Georgia, Donna Brazile, Trump indictment
by Sharelle Burt

October 23, 2023

Donna Brazile Says Guilty Pleas From Lawyers In Trump’s Georgia Case Mean ‘Major Trouble’

Guilty pleas mean “major trouble” in the Trump/Georgia election interference case, according to former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile, The Hill reports. 

On Oct. 20 and 21, lawyers to former President Donald Trump, Sidney Powell, and Kenneth Chesebro, entered guilty pleas in the case and agreed to testify against their co-defendants, including Trump. According to the outlet, Brazile says pleading guilty poses major legal difficulties for the presidential candidate as he attempts to navigate his court battles.

“Now look, this judge managed to get Donald Trump to take down one of the ‘threatening emails’ and lies that he put out there,” Brazile said as a commentator on ABC’s “This Week.”

“So yes, there’s no question that I think Mr. Trump is in major trouble.” 

Powell and Chesebro are part of the growing list of Trump’s crew to enter guilty pleas. Former bail bondsman Scott Hall agreed to a plea deal in early October 2023.

Expressing the importance of Powell’s deal as she was extremely close with Trump and his dealings while in office, Brazile continued, “Sidney Powell is not just some random lawyer that represented Donald Trump; she was in the Oval Office. She was — she was there when they were concocting this wild-eyed strategy.”

Trump is facing 13 charges in Georgia tied to his reported efforts to “steal the election” and remain in office after the 2020 election. The frequent ABC News contributor said she didn’t think it would end with Chesebro and Powell and that others may soon follow in their footsteps, calling it “a domino effect.”

“This, I think, will have a domino effect, and I also think it’s going to impact his messaging,” Brazile said. “When people around him—people who knew what the thinking was—can now be unleashed to testify against him and against others, I think the wheels are going to turn.”

Meanwhile, after Powell entered her guilty pleas, the four-time-indicted former president claimed he didn’t know who Powell was. According to ABC News, Trump jumped on social media to say that Powell never represented him.

“Despite the Fake News reports to the contrary, and without even reaching out to ask the Trump Campaign, MS. POWELL WAS NOT MY ATTORNEY, AND NEVER WAS,” Trump said.

However, on Nov. 14, 2020, Trump tweeted that Powell was “added to our other wonderful lawyers and representatives.”

RELATED CONTENT: Former Deplorable President Trump Leaks NY Attorney General Letitia James’ Address On Social Media

Lying To Get A Job: A Report On People Who Lie On Their Résumé
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 23, 2023

Lying To Get A Job: A Report On People Who Lie On Their Résumé

A survey conducted in August 2023 by Resume Lab delved into the behaviors of over 1,900 U.S.-based workers in the context of job applications, providing revealing insights into the prevalence of lying on a résumé and the motivations behind the risky practice.

In the fiercely competitive world of job-seeking, the temptation to embellish a résumé may arise, and while some people do stretch the truth, lying on a résumé can have dire consequences, tarnishing one’s professional reputation and jeopardizing future career prospects. The lies may eventually come back to haunt you.

Lying on Résumés

The survey revealed that 70% of respondents admitted to having lied on their résumés, with 37% confessing to frequent dishonesty. Surprisingly, only 15% consistently committed to being truthful about their job history.

The survey also identified a curious trend among applicants with advanced degrees, with 85% of individuals holding master’s or doctoral degrees frequently or occasionally resorting to résumé falsehoods, compared to 71% of participants without a college degree and 63% of those with bachelor’s or associate degrees.

Lies Know No Bounds

The dishonest practice appeared to transcend demographic differences, affecting individuals regardless of gender, age, political affiliation, religion, or work industry.

Fiction on Cover Letters and During Interviews

The temptation to bend the truth doesn’t stop at résumés; it extends to cover letters and job interviews. An overwhelming 76% of respondents acknowledged lying on their cover letters, with 50% engaging in this deception frequently. Additionally, 80% admitted to bending the truth during job interviews, with 44% confessing to frequent dishonesty.

