by Stacy Jackson

October 28, 2023

Michael Blackson Challenges Rival Kevin Hart As He Scores Deal With Celebrity Boxing

Comedian Michael Blackson is ready to square up in the ring and is challenging Kevin Hart for a Celebrity Boxing match.

Blackson is revved up for the fight in a video posted by TMZ, which shows the moment the comedian made things official with Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman. Following Blackson signing the contract, the actor got down to the trash talk and Hart, who had previous beef with the Ghanaian-Liberian-American comedian, was in the mentions.

The smoke between the two celebrity comedians began when the “Meet the Black” star repeatedly made jokes about Hart’s 2017 cheating scandal. According to Business Insider, Hart made headlines after he cheated on his wife, Eniko Hart, while she was pregnant.

The two comedians who butted heads over the scandal, reportedly laid the feud to rest. Blackson comedian told TMZ, “[Hart] said I was excessive with my jokes. Me, when I go in, I just go in” Blackson said regarding the jokes he told about his fellow comedian. The actor said the situation was worked out when the two met up and hashed-out the situation. “… At the end of the day … comedians, man we are like brothers. We watch each other’s progress.”

Blackson continued, “We don’t want to admit to it, but comedians are very sensitive. Nothing bothers me anymore. I have surgically removed my feelings. I went to a surgeon, I said ‘hey get these feelings out of me’. … I have no feelings, nothing bothers me, I don’t care.”

Blackson told TMZ, “Beef at the end of the day is never good. There’s so much more we can do together as a team.”

The celebrity comedian is already throwing jabs at his opponent and calling out other celebs at the same time. According to Sports Tiger, Blackson has set his sights on other celebrities such as DC Young Fly, DeRay Davis and Katt Williams. The humorist bluffed, “Who’s coming to the place? Who’s for you punk b****, m*****s****** wanna get in the ring with me? Who are you? Who is it gonna be? Is it a m***** Kevin Hart? Is it leprechaun Katt Williams? Is it a punk b**** hazel-eyed light skinned b**** named DeRay Davis? Is it a crackhead looking punk b**** DC Young Dirty Fly? Who wants some of this?”

Fans are waiting to see who is ready to step into the ring and take on Blackson.

by Rafael Pena

October 28, 2023

Conservative Talk Radio Host Larry Elder Ends 2024 Presidential Bid, Backs Trump

Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder has officially suspended his 2024 Republican presidential campaign and thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump. Elder, who previously sought to replace California Governor Gavin Newsom in a failed 2021 recall effort, made this announcement on Oct. 26.

“After careful consideration and consultation with my team, I’ve made the difficult decision to end my campaign. It’s time to unite behind Trump to defeat President Joe Biden and promote conservative America-first principles and policies,” he stated, CBS News reported.

Elder expressed hope that his campaign shed light on his core issues, which include fatherlessness, combating crime, and challenging the idea of systemic racism in the United States. He joins the ranks of other major GOP candidates who have exited the 2024 race, including Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, former Texas congressman Will Hurd, and businessman Perry Johnson. Johnson also endorsed Trump as he left the race, while Hurd backed former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Elder entered the race back in April with a platform focused on reversing America’s decline and bringing forth a new “American Golden Age.” However, he struggled to gain visibility in a field dominated by Trump and other high-profile contenders like Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Tim Scott.

Elder’s campaign was marred by his inability to meet the polling and donor qualifications set by the Republican National Committee for participation in presidential debates. He filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that the debate participation rules were not fairly applied to all candidates.

In the 2021 recall election for California governor, Elder secured the most votes among the replacement candidates but was ultimately overshadowed by the majority of voters who chose to keep Gavin Newsom in office. Elder’s presence in the race seemingly energized Newsom’s supporters, as the Democratic governor criticized Elder’s conservative positions on issues like abortion rights, COVID-19 restrictions, and his support for Trump.

Despite the recall’s outcome, Elder, an Ivy League-educated lawyer who grew up in Los Angeles’ South Central neighborhood, believes that his message resonated with voters. He gained prominence through his conservative radio programs and frequent appearances on right-wing media outlets.

by Rafael Pena

October 28, 2023

Kendra Woolridge’s Clean Nail Polish Brand Wins $10,000 Jack Daniel’s Pitch Competition

Inspired by the strength and legacy of her grandmothers, Janet Lee and Jo Woolridge, Kendra Woolridge embarked on a mission to create a clean beauty product that blends passion for nail polish with love for family. Woolridge’s entrepreneurial spirit recently earned her top honors at the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey pitch competition, the Washington Informer reported.

The event, “New Beginnings: Make It Count,” took place on Oct. 18 at The Gathering Spot in Northwest, D.C. Woolridge’s nail polish business secured the first-place prize of $10,000, while Rejuvenation, a 100% plant-based alternative energy drink company led by CEO Anna Cobb, claimed the second-place prize of $5,000.

Woolridge’s journey led her to establish Janet & Jo, a luxurious nail lacquer brand named after her grandmothers that avoids harmful toxins commonly found in nail polishes.

Both Woolridge and Cobb competed against four other Black-owned Washington, D.C. companies. The contestants made their pitches in front of judges from the Greater Washington Black Chamber of Commerce and their supporters. Each entrepreneur had three minutes to present their business ideas and faced two minutes of questions from the judges, covering topics like marketing strategy, personnel, and plans for utilizing the prize money.

Woolridge revealed her plans for the $10,000 prize, emphasizing a significant purchase order that needs fulfillment. Her vegan-based nail polish is already available in spas, specialty stores, and hotels. The product, which she developed through a process of “trial and error,” has gained considerable traction, with over 75,000 units sold and a workforce of five employees.

Anna Cobb’s Rejuvenation energy drink carries a mission of offering individuals a “second chance at life” by replenishing their vitality. Presently, 275 retailers across the nation sell her product, including major grocers like Harris Teeter and Kroger. Cobb aspires to see Rejuvenation become a household name, underscoring the product’s potential to revitalize the body.

Ben Osei, field marketing manager for Jack Daniel’s, expressed the brand’s commitment to supporting budding Black-owned businesses. He stated that the “New Beginnings: Make It Count” program aims to promote the growth of local businesses and raise awareness about Black-owned ventures. The program, initiated in 2020, intends to provide equal opportunities for Black founders striving for business success. Osei acknowledged the economic challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs during the pandemic and highlighted Jack Daniel’s dedication to addressing this disparity.

by Rafael Pena

October 28, 2023

Georgia Lawmaker Wants To Pay Teachers $10,000 To Carry Guns

During a press conference at Austin Road Elementary School in Winder, Georgia, on Oct. 25, Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones unveiled a controversial proposal aimed at incentivizing teachers to carry firearms in schools. Under this plan, Jones suggested paying teachers an annual stipend of $10,000 to participate in firearms training programs and receive a training certificate to carry guns, as reported by AP News.

The proposal also emphasizes strengthening the existing school safety plans, introducing stricter standards, and increasing funding to enable schools to hire certified school resource officers. School resource officers, who typically receive salaries and benefits exceeding $80,000, play a crucial role in ensuring security within educational institutions.

Jones defended the proposal, saying it was a proactive approach to enhancing school safety and reducing the risk of shootings. The idea of arming teachers with guns has been a subject of hot debate, with former President Donald Trump and other proponents asserting that gun-free school zones are more vulnerable to armed assailants.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from various quarters. Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators, strongly disagreed with the notion of anyone other than certified officers carrying firearms in schools, emphasizing the need for counselors and mental health interventions as more appropriate solutions to violence in schools.

Critics of the proposal also voiced concerns about the necessity of extensive training for individuals to use firearms effectively in emergency situations. There is also a history of trained police officers accidentally discharging firearms in schools.

The proposal has found approval within the educational system, including Barrow County Superintendent Chris McMichael, who voiced his support for increased funding to employ certified school resource officers. However, McMichael also noted that the arming of other school employees would require careful examination by the school board.

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith expressed enthusiasm for the proposal, referring to armed teachers as potential “force multipliers” in the event of a shooting.

The Professional Association of Georgia Educators, the largest teacher group in the state, called for the integration of school safety funding into the state’s school funding formula to ensure consistent financial support year after year. The group emphasized that the highest priorities should be placed on mental health interventions, increased school resource officers, and improved safety plans.

Since 2014, Georgia has allowed local school boards to authorize trained individuals, who are not police officers, to carry firearms in schools, including teachers. However, it remains unclear how many districts have implemented this policy. Several school districts permit non-officers to carry firearms, with the policy typically applying to security personnel without police certification, excluding teachers.

Jones and his supporters underscored that the proposed program would be entirely voluntary, with teachers not obligated to participate. Teachers would be allowed to carry firearms only in districts where the local school board approves the program.

State Sen. Max Burns, a Republican from Sylvania, Georgia, who plans to sponsor the legislation in 2024, affirmed that the proposal does not entail mandates but rather offers local school boards the flexibility to tailor programs according to their unique circumstances.

As the debate unfolds, it remains unclear whether other prominent Republicans will endorse Jones’ proposed legislation. A spokesperson for the state House Speaker Jon Burns stated that Burns had not yet reviewed the plan. The governor’s office offered no comment, and State Superintendent Richard Woods did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The inspiration for Jones’ program was drawn from a similar proposal in Texas, although the Texas plan did not pass. The Texas proposal sought to provide an additional $25,000 annually to teachers who completed firearms and mental health training and first aid courses. This initiative arose in response to a 2022 shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where a gunman took the lives of 19 fourth-graders and two teachers. Instead of the proposed plan, Texas mandated that each school campus must have a certified officer, a requirement Texas schools have found challenging to fulfill due to financial constraints and a shortage of police officers.

by Rafael Pena

October 28, 2023

Inside Birmingham’s Entrepreneurial Drive To Address Low Black Business Ownership In A City Filled With Civil Rights Legacy

Merely two years ago, Birmingham, Alabama, held the unfortunate distinction of having the lowest rate of Black business ownership among major U.S. cities. It is against that backdrop that determined entrepreneurs like Tanesha Sims-Summers are committed to making a difference.

Sims-Summers is the visionary behind Birmingham’s celebrated popcorn enterprise Naughty But Nice. Her transition from a career in finance to entrepreneurship was spurred by a powerful motivation rooted in the stark inequalities she witnessed.

“It’s like, you know, I’m sitting on this side,” she told News Channel 5. “You have a person of color maybe trying to get something as small as a personal loan or a home equity line of credit, and they either didn’t have enough equity or they just didn’t have the credit score … And I saw the biggest challenge there was just the lack of knowledge, you know, generation after generation of just not knowing how to play the game.”

Although Black Americans constitute more than two-thirds of Birmingham’s population, the city had the lowest rate of Black business ownership among the 53 largest U.S. metros. This sobering fact sets the stage for individuals like Sims-Summers and the community leaders who aim to uplift her business and the broader community.

Prosper, a nonprofit powered by civic and business leaders with a vision of creating a more equitable city, plays a pivotal role in this transformation. Angela Abdur-Rasheed, responsible for community engagement at Prosper, expressed the organization’s long-term commitment to Birmingham’s prosperity.

“When you think about Birmingham and you think about the impact that it has had,” said Abdur-Rasheed, “not just on the United States but on the world, it’s a shame.”

Prosper’s significant funding enables a wide array of programs, ranging from high school workforce development to financial grants for businesses and training for small enterprises looking to scale up. Sims-Summers and her husband, Clem, received critical assistance from Prosper to navigate their business journey.

“My husband, who was still in his corporate job, he was laid off,” said Sims-Summers. “When that happened, I felt it was critical that he kind of jumped on the train. We went through the supplier scale program. And just to really shorten that learning curve was the biggest benefit.”

