Keke Palmer, Real Estate, Mother, Nope, Wills, financial planning, finances, Tru Jackson VP,birthday, pregnant, Creme of Nature
by Stacy Jackson

November 21, 2023

‘Baby This Is Black-OWNED Friday’: Keke Palmer Teams Up With Google To Promote Black-owned Businesses

Palmer's shopping anthem celebrates Google's fourth annual Black-owned Friday in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

Singer and actress Keke Palmer is shopping everything Black-owned for Black Friday.

The entrepreneur and Black business owner teamed up with Google this holiday season to encourage consumers to search, shop, and support Black-owned businesses 100%.

“This isn’t just Black Friday, it’s #BlackOwnedFriday,” Palmer captioned a new music video she released on Nov. 20 on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the song’s chorus, the singer shops around to the lyrics, “From the back to the middle and around again, I’m gonna be there ’til the end. One hundred percent, Black-owned.”

Palmer’s music video is a mini advertisement celebrating Google’s fourth annual Black-owned Friday in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. According to Google, the shopping soundtrack reimagines the 90s classic “100% Pure Love” by Crystal Waters. The new anthem, titled “Black-Owned Friday (100% Supporting)” and directed by Andre Muir, invites shoppers to spend their money this year at Black-owned businesses. The video spotlights several U.S. Black-owned businesses, from coffee to clothing and plant shops.

The initiative includes a mini-site that serves as a one-stop-shop to locate local Black-owned businesses and discover tips on being an influential supporter. The site features beauty, accessories, food and drinks, home decor, pet products, and all the businesses spotlighted in Palmer’s video.

In a Nov. 20 Instagram post, the Hustlers actress requested followers to share posts as they shop Black-owned businesses this year and use the hashtag “#BlackOwnedFriday.”

She left viewers this message: “Just search Black-owned businesses and BOOM! You ain’t got to be Black to do it.” Some followers in the comments were tickled when she added, “You can be white, brown, beige, fluorescent beige. We have all the colors of the rainbow. We want the money, though.”

Featured businesses in the “Black-Owned Friday (100% Supporting)” include:

  • McMullen
  • Michael J. Payne’s Family Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Mo’ Better Brews
  • Celsious
  • Cleo’s Southern Cuisine
  • Studio Detroit Dance Center
  • Rollercade Detroit
  • Critter Care Animal Hospital
  • Bloom & Plume

Black business owners can find resources like Google’s Black-owned business attribute and the U.S. Black Chambers’ ByBlack Platform to get their businesses discovered.

‘I Am A SA Survivor’: Revolt Podcaster Cancels Show Due to Diddy Scandal
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 21, 2023

‘I Am A SA Survivor’: Revolt Podcaster Cancels Show Due to Diddy Scandal

A journalist has announced her departure from Revolt after Diddy quickly settled a rape and abuse lawsuit filed by his ex, Cassie.

A journalist has departed from her Revolt-hosted podcast after Diddy quickly settled a rape and abuse lawsuit filed by his ex, Cassie.

Writer Dawn Montgomery took to Twitter on Monday, Nov. 20, to publicly announce the end of the Monuments To Me podcast since it is hosted on Diddy’s Revolt platform. After recording two seasons of the show, Montgomery has opted out of a third season as she makes a stand to “Believe Black Women.”

“FYI: I won’t be signing on to do the 3rd season of @revolttv’s “Monuments To Me” podcast,” she wrote. “I am a SA survivor & I cannot be a part of a show that’s supposed to uplift black women while @Diddy leads the company. Believe Black women.”

https://twitter.com/_dawnmontgomery/status/1726708617297227995
In a series of additional tweets, Montgomery explained why it wasn’t hard for her to come to the decision to quit the show and called out Revolt’s leadership for remaining silent amid Diddy’s allegations.

“I also feel like Revolt’s leadership not speaking on this says a lot and even though this podcast experience blessed me… I’m done,” she added.

Montgomery’s show was on a mission to “celebrate every aspect of Black women in a world that tries to ignore or destroy them.” With the show aimed at amplifying women, it makes sense why the award-winning journalist would opt out of hosting her show on Diddy’s platform.

The hip-hop mogul is seeing a drastic fall from grace after quickly settling a lawsuit Cassie filed accusing him of repeatedly raping and physically abusing her for nearly a decade. The allegations included forcing the singer to engage in sexual encounters dubbed “freak offs” with male escorts.

She also accused Diddy of blowing up rapper Kid Cudi’s car after she dated him during a brief breakup with the Bad Boy founder. While Diddy had professed his innocence against the claims by way of his lawyer, many on social media aren’t convinced and continue to speculate about him.