A correlation emerged between higher educational attainment and an increased likelihood of résumé fabrications. As for lies during job interviews, the impact of a college diploma and honesty appeared negligible.

The Perils of Deception

While some might argue that deception can offer an advantage during recruitment, the potential costs are substantial. The consequences of lying on a résumé encompass rejected job applications, missed opportunities, and damaged reputations, particularly among employers within the same industry. Getting caught in a lie can also lead to legal action, including hefty fines and, in extreme cases, imprisonment.

The Path to Success Without Deception

The message is clear: honesty should always guide job applications and interviews. Minor exaggerations can result in immediate or long-term consequences. Instead of resorting to falsehoods about their employment history or qualifications, job seekers can highlight related experiences and transferable skills while remaining candid about their abilities.

 

Uganda
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 23, 2023

U.S. Warns Businesses Of Risks In Uganda, Citing Anti-LGBTQ Law

Originally reported by Reuters

WASHINGTON, Oct 23 (Reuters) – The United States on Monday issued a business advisory for Uganda, saying that businesses faced potential risks in the African country, citing an anti-LGBTQ law condemned by many countries and the United Nations.

The advisory was issued by the U.S. Departments of State, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Commerce, and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

THE TAKE

Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ law, considered one of the harshest in the world, was enacted in May and carries the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” an offence that includes transmitting HIV through gay sex. It drew condemnation from Western governments, including Washington, and put in jeopardy some of the billions of dollars in foreign aid the country received each year.

Firms including media and non-governmental organizations that knowingly promote LGBTQ activity will incur harsh fines, the law says. The law also imposes a life sentence for same-sex intercourse and a 20-year sentence for promotion of homosexuality.

KEY QUOTE

“Uganda’s enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) on May 29, 2023, further increases restrictions on human rights, to include restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and exacerbates issues regarding the respect for leases and employment contracts,” the U.S. government’s business advisory said.

CONTEXT

In June, the U.S. State Department imposed visa restrictions on Uganda officials after the passage of the law.

The State Department also updated its Uganda travel guidance for U.S. citizens to highlight the risk that LGBTQ persons could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or the death penalty based on provisions in the law.

Rights groups have said that the law has unleashed a torrent of abuse against LGBTQ people, mostly by private individuals

The World Bank has said it will aim to ensure gay and transgender Ugandans are not discriminated against in its programmes before resuming new funding, which was halted in August over the law.

RELATED CONTENT: Pride Community Heads To Florida For Gay Days Celebration, Taking A Stand Against States Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws

Atlanta, Gucci Mane Day, Gucci Mane, Gucci Mane. Day
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 23, 2023

Atlanta Officially Proclaims October 17 Gucci Mane Day

Now, recording artist Gucci Mane can brag about having his own official day in his hometown of Atlanta.

On the day of his latest album release, Gucci was given a proclamation declaring that Oct. 17 will now be known as ‘Gucci Mane Day. An Instagram post by DJ Akademiks confirms the plaque given to Radric Davis, better known as Gucci Mane, by the city council.

 

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A post shared by DJ Akademiks (@akademiks)

Stupid Dope reported that the Oct. 17 date is also an abbreviation for Gucci Mane’s company and record label, 1017. The latest album, “Breath of, Fresh Air,” features 24 songs. Some featured artists on the project are Lil Baby, Young Dolph, J. Cole, DaBaby, 21 Savage, Mike WILL Made-It, Roddy Rich, Nordo Wick, London on da Track, and Kodak Black.

The album’s promotion building takeover of the album cover, which features his wife and two children.

 

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A post shared by Gucci Mane (@laflare1017)

According to Power 105, the Atlanta rapper also hosted a signing event at DBS Sounds. He gave fans who appeared at the store autographs and took pictures with them. Later that evening, he performed a concert with some of his rap peers as he took them to church at the Tabernacle.

Some who shared the stage with him throughout the night were Latto, Quavo, and Key Glock. Yet, the surprise of the night belonged to another Atlanta staple, T.I. Letting go of a past dispute with Gucci, the “Rubber Band Man” lyricist stepped on stage with his former rival as they officially squashed their beef.

