by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

July 9, 2024

NFL Player Cameron Sutton Suspended For 8 Games After Domestic Battery Arrest

An investigation into the matter led the league to determine that he violated its personal conduct policy.

Earlier this year, former Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton surrendered to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida, after he accusations of domestic violence. The NFL announced on July 8 that Sutton had been suspended for eight games without pay for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

After Sutton turned himself in, he reportedly entered a pretrial diversion program on misdemeanor battery charges. An investigation into the matter led the league to determine that he violated the personal conduct policy, leading to his suspension. After being released by the Lions, Sutton signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the veteran minimum and will be eligible to play when the team plays against the New York Giants in Week 9.

Steelers CB Cameron Sutton has been suspended eight games without pay for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, the league announced Monday.

He will be eligible to return Tuesday, Oct. 29, following the Steelers’ Week 8 game against the Giants. https://t.co/IcJccwmLMH

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 9, 2024

Sutton was charged with misdemeanor battery after turning himself in on March 31. He was initially wanted for domestic battery by strangulation, a felony, but prosecutors stated that he had been formally charged with misdemeanor battery. If convicted of this charge, he would have faced a maximum of one year in jail.

“After weeks of evading law enforcement, this man has finally made the right choice to turn himself in,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister at the time of Sutton’s surrender. “Domestic violence has no place in our community, and no one is above the law here in Hillsborough County. My thoughts are with this woman as she continues to heal from this man’s gruesome actions.”

Last year, Sutton signed a $33 million, three-year contract with the Lions after playing the first six years of his career with the Steelers. He was instrumental in helping the Lions win the division title this past season, the team’s first in 30 years. Sutton started every game while playing for Detroit, getting one interception, a forced fumble, and 50 tackles.

by Daniel Johnson

July 9, 2024

The Caucasity: Brett Favre To Ask Judge To Reinstate Defamation Lawsuit Against Shannon Sharpe

After a federal judge threw out his defamation lawsuit against ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe in October 2023, disgraced Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is set to request a federal appeals court to reinstate the lawsuit on July 9

After a federal judge threw out his defamation lawsuit against ESPN’s Shannon Sharpe in October 2023, disgraced Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is set to request a federal appeals court to reinstate the lawsuit on July 9. The lawsuit was originally thrown out due to a judge’s determination that Sharpe’s comments on a television broadcast were within the bounds of constitutionally protected free speech.

According to The Associated Press, U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett wrote in his 2023 decision that it was unreasonable to believe that Sharpe’s comments during a segment on Skip and Shannon: Undisputed should be taken literally. “Here, no reasonable person listening to the Broadcast would think that Favre actually went into the homes of poor people and took their money — that he committed the crime of theft/larceny against any particular poor person in Mississippi.”

Favre’s lawyers, meanwhile, argued in a brief that the ruling was a misinterpretation of Sharpe’s comments. “Here, a reasonable listener could and would have interpreted Sharpe’s repeated statements to the effect that Favre ‘stole money’ from ‘the underserved’ as factual assertions about Favre.”

Sharpe’s attorneys argued in their own legal brief that the judge’s ruling was correct, writing that Sharpe’s words were “loose, figurative language between media commentators about a significant public controversy important to the discourse of our nation.”

According to The AP, Favre has paid back the $1.1 million that he originally improperly received from a non-profit organization for work Favre performed on behalf of the organization, but still owes $729,790 due to accrued interest on the payments, according to Mississippi State Auditor Shad White.

During White’s investigation, he uncovered that between 2016 and 2019, the State of Mississippi misallocated over $77 million in funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, meant to go to some of the nation’s poorest inhabitants. According to The Mississippi Free Press, part of that misallocation was an incident which involved a scheme initiated by Nancy New, the operator of the Mississippi Community Education Center, the non-profit organization which paid Favre and former Mississippi Department of Human Services Director John Davis to divert $5 million to a volleyball stadium project Favre wanted at the University of Southern Mississippi, his alma mater.

