by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 24, 2024

Actively Black Launches Limited Collection Inspired By Tupac Shakur

'We are blessed to honor the life and legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur through a collaboration with the Shakur Estate.'

Actively Black is introducing a new collection featuring an apparel line inspired by Tupac Shakur. The collection will launch online on Christmas Day.

According to BuyBlack, Actively Black has partnered with the Shakur Estate to debut the Tupac X Actively Black collection. The exclusive limited-edition line will be launched on the Actively Black website on Dec. 25. The collection is inspired by “The Rose That Grew From Concrete,” an album released in 2020, 24 years after the rapper’s death. It is based on the poetry and writings of the “All Eyez On Me” lyricist.

“We are blessed to honor the life and legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur through a collaboration with the Shakur Estate.

The multi-piece collection inspired by @2pac’s poem “The Rose That Grew From Concrete” was released on 12/25.

Comment TUPAC, and we will DM you the link to secure a spot for first access to the release.

@2pac x @activelyblack
🌹x ✊🏿

Thank you, @billboard, for the feature story about this collaboration.

#ActivelyBlack #Tupac #TheRoseThatGrewFromConcrete 🌹✊🏿”

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The Shakur Estate stated that the collaboration celebrates Tupac’s impact on culture, creativity, and artistry. The collection will include hoodies and T-shirts with custom artwork and imagery from Tupac’s archives.

Actively Black’s Lanny Smith said, “Tupac’s music had a profound impact on me. His passionate delivery and commitment to the Black Pride movement are incredibly inspiring.”

The Hollywood Reporter recently reported that Actively Black collaborated with Disney for a second time. It released a limited-edition Disney Mufasa: The Lion King x Actively Black capsule on Dec. 10, before the film’s release on Dec. 20. The partnership follows the initial collaboration between Marvel Studios and the clothing brand, which took place in 2022 when Actively Black launched a collection for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Tupac was shot several times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas after attending a Mike Tyson boxing match on Sept. 7, 1996. The beloved yet controversial rapper died six days later at the hospital.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 24, 2024

Prince To Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award At 2025 Grammys Alongside Frankie Beverly and Roxanne Shanté

The enigmatic singer died in 2016, yet his impact and legacy on music remains

Prince has been named an upcoming Grammys’ Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. He will receive the award, typically reserved for underrecognized artists, a day before the 2025 ceremony.

According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, he joins a cohort of fellow, yet less decorated, artists: Frankie Beverly, the Clash, Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Roxanne Shanté, and Frankie Valli will also receive the honor. Despite gaps in awarding, these figures remain praised for their contributions to the craft.

With seven Grammys already under his belt, Prince differs from many of his fellow honorees. Most of them, including Beverly and Shanté, never won a Grammy despite being revered in their communities and the world for their artistry. These musicians will receive what many consider to be an overdue nod for their accomplishments.

While Prince had received his due flowers throughout his career, the Academy will grant him this award posthumously. The enigmatic singer died in 2016, yet his impact and legacy on music remains.

He last won a Grammy in 2008, receiving one for best male R&B vocal performance in “Future Baby Mama.” Beyond his 38 nominations, the Grammys also nominated three of his albums, “Purple Rain,” “Sign O’ the Times,” and “1999,” into the Hall of Fame.

However, Prince may acquire another Grammy for his posthumous work. His project “Diamonds and Pearls: Super Deluxe Edition” continues as a finalist for Best Historical Album.

The Minneapolis native incorporated numerous sounds and personas into his work. Through this, he curated a fan base and cultural significance that remains prevalent in the years after his death. While his inclusion among this year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees strays from the norm, it still celebrates his massive contribution to music.

Moreover, Prince will add to the number of Black artists now part of this legacy for Lifetime Achievement, alongside Beverly, Jones, and Shanté. This also includes last year’s nominees of N.W.A., the Clark Sisters, Gladys Knight, and Donna Summer.

RELATED CONTENT: Prince’s Sister Tyka Nelson Dies At Age 64

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 24, 2024

3 Black Woman-Owned Businesses Open Shop Before The Holiday At JFK Airport’s Terminal 8

Support Black woman-owned businesses this holiday season!

TR Business reports that travelers who need last-minute gifts can shop three new Black-woman-owned brands in New York City’s John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 8 (T8).

As part of the $125 million commercial redevelopment program for the busy terminal, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in collaboration with American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports, announced six new retail spaces opened on Dec. 18. These spaces are operated by local small business owners and women and minority entrepreneurs. Three businesses offer unique offerings from Black woman-owned businesses, all from Queens or Brooklyn.

