by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 29, 2023

Jay-Z Reveals That Blue Ivy Was Almost Named Brooklyn

In a recent conversation with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Jay-Z revealed the name he and Beyoncé originally picked for their first child, 11-year-old Blue Ivy Carter, one that paid tribute to her dad’s hometown.

Blue Ivy has been a welcomed special guest at Queen Bey’s Renaissance World Tour, appearing in front of tens of thousands to dance alongside her superstar mom. In addition to expressing his immense pride for his daughter’s inclusion in the show, Jay-Z revealed how Blue Ivy’s original name was supposed to pay homage to a certain New York City borough.

“It was supposed to be Brooklyn,” he told King, according to E! News. However, the name change occurred once Beyoncé was farther along in her pregnancy, as the longtime couple referred to their growing baby fondly as a “blueberry.”

“We was calling her Blueberry. Like, ‘Look at the little blueberry.’ You know, it was like a nickname,” shared the now father of three. “It was just natural. We just took the berry off and called her Blue.”

Clearly, the name stuck, as the young entertainer in the making has been stepping into her own light. Jay-Z also shared how the tween reclaimed her own power by being part of mom’s string of mega-successful concerts, with her debut performance at the Paris show.

“I still get goosebumps seeing her walk on stage,” he shared. “Because Blue’s been born into this world, she’s been born into a life she didn’t ask for. Since she was born, she’s been in scrutiny and everyone has an opinion…So for her to be on that stage and reclaim her power, and the song is called ‘My Power,’ and it’s just—you can’t write a better script.”

by Daniel Johnson

October 29, 2023

Wells Fargo’s Financial Literacy Program for Minorities Now at 28 Universities

Continuing its 2021 investment into financial literacy and wellness for students of color in higher education, Wells Fargo is extending its Our Money Matters (OMM) program.

The program also includes tools to assist in easing food and housing insecurity, with the long-term aim of helping to close the racial gap in financial health and wealth retention.

As Forbes reported, the program was endowed with $5.6 million from the Wells Fargo Foundation and was administered by the HBCU Community Development Action Coalition (HBCU CDAC). At the time, it was expected for the program to grow beyond the seven HBCUs and Minority Serving Institutions it started with to potentially 25 institutions over the next three years.

The OMM program consists of several points. It’s an online hub where students can access financial literacy education and personal finance tools, a curriculum integrating general education and degree programs into a financial curriculum which fosters financial literacy, and a service suite with resources for well-being, in partnership with partner universities.

According to Darlene Goins, head of Financial Health Philanthropy at Wells Fargo the program has slightly outpaced initial projections. In its second year, OMM has served 15,600 students across 28 institutions.

“We have really seen great interest and engagement in the platform, and we want to continue to expand,” Goins told The Grio. “We want to also include the smaller HBCUs and not just the largest ones that get the most attention.”

Goins said in select cities Operation Hope financial coaches can be found in certain Wells Fargo locations, and students enrolled at partner institutions do not need to have an account to be allowed to use these services.

The program represents a tremendous value for students who may come from communities where the only way to pay for their education is to take out loans—and possibly risk a hit to their credit.

by Mary Spiller

October 29, 2023

How HBCU Bowie State’s Degree Program Incarcerated Men Is Changing Lives

Maryland’s Bowie State University is the first HBCU in the state to help incarcerated men earn their college degrees.

The program, launched in the fall semester of 2022, offers the opportunity for men to earn their bachelor’s degree in a program at the Jessup Correctional Institution, offering core classes like math, science, and literature, as well as several specialized courses in more specific trades.

As reported by AfroTech, the program has given incarcerated students another chance to excel once they’re released from prison and stay out of trouble while in prison.

With the help of dedicated professors, BSU has been able to offer learning opportunities under the funding of the Second Chance Pell Grant. The revised grant “makes federal financial aid available to around 760,000 incarcerated students in 2023.”

The bachelor degree program has already begun to improve outlooks for recently released inmates, making it 48% less likely for them to return to prison after their initial release.

“This program is important to every citizen of Maryland because 90% of those who come in come back out,” said Charles Adams, chair of Bowie State University’s department of criminal justice. “It’s far more damaging to release someone who is ill equipped. It gives them a second chance in life.”

Although the program is predicted to take up to seven years for Jessup Correctional students to finish, Adams supports anyone who wants to up their class load in order to finish earlier. The HBCU is already set to start a pilot program for incarcerated women this fall if all goes well.

The successful program is already doing great work, but Adams told AfroTech that more resources are needed.

The incarcerated students have been dedicated to their learning, but professors have expressed a need to open up more classes, more authorized tutoring time, more professors willing to teach, books, materials such as printers and projectors, and access to online research journals conducive to learning.