New also diverted millions in funds from the TANF program to a pharmaceutical company Favre maintained an investment into, Prevacus. Unlike Favre, however, the founder of Prevacus, Jake VanLandingham, Davis, and New are all facing criminal charges related to their actions. According to The Free Press, the State of Mississippi is still trying to recover funds from Favre, which are related to both Prevacus and the University of Southern Mississippi’s volleyball project, through a civil lawsuit that is targeting dozens of organizations and individuals that the MDHS believes took the misused TANF funds.

According to the civil lawsuit, “Favre understood that the TANF Funds that MCEC paid to the Foundation were “grant funds” that were paid on his behalf. Favre knew that John Davis was providing grant funds from MDHS to MCEC for construction of the volleyball facility, and he knew that MDHS is Mississippi’s “welfare agency.” Favre discussed the source of the funding — MDHS — with Jon Gilbert. And Favre texted Jake VanLandingham regarding Nancy New: “She has strong connections and gave me five million for the Vball facility via grant money.”

by Stacy Jackson

July 9, 2024

‘Family Feud’ Appoints First Black Woman Showrunner, Myeshia Mizuno

The position with Family Feud makes Mizuno the first Black woman ever appointed as a prime time showrunner.

The iconic game show “Family Feud” has welcomed a groundbreaking new showrunner, Myeshia Mizuno, who now oversees both the syndicated version and ABC‘s prime time “Celebrity Family Feud.”

Mizuno’s appointment marks a historic moment as she becomes the first Black woman to helm a prime-time game show. The game show fanatic spoke to Variety about her approach to the role concerning the show’s legacy. “It’s daunting, but definitely what I’m up for,” she stated, likening her job to “adding some oil to the spokes” of an already well-oiled machine. Her vision includes subtle enhancements to both game show versions, such as introducing vacation packages as prizes and creating a cozy backstage area for celebrity contestants.

With a rich background in television production, Mizuno brings a wealth of experience to “Family Feud.” Her diverse career spans from producing “Judge Judy” to developing court shows and working on ABC‘s “Supermarket Sweep” revival. This varied expertise positions her well to steer the beloved game show into its next chapter. Steve Harvey, the charismatic host of “Family Feud,” expressed confidence in Mizuno’s capabilities. “She just fell right into place,” he remarked, praising her management skills. Harvey emphasized the importance of her role, noting, “This show is iconic…You don’t want to come in and mess it up…All eyes are on her.” The comedian is confident in Mizuno as the new showrunner, as BLACK ENTERPRISE previously covered, the host has already worked with her on ABC‘s Emmy-nominated “Judge Steve Harvey.”

The upcoming “Celebrity Family Feud” season promises an exciting lineup of stars, including Megan Thee Stallion, Ne-Yo, and various sports figures. Other notable matchups feature Meghan Trainor vs. Tori Kelly and a special “Golden Bachelor” face-off. Further into the season, episodes will feature Daughtry vs. Papa Roach, Earth, Wind & Fire vs. The War & Treaty, Fat Joe vs. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, and David Foster/Katharine McPhee vs. Clay Aiken.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u26uBgUE8Zw

“Celebrity Family Feud” enters its tenth season, premiering July 9 with a two-hour special. Stay tuned throughout the holidays for a special episode featuring Shaquille O’Neal vs. Sherri Shepherd.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 9, 2024

Georgia Power Crews Head To Texas In The Wake Of Hurricane Beryl

Georgia Power is sending crews to Texas as part of a state-to-state mutual aid agreement.

Georgia Power crews headed to Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl to help restore power for those impacted by the storm.

Twenty vehicles filled with personnel left July 8 to aid victims, according to WSB-TV. Although downgraded to category one by the time it reached Texas, Hurricane Beryl still wreaked havoc among many populated areas, including Houston and cities along the coast.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 3 million homes and businesses lost power. At least three people were killed. The storm moved east and later weakened to a tropical depression, the National Hurricane Center told AP on Monday.