Mother Earth Juice Bar, Beautiful Amore Skincare, and Bevo’s Kitchen were selected through URW’s small business accelerator program to highlight the program’s commitment to providing opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs and enhancing offerings for travelers.

The Beautiful Amore Skincare kiosk features high-quality skincare products such as body and lip butters, lotions, oils, scrubs, hand sanitizers, and haircare. Also, vegan owner Amerrah Danielson of Queens says she has been in business for 22 years to find solutions for those who suffer from sensitive skin, including those who come through one of the busiest airports in the world. “My goal is to be a household name so having my products on the global stage of JFK gets me one step closer,” Danielson said.

Two storefronts will belong to Mother Earth Juice Bar and Bevo’s Kitchen. Owned by Jamaica resident Dr. Lord-Marcelle, Mother Earth is a juice bar and wellness center specializing in natural health. Opened in 2017, her expertise in holistic medicine provided opportunities to become the go-to brand for supplements, tonics, herbal remedies, and naturopathic therapies. By opening in T8, Dr. Lord-Marcelle says it is a “tremendous opportunity for me as an African American woman from the Caribbean.” “To be able to have a presence in T8 is an exciting milestone for my business, especially as a community leader who is dedicated to helping people get certified to operate in airports,” she continued.

Bevo’s Kitchen Founder Gracia Clery-Leonce is excited to bring healthy food options to JFK, as it isn’t always easy while on the run. The clinical laboratory scientist and healthy lifestyle coach from Queens offers a robust line of vegan and vegetarian dishes in her packaged products, including trail mix, granolas, jams, fruit chips, and snack balls. Living not too far from JFK, opening doors to her brand is a “dream come true.” “Eating healthy while traveling is challenging, especially for plant-based travelers, and I want to change that,” Clery-Leonce said.

“I want to teach the world the importance of a healthy lifestyle via good healthy eating habits, and what better way than to interact with passengers from around the globe.”

Plans to renovate JFK were launched in 2017 to transform the airport into a world-class travel space that New Yorkers and visitors deserve. According to Simple Flying, the Port Authority and the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council have worked together since 2018 to ensure that local companies, solely focusing on women and minority-owned enterprises (MWBEs), are part of the airport’s continuous expansion.

taxes, Black people, taxes, refund, bill, owe

by Mitti Hicks

December 24, 2024

Tons Of Taxpayers Will Soon See $1,400 Stimulus Checks From The IRS, Here’s Why:

IRS said the money will go out automatically and will arrive by late January

A little more than 1 million taxpayers will see a $1,400 payment hit their accounts via direct deposit or receive a check in the mail from the IRS.

The IRS states it will distribute $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. In short, people who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or received less than the full amount they could claim.

“Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement.

So, What’s The Likelihood Of Receiving A $1,400 Check?

The likelihood of receiving $1,400 from the IRS is very slim. According to the IRS, most people eligible for the Economic Impact Payments have already received them.

AP reports that if you filed a 2021 tax return and left the information for the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or even filled it out as $0, you will likely be one of the millions who receive a check.

If you don’t remember, no worries because eligible taxpayers don’t have to do anything. The IRS said the money would go out automatically and arrive by late January. Taxpayers will receive the money in their accounts or address on file used from 2023’s return. There is also a chance that anyone who did not file their 2021 return could be eligible. However, 2025 will be the cut-off. To be eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit, taxpayers must file by April 15, 2025.

It’s important to note that the maximum amount is $1,400, but it could vary depending on the individual and what was disbursed before.

For more information, head to the IRS website, which has detailed information on calculating the payment and eligibility.

Baltimore Police Press Residents To File Vacant House Form For Holiday Travel Amid Increased Crime Rates

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 24, 2024

Baltimore Police Press Residents To File Vacant House Form For Holiday Travel Amid Increased Crime Rates

Residents seem to have mixed feelings about the form

Baltimore County Police have added a new way to keep homes safe from break-ins: filing a vacant house form, WBALTV reports.

Police Corporal Jasmine Fleet is asking the community to help law enforcement by filing a vacant house form if they plan to leave during the holidays. She says the forms will be assigned to precincts and the officers on duty who patrol that area. Questions include, “When will you be away from your home?” and “How long will you be away?” In addition to inquiries on “which lights or appliances should be on in the house while you are not there?” the form allows law enforcement to contact homeowners or business owners quickly in the event of an emergency.