RELATED CONTENT: Diddy And Cassie Settle Abuse And Rape Lawsuit One Day After It Was Filed

The Good Candidate: Hill Harper Leaves ABC’s ‘The Good Doctor’ To Prepare For Senate Run
by Sharelle Burt

November 21, 2023

The Good Candidate: Hill Harper Leaves ABC’s ‘The Good Doctor’ To Prepare For Senate Run

Hill was one of the three original cast members still with the successful show.

Hill Harper is trading in the scripts for bills.

The actor has officially ended his run as Dr. Marcus Andrews on ABC’s The Good Doctor, announcing he will not return for season 7 of the show amid his campaign for Michigan’s U.S Senate seat, TV Line reports.

A spokesperson for Harper’s campaign released a statement regarding his decision, saying his focus is on saving democracy. “Hill Harper feels strongly that there is a crisis in American democracy—too often, government only works for the rich and powerful while the rest of us struggle to find a voice.”

“Hill is dedicating his efforts full time to fixing that, and he’s running for the U.S. Senate as an active union member to give working people more of a voice in Congress,” the spokesperson added.

Harper was one of three remaining series regulars who started from season one of the hit show and one of two cast members not returning for season 7. His character, Dr. Andrews, resigned as St. Bonaventure’s president, the perfect setup for Harper’s exit.

The official exit comes just four months after Harper announced his candidacy. His campaign will challenge Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, the congressional representative for Michigan’s 7th district, who, according to Entertainment Weekly, has received most of the endorsements from leading political figures in the state and federal government.

Outgoing senator Debbie Stabenow currently holds the seat.

For his campaign, the lawyer-turned-actor’s focuses are universal healthcare, climate justice, raising the federal minimum wage, and eliminating filibusters from the U.S. Senate. He recently supported legislation signed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer that protects victims of domestic violence by keeping firearms out of their abuser’s hands.

While fans will miss Dr. Andrews, they can still keep up with all the drama when The Good Doctor returns Feb. 20 on ABC.

Texas Southern University Will Part Ways With Coach Clarence McKinney
by Derek Major

November 21, 2023

Texas Southern University Will Part Ways With Coach Clarence McKinney

TSU will not renew the contract of head football coach Clarence McKinney.

Texas Southern University (TSU) will not renew the contract of head football coach Clarence McKinney, whose contract will expire Dec. 15.

According to Sports Illustrated, McKinney will finish his time at TSU with a 12-35 record and a 9-26 record in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in five seasons. In the team’s season finale, the Tigers lost a 35-34 nailbiter to Arkansas-Pine Bluff (APB) after TSU jumped out to a 31-7 halftime lead on LaDarius Owens’ three first-quarter touchdowns and a 96-yard fumble return by Canary Simmons.

However, APB scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to overcome the deficit including a blocking a punt that was returned 30 yards by Elijah Jenkins for a TD. APB Quarterback Mekhi Hagens scored the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard run with 1:46 left in the game.

After the game, McKinney said he appreciated the opportunity TSU gave him to be a head football coach.

“I appreciate this opportunity. I don’t take for granted to be the head coach of Texas Southern University Tigers,” McKinney said, according to SI. “Growing up in the neighborhood, always hearing the band as a kid. Coming over and playing on the field during those times I was a kid, and playing a little tackle football. It’s a special moment for me to be the head coach at TSU.”

McKinney previously coached at the University of Houston under head coach Kevin Sumlin and at the University of Arizona, where he served as the associate head coach and running backs coach in 2018.

TSU finished this season 3-8 and was 2-6 in the SWAC. Quarterback Jace Wilson led the team in passing with 1,399 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions. Owens led the Tigers in rushing with 204 carries for 1,399 yards and 11 TDs. Linebacker Jacob Williams was the leader on defense with 72 tackles and 7.5 sacks.

RELATED CONTENT: MEGAN THEE STALLION RETURNS TO TSU TO GIVE OUT SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDENTS

Jean-Pierre, Karine Jean-Pierre, press secretary, President, Joe Biden, Biden administration, soldiers, Georgia, soldiers
by Sharelle Burt

November 21, 2023

Unbothered: Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre Denies Democrats Concern On Biden’s Age

Biden will be 86 at the end of his second term if he's reelected.

President Joe Biden turned 81 on Nov. 20, and his press secretary assured voters that the octagenarian still has his wits about him.