As for Georgia Power’s participation, the mission is part of a state-to-state mutual aid agreement among utility companies. “When we need assistants with additional crews, they come to us and vice versa,” explained Georgia Power’s CEM, Marie Bertot, in a statement.

Flooding and strong winds left many without power as the storm moved through the state. Even Texans who live further away from the coastline lost power.

“I first lost power about 9 a.m. Just getting ready for work, and everything went dark,” explained Shane Mecke, who lives in Houston. “You might hear some of the generators in the background. The majority of them, I would say are without power.”

Mecke appeciated the interstate support.

“It feels good that crews from other states and other towns are willing to come out to help us get power back. I know it’s a lot of work for our crews here, so any help is greatly appreciated.”

As Georgia Power rushes to the impacted area, many residents and businesses remain without power. However, Georgia’s main power company did note that enough personnel are still in the state should weather impact its operations.

Given the mutual aid agreement, other state crews are on call as well for a worst-case scenario.

Amber Rose, Republican National Convention

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 9, 2024

Newly Conservative Amber Rose To Speak At Republican National Convention

Rose recently made headlines this year after publicly showing her support for Trump.

Amber Rose is continuing her “MAGA” walk. The newly conservative media personality will speak at the Republican National Convention (RNC), which starts July 15.

Rose recently emerged as a Trump supporter and confirmed the convention appearance news to her X account on July 8. Her confirmation follows reports from CNN’s Kristin Holmes that Rose would take part in the political event.

🇺🇸❤️🌹 pic.twitter.com/jnWjqkIPKd
— Amber Rose (@DaRealAmberRose) July 8, 2024

“It’s true, I’m speaking at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. #MAGA,” exclaimed Rose, reaffirming her support of Trump’s reelection campaign.

Rose made headlines in May with her right-leaning political view. The model quickly faced backlash after posting a picture with former President Trump and his wife, Melania, at a campaign event.

Despite the controversy, the Philadelphia native remained adamant in her new stance. She defended her choice, stating that Trump is the only candidate with a “reasonable compromise” on abortion.

“Y’all want biological men in women’s sports. Trump supports the most reasonable compromise on abortion,” she commented under a The Shade Room post about her, as reported by HuffPost. “Stop being brainwashed cuz WE’RE ppl of color. Make your own decisions.”

The 40-year-old added, “Lmaooo y’all think Biden cares about black ppl??? Sad. Do ur research. I did. I’ll ALWAYS put women first.”

In recent years, Rose became known for her advocacy for women’s rights. Most notably, she began leading the Los Angeles-based Slut Walk in 2015, an event that promotes sex positivity and denounce slut-shaming. Many consider her “MAGA” alignment to differ sharply from her past and more inclusive politics.

Rose initially garnered fame through her former relationship with Kanye West, currently known as Ye. She dated the rapper for approximately two years, beginning in 2008. She also shares a child with rapper Wiz Khalifa.

No further details were shared about when Rose will speak during the days-long convention. However, the event expects to host many conservative leaders across various industries.

Disney Parkgoers Upset With New Disability Access Service

by Stacy Jackson

July 9, 2024

Disney Parkgoers Upset With New Disability Access Service

A petition states that the new changes to Disney's Disability Access Service overlooks a wide range of disabled guests.

Disney’s recent modifications to its Disability Access Service (DAS) have sparked controversy among disabled guests and has prompted calls for change.

The revised policy now specifically targets “guests who, due to a developmental disability like autism or similar disorder, cannot wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time,” as stated on both park websites.

This shift in DAS eligibility has left many disabled guests feeling excluded.

A petition started by DAS Defenders highlights how the changes, implemented in May and June at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, respectively, overlook a wide range of conditions, including cancer patients, veterans with PTSD, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and individuals with rare diseases.

“Disney is a dream destination for countless families…including children with illness and disabilities,” the petition argues, emphasizing that the new policy “sends a clear message that the rights and needs of the disabled community can be overlooked.”

