Taraji P. Henson Gives Mary J. Blige Her Flowers At Glamour’s ‘Women Of The Year’ Gala

by Jameelah Mullen

November 11, 2023

Taraji P. Henson Gives Mary J. Blige Her Flowers At Glamour’s ‘Women Of The Year’ Gala

The Woman of The Year award is one of many accolades that has received during her expansive career.

Glamour magazine hosted its annual Women of the Year award ceremony in New York City. Mary J Blige was one of four women honored at the star-studded event.

Taraji P. Henson was there to present the award to her longtime friend. Henson reminisced about hearing Mary J. Blige sing for the first time.

“That’s me! That girl is like me. She sounds like me, she is speaking the way my heart speaks. I felt seen,” Henson said.

The actress spoke about the singer’s raw emotion and honest lyrics.

“Vulnerability. It’s her superpower. “

Henson lauded the songstress for her extensive career that has spanned for more than 30 years.

The 52-year-old was also honored by the Sing Harlem Youth Choir, who belted out a harmonious compilation of some of the songstress’ biggest hits.

Overwhelmed with emotion, the “You Remind Me” singer decided to forgo her pre-written speech and address the audience organically.

“To all you women out there. Keep loving on you,” she said to the audience.

Blige said she was happy to be celebrating the other honorees which included Quinta Brunson of Abbott Elementary fame.

“I’m excited that we’re all here as women of power doing amazing things and living amazingly, feeling amazing, and understanding our power as women. I’m excited for all of us,” the “Real Love” singer said in a red-carpet interview.

Blige has been candid about her struggles with depression. She admitted that overcoming her obstacles is an ongoing battle.

“This is not an overnight success,” she told Glamour.

“This is not an easy thing, this new me, this new Mary. This is hard work,“ she said

“It’s easy to revert back to the past because that’s what you knew. Because you know the pain of the past will always try to pull you back.”

The Woman of The Year award is one of many accolades that Blige has received during her expansive career. She is the recipient of more than 20 BET Awards, nine Grammy Awards, over 30 NAACP Image awards, and an Emmy.

by Ahsan Washington

November 10, 2023

Black Military Veterans Have Stood The Test Of Time Despite Racial Challenges

29.2% of Black men and 16.9% of Black women are currently enlisted in the service

African Americans have a storied past with the United States military dating back to the Revolutionary War. In 1861 when the Civil War started, enslaved men who were considered subhuman by the federal government were given the opportunity to defend “their” country against the Confederate Army. According to the National Archives, around 200,000 Black men served the Union Army and the U.S. Navy, 179,000 and 19,000, respectively. Roughly, 38,000 of those men “died, the majority of disease,” while Black survivors of the war returned to an oppressive, racist reality, albeit emancipated.

Some 80 years later, over one million Black women and men would go on to register to volunteer and serve the U.S. during World War II. Postwar, Black troops and battalions who risked their lives in combat would return to a nation that subjected its Black citizens to segregation and lynching.

During the Civil Rights movement, African American men were drafted to fight in the Vietnam War at a disproportionate rate: “64 percent of all eligible African-Americans were drafted, but only 31 percent of eligible whites,” Amistad Resource documented. In one year alone, 1965-66, Black service members were casualties of the war at twice the rate of whites. The National Archive lists the number of fallen Black veterans at 7,243. Many of those service men who made it home from the war were devalued and disenfranchised and faced financial and mental health challenges.

The impact of more contemporary wars is no better than the ones that precede them. However, 29.2% of Black men and 16.9% of Black women are currently enlisted in the service according to Statista.

Military service isn’t for the faint at heart. After all, it’s a huge responsibility that takes bravery and commitment. On this Veterans Day, BLACK ENTERPRISE recognizes the officers, soldiers, and sailors who serve our country and humankind in the face of white supremacy and racism. We salute you.

Kevin Hunter, Wendy WILLIAMS, MANSION, MISTRESS, ALIMONY, WELLS FARGO, PAYMENT

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2023

Wendy Williams’ Ex-Husband Ordered To Pay $20K On Mounting Overdue Credit Card Bill

Kevin Hunter was ruled against by a default judgement in a lawsuit with UBS Bank USA.