“Breath of Fresh Air” is Gucci’s 16th studio album and is being distributed by 1017 Global Music/Atlantic Records. The album has already surpassed tens of millions of streams on various platforms.

RELATED CONTENT: THE ‘SECRET TO A HAPPY WIFE IS MONEY,’ ACCORDING TO GUCCI MANE

Kirk Franklin, Father, Biological, documentary
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 23, 2023

Black Professors Launch New Curriculum Study Guide About Kirk Franklin’s Controversial Story

*Originally Reported by Blacknews

Dr. Holloway is no stranger to creating curriculum study guide questions to engage her students in intellectually stimulating conversations. She has used movies, books, poetry, TED Talks, current events, and videos that cover a variety of topics to address mental health issues and cultural diversity. Thus, upon watching Father’s Day: A Kirk Franklin Story, where Kirk Franklin spoke to trying to locate his biological father, she knew instantaneously this would be an excellent piece of literature to introduce into her Family Counseling graduate course. She teamed up with Dr. Berry who she knew had a passion for understanding interpersonal, social and cultural diversity dynamics in relation to mental health challenges to collaborate on this project.

Both Drs. Holloway and Berry, who are also known for the Curriculum Study Guide about the Montgomery Riverboat Brawl, agree the video is a very powerful piece of literature that could be used as a teaching tool and open up critical dialogue around “Daddy Issues.” They are both extremely grateful to Kirk Franklin, a well-known Grammy award-winning artist who was vulnerable and candid enough to unapologetically and without shame or guilt share his story with the world. The video is approximately 35 minutes long of Franklin videoing the story of him at the age of 53 discovering who his biological father is after thinking for many years another man was his father. We will admit this is a very emotional video. So, please have your Kleenex ready.

They encourage viewers to be mindful that this is one Black man’s story about his own personal journey. “It does not represent all Black men,” they insist. “As we know, there are plenty of Black fathers who are actively engaged in their children’s lives. These study questions are in no way an indication or representation of all Black men. More often than not the media portrays Black fathers in a negative way. However, we salute all Black fathers who have taken their rightful place in fathering not only their children but other children as well.”

Disclaimer: The authors do not take any responsibility when viewing the video and discussing the study questions for any harm that might occur. They comment, “We do believe the benefits outweigh the risks and recommend should you or anyone you know experience any negative side effects while viewing this video or answering the discussion questions to please seek professional help. Additionally, be mindful that many of these questions come from a therapeutic viewpoint. Therefore, feel free to choose questions that best fit your circumstances and add or eliminate questions as you deem necessary.”

They add, “We also strongly recommend if you establish round-table groups or study group sessions to be sure to establish ground rules such as (1) What we say here stays here, (2) Be respectful of others’ opinions, (3) No interrupting others, (4), No gossiping about members in the group, (5) If there’s a topic being discussed that you find triggering you have the right to pass and not respond, (6) There should be no expectations for one person to speak for an entire group of people, (7) Avoid making generalized statements, and (8) Allow group members to develop a few groups rules of their own. This would give them a sense of ownership and be willing to uphold the group rules.”

Watch the Kirk Franklin documentary here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=49SCqvyZM7Q

Download the Curriculum Study Guide:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10mwd-Bs_xVuYaj9SSiOhUEp2FynpoIRQ/


About the Professors

Dr. Linda J.M. Holloway is a Counselor Educator at Alabama State University and has been in academia for over 25 years. Dr. Holloway really enjoys finding innovative ways to keep her students engaged. One of the ways is through the use of movies and developing curriculum study guides. She says this helps her students to think critically about issues and move from theory to real-world application. Dr. Holloway is also a story activist and award-winning children’s book author and she enjoys using storytelling to educate, elevate, and empower children to believe in themselves and love who they are. She lives by her own motto ‘Dream your own Dreams’. She also encourages and inspires others to live out their own dreams for their life. You can find her books on Amazon.

