the ones that keep it different. She wasn’t just a fit-in type. She was different. And if that one’s not around, it’s like something’s missing.”

The shooting at the Church’s Chicken drive-thru has left the community shaken. Police are reviewing surveillance footage and urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers at 901-528-CASH.

thumb, Washington DC
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 11, 2024

2 Women Charged In Murder Allegedly Used Washington, D.C. Victim’s ‘Severed Thumb’ To Access Finances

19-year-old Audrey Miller and 22-year-old Tiffany Taylor Gray arrested and facing charges of armed felony murder in the first degree in connection with his death

A man’s finance app was allegedly accessed by two women using the dead man’s severed thumb after he was killed. Both women have been charged with his murder.

According to CBS News, police officers in Washington, D.C., have arrested 19-year-old Audrey Miller and 22-year-old Tiffany Taylor Gray, accusing the women of killing their “sugar daddy,” 53-year-old Fasil Teklemariam, several months ago. After the crime, the two women allegedly cut off his thumb to gain access to his financial accounts. They both are facing charges of armed felony murder in the first degree in connection with his death.

The victim was discovered stabbed to death with multiple stab wounds and several other injuries on April 5. He was found in the bedroom of his apartment, according to police officials from the Metropolitan Police Department. A thumb was missing from the body, which was purportedly cut off around the time Teklemariam was killed or after the murder was committed.

Miller and Gray are two of the suspects named in the affidavit. Five suspects were listed, the other three are men, with one being identified by police as 34-year-old Tommy Whack. He was charged in May in connection with the crime.

Surveillance footage from the lobby of Teklemariam’s building reveals that Miller and Gray appeared to be there on the evening he was killed. The video also allegedly showed three of the suspects, including Gray, going back to the apartment building on April 3 at around 2 a.m. Several items were alleged to have been stolen from Teklemariam’s apartment. Photos from the video appear to show several people in hoodies and masks entering the building and captured them leaving with various items in bags and boxes.

In an affidavit, police stated they found “evidence suggesting that cleaning agents had been used to conceal and/or eliminate evidence to conceal or obscure the actions of the suspect or suspects who had committed the offense.” Other evidence was found at the scene, including footprints.

During the investigation, a witness told officials that “they, referring generally a group of involved people, cut the decedent’s thumb off” and “also overheard something about the decedent being stabbed.” The witness claimed to have seen Gray using Teklemarian’s missing thumb to get money from his bank account, pay for Ubers, and buy alcohol and other substances.

The witness told authorities that she may have used Cash App accounts belonging to Teklemarian. Police said that Teklemarian previously filed a theft report against Gray for allegedly being involved with his phone being lost and $1,600 in charges to his Cash App account.

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New Reports Allege GOP Donor Harlan Crow Paid For Clarence Thomas’ Yacht Trip To Vladimir Putin’s Hometown
by Sharelle Burt

July 11, 2024

New Reports Allege GOP Donor Harlan Crow Paid For Clarence Thomas’ Yacht Trip To Vladimir Putin’s Hometown

Here we go again...


Just days after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) filed articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, Democratic lawmakers claimed Thomas took a free yacht trip to Russia. 

They sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland on July 3 detailing a number of “likely undisclosed gifts” that have been given to Thomas over the years, including an alleged yacht trip in 2003 to Russia and the Baltics and a helicopter ride to Yusupov Palace, St. Petersburg, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hometown. 

Both trips were allegedly paid for by Republican billionaire donor Harlan Crow.

The trips were first highlighted in the May 2023 bombshell ProPublica report. St. Petersburg is home to the Yusupov Palace, where Putin has held and attended events for many years. It is unknown if Thomas met with the Russian leader during his visit, but Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, and Ron Wyden (D-OR), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, have questions that need answers.

“The scale of the potential ethics violations by Justice Thomas, and the willful pattern of disregard for ethics laws, exceeds the conduct of other government officials investigated by the Department of Justice for similar violations,” the letter read. “The breadth of the omissions uncovered to date, and the serious possibility of additional tax fraud and false statement violations by Justice Thomas and his associates, warrant the appointment of a Special Counsel to investigate this misconduct.”