Some professors have even taken to pushing to make themselves available to work on weekends to make sure Jessup Correctional students have time to meet with tutors face-to-face.

Adams reported to the outlet that BSU is “‘aggressively’ seeking external funding and working to hire more staff, like adjunct professors.”

Chris Tucker, Judge Mablean Ephriam, Honoring Unsung Fathers, Donnie McClurkin, Faith Evans, comedian, singer, Amazing Grace

by Daniel Johnson

October 29, 2023

Chris Tucker, IRS Agree To $3.6 Million Settlement Over Back Taxes

Chris Tucker and the IRS have finally reached a deal.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tucker will pay $3.6 million to cover back taxes he incurred in 2002, 2006, 2008, and 2010. The deal represents a good bargain for Tucker–the IRS initially requested he pay $9.6 million.

This is not the first time Tucker has dealt with the IRS. In 2010, 2011, and 2016, he began talks to pay back his debt in $25,000 to $50,000 a year installments over a 10-year period. However, the talks broke down once it was understood Tucker couldn’t pay the balance before the deadline.

In 2021, USA Today reported that Tucker was sued by the IRS to pay his back taxes dating back to 2002 plus tax penalties and interest amounting to $9.6 million.

According to the lawsuit, “Despite notice and demand for payment of the assessments set forth above, Mr. Tucker has neglected, refused, or failed to fully pay the assessments against him.” According to its reporting, many of the tax years Tucker faced penalties for coincided with his roles in Rush Hour 2 and Rush Hour 3.

According to Moneymade, Tucker is now worth an estimated $5 million after being compensated $20 million for Rush Hour 2 and $25 million plus a 20% cut of the film’s earnings for Rush Hour 3. That film went on to make more than $258 million which would have netted Tucker somewhere around $63 million that year.

Tucker’s net worth plummeted after a series of tax problems, including the tax lawsuit the IRS filed in 2021. Tucker even poked fun at the bad tax advice he received in his 2019 stand-up comedy special Netflix Is A Joke, something he told the IRS was the case while they were investigating him.

Tucker has indicated an interest in reprising his role as Special Agent James Carter for a fourth installment of the Rush Hour franchise. In December 2022, his co-star Jackie Chan teased a possible return, telling those in attendance at the Red Sea International Film Festival that he had been in discussions with Warner Brothers.

However, according to Variety, a sequel is most likely not going to happen because the director of the trilogy, Brett Ratner, has been accessed of sexual harassment by several women. Warner Brothers has cut all ties with Ratner as a result of the allegations.

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 29, 2023

North West Channels Dad Ye, Rocks Bear Mascot Costume For Halloween

North West is “graduating” this Halloween. However, instead of a cap and gown, the eldest West child is dressing up as her dad Kanye’s famed “Dropout bear” mascot, featured on his Graduation album cover.

The 10-year-old shared what fans can assume to be the original costume to celebrate the spooky holiday weekend. In her TikTok account shared with her mother, Kim Kardashian, North posted the costume on Oct. 28. The elementary schooler wore the famous mascot and flashed poses to some of Kanye’s tracks from the classic album, including “American Boy, “I Wonder,” and “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.”

North West also wore a grey letterman jacket similar to the one that was featured on the cartoon cover art for the 2007 release. According to People, the imagery was created by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, as the notable work became part of West’s brand for that era of his artistry.

@kimandnorth
♬ I Wonder – Kanye West

A prior iteration of the “Dropout bear” was worn by the rapper for his The College Dropout LP cover, with the project released in 2004. The bear made its real-life appearances with West as he did promotional appearances.

https://www.tiktok.com/@kimandnorth/video/7294872984680992046?refer=embed%22

The artist’s first child has frequently made references to her famous father through her TikTok. Having access to the timeless pieces associated with the multi-Grammy winner, North has also worn the long-sleeve, blue and orange striped Ralph Lauren polo that also became a staple of her father’s public image.

https://www.tiktok.com/@kimandnorth/video/7294872031273684267?refer=embed%22

While North has been making her social media presence known, her Halloween outfit this year is sure to tap into the nostalgia of Kanye West fans everywhere. A consistent favorite of North’s is the song “American Boy,” a song by Estelle featuring West. She consistently supports her father’s music in her previous posts, often including her mother in videos featuring the throwback songs.

black business, funding, Black entrepreneurs

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 29, 2023

Black Entrepreneurs Face Increasing Opposition From Conservative Groups

As Black entrepreneurs already face an uphill battle getting their business off the ground, accessibility to loans from investors is becoming even harder to obtain due to legal blocks by conservative groups.