Dr. April T. Berry is an Adjunct Professor and mental health professional who has a passion for teaching and approaching mental health from a holistic and well-rounded approach. She truly enjoys bringing her classes to life with fun, thought-provoking, and creative tools to enhance the classroom environment and learning experiences of her students. Additionally, she has a passion for peer mentoring, social justice, diversity outreach, and motivational speaking.

Dr. Berry lives by her life motto Always Climb and Maintain, where she seeks to strive for excellence in everything she does (e.g., climbing) but is reminded to stay grounded in those things she holds dear to her heart (e.g., maintaining). In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, reading, and relaxing.

RELATED CONTENT: Two Black Professors Create Curriculum Guide For The Montgomery Riverboat Brawl

Sheryl Grant, Fit For Life, Ms. olympia, fit, 61-year-old
by Stacy Jackson

October 23, 2023

61-Year-Old Bodybuilding Phenom Wants Another ‘Ms. Olympia’ Title

Professional bodybuilder Sheryl Grant is coming for a second title as Ms. Olympia as she prepares to compete in November.

The fitness fanatic was 55 years old when she claimed the tile as Ms. Olympia in 2017, according to News Nation. Now, the 61-year-old powerhouse is training for this year’s competition and taking her followers along for the journey. “On this journey to Ms. Olympia at 60+, my goal is to reach 50 million people around the globe, letting them know that age is just a number and that they can achieve their goals at any age!” she wrote on Instagram.

“Starting the journey to Ms. Olympia for the second time is difficult, but it has opened my eyes in ways I never thought imaginable,” Grant wrote in another post.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sheryl Grant (@sherylgrant)

Grant shared a few secrets about how she stays in such great shape at her age.

“My secret to more effective workouts is a STRONG CORE! A strong core allows me to do more exercises and maintain the form to maximize each movement’s effectiveness,” she captioned an Instagram video of some of her favorite core exercises.

 

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A post shared by Sheryl Grant (@sherylgrant)

As Grant attempts her new goal, she is encouraging others to join her FIT for Life community to get started on their personal body goals. The social entrepreneur launched the award-winning platform to help individuals transform their bodies and minds. According to her website, the fitness maven is the world’s leading AgeTech advocate who oversees initiatives focused on women’s entrepreneurship.

“Being FIT is more than physical. It also requires a mental strength and forms the foundation for transformation,” the FIT for Life page stated. “Being FIT means having Faith, Intuition & Tenacity and acts as a guide to help us fulfill our potential!”

FIT for Life members will be able to attend live sessions with the 61-year-old fitness phenom that include daily motivation calls and monthly workshops, along with access to a variety of courses and her personal network of experts and coaches. 

Shaun King Takes Credit For Freeing American Hostages, Black Twitter Calls Cap
by Daniel Johnson

October 23, 2023

Shaun King Takes Credit For Freeing American Hostages, Black Twitter Calls Cap

Shaun King maintained he had a role in securing the release of 17-year-old Natalie Raanan and her 59-year-old mother, Judith Raanan, both Americans captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 attack on Israelis.

According to the Daily Beast, King and the Ranaan clan disagree on what exactly he did regarding securing their freedom. The family, for their part, is outright calling him a liar in a statement obtained by TMZ, “First and foremost, we make it clear that he is lying! Our family does not and did not have anything to do with him, neither directly nor indirectly. Not to him and not to anything he claims to represent.” 

Natalie’s father, Uri, later clarified to the Daily Beast that King spoke to the teen’s brother, Ben, but the family was unaware of those conversations.

“We reached out to many people far and wide to bring Natalie and Judith to safety. We are not affiliated with Mr. King,” Uri said. “Ben, my son was talking with him without anybody in the family knowing about it until today. Our family in Israel posted this statement, denying we knew him before we learned about Ben talking to him. We have nothing further to say.”

