Pras Michel, tour, informant, FBI, Fugees, rapper

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Pras Michel Demands Retrial, Claims Attorney Used AI-Generated Closing Argument

Convicted Fugees rapper Prakazrel “Pras” Michel is seeking a new trial due to the AI-generated closing statement his former lawyer made in his high-profile federal case.

A newly filed brief accuses Michel’s previous lawyer, David Kenner, of using an AI program to draft his closing argument in the rapper’s criminal trial last spring, Reuters reports. Now under the counsel of ArentFox Schiff, Michel is demanding a retrial on the grounds his conviction was the result of Kenner’s flop closing statement.

“Kenner’s closing argument made frivolous arguments, misapprehended the required elements, conflated the schemes and ignored critical weaknesses in the government’s case,” the brief states.

By using the failed AI-generated statement, Kenner is accused of ruining “the single most important portion” of Michel’s jury trial. The new filing comes after Michel’s conviction in April on federal charges of conspiring with fugitive Malaysian businessman Jho Low in three alleged lobbying attempts to influence two different U.S. presidential administrations.

The high-profile politically charged case included testimony from Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Michel’s new legal defense believes the “Ready Or Not” rapper received inadequate representation from Kenner in part due to his closing arguments generated by the AI program EyeLevel.AI.

“The AI program failed Kenner, and Kenner failed Michel,” the brief said. “The closing argument was deficient, unhelpful and a missed opportunity that prejudiced the defense.”

It’s also believed that Kenner and his co-counsel Alon Israely might “appear to have had” an undisclosed financial interest in the company CaseFile Connect, which served as a “technology partner” to EyeLevel.AI. Kenner and Israely are accused of possibly using the trial to advance their own financial interests.

In addition to testimony from Michel’s publicist who claims Kenner revealed his use of AI in drafting the closing statement, ArentFox also found a May 10 press release issued by EyeLevel.AI that hailed Michel’s case as “the first use of generative AI in a federal trial.”

The press release included a quote from Kenner, who praised the AI program for how it “turned hours or days of legal work into seconds.” Kenner also said the program serves as “a look into the future of how cases will be conducted.”

by Stacy Jackson

October 18, 2023

Scholastic Allegedly Allows Schools To Exclude Diverse Books At Book Fairs

Scholastic Books, one of the largest book companies in the world, has been putting on book fairs for years but is now under scrutiny by librarians who allege they allow schools to decide if they want to have diverse books included in their book fairs.

The organization has created a category called “diverse books” for publications that feature BIPOC characters, LGBTQ+ topics, immigration issues, and racism.

Author Kelly Jensen deemed the decision as “insidious” and one that librarians should “raise hell about” after the decision was discussed at The Association of Illinois School Library Educators meeting. The decision reflects conservative political efforts to censor books discussing race and LGBTQ+ themes. Florida, Mississippi, and Iowa are among the states that have enacted laws that require schools to remove books that talk about these themes.

Librarians have taken to social media to express their disdain for Scholastic’s possible censorship of diverse books. One Reddit user posted, “Scholastic offers’ bigotry button’ for school book fairs.” The user said their school librarian was enraged when Scholastic asked if they wanted “diverse books” included in the book fair.

A similar post was uploaded on TikTok by user Tegan B. The user was asked the same question about including diverse books. However, after confirming that the book fair would use these books, they were not received until three days after the book fair started. The user said some books included BIPOC characters in the non-diverse section, but it was mostly filled with books about animals and white characters.

@teganbeese

#Scholastic is allowing librarians to opt in or out of having #diversebooks in their Book Fairs this year. First, diverse books should be in all collections automatically, our WORLD IS DIVERSE. Second, I opted in to have the diverse books, but did not receive them. They’re on their way, but I’m already on day three of my Fair, and many students have already purchased, and will miss out on a book where they could see themselves, versus an animal or someone they can’t relate to. C‘mom folx, we gotta do better for these kids. #weneeddiversebooks #booktok

♬ original sound – Tegan B

An organization, BRAVE Book Fairs, is known to support the removal of diverse books from book fairs. The organization alleges that Scholastic sneaks books into schools to “expose kids to the LGBTQIA+ agenda and promote dangerous and anti-biblical ideas.”

According to the outlet, Scholastic’s decision raises concerns for librarians and administrators who may be forced to exclude particular books from their book fairs to save their jobs.

by Derek Major

October 18, 2023

Man Spends 11 Hours Filling Out Job Applications And Has Sound Advice For Job Seekers

Software engineer Shikhar Sachdev, who writes a career blog, knows firsthand that job hunting, which most Americans have done in recent years, can be time-consuming and frustrating.