Kevin Hunter, the ex-husband of talk show host Wendy Williams, has been ordered by the Florida courts to pay a fine after refusing to acknowledge a lawsuit lodged by UBS Bank USA over his credit card bill.

Court documents obtained and released by Radar Online on Nov. 9 revealed that a judge granted the motion under default judgment for UBS Bank USA against Hunter. He was ordered to pay $20,176.83 with the stipulation that the owed amount would grow exponentially with interest if he did not pay it off. The default judgment was passed because Hunter was served the proper paperwork from the bank but repeatedly failed to make his required court appearances.

The lawsuit claims that Hunter missed extensive payments charged to his credit card, issued from Bank USA.

UBS explained that the company provided Hunter with a Visa Signature Credit Card back in 2014, and he made timely payments on it until he stopped amid his financial troubles. In total, Williams’ ex owes $20,176.83.

The lawsuit described, “Defendant has failed to make the minimum monthly payments by the payment due date, as required by the Cardmember Agreement. Despite UBS Bank’s demand, [Hunter] has failed and refuses to pay the outstanding Account Balance.”

UBS notified Hunter of the mounting missed payments twice in 2023, on Jan. 23 and March 1, but he reportedly ignored them.

The decision against Hunter comes after the television producer’s request for alimony checks from Williams was denied. As previously reported, Hunter was to be paid alimony from Williams following their divorce settlement, but the checks suddenly stopped after the courts seized Williams’ bank accounts.

In his plea, Hunter revealed that Williams’ fight for control over her money from Wells Fargo made him unable to pay his bills.

“I have fallen behind on most of my bills. I currently live in a community that requires payments to the homeowners association and I’m behind on that bill,” he pleaded with the court. “If the homeowners association fees are not paid, foreclosure will soon follow. I’m behind on credit card payments because I have no money since the severance payments were suspended.”

He added, “My life has been greatly affected since the plaintiff stopped making payments under our settlement agreement.”

by Stacy Jackson

November 10, 2023

Ayesha Curry and Sydel Curry-Lee Uncork New Domaine Curry Wine Brand Products

The brand, and the products created in collaboration with The Prisoner Wine Company, are a nod to the strong women in their lives.

Sisters-in-law and business partners Ayesha Curry and Sydel Curry-Lee have released new products for their Domaine Curry wine brand.

Curry is the wife of NBA great Stephen Curry, and Curry-Lee is his sister.

The Napa Valley brand’s recent products dropped on Nov. 1 and include a reimagined Cabernet Sauvignon and a newly introduced Founders Blend, according to Wine Industry Advisor.

Wine Industry Advisor described the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, which sells for $80, as a bold and balanced wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The new $65 2021 Founder’s Blend comprises Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Merlot, the site reported.

The new Domain Curry products result from a collaboration between Curry, Curry-Lee, and Chrissy Wittmann, head winemaker at The Prisoner Wine Company.

The Prisoner Wine Company’s General Manager, Bukky Ekundayo, said, “The Prisoner Wine Company and Domaine Curry are driven by the shared values of inclusivity, authenticity, and innovation. We’re aiming to define and lead the wine category for Black and multicultural women, and we’re committed to combating barriers to make the space more approachable for women working in and enjoying fine wines,” Wine Industry Advisor reported.

Curry-Lee said of the collaboration with The Prisoner Wine Company, “Our partnership with The Prisoner Wine Company has allowed us to infuse our personal touches into the look and taste of these new wines, and we’re thrilled that more women will have the opportunity to enjoy them, just as our family does.”

The brand pays tribute to Curry and Curry-Lee’s heritage. More specifically, Domaine Curry is a dedication to the “strong women who have shaped the Curry family’s heritage,” from their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters to future generations of women, Blavity noted.

Curry said about the Domaine Curry brand, “Throughout our lives, wine has always been a way to bring our friends and family together. We are fortunate to be surrounded by so many impressive women who inspire us each day, and we hope Domaine Curry will serve as homage to them while also empowering future generations.”

In 2024, Curry and Curry-Lee will release Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Industry Advisor reported.

by Jameelah Mullen

November 10, 2023

Atlanta’s Nightlife May Get A Boost: City Proposes To Extend ‘Last Call’ Until 4 A.M.

