According to CBS Sports, the former Baltimore Ravens great will join his n son, Ed Reed III, a senior receiver and defensive back on the team next season. Coaching his son’s team is not new for Reed, who has been doing so in an unofficial capacity.
“Excited about the opportunity to help the Chamblee community and teach this game to the Chamblee football team,” Reed said in a written statement. “Thanks for all the support out there, and while other coaching opportunities were available to me, at other levels of football, I couldn’t pass up the chance to coach my son.”
The Atlanta Voice reported that Reed will work alongside his former teammate, Jamal Lewis, who joined Chamblee High School in 2024 as the director of college recruiting. Lewis’ son, Jazz, is a freshman receiver on the Chamblee football team..
“We needed to tighten up the coaching staff and we need an offensive coordinator like Ed Reed because he knows how to get the ball around to our players,” Lewis told the Atlanta Voice.
The football team had a dismal 2024 season, finishing 2-9.
Reed was hired in 2023 to become the head coach at Bethune-Cookman, an HBCU located in Daytona Beach, Florida. But, before he could take over the team, Reed said the school forced him out before the contracts were done. He took to social media with a statement.
“I am NOT withdrawing my name as the Head Coach at Bethune Cookman. The administration and the AD are forcing me out. Thank you to all that supported me and my staff through this process. Good day, and God bless.”
Black, Asian, And Woman-Owned Wine Brand Takes Flight On American Airlines
The company's signature collection will be featured on American Airlines' long-haul, international flights.
KT Winery, a Black and Asian woman-owned wine company, has taken off in a new partnership with American Airlines. The U.S. airliner will start serving the wine in-flight starting January 2025.
Based in Denver and founded in 2020, the company prides itself on being a low-sugar option for wine lovers. Known for its flagship “Mom Juice” brand, it hopes to grow to new heights through this collaboration, announced on Jan. 15 in a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. However, KT Winery’s Signature Collection will actually feature on America’s long-haul, international flights.
The collection offers an elevated yet affordable wine-tasting experience. The company’s co-founder and CEO, Kristin Taylor, shared her excitement about becoming part of this in-flight venture.
“As a frequent traveler, I often see the joy of the simple pleasures on flights. When I started KT Winery, it was a dream of mine to create and enhance those experiences,” expressed Taylor. “To now be part of that experience for other travelers is a true full circle moment.”
The duo met in Charlotte before relocating to Denver. They envisioned a contemporary wine brand that prioritized health and wellness while becoming a beacon of diversity for the industry. Since its inception, the “clean” wine brand has expanded to multiple retailers at over 500 stores. While doing so, it maintains production and bottling in Napa Valley.
While its Mom Juice ranges from Pinot Grigio to Rosé, its Signature Collection boasts a Cabernet Sauvignon once recognized by the James Beard Foundation.
Her co-founder, COO, and Head Of Sales, Macie Mincey, added, “We are looking forward to having our Signature Collection served on American Airlines flights, offering the opportunity for new audiences to experience what we call ‘affordable luxury in a glass. As a mom of four, I love that busy moms get to experience premium wines like those in Mom JuiceSignature Collection in a welcoming community where they are seen and known.”
American Airlines passengers traveling abroad can now experience this minority-owned winery that continues to champion taste while promoting clean ingredients.
Brooklyn Entrepreneur Launches Virtual Tax Prep Services For Low-Income Families
Tahvia Shannon is transforming the financial landscape for low-income families nationwide.
Meet Tahvia Shannon, a 30-year-old African American entrepreneur from Brooklyn, New York, who is the vounder and CEO of Virtufin Precision Solutions, a Black-owned virtual tax prep company that is transforming the financial landscape for low-income families in all 50 states. Launched during the last tax season, her company specializes in providing comprehensive virtual tax preparation services, credit repair, and essential financial education tailored to meet the needs of the community—all from the comfort of clients’ homes.
Having risen from humble beginnings and having experienced the challenges of the New York City shelter system, Shannon understands first-hand the importance of financial stability and education. “I want to empower families to take control of their finances and build a secure future for themselves and their children,” she comments. With her personal journey fueling her passion, she is committed to making a difference in the lives of those she serves.