“This time of year, crime does rise a bit, but what we like to do is increase patrols and notify our officers of things they need to focus on, specifically surrounding this time of year,” Fleet said.

“We also offer holiday deployment to officers to send additional officers out into the area to monitor businesses and residences.”

https://twitter.com/BaltCoPolice/status/1868279904275402828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1868279904275402828%7Ctwgr%5E3ec9547abf4a00088bc386eaec16361e6bb754ed%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbaltv.com%2Farticle%2Fbaltimore-county-police-urge-residents-traveling-for-holidays-to-file-vacant-house-form%2F63256184

A recent report highlighted an increase in juvenile crime within the Maryland city. Businesses are suffering from the spike and must pay for damages or lost goods. They also worry about day-to-day safety. According to the Baltimore Sun, data from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office reveal that 590 juvenile cases were processed in the first half of 2024 compared to 655 in all of 2023. While police have heightened assurances that violent crime rates have dropped in Baltimore, there is a hope that the vacant forms will assist in making sure the numbers don’t go back up.

Residents seem to have mixed feelings about the form. J.D. Fowler called it a “nice gesture,” highlighting the increase in hacking of technology devices, but there are still doubts.

“You never know, with all of the hacking that is happening today, you never know who is listening or seeing your information,” Fowler mentioned.

“When you announce that you’re not home, you don’t know everybody that has access to the information — even through the police department — so I just would not feel comfortable doing that.”

However, David Glover celebrates the measure: “I think it’s a great thing. In this day and age, we have too many thieves around here (that) look for any opportunity to steal,” he said.

“I just wish everybody a peaceful and safe holiday, and just be mindful and alert.”

Police also encourage travelers to lock all doors and windows, close curtains, and ask someone they trust to pick up any packages scheduled to be delivered while away.

Military Medical Care, military, veterans, navy seal

by Daniel Johnson

December 24, 2024

Rodney Freeman, Missing JROTC Instructor, Allegedly Wanted For Sexual Assault

A warrant has been issued for Freeman’s arrest

Rodney Freeman, a former ROTC instructor at Union Grove High School in McDonough, Georgia, who is currently missing, is also reportedly wanted in connection with an “off-campus” sexual assault that occurred on Dec. 13.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Freeman was last seen at his home at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 17. A day later, the Henry County Police Department issued an alert that he was missing.

Henry County Schools both confirmed Freeman’s employment and issued an update about an investigation into a sexual assault that resulted in his placement on administrative leave.

“Henry County Schools was made aware of a law enforcement investigation involving one of our staff members. This prompted him to be placed on administrative leave. He has since become the subject of a missing persons investigation, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest related to an off-campus incident. No further information is available at this time due to the ongoing nature of these investigations,” the school district said.

According to WSB-TV, Freeman allegedly disappeared after a 17-year-old student who attends Union Grove High School alleged that the 56-year-old Freeman sexually assaulted her. The child’s father went to the police, who then attempted to talk to Freeman, who “lawyered up” and then disappeared.

The police are asking for the public’s help in locating him. They are directing calls to Detective R. Nelson at 770-288-7613 or the Henry County Non-Emergency Dispatch at 770-957-9121. They ask anyone with tips, photos, or videos concerning Freeman to send them directly to the police department at 770-220-7009.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

MacArthur Fellow Dorothy Roberts Committed To Uncovering Racial Inequality In Child Welfare Services

Dorothy Roberts was named a 2024 MacArthur Fellow for her dedication to dismantling racial inequities within the child welfare system.

Meet Dorothy Roberts, a 2024 MacArthur Fellow, whose groundbreaking efforts to address racial inequities in the child welfare system have earned her the prestigious $800,000 “genius grant.”

According to her MacArthur Foundation profile, the Yale and Harvard alum is a legal scholar and public policy researcher devoted to uncovering racial inequities deeply rooted in health and social service systems. For nearly 30 years, Roberts has released deeply researched analyses encompassing reproductive health, bioethics, and child welfare.

The University of Pennsylvania law, sociology, and Africana Studies professor first published work on the subject in 1997 with the publication of “Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Liberty.” In this book, Roberts examines historical and contemporary policies and practices that stripped away Black women’s ability to make their own decisions and sought to control their reproduction—from forced procreation during slavery to coercive sterilization and welfare reform—while advocating for a broader understanding of reproductive freedom.

