by Black Enterprise
November 7, 2023
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
November 7, 2023
Credit Card Interest Rates Break Records, Now At Highest Rate Ever
As the holidays are upon us, credit card users are warned of what credit lines to stay away from.
Credit cards have skyrocketed their interest rates, with some retail cards now holding rates at over 30%. Experts are warning shoppers ahead of the holiday season of the rising standard.
Bankrate confirmed the record high-interest rate on Oct. 23, with the current average APR of 28.93%, increasing from 26.72% in 2022. On the other hand, the average rate for traditional credit cards not solely for any particular store is averaging a lesser amount, 21.19% to be exact.
Given this information, the financial news outlet urges shoppers to stay away from retail cards, despite the incentives behind opening the credit lines, due to the overarching concern of interest rates. Bankrate’s senior industry analyst, Ted Rossman, expressed how 30% was a typical ceiling that has now been shattered.
“We used to see 30% as the high end for retail credit card APRs,” says Rossman. “In fact, 29.99% was an artificial barrier that few dared to cross — for psychological reasons, mostly. But the market has blown past that threshold given the Fed’s aggressive series of interest rate hikes over the past year and a half.”
Rossman continued, stating how many of these store credit lines have entered subprime territory, even for those with an excellent credit report.
“Many retail credit cards now charge all of their balance-carrying customers rates in line with what we used to think of as figures reserved solely for a deep subprime audience,” shared the analyst.
While not all store-issued cards are following the trend of hefty APRs, such as the Amazon Secured Card with a 10% rate, the issuance of putting a deposit down for the amount on the credit line does not provide much benefit to cash-strapped users.
While Amazon’s card, in addition to Target and Best Buy, gives users 5% cash back on purchases, the pros may not outweigh the lofty APRs if one cannot pay the balance off in time. As the holidays approach, shoppers preparing to buy gifts must consider the latest factors that could lead to a costly Christmas season if not informed.
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 7, 2023
Earth, Wind, & Fire’s Philip Bailey Launches Fundraiser In Support Of National Adoption Month
Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, & Fire is using his Music Is Unity Foundation to launch a fundraiser for National Adoption Month.
Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind, & Fire is using his Music Is Unity Foundation to launch a fundraiser for foster youth in honor of National Adoption Month.
The renowned singer, songwriter, and percussionist, hailed as an early member and one of the two lead singers of the Grammy award-winning band Earth, Wind & Fire, launched Music Is Unity (MIU) in 2007 to focus on youth aging out of the foster care system. Since its launch, MIU has offered supportive services to over 23,000 youth who are emancipated from the U.S. Foster Care system each year.
With his latest fundraiser, participants with a donation over $50 were given a chance to win an experience at The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas and watch Earth, Wind, & Fire perform live and attend a meet and greet. In addition to attending the performance by the iconic group, the winner will also receive a complimentary two-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
It’s a labor of love for Bailey, who launched the foundation with his daughter as a way to help the often- overlooked youth who age out of foster care.
“Not all the stories are horrific, but too many of them to ignore. And so we support organizations that are helping foster youth when they age out,” Bailey told BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“They need everything from basic necessities to just anything that anyone would need at, at that age, 18 years old. So, a portion of our proceeds our ticket sales, go to Music Is Unity.”
The foundation provides grants to non-profit, community-based organizations and agencies that service foster youth. This time around, MIU partnered with the Drum Workshop, Inc., The Purple Project, and The Felix Organization to provide music services along with free “TED Talk-style” workshops about future-planning, careers, safety and health, self-care, and relationships.
“Well, of course, we want people to donate so that we have funds to help organizations that are helping foster youth as they age out,” he said.
“But we’re also hoping that people become more aware of foster youth and their plights in their own community and help those organizations that are helping kids who find themselves in situations by no fault of their own.”
Bailey has been able to build close bonds with some of the youth who’ve benefited from MIU’s services. There’s even one alumni who has gone on to open for Earth, Wind, & Fire on tour.