Shannon is trained in and dedicated to helping low-income families, families affected by the recent hurricane disasters, essential workers, gig workers, and small business owners who want to maximize their deductions and financial opportunities.
Shannon’s ultimate goal is to enter the real estate market, a move she believes will not only build wealth for herself but also secure her family’s future and ensure she will never face homelessness again. She is dedicated to creating pathways for others to achieve similar financial independence through education and support.
Virtufin Precision Solutions has already made a significant impact in the community through successful initiatives, including a financial literacy workshop at PS 41, a New York City public school in Brooklyn. Parents provided glowing feedback, expressing their gratitude for the valuable knowledge gained during the session. “We aim to continue facilitating workshops, not just for parents, but also to educate children about financial responsibility from a young age,” Shannon adds.
In line with her mission to uplift the community, Shannon is planning a series of exciting initiatives for 2025, including a back-to-school giveaway, a toy drive for Christmas, and a coat drive for winter. These events are designed to support families in need and foster a sense of community during the holiday season.
The virtual nature of Virtufin Precision Solutions ensures that clients can access top-notch tax services without the stress of travel, making it more convenient than ever to receive the financial support they need. As the tax season ramps up, Virtufin Precision Solutions is actively accepting new clients, ready to help families maximize their tax refunds and navigate the complexities of tax preparation with confidence.
With a focus on exceptional service, Virtufin Precision Solutions offers competitive referral fees and incentives for clients who bring in new customers, creating a collaborative environment where everyone can benefit. Shannon has also partnered with local daycares, hairstylists, nail technicians, salons, churches, and car dealerships for the ongoing tax season, ensuring that families have access to the resources they need.
“By working together with local businesses, we can create a network of support that extends beyond tax season,” Shannon explains. “Our goal is to help families achieve financial independence and instill the values of financial literacy in the next generation.”
As a proud mother herself, Shannon is dedicated to teaching her children about finances and instilling the importance of managing money wisely. She believes that with the right tools and knowledge, families can break the cycle of financial instability and create lasting change in their lives.
Virtufin Precision Solutions is poised to become a beacon of hope and empowerment in the community, providing essential virtual tax preparation services that cater to the unique needs of low-income families. With Shannon at the helm, the business is set to grow and make a meaningful impact, one family at a time.
For more information about Virtufin Precision Solutions, to schedule a consultation, or to learn how you can get involved, please visit https://linktr.ee/virtufinprecisionsolutions
Also, be sure to follow Tahvia Shannon on Facebook
This news was first reported by Blackbusiness.com.
Colman Domingo’s ‘Sing Sing’ To Make History As First Film Released In Theaters And Prisons
Colman Domingo's "Sing Sing" will become the first film to be released in theaters and prisons across the country.
Colman Domingo’s A24 film Sing Sing will be re-released this week, making history as the first film to be simultaneously released to nearly a million incarcerated individuals across the U.S.
The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the Oscar-contender film will return to over 500 theaters on Jan. 17 with an even wider release, including prisons across the country. Correctional facilities in California, New York, Texas, and 43 other states will get to see the film, which tells the story of a group of men enrolled in a prison theater program.
The unique release is the result of a collaboration between A24, Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)—the real-life nonprofit that inspired the film—and Edovo, a nonprofit that provides educational curricula to incarcerated individuals via tablets in over 1,100 correctional facilities nationwide.
“Storytelling has an incredible way of sparking hope and building connections, even in the toughest circumstances,” said Edovo Founder and CEO Brian Hill. “With Sing Sing, we’re giving incarcerated individuals an opportunity to see themselves in a story of resilience and transformation and to feel inspired to imagine new possibilities for their own lives. “
Domingo and Oscar nominee Paul Raci were among the few professional actors in the cast, with most of the performers being formerly incarcerated. Many of them are alumni of the RTA program, including Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez.
“My journey through education and the arts gave me hope during my wrongful conviction, restoring my faith in humanity, sparking a culture of redemption during my incarceration,” Velazquez said. “By providing access to the movie Sing Sing, we can transform lives in ways beyond our imagination.”
Domingo played Divine G, a wrongfully convicted man who helped spearhead the prison’s theater program. The film was originally released last summer and raked in $2.9 million at the box office.
