Will Smith Discusses The Power Of Films In Saudi Arabia

by Daniel Johnson

December 4, 2023

Will Smith Discusses The Power Of Films In Saudi Arabia

Will Smith revealed a sequel to his I Am Legend film and what he looks forward to tackling next in the future.

During his appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Dec. 2, Will Smith announced a sequel to his I Am Legend film and revealed what he looks forward to tackling next. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Smith joked about his propensity to create and solve problems for himself, telling the room, “I love puzzles, I love problems. Yeah, so I started making my own problems. Life is going too well.”

According to the reporting, those in the room took Smith’s statement as a commentary on his night at the 2022 Academy Awards ceremony. Smith infamously won the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the father of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, before returning to slap host Chris Rock for comments toward his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, that he felt were offensive.

Smith would later apologize and express remorse for his actions that night, while other comedians wrung their hands on social media over fears that they could be smacked like Smith slapped Rock.

At the festival, Smith said he counted legendary music producer Quincy Jones as a mentor.

“Quincy has always made himself available,” Smith told the crowd. “He wants me to win as a human. He is devoted to me as a human, not just as an artist.” Smith continued, “Fame is a unique monster…I have to be clear about who I am and what I am attempting to do in the world. And I can’t need others to applaud for me to stay focused on my mission…I want you to feel good. And at the same time, I am deeply human. And I am in the process of perfecting my virtue.”

His comments appeared to connect with the way he views movies, as he later told the crowd during an appearance at the Vox Cinemas complex at Jeddah’s Red Sea Mall that films exploring the “existential tragedy” of humanity appeal to him far more than the “cool stuff” that might happen in those films. Smith also said that love is “the central human theme” before explaining that he sees two basic plots in most films.

According to Smith, films are either about a character going for something they want against all odds or someone falling into a hole and trying their best to get out of it. Smith said that depending on whether the character is successful or not in their aim results in a happy or a dramatic ending.

The actor also revealed that there is a version of I Am Legend in which his character lives, and that “we are going with the mythology of the DVD version where my character lived.” He provided no other details.

Smith also discussed his desire to teach and use his reach and platform, saying he was “excited to travel the world and collaborate and be able to build a global storytelling community.” He expressed doubts that political parties or systems would be enough to bring people together sufficiently, telling the crowd, “I just don’t feel politics will necessarily create the change. So I am putting the burden on myself and global artists.”

Fisk University Gymnastic Team Will Host Historic Black Women Gymnast Meet

by Stacy Jackson

December 4, 2023

Fisk University Gymnastic Team Will Host Historic Black Women Gymnast Meet

Fisk gymnasts will face off against five other teams headed by Black women coaches in a historic meet on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Fisk University’s gymnastics team is looking to make history again as the program’s second competition season will start with a meet against teams coached by Black women.

As the Fisk gymnasts continue to diversify the predominately white sport, the all-Black team will bring together five other squads led by history-making coaches to host the 2024 meet on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. NewsChannel 5 reported that a woman of color coaches each team.

“It is going to be historic,” head coach Corrinne Tarver told the outlet. “It’s something that’s never been done before.”

Fisk’s Athletic Director Valencia Jordan said the one event “could have the potential just to have a ripple effect that a lot of other institutions that may have thought about it, now I think they’ll think about it a little bit more.”

Jordan believes the Fisk gymnasts have opened the door for other Black girls who dream of practicing the sport. “To know that they are a part of the group that was some of the first, I think it’s something that they’ll hold in their hearts forever,” she said.

“Fisk had an amazing year last year and showed HBCUs how, basically, Black girl magic can work,” Tarver added.

As previously covered by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Fisk entered its inaugural season in January with Tarver as a first-time head coach. Tarver’s goal for the gymnasts was to give them the best opportunities and expose them to a balance of high-ranked and middle-ranked competitors. Most of the young ladies had never competed before, but the team got to work on building its confidence and skill set.