This rising issue, as detailed by CNN, attempts to stunt the strides already made in diverse entrepreneurship, especially in investments and capital funding. For example, the Fearless Fund, a venture capitalist firm dedicated to investing in the ideas sparked by women of color, is facing a legal challenge by a conservative nonprofit, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER).

The AAER’s motion to thwart the Fearless Fund from awarding its grants to Black and other women of color recipients was approved by a federal appeals court. The case claims the firm promotes racial discrimination in its applicants violates the Civil Rights Act of 1866. AAER was founded by Edward Blum, known in the legal sphere for his action against affirmative action in college admissions, as well as lawsuits against law firms’ diversity fellowships.

“Our nation’s civil rights laws do not permit racial distinctions because some racial groups are overrepresented in various endeavors, while others are under-represented,” shared Blum in an effort to twist whom the legislation was intended to protect.

In the past, the Fearless Fund would bestow 20,000 grants to Black women business owners in a quest to bring their entrepreneurial ideas to fruition. One Black female CEO, Cathleen Trigg-Jones, launched her media company, iWoman TV, which focused on putting women in the forefront with the help of a substantial grant.

“Every little bit helps when you’re a Black female trying to start from scratch to build a business in a world that is not designed to see you succeed,” Trigg-Jones told CNN. “The barriers are expansive.”

The risk of a lawsuit has firms fearful of enacting or continuing their diversity initiatives. However, these programs are still vital to dismantling the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurs, despite Blum’s willingness to go to trial over their existence.

“We just want an equal playing field,” said Rashae Barnes of Evals Equity, an investment fund for female entrepreneurs of color. “If we were incorporated, to begin with…we wouldn’t have to create programs or funds to help people who look like us.“

Woman Arrested After Police Discover Her Mother’s Head In Trash Can

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 29, 2023

Woman Arrested After Police Discover Her Mother’s Head In Trash Can

Police in California claim a woman slashed her mother’s throat so severely that she threw the head in the trash

According to Law & Crime, Kimberly Monique Gonzalez was arrested after police officers arrived at the home she shared with her mother around 5 p.m. in El Monte, CA. They discovered her mother, Jacqueline Perez, suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced dead by paramedics. The possible murder weapon was found at the scene.

Jacqueline Perez’s head was found in a trash can.

The victim’s brother, Julio Lopez, who lives nearby, told KABC that he heard his 11-year-old nephew scream before he came out of the house in a blood-soaked shirt. He said he was not sure what happened.

Residents and family members revealed there was a trail of bloody footprints on the driveway. Decorations were still up from a recent child’s birthday party.

“There’s blood on that side, there’s blood on the floor,” said Hector Manzo, a neighbor.

When police officers appeared at the home, an El Monte police sergeant saw the 25-year-old Gonzalez outside the home covered in blood. She was taken into custody shortly after. She has been charged with one count of murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.

Gonzalez, she is being held on $2 million bail, and if convicted of the crime, she is looking at a maximum sentence of life in prison.

“My heart goes out to the family and loved ones who have been shattered by this unimaginable tragedy. The pain and grief they must be experiencing is unimaginable,” Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said in a written statement. “This was an extraordinarily violent act which has had a profound impact on our community. We are fully committed to seeking justice on behalf of the victim, and our dedicated team will work tirelessly to bring clarity and closure to this heartbreaking case.”

by Mary Spiller

October 29, 2023

UNESCO: Africa’s Fashion Industry Rising, Lacks Global Investment

A UNESCO report released during Lagos Fashion Week on Oct. 26, predicts Africa’s fashion industry is growing quickly to keep up with the international and local demand for its art but warns that the global lack of investment in African art could stunt its potential.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization reported that Africa currently has around $15.5 billion in annual exports. Still, the proportion of earnings from the fashion industry could easily triple in just a decade if proper investments are made, the Associated Press reported.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said Africa’s population of 1.3 billion people, which is is predicted to double in size by 2050, means the fashion industry will only grow as an accessible and “powerful lever for the promotion of cultural diversity [and] also a way to empower young people and women.”

UNESCO has identified the push in the fashion industry being propelled by the history of the Africa being expressed further in movies and through textiles, garment pieces, fine art, and accessories.

With the accessibility and demand of e-commerce, African fashion bands have been in greater demand around the world, according to UNESCO. Africa leads in mobile device web traffic usage globally, so young people who highlight African culture through their fashion brands can advertise via social media and get traction.

Lagos Fashion Week has been an example of the popularity of cultural fashion. Founder of the Fashion Week, Omoyemi Akerele, told the AP, “Africans want to wear Africa. It’s really beautiful to see because it hasn’t always been like this.”