The Color Purple star’s performance in the film earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination and three Independent Spirit Award nominations, including Best Feature, and has positioned him as an Oscar frontrunner this year, building on his Best Actor Academy Award nomination last year for his role in Rustin.
Medical Experts Say Elderberry Doesn’t Have the Juice to Support Immune Health
The research is still out on elderberry's usefulness.
Elderberry has gained popularity as a tea and supplement, often touted for its potential to alleviate cold and flu symptoms and support immune health. However, some medical professionals are skeptical about its effectiveness and argue that it may not be worth the cost, the Washington Post reports.
In 2023, Americans spent $12.551 billion on herbal supplements, marking a 2.6% increase from 2022, according to the American Botanical Council. Elderberry products—including pills, syrups, and powders—accounted for $175 million of those sales. Despite its widespread use, not all experts believe in its benefits.
Michael Macknin, a professor emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, conducted a 2020 study on elderberry. He found that elderberry, contrary to popular belief, did not contribute significantly to health maintenance or immune system boosting. In fact, Macknin said after his study, he discarded the elderberry products he had purchased for personal use.
While Cleveland Clinic physician Matthew Badgett acknowledged that elderberry has demonstrated anti-viral properties in lab conditions, he emphasized that these results may not translate to real-world conditions. Macknin’s study further concluded that elderberry’s supposed antiviral effects don’t hold up when applied to the human body.
Though elderberry may not be as effective in reducing inflammation or boosting immunity as some claim, it can still serve as a comforting, warm beverage on a cold day. If you’re looking for teas that both warm and soothe during illness, there are options that might offer real benefits beyond what elderberry provides.
Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which is known to support immune function. It’s often associated with helping to speed recovery thanks to its ability to potentially reduce the severity and duration of cold symptoms, such as sore throat or congestion.
Green tea is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may help reduce inflammation and fight off viruses. Drinking green tea during illness could assist in flushing out impurities from the body, reducing throat irritation, congestion, and inflammation, which are common symptoms of a cold.
Chamomile tea is another antioxidant-rich option known for its calming properties. It can soothe a sore throat, reduce inflammation, and may even promote better sleep—an essential part of the healing process during illness. Chamomile also has mild anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help with general cold symptoms.
Ginger tea is known for its warming properties and its ability to help thin mucus, making it easier to clear congestion. It also has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help soothe irritated throats and reduce the discomfort associated with a cold.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, which can help thin mucus and provide relief from nasal and chest congestion. It’s also effective at soothing a sore or irritated throat, making it a popular choice when you’re feeling under the weather.
While they options not be a cure-all, they can provide comfort and aid in the recovery process.
Drake Sues Universal Music Group, Claims Label Boosted Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ To Damage Career
The rapper claims that UMG boosted "Not Like Us" to gain a financial advantage over him.
Drake is not quite done with his rap beef with Kendrick Lamar and is now threatening legal action against his own label, Universal Music Group.
The rapper has sued UMG for defamation, claiming the label boosted Lamar’s “Not Like Us” that promoted the “false and malicious narrative” of him being a pedophile. According to TMZ, Drake filed the case in federal court in New York City on Jan. 15.
In the filing, he argues that UMG released and promoted “Not Like Us,” which featured disparaging lyrics against the “Family Matters” rapper, to devalue his brand. Calling the hit song a “gold mine,” he accuses UMG of having a financial motive for releasing it.
In his argument, UMG was able to take advantage of this devaluation of Drake’s brand for future contract negotiations. He says the label did nothing to stop the “inflammatory and shocking allegations” detailed in the song. The chart-topper rose to No. 1 on the Billboard 100.
Moreover, Drake’s team claims they have proof that UMG used its position to boost the song. This proposed evidence includes UMG’s payout to third-party sources that used bots for streaming purposes and a “pay for play” scheme with a radio promoter.
He also argued that UMG played a role in getting Lamar the coveted headlining spot for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Calling it one of the “most significant cultural events of the year,” Drake believes that this booking only furthers their alleged plot to gain more out of their contract with Drake.
The news came shortly after Drake retracted his other suit against UMG and Spotify in New York State court. While many assumed Drake had ended the legal battle over this rap beef, he merely doubled down on his grievances against UMG.