This work inspired Roberts to investigate the treatment of Black children in the U.S. child welfare system. After nearly two decades of research and advocacy alongside parents, social workers, family defense lawyers, and organizations, Roberts determined that the current child welfare system is designed to police families, resulting in deeply unequal practices and outcomes.

In her 2001 book, “Shattered Bonds: The Color of Child Welfare,” Roberts explores the profound impact of race and class on state intervention in families and its consequences. She drew from interviews with Chicago mothers who had experiences with Child Protective Services (CPS) to reveal how institutions often punish the effects of poverty as neglect.

It was determined that CPS disproportionately targets Black and Indigenous families, making those with low incomes and children from these communities far more likely than white children to be removed from their families following a CPS referral.

In 2022, Roberts published “Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families—and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World.” In the book, she examines the forces within history, culture, and politics that drive racial and class disparities in the child welfare system.

These include stereotypes portraying Black parents as negligent, the devaluation of Black family bonds, and the stigmatization of parenting practices that deviate from narrowly defined norms. Roberts also highlights how blaming marginalized individuals for systemic problems while overlooking the historical roots of economic and social inequality ultimately harms families and communities.

After nearly 30 years of research, Roberts argues that the deeply embedded oppressive features of the current system make it irreparable. She advocates for creating an entirely new approach centered on supporting families rather than punishing them, envisioning more equitable and effective ways to ensure the safety and well-being of children and families.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

50 Cent Faces Opposition From Louisiana Senator After Buying More Property In Downtown Shreveport

50 Cent is at odds with one Louisiana lawmaker who's taking issue with his growing real estate in Shreveport.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s growing real estate portfolio in Shreveport, Louisiana, is facing resistance from a state lawmaker urging city leaders to exercise greater caution when selling or leasing city-owned property.

The hip-hop mogul responded to a recent news article that revealed Louisiana state Sen. Sam Jenkins Jr.’s concerns about him buying more property in Downtown Shreveport after he bought three new properties last week.

“Sam Jenkins must not want things to turn around in Shreveport,” 50 Cent captioned an Instagram post. “Who would not do a deal to wait for a imaginary deal to come 😳? Or maybe he lacks faith in me. What do you think?”

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Jenkins is expressing serious concerns about an excessive concentration of city assets being controlled by a single entity, particularly 50 Cent and his expanding G-Unit Studio empire. Since May, the rapper has invested over $3.7 million in cash to acquire 10 privately owned buildings and vacant lots in Shreveport, located on Texas Street, Spring Street, and Commerce Street.

Last week, 50 Cent added three new properties, including leases on Millennium Studios, the former Expo Hall/Stageworks, and interest in the Red River entertainment District under the Texas Street Bridge. While the Millennium Studios deal “has been made and should be honored,” Jenkins, a Democrat, told The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, he is urging the city to “pump the brakes a little bit. Let’s try to see what else is out there.”

“I’m just simply saying, let’s just be careful how far we go and begin to look at some performances based upon what we’ve already pledged or promised to do,” Jenkins said.

In October, Jenkins wrote to Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux outlining his concerns. He also expressed a willingness to meet with 50 Cent to discuss strategies for improving Shreveport’s economic future.

However, 50 Cent took to Instagram again to let Jenkins know he doesn’t like his “tone” and is not interested in meeting with him to discuss his continued investment in Shreveport.

“I don’t understand why this man thinks I would come talk to him after he set this tone,” the rapper wrote. “Don’t hold your breath buddy. 😆”

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The “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” rapper followed up with another Instagram post aimed at Jenkins where he declared his plans to stay in Shreveport.

“Tell Sam I said, whether he like it or not, I’m coming to Shreveport LOL 👀ALL ROADS LEAD TO SHREVEPORT 🎥,” he wrote.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

Dwight Howard Hopes to Rejoin Lakers After Learning Convicted Ex-Agent Lied About $7M Offer

Dwight Howard wants another opportunity with the Los Angeles Lakers after his shady former agent contributed to his early exit from the team.

Dwight Howard expressed his desire to rejoin the Los Angeles Lakers after discovering that his former agent, now convicted, lied about a $7 million offer.

NBA veteran Dwight Howard hosted Lakers’ controlling owner and president Jeanie Marie Buss on his Above the Rim with DH12 podcast shortly after his former agent, Charles Briscoe, pleaded guilty to defrauding him and fellow NBA alum Chandler Parsons of a combined $8 million in 2021. Howard shared a clip from his podcast chat with Buss and a screenshot of an article discussing the fraud Briscoe and Calvin Darden Jr. subjected him to. The NBA champion made a plea to return to the Lakers.

