by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 17, 2024

Michael Vick In Talks With Norfolk State, Sacramento State To Take Head Coaching Position

The former NFL quarterback has never coached a team before

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick reportedly has two colleges interested in bringing him in as head coach of their respective football teams.

According to The Virginian-Pilot, the current Fox Sports analyst has recently interviewed to become the next head coach at Norfolk State University (NSU). Vick confirmed that he has had recent discussions with the institution with the media outlet. It would be Vick’s first coaching job on any level if hired.

NSU is looking for a coach after terminating Dawson Odums from that position on Nov. 26 after he led the football team to a dismal 15-31 record over four years.

Vick told the media outlet that he has spoken with Norfolk State University President Javaune Adams-Gaston and Spartans Athletic Director Melody Webb. The school contacted him about the position, and he says he is intrigued with taking the reins of the program. Although he has never held the position of head coach, he is confident that his knowledge of the game puts him in a place to be a good leader.

“I know how to lead, and I know what it takes,” Vicks told The Virginian-Pilot.

If he were to take the job, it would be a homecoming since he is a Newport News native. He went to Virginia’s Ferguson and Warwick high schools before playing at Virginia Tech.

The Associated Press reported that Vick also spoke with Sacramento State University about its open head coach position. President Dr. Luke Wood confirmed that he spoke with Vick after The Sacramento Bee dispelled an earlier report that Sacramento was interested.

Vick and I did meet about Sac State football and our athletic rise. As you can imagine, given the success of our athletic programs that our football head coach job is an attractive role. Announcements on several major decisions coming soon. @AdamSchefter @SacBee_JoeD https://t.co/WDtvucaJ2w

— Dr. Luke Wood (@DrLukeWood) December 17, 2024

The university is searching for its next head coach after Andy Thompson left to become an assistant coach at Stanford University. Sacramento State’s record this season was 3-9, and it finished tied for last place in the Big Sky conference.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

December 17, 2024

LL Cool J Releases Autographed Limited-Edition Skate Decks Inspired By ‘The Force’ Album

LL Cool J releases a limited-edition collection of personally signed skateboard decks.

LL Cool J has teamed up to release a limited edition collection of 300 skateboard decks that celebrate music, skateboarding, and art, while saluting his latest full-studio album, The Force.

The hip-hop icon collaborated with The Skateroom to create a dynamic collection of skate decks, featuring 200 solo decks and 100 triptychs worldwide. The collection effortlessly fuses music, skateboarding, and art, featuring bold graphics that draw inspiration from the album’s artwork while celebrating the creativity of skateboarding culture. Each deck also serves as a collector’s item that comes with a certificate of authenticity autographed by LL Cool J himself, Billboard reported.

“Skateboarding, music, and art are about breaking boundaries and rewriting the rules,” LL said in a press release. “Collaborating with The Skateroom on these limited-edition decks honors The FORCE and the culture that made me while sparking the next wave of creativity. These decks are for those bold enough to push what’s possible and make their mark. Let’s ride.”

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A post shared by LL COOL J (@llcoolj)

The decks carry more than just material value; they support The Skateroom’s mission to drive social change. Proceeds from the collaboration will help fund skate NGOs, build skateparks, and empower youth worldwide through education and skateboarding programs.

“At THE SKATEROOM, we believe in the transformative power of art and skateboarding to inspire change,” said Charles-Antoine Bodson, Founder of The Skateroom. “Collaborating with LL COOL J is an incredible honor, as his legacy transcends music and embodies the bold creativity we strive to celebrate. This partnership is about more than skate decks — it’s about bridging communities, empowering youth, and proving that art, music, and skateboarding can create real social impact.”

Released in September, LL Cool J’s The Force has been praised as one of the best albums of 2024 and a standout in the rap legend’s four-decade career. Produced by Q-Tip, the 14-track project features collaborations with Nas, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Saweetie, and more. LL describes the album as “learning how to rap again.”