He accused UMG of having “approved, published, and launched a campaign to create a viral hit out of a rap track,” as reported byThe New York Times. Furthermore, he said they “intended to convey the specific, unmistakable, and false factual allegation that Drake is a criminal pedophile and to suggest that the public should resort to vigilante justice in response.”
The vigilante justice mentioned may also refer to the multiple shootings at or surrounding his residence in Toronto. One of these instances resulted in the shooting of one of his security guards.
However, Drake emphasized that the lawsuit was not against Lamar but the players who made his song a worldwide hit. Drake remains one of UMG’s top artists, and his last contract was allegedly signed for a reported $400 million.
“This lawsuit is not about the artist who created ‘Not Like Us,” wrote the filing. “It is, instead, entirely about UMG, the music company that decided to publish, promote, exploit, and monetize [Not Like Us.]”
However, before contract discussions begin, Drake wants to ensure his fair treatment and is going through federal channels to do so.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Leaves X For Bluer Skies
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is joining BlueSky.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is leaving X (formerly Twitter) in favor of Bluesky, a rising social media platform. While he did not provide a specific reason for the switch, he encouraged his followers to follow him on Bluesky.
Despite his departure from X, Dickens emphasized that any emergency communications would still be posted on the platform.
“Effective today, I’m leaving,” he wrote. “In the event of an emergency, updates will still be posted here. Stay connected: follow me on BlueSky (http://andreforatlanta.com) and join me there if you haven’t already. I’m excited to continue the conversation on this new platform!”
Effective today, I’m leaving X. In the event of an emergency, updates will still be posted here. Stay connected: follow me on BlueSky (https://t.co/bsRXqXJ3ml) and join me there if you haven’t already. I’m excited to continue the conversation on this new platform!
Since the re-election of President-elect Donald Trump, Dickens isn’t the only notable figure to depart X, which has seen a rise in user dissatisfaction. Leading up to the election, many users voiced concerns about a significant increase in right-wing content and forced interactions with Elon Musk, the platform’s owner.
The research found that Musk’s content saw a dramatic surge in engagement, with his posts receiving 138 percent more views and 238 percent more retweets after his endorsement of Trump. The study’s findings suggested that certain posts, particularly those aligned with Musk’s views, experienced a visibility boost that wasn’t in line with general platform trends.
This raised questions about whether the algorithm was influencing public discourse and whether the platform remained neutral.
“The results imply that while some aspects of engagement on the platform appear to have been enhanced broadly, specific visibility advantages may have been selectively applied, raising important questions about the potential impact of algorithmic adjustments on public discourse and the ‘neutrality’ of social media platforms as information carriers,” the report stated.
Following the presidential election, X’s update to its terms of service further fueled concerns, particularly around personal data security and how AI might be used to curate content, potentially involving users’ intellectual property. These changes contributed to a growing distrust of the platform, with many prominent users deciding to leave in favor of alternatives like Bluesky.
Boxers Gervonta Davis And Terence Crawford Exchange Words—Not Punches—Online
The boxers traded barbs on X.
A social media spat between boxers happened not over a fight, but because of a party.
According to Complex, The Ring Magazine held an awards ceremony in London to honor several top boxers. Gervonta “Tank” Davis wasn’t invited and felt a way about that. (Among the issues, Davis reportedly is not on great terms with one of the magazine’s owners, Sheikh Turki Alalshikh.)
Adams headed to social media, where he started posting derogatory messages (since deleted) aimed at Alalshikh and several attendees.
Boxer Terence Crawford didn’t help matters when he responded to Adams’ deluge of messages.
I see somebody mad they wasn’t invited to the @ringmagazine gala.😂😂
The response didn’t seem to bother Crawford too much, but he got in a couple of jabs.
First thing a dumb rich person say to another rich person is I got more money than you! I bet you I own more investments than you and I don’t owe a dollar in taxes.😉 you can’t buy nothing I can’t buy that I want sir and that a fact. Let’s see who money last the longest smart guy
Davis responded mostly in all caps, hurling vulgarities at Crawford and claiming that Crawford doesn’t have more money than him.
