Celebrity Interior Designer Adair Curtis Shares Essential Tips For Hosting This Holiday Season
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 29, 2023

Celebrity Interior Designer Adair Curtis Shares Essential Tips For Hosting This Holiday Season

Celebrity interior designer and creative director Adair Curtis passes along his experience for those hosting parties this holiday season.

Celebrity interior designer and creative director Adair Curtis is passing along his experience for those hosting parties this holiday season.

The Styling Hollywood star recently teamed up with Crown Royal to celebrate the launch of Crown Royal Aged 30 Years, a newly released and limited-edition ultra-rare premium whisky. By way of a tasting hosted at a luxurious hotel in Santa Monica, California, Adair helped to design a space that provided the right ambiance for the whisky’s debut.

It was an ideal partnership for Curtis. Guests included his husband, celebrity stylist Jason Bolden, friends, and media.

“They really were looking for a way to Introduce the special whiskey to a discerning audience and they selected me,” Curtis tells BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I was obviously happy to oblige. I really love the brand and I’m a fan of whisky.”

Curtis was also paired up with a whisky expert who guided guests through a tasting of the new premium spirit. Place settings included note cards with guests’ names, a personal bottle of Crown Royal Aged 30 Years, and candles.

General atmosphere on display during Crown “Royal Aged 30 Years and Adair Curtis’ Exclusive & Elegant Evening Of Craftsmanship” at Santa Monica Proper Hotel on November 14, 2023, in Santa Monica, California. (Photo: Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Crown Royal )

It’s a part of the essential design elements Curtis says are key when hosting an event.

“They allowed me the opportunity to design the evening,” he shares. That included “everything from the core elements such as what music would be played,” to the lighting and scent of the room.

As for what to keep in mind when hosting your own event this holiday season, the JSN Studio designer has three pieces of advice.

  • Engage All Five Senses

“I like the opportunity for the holidays to really be able to engage all the senses,” Curtis says.

“So that’s everything from taste, and then design elements such as make sure that all of your tablescapes and your surfaces are designed,” he adds. “Don’t overlook anything. You want people to walk into the space where you’re hosting your event and really just be captivated by the scent, the visuals, or the sound.

“You want it to all really be intoxicating,” he adds.

  • Create The Mood

“This can be through a personally curated music playlist, the lighting, and the overall aesthetic of the space.”

  • Include A Takeaway

“You want to give them some takeaway that might be personal to them, or just a takeaway that reminds them of the good time that they just had,” Curtis explains.

(Photo: Natasha Campos/Getty Images for Crown Royal )

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NFL Star DeSean Jackson Calls It A Career After 15 Seasons, Eagles Honor Him As An Honorary Captain
by Iman Milner

November 29, 2023

NFL Star DeSean Jackson Calls It A Career After 15 Seasons, Eagles Honor Him As An Honorary Captain

The 36-year-old Los Angeles native may be retiring, but he said, 'I'll forever be an Eagle.'

Former NFL Pro Bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson has announced his retirement after 15 seasons, NBC Sports reported. The Philadelphia Eagles, who drafted Jackson as a second-round pick in 2008, broke the news in a Twitter/X post on Nov. 29, before naming the game-breaking receiver as honorary captain for the team’s game against the 49ers on Dec. 3.

Jackson played eight of his 15 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I’ll forever be an Eagle,” the tweet read, alongside news of his retirement.

“DeSean Jackson was a dynamic playmaker who captivated Eagles fans with his game-breaking speed, unique skill set, and explosive play,” Eagles chairman Jeffrey Lurie said. “What made DeSean truly stand out during his accomplished 15-year career was his ability to make miraculous plays look routine.”

Football and Eagles fans alike point to Jackson’s play on Dec. 19, 2010, when the team faced their conference rival, the New York Giants and Jackson returned a punt 65 yards, scoring a touchdown as the game clock expired. The memorable moment would go on to be deemed the “Miracle at the New Meadowlands,” and one of Jackson’s most heralded career highlights, ESPN reported.

The 36-year-old Los Angeles native also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, as well as the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he was awarded a Super Bowl ring despite only appearing in seven regular-season games.

Though spending time with other franchises throughout his career, Jackson made a home in Philadelphia as an Eagle and still holds sixth and third place in the team’s history for catches and receiving yards, respectively. In league history, the three-time Pro Bowler is ranked 75th in catches and 38th in receiving yards.

RELATED CONTENT: Is Philadelphia Eagles’ DeSean Jackson Eyeing Jay-Z?

