Campaign Ad, Trump, KKK
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 11, 2024

Kamala Harris Ex-Comms Director Argues Why President Biden Should Step Down

Jamal Simmons believes it would forge an easier path for the next woman who tries to become president.

Kamala Harris’ former communications director, Jamal Simmons, thinks Joe Biden should step down to appoint Harris as the 47th president.

According to Politico, Simmons made his case on CNN’s State Of The Union on Nov. 10. Noting Biden’s labeling as a “transitional figure,” Simmons argued how he could further establish this by relinquishing power to Harris in his final months as president.

“Joe Biden has been a phenomenal president. He’s lived up to so many of the promises that he’s made. There is one promise left that he can fulfill: Being a transitional figure,” Simmons said on the news commentary program.

If Biden follows Simmons’ suggestion, Harris would become America’s first woman president. Donald Trump won the presidential election on Nov. 6, eventually winning all of the battleground states.

“He could resign the presidency in the next 30 days, make Kamala Harris the president of the United States,” Simmons said. “He could absolve her from having to oversee the January 6 transition of her own defeat.”

Harris has not publicly or reportedly said she wants this to occur.

“It would dominate the news at a point where Democrats have to learn drama and transparency and doing things in the public we want to see,” Simmons said. This is the moment for us to change the perspective of how Democrats operate.”

The Trailblazer podcaster doubled down on his sentiments on social media. He urged that it would forge an easier path for the next woman who tries to become president.


“It’d turn tables on Trump, keep Kamala from presiding over Jan. 6, make it easier for next woman to run,” he wrote.

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Won 78% Of Black Men’s Vote—Analysts Say It Should’ve Been More











Aldis Hodge, actor
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 11, 2024

Aldis Hodge Excited About His Take on Alex Cross: ‘You’re Going to Get A Whole New Experience’

Alex Cross is back, and this time, Aldis Hodge is taking the lead.

James Patterson’s iconic character Alex Cross returns in the first-ever television adaptation of the crime thriller series with the talented Aldis Hodge in the lead role.

Amazon Prime’s new series, Cross, centers on the renowned detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross (Hodge), who taps into the minds of both killers and their victims to hunt down murderers. Hodge also serves as a producer on the series, working alongside showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins.

As an in-demand actor in Hollywood, Hodge can’t take every offer that comes his way. But he was more than happy to take on the responsibility of following in the footsteps of Cross’s predecessors, Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry.

“It feels really incredible,” Hodge tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I mean, we have open opportunities to sort of reintroduce or kind of introduce for the first time in this way.”

Hodge applauds Watkins for “brilliantly” opening up the entire world of Cross in ways that are sure to please die-hard fans of the book series.

“If they’ve read the books, they’re going to get a new expansive experience where they’re invited into the entire universe of his family life, his friends, is dealing with his own personal issues like trauma and grief,” Hodge teases.

“You’re going to get a whole new experience,” he adds. “And a lot of the detail that you’ve been wanting for so long.”

The series also stars Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, and Samantha Walkes. Casting the show was a thrilling experience for Watkins, who was eager to create a series with a Black man in the lead role.

“When’s the last time we had a single male, Black male lead detective show?” he says. “I mean, I know, but everybody I asked that question, they can’t tell you in America.”

It was also a victory for Watkins, who had always envisioned Hodge for the role of Cross but initially thought the Hidden Figures star wouldn’t be available. Watkins instructed his casting team to find a “Hodge type” for the part, only to be thrilled when Hodge not only became available but was eager to reintroduce Alex Cross in a fresh, exciting way.

“It was an awesome meeting of the minds and the match made in heaven,” Watkins said.

Fans can anticipate quality time to indulge in the new series as it has already been greenlit for Season 2. Press play above for the full interview and catch Cross when it premieres November 14 on Prime Video.

RELATED CONTENT: Kamala Harris Won 78% Of Black Men’s Vote — Analysts Say It Should’ve Been More

Clara White Mission Jacksonville
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 11, 2024

Clara White Mission Honors Black Veterans With First Memorial Service In Jacksonville Cemetery

The Veterans Day occasion will mark the first time the burial ground will honor Black veterans.

The Clara White Mission will honor Black Veterans with a Flag and Wreath Memorial Service at Pinehurst Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida. This Veterans Day occasion will mark the first time the burial ground has honored Black veterans.

The Nov. 11 service will recognize the Black soldiers who served in both World Wars and were laid to rest at the cemetery.

“Many of these veterans served at a time when they faced segregation and discrimination, yet their courage and sacrifice were instrumental in the fight for freedom,” officials said in a release obtained by News4. “Their stories embody resilience and dedication, and the Clara White Mission is proud to highlight their contributions as part of Jacksonville’s rich African American history.”

