• Arts and Culture

by Jameelah Mullen

November 17, 2023

The Black Santa Experience Returns to Lansing, Michigan

This event will provide visibility to local Black-owned businesses.

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The second annual Black Santa Experience will take place in Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday, November 25 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Venue by Eleven 11 Events  located at 5660 W Saginaw Hwy.

In celebration of Small Business Saturday, the experience will feature a vendor marketplace where shoppers can purchase gifts from over 25 small Black-owned businesses, including the  Socialight Society Bookstore, which features titles that are “predominantly authored by Black women, who often lack representation in traditional bookstores.”

The bookstore will host the Socialight Storytime Stage, an hourly storytime for children, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

According to Lansing.org, the experience was created out of the need for a culturally inclusive holiday party where Black children can see a Santa Claus that represents them.

“Representation matters and The Black Santa Experience is all about creating a magical holiday atmosphere where we celebrate our culture,” cofounder Karla Wagner said in a press release.

The all-day soiree will also host a silent auction in which proceeds will go to purchase gifts for children that will be delivered by Black Santa (George Smithers) on Christmas Eve. Gifts will be delivered on a “sleigh” courtesy of Sundance Chevrolet in Glen Ledge, MI.

With packages starting at $12, families can take photos with Black Santa at the event by booking an appointment.

This family friendly event also has something special for the parents. Adults can enjoy a pop-up lounge hosted by The Comfort Zone cigar lounge. Patrons can experience  “a sneak peek into the luxurious ambiance” of the lounge.

The Comfort Zone will also host an after party in which proceeds will benefit the Black Santa Experience.

For more information about the Black Santa Experience or to inquire about donations, sponsorship or vendor opportunities contact Wagner at karla@theblacksantaexperiencetm.com or visit The Blank Santa Experience’s website.

• Men

by Derek Major

November 17, 2023

Morgan State Heads To Howard University Saturday With Shot At MEAC Title On The Line

The Morgan State Bears will take on the Howard Bison with a shot at the MEAC championship and an invite to the Celebration Bowl on the line.

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The Morgan State Bears and the Howard Bison will resume their rivalry Saturday at Greene Stadium with a chance at the MEAC conference title on the line, according to The Baltimore Sun. 

Morgan State enters the game on a three-game winning streak, defeating Norfolk State, Delaware State, and South Carolina State. The wins put the Bears in a three-way tie for first place with North Carolina Central and Howard.

The Bears (4-5 overall, 3-1 in the MEAC) are led by a two-headed rushing attack in J.J. Davis and Jabriel Johnson with 750 yards rushing and three touchdowns combined. The Bears also sport three quarterbacks with at least two touchdowns this season. On the outside, the Bears will feature wide receiver Treveyon Pratt, who has 24 receptions for 326 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Davis told the Baltimore Sun the Bears expected to be in this position and are ready for the challenge.

“We always had these expectations,” redshirt junior running back J.J. Davis said. “Our coach always likes to break it down and say that we have two seasons. We have our non-conference schedule in basically the first five games, but the true season starts when we begin playing conference games. So we’ve always had expectations of winning the MEAC.” 

The true hallmark of Morgan State football this season is their defense. They’ve given just 19.5 points per game during MEAC play. Linebackers Elijah Williams and Erick Hunter are a formidable duo as Williams leads the Bears with five and a half sacks, and Hunter has a team-high 49 tackles.

The Bison (5-5 overall, 3-1 in the MEAC) have won three of their last four games, including a 50-20 drubbing of North Carolina Central. Quarterback Quinton Williams is the leader of the Bison’s offense, with 2,015 yards passing and 16 touchdowns this season. At running back, the Bison sport a committee of runners as Jarett Hunter, Eden James, and Ian Wheeler all have at least 300 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Wideout Kasey Hawthorne leads the team in receiving with 452 yards and five touchdowns, but the Bison spread the ball around as a bevy of backs, receivers, and tight end Gavin Davis have caught passes this season.

Defensively, the Bison don’t get to the quarterback much, but they make up for it on the back end as cornerback Kenny Gallop Jr. leads the team in tackles with 50 and has a team-high three interceptions.

The Bears must defeat the Bison on Saturday and hope for the biggest upset this season in the conference to capture their third MEAC title and an invite to the Celebration Bowl on Dec. 16 at noon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in New Orleans. If the Bears can defeat Howard, their hopes rest on Delaware State (1-9, 0-4) upsetting North Carolina Central (8-2, 3-1).

• News

by Stacy Jackson

November 17, 2023

Florida Teacher’s Aide Requests 30-Year Sentence for Student Who Brutally Beat Her

A teacher's aide is requesting a student receive the maximum 30-year sentence after he attacked her in class.