“It’s like a director going back to film school after he’s had blockbusters,” LL said, or “Denzel going back to acting class.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2024

Shirley Chisholm, 1st Black Congresswoman, To Be Honored With Congressional Gold Medal Act

President Biden signed the bipartisan legislation on Dec. 12 to honor the first Black congresswoman.

Shirley Chisholm will be honored with the highest award in Congress through the Congressional Gold Medal Act.

President Biden signed the bipartisan legislation on Dec. 12 to honor the first Black congresswoman, Chisholm, who died in 2005. She was also the first Black woman to run for President.

The gold medal will be curated under the U.S. Treasury Department. The original medal will be minted with Chisholm’s image, name, and “suitable” emblems and inscriptions, according to NBC News.

Ahead of its presidential sign-off, Vice President Harris signed the measure alongside the bill’s sponsors, Sen. Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., and Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.

The moment was especially sentimental for Lee, who Chisholm mentored through her collegiate years and her start as a politician.

“It was an honor to stand next to Vice President Kamala Harris as she signed this historic bill,” Lee said in a statement obtained by the news outlet. “I see no one more deserving than Shirley Chisholm,” Lee added. “It is critical for the next generation of leaders to see the first Black woman elected to Congress get the recognition she deserves.”

Upon its unveiling, it will find its home at the Smithsonian Institution and be displayed at events for Chisholm. For those wanting to collect a replica, the duplicate versions will be available to the public.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1924, Chisholm earned her first seat in the New York State Assembly in 1964.

She later founded NOW, the National Organization for Women. Her resilience and strength earned her the nickname “Fighting Shirley.” With her campaign slogan “Unbossed and Unbothered,” she won her congressional seat in 1968, representing New York’s 12th district.

During her seven-term congressional tenure, she introduced 50 pieces of legislation. She advocated for immigration reform and social programs for families, including establishing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as WIC.

However, she broke another glass ceiling for Black women and people in America with her campaign for president in 1972. Although she did not secure the nomination for a major party, her run marked new territory for the diverse leadership of the nation.

For her storied legacy, modern-day lawmakers on both sides voted to bestow the honor. The initiative and its passing coincide with her birth year when Chisholm would have been 100 years old. A biopic on her life, Shirley, starring Regina King, was also released in March of this year.

by Mitti Hicks

December 17, 2024

Senate Investigation Says Amazon Manipulates Injury Data in ItsWarehouses

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) released its findings following an 18-month investigation that reviewed seven years of the retailer’s injury data.

A Senate committee investigation, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), has accused the nation’s largest online retailer of manipulating workplace injury data to portray its warehouses as safer than they are.

The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) released its findings after an 18-month investigation that reviewed seven years of the retailer’s injury data and included interviews over 130 Amazon workers.

The conclusion: Amazon is putting its workers at risk for injuries in the name of speed and profit.

“Many of these workers live with severe injuries and permanent disabilities because of the company’s insistence on enforcing grueling productivity quotas and its refusal to adequately care for injured workers,” according to the report.

The investigation came after warehouse workers nationwide raised alarm for years about “unsafe working conditions” and “a corporate culture that prioritizes speed and profit over worker health and safety,” the report read.

“Amazon chooses misleading comparisons to obscure the fact that the company’s warehouses have significantly higher injury rates than the industry average and non-Amazon warehouses,” according to the report. “An analysis of the company’s data shows that Amazon warehouses recorded over 30 percent more injuries than the warehousing industry average in 2023.”

Members found Amazon workers were nearly twice as likely to be injured as workers in the rest of the warehousing industry.

“Alarmingly, this problem is common across the company’s facilities: more than two-thirds of Amazon’s warehouses have injury rates that exceed the industry average,” the report observed.

Amazon Pushes Back on Committee’s Findings

The online retailer says its employees’ safety is and will always be a top priority.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and our commitment to continuously improving, and we were eager to share that progress with the Committee,” Amazon said in a statement. “Unfortunately, it’s now clear that this investigation wasn’t a fact-finding mission, but rather an attempt to collect information and twist it to support a false narrative.”

