by Iman Milner

October 17, 2023

Reebok Inks LSU Star Angel Reese To Brand’s First NIL Deal

On the heels of putting two NBA greats—Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson—in charge of its basketball line relaunch, sports brand Reebok has made another major move by signing LSU basketball star Angel Reese to the first major NIL deal in its history.

Reebok x Angel Reese – We’re proud to announce a new partnership with college hoops star @Reese10Angel 🏀 https://t.co/d1sVp6KiCK pic.twitter.com/AopSQWvKho

— Reebok (@Reebok) October 17, 2023

“For my first appointment in this role, it had to be the GOAT,” O’Neal said. “There is no one making a bigger impact on the game right now than Angel Reese.” O’Neal, the five-time NBA champion, is a former LSU basketball great who signed his first major shoe deal with Reebok, making Reese’s historic deal that much sweeter.

“I am honored to be working closely with one of my longtime mentors, Shaq, along with a brand that I have admired since I was just a little kid,” Reese said. “It means the world to me that they trust in me to extend their legacy to a new generation.”

O’Neal has been vocal about his admiration for the 6’3” college junior who averaged 23.0 points and 15.4 rebounds per game for the Tigers last season before being named the 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and leading her team to a national championship.

LSU’s game against the University of Iowa in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Final was the most-watched championship game in history, drawing a record 9.9 million viewers.

Reese has also been bringing in the big bucks by way of some pretty lucrative brand deals. According to On3 Elite, the “Bayou Barbie” has over $1.7 million in NIL endorsements with companies ranging from McDonald’s to Airbnb. In May, Mielle Organics announced Reese as its official brand ambassador. There’s no word on the dollar amount of Reese’s Reebok deal.

by Sharelle Burt

October 17, 2023

Marshawn Lynch Says Police Profiling Made Him Leave Buffalo

Former NFL player Marshawn Lynch revealed police profiling was part of the reason he left Buffalo, New York, after playing for the Buffalo Bills.

As a recent guest on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast, the former star running back opened up about the times he was harassed by the police, leaving him too stunned to speak at times.

“I’d get pulled over going to work, I’d get pulled over coming from work,” Lynch said. “I got pulled over in the stadium leaving the game. I’m still on the property of the Buffalo Bills, and I got pulled over twice. In the facility!”

After Sharpe tried to loosen the mood on why he was constantly getting pulled over, the Oakland, California, native steered the conversation toward reality.

“Before I even get to the streets, I look up and see the billboard on the stadium, “Beast Mode” over here and players’ cars here,” Lynch said. “And behind I seen them cherries and berries and 5-0 on me, talking about turn off the car.”

“I did not even get to the street. That’s how serious it was,” he continued.

A 2009 article from Bleacher Report points out how Lynch’s mother pleaded with the Buffalo community not to judge her son by his long dreads and gold teeth, but his actions weren’t the most positive. During his time in upstate NY, he was accused of a hit-and-run incident and arrested for possession of a loaded, concealed firearm in Colorado. It wasn’t until months later that Lynch admitted to being the hit-and-run driver.

However, it wasn’t all bad blood during the four seasons. Starting in 2007, Lynch took it upon himself to go to a local police station to talk to authorities about why he was getting pulled over. On the way there, another cop pulled him over, but not for criminal reasons, but to tell Lynch that his son was a huge fan.

“Man, you can’t do that! Bro, you finna work the game,” Lynch told Sharpe while laughing. “Why you pull me over right now, when you coulda just brought your son to the facility?”

Marshawn Lynch kickin it with Amish people is amazing 🤣🤣🤣

🎥: @MoneyLynch , @NFLonPrime pic.twitter.com/tu16KDG3VR

— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) September 15, 2023

Since retiring, Lynch has appeared on shows, including HBO’s Westworld, and frequently collaborates with the NFL on programs. His most recent viral video shows him visiting Amish country.

by Iman Milner

October 17, 2023

California Governor Newsom Signs Bill To Grant $5K To Students Who Transfer To HBCUs

California has no historically Black colleges or universities; however, Governor Gavin Newsom has just signed a bill that will grant up to $5,000 to community college students looking to transfer to out-of-state Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Blavity reports.