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A teacher’s aide in Florida has released photos following an altercation that turned violent between her and a student.

Joan Naydich suffered brutal injuries after being attacked by one of her students at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida, where she worked as an aide, Daily Mail reported. The student, Brendan Depa, a 270-pound, 6-foot 6-inch teen, attacked Naydich after she asked him to stop playing his Nintendo Switch. According to the outlet, Naydich says the student was upset with a different staff member who would not allow him to play his Nintendo Switch, but she did not take his device from him.

Depa, who was 17 years old at the time of the incident and is autistic, pleaded no contest as an adult for first-degree aggravated battery. He faces charges after kicking and punching the aide in the back and head until she was rendered unconscious. 

Naydich suffered extensive injuries: five broken ribs, a concussion, and a loss of hearing. Newer images reveal gashes on her cheek, bruising around her eyes, a bloodshot eye, a tear on the back of her ear, and a dent on her nose, the outlet reported.

Depa faces sentencing on Jan. 31. Naydich is requesting the judge give him the maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. The student’s family was hoping to reduce or eradicate all prison time to allow them to focus on his treatment; however, the defense team has not budged. 

“Unfortunately, a lot of my injuries that are not visible I’m going to have for the rest of my life,” Naydich said in an interview with Fox Orlando. Naydich returned to work in August in a different position, where she was placed on unpaid leave. To support her financially, she has been surviving off of charitable donations from the community, according to Daily Mail.

“I was attacked on February 21st and I feel like I’m just constantly being attacked,” Naydich said to Fox Orlando. 

According to Daily Mail, Naydich has expressed that she does not feel supported by the Flagler County School District and has been battling to get her workers’ compensation case approved. Naydich has been working with physicians who are seeking a diagnosis for her neurological symptoms, according to the outlet.

After a court-appointed psychologist determined Depa’s competency to stand trial, he awaits his sentencing by Circuit Judge Terence Perkins early next year. His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 31.

Depa is being held at the Flagler County Jail on a $1 million bond.

RELATED CONTACT: Middle School Violence: Student Arrested for Aggravated Battery

• Sports

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2023

Rumors Swirl Over Angel Reese’s Limited Playing Time

There is growing speculation about Angel Reese's limited playing time in LSU's last game

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There is growing speculation about Angel Reese being benched during LSU’s last game.

Reese was noticeably absent from the second half of LSU’s game against Kent State on Tuesday, Nov. 14. When LSU women’s basketball head coach Kim Mulkey was asked why Reese didn’t return to the court despite being in the starting lineup, Mulkey offered a cryptic response, as noted by Clutch Points.

“I could, but I won’t,” Mulkey said. “It was just a coach’s decision.”

Angel Reese did not come back in during the 2nd half and Kateri Poole did not enter the game today for LSU.

When asked postgame, Kim Mulkey deemed it a “coach’s decision” pic.twitter.com/hVVKJP80Tb

— Tyler DeLuca (@TylerDeLuca) November 15, 2023

Reese is a key player for the LSU Tigers and played most of the first quarter, but only played 13 minutes in the game. But a source close to the team says her recent benching might be the result of an “attitude adjustment,” according to OutKick the Coverage.

When asked about Reese’s status for Friday’s game at Southeastern Louisiana, Mulkey issued another cryptic response.

“I guess you better have a ticket to see, huh,” Mulkey said with a smile. “All right, you better get a ticket and see.”

The LSU star’s benching comes amid a social media war between her mother, Angel Web Reese, and the mother of her teammate Flau’jae Johnson. Reese’s mom recently shaded Johnson for poor grammar choice on social media, which Johnson’s mom, Kia Brooks clapped back with some shade of her own.

“You definitely know about grammar errors when your daughter got a 2.0-or-less grade point average,” Brooks said. “Stop being petty, fake and hateful, and take responsibility for you and your daughter’s actions.”

RELATED CONTENT: Candace Parker Wants To Return To WNBA But Only If Her Foot Heals Completely: ‘I Can’t Play In Pain’

• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2023

Tyler Perry’s Dream Retirement Includes ‘Getting As High As I’ve Ever Wanted To Be’

If Tyler Perry could have it his way, he'd be off on a sunny beach "getting as high as I've ever wanted to be."

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If Tyler Perry could have it his way, he’d be off on a sunny beach “getting as high as I’ve ever wanted to be.”

The billionaire media mogul made the admission on Kelly Ripa’s Let’s Talk About It Off Camera Sirius XM podcast. For Perry, who’s always hard at work pushing out films and television shows throughout the year, he would like to slow down and relax.