“Well, it’s been it’s been fun to get to make relationships with former foster youth such as Gian,” he shared. “He was a foster former foster youth. And he’s now a father, a husband, a producer, a writer and a performer. And we met him on one on doing this. And so the last couple of tours, he’s open for us in several markets.”
RELATED CONTENT: Earth, Wind & Fire’s Andrew Woolfolk Passes Away At The Age Of 71
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton
November 7, 2023
LaMelo Ball’s 30-Point Triple-Double Sets Charlotte Hornets Record
Charlotte Hornets point guard, LaMelo Ball became the first player during the regular season to have a 30-point triple-double in regulation
LaMelo Ball is only 22 years old and is already breaking team records with a whole career still in front of him.
According to NBA.com, the Charlotte Hornets’ point guard recorded a triple-double in a recent game that the team lost to the Dallas Mavericks. It’s not the fact that he had a triple-double that placed him in the Hornets record book. Ball became the second player during the regular season to have a 30-point triple-double. But, he became the first player to do so in regulation.
Ball pulled down ten rebounds while scoring 30 points and having 13 assists in Sunday night’s 124-118 loss. Entering the fourth quarter, Ball had only 7 points but exploded for 23 more to try to will his team to a win but fell short.
Anthony Mason was the first Hornets player to have a 30-point triple-double. But, Mason achieved that feat when the game went into overtime on March 31, 2000, making Ball’s accomplishment the first time that it was done in regulation during the regular season. Yet, Ball is the third player to do so after Baron Davis achieved the same feat during a playoff game on April 27, 2002 in Orlando.
Ball had another record for the game. He also became the first Hornets player to ever reach double-digit career triple-doubles. This was his 10th time doing so.
The first Hornets player to ever reach double-digit career triple-doubles: LaMelo Ball.@Bojangles | #LetsFly35 pic.twitter.com/GrPdD2JBo8
— Bally Sports: Hornets (@HornetsOnBally) November 6, 2023
CBS Sports reported that the No. 3 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft had career averages of 19.3 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game before Sunday’s game. He is also shooting 37% on 7.5 3-point attempts per game. The point guard signed a five-year, $260 million extension with the team in July.
LaMelo, who is the youngest of the Ball brothers, who all play professional basketball, has been touted as the best player in the family. Lonzo Ball, who is currently on the Chicago Bulls, is sidelined this season due to a third knee surgery that may curtail his career. LiAngelo played for the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League earlier this year.
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton
November 7, 2023
Dwight Howard Responds To 50 Cent’s Instagram Post: ‘Glad I Put A Smile On Your Face’
50 Cent, a successful rapper and television executive and master troller on social media, has struck again! After commenting on Dwight Howard and his recent allegation of sexual assault being leveled at him, the “In Da Club” rapper took a shot at him, and the former NBA player responded to 50’s Instagram post.
Howard has asked that a lawsuit filed against him by a man named Stephen Harper be thrown out after Harper accused Howard of allegedly assaulting him and trying to force him into a threesome with a third party by the name of “Kitty.” The former Orlando Magic player admitted that he engaged in sexual activity with the alleged victim but denied the assault claims.
After news came out about Howard’s alleged admittance to having sex with the alleged victim, social media has been clowning Howard. 50 is just the latest (Ma$e previously commented on it, and Howard seemingly responded to the “It Is What It Is” host in a social media post) to joke about Howard’s legal situation.
The Queens rapper posted a photo of him, Denzel Washington, and TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith at a Lakers game. They were sitting in the front row, and Howard was pictured towering over them as they had the trio’s attention. 50 captioned the picture with:
🤨🤦♂️@dangerookipawaa gonna say you made eye contact with Dwight Howard. Man me and Denzel thought that mother fvcker was alright man. 😤😡🤬WTF #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi
Howard responded to 50 with, “Glad I put a smile on your face,” with a smiley emoji, according to AllHipHop.
