by Kandiss Edwards

November 28, 2024

Black Friday Streaming Deal And The Black Shows That Make It Worth The Subscription

If you cut the cord on these streaming services it might be time to re-enroll.

It’s time to break out the credit cards and cash in on the 2024 Black Friday deals. If you are a cord-cutter who has opted out of traditional cable television service, now is the time to save some coins.

According to Forbes, 99% of households have at least one active streaming service “paying an average of $46/month.” If you are between services or refused to subscribe due to cost, now is the time. These Black Friday deals can save an average subscriber hundreds of dollars yearly. There are multiple streaming bundles, add-ons, and yearly deals averaging less than $5/month.

HULU

If you don’t have a HULU account, you are missing out. Reasonable Doubt is the reason to renew or join HULU. For the low price of $0.99/month, you can watch Emayatzy Corinealdi, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Morris Chestnut engage in messy relationships and Black lawyer excellence.

Disney+ (HULU Bundle)

The Disney+ Hulu Bundle will be on sale for $2.99/month. Rewatch Disney’s own New Orleans Princess, Tiana. Or New Orlean’s own superhero, Anthony Mackie. Mackie’s portrayal as Captain America began in the Marvel Universe. Catch up on the character’s journey before the release of the new Captain America: Brave New World.

MAX

MAX is not one of the cheaper options on the list. The elite streaming services, formerly HBO, can be bundled with HULU and Disney+ for $16.99/month. The bundle is a 3-for-1 that is well worth the money. Subscribing to MAX gives you access to Micheal K. Williams and Idris Elba in their critically acclaimed roles on The Wire.

Starz (HULU add-on)

For $0.99/month added to your Hulu account, you can enjoy 50 Cent’s Power Verse. Though the Power spin-off, Power Book 1, is ending, critically acclaimed Raising Kanan and BMF are going strong. If that isn’t your cup of tea, you can always go down to P-Valley when it finally returns for the long-awaited fourth season.

Peacock

Bel Air, the dramatic adaptation of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, is excellent. In a world of stale reboots, it is a breath of fresh, innovative air.

BET+

If you’re saved and sanctified or just want a little wholesome humor, Churchy on BET+ is for you. This Black Friday, BET+ is being offered as an Amazon add-on for $2.75/month. Conceptualized by comedian KevOnStage, Churchy will give you an absurdly hilarious and nostalgic glance at Sunday service.

AMC

Actor Harald Perineau stars in the psychological thriller From, which is approaching its third season. AMC+ will be offered for $1.25/month with ads or $2.25/month ad-free.

Black Friday streaming service deals are already available from Nov. 27 through Dec. 2 on the official streaming sites.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 28, 2024

Slutty Vegan Is Searching For A New President

Slutty Vegan wants its next president to be an innovator.

The Slutty Vegan is looking for a new face to run its empire, according to the vegan restaurant’s Instagram.

The chain is seeking a candidate to take over the top lead position. The first president of the establishment, Jason Crain, was hired in 2022. According to LinkedIn, Crain left the position in March 2024. The solicitation for applicants cites the need for an eclectic candidate with understanding, 10 years of experience, and a creative disposition that looks toward the future.

“This isn’t just a job….it’s a movement. If you’re a visionary leader passionate about innovation and the strategic chops to grow a brand with purpose, we want YOU.” The post continues, “As the President of Slutty Vegan, you’ll be the driving force behind our operations, growth, and impact. You’ll work directly with our CEO to shape the future of the brand.”

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A post shared by Slutty Vegan ATL (@sluttyveganatl)

Slutty Vegan’s CEO and Founder, Pinky Cole Hayes, has been working hard to build both the Slutty Vegan brand along with her personal brand. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on Cole Hayes’s recent appointment as REVOLT’s Creative Visionary In Residence. In a press release, the 36-year-old entrepreneur spoke about what she hopes to contribute to Black culture during her residency.

“As someone deeply committed to challenging norms and amplifying Black voices, this is an incredible opportunity to collaborate with like-minded creatives and bring dynamic projects to life. Together, we will continue pushing boundaries, inspiring change, and shaping the cultural landscape for generations to come.”

Since opening the flagship Slutty Vegan restaurant in 2018, Cole Hayes has been steadily scaling her empire. The restaurant boasts 11 locations across the South and East U.S. She is the author of I Hope You Fail and consistently engages in philanthropic endeavors through The Pinky Cole Foundation.