Joe Biden, homebuyers, homes, money
by Rafael Pena

November 29, 2023

President Biden Personally Addresses Student Loan Borrowers As Debt Relief Soars

President Biden reached out directly to over 800,000 student loan borrowers about forgiveness of their loan balances.

President Joe Biden is reaching out directly to over 800,000 student loan borrowers, celebrating the forgiveness of their loan balances reduced to zero, as reported by Axios. The White House announced this initiative after approximately 813,000 borrowers had their accounts adjusted in August, leading to an email from President Biden congratulating them on the Education Department’s one-time account adjustment.

The ongoing relief aims to rectify issues faced by borrowers who did not receive proper credit for payments made on income-driven repayment plans. These plans allow borrowers to make payments based on their income, with the promise of forgiveness after 20 or 25 years, according to the outlet.

“Congratulations—your student loan has been forgiven because of actions my Administration took to make sure you receive the relief you earned and deserve,” reads the email from President Biden, addressing the beneficiaries of the loan forgiveness, according to Business Insider.

“For too long, the student loan program failed to live up to its commitments–and millions like you never got the relief you were owed because of errors and administrative failures,” the email continues. “I vowed to fix that, and I’m proud that my Administration has delivered on that promise.”

The Education Department’s recent adjustments to borrowers’ accounts have resulted in significant debt relief for many. In October alone, an additional 125,000 borrowers saw $9 billion in debt wiped out, benefiting from both income-driven repayment adjustments and relief through Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

This debt relief arrives at a challenging time for borrowers, with federal student-loan payments resuming in October after a pause of over three years. The transition back into repayment has been marred by issues such as inaccurate billing and communication problems with loan servicers.

While borrowers face repayment challenges, the Education Department has taken steps to hold servicers accountable, withholding payments from M.O.H.E.L.A in October due to billing statement delays.

Furthermore, the department is in the process of crafting a new plan for student loan forgiveness following the Supreme Court’s rejection of Biden’s initial attempt in June. As negotiations continue, borrowers express gratitude for the relief received amid the uncertainty surrounding the next plan for relief.

“I hope this relief gives you a little more breathing room,” President Biden’s email states. “I’ve heard from countless people who have told me that relieving the burden of student loan debt will allow them to support themselves and their families or move forward with life plans they’ve put on hold.

“I’m proud that we were able to give borrowers like you the relief you earned,” the email concludes. “I promise you that as long as I am President, I will never stop fighting for hardworking American families.”

Biden’s administration has forgiven $127 billion in student loan debt for nearly 3.6 million borrowers to date, emphasizing the president’s commitment to addressing the student debt crisis.

RELATED CONTENT: Biden Announces $9 Billion More In Student Debt Relief

Jonathan, majors, jabber, grace, violent, assault, past incidents
by Iman Milner

November 29, 2023

Actor Jonathan Majors’ Domestic Violence Trial Set To Start, Potential Past Incidents To Be Revealed

He filed a complaint alleging his former girlfriend initiated the violent encounter during a car ride in March.

On Nov. 29, the domestic violence trial of actor Jonathan Majors amid reports that potential past incidents will be revealed via unsealed documents, Deadline reports. The Creed III actor faces misdemeanor charges of harassment and assault, which could result in a one-year prison sentence.

Majors, who has been accompanied to court by his girlfriend, actress Meagan Good, during preliminary hearings, is accused of violently assaulting his former partner, Grace Jabbari, during a car ride on March 25. The actor called 911 himself and responding New York City Police Department officers reported that Jabbari had visible lacerations, bruising, swelling, and broken fingers.

After his arrest, Majors was released from custody and ordered to avoid contact with Jabbari. The actor pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, claims that the actor has had a history of violent encounters quickly circulated, with prosecutors hinting at a September 2022 incident, which resulted in a police report being filed.

Majors filed a complaint in October alleging that his former partner had initiated the violent encounter after a dispute over alleged infidelity, leaving him with injuries. However, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office refused to throw out the case and adjusted the charges against Majors in light of newly introduced claims by Jabbari. The DA’s office also declined to charge Jabbari.

“We have provided the District Attorney with irrefutable evidence that the woman is lying, including video proof showing nothing happened, especially not where she claimed,” Majors’ lawyer Priya Chaudhry said. “We did this with the explicit promise from the DA that they would not ‘fix’ their case and change it as we proved the woman is lying.”

Both Majors and Jabbari are expected to appear before court during the trial, with the latter scheduled to take the stand to detail the night in question, Deadline reports.

