Black-Owned Barbering Platform Launches Scholarship To Save Student Barbers

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 12, 2023

Black-Owned Barbering Platform Launches Scholarship To Save Student Barbers

Leading barber app theCut has launched a scholarship aimed at nurturing the next generation of barbers and cosmetologists.

Last month, theCut hosted “Shear Elegance: A Night to Save Barbering,” which launched a $5,000 scholarship fund, “Save Financial Aid for Student Barbers.” The campaign aims to fund financial aid for student barbers which is at risk due to the Department of Education’s (DOE) proposed amendments to the gainful employment rule, which could critically affect funding for aspiring student barbers and beauticians.

With the Department of Education proposing to change the Gainful Employment Rule and designate barbering, cosmetology and other personal service jobs as a “low-value” program, this would limit access to financial aid for students seeking enrollment in barber school programs. Now with theCut’s scholarship fund, promising student barbers and beauticians can continue to have access to essential resources despite the potential regulatory changes.

“In an attempt to protect the career choices of aspiring barbers and stylists, we launched the campaign to raise awareness and hopefully become a resource to the DOE in this new environment,” theCut founder Obi Omile tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in the latter.”

With an unwavering commitment to supporting the barber and beauty community, theCut hopes to aid the next generation of barbers and cosmetologists while raising awareness on their importance to the community.

“Barbers and stylists are essential. This was proven during the pandemic, as they were almost considered essential workers,” Omile says.

“These professionals are tasked with ensuring that everyone can look good, feel good, and do good as often as they so choose. Making sure that we have a future filled with barbers and stylists is obviously important for the mere fact of grooming and appearance upkeep. However, it’s also important to manage supply and demand dynamics to keep prices steady and to best mitigate against unsafe practices throughout the industry.”

TheCut is at the forefront of the barbering community, working to unite individuals with skilled barbers nationwide. Founded in 2016, theCut has surpassed Google’s search volume in the barbering sector, totaling 1.4 million searches.

Those interested in supporting theCut’s scholarship campaign can donate here.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 12, 2023

Takeoff’s Mother Could Be Listed As Defendant In His Sexual Assault Lawsuit

The woman who filed a lawsuit in 2020 accusing Takeoff of sexual assault could be going after his mother in the wake of his untimely death.

Last week, attorneys representing the woman behind the suit filed court papers demanding that Takeoff’s mom, Tatiana Davenport, replace her late son in the lawsuit, All Hip Hop reports. With Davenport acting as the administrator of her late son’s estate, the plaintiff is seeking to have her substitute Takeoff in the suit.

The original complaint was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in August 2020 accusing Takeoff of sexually assaulting the woman during a party in an Encino home on June 23, 2020. The lawsuit claims Takeoff made several advances during the party, which she rejected.

The woman alleges Takeoff made her feel “uncomfortable” before he followed her into a bedroom where he assaulted her, The New York Post reports. Jane Doe was then treated at a nearby hospital, where staff noted evidence of sexual trauma and alerted police.

The late rapper denied the allegations at the time and despite police involvement, L.A. County District Attorney’s office declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence. On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot outside a Houston bowling alley before the lawsuit was resolved.

He was scheduled to testify at a deposition on Jan. 17, 2023, with a jury trial set for June, the U.S. Sun reports. Now the plaintiff is choosing to go after Takeoff’s mother and move forward with the lawsuit.

In June Davenport filed a $1 million wrongful death lawsuit against the owners of 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston where Takeoff was fatally shot. Davenport accused venue owners of being negligent in failing to provide adequate security, including metal detectors, security guards, and surveillance cameras, along with not enforcing a no-weapons policy, Fox 26 reported.

Sports Illustrated CEO Fired After AI-Generated Stories Scandal

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 12, 2023

Sports Illustrated CEO Fired After AI-Generated Stories Scandal

The chief executive officer of "Sports Illustrated" has been ousted after the site was caught publishing AI-generated stories with fake author names and profiles.

The chief executive officer of Sports Illustrated has been ousted after the site was caught publishing AI-generated stories.

On Monday, Dec. 11 The Arena Group, which operates Sports Illustrated and The Street, fired its chief executive Ross Levinsohn after Sports Illustrated was caught publishing stories with fake author names and profile photos generated by artificial intelligence, CNN reports.