The university became the first ever HBCU to have a gymnastics team after it launched its inaugural squad in February 2022, BE reported. The gymnasts became known after a video of their practice went viral on social media.

The historic meet will be hosted on Jan. 15, 2024, at Vanderbilt University’s Memorial Gym. Visit the Fisk athletics page to purchase tickets to the event.

shark tank, business, tips, b Sonia's applesauce, business, business tips

by Sharelle Burt

December 4, 2023

Daymond John Credits Mark Cuban For Keeping ‘Shark Tank’ Alive

All good things come to an end...eventually.

Billionaire Mark Cuban recently announced he is swimming away from the popular show Shark Tank, and fellow shark Daymond John gave him credit for making the show a hit after all these years.

The show is in its 15th season, and the Dallas Mavericks owner said season 16 will be his last. FUBU founder John said that Cuban’s belief in the show’s importance was part of its longevity. John credited Cuban for putting his all into the series when it was on the brink of being canceled three seasons in. The fellow shark wished the best for Cuban in his new endeavors, as the two have grown close over the years, even collaborating on numerous deals negotiated on the show.

Cuban announced during an appearance on the popular podcast All The Smoke with former NBA players Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes as hosts. The successful business owner told the hosts, “It’s time,” when asked why he was suddenly leaving. “I feel like in doing ‘Shark Tank’ all these years, we’ve trained a generation of entrepreneurs, multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet of ‘Shark Tank’ and show their business and get a deal, it’s going to inspire generations of kids,” Cuban said.

“That’s what happens, right? Now we’ve got people coming on saying, ‘I watched you when I was 10 years old.'”

Since his announcement, Cuban has been making some interesting moves with his NBA team that have raised some eyebrows. He sold his majority stake, reportedly valued at $3.5 billion, causing speculation that he could be running for president of the United States. The speculations aren’t too far off as he has entertained the idea before, once saying he would run on the Republican ticket to challenge Donald Trump. But the political dreams may be rumors, as he said there was “no chance” he was running for office.

by Iman Milner

December 4, 2023

Black Woman Wins $25M Lottery Prize, Hides Ticket And Goes On Vacation

A Massachusetts woman has won a $25 million lottery prize. Before collecting her winnings, she hid her ticket and went on vacation.

Desiree Fortini-Craft of Massachusetts plans on having a “really good Christmas” after taking home the third grand prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket totaling $25 million. CBS News reports that the woman hid her winnings and treated herself to a vacation in Aruba before claiming her new fortune.

Fortini-Craft seems to have a golden touch, as she previously took home a $1 million prize in 2006. This time, she opted for a one-time payment of over $16 million before taxes, which she collected at the Massachusetts Lottery headquarters.

“She said that they want to enjoy life, they are hard workers, and they plan on having a really good Christmas in Aruba,” the lottery reports. “She added that she plans to use some of her winnings to pay off student loans for her three daughters, make some big family purchases, and buy a new car.”

The lottery continues to give away big bucks as part of its Billion Dollar Extravaganza, the most expensive scratch-off competition the state offers, with seven $1 million prizes and four $2 million purses still available to be claimed. Two other winners took home $25 million prizes alongside Fortini-Craft. CBS reports that 17 million tickets have been bought thus far, bringing in an estimated $850 million.

In November, a Michigan man awoke to find himself a newly minted millionaire. The 62-year-old man bought a $1 ticket that netted him $3.4 million in winnings, according to The Miami Herald.

“I logged in to my account late one night and saw $3.4 million pending, and realized I must have won the Lotto 47 jackpot. I was so excited I woke my wife up to tell her the news. She was frantic and thought something bad had happened until I showed her the prize amount pending in my lottery account. It was such a surreal feeling, and we were both in shock,” the man said.

RELATED CONTENT: Joe Smith Discusses Wasting $61M NBA Fortune

errors, medical, billing, bills, retirement, account, Jonson, money, investment, get on track

by Tamara E. Holmes

December 4, 2023

How To Pay What You Owe In Medical Bills And Not A Penny More

While no one denies that medical billing errors exist, there are varying estimates about their number. The best way to protect yourself from billing errors is to scrutinize bills.