The impact on disabled guests was brought to light when Charisma Mangahas, a 25-year-old with Guillain-Barre syndrome, shared her experience of being denied DAS at Disneyland, as it’s now reserved for “severely disabled or cognitively disabled” guests.

She proposed a discounted Lightning Lane service as an alternative, suggesting it could be an add-on to Magic Key passes. Mangahas’ video has garnered the attention of over 1 million TikTok users.

@asymptomatic_
I was sad snd disappointed but i got mcdonalds to feel better lol I have to made do with what was given but most likely i cant be separated from my caregiver so i wont go on the rides that have longer wait times. I have a Ted Talk that explains my disability but ill make another video soon😭🫶🏽 #disney #daspass #accessibility #fyp
♬ original sound – choo choo

Disney has also altered the DAS application process, Fox Business reported. At Walt Disney World, guests must now register via virtual video chat up to 30 days before their visit. Disneyland offers both virtual chat and in-person options for same-day requests. Disney has taken a hard stance against those who exploit the Disability Access Service.

In a stern warning issued this April, the entertainment giant declared that any individuals caught fabricating disabilities to secure DAS privileges would face permanent expulsion from all Disney theme parks.

black unemplyment, stress, ennui, dissatisfatcion

by Jeffrey McKinney

July 9, 2024

Tips To Help When You Experience Work Ennui

Many people feel dissatisfied with their careers. Here's how women can become more content in their work path.

Originally Published Dec. 2, 2020.

Multiple reports in recent years have shown women start their own businesses for various reasons. Some include job frustration, discontent with corporate America, and simply to fulfill a dream or passion.

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Seamus Roddy, writer and marketing specialist, about this trend.

Roddy said, “It’s most alerting that although most Americans feel professionally successful, women are almost twice as likely (17% to 8%) as men to feel dissatisfied with their careers.”

Roddy pointed out that even with many Americans being professionally successful, a gap exists, and more women are being left behind. However, Roddy offered suggestions on what women can do to become more satisfied with their careers and operate more comfortably as their own bosses.

He says mentorship is one of the best ways for women, in particular, to be successful and fulfilled.

“Finding someone like you who has blazed the trail in corporate success or entrepreneurship can reap dividends for your career while mentoring newer employees can help increase fulfillment as you help others move forward.”

Here are some professional success tips suggested by The Manifest:

Practice professional networking

Professionals who develop fulfilling careers engage in networking. Professional networking helps employees make worthwhile connections and improve “soft skills,” such as conversational skills, necessary to work with a team.

Engage in mentorship

Mentoring boosts the professional success of both mentors and mentees. It is a two-way street that benefits mentors and mentees. Being a mentor provides exposure to new ideas, an opportunity to think critically about how to succeed at work, and the job satisfaction that comes with helping somebody else.

Negotiate a higher salary

Experts say asking for new responsibilities demonstrates that an employee has professional direction, wants to expand their skill set, and is open to contributing more to the company.

Rolf Box is chief HR officer at Resume.io, a résumé builder and career help service. He says that asking for new work responsibilities:

Increases the chances of receiving a raise
Makes a worker more marketable should he or she look for another job
Prevents “plateauing,” or a sense of professional stagnation
Provides exciting new challenges and skills

Hire a career coach

The best athletes on earth rely on coaches to develop their skills and help them succeed. Some employees are no different. They meet with a career coach to determine their professional path and identify the skills necessary to be successful.

An expanded version of these tips were first published on The Manifest.

Novelist, Bookstore, Wine Bar, Brooklyn, Liz's Book Bar

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

July 9, 2024

Liz’s Book Bar Is Now Open For Book Lovers And Wine Connoisseurs

Novelist Maura Cheeks recently opened Liz's Book Bar, with the Black-owned entity offering good reads and good sips.