The media outlet had previously posted a letter sent to them by his representative.
“This is a civil case that was made public for profit. In this case, the accuser is solely suing Dwight Howard and has refrained from suing the other party in which he claims to be involved. It is important to know that these matters were never about sexual assault. This was merely about money and greed. Such individuals have made continuous attempts to elicit payment from Dwight. This has resulted in intimidation of not only Dwight, his family and friends have also been targeted as well.”
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman
November 7, 2023
Kendrick Lamar To Headline Global Citizen Concert, Bringing Tours To Africa
Lamar will work with Global Citizen as the organization strives to bring more artists to perform in African venues.
Kendrick Lamar is headlining a special show with Global Citizen in a quest to bring more concerts to venues in Africa. The renowned rapper will showcase his artistry at the “Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience” concert in Kigali, Rwanda, on Dec. 6.
According to the Associated Press, Lamar will be part of the initiative as the organization aspires to create a touring circuit across the continent, bringing stars known globally to further engage with its African fanbase. Global Citizen’s CEO, Hugh Evans, expressed the company’s intentions to work with the “Alright” rapper to drive artists to perform in Africa.
“Move Afrika is about social enterprise – and over time, it provides certainty to our vendors and partners, enabling them to scale and expand,” expressed Evans in a conversation with the news outlet. “Our goal is that this tour will spur the growth and development of small businesses across the region to deliver both our events and many more year-round, as other artists take advantage of the tour routes.”
Global Citizen’s Chief Vision Officer, Kweku Mandela, elaborated on its mission to assure artists that quality shows can be delivered in these emerging venues.
“The reason that is so often given is that there’s a lack of infrastructure, lack of technical crews,” Mandela said. “The reality is, there’s just a lack of will because we’ve seen some of the biggest artists come to this continent over the last few decades.”
Afrobeats, a style of music derived from the continent, has gained popularity and mainstream success globally. Awards shows, such as the Grammys and MTV’s Video Music Awards, now include categories to highlight artists’ achievements in the genre.
Regional artists, curated by Lamar and his co-founded creative company, pgLang, will also be part of the inaugural show at the BK Arena. “Move Afrika: Rwanda” is funded through a combination of philanthropic and corporate sponsorship, as its success will promote a broader scale of artists to tour within Africa.
by Iman Milner
November 7, 2023
Wyclef Jean Believes The Fugees Impact On Music Is Cemented Despite Lack Of Albums, Hints At New Project
Wyclef Jean isn’t worried about what history will say about the rap group he pioneered alongside Lauryn Hill and Pras, TMZ reports. For the producer and artist, The Fugees’ impact on music is solidified despite only having dropped two albums together.
The Fugees, which was formed when the trio was in high school, have sold over 25 million records worldwide and are considered by many to be one of the most influential groups of all time. Wyclef alleges that U2‘s Bono referred to them as “Hip Hop’s Beatles” when the group was flying high off of the success of their sophomore album, The Score, which is certified 22-times platinum, the outlet reports.
“I didn’t understand what he was saying,” Wyclef said of the compliment. “Till I’m like 54, and we show up, and everywhere is just a packed stadium with barely [any] promotion. It’s just the energy.”
Seemingly echoing the longtime stance of his bandmate, Hill, Wyclef believes the band has transcended the entertainment industry. “You could go back to the beginning,” he said. “We was always like ‘we ain’t come to do music, we gone be a movement.’ Fugees is short for refugees. That’s what we about.”
Though released in 1996, The Fugees’ The Score has strong messages of perseverance in the face of unrest, rebellion, and resistance that still resonate in light of current events. It was an album that did not shy away from topics from racism to crime to the effects of poverty. But the group’s glaring love for their people has, perhaps, kept the album in rotation many decades later.