According to NPR, this isn’t the first time Amazon has faced scrutiny for having injury rates that exceed national warehouse averages. Amazon, however, has said its injury reports are only “slightly above the industry average.”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2024

WWE Star Michin Shows Off Her HBCU Alumna Pride Prior to ‘Saturday Night Main Event’

Michin took part in a historic match to crown WWE's first Women's U.S. Champion.

WWE star Mia “Michin” Yim donned her HBCU apparel for Saturday Night Main Event’s first-ever Women’s United States championship battle.

Ahead of her historic match against Chelsea Green, Michin, who attended Virginia Union University, came out wearing a VUU varsity jacket. The pro wrestler then posted a shot on Instagram.

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A post shared by Mia Yim (@miayimofficial)

She told WWE in 2018 how VUU offered her a volleyball scholarship and allowed her to pursue higher education when her academics fell short.

“I wanted to earn a college volleyball scholarship because my academics wouldn’t be enough to qualify entry to the colleges I wanted,” Michin explained. “My dad sent tapes to Virginia Union University, and they gave me a full scholarship for two years.”

The natural athlete played on VUU’s volleyball squad for two years before transferring to Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, where in her senior year she decided to pursue wrestling full-time. Despite not graduating from the HBCU, Yim continues to showcase her love and appreciation for her origin.

Yim has emerged as a formidable WWE star who still champions diversity in the industry. Although she lost her milestone match against Green, she has helped establish the inaugural Women’s United States Champion in wrestling.

Michin continues to grow the women’s wrestling division under the WWE Smackdown brand. She is not the only HBCU alum making strides in wrestling. Former Howard University track & field athlete Darci Khan also has her eyes set on the ring. Khan, a decorated hurdler and four-time conference champion, is part of the 2024 WWE Next In Line Graduating Class.

While fans anticipate Khan’s reign in the WWE, they can still catch Michin on Smackdown’s Friday night programming.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 17, 2024

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield Announces Mayoral Bid

Sheffield made history as Detroit's youngest council member when she was elected in 2013.

Mary Sheffield, current city council president for Detroit, is running for mayor.

Sheffield, who became the youngest council member ever when she was elected in 2013, announced her run on Dec. 10 at The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 58.

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A post shared by Mary Sheffield (@marysheffield)

She spoke about her vision for a “more united” Detroit. She emphasized her history as a lifelong resident of the city and the progressive initiatives she supported in the council.

“Today, I stand before you filled with hope, pride, and an unshakable belief in our city and in each of you,” said Sheffield, according to a press release obtained by BLACK ENTERPRISE. “This campaign is not about me; it’s about our collective future; this campaign is about ensuring that we build on the growth and the progress we’ve created together—and to ensure that our City’s prosperity touches the lives of every resident. Together we can, and together we will.”

Her first campaign event was also attended by such notable figure as Judge Greg Mathis, former Michigan 26th District Court judge, and Tommey Walker, founder of Detroit vs. Everybody.

“Indeed, the work she’s done has benefited all of us, and she’s been there for all of us. Indeed, when we needed her to fight our battles, she’s been there. When we needed her to invest in our neighborhoods, she’s been there,” Mathis said, according to The Detroit Free Press.

Sheffield hopes to expand upon her inclusionary housing policies and safety measures while uplifting Detroit families. Sheffield, who comes from a family known for their civil rights and social justice advocacy, also wants to foster economic mobility for all. Moreover, she aims to inspire the youth with empowerment and mentorship programs.

“What we’ve experienced in Detroit, this renaissance, this growth, has been about partnerships. It has been about a collective effort from our federal, state partners, philanthropic support, to really help move Detroit forward,” she said. “I understand the importance of collaboration, and I am looking forward to working with all levels of government and both parties to find common ground that will benefit the growth of our city.”

Detroit’s currently mayor Mike Duggan, recently announced his campaign for governor of Michigan. He’s running as an Independent.

Minneapolis, George Floyd, George Floyd Square

by Sharelle B. McNair

December 17, 2024

George Floyd’s Heart Tissue Allowed To Be Re-Examined In Derek Chauvin’s Latest Appeal Attempt

George Floyd should be resting in peace....