“I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me, but my so-called agent told me lies 😤 same agent that cost me $7mill man. I’m glad me & Jeanie cleared that up,” he tweeted.

“I know it’s too late, but why not…I’m in shape 🤷🏾‍♂️ my former teammate that I went to the finals with is the head coach 🤷🏾‍♂️ AD don’t want to play center no more 🤷🏾‍♂️ me & Jeanie cleared up all the confusion.”

I was so shocked to hear the Lakers had an offer for me but my so called agent told me lies 😤 same agent that cost me $7mill man I’m glad me & Jeanie cleared that up
I know it’s too late but why not…

I’m in shape 🤷🏾‍♂️ my former teammate that I went to the finals with is the… pic.twitter.com/nDlcyu29um
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) October 14, 2024

During the episode, Howard expressed his regret after learning that Briscoe lied about a $7 million offer from the Lakers, ultimately preventing him from signing the deal.

“I wanted to come back. I don’t know what had happened,” Howard said in a clip he reposted on X.

“You took an offer from the Philadelphia 76ers,” Buss responded.

But Howard clarified how, at the time, he was being “told so many different things.”

“I think now, looking back on it, with the situation that I had with my agent, you know, actually getting convicted, being a part of the whole crime—” he started to explain before Buss politely interjected, “It was the same guy?”

“Yeah, he was a part of it. Yeah, same agent,” Howard confirmed.

In October, Howard’s former agent received three months of home detention and three years of supervision for one count of wire fraud last November. He is also no longer a licensed agent with the National Basketball Association.

Briscoe was one of four individuals charged in the Southern District of New York with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Among the fraudulent actions against Howard was defrauding him of $7 million, which he believed was intended for the purchase of the Atlanta Dream, and reportedly lying about Howard’s offer from the Lakers.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 24, 2024

BLACK ENTERPRISE Woman Of Power Luminary Award-Winner Aisha Bowe To Become First Black Woman To Enter Space Aboard The Blue Origin

Aisha Bowe reflects on her resilient journey, dreaming so big that she's now making history in outer space.

Aisha Bowe is making history as the first Black woman to travel to outer space aboard Blue Origin. She shares her excitement ahead of the monumental launch.

The aerospace engineer, entrepreneur, and citizen astronaut appeared on ABC News on Saturday, expressing her gratitude and excitement about achieving her dream of traveling to space with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. For Bowe, it’s not just a dream come true but a testament to the power of perseverance, showing that success is possible even for those who begin with a rocky start.

Bowe recalled graduating high school with a 2.3 GPA and feeling uncertain about her future. After attending community college, she decided to overcome the self-doubt that previously held her back, choosing to believe in her highest potential for success.

She began dreaming bigger than ever before, setting her sights on the stars and striving to achieve the unimaginable.

“I didn’t know how to dream. So I had to learn how to do that. And once I decided that I was going to dream, I said I’m going to dream a really big dream that if it comes true that it will show me that dreams are real,” Bowe explained.

Since making the pivotal decision to become a rocket scientist, Bowe has worked for NASA, launched two STEM-focused businesses, and is now poised to become the first Black woman astronaut with Blue Origin.

“From community college to going to Michigan Aerospace, to working at NASA, this is a manifestation of not only a lifelong dream but a journey that I hope will inspire other people to reach for the stars as well,” Bowe said.

As for what Bowe is most excited to experience on her journey beyond, the founder of LINGO looks forward to the expansive perspective on unity that comes from seeing Earth as an “Earthling” from space.

“I’m really excited to see the Earth from the perspective that there are no boundaries. And I’m hoping that when I fly, it’s not about me, it’s about we,” she said.

Bowe also cites the full circle moment she’s sharing with a girl she used to mentor while working at NASA who now works at Blue Origin and worked on the rocket she will be flying on.

“When I get to space, I’m going to be able to look back and say, ‘My journey, career, everything that I thought went wrong went right, and it means something that I hope will inspire other people to reach higher,'” she said.

Bowe was recognized for her outstanding contribution and pioneering effort in advancing diversity within her respective field at the BLACK ENTERPRISE 2024 Woman of Power Summit, receiving the prestigious Luminary Award. Bowe also shared some power plays on BE’s Portrait of Power series. Check it out below: