by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 25, 2023

LeBron James Walks Out In $28K Louis Vuitton Outfit

According to a report by Complex, LeBron James, the new face of Louis Vuitton in a campaign led by the brand’s men’s creative director, Pharrell Williams, made a grand fashion statement during the NBA’s opening night on Oct. 24.

For the Los Angeles Lakers’ season opener against the Denver Nuggets, King James stepped into Denver’s Ball Arena in a stunning Louis Vuitton ensemble worth a whopping $28,000. Despite James’s 21 points, the Lakers lost to the defending NBA champions, 119-107.

The extravagant outfit, as reported by TMZ, consisted of a $5,000 camouflage jacket, $1,250 pants, $1,220 sneakers, an $11,000 bag, and a sleek suitcase with a price tag of $9,500. 

LeBron’s fashion flair comes hot on the heels of his collaboration with Pharrell in promoting the second campaign for Louis Vuitton. On Instagram, King James extended his support for Pharrell’s upcoming fashion show, reinforcing the duo’s camaraderie and shared artistic vision.

 

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“LOUIS VUITTON MEN-Spring-Summer 2024,” LeBron posted. “HERE!! Hello World.”

Notably, LeBron’s recent appearances extend beyond the realm of fashion. In a heartwarming commercial for Beats, James and his wife, Savannah, appeared alongside their three children, Bronny, Bryce, and Zhuri. 

LeBron shared his appreciation for the brand and the journey they have shared.

“It’s a pretty special thing to see how this partnership has grown with our family over the years,” he said in a press release. “It’s a blessing for me to share the stage with them and with a brand that’s been part of our lives since we started this journey. Family means everything to me!”

LeBron James, renowned for his excellence in basketball and as a cultural icon, continues to make his mark in both worlds as he embarks on his 21st NBA season. 

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Channing Johnson and Tara DeVeaux, Burrell Communications Group. PHOTO CREDIT: Dallas J. Logan
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 25, 2023

Burrell Communications Group Shifts To New Leadership

Burrell Communications Group is under new ownership after nearly two decades of leadership from co-CEOs McGhee Osse and Fay Ferguson. Former CMO of Wild Card Creative Group and Managing Director of 3 a.m. Tara DeVeaux is set to fill the position. 

“We are truly excited for this next chapter for Burrell,” Osse told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“It was pivotally important to Fay and me to transition the company to a team that would be committed to investing in the agency, growing its capabilities and reach in the years ahead and maintaining the talent and culture that makes Burrell special.”

Burrell, a premier advertising agency, has been acquired by Evolve Media Holdings, led by Los Angeles attorney and entertainment veteran Channing Johnson. The company is supported by FVLCRUM Partners, which prioritizes investment in minority-owned companies. As the company transitions, Osse and Ferguson maintain the importance of preserving Burrell’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). 

“Having jointly led Burrell for nearly two decades. McGhee and I sought to ensure that the new ownership shared our vision, standard of values and commitment to excellence and innovation in multicultural marketing, and we’re absolutely thrilled about their selection of Tara as CEO,” said Ferguson. “We’ve gotten to know her throughout this process, and she has shown tremendous energy and enthusiasm coupled with a commitment to the agency’s future.”

Reid has done exceptional work in the world of media, and she is now bringing her layered creative and entertainment background to Burrell. 

“I am excited and inspired by the opportunity to take on this role at what is a pivotal time in Burrell’s history,” DeVeaux said.

“Because multicultural consumers are the drivers of most general market trends, the line between general market and multicultural marketing has never been grayer.

“Understanding where these consumers are now helps brands to project where they need to be in the near future, and that’s always been Burrell’s strength. I plan to build upon that legacy of understanding the multicultural consumer through a concentrated focus on data to deliver fresh insights and renewed creativity across all platforms so we can continue to be a vital partner in growing our client’s business.”

RELATED CONTENT: Minority Businesses Can Apply For Up To $10,000 Grants in Kingston, New York

Harry Porterfield
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 25, 2023

Legendary Chicago News Reporter Harry Porterfield Dies At 95

Harry Porterfield, a beloved figure in Chicago’s television broadcast scene, passed away on Oct. 23 at 95. According to the Chicago Tribune, his son, J.J. Porterfield, confirmed that his father died of natural causes at the Hartsfield Village assisted living home in Munster, Indiana.

Porterfield, a Saginaw, Michigan, native, dedicated over half a century to Chicago’s TV broadcasting, leaving an indelible mark as a reporter and news anchor at both WBBM-Channel 2 and WLS-Channel 7. His contributions to journalism and broadcasting earned him the trust and respect of viewers throughout the region.

“Harry exuded trustworthiness when he was on the anchor desk,” David Fell, media manager for Channel 7,  told the Chicago Tribune. Fell worked with Porterfield at both television stations. “Viewers felt they could rely on him.”

In the early 1960s, an Army veteran, Porterfield, embarked on his broadcasting journey at Saginaw’s WKNX, hosting a jazz show called Sounds from the Lounge. He was on the brink of leaving television due to the demanding hours. However, during a visit to Chicago in early 1963, he impulsively applied for a position at WBBM, which led to a pivotal turning point in his career.

Porterfield’s career at Channel 2 took off rapidly, with his first job as a reporter in 1971. He started hosting the Saturday evening news in 1972. His groundbreaking moment came in 1978 when he became Chicago’s first Black weekday news anchor, co-anchoring the 6 p.m. program with Bill Kurtis.

Although Porterfield was not the first Black on-air newscaster in the city—he was preceded by Ben Holman—instances of racism marked his early career, as some all-white camera teams initially refused to work with him. In 1982, Porterfield was replaced as anchor.

In September 1985, Porterfield made the transition to Channel 7. His departure from Channel 2 resulted in extended picketing by Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH, which lauded Channel 2 for recruiting Lester Holt from New York, adding a young Black newscaster to the station’s anchor lineup.

One of Porterfield’s most recognized contributions to the Chicago community was his regular segment, “Someone You Should Know,” where he highlighted the stories of unsung heroes and community members. He introduced this feature on Channel 2 and continued it on Channel 7.

“Harry could put any interview subject at ease, showing them respect and asking thoughtful and intelligent questions,” said Fell, the Tribune reported. “His (Someone You Should Know) segments introduced Chicago to some of its most interesting people. I particularly enjoyed the ones about dedicated hobbyists and the detail they’d put into their model railroads, dioramas, musicianship, or a thousand other things.”

Porterfield returned to Channel 2 in 2009 to co-anchor the 11 a.m. program, and he left the station for good in 2015. Throughout his illustrious career, he received several awards, including the recognition of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists as an outstanding broadcast journalist in 1982.

Harry Porterfield is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marianita; his son, J.J.; his daughter, Allison; stepson, Eric Shropshire; stepdaughter, Gina Shropshire; a granddaughter, and one great-grandson.

 

Aimenn Penny, arson,fire, Community Church, drag
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 25, 2023

Ohio Man Pleads Guilty To Attempted Arson At Church Over Drag Events

An Ohio man’s attempt to set fire to the Community Church of Chesterland over drag events there has raised concerns over safety and the escalating tensions related to such gatherings.

Aimenn D. Penny, a 20-year-old Ohio resident, recently pleaded guilty to charges of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and using fire and explosives to commit a felony for the crime that occurred March 25. Officials say Penny launched two Molotov cocktails at the church. 

An investigation revealed Penny’s association with White Lives Matter, a group described in the complaint as having “racist, pro-Nazi, and homophobic views.” Members of the group, including Penny, had protested against a drag event held in Wadsworth, Ohio, on March 11.

The FBI interviewed Penny after the Molotov cocktail attack. He claimed he was attempting to protect children. According to the complaint, his anger escalated after watching online videos of news feeds and drag shows in France, ultimately driving him to attack the church.

Penny expressed disappointment that his Molotov cocktails hadn’t caused more extensive damage. He also disclosed that he wished he had “burned the entire church to the ground.”

Evidence of the attack was visible, with scorch marks left on the church’s front door and an exterior sign. A sign located on the southeast corner of the church property was also damaged.

Penny’s sentencing hearing is in January. The charges he pleaded guilty to carry a maximum of 20 years in prison for violating the Church Arson Prevention Act and an additional mandatory 10-year prison sentence to run consecutively with any other imposed prison term for using fire to commit a federal felony.

The incident highlights the growing tensions surrounding drag events, which have sparked protests and the enactment of new laws in various states. Tennessee, for example, introduced stringent limitations on drag performances in a law that was ruled unconstitutional in June. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law in May that prohibits minors from attending drag shows.

Jesus Ayala, Jzamir Keys, Las Vegas, bike, chief, Probst, court, family
by Daniel Johnson

October 25, 2023

Two Las Vegas Teens Accused Of Murder Appear To Laugh And Smirk At Arraignment

Two teens accused of murdering a cyclist and former California police chief appeared to laugh, smirk, and make obscene gestures at the victim’s family in court in Las Vegas on Oct. 24.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, 18-year-old Jesus Ayala and 16-year-old Jzamir Keys are charged with the hit-and-run murder of Andreas Probst on Aug. 14. The pair face charges of murder, attempted murder, failure to stop at the scene of a crash, battery, residential burglary, grand theft of a vehicle, and possession of a stolen vehicle. 

They pleaded not guilty to all charges in their court appearance.

Keys, in particular, is accused of filming the incident on camera while the two laughed as they intentionally ran over Probst. Allegedly, the pair had committed a similar crime earlier that morning, as well as crashing into another car just before hitting Probst.

In court, Probst’s widow, Crystal, and her daughter, Taylor, say that the pair flipped them off in an attempt to intimidate them. Taylor told the outlet, “How can you sit there after taking a man’s life and act like such an entitled p——?”

Crystal, meanwhile, wore the smartwatch her husband was wearing when he was killed, saying that “it reminds me he’s here with me in the courthouse,” she said. The pair plan to keep attending court dates to keep the case in the public’s mind. The trial is set to start Sept. 16, 2024.

The defense team, however, is worried that the case is getting too much outside attention from the media and not enough communication from the prosecution team.

“I requested to be informed of the time and the location of the grand jury proceedings so that my client can make an informed decision about whether or not he wished to testify, I also requested certain discoveries so that I could actually give specific examples of exculpatory evidence I wanted the state to produce,” Ayala’s public defender, David Westbrook said. “I received no communication whatsoever from the state.”

While the two are being tried as adults, according to Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson, the pair has some legal protections.

“Both these juveniles are presumed innocent at this point. It is a burden that the state has to prove that they’re guilty beyond a reasonable doubt,” Wolfson said. “If they’re found guilty of first-degree murder, then they are looking at a life sentence with parole eligibility after 20 years.”

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Teens For Food Justice, gala, anniversary
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 25, 2023

Teens For Food Justice Will Host Its Annual Gala To Celebrate 10th Anniversary

On Monday, Oct. 30, Teens for Food Justice (TFFJ) will be hosting its annual gala to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary as it continues to make strides to combat food insecurity in impoverished New York City neighborhoods. The event will take place at the Lighthouse at Pier 61, Chelsea Piers in New York City.

This year’s gala will honor two outstanding individuals who have made an impact through their work with the program: Randy Stern, who is a Teens for Food Justice champion, and Alyssa Gardner-Vazquez, an alumna of the program. 

In 2022, the TFFJ Annual Gala garnered $1 million in donations, and many prominent guests were in attendance, including New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams. The event also had a live musical performance by the Steve Miller Band.  

Like last year, several distinguished guests are again expected to appear, including celebrity chef Melba Wilson. The gala will also feature a performance by musical star and Tony Award nominee Ariana DeBose, most notable for her role in Steven Spielberg’s rendition of West Side Story and the Broadway show Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

Founded by CEO Katherine Soll, the nonprofit organization has broken barriers because of its innovative methods to make food accessible. According to its website, TFFJ “fights food insecurity and diet-related disease through school-based, youth-led hydroponic farming, providing local, sustainably-grown produce to food desert communities and building health equity for all New Yorkers and beyond.” 

TFFJ is active across six school campuses in New York City and Denver, where the program operates high-capacity hydroponic farms. Through these farms, young people can use STEM to develop sustainable practices for their communities while building healthy relationships with food. Now, students successfully grow roughly 10,000 pounds of hydroponic produce per school annually. 

For more information about the Teens for Food Justice mission, visit its website at https://teensforfoodjustice.org/. 

RELATED CONTENT: BLACK-OWNED GROCERY STORE OPENS IN INDIANAPOLIS FOOD DESERT



police, sacramento, pregnant woman, son, gunpoint
by Stacy Jackson

October 25, 2023

Pregnant Woman And 8-Year-Old Son Pulled Over By Sacramento Police At Gunpoint, Son Mistaken For Teenage Suspect

A pregnant woman and her third-grade son were stopped at gunpoint by several police officers in Sacramento, Calif., when law enforcement misidentified her young son for a teenage suspect with two felony warrants.

The mother, Shanice Stewart, was taking her 8-year-old son, Brandon, to football practice when they were pulled over. Apparently Stewart’s young son, who stands at 3 feet 10 inches and only weighs 56 pounds, was wrongly identified by helicopter surveillance, ABC News reported.

Sacramento police have been in contact with the mother since the incident, and the news outlet reported that Stewart is considering legal action against the department. She said her son, who is only in elementary school, was traumatized by the incident. According to the outlet, Brandon does not ride in the front seat anymore and tells his mother to drive safely when police are near them on the road.

Stewart said, “As far as me, at any given moment, every time an officer gets behind me, I’m at fear for my life. I’m scared and he’s scared.”

Police realized their error after instructing Stewart to get out of the vehicle with their guns drawn.

She recalled, according to ABC News, “I noticed that they had guns drawn and they had instructions for me to then toss my keys out of the window.”

Stewart said the officers proceeded to tell her to “open the door with my left hand, proceed to get out and put my hands in the air and then walk towards them. I immediately broke down because I didn’t know or understand what was going on.”

Her son, Brandon, was not aware that the officers mistook him for the suspect. According to the news outlet, he got out of the vehicle and pleaded for his mother to come back while he explained to officers that his mother was taking him to football practice.

RELATED CONTENT: Leonard Cure’s Mother Speaks Out After He Was Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop In Georgia

Gillard, Tipsy Lady Cocktails. Costco, Sam's Club
by Stacy Jackson

October 25, 2023

Black-Owned Canned Cocktails Brand ‘Tipsy Lady’ Drops In Sam’s Club, Total Wine Stores

Tipsy Lady owner Toni Gillard has landed her Caribbean-inspired canned cocktails in major retailers Sam’s Club and Total Wine & More.

The Black female-founded wine and spirits brand announced its expansion to the shelves of Sam’s Club and Total Wine & More locations on its Instagram page. “We are now available at Sam’s Club in Myrtle Beach,” the company wrote on Oct. 1.

On Aug. 15, Gillard prepared Tipsy Lady lovers for the arrival of her ready-to-drink cocktails in Total Wine locations in Jacksonville, Naples, and Boca Raton, Florida.

“We are on the way and ready to stock your shelves!” the company’s IG page read.

“We are thrilled to partner with industry leaders like Sam’s Club on this exciting project. Their expertise and retail knowledge will support our growth as an authentic and top-tier experience for our loyal customers, laying a strong foundation for our brand’s future expansion,” Gillard told Black Business.

Gillard launched her premium canned cocktails company in 2019, according to the Tipsy Lady website. Inspired by a vacation in Barbados, the Charleston, South Carolina, resident developed a mission to create “an all-natural, organic, and eco-friendly canned cocktail line, with a strong emphasis on style, femininity, elegance, and authentic taste.”