SHRM reports that more than 90% of people abandon online job applications before they are completed. Sachdev wanted to find an easier way, so he challenged himself to fill out 500 software engineering job applications to find out what makes applying for a job so frustrating and how the process can be made easier.

Sachdev found 500 applications to be too much and changed his goal to 250, tracking how long it took to fill out each application in a bevy of industries and company sizes, including companies he noticed while on the street and one where his friends work. Sachdev filled out online applications but stopped short of submitting them except for the jobs he was interested in.

According to Bankrate, 56% of workers plan to look for a new job this year. Additionally, Zippia reports it takes filling out between 21 and 80 job applications to get one job offer, meaning most Americans will fill out dozens of job applications this year. While Black unemployment hit an all-time low of 6% earlier this year, Black workers are well aware of the struggles of applying online.

Sachdev told Wired the shortest application, which was for hedge fund Renaissance Technologies, took less than 20 seconds, and the longest one was for the United States Postal Service, which took more than 10 minutes. Applying for jobs using Workday took 128% longer than applications for similar-sized companies.

Sachdev determined that there were three factors that affect how long it takes to fill out a job application: the size of the company, the industry the company is in, and the software it uses for applicants. Applicant software appeared to be the biggest issue. Many systems, including Workday, typically redirect users from the application page and force them to create an account within that system. Sachdev said that by the end of his experiment he’d created more than 80 separate accounts.

Another issue he found was that in many instances he was forced to retype information after uploading his résumé because the application software misread it.

“Sometimes it’s not even the time,” he told Wired.

“It’s the mental fatigue of having to do it every single time.”

To make applications easier for employees, Sachdev advises prioritizing companies that use similar software or where you can simply submit a résumé. He also suggests making a connection on Linkedin with companies’ hiring manager.

Funny Marco, G Herbo, Southside, interview, rappers, Open Thoughts

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 18, 2023

Funny Marco’s Interview With G Herbo & Southside Was Not So Funny

The Oct. 16 episode of Funny Marco’s Open Thoughts took an unexpected turn, leaving some viewers conflicted about the treatment the comedian received during an interview with Southside and G Herbo.

To clarify, Marco invited Southside as a guest on the show, and G Herbo tagged along. What initially appeared to be a smooth banter between the host and guests devolved into an “uncomfortable” and “disrespectful” interview, with Funny Marco enduring insults and ridicule from both men.

Southside & G Herbo trolled Funny Marco the whole interview. pic.twitter.com/8YwtB9K78z

— Episodes (@episodesent) October 15, 2023

During the episode, Marco received sharp jabs aimed at his skin condition and was repeatedly told to “shut the f**k up.” The banter that may have appeared light-hearted to the Chicago and Atlanta natives but did not sit well with Marco or numerous viewers who tuned in.

Addressing the agonizing interview, Funny Marco, whose real name is Marco Summers, took to his Marco Mindset Facebook account on Oct.16. He acknowledged his dissatisfaction with the interview, writing, “I understand a lot of y’all mad about the interview. I was upset while it was going on. But I understand I got a job to do, and one thing about me, I respect people on my show.”

He continued, “I didn’t want to match their energy. It’s so many L’s I took on my journey [that] I wish I could show I don’t hide anything. So, I feel it was only right to put the episode out myself. And just learn from that episode & move on. Thank those who support me; it’s a mindset thing.”

Funny Marco has built his reputation through his viral skits, which date back to the Vine era and parody-style interviews. He’s engaged with several music artists, including Boosie Badazz, Queen Naija, DaBaby, Sexyy Red. He is also infamous for pranking guests and having deadpan interviews.

The host appeared visibly disengaged with G Herbo and Southside while the two guests taunted him. After the interview gained notoriety, Southside took to Instagram Live to address the situation. He asserted, “That ni**a wasn’t scared. If you were scared, I can’t help how your mama raised you.”

He explained his hesitation about discussing the issue publicly, stating, “This is why I stay off this sh*t because no matter what it is, ni**as make me the bad guy.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Shade Room (@theshaderoom)

During the interview, Southside addressed the destruction of Marco’s alleged watch, saying, “Marco, I got a watch right now you can come get. I got a new watch for you, bro. Call me. I got something for you right now. And it’s real ’cause that sh*t I threw wasn’t real. That watch was fake. It wasn’t a real watch. That sh*t was fake as f**k.”

In conclusion, Southside said, “If he was uncomfortable, it’s like, alright, damn, Marco. We’re sorry. [Me and G Herbo] didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, but you’re a bih a ni**a. Just stay away from me, bro.”