The AB1400 bill, drafted by Assembly Majority Leader Isaac Bryan, seeks to create an easier journey for California residents to enjoy an HBCU experience and then return to the Sunshine State.

“AB 1400 creatively redirects funds to support California’s students looking to transfer to an HBCU and bring their talents back to California,” Marlene Garcia, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission, said.

Many community college students face financial hurdles that make paying out-of-state tuition without significant aid a barrier to attending an HBCU. The new law hopes to “create a California-to-HBCU-to-California pipeline that would benefit not only our students, but the entire state,” Ed Source reports.

Changes to revenue brought in by the California College Access Tax Credit was a deciding factor in helping to push the bill into law. Redirecting funds to low-income students will provide “more meaningful and impactful support,” the outlet reports. According to the bill, only 53 community college students transferred to HBCUs in the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year.

Though HBCU enrollment has been steadily on the rise, a majority of students attending the institutions rely on financial assistance to offset costs, the National Center for Education Statistics reports. Ninety percent of HBCU undergraduate students received financial assistance in 2019-20, with 83 percent receiving grants, 65 percent procuring loans, and only four percent receiving work-study grants.

There has also been an increase in the amount of non-Black students enrolling at HBCUs. The outlet reports that 25 percent of HBCU enrollment is now made up of non-Black attendees, which was as low as 15 percent a mere few decades ago. With affirmative action on the federal chopping block, HBCU enrollment is expected to continue to rise alongside concerns about resources, lack of funding, and outdated infrastructure.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 17, 2023

Georgia Police, FBI, U.S. Marshals Searching For 4 Escaped Prisoners From Detention Center

Police officers are searching for four prisoners who escaped from the Bibb County Detention Center in Georgia around 3:00 a.m. on Oct. 16.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office posted about the incident on its Facebook page and is seeking help in capturing the escapees.

The Bibb County Detention Center is located about 85 miles southeast of Atlanta, which has a population of around 500,000.

According to the post, the escaped prisoners broke out of the facility through a damaged day room window and a cut fence, escaping in a blue Dodge Challenger that pulled up to the scene and took off. One of the suspects, 52-year-old Joey Fournier, was being held on a murder charge. Marc Kerry Anderson, 24, was being held on the charge of aggravated assault, the United States Marshals were detaining 37-year-old Johnifer Dernard Barnwell and 29-year-old Chavis Demaryo Stokes for possession of a firearm and drug trafficking.

According to Fox News, Sheriff David Davis held a press conference on Monday about the situation and informed the public that the men were free and roaming the streets.

“These inmates were able to leave out of a day room window,” Davis said. “The oldest run-down-est part of the jail.”

“They could be anywhere,” Davis added. “We don’t know if they’re all together at this point. We don’t have any reason to believe that they had any association with each other out on the street, but they certainly had some type of association with each other inside the jail.”

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of each escaped prisoner as the FBI and U.S. Marshals Office have joined the search.

Anyone who has any information should contact Crimestoppers at1-887-68CRIME or Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at 478-751-7500 or the tip line at 478-310-4502 or 478-310-4485.

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 17, 2023

Celebs, Creators And Influencers Pull Up To CultureCon 2023

CultureCon 2023 made its way back to New York City on Oct. 7-8, and went down at Brooklyn Navy Yard despite the consistent downpour of rain. The conference for the culture, powered by The Creative Collective NYC and presented by MAX, embodies panel discussions around business and finance for creatives. From managing money with “Cash Convo” to managing time in “Offices Hours” with time-saving tips and strategies to work smarter not harder.

The annual two-day event gave homecoming vibes that presented ways to explore more avenues to create opportunities in communities of color. A topic that was centered in a fireside chat with Issa Rae.