Moreover, the event will highlight Jacksonville’s distinct Black history, which includes Clara White Mission. Established in 1907, the Eartha and Clara White Mission facility is the oldest Black mission in Florida. Today, the nonprofit continues the advocacy of its founders. It works toward reducing homelessness in the area by focusing on sustainable food programs, job training, and housing opportunities.

The mission’s inaugural event at Pinehurst will also feature historian and speaker Ennis Davis. In the news release, he stressed that preserving the histories of these deceased veterans adds to the rich tapestry of Black life in Jacksonville.

“Each headstone represents a chapter of resilience and an untold story of those who served with honor despite the challenges they faced,” explained Davis. “This memorial allows us to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions to our nation.”

Clara White Mission events continue to uplift the local Black community. For more information, visit its website.

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Nneka Onuorah Talks Importance of Megan Thee Stallion Documentary, ‘We Have the Ultimate Feminist Empowerment Artist’
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 11, 2024

Nneka Onuorah Talks Importance of Megan Thee Stallion Documentary, ‘We Have the Ultimate Feminist Empowerment Artist’

Nneka Onuorah takes us inside the inspiration of her newest documentary film "Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words."

Nneka Onuorah has put her Emmy-winning talent behind a new documentary aimed at introducing the world to Megan Pete, the Grammy-winning rapper known as Megan Thee Stallion.

Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words provides unparalleled access to the woman behind the iconic persona. The documentary chronicles the Houston native’s path to stardom, showcasing her resilience as she navigates fame, loss, pressure, and success. It reveals Megan’s most vulnerable moments, offering fans an intimate look at the real Megan Pete.

Filmed over a span of three years, Onuorah stayed by Megan’s side as she toured, spent time with family, friends, and fans, and faced the difficult aftermath of her 2020 shooting involving the now-incarcerated artist Tory Lanez.

Megan unveiled bold revelations, peeling back the layers of her life and personality in ways that Onuorah skillfully captured on screen with an aim to share a story that women and girls could truly relate to.

“Megan Pete versus Megan Thee Stallion represents a position,” Onuorah tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “We have the ultimate feminist empowerment artist who’s strong, who represents women, and being strong for themselves. Megan Pete herself is a young woman just trying to figure it out. That goes through vulnerabilities. That is the relatable human being inside of Megan Thee Stallion.”

Onuorah continued. “And I felt like that’s the untold side of Megan. And I feel like it’s also a side a lot of women could relate to and girls could relate to experiencing grief, depression, going through traumatic events, and really just trying to navigate life figuring it out.”

The documentary follows Megan’s high-profile trial, which culminated in Tory Lanez being found guilty of shooting her in July 2020. In August 2023, Lanez was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his actions.

There had been chatter surrounding Megan’s rumored relationship with Lanez at the time of the shooting, which she denied having been intimate with the rapper when interviewed by Gayle King in 2022. However, in the documentary, Megan admits to Onuorah that she lied during the interview and had in fact hooked up with Lanez “like once, maybe twice on a drunk night.”

When asked about the strong responses Megan’s reveal was getting online, Onuorah celebrated the support the “Savage” rapper was getting for her transparency and vulnerability.

“People have a lot of false narratives when they can’t see it, but you can’t deny the footage and what happened in real-time,” Onuorah said. “So I was excited about that. And I’m very excited for what I’m seeing online.”

“I’ve been seeing a lot of people be inspired about the empathy it’s creating, about how Meg is even more relatable because she’s vulnerable and they see themselves in her,” she added. “And so it’s been a lot of positive reactions and it was already a win because Megan won in the end.”

It’s not the first time Onuorah has captured the life of a Grammy-winning artist in a captivating documentary. Her direction on Lizzo’s Prime Video reality series Watch Out for the Big Grrrls won the 2022 Emmy Award for Outstanding Competition Program and Onuorah won for Outstanding Directing For A Reality Program.

Her award-winning work on the documentary garnered a personal request from Roc Nation for Onuorah to direct Megan’s documentary. The Queens native expressed her gratitude in being tapped to lead the project after a humble start to her film career.

“It feels good to be respected in my craft, in my field,” she shared.” I’ve been doing this. I’m a self-starter. I didn’t go to film school. I’m self-taught. So it feels beautiful to know that walking in my purpose paid off.”

Onuorah continued. “The fact that I spend 99.9% of my time on my craft and building that it’s taken me this far. I can’t wait to see where else it’s about to take me.”

Press play above for the full interview and catch Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words on Amazon Prime.