Originally Published Sep. 10, 2010

When Beverly Browning of Mesa, Arizona, got the results of her breast biopsy in 2003, she was thrilled that the test revealed no trace of cancer.

Then she got the $9,500 bill. Her insurance company refused to pay, citing a pre-existing condition: Browning had received suspicious results from mammograms in the past that indicated a need for further testing. So, she was left to pick up the tab.

“I thought that was a lot of money for a 45-minute procedure,” she says.

Browning, now 61, followed her insurance company’s appeal process and negotiated with the hospital but made no progress. After searching online for help, Browning hired a medical billing advocate, a professional who works with patients to resolve billing disputes. The move paid off.

The advocate, Cindy J. Holtzman of Medical Refund Service Inc. in Marietta, Georgia, convinced the hospital to lower the bill to about $1,800 and write off the rest.

Altogether, “I saved her about $7,500,” Holtzman says.

While no one denies that medical billing errors exist, there are varying estimates about their number. The Medical Billing Advocates of America, a Salem, Virginia-based trade association, finds the number to be high. “Our best estimate is eight out of 10 hospital bills contain errors, says MBAA Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Christie Hudson. “We see them on a daily basis.

The best way to protect yourself from billing errors is to scrutinize bills. If the statement lists “miscellaneous expenses, provides only a summary of charges, ask for an itemized statement, Holtzman urges. “I’ve seen a case where someone was charged $1,000 for a toothbrush. Also, check the dates that services were rendered to make sure you actually received services on those days.

To determine whether a charge is reasonable, “call the doctor’s office or the hospital and get the procedure code. Then contact your insurance office and ask what they pay for that code, says Hudson. You can also check prices at healthcare cost websites (see below), then call the medical provider’s office and ask if the bill can be adjusted.

You can probably handle many billing disputes by following your insurer’s appeal process or contacting your physician’s office. If your bill has gone to a collections agency, contact your insurer right away. Then, follow up with your medical provider and agency. But if you’re getting nowhere on your own or a large bill is involved, a medical billing advocate–which typically charges a hefty 25% to 35% of the amount saved–might be worth the expense. Find one at www.billadvocates.com. You must sign a form authorizing the advocate to work on your behalf and contact everyone involved.

by Sharelle Burt

December 4, 2023

Michael B. Jordan Crashes Ferrari Into Parked Car In L.A.

The actor is OK.

Actor Michael B. Jordan was involved in an accident after crashing his Ferrari into a parked car in Los Angeles on Dec. 2.

A report from the Los Angeles Police Department claims the Creed star allegedly hit a parked Kia just before midnight on the popular and crowded tourist section of Sunset Boulevard. Images of the luxury blue vehicle show significant damage, with the front of the passenger side completely ripped off. The Kia also suffered damage to the rear driver’s side, and it is unknown if the car’s driver was inside at the time of the crash.

https://twitter.com/nojumper/status/1731566133160136853

The heartthrob walked away without a scratch, and law enforcement says there was “no evidence of a DUI,” however, police did not perform a sobriety test while at the scene of the accident. According to TMZ, when an officer asked the actor, “What happened?” Jordan decided not to give a reason.

No charges were filed.

Jordan was scheduled to appear at the Academy Museum Gala on Dec. 3 but opted to skip it out of precaution. He was set to make a red-carpet appearance alongside Hollywood heavyweights, including Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, and Sofia Coppola. The third annual benefit for the movie museum currently hosts an exhibit highlighting the works of prominent director John Waters, Lourdes Portillo, and the classic 1991 John Singleton film Boyz n the Hood. Jordan was presented with the 2023 Vantage Award by Christopher Nolan, accepted by his sister, Jamila Jordan, on his behalf.

Winfrey received The Pillar Award for exemplary leadership and support of the Museum.