King denied the allegations, posting to his account on Twitter/X a statement from Ben Rannan followed by other “receipts.” Later, the controversial activist emailed the Daily Beast, “I spoke directly and repeatedly with this family. I have a job, career, and family. I would be throwing everything away to make such a thing up,” King wrote. “Thankfully, I kept records of all of them.”

 

 

On Oct. 21, King claimed on the X app that he was “lobbying nonstop for [Natalie’s] release behind the scenes with an eclectic group of 30+ people that would normally never work together or get along,” as well as saying that the family was being pressured to distance themselves from him by Israelis. 

X users have responded to King’s assertion that he’s negotiating with officials about demands for those in need during the conflict. They continue to accuse him of grifting yet another case. 

None of the parties who were officially responsible for the release of mother and daughter have acknowledged King’s role, if any, throughout the ordeal. The government of Qatar, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Israeli government were responsible, per a statement provided by a member of the latter to the Daily Beast, who said the Red Cross functioned as a “neutral party” during the process. 

RELATED CONTENT: Shaun King Says He’s Moving Out Of His Swanky $840K House After Fraud Allegations

Apartment, Renting, mortgage, mortgages, house, home
by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 23, 2023

Report: As Mortgage Prices Soar, Renting Could Be The Better Option

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Oct. 22, The soaring cost of new homes is hitting prospective buyers in their wallets, as the average monthly mortgage payment now stands at a staggering 52% higher than the average monthly rent on an apartment. This concerning trend marks an all-time high based on data from the real estate firm CBRE.

In the past, the financial gap between monthly mortgage payments and apartment rents was narrower or even favored homeowners. An April report by CBRE, a prominent American commercial real estate services and investment firm, indicated that from 1996 to mid-2003, homeownership often had the advantage in monthly costs. However, a perfect storm of rising interest rates, a shortage of available housing, and surging home prices have reversed the equation, putting the dream of homeownership out of reach for many first-time buyers.

On top of this, the outlet reports the interest rate landscape has shifted significantly. For the first time in nearly two decades, the rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage reached a notable 8% this week. Goldman Sachs has also predicted that home prices will continue their ascent, with an estimated 3.5% increase by the end of 2024, unless unforeseen economic challenges arise.

Despite the high-interest rates, experts have noted that this might not be an entirely unfavorable moment to enter the housing market. Waiting for rates to drop could result in fiercer competition within the real estate market, as Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist, pointed out.

As per David Meyer, vice president of data and analytics at the real estate investment platform BiggerPockets, there’s never a “perfect time” to buy a house. It is a decision influenced by individual circumstances and market dynamics, and prospective buyers must weigh their options carefully in the current challenging environment.

RELATED CONTENT: JPMORGAN CHASE PREPARES TO ROLL OUT APP THAT AUTOMATES PAYMENTS FOR RENTERS AND LANDLORDS

Omarosa Steps Into ‘House Of Villains’ Reality Show While Attending Law School
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 23, 2023

Omarosa Steps Into ‘House Of Villains’ Reality Show While Attending Law School

Omarosa might still have a bone to pick with Bethenny Frankel over a decade after reading her down on her daytime talk show.

The former White House staffer along with Tiffany “NY” Pollard, Tanisha Thomas, and Bobby Lytes are reality TV villains and proud! The quartet is among the 10 iconic and infamous reality television villains E! brought together under one roof for the new competition elimination series “House of Villains.”

The cast of notorious villains was put together to outsmart, out-manipulate, and out-scheme each other through a series of challenges in order to win a $200,000 cash prize and the title of “America’s Ultimate Supervillain.”

Hailing from some of the most popular reality television franchises, there’s Omarosa who rose to fame after competing on “The Apprentice” in 2004, Tiffany Pollard who became “NY” after competing on both seasons of “Flavor of Love,” Tanisha Thomas a veteran of the “Bad Girls Club,” and Bobby Lytes who’s become a staple on “Love & Hip Hop: Miami.”

Each week, the contestants compete in a challenge that tests their physical, mental, and emotional strength with the winner being safe from elimination and one person going home.