Prosper is part of a growing trend of inclusion-based initiatives in cities like Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Memphis. What sets Prosper apart is its unwavering belief in Birmingham. The organization’s approach centers on connecting and uplifting those who are already part of the city’s fabric.

“We’re trying to erase 400 years of intentional exclusion,” said Abdur-Rasheed. “Four hundred years of leaving Black people, women, people of color, out of conversations, out of the room where decisions are made, out of business. We don’t run programs. We fund and support and steward work that’s already being done on a community level so that it can be done in a way that’s inclusive and that’s lasting.”

by Daniel Johnson

October 28, 2023

National Debt Payments On A Historic Rise As Republicans Play Political Football

The National Debt payments are increasing as the cost of paying on the debts incurred by the United States is rising, because the Federal Reserve raised its interest rates to stave off inflation.

In February and August 2023, CNN and Fox Business both warned that the payments to America’s national debt would rise exponentially because of the Federal Reserve’s choice to raise the interest rate to fight against creeping inflation costs.

According to Statista, in 2022 the U.S. government spent 724 billion on interest of public debt, a figure that is nearly double what the expenditure was in 2012.

“The way one evaluates that [how sustainable net interest is as a function of Gross Domestic Product] is: if your debt is growing faster than your economy, which ours is, and if your interest payments are going faster than — take any indication, whether it’s your economy, income, a variety of things — those are all huge warning signs. All of them are going off right now,” Maya MacGuineas, president of the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Government, told Business Insider.

In June, the United States was able to avoid defaulting on its debt, which, according to Business Insider, must be paid on before the country can make any budgetary decisions. In four years, spending on the national debt is projected to top what the country spends on education, defense, and the social security program. MacGuineas, meanwhile, warns that there is a lack of political will on either side to do what is necessary to decrease the debt, which includes raising taxes on the wealthy and the middle class, as well as decreasing the amount of money America spends on things like the military.

“We know how to do that. There are many sensible plans out there. We don’t have the political will. And in this hyper-partisan environment, politicians are busily promising that they won’t do all the things that are exactly what we need to do,” MacGuineas said.

Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize laureate for his work in economic sciences, agrees with MacGuineas but doesn’t see a way to increase taxes that will lead to a decrease in the debt payments, particularly because Congress is split on the matter, largely across partisan lines.

“The problem is obvious. Conservatives always want to cut taxes, especially for the rich, even though polls suggest that most Americans believe that the rich pay too little,” Krugman told Business Insider in October. “But I don’t see any plausible political path to a tax increase that would make a large dent in the deficit.”

Krugman has spent much of the last decade essentially telling the public that while a large debt figure in and of itself is not the problem, a higher national interest rate means it will cost more to both pay down existing debt and take on new debt. Couple this with a Republican Party which, as Steve Phillip suggested in an op-ed for The Guardian, is willing to hold the country hostage to get what it wants, despite the fact that everyday Americans would rather see the debt ceiling raised to avoid a default. President Joe Biden has also gone on record saying that the Republican Party is “literally, not figuratively, holding the economy hostage” regarding its approach to negotiating a new spending budget, which now has a November 2024 deadline and has yet to be approved.

The View, Morgan Freeman, Whoopi Goldberg

by Sharelle Burt

October 28, 2023

Disrespectful? ‘The View’ Fans Blast Whoopi Goldberg For Abruptly Ending Morgan Freeman Interview

The View co-host Whoopi Goldberg is being slammed by fans for what they feel was a “disrespectful” end to an interview with actor Morgan Freeman.

The legendary actor made an appearance on the talk show on Oct. 25 to promote his upcoming Netflix docuseries Life on Our Planet. Morgan was sharing enticing information about the nature series to the show’s co-hosts, Joy Behar, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Goldberg, when Goldberg suddenly interrupted the conversation, Women’s Health magazine reports. “I had a question, but we’ve run out of time,” she interjected.