The episode has undoubtedly stirred debate, with viewers divided over the boundary between humor and discomfort in comedy. Funny Marco’s response suggests that he aims to learn from the experience and continue his comedic journey.

Black woman, robbery, Chicago, crime, I'm a lot traumatized, victim, Jameson, attack, miami

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Black Women In Chicago Share Their Fear Of Being A Victim of Violence

Black women in Chicago make up only 16% of the city’s population yet account for 25% of crime victims. Now, victims are speaking out on a problem they say the city has overlooked for far too long.

Statistics show that Black women are disproportionately targeted by violent crimes and have been for decades, CBS News reports. Of the 269,423 crimes reported in Chicago in 2022, Black women were the victims of 67,094..

“I don’t know if today’s the day they want to carjack me. I don’t know if today’s the day they want to rob me,” one woman told cbs news.

Sierra Jamison, 29, was among the 2022 victims after she was forced to fight off a man who tried to steal her 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The single mother, who has a 6-year-old son with autism, was filling her car with gas when a man with a knife approached her.

“He just said, ‘Bi*ch, give me your keys,'” Jamison recalled. “What made me say no? Because I observed him. I can tell that he wasn’t ready because he was flinching. He was nervous.”

Jamison’s response highlights the defenses she’s acquired in the city. Thankfully, there were two other women present who aided her. One pulled out a bat she had inside the trunk of her car.

“I said, ‘Give me your bat, give me your bat,” Jamison said.

Other eyewitnesses recalled the attacker camping out at the gas station for hours to find a victim. Jamison believes she was the intended target since she is a young Black woman.

“I guess he was feeling like I was gonna be vulnerable, be like get the key. But he got the wrong female,” she said.

Tragically, Jamison was found murdered in her garage next to her Jeep Wrangler in September 2023, one month after she shared her story.

Laura Irvine was riding the CTA Red Line train home with her daughter in August 2022 when she was attacked by a mob of robbers. Irvine was punched in the face and feared she might die during the attack.

“I have to take this train and honestly, I don’t feel comfortable getting back on that train,” she said. “I don’t feel safe.”

Niya Williams recalled being shot in the face by a man while inside her car after being verbally attacked by a group of men inside a Bronzeville restaurant.

“It was the biggest burn I ever felt. My teeth were blown out. I have no teeth on this side. I was spitting out bullets and teeth at the same time,” she said.

Williams, like many other Black women in Chicago, remains in constant fear for their life.

“I’m a lot traumatized now, because when night falls, it gets scary just out here in the world. Getting out to your car. Walking your dog,” she said.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

October 18, 2023

Diddy Recorded A Song To Get Kim Porter To Visit Him In His Dreams: ‘Music Is Magical’

Diddy is opening up about how his new album helped bring him closer to his late ex, Kim Porter, who he says has been been visiting him in his dreams.

The Bad Boy founder recently released The Love Album: Off the Grid on his new R&B-focused label Love Records. There are 23 tracks on the new album and one is named after Porter.

It features EGOT recipient John Legend and was Diddy’s way of reaching out to Porter from the other side. Diddy, who raised four children with Porter, was looking for a way to connect with her and knew music was the perfect outlet to connect them in spirit.

“One of the things when dealing with grief is there has to be a moment that you understand it is what it is, but you still yearn for that person,” Diddy told Hola! Magazine.

“And I wanted her to come visit me in my dreams.”

“It was like me just trying to find another option that maybe God could bless me with to still feel her presence,” he continued before noting the “magic” that lies in music.

“So when I made the record, I believe that music is magical. It has magical powers,” Diddy said. “So I wanted to use my magic to get her to visit me in my dreams, and she has come and visited me in my dreams. It makes me want her to visit me more, but making the record, she got the message.”

Porter died in November 2018 from pneumonia. She was found unresponsive in her bed. Investigators later determined no foul play was involved, according to NBC News.

She shared a long romantic history with Diddy that included the births of their three children, Christian, and twins Jesse and D’Lila Combs. Diddy also raised Porter’s eldest son Quincy Brown as his own.

Choose Lake Charles For Creole Tradition And Fine Culinary Cuisine

by Atiya Jordan

October 18, 2023

Choose Lake Charles For Creole Tradition And Fine Culinary Cuisine

Lake Charles is brimming with cultural traditions that are native to southern Louisiana, which is also home to culinary visionaries who pack those traditions into every meal.

Black businesses and restaurants in the Creole community are built into the fabric of the Lake Charles region, where African, French, and Spanish influences are deeply rooted in history and culture. While some of Lake Charles’ Black entrepreneurs have established brick-and-mortars, others are as inspired to share authentic cuisines and celebrate.