It’s not all bad news for Jordan. After years of rumors, Oscar-winning actor Will Smith confirmed he is in talks with Jordan to star in I Am Legumors. “I have a call with Michael B. Jordan tomorrow. We’re really close, script just came in,” Smith said. “I can’t tell you anything more, but Michael B. Jordan is in.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 4, 2023

Deion Sanders And Tracey Edmonds Call Off Engagement, Will Remain Friends

"We have mutually decided that it is best for us to move forward in life AS FRIENDS"

The Colorado Buffaloes lost another game, and their coach, Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, lost a love.

One day after losing the last game of the college football season, Coach Prime and his longtime fiancee, Tracey Edmonds, decided to part ways. From Edmonds’s post, it was an amicable separation, and the former couple will remain friends. A joint statement was posted on Dec. 3, with a picture of the two of them smiling.

“To EVERYONE who has been there for us, supported us, and shown us love…

“We have mutually decided that it is best for us to move forward in life AS FRIENDS and have made this decision with love in our hearts, respect for each other, and appreciation for the time we’ve shared together. Please keep us in your prayers as we go through this transition. Thank you for being there for us ALL THESE YEARS! We love you and appreciate you SO MUCH! 🙏🏽❤️

“Tracey and Deion”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tracey Edmonds (@traceyeedmonds)

According to People, the couple met in 2012 and have been inseparable ever since. They met at a party for a movie premiere of a film that Edmonds produced, and Sanders was so smitten with her that he asked a friend to get her business card. When Sanders decided to create a reality series based on him and his family, he contacted Edmonds to see if she would work on it with him, and she did.

After being together for seven years, the couple announced their engagement in 2019 on Valentine’s Day.

Sanders had been married twice before. His union with his first wife, Carolyn Chambers, blessed them with his oldest children, 31-year-old Deiondra, and his namesake, 29-year-old Deion Jr. In his second marriage to Pilar Biggers-Sanders, they had Shilo, 23, Shedeur, 21, and Shelomi, 18, all student-athletes.

Edmonds was once married to songwriter and singer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and they had two children, 28-year-old Brandon and 24-year-old Dylan.

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, HBCU, White House, BLACK ENTERPRISE Image

by Ashlei Stevens

December 4, 2023

The White House Turns Black And Gold Thanks To The Men Of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity

Alpha Phi Alpha™ Members in the Biden-Harris Administration Celebrate Founders’ Day

The White House halls became “ice cold” with the presence of stately men donned in their signature colors of black and gold as members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. celebrated their 117^th Founder’s Day.

Alpha Phi Alpha™ is the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity. Initially organized as a study and support group during the 1905–1906 school year for minority students who faced racial prejudice at Cornell University, it evolved into a fraternity focused on scholarship and social impact, with a founding date of December 4, 1906™.

Nearly two dozen members of the fraternity, who work under the leadership of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris within the Biden-Harris administration, gathered last Friday in a historic place: the ceremonial office of Vice President Harris, the nation’s first Black and South Asian woman to hold this role, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the sister organization to Alpha Phi Alpha™. President Biden saluted the fraternity on social media today.

“An objective of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. is to prepare our members for the greatest usefulness in the causes of humanity, freedom, and dignity of the individual,” said Donald Cravins Jr., U.S. Commerce Under Secretary for Minority Business Development, who will soon celebrate 33 years in the fraternity.

“Living this objective through service in the Biden-Harris administration has been an honor. I am proud to stand with these leaders as we strive to improve and better the lives of all Americans.”

These distinguished Alphas actively contribute to empowering underserved communities from their national positions of power. Several are graduates of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), including Dillard, Howard, Hampton, Clark Atlanta, and South Carolina State universities. And this group also has some remarkable firsts.