Michelle Obama's Brother, Discrimination Lawsuit, Private School
by Daniel Johnson

November 11, 2024

Michelle Obama’s Brother Settles Discrimination Lawsuit Against Private School

Craig Robinson and his wife, Kelly, filed the suit against a Milwaukee private school in 2022.

Craig Robinson, the executive director of the National Association of College Basketball Coaches and the brother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has settled a racial discrimination lawsuit against a Milwaukee private school.

According to The Associated Press, Robinson and his wife, Kelly, filed the suit in 2022 after the University School of Milwaukee’s terminated their then-9 and 11 year-old sons’ re-enrollment contracts for the 2021-2022 school year.

The school allegedly terminated the Robinsons’ children’s contracts after the couple raised concerns about teachers treating students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds differently. They noticed racially insensitive elements in assignments during their sons’ pandemic-era virtual learning.

Although school officials said the decision not to renew their children’s contracts didn’t stem from these complaints, in a termination letter, USM’s Head of School Steve Hancock said the decision was due to the couple allegedly engaging in disrespectful communication with teachers and administrative personnel.

According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the lawsuit was dismissed by the Milwaukee County Circuit Court with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be retried. No details about the case’s settlement were released.

The Robinsons’ complaint alleged that USM wanted to “punish two model students in retaliation against their parents for raising valid concerns about USM’s treatment of its students of color and other underrepresented stakeholders in the school.”

In 2022, Robinson told the Journal-Sentinel that the lawsuit was not just about their sons, but other children at the school as well.

“We heard from a number of people and realized that our situation wasn’t unique, and that this was a pattern of behavior,” Craig Robinson said. “And once we heard that, then we felt a responsibility to do something more because we would feel awful if we just packed up and left.”

Per a joint statement from the Robinson family and USM, released after the court’s decision, “The Robinson Children were model students at USM. Both parties regret that the disagreements between the Robinsons and the school resulted in the Robinson children no longer being members of the USM community. The parties will not be commenting further on this matter.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Student Sues California Christian School, Alleges He Was Racially Harassed For Years

How We Roll, rollerskating, lego
by Mitti Hicks

November 11, 2024

How We Roll: The Limited Edition LEGO Set Honoring Black Skate Culture

How We Roll comes with 428 LEGO®pieces and an instruction manual filled with archival images.

It’s 11:30 in the morning, and Syreeta Gates has her hands up singing, “That’s just how we roll/ You know what it is/ What it is.”

The song by Chris Brown and Ciara is what Gates said first comes to mind during her interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE to discuss the How We Roll project. Those exact words were written on paper for the latest collaboration between Most Incredible Studio, Black Archives, and LEGO as they introduce a limited-edition roller skate art piece celebrating the legacy of Black roller skating culture.

Most Incredible is the first Black-owned creative studio for LEGO art, founded by Randall Wilson and Gates. Black Archives, a platform founded by Renata Cherlise, is on a mission to tell Black stories through memory and imagination.

“This is not a product for us. This is a gift,” Gates told BE. “We wanted to honor Black skating culture with this gift we created together.”

How We Roll comes with 428 LEGO pieces and an instruction manual. The manual will captivate the hearts of skate enthusiasts as it tells the story of Black skating culture through the decades. It’s filled with images and archival footage. There are also images of a custom photo shoot with visual storyteller Joshua Taylor out of Chicago and an interview with the owner of the iconic skating “The Rink” in the Windy City.

Ways To Interact With How We Roll

For those who assemble the LEGO pieces of How We Roll, the kit comes with a stand to showcase the skate on a mantle, but it doesn’t have to be built. The creators designed it so that people could showcase the box only if they chose.

“We have really gone above and beyond,” said Gates. “There are so many ways to interact with the gift. You can keep it in a box without opening it because the box is beautiful. There are archival images on every side of the box.”

The skate, which can also roll on smooth surfaces, is black, grey, and red — colors the creators say are intentional.

“I remember growing up seeing all Black skates, and those were the fire skaters. That meant you were serious,” says GaLetes. “You were renting skates if you had a pair of black skates, so this skate pays homage to that greatness.”

From the outside of the box to the pieces inside and even the manual, How We Roll is a timeless black, grey, and red piece that will tug on the heartstrings of those who can remember their best times at the skating rink while teaching the next generation about Black skate culture.

“This has honestly been a labor of love. I hope people feel and understand that energy when they’re building it or looking at the box and archival photos we chose,” says Gates. “We could have created 950,000 things, but [we chose] this love letter to Black skate culture.”