The letter calls for Garland to hire a special prosecutor to investigate Thomas’ potential federal ethics and tax violations. Ocasio-Cortez called it “unchecked corruption.”

According to Fox News, Ocasio-Cortez filed articles of impeachment against both Thomas and Alito, arguing the undisclosed gifts Thomas has received from wealthy donors and the drama surrounding Alito’s personal politics raises serious cause for concern. “Reasonable Americans will and do believe that Justices Thomas and Alito are prone and subject to corruption, that the institution failing to punish them is broken, and that, consequently, their impeachment is a constitutional imperative and our congressional duty,” she said in a recent speech on the House floor.

“The abuses of power committed by Justice Thomas and Justice Alito are precisely the types of corruption that the frames understood was an existential threat to our democracy,” she added. “Instances like these and misconduct like that of Alito’s and Thomas’ are precisely why the framers gave us the tool of impeachment.” 

Included in the filings are three articles of impeachment against Thomas, with charges involving the undisclosed gifts and his refusal to recuse himself in cases surrounding his wife Virginia’s legal and financial interests. The two against Alito include accusations of him refusing to recuse himself in cases involving his “personal bias or prejudice concerning a party” before the court.

Barack Obama, Men’s Basketball Team, Olympics
by Sharelle Burt

July 11, 2024

Barack Obama Celebrates With The U.S. Men’s Basketball Team With Surprise Appearance At 50th Anniversary Party

Bring home the gold, Team USA!

America’s first Black President, Barack Obama, celebrated the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team’s 50th Anniversary Party with an encouraging speech on the importance of representing the United States. 

Obama made the surprise appearance in a room full of basketball royalty, including Dawn Staley, Patrick Ewing, Reggie Miller, and Tim Hardaway, on July 10. After announcing he was the “hooper in chief,” Obama expressed the importance of uniting the country and showing what America is capable of. He put the pressure on the team, with a stacked roster, including Golden State Warrior Steph Curry and Los Angeles Laker LeBron James, to bring home another gold medal. “I’m pretty confident that they’re going to be bringing back the gold and representing us the way we should be represented around the world,” Obama said.

Before speaking, Obama “dapped up” the team in a now-viral video referred to as a reenactment of a popular skit seen on the hit sketch comedy show “Key & Peele.” “I just want to come here to obviously help send off the soon-to-be gold-medal winners,” he said. “But I want to come by and say thank you to the legends who have represented USA Basketball and America for 50 years now.”

Obama stayed for the game against Canada during Team USA’s five-game exhibition tune-up for the Paris Olympics, which start on July 26. According to Fox 5, Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards led the team with 13 points after 6-of-10 from the field off the bench. However, the team lost with a final score of 86-72. 

The team felt the former president’s presence, especially Curry, who said Obama set the tone in a “cool” way. “To have President Obama come -– and he’s great with the microphone and really inspiring with his words –- it was cool to set us off into this journey this summer with celebrating the 50 years of USAB and what we’re trying to do this summer,” Curry said. 

“So I got goosebumps while he was talking.”

Obama wasn’t the only political dignitary that gave support to the team. Vice President Kamala Harris briefly visited the team during practice on the campus of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. During her remarks, she told the team they are “ambassadors for who we are as a country.” “You represent leaders in every walk of life. And for you to go to Paris and bring back that gold is just another example of your excellence, your teamwork, your compassion, and your commitment,” she said. 

The team still has a few showcase games left, as they are scheduled to take on Australia in Abu Dhabi on July 15.

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summer, fun, improve yourself, glow up, protective styles, hair
by Safon Floyd

July 11, 2024

5 Tips For The Best—and Safest—Summer Ever

Safety is paramount for summer fun.

Originally Published July 1, 2016.

It’s summertime! You’ve already traded in your long shirts and covered toes for bathing suits and flip flops, as you head to the nearest tropical climate for fun in the sun.