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the Tipsy Lady founder and CEO had a direct vision to build relationships and partnerships, habits that have been at the core of Gillard’s business strategy since the early stages to change the dynamic for women of color in the alcohol industry.

“We strive to strategically align with corporations that reflect cultural diversity within communities,” the company’s website read.

Tipsy Lady flavors include Rum Punch, a Sunrise Mimosa vodka, and Mojito. The cocktails feature blends of tropical fruits and other natural ingredients such as raw sugar, lime, mint sprigs, and ginger.

by Daniel Johnson

October 25, 2023

Shaquille O’Neal Chooses His Era’s Starting Five Over The Starting Five Of The LeBron James Era

Just ahead of the NBA regular season tip-off, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal revealed his latest dream of starting five matchups. According to Lakers Daily, alongside himself and Kobe Bryant, O’Neal cast Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan.

In opposition, O’Neal chose Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The big man did concede that it would be close but ultimately chose his side as the victor. 

 

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Most debates about who the GOAT is center around Jordan and James, with James having a decided physical advantage over Jordan. The same is true of the point guard matchup between Curry and Magic, with Magic holding a distinct advantage over Curry.

Given the composition of the teams, however, it is more likely that Jordan would draw Kobe, who is a mirror image of Jordan in all the ways that matter. Jokic and Antetokounmpo would likely have to split time trying to guard O’Neal, but once he gets in his deep post position he puts anyone in the basket. 

Thankfully, the real NBA season is right around the corner, and fans won’t have to engage in fantasy basketball matchups. James and his Lakers will take on Jokic and the Denver Nuggets Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. EST on TNT, while Durant’s Phoenix Suns will take on Curry’s Golden State Warriors squad at 10 p.m. EST on TNT in what should be a riveting doubleheader. 

RELATED CONTENT: Memphis Basketball Player Mikey Williams Will Stand Trial On 6 Felony Gun Charges

 

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 25, 2023

Jason Weaver Teaching Film Industry Masterclass At SC State University

Actor Jason Weaver is sharing his expertise with SC State University students as part of an Industry Insiders Masterclass.

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 1 the veteran film and television star will be on the HBCU campus conducting a three-day workshop for aspiring trailblazers in the entertainment industry, The Charlotte Observer reports. “From Dream to Screen: SCSU Industry Insider Masterclass Featuring Jason Weaver” aims to teach students how to establish and build a lifelong career in film and television.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the one and only Jason Weaver to our campus!,” the school captioned a video announcement on Monday, Oct. 23.

“Join us in celebrating this incredible visit as they share their wisdom and experiences with our Bulldog community. 🎓💡 Get ready for an inspiring workshop filled with insights and inspiration.”

Weaver, who currently appears as “Rashad” on the Showtime original series “The Chi” and is best known as the singing voice of “Simba” in the animated Disney classic “The Lion King,” shared his excitement for the venture.

“This masterclass is designed to build the next generation of trailblazers in the film industry with a profound understanding of the entertainment business,” Weaver said in the video announcement.

“Our goal is to empower students to establish and nurture a lifelong career in the dynamic world of film and television by offering valuable insights into how the film industry actually works and creating an experience for aspiring actors and allowing them to dissect and perform scenes and get feedback and constructive critique.”

A former child star turned working adult actor, Weaver has maintained a consistent presence on and off screen over the last three decades. He rose to fame playing a young Michael Jackson in “The Jacksons: An American Dream,” and after lending his vocal prowess to the popular “Lion King” hit “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” as well as young Simba in “The Lion King: Readalong.”

He starred as Marcus Henderson in the sitcom “Smart Guy” and played the role of Teddy in the 2004 cult classic ‘”ATL” starring T.I. and Lauren London. With more than 30 years in the business, Weaver is the perfect candidate to educate SC State’s HBCU scholars on how to explore potential career pathways within the entertainment industry.

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