Wendy Williams, Guardian, Manhattan Penthouse

by Kandiss Edwards

November 28, 2024

Wendy Williams Is ‘Permanently Incapacitated’ According To Court Filing

Wendy Williams's attorney claims her dementia is permanently debilitating.

According to the New York Post, Wendy Williams will not return to daytime TV. On Nov. 12, Williams’s attorneys filed suit against the Lifetime network, revealing that the Wendy Williams TV show host is permanently debilitated.

Sabrina Morrissey, attorney for Williams, reveals the former daytime television star is experiencing severe cognitive decline. The decline inhibits Williams from conducting business and making decisions with a sound mind. Morrissey filed suit against the Lifetime Network for creating the Where Is Wendy Williams? documentary.

The filing claimed the defendants — Lifetime’s parent company, A&E Television Networks, Lifetime Entertainment Services, EOne Productions, Creature Films, and the doc’s executive producer, Mark Ford — ‘cruelly took advantage of [Williams’] cognitive and physical decline by creating and publishing a documentary at a time when [Williams] was highly vulnerable and incapable of consenting to be filmed,’” the New York Post reported.

The defendants filed a countersuit claiming Williams negotiated, signed, and gave creative direction on the docu-series production before her diagnosis. The co-defendants claim Morrissey’s filing is an attempt by the attorney to deflect her personal responsibility as a guardian.

They claim Morrissey filed suit in a “misguided effort to attempt to excuse her failure to protect her ward.”

In 2022, Williams was placed under a controversial court-ordered guardianship due to her alleged alcohol abuse and mental decline. The star’s finances and bodily autonomy were placed under the care of an independent guardian at the behest of Wells Fargo Bank. The banking institution claims William’s financial transactions became erratic and raised concerns, leading the bank to freeze the radio hosts’ assets.

Wells Fargo’s intrusion into WIlliam’s financials led to the star being diagnosed with alcohol-related brain damage and frontotemporal dementia. The diagnosis prompted Morrissey’s appointment as manager of William’s estate and personal medical care. Williams’ family claims Morrissey’s guardianship led to familial alienation from her immediate family, including her son Kevin Hunter Jr. The family claims Williams’s location is kept a secret from her family, and her contact with them has been limited.

Lil Wayne, Lawsuit, Rob Sweeney, 20 million,

by Kandiss Edwards

November 28, 2024

Lil Wayne Honored On ‘NOLA Walk Of Fame’

Lil Wayne may not have received a slot at the Super Bowl but New Orleans still showed him love.

New Orleans is set to add a new attraction to the historically rich Southern city. The “NOLA Walk Of Fame” is being commissioned to celebrate the native artists and advocates who helped shape the perception of the Crescent City.

Its inaugural class will feature rap icon Dwayne “Lil Wayne” Carter Jr. The NOLA Walk of Fame is the brainchild of New Orleans rapper, businessman, and rap legend Percy “Master P” Miller, who serves as the city’s entertainment ambassador.

According to Channel 4 New Orleans, the construction of the Walk of Fame comes amid New Orleans hosting the 2025 Super Bowl. As the event draws closer, New Orleans is making its best attempts to make a good presentation on the world stage. Mayor LaTonya Cantrell spoke about the “importance” of the walk and its honorees.

“As we continue preparations to host Super Bowl LIX, it is of huge importance that we honor and recognize the diverse group of notable individuals who make up the beautiful fabric of our city.”

https://twitter.com/Orleans_Ward8_/status/1861603474481336325

Wayne is one of 50 New Orleans natives who received the honor. At the inaugural Weezyana Fest, Mayor Cantrell awarded the Mr.Carter rapper the key to the city. During the presentation, Feb. 6 and 7 were named Lil Wayne Day.

A founding member of the Hot Boys, Wayne was visibly emotional as Mayor Cantrell professed the city’s love and reverence for their native son.

“This is your city saying to you, you matter for generations to come. For the work you have done, what you are doing and what you will continue to do.”

At this year’s @LilWeezyanaFest, @LilTunechi received all the love and respect as the Mayor of New Orleans surprised him with the key to the city and @MasterPMiller announces February 6th & 7th will be #LilWayne day & they are starting a New Orleans walk of fame. pic.twitter.com/Y4jchYzHir
— Mula (@youngmoney) November 3, 2024

Though the Mr. Carter emcee is a proud New Orleans native, he has recently held a public grudge against the city. Wayne felt slighted after the NFL announced Kendrick Lamar as the half-time performer for the Super Bowl. At the Weezyana Fest, where he was honored, the rap icon took to the stage to express his dismay for not receiving the primetime slot.