A judge has granted permission for tests to be performed on George Floyd’s heart tissue as a result of a conviction appeal attempt from former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.

In November 2023, Chauvin’s legal team filed a motion to vacate the federal charges related to Floyd’s death in May 2020 after the disgraced law enforcement officer claimed he wouldn’t have pleaded guilty if he knew more about some theories presented by Kansas pathologist Dr. William Schaetzel.

Schaetzel believes that Chauvin’s actions didn’t cause the Minneapolis native’s death. The health professional theorized that Floyd died due to a high level of catecholamines, a neurohormone correlated to stress response, in association with the flight-or-fight response — or Takotsubo myocarditis, a heart condition. This heart condition is an intense emotional or physical experience.

The theory put Chauvin’s lawyer at the time, Eric Nelson, in a tough spot, accusing him of offering ineffective counsel by failing to inform his client of this information and not successfully securing test samples of the deceased heart, which doctors allegedly recommended. “Given the significant nature of the criminal case that Mr. Chauvin was convicted of, and given that the discovery that Mr. Chauvin seeks could support Dr. Schaetzel’s opinion of how Mr. Floyd died, the Court finds that there is good cause to allow Mr. Chauvin to take the discovery that he seeks,” U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson wrote in an order on Dec. 16, according to Newsweek.

With this new motion, attorneys will be allowed to examine slides and pictures of Floyd’s heart, along with tissue samples and blocks holding heart tissue. Court documents also reveal that fluids from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office can also be taken to test the “concentration of fractionated catecholamines and metanephrine levels present.”

Floyd’s death sparked international outrage when bystanders recorded Officer Chauvin, a white man, kneeling on the neck of the victim, who was Black, for over nine minutes. Floyd was heard yelling the now infamous phrase, “I can’t breathe,” giving birth to a renewed Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement and protests across state lines.

Since his conviction in 2022, Chauvin has simultaneously served a 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd’s civil rights and a 22 1/2-year state sentence for second-degree murder. The new motion is one of several attempts from Chauvin to have his convictions overturned.

model, stabbing, nyc, ice cream truck, Detroit,

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 17, 2024

Missing South Carolina Woman Found Dead In Neighboring North Carolina

Ta'haley Payton, 22, hadn't been seen since Nov. 22.

After being reported missing for several weeks, a South Carolina woman was discovered dead in North Carolina.

According to WSOC-TV, the body of 22-year-old Ta’haley Payton was found near a park on Monday, Dec. 16. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department confirmed that the body was found in a park near Uptown Charlotte. She was last seen on Nov. 20.

Payton’s family told the media outlet that she went to Charlotte to be with her boyfriend to celebrate her birthday. The couple reportedly argued at the Microtel Inn & Suites in North Charlotte, and he drove away without her the next day. Several local workers stated that they saw her that night.

An employee from a cookie store, Emily Stewart, witnessed the interaction. She said Payton went into the store around 5 or 6 that evening looking for help.

“I don’t know, it’s just wild, it’s wild. It was very weird how she came in multiple times,” said Stewart. “She just asked to use my phone and I just handed it to her. She said her boyfriend kicked her out of the car. He was found with some other girl, and she needed a ride.”

She said Payton called her mother and returned to the store twice to use the phone.

“It turns out she also messaged her boyfriend from my phone. I guess she said, ‘I’ll sleep outside tonight, and I’m sorry for everything,’” Stewart said.

Employees at a nearby Arby’s and Trader Joe’s saw Payton; according to her family and friends, they never heard from her after that night.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said no cause of death has been determined yet, but the case is classified as a homicide investigation.

The NC Beat reported last month that Payton’s boyfriend, 25-year-old Setoby Armstrong, was arrested for DUI and for failing to stop for blue lights after fleeing police officers who tried to stop him.