Morehouse College alum Elliot Doomes is the Public Buildings Service (PBS) Commissioner at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). He is the first African American to be appointed as PBS Commissioner in the 74-year history of the GSA and is currently responsible for managing the largest real estate portfolio in the United States: the GSA currently owns or leases more than 8,800 assets, maintains the workspace for 1.1 million federal employees, and preserves more than 500 historic properties.
Noah Harris was elected the first Black male student body president in Harvard University’s 386-year history. A Truman Scholar, Harris graduated from Harvard in 2022 with a degree in government and currently serves as a Confidential Assistant in the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Major Laterrious “Tony” Starks executes social and ceremonial events for the president and first lady, serving as the first White House Social Aide Program Manager and also serving in the U.S. Army for 13 years.

Roosevelt Holmes, who has extensive experience managing political, legislative, and grassroots campaigns, including working at the United Negro College Fund in the Office of Government Affairs and Public Policy, is flanked by his brothers, who are making “tangible accomplishments that uplift and transform lives,” he said, as they promote national safety, education, and business initiatives.

Gregory Jackson Jr. is the Deputy Director of The White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Special Assistant to the President, overseeing efforts to implement federal law and improve services for those traumatized by the crisis of gun violence.
Jimmy Anderson is the former White House Director of Veterans Engagement, where he hosted the White House’s inaugural HBCU student veterans and cadets forum, amplifying Biden’s support for Black service members and veterans by emphasizing investments through HBCUs.
Hampton University alum Preston Hardge is a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Small Business Administration, managing Entrepreneurial Development policy portfolio programs targeting underestimated communities, with a focus on disabled, rural, minority, and women-owned entrepreneurs.
And Cravins has had an extended career in politics, law, and supporting businesses. He leads the Minority Business Development Agency in serving the nation’s 9.7 million minority business enterprises. The Southern University Law Center alum was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 2004 and elected to the Louisiana State Senate in 2006, where he represented hundreds of businesses —many of which were minority-owned and in rural communities. Following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Cravins assisted business owners with recovery and rebuilding as chair of the Senate Insurance Committee.

“Executing President Biden’s vision for a better America is not just a responsibility but a privilege,” said Holmes, currently a Senior Advisor in the White House Office of the National Cyber Director. “Collaborating with my fraternity brothers within this administration amplifies the impact of our endeavors, making every moment an extraordinary experience in the pursuit of a brighter future for everyone.”

The fraternity members recently took photos in front of the bust of Thurgood Marshall, the nation’s first Black Supreme Court Justice, who was also a fraternity member. They also gathered near a historic photo of former Vice President Hubert Humphrey and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the then-Sen. Humphrey worked with Dr. King on the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Both men were members of Alpha Phi Alpha™.

Kamau M. Marshall has held several communications roles across government and presidential campaigns. He is currently Senior Advisor to the U.S. Education Secretary and works closely with the nation’s HBCUs. He realizes the tremendous shoulders of giants in his fraternity that he stands on and how he and his brothers today are making their mark to continually improve our nation for the better.

“As a public servant, it has been a joyous honor and unwavering commitment to fight and work vigorously within the Biden-Harris administration as this administration continues to make strong equity changes and economic impact across the board,” Marshall said, “making sure that all people have an opportunity at every part of the ladder.”

Man Dies In NYPD Custody After Altercation With First Responder

by Rafael Pena

December 4, 2023

Man Dies In NYPD Custody After Altercation With First Responder

On Dec. 1, a 49-year-old man died while in NYPD custody following an altercation with EMS personnel in The Bronx.

On Dec. 1, a 49-year-old man passed away while in NYPD custody following an altercation with Emergency Medical Services personnel in The Bronx, according to FOX News.

The incident unfolded around 10:20 a.m. when EMS responded to a call at the man’s residence. He had sustained injuries in a motor vehicle collision, prompting concerned neighbors and witnesses to seek medical assistance.

Upon arrival, EMS attempted to administer aid to the injured man, who allegedly adamantly refused treatment. The situation escalated as EMS workers grappled with the challenge of loading him into an ambulance for transport to the hospital.