The Loki actor has spent much of 2023 dealing with the fallout of the allegations. He was dropped his management company and his publicist when the news broke. His starring role in the film Magazine Dreams, which had already begun to make noise as an Academy Award contender, may never see the light of day. Disney has pulled the project from its release calendar with no word on whether or not it will have a theatrical debut.

RELATED CONTENT: Marvel Faces Casting Dilemma As Jonathan Majors’ Domestic Violence Case Moves Forward

Pastor, Houston, sexual assault, Keion Henderson
by Daniel Johnson

November 29, 2023

Houston Pastor Robert L. Carter Jailed For Allegedly Raping Teenager For 12 Years

Houston Pastor Robert L. Carter allegedly began sexually assaulting a family member when she was 7 years old.

A Houston area pastor is accused of repeatedly raping a family member over the course of several years, impregnating her, and dropping the baby off at a fire station.

According to KPRC 2, Robert L. Carter, who is listed on the Black Preaching Network as the Senior Pastor at Missouri City’s The Sanctuary Church of Jesus Christ, allegedly began sexually assaulting a then 7-year-old family member in 2008. The girl informed police, according to KHOU, that initially Carter would bribe her with candy.

According to court documents, he also threatened her with a form of blackmail as he allegedly told the child, “No one will believe you, and if you do tell, I’ll tell them that you came to me and did this.”

In addition, when the child refused to acquiesce to Carter’s demands, he threatened her. Court documents allege that Carter told her on one occasion, “If you don’t do this, I promise you’re going to regret it and I’m going to make your life a living hell.” 

“She had been around this monster since she was about six years old…I don’t understand how you can carry yourself, walk around preaching the word, and live a lie,” the girl’s father, who chose to stay anonymous, said. The father also expressed confusion and disgust that Carter was able to take any pleasure from the encounters.

According to the arrest warrant, the pastor would make the young girl perform a sexual act on him every night and the violations of the young girl escalated over time, going from a bedroom at his home to a bedroom at Carter’s grandmother’s home to behind an HEB parking lot. Eventually, he grew bold enough to allegedly assault her at an office he had at the Greater Bible Way Church in Sunnyside.

“The victim in this case alleges that she was sexually abused from the age of 7 and it did not conclude until she was 19, with the sexual encounters occurring hundreds of times,” according to court records, which say she has been assaulted at least 600 times.

She’s had an episode where she ended up in the hospital for psychiatric reasons,” the girl’s father said, adding that the girl had her baby when she was 16 in a closet by herself. “What if she would’ve died that night? She had that baby in the closet, by herself. He came and got the baby and took the baby to a fire station and dropped the baby off.”

KHOU reported that, according to court proceedings, the baby that was initially dropped off at the fire station has been adopted. A DNA test has been ordered to determine if Carter is the child’s father. 

The judge has set Carter’s bond at $200,000 and has stipulated that if Carter does bond out, he is not to go anywhere where children might be present.

RELATED CONTENT: Florida Pastor Accused Of Having Sex With Two Of His Kung Fu Academy’s Underage Students

NBA Player Kyle Kuzma Announces Partnership To Benefit Female Inmates In Flint, Michigan
by Stacy Jackson

November 29, 2023

NBA Player Kyle Kuzma Announces Partnership To Benefit Female Inmates In Flint, Michigan

The Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation’s long-term partnership aims to give female inmates resources to help them smoothly return to society.

Washington Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma is collaborating with the I.G.N.I.T.E. and R.I.S.E. reform programs based in his hometown of Flint, Michigan, to help female inmates.

Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation’s long-term partnership aims to update and refurbish living conditions for female inmates and to also offer them the resources they need to smoothly return to society, People reported.

I.G.N.I.T.E., though the Office of Genesee County Sheriff, aims to reverse the cycle of generational incarceration through education. R.I.S.E. Community Outreach is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving low-income residents in the inner-city communities of Flint.

“For me, as a kid growing up, it was easy because I didn’t think about those temptations or about being in poverty. I was a kid, and I just enjoyed basketball,” Kuzma told People. “This is my community. You’ve got these people that are in jail, people that I and others have relationships with, from my community as well, and when you think about inmates, jails, that’s usually a forgotten space in society.”

On Nov. 26, Kuzma gave a commencement speech at an I.G.N.I.T.E. graduation at Michigan’s Genessee County Jail “I think for me, it was all about acknowledging these women having accomplishments.” His mother, Karri, told People that her son “never ceases to amaze me.”

Kuzma was joined by his mother in celebrating the female inmates with gifts and clothing donations at a holiday party following the graduation.