The inaugural Louisiana Food & Wine Festival kicked off a full week of events to shine a light on culinary superstars. BLACK ENTERPRISE witnessed Louisiana’s unique Cajun and Creole heritage and culture through a star-studded celebrity chef’s dinner and a plethora of master classes. The lineup of courses included world-class Louisiana seafood and gumbo.

From TV personality and Chef Tiffany Derry and James Beard Award finalist Greg Gatlin to Chef Roy Angelle, culinary arts instructor for SOWELA Technical Community College, superstars were in the building.

What is the difference between Creole and Cajun cuisine?

“While Creole food is elaborate to prepare and usually involves tomatoes, Cajuns became trappers, anglers and hunters, living off the land, making their cooking as flavorful and steamy as Louisiana’s summers,” according to the Visit Lake Charles website.

“Proper Cajun food does not [use] tomatoes, although, some Cajun food such as sauce piquant does include tomatoes as a key ingredient. Cajuns generally prepare full-bodied or blackened cuisine and Creoles take culinary refuge in their sauces, herbs and intricate spices,”

Prepared by international chef and etiquette coach Carolyn Shelton. (Photo: Atiya Jordan)

Here are some examples of the cuisine and celebrity chefs that beam with Creole pride.

Tiffany Derry

Texas native Tiffany Derry is the founder of Tiffany Derry Concepts and co-founder of T2D Concepts, the Texas-based, purpose-driven hospitality group behind Roots Chicken Shak and Roots Southern Table. Derry has made many television appearances, including Bravo’s Top Chef Season 7, where she earned the title of “fan favorite” and finished in the top four.

With a warm Southern charm, Derry stepped into a master class during the festival to walk us through her famous Fried Shrimp & Grits rolled into little balls. Everything was in the center, including the sharp cheddar cheese, tender shrimp, and other spices. The meal was reminiscent of a crispy shrimp fritter but with a southwest Louisiana flair and a smoky, meaty tomato sauce.

Prepared by Tiffany Derry at the Louisiana Inspired Master Classes. (Photo: Atiya Jordan)

Edgar “Dook” Chase, IV

Le Cordon Bleu-trained Chef Dook served us culinary royalty on a plate at the Celebrity Chef’s Dinner with his Louisiana Blue Crab and Butternut Squash. Cook walked visitors through a delicious gumbo demonstration and paired the dish with a wine of choice or a Stella Artois. The notable chef shared some of his famous Creole family recipes inspired by his renowned grandmother Leah Chase, a James Beard Foundation award winner and the “Queen of Creole Cuisine.”

Currently, Chef Dook continues his family legacy by running a Creole restaurant named after Chapter IV as a fourth-generation member of his family, and the restaurant being the fourth restaurant under his operation. Though he trained for a lifetime under his grandmother, Chef Dook told BE that he is constantly learning from others in order to stay abreast of new cooking trends and recipes.

Louisiana blue crab and butternut squash, prepared by Chef Edgar “Dook” Chase, IV at the Celebrity Chef’s Dinner. (Photo: Atiya Jordan)

Gumbo prepared with boudin sausages, prepared by Chef Cook at Louisiana Inspired Master Classes. (Photo: Atiya Jordan)

Another one!

Seared Louisiana Gulf shrimp with charred corn, pepperjack grits, and poblano cream sauce, prepared by Chef Amanda Cusey at the Celebrity Chef’s Dinner. (Photo: Atiya Jordan)

Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee, California, race, senate

by Iman Milner

October 18, 2023

Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee Struggling To Raise Funds To Secure 2024 California Senate Race

United States Congresswoman Barbara Lee of Oakland has received some major co-signs from political leaders. However, the longtime California representative is struggling to raise the funds necessary to move past her opponents in the race for Senate, Yahoo News reports.

With endorsements from the Congressional Black Caucus, former Georgia General Assembly House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, and a verbal promise from California Gov. Gavin Newsom to fill the late Dianne Feinstein’s vacant senator seat with a Black woman, Lee seemed poised to claim a historic victory.

However, in recent months, her campaign has faced an uphill battle against Democratic candidates Rep. Katie Porter and Rep. Adam Schiff. From July to October, Lee’s campaign reported $1.1 million in expenses, which is $77,000 less than what she’s been able to raise, the outlet reports.

The campaign currently has $1.3 million in funds.

“If she can’t raise enough money to reach all the other crossover voters to differentiate herself, it’s going to be very difficult for her to make it,” said Democratic strategist Bill Wong. Both Schiff and Porter come into the race as some of the Democratic party’s most lucrative fundraisers, a fact that Wong believes may be influencing Lee’s willingness to spend early to help raise her public profile. The campaigning expert says Lee may feel she “has to spend early to build a fundraising base and to reach new donors.”