One of Payton’s friends has set up a fundraiser, “Ta’haley Payton: In Memory and Support,” to help bring the body home and cover funeral expenses.

by Mitti Hicks

December 17, 2024

Trump Meets With TikTok CEO As Company Asks Supreme Court To Intervene With Ban

Leaders from the social media platform want the Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that would prohibit the social media app in the United States if the Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell the company.

President-elect Donald Trump hosted TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida, on Dec. 15, the same day the social media platform’s leaders asked the Supreme Court to block a law banning it, CNBC reports.

The platform’s leaders are asking the Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that would prohibit the social media app in the United States if the Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesn’t sell the company.

TikTok’s request came three days after the U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.

When asked about a potential ban, Trump told reporters that he plans to look at TikTok.

“You know, I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok,” Trump said, acknowledging the social media platform helped boost support among young voters in November.

In its request to the Supreme Court to review the appeals court ruling to uphold the law, TikTok’s lawyers said, “Congress has enacted a massive and unprecedented speech restriction. TikTok is an online platform that is one of the Nation’s most popular and important venues for communication.”

The lawyers added, “The Act will shutter one of America’s most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration. This, in turn, will silence the speech of Applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern.”

In the U.S. alone, there are more than 170 million TikTok users, according to the New York Times. TikTok points out that small businesses that use the app will lose more than $1 billion in revenue in just one month, and creators will lose nearly $300 million in earnings in one month.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

December 17, 2024

Caribox Gifting Company Honors Its Heritage By Launching A Caribbean-Themed Line Of Gift Boxes

Founded with the mission to honor the rich heritage of the Caribbean, Caribox blends premium products with cultural flair to create an unforgettable unboxing experience.

Caribox, a recently launched gifting company, is making waves in the personal gifting market with its curated gift boxes that capture the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. Since its launch this summer, the brand has quickly become a preferred choice for those seeking meaningful and unique ways to celebrate special occasions or express gratitude.

Founded to honor the Caribbean’s rich heritage, Caribox blends premium products with cultural flair to create an unforgettable unboxing experience. Each box features handpicked items crafted by talented entrepreneurs from across the Caribbean, with 80% of the collaborating businesses being women-owned or led. These boxes embody the region’s artistry, craftsmanship, and flavors, making them ideal for corporate gifting, milestone celebrations, and personal surprises.

“Caribox was born out of a desire to expose the very best of the Caribbean to America,” said Shervin Stoney, co-founder of Caribox. “We pride ourselves on finding the very best products with the very best ingredients for our customers.”

Economic Empowerment: One Gift Box at a Time

Caribox is more than a gifting company—it’s a celebration of Caribbean culture and a vehicle for economic growth in the region. By sourcing products directly from small Caribbean businesses, Caribox creates meaningful connections while empowering local artisans to reach new markets.

“Today, it’s close to impossible for a small entrepreneur in the Caribbean to sell to customers in the U.S.,” Stoney explained. “From shipping logistics to tariffs, the barriers are daunting. Our goal is to break down those barriers and provide much-needed support to the incredible entrepreneurs building amazing products in the Caribbean.”

Engaging with Community and Growing Influence

In just a few months, Caribox has launched an affiliate program, enabling influencers to promote the brand while earning commissions. Notable partnerships include Dominican author, musician, and filmmaker Jade Leatham, who shares Caribox with her audience.

The company is also fostering new talent through a fall marketing internship program, recently welcoming Kemi Aliyu from Fordham University to help expand its reach and engage new audiences.

What’s Next for Caribox

Caribox is gearing up for the holiday season with appearances at local markets, including The Barley Beach House Holiday Market in Rye, New York, and the Holiday Vendor Market at Cross County Center in Yonkers. The company is also launching several new boxes for the season, including a spa box, a coffee and tea box, and a spice box.

“I wanted to start Caribox to provide those who appreciate Caribbean culture with unique mementos that celebrate the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty,” said Judah Coriette, co-founder of Caribox. “Through our boxes, we preserve the unique craftsmanship of the region while showcasing the Caribbean as a high-end destination.”

For more information, visit www.caribox.co

This news was first reported by Blacknews.com.