“My experience today was amazing and really, very eye-opening,” Kuzma told People. “For us and our foundation just to be around the female inmates was very touching for us. Even to be a small part of it and seeing the impact of what the program meant to their growth and self-development was unbelievable.”

The NBA player’s Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation “strives to positively impact the lives of single mothers, and enhance the lives of their children,” according to the nonprofit’s website.

RELATED CONTENT: T.D. Jakes’ Offender Reentry Initiative Equipped for National Expansion After Helping Close Eight Prisons

Shannon Sharpe, Megan, thee stallion, quarter to three, sexual comments,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 29, 2023

Fans Want Shannon Sharpe To ‘Tone It Down’ After Sexual Comments About Megan Thee Stallion

Shannon Sharpe is under fire after his vulgar remarks about having Megan Thee Stallion "stretched out like a quarter to three."

Shannon Sharpe is under fire after his vulgar remarks about having Megan Thee Stallion “stretched out like a quarter to three.”

The sports analyst has been keeping his name hot since exiting Undisputed with Skip Bayless earlier this year. Sharpe currently serves hosting roles in three shows including co-hosting ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith and hosting his two digital series Club Shay Shay and Nightcap with Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, another retired NFL star.

Nightcap is seemingly where Sharpe lets it all out when it comes to his sexual preferences and lifestyle. Sharpe has expressed his disdain for women going number two in his house as well as his preference for dating an adult film star like Miss Nasty B rather than a known virgin like actress Yvonne Orji.

But Sharpe appears to have taken his sexual advances too far. In a recent Nightcap episode where he revealed his desires for rapper Megan Thee Stallion. While speaking with Johnson on the Nov. 27 episode, Sharpe went into explicit detail about the X-rated activity he would like to do with the “Cobra” rapper.

“I’d have her stretched out like quarter to three,” Sharpe said. “I do it three ways, Ocho: deep, hard, and continuously… I’d have her opening up like saloon doors.”

Sharpe made sure to let viewers know “We just having fun, Ocho.” But fans of the Grammy award-winning rapper didn’t find the vulgar joke to be funny.

“What Shannon sharpe said about Meg was disgusting af,” one Twitter user wrote.

“Cuz me and my homie right now tombout Shannon sharpe podcast. That lil ugly mf be outta control,” another user quipped. “U is not posed to be talking out loud publicly about how u would have Megan the stallion stretched out. Cmon now big dog u50 yrs old objectifying women like that for kids to see.”

“Shannon Sharpe said he would have Megan Thee Stallion “stretched out like a quarter to three” and I…” added someone else.

On Instagram, one viewer warned how Sharpe should “tone it down” before risking his current job on ESPN.

“Love Shannon, but this is wildly inappropriate,” they wrote, as captured by Vibe. “He is employed by ESPN. They don’t play that, he needs to tone it down on these types of comments. It’s not the 90s anymore.”

RELATED CONTENT: Chad Ochocinco Johnson Gives Props To Viagra For Making Him ‘Move 10 Times Faster’ On The Football Field

Texas City Council Approves $3.5 Million Settlement For Atatiana Jefferson’s Nephew
by Sharelle Burt

November 29, 2023

Texas City Council Approves $3.5 Million Settlement For Atatiana Jefferson’s Nephew

Since the shooting, young Zion has lost his grandmother, Yolanda Carr, and his mother, Amber Carr, to health reasons.

The Fort Worth City Council in Texas voted unanimously on Nov. 28 to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of Ataiana Jefferson, approving a $3.5 million payment to the victim’s nephew, Zion Carr.

Jefferson was babysitting her then-8-year-old nephew at her mother’s home in 2019 when former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean shot and killed her.

A neighbor, James Smith, called a non-emergency line for a welfare check when he noticed the front door was open at the Jefferson home. When Dean and another officer arrived, they found the door wide open, but the screen door closed. As the officers moved around the backyard, Carr testified in 2022 that his aunt heard noises outside and grabbed her handgun from her purse.

Body cam footage showed Dean pointing his gun at Jefferson through the window while yelling, “Put your hands up! Show me your hands!” He then started firing instantly before properly advising the victim he was a cop or giving her a chance to drop her weapon.

The officer was later arrested and found guilty of manslaughter. He is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence.

The settlement has certain conditions but includes an initial lump sum payment. Between the ages of 18 and 25, money will be distributed for both Zion’s undergraduate and graduate education at whatever institution he chooses. Then, from age 26 until he is 40 years old, monthly payment amounts will increase, which is typical for annual lump sum payments.