Atlanta’s nightlife has been struggling to recover after the COVID-19 pandemic. But this could change if the plan to extend last call at bars from 2:30 a.m. to 4 a.m. gets the approval of Atlanta city leaders.

The “Atlanta Hospitality Act” is sponsored by City Councilwoman Keisha Sean Waites, it would reverse the 2003 city ordinance that Atlanta’s Alcohol Technical Advisory Group recommended. The ordinance was passed in response to a rise in violent crime in Atlanta’s Buckhead district.

City Councilman Michael Bonds says that there are many things to consider with the proposed Atlanta Hospitality Act.

“This has several potential impacts on our city. There is a potential source to raising revenue, “Bonds told Fox 5 Atlanta.

Bond said the extra revenue could also be used for public safety initiatives like the Atlanta Police Department’s take-home car program.

The proposal also has plans for placing surveillance cameras in high-crime areas.

Shelly Brown, a Virginia-Highland bartender, says she has concerns about extending bar hours.

“I think 2 a.m. is the perfect time for bars to close…everyone is pretty intoxicated at that time,” she told Fox 5 News.

“Crime might go up, honestly, she continued. “People are just not in the right mind; people are going to drunk drive.”

A spokesperson from the Atlanta Police Department declined to comment on whether they believe this could impact public safety.

This isn’t the first time city officials have attempted to repeal the 2003 ordinance. In 2009, former city council member Kwanza Hall introduced legislation requesting the city to extend hours until 4 a.m., citing the economic benefits for the city.

The Atlanta Hospitality Act will be introduced at the city council’s public safety committee meeting on Nov. 13.

If passed, the proposal would go into effect on New Year’s Eve 2023.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet Celebrates 29th Season With ‘Dream On’ At The Joyce Theater In NYC

by Lauren Nutall

November 10, 2023

Complexions Contemporary Ballet Celebrates 29th Season With ‘Dream On’ At The Joyce Theater In NYC

The renowned Complexions Contemporary Ballet is hosting a two-week engagement to celebrate its 29th season under the creative control of founders and artistic directors Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.

From Nov. 14 to Nov. 26, the award-winning NYC-based company will offer three programs at the Joyce Theater as well as a series of exclusive events featuring renowned choreographers and artists, including Abdul Latif and Jenn Freeman, who are slated to make world premieres, according to a press release shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“We are thrilled to be headed back to The Joyce with ‘Dream On,’ a dynamic program that showcases the talent and incredible range and diversity that has always been the bedrock of our Company,” Rhoden said. “‘Dream On’ is an affirmation of the dream Desmond and I had 29 years ago, and the passion, pride and possibility that have brought us this far and encourage us to keep going.”

Rhoden will make his own world premiere with a performance set to acoustic music from the alternative rock group U2, while guests Ricardo Amarante and Justin Peck will make company premieres. On opening night, poet-journalist Aaron Dworkin is also scheduled to make his first appearance as Complexion’s inaugural Poet-journalist-in-Residence.

Dworkin is a celebrated performing artist and the originator of the word “poet-journalist,” according to his official website. He has been featured in several outlets and publications for his outstanding contributions to the arts including The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and Jet Magazine. The former dean and current Professor of Arts Leadership & Entrepreneurship at the University of Michigan’s School of Music is taking on a new role at Complexions.

Complexions has drawn audiences from everywhere for its electric and profound performances, garnering recognition through its skilled artists and creativity. Now, it is showcasing its talents over the course of November, with featured productions from some of the industry’s finest.

Tickets for “Dream On” range between $10 and $75 and are available at www.Joyce.org and by phone at 212-242-0800. Opening night benefit tickets are available here.

Beyoncé Drops New Visual Trailer For Upcoming Renaissance Tour Film

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2023

Beyoncé Drops New Visual Trailer For Upcoming Renaissance Tour Film

The trailer has already garnered over 500,000 views since its release yesterday.

On Nov. 9, Beyoncé dropped a new trailer for her soon-to-be-released movie created from footage of her recent concert, Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, to YouTube. The new concept clip shows the inspirational message and striking visuals of Beyoncé’s upcoming film.