“It was ripped away from me,” he said.

Lil Wayne once again addresses the Super Bowl snub at Lil Weezyana Fest:

"It was ripped away from me. But this muthaf*cking moment right here? They can’t take that, man."pic.twitter.com/CrwmliexMk
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) November 3, 2024

Even though he may feel slighted, the lyricist’s hometown is showing its love and fondness for his contributions. Weezyana Fest will hopefully be a staple for the city, like Essence Fest, and his name will be paved into the foundation of the city for generations.
Wayne’s Fluer De Lis plaque will be on Canal Place and Rampart St.

by Daniel Johnson

November 28, 2024

Research Suggests Religion Boosts Interest In Life Extension For Black Americans

The interest in life-extending technology among Black Americans is usually related to community-centered motivations in contrast to white Americans’ individualistic motives.

According to new research from Rice University, the University of South Carolina, and Purdue University, religion has the effect of increasing the desire of Black Americans to engage with life-extending technologies.

According to a news release by Rice University, interest in life-extending technology among Black Americans is usually related to community-centered motivations in contrast to white Americans’ individualistic motives.

Elaine Howard Ecklund, the study’s principal investigator, the Herbert S. Autrey Chair, Professor of Sociology, and the director of the Boniak Institute for the Study of the Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University, shared that various factors make Black people’s use of religion produce curiosity about life-extending technology.

Jacqui Frost, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of sociology at Purdue University, noted that Black and white Americans approach life extension with varying levels of suspicion.

“For instance, Black Americans’ belief in the compatibility of science and religion appears to bolster their support for life extension more than it does among white adults, where religious beliefs are often linked to skepticism toward scientific intervention in natural life processes,” Frost said.

According to Rachel Schneider, a co-author of the study and the director of the Religion and Public Life Center at the Boniak Institute, “With advancements in medical and anti-aging research, projections suggest that lifespans could extend dramatically, reaching up to 120 to 200 years by the end of the century,” Schneider said.

Schneider continued, “As the movement for life extension gathers momentum, we hope this research will encourage more work on how religious, racial and cultural factors shape public support for such technologies. Understanding the different ways Americans approach the question of life extension is critical as society navigates the potential for unprecedented changes in human lifespan.”

According to the study’s abstract, this research contradicts previous research on religion’s impact on attitudes toward life-extending technologies.

“Past research suggests that those most likely to be interested in life extension technologies are nonreligious and White. However, we draw on theories in sociology of religion to examine how race and religion might intersect to shape attitudes about life extension. We find that Black Americans are significantly more interested in life extension than White Americans, and while religiosity decreases interest in life extension among White Americans, religiosity increases interest for Black Americans. And we find that Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely than White Americans to cite other-oriented and religious reasons over self-oriented reasons for wanting to extend their lives, such as ‘divine purpose’ and a desire to contribute more to society.”

CAM’RON BET ON HIMSELF, AND IT’S THE REALEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT HE’S SEEN BY FAR

by Ida Harris

November 27, 2024

CAM’RON BET ON HIMSELF, AND IT’S THE REALEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT HE’S SEEN BY FAR

The Harlem-bred native had been running mere minutes behind but was extremely apologetic for the tardy arrival. Before he readied himself to sit in his barber’s chair for a fresh cut and shape-up, he shook hands with the production crew who were patiently waiting and — again — took full accountability for his lack of punctuality, albeit, at the mercy of cross country travel, New York City traffic, and an unexpected ruckus at the entrance of the building that left an individual knocked unconscious and waiting on an ambulance.

by Kandiss Edwards

November 27, 2024

Queen Latifah To Host Kennedy Center Honors, Apollo Theater Named Recipient

Black icon Queen Latifah will host award show honoring iconic Black American institution, The Apollo theater.

Queen Latifah, born Dana Owens, will host the 2024 Kennedy Center Honors. The legendary femcee will honor a great Black American institution–The Apollo Theater.

As a part of the 2023 Kennedy Center’s 46th recipient class, Latifah is the first female rapper to receive the honor. The Equalizer actress is only the second rapper ever after LL Cool J joined the 2017 class. A short year later, the Queen returns to bestow recognition on a new class of honorees.