Notable celebrities, content creators and influencers shared why they participated in CultureCon 2023:

Marsai Martin

“Oh yes so, I am with Clinique doing a booth. I’m very excited to just walk around. It’s my first time here so you know I might just drop a little gem, answer a few questions, and then probably just walk around after.”

Bimma Williams

“Yeah ,Totally so I’m excited for Culture Con, today I get to interview Jharrel Jerome a multi hyphenate, creative, actor, musician and I think it’s so incrediblethat we get to have a really intimate discussion about his journey and what he hopes his impact to be and then and then also just talking about the music right music moves our culture so much it’s one of my my favorite things to talk about my favorite conversations to have and I’m just honored to be able to be here and contribute to the overall growth of the black and brown community here,”

LaLa Milan

So, I’m excited because I’m actually gonnabe on the panel with Walmart and HOORAE which is amazing for me because I’ve already worked with both of them in a different capacity and it’s been amazing so I’m gonna be moderating and I’m gonna be bringing life during the panel.”

Aaliyah Jay

“My participation in the culture conferences was being on the panel with Google today. I was on a panel with three other people and we answered some questions about you know what it’s like creating content on Google which is also Youtube, and we answered like you know our path. like when we started, from how we started, how we, you know kind of created content that was authentic to us, and so I was kind of just giving knowledge to the audience about you know where I came from and where I’m at now and where I’m trying to go.”

Written by Rana Epps

by Stacy Jackson

October 17, 2023

Georgia Beauty Store Owner Helps Clients Find Solutions To Hair Loss

Certified trichologist Erica Conerly provides solutions for people who are experiencing hair loss.

The former Walgreens beauty advisor reached an important milestone in her career after she opened the doors to her beauty store, Culture of Beauty. According to The Telegraph, the hair and scalp expert is a trained cosmetologist specializing in hair loss.

Culture of Beauty is an extension of Conerly’s Mane Allure Salon, where she practices her love for styling hair. “I’ve always wanted a business where I could actually be helping someone more so than just styling hair,” she said. “I love styling hair. I love being creative, but the thing that got me the most was people who suffer from hair loss.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Middle GA Hair Salon (@manealluresalon)

The beauty professional explored trichology to provide a more holistic approach. “There’s a lot of women that suffer from hair loss. And so, when they come in, I mean, they’re crying because they don’t know what else to do,” she added.

Culture of Beauty offers a space to receive expertise on different products, while finding a solution to their hair problems. Conerly works closely with her clients to match them with hairstyles that fit their specific needs. Customers can choose to have a custom wig made; and she also specializes in creating hairstyles for clients that don’t want a wig.

Many of Conerly’s clients include military members and cancer patients. “I’ve dealt with cancer patients who they’ve actually lost the hair at the shampoo bowl, so that is an emotional roller coaster,” she said. The location has a private room where clients can cry and process their emotions as they move toward finding their solution.

The beauty entrepreneur is already working to expand her newest business venture. “I want to bring more awareness as far as with hair loss. I want to bring more awareness to the community that there is a way to get help. You don’t have to suffer,” she said.

The beauty store is operated by a four-employee team learning the ropes under Conerly’s leadership. The hair and scalp expert was certified by the National Trichology Training Institute in Atlanta.

A grand opening for Culture of Beauty is scheduled for Saturday.

by Atiya Jordan

October 17, 2023

Study Reveals Black Women With Cancer Lack Access To Genetic Testing

A study at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center found Black women with cancer face increased barriers to genetic testing.

The researchers interviewed 20 Black and 30 white women at high risk of breast cancer to better understand racial differences in decision-making. “In order to determine if a genetic variant detected in an individual is associated with increased cancer risk, other blood relatives, particularly those with cancer, have to be tested,” according to Precision Medicine Online. Regarding genetic testing, Black women were more likely to delay or avoid testing to measure their cancer risk.

“They’re [Black women] not getting screened at the same rate,” said Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center Surgical Oncologist Dr. Bridget Oppong. “They’re showing up with more advanced cancers, and they’re not having the same access to treatment, or they’re not completing the treatments.”