RELATED CONTENT: This Pop-Up Roller Disco is Reviving the Roller Skating Community

Shante Broadus, Snoop Dogg
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

November 11, 2024

Snoop Dogg And Wife Shante Broadus Honored With Surprise Award At Give Her FlowHERS Gala

'I’ve been nominated for 20 Grammys and never won one, but this right here, this feels better than one.'

Snoop Dogg and his wife, Shante Broadus, received some love at the Femme It Forward’s Give Her FlowHers Awards Gala on Nov. 8.

The couple, who married in 1997 just a few years after Snoop achieved mainstream success as a rapper with such hits as “Gin and Juice,” took home the Black Love Award for their showcase of love across decades.

The surprise award delighted Snoop, who is also an actor and successful entrepreneur.

“This is beautiful because throughout my career I’ve been nominated and won a lot of awards, but there’s nothing like an award that brings you back home to the stage to let people know that this is the reason why you are so successful,” said Snoop as he accepted the award with Broadus, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

“I’ve been nominated for 20 Grammys and never won one, but this right here, this feels better than one,” Snoop added. “And to the couples out there tonight, it’s always going to be rocky, it’s always going to be hard… But if it’s true love, and it’s meant to be what it’s supposed to be, it’s going to always be good news. That’s real love. Black love.”

The Broadus’ have also displayed their tight family unit throughout the years, including Children’s Place campaigns and other ventures. With four children and multiple grandchildren in tow, they continue to be a loving Black family in Hollywood.

Others in Black Hollywood, including Jill Scott and Chloe and Halle Bailey, took home awards for their impact in entertainment. Hosted this year by Saweetie, the event uplifts and celebrates the power of Black women. It brought out additional stars like Glorilla and Doechii to receive due recognition for their work.

Melesa Johnson, First Black Woman Prosecutor, Jackson County, Missouri
by Daniel Johnson

November 11, 2024

Melesa Johnson Elected; First Black Woman Prosecutor In Jackson County, Missouri

At her Nov. 5 watch party, Johnson said she hoped her win would provide hope for little Black girls.

Melesa Johnson, a 35-year-old Democrat, won her race against Republican Tracey Chappell, also a Black woman, to become the first-ever Black woman prosecutor in Jackson County, Missouri.

According to KCUR, the race between the two women focused heavily on crime in the mostly Democratic county. Johnson won her race easily as she focused on aggressive prosecution and crime prevention.

Johnson replaces Jean Peters Baker, who had held the office since 2011 but declined to seek another term. Johnson came up in Baker’s office as a young attorney.

Johnson will leave her post as Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas’ director of public safety.

At her watch party on Nov. 5, Johnson said that she hoped her win would provide hope for little Black girls.

Johnson won the election 57% to Chappell’s 43%.

“Today we showed that a little Black girl from the east side of Kansas City can become one of the top-ranking law enforcement officials in the entire county — that means something,” Johnson said. “That’s going to trickle over to people wanting to become police officers, prosecutors, sheriffs, probation officers, people where I come from. And that’s a good thing for the system in its entirety.”

Johnson continued, “If you have never felt yourself seen in a justice system intended to serve you, I am honored to be your beacon of hope, and it is a responsibility that I do not take lightly.”

The race focused on crime due to a rash of property crime perpetuated by armed teens, mostly breaking into cars and businesses in affluent majority-white neighborhoods.

Notably, public sentiment around the violent crimes in Kansas City reached a fever pitch when two teenagers, age 15 and 17, allegedly shot a popular Irish chef, Shaun Brady, near his restaurant.

The two teenagers have been charged with second degree murder and could potentially be tried as adults.

Johnson’s response to the crime was to emphasize prosecution of crimes like these as well as Kansas City’s anti-violence initiative, SAVE KC. “We will fight and reduce violence and improve safety without losing sight of our humanity,” Johnson said.

SAVE KC is focused on street-level intelligence which collects information about who is most likely to commit crime.

Chappell, meanwhile, using a tough-on-crime approach, argued that social justice initiatives should only come after prosecution of violent crime.

According to The Kansas City Star, Johnson also promised her supporters that she would lead with integrity, emphasizing during the campaign that the deep-seated problems in Jackson County would not be solved by incarceration.

Instead, Johnson proposed an expansion of certain areas of prosecution like non-violent drug distribution cases while also looking to establish a new property crimes division and revitalize the conviction integrity unit, which examines past potential wrongful convictions.

“We have a tall task ahead, but through true collaboration and partnership, we can and will rise to the occasion,” Johnson said. “The challenges have been great, but your grit has been greater, and I am so grateful for your service, and know that I have some life big shoes to fill.”