The new footage includes some exciting live footage that will be included in the full film’s Dec. 1 release date. The video opened with Beyoncé’s iconic silhouette and a crowd of thousands. The 42-year-old “America Has A Problem” singer began speaking in a voiceover. She said, “I close my eyes and travel through realms of space and time. Reality holds no power or control of my state of mind on my voyage to find a source to charge my inner being. Assembly line frequency as I tap my MPC.”

The slow panning camera quickly cut to never-before-seen backstage footage clips featuring Beyoncé with her daughter, 11-year-old Blue Ivy, and her husband, rap legend Jay-Z. Flashing between the personal backstage shots is roaring footage of Beyonce dominating the stage.

In the voiceover, she continued to deliver a message about how she’s leveraged the challenges of the industry to become the big success that she is today.

“In this world that is very male-dominated, I’ve had to be really tough. To balance motherhood and being on this stage, it just reminds me of who I really am.”

The teaser used the rest of its minute-and-a-half long run time to show some of the highlights of the groundbreaking Renaissance Tour. Her popular song, “Break My Soul,” played over the footage of some of her most complex costumes and iconic choreography moments.

“You are the visual baby. It’s a new birth. I hope you feel liberated or the renaissance is not over,” Beyoncé said as the visuals closed out.

The caption underneath the trailer revealed that the soon-to-be-released concert film will “accentuate the journey of RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” throughout all of its stops. The description reads, “It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR created a sanctuary for freedom and shared joy for more than 2.7 million fans.”

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 10, 2023

Former NBA Champion Andre Iguodala Appointed Acting Executive Director Of NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced that recently retired former Golden State Warrior player Andre Iguodala has been appointed acting executive director.

A press release from the NBPA stated that Iguodala has replaced outgoing Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio, who replaced Michele Roberts in January 2021. As Iguodala starts in his new role, he will work with Tremaglio during this transition period.

“I am honored to take on this role and serve the players, who are the heart and soul of the NBA,” said Iguodala in a written statement. “I’m presented with a unique opportunity to take all that I’ve learned as a player over the course of my 19-year career and apply it to creating an even stronger and more influential union for current and future generations of players. I am thrilled to work alongside our extremely committed Executive Committee to lead the brotherhood through its next stage of advancement and development.”

Iguodala takes over the role after serving on the executive committee. During his NBA career, he has played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat. He is a four-time NBA champion who has earned his titles with the Warriors while taking home the Finals MVP trophy in 2015.

He has recently joined his former teammates, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, along with Marc Lasry’s Avenue Sports Fund to become owners of TGL San Francisco in the new innovative tech-inspired golf league, TGL, started by Tiger Woods‘ TMRW Sports and the PGA Tour.

It was also announced in October that Iguodala and his venture capital firm have teamed up with his longtime business partner, Rudy Cline-Thomas, to rebrand as Mosaic General Partnership after successfully raising a $200 million fund. Inc. reported that the fund will focus on providing early-stage funding for enterprise software, fintech, and sports companies. Notably, their past portfolio includes startups that achieved significant success, such as Allbirds, Hims, Coinbase, and Carta.

North Carolina Veteran Turned Professor On The Challenges Of Returning To Civilian Life

by Mary Spiller

November 10, 2023

North Carolina Veteran Turned Professor On The Challenges Of Returning To Civilian Life

Ernest Hooker volunteers for other veterans in his freetime between teaching classes.

A Greensboro, North Carolina, man is sharing his story to inspire for this upcoming Veterans Day. Ernest Hooker opened up to WXII about the challenge of transitioning from military service back to the civilian lifestyle to bring awareness to the struggle and help people like him in the future.

A U.S Army veteran honorably discharged nearly 20 years ago, Hooker recalled the struggle of figuring out exactly what to do with himself after getting back to North Carolina in the Nov. 9 report. He quickly learned that finding something to occupy his time and to focus on was the most important thing to get over the transition.

“I’m living proof of going from combat boots to books,” he told the outlet. “Those footsteps are your monuments of your life experiences. Whether they’re hard or whether they’re good. The footsteps that I’ve been taking, I’m not taking just for myself. I’m taking the footsteps of men and women who continue to serve and the veterans that continue to serve.”