Levinsohn, who served as CEO for three years, was replaced by interim chief executive Manoj Bhargava, the founder of the energy drink brand 5-Hour Energy and majority investor of The Arena Group.

His removal comes less than a week after The Arena Group fired three major executives: operations president and chief operating officer Andrew Kraft, media president Rob Barrett, and corporate counsel Julie Fenster.

“All of the media brands, including Sports Illustrated, will continue to operate with the management of those verticals, while the company just takes a broad view of operations and how to improve the business overall,” Vince Bodiford, a spokesperson for Bhargava said

When asked if the AI-generated articles had anything to do with the swift terminations, Bodiford said, “We have nothing further to add to the company’s prior statements regarding A.I.”

Futurism first revealed the AI purported author “Sora Tanaka,” which/who claimed to be a product reviewer on the site.

“Sora has always been a fitness guru, and loves to try different foods and drinks,” the profile stated. “Ms. Tanaka is thrilled to bring her fitness and nutritional expertise to the Product Reviews Team, and promises to bring you nothing but the best of the best.”

When called out, The Arena Group issued a statement claiming the articles with the AI-generated headshots had been provided by a contractor called AdVon Commerce.

“We understand that change can be challenging, but it is also a necessary catalyst for progress,” Grady Tripp, the company’s senior vice president of people wrote. “Our commitment to making Arena a successful and profitable company remains steadfast. We believe that these and other changes will contribute to the growth and success of Arena for the benefit of all stakeholders, including our valued customers, shareholders, and employees.”

Fantasia And Danielle Brooks Earn Golden Globe Nominations For ‘The Color Purple’ Despite Best Motion Picture Snub

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 12, 2023

Fantasia And Danielle Brooks Earn Golden Globe Nominations For ‘The Color Purple’ Despite Best Motion Picture Snub

"The Color Purple" isn't even in theaters yet, but it's already scored Fantasia and Danielle Brooks Golden Globe nominations.

The Color Purple isn’t even in theaters yet, but it’s already scored Fantasia and Danielle Brooks Golden Globe nominations.

The nominations for the 2024 Golden Globes were announced on Dec. 11, and two stars from the musical film could be walking away with an award. Fantasia, who stars as Celie in the musical remake, received her first Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress, Variety reports.

Danielle Brooks also received her first Golden Globe nomination, for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.

Fantasia responded to her nomination on Monday and acknowledged her previous claim to never play the character of Celie again after portraying the lead character on Broadway.

“I’ve said in Interviews before that I would never play this role again because of post-traumatic stress, but I am so glad that I didn’t allow fear to stand in my way,” Fantasia said via Deadline.

It was her husband who told her the good news.

“The first thing I do in the morning is call my husband — I remember picking up the phone, and he was screaming,” she shared. “That’s when he told me I had been nominated for a Golden Globe, and I started crying. This has been a long time coming for me.”

After citing the Book of Job, Fantasia noted the patience she’s needed throughout her entertainment career and knowing that “things will come through in the end.”

As for what’s next for the 2004 American Idol winner, Fantasia hopes to do more acting and release new music while enjoying her family.

“I would love to do more movies and challenge myself in other roles because I love working,” she said. “But most importantly, I want to help heal as Celie did in this story. I am so proud of her. I want to share my home and bless people with resources and the things they need.”

While Fantasia and Brooks scored Golden Globe nominations, many are unhappy with the overall snub The Color Purple received: It was not nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, nor was Taraji P. Henson named in the Best Supporting Actress category, according to Forbes.

matt, barnes, Barnes Bunch, wet, ALLBLK,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 12, 2023

Matt Barnes And Anansa Sims Land WeTV Reality Series ‘Barnes Bunch’

Matt Barnes and his fiance Anansa Sims are set to pull back the curtains on their blended family in their first reality series.

The “Barnes Bunch” is coming to WeTV and will follow the NBA champion and model as they raise their blended family of six alongside Simms’ famed supermodel mother Beverly Johnson, Broadway World reports. The Barnes bunch consists of the NBA champion and his model fiance and their six children randing in age from five to 15.

Matt has two children from his previous marriage to Gloria Gova, Anansa has three children from previous relationships, and together they have a young son. Very present parents, the two support their children with big support from Sims’ veteran supermodel mom, New York Times best-selling author Beverly Johnson.