“Listen, this is extraordinary, this documentary. Please keep making all the documentaries that your fingerprints are on. We thank you for coming—you’re always welcome at this table.”

She claimed producers were prompting her to wrap it up since they’d used the allotted time to speak with him on the air.

While it appeared that Freeman didn’t have a problem with the segment ending, viewers spoke out nonetheless. Fans expressed their concerns under a clip of the segment on YouTube.

“6 Minutes ain’t going to be ENOUGH … FOR THE ALMIGHTY MORGAN FREEMAN!!!,” a fan wrote. Another said, “I don’t understand why quests of his caliber get one rushed through segment while ‘reality TV’ personalities and pure ‘fluff’ get 2 segments. I wanted to hear more from him…”

Other fans expressed how they felt the whole show should have been about the 86-year-old actor.

“The view should have donated the whole show to speaking to that man,” wrote one. “That man is one of the most in with it people that I have ever listened to.”

The panel was also accused by some viewers of engaging in “inane chatter” that could have been dedicated to another segment with Freeman, according to the Daily Mail.

racial slurs, city council meeting, n-word

by Iman Milner

October 28, 2023

Black Woman Called N-Word At San Bernardino City Council Meeting Criticizes Response From Officials, ‘I Was Scared’

During a city council meeting on Oct. 18 in San Bernardino County, California, Amy Malone, a resident, experienced a distressing incident. While participating via Zoom, she was subjected to disturbing racist comments, including being told to “go back to Africa” and called the n-word by two people, all in the presence of city officials who, as reported by KTLA, allegedly failed to provide a supportive response.

“It took me aback; I was angry, I was scared. I didn’t know if I was being verbally assaulted and if this would be followed by a physical assault,” Malone said. The city council meeting was an open forum held to discuss the hiring of the city’s new manager, Charles Montoya, despite allegations of misconduct in his previous positions. When the time came for Malone to air her grievances, she was abruptly cut off by insults.

“Somebody shut this n**** up… Go home, you… b***. Go back to Africa if you don’t like it,” the voices said, per KTLA.

Mayor Pro Tem Fred Shorett quickly jumped in to say they were looking into what happened and urged Malone to wait while they resolved the issue.

Malone then demanded an apology from Shorett, which he provided but allowed the meeting to continue with the offending participants still present.

“He told me to wait, and then I had to ask him for an apology. Once he said what he had to say, everything moved on as if nothing had happened,” Malone said.

It would take two days for the city to make a formal apology to Malone and other residents who were present at the time of the racist exchange.

City spokesperson Jeff Kraus revealed that the IP addresses of the people logged into the meeting virtually were identified and turned over to law enforcement for further investigation.

“You have to log in, and you’re put into a queue. Because this is at the end of public comment, there was a transition from the queue for public comment to a public hearing that was about to start. That’s when the incident occurred, and they unmuted themselves and made these inappropriate comments,” he said.

Though shocked by the incident, Malone says she does not want the incident to become a rallying call for division amongst San Bernardino residents.

“I don’t want that to be the issue; I want this to be something that we all come together against,” she said, according to KTLA.

by Stacy Jackson

October 28, 2023

Black Travel Expert Deidre Mathis Encourages Fearless Exploration: ‘Black Women Deserve A Break’ And ‘Fun’ Adventures

Black travel expert Deidre Mathis has traveled around the world to 48 countries, and 19 times were solo trips.

Mathis, who says she is fluent in all things travel, believes Black women shouldn’t allow fear to hold them back from traveling, and they should view it as a necessity rather than a luxury.

“There is nothing better than catching a flight and going to a new country, and eating new foods, and hearing new languages and meeting new people,” she told Fox 26. “Black women deserve a break. They deserve rest. They deserve fun.”

Mathis said that travel gives access to all those things and the excitement of experiencing something different.

The world traveler discussed the benefits of Black women traveling and experiencing other cultures. She dismissed negative stereotypes and rumors that Black women are not accepted and welcomed in other places. Even after traveling all over the globe, Mathis says she has never felt more welcomed.