However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre set the record straight during a press briefing, denying that there is any worry ahead of the 2024 presidential election. A reporter asked Jean-Pierre if there was a response to comments made by David Axelrod, senior advisor to former President Barack Obama, who expressed concern about Biden’s advancing age, potentially keeping him out of the Oval Office.

While saying she can only speak from “behind the scenes,” Jean-Pierre says there is nothing to worry about. “There’s no alarm happening behind the scenes. I can only speak behind the scenes here. There’s no alarm happening behind the scenes, and I’m certainly not going to comment on everybody who has something to say.”

She defended her boss, saying Biden is unmatched in energy and stamina, and age isn’t the issue – it’s about the experience. Jean-Pierre briefly reviewed Biden’s resume, pointing out what he’s done so far in his impressive career.

“I would put him up against anyone. The president has used his experience to pass more bipartisan legislation in recent [times] than any other president. That’s just a fact,” the press secretary said. “It’s something that we have seen this president do, and that’s because of his experience. He’s been able to manage multiple foreign policy challenges. That’s because of his experience.”

Axelrod made headlines with his comments in a New York Times article. He said he believes Biden has a “50-50 shot” of winning reelection.

“He thinks he can cheat nature here, and it’s really risky,” Axelrod said, according to The Hill. “They’ve got a real problem if they’re counting on Trump to win it for them. I remember Hillary Clinton doing that, too.”

Polls show that voters have their eyes on Biden’s age and wonder if he will survive a full four-year term. His Republican colleagues are already questioning his abilities – if he wins, Biden will be 86 at the end of his second term. However, GOP frontrunner Donald Trump won’t be too far behind. At 77, if Trump were to be elected, he would be 82 at the end of a potential second term.

RELATED CONTENT: President Biden Urges Congress To ‘Recommit’ To Police Reform On George Floyd’s Birthday

funeral director imposter, Houston
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 21, 2023

Teenagers Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison After Dragging 73-Year-Old Woman To Death In Carjacking

The New Orleans girls pled guilty to a lesser charge of attempted manslaughter.

Three teenage girls accepted a guilty plea after being accused of dragging a woman to death and severing her arm in the process last year in New Orleans while carjacking the victim’s vehicle.

According to Nola.com, the girls, Briniyah Baker, 17, Lenyra Theophile, 16, and Mar’Qel Curtis, 16, who were accused of killing Linda Frickey and had been charged with second-degree murder, took a plea deal that will send them to prison for 20 years. The teens pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted manslaughter. Another person charged with the crime, John Honore, still faces a second-degree charge. They were all charged as adults.

Just as jury selection was about to begin, the surprise plea was announced by prosecutors on Monday, Nov. 20, at Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.

The 73-year-old victim, Frickey, died on March 21, 2022. She was carjacked and dragged alongside her SUV.

Judge Kimya Holmes accepted the plea arrangement that Frickey’s family agreed to, and in handing down the sentences on Monday, she spoke to the defendants. “You are children who decided to play adults…and you affected this whole city.”

Before the girls were sentenced, two spoke to Frickey’s family in court.

Curtis said, “I wish I could go back and change the outcome. (Frickey) seemed like such a nice lady.” She also stated that doing the carjacking was “the worst decision of my life. I’m truly sorry.”

As Baker faced the family, she said, “That’s not what we set out to do and I hope that you all can forgive me.”

Theophile’s defense attorney, Gregory Carter, spoke for her by saying, “We’re tremendously thankful for the grace shown by the Frickey family to help us facilitate this plea — and our thoughts and prayers continue out to them for their loss.”

Frickey’s sister-in-law, Kathy Richard, also spoke to the young girls in giving a victim’s impact statement.

“You don’t take things that don’t belong to you,” Richard said. “You don’t hurt people. There are consequences for everything. You don’t have to be 30 years old to know right from wrong.”

The last suspect, Honore, is facing mandatory life in prison with the chance for parole in 25 years if he is convicted. Honore’s trial will take place on Nov. 27.

RELATED CONTENT: MOTHER TURNS IN 12-YEAR-OLD SON AS SUSPECT IN CARJACKING CASE

Al Sharpton, protest
by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

Rev. Al Sharpton Eulogizes Dexter Wade And Vows Justice In Alleged Cover-Up Of Death

Rev. Al Sharpton pledged to lead the fight for justice against anyone involved in the alleged cover-up of Wade's death.

Roughly 200 mourners gathered Monday, Nov. 20, for the funeral of Dexter Wade, a 37-year-old father killed by an off-duty Jackson, Mississippi, police officer in March.

Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy at New Horizon Church International, pledged to lead the fight for justice against anyone involved in the alleged cover-up of Wade’s death, as reported by WLBT. Sharpton and the National Action Network covered Wade’s funeral expenses.

“His life mattered to his mama and daughters, and we’re going to make it matter all over this country,” Sharpton said.

Rep. Bennie Thompson, Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens, District 3 Supervisor David Archie, and Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes were among the attendees. Stokes was the sole representative from Jackson in attendance.

Wade’s death unfolded on I-55 South, just south of McDowell Road, where an off-duty officer ran over Wade while he walked on the interstate.

Despite being a more than 10-year veteran with the Jackson Police Department, the officer failed to inform Wade’s mother, Bettersten, of her son’s death until August. She thanked those who assisted in making her son’s funeral possible. She recounted her efforts to find her son. “Dexter,” she said, “you made it home.”

National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is assisting with the case, revealed that the Hinds County Coroner’s Office confirmed Wade’s identity on March 8 due to delays and an alleged cover-up. Bettersten wasn’t informed of her son’s death until months later.

Wade was buried under marker No. 672 at the county’s pauper’s burial ground, only to be exhumed last week without his family present.

“We hear that the off-duty policeman is Black. That might be true. It was three Black cops that beat Tyre Nichols in Memphis… and we went there [and] they’re all under indictment,” Sharpton said. “I don’t care if he’s Black or white. What he did is wrong. In fact, I’m more offended that you’re Black because you wouldn’t have done that to a young white man.” 

Sharpton also addressed the potential motivations behind the delayed notification, questioning whether it was retaliation for Bettersten’s legal action against the police department regarding the death of her brother, George Robinson.

RELATED CONTENT: Rev. Al Sharpton Calls On DOJ To Investigate Dexter Wade’s Death

Youth jobs
by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

Stony Brook Hosts Inaugural Black Men In White Coats Youth Summit

The Renaissance School of Medicine collaborated with Stony Brook’s Black Men in White Coats chapter to organize the first-ever youth summit.

In a concerted effort to address the historical underrepresentation of Black men in the medical field, the Renaissance School of Medicine collaborated with Stony Brook’s Black Men in White Coats chapter to organize the first-ever Black Men in White Coats Youth Summit, as reported by the Stony Brook University News.

On Nov. 16, the event welcomed over 500 participants, including 3rd to 12th-grade students, educators, parents, college students, healthcare professionals, and community leaders from Suffolk, Nassau, and New York City.

The Summit, funded by the Renaissance School of Medicine and the University and Hospital Community Relations Office, drew support from over 100 faculty, staff, and student volunteers. Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine Peter Igarashi, MD, emphasized the importance of increasing diversity in healthcare, saying, “The most important goal today is to promote a diverse healthcare workforce, and the reason for that is that very diverse healthcare teams outperform teams that are not as diverse.”

Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Gregson Pigott, MD, shared his experiences as a minority in healthcare, highlighting the impact of representation in the medical profession. He stressed, “Representation matters in all aspects of healthcare for all aspects of this field.” Pigott’s reflections mirrored national trends, showing that patients are more likely to be open about their health concerns with doctors of the same race.

The Summit included workshops for high school students on financial aid, admissions, and various schools within Stony Brook University. Meanwhile, elementary and middle school students engaged in hands-on activities related to medical fields, including interactive experiences with robotic surgery machines and ultrasound machines.

Anthony Giambrone, a fifth-grade teacher, expressed the importance of engaging students, noting, “It’s also great because the people in white coats are all people of color, and all our students are people of color. So they’re seeing themselves in these professions, and hopefully, it will inspire them to see that they can work in these professions.”

The event concluded with remarks from Brian Harper, MD, vice president for Equity and Inclusion and chief medical officer at the New York Institute of Technology. Harper shared personal experiences and emphasized the significance of overcoming obstacles in pursuing success. Raymond Uduba, president of the Stony Brook chapter of Black Men in White Coats, highlighted the event’s importance, providing young Black and brown individuals an opportunity to explore the medical field and gain insights from those working in healthcare.

RELATED CONTENT: 22-Year-Old Becomes One of Ghana’s Youngest Medical Doctors

Frontier Airlines Flight Descends Into Chaos: Passenger Meltdown Captured On Video
by Rafael Pena

November 21, 2023

Frontier Airlines Flight Descends Into Chaos: Passenger Meltdown Captured On Video

A passenger's emotional meltdown aboard a Frontier Airlines flight unfolded, prompting another to intervene with prayers and gospel songs.