“I think my retirement will be more like Clint Eastwood, you know, so instead of doing 12 movies in four years, I’ll probably be doing one movie in six months or something like that,” Perry said.

“Right. One movie in six months. I love that. So, a real slow down,” Ripa said in response.

“A real slowdown, yeah, but ideally, I’d love to be on a beach smoking weed. Just no cares. Just smoking as much as I want. Just getting as high as I’ve ever wanted to be and just say whatever’s on my mind, so that’s my retirement days,” Perry added.

Perry currently has four projects in the works or slated for an upcoming release. His Netflix film Mea Culpa is currently in post-production. The film follows an ambitious criminal defense attorney who takes on the murder case of an artist in his fight to become a partner.

As part of his Amazon first-look deal, Perry has Black, White and Blue” and the upcoming Divorce in the Black. The latter stars Meagan Good, Cory Hardrict, Debbi Morgan, Richard Lawson and tells the story of Ava, a young bank professional who is devastated when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for.

Perry has been hard at work writing and directing Six Triple Eight, a period film about the all-Black, all-female battalion during World War II starring Kerry Washington, Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon, and Oprah Winfrey.

RELATED CONTENT: Tyler Perry Dishes On Helping Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Through Royal Family Turmoil; ‘It Was A Beautiful Moment’

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 17, 2023

Dwight Howard Wants Primary Custody Of 13-Year-Old Daughter After Seeing Her ‘Inappropriate’ TikTok Videos

Former NBA player Dwight Howard wants to have primary custody of his 13-year-old daughter with Tiffany Render.

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Former NBA player Dwight Howard seems to be in the news more these days than when he was on the basketball court. Radar Online has acquired documents stating that the former Orlando Magic center wants primary custody of his 13-year-old daughter.

The legal paperwork reveals that Howard has filed a petition to have the current custody arrangement and child support modified for his daughter, Layla Lo’Ren Howard. Howard wants his daughter’s mother, Tiffany Render, to lose custody after their daughter posted some “inappropriate” TikTok videos and filmed a reality television show.

• News

by Rafael Pena

November 17, 2023

Memphis Man Faces Charges for Repeated Home Depot Heists Totaling Over $5,000

A Memphis man is now facing charges for allegedly pilfering goods worth over $5,000 from Home Depot not once but twice.

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A Memphis man is now in police custody on Nov. 13, facing charges for allegedly stealing goods worth over $5,000 from Home Depot not once but twice, according to the Memphis Police Department, as reported by Action News 5.

Gary Johnson, 34, stands accused of orchestrating two separate thefts from the Home Depot on Truse Parkway. The first incident unfolded on July 30, when Johnson reportedly strolled into the store and navigated his cart through various departments, ultimately focusing on the plumbing and kitchen sections.

During this spree, police contend that Johnson loaded his cart with a considerable haul, including a kitchen sink, cabinets, and light fixtures, accumulating a total value of $1,565. Boldly, he exited the establishment without settling the bill.

Not content with his first haul, Johnson, three days later, on Aug. 3, allegedly revisited the Truse Parkway Home Depot for another round of illicit shopping. This time, he strategically guided his cart to the farthest reaches of the store, where he seized two water heaters. To add to his loot, he snatched up a kitchen sink and faucet, brazenly exiting the premises again without bothering to pay.

The Memphis Police Department estimates the cumulative value of both thefts to be an astounding $5,212, emphasizing the audacity and scale of Johnson’s alleged criminal exploits.

Following an extensive investigation, Johnson was apprehended and formally booked on Nov. 13, marking a significant development in the case. Authorities are now working to build a case against Johnson, whose repeated actions have raised concerns about the vulnerability of retail establishments.

The Memphis Police Department has yet to release details about Johnson’s charges. Still, given the significant value of the stolen items and the repeated offenses, legal consequences are anticipated to be substantial.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by retailers in maintaining security and preventing theft, prompting a broader discussion about strategies to deter and address such criminal activities in commercial establishments throughout the city.

• Sports

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 17, 2023

Carmelo Anthony, The Kid Mero Launch Digital Series And Podcast, ‘7PM In Brooklyn’ 

Carmelo Anthony has joined the sports podcast circuit with a new digital series alongside The Kid Mero that's set to premiere December 7.

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Carmelo Anthony has joined the sports podcast circuit with a new digital series alongside The Kid Mero that’s set to premiere December 7.

The retired NBA star has teamed up with former Bodega Boy to host 7PM in Brooklyn, a new digital series and podcast produced by Wave Sports + Entertainment, the same company behind a series of athlete- and sports-driven shows, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter. The show will feature Anthony and Mero offer their takes on basketball, Anthony’s 19-year NBA career, and current happenings in sports and culture.