The show will follow their journey to combining their blended family ahead of making their way down the altar. Sims is busy planning their engagement party and wedding all while Barnes hosts his sports podcast show and shares in parenting duties.

“We’re excited to give people an inside look at our big, beautiful, crazy, blended family. Stay tuned,” Matt and Anansa said in a statement.

“The WE tv audience expects engaging, entertaining and boldly relatable personalities alongside talked about and explosively fun storylines. Matt, Anansa and their family and friends deliver on all notes,” said Brett Dismuke, Head of Content, WE tv and ALLBLK. “WE can’t wait to share their familial journey with the world and are grateful to the entire family for trusting us with their adventure.”

The “Barnes Bunch” is set to debut in early 2024 on WeTV and ALLBLK. The show is executive produced by Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner for Foxxhole Productions, Tara Long, Sun de Graaf, and Ben Megargel of Entertainment One (eOne). Anthony Oji Singletary serves as Showrunner.

It’s Barnes first return to television following his comedy series “The Education of Matt Barnes” that was greenlit in 2021 but never came into fruition, Deadline reports.

les, brown, Ona, Dr., Brown, Las Vegas, small, business, conference

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 12, 2023

Les Brown And Daughter Dr. Ona Brown To Lead Small-Business Conference

Dr. Ona Love Brown, and her dad, the legendary Les Brown, will headline the upcoming Expansion Small Business Conference 2024.

Originally reported by Blacknews

Dr. Ona Love Brown and her father, the legendary Les Brown, will headline the upcoming Expansion Small Business Conference 2024 which promises three days of mind-shifting, accelerated learning, and collaborative empowerment. The clarion call has gone out for Las Vegas area entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to attend this powerful event which will be held December 14 to 16.

The Business Success Center, in partnership with the Urban Chamber of Conference, is hosting an event that is open to and designed for entrepreneurs at all levels. “Ona Brown and Friends” will be featured throughout the program. Dr. Brown is known as “The Message Midwife” and “The CEO Whisperer” after decades of successfully consulting and coaching CEOs to develop their foundational message…build unforgettable brands…and generate millions from their vision. One of her long-standing clients for almost seven years is now a billionaire.

Brown explained that the welcome mat is out for new business owners, more seasoned owners, and those who have been at it for a while but are looking to expand their brand and market reach. It’s also for top executives who are ready for change and considering venturing out to launch a business. She is ready to share many of the same principles she has used throughout her career to make both herself and her long list of clients successful.

The program is being billed as a “dynamic 3-day event designed to equip small business owners with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed for significant expansion opportunities in 2024 and beyond.” A variety of business visionaries, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs will provide participants with invaluable insights and actionable plans for growth that have resulted in their own success.

The “Where Innovation Meets Empowerment” conference will be a unique blend of panel discussions, workshops, guest speakers, and invaluable networking time. As Brown stressed, “There will literally be something for everyone.” She continued, “It is more than an event, the Expansion 2024 Conference is a platform for growth, collaboration, and innovation.” Urban Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Cameron “C.H.” Miller emphasized the importance of attending. “We want to help you grow your business in the coming year. It is time to ascend and expand in 2024!” Mr. Miller is very passionate about the empowerment of local business owners and is blazing new trails to create multiple ways for the Urban Chamber Members to be in business for themselves but not by themselves.

The three-day gathering begins Dec. 14 at the Palms Casino Resort, 4321 N. Flamingo Rd., Paradise, Nevada. The 6pm session will feature a panel discussion on “How to Expand Your Technology.” The program shifts to Mariposa Cocina and Cocktails, 2575 S. Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, December 15, 5:30pm to 8pm for an evening of connecting and networking with fellow attendees, speakers, and industry professionals. The Palms will again be the site on December 16 for a full day of discussions and insights led by a long list of successful entrepreneurs. The cost for the Expansion Small Business Conference 2024 is $95.

Brown will lead the December 16 workshop series of events that will explore such areas as strategic planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and more. Event participants will get a special treat when the conference grand finale features a presentation by world-renowned motivational speaker Les Brown. Event information promises that Brown’s “Expand Your Greatness” address will provide the “wisdom and experience [that] will inspire you to elevate your business to unprecedented heights.”

Ona Brown added a promise when she emphasized the value that she is offering to local entrepreneurs. “Get ready to elevate your business knowledge and make 2024 your most successful year ever,” she proclaimed.

How to Attend:
For more details on how to buy tickets and also to view a list of the other speakers, visit UrbanChamber.org/expansion-2024

About the Founder
Dr. Ona Love Brown has been professionally speaking, coaching, training, and consulting for more than 27 years (since 1995). She is continuing the family legacy in the self-development industry and is carrying the torch of The Living Legend… her father, Mr. Les Brown.

For press inquiries or media interview requests, contact Ona Love Brown at 404-334-3322 or via DM on Instagram @ownwithona.

Tavon, davon, woods, foster care, foster kids matter, walk, 300, miles, 31, days

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 12, 2023

Twin Brothers Walking 600 Miles To Raise Foster Care Awareness

Twin brothers Davon and Tavon Woods from Pennsylvania are embarking on a 600-mile walk over 31 days to raise awareness about foster care.

Originally reported by Blacknews

Twin brothers Davon and Tavon Woods from Pennsylvania, who were adopted at the age of 2, are embarking on a 600-mile walk from Sumter to Philadelphia for 31 days to raise awareness about foster care. With their movement, called #FosterKidsMatter, they are stepping up for a cause close to their hearts.

“Foster care isn’t talked about enough,” Davon told WLTX. Tavon added all they want to do is “share our story and share stories of other kids that went through foster care.”

Having been placed in the foster care system immediately after birth and adopted at 2 years old, the Sumter-born brothers aim to provide relatable experiences for kids who might feel voiceless in the system.

“We walked in their shoes, and a lot of our stories are pretty much similar,” Davon said.

Their journey will take them from the Sumter County Courthouse to Philadelphia, carrying one backpack each and wearing donated Hoka shoes. They’ve covered various states before, and their longest trek so far was a 96-mile journey from Georgia to Florida.

“Just mentally, it just is very hard just to be able to push, and we do 20-plus miles a day,” Tavon said. “That’s walking eight hours straight.” But the brothers find the strength to persevere, driven by the mission to bring attention to foster care issues.

Moreover, support from the community is pouring in, with residents like their friend Justin McCoon acknowledging the sacrifice and the crucial awareness the brothers are generating. “It’s taken fire faster than I could believe,” McCoon says, emphasizing the impact of their journey.

The brothers appreciate the support from their community, with Tavon stating, “Just to know that we have the support of the city is amazing.”

For Davon and Tavon, the walk is not only about raising awareness but also strengthening their unbreakable bond. Davon said, “It is definitely a blessing and on these walks, it just makes us stronger because we just be talking and just talking and talking about everything that we experienced and how everything is happening now for us.”

Learn more about their movement via their official website at FKM.Life.

Keisha Nash-Whitaker, Ex-Wife Of Actor Forest Whitaker, Passes Away At 51

by Stacy Jackson

December 12, 2023

Keisha Nash-Whitaker, Ex-Wife Of Actor Forest Whitaker, Passes Away At 51

Keisha Nash-Whitaker passed away during the week of Dec. 3. The former couple's daughter True confirmed her mother’s passing on Instagram.

Keisha Nash-Whitaker, ex-wife of acclaimed actor Forest Whitaker, died at age 51 during the week of Dec. 3. According to Deadline, no cause of death has been shared. Still, rumors persist of her reportedly struggling for years with the eating disorder anorexia. The couple’s daughter, True Whitaker, confirmed her mother’s passing in an emotional Instagram post-Thursday Dec. 7, calling Nash-Whitaker “the most beautiful woman in the world.”

A source close to the family revealed that Nash-Whitaker had been admitted to the hospital numerous times over the last few months for intestinal issues stemming from her eating disorder, with her years-long battle with anorexia ultimately taking her life earlier this week, Daily Mail reported. Whitaker is “taking her death really hard,” the source said. The outlet noted that it has reached out to a representative for Whitaker for a comment, and a coroner still has to confirm the producer’s cause of death.

“Keisha battled anorexia for years. Forest stayed by her side during those difficult times, but the following year, he filed for divorce in 2015,” the insider close to the family disclosed.

Nash-Whitaker, an actress, model, and producer, the entrepreneur appeared in Proud in 2004 and later produced the film Kassim the Dream in 2008, reported Deadline.

Nash-Whitaker and Whitaker, 62, wed in 1996 before divorcing in 2018. They were married for over two decades and had two daughters together – 25-year-old True and 27-year-old Sonnet– and four children total.