Novelist Maura Cheeks has officially opened Liz’s Book Bar in Brooklyn, New York. The bookstore offers good reads and good sips from coffee to beer and wine.

The Black-owned establishment, located in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood, offers a communal space for book lovers and wine enthusiasts to connect. For Cheeks, the business pays homage to her upbringing, with her grandmother Elizabeth Parker inspiring the name.

“We were always going to bookstores when I was younger,” she told Brooklyn Magazine. “She was always handing me a very thick book to read, and is part of the reason that I’m a writer as well. So it just felt like a great way to honor her legacy.”

An avid reader and writer herself, Cheeks just released her debut novel, Acts of Forgiveness. The story touches on the fictional Forgiveness Act in Philadelphia, offering reparations to Black families. Guests to Cheeks’ bookstore may see her new venture as her way of reclaiming reparations.

“I’ve always wanted to create a public space where people can connect with strangers and neighbors and just hang out,” the entrepreneur explained. “A place that’s not home, that’s not work, where you feel comfortable just spending time, is really important.”

Cheeks’ journey to opening up the business took years. After quitting her marketing job in 2019, she began working at the Manhattan-based Book Club Bar to gain insight for her own version.

What makes Liz’s shop unique, however, is its focus on building community and remaining true to the owner’s history. Cheeks is not about stocking new releases, but wants patrons to rediscover their love of books; perhaps while enjoying a glass of wine.

“We’re not emphasizing new releases,” said the novelist. “I would love for people to discover old books that they perhaps haven’t read before.”

As for its popularity, customers find that supporting a well-intentioned, Black-owned book store benefits everyone.

“I came across a post on Instagram and I was like, Black-owned, woman-owned bookstore? Done and done,” shared Brooklyn resident Alysha Hall. “You know, we’re losing small businesses left and right. It’s so nice to be able to support an establishment in this time that supports reading and learning, and is owned by someone that maybe the chips are kind of stacked against. So yeah, it was a no-brainer — we were coming, and we’re probably gonna be here a lot.”

funding gap, DEI, diversity, Black women, gap

by Jeffrey McKinney

July 9, 2024

Report: New Concerns Arise As Funding Gap For Diverse Women And Minorities, Including Black Founders, Broadens

All-female teams with minority members were the only demographic to average under $500K in fundraising.

Regarding raising capital, Black women small business owners continue to be among entrepreneurs shunned in their quest to do so.

Racially diverse, all-female startup founding teams with minorities spent the longest time fundraising in 2023 at an average of 25 weeks, a 67% increase from 2022.

Simultaneously, the group collected an average of $460,000 in 2023, the lowest amount of funding of all demographics. The bottom line: female and minority founders allotted the most time to fundraising to raise the smallest amount of capital. And even as all demographics raised less in 2023. data showed that underrepresented founders endured the most misfortune.

In contrast, racially diverse, mixed-gender teams raised an average of $810K for 18 weeks, while mixed-gender teams without minority members raised an average of $800K for 20 weeks.

The fresh statistics are from this report. The analysis examined growing disparities and disadvantages that female-led and people-of-color start-ups endure in obtaining much-needed financing.

The data revealed that female teams raised 43% less than all-male teams in 2023. All-female teams with minority members were the only demographic to average less than $500K. They gathered the most per meeting, raising an average of $21,900.

The findings are intense and potentially consequential on several fronts. The report indicated the Black Lives Matter movement and activism in 2020 to fund women and Black-led firms encouraged venture capital (VC) firms to make progress in closing the funding gap. Yet, partly due to VC financing tightening, progress regressed as underrepresented founders faced more fundraising obstacles.

Observers expressed concern if the latest funding downturn for female and minority founders will keep falling for those businesses as anti-DEI pressures continue to grow. They have come from conservative activists against private and public organizations as they have in recent months.

Simultaneously, venture funding for Black-founded startups 2023 fell below $1 billion to $705 million, the first time since 2016, according to a report from tech research firm Crunchbase.