The Apollo Theaters’ recognition is a pleasant addition to the lineup. Opening in 1934 on Harlem’s 125th St, The Apollo claims to be America’s largest Black performing arts institute. The nonprofit institute has hosted Black American icons—like James Brown, the Jackson 5, Beyonce, and a host of others—throughout its history.

The Kennedy Center cited the legendary theater’s longevity and commitment to highlighting Black American culture as the reasons for its recognition:

“For nine decades, the legendary Apollo—the soul of American culture—has played a vital role in cultivating emerging artists, launching legends, and serving as a center of innovation for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world. The largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity, The Apollo is a beacon of the Harlem community recognized for celebrating, creating, and presenting performances inspired by Black American culture, which has shaped popular culture globally. “

ONLY ON #CBSMORNINGS: The Grateful Dead, Francis Ford Coppola, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval and the Apollo Theater are this year’s Kennedy Center Honorees. #KCHonors

Watch the Kennedy Center Honors later this year on @CBS. pic.twitter.com/7JOob3Dbnq
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) July 18, 2024

Latifah hosting the honors as another great Black institution, The Apollo, is recognized as fitting. The U.N.I.T.Y rapper is a foundational figure in the Black artistic community. Her career is robust and varied. Owens broke out of her female MC box and began to excel in other areas. To date, she has been acknowledged by the Grammy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, and Academy Awards. The Bessie actress and producer is a true example of what breaking the mold looks like.

It is unclear who will take the stage to honor the iconic American institution. The ceremony will air on CBS on Dec. 22, 2024, from 8:30 to 11:00 pm ET/PT and stream on the Kennedy Center’s official site.

T.I Kicks Off Annual Turkey Drive With Help From Atlanta Mayor And Young Dro

by Ida Harris

November 27, 2024

T.I Kicks Off Annual Turkey Drive With Help From Atlanta Mayor And Young Dro

The event was hosted by Jackson Memorial Baptist Church

Ahead of the holiday, T.I, Atlanta’s own hip-hop royalty, kicked off the 19th annual Harris Community Works Turkey Drive in Atlanta on Nov. 26. The yearly event, hosted by Jackson Memorial Baptist Church on 534 Fairburn Road NW in Adamsville, and powered by Tip’s HCW organization along with a number of sponsors, including the Atlanta Hawks, Humana, Maximum Impact, Kaiser Permanente, and Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority to name a few.

Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta city councilmember Andrea L. Boone, and Atlanta notables Young Dro and DC Young Fly showed up for the Westside community and rolled up their sleeves to volunteer alongside T.I., Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and family to help bag groceries and load cars with turkeys, bushels of collard greens, sweet potatoes, and other Thanksgiving Day staples.

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BLACK ENTERPRISE caught up with Young Dro, who recalled a time in his life when food was scarce. The “Shoulder Lean” artist spoke about his contribution and how the turkey drive impacts the community’s residents.

“I’ve been here since the beginning,” Dro told BE. “When [T.I] decided to do it, it was just … heartfelt to me.”

“I remember going to school … not having no food and you know, having to get up in the morning and put my education secondary just for food.”

Dro expressed his pride in the event’s evolution over the years and said that his volunteer efforts, along with those of others who support the Harris Community Works initiative, are a must.

“The partnership is everything,” the Westside Atlanta native affirmed. “If everybody does something, one person don’t have to do a lot.”

“It wouldn’t be possible if it were[n’t] for Tip,” Dro said. “He has to be partnered with Impact and Kaiser Permanente, Fulton County Police Department, Andrea Boone, my cousin Gregory Sutton. When all of us come together, that’s how we can provide for the community because one person just can’t save the whole world; everybody gotta chip in.”

Atlanta Mayor Dickens’ commitment and sentiment for the annual food drive matched Young Dro’s.

“I had to show up once again,” the Fulton County mayor told BE. “Every year, I come out to this great food distribution by T.I and the Harris family, Tip, Tiny, and all of our sponsors, me, the city of Atlanta, councilwoman Andrea Boone, Humana.

“We are out here spreading love,” Dickens said. “It’s hundreds, I mean, hundreds of cars of people that are hungry that need to get fed for Thanksgiving and we out here spreading holiday cheer by giving food away.”

Mayor Dickens plans to spend his holiday “spreading love,” being “thankful,” and being “ in the spirit of gratitude “d among family and close friends.