“People love to see people who look different from them abroad. They get to learn from you,” she said. “People really look at us, and they are so grateful we’re visiting their places, their countries.

The first step for many is getting over fear and uncomfortability. Starting small can help overcome the routine of not venturing outside of the United States. Before jetting across the world to New Zealand, Mathis recommended closer destinations like Puerto Rico ( a US territory), which she said is a great option that doesn’t require a passport for U.S. citizens. Group trips are ideal for those who don’t have a lot of friends or are uncomfortable with solo travel. Doing your research is essential before booking.

“You’ll be OK,” she assured Black women who feel as if traveling is unsafe. “People across the globe are really welcoming toward us.”

Her advice for Black women who think traveling is too expensive is to travel within your budget and utilize hostels or Airbnbs. The travel expert, now the owner of one hotel and a hostel, was once on a budget and found affordable travel methods.

Using an airline credit card for everyday transactions is one tip she shared. The hotel owner used a Southwest Chase card when she was budget traveling. This method allowed her to rack up thousands of points, sometimes granting her free round trips to places like Mexico. Travelers should diligently pay off their credit cards at the end of every month to avoid additional fees.

“That will help you not only pay your…everyday necessities, but it will help you accrue mileage so that when you are ready to take a trip, you’re able to use mileage and essentially fly for free.”

According to her website, Mathis founded Wanderstay Hospitality Group in 2018. Under the million-dollar Houston-based company, the hotelier made history as the first Black woman to own and operate a hostel in the United States.

RELATED CONTENT: Black Leisure Travel May Skyrocket In 2023

by Stacy Jackson

October 28, 2023

T.D. Jakes Foundation CEO, Kelley Cornish, Uses Platform To Uplift Black Women In Corporate, Entrepreneurship

Longtime diversity and inclusion executive Kelley Cornish is using her platform to change the conversation on how Black women approach corporate America and entrepreneurship.

The T.D. Jakes Foundation president and CEO is committed to her activism for Black women in the workforce to elevate and thrive on a larger scale.

“There is a trend with Black women leaving corporate America for many reasons, including a lack of leadership support and recognition while feeling undervalued in their roles in the workplace more than any other racial group,” Cornish said, according to The Washington Informer. “This is on top of their personal struggles where many are juggling caregiving, insufficient health advice, finances, and access to capital needed to create advancement and generational wealth. We want to be part of the solution for these women.”

A 2020 report from Lean In showed only 1.6% of Black women make up vice presidents, and 1.4% of Black women serve as executives in corporate America. Cornish is aware that, in many cases, Black women are first-generation corporate employees. “There is so much many of us didn’t know when we entered corporate America,” she said. The 54-year-old advises African American women to get familiar with the modes and customs of working in corporate America. One area she believes Black women fall short of in terms of corporate behavior is in their approach to seeking higher pay. The CEO wants women to understand the power of effective networking and mentorship.

Breaking away from corporate America and into entrepreneurship can come with its challenges. However, Cornish empowers Black women to take the leap and create something of their own. “You want to show the world what you can do. You want to move on from the company because you no longer want to be stifled,” she said. Seeking capital is one of the challenges business owners face. The executive’s tips for getting capital include building a strong relationship with bankers, securing investors, and broadening your network.

Through Cornish’s position with the T.D. Jakes Foundation she is committed to inspiring the youth to explore careers. “I want to work to make sure that young girls get into careers and not become hourly employees,” she said. “We want to help them get out of poverty. Our leader, T.D. Jakes is mind-boggling. He is ready to pour back into people who want to better their lives.” Bishop Jakes, senior pastor of the megachurch The Potter’s House, is confident in Cornish’s ability to lead the foundation as the team works collectively to uplift communities and transform lives.

Cornish has served as an executive of diversity and inclusion for Wells Fargo, TD Bank Group, AmeriHealth Caritas, and the Children’s Museum of Philadelphia.