Overrepresentation of European ancestry

Current polygenic risk scores (PRS), which estimate an individual’s genetic risk for some disease or trait, are “validated” through sizable genome-wide association studies, disproportionately comprised of 79% European participants. The overrepresentation of European ancestry has led to study bias. “Therefore, PRS is less applicable to Black patients, as the predictive value declines with genetic divergence,” per a study published in 2020.

Disparities in access to care

About 15% of the Black women reported access to specialists, compared to 70% of the white women. Black women were more likely to get information about genetic testing and cancer prevention procedures from a primary care physician (PCP).

More than three-quarters of Black women reported that their PCP was their “main source” of information about cancer risk and prevention, while one-third of white women found this to be true. However, many PCPs may not have the knowledge or expertise to give accurate answers about cancer risk. Black patients similarly reported that their PCPs rarely initiated conversations about cancer risk, offered fewer details when asked about cancer risk, and rarely discussed risk-reduction options beyond screening.

Financial barriers

Black women’s ability to manage their breast cancer risk is more significantly impacted by financial barriers to genetic testing, including lack of insurance coverage or out-of-pocket costs. Forty percent of Black women interviewed reported they had experienced a time without insurance, compared to just 3% of white women. In addition, 40% of the Black women also described significant financial difficulties coping with health challenges, compared to 3% of whites, and were less likely to describe their health insurance as “excellent” or “very good” than white participants.

Leonard Allen Cure, Georgia, traffic, gun, shoot, prison, GBI

by Sharelle Burt

October 17, 2023

Georgia Deputy Allegedly Shoots And Kills Black Man Who Spent 16 Years In Prison On Wrongful Conviction

During a traffic stop, a sheriff’s deputy in Georgia allegedly fatally shot a Black man who had spent 16 years behind bars on a wrongful conviction.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), who is reviewing the shooting, the victim was identified as Leonard Allen Cure. On Oct. 16, Cure was reportedly pulled over by a Camden County deputy while driving on I-95 close to the Georgia-Florida line. He cooperated with the deputy’s request to get out of the vehicle but then allegedly became violent once told he was arrested. The agency claimed the deputy primarily used a stun gun on Cure when he failed to obey commands and began to assault the deputy.

GBI found the deputy used the stun gun one more time, as well as a baton, to subdue him, but then drew his gun and shot Cure as he continued to resist. It hasn’t been disclosed why the officer pulled the 53-year-old man over.

Cure served time in prison for armed robbery in Florida and was later acquitted. The Innocence Project of Florida, who represented him in his exoneration case, responded to the news of Cure’s death.

“I can only imagine what it’s like to know your son is innocent and watch him be sentenced to life in prison, to be exonerated and … then be told that once he’s been freed, he’s been shot dead,” Executive Director Seth Miller said.

In Georgia, it is standard for law enforcement to ask the GBI to investigate police-involved shootings. Findings will be submitted to the coastal Brunswick Judicial Circuit district attorney, including Camden County.

According to WSB-TV, Cure was convicted of a 2003 drug store armed robbery in Dania Beach. He was found guilty by a second jury after the first one deadlocked. His previous convictions for robbery and other crimes led to a life sentence. After the Broward State Attorney’s Office’s new Conviction Review Unit asked for Cure’s release, he was a free man in April 2020.

The review team said it found “troubling” evidence that Cure had a solid alibi that was disregarded, with no physical evidence or reliable witnesses to put him at the crime scene.

A judge vacated his conviction and sentence in December 2020.

Miller said Cure was living in an Atlanta suburb after receiving $817,000 in compensation for his conviction and imprisonment, including the opportunity to pursue his education, after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a claims bill in June 2023. During an interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Cure expressed his excitement about his future after his release. “I’m looking forward to putting this situation behind me and moving on with my life,” Cure said.