True mourned the loss of her mother on social media, writing in her tribute, “You loved me no matter what. I miss you so much, mommy. I’m so heartbroken.” She called Nash-Whitaker “the light of my life” and said, “I know your soul has found freedom.”

True and Sonnet have been left grieving their mother, who they remember as a profoundly loving, beautiful light in their lives.

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Black Landlord Surprises Tenants With Free Rent For The Holidays

by Stacy Jackson

December 12, 2023

Black Landlord Surprises Tenants With Free Rent For The Holidays

After being evicted in 2017, Britni Ricard is gifting tenants of her own apartment complex with free rent for the month of December.

Real estate investor Britni Ricard, who is also known as Bee Marie, surprised tenants of her apartment complex with an early Christmas gift of free rent.

Residents were shocked after Ricard revealed they would not be required to pay rent for the month of December. The apartment complex owner posted a video to TikTok of the moment she gathered with her tenants to express her gratitude and present them with the unexpected holiday surprise. According to the Dec. 3 video which has garnered over 2 million viewers, Ricard told her tenants, “If I was going to give back, I want to give to people who give to me.”

@1beemarie
MERRY CHRISTMAS. Im so grateful to God for putting me in the position to be able to give back. Gifting my tenants with FREE RENT is something ive always wanted to do.
♬ GRATEFUL (feat. Vory) – DJ Khaled

“MERRY CHRISTMAS. [I’m] so grateful to God for putting me in the position to be able to give back. Gifting my tenants with FREE RENT is something [I’ve] always wanted to do,” Ricard wrote in the video’s caption.

Following the announcement, she revealed her plans to set up a seminar to educate her tenants on homeownership. “If I’m being realistic, and this is just me being one hundred percent transparent, what y’all are paying in rent, y’all could be paying in mortgage,” the landlord shared.

She embraced the grateful tenants with hugs and handshakes before they exited the meetup.

On September 16, 2022, the entrepreneur took to TikTok to share her experience in 2017 when she was evicted from her two-bedroom, two-bath residence. By 2022, Ricard was the owner of five duplex homes, and all ten of the two-bedroom, two-bath units were completely rented out.

https://www.tiktok.com/@1beemarie/video/7143844148985171246

Ricard is no gatekeeper in any of her career fields. The generous landlord is also the CEO of Cota Skin Care, a beauty brand that promotes the importance of self-care and maintaining healthy skin. Ricard spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE in 2021 to share tips on how to keep melanated skin moisturized and glowing in the winter. The CEO, who turned her skincare company into a multimillion-dollar business in under two years, said that she took a leap of faith and quit her job to pursue her passion.

by Sharelle Burt

December 12, 2023

Tunisians Have A Big Issue With Denzel Washington’s New Role As Hannibal

Tunisia clearly didn't get the memo on our beloved Denzel Washington.

Director Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming Netflix film starring the legendary Denzel Washington already has drama surrounding it.

A French newspaper, Courrier International, says Tunisians have complained that a Black man is playing the Carthaginian general known as Hannibal. Yassine Mami, a member of Parliament, described the general, born in 247 BC in Carthage, now known as Tunis, as being of West Asian Semitic descent. Mami says Washington playing him may be perceived as putting forth a false narrative. “There is a risk of falsifying history: we need to take a position on this subject,” he told the publication.

Tunisian newspaper La Presse also published an article saying that Hannibal being depicted as a Black African is “according to Tunisians and many observers, a historical error.”

The movie is based on the life of Hannibal, considered by many to be one of the greatest military commanders in history. According to Variety, the pivotal battles he led against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War will be shown throughout the film. The war hero invaded Italy on the back of a North African war elephant. The Carthaginians won several victories against the Romans, allowing Hannibal to take over most of southern Italy for 15 years.

His reign ended after being defeated by the Romans at the Battle of Zama.

While Parliament officials aren’t excited about the film, Tunisian Culture Minister Hayet Ketat-Guermazi understands it’s for entertainment purposes. “It’s fiction. It is their Netflix’s right to do what they want,” Guermazi said in response to the article. “Hannibal is a historical figure, and we are all proud that he was Tunisian. But what can we do?”

The culture minister hopes to cash in on the movie, saying she’s trying to negotiate with the streaming platform to film some of the films in Tunisia.