Hooker explained that it’s typically the lack of structure after leaving the military that makes it difficult to adjust. The easiest way to overcome the learning curve is to occupy yourself with programs and work that give the same camaraderie and focused directives. He encouraged other veterans making the transition to find things like businesses or higher education institutions. He posited that working with nonprofits dedicated to assisting other veterans is also a good option because it’s fulfilling to help others who came from similar challenges as you did reach their goals.

“If they want to go to a vocational school, that’s fine. If they want to go back to college, like myself, there are resources out there,” he said. “There needs to be more resources for veterans to go into politics, to go into history, to go in whatever capacity. Just giving the veteran an opportunity, you know, opportunity means a lot.”

Hooker himself went back to school following his discharge. He’s now an adjunct professor at North Carolina A&T who volunteers for other veterans outside of teaching academic classes.

Hooker shared that he’s looking forward to attending the Nov. 11 Greensboro Veterans Day Parade with his A&T students. Organized by the nonprofit organization Disabled American Veterans along with North Carolina A&T, the parade begins in downtown Greensboro and will. It will be two hours — uplifting active duty military members, “WWII veterans, Korean War veterans, [and] Gold Star families.”

by Stacy Jackson

November 10, 2023

Mom Takes To Reddit to Discuss Savings Accounts for Her Biological Kids, Bonus Daughter

A mom went on Reddit to ask other redditors for their opinions on saving money for her biological kids but not her bonus daughter.

A mother under the username OP posted a question about whether it was OK to set up savings accounts for her biological children and not for her stepchild on Reddit.

The parent of two offspring and one bonus child posted on the popular subreddit AmITheA–hole to find out if others felt it was acceptable not to create a savings account for a non-biological child from a spouse’s previous relationship. Many users agreed.

When she married her husband, she did not have any children. However, he already had a daughter from a previous relationship who was four years old.

“All of that to say, since she was 4, I have taken an active role in parenting/nurturing her even when I was told I’m not her mother and have no say even though I did/do 99% of her care and needs when she is with us,” the Reddit OP shared,

She explains that she later had two children with her husband.

“When I found out I was pregnant [with my first], I immediately started a savings account and routed money to there every pay period. Once I got pregnant again, I doubled the amount so that my kids could have an equal amount,” she explained. “I told my partner about this in passing, but he didn’t really care. He doesn’t contribute to the account. It’s only me, and I’m the only one with access.”

When OP revisited the topic of savings months following their initial discussion, she wanted to be proactive about what would happen in the future when their kids receive the money after graduation.

OP said, “I asked him if he and her mother started saving for her, and he said they hadn’t discussed it or ever started anything. I said he probably should since her mother isn’t reliable in terms of money, and our two will, in fact, be given that money after graduation, and I don’t want any animosity over it.”

OP and her husband agreed on the subject. However, the topic resurfaced when she and some friends discussed saving money for children after viewing a TikTok.

“I said my kids both have accounts and money specifically set up for them. They asked about my bonus daughter, and I said, ‘I will ensure she is safe, fed, and knows she is loved when she is with us, but she’s not my child or my responsibility. So why would I take away from my bio kids to give to her when she has two parents that can do for her what I do for mine alone?'”

Her friends had a different opinion on the matter. They told her she should provide the same opportunity for her bonus daughter if she genuinely accepts her situation.

She asked for opinions on Reddit because she feels she treats her bonus daughter the same as her other children. But she explained how she thought she should not have the responsibility “to do what her parents don’t care to.”

Although many users supported her decisions, one user wrote, “Your partner and his ex sound like pretty irresponsible parents, and it sounds like you’re in it (or planning to be in it) for the long haul with this guy. You say you do 99% of this girl’s care. You are this girl’s de facto parent.”

“You may be very aware of the division between your kids and her, but is she? Does she and will she grow thinking of you as a parent, of you and your partner as a parental unit? How will she feel about all this one day? It just feels intensely unfair for her to get left behind because her bio parents are kinda sucky,” they continued.

“If I were you, I’d set aside for her as well while pushing her father to do it and his ex. Ideally, they pick up the slack there, and you don’t have to continue contributing indefinitely, but she ends up in the same place as her siblings.”