Harris Community Works is a subsidiary of Us Or Else Corp (501c3), a nonprofit, social justice charity founded by Tip “T.I.” Harris. The community organization has provided meals for the Thanksgiving holiday for almost two decades. Over the last eight years, HCW has also provided a caravan for the community during the Christmas holiday. T.I. traverses the city, donating clothing and toys to individuals through community-based programs.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 27, 2024

More Black Men Are Proudly Cooking Dishes This Thanksgiving, Study Shows 57% of Men Will Cook At Least One Dish

Research shows that more men are stepping up to handle Thanksgiving cooking duties.

Black male chefs are highlighting the growing trend of men taking on cooking duties this Thanksgiving. Recent studies show that over 50% of men are preparing at least one dish for the holiday.

A recent Instacart survey found that 64% of women plan to prepare at least one dish for Thanksgiving, while 57% of men are also stepping up to contribute. Additionally, 30% of men and women intend to cook the entire feast.

With more men stepping up to share Thanksgiving cooking responsibilities, Black chefs are celebrating this shift and applauding men for embracing the change in traditional roles.

“I think that cooking is not something that is based on one’s gender. I see it as a form of creative expression,” LA-based traveling chef Jeffrey Smith Jr. told Essence.

The owner of the Best Kept Secrets International catering company believes cooking is for everyone, not just one group or gender. The study also revealed that Gen Z (63%), millennials (66%), and Gen X (61%) are outpacing boomers (53%) in plans to cook or contribute dishes.

St. Louis-based chef Que Dunn, also known as “Chef Que,” shares this perspective, noting that younger generations are moving away from traditional gender norms, especially regarding who takes on the cooking.

“I do think it’s becoming more of an even split. I believe this generation doesn’t have the same mindset as the previous ones,” he says. “Women find men who can cook attractive. They find that to be an attractive trait.”

Charles Hunter III, a Nashville-based personal chef and owner of The Salted Table, is hosting Thanksgiving this year to give his mother a well-deserved break. He plans to prepare all the traditional dishes himself.

“We stick to the standard of turkey, ham, dressing, mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes, collard greens. We shoot down the list and whoever is best at making a particular dish would stick to preparing those,” he says. “We create a plan of execution, and I try to put my spin on things. I just love being in the kitchen. It’s a dream job that I fell into that I didn’t even know I wanted.”

Commenting on the rise of men taking on Thanksgiving cooking duties, Hunter emphasizes that everyone should be comfortable in the kitchen, stating, “Cooking is a life skill.”

“It’s something everybody should know how to do. Even if it’s on a super basic foundational level, everyone should be able to bring ingredients into a pot and make it edible.”

HUD Awards More Than $1 Million To Fight Homelessness For Young Adults

by Mitti Hicks

November 27, 2024

HUD Awards More Than $1 Million To Fight Homelessness For Young Adults

HUD works to prevent homelessness among young adults and youth through its Foster Youth to Independence program.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding over $1 million to nearly two dozen public housing agencies working to fight homelessness for young adults between 18 and 25 transitioning out of foster care.

HUD works to prevent homelessness among young adults and youth through its Foster Youth to Independence program. The funding will be distributed to public housing agencies across more than 15 states.

“Youth transitioning out of foster care need housing stability and access to affordable homes,” said HUD Agency head Adrianne Todman. “With the funding announced today, HUD and local agencies will keep our most vulnerable youth off the streets and in stable environments where they can thrive.”

Addressing Problems For Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care

Transitioning out of foster care can be a stressful time of uncertainty and instability for youth, ultimately increasing the likelihood of homelessness. HUD funding will help communities tackle the gaps in the availability of housing assistance for young Americans. The funding will also support the federal goal of preventing and ending youth homelessness and set young people on a path to self-sufficiency by providing education, counseling, and supportive services.

According to HUD, Housing Choice Voucher assistance will be available to public housing agencies in partnership with public child welfare agencies. This will broaden access to stable housing for youth and young adults who’ve previously lived in foster care.

“Our goal is to expand access to safe and healthy homes where foster youth can transition to independent living,” said Richard Monocchio, principal deputy assistant secretary for Public and Indian Housing. “HUD values its partnerships with Public Housing Agencies and Public Child Welfare Agencies where, through programs like FYI, foster youth can be given the support they need to create bright, stable futures.”

Established by Congress in 2019, the FYI program was created through youth advocacy efforts to allow all PHAs to serve eligible young adults, particularly those who’ve lived in foster care. Over 300 PHAs nationwide administer more than 5,000 Foster Youth to Independence vouchers.