Aboard Frontier Airlines flight 1161 on Nov. 16, a passenger’s emotional meltdown unfolded midair, prompting a fellow traveler to intervene with prayers and gospel songs. The chaotic scene, captured in a video uploaded to Reddit, showed a woman sobbing, swearing, and engaging in physical altercations with airline employees, as reported by Daily Mail.

The video starts with the distressed passenger being pulled down the aisle, emitting bloodcurdling screams. A fellow passenger, identified by a gray beanie, attempts to calm her and miraculously succeeds. Meanwhile, tensions escalate with confrontations between passengers and staff and even a call for divine intervention.

https://youtu.be/4JOjT-HifHc?si=knsrw9tp-MbEytaB

A woman in sunglasses exclaims, “Straight Texas style! Imma beat yo a**!”

The woman who had the meltdown begins to scream, “Stop blocking me! I’ve been f***ing kidnapped,” before swinging a punch at one of the employees. 

The video then shows a plea over the flight’s speaker system for passengers to remain seated. The drama escalates with the distressed woman climbing over seats and demanding attention.

Another passenger accuses her of being possessed, asserting that only through Jesus Christ can she find help, saying, “And I’m sorry to sound like that, but I’ll tell you right now, Jesus Christ is the way to truth in the life and there’s nobody that’s gonna come to the God, the Father, without Jesus Christ.”

As the distressed passenger reaches the front of the plane, she breaks into singing gospel songs while flight attendants attempt to subdue her.

Despite the chaotic situation, police officers allowed the woman to return to her seat. The flight, which was supposed to travel from Houston to Denver, was ultimately diverted to Dallas.

A woman whose son was on the flight told the Daily Mail, “They had to stop in Dallas to let the crazy lady off, the preacher woman off, and the guy in the white baseball hat off.”

She added that “the crazy lady was punching and assaulting the flight attendant who was blocking her more than once.”

Frontier Airlines has yet to provide an official statement.

The scene bore a resemblance to a previous viral meltdown by a passenger on an American Airlines flight in July, raising concerns about in-flight disturbances and passenger safety.

RELATED CONTENT: Passenger Outburst Over A Crying Baby Forces Southwest Airlines Flight To Deplane

Family Of California Man Arrested In Venezuela Pleads For His Release As Deadline Looms
by Iman Milner

November 21, 2023

Family Of California Man Arrested In Venezuela Pleads For His Release As Deadline Looms

The family of a California man being detained in Venezuela is calling for his release amid the Biden administration's easing of oil sanctions.

The family of a California man is alleging that he is unjustly imprisoned in Venezuela and is now being held for ransom despite the Biden administration loosening oil sanctions previously imposed on the socialist-run government.

The 38-year-old businessman, Savoi Wright, was arrested on Oct. 24. His family claims that though no criminal charges have been filed, he has not been allowed to see his lawyer and details of his detainment remain hidden, The Associated Press reports.

“It’s a nightmare. It’s like you’re watching a horror movie, but you’re in it,” his mother, Erin Stewart, said. Wright’s family believes the U.S. government has turned its back on the man.

“As Americans, when a loved one is in this horrific situation, you think someone is going to be there to help, and when they don’t, it’s the worst feeling in the world,” said Moizeé Stewart, Wright’s sister. “It’s sickening that they would throw their hands up in the air and say we have no diplomatic relations with Venezuela, so we can’t do anything.”

Wright is one of seven U.S. citizens who have been detained and imprisoned in Venezuela, and his release is dependent upon the turning over of tens of thousands of dollars, The Associated Press reported.

The Biden administration’s deal with Nicolás Maduro’s government will remain in place unless officials fail to meet demands, which include releasing political prisoners as well as U.S. citizens who have been wrongfully detained, by the end of November. Failure to do so would result in the reinstatement of sanctions that were enforced during the Trump presidency, which sought to punish Maduro for interfering with Venezuela’s democratic process.

“Failure to abide by the terms of this arrangement will lead the United States to reverse steps taken,” said U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

Some lawmakers claim that Wright’s arrest is another action Maduro took in bad faith. In July 2022, three Americans were arrested, following an alleged trend of detaining unsuspecting Americans along the Colombia-Venezuela border, an area ravaged by criminal gangs and rebels, being jailed.

The Associated Press reported that Americans seeking to enter Venezuela without a visa were especially vulnerable to being used for political bargaining power. Lawmakers allege that Wright’s detainment is Maduro “calling Biden’s bluff” and deem his use of American lives “unacceptable.”

RELATED CONTENT: TIKTOK’S ‘SASSY TRUCKER’ RELEASED FROM DUBAI JAIL AFTER MONTHS-LONG DETAINMENT

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