Not to dampen your excitement, as the summer is all about spontaneity, but there is necessary cause and pause for preparation: summer safety.

Make your good time even better by knowing that your summer will be hazard-free, by following these tips

Stretching

Look now, we know you have an inner Serena. But, if you haven’t done as little as a lunge in the past three or four months, don’t go out on a tennis court and expect to fall into a graceful split to get your shot—you will fail. Pulled muscles are real things. Start preparing your body now for the activity that’s coming later. Get active. Stretch.

Sunblock

Yes, we need that, too. Though Black supposedly doesn’t crack, Black can still be subjected to harmful UV rays, which can result in burning, peeling, and worse. Protect the skin you’re in. Be sure to go for a waterproof block as, contrary to popular belief, you may want to swim. Chlorine plus blazing sun rays are recipe for skin disaster. Lather up.

Protective hairstyles

Ladies, this is the perfect time to braid, twist, and lock your hair! A protective style not only allows for your hair to be maintenance-free, but it allows you to enjoy all the activities that the summer has to offer—minus the fear of water. Cover it up and call it a good time.

Water

Yes, we know that if there is any excuse to be boozy in the middle of the day, the summertime grants that. However, hydration saves lives. Not only does water work wonders for warding off pesky hangovers, it also works wonders at keeping the body adequately functioning, particularly in heat. Severe dehydration can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion—both of which ruins parties. If it’s warm out and you’re planning to be outside for any extended period of time, grab a bottle of water and keep the party going.

Repellent

You’re likely planning to head down to Palm Beach Gardens or elsewhere, there are mosquitoes and other things that fly and crawl in south Florida that you don’t want on you. Be prepared to go to war—have repellent on deck.

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Left to Right: Shenequa Bucknor (Pronghorn Team), Jeff Osuji (Founder & CEO Eventnoire), Taylor Reed (Pronghorn Team)
by Jameelah Mullen

July 11, 2024

Eventnoire Partners With Pronghorn To Expand Its Global Reach

As of last year, Pronghorn has invested more than $200 million to support Black-owned businesses

The Black-owned event curator Eventnoire announced its partnership with Pronghorn.

Eventnoire is a venue management platform for cultural events in North America and Africa. With more than 10,000 venues and event organizers and nearly 400,000 members, Eventnoire is an emerging leader in the online ticketing industry. Pronghorn is an investment firm that strives to cultivate the next generation of Black entrepreneurs, especially within the spirits industry. 

Pronghorn’s goal is to generate $2.4 billion in economic value for the Black community through its investment in 57 Black-owned spirits brands by 2032. With Pronghorn’s investment, Eventnoire will enhance its app and expand its reach to become the hub for event organizers, consumers, and brands. Pronghorn’s partnership with Eventnoire gives the company access to its vast community of event curators and consumers.

Co-founders Erin J. Hall, Dan Sanborn, and Dia Simms announced the partnership at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity.

“Eventnoire is thrilled to partner with Pronghorn, and we look forward to a strategic partnership that will allow us to continue to grow while driving innovation and inclusivity in the spirits industry together,” said Jeff Osuji, founder and CEO of Eventnoire in a press release.

Pronghorn co-founder Erin J. Hall echoed Osuji’s sentiments.

“Partnering with Eventnoire is a seamless fit for Pronghorn, as this partnership opens doors to unparalleled growth and collaboration within the special events and spirits industries. Together, we’ll elevate event experiences, forge meaningful connections with emerging Black spirits founders, and redefine the landscape of celebration,” Hall said.

The companies launched the partnership in June with a screening of the “Distilled” docuseries in Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Chicago. The series is a multi-episode series that tells the stories of Black-owned distilleries in the Pronghorn portfolio. It will begin streaming on AMC+ in August, which is Black Business Month. 

For more information about Eventnoire, visit https://eventnoire.com or follow it on Instagram. For more information about Pronghorn Co.,  visit its website or follow its Instagram.

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