Then Crawford threw another jab at Tank.
“By the way, little guy, don’t speak too soon because you definitely not making more than me fight who’s been fighting,” he wrote. “That’s why you talking about fighting Ryan (Garcia) again.”
A fight in the ring between Adams and Crawford would make for great theater, but since they’re in different weight classes, a sanctioned boxing match is an impossibility. Oh, well.
Study Finds Hairstylists For Black And Latina Clients Face High Exposure To Airborne Toxins
A new study reveals salons serving predominantly Black and Latina clients may expose workers to elevated levels of harmful airborne chemicals.
A new study reveals salons serving predominantly Black and Latina clients may expose workers to elevated levels of harmful airborne chemicals.
Johns Hopkins researchers highlighted findings from their study in the Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment on Jan. 14. The study marks the first report on indoor air concentrations of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in U.S. hair salons catering to Black and Latina women.
The study expands on earlier Johns Hopkins research, which revealed that Black and Hispanic hairdressers had higher levels of chemicals from hair relaxers, dyes, and other salon products in their bodies compared to office workers. However, the previous research did not measure the air concentrations of these chemicals.
“At the root of the problem are the products used on clients’ hair,” said Lesliam Quirós-Alcalá, Ph.D., a senior study author and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Health and Engineering.
“Manufacturers of haircare products need to focus on developing safer options that don’t put hairstylists or consumers in harm’s way.”
In animal studies, several volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in products such as chemical relaxers, straighteners, and smoothing treatments have been associated with neurodevelopmental and reproductive effects. These VOCs potentially endanger both women and their unborn children. Female hairstylists are more vulnerable to these harmful chemicals as many are of reproductive age and work during crucial periods before and during pregnancy.
In addition to the neurodevelopmental and reproductive effects the VOCs have, these compounds have been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, skin irritation, and cancer. Black and Latina women comprise approximately 30% of the predominantly female, low-wage workforce of hairstylists, according to Quirós-Alcalá.
Many women in this field face increased challenges, including exposure to chemical and non-chemical stressors, along with limited access to healthcare and insurance. These factors significantly heighten their health risks and contribute to environmental health disparities within this demographic.
Researchers recommend improving ventilation in salons as a practical solution, given the limited availability of safer hair product alternatives.
“While limiting product use could help, it may not always be practical due to client demands and a lack of safer alternatives,” Quirós-Alcalá said. “To reduce VOC exposures in hair salons, it is also critical to prioritize adequate ventilation.”
Manufacturers advise salons to use fans, air purifiers, masks, and gloves during chemical-intensive services to minimize exposure. Additionally, opening doors and windows when possible can help enhance indoor air quality.
“These simple measures have the potential to significantly decrease exposures to VOCs and other chemicals in salon environments,” she said.
Starbucks Is No Longer Allows Non-Paying Customers Access To Its Facilities
Starbucks is no longer allowing nonpaying customers in its buildings.
Starbucks is ending its open-door policy for non-paying patrons. The company’s new Code of Conduct outlines areas within its establishments that are now off-limits to those who do not make a purchase.
“We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers,” the code states. “Our spaces -– including our cafes, patios, and restrooms -– are for use by customers and partners.”
Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson released a statement to Fox News Digital, emphasizing the company’s commitment to creating the best environment for patrons. She said the best way to achieve this is by setting “clear expectations” and excluding individuals who do not purchase products.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores,” Anderson said. “By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”
The code of conduct also encourages employees to ask any persons vaping, smoking, and panhandling to leave the premises.
This marks a full departure from Starbucks’s open-door policy, which it instituted in 2018. Then-Chairman Howard Schultz specified that all individuals were welcome to use the restroom, even without the intention to make a purchase.
“We don’t want to become a public bathroom,” Schultz said, “but we’re going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key.”
The 2018 policy change followed an incident in which Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson were arrested for not purchasing anything while waiting for a third companion. The incident, which involved a contentious exchange between the men and Starbucks employees, made headlines.
Nelson and Robinson settled with the company, received an undisclosed amount of money, and guaranteed four years of college tuition. The men also settled their claim with the city of Philadelphia over the arrest for $1. As part of the agreement, the city is required to create a program for young entrepreneurs.