“You know, it’s one love, you know what I mean?” Wyclef said. “One love, one heart. That’s what we promote. World peace.”
For fans wanting more from the group who, aside from reunions on various tours throughout the years, have not released music together in nearly 30 years, a change may be on the horizon.
“I remember people were saying, ‘The Fugees will never get back together,'” Wyclef said. “So, in the words of The Carnival, ‘say what, say what, anything can happen.'” For now, the group’s supporters can catch the reunited trio onstage to celebrate Hill’s cultural juggernaut debut album, The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, as the tour continues through Dec. 13.
by Daniel Johnson
November 7, 2023
Officer Involved In The Death Of Elijah McClain Found Not Guilty
Sheneen McClain, Elijah's mother, did not speak to reporters after the trial concluded, but left the courtroom with a raised fist.
Two of the three police officers accused of charges relating to the death in custody of Elijah McClain have been found not guilty after the jury in Nathan Woodyard’s trial returned a not guilty verdict on Nov. 6.
According to the Associated Press, Sheneen McClain, Elijah’s mother, did not speak to reporters after the trial concluded but left the courtroom with a raised fist. Someone who accompanied McClain told The AP that the verdict was “pathetic” and said the verdict was another signifier that the justice system in America is not changing anytime soon.
MiDian Holmes, an activist who became friends with McClain after they met at a 2020 protest, told the outlet, “Her son should be alive, and everybody claims to agree with that, but for some reason, we can’t hold to account the people that took that away,” Holmes said.
“I think she understands, and she recognizes that if she can feel, she can fight. This fight is not over for Sheneen McClain. She is going to turn this pain into promise and into progress.”
For now, at least, supporters of McClain’s fight for justice can take some comfort in the fact that a third officer was convicted, albeit on lesser charges of negligent homicide and third-degree assault. Later in November, two paramedics from the Aurora Fire Department are also slated to stand trial. Phil Weiser, Colorado’s attorney general, told reporters outside of the courtroom that his office would continue to seek justice for the McClain family.
“At this moment, I’m thinking about Sheneen McClain, who has fought hard to keep her son’s memory alive and to live on a blessing,” Weiser said. “No mother should go through what she has gone through.”
Woodyard, unlike the other officers, testified during his trial and said that he applied a technique known as a carotid control hold, which is a type of hold that applies pressure to the sides of a person’s neck to briefly render them unconscious. The hold, at the time of McClain’s arrest, was legal but has since been outlawed.
Both trials have featured attempts by the defense to pin the death of McClain on the paramedics who administered the doses of ketamine, a chemical that functions as an anesthetic. Despite finding the officers who were on the scene when McClain died not guilty for their roles, the city of Aurora, Colorado, agreed to settle with McClain’s family for $15 million in 2019 after they brought a lawsuit against the city. According to NPR, McClain’s family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in 2020 against the city, several police officers, one of the paramedics, and the medical director of Aurora Fire Rescue.
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 7, 2023
Jeezy And Nia Long Get Candid About Life, Love, And Legacy In One-On-One Chat ‘I Might Forgive… But I Don’t Forget’
Jeezy sat down with Nia Long for an in-depth fireside chat where they both spoke openly about their lives, love, heartbreaks, and more.
Jeezy is getting candid about his life story, and who better to open up with than with actress Nia Long?
The award-winning rapper sat down with Long for an in-depth fireside chat where they both spoke openly about their lives, love, heartbreaks, and more. Jeezy took to Instagram on Monday, Nov. 6 to share a teaser of the conversation.
“Your truth will set you free, but not until it’s finished with you,” he captioned the post. “I Might Forgive, But I Don’t Forget one on one conversation with Ms. @iamnialong. Full conversation live on Tues 11.7 at 6 PM EST on Youtube.”
Highlights from the trailer show Long helping Jeezy open us about the “activation moment of trauma” in his life.