Although Lagos Fashion Week began in 2011 to spark more people to buy and wear Nigerian pieces, it’s grown into a bigger cultural movement than Akerele expected.

“Fast forward a decade after, that’s all people want to wear.”

The show puts various designers across the continent front and center by making space for a fashion show, followed by an open market for people to purchase from local brands that uplift and exhibit African cultural styles.

Ejiro Amos-Tafiri, a designer who participated in Lagos Fashion Week, said she uses her brand to celebrate “the sophistication, class, and uniqueness of every woman [in African stories].”

“With more exposure, people are coming to realize that there is a lot of culture in the Nigerian culture, particularly in the fashion industry. So Africa is really the next frontier,” she continued.

The show is only one example of the unwavering desire and drive of new young African designers to push their work into the global market, Azoulay explained.

“A new breed of young designers is causing a stir in the international scene, reinventing the code of luxury while simultaneously reconciling them with the demands of sustainable, local fashion and heritage.”

by Mary Spiller

October 29, 2023

Usher Gave Dr. Dre An Epic Tribute In Recent Vegas Show

The touching moment between Usher and Dr. Dre was caught on camera and posted to social media.

At his My Way Las Vegas residency on Oct. 20, Usher devoted the spotlight to a hip-hop legend in the audience—the one and only Dr. Dre. The touching moment between the two pop culture titans was caught on camera and posted to social media.

Usher gave a shout out to the influential music powerhouse: “He is an amazing contributor to this music industry for all the artists he has broken, as well as the amazing artist that he is, ladies and gentlemen, please put your hands together for the one, the only Dr. Dre.”

https://www.tiktok.com/@hotfreestyletv/video/7291764748050287878?_r=1&_t=8gthI6Yh5fa

Dr. Dre, 58, stood up from his seat to wave to the audience and salute the R&B crooner before heading to the stage to hug Usher, where the King of Las Vegas shared a few quick words of appreciation.

“Yo, Dre! I’m giving you your flowers tonight, my man,” Usher said, before beginning to play a medley of some of Dr. Dre’s biggest hits for the crowd. Most notably, the tribute included haymakers like “Forgot about Dre,” “Still D.R.E”, “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” and “Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None).”

Usher had the whole crowd at the Park MGA going as he danced along to the medley and grooved alongside Dre to his own hits. The “OMG” singer immortalized the moment by sharing a video of it onto his Instagram. He captioned the post, “THE West Coast Legend @drdre was in the house so U know I had to give him his flowers !! 🙌🏾,”

Other big names were present that night and received a shout out from the performer, whose show has become a hot ticket. Usher showed some love for Los Angeles rapper Doja Cat and Fantastic Four’s Jessica Alba. According to People, Usher serenaded the women with his song, “There Goes My Baby.”

by Mary Spiller

October 29, 2023

‘My Way Of Supporting Her’: Texas Father Dancing With Daughter’s Cheer Team Goes Viral

Texas dad Andre Simmons went above and beyond to cheer on his daughter, Jazlyn, from the stands of a Temple High School football game. His wife, Cecelia Simmons, captured all his moves in a TikTok video that quickly went viral, amassing over 312,000 views since it was posted on Sept. 30.

The video shows Jazlyn performing with her cheer team, and Dad joining in the fun, mirroring the cheerleaders’ moves with infectious enthusiasm.

https://www.tiktok.com/@ceces406/video/7284669854790028574?_t=8gtLcMgOCip&_r=1

Cecelia captioned the video with a smiling face emoji, and text that read, “Everyone always asks Andrè Simmons about the boys continuing his football legacy little do they know he’s waited his whole life to be a cheer dad.”

Andrè recently sat down with Good Morning America to recount the moment. He said that although he’s not the best dancer and it took him a few days to pick up on the routine, he stuck with it because “he wanted to create a lifelong memory with [Jazlyn].”

The dad of five admitted that he’s away from home often because of his job as an infantryman and knew that her game performing on the Temple High School varsity cheer team was a great opportunity to support her.

“She thought she made the varsity cheer team so my way of supporting her and kind of trying to make up that time lost is doing things that she loves and surprising her by joining her in the cheer during the football game,” Andrè explained. “Once I got it down pat, I just jumped up there when I heard the band finally bring the song up, and I got up there and did it with her.”

Andrè’s show of fatherly support was a success with Jazyln and all of her cheer team friends. He told GMA they were surprised by his joining in and glad that the had fun.

“I love to try to be a super dad when I’m here and create those lifelong memories, and it’s something for us to look back on and enjoy together,” he said.