During this struggle, the man allegedly headbutted a 33-year-old paramedic, causing further complications. The exact nature and severity of the injuries sustained by the paramedic were not immediately disclosed.

Despite the physical altercation, EMS managed to transport the man to NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln on 149th Street. During his treatment at the hospital, the NYPD took him into custody.

The patient died while receiving medical care from hospital staff. The NYPD confirmed the unfortunate outcome, leaving questions surrounding the circumstances leading to his death.

To ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the incident, the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division, a specialized unit tasked with scrutinizing cases involving the use of police force, has initiated an investigation. This division is responsible for probing all cases where individuals die while under police custody.

The deceased man resided in an apartment on Prospect Avenue in Mott Haven, adding a local dimension to the distressing event. However, the authorities have chosen to withhold the man’s identity, respecting the family notification process.

Interactive Timeline, invest, stock, 5, maintenance, retirement, goals, investments, beginners, begin, basics

by Janell Hazelwood

December 4, 2023

Money Basics: How To Begin Investing

nvesting in stocks, bonds and other funds help you reach savings goals and ensure you have future money for retirement or loved ones.

Originally Published Sep. 2, 2010

For some, investing may seem complicated and downright confusing. But, when it comes to building wealth, investing in stocks, bonds and other funds help you reach savings goals and ensure you have money for your retirement or for loved ones in case something happens to you.

John Gannon, senior vice president of The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority(FINRA)’s Office of Education, offers these steps to begin your journey in investing:

Determine your goals for investing

Why are you investing? Do you want to save for retirement or to pay for college education for your kids? That’s very important to know because that will determine what investments will fit your time objectives. The longer time you have, the more options are open to you.

Understand your risk tolerance

How comfortable are you with the potential of losing money in the stock market? Some people can be comfortable with this while others would be very uncomfortable.

If you have a high risk tolerance, and you’re saving for retirement, for example, you might invest in riskier stocks such as growth stocks. If you’re close to age of retirement or saving for child’s college education, you might be more conservative with your investments.

Determine how much money you have to invest

Think about what your savings are, or the money you have left after all expenses are paid. (When you look at your savings, a certain amount should be set aside for emergencies.) Then, think about what other goals you have for those savings, such as retirement.

Determine what types of funds, or investments are best to meet your goals

Would it make more sense to invest directly in …

Stocks: Shares of the ownership of a company
Bonds: A debt security in which the authorized issuer owes the bond holders and principal is repaid at a later date
Other securities: These can vary from type to issuer.

Pooled investments handled by a professional funds manager

Mutual fund, or exchange traded fund (ETF), an investment fund traded on stock exchanges which holds assets such as stocks, commodities, or bonds, and track an index, such as the S&P 500 or MSCI EAFE. With these types of funds you get diversification across several different stocks immediately with a single purchase.

Do your research

Three important types of information to look for in a company before investing are earnings, revenue, and debt. This can be found in SEC filings, along with nonfinancial info such as what the company does, what plans the company has, and what risks the company faces such as lawsuits. These issues can be very important to assess overall risk of that investment.

If you’re working with a broker or adviser they often have terrific research tools which will allow you to compare different companies’ earnings, revenue, debt.

Also, look for news that may positively or negatively impact the company, such as regulatory changes or new government legislation.

It helps to invest in something you know. For example, if you’re a runner, you might have an interest in a sneaker company and compare competing companies.

You can check out financial Websites that track how a company’s stock is doing in the market (such as online brokerage sites, NASDAQ, S&P 500, and other financial news sites.)

Get professional assistance and be sure they are licensed

A financial or investment adviser can make recommendations to you on what types of investments to make to meet your goals. A broker can help you actually execute the trades as well, in some cases. FINRA offers a free online tool that allows you to research professional brokers and brokerage firms.

Going the DIY route? There are companies that allow you purchase stock directly from the company in the form of stock purchase plans, however, they do not make recommendations or give guidance as far as your investments.