Meet the 60-Year-Old Black Barber With Only One Functioning Arm

by BLACK ENTERPRISE Editors

October 17, 2023

Meet the 60-Year-Old Black Barber With Only One Functioning Arm

*Originally Reported By Blacknews

Harold Brown, a 60-year-old barber from New York City, proudly claims the title of “the best one-armed barber in the world.” With only his right arm skillfully working on the razor, he continues to prove himself as a teacher at the American Barber Institute.

Born with a nonfunctioning left arm due to a birth defect, Brown has faced several challenges growing up in Jamaica Queens. He was called hurtful names, leaving him with a constant need to prove himself. He then took a wrong turn into a life of crime, spending over 30 years in and out of prison.

While behind bars, a fellow inmate named Desperado taught him how to cut hair which ultimately changed his life. Brown honed his skills through determination and practice, learning to work with all hair types.

“I was tired of doing wrong. I needed to do something right in life. I was at rock bottom and in jail. I had nothing, nowhere to turn,” he told PIX11.

Returning to society, Brown found his calling in barbering. He started at a Harlem shop and later became a teacher at the American Barber Institute in Manhattan. Teaching others became a passion for him, and he proudly shared his expertise with his students.

Despite having just one arm, Brown never considered it a real obstacle in his career.

“I never had two hands to use in learning the craft of barbering, so I always had to use one hand,” he said. “I had to learn to use a razor and had to learn how to use the machines. Once I learned it, I got it. The hardest part about cutting hair with one arm is when a person sees you with one arm and doubts you.”

Barbers are known for their precision, and Brown is no exception. He believes that every barber must have a “razor hand.” Brown takes pride in his students, like Humberto Heras, who now also teaches the craft.

“Despite what anyone else might think of you, if you love yourself and believe in yourself, you can make it,” Brown said.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

October 17, 2023

James Lindsay Prepares To Make Moves In The Transportation Industry With Rap Snacks Trucking

“Expansion” is the word of the day for entrepreneur James Lindsay, CEO of Rap Snacks.

Lindsay just announced that he is entering the world of transportation with his latest venture: Rap Snacks Trucking, a full-fledged transportation management company. He recently unveiled the official incorporation of the company’s logistics and shipping department.

“We are excited to embark on this new journey into the trucking industry,” said Lindsay in a written statement. “We believe this new route reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, empowerment, and community support. We intend to leverage our reputation, relationships, and experience to aid in contract procurement, benefiting small businesses.”

In a press release, the company detailed the highlights of what it anticipates doing with this new initiative.

Collaborate with Small Businesses: Rap Snacks is committed to fostering collaborations with small businesses in the trucking industry, enabling them to secure better-paying loads and achieve business success.

Structured for Scaling Opportunities: Their business plan is strategically designed to cater to the evolving needs of partners, ensuring a platform for growth.

Logistics Support: Rap Snacks Trucking will address shipping needs, manage equipment requirements, and assist in securing contracts with external shipping companies.

Education and Empowerment: As part of the company’s commitment to the community, the company will develop trucking classes to educate aspiring entrepreneurs on establishing and thriving in the trucking business.

Geographic Areas of Service: Initially, the company will focus its operations in the Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest, and plans to expand its services to other regions.

Empowering Independent Truckers: Rap Snacks Trucking Company is dedicated to supporting independent truckers and carriers, providing opportunities for growth and success in the industry.

Rap Snacks, which calls itself “the official snack brand of Hip Hop,” has been keeping busy outside of creating snacks for hip-hop heavyweights like Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, Migos, Master P, and Snoop Dogg. The company showcased its digital content series, Rap Snacks Symphony, earlier this year at the National HBCU Auxiliary and Dance Directors Association Conference. This occurred back in March at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, Georgia.

Rap Snacks Symphony is a digital content series featuring an HBCU marching band and dance team playing the music of artists who appear on Rap Snacks bags. Last year, the featured band was Central State University’s Invincible Marching Marauders, out of Wilberforce, Ohio. This year’s edition featured Clark Atlanta University’s Marching Panthers and Essence Dance Team.