Keeping with his intention to use Feinstein’s vacancy to appoint a Black candidate, Gov. Newsom has thrown his support behind Laphonza Butler, who hasn’t yet confirmed her decision to run.

“I genuinely don’t know,” Butler said in October, per Yahoo News. “I want to be focused on honoring the legacy of Sen. Feinstein. I want to devote my time and energy to serving the people of California.”

In California, nearly half of the registered voters identify as Democrats; therefore, experts predict the state will elect another of the party’s candidates in the March 2024 primary. But it remains to be seen if Lee will be the appointee.

by Stacy Jackson

October 18, 2023

Issa Rae Taps Into Wine Industry With New Viarae Prosecco

“Insecure” actress Issa Rae has tapped into the wine industry.

On Oct. 16, Rae announced the launch of her new wine, Viarae Prosecco, a partnership with global wine and spirits leader E. & J. Gallo Winery. Through a press release, the writer and producer introduced her refined take on her favorite Italian sparkling wine. “I am thrilled to share my love of Prosecco with everyone through Viarae,” Rae said.

As founder of Viarae Prosecco, Rae has created an aromatic and subtly dry blend for sippers to enjoy. “It’s carefully crafted, deliciously crisp, and the perfect beverage to celebrate La Dolce Vita,” said the “Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” writer.

Several years of crafting went into the creation of Rae’s Prosecco, which is grown and made from 100% Glera. Its gold-and-brown packaging radiates the mission of her new drink venture, which is to amplify the representation of the Black community in the industry.

Beth Orozco, vice president of marketing for E. & J. Gallo Winery, stated: “We are excited to partner with Issa Rae, who entrusted us with executing her vision of the perfect Prosecco – one that shares our desire to serve joy in everyday moments. Crisp, lively, and expressive, this is a perfect choice for those candid, unfiltered times with friends, whether that’s a sunny day by the pool or in the bright city lights at night.” She continued, “Issa also shares our mission to demystify wine and make it more inclusive. Viarae will help us reach that goal.”

The Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated creator told her Instagram followers that her Viarae Prosecco is “a sparkling wine for good times.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Issa Rae (@issarae)

Viarae Prosecco conveys a strong message of freedom and authenticity. Inspired by the spirit of Italy 1978, Rae’s wines are available nationally at select retailers for a suggested price of $19.

Magic Johnson Revives Black-Owned Insurance Company In Atlanta

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

October 18, 2023

Magic Johnson Revives Black-Owned Insurance Company In Atlanta

Magic Johnson is helping to revive a Black-owned business with historic ties to communal upliftment. The Atlanta Life Insurance Company, founded in the Georgia Capital in 1905, is now getting the support it needs to continue being a resource to the Black community, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Established by Alonzo Herndon, a formerly enslaved man, the Atlanta Life Insurance Company was a trailblazing business that catapulted the city’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood into a hub for Black entrepreneurs. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Herndon’s company was so successful that his accomplishment made him the first Black millionaire in Atlanta.

Herndon’s journey from slave to millionaire inspired Johnson to invest in rebuilding the company after first being made aware of its history through Killer Mike. Its decline over the past decades led the insurance company to sell its headquarters in the very area in which it was once a household name.

Johnson aims to bring the storied business back to the residents of Atlanta by acquiring it into the portfolio of his own life insurance company, called EquiTrust. Its continued success is a testimony to the efforts of its original owner.

At an event celebrating its reinstatement to the city’s business sector, the philanthropist spoke to Atlanta guests, such as Mayor Andre Dickens and entertainer-turned-entrepreneur Kandi Burruss, about why this latest development for the brand matters.

“Anytime a Black man can go from slavery to becoming a Black millionaire here in Atlanta, to become an entrepreneur, it’s a story that should be told, and I’m glad that we’re able to take this historical brand and company and revitalize it, and really bring it back to the people of Georgia,” expressed the NBA legend.

Prior to the 64-year-old’s involvement, the Black-owned Atlanta Life Holdings took over the declining company in January 2023. Under the new arrangement, Johnson will become the beneficial owner as well as minority equity owner of the Herndon Foundation.

With Johnson’s help, the Atlanta Life Insurance Company seeks to re-establish itself in the retail sphere and increase its clientele in the employer benefits market.

“Our rich heritage is a story of power, perseverance, family and community,” the company stated on its website. “As the lone remaining Black-founded and owned insurance company in the United States, we persevered through our past to become stewards of your future.”