“7PM in Brooklyn is not just a sports show; it’s an immersive journey that dives into the heart of the game and the rich culture that surrounds it,” Anthony said. “As co-host and executive producer, I’m looking forward to bringing a unique blend of storytelling to fans, merging our passion for sports and culture with our commitment to creating intentional, purpose-driven content.”

Anthony will also serve as executive producer of the show through his Creative 7 Productions, along with co-founder Asani Swann. It will be available every Thursday on YouTube and across streaming platforms.

The show is likely in good hands as Wave Sports + Entertainment is behind a number of popular athlete- and sports-driven shows like New Heights With Jason and Travis Kelce, Podcast P with Paul George, and The Right Time with Bomani Jones as well as a host of digital and social media brands.

“We’re excited to welcome Melo and Mero to the WSE team. Melo’s iconic NBA status and Mero’s groundbreaking entertainment career makes them the most authentic duo to host 7PM in Brooklyn,” Tunde St. Matthew-Daniel, executive vice president, original content, at Wave Sports + Entertainment said. “It’s the best of both worlds and the perfect project to continue WSE’s mission of delivering industry-leading sports and culture shows to all fans.”

It’s also the perfect return for Mero. The former Desus and Mero host has loved sports since childhood.

“Growing up in the Bronx as a die-hard Knicks fan, basketball was everything,” Mero said. “Getting a chance to use my 10-plus years of success in entertainment to cook up some magic with a legend like Melo and my guys at WSE is a no-brainer. 7PM in Brooklyn is gonna be a must-watch for all basketball fans, Merodamus told you!”

RELATED CONTENT: ESPN Host Stephen A. Smith Shares Career Advice At 9th Annual Black Professionals Summit

• Celebrity News

by Rafael Pena

November 17, 2023

Basquiat Family Faces Criticism Over Commercialization of His Art

Friends of Basquiat are furious with the late artist’s relatives, who have been commercializing his art on products he wouldn't approve.

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In a report by the New York Post on Nov. 15., friends of Jean-Michel Basquiat are furious with the late artist’s relatives, who have been commercializing his art on products he would never approve of.

Some people felt like Jean-Michel Basquiat’s legacy diminished as his work found its way onto scented candles, flip-flops, high-end bourbon, and even a welcome mat. Friends of the renowned artist, who passed away in 1988, expressed their discontent, accusing his sisters, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, of diluting his artistic legacy for financial gain.

“I personally think Jean-Michel would be horrified,” shared Claudia Summers with the Post, a friend and collaborator of Basquiat. She accuses his sisters of commercializing his work out of greed, stating, “They say they want to make Jean available to everyone. But they are diluting the power of his art.”

Despite attempts to reach out for comment, Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux did not respond to the outlet’s request.

While the commercialization of artists’ work is not uncommon, Al Diaz, an old-school graffiti artist who collaborated with Basquiat on the infamous SAMO tag, believes the Basquiat sisters have taken it further than most. Diaz, who had a legal dispute with the sisters over SAMO’s copyright, criticizes their merchandise handling, claiming, “The Basquiats have set the bar lower than anyone else.”

Critics argue that the Basquiat sisters have crossed boundaries by using his art on various consumer goods.

Diaz pointed out, “They take bits and pieces of a work and cut it up. That would bother most artists — unless they do the cutting. Someone else does it, and, seriously, that could be grounds for a fistfight.”

Summers took to Instagram to express her disdain for “the appalling greed of the Basquiat sisters,” prompting sharp responses from Basquiat’s former crew and beyond. Actress Debi Mazar and film director Katherine Dieckmann joined the chorus of disapproval, calling the commercialization “awful” and “sooo tone deaf.

The Basquiat welcome mats, in particular, draw extra criticism. Diaz asserts that Basquiat would have been upset about people wiping dirt onto his paintings. At the same time, Eszter Balint, who knew Basquiat and was writing a play about the downtown scene, stated, “His essence is so embedded in his art. This kind of flattening and fetishizing takes people further away from the art.”

Using Basquiat’s art and name on labels for Great Jones Distillery’s $45 bottles of bourbon also sparked controversy. Balint notes the connection between the promotion of alcohol and Basquiat’s death from a drug overdose, stating, “He believed that his art should be taken seriously. It’s been turned into kitsch.”

Representatives for Great Jones Distillery did not respond to requests for comment from The Post.

Joseph Sheridan, who ran in the same circles as Basquiat, emphasizes that the artist would not have approved of a liquor ad. “Jean-Michel would have thought it was tacky. He would have known those boundaries, sober or high.”

Summers sums up the sentiment of many critics, expressing anger not only for a friend but also for Basquiat’s family’s trivialization of great art.