RELATED CONTENT: Fani Willis Re-Elected To Atlanta’s Fulton County District Attorney’s Office

life expectancy, racial gap, healthcare
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 11, 2024

Life Expectancy Gap Between Blacks And Whites Widens As Systemic Healthcare Barriers Continue

Researchers are citing the continued barriers that are widening the life expectancy gap between Black and white people.

America’s entrenched racism is contributing to the growing life expectancy gap between Black and white Americans, research shows.

University of Wisconsin sociology professor Nicholas Mark pointed to data showing that the widening life expectancy gap is largely driven by social determinants of health, which are key factors in predicting life outcomes. Systemic barriers in living conditions, healthcare systems, and social structures are causing the white population to outlive their Black counterparts.

Barriers stemming from limited access to education and healthcare begin early in life, according to the professor.

“These differences can be attributed to differences in occupations and working conditions,” Mark told Badger Health.

Black communities face greater educational barriers, with limited resources for students pursuing higher education and few scholarship opportunities to help turn their dreams into reality. This lack of education often leads individuals into dangerous jobs with exposure to toxic chemicals and poor working conditions, as they are unable to secure higher-paying positions that would provide both better salaries and valuable life skills.

Individuals with higher socioeconomic status often have better access to healthcare and nutritious food, which has been shown to improve life expectancy. Mark also highlighted the chronic stress of living in a race-conscious society that stigmatizes and disadvantages the Black community.

These stressors lead to disproportionate physiological wear and tear on physical and mental health at rates that can accelerate overall decline at a younger age and faster rate among Black individuals. Due to a history of discriminatory policies, Black Americans are less likely to own homes and are more vulnerable to housing instability.

Redlining practices in the 1950s forced Black communities in cities like Chicago into housing projects, areas now often marked by socioeconomic disparities, gun violence, and high homicide rates. For residents in places like Parkway Gardens, this environment has contributed to significantly lower life expectancies compared to other areas.

The findings follow research that shows how before the pandemic, the average life expectancy was 79 years for white Americans and 75 years for Black Americans. However, by 2022, Time Magazine reported that life expectancy had dropped to 71 years for Black Americans and 77 years for white Americans.

Hector Arolas, professor at the Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, has studied the narrowing of mortality rates in the Black population leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, partly due to rising violence rates. He cited how during the pandemic, deaths from gun violence surged in the Black community, which widened the pre-existing life expectancy gap.

Arolas emphasized that meaningful change requires policies that specifically address disadvantaged groups and target the root causes of disproportionately high mortality rates. He noted that addressing these issues is crucial to lowering the life expectancy gap between Black and white populations.

RELATED CONTENT: New Research Indicates That Increasing Health Spans Is Better Than Longer Lives

Coco Gauff, WTA
by Daniel Johnson

November 10, 2024

Coco Gauff Aces Historic Season With WTA Finals Title, And $4.8M Prize

The 20-year-old superstar did it the hard way.

Coco Gauff, 20, won the Riyadh Open in Saudi Arabia on Nov. 9, and she did it the hard way, becoming the youngest player to beat the current number-one and number-two players in the world in a Women’s Tennis Association Finals since Kim Clijsters in 2002.

According to CNN, Gauff defeated Chinese player Zheng Qinwen in three sets, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 to win the tournament. Her reward: $4.8 million, the biggest in WTA history.

Gauff, 20, became the youngest player since Maria Sharapova in 2004, to win the tournament reserved for the world’s best players.

Earlier in the tournament, Gauff dispatched Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek, the world’s number-one and number-two players, respectively, en route to claiming the championship.

“I asked (about the record) as soon as I got the match,” Gauff said. “I asked: ‘Was this the youngest? It has to be some kind of record.’ I asked the Sky team, what was the answer. They didn’t have it, but that’s good to know.”

Gauff concluded, “It was 2004. The year I was born was the last time, so in my lifetime, basically, I’ve never seen it. That’s pretty cool. It just shows age is a number both ways, old and young.”

The WTA has, however, faced criticism for assisting Saudi Arabia in its quest to launder its international reputation through lavish sporting events.

According to The Athletic, the WTA’s event, the first event to be held in Saudi Arabia, is out of step in a country that has a documented history of restricting the freedom of women.

Gauff was the only player to voice her reservations about hosting the tournament in Saudi Arabia, telling the media that she was trusting what people who lived in the kingdom were telling her.

“If I felt uncomfortable or felt like nothing’s happening, then maybe I probably wouldn’t come back,” she said.

RELATED CONTENT: Coco Gauff Becomes 1st American In Over 10 Years To Win China Open Title

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