“I was introduced to sex at very young age,” Jeezy reveals, which prompts Long to help him acknowledge that he was “molested.”
Other clips show the “Put On” rapper opening up about former friends betraying him and trying to take his life, his “toxic relationship” with his mother, and imposter syndrome.
Another clip shows Long saying “There is an expiration date on everything,” which could be a moment during the conversation where both stars open up about their recent breakups.
“The hardest thing to do is to walk away from someone that you still love,” she says.
Jeezy also asks Long how she’s doing after going through her recent “trials and tribulations.”
“I think I’m exactly where I need to be,” she says.
Jeezy filed for divorce from Jeannie Mai in September after two years of marriage and welcoming their daughter Monaco Jenkins. Long is one year out of her messy split from NBA coach Ime Udoka following his cheating scandal with a Boston Celtics staffer that resulted in his removal from the team. Long and Udoka share their 12-year-old son Kez Sunday Long Udoka.
The teaser trailer for Jeezy and Long’s conversation has fans eager to dig into the interview. Many are also encouraging the two stars to consider sparking up a romantic flame.
“Years ago this man wrote a song called Nia Long then recently in a lyric he wrote “ever see Nia long, I’m getting at her.” ….. we see what you did there Mr. Jenkins. From a Prayer to a blessing,” one fan wrote.
“Jeezy and Nia seem like they could vibe,” added someone else.
RELATED CONTENT: Jeezy Reveals Suffering From Depression for 8 Years: ‘I Thought Something Was Wrong With Me’
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton
November 7, 2023
Suspected Nashville Killer Audrey Hale’s Alleged Anti-White Writings Revealed: ‘Wanna Kill All You Little Crackers’
A conservative personality releases alleged manifestos that shows anti-white rhetoric written by Hale.
Earlier this year, in March, a school shooting in Nashville led to 28-year-old Audrey Hale allegedly killing six people: three 9-year-old students, a substitute teacher, a headmistress, and a custodian, according to NBC News. A conservative commentator recently released writings that Hale allegedly wrote that revealed her hatred toward white people. Hale, who also used the name Aiden, identified as transgender.
According to The New York Post, eight months after Hale opened fire at The Covenant School, which is a private Christian school the killer attended, Steven Crowder, who is a conservative host with his own platform, including a website and podcast, revealed the alleged writings of Hale.
The writings, three pages that Hale allegedly wrote, were posted on Crowder’s website.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has denied that the documents posted by Crowder were crime scene photos and has started an investigation into the matter.
Chief John Drake released a statement about the revelation of the writings:
“I am greatly disturbed by today’s unauthorized release of three pages of writings from the Covenant shooter. This police department is extremely serious about the investigation to identify the person responsible. This action showed a total disregard for Covenant families, as well as the court system, which has control of the shooter’s journals at the present time due to litigation filed earlier this year. It is now pending in Davidson County Chancery Court and the Tennessee Court of Appeals. We are not at liberty to release the journals until the courts rule. Our police department looks forward to the ultimate resolution of the litigation concerning the journals.”
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 6, 2023
In one of the writings, Hale allegedly wrote, “Wanna kill all you little crackers.” Another, dated Feb. 3, 2023, spoke of targeting children “with their white privlages [sic].”
“Those crackers, going to private fancy schools with those fancy kwakis [sic] and sports backpacks. W/thier daddies mustangs and convertibles. F— you little s—-. I wish to shoot you weakass d—- w/your mop yellow hair.”
Police previously stated that they discovered various items, including 20 journals, several laptops, a suicide note, and seven cell phones after the shooting.
Nine-year-old students Evelyn Dieckhaus, Hallie Scruggs, and William Kinney, as well as 61-year-old school custodian Mike Hill, 61-year-old substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, and 60-year-old headmistress Katherine Koonce all died in the attack.
RELATED CONTENT: Tennessee Democratic Lawmakers Expelled Over Gun Control Protest Hope to Reclaim Seats