Smith was present during the vote and spoke before the council, wearing a button with Atatiana’s photo on it. He said the button represents an image that will never leave his mind.

“You can’t see it, but that’s why I wear the button. So, she can be seen and remembered in the city of Fort Worth,” Smith said, according to WFAA. “As I told the council, I’m not here primarily because of me. I’m here because Yolanda Carr can’t be here. Tatiana’s not here. Amber is not here.” 

Since the shooting Zion has lost his grandmother, Yolanda Carr, and his mother, Amber Carr, to health reasons.

The vote took place on what would have been Jefferson’s 33rd birthday, which Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker feels is a genuine coincidence. She wanted to make sure the family knew that there wasn’t any money to bring real justice to the family. However, with the settlement and a mural of Jefferson that sits downtown, Parker hopes it’s a new start.

“I think that mural should really serve as a reminder for all of us and continue to talk about Atatiana,” Parker said. 

NFL, Football, Helmet
by Rafael Pena

November 29, 2023

Sports Reporter Faces Backlash Over Racism Accusation Against Young Chiefs Fan

Carron J. Phillips came under fire after accusing a young Chiefs fan of racism against Black people and Native Americans.

Sportswriter Carron J. Phillips, known for his work with Deadspin, came under fire after accusing a young Kansas City Chiefs fan, Holden Armenta, of racism against Black people and Native Americans at the Chiefs game on Nov. 26, as reported by Dailymail.com.

However, it has been revealed that the child is of Chumash Indian heritage.

Phillips criticized Holden’s appearance at the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, accusing him of mocking both Black people and Native Americans. The reporter highlighted the child’s Native American headdress and “Tomahawk Chop” gesture, asserting that he had found a way to simultaneously express animosity toward both groups.

“It takes a lot to disrespect two groups of people at once,” Phillips wrote for Deadspin.

The revelation that Holden has Native American roots, with a grandfather serving in the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, contradicts Phillips’ accusations. Holden’s mother, Shannon Armenta, took to Facebook to address the situation: “Just stop already. He is Native American,” Dailymail.com reported.

The incident sparked a heated debate, with critics slamming Phillips for misinterpreting the situation and pushing a narrative. Fans argued that Holden’s face was painted in the team’s colors, not blackface, and accused Phillips of intentionally deceiving readers.

Amid the controversy, photos emerged showing Holden’s face painted in the full red and black team colors, challenging Phillips’ claims. However, the reporter remained unapologetic, asserting that the situation was not harmless and doubling down on his argument.

The Kansas City Chiefs have faced increasing pressure to reconsider their team name and ban certain fan rituals, including the “Chop” motion, which some find culturally insensitive. Phillips, in his piece, criticized the NFL for not taking a more proactive stance against racism.

Holden’s mother, Shannon, disagreed with Phillips’ assessment, emphasizing that the issue had nothing to do with the NFL and accusing media outlets of creating division by selectively choosing images to highlight. Dailymail.com reached out to Phillips for his response.

Young Thug
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 29, 2023

Young Thug’s Attorney Says Rapper’s Name Is An Acronym For ‘Truly Humbled Under God’

As his RICO trial kicks off, his attorney reveals what "Thug" actually stands for.

The RICO trial of recording artist Young Thug and his Atlanta-based record label YSL (which prosecutors are labeling as a gang) has started, and the attorney of the rapper stated the meaning of Thug in his moniker is actually an acronym that doesn’t equate to him being an actual thug.

According to Complex, Young Thug’s attorney, Brian Steel, explained to the judge and jury the origin of the man born Jeffery Lamar Williams. At the beginning of his recording career, he was a big fan of Lil Wayne and Tupac. As he thought of what to call himself, Williams was inspired by a Tupac song named “P.Y.T. (Playa Young Thugs), which was inspired by another song by Micheal Jackson, “P.Y.T.,” which stood for “pretty young thing.”

Steel said, “T.H.U.G. meant and means to Jeffery something very personal.”

The 30-year-old recording artist was charged with conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and allegedly participating in street gang activity in May 2022. He was later hit with another charge of participating in street gang activity, three counts of violating the Georgia Controlled Substances Act, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, and possession of a machine gun.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Right before the trial started, defense attorneys lost a ruling that would allow prosecutors to use lyrics said by Young Thug over the years against the rapper. The attorneys argued that using his lyrics in the case against him violates his freedom of speech, but Judge Ural Glanville disagreed, ruling that 17 sets of lyrics presented in the indictment could be admitted in the trial.

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