Filming the show was an even bigger challenge for Omarosa who was also busy attending classes at her 4th HBCU, Southern University and A&M College. The former political aide to Donald Trump is studying law in hopes of doing more advocacy work in politics and entertainment.

“I’m in law school at Southern University Law Center. I am entering my third year,” she told BLACK ENTERPRISE. “I’m a non -traditional student, so part -time. I’m also doing the JD MBA program.”

While the cast was spending their nights partying after challenges, Omarosa was upstairs in a closet using her “makeshift desk” to do her school work. As for those Omarosa bumped heads with, she called out the racial lines that were tested during episode one when Corinne Olympios (from “The Bachelor) “weaponized” her “white tears,” according to the reality TV vet.

“White women tears are very dangerous,” Omarosa said before explaining the exchange.

Another exchange she relived was her infamous 2013 appearance on Bethenny Frankel’s old talk show where she accused her of being awarded for being “mediocre” while citing the hard work Black women have to do to succeed.

When asked about the age-old encounter, Omarosa didn’t hold back while explaining the challenges Black women face on television. According to the former political aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump, Bethenny is “just blah” yet was awarded her own talk show while “exceptional, talented, beautiful” Black women “who show up” and do the work weren’t getting the same at the time. Bethenny’s former talk show ran from 2012 to 2014.

Elsewhere, Tanisha Thomas, who first appeared on “Bad Girls Club” in 2007 before going on to host the explosive reunion shows, hinted at “House of Villains” being her last hoorah.

“I think I’m probably done. This is probably the end of my reality era,” Tanisha said. “I want to own businesses. I want to host and I want to be a mom.”

Press play below for the full interview. Catch “House of Villains” every Thursday on E! at 10 pm ET/PT.

 

RELATED CONTENT: Candiace Dillard Bassett Talks Colorism In Reality TV And Teases ‘RHOP’ Season 8 Drama

The RZA, Urbanworld Festival
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 23, 2023

The RZA Will Premiere ‘A Wu-Tang Experience’ At Urbanworld Film Festival

Wu-Tang Clan’s The RZA has been chosen as this year’s Urbanworld Film Festival official ambassador, according to the company’s website.

The Grammy- and Emmy-nominated producer, actor, musician, and filmmaker is also co-director of the documentary A Wu-Tang Experience: Live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Gerald Barclay.

The film chronicles the group’s 2021 performance with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. The seminal recording artist will present the film as a world premiere at the upcoming festival on Friday, Nov. 3.

“I’m completely honored to be a part of a platform like Urbanworld which supports storytellers from all walks of life,” The RZA said in a written statement.

”As a filmmaker, I understand the work that goes into not only getting a film made but getting it seen. There aren’t a lot of film festivals that intentionally shine light on the works of Black Men and Women in our industry. Our growing number of directors and producers need more outlets. Urbanworld gets it and this opportunity to serve as ambassador to this year’s festival is an honor and a privilege.”

The Urbanworld Film Festival will take place in New York City, November 1-5, 2023, at AMC 34th Street and the SVA Theatre.

The festival has also announced the Opening Night Film will be the Toronto International Film Festival award-winner American Fiction, directed by Cord Jefferson.

Along with a collection of films that will debut at Urbanworld, ballerina Misty Copeland will discuss her short film Flower,d directed by Lauren Finerman and executive produced by Nelson George and Leyla Fayyaz. A tribute to hip-hop music videos will take place with a showing of Lights, Cameras, Rhymes: 50 Years of Hip Hop on Screen. A panel discussion will follow, including esteemed video director Benny Boom and The Roots frontman, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter.

The Urbanworld Innovation Conference & Panel will return on Friday, November 3 at the SVA SOC DOC Theater. This will be a place where creatives and executives can network among people involved in the filmmaking community. Filmmakers, industry leaders, and content creators will discuss topics such as AI, culture, sports, and content distribution.

Information, tickets, and passes can be viewed at urbanworld.org.

 

RELATED CONTENT: QUEEN OF KATWE, INSECURE AND MORE AT 20TH URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL

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