Furthermore, the meltdown comes roughly four years after the murder of George Floyd and promises by corporate America to invest billions of dollars into the Black community. That included vows to help Black small businesses gain financing to grow. However, many of the pledges have not yet been delivered upon. And that reportedly has occurred as DEI critics have since legally attacked such investments.

Justin Izzo, senior data and trends analyst at Dropbox DocSend, offered this perspective in comments in a news release. “In 2021, underrepresented founders experienced a relative increase in funding and positive momentum in bridging the funding gap.”

He added, “But with less money overall, this trend was short-lived. The pendulum swung even further back as VCs cautiously invested in decks that easily resonated. Investors are missing opportunities for outsized returns from underrepresented founders and less familiar ideas.”

Dropbox DocSend reported that if a team had minority team members, the business model slide was among the most scrutinized by investors. However, diverse teams received 29% less time on their business model sections than all-white teams.

Victoria Yampolsky, president and founder of The Startup Station, commented on the analysis in a news release. The Startup Station describes itself as a CFO advisory and finance education platform for startups and small businesses.

“Fundraising is rarely a quick process, especially for underrepresented founders,” she stated. “Despite increasing challenges, all-female teams continue to show unparalleled determination and resourcefulness. It’s more than just fundraising, though: utilize your existing network while you build a new one, apply to an accelerator, enter a pitch contest and attend startup conferences.”

She added, “Above all, believe in yourself, your ability to raise money and your mission. Having an unwavering will to persevere and open-mindedness to try all available resources can make the difference between success and failure.”

by Daniel Johnson

July 9, 2024

Weight Loss Medications Linked To Lower Cancer Risk, According To Study

According to a study, among 13 cancers commonly associated with obesity, GLP-1 drugs resulted in a decreased risk of developing cancer in 10 of them.

A recent study suggests that GLP-1 drugs, which include widely prescribed weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, may offer substantial benefits in lowering cancer risks among diabetic patients. The research highlights a significant decrease in the incidence of various cancers such as gallbladder cancer, meningioma, pancreatic cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer) associated with the use of these drugs. Additionally, the study indicates a reduced risk for ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, multiple myeloma, esophageal cancer, endometrial cancer, and kidney cancer.

According to the study published in JAMA Network Open, among 13 cancers commonly associated with obesity, GLP-1 drugs resulted in a decreased risk of developing cancer in 10 of them. Only post-menopausal breast cancer, stomach cancer, and thyroid cancer were not applied decreased risk from the use of GLP-1 class drugs.

According to CNN, researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the MetroHealth system analyzed the medical records of more than 1.7 million people with type-2 diabetes. As it relates to the thyroid, the study authors note that those who are on the medicines should take note of warnings about thyroid complications, because other studies note their negative interaction regarding insulin production and the thyroid.

Although more information is needed about how the reduced risk of cancer is related to the scale of weight loss provided by the drugs, the study nonetheless says that the findings give “preliminary evidence of the potential benefit of GLP-1RAs for cancer prevention in high-risk populations and support further preclinical and clinical studies.”

Lindsey Wang, a student at the Center for Science, Health and Society and one of the authors of the study, told Healthline that some of the findings went against some of their initial hypotheses. “Most notably, we saw a decrease [of] significant risk across most gastrointestinal cancers. So, that goes all the way from your esophagus down to your colon. This is pretty interesting because these cancers usually have a poor prognosis after you are diagnosed with it,” Wang said. “Something that did surprise us a little was that we found no association between using these GLP-1 RA’s [receptor agonists] and your breast cancer risk, which was contrary to our initial expectation.”

Jennie Stanford, an obesity medicine physician who works for Intellihealth, told the outlet that the drugs are just beginning to be understood. “I think we’re at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the benefits of the GLP-1 receptor agonists,” Stanford said. “As we learn more and more about what they’re able to do, I think we’ll be able to see possibilities for using them in dementia, in obesity-associated cancers and other medical problems